Beyond the Fourth Deminsion...

In high school I had an English teacher who introduced me to the author Louis L'Amour, a mostly western writer, but one who wasn't afraid to explore outside the box. One of his books, The Haunted Mesa, was based on the Anastasi Indian legend that they came into this world from a hole in the ground, supposedly from another dimension. Now, when I was young I was taught that we live in a three dimensional world, and then at some point later "time" became the fourth dimension. The idea of another dimension, co-existing with our own, and at some point intersecting or interacting with our own was intriguing...
Yet these many years later that book has inspired my thinking outside of conventional thought, especially in light of my Western Judeo-Christian up-bringing. We were taught that when we die we will either "go up to Heaven" or "down to hell", depending on our faith, beliefs, and life. I often wondered where "up there" Heaven could be- beyond the furthest reaches of our solar system perhaps? It seemed awfully far away, especially when we were taught that God was near, in control, and watching out for his children. How so, from way "up there?" And conversely, where is hell? where is "down there"?
I'm finding, with age and study, that which I accepted so blindly when younger doesn't always fit with what I learn today. I do believe that God watches over his children, for the Bible tells me so, and I believe in the sanctity of the Bible.  I also believe God is near, not far away "up there" somewhere. So how does Jesus live in Heaven while his Holy Spirit is here? Here's a hypothesis: Heaven is right here, nearby, just another dimension that we do not see or understand. I believe that Heaven intersects with earth regularly, as God is constant contact with his creation. One day, and only God knows that day, He will set this creation right, cleanse it of its sin and evil and reunite it with heaven- the doors to that co-existent dimension will be opened to his creation.
There's a lot of talk among Christians that we may very well be in the end times, but again, only God knows the day. Early Christ-followers prayed for Jesus' return, and now some 2000 years later we still hope and pray for his return. Peter writes in his second book that "with God a thousand years are like a day, and a day is like a thousand years". Many interpret that to say that it may be a long time before Christ's return; I believe it is just more evidence that God in his Heaven that is all around us, is not bound by time or space. As his created we are bound by our four dimensions- He operates outside any boundaries, for he is the Uncreated. And one day he will cleanse this earth-not destroy it!- and open our eyes and senses to his world co-existing all around us... Beyond the fourth dimension...
Food for thought...

Mind vs Emotion- The Battle Rages On...

I've been reminded a lot lately about things I've written in the past so I thought I better refresh myself by doing a little reading. I ran across this tonight...
Emotions are a real conundrum, for we rely on our feelings to guide us, yet there is nothing more unstable, and often faulty as our emotions. All too often we act, not on logic or fact, but on our feelings. We do what feels right, we get in relationships because it feels rights, or we act because our "gut" tells us to. Sometimes we get pensive, even afraid to act, even though logic dictates that is the correct choice. Sometimes we are ambushed by our feelings...

I find myself even today ambushed by my feelings. For some time I've been seeing someone who is quite wonderful actually. We enjoy many of the same activities, we enjoy each other's company, we seem to fit quite well in each other's worlds. The problem is that from the very beginning there have also been differences, red flags if you will, that have left me feeling that this is not a "forever thing". We've had frank discussions about them, and even there we have differences, for they were red flags to me, not as important issues to her.
Now I find our relationship at a crossroads, for I have decided to sell out of my business and move down to Florida. Naturally enough this has caused stress in the relationship. The problem is that any time the issue comes up it causes hurt to her, and subsequently I feel badly, guilty. I don't want to hurt her, and I sure don't want to feel bad... Ideally it would be wonderful to continue to enjoy our friendship, our relationship in the time I have left here, but the reality is the closer we get to fruition the harder, more painful it becomes. The logical thing to do is try to minimize the pain and damage now, rather than continue and deal with on-going and increased pain and issues. The head says stop now, end the relationship to minimize the heartache; the heart says continue on because the desire to see each other is still there and so strong.
I am ambushed by my emotions, for they contradict the logical. My heart versus my head. Knowing what's right and doing it are sometimes two different things. And it doesn't make it easier knowing she doesn't want to stop either, and continues to push to continue despite the pain it is sure to cause. What is one to do? In the end, it seems that logic is again the right choice. Am I strong enough to act?
Can I remember my own words from days past?
Food for thought...

A Lesson in US History...

Someone once said, (and forgive me for not remembering who), in essence, that when we forget history we tend to repeat it. With that thought in mind, and in light of our volatile political arena, I thought it interesting to look back to another era, when we were in the midst of establishing some of our "constitutional rights", (some of which our current administration is hell-bent on taking away from us). As we struggle with the whole immigration problem, and the amnesty talk, the path to citizenship, et al, I'm reminded of another time in our great nation's history when there was a struggle for freedom, for independence, for citizenship by a segment of our population. The results of that struggle can be clearly found in our 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to our constitution.

To refresh your memory, our 13th amendment abolished slavery. Our 14th amendment granted citizenship to those freed slaves, and the 15th amendment granted the right to vote to all, including women, who were pretty much treated as second class citizens prior to their right to vote. Also, we were a nation of two major political parties at this time, and the votes to pass these amendments ran right along party lines. What is amazing is, the party of the freed black man, the champion of women's rights, was not the Democratic Party- nay, it was the Republicans!

The Republican Party voted 100% to 23% Democratic to abolish slavery, then followed with a 94% support for citizenship to the freed slaves to 0% support from the Democrats. On the right to vote for all, again the Republicans gave 100% support to 0% Democratic support. Blacks and women, the grassroots base that elected this corrupt and divisive administration, the foundation of the Democratic Party, can thank Republicans for their rights and freedoms, for history shows that at least one party is concerned about trying to do things right- and it isn't those progressive, liberal, "give away the farm" politicians that you've been supporting. Perhaps it's time to come home. We welcome you...
Food for thought...

FREE SPEECH- A modern day fantasy?

I wonder if we aren't regulating ourselves right into a Hiltlerian existence... Already our right to our religious beliefs are under attack by our government- those who are "Christian" are labeled "far right" and accused of infringing on the progressives' rights. We are being stripped of protections against government interference and are being ordered to do things that violate our very core values.
Our second amendment rights are under attack- the right to bear arms. Anyone who has studied history knows that one of the first things Hitler did- in the name of "for the good of the country"- was to strip Germany's citizens of their weapons, and thus their right to defend themselves against his upcoming tyranny... All that it takes for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing... Dietrich Bonheoffer wrote of his life in Germany during Hitler's reign- it is insightful and frightening- because there are a number of parallels to our society in America today...
Now our rights to free speech are being challenged. Those who choose to speak out against a corrupt or out-of-control government are being accused of "inciting violence", by a government  I take issue with that. Free speech, by its very nature, will probably offend someone somewhere. But to react in violence is not the fault of free speech, rather the fault lies at the feet of the violent ones, and their inability to control themselves or police their own actions. At a very early age I was taught the idiom, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." Words are words- and expression of thoughts, ideas, bigotries, even lies or shades of truth... but certainly not violence, even when the words cry out for it. For violence takes action, not words, and we are all responsible for our own actions. To react violently, then blame it on being manipulated by words, is no defense at all.
The Bible says, "From out of the heart the mouth speaks." If you want to know someone listen to them. In due time you will know someone well, just by the words they speak, for that is the overflow of their heart. Listening is a lost art- usually we are busy mentally formulating a response to something said, and anxious to reply lest we forget our point, to really listen to all that's said, and we miss much. And we fail to understand our opponent... Learn to listen, take time to understand who and what you're dealing with, before you react. Then, temper your reaction with the same grace you would desire someone to show you...
Food for thought...

WE THE PEOPLE...

"WE THE PEOPLE"... The beginning of our Constitution, our road map to our freedom. It further  says, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." We the people, we are becoming a dependent people, an apathetic people, a lazy people, and soon no longer a free people.

We the people are becoming apathetic, allowing our elected officials to run unchecked. For if indeed we cared we would not re-elect these same people again and again. In business if someone does not perform the way they are trained or instructed they're fired. In politics they're re-elected. And these officials are expanding our government at an alarming rate. We are almost at a point where half our population are in some way government employees. That means anyone in the private sector is no longer responsible for their own welfare- now they're responsible for themselves and one more... James Madison wrote in the Federalist Papers, "In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself." Our officials have failed in at least the second part of this mandate, for it does not control itself. Thomas Jefferson said "the chains of the Constitution" should bind the mischief of government. Senator Ted Cruz said, in a recent speech, that "only when government is limited are rights protected, the rule of law honored and freedom allowed to flourish." Our government, and especially specific to our current administration, our Constitution is constantly circumvented, our rights consistently infringed upon.

We the people are becoming dependent and lazy. The more we allow ourselves to rely on the government the more freedom and happiness we surrender. To maintain its power and control it is imperative that the government grow. To limit government in any way is to allow or return freedom to its citizens. So the government gives to its citizens, or hands out, to curry favor. And citizens accept, and they become a bit lazier as a result, for they have to do less. What they don't realize is their growing dependence on government robs them of their freedom, and ultimately their happiness. For it is in our ability to produce, to achieve, that we realize self-worth, gain self esteem, and find happiness in our satisfaction of achievement. Hand outs never grow self worth or self esteem- never. Ronald Reagan said, "How can we love our country without loving our countrymen, and loving them, reach out a hand when they fall, heal them when they're sick, and provide opportunity to make them self-sufficient so they will be equal in fact and not just in theory?" He understood it's not the handout, but the opportunity that betters mankind. It's freedom, not dependence that betters us!
We the people are no longer a free people, or at least in grave danger of losing our freedom. When we trade freedom for security we soon become puppets of our government. I recently had a conversation with a local businessman, whose company has 50 plus employees, and he was lamenting how many new regulations and taxes Obamacare is impacting on his company. He had spent a day at seminar on all the new regs and was overwhelmed. He said it looked like he was going to have to hire a person just to implement Obamacare, and many questions raised by the business community at this seminar hadn't even been decided yet by the government. Our society, thinking this was such a great thing, allowed Obamacare to be shoved down our throats, and now have no idea how much freedom they gave up to the government, or how dramatically negatively impacted they will be until it's too late. The Congressional Budget Office (non-partisan) estimated that in 2014 health insurance premiums will rise across the country 125-400%- and we the people will be obligated to pay. I won't go into the negative domino effect that will happen to private business here with the implementation of this massive new government program. But it can never be good when the government attempts to control what amount to one-sixth of our private sector GNP. Allowing that control is forfeiting that much freedom. Allowing that control swells the size of our government enormously. We the people, prepare to lose what freedoms you have left, for all too often the acquisition of power leads to a hunger for more, and our government can't get more without depriving we the people of our rights.

In closing, a few random thoughts. This administration claims we need to cut back, i.e.. the sequester cuts we recently experienced, and everyone will have to share the debt burden. The cuts represent 5% cuts in budgets- how many private sector folks have cut back two, three, five, ten times that? I say we've already shouldered our burden. Obama is taking an African vacation estimated to cost tax-payers 60 to 100 million dollars- yet he canceled public tours through the White House as a "cut-back" measure. How many tours can we take with $100million dollars? One hundred and six plus years worth... That's right- for those of you who voted him in, how much does he really have our country's welfare at heart? His wife and kids went to Ireland with him while he attends the G-8 summit, but it wasn't enough to be with him- Michele took the girls to another city, and we the people footed the additional $5 million bill... These people don't care about me or you, or those precious to you. They say one thing but do another, and they're bleeding every penny out of us that they can in the process... WAKE UP AMERICA! before it's too late!

Food for thought...

Father's Day... Memories...

This past Sunday was Father's Day, and as I took the opportunity Monday to mow the grass I reflected on it, and on some past Father's Day memories...

I have three children, all grown, married, and on their own. I'm a grandfather twice over now. I love my children and love nothing more than seeing them, or hearing from them. But I also recognize that they are busy living lives, raising families of their own, going through all those struggles life puts in our way. So I try to be patient, and tolerant, and accept the time that they are able to share with me. I will occasionally call, or text, to remind them I love them and miss them, but I really try not to impose on them or guilt them into visiting.
I was divorced in the early 1990's, when a father's rights were not recognized like they are today. Despite being told I had literally no chance to get custody of my kids without dragging my ex through the mud, I chose to take the high road and fight for joint legal and physical custody based on the fact that I was a good dad and deserved my kids. I was lied about, smeared, and constantly attacked in court, and after many, many months (several years) I was granted my request... God honors the high road... Still, there were many times I thought how much easier it would have been on me to just pay the money and move on, like my ex was fighting for... Yet in the end it was my love for my kids, and my desire to want to instill in them those things I felt important to achieve success in life that kept me fighting.
I was an authoritative father, (not an authoritarian, for there's a huge difference between the two). There were times I could have done a much better job in my fathering, but being stubborn and hard-headed at times, sometimes too sure of my rightness, in retrospect I could have done better in some of my decisions... Still, I can honestly say that those decisions I did make were grounded in the fact that I loved my children and wanted the best for and from them. Hindsight is always 20-20, and age tends to mellow, still I tend to be one of my harshest critics, so I recognize areas I could have done better... I'm sure I caused resentment in my kids, in differing degrees, but especially in my boys...
I remember Father's Days past when I didn't get even a call or text wishing me a happy day from one or more of my kids. I remember, during times of conflict, wondering if it was all worth it, if my kids would ever appreciate the sacrifices I went through for them, for what I thought was in their best interest... I said earlier that God honors the high road, and sometimes it just takes patience- as both my boys became fathers both have shared at one time or another about the difficulty of fatherhood, and an appreciation for me despite our differences... This year was special. My younger son dropped in on Saturday with his family to wish me a Happy Father's Day. On Sunday I was grilling out for my Dad and Mom and my daughter came over and ate with us and hung for a while. My oldest son is in Lincoln, Ne and I didn't expect to see him, but he did call and we had a nice conversation and visit. (I do miss him)... But, all in all, a delightfully fulfilling Father's Day, for my children all remembered me. Thank you Father, for family. It is all worth the struggle...
Food for thought...

Focus or Failure?

I always liked the Apostle Peter. It has been opined that he was a brash, impulsive, act-before-you-think type guy, and he probably was. One of my favorite stories about him is found in Matthew 14: 22-33. I'll let you read it at your own convenience, but  it is the story of Peter walking on water.
Now a couple of things to point out before examining the story itself: First, the writer Matthew was one of the original twelve disciples so he would have been an eye-witness to this account- indeed Matthew was in the boat! It is also very probable that he recorded this account after the Gospel of Mark was written to flesh out the account previously recorded- much of John Mark's gospel is thought to have come from Peter, who may have chosen to disclude his role in the account for personal reasons. Now, to summarize the story:
Jesus had been teaching all day and towards the evening he sent his disciples on ahead of him to row to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. They left, he dismissed the crowds and went up the mountain to pray. Meanwhile, a storm arose, and the disciples are fighting wind and waves trying to get across. About 3 a.m. Jesus heads out to join them- and the disciples think they're seeing a ghost, for Jesus is walking out to them on the water! And yes, they're terrified, that gut-wrenching fear that leads some to immobility and others to flee. Even after Jesus calls to them that it is indeed he they're still terrified. Peter, being the brash-acting one, does show he's learned his lessons. The first thing he does is "tests the spirit", or ghost, as he thought it was. Both Jesus' words and examples taught them to challenge the spirits. So Peter does. He says, "If it's really you Lord call me out there with you". And Jesus does. And Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water.
Now this wasn't some little row boat that Peter jumped out of. This was a fishing boat, a large vessel capable of withstanding wind and storm out on the big waters. There were a dozen in the boat and room for more. It was safety, security in the face of the storm. And Peter climbed out. The story says Peter walked toward Jesus. Initially his focus is on his Lord. But the further out he got the more aware of his surroundings he became- and he looked round and started to fear the wind and waves. And he started sinking. Now the story is clear- he's too far from the boat for help, indeed, he cries out to Jesus to "save me!" and Jesus reaches out and lifts him up. Just plucks this burly muscular fisherman out of the brink like it was nothing.
Jesus says to him then, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" His question is intriguing, for Peter was clearly within reach of his goal when he lost his focus and started looking around. I think there's several good learning points here that answer the question. First, it seems that the human condition, one of sin, allows Satan to prey upon us when we're most vulnerable. And we're most vulnerable when we lean solely on Jesus. The closer we get to Him the harder Satan tries to distract us, to attack our faith. Second, we tend to waver in our faith when we lose our focus and allow ourselves to take our eyes off Jesus.
But I must come to Peter's defense here, for there were twelve in the boat and only one questioned, only one acted- Peter. Perhaps a better question would have been, "Oh you of NO faith, wwhy didn't you join us?" Peter wasn't a failure for losing focus and sinking- Peter got out of the boat and WALKED ON WATER! That my friends is faith in action. A little faith, plus a little focus, equals miracles! As my cousin John Ortberg so aptly named one of his books, "If You Want To Walk on Water You've Got to Get Out of the Boat".
Food for thought...

Time for a new fan...

Poor Obama... I think I need to start a collection up for him, to help him purchase a new fan, for the old one has so much [stuff] hitting it I shudder to think how messy things will be when the dust (or mud) settles...
I'm old enough to remember President Richard Nixon and the whole scandal surrounding his administration. We have not seen such a mess as this current administration finds itself since the days of Tricky Dick. In fact, this administration may be a bigger mess- if that's at all possible! The only saving grace for Obama at this point is that so much is coming to light that some of the crap may fall through the cracks due to the overwhelming scope of the scandals uncovered...

So let's look at the thread that was pulled that started unraveling the sweater... Four Americans were killed in a terrorist attack at our mission in Bengazi. The initial reports were "terrorist attack". All the followup reports out of the region were" terrorist attack". The Obama line?- Spontaneous demonstration gone bad. For weeks Obama misled the country. Why? He was in the midst of a re-election campaign and news of a terrorist attack would have gravely damaged his re-election. So he lied. Why? He's a liar.
The cover-up attempt went bad, and stories began to leak out about Administration intimdation towards inddividuals who wanted to speak out... Now, in the midst of Congressional committee inquiry we're finding out how grossly incompetently the situation was handled by the State Department and Obama administration... And then, another tug on the string...
During the who Bengazi scandal another bomb is dropped... The IRS has been harassing and unduly scutinizing "conservative" groups vying for tax-exempt status. First the IRS reports that it was some mid- and low-level employees in the Cincinnati office. Upon further review- Washington DC aand two other offices are implicated! Response? No high level IRS execs knew of this. Upon even further review? Acting Director of the IRS Steven Miller knew about this practice for more than a year, and after we know he was told about it he either lied or misled Congress at least twice when questioned about it! So the Justice Department has opened an investigation to find out if criminal actions were committed. At the same time we find out that the IRS audited donors to Mitt Romney... And using the IRS to intimidate political opponents is an impeachable offense...
Speaking of the Justice Department, they have their own scandal to deal with, Turns out they secretly obtained some of the Associated Press' reporters and an editor's phone records while seeking to stem leaks in the administration... Clearly this is a slippery slope for the Obama administration to try and tackle, for they are attacking our first amendment rights. This is an intrusion into free press, and it is the ability of the press to be free that helps keep our government accountable. If we allow the administration to continue along the path they've chosen we lose our rights, and ultimately our freedom. This too, is impeachable...
Let's fling one more bomb at the fan and see where the crap lands... Congress hasn't appropriated the billions and billions of dollars that it turns out Obamacare needs to be properly implemented and funded so now we learn that the Department of Health and Human Services, Obama's implementing arm, have been shaking down healthcare executives- healthcare execs in the private sector! Now, I'm no rocket scientist, but if the private sector funds this governmental program it seems only obvious that we've opened the door to several issues. First, the cost will be passed on to the consumer, for that's how the private sector works. So premiums have to go up. Second, those who do help fund will [rightly] expect preferential treatment from the government, which gives them an unfair competitive advantage over other private healthcare providers. Again, terribly shaky policy decisions that must flow from the top down...
Bottom line Barrack, I think you should walk away while the walking is possible. Just resign and move on, for the good of the country. But will you do that? Heavens no! You love the power, the limelight, and you've learned crooked politics and cronyism from the best- Chicago politics, so I expect you will ultimately go kicking and screaming, playing your race cards, telling Blacks and Hispanics, gays, and unwed mothers, liberals and youth to give you one more chance, for you are only looking out for them... Sorry, but even to all those you give handouts will sooner or later they'll
realize what poor choice you were...

Food for thought...

 

Promise...

Spring is here, and I'm loving the green, the growth, the promise. Spring is all about promise- promise of what is to be, the promise of what is to come. My cherry tree is in full bloom, as is my pear tree, and my apple tree is on the verge of blossoming too! Flowers have sprouted, some in bloom already, but with the promise of more to come... I love spring.

I read an interesting quote today, from Bernard Baily. It said, "When science discovers the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to find they are not in it." That's a "too true" statement, is it not. I give it an LOL.

Imagination...

Imagination is our spice to life. We develop our ability to imagine as children, as we transport ourselves to fantasy worlds, become caped super-heroes with the aid of little more than a towel, where our dreams become our reality, at least for a short while... Imagination gives us the ability to dream, to hope beyond our circumstance...
Yet as we get older, worldlier, and some might say more cynical, what becomes of our imagination? For it is still there, but now we employ it in a far different manner. Now, thanks to our experiences, we find our imagination worries over life, over our situations, often creating conflict before any ever exists... Our imagination takes in those signals around us, those directional indicators life throws out, and plants them in the fertile soil of our imagination. We imagine multiple scenerios of what might happen, often settling on that worst case scenerio, when the reality is that the vast majority of times those worries are merely fears that never materialize... While it is true that sometimes those things we fret about happen they are the exception, not the rule.
When Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled, to not be afraid of life's trials and tribulations, he was talking about this very thing. Don't let your imagination run away with you- don't fret stuff. After all, the Father doesn't need to imagine what will happen to you, for He already knows. For if you are His child you rest safely in His hand, and His desire is community with you, just loving you. Not much to fret about there, huh?, if we have the faith to only believe...
Food for thought...

Personal Human Rights... In the beginning...

I've long been interested in the ongoing debate in Congress over abortion. Ever since Roe v. Wade our country has been divided on this issue. And, although there have been many exceptions on both sides through the years, traditionally Democrats have supported abortion rights and Planned Parenthood, while Republicans have fought against abortion and for the sanctity of life.

Recently a Planned Parenthood representitive, when questioned about the necessitity of treatment for an aborted fetus showing some signs of life, responded that the decision to provide treatment "should be left up to the woman, her family, and the physician." This response was troubling to me, for it made me wonder when are we bestowed our personal human rights? The debate has long raged over when "life" starts- is it when a child is born, or is it at conception? Is it somewhere throughout the process as the fetus develops? There are a myrid of opinions, but now a new scenerio is raised. If an abortion occurs, and the fetus shows signs  of life, is it not a living human being? Does it not have the same right to life, to treatment as you or me? When does it's rights begin, under the law?

Personally, I don't believe in abortion, for I value the sanctity of life. That said, how can anyone end the life of a living "fetus", or more correctly, now a child, a pre-born baby, and not consider it murder? Once a fetus emerges from the womb it ceases to be a fetus and is now a child, a living human being. If living, that child has inalienable rights that supercede "the woman, her family, and the physician". It is murder to end that child's life just because the mother chooses not to want it.

I wonder how readily that little life would be ended if the consequence was as severe as if someone ended your life or mine? When do our rights begin? If not at birth then when? When will we wake up as a nation and recognize there is more to this debate than "women's rights"? I believe that, except in the cases of rape or incest, the woman forfeits her rights, as does the man who fathers the child, to the best interests of that concieved child. The problem with our society today is not one of rights, it's one of responsibility. If a man and woman act responsibly then "rights" never come into play. But through their irresponsible actions they create a baby, then decide it's their "right" to abort it. Bulls**t. They lose their rights once they make a baby- now it's time to be responsible for that child they created.

I wonder, except for those exceptions previously mentioned, how many would opt for abortion if there were a penalty for the irresponsible actions that created the pregnancy? What if, to get an abotion  the irresponsible man and woman were sterilized as a penalty to aborting the life they created? (It takes two to make a baby, two should be penalized). I wonder how many would consider the alternative of carrying and delivering that baby, then allowing one of the many, many couples unable to have children to adopt? Certainly there would be less emotional damage via this route than abortion causes...
Food for thought...

Hitting & Running- (before they hit back!)

Remember the promises of Obamacare, that individuals and small businesses would have a choice of affordable healthcare plans through SHOP (Small business Healthcare Option Program), or better known as the "insurance exchanges" the states or Federal Government would establish in each state by 2014? Well, the plan is unveiled, and you have a choice of- count them- one plan! One plan, that's your choice, so take it. If you choose not to opt in and don't have insurance you get fined. Isn't this so much better than keeping your own doctors, your own plan? One plan...
On another front- I have to hand it to Obama on this whole gun control issue. Turns out he's the greatest gun salesman EVER! If you look at the number of people who have chosen to buy a gun since he became president and challenged our Second Amendment rights the numbers of new gun owners are staggering! Astronomical even! The NRA should do something to honor him...
The latest findings are in on global warming and the whole greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide... Turns out that the "natural variations in the earth's climate likely play a larger role in global warming than our carbon dioxide emmisions"- "Oops" to all those gloom-and-doomers out there (that means you Al Gore)...
One last shot- Obama announce yesterday that, in an act of solidarity with those affected by the sequester cuts, he is going to take a voluntary 5% pay cut (only of his Presidential salary, a small portion of his income!). As he's not only furlowed many government workers, he's also laid off many, perhaps a better act of solidarity, and a better end for our country, would be if he just laid himself and Biden off... Everyone would be better off in the long run!
Time to duck and run- hope this gives some food for thought...

Happy Easter...

It's another Easter, another year when the world takes pause to recognize the Empty Tomb, and if they don't realize the significance, the unparalleled hope that Christ followers have from it. Yet, in all of history, perhaps np one can aprreciate that hope as much as Peter, Christ follower and trusted friend...
Only hours earlier Peter had denied knowing Jesus, not once but three times, after swearing he would follow Him to the death. Can you imagine how devistated Peter must have felt, how totally devoid of hope, of courage, of vision after that? Wow. And yet, in the midst of that despair comes the report, "He is not here". The tomb is empty. The Christ has risen! And hope floods anew...
I hope this Easter season you take pause and remember Peter, and remember that no matter how desolate life seems there's always hope in Jesus. Happy Easter my Friends.
Food for thought...

Gripe Thursday...

It's "Gripe Thursday" and I have one to get off my chest... I got a letter in my mail today, from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, informing me that my new premium is going to be 29.43% higher, effective May 1st. Now this is on the heels of a price increase at the end of February, which would have increased my premium by over 13%, except that I opted for a higher deductible to absorb the cost. I've had no claims in over a year, and previous to that all were part of my deductible... So what do I get for my increase? I pay an outrageous deductible ($3500/yr), and that didn't go down. I don't have any extras, like maternity, or dental, oe eye glasses, so my coverage isn't any better. I get absolutely nothing for the obscene increase in my premium... A special shout out of thanks to Obamacare for making healthcare so affordable to all... I read a report of three seperate Congressional committees that found that once Obamacare is fully implemented in 2014 the average premium will be a little over 200% higher than today. Millions will be unable to afford this "affordable" healthcare...
I picked up my income taxes from my accountant and was surprised to find I was getting a refund! But after looking it over I found an error and we have to refile- and my accountant said he's sure I can kiss my refund goodbye... So to continue my gripe, I make less money than I have maybe ever made in my adult life, mainly because I have chosen to pay my help, my bills, and my vendors before myself. A special shout out to you Obama, for doing such a bang-up job on the economy... Here's a clue, you clueless idiot- if it hasn't worked for the last five years it probably isn't going to work your last three. Try something different. Here's an idea- quit spending taxpayer money like it's your own- because it's not! You're a lousy steward of my money...
So to recap- my utilities are up, my income way down, my property values so low they're in the dumpster, and now my health insurance way up... I guess I'll soon be out of the middle class and into the working poor- good news, 'cause then I'll be eligible for all of Obama's government handouts!
Food for thought...

Warm Fuzzies...

I had a chat with my oldest son last night, my son with his Doctorate in Sociolgy and teaching at the University of Nebraska. He returned my call as he was picking up his 15 month old daughter and heading for home... We chatted about different things and throughout the course of the call he had to address or attend to my grand-daughter's needs aand attentions. At one point, as she was begging him for his I-pad, he commented, "I was thinking the other day, at my age you had a 9 yr old, a 6 yr old, and a 3 yr old- and I have a hard time handling one! Every day, every day, I appreciate you as a dad more and more". What a warm fuzzy! For as they were growing up I felt my kids (my boys especially) didn't think I was a very good father- too strict, too protective, too disciplined... I don't know, I just felt like I failed in their eyes, though I tried to be a good and engaged father.
Hearing Jonathan's comments really validated my fatherhood, even though my kids are long grown and gone. I was further amazed when he shared that now he appreciated how I always made time my kids, even after a long day at work. As he tries to remain engaged with all life's distractions I'm so glad he recognizes and appreciates my efforts now. And in all fairness, my second son, who's also a father of a 16 month old, I'm sure has had a change of perspective on parenthood... Kids have a way of doing that.
Toward the end of our call Audrey, my granddaughter, said to me, "aye-a oh", which, loosely translated from baby means, "I love You". What a warm fuzzy!

Fun Fact of March 4th...

Today's fun fact- a duck's quack does not echo, and no one knows why.

Today's stupid joke: What happens when a  duck flies upside-down?
It quacks up!
Ok, one more: What do you get when you have a cow hanging out with ducks?
Milk and quackers!

Two Democrats Respond to our POTUS...

I don't like to come off all political, and lately it seems I've written some pretty harsh things about our President and his administration, but I'm so truly concerned about the state of our nation, and the future of my kids and grand kids, so I've spoken out. Yet there are always two sides to every argument so I decided to post two leading Demecratic polsters' opinions of our President and his actions. The men are Patrick Caddell, polster for President Jimmy Carter, and Doug Schoen, polster for President Bill Clinton. The article is as follows:

Obama is trying to destroy the Republican Party by dividing Americans, the two write on Politico. Caddell was President Jimmy Carter’s pollster, while Schoen served that role for President Bill Clinton.

The president’s protestations about the horror that will result from the automatic spending cuts (sequester) that began today aren’t above board, they write in Politico.

“The president is obviously going all-out — but not to avoid the $85 billion in spending cuts,” Caddell and Schoen say. “Obama doesn’t want to make a deal with Republicans. His fear-mongering is part of a concerted plan that extends far beyond the sequester crisis: to obliterate the Republican Party as a viable force in American political life.”
And they offer a scathing denunciation for how Obama is going about it. “His self-righteous rhetoric obscures a bitter truth: Obama is not trying to unite the country,” the duo writes.

“He’s waging a class-based battle for political gain. His goal is to win back the House for Democrats in 2014, giving him a united Congress for his last two years in office and allowing him to pursue the most expansive government in American history.”

To see even the staunchest of Democratic supporters recognize the deplorable actions of our commander-in-chief and be willing to go on record against it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling toward these Democrats, and a glimmer of hope that, if enough get fed up on both sides of the political aisle perhaps we can fix our country despite our president...
Food for thought...

Obama- Leader or Liar? An Average Joe speaks out...

So I'm watching the Sunday morning news shows today and Meet the Press had first Speaker of the  House Bohner followed by Obama's representative Gene Sperling, talking about the sequester cuts. I was a little bit proud of Bohner as he stood up to the moderator Gregory as Gregory repeatedly attacked him on the Republicans blame for the situation. Bohner was right- twice last year the House passed bills to deal with the sequester cuts and neither the Senate Democrats nor the President put forth any alternate plan to deal with it. Both sides blame the other for the lack of a deal, but the reality is that negotiations cannot go forward with only one side proposing a solution. The way the political process works is the House passes a bill and if the Senate doesn't like it they pass their version, then the two sides sit down and hammer out a compromise. When Senate Democrats repeatedly fail to respond with their version then negotiations are futile, for there is no way for House Republicans to know what they're negotiating against. Forget all the rhetoric and place the blame where it belongs- on politicians that refuse to do what they were mandated to do.
But back to the sequester cuts- Bohner rightfully pointed out that the deal struck was that the Republicans would give on increasing revenues, which they did the first of the year, and the President would give on cutting spending- which he is fighting tooth and nail. The President got all his tax increases for Obamacare, then an additional $6oo billion the first of the year. Now, when it's his turn to man up and keep his word, he's changing the game and insisting on more "revenues" (or call it what it is- more taxes), before he will honor the tax cuts. The Republicans balked at this, because they honored their end of the deal, so the President again demagogued them as the reason these cuts are going through. But here's the facts- not lies, or rhetoric- the Republicans honored and upheld the deal, the President did not. The Republicans passed a bill to give the President flexibility to move the cuts around to do the least amount of damage and the President refused it! Why? So he can play the political "blame game" down the road and blame Republicans for any pain the sequester might cause.
So does our President (and by extention, his administration) lie? Let's look at the facts-
1, Obama claimed the sequester cuts were not his idea, they were Congress. They were his.
2. Obama claimed the cuts would never happen if he were re-elected- he would not allow it. Not only did they happen, they happened because he refused to honor the deal he proposed after he got what he wanted out of it.
3. Obama claimed massive layoffs, job losses, etc if the sequester happened then Friday, March 1st, he said it won't be the apocalypse some were forcasting. (He also said he will be sure that Republicans' districts will feel the effects of the cuts first).
4. The administration released hundreds, if not thousands, of criminal illegal aliens tabbed for deportment into our society because they couldn't afford to keep them locked up due to sequester cuts. They were released prior to any cuts taking effect.
5. The Administration claimed teachers were being laid off and told they "won't be back in the fall" due to the cuts. When pressed for specifics they quoted a W Virginia district. Any cuts had nothing to do with the sequester cuts.
6. Many, many statements the President has made not only bear no truth, but are politically motivated to cast blame on the Republicans. Instead of constantly fighting his political opponents perhaps someone should teach him how to reach out and find common ground to compromise on. Not everything has to be "my way or the highway" Mr. President.
In conclusion, I believe I have discovered a foolproof way for Americans to tell when Obama or other politicians are lying. Watch their lips- when they move, they lie.