Minorcan Maven

Winning the Hearts and Minds

2011-02-12T16:29:00.000-05:00

After so long in Afghanistan and Iraq we are use to the idea of winning the hearts and minds of the peoples in those countries. Well, now that the Dominoes are actually beginning to topple. We have three questions:

Will freedom and democracy rise to the top in Egypt and in Tunisia?
And will this trigger enough momentum to topple other countries?
Lastly, will it come here?

There have been leftist rallies here in the USA, that made the rounds, about a week and a half ago, on the alternative media, which showed there are actually angry, hostile people (no, they are NOT Tea Party people like the usual suspects in the lame stream media are always so hopeful they will find) who desire revolution.

With a few clicks of the mouse you can find clips of those and find how beginning in December of 2008 there have been leftist groups here in America helping train Egyptian students how to organize, communicate and activate to change their country. Mission accomplished. Egypt will never be the same. We shall see what that results in. Prayers! Prayers for righteousness to reign and find the hearts of men and women in Egypt.

As to what is next around the globe, it's already in the works in Algeria and Jordan.

Hearts and Minds? What we've been seeing, though many are not recognizing it, is Mr Obama and the New York Times (even with the help of many establishment conservatives) carry the water of a narrative that is a fairy tale. The narrative is that the youth have thrown of the chains of oppression and brought fundamental change they desired. Well, lets see how it plays out, as to if it's really what they were hoping for. Obama and the NYT, are giving a message to the youth EVERYWHERE, (who they hope very much are listening), that they ADMIRE what Egyptian youth were (as I believe) manipulated into doing. Their need was exploited by the Muslim Brotherhood and the various Socialist and Marxist union groups who helped keep the momentum going and gave it structure and focus.

Watch and see if we don't hear much more from various people on the left, not the least of which will be Mr Obama, about how admirable indeed the restless youth of the world are! Mmmhmm. Oh, by the way, the link just above gives the details of the Socialist group ANSWER's response and then the EXACT SAME STATEMENT was posted on the front page of the socialist group The Party for Liberation and Socialism...how's THAT for 'community organizing'...who knew what a deal we were getting when that was his biggest claim to fame?

Dominoes

2011-01-29T14:34:00.003-05:00

We all are created with the desire for liberty and that desire coupled with poverty and hunger are being exploited by American and Israel hating forces, such as Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood. I do believe there are a lot of naive and desperate protesters on the streets of Egypt. I just don't think it was them who kindled the fire. They are more like the kindling...Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood the lighter fluid.

Egypt is strategic in several ways. Outside of Israel, they are at the top of our list of allies in the Mid-East, their leadership is secular and respectful to us and Israel. Toppling them puts incredible pressure on Jordan. They have refused to allow Hamas passage through to Gaza.

The benefits to militant Islamists and groups like Hamas are obvious, and it would be foolish to doubt who is manipulating this human drama. Whomever is most determined and organized is who will win, whether that is freedom loving youth or hard-line Islamic instigators - well, time will tell. There is not a lot of reason to expect Mubarak to outlast this upheaval. And I want to believe in brighter days for Egypt, I just don't see it, I don't see organization on their side...I do on Hamas' and the Muslim Brotherhood's. The chance of Egypt's desperate and hopeful youth trading in a secular dictator for an Islamic dictator is likely.

Jordan next? What then? Pray for Israel, pray for us. Here's a great article over at Big Government.

The Sexualization of Our Children

2011-01-22T12:51:00.005-05:00

By now most of us know something about the latest known atrocity of sex in the classrooms of our public schools. Granted this occurred in Oakland, California, which makes it easy to think, it's an aberration, don't be too quick to think so.

While the latest allegations being investigated in Oakland are so terribly egregious because they involved not just two 2nd graders, but that their entire classroom witnessed the oral sex as the teacher looked on, there was also a reported incident of all the children getting naked in the classroom.

We have just as shocking incidents in Indiana and in Louisiana, and there are more.

Combine this with the soft porn masquerading as adolescent television via shows like Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars, and Skins, and you see our society through entertainment, and all too frequently through the zoo of the public school system, sexualizing of our most precious treasure, our children.

A parent viewer commented at this site the following thoughts on Pretty Little Liars:

No redeeming messages to this one, just glamorizing bad morals. Hate it - glamorizes all the wrong things: Teacher and student lover affair, lesbianism, popularity, materialism, etc., etc.

What does it mean to sexualize our children? I'm so glad you asked. The American Psychological Association put together a Task Force and studied the impact on our young women (and don't think this is not impacting boys, by the way). They describe SEXUALIZATION as "when a person's value comes only from his/her sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics, and when a person is sexually objectified e.g. made into a thing for another's sexual use." They found, in 2007, what we all KNOW to be true, that a multitude of negative impacts are the result of the flood of media images, through ads on TV, on-line, in magazines, through television and movies, and even video games and music videos. And that parents have a tremendous influence, either to the good or the bad.

Don't let it overwhelm you, because you have the power and responsibility to protect your children. Educate (you, yes you, not the public school system - YOU), inform, discuss, keep the communication lines open. Help them to each day as much, as you are able, know they are loved, that they live in a world they can set healthy boundaries in, and they are wise to be wise, wise to work, to learn, to better themselves, to protect themselves and look out for others. Help them to understand the education system, the media and the entertainment industries are tools for their use, but they are not to be trusted and should be utilized with eyes wide open, hearts and minds on guard, and they are this way because our culture has become secularized and amoral. Maybe they will be the generation that turns our Nation back to biblical principles. At all times, be in the world, but not of it! :)

Toes in the Water

2010-11-27T17:19:00.005-05:00

ICE and DHS have shut down over 70 domain names, with no notice ahead of time. The sites are suspected of on-line piracy, and/or copyright infringement. No one would argue that the down loading of movies or music illegally robs many of their just deserts. But, previously we have a little "thing" in our Nation of being given a chance ahead of time to be notified of the suspicion of wrong and be given a chance to correct the wrong or the impression of wrong, before the government shuts things down, takes over someone's store front.

But, as you may have learned under the current Administration, don't be distracted by these little details...look at the chatter that's been coming from the left, from 44 and Co. Numerous times they complain about alternative sources of media. Namely talk radio, Fox News, and the internet - via blogs and sites like Drudge, Fox Nation, Breitbart, etc.. The premise (if you are wondering) is that the sites mentioned, link to other sites, to other news sources, in order to substantiate their reporting and/or opinion, and also to reveal patterns, which you will NOT see if you get your news from the big 3, CNN or MSN. (Seriously, if that's all you get your news from, where have you been the last 10 years? You owe it to yourself to get on the internet and change the channel, listen to some talk radio if that's your thing, many, maybe all of them, are available on-line to listen to). This linking has the potential (only in a power hungry , freedom thwarting Administration) to be used by accusing the sites of 'copyright infringement' remember - the point is no due process is required prior to seizure. This Draconian overreach (seizing property without due process) of government authority on sites suspected of "infringing on copyrights" is all about getting their toes in the water. An experiment whose goal is taking the temperature of the courts and defense system to their assault, and the pulse of the sheeople (that's potentially us, Ya'll).

Will strong defense prevail? Whatever legal weaknesses are in the ICE and DHS seizures, will now be revealed and the government will be potentially better equipped legally to shut down 1/3 of their desired target. Make no mistake, they (Progressive left) intend to control the message. That is their only hope. so they have to try. They believe we are not only not smart enough to make our own decisions and take care of ourselves, but, certainly not smart enough to be trusted with all sorts of tiresome details, history, and current information to base our decisions on. What about the pulse of us, the "we the people"? I hope our pulse is STRONG!

We have a choice to be people or sheeople! There is a law waiting before the Senate, referred to as the COICA bill. It actually EXPANDS the scope and power of what just happened today. It is IMPERATIVE that Republican leadership hear of our strong objection to this law. Use the power of the internet while you still have it and research it. Also your local Senators need to hear from you, first thing Monday!

Department of Homeland Security has their toes in the water...they are wiggling them around...seeing if they like it...Let's get OUR toes in the water...get involved...ANYONE can call Sen McConnell office, and the Senators of their state. Speak up, be a good steward of the freedom you have been blessed with. Speak up for your kids, your grandkids, and your nieces and nephews!

Peace, Ya'll!

A Three Hour Tour

2010-07-28T17:53:00.003-04:00

Well, Massachusetts' voters may find voting for congressional candidates endorsed by John Kerry somewhat wet and fishy! Comparing campaigning with Kerry to campaigning with Thurston Howell, III, the Massachusetts State Chairwoman had this to say.

Velvet Chains Strangling State's Rights

2009-12-25T18:30:00.006-05:00

Merry Christmas! God is still good! He's still on His throne. But, I don't think Obama's wanting to bow to Him! ;)

After completely enjoying our quiet, but very satisfying Christmas, I happily clicked the latest news to see what is afoot. I think as we move into 2010, we have several Progressive strategies we need to be on the look out for and work to defuse as much as possible. The first one I want to bring up is the dire financial situation so many states are in. I am extremely concerned the current White House Administration will work to swoop in and "save" states that are deeply in the red. They are in the red because they have lots of fat entitlement programs, are not business friendly climates, and are geniuses at inhibiting economic growth. Something else that accompanies fat entitlement programs is fraud, mismanagement, and illegal alien populations. California being king of the struggling state governments will be the first to watch for, in what this recipes for potential disaster brings about.

At this time, California believes that the level of cuts they need to make, would actually COST them federal assistance money for social spending programs, because they would no longer be in compliance with federal requirements in those programs, thus losing the federal assistance to the programs, which is apparently unthinkable. Unthinkable, because when when you start a social spending program, anyone who suggests cutting, eliminating or restricting access to such program is painted as heartless, backwards, or racist.

I believe Mr Rham Emmanuel "let no serious crisis go to waste" will be more than ready to provide "help" and assistance to California in it's time of need. Not through budget cuts, at least as far as social programs. But more federal dependency, less state, more fed.

Further, I would not be at all surprised to see some sort of manufactured crisis where the government has to swoop in and either all or most of the states. Like they did the banks and the auto industry.

Why do I call the banks a manufactured crisis? Click here. And then here. Inform yourselves. Pray, and make sure your elected officials hear from you, and that you find out who the good conservative candidates are that are running for office this coming year. Support them, as much as you can.

May the United States of America live worthy of God's blessing, and indeed be blessed!

In Memory of Steven Harris Russin - Project 2996

2009-09-10T11:49:00.006-04:00

"He was a child at heart.", said of Steven Harris Russin by his wife Andrea. In my mind this is one of the greatest compliments a person can have. She speaks of his sociable nature and inquisitive childlike mind, with a unique way of looking at things. During a casual stroll through a Florida art gallery she fondly recalls his questions resulting in the sales staff taking them to a special backroom and the sharing of a champagne treat, thinking they must be serious buyers to display such an interest.

Steven Harris Russin lived for 32 years. When our country was attacked on September 11, 2001, Steven was at work at Cantor Fitzgerald where he was a partner. His offices were located 20 floors above where the plane hit in the World Trade Center.

I came across an interview done through PBS which was conducted with two family members who had lost a loved one on 9/11, regarding how their loss, their grief was impacted by their faith. During the interview Steven's widow mentions a desire to have a playground made in his memory because it would be "a living monument rather than a headstone in a cemetery", a beautiful sentiment I thought.

I was able to find the announcement at the synagogue where the family attends, for the dedication for the playground, in October 2004. From everything I have been able to find out about Mr Russin, he would be delighted in this remarkable way to be remembered.

Besides going to work to provide for his young family, his last act of love for his wife was to get her a drink of water before he left for work, she being four days away from delivering twins.

Steven is survived by his wife Andrea, his son Alec (who was two at the time his father's death), his twin daughters Arielle and Olivia (born four days after the towers fell).

Our thoughts and prayers, on this 8th anniversary of 9/11 are, and should be, focused on those family members who the 2,996 left behind on the fateful day of September 11, 2001. Mine will especially be with the Russin family at this time of memorial.

My sources for this article are all linked above. They include pbs.org, nytimes.com, and cnn.com

My gratitude to Dale C Roe for taking on the Project 2,996. Click here to see the full link list and read about more of our fallen. And my additional thanks to Michelle Malkin, who alerted me to this project. Thanks to you both.

"Whoever will humble himself therefore and become like this little child [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving] is greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:4

I Heard...

2009-08-28T11:46:00.002-04:00

I heard a good idea today, well several, but one really struck me...we have all heard these by now...but we need to focus on what we want as much as what we DON'T. Because the whole lot of them up in D.C. want so bad to pass something...it'd be good if we had some smart solutions which are conservative in nature, (i.e. putting power in the hands of individuals and NOT the Federal Government) front and center in their view.

High points:

Let the market for health insurance be national. Not hindered by state line. It's ridiculous and intrusive in it's current state and removing the current state lines barriers would make competition between the insurance companies stronger and improve our choices.
TORT Reform! How hard can it be?! You know, I don't even buy the stupid Howard Dean argument that they can only tackle making ever so many groups angry at one time, and they just choose to put off the fight with trial attorneys for the time being. Not buying it, because this is so achievable if they voted with their integrity and spines. Because their focus isn't truly getting costs down, so much as it is to have control over not only our coverage, but our very life and death choices, they choose to ignore it. We already KNOW that when this bunch of progressive in Democrat clothing want to fight, they don't mind it...
Health care insurance in our hands and not our employers. THIS is the one that got me today. It would take some education and informing of voters, but it makes sense to me. If we get health care insurance into the hands of us, the individuals, and away from our employers. This arrangement would GREATLY increase competition and the laser surgery for eyes is a great example. Because most insurance policies didn't cover this or provided minimal coverage, it was something we the customers paid for out of our own pockets. Prices came down over these years...nothing else in medicine that I can think of has done that. Insurance companies are not the evil tyrant Obama and company are portraying them as. However, they have it real good right now being able to hold businesses and city governments over a barrel, because they have to provide the benefit they have committed to, they are not left with many options. If those of who receive health care insurance as a benefit got tax exempt vouchers instead to purchase our own. And those who are tax paying citizens, but don't receive health care insurance as a benefit could receive tax credits up to whatever the standard amount is for individual or families. People who want Cadillac policies could be responsible for the difference without the additional dollar amount being tax exempt.

What do you all think?

Dr Zero Sums The Glenn Beck Situation Up - And Does it RIGHT!

2009-08-20T09:48:00.006-04:00

To be honest I have had inspiration and motivation to blog, but not enough time to crunch it out. Working on trying to set some good boundaries with my time. SOMEtimes when I have great inspiration, I am also too ticked to want to discipline myself to post (think back to Owe-bama's opportunistic haste to jump in a local dust-up in order to bring racial tensions to the national spotlight - smart power, huh?).

Anyway, I came across this awesome article by Dr Zero, a Green-Room blogger over at Hot Air. He says what many of us feel, but fail to know how to express, with regards to the double standard the Media applies to conservatives and liberals with the goal of causing all conservatives to shut-up and just lie there and take it, while they work to re-invent our entire political and social structure.

Krauthammer "I wanted to be in the arena because some things matter, some things need to be said, some things need to be defended."

2009-06-10T15:17:00.006-04:00

I saw on Twitter (if you are not on it & you enjoy politics - you are MISSING out!) that Charles Krauthammer had something interesting to say. I also saw that leftists on the web were screwing around with what he said, to justify hating on Fox. Because we all know, if there's one thing leftists don't appreciate, it's dissenting view points. Since Fox News has made good business at allowing dissenting viewpoints, to the left Fox represents the dark matter of dissenting opinion. Fox just makes them rabidly foam at the mouth. So, seeing this all a-twitter on the net - I had to go read for myself at The New York Post.

Boy, am I ever glad I did. Here is the article in it's entirety. Not long, reads fast and is inspiring. I always value his insights. Many more times than not, I agree with him. This article showed his humanity and why he has given his life for what he does. He walked away from a successful medical practice because he saw a need to fight the tide of liberalism which was beginning to swamp and erode America.

While I know most of us will NEVER attain the status of the esteemed Mr Krauthammer, that is not our goal. It wasn't his. Our goal everyday while we serve our families, our clients, our customers and employers, and we make calls to our Senators and Congress members, we seek info on-line, we spread good information around, we tweet, we blog, we comment, we Tea Party, we donate $10, $20, $50 at a time to conservative candidates, because of this that Krauthammer said "I wanted to be in the arena because some things matter, some things need to be said, some things need to be defended."

What REALLY Keeps Hillary Up At Night?

2009-06-09T10:46:00.007-04:00

If you ever wondered about our Secretary of State's effectiveness and care for our Nation, and it's allies, this will help put things in perspective for you.

Two American citizens have been arrested, tried in secrecy and have now been sentenced to 12 years hard labor in a north Korean prison camp. Laura Ling and Euna Lee are being used by North Korea as pawns to hold over our government. My prayers go out to them and their families, and all who are at work trying to obtain their release.

We seem to be at a stand-off with North Korea and our Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton seems to not have much idea where to go from here. Sorry, but I am not reassured by her "pursuing every channel" (via Fox News). Whatever. I was not one of the mild-mannered people in the conservative camp, who during the campaign, and immediately after as we waited drearily for the inevitable coronation, I mean inauguration, thought that Hillary would be moderate and something of a hawk on foreign policy issues. Hillary is a chameleon. Anyone who can go from Ivy League to Arkansas as first lady, then to New York, without really breaking a sweat = chameleon. She knew how to present herself, but, that never changed who she was. She's a liberal to the bone, through and through. She is a known Alinsky devotee. These character traits guarantee that she will have philosophies and motives contrary to the track conservatives hold dear and which our Nation has held in it's foreign policy for a good 40 plus years.

Having Hillary as Secretary of State and Obama as President at this particular time in history, is not something that encourages sleeping well at night. Hillary has spoken (and so has Obama recently) more harshly about and to Israel and what it needs to do, than in ANYTHING which she (or Obama) have had to say to North Korea or about them.

So, Laura and Euna we are praying for you. That's more than I think Hillary or Obama or doing. Right now they are both a little preoccupied breathing down Israel's neck and (via Fox) "building bridges" with Muslims, (by soliciting the input of a VA politician on record as stating Jihad is the way for Palestine). Also, they are admittedly a little busy making sure none of us are being mean to Muslims, because apparently that's a bigger problem than jihad or NK nuke threats and basically holding American citizens as political hostages. Bottom line? Hillary's more concerned with how to bully 1 of our allies (Israel) and how to build bridges with Muslims, by solicitng the assistance of a jihad propenent. Go figure. Sleep tight.

Upside Down World

2009-06-06T12:28:00.007-04:00

Sunday infamous late term abortion Dr Tiller was gunned down. Horrible. Within hours President Obama released his thoughts on this terrible crime. By Monday morning AG Eric Holder had instructed the placement of US Marshall's at strategicaly determined abortion facilities, where they might need protection. You know, from those terrible "single issue voters" DHS is so worried about.

Monday morning, as US Marshall's were arriving at their new assigned posts at abortion clinics, two of our best and brightest, young American soldiers were shot by a real domestic terrorist, who had received training in Yemen. They were walking in front of their recruitment office in Little Rock, Arkansas. The suspect had weapons and written plans to hit a Baptist Church, a Jewish site in Atlanta, and more besides. He stated he wanted and intended to kill more. To him it was Jihad, an act of Holy War, motivated by his Muslim faith. We received a tepid written response late Wednesday from President Obama. No action or statement from Holder. Until Obama gave his infamous "speak truth" speech in Egypt intended as a fresh start between our nation and Muslim people.

This is what AG Holder released in response to Obama's speech to Muslims:

"The President's pledge for a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim community takes root here in the Justice Department where we are committed to using criminal and civil rights laws to protect Muslim Americans. A top priority of this Justice Department is a return to robust civil rights enforcement and outreach in defending religious freedoms and other fundamental rights of all of our fellow citizens in the workplace, in the housing market, in our schools and in the voting booth.

"There are those who will continue to want to divide by fear - to pit our national security against our civil liberties - but that is a false choice. We have a solemn responsibility to protect our people while we also protect our principles."

Sound like the AG's office is going to be behaving more like the ACLU? AG Holder has no repsonse for the protection of our dear soldiers, their families or any other citizen who is a target of Jihad. Apparently we have elevated Muslims above other classes of American citizens. Apparently we have completely overlooked other targeted sites by the Little Rock Jihad shooter. Apparently we are more worried about safety for abortionists at their place of work, even though the shooting took place at a Christian church. Maybe if it had occurred at a Mosque?

Oh, almost forgot, Holder did have another thing to say they are looking for:

"any and all actors in this horrible crime, and to ensure that anyone who played a role in the offense is prosecuted to the full extent of federal law,"

Of course, the AG Office was talking about whomever might have played a role in late term abortionist Tiller's murder. Not the jihad killer of our soldier, wounding another.

Welcome to Upside down World!

Say What You Really Mean!

2009-06-05T17:55:00.003-04:00

I'd rather not be writing about Sotomayor, because Heaven knows we will be hearing about her "to infinity and beyond" to quote a "wise" alien cartoon hero - Buzz Lightyear. But, recent reports force me to address more Washington poop shoveling. Most of us are familiar with Judge Sotomayor's words in a speech. Washington talking points tried to say "out of context", i.e. 'move along- there's nothing to see here.' Well, not true, context was right on the money. Her context was making a point that, in her opinion, judges can and should use their experience as pertains to gender and race in decision making, and she was specifically referring to decision making as a judge. As a matter of fact, here is an excerpt from a memo Malkin posted in an article on this topic:

"Sotomayor readily admits that she applies her feelings and personal politics when deciding cases. In a 2002 speech at Berkeley, she stated that she believes it is appropriate for a judge to consider their “experiences as women and people of color,” which she believes should “affect our decisions.” She went on to say in that same speech “I would hope that a "wise" Latina woman with the richness of her experience would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life.” She reiterated her commitment to that lawless judicial philosophy at Duke Law School in 2005 when she stated that the “Court of Appeals is where policy is made.”"

Reckon she hasn't seen those photos of Lady Justice holding the scales of justice, blindfolded? It's all about the law. That's what judges are to decide; if the law is being applied properly in given cases. And in the unique and privileged case of SCOTUS, how it applies to the Constitution. Not write law, not change law, not wonder how this might make someone feel. We have other venues to care for these issues. I think Sotomayor is confused. If she wanted to change policy, she should have run for office, or been appointed to a cabinet position. As a judge her duty is clear. It's the Consitutional LAW, Stooopid!!

Well, the reason for the posting is, guess what? Obama had said, he was sure she would want to say it differently if she had the chance again. Turns out, that's not true! She cares about this subject so much, she is on record as saying a variation of this ridiculous phrase on numerous occasions. This occurred over a span of years from 1994 until into 2003, at least, 4 or more times. From CQ Politics.

Out of the abundance of the heart, so the mouth speaks. And Sotomayor has made it clear she believes in letting her heart rule while on the bench. Empathy belongs in lots of places. It doesn't belong on the bench of the highest court in the land. We must, at all costs preserve our Constitutional law.

The Senate hearings - Senators MUST ask her about her membership in La Raza, (The Race - see this article from Human Events ) especially in light of these words she has stated so many times. She needs to be asked on the record, in the hearings about the mission and belief of La Raza, and how La Raza's view reflect her views, and how she thinks they will impact her duty as a SCOTUS. Additionally, how those views and what part of her they reflect - how have they impacted her rulings in the past. It's a fair question, because she has already said that the "richness of her experiences" have basically helped her come to a "better conclusion".

Thanks for stopping by! Feel free to call Senators Sessions, etc, to make sure they do!

No Words of Comfort and Recognition - No Breakfast

2009-06-03T18:10:00.005-04:00

I woke up with good plans for my day, hope in my heart.

At the point that I saw in the news still NO MENTION of President Obama speaking words publicly to recognize our two soldiers shot in broad day light on Monday, and now it's Wednesday I was disgusted.

When I additionally discovered that not only had our Commander in Chief failed to speak the required words of acknowledgment, but that his staff has begun to "buzz" his creds as having a Muslim step-father and was raised somewhat in that culture in various countries as a youth. The same history, which many of the same people disavowed and played down during the election. The same history they indignantly tried to imply anyone curious about such history in a potential POTUS must be racist, must be a fringe extremist. Now as he makes his "historic" trip to address the Muslim people as our POTUS, now those people are proud of this history. Hoping that he will be able to speak to the Muslim people as someone who can more readily identify with them, than other previous POTUS. When I became aware of all these things I was something beyond disgusted.

But that was not all the cheery news by far. No. There was the fact that the shooter of our military, our two soldiers on Monday, he was not only a home grown domestic terrorist who has decided Jihad for him is fine. He had plans, intentions and ability to take out more innocent people, plans for shooting at a Baptist church and other places. Now I just found this out today like you probably did. But President Obama - he would have known this sooner. But, no words from him.

Obama had words within HOURS after Tiller was shot and killed by a sick, criminal man. But Obama still hasn't acknowledged our soldiers being shot and 1 wounded and 1 killed. Not 1 word from him now some 60 hours later and counting.

Obama is a whole lot of things I try not to think about too much. But, dumb isn't one of them. He didn't want to have to speak to the homegrown jihad situation, perpetrated by a man who had converted to the Muslim faith, a mere 2 days before addressing Muslim people in Egypt, in a speech he has been planning since his campaign days. He didn't want to risk the coverage in the news irking his hosts and potential listeners in the Mid East. He knew to discuss this incident for what it was in the terms Americans deserve and desire to hear; which is plain truth, would cause a "harsh" on the "mellow" he wants to lull the Muslim people into.

It's sad that when presented with a choice of leading and acknowledging the real situation we face, Obama has decided to follow the crowd. The crowd of the Muslim Brotherhood which he invited to hear him speak. He chose to turn his back on our soldiers and their families and ignore the very real circumstance that Jihad was been declared and it's not going away anytime in the foreseeable future. He chose to believe that "making nice" would make it all alright. I guess he believes he knows best, and we can thank him later...

Anyway, when I realized all these things and thought about those soldiers and their families and our shameful Commander in Chief acting like a nerdy kid at school who wants to fit in with the "cool" kids. Same ones who'd just rather beat him up and steal his lunch money, I was immediately sick and couldn't eat my breakfast or even drink my coffee.

I respect the OFFICE of The President of the United States immensely. I deplore the actions of the current POTUS, and consider these actions disgraceful to the office of the President of the United States of America.

How Does a Politically Passionate Christian Reconcile Faith with a President Who Disrespects You

2009-05-21T14:21:00.005-04:00

I am a follower of Jesus. Everyday I wake up and pray that I will be given the grace and strength to follow Him and to act something like I belong to Him. Everyday I fail miserably and occasionally I believe I succeed in spite of myself.

Being born into a Nation which IS founded on biblical principles, and which as a Nation has not only put it's faith in God, but has also understood that our "rights" are God given and not government given, has had a huge impact on me. Having an ELECTED President thumb his nose at our Christian heritage not only by proclaiming to our enemies that we aren't "a Christian nation" but also by deed in quickly and deftly swinging his pen to paper ensuring the deaths of infants here and abroad on our dollar (though we borrow most of our dollars now) globally in seeming defiance of his predecessor's desire and actions to preserve life - this has had a huge impact on me as well.

President Obama is our President. I have an obligation to pray for God to open his eyes, give him godly counsel and wisdom and help him have the desire, courage and ability to lead in a righteous fashion. I have a responsibility to pray for all members of congress, the senate and their staff members for the same.

What I don't have, and what other Christians don't have, is any obligation to support, applaud or ignore actions which are, as I understand them to be, counter to the founding principles of our Nation and or counter to biblical principles. I don't have to like them, agree with them or hold back my opinion.

I wish more people appreciated the way Jesus spoke without malice, but also without candy coating. It's easy to miss in the King James English the gritty words, but Our Lord clearly understood that people need visuals that will move them. Think about when He spoke to the Pharisees and Sadducees.

I know many of my independent and conservative minded friends are not comfortable with faith mixed into politics, and I understand. My faith is very much a part of who I am. And I can't compartmentalize my life. Because I can't, when my President comes on television and says things I consider asinine, self-serving, and detrimental to the well-being of my country, I struggle with urges that are decidedly NOT Christ-like. I know I am not alone in this dilemma and thought if I wrote about it it might help me to clarify in my own mind the boundaries I have.

Right now as I think about the Senate today voting to spend $108 billion to "bailout" foreign countries (again - we are broke - remember?), I am mindful that Jesus went and made the whip that He came back and cleaned out the temple with. To me that reminds me it is good that we work to inform voters about issues and help people know what elected officials to contact and how and about what bills. It's not sin that that makes me angry. That's not to say I don't stray often into sin in my anger. But, I'm working on that!

And come 2010, I pray we will clean out Capitol Hill!

Time to let Icons Be Bygones

2009-04-25T22:19:00.006-04:00

Many times during the LONGEST Presidential Election EVER, I was discouraged and concerned, of course that was early on. Later, that concern gave way to much teeth clenching as I cleaned house, while praying, and then prayed some more. I was concerned because our country was letting the regular media sing them a lull-a-bye of "Isn't He Wonderful? Isn't He the Every man, Isn't He all We Have Been Waiting For?"

What bothered me was the idolizing of a man. Never before had history in America presented the right mix of timing, circumstances and person which would be the mix of ingredients for America to go ga-ga over a presidential candidate. Just like in dating, infatuation can lead to disastrous relationship choices, so in choosing a president (or any elected official) you better make your choice of representative based on facts. Facts like current beliefs and policy choices, past accomplishments, voting records and what they are ON RECORD as saying, pay attention to these indicators of future actions.

America did not pay attention to the facts. Sadly it seems we overlooked the facts, the record, the gaping holes in the record, and went for romance. There is no place in government for romance.

From people swooning at BHO's campaign rallies, to giving spontaneous cries out to the Lord and trembling when called on by BHO to speak at a Florida rally he held to support TARP II, America is shamefully adoring a man, instead of appreciating (or not) his character and respecting the office he has been privileged to be elected to fill. We should save our adoration for The ONLY one! Jesus Christ!

Idols crumble, rust, break. Elected representatives were never made to be adored and should not be given a pass for ungracious behaviour, being dishonest, failing to take responsibility when the responsibility is theirs, and trying to usurp authority over areas of responsibility that aren't theirs.

I am reminded of George Washington who was a reluctant president and adamantly turned down the crown when the young fledgling America thought of crowning him king. Lest you think this is all about Obama - it's not. Would that it were. From my earliest memories I KNEW the president of our Nation was important, and that some we like more that others, some are more capable and willing to do the tough work of representing our Nation and leading our Nation. more than others. The very first president that I was keen on was Ronald Reagan. I was too immature to really appreciate him like I do today. Truly he was an innovative, resilient, gracious, bold Christian gentleman. But, he was a man. People didn't swoon. When he died, God rest his soul, more and more people seemed to look back to him to define the conservative movement.

While it's great to learn from past leaders (we can see them more clearly in retrospect often) what I saw was a lack of knowing who and what we were for today. The pundits and talking heads kept wondering every time a conservative head popped up "is this the next". There have been a few waves of "Oh, look this candidate is going to be the Next "it" for our movement". That tactic just won't work. Looking for a romantic candidate didn't elect a good liberal candidate, but it won't work for a conservative candidate either.

Stick to the principles. Principles are what got Reagan elected. Romance got Obama. The conservative movement's greatest hope is people from the bottom up seeking (prayer) to honor God and be the best citizen and steward (work) of this great country that we can be. If enough of us do this, we can't lose and new leaders will rise up.

I don't believe America will be able to shake this cycle we are in unless enough of God's people get the priorities right. Time to let icons be bygones.

Here is the article the finally propelled me to write this post I have been thinking of for a while.

What Shall We Do About Cuba?

2009-04-08T12:04:00.007-04:00

My first reaction to the news that the BHO Administration wants to open up travel with Cuba, and allow money to be sent over there was strong and certain. NOOOO! Please don't AGAIN reward bad behavior. What BHO thinks of as compassionate and changing things up since we haven't made progress with Cuba seemed at first glance a bad idea to me. But something made me want to double check my thought process here. That something being after 8 days of our Prez overseas making me mad EVERY, SINGLE day, I just don't want to find myself saying everything is wrong that he does. UNLESS, it truly is wrong (imho).

So I asked for feedback and read what some people much smarter than me had to say about it. I am glad I did. Because I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that we should act, we should try to use our influence and authority for good, but we SHOULD NOT cave in. It is incumbent upon us to use our authority and influence for good. If Cuba chooses not change - well that's on them.

I believe the current proposal shows the communist leadership of Cuba we not only think what they are doing to their people is not so bad, it's really OK. It says that WE have assessed our tactics in dealing with them all these years and we have decided THEY AREN'T the ones that need to change, it's us that need to change. It says we need to be more open minded and accepting of governments that want to imprison (or worse) those that oppose them within their country.

One argument for opening up to Cuba is tempting. That argument is "it's not working". We haven't caused the Cuban government to reconsider its actions, or IF they have reconsidered they decided "too bad", they are going to keep governing with absolute control anyway, no matter the cost. As compassionate and freedom loving Americans, we struggle with knowing how much the individuals suffer because our governments don't agree. But, it is the Cuban government that brings the suffering, not ours. How can we in good conscience allow our economy to be siphoned away to strengthen and support a communist government that doesn't allow private enterprise, doesn't freely allow association or free speech, (because you know what happens when people freely associate and speak? They might organize and have a TEA PARTY! Heaven forbid!). How can we say - "sure, you won't allow freedom of the press. And your economy is a joke because you won't allow free enterprise - but you can enjoy the benefits of our free enterprise - go ahead - we'll just make more".

I think it would be wonderful if we use some of that "smart power" Hillary was talking about to open talks with Cuba. And at least TRY to get some concessions from them - in any of at least 1 categories mentioned above. Get an opening from them, and give them something in return. They might not give. But, its worth a try. America is NOT responsible for Cuba's poor choices. But, we can and should TRY to give them incentive to change. And IF they choose not to change - well, that's on them.

What has happened to us in America that we have completely gotten fuzzy in our thinking of responsibility and consequences? As in the bailout mentality, where we are rewarding poor business practices with more funding, not only encouraging bad business practice, but also putting at a disadvantage healthy, smaller businesses who are making the right choices and doing the right thing, only to see their competition unfairly out stride them in the marketplace because Big Brother came along side them to give a hand.

In our desire to be compassionate we must remember who would be hurt by standing our ground and who would benefit from caving in. If we open up travel and finances to Cuba WITHOUT requiring concessions from their government, the communist government of Cuba benefits and the suffering individuals in Cuba will continue to suffer without hope that eventually their government will be forced to admit communism doesn't pay. If we artificially prop up the Cuban government by giving them means to siphon off our economy much like Mexico already does, we will be giving aid to the enemy and weakening our own country. Can this be a good idea?

Here is a short concise article from Otto Reich (via Newsmax) who has served our country in a venerable manner through three Republican administrations and is very familiar with the implications of this situation are. UPDATE: - This is another VERY good article to illustrate the suffering of the Cuban people at the hands of a communist government via Miami Herald.

Thanks for stopping by, Ya'll!

The Fight for the Next Supreme Court Seat is ALREADY On!

2009-03-29T23:08:00.006-04:00

Two odd comments came out this week from citizens on The Hill. Not being a fan of Senator Harry Reid or Congressman Barney Frank, it would be easy to just shrug and go on. But, knowing their character (or the lack of!) as I have come to appreciate it, I know I can't afford to overlook or ignore their patter....because it ALWAYS means something.

First Rep Frank for no apparent reason managed to name drop and name call with regards to Justice Scalia. He called him a "homophobe" and implied he was an obstacle to gay marriage. He said this even though Scalia has a strong record for judicial judgement based on constitutional law. On cue just a few days later Senator Reid, again, for no apparent reason went on an unprovoked rant on Justice Roberts. He called him a "liar", and said that he misled them in the confirmation hearings (Ya'll remember those don't ya'? Dreadful!) by making them think he wasn't conservative (which as I last recall, should not be considered as a problem in ANY position, even this highly esteemed position) and said that basically - not to worry - they'd work to get "moderates" in the next seats. For the actual TRUTH on this click here to read what the Washington Times has former Senator Fred Thompson saying about this, he would know - he was there.

Why do I think Frank & Reid are up to something? Well, it's no secret the Right want strict constitutionalists justices - this helps preserve the integrity of our judicial process, which acts as a balance to the other branches of government. But, the Left - they want justices which are not satisfied with the Constitution as is. They want justices who desire to CHANGE law by their legal opinions written from the highest seat in the judicial branch of government. Never mind that this desire flies in the face of the intended structure of our very government by our founding fathers. It is intended that Congress write and pass laws, whereas the Justices are to make decisions on how those laws line up with the Constitution, not CHANGE the law from the bench, that's actually an abuse of power.

Why doesn't Congress just write and pass whatever laws they feel so strongly about themselves? Because our Constitution is so handsomely crafted as to deflect most of the things remaining on the "to-do" list of the Left and dreaded by the Right. So the Left NEEDS justices who will think like them and wield some of that power just like they like it done.

And Reid and Frank just gave the media and left blogosphere the marching orders to start whipping up the crowds, cue, 3,2,1 -

Perspective

2009-03-29T16:26:00.008-04:00

A Bird's Eye View!

As a GRIT (Girl Raised in the South) you might would think I would tend to shy away from politics. But, you'd be wrong! :) My Mama raised me better than that! When I was a child, she was a member of several very conservative, political and pro life groups, (helped found our local chapter of Right to Life back in the day - Go Mama!) and was (and is) a staunchly conservative Catholic. She is a teacher at heart and she couldn't (and can't to this day) avoid conversations which enlighten, inform and give opportunity to think and consider about cultural topics and spiritual truths and trends, etc. My Daddy has always been all for her pursuits, in part because his beliefs parallel hers, and in part because she always kept it balanced with her foundation at home (a disclaimer here is the other part would be that when you love someone - the real healthy kind of love - you value what makes them ALIVE - yes?!). ALL of who she was while I was growing up influenced me in the way of it was just as natural as breathing to follow cultural trends, from a political and spiritual perspective and having observed them - it follows you will begin to care about them and their effect on you and your loved ones, and because you care about them - well, you naturally need to talk about them - AND take action...

Other than being an informed voter, who contributed whatever we could and a parent who has taught her sons to notice and care about these same things, I really have never been in any way tempted to take any other substantial action. Until what happened in the 2000 election, then I realized we had to be more vocal and wake up the sleepy heads around us - and get out the vote. Because lots and lots of good people just weren't voting. So in 2004 I called voters for the Republican party. And I discovered "blogging" - but only as an observer. Then my husband and I signed various petitions, and followed the election last year very closely. And well, that was like watching a horrible train wreck in slow motion. Sometime between September and November I became angry in a way that required action, and as a Christian it was difficult - because you don't want to harbor anger or bitterness, but you do have to recognize what causes it and figure out what your part is in addressing it. I actually understood now why someone would want to go out and wave a sign and other things like that.

Starting this blog not even 2 weeks ago - is part of that - the desire to connect with other regular people - who see that our country can't be left on auto-pilot. It's been there far too long, that' s how we got to this dreadful state. We were found asleep at the wheel, and the auto pilot has caused us to jump lanes and we are headed straight for a collision with what happens when people look to a personality instead of substance, rhetoric instead of record, charisma instead of integrity - that would be socialism. Cradle to the grave and all in between - the government is thought to know best and have all the answers - all you have to do is bow and serve and graciously appreciate what is doled out - pay your taxes, and eventually give up your faith, your children and all your hopes and dreams.

Anywho - all the news was starting to crowd me a bit. I was glad to go to my church today - and get my eyes on the One who helps me put it ALL in perspective. From the beginning of the service when we were singing a song about the FREEDOM we have in Christ - (where I suddenly realized I can't think of any other faith that gets that - we are meant to have freedom - only Judeo Christian principles as far as I know espouse such), to the end of service, where I was reminded that we spend time in service each week - not just to punch a time clock - and not even simply to Honor God - though that's important, but to be equipped, refreshed, refocused and to then go back out into our families and communities and bring the unique qualities we each have to bear in the world we function in. It's a great thing, a wonderful design. I was reminded of the reason everything all around can look bad, yet I can still have hope for myself and my family. That doesn't mean I quit fighting my good fight of faith! It just means I can do it with renewed hope, right perspective and a sure knowledge some stories do have a happy ending.

I have a couple of other posts coming soon, 1 about the upcoming Supreme Court battles. Be encouraged, Ya'll!

Focus, Focus Focus - Pick 3 Things and Sell Them, Make Them Happen!

2009-03-23T16:39:00.004-04:00

First things first, I will talk more often than not as if in favor of the Republican party. I want to be clear, that I am first a Christian, then an American, followed by a conservative, and lastly because of convenience in combining those issues - a Republican. I don't think badly of other parties. I am saddened that there is a dearth of the old timey Democrats that many of our grandparents may have been. Those days are gone though, and we move forward. It may very well be that one day there will be yet a new party that many move into and our grandchildren will look back and say I miss the old timey Republicans that our grandparents use to be. But until then, conservatives need to make the party we have WORK for us!

During the TARP debacles and continuing to this day, the current majority's talking points are presented as the Republicans have no solutions and only want to say NO, and obstruct their process. It's a lie, but it hasn't mattered because of the MSM's cooperation in sticking to the current majority's talking points. It's a real shame the main stream media has decided to sit on its hands at such a vital time in history when the opportunity is ripe and abounding to investigate and ask hard question from ALL angles, and not just present one side as having all the answers and one side as demonized. Show it all, with integrity and truth and as much objectivity as you can muster MSM! The story is interesting and powerful and it's healthy for everybody, we all benefit from a whole entire truth instead of fawning over favorites with fluff pieces and butchering and smearing people we are afraid of with hatchet and podcast.

Now, what we need is for the the conservatives in each county, state, Republican Party Headquarters, and the Hill to get on message. Find 3 things we can agree on accomplish and speak it, work it, MAKE IT HAPPEN! You have the grassroots support - have you noticed the tea parties? Pick 3, do it now, make it happen.

Winners take action. As entertaining as our knucklehead in office is with all his cronies, it is very tempting to just announce all his foibles (and unfortunately we DO HAVE to do that - because the MSM won't and people NEED to know) but, we can't stop there. We have to be the party with the answer - (because we ARE). We have to be the party of action (because we are)! We have to be the party with the power of momentum that actually moves our country forward (because that's IS who we are!).

Are you still sitting down? You can walk while work that phone! Go!

Decisions, Decisions, Multitudes in the Valley of Decision

2009-03-22T17:19:00.006-04:00

Americans are being presented with a unique opportunity to decide what we really believe, what really matters, and to whom we are going to listen to. Are we going to settle for talking points presented by talking heads and pundits, or will we read between the lines, seek information from a multitude of sources and be willing to make the effort to get involved?

Do we believe that all our problems can be solved by endless hearings, insults and accusations hurled at people by sitting senators and congressmen? Or by pounds and pound of new regulations and legislation to cure every freak accident and wrong doing by individuals and companies?

Do we really want a government that seeks to care for us from the "cradle"? And then all the way to the grave?

Do we really begrudge people to be paid the bonuses their contracts called for and are part of their pay schedule IF they are not a recipient of tax payer money? (BHO is now proposing to limit and monitor ALL such payments/salaries - not just bail-out recipients...I think this is what he wanted all along, but, hey, that's just my opinion based on numerous things he has said).

And IF they are a recipient of tax payer money, and the government KNEW they had bonuses coming and agreed to allow said bonuses, does the government have ANY right to call foul?

Do we remember the government is NOT above us or separate from us as citizens. It is supposed to be part of us, serving us, and representing us, and made up of regular ole individual "us" (please allow me my little made up words and simple blogging pleasures!)!

Greed, greed, greed got us in this mess, followed closely by apathy.

Greed on the part of many politicians who looked out for themselves and took sweetheart deals and campaign favors and contributions, for years and years. Apathy of voters who just were too busy, bored and tired to care.
Greed on the part of CEOs, boards, shareholders and all the way down the line the decision making process as bad business loans, real estate investments, and mortgages were made for the short term profit and long term cost, not to mention the "bottom-line" mentality that crept in like a cancer and sat at the table in the share holder meetings and in the board rooms. Sort of a buy now - pay later on steroids. Apathy on the part of politicians and co-workers who saw and understood the danger - but didn't want to do the hard work to blow the whistle, go against the tide, and likely become a professional pariah. (understandable - but not without consequence).
Greed on the part of special interest groups, (can everyone now identify ACORN and their greedy patterns and deeds - not just in election engineering but in bullying of financial institutions to give loans to people who were not ready fiscally to receive such loans.) Again, apathy on the part of politicians, and citizens within the systems of ACORN and other special interest groups who knew what they had signed up for was not what they had originally hoped for, and quietly looked the other way.
Lastly and MOST importantly (and painful to face) the greed of the regular "us". The many of us, who over and over again charged up credit cards, bought cars, trucks, ATVs, boats and RVs, then "refinanced" our homes, because the tax structure encouraged it, and Greenspan had recommended it. Over and over again we did this, as interest rates got better and better, and mortgage brokers made money, and real estate people made money, and home inspectors made money, and contractors made money, until the bubble got so big and fat, that it went P-O-P!!! Humpty Dumpty fell down and no one seems able to put him together again. We forgot how to save up and buy things, we tried to ignore that our homes couldn't always and forever increase in value to pay off our SUVs and Vegas vacations for refinancing. When it came to a screeching halt, as the real estate bubble burst, the musical chairs-financial shell game being played by ALL parties named above, effected every last person. Even those who weren't "playing" the game. And don't get me started on the apathy of "us" all. The apathy that ignored elections, ignored legislation, and ignored the fact the media wanted to choose our president in 2000, in 2004, and finally figured out how in 2008.

Will we wake up? Will we tighten up? I KNOW the America I look around and see all around me and am part of is well able to make it through this. If we can only figure out how to remind our new wannabe "overlords" on the Hill in D.C., and in the main stream media that they serve at our pleasure. We are not here to "fund" them. They are here to represent and serve us.

If you are here, congratulations! You are awake and decidedly unapathetic or you wouldn't be taking the time to read this obscure blog! Let's get jiggy!

Reaching Backwards to Tax? Don't Do US Any MORE Favors - PUH-Leez!

2009-03-19T10:04:00.000-04:00

Senators -PUH-LEEZ! Step away from the "taxing AFTER the fact" proposed legislation. What ARE you thinking these days? You engineered this situation by not only allowing the bailout, but you would not allow bipartisan craftsmanship. Your idea of bipartisinship, is for the minority party to vote YOUR way. THAT - is NOT real bipartisanship, that's called bullying (for the majority) and selling out (for the minority).

Further, Senators - you put legislation in the bailout that made room for the bonuses. So, since you saw fit to do that - and we really don't care the excuses you contrive to cast blame here - what is done is done, you gave your word on our behalf - so HONOR IT!

Do we have honor anymore? Really? If people were promised in writing a bonus - and we allowed it through legislation, then you can't go willy - nilly changing the laws AFTER the fact. That's not honorable, healthy or becoming of America. And if we let you do it to AIG - you will do it to us. It's a terrible precedent.

Snap out of it!