I have begun to lose heart. So many disappointments this past three months. It all adds up and piles up and keeps me down. First, on July 14th I fell at work and hurt myself. My shoulder, arm and hand on the right side were very sore. My hand felt like it was being shocked and my shoulder really bothered me. After a few days my neck began to become stiff, sore, and very painful. This has been worse than all the rest. I keep going to doctors, having tests, filling out forms, and answering the same questions over and over. The insurance people treat me like a criminal. My boss hasn't called, spoken to me or had any contact of any kind since the day after the fall. The doctors don't make sense and don't listen. Now they want to cut on me because one of them thinks that by fixing what ever it is he found in my wrist it will help my neck. I don't really believe that but I seem to have no input. My shoulder hurts when i move it in certain ways, my neck hurts all the time. The pain is an ever-present thing and it's beginning to affect me other ways. It's impossible to sleep with the discomfort.
My political aspirations have fallen apart as well. I really liked the things I was doing with the Constitution Party and the people there. We had a common vision for our nation and common dreams of freedom and liberty being restored. They really let me down. They left me hang out to dry. Gary and I had several things planned to boost membership and enjoy fellowship with our party faithful. I spent three and a half days sitting in a booth to pass out information and speak with interested passers-by at a fair. We asked for support from our members to help man this booth. One woman said she would take a couple of hours in the middle of a day, no real relief there. Not one other response. Two weeks after this debacle Gary had planned a celebration in a city park to honor CONSTITUTION DAY. He had games, speakers, musicians, and a full day of fellowship and raising awareness for our fellow Americans. Some of us were to announce candidacies for state offices. The planning began three months before the event. Aside from Gary, the performers, and I only two other party members showed up. It was a complete embarassment. More Republicans were there than CPer's. I invited our state representative, sent letters to local churches, wrote newspaper editors, and contacted the St. Joe television station. The state rep and his staff came, the U.S. Congressman sent a representative, the TV station showed up. More musicians showed up than CP members. I felt terrible for Gary. He invested time and money and the party just forgot him. I decided that if they can't show support for their own and take time to support these functions and their own candidates they don't need me. I don't need them.
On top of all this, Jake is getting the Senior Itch. He's becoming a pain-in-the-rear about letting me know where he is, what's going on, and when it's happening. I do have Jackson to bring me joy. He is a delight. He's three and very much the little boy. I don't get to see him as often as I want. I see Jill less than I'd like, too.
I want to start working with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and I want to work with my friend, Greg, on the Personhood Missouri movement but I just don't feel any desire to do anything anymore. I'm lonely, but I just want to be left alone, too. Ever feel that way?
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Proud to be an American
It does my heart good to see so many Americans so involved in the recent government health care debate. All these 'Town Hall' meetings being held by congressmen to sell the 'plan' are filled with people who aren't buying it. I watched Senator Arlen Specter holding his meeting on the news yesterday. Those folks were merciless. They asked tough, well thought out questions. They insisted on answers, too. The good senator from Pennsylvania, a state I consider part of the cradle of American liberty, handled himself like the professional politician he is. He can stradle the fence, juggle the facts, change the subject, and dodge the bullet like a professional.
The real benefit, of course, to all these disruptive proceedings is that it's making people aware of the notion that's it's good to question everything in government. People who would never think to doubt what their liberal representatives do and say are seeing that these political hacks don't stand up to scrutiny. When the real tough questions are asked there are no answers. Folks are beginning to see what sort of criminals we have sent to Washington and given unbridled power to. I say criminals because that's what they are. If I abused the trust of friends, co-workers, and associates I'd be taking up residence at some penitentiary somewhere. They steal our money and use it for illegal purposes, or waste it. They have no idea what it takes to make a living out here in the world. Most are lawyers and career politicians who've never done an honest days work in their lives. They bat around billions of daollars like swatting so many flies.
Folks are beginning to wake up, question, the "facts" they're being fed, and not liking what they find. Obama's populartiy, credibility, and veracity are falling at an amazing rate. People no longer blindly follow and simply accept what ever the elite want to feed them. The questions being asked are real tough ones. It's fun to watch these political masters flounder and I hope I see a lot more of it. We have not only the right but, the obligation to be informed, ask our questions, and express our opinions and demand real representation from our elected. If we can't have these things we have another obligation...to REPLACE these elected officials.
Two questions I haven't seen anyone ask are what I feel are among the most important if we want to get down to the real bone of the health care carcass. First, What is the motivation for a congressman to support government health care when it's obvious that so many citizens don't want it? Second, and most important, what constitutional authority does congress have to act in this way?
Ask these questions and insist on answers.
The real benefit, of course, to all these disruptive proceedings is that it's making people aware of the notion that's it's good to question everything in government. People who would never think to doubt what their liberal representatives do and say are seeing that these political hacks don't stand up to scrutiny. When the real tough questions are asked there are no answers. Folks are beginning to see what sort of criminals we have sent to Washington and given unbridled power to. I say criminals because that's what they are. If I abused the trust of friends, co-workers, and associates I'd be taking up residence at some penitentiary somewhere. They steal our money and use it for illegal purposes, or waste it. They have no idea what it takes to make a living out here in the world. Most are lawyers and career politicians who've never done an honest days work in their lives. They bat around billions of daollars like swatting so many flies.
Folks are beginning to wake up, question, the "facts" they're being fed, and not liking what they find. Obama's populartiy, credibility, and veracity are falling at an amazing rate. People no longer blindly follow and simply accept what ever the elite want to feed them. The questions being asked are real tough ones. It's fun to watch these political masters flounder and I hope I see a lot more of it. We have not only the right but, the obligation to be informed, ask our questions, and express our opinions and demand real representation from our elected. If we can't have these things we have another obligation...to REPLACE these elected officials.
Two questions I haven't seen anyone ask are what I feel are among the most important if we want to get down to the real bone of the health care carcass. First, What is the motivation for a congressman to support government health care when it's obvious that so many citizens don't want it? Second, and most important, what constitutional authority does congress have to act in this way?
Ask these questions and insist on answers.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Faithful
I pray God has richly blessed you since I last wrote. Last night I atended a meeting of the Buchanan County, Missouri chapter of the Constitution Party of Missouri. I've been there before and really enjoyed being in the company of those fine folks. What I find with them is a group of truly patriotic American men and women. Folks who want a better, safer, more citizen friendly America for their families to live in. They seek a return to a constitutionally administered, limited government of the people, for the people. With our federal government running rough-shod over the rights and liberites of the people we need folks that are unafraid to stand up and say, "Enough is enough". So many of the activities our representatives in DC are engaged in to "Help the American citizen" are unlawful, unconstitutional, and contrary to the law of the Creator of our universe that one wonders who, exactly, they are serving.
A few examples may be in order here so I'll start with the real 'Hot Button' issues in the news. Health Care is an important issue to all of us to be sure. The federales, and Obama, have decided it's in their province to solve the problem. Their solution is more government involvement, regulation, oversight, and interference. This is supposed to lower the cost of care, raise the quality, and increase availability. I can't see how. It doesn't pass the "Make sense" test for me. It seems to me these things will ADD to the cost of care, interfere with the quality of care, and remove incentive for research and discovery of new treatments and drugs. You want an example? The communists cant get it done with socialized medicine. Part of the problem with health care is coming from the litigious society we live in. When a doctor has to come up with $175,000 in malpractice insurance premiums before he even opens a practice, he's going to be expensive to see. I don't know if tort reform is the answer here or the removal of liberal, activist judges. To sue for every missed diagnosis seeking enough money to live the rest of your life in luxury seems absurd, especially when the lawyers walk away with all the money anyway.
Immigration is another hot topic in America today. We need to close the borders, deport the illegally present people, eliminate the birth right citizenship for children of illegals born here, and stop extending aid from every government agency to help these people stay here. After all these things are in place and functioning, then we need to look at opening immigration to those who want to come here seeking our way of life. Those willing to learn our language and culture. Those who want to contribute to improving America should always be welcome, welcome to seek the American Dream.
Gun rights are a perpetual topic of debate and discussion in DC. I don't know why. The Bill of Rights is very clear on the subject. I understand that there are those who don't want guns, don't like guns, and think others should feel the same way they do. That's fine. if you can convince some that you are right, go ahead. That does not give you the right to try and take my liberties away from me. We can disagree about guns. We cannot disagree that I have the right to own them if I choose. The second amendment was intended to allow us the means to defend our liberty, our homes, and our families. It was not meant only for hunters or sportsmen.
What about state sovereignty? Do you think the individual states have any rights? I do. The Constitution of the United States grants only very few, limited powers to the federal government, reserving all powers not specifically enumerated to the feds to the states and the people. Lately, several states have joined together in raising their collective voices and telling the federal govenment "Hands Off". Alaska and Tennessee are two who have actually passed resolutions, signed by their Governors that inform the US Government that they will no longer tolerate federal involvement in state matters. God Bless them! In Tennessee the state esentially told the ATF to take a hike where ammunition and arms that are manufactured and sold in Tennessee are concerned. The argument is that if no interstate commerce is involved, no ATF oversight is involved. Of course, the ATF had an immediate response. The government agency told the people of Tennesee in an open letter that regardless of state law, the ATF regulations and federal law would be observed and enforced. I can just imagine how well THAT went over, can't you. I think that the ATF better tread very lightly in Tennessee. Lot's of hills and hollers where a person might 'get lost' and not be able to find their way out.
Enough for now, my blood pressure is getting too high.
A few examples may be in order here so I'll start with the real 'Hot Button' issues in the news. Health Care is an important issue to all of us to be sure. The federales, and Obama, have decided it's in their province to solve the problem. Their solution is more government involvement, regulation, oversight, and interference. This is supposed to lower the cost of care, raise the quality, and increase availability. I can't see how. It doesn't pass the "Make sense" test for me. It seems to me these things will ADD to the cost of care, interfere with the quality of care, and remove incentive for research and discovery of new treatments and drugs. You want an example? The communists cant get it done with socialized medicine. Part of the problem with health care is coming from the litigious society we live in. When a doctor has to come up with $175,000 in malpractice insurance premiums before he even opens a practice, he's going to be expensive to see. I don't know if tort reform is the answer here or the removal of liberal, activist judges. To sue for every missed diagnosis seeking enough money to live the rest of your life in luxury seems absurd, especially when the lawyers walk away with all the money anyway.
Immigration is another hot topic in America today. We need to close the borders, deport the illegally present people, eliminate the birth right citizenship for children of illegals born here, and stop extending aid from every government agency to help these people stay here. After all these things are in place and functioning, then we need to look at opening immigration to those who want to come here seeking our way of life. Those willing to learn our language and culture. Those who want to contribute to improving America should always be welcome, welcome to seek the American Dream.
Gun rights are a perpetual topic of debate and discussion in DC. I don't know why. The Bill of Rights is very clear on the subject. I understand that there are those who don't want guns, don't like guns, and think others should feel the same way they do. That's fine. if you can convince some that you are right, go ahead. That does not give you the right to try and take my liberties away from me. We can disagree about guns. We cannot disagree that I have the right to own them if I choose. The second amendment was intended to allow us the means to defend our liberty, our homes, and our families. It was not meant only for hunters or sportsmen.
What about state sovereignty? Do you think the individual states have any rights? I do. The Constitution of the United States grants only very few, limited powers to the federal government, reserving all powers not specifically enumerated to the feds to the states and the people. Lately, several states have joined together in raising their collective voices and telling the federal govenment "Hands Off". Alaska and Tennessee are two who have actually passed resolutions, signed by their Governors that inform the US Government that they will no longer tolerate federal involvement in state matters. God Bless them! In Tennessee the state esentially told the ATF to take a hike where ammunition and arms that are manufactured and sold in Tennessee are concerned. The argument is that if no interstate commerce is involved, no ATF oversight is involved. Of course, the ATF had an immediate response. The government agency told the people of Tennesee in an open letter that regardless of state law, the ATF regulations and federal law would be observed and enforced. I can just imagine how well THAT went over, can't you. I think that the ATF better tread very lightly in Tennessee. Lot's of hills and hollers where a person might 'get lost' and not be able to find their way out.
Enough for now, my blood pressure is getting too high.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Just a quick comment on the Tiller killing.
I'm finding it hard to know what the think. I'm sure killing him wasn't the answer. On the other hand, He did murder with impunity. He killed untold thousands of innocent children without so much as second thought. I find it interesting that he got whacked in a church where he was serving as usher.
Bottom line, killing him didn't change anything for the better. It may make it worse for the pro-life folks and the media and anti-gun folks will make a great deal of hay over the whole thing. Someone else will simply take his place, especially in the current political environment with Obama and his Obamunists running the show. The holocaust will continue.
It would be interesting to hear him try to explain himself to God.
I'm finding it hard to know what the think. I'm sure killing him wasn't the answer. On the other hand, He did murder with impunity. He killed untold thousands of innocent children without so much as second thought. I find it interesting that he got whacked in a church where he was serving as usher.
Bottom line, killing him didn't change anything for the better. It may make it worse for the pro-life folks and the media and anti-gun folks will make a great deal of hay over the whole thing. Someone else will simply take his place, especially in the current political environment with Obama and his Obamunists running the show. The holocaust will continue.
It would be interesting to hear him try to explain himself to God.
I hope you have been richly blessed by our heavenly Father since I last wrote. Have you become discouraged by the "good fight" we face day after day? I am. The enemy is at the gates. I pray for protection and that God will build a hedge around us to keep evil at bay. The news is not good. Our president has nominated his first Supreme Court Justice. He has followed through on his campaign promise to choose "Empathy" over constitutional knowledge. How Obama like of him. He ran as a populist who promised the sun, moon, and stars to his supporters if they would be willing to give up their rights, dignity, and freedom. We have sold out. We've thrown the baby out with the bath water. Being "right" or conservative or whatever you want to call it makes us targets for our own government, the media, the liberals and every other group that's jumped on the band wagon. We're called extremist, militant, crazy, Bible beaters, narrow minded, gun crazy, terrorists, haters, intolerant, and irrelevant. So?
Let me lay it on the line. Here's what I believe. Truth is an absolute. It doesn't matter if you agree or not. I'm not big on tolerance. Tolerance is for people who don't know what they believe. Let the other guy be tolerant of me for a change. Or not, I don't care. Extremist? Sure, why not. I'm extreme. I'm a man who will fight for what's right. I'll fight for my rights...heck, I'll fight for yours, too. I'll fight in the press, on line, through the mail or anywhere else you want. I'll fight in the streets if I have to. Guess that covers militant, too, huh? Bible beater? I guess so. If you look you can find the answer to EVERY problem in life in the Bible. You have to be smart enough to look and wise enough to believe. Narrow Minded? I can live with that. Certain things are just supposed to be a certain way. Civil Unions? Wrong. Illegal Immigrants? Wrong. Global warming? Wrong. Big government? Wrong. Real ID? Wrong. And on and on. Gun crazy. Yup. I got 'em. I'm keeping 'em. Want mine? You better bring your "A" game.
Recently people like me were set apart and named as potential terrorist threats by not one, but two different government issued documents. One from my own home state, Missouri, and the other by the good people at Homeland Security. I really take exception to these tags. I'm not a terrorist. If I want to make a statement I don't need to sneak around in the dark blowing up stuff like some damned coward (Bill Ayers comes to mind). If it comes down to that, I'll meet you in the middle of the street in broad daylight. There won't be any doubt in your mind about what I'm there for. We're down to "hater" on the list of all my alleged character flaws. Nonsense. I don't hate anyone. I either Love you or I simply don't care about you. Everyone gets the same chance with me. If you want to be a dishonest person that's your decision. Same goes for bigotted, ignorant, mean, hateful, or just plain bad. I'm not hung up on labels either, notice? I figure if it's OK for my enemies to use them about me it must be fair to go ahead and give it back.
I'm about as far from perfect as it's possible for a man to be. I'm glad God won't be able to see my sinfulness through the blood Jesus shed on the cross for me. I'll continue to believe and worship, pray, and study, in my quest to be more like Him. It's the only way I have the strength to keep on fighting.
Let me lay it on the line. Here's what I believe. Truth is an absolute. It doesn't matter if you agree or not. I'm not big on tolerance. Tolerance is for people who don't know what they believe. Let the other guy be tolerant of me for a change. Or not, I don't care. Extremist? Sure, why not. I'm extreme. I'm a man who will fight for what's right. I'll fight for my rights...heck, I'll fight for yours, too. I'll fight in the press, on line, through the mail or anywhere else you want. I'll fight in the streets if I have to. Guess that covers militant, too, huh? Bible beater? I guess so. If you look you can find the answer to EVERY problem in life in the Bible. You have to be smart enough to look and wise enough to believe. Narrow Minded? I can live with that. Certain things are just supposed to be a certain way. Civil Unions? Wrong. Illegal Immigrants? Wrong. Global warming? Wrong. Big government? Wrong. Real ID? Wrong. And on and on. Gun crazy. Yup. I got 'em. I'm keeping 'em. Want mine? You better bring your "A" game.
Recently people like me were set apart and named as potential terrorist threats by not one, but two different government issued documents. One from my own home state, Missouri, and the other by the good people at Homeland Security. I really take exception to these tags. I'm not a terrorist. If I want to make a statement I don't need to sneak around in the dark blowing up stuff like some damned coward (Bill Ayers comes to mind). If it comes down to that, I'll meet you in the middle of the street in broad daylight. There won't be any doubt in your mind about what I'm there for. We're down to "hater" on the list of all my alleged character flaws. Nonsense. I don't hate anyone. I either Love you or I simply don't care about you. Everyone gets the same chance with me. If you want to be a dishonest person that's your decision. Same goes for bigotted, ignorant, mean, hateful, or just plain bad. I'm not hung up on labels either, notice? I figure if it's OK for my enemies to use them about me it must be fair to go ahead and give it back.
I'm about as far from perfect as it's possible for a man to be. I'm glad God won't be able to see my sinfulness through the blood Jesus shed on the cross for me. I'll continue to believe and worship, pray, and study, in my quest to be more like Him. It's the only way I have the strength to keep on fighting.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
it's Easter
Happy Easter, All!!
I hope God richly blesses you and yours during this most Holy season. Get to church with your family and friends and worship God.
I had the priviledge of leading my bible study class last Sunday evening. What a frightful experience that was. I knew there would be some expectations of me. I was ready to accept that. I didn't realize the most pressure would be from me! I wanted to do a good job leading my friends through the lesson, be informed, relevent, interesting, and accurate. We use a Max Lucado workbook and it's very good. I was doing the lesson over the 40th chapter of Isaiah, verses 18-31. Isaiah 40 is a very grand, powerful chapter and I was excited about what I might be able to find for our study. WOW!!! was I ever overwhelmed by the preparation for this task.
A little background might be in order. I used to teach adult education classes, vocational stuff. Electrical theory, physics, algebra, and electrical code with some electronics thrown in for good measure. I am used to having students stare blankly at me and be so confused they can't even ask decent questions. It's easier that way...being the only one in the room who understands and I could use the shared ignorance of my class to propel them through the lessons with a high degree of sucess. No such luck with this crowd, all good students, many lifelong students of the scripture. Even worse...the pastor sat right next to me.
My task was to simply lead the way to the objective outlined by the work book author. Thank God for that. We looked at were we wanted to go and read the passage of scripture and they took the ball and ran with it. The hour we spent together flew by and I know I learned more from my classmates than I did in preparing to present the class. Even more amazing...they thanked ME for a good class!?!?
I can't wait for next month, it's Kenny's turn!
I hope God richly blesses you and yours during this most Holy season. Get to church with your family and friends and worship God.
I had the priviledge of leading my bible study class last Sunday evening. What a frightful experience that was. I knew there would be some expectations of me. I was ready to accept that. I didn't realize the most pressure would be from me! I wanted to do a good job leading my friends through the lesson, be informed, relevent, interesting, and accurate. We use a Max Lucado workbook and it's very good. I was doing the lesson over the 40th chapter of Isaiah, verses 18-31. Isaiah 40 is a very grand, powerful chapter and I was excited about what I might be able to find for our study. WOW!!! was I ever overwhelmed by the preparation for this task.
A little background might be in order. I used to teach adult education classes, vocational stuff. Electrical theory, physics, algebra, and electrical code with some electronics thrown in for good measure. I am used to having students stare blankly at me and be so confused they can't even ask decent questions. It's easier that way...being the only one in the room who understands and I could use the shared ignorance of my class to propel them through the lessons with a high degree of sucess. No such luck with this crowd, all good students, many lifelong students of the scripture. Even worse...the pastor sat right next to me.
My task was to simply lead the way to the objective outlined by the work book author. Thank God for that. We looked at were we wanted to go and read the passage of scripture and they took the ball and ran with it. The hour we spent together flew by and I know I learned more from my classmates than I did in preparing to present the class. Even more amazing...they thanked ME for a good class!?!?
I can't wait for next month, it's Kenny's turn!
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