We went to a local tea party meeting last night. There were about 14 people attending. Surprisingly, we didn’t talk much about the health care fraud/crime perpetrated against the American people. We mostly listened to a pastor from Phoenix speak on the Constitutional Party – a third party alternative- and Debbie Lesko, our local State Representative. Objections to the third party were mostly about “splitting the party (GOP), hence, giving elections to the dems. My feeling on this subject is one of consideration. We should all consider the benefits third parties bring, and fourth and fifth and sixth, etc. There is nothing wrong with honest debate amongst and between candidates. Such debates can and do open doors to alternative ideas and give forum for such ideas. It kind of seems to me that the “leaders” involved with the two really do not want to see other parties gain inroads to to American processes, seeking to retain control of the government among their respective selves. Back before the last Presidential election, I too, had searched for an alternative to the Big Two, but once again found myself involved in the choice of the lesser of two evils. I only voted the McCain ticket because of Sarah Palin. I would have gone to a third party had she not been his choice for V.P. I will vote for her if she is fronted as a presidential candidate. I personally would hope she would run on an Independent ticket banking on true conservatives and Tea Party adherants as her base. What I guess I’m trying to say in too many words is the same thing many MANY Americans are feeling, that the two party system is in reality a one party system, the two appellation’s merely designating two sides of one coin. Indeed, they were one and the same until they split in 1824 over the election of Pres. Andrew Jackson. They quickly absorbed the smaller parties of like mindedness engaged in politics and quickly became the dominant factions seen today. The modern Libertarian Party has been around since 1971 and still has not made inroads into national politics. Their stances belie any attempts to ascendency as they (the stances) are often abhorrent to main line party members, being financially conservative and socially liberal, mutually exclusive ideals. The Tea Partiers simply want conservatism back into the conservative party, the Reps.
For further clarity, read my article about Compromise.
Ms. Lesko gave us a “guided tour” of the legislative process, from fund raising to voting on a bill, plus the path a bill takes to a) become law, b) to get quashed, plusplus strikeouts, amendments, and all the other wonderful things it takes to be an active, responsive Arizona Representative. Her presentation was clear and consise, prompting at least one attendee to ponder (in himself) if he might run for congress one day. Others pondered (in themselves) if their choice to run for an elected office was, indeed, a good idea. However, I don’t believe any one of us will consider withdrawing, each of us having a passion and sensing a calling to serve. Ms. Lesko also explained some current, pending legislation regarding firearms carry freedoms, Illegal border entry, and what the federal health insurance act will do for, for, and to us, respectively. As is often the case, federal mandates go unfunded, leaving the states to pick up the tab. It seems that most Washington politicians are addicted to OPM (other peoples money) and like meth users, do what they can to get their younger brothers and sisters (the states) addicted, too. It’s time for us, you and me, to say enough. Actually, we need to shout it, loudly and clearly, and more, talk to our neighbors. Help them get involved, teach them to say no, no more. Ask them if they like having 40% of their paychecks taken from them as taxes. Ask if they will like it more when the number is 60%. Ask them if they have ever wondered why it takes until April or May to be “tax free”. Will it be better when they have to work until August or September? The health care reform debate was never about your health, it is about control. OF YOU. I’m not trying to frighten anyone, this is just how it is, at the moment. The American people have it in THEIR hands to change Washington’s mind. Replace the mind. Vote for responsible, responsive, constitutional Representatives and Senators. Join the Tea Party. Join the Heritage Foundation. Join the NRA. Be informed when leadership is abused. Equally, be informed when leadership is used honorably.Write to your local and national Congress people. Let them know that you are watching closely and that you stand behind them, or that they have done constitutionally incorrectly. Read and know the U.S. Constitution, your state Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the other seventeen amendments to the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense, and countless other worthy works regarding the American way of life. Yes, doing these things will take of your precious time, but on an (to me) interesting side note, I find political activity to be fun and rewarding. I no longer have to say, ”I wish”, I can say, “I did”. It’s a good feeling
It seems I’ve been remiss in adding posts to this blog. It has been a really busy month or so. I am a musician and perform at retirement facilities on a regular basis. It seem that this has picked up considerably and I am enjoying singing for the elders. I have also been working on some home projects, getting the pool ready for summer (it’s a salt water pool and requires a little bit more maintenance – or maybe just different, eh), cleaning the place for my mother-in-law’s 80th birthday (that was on March 1st), and I have been repairing and painting a gazebo that stands over the hot-tub. That’s been nearly full time for a couple of weeks now, but the end is in sight. My early a.m. job is getting very slow and I soon will need to seek other avenues of geetus control. (That’s money to you younger folk who have never seen and studied the incredible slapstick comedy of Moe, Larry, and Curly.
A local redio personality was trying to alliterate the trio to Nancy Pellozi (sic) Harry Reed, and Joe Biden. I must admit that I took great offense that The Nearly Famous Barry Young would defame the Three Stooges by comparing them to those other named ones. It did, however, get me thinking about the Stooges and the great pleasure they gave me. And not just in my younger years, either, I still laugh to pain when I see their skits. I honestly believe that the only thing I’ve ever seen that was funnier than the Stooges, was Jim Carrey as Ace Ventura in, “When Nature Calls”. The scene of Him exiting the rhino made me (and my wife, Brenda) laugh so hard, I nearly passed out. Tears rolling, me rolling on the floor… I don’t remember how many times we watched and rewatched that scene. I still guffaw when we see it.
I think it’s very important to laugh long and hard, especially in these times we are in now. It’s ok to be angry at congress, whichever side, but a person cannot live with constant anger. It’ll kill ya, ‘s’what it’ll do. Try to find something to laugh at. You’ll live longer.
God Bless You
I’ve been struggling with a skin condition for several years now. I believe it is the result of sin that I committed as a Christian. I am forgiven, and God will not view it any more. However, there are physical consequences to our actions. My wife and I pray constantly for the affliction to be taken away, but I am prepared for the humbling from the LORD.
The first dermatologist I went to gave a rather cursory examination of the affected area and pronounced with doctorly confidence, “It’s hand eczema.” It still presents that way but has morphed into something else. The last skin dr. believes it to be psoriasis. Now, bear in mind. In between these doctor visits, a couple of years, has been a daily regimen of creams, lotions, ointments, etc., etc. We have finally found a combination of things that do help, these being, Luxiva, an expensive Merle Norman product, Jergens Shea butter lotion, tea tree oil, and ice packs. Perfumes, multiple chemicals, dyes, all contribute to the irritation of the skin and these items seem to have the fewest irritants. Even now as I write I have an Ice pack draped over my foot, cooling the incessant itch.
At my primary care Dr.’s the other day, she mentioned that as I had been diagnosed with psoriasis, that, possibly, I have what is called psoriatic arthritis, as I do have arthritic pain in my hands, feet, hips, and possibly my neck. I’ll go to the arthritis specialist later this month and be checked out. My Dr. thought that some autoimmune suppressant drugs might be called for to help. I don’t know. I’ll just have to wait and see. Until then My wife and I will keep praying to the LORD, as He is the first line of defense for Christians, and our sovreign LORD.
I’ve been having fun doing the “This Weeks Bible Verse” page. That’s why I’ve been a tad lax with adding new posts. I’ve also been gearing up for my coming campaign for City Council. Trying to list the things I stand for and believe in is a daunting task. Boiling things down to just a few bullet points is the hard part. I want people to know everything but that’s just too much information to digest. I’ve been trying to pick a few key items for a flyer. I’m basically fiscal and social conservative. Refine and reduce spending, taxes, dependence on state and federal monies, refine, reduce, eliminate “entitlement” programs, take a VERY close look at education and the problems inherent with the school systems. Basically, putting control back into the hands of the people and local communities, or, as Mark Levin puts it, going back to a “Civil Society”. One belief of mine is that a Constitutional Nation begins at home, in the home. And no, it’s not going to be “the easy way out”, It will be difficult. But a people that abrogates its responsibilities is a people under subjugation. Resecuring freedom will be a painful process. It will take a very long time. Patience and endurance needs be the watchword. Action and involvement needs be the path. Strength and courage needs be the force. And finally, do not be afraid. Stand in the knowledge of truth and right.
But in the fourth generation they shall come hither again: for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.
This verse, number 16, sits towards the end of chapter16 of Genesis. Abram had questioned God about an heir and God “brought him forth abroad and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.” God further states that He would give that land for an inheritance. Abram asks for a proof of the promises and God directs Abram to make a sacrifice. God puts Abram into a deep sleep and gives him a vision.
13 And he said unto Abram, Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs, and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them four hundred years; 14 And also that nation, whom they shall serve, will I judge: and afterward shall they come out with great substance. 15 And thou shalt go to thy fathers in peace; thou shalt be buried in a good old age.
How often do we, in times of trouble or stress, think that the “bad” things that happen to us are our fault? We think that we’ve done something terribly wrong to “deserve” the “punishment” we’re going through. The above verse illustrates how oftimes it’s nothing we’ve done, but are “suffering the consequences of other people’s wrongdoing.
I’m sure it was not a pleasant thing for the Israelites to go through, four hundred years of slavery. But look what they received for it. They were fed, clothed, allowed to become a nation millions strong, protected from wars, learned trades. They learned how to live in cities instead of being nomads. They did lack freedom. But when freedom came they attained even greater glory. They got a very present God, a country, a temple, and a way of life unequaled in history.
Hard things have a way of taking us unawares. That’s one of the reasons they are hard. The Christian has to know that God will deliver from hard times. Stay prayed up, stay read up, and keep your chin up. God has a plan and sometimes waits until the iniquity of the Amorites is full.