President Obama has repeatedly said things like "we must remake America." He eludes to the fact that America must fundamentally change the way we do things. He has appologized for America constantly over the last several months.
Since I can't get President Obama on the phone, if there are any supporters out there who can answer my questions, please do so.
What are we re-building America from? What fundamental changes are we talking about? What is Obama appologizing for?
These are real and serious questions.
"I can't just press a button and suddenly have the bankers do exactly what I want or, you know, turn on a switch and suddenly, you know, Congress falls in line," Obama said.
What gives our president the right to have the bankers do exactly what he wants or to get congress to fall in line? Why does he think that's how it needs to be. Ths system is not built that way. Is it OK because he's "your guy?" What authority is he acting under?
Transcript of press conference:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/04/barack-obama-news-conference-text.html
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Protecting the Little Guy
Please dis-regard this post, it is only a rant against the progressive movement and the hypocrisy that exists amongst their leaders. Please Do Not Read.
"The smallest minority is the individual" -Rush Limbaugh
Under the guise of equality, minority rights, and social justice, the progressive movement in this country is building itself into a party that redistributes wealth and resources at will and seeks to remove the rights of anyone who disagrees with them or is a in a position to stop them. Power is the ultimate goal.
What government programs do you see as great successes?
In my humble opinion, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the democratic leaders are all pushing this progressive cause. President Bush did his part too by the way, although gradually. Reagan was the last President to actually reduce government programs at the federal level, which gave way to the last real expansion of wealth and opportunity for everyone in this country.
The progressive movement vilifies wealth and achievement outside of their own circles and seeks to create true class separation by creating a society that is truly dependant on the state to live, while the leaders live at the top of the hill with no regard to the struggles of the country around them.
They use their words to say that their actions are for the good of the whole people, but use their actions to suppress the whole people. Instead of wealth for all, it is poverty for all...shared sacrifice.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Show me a politician who themselves sacrifice what they ask their constituents to sacrifice? While our leaders today ask people to tighten their belts, they increase the tax burden to expand their own programs. The top 5% of this country earners pay over 50% of the tax burden, the top 50% of the earners in this country pay over 96% of the tax burden. Is this equality?
Only through conservative principles can freedom and prosperity come to pass. Only when every individual is protected can equal rights be realized. Only through conservatism can the lower class realize that the only person holding them back is themselves. Let's help the helpless, not the clueless.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Why do we not ACT on these words? Let's spread the idea that everyone can succeed. Let's create programs that encourage responsibility and hard work. Let's reward success not failure.
President Obama says that he doesn't want to run GM or the banks, but he has been forced into the position. NO HE HAS NOT. Our federal government has no right to fire individuals in private companies. Success will only be realized when we let the unsuccessful fail. So what if GM goes bankrupt. Maybe we can learn from our mistakes, instead of forcing people to make them again and again. The US economy is not at risk from failures of any size. We can only benefit to a greater degree in the end.
The law is blind and none are above it! Let's at least be consistent in the way we interpret the law.
-----------------------------------------------
"The smallest minority is the individual" -Rush Limbaugh
Under the guise of equality, minority rights, and social justice, the progressive movement in this country is building itself into a party that redistributes wealth and resources at will and seeks to remove the rights of anyone who disagrees with them or is a in a position to stop them. Power is the ultimate goal.
What government programs do you see as great successes?
In my humble opinion, President Obama, Nancy Pelosi, and the democratic leaders are all pushing this progressive cause. President Bush did his part too by the way, although gradually. Reagan was the last President to actually reduce government programs at the federal level, which gave way to the last real expansion of wealth and opportunity for everyone in this country.
The progressive movement vilifies wealth and achievement outside of their own circles and seeks to create true class separation by creating a society that is truly dependant on the state to live, while the leaders live at the top of the hill with no regard to the struggles of the country around them.
They use their words to say that their actions are for the good of the whole people, but use their actions to suppress the whole people. Instead of wealth for all, it is poverty for all...shared sacrifice.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS.
Show me a politician who themselves sacrifice what they ask their constituents to sacrifice? While our leaders today ask people to tighten their belts, they increase the tax burden to expand their own programs. The top 5% of this country earners pay over 50% of the tax burden, the top 50% of the earners in this country pay over 96% of the tax burden. Is this equality?
Only through conservative principles can freedom and prosperity come to pass. Only when every individual is protected can equal rights be realized. Only through conservatism can the lower class realize that the only person holding them back is themselves. Let's help the helpless, not the clueless.
Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, feed him for a lifetime.
Why do we not ACT on these words? Let's spread the idea that everyone can succeed. Let's create programs that encourage responsibility and hard work. Let's reward success not failure.
President Obama says that he doesn't want to run GM or the banks, but he has been forced into the position. NO HE HAS NOT. Our federal government has no right to fire individuals in private companies. Success will only be realized when we let the unsuccessful fail. So what if GM goes bankrupt. Maybe we can learn from our mistakes, instead of forcing people to make them again and again. The US economy is not at risk from failures of any size. We can only benefit to a greater degree in the end.
The law is blind and none are above it! Let's at least be consistent in the way we interpret the law.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Belief In Something
I believe in something that will allow me to live forever in paradise. I have seen a historical body of evidence that supports my position. I have reasoned and contemplated through the evidence and decided that allowing my beliefs to manifest themselves in my life, guiding my decisions, is the best course of action for me.
Since no one can argue that eternal life in a paradise world is bad, it seems logical to create laws that would force others, who may not be as enlightened as me, to follow my beliefs because I have their best interests at mind and everyone will be better off for it.
INSERT YOUR BELIEF HERE _______________
I have cold heartedly (at least in my mind) questioned the idea of man-made climate change, and the idea that taking care of our environment is good. I don't personally agree, but do think that the case can be made to not worry about what man may or may not do to the environment. I have laid out my case and hope to continue discussions on this matter. For some, the very foundations of life depend on us taking care of the very earth that sustains millions of life-forms. We live in a beautiful and amazing world, and we desire that every generation after us can see what we have seen.
My REAL concern is not that someone believes something differently than me, but that I might be able to retain my right to disagree, and not accept their beliefs as truth. Contrary to popular sentiment, science requires the integration of faith and belief in something that cannot totally be understood. We are told that we must separate faith and science, and that somehow religion and science must be separate. This is a lie, and is at the heart of the environmental problem in my view. To some, the environment is just a playground for science, not a beautiful creation that should be maintained. We are being asked to believe in science that runs counter to our very religion. For some, definitely not all, this science IS their religion.
I love the environmental cause...and environmentalists. But when our government, or those lobbying for the cause, takes up an issue like this and forces me to worship at the feet of the earth, forces me to think and act in a certain way, and forces me to accept the faith that science has put into their own beliefs and assumptions, THAT is where we all must draw the line.
Contrary to the beliefs of President Obama and the extreme left that guides our policies more than many might admit, our country IS a christian nation. A nation that was founded with the idea that our laws must come from outside our own understanding, a heavenly creator. John Jay, founding father stated that "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
Our christian nation does not require that everyone believe as we believe, or act as we act. But we do require the acceptance of our basic laws, our unalienable rights. Our environment is very important, but I WILL argue that the freedom is more important. The law is blind, and none are above it. Our basic rights will cease to exist, if we sacrifice a little piece of them for every good cause that comes along. Thanks to cousin Brennan for pointing out the wise words of Benjamin Franklin on this one. "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -Benjamin Franklin
Another interesting Quote for the day: "Diamond are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their job." - Malcolm Forbes
Since no one can argue that eternal life in a paradise world is bad, it seems logical to create laws that would force others, who may not be as enlightened as me, to follow my beliefs because I have their best interests at mind and everyone will be better off for it.
INSERT YOUR BELIEF HERE _______________
I have cold heartedly (at least in my mind) questioned the idea of man-made climate change, and the idea that taking care of our environment is good. I don't personally agree, but do think that the case can be made to not worry about what man may or may not do to the environment. I have laid out my case and hope to continue discussions on this matter. For some, the very foundations of life depend on us taking care of the very earth that sustains millions of life-forms. We live in a beautiful and amazing world, and we desire that every generation after us can see what we have seen.
My REAL concern is not that someone believes something differently than me, but that I might be able to retain my right to disagree, and not accept their beliefs as truth. Contrary to popular sentiment, science requires the integration of faith and belief in something that cannot totally be understood. We are told that we must separate faith and science, and that somehow religion and science must be separate. This is a lie, and is at the heart of the environmental problem in my view. To some, the environment is just a playground for science, not a beautiful creation that should be maintained. We are being asked to believe in science that runs counter to our very religion. For some, definitely not all, this science IS their religion.
I love the environmental cause...and environmentalists. But when our government, or those lobbying for the cause, takes up an issue like this and forces me to worship at the feet of the earth, forces me to think and act in a certain way, and forces me to accept the faith that science has put into their own beliefs and assumptions, THAT is where we all must draw the line.
Contrary to the beliefs of President Obama and the extreme left that guides our policies more than many might admit, our country IS a christian nation. A nation that was founded with the idea that our laws must come from outside our own understanding, a heavenly creator. John Jay, founding father stated that "Providence has given our people the choice of their rulers, and it is the duty, as well as privilege and interest, of a Christian nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."
Our christian nation does not require that everyone believe as we believe, or act as we act. But we do require the acceptance of our basic laws, our unalienable rights. Our environment is very important, but I WILL argue that the freedom is more important. The law is blind, and none are above it. Our basic rights will cease to exist, if we sacrifice a little piece of them for every good cause that comes along. Thanks to cousin Brennan for pointing out the wise words of Benjamin Franklin on this one. "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -Benjamin Franklin
-----------------------------------------------
Another interesting Quote for the day: "Diamond are nothing more than chunks of coal that stuck to their job." - Malcolm Forbes
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
We Cannot Destroy the Earth
This post could be controversial; calling into question many long held beliefs. I am not under the impression that I know more, or speak with more authority than any others, but these are provoking thoughts that could be worth thinking about as we seek to live at harmony with those around us. We are all specks in eternity. We either live for a purpose that will carry us into eternity, or we live and die in a system of meaningless chaos.
We should have more discussions about the environment...about saving the earth. Earth Day prompts us to evaluate our environment, with calls to action that we save our planet; but from what?
From Charlton Heston reading the intro to Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton.
Regardless of your view, either evolution or creation by an intelligent designer; the idea that we can destroy what has survived for billions of years, or the idea that we can destroy the things we do not even fully understand, that which our creator has developed with all-knowing wisdom, seems improbable.
I have not pondered these thoughts much. My God said to "be fruitful and multiply" and designed us to rule over the earth. If a being capable of such creation didn't see ahead and take into account the needs for a vast population with enormous needs and desires, he wouldn't have been much of a creator.
It is plain to see that throughout history, humans constantly improve on the findings and discoveries of those before us. Wood, coal, oil, nuclear power; we have yet to see what will come next. Will the earth be destroyed if we really do run out of the oil that our entire planet runs on, or will the human spirit simply find the next best thing that has been provided for our use.
I don't know what motivates and drives the dedicated environmentalists. It is plain that fear is used to spread the cause that are planet is actually in jeopardy. Can we, or should we, really fight against the natural selection of our evolution. If we have evolved, shouldn't we embrace these global changes so that we can learn who the strong really are. I think the case can be made that God has called us to take care of the earth that he has given us, if evolution isn't an option.
Regardless of the issue or the position that you take, the argument will ultimately come back to the creator, or lack thereof. This is becoming increasingly clear. Without the creator, every philosophical argument contradicts itself; at least that is what I have found so far.
Climate Change in Action
I want everyone to lock the findings of this article in your brain. In about 20 - 30 years, let's revisit what it says and see what we find.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8008473.stm
I have seen many articles over the last few months like this. Although they are never reported by the mainstream channels. The general tone is this: "scientists are amazed at something going on outside of our atmosphere", "these things haven't happened in a long time...when the earth was cooler", but "this will not change the warming affect that man has caused on the earth."
They present evidence that these events could lead to a cooler earth, then proceed to say that it has nothing to do with the cooler earth because they are automatically assuming that man has caused this carbon induced warming.
There is a lot of evidence out there that our globe could be affected by the sun, yet we are constantly told that there is no meaningful correlation. Only burning fossil fuels can cause such global catastrophe's. Carbon dioxide is the problem. We can't breath out without polluting the earth.
Tangent---
This is the perfect example of how this "science" and the legislating of laws based on fear-mongering from one side of the story promotes the idea that there is no god. The liberal-progressive-Darwinian science that everyone is taught to believe requires there be no god.
If there is a god, would he design us so that we pollute the earth when we breath out?
The science is far from settled on this "climate change" front. The scary part is that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has promised that climate change legislation (cap and trade) will be done by the end of the year. Taxes and Energy prices are going up if this happens. The rich aren't the ones that will stand by and let the government take all their money. It will be the lower and middle class that pay this bill. I would be happy for someone to show me how this will not be the case.
Let's have an honest debate about what we really know about the climate and how its temperature can be affected. Assuming that we know all we're going to know and cease all debate is a scary proposition. I guess this explains the need for quick action. If we don't act quickly, we might not have a problem to address.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8008473.stm
I have seen many articles over the last few months like this. Although they are never reported by the mainstream channels. The general tone is this: "scientists are amazed at something going on outside of our atmosphere", "these things haven't happened in a long time...when the earth was cooler", but "this will not change the warming affect that man has caused on the earth."
They present evidence that these events could lead to a cooler earth, then proceed to say that it has nothing to do with the cooler earth because they are automatically assuming that man has caused this carbon induced warming.
There is a lot of evidence out there that our globe could be affected by the sun, yet we are constantly told that there is no meaningful correlation. Only burning fossil fuels can cause such global catastrophe's. Carbon dioxide is the problem. We can't breath out without polluting the earth.
Tangent---
This is the perfect example of how this "science" and the legislating of laws based on fear-mongering from one side of the story promotes the idea that there is no god. The liberal-progressive-Darwinian science that everyone is taught to believe requires there be no god.
If there is a god, would he design us so that we pollute the earth when we breath out?
The science is far from settled on this "climate change" front. The scary part is that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has promised that climate change legislation (cap and trade) will be done by the end of the year. Taxes and Energy prices are going up if this happens. The rich aren't the ones that will stand by and let the government take all their money. It will be the lower and middle class that pay this bill. I would be happy for someone to show me how this will not be the case.
Let's have an honest debate about what we really know about the climate and how its temperature can be affected. Assuming that we know all we're going to know and cease all debate is a scary proposition. I guess this explains the need for quick action. If we don't act quickly, we might not have a problem to address.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
I am a Right Wing Extremist
I often wonder what the mood was right in the middle of the great depression. When the big government, tax and spend folks swooped into town claiming that their way would pull us out of recession, did they (along with many media outlets) vilify individuals and attack belief systems that were counter to their own?
Here is a report released by the department of Homeland Security on April 7, maybe you have heard about this already...maybe not.
Right Wing Extremism Threat
I would be interested to know if other documents like this have been released in the past. If you read the fine print, and the big print, there are some shocking claims in this document, which aims to warn law enforcement agencies around the country of people like me.
"Right wing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly anti government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
The quote above was taken from this document. Does anything here bother you? I am bothered by two things.
First: The idea that we should reject federal authority in favor of state authority is very constitutional. It was the states that ratified our constitution and gave the Federal government the powers that it has. Our 10th amendment says that any powers not delegated to the federal government are the responsibility of the state. There are plenty of things our federal government does that are not explicitly mentioned in the constitution, meaning it is entirely lawful for a state to enact its own laws that supersede federal authority. Since there is no mention of specific laws here, I can only assume that the Department of Homeland Security assumes that all federal authority supersedes the state authority.
Second: Abortion? Immigration? Are these issues really at the top of the list? I don't know what I can say about this. Are they really implying that those against the killing of babies are right wing extremists?
The document also [basically] says that white supremacists could be upset over the election of an African-American president and that veterans returning from combat are susceptible to recruitment by right wing extremist organizations....so watch out!
Since I am now lumped into the same group as white supremacists and the likes of Timothy McVeigh, I guess I am in trouble now. Perhaps I should re-evaluate my beliefs and support the socialist, anti-god tenants that are required here?
I may be way off-base here, but I would be happy for someone to read this document and tell me where I have gone wrong. I would be comforted to know that law enforcement is not being conditioned to suspect people on these conditions. This is disturbing.
Here is a report released by the department of Homeland Security on April 7, maybe you have heard about this already...maybe not.
Right Wing Extremism Threat
I would be interested to know if other documents like this have been released in the past. If you read the fine print, and the big print, there are some shocking claims in this document, which aims to warn law enforcement agencies around the country of people like me.
"Right wing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly anti government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
The quote above was taken from this document. Does anything here bother you? I am bothered by two things.
First: The idea that we should reject federal authority in favor of state authority is very constitutional. It was the states that ratified our constitution and gave the Federal government the powers that it has. Our 10th amendment says that any powers not delegated to the federal government are the responsibility of the state. There are plenty of things our federal government does that are not explicitly mentioned in the constitution, meaning it is entirely lawful for a state to enact its own laws that supersede federal authority. Since there is no mention of specific laws here, I can only assume that the Department of Homeland Security assumes that all federal authority supersedes the state authority.
Second: Abortion? Immigration? Are these issues really at the top of the list? I don't know what I can say about this. Are they really implying that those against the killing of babies are right wing extremists?
The document also [basically] says that white supremacists could be upset over the election of an African-American president and that veterans returning from combat are susceptible to recruitment by right wing extremist organizations....so watch out!
Since I am now lumped into the same group as white supremacists and the likes of Timothy McVeigh, I guess I am in trouble now. Perhaps I should re-evaluate my beliefs and support the socialist, anti-god tenants that are required here?
I may be way off-base here, but I would be happy for someone to read this document and tell me where I have gone wrong. I would be comforted to know that law enforcement is not being conditioned to suspect people on these conditions. This is disturbing.
Friday, April 10, 2009
The Proof is in the Pudding
I am still under the illusion that our leaders are taking us towards socialism. But it is the people who are doing it by electing those leaders.
Checkout a recent Rasmussen Poll
Only 53% of this country feels that capitalism is better than socialism? Maybe a history teacher can confirm some things for me; when did students stop learning about our founders and the constitution? Probably around the same time prayer was removed from the schools in the early 60's. That fits with the general trend of younger people leaning towards socialism.
Ignorance, plain and simple. People are failing to see the results of socialism across the globe and throughout history. There are no examples of a successful socialist state anywhere, anytime. People have mistaken the sins of people for the wrong social and economic system. I guess that is a natural move if there is no God, thus no sin.
In case you missed the elected officials who visited Fidel Castro last week, here is a recap.
Is Fidel Castro a person we should be looking up too? Am I crazy for thinking that these congressmen and women are off their rockers?
Checkout a recent Rasmussen Poll
Only 53% of this country feels that capitalism is better than socialism? Maybe a history teacher can confirm some things for me; when did students stop learning about our founders and the constitution? Probably around the same time prayer was removed from the schools in the early 60's. That fits with the general trend of younger people leaning towards socialism.
Ignorance, plain and simple. People are failing to see the results of socialism across the globe and throughout history. There are no examples of a successful socialist state anywhere, anytime. People have mistaken the sins of people for the wrong social and economic system. I guess that is a natural move if there is no God, thus no sin.
In case you missed the elected officials who visited Fidel Castro last week, here is a recap.
Is Fidel Castro a person we should be looking up too? Am I crazy for thinking that these congressmen and women are off their rockers?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Refocus
For my loyal follower:
I am still here, but I have had to get a dose of balance lately. I could have posted 10 times a day 6 weeks ago, now I am slowing down. I have mentioned this in the past, but it is so easy to get caught in the moment and fall into traps that history has shown us could have been avoided. I must remind myself that there is only a few simple steps I must follow.
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Mt 22:37-40
I have taken a big turn over the last few months from what I used to be. 2009 can be remembered as the year that I turned into the person that cares much less about looking good in the eyes of people around me. I don't want to give the impression that I know more, have reached any level of maturity or can claim that my faith is complete; that will never be the case. What I mean is that I am increasingly less concerned with impressing the people around me. This may stem from having 1.5 children, but I want my kids to see that faith matters and that sometimes life needs to hurt a little bit. I believe that right and wrong exist and I want everyone to believe this too. The big question is, who decides right from wrong?
I believe that this life is a blip in eternity. If this is REALLY true, what should I be doing differently?
In my opinion (and I would love someone to enlighten me), the liberal progressive movement in this country is taking us away from the values and principles that our country was founded on. Namely, the Constitution. Make no mistake, the Constitution IS rooted in the belief that there is a God and that God provides the foundational laws that we must follow. By extension, the liberal progressive movement is taking us away from God, asking us to believe that the will of the majority, Man's Law, is the ultimate authority.
It is plain to me that if God is not the foundation, then the tenants of socialism provide the only reasonable means to govern.
If no law exists that is above Man's Law, people cannot be trusted; they must only be controlled. This automatically means that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are subject to the will of those around us; not rights that we deserve for being human.
In my vague and brief glimpse into America's history over the last few months, I see the United States of America moving from the democratic republic that it WAS, to Socialism. We have decided, as a people, that God is not really that important. This does not mean that we force people to believe what we believe (this has never been the case, although some claim it has), it means that the only successful people, will be that group that roots their law in God, above the frailty of man.
Try explaining all this to a child or teenager. I am envisioning rolling eyes, sighs and a few "who cares?" thrown in. That is how my kids will probably react when I probe them about the things that really matter in the years to come. But, at least I can say that I gave them an option other than "the world."
I move forward with the understanding that I control nothing outside of myself. I can only hope to provide a positive example to those around me. It doesn't matter if we live in a socialist state, or under a tyrant that dictates my every move. I have my God, and this short blip in eternity will allow me a chance to love Him and those around me. Perhaps leading to an eternity of happiness and praise. If not, well, I will have attempted to live for those around me, rather than in the pursuit of the very things that would consume me.
What if our elected leaders actually followed the golden rule? Would they tax one person and give that money to someone else for their own political gain? Would they target individuals and bring down the wrath of the country on them? Would they provide benefits to themselves that the majority cannot enjoy?
Mankind will always have a remnant of God among them. We will ultimately come back to God's Law, and understand that each life is truly equal and that freedom means something.
Our president recently said "One of the great strengths of the United States, is, we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
I beg to differ!
Where do those ideals come from? Our nation was founded exactly by Christian values and ideals that the Christian God provided to us. I would hope our president would understand this. It is obviously a point of discontent. Unless of course, he is just saying what he thinks the Muslims in Turkey want to hear. Which is worse?
I am still here, but I have had to get a dose of balance lately. I could have posted 10 times a day 6 weeks ago, now I am slowing down. I have mentioned this in the past, but it is so easy to get caught in the moment and fall into traps that history has shown us could have been avoided. I must remind myself that there is only a few simple steps I must follow.
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” -Mt 22:37-40
I have taken a big turn over the last few months from what I used to be. 2009 can be remembered as the year that I turned into the person that cares much less about looking good in the eyes of people around me. I don't want to give the impression that I know more, have reached any level of maturity or can claim that my faith is complete; that will never be the case. What I mean is that I am increasingly less concerned with impressing the people around me. This may stem from having 1.5 children, but I want my kids to see that faith matters and that sometimes life needs to hurt a little bit. I believe that right and wrong exist and I want everyone to believe this too. The big question is, who decides right from wrong?
I believe that this life is a blip in eternity. If this is REALLY true, what should I be doing differently?
In my opinion (and I would love someone to enlighten me), the liberal progressive movement in this country is taking us away from the values and principles that our country was founded on. Namely, the Constitution. Make no mistake, the Constitution IS rooted in the belief that there is a God and that God provides the foundational laws that we must follow. By extension, the liberal progressive movement is taking us away from God, asking us to believe that the will of the majority, Man's Law, is the ultimate authority.
It is plain to me that if God is not the foundation, then the tenants of socialism provide the only reasonable means to govern.
If no law exists that is above Man's Law, people cannot be trusted; they must only be controlled. This automatically means that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are subject to the will of those around us; not rights that we deserve for being human.
In my vague and brief glimpse into America's history over the last few months, I see the United States of America moving from the democratic republic that it WAS, to Socialism. We have decided, as a people, that God is not really that important. This does not mean that we force people to believe what we believe (this has never been the case, although some claim it has), it means that the only successful people, will be that group that roots their law in God, above the frailty of man.
Try explaining all this to a child or teenager. I am envisioning rolling eyes, sighs and a few "who cares?" thrown in. That is how my kids will probably react when I probe them about the things that really matter in the years to come. But, at least I can say that I gave them an option other than "the world."
I move forward with the understanding that I control nothing outside of myself. I can only hope to provide a positive example to those around me. It doesn't matter if we live in a socialist state, or under a tyrant that dictates my every move. I have my God, and this short blip in eternity will allow me a chance to love Him and those around me. Perhaps leading to an eternity of happiness and praise. If not, well, I will have attempted to live for those around me, rather than in the pursuit of the very things that would consume me.
What if our elected leaders actually followed the golden rule? Would they tax one person and give that money to someone else for their own political gain? Would they target individuals and bring down the wrath of the country on them? Would they provide benefits to themselves that the majority cannot enjoy?
Mankind will always have a remnant of God among them. We will ultimately come back to God's Law, and understand that each life is truly equal and that freedom means something.
Our president recently said "One of the great strengths of the United States, is, we have a very large Christian population, we do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
I beg to differ!
Where do those ideals come from? Our nation was founded exactly by Christian values and ideals that the Christian God provided to us. I would hope our president would understand this. It is obviously a point of discontent. Unless of course, he is just saying what he thinks the Muslims in Turkey want to hear. Which is worse?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Update to Educate
Here is a great article on how our money system works. It is slightly technical and takes a few minutes to read, but I would encourage everyone to read it when you can.
http://mises.org/story/3390
http://mises.org/story/3390
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Be Fruitful and Multiply
"As for you, be fruitful and multiply; Populate the earth abundantly and multiply in it."
- Genesis 9:7
Does it comfort you to know people advising our leaders (under Bush and Obama) think our earth is overpopulated and unsustainable? Maybe they need to visit the midwest more often.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7974995.stm
The move to put "science in its rightful place" is an afront on faith and religion. Atheism seems to be the only option. Although according to Bill Maher, atheism isn't fair either because that requires taking a stand on faith [in nothing]. To have the audacity to proclaim something true on faith is simply rediculous. So we must be content to simply know that we will never understand why we are here, how we should act, and what natural laws should guide our lives.
- Genesis 9:7
Does it comfort you to know people advising our leaders (under Bush and Obama) think our earth is overpopulated and unsustainable? Maybe they need to visit the midwest more often.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7974995.stm
The move to put "science in its rightful place" is an afront on faith and religion. Atheism seems to be the only option. Although according to Bill Maher, atheism isn't fair either because that requires taking a stand on faith [in nothing]. To have the audacity to proclaim something true on faith is simply rediculous. So we must be content to simply know that we will never understand why we are here, how we should act, and what natural laws should guide our lives.
This Little Light of Mine
A group called the Party for Socialism and Liberation has been giving out flyers on university campuses in Los Angeles. I have been living in the dark while socialist principles have been growing. Are they really here in force? I am under the impression that people thought socialism had generally negative conotations. Do you agree with the principles outlined on the following page? Why? Why not?
http://www.pslweb.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7971
I wish this site was an April Fools joke, but it's not.
From generation to generation, we build upon the physical sciences to better understand the world around us. The social sciences are a different matter. Through ignorance of history, economics, and how society works, my generation has taken up the flag of the failed socialist schools of thought. Apparently capitalism is the enemy. Is this true? These socialist groups want to create a free society for the working class. Do they not understand that this requires the resignation of all their rights to a governing body? These ideals cannot last. What happens when they don't agree with that governing body? This model leads to dictatorship EVERY TIME.
When will we learn from the social science experiments of the past?
Is it possible to learn from the social sciences without experiencing them? Must we make the same mistakes, over and over again, until we come around and realize that our constitution, founded on the principle that people actually have rights that come from outside ourselves.
Life and Liberty.
I believe we can learn from history and avoid the mistakes of the past. I believe it is possible to create a society where people are treated fairly, where the poor are fed, and where the sick are healed. This society does not come through oppression and dictatorship. It comes through freedom and the idea that man can do good without being forced to do good; the idea that there is a law above the laws we create, a law that gives us truly unalienable rights.
There is a lot of mis-guided anger in this country, aimed at the people who have taken it upon themselves to provide for their own needs. Maybe I am wrong here, maybe dependance really does lead to freedom, but it just seems like the wrong path to me. I pray that my light is the true light, and history will ultimately reveal the truth as it has before.
http://www.pslweb.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=7971
I wish this site was an April Fools joke, but it's not.
From generation to generation, we build upon the physical sciences to better understand the world around us. The social sciences are a different matter. Through ignorance of history, economics, and how society works, my generation has taken up the flag of the failed socialist schools of thought. Apparently capitalism is the enemy. Is this true? These socialist groups want to create a free society for the working class. Do they not understand that this requires the resignation of all their rights to a governing body? These ideals cannot last. What happens when they don't agree with that governing body? This model leads to dictatorship EVERY TIME.
When will we learn from the social science experiments of the past?
Is it possible to learn from the social sciences without experiencing them? Must we make the same mistakes, over and over again, until we come around and realize that our constitution, founded on the principle that people actually have rights that come from outside ourselves.
Life and Liberty.
I believe we can learn from history and avoid the mistakes of the past. I believe it is possible to create a society where people are treated fairly, where the poor are fed, and where the sick are healed. This society does not come through oppression and dictatorship. It comes through freedom and the idea that man can do good without being forced to do good; the idea that there is a law above the laws we create, a law that gives us truly unalienable rights.
There is a lot of mis-guided anger in this country, aimed at the people who have taken it upon themselves to provide for their own needs. Maybe I am wrong here, maybe dependance really does lead to freedom, but it just seems like the wrong path to me. I pray that my light is the true light, and history will ultimately reveal the truth as it has before.
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