As I have stated over and over again, I own a TV but do not have a subscription to any televised service...I have a library of DVDs that watch, over and over again. On occasion, I may stop in at a sports bar and grill, and perhaps catch some program; therefore, I am not totally ignorant of what is going on. I also tend to prefer reading to watching. Currently I am reading Bill O’Reilly’s book, Pinheads and Patriots; Where You Stand in the Age of Obama.
On page 63, beginning at line 12, Mr. O’Reilly states: By contrast, my analysis of Barack Obama and everything else in the public arena is fact-based, not ideological. The President, as I’ve suggested, cannot be accurately branded a “socialist” until he starts messing around with private property. You can rightly call some of his policies “socialistic”–and I have–but saying Obama is the El Norte version of Hugo Chavez is absurd. Are not the policies of an administration reflective of the leader of the administration?
Only 6 pages later, Mr. O’Reilly states: President Obama and his team want to pass laws that put even more power and money in the hands of the federal government; that, very simply, is my primary beef with them. The more shots are called from Washington, the fewer options we the people have in our own lives. Rugged individualism made this country great, not entitlement programs rigged to provide “income redistribution.” Is not the bedrock of personal property ownership, the ability to earn a day’s wage, and to keep it? Additionally, owning personal property, inherently involves the “freedom” to do with the day’s wages, as I please?
So, I am wondering, the war we fought with Great Britain, the great Tea Party, were embodied with the understanding that we were through with oppressive taxation. We were through with not being able to own personal property; to do with what we have made, as we see appropriate. A lot of the “old money” we find in America today, was earned while this country was not “socialistic” in ideology...a lot of that money was earned before there was much in the way of income tax. Fact is, wealth comes only from being able to earn, and do with the earnings as the individual deems appropriate.
Is it not educational to recognize that one of the basic tenets of Marxist-Leninist ideology is a progressive taxation? And are we not currently utilizing “progressive taxation” in this country? Soak the rich? Make the rich pay their fair share? Until we scrap the “progressive taxation” method, and replace it with perhaps a wealth tax...we are not going to be the land of the free. The rich are not affected by the laws that get passed regarding taxation, simply because, they have the money to circumvent the law. OK, we tax income, but we allow deductions for mortgage interest, charity work, and investment. Pure income tax, would tax every penny a person receives for a day’s work. You want to make the rich pay? Remove all income deductions, and tax every cotton-pickin penny a person gets. Does that sound, uncaring, unChristian? Well, any taxation is actually uncaring, unChristian!
So, let me get this straight...I spent twenty-nine years on active duty in the US Naval Service. Every penny I made I paid income tax on; and social security tax. Except for the thirteen months I was identified as being in a combat zone, which con-gress said income was tax exempt. Now, I am retired from the military, and I am paying income tax on the retainer pay I receive. Are you surprised I call it “retainer pay” rather than “retirement pay”? It really is “retainer”; I am still subject to recall to active duty, and I am under the auspices of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Funny, military personnel are paid from “public funds” (taxes), but do not have the right of collective bargaining. Get over it! The average military person is the true “public servant” and serves the public, not for what he/she can get out of the public, but because it is the right thing to do, and because there is national pride there.
So, I am labeled a “veteran”, yet, because I receive a retainer pay that I pay taxes on, and it is greater than the “means testing” amount allowed, I am put at the back of the line in utilizing VA medical benefits. OK, I don’t use medical much anyway, so, I can live with that. I am also labeled as a “senior citizen”; and I am drawing on sosh security benefits...that I have paid into for most of my adult life, and I am getting my socks taxed off because of the benefit. I should have saved for my old age??? Most of the time I was on active duty, I didn’t make enough money to do a lot of saving. But guess what? Today, we are being taxed oppressively on savings, because of interest earned. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! Oh, and didn’t I hear something being said about Obama’s administration wanting to convert 401K, and IRA accounts into government accounts, administered by IRS? GIVE ME A BREAK!!!
Bottom line, I guess is still, if it walks like a duck, if it talks like a duck, if it smells like a duck, if it looks like a duck, it sure ain’t a lamb!
Saturday, May 28, 2011
Sunday, May 8, 2011
my two cents
I been cogitating on “The Tea Party”.
If we were to revisit the “Tea Party” held in Boston bay, we would find the rebellion centered around taxation, and onerous government. What happened? Did the people band together in groups and wave signs and listen to speakers talk about how mad we are? I don’t think so. What they did do, was to dump the British tea...taxed to the hilt...into the sea, to tell the king, we are tired of your ways, and this is what we think of it.
So, here we are, a couple of hundred years later, and we are attempting to resurrect the efficacy of the Boston Tea Party. Symbolism does nothing; it takes substance to get anything done. We have had Tea Party get togethers, and even had the Tea Party Express traveling across the country to demonstrate our solidarity. But where did that get us? The government looks at the effort and makes jokes, they libel the name by which we are attempting to have a say. The government knows we are not a threat, because they have all the media supporting them, and assisting them in denigrating grass root activism.
The dirty little secret??? They know we may gather in groups and talk and listen, but when it comes down to the rubber meeting the road, they know we ain’t gonna do anything.
So, me thinks, what would approximate a Tea Party today? Indulge me a moment while my mind wanders and looks at possibilities.
How much impact could we have, in the say of things, if everyone who claims to be a supporter of the Tea Party, smaller government, less taxation, less discretionary spending, and less social spending by government were to take a stand?
What statement could we make, if everyone would, say, all in one month, cancel all subscriptions to newspapers, newsmagazines, and cable/dish/satellite television? Would that not be a dumping of the “tea” in the harbor? All these media people shill for the socialist government thugs, because they realize how stupid the average munchkin in flyover country is. They know that we will continue to pay for their slanted stenography and they have nothing to worry about. What would they do if all of a sudden twenty or fifty million people cancelled their subscriptions?
Think about it! That’s all I am asking...THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
If we were to revisit the “Tea Party” held in Boston bay, we would find the rebellion centered around taxation, and onerous government. What happened? Did the people band together in groups and wave signs and listen to speakers talk about how mad we are? I don’t think so. What they did do, was to dump the British tea...taxed to the hilt...into the sea, to tell the king, we are tired of your ways, and this is what we think of it.
So, here we are, a couple of hundred years later, and we are attempting to resurrect the efficacy of the Boston Tea Party. Symbolism does nothing; it takes substance to get anything done. We have had Tea Party get togethers, and even had the Tea Party Express traveling across the country to demonstrate our solidarity. But where did that get us? The government looks at the effort and makes jokes, they libel the name by which we are attempting to have a say. The government knows we are not a threat, because they have all the media supporting them, and assisting them in denigrating grass root activism.
The dirty little secret??? They know we may gather in groups and talk and listen, but when it comes down to the rubber meeting the road, they know we ain’t gonna do anything.
So, me thinks, what would approximate a Tea Party today? Indulge me a moment while my mind wanders and looks at possibilities.
How much impact could we have, in the say of things, if everyone who claims to be a supporter of the Tea Party, smaller government, less taxation, less discretionary spending, and less social spending by government were to take a stand?
What statement could we make, if everyone would, say, all in one month, cancel all subscriptions to newspapers, newsmagazines, and cable/dish/satellite television? Would that not be a dumping of the “tea” in the harbor? All these media people shill for the socialist government thugs, because they realize how stupid the average munchkin in flyover country is. They know that we will continue to pay for their slanted stenography and they have nothing to worry about. What would they do if all of a sudden twenty or fifty million people cancelled their subscriptions?
Think about it! That’s all I am asking...THINK ABOUT IT!!!!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Say it ain't so
Well, shucky-durn! Anybody that did not see higher taxes coming? Well, I suspect that the people who received the “stimulus” money are not too worried about tax increases. But, how bout them folks who are about to really feel the change that is about to become reality? Reality can be a real bitch! Wanna know why they used drugs in the 60s? Drugs help color reality, so you can cope... Yeah!, right.
We apparently have some people that really believe the federal hog trough will never run out. Yeah, sock it to the rich. I for one would really like to see all the rich MFCS in Washington, DC lead from the front. They complain there are too many rich people in this country, but I don’t see any of them willing to give up their wealth and lucrative compensation.
Look at what is happening in New York City...the rich are being confiscatorily taxed...and they are running away. We have already seen the results of taxation...look at the businesses that have moved overseas. Why do you think that has happened? Not because labor is cheaper ~~ but because taxation is less.
One day, we here in America are going to wake up and find that we are no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. When only the political class has any money, and the general public stand and wait for a little benevolence from the rulers, there is no longer any freedom. We are already hearing the political class talking about this being a nation of laws. Bull shit!!! This is a nation founded on the principle of freedom and liberty. Every time a new law is written we have lost more freedom and liberty. Don’t think so??? How about going to renew your driver’s license. We now have to show birth certificate, sosh security card, and current bills from our residence. There was a day in this country when a person could travel around without a job, and not be hassled, except when hopping rides on trains without paying. You didn’t have to have a sosh security card, or ID card, or health insurance, or life insurance, or proof of residency. And today, if you are stopped for walking along the roadway and cannot prove residency, you can be locked up for vagrancy.
I remember reading a book by a Russian named Sergei Kourdakov. In the book he told of life in Soviet Russia; life back in the 50s and early 60s. Back when they were a nation of laws, and there was no freedom or liberty. Sure, you had the freedom to stand in line for days to maybe pick up a loaf of three day old bread, but generally found out you were too late for any. He told of how neighbors feared the government, and would tell on their neighbors. Think about it...you get your neighbor locked up for something, you can pretty well help yourself to their goods. Think that could not happen here? Try this on for size...in either New York, or California, you can call the police because you can smell cigarette smoke coming from your neighbor, and the authorities will cite them...how much more will it take for the violator to be arrested? He told of how you could be arrested and incarcerated for talking against the government. So, the husband/father gets arrested for speaking against the government, and his family is shunned. They are not allowed to receive any welfare...mom cannot get a job...the children look for food wherever they can find it, and most usually get in trouble for trying to steal from vendors, which gets them locked up also.
Yeah, there is coming a day, if we don’t realize what is happening. We will no longer recognize this great nation. There will be only downcast eyes wherever you go. No one will be allowed to own property of any kind. Only the political class will have private vehicles, and homes with electricity and running water. Only the political class will have food enough. And then, and then, AND THEN, uhn uh... it will then be too late, because we, the people will no longer have a right to vote, or have any say in how we are governed/ruled. I gave 29 years of my life to protect this way of life, where we the people have a say in our governing...how it breaks my heart to find there are so many people who think there is a better way of living.
The human soul longs for freedom...when freedom is gone, the soul is crushed. May God have mercy on our souls.
We apparently have some people that really believe the federal hog trough will never run out. Yeah, sock it to the rich. I for one would really like to see all the rich MFCS in Washington, DC lead from the front. They complain there are too many rich people in this country, but I don’t see any of them willing to give up their wealth and lucrative compensation.
Look at what is happening in New York City...the rich are being confiscatorily taxed...and they are running away. We have already seen the results of taxation...look at the businesses that have moved overseas. Why do you think that has happened? Not because labor is cheaper ~~ but because taxation is less.
One day, we here in America are going to wake up and find that we are no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. When only the political class has any money, and the general public stand and wait for a little benevolence from the rulers, there is no longer any freedom. We are already hearing the political class talking about this being a nation of laws. Bull shit!!! This is a nation founded on the principle of freedom and liberty. Every time a new law is written we have lost more freedom and liberty. Don’t think so??? How about going to renew your driver’s license. We now have to show birth certificate, sosh security card, and current bills from our residence. There was a day in this country when a person could travel around without a job, and not be hassled, except when hopping rides on trains without paying. You didn’t have to have a sosh security card, or ID card, or health insurance, or life insurance, or proof of residency. And today, if you are stopped for walking along the roadway and cannot prove residency, you can be locked up for vagrancy.
I remember reading a book by a Russian named Sergei Kourdakov. In the book he told of life in Soviet Russia; life back in the 50s and early 60s. Back when they were a nation of laws, and there was no freedom or liberty. Sure, you had the freedom to stand in line for days to maybe pick up a loaf of three day old bread, but generally found out you were too late for any. He told of how neighbors feared the government, and would tell on their neighbors. Think about it...you get your neighbor locked up for something, you can pretty well help yourself to their goods. Think that could not happen here? Try this on for size...in either New York, or California, you can call the police because you can smell cigarette smoke coming from your neighbor, and the authorities will cite them...how much more will it take for the violator to be arrested? He told of how you could be arrested and incarcerated for talking against the government. So, the husband/father gets arrested for speaking against the government, and his family is shunned. They are not allowed to receive any welfare...mom cannot get a job...the children look for food wherever they can find it, and most usually get in trouble for trying to steal from vendors, which gets them locked up also.
Yeah, there is coming a day, if we don’t realize what is happening. We will no longer recognize this great nation. There will be only downcast eyes wherever you go. No one will be allowed to own property of any kind. Only the political class will have private vehicles, and homes with electricity and running water. Only the political class will have food enough. And then, and then, AND THEN, uhn uh... it will then be too late, because we, the people will no longer have a right to vote, or have any say in how we are governed/ruled. I gave 29 years of my life to protect this way of life, where we the people have a say in our governing...how it breaks my heart to find there are so many people who think there is a better way of living.
The human soul longs for freedom...when freedom is gone, the soul is crushed. May God have mercy on our souls.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Whatever will be, will be
I believe it was William Bendix, back in the old “Life of Riley” TV series, that used to lament: “What a revoltin’ development this turned out to be”. Yeah, I can relate; or as we used to say, “I second that emotion”.
So, are you aware that ignorance is bliss? Look how blissfully we have existed this past couple of decades with “Public Servants”. I have applied for employment at the county building a number of times, and was aware that starting wage was like thirteen dollars an hour. Truth be known, I thought that might be a good job to get into. The blissful ignorance comes in to play when I learn that “Public Servants” are paid from our taxes. Hmmmmmm!!!! See?
And so, I hear the Mayor, and the Governor talking about how we need to cut spending for schools, police, and fire fighters, or increase taxes, and I think about how that sounds right. No more!
Unless I am mistaken...who garnishes the most disparaging remarks from the average citizen these days? Ain’t it the DMV? Ever try to ask a question of one of the “Public Servants” working there, especially if your number ain’t come up yet? Yeah!! You got it. So, she is making fourteen dollars an hour to tell me to wait my turn; and I am helping to pay her wages. Ah, yes, have you been to the local county office, lately, say to renew your vehicle license plates? Uhmmmm! How long did you wait in line? Right, and the person you spoke to definitely demonstrated excellent people skills, right? Hey, you catch on pretty quick...Yes! They are also “Public Servants” probably making thirteen or more dollars an hour to see how much you can be inconvenienced.
Now, honey baby, that ain’t right!
Because, that is exactly what is going on in other states today, as we hear about Public Service Unions demanding collective bargaining rights. You see, they want to talk with our “elected” officials about how much money they should be getting for the long, and tedious hours they must work...when we the people are actually their employers. If they want collective bargaining, they need to be talking with us. Not the Mayor, or the Governor. Can you imagine what would happen if we the people were bargained with for their pay, and benefits? After spending two hours to renew your vehicle or your driver’s license, and putting up with the excellent people skills of the “Public Servants” how excited are you gonna be to vote to increase their wages? That’s what I thought.
Now, when it comes time to vote, because we have a right to be in on this process, since we are the ones paying them...you gonna vote to raise taxes to increase their wages and benefits, while reducing what the police, and fire fighters get paid? You know, I haven’t even gone into the pay and benefits that go to the legislators, and Mayor, and Governor. Some where, some how, the gravy train has got to stop. Ignorance is rapidly becoming depressing rather blissful. What do you think?
Yeah, What a revolting development this has turned out to be!
So, are you aware that ignorance is bliss? Look how blissfully we have existed this past couple of decades with “Public Servants”. I have applied for employment at the county building a number of times, and was aware that starting wage was like thirteen dollars an hour. Truth be known, I thought that might be a good job to get into. The blissful ignorance comes in to play when I learn that “Public Servants” are paid from our taxes. Hmmmmmm!!!! See?
And so, I hear the Mayor, and the Governor talking about how we need to cut spending for schools, police, and fire fighters, or increase taxes, and I think about how that sounds right. No more!
Unless I am mistaken...who garnishes the most disparaging remarks from the average citizen these days? Ain’t it the DMV? Ever try to ask a question of one of the “Public Servants” working there, especially if your number ain’t come up yet? Yeah!! You got it. So, she is making fourteen dollars an hour to tell me to wait my turn; and I am helping to pay her wages. Ah, yes, have you been to the local county office, lately, say to renew your vehicle license plates? Uhmmmm! How long did you wait in line? Right, and the person you spoke to definitely demonstrated excellent people skills, right? Hey, you catch on pretty quick...Yes! They are also “Public Servants” probably making thirteen or more dollars an hour to see how much you can be inconvenienced.
Now, honey baby, that ain’t right!
Because, that is exactly what is going on in other states today, as we hear about Public Service Unions demanding collective bargaining rights. You see, they want to talk with our “elected” officials about how much money they should be getting for the long, and tedious hours they must work...when we the people are actually their employers. If they want collective bargaining, they need to be talking with us. Not the Mayor, or the Governor. Can you imagine what would happen if we the people were bargained with for their pay, and benefits? After spending two hours to renew your vehicle or your driver’s license, and putting up with the excellent people skills of the “Public Servants” how excited are you gonna be to vote to increase their wages? That’s what I thought.
Now, when it comes time to vote, because we have a right to be in on this process, since we are the ones paying them...you gonna vote to raise taxes to increase their wages and benefits, while reducing what the police, and fire fighters get paid? You know, I haven’t even gone into the pay and benefits that go to the legislators, and Mayor, and Governor. Some where, some how, the gravy train has got to stop. Ignorance is rapidly becoming depressing rather blissful. What do you think?
Yeah, What a revolting development this has turned out to be!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Well, this morning began with a promise...Then I looked at the latest news, and realized that reality just doesn't like homeostasis.
States on the brink of bankruptcy, and yet, law-making critters refuse to do what needs to be done in order to correct the deficiencies. South Dakota isn't on that list, but we see the results of political leeches doing what they can to perpetuate their idiocy. The recent snow found us with many roads not plowed curb to curb, and as the snow melts, streets and sidewalks are flooded turning to ice as temp drops. Talk is of reducing budget monies to police, teachers, and firemen...but as of yet, nothing about reducing social programs like "sculpture walk" or welfare, or you name it.
And just listen to the law-making critters scream when talk is of reducing their stipend...there is just something not very moral about elected "public" officials making more money than the average citizen they are elected to take care of. This is true at all levels of gummint. We really have left all semblance of reality when it comes to governing.
Methinks it takes a pretty poor specimen of humanity to want to tear apart the country they live in. Kind of reminds me of dog kennels...everyone knows that when you inbreed dogs to some degree, they lose all sense of taking care of themselves...even to lying and sleeping in their bodily waste. Yeah, does kinda sound like some of them "con-gress critters".
May God Almighty have mercy on our souls for destroying a blessed life.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Topsy-turvy?
We have reports from early historians (including Jewish), that Jesus Christ, literally turned the world upside-down. How, you may ask, could He have turned the world upside-down? He disdained the popular understanding of man’s relationship to each other, and to God.
Jesus was probably the first “equal rights” crusader. For sure He healed indiscriminately, and met people at their need, not their want. He spoke of going the extra mile, and that a worker was worth his pay. He spoke of loving, and forgiving, those around us, rather than extracting an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. He set forth the example we were to follow: Love as I have loved you, and forgive as your heavenly Father has forgiven you. Jesus spent His days lifting others up, and encouraging them to be the best they could be. Isn’t that the pattern set down throughout the Hebrew/Jewish history? He taught us to value all life.
Today, we are witnessing another upheaval in the world. The movement appears to be returning to the old ways. One person has property rights over another. We no longer are satisfied to get along, we now have a need to get even. We no longer respect or value life. We indiscriminately kill people before they are born. We are seeing evil being extolled, while good is attacked as bad. I am amazed to learn that law-abiding citizens are considered a threat to our livelihood, while people committed to destroying us and our way of life are considered to be heroes. A lie told often enough becomes a form of truth.
Pundits claim that the increase in gun and ammo purchases after the debacle in Arizona is a harbinger of calamity. If you are a law-abiding citizen, and you lawfully own firearms, you are a threat to the rest of the country. My guess is, that had the people gathered to hear congress-critter Giffords been packing lawfully, there would not have been so many people shot. Criminals feel safe in “no gun zones”. They are pretty sure there is no one going to stop them until they are able to do the damage they want.
It is true, I carry a gun, not because I am afraid, but because I am confident that I can defend myself when, and if, it should ever come to that. I also carry a gun, because I cannot carry a cop; have you ever called 911? Think about the time it takes for the operator to extract the information they need, to verify there is a threat, and then think about how long it takes for law enforcement officers to get to where you are.
Christianity is the only religion/belief that encourages living in peace. So, then, how come with all the bumper stickers, and billboards touting the message, “unity” “coexist” “can’t we all get along?” are we seeing an unprecedented attack on Christianity? How come, the department of home land security has identified Christians as terrorists? If my remembery is correct, it seems to me, that the Communism that was rampant when I was growing up, had quite an adverse reaction to Christianity. Then, history shows us that the Third Reich primarily failed because they acted to erase the Jewish/Hebrew people, only to find out that the Christian community stood up and stood beside the Jewish/Hebrew people. The two world wars we were involved in have shown us that Communism, socialism, Nazism have their beginnings in evil. When people wish to lord it over other people, and take the opportunity to exterminate others who do not see eye to eye with them, we are dealing with evil. E V I L!!!! For evil to flourish, a good man need do nothing.
How have we gotten to this place in time, and in history? America is considered to be a Christian nation. Ask anyone on the street, and they are probably going to say that they are a Christian. They have gone to Sunday School, recited catechism, been confirmed and baptized and are now a part of the body of Christ. You will even hear that they have been married in the church, and have made arrangements for the church to perform their funeral. They even force their children to go to Sunday School, and go through the motions of meeting the requirements for the ritual of joining the church. They may even pray before meals, but come Monday morning through Saturday night they forget that Christianity is a way of life, they assume it is a point to reach, an apex, an ultimate place to stand. There is probably no better example of this than “Mardi Gras” or “Carnivale”. Well, we do need to consider Halloween as maybe a close second.
What is the symbolism behind “Mardi Gras”? To begin with, the peak of Mardi Gras is “Fat Tuesday”. The day before Ash Wednesday. The participants wear masks and costumes, basically resembling demons and ogres. It is fashionable on that day to dabble in as much debauchery as you can possibly get into. And what is the reason for the debauchery? Yeah, you bet! Come early Wednesday morning, you go to confession, receive the mark of the ash on your forehead, and you are ready for the Lenten period. You have made yourself ready for the new birth that is heralded by Easter Sunday.
And Halloween? I’m glad you asked. Halloween is considered to be a contraction of All Hallows Evening. Why is that important? Well, the next day, November 1 is All Saints Day. History reflects that there was a time, when Christianity was “turning the world upside-down” that people continued to maintain their old pagan ways. One of the rituals they had was, on the day before All Saints Day, they would watch for the ghosts, or spirits of the dead to come back and go through the town. If they were able to receive treats, then the spirits would bring a blessing to the town, and would not haunt it. If they found the townspeople to be inhospitable, they would wreak all kinds of terror on the town. So, today, we dress our children up, as ghosts, ghouls, ogres and other forms of spirits and allow them to “trick or treat”, and if they don’t get a treat for their trick, then they treat the offender to another kind of trick.
How true is the axiom, that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to relive it. Jesus issued in and ordained a new day, a new world. Many of our ancestors came to the New World, to avail themselves of the new life that Jesus had brought. Here in this country was the freedom to live as best you could, to own what you work for, to worship God, as the Creator and Sustainer of this old world. How true, that familiarity breeds disdain. Too many of us have been raised in the lap of affluency, and have exercised the God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, until we truly believe that we are the only one who has any right to it. How can someone in their right mind ever conceive that having the governing of man is better than the governing by a Sovereign, beneficent Creator God.
May God have mercy on our back-slidden souls.
Jesus was probably the first “equal rights” crusader. For sure He healed indiscriminately, and met people at their need, not their want. He spoke of going the extra mile, and that a worker was worth his pay. He spoke of loving, and forgiving, those around us, rather than extracting an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. He set forth the example we were to follow: Love as I have loved you, and forgive as your heavenly Father has forgiven you. Jesus spent His days lifting others up, and encouraging them to be the best they could be. Isn’t that the pattern set down throughout the Hebrew/Jewish history? He taught us to value all life.
Today, we are witnessing another upheaval in the world. The movement appears to be returning to the old ways. One person has property rights over another. We no longer are satisfied to get along, we now have a need to get even. We no longer respect or value life. We indiscriminately kill people before they are born. We are seeing evil being extolled, while good is attacked as bad. I am amazed to learn that law-abiding citizens are considered a threat to our livelihood, while people committed to destroying us and our way of life are considered to be heroes. A lie told often enough becomes a form of truth.
Pundits claim that the increase in gun and ammo purchases after the debacle in Arizona is a harbinger of calamity. If you are a law-abiding citizen, and you lawfully own firearms, you are a threat to the rest of the country. My guess is, that had the people gathered to hear congress-critter Giffords been packing lawfully, there would not have been so many people shot. Criminals feel safe in “no gun zones”. They are pretty sure there is no one going to stop them until they are able to do the damage they want.
It is true, I carry a gun, not because I am afraid, but because I am confident that I can defend myself when, and if, it should ever come to that. I also carry a gun, because I cannot carry a cop; have you ever called 911? Think about the time it takes for the operator to extract the information they need, to verify there is a threat, and then think about how long it takes for law enforcement officers to get to where you are.
Christianity is the only religion/belief that encourages living in peace. So, then, how come with all the bumper stickers, and billboards touting the message, “unity” “coexist” “can’t we all get along?” are we seeing an unprecedented attack on Christianity? How come, the department of home land security has identified Christians as terrorists? If my remembery is correct, it seems to me, that the Communism that was rampant when I was growing up, had quite an adverse reaction to Christianity. Then, history shows us that the Third Reich primarily failed because they acted to erase the Jewish/Hebrew people, only to find out that the Christian community stood up and stood beside the Jewish/Hebrew people. The two world wars we were involved in have shown us that Communism, socialism, Nazism have their beginnings in evil. When people wish to lord it over other people, and take the opportunity to exterminate others who do not see eye to eye with them, we are dealing with evil. E V I L!!!! For evil to flourish, a good man need do nothing.
How have we gotten to this place in time, and in history? America is considered to be a Christian nation. Ask anyone on the street, and they are probably going to say that they are a Christian. They have gone to Sunday School, recited catechism, been confirmed and baptized and are now a part of the body of Christ. You will even hear that they have been married in the church, and have made arrangements for the church to perform their funeral. They even force their children to go to Sunday School, and go through the motions of meeting the requirements for the ritual of joining the church. They may even pray before meals, but come Monday morning through Saturday night they forget that Christianity is a way of life, they assume it is a point to reach, an apex, an ultimate place to stand. There is probably no better example of this than “Mardi Gras” or “Carnivale”. Well, we do need to consider Halloween as maybe a close second.
What is the symbolism behind “Mardi Gras”? To begin with, the peak of Mardi Gras is “Fat Tuesday”. The day before Ash Wednesday. The participants wear masks and costumes, basically resembling demons and ogres. It is fashionable on that day to dabble in as much debauchery as you can possibly get into. And what is the reason for the debauchery? Yeah, you bet! Come early Wednesday morning, you go to confession, receive the mark of the ash on your forehead, and you are ready for the Lenten period. You have made yourself ready for the new birth that is heralded by Easter Sunday.
And Halloween? I’m glad you asked. Halloween is considered to be a contraction of All Hallows Evening. Why is that important? Well, the next day, November 1 is All Saints Day. History reflects that there was a time, when Christianity was “turning the world upside-down” that people continued to maintain their old pagan ways. One of the rituals they had was, on the day before All Saints Day, they would watch for the ghosts, or spirits of the dead to come back and go through the town. If they were able to receive treats, then the spirits would bring a blessing to the town, and would not haunt it. If they found the townspeople to be inhospitable, they would wreak all kinds of terror on the town. So, today, we dress our children up, as ghosts, ghouls, ogres and other forms of spirits and allow them to “trick or treat”, and if they don’t get a treat for their trick, then they treat the offender to another kind of trick.
How true is the axiom, that those who refuse to learn from history are doomed to relive it. Jesus issued in and ordained a new day, a new world. Many of our ancestors came to the New World, to avail themselves of the new life that Jesus had brought. Here in this country was the freedom to live as best you could, to own what you work for, to worship God, as the Creator and Sustainer of this old world. How true, that familiarity breeds disdain. Too many of us have been raised in the lap of affluency, and have exercised the God-given right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, until we truly believe that we are the only one who has any right to it. How can someone in their right mind ever conceive that having the governing of man is better than the governing by a Sovereign, beneficent Creator God.
May God have mercy on our back-slidden souls.
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