Here is a quote from the "Father of American Scholarship and Education", Noah Webster: "In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular party of the candidate - look to his character . . . It is alleged by men of loose principals or defective views of the subject that religion and morality are not necessary or important qualifications for political stations. But the Scriptures teach a different doctrine. They direct that rulers should be men who rule in the fear of God, able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness."
Remember this the next time you go to the polls to elect our leaders.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Over 50
I am over fifty. As recommended by some sadomasochist medical panel, I just had a prostate exam. Not only is the procedure embarrassing and extremely uncomfortable, I find it hard to believe that the doctor is able to diagnose a problem with the front end by probing the rear end. (However, just in case I have to see this doctor again, I did laugh at his “little fingers” poke, I mean joke.) Maybe this will be one of the procedures that ObamaCare will say is no longer needed. As I was kneeling face down on the end of the examining table, I just couldn’t get the image of Jack Elam as the proctologist in “Cannonball Run” out of my mind. My, I have had a great day!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Gift Giving
One of the most important things the Lord has given to help guide me through life is a conscience. Throughout my life, it has been a reliable guide. I cannot think of a single bad action that I have taken when my conscience did not alert me to my impending transgression. Did the alert always stop me from making the wrong choice? Regretfully, no. In fact, sometimes the warning just further fueled my resolve to "do wrong." Sometimes it made me rethink my rationale for an action or decision.
I have been greatly blessed. I pray that the Lord will continue to give me the wisdom to properly use what I have been given. However, my conscience does bother me about gift-giving at Christmas. I believe we should give gifts at Christmas, both to remember what Christ gave for us, and to show our love and charity to others (Many Bibles interpret "love" and "charity" as the same word. They may be correct to do so. I think "love" is the intangible goodness that we can give to others, while "charity" is the tangible.) I think many people go way overboard when it comes to gift-giving at Christmas. I think this reduces the importance of the gifts, and increases the importance of commercialism in our Christian Holiday. I believe this because my conscience told me so.
I have been greatly blessed. I pray that the Lord will continue to give me the wisdom to properly use what I have been given. However, my conscience does bother me about gift-giving at Christmas. I believe we should give gifts at Christmas, both to remember what Christ gave for us, and to show our love and charity to others (Many Bibles interpret "love" and "charity" as the same word. They may be correct to do so. I think "love" is the intangible goodness that we can give to others, while "charity" is the tangible.) I think many people go way overboard when it comes to gift-giving at Christmas. I think this reduces the importance of the gifts, and increases the importance of commercialism in our Christian Holiday. I believe this because my conscience told me so.
Christ and Santa
Every year about this time I start hearing people question whether, as Christians, we should include Santa Claus in our celebration of Christmas. We exert so much effort in trying to get the world to remember the "Reason for the Season", and to "not take Christ out of Christmas", it seems foolish that most of us will then exhort our children to "tell Santa what you want" or "go to bed so Santa and his reindeer can come." Personally, I like the tradition of Santa. As with anything, Santa can be misused. I believe that we, as Christians, can use Santa to teach valuable lessons to our young children.
Christ extols love and charity. We can use Santa to teach our youngsters these same virtues. Although young kids are much more excited by what gifts they are getting than what is being given to others, allowing them to see our own excitement at both giving and receiving can teach valuable lessons. It is OK, when working with the very young, to use the "Jolly Old Elf" to teach the valuable lessons of love and kindness. Don't worry about your child growing up to worship Santa instead of Jesus. As they mature, they will naturally understand the difference between make-believe and reality. They will no longer enjoy hearing about Peter Rabbit and Donald Duck, instead wanting to read Huckleberry Finn and Nancy Drew. In fact, in most cases (certainly with my four children) your children will stop believing in Santa without any help from you. It will just happen (usually before puberty.)
HOWEVER, Do not delay teaching your children about Jesus. They should start hearing the wonderful stories of the Bible at a very early age. Just remember what the Bible says about Santa. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (an adult), I put away childish things." 1 Cor. 13:11
Christ extols love and charity. We can use Santa to teach our youngsters these same virtues. Although young kids are much more excited by what gifts they are getting than what is being given to others, allowing them to see our own excitement at both giving and receiving can teach valuable lessons. It is OK, when working with the very young, to use the "Jolly Old Elf" to teach the valuable lessons of love and kindness. Don't worry about your child growing up to worship Santa instead of Jesus. As they mature, they will naturally understand the difference between make-believe and reality. They will no longer enjoy hearing about Peter Rabbit and Donald Duck, instead wanting to read Huckleberry Finn and Nancy Drew. In fact, in most cases (certainly with my four children) your children will stop believing in Santa without any help from you. It will just happen (usually before puberty.)
HOWEVER, Do not delay teaching your children about Jesus. They should start hearing the wonderful stories of the Bible at a very early age. Just remember what the Bible says about Santa. "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man (an adult), I put away childish things." 1 Cor. 13:11
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Leadership and Character
What makes a good leader? General Norman Schwarzkopf, the incredibly gifted military leader, powerfully summarizes it this way: "Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character...but if you must be without one, be without strategy!" Real leadership is not about charisma or charm, for leadership based upon either is at best flimsy and at worst dangerous. Peter Drucker once said, "Charisma has nothing to do with leadership. Hitler, Stalin, and Mao were the most charismatic leaders of the 20th century. If that is leadership, I want no part of it!" Strategy, charisma and skill are all important tools used by leaders, but CHARACTER is what defines a good leader. (Quotes provided by Dr. Jim Harris)
Character is defined as, "qualities of honesty, courage, moral excellence; integrity." A good leader has moral and ethical strength. He is the same person in the dark as he is in the light. A good leader speaks forthrightly, insuring that the truth is clear for all to hear. A good leader does not gain or keep followers by trick or deception, nor by force. Although a leader exhorts his followers in order to accomplish his goals, he does so with honesty.
Character is defined as, "qualities of honesty, courage, moral excellence; integrity." A good leader has moral and ethical strength. He is the same person in the dark as he is in the light. A good leader speaks forthrightly, insuring that the truth is clear for all to hear. A good leader does not gain or keep followers by trick or deception, nor by force. Although a leader exhorts his followers in order to accomplish his goals, he does so with honesty.
Can the Character of your leaders be measured? I think it can by asking yourself these three simple questions about your leader(s): 1. Does your leader state clearly his position when asked? If not, does he "talk around" the issue in order to avoid having to commit to a personal position? Do not confuse a simple "I don't know" with avoiding taking a position. "I don't know" is often the most honest answer possible, and is heard too seldom. A good leader is not afraid to state his position. 2. Does your leader maintain his position no matter the audience or the situation? A good leader may sing a different tune depending on the circumstance, but the words will be the same, because they are the truth. 3. Does your leader act in a morally upright manner, both professionally and personally? A good leader believes in the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." A good leader holds dear his commitments. Although no one is perfect, a good leader strives to keep promises made, and uphold oaths taken. Finally, a good leader will admit fault when required.
How are your leaders doing? How are our President, Congressmen and other elected officials doing? If any of them are of questionable Character, you should do whatever is in your power to have them replaced.
I hope that you are allowing Jesus to be your most trusted leader. Not only did He prove Himself to be a good leader while walking as a man on earth, He is still. He will always tell you the truth. He will never lie. He will never abandon you. He will fulfill His promise of giving you life everlasting if you will only commit to following Him.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Pictures
Once upon a time there was a thing called film. Much of it was made by Kodak. It was used to record visual images, called pictures. The film had to be processed, or developed, in order to see the pictures. Almost everybody had to send the film off, usually through a drug store, in order to have the film developed. You would get your pictures back in a week or so. Some stores would allow you to review your pictures and not pay for those that were overexposed (too much light), underexposed (too dark), or just bad. Although not really expensive, between the cost of the film and the developing, you normally only took "important" pictures. The really good pictures might be framed and displayed. Most went into the "picture box" never to be seen again (except during family reunions when the box might be found under the bed and opened in order to embarrass Aunt Martha whose hair was no longer black, or Uncle Joe whose hair was no longer.) Then the world went digital!
Now pictures are instant. As soon as you take the picture, you see it. If good, you keep it. If not, you delete it. If you forget your camera, no problem, use your phone. No phone, use your laptop. No way to take a picture? Ask anyone around you to take the picture and email it to you. It is there before you get home. Picture box? No way. I-Photo. Not only can you store unlimited pictures in your gigabytes of storage, they will be indexed by date, GPS coordinate, and facial features. You can email your pictures, share them online, and print them. Better yet, you can modify them. No longer is it necessary to tear a picture in two in order to get rid of the old boy friend. Now you can just erase him! Have you gained too much weight for the class reunion program? Hit the "slim" button. Grass not green enough? Enhance it.
I guess digital photography is better than film. It is certainly easier. But are your photos as valued as they once were? Or has speed, economy and ease taken away some of the importance we once placed on a good picture? In fact, has speed, economy and ease taken away some of the importance we once placed on many things in our lives?
Now pictures are instant. As soon as you take the picture, you see it. If good, you keep it. If not, you delete it. If you forget your camera, no problem, use your phone. No phone, use your laptop. No way to take a picture? Ask anyone around you to take the picture and email it to you. It is there before you get home. Picture box? No way. I-Photo. Not only can you store unlimited pictures in your gigabytes of storage, they will be indexed by date, GPS coordinate, and facial features. You can email your pictures, share them online, and print them. Better yet, you can modify them. No longer is it necessary to tear a picture in two in order to get rid of the old boy friend. Now you can just erase him! Have you gained too much weight for the class reunion program? Hit the "slim" button. Grass not green enough? Enhance it.
I guess digital photography is better than film. It is certainly easier. But are your photos as valued as they once were? Or has speed, economy and ease taken away some of the importance we once placed on a good picture? In fact, has speed, economy and ease taken away some of the importance we once placed on many things in our lives?
Friday, November 27, 2009
Winners and Losers
My Auburn Tigers played a great game against our arch rivals, the Alabama Elephants. The Tigers' defense looked better than they had all year. We shut down their Heisman Trophy candidate running back, holding him to less than 2 yards per carry. Our offense looked good. Chris Todd become the record holder with 21 touchdown passes for the season. We had more total yards. We just looked better. Alabama was never in the lead.
Until less than two minutes remained in the game. We got tired. We lost our focus. Then Alabama scored to go ahead. And we lost the game.
It was an exciting game. A lot of things went right. But when it came to winning or losing, we lost. But football is just a game, and there is always next year.
Our country is at a crossroads. We have been the most properous and succesful country on Earth because of our freedoms, and our faith in God. Both are under attack. The USA may have played a great game so far, but I am afraid what has kept us in the lead is no longer important to us. Freedom and faith are no longer in our play book. Are we tired? Have we lost our focus? I say we need a Pep Rally to remind us what is really important, because our freedoms, our faith and our future are not "just a game."
Until less than two minutes remained in the game. We got tired. We lost our focus. Then Alabama scored to go ahead. And we lost the game.
It was an exciting game. A lot of things went right. But when it came to winning or losing, we lost. But football is just a game, and there is always next year.
Our country is at a crossroads. We have been the most properous and succesful country on Earth because of our freedoms, and our faith in God. Both are under attack. The USA may have played a great game so far, but I am afraid what has kept us in the lead is no longer important to us. Freedom and faith are no longer in our play book. Are we tired? Have we lost our focus? I say we need a Pep Rally to remind us what is really important, because our freedoms, our faith and our future are not "just a game."
Monday, November 23, 2009
Our Constitution in Jeopardy
Please read this blog by Michael Connelly detailing how "healthcare reform" will destroy our freedoms.
http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/entries/general/the-obamacare-juggernaut-continues
http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/entries/general/the-obamacare-juggernaut-continues
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Billboards and Life
Through a business arrangement, I met a man whom I think will become a friend. He loves the outdoors, and is a dynamic Christian, speaking to groups across the country. When he learned that I was from Alabama, he mentioned that he had a good friend in Sylacauga, David Pursell. David is an Auburn graduate who owns FarmLinks, a golf resort and grass research facility on Lay Lake. I had never heard of David or FarmLinks.
It is a small world after all (to quote a famous mouse.) Not two weeks after having the conversation about David Pursell, my son-in-law asked me if I have ever heard of FarmLinks? It turns out that David Pursell is going to speak at the ACIPCO Leadership Association meeting in November (where my son-in-law is employed). In addition, on my next trip to Auburn to see the Tigers beat Ole Miss, I see the huge billboard for FarmLinks, that I am sure I have passed many times without every noticing. Then, when I get to the game, I see that FarmLinks advertises on the big screen in the stadium! It is amazing how much of the world just passes me by without ever being realized until there is something that causes me to take notice.
I am afraid that is how so many people are with Jesus. They hear about Him all of their lives, but he becomes just another billboard on the cluttered side of the highway of life. He is often passed by until a "bump in the road" jars them out of their complacence. Little do they know that if they will stay close to Him, He will make the whole journey smoother. Trusting Jesus will not improve your gas mileage, nor will he appear to fix your flat. But He will make your life better.
It is a small world after all (to quote a famous mouse.) Not two weeks after having the conversation about David Pursell, my son-in-law asked me if I have ever heard of FarmLinks? It turns out that David Pursell is going to speak at the ACIPCO Leadership Association meeting in November (where my son-in-law is employed). In addition, on my next trip to Auburn to see the Tigers beat Ole Miss, I see the huge billboard for FarmLinks, that I am sure I have passed many times without every noticing. Then, when I get to the game, I see that FarmLinks advertises on the big screen in the stadium! It is amazing how much of the world just passes me by without ever being realized until there is something that causes me to take notice.
I am afraid that is how so many people are with Jesus. They hear about Him all of their lives, but he becomes just another billboard on the cluttered side of the highway of life. He is often passed by until a "bump in the road" jars them out of their complacence. Little do they know that if they will stay close to Him, He will make the whole journey smoother. Trusting Jesus will not improve your gas mileage, nor will he appear to fix your flat. But He will make your life better.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Veterans Day
I am a veteran. Luckily, during my six years in the US Army, there were no major conflicts in which I was involved. However, almost all of my superiors with whom I served were combat veterans. I give thanks this Veterans Day for their sacrifice, and for all of those who give their very lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today.
Regretfully, I believe that the most imminent threat to our Country today is coming from within, not from without. I believe the greatest threat to our freedoms is the almost total disregard of our Constitution. Every elected official in Washington swears to "uphold the Constitution", but then most do not even give it lip service. It will only be by restoring the Constitution to its rightful place as THE Law of the Land, that we will be able to truly honor those who have fought and died to defend it. I am a Constitutional Conservative. I believe that most of the problems with our government would be solved by a literal interpretation of the tenth amendment (the Federal government only has jurisdiction over those items enumerated in the Constitution.) Hopefully the Supreme Court will stop creating new laws, but rather start enforcing the Constitution.
However, until that happens, I believe the American People must do the following three things to save our country: 1. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to limit members of Congress to two terms. 2. Pass a Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. 3. Institute the "Fair Tax." See my earlier blog for more on these three topics.
Regretfully, I believe that the most imminent threat to our Country today is coming from within, not from without. I believe the greatest threat to our freedoms is the almost total disregard of our Constitution. Every elected official in Washington swears to "uphold the Constitution", but then most do not even give it lip service. It will only be by restoring the Constitution to its rightful place as THE Law of the Land, that we will be able to truly honor those who have fought and died to defend it. I am a Constitutional Conservative. I believe that most of the problems with our government would be solved by a literal interpretation of the tenth amendment (the Federal government only has jurisdiction over those items enumerated in the Constitution.) Hopefully the Supreme Court will stop creating new laws, but rather start enforcing the Constitution.
However, until that happens, I believe the American People must do the following three things to save our country: 1. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to limit members of Congress to two terms. 2. Pass a Constitutional Amendment requiring a balanced budget. 3. Institute the "Fair Tax." See my earlier blog for more on these three topics.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Auburn Tigers Football
I am an Auburn Tigers Football fan. I grew up that way. My oldest sibling (a brother ten years my senior) went to Auburn, as did another brother and a sister. My father-in-law graduated from Auburn in 1956, while it was called the Alabama Polytechnic Institute. Numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews have graduated from Auburn. My wife and I go to almost every Auburn Football game. We usually tail-gate with friends and family. Saturday afternoons in Auburn are great! There is nothing in football that will evoke team spirit like watching Auburn's War Eagle soar over the crowd prior to the game.
It is really great when Auburn wins the game. It is not so great when Auburn loses. It is horrible when Auburn loses to that school in Tuscaloosa. Auburn beat them six years in a row, 2002-2007. Our victory this year will be a great upset! I have good friends (few relatives) who are fans of the team from Tuscaloosa. We are usually polite when discussing football, although the rivalry between the two schools has been called one of the most intense in the nation.
I like Auburn. I like football. I like Auburn Football. Warrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Eagle, HEY!
It is really great when Auburn wins the game. It is not so great when Auburn loses. It is horrible when Auburn loses to that school in Tuscaloosa. Auburn beat them six years in a row, 2002-2007. Our victory this year will be a great upset! I have good friends (few relatives) who are fans of the team from Tuscaloosa. We are usually polite when discussing football, although the rivalry between the two schools has been called one of the most intense in the nation.
I like Auburn. I like football. I like Auburn Football. Warrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr Eagle, HEY!
Friday, October 16, 2009
Our Great Country
The United States of America is the greatest country in the World. We are great because of our economy. Even in “slow” economic times, our standard of living is worlds ahead of any other place on earth. We are great because of our military. Everybody knows that we are the “big dog”, and we can bite. We are great because of our freedoms. Those of us who criticize the most are living proof.
But how did we get to be so great in so many ways? I believe it is because God-fearing men and women were and are willing to give up personal gain for the good of all. George Washington could have dined with the King of England; instead he suffered through Valley Forge. Japan and most of Europe, including France, could easily be territories of the United States; instead we spent billions of dollars rebuilding those countries after World War II. We could be paying five-cents per gallon for Kuwaiti and Iraqi oil; instead we keep troops there to assure their peace. These are but a few of the many instances of where we could have taken, but instead we gave.
It is hard for most people and countries of the world to understand that we only want peace. We do not want more territory, or we would have it. We do not want to subjugate more peoples, or they would be ours. Instead, we want to assure that people everywhere have the same rights and opportunities that we take for granted, and we want to assure that our rights and opportunities are not taken away.
Remember those who give so that others may have. The most obvious, and with the most to lose, are those in our military services. Remember, and give thanks for, everyone that is willing to give up their life so that we may have life, and have it more abundantly.
But how did we get to be so great in so many ways? I believe it is because God-fearing men and women were and are willing to give up personal gain for the good of all. George Washington could have dined with the King of England; instead he suffered through Valley Forge. Japan and most of Europe, including France, could easily be territories of the United States; instead we spent billions of dollars rebuilding those countries after World War II. We could be paying five-cents per gallon for Kuwaiti and Iraqi oil; instead we keep troops there to assure their peace. These are but a few of the many instances of where we could have taken, but instead we gave.
It is hard for most people and countries of the world to understand that we only want peace. We do not want more territory, or we would have it. We do not want to subjugate more peoples, or they would be ours. Instead, we want to assure that people everywhere have the same rights and opportunities that we take for granted, and we want to assure that our rights and opportunities are not taken away.
Remember those who give so that others may have. The most obvious, and with the most to lose, are those in our military services. Remember, and give thanks for, everyone that is willing to give up their life so that we may have life, and have it more abundantly.
Eroding the Constitution Through Healthcare Reform
The following is from the website of Michael Connelly (http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/). You should check out his site. Michael Connelly of Carrollton, Texas is a Constitutional lawyer and has read the entire health care bill and has some comments, not about the bill, but about the effects on our Constitution. It's a broader picture than just health care reform.
It's time we sit up and pay attention; once this sort of thing happens, it will be irreversible. We have reason to be very afraid of what is happening.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HEALTH CARE BILLS
Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected.
To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.
The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled.
However, as scary as all of that it, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead, it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.
The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people and the businesses they own. The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with. I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.
This legislation also provides for access by the appointees of the Obama administration of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.
If you decide not to have healthcare insurance or if you have private insurance that is not deemed "acceptable" to the "Health Choices Administrator" appointed by Obama there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a "tax" instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the "due process of law.
So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much out the original ten in the Bill of Rights that are effectively nullified by this law. It doesn't stop there though. The 9th Amendment that provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to control.
I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea. This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation" to support the Constitution. If I was a member of Congress, I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway, I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.
For those who might doubt the nature of this threat I suggest they consult the source. Here is a link to the Constitution: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
And another to the Bill of Rights: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
There you can see exactly what we are about to have taken from us.
Michael Connelly
Retired Attorney, Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton , Texas
http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/
It's time we sit up and pay attention; once this sort of thing happens, it will be irreversible. We have reason to be very afraid of what is happening.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE HEALTH CARE BILLS
Well, I have done it! I have read the entire text of proposed House Bill 3200: The Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009. I studied it with particular emphasis from my area of expertise, constitutional law. I was frankly concerned that parts of the proposed law that were being discussed might be unconstitutional What I found was far worse than what I had heard or expected.
To begin with, much of what has been said about the law and its implications is in fact true, despite what the Democrats and the media are saying. The law does provide for rationing of health care, particularly where senior citizens and other classes of citizens are involved, free health care for illegal immigrants, free abortion services, and probably forced participation in abortions by members of the medical profession.
The Bill will also eventually force private insurance companies out of business and put everyone into a government run system. All decisions about personal health care will ultimately be made by federal bureaucrats and most of them will not be health care professionals. Hospital admissions, payments to physicians, and allocations of necessary medical devices will be strictly controlled.
However, as scary as all of that it, it just scratches the surface. In fact, I have concluded that this legislation really has no intention of providing affordable health care choices. Instead, it is a convenient cover for the most massive transfer of power to the Executive Branch of government that has ever occurred, or even been contemplated. If this law or a similar one is adopted, major portions of the Constitution of the United States will effectively have been destroyed.
The first thing to go will be the masterfully crafted balance of power between the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of the U.S. Government. The Congress will be transferring to the Obama Administration authority in a number of different areas over the lives of the American people and the businesses they own. The irony is that the Congress doesn't have any authority to legislate in most of those areas to begin with. I defy anyone to read the text of the U.S. Constitution and find any authority granted to the members of Congress to regulate health care.
This legislation also provides for access by the appointees of the Obama administration of all of your personal healthcare information, your personal financial information, and the information of your employer, physician, and hospital. All of this is a direct violation of the specific provisions of the 4th Amendment to the Constitution protecting against unreasonable searches and seizures. You can also forget about the right to privacy. That will have been legislated into oblivion regardless of what the 3rd and 4th Amendments may provide.
If you decide not to have healthcare insurance or if you have private insurance that is not deemed "acceptable" to the "Health Choices Administrator" appointed by Obama there will be a tax imposed on you. It is called a "tax" instead of a fine because of the intent to avoid application of the due process clause of the 5th Amendment. However, that doesn't work because since there is nothing in the law that allows you to contest or appeal the imposition of the tax, it is definitely depriving someone of property without the "due process of law.
So, there are three of those pesky amendments that the far left hate so much out the original ten in the Bill of Rights that are effectively nullified by this law. It doesn't stop there though. The 9th Amendment that provides: "The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people." The 10th Amendment states: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are preserved to the States respectively, or to the people." Under the provisions of this piece of Congressional handiwork neither the people nor the states are going to have any rights or powers at all in many areas that once were theirs to control.
I could write many more pages about this legislation, but I think you get the idea. This is not about health care; it is about seizing power and limiting rights. Article 6 of the Constitution requires the members of both houses of Congress to "be bound by oath or affirmation" to support the Constitution. If I was a member of Congress, I would not be able to vote for this legislation or anything like it without feeling I was violating that sacred oath or affirmation. If I voted for it anyway, I would hope the American people would hold me accountable.
For those who might doubt the nature of this threat I suggest they consult the source. Here is a link to the Constitution: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution_transcript.html
And another to the Bill of Rights: http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/bill_of_rights_transcript.html
There you can see exactly what we are about to have taken from us.
Michael Connelly
Retired Attorney, Constitutional Law Instructor
Carrollton , Texas
http://michaelconnelly.viviti.com/
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Speed vs. Quality
This is a response I made to someone else's blog (RobbieLaney's On My Mind) concerning the use of shortcuts and abbreviations while texting. I thought I would include it here so all my followers could see it.
The texting “language” is merely part of the inevitable regression of society caused by the speeding up and dumbing down of communication. Although texting shortcuts make e-talk much faster (and maybe more exclusive as some of us have no idea how to translate it!), it perpetuates the myth that speed is better than quality. A more sinister example of speed at the expense of quality are the TV news shows you see today. Why were the evening news hosts Chet Huntley, David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite so much more respected newsmen then any of the talking heads on today’s news shows? They (and/or their editors and producers) had all day to sift through the junk and find the valuable nuggets, and then create a presentation that would explain the story. We were not forced to hear and see all the trivial sludge that is thrown up on the screen today in order to insure that each network is “first” with the story, and to enable them to have something to wrap around their 24-hours of advertisements.
The texting “language” is merely part of the inevitable regression of society caused by the speeding up and dumbing down of communication. Although texting shortcuts make e-talk much faster (and maybe more exclusive as some of us have no idea how to translate it!), it perpetuates the myth that speed is better than quality. A more sinister example of speed at the expense of quality are the TV news shows you see today. Why were the evening news hosts Chet Huntley, David Brinkley and Walter Cronkite so much more respected newsmen then any of the talking heads on today’s news shows? They (and/or their editors and producers) had all day to sift through the junk and find the valuable nuggets, and then create a presentation that would explain the story. We were not forced to hear and see all the trivial sludge that is thrown up on the screen today in order to insure that each network is “first” with the story, and to enable them to have something to wrap around their 24-hours of advertisements.
States' Rights
I believe that the founders of our country felt that a limited Federal government was the right thing to insure the success of the new Republic. It is also obvious to me that they felt that most government should be at the State level. The Tenth Amendment to the Constitution (part of our Bill of Rights) says "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution or prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
In the Federalist Papers, Number 17, Hamilton responds to the objection that the new Constitution would allow the Federal government the ability to assume too much power by enacting laws that should stay at the State level. His answer to this argument makes it clear that we should have a limited Federal government (although clearly Hamilton had no idea of the mere wantonness and lust of domination our modern politicians would demonstrate.) Hamilton felt that the Federal government should be concerned with interstate and international commerce, finance, negotiation and war. Congress is way too busy for its own good. They debate so many laws, and meddle in so many things that they should have no interest in (mostly trivial), that very little gets done. And even fewer good things. They admit that they do not have time to even read the bills they are passing. The individual States should rise up and demand that they be given back the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
I highly recommend that every American read "The Federalist" by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison. It should be required reading for every 7th grader and every 12th grader, for it explains what our founding fathers were thinking when they fought for our freedoms and wrote our Constitution.
In the Federalist Papers, Number 17, Hamilton responds to the objection that the new Constitution would allow the Federal government the ability to assume too much power by enacting laws that should stay at the State level. His answer to this argument makes it clear that we should have a limited Federal government (although clearly Hamilton had no idea of the mere wantonness and lust of domination our modern politicians would demonstrate.) Hamilton felt that the Federal government should be concerned with interstate and international commerce, finance, negotiation and war. Congress is way too busy for its own good. They debate so many laws, and meddle in so many things that they should have no interest in (mostly trivial), that very little gets done. And even fewer good things. They admit that they do not have time to even read the bills they are passing. The individual States should rise up and demand that they be given back the rights guaranteed by our Constitution.
I highly recommend that every American read "The Federalist" by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay and James Madison. It should be required reading for every 7th grader and every 12th grader, for it explains what our founding fathers were thinking when they fought for our freedoms and wrote our Constitution.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Who Is In Control of the World?
I have often heard Christians debate “free will” and “predestination.” Both are clearly taught in the Bible. Although I do not claim to be a Bible scholar, I am a Christian and I believe that God has given all Christians the mental capacity to understand his teachings. I also believe that many Christians spend too much time looking at a word, when they should be looking at the Book. One thing Jesus said that is pretty easy to understand is that “you should come as little children” (Matthew 19:14, Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16). I think the following analogy explains in childlike terms how both “free will” and “predestination” can exist together.
First, we must agree on some basic truths: 1. God is Truth. If He said it, it is true. 2. God is right. If He does it, it is the right thing to do. 3. God created a natural world that we live in. If we fall in the lake, we get wet. If we touch a hot stove, we get burned. If we have no food, we starve. These things happen whether we are good or bad, Christian or Atheist. 4. God can do miracles. What is a miracle? It is when God suspends the natural laws. We fall in the lake, but instead of getting wet, we walk on water. We are thrown in a fiery furnace, and our hair is not even singed. We use the last flour in the barrel, but it never runs out.
How does God run the world? It is as if God is sitting on the top of a high mountain. Around the bottom of the mountain He has built a train track, called Time. The rails run from the beginning of Time to the end of Time. It is a good track. The rails are strong and cannot be moved. God can see the beginning, the end, and everywhere in between. On the track is a train. The train is called Now. God can see the train wherever it is on the track of Time. There are passengers on the train, in Now. They only experience what is happening on the train, Now. God controls the train. It travels at His command. It hardly ever stops, although once God did allow Joshua to stop the train (Joshua 10:12.) The passengers sometime feel like the train is speeding up as they get older. The passengers do not control the train. The train’s route and destination are predestined. God has already laid the tracks and there is nothing the passengers can do to move them. However, the passengers can move about on the train. They can change seats. They can change traveling companions. They can even change cars. The passengers can change what is happening on the train, but they cannot change the big picture they see when they look out the windows. The passengers control what they do on the train. They cannot get off the train until God calls them. While on the train, the passengers can do good, and they can do bad. They are living in the natural world while on the train, and are affected and controlled by the natural laws. Even though they are on the train and living in the natural world, God created each one of them. Because God is the Creator, it is His privilege to create as He sees fit. Some He made handsome, some not so. Some He made brilliant, some not so. Some He created for special purposes, some not so. However, they are all on the same train. Unless God decides to perform a miracle, they will all live in the natural world on the train, abiding by its rules, until they die. God knows that some will desire to know Him. He also knows that some will not. Remember, God can see both ends of the track, Time. Those who know Him will share eternity with Him on the Mountain. Those who do not know Him will spend eternity separated from Him. But all will eventually get off the train and no longer be constrained by the tracks, Time.
God has put a Conductor on the train. If we follow the guidance of the Conductor, our trip will be more peaceful and more successful than if we disregard the Conductor. The closer we can stay to the Conductor, the better our trip will be! The Conductor’s name is Jesus. I pray that you will always travel close by His side.
The Letter of Paul the Apostle to the Romans is a great place to learn more about God and His love for you.
First, we must agree on some basic truths: 1. God is Truth. If He said it, it is true. 2. God is right. If He does it, it is the right thing to do. 3. God created a natural world that we live in. If we fall in the lake, we get wet. If we touch a hot stove, we get burned. If we have no food, we starve. These things happen whether we are good or bad, Christian or Atheist. 4. God can do miracles. What is a miracle? It is when God suspends the natural laws. We fall in the lake, but instead of getting wet, we walk on water. We are thrown in a fiery furnace, and our hair is not even singed. We use the last flour in the barrel, but it never runs out.
How does God run the world? It is as if God is sitting on the top of a high mountain. Around the bottom of the mountain He has built a train track, called Time. The rails run from the beginning of Time to the end of Time. It is a good track. The rails are strong and cannot be moved. God can see the beginning, the end, and everywhere in between. On the track is a train. The train is called Now. God can see the train wherever it is on the track of Time. There are passengers on the train, in Now. They only experience what is happening on the train, Now. God controls the train. It travels at His command. It hardly ever stops, although once God did allow Joshua to stop the train (Joshua 10:12.) The passengers sometime feel like the train is speeding up as they get older. The passengers do not control the train. The train’s route and destination are predestined. God has already laid the tracks and there is nothing the passengers can do to move them. However, the passengers can move about on the train. They can change seats. They can change traveling companions. They can even change cars. The passengers can change what is happening on the train, but they cannot change the big picture they see when they look out the windows. The passengers control what they do on the train. They cannot get off the train until God calls them. While on the train, the passengers can do good, and they can do bad. They are living in the natural world while on the train, and are affected and controlled by the natural laws. Even though they are on the train and living in the natural world, God created each one of them. Because God is the Creator, it is His privilege to create as He sees fit. Some He made handsome, some not so. Some He made brilliant, some not so. Some He created for special purposes, some not so. However, they are all on the same train. Unless God decides to perform a miracle, they will all live in the natural world on the train, abiding by its rules, until they die. God knows that some will desire to know Him. He also knows that some will not. Remember, God can see both ends of the track, Time. Those who know Him will share eternity with Him on the Mountain. Those who do not know Him will spend eternity separated from Him. But all will eventually get off the train and no longer be constrained by the tracks, Time.
God has put a Conductor on the train. If we follow the guidance of the Conductor, our trip will be more peaceful and more successful than if we disregard the Conductor. The closer we can stay to the Conductor, the better our trip will be! The Conductor’s name is Jesus. I pray that you will always travel close by His side.
The Letter of Paul the Apostle to the Romans is a great place to learn more about God and His love for you.
National Parks
PBS recently ran a series called "National Parks, America's Best Idea" by Ken Burns. I strongly suggest that anyone with an interest in our National Parks or conservation or natural beauty watch this series. Even though I am not a "tree hugger", I do love the outdoors and nature and am glad that we have our National Parks, National Monuments and National Forests.
However, I am concerned about what the Federal Government has done in Alaska, our largest and most "natural" state. The Federal Government owns 65% of Alaska. Over 60% of this land (40% of Alaska) is National Parks, Refuges, Forests, etc. The State of Alaska owns 24% of the land. 3% is State Parks, etc. Alaska Native Corporations own 10% of Alaska. Only 1% of the largest state in the Union is owned by private citizens. In contrast, Texas (our second largest state) land ownership breaks down like this: Federal - 2.6%, State - 3.0%, Local - 0.14%, Private ownership of land in Texas - 94%.
Is Texas that much "less desirable" to the Feds than Alaska (they both have oil)? Or, was Texas settled before Big Government and special interests took over Washington? Don't get me wrong. I love the wildness that is Alaska. I hope to continue making regular treks to the Great Land to experience more and more of her beauty and strength. But come on, private land could be doubled and it would be 2% of the state. I think it could stand it.
However, I am concerned about what the Federal Government has done in Alaska, our largest and most "natural" state. The Federal Government owns 65% of Alaska. Over 60% of this land (40% of Alaska) is National Parks, Refuges, Forests, etc. The State of Alaska owns 24% of the land. 3% is State Parks, etc. Alaska Native Corporations own 10% of Alaska. Only 1% of the largest state in the Union is owned by private citizens. In contrast, Texas (our second largest state) land ownership breaks down like this: Federal - 2.6%, State - 3.0%, Local - 0.14%, Private ownership of land in Texas - 94%.
Is Texas that much "less desirable" to the Feds than Alaska (they both have oil)? Or, was Texas settled before Big Government and special interests took over Washington? Don't get me wrong. I love the wildness that is Alaska. I hope to continue making regular treks to the Great Land to experience more and more of her beauty and strength. But come on, private land could be doubled and it would be 2% of the state. I think it could stand it.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Free Market
The free market creates and maintains free people. A regulated market requires that the people also be regulated. Our government has no business being in business, except for the military and some other minor national regulatory agencies. The Federal Government should not be involved in private business, and most other "national" agencies and departments should be either closed down or turned over to the individual states. Ask any small business owner (the creators of more than 50% of all private sector jobs in the United States) what is the biggest headache and hindrance of running their business and they will say "government regulations and paperwork."
I am particularly concerned about the Department of Education that has the power to control what is taught in our schools, and who has access to higher education opportunities. Of course, the IRS is a close second not only because of the number of regulations, but the inability for anyone, even the IRS, to tell you what the regulations mean and how to properly comply (hence the need for armies of lawyers and accoutants to help you stay out of trouble.)
I am particularly concerned about the Department of Education that has the power to control what is taught in our schools, and who has access to higher education opportunities. Of course, the IRS is a close second not only because of the number of regulations, but the inability for anyone, even the IRS, to tell you what the regulations mean and how to properly comply (hence the need for armies of lawyers and accoutants to help you stay out of trouble.)
Three Things That Will Save Our Country
We need to do three things to save our country:
1. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to restrict Congressmen and Senators to two terms, just like we have with the President.
2. Do away with the IRS and replace it with a Federal consumption tax.
3. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to require a Federal balanced budget, except in times of Declared war or Declared national emergency (both declared by Congress.)
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, left or right, straight or gay, whether you are religious or atheist, pro-life or pro-choice, whatever your "cause", none of these three actions will hurt you. The only people who will be hurt by these actions will be the professional politicians who are robbing us and our posterity, and those who want the government to provide for their every need by redistributing the wealth of America (commonly referred to as robbing Peter to pay Paul.)
Term Limits (even if crooks are elected, they will only be there a few
years.)
Fair Tax (tax what I spend, not what I earn.)
Balanced Budget (force the government to live by the same rules the rest of US have to live by.)
That is what I think. What do you think?
1. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to restrict Congressmen and Senators to two terms, just like we have with the President.
2. Do away with the IRS and replace it with a Federal consumption tax.
3. Pass a Constitutional Amendment to require a Federal balanced budget, except in times of Declared war or Declared national emergency (both declared by Congress.)
Whether you are Democrat or Republican, left or right, straight or gay, whether you are religious or atheist, pro-life or pro-choice, whatever your "cause", none of these three actions will hurt you. The only people who will be hurt by these actions will be the professional politicians who are robbing us and our posterity, and those who want the government to provide for their every need by redistributing the wealth of America (commonly referred to as robbing Peter to pay Paul.)
Term Limits (even if crooks are elected, they will only be there a few
years.)
Fair Tax (tax what I spend, not what I earn.)
Balanced Budget (force the government to live by the same rules the rest of US have to live by.)
That is what I think. What do you think?
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