Protect Bloggers Free Speech Rights - Open Letter to the Federal Election commission

Attention - This post is good for archive and historical purposes only. The FEC has stopped taking comments. All emails sent to the FEC address below will be returned as undeliverable -

Sailor in the Desert has written an open letter to the Federal Election Commission and has kindly set it free on the internet to anyone who wishes to use all or part of it in crafting a letter to the FEC.

Be sure to include your name and mailing address: internet@fec.gov -

In case you missed the news Sailor has that covered too. (click here for his complete story) - A Sailor Quote - Back last fall, a federal court judge decided that the McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform Act some how needed to include the Internet as part of that regulation. The FEC has been ordered to apply this law to the Net. This could have the effect of ending the free political speech of bloggers. Why the FEC never appealed this ruling is beyond me. Both Senators McCain and Feingold are on the record as stating that their Bill was never intended to stifle the free political speech of bloggers. Either the FEC needs to appeal this decision or Congress needs to pass legislation exempting the Internet and specifically bloggers from the reach of McCain-Feingold. - end quote - - He also has a link to a Washington Post Editorial that is wishy washy as far as I'm concerned. Below is Sailor's Letter. Use it as you wish as a template for your own or cut and paste those parts you feel most applicable to your feelings on the matter. Email it to your friends. Include this line:

- Be sure to include your name and mailing address: internet@fec.gov -

An Open Letter to the Federal Election Commission


To the Commissioners of the Federal Election Commission:

One of the most basic founding principles of this country was and is the right of free political speech. This possible attempt to regulate the blogs is flies directly in the face of that principle.

Consider this; The blogosphere is the electronic equivalent of the Town Square. Bloggers are those people, that in a bygone era would be upon a soap box in that town square, expressing their political beliefs. That being said, the government should no more attempt to regulate the free political speech of the bloggers, then it would have attempted to silence the citizen on that very soap box in the town square.

Having read some of the reasoning for this hearing, I have to wonder if the FEC will soon be trying to attempt to assess the worth of the campaign volunteer, who goes door-to-door handing out a candidates literature or spends time manning the phone banks. How much is a volunteer's time worth to any campaign? The FEC would not even consider assessing that volunteer's time as a campaign contribution. So why would the FEC even consider trying to assess the value of a bloggers link to a candidate's web site as a campaign contribution?

Any attempt by the FEC to regulate the political speech of any blogger is clearly a violation of the First Amendment and not at all what campaign finance reform was attempting to do.

Clearly, McCain-Feingold, was never intended to include the regulation of the free political speech of bloggers. Senators McCain and Feingold are both on the record saying this. As I see it, the Commissioners have a few paths they can go down:

1) They can table this and await legislation from the Congress clarifying the status of the blogs.
2) They can appeal the court's decision, which I believe they should have done in the first place.
3) They can extend the press exemption to the blogs.
4) They can release a firestorm and put in place rules unconstitutionally regulating the rights of free speech of bloggers.


In conclusion, let me say this, if the FEC makes rules that limit my First Amendment right to express my opinion on core political issues, I will not obey those rules.

Thanks Sailor!

Homosexual marriage Bill California AB19 Defeated

A bill has been defeated that would have changed the language of the state's family laws - Basically the bill strikes out "MAN/WOMAN" and replaces it with "TWO PERSONS" in the state's family laws. I had blogged on this previously and that blog can be read here .

(quote from San Francisco Chronicle) Ultimately, the Legislature remained unmoved, voting 37-36 for Leno's bill, AB19, four votes shy of the majority needed for approval Thursday night. For the time being, the vote signaled an end to lawmakers' struggle over one of society's most divisive issues, and it indicated that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger probably would not be faced with a bill on the subject this year. - end quote -

I (prying1) saw articles saying that the governor would and would not have signed the bill. The latter news had said he would not. Perhaps he had read my email and changed his mind. :-)

Prying1 sez: This really is a blessing for the homosexual community. Some may not see it that way but it does not give them the false sense that their lifestyle is viable.

The avid activists that are spearheading this issue have motives beyond those stated and are using emotional pleas to plow their agenda through and into law. The homosexual marriage issue has been voted down in the City of San Francisco which shows that this issue has divided even the homosexual community. Not all in this group want to see the definition of marriage changed..

Had this passed it simply would have given the activists the audacity to push the envelope even further. They would not be satisfied and indeed they still are not satisfied. Please don't think this issue is now over. This issue and others like it will continually surface. We need to continue praying down the spiritual darkness that hovers over and around our capitols and elected officials.

Must Read For "American Troops Torturing Captives" Buffs

Sailor in the Desert has a post that is really eye opening. Unless you want to go around with eyes closed I'd suggest you click here to find out what is really happening with the American Troops torturing the terrorists!

Old School Photos Online - FOR FREE!!!

This site is amazing - All sorts of countries available with thousands of school yearbook pictures. I was insecure about giving personal info so I used my ex-wife's and the pics looked clearer than they did in her old yearbook. Check this one out!

http://www.worldschoolphotographs.com/wsp/index1.htm

Both Sides Are Right! - AND Wrong!!!

A few blogs ago Clive Allen of Gone Away fame wrote a comment (1st comment on this blog) - quote - "I think it's important to realize that God is neither a Republican nor a Democrat. He's not even a Libertarian. The fact is He has His own politics and, when we become part of His Kingdom, we cease to be right wing or left wing, socialists or capitalists. We become Christians and are a part of God's politics from then on." - end quote -

Although loathe to admit Clive is right (I love my politics.) It is true that God could care less which political party we belong to as long as we listen for his voice. I have pondered on it a bit and want to recognize and move upon the truth in what Clive said. Since that time I went to a prayer conference led by Dick Simmons (of Men For Nations) and something he said added to Clive's statement.

Mr. Dick Simmon's Quote: - "Liberals demand justice with no demand for righteousness and conservatives demand righteousness without a demand for justice." - end quote -

Although this line is not absolute there is a lot to it that can be seen to be true.

For example some food for the poor programs show this. With no real accountability some of the food ends up scattered willy nilly to those who really are not in need or sold by the recipients to purchase tobacco, drugs or alcohol. Liberals feel the loss is worth the good that is done. Conservatives look with skepticism and call the whole program a scam. (please know that I realize this is a general statement and does not apply to all persons of either side.) It is true that some programs are merely a scam to part people from their money. They are the results of greed working off the goodness of giving hearts. Neither side should put up with this obvious unrighteousness because it causes the good programs to suffer. Demands for accountability from the recipients of welfare programs (can they truly work or are they lazy?), demands on the programs themselves (is the majority of funds going to administration?) will increase the conservatives willingness to participate.

The same can be seen with the abortion issue. Many liberals say that they don't believe that abortion should be used as a form of birth control yet that is the main reason they are executed. On the other hand many conservatives do not believe there is any good reason for abortions to be performed. With the lives of 48 million children forfeited in the U.S. since Roe vs. Wade there has to come an agreement between liberals and conservatives on the abortion issue instead of allowing it to continue unabated. From this issue has grown a big business in the baby parts industry which I'm certain most liberals do not truly endorse.

Justice and righteousness need to work hand in hand. Since both sides are lopsided in their beliefs I propose that everyone rethink the positions as they come up with an eye on the demand for both issues in their personal conclusions.

If you must ask the tired old question of whose level of righteousness we use and where we draw the lines I suggest you get in touch with a.) Your conscience and see how far you have allowed it to get twisted. and b.) God.

Baby Parts For Sale

Ever wonder why partial birth abortion was defended by the pro-abortion crowd. This is the procedure where a baby was turned so it would be a breech birth. (legs first instead of head first.) Then after all of the baby's body was out of the mother, except the head, they would poke scissors or a knife into the brain, stir it around, suction the brains out, crush the skull and then remove the baby the rest of the way. This was supposedly done to save the mothers life but the question I always had was if the body of the baby could get through why not the head too?

Well it seems the answer has nothing to do with the health of the mother. It has everything to do with money. Here is the link that tells the story. -

Baby Parts for Sale -

Quotes - Kelly stated, We would sell the tissue to private contractors. They in turn would sell to other universities and researchers. There was a high demand every week to buy such fetal tissues. It was shipped by UPS,Fed Ex, Airborne and sometimes by special couriers. Sometimes we would take the specimen in a box to the airport and put it on as regular cargo, to be picked up at the destination. And did these shipping companies know they were transporting baby parts? No. All they knew was that it was just human cells. But it could be a completely intact fetus. It might be a batch of eyes, or or 40 livers going out that day, or thymuses.

And then the obvious question. Kelly is still working for this company, so why did she come and tell this story to a pro-life group? One day when she was working, a set of twins at 24 weeks gestation was brought to us in a pan. They were both alive. The doctor came back and said, `Got you some good specimens, twins.' I looked at him and said, `There's something wrong here. They are moving. I don't do this. This is not in my contract.' I told him I would not be part of taking their lives. So he took a bottle of sterile water and poured it in the pan until the fluid came up over their mouths and noses, letting them drown. I left the room because I could not watch this. But she did go back and dissect them after they were dead. She said, That's when I decided it was wrong. I did not want to be there when that happened. And then it happened again and again. At 16 weeks, all the way up to sometimes even 30 weeks, and we had live births come back to us. And then? Then the doctor would either break the neck or take a pair of tongs and beat the fetus until it was dead.
Did the abortionist ever alter the procedures to get you the type of specimens you needed that day? Her answer was Yes, before the procedures they would want to see the list of what we wanted to procure. The [abortionist] would get us the most complete, intact specimens that he could. They would be delivered to us completely intact. Sometimes the fetus appeared to be dead, but when we opened up the chest cavity, the heart was still beating. She was asked if the type of abortion procedure was intentionally altered to deliver to you an intact specimen, even if that meant giving you a live baby? Her answer was Yes, that was so we could sell better tissue, so that our company would make more money. At the end of the year, they would give the clinic back more money because we got good specimens.

prying1 sez:
What I find a pity is the large bloc of liberals that continues to claim it is for the choice of women that they fight for abortion. In reality they are helping BIG BUSINESS. The same group of people liberals claim to hate when it is about oil. Either they are once again believing a lie since it is not about choice, it is about big business; or they really are hypocrites and know that baby parts are helping evil capitalists get rich. One way or the other they need to change horses in mid stream. This is wrong and cannot continue unabated...

Is God Moving Men's Hearts to Pray?

Recently a few men started a prayer group in the South Bay area of Los Angeles County.

Inspired by a prayer warrior, Dick Simmons, from the Washington DC area, head of Men for Nations this is one of many prayer groups Mr. Simmons has seen birthed. The morning meetings, from 5 AM to 7 AM, average around 19-20 people. Since the first group started there has been a few other nearby locations to catch the Spirit and more groups are forming. There are 5 pastors and the men involved are from several churches. Denominations and doctrine do not enter into the prayer time. All involved simply desire to hear from God and pray according to His will.

Every man's life has changed dramatically as a result of committing to these meetings. Most evident is a commitment to repentance and holiness and a growing desire to walk in God's perfect will. Each is walking in joy knowing that years of bad habits are sloughing off. More Word time and an increased knowledge of the presence of God in their lives are added benefits.

Getting up before dawn is not easy and all have found their internal clocks still need adjusting after 6 weeks of near daily meetings (except Sunday). None appear inclined to quit. Indeed, it seems each has made a lifetime commitment to early morning prayer with other men of God.

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Just wondering if this a just a local (U.S.A.) thing or is God moving more people in other areas of the world to form interdenominational prayer groups?

I'm asking Christians to leave a comment one way or another.
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Keeping Terri Schiavo's Memory Alive

The American Princess has blogged on Terri Schiavo. It seems that Terri's husband's lawyers were in Circuit Court Judge George Greer's office settling affairs the same day she succumbed to court ordered starvation and dehydration.

(Quote from Michael Schiavo on the Larry King show: When asked why he doesn't just divorce his wife or turn over her care to her parents, Michael Schiavo said he couldn't.

"This is Terri's wish, this is Terri's choice," he said. "And I'm going to follow that wish if it's the last thing I can do for Terri." - end quote -)

Seems the last thing after the last thing was clearing out any account. Ever hear, "Follow the money trail"?

Mystery No More!!!

I heard a line on a TV show the other night. "God works in mysterious ways". It reminded me of a word study I had done a few years back. That is on the New Testament use of the word, "mystery" and it's co-word "mysteries". If you read this you will never again be able to use that tired cliche'.

New Testament use of the words (Strong's Concordance - KJV)
Mystery 22 times - mysteries 5 times -
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Each time the word "mystery is used in the New Testament it says something to the effect that the answers to these mysteries are now available to all men. Uncovered. Revealed. In the Old Testament times the mysteries were shrouded. Hidden up for a latter age to understand.

We are in the latter age. "The Age of God's Grace" In the New Testament the mysteries are uncovered just as the curtain in the Temple in Jerusalem separating the main sanctuary from the Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom at the death of Jesus (Matt 27:51 & Mark 13:28) now all men can freely access God's throne room.
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All it takes is moving towards God and he will meet you where you are.
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Ephesians 5:32 'mysteries' speaks of Gods church being related to Him as a husband and wife are related. Love is to be the foundation of each.
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I Timothy 3 mentions "mystery" twice. The first speaks of those seeking an office in the church, that is, how their behavior should be good and they should be holding the 'mystery of the faith' for others to see. The second use in this chapter explains this as: "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
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That is, Jesus was born from seed created in His mother's womb by the Living God, lived a sinless life and became our sacrifice for sin. No longer was the blood of bulls, goats and sheep needed. Jesus became the perfect sacrifice and He was able to truly say from the cross, "It is finished."
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This is the mystery of old, now revealed.
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Colossians 1
1:25 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God;

1:26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:

1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:
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Matt 13:10-11
And the disciples came, and said unto him, "Why speakest thou unto them in parables?" He answered and said unto them, "Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."

Also in Luke 8:9-10 in a similar situation the disciples asked and Jesus answered: And his disciples asked him, saying, "What might this parable be?" And he said, "Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand."
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Big clue here that if you have problems understanding the parables of Jesus even with the explanations you are on the outside and need to communicate with Jesus. Start asking him questions just as the disciples did. The answers will sometimes come in the most unlikely ways. Perhaps an event or something said will trigger the parable and revelation. It may be that as you ask the question you will hear the answer in your own mind. God deals with each person individually so there is no set rules on how it will happen. Just know that when you start to talk to God, He will answer.
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Is Real ID Act Setting Us Up for Revelations?

Hat tip to CadiaConcepts. Joshua gave a heads up in a way that gives pause. Is the Real ID Act going to set in wheels in motion that will bring about prophecies of the Book of Revelations? This story from USA Today (5-5-2005) is not getting much air time perhaps because of the judges filibuster and the Pepsi CEO story.

Quote from USA Today - The Real ID Act, which was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday and likely will clear the Senate next week, would require most license applicants to show a photo ID, a birth certificate, proof of their Social Security number and a document showing their full name and address. All of the documents then would have to be checked against federal databases. - end quote -

Joshua states in his blog: The card will likely take the place of your driver's license and will store at the very minimum your name, birthdate, sex, ID number, a digital photograph and address, with the possibility of additional data such as a fingerprint or retinal scan. State DMVs will be receiving federal funds to hand over their databases, with the goal of making each state's data available to all other states. The House passed the measure on Thursday, and both the Senate and President Bush are expected to sign off on the bill next week. But the real question is, who will be the first to ask to have the chip implanted so they don't have to worry about forgetting their wallet?

Hmmm. - Revelations Chapter 13 has a bit to ponder too.
And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six. KJV -

If all else fails, it would be better to die than to take the chip! - Get informed by reading the book before the need arises.

Scotwise Does it Again!!!

Once again Scotwise posts a bit of his personal history that will be an encouragement to you if you would just take a couple minutes to go and read it. Wonderful stuff there daily but today I feel it is even more real because his post comes from his heart and is something he has lived.

Yard Sale for All Notions

My cousin decided it was time to reduce the amount of her worldly possessions not to enter a more ascetic lifestyle but to increase the living space which Providence had allotted her. Annie (fake name to protect the innocent and guilty) collected a good size pile of stuff***

- *** STUFF(n.) things that take up space and are saved with the knowledge that you will need them someday. That is, the same day you cannot find them -

In the collection were books, clothes, nick-nacks, some furniture and other odds-and-ends.

Little did Annie realize that placing an advert in the local paper announcing a garage sale would open the door to the Twilight Zone. It was not long after the paper came out that she received a call (Never put your phone number in a garage sale advert) asking if there was any lingerie for sale. She thought about it, remembered there was a couple items and told the caller, "Yes".

The caller asked if he could bring his camera and would she model it for him? Without a word, for fear invectives would be released and only encourage the guy, she terminated the call. - CLICK - A few other calls she received reaffirmed her faith in humanity. That is, most people are of good character and the first call was just a nut or a joker. One of the latter calls she assured a gentleman that there were clothes for larger women. Another call she gave the scope of subjects the books covered.

The day of the sale came and during a lull in customers one person in a nicely tailored pastel pink jump suit parked nearby and came up the driveway. As the customer approached my cousin realized it was not a woman as she had first thought. A few words of conversation and she recognized the voice as the man asking about the larger size women's clothes. He went right to the racks (poles across 2 ladders) and started going through the clothes.


Pulling a nice sequined dress from its hangar he said he hoped she wouldn't mind if he tried it on first, took a couple steps into the open garage and proceeded to take off the jump suit. My cousin was a bit surprised. I would say 'taken aback' but that is so cliche'ish. Sounds like something that Dickens would use. Lets just say she was surprised. She did tell me that his brassiere and panties were stylish and would not clash with the dress.

After he put the dress on he asked and she brought a small mirror which was close at hand. It was difficult for him to see the full effect of the dress in such a small mirror. At this point Annie's daughter and granddaughter came out of the house. Both were taken aback by the situation (I know, I plagiarised the line from Dickens. So sue me.) but quickly fell into the swing of things. After all this was a yard sale and the purpose of yard sales is to get rid of stuff. They affirmed the dress was darling.

The granddaughter picked up a handbag and declared the dress adorable but it needed accessories. She declared it would not be for sale had it been a few sizes smaller and wasn't it a shame the shoes would not fit. Setting the prices up a tad in order to give a deal by coming down they finally had a sale. Annie sent the ever helpful granddaughter in to get her a drink of water and saved the young girl from seeing the dress get peeled off and the customer re-attired in the jumpsuit. Friendly waves all around and Annie decided the next spring cleaning Salvation Army gets the entire load...

An Answer for Stephen

A bit ago in the comments for my Liberals Hate Children posting I had a commenter ask why I voted for Bush. In his 2 comments it was also implied that I should be in favor of government social programs because Jesus would want me to. This is my reply to Stephen...


Comment: - quote -
Seriously though Paul, all jokes and sarcasm aside:

You come across as a very nice guy to me, who cares about his community and family. I'd expect a man like you to have a real sense of humanity and a social conscience.

Chances are however that you voted Bush.
I really can't understand why people on the right wing (in the sense of 'moral' issues) seem to vote GOP.

Bush in my opinion is not a good person.

A man who is big on war and invasion. A man who has put many people (including children) to death, directly violating UN charters. A man who is responsible for a lot of death in Iraq, and a man who I believe is lying to the American people - telling them what they want to hear about morality and pumping them full of fear. A man who clearly supports the rich.

Are these the teachings of Jesus?

Don't get me wrong, I accept fully Bush's right to rule having got a decent majority this time around, it just perplexes me to think why so many voted for him.

Obviously, J Kerry wasn't a formidable opponent, but why did you Americans vote for Bush?

(Please don't respond aggressively, I'm genuinely interested)
- end quote -
Answer to Stephen's Questions

First of all I am going to assume that you are a Christian by choice and not a Christian as a result of heritage. By this I mean that at some point in your life you have personally met the risen Christ, made a choice to trust in Him for salvation and don't merely call yourself a Christian because your parents took you to that type of church. I've met people of many faiths and religions who fall into the latter category and I hope you fall into the first.

I notice from what you have written a lot of statements that could have been taken from talking points of John Kerry's election campaign. Indeed these points could be taken from most U.S. Democratic politicians, the hate Bush at every turn group and the Mainstream Media throughout the world. Bush is an evil liar, war is killing children in Iraq, socialism is the route for good Christians to go, etc. etc. etc....

I would suggest you take a good look at what the mainstream media (MSM) is feeding you and compare it with the Truth. I say Truth with a capital T because if you inspect the MSM you can see many times that simple bloggers have pulled them down because their veracity is very dubious in the majority of what they project. As you may have noticed recently NewsWeek was caught telling lies (Check also Dan Rather, Eason Jordan, ad infinitum...) about the flushing of a Koran down a toilet. Never mind that 99% of toilets would clog quickly, they printed the story. People have died as a result of this 'news' and then they turn around and blame Bush's administration for not telling them to not print the story.

The truth is that the U.S. soldiers are the ones providing Korans to the prisoners that are being held to protect their own countrymen. I understand that the U.S. soldiers have a special protocol in handling these books even wearing gloves as they are passed out. Prisoners themselves are the most likely source of the story.

Did Newsweek volunteer any of this info? No. Will they tell the world of this? Probably not. Why? Because they have an agenda to deceive. It is only because of the internet that they are loosing the power to keep us in the dark.

I said that to show you that the source of your questions is questionable in itself. If you are a true Christian and know Jesus in a personal way I'm confident that you would prefer the truth over living in a lie.

Well, here is some more truth. Bush is not an evil liar like the MSM would like you to believe. The U.N. had sanctions against Iraq and were not enforcing them due to the Oil for Food program. The fact that there have been no Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD's) found in Iraq does not destroy the fact that Saddam Hussein used gas weapons against his own people. Bill Clinton, John Kerry and many people against Bush and the war in Iraq declared that Saddam had the weapons and it wasn't until after the U.S. went in and did not find them readily available that they started screaming Bush lied. Do they mention that they lied too? How often do they point out the other, MAIN reasons the U.S. went to war with Saddam Hussein? He DID harbor terrorists (we keep finding them there). His presence caused instability in the region and he was a murderous dictator. In fact Eason Jordan wrote an article that his news organization had been NOT reporting the truth concerning Saddam and thereby allowing his crimes to go unreported. Do you really want to trust the news source that allows 11 year old girls to be raped by a dictator's sons because the news source didn't want to get kicked out of the country and lose their source for news. What is the sense of that? I think it is criminal and not the way to run a good news business. News business's should be in the business of reporting facts and leaving the editorial style adjectives off the front page.

Next time you see a news article on President Bush try highlighting the adjectives. See how many are negative fluff that really add nothing to the facts in the story.

The Anti Bush crowd were mistaken just as Bush was. They were trusting in intelligence data that was accrued during the Clinton administration. I will admit it was not smart of Bush to believe anything that came from this impeached president's term of office In fact, did you know that many people still working in our government received their jobs as a direct result of Bill Clinton. You know him. The 'impeached for lying to a court while under oath' president. I figure that if these people love the real liar they would not be above leaking lies to the press. Lies like flushing a Koran down a toilet... Newsweek has yet to let us know who the 'government source' was. Our government does not fire everyone from the previous administration because these people are not supposed to be for the political party but instead should be for the nation. In their misguided beliefs they feel that hurting Bush will help the nation.

The war in Iraq has been a good thing. Ask the people with purple fingers and thumbs that voted. Ask the children there that will not be raped by Sadamm's boys. Ask the people that will not end up in a mass grave. Ask the people that have started local newspapers with freedom of speech. Ask the people that have started businesses. Ask the girls that can now go to school. Ask the women that are not forced to wear burkas. Ask the women that will not be raped and then murdered because they 'cheated on their husbands'. Ask the boatmen whose marshes have been returned from opening Sadamm's dams. Ask the birds that have returned to the marshes. Ask the people that can raise their voices against the U.S. because we give them freedom of speech.

If we wanted their oil we could have walked in and taken it. In fact it would have been easier to take over Mexico and steal their oil. It is a lot closer. The U.S. is not in the business of colonizing other nations. We will however defend our interests. One of those interests is not having terrorists fly planes into our buildings. Even at this point I would like you to take a close look at the way these prisoners are really treated. How many come out of prison looking like the gaunt skeletons from Hitler's camps? Abu Garab was not the norm. It was an aberration.

Enough on the war and Bush. Let us turn to social issues. I'm sure you have heard the saying that, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for his life".

How many poor people do you know that give others jobs? Thousands? Hundreds? Dozens? I think not. Poor people do not give jobs to anyone. Except perhaps government employees. (More on this later)

Poor people go to business owners for jobs and business owners are not poor. This has been the way of things since before Buddha. I will admit that not all business owners are nice people. Some are, some are not. I have worked for both kinds. Chances are you have too. We must admit that it is the business owners that are taking the chances. The employees can walk away and (hopefully) find another job. If the business fails the owner could be liable for debts for years to come. Should governments work to help or hinder these benefactors to the working class?

If they help the employer the employees could benefit from higher wages in the future. Unless they have found a bum employer in which case they CAN move on to another company.

But what happens if the government takes more money from the employer's cash register than the company can afford? To top it off the government takes money from the employees in the form of payroll taxes. The government promises they are going to help the poor. A bureaucracy is set up of government employees getting high wages to decide which poor person gets the money. The employer goes broke and applies for the benefits and his employees are in line behind him.

That is the ultimate end of government largesse. Taking from the haves and giving to the have nots. Governments do not produce anything. They only help hold up the infrastructure and if they do a bad job of that the country will go broke. Often times programs are set up and the only people that benefit are the government employees. For this reason I would prefer an 'evil' corporation over a government social program. You would have a better chance of getting an even shake from the company. If all else fails you can walk away from the company. The government will hound you till after death for the taxes.

Now re: Jesus being a rebel. It is true that he turned over the moneychanger's tables. Why? Because, as he said, they had taken away the purpose of the temple. It had become a place where people went to fulfill legalistic obligations. He wanted it to be returned to God's original intent which was that it become a "House of Prayer". That is, a place where people could commune on a personal level with the Living God.

How many churches today are more like a place filled with money changers tables? I do not mean that money is the ultimate goal of these places. Most often it is 'good' reasons that they have as goals. It goes way beyond money. They have become places of social obligations. Buildings that people go to in order to appease a conscience burning with guilt but with no intentions of turning from sin to God. A structure where programs take precedence over anyone actually seeking God's will for their life. Indeed those that do so are ostracized as fanatics and forced to remove themselves from the company of those self satisfied that run the place with godless efficiency. As long as children can play basketball and football in a safe environment the church has fulfilled it's obligation to the Almighty. As long as the bags of food distributed are a bit more than the community needs the Divine need not bother them. Sunday service will not be disrupted with spontaneous praise for the Creator because the agenda must not be extended so everything is done 'decently and in order' as scripture so conveniently states and all the parishioners can get to the local restaurant before the church across the street lets out.

I think you get the point. Was the last line a run on sentence?

Jesus was indeed a rebel. At one point He had over 5000 men plus women and children at His command. They were well fed and ready to move. He could have tried to use them to gather others and worked to overthrow the Roman government.

Instead He climbed a hill by Himself and prayed. He felt the communion with His Father more important that ruling a country.

Jesus was not hot on social programs. He did like it when individuals saw the need in another persons life and would help to fill that need. It was not something forced on the individual but instead was a result from the Living God being active in the individual's heart. He did say that the poor would always be with us. (Matt 26:11 plus other gospels) He did not suggest that we should let government agencies take care of them. Indeed I'm confident He wanted it to be a personal matter. I'm confident too that He would prefer we cared for them by teaching them to fish.

Sorry this has gotten so long. I do want you to understand a bit of why I believe the way I do. Hope this helps - Paul - GBYAY -

Smoothing the Rough Spots

This morning a friend told me about a near tragedy that happened this last weekend. His son-in-law was driving with his daughter riding shotgun and a friend in the backseat in the diamond lane of a L.A. freeway. For whatever reason the son-in-law lost control of the car and as control was lost the daughter said, "Jesus, save us!" The car actually flipped over and ended up on it's roof. The car is unsalvageable. All three occupants got out of the car without a scratch.

Now, would they have escaped unscathed if the woman had not called out to Jesus? Impossible to tell. I can say this. If the woman did not have Jesus paramount in her heart anything else could have escaped from her lips. If she had filled her soul with certain types of music it could just as well been profanities filling the car instead of a prayer. That might have been tough to explain had they gone to meet their maker instead of exiting the car unscratched.

Which brings me to the point of this post. Trusting in Jesus does not mean that life will be a bowl of cherries with no troubles in it but the Lord does tend to even off the rough edges. In a less dramatic event in my own life I got a flat tire (explosive kind) at night just as I exited a freeway near my home. I was able to continue through a green light, across the street, down half a block and park the car across the street from my home. I thanked the Lord, went inside and went to bed, saving changing the tire till morning's light...

Laws I'd Like to See

There are a few laws I'd like to see passed. This list is in no way complete but some of the main ones are:

~~~~~~~~~
Re: taxes - Any politician proposes a tax hike he must first put half of his material possessions and half his paycheck into an escrow account. After his tax hike is proposed it is sent to the people affected by the hike for a vote. If the people vote 'yes' the politician gets his money back. If the people vote 'no' he loses and his money is distributed to all those who show a receipt showing they voted no.

~~~~~~~~~
Any politician caught trying to raise taxes without going through the escrow/voting process will be tarred, feathered & run out of town on a rail.

~~~~~~~~~
Re: gun control - Anyone who uses a gun in the commission of a crime will have these mandatory sentences on top of any other sentencing concerning any other charges.
1.) Brandishing or showing the gun during the commission of a crime. - 10 years min. with no time off for good behavior.
2.) Pulling the trigger during the commission of a crime. - 20 years min. with no time off for good behavior.
3.) Injuring someone with a gun during the commission of a crime. - 35 years min. with no time off for good behavior.
4.) Murdering someone during the commission of a crime. - Death penalty with rules below applying.

~~~~~~~~~
Re: Death penalty cases - Guilty party will have sentence fulfilled within 2-1/2 years +1 day of actual sentencing date. There will be only 3 appeals allowed.
1.) First appeal is mandatory
2.) Second and Third appeals are at the discretion of the sentenced individual. All evidence at this point must relate directly to the actual case and cannot be concerned with side issues such as bad upbringing, abusive parents, too many twinkies or the public school system failing to instill sound moral judgment.

~~~~~~~~~
re: taxes - Every seventh year of a persons life shall be TAX FREE. That is, for a full year measuring 365 (plus one day for leap years) This includes ALL taxes. Federal, state & local (water, trash disposal, utilities, sales, payroll, stocks and bonds interest, etc... Any taxes absconded with by the government during this period will be refunded from the congressional payroll office and congress's payroll will decrease in commensurate amounts.

~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~
I could come up with a bunch more but I thought some of you blog surfing folks might help me by coming up with a few of your own. Feel free to utilize the comment button and add your ideas.

NC Church Political Scandal Mis-Reported by MSM

Scotwise has posted the real scoop. Not that it is really news. Just business as usual for Main Stream Media. Don't bother digging. Just report what they got and guess at the rest. Waylan Owens taught Chan Chandler, the pastor involved in the East Waynesville Baptist Church in Waynesville, N.C., the church where "all the members of the church who would not support George W. Bush in the 2004 Presidential election were ousted". There is a lot more to the story and much info left out that would have been readily available to any reporter interested in finding the real story. - Check Scotwise daily for encouragement and great Christian teaching. - GBYAY -

Liberals Hate Children

Liberals hate children and want to keep them stupid. In order to accomplish this they make the grading system so meaningless that parents are in the dark about how ignorant the system is keeping their kids. How else could this be explained???

To Spank or Not To Spank?

Earlier (like 10-15 minutes ago) I left a comment on another blog. The initial posting was about James Dobson (Focus on the Family) getting a commercial on TV while the Church of Christ was left out in the cold. - 'So it goes', I figure in my usual cold hearted capitalistic fevered brain. The TV stations can show whichever commercials they want and if someone doesn't like it let 'em go start their own station. That settled, I perused the comments and saw a bit on Dobson's views on spanking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~quote~~~~~~~~~~~
Dobson on child care:
"Pain is a marvelous purifier. . . It is not necessary to beat the child into submission; a little bit of pain goes a long way for a young child. However, the spanking should be of sufficient magnitude to cause the child to cry genuinely."

From Dare to Discipline, pages 6 and 7
"Some strong-willed children absolutely demand to be spanked, and their wishes should be granted. . . Two or three stinging strokes on the legs or buttocks with a switch are usually sufficient to emphasize the point, 'You must obey me.'"

whatever. children don't "demand" to have their will broken. some parents' tempers might demand that children be beaten. but that's a different thing, isn't it.
(posted by jami)
~~~~~~~~~~~~end quote~~~~~~~~~

My (single parent) mom never heard of Dobson and made sure that the tears were genuine. I tried faking it once and that didn't work at all. As a strong willed child I can say that many times my will was broken and in the end I came out a better person for it.

I did not receive spankings because my mom liked beating me. I received them because of direct disobedience to the set rules. The reason for a switch, brush, wooden spoon or belt was because it took mom (or me) a bit of time (wherein she could reflect and not be in anger) to get the item to be used for the spanking. Plus she would not end up hurting her hand.

The same hand she gave me food with was not used to spank me with. There was always a device between the two that in the long run would be a help in getting me to straighten up and fly right...

Worked for me. Wondering what others feel about the subject. I'm talking here of spankings for disobedience, not beatings because of evil, misguided parents.

Mobile Blogging Service Offered by Google

(From PC Magazine / PCMag.com) - Google has introduced a new service for Blogger.com that enables users to create new blogs and post images and text via mobile devices. A consumer using Verizon, AT&T, Cingular, Sprint or T-Mobile can send an e-mail or MMS to go@blogger.com, which instantly creates a new Weblog containing the information sent to Blogger. Google will then email the URL and a claim code back to the user, allowing him or her to view and manage the new blog.

go.blogger.com/mobile
and - help.blogger.com/bin/... - to get started!

The initial page will be a generic-looking site and users will be required to enter the claim codes, which will then allow them to change the templates, blog names, and colors, edit previous posts and activate other features. One such feature will apply to users who want to add mobile posts to an existing blog.

The Blogger Mobile site offers a word of warning to users who have a blog address which does not contain blogspot.com—any mobile posts made before making the switch will not be moved over automatically.

"So, if you plan on publishing mobile posts to your non-blogspot.com hosted blog, we recommend you to claim and switch early, thus avoiding a potential nuisance," the site says.

addendum:

Another link for this story and links to googles service:
- http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050506-150128
- http://go.blogger.com/mobile-start.g
- http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=1131

10 Commandments and U.S. Law

National Legal Foundation has a page that shows all 10 commandments being used and impacting America law and jurisprudence. Court decisions in times past has utilized the 10 commandments and the precedence is to continue doing so, NOT to abolish their use.

~~~~~~~~~~~
- It is interesting to cut and paste some of the case names into Google and see what comes up. -

Radio Blogger Sets Record at Disneyland

Radio Blogger, Generalissimo Duane - The Producer of Hugh Hewitt's radio show went through hell and lived to tell about it. The May 5th show was broadcast from Disneyland. Hugh, in his usual perverse fashion thought up a torture for Generalissimo Duane that surpasses anything the bleeding hearts would allow for terrorist prisoners. Fifty nonstop trips - in honor of Disney's 50th anniversary - through the Disneyland "It's a Small World".

Anyone who has ever ridden on this knows how the song can stick with you for the rest of the Disney experience. I figure for Duane it is going to take at least 3 weeks to recover.

Duane was on the 50th trip through when the show ended. Hugh claimed that he had not accomplished the goal. "So close but not good enough", Hugh said. This was said after he had given Duane the hope that if he was on the 50th trip it would count. Pulled the rug out of Generalissimo's crowning achievement in life. I wrote to Generalissimo to give him encouragement.

- Email do Duane - quote -
Ask Hugh if he believes in the Bible. It says - Out of the mouths of
two or three witnesses every truth shall be established - There has
been more than 3 witnesses (counting myself) that will verify Hugh
said getting in the ride on #50 counted.

Jesus said "It is finished." before he died even though he had not yet
given up the ghost at that point.

I believe as the boat entered the building on ride #50 you to had the
right to claim as Jesus did, "It is finished."
- end quote -

God Bless generalissimo Duane - Radio Blogger - A true hero!

~~~~~~~
update: Rob Ismael, who joined Duane on the ride as moral backup has been bloging on this as well. He hopes to find the tape of Hugh saying, on the ride for number 50 counts. Check out his site and be sure to leave a comment. He needs encouragement too.
~~~~~~~

Authorities Arrest al-Qaida's No. 3 Commander

Hat tip to Hugh Hewitt -

NYTimes - U.S. counterterrorism official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said al-Libby was the No. 3 al-Qaida figure behind bin Laden and Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, who was captured in March 2003. The official called this arrest the most significant blow to al-Qaida since Mohammed's capture, saying al-Libbi is believed responsible for planning attacks around the world, including in the United States. - ''Their leadership and support network is fraying,'' said the official, who called this a ''significant capture'' and ''another chapter in the degradation of their network.''

Interior Minister Aftab Khan Sherpao described al-Libbi as an ''al-Qaida planner'' who held a senior place in the terror group's hierarchy. He said the U.S. government was offering a $10 million bounty for information leading to al-Libbi's arrest...

prying1 sez:
This shows that the war against terrorism must continue. One by one the bricks fall and the wall comes tumbling down. As a result the world will (and is) a safer place as these terrorist groups find their support withering away.

Is This True Love?

The reason I came up with this blog is because I heard on Sean Hannity's radio program today the perfect example of love. You most likely heard of the Runaway Bride who disappeared from Duluth, Georgia 4 days before her wedding. The woman was missing for 4 days and everyone suspected foul play. She showed up in New Mexico alive and well. Apparently fear and perhaps insecurity or a panic attack drove her to take off the way she did. When she was returned to her home in Georgia, John Mason, her fiance met her and gave her the engagement ring she had left behind.

Quote - "'Cause we haven't walked down the aisle, just because we haven't stood in front of 500 people and said our I dos, you know, my commitment before God to her was the day I bought that ring and put it on her finger and I'm not backing down from that now," Mason told Hannity. - end quote -

A good description of true love comes to us in the words of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians. (1 Cor. Ch.13 v.4 - 7) - Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud, doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil; doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. ... - (v.13) But now faith, hope, and love remain-these three. The greatest of these is love. (WEB)

This description is set in what might be called the more mystical chapters of the New Testament. They both deal with the gifts and workings of the Spirit of God. It seems from the 3 chapters that the Corinthian Church had a problem with various members thinking they, as individuals, were more important to the church than others around them. Paul set them straight by explaining that despite ones gifts or job description, no matter how exalted in the eyes of others, each individual was important in order to uphold the persons next to them. Yet, he says, The best way to walk with God is to walk in love.

How to do this? Back to the first paragraph.

Be patient with others. Sounds easy huh? It is unless that other is the slowpoke that slows down (a lot) and takes forever to turn the corner to get out of your way. Or perhaps the person in front of you at the grocers. The one that counts out 45 cents in pennies.

Love is Kind. No problem. Just don't kick the dog. Oh, and let your neighbor know that you will help them when they need it not just when it is convenient for you.

Love does not envy. Now who would envy the junk that guy has. I wouldn't own anything he has. I always pay top dollar for everything I own which brings us to: Love does not brag, is not proud (puffed up)

I'm sure you can go through the rest of the list and if you are honest you can find areas in your life that are a bit weak in the love department. I know I sure can.

One most important thing about love that John Mason exhibits is that LOVE IS A DECISION AND A COMMITMENT!

Congratulations to his future bride, Jennifer Wilbanks, She is getting a good man.

Whose Truth Works?

Many may come across my posting here and say, I don't care about that stuff. BORING! What does it matter? I want music/sports/romance/gaming/etc... blogs not this crap. To you I say, WAIT A SEC AND READ A BIT! - Check the link to Gone Away's post on absolute truth. It is a fun exercise of the mind. AND it is free!!!

A bit ago Gone Away ~ The journal of Clive Allen in America blogged on Poetry and I blogged the comments on his blog and he commented on my blog that he had hoped I would tackle the existence of God. My blog only quoted his statement and really went no further.

Alas and alack! Clive was forced to answer the existence of absolute truth using logic all on his own. I would have helped but I did not want to interfere with his train of thought. Actually had I got in front of his train of thought I would have been run over.

Clive Allen says:

There are only two ways to regard the matter of absolute truth: you either believe that there is such a thing or you don't (if you can think of a third position beyond mere indecision, please let me know - I'd be fascinated to hear of it). And, whether we are aware of it or not, our position on the matter depends on choices that we have made previously. Our personal philosophies are based upon our answer to the most basic question of all: Is there a God?

This is a question ALL must someday face and it just might be a good idea to look at it from a logical point of view. Just in case, you know...

Solutions for Iran Problem!

At The Adventures of Chester there is a post about the options for (the world) dealing with Iran. There is something bloggers can do to help. Collectively bloggers can and have made an impact in positive ways. Iran is another hotspot that must be dealt with soon. If you don't know why then get educated quickly. If you want to get involved Chester has some ideas including becoming a blog pal with an Iranian blogger.

Conclusion: If we, being the blogosphere, are going to have any blogging role in supporting dissidents, protests, and rebellion in Iran, then we need to lay some groundwork now to build some communication channels that will come in handy later. Some ideas:

US-Iranian partner bloggers: Sort of a pen-pal program for bloggers in the US and in Iran. Establishes a communication link. Casual interaction like this could be very useful at building speedy communications over a period of time.

Redundancy in communications links: if the government is going to shut down ISPs, we need some workarounds to get the stories out. Otherwise, the lights will be out here in the blogosphere, and we'll all be prisoners to whatever the networks and NPR toss up there. What about:
-phone cards so folks can call in stories from land lines in Iran? Would the government shut all of those down too?
-setting up networks of bloggers in neighboring countries (Iraq? Afghanistan? the Gulf States? who could receive phone calls from Iranians, then turn their reports into blog posts?
-old school: HAM radio operators?
-if we really want to get a little crazy, sat phones? This is not only expensive, but hard to choose who to get them to, and probably risky for the Iranians to have them.

If you want to get involved I suggest communicating with Chester first. Bloggers in Iran have been jailed and I'm certain that we would not want to be the cause especially if we have built up a rapport with a blog pal...

Be careful out there.

California Assembly Bill AB-19 To Thwart the Will of the People

61% of California voter said NO to homosexual marriage. Now the legislators are working overtime and the MSM is working undertime to pass AB-19 which will, in effect, thwart the will of the people and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will sign it. Basically the bill strikes out "MAN/WOMAN" and replaces it with "TWO PERSONS" in the states family laws.

This bill seeks to amend California's family law by defining
marriage as between "two persons" instead of solely between a
man and a woman. The bill raises important questions of law and
public policy that are now being discussed across the nation and
around the world, reflecting one of this nation's most
significant civil rights issues for the 21st century.

In support of the bill, the author states "The time has come for
California to honor its commitment to equality for all
Californians." Except for the voters!

~~~~~~~~~~

SUMMARY : Seeks to end the state's denial of marriage licenses
to same-sex couples in California. Specifically, this bill :

1)Eliminates the current "different-gender" requirement in the
state's definition of marriage.

2)Clarifies gender-specific terms in the state's family laws
shall be construed to be gender-neutral, except in regards to
Section 308.5, concerning recognition of marriages contracted
in other jurisdictions (Proposition 22 of 2000).

3)Adds Section 403 to the Family Code to declare that no
religious official shall be required to perform or solemnize
any marriage in violation of his or her religious conviction.

EXISTING LAW :

1)Provides that "Marriage is a personal relation arising out of
a civil contract between a man and a woman, to which the
consent of the parties capable of making that contract is
necessary." (Family Code section 300. All further references
are to this code unless otherwise noted.)

2)Provides that "A marriage contracted outside this state that
would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the
marriage was contracted is valid in this state." (Section
308.)

3)Provides, immediately following section 308 that "Only
marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized
in this state.

prying1 sez:
In this bill there is no recognition that 61% of the voters have already said NO!

Should a very small segment of the population be given the power to change the definitions of words for their self centered agendas? Should elected officials decide their constituents do not know what is best and go against their will?

Pray on this one. The saying is, "As California goes, so goes the nation and then the world. Governor's Address and phone number -
Let his office know how you feel.
Governor's Office
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841 - It does not cost that much to call these days. Rates are cheap.
Fax: 916-445-4633 - Write a note and Fax it in - very effective!
Email from this page: http://www.govmail.ca.gov/

INTRODUCED BY Assembly Members Leno, Nunez, Goldberg, Koretz,
Laird, and Lieber
(Principal coauthors: Senators Kehoe, Kuehl, and Migden)
(Coauthors: Assembly Members Calderon, Chan, Chu, Dymally, Evans,
Hancock, Jones, Levine, Montanez, Nation, Ridley-Thomas, Ruskin,
Saldana, and Yee)
(Coauthors: Senators Cedillo and Simitian)

Peace! Peace! When There Is No Peace!

They have no knowledge of the way of peace, and there is no sense of what is right in their behavior: they have made for themselves ways which are not straight; whoever goes in them has no knowledge of peace. - Isaiah 59:8 BBE -

I always love it when blogsurfing to come across an interesting piece of news and decide to blog on it. This one I found on Steal the Bandwagon who gives a hat tip to Michelle Malkin.

Lovely story. Diminutive, 48 year old woman, 5'2" gets punched in the face by a "peace" protester AND his peacenik buddies do nothing to help apprehend him. Peaceable folks huh?

From - Columbia Daily Tribune - Rita Preckshot went to a peace rally, and a fight broke out.

It started out as a typical Wednesday for Preckshot, a 49-year-old who stands about 5-foot-2 and has hearing aids in both ears. She was standing on her normal spot on Providence Road, holding her signs in support of American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. For nearly four years now, this has been Preckshot’s life from about 4:15 to about 5:45 in the afternoon once a week. She started her solo troop-support effort to counteract the peace protesters who stand a couple of blocks away at the intersection of Providence and Broadway. The peaceniks hold signs that say things such as "honk for peace" and "end the occupation."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The man (Paul Allaire) stepped closer. She backed off a step. He shoved a sign in her face, and she backed off once again.

"Don’t touch me!" she told him.

Then, she says, he pushed her.

"He started taunting me and reached out and pushed on my shoulder," Preckshot says. "Each time he pushed, it got a little harder. When I saw his hand come at me again, I grabbed it. I felt fearful."

As Preckshot pushed the man’s hand away, "he slugged me right in the face," she says.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The man, Paul Allaire, doesn’t live in Boone County. He lists Arcadia as his home, though he’s a frequent attendee at the Wednesday protests. He has been charged with third-degree misdemeanor assault for his alleged attack on Preckshot.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
(Paul Allaire said) "The only reason I even approached this woman was to try to understand where her extreme hatred came from," he says. The flier he says he was putting in Preckshot’s face showed President George W. Bush in a Hitleresque outfit and pose. He calls it a joke.

"I was neither being impolite nor threatening when I was slapped," he writes

prying1 sez:
It only goes to show that peace doesn't come from holding up a sign. He said he was wondering about HER 'extreme hatred' which shows HE most likely is caught up in believing the lies the liberals spread about those who support the war against terrorism.

This man is obviously troubled and I hope during his incarceration he finds true peace with his Maker. Hopefully to the point where he can see his wrong doing and repent (turn away) from it. Anger management will not help. This is a man who needs Jesus. Pray for him.

American Princess Corrects the Pledge of Allegiance

I would be OUTRAGED!!! OUTRAGED, I TELL YOU!!! If I thought that The American Princess were serious about her rewrite of the Pledge of Allegiance. Pretty funny stuff if you look past the fact that there are those who would love to adopt her version.

This blog of hers came about because of the news report of Everitt Middle School in Wheat Ridge, CO whose employee, Margo Lucero, the eighth-grade guidance counselor decided that the sixth anniversary of Columbine was a good time to be all inclusive.

Her version:
Instead of "one nation, under God," the voice said, "one nation, under your belief system."

Partial Quote of The American Princess' version - ...to the Republic] the totalitarian, theocratic, and fascist regime that is the current administration, which I contend is not legitimate as they disenfranchised minority voters in several states, [for which it stands], and state that, in fact, it is not representative of all of its people, only those who live in states that were labeled "red" by the mainstream media, and even then not by a mandate of voters, and certainly does not represent me, and I am sorry, world, that my countrymen were so stupid and shortsighted, and, ugh, Christian, to vote for a monkey,

Be sure to travel over to E. M. Zanotti site and browse around. It will be time well spent because Zanotti has a wonderful blog going.

Oh, and support her with some comments - pro or con. (attn. con - expect to lose any disagreements.)

L.A. Times says "Nuke The Filibuster"

Quotes from the LAT editorial "Nuke The Filibuster":

At the risk of seeming dull or unfashionable for not getting our own intellectual makeover, we still think judicial candidates nominated by a president deserve an up-or-down vote in the Senate. We hardly see eye to eye with the far right on social issues, and we oppose some of these judicial nominees, but we urge Republican leaders to press ahead with their threat to nuke the filibuster. The so-called nuclear option entails a finding by a straight majority that filibusters are inappropriate in judicial confirmation battles.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Liberal interest groups determined to keep Bush nominees off the bench are in such a frenzy that they would have you believe that the Senate filibuster lies at the heart of all American freedoms, its lineage traceable to the Constitution, if not the Magna Carta. The filibuster, a parliamentary tactic allowing 41 senators to block a vote by extending debate on a measure indefinitely, is indeed venerable — it can be traced back two centuries. But it is merely the product of the Senate's own rule-making, altered over time; the measure was not part of the founding fathers' checks and balances to prevent a tyranny of the majority. The Senate's structure itself was part of that calculus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~

BUT IN THE EDITORIAL THE LAT SAYS: - quote -
But the Senate shouldn't stop with filibusters over judges. It should strive to nuke the filibuster for all legislative purposes. - end quote -

prying1 sez:
The Republicans are not calling for an end to all filibusters. Just to have the judicial nominees brought to the floor for a vote. It seems the LAT crossed the line to the Right (Conservative) side on this issue and kept on walking...

Hope they don't get lost wandering around like that...

Absolutely Absolute Truth!

prying1 sez: Gone Away ~ The Journal of Clive Allen in America has an interesting post on POETRY! (22-APR-05)

You sez: Poetry you say. Well who cares?

prying1 sez: I don't much except I like to learn stuff even if I never get to use it. Who knows when Alex Trebeck will come up to me and demand I be on Jeopardy to challenge Ken Jennings one on one. I gots to be prepared just in case.

You sez: Ok what about Clive's post.

prying1 sez: Well, go look at it in case Alex calls you up instead of me and while you are there check in the comments section where this exchange takes place:

Jodie said -

The only problem with absolute truth, Gone, is who gets to pick what it is? People these days have a terrible time agreeing on even the smallest of matters. :)

Gone Away replied -

That's just the point, Jodie: nobody picks absolute truth, it just is. And we ignore it at our peril. Would any of us decide that there is no such thing as gravity and jump off the Empire State building to prove our point? I think not. And whether we like it or not, there are truths as immutable as the law of gravity that pertain to right and wrong, good and evil, that we ignore or seek to argue away at our peril. It may not suit our personal agenda that there are basic truths about society that, if ignored, will destroy society. We see the evidence of our willful decision that societal rules no longer apply in our "enlightened society" all around us. How much longer can we ignore truth before society collapses into a new dark age?

Maybe I should blog this. It is, after all, what lies at the root of our cultural decay.

You sez: What does that have to do with poetry?

prying1 sez: Everything my lad, everything...

Haloscan - Trackback Auto Install WIPED OUT the comments amounts on all my posts. Each comments line says ZERO. It seems however the comments are still there. BUT new comments are not registering with the old comments. Guess I'll write to them and suggest they put a disclaimer on the autoinstall page...

I just wish I had taken the time to add the trackback info by hand.

The Truth About Gun Rights

Blog Explosion visitors. Please read this one! - Spread the word about it.

Who is it that is really behind the gun control that is spreading around the world? Brad Todd of Fundamentally Right has a post he entitled "Packing Heat" that gives a big clue as to the real forces behind this movement. It is a wake up call for those who love freedom.

We are told that guns are dangerous and need to be controlled. It is not the guns that are dangerous but criminals willing to use guns for nefarious purposes that are dangerous. Put controls on the criminals instead of the guns.

In his treatise Brad has a quote that I had never heard before. Many reading this may recognize it but just in case you haven't I'm pulling it from Brad's post and setting it here.

- quote -

"Corrupt the young, get them away from religion. Get them interested in sex. Make them superficial, destroy their ruggedness. Get control of all means of publicity and thereby: Get the peoples' mind off their government by focusing their attention on athletics, sexy books and plays, and other trivialities. Divide the people into hostile groups by constantly harping on controversial matters of no importance. Destroy the peoples faith in their natural leaders by holding up the latter to ridicule, contempt and obloquy. Always preach true democracy but seize power as fast and as ruthlessly as possible. Encourage government extravagance, destroy its credit, produce fear with rising prices, inflation and general discontent. Foment unnecessary strikes in vital industries, encourage civil disorders and foster a soft and lenient attitude on the part of government towards such disorders. By specious argument cause the breakdown of the old moral virtues: honesty, sobriety, continence, faith in the pledged word, ruggedness. Cause the registration of all firearms on some pretext, with the view of confiscating them and leaving the population defenseless."



Vladimir Ilich Lenin
- end quote -

prying1 sez: There are forces at work that deceive in order to achieve goals that are not in our best interest. A wake up call is being sounded! Can you hear the trumpet?

"Dictatorship of Relativism" Quote is Spreading

The evening before the new Pope was elected Hugh Hewitt read portions of Cardinal Ratzinger's homily for the mass for the election of the new pope on the air. That was the first I heard the line, "Dictatorship of Relativism". Soon after getting home for the evening I Googled the statement in quotation marks. The quote marks ensure that those words, in that order, are all that Google will pull up. It will not pick relativism from one sentence and dictatorship from another. Try it with and without and you will see what I mean.

That evening there was 0 (ZERO) hits on the quote. It was a apparently a brand new statement that the Cardinal had made. It did have some hits on the Google News Link reporting his homily but zero pages had it up to that point.

This evening I was doing a bit of blog surfing and came across Varifrank's blog. He has a hilarious satire on The brother of Pope Benedict XVI, Georg Ratzinger. It is titled, "Mom! Joey is looking at me again." (Must read for anyone with siblings) On Varifrank's comments I mentioned that it was apparently a new line and stated - quote - At this point in time (7 PM Calif 4-20-05) there are 5830 Google hits for the phrase... - end quote -

It is now 3 hours later (10 PM Calif 4-20-05) there are 10,300 hits for "dictatorship of relativism." - This statement has caused a blogswarm of sorts. - As Varifrank said in his blog concerning it: "I sincerely like the "Dictatorship of relativism" statement, and its made me think (which was I think, his whole idea)."

Thanks for the laugh Varifrank!

Why the Bible?

In conversations with friends a couple days ago the question was asked of me as to why I believe the Bible. There are two reasons really. One is that years ago I experienced an event that changed my life in a positive way. That was when I asked the risen Lord Jesus to really touch my heart. I'm sure you have heard of Easter. The day the tomb of Christ was found empty. Well, He did not die again after that. He is still alive and I asked him to prove it to me. He did by entering my life in a real and tangible way.

The second reason I believe the Bible is because every time I read it I find truth.
Yes some parts seem contradictory but some parts will apply to real situations in my life one day and the contradictory part will apply to my life the next day. It really is a comfort and inspiration for me to forget the things behind me and to stretch forward to the things ahead.

What about all the miracles and signs and wonders and stuff? Was that stuff true? All I know is that with God in my life I will believe in miracles. Without him I would believe...???

Dictatorship of Relativism Tries to Conquer God

Hugh Hewitt has a post of the words of Cardinal Ratzinger's homily at the mass for the election of the new pope. Hugh gives credit to Roman Catholic Blog for the tip. In the Homily are these words -

- Quote - Every day new sects are created and what Saint Paul says about human trickery comes true, with cunning which tries to draw those into error (cf Eph 4, 14). Having a clear faith, based on the Creed of the Church, is often labeled today as a fundamentalism. Whereas, relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and "swept along by every wind of teaching," looks like the only attitude (acceptable) to today's standards. We are moving towards a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as for certain and which has as its highest goal one's own ego and one's own desires. - end quote -

On Hugh's radio Show he asked the question, "What is the dictatorship of relativism?"

Lots of good answers on Hugh's show but the idea I got when I heard the words is that "Moral Relativism" demands complete obedience to nothing. If you believe that anything at all is ultimately true and unchangeable you are labeled as any evil name that will discredit you. Logical argument is not allowed for it would surely loose. No credence can be given to anyone of faith because it destroys all the denial that the moral relativist clings to. Hence the relativism becomes lord over their lives as they strive to reach nothing...

This would be funny if it were not so pitiable.

Update: Roman Catholic Blog has another link set up to Doug TenNapel's site which has some really deep comments on the dictatorship of relativism.

Blog Surfing

I'm sure I'm not the only one that likes to Blog Surf. I think it is a great way to get to know people of like or differing opinions. Today Gindy.blogspot.com stopped by and left a comment.
What a wonderful site with eclectic posts. Each posting I found interesting. From Gindy's site I followed links to Sergeant America who has a few blogs going. (some rough language so be advised.) He has a site dedicated to revealing the 'real' John Kerry. You may have heard of him. He was a Vietnam vet that spent Christmas in Cambodia, The same one that came back from Nam and lied to the U.S. Senate.

Unfortunately I have to go to work so that is the end of the link jumping for this morning.

Just wondering how many others out there take the time to blog surf and visit your neighbors.

Radio Blogger posts Hugh Hewitt and Mort Kondracke on Judicial Filibuster

The entire conversation between Hugh Hewitt and Mort is posted at Radioblogger. I don't know how Generalissimo does it. Sure am glad he does though.

Quote from the interview: H: That's good to know, too. So it looks like they're going to win it. But the Democrats, I had Nan Aron and Ralph Neas on this past ten days, Morton. And Nan Aron is urging a filibuster of Supreme Court nominees if they are like Michael McConnell, Mike Luttig, and even John Roberts. These are mainstream, already confirmed judges. So they are burning their bridges. They're burning their ships.

MK: You know, for the life of me, I can't understand why...my solution to this problem is, let's have a debate on these people. I mean, if the Democrats are so convinced that they are extremists, then what they ought to do is start talking about who they are, what they stand for, what they've done, and all this. I mean, the Democrats in the past have been able to defeat Robert Bork. They had to character assassinate him in order to do it, but nonetheless, they did it. And they managed to get a majority of Senators against him. Now, granted those were in the days when the Democrats ran Congress, but nonetheless, if somebody is truly out of the mainstream, truly an anathema, or can be made to appear such, you can win it on a straight up or down vote. I don't understand...

HH: They admitted to me, both of them admitted to me that all of the filibustered judges would win confirmation if they were allowed to have a vote. And Mort, I made the same argument to them. If they are as bad as you say, have a debate. Ask for 60 hours of debate. And you know, the Republicans will give them as much time as they want, if there's and end to it. It's not about that, it's really about keeping certain people off. Now, I don't know if you've seen this, but Bill Frist has agreed to talk next Sunday at a nationally televised conference featuring James Dobson, Chuck Colson, Al Mohler of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, it's going to be beamed to churches all over the country. (see two blogs back for my take on the Frist appearance at "Justice Sunday"

It is obvious the democrats are unwilling to debate the true reasons for their opposition to these judicial nominees. They would have done so already. Instead they depend on their base continuing to help spread lies about the constitution and how evil these nominees truly are.

The only reason they do not like these folks is the abortion issue. I would like to have some democrats reply as to why ripping babies from their mothers wombs is the most important issue they stand on? Doesn't the blood get on your shoes?

Hugh also wrote an article for World Magazine. In it he says, "Ralph Neas of People for the American Way and Nan Aron of the Alliance for Justice wield so much power over Senate Democrats that their filibuster endorsement apparently signals Democratic intentions when President Bush nominates a successor to Chief Justice William Rehnquist, whose retirement is widely expected though not yet confirmed for early this summer. - end quote -

prying1 sez: Lovely people the Democrats have that are really running the party. Wonder if the base really knows who they are and what they stand for?

Progressive Conservatism Blogs on Chemical Weapons in Iraq

Progressive Conservatism has an extensive article on insurgents in Iraq attempting to brew up some chemical weapons. The question is then asked, did the insurgents try making the stuff as a result of the U.S. incursion or would they have done it without the U.S. removing Sadam from power.

Quote from Progressives Site: "They say Iraqi resistance groups have tried to manufacture "CW," and one might have managed it if the Americans hadn't swooped down on them. The danger has even spilled over into Jordan, where authorities say a plot hatched in Iraq aimed to kill thousands with "poison clouds." The threat demands "sustained attention," says the chief U.S. arms investigator." - End Quote -

prying1 sez: I think these 'insurgents' (read 'terrorists') will continue to murder as they murdered prior to the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. Indeed they were murdering prior to 9-11. Leaving them to their own devices would not have slowed them down one iota. Meeting them on there own turf has slowed them down. Continuing in the "War on Terrorism" will, in the long run, save more lives than if we allow the thugs to continue running around loose.

Cute test to take - here is how I stacked up. - Quite a nice blog - Might want to check some of the other stuff out too.

Your Linguistic Profile:

75% General American English

10% Dixie

10% Upper Midwestern

5% Yankee

0% Midwestern

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

Judicial Nomination Filibuster Controversy Raises Ire of Dems

Chuck Colson, radio commentator and founder of Prison Fellowship Ministries, is a good man. Some do not like him not because he has been instrumental in helping prisoners get their lives turned around but because of how he has done it. His ministry leads people to Jesus Christ and at that point they decide whether to accept Jesus or reject him. If he just set up housing and job opportunities for these same men and women many of those now against Chuck Colson would be all in favor of his work.

James Dobson, also a good man is founder and chairman of the board of Focus on the Family. He offers practical help for marriage and child-rearing along with radio broadcasts that entertain and inform. Some do not like him because Christian principles are the bedrock of his teachings. If he left Jesus Christ out of his work he would not be the target of so much hate speech.

Now Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader, has agreed to join Chuck Colson, James Dobson, and R. Albert Mohler Jr., president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Frist will provide a four-minute videotape to be telecast to "Justice Sunday" An April 24th event at Highview Baptist Church, Louisville, KY.

Liberal Democrats are quickly attacking Senator Frist. Democrats accused Dr. Frist of exploiting religious faith for political ends by joining the telecast. "No party has a monopoly on faith, and for Senator Frist to participate in this kind of telecast just throws more oil on the partisan flames," Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat of New York whines.

Schumer has been silent when liberal Democrats go to church services, exploiting religious faith for political ends and preaching from the pulpit while running for office. - (HINT: Jessie Jackson) - Schumer by his statement must also believe that people of faith are either not capable of thinking for themselves or should not hold any position on political matters. Christians are not required by law to separate their faith from political decisions and Christians can vote as they see fit. There are many in both parties. (Personally I would be offended by Schumer's comments but I consider the source and laugh instead.)

Democrats are saying that the judicial filibuster has nothing to do with the faith of the judicial candidates. However when questioned it seems that the main issue with them is the abortion issue which many Christians feel strongly about.

To find out more on this event you can go to Family Research Council's web page.

The NY Times also has a bit more on it. The NYT article as usual has mis-leading statements and is unreliable. Read between the lines.

Senator McCain - Traitor to Republican Party?

Evidently John McCain R?/AZ wants to have his name associated with liberals. He is willing to throw in with the democrats concerning the unconstitutional filibuster the Democrats are using to keep the full Senate from voting up or down on Bush's Judicial nominations. On TV today McCain rolled over and threw a few democrat talking points (read - LIES - ) out to explain his reprehensible behavior.

Write to your senators and tell them to allow the judicial nominations to get to the full senate for an up or down vote.

You can encourage these Senators to do the right thing by e-mailing any GOP senator or by calling their office at 202-225-3121.

As a Californian Republican I'm stuck with Boxer and Feinstein. I and many others in this state depend on Republican Representatives and Senators in other states to do the right thing. McCain still has not voted one way or the other and may change his mind BUT! He has lost ANY respect I once had for him.

(More on McCains comments - here - and - here)

Bush's Social Security Plan a Fraud?

Proof once again that Democrats have nothing but rhetoric to fix the U.S.'s Social Security Ponzi Scheme. Rep. Charles Rangel came out yesterday with a tirade against President Bush.

Quote (from New York Sun 4-12-05):

Addressing black retired workers on the steps of City Hall yesterday, Rep. Charles Rangel called President Bush's campaign to reshape Social Security a "fraud" and urged African-Americans to combat the White House efforts as part of their civil-rights struggle
.......
For black Americans, the congressman added, the struggle against the proposed changes in the entitlement system was "not only a civil-rights fight, but a fight for America." Mr. Rangel called on African-Americans to continue their "missionary" work against the Social Security proposals and likened the effort to his marching with Martin Luther King Jr. from Selma to Montgomery.
.......
"We have to get rid of the bums that are trying to take it away from us," Mr. Rangel said of the Social Security sys system, referring to Republicans in Washington and City Hall - "people who sleep with Bush, Cheney, Wolfowitz, and the rest of them."
.......

~~~~~Then the article has this~~~~~~
Neither Mr. Barron nor Mr. Rangel detailed at the meeting why the president's proposals were harmful to the black community. When asked for specifics by The New York Sun after the event, Mr. Rangel said, "The progressive nature of being able to get returns means that lower-income people benefit more than higher-income people" from the Social Security system. Since members of minority groups disproportionately constitute the lower income brackets, the congressman said, they stand to lose the most from Mr. Bush's efforts - which the congressman labeled "fraud" and an "impeachable offense."
........
The president of the National Center for Neighborhood Enterprise, Robert Woodson, is quoted as saying:

Allowing Americans to save some of their Social Security contributions in private accounts, he said, was better. Black Americans wouldn't lose benefits to the same extent if they die younger than whites, because their unused accumulated wealth can be passed on to children and other survivors, he said, providing a basis for intergenerational wealth accumulation.

----end quotes -----

prying1 sez:

Is it strange that the morally bankrupt Democratic party continually wants to keep the 'poor black man' under the thumb of the Democratic party? Here is an opportunity for 'the poor' (whatever their color) of this country to get a step up financially and the ultra rich Democrat politicians are working overtime lying and conniving to fool the huddled masses. During Clinton's reign he tried to get a similar program going as that which Bush is proposing. Only difference is in Clinton's plan the government would decide which stocks and bonds would be bought. The citizen would have no control over his own money. Republicans stood against the government control of our money so that so it did not pass.

Whose money is it?

According to Rangel it is the governments money! Don't expect to keep it if you vote for Democrats. They do not care for you. Unless it is to keep your neck under their foot and voting for them because they have fooled you into thinking "they care".

Great site to visit! Outer Space Pictures!

Want to see some great Pictures from telescopes around the world? This is the site for you. Space.com has Image of the Day where you can see some amazing pictures of our universe. This is one site that you will want to check out on occasion so be sure to save the address in favorites. While you are at it you can give praise to the Lord for his wonderful creation!

Should the Catholic Church Change?

Public Theologian has a blurb re: Hans Kung on the Contradictions of John Paul II - In his post he says: - quote - What will be most interesting to watch over the next weeks as a new Pope is chosen, is whether or not the hard line positions that Kung describes which John Paul has espoused will continue under a new regime. The tradition has been that a conservative is followed by a liberal, but one can only hope. - end quote -

I have heard this same note of hope from other liberals, that is that the new Pope will "FIX" the church. This means making it into the image liberals have in their mind of the perfect church. Forget what God wants. Liberals know better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Prying1 sez:
I do not expect much to change in the Catholic Church's stance on the 'major' issues. Priests getting married, abortion, birth control etc. From what I gather the new Pope will have to build on what those before him have said and decreed. For him to go total liberal would be tantamount to saying previous Popes were not 'infallible' when defining doctrine or morality for the whole church. That would endanger his own standing as 'infallible'.
This does not mean that I personally agree with all the doctrine in the Catholic Church. If I did, I would rejoin it. (Born and raised Catholic. - Left it at age 17) I do think it best to allow the Catholic Church to run itself and for those that disagree with it to go start their own church. It would be time better spent praying for the 'Universal' church as opposed to wishing for the neighbors doctrine to fall in line with ones own wishes...

Hewitt Offers Unwinnable Contest.

Hugh Hewitt of Radio/TV and Blogging fame has offered a free copy of his book 'Blog : Understanding the Information Reformation That's Changing Your World' to the first person that sends in a headline from a MAJOR news paper (if dinky blogs counted I'd do it here). The headline must include words that hits this note:

"Do Nothing Democrats Bank on Obstruction as Key to Comeback in '06: Reid says Country in the Mood for Stalemate Despite Dem Losses in '02 and '04. Daschle Said Advising Reid, Pelosi."

prying1 sez:
The fact that Democrats have stopped judicial nominations, offered nothing to straighten out Social Security (unless you want to call saying there is no problem 'a solution', continue to bad mouth Bolton and deny that anything good has happened in Iraq and Afghanistan. When are these jokers going to get a life and face reality. They are losers.

Update: Hewitt also warns Democrats to stay out of the wood in Minnesota. From what I have heard of Minnesota hunters I hope they heed his warning.