As you know I have been incredibly busy pursuing a new (and for me, odd) new profession which so far, has paid off. Health care is completely different from anything I have done before. This occupation presents demanding new knowledge which is completely foreign to me. I recognized my complete need for the Lord’s help in getting through this first step (and subsequent steps) in my career change. I dedicated this new endeavor to Him completely as my ministry. And now finally the simple truth I have learned in taking this step: I can trust God completely to see me through the next few years of training and starting over.
I have no choice but to trust in Him completely. I don’t consider myself smart in science. I can’t imagine myself actually sticking needles into another human being – on purpose. And until a few months ago, I would never have even considered a profession where cleaning human feces was in the job description. But here I am. I am at the end of myself in so many ways. But I am learning His power is manifested in my weakness so that every victory I have is His not mine.
I knew God was working in my career change when I showed up the first day to take a basic English assessment and half the class was my age. I ended up working with some amazing ladies who turned out to be good friends. I can honestly say I am the better for having met these ladies and that is a rare thing these days.
There is one thing that continues to be my personal Kryptonite: people who do not perform their jobs to the best of their ability which prevents me from doing mine. I am still waiting on the State of California to process my CNA certificate because they have not received my application (filled out months ago in class) or my state exam scores (passed with flying colors July 16th.) Apparently the guy our instructor uses to process all this has not done his job. So, while I wait I work as a non-medical “aide” to the elderly in their homes. God brought me this job just over one month after finishing clinical. I had my first client today. The job took one hour longer than planned (I drove him to a post operative doctor appointment) but we stayed safe and I knew he was grateful I was there to help him understand all the information. I drove home in 100 degree heat starving to death having missed lunch. I saw myself in the rear view mirror smiling despite my discomfort. That is what a ministry is all about.
P.S. What do you think of my new blog design? Drop me an email and let me know.
8/25/10
6/7/10
AGAIN?
It has been such a long time since my last blog. I have been consumed by the world of Certified Nursing Assistants. This is an interesting world to be sure. I am re-learning basic anatomy and physiology and this week commence practicing all this book learning on real people. I am nervous. In the long-term care realm, even simple actions could have deadly consequences. Giving a cookie to someone who shouldn’t have it could kill them. But I am confident the good Lord gave me brains for a reason and He will keep me grounded in common sense.
I am also interested in seeing the real world of CNA’s. I suspect they are glorified bed makers and brief changers. I have a feeling those pictures of smiling CNA’s in their cute scrubs making personal connections with residents is PR designed to mask the reality of hours on one's feet, rushing about barely speaking to residents in an attempt to get one's work done before the end of the shift. I hope I am proven wrong. I intend to take up residence in this world until I can afford to go to nursing school.
It is an interesting thing starting over - again. To sum up, it is hard to do at “my age” when I thought I would be at the top of my career game. I am not alone though. Over half the people in my class are in my age range. The oldest woman is 60, and the oldest man looks 65. Most of us are beginning again due to the economy. It is definitely comforting to be going through this surrounded by my peers. I can honestly say my concept of age has changed now that I am pushing 50 and facing another 20 years of work. I look at people who are 80 and think “Now that’s old.”
Starting over has made me more humble as well. My youth and looks are fading, my health is giving way to aches and pains, my savings are dwindling, and the concept of guaranteed employment is not as sure as it once was. I am more willing to work jobs I thought I would only take in high school. I don’t judge people as much. In my CNA class I’ve met bright, articulate, college-educated people with smart life plans who are on unemployment benefits. They never dreamed they would be where they are. We are all hoping this health care career move will be our last. Now if only my back can hold out while I make one hospital bed after another and miter corner after corner, I’ll be in good shape.
I am also interested in seeing the real world of CNA’s. I suspect they are glorified bed makers and brief changers. I have a feeling those pictures of smiling CNA’s in their cute scrubs making personal connections with residents is PR designed to mask the reality of hours on one's feet, rushing about barely speaking to residents in an attempt to get one's work done before the end of the shift. I hope I am proven wrong. I intend to take up residence in this world until I can afford to go to nursing school.
It is an interesting thing starting over - again. To sum up, it is hard to do at “my age” when I thought I would be at the top of my career game. I am not alone though. Over half the people in my class are in my age range. The oldest woman is 60, and the oldest man looks 65. Most of us are beginning again due to the economy. It is definitely comforting to be going through this surrounded by my peers. I can honestly say my concept of age has changed now that I am pushing 50 and facing another 20 years of work. I look at people who are 80 and think “Now that’s old.”
Starting over has made me more humble as well. My youth and looks are fading, my health is giving way to aches and pains, my savings are dwindling, and the concept of guaranteed employment is not as sure as it once was. I am more willing to work jobs I thought I would only take in high school. I don’t judge people as much. In my CNA class I’ve met bright, articulate, college-educated people with smart life plans who are on unemployment benefits. They never dreamed they would be where they are. We are all hoping this health care career move will be our last. Now if only my back can hold out while I make one hospital bed after another and miter corner after corner, I’ll be in good shape.
4/16/10
"Oh, It's Them Again"
I was disappointed in this year’s TEA Party protest. I went to the same location as last year, but there were far fewer people participating. Last year I estimated the crowd at around 1,000. This year we probably didn’t top 300. I asked a few people about the sparse attendance. One person said it could be because there were more events to choose from this year. That’s good I suppose. But when fewer people attend a particular event, visually it makes the protest look weak and reinforces the notion that protesters are on the fringe.
The energy wasn’t there this year either. Last year I felt like I was part of something big; a growing swell of emotion and sense of urgency to get involved and do something positive. This year I felt like I was just standing there holding a sign. Last year I felt like people passing by were saying, “Wow, look at that! This must be important.” This year I felt like people were saying, “Oh, it’s them again.” Most of the response from passing vehicles was positive, but it seemed like people were already weary of the whole thing – after only one year.
I don’t think the change in participation and sentiment was due entirely to a year of negative press. I think at the beginning, this truly was a grass-roots outpouring of concern for our nation. People just spontaneously came together to voice their outrage and join ranks to show their love for this country. Then something interesting happened. This spontaneous spark became a “movement.” It got named. It got organized into different factions with different leaders and geographic clubs all fighting for a bit of the limelight. In essence this movement got organized – to death. The spontaneity is gone.
When I checked out the Internet to research different protest locations this year, I was surprised by the number of groups organizing their own events. I had to choose whether I wanted to join with “The Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition” or the “Liberty First PAC” event. Someone even tried to recruit me for the Poway branch of one of the organizations. It was kind of like, “Step right up. Join the tax payer protesters local 187.” Next thing you know they’ll be collecting dues.
Our government is spiraling dangerously out of control, so organizing the opposition is a good thing. It allows people to come together in a controlled manner and get informed on the issues. It gives an outlet for people to lobby our so-called representatives. The movement gains national media attention (even if the coverage isn’t fair) so people can see we don’t all agree with what is happening in Washington. But it also kills the appeal for me. I’m generally not a joiner and I don’t sign petitions.
Why do I generally not join groups like this? Precisely because as soon as protests are organized they attract a fringe element and begin to loose their way. This year, one guy had a sign about the Federal Reserve. He’s probably been nursing a grudge against the Feds for years and saw this as a legitimate outlet for his kook theory. There was another sign that read “Glenn Beck for President.” More and more messages are cropping up which alienate undecided or apathetic voters. (Bringing up Glenn Beck doesn’t help the cause.) The message about big government and overspending is getting diluted. Unless the “movement” can pick its battles and stay on message I fear our legitimate concerns will become white noise lost in a cacophony of political rancor.
The energy wasn’t there this year either. Last year I felt like I was part of something big; a growing swell of emotion and sense of urgency to get involved and do something positive. This year I felt like I was just standing there holding a sign. Last year I felt like people passing by were saying, “Wow, look at that! This must be important.” This year I felt like people were saying, “Oh, it’s them again.” Most of the response from passing vehicles was positive, but it seemed like people were already weary of the whole thing – after only one year.
I don’t think the change in participation and sentiment was due entirely to a year of negative press. I think at the beginning, this truly was a grass-roots outpouring of concern for our nation. People just spontaneously came together to voice their outrage and join ranks to show their love for this country. Then something interesting happened. This spontaneous spark became a “movement.” It got named. It got organized into different factions with different leaders and geographic clubs all fighting for a bit of the limelight. In essence this movement got organized – to death. The spontaneity is gone.
When I checked out the Internet to research different protest locations this year, I was surprised by the number of groups organizing their own events. I had to choose whether I wanted to join with “The Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition” or the “Liberty First PAC” event. Someone even tried to recruit me for the Poway branch of one of the organizations. It was kind of like, “Step right up. Join the tax payer protesters local 187.” Next thing you know they’ll be collecting dues.
Our government is spiraling dangerously out of control, so organizing the opposition is a good thing. It allows people to come together in a controlled manner and get informed on the issues. It gives an outlet for people to lobby our so-called representatives. The movement gains national media attention (even if the coverage isn’t fair) so people can see we don’t all agree with what is happening in Washington. But it also kills the appeal for me. I’m generally not a joiner and I don’t sign petitions.
Why do I generally not join groups like this? Precisely because as soon as protests are organized they attract a fringe element and begin to loose their way. This year, one guy had a sign about the Federal Reserve. He’s probably been nursing a grudge against the Feds for years and saw this as a legitimate outlet for his kook theory. There was another sign that read “Glenn Beck for President.” More and more messages are cropping up which alienate undecided or apathetic voters. (Bringing up Glenn Beck doesn’t help the cause.) The message about big government and overspending is getting diluted. Unless the “movement” can pick its battles and stay on message I fear our legitimate concerns will become white noise lost in a cacophony of political rancor.
4/13/10
Why I Protest
I am planning to protest again this April 15 for a number of reasons. First, my anger over what this administration is doing to our country has now turned to fear. I can’t let fear paralyze me into in-action. I have to speak out in my own way. I have to have solidarity with like-minded people to give me tangible hope we can still stop Obama-care, Cap and Tax, the VAT, and government corruption in general.
Second, protesting is a right that I choose to exercise while I still can. I may not have this right much longer. Already I am reading in the blog-a-sphere about organized attempts to disrupt and discredit peaceful tax day protests. Now, I expect the propaganda arm of the White House (lame-stream media) to smear American citizens. But I’m dismayed to learn of groups with opposing views trying to take the offensive and create trouble. That’s not what this should be about. If they think Socialist health care is such a great idea, let them stand across the street with signs that say so. I shouldn’t be surprised at this though, given our President cut his political teeth on “community organizing.” When you can’t argue the merits of particular policies, take your cue from Saul Alinsky. I believe this is just the first step in a concerted effort to silence all opposing viewpoints.
Third, my taxes are going up next year to start paying for so-called reform. The IRS plans to hire up to 16,000 agents as enforcers of the new health care bill. (Did you EVER think you’d see the day?) Plus, according to The Heritage Foundation, BO’s new budget would raise taxes by $3 trillion over the next decade, but the national debt would double over the same period. And it doesn’t stop there. The price of gas is going up which will in turn drive up the cost of everything. The unemployment rate in California hovers around 12%, the fifth highest in the nation. Can you say “second Depression?”
So, this Thursday I will be on the street corner with my little sign. It may not make a difference in the long-run, but it will make me proud again to be an American. And while I’m out there, I will think of the spilled blood of American heroes who gave their lives so I can stand on that corner. And I will breathe countless prayers of thanks to God for the opportunity.
Second, protesting is a right that I choose to exercise while I still can. I may not have this right much longer. Already I am reading in the blog-a-sphere about organized attempts to disrupt and discredit peaceful tax day protests. Now, I expect the propaganda arm of the White House (lame-stream media) to smear American citizens. But I’m dismayed to learn of groups with opposing views trying to take the offensive and create trouble. That’s not what this should be about. If they think Socialist health care is such a great idea, let them stand across the street with signs that say so. I shouldn’t be surprised at this though, given our President cut his political teeth on “community organizing.” When you can’t argue the merits of particular policies, take your cue from Saul Alinsky. I believe this is just the first step in a concerted effort to silence all opposing viewpoints.
Third, my taxes are going up next year to start paying for so-called reform. The IRS plans to hire up to 16,000 agents as enforcers of the new health care bill. (Did you EVER think you’d see the day?) Plus, according to The Heritage Foundation, BO’s new budget would raise taxes by $3 trillion over the next decade, but the national debt would double over the same period. And it doesn’t stop there. The price of gas is going up which will in turn drive up the cost of everything. The unemployment rate in California hovers around 12%, the fifth highest in the nation. Can you say “second Depression?”
So, this Thursday I will be on the street corner with my little sign. It may not make a difference in the long-run, but it will make me proud again to be an American. And while I’m out there, I will think of the spilled blood of American heroes who gave their lives so I can stand on that corner. And I will breathe countless prayers of thanks to God for the opportunity.
3/26/10
So I Said To Myself..
I was talking to myself this morning. (Don’t laugh, you probably do it too! I’m told it is a sign of high intelligence.) I had a lot on my mind, mostly large ideas about where our country is and where it is headed, and talking to myself helps me sort it out.
I was thinking that our last best hope for this country is our home-schooled kids. They are the next generation studying the truth about American history. Kids in public schools today get a left-leaning revisionist version, if they get taught American history at all. I’ve seen what passes for “history” at the elementary level in California public schools. I’ve read children’s literature and I’ve seen the subtle (and not so subtle) themes. The common thread in all of it is to portray whites as abusive slave owners and Christopher Columbus as a monster who brought disease and murder to indigenous Indians in America. I read my kids’ history books when they were in middle school. The information was so shallow it could have been condensed into a few well written paragraphs on the back of a cereal box.
This morning I was thinking about what I would tell a group of fourth and fifth-graders if I had the chance to speak to them from the heart. I would tell them that they couldn’t believe everything they read in a history book. I would tell them that some of their teachers would stand in front of them and run America down, and that it would only get worse as they got older - into high school and college. I would share the story of how my own kids’ chemistry teacher at Poway High was insinuating that Americans are stupid and told the class that’s why no American ever won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. (I looked it up – plenty of Americans have won.) I would tell them that I had this same person’s son in kindergarten and she would not allow her son to even hear the Pledge of Allegiance during Friday Flag.
Then I would tell the students that these same kind of anti-American ideas are found in newspapers, magazines and on TV news. There used to be a time when news was boring because every media outlet would try to be fair and present both sides. I would share how my journalism professor told me, “There is no such thing as objectivity in journalism. The best you can hope for is to be fair.” I have witnessed first hand how journalism has become corrupt because I used to be a newspaper reporter. Reporters now seek out people to interview and events to “cover” which support their own ideas. They make personal remarks about other events in an attempt to make those events look bad.
I would say something like: Today you live in the “information age,” a time when information travels so fast you don’t have to wait to hear it. It reminds me of the movie Lord of the Rings. Remember in the beginning when Gandalf had to ride to Minas Tirith and go deep inside the city to the library of ancient writings? He dusted off the cobwebs and read about a time three thousand years earlier when the ring was made and how man failed. Now, information travels so fast that “ancient history” is only 40 years ago. But, that information is being revised just as fast too. So, when you hear something on the news you have to really think about what you are hearing.
You all probably don’t remember when the Berlin Wall came down in the ‘80’s. Our President then, Ronald Reagan, was the main reason why that wall came down. But just last year, when Hillary Clinton went to the former Soviet Union to celebrate the event, the words "Ronald Reagan" were never even mentioned. Hillary Clinton re-wrote history in only 20 years.
If I could, I would tell the kids that America is the greatest country on earth and it is OK to be proud of it. When they hear their teachers talk about how bad this country is, I would remind them we were one of the first countries to help Haiti after the earthquake. And who did we send? Our Marines, because they get the job done. We were the first to help Indonesia after the tsunami. Who does the world look to for help? America, the shinning city on a hill as Reagan called us. That’s who we are; a decent, loving, strong, proud people.
One thing that makes America great is we are made up of folks from all over the world. People who left everything, their families and their homes, to come to the only country that offers hope and guarantees liberty for everyone. Go to a citizenship ceremony sometime, it will make you cry. These people, who sometimes risked their lives to leave oppression, poverty, and despair, put their right hands over their hearts and pledge Allegiance to America. They've earned their citizenship and they don't take for granted.
If I were talking to a group of fourth and fifth-graders, I would tell them they have a choice. They can take the easy road, sit back and believe everything they read and hear. Or they can think, research, and question what they hear, to make up their own minds about it. Then take that next scary step and stand up for what you believe, even if you are the only one in class. Anyway, it sounded good as I was saying to myself.
I was thinking that our last best hope for this country is our home-schooled kids. They are the next generation studying the truth about American history. Kids in public schools today get a left-leaning revisionist version, if they get taught American history at all. I’ve seen what passes for “history” at the elementary level in California public schools. I’ve read children’s literature and I’ve seen the subtle (and not so subtle) themes. The common thread in all of it is to portray whites as abusive slave owners and Christopher Columbus as a monster who brought disease and murder to indigenous Indians in America. I read my kids’ history books when they were in middle school. The information was so shallow it could have been condensed into a few well written paragraphs on the back of a cereal box.
This morning I was thinking about what I would tell a group of fourth and fifth-graders if I had the chance to speak to them from the heart. I would tell them that they couldn’t believe everything they read in a history book. I would tell them that some of their teachers would stand in front of them and run America down, and that it would only get worse as they got older - into high school and college. I would share the story of how my own kids’ chemistry teacher at Poway High was insinuating that Americans are stupid and told the class that’s why no American ever won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. (I looked it up – plenty of Americans have won.) I would tell them that I had this same person’s son in kindergarten and she would not allow her son to even hear the Pledge of Allegiance during Friday Flag.
Then I would tell the students that these same kind of anti-American ideas are found in newspapers, magazines and on TV news. There used to be a time when news was boring because every media outlet would try to be fair and present both sides. I would share how my journalism professor told me, “There is no such thing as objectivity in journalism. The best you can hope for is to be fair.” I have witnessed first hand how journalism has become corrupt because I used to be a newspaper reporter. Reporters now seek out people to interview and events to “cover” which support their own ideas. They make personal remarks about other events in an attempt to make those events look bad.
I would say something like: Today you live in the “information age,” a time when information travels so fast you don’t have to wait to hear it. It reminds me of the movie Lord of the Rings. Remember in the beginning when Gandalf had to ride to Minas Tirith and go deep inside the city to the library of ancient writings? He dusted off the cobwebs and read about a time three thousand years earlier when the ring was made and how man failed. Now, information travels so fast that “ancient history” is only 40 years ago. But, that information is being revised just as fast too. So, when you hear something on the news you have to really think about what you are hearing.
You all probably don’t remember when the Berlin Wall came down in the ‘80’s. Our President then, Ronald Reagan, was the main reason why that wall came down. But just last year, when Hillary Clinton went to the former Soviet Union to celebrate the event, the words "Ronald Reagan" were never even mentioned. Hillary Clinton re-wrote history in only 20 years.
If I could, I would tell the kids that America is the greatest country on earth and it is OK to be proud of it. When they hear their teachers talk about how bad this country is, I would remind them we were one of the first countries to help Haiti after the earthquake. And who did we send? Our Marines, because they get the job done. We were the first to help Indonesia after the tsunami. Who does the world look to for help? America, the shinning city on a hill as Reagan called us. That’s who we are; a decent, loving, strong, proud people.
One thing that makes America great is we are made up of folks from all over the world. People who left everything, their families and their homes, to come to the only country that offers hope and guarantees liberty for everyone. Go to a citizenship ceremony sometime, it will make you cry. These people, who sometimes risked their lives to leave oppression, poverty, and despair, put their right hands over their hearts and pledge Allegiance to America. They've earned their citizenship and they don't take for granted.
If I were talking to a group of fourth and fifth-graders, I would tell them they have a choice. They can take the easy road, sit back and believe everything they read and hear. Or they can think, research, and question what they hear, to make up their own minds about it. Then take that next scary step and stand up for what you believe, even if you are the only one in class. Anyway, it sounded good as I was saying to myself.
3/22/10
Breathtaking - Simply Breathtaking
Watching liberal House Democrats pass the Senate’s version of “health-care-reform” last night left me in stunned silence. It was like watching an Olympic grudge match that came down to the wire. The winning team explodes with whoops and hollers jumping all over the place while the loosing team sits silently with their heads in their hands, looking forlornly at the final score. For about two seconds. Now watch as the American people (in the role of the loosing team) storm the field screaming “Oh, Hell no!”
The blatant corruption, deal making, and contempt for the Constitution during this process was on full display like a blooming fungus. Scratch the surface of this bill and it oozes. But, the government take-over of one-sixth of our economy has, and will continue to mobilize this nation’s citizenry to action. These pompous, elitist, (where’s my thesaurus?) Socialist, children masquerading in adult bodies who detest the American people will be held accountable for their actions. Their days as “public servants” are numbered.
Trying to find the good in all this I do recognize that today will be a very interesting news day. Fox will dominate, of course. State-controlled media will (predictably) spin the Republicans as heartless demons. I can’t wait to hear what Rush has to say. I’m sure my favorite local guy, Roger Hedgecock, will be in fine form as well. Tyrannical governments just have a way of making great news stories.
So, it is a fine Spring day and I will not let my heart be troubled. The Lord sets up governments and deposes them. All of this was known. He even knows all of the unintended consequences of this POS legislation. I will trust in Him alone as I set about to rid my garden of that pesky fungus which popped up. My transistor will be by my side set to “talk radio” and my neighbors will wonder why they hear me yell “That’s right,” and “You tell ‘em Rush!”
The blatant corruption, deal making, and contempt for the Constitution during this process was on full display like a blooming fungus. Scratch the surface of this bill and it oozes. But, the government take-over of one-sixth of our economy has, and will continue to mobilize this nation’s citizenry to action. These pompous, elitist, (where’s my thesaurus?) Socialist, children masquerading in adult bodies who detest the American people will be held accountable for their actions. Their days as “public servants” are numbered.
Trying to find the good in all this I do recognize that today will be a very interesting news day. Fox will dominate, of course. State-controlled media will (predictably) spin the Republicans as heartless demons. I can’t wait to hear what Rush has to say. I’m sure my favorite local guy, Roger Hedgecock, will be in fine form as well. Tyrannical governments just have a way of making great news stories.
So, it is a fine Spring day and I will not let my heart be troubled. The Lord sets up governments and deposes them. All of this was known. He even knows all of the unintended consequences of this POS legislation. I will trust in Him alone as I set about to rid my garden of that pesky fungus which popped up. My transistor will be by my side set to “talk radio” and my neighbors will wonder why they hear me yell “That’s right,” and “You tell ‘em Rush!”
3/16/10
History in the Making
I love the phrase “history in the making.” It is attached to events that are deemed to have such significant impact on society that the event will be remembered forever more. The event will be written into history books and taught to future generations; not just to remember that the event happened, but for the changes the event caused and the lessons learned from the event.
These are exciting times, from a historical perspective. We are witnessing “history in the making” as this Democrat congress tries to apply the so-called Slaughter rule and “pass” health care reform without an up or down vote. Wow! Our elected officials are subverting the Constitution. Current events are breathtaking. If “health” “care” “reform” is passed without a vote, the American people will rise up and protest like never before in my lifetime. The majority of Americans do not want this bill. The majority of Americans recognize this as a massive tax on future generations. The majority of American people know that at the core of this “reform” is secrecy, corruption and lies. And yet, here we are.
All of this reminds me of the new Tim Burton film, Alice In Wonderland. I haven’t seen it. I am familiar with Disney’s fanciful animated version from years ago. The trailers of Tim Burton’s version look very dark and distorted; kind of like Nightmare Before Christmas meets Edward Scissorhands. For instance, I am listening to a Democrat House member on the radio right now saying he hasn’t decided how he is going to vote because he wants to know what his constituents want. He hasn’t figured that out yet? Has he fallen down the rabbit hole into some dark place taken over by Nancy Pelosi in the role of the Red Queen? For him to say he wants to know what his constituents think about health care reform tells me he is completely detached from reality. (Him and every other Democrat.)
If only all of this were just a Hollywood remake of a little girl’s bad dream. Unfortunately it is reality. I can’t wait to see what the American people do. Whatever the outcome, I predict these events will live in infamy.
These are exciting times, from a historical perspective. We are witnessing “history in the making” as this Democrat congress tries to apply the so-called Slaughter rule and “pass” health care reform without an up or down vote. Wow! Our elected officials are subverting the Constitution. Current events are breathtaking. If “health” “care” “reform” is passed without a vote, the American people will rise up and protest like never before in my lifetime. The majority of Americans do not want this bill. The majority of Americans recognize this as a massive tax on future generations. The majority of American people know that at the core of this “reform” is secrecy, corruption and lies. And yet, here we are.
All of this reminds me of the new Tim Burton film, Alice In Wonderland. I haven’t seen it. I am familiar with Disney’s fanciful animated version from years ago. The trailers of Tim Burton’s version look very dark and distorted; kind of like Nightmare Before Christmas meets Edward Scissorhands. For instance, I am listening to a Democrat House member on the radio right now saying he hasn’t decided how he is going to vote because he wants to know what his constituents want. He hasn’t figured that out yet? Has he fallen down the rabbit hole into some dark place taken over by Nancy Pelosi in the role of the Red Queen? For him to say he wants to know what his constituents think about health care reform tells me he is completely detached from reality. (Him and every other Democrat.)
If only all of this were just a Hollywood remake of a little girl’s bad dream. Unfortunately it is reality. I can’t wait to see what the American people do. Whatever the outcome, I predict these events will live in infamy.
3/4/10
Not In My Neighborhood
This week my community was catapulted into the national media spotlight with the brutal murder of Poway High School student Chelsea King. This is exactly the sort of horror we say “could never happen where I live.” And yet, unbelievably, it did.
I know exactly where they found Chelsea, having walked that same trail myself many times. It is my favorite part of Lake Hodges. There is a turn-off which goes over a bridge and leads to a waterfall. There are houses right there on a ridge. It is a beautiful area. It is a trail which now, unfortunately, will always be associated in my mind with this heinous crime.
Passions are understandably inflamed right now. It is hard to comprehend anyone wanting to hurt a petite, straight-A student who was on the cross country team and a member of the San Diego Youth Symphony. I also learned yesterday she was a peer counselor at Poway High. How could anyone randomly snuff out a bright life like that? What makes it worse is the man accused of doing this has a history of violence against women. People have said things like “Put him in a room for three minutes with some Navy Seals.” His parents’ Rancho Bernardo home was defaced this week.
That is exactly the sort of thing we must guard against. We can not allow this guy, John Albert Gardener III, to rob us of our peace and security. And no matter how we feel personally about this monster, we must allow the justice system to work. Yes, we all agree it broke down when it allowed him to go free after serving only five years for brutally attacking a 13-year-old. But we finally have the chance to set things right. The DA’s case is strong. The evidence is there. I hope there are no glitches that get in the way of giving this man everything he deserves – even if it means the death penalty.
Given what has been reported about Chelsea’s nature, and from what I have seen on TV about her parents, I know some good will come out of all this. They seem like strong people who will not let their daughter’s death be in vain. And I know the community will heal as well. We will be a little more vigilant when we are out in public. We won’t brush off those odd things we see. We will demand that our officials enforce laws on the books now, and we will work to strengthen those laws. We will come together to make our community the kind of place where things like this never happen again.
I know exactly where they found Chelsea, having walked that same trail myself many times. It is my favorite part of Lake Hodges. There is a turn-off which goes over a bridge and leads to a waterfall. There are houses right there on a ridge. It is a beautiful area. It is a trail which now, unfortunately, will always be associated in my mind with this heinous crime.
Passions are understandably inflamed right now. It is hard to comprehend anyone wanting to hurt a petite, straight-A student who was on the cross country team and a member of the San Diego Youth Symphony. I also learned yesterday she was a peer counselor at Poway High. How could anyone randomly snuff out a bright life like that? What makes it worse is the man accused of doing this has a history of violence against women. People have said things like “Put him in a room for three minutes with some Navy Seals.” His parents’ Rancho Bernardo home was defaced this week.
That is exactly the sort of thing we must guard against. We can not allow this guy, John Albert Gardener III, to rob us of our peace and security. And no matter how we feel personally about this monster, we must allow the justice system to work. Yes, we all agree it broke down when it allowed him to go free after serving only five years for brutally attacking a 13-year-old. But we finally have the chance to set things right. The DA’s case is strong. The evidence is there. I hope there are no glitches that get in the way of giving this man everything he deserves – even if it means the death penalty.
Given what has been reported about Chelsea’s nature, and from what I have seen on TV about her parents, I know some good will come out of all this. They seem like strong people who will not let their daughter’s death be in vain. And I know the community will heal as well. We will be a little more vigilant when we are out in public. We won’t brush off those odd things we see. We will demand that our officials enforce laws on the books now, and we will work to strengthen those laws. We will come together to make our community the kind of place where things like this never happen again.
2/16/10
A Mighty Wind Blows
I tend to be a “big picture” person; I like to look at trends and try to analyze them. Here is what I see: more and more people who say they have never paid attention to politics in their lives are getting involved. They are following news stories and educating themselves on the issues. More people know who is running for office and what their voting records are. I read stories of little old ladies and 40-somethings and twenty-year-olds (who say the only political thing they have done in the past is vote) manning the phones and canvassing for candidates. I hear callers to radio programs say for the first time in their lives they are emailing and calling their senators and congressmen. People are weathering snow storms to ring doorbells and talk to their neighbors about the issues. I am encouraged by this.
I think we forget that “we the people” hold the power. Even in the face of huge, corrupt government, negative nationalized press, and elite socialists who try to ignore us and portray us as ignorant, we the people have the power to change things in Washington. No one pays much attention to a single person holding a sign. When a few hundred people hold signs on a street corner and wave it’s called quaint. But when thousands of people across the country gather time and again to hold signs suddenly it’s a movement. Washington elites sit up and take notice. Somewhere in the back of their minds memories of their high school civics class are activated and it dawns on them - they work for us! And we people are empowered to take back our government.
We the people are the power of this great nation. Our ideals and our heritage, our common goals, and our desire to be free give us our power to fight the cancerous spread of Socialism from within. Our country came about by pioneers: rugged individualists who, through great sacrifice, carved out a nation built on Godly principals. Our founding fathers and the brave men and women who came before and after them left us a legacy more valuable than gold. We will not sit idly by while that legacy is destroyed.
People who have breathed freedom and had blessings from God showered upon them, do not soon forget that. When the stagnant air of oppression, recession, taxation and corruption hangs over us, we the people know what to do. We dust off our pitchforks, light our torches, educate ourselves and get to work. Aaah! I feel the wind of change already.
I think we forget that “we the people” hold the power. Even in the face of huge, corrupt government, negative nationalized press, and elite socialists who try to ignore us and portray us as ignorant, we the people have the power to change things in Washington. No one pays much attention to a single person holding a sign. When a few hundred people hold signs on a street corner and wave it’s called quaint. But when thousands of people across the country gather time and again to hold signs suddenly it’s a movement. Washington elites sit up and take notice. Somewhere in the back of their minds memories of their high school civics class are activated and it dawns on them - they work for us! And we people are empowered to take back our government.
We the people are the power of this great nation. Our ideals and our heritage, our common goals, and our desire to be free give us our power to fight the cancerous spread of Socialism from within. Our country came about by pioneers: rugged individualists who, through great sacrifice, carved out a nation built on Godly principals. Our founding fathers and the brave men and women who came before and after them left us a legacy more valuable than gold. We will not sit idly by while that legacy is destroyed.
People who have breathed freedom and had blessings from God showered upon them, do not soon forget that. When the stagnant air of oppression, recession, taxation and corruption hangs over us, we the people know what to do. We dust off our pitchforks, light our torches, educate ourselves and get to work. Aaah! I feel the wind of change already.
1/28/10
My Conclusion
Impeach the bastard. There you have my summation of last night’s State of the Union address.
I could go on and on but what is the point? You have a brain and can see for yourself where our country is headed.
As for me, I simply can find no common ground with a man whose actions tell me he hates America. I find no common ground with a man who honestly thinks I’m moronic enough to believe his rhetoric, and who expects me to sit by quietly and watch while he breaks his promises. I can find no common ground with a man whose party governs against the will of the people. I find no common ground with a man who puts our military at risk while simultaneously protecting known terrorists. I find no common ground with a man who actively works to divide the country along racial and class lines.
I’ll let the pundits attack the talking points one by one. I can only come to one three-word conclusion: impeach the bastard.
I could go on and on but what is the point? You have a brain and can see for yourself where our country is headed.
As for me, I simply can find no common ground with a man whose actions tell me he hates America. I find no common ground with a man who honestly thinks I’m moronic enough to believe his rhetoric, and who expects me to sit by quietly and watch while he breaks his promises. I can find no common ground with a man whose party governs against the will of the people. I find no common ground with a man who puts our military at risk while simultaneously protecting known terrorists. I find no common ground with a man who actively works to divide the country along racial and class lines.
I’ll let the pundits attack the talking points one by one. I can only come to one three-word conclusion: impeach the bastard.
1/25/10
Words We May Never Hear Again
Occasionally, I will reprint material I think is inspiring or thought provoking. My husband sent me something about the sentencing of the so-called “shoe-bomber.” Remember him? Well his trial is over. I can’t confirm whether these truly are the judges’ remarks from that trial but, even if they are not, the sentiment is inspiring.
I do agree with one idea put forth here: terrorists are not warriors and should not be confused with warriors. They are cowardly, mind-numb robots enslaved to their ideology. I personally know a warrior. Warriors are honorable, self-sacrificing, freedom-loving individuals who fight for the liberty of others. He is in the company of hundreds of honorable, self-sacrificing, freedom-loving individuals. There is no way I would confuse the actions of a warrior with that of a terrorist, who thinks so little of women and children he uses them as human shields in battle.
Here then, at my husband’s request, is a re-printing of what is said to be the ruling by Judge William Young handed down to Richard C. Reid. As you read this, keep in mind the political semantics you hear from the current administration.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say. His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his 'allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah,' defiantly stating, 'I think I will not apologize for my actions,' and told the court 'I am at war with your country.'
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:
January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid.
Judge Young: 'Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you. On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That's 80 years.) On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment. The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice. You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier, you are not ----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: 'You're no big deal.'
You are no big deal. What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today? I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.
It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom, so that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.
We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom; mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.
Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America , the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.
Mr. Custody Officer - stand him down.
I do agree with one idea put forth here: terrorists are not warriors and should not be confused with warriors. They are cowardly, mind-numb robots enslaved to their ideology. I personally know a warrior. Warriors are honorable, self-sacrificing, freedom-loving individuals who fight for the liberty of others. He is in the company of hundreds of honorable, self-sacrificing, freedom-loving individuals. There is no way I would confuse the actions of a warrior with that of a terrorist, who thinks so little of women and children he uses them as human shields in battle.
Here then, at my husband’s request, is a re-printing of what is said to be the ruling by Judge William Young handed down to Richard C. Reid. As you read this, keep in mind the political semantics you hear from the current administration.
Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant if he had anything to say. His response: After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his 'allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah,' defiantly stating, 'I think I will not apologize for my actions,' and told the court 'I am at war with your country.'
Judge Young then delivered the statement quoted below:
January 30, 2003, United States vs. Reid.
Judge Young: 'Mr. Richard C. Reid, hearken now to the sentence the Court imposes upon you. On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General. On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively. (That's 80 years.) On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, to be served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon you for each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines. The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment. The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further. This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and just sentence. It is a righteous sentence.
Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care for individuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice. You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in any war. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier, you are not ----- you are a terrorist. And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.
So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are a terrorist. A species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, State Trooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that plane and into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crews were, and he said: 'You're no big deal.'
You are no big deal. What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have as honestly as I know how tried to grapple with, is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today? I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to search your heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.
It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individual freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom, so that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discretely. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.
We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms. Look around this courtroom; mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.
Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America , the American people will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done. The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence on which specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.
See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America. That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flag stands for freedom. And it always will.
Mr. Custody Officer - stand him down.
1/20/10
"You Would Cry Too, If It Happened To You"
I don’t know about you, but I had a blast watching the results of Massachusetts’ Senate election last night. Living in California, I had never heard of Scott Brown or Martha Coakley, until last week. That’s when I started hearing the importance of this Senate race being a referendum on Obama’s health care takeover, and big government in general.
Imagine, Scott Brown, a Republican, winning a Senate seat which for 37 years went to a Democrat. Brown’s win breaks the 60-vote filibuster-proof Democrat majority in Washington. He actually campaigned on a promise to not vote for health care reform. I can just imagine Dems in the U.S. Senate today singing, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”
Everyone will be analyzing what went wrong with Coakley’s campaign. The blame game and finger-pointing started even before the election was over. My impression was that her attitude in general was one of sheer condescension toward the people. She came off as having an elitist, holier-than-thou, arrogant sense of entitlement; as though the Senate seat was owed to her. It was as if that capital “D” after her name made her a shoo-in; insulating her from the need to “go out in the cold” to meet people and actually campaign. (She elected instead to go to Washington for a fund raiser where her thug shoved a reporter to the ground.) That same elitism is on garish display in Washington in the form of broken promises and backroom deals. People just don’t like it.
I loved Brown’s line that this open Senate seat wasn’t Ted Kennedy’s seat or the Democrats’ seat; it was the people’s seat. I think that resonated with a lot of people who have eyes and can plainly see what is happening in Washington. It doesn’t matter if you are a conservative or liberal, a Democrat or Republican; nobody likes being lied to. Nobody likes being ignored. Nobody likes broken promises. Nobody likes to see some special interest union or specific state get preferential treatment. It just doesn’t fly. Well, here’s to hoping this so-called health care reform dies a quick and merciful death. And let’s hope when Mr. Brown goes to Washington he remembers his promises.
Imagine, Scott Brown, a Republican, winning a Senate seat which for 37 years went to a Democrat. Brown’s win breaks the 60-vote filibuster-proof Democrat majority in Washington. He actually campaigned on a promise to not vote for health care reform. I can just imagine Dems in the U.S. Senate today singing, “It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to.”
Everyone will be analyzing what went wrong with Coakley’s campaign. The blame game and finger-pointing started even before the election was over. My impression was that her attitude in general was one of sheer condescension toward the people. She came off as having an elitist, holier-than-thou, arrogant sense of entitlement; as though the Senate seat was owed to her. It was as if that capital “D” after her name made her a shoo-in; insulating her from the need to “go out in the cold” to meet people and actually campaign. (She elected instead to go to Washington for a fund raiser where her thug shoved a reporter to the ground.) That same elitism is on garish display in Washington in the form of broken promises and backroom deals. People just don’t like it.
I loved Brown’s line that this open Senate seat wasn’t Ted Kennedy’s seat or the Democrats’ seat; it was the people’s seat. I think that resonated with a lot of people who have eyes and can plainly see what is happening in Washington. It doesn’t matter if you are a conservative or liberal, a Democrat or Republican; nobody likes being lied to. Nobody likes being ignored. Nobody likes broken promises. Nobody likes to see some special interest union or specific state get preferential treatment. It just doesn’t fly. Well, here’s to hoping this so-called health care reform dies a quick and merciful death. And let’s hope when Mr. Brown goes to Washington he remembers his promises.
1/5/10
The Year That Was
Well it’s done. About all I can say about 2009 is “Of all the years, that was one.” I’m glad it is over. The insanity of politics, the economy, a blatantly corrupt government, global warming and world affairs became so hyper-surreal I don’t even want to attempt retrospect. Usually at this time we see on television a look back over the year that was. The fight ahead is so huge I just don’t have the energy. Instead, I will remember the personal things that happened this year – good and bad – and focus my energy on what lies ahead nationally: the 2010 election. Let’s hope we can put some grown-ups back in Washington.
I also reflect on personal goals during this time of year. One of my biggies is to read God’s word daily. I started an on-line Bible reading group to help me stay accountable to this goal. Yes, it has been a struggle to develop this good habit. But current events feel so out of control that I must anchor myself to God’s word. I shouldn’t be struck by how relevant the Bible is in speaking to everyday life of today. Human nature hasn’t changed in more than 2000 years.
This idea hit me when I was reading about Joseph in the book of Genesis. You will recall Joseph ended up in Egypt at the hands of his brothers who wanted to get rid of him out of jealousy. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of everything because God blessed his endeavors and gave him the ability to interpret dreams. Because of famine, Joseph reconciled to his family and moved them to the land of Goshen. The famine continued and became so sever the Egyptians came to Joseph in a desperate state. And that is where the story reminds me of human nature today. I quote Genesis 47: 13-21:
There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine. Joseph collected all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Canaan in payment for the grain they were buying, and he brought it to Pharaoh's palace. When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, "Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? Our money is used up."
"Then bring your livestock," said Joseph. "I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone." So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys. And he brought them through that year with food in exchange for all their livestock.
When that year was over, they came to him the following year and said, "We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate."
So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh's, and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other.
You know, our government did the same thing during the depression. Remember when everyone had to turn over their gold? As for the story in Genesis, why didn’t someone figure out what was going on when Joseph started storing up grain and do the same? Why couldn’t they have pooled their resources and depended on themselves to get through the famine? Why didn't they fight, even a little, to provide for themselves and remain autonomous? Instead the Egyptians allowed themselves to depend on the government for their very existence and as a result, they were reduced to mere slaves.
I see it now. There are so many people out of work depending on the government for food stamps and unemployment checks. As a country, we are moving beyond the idea of government offering temporary help to the realm of government becoming permanent provider. There is nothing wrong with taking assistance when it is needed. I did it myself. My worry is we will collectively give up our liberties and let the government keep us afloat because we are too tired to fight the system any more. At that point we will be slaves. I hope it doesn’t happen.
One of my resolutions this year is to bitch less and pray more. I pray this country does not collapse from within. I pray we have the resolve to fight for what we know is ours – given to us by the gracious providence of God and so eloquently expressed in our Constitution. I pray that we all stay anchored in God’s word and see how relevant it is for today. I pray that we press on and are blessed abundantly this coming year. Happy New Year to you and yours.
I also reflect on personal goals during this time of year. One of my biggies is to read God’s word daily. I started an on-line Bible reading group to help me stay accountable to this goal. Yes, it has been a struggle to develop this good habit. But current events feel so out of control that I must anchor myself to God’s word. I shouldn’t be struck by how relevant the Bible is in speaking to everyday life of today. Human nature hasn’t changed in more than 2000 years.
This idea hit me when I was reading about Joseph in the book of Genesis. You will recall Joseph ended up in Egypt at the hands of his brothers who wanted to get rid of him out of jealousy. Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of everything because God blessed his endeavors and gave him the ability to interpret dreams. Because of famine, Joseph reconciled to his family and moved them to the land of Goshen. The famine continued and became so sever the Egyptians came to Joseph in a desperate state. And that is where the story reminds me of human nature today. I quote Genesis 47: 13-21:
There was no food, however, in the whole region because the famine was severe; both Egypt and Canaan wasted away because of the famine. Joseph collected all the money that was to be found in Egypt and Canaan in payment for the grain they were buying, and he brought it to Pharaoh's palace. When the money of the people of Egypt and Canaan was gone, all Egypt came to Joseph and said, "Give us food. Why should we die before your eyes? Our money is used up."
"Then bring your livestock," said Joseph. "I will sell you food in exchange for your livestock, since your money is gone." So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and he gave them food in exchange for their horses, their sheep and goats, their cattle and donkeys. And he brought them through that year with food in exchange for all their livestock.
When that year was over, they came to him the following year and said, "We cannot hide from our lord the fact that since our money is gone and our livestock belongs to you, there is nothing left for our lord except our bodies and our land. Why should we perish before your eyes—we and our land as well? Buy us and our land in exchange for food, and we with our land will be in bondage to Pharaoh. Give us seed so that we may live and not die, and that the land may not become desolate."
So Joseph bought all the land in Egypt for Pharaoh. The Egyptians, one and all, sold their fields, because the famine was too severe for them. The land became Pharaoh's, and Joseph reduced the people to servitude, from one end of Egypt to the other.
You know, our government did the same thing during the depression. Remember when everyone had to turn over their gold? As for the story in Genesis, why didn’t someone figure out what was going on when Joseph started storing up grain and do the same? Why couldn’t they have pooled their resources and depended on themselves to get through the famine? Why didn't they fight, even a little, to provide for themselves and remain autonomous? Instead the Egyptians allowed themselves to depend on the government for their very existence and as a result, they were reduced to mere slaves.
I see it now. There are so many people out of work depending on the government for food stamps and unemployment checks. As a country, we are moving beyond the idea of government offering temporary help to the realm of government becoming permanent provider. There is nothing wrong with taking assistance when it is needed. I did it myself. My worry is we will collectively give up our liberties and let the government keep us afloat because we are too tired to fight the system any more. At that point we will be slaves. I hope it doesn’t happen.
One of my resolutions this year is to bitch less and pray more. I pray this country does not collapse from within. I pray we have the resolve to fight for what we know is ours – given to us by the gracious providence of God and so eloquently expressed in our Constitution. I pray that we all stay anchored in God’s word and see how relevant it is for today. I pray that we press on and are blessed abundantly this coming year. Happy New Year to you and yours.
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