(I received this as an Email and thought I would post it to get wider distribution than my personal Email list.)
>>
>> Dear Body of Christ,
>>
>>
>>
>> I am a student at Virginia Tech, and also am
>> very involved with Campus Crusade for Christ here,
>> and I know that many people have asked us for prayer
>> requests. I thought I would type up a list to send
>> to you because we desperately need prayer, but I
>> know sometimes it is hard to know what to pray for
>> in the midst of such horrible tragedy. Please know
>> that we are so thankful and appreciative of all the
>> prayers and concerns of people from around the
>> world. It blesses us so much. Please continue to
>> pray though our world will move on.these next weeks
>> will be so difficult for all of us. Through all this
>> pain, I am thankful for God's promises, and I will
>> find my rest in the fact that God is faithful, and
>> constant, and a loving God. I will trust in God's
>> promises that he brings prosperity and creates
>> disaster (Isaiah 45:7), but that in all these
>> things, He works for the good of His people (Romans
>> 8:28), and that His plans will always prevail
>> (Proverbs 19:21). It says in Jeremiah 31:4-5, "I
>> will build you up again, and you will be
>> rebuilt.again you will take up your tambourines and
>> go out to dance with the joyful." I truly believe
>> that is what God will do, and is already doing, for
>> this campus. Here are some very specific prayer
>> requests:
>>
>>
>>
>> - That people would not question their
>> faith in God and His character, but be strengthened
>> and spurred towards a (deeper) relationship with Him
>>
>>
>> - That God would provide us emotional
>> and physical rest and comfort
>>
>> - That God would have His healing touch
>> on the families, friends, and all affected by this
>> tragedy
>>
>> - That the media would be respectful of
>> the period of mourning and sadness and pain that we
>> must go through
>>
>> - That classes would work themselves
>> out, and that students would not collapse under the
>> pressure of having to mentally take on too much too
>> soon
>>
>> - That the unity among Christian
>> movements on campus would continue to grow and
>> flourish
>>
>> - That living situations would be
>> worked out for those living on the fourth floor of
>> West Ambler Johnston, who now feel too much pain to
>> live there
>>
>> - That numbness would subside, and that
>> the grieving process would begin or continue
>>
>> - That we would be sensitive and love
>> each other as Christ loved us when we are at
>> different stages in the healing process
>>
>> - For the administration of our campus,
>> that they would have time to grieve and to process
>> in the midst of all their demands
>>
>> - For the police officers, who have
>> been on duty for days; most are having to travel a
>> long way to get home at night
>>
>> - For the EMTs who responded on Monday;
>> the majority were students, who now have to deal
>> with these images, memories, and losses
>>
>> - For the family of Cho, that they
>> would feel the love of Christ as they search for
>> answers and live through guilt or shame
>>
>> - That the Holy Spirit would intervene
>> and shield us from horrifying images from the media
>> or from memories
>>
>> - For traveling students as they make
>> their way home, and back to school for class on
>> Monday
>>
>>
>>
>> Thank you for going to our wonderful and
>> almighty God with these requests. We are thankful
>> for you and your devotion to the Lord.
>>
>>
>>
>> Sincerely,
>>
>> Jessamyn Pauley
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Great News
With the news focused on the carnage at Virginia Tech good news is overshadowed.
The United States Supreme Court has upheld the 2003 ban on partial-birth abortions!
This is indeed good news. The horrific murder of babies as they emerge from the womb
will end.
The United States Supreme Court has upheld the 2003 ban on partial-birth abortions!
This is indeed good news. The horrific murder of babies as they emerge from the womb
will end.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sunday, March 11, 2007
*DARRELL SCOTT TESTIMONY*
I do not know how long this has been traveling around the internet but feel it is
still a very valid message to all of us.
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday,
Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine
High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to
address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said
to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was
painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well.
It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician,
every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert!
These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful,
penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent
this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:*
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in thehearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain.
Their blood cries out for answers.
The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association.
The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. Iam not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.
I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,*
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!*
Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit.
When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.
Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more
restrictive laws Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation
that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you
who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.
Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this
country will not allow that to happen!"
still a very valid message to all of us.
Guess our national leaders didn't expect this, hmm? On Thursday,
Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine
High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado, was invited to
address the House Judiciary Committee's subcommittee. What he said
to our national leaders during this special session of Congress was
painfully truthful.
They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well.
It needs to be heard by every parent, every teacher, every politician,
every sociologist, every psychologist, and every so-called expert!
These courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful,
penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt that God sent
this man as a voice crying in the wilderness. The following is a portion of the transcript:*
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both good & evil in thehearts of men and women. We all contain the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott, and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other eleven children who died must not be in vain.
Their blood cries out for answers.
The first recorded act of violence was when Cain slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA, the National Club Association.
The true killer was Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found in Cain's heart.
In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be pointed at groups such as the NRA. Iam not a member of the NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I don't believe that they are responsible for my daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they need to be defended. If I believed they had anything to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent.
I am here today to declare that Columbine was not just a tragedy -- it was a spiritual event that should be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies! Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers themselves.
I wrote a poem just four nights ago that expresses my feelings best. This was written way before I knew I would be speaking here today:
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,*
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!*
Men and women are three-part beings. We all consist of body, mind, and spirit.
When we refuse to acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to rush in and wreak havoc.
Spiritual presences were present within our educational systems for most of our nation's history. Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact. What has happened to us as a nation? We have refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to hatred and violence. And when something as terrible as Columbine's tragedy occurs -- politicians immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to erode away our personal and private liberties. We do not need more
restrictive laws Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone who spends months planning this type of massacre. The real villain lies within our own hearts.
As my son Craig lay under that table in the school library and saw his two friends murdered before his very eyes, he did not hesitate to pray in school. I defy any law or politician to deny him that right! I challenge every young person in America , and around the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by those students be in vain.
Dare to move into the new millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation
that violates your God-given right to communicate with Him. To those of you
who would point your finger at the NRA -- I give to you a sincere challenge.
Dare to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young people of this
country will not allow that to happen!"
Friday, March 09, 2007
Manner Of Speaking
As I get older, I rue the changes I see in the way people speak. Perfectly good words such as 'articulate' are offensive to some and therfore not politically correct. Other words that belong in the gutter are widely accepted as somehow conveying the speaker is "edgy' or whatever the latest term being used to describe a person who speaks in the most shocking of terms. Intelligent persons of varied political and religious persuasions use words to shock that diminishes their speech.
Peggy Noonan writes of this in todays Opinion Journal. LINK She recalls that Grandma used to simply tell us "that is not nice" and we learned to regulate our own use of words. In my case, it was my Dad who would tell me that the use of bad language displays ignorance of more appropriate words. I learned to speak well at home. As Noonan noted we did not rely on public censorship to police what we said, but spoke nicely because of internal control.
"We should forbid less and demand more. We should exert less pressure from without and encourage more discipline from within. We should ask people to be dignified, hope they'll be generous, expect them to be fair. When they're not, we should correct them. But we shouldn't beat them to a pulp. Because that's not nice."
Peggy Noonan writes of this in todays Opinion Journal. LINK She recalls that Grandma used to simply tell us "that is not nice" and we learned to regulate our own use of words. In my case, it was my Dad who would tell me that the use of bad language displays ignorance of more appropriate words. I learned to speak well at home. As Noonan noted we did not rely on public censorship to police what we said, but spoke nicely because of internal control.
"We should forbid less and demand more. We should exert less pressure from without and encourage more discipline from within. We should ask people to be dignified, hope they'll be generous, expect them to be fair. When they're not, we should correct them. But we shouldn't beat them to a pulp. Because that's not nice."
Sunday, February 18, 2007
A Prayer Worth Reading
When Minister Joe Wright was asked to open the new session of the
Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but
this is what they heard:
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness
and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that
is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual
equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building
self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called
it freedom of speech and expression.
We have ridiculed the time honored values of our forefathers and
called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from
every sin and set us free. Amen!"
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out
during the prayer in protest.
In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church where Rev. Wright is
pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those
calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving
international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa
and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program,
"The Rest of the Story," and received as large a response to this
program as he has to any other one he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and
wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called
"one nation under God." If possible, please pass this prayer on to
your friends. "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for
anything."
Kansas Senate, everyone was expecting the usual generalities, but
this is what they heard:
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness
and to seek your direction and guidance.
We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that
is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual
equilibrium and reversed our values.
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery.
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare.
We have killed our unborn and called it choice.
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable.
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building
self esteem.
We have abused power and called it politics.
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition.
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called
it freedom of speech and expression.
We have ridiculed the time honored values of our forefathers and
called it enlightenment.
Search us, Oh, God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from
every sin and set us free. Amen!"
The response was immediate. A number of legislators walked out
during the prayer in protest.
In 6 short weeks, Central Christian Church where Rev. Wright is
pastor, logged more than 5,000 phone calls with only 47 of those
calls responding negatively. The church is now receiving
international requests for copies of this prayer from India, Africa
and Korea .
Commentator Paul Harvey aired this prayer on his radio program,
"The Rest of the Story," and received as large a response to this
program as he has to any other one he has ever aired.
With the Lord's help, may this prayer sweep over our nation and
wholeheartedly become our desire so that we again can be called
"one nation under God." If possible, please pass this prayer on to
your friends. "If you don't stand for something, you will fall for
anything."
Friday, February 16, 2007
Stop The War IN CONGRESS
True the Democrat party achieved a slight majority in the Senate and slightly larger percentage in the House. This does not mean that they alone have the right to determine all things. The Republicans and Independents have a right and a responsibility to be heard in debate of all issues coming before Congress. When one party controls the agenda be it in the house, senate or in committee, all elected representatives and senators must be allowed to be heard and their ideas voted upon. This is what citizens expect and deserve. I for one am tired of the smugness of Reid, Pelosi and their minions. Has this happened when another party was in the majority. Yes! Is it right? NO!!!!
We in America face many problems. The elected leadership are supposed to consider them in all facets with the wellbeing of the nation uppermost in their minds. When will we find more than a few who really care about our nation first and their personal power as the second or last motivating factor.
The Democrats have criticized whatever the President and Secretary of Defense have done or are doing. They offered no clear alternate plans and claimed it was not their responsibility. They do not want to assist the nation if that means the opposition power holders might be successful. General Petraeus was unanimously confirmed and now great efforts and many, many hours and days are being used to cut the very number of military he says he needs. I cannot see this is in the best interests of the country or the military. It is pandering to the "will of the citizens" who lack the ability often times to even identify who our leaders are, who the enemy is and the geographic location of areas of conflict. They campaign on their understanding of American government and the world situation and yet instead of leading the masses to understand the significance of the outcome of the conflicts in Iraq, they choose to follow the desires of those who are not doing the fighting and dying. This undercuts the opposition leadership and that is what they want to do. They dare someone to question their patriotism when they pursue what they feel makes them electable or re-electable instead of what is in our nation's interest. They posture, they orate about how great, wise and powerful they are while complaining loudly how dumb, stupid and wrong headed members of the opposite party are.
Stop this war in Congress. Do the job you were elected and are being paid to do. Remember your oath to support and defend the Constitution. Stop trying to run the executive branch until you learn how to effectively run the legislative branch. Allow free exchange of ideas, allow votes on issues, judges etc. that you do not personally support. You will then be identified as being able to lead, you will have merit which should be prerequisite to be elected or re-elected. You will have a chance to prove to the nation that you not only have principles, wisdom and patriotism but that you will stand for them when criticized.
“These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
-- Thomas Paine
We in America face many problems. The elected leadership are supposed to consider them in all facets with the wellbeing of the nation uppermost in their minds. When will we find more than a few who really care about our nation first and their personal power as the second or last motivating factor.
The Democrats have criticized whatever the President and Secretary of Defense have done or are doing. They offered no clear alternate plans and claimed it was not their responsibility. They do not want to assist the nation if that means the opposition power holders might be successful. General Petraeus was unanimously confirmed and now great efforts and many, many hours and days are being used to cut the very number of military he says he needs. I cannot see this is in the best interests of the country or the military. It is pandering to the "will of the citizens" who lack the ability often times to even identify who our leaders are, who the enemy is and the geographic location of areas of conflict. They campaign on their understanding of American government and the world situation and yet instead of leading the masses to understand the significance of the outcome of the conflicts in Iraq, they choose to follow the desires of those who are not doing the fighting and dying. This undercuts the opposition leadership and that is what they want to do. They dare someone to question their patriotism when they pursue what they feel makes them electable or re-electable instead of what is in our nation's interest. They posture, they orate about how great, wise and powerful they are while complaining loudly how dumb, stupid and wrong headed members of the opposite party are.
Stop this war in Congress. Do the job you were elected and are being paid to do. Remember your oath to support and defend the Constitution. Stop trying to run the executive branch until you learn how to effectively run the legislative branch. Allow free exchange of ideas, allow votes on issues, judges etc. that you do not personally support. You will then be identified as being able to lead, you will have merit which should be prerequisite to be elected or re-elected. You will have a chance to prove to the nation that you not only have principles, wisdom and patriotism but that you will stand for them when criticized.
“These are the times that try men’s souls; the summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”
-- Thomas Paine
If I Die Before You Wake
If I Die Before You Wake
Listen to the song written by an American soldier in Iraq. Just "click" and listen.
Click Here
Listen to the song written by an American soldier in Iraq. Just "click" and listen.
Click Here
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Why Are Citizens Unable to Communicate With Representatives?
Perhaps the House of Representatives will be unable to pass their hoped for legislation penalizing grassroots organizations who encourage citizens to contact their senators and representatives, They do however block comments from citizens who do not live in their district. It appears that only potential voters are worthy of expressing their opinion.
Some websites indicate a preference for electronic mail as a security measure to avoid potential anthrax or ricin in regular mail. I have written to a number of Senators to express my opinion or to thank them for a particular stand. This seems acceptable even though I do not reside in the state they represent and several have responded thanking me for contacting them.
I attempted to write Speaker Pelosi. Her website will not accept out of district comments and directed me to use an email address from which my mail was returned as site unavailable. My attempt to write a NC representative from an eastern district, to thank him for comments he had made, was blocked as out of district.
Yesterday I attempted to write Rep. Ehlers of Michigan since he is listed as co-chair of the House Committee on Administration. This committee is charged with the oversight of the Smithsonian. I had read an article claiming that the Smithsonian, funded by taxpayers, has an exclusive contract with Showtime which disallows any other network from filming the public property held in this publicly supported institution. Again I was denied the right to ask a question and express my views.
Rep. Heath Shuler, my representative, does not respond to any communication via regular mail or electronic mail. Perhaps since I am registered as an Independent voter, my opinions do not count. I had the same experience with Senator Edwards. Is this a policy of Democrats? I did not agree with Charles Taylor on all issues but I always recieved an acknowlegement that my communication had been received. I also received periodic emails regarding recent and upcoming legislation and his vote or view on the issue. Senators Burr and Dole always acknowlege my communication.
As I watch CSPAN, see news clips on TV news or read article quoting legislators, they speak of "the majority of citizens " feeling a certain way about an issue. How do they know this when they ignore or actually block opinions of the majority.
Some websites indicate a preference for electronic mail as a security measure to avoid potential anthrax or ricin in regular mail. I have written to a number of Senators to express my opinion or to thank them for a particular stand. This seems acceptable even though I do not reside in the state they represent and several have responded thanking me for contacting them.
I attempted to write Speaker Pelosi. Her website will not accept out of district comments and directed me to use an email address from which my mail was returned as site unavailable. My attempt to write a NC representative from an eastern district, to thank him for comments he had made, was blocked as out of district.
Yesterday I attempted to write Rep. Ehlers of Michigan since he is listed as co-chair of the House Committee on Administration. This committee is charged with the oversight of the Smithsonian. I had read an article claiming that the Smithsonian, funded by taxpayers, has an exclusive contract with Showtime which disallows any other network from filming the public property held in this publicly supported institution. Again I was denied the right to ask a question and express my views.
Rep. Heath Shuler, my representative, does not respond to any communication via regular mail or electronic mail. Perhaps since I am registered as an Independent voter, my opinions do not count. I had the same experience with Senator Edwards. Is this a policy of Democrats? I did not agree with Charles Taylor on all issues but I always recieved an acknowlegement that my communication had been received. I also received periodic emails regarding recent and upcoming legislation and his vote or view on the issue. Senators Burr and Dole always acknowlege my communication.
As I watch CSPAN, see news clips on TV news or read article quoting legislators, they speak of "the majority of citizens " feeling a certain way about an issue. How do they know this when they ignore or actually block opinions of the majority.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Bold New Would Be Presidents?
In today's opinion journal, James Taranto writes, "Perhaps voters next year, chastened by Mr. Bush's dangerous boldness, will opt for someone more risk-averse. But if a crisis arises and the president proves unable to lead, they may find themselves longing for Mr. Bush's steadfastness. An excess of caution is itself a form of recklessness."
As Hillary and Edwards move further to the left, they fail to articulate any definitive actions they would take. in regard to Iran. I for one prefer someone who will make a decision and explain his rationale rather than "a--it's a--it's a" or "I think--I think the--we don't know" answers of Edwards. Hillary on the other hand says such garbled non answers such as "What do I mean by engagement or some kind of process? I'm not sure anything positive would come out of it . . . but there are a number of factors that argue for doing what I'm suggesting."
They are eager to point out that all of President Bush's policies in the war did not succeed and they feel their judgements are superior. I for one, do not.
As Hillary and Edwards move further to the left, they fail to articulate any definitive actions they would take. in regard to Iran. I for one prefer someone who will make a decision and explain his rationale rather than "a--it's a--it's a" or "I think--I think the--we don't know" answers of Edwards. Hillary on the other hand says such garbled non answers such as "What do I mean by engagement or some kind of process? I'm not sure anything positive would come out of it . . . but there are a number of factors that argue for doing what I'm suggesting."
They are eager to point out that all of President Bush's policies in the war did not succeed and they feel their judgements are superior. I for one, do not.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
Speaker Pelosi
Speaker Pelosi will only accept comments from her constituents and sends an address for non-constiuents to use. That address does not work. I guess that just proves she does not want to hear from anyone who is not a potential voter for her. How can she ever know what the majority of citizens think? The move in the house to limit any grassroots efforts to contact our representatives and senators is reflected in this run-around. So, I will post my Email on the internet via my blog.
Dear Madame Speaker,
As an Independent voter I welcomed your promises to clean up corruption and ethical violations. I expected you to be the model of ethical behavior. Instead I learn of your attempts to subvert taxpayers' funds which support the DOD to become the private shuttle service for you, your staff and family. Your position as Speaker undoubtedly requires some additional protection of your wellbeing in case of catastrophe that renders the President and the Vice President unable to perform the duties of their offices. If you are in Washington, DC at the time of such catastrophe I expect the Secret Service would immediately begin intensive protection. If you are in California at the time of a catastrophe, a plane could be dispatched to promptly return you to Washington, DC.
Your position as Speaker is not based on a national vote and if you are unable to carry out the duties of Speaker, another Representative can be selected by the House. Asking for military flights to be at your disposal is the height of arrogance and a misuse of taxpayers' funds. If you need private transportation, invest your own money in a small jet.
Your view of being the most powerful woman in America is true in the sense that the rare possibility of ascension to president is possible. You remain a public servant even as Speaker. Voters are watching you and I must admit I am disappointed in your self aggrandizing behavior and lack of sincerity in running the most ethical congress in history.
Dear Madame Speaker,
As an Independent voter I welcomed your promises to clean up corruption and ethical violations. I expected you to be the model of ethical behavior. Instead I learn of your attempts to subvert taxpayers' funds which support the DOD to become the private shuttle service for you, your staff and family. Your position as Speaker undoubtedly requires some additional protection of your wellbeing in case of catastrophe that renders the President and the Vice President unable to perform the duties of their offices. If you are in Washington, DC at the time of such catastrophe I expect the Secret Service would immediately begin intensive protection. If you are in California at the time of a catastrophe, a plane could be dispatched to promptly return you to Washington, DC.
Your position as Speaker is not based on a national vote and if you are unable to carry out the duties of Speaker, another Representative can be selected by the House. Asking for military flights to be at your disposal is the height of arrogance and a misuse of taxpayers' funds. If you need private transportation, invest your own money in a small jet.
Your view of being the most powerful woman in America is true in the sense that the rare possibility of ascension to president is possible. You remain a public servant even as Speaker. Voters are watching you and I must admit I am disappointed in your self aggrandizing behavior and lack of sincerity in running the most ethical congress in history.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Who Is Bonkers?
Today's WSJ Opinion Journal carries an article by an unidentified writer titled, Bonkers at the Border.LINK
The writer complains that some political leaders and Lou Dobbbs are guilty of "pseudo-reporting designed to rile up" Americans "rather than inform them of the facts."
I think most of us know that Ramos and Compean did indeed violate rules of the Border Guard for which they should be punished and possibly lose their jobs. These two may not represent the best of the Border Guard. The writer notes they had been disciplined by the Guard in the past for violation of rules.
The pseudo reporting of the articles writer, while purporting to tell the facts totally overlooks what has outraged the American citizens, namely granting the drug smuggler IMMUNITY for the crime of bringing illegal drugs into the USA at the time of this incident and a second drug carrying foray into the USA. Our government provided, at taxpayers expense, the best medical care for the criminal smuggler who now plans to sue for more taxpayers dollars.
As an American citizen, I am outraged at the seeming preference given to illegal aliens. Why was the testimony of a known alien drug dealer given such credence?
Illegal aliens repeatedly are granted immunity for breaking our laws by granting "sanctuary" and by the senate plan to give them a path to citizenship. Why does our government seek to severely penalize American citizens as criminals while giving IMMUNITY to an illegal smuggler? Why does our government want to give illegals a choice of which years they might be willing to pay taxes on? Why does our government want to include illegal aliens in Social Security that citizens work a minimum of 40 quarters to qualify for? Why does our government want to grant citizenship or a pathway to citizenship to persons who enter our nation illegally?
When will our government begin to strictly enforce laws against illegal entry and prosecute the illegals and the persons or businesses employing them with the vigor used in prosecuting Ramos and Compean? When will our government sentence illegal aliens as severely as they do our citizens? A few scattered raids is not enough.
The writer complains that some political leaders and Lou Dobbbs are guilty of "pseudo-reporting designed to rile up" Americans "rather than inform them of the facts."
I think most of us know that Ramos and Compean did indeed violate rules of the Border Guard for which they should be punished and possibly lose their jobs. These two may not represent the best of the Border Guard. The writer notes they had been disciplined by the Guard in the past for violation of rules.
The pseudo reporting of the articles writer, while purporting to tell the facts totally overlooks what has outraged the American citizens, namely granting the drug smuggler IMMUNITY for the crime of bringing illegal drugs into the USA at the time of this incident and a second drug carrying foray into the USA. Our government provided, at taxpayers expense, the best medical care for the criminal smuggler who now plans to sue for more taxpayers dollars.
As an American citizen, I am outraged at the seeming preference given to illegal aliens. Why was the testimony of a known alien drug dealer given such credence?
Illegal aliens repeatedly are granted immunity for breaking our laws by granting "sanctuary" and by the senate plan to give them a path to citizenship. Why does our government seek to severely penalize American citizens as criminals while giving IMMUNITY to an illegal smuggler? Why does our government want to give illegals a choice of which years they might be willing to pay taxes on? Why does our government want to include illegal aliens in Social Security that citizens work a minimum of 40 quarters to qualify for? Why does our government want to grant citizenship or a pathway to citizenship to persons who enter our nation illegally?
When will our government begin to strictly enforce laws against illegal entry and prosecute the illegals and the persons or businesses employing them with the vigor used in prosecuting Ramos and Compean? When will our government sentence illegal aliens as severely as they do our citizens? A few scattered raids is not enough.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Support Non-Embryonic Stem Cell Research
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, January 17, 2007 (LifeSiteNews.com) - "Together with researchers from Stanford University, stem cell researchers at the University of Minnesota’s Stem Cell Institute have succeeded in replacing the immune system and bone marrow cells in mice using adult stem cells, reports Medicalnewstoday.com. The researchers in this particular study used multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) which can be extracted from bone marrow tissue and differentiated into specific cellular groups that have the unique capability to develop into other cell types including neural, muscle and bone tissue."
"The MAPCs did not reproduce into foreign tissue or produce tumors in any of the study subjects as embryonic stem cells have been known to do in other studies."
These tests have thus far not been used in human trials, but imagine the number of patients with leukemias that this has potential to treat.
Do any of our people in Congress read anything about the current research and results of stem cell research. If they do, how can they continue to push to spend taxpayers' money to fund the one line of research (embryonic) that has yet to have one positive result?
"The MAPCs did not reproduce into foreign tissue or produce tumors in any of the study subjects as embryonic stem cells have been known to do in other studies."
These tests have thus far not been used in human trials, but imagine the number of patients with leukemias that this has potential to treat.
Do any of our people in Congress read anything about the current research and results of stem cell research. If they do, how can they continue to push to spend taxpayers' money to fund the one line of research (embryonic) that has yet to have one positive result?
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Mourning the Fallen Angels of Iraq...
Mohammed writes of his grief at the deaths of the children at Iraq The Model.
How these monsters can claim they are on the side of Allah is beyond me.
How these monsters can claim they are on the side of Allah is beyond me.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Sharia Law??
The Minneapolis/St. Paul airport is facing another challenge. Remember the "flying Imans"? A majority of Taxi Drivers who serve the airport happen to be Muslim. They are refusing to transport passengers who have purchased alcohol or blind passengers with Seeing Eye dogs. This offends their religious beliefs and they demand the right to refuse service to some person because they beleive that alcohol violates their faith and dogs saliva is unclean.
I am not familiar with all the licensing rules for taxis but it seems to me that unless a person is actually imbibing alcohol, puking or falling down drunk they deserve to be picked up and taken to their destination. Rules that might allow Muslim drivers to refuse service to someone carrying closed bottles of alchol would be wrong. The Muslim is not forced to consume alcohol. We have laws that force Christian pharmacists to dispense abortion meds. We have laws that force the Roman Catholic adoption agencies to place children with gay parents. For persons with deep Christian convictions to feel they are having an active role in dispensing pills to abort a fetus or place a child in what they feel is not a desirable environment is far worse than carrying a passenger in posession of alcohol. The Muslim does not have to make it, sell it or consume it. If this is a big problem for the Muslims, perhaps they need to seek other work as have pharmacists and social agencies that stop providing adoption services because they cannot in good conscience violate deeply held religious convictions.
I respect Muslims who uphold their beliefs, but they deserve no more special treatment than those of any other religion. If a job or a work situation offends your sincere beliefs, seek other employment, do not attempt to impose your convictions on people with the legal right to purchase alcohol or travel with a companion animal. Muslims opted to come to America to live. They deserve respect but have no right to insist we accomodate them by changing our laws and regulations.
I am not familiar with all the licensing rules for taxis but it seems to me that unless a person is actually imbibing alcohol, puking or falling down drunk they deserve to be picked up and taken to their destination. Rules that might allow Muslim drivers to refuse service to someone carrying closed bottles of alchol would be wrong. The Muslim is not forced to consume alcohol. We have laws that force Christian pharmacists to dispense abortion meds. We have laws that force the Roman Catholic adoption agencies to place children with gay parents. For persons with deep Christian convictions to feel they are having an active role in dispensing pills to abort a fetus or place a child in what they feel is not a desirable environment is far worse than carrying a passenger in posession of alcohol. The Muslim does not have to make it, sell it or consume it. If this is a big problem for the Muslims, perhaps they need to seek other work as have pharmacists and social agencies that stop providing adoption services because they cannot in good conscience violate deeply held religious convictions.
I respect Muslims who uphold their beliefs, but they deserve no more special treatment than those of any other religion. If a job or a work situation offends your sincere beliefs, seek other employment, do not attempt to impose your convictions on people with the legal right to purchase alcohol or travel with a companion animal. Muslims opted to come to America to live. They deserve respect but have no right to insist we accomodate them by changing our laws and regulations.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Message for Nancy Pelosi
A Little Humility Please!
Your self-congratulatory parties and your verbal boasting about how powerful you are is a turn-off.
Seeing a woman rise to a top job in any field can send a positive message to young women, but it would be even more positive if you demonstrated a little reserve in your actions and speech. Talent and wisdom, if present, will reveal themselves. All of your preening and self glorification reveal your ego but nothing of your potential abilities. It is my hope, that under all of your publicity seeking behavior, there might be some recognition that Congress works for the people and the well being of our nation and not for your personal gratification and elevation to celebrity status. Try to remember you are a SERVANT of the people and not our QUEEN.
Your self-congratulatory parties and your verbal boasting about how powerful you are is a turn-off.
Seeing a woman rise to a top job in any field can send a positive message to young women, but it would be even more positive if you demonstrated a little reserve in your actions and speech. Talent and wisdom, if present, will reveal themselves. All of your preening and self glorification reveal your ego but nothing of your potential abilities. It is my hope, that under all of your publicity seeking behavior, there might be some recognition that Congress works for the people and the well being of our nation and not for your personal gratification and elevation to celebrity status. Try to remember you are a SERVANT of the people and not our QUEEN.
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
Who Is John Cox?
If you are not enthusiastic about the proposed 'conservative' candidates in the presidential primaries, I encourage you to look at John Cox. I have read his book, titled "Politic$, Inc." and he offers views that I find interesting. Perhaps the most important view I adhere to is the need for STATESMEN as opposed to politicians who make a career out of promising what is needed to be elected and then concentrating efforts on how to be re-elected instead of seeking answers to the nation's concerns. John Cox recommends seeking candidates that are successful in their working life but are willing to give a limited number of years to serving the nation and then rteturning to their previous working life. Cox has formed a national staff and committee chairman in over 25 states and volunteers in over 100 counties in three early primary/caucus states.I am hoping he begins to recieve some national attention and is able to participate in debates over issues before the primary/caucus voting.
I am tired of the entrenched politicians who have the "party machines" and money able to ensure their canadidacy. The people seem to have little choice offered and we end up voting for the lesser of evils. The past election revealed the nations discontent with Congress and opted to give new persons a chance. Unfortunately, these newly elected persons will probably fall into the trap of voting with their party so that they will have party backing for re-election. The concerns of the nation and adherence to the founding principles of our nation will be secondary.
Sen. Lieberman is a prime example of how a party treats someone who is not toeing the party line.
We need some new blood with fresh ideas at all levels of government. I am tired of politicians who view themselves as superior in intellect and personal worth to ordinary citizens. I am tired of politicians maligning the people who volunteer to serve in our military as being inferior and unable to make it in civilian life. I think we have a number of politicians who would be unable to be successful in private life.
Read a little about John Cox at LINK
I am tired of the entrenched politicians who have the "party machines" and money able to ensure their canadidacy. The people seem to have little choice offered and we end up voting for the lesser of evils. The past election revealed the nations discontent with Congress and opted to give new persons a chance. Unfortunately, these newly elected persons will probably fall into the trap of voting with their party so that they will have party backing for re-election. The concerns of the nation and adherence to the founding principles of our nation will be secondary.
Sen. Lieberman is a prime example of how a party treats someone who is not toeing the party line.
We need some new blood with fresh ideas at all levels of government. I am tired of politicians who view themselves as superior in intellect and personal worth to ordinary citizens. I am tired of politicians maligning the people who volunteer to serve in our military as being inferior and unable to make it in civilian life. I think we have a number of politicians who would be unable to be successful in private life.
Read a little about John Cox at LINK
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
