Merry Christmas vids

Thomas Jefferson

"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with his wrath? Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep for ever."
-Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia,
Query 18, 1781

Thomas Jefferson's religious views have been debated and argued both in and out of court. But what do his writings, as sampled above, tell us? What did his actions tell us? I wonder what people in the future would argue about my religious views when reading my writings? What do you think they would say about you, yours writings, your actions? How will they sum you up? What conclusions will they come to? Or will they even read the things you wrote on your blog? Will they just go by the stories they heard of you? And which story will they hear? Do you think it depends on the storyteller? Will there even be stories to tell of you? Wouldn't you want them to base their conclusions on things you actually said and did? Just a thought. So what did Thomas Jefferson actually say and do?

Voices From Thanksgivings Past

I saw this on newt.org & I thought I'd share it.

The centrality of God in Thanksgiving in America comes through in the words of some of our greatest national leaders:

Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson, in 1779:
[I] appoint … a day of public Thanksgiving to Almighty God … to [ask] Him that He would … pour out His Holy Spirit on all ministers of the Gospel; that He would … spread the light of Christian knowledge through the remotest corners of the earth … and that He would establish these United States upon the basis of religion and virtue.

President George Washington’s first federal Thanksgiving proclamation in 1789: Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.… Now, therefore, I do appoint Thursday, the 26th day of November 1789 … that we may all unite to render unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection.

President Abraham Lincoln, making Thanksgiving an annual national holiday in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War:
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people.

HOPE EVERYONE HAS A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

think you're informed?

I was excited to see that several of you enjoyed my American History 101 entry. Thanks for all the comments! I can guarantee you that I will continue to give you more of the same. I, like many of you, have been blessed with a very strong education built on historical truths. Unfortunately, it seems there's not many left in this country who have the same facts or knowledge... please help me spread light on this dark world. Teach your kids & grandkids.

Let me ask you, when you read a magazine article about your favorite actor or actress, don't you expect to see direct quotes from that person? Then why don't we expect it in our history books?? If you want to know the original intent of our founding fathers... read history books that quote them directly and reference where those quotes are pulled from. I really wish that the books in the American public school system followed this very logical & simple requirement... but they do not. This is why I will do my best to redistribute the wealth- the wealth of knowledge, that is. I will do my best to write more entries on American History from here on out.

Tara Lynn put a video on her blog last night that reminded me of a letter that was published in the Tulsa World newspaper on 11/8/08. Why? Because after watching the video (see below) I was thinking the same thing this guy was:

My disappointment in the result of the election is great. That disappointment is aimed at the American people. Those who were able to set aside and dismiss Barack Obama's associations with shadowy people and organizations. Those who chose to elect as president a man with such a short resume. Those who voted for him out of knee-jerk reaction to George W. Bush and the Republicans.
How many know that the Congress has been controlled for the last two years by the Democrats? How many know that the sub-prime mortgage crisis and Wall Street melt down has its roots in Democratic programs signed by Bill Clinton? More than 63 million voters had the wool pulled over their eyes. The Brooklyn Bridge has finally sold. Change was wanted so badly that a man has been elected that we know nothing about, to be president! Our enemies are dancing in the streets.
At least we here in Oklahoma know a snake oil salesman when we see one, 66 percent of us anyway. Remember the story of the Pied Piper? Obama is playing the flute.
I thought Joe the Plumber would make a difference. It turned out that the election was swayed by Joe the Gullible.
America, what have we done?

Again, this is why spreading knowledge is important... this is why I ask people to look at facts... because the misinformed outnumber the informed. Thanks for reading- see you next time.

God bless all our veterans

"Our obligations to our country never cease but with our lives."
—John Adams, letter to Benjamin Rush, April 18, 1808

Let's go barack to the Clinton era

Over the past several weeks, I posted more on my facebook than on my blog. But I'll try to change that... I'll try to post equally. Above is a video that I've posted on my facebook recently.
Have you noticed many of Obama's potential appointees are former Clinton advisors? And I thought he promised change? Oh well, so much for that idea... it sounded good anyway. Ha.

rude awakening

The truly funny thing is there are people who really do think that Obama is going to pay their bills and lower their taxes. It should be a fun 4 years... they're in for a rude awakening. Haha... and I will be laughing all along the way... and yes, I will tell you I told you so.

Yes I Can. And I will.

American History 101

Instead of talking about the election, I’ve had some other things on my mind lately. About why we’re here. And by “here” I mean the United States of America. Why are you here do you think? I mean, why weren’t you born in Ghana, or Egypt, or Indonesia? Ever wonder about that? I do.
I have to wonder how many of you will actually read this particular blog entry in it’s entirety. I think I’ll lose some of you… just because you don’t think it’s important... or it's just too much for you to read.
Anyway, a few of my close friends could tell you that in the last year or so I’ve become somewhat of a US history junkie. I’ve always been interested in history… but it’s become kinda like a hobby. I’ve been in search of true history… not the kind they make up in the movies… but the real, the true history… the kind you can only find in old history books… before they were revised and re-written. I went and bought some US history books and have become a student of a man who has a library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He’s kind of like the guy Nicolas Cage plays in those National Treasure movies… but way cooler because he’s actually real… and he owns more original writings of the founding fathers in his own personal library than anyone else in the United States. In fact, only the Library of Congress can compete with his library.
Every once in awhile I crack open one of those US History books and just read… but I think I prefer just soaking it in from my teacher. Wonder who it is? He has spoken to numerous state legislatures, consulted with both state and federal legislators on various bills, and has written amicus briefs in cases at the US Supreme Court. His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year. He has received numerous awards including several Who's Who honors and the George Washington Honor Medal.
He spent eight years as an educator and school administrator before founding WallBuilders. Did you know that Congress once printed Bibles for use in the schools? He owns one of the rare copies of that Bible. His name is David Barton.
The first time I heard him speak, I was in high school... it was probably 10 or 12 years ago. This man probably knows more about our US History and our founding fathers than any of us could ever hope to learn. That’s cool… I don’t care what anybody says… he’s awesome. Now I buy his DVDs and sit in my living room and take notes. No lie.
Besides there being confusion and indecision about the candidates in this election… there seems to be a new disease spreading… confusion about the founding of this nation. So, I thought that I would take the time to share some true American history with you.
I’m sick of hearing that the founding mothers and fathers of this nation did not intend for it to be a Christian nation. Really? The truth is that many of the original state constitutions actually sounded more like a requirement for seminary than a requirement for politics. You didn’t know that? Let me share some of those required oaths of office with you:

Delaware Constitution – Everyone [elected or appointed to office] shall make and subscribe the following declaration, to wit: “I do profess faith in God the Father, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son, and in the Holy Ghost, one God, blessed forever more, and I do acknowledge the holy scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by divine inspiration.”

Pennsylvania Constitution – Each member [of the legislature], before he takes his seat, shall make and subscribe the following declaration, viz: “I do believe in one God, the Creator and Governor of the universe, the rewarder of the good and the punisher of the wicked, and I do acknowledge the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be given by Divine Inspiration.”

Massachusetts Constitution – written by Samuel Adams
[All persons elected must] make and subscribe the following declaration, viz: “I do declare that I believe the Christian religion and have firm persuasion of its truth.”

North Carolina Constitution – No person who shall deny the being of God, or the truth of the [Christian] religion, or the divine authority either of the Old or New Testaments or who shall hold religious principles incompatible with the freedom and the safety of the state, shall be capable of holding any office, or place of trust or profit in the civil department, within this state.

In 1892, the Supreme Court noted that each of the forty-four states then in the union had some type of God-centered declaration in its constitution. But yet, you’ll have people tell you that our founding fathers weren’t Christians.
When Tara and I went to Boston last year, we went on one of those bus tours of the city. I remember the guide saying disrespectful things about the “original settlers” and called them “hateful Puritans”. Well, I’ve got news… not all of them were “hateful Puritans”. It doesn’t take much research to find that out. Want to know the religious affiliations of the Founding Fathers? Find some info here.
We also visited the Granary Cemetery. This is where Paul Revere, three signers of the Declaration of Independence, Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine are all buried… among other Revolutionary heroes and Boston Massacre victims. Anyway, while we were visiting that honored burial ground, there was a tour going through that we happened to find ourselves in the middle of. I was surprised to hear some of the things coming out of the tour guide’s mouth. He’s lucky that the dead didn’t rise up to choke the lies coming from his mouth. I’d hate to see what Paul Revere would have done to him. I couldn’t believe it… we stopped to challenge him and question him on some of his points… which he could not defend. When did American tour guides start spreading bias and untrue statements? These experiences still bother and concern me. I’m afraid that these things are becoming more and more common… and there’s not many who know any better… like kids… I guess that’s why I started buying US history books and filling myself with the true historical facts… before they try to re-write and take that away from us too.
I’m hoping to visit Washington, D.C. in the spring with some friends. Last time I was there, I really wasn’t able to see everything I wanted to see. On this visit, I’m hoping to see the Library of Congress. The intent and beliefs of the founding fathers can be found inscribed all over this building.
Two Bible verses can be found inscribed on the ceiling and walls:
The light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth not. John 1:5
Wisdom is the principal thing therefore get wisdom and with all thy getting, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7
In the Main Reading Room, statues of Moses and Paul represent Religion, with the inscription, What doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, And to love mercy and to walk humbly with thy God. Miach 6:8
And in the another example of their beliefs can be found in the Science area, The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handywork. Pslam 19:1

If the founding fathers didn’t intend for American patriots to make following God a priority in this nation, then why is it that when you visit Washington, D.C., you run head first into something about God inscribed in stone? Why is it they required statements of faith of the elected leaders like the ones I've shared with you above?
I wonder how the founding fathers would feel about us just removing and taking that stuff out… taking God out of the picture... and making up our own version of history. Well, it seems another revision of America's religious history has been underway – this time at the new $621 million, 580,000 square feet Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, D.C. Want to help keep God in the picture? Write or call the Architect of the Capitol communications officer (202-228-1793 or emalecki@aoc.gov) and tell them to correct the religious omissions that they’ve made to our US History.
And I’d appreciate if you’d think twice next time you hear something about our founding fathers & religion. Think twice when you hear people like Bill Maher… actually, if you hear Maher on the TV just go ahead and change the channel or turn off the TV… because not only is he absurd… but he’s also a complete idiot.
Don’t take the movies word for it. Don’t take the tour guide’s word for it. Don’t take my word for it. Find out for yourself. Go visit Washington, D.C. and go read some history books… go buy some Wallbuider DVDs… go investigate for yourself.

“A true patriot must be a religious man… He who neglects his duty to his Maker, may well be expected to be deficient and insincere in his duty towards the public.”
Abigail Adams

don't judge

more from the funny papers

just another cartoon from GaryVarvel.com

the funny papers

Opposite Way

I’m listening to one of my new favorite songs. It’s called Opposite Way by Leeland. I’ve been thinking lately- I’ve started to run the opposite way- and I would really love for you to join me.
Things have been really hard for me lately, I feel rejected in my own town. That’s why I haven’t blogged much lately- I haven’t had the inspiration to.

Not too long ago, a long-time friend of mine told me that I was opinionated. Well, I guess if she wants to call me opinionated because of my convictions and beliefs… that’s her opinion. As for me, it’s conviction. It’s strong beliefs I have- not opinions. Dictionary.com calls it confidence in the truth or existence of something not immediately susceptible to rigorous proof: a statement unworthy of belief.

Here's a list of just 5 people who had convictions in their beliefs.
Francis Lewis
New York delegate saw his home plundered & his estate completely destroyed by British Soldiers. Mrs. Lewis was captured and treated with great brutality. Though she was later exchanged for two British prisoners through the efforts of Congress, she died from the effects of her abuse.
Who was Francis Lewis? One of the brave 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. What was he convicted about? Religious freedom & liberty for all.
Call him opinionated if you want. There were those who did and still do.

Samuel Adams
One of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was instrumental in garnering the support of the colonies for rebellion against Great Britain, eventually resulting in the American Revolution, and was also one of the key architects of the principles of American republicanism that shaped American political culture.
He once said: "It does not take a majority to prevail ... but rather an irate, tireless minority, keen on setting brushfires of freedom in the minds of men."
Call him opinionated if you want. There were those who did and still do.

Abraham Lincoln
Lincoln began his political career in 1832, at age 23, with an unsuccessful campaign for the Illinois General Assembly, as a member of the Whig Party. The centerpiece of his platform was the undertaking of navigational improvements on the Sangamon River. He believed that this would attract steamboat traffic, which would allow the sparsely populated, poorer areas along the river to flourish. He was elected captain of an Illinois militia company drawn from New Salem during the Black Hawk War, and later wrote that he had not had "any such success in life which gave him so much satisfaction."
Before becoming the first Republican elected to the Presidency, Lincoln was a lawyer, an Illinois state legislator, and a member of the United States House of Representatives.
He was an outspoken opponent of the expansion of slavery & he introduced measures that resulted in the abolition of slavery, issuing his Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 and promoting the passage of the Thirteenth Amendment to the Constitution.
He was the sixteenth President of the United States. He successfully led his country through its greatest internal crisis, the American Civil War, only to be assassinated as the war was coming to an end.
Call him opinionated if you want. There were those who did and still do.

Martin Luther King
An American clergyman, activist and prominent leader in the American civil rights movement. His main legacy was to secure progress on civil rights in the United States and he is frequently referenced as a human rights icon today.
"Our aim must never be to defeat or humiliate the white man, but to win his friendship and understanding. We must come to see that the end we seek is a society at peace with itself, a society that can live with its conscience. And that will be a day not of the white man, not of the black man. That will be the day of man as man... I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, because "truth crushed to earth will rise again." How long? Not long, because "no lie can live forever." "
King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1977 and Congressional Gold Medal in 2004; Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a U.S. national holiday in 1986.
Call him opinionated if you want. There were those who did and still do.

Sojourner Truth (aka Isabella Baumfree)
Truth was an American abolitionist and women's rights activist.
She was born into slavery in Swartekill, New York.
The state of New York began, in 1799, to legislate the abolition of slavery, although the process of emancipating New York slaves was not complete until July 4, 1827. Her owner, John Dumont, had promised Truth freedom a year before the state emancipation, "if she would do well and be faithful." However, he changed his mind, claiming a hand injury had made her less productive. She was infuriated. She continued working until she felt she had done enough to satisfy her sense of obligation to him by spinning 100 pounds of wool. Late in 1826, Truth escaped to freedom with her infant daughter, Sophia. She had to leave her other children behind because they were not legally freed in the emancipation order until they had served as bound servants into their twenties. She later said: “ I did not run off, for I thought that wicked, but I walked off, believing that to be all right.”
On June 1, 1843, Truth changed her name to Sojourner Truth and told her friends, "The Spirit calls me, and I must go." During the Civil War, Truth helped recruit black troops for the Union Army. She worked diligently to improve conditions for African-Americans and she met President Abraham Lincoln. In 1865, while working at the Freedman's Hospital in Washington, Truth rode in the streetcars to help force their desegregation.
In 1870, Truth tried to secure land grants from the federal government to former slaves, a project she pursued for seven years without success. While in Washington, D.C., she had a meeting with President Ulysses S. Grant in the White House. In 1872, she returned to Battle Creek and tried to vote in the presidential election, but was turned away at the polling place.
Truth spoke about abolition, women's rights, prison reform, and preached to the Michigan Legislature against capital punishment. Not everyone welcomed her preaching and lectures, but she had many friends and staunch support among many influential people at the time.
Call her opinionated if you want. There were those who did and still do.

I have recently asked friends to join me in praying for our nation. We meet on Sunday afternoons and pray for country, it’s leaders, it’s liberties, and it’s problems. The turn-out has been spectacularly small. How dare we take for granted what so many before us fought & died for. How dare we bask in apathy not only concerning our freedoms but also concerning our faith, our beliefs, our convictions.

I will not be apathetic. Call me opinionated if you want to- but it’s conviction- it’s belief. Has anyone ever accused you of being opinionated for what you believe and hold fast to?
Has anyone ever tried to intimidate you for what you do or don't believe? Well, get ready, it's happening.

As for me, I will continue to stand & believe as our forefathers & foremothers did. Go ahead, call us opinionated. I'm running the opposite way. And as Martin Luther King said, "...however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long, because "truth crushed to earth will rise again." How long? Not long, because "no lie can live forever."

i wish we could time travel

I am under 45 years old.

I love the outdoors and hunting.
I am a Republican reformer.
I have taken on the Republican party establishment.
I have many children.
I have a spot on the national ticket for Vice President
with less than 2 years in the Governor's office.

Who am I?
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States

Who did you think?

When did it become okay for people to question faith? I thought it was politically incorrect to question one's faith? Or does it just depend on which faith is in question?
I really wish that Charlie Gibson could go back in time and ask President Lincoln and our previous leaders the same questions that he's asked Gov. Palin. Wouldn't that be cool to hear their responses? I'd love to hear what they'd have to say... and I'd love to see what they'd do.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a five-star general and the Supreme Commander during WWII, was instrumental in the addition of the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance in 1954, and the 1956 adoption of "In God We Trust" as the motto of the US, and its 1957 introduction on paper currency. My guess is that if Gibson could go back in time and ask these same questions to President Eisenhower.... well, I'm thinking Gibson would get his ass kicked.

Lastly, I would like to know what Gibson would ask of President Lincoln's beliefs? This is how our beloved Lincoln said it:
"The will of God prevails. In great contests each party claims to act in accordance with the will of God. Both may be, and one must be, wrong. God cannot be for and against the same thing at the same time. In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party—and yet the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose. I am almost ready to say this is probably true—that God wills this contest, and wills that it shall not end yet. By his mere quiet power, on the minds of the now contestants, He could have either saved or destroyed the Union without a human contest. Yet the contest began. And having begun He could give the final victory to either side any day. Yet the contest proceeds."

for mickeyb

Thanks to CBS, here's some info on how the candidates differ on taxes.
They did a story on how it would affect 3 different families.

Watch it.



If you don't have time to watch the story, here's the breakdown:


Obama's Plan:

• Would eliminate Bush tax cuts for families making more than $200,000
• Proposes $500 tax credits for workers making less than $150,000
• Eliminate income taxes for seniors making less than $50,000
• Proposes 2% Social Security tax on those making more than $250,000
• Proposes raising top tax rate to more than 39%; second highest tax rate to 36%

McCain's Plan:

• Supports making Bush tax cuts permanent
• Proposes doubling personal exemption to $7,000 for dependents (phased in over 10 years for those making more than $50,000)
• Proposes keeping investment income tax at 15%
• Proposes keeping top tax rate at 35%

must see video

Do you believe that life is gift? I do. I believe life is a gift from God.
Would you kill a living, breathing baby? No? I wouldn't either. I think most people wouldn't.

I don't know about you, but when I consider all of the issues surrounding this next election... there's only one that I really need to know about. It's called induced labor abortion or infanticide. It's the killing of fully born infants who have survived a failed abortion attempt. They are left to die without any medical attention. Here is a video of the nurse who testified at the US House committee and various state committees. This is the same nurse who testified in Illinois, in front of Obama, about a 21-22 week old baby who she held until he died.

How many times did Barack Hussein Obama vote for infanticide? Records show: 3 times.

Please take the time to watch the video. Thank you.

do your homework

McCain picks Gov. Sarah Palin as VP running mate.
Wow... this lady is something else. Read about her. Find out all you can about how candidates on BOTH SIDES VOTE on issues. Afterall, it's how they vote that really matters... not what they say when the cameras are on them.

Some people think that if Obama isn't chosen as our next President that it means America is racist. At least that's what Newsweek's Jacob Weisberg is feeding us. How ridiculous. Well, does that mean that the same thought process can be assumed of McCain/Palin? Does it mean that if they're not chosen that America is sexist? No... it doesn't. And if Obama/Biden doesn't win it's not because of any reason other than they weren't the ones for the job. What's important is how the candidates on both sides VOTE... not the color of their skin or whether they're male or female.

Do your research and find out how they vote on the ISSUES that matter to you. If you don't do that then you're not being a responsible voter.
I'll help you get a head start:

2008 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE COMPARISON TALKING POINTS

ISSUE		JOHN McCAIN	BARAK OBAMA
Favors new drilling offshore US		Yes	No
Will appoint judges who interpret the law not make it		Yes	No
Served in the US Armed Forces		Yes	No
Amount of time served in the US Senate		22 YEARS	173 DAYS
Will institute a socialized national health care plan		No	Yes
Supports abortion throughout the pregnancy		No	Yes
Would pull troops out of Iraq immediately		No	Yes
Supports gun ownership rights		Yes	No
Supports homosexual marriage		No	Yes
Proposed programs will mean a huge tax increase		No	Yes
Voted against making English the official language		No	Yes
Voted to give Social Security benefits to illegals		No	Yes

You can verify the above at the following web sites:

http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.html

http://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes
http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.html

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/

oh brother...

i saw this on Tara's blog...
and i had to post it too. :)

last night's "debate"

Read this article from the NR White House Correspondent, Byron York. The gap between the two candidates continues to widen.

Nike's "Courage"

i love this Nike commercial... i love most Nike commercials actually...
Everything You Need Is Already Inside

more truth for you

i thought this youTube vid was worth sharing on my blog... go check out the link... this kid is discussing the lyrics from a new Ludacris song... it's funny.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VL64fPtGDj8

I somehow came upon this video while searching for more info about Pelosi turning the lights, microphones and cameras off this week on the GOP... and going on vacation with all the other Democrats instead of voting on the Drill Here Drill Now. Interesting that the real reason why the Republicans wanted to stay... and vote... is being twisted in the media. I thought the Democrats wanted to help find solutions for our energy crisis anyway? hmm, guess not.

anyway, thanks to
http://hiphoprepublican.com/
for posting the funny kid on their site.

madness

Image from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/pix/2005/48013.htm

When asked what it was like to work with fellow actor, "republican" Clint Eastwood, Angelina Jolie said: "Actually, we don't disagree as much as you'd think. I think people assume I'm a Democrat. But I'm registered independent and I'm still undecided. So I'm looking at McCain as well as Obama." Read more at The Washington Times. Wow, I guess I'm surprised she's not an Obama lover like everyone else seems to be. Hmm. Interesting.

So I'm sure you've noticed I've been posting more political and/or current events stuff lately. That would be because I work in the news industry and I'm sick and tired of people being misinformed. So many just believe whatever NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, or whatever tells them. It's sad and it's got to stop. Educate yourselves people! Go learn the facts for yourself. Go read some History books! How much US History and Government do you really know? Do you know your rights? The media doesn't always tell the truth. Start reading more History and less news... or you can go with Thomas Jefferson's approach... "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers."

from our US ambassador to Iraq

“[W]hen I hear people say let’s bring the troops home and end the war...it’s not going to end the war. I think it’s going to give you a war of significantly increased proportions. I remember how we reacted to Rwanda. How could we have let that happen? Why didn’t we step in? Why didn’t we get the international community engaged? Well, you know, what if you have a humanitarian catastrophe in Iraq and it’s not a question of why didn’t we step in, it’s we stepped out. How is that going to affect people?”

—Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Iraq

And for an eye-opening essay regarding Obama's thoughts on our national security...

click here.

food costs up 75%

A report by the World Bank estimates that biofuels have driven up food costs by 75 percent over the last six years, contrary to the U.S. government’s assertion that biofuels have caused only a three-percent increase in prices.

47% say...

have i mentioned that I recently became the proud owner of a scooter? yes, it's my way of bringing down the price of gas in my own life... since i can't afford a natural gas car right now.
but we've got to do something about this energy problem.

The Associated Press says: "A new poll shows high gasoline prices have dramatically changed Americans' views on energy and the environment. More people now say expanding oil drilling and building new power plants is a bigger priority than energy conservation.
The poll by the Pew Research Center shows nearly half of those surveyed -- or 47% -- now rate energy exploration, drilling and building new power plants more important, compared with 35% in February. "

hmm... i guess we're starting to understand that we've got to start taking care of ourselves...

a favorite quote

Success is not spontaneous combustion. You've got to set yourself on fire.
-Alex Benningfield

July 3, 1776

I get an email from The Patriot Post every day... and today I thought I'd share this quote in honor of our upcoming Independence Day.

A letter from John Adams to his wife, Abigail, on July 3, 1776, as the Declaration of Independence had just been approved. “It ought to be commemorated,” said the man who would become our second president, “as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more. You will think me transported with Enthusiasm but I am not. I am well aware of the Toil and Blood and Treasure, that it will cost Us to maintain this Declaration, and support and defend these States. Yet through all the Gloom I can see the Rays of ravishing Light and Glory. I can see that the End is more than worth all the Means. And that Posterity will tryumph in that Day’s Transaction, even altho We should rue it, which I trust in God We shall not.”

Enjoy your 4th of July holiday... and remember to pray for our country, our soldiers, and our leaders.

coughing and thinking

so I’ve been sick for the past few days- I have an upper respiratory infection that I’m trying to get rid of- coughing up a lung or two- no fun. Pretty disgusting actually. Blach.

I woke up this morning thinking about my blog… wondering why I haven’t written in such a long time. I think it has something to do with my current job. It has something to do with my lack of passion for my everyday life… the lack of interest in my everyday doings. It makes me understand why people end up lifeless. People who hate what they do usually don’t have much passion in their life… it dies. I don’t think my passion has died by any means… but taking a couple of sick-days and being away from the job has given my brain some room to think… it hasn’t been filled with meaningless thoughts. I woke up this morning wondering if I was still the same person who has been writing this blog for all this time. I believe I am- I wondering if it’s been a lack of time more than anything else- but I decided to go back and read some of the entries to kind of reacquaint myself with me. My thoughts on the game of life, risky business, worship, talking vs. walking, residue, and just weird people. On one hand, I am still the same person… and on the other hand, I think I’m a little different… maybe a bit wiser.

There are things I’m passionate about for sure. Sometimes all it takes to reawaken me is a song. Sometimes it’s a quote. Sometimes it’s a photo. Sometimes it’s a friend. Sometimes it’s an argument. Sometimes it’s scripture. Sometimes it’s a good movie. Sometimes it's good conversation. Sometimes it’s a memory. And sometimes it’s an upper respiratory infection.

When was the last time you took the time to reacquaint yourself with you? Have you taken the time lately to remember who you are and the things that spark life in your soul? There is a reason you have passions about certain things. You are to do something with those passions- you are to live and breathe them- you are to share them with others. God made you unique for a reason- it’s time you figure out why- and do something about it.

Anne Frank was someone who did just that- she figured out what she was passionate about- she was passionate about writing. And because of her devotion to her writing, millions of people were able to get a glimpse of what the Jewish nation suffered under Hitler. Her first-hand account is priceless and considered a historical record and masterpiece. Who would have thought that such a young girl had so much to share? What do you have to share? I bet there are people who would consider your passion a masterpiece.

Tara Lynn and I are about to launch a new blog that I think many of you will be interested in. And many of you will not. Stay tuned. It’s coming soon.

i want one!! only $1.25 per gallon!

find more info at http://www.cleanskies.org
or at Honda's site for the Civic GX

investigative report on Israel

over 10 years ago i had the opportunity to visit Israel. as a Christ follower, i have always been intrigued by the Holy Land... and my short trip there only reinforced the nation's sanctity in my heart and soul. it is undoubtedly the Holy Land. if you ever have to opportunity to visit Israel, I suggest you go. go walk the streets where Christ and other Biblical heroes have walked and find out for yourself.

I saw a new series the other day that I'm pretty excited about... it's about Israel and it looks pretty dang cool. It's called Against All Odds.
Check out the purpose of the series on their website: "Given the circumstances surrounding Israel's birth as a nation, and the odds against its survival, Israel should not exist as a nation today...
Journalist Michael Greenspan confronts military leaders, battle commanders, strategists, and common soldiers on the field who provide their viewpoints of remarkable stories of heroism and bravery...some that defy human understanding...
How did Hebrew become the only dead language in history to be revived after 2,000 years? Why would millions of people from around the world leave their homes and move to a desert wasteland to build new lives for themselves? How did these people manage to turn a land more than 80% desert into one of the largest food and flower exporters in the world? Why have incredible achievements in science, medicine, and new technologies happened here in greater concentration than anywhere else? There are no logical answers. Some say these things can only be explained as miracles."

oh, and by the way, Michael Greenspan (former senior correspondent for CNN) was a confirmed agnostic at the outset of the project. there's 13 parts to this series... i'm thinking it's probably worth checking out.

4 quotes from Booker T. Washington

Booker T. Washington

"Excellence is to do a common thing in an uncommon way."

"Character, not circumstances, makes the man."

"There is a class of colored people who make a business of keeping the troubles, the wrongs, and the hardships of the Negro race before the public. Having learned that they are able to make a living out of their troubles, they have grown into the settled habit of advertising their wrongs—partly because they want sympathy and partly because it pays. Some of these people do not want the Negro to lose his grievances, because they do not want to lose their jobs."

"Character is power."

do you know Him?

ThatsMyKing
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Obama's audacious minister of hate

please, read my favorite New York Post article from Friday.
God damn America??? talk about audacity....

internal invader

"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more
surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force
of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot
be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be
ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or
internal invader."
-- Samuel Adams (letter to James Warren, 12 February 1779)

speed bumps

Speed bumps. I hate them.
I thought that I would be rid of them after highschool. I remember thinking: I can’t wait to graduate! I won’t have to drive over stupid speed bumps ever again!
WRONG.
What does every college parking lot have? Speed bumps.
After college there would be no more speed bumps… not in the real world, right? Nope.
What does every apartment complex in the city have? Speed bumps.
Oh, and every office complex? More speed bumps.

Just the other day, as I was driving over the speed bumps in the parking garage at my new job, I got to thinking…

Seems like they’re every where- in every stage of life.
I hate them. They’re unavoidable and annoying.
But we all know why they’re there. To keep people from speeding through places they shouldn’t so that they won’t wreck anything hurting themselves or someone else.

Just when you think that you can speed through life – you hit a speed bump.
That first one is always a nasty surprise if you’re speeding through and you don’t see it.
It could cost you too- you might need new struts and suspension on your car- especially if you just try to fly over all them without slowing down like I did.
Lesson learned- I’ve learned to slow down.

Let me ask you this: Ever seen anyone just completely stop at a speed bump? Get out of their car and call it quits? They’re just bumps- not walls- you can still drive forward.
Like asphalt speed bumps, life’s speed bumps are only intended to slow us down- not stop us entirely. They’re not walls.

When I was in college, a fellow student had taken a bulldozer and tried to take out all the speed bumps in one of the parking lots. That didn’t prove effective. All it did was rip some serious holes into the road.

I know I’m not the only one who wishes to be rid of speed bumps forever.
But, I can’t be rid of them forever- I have to learn to deal with them and slow down. After all, I’d rather slow down than deal with repairing some major holes and doing road construction in my life.

I kinda feel like I’m going through a life full of speed bumps right now. Doesn’t God know I’m a safe driver? Speed bumps aren’t necessary in my life, right? I’m always cautious and never irresponsible. But maybe it’s not about learning something at all… maybe I could speed through life like a professional race car driver without bringing harm or injury to anyone.
Or could it be that I might miss something? Is it the scenery that He wants me to see? Or is it that He wants me to be a part of the scene? I wish I could see the overall picture that He has in mind.
Every once in awhile, I get in a funk… I feel like I’ve hit a wall. Feel like I’m not going anywhere and there’s no way of escape. Then I get on the other side of it and see… it was just a bump.