Natural Preditors of Society

I have a link attached, which I hope will work, which attaches the article I am addressing in this blog. The article is called "Romney: What kind of society does america want? by  USA Today. In the article Romney says the presidential election is to be decided by one question: "The question we will decide is this: Will the United States be an Entitlement Society or an Opportunity Society?" First of all, this is why I am an independant if anything, because I can think of a lot more questions that that. On its cover the whole premise is shallow and one sided, which is what you would expect from a political candidate. Depth looses elections.
Here is Romneys description of the only two choices we have:

"In an Entitlement Society, government provides every citizen the same or similar rewards, regardless of education, effort and willingness to innovate, pioneer or take risk. In an Opportunity Society, free people living under a limited government choose whether or not to pursue education, engage in hard work, and pursue the passion of their ideas and dreams. If they succeed, they merit the rewards they are able to enjoy."

Are you Kidding me??? Why must it be black or white? How about a compassionate society that understands that some people will need help but not EVERY person. An how about a society which invests money in the future but protects society from Limited Governments Natural preditor.
Both extremes have natural preditors in society. The liberal society has a natural preditor called Socialisum. If government is left to grow and grow, providing everything for everybody, you end up with socialisum, which means, the government owns and controls everything, and it is ok to deal with those who disent in any manner available. The easiest is to kill them. i.e. Hitler and Stallin. Fortunately, the USA has substancial protective mechanisums in place via the Constitution to protect from this ever happening. (Contrary to what COnservatives say) The next is limited government. On its surface it sounds wonderful. Words like Opportunity, Free and choice are floated around as if they only exist under limited government, which is perposterous. In addition the natural preditor concervatisum breeds to Limited government is GREED. The world economy crashed because president after president bought into the free market society is a more prosperous philosophy and as a result, GREED became the driving force. Greed was so much in control of the banking industry and wall street that the highest people in the companies cared only about thier pay check. They did not care if the business failed, as long as they got thiers.
Enter the economy that crashed in 2007, during Bushes reign as president, under a free market "Opportunity" Society Romney speaks so highly of. Its unbalievable to me how stupid they must believe we are as people of this nation, that we would allow that type of unrestricted free market to exist again. (When ever a conservative speaks of unrestrictive policies, they are thinking of unleashing the banking and wall street industries again)
This is where the gray area, middle of the road comes in. We develop a society, which out of compassion, helps through government programs those who truly need it. Safegards must be in place to protect against fraud and misuse, and those who do not need it would not be entitled. For instance, if a person retires today, they can be making hundreds of thousands of dollars a year and still pull from social security and medicar/Medicaid. This must end. Only those who truly need the help receive it. The rest are cut from the program and allowed to live the life of "opportunity" and "freedom." (One preditor defeated)
NEXT, government must protect the people where they cannot protect themselves. The average person knows nothing about wallstreet or the banking industry, and yet everything we own is entrusted to them. These industries have proven they MUST be regulated. The preditor allowed to roam free will kill at will. People cannot protect themselves from un-scrupulous companies who choose to release dangerous products to the market, we cannot manage the energy policies of the country to best protect our country from shortages and development and still protect our air and water. This is why agencies like the Energy department and Consumer protection are crucial. There are many departments which can be reduced or eliminated, unfortunately the polititions chose the ones to eliminate that stand in the way of their black and white society, in order to make themselves sound good on the surface. As a society, when we vote, we need to be thinking about the PREDITOR that lurks beneath the surface. CHOOSE GRAY. Its a sign of intelegence.

Say Grace

As I write this, it is approching Thanksgiving day. During this month I have spent time concidering what I am thankful for as have many americans. On the social networks, some have taken to giving thanks for something each day as the holiday approched. I thought this to be a good idea, but chose to reflect in silence instead. I reflected on what I read each day and what you often hear each year around the table. Something seemed off as the holiday approches. I did'nt know what but something was off. Then today as I went about my business, I realized. It's everything. Everything I  and all the daily thanks were all about what we have, or who we know, family, friends, jobs, food on the table, health.......of this world.
God tells us christians are to be in this world but not of this world, and yet all to often we rattle off the things of the world we are thankful for. Its not just that I have things of this world to be thankful for, but also that, or maybe because of, that I am just not worthy. It is only by Gods grace that I am able to rejoice in my place with him in heavan. I cannot earn eternal life like I earn money. I cannot earn eternal life as a reward for the good things I do. God has blessed me in this world, and in response, how do I thank him? I become of this world. The funny thing that kept coming back to my thought, is that it is by Gods grace that we have these things and it is also by Gods grace that none of them will be of any significance when we are living eternally with God. The bible tells us that there will be no man, or woman, or marriage in heaven. These are the things God gave us on earth to fill the absence from God. When we are with God through his grace,there will be no need for anything but Praising our Lord.
So as I sit down to be with family and friends, we will pause...It is no coincidence that when we pause we will speak our thankfullness in prayer...we will say Grace.
Funny... how we will gather to thank God for his grace... by saying grace.
Thanks be to God for his infinite Grace for an unworthy child.

Question of the Heart

Daniel Otte


It occurred to me today that I should make this thought public…Then I looked at my verse of the day on my smart phone… and I knew I would make this public.

“We all have fears… worries…difficulties… times when we feel we do not know which direction to go or where we will find comfort. All too often we turn to earthly things for comfort…Food…spirits…people…yes even music. Why? Is more of a question of the heart than anything else. Coincidentally, when we look into our heart and seek that which is not of this world… we will find Hope…HIM…”

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. Proverbs 29: 25

…Just a thought…Good Day.

Day is Done

TAPS


In case you never knew. Here is something EVERY AMERICAN should know. We in the United States have all heard the haunting song “Taps” It’s the song that gives us that lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.

But, do you know the story behind the song? If not, I think you will be interested to find out about its humble beginnings.

Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his men near Harrison’s Landing in Virginia. The Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip of land.

During the night, captain Ellicombe heard the moans of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the captain decided to rick his life and bring the stricken man back for medical attention. Crawling on his stomach through the gunfire, the Captain finally reached his own lines, he discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the soudier was dead. The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw the face of the soldier. It was his own son.

The boy had been studying music in the South when the war broke out. Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the Confederate Army. The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only partially granted. The Captain had asked if he could have a group of Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the funeral. The request was turned down since the soldier was a confederate. But, out of respect for the father, they sis say they could give him only one musician.

The captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of paper in the pocket of the dead youth’s uniform. This wish was granted.

The haunting melody, we know as “TAPS”...used at military funerals was born. The words are...



(a) Day is done...Gone the sun...From the lakes...from the hills...from the sky...All is well...safely rest...God in nigh...

(b) Fading light...Dims the sight...And a star...Gems the sky...Gleaming bright... From afar...Drawing nigh...Falls the night...

(c) Thanks and praise... for our days...Neath the sun...Neath the stars...Neath the sky...As we go...This we know...God is nigh...



I, too, have felt the chills while listening to “TAPS” but I have never seen all the words to the song until now. I didn’t even know there was more than one verse. I also never knew the story behind the song and I thought while typing this, how many others also did not know. So I am passing it along.

FOR SEPTEMBER 11TH!!! LISTEN UP, PEOPLE!

The plan for September 11th observance
We have less than two weeks to get the word out all across this great
land and into every community in the United States of America .

THE PROGRAM:
On Sunday September 11th, 2011, everyone needs to display the flag of
these United States of America!!!

On Sunday, September 11th, 2011, an American flag should be displayed
outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States .
Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag
on this tenth anniversary of one of our country's worst tragedies. We
do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families,
friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who
today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished
freedoms.

In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in
American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood
shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but
disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it
shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our
American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail
over terrorism of all kinds.

Action Plan:

So, here's what we need you to do.

Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those
sentiments guide you.

(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11

This is America. We are built around our Freedoms. When I received this notice it said alot about forwarding on to others, but I have removed most of that from my blob posting here. You are free to do as you wish. If you are so moved to pass this on to others you know, then do so. If you choose not to, that is your right. We are all Americans united in the successes of our Great Country.

Forwarding emils, or not forwarding emails does not change that.

Thank you for your participation... God Bless You and God Bless America!

"WE THE CORPORATION"???????

To begin todays discussion. I would like to review with you what it means to be in a recession in the simplist terms possible. In the simplist terms possible, Recession means : decline in economic activity: a period, shorter than a depression, during which there is a decline in economic trade and prosperity. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a good inticator. The GDP essentially is what we are manufacturing. In a recession, we produce less. The chart below shows the GDP from 2006 to 2011. George W Bush was our president up until the end of 2008. If you look at the graph, you will find that all of the recessional decline takes place in 2008 and before. In 2009 President Obama took office .
Question, Does this graph show any sign of recession after the start of 2009. Answer NO. Now that we have cleared that up, no one who is thinking with rational and logic can say president Obama owns the recession. Infact, what happened to boost us out of recession? It is no coincident that George W Bush signed a 1 Trillion dollar bail out package in Late 2008 and President Obama signed a $850 Billoin Bailout in 2009. Did they work? You be the judge. (The chart below may not be visable to those who receive this as an automatic email. Go to http://www.middleclassmanwi.blogspot.com/ to view it in the correct form on the blog.




If you amswer NO, then you are one who cannot think with reason and logic. You can leave this conversation now, because you are wasting your time reading this blog.

That being said, lets move on.

One well-known economist says that former President George W. Bush is to blame for the current economic crisis. Really? Just one?

"Nouriel Roubini, a New York University professor nicknamed "Dr. Doom" for his dour views on the economy, says that when President Obama came to power, he inherited a budget deficit of $1.2 trillion. When Bush came to power, the country had a surplus of $300 billion."

How did we get a $1.5 trillion change in our fiscal condition during Bush's time in office? Roubini lists five factors:

1. We cut taxes. (Hint - Remember this one)

2. We spent $2 trillion on two unwinnable wars. (Kinda a done deal on this one)

3. We doubled discretionary spending. Some conservatives originally aimed to "starve the beast" by cutting taxes in order to force future cuts in spending. But spending grew so out of control in Bush's term that no beast was starved, Roubini said. In fact, the beast was fed. (Hint - Remember this one)

4. We added entitlement benefits like the Medicare drug benefit.

5. We entered the largest economic and financial crisis ever, which caused a huge increase in the deficit through the "recession deficit" and the cost of bailing out the banks and financial institutions. (We remember this one from what we learned in the beginning)

Yeah, yeah, I hear you.... So Dan, Where are you going with this?

I thought you would never ask.

In recent history, we have seen Congress turn what has been a routine event, never heard of before by the average person, (Raising the Republican debt ceiling) to accomodate the governments ability to pay its debtors.

Whoooo, Whooooooooo, settle down, all you republicans, let me explain that last comment. Lets take a look at history:

Reagan  (Republican) - Your hero - Debt and debt ceiling raising.
George Bush Sr. (Republican)- "Read my lips - No new Taxes" - Debt and debt ceiling raising.
Bill Clinton (Democrat) - See above - $300 Billion Surplus. THATS RIGHT - SURPLUS.
George W Bush (Republican) - $12.6 Trillion Deficiet - Raised Debt ceiling - economy crashes.

So...Quiet down republicans. In reality most of our current situation is the result of Republican spending and tax cuts, the rest is Obama spending money to trying to fix what you destroyed.

But enough with who is to blame. Quite frankly it does not matter. We have a mess and we have to fix it. Had the economy not tanked, we would not be in this situation. The combination of lost company revenue, companies closing there doors, and millions of people becoming unemployed and thereby not paying taxes, the governments income has been drastically reduced.

Side Bar Your Honor....Millions of people are currently unemployed due recession we previously established started in 2007 and ended in 2009. This is a fact. If George Bush and President Obama had not authorized the bailout money, Every american would have lost money due to bank failures on the national and local level. In addition Millions more people would be laid off... meaning much more loss of revenue and a conciderably worse decline in the recession. So the choices available were limited. Spend a Trillion $850 Billion Dollars (I think I said that right) on bailouts, or plummet into a Depression. Thats right, I said Depression not recession. Add to that that all of the money needed to be returned at 8% interest, the deal becomes an investment not a bailout. Incidentally Chrysler, GM, and most of the larger banks have repaid the loan at this time, with interest, so have you noticed, the concervative talk show hosts no longer say that president Obama was "Taking over these companies as part of a socialist agenda". They do still concider him socialist, which is rediculous if you know what socialist and marxist mean, which fortunatly for you I will cover in my next blog. You will be suprised.

SO how do you go about fixing a loss in revenue. Lets take a look at this from a household point of view. Lets say you have a house hold where both adults worked, and you lived confortably. You bought a house and a car, borrowing money to do so, maybe used a credit card or two, but you were making these payments comfortably. All of a sudden one adult is laid off. Now, you cant pay all of those bills. You can't even make ends meet on week to week necessities, so what do you do. Well you have two pretty odvious choices and one of them is NOT to sell the children. You either increase your income through another job, or you cut expenses. Wait a minute, there are three choices... You can also do BOTH. Everyone who has ever balanced a checkbook when times are tight knows, you can only cut so much, and then only increased income will do. After you loose the house to forclosure, and have the car repossesed, you will still owe a lot of debt and need to make ends meet.
Here is where all of the fuss begins. The government is a little different than most households at this point. The government can run a deficiet, sell its debt, and continue to run, where a family looses everything, so the analogy is not perfect,but you get the point. Our government has really just two options. They cut expenses (includes public employee layoffs), and/or raise taxes. Now remember one thing, when the government lays off people, they are not just reducing expenses, but also reducing revenue. Those who are laid off no longer pay income tax, so government employee layoffs are a double edged sword of sorts. They are however still necessary.

I think everyone can agree we have to make some expense cuts in order to bring down the debt. Some far right liberals may disagree, but the thought process which says we do not need to make some cuts is beyond reason and logic.

So, what are we left with. That would be taxes. Conservatives argue that tax cuts generate revenue for big business, business uses that money to invest and create jobs. Keeping that in mind, lets look at cutting taxes. George Bush lowered taxes in 2002, after the economy tanked from 911. Those tax cuts were in effect in 2007 when our economy tanked again under GWB. Did those tax cuts save jobs. Answer, of course not. Then we hear from a Billionare himself this last week - Warren Buffet. He says its time to increase taxes on the rich. He used himself as an example. he said he paid around 6.6 million in taxes last year, which sounds huge, but in reality it was around 17% of his wage, which I am guessing ended up being somewhere between 32 and 40 million. Now, if you are someone who makes 40 million dollars, are you going to be short on cash for paying 25% taxes, or 10 million dollars. Be Honest. You will not like paying 10 million dollars in taxes, but you are NOT going to say, " You know I think I am going to pass on making this investment which will make me $100,000  because I will have to pay $25,000 dollars in taxes. The $75,000 I would make just isent worth it because of the taxes." PLEASE! I guarantee you, that type of statement has NEEEVVVEEERRR been made by anyone. If there is money to be made, businesses and individuals will make it and gripe about the taxes later, but they WILLLL SPEND THE MONEY. Anyone who says different is either lying, or not rich because they don't understand how to money work.

Just this week there was a report about the largest companies out there are hourding over a trilloin dollars in liquid investable dollars, not because they do't want to make money, but because if they spend it now the economy will improve and they will loose leverage on getting congress to cut taxes. They are NOT staying away from regular money making investments, they are just waiting on hiring people and spending on capital expenses (Buildings/Land) which would immediately drive the economy forward. It is not as the conservatives would have you believe that they do not have the money, or are woried about the economy, because they have the power to improve the economy over night. They are just choosing not to as a barganning chip to get tax cuts. "WE THE CORPORATION!" Then they will invest the money they already have and it will look like cutting taxes rebounded the economy.

I propose to you today, that it is not the presidential policies, keeping the taxes low, or the spending cuts in congress which is holding back our economy. It is GREED. Corporate greed, plain and simple. "Wait a minute, was'nt it corporate greed in the banking and housing industry that caused our economy to tank in the first place?" Greed did cause it and greed is still holding us back. I see no reason to avoid raising taxes. If corporations will not take the initiative and spend to improve the economy, then let the government take a small portion of that money and do it for them....For us...."We the People".

A calmness so different from before.....

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”


Spring, strong and vibrant,…Summer meek and shy…He took to the wheel as any other day. But first it began with family. A wife, three children, this was what was near and dear to him. The youngest off to Grandma while the day passes. Work, then back to the family, but first on board the infant. Strapped in the seat and back on the road to end the day as it began… with family.

Just a little farther, cross this highway, down the hill…I’ll just…A noise…then everything is in slow motion… moving in a way I should not be…back, forth, up, down, back, forth, up, down…….

He is a family man, it is what is important… Son, brother, Marine, hero, Husband, Father…None more important than the last.

A humble man, Eric Herzog was not one quick to anger, confrontation was not his style. Fishing with his father was his favorite hobby.

...….then silence…quiet…moving again, But now more slowly, floating…peaceful…a calmness so different from before.....

John 5:24

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

We will miss you Eric…

The (Scientific Death of Jesus

At the age of 33, Jesus was condemned to the death penalty.  At that time crucifixion was the "worst" death. Only the worst criminals condemned to be crucified. Yet it was even more dreadful for Jesus, unlike other criminals condemned to death by crucifixion, Jesus was to be nailed to the cross by His hands and feet.         Each nail was 6 to 8 inches long. The nails were driven into His wrist. Not into His palms as is commonly portrayed.There's a tendon in the wrist that extends to the shoulder.The Roman guards knew that when the nails were being hammered into the wrist, that tendon would tear and break, forcing Jesus to use His backmuscles to support himself so that He could breathe. Both of His feet were nailed together.Thus He was forced to support Himself on the single nail that impaled His feet to the cross. Jesus could not support himself with His legs because of the pain, so He was forced to alternate between arching His back, then using his legs just to continue to breathe. Imagine the struggle, the pain, the suffering, the courage. Jesus endured this reality for over 3 hours. Yes, over 3 hours! Can you imagine this kind of suffering? A few minutes before He died, Jesus stopped bleeding. He was simply pouring water from his wounds. From common images, we see wounds to His hands and feet and even the spear wound to His side...But do we realize His wounds were actually made in his body.A hammer driving large nails through the wrist, the feet overlapped and an even large nail hammered through the arches, then a Roman guard piercing His side with a spear. But before the nails and the spear, Jesus was whipped and beaten.The whipping was so severe that it tore the flesh from His body.The beating so horrific that His face was torn and his beard ripped from His face.The crown of thorns cut deeply into His scalp. Most men would not have survived this torture.  He had no more blood to bleed out, only water poured from His wounds.The human adult body contains about 3.5 liters (just less than a gallon) of blood.  Jesus poured all 3.5 liters of his blood; He had three nails hammered into His members; a crown of thorns on His head and, beyond that, a Roman soldier who stabbed a spear into His chest. All these without mentioning the humiliation He passed after carrying His own cross for almost 2 kilometers, while the crowd spat in his faceand threw stones (the cross was almost 30 kg of weight, only for its higher part, where His hands were nailed). Jesus had to endure this experience, so that you can have free access toGod. o that your sins could be "washed" away.A ll of them, with no exception! Don't ignore this situation.  JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOU! Do not believe that He only died for others (those who go to church orfor pastors, bishops, etc).  He died for you! It is easy to pass jokes and false witness statements by e-mail, but when it comes to God, sometimes you feel ashamed to forward to others because you are worried of what they may think about you.  Accept the reality, the truth that JESUS IS THE ONLY SALVATION FOR THEWORLD.  God has plans for you, show all your friends what He experienced to save you.Now think about this!May God bless your life!  60 seconds with God... For the next 60 seconds, set aside what you're doing and take this opportunity! Let's see if Satan can stop this.  All you hav e to do is:    
1.  Simply pray for someone you know, or even someone you do not know.             
2. Take a moment to appreciate the power of God in your life, for doing what pleases Him.    
Follow Jesus' instructions.He said (Matthew 10:32 & 33):   "Everyone therefore who acknowledges me before others, I also will acknowledge before My Father in heaven; but whosoever denies Me before others, I also will deny before My Fatherin heaven."               
Yes, I love God.He is my source of life and my Savior.He keeps me alive day and night.   Without Him, I am nothing, but with Him"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."Philippians 4:13.                
Jesus died for everyone, and today we celebrate the rising and concouring of Death.
Happy Easter       

WELCOME TO OUR WORLD

For those who are not aware,Wisconsin is currently going through some issues with Budget shortfalls, and we need to find ways to save money. Currently our newly elected republican governer has made a proposal regarding public employees, with the exception of Police and Fire employees.Among other things, he has proposed that public employees begin contributing to their pention to the tune of 5.85%, contribute 12% to insurance costs, and he wants to remove the collective bargaining from the negotiation process. This would mean that salary can be negotiated, but not other benefits. Some other things he is proposing involve merit based initiatives so good teachers will get recognized and bad teachers will lose there job. Well as you would expect, teachers are not happy. Protesters have taken to the streets. Both sides are digging in, and in the process, the national conservative talk radio has jumped on the band wagon.
I have issues with everyone involved.
First, I am a privately employed citizen, who has paid well more that 5.85%of my pention. In fact like most, I pay 100% of my pention in the form of an IRA right off the top of what I make. Second I have paid well more than 12|% of my health insurance for my entire working life. I have heard many people claim that because Police and Fire fighters are not a part of this legislation that they must somehow be special.Well, to that I say, what makes the public employees so special that they have not had to pay for these benefits, while I in the private sector have been. I say nothing. Nearly everyone in the private sector lost benefits two years ago, assuming they were lucky enough to keep there job. If we didn't like it we were free to protest while the employer replaced us. People were laid off and their jobs became a part of our jobs. No raise, no vote. Many even took pay cuts to remain employed. Protest all you want public employees, that is your right, but its also your time to suck it up.
Second, lets discuss protesting. In this great country of ours we have freedom of speech. We have the right to take to the streets in peaceful protest of our government. But as a responsible employee, you do not have the right to call in sick to protest. You do not get to walk off the job to protest. Those constitute a failure to be a responsible employee and should be subject to immediate termination. 17% of the unemployed population is waiting to have your job and contribute to their health insurance and pentions in the process. PROTEST ON YOUR OWN TIME.
Now lets deal with the conservative media.You claim that Walker was voted in and the democrates were voted out, and there for he should be allowed to make watever changes he wants. Sorry, you dont allow Obama that type of leeway. Remember, he was voted in in a landmark clearing of the republicans. If someone agrees with you they are smart, intellegent, common, American. Any one who disagrees with you are Liars, idiots, hitlers or natzies. They are un american or terrorists. One talk show host went as far as to say that when the democratic minority in the Wisconsin senate walked out and prevented a vote by exercising their minority party rights in legislature, that they should be arrested.??? Arrested? for behaving well within the law and exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech. (Protesting) Stay off our band wagon. You don't have the ability to be objective, and you do not have to. You are entitled to your opinion just like everyone else, but I see you for what you are. Hypocrites. STAY OFF OUR BAND WAGON.
Finally, I come from a home where my dad was a teacher all of his career. My opinions here will not be popular with him, My sister and her husband also work in the school system, so my opinions will not be popular there, but you cannot dispute that my opinions here have nothing to do with democratic or republican views, just what I feel is fair and just. Just like 70% of the working private sector employees. I don't expect the people who have been able to benefit over the years by their contracts, to understand. They will protest, they will object, and then, they will need to join the rest of us.
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD
PS. Teachers all say "Its about the children". Well?? If these concessions are not made, teachers WILL lose there jobs and class sizes will go up, ergo, the quality of education will go down. Hmmmmm???????

I think this whole think is an interesting display of democracy in action.

Team MVP

As a resident of Wisconsin I would be remise to write anything in a public forum and not first talk about this weekend. What do you ask? happened this weekend. Well I will tell you. Sunday, or more accurately SUPER BOWL SUNDAY two very formitable NFL teams engaged in a trench warefare, the likes of which are rarely seen in todays football. With so many rules, protecting so many players, (and rightly so) its not often anymore you see the type of battle those who watched, experienced this weekend. Both teams fought with all of there might, but in the end there can be only one winner and The first loser. Final score Pittsburg 25, Green Bay Packers 31. What makes the victory by the Packers so much more appreciated, is not just that they fought and won against a formitable foe, but more that they fought all season against insurmountable odds. Week after week, The injured reserve list grew until 15 of the final 53 players were on injured reserve, not able to play the rest of the year. While Pittsburg came into this game worried that they would be without their starting Center, Green bay was without their top running back, one of there top recievers, and an entire defense that any team would kill to have in their lineup. Yet they never quite. What you heaard week after week was, injury was no excuse. As a team when one falls another is called to perform, and they did. But there were also those times when there was no one left to step forward. Then the Manager needed to sort through lists of others who were deemed expendable to others. Perhaps the misfits of the league. Some examples: Green who was released and driving home across country when his agent called - Turn around and get to Green bay, they need you today. There was also Walden, who was out of the league, not belonging to any one. He was at home residing himself to try again next season. Then the call. Green Bay needs you. Time after time Ted Thompson had to go back through years of notes on any player he may have ever had an interest in and bring them into camp. Then the coaches had until game time the next week to have them ready to step up. No excuses, its what championship teams do. And they did. By all accounts this team should have been down for the count at week six. While others were giving up, The packers dug deeper.
There are so many heros who contributed to this team from managers, coaches, to players, that it is impossible to look at this team as individual players. They are the definition of "TEAM".
Having said all of that, there are players who you can't help but be happy for. Individuals who exceled not just on Sunday but quietly and humbly for years. Players like Donald Driver who played year after year. He bagan as a 7th round draft pick. Essentially an unheard of receiver. He was indispensable to this team. A Player like Charles Woodson, who was invited to Green Bay to finish out his career quietly, who ended up having the season of a lifetime. Playing at a level few players ever achieve in there career. Finally, Aaron Rogers. The Packers have been blessed in the Quarterback position for decades. While Green Bay had one exceptional quarterback in Brett Favre, and no one can dispute he was great, other teams had 6,7,10 different quarterbacks in the same time frame. But just as the sun sets in the sky at the end of the day, a team must decide between past greatness or future exceptionalisum. Ted Thompson recognized the need to make a very unpopular decision and let number 4 retire. The Packers were a team and number 4 no longer wanted to be a team player, he wanted to be a premodona. We all watched over the last three years while number 4 disintegrated on and off the field, and the Man who did not earn or deserve to recieve the kind of critisisum he took quietly and humbly fullfilled the promise he made three years prior, when he was drafted. On draft day he was expected to be picked number one and unexplicably fell from 1 to 24. He could have been bitter, he could have been angry... instead he said to Ted Thomson - "You won't regret this" This is a Man we could all learn something from. At Superbowl 45, there was anything but regret. Aaron rogers, kept his promise to Ted Thompson and in doing so was awarded MVP of the game in his first Super Bowl.  Something number 4 could not achieve in his storied carreer. There will be many more for #12.
Make no mistake, I believe that Ted Thompson is the MVP of this team today. He found the players we needed to keep this team going. If he had not made that excrusiatingly difficult decision three years ago, we would not be the Super Bowl Champs today.
Here to TEAM MVP - THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

Let the best man win,!?

Finally - Some raw truth.
Recently, Our President gave his State of The Union Address. I have a confession to make, I did not watch it. I am less about what someone says they will do and more about what they actually do, so speeches don't impress me.
What has impressed me is that a certain conservative show host has come out with some real truth for a change. While filing in on another show as guest host, he said: "If I were giving the State of ther Union address, here is what I would have said; I will cut medicare, I will cut medicid, I will cut Unemployment benefits, I will cut welfare, I will cut money to schools." Finally the true concervative position has come out. All to often, conservatives are ready to preach smaller government and less taxes, but when questioned for details, they wont say things like medicare and medicaid are on the chopping block. They like to say they are reforming these programs. (Side Bar: Medical savings plans have been around for 20+ years, and are still the first thing you hear about from conservative touting reform.)
So, I know what your thinking. If your conservative your saying, "Whats wrong with that?" and if your Liberal your saying, "Unbelievable." Well, quite frankly, nothing is wrong with that if your being honest about it. If your being honest, and  all of these things are being cut, do you really believe our taxes will go down because we have smaller government? Well lets take a look at some facts. Lets cut medicaid and medicare. What is the net result. Do all of these people who lost access to medical assistance just go away. Well, in a way yes,most of them are older, so they die quicker than if they had insurance. But before that, they flood the hospital emergency rooms when its to late and after they could have been helped with less expense. They are treated for free until they die. The hospital is left with unpaid medical bills, which they promptly pass on to you and I in medical costs. If we have insurance the rates go through the roof, rapidly become unaffordable, we lose our insurance and well, you already read what happens to those without insurance. Then the average life expectancy goes down. Do you know what the life expectancy was before available healthcare? Then because we all do not have health insurance, we are all sick more often, miss work, and guess what? We lose our job. But don't worry, there is unemployment and welfare to help until you get back on your feet. O wait, no there is'nt. Your house or apartment is gone, you  and your kids are out on the street in a cardboard box. "But wait a minute Dan, your being rediculous, that would never happen. We dont mean, that none of these programs would exist, we just don't want the Federal Governmant doing them." Ok fair enough. If the Federal government is not doing them, but they still exist, where does the money come from? The state? If so what has changed. Your federal government is smaller, and lets assume for a moment that federal taxes go down. Then the state picks up the tab to help its residents, because this is constitutionally the way things should be,  right? But have your taxes gone down? NO! there just going to the state instead of the federal Government. Now, because the state has a smaller reach, less people are available to help pay for these programs and in reallity, we all pay more for taxes, as long as we don't believe we should just let everyone who needs a helping hand die in the street.
But, wait Dan, I think what should really be cut is assistance to states for roads and infastructure. Let the states handle there own infastructure according to what the people want, and get the federal government out of things like that." Ok, lets just put aside, for a minute that the interstate system was put together for national security. A way to move our military around the US. So, the federal government is out and the state is in. Federal taxes go down. Great, mission accomplished, right? Wait a minite, we all still drive cars, and we no longer work close to home, we have become a commuting society, so we need to drive, therefore we need roads. The state has to come up with this money somewhere, so where? You guessed it, You and me. Either we are taxed directly for roads, we are taxed indirectly in things like gas taxes, which raise fuel to prices to 5.00+ dollars per gallon, the economy crashes again, because, remember, we learned that $4.50 per gallon gas prices was the tipping point. The economy colapses, no one can afford to drive. Jobs disappear and, wait a minute.... I see it now. Gas costs to pay for roads goes up, the economy crashes, we all lose our jobs, and walla... we dont need roads because we dont have a job to go to, or money to buy anything.so we dont have a car to drive. We dont have a home and will Die pretty soon anyway...Perfect! And to think, I didnt think the conservatives had a plan.
Now, let me be clear, I am neither for completely free healthcare for everyone, unless everyone is being taxed appropriately to make the system work properly, not the way most government programs work. And I am also not for everyone for themselves, let the best man win (Loser die in the street)healthcare system. My first action if it were up to me would be to require each action a healthcare facility, doctor, hospital, or physician charges to be clearly posted, much like a resterant menu. Then the true meaning of concervative can take hold and honest competition can begin to form. People can then choose their doctor or hospital based on cost. In order for this to work, we would also need an ingredient list of sorts for our healthcare, aftwerall we all know what goes into a Big Mac,,,mostly. A description of exactly what is covered under a certain procedure, where does one procedure end and another come in, and a plain english bill for services, so we can easily determine cost. Then, a reasonable government healthcare program based off of these ingredients, and available to those who are most needy and open to anyone else at a prorated rate based on income. Insurance companies would need to operate the same way and all programs, including the government offers would  need to be self sufficient.
Now doesnt that sould just a little more reasonable that cut, cut cut, cut. Yes, there is some government regulation, which concervatives hate, but with moderation only.
This is the greatest nation in the world, lets start acting like it.

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. – Psalms 23:4

It is early, Just before Dawn, the air out side is crisp but not cold. Snow gently waifs from sky to ground. Inside there is one last breath and it is finished. In his life long town of less than 60,000 his final moment has passed. Those who are left behind move from hopeful to mournful.

A common expresion when some one dies is to say they have passed away. He has not passed away he has passed on, for this man of many blessings was the part of a "Family in faith". 10 brothers and sisters the early years a challenge for his parents. But one thing was for certain, the family was abundantly filled with love for God, each other, and for those in need. He heard from Gods word on a daily basis, and spoke to God in prayer. His parents, His brothers and sisters, his wife, his children, and his grandkids all were blessed with Gods presence. This was no accident. Gods children do not pass away, They pass through, He knew that.


And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. – Revelation 21:4


He, served his country in the armed services. His army boots served his younger brother as well. [One of his younger brothers most prized possesions] He served his family as a believer in Christ and a champion for Gods work. He served his community as an State Senator for Wisconsin. He played his Sousaphone (tuba) for his church community, his local community, and in rememberance in memorial day parades with the local high school band, before the pressures of political correctness grew.

He was a golfer, often golfing with family. Competitive but a sportsman, after all you keep score because you want to win, but understand that winning is not most important. The golf course was a place for competition, comradory, and bonding. As time wittled away at youth, walk was replaced with wheels, but he never lost sight of his goal to beat his little brother more often than not. He enjoyed beating his little brother. His last year held some of the best golfing he had ever enjoyed.

He was brother, he was friend, he was partner, he was mentor, he was servant, he was caring for family, poor, needy, everyone.

His lord will say unto him, "Well done good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things, enter though into the joy of the lord. Mathew 25:21
".......take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you, since the creation of the world."

Perhaps from the mouths of babes comes the perspective we adults seek. As he passed and family from all parts of the country began to pray for those who remain, as a child is tucked into bed to end the day in conversation with our lord, the child prayed..." and I hope that Uncle carl is having fun in heaven."

Thanks Carl. One day we will all join you in rejoicing in the presence of our Lord.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." – Romans 8:38-39

"Politics, makes strange bed fellows"

With the developments of the past week regarding the congresss woman giffords senseless shooting and the deaths of those doing nothing more than expressing their right to support a political position, it is with a sad heart that this blogger takes to the keys. While we are a country of varying positions, and differing political parties, we are also still a part of this one big country we call the United States.
While the motive is not clear, what is clear is that a politician has been targetted for assasination. If there is one thing that goes against everything this country stands for, it is the actions of the shooter Loughner.I do not believe there are to many other more unpatriotic actions anyone could take than the actions this coward  took.
My sincerest condolences go out to the families of those who were killed or injured and the families who remain to try to make sense of this tragety.
In my opinion, this event highlights what those of us who take to the public forum to speak out on the politics of this great nation, need to be mindfull of whenever we engage our audience. Whether it be a speech delivered in a mosqe, or a conservative radio talk show host or a blogger such as myself, we need to realize that what we say and write can influence those in unintended ways. Speach is protected, and there is no one responsible for the actions of this gunnman other than the gunman himself, but Politics spark intense beliefs and emotions. There is no evidence that this gunman was motivated by any particular voice or publication, but I believe we have a responsibility to be sure we are not encouraging those who are more impresionable, and may take our thoughs and opinions in ways which are unintended. Yes, Politics do make strange bed fellows.
My prayers go out to those who lost a loved one, who know someone who was injured, and yes, the family of the gunman.
There will no doubt be calls for more protected forums for political figures and yes, some will call for restrictions on guns, but this is not about a political advantage we can gain by this tragety. It is about families and communities which will be forever changed by these events. This is where our energy needs to be focused.

"We Reap What We Sow"

To the best of my knowledge, The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary. I have not verified that he was the author, or that these are his words. Neither have I verified that he stated this on CBS as indicated, However they do absolutely reflect my views and opinion, other than being jewish; so read on:


Printed here as it was sent to me via email:

My (Ben Steins) confession:

I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees... I don't feel threatened.. I don't feel discriminated against.. That's what they are, Christmas trees.
It doesn't bother me a bit when people say, 'Merry Christmas' to me. I don't think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn't bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu . If people want a crèche, it's just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking.
In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..
Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.
Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.
Pass it on if you think it has merit.
If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein
"IN GOD WE TRUST"

My thoughts:
I am Christian. I will pray in school and say "In God We Trust" even if someone sayI may not. God created this earth, and one day we will answer to him. ALL of us, even the athiests. When I am before the lord, I hope he will say "Welcome my good and faithful servant"
In God I trust and may God bless you all. Athiest, Christians, Jews, Muslims, and everyone else to numerous to mention.
 
DanO

Behold, all things are become new

It is the new year, and in so much as we are starting a new year, we also began a new life with the birth of our Saviour. From here as Christians, we look ahead to the purpose of our saviours birth, which is his death and resurection, but first we must get "First things First"
Before I begin, I have a couple of confessions to make. First, the thoughts you are going to read, are not entirely my own. They begin with my churches message, delivered today entitles "First Things First", and delivered expertly by pastor Brad and the inspiration of the holy spirit. Second, I usually work of the cuff and say what comes to mind as my thoughts organize. I do not know where things will begin and end when I sit down to type, They are organized in the moment. Tonight however, I have my ipod with my Holy Bible App open and the scripture before me from todays message, because I feel I may need to do more than memory and emotion. Time will tell.
For me, I am visual, and I cannot pass up a vivid visual analogy. "First things First, essentially means that we must put God first both as a church and as a person. The things that are of the earth are of the earth and the things of heaven are not of this earth.It seems like a simple, an odvious statement, one that might bring a "Heeeellllloooo???" from a younger lad, but when you really think about it, seperating earth from heaven is one of the most difficult things, we as christians can have tasked to us.
Todays message had an analogy about the seven tourches which represent the seven early churches. One of those early churches is being spoken to and being delivered the message of the importance of being sure that what we do is not for our glory, but form the glory of God. (Do you volunteer at the food pantry because it makes you feel good?, or because those who need help are Gods childeren, and God has gifted you with compasion for those less fortunate? )We hear alot about light in the bible. Our light is like the light of a candle, and we should not hide it under a bushel, The lighting of our path, and of course, Jesus being our light. Now back to the tourches. Seven tourches, all burning with the light of Jesus. As the early church is being causioned that if they do not regain the purpose of the lord, and return to fulfilling Gods purpose the tourch will be laid down. Picture yourself surrounded by darkness. The only light you have is the light of the torch you carry. You believe you are on the right path. Then out of the darkness, The glory of Jesus approches. He speaks nothing, but holds out his hand for your torch. You hand it to him with pride in your accomplishements.Then without warning, the torch drops to the ground with a thud, causing the flame to extinguish. You are alone in the darkness.
" The light of the body is the eye: If therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thy eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. Matthew 6:22-23a (kingJames)

All of that having been said, and knowing that we are in this world and not of this world, I have just one more thing to say...... "Go Packers"