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.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
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
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
Sunday, January 9, 2011
"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.
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.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
"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
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
Sunday, January 2, 2011
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"
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"
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