May God have mercy on our souls.

MOST OF ALL OF THIS HAS ALREADY HAPPENED.

What would you say if I gave you 11 reasons why the elections in 2010 will be the most important in the history of the United States ?

1. What if I had told you in October 2008, before the last presidential election, that before Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office, the federal government would be in control of both the mortgage and the banking industries? That 19 of America ‘s largest banks would be forced to undergo stress tests by the federal government which would determine if they were insufficiently capitalized, so they must be supervised by the government?

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America .”

 2. What if I had told you that within Barack Obama’s first 100 days in office the federal government would be the largest shareholder in the US Big-Three automakers: GM, and Chrysler? That the government would kick out the CEO’s of these companies and appoint hand-picked executives with zero experience in the auto industry and that executive compensation would be determined, not by a Board of Directors, but by the government?

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !”

3. What if I had told you that Barack Obama would appoint 21 Czars, without congressional approval, accountable only to him, not to the voters, who would have control over a wide range of US policy decisions. That there would be a Stimulus Accountability Czar, an Urban Czar, a Compensation Czar, an Iran Czar, an Auto Industry Czar, a Cyber Security Czar, an Energy Czar, a Bank Bailout Czar, and more than a dozen other government bureaucrats with unchecked regulatory powers over US domestic and foreign policy.

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !”

4. What if I had told you that the federal deficit would be $915 billion in the first six months of the Obama presidency – with a projected annual deficit of $1.75 trillion – triple the $454.8 billion in 2008, for which the previous administration was highly criticized by Obama and his fellow Democrats. That congress would pass Obama’s $3.53 trillion federal budget for fiscal 2010… That the projected deficit over the next ten years would be greater than $10 trillion.

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !”

 5. What if I had told you that the Obama Justice Department would order FBI agents to read Miranda rights to high-value detainees captured on the battlefield and held at US military detention facilities in Afghanistan . That Obama would order the closing of the Guantanamo detention facility with no plan for the disposition of the 200-plus individuals held there. That several of the suspected terrorists at Guantanamo would be sent to live in freedom in Bermuda at the expense of the US government. That our returning US veterans would be labeled terrorists and put on a watch list.

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !”

6. What if I had told you that the federal government would seek powers to seize key companies whose failures could jeopardize the financial system. That a new regulatory agency would be proposed by Obama to control loans, credit cards, mortgage-backed securities, and other financial products offered to the public.

Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !!”

7. What if I had told you that Obama would travel to the Middle East, bow before the Saudi king, and repeatedly apologize for America ‘s past actions. That he would travel to Latin America where he would warmly greet Venezuela ‘s strongman Hugo Chavez and sit passively in the audience while Nicaraguan Marxist thug Daniel Ortega charged America with terrorist aggression in Central America . Would you have said, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !!” 8. Okay, now what if I were to tell you that Obama wants to dismantle conservative talk radio through the imposition of a new “Fairness Doctrine.” That he wants to curtail the First Amendment rights of those who may disagree with his policies via internet blogs, cable news networks, or advocacy ads. That most major network television and most newspapers will only sing his phrases like state-run media in communist countries?

Would you say, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !!!”

9. What if I were to tell you that the Obama Justice Department is doing everything it can to limit your Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. That the federal government wants to reinstate the so-called assault weapons ban which would prohibit the sale of any type of firearm that doesn’t require the shooter to pull the trigger every time a round is fired. That Obama’s Attorney General wants to eliminate the sale of virtually all handguns and ammunition, which most citizens choose for self-defense.

Would you say, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !!!”

10. What if I were to tell you that the Obama plan is to eliminate states rights guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment and give the federal government sweeping new powers over policies currently under the province of local and state governments and voted on by the people. That Obama plans to control the schools, energy production, the environment, health care, and the wealth of every US citizen.

Would you say, “C’mon, that will never happen in America !”

11. What if I were to tell you that the president, the courts, and the federal government have ignored the US Constitution and have seized powers which the founders of our country fought to restrict. That our last presidential election may have been our last truly free election for some time to come.

I know, I know what you will say. “That will never happen in America !”

May God have mercy on our souls.

Dinner at the White House

Once upon a time, I was invited to the White House for a private dinner with the President. I am a respected businessman, with a factory that produces memory chips for computers and portable electronics. There was some talk that my industry was being scrutinized by the administration, but I paid it no mind. I live in a free country. There’s nothing that the government can do to me if I’ve broken no laws. My wealth was earned honestly, and an invitation to dinner with an American President is an honor.

 I checked my coat, was greeted by the Chief of Staff, and joined the President in a yellow dining room. We sat across from each other at a table draped in white linen. The Great Seal was embossed on the china. Uniformed staff served our dinner.

The meal was served, and I was startled when my waiter suddenly reached out, plucked a dinner roll off my plate, and began nibbling it as he walked back to the kitchen.

“Sorry about that,” said the President. “Andrew is very hungry.”

“I don’t appreciate…” I began, but as I looked into the calm brown eyes across from me, I felt immediately guilty and petty. It was just a dinner roll. “Of course,” I concluded, and reached for my glass. Before I could, however, another waiter reached forward, took the glass away and swallowed the wine in a single gulp.

“And his brother Eric is very thirsty.” said the President.

I didn’t say anything. The President is testing my compassion, I thought. I will play along. I don’t want to seem unkind.

My plate was whisked away before I had tasted a bite.

“Eric’s children are also quite hungry.”

With a lurch, I crashed to the floor. My chair had been pulled out from under me. I stood, brushing myself off angrily, and watched as it was carried from the room.

“And their grandmother can’t stand for long.”

I excused myself, smiling outwardly, but inside feeling like a fool. Obviously I had been invited to the White House to be sport for some game. I reached for my coat, to find that it had been taken. I turned back to the President.

 “Their grandfather doesn’t like the cold.”

I wanted to shout- that was my coat! But again, I looked at the placid smiling face of my host and decided I was being a poor sport. I spread my hands helplessly and chuckled. Then I felt my hip pocket and realized my wallet was gone. I excused myself and walked to a phone on an elegant side table. I learned shortly that my credit cards had been maxed out, my bank accounts emptied, my retirement and equity portfolios had vanished, and my wife had been thrown out of our home. Apparently, the waiters and their families were moving in. The President hadn’t moved or spoken as I learned all this, but finally I lowered the phone into its cradle and turned to face him.

 “Andrew’s whole family has made bad financial decisions. They haven’t planned for retirement, and they need a house. They recently defaulted on a sub-prime mortgage. I told them they could have your home. They need it more than you do.”

My hands were shaking. I felt faint. I stumbled back to the table and knelt on the floor. The President cheerfully cut his meat, ate his steak and drank his wine. I lowered my eyes and stared at the small gray circles on the tablecloth that were water drops.

“By the way,” He added, “I have just signed an Executive Order nationalizing your factories. I’m firing you as head of your business. I’ll be operating the firm now for the benefit of all mankind. There’s a whole bunch of Eric’ s and Andrews out there and they can’t come to you for jobs groveling like beggars.”

 I looked up. The President dropped his spoon into the empty ramekin which had been his crème Brule. He drained the last drops of his wine. As the table was cleared, he lit a cigarette and leaned back in his chair. He stared at me. I clung to the edge of the table as if were a ledge and I were a man hanging over an abyss. I thought of the years behind me, of the life I had lived.. The life I had earned with a lifetime of work, risk and struggle. Why was I punished? How had I allowed it to be taken? What game had I played and lost? I looked across the table and noticed with some surprise that there was no game board between us.

What had I done wrong?

As if answering the unspoken thought, the President suddenly cocked his head, locked his empty eyes to mine, and bared a million teeth, chuckling wryly as he folded his hands.

 “You should have stopped me at the dinner roll,” he said.

Wake up America

 

A parable posted on SGP.

Where have all the leaders gone?

Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes?  He’s now 82 years old and has a new book, ‘Where Have All The Leaders Gone?’.

Lee Iacocca Says:

‘Am I the only guy in this country who’s fed up with what’s happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder! We’ve got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we’ve got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can’t even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, ‘Stay the course..’

Stay the course? You’ve got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned, ‘Titanic’. I’ll give you a sound bite: ‘Throw all the bums out!’

You might think I’m getting senile, that I’ve gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore..

The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs.. While we’re fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving ‘pom-poms’ instead of asking hard questions. That’s not the promise of the ‘ America ‘ my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I’ve had enough. How about you?

I’ll go a step further. You can’t call yourself a patriot if you’re not outraged. This is a fight I’m ready and willing to have. The Biggest ‘C’ is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C’s of leadership, with crisis being the first.)

Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It’s easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else’s kids off to war when you’ve never seen a battlefield yourself. It’s another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.

On September 11, 2001, we needed a  strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here’s where we stand.

We’re immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.

We’re running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.

We’re losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.

Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble.

Our borders are like sieves.

The middle class is being squeezed every which way.

These are times that cry out for leadership.

But when you look around, you’ve got to ask: ‘Where have all the leaders gone?’ Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the  point.

Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?

We’ve spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.

Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.

Everyone’s hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn’t happen again. Now, that’s just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you’re going to do the next time.

Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when ‘The Big Three’ referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?

Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debit, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.

I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn’t elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on NBC news or CNN news will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don’t you guys show some spine for a change?

Had Enough? Hey, I’m not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here.  I’m trying to light a fire I’m speaking out because I have hope – I believe in America . In my lifetime, I’ve had the privilege of living through some of   America ‘s greatest moments. I’ve also experienced some of our worst crises: The ‘Great Depression,’ ‘World War  II,’ the ‘Korean War,’ the ‘Kennedy Assassination,’ the ‘Vietnam War,’ the 1970’s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11.

If I’ve learned one thing, it’s this: ‘You don’t get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it’s building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That’s the challenge I’m raising in this book. It’s a “Call to Action” for people who, like me, believe in America ‘. It’s not too late, but it’s getting pretty close. So let’s shake off the crap and go to work. Let’s tell ’em all we’ve had ‘enough.’

Make your own contribution by sending this to everyone you know and care about. It’s our country, folks, and it’s our future. Our future is at stake!!

The dirty little secret…

The dirty little secret….

 Listen to the interview with Fred Thompson.  Is this what you want for you Mom?

 Defend your  Health Care

Stay informed.  Speak out.  It is our right and duty.

I double dog dare you!

I went to my first Town Hall meeting. Jake and I went and hour early to save seats for Richard and Amy. Why did I go you ask? What can we do about it?

I went because a few things have really pushed some of my buttons and I wanted to be heard. It was reported on the News, the government website is collecting emails from people who hear “fishy” information about the reforms. I went to the website to check it out for myself. From the white House blog:

“There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain emails or through casual conversation. Since we can’t keep track of all of them here at the White House, we’re asking for your help. If you get an email or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.”

WHAT! Are they asking Americans to snitch on each other? I could not believe what I was hearing and seeing. That was it! I’ve had it! This administration has gone too far. Don’t tell me I can’t speak out about something in the U.S. Trying to scare people into remaining silent….. What a joke.

I soon discovered bloggers are promoting a mass effort called Operation Go Flag Yourself! It encourages readers and other bloggers to turn themselves into the White House. It’s fun. Try it. I double dog dare you!

Is this how they tried to destroy Jesus?

A lesson on how to destroy a leader.   

I am not saying Palin is Jesus but, the steps taken are similar.  Watch this. It really makes you think. 

How to destroy a leader.

It is official…

Its official….. I am now a member of Smart Girl Politics. I was pushed off the bleachers and into the race. I was reading the Economic study of the Waxman-Markey Cap and Trade Bill and became furious. It is reported by a recent study the impact of the bill on the economy by year 2035 will be… • Gasoline prices will rise 58 percent. Gas prices are expected to increase in the future even without cap and trade. Waxman-Markey would add an additional $1.38 to that increase. • Natural gas prices will rise 55% • Heating oil prices will rise 56%; • Electricity prices will rise 90%; • A family of four can expect per-year energy costs to rise $1,241; • Aggregate GDP losses will be $9.4 trillion; in other words, we will be $9.4 trillion poorer with cap and trade than without. • The government will collect $5.7 in energy tax revenue. • Job losses will be nearly 2.5 million • The national debt will raise an additional $5 trillion. Update: Cap and Trade has been passed by the House and now heads to the Senate. Voting is expected to take place Sept. 28th. So there is time to make your voice head. Tell you Senators to vote NO to cap and trade.

Does anyone read anymore?

I have spent the last couple of days reading Health care bill H.R. 3200. We have all heard talk on the radio and the newspaper about the bill but, who has read it for themselves? I asked Jake, ”Who do we believe?”

After reading it, I soon realized not all of the reporters are reading it either. I have talked to, who I consider intelligent people, who are oblivious to what’s on the bill and state “don’t worry”. After reading the bill (up to page 300) I can say I am worried. I pulled the congressional budget report of the impact the bill will have on the deficit…..I am now very worried. Why aren’t people speaking up?

People say they want health care for all…….it already exists. I see people everyday who have medical bills on their credit reports that are not paid. They still get the health care, they just don’t pay the bill. It’s a choice they make whether they want the insurance or not. The bill proposes a fabulous solution. On page 59, it says the government will have direct, real-time access to all individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfer. WHAT?
I suggest everyone go to the Government website and read for yourselves.

Enjoy!

I just want to celebrate….

I just want to celebrate…. Steps to Pure Joy continued

Step 6: Celebrate where you are going…Heaven. Just imagine-Jesus is going to plan a place for us! “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-3 NASB). Just thinking about the place that Jesus is going to decorate for me…build for me….one that’s move in ready, makes me want to bust with joy! I am so excited I can hardly wait to see it. I have already requested a bubble gum machine!

It is a place where God dwells among his people. “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them, and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” And He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. “He who overcomes shall inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son” (Rev 21:3-7 NASB). No more pain, no more hurt hearts, no more betrayal……

Later, the bible describes “the streets of the city will be pure gold, like transparent glass” (Rev 21:21 NASB). Just image it. How cool is that. I can hardly wait to slide on the gold floors in my socks and have God laugh with me. I could practice sliding up to him on my knees (like in the movie). I don’t think I will be able to walk anyway. I will be in awe of His presence. Think about God, my father, my Lord and master wiping the tears from my eyes. I am so excited I could just scream. I had to stop to run around the house and scream!
Have you noticed a common theme in the last few ideas? Celebrate the Lord. Worship Him for who He is and what He does. God inhabits the praise of his children. “But you are holy, O You Who dwell in (the holy place where) the praises of Israel (are offered)” (Ps 22:3 Amp). He loves it when we show our love for Him. When we tell Him we love Him and how great we think He is. Just noticing the blessings He gives you everyday and thanking Him for them puts a smile on his face. His love flows back to you through the Holy Spirit in the most wonderful joy you will ever experience.

Question to ponder: Do you celebrate the Lord during the week or only on the week-end?

P.S. Thank you again Mary for all your help.

How clean are we really?

A friend posted something on her blog that has made me start to think…….

She talks this week about Jesus, a toaster, and a magic eraser. Check it out…FreetoDance  What is the magic eraser Jesus is using in your life? I’m thinking when he uses it …it has to hurt. I hate pain. Does he know that about me?

She found me awhile ago and I have been watching her blog ever since. What caught my attention is she reveals she is a domestic violence survivor. It has been something I have been thinking a lot about since I met Amy. I have emailed “freetodance” and discussed abuse. What does it look like? How does it happen? She has been a big help.

You and I have talked about my friend Amy and some think she may be abused. I don’t see how because her husband is a Christian. He prays and everything. He has even started volunteering at the church. What I do know is that I need to gather more information before I talk to her.

But, here is what I don’t understand… How could someone live through something like that and still love God? How could you think there even was a God?