PRESIDENT WITHOUT A COUNTRY

A friend sent me this recently. I submit it without comment and only ask that you read it and think about it. Makes no difference if you are for or not for this President, the facts in this article cannot be denied.

THE PRESIDENT WITHOUT A COUNTRY

By Pat Boone "We're no longer a Christian nation." - President Barack Obama, June 2007

"America has been arrogant." - President Barack Obama

"After 9/11, America didn't always live up to her ideals."- President Barack Obama "You might say that America is a Muslim nation."- President Barack Obama, Egypt 2009

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Thinking about these and other statements made by the man who wears the title of president, I keep wondering what country he believes he's president of.
In one of my very favorite stories, Edward Everett Hale's "The Man without a Country," a young Army lieutenant named Philip Nolan stands condemned for treason during the Revolutionary War, having come under the influence of Aaron Burr. When the judge asks him if he wishes to say anything before sentence is passed, young Nolan defiantly exclaims, "Damn the United States ! I wish I might never hear of the United States again!" The stunned silence in the courtroom is palpable, pulsing. After a long pause, the judge soberly says to the angry lieutenant: "You have just pronounced your own sentence. You will never hear of the United States again.. I sentence you to spend the rest of your life at sea, on one or another of this country's naval vessels - under strict orders that no one will ever speak to you again about the country you have just cursed." And so it was. Philip Nolan was taken away and spent the next 40 years at sea, never hearing anything but an occasional slip of the tongue about America.. The last few pages of the story, recounting Nolan's dying hours in his small stateroom - now turned into a shrine to the country he fore swore - never fail to bring me to tears. And I find my own love for this dream, this miracle called America , refreshed and renewed. I know how blessed and unique we are. But reading and hearing the audacious, shocking statements of the man who was recently elected our president - a young black man living the impossible dream of millions of young Americans, past and present, black and white - I want to ask him, "Just what country do you think you're president of?" You surely can't be referring to the United States of America , can you? America is emphatically a Christian nation, and has been from its inception! Seventy percent of her citizens identify themselves as Christian. The Declaration of Independence and our Constitution were framed, written and ratified by Christians. It's because this was, and is, a nation built on and guided by Judeo-Christian biblical principles that you, sir, have had the inestimable privilege of being elected her president. You studied law at Harvard, didn't you, sir? You taught constitutional law in Chicago ? Did you not ever read the statement of John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and an author of the landmark "Federalist Papers": "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers - and it is the duty, as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian nation - to select and prefer Christians for their rulers"? In your studies, you surely must have read the decision of the Supreme Court in 1892: "Our lives and our institutions must necessarily be based upon and embody the teachings of the Redeemer of mankind. It is impossible that it should be otherwise; and in this sense and to this extent our civilization and our institutions are emphatically Christian." Did your professors have you skip over all the high-court decisions right up till the mid 1900's that echoed and reinforced these views and intentions? Did you pick up the history of American jurisprudence only in 1947, when for the first time a phrase coined by Thomas Jefferson about a "wall of separation between church and state" was used to deny some specific religious expression - contrary to Jefferson' s intent with that statement? Or, wait a minute . were your ideas about America 's Christianity formed during the 20 years you were a member of the Trinity United Church of Christ under your pastor, Jeremiah Wright? Is that where you got the idea that " America is no longer a Christian nation"? Is this where you, even as you came to call yourself a Christian, formed the belief that " America has been arrogant"? Even if that's the understandable explanation of your damning of your country and accusing the whole nation (not just a few military officials trying their best to keep more Americans from being murdered by jihadists) of "not always living up to her ideals," how did you come up with the ridiculous, alarming notion that we might be "considered a Muslim nation"? Is it because there are some 2 million or more Muslims living here, trying to be good Americans? Out of a current population of over 300 million, 70 percent of whom are Christians? Does that make us , by any rational definition, a "Muslim nation"? Why are we not, then, a "Chinese nation"? A "Korean nation"? Even a "Vietnamese nation"? There are even more of these distinct groups in America than Muslims. And if the distinction you're trying to make is a religious one, why is America not "a Jewish nation"? There's actually a case to be made for the latter, because our Constitution - and the success of our Revolution and founding - owe a deep debt to our Jewish brothers. Have you stopped to think what an actual Muslim America would be like? Have you ever really spent much time in Iran? Even in Egypt? You, having been instructed in Islam as a kid at a Muslim school in Indonesia and saying you still love the call to evening prayers, can surely picture our nation founded on the Quran, not the Judeo-Christian Bible, and living under Shariah law. Can't you? You do recall Muhammad's directives [Surah 9:5,73] to "break the cross" and "kill the infidel"? It seems increasingly and painfully obvious that you are more influenced by your upbringing and questionable education than most suspected. If you consider yourself the president of a people who are "no longer Christian," who have "failed to live up to our ideals," who "have been arrogant," and might even be "considered Muslim" - you are president of a country most Americans don't recognize. Could it be you are a president without a country?

Pray for our President and leaders in our nation's capitol, as well as our state and local leaders. Revival must come to our Nation. Let no one be mistaken--we are still a Christian Nation! God Bless us all.

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS "FAIR TAX"

The "Fair Tax" is the only way to tax everyone in a fair manner. The Fair Tax is replacement, not reform. It will replace the current tax system and eleminate the need for the IRS and tax forms that get more complicated every year. I have been following this for a few years now and am convinced it can be passed. Do women have the right to vote? Did we pass Prohibition? Did we repeal it? It took grassroot efforts and that is what it will take to pass the Fair Tax.
I am attaching to this post a Fair Tax FAQ. I encourage you to read it closely and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Better yet, go to www.fairtax.org for complete information and add your name to the list of those who stand behind change for the better. I can't encourage you enough to get behind this and pass the word along to your friends. Direct them to this blog, sight so they can read what you are reading-- www.insightjoe.blogspot.com.

Fair Tax Frequently Asked Questions

[1] What is taxed? The Fair Tax is a single-rate, federal retail sales tax collected only once, at the point of purchase of new good and services for personal consumption. Used items are not taxed. Business-to-business purchases for the production of goods and services are not taxed. A rebate makes the effective rate progressive.
[2] Exactly what taxes are abolished? The Fair Tax is replacement, not reform. It replaces federal income taxes including personal, estate, gift, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, self-employment, and corporate taxes.
[3] How does the rebate work? All valid Social Security cardholders that are U.S. residents receive monthly rebate equivalent to the Fair Tax paid on essential goods and services, also known as poverty level expenditures. The rebate is paid in advance, in equal installments each month. See below for example of the rebate:
Family Mthly. Rebate MthlyRebate
Size (Single) (Married)
1 $NA $183
2 $246 $367
3 $308 $429
4 $371 $492
5 $433 $554
6 $496 $617
7 $558 $679
8 $621 $742

[4] Is the 23% Fair Tax revenue-neutral rate higher or lower when compared to income and Social Security taxes people pay today? Most people are paying that much or more today - part of it is hidden from view. The income tax bracket most people fall into is 15%, and wager earners pay 7.65% in payroll taxes. That’s 23% right there without taking into account the 7.65% employer matching! On top of that, you have to add in all of the hidden taxes embedded in the price of everything you buy, from goods (averaging 22%) to services (averaging 25%).
Effective tax rates vs. stated tax rates.
Because the 23% Fair Tax rate of $0.23 on every dollar spent is not imposed on necessities, an individual spending $28,808 pays an effective tax rate of only 15.6%, not 23%. This same individual will pay 17.3% of his or her income to federal taxes under current law.
[5] Does the Fair Tax rate need to be much higher to be revenue neutral? The proper tax rate has been carefully worked out; 23% does the job of: [a] raising the same amount of federal taxes as are raised by the current system, [b] paying the universal rebate, and [c] paying the collection fee to retailers and state governments. Detailed calculations are available from FairTax.org.
[6] How is the Social Security system affected? Like all federal spending programs, Social Security operates exactly as it does today, except that its funds come from a broad, progressive sales tax rather than a narrow, regressive payroll tax. Employers continue to report wages for each employee though, to the Social Security Administration for determination of benefits.
[7] How does the Fair Tax affect Social Security reform? The Fair Tax plan does not change Social Security benefits or the structure of the Social Security system. All it does is replace the current revenue source (narrow, regressive payroll taxes) with a new revenue source (broad, progressive sales taxes paid by all consumers).
[8] Is consumption a reliable source of revenue? Yes, in fact, consumption is a more stable source of revenue than income. A recent study has shown that the Fair Tax base is less variable than the income tax base. Again, see FairTax.org for more information on this matter.

[9] How is the tax collected? Retail businesses collect the tax from the consumer, just as state sales tax systems already do in 45 states; the Fair Tax is simply an additional line on the current sales tax reporting form. Retailers simply collect the tax and send it to the state taxing authority. All businesses serving as collection agents receive a fee for collection, and the states also receive a collection fee.
[10] Why is the Fair Tax better than our current system? Our present tax system is one of the reasons that people are finding it so difficult to get ahead these days. The income tax is holding us back and making it more difficult than it needs to be to improve our families’ standard of living. It makes it needlessly difficult for our businesses to compete in international markets. It wastes vast resources on complying with needless paperwork.
[11] Is the Fair Tax fair? Yes, and in fact, much fairer than the income tax. Rich people spend more money than other individuals. They buy expensive cars, big houses and yachts. They buy filet mignon instead of hamburger, fine wine instead of beer, designer dresses, and expensive jewelry. The Fair Tax taxes them on these purchases. If, however, they use their money to build job-creating factories, finance research and development to create new products, or fund charitable activities (all of which help improve the standard of living of others), then those activities are not taxes.
[12] How does the Fair Tax protect low-income and lower-middle-income families and individuals? Under the Fair Tax plan, poor people pay no net Fair Tax at all up to the poverty level. Every household receives a rebate that is equal to the Fair tax paid on essential goods and services. The Fair Tax dramatically improves economic growth and wage rates for all, but especially for lower income families and individuals. In addition to receiving the monthly Fair Tax rebate, these taxpayers are freed from regressive payroll taxes, the federal income tax, and the compliance burden associated with each. They pay no more hidden taxes on good or services, and used good are tax-free.
[13] What about senior citizens, retired people, and anyone on a fixed income? Seniors, like everyone else, receive a monthly rebate, in advance of their purchases, for taxes paid on the cost of necessities. If seniors choose to work, they are freed from regressive payroll taxes, the federal income tax on wages, and the compliance burdens associates with each. See FairTax.org for more details of this.
[14] Should the government tax medicine and health care? Because federal income and payroll taxes are embedded in the price of everything you buy, you are already paying federal taxes on prescriptions and other health care services that you buy today - they are just hidden.
[15] How does the Fair Tax affect income tax preparers, accountants, and many government employees? There will, of course, still be some people who are involved in sales tax return preparation and sales tax administration under the Fair Tax, but many fewer than those involved under the income tax today. These are well educated and well equipped with transferable skills, and will have to find more productive work. The projects 10.5% growth in the economy during the first year of Fair Tax will provide plenty of new jobs.
[16] What will happen to charitable giving? Charitable contributions depend on one factor more than any other: The health of the economy (not tax benefits). For all the money that pours into churches every Sunday and into a broad range of charities every day, only the 30% who itemize get any tax benefit. The other 70% have given and are giving with no tax benefit whatsoever. The majority of people do not base their giving on tax benefits but rather the desire to give.
[17] Can the Fair Tax really be passed into law? Do women have the right to vote in this country? Did we pass Prohibition? Did we repeal it? These types of grassroots efforts effected significant changes in our nation and world. Is the current income tax system any less a yoke around the necks of otherwise free people? We think not! Passing the original 16th Amendment and the income tax wasn’t easy and repealing the income tax and the 16th Amendment won’t be easy either. It will only happen when the American people rally behind the effort, throw off the yoke, and demand rectification for 90 years of wrongs done by the income tax.
For more “Frequently Asked Questions” and further information detailing the Fair Tax Plan, go to www.FairTax.org.

THE WIDER COMMUNITY

I thought I'd heard it all until I read this post from the Pastor's Weekly Briefing of July 31. See what you think----------------

Overweight and Bald People Designated as "Special Needs"
According to a Church of England book published this week, overweight and bald people should be regarded as worshippers with "special needs" alongside the blind, the deaf, breast-feeding mothers, very short people and readers of tabloid newspapers. It warns that bald people could be "in trouble from those overhead radiant heaters some churches have unwittingly installed." Also, "Some pew spaces and chairs are embarrassingly inadequate for what is known in church circles as 'the wider community'," the books says. [Telegraph.co.uk]
Interesting, to say the least. I'm not sure how "readers of tabloid newspapers" fits in here. I guess maybe they have special psychiatric needs for believing all that gopelty-goop. As for the bald heads--that may not be the rump roast in the church kitchen burning after all. It may be those shining beacons of hairless wonders in the pulpit.
As for the "overweight" category--Let's start a class and call it "The Wider Community" class. We will use as our class scripture Proverbs 28:25. Have to read it in the King James version to get the full meaning--Proverbs 28:25 "....he that puts his trust in the LORD shall be made fat." We will have extra-wide chairs with very soft cushions and we will dine on the Word of God. (By the way, I'm not making sport of overweight people--I are one too). "The Wider Community"--I like that!

WHO WILL GO MY BAIL?

When a sermon I preach happens to include something about the homosexual lifestyle being touted today, it is not against Homosexuals. Rather it is against homosexuality--against sin. But if someone were to read my sermon on line or see it on this blog and decide to go beat up a homosexual or kill one (I certainly DO NOT condone either action even being considered), then I could be arrested and held accountable for their ungodly act. Even though my intentions would be to tell the truth in order to combat the lies which are sending so many people away from God, thinking they are living in His grace. Lies that twist the word of God to change what He calls sin into something He accepts. If I didn't have God's love within me for the people caught up in this sin then I wouldn't bother with them. My desire is to see them recognize that what they are doing is a sin and give it to God. I am told they were born that way. Well, I was born in sin just like the Bible says all of us were. So since I was born in sin I guess God thinks it's OK for me to live in sin since He made me born that way. Makes about as much sense, doesn't it.
At any rate, I hope you all will take up a collection first time I'm jailed for preaching the truth, and go my bail. Otherwise, I've learned a lot of good songs to sing while I'm there. I'll take my cue from Paul and Peter and Silas, etc. We are to obey the laws of the land to the point that they do not go against the Word of God. I will not stop preaching the Word of God and the truth in it no matter what the consequences! Read this article from Pastor's Weekly Briefing of July 24---

Senate OKs 'Hate-Crimes' Legislation
The U.S. Senate approved a sweeping federal "hate-crimes" law by a voice vote last week. The legislation creates a new class of crimes based on the victim's gender, sexual orientation or "gender identity." And, pastors who preach against homosexuality could face prosecution if they are found to have "induced" a hate crime against a self-identified homosexual by preaching from the Bible. The House passed a similar bill in April, and President Barack Obama supports the legislation. [CitizenLink.com]

HELL WON'T BE HOT ENOUGH

I recently read an article from the Pastor's Weekly Briefing from July 24. Have you ever waxed down a slippery slide to make yourself slide much faster down it? Well, that's what some people are doing by listening to the folk who are working for the devil in this world. They are waxing the slide to hell and hell itself won't be hot enough for them in answer for what they are doing to so many people. Read this article and you'll see why my righteous indignation has been sparked once again-------------------------

"De-Baptism" Ceremonies Renounce Childhood Faith
In a type of mock Atheistic ceremony that's now been performed in at least four states, a robed "priest" uses a hairdryer marked "reason" in an apparent bid to blow away the waters of baptism once and for all from those who once believed in religion, but now reject it. Several dozen participants then feed on a "de-sacrament" (crackers with peanut butter) and receive certificates assuring they have "freely renounced a previous mistake, and accepted Reason over Superstition."
Within the past year, "de-baptism" ceremonies have attracted as many as 250 participants at atheist conventions in Ohio, Texas, Florida and Georgia. More have taken place on college campuses in recent years, according to Hemant Mehta, chair of the board of directors for the Secular Student Alliance, a group that promotes atheism among high school and college students.
"It was very therapeutic." said participant Jennifer Gray. "It was a chance to laugh at the silly things I used to believe as a child. It helped me admit that it was OK to think the way I think and to not have any religious beliefs." [Religion News Service]
Did anyone hear me scream!!!!!!!!!

Woa!! The ACLU did what?

The Pastor's Weekly Briefing from July 17 caught me off guard. The ACLU actually did something worthwhile on behalf of Christianity. Read on---
ACLU Defends Religious Material
Officials at a corrections facility in Virginia received a letter from The American Civil Liberties Union (backed by groups including Prison Fellowship and the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty) asking them to guarantee in writing that the jail will no longer censor letters written to detainees simply because they contain religious material. The letter was prompted by a complaint from a mother whose son was detained at the facility. Her three-page letter to him was reduced to the salutation, the first paragraph and the closing, after officials extracted biblical passages. "Such censorship violates both the rights of detainees to practice religion freely and the free speech rights of those wanting to communicate with detainees," said a staff attorney with the ACLU national Prison Project. [ChristianPost.com]
That particular unit of the ACLU better watch out. They keep doing good stuff and they may get kicked out. More power, guys & gals! God bless you!

THAT'S WHY I'M FAT!

I found this article from the July 10 Pastor to Pastor to hit home since I am getting married September 20th.

Does Marriage Make You Fat?

A new study from the University of North Carolina showed that within a few short years of getting hitched, married individuals are twice as likely to become obese than single people who are dating. Researchers tracked changes over a handful of years in the weight and relationship status of 6,949 people. They found women had a 63 percent increased risk of obesity, while men did not in the first year of marriage. Causes for the weight gain could be eating more regularly, exercising less and a more sedentary lifestyle. [CBSNews.com]
Women are more at risk to gain weight in the first year of marriage than men are. Not sure of why that is. You don't see too many women sitting around watching football games on TV while eating fattening snacks and drinking fattening bear for hour on end. I'm looking forward to the day when Teresa and I get married. She is going to fix our dinners to help me loose weight and become that handsome, charming, gorgeous hunk of a man that I never was. Should be interesting. By the way, don't believe every study that comes out. They probably picked the wrong 6,949 people. It was that 6, 950th one that would have told the true tale. Now we'll never knowfor sure.

SOMEONE HAD A DATE WITH AN ANGEL

Read this article from Pastor to Pastor from July 10, 2009---

Crimes Against U.S. Churches

In it's first year of tracking crimes against churches, the Church Security Network report on "Crimes Against Christian Organizations in the United States" found 17 violent crimes were reported by churches in 2009. Six of them resulted in homicides. In total, 472 incidents of violence, theft and other criminal acts were tracked in the report.
Burglary was the most frequently reported incident by churches (64%). Thirteen percent of the crimes were arson and seven percent were general theft. Crimes and vandalism account for more then $6.3 million in church property loss in the past six months. Internal theft totaled more then $2.3 million. [ChristianPost.com]
Keeping this report in mind I would like to direct a personal statement at that individual or individuals who absconded with the FCC angel from the East side of the church. She stood there for many a year without anyone bothering her. But someone saw fit to remove her from her perch outside the east entrance and left a hole in the landscaping as well as in our hearts. On second thought, people that do things like this probably do not have the intelligence to read a blog, but it makes me feel better to post it.
I felt like putting an ad in the paper asking that she be returned and no questions would be asked. We would not prosecute but there is a chance that God might persecute. It probably makes Him a little angry when someone just comes along and steals from Him--especially one of His angels, even though she was just concrete.

Watch Out -- God's Gonna Get You

From The Pastor's Weekly Briefing comes this article:
Schools Can Hold Graduation in Church
Last week, U.S. District Judge Charles N. Clevert Jr. denied the motion of Americans United for Separation of Church and State for a preliminary injunction against two public high schools in Wisconsin. The schools were able to hold their graduation ceremonies in a church auditorium last week as planned, even though AUSCS wants to "stop schools from forcing students to go to church in order to graduate with their classmates." The judge ruled that holding graduation at a church does not show endorsement of the church's beliefs and does not amount to a violation of the Constitution. [ChristianPost.com]
I guess they're afraid that if the kids go to a church auditorium to graduate God is going to snatch them as one of His while they are there. Hmm! Wonder what happens when people go to church to vote on election days. Maybe they need to start voting in garages. No, I guess not. Then all the people would come out as gas-guzzling cars. Better just vote at City Hall. Oh No! Then we'd all come out as politicians.

Yea!! For The Students

From The Pastor's Weekly Briefing I find that the ACLU (In some circles known as the Anti Christian Liberties Union) is at it again. Read the following:
Students Recite The Lord's Prayer
Despite threats from the American Civil Liberties Union nearly 400 students at Pace High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida, stood and recited the Lord's Prayer during their graduation ceremony. The prayer was recited in protest of a lawsuit the ACLU had previously filed against the school alleging the principal asked the athletic director to bless a meal at an awards ceremony. "The ACLU had actually threatened the school that they would be in trouble with the court if any student or any kind of religious message was given at this graduation. They did not want any student to say anything religious, or no prayer," said Matt Staver of Liberty Counsel. "The students would not take this sitting down, and they decided to fight back." Liberty Counsel says they will defend any students if action is taken against them. [WorldNetDaily, Liberty Counsel]
It never ceases to amaze me how many people just sit back and let the ACLU do their thing. The only "liberty" they seem to be interested in is their liberty to close the mouth of Christianity. Pray for them. They can't sue you for that!

AVOID TAKING ANOTHER DRIVING TEST

I like for this blog to be a public service as well as a source of information in many areas of thought. This particular post deals with a public service. A friend of mine advised me of this and I have already done it. Very simple and takes probably less than a minute.
As you know the state of Oklahoma does not send you a reminder when your driver's license is about to expire like they used to. Well, if you have an email address you can now get that notice.
Go to www.dps.state.ok.us/renewal and fill out the form. That's all there is to it.
Happy Driving!

IS THIS A GREAT STATE OR WHAT?!

The state of Oklahoma is proudly the leader in a lot of areas where it should be the leader. We may have some quarrels with our Governor and other leaders in the state but they seem to hit the nail on the head quite a bit lately. Following are just a couple examples as taken from the May 29 edition of "The Pastor's Weekly Briefing".

Oklahoma Abortion Bill Signed into Law
Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed HB 1595 into law last week, banning gender-selective abortions and requiring detailed information on each abortion performed by physicians. The bill, also known as the Statistical Reporting of Abortion Act, received a vote by the Senate of 34-10 after the House voted 93-4 — both in favor.
In addition to "prohibiting the performance of an abortion solely on account of the sex of the unborn child," abortionists are to record the mother's age, marital status and education level, as well as the number of prior pregnancies, reason and method of abortion, and the nature of the mother's relationship with the child's father. Abortionists violating the law for the first time would be subject to a $10,000 fine, rising to $100,000 by the third violation.
The law also directs the state's Department of Health to publish annual abortion reports on its Web site and to ensure compliance with the provisions of the act by conducting periodic inspections of places where abortions are performed.
Currently, the state tracks non-identifying information about women receiving abortions, including their age and county of residence. Physicians at the three facilities in Oklahoma that are certified to perform abortions voluntarily report information, reports the Oklahoman.
Tony Lauinger, chairman of Oklahomans for Life, said of the new law: "[HB 1595] will be very significant in terms of prohibiting sex-selection abortions and also because of the comprehensive reporting the bill provides. ... It will also be helpful in identifying complications of abortion and understanding the damage abortion inflicts on women." [Catholic.org, CatholicNewsAgency.com, WorldNetDaily.com]

Speaking of abortions, it was reported that while serving as an usher at his church, Dr. George Tiller was shot and killed. Dr. Tiller was the foremost abortionist in the world, aborting more babies than any other abortionist. He was best known of late for his late-term abortions. Although I stand against everything this man stood for concerning abortion I do not condone this type of action. Our prayers should go out for his wife and children at this very grievous time.

I am also greatly concerned about how this incident will be used by pro-abortionists and our government--or should I say "how it will be abused" by them. Thankfully, there have been only four abortion doctors murdered since abortion became the "in" thing. But this will certainly be blown way out of proportion. It will be like water-boarding. This has been a major issue in our country, making it sound like this is a daily thing. However, what most folks don't realize is that there have been only 3 water-boardings at Gitmo. A large number more Americans have been water-boarded as soldiers have been prepared for interrogations such as that.

All I can say is--PRAY.

The next item from "The Pastor's Weekly Briefing" is this-----

Ten Commandments Monument in Oklahoma

On May 18, Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry rejected arguments that a Ten Commandments monument violated the state and U.S. constitutions that bar government favoring a religion, and signed a bill to permit the display on the grounds of the state Capitol. The bill passed both houses of the legislature by veto-proof margins. The monument will be privately funded by the bill's sponsor. [The Associated Press]

My only comment to this article is this--If the Ten Commandments offend you (actually, they are most likely convicting you) then look the other way. For heavens sake don't just stand there and read them. You might learn something!

God Bless you all!

END THE WAR AND DO AWAY WITH BABIES

Twas a late Friday afternoon and all the little news people were having their last cocktail before calling it a day. Unbeknownst to them, the lights still burned at the White House as the sun set on the Potomac. Perchance, was something going on that they should have been aware of?? Me thinks an obamarama was taking place in ye olde Oval Office. Read on-----

Paying for Overseas Abortions
As he promised during the election campaign, President Barack Obama late last Friday struck down a ban against taxpayer-funded abortions overseas. The ban — known as the "Mexico City policy" because it was first announced there at a United Nations Conference on Population — has been a political football between Democratic and Republican administrations for decades. Ronald Reagan first adopted the ban in 1984. Bill Clinton rescinded the ban in 1993. George W. Bush reinstituted the ban in 2001. And, now, Barack Obama has struck it down in 2009.
Obama issued the presidential memorandum rescinding the ban late Friday afternoon, which did not allow for typical coverage by the media. The quiet signing was in contrast to the televised coverage of Obama's announcement the prior Wednesday on ethics rules and Thursday's signing of orders to close the Guantanamo Bay prison camp and end torturing of terror suspects. It seemed to stand in contrast to his inaugural address promises to maintain an open and transparent administration.
His action came just one day after the 36th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion in America. The announcement brought cheers from pro-abortion groups, especially those like Planned Parenthood International (there they are again!!) and Marie Stopes International, which will now be receiving huge federal funding, along with other family planning groups that either offer abortions or provide information, counseling or referrals about abortion as a family planning and population control method.
Pro-life groups have also reacted strongly. "President Obama not long ago told the American people that he would support policies to reduce abortions, but today he is effectively guaranteeing more abortions by funding groups that promote abortion as a method of population control," said Douglas Johnson, legislative director of the National Right to Life Committee.
Dr. Alveda King, niece of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and a well-known pro-life activist and speaker, noted that the policy reversal takes taxpayer dollars "that could be used for feeding our families, educating our children, and giving our citizens of this wonderful country somewhere to live." She also said, "In any civilization where people begin to turn on their young, to kill their babies, and when motherhood [or parenthood] is no longer a sacred task, ... then we begin to see those civilizations crumble." And the United States, she warns, is heading down that slippery slope. [OneNewsNow.com, LifeNews.com] [Italics are mine]

By the way, the previous item "The Guys Need Something To Do" and this item came from the Pastor's Weekly Briefing of January 30, 2009. I'm not going to add any more comments to this--I'm not, I'm not, I'm not! Just gonna go check my blood pressure again. I love everybody---I love everybody---I love everybody (keep sayin' it, Joe) I love everybody. Even PP and ACLU. Right? Right! I really do, Lord. It's just kinda hard loving some than it is others. I love everybody.

THE GUYS NEED SOMETHING TO DO!

Planned Parenthood & the ACLU really need something to do to keep them from getting ulcers over everybody else not wanting to put babies out of existence before they have a chance to be born. I'd like to ask you all to send your local PP or ACLU office a deck of cards, puzzle books, checkers, etc. Maybe that would keep them busy enough we can all do our thing without them wanting to do their thing on us! Read this-------

Rights of Conscience

Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union are suing the national government over rules that protect health care providers' freedom of conscience. The Department of Health and Human Services put the regulations in place last month to reinforce federal laws that protect doctors from being forced to participate in abortion and other anti-life practices. "We consider the right of conscience to be the biggest issues we face," said Dr. David Stevens, executive director of the Christian Medical Association. "Medical professionals should not be forced to perform abortions against their conscience," said Matt Bowman, legal counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund. [CitizenLink.org]
Don't they have enough doctors doing their dirty work without forcing others to do it against their will? Where do their rights to extirpate babies end and our right to live by our conscience begin? It's sort of like the young man that plays his car radio so loud it vibrates the glass in your house. He claims he has the right to play his radio but you also have a right to peace and quiet. Go down to Braum's or Dairy Queen, get an malt and chill out PP and ACLU!
Excuse me while I go check my blood pressure!!!!!!!!!!

OH NO!! CRITICISM!

Again from the January 23rd "Pastor's Weekly Briefing."

Louisiana Schools Allow Criticism of Evolution

The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education approved rules Tuesday that will allow public-school teachers to debate and discuss origin-of-life theories and criticisms of Darwinian evolution. [citizenlink.org]
Darwin is probably rolling over in his grave right now. Someone is actually given permission to tell young people that maybe Darwin's theory is just that--a theory. Not a proven fact, mind you. Just a theory--without proof. But a lot of folks seem to want to run with the theory of Evolution. Sort of reminds me of a modern day Darwin. People are running behind him like a bunch of mice after the Pied Piper. His name is Al Gore. In his case, though, he is making lots of money off his theory (not fact).
I know there are some of you who would disagree with me on both of these theories. However, I must stand to reject Darwin's little idea because if you accept it you are rejecting God. God said that He created man. God did not say that man evolved from some slimy creature. I realize there are a lot of people in the world that make you believe in evolution in the sense that man came from monkeys. They sure act like it enough to make you wonder.
As for Al Gore's theory--Oh well, it's Al Gore. What can I say?

SEND 'EM A PIZZA (Lots of Jalapeno)

From the January 23rd edition of the "Pastor's Weekly Briefing" I submit this article:

Adoption Policy Reserved for Married Couples is Defended

The American Civil Liberties Union is up in arms after voters in Arkansas approved "Act 1" in November, specifying adoption only by married couples. The Alliance Defense Fund filed a motion to intervene Friday on behalf of the Family Council Action Committee, joining the state of Arkansas in defending against a lawsuit filed by the ACLU who claims that Act 1 is unconstitutional. [citizenlink.org]
Those folks at ACLU seem to get upset at every whipstitch. If it's good for America they just can't seem to be happy with it. Poor folks need to know they are loved. If you are anywhere near an ACLU office, why don't you send them a Pizza and just sign it "With God's Love--Your friends in Christ." (What does ACLU stand for anyhow? Without A CLUe? Anti-Christian Liberties Union?? Anti Civil Liberties Union?? I think I'm getting closer, maybe.)
Oh, well. God Bless 'em anyhow!

SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GET A LIFE

Isn't it funny how the Ten Commandments, Prayer, the Nativity Scene, and anything else that has to do with Christianity scares the daylights out of some people. It scares them so badly that they just need to get it out of their sight. Look at this article from the January 9th "Pastor's Weekly Briefing."---

Atheists Sue Over Inaugural Prayers

Michael A. Newdow, who attempted to have the words "under God" removed from the Pledge of Allegiance, has again filed a lawsuit in an attempt to keep religion out of the presidential inauguration. Newdow brought similar suits four and eight years ago.
He and other groups, such as the American Humanist Association and the Freedom from Religion Foundation who have joined him in the lawsuit, are requesting that the words "so help me God" be removed from the president's oath of office and that the prayers of invocation and benediction be eliminated from the ceremony, as well. The lawsuit argues that the prayers and religious references "are completely exclusionary, showing absolute disrespect to Plaintiffs and others of similar religious views, who explicitly reject the purely religious claims that will be endorsed, i.e., (a) there exists a God, and (b) the United States government should pay homage to that God." A federal judge is scheduled to hear arguments on Jan. 15.
Rev. Rick Warren, a Southern Baptist, has been asked to lead the invocation and Rev. Joseph Lowery, a United Methodist, is scheduled to deliver the benediction. [christianpost.com, cnsnews.com]

1 Corinthians 1:18-19 (NKJV) For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."

I guess if you don't believe in Christ, or even the One true God, then you have good reason to be fearful. Let us make sure we pray for people like this man and the organization involved as well. The Grace of God has no boundaries.

PLANNED PARENTHOOD BITES THE DUST

Every week I receive the Pastor's Weekly Briefing from Focus on the Family. The following article was in the January 9th edition. I thought I would just share it with you as Planned Parenthood is one of the major instigators of abortion in our nation.

Texans Boot Planned Parenthood

They say it took a long time, but American Life League's campaign, Stop Planned Parenthood (Stopp International) finally got results. In 1997 PP operated 19 clinics in the Texas panhandle. As of December 31, and after 12 years of fighting against PP, they are all gone. Two remaining clinics in Amarillo have disaffiliated with the national organization. A spokesman from Stopp says other cities can accomplish the same goal if they are determined. Information is available at http://www.stopp.org. [onenewsnow.com]
David, writing the words inspired by God, said in Psalm 139:13-16 (NLT) You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
I wonder, if somewhere along the line, we have aborted the one who could have come up with a cure for cancer--AIDS--other life-threatening, life-taking ailments. I just wonder.