Friday, December 11, 2009

A Letter to My Senator

Here is an e-mail letter I sent to Senator McCaskill of Missouri today after she announced, during an interview, that citizens of Missouri are misinformed about health care. I would sincerely encourage each of you who agree with me to continue to call and send e-mails to her to let her know what you think. So far, it appears there have had little effect. But, miracles are possible ...

Senator McCaskill,

I heard your remarks today and I agree with you. Missourians are misinformed; BY YOU!

Come on, Senator, we can read and listen and study just as well as you can. Some of us have actually spent time READING this bill. It is a disaster in the making. Americans do not need or want this bill and Missourians do not want this bill. Leave our health care alone!

Senator, if you would be honest with yourself, you would admit you are way out of touch with Missourians, their needs and desires. We do NOT trust you. You are NOT representing us in Washington. With all due respect to a United States Senator, if you had the courage, you would resign your position and permit someone who would actually represent the citizens of our great state.

Sincerely,

Bruce D. Walker
St. Charles, MO

Monday, November 16, 2009

The President

As my family (or anyone who reads previous blog entries) knows, I did not support the President for his office when he was running last year. I disagree with his policies and the various changes he has already made in that office. He is leading our country away from the republic it has been to a far left government, destroying our freedoms and our country in the process. Nevertheless, he is the President and leader of our nation, therefore, he deserves our respect. He is my President even though we are at opposite ends of the political spectrum.



Well, after reading about my President's visit to Japan this weekend, I am about ready to cast aside all respect for "our leader". First he BOWS to the leader of Japan. Mr. President, you don't bow to anyone! My LEADER does NOT bow to anyone. Even I would not bow to the Japanese leader.



Then, when asked about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end World War II and whether the United States should have done that, our President did a soft shoe dance around the issue and, essentially, apologized once again for our nation. How dare you, sir! Why did you not remind the Japanese that we were ending a war THEY STARTED.



Mr. President, I want to respect you even if I disagree with you politically. But I do not respect those who walk around and consistently embarrass our nation and apologize for our actions of years gone by. Mr. President, check the cemeteries in Europe and see how many Americans are buried there, dead from fighting to preserve that continent. Mr. President, visit the memorials in Pearl Harbor (your very home state) and across the Pacific and see the testimonies of brave Americans who gave their lives for our freedom by fighting back the very Japanese nation to whom you cowered this weekend. My relatives fought on both of those fronts, sir, and I am proud of their service.



Mr. President, with all due respect, your actions and words put our nation to shame. How dare you, sir! Our nation deserves and demands a better leader and spokesman than what we are receiving.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

HR 3962

The Health Care bill (HR 3962) passed by the House of Representatives this past Saturday evening is huge both in its size and its potential impact to our nation. I have not read the entire bill; very few have. But I have read comments posted by those who have read it. I have gone to the sections of the bill referenced by such comments to verify what they are saying is actually in the bill. Despite the legalese, I am convinced enough of what the commentators are saying about the bill is true and that we need to do all we can to prevent this thing from ever becoming law.

First, I am providing a link to the bill itself here.

Second, I am providing a link to an excellent summary of concerns written by Besty McCaughey for the Wall Street Journal here. She is a former Lt. Gov. of New York state.

I am personally convinced this bill is very dangerous and must be stopped by the Senate and/or any subsequent conference committee. You may read the above information and draw your own conclusions. If you agree with my conclusion then I urge you to contact your Senators daily (phone and e-mail) and tell them you do not support such health care reform legislation.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Thankful

I'm sitting in my classroom at the Troy/Wentzville campus of Missouri Baptist University watching my students take an exam in New Testament History. I decided to make some use of my time by jotting a brief post in this blog on some reasons why I am thankful. It is that time of year, isn't it?

Certainly these are not exhaustive. But they are the ones that came to my mind without any thinking whatsoever. Perhaps as I reflect over my many blessings the next couple of weeks, I will post further entries on the subject. But, for now, here is my list in no particular order.

1. I am thankful God chose to save me, Jesus chose to die for me, and the Spirit chose to work a work of grace in my life over 36 years ago. What a tremendous difference the Lord has made in my life. I realize there are many moments when I fail to show to others the changes He has made to me, but, when I look back over the past several decades, I can see the Spirit's work very, very clearly. For example, at my high school graduation 41 years ago, who in their right mind would have ever thought I would be a regular church goer, let alone a Bible teacher and a pastor? Not me, that's for sure. Praise God for what He has done. I can never thank Him enough, even if I have all eternity (and I will!).

2. I am thankful for my wife, Debbie. Next to Christ there is no question who has had the greatest impact on my life. Debbie has always been so supportive of me, always so caring towards me, and always my best friend. There have been far too many times when I have failed to show her how much I love and care for her. But, I would rather spend all my time just sitting next to her than to any one else who has ever lived (and that includes Luther!). She means the world to me and I love her more today than I did when we were married.

3, I am thankful for each of my children, their spouses, and my grandchildren. When I was younger, I never thought I would be a father. But God has richly blessed me with 9 awesome children and I mean awesome. In no way do I deserve such terrific kids. And now, 5 of them have wonderful spouses for whom I am also thankful. But the Lord hasn't stopped the blessings with them. Now He has given me 9 beautiful and precious grandchildren (and, I hope, many more yet to come). Blessing upon blessing is the only way I can describe it.

4. Finally, I am thankful the Lord permitted me to be born in the 20th century and in the United States of America. Our country has many problems and our nation has progressively gone downhill since I was a child, but it is STILL the greatest nation in the world. Praise God for His providence and allowing me to be a part of this land!

May I thank the Lord each day for these blessings and may He be glorified by my life.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Survey Sickness

For the past several months, I have received, on average, two survey forms per week in the mail. Usually they are from the GOP or some similar organization, requesting my opinions on various political/social matters, and then asking for a donation. Without fail they are accompanied by a postage free envelope for easy return of your completed form. Sometimes the envelope has a notice requesting you supply a stamp to offset their mailing costs.

Well, yesterday I received three (yes, 3) surveys in one day. Long ago I stopped filling out any of these surveys. Instead, I enclosed a "to the point" note in the envelope and mailed said envelope WITHOUT adding my postage. Yesterday's barrage was about all I can stand.

The Democrat Party left me years ago (circa 1980) and have continued to drift leftward until they are where they are today: far left and still moving that way faster than ever. The Republican Party began their shift away from my personal convictions in the early 90s. They, too, have shifted left though not nearly as far as the Dems. In the past I have usually voted for the Republican candidate (though not always) but, recently, have often found myself supporting the "lesser of two evils". Well, that day is over. I am no longer affliated with either party and will vote for the person who best supports my conservative views no matter from which party they come. If there is no such candidate for a given office, then my vote remains in my pocket.

Some of the GOP just don't understand this, I guess. They keep sending out the same surveys and must be having difficulty understanding the feedback they receive. No, we don't want the John McCains or the Lindsey Grahams of the GOP. We want conservatives, get it!

So, from this point forward, I am taking the survey form and writing all over it the following:

NO GOP
NO MORE SURVEYS
NO MORE DONATIONS
NO MORE MODERATES
LEAVE MY HEALTH CARE ALONE
I WANT REAGAN CONSERVATIVES
I WANT ACTION

Then, I am placing the survey form in the envelope and writing the same words on the back of the envelope. Finally, I am mailing every survey without adding the postage.

Will it do any good? I doubt it. I suspect the surveys will continue, the request for donations will increase, and the same lousy Republican moderates will be thrown our way as the solution (more government is NOT the solution; history confirms this). Strangely, though, I now find the possibility of receiving such a survey exciting! At least I get to express my feelings straightforwardly rather than answering their same old questions.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A Reformer Puzzle

Ok, I know I am a geek. But, while taking a break from work, I came up with a word puzzle. The following are 10 simple statements, each contain the hidden name of a great Christian reformer (from the 14th to the 16th century). For example, the following statement contains the name of one of the solar system planets:

You ran us over with your car.

Did you find "Uranus"? If so, then give this one a try. To find the names, of course, will require either some knowledge of Christian history with familiarity of those individuals involved and some careful reading of the statements.

1. Simon saw light at the end of the tunnel.

2. In Minnesota, Bob of Duluth erred when he filed his taxes.

3. Len was anxious about the local vintage car show taking place that day.

4. The hunchbacked ogre bellowed at the crowd below him.

5. The fare leveled against the customer did not phase him.

6. Mom served hush puppies for supper.

7. Malibu certainly attracts tourists.

8. One man, zookeeper John Tubbs, was amazed at the heroism of the police.

9. Did Jacob see, at Luz, wing like beings on a ladder?

10. A small, primitive Asian deer known as a Muntjac ran merrily along the side of its mother.

Answers as a entry comment at a later date.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Anticipated Questions

Given my present skin condition with my face, I decided to anticipate some questions my students at Missouri Baptist might have as they entered the room for their final exam and saw my big, unsightly face staring at them. Here they are with my answers.

1. Do you have measles, chicken pox, smallpox, or the plague? NO

2. Are you contagious? NO

3. Did you eat too much chocolate? I wish

4. Are you reliving puberty? No way

5. Is this as bad as it will get? No, the "oozing" yet to come.

6. Has God brought the 6th plague of Moses' Day on you? NO

7. Is this the first bowl of wrath in Revelation 16? NO

8. Are you well? YES

9. Does it hurt? YES, plus it itches.

10. Was it hurting when you made up the exam? YES

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Happy 36th Birthday, Sonja!

The Lord has truly blessed my life by permitting me to be the father of 10 children, 9 of whom were actually born and serving Him today. While there are resemblances among all of them ("You're a Walker, aren't you?"), each of my children is unique. God has designed them that way and I am delighted He has done so.

I love my children. There are likely times when each of them have doubted that fact. I know there were times when I was very young that I doubted my parents loved me, especially my father. But they did and so do I. Each of my children are a precious gift from God and I truly love them.

Furthermore, I do not believe my love is preferential towards any of my offspring. Oh, there will be moments when my attention may be towards one child over another and such moments should and must exist. Wedding days, birthdays, special events such as graduation bring focus upon one specific child and a parent should recognize such moments by placing their attention (and love) solely on the "child of the day". But, and God knows my heart, I do not have more love for any one of my children than I do for the other. I love each of them for who they are and am grateful to God for making them who they are.

With this said, though, I call you back to 1973 when a significant event occurred in my life: I became a father for the first time. At 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, October 6, 1973, little Sonja Renee was born (her mother had her name picked out BEFORE we were even engaged!). Unfortunately, I was not permitted in the delivery room on that date (no one was in those days). Furthermore, I did not get to hold her until the following Wednesday when she and her mother were released from the hospital (no problems-they just kept moms and babies for several days back in 1973). Yet I saw her in her mother's arms and thought she was the most beautiful baby ever born. Her mom was exhausted after the delivery but beaming when she told me we had a daughter. I was so excited, so happy, I felt like crying and shouting all at once.

The birth of each of my subsequent children have had a similar effect on me. In fact, I have been by my wife's side for their births unlike Sonja's. But I must be honest and say there is nothing like seeing your first born child.

It wasn't until we brought Sonja home from the hospital that the responsibility of being a father actually hit me. There were times that responsibility would paralyze me. Learning how to be a father is a difficult task and I fear I failed so many times in Sonja's brief life. She was our first and we wanted nothing to hurt her or harm her. To be honest, I'm certain I over protected her most of her life not only in the physical realm but also the spiritual. Thankfully, the Lord has "loosened me up" a bit over the past 15 years. But, reflecting back on the type of father I was with Sonja, I do regret not having been more "loose" with her as well. Even best intentions are not always best.

But what great memories I have! I remember sitting with a pre-school Sonja in the evenings and helping her learn how to sound out words usually the books of the Bible as practice ("M-a-r-k"). I remember reading "Go Dog, Go" hundreds of times with Sonja pointing at the same pictures over and over again. I remember being so concerned about how 2 1/2 year old Sonja would respond to her newborn brother when he came home from the hospital, only to see her love him and baby him.

I remember Sonja picking up a wiffle ball bat for the first time and stand at the plate as a lefty! She always did everything else as a righthander, including throwing. But she batted lefthanded by her own choosing. I refused to "correct" her stance.

I remember her hitting a home run in her first season in Texas Little League only to have her coach burn her arm with his cigarette after she scored. I remember her always claiming to have been hit by a car in the parking lot of our apartment in New York. I remember her scoring her first soccer goal on a penalty kick only to have it waved off because a teammate was in the box too early. So many great memories because God permitted Sonja to be my daughter.

Most of all, I remember her smile, her laugh, and her sparking eyes as a youngster. Oh, how grateful I am that she still has that smile, that laugh, and those sparkling eyes even now.

So, on her 36th birthday, I want Sonja to know how much her father loves her. I always have and always will. You are my firstborn and I am so proud and grateful for you. You are a beautiful, intelligent, hard working, fun loving daughter who has become a great mom herself. If there have been moments in your life when you believed I did not care for you as much as one of your siblings then I apologize for that has never been and will never be the case. If there have been moments in your life when you thought I was disappointed in you, you are mistaken. You, pumpkin, are precious to me and I believe it would be difficult for any daughter to please her father as much as you have pleased me.

I am grateful, so grateful, that God saved you when you were younger. No one ever deserves salvation, that is certainly clear from Scripture. But, in my heart and eyes, you almost did! My prayer is the Lord would give you many more years of happiness serving Him and that He would permit you to see several generations of YOUR family come to saving faith in Christ.

Happy Birthday, little Sonja Renee. You have been and will always be a blessing to me. I do love you.

Dad

Monday, October 5, 2009

WWW 2010

Yesterday, my crew had lunch with Matt and Sarah at Chevys (my stomach is still reeling). Part of our discussion was on possibilities for WWW 2010. I thought I would share a few of our thoughts.

First, we recognized the need to move WWW earlier in the year. Presently, 4 Greens and 1 Livingston have school so extended weekends are out of the question for them. Furthermore, even if we simply have a weekend WWW, we face potential conflicts with school activities held on Friday pm or Saturday. So, I think we must look at June, July, and early August dates. That, of course, means more money when it comes to accomodations.

Second, I would prefer to get away from St. Louis. While we saved money by staying in town this year, there really wasn't that much time spent sitting around a table, playing games, and just having fun together. Jake had to work one evening and Mandie had a band commitment on another. If we stay in the area, these types of things we always happen.

Third, my preference concerning the beach is to wait at least 1 more year. That would put 5 years between beach visits. I'm open to changing that thought but a summer beach trip is going to take some good lead time and extra money. My vote is no beach trip in 2010 but consider (and begin planning) 2011.

Fourth, I would like to find some place out West which would be a nice week long WWW and, perhaps, enable Jessi's family to participate. Colorado is an option though I have nothing specific in mind.

Fifth, most of our discussion turned to Yellowstone National Park as a potential WWW site. Yes, folks would have to plan for at least a 2 day trek there and back. Yellowstone has a lot to see and, if we chose to, there are sites in Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana within a couple of hours drive we could visit. Matt has been there somewhat recently and I was there as a kid and both of us liked the park.

That's basically where we left the discussion. I'm planning on doing some investigation of potential places to stay at the park and estimating costs. However, nothing is locked in yet. If folks are not interested in Yellowstone then I might just take my crew out there and see Mt. Rushmore on the way for an extended 2010 vacation.

The purpose of this post is to make you aware of some early planning and to solicit your feedback. If you have other places in mind, let me know. If someone is expecting a grandchild next Summer, time to confess (or announce)! Seriously, any WWW 2010 input and feedback would be very appreciated.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Mathematics of Health Care

A mind is a terrible thing to waste. How true. And my mind is loaded with so many useless thoughts there will have to be a lot of demolition before any serious construction can begin!

Sitting in front of my laptop this morning, suddenly, for reasons unknown, my mind produced a new mathematical formula:

PO = GR + MM - MF

As I pondered it a bit, I concluded this was not a complete formula but sufficient enough to state the facts concerning a subject which is before our eyes these days. Here is what it means:

PO = Public Option; a term on the news almost 24 hours a day yet most people do not understand what the public option is. Surely anything that is a public option must be good. WRONG!

GR = Government Run; yes, the public option represents a government run program. Simply stated: another large, inefficient bureaucracy. Anyone who has done battle with the Social Security Administration or the License Bureau Office know how poorly these groups are managed. Waste upon waste, red tape upon red tape, inefficient and costly. That leads me to the next term.

MM = My Money. Any "public option" or government run program requires money and guess where the government gets its money? Money I work long and hard hours to EARN they simply take and throw away in programs such as this. Now some will say only the VERY rich will pay but anyone who makes money sees their money disappear in government programs every time they receive a pay check. Does anyone REALLY believe another large government program such as health care can be funded only by the most wealthy? No, we will pay. The public option will require my money.

MF = My Freedom. Despite all the claims, once a public option comes into existence, it will be the death knell of private insurance choices. The government will establish the rules for health care and will either eliminate choices via regulation or via additional taxes against private insurance providers (some new penalty for the private plan which doesn't MEASURE up to government standards). Sooner or later the only plan anyone will have will be the "public option" (i.e., "single payer"; perhaps now call the public mandate; I call it socialized medicine). I loose my freedom to choose the health insurance plan I want. Isn't it amazing that the same people who say a woman may choose to have their unborn child killed do not want others to be free to choose their health insurance?

For OUR HEALTH, the government needs to stay away from health insurance. Let your Senators and Congressman know how you feel on this issue.

That's how I feel: PO = GR + MM - MF and that stinks!

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Ronald Reagan and Health Care

This has been out for at least a week but I heard it for the first time today. It sent chills up my spine (not down my leg, Chris Mathews!). Check it out here.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

The Providence of God

Watch closely: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7cmf3_chance_fun

Health Care Facts from the Heritage Foundation

Here is a link to some facts concerning "Obamacare" complied by the Heritage Foundation. I thought some of you may have an interest in this information.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Babies: Cap and Trade

For those of you who desire a larger family (or lots of grandchildren!), take a quick look at Dr. Al Mohler's blog post for today. You may read it here.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Counting Heads: The 2010 Census

Whom should be included in a census of the population of the United States: everyone who is living within our borders OR citizens of our country? Remember, the census determines the number of representatives each state has in the United States House as well as the number of electors in the next Presidential election.

Well, if you believe only citizens should be counted, hang onto your hats as you read THIS article.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Are you ready to lose some of your freedoms?

Just received a link to an article by Shawn Tully entitled "5 freedoms you'd lose in health care reform". To summarize, here is the list of those 5 freedoms:

1. Freedom to choose what's in your plan
2. Freedom to be rewarded for healthy living, or pay your real costs
3. Freedom to choose high-deductible coverage
4. Freedom to keep your existing plan
5. Freedom to choose your doctors

I would encourage you to read the full article here and then contact your representatives in Congress. In fact, if this health care proposal bothers you as much as it does me, I suggest you contact them EVERYDAY and hope they get the message.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

New Entry Concerning the 21st Century Church

Check out the "Captive to the Word of God" site for a new post concerning the church of this century. I think you will enjoy the videos.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Mr. President, Part 2

Dear Mr. President,

"As a student of history, I also know civilization's debt to Islam. It was Islam – at places like Al-Azhar University – that carried the light of learning through so many centuries, paving the way for Europe's Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra; our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history, Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality." President Obama, June 4, 2009

Mr. President, yesterday I wrote to you concerning your statements in the Cairo speech relative to "government redistribution" (all governments are equal) and requested clarification. Today, I finally had the opportunity to read your entire speech. Not only am I still unclear on the portion of your speech I referenced yesterday, I now read the above paragraph and am appalled that you would make such ridiculous statements.

Islam paved the way for European Enlightenment? How? By threatening all of Europe with invasion?

Muslim communities developed Algebra? Mr. President, Algebra existed long before Mohammed even lived. Most likely it originated with the Babylonians but certainly it was fully developed by the Greeks centuries before Islam existed.

Muslims created the compass? Its origin is not certain though many credit the Chinese. But, once again, the compass was around long before Islam.

Must I continue, Mr. President? Almost everything you say in this paragraph is historically false. And then you conclude this section of your speech with "Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality " I challenge you to make that claim to a Muslim woman or to the thousands if not millions of people throughout history who have been killed because of Islamic religious INtolerance.

Mr. President, I do not understand why you seem bent on belittling our great nation while elevating a RELIGION. Would you be kind enough to explain this to me and to the American people?

Sincerely,
Bruce D. Walker
St. Charles, MO.

Sent to President Barack Obama at The White House on June 5, 2009.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

Mr. President ...

“Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past, we must not be prisoners of it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership; progress must be shared.” President Barack Obama

Mr. President,

The above remarks were made by you on this date, June 4, 2009, in Cairo, Egypt. Please, Mr. President, would you clarify what you meant by this part of your speech?

Do you mean the United States of America is no better than North Korea? Do you mean the USA is on the same playing field as Iran? Do you mean the people of the United States should not consider their nation far superior to the nation of Saudi Arabia or China or Afghanistan?

Mr. President, I hope this is not what you mean. You know very good and well United States citizens would never consider surrendering their US citizenship to become citizens of other nations such as North Korea. Why? Because the United States IS a superior nation to North Korea.

Mr. President, it is the United States which has come to the aid of many, many nations throughout its 200 year history BECAUSE it is a great nation. It is the United States which has fought for freedom throughout the world during its short history. How many battles have we engaged in order to protect other nations? How much foreign aid have we sent in order to provide for other nations? And now you tell us we should not consider ourselves a superior nation, especially when compared with the likes of Iran? Mr. President, is this what you meant by your words?

Sir, I know you are in favor of redistributing our wealth but now it sounds as though you are in favor of redistributing our nation's greatness. Is this truly what you meant?

Mr. President, if this was what you intended to communicate to the world, then you have proven yourself unworthy to lead our great nation. With all due respect, how DARE you betray the very country you lead.

Sincerely,
Bruce D. Walker
St. Charles, MO

The above was sent to President Obama at The White House on June 4, 2009.

"Fun" in Phoenix

Maybe we need to ask Jessi about this story!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Zombies

On Twitter today I received a link to this clip from an old Bob Hope movie. I remember seeing the film but not certain which one it is. You need to listen to all 24 seconds to get the punchline.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A Letter to the President

I received an e-mail today containing a letter to our President supposedly written by a 4th grade teacher in Hillsboro, MO. Some quick research reveals the letter most likely came from a gentleman in Columbia, not a 4th grade teacher. Nevertheless, the letter is listed as legitimate.

Personally, I found the letter very interesting because this gentleman expresses my sentiments quite well though I would have been a bit more respectful, I hope, if I had written it.

Instead of copying the entire letter, here is a link to the letter in case you want to read it.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Barr Bee Queu

Date: Sunday, May 24, 2009
Time: 6PM CST
Location: Cole Blvd
Guest list: 18 adults + 3 grandchildren

Who is bringing what:
Cole Blvd: Hamburger/hot dog buns and potato salad
Greens: Chips and a side
Golfway: Hamburger meat and hot dogs
Kaatmans: Drinks and a dessert
Gants: Baked Beans (and anything else that Tyler might want to make) :)

If you want to bring something not on the above list, please do so.
If you want to trade items with someone, go for it.

The goal is to have the food ready as close to 6pm as possible. Show up whenever you desire, as I am sure mom and dad wouldn't mind having the extra time to see everyone.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Kelsey has a blog

Granddaughter Kelsey has started her own blog! I have included a link to it as part of the "Big W Blog links" but wanted to make a general announcement concerning her blog in an entry.

Check it out here.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Rocket Man"

I know most of my family remembers the movie "Rocket Man". The story of the nerd who becomes an astronaut on the first mission to Mars is often quoted at family gatherings. Well, when I heard about the meeting between our President and Daniel Ortega this past weekend, my first thought was of the Rocket Man's most frequent tag line: "It wasn't me."

Check out Ben Shapiro's commentary HERE and see if you agree with my conclusion that President Obama was "Rocket Man".

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

"I'm fat,I'm fat..."

All you folks who struggle with your weight, check this out.

The first phrase of the first sentence is so bad it demands for the resignation of its author!

I guess we will all soon be measured for our CO2 output and taxed accordingly.

The world has certainly lost its sanity when it comes to this "global warming/climate changing" nonsense.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Our President and the Sermon on the Mount

... or "How to take a Biblical text completly out of context."

Check it out here.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Britain's Got Talent

By now you have probably heard of Susan Boyle's performance on Britain's "American Idol" show called "Britain's Got Talent". But, if not or if you have not heard the actual performance, check it out here.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Star Wars ... NOT

This is a classic. Star Wars retold by someone who has never seen it.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Message to Pastors and Churches

Family members, in case you have not seen my latest entry on the "Captive" blog, check out this video.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Amazing Video

This video is about 8 minutes but it is amazing how well these girls do this routine. It just kept going and going. I bet they are in the greatest shape ever!

http://soonereyo.blip.tv/#1762059

Around the World ...

I stumbled onto this video today and decided to point it out to those who read this blog. When I first began watching it I thought "This looks pretty stupid." But, after a few seconds, I became intrigued with it. I assume its legit but, even if it is not, it is interesting.

Enjoy it and have a piece of gum while watching.

Monday, April 6, 2009

"Here's Your TARP Money Back." "Sorry, You Have to Keep It."

Take a moment to read Stuart Varney's editorial here. After you have done that, take another moment and write your congressmen (again!), asking them to accept the return of the money.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Are You Stressed? Check out Dr. Mohler's blog

Dr. Mohler just posted a great article on relieving stress. I think you may find it quite interesting.

The article is HERE.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

And Washington Just Keeps Giving, er, Taking...

  • Institutions are in trouble. Government solution: SPEND MONEY.
  • Government has no money. Government solution: PRINT MORE MONEY AND SPEND IT.
  • Printing more money results in inflation and devaluing of the dollar. Government solution: PROPOSE THE LARGEST BUDGET IN THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION AND SPEND MORE MONEY.
  • Reality begins to set in. Government solution: GET MORE REVENUE AND SPEND IT.

While you hold onto your wallets, write to your Senators and Congressman and tell them to STOP SPENDING MONEY, CUT TAXES, and REJECT THE PROPOSED BUDGET.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Free Biblical Resources

I just sent this out as an e-mail to family and decided it would be worthwhile to put on our family site.

1. John Piper material. Here is Dr. Piper's web site. Sometimes you'll find free offers on this site directly. Of course, you can look at any of his sermons over his almost 30 years at his church plus many other articles. Even some of his books are online and free and may be downloaded without cost here.

On the top of the site, click on "About Us". Now scroll down to "Postal Mailing List". Fill out the sheet and submit it. Periodically, you will receive a letter from his organization usually offering a free CD of one of his recent sermons or other material. If you want you can contribute to the ministry but that is not required. Just check the box in the letter requesting the free info and send it back. Ok, it's not quite free. It will cost you 42 cents for a stamp!

You might also check out the e-mail subscriptions there as well and sign up. I presently have 5 or some of Piper's sermons on CD to which I have already listened. If anyone wants one, let me know the next time you are here. I will give it to you provided you agree to pass it on after you hear it. I don't care if I get them back but I don't want them simply thrown away.

2. Mt. Zion Chapel Library. Send an e-mail to chapel@mountzion.org and request their free quarterly publication called "Free Grace Broadcaster". This magazine is a collection of articles written by various Christian scholars/pastors all built on a common theme for the quarter. When your copy arrives, it should also contain a letter informing you of their current quarterly free literature offer. These offers usually consists of tracts and pamphlets with an occasionally small booklet. All you have to do is return the form with your name and address requesting this free literature and they will send it to you usually within 2 weeks. Yes, a 42 cent stamp is needed unless you can find a way to request it online. Maybe you could simply send an e-mail to the above address requesting it. They used to do that but now seem to have gone to the form. At any rate, it is good literature and essentially free on a quarterly basis.

3. Teaching Resources International. Ministry of Dr. Jim Ehrhard, a good man whom I have met and chatted with at conferences on several occasions. Go to here and click on the "Information" link near the bottom of the page. This will explain the various resources available. There is a link under (1) to which you may subscribe to the quarterly publication he puts out. This pub is similar to "Free Grace Broadcaster"; a magazine containing a collection of articles from various writers on a common theme.

4. Christian Communicators Worldwide. Here is the web site for Jim Elliff's ministry. Jim is a good man and quite funny if you ever get to meet him. Always lots of things here, many of which may be downloaded. Some excellent bulletin inserts if your church ever needs some. You can sign up for his monthly e-mail update which notes new items. There are items to buy but you will probably find enough free-bees to keep you reading for a spell.

5. The Center for Biblical Spirituality. Dr. Don Whitney's site contains some free stuff and you can sign up for his monthly e-mail which always has lots of good info. Most of the items here are for sale but he usually has some chapters from his books available for free reading. I have also met Don several times and he is a very neat person. Those are the ones that come immediately to mind and that I receive. There are others but this will do for now.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Dates for WWW 2009

If you haven't checked my note concerning possible weekends for this year's WWW, I need you to do so as soon as possible. Please let me know which ones will (or will not) work for you.

Friday, February 20, 2009

What we are doing to our currency

Glenn Beck has a very informative video on the effects of Congress' actions to our currency. You may want to check it out here.

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Economic Passion

If you thought I was passionate about our economy and this administration's socialistic attempts to "fix it", check this out.

Monday, February 16, 2009

I have been "stimulated" by our Congress

Yes, the passage of the "stimulus" bill last Friday by both Houses of Congress has greatly stimulated me; stimulated my anger, that is.

First, our President told us we had to move QUICKLY on this bill, our economy was on the verge of catastrophe. Yet, he can spend the weekend out of time and wait until Tuesday to sign the legislation. Hmmm, it must not have been that urgent after all.

Second, how did your Congressman and Senators vote on this bill especially in light of the fact NONE OF THEM HAD TIME TO READ IT? To vote FOR legislation you have not read is:

- arrogant (obviously you must be omniscient)
- partisan (oh, the President wants it, the Speaker wants it, the Dems want it)
- irresponsible

Yes, any legislator who voted for this bill last Friday is irresponsible and does NOT represent their constiuency who, at least, expects them to READ legislation BEFORE passing it. I wonder if our President will have read it before he signs it tomorrow?

I recommend you check on your elected officials and see how they voted last Friday. If they voted yes then I encourage you (perhaps EXHORT is a better word) to write them and complain about their irresponsibility. We need responsible representation in Congress, not the arrogant display we witnessed last Friday.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

To my children: PLEASE, don't do this!

I am proud of my children but I beg them never to embarrass our family with a display such as this.

Actually, the President should have applauded the young man for faithfully working while obtaining a college education so that he could better HIMSELF! That, you see, has always been the American spirit. We are a free people. We are an independent people. We DON'T need the government to take care of us. When we are down, we get back up. When we lose a job, we find another. IF WE NEED HELP, we turn to our family, our friends, and our church, but NOT our government. Note how the preamble to our Constitution says nothing about the government providing our jobs, our benefits, our homes, etc.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Promoting is not providing.

Children, when you need help, ask your family first. Ask your friends. Ask your church. But, PLEASE, do not stand up before the President of the United States and expect him to promise you he will force McDonald's to raise your salary or to improve your benefits. Unlike this lady, don't expect much from our government!

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

More Stimulus

Today, the Senate passed their version of the "stimulus" bill. The action followed by a day the agreement in the Senate to end debate on the bill (cloture), an act which requires 60 votes. Three Republicans joined the Democrats on that vote as well as on today's vote.

The fight, however, is not over. The Senate bill and the House bill are different. Hence, a committee of the two houses must now iron out the differences and the resulting bill will then be presented to each house for action. I would encourage you to continue to contact both your Congressman and your Senators and exhort them to vote against this bill.

Posted here is an article written by James K. Glassman on this subject. It is very lengthy but worth reading. Mr. Glassman was once the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. I encourage you to find the time to read it.

Friday, February 6, 2009

A Letter from my Congressman on the "Stimulus" Bill

I received another letter from my Congressman today and, since it included his thoughts on the "stimulus" bill (which did pass the House), I thought I would share it with you. I pray my Senators would listen to Congressman Akin's facts and wisdom.

Dear Bruce,

Thank you for your correspondence regarding H.R.1, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It was good to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, this legislation represents the largest spending increase ever foisted on the American people by Congress. Despite initial talk of a measured, infrastructure focused stimulus package, the Democrat majority has created a debt spending bill estimated to cost at least $825 billion. Worse yet, most of the money contained in the stimulus will not be spent soon enough to impact people who are struggling today.

I greatly appreciate the insight and concern of my fellow Missourians on the critical issues before the House of Representatives. An overwhelming majority of those who contacted my office asked me to oppose this spendthrift measure. When it came to the House floor on January 28th, I voted against it.

Even the Washington Post criticized the Democrat's spending bill, saying:

"Some in Congress and the new administration apparently see the country's present recession as an opportunity to change the federal government's spending priorities more generally or simply to reward loyal political constituencies."

Six hundred pages long and a top priority of the majority party, H.R. 1 already appears ineffective at its stated goal: adding stable new jobs to the economy, averting job loss, resolving the housing crisis and lifting the U.S. economy out of the current recession. I am more than willing to support an effective stimulus package, but I refuse to substitute doing "something" for doing the right thing.

To give you a sense of just how large the stimulus package is, the House-passed version is:

o Almost the size of Mexico's economy ($893 billion in 2007).
o 33.7% larger than all spending on Social Security
o 33.4% more than the defense budget.
o 24.6% more than federal spending on Medicare and Medicaid combined.

Additionally, allow me to list a few of my personal concerns with the Democrat's bill:

o It will cost $10,520 per family in debt spending. In fact, some economists say it would be cheaper to give every working family in America a one-year tax holiday.

o Only $26 Billion or 7% of the proposed stimulus funds will be spent in 2009.

o Only $30 Billion or 3 percent - throughout the life of the entire stimulus package would be directed towards "shovel ready" road and highway projects.

o The bill also circumvents the regular budget process by creating 32 new programs at a cost of $136 billion.

o It contains $16.4 billion in new spending for federal agencies - including office furniture at the Public Health Service.

o It spends $54 billion on 19 programs rated by the Office of Management and Budget as "ineffective" or "results not demonstrated." President Obama has said that we can no longer afford to be "squandering billions of tax dollars on programs that have outlived their usefulness." Unfortunately, Speaker Pelosi's House majority has chosen to put forward legislation that is inconsistent with the President's vision for "smarter" government.

Finally, I could not support H.R. 1 because I believe history demonstrates that when government removes billions of dollars from the economy in the name of "stimulus," the result is not a shortened recession but a prolonged depression.

Instead, I supported the Republican substitute measure on the House floor that would have created 6.2 million jobs and provided tax relief to small businesses and working families. In fact, in Missouri alone, the Republican alternative would have had the potential to create 128,000 jobs compared to 73,000 in the Democrat stimulus plan.

The Republican alternative included across-the-board tax cuts for all working American families in the 15% and 10% tax brackets. It also provided immediate tax cuts for small businesses which employ more than half of all American workers. In addition, the substitute would have extended unemployment benefits and eliminated income taxes on those benefits, allowing struggling Americans to keep the entire amount of their unemployment assistance while they are out of work. Unfortunately, the Republican alternative was defeated by a vote of 266-170 and the Democrat package passed by a vote of 244-188.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact my office. Please know that I will continue to work for positive legislation that benefits all Missourians.

It is a privilege to represent you and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me regarding any matter where I might be of assistance. I would also encourage you to visit my
website, where you can find more information on current issues, share further thoughts with me via email and subscribe to my e-newsletter for updates on issues you care about.

Sincerely,
W. Todd Akin
Member of Congress

Now This IS The Change We Need

No, I did not vote for President Obama. In fact, anyone reading previous entries on this blog will note how strongly I spoke out against him. But, he is now my President and I will respect his leadership. However, I will NOT blindly follow him simply because the media (and everyone else) says he is "The One".

His first 2 weeks in office may have been the worse first 2 weeks for any Chief Executive with the possible exception of President William Henry Harrison. Now, he invokes "fear" in his attempt to push through the "Stimulus" package which does not stimulate anything but government growth. Mr. President, the only fear I have is that the Senate might actually pass this bill and you would sign it.

If you have listened to the media hype you get the impression this bill solves all the nation's financial ills. Nonsense. It will put us in debt forever and further impact our economy. Someone, in an attempt to help us visualize the amount of money proposed in this bill (around one trillion dollars), has said the amount of money in the bill is equal to spending one million dollars a day from the time of Christ until now! And we, the taxpayers now and future (i.e., our children, our grandchildren), will have to pay it back!

Others have highlighted what type of spending is actually in the bill so I won't do that here. The bottom line is the bill passed by the House, being debated in the Senate, and demanded, via scare tactics, by our President is the wrong approach.

The CHANGE we need in terms of a stimulus bill has been clearly articulated by Governor Mitt Romney here. I would encourage you to read it. Then I EXHORT you to call or e-mail your Senators, tell them to forget amending this bill, and, instead, throw it out and look for a completely different approach, an approach which will HELP our economy rather than destroy it. Call/write them everyday until this bill is passed or, hopefully, is defeated.

May God have mercy on our nation.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

I Like Glenn Beck

While I don't always agree with him, I always get a kick out of his presentation. This one from yesterday is great.

Friday, January 30, 2009

Happy Birthday, FDR!

Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born on this date in 1882. Today marks the 127th anniversary of the late 32nd President's birth.

When I was a young boy, FDR always fascinated me. I liked his relative, 26th President Teddy, much more, nevertheless, I took an interest in FDR. Perhaps it had to do with my family who, I recall, talked about FDR being a man who cared for the people "unlike the Republicans". Actually, I have no idea if my parents voted Democratic or not but I sure got the impression they were firm Democrats partly (maybe largely) due to FDR's presidency.

FDR, of course, passed away in 1945 before I was born so all I knew about him was what I read. That material certainly played a major role in my taking a liking to him. Everything I got my hands concerning FDR indicated he was a wonderful man and how a great President.

I recall seeing "Sunrise at Campobello" when it came to our local theater. The movie recalled the story of FDR's battle against polio with which he was afflicted in 1921. I watched any television program that even mentioned FDR. I recall one of the episodes of the TV series "The Untouchables" revolved around the shooting of the mayor of Chicago, Anton Cermak, who was with President-elect Roosevelt at the time. The shooter, Giuseppe Zangara, was actually trying to assassinate FDR but hit Cermak and 4 others in and around FDR's car. Cermak was taken to the hospital in FDR's car and, supposedly, said to the future President, "I'm glad it was me instead of you". He died within a month. Zangara was executed only a couple of weeks after Cermak's death (justice moved swiftly, eh?).

I also recall paying one of my fellow classmates in grade school (Cliff Beadle?) $2.00, a fairly high price for an elementary student, for an original St. Louis newspaper from April 13, 1945, the day following FDR's death. The paper, of course, covers many aspects of his life, death, and Presidency. I still have that paper somewhere.

The principal thing I was taught about FDR was how his Presidency saved the United States from the Great Depression as well as saved the world from the Nazis and the Japanese in World War II. Of course, I have long since learned that President Roosevelt and his big government programs actually did not rescue our nation from the depression, rather, it was the war that did so. His programs simply extended the depression. And, in fact, even today we are paying more and more taxes to the government in order to continue funding the programs FDR established (plus many others since).

On the other hand, his leadership during World War II must be acknowledged. I could criticize him for not helping Britain earlier in their fight against the Nazis but America, as a whole, wanted no part of the war in Europe. FDR was not a whimp when it came to foreign policy. He recognized you could not simply sit down and talk to every foreign leader diplomatically and convince them we can all live in peace. Hitler, Mussolini, and others would never have listened. Rather, war, military might, was the only recourse for dealing with them and Roosevelt knew it. Some of our leaders today need to recognize their great Democratic forerunner was right and they and their naive thinking are wrong and dangerous.

Furthermore, let's give him credit for his appeal to the American people. He was elected four times as President, a feat which will never be matched. I suspect some of our other Presidents may have kept the White House for four or more terms if they had wanted it or had lived long enough. Yet, FDR is the only one who has done so.

Politically, FDR did not always succeed. As I noted, his big government programs did not save the nation from the depression. Some of his New Deal programs enacted during his first term were being invalidated by the Supreme Court. So, after winning reelection in 1936, Roosevelt attempted to enlarge the Court in order to prevent future invalidations. Thankfully, he lost that battle.

FDR's moral character was also covered up in the material I read. The picture painted by the biographies, movies, etc., that I read of this President always revealed a loving father and husband, completely devoted to his wife. Well, today we know this was not exactly the case.

So, over the years my respect for FDR has waned somewhat from my earlier view of this President. I would have put him near the top along with Washington, Lincoln, and his 5th cousin, Theodore. Today, my opinion of his Presidency and of his character would drop him lower on my list of the greatest Presidents. Nevertheless, I still hold him in respect because of his leadership during the war and for his personal spirit of never giving up which he illustrated in his battle against polio.

Happy Birthday, Mr. President! I wish you would have left those big government programs in some filing cabinet somewhere, nevertheless, thank you for your courage and your leadership during one of the darkest times of our nation's history.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The Stimulus Package

For those of you who are following the "stimulus" package passed by the House and now on the way to the Senate, you might be interested in a few facts.

1. The stimulus package is a 647 page bill. Yes, 647 pages! If you want to read it or print off a copy, go here.

2. Despite what all the major news networks say, the majority of this package does nothing to create new jobs. Rather it contains many (and I mean many) pet projects of politicians. In other words, it is the largest spending bill every proposed in the history of our nation.

3. Our economy is weak right now and folks are losing their jobs. But comparing our current economic state to that of a Great Depression is a farce. Our situation is no where near as dire as it was then. Such language is used in an effort to get this package passed as soon as possible, even though the package will do little to help our economy.

When Franklin D. Roosevelt became President in 1933 at the height of the Great Depression, the unemployment rate nationwide was 24.9% (1 in 4 were without a job). At the end of 2008, the unemployment rate in the United States was 7.2%. Michigan and Rhode Island, at 10.6% and 10% respectively, were the largest. We are far from the situation of the Great Depression. Let's not over react but let's take time to analyze the situation and make good choices.

4. Furthermore, it has frequently been touted that Roosevelt's "New Deal" is what brought us out of the Great Depression. In his first 100 days, FDR rammed through Congress several new government programs with more over the next several years (including Social Security). We are told these great government programs conceived by FDR's "brain trust" pulled us out of the depression. Therefore, we need the government implementing similar programs today to save us.

Unfortunately, this is not true. In 2004, two UCLA economists released the results of a study which showed FDR's government programs actually prolonged the depression. Several articles have now revealed that World War II, NOT government programs, led to our nation's recovery. As Michael Fumento has written, "The grotesque reality is that it wasn’t an American aristocrat who led us out of the Great Depression but a monstrous Austrian corporal".

So, let's not put too much hope into our government to bail us out of this crisis. The more they get involved, the worse it will get for us and our children. Read over this bill and tell your Senators what you think of it. Point out to them the items in the bill you feel are of no value when it comes to creating jobs. Don't just shake your head and say, "Well, the President is for it so it must be good". That was the attitude of some back in the 30s.

Monday, January 26, 2009

A Letter from my Congressman on FOCA

I wrote a letter to my Congressman and Senators last week asking them to reject any attempt by this administration to pass the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA). Today I received the following response from my Congressman, Rep. Todd Akin.

Dear Reverend Walker:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Freedom of Choice Act (FOCA.) It was good to hear from you and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

As you may know, FOCA would establish, as the official policy of the United States that every woman has the "fundamental right to choose" to: (1) bear a child; (2) terminate a pregnancy prior to fetal viability; or (3) terminate a pregnancy after fetal viability when necessary to protect her life or her health. It also
prohibits any federal, state, or local governmental entity from: (a) denying or interfering with a woman's right to exercise such choices; or (b) discriminating against the exercise of those rights in the regulation or provision of benefits, facilities, services, or information - and it makes that prohibition retroactive. It further explicitly authorizes civil suits under the Act, including against federal, state or local governments.

Sadly, this is one of the most divisive pieces of legislation I have seen in all my years of public service. The effects of this legislation would be sweeping and devastating for women who face unplanned pregnancies. It would, in short, codify Roe v. Wade and subsequent related Supreme Court decisions as public law - enshrining abortion on demand: any time, any reason, as U.S. policy. Worse, it would overturn all state laws (including laws currently allowed under Roe v. Wade) designed to protect the health of the mother, prohibit certain late term abortion procedures or recognize medical professionals' rights of conscience. In addition, it could have a far reaching "chilling effect" on the provision of life-affirming services in the non-profit sector.

One of the beliefs on which I will never waiver is that life begins at conception and that we should do all we can to protect the lives of innocent children while they are still in the womb. Because of this conviction, I am committed to ensuring that no woman is forced or coerced into an unwanted or unnecessary abortion. FOCA would eliminate state laws that guarantee women full and accurate information about abortion and further erode the social support system that helps many women make life-affirming choices.

Since Roe v. Wade, thousands of lives have been prematurely ended by various forms of abortion. The numbers of abortions in the United States have been declining for more than a decade due to increased access to (a) practical, life-affirming support, (b) protections for minors, and (c) information about the serious physical, psychological and spiritual after effects of abortion. FOCA would roll back many of these protections and increase the number of abortions nationwide. It would send the message to women that abortion is easy, safe and completely acceptable - while having a child, especially in some circumstances is difficult and irresponsible. In fact, states that already have FOCA-like laws see much higher rates of abortions than those states that do not have similar statutes.

I am an active member the Pro-Life Caucus which leads the way in working for life-affirming legislation. In my time in Congress, I have supported a number of pieces of pro-life legislation. Last Congress, I was an original cosponsor of the Child Interstate Abortion Notification Act (H.R. 1063) and I supported an increase in abstinence education funding for fiscal year 2009. I also co-sponsored the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act (H.R. 3442).

I appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts with me. I believe the Freedom of Choice Act is bad public policy and I will actively oppose it in the 111th Congress. I have also signed a letter to President Obama, calling on him to join me in opposing radical legislation - like FOCA - which would increase abortions across the nation.

It is a privilege to represent you and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me regarding any matter where I might be of assistance. If you would like more information on issues or would like to share further thoughts with me via e-mail, you may visit my
website.

Sincerely,
W. Todd Akin
Member of Congress

If you want to see the letter signed by Rep. Akin (and many others) and sent to the President, let me know and I'll e-mail you a copy.


Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"The Obama Agenda" by Jonah Goldberg

Jonah Goldberg, a columnist I almost always enjoy reading, has a great article on Glenn Beck's web site, posted yesterday shortly after President Obama's address. Here is a link to the web site containing Mr. Goldberg's thoughts.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Praise for Lee and Jackson

The following came to my attention last Friday in an e-mail sent to me by one of my son-in-laws. I thought it was worthy of passing on via this blog. It comes from Chuck Baldwin who was a Presidential candidate in 2008.

Praise For Lee And Jackson
By Chuck Baldwin
January 16, 2009

This column is archived at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090116.html

January is often referred to as "Generals Month" since no less than four famous Confederate Generals claimed January as their birth month: JamesLongstreet (Jan. 8, 1821), Robert E. Lee (Jan. 19, 1807), Thomas Jonathan"Stonewall" Jackson (Jan. 21, 1824), and George Pickett (Jan. 28, 1825). Two of these men, Lee and Jackson, are particularly noteworthy.

Without question, Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson were two of the greatest military leaders of all time. Even more, many military historians regard the Lee and Jackson tandem as perhaps the greatest battlefield duo in the history of warfare. If Jackson had survived the battle of Chancellorsville, it is very possible that the South would have prevailed at Gettysburg and perhaps would even have won the War Between the States.

In fact, it was Lord Roberts, commander-in-chief of the British armies in the early twentieth century, who said, "In my opinion, Stonewall Jackson was one of the greatest natural military geniuses the world ever saw. I will go even further than that--as a campaigner in the field, he never had a superior. In some respects, I doubt whether he ever had an equal."

While the strategies and circumstances of the War of Northern Aggression can (and will) be debated by professionals and laymen alike, one fact is undeniable: Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson were two of the finest Christian gentlemen this country has ever produced. Both their character and their conduct were beyond reproach.

Unlike his northern counterpart, Ulysses S. Grant, General Lee never sanctioned or condoned slavery. Upon inheriting slaves from his deceased father-in-law, Lee immediately freed them. And according to historians, Jackson enjoyed a familial relationship with those few slaves that were in his home. In addition, unlike Abraham Lincoln and U.S. Grant, there is no record of either Lee or Jackson ever speaking disparagingly of the black race.

As those who are familiar with history know, General Grant and his wife held personal slaves before and during the War Between the States, and, contrary to popular opinion, even Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation did not free the slaves of the North. They were not freed until the Thirteenth Amendment was passed after the conclusion of the war. Grant's excuse for not freeing his slaves was that "good help is so hard to come by these days."

Furthermore, it is well established that Jackson regularly conducted a Sunday School class for black children. This was a ministry he took very seriously. As a result, he was dearly loved and appreciated by the children and their parents.

In addition, both Jackson and Lee emphatically supported the abolition of slavery. In fact, Lee called slavery "a moral and political evil." He also said "the best men in the South" opposed it and welcomed its demise. Jackson said he wished to see "the shackles struck from every slave."

To think that Lee and Jackson (and the vast majority of Confederate soldiers) would fight and die to preserve an institution they considered evil and abhorrent--and that they were already working to dismantle--is the height of absurdity. It is equally repugnant to impugn and denigrate the memory of these remarkable Christian gentlemen.

In fact, after refusing Abraham Lincoln's offer to command the Union Army in 1861, Robert E. Lee wrote to his sister on April 20 of that year to explain his decision. In the letter he wrote, "With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen, I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home. I have therefore resigned my commission in the army and save in defense of my native state, with the sincere hope that my poor services may never be needed . . ."

Lee's decision to resign his commission with the Union Army must have been the most difficult decision of his life. Remember that Lee's direct ancestors had fought in America's War For Independence. His father, "Light Horse Harry" Henry Lee, was a Revolutionary War hero, Governor of Virginia, and member of Congress. In addition, members of his family were signatories to the Declaration of Independence.

Remember, too, that not only did Robert E. Lee graduate from West Point "at the head of his class" (according to Benjamin Hallowell), he is yet today one of only six cadets to graduate from that prestigious academy without a single demerit.

However, Lee knew that Lincoln's decision to invade the South in order to prevent its secession was both immoral and unconstitutional. As a man of honor and integrity, the only thing Lee could do was that which his father had done: fight for freedom and independence. And that is exactly what he did.

Instead of allowing a politically correct culture to sully the memory of Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. Jackson, all Americans should hold them in a place of highest honor and respect. Anything less is a disservice to history and a disgrace to the principles of truth and integrity.

Accordingly, it was more than appropriate that the late President Gerald Ford, on August 5, 1975, signed Senate Joint Resolution 23, "restoring posthumously the long overdue, full rights of citizenship to General Robert E. Lee." According to President Ford, "This legislation corrects a 110-year oversight of American history." He further said, "General Lee's character has been an example to succeeding generations . . ."

The significance of the lives of Generals Lee and Jackson cannot be overvalued. While the character and influence of most of us will barely be remembered two hundred days after our departure, the sterling character of these men has endured for two hundred years. What a shame that so many of America's youth are being robbed of knowing and studying the virtue and integrity of the great General Robert E. Lee and General Thomas J."Stonewall" Jackson.

*If you appreciate this column and want to help me distribute the seeditorial opinions to an ever-growing audience, donations may now be made by credit card, check, or Money Order. Use this link:

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(c) Chuck Baldwin

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Thursday, January 15, 2009

Exponential Change - Eternal Constant

Tom Ascol's blog had this posted today and I enjoyed it very much. So, I decided to post a link to the You Tube site for those of you not following the Founders blog.

As Dr. Ascol mentions, before (and after) you watch this video, remember our God never changes!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpEnFwiqdx8&eurl=http://www.founders.org/blog/2009/01/exponential-change-eternal-constant.html&feature=player_embedded

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Another Quiz for the Walker Faithful (and Followers)

Aunt Jane sent me this quiz the other day so I decided to post it here for your pleasure. See if you can go fROM ANSwer to answer and find the 30 books. I'll publish the solution as a comment to this post in a couple of days. I suggest you read through the quiz first since some of the "rules" are explained in the quiz itself.

The quiz begins with the next line.

30 BOOKS OF THE BIBLE PUZZLE

This is a most remarkable puzzle. It was found by a gentleman in an airplane seat pocket on a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu, keeping him occupied for hours. He enjoyed it so much; he passed it on to some friends. One friend from Illinois worked on this while fishing from his john boat. Another friend studied it while playing his banjo. Elaine Taylor, a columnist friend, was so intrigued by it, she mentioned it in her weekly newspaper column. Another friend judges the job of solving this puzzle so involving, she brews a cup of tea to help her nerves. There will be some names that are really easy to spot. That’s a fact. Some people, however, will soon find themselves in a jam, especially since the book names are not necessarily capitalized. Truthfully, from answers we get, we are forced to admit it usually takes a minister or a scholar to see some of them at the worst. Research has shown that something in our genes is responsible for the difficulty we have in seeing the books in this paragraph. During a recent fund raising event, which featured this puzzle, the Alpha Delta Phi lemonade booth set a new record. The local paper, The Chronicle, surveyed over 200 patrons who reported that this puzzle was one of the most difficult they had ever seen. As Daniel Humana humbly puts it, “The books are all right here in plain view hidden from sight.” Those able to find all of them will hear great lamentations from those who have to be shown. One revelation that may help is that the books like Timothy and Samuel may occur without their numbers. Also, keep in mind, that punctuation and spaces in the middle are normal. A chipper attitude will help you compete really well against those who claim to know the answers. Remember, there is no need for a mad exodus, there really are 30 books of the Bible lurking somewhere in this paragraph waiting to be found. God Bless!

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Christmas at the Walker house

The Walker house was full of siblings and in-laws during the Holiday week, and boy was it a blast!

The Gants (Tyler, Emily, Gracie, Levi) came down on Christmas day. As well as the Kaatmans and Greens. Gifts were exchanged, presents were opened, and cookies were eaten! We had a blast that evening playing games. A new game, Apples to Apples, was among the top played that night. As well as card games such as 'Golf' and 'Crazy eights'. Mom put out some food earlier that morning, and all day long food was available.

The next day Jessica and the boys (Brody & Bryson) came home for Holiday. It's amazing how much Brody, Gracie, Bryson, and Levi have grown!!! And the noise they came make :)

It was like a party every evening because everyone would come back over, and we would bring out more food and play more games...like Apples to Apples!! It was a lot of fun having everyone that could be at the house playing games and having fun.

I thank God for blessing us to all be together during the Holidays!

-Rebekah