Wild Walker World

3 Myths About Capitalism

2011-08-24T10:54:00.000-05:00

Check out the video on 3 myths about capitalism. It is very good. The speaker is Dr. Jeffrey Miron of Harvard.

GOVERNMENT, GET OUT OF OUR WAY!

Coming in just 2 years! 50 years of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World"!

2011-08-08T14:38:00.000-05:00

Begin planning your 50th anniversary celebration of the 1963 hit comedy: "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" before you find yourself missing the following:

Everybody pays taxes! Even businessmen, who rob and cheat and steal from people everyday, even they have to pay taxes!
Hey, did you see the way he went SAILING right out there?
Hey, wait a minute! I can't cross here. You said the main road. This is Niagara Falls. Alright, look. You're a little boy. You wanna be a big boy? Which way to the main road?
Look! We've figured it seventeen different ways, and every time we figured it, it was no good, because no matter how we figured it, somebody don't like the way we figured it! So now, there's only one way to figure it. And that is, every man, including the old bag, for himself!
What, am I supposed to do everything? You want me to fly the airplane, you want me to work the radio, what are you gonna... What are you, the hostess?
Listen, anything you got to say about your mother-in-law, you don't have to explain to me. You know what I mean? Like if she were the star of a real crummy horror movie, I'd believe it.
Don't be ridiculous. Whatever else he is, he is your father.
Why don't we just shoot them down and be through with it?
We don't tell them anything. We tell them to hit the road or we beat their brains in!
The tuna factory robbery! The case I've been talking about for the last fifteen years!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I didn't want to move to California.
Uh uh, it's a race, ain't it? Why do you want to help that dentist for? Me? I've been pullin' all the while for that other guy, Pike, with the furniture van. The rules ought to be the same for everybody. Otherwise, it just ain't fair.
Mama, how many people are mixed up in this thing? Who are they? Cabbies? Mama, this thing is like a convention.
Yeah you were working hard trying to keep the cost down the day that you ran out of your office and stood in the street screaming.
Listen, Dentist: I hate dentists! And I hate you so much, that I'm not able to tell you how much I hate you, in front of your wife!
Listen! All right, tell them you heard from X-27, you got it? X-27. X-27 told you to tell them they've made three attempts on my life already today. They had me down a silver mine, they tried to drown me. Can you handle a gun? Okay. Ah! Good. There's a cafe. Pull right in there, you use that phone.
That guy's dead.

STRAT-O-MATIC Baseball turns 50!

2011-01-28T18:04:00.001-06:00

Given the number of games played and hours consumed by this game especially through my teenage and college years, I thought we should note its 50th anniversary via the blog.

The company's home page is here.

3-5! May it live another 50!

Random Thoughts on Taxes

2010-12-16T07:38:00.000-06:00

The media these days are consumed by the tax situation, specifically, the expiration of the Bush tax cuts at the end of the year. After hearing the "umpteenth" report on the present tax bill in the Congress, my mind began to randomly wander down the "tax road" of my life.

1. Began working and paying federal income taxes on what I EARNED.
2. Also, paying taxes to support those presently retired (social security).
3. Oops, also from the same paycheck I pay Medicare taxes.
4. Nuts, forgot about state income taxes coming out of that same check.
5. Oh, and if you happen to live in St. Louis City, you have to pay city taxes as well.
6. Enough on the paycheck. Now I go to the store and make a purchase. SALES TAX.
7. My purchase was an automobile. Registration fee (isn't that really like a tax?).
8. Must buy gas to run that car. I take what money is left from my already taxed paycheck and buy gas. Of course I must also pay a gas tax.
9. Every year I get a bill from the city: Personal Property Tax! More of my paycheck for owning a vehicle on which I already have paid taxes on.
10. Must have a place to stay so I purchase a home. Not only must I pay sales tax, I now must pay REAL ESTATE TAXES every year I own the home. Why must I pay more taxes each year on property I already bought and paid taxes on?
11. Part of the tax bill under consideration includes a reduction in the Estate Tax from 55% to 35%. That means that WHEN I DIE, my heirs must take whatever I have left from my previous paychecks and send 35% of that already taxed money to the government. Of course, the Estate Tax is actually a Death Tax.

I really haven't put much thought into this but I am certain there are taxes I am overlooking. But, after writing the above 11 points, I've come to the conclusion that the party getting rich in this country is not me; its UNCLE SAM!

To think our founding fathers started a revolution over things like a stamp tax and a tea tax. Even King George never put an income tax or death tax on their backs!

Why Illegals Should Not Receive Amnesty

2010-11-17T09:50:00.000-06:00

While cleaning out my files this morning, I stumbled onto a newspaper article I clipped out of some paper back in 2006/2007. The editor is Roland Wetzel and the article carries the same title as this post. Mr. Wetzel references Iowa Congressman Steve King and lists some reasons for not granting amnesty to illegal aliens. The following is quoted from the article:

12 Americans are murdered every day by illegal aliens.
That's 4,380 per year or more than 21,000 murders by illegal aliens since September 11, 2001.
According to the same report, 13 people per day are killed by illegal alien drunk drivers.
That's an additional 4,745 premature deaths every year.
Eight American children are molested by illegal aliens every day.
That's 2,920 innocent children annually whose lives are ruined each year--by scum who wouldn't be prowling for American kids if the federal government enforced our immigration laws.

Christmas Gift Exchange

2010-11-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

Here is our gift exchange list for Christmas 2010. Gifts should be in the $10-$20 price range.

President Obama at the Bat

2010-11-12T11:01:00.000-06:00

A friend sent me a link to this video today and I thought it was well done and quite funny. Yes, it does make a statement against political liberalism. But, no matter on what end of the political spectrum you might be, if you enjoy baseball, I believe you can chuckle a bit at this.

Check it out HERE.

Saved By Faith Youth Challenge (SBFYC)

2010-10-28T15:20:00.002-05:00

Check out the SBFYC site here for next year's conference info.

Conference #25: Paul Washer is speaking.

Mark your calendars and save your money!

Mystery Photo of the Day

2010-10-13T09:26:00.000-05:00

WHO is this?

Mystery Photo of the Day

2010-09-22T11:24:00.000-05:00

Who is this?

Mystery Photo of the Day

2010-09-16T14:59:00.000-05:00

Can you guess who this is and why they are doing what they are doing?

"No Doubt We Are Moving in the Right Direction"

2010-09-09T14:09:00.000-05:00

Some folks are, evidently, confused about many of my Facebook posts in recent days. They think I am simply reposting the same information over and over again. I am not.

For the past few weeks, I have frequently posted updates to Facebook which begin with the statement recently made by Vice President Biden concerning our economy: "No doubt we are moving in the right direction". I have included, with each post, a link to an article providing testimony which clearly refutes what the Vice President has said. Over and over again, various articles have appeared which present clear evidence that our economy is on the wrong track and continuing on that wrong track. The President and the Vice President either are out of touch with reality, deceiving themselves, or intentionally misleading the public with their "positive" economic outlook.

The administration believes the correct approach is to take additional federal monies and throw it at various projects to stir the job market. They did this 18 months ago with the stimulus bill and the economy has gotten worse. More money is not the answer, Mr. President. Besides, that money being thrown around is our money. More precisely, it is my grandchildren's money for the government is driving us deeper and deeper into debt. NO ONE AND NO ORGANIZATION CAN SPEND MORE THAN IT TAKES IN AND SURVIVE. At some point we will collapse. To cover the cost of all your programs (enacted and on the table) will require additional income which means more taxes. More taxes further stifle the job market and the purchasing power of the consumer. Your solution will be to throw out more money. That means more taxes. It is a vicious cycle. Can't our leaders see this? Are we truly moving in the right direction?

I am not an economic wiz but I do believe there are some things the President and his administration COULD do to address the problem. Here they are in no particular order. This is certainly not an exhaustive list.

1. CUT ALL TAXES - Yes, even on the "wealthiest" Americans. You see, its those wealthiest Americans who invest and produce the jobs which fuel this economy. They won't do so if you continue to take more and more of their money. No investments, no new jobs. Cutting taxes also frees up money for consumer purchases which drives merchandising, etc. When I say cut all taxes, I do not simply mean extend the Bush tax custs for everyone (which the administration MUST do). No, I mean CUT ALL TAXES.

2. CUT ALL TAXES - I'm repeating myself only to make certain the administration includes cutting capital gains taxes as well.

3. PULL BACK STIMULUS MONEY - Last I heard, over $300 billion of the 2009 stimulus funds had not been spent. DON'T SPEND IT!

4. REPEAL HEALTHCARE - Mr. President, the nation cannot afford it. The American people do not want it. The entire program passed last year must go. There are plenty of ways to fix what ails the health care industry without spending ourselves into oblivion.

5. NO CAP AND TRADE - The global warming nonsense has finally wound down a bit. Putting additional taxes onto energy will only translate into higher costs to consumers. It is totally unnecessary.

6. STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - For years we have been told "illegals do the jobs Americans won't do". Maybe that's true sometimes. But what is also true is that "Illegals are doing jobs Americans could do and probably would do in this economic situation if those jobs were available". Illegal immigrants are just that: illegal. They should not be here and should not be permitted to remain. The problem must be addressed because it impacts our economic status. For starters, (1) Secure the border (seriously) (2) Heavily fine businesses who employ illegal immigrants (3) deport any illegal immigrant who is found (this does not require "looking" for them, rather, simply deporting those who are found).

7. GET OUT OF OUR LIVES - No more bailouts. If a company fails, it fails. We should strive to help those who truly need help but we can not do this for everyone over extended periods of time. Significantly reduce the length of time unemployment benefits are extended. Let the free market work. Eliminate government bureaucracy which will reduce the amount of money needed to run the government. Americans do not want a LARGE Federal government constantly intruding into our lives. Instead, reread the Constitution and limit yourselves to the powers enumerated therein. All the other powers belong to the states (check the 10th Amendment please).

Those are my thoughts.

Oh, and Mr. Vice President, we are NOT moving in the right direction!

Mystery Photo of the Day

2010-09-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

Can you guess who this is in the picture?

September Newsletter

2010-08-30T12:12:00.000-05:00

The September edition of "Wild Walker World" has been mailed. There is some information in the newsletter about our Wild Walker Weekend scheduled for this weekend. If you have additional questions concerning the facilities, I suggest you talk with Jeremy and Lisa who have visited the site.

The Grass is Always Greener...

2010-08-20T10:37:00.000-05:00

... in someone else's lawn!

I freely admit my lawn is not the most well manicured property on our street. Many of our neighbors have immaculate lawns requiring many hours of work in the evenings and weekends as well as constant reminders to their children (and others) to stay off the grass. I resolved years ago not to be one of those parents.

I do appreciate the property the Lord has given me and understand I am to be a good steward of this gift. But I also believe the Lord intends for me to do more with it than simply have it looking as pretty as a picture. I'm not a big outdoors person (and both my physican and dermitologist are glad about that) but I also wanted my children to have a place to play. So, when we moved here years ago, I forfeited any idea of a perfect looking lawn in order to give my kids a place to play.

And we have! Basketball, wiffle ball, lawn hockey and many other outdoor activities right there on our front lawn. We have played in sunshine, snow, and rain; the lawn has paid the price. Furthermore, over the years our lawn activities have included the children of those neighbors who would not permit anyone on their grass.

For years my children have taken turns mowing our lawn to earn some spending money. Again, that's great for them and for me. This is especially true today since my body does not tolerate the heat well at all.

On Wednesday, I received a letter from the City of Saint Chares entitled "Code Enforcement". My property is listed as case number 10-00003942. There, in bold print, all caps, and underlined, are the words:

NOTICE OF GRASS/WEED VIOLATION AND HEARING DATE

In part, the text reads "The above mentioned property was inspected by this Department and the following violation(s) were found: Grass/Weeds in excess of eight (8) inches in height." I'm given 4 days to correct this violation. I also have an optional hearing on Monday in case I want to defend my long grass.

Well, I will not argue that, as of this past Monday, my grass was long. We mowed on Friday, July 30 and then left for a week long mission trip in Kentucky on August 2. Upon returning home, the temperatures in our area reached the upper 90s and 100 every day the following week with heat indices upwards of 110 or higher. Obviously, being out of town prevented us from mowing one week and the high temps prevented us from mowing the next week. There is no way I could have mowed in this heat and I did not feel my children should have to do so either.

On this past Monday, the temperature broke and my girls mowed the lawn. The letter arrived on Wednesday. So, I guess we "complied" with the mandate.

Now I understand perfectly well well why the city has such a code. Tall grass and weeds on a property do nothing to enhance the value of neighboring homes, especially those on the marketplace. Furthermore, while I do not maintain my lawn with the care and precision of others, I also do not like tall grass. So, yes, I was in violation and for that I am sorry. There have been periods in the past when my lawn has gone 3 or 4 weeks without mowing (e.g., our mower was being repaired) and nothing was said.

What I am curious about, though, is what prompted this "inspection" of my property. Does the city have someone driving around town checking on lawns? Do they actually get out and use a ruler to measure the length of the grass? If so, that seems like a terrible use of tax money. But, deep in my gut, I suspect someone in my neighborhood called an authority to report my tall grass. If that is the case then it is a perfect example of a serious problem with our society: take no responsibility and let the government resolve your problem.

If I found the lack of care given to one of my neighbor's lawns to be bugging me, I would go to that neighbor and simply request that he do something about his lawn. Who knows? Perhaps that neighbor has a broken mower and needs help. Who knows? Perhaps that neighbor is ill or caring for an ailing loved one and cannot take time to work on their lawn. Who knows? Perhaps I could offer to mow their lawn for them.

Now if my neighbor simply refused to do anything then I might call the authorities. Knowing my attitude towards lawns, probably not.

Again, I am making the assumption someone turned us in. If that is true then what we have is some neighbor who is upset at me for not taking care of my lawn. But they don't want to get involved and take the initiative to check with me on why I am not mowing. No, heaven forbid they check in on me and offer to help. No, there's an easy way out: call the government!

The note from the city is interesting in 2 other respects:

1. Our case number is 10-00003942. Does that mean we are the 3,942nd household cited in 2010 for long grass? Wow, if so, then maybe there are more people around here who have the same outlook on their grass as I do! Let's all ditch our mowers, save on gas and air pollution, and use goats again.

2. The note also indicates if the grass/weeds grow on the same property and result in a second violation during the same growing season, "the City may without further notification" have the weeds removed. Does that mean that I can let my grass grow more than 8 inches again and the city will mow it for me? Will they do it at no charge? Will they come back if I violate the ordinance a 3rd or 4th time? Wow, maybe I could get my lawn mowed by the city for free (i.e., on the tax payers nickel) every couple of weeks!

If you are reading this post and happen to be the person who "turned us in", please, come visit me the next time before calling the authorities. My goal is to keep my lawn looking as nice as I can (1) without jeopardizing my family's health in maintaining it and (2) without preventing my children and grandchildren from using it to have fun. I'm sure we can reach a compromise (e.g., you can mow my lawn).

How to Fail a Test: Part 4

2010-05-31T12:28:00.003-05:00

60 Years

2010-05-27T11:22:00.004-05:00

Today is my 60th birthday. Thanks to Facebook, I have received numerous birthday wishes and I appreciate each one.

I am NOT a believer in numerology but, for fun, I decided to jot down some things for each year of life the Lord has given me. Many of these will change from year to year but, again, this is just for fun. Here we go:

1 - number of sisters I have (she is older!); number of sons I have; number of wives I have (and she is awesome!)

2 - number of brothers I have (they are younger)

3 - jersey number of the greatest baseball player of all time (and my favorite), George Herman ("Babe") Ruth

4 - number of pets presently in my house (I could quickly change this number to 1)

5 - number of years employed by HODA (House of Decorative Accessories)

6 - number of years (almost) as pastor of Silex Baptist Church; number of DAYS I worked for Eckert's Market one summer

7 - number of sermons I preached from Isaiah 9:1-7 in 2009

8 - number of daughters I have; number or years I have had a bad big toe (thanks grandson!)

9 - number of children God has given to us!

10 - number of grandchildren from the Lord (including the one due in September)!

11 - total number of years (almost) employed by McDonnell Douglas

12 - number of sermons I preached from Malachi in 2001; number of pills I presently take each day

13 - age I received my first pair of glasses; # of the highway running through my home town

14 - age when I saw a 3-0 Giants victory over the Braves at Candlestick Park in San Francisco: Braves had one hit and the Giants 3 (solo homers by Mays, McCovey, and Cepeda)

15 - birthday when I received my first Strat-O-Matic Baseball game ("3-5!")

16 - number of New Testament History classes I have taught at Missouri Baptist University

17 - number of years I have been a grandfather (as of this Saturday!); age when I became champion in the New Athens High School Chess Club

18 - total physical descendants of Debbie and me born to date

19 - total physical descendants of Debbie and me born after September of this year

20 - Total years employed by IBM

21 - number of days YOUNGER I am than one of my closest friends ("the Pawhuska Prophet"!); number of Old Testament History classes taught at Missouri Baptist University

22 - Age when I received my B. A. in math, was born again by God's Holy Spirit, and married to my terrific wife (that was quite a year!)

23 - number of sermons I preached from 1 John in 2001

24 - age when I earned my M. S. in Computer Science and began my IBM career. Also, number of letters in the Greek alphabet (love that Greek! Thank you, Dr. Metts!).

25 - total number of sermons preached in my exposition of Galatians in 2000 (in hindsight, not enough!)

26 - number of sermons preached in my exposition of Colossians in 2009. Also, my age when our IBM softball team won the IBM league championship.

27 - day of the month of May on which I was born; also my age when God called me into the ministry

28 - number of years we have lived in our present home (as of July)

29 - a prime number (love those primes!); # of pages in my thesis for an M.S. in Computer Science ("On the Minimization of Incompletely Specified Sequential Machines"; I'm not even sure what that means any more!)

30 - number of years since I graduated from Criswell College and was ordained to the Gospel ministry; number of sermons I preached from Ecclesiastes in 2004 (that was a struggle!)

31 - Day in the month of October on which we celebrate the Protestant Reformation (you rock, Martin!); also the Trinity number ("3" in "1")

32 - number of pieces on the board at the beginning of a chess match; number of months remaining in the worse Presidency of our country's history

33 - Atomic number of Arsenic (reminds me of "Arsenic and Old Lace"); supposed age of Jesus when he died (likely closer to 35); number of years I have struggled studying Biblical Hebrew!

34 - number of years I have had the pleasure of studying Biblical Greek

35 - number of giraffes I can see while sitting at my desk

36 - number of years I have been a father

37 - number of years I have been married to the greatest woman I know (you rock, Debs!)

38 - number of years since I graduated with my first college degree

39 - Stonewall Jackson's age at his death; number of signers of the United States Constitution; number of sermons I preached from 1 Peter in 2005.

40 - approximate number of Big Macs I will consume this year

41 - years since I watched Neil Armstrong walk on the moon

42 - average number of hours I sleep each week; number of years since I graduated from high school

43 - age when my first grandchild AND my last child were born

44 - age when I broke my arm at second base playing softball; uniform number of my favorite childhood contemporary ball player, Hank Aaron

45 - total years I had with my father (who would have been 99 yesterday)

46 - my age on the Mother's Day when I preached to a Pinckneyville congregation from Obadiah 15-17 a sermon entitled "Judgment!" (Happy Mother's Day to all)

47 - age when Debbie and I had a blast in Germany and Switzerland

48 - number of years since I first saw "Lawrence of Arabia" on the big screen

49 - my age when I became the pastor of Silex Baptist Church; number of years (almost) I had with my mother

50 - my birthday party when Debbie bought me my last bicycle; I rode it once and decided not to do so again for safety reasons. Took it back to the store, got our money back, and bought stuff for her instead. I loved and rode bikes all the time when I was a kid. But that was in a previous life...

51 - number of books (including Bibles) presently setting on my desk (and not my bookshelves) at home

52 - number of cards in a regular card deck (how many games of "15" have I played over the years?)

53 - The Babe's age when he died.

54 - number of home runs hit by the Babe in 1920, shattering his own record of 29 from the year before. He did this in only 142 games.

55 - Debbie's current age; I pray she has another 55 to go!

56 - my age at the first Wild Walker Week held in Myrtle Beach; number of signers to the Declaration of Independence; number of short stories written by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle on Sherlock Holmes.

57 - number of varieties advertised by Henry Heinz though he actually had more than 60 at the time

58 - number of classes I have taught at Missouri Baptist University through the Spring 2010 semester

59 - my age when I began the pastorate at Bethesda Baptist; number of sermons I have preached to date at Bethesda Baptist.

and, finally,

60 - the number of home runs the Babe hit in 1927 (154 games - I still consider it the record since Maris had 162 games and the modern era players used steroids!); the number of years the Lord has graciously given me to date!

How to Fail a Test: Part 3

2010-05-26T12:49:00.003-05:00

How to Fail a Test: Part 2

2010-05-20T15:07:00.004-05:00

How to Fail a Test: Part 1

2010-05-19T13:48:00.004-05:00

I received these (and others) today and thought I would share them over a set of posts. They are examples of how to fail a test.

Wild Walker Weekend 2010

2010-03-11T16:33:00.021-06:00

Last week, Lisa and I volunteered to take charge of this year’s Wild Walker Weekend and are ready to start getting things planned. At Thanksgiving last year, Lisa and I joined her family at Washington State Park and stayed in a cabin. We immediately thought of using the park as a place to host this event. Since other possibilities for a weekend retreat have not been promoted, this is exactly what we are going to do.

It took Lisa and I under an hour and a half to get to the Cabin from our doorstep, so it is pretty convenient for those of us in the STL area. You can read about the park at the link below.

Washington State Park

There are three types of cabins available to rent at the park. There is a large 3 bedroom cabin that is ideal for hosting the meals and gathering times. It is set apart from all the other cabins and campsites and provides plenty of room to goof off outside undisturbed. This cabin is not marked on the map below, but it is near the swimming pool.

There are both one and two bedroom cabins set in groupings also available. We stayed in a two bedroom cabin, which was very nice and we enjoyed it very much. These cabins are marked on the map below. It would be a 2-3 minute car ride to the larger cabin, or a 10-15 minute walk.

Here is what we are proposing:

Rent the 3 bedroom cabin and 2 of the 2 bedroom cabins. This would give us the meeting space needed for meals and such and would allow each family to have their own bedroom space. We’ve run the numbers and have figured that this would put the cost per person at $20 per night. So that would mean the following cost for each family:
Cole: $240
Golfway: $80
Gant: $120
Green: $240
Kaatman: $80
Livingstons – We are assuming you will not be able to make it, but if any of these weekends work for you, let us know! If you came, we would add another 2 bedroom cabin and the cost would drop to $17 person per night.

Camping Option
If the cost is too much for your family, there is always the option of camping in the park for a much cheaper cost. A campsite would cost something like $34 for the entire weekend. There is a set of campsites between the two sets of cabins, so it would be quite close. You’d be able to shower and use the restroom at any of the cabins, so basically you would be using the tents for sleeping in only. If anyone would like to use this option, Lisa and I have a tent you can borrow. If a family camps, they would pay their campsite cost and the others would split the cabin costs. The difference in price for the cabin dwellers would be less than $2 per night per person.

Here’s what we need you to do:
Check the following weekends on your calendars and let us know which weekends you are not available and any preference you may have:
July 16-18
August 20-22 ; 27-29
September 3-5 ; 10-12

Let us know your availability and preference by Friday, 26MAR10. We need to book the cabins as soon as possible.

Hot Air Balloon

2010-03-08T15:00:00.002-06:00

A short story sent to me by Sarah....

A woman in a hot-air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below. She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above a ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude."

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican."

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be a Democrat."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

A Letter to My Senator

2009-12-11T14:08:00.003-06:00

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

The President

2009-11-16T08:47:00.005-06:00

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.

HR 3962

2009-11-10T16:25:00.003-06:00

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.

Thankful

2009-11-09T18:21:00.003-06:00

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.

Survey Sickness

2009-10-23T09:33:00.003-05:00

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.

A Reformer Puzzle

2009-10-14T14:20:00.003-05:00

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.

Anticipated Questions

2009-10-12T16:44:00.002-05:00

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

Happy 36th Birthday, Sonja!

2009-10-06T08:07:00.003-05:00

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

WWW 2010

2009-10-05T09:31:00.003-05:00

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.

The Mathematics of Health Care

2009-09-09T07:13:00.003-05:00

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!

Ronald Reagan and Health Care

2009-09-06T19:34:00.002-05:00

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.

The Providence of God

2009-08-13T13:31:00.000-05:00

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

Health Care Facts from the Heritage Foundation

2009-08-13T11:31:00.003-05:00

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.

Babies: Cap and Trade

2009-08-12T08:48:00.002-05:00

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.

Counting Heads: The 2010 Census

2009-08-10T11:23:00.003-05:00

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.

National Debt

2009-07-31T07:53:00.000-05:00

Interesting site monitoring our national debt.

Are you ready to lose some of your freedoms?

2009-07-30T12:22:00.003-05:00

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.

New Entry Concerning the 21st Century Church

2009-07-16T10:00:00.001-05:00

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.

Mr. President, Part 2

2009-06-05T08:20:00.002-05:00

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.

Mr. President ...

2009-06-04T12:57:00.003-05:00

“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

2009-06-04T07:40:00.000-05:00

Maybe we need to ask Jessi about this story!

Zombies

2009-06-03T08:29:00.003-05:00

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.

A Letter to the President

2009-06-02T08:55:00.002-05:00

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.

Barr Bee Queu

2009-05-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

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.

Kelsey has a blog

2009-05-18T09:38:00.003-05:00

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.

"Rocket Man"

2009-04-22T07:36:00.003-05:00

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".

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

2009-04-21T08:29:00.005-05:00

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.

Our President and the Sermon on the Mount

2009-04-17T12:02:00.001-05:00

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

Check it out here.

Britain's Got Talent

2009-04-16T09:03:00.004-05:00

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.

Star Wars ... NOT

2009-04-09T16:30:00.001-05:00

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

Message to Pastors and Churches

2009-04-08T15:32:00.001-05:00

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

Amazing Video

2009-04-07T10:36:00.001-05:00

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 ...

2009-04-07T08:09:00.002-05:00

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.

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

2009-04-06T11:03:00.002-05:00

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.

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

2009-04-03T15:33:00.002-05:00

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

The article is HERE.

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

2009-03-25T08:45:00.002-05:00

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.

American Tea Party

2009-03-20T10:11:00.001-05:00

Amen to this!

Free Biblical Resources

2009-03-16T17:37:00.002-05:00

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.

Dates for WWW 2009

2009-03-12T17:14:00.001-05:00

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.

What we are doing to our currency

2009-02-20T10:12:00.003-06:00

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

Economic Passion

2009-02-19T13:32:00.003-06:00

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

I have been "stimulated" by our Congress

2009-02-16T13:50:00.002-06:00

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.

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

2009-02-11T10:17:00.003-06:00

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!

More Stimulus

2009-02-10T15:25:00.002-06:00

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.

A Letter from my Congressman on the "Stimulus" Bill

2009-02-06T10:20:00.004-06:00

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

2009-02-06T09:32:00.004-06:00

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.

I Like Glenn Beck

2009-02-05T08:09:00.001-06:00

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

Happy Birthday, FDR!

2009-01-30T15:11:00.003-06:00

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.

The Stimulus Package

2009-01-29T09:30:00.004-06:00

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.

A Letter from my Congressman on FOCA

2009-01-26T09:57:00.002-06:00

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.

"The Obama Agenda" by Jonah Goldberg

2009-01-21T09:24:00.002-06:00

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.

Praise for Lee and Jackson

2009-01-19T09:47:00.003-06:00

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:

http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/donate.php

(c) Chuck Baldwin

NOTE TO THE READER:

This email editorial cannot be considered Spam as long as the sender includes contact information and a method of removal.

To subscribe, click on this link and follow the instructions:
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/subscribe.php

To unsubscribe, click on this link and follow the instructions: http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/unsubscribe.php

Chuck Baldwin's commentaries are copyrighted and may be republished, reposted, or emailed providing the person or organization doing so does not charge for subscriptions or advertising and that the column is copied in tact and that full credit is given and that Chuck's web site address is included.

Editors or Publishers of publications charging for subscriptions or advertising who want to run these columns must contact Chuck Baldwin for permission. Radio or television Talk Show Hosts interested in scheduling aninterview with Chuck should contact chuck@chuckbaldwinlive.com

Readers may also respond to this column via snail mail. The postal addressis P.O. Box 37070, Pensacola, Florida. When responding, please include your name, city and state. And, unless otherwise requested, all respondents will be added to the Chuck Wagon address list.

Please visit Chuck's web site at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/

Exponential Change - Eternal Constant

2009-01-15T09:54:00.002-06:00

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

Another Quiz for the Walker Faithful (and Followers)

2009-01-14T13:24:00.004-06:00

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!

Christmas at the Walker house

2009-01-07T23:23:00.002-06:00

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

The Highland View Chronicles: Twas Sunday Before Christmas

2008-12-24T09:20:00.003-06:00

On the Sunday evening before Christmas, our church has a mixture of fun and the serious all in celebration of Christ's birth. Various members sing songs, read poems, or do skits as part of the service. As part of our 2008 celebration, I composed the following poem, a new episode in a collection of poems I have written called "The Highland View Chronicles". For those of you who do not know the names in the poem, be assured I consider each of them dear friends. Nothing I have written should be perceived as being a "slap" against any of them.

The Highland View Chronicles: Twas the Sunday Before Christmas

Borrowing rhythm, thoughts, and words from Clement C. Moore’s “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

Twas Sunday before Christmas
When all through the church,
No one volunteering left
Carlie in the lurch.

The banners were hung
On the platform back wall
In hope that someone
Might give Carlie a call.

The members were nestled
All snug in their pews
While Carlie was waiting
For some hopeful news.

Mama House was worried
For her little girl.
See, Carlie’s job kept her
Life in quite a swirl.

Would anyone sing, would anyone act?
Carlie had not a clue.
There might be an upset member
Who turns around and sues!

When out in the hall
There arose such a clatter
I turned in my pew
To see what was the matter.

My eyes opened wide
To the scene in the back.
But my ears heard a sound
Which my brains did rack.

The light in the hall
To the group gave a glow.
It revealed the people
Who stood there below.

When, what to my
Wondering eyes should appear
But Jerry and
All of his family dear.

With this older leader,
Not so lively and quick
I knew in a moment
It wasn’t St. Nick.

More rapid than beagles
His family they came.
And he whistled, and shouted,
And called them by name!

“Now Brandy! Now Jenny!
Luke and Joshua!
On Erin! On Michelle!
On Zach and Anna!”

“To the front of the church!
To the top of the stage!
Now dash away! Dash away!”
Jerry did page.

As dry leaves that before
The wild hurricane fly
When they meet with an obstacle
Mount to the sky.

So up to the pulpit
The Kregers they flew,
With their mother Joann
And their father too.

And then, in a twinkling,
I heard from my past
The screeching of Jerry
When a song he would blast.

As I plugged up my ears
And prepared to cringe
I noticed that Carlie
Seemed to come unhinged.

Catrina played the keys
With such graceful skill
Her music even touched
My hard hearted will.

Though fearful I was
To unplug my poor ears
The song she played
Allayed all of my fears.

As my fingers did leave
Their previous home
The Kregers began to sing
Their voices did roam.

Throughout the auditorium
Their song did rise.
And I marveled as the scene
Passed before my eyes.

A miracle took place
As they each did their part.
‘Twas not with their voices
But within my own heart.

The song was beautiful,
A blessing to hear.
It was not the tune, but
The words in my ear.

The message of the carol
That they sang that night
It made the service simply
Perfect and just right.

The Kregers, you see, sang
About our great Lord.
They filled our hearts and minds
With God’s Holy Word.

“For in Bethlehem town
Christ is born this day”
Are words even I can
Find a means to say.

Carlie was glad, for
the Kregers saved the night.
Each of us thought the
Service was a delight.

Others followed them with
Songs of old Christmas cheer
And the hour passed quickly,
Too quickly for some there.

The pastor then concluded with
A few brief remarks.
Noting that angels had given
The first Christmas “Hark!”.

And then our dear preacher
Offered up a prayer
The service was over
And we were out of there.

But I heard him exclaim,
‘ere he left out of sight’
“Happy Christmas to all
And to all a good night.”

Composed December 20, 2008; delivered at Highland View Baptist Church on December 21, 2008.

Christmas Poem - 2008

2008-12-24T09:13:00.003-06:00

Over the past several Christmas seasons, I have attempted to write a new poem each year. I do so in order to glorify the Lord as well as keep my brain as active as possible, attempting to stretch it into arenas in which I do not spend a lot of time. There have been a couple of years where there was no poem. For me, writing a poem is not something I can just do. I must be in the mood and feel the words flow or I get easily discouraged and walk away from the effort.

At any rate, I did sit down Saturday evening after writing a poem for our church, and compose a 2008 Christmas poem. For those of you who are interested, here it is. I checked my meter against Christmas carols and found my meter essentially matches that of "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks" (meaning you should be able to use that tune to "sing" the following words if you so wanted).

And Jesus is His Name
A Christmas Poem for 2008

Shepherds were there watching their flock
In fields near Bethlehem
When the Angel of God appeared
God’s glory shone on them.
God’s glory shone on them.

“Born today in David’s city
The King of Kings is He.
The Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace
Man’s Savior He will be.
Man’s Savior He will be.”

“Glory to God in the Highest”
The angels did proclaim.
Glory of the begotten one
And Jesus is His name.
And Jesus is His name.

The baby is the Son of God
As well as David’s son.
The Alpha and Omega He
Great God and Holy One.
Great God and Holy One.

That child is the Prophet of old
That Moses did foretell.
The Author of our one true faith
And Finisher as well.
And Finisher as well.

“Glory to God in the Highest”
The angels did proclaim.
Glory of the begotten one
And Jesus is His name.
And Jesus is His name.

He’s the one and only High Priest
Satisfying God’s wrath.
Mediating ‘tween God and man
Praying on our behalf.
Praying on our behalf.

The Father gave the child His Name
And Jesus it would be
To show how He would save His sheeps’
Eternal destiny.
Eternal destiny.

“Glory to God in the Highest”
The angels did proclaim.
Glory of the begotten one
And Jesus is His name.
And Jesus is His name.

409 South Van Buren and Christmas

2008-12-17T22:32:00.002-06:00

Recently, my brothers and sister have been exchanging some e-mails related to our earlier home in New Athens. 409 South Van Buren was the home I lived in the first 10 plus years of my life before we moved to the familiar house on Hanft Street. Several of you children should remember the Hanft house, the one across from the school. I suspect Jacob and Mandie might also recall it to some degree. None of you, though, knew the Van Buren home. A few times when we were in town I pointed out the house, which still stands, to some of you.

The Van Buren home was to me what 1504 Carla was to Sonja and, perhaps, Jeremy: the first home they remember. It will also have a special place in my heart.

Below are some excerpts from the e-mail exchanges just to shed some light on my childhood for those of you who may have an interest. To understand them you need some idea of the home layout.

The Van Buren home was a wood frame house with two stories (and an unfinished basement). The first floor had 4 rooms. When you entered the back yard door, you were at the bottom of the steps leading to the second floor. To the right was the kitchen/dining area plus the stairs to the basement. There was also a small half bathroom here. Moving through the kitchen you came to an open room which, for a time, was used by my grandpa and grandma Pitchford as their bedroom. Turning left took you into a living room with a door facing Van Buren. All of my Christmas memories of this house had the tree in this room with my father’s “O” gauge train running underneath and around it. Turning left again led you into another room which housed our television, at least in some of my memories. So the downstairs formed one big circle. There were no doors, therefore, we were able to run circles in the house.

If you went up the steps to the second floor, the first room on the left was my mom and dad’s room. Straight ahead was my brother, Keith, and my bedroom. It had a large window overlooking Van Buren Street. If you took a right at the top of the steps, you would make another right down a hallway. To the left off that hallway was my sister’s room. At the end of the hallway, above the back door, was the bathroom.

When you walked out the front door, you found yourself on a large concrete porch. At that time the porch was not screened in. Bushes and trees surrounded some of it. To me, the porch became a war fort from time to time and a great place for a Kool-Aid stand at others.

That’s the basic layout. Obviously, the room assignments changed over the years as new babies arrived and you will see that in some of the extracts. But what I have written above is how I remember the home.

I hope you enjoy the walk through time.

My initial e-mail:
I was wondering if Keith or Jane can remember what dad put up at the Van Buren house outside. What I recall is:

1. Large blue lights outlining the house (they looked awesome! Always liked the solid blue over the mixed colors he used at the Hanft house).
2. The Santa scene with the flashing Rudolph nose (I think it flashed). He put that on the second story facing Van Buren against Keith and my window. Later this was on the garage door on Hanft for a while.
3. They may have had some of those red bells in the windows but I don't remember.
4. Did they put lights around the windows on the inside of the house? I don't recall
them.
5. Lastly, did dad have the Christmas Card at Van Buren? My gut says "no" but, for some reason, I keep thinking he actually did and put it up on the corner of Belsha and Van Buren.

Jane’s response:

My memory is about the same as yours and I remember being in the small bedroom with the windows blocked by Santa and rudolph. … And I was in that bedroom from as early as I can remember until I was -- what 14 or 15?? I remember being sick with chicken pox in there and didn't Sweetsie have her pups in that chair I had in there?? Or maybe that was a cat earlier. Where did you boys sleep until you moved in there? … I don't remember a card there, but since I was only interested in ME, I don't remember paying much attention to much during my teen years. I do remember those red bells hanging around.

My response:

I don't know where we slept prior to that room. Probably with mom and dad! Those windows were cool because you could look out and watch the cars on Van Buren. I didn't mind Rudolph blocking them because that meant it was almost Christmas. My earliest bedroom memories are of that room at the top of the stairs with the playroom in the attic area to the left as you entered the room. I do recall riding my rocking horse in that playroom one winter. The only room I ever recall you being in was the room off to the right as you got to the top of the stairs, off the hallway which led around the stairs to the bathroom which overlooked the back yard. One Christmas season, I recall being in your room briefly. You were playing some Christmas album (Nat King Cole?). I asked you some Santa question which I don't remember (e.g., "How did Santa get into our house since we didn't have a fireplace?") and I don't recall your answer. At least you didn't tell me Santa was not real. Maybe I was in that room until Keith moved out of mom and dad's room and then the two of us took over your room. I don't recall any of that, though.

Jane’s response:

We seemed to be a bedroom switching family. here is how I remember bedrooms:

First one I was in was the small one at top of stairs. the future one, "the North Room" was closed off because no heat in there.

Grandma and Scotty were in the room off to the left at top of stairs. I used to get into bed with Grandma in the morning … Mom and Dad were in the room to the left as you came in thru the back door. And you babies were in there, too. Your beds were against the stairwell wall. I can also remember sleeping in there when I was sick with measles. Dad wouldn't let anyone else give me medicine and he kept the room dark. He also bought my first record which I believe was stories and songs.

Then, Dad fixed up the North Room (built a closet at one end) and i moved in. With the door opened, it stayed warm enough, but in the summer, I used to close it and the huge window fan Dad built would blow lots of air in. Of course, the other room didn't receive any of it and Dad was always on me to open my door.

Grandma and Grandpa ended up in the room off the kitchen.

These probably weren't all the moves. but these are ones I remember. I too, remember the train room Dad built off the small bedroom. It was really neat.

A question from Cheryl:

Didn't your Dad have to attach a piece of wire from the ceiling to the Christmas tree so it wouldn't tip over? Was it because of a cat or kids? I remember Keith talking about running in circles through the rooms from your Mom.

Another note from Jane:

I would love to go thru that house again.. Yes, the kids always ran around the house in circles. It had 4, what seemed to be, large rooms: kitchen, another room that Grandma and Scotty slept in for a while, the living room, and the next room that Mom and Dad and boys (when babies, I guess) slept in. The rooms were connected by large open arches. And they all had big windows. I loved the front porch, too. Scotty and I sat out there on the steps and played a game he "invented": counting cars. I had one direction, he the other. We would do that for what seemed hours, especially if it was raining. I also performed on the front porch while wearing Mom or Grandma's clothes.

The upstairs bedroom had these 2 big closets. One had a bottom shelf that I liked to climb in and on. I think Mom kept the sheets, etc., on it, but the closets were full of their clothes. I especially liked wearing the pink dress with big black dots. I think they each had one.

The stairs going up/down were in the center of house. Dad put in a half bath outside the basement door; just a stool and sink. then, in basement, he built a shower stall that he used.

We also did the laundry in basement with an old fashioned washing machine. All the tubs were arranged in a circle. The washing machine had a wringer at top that moved around in a circle; so, the clothes in hot, soapy water were put thru wringer into the hot rinse water, which went into a second tub of water, which went into a third, then the basket, which was carried up the back stairs and hung on a clothes line. or, in bad weather, hung on lines in basement. Dad also had a room back in a corner, that he used to develop film. I don't remember him doing that for very long.

We had a big old furnace and at first, coal was dropped down, but then, Dad put in a "stocker"???and maybe it took some different coal.

We had a big radiator in the kitchen, and during winter months, our wet hats and mittens would lay on it. And our wet shoes and boots under it.

The tree had to be wired to the ceiling and the hooks stayed up all year. We always had a dog and or cat but I think it was just the boys always decorating it or checking under it. Dad always had his train under it and maybe the tree stand in the middle of the board wasn't too sturdy; can't remember all of this.

We moved to the new house the summer I graduated, 1960, so Keith was 8, Bruce 10.

As i said, I'd love to go thru that house again and see how, if any, changes were made to it.

I believe we moved there shortly after Mom and Dad married. I only remember a little of living in the house on the other street, so don't think we were there too long.

Christmas Caroling

2008-12-17T22:21:00.003-06:00

Every year our church spends 90 minutes or so one Wednesday evening in December singing Christmas carols at the doors of our shut-ins, ill, and/or seniors. Tonight was our 2008 engagement and we had a wonderful time. Pastor Gary plotted our course and Brother Jay served as our leader. I find those of us singing the carols are blessed as much as (if not more) than those to whom we sing.

This year we once again visited the local retirement home to sing to one of the residents. Our pastor guided us up one flight of stairs, down a couple of hallways, and to the lady's door. I always get turned around in this building and tonight was no exception. Brother Jay began our first song and everyone sang with gusto.

While in the midst of one of our songs, the door opened, a lady stuck out her head, and said "Where are you from?". I was down the hallway a bit but didn't recognize the face. We sang a couple of more songs, wished her a Merry Christmas, and was off. The pastor said we needed to go up one more level. As it turns out, no one knew the lady we just met. Our church member lived in the apartment one story above!

So, we had the privilege of singing carols to a complete stranger. It was funny to think about it at the time (still is). But God had his reasons for us stepping up to her door. I pray He blesses that lady in a special way this Christmas for being so polite to a group of strangers singing to her the week before Christmas!

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-26T13:52:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow we celebrate the truly American holiday of Thanksgiving. Despite all the present day “interpretations” of the first Thanksgiving celebration held in New England, we know our early American ancestors were not simply thankful to the Indians who helped them survive in their new home. Ultimately and primarily, the Pilgrims were thankful to God.

Every day demands we thank our Lord for His blessings. In fact, every moment we live is a blessing from God for which He deserves our thanks. “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” the Apostle Paul wrote (1 Thessalonians 5:18). However, Thanksgiving Day truly highlights all the Lord has done for us and provides us with one day where we can especially thank Him.

For this Thanksgiving Day, I want to thank the Lord for two special blessings: faith and family. The faith I have in Him to care for my eternal soul is a faith which came from Him. Why He chose to move in my life is beyond my comprehension. Why the Holy Spirit called me to salvation and regenerated my soul in a new spiritual birth is a mystery I’ll never fully understand (John 3). Yet through God’s saving grace and this new birth, He gave me the repentance and faith I needed to turn from sin and trust in Christ. I agree with Jonah: “Salvation is of the LORD” (Jonah 2:9). Thank you and praise you, Heavenly Father!

The second blessing I wish to highlight in my thanks to the Lord is my family. And what a family He has given me! Never in my wildest dreams as a teenager did I ever think I would have a family. Being a social introvert, very overweight, and far from the Lord, having a family was an impossible vision to me. But, praise the Lord, look at our family today!

After saving my soul, the Lord brought Debbie into my life. Regrettably, I take her for granted much too often. Next to the Lord, no one has had such an impact on my life as she. Debbie is my closest and dearest friend and the one person who fills the gaps in my life. I can not imagine living on this planet without her by my side. Being married to her is the greatest earthly blessing I have ever received. I love her so much, even more so than when we were engaged 36 years ago next week. Yes, I realize there is no marriage in heaven and that our love will be directed to Jesus, as it should be. But I do pray the Lord would permit me to worship and serve our Lord in heaven with Debbie by my side forever! Thank you, Lord, for this wonderful woman, wife, and friend!

The Lord’s blessings, though, overflow my cup. Not only did he give me such a wonderful person with whom to spend my life, He then blessed us with nine terrific children! I still have trouble believing that: nine children, praise the Lord! Each of them different with unique personalities and yet loved equally by their mother and father. Each of them with different gifts and abilities yet the pride of their parents in whatever they do. And, just to “sweeten” the blessing further, the Lord has saved each of them. There is no way I can ever express how much my children mean to me. I cannot find the words. Nor is there any way I can ever express my full thanksgiving to the Lord for blessing us with them. If any of my children ever, for one moment, thinks their father does not love them, let them know now and forever, they are seriously mistaken. Thank you, Lord, for these great children!

And, still, the Lord has not ceased to pour out His blessings to me through my family. Since last Thanksgiving He has given me two more grandchildren bringing our total to nine! What a blessing each of them is to me. Obviously, grandparents never get to spend much time with each of their grandchildren. But the lack of time does not diminish the love a grandfather has for them. Truly it is a blessing to sit and hold a new grandchild, a new family member who carries our family’s love, memories, and dreams into another generation. Truly it is a blessing to be able to talk with an older grandchild and hear what they think about life and the Lord. May God bring each of them to saving faith in Christ! Thank you, Lord, for these awesome grandchildren!

Our God has been so kind and so good to me, infinitely more than I ever deserve. He has poured out blessing upon blessing on one who deserves only condemnation and wrath. How can I not be thankful to Him?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, and may you be glorified in my faith and in my family, both of which have come from you.

My Grandchildren

2008-11-13T15:13:00.002-06:00

Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. Proverbs 17:6

My 9th grandchild, little Lydia Leigh, was born this week. She is truly a blessing to her parents and a delight to all her relatives. As I watched my son and daughter-in-law hold and love their first child, my feelings were the same as they were when each of my other grandchildren was born. You most likely think I am going to say I felt “joy” or “excitement” or “love” or some other similar word. Well, I did feel all of those emotions and many others. But the primary thought which crossed my mind and gripped my heart with Lydia’s birth is the same one I have had with the birth of each grandchild: accomplishment.

Graciously, God gave us nine wonderful children, eight of whom I was actually in the room when the child was born, four for whom I actually cut the cord. What a tremendous feeling it is to be a father! That feeling does not wane from the first to the last child. It is an awesome experience and floods you with so many emotions. I don’t believe anything can top it except, perhaps, motherhood! Nevertheless, fatherhood also brought with it an immediate feeling of terrific responsibility. You ARE the father! Ultimately, you are responsible for your family including this new life.

But, too soon your child is an adult, then married, then having a child of their own. Whether the child is your son or your daughter makes no difference. The child they bring into this world is your grandchild. They are now the father (or mother); you ARE the grandfather!

Yes, there is still a sense of responsibility but not nearly the kind experienced as a father. Sure, you need to help, as you can and as you are permitted, raise this child in the nurture and admonition of the Lord but that responsibility primarily now lies with your son or daughter, not you. What I specifically sensed was that feeling of accomplishment. The baton has been exchanged with your child. Or, as President Kennedy said, “The torch has been passed to a new generation.”

You raised your children the best you could though now, looking back, you realize how often you failed in that endeavor. They are now the parents. A new generation arises. The family goes on. Praise the Lord, what an accomplishment, an accomplishment possible only because of the grace of God.

My children’s children are my crown and I thank the Lord for each one of them.

May the Lord Jesus always bless each of them: Jacob, Amanda, Kaitlyn, Kelsey, Brody, Gracie, Bryson, baby Levi, and now, little Lydia.

Congratulations President-Elect Obama

2008-11-05T11:04:00.003-06:00

The following paragraphs form a letter I sent to our newly elected President this morning via e-mail. Given all my prior posts opposing him, I thought it only proper that I post this letter as well.

November 5, 2008

President-Elect Obama,

Congratulations on your campaign and your victory! Your election is further proof of the greatness of the United States of America!

I did not support your candidacy and did not vote for you yesterday. Your past legislative record and your remarks throughout your career alarm me. I have written blog entries and letters opposing you throughout the past few months and will continue to oppose the policies you outlined in the campaign. Nevertheless, I respect you as my next President and will pray for God to give you wisdom in your position as the leader of the free world.

Your election fulfills the dream of the Civil Rights movement. The African-American community, once slaves to white Americans and often punished and even killed as such, have now seen America erase that dark spot in the election of one of their own as President. Praise God such racial slavery has been removed from our nation! But, Mr. President-Elect, there still remains a civil rights battle in our country. There are still those in the United States who are in bondage and at the whim of their masters. They need their rights restored and I call on you as President-Elect to make this your number one priority. The group to whom I refer are our unborn children.

Every day in our nation since 1973, 4000 unborn Americans have their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness destroyed because their mother exercises her “freedom to choose”. The life of the mother, rape, and incest account for a small percentage (less than 5%) of the abortions performed in our country. Thousands of unborn Americans lose their right to life everyday at the hands of a mother who doesn’t want to be burdened by them.

Mr. President-Elect, women do not lose their “right to choose” if the practice of abortion is ended. When women engage in the sexual act they exercise their choice and must accept the possible consequences of that act, namely, a new, unborn American.

I call on you, President-Elect Obama, to lead the charge in our nation to eliminate the barbaric practice of killing our unborn citizens and, instead, to restore their right to live equally with other Americans.

Sincerely,

Bruce D. Walker
St. Charles, MO

Why Vote for Obama?

2008-11-03T08:25:00.004-06:00

Over the weekend some folks asked me about the letter I sent to the editor of the St. Charles Journal which was published in the October 29. Here is the text of that letter.

So you are going to vote for Sen. Barack Obama. I congratulate you for exercising your right to vote.But before you do so, may I ask you one question? Why Obama? Change? He gives good speeches? He's young"?Consider the following:

Sen. Obama has done nothing of significance in the Illinois or U.S. Senate.
Sen. Obama has not reached across party lines in the past.
Sen. Obama will raise taxes. Despite his claims, he always votes for tax increases.
Sen. Obama will redistribute wealth, which, in turn, will raise prices and cost jobs.
Sen. Obama will raise the capital gains tax, which will also raise prices and cost jobs.
Sen. Obama will pull out of the Middle East and reduce our military strength.
Sen. Obama supports the killing of the unborn. He supports partial birth abortion, an unnecessary and cruel practice.He also supports not caring for aborted babies who survive the abortion attempt.
Sen. Obama will implement national health care requiring more taxes. Furthermore, when has the government ever successfully run any agency?
Sen. Obama will not support new oil drilling or new nuclear plants in our country.
Sen. Obama will appoint liberal justices who will legislate from the bench.
Sen. Obama will give the Democrats control of both the legislative and executive branches of our government. Nothing will stop liberals from implementing their agenda.

Please vote. But, seriously, why Obama?

The Patriarch's Pen: Election 2008, Article 3

2008-10-23T09:55:00.002-05:00

This is my third blog post on the candidates for the Presidency in this year’s election. I have already presented my reasons why I will not vote for Senator Barack Obama as well as the various 3rd party candidates. The only candidate I have not discussed is Senator John McCain. He is the subject of this post.

First, let me be upfront on Senator McCain. He was not my choice for the Republican nomination during the primaries. I am not a John McCain fan. There are many reasons why I could vote against him. Here are a few:

1. McCain-Kennedy. This was the infamous “comprehensive” immigration bill which resulted in such a public outcry that it was wiped off the face of the earth. No matter what you call it, the bill was an amnesty bill and a major strike against Senator McCain.

2. McCain-Feingold. Supposedly a campaign reform bill, McCain-Feingold essentially helps incumbents maintain their seats.

3. McCain-Lieberman. The Climate Stewardship Act which would have depressed the economy more than saved the environment.

4. The Gang of 14. Senator McCain was one of the leaders of this informal group of 7 Republican and 7 Democrat Senators who worked together on President Bush’s justice appointments. In my humble opinion, Senator McCain was far TOO bi-partisan with this group, leaning toward the Democratic side way too often.

5. His energy position. Senator McCain has been against off shore drilling and drilling in ANWAR for some time. To his credit, he has changed his position on off shore drilling and now supports it since our nation badly needs this oil. I am hopeful Governor Palin, who supports drilling in ANWAR, will change his mind on that matter as well.

If Hilary Clinton had been the nominee running against John McCain, the above items would probably have driven me to vote for Chuck Baldwin even if that meant giving the Presidency to Clinton (believe me, that aggravates my stomach even to think about it). But Senator Clinton did not win the Democratic nomination, Senator Obama did. If there was another candidate more conservative than John McCain AND who could realistically defeat Barack Obama, I would vote for him. But, there isn’t. So I am left with John McCain.

My remarks should not be interpreted to imply there are no reasons why I would vote for him. He does have several positive stances with which I agree.

1. He is pro-life. As he stated at the Saddleback Forum earlier this year, Senator McCain believes life begins at conception. There have been concerns expressed over some of his views on cloning, but, when contrasted with Senator Obama’s radical view on the life of the unborn, Senator McCain’s position is outstanding.

2. He is pro-military. Senator McCain argued for some time to expand the size of our forces in Iraq and he has been proven correct in that assessment. Foreign leaders know McCain as President is not someone who will back away from a fight. Even more importantly, Senator McCain supports the military and understands the need for strong technology for the defense of our country. Again, his position compared to Senator Obama’s position is like day and night. Obama’s desire is to reduce the military, McCain’s is to strengthen it.

3. He is against pork barrel spending. Although I am disappointed with his vote to approve the most recent bail out package to which the Democrats attached some pork barrel spending, Senator McCain has generally fought against such additions to bills as they came through Congress. He is one of the few Senators who have consistently fought against pork barrel spending and I believe he will continue that commitment as President by vetoing such bills when they arrive on his desk.

4. He is experienced. This is a no brainer. Neither Senator Obama nor Senator McCain has executive experience in the political world. But no one can argue that Barack Obama has the experience level of a John McCain. For example, Senator McCain has made numerous trips to the Middle East even in the past few years. Senator Obama has made one and that one was a political photo shoot. John McCain, for better or for worse, understands how Washington works.

5. He will appoint justices who do not legislate from the bench. Given his track record with the “Gang of 14”, I must admit I’m a little concern about his future judicial appointments. He has publicly declared he will appoint only judges who judge and do not legislate from the bench. Again, McCain’s pledge when compared with Obama’s stand on judicial appointments is 180 degrees different.

6. He does work “both sides of the aisle”. For years John McCain has proven he will work with members from both parties in Congress. I believe at times (e.g., “Gang of 14”), he bends too far to the side of the Democrats. But, like it or not, when McCain says he is bi-partisan he means it. Barack Obama claims he will unite everyone and work both sides of the aisle but, honestly, Senator Obama has done nothing of the sort during his time in politics.

7. He chose Sarah Palin as his running mate. Without question, John McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as his Vice President won my support to the ticket. Given Obama’s far left philosophy, I was slowing warming to Senator McCain as the only hope of defeating Obama. But when he picked Palin that settled it. To me, this choice illustrated McCain’s political savvy and his good judgment.

Unlike the bad press Governor Palin has received, she is a very intelligent woman who has done a remarkable job both as an Alaskan mayor and as the state’s Governor. She has the highest approval rating of any governor in the country and probably one of the highest of any state or national politician. She is strongly pro-life, fiscally conservative, and a reformer by nature. Governor Palin has more executive experience than either Presidential candidate as well as her Vice President opponent, Senator Joe Biden. She has done far more in her state of Alaska for her people, than Senator Obama has done for the people of Illinois either in the state house or the United States Congress.

Given the choice of a far left wing candidate who supports killing the unborn (and, in some cases, even those already born!), espouses socialism, is weak militarily, and has no experience or a moderate candidate who supports life, is strong militarily, espouses capitalism, has a running mate who is even more traditional and conservative, and can defeat the socialist candidate, I must vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin and I will do so proudly and gladly.

I encourage everyone to exercise their right and vote. But I do encourage those who are seriously considering Barack Obama take a time out, forget the national news media, and check out the Senator’s extremely liberal positions. Are those positions what you really want for our country?

An e-mail from my Congressman

2008-10-22T10:01:00.002-05:00

Today I received a response to an e-mail I wrote to my Congressman, the Honorable Todd Akin, during the time of the economic bailout discussions in Washington. My e-mail encouraged Congressman Akin to vote against the bailout plan of Secretary Paulson which he did. I thought you may be interested in the Congressman’s response to my original correspondence.

Dear Reverend Walker:

Thank you for contacting me regarding my vote on Secretary Paulson's proposed $700 billion bailout plan. My office has received more correspondence on this question then on any issue in the past 8 years.

For this reason, and because of the technical nature of the issue, I have prepared a more lengthy response than I would for most issues. The bottom line is that I voted "NO" on the proposal. A more detailed explanation follows.

In mid-September, U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson came to Congress with an unprecedented demand. He told us that the American economy was on the brink of catastrophe. Our only hope was to give him $700 billion, immediately, with no strings attached. Seven hundred billion dollars amounts to an indirect tax of $7,551 per taxpayer. It is the cost of the war in Iraq for five-plus years, and it is close to what America spends on foreign oil in a year. Paulson's plan was to use the money to buy "toxic assets" from banks and other financial institutions. These assets were considered "toxic" because their value was so uncertain that there was no market for them.

Paulson's demand placed Congress on the horns of a dilemma. One was financial Armageddon. The other was a $700 billion indirect tax on American taxpayers. Common sense dictates that when two bad alternatives are proposed, one should look for a better alternative. Unfortunately, Secretary Paulson was not interested in discussing any alternatives.

Over the next few days, Congressmen of all political stripes scrutinized the nature of the problem and possible solutions. Conservatives were concerned about the massive increase in deficit spending and what precedent would be set if the Federal Government purchased bundles of private loans. Many Members of Congress were skeptical that the government could be trusted to come up with a satisfactory pricing mechanism for the toxic securities because there was no way to establish a value. Some Democratic Members of Congress also had serious concerns regarding the Wall Street bailout.

There is no doubt that we need to insure the soundness of the American dual banking system and our markets with:

1)The least amount of bad government regulation, - Fannie & Freddie along with suspension of the Mark-to-Market rule when no market exists.

2)The most amount of disclosure, - no naked short selling without the "up-tick rule."

3)More accountability for bad actors - if they make bad loans, poor investments or borrow what they cannot repay - then they should pay the price.

4)Rewards for those who behaved responsibly and penalties for those who didn't - no golden parachutes.

Early in the last decade, Congress mandated that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increase the number of purchases of mortgages made to lower-income borrowers. Under President Clinton, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) gave Fannie and Freddie even higher numeric goals for low-income borrowers. At the same time, banks were also forced to implement loan quotas for lower income households through the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA).

Additionally, early in 2001, as the economy headed into recession, the Federal Reserve began a series of interest rate cuts, bringing the interest rate down to 1% and holding it there for a year. These actions drastically expanded lending; particularly in the real estate market. However, because housing prices were rising, the defaults stayed relatively low. In the meantime, mortgages and loans were being made, sold, and bundled without regard to the likelihood that the borrowers would be able to repay. The bundled securities, called "mortgage backed securities," were incorrectly given AAA ratings and sold all over the world.

In 2003, an article in the New York Times reported, "The Bush administration today recommended the most significant regulatory overhaul in the housing finance industry since the savings and loan crisis a decade ago." Unfortunately, many Democrats argued that there was no impended crisis. In fact, at the time, the current Democratic Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, Barney Frank ,stated, "these two entities, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, are not facing any kind of financial crisis."

By 2004 and 2005, the Republican-controlled Congress saw the danger and passed legislation to tighten regulation of Freddie and Fannie. I voted in favor of this legislation. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats blocked any effort to improve the law.

Over the past year, increasingly more homes came onto the market than buyers and the homebuilding industry began to show signs of stress. Home values started to drop and builders could not find buyers for their new homes. Before long, the value of homes was dropping below the cost of loans. As a result, some consumers who were overextended on their credit started defaulting on their mortgages. Investors began to lose confidence in Freddie and Fannie, causing their stock prices to tumble (down about 80%) over last year. Because so many banks and financial institutions were invested so heavily in these securities, it resulted in the need to bailout Fannie and Freddie. Furthermore, these same banks and investment firms that had bet on mortgage backed securities began to be in serious trouble - and so were their customers. Banks that were rumored to be in trouble began to see an increase in withdrawals by their customers - triggering fears of bank runs. With so much money tied up in bad investments, even healthier banks were reluctant to make new loans.

When banks stopped buying mortgage backed securities because they could no longer determine their real value, this placed the banks that owned these securities at risk.. Federal accounting rules state that a capital asset on a bank's books must be daily "marked to market." However, when there is no market, law requires these assets to be shown as "zero" in value. This causes problems for banks by depressing their capital reserves value. For example, if a bank owns 1 million dollars of mortgages on houses that used to sell for a total of $1 million but now are worth $800,000, then the bank has a manageable problem. However, if under the "mark to market" rule, that value is artificially re-set at zero, the rule can actually cause a bank failure. If a bank's capital gets too low, the bank must be closed or sold as we saw in the case of Wachovia Bank.

Secretary Paulson proposed a $700 billion taxpayer funded "solution" to this problem. I and about one hundred other conservative Members of Congress sought other alternatives. We met former FDIC Chairman Bill Isaacs who was in charge of handling the Savings and Loan crash under President Ronald Reagan. He explained that we did have tools to solve the banking problem without this massive public bailout.

One of Chairman Isaacs' suggestions included changing the current accounting rules (mark-to-market) so that assets owned by the banks could be more reasonably valued. This would help the banks' capital problems, preventing unnecessary tightening of the credit markets. This approach also meant that owners of riskier assets would be responsible for their own financial decisions.

Much to my disappointment, this approach to dealing with the financial crisis was largely ignored. The first high profile bailout vote took place on Monday September 29th. Surprising Republican and Democrat leadership, the bailout package failed, rejected by over two-thirds Republicans and over a hundred Democrats. This vote reflected the tenor of what a majority of Congressional offices were hearing from their constituencies including my own.

Over the next few days, the Senate approved the bailout and added a bunch of tax extenders - authorizing the extension of various tax breaks that were set to expire The House voted to approve this package on Friday, October 3rd, after an unprecedented level of lobbying by financial groups and the White House. Once again, I voted against the bailout.

Our economy is in critical condition, and the price tag on the "bailout" could add nearly a trillion dollars to our national debt. During these tough votes, I try to set politics aside and consider what is best for my constituents and the country. In this case, I asked myself if the legislation would:

 solve the problem it was meant to address? Doubtful

 prevent the types of investment practices that had caused the problem in the first place? No

 solve the problem using the simplest and least expensive solutions first and only spending billions in public money as a last resort? No

 punish those who made financially responsible decisions? Yes

 reward those who made poor financial choices? Yes

 represent a major intrusion by the Federal Government into private markets? Yes

 increase the national debt? Yes

 set a pattern for future public bailouts of private losses? Yes, I believe it would.

Based on these questions, a "NO" vote was the principled position for a conservative. Like other high profile votes I have taken since being in Congress -- including the 2005Medicare Modernization Act - this vote placed me at odds with President Bush and leadership in my own party.

I appreciate the serious nature of our economic situation. However, it is dangerous to abdicate principles under pressure. For that reason, I co-sponsored H.R. 7223 which represents a reasoned response to our economic challenge. H.R. 7223 would have reformed the financial market regulatory system and empowered private investors to fund the financial market's recovery. I believe this plan represented a "workout" rather than a bailout by leveraging limited tax dollars to encourage private investment and stabilize our markets.

I hope this information is helpful in understanding my perspective on this important legislation. Once again, I appreciate the time you took to contact my office.

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

The Patriarch's Pen: Election 2008, Article 2

2008-10-17T10:22:00.005-05:00

The Presidential election of 1912 was an interesting one. When, in 1908, Theodore Roosevelt honored his 1904 pledge not to seek another term, he threw his support to his Vice President, William Howard Taft. Taft won the election but, in Roosevelt’s eyes, betrayed the progressive program Roosevelt had instituted. Roosevelt sought the 1912 Republican Party nomination but, when the GOP gave it to Taft, Roosevelt and his supporters left the GOP to form the Progressive Party (also known as the Bull Moose Party).

The Democrats took 46 ballots to select their candidate. The favored Champ Clark of Missouri, current Speaker of the House, could not gain the necessary votes on the first ballot and the battle was on. When influential Democrat William Jennings Bryan threw his support to New Jersey Governor Woodrow Wilson, the tide began to turn and Wilson was ultimately selected.

President Taft was never very enthused about the Presidency. He aspired to a position on the Supreme Court (which he later received) and did not exert much effort in the 1912 campaign. The fireworks were primarily between Wilson and Roosevelt, both known reformers.

The GOP split resulted in a landslide Electoral College win for Wilson. The final tally for the 1912 race was:

Wilson: 435 electoral votes; 6,293,152 popular votes
Roosevelt: 88 electoral votes; 4,119,207 popular votes
Taft: 8 electoral votes; 3,486,333 popular votes
Debs: 0 electoral votes; 900,369 popular votes (Socialist Party)
Chafin: 0 electoral votes; 207,972 popular votes (Prohibition Party)

Theodore Roosevelt was a 3rd party candidate who beat a major party candidate though failing to win the election.

My point of all this: NONE of the 3rd party candidates running in 2008 is Theodore Roosevelt. They CAN NOT win the election.

One of my son-in-laws has noted that they can win if folks vote for them on Election Day. That is absolutely true assuming they are on the ballot in all 50 states. But this is theory. Most Americans can’t even name one of the 3rd party candidates this year. If we are pragmatic about the matter, we will admit, despite the theory, Senator Obama or Senator McCain will be the President-elect on November 5.

Does this mean voting for a 3rd party candidate is “wasting your vote”? I guess it depends on what you mean by wasting. If you are voting your conscience when you select one of these individuals then your vote is right and not wasted.

There are, at least, four candidates running for the Presidency other than the “big two”. I am listing them with some brief personal remarks based on information I have from their campaigns. For more information, check their web sites.

Charles O. “Chuck” Baldwin: Baptist minister. Solidly pro-life. Eliminate or greatly reduce several government agencies (including education, FEMA). Eliminate all family income taxes (he says they are unconstitutional). Eliminate or greatly reduce other taxes. Strong on crime. Get government out of business. Support traditional energy resources as well as research on alternatives. Gun advocate. No federal government health care. Against illegal immigration. Scale back foreign aid. Withdraw from Iraq. Essentially get out of international military matters. Permit private accounts for Social Security.

Robert L. “Bob” Barr Jr.: Pro-life with minor exceptions (e.g., rape and incest). Reduce funding of some government agencies but greatly increase defense funding. Greatly reduce personal income tax across the board. Decrease or eliminate other taxes. Strong law enforcement. Strong drug enforcement. Parental choice in education. No government health care. Against illegal immigration. Withdraw from the United Nations. Take action if Iraq does not comply. Permit private accounts for Social Security.

Ralph Nader: Says pro-life with minor exceptions (e.g., rape and incest) but also says “supports the principles articulated in Roe v Wade and its progeny). Eliminate funding of national missile defense. Increase alcohol taxes, capital gains taxes, cigarette taxes. Eliminate the death penalty. Decriminize marijuana use. Allow vouchers for education choice. Strengthen regulation and enforcement of the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts. Strengthen emission controls. Support the Kyoto treaty to limit global warming. Immigration reform but supports illegal immigrants having all the rights and privileges of United States citizens. Government oversight of business especially in terms of pensions and health care.

Cynthia Ann McKinney: Sorry, but after reading her Green Party’s platform, I have no further comment.

I believe it is safe to say Baldwin and Barr are the more conservative while Nader and McKinney are more liberal. Therefore, my opinion is IF YOU COULD ONLY CHOOSE BETWEEN Obama and McCain, those voting for Baldwin or Barr would vote McCain and those voting for McKinney or Nader would choose Obama. So, if you vote for Baldwin or Barr you are, essentially, taking a vote away from McCain. And, if you vote for McKinney or Nader, you are taking a vote away from Obama.

Like it or not, none of these 3rd party candidates are going to win. Personally, I like the positions of Chuck Baldwin even more than I do those of John McCain (more on McCain later). But if I cast a vote for Baldwin (who can not win) then McCain (who can win) loses a vote.

In 1996 President Clinton ran against Senator Bob Dole. I have never been and never will be a Bill Clinton fan. I also didn’t care much for Bob Dole but held my breath and voted for him in hopes of defeating Clinton. Of course, that hope was not realized. While I do not like President Clinton, I would have easily voted my conscience in 1996 by voting for Chuck Baldwin, if he had run. Yes, Baldwin would not win. Yes, I would be taking a vote from Dole. Yes, I would be helping Clinton win. Oh, well…

So, you might ask, why aren’t you going to vote your conscience in 2008 and choose Chuck Baldwin instead of John McCain? I can answer that question in 3 words: Barack Hussein Obama. Obama is far worse than a Bill Clinton. At least Clinton wasn’t an outright socialist.

While I like the policies of Chuck Baldwin, my conscience says I must vote for a candidate who can keep Obama out of the White House. I must do whatever I can, in good conscience, to beat Obama. The only candidate who can do that is John McCain.

The Davy Crockett Bail Out

2008-10-16T09:38:00.002-05:00

Several years ago I read this article in my childrens' textbook on government but it had slipped my mind until last night when I stumbled across it again. Take a few moments to read it in light of the recent Congressional actions attempting to correct the financial chaos in our nation.

David (“Davy”) Crockett, the nearly legendary Tennessee frontiersman, was elected to several terms in the United States House of Representatives in the 1820’s and 30’s. One evening, Congressman Crockett and some of his colleagues were talking on the steps of the Capitol. They saw a bright glow in the distance and realized that the nearby village of Georgetown was burning. The congressmen rushed to the village and helped to put out the blaze. The next morning, Congress set aside all other business and voted to give $20,000 from the government treasury to aid the families whose possessions had been burned in the fire. Davy Crockett voted in favor of the gift.

The following summer, Congressman Crockett was campaigning in his home district when he met a wise farmer named Horatio Bunce, who “… was widely known for his remarkable intelligence and incorruptible
integrity, and for a heart brimful and running over with kindness and benevolence, which showed themselves not only in words but in acts. …” Davy Crockett later reported of Mr. Bunce, “If everyone who professes to be a Christian lived and acted and enjoyed it as he does, the religion of Christ, would take the world by storm.” Mr. Bunce did not have much formal education, but he had a great deal of common sense. He was well acquainted with the operation of the federal government and was careful to keep up with all the Washington news. He knew that Congressman Crockett had voted in favor of the $20,000 gift. The farmer informed Crockett, “I shall not vote for you again.” Mr. Bunce told the colonel that Congress’s giving $20,000 to those fire victims was an unconstitutional act. Since Colonel Crockett had voted in favor of the gift, he had voted against the Constitution. Mr. Bunce said, “It is not the amount, Colonel, that I complain of; it is the principle … Congress has no right to give charity. Individual members may give as much of their own money as they please, but they have no right to touch a dollar of the public money for that purpose.” He added, “The people have delegated to Congress, by the Constitution, the power to do certain things. To do these, it is authorized to collect and pay moneys, and for nothing else. Everything beyond this is usurpation, and a violation of Constitution.”

Colonel Crockett recognized the truth of what Mr. Bunce was saying and promised to mend his voting record. Mr. Bunce pledged to help Crockett in his reelection campaign, and the two became close friends. A much wiser Davy Crockett returned to Washington. From that point on, he tried to keep Congress in the business of Constitutional government and out of the business of unconstitutional charity, which can be handled much more wisely by concerned individuals and groups than by a central government.

Hicks, Laurel, and George T. Thompson, Michael R. Lowman, George C. Cochran. American Government and Economics in Christian Perspective. (Pensacola: A Beka Books, 1984), 137.

President Obama

2008-10-15T11:57:00.003-05:00

Based on the latest CBS New York Times poll, those of us who are not supporting Barack Obama might as well stay home on election day. The poll gives Obama a 14 point lead over John McCain in the race for the White House. With three weeks to go, he should be invincible.

Of course, I suspect the poll was conducted among the staff of CBS and the New York Times (with a few outside conservatives thrown in for good measure). Since the other national polls have Obama up only by 5 or so, it is safe to say the CBSNYT poll is dubious at best. So, if you are supporting McCain, forget the polls and make certain you vote.

I still maintain hope that Americans will wake up and realize what they are getting if they elect Obama. Yes, I know, John McCain has his faults (more on this in a future post). But I find it hard to believe that Americans would elect a man like Obama to be the next President. Surely we have more sense than that. Why would you vote for him?

1. In just 4 years (almost 2 of them spent running for President), Obama has earned the title of the most liberal man in the United States Senate. His running mate is number 3 on that list.

2. He has never accomplished anything of importance in his political career either in the Illinois Senate or the United States Senate.

3. He is a committed socialist, a position which has become more apparent in recent days with his remarks about redistributing the wealth.

4. He supports not only abortion but also permitting babies who survive abortions to die (i.e., he opposes protecting infants born alive).

Oh, well, I have listed these elsewhere in this blog so I don't need to go into the entire list again. Suffice it to say, I have hope the American people will wake up and, on election day, NOT elect Obama to the Presidency. I can guarantee you one thing: if Obama is elected, I will be hoarding all the money I have. Forget eating out. Forget sporting events. Forget entertainment venues. Forget traveling. Forget expensive gifts. An Obama Presidency is going to cost each of us a lot of money despite his talking points ("if you make less than $250,000").

Here are just a few web sites which provide some comparisons of the candidates and the party platforms.

Family Research Council
Project Vote Smart
American Family Association
Platform Comparisons
Huntley Brown "Why I Can't Vote for Obama" (well written article on Jeremy's blog)

May the Lord have mercy and spare us from an Obama Presidency.

Phoenix - Conclusion

2008-10-14T19:28:00.004-05:00

Our Arizona adventure has ended safely. The flight landed 20 minutes early last night and we were home by 1:15 a.m. this morning. Jessi and Mike both worked on Monday so the rest of us stayed with the boys. They were very good. Brody colored some pictures for me which I brought home. Bryson fell asleep and, as it turned out, we left while he was still in bed. I picked Jessi up from her dental office, drover her home, and then we left.

As usual, I overestimated how long it would take us to get to the airport, return the car, ride the shuttle, check-in, and get to the gate. So we left fairly early. As it turned out, we could have hung around with Jessi and the boys for about another hour. Next time I will know better.

Our rental car, a Nissan Rogue, drove very nicely. It had great pickup when you hit the accelerator. We couldn't find real air vents so mom and I in the front froze while Beth and Tina in the back burned. But I enjoyed the car.

Since we arrived early, we checked in then went to the Chili's in the airport. The food was great but I ate too much and regretted it for the rest of the evening. Along with the cold I came down with during the trip, I was miserable most of the flight.

Becky and Elise were awake when we arrived home. They had the house looking very well! Mom and the girls sat up for a while and talked but I bailed for bed.

We really had a great time and are so glad we were able to go. It was nice being with Jessi, Mike, and the boys. It was also a lot of fun going to all the places we did during the week.

Thanks to Mike and Jessi for allowing us to crash at their place. Thanks to Becky and Elise for taking care of the house while we were gone. Thanks to Jeremy and Elise for working out the van situation for our return trip. Thanks also to Sonja for taking my class (and for her humerous text messages afterwards). By the way, daughter, without any preparation for the test and without sitting in my class for one minute, you scored an 80 out of 110 (72%)! Since 10 of the points you missed were for a memory verse, you score is quite good. Out of 20 students in my class, your score surpassed 8 of them! Lastly, thanks to Sarah for taking the tests to work so I could pick them up today and grade them!

Phoenix - Part 3

2008-10-12T17:53:00.004-05:00

The trip is almost over as I pen this entry. Bethany, Tina, and Brody painted some pottery Friday evening and we just found out it is ready early. That's good because it means we can carry it home with us.

We spent about 2 hours at a local park yesterday morning. The kids had a lot of fun. Mike had to go to work at noon so we dropped him off and went home. Jessi, Debbie, and the girls went shopping in the afternoon while I watched the boys. They were very good for almost 2 1/2 hours. There was a 5 minute span in which Brody and Bryson had a confrontation and, as a result, Brody spent some quiet time in his room. As a result, I was evaluated to be a "mean" babysitter.

Last night we went to McDonald's for grandpa's promised trip to the boys. The boys were more interested in playing in the playroom than eating.

Today we went to the Phoenix Zoo. We were there over 3 hours and had a picnic lunch to boot. The zoo is a nice one and we had a good time. Their giraffe display is very nice and we caught them up close while they were eating. Unfortunately, it costs to get into the zoo. That is one thing I really appreciate about the St. Louis Zoo.

That will essentially cover our trip. Tonight is relaxation and tomorrow will be getting ready to leave. We're uncertain how much time to allow since we also have to return a rental car. We are also uncertain exactly how we are going to get our Missouri van to the St. Louis airport to pick us up since we will be arriving VERY VERY late! But we'll work it all out.

I've managed to pick up a cold while we've been here. Yesterday was really a bad one for my sinus. I seem to have improved since noon. I just don't want my head too plugged up when we get on that plane tomorrow evening!

I'm sure the girls will post several pictures and videos once we get back home.

Phoenix - Part 2

2008-10-10T15:19:00.004-05:00

After typing the first entry yesterday, we followed Mike, Jessi, and the boys to Jessi's work. Jessi picked up her pay check and introduced us to those who were working. We also saw her work area.

Next we drove to the bank (a U. S. Bank!) where she deposited her check and I made a ATM withdrawal. Then it was off to the pre-school where Brody and Bryson attend. It's a very nice school. Brody waved at some of his friends who were there that day.

The last "work site" was the Desert Ridge 18 AMC Theater which Mike manages. It's a very nice theater with a huge lobby and concession stand. Mike showed us around including taking us into one of the theaters which almost holds 300. What a large room!

The most important thing we did, though (at least from the boys' perspective), was to stop off at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park. Jessi's family had never been there so it was an adventure for each of us. The park is free and is quite large. They have old railroad cars in the park which you can check out. There are several pavilions if you want to do a picnic lunch. The park has a large playground facility which the boys totally loved. It includes an area with a water spray so the kids can cool off (it was 98 while we were there).

They have an old time carousel which only costs a $1 to ride. Jessi sat in a non-movable seat with Brody (he doesn't want on the horses). I put Bryson on a horse in front of Brody and stood by him. He was quite excited until we started going around. Then he did his best to get off. So, I gave him to Jessi and he sat on his lap. Not wanting the horse to feel badly, I jumped on and rode the animal for the remainder of the trip! By the time we completed our journey, the horse was tamed and stopped trying to buck me off. That may be the first time I have been on a "horse" for 20+ years.

Lastly, we rode the miniature train they have. The ride goes throughout the park and includes a couple of railroad/pedestrian crossings, 3 or 4 small trestle bridges, and concludes with a tunnel (in which all the kids on board screamed). The entire trip lasted about 11 minutes which is a nice length. All but Mike rode and I estimated the train could carry about 100 people total.

After that it was homeward bound. The folks wanted Taco Bell so I pulled in through the Drive-Thru and picked up some food. I hate Taco Bell but was hungry so I ordered some burritos. Big mistake later on. We went home, ate, and everyone crashed. Last night was spent watching the Dodgers/Phillies game and the CSI premiere (except by the boys and me).

It's mid-day here and we're taking a relaxing day. Brody and I were up before 7. Mike got up around 8 and went to work. Everyone else slept in. I managed to talk the boys into watching some "Tom and Jerry" cartoons which are so much more entertaining than the cartoon shows they make these days. Jessi, mom, and I hit the grocery store. We just finished lunch and now its quiet time.

All in all we are having a great visit!

Phoenix - Part 1

2008-10-09T11:20:00.003-05:00

Just a brief update. Mom, Beth, Tina, and I arrived in Phoenix Tuesday evening. From the time we deplaned, retrieved our luggage, took the shuttle to the rent a car lot (a longer trip than the one at LAX!), picked up our car, and arrived at Jessi's, it took 90 minutes!!! But we made it well.

The flight out was somewhat bumpy for the first 30 minutes due to the St. Louis weather. Mom held my hand the first 10 minutes in such a way that 3 of my fingertips were blood red and the rest of the finger were pale white! Our seating worked out well since the plane wasn't packed. Mom and I had an empty middle seat as did the girls.

I reserved a full size car and they had none left. So they gave us a free upgrade to an SUV (a Rogue?). It does have great pick up and drives fairly well.

Jessi, Mike, and the boys are doing well. The boys are growing up very fast. Actually, Bryson was already asleep so we didn't see him until Wednesday morning. Since we didn't have supper, we ran to the local McDonalds only to find out their 42 oz drink is $2.00! Mom's iced tea turned out to be bad and my 42 oz. Diet Coke ended up being a regular Coke which I could not drink. Oh, well...

Yesterday (Wednesday) the boys went to school, Mike worked, Jessi worked, and the rest of us drove 3 1/2 hours to the Grand Canyon. I saw the Canyon when I was a kid (was it in 1961 or 1964 or both?). For everyone else, this was a first. They were quite impressed as is everyone who sees the Canyon for the first time. The girls took several pictures and video and will likely post them on Facebook after we get home next week. We had a great time and the weather was quite nice.

After a couple of hours, we drove back to Phoenix using a different route. We saw some great scenery but the route added 30 minutes or so to our trip. We finally got back around 6:30 and spent last night chilling out.

Brody is wanting to use the computer to play a game so I am closing this portion of my trip "report". We really have no other siteseeing planned but will certainly take in some sites (probably the zoo).

More later...

Run For Fun??...

2008-10-03T19:20:00.006-05:00

Last year Lisa and I decided that we wanted to get into better shape by jogging and decided to work towards running a 5k together. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the mathematics or the event, it's 3.1 miles long and considered an entry level race that people of all ages and athletic abilities can run in with a small amount of training (obviously the amount of training required will be different for each person based upon their overall health and weight). We started jogging on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and our first run was barely one mile continuous followed by a walk home. Over time, we worked up the distance and continuous time running and found ourselves setting a time goal for the event of an average of 10 minutes per mile.

As the event approached we mentioned it to some of the girls in the family and they decided to walk the course, which is entirely acceptable and done by a lot of participants. It was a little chilly the day of the event but by the end of the first mile we had already begun to shed gloves and hats and had worked up a sweat. By the second mile we had kept our 10 minute pace and were headed back to the start/finish line. We both accomplished our goal of finishing the race without walking and felt good about our times. It was the second time that I had run a 5k, but the first in 10 years and my first at a public event (the other race was an intramural event in college). It was the first time Lisa and I had done a race together (she ran cross country and 5ks in highschool and college). It was a great feeling of accomplishment and we knew we had become healthier and stronger throughout the training.

{I hear you saying "Nice story. What's the point?"

Here's the point:
I know some members of the family have either expressed interest in getting into better shape or have begun to do so over the past few months. With that in mind I am throwing out the following possible activity.

Let's do a 5k together!

Yep, you read that right. I am asking you to work towards participating in a 5k event with me. You can walk it or jog it or do a little bit of both, but the main goal here is to use the event as motivation to get moving and get into better shape. Lisa can't do it this time around or she would (having a three week old baby is a good reason not to do it).

So what's your excuse?

Here's the info you need:
Race Website: http://jinglebellrunstl.kintera.org
Date: Sunday, November 23
Time: Registration begins at 7am. The race begins at 8am.
Location: Holiday Inn Airport West (map)
Cost: Preregsitration - $20 for adults $15 ages 14 and under (not sure if this price will change raceday)
Note: There is also a 1 mile Tot Trot for $5

Proceeds benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

Why this race?
It gives you a little over 7 weeks to get ready for it and it is incredibly flat (no hills at all), so it is one of the easiest in the area to do. Plus, it gets us moving before the winter months and helps us get into better shape which is always a good thing.

There are tons of resources online for plans to get you from couch potatoe to 5k runner in 6 to 8 weeks. Like here and here. (just Google "training for a 5k")

Even if you walk the entire course, you will most likely finish it in an hour or less.
(This means that you can participate in the event, go home and shower and be at church by 10:30 or sooner without much difficulty.)

There are all sorts of people in all sorts of physical shape at this race.
Invite your friends to walk with you.
Challenge your friends to try and run it with you.

Let's do this!

Indiana Vacation

2008-10-01T19:20:00.005-05:00

With little time and a forgetful memory, I failed to say anything about our Indiana vacation in this month's newsletter. As most of you know, we drove up to Jane's in northeast Indiana (Butler) on the 24th and returned home on Sunday the 28th. It was a very nice, relaxing trip. I'm certain some of the girls will post pictures on Facebook in the near future.

If you didn't stop you could probably make it in about 7 hours but it took us 8 1/2. We arrived at 9:30 pm their time so the first night's visit was brief. It wsa the first time Elise and I saw Jane and Phil's new home and it is very, very nice. If I recall, there are 3 bedrooms upstairs with a hallway bathroom, a master bathroom, and a bathroom shared by the other two bedrooms. There is a small den (or office) in which they keep their computer. The formal dining room and living room (plus lengthy hallway) separate the master bedroom from the other bedrooms. Finally, you have the kitchen and small eating area. I say small but nothing in this house is small. This eating area contains a table with about 8 chairs plus a rocker, reclinder, two person couch, a fireplace, and a mounted flat screen television.

Off the kitchen is access to what I call a 4 season room, a window/screen area which is basically a playroom for the grandkids. One door leads outdoors and the other onto their deck which faces their woods.

The garage is a two car garage plus a small area for their tractor. The yard looks very nice and the home sets well back from the road (350 of my steps; that's almost 3 minutes for me to walk from the garage to their mail box). Of course, they have a lot of farm land plus the restored barn and silo.

The downstairs of the home is also finished. I saw 2 bedrooms there plus another bathroom. There is a large play area on one side of the stairs and a home theater on the other. The theater area has a couch, some chairs and tables, a fireplace, and a large flat screen projection unit. This room has 4 separate remotes and I found it challenging to turn on the television!

I know I have left things out describing the home but maybe you'll see some snapshots elsewhere. Now resuming our vacation...

Thursday morning I met Phil in Butler and went to the school district admin offices where he works. In the building next door, Phil introduced me to some people heading up a new program in the district called "The Crossing". These folks are teaching drop outs who, in some cases, they find on the streets and bring them in. The program is one of President Bush's "faith based initiatives" and heavily uses the Bible. One of the men I met explained he had formerly led the youth in a local church but was now helping in this effort. The school board has given its blessing to this program and to the use of the Bible to help these kids. This IS a public school! I was quite impressed by the entire program. Has anyone heard of this type of program going on in Missouri?

We basically chilled out most of Thursday and just talked. On Friday morning, the schools were off so Phil was home all day. Debbie, the girls, and I went to Sechlers to pick up some pickles. They are as good as ever. Later in the day, Autumn and her four kids dropped in. Brett and Katie also showed up with their three (including the 7 month old twins). Of course, Laura and her two children live with Jane and Phil. It was pretty wild. I grilled burgers, dogs, and brats on their grilling pit. The pit utilizes wood and charcoal and has NO flame/heat adjusting device. I burned virtually everything. At least I don't believe anyone found any pink on the inside.

That afternoon, Phil drove the tractor around his property and his brother's across the street (presently restored to a natural wetlands). He pulled a hay wagon and most of the kids and I rode on the wagon. The weather was great and the tour was quite interesting. Lots of different animals, fowls, plants, etc.

On Saturday morning, Laura went to Autumn's and brought back Sydney and Simon to spend the night. Greg, Kelli, and Ian stopped by for several hours as well. Early in the day, our troop went back to Sechlers to buy MORE pickles then went into Grabill to check out the antique store. We were there for about 45 minutes but made no purchases. We also stopped at the Old Church Shoppes in Spencerville and Elise bought something. Finally, before returning to Jane's, we stopped in at Miller's Service Station in Spencerville to get a drink. Some of you will remember the place. It's where we bought fountain drinks many years ago but couldn't drink them because they tasted like eggs! This time we bought bottled drinks.

That was pretty much our trip. Our intention was to hang around the house and visit and, with few exceptions, that is what we did. It was nice to see my sister again and the area (my first visit in 5 years). Maybe we can make the trip a little more frequently in the future.

Thanks to Phil and Jane for allowing us to stay with them. We really had a great time.

The Patriarch's Pen: Election 2008, Article 1

2008-09-29T13:31:00.003-05:00

I know politics and families do not often mix. Politics is, likely, a subject I should avoid in a family blog or newsletter. Yet, this year’s Presidential election greatly concerns me. Therefore, I want to express my opinion (albeit briefly) about the various candidates just to provide the “Patriarch’s” thoughts on the matter.

This entry concerns Senator Obama. The November newsletter, which will be published just before the election, will discuss Senator McCain as well as 3rd party candidates. Those entries will appear on the Wild Walker World blog during the early party of October.

Why I will NOT Vote for Senator Barack Obama

The following are many of the reasons why I will not and can not support Barack Obama for the Presidency. Apart from item #1, the reasons are listed in no specific order.

1. Senator Obama supports the killing of the unborn. Senator Obama not only supports the pro-death cause, he goes far beyond where most abortionists go. Senator Obama supports partial birth abortions. Furthermore, he supports not caring for aborted babies who survive the abortion attempt. He has denied the latter charge but the facts are clear that is his position. He fears caring for such children will result in a “slippery slope” discussion which might end abortions.

Personally, I need no other reasons than that. I will never vote for any candidate of any party for any office at any time when I know they support killing unborn children. How can I trust my life and my family’s lives to the hands of someone who has no problem murdering these infants?

2. Senator Obama will raise taxes. I know Senator Obama promises a tax cut to everyone who makes under $250,000. But I have also heard he will remove the cap on Social Security taxes, eliminate the Bush tax cuts, keep the death tax, and raise sales taxes. Furthermore, he’ll need money for his national health care program as well as other plans he has. He may send you $1000 as he has promised but I suspect that will not turn out to be a cut overall but just a slight reduction in an overall increase.

3. Senator Obama will pull out of the Middle East. Great, given Russia is working with Venezuela and Al Queda still intends to destroy us. Let’s bring the battle to our own front yards.

4. Senator Obama will reduce the military. He has especially noted his attempts to cut the missile defense technology. Well, President Clinton also cut back the military when he was in office. So, when we needed a military to fight in the Middle East, we had to spend tons of money to rebuild it. A reduced military in light of worldwide terrorism is stupid.

5. Senator Obama believes in redistribution of wealth. His “Robin Hood” philosophy of “taking from the rich and giving to the poor” has been clearly documented. This is not only Robin Hood’s slogan; it is also the slogan of socialism and communism. Where is the motivation for those who earn a lot of money and already invest that money into the lives of others via the businesses they run to continue to make money when the Senator and Congress intends to give it to those who will not work? Furthermore, where is the motivation by those who do not work to seek work when the government is giving them the money from the wealthy? I am not wealthy but I also don’t want the government giving me someone else’s money.

6. Senator Obama will raise the capital gains tax. Increasing capital gains will especially hurt small businesses. Such an increase will force companies to: (1) increase the price of their products (see 2 above), (2) reduce employee pay (see 2 above), (3) replace employees with cheaper foreign labor, (4) reduce staff (i.e., layoff), (5) any combination of the above or (6) close up their business. Furthermore, an increase in the capital gains will reduce the incentive to start new businesses (e.g., companies to find alternative sources of energy).

7. Senator Obama supports national health care. He wants health care for everyone, a health care system run by the government. Here is another socialist program we can not afford. Are the rich paying for this in addition to giving their money to others? Or, will there be some type of new tax (go back and reread #2) to help fund this program? Furthermore, name one program the federal government created and ran which was successful? Think about your trips to the local License Bureau or to a Social Security office. Do you really want your health care funded and directed by the federal government?

8. Senator Obama opposes drilling off shore and in Alaska. He supports alternative forms of energy as does any sane person. But, like it or not, we MUST have oil for the near term. However, he will not support drilling off our coasts or in ANWR meaning we must keep buying from foreign nations including some which are becoming less friendly to the United States. He would prefer taxing the “wealthy” oil companies and, somehow, force them to find alternative sources of energy. If additional taxes are placed on oil, the oil companies will pass them on to you by increased prices (see item 2 above). Furthermore, why is it the OIL companies’ responsibility to find ALTERNATIVE energy sources? They are in the OIL business. We need new businesses to deal with that problem. Oh, I forgot, the increase in the capital gains tax will make new business ventures more difficult.

9. Senator Obama has no proven leadership characteristics and has accomplished nothing in the political world. In neither the Illinois Senate nor the United States Senate, Barack Obama has done nothing of importance. Many of his votes in the Illinois Senate were “present” rather than “yes” or “no”. A leader has to be able to take a stand and Senator Obama has not proven he has that ability.

10. Senator Obama has questionable personal ties. His life and political background has been repeatedly tainted by the close associates he has had: hate spewing preachers, a known and proud terrorist, a crook, Wall Street tycoons, etc. Who will he have to advise him while in the White House?

11. Senator Obama will appoint liberal justices to the Supreme Court. One or two justices will certainly retire during the next administration, maybe more. Senator Obama will appoint and the Democrat Congress (see # 12 below) will approve justices that are liberal in philosophy. This will result in a Supreme Court which creates law rather than interprets law and will do so long after Senator Obama is out of office.

12. Senator Obama would put the Federal government under the control of one party. His election, barring some miracles in the House and Senate races, will give the Democrats firm control of the legislative and executive branches of government. Given the far left philosophy of Senator Obama (called the most liberal man in Congress; by the way, Vice President candidate Joe Biden is listed as the 3rd most liberal man in Congress) as well as the far left bent of many in Congress, such a scenario will result in a far left turn for our nation, a turn from which we may never recover.

In my opinion, Senator Barack Obama is a very dangerous individual for those who love our country and the freedoms we have.

Have You Looked Up Lately?

2008-09-24T08:43:00.002-05:00

As usual, I was out early on my morning walk today but, for some reason, I looked up into the sky as I began my trek. That's when I realized its been a while since I've looked up!

The moon was waning (maybe it was waxing; it wasn't full, that's for sure!) and, even with all the city lights, you could see several stars. It was quite an impressive sight. Every now and then during my walk I would glance up for a couple of seconds. When I reached home, I spent a couple of minutes just standing outside, gazing at the sky.

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. ... When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? ... O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1,
3-4, 9)

Perhaps it would be wise for each of us to take a timeout once a day. Instead of looking within ourselves and dwelling on all of our pains, failures, and shattered dreams, let's look up. Instead of looking around at our financial situation, our neighborhood concerns, and our nation's woes, let's look up. Let's spend a few moments each day looking up at the sky and pondering the One who is worthy of the glory those evening/morning lights declare.

Patriotism per Obama/Biden

2008-09-19T08:12:00.002-05:00

Do you want to be a patriotic American? Then PAY MORE TAXES! That’s what Democratic Vice President nominee Senator Joe Biden told us yesterday.

It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut.

I’m sorry, sir. I have no interest in giving more of the money I work hard for to the government which has no idea how to use it. Helping others who have need is great and I do so via the various charities to which I contribute (Senator Biden, by the way, averages less than $400 a year to charitable contributions despite the fact he makes a lot more money than almost any one reading this blog). You, Senator, and your running mate, Senator Barack Obama, want us to give you more of the money which we have EARNED so you can give it to anyone, including those who won’t get off the couch and do anything! And you have the gall to say that’s patriotic?

If you are reading this blog and are planning on voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden then I ask you take some time and ask yourself why. Ok, you don’t like President Bush. Well, he’s not running. You don’t like the Republicans. Ok, but the Democrats presently control both houses of Congress and are the ones doing nothing to solve any of the problems facing our country. You don’t like John McCain. Ok, but is THAT the reason you are going to vote for Obama? There are other candidates running. I ask you to seriously consider and rethink why you really want Obama. Do you have any idea what he intends to do if elected?

I stumbled across an interesting Internet site last night entitled BarackObamaTest.com. You answer several questions on a variety of subjects and your answers are compared to Senator Obama’s positions. The site doesn’t tell you for whom to vote. It simply returns a value indicating how close Barack Obama is to your position. I took the test and Senator Obama and I agreed on 4% of the issues.

Whether I like President Bush or the Republicans, I will not cast my vote for a candidate which agrees with me on the issues only 4% of the time!

That, Senator Biden, is patriotic!

"People Who Get Things Done"

2008-09-16T09:27:00.003-05:00

Before class last evening, I was chatting with another professor in the hallway at the school. He commented that he found it interesting that each party was getting a boost from people who are great at giving speeches (Obama, Palin). He said our country needed "people who get things done" rather than those who can give good speeches.

Actually, I think we need leaders who do both. They need to be able to get things done yet also able to communicate what their plans are for this country to the people. I commented to the professor that, in this race, the nominees, for the most part, are people who have gotten things done.

Think about it. Whether you agree or disagree with their policies or actions:

Senator Joe Biden is a person who has gotten things done.
Senator John McCain is a person who has gotten things done.
Governor Sarah Palin is a person who has gotten things done.
Senator Barack Obama ... hasn't accomplished one thing worthy of note either in the Illinois state house or in Washington.