Motivational-Inspirational-Historical-Educational-Political-Enjoyable
"Daily Motivations"
Make sure you walk the talk – earn the right to hold others to high standards by meeting them yourself. -- Eric Harvey
Questioning Your Way to Better Teamwork
Like to get your group working more collaboratively together as a team? You can! And one of the best ways to do that is to ask questions … EFFECTIVE questions.
Have you ever asked, “Why can’t we all be better at teamwork?” and received blank stares, head scratching, and even some finger pointing? A question like that is ineffective – it’s non-specific, negative, and backward (what’s wrong) focused. Ineffective questions typically cause people to roll their eyes, affix blame, and “circle the wagons” in defensiveness instead of creating and testing ideas and solutions. Effective questions are much different. They’re the “right” questions – ones that encourage people to focus on what they’ve done well in the past – and to use that information to help identify strategies for achieving today’s desired results.
Effective questions can be the single-most potent tool in any leader’s toolbox. They create a mindset shift away from problem orientation and limitations – and toward solution orientation and possibilities. Here are five examples of effective questions you can ask to encourage your people to work together better. Give them a try …
What are some things we do well when we work together as a team?
What are some things that worked well on other teams of which you have been a part? What specifically caused each of those to work?
What is our vision of excellent collaboration and teamwork … what does it look like?
How would each of us benefit if we lived that vision every day?
What can we do to move closer to that vision? What are each of us willing and committed to contribute?
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
Closing the Door to Lust Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there...(Judges 16:1). The strongest man never conquered his tendency toward lust. On the contrary, it conquered him.
"God also bound Himself with an oath, so that those who received the promise could be perfectly sure that He would never change His mind." (Hebrews 6:17)
"The Patriot Post"
"[I]t is Religion and Morality alone, which can establish the Principles upon which Freedom can securely stand....The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now, They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty." -- John Adams, letter to Zabdiel Adams, 21 June 1776
"If men through fear, fraud or mistake, should in terms renounce and give up any essential natural right, the eternal law of reason and the great end of society, would absolutely vacate such renunciation; the right to freedom being the gift of God Almighty, it is not in the power of Man to alienate this gift, and voluntarily become a slave." -- John Adams
The Second and Tenth Amendments
By Mark Alexander
In what amounts to a serious Second and Tenth Amendment challenge to federal authority, the Montana Legislature passed and its Democrat governor signed a law which specifies that guns which are produced, sold and maintained within the state are exempt from federal regulations.
Essentially, Montana is setting up a Tenth Amendment challenge -- as soon as the first arrest is made for purchasing a gun without the user submitting to federal mandates such as background checks, licensing and registration, the state will assert its Tenth Amendment rights under our Constitution.
Other states are preparing similar legislation, but I would suggest one of them take the Tenth Amendment challenge a major step forward.
Let's see a state pass a law requiring that any and all federal authorities who wish to carry a firearm within the boundary of said state, must be in possession of a "right to carry" permit issued and authorized by that state's governor.
And speaking of "right to carry," in my home state of Tennessee, legislators are considering a bill to allow duly authorized carry permit holders to keep their weapons on their person in restaurants which serve alcohol (not to be confused with bars), similar to surrounding states..
"Family Research Council"
Sign the Petition to Block Taxpayer-Funded Abortions Today!
https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?c=CHECKOUT&dmy=45A6D50C-0613-C00D-651668F42E2991E1&CFID=10683415&CFTOKEN=b6d677227f80bb94-F5D5D0B2-07CA-7192-7732F6F15C8CF479
May 13, 2009 | Share with Friends
With an unprecedented $3.6 trillion budget plan on the table, Americans are on the hook for 10-year deficits of $9.27 trillion. President Obama's appetite for government expansion is pushing taxpayers to the brink. But the Democrats in Congress and the Obama administration don't want to stop there. They want to put taxpayers on the hook for funding abortions as well. They want to overturn pro-life "riders" that ensure that U.S. taxpayers are not forced to hand-over their hard-earned dollars to pay for and promote abortion on demand. President Obama has already targeted prohibitions on tax dollars going to pay directly for abortions in our nation's capitol, and that is only the beginning.
Congress is already considering appropriations bills. Twenty-term Congressman David Obey (D-Wis.) is chairman of the key House Appropriations Committee, the committee that plays a key role in deciding the fate of pro-life policy.
The list of these pro-life laws, which reduce abortion and protect the conscience rights of everyone from health care personnel to taxpayers, is long and includes provisions that have stood for three decades. Even the Hyde amendment is threatened. Repealing it would open the floodgates for forced taxpayer funding of abortions on poor women targeted by "family planning" groups like Planned Parenthood.
Over 40,000 people have signed this petition. Join them and sign the petition to Chairman Obey today. As they come in, FRC will deliver the petitions to his office to express the desire of the American people not to be forced to pay for abortions. If you have already signed, forward this petition to friends and family so that they can add their names. Let's keep Congress -- and us taxpayers -- out of the abortion business.
Sign the Petition to Block Taxpayer-Funded Abortions Today!
https://www.frc.org/get.cfm?c=CHECKOUT&dmy=45A6D50C-0613-C00D-651668F42E2991E1&CFID=10683415&CFTOKEN=b6d677227f80bb94-F5D5D0B2-07CA-7192-7732F6F15C8CF479
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President
P.S. Please forward this email to at least one friend.
"The Web"
Ten Ways to Avoid the Flu
How can you avoid the flu? Read on...
Flu prevention is an important thing to consider when you're trying to stay healthy —especially during flu season. Common sense tells us that flu prevention should be easy as 1-2-3. So how can you prevent the flu? Read on for some great flu prevention tips.
Get a flu shot, particularly if you are 50 or over or have a chronic illness. In addition, consider a flu shot if you are in regular contact with many people, especially if you live in a dormitory or work in an open-plan office, where hundreds of people are coughing and sneezing in a common area.
Discuss with your pediatrician whether to immunize your youngsters in daycare. One recent study found that families whose children in daycare were immunized had 42% fewer infections with fever than those whose children weren't immunized.
Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly. A quick rinse won't do the trick. To kill germs, communicative disease experts recommend washing with soap for 15 to 30 seconds-about as long as it takes to hum a rollicking verse of "Yankee Doodle Dandy."
Keep your hands away from your face to reduce the chance of delivering viruses directly to your eyes or nose. One study found that people typically touched their face fifteen times in an hour.
Make certain you're getting your RDA for vitamin E and other antioxidants including A, C and B-complex vitamins and minerals. These have properties that enhance immune response. Studies on older mice have shown that those with reduced levels of vitamin E were more susceptible to flu infection.
Don't smoke. Smoke paralyzes the cilia, the hairlike cells lining the nose and airways that sweep incoming viruses away before they can infect.
Use tissues, not cloth handkerchiefs, to reduce spread of infection.
Reduce stress. Research has shown that immune responses are compromised by stress.
Get seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Chronic sleep deprivation can reduce your immune response.
Reduce alcohol consumption. Chronic heavy drinkers suffer from more colds and flu-and their complications-than others do, and even regular moderate use of alcohol can compromise immune response.
Obama’s Debt Gamble
Posted May 18th, 2009 at 10:30am in Ongoing Priorities.
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/05/18/obamas-debt-gamble/#more-6924
The Washington Post’s Robert Samuelson writes:
From 2010 to 2019, Obama projects annual deficits totaling $7.1 trillion; that’s atop the $1.8 trillion deficit for 2009. By 2019, the ratio of publicly held federal debt to gross domestic product (GDP, or the economy) would reach 70 percent, up from 41 percent in 2008. That would be the highest since 1950 (80 percent). The Congressional Budget Office, using less optimistic economic forecasts, raises these estimates. The 2010-19 deficits would total $9.3 trillion; the debt-to-GDP ratio in 2019 would be 82 percent.
But wait: Even these totals may be understated. By various estimates, Obama’s health plan might cost $1.2 trillion over a decade; Obama has budgeted only $635 billion. Next, the huge deficits occur despite a pronounced squeeze of defense spending. From 2008 to 2019, total federal spending would rise 75 percent, but defense spending would increase only 17 percent. Unless foreign threats recede, military spending and deficits might both grow.
…
At worst, the burgeoning debt could trigger a future financial crisis. The danger is that “we won’t be able to sell [Treasury debt] at reasonable interest rates,” says economist Rudy Penner, head of the CBO from 1983 to 1987. In today’s anxious climate, this hasn’t happened. American and foreign investors have favored “safe” U.S. Treasurys. But a glut of bonds, fears of inflation — or something else — might one day shatter confidence. Bond prices might fall sharply; interest rates would rise. The consequences could be worldwide because foreigners own half of U.S. Treasury debt.
The Obama budgets flirt with deferred distress, though we can’t know what form it might take or when it might occur. Present gain comes with the risk of future pain. As the present economic crisis shows, imprudent policies ultimately backfire, even if the reversal’s timing and nature are unpredictable.
Indiana Says 'No Thanks' to Cap and Trade
No honest person thinks this will make a dent in climate change.
By MITCH DANIELS
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124234844782222081.html
This week Congress is set to release the details of the Waxman-Markey American Clean Energy and Security Act, a bill that purports to combat global warming by setting strict limits on carbon emissions. I'm not a candidate for any office -- now or ever again -- and I've approached the "climate change" debate with an open-mind. But it's clear to me that the nation, and in particular Indiana, my home state, will be terribly disserved by this cap-and-trade policy on the verge of passage in the House.
The largest scientific and economic questions are being addressed by others, so I will confine myself to reporting about how all this looks from the receiving end of the taxes, restrictions and mandates Congress is now proposing.
Quite simply, it looks like imperialism. This bill would impose enormous taxes and restrictions on free commerce by wealthy but faltering powers -- California, Massachusetts and New York -- seeking to exploit politically weaker colonies in order to prop up their own decaying economies. Because proceeds from their new taxes, levied mostly on us, will be spent on their social programs while negatively impacting our economy, we Hoosiers decline to submit meekly.
The Waxman-Markey legislation would more than double electricity bills in Indiana. Years of reform in taxation, regulation and infrastructure-building would be largely erased at a stroke. In recent years, Indiana has led the nation in capturing international investment, repatriating dollars spent on foreign goods or oil and employing Americans with them. Waxman-Markey seems designed to reverse that flow. "Closed: Gone to China" signs would cover Indiana's stores and factories.
Our state's share of national income has been slipping for decades, but it is offset in part by living costs some 8% lower than the national average. Doubled utility bills for low-income Hoosiers would be an especially cruel consequence of the Waxman bill. Forgive us for not being impressed at danglings of welfare-like repayments to some of those still employed, with some fraction of the dollars extracted from our state.
And for what? No honest estimate pretends to suggest that a U.S. cap-and-trade regime will move the world's thermometer by so much as a tenth of a degree a half century from now. My fellow citizens are being ordered to accept impoverishment for a policy that won't save a single polar bear.
We are told that although China, India and others show no signs of joining in this dismal process, we will eventually induce their participation by "setting an example." Watching the impending indigence of the Midwest, and the flow of jobs from our shores to theirs, our friends in Asia and the Third World are far more likely to choose any other path but ours.
Politicians in Washington speak of a reawakened appreciation for manufacturing and American competitiveness. But under their policy, those who make real products will suffer.
Already we observe the piranha swarm of green lobbyists wangling special exemptions, subsidies and side deals. The ordinary Hoosier was not invited to this party, and can expect at most only table scraps at the service entrance.
No one in Indiana is arguing for the status quo: Hoosiers have been eager to pursue a new energy future. We rocketed from nowhere to national leadership in biofuels production in the last four years. We were the No. 1 state in the growth of wind power in 2008. And we have embarked on an aggressive energy-conservation program, indubitably the most cost-effective means of limiting CO2.
Most importantly, we are out to be the world leader in making clean coal -- including the potential for carbon capture and sequestration. The world's first commercial-scale clean coal power plant is under construction in our state, and the first modern coal-to-natural gas plant is coming right behind it. We eagerly accept the responsibility to develop alternatives to the punitive, inequitable taxation of cap and trade.
Our president has commendably committed himself to "government that works." But his imperial climate-change policy is government that cannot work, and we humble colonials out here in the provinces have no choice but to petition for relief from the Crown's impositions.
Mr. Daniels, a Republican, is the governor of Indiana
One Nation Without God?
http://www.cfif.org:80/podcasts/05/Quin-Hillyer.html
In a break from his predecessor, President Barack Obama last week chose to forgo the Bush White House tradition of hosting prayer events in recognition of National Prayer Day. The President instead simply opted to issue a Day of Prayer proclamation.
Couple that with Obama’s recent comment before the Turkish parliament that, “We are not a Christian nation,” and it is understandable why many Americans feel our president has joined the ranks of Congress and the courts in turning his back on our nation’s religious heritage. Quin Hillyer, senior editorial writer at the Washington Times and senior editor and columnist at the American Spector, goes so far as to inquire: “Is Christianity still legal in America?”
In a recent radio interview with CFIF’s Renee Giachino, Mr. Hillyer discusses the current anti-Christian, anti-prayer trend in America and Establishment Clause cases currently winding their way through our nation’s courts. Mr. Hillyer further highlights the list of Obama’s actions that show “a disdain for tradition, for limits, for moderation, and for empirical information that doesn’t fit his ideological predilections.”
What follows is the interview originally heard on "Your Turn - Meeting Nonsense With Commonsense" on WEBY 1330 AM, Northwest Florida's talk radio…[Listen to the interview here.] http://www.cfif..org/podcasts/05/Quin-Hillyer.mp3
Persecuting Christians in Gaza
By Ken Blackwell on 5.11.09 @ 6:08AM
Does Secretary Hillary Clinton read the reports issued by her own State Department? It's a fair question. She recently argued passionately at a summit at the Egyptian resort center of Sharm el-Sheikh for increased Western and Arab financial aid to an entity called the Palestinian Authority. To show the Obama administration is taking the lead, she pledged $900 million in U.S. taxpayer funds to jump start the re-building of Gaza and to underscore American commitment to the "two-state (Israel and Palestine) solution."
The most recent State Department report on religious freedom in the Palestinian Authority-administered (PA) areas includes these from Bethlehem, on the West Bank of the Jordan River. "The PA did not take sufficient action… to remedy past harassment and intimidation of Christian residents of Bethlehem by the city's Muslim majority. The PA judiciary failed to adjudicate numbers cases of seizures of Christian-owned land in the Bethlehem area by criminal gangs. PA officials appear to have been complicit in property extortion of Palestinian Christian residents, [emphasis added] as there were reports of PA security forces and judicial officials collude[ing] with gang members in property extortion schemes. Several attacks against Christians in Bethlehem went unaddressed by the PA…"
In Gaza, which we are paying to rebuild, Muslims attacked Christians with impunity. The Lighthouse Baptist School in Gaza City has been attacked repeatedly, as has the YMCA. Rami Khader Ayyad was abducted on the way home from work at the Baptist Holy Bible Association and murdered and the association offices were bombed.
Remember, Secretary Clinton is sending $900 million of your tax money to the people who pulled off these attacks, or who failed to investigate the attacks, or who were complicit in these attacks.
That's the Christians. How about the Jews? The Palestinian Media Watch, run by Arab-speaking Israeli Itamar Marcus tells a jarring story. The new 12th grade Palestinian schoolbooks urge youngsters on to jihad and to "the ribat for Allah." Students who kill Israelis are "worthy of a great reward from Allah." It's part of their Islamic Education texts.
Those texts are interesting. They have no Israel in their maps. But the United States is there; we are identified as "enemy of the Palestinians and the Arabs."
Eight of their schools are named "Al Khansah," the Mother of Martyrs School. The Mother of Martyrs is a woman who expressed joy that her four sons had died in jihad. We may assume they are not charm schools.
Another school is actually named for Saddam Hussein. This man killed 400,000 Arabs and Kurds, most of them Muslim. Can anything good from funding such a school?
Daniel Patrick Moynihan once ridiculed the U.S. Supreme Court for its church-state rulings. The high court said state aid could go to religious schools to purchase books, but not maps. "What about Atlases," Moynihan asked with a twinkle: "They are books of maps." U.S. taxpayer money can now go to pay for Atlases -- but over there, in Gaza, where Israel has been eradicated, and the U.S. is vilified.
All of this has been documented, again and again. Our State Department has been filing Religious Freedom reports on the Palestinian Authority for a decade. And just as long, it has been ignoring them. Secretary Clinton is ignoring them now.
The Palestinian Authority, of course, has no authority. Where the locals get to vote, they willingly choose Hamas, the terrorist outfit.
Is this the new diplomacy? Is this the new direction of U.S. foreign policy? We're supposed to cheer when our new leader bows low before the Saudi king. Of all people! The report on religious freedom in Saudi Arabia could be written on one side of a postcard: there is none. (Save the postage.)
Can anything good come from Nazareth? Or from a policy that pays the people who have turned the hometown of the Prince of Peace into a war zone?
"The e-mail Bag"
I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D.
Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. - Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.
This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden. As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide it needs washing. As I start toward the garage, I notice mail on the porch table that I brought up from the mailbox earlier. I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full. So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first. But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mailbox when I take out the garbage anyway, I may as well pay the bills first.
I take my checkbook off the table and see that there is only one check left. My extra checks are in my desk in the study so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke I'd been drinking. I'm going to look for my checks but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.
The Coke is getting warm so I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold. As I head toward the kitchen with the Coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye—they need water. I put the Coke on the counter and discover my reading glasses that I've been searching for all morning. I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water, and suddenly spot the TV remote. Someone left it on the kitchen table. I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV I'll be looking for the remote but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers but quite a bit of it spills on the floor. So, I set the remote back on the table and get some towels and wipe up the spill. Then, I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.
At the end of the day the car isn't washed. The bills aren't paid. There is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter. The flowers don't have enough water. There is still only 1 check in my checkbook. I can't find the remote. I can't find my glasses and I don't remember what I did with the car keys.
Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done today I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all damn day, and I'm really tired. I realize this is a serious problem and I'll try to get some help for it but first I'll check my e-mail.
Do me a favor. Forward this message to everyone you know because I don't remember who the hell I've sent it to.
Don't laugh -- if this isn't you yet, your day is coming!!
On the first day, God created the dog and said:
'Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years.'
The dog said: 'That's a long time to be barking How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?'
So God agreed.
On the second day, God created the monkey and said:
'Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span.'
The monkey said: 'Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?'
And God agreed.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
ConservativeChristianRepublican-Report - 20090518
Motivational-Inspirational-Historical-Educational-Political-Enjoyable
"Daily Motivations"
My mother's love for me was so great that I have worked hard to justify it. -- Marc Chagall
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
But I Know That's Where I Parked! Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5). We can't trust ourselves not to shape our own truth.
"Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand." (Romans 5:2)
"The Patriot Post"
"[J]udges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or body of men." -- Johns Adams
"That President Obama has made 'empathy' with certain groups one of his criteria for choosing a Supreme Court nominee is a dangerous sign of how much further the Supreme Court may be pushed away from the rule of law and toward even more arbitrary judicial edicts to advance the agenda of the left and set it in legal concrete, immune from the democratic process. Would you want to go into court to appear before a judge with 'empathy' for groups A, B and C, if you were a member of groups X, Y or Z? Nothing could be further from the rule of law." -- Hoover Institution economist Thomas Sowell
THE DEMO-GOGUES
From the gun grabbers: "[T]he Supreme Court has ruled in a direction that gives more opportunity for people to have guns. We never denied that right. We don't want to take their guns away. We want them registered ... and we have to rid the debate of the misconceptions that people have about what gun safety means." -- Nancy Pelosi
Non Compos Mentis: "Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro -- Cinco de Mayo at the White House." -- Barack Obama (click here for video)
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/05/05/gaffetastic-o-obama-celebrrates-cinco-de-cuatro/
UPRIGHT
"Mr. Obama will make Supreme Court history, all right. He will become the first president in American history to make lawlessness an explicit standard for Supreme Court justices. ... He has boldly proclaimed that he intends to make sure his nominees to the Supreme Court don't harbor any crusty fealty to the written Constitution, or the millenniums of Western law that undergird its principles, or to the timeless truths that underlie our Declaration of Independence." -- Judicial Confirmation Network counsel Wendy E. Long
"There is a reason that Lady Justice wears a blindfold. Justice is supposed to be blind to the race, gender, finances, politics -- and every other 'empathy'-eliciting -- characteristic of those who seek it in good faith." -- columnist Carol Platt Liebau
VILLAGE IDIOTS
With the following statement, I believe Colin Powell lives on another planet! - oyh
Another misdiagnosis: "The Republican Party is in deep trouble. Americans do want to pay taxes for services. Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less." -- former secretary of state Colin Powell
"The Web"
Unbelievable New Medical Technology. This is pretty amazing technology.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxhi4Q8EDTU
Democrats fix sights on GOP prosecutor
With this one, you can watch the Liberal TV and print media ignore firing of these US Attorneys. The entire Liberal media protect almost anything which may otherwise, be critical to the Liberal Democrats. - oyh
Easley, Edwards probes under way
BY J. ANDREW CURLISS - Staff Writer
Published: Sun, May. 17, 2009 04:06AM
Modified Sun, May. 17, 2009 04:22AM
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1530706.html
John Edwards admits federal investigators are asking him questions. Federal subpoenas were issued Friday related to Mike Easley.
As the separate federal probes into a former senator and the former governor are emerging, Democrats are taking steps to replace the Republican prosecutor who is spearheading the inquiries about the highest-profile North Carolina Democrats of the past decade.
All the nearly 100 top federal prosecutors across the country serve at the will of the president. Any replacement for U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding, a Bush appointee who has kept a priority on public corruption cases from Raleigh to the coast, will be subject to U.S. Senate confirmation.
The process gives a key role in the decision to U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Democrat who was in the state Senate leadership for several years until she unseated Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in November. Already, Hagan has formed a panel to screen candidates. It is led by Burley Mitchell, former chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court who now works at the Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice law firm.
Interviews were scheduled for last week and this one, and Mitchell said he expects to forward the name of a preferred candidate to Hagan by midweek. "We're definitely working on those right now," Hagan said in an interview Wednesday. "And hopefully within the next few weeks we can go forward."
Hagan said any movement is coincidental to continuing investigations.
"The president has asked us to submit nominations for these positions, ... so we've been working on this," Hagan said. "It doesn't have anything to do with any cases that are going on. But we're certainly trying to move forward."
Edwards, a former senator, vice presidential nominee and presidential candidate, has acknowledged the federal investigation into whether any money given to his presidential campaign -- or to nonprofits connected to his campaign -- was funneled to his girlfriend, Rielle Hunter. Edwards has admitted having an affair with Hunter, who was hired to make short videos for the campaign.
Easley, governor from 2001 until January, was the subject of a federal subpoena issued Friday to the state Highway Patrol. The FBI wants records and information related to Easley's private air travel. A separate state Board of Elections inquiry also is under way into a range of activities.
Those probes follow reports in The News & Observer about Easley receiving the free use of cars, free flights on jets owned by supporters, and his relationship with McQueen Campbell. Campbell was chairman of the N.C. State University Board of Trustees until he resigned Friday. Federal investigators have asked for information about the cars and about a Carteret County land development where Easley bought a lot.
Slow changes
Hagan said President Barack Obama ultimately will decide the timing on a new U.S. attorney.
So far, Obama has been slower to make changes than some of his predecessors. Bill Clinton asked all U.S. attorneys to resign when he took office, for example. Democrats this year also have signaled they want to keep some holdovers, including political independent Patrick Fitzgerald in Chicago, who is overseeing the case against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat.
The White House has not been commenting on the prosecutor search processes.
The issue comes at a tricky time for Hagan and Obama. While some prosecutors across the country have already stepped down, Holding says he will remain on the job in Raleigh until a replacement is confirmed or Obama asks him to resign.
acurliss@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4840
Prosecutor Holding is a Bush appointee.
Nathaniel GRIGSBY:
http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/5066834/
Son of Reuben Davis GRIGSBY Sr. & Nancy BARKER. Born 11, October 1811 in Nelson Co., KY. Died 16, April 1890 in Attica, Harper Co., KS. Buried in Attica, Harper Co., KS. He was a Civil War veteran of the 2nd Lt. Co. G, 10th Indiana Cavalry. He was a farmer.
Nathaniel was a dear friend of Abraham Lincoln.
After Lincoln moved to Illinois in 1830, Nathaniel moved with his father to
Carroll Co., MO in 1855.
In 1860, he was living in Norborne. He wrote to Lincoln and received an appointment as a Republican Precinct Committee Man. He placed Lincoln's name on the 1860 ballot. All of Natty's neighbors were Southern sympathizers. He had been talking about electing Lincoln for president in town. One morning at about 2 or 3 a.m. a neighbor rode up and told Natty not to light any lights. The neighbor wanted to warn him that his neighbors were planning to murder him and if he wanted to live he should be on his way.
After the warning, Natty moved back to Spencer Co., IN where he and four of his five sons enlisted in Company C 10th IN Cavalry (Richmond Davis did not enlist). Natty was named 2nd Lieutenant.
The family apparently returned to Carroll Co., MO but in 1885 they moved to Harper Co., KS and settled on a farm in the extreme northwest corner of the county. In 1890, they moved to Attica, KS. Nathaniel was buried in Attica.
His tombstone reads as follows:
(Front) N. Grigsby Died Apr 16 1890 Aged 78 Yrs 6 Mo 5 Days 2nd Lieut. Co. C 10th Ind. Cavy
(Side)Went to school with Lincoln. Brother to Aaron Grigsby who married Abe Lincoln's oldest sister. Visited in White House.
(Shown Side) Through this inscription I wish to enter my dying protest against what is called the Democratic Party. I have watched it closely since the days of Jackson and know that all the misfortunes of our nation has come to it through this so-called party, therefore beware of this party of treason.
This is incredible, scroll down through the pictures.... the last one is amazing.
WOW!!� And this guy died over a hundred years ago!!
http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/AB6CC2C1-9A66-45C2-AAA4-37E5461BEE48/
The more "Change," the more things stay the same. A tombstone from 1890:
Ah yes, the good ole days!!!!!!!!!!
FOR THE CAR LOVERS
http://www.billsretroworld.com/cars.htm
An Opportunistic Iran
“Convinced that the Obama administration is preparing to retreat from the Middle East, Iran’s Khomeinist regime is intensifying its goal of regional domination. It has targeted six close allies of the U.S.: Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Morocco, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which are experiencing economic and/or political crises.”
So warns Amir Taheri in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, a much-needed counterweight to the idealism of an administration that sincerely believes in the power of “open and honest communication” to heal all divides. Public perception goes a long way, and with a collapse in our economic confidence and Obama’s consistently conciliatory overtures to the Middle East, the Khomeinist propaganda machine has found new wax to polish Iran’s image as a “rising sun” (with the implicit assumption being that the United States has reached its “sunset” moment).
President Obama and Secretary Clinton should think twice about their current diplomatic strategy. While Iran may look like it’s happy to talk upon invitation, such “engagement” does not preclude the regime from simultaneously buoying up its widespread influence in Latin America, assisting those forces engaged in killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, and creating a sophisticated coalition that transcends traditional sectarian and ideological divides as the evidence points to Iranian involvement in the Sunni movements of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and sections of the Muslim Brotherhood, even as Marxist-Leninist and other leftist outfits are being lured into its anti-American cause.
America’s difficulty is Iran’s opportunity, regardless of cooperative appearances. We would do well to keep our radar sharp.
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2237219/posts
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class... The subject was what Heaven was like.. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted..
The Moores' framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point.. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay.. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian.
I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.."
Brian's Essay: "The Room..."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at ..' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards.. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands, and I began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me..
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back.. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room.. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also.. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours
Campaign Planner
Message to Students
Click It or Ticket — Save Your Money and Your Life
From May 18 to May 31, local police will join with fellow law enforcement officers nationwide to step up seat belt enforcement in support of the 2009 Click It or Ticket national mobilization.
Look for police to be out on the streets, conducting checkpoints or zero-tolerance seat belt enforcement across the State and across the country — both day and night. This means that if you are stopped by the police, and you aren’t wearing a seat belt — either as a driver or a passenger — you’re going to get a ticket.
You may not know this, but as a teenager you are more likely to die or become disabled or disfigured in a car crash than at any other time in your life. However, wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in any crash.
So buckle up every trip, every time. And make sure everyone in your vehicle does the same. You’ll save money on a fine and possibly save your life — and the life of a friend, too.
Plus, buckling a seat belt only takes about two seconds. So remember: Click It or Ticket!
"The e-mail Bag"
The Duck and the Devil
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."
But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."
Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done, the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.). Whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.
"Daily Motivations"
My mother's love for me was so great that I have worked hard to justify it. -- Marc Chagall
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
But I Know That's Where I Parked! Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5). We can't trust ourselves not to shape our own truth.
"Christ has brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand." (Romans 5:2)
"The Patriot Post"
"[J]udges, therefore, should be always men of learning and experience in the laws, of exemplary morals, great patience, calmness, coolness, and attention. Their minds should not be distracted with jarring interests; they should not be dependent upon any man, or body of men." -- Johns Adams
"That President Obama has made 'empathy' with certain groups one of his criteria for choosing a Supreme Court nominee is a dangerous sign of how much further the Supreme Court may be pushed away from the rule of law and toward even more arbitrary judicial edicts to advance the agenda of the left and set it in legal concrete, immune from the democratic process. Would you want to go into court to appear before a judge with 'empathy' for groups A, B and C, if you were a member of groups X, Y or Z? Nothing could be further from the rule of law." -- Hoover Institution economist Thomas Sowell
THE DEMO-GOGUES
From the gun grabbers: "[T]he Supreme Court has ruled in a direction that gives more opportunity for people to have guns. We never denied that right. We don't want to take their guns away. We want them registered ... and we have to rid the debate of the misconceptions that people have about what gun safety means." -- Nancy Pelosi
Non Compos Mentis: "Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro -- Cinco de Mayo at the White House." -- Barack Obama (click here for video)
http://michellemalkin.com/2009/05/05/gaffetastic-o-obama-celebrrates-cinco-de-cuatro/
UPRIGHT
"Mr. Obama will make Supreme Court history, all right. He will become the first president in American history to make lawlessness an explicit standard for Supreme Court justices. ... He has boldly proclaimed that he intends to make sure his nominees to the Supreme Court don't harbor any crusty fealty to the written Constitution, or the millenniums of Western law that undergird its principles, or to the timeless truths that underlie our Declaration of Independence." -- Judicial Confirmation Network counsel Wendy E. Long
"There is a reason that Lady Justice wears a blindfold. Justice is supposed to be blind to the race, gender, finances, politics -- and every other 'empathy'-eliciting -- characteristic of those who seek it in good faith." -- columnist Carol Platt Liebau
VILLAGE IDIOTS
With the following statement, I believe Colin Powell lives on another planet! - oyh
Another misdiagnosis: "The Republican Party is in deep trouble. Americans do want to pay taxes for services. Americans are looking for more government in their life, not less." -- former secretary of state Colin Powell
"The Web"
Unbelievable New Medical Technology. This is pretty amazing technology.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxhi4Q8EDTU
Democrats fix sights on GOP prosecutor
With this one, you can watch the Liberal TV and print media ignore firing of these US Attorneys. The entire Liberal media protect almost anything which may otherwise, be critical to the Liberal Democrats. - oyh
Easley, Edwards probes under way
BY J. ANDREW CURLISS - Staff Writer
Published: Sun, May. 17, 2009 04:06AM
Modified Sun, May. 17, 2009 04:22AM
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/story/1530706.html
John Edwards admits federal investigators are asking him questions. Federal subpoenas were issued Friday related to Mike Easley.
As the separate federal probes into a former senator and the former governor are emerging, Democrats are taking steps to replace the Republican prosecutor who is spearheading the inquiries about the highest-profile North Carolina Democrats of the past decade.
All the nearly 100 top federal prosecutors across the country serve at the will of the president. Any replacement for U.S. Attorney George E.B. Holding, a Bush appointee who has kept a priority on public corruption cases from Raleigh to the coast, will be subject to U.S. Senate confirmation.
The process gives a key role in the decision to U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan, a Democrat who was in the state Senate leadership for several years until she unseated Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole in November. Already, Hagan has formed a panel to screen candidates. It is led by Burley Mitchell, former chief justice of the N.C. Supreme Court who now works at the Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice law firm.
Interviews were scheduled for last week and this one, and Mitchell said he expects to forward the name of a preferred candidate to Hagan by midweek. "We're definitely working on those right now," Hagan said in an interview Wednesday. "And hopefully within the next few weeks we can go forward."
Hagan said any movement is coincidental to continuing investigations.
"The president has asked us to submit nominations for these positions, ... so we've been working on this," Hagan said. "It doesn't have anything to do with any cases that are going on. But we're certainly trying to move forward."
Edwards, a former senator, vice presidential nominee and presidential candidate, has acknowledged the federal investigation into whether any money given to his presidential campaign -- or to nonprofits connected to his campaign -- was funneled to his girlfriend, Rielle Hunter. Edwards has admitted having an affair with Hunter, who was hired to make short videos for the campaign.
Easley, governor from 2001 until January, was the subject of a federal subpoena issued Friday to the state Highway Patrol. The FBI wants records and information related to Easley's private air travel. A separate state Board of Elections inquiry also is under way into a range of activities.
Those probes follow reports in The News & Observer about Easley receiving the free use of cars, free flights on jets owned by supporters, and his relationship with McQueen Campbell. Campbell was chairman of the N.C. State University Board of Trustees until he resigned Friday. Federal investigators have asked for information about the cars and about a Carteret County land development where Easley bought a lot.
Slow changes
Hagan said President Barack Obama ultimately will decide the timing on a new U.S. attorney.
So far, Obama has been slower to make changes than some of his predecessors. Bill Clinton asked all U.S. attorneys to resign when he took office, for example. Democrats this year also have signaled they want to keep some holdovers, including political independent Patrick Fitzgerald in Chicago, who is overseeing the case against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat.
The White House has not been commenting on the prosecutor search processes.
The issue comes at a tricky time for Hagan and Obama. While some prosecutors across the country have already stepped down, Holding says he will remain on the job in Raleigh until a replacement is confirmed or Obama asks him to resign.
acurliss@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4840
Prosecutor Holding is a Bush appointee.
Nathaniel GRIGSBY:
http://www.wral.com/golo/blogpost/5066834/
Son of Reuben Davis GRIGSBY Sr. & Nancy BARKER. Born 11, October 1811 in Nelson Co., KY. Died 16, April 1890 in Attica, Harper Co., KS. Buried in Attica, Harper Co., KS. He was a Civil War veteran of the 2nd Lt. Co. G, 10th Indiana Cavalry. He was a farmer.
Nathaniel was a dear friend of Abraham Lincoln.
After Lincoln moved to Illinois in 1830, Nathaniel moved with his father to
Carroll Co., MO in 1855.
In 1860, he was living in Norborne. He wrote to Lincoln and received an appointment as a Republican Precinct Committee Man. He placed Lincoln's name on the 1860 ballot. All of Natty's neighbors were Southern sympathizers. He had been talking about electing Lincoln for president in town. One morning at about 2 or 3 a.m. a neighbor rode up and told Natty not to light any lights. The neighbor wanted to warn him that his neighbors were planning to murder him and if he wanted to live he should be on his way.
After the warning, Natty moved back to Spencer Co., IN where he and four of his five sons enlisted in Company C 10th IN Cavalry (Richmond Davis did not enlist). Natty was named 2nd Lieutenant.
The family apparently returned to Carroll Co., MO but in 1885 they moved to Harper Co., KS and settled on a farm in the extreme northwest corner of the county. In 1890, they moved to Attica, KS. Nathaniel was buried in Attica.
His tombstone reads as follows:
(Front) N. Grigsby Died Apr 16 1890 Aged 78 Yrs 6 Mo 5 Days 2nd Lieut. Co. C 10th Ind. Cavy
(Side)Went to school with Lincoln. Brother to Aaron Grigsby who married Abe Lincoln's oldest sister. Visited in White House.
(Shown Side) Through this inscription I wish to enter my dying protest against what is called the Democratic Party. I have watched it closely since the days of Jackson and know that all the misfortunes of our nation has come to it through this so-called party, therefore beware of this party of treason.
This is incredible, scroll down through the pictures.... the last one is amazing.
WOW!!� And this guy died over a hundred years ago!!
http://clipmarks.com/clipmark/AB6CC2C1-9A66-45C2-AAA4-37E5461BEE48/
The more "Change," the more things stay the same. A tombstone from 1890:
Ah yes, the good ole days!!!!!!!!!!
FOR THE CAR LOVERS
http://www.billsretroworld.com/cars.htm
An Opportunistic Iran
“Convinced that the Obama administration is preparing to retreat from the Middle East, Iran’s Khomeinist regime is intensifying its goal of regional domination. It has targeted six close allies of the U.S.: Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Morocco, Kuwait and Jordan, all of which are experiencing economic and/or political crises.”
So warns Amir Taheri in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, a much-needed counterweight to the idealism of an administration that sincerely believes in the power of “open and honest communication” to heal all divides. Public perception goes a long way, and with a collapse in our economic confidence and Obama’s consistently conciliatory overtures to the Middle East, the Khomeinist propaganda machine has found new wax to polish Iran’s image as a “rising sun” (with the implicit assumption being that the United States has reached its “sunset” moment).
President Obama and Secretary Clinton should think twice about their current diplomatic strategy. While Iran may look like it’s happy to talk upon invitation, such “engagement” does not preclude the regime from simultaneously buoying up its widespread influence in Latin America, assisting those forces engaged in killing U.S. troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, and creating a sophisticated coalition that transcends traditional sectarian and ideological divides as the evidence points to Iranian involvement in the Sunni movements of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and sections of the Muslim Brotherhood, even as Marxist-Leninist and other leftist outfits are being lured into its anti-American cause.
America’s difficulty is Iran’s opportunity, regardless of cooperative appearances. We would do well to keep our radar sharp.
A TEENAGER'S VIEW OF HEAVEN
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/2237219/posts
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for a class... The subject was what Heaven was like.. "I wowed 'em," he later told his father, Bruce. "It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best thing I ever wrote.." It also was the last.
Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power line and was electrocuted..
The Moores' framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point.. I think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs. Moore said of the essay.. She and her husband want to share their son's vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian.
I know he's in heaven. I know I'll see him.."
Brian's Essay: "The Room..."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read 'Girls I have liked.' I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named 'Friends' was next to one marked 'Friends I have betrayed.' The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird 'Books I Have Read,' 'Lies I Have Told,' 'Comfort I have Given,' 'Jokes I Have Laughed at ..' Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: 'Things I've yelled at my brothers.' Others I couldn't laugh at: 'Things I Have Done in My Anger', 'Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents.' I never ceased to be surprised by the contents.
Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped.. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived. Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature.
When I pulled out the file marked 'TV Shows I have watched', I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked 'Lustful Thoughts,' I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me.. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!' In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards.. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it.
Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it.. The title bore 'People I Have Shared the Gospel With.' The handle was brighter than those around it, seemed newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.. They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards.. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own.
He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room.. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands, and I began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me..
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. 'No!' I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was 'No, no,' as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back.. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side.
He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, 'It is finished.' I stood up, and He led me out of the room.. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.
'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. '-Phil. 4:13 'For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.' If you feel the same way forward it so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also.. My 'People I shared the gospel with' file just got bigger, how about yours
Campaign Planner
Message to Students
Click It or Ticket — Save Your Money and Your Life
From May 18 to May 31, local police will join with fellow law enforcement officers nationwide to step up seat belt enforcement in support of the 2009 Click It or Ticket national mobilization.
Look for police to be out on the streets, conducting checkpoints or zero-tolerance seat belt enforcement across the State and across the country — both day and night. This means that if you are stopped by the police, and you aren’t wearing a seat belt — either as a driver or a passenger — you’re going to get a ticket.
You may not know this, but as a teenager you are more likely to die or become disabled or disfigured in a car crash than at any other time in your life. However, wearing your seat belt is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in any crash.
So buckle up every trip, every time. And make sure everyone in your vehicle does the same. You’ll save money on a fine and possibly save your life — and the life of a friend, too.
Plus, buckling a seat belt only takes about two seconds. So remember: Click It or Ticket!
"The e-mail Bag"
The Duck and the Devil
There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit the target.
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved. In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile, only to see his sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, "Sally, let's wash the dishes."
But Sally said, "Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen." Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?" So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, "I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."
Sally just smiled and said, "Well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help." She whispered again, "Remember the duck?" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, "Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you."
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done, the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc.). Whatever it is, you need to know that God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He has seen your whole life. He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness, He not only forgives you, but He forgets. It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved.
Friday, May 15, 2009
ConservativeChristianRepublican-Report - 20090515
Motivational-Inspirational-Historical-Educational-Political-Enjoyable
"Daily Motivations"
I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. -- George Washington
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
The Bow & The Arrow In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:6). Is the highest prize among the gifts of wisdom a sense of spiritual direction?
"Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13)
"The Patriot Post"
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it." -- Thomas Jefferson
"[L]iberty can be measured by how much freedom Americans have to make their own decisions, even their own mistakes. Government must step in when one's liberties impinge on one's neighbor's. Government must protect constitutional rights, deal with other governments, protect citizens from aggressors, assure equal opportunity, and be compassionate in caring for those citizens who are unable to care for themselves. Our federal system of local-state-national government is designed to sort out on what level these actions should be taken. Those concerns of a national character -- such as air and water pollution that do not respect state boundaries, or the national transportation system, or efforts to safeguard your civil liberties -- must, of course, be handled on the national level. As a general rule, however, we believe that government action should be taken first by the government that resides as close to you as possible." -- Ronald Reagan
"Why is the left so susceptible to violence and the right largely immune from it? We believe in the Constitution and the rule of law, they don't -- witness their efforts to save Bill Clinton, who was manifestly guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors (including perjury). They believe in flaunting the law when it suits their purposes -- ergo their support for illegal immigration and an activist judiciary that's usurped legislative powers. We believe in the First Amendment, they don't. Besides the campus storm troopers practicing Marcusian repressive tolerance, Obama and his allies are determined to put conservative talk radio out of business by resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine. We love America, including the principles on which it was conceived: liberty, tolerance, equality before the law and Judeo-Christian morality. For them, the Founding Fathers are dead, white males and the American saga consists of slavery, Wounded Knee, lynchings, the exploitation of immigrant labor, World War II internment of Japanese-Americans, McCarthyism, and 'imperialism.' We're patriots." -- columnist Don Feder
"The Web"
Pelosi Accuses CIA of Lying; GOP Defends Agency
By Tory Newmyer
Roll Call Staff
May 14, 2009, 12:17 p.m.
Updated: 1:41 p.m.
http://www.rollcall.com:80/news/34921-1.html?ET=rollcall:e4621:80078634a:&st=email
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) pushed back hard against the controversy over what she knew, and when, about harsh Bush-era interrogation techniques by accusing the CIA of lying to her in a classified briefing on the matter in September 2002.
“At every step of the way, the administration was misleading the Congress. And that is the issue,” Pelosi told reporters Thursday.
The Speaker defended her decision not to speak out more forcefully five months later, when a top aide was briefed that interrogators had been waterboarding detainees.
“No letter or anything else was going to stop them from doing what they were going to do. My job was to change the majority in the Congress,” Pelosi said. She pointed to a letter of protest that Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), then the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, sent to the CIA as the appropriate channel for top Democrats to register an objection.
Pelosi said she would be “very happy” for the CIA to release the full details of their briefings of Congressional leaders.
The agency last week released a summary of those sessions, revealing that Pelosi was told about the harsh tactics seven years ago. The Speaker on Thursday stuck to her contention that those who briefed her at the time only told lawmakers that they had the legal authority to use the procedures.
Interrogators had already used waterboarding on terrorist suspects dozens of times by then, declassified information has revealed.
“They talked about interrogations that they had done, and said, ‘We want to use enhanced techniques and we have legal opinions that say they are OK. We are not using waterboarding.’” Pelosi said of the September briefing. “That’s the only mention that they were not using it. And we now know that earlier they were. So yes, I’m saying that the CIA was misleading the Congress.”
Meanwhile, Republican leaders immediately derided Pelosi’s statements. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said her comments “continue to raise more questions than provide answers.”
“I have dealt with our intelligence professionals for the last three and a half years on an almost daily basis, and it’s hard for me to imagine that anyone in our intelligence area would ever misled a Member of Congress,” he said.
“What is this, like version 3.0 from Nancy’s perspective of what happened in that meeting?” asked Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the ranking member on the Intelligence Committee. Hoekstra said Pelosi’s charge against the CIA is “a very, very serious charge. I’m not a lawyer, but I would expect that Congress would treat that as a crime.”
Senate Intelligence ranking member Kit Bond (R-Mo.) said he thinks it is “outrageous” that Pelosi would call “terror fighters ... liars.”
And Bond rejected Pelosi’s claim that the only action she could have taken to stop the torture policy was to focus on electing a Democratic Congress and president. Pelosi could have brought in leadership, raised questions during a floor speech or used the appropriations process to protest certain policies, he said.
“There are a whole range of actions, and she did not take them,” Bond said.
Jackie Kucinich and Steven T. Dennis contributed to this report.
U.S. Will Pay $2.6 Million to Train Chinese Prostitutes to Drink Responsibly on the Job
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
By Edwin Mora
Flag of the People's Republic of China
(CNSNews.com) -- The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will pay $2.6 million in U.S. tax dollars to train Chinese prostitutes to drink responsibly on the job.
Dr. Xiaoming Li, the researcher conducting the program, is director of the Prevention Research Center at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
The grant, made last November, refers to prostitutes as "female sex workers"--or FSW--and their handlers as "gatekeepers."
"Previous studies in Asia and Africa and our own data from FSWs [female sex workers] in China suggest that the social norms and institutional policy within commercial sex venues as well as agents overseeing the FSWs (i.e., the 'gatekeepers', defined as persons who manage the establishments and/or sex workers) are potentially of great importance in influencing alcohol use and sexual behavior among establishment-based FSWs," says the NIH grant abstract submitted by Dr. Li.
"Therefore, in this application, we propose to develop, implement, and evaluate a venue-based alcohol use and HIV risk reduction intervention focusing on both environmental and individual factors among venue-based FSWs in China," says the abstract.
The research will take place in the southern Chinese province of Guangxi.
Guangxi is ranked third in HIV rate among Chna's provinces--and is a place where the sex business is pervasive, Li said.
“The purpose of the project is to try and develop an intervention program targeting HIV risk and alcohol use,” Li told CNSNews.com. “So basically, it’s an alcohol and HIV risk reduction intervention project."
The researcher outlined three components of the intervention program in the abstract for the project:
“(1) gatekeeper training with a focus on changing or enhancing the protective social norms and policy/practice at the establishment level; (2) FSW (female sex workers) training with a focus on the acquisition of communication skills (negotiating, limit setting) and behavioral skills (e.g., condom use skills, consistent condom use); and (3) semi-annual boosters to reinforce both social norms within establishments and individual skills,” wrote Li.
The doctor said the heart of the study involves “a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial among 100 commercial sex venues in Beihai, a costal tourist city in Guangxi.”
"We anticipate that the venue-based intervention program will be culturally appropriate, feasible, effective and sustainable in alcohol use and sexual risk reduction among FSWs," says the NIH grant abstract.
Li said his study is being done in China rather than the U.S. because prostitution occurs with alcohol use in the United States like it does in China, Americans will be able to benefit from the project’s findings.
“We want to get some understanding of the fundamental role of alcohol use and HIV risk,” he said. “We use the population in China as our targeted population to look at the basic issues. I think the findings will benefit the American people, too.”
Li said minimal research has been conducted on the link between alcohol use and prostitution as it relates to HIV.
“Alcohol has been a part of the commerce of sex for many, many years. Unfortunately, both global-wise (and) in the United States, very few researchers are looking at the complex issue of the inter play between alcohol and the commerce of sex,” he told CNSNews.com.
The grant is one of several “international initiatives” sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
Ralph Hingson, director of epidemiology and prevention research at NIAA, told CNSNews.com, “There are many Americans who travel to China each year and they should be made aware of the HIV problem.”
Hingson said that Americans will be able to apply the studies findings to the American situation because 1.2 million Americans are currently living with HIV.
Li’s research includes exploration, development, implementation and evaluation. Currently, the project stands at the exploration stage, which the doctor expects to last 18 months.
“The first phase is kind of an exploratory study just trying to get a good understanding of the phenomena in the population of female sex workers in China. The second phase is the program development,” the professor told CNSNews.com.
Phase two will be based on the first year of the study and on “field observations,” he added. The third phase will be the implementation and evaluation of the program.
“Prostitution is illegal in China but it exists in China," Li told CNSNews.com, “but the Chinese government and the society’s attitude towards prostitution is complicated.”
According to Li, there may be as many as 10 million female prostitutes in China with the majority raging from teenagers to those in their 20s.
“We see a lot of governmental initiatives in China, like 100 percent condom distribution promotion programs, so they deliver condoms in those (prostitution) venues," he added.
“The global literature indicates an important role of alcohol use in facilitating HIV/AIDS transmission risk in commercial sex venues where elevated alcohol use/abuse and sexual risk behaviors frequently co-occur,” Li wrote when introducing the project last November.
"We expect that the intervention will improve protective normative beliefs and institutional support regarding alcohol use and HIV protection,” he added.
The NIH proposal hypothesizes that the program will decrease "problem drinking and alcohol-related sexual risk" among prostitutes that participate.
"We hypothesize that the venue-based intervention will change and enhance the protective social norms and institutional policies at the establishment level and such enhancement, accompanied by individual skill training among FSWs, will demonstrate a sustainable effect within commercial sex establishments in decreasing problem drinking and alcohol-related sexual risk, increasing consistent and correct condom use, and reducing rates of HIV/STD infection among FSWs," says the NIH abstract.
John Murtha Airport: A $200 Million ‘White Elephant’
Taxpayers have spent $200 million in federal funds over the past decade to support a little-used airport located in the congressional district of powerful Pennsylvania Democrat John Murtha.
The John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport east of Pittsburgh serves just six commercial flights each weekday, all of them to or from Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.
When a Washington Post reporter visited the airport recently, there were just four passengers lined up to board a flight, outnumbered by seven security staffers and supervisors.
Yet the airport has a new terminal with a restaurant, a $17.8 million reinforced concrete runway capable of handling large jets, a motorized baggage carousel, and an $8 million high-tech radar system befitting an international airport — which remains unmanned.
The airport was also among the first facilities in the nation to receive funding from this year’s stimulus package — $800,000 to repave a backup runway.
And each of the six daily flights to and from the airport is subsidized, costing taxpayers about $147 per passenger last year.
Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense called the airport a “white elephant” and “an exercise in spending more money than sense.”
Even a passenger using the airport questioned the spending.
“Doesn’t it seem kind of ridiculous to have a motorized carousel for the baggage claim when 15 people get off the airplane?” Johnstown native Bill Previte told The Post.
“It obvious: There’s not enough population to justify this place.”
Of the $200 million in federal funds spent on the airport in the past 10 years, Rep. Murtha — chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense — is credited with securing at least $150 million.
In 2007, the authority that runs the airport hired MTT Aviation Services, a subsidiary of a defense contractor run by a close friend of Murtha.
“Murtha, dubbed the King of Pork by critics, consistently directs more federal money to his district than any other congressman — $192 million in the 2008 budget,” The Post disclosed.
Press reports in March alleged that in recent years Murtha obtained millions in earmarks for Penn State University’s Electro-Optical Center, which then rerouted the money to clients of PMA Group, a military-oriented lobbying firm that has close ties with Murtha.
PMA’s offices were raided by the FBI in November, and The New York Times reported that investigators were looking for evidence that PMA made illegitimate campaign contributions to Murtha.
Signs Point Toward ‘Cataclysmic’ War in Middle East
A former top American intelligence official agrees with a Messianic pastor that major and possibly calamitous events will unfold in the Middle East in the coming year.
“I think within 12 months something is going to happen, one way or another,” said retired Lt. Gen. William Boykin, who served as deputy undersecretary of defense for Intelligence from 2003 to 2007.
His concerns are echoed by best-selling novelist Joel C. Rosenberg, whose works have uncannily foreshadowed real events including 9/11.
“I don’t know how much time we have. I believe a cataclysmic war is coming in the Middle East,” he said.
Messianic pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai ministries in Puyallup, Wash., garnered attention last year with his announcement of the discovery of a rare sequence of lunar and solar eclipses, a “tetrad,” all falling on key feast days on the Jewish calendar over a two-year period.
The last time that happened, the Jews recaptured Jerusalem, Biltz said. “The time before that [was] 1949, 1950, right after they became a nation. But both times it was tied around a major war.”
Additional signs this year and next portend more of the same, according to Biltz.
“The sun and the moon were God’s signals to us,” he said. “When they fall on his divine appointments, He’s trying to tell us that we need to look to him and hear what he’s saying.”
While Biltz and other messianic believers watch the heavens, “others are watching the headlines and getting the same message,” station KMPH in Fresno, Calif., reported.
Gen. Boykin told a station reporter at a conference in San Diego that he foresees “something” happening in the coming year and added: “I’m watching the Iranian nuclear program very carefully. No one really knows how long, I don’t even think the Iranian themselves know how long it will take them to have a deliverable nuclear weapon, but they’re moving there rapidly.”
Author Rosenberg, who was an adviser to then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the 1990s, foresees a cataclysm in the near future, and he has been remarkably prescient in his books.
For instance, his New York Times best-seller “The Last Jihad” describes the hijacking of a jet by radical Islamic terrorists who use it to launch a kamikaze attack on an American city. That leads to a war with Iraq’s Saddam Hussein over terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
“I wrote those chapters nine months before September 11, 2001,” Rosenberg told KMPH at the conference.
His book “The Last Days” begins with a U.S. diplomatic convoy driving into Gaza on a peacekeeping mission. The convoy is attacked by terrorists. Six days before the book went on sale in October 2003, an American diplomatic convoy driving into Gaza was attacked by terrorists.
The book also foreshadowed a civil war among Palestinians similar to the hostilities that later erupted between Hamas and Fatah.
The IEA on the Financial Crash
When will the majority Democrats on Capital Hill demand an independent investigation on Sen. Chris Dodd and Representative Barney Frank, as two who may be directly responsible for these financial failures? - oyh
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/05/12/the-iea-on-the-financial-crash/#more-6624
The Institute for Economic Affairs, the prestigious British think-tank, has released a comprehensive, two hundred page long, study of the causes of the financial crash. Its conclusion is that “Government failure had a leading role in creating the conditions that led to the crash.”
As the IEA sums it up, “It may be overstating the point to argue that the crash was caused by government failure but it certainly appears that there is nothing that governments and regulators have done that made the crash less likely or made its consequences less dire.” According to the IEA, central banks created a monetary bubble that fed an asset price boom and distorted the pricing of risk, while, in the U.S., government policy “encouraged high-risk lending through support for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” The problem was not that regulators lacked the power to act: it was that they did not act, and to the extent they did, they incentivized opaque and risky behavior.
It is therefore not sensible to believe that giving more power to regulators is the answer. Yet while the banks that failed have lost most or all of their value, the regulators who failed are being given more responsibilities. In that light, Samuel Gregg’s contribution to the IEA’s study is particularly striking. He concludes by noting that “In the end, no amount of regulation – heavy or light – can substitute for the type of character formation that is supposed to occur in families, schools, churches and synagogues.”
Relying on regulation ignores the fact that participants in the market, like everyone else, ultimately need to practice prudence. That, of course, is an insight as old as Adam Smith – the Smith of the ‘invisible hand,’ who first made his name as a moral philosopher. Reacting to the crash by relying on governments to guide that ‘invisible hand,’ is, ultimately, to reject not only Smith’s insights into the free market but his belief in the moral value of civil society.
"The e-mail Bag"
Children in Church
A little boy was in a relative's wedding.
As he was coming down the aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit. When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was being the Ring Bear."
One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew
but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out...
Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"
One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."
A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"
One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."
A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice he answered, "It's Adam 's suit".
The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again.
After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"
Six-year old Angie , and her four-year old brother, Joel , were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers.."
My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo, while I asked, "No, how are we alike?"
"You're both old," he replied. A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible.
Then, one day, she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus ? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"
A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was.
Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor's wife."
"Daily Motivations"
I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man. -- George Washington
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
The Bow & The Arrow In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:6). Is the highest prize among the gifts of wisdom a sense of spiritual direction?
"Don't let us yield to temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13)
"The Patriot Post"
"I would rather be exposed to the inconveniences attending too much liberty than those attending too small a degree of it." -- Thomas Jefferson
"[L]iberty can be measured by how much freedom Americans have to make their own decisions, even their own mistakes. Government must step in when one's liberties impinge on one's neighbor's. Government must protect constitutional rights, deal with other governments, protect citizens from aggressors, assure equal opportunity, and be compassionate in caring for those citizens who are unable to care for themselves. Our federal system of local-state-national government is designed to sort out on what level these actions should be taken. Those concerns of a national character -- such as air and water pollution that do not respect state boundaries, or the national transportation system, or efforts to safeguard your civil liberties -- must, of course, be handled on the national level. As a general rule, however, we believe that government action should be taken first by the government that resides as close to you as possible." -- Ronald Reagan
"Why is the left so susceptible to violence and the right largely immune from it? We believe in the Constitution and the rule of law, they don't -- witness their efforts to save Bill Clinton, who was manifestly guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors (including perjury). They believe in flaunting the law when it suits their purposes -- ergo their support for illegal immigration and an activist judiciary that's usurped legislative powers. We believe in the First Amendment, they don't. Besides the campus storm troopers practicing Marcusian repressive tolerance, Obama and his allies are determined to put conservative talk radio out of business by resurrecting the Fairness Doctrine. We love America, including the principles on which it was conceived: liberty, tolerance, equality before the law and Judeo-Christian morality. For them, the Founding Fathers are dead, white males and the American saga consists of slavery, Wounded Knee, lynchings, the exploitation of immigrant labor, World War II internment of Japanese-Americans, McCarthyism, and 'imperialism.' We're patriots." -- columnist Don Feder
"The Web"
Pelosi Accuses CIA of Lying; GOP Defends Agency
By Tory Newmyer
Roll Call Staff
May 14, 2009, 12:17 p.m.
Updated: 1:41 p.m.
http://www.rollcall.com:80/news/34921-1.html?ET=rollcall:e4621:80078634a:&st=email
Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) pushed back hard against the controversy over what she knew, and when, about harsh Bush-era interrogation techniques by accusing the CIA of lying to her in a classified briefing on the matter in September 2002.
“At every step of the way, the administration was misleading the Congress. And that is the issue,” Pelosi told reporters Thursday.
The Speaker defended her decision not to speak out more forcefully five months later, when a top aide was briefed that interrogators had been waterboarding detainees.
“No letter or anything else was going to stop them from doing what they were going to do. My job was to change the majority in the Congress,” Pelosi said. She pointed to a letter of protest that Rep. Jane Harman (D-Calif.), then the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, sent to the CIA as the appropriate channel for top Democrats to register an objection.
Pelosi said she would be “very happy” for the CIA to release the full details of their briefings of Congressional leaders.
The agency last week released a summary of those sessions, revealing that Pelosi was told about the harsh tactics seven years ago. The Speaker on Thursday stuck to her contention that those who briefed her at the time only told lawmakers that they had the legal authority to use the procedures.
Interrogators had already used waterboarding on terrorist suspects dozens of times by then, declassified information has revealed.
“They talked about interrogations that they had done, and said, ‘We want to use enhanced techniques and we have legal opinions that say they are OK. We are not using waterboarding.’” Pelosi said of the September briefing. “That’s the only mention that they were not using it. And we now know that earlier they were. So yes, I’m saying that the CIA was misleading the Congress.”
Meanwhile, Republican leaders immediately derided Pelosi’s statements. House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said her comments “continue to raise more questions than provide answers.”
“I have dealt with our intelligence professionals for the last three and a half years on an almost daily basis, and it’s hard for me to imagine that anyone in our intelligence area would ever misled a Member of Congress,” he said.
“What is this, like version 3.0 from Nancy’s perspective of what happened in that meeting?” asked Rep. Pete Hoekstra (R-Mich.), the ranking member on the Intelligence Committee. Hoekstra said Pelosi’s charge against the CIA is “a very, very serious charge. I’m not a lawyer, but I would expect that Congress would treat that as a crime.”
Senate Intelligence ranking member Kit Bond (R-Mo.) said he thinks it is “outrageous” that Pelosi would call “terror fighters ... liars.”
And Bond rejected Pelosi’s claim that the only action she could have taken to stop the torture policy was to focus on electing a Democratic Congress and president. Pelosi could have brought in leadership, raised questions during a floor speech or used the appropriations process to protest certain policies, he said.
“There are a whole range of actions, and she did not take them,” Bond said.
Jackie Kucinich and Steven T. Dennis contributed to this report.
U.S. Will Pay $2.6 Million to Train Chinese Prostitutes to Drink Responsibly on the Job
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
By Edwin Mora
Flag of the People's Republic of China
(CNSNews.com) -- The National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA), a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will pay $2.6 million in U.S. tax dollars to train Chinese prostitutes to drink responsibly on the job.
Dr. Xiaoming Li, the researcher conducting the program, is director of the Prevention Research Center at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit.
The grant, made last November, refers to prostitutes as "female sex workers"--or FSW--and their handlers as "gatekeepers."
"Previous studies in Asia and Africa and our own data from FSWs [female sex workers] in China suggest that the social norms and institutional policy within commercial sex venues as well as agents overseeing the FSWs (i.e., the 'gatekeepers', defined as persons who manage the establishments and/or sex workers) are potentially of great importance in influencing alcohol use and sexual behavior among establishment-based FSWs," says the NIH grant abstract submitted by Dr. Li.
"Therefore, in this application, we propose to develop, implement, and evaluate a venue-based alcohol use and HIV risk reduction intervention focusing on both environmental and individual factors among venue-based FSWs in China," says the abstract.
The research will take place in the southern Chinese province of Guangxi.
Guangxi is ranked third in HIV rate among Chna's provinces--and is a place where the sex business is pervasive, Li said.
“The purpose of the project is to try and develop an intervention program targeting HIV risk and alcohol use,” Li told CNSNews.com. “So basically, it’s an alcohol and HIV risk reduction intervention project."
The researcher outlined three components of the intervention program in the abstract for the project:
“(1) gatekeeper training with a focus on changing or enhancing the protective social norms and policy/practice at the establishment level; (2) FSW (female sex workers) training with a focus on the acquisition of communication skills (negotiating, limit setting) and behavioral skills (e.g., condom use skills, consistent condom use); and (3) semi-annual boosters to reinforce both social norms within establishments and individual skills,” wrote Li.
The doctor said the heart of the study involves “a community-based cluster randomized controlled trial among 100 commercial sex venues in Beihai, a costal tourist city in Guangxi.”
"We anticipate that the venue-based intervention program will be culturally appropriate, feasible, effective and sustainable in alcohol use and sexual risk reduction among FSWs," says the NIH grant abstract.
Li said his study is being done in China rather than the U.S. because prostitution occurs with alcohol use in the United States like it does in China, Americans will be able to benefit from the project’s findings.
“We want to get some understanding of the fundamental role of alcohol use and HIV risk,” he said. “We use the population in China as our targeted population to look at the basic issues. I think the findings will benefit the American people, too.”
Li said minimal research has been conducted on the link between alcohol use and prostitution as it relates to HIV.
“Alcohol has been a part of the commerce of sex for many, many years. Unfortunately, both global-wise (and) in the United States, very few researchers are looking at the complex issue of the inter play between alcohol and the commerce of sex,” he told CNSNews.com.
The grant is one of several “international initiatives” sponsored by the National Institutes of Health.
Ralph Hingson, director of epidemiology and prevention research at NIAA, told CNSNews.com, “There are many Americans who travel to China each year and they should be made aware of the HIV problem.”
Hingson said that Americans will be able to apply the studies findings to the American situation because 1.2 million Americans are currently living with HIV.
Li’s research includes exploration, development, implementation and evaluation. Currently, the project stands at the exploration stage, which the doctor expects to last 18 months.
“The first phase is kind of an exploratory study just trying to get a good understanding of the phenomena in the population of female sex workers in China. The second phase is the program development,” the professor told CNSNews.com.
Phase two will be based on the first year of the study and on “field observations,” he added. The third phase will be the implementation and evaluation of the program.
“Prostitution is illegal in China but it exists in China," Li told CNSNews.com, “but the Chinese government and the society’s attitude towards prostitution is complicated.”
According to Li, there may be as many as 10 million female prostitutes in China with the majority raging from teenagers to those in their 20s.
“We see a lot of governmental initiatives in China, like 100 percent condom distribution promotion programs, so they deliver condoms in those (prostitution) venues," he added.
“The global literature indicates an important role of alcohol use in facilitating HIV/AIDS transmission risk in commercial sex venues where elevated alcohol use/abuse and sexual risk behaviors frequently co-occur,” Li wrote when introducing the project last November.
"We expect that the intervention will improve protective normative beliefs and institutional support regarding alcohol use and HIV protection,” he added.
The NIH proposal hypothesizes that the program will decrease "problem drinking and alcohol-related sexual risk" among prostitutes that participate.
"We hypothesize that the venue-based intervention will change and enhance the protective social norms and institutional policies at the establishment level and such enhancement, accompanied by individual skill training among FSWs, will demonstrate a sustainable effect within commercial sex establishments in decreasing problem drinking and alcohol-related sexual risk, increasing consistent and correct condom use, and reducing rates of HIV/STD infection among FSWs," says the NIH abstract.
John Murtha Airport: A $200 Million ‘White Elephant’
Taxpayers have spent $200 million in federal funds over the past decade to support a little-used airport located in the congressional district of powerful Pennsylvania Democrat John Murtha.
The John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport east of Pittsburgh serves just six commercial flights each weekday, all of them to or from Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.
When a Washington Post reporter visited the airport recently, there were just four passengers lined up to board a flight, outnumbered by seven security staffers and supervisors.
Yet the airport has a new terminal with a restaurant, a $17.8 million reinforced concrete runway capable of handling large jets, a motorized baggage carousel, and an $8 million high-tech radar system befitting an international airport — which remains unmanned.
The airport was also among the first facilities in the nation to receive funding from this year’s stimulus package — $800,000 to repave a backup runway.
And each of the six daily flights to and from the airport is subsidized, costing taxpayers about $147 per passenger last year.
Steve Ellis of Taxpayers for Common Sense called the airport a “white elephant” and “an exercise in spending more money than sense.”
Even a passenger using the airport questioned the spending.
“Doesn’t it seem kind of ridiculous to have a motorized carousel for the baggage claim when 15 people get off the airplane?” Johnstown native Bill Previte told The Post.
“It obvious: There’s not enough population to justify this place.”
Of the $200 million in federal funds spent on the airport in the past 10 years, Rep. Murtha — chairman of the House Appropriations Committee’s Subcommittee on Defense — is credited with securing at least $150 million.
In 2007, the authority that runs the airport hired MTT Aviation Services, a subsidiary of a defense contractor run by a close friend of Murtha.
“Murtha, dubbed the King of Pork by critics, consistently directs more federal money to his district than any other congressman — $192 million in the 2008 budget,” The Post disclosed.
Press reports in March alleged that in recent years Murtha obtained millions in earmarks for Penn State University’s Electro-Optical Center, which then rerouted the money to clients of PMA Group, a military-oriented lobbying firm that has close ties with Murtha.
PMA’s offices were raided by the FBI in November, and The New York Times reported that investigators were looking for evidence that PMA made illegitimate campaign contributions to Murtha.
Signs Point Toward ‘Cataclysmic’ War in Middle East
A former top American intelligence official agrees with a Messianic pastor that major and possibly calamitous events will unfold in the Middle East in the coming year.
“I think within 12 months something is going to happen, one way or another,” said retired Lt. Gen. William Boykin, who served as deputy undersecretary of defense for Intelligence from 2003 to 2007.
His concerns are echoed by best-selling novelist Joel C. Rosenberg, whose works have uncannily foreshadowed real events including 9/11.
“I don’t know how much time we have. I believe a cataclysmic war is coming in the Middle East,” he said.
Messianic pastor Mark Biltz of El Shaddai ministries in Puyallup, Wash., garnered attention last year with his announcement of the discovery of a rare sequence of lunar and solar eclipses, a “tetrad,” all falling on key feast days on the Jewish calendar over a two-year period.
The last time that happened, the Jews recaptured Jerusalem, Biltz said. “The time before that [was] 1949, 1950, right after they became a nation. But both times it was tied around a major war.”
Additional signs this year and next portend more of the same, according to Biltz.
“The sun and the moon were God’s signals to us,” he said. “When they fall on his divine appointments, He’s trying to tell us that we need to look to him and hear what he’s saying.”
While Biltz and other messianic believers watch the heavens, “others are watching the headlines and getting the same message,” station KMPH in Fresno, Calif., reported.
Gen. Boykin told a station reporter at a conference in San Diego that he foresees “something” happening in the coming year and added: “I’m watching the Iranian nuclear program very carefully. No one really knows how long, I don’t even think the Iranian themselves know how long it will take them to have a deliverable nuclear weapon, but they’re moving there rapidly.”
Author Rosenberg, who was an adviser to then-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the 1990s, foresees a cataclysm in the near future, and he has been remarkably prescient in his books.
For instance, his New York Times best-seller “The Last Jihad” describes the hijacking of a jet by radical Islamic terrorists who use it to launch a kamikaze attack on an American city. That leads to a war with Iraq’s Saddam Hussein over terrorism and weapons of mass destruction.
“I wrote those chapters nine months before September 11, 2001,” Rosenberg told KMPH at the conference.
His book “The Last Days” begins with a U.S. diplomatic convoy driving into Gaza on a peacekeeping mission. The convoy is attacked by terrorists. Six days before the book went on sale in October 2003, an American diplomatic convoy driving into Gaza was attacked by terrorists.
The book also foreshadowed a civil war among Palestinians similar to the hostilities that later erupted between Hamas and Fatah.
The IEA on the Financial Crash
When will the majority Democrats on Capital Hill demand an independent investigation on Sen. Chris Dodd and Representative Barney Frank, as two who may be directly responsible for these financial failures? - oyh
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/05/12/the-iea-on-the-financial-crash/#more-6624
The Institute for Economic Affairs, the prestigious British think-tank, has released a comprehensive, two hundred page long, study of the causes of the financial crash. Its conclusion is that “Government failure had a leading role in creating the conditions that led to the crash.”
As the IEA sums it up, “It may be overstating the point to argue that the crash was caused by government failure but it certainly appears that there is nothing that governments and regulators have done that made the crash less likely or made its consequences less dire.” According to the IEA, central banks created a monetary bubble that fed an asset price boom and distorted the pricing of risk, while, in the U.S., government policy “encouraged high-risk lending through support for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.” The problem was not that regulators lacked the power to act: it was that they did not act, and to the extent they did, they incentivized opaque and risky behavior.
It is therefore not sensible to believe that giving more power to regulators is the answer. Yet while the banks that failed have lost most or all of their value, the regulators who failed are being given more responsibilities. In that light, Samuel Gregg’s contribution to the IEA’s study is particularly striking. He concludes by noting that “In the end, no amount of regulation – heavy or light – can substitute for the type of character formation that is supposed to occur in families, schools, churches and synagogues.”
Relying on regulation ignores the fact that participants in the market, like everyone else, ultimately need to practice prudence. That, of course, is an insight as old as Adam Smith – the Smith of the ‘invisible hand,’ who first made his name as a moral philosopher. Reacting to the crash by relying on governments to guide that ‘invisible hand,’ is, ultimately, to reject not only Smith’s insights into the free market but his belief in the moral value of civil society.
"The e-mail Bag"
Children in Church
A little boy was in a relative's wedding.
As he was coming down the aisle, he would take two steps, stop, and turn to the crowd. While facing the crowd, he would put his hands up like claws and roar.
So it went, step, step, ROAR, step, step, ROAR, all the way down the aisle. As you can imagine, the crowd was near tears from laughing so hard by the time he reached the pulpit. When asked what he was doing, the child sniffed and said, "I was being the Ring Bear."
One Sunday in a Midwest City, a young child was "acting up" during the morning worship hour. The parents did their best to maintain some sense of order in the pew
but were losing the battle. Finally, the father picked the little fellow up and walked sternly up the aisle on his way out...
Just before reaching the safety of the foyer, the little one called loudly to the congregation, "Pray for me! Pray for me!"
One particular four-year old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."
A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."
A Sunday School teacher asked her little children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?"
One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."
A little boy opened the big and old family Bible with fascination, looking at the old pages as he turned them. Then something fell out of the Bible. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It was an old leaf from a tree that has been pressed in between the pages. "Mama, look what I found," the boy called out.
"What have you got there, dear?" his mother asked. With astonishment in the young boy's voice he answered, "It's Adam 's suit".
The preacher was wired for sound with a lapel mike, and as he preached, he moved briskly about the platform, jerking the mike cord as he went. Then he moved to one side, getting wound up in the cord and nearly tripping before jerking it again.
After several circles and jerks, a little girl in the third pew leaned toward her mother and whispered, "If he gets loose, will he hurt us?"
Six-year old Angie , and her four-year old brother, Joel , were sitting together in church. Joel giggled, sang and talked out loud. Finally, his big sister had had enough.. "You're not supposed to talk out loud in church." "Why? Who's going to stop me?" Joel asked.
Angie pointed to the back of the church and said, "See those two men standing by the door? They're hushers.."
My grandson was visiting one day when he asked, "Grandma, do you know how you and God are alike?" I mentally polished my halo, while I asked, "No, how are we alike?"
"You're both old," he replied. A ten-year old, under the tutelage of her grandmother, was becoming quite knowledgeable about the Bible.
Then, one day, she floored her grandmother by asking, "Which Virgin was the mother of Jesus ? The virgin Mary or the King James Virgin?"
A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was.
Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor's wife."
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ConservativeChristianRepublican-Report - 20090514
Motivational-Inspirational-Historical-Educational-Political-Enjoyable
"My Comments"
Carrie Prejean is Miss California
Additional commentary below under "The Web" by Bill O'Reilly.
Donald Trump and the Miss USA Pageant did the right thing today in announcing Miss Carrie Prejean may maintain her title as Miss California and runner-up of the Miss USA Beauty Pageant.
I understand any straight man can abundantly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I can understand any straight woman can wholly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I have difficulty in appreciation as to how two (2) homosexuals could honestly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I have a quandary as to how and why these homosexuals were appointed as judges in a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I would further inquire as to why Perez Hilton or any other homosexual would choose to serve as a judge in a Miss USA Beauty Pageant.
Miss USA Pageant candidates are females, and the winner is based on pure beauty, character, and intelligence. Homosexuals are men who like men, not women. Could it be these homosexuals were supporting a social issue rather than a true Miss USA Pageant? Was Perez Hilton there just in support, and to further a "self-promoting and homosexual" campaign agenda against Miss Prejean or any other straight, but expressly Miss Prejean in knowing she attended San Diego Christian College? Donald Trump may choose to respond to these questions. - oyh
"Daily Motivations"
Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -- Eleanor Roosevelt
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
I Just Don't Understand... ...lean not on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Contrary to popular belief, our peace doesn’t really flow from our understanding.
"The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia...." (Acts 13:4 NIV)
"The Patriot Post"
"We may with reverence say, that our Creator designed men for society, because otherwise they cannot be happy. They cannot be happy without freedom; nor free without security; that is, without the absence of fear; nor thus secure, without society. The conclusion is strictly syllogistic—that man cannot be free without society. Of course, they cannot be equally free without society, which freedom produces the greatest happiness." -- John Dickinson, Letters of Fabius, 1788
"In the supposed state of nature, all men are equally bound by the laws of nature, or to speak more properly, the laws of the Creator." -- Samuel Adams, letter to the Legislature of Massachusetts, 17 January 1794
"If individuals be not influenced by moral principles; it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice." -- James Madison in response to Washington's first Inaugural address, 18 May 1789
"ACU"
Over time, I believe history will find that one of President Obama's favorite projects, ACORN, is one of the most corrupt organization ever, in our US for voter regisration history. - oyh
Oscar,
Barney Frank is at it again. Last year, Frank passed a bill in the House for a $4 billion slush fund that the corrupt left-win activist organization known as ACORN could have applied to for taxpayer funds. Frank was forced by the Senate to accept a provision barring taxpayer funds to organizations and employees of organizations, such as ACORN, that have been indicted for voter fraud. This year, with increased Liberal majorities in the House and Senate, Frank made sure ACORN remained eligible for funds from the Stimulus Bill. Now, Frank, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is using a mortgage reform bill due to be voted on this week to add another $180 million for "counseling" and "legal services" for people with mortgage problems. This time he ran up against Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN), a member of his committee. Citing numerous charges of voter fraud and tax violations against ACORN in a number of states, Bachmann proposed an amendment with the same language as last year's law. Afraid of a debate and committee vote, Frank cut off debate and accepted the Bachmann amendment. Apparently this did not sit well with Franks' left-wing friends because just hours later he announced he would try to gut the amendment when the bill is voted on by the whole House.
TAKE ACTION NOW! GO HERE AND TELL Rep. Larry Kissell TO OPPOSE THE FRANK AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1728, THE MORTGAGE REFORM ACT
This is a rare opportunity to put every member of the House of Representatives on record as to where they stand on ACORN. Normally, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could prevent a vote on the Bachmann provision but they are forced to have a vote because the provision is already in the bill and they want it out.
Frank claimed he made a 'mistake' in accepting the Bachmann amendment and that he believes barring people under indictment from taxpayer funds is "a violation of the principles of due process". Instead of proposing to eliminate the Bachmann provision outright, Frank is proposing to rewrite it to make ACORN eligible for funds. 'Indictment' would be changed to 'conviction' and 'senior employees' would have to be the ones convicted. This would make the provision meaningless.
ACORN, claiming to be a legitimate "community organizing and counseling" organization has a long record of abusing tax and voting laws. According to recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, ACORN has been under investigation in some states for, among other things:
"Violations of the Internal Revenue Code as a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization for intervening in partisan campaign activities;"
"Violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) which prohibits expenditures by non-profit corporations, including ACORN and Project Vote, that are made in coordination with, at the request, behest, suggestion or with the material involvement of a federal campaign; and"
"Fraudulent voter registration activities, failure to comply with state law in voter registration drives, absence of quality control and training, and the internal procedures as to how ACORN responds to allegations of illegality."
GO HERE AND SEND AN EMAIL TO URGE Rep. Larry Kissell TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST ACORN BY VOTING AGAINST THE FRANK AMENDMENT
The about face by a powerful committee chairman shows how much influence corrupt left-wing organizations like ACORN have gained in this Congress. Each member of the House must know their constituents will be watching their vote on this amendment. In introducing this amendment, Congresswoman Bachmann asked the question, "Whose side are we on, the taxpayer or ACORN?
LET YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS KNOW RIGHT HERE THAT YOU WANT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE TAXPAYER BY VOTING 'NO' ON THE FRANK AMENDMENT
We at the American Conservative Union thank you for all you do to advance conservative, free-market principles.
Sincerely,
Larry Hart
Director of Government Relations
American Conservative Union
“Heritage Foundation”
The National Socialism of Obamanomics
By James Srodes from the May 2009 issue
http://spectator.org/archives/2009/05/01/the-national-socialism-of-obam/
It is commonplace today to believe we should refer to the benign innovations of John Maynard Keynes during the Great Depression in order to understand what is driving President Obama’s team of economic strategists. But a look back to that time leads one to conclude the Depression-era economist who appears most relevant to what is going on bears the improbable name of Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht.
From his post as head of the Reichsbank, in a career that ran nearly 20 years, Schacht w as in effective control of the shambolic German economy for successive Weimar Republic governments and the pre-World War II regime of Adolf Hitler. During that time he routinely talked one game and ran another. He was a vocal supporter of returning the global marketplace to the fictional discipline of the gold standard even as he implemented inflationary policies to jump-start a society paralyzed by chaotic politics at home and foreign demands for war reparations that had to be finessed at all costs. Much of what Schacht did found its way into Keynes’s landmark 1936 treatise, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. Indeed, Keynes nodded in Schacht’s direction in the foreword to the German edition of his book, where he stated his economic theories “can be much easier adapted to the conditions of a totalitarian state than the theory of production and distribution of a given production put forth under conditions of free competition and a large degree of laissez-faire.”
Before devotees of our prince-president start reaching for their pitchforks and tar buckets, let’s be clear that the brand of national socialism now being practiced in Washington has nothing to do with the capital-lettered National Socialism that drove the horrible Hitler regime or the equally disgraceful brands of big-F Fascism practiced by Mussolini, Franco, Peron, and other despots of the last century and this. Schacht himself was a stiff-necked and bumptiously offensive self-promoter but he was never a Nazi, a fact Hitler himself recognized by putting him in a concentration camp toward the war’s end. And while the revenge-minded Allies tried him for war crimes, even the Nuremberg judges acquitted him.
It is not a war crime to be a central banker, although it is a thought.
Obamanomics, if that is the word, also bears little resemblance to the idealized soft-socialism we attribute to the FDR era, or what came in harder form in the wave of nationalizations and state-owned enterprises that the Labour Party tried to run in Britain, or in the capital-S Socialist governments that held sway over the European Union. Neither Larry Summers nor Timothy Geithner nor Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke want to take over the management of Wall Street’s banks, let alone have to set up complex government agencies to operate General Motors or any other business sector further down the Toxic Asset Rescue Plan food chain.
Instead of actually trying to take over the formal management of the private sector, the Obama plan is to use the printing presses of the Federal Reserve as a powerful lever to force private enterprise to serve the administration’s social agenda. Congress, pacified with pork injections, will have no policy role.
State governments, which once were seedbeds of innovation, are on a short leash held by the White House. When the president pointedly told a White House audience of big-city mayors, “We will be watching you,” it was not merely a warning to handle the anticipated flow of federal funds with probity; it was an injunction that programs with the administration’s imprimatur were to be given priority.
So it is not the socialism of the Old Left at work. To recognize this is to understand the growing undercurrent of fretful unhappiness festering among traditional liberal Democratic pols like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or appearing on the far-left blogs of Daily Kos and the Huffington Post. But from the right or left, what’s happening is still alarming if one believes in free markets and a free society.
WHILE THE THREAT OF A new form of governmental diktat by printing press is troubling enough in the sense of lost civil liberties, consider this: What if it doesn’t work, doesn’t jumpstart things? Or, worse, what if Obamanomics is a cure for an ailment that turns out to be not as threatening as it was on Inauguration Day, and actually tail-spins us into a new cycle of artificial boom followed by, a couple of years hence, an even deeper spiral of financial paralysis, market failure, and collapse?
It has become a cliché in its own right that history does not repeat itself. But certainly the history of Hjalmar Schacht gives a frightening hint of what disasters lie ahead when economic policies are formed by tiny groups of elitists removed from any official oversight and insulated from the abrasive but necessary challenges of a democratic political system. In what turned out to be two separate careers, Schacht and three other close personal friends can be fairly said to have caused the 1 92 9 c rash and then to have muddled around making things worse in the Great Depression that followed.
The three chums, it turns out, were the heads of central banks themselves, the Bank of England, the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and the Banque de France. Starting in the early 1920s this quartet set out to create a new global financial system to replace the one shattered by World War I and left in dysfunctional crisis. The four, not surprisingly, became international media celebrities. “The Most Exclusive Club in the World” was the press nickname for their frequent secret conclaves. Their closeness was magnified by the absence of much input from the elected officials they nominally served.
Presidents, prime ministers, dictators, and especially national legislatures apparently had such an ignorant indifference to monetary strategy that they anxiously deferred to the dictates of the quartet of men judged to be wizards. There might be a slight historical echo in the current lack of real curiosity about what exactly the economic philosophy of President Obama might be so as long as Larry Summers, Timothy Geithner, and Ben Bernanke are standing in front of him. Instead of the four friends of the Exclusive Club, we now have the Three Amigos.
The Bank of England’s governor, Montagu Norman, was an eccentric, fragile dilettante determined to restore the bank to its prewar dominance of global finance. Norman was a press favorite, the very model of a British central banker. He sported a Van Dyke beard, velvet-collared cape, and slouch hat and made his transatlantic voyages to Club meetings under assumed names. He also was prone to emotional collapses at moments of crisis.
Benjamin Strong was chairman of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, which nominally was just one of 12 ill-defined regional institutions established in 1913. But since the Great War it clearly had succeeded to the Bank of England’s place in the sun. Strong looked like the classic Ivy League athletic type but in fact had become a bank clerk out of high school.
Often sidelined with chronic tuberculosis and depression, Strong battled the fierce protectionist public mood and almost invincible ignorance within the U.S. Congress and White House to keep the United States internationally involved and globally dominant. Emile Moreau, the director of the Banque de France, was burdened by a rancorous personality in part caused by trying to restore his war-shattered nation’s international role as a trade and financial power abroad while at home he faced a political chaos where governments lasted for hours instead of years.
Norman and Moreau were determined to squeeze Germany for payments without killing the goose while they both diluted the wartime debts their own governments had incurred from America. There was just so much each could do for the other since at no time did their governments trust each other. Strong was determined to help all three revive as trading partners and repay their U.S. war debts, but without weakening the postwar boom in new American bank loans and export sales to all of Europe. Schacht, whose only hand during the frenzied 1920s was to use the threat of a default on Germany’s reparations, played them all. Yet the four maintained a personal intimacy with one another; they holidayed together, became family friends, and by today’s standards it all seems a little odd.
OF COURSE THE COMMITMENT OF the four central bank chiefs to revive the world was doomed to failure because it was founded on the myth that a return to pegging their currencies to a fixed measure of monetary gold was the key to stability and a return of public confidence. Gold in those days occupied the role held today by the myth of the almighty American dollar as the international vehicle for trade and finance. The comparison is apt. There was, by estimate, about $6 billion in monetary gold ($1.2 trillion by today’s purchasing power) in the central bank vaults of the four nations, more than $4 billion of which was stashed in Strong’s basement at the New York Fed.$
To meet the needs of expanding economies, the gold standard that by necessity most nations adopted after the war imposed a system of exchange rates that raised a constant threat of devaluation and inflationary price spirals. So today, the dollar held by American foreign trade partners from China to Dubai has been systematically devalued by successive administrations through budget deficits and trade account losses. Now, as then, Mr. Bernanke is devaluing Mr. Obama’s debt obligations by buying U.S. Treasury bonds with new printed currency.
But also now, as then, markets tend to adjust when one nation is a chronic profligate. Back then, faced with complaints that British and French loans from Wall Street were hampering their revivals, President Calvin Coolidge laconically observed: “They hired the money, didn’t they?” More recently, the estimable Paul Volcker, head of Mr. Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, could counter Chinese complaints that their dollar holdings were being evaporated only slightly less laconically: “They hold all these dollars because they chose to buy the dollars, and they didn’t want to sell the dollars because they didn’t want to depreciate their currency. It was a very simple calculation on their part, so they shouldn’t come around blaming it all on us.”
So it was in 1927 when the four central bank wizards met in secret for five days at a palatial estate on Long Island. The postwar boom was asphyxiating, especially in Europe and perhaps fatally in Weimar Germany. The three European central bankers desperately needed more gold in their vaults to fluff up the amount of liquidity needed to keep economic growth expanding. Strong agreed to cut U.S. interest rates; that’s what friends do. In response, investors moved their capital to the higher yields in Europe and gold accompanied it. Frenetic activity resumed and banks scrambled to lend more to cover growing debt burdens. The countdown to the 1929 crash was under way. There were credit swap agreements that no one could understand. There was Ivar Krueger, who built a Bernie Madoff scam selling Swedish match franchises. With each bank failure and industrial bankruptcy, governments demanded that the four central bankers and their compatriots provide ever more liquidity in volumes no economic tax base could ever redeem.
TO UNDERSTAND IN DETAIL what was happening then and its impact on current events, there are two authoritative books to read in sequence on what happened next. Lords of Finance (Penguin) by former World Bank analyst and hedge fund manager Liaquat Ahamed chronicles with a slow- motion fascination how the four, as he says, “broke the world.”
Adam Tooze, a Cambridge economic historian, delved deeply into German civil and financial archives to document how Schacht was able to negotiate the shifting political ice floes between Weimar chaos and Hitlerian horror. In his book, The Wages of Destruction (Penguin/Allen Lane), he documents how Schacht was able to bounce back from dismissal from the Reichsbank in 1930 as the systemic global crash washed the Weimar experiment away. Yet he regained the Reichsbank chair in 1933 in a regime he had sneered at. He returned to power, in effect, by participating in an even greater fraud. Even Adolf Hitler, who boasted of his uninterest in economics, justified putting him into the bank and then making him head of the overall economy, citing Schacht’s “consummate skill in swindling other people.” All Hitler wanted was money for guns and the appearance that jobs were being created. Until Hermann Goering ousted him on the eve of war in 1939, Schacht pumped things up with a will.
As Ahamed reports:
Displaying the inventive genius that distinguished him as the most creative central banker of his era, immediately upon taking office, Schacht threw the whole baggage of orthodox economics overboard. He embarked on a massive program of public works financed by borrowing from the central bank and printing money. It was a remarkable experiment in what would come to be known as Keynesian economics even before Maynard Keynes had fully elaborated his ideas. Over the next few years, as the German economy experienced an enormous injection of purchasing power, it underwent a remarkable rebound.
But as Tooze documents, much of that rebound was a façade. Dramatic photos notwithstanding, the network of autobahn superhighways never produced that many jobs. Germany’s agriculture remained stunted and its lack of crucial industrial resources made manufacturers increasingly vulnerable to foreign suppliers who demanded more foreign exchange than Schacht could earn. In the end, Tooze argues, Hitler faced the necessity of conquering new territories throughout Europe in order to forestall an economic day of reckoning just months in the offing.
One comes away from these books with two troubling questions: Just how responsible are Schacht and the three other central bank wizards for the slippery slide into World War II? And how likely are President Obama’s three wizards—Summers, Geithner, and Bernanke—to be successful trying much the same remedy today? No less than Chairman Volcker, who after all knows how the Fed should do its job in a crisis, confesses alarm. He warned recently, “We’re in a government-dependent financial system; I never thought I would live to see the day.…We’ve got to fight to get away from that.”
The ghost of Hjalmar Schacht must smile.
"The Web"
Video: Federal Reserve Cannot Account for $9 Trillion
http://moneynews.newsmax.com/financenews/feds_lost_nine_trillion/2009/05/12/213463.html?s=al&promo_code=7F9F-1
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:30 PM
By: Julie Crawshaw
The Federal Reserve apparently can't account for $9 trillion in off-balance sheet transactions.
When Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Orlando) asked Inspector General Elizabeth Coleman of the Federal Reserve some very basic questions about where the trillions of dollars that have come from the Fed's expanded balance sheet, the IG didn't know.
Worse, nobody at the Fed seems to have any idea what the losses on its $2 trillion portfolio really are.
"I am shocked to find out that nobody at the Federal Reserve is keeping track of anything," Grayson says.
Grayson asked Coleman if her agency had done any research into the decision not to save Lehman Brothers, which “sent shockwaves through the entire financial system,” Coleman said it had not.
“What about the $1 trillion plus expansion of the Federal reserve’s balance sheet since last September?” Grayson asked.
“We have different connotations,” Coleman replied. “We’re actually conducting a fairly high-level review of the various lending facilities collectively.”
Translation: Nobody at the Fed knows where the money went.
Do you know what who got the $1 trillion or more in the Fed's expansion of its balance, Grayson pressed.
"I do not know. We have not looked at this specific area at the particular point on that specific review," Coleman answer.
What about the trillions of off-balance transactions since last September, Grayson asked.
Coleman demurred again, saying the IG does not have jurisdiction to audit the Federal Reserve.
Grayson pointed out that it was the inspector general's job to audit such spending and asked again if the office had done any investigation at all.
Coleman's answer: Not enough yet to even respond. "We are in not a position to say if there losses."
Grayson concluded, "I am shocked to find out that nobody at the Federal Reserve, including the inspector general, is keeping track of this."
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the bank is working on ways to rein in the massive balance sheet commitments.
"A majority of the members who made these projections just recently took 2 percent as being an appropriate number" for inflation, Bernanke said Monday.
"Somewhere between 1-1/2 to 2 percent is basically the number that our committee has individually stated is the appropriate medium-term inflation rate.
"To achieve that we need to demonstrate that we will be able to exit from the balance sheet position that we currently have, and have been working on this intensively," Bernanke said in response to questions after a speech to a conference organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, reported by Reuters.
The Tailgater
In life, it is important to think before you speak, and think before you act. Others are listening and watching. - oyh
A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof -- and the horn -- and screamed in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection on his tail.
She was still in mid-rant when she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a jailer approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
"I'm very sorry for the mistake," he tells her. "You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.
"I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do?' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. So naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
I Am
While praying one day, a woman asked, "Who are you, Lord?" He answered, "I Am." "But who is I Am?" she asked. And He replied,
"I Am Love,
I Am Peace,
I Am Grace,
I Am Joy,
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Light,
I Am the Comforter,
I Am Strength,
I Am Safety,
I Am Shelter,
I Am Power,
I Am the Creator,
I Am the Beginning and the End,
I Am the Most High."
The lady with tears in her eyes looked toward Heaven and said, "Now I understand, but Lord, who am I?"
Then God tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered, "You are Mine."
Author Unknown
The Destruction of Miss California
By: Bill O'Reilly
http://townhall.com/columnists/BillOReilly/2009/05/09/the_destruction_of_miss_california
Checked on your freedom of speech lately? If not, consider the plight of 21-year-old Carrie Prejean, a student at San Diego Christian College who was selected first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant last month. During the question and answer part of the competition, Prejean was asked whether every state should legalize gay marriage. Smiling brightly, the young woman said: "I think that I believe a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there."
Most polls show that the majority of Americans agree with Prejean, including the president of the United States. Yet since she made that statement as Miss California, the woman has been persecuted in the media.
MSNBC allowed a guest to call her vile names, and the far-left cast of characters on that cable network has delighted in mocking and demeaning Prejean almost nightly. The left-wing blogs have been especially vicious, and now, even her own pageant is turning against her: She's being investigated for possibly violating pageant rules by giving unapproved interviews. Of course, she gave those interviews trying to defend herself against media assaults.
This is a disgraceful exposition with wide implications for all of us. Here we have an American citizen answering a direct question respectfully and honestly and being punished for it. You don't get more un-American than that. Where is the American Civil Liberties Union on this? That great defender of free speech has been totally silent. Once again, the ACLU displays its biased hypocrisy like a giant float-balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And where is the National Organization for Women? A young woman is being victimized by hate speech, actually being called a "b*tch" on a variety of television programs, and NOW has no comment? Again, the hypocrisy is breathtaking.
Finally, where is the homosexual community? Do they not respect freedom of speech? They don't want to be punished for their expression, right? It would be incredibly smart for a gay leader to pull a Voltaire and publicly state, "I don't agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it." So, who's going to be courageous and step up on this one?
Gay marriage has been defined by some of its supporters as a civil rights issue. Isn't freedom of speech a civil rights issue? Therefore, let's call this Miss California deal exactly what it is -- a gross violation of the spirit of America. If a 21-year-old pageant contestant can be persecuted for uttering an opinion based upon a sincere belief, then all of us are at risk, as well.
You Want Change? Try These Ideas
By Norma White
Each presidential candidate is giving his rendition of the changes he wants for America.
Here are a few that I believe all Americans want.
Limit Congress from serving more than two terms. That is all that presidents are allowed.
Stop Congress from voting for their own raises. How did that ever get started?
Stop paying for lawmakers' high-priced insurance premiums. After all, they are only part-time employees. They might pass some law changes on the insurance companies, if they had to find one.
Stop paying lawmakers their full salary after serving just one term, or at retirement. We need to get rid of that pension plan; they've let other companies get rid of theirs. You were lucky to get 40 to 50 percent of your salary after working somewhere for 35 years, but they get 100 percent.
Make Congress pay into the Social Security system. They make laws for it. If they spent some of their own money, they might be interested in making it solvent.
Stop handing out aid to illegal aliens. If we did, then Medicaid and the food stamp program would have enough money to aid the aged and the poor.
Secure our borders.
Stop allowing babies born to illegal aliens in the United States automatic U.S. citizenship.
Stop the abuse of our benevolent welfare system. We feed children free meals three times a day until they are 17. Churches give away good, clean clothes. Companies buy and donate school supplies. Emergency rooms provide health care at taxpayer expense and the food stamp program is buying food at home. What are parents doing for their children?
Have a computer program that cross checks Social Security numbers with fingerprints to stop fraud on many fronts. Use it on voter registration, too.
Stop bailing out mortgage companies and banks that give loans to people who cannot afford them.
Stop companies from paying CEOs and other executives outrageous salaries and bonuses while doing away with workers' pensions.
Stop all unnecessary spending so we will have the money for our nation's security, and to help needy and elderly Americans.
Stop permitting anyone to have a photo with their face covered on driver's licenses.
Whoever wins the presidency will not be able to make these changes.
Only members of Congress can do this, as they are the lawmakers.
I don't believe Congress is interested in changing anything, do you?
"The e-mail Bag"
Wacky Business Slogans
Here are some creative business slogans we've spotted on our roadtrips, plus others submitted by our readers.
A special thanks to Mr. Jim Knudsen for sending us all the slogans.
Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:
"Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
In a Podiatrist's office:
"Time wounds all heels."
On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon:
Yesterdays' Meals on Wheels
On a Septic Tank Truck sign:
"We're #1 in the #2 business."
At a Proctologist's door
"To expedite your visit please back in."
On a Plumber's truck:
"We repair what your husband fixed."
On a Plumber's truck:
"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
Pizza Shop Slogan:
"7 days without pizza makes one weak."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee:
"Invite us to your next blowout."
On a Plastic Surgeon's Office door:
"Hello. Can we pick your nose?"
At a Towing Company:
"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's truck:
"Let us remove your shorts."
In a Non-smoking Area:
"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room door:
"Push. Push. Push."
At an Optometrist's Office:
If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
Let's Offend Everybody!
Q. What's the Cuban National Anthem?
A. Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Q. Where does an Irish family go on vacation?
A. A different bar.
Q. What did the Chinese couple name their tan, curly-haired baby?
A. Sum Ting Wong..
Q. What do you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other?
A. A speech impediment.
Q. Why aren't there any Puerto Ricans on Star Trek ?
A. Because they're not going to work in the future either.
Q. Why do Driver Ed classes in redneck schools use the car only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?
A. Because on Tuesday and Thursday, the Sex Ed class uses it.
Q. What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?
A. The southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with a recipe.
Q How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the 'F' word?
A. Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell, 'BINGO!'
Q. What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale???
A. A northern fairytale begins, .....'Once upon a time...'
A southern fairytale begins,.... 'Y'all ain't gonna believe this shit.'
Q. Why doesn't Mexico have an Olympic team?
A. Because all the Mexicans who can run, jump or swim are already in the United States
Time will make a difference
Be nice to others because... One day, you may not be the "BIG DOG." Just the old dog.
"My Comments"
Carrie Prejean is Miss California
Additional commentary below under "The Web" by Bill O'Reilly.
Donald Trump and the Miss USA Pageant did the right thing today in announcing Miss Carrie Prejean may maintain her title as Miss California and runner-up of the Miss USA Beauty Pageant.
I understand any straight man can abundantly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I can understand any straight woman can wholly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I have difficulty in appreciation as to how two (2) homosexuals could honestly judge a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I have a quandary as to how and why these homosexuals were appointed as judges in a Miss USA Beauty Pageant. I would further inquire as to why Perez Hilton or any other homosexual would choose to serve as a judge in a Miss USA Beauty Pageant.
Miss USA Pageant candidates are females, and the winner is based on pure beauty, character, and intelligence. Homosexuals are men who like men, not women. Could it be these homosexuals were supporting a social issue rather than a true Miss USA Pageant? Was Perez Hilton there just in support, and to further a "self-promoting and homosexual" campaign agenda against Miss Prejean or any other straight, but expressly Miss Prejean in knowing she attended San Diego Christian College? Donald Trump may choose to respond to these questions. - oyh
"Daily Motivations"
Remember, no one can make you feel inferior without your consent. -- Eleanor Roosevelt
"Daily Devotions" (KJV and/or NLT)
I Just Don't Understand... ...lean not on your own understanding (Prov. 3:5). Contrary to popular belief, our peace doesn’t really flow from our understanding.
"The two of them, sent on their way by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia...." (Acts 13:4 NIV)
"The Patriot Post"
"We may with reverence say, that our Creator designed men for society, because otherwise they cannot be happy. They cannot be happy without freedom; nor free without security; that is, without the absence of fear; nor thus secure, without society. The conclusion is strictly syllogistic—that man cannot be free without society. Of course, they cannot be equally free without society, which freedom produces the greatest happiness." -- John Dickinson, Letters of Fabius, 1788
"In the supposed state of nature, all men are equally bound by the laws of nature, or to speak more properly, the laws of the Creator." -- Samuel Adams, letter to the Legislature of Massachusetts, 17 January 1794
"If individuals be not influenced by moral principles; it is in vain to look for public virtue; it is, therefore, the duty of legislators to enforce, both by precept and example, the utility, as well as the necessity of a strict adherence to the rules of distributive justice." -- James Madison in response to Washington's first Inaugural address, 18 May 1789
"ACU"
Over time, I believe history will find that one of President Obama's favorite projects, ACORN, is one of the most corrupt organization ever, in our US for voter regisration history. - oyh
Oscar,
Barney Frank is at it again. Last year, Frank passed a bill in the House for a $4 billion slush fund that the corrupt left-win activist organization known as ACORN could have applied to for taxpayer funds. Frank was forced by the Senate to accept a provision barring taxpayer funds to organizations and employees of organizations, such as ACORN, that have been indicted for voter fraud. This year, with increased Liberal majorities in the House and Senate, Frank made sure ACORN remained eligible for funds from the Stimulus Bill. Now, Frank, the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, is using a mortgage reform bill due to be voted on this week to add another $180 million for "counseling" and "legal services" for people with mortgage problems. This time he ran up against Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-MN), a member of his committee. Citing numerous charges of voter fraud and tax violations against ACORN in a number of states, Bachmann proposed an amendment with the same language as last year's law. Afraid of a debate and committee vote, Frank cut off debate and accepted the Bachmann amendment. Apparently this did not sit well with Franks' left-wing friends because just hours later he announced he would try to gut the amendment when the bill is voted on by the whole House.
TAKE ACTION NOW! GO HERE AND TELL Rep. Larry Kissell TO OPPOSE THE FRANK AMENDMENT TO H.R. 1728, THE MORTGAGE REFORM ACT
This is a rare opportunity to put every member of the House of Representatives on record as to where they stand on ACORN. Normally, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi could prevent a vote on the Bachmann provision but they are forced to have a vote because the provision is already in the bill and they want it out.
Frank claimed he made a 'mistake' in accepting the Bachmann amendment and that he believes barring people under indictment from taxpayer funds is "a violation of the principles of due process". Instead of proposing to eliminate the Bachmann provision outright, Frank is proposing to rewrite it to make ACORN eligible for funds. 'Indictment' would be changed to 'conviction' and 'senior employees' would have to be the ones convicted. This would make the provision meaningless.
ACORN, claiming to be a legitimate "community organizing and counseling" organization has a long record of abusing tax and voting laws. According to recent testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, ACORN has been under investigation in some states for, among other things:
"Violations of the Internal Revenue Code as a 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization for intervening in partisan campaign activities;"
"Violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (FECA) which prohibits expenditures by non-profit corporations, including ACORN and Project Vote, that are made in coordination with, at the request, behest, suggestion or with the material involvement of a federal campaign; and"
"Fraudulent voter registration activities, failure to comply with state law in voter registration drives, absence of quality control and training, and the internal procedures as to how ACORN responds to allegations of illegality."
GO HERE AND SEND AN EMAIL TO URGE Rep. Larry Kissell TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST ACORN BY VOTING AGAINST THE FRANK AMENDMENT
The about face by a powerful committee chairman shows how much influence corrupt left-wing organizations like ACORN have gained in this Congress. Each member of the House must know their constituents will be watching their vote on this amendment. In introducing this amendment, Congresswoman Bachmann asked the question, "Whose side are we on, the taxpayer or ACORN?
LET YOUR MEMBER OF CONGRESS KNOW RIGHT HERE THAT YOU WANT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO BE ON THE SIDE OF THE TAXPAYER BY VOTING 'NO' ON THE FRANK AMENDMENT
We at the American Conservative Union thank you for all you do to advance conservative, free-market principles.
Sincerely,
Larry Hart
Director of Government Relations
American Conservative Union
“Heritage Foundation”
The National Socialism of Obamanomics
By James Srodes from the May 2009 issue
http://spectator.org/archives/2009/05/01/the-national-socialism-of-obam/
It is commonplace today to believe we should refer to the benign innovations of John Maynard Keynes during the Great Depression in order to understand what is driving President Obama’s team of economic strategists. But a look back to that time leads one to conclude the Depression-era economist who appears most relevant to what is going on bears the improbable name of Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht.
From his post as head of the Reichsbank, in a career that ran nearly 20 years, Schacht w as in effective control of the shambolic German economy for successive Weimar Republic governments and the pre-World War II regime of Adolf Hitler. During that time he routinely talked one game and ran another. He was a vocal supporter of returning the global marketplace to the fictional discipline of the gold standard even as he implemented inflationary policies to jump-start a society paralyzed by chaotic politics at home and foreign demands for war reparations that had to be finessed at all costs. Much of what Schacht did found its way into Keynes’s landmark 1936 treatise, The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money. Indeed, Keynes nodded in Schacht’s direction in the foreword to the German edition of his book, where he stated his economic theories “can be much easier adapted to the conditions of a totalitarian state than the theory of production and distribution of a given production put forth under conditions of free competition and a large degree of laissez-faire.”
Before devotees of our prince-president start reaching for their pitchforks and tar buckets, let’s be clear that the brand of national socialism now being practiced in Washington has nothing to do with the capital-lettered National Socialism that drove the horrible Hitler regime or the equally disgraceful brands of big-F Fascism practiced by Mussolini, Franco, Peron, and other despots of the last century and this. Schacht himself was a stiff-necked and bumptiously offensive self-promoter but he was never a Nazi, a fact Hitler himself recognized by putting him in a concentration camp toward the war’s end. And while the revenge-minded Allies tried him for war crimes, even the Nuremberg judges acquitted him.
It is not a war crime to be a central banker, although it is a thought.
Obamanomics, if that is the word, also bears little resemblance to the idealized soft-socialism we attribute to the FDR era, or what came in harder form in the wave of nationalizations and state-owned enterprises that the Labour Party tried to run in Britain, or in the capital-S Socialist governments that held sway over the European Union. Neither Larry Summers nor Timothy Geithner nor Federal Reserve Board chairman Ben Bernanke want to take over the management of Wall Street’s banks, let alone have to set up complex government agencies to operate General Motors or any other business sector further down the Toxic Asset Rescue Plan food chain.
Instead of actually trying to take over the formal management of the private sector, the Obama plan is to use the printing presses of the Federal Reserve as a powerful lever to force private enterprise to serve the administration’s social agenda. Congress, pacified with pork injections, will have no policy role.
State governments, which once were seedbeds of innovation, are on a short leash held by the White House. When the president pointedly told a White House audience of big-city mayors, “We will be watching you,” it was not merely a warning to handle the anticipated flow of federal funds with probity; it was an injunction that programs with the administration’s imprimatur were to be given priority.
So it is not the socialism of the Old Left at work. To recognize this is to understand the growing undercurrent of fretful unhappiness festering among traditional liberal Democratic pols like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi or appearing on the far-left blogs of Daily Kos and the Huffington Post. But from the right or left, what’s happening is still alarming if one believes in free markets and a free society.
WHILE THE THREAT OF A new form of governmental diktat by printing press is troubling enough in the sense of lost civil liberties, consider this: What if it doesn’t work, doesn’t jumpstart things? Or, worse, what if Obamanomics is a cure for an ailment that turns out to be not as threatening as it was on Inauguration Day, and actually tail-spins us into a new cycle of artificial boom followed by, a couple of years hence, an even deeper spiral of financial paralysis, market failure, and collapse?
It has become a cliché in its own right that history does not repeat itself. But certainly the history of Hjalmar Schacht gives a frightening hint of what disasters lie ahead when economic policies are formed by tiny groups of elitists removed from any official oversight and insulated from the abrasive but necessary challenges of a democratic political system. In what turned out to be two separate careers, Schacht and three other close personal friends can be fairly said to have caused the 1 92 9 c rash and then to have muddled around making things worse in the Great Depression that followed.
The three chums, it turns out, were the heads of central banks themselves, the Bank of England, the New York Federal Reserve Bank, and the Banque de France. Starting in the early 1920s this quartet set out to create a new global financial system to replace the one shattered by World War I and left in dysfunctional crisis. The four, not surprisingly, became international media celebrities. “The Most Exclusive Club in the World” was the press nickname for their frequent secret conclaves. Their closeness was magnified by the absence of much input from the elected officials they nominally served.
Presidents, prime ministers, dictators, and especially national legislatures apparently had such an ignorant indifference to monetary strategy that they anxiously deferred to the dictates of the quartet of men judged to be wizards. There might be a slight historical echo in the current lack of real curiosity about what exactly the economic philosophy of President Obama might be so as long as Larry Summers, Timothy Geithner, and Ben Bernanke are standing in front of him. Instead of the four friends of the Exclusive Club, we now have the Three Amigos.
The Bank of England’s governor, Montagu Norman, was an eccentric, fragile dilettante determined to restore the bank to its prewar dominance of global finance. Norman was a press favorite, the very model of a British central banker. He sported a Van Dyke beard, velvet-collared cape, and slouch hat and made his transatlantic voyages to Club meetings under assumed names. He also was prone to emotional collapses at moments of crisis.
Benjamin Strong was chairman of the New York Federal Reserve Bank, which nominally was just one of 12 ill-defined regional institutions established in 1913. But since the Great War it clearly had succeeded to the Bank of England’s place in the sun. Strong looked like the classic Ivy League athletic type but in fact had become a bank clerk out of high school.
Often sidelined with chronic tuberculosis and depression, Strong battled the fierce protectionist public mood and almost invincible ignorance within the U.S. Congress and White House to keep the United States internationally involved and globally dominant. Emile Moreau, the director of the Banque de France, was burdened by a rancorous personality in part caused by trying to restore his war-shattered nation’s international role as a trade and financial power abroad while at home he faced a political chaos where governments lasted for hours instead of years.
Norman and Moreau were determined to squeeze Germany for payments without killing the goose while they both diluted the wartime debts their own governments had incurred from America. There was just so much each could do for the other since at no time did their governments trust each other. Strong was determined to help all three revive as trading partners and repay their U.S. war debts, but without weakening the postwar boom in new American bank loans and export sales to all of Europe. Schacht, whose only hand during the frenzied 1920s was to use the threat of a default on Germany’s reparations, played them all. Yet the four maintained a personal intimacy with one another; they holidayed together, became family friends, and by today’s standards it all seems a little odd.
OF COURSE THE COMMITMENT OF the four central bank chiefs to revive the world was doomed to failure because it was founded on the myth that a return to pegging their currencies to a fixed measure of monetary gold was the key to stability and a return of public confidence. Gold in those days occupied the role held today by the myth of the almighty American dollar as the international vehicle for trade and finance. The comparison is apt. There was, by estimate, about $6 billion in monetary gold ($1.2 trillion by today’s purchasing power) in the central bank vaults of the four nations, more than $4 billion of which was stashed in Strong’s basement at the New York Fed.$
To meet the needs of expanding economies, the gold standard that by necessity most nations adopted after the war imposed a system of exchange rates that raised a constant threat of devaluation and inflationary price spirals. So today, the dollar held by American foreign trade partners from China to Dubai has been systematically devalued by successive administrations through budget deficits and trade account losses. Now, as then, Mr. Bernanke is devaluing Mr. Obama’s debt obligations by buying U.S. Treasury bonds with new printed currency.
But also now, as then, markets tend to adjust when one nation is a chronic profligate. Back then, faced with complaints that British and French loans from Wall Street were hampering their revivals, President Calvin Coolidge laconically observed: “They hired the money, didn’t they?” More recently, the estimable Paul Volcker, head of Mr. Obama’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board, could counter Chinese complaints that their dollar holdings were being evaporated only slightly less laconically: “They hold all these dollars because they chose to buy the dollars, and they didn’t want to sell the dollars because they didn’t want to depreciate their currency. It was a very simple calculation on their part, so they shouldn’t come around blaming it all on us.”
So it was in 1927 when the four central bank wizards met in secret for five days at a palatial estate on Long Island. The postwar boom was asphyxiating, especially in Europe and perhaps fatally in Weimar Germany. The three European central bankers desperately needed more gold in their vaults to fluff up the amount of liquidity needed to keep economic growth expanding. Strong agreed to cut U.S. interest rates; that’s what friends do. In response, investors moved their capital to the higher yields in Europe and gold accompanied it. Frenetic activity resumed and banks scrambled to lend more to cover growing debt burdens. The countdown to the 1929 crash was under way. There were credit swap agreements that no one could understand. There was Ivar Krueger, who built a Bernie Madoff scam selling Swedish match franchises. With each bank failure and industrial bankruptcy, governments demanded that the four central bankers and their compatriots provide ever more liquidity in volumes no economic tax base could ever redeem.
TO UNDERSTAND IN DETAIL what was happening then and its impact on current events, there are two authoritative books to read in sequence on what happened next. Lords of Finance (Penguin) by former World Bank analyst and hedge fund manager Liaquat Ahamed chronicles with a slow- motion fascination how the four, as he says, “broke the world.”
Adam Tooze, a Cambridge economic historian, delved deeply into German civil and financial archives to document how Schacht was able to negotiate the shifting political ice floes between Weimar chaos and Hitlerian horror. In his book, The Wages of Destruction (Penguin/Allen Lane), he documents how Schacht was able to bounce back from dismissal from the Reichsbank in 1930 as the systemic global crash washed the Weimar experiment away. Yet he regained the Reichsbank chair in 1933 in a regime he had sneered at. He returned to power, in effect, by participating in an even greater fraud. Even Adolf Hitler, who boasted of his uninterest in economics, justified putting him into the bank and then making him head of the overall economy, citing Schacht’s “consummate skill in swindling other people.” All Hitler wanted was money for guns and the appearance that jobs were being created. Until Hermann Goering ousted him on the eve of war in 1939, Schacht pumped things up with a will.
As Ahamed reports:
Displaying the inventive genius that distinguished him as the most creative central banker of his era, immediately upon taking office, Schacht threw the whole baggage of orthodox economics overboard. He embarked on a massive program of public works financed by borrowing from the central bank and printing money. It was a remarkable experiment in what would come to be known as Keynesian economics even before Maynard Keynes had fully elaborated his ideas. Over the next few years, as the German economy experienced an enormous injection of purchasing power, it underwent a remarkable rebound.
But as Tooze documents, much of that rebound was a façade. Dramatic photos notwithstanding, the network of autobahn superhighways never produced that many jobs. Germany’s agriculture remained stunted and its lack of crucial industrial resources made manufacturers increasingly vulnerable to foreign suppliers who demanded more foreign exchange than Schacht could earn. In the end, Tooze argues, Hitler faced the necessity of conquering new territories throughout Europe in order to forestall an economic day of reckoning just months in the offing.
One comes away from these books with two troubling questions: Just how responsible are Schacht and the three other central bank wizards for the slippery slide into World War II? And how likely are President Obama’s three wizards—Summers, Geithner, and Bernanke—to be successful trying much the same remedy today? No less than Chairman Volcker, who after all knows how the Fed should do its job in a crisis, confesses alarm. He warned recently, “We’re in a government-dependent financial system; I never thought I would live to see the day.…We’ve got to fight to get away from that.”
The ghost of Hjalmar Schacht must smile.
"The Web"
Video: Federal Reserve Cannot Account for $9 Trillion
http://moneynews.newsmax.com/financenews/feds_lost_nine_trillion/2009/05/12/213463.html?s=al&promo_code=7F9F-1
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 12:30 PM
By: Julie Crawshaw
The Federal Reserve apparently can't account for $9 trillion in off-balance sheet transactions.
When Rep. Alan Grayson (D-Orlando) asked Inspector General Elizabeth Coleman of the Federal Reserve some very basic questions about where the trillions of dollars that have come from the Fed's expanded balance sheet, the IG didn't know.
Worse, nobody at the Fed seems to have any idea what the losses on its $2 trillion portfolio really are.
"I am shocked to find out that nobody at the Federal Reserve is keeping track of anything," Grayson says.
Grayson asked Coleman if her agency had done any research into the decision not to save Lehman Brothers, which “sent shockwaves through the entire financial system,” Coleman said it had not.
“What about the $1 trillion plus expansion of the Federal reserve’s balance sheet since last September?” Grayson asked.
“We have different connotations,” Coleman replied. “We’re actually conducting a fairly high-level review of the various lending facilities collectively.”
Translation: Nobody at the Fed knows where the money went.
Do you know what who got the $1 trillion or more in the Fed's expansion of its balance, Grayson pressed.
"I do not know. We have not looked at this specific area at the particular point on that specific review," Coleman answer.
What about the trillions of off-balance transactions since last September, Grayson asked.
Coleman demurred again, saying the IG does not have jurisdiction to audit the Federal Reserve.
Grayson pointed out that it was the inspector general's job to audit such spending and asked again if the office had done any investigation at all.
Coleman's answer: Not enough yet to even respond. "We are in not a position to say if there losses."
Grayson concluded, "I am shocked to find out that nobody at the Federal Reserve, including the inspector general, is keeping track of this."
Meanwhile, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke says the bank is working on ways to rein in the massive balance sheet commitments.
"A majority of the members who made these projections just recently took 2 percent as being an appropriate number" for inflation, Bernanke said Monday.
"Somewhere between 1-1/2 to 2 percent is basically the number that our committee has individually stated is the appropriate medium-term inflation rate.
"To achieve that we need to demonstrate that we will be able to exit from the balance sheet position that we currently have, and have been working on this intensively," Bernanke said in response to questions after a speech to a conference organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, reported by Reuters.
The Tailgater
In life, it is important to think before you speak, and think before you act. Others are listening and watching. - oyh
A man was being tailgated by a stressed-out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.
The tailgating woman hit the roof -- and the horn -- and screamed in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection on his tail.
She was still in mid-rant when she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a cell.
After a couple of hours, a jailer approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.
"I'm very sorry for the mistake," he tells her. "You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping the guy off in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.
"I noticed the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'What Would Jesus Do?' bumper sticker, the 'Follow Me to Sunday School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk. So naturally, I assumed you had stolen the car."
I Am
While praying one day, a woman asked, "Who are you, Lord?" He answered, "I Am." "But who is I Am?" she asked. And He replied,
"I Am Love,
I Am Peace,
I Am Grace,
I Am Joy,
I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Light,
I Am the Comforter,
I Am Strength,
I Am Safety,
I Am Shelter,
I Am Power,
I Am the Creator,
I Am the Beginning and the End,
I Am the Most High."
The lady with tears in her eyes looked toward Heaven and said, "Now I understand, but Lord, who am I?"
Then God tenderly wiped the tears from her eyes and whispered, "You are Mine."
Author Unknown
The Destruction of Miss California
By: Bill O'Reilly
http://townhall.com/columnists/BillOReilly/2009/05/09/the_destruction_of_miss_california
Checked on your freedom of speech lately? If not, consider the plight of 21-year-old Carrie Prejean, a student at San Diego Christian College who was selected first runner-up in the Miss USA pageant last month. During the question and answer part of the competition, Prejean was asked whether every state should legalize gay marriage. Smiling brightly, the young woman said: "I think that I believe a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there."
Most polls show that the majority of Americans agree with Prejean, including the president of the United States. Yet since she made that statement as Miss California, the woman has been persecuted in the media.
MSNBC allowed a guest to call her vile names, and the far-left cast of characters on that cable network has delighted in mocking and demeaning Prejean almost nightly. The left-wing blogs have been especially vicious, and now, even her own pageant is turning against her: She's being investigated for possibly violating pageant rules by giving unapproved interviews. Of course, she gave those interviews trying to defend herself against media assaults.
This is a disgraceful exposition with wide implications for all of us. Here we have an American citizen answering a direct question respectfully and honestly and being punished for it. You don't get more un-American than that. Where is the American Civil Liberties Union on this? That great defender of free speech has been totally silent. Once again, the ACLU displays its biased hypocrisy like a giant float-balloon in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And where is the National Organization for Women? A young woman is being victimized by hate speech, actually being called a "b*tch" on a variety of television programs, and NOW has no comment? Again, the hypocrisy is breathtaking.
Finally, where is the homosexual community? Do they not respect freedom of speech? They don't want to be punished for their expression, right? It would be incredibly smart for a gay leader to pull a Voltaire and publicly state, "I don't agree with what you say, but I defend your right to say it." So, who's going to be courageous and step up on this one?
Gay marriage has been defined by some of its supporters as a civil rights issue. Isn't freedom of speech a civil rights issue? Therefore, let's call this Miss California deal exactly what it is -- a gross violation of the spirit of America. If a 21-year-old pageant contestant can be persecuted for uttering an opinion based upon a sincere belief, then all of us are at risk, as well.
You Want Change? Try These Ideas
By Norma White
Each presidential candidate is giving his rendition of the changes he wants for America.
Here are a few that I believe all Americans want.
Limit Congress from serving more than two terms. That is all that presidents are allowed.
Stop Congress from voting for their own raises. How did that ever get started?
Stop paying for lawmakers' high-priced insurance premiums. After all, they are only part-time employees. They might pass some law changes on the insurance companies, if they had to find one.
Stop paying lawmakers their full salary after serving just one term, or at retirement. We need to get rid of that pension plan; they've let other companies get rid of theirs. You were lucky to get 40 to 50 percent of your salary after working somewhere for 35 years, but they get 100 percent.
Make Congress pay into the Social Security system. They make laws for it. If they spent some of their own money, they might be interested in making it solvent.
Stop handing out aid to illegal aliens. If we did, then Medicaid and the food stamp program would have enough money to aid the aged and the poor.
Secure our borders.
Stop allowing babies born to illegal aliens in the United States automatic U.S. citizenship.
Stop the abuse of our benevolent welfare system. We feed children free meals three times a day until they are 17. Churches give away good, clean clothes. Companies buy and donate school supplies. Emergency rooms provide health care at taxpayer expense and the food stamp program is buying food at home. What are parents doing for their children?
Have a computer program that cross checks Social Security numbers with fingerprints to stop fraud on many fronts. Use it on voter registration, too.
Stop bailing out mortgage companies and banks that give loans to people who cannot afford them.
Stop companies from paying CEOs and other executives outrageous salaries and bonuses while doing away with workers' pensions.
Stop all unnecessary spending so we will have the money for our nation's security, and to help needy and elderly Americans.
Stop permitting anyone to have a photo with their face covered on driver's licenses.
Whoever wins the presidency will not be able to make these changes.
Only members of Congress can do this, as they are the lawmakers.
I don't believe Congress is interested in changing anything, do you?
"The e-mail Bag"
Wacky Business Slogans
Here are some creative business slogans we've spotted on our roadtrips, plus others submitted by our readers.
A special thanks to Mr. Jim Knudsen for sending us all the slogans.
Sign over a Gynecologist's Office:
"Dr. Jones, at your cervix."
In a Podiatrist's office:
"Time wounds all heels."
On a Septic Tank Truck in Oregon:
Yesterdays' Meals on Wheels
On a Septic Tank Truck sign:
"We're #1 in the #2 business."
At a Proctologist's door
"To expedite your visit please back in."
On a Plumber's truck:
"We repair what your husband fixed."
On a Plumber's truck:
"Don't sleep with a drip. Call your plumber."
Pizza Shop Slogan:
"7 days without pizza makes one weak."
At a Tire Shop in Milwaukee:
"Invite us to your next blowout."
On a Plastic Surgeon's Office door:
"Hello. Can we pick your nose?"
At a Towing Company:
"We don't charge an arm and a leg. We want tows."
On an Electrician's truck:
"Let us remove your shorts."
In a Non-smoking Area:
"If we see smoke, we will assume you are on fire and take appropriate action."
On a Maternity Room door:
"Push. Push. Push."
At an Optometrist's Office:
If you don't see what you're looking for, you've come to the right place."
Let's Offend Everybody!
Q. What's the Cuban National Anthem?
A. Row, Row, Row Your Boat.
Q. Where does an Irish family go on vacation?
A. A different bar.
Q. What did the Chinese couple name their tan, curly-haired baby?
A. Sum Ting Wong..
Q. What do you call it when an Italian has one arm shorter than the other?
A. A speech impediment.
Q. Why aren't there any Puerto Ricans on Star Trek ?
A. Because they're not going to work in the future either.
Q. Why do Driver Ed classes in redneck schools use the car only on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays?
A. Because on Tuesday and Thursday, the Sex Ed class uses it.
Q. What's the difference between a southern zoo and a northern zoo?
A. The southern zoo has a description of the animal on the front of the cage along with a recipe.
Q How do you get a sweet little 80-year-old lady to say the 'F' word?
A. Get another sweet little 80-year-old lady to yell, 'BINGO!'
Q. What's the difference between a northern fairytale and a southern fairytale???
A. A northern fairytale begins, .....'Once upon a time...'
A southern fairytale begins,.... 'Y'all ain't gonna believe this shit.'
Q. Why doesn't Mexico have an Olympic team?
A. Because all the Mexicans who can run, jump or swim are already in the United States
Time will make a difference
Be nice to others because... One day, you may not be the "BIG DOG." Just the old dog.
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