A Voice For The People

" What Holiday is This? "

2009-12-19T09:20:00.000-08:00

We have again come to the Advent time of year. Christmas is a time for joy, peace, hope and generosity. It is a time in the world, especially in America, when we have the intent of putting ones self in the background, while promoting others around us to the foreground; a time when we recognize and honor each other with specially dedicated gifts along with words of encouragement and prosperity. There is a feeling, a spirit if you will, in the air that only manifests during this period, which seems to linger but for a week or two, then dissipates as suddenly as it appeared. A spirit which seems to transform, even the most arduous of hearts, to receive the manifestations of the surrounding atmosphere and in the majority of instances, to engage in the festivities abroad. We have still the privilege in this great country to celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom Christians believe, to be the Son of God in human form; whom God has given as a gift to all of mankind, through the lowering of Himself, for the eventual purpose of willingly going to the cross as a blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. This celebration occurs along with the Jewish "Festival of Lights", which is called Hanukkah[Hebrew for dedication]; a time when miraculously the one day supply of oil for the lights in the Temple lasted for eight days during the re-dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem, in conjunction with the celebration of the victory of the Jewish "Maccabees", over the Greek-Syrian king Antiochus IV.

We have witnessed for possibly the first time in American History, a sitting president call for the substitution of the title Christmas Tree, to a generic labeling of a so called "Holiday Tree". This change was to abase any feelings of applying legitimacy to a religious belief of a Savior sent from God for the redemption of all mankind. It appeared to be a conscious effort to produce a disconnect from the celebrated Christmas Advent, to the White House. Although there was a Halloween celebration and an Easter egg hunt, along with other minimally recognized celebrations compared to Christmas throughout the year, one of the eldest celebrated and recognized world wide holidays was purposely stripped of its meaning.

Below I have inserted an article on some of the History of Christmas as enjoyed by some of our former presidents written by Mr. David Barton:

Christmas with the Presidents:

The White House observance of Christmas before the twentieth century was not an official event. First families decorated the house modestly with greens and privately celebrated the Yuletide with family and friends.
Christmas in Early America: the Pilgrims and Puritans of New England found no Biblical precedent for a public celebration of Christmas (recall that the goal of these groups was to simplify religious worship and to cut away all religious rituals and celebrations not specifically cited in the Bible); nothing in the Bible established any date for the birth of Christ; the holiday was instead established by Roman tradition, thus making it – in their view – one of the many “pagan” holidays that had been inculcated into the corrupt church that had persecuted them, and which they and other religious leaders wished to reform. Consequently, Christmas in New England remained a regular working day. In fact, Massachusetts passed an anti-Christmas law in 1659 declaring: “Whosoever shall be found observing any such day as Christmas . . . shall pay for each offense five shillings as a fine to the country.” The law was repealed in 1681, but the holiday still was not celebrated by religious non-conformists or dissenters (i.e., the Puritans and Pilgrims); it usually was celebrated only by a few Anglicans (later Episcopalians), Catholics, and other more formal or high-church-tradition New England families. It was not until the 1830s and 1840s that Christmas celebrations were just beginning to be accepted in New England (primarily due to the influence of large-scale Christmas celebrations in cities such as New York) – although as late as 1870 in Boston public schools, a student missing school on Christmas Day could be punished or expelled. By the 1880s, however, Christmas celebrations had finally become as accepted in New England as they were in other parts of the country.

White House Tree History, Christmas Tree Trivia:
In 1889, the tradition of a placing an indoor decorated tree in the White House began on Christmas morning during the Presidency of Benjamin Harrison.

In 1895, First Lady Frances Cleveland created a “technology savvy” tree when she hung electric lights on the White House tree (electricity was introduced into the White House in 1891).

1901-1909, Teddy Roosevelt banned the Christmas tree from the White House for environmental reasons.
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge started the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony now held every year on the White House lawn.

In 1929, First Lady Lou Henry Hoover established the custom of decorating an official (and not just a personal) tree in the White House – a tradition that has remained with the First Ladies.

In 1953, the Eisenhower's sought out Hallmark Cards to assist them in creating a presidential Christmas card – the beginning of the official White House Christmas card.

In 1954, the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony is named the Pageant of Peace. It is held each year in early December to light the National Christmas Tree and includes performances by popular entertainers before the lighting of the National Christmas Tree by the President. The National Christmas Tree remains lit through January 1.

In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of Christmas Tree themes when she decorated the Christmas tree in toy trimmings from the Nutcracker Suite ballet by Tchaikovsky.
In 1963, the first Christmas card to include an explicitly religious element was the Kennedy card featuring a photo of a Nativity Scene set up in the East Room of the White House. Jack and Jacqueline had signed 30 cards before their final trip to Dallas. None was ever mailed. The National Christmas Tree that year was not lit until December 22nd because of a national 30-day period of mourning following President Kennedy’s assassination.

In 1969, the Pageant of Peace was embroiled in legal controversy over the use of religious symbols, and in 1973, the nativity scene that had always been part of the pageant was no longer allowed.

In 1979, the National Christmas Tree was not lighted except for the top ornament. This was done in honor of the American hostages in Iran….
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan authorized the first official White House ornament, copies of which were made available for purchase.

In 1981, Barbara Bush took the first of twelve rides in a cherry-picker to hang the star at the top of the National Christmas Tree.
In 1984, the Nativity Scene was allowed to return to the Pageant of Peace, and when the National Christmas Tree was lit on December 13th, temperatures were in the 70s, making it one of the warmest tree lighting's in history.
In 2001, the first White House Christmas card to contain a Scripture was chosen by Laura Bush. Quoting from Psalm 27, it said “Thy face, Lord, do I seek. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living,” which is what Laura Bush believed would happen after the tragedy of September 11. She chose that Scripture on September 16 (only 5 days after 9/11) based on a sermon the chaplain had preached at Camp David. The Bushes regularly used Scriptures on their Christmas cards.
George & Martha Washington (1789-1797)

At a time when Christmas was still quite controversial in a new nation, Martha Washington’s holiday receptions were stiff and regal affairs, quite befitting the dignity of the office of President of the United States and invitations were much desired by the local gentry. A Christmas party was given by the Washington’s for members of Congress on Christmas Day, 1795, at which a bountiful feast was served to the guests – all men with the exception of the First Lady!
The festivities at the Mount Vernon plantation in Virginia would start at daybreak with a Christmas fox hunt. It was followed by a hearty mid-day feast that included “Christmas pie,” dancing, music, and visiting that sometimes did not end for a solid week.

Andrew & Rachel Jackson (1829-1837)
From the earliest times memorable parties have been held for the president’s children or grand-children. One of the most elaborate was President Andrew Jackson’s “frolic” for the children of his household in 1834. This party included games, dancing, a grand dinner, and ended with an indoor “snowball fight” with specially made cotton balls

.
Abraham & Mary Todd Lincoln (1861-1865)
During the first Christmas of the war (1861), Mrs. Lincoln arranged flowers, read books, helped serve meals, talked with the staff, and cared for the wounded at Campbell’s and Douglas hospitals. She personally raised a thousand dollars for Christmas dinners and donated a similar amount for oranges and lemons when she heard that there was a threat of scurvy.
During the Christmas season of 1863, the Lincolns’ son, Tad, had accompanied his father on hospital visits and noticed the loneliness of the wounded soldiers. Deeply moved, the boy asked his father if he could send books and clothing to these men. The President agreed and packages signed “From Tad Lincoln” were sent to area hospitals that Christmas.
One Christmas Tad Lincoln befriended the turkey that was to become Christmas dinner. He interrupted a cabinet meeting to plead with his father to spare the bird. The President obliged by writing a formal pardon for the turkey named Jack.

Benjamin & Caroline Harrison (1889-1893)
In 1889, President Benjamin Harrison, his grandchildren, and extended family gathered around the first indoor White House Christmas tree.

Grover & Francis Cleveland (1885-1889; 1893-1897)
When Grover Cleveland first became President in 1885, there was no Christmas tree during the first Cleveland administration, but when daughters Ruth, Esther, and Marion were born, this changed in the second administration. In 1894, three years after electricity was introduced in the White House, the first electric lights on a family tree delighted the young daughters of President Grover Cleveland.
Mrs. Cleveland’s main Christmas activity, rather than entertaining and decorating, was her work with the Christmas Club of Washington to provide food, clothing, and toys to poor children in the D.C. area. She took the time to wrap and distribute gifts to the children and sat with them for a Punch and Judy show. Although Christmas Club charities in Washington date back to the 1820’s, no previous first lady had taken as prominent a role in these activities as Frances Cleveland, who helped set a tradition of good works carried on by many other First Ladies.

Theodore & Edith Roosevelt (1901-1909)
President Theodore Roosevelt, an avowed conservationist, did not approve of cutting trees for Christmas decorations. However, his son Archie smuggled in a small tree that was decorated and hidden in a closet in the upstairs sewing room.
The Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt family Christmas traditions were quite simple. On Christmas Eve, they would pile into the family sleigh (later the motor car) and travel to Christ Church in Oyster Bay, New York. Following the pastor’s sermon, TR would deliver one of his famous “sermonettes” on the meaning of the holiday. The service would close with one of his favorite hymns “Christmas By the Sea.” On Christmas morning, gifts would be opened and then the family would spend the day hiking, playing games, and going for sleigh rides.
For many years TR played Santa Claus at a school in Oyster Bay, New York, listening to the children and then giving them Christmas presents that he had selected himself.

Calvin & Grace Coolidge (1923-1929)
In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge touches a button and lights up the first national Christmas tree to grace the White House grounds. (Until 1923, holiday celebrations were local in nature.) It was the first to be decorated with electric lights – a strand of 2,500 red, white and green bulbs. While radio station WCAP broadcast the event to possibly a million Americans, the President gave no speech. The evening centered, instead, on Christmas carols and other festive music performed at the tree-lighting ceremony, including by the Epiphany Church choir and the U.S. Marine Band. Later that evening, President Coolidge and first lady Grace were treated to carols sung by members of Washington D.C.’s First Congregational Church.
That year, the erection of a National Christmas Tree was the first of several holiday practices instituted during the Coolidge Presidency that are still with us today. It was 1927 when President Coolidge issued a holiday message to the nation – and then only a brief one written by his own hand on White House stationery. Its text was carried in newspapers across the land on Christmas Day. Finally, in 1928, on his last Christmas Eve in office, the President delivered to the nation via radio the first tree-lighting speech. It was 49 words in length.

Herbert & Lou Hoover (1929-1933)
First Lady Lou Henry Hoover established the custom of decorating an official (and not just a personal) tree in the White House in 1929. Since that time, the honor of trimming a principal White House Christmas tree on the state floor has belonged to our first ladies.
Christmas 1929 was memorable for the Hoovers because an electrical fire broke out in the West Wing of the White House during a children’s party. The Oval Office was gutted, but Mrs. Hoover kept the party going. The Marine Band, meanwhile, played Christmas carols at a volume calculated to drown out the sound of the arriving fire engines.
The following year the same children were invited back for another party at which time each child was given a toy fire engine as a memento. The invitations to the 1930 party read as follows: “This is not like the Christmas parties you usually go to...for Santa Claus has sent word that he is not going to be able, by himself, to take care of all the little girls and boys he wants to this year, and he has asked other people to help him as much as possible. So if you bring some presents with you, we will send them all to him to distribute.” The party was an enormous success.
Hoover, December 25th, 1931
Your annual Christmas service . . . is a dramatic and inspiring event of national interest. It symbolizes and vivifies our greatest Christian festival with its eternal message of unselfishness, joy, and peace.

Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt (1933-1945)
Eleanor initiated Christmas planning each year. Her gift giving list included over 200 names. She began buying gifts in January and regularly put things away in her special “Christmas Closet.” Throughout the year she added new items – gifts for family, friends, and almost everyone on the White House Staff. Each October, she would take over a storage room on the third floor of the White House to wrap the gifts. On Christmas, Franklin would be so interested in the gifts for others that it might be three or four days after Christmas before he was persuaded to open his own.
For the President, Christmas was a time for family and close friends. The tree was set up on Christmas Eve and the President directed his grandchildren in the placement of every ornament. After the tree was decorated, FDR had the grandchildren gather around while he read Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” or recited it from memory. Following the reading, the children would race upstairs to the President’s bedroom where they would hang their stockings on his mantel.
FDR, December 24th, 1935
Around the Manger of the Babe of Bethlehem “all Nations and kindreds and tongues” [Revelation 7:9] find unity. . . . The spirit of Christmas breathes an eternal message of peace and good-will to all men. We pause, therefore, on this Holy Night and . . . rejoice that nineteen hundred years ago, heralded by angels, there came into the world One whose message was of peace, who gave to all mankind a new commandment of love. In that message of love and of peace we find the true meaning of Christmas. And so I greet you with the greeting of the Angels on that first Christmas at Bethlehem which, resounding through centuries, still rings out with its eternal message: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will to men.”
FDR, December 24th, 1939
In the happiness of this Eve of the most blessed day in the year, I give to all of my countrymen the old, old greeting – “Merry Christmas – Happy Christmas.” . . . Let us rather pray that we may be given strength to live for others – to live more closely to the words of the Sermon on the Mount and to pray that peoples in the nations which are at war may also read, learn and inwardly digest these deathless words. May their import reach into the hearts of all men and of all nations. I offer them as my Christmas message:“Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.“Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.“Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
FDR, December 24th, 1941 (Following Pearl Harbor)
There are many men and women in America – sincere and faithful men and women – who are asking themselves this Christmas. . . . How can we meet and worship with love and with uplifted spirit and heart in a world at war, a world of fighting and suffering and death? . . . How can we put the world aside . . . to rejoice in the birth of Christ? . . . And even as we ask these questions, we know the answer. There is another preparation demanded of this Nation beyond and beside the preparation of weapons and materials of war. There is demanded also of us the preparation of our hearts – the arming of our hearts. And when we make ready our hearts for the labor and the suffering and the ultimate victory which lie ahead, then we observe Christmas Day – with all of its memories and all of its meanings – as we should. Looking into the days to come, I have set aside a day of prayer.
FDR, December 24th, 1944 (Following D-Day)
Here, at home, we will celebrate this Christmas Day in our traditional American way – because of its deep spiritual meaning to us; because the teachings of Christ are fundamental in our lives; and because we want our youngest generation to grow up knowing the significance of this tradition and the story of the coming of the immortal Prince of Peace and Good Will. [He then led in a prayer for the troops] We pray that with victory will come a new day of peace on earth in which all the Nations of the earth will join together for all time. That is the spirit of Christmas, the holy day. May that spirit live and grow throughout the world in all the years to come.

Harry & Bess Truman (1945-1953)
It became a tradition for the First Family to go home to Independence, Missouri, for Christmas. The Chief Executive, however, always remained in Washington until after the staff party on Christmas Eve.
Truman, December 24th, 1945
This is the Christmas that a war-weary world has prayed for through long and awful years. . . . We meet in the spirit of the first Christmas, when the midnight choir sang the hymn of joy: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Let us not forget that the coming of the Savior brought a time of long peace to the Roman World. . . . From the manger of Bethlehem came a new appeal to the minds and hearts of men: “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another.” . . . Would that the world would accept that message in this time of its greatest need! . . . We must strive without ceasing to make real the prophecy of Isaiah: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning-hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” In this day, whether it be far or near, the Kingdoms of this world shall become indeed the Kingdom of God and He will reign forever and ever, Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
Truman, December 24th, 1949
Since returning home, I have been reading again in our family Bible some of the passages which foretold this night. . . . We miss the spirit of Christmas if we consider the Incarnation as an indistinct and doubtful, far-off event unrelated to our present problems. We miss the purport of Christ’s birth if we do not accept it as a living link which joins us together in spirit as children of the ever-living and true God. In love alone – the love of God and the love of man – will be found the solution of all the ills which afflict the world today.
Truman, December 24th, 1950 (During the Korean War)
At this Christmastime we should renew our faith in God. We celebrate the hour in which God came to man. It is fitting that we should turn to Him. . . . But all of us – at home, at war, wherever we may be – are within reach of God’s love and power. We all can pray. We all should pray. . . . We should pray for a peace which is the fruit of righteousness. The Nation already is in the midst of a Crusade of Prayer. On the last Sunday of the old year, there will be special services devoted to a revival of faith. I call upon all of you to enlist in this common cause. . . . We are all joined in the fight against the tyranny of communism. Communism is godless. Democracy is the harvest of faith – faith in one’s self, faith in one’s neighbors, faith in God. Democracy’s most powerful weapon is not a gun, tank, or bomb. It is faith. . . . Let us pray at this Christmastime for the wisdom, the humility, and the courage to carry on in this faith.
Truman, December 24th, 1952
Through Jesus Christ the world will yet be a better and a fairer place. This faith sustains us today as it has sustained mankind for centuries past. This is why the Christmas story, with the bright stars shining and the angels singing, moves us to wonder and stirs our hearts to praise. Now, my fellow countrymen, I wish for all of you a Christmas filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and many years of future happiness with the peace of God reigning upon this earth.

Dwight & Mamie Eisenhower (1953-1961)
Unlike other Presidents who distinguished political from household staff, the Eisenhowers brought both together (more than 500 in all) for a Christmas party each year. For the White House staff, Mamie purchased gifts in area department stores, personally wrapping each one to save money.
President Eisenhower took a personal interest in the gifts and cards that were sent from the White House. Ike was an artist in his own right and allowed six of his own paintings to be used as Christmas gifts and cards during his administration. In eight years, Hallmark produced a prodigious 38 different Christmas cards and gift prints for the President and First Lady. No previous administration, nor any since Eisenhower’s, has sent such a variety of holiday greetings from the White House.
For the Christmas of 1958, Mamie pulled out all the stops in decorating the White House. She had 27 decorated trees, carols were piped into every room and greenery was wrapped around every column.

John & Jacqueline Kennedy (1961-1963)
In 1961, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy began the tradition of selecting a theme for the official White House Christmas tree. She decorated a tree placed in the oval Blue Room with ornamental toys, birds and angels modeled after Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.
The first card to contain an explicitly religious element was in 1963, which featured a photo of a crèche set up in the East Room of the White House. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline, had signed 30 cards before their final trip to Dallas where he was assassinated. None of these cards were ever mailed.

Lyndon & Ladybird Johnson (1963-1969)
Lyndon and Ladybird Johnson spent four of their six presidential Christmases in Texas rather than Washington. The Christmas of 1967 (the 7th) was special for the Johnsons because their daughter, Lynda, was married to Charles Robb in the White House on December 9th with 650 guests in attendance. The celebrating continued during Christmas and they spent that Christmas in Washington, the first in seven years.
The Johnsons final Christmas in the White House in 1968 was a time of reflection for them and the opportunity to say goodbye to their friends. On December 23rd, President Johnson sent Christmas greetings to the American troops in Southeast Asia, which included his two sons-in-law.
The First Lady committed herself to the beautification of America and the planting of trees. Except for their unplanned first Christmas in the Executive Mansion, all the cards and gift prints of later years were to feature trees.
LBJ, December 22nd, 1963
We were taught by Him whose birth we commemorate that after death there is life. . . . In these last 200 years we have guided the building of our Nation and our society by those principles and precepts brought to earth nearly 2,000 years ago on that first Christmas.
LBJ, December 15th, 1967
In a few days we shall all celebrate the birth of His Holiness on earth. . . . We shall acknowledge the Kingdom of a Child in a world of men. That Child – we should remember – grew into manhood Himself, preached and moved men in many walks of life, and died in agony. But His death – so the Christian faith tells us – was not the end. For Him, and for millions of men and women ever since, it marked a time of triumph – when the spirit of life triumphed over death.

Richard & Pat Nixon (1969-1974)
The Vietnam War was going strong when the Nixons entered the White House in 1969. Pat Nixon personally supervised an elaborate plan for decorating the White House. For the first time in a quarter century, wreaths were hung in every window. In the Great Hall stood a 19-foot fir tree with ornaments that featured the flowers of the fifty states. In response to the National Christmas Tree, war protestors set up their own tree and decorated it with soda pop cans and tin foil peace symbols.
Christmas celebrations during the following years were often filled with controversy and difficulty. In 1969, the Pageant of Peace was embroiled in legal controversy over the use of religious symbols, and in 1973, the nativity scene that had always been part of the pageant was no longer allowed.

Gerald & Betty Ford (1974-1977)
In 1975, to honor America’s upcoming bicentennial celebration, the National Christmas Tree was decorated with 4,600 red, white, and blue ornaments and 12,000 lights. On the top of the 45-foot blue spruce sat a 4-foot gold and green replica of the Liberty Bell. There were also 13 smaller trees representing the 13 colonies and 44 other trees placed in a row representing states and territories.
Ford, December 18th, 1975
As we gather here before our Nation’s Christmas tree, symbolic of the communion of Americans at Christmastime, we remind ourselves of the eternal truths by which we live. . . . In our 200 years, we Americans have always honored the spiritual testament of 2,000 years ago. We embrace the spirit of the Prince of Peace so that we might find peace in our own hearts and in our own land, and hopefully in the world as well.

Jimmy & Rosayln Carter (1977-1981)
One of the most interesting and controversial aspects of the Carters Presidential Christmases concerned greeting cards. In 1977, the Carters ordered and sent 60,000 Christmas cards, substantially more than any previous administration. In 1978, the number jumped to 100,000 and in 1979 when there were 105,000, President Carter finally established a White House committee to look into the problem of too many Christmas cards!
The hostage crisis in Iran dominated the holiday celebrations of 1979 and 1980. In 1979, the National Christmas Tree and fifty surrounding trees each showed a single light, one for each of the hostages. The President promised to turn on the other lights when the hostages were freed. Because the hostages were still in captivity, the following year the lights on the tree were turned on for 417 seconds on Christmas Eve – one second for each day they had been held.
Carter, December 15th, 1977
Christmas has a special meaning for those of us who are Christians, those of us who believe in Christ, those of us who know that almost 2,000 years ago, the Son of Peace was born to give us a vision of perfection, a vision of humility, a vision of unselfishness, a vision of compassion, a vision of love.
Carter, December 18th, 1980
In the first Christmas, the people who lived in the land of the Jews were hoping for a Messiah. They prayed God to send them that savior, and when the shepherds arrived at the place to see their prayers answered they didn’t find a king, they found a little baby. And I’m sure they were very disappointed to see that God had not answered their prayers properly, but we Christians know that the prayers had been answered in a very wonderful way. God knew how to answer prayer.

Ronald & Nancy Reagan (1981-1989)
In 1981, President Ronald Reagan began another custom by authorizing the first official White House ornament, copies of which were made available for purchase.
In 1984, the Nativity Scene was allowed to return to the Pageant of Peace.
Christmas in Illinois, where both Ronald and Nancy Reagan grew up, was a sharp contrast to their Christmases in Washington. The President has recalled that his family never had a really fancy Christmas. During the Depression, when they couldn’t afford a Christmas tree, his mother would decorate a table or make a cardboard fireplace out of a packing box.
Reagan, December 23rd, 1981
At this special time of year, we all renew our sense of wonder in recalling the story of the first Christmas in Bethlehem, nearly 2,000 year ago. Some celebrate Christmas as the birthday of a great and good philosopher and teacher. Others of us believe in the Divinity of the child born in Bethlehem, that He was and is the promised Prince of Peace. . . . Tonight, in millions of American homes, the glow of the Christmas tree is a reflection of the love Jesus taught us. . . . Christmas means so much because of one special child.
Reagan, December 16th, 1982
In this holiday season, we celebrate the birthday of One Who, for almost 2,000 years, has been a greater influence on humankind than all the rulers, all the scholars, all the armies and all the navies that ever marched or sailed, all put together. He brought to the world the simple message of peace on Earth, good will to all mankind. Some celebrate the day as marking the birth of a great and good man, a wise teacher and prophet, and they do so sincerely. But for many of us it’s also a holy day, the birthday of the Prince of Peace, a day when “God so loved the world” that He sent us His only begotten Son to assure forgiveness of our sins.
Reagan, December 15th, 1983
Many stories have been written about Christmas. Charles Dickens’ “Carol” is probably the most famous. Well, I’d like to read some lines from a favorite of mine called, “One Solitary Life,” which describes for me the meaning of Christmas. [He then read the full story.] . . . I have always believed that the message of Jesus is one of hope and joy. I know there are those who recognize Christmas Day as the birthday of a great and good man, a wise teacher who gave us principles to live by. And then there are others of us who believe that He was the Son of God, that He was Divine. If we live our lives for truth, for love, and for God, we never need be afraid.
Reagan, December 12th, 1985
We do not know the exact moment the Christ Child was born, only what we would have seen if we’d been standing there as we stand here now: Suddenly, a star from heaven shining in our eyes, shining with brilliant beauty across the skies, a star pointing toward eternity in the night, like a great ring of pure and endless light, and then all was calm, and all was bright. Such was the beginning of one solitary life that would shake the world as never before or since. When we speak of Jesus and of His life, we speak of a man revered as a prophet and teacher by people of all religions, and Christians speak of someone greater – a man Who was and is Divine. He brought forth a power that is infinite and a promise that is eternal, a power greater than all mankind’s military might, for His power is Godly love, love that can lift our hearts and soothe our sorrows and heal our wounds and drive away our fears. . . . If each of us could give but a fraction to one another of what He gave to the whole human family, how many hearts could heal, how much sorrow and pain could be driven away.

George & Barbara Bush (1989-1993)
Mrs. Bush took particular pleasure in hosting a special party for homeless children from the Central Union Mission in Washington, DC. She distributed special Christmas bags filled with gifts and then read them Christmas stories. She sometimes would tell the stories in her own words, giving it her own personal touch.
The First Lady added her own special touches to the holiday with her annual cherry picker ride to hang the star at the top of the National Christmas Tree, a trip she took 12 times beginning in the Reagan Administration as the wife of the Vice President.
Bush, December 18th, 1989
During the beautiful and holy season of Christmas, our hearts are filled with the same wonder, gratitude, and joy that led the psalmist of old to ask, “When I consider Thy heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained, What is man, that Thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that Thou visitest him?” At Christmas, we, too, rejoice in the mystery of God’s love for us – love revealed through the gift of Christ’s birth. Born into a family of a young carpenter and his wife, in a stable shared by beasts of the field, our Savior came to live among ordinary men. Yet, in time, the miraculous nature of this simple event became clear. Christ’s birth changed the course of history, bringing the light of hope to a world dwelling in the darkness of sin and death. Today, nearly 2,000 years later, the shining promise of that first Christmas continues to give our lives a sense of peace and purpose. Our words and deeds, when guided by the example of Christ’s life, can help others share in the joy of man’s Redemption.

Bill & Hillary Clinton (1993-2001)
Clinton, December 22nd, 1997
The beloved Christmas story itself is a story of light, for, as the Gospel of John tells us, Jesus came into the world as “the true Light” [John 1:9] that illumines all humankind. Almost 2,000 years later, that Light still shines amid the dark places of our world.
Clinton, December 21st, 1999
Saint Matthew’s Gospel tells us that on the first Christmas 2000 years ago, a bright star shone vividly in the eastern sky, heralding the birth of Jesus and the beginning of His hallowed mission as teacher, healer, servant, and savior. . . . His luminous teachings have brought hope and joy to generations of believers. . . . His timeless message of God’s enduring and unconditional love for each and every person continues to strengthen and inspire us. . . . Love, peace, joy, hope – so many beautiful words are woven through our Christmas songs and prayers and traditions.

George & Laura Bush (2001-2009)
George W. Bush is the first president to choose a Yule card with a Scripture. First lady Laura Bush supervises the card selection. She picked cards with Bible verses when her husband was governor and has continued to do so in the White House.
In 2001 George and Laura incorporated a scripture depicting their faith in post 9/11 times. It said “Thy face, Lord do I seek. I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living.” Psalm 27. Laura Bush believed that this is what really happened after the tragedy of September 11.
In 2004 George and Laura sent holiday cards with a Bible verse from Psalms (95:2): “Let us come before him with Thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.”
Bush, December 6th, 2001
Now once again, we celebrate Christmas in a time of testing, with American troops far from home. . . . It is worth recalling the words from a beautiful Christmas hymn. In the third verse of “Oh Holy Night” we sing, “His law is love, and His gospel is peace. Chains ye shall break, for the slave is our brother. And in His name all oppression shall cease. . . . We fight so that oppression may cease, and even in the midst of war, we pray for peace on Earth and good will to men.
Bush, December 4th, 2003
Throughout the Christmas season our thoughts turn to a star in the east, seen 20 centuries ago, and to a light that can guide us still. . . . The story of Christmas is familiar to us all, and it still holds a sense of wonder and surprise. When the good news came first to a young woman from Nazareth, her response was understandable. She asked, “How can this be?” The news would bring difficulty to her family and suspicion upon herself. Yet, Mary gave her reply, “Be it unto me according to Thy word.” The wait for a new king had been long, and the manner of his arrival was not as many had expected. The king’s first cries were heard by shepherds and cattle. He was raised by a carpenter’s son. Yet this one humble life lifted the sights of humanity forever. And in His words we hear a voice like no other. . . . We don’t know all of God’s ways, yet the Christmas story promises that God’s purpose is justice and His plan is peace. At times this belief is tested. During the Civil War, Longfellow wrote a poem that later became a part of a Christmas carol, “Hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on Earth, good will to men.” That poem also reminds us that hate is not the final word: “Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, `God is not dead, nor doth He sleep, the wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on Earth, good will to men.”‘

With the true meaning of the Christmas celebration being the birth of a child, the timing of a Health Care Reform issue seemed quite ironic to me. The issue so passionately debated is abortion. I then pondered the scenario of Mary, being pregnant at such a young age, before marriage, at a time when stoning was common for such an offense, never mind the social pressures and ramifications to her and her family. I am sure at the time the availability of abortion was present, and if she had gone for advice to a Planned Parenthood Clinic or the like, she would have been vehemently counseled to have an abortion. When Joseph, her fiance found out about the pregnancy, he at first decided to break off the engagement and distance himself from her, but he did not. Now he also could have put tremendous pressure on her and her family to have an abortion, but he did not. He decieded to marry her anyway, accept and raise the child as his own. With hindsight being 20-20, look at the benefits the world has received from not aborting this child. That makes me wonder all the more, what benefits to society and this world in science, medicine, inventions, writers, leaders, etc., would have become of some of the approximately 50,000,000 children we have killed in this country alone, since Roe v. Wade? Not to mention the fact that we are at approximately a 2-1 payment ratio for Social Security. We have genocide off approximately 1/5 of our population. That is 1 out of 5 people we have killed that could be financially and otherwise productively benefiting our society. Below I have inserted an article posted in Politics Daily on the last holdout of a Democratic Senator with regards to Federal funding of abortion. As you will read in the article, he eventually caves in with the bribing of promised Medicaid reimbursements for his home state, and compromises on his principles to totally protect the innocent and unvoiced.

According to an article in Politics Daily:

Sen. Nelson was the most strident Democratic holdout for the health reform bill going into a snowy weekend session. The conservative Democrat voiced his concerns over the bill's abortion funding language and spending levels in the bill in an interview with a Nebraska radio station on Thursday. Since then, he'd been huddled in intense negotiations with Senate leaders and White House staff eager to secure his vote.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid revealed the final package of changes to the bill, known as the managers' amendment, on Saturday morning.
The amendment shows that the previous Senate bill has been rewritten to reflect Nelson's demands for changes to existing abortion funding language, as well as the Medicaid reimbursement rate for Nebraska specifically. Nelson said previously that expanding the Medicaid program to more people would be an unfunded mandate for states, and would hurt his own state in particular.

The Governor of Nebraska, Dave Heineman, sent a letter to to Nelson this week urging him to vote against the bill, calling it "bad for Nebraska" because of the cost of the Medicaid expansion. The new bill has the federal government[that is you and I, non Nebraska residents] bearing a larger share of the costs of expanding health insurance in Nelson's state, including a provision for the federal treasury to pay 100 percent[again, that is you and I, non-residents of Nebraska] of the state's share of Medicaid coverage for perpetuity, forever, a cost usually shared by each individual state and the federal government.

Sen. Reid responded Saturday to questions about the new provision for Nebraska. "If you read the bill, you will find a number of states treated differently from other states," Reid said. "That's what legislation is all about. It's called compromise."

Now, I researched the words legislation and Compromise to separate the meanings. According to Websters definition, legislation is a bringing, proposing, the act of passing a law or laws; enacting of laws; also, the laws enacted. Compromise according to Webster was originally a mutual promise, to abide by the decision of an arbiter; but now has evolved into a settlement in which each side gives up some demands or makes concessions; a midway agreement; to lay open to danger, suspicion or disrepute; to endanger the interests of; to surrender or give up [one's interests, principles, etc.]

Continuing with the article, Sen. Nelson also said Saturday that his concerns about abortion funding have been satisfied. "I have strongly held views and have fought hard to prevent federal funding for abortions," he said. "I believe we have accomplished that goal." In the managers' amendment, states will be permitted to opt-out of providing abortion coverage on their own state-based health exchanges. An accounting mechanism was also added to segregate federal funds for subsidizing health insurance from private funds for abortion coverage.

The foundational stones of this great Republic [not a Democracy] are based and dependent on its peoples principles of integrity, character, public/self virtue, sacrifice, faith in Divine Providence, service, honor, morality as was trusted and relied on in the humble beginning days of this great country, and projected into the indefinite future of the American people. So was the intent and desire of our founding Fathers. To not shrink back or cower to the so called pressures of self induced tolerance or political correctness, standing steadfast to our beliefs, principles, celebrations and traditions. Even when it comes to recognizing and identifying, "What Holiday is This?".

Latest Letter to Congress

2009-11-06T16:44:00.000-08:00

I purposed again to appeal to our Representatives before the vote on Saturday the 7th., in order to remind them of the majority's beliefs and desires in reference to the Health Care Reform Bill. In my opinion, I believe the House, with silent overwhelming support from both sides, eagerly pushed through the vote on Health Care Reform in order to have it out of their hands before the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays, and most certainly before the new year, in order to concentrate on their upcoming elections, being that all the seats in the House are up for re-election in 2010. They purposely passed it on to the Senate as a hot potato for them to deliberate over, due to the fact that only one third of the Senate seats are up for re-election. This action enables each House member to engage fully in their re-election campaign. So in reality, the majority did not pass the Bill at this time because it is in our best interests, but most certainly for their own self interests. The Republican Party, in which I am deeply disappointed, brought forth a poorly written and assembled Health Care Bill at the 11th hour, which did not provide for the security of the American Citizen pertaining to Health care coverage. It was a sorry attempt to gain favor with its party supporters. It leaves me to wonder, what have they been working on for the past 6 months or so while the Democratic Party has been assembling this Mammoth Bill? Why have they not assembled a Health Care Reform Bill which would represent the American tax payers and the truly qualified as destitute, with their needs and desires in the proper context, instead of just tearing apart the so called opposition's bill? Oh, by the way, notice the term identifying it as a Bill. When I hear this word, I know there will be money to pay, and just who do you think will be paying that Bill? Below I have posted a copy of the letter I sent out to the named recipients.

Nov. 6th. 2010

Dear Senators: Frank Lautenberg
Robert Menendez
Congress women: Stephanie Herseth[Blue Dog... Admin.]
Congressmen: Baron Hill [Blue Dog...Policy]
Jim Matheson[Blue Dog...Comm.]
Heath Shuler[Blue Dog...Whip]
Leonard Lance[Rep./NJ]

In appreciation for the service provided by each of you, which include various degrees of influence and commitment on behalf of your constituency, I desire to express my gratitude. I consider your elected positions to represent a great responsibility which the American Citizen has entrusted in your care, to be carried out on your watch, the representation of the absolute best interests, beliefs, rights and will of the hard working, tax paying American Citizen. These selfless actions are without thought to consequence of your Party, self preservation, vote securing or special interests.

I am a constituent from the great Garden State of New Jersey, and have included the Blue Dog Organization in this appeal to vote against the Health Care Reform Bill in its present Legislative form. In my opinion, the Democratic assertions that this Bill will be "Deficit Neutral" is disingenuous at best. I have not observed an existing or previous piece of Legislation which has been enacted into Law by our Federal Representatives which has remained within the parameters with which it had been presented. The intentions may be correct, but mankind always explores and procures remedies to produce an undesirable out come of corruption and disorganization. This inevitability costs the hard working American tax payer not only financially, but mentally, physically and emotionally. I have had the opportunity of visiting D.C. multiple times over the past couple of months, and have come to the disheartening conclusion that an absolute disconnect exists which is represented by the majority of politicians and in the atmosphere, between you, our elected officials and us, the American public. But I am encouraged in the knowledge that it can be changed by the American Citizen in 2010.

With our existing debt[ridiculous debt] increasing by the minute, and this administration along with all its supporters propelling us into future staggering debt[ludicrous debt], I do not see any way that funding of Government controlled/regulated anything will not equate to massive tax increases and cut backs on the American Tax paying citizen. It has been reported numerous times that the true number of people which do not have access to Personally owned health care is between 12 and 14 million. Why is this administration so purposed to radically redo our health care system for the benefit of a small fraction of its population? There must be ulterior motives. Also, according to the proposed legislation passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee, referring to the "Essential Benefits Package", it would not cover abortion in its Basic Service Plans offered . The Capps Amendment will not pre-empt State laws regulating abortion. However, throughout the country, each region must offer a minimum of one plan which offers abortion. The Hyde Amendment prohibits Federal funds from being used to provide abortion service except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the woman's life. But this Amendment is up for re-authorization by Congress yearly, and has the potential to afford an opportunity to expand Federal funding of abortion. So despite the present restrictions abortion coverage may be broadened under the Legislation being voted on presently. This by the way, is totally unacceptable to me and the majority of American Citizens.

It seems to me, commencing with the Clinton Administration and up to present, the Democratic Party is more than willing to support and authorize any Legislation which is immoral, unethical or just plain wrong, and I might mention my disappointment with the Republican Party for their seeming sedentary inaction and weak responses. There is of course one absolute truth. It is written on the walls behind the platforms, "IN GOD WE TRUST"...I believe the day our elected officials apply themselves to seeking Divine Wisdom and leadership again, as our founding fathers did, is the day our Representatives will be able to effectively write and pass productive, positive and truly liberty enabling Legislation.

Respectfully:

David Larsen

"A Voice for The People"

Eye on America

Blog: http://www.davidlarsentalkingpoints.blogspot.com/

It is interesting to note that both Houses of Congress are unwilling to accept the Health care, but they are more than willing to force it on you and I. This Health Care Bill also poses penalties on the public for not abiding by the new rules. So were is the freedom of choice and tolerance? I have inserted a quote below from a Founding Father which I believe will prove interesting and enlightening.

James Madison, in Federalist, #57 states:

"If it be asked, what is to restrain the House of Representatives from making legal discrimination's in favour of themselves, and a particular class of society? I answer, the genius of the whole system; the nature of just and constitutional laws; and, above all, the vigilant and manly spirit which actuates the people of America; a spirit which nourishes freedom, and in return is nourished by it.
If this spirit ever be so far debased, as to tolerate a law not obligatory on the legislature, as well as on the people, the people will be prepared to tolerate any thing but liberty."

On a lighter note, I recieved this composition on the Health Care Reform debate. I do not know who the author is, but thought everyone could use a laugh by this time.....The American Medical Association has weighed in on Obama's new Health Care package. The allergist were in favor of scratching it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves. The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve. Meanwhile, Obstetricians felt certain everyone was laboring under a misconception, while the Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted. Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, "Oh, grow up!" The Phychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it. Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing and the Internists claimed it would indeed be a bitter pill to swallow. The Plastic Surgeons opined that this proposal would "put a whole new face on the matter". The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea. Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and those softy Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no. In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the "A..holes" in Washington.

"To be...or not to be Represented", That is the Question "

2009-10-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

Our Country is in turmoil concerning its elected and appointed Officials. Our confidence in their willingness and ability to properly delineate the majority's will has been undermined. We listened to our President as he recently addressed the audience at a Democratic Party Fundraiser when he referred to the Republicans and stated that they "do what they are told". But it is obvious that the GOP voters, according to the following statistics, do not agree with the President's comments. In a current Rasmussen Poll, it is revealed that 73% of the people polled believe the present Republican Representatives in Congress have lost touch with their GOP voters through out the nation. It also notes an additional 12% to be undecided. A mere 15% of Republicans who state they expect to vote in the 2012 State primaries believe their Congressional Representatives have produced satisfactory results in representing Republican values. We witnessed, viewed and engaged in Town Hall meetings where the Citizens held their Representatives accountable for contempt and misrepresentation of the majority's desires and demands.

Democratic Senator Bob Casey spoke with reporters and acknowledged that his committee in the Senate established and agreed to a public option plan which commenced with the word "Voluntary". He referred to his committees plan in order to defend himself from those constituents who are against the public option during his Town Hall meetings. However, he then announced that his party has refused to adopted this particular wording and placing of the word "Voluntary", to their agenda on the Legislative Bill. So in reality, the Democrats who used this committees draft of the bill to shield themselves from the onslaught of angry constituents, who insisted the health care reform bill will be a Government take over, were absolutely disingenuous at best. He also went on to admit that he believes his committees submission of the bill is the fairest of all involved and should be implemented. But he did express his partisanship by stating he will vote yes to whatever his party assembles and endorses, regardless of his personal views and may I dare say even, against the will of the majority of his constituents. Examples such as this, in which partisan attitudes, concerns for their own advancement and contempt for the people they represent, instead of remaining steadfast to what is correct and fair for the people, have brought the American Citizen to a point of disgust. The public was also promised to have the ability to view all bills via the Internet and other venues for a period of time so as to be informed of what is being presented and possibly passed into Law. But of course, Campaign promises made so very often never materialize for one reason or anther. Even when a group of Congressmen submitted an amendment for all pending bills to be available for a 72 hour period, it was quickly rejected. In my opinion, the pending legislation in its Legislative form, and prior to this in its consensual form, should be easily accessible to the American public for a minimum of at least one full week.

According to a Wallstreet Journal/NBC News Poll conducted this month, 52% of people polled believe this country is headed in the wrong direction, with 36% stating they believe just the opposite. This leaves 9% with mixed beliefs and 3% who can not make up their minds at all. Additionally, 65% polled admitted they were disappointed and disapprove of how their Representatives are doing their jobs in comparison to 24% who approve, leaving 11% undecided. The poll went on to identify Americans who will view the Democrats in a positive light by a 42%-36% margin which including 20% to consider themselves neutral. This compared to the Republicans who were viewed negatively by a 46%-25% margin with 27% being neutral. The survey also stated that only 14% of the people polled viewed the Democrats in a "very positive light", and only 6% of Republicans being viewed as the same. Continuing with the poll, they found that 57% agree that the partisan atmosphere in Washington was equally to blame on both parties, while 24% believe it is the Republicans fault as compared to 17% the Democrats. The poll also noted the American people are fed-up with the career Politicians and Status Quo by stating that 49% want to change the representation in their districts as compared to 41% stating that they believe their present Representative should be reelected. The American people net-worked together in the Tea Party meetings/rallies and protested across this great and beautiful country, displaying our disgust, frustrations, concerns and demands of our elected officials; demanding that they change course and action, to get the attention of the Bureaucrats in D.C. to listen to the majority of Americans, not the minority.

As in the days of yester-year, our founding fathers were the first to be angered to action due to the display of contempt and arrogance of the ruling government. The people rose up against the oppression, bondage and corruption[sound some what familiar?], of the existing Leadership. They put their lives, families, futures and fortunes on the line for what they were convicted and convinced to be the only virtuous course of action. Seeking Divine wisdom for the appropriate course of action, they engaged word to action, knowing it is only through the people in which change will come. To maintain a positive change and the well being of the people, they intended to elect Statesman, officials who purposed and displayed in their everyday lives, a distinct representation of "Public Virtue". This is clearly evident by virtue of their content and wording in these most marvelous documents such as the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights[ which are the first ten amendments to the Constitution]. Does anyone else ever ponder, or is it just me, why our contemporary Representatives do not, and probably can not, write Legislation such as those listed. As we read these original documents, we do not receive the feeling of bondage or being under submission, but instead the opposite. We are over taken with feelings of Liberty and Freedom, a desire to sacrifice and serve, not selfishness, greed and covetousness. We must understand the importance and duty we have obtained as American citizens, in the responsibility to us parents, to educate our children on the content and meaning of these original Documents, always remembering, and reminding each other, that these Documents were purposely established to limit our Governments powers over the people, not its people. We are always only one generation away from losing our Freedom.

Below I have inserted a section of our Declaration of Independence which I felt relevant to the content in this article I have written:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpation's, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism[oppressor], it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”

It is up to us, yes you, the American Citizen to rise up off your "Duff" and get out of that proverbial Lazy Boy, put down the remote and pick up a pen and put pen to paper. Write your Representative, Senator and yes, even our President. Call them on the phone, visit their offices, voice your opinions, demands, thoughts and concerns. Take back your right which has not come free, but instead has been purchased through the sacrifice of people over the centuries, whose names we will never even know. Countless men and women, who unselfishly gave up so much more than just their precious time and energy. Some gave all, and many gave much. How dare we take the attitude of submission and passivity! Remember the phrase " you reap what you sow?", well if we insist on living sedentary lives compared to our involvement in the political process or our Government, we deserve to reap the consequences. In the 2008 Congressional elections in my district approximately 5/8 of the population did not vote! Why do we take this important part of our freedom so lightly? It is our right, no our duty, to elect Virtuous Leaders. Our founding Father Benjamin Franklin stated "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom...As nations become corrupt and vicious...they have more need of masters", and Samuel Adams wrote: "Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt...He, therefore..is the truest friend to the liberty of his country..who tries most to promote its virtue..and who..so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust, who is not wise and virtuous". So the ball is always in the publics court as to how the game will be played and ultimately the outcome. As the November elections draw nearer, we must make a conscious decision to register to vote, research the available Candidates, and may I add[I guess I can because I am writing this article], that if there isn't an appropriate Candidate to represent what you have a conviction for, and you have a burning desire inside to serve and change the Status Quo, it is our right and duty to campaign for office in order to bring positive change for the well being of the people. Then purposely go to the election booths and make our voice known. So when the question is asked of us, or the thought comes into our minds "to be....or not to be Represented", that is the question to which we should all have a resounding voice stating, "Yes, to be!"

" Health Care Reform or Socialized Medicine? "

2009-09-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

Reflecting back over the past few months, we have the opportunity to analyze and dissect a vast amount of information, whether fictitious or fact, in reference to the " Health Care Reform Bill ". Congress, in both bicameral Houses, the lower House of Representatives and the upper Senate, at present still have not come to an agreement on which proposal to adopt. There are presently in both Houses different legislation in debate as to which would be more conducive in guaranteeing votes, acquiring control, and even what is best for the American tax paying citizen. We have witnessed the Deadline Date pronounced by the President, come and go, while also enduring the vacillation of so called non-negotiable sections of certain pieces of the legislation. American Citizens listened in disbelief as they were compared to "Astro-Turf", "Nazi's", "Idiots", "Domestic Terrorists" and "Uneducated Buffoon's". We have been awakened to realize the contempt towards the American Tax Payer by many members of Congress, who consider themselves to be Intellectuals and Academics, knowing what is best for the ignorant and naive Citizen. They regard themselves to be the mature and wise parental figures, needing to educate, direct and, if necessary force, the adolescent John and Jane Doe Citizen into what they deem relevant to the benefit of the whole.

I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. on business just this past week. While there I toured the Capitol Building and was also able to gain access to both the Senate and House Galleries via passes supplied by my District Representative. I was escorted to a seat in the Senate Gallery as Senator Diane Feinstein of CA., was speaking from the podium promoting a piece of legislation she had co-written. If I remember correctly there where a total of 5 sponsors, one of whom was Senator Barbara Boxer of CA. requesting Federal funding [your Federal tax money] of $250,000.00 for a Civil Rights display in her state. First of all, in my opinion, when it comes to raising funds for a display such as this, you should have the common sense to urge the state of California to bear the expense, and if the state refuses, you would then recommend to the Organization to solicit private donations for the costs. Instead she suggested taking "Pork", from the storage barrel of the American Tax Payer, the over whelming majority of whom do not even reside in that state and most likely, will never visit that display. This may not seem to be a very large sum of money to a few of you, but consider the multiple pieces of legislation which have been adopted with similar intentions and outcomes requiring various amounts of funding. Adding the yearly sum total, I am confident you would find a staggering amount of "Pork" expenditures. Secondly as Senator Feinstein was presenting her arguments for the display, a grand total of 2 other Senators were present in the Chambers. She was speaking to the Madam Chairman while her arguments were being documented. Afterwards a role call was announced and one by one the Senators entered the Chambers, most with an air of Aristocrat's, to register their vote, and then the majority exited just as stealthily as they appeared. During this whole process, beginning with Senator Feinsteins arguments, to the passing of the legislation, not one of the Senators had the courtesy to look up into the Gallery and acknowledge the public viewing the procedure. There were at each doorway people to open and close the doors, as Senators entered and exited, glasses of water were served, documents carried by personal assistants all the while being treated by lower governmental employees as if they, the Senators, were Royalty. After which they were taking a 2 1/2 hour lunch/recess. I write this in order to express my observation and opinion of the unfortunate disconnect being displayed by our elected Representatives towards the very people who elected them to their office, as well as demonstrating the willingness to spend your Federal tax dollars like drunken sailors. There seemed to be present a dominant, totally opposing atmosphere and way of thinking in D.C. as compared to the rest of America. With such a disconnect present and perpetrated, how is it possible for Big Government to maintain, distribute and control health care for the absolute benefit of the American tax paying citizen?. "I threw this section in for free, even though it does not contain talking points on the Health Care Reform Bill"....Now in reference to the Bill...

We listened as President Obama compared his expansion of the public health care option to the U.S. Postal Service, which is reported to be on the path to lose $7,000,000,000.00 by the end of this year alone. He then switched his analogy of the public option by comparing it with the government run Colleges and University systems which always have a deficit and are in need of Tax payer bail outs each year. Americans spend nearly 20% annually of our Gross Nation Product on health care. This is a tremendous amount of money to leave in the control of governmental bureaucrats who have a history of mishandling, misappropriating, wasting, and inefficiency with little to no accountability. Recently a Governmental Accountability Office reported that both Federal and State officials neglected to identify $65,000,000. in Medicaid prescription drug fraud, along with prescriptions written in the thousands to patients who had died or through unscrupulous people pretending to be Doctors. We watch as a dozen or more States are mobilizing to approve legislation to amend their State's Constitution in order to make illegal President Obama's individual mandated health care.

It is reported that President Obama's health care plan will have the bulk of its funding supplied through deep cuts in the Medicare program, to the tune of $500,000,000. This includes a $160-180,000,000. decrease to the Medicare Advantage program which offers enhanced benefits over the standard Medicare plan. Presently there are 10,000,000 reportedly low income seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage alone, as compared to a program labeled Medigap, which is a more expensive option and offers fewer benefits. The facts point to the very good possibility that President Obama has the intentions of cutting the Medicare Advantage option funding in order to appease and reward the AARP officials for their support of his Health Care Reform Bill. This is despite the fact that they do not offer this option to their members but instead offer an option labeled Medigap, which boasts a much higher profit margin in which they collect a substantial amount of revenue. It is also reported that the President has negotiated deals with the Big Drug Corporations in order to acquire their support and advertising for the Health Care Bill, by guaranteeing them very little cuts to their prices and profit margins. How are these back room dealings representing the best interests and concerns of the American Tax payer? Especially in this case, where the previously hard working American senior has already paid into the system for decades as an American Tax Payer. Now, the very person they may have voted into office, wants to give them the shaft. It is truly an Obamanation!!!!

A poll that was conducted by ABC News, USA Today in conjunction with the Kaiser Family Foundation, revealed that 90% of the Americans who cooperated in the poll, signified that they were satisfied with their existing health care coverage. We are on the cutting edge of medical technology and pharmaceutical medicines. We offer the highest standard of health care in the world, with as many as 500,000 people entering the U.S. each year from other countries for purposes of receiving the best and rapidly available treatments and procedures. Americans pay a much lower cost for health care compared to the citizens of other countries which include Canada, Japan, Germany and the majority of the European Union.

The executive editor of The Weekly Standard, Fred Barnes, stated the following facts:

· The two most significant innovations for patient care in the past decade are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT).
· The United States has 27 MRI machines per million Americans.
· Canada and Britain have six MRI machines per million.
· The United States has 34 CT scanners per million.
· Canada has 12 per million and Britain only eight.
Another piece of comparative information revealed by Fred Barnes, which has been published in the medical journal Lancet Oncology, displays the superior Health care offered in America as compared to other countries.
· Survival rate for all cancer patients for Americans — 66.3% for men and 63.9% for women.
· Survival rate for all cancer patients for Europeans — 47.3% for men and 55.9% for women.
· Survival rate for prostate cancer for American men — 99%
· Survival rate for prostate cancer for European men — 77.5%
· Survival rate for colon/rectal cancer for Americans — 65.5%

· Survival rate for colon/rectal cancer for Europeans — 56.2%
· Survival rate for breast cancer patients for Americans — 90.1%
· Survival rate for breast cancer patients for Europeans — 79%

Posting on the Heritage Foundation's blog, "The Foundry", Mr. Franc unveils the details: "During the Senate Finance Committee mark up of the Baucus health bill... Senator Bunning of Kentucky put forth an innovative amendment. This amendment stipulated that before voting on the measure in Committee, legislative language would have to be accessible to the public for 72 hours and that the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) would need to publish an official tally of how much this bill will cost the American people and what the real impact will be on health costs."
Mr. Franc continued: "The amendment failed 11-12 on nearly a party line vote. Senator Blanche Lincoln (AR) was the sole Democrat to support this attempt at transparency. The bottom line: when the committee completes its work on this re-make of one-sixth of our economy, Senators will have voted on a phantom - a bill that does not exist with costs that are unknowable until, that is, the unelected legislative draftsmen write the real bill in some back room on Capitol Hill."

Below I have posted a report identifying the American attitude and belief toward their Congressmen in regards to this Health Care Reform Bill, as well as a survey concerning the Health Care debate.

Rasmussen Reports

Only 22% Say Most in Congress Will Understand
Health Care Plan Before They Vote

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

While majority Democrats in Congress struggle to put together a final health care reform plan, just 22% of U.S. voters believe that most members of Congress will understand what is in the plan before they vote on it.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 55% think most members of Congress will not understand what is in the health care plan before casting their vote. Twenty-three percent (23%) aren't sure.

Forty-six percent (46%) of voters say it is at least somewhat likely that most members will have read the health care reform bill proposed by President Obama and congressional Democrats before they vote on it, but just 12% say that's very likely to be the case.

Most voters say it's unlikely that most members of Congress will have read the bill before voting: 40% say it's not very likely, and another 13% say it's not at all likely.

This skepticism is fed in part by the fact that most voters think they already understand the health care plan better than the average member of Congress. Fifty-one percent (51%) rate their understanding of the plan as good or excellent but only 22% say the same for Congress.

Nationwide Survey Concerning
The Current Health Care Debate

78.82% of respondents have heard or seen comments from President Obama on the $900 billion government health insurance bill he wants Congress to pass.
49.82% of respondents have a favorable opinion of President Barack Obama. (-0.63%)*
62.45% of respondents believe that, based on what they have seen or heard, the health insurance they have today will be better than the health insurance they will have in the future. (+16.40%)*
40.71% of respondents support President Obama's government-run health insurance plan. (-0.72%)*
51.58% of respondents believe that the new health insurance plans being considered will limit care to older Americans. (+2.41%)*
18.06% of respondents believe that health insurance should pay for abortions. (-1.16%)*
11.66% of respondents want the health insurance plans being considered to cover illegal immigrants. (+1.99%)*
29.80% of respondents would be willing to pay higher taxes to support the new health insurance plans being considered and discussed. (+0.58%)*

*Percent of increase or decrease based upon the results from a ccAdvertising survey conducted on September 10th, 2009

Within this administration's ideology and intent, is the formation of a government run "public option". This will have a mandate to attempt to force employers to provide health insurance to all their employees, including any individuals which are not covered by their employer, and to purchase health insurance or face criminal charges, due to non-compliance of newly written laws which have been implemented. The distribution of such health care services will be the responsibility of a newly formed National Health Rationing Board, whose members are to be appointed by the administration in power. The titled "public option" plan is a misnomer, purposely used to deceive the American public from the true title, which is a "single payer system", just as the title "Federal Reserve Bank" was conceived in lieu of its real purpose, namely the "Centralized Bank of America", but this is a subject for another time. The proponents claim this option is to compete with all the private insurance companies to keep costs low. But in actuality it is the intent to eventually enable full governmental control of health care. This option is ultimately subsidized by the American tax payer, rendering any private insurance companies at a major disadvantage in the ability to remain competitive. Through the legislative policy of public option, along with the taxing of "Cadillac" private insurance policies and the stricter regulation of employer based insurance, it is estimated this will force approximately 120,000,000 Americans to exit their existing personal insurance policies and accept the public option. In the event medical care becomes necessary, under the proposed governmental controlled health care system, we will be mandatorily subjected to the review of appointed Washington Bureaucrats, empowered by law, to dictate approved treatments we may proceed with. As many physicians have stated, due to their experience with government controlled Medicare, our government examines each individual's case in terms of monetary costs, in stead of what treatments, physicians, Hospitals and medicines are available. The government Bureaucrats will decide what method of treatments you will receive, not you or your physician. This, in turn ultimately equates to fewer choices in treatments, medicines, physicians, and flexibility along with refusal of, or postponement of the same. There has also been reporting of a "Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research" with the sole responsibility of determining costs and effectiveness of treatments. In the event this council declared a treatment or medication too expensive for the patient, it would be denied without regard to its ability to improve the standard and quality of life to the patient. It is also noted that the council consists of 15 members, not one being an actively practicing physician........Now be truthful, does this represent an American ideology of Health Care Reform or a Socialized ideology of Health Care Reform?

The American tax paying citizen deserves the best quality Health Care available. It is not a God given right, as in the God given rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but yet an earned privilege, by the sweat of our brow and the fruit of our labors. We have the ability of choosing the desired coverage or non-coverage, which we believe to be appropriate to our needs. I do however agree with the necessity of health care reform, in terms of lowering the costs of health care to the "real cost" of treatment along with substantially lower policy costs while not affecting quality of care. Actively searching out and exposing all the health care fraud, misappropriations, overcharges, abuses, etc. This would allow every American tax payer more affordable access to all the various health care plans available.

" Blue Dog Democrats "

2009-08-30T19:25:00.000-07:00

Below I have posted a letter which I faxed out to the Congress members listed, which represent the "Blue Dog Democratic Leadership". I whole heartedly encourage every American Citizen to write your Congressmen
along with others, to voice your concerns, questions and opinions. This is your right guaranteed by our Constitution. Always remembering, that the Constitution limits the powers of our elected officials/government, not its citizens!!

August 29th 2009

Dear Congressmen: Baron Hill [Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy]

Charlie Melancon [Blue Dog Co-Chair for Comm.]

Heath Shuler [Blue Dog Whip]

Congresswomen: Stephanie Herseth Sandin [ Blue Dog Co-Chair
for Adm.]

First, and most importantly, I desire to express my appreciation for the service you are rendering, not only to the constituency of your Districts, but also to your state and ultimately the citizens of the United States of America. Being that you are serving on a Federal level, your votes will affect all of the American population. I consider your elected positions to be offices of great responsibility which the constituency of your Districts have entrusted to you; trusted positions in which you will stand and represent the best interests, beliefs, rights and will of the hard working, tax paying American Citizens. These selfless actions are without
thought to consequence to your Party, self preservation, vote securing, or special interests.

I am not a constituent from any State which you represent, nor am I a Democrat. However, understanding that the title “Blue Dog” stands for members of Congress who desire to be fiscally responsible, I felt compelled to reach out to you in order to request you vote against this Socialist type Health Care Reform Bill, along with the staggering financial costs to the American Tax Payer for generations to come. Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Majority leader Harry Reid along with many others from your party, have determined to put into play a plan to demonize the grass root movement of everyday American Tax Paying Citizens. They are referred to as "Astroturf", "Nazis", "organized angry mobs", etc. These elected officials are attempting to by-pass the will of the People, in order to install their agenda. The American Citizens voicing their beliefs and desires are not just from one party, but a mixture from all. They have unintentionally joined together in a homogeneous outcry of dissatisfaction and disgust.

Your party's leadership has put forth an attitude of arrogance and contempt toward the American Citizen, which has evidently flowed down and been duplicated through the actions of the majority of your party's elected officials. The Party affiliation, organization, beliefs, lifestyles, conduct, and actions of the constituency attending and voicing their opinions at the Town Hall Meetings is irrelevant. Their calls and letters to their elected officials are being ignored. They are all your constituents, you represent and serve each one, not just a select group. Whether or not you like or agree with the majority, we can not have the minority controlling the majority. However, the Democratic leadership continues to exhibit unconcern for the requests and demands of the American tax paying citizen. Instead, what is being exposed is the insatiable appetite for control of the people and our Government, by imposing more rules and regulations, along with penalties on its people, as if we are ignorant juveniles, and the elected officials our parents.

In my opinion, this administration focuses its emphases on “Big Brother Government", welfare's, entitlements, and a new socialist global order, suppressing traditionalism, patriotism, morality and free enterprise, ushering in a humanistic “Social Realism” which prior and present social reformers have planned for America. We all need to remember that the Constitution of the United States of America limits our governmental officials, not its people. Yes, we are in need of Health Care Reform for these outrageous costs, but not at the expense of evoking a Socialist type agenda. It has not worked to the benefit of the tax paying Citizens of any Country, nor will it work adequately in America. America is blessed with the most talented, ingenious, intelligent, and resourceful people in the world, I am confident that with true effort and sufficient time, we can, in a bipartisan manner, compile a Health Care Reform Bill that is truly beneficial to the American tax payer and in keeping with the true American Traditional standard of life.

Remembering to always seek "Divine Providence" for our guidance in these important matters, not just settling for mans limited wisdom and ideology, we should seek to emulate the beliefs and actions of our fore fathers along with multitudes of mighty men over the millenniums, as the phrase engraved on the wall behind the platform in the Chambers of Congress states, "In God We Trust"……. May God continue to Bless America.

Respectfully:

David Larsen

“ A Voice for The People “
Eye on America
Blog: http://www.davidlarsentalkingpoints.blogspot.com/

" Letters to Congressmen "

2009-07-17T09:55:00.000-07:00

Below I have displayed letters which I had written and faxed to my Congressmen, voicing, in my opinion, the convictions and appetency of the majority of hard working American tax payers. We have allowed ourselves to be seduced by spirit's of " Ignorance and Naiveness," accepting the lie of it being "bliss". Thus resulting from our sedentary compliance, we allowed the minority 6-8 percent of our population to take control of the majority 92-94 percent. I believe we have ventured to a pres ibis, a tipping point if you will, a point in our history in which all good men and women must come to the aide of their Country. In remembering those sobering words spoken by J.F.K. "Ask not what your Country can do for you!, but what you can do for your Country!" Lets pick up the baton again, and get back into the race. Let your voice be heard by your Legislators through contacting each of them, and then again on Election Day.

Dear Senator Frank Lautenberg

Senator Robert Menendez

Congressmen Leonard Lance July 17th. 2009

I desire to express my appreciation for your service to the citizens of N.J. I consider your elected positions to be offices of great responsibility in which the constituency of the State of N.J. have entrusted to you. Trusted positions in which you will stand and represent the best interests, beliefs, rights and will of the hard working, tax paying American Citizen. Without consequence to your Party, self preservation, vote securing, or special interests. That being established, I ask your votes to be cast as "Nay" for this out of control Health Reform Bill. Yes we are in need of Health Reform, but not at the expense of evoking a Socialist type agenda. It has not worked to the benefit of the tax paying Citizens of any Country, nor will it work adequately in America. In my opinion, this administration focuses its emphases on "big brother government, welfarism, entitlements, and a new socialist global order, suppressing traditionalism, patriotism, morality and free enterprise. Ushering in a humanistic "social realism" which prior and present social reformers have planned for America. A main intent and purpose of this Bill is to gain control and buy votes. America is gifted with the most talented, ingenious, intelligent, and resourceful people in the world, I am confident, with true effort and sufficient time, we can Bi-Partisanly compile a Health Reform Bill that is truly beneficial to the American tax payer and in keeping with the true American Traditional standard of life .

Respectfully:

David Larsen

"A Voice for The People"

Eye on America

Blog: http://www.davidlarsentalkingpoints.blogspot.com/

Dear Senators: Frank Lautenberg

Robert Menendez July 3rd. 2009

First I wish to express my appreciation for your service representing the people of N.J. I consider your position an office of great responsibility in which the constituency of the State have in trusted you both. Thank you.

I have penned this letter in request that you both vote against the " American Clean Energy and Security Act " engaged by Congressmen Waxman-Markey. I believe this to be an economic disaster for the American tax payer. This Bill has the potential to bring about major economical hardships for the consumer, especially at this moment in our history. We are in agreement however, that America must be the leading researchers of renewable clean energy and the leading producers of such, liberating our country from foreign oil. But this massive & progressive Bill is far from the solution.

Respectfully:

David Larsen

"A Peoples Voice"

Eye On America

Blog: davidlarsentalkingpoints.blogspot.com

Dear Congressman Leonard Lance July 1st. 2009

First, I want to thank you for your service representing our 7th District in Washington D.C.. I consider your position an office of great responsibility in which the constituency of District 7 have in trusted to you. I have been engaged in interacting with your "Insta-Polls" via e-mails and had submitted my concurrence with the need of producing alternate forms of energy. Along with the intended effect of liberating us from the need of purchasing foreign oil, by producing other forms of cleaner and less expensive renewable energy rather than our huge dependence on fossil fuels with all the ramifications that apply to both. I believe Americans must realize the absolute necessity of producing renewable sources of energy for the benefit of not only ourselves, but the rest of the world. We must be the leading researchers of such new technology and leading producers of such. I am however disappointed and perturbed in your vote for this "American Clean Energy and Security Act". From the information I have been able to research, I have learned the majority of the Representatives have not read the Bill in its entirety, that this Bill is larger in size than the "Bail-Out" Bill which was forced on us, along with the understanding in which hundreds of additional pages are being drafted in the House and attached to this already voted on Bill rendering the Bill incomplete. Yet you voted for it!. You stated for your part, you had joined a number of your colleagues in an amendment to provide some financial tax relief should this legislation adversely affect the middle-class families. In turn the Democrats on the Energy and Commerce Committee defeated your Republican amendments to suspend Waxman-Markey if gasoline prices reached $5.00 a gallon or electric rates doubled or unemployment topped 15%[ $5.00 a gal. gas?, doubled electric rates?, 15% unemployment?, what persons in their right minds would procrastinate pulling the plug before it even reached these ridiculous amounts?], by prohibiting the amendment to be brought before the full House of Representatives for consideration. Yet you voted for it!. You stated that the non-partisan Congressional Budget office has concluded that any costs incurred would be minimal, equivalent to the price of a first class postage stamp per day. Not willing to leave this to chance, and possessing the intelligence not to believe them, you attempted to introduce legislation to prevent runaway costs to the American people as a check system to skyrocketing prices should they incur and was unsuccessful. Yet you voted for it!. This Bill is not even close to being perfect, including amenities to special interest groups and extremely influential corporations. Leaving the American people unprotected with the burden of all the costs. I have concluded that your vote was irresponsible and not to the benefit of your constituents or the American people. I pray the Bill will Die in the Senate, so I am writing my two Senators urging them not to vote for this bill. If the bill continues, I pray a compromise will not be reached in Conference Committee.

Respectfully:

David Larsen

" A Voice For The People "

Blog: davidlarsentalkingpoints.blogspot.com

" The Name Game "

2009-06-29T18:20:00.000-07:00

With respect to the recent flurry of exposure, we find, through the investigation and reporting of the media, deceit, duplicity, fraud, guile, selfishness, lies etc. of some elected officials including persons in the private business sector. We are confronted with reports of the largest amounts of finances swindled in the history of this nation via a Ponzi scheme, corporate executives executing unscrupulous business practices, elected and non-elected officials representing their own interests, along with married men in supposed positions of role models and authority, defiling their vows and trust. Judges refuse to hold people accountable for crimes and various other vile behavior and actions. I was prompted to write this article on some possible reasons why we have been experiencing this upsurge of iniquitous and precarious life styles over the past 60 years or so. As humans, not one of us are perfect, no matter what your mother has told you, she lied!. We all have the tendencies to do what is wrong, as a matter of fact, most of the time to do what is wrong is easy, just do what you really feel like doing. But doing what is right is work and requires discipline, something we find bothersome or even difficult to do at times. It is so much easier and convenient to give in to our emotions and desires. Just think for a moment, if we did not have in place laws and parameters, with a means of enforcement, and instead everyone did what they felt was right in their own eyes, what a chaotic and dangerous world we would exist in. Being ignorant of other's thoughts, emotions, desires and beliefs, we would most certainly venture into situations in which our very lives would be in jeopardy. With no penalties in place or reasons to refrain, others who have the ability to overcome would surely engage their desires without any regard to your well being or beliefs. But this is not so in our great country; we are a land of rules and regulations, law and order, giving our established Government the ability and authority to enforce them. The majority of people are not properly taught nor do they ever consider the bases or origins from which our laws are derived. This is where I believe, the seed took root and the upsurge had its beginnings, and has now grown into a large disease-ridden tree with many branches reaching into multiple aspects of our culture and society. It's root system is shallow but intricate, with its many veins running randomly and chaotically, unwilling to feed on the life giving true living water, but instead feeding hopelessly on the secular stagnant waters of deceit, relativism and excusatory argumentation, rendering our consciences and hearts hardened as if they were as dried up clay.

" Is there no virtue among us? " asked James Madison. " If there be not, we are in a wretched situation...To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea". Our Nations character is determined by the character of our people.

In my research, I have found some statistics that were quite sobering. In this country, along with other civilized countries, we have in place an education system in which every child is required to partake. Awhile back, CBS News reported on the most prevalent problems facing teachers in the class room in the year 1940. They revealed seven problems: talking without being acknowledged, gum chewing, noise making, running in the halls, cutting in line, improper dress code, and littering. They then compared their findings to their investigation of the most prevalent problems facing teachers in the year 1980. The results were astonishing. They presented the problems to be: suicide, assault, robbery [this requires some sort of weapon], rape, drug abuse, alcohol, and pregnancy. In just one generation we realized an unprecedented turn of behavior. As for the present, the American people are established as #1 in the world in violent crimes, divorce, teenage pregnancies, along with voluntary abortions and all the ramifications which accompany each category listed. Also,we have confirmed ourselves first amidst our Western nations in illegal drug abuse and illiteracy. "How did this happen?" you may ask. I submit to you that this drastic and disastrous behavior did not take all of forty years, but less than twenty. In 1963 we removed from our public schools the teaching and practice of absolute truth with the Supreme Court's decision to remove prayer and Bible[Scripture] reading from the classrooms. Prayer and Scripture had been intertwined in our public school curriculum for hundreds of years and had even been the basis of how all school children were taught to read.Replacing it are relativism, secular progressivism, and all inclusiveness. We witnessed a massive decline in moral, ethical and devout people entering the secular Education system, Governmental public service, media, arts, and financial institutions. It is true however, that the primary responsibility of morality and ethical values falls on the parents to instruct at home and in Houses of Worship. Nevertheless, the reasserting of these secularized values by prominent and trustworthy figures, which have our [and our children's] attention in one form or another throughout the majority of the day and evening is tantamount to the reinforcement of these behaviours and ideologies. Our laws, regulations, rights, liberties, principles and conduct on which this great nation was foundationed were the very doctrines we ejected from public observance. The fact of the matter is, whether you choose to accept truth or not, this nation was founded on Christian doctrines and beliefs. We are a Christian nation which allows the practice of all other beliefs. If we could travel back in time, just as few as 60 years, we would soon discover the vast majority of the American people, who did not consider themselves Church goers, would still concede belief in the Almighty God, reverence for the Bible and be instilled with moral conduct.

As a legacy of the removal of the symbols of absolute truth and the confirmation of the Divine, we have witnessed and recorded the devastating affects of these decisions; a small minority has forced its agenda on a silent great majority. In place we have replaced " In God We Trust ", with our own intellect, abilities and appetencies for self-glorification, displaying to Him and the world, represented by our actions, that we are no longer in need of His intervention, guidance or truth. We strive to demonstrate Independence from the Divine, exchanging it with the enlightenment of mans own aptitude to be self sufficient. In order to justify our actions, we substituted for the convicting word "Sin", ear candy words such as calling adultery; having an affair, homosexuality; gay, lying; disingenuous, an unborn child; fetus, unethical and illicit behaviour; short comings, murder; abortion, drug users and alcoholics; addicts. We have substituted medical terminology for actions committed by criminals or one that violates a law of morality or well-doing. Not wanting to instill the blame or responsibility on one particular person, but yet offsetting the reasons to some other form of consequence dispersing the motive to a separate issue or issues, thus rendering the offender not responsible for his or her actions at that time because of anger, child abuse, being under the influence, stress, anxiety, P.M.S, so on and so forth. I may continue, but you already understand the intent. The media and arts have blatantly supported the absolute acceptance of sexual promiscuity, along with the unyielding display of violence which renders one's conscience and heart hardened to the action and ultimately accepted as the norm. Programs, movies and songs have since been written in a way to denigrate fathers and mothers, ministers, and the elderly to the point of them representing virtual idiots, substituting teachers, professors, authors, governmental officials, singers, actors, even the children themselves as possessing the only true knowledge with the capacity and aptitude to relay that knowledge. This is what I believe to have been the catalyst for the turning away of what was once known throughout the world as a most moral, ethical, religious and devout people. We have substituted absolute truth for relevancy, and have removed the all convicting word "Sin", and replaced it with easy on the ears phrases, thus playing "The Name Game", to justify our rebellion and actions. We so willingly appease what remains of our conscience with words/names of non-intimidation or conviction.

"Defining Conscience Because conscience is a word that has sadly fallen into disuse in a culture preoccupied with self-interest and material gain, let me be clear what I mean by the term. Conscience is the faculty within each of us with which we search for life's ultimate meaning and distinguish right from wrong, good from evil. Conscience is informed by many sources: families and friends, communities of faith, and of course schools. Conscience inspires us to act for a higher purpose, to do what we must do because we believe it's right. The freedom to follow what the framers of the U.S. Constitution described as "the dictates of conscience" is a precious, fundamental right founded on the inviolable dignity of the individual. That's why liberty of conscience is often called our "first freedom." In recent decades, our national conscience appears to have fallen asleep. Consider that in fall 2008, when credit dried up and the stock market fell, the government declared an emergency and provided billions of dollars to rescue Wall Street. But when millions of people go to bed hungry, lack health care or employment, and live in poverty and despair, there is no declaration of national emergency, no bailout, no rescue plan, and no special session of Congress. We must never forget the lesson taught at Yad Vashem: No matter how highly educated or sophisticated, a nation without a critical mass of citizens of conscience may become indifferent to suffering and fall prey to tyranny and intolerance.

At a time when we most need to graduate people of conscience, many of our schools are prohibiting students from practicing civic habits of the heart and exercising their freedom of conscience. Growing numbers of schools are shutting down student voice, closing student newspapers, avoiding discussion of ethical issues, violating the First Amendment rights of students, excluding students and faculty from decision making, and sending dissent underground or onto the internet [Hudson, 2003, 2005]. Even in those schools committed to developing character and conscience, much of the curriculum continues to undermine the ethical message the schools say they wish to convey. Because we are in the worst economic crisis in more than 70 years [a crisis rooted in greed and exacerbated by unethical behavior], let me single out economics education for special concern. As Warren Nord and I [1998] have pointed out, the national content standards in economics-and most texts-never make moral judgments or discuss morality. They make not reference to the environment, materialism, poverty, justice, rights, codes of ethics, or the dignity of human beings. Why? Because the disciplinary framework that shapes the standards and the textbooks is neoclassical economic theory, according to which people are essentially self-interested utility maximizer's and values are personal preferences. Economics, in other words, has nothing to do with ethics. Shouldn't we also expose economics students to the humane, religious, and ethical ways of thinking about economics? The standards and texts ignore poverty as a moral issue, are silent about economic and social justice, fail to even mention charitable giving, say nothing about work as a calling, and avoid any mention of the effects of economic growth on the environment [Nord & Haynes, 1998]. Given this morally impoverished view of the human enterprise, why are we surprised at the widespread corruption, greed and just plain selfishness that contributed to the current economic crisis? Growing numbers of business schools, including George Washington University's, are now dramatically reframing their curriculum's to focus on ethics. It's about time. It's also about time to do the same at every level, in every school."

Charles C. Haynes
Charles C. Haynes is Senior Scholar at at the First Amendment Center [www.firstamendmentcenter.org]. Washington, DC; CHaynes@freedomforum.org

Below I have inserted a memo from Proff. Brian Edgerton with certifications in special Character Education Programing dated July 7th. 2009:

Character Education - an intentional teaching of moral values in school

Traditionally, for centuries, society's values have been transmitted to the next generation in three main venues: over dinner at the dining room table , through religious instruction at houses of worship and through schools. However, families rarely eat dinner together anymore, and if they do, the TV usually replaces meaningful discussion; the impact of religious instruction has become greatly diminished over the years and schools have backed away from any discussion of morals for fear of being accused of violating the Establishment clause. In the absence of these three traditional means of transmitting societal values, the television, music, movies and other media have become the great dispensers of values to our children; but are they the values we desire for them? The recent emergence of the Character Education movement has allowed schools to re-enter the values/morals education business by teaching universally held (by all religious groups as well as the non-religious) morals to children and training them as to the their importance and practice.

Brian A. Edgerton

"In Remembrance of These"

2009-05-25T16:51:00.000-07:00

Today, as we honor the fallen warriors from the days of yesteryear, up to present day, may we keep dear the remembrance of the sanctity of human life which is so precious. Let us dare to ponder, oh but for a moment or two, on just how expensive this "FREEDOM", which we still enjoy today, truly is. We speak of the sacrifices, we applaud our military, we mention the names of men and women who engaged their belief and love for this country, allowing it to manifest tangibly into extraordinary action. We hold ceremonies, barbeques, picnics, parades; we visit the wonderful monuments in Washington D.C., which stand as a tribute to the men and women who served. Our governmental leaders attend the formalities consisting of all sorts of pomp and piety. While all these events mentioned are honorable and completely legitimate, still, lets meditate on the true action of the giving of one's life, limb, mobility, service and future for people whom they will never meet nor ever know their names. These valiant men and women rushed into "Harms Way" with the willingness of accepting the ultimate sacrifice, to lay their lives down, with all that it entails, on the "Altar of Freedom". Enabling both you and I, along with countless millions of others, in this country and abroad, to enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice. So let us not dare to trivialize the profound actions of our fallen, but instead, constantly hold dear and precious the value of a life.

I graduated High School in 1975 at the age of 17. I was aware, as many other young men at that time, of the possibility of being drafted to serve in Vietnam. We had been engaged in this war for approximately 10 years, so naturally I supposed that it would continue. I was willing to serve and had discussions on multiple occasions with my father, who served in WWII as a Lt. Commander in the Merchant Marines, and then, later drafted into the Army at a much older age than the other draftees. We discussed my entering the ROTC program while attending College so I would immediately serve in the armed forces as a 2nd. Lieutenant. But as history shows, the war officially ended in that same year along with the draft. I would at times however, reflect on why I was spared from serving in Vietnam, as so many others have done before me, but I have come to the understanding that all situations, such as this, are in the hands of God. Below I have inserted a list disclosing the numerical account of statistics in each of Americas military engagements. Please take a moment to view the information and then reflect on the cost, "in remembrance of these".

War Casualties
Background
Many men and women have died defending this nation on the field of battle or "on duty" under the colors of our Flag. We have listed below casualties of war through the years to illustrate the significance of the sacrifice of many for our country. These statistics are humbling in the face of the significance of their sacrifice.
*United States War Casualties1,2
Below listed in order as follows:
WAR:
NUMBER SERVING:
WOUNDED:
BATTLE DEATHS:

Revolutionary War
217,0003
6,188
4,435
War of 1812
286,730
4,505
2,260
Mexican War
78,718
4,152
1,733
Civil War (Both Sides)
3,213,363
354,805
191,963
Spanish American War
306,760
1,662
385
World War I
4,734,991
204,002
53,402
World War II
16,112,566
671,846
291,557
Korean Conflict
5,720,000
103,284
33,741
Vietnam Conflict
8,744,000
153,303
47,424
Persian Gulf War
2,225,000
467
147

*The above numbers have qualifying conditions associated with them. See references 1 and 2 below for details if needed.
Additional Web Sites
http://www.remember.gov/ :Ensuring the Nation remembers our Fallen.
Credits
1 Department of Defense, http://siadapp.dmdc.osd.mil/personnel/CASUALTY/WCPRINCIPAL.pdf2 LibrarySpot. StartSpot Mediaworks, Inc. Evanston, IL http://www.libraryspot.com/listwars.htm 3 Average of estimates provided in "1" above

American Military Casualties in Iraq: 4,302 [includes latest fatality on May 27, 2009]
Below listed in order as follows:
Date:
Total:
In Combat:
American Deaths
Since war began (3/19/03):
4,302
3450
Since "Mission Accomplished" (5/1/03) (the list)
4163
3342
Since Capture of Saddam (12/13/03):
3841
3144
Since Handover (6/29/04):
3443
2817
Since Obama Inauguration (1/20/09):
74
15
American Wounded
Official: 31285
Latest Fatality May 27, 2009
[ Americans, on both sides, were also killed during conflict with American Indians, but I have not entered those numerical statistics]

Collectively, all Americans killed in battle throughout our history [as of May 27, 2009] equates to 631,349. As tragic and sorrowful as all these are which offered their lives on the "Altar of Freedom", it pales in comparison to the calamity of the "Silent Holocaust", in which we so willingly offer up to the seemingly unquenchable appetite, upon the "Altar of Convenience", our very own innocent and defenseless flesh and blood, the very lest of these, our very bright hope for the future. If we were to view our unborn children strictly as a commodity, we would immediately come to the conclusion that they represent our most valuable resource. Yet we willfully distort, disregard, and neglectfully ignore the absolute truth of the sanctity and right to life of the yet unborn human life. The destruction and slaughter of unprotected innocent babies per year in this country alone is reported to be 1,200,000, approximately 3,300 per day, 137 1/2 per hour and estimated to be between 35-50,000,000 since abortion was nationally legalized due to Roe vs. Wade in 1973. However, the state of Colorado had previously legalized abortion in 1967. It is conservatively estimated that world wide abortions total an astounding 50,000,000 per year, 136,000 per day, 5,666 per hour. Now let's compare the number of casualties of our armed, trained, mature and willing soldiers from all the engagements previously mentioned throughout Americas history to the "Silent Holocaust" of the innocent unborn and unprotected babies. As previously stated, the total of American war casualties equaled 631,349. This amount encompasses a time span of approximately 239 years[2,868 months] of American history. Yet within only 6 1/2 months, in this country alone, we exceed the total amount of people killed in our entire history. We rightly lament over the Jewish Holocaust, the World Trade Center attacks, the killing fields of Cambodia, and the genocides in third world countries. People organize to passionately protest the harvesting of whales, trees, animals etc. In my opinion, Americans have the utmost of compassion, love, care, generosity and clemency. There are Testaments written and monuments erected, throughout our great nation attesting to our steadfast belief in the right of every living soul to the pursuit of happiness, with freedom, liberty and the God given right to life. So how has it become possible, in this great nation, that the right to life of the unborn has been exempt? What form of deceptive cadence have we erroneously allowed ourselves to implement?

Webster's New World Dictionary defines the meaning of abortion as "any expulsion of a fetus before it is able to survive, especially if induced on purpose". A definition from Webster"s Dictionary of a fetus, "a developing Human Being in the uterus, a bringing forth, bearing, progeny, offspring". When we greet a pregnant woman we ask, " How are you feeling and how is your baby?", we do not ask her, " How are you feeling and how is your body?", concerning her unborn child. We have women using the argument of demanding the full control of their bodies as they deem necessary and appropriate. I believe in full freedom of choice, we were created with a free will to choose either good or evil, right or wrong. I do not have a disagreement with that, but I do have a conflict with one imposing their authority of death over another independent and defenseless child. The lie, supposing that the unborn baby is the mother's body, is easily rectified with DNA testing which will ultimately prove there of course is a similarity, but undeniably a difference, being a combination of mother and father to equal a separate and distinct human being. The baby is not an organ of the mother, but a separate living, developing human being which receives its substance, protection, right to be born and life, through the cooperation and responsibility of the mother. I wish to thank President Obama for the acknowledgment a couple of weeks ago, during one of his speeches, in the recognition to the fact that the pregnant woman is actually carrying a baby, by calling the developing child a baby. Also for his comments in reference to bringing the total amount of abortions in this country down to a minimum[whatever a minimum equals]. But he also stated that if one of his girls made a so-called mistake, he would not want to see their lives burdened down with raising a child. So the "Altar of Convenience" would again receive another sacrifice. The President also spoke a couple of weeks back on the United States' "perceived moral credibility" within the nations of this world. He referenced the Abu Gray/Gitmo detention facility in Cuba, in which known and believed, armed and trained terrorists, are justly being held and interrogated. Sighting the decline of America's morality during the eight years President Bush was in office, in which America has lost the moral fortitude and basis to stand in order to lead the nations of this world. Yet he supports the extinguishing of truly innocent human life. Even in the case when an abortion goes wrong, and the child is born, he voted to pass the law to allow the child to lay there and die, in a medical facility, without any intervention or medical attention. How is it, that we consider ourselves more civilized, moral and sophisticated than the barbaric pagans for their belief in which they sacrificed their children to receive favor [making their lives more convenient] from their gods? How is it we are so steadfast on gifting onto terrorists, the right to life and comforts, investing billions of dollars on research for the protection of this earth and all of its inhabitants, exert untold hours in labor toward the betterment of mankind, while we put to death, with great resolve, tens of millions of children a year world wide? We are extinguishing the very same precious life we are trying so hard to extend and improve.

According to our studies, abortion is the main cause of death on this planet each year. Under our current law, a women can have an abortion any time up until birth, including a partial birth abortion for any reason. The womb has become the most dangerous place for a baby to habatit. Prior to 1967 and then nationally in 1973, abortion was illegal in every state. Pre-legalized abortion indicates 25% of children being born in America were adopted, post legalized abortion shows only 2% of children being adopted, with an estimated minimum of 23% of all conceived children being aborted. Within 18 days [2 1/2 weeks] the baby's heart begins to beat, in 7 weeks the baby starts movements, in 8 weeks every part of the baby's system is present, brains, lungs, nervous system, eyes etc. In just 21 weeks a premature baby can survive outside the womb with today's technology. The Justices in the Roe vs. Wade ruling stated that abortions are to be "safe and rare", yet look what fruit that ruling has produced in this country. We have found that 93% of all abortions have involved both healthy moms and babies, explaining their so called legitimate reasons being unready for the responsibility, failed contraception, finances, timing, physiological problems, unwanted child, failure of support from father, pressure from family/friends, rape and incest [a total of 1% of pregnancies a year are produced by these two reasons], fetal handicap, tubular pregnancy, sex selection, etc. An alarming 40% of women under the age of 45 have had at least one abortion. Does this seem rare to you? Yet after the opportunity of viewing an ultra sound, 80% of women who decided to have an abortion recanted their decision. With each abortion conducted, there is a projection of 5 people affected, including a very high possibility of post-abortion syndrome, producing guilt, regret, depression, lack of self worth, alcohol and drug abuse, eating, sleeping and sexual disorders, disruption of interpersonal relationships, suicidal tendencies, etc. While there is no definitive data available on the number of men and women who suffer from post-abortion syndrome, conservative estimates by professionals put men at 50% and women at 65%. As we truthfully reflect on all that is known, medically and scientifically, including what is in our own hearts, minds and consciences, we must intelligently and with common sense, come to the conclusion that human life begins at conception. There was never any part of our development inside our mothers womb, when we were not a living human being. The law of Biogenesis is the scientific law which states that every living creature reproduces after its own kind; humans beget humans, dogs beget dogs, rats beget rats etc. Let us repent from our selfish desires and reinstitute the moral character and fiber which has seemed to dissolve with each passing year as we indulge in the lie of secular progressivism and the belief in which there is no absolute truth in which everything is relative. May we keep in the fore-front of our minds these innocent, defenseless, voiceless and powerless, the very least amongst us the God given right to life, as each of us were granted the ability to enjoy as we remain, "in remembrance of these".

In my opinion, those claiming the excuse of unsurety of the facts, should err only on the side of life and what is good and moral. If a position can be changed with the proper studies, proof and facts, then it is always possible to reevaluate your position, but as with any other important decision, proper, adequate, truthful and factual intelligence must be provided.

Below I have entered access to an article in reference to an embryo[egg], which has been fertilized by the father, frozen and put into storage. The article relates to the fact in which life begins at conception.

This girl is 14 years old: Toddler Shani is nearly three... but she was conceived over a decade ago in 1995 and her embryo frozen

By Georgina Horton Last updated [June 1] -- Shani Moran-Simmonds is only 2 1/2 years old. But she was conceived 14 years ago.

The British toddler is believed to be one of the world's oldest "frozen babies," reports London's Daily Mail.

"When Shani was born and I held my own baby in my arms at last, I just couldn't believe it," Debbie said. "I didn't know that I would ever know happiness like it -- or that such joy could follow such devastation."

Get more on the story from the Daily Mail.

Day #1: Conception, Mommy and Daddy I feel life springing in me.

Day #18: Oh Mommy, my heart is beating and I hear your heart in rhythm with mine.

Week #7: Mommy, I am only a few inches long, but I am growing very fast, but of course you know that because you sense my moving as little butterflies fluttering inside you as I stretch and move trying out my new arms and legs.

Week #8: Mommy, all my organs are present. I think I got my brains from Dad, but I have your eyes, ears and good looks. I love the sound of your voice. Every time I hear it, I wave my arms and legs. The sound of your heart beat is my favorite lullaby.

Week #10: Hey Mommy, guess what? today I learned how to suck my thumb, if you could see me, you could definitely tell I am a baby. I am not big enough to survive outside my home though, it is so nice and warm in here.

Week #12: Mommy, oh Mommy I am a girl just like you! I hope that makes you happy. I always want you to be happy, I do not like it when I hear you cry, you sound so sad, and it makes me sad, too. I always cry with you even though you cannot hear me.

Week #16: Mommy my hair is starting to grow, it is very short and fine, but I know I will have a lot of it. I just hope it will be as beautiful and long as yours. We can spend hours together doing each other's hair. I spend a lot of time exercising. I can turn my head, curl my fingers and toes, stretch my arms and legs. I am becoming quite good at it, too as I am able to tickle you inside.

Week #20: Mommy you went to the Doctor today, he lied to you! He said that I am not a baby. I am a baby! I am your baby! Mommy, what's abortion??

Week #24: Mommy, I can hear that bad Doctor's voice again, he seems very cold and heartless. Mommy what is this? something is protruding into my home! I think that bad man called it a needle. Oh, ouch, ouch it burns so bad. Mommy make it stop, please help me, help me, I can't get away from it, it burns so bad, Mommy why is this happening?, Mommy I love you.........................

Mommy, I am in the arms of Jesus, He is hugging me and loving me. He has promised me there will be no more pain or suffering. He explained abortion to me. Why didn't you want me Mommy? I am sorry for whatever I did to make you not want me, please forgive me Mommy, I still love you!

It is inevitable, just as you were born so shall you die, so there will also come a day, when these men and women will stand before our Creator, along side these innocent lives, to give an account.

What are some ways we can intervene in this plight?

Pray for our leaders and nation. That God would grant us wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding and revelation on all matters concerning this great country. In order for us to implement the correct statutes and course of action.

Support Criss Pregnancy Centers and other private organizations which help pregnant women make the right decision.

Contact our Representatives and demand that they stand against any type of abortion Legislation.

Contact our Representatives and demand they write new Legislation overturning the existing laws that protect the abortion procedure which includes:

*No tax payer money to fund any type of abortion procedure or any facility which supports abortion practices.

*Mandatory multiple Ultra-sounds viewed by both mother and father.

*Hold biological father accountable for well being of both baby and mother till the child's age of at least 18yrs.

*Mandatory education on the effects of post-abortion consequences to both mother and father.

*Hold accountable family members of adolescent children for the well being of the baby untill the parents become of age.

*Mandatory education of the true development of a baby weekly.

*Enable the adoption procedure in this country to be easy and swift.

*Hold criminally and civilly accountable all people and facilities which perform abortions on healthy mothers and their babies.

"The Entitlement Zone"

2009-04-03T16:48:00.000-07:00

" The Entitlement Zone "

During these times of financial accountability and awareness, we have been enlightened to the fact of misappropriations, mismanagement, greed and corruption. It seems as if each new day there is a "breaking story" or a "new development" in an investigation concerning finances in which the hard working American people have invested or trusted in an investment company to handle their hard-earned money on their behalf. Even governmental officials, in whom we hold our trust, have betrayed our confidence. We have been forced to realize the hard truth, in which greed plays a significant role, not only in the private business sector, but also our Government. The news channels report of "Bailed Out" businesses grossly over compensating executives, along with "Bonuses" added to their extravagant life styles, while their employees are being fired or asked to sacrifice for the good of the company. Even some elected and appointed Government officials are purposing in their hearts to gain access into office in order to advance their personal financial portfolio and sphere of influence; being easily bought, as prostitutes and whores, by Lobbyists and special interest groups. With the intent of securing their own personal "job security", with the selling out of the American public's best interests in turn for their own, they present themselves before the public, without embarrassment or blushing.

In my opinion, the funds used to "Bail Out" the businesses which operated in unsound and extreme risk practices, should definitely have strings attached. We should not, and can not, enable them "to do business as usual". Not that "we the people", through our government, should dictate the terms and business practices of these businesses in order to take control, but to the extent in which we are to regulate the use of our monies in order to insure the American peoples investment goes to "Stimulating " our economy and not expanding the personal wealth of certain individuals. The grossly over compensated executives, bonuses and extravagant life styles given out by these large corporations, which the American people bailed out, should not be permitted and must be returned. The corporations did not, and would not, have had the finances to distribute these payments unless they received the bail out funds. So in fact, the bonuses and salaries could not have been satisfied due to insufficient funds, leading to the dismissal [firing] of many white collar workers. Now those who say "We must pay our employees well or we will lose them", are disingenuous, at least for the moment. Where are their employees going to go at this point in time? They would be foolish to leave and seek a position elsewhere. There are little to none available. As the "Bail Out" funds are paid back, the corporations can pay their employees whatever they wish, but for now all the funds must be accounted for and used for the purpose of restructuring the corporation to be profitable. All the accepted "Bail Out" funds must have trackability and accountability from the onset, in order to confirm their proper use. It is ironic however, that this administration has the intent of taxing the so called "Wealthier Americans", in order to equalize the distribution of wealth. Yet this same administration is literally handing out hundreds of billions of dollars to the same "Wealthier Americans" they wish to equalize. Allowing these same people to enjoy huge bonuses and salaries, while taking the funds from out of both pockets of the same people they claim to want to help!. Propelling them into more debt than when they first started! According to Fox News [3/19/09], there will be a total of nine trillion dollars, yes with a "T",[$9,000,000,000,000.00], being put into this economy by this administration. This huge number equates to approximately ninety thousand dollars [$90,000.00] of extra debt, per household within the United States. Now let me take you a step further, Hannity on Fox News [3/30/09], stated that out of all the wage earners in America, only 50% pay taxes. Which means 50% of the wage earners do not. This means that now the debt per tax paying household has doubled to approximately one hundred and eighty thousand dollars [$180,000.00]. I could continue breaking down the numbers in which each household pays what percentage of taxes, which would in turn fluctuate this amount up and down, but for all intents and purposes, I will leave this amount as an average.

It is stated, that this administration has spent more money in its first couple of months, than the combined expenditures of every prior administration from George Washington [our first president], up to and including George W. Bush; forty three [43] administrations in all. This hemorrhaging of the American tax payer's money must stop immediately. We are being deceived and lied to in reference to the severity of situations. The lobbyists are having a field day with special interest incentives. We are being herded and routed into situations and commitments we do not want. We are not only supporting individuals, citizen and non-citizen, through our Social Service Agencies, but now are supporting, enabling and rewarding private corporations for their gross neglect and improper business practices. Many of these corporations have come to the conclusion, as we can see, that no matter what business decisions they implement, if and when they go bad, the Government/people will bail them out, because they are so valuable to the economic welfare of this Country. There now isn't any need for sound Conservative financial accountability. We Americans have been "Shanghaied" into unsolicited servitude, entering into places we have never been before as a modern society. We have entered, "The Entitlement Zone"

It seems to me, America in its entitlement policies, has drifted away from common sense. We have allowed ourselves to be silenced and deceived from speaking and standing up for what is correct and what makes perfect sense. We have allowed some of our government officials to use our hard earned money as their tool for manipulating people into servitude for a particular party or person; almost guaranteeing the favorable votes of earmarked ethnicities and diversified public employees; making self-preservation the god of the times. We have allowed well intentioned programs to develop into uncontrollable bureaucracies, with an unquenchable thirst for power and money. Just as a fire consumes, the more you feed it the larger it gets, and it is never satisfied. Fox News reported on 4/27/09, that GM is requesting "Forgiveness" on multiple billions of dollars they have received from the bail out package, and in the same breath, requesting additional funds.

The Americans With No Abilities Act :Washington , DC - (Dateline February 18, 2009) President Barack Obama and the Democrat controlled Congress are considering sweeping legislation that will provide new benefits for many Americans. The Americans With No Abilities Act (AWNAA) is being hailed as a major legislative goal by advocates of the millions of Americans who lack any real skills or ambition. "Roughly 50 percent of Americans do not possess the competence and drive necessary to carve out a meaningful role for themselves in society," said California Senator Barbara Boxer - Democrat. "We can no longer stand by and allow People of Inability (POI) to be ridiculed and passed over. With this legislation, employers will no longer be able to grant special favors to a small group of workers, simply because they have some idea of what they are doing. "In a Capitol Hill press conference, House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi – Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid – Democrat - pointed to the success of the U.S. Postal Service, which has a long-standing policy of providing opportunity without regard to performance. Approximately 54 percent of postal employees lack any job skills, making this agency the single largest U.S. employer of Persons of Inability. Private-sector industries with good records of non-discrimination against the Inept include retail sales (52%), the airline industry (48%), and home improvement warehouse stores (45%). At the state government level, the Department of Motor Vehicles also has an excellent record of hiring Persons of Inability (53%).Under AWNAA, more than 25 million mid-level positions will be created, with important-sounding titles but little real responsibility, thus providing an illusory sense of purpose and performance. Mandatory non-performance-based raises and promotions will be given so as to guarantee upward mobility for even the most unremarkable employees. The legislation provides substantial tax breaks to corporations that promote a significant number of Persons of Inability into middle-management positions, and gives a tax credit to small and medium-sized businesses that agree to hire one clueless worker for every two talented hires. Finally, the AWNAA contains tough new measures to make it more difficult to discriminate against the non-abled, banning, for example, discriminatory interview questions such as, "Do you have any skills or experience that relate to this job?" "As a Non-abled person, I can't be expected to keep up with people who have something going for them,"said Mary Lou Gertz, who lost her position as a lug-nut twister at the GM plant in Flint , Michigan , due to her inability to remember rightey tightey, lefty loosey. "This new law should be real good for people like me," Gertz added. With the passage of this bill, Gertz and millions of other untalented citizens will finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.Said Senator Dick Durbin (Democrat-IL), "As a Senator with no abilities, I believe the same privileges that elected officials enjoy ought to be extended to every American with no abilities. It is our duty as lawmakers to provide each and every American citizen, regardless of his or her inadequacy, with some sort of space to take up in this great nation and a good salary for doing so." [This section, "Americans with no Abilities Act", along with the information it contains, is fictitious. I inserted it in order to get your attention of how financially and ideologically liberal, in my opinion, this new administration is]. I believe the American people are the brightest, most creative, capable, efficient and skillful in the entire world.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encouraging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than you earn. You cannot build character and courage by taking away mans initiative and independence. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves. Abraham Lincoln

This country in many ways, has come to the point of rewarding what is undesirable and punishing what is desirable. We have systems in place that continually reward people for their improper actions and ideology. Our Welfare system enables and encourages able bodied people to stay at home and not contribute to society. These people, citizens and non-citizens alike, display by their actions to their children and others, a way of life that does not include a benefiting to society but instead being a burden on society. Not all people in our welfare systems engage in this way of life, some have a legitimate reason for needing help, and should be helped, but the vast majority do not.We have created generations of families who have become dependent on hard working, American tax payers money, being distributed by governmental bureaucracies, with very little to no accountability and responsibility.

"Giving a person a fish a day, feeds the person only for that day, producing dependency and bondage...Teach the person how to fish, while holding the person accountable with little support, feeds the person for a life time, producing freedom, dignity, character and the ability to contribute to society "

Seemingly countless amounts of times we see single mothers having multiple children with multiple men. A lot of these mothers are just young kids, along with the fathers of these babies. We see so called "Grown-Ups", mothers collecting welfare checks for rent, food, clothes etc., enabling her adult children to live in the same apartment/home without the responsibility of having to pay any type of living expense. We see men moving in with women on the welfare system, taking full advantage of the opportunity not to be responsible for their living expenses. There are many people receiving welfare benefits working full and part time "off the books" for cash and not reporting the income to the proper agencies, drug addicts receiving benefits, medical treatment and financial aid. Multitudes of aliens, non-citizens, receive entitlements and benefits as they enter this country illegally and legally, while men and women who have worked very hard in this country for years and paid their taxes can not receive what we are handing out in entitlements. We see criminals of every type, being brought before our Justice Systems, costing the American tax payer multiple billions of dollars each year throughout this country for their choice of life style and actions. The list could go on and on in all different categories and agencies of our government. With the new administration promising a ratcheting up of old and new entitlements, the American tax payer should be on the alert and become involved and boisterous. Let's contact our Representatives and demand they investigate and restructure our entitlement programs to hold everyone accountable for their purposeful actions and chosen life styles. Lets get back to using our common sense by not allowing special interest groups and self centered governmental officials to put the burden on everyone else except for where it truly should be designated and enforced. An example of some of the things we can demand they implement are:

*Vigorously investigate both corporate and governmental personnel for improper use and dispersal of the bail out funds, along with holding accountable, both civillaly and criminally, all persons involved in the cause of this "Financial Crisis.

*Provide financial help only to corporations which produce a detailed plan of restructuring the corporate policies, along with financial traceability and accountability. Including a pay back plan to the American people.

*Provide mandatory laws for non-violent drug offenders to enter into an 18 month program, accountable to the Court and Counselors each day with random drug testing and proof of benefiting society and themselves.

*Hold accountable all personnel in agencies which supply help in the filing of applications for entitlement funds, for fraudulent information leading to financial and other assistance granted.

*Provide aid to American citizens only, and to those entering America legally from a Country which oppresses its citizens

*Provide mandatory time limits on financial aid and other entitlements to recipients, forcing family members to engage in the burden of providing instead of the American people. Also include random drug testing, proof of job searching and securing.

*Hold parents/family members accountable financially and otherwise for their adolescent child's improper/criminal behaviour

* Provide mandatory contingency laws for criminals to pay back all court, law enforcement and incarceration expenses, victim's costs and damages, including full apologies to victims and family members where applicable.

*Provide mandatory work laws for every incarcerated criminal in order to start paying restitution and provide them with job skill training.

* Provide only for the truly deserving and needy.

* Hold accountable all biological fathers for the support of the child and the mother. Hold also accountable the parents/family of an adolescent mother/father.

*People of this great country, do not neglect to engage in prayer for this nation and our governmental officials. Petition the Almighty to grant us all wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding and revelation on all matters concerning our statutes and course of action.

I recently asked my friends' little girl what she wanted to be when she grows up. She said she wanted to be President some day. Both of her parents were standing there, so I asked her, 'If you were President what would be the first thing you would do? '
She replied, 'I'd give food and houses to all the homeless people.'
Her parents beamed with pride.
'Wow...what a worthy goal.' I told her, 'But you don't have to wait until you're President to do that. You can come over to my house and mow the lawn, pull weeds, and rake my yard, and I'll pay you $50. Then I'll take you over to the grocery store where the homeless guy hangs out, and you can give him the $50 to use toward food and a new house. '
She thought that over for a few seconds, then she looked me straight in the eye and asked, ' Why doesn't the homeless guy come over and do the work, and you can just pay him the $50? '

2009-03-25T13:41:00.000-07:00

" For wrong to prevail in America, all it requires is for good people to do nothing "

As we sit around the proverbial kitchen tables in this great nation, we enter into discussions with family and friends concerning the status and direction of America. In some instances there represents opposing, or different views if you would, within the same family. But I believe the majority would agree, in that America's leadership is leading/forcing us to accept a number of inappropriate venues. We tune into our favorite News channel religiously, and lately, not wanting to receive what is being reported. We then catch ourselves at times, literally shouting at the T.V. or radio, subconsciously wanting to grab the attention of the "bearer of today's latest decisions and blunders". We seem to have turned a corner in this Great Country in which "what is right-is wrong, and whats wrong-is right". We seem to have had a lobotomy of all common sense and have willingly given up our character, integrity and self control in lieu of a progressive, all inclusive world view. In which truth is not at all stable, but as a "moving target", adjusted accordingly to fit the perceived beliefs and desires of the day. It is as if our foundations, are supported on "shifting sands", with each controversy, shifting laws and interpretations, from legal to illegal, from unconstitutional to constitutional and vice-versa.

I do not believe this is in the best interests of the American People, nor in fact, for any people in any country. To have the willingness to engage an option of non-absolute truth, not only causes the people to lose trust and respect for their elected officials and laws, but also their confidence. When a door is opened for uncertainty and distrust, they bring in with them a plethora of undesirable consequences, which seek to expand and take root into hair line fractures. Eventually, these fractures to increase exponentially in size, weakening the foundations which have been painstakingly laid. As American Citizens, it is our right and duty, to hold accountable our elected and non-elected officials and representatives. Once progressive Relativism takes firm root, it becomes the standard by which the bases of decisions are formed. We then lose all bearings which are absolute and become adrift in a sea of confusion, self aggrandizement, self satisfying and theoretical conjecture. If hind sight is said to be 20/20, let us look into the past and learn from our and others mistakes. Let us look at Europe, Asia, and Scandinavia to name but afew. Go back in time, examine the history and see what this adoption of beliefs, action and style of Gov't has manifested in modern times. Let us be wise, self controlled, and prudent as we navigate through these so called "Perilous and Uncertain Times". Reengage our discernment and conscience, put aside our emotions and self gratification. Become united again, in order to work for unselfish gains and the good of this great nation.

Below I have inserted an article which is an example of an all inclusive world view outlook. Read it and ponder on the potentially dangerous consequences which can result from this action taken by our president and his advisers. If you are concerned with the direction our Country is being taken, you must get involved or at least, make your concerns known to your Representatives. Also pray for our leaders and nation. That God would grant us wisdom, discernment, knowledge, understanding and revelation on all matters concerning this great country. In order for us to implement the correct statutes and course of action. Those of us which set idly by, just complaining to each other around our tables, quite honestly are partially to blame. We must stand for what is right! Yes it takes effort and time, as it was in the days of our forefathers, so it is now and will always be in a Republic. If not, "For wrong to prevail in America, all it takes is for good people to do nothing". Think about it!!

Wake Up America... YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THIS. IT WAS SENT TO ME & I WONDERED, IS THIS POSSIBLE? SO I LOOKED IT UP IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER. SURE ENOUGH THERE IT WAS. BELOW IS A LINK TO THE FEDERAL REGISTER WHERE IT WAS ENTERED. www.thefederalregister.com/d.p/2009-02-04-E9-2488 President Barack Obama has signed an executive order, presidential determination, allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to settle in the United States at American taxpayers' expense.
Sure, what can go wrong when we allow hundreds of thousands of people who have been, as Mark Steyn memorably described, "marinated" in a "sick death cult," who voted for Hamas, and 55% of whom support suicide bombing/murders in the United States? By executive order, President Barack Obama has ordered the expenditure of $20.3 million in migration assistance to the Palestinians. Egypt won't take them. Jordan won't take them. Syria won't take them. Saudi Arabia won't take them. All of the Arab countries - every one of them – has allowed the Palestinians to fester for over 60 years. Meanwhile, generation after generation have become more and more radicalized. Their lives are unproductive – they "live" to die as martyrs yearning for the rewards of the world beyond. The presidential determination, will allow hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with ties to Hamas to resettle in the United States . The determination was signed on January 27 and appeared in the Federal Register in the month of February. President Obama's decision, according to the Register, was necessitated by "the urgent refugee and migration needs" of the victims". Capitol Hill took note that the order provides a free ticket, replete with housing and food allowances to individuals who have displayed their overwhelming support of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election of January 2006. Let's review some of Barack Obama's most recent actions since he was inaugurated a little more than two weeks ago:
* His first call to any head of state as president was to Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah party in the Palestinian territory.
* His first one-on-one interview with any news organization was with Al Arabia television. * He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military trials of detainees halted. * He ordered all overseas CIA interrogation centers closed.
* He withdrew all charges against the masterminds behind the USS Cole bombing and 9/11. *Today we learn that he is allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to and live in the US at American taxpayer expense.