What is the power of words, I tell you that their power is without limit! Before the would be kings became King, words as thoughts first came to their mind. In his mind he schemed and made plans to achieve his goals. And when he told others of his vision for the future, he presented his words in a way that made others excited. Coalitions were formed, vows made, and by putting pen to paper, words were made to become law. Wars are fought because of them, and when cooler minds prevail, peace accords are reached.
But two words, made complete in three letters, are the most powerful of them all. When God himself was asked his name, he did not say Jehovah, or Allah, but He answered, I Am. Think of the completeness of it, think about the depths of thought such an answer brings to mind. I Am. I am God, I am life, I am man, I am the way, I am the truth. And with all the affirmations that those words give, in reverse, it gives the other side of life. The kind that bring doubt, Am I? It is from these questions that science and the arts are spawned. In the ying and yang spin of life, it asks of itself, Am I? The answer of course is yes, I am God, I am all those things and more, says the Almighty.
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Unusual Politics Too
For those of you who watched last night's debates, congratulations, you are now an integral part of our Democratic process. First, let me get this off my mind. For you Christians out there, if you did not watch the debates, because you think why bother, safe in the knowledge that Christ is in control, shame on you. Yes, God is in control, but that doesn't mean you should shirk your responsibilities as a citizen.
The event itself did exactly what it was supposed to do, it was informative, and even if you are on the left of center, learned something from it. In short, it was an intelligent debate. So what did we learn? Well, we see that what the group as a whole offers, is an extreme difference from the Democratic agenda. The simple truth, is that which the middle class already knows, is that this country cannot take another 4 years of the socialist leaning left. Because of that ideology, this country is far worse off on every important subject then we were 8 years ago. Obviously, to change this course, the country must elect the Republican. But which one, as that was the finer point to be decided last night.
In line with that, the conversation until the next one will be, who lost and who won? What will those so important polls tell us? (last sentence best with a grain of salt). I though all in the four man debate did well, and any of them will be better then what we have. In the big boy show plus one, there were some clear losers. The front runners committed no serious gaffs. Mr. Trump showed that he can be a gentleman, and solid points were made by all. The sad truth for the Democrats is this, because the extremists have taken over the party, and the difference so glaring, that any of them, in either debate will be better then four more of the Obama Hillary show. But still, which one for the Republicans? Interesting to me, was that the two on the end hurt themselves the worst, Rand Paul is convinced that if we strengthen our military, that you cannot be a conservative? That mentality would have fit well back in the ten years from 1950-60, but not today, not with the world wide threat of Islamist terrorists. At the other end, a very bright man, made himself to look annoying, constantly interrupting people's train of thought. He looked agitated and confused, but he was the guy who had no problem with the agenda driven sham over at NBC. As for them all, the vetting system will winnow them out as needed. Why? Because surprise, the American people have finally woken up. Apparently, we aren't stupid after all.
The event itself did exactly what it was supposed to do, it was informative, and even if you are on the left of center, learned something from it. In short, it was an intelligent debate. So what did we learn? Well, we see that what the group as a whole offers, is an extreme difference from the Democratic agenda. The simple truth, is that which the middle class already knows, is that this country cannot take another 4 years of the socialist leaning left. Because of that ideology, this country is far worse off on every important subject then we were 8 years ago. Obviously, to change this course, the country must elect the Republican. But which one, as that was the finer point to be decided last night.
In line with that, the conversation until the next one will be, who lost and who won? What will those so important polls tell us? (last sentence best with a grain of salt). I though all in the four man debate did well, and any of them will be better then what we have. In the big boy show plus one, there were some clear losers. The front runners committed no serious gaffs. Mr. Trump showed that he can be a gentleman, and solid points were made by all. The sad truth for the Democrats is this, because the extremists have taken over the party, and the difference so glaring, that any of them, in either debate will be better then four more of the Obama Hillary show. But still, which one for the Republicans? Interesting to me, was that the two on the end hurt themselves the worst, Rand Paul is convinced that if we strengthen our military, that you cannot be a conservative? That mentality would have fit well back in the ten years from 1950-60, but not today, not with the world wide threat of Islamist terrorists. At the other end, a very bright man, made himself to look annoying, constantly interrupting people's train of thought. He looked agitated and confused, but he was the guy who had no problem with the agenda driven sham over at NBC. As for them all, the vetting system will winnow them out as needed. Why? Because surprise, the American people have finally woken up. Apparently, we aren't stupid after all.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Unusual Politics
The amazing thing about politics in this country, is that Liberals and Conservatives agree on more then that to which they disagree. We have a two party system in place for a long time, but how well is it working for us? Pardon the pun, but with a two party system, you are only one party away from a Monarchy. Everyone understands the importance of money, after all, it is money that drives the bus. Those who have the most of it, and those who control it, have all the power. The two party system is most evident when the Presidential elections are held. A percentage point or two, often decides the winner, and for the most part, the electorate is pretty evenly split. What this even split does, is consolidate the money and power between two groups. Ask yourself, What do these parties do, what is their function? They are in the influence game, and just by the nature of that business, they attract lobbyists and special interest groups by the score. The opportunity for abuse, in the form of cronyism and back room deals is not only a possibility, but it is widely assumed, that it goes on all the time. The simple question is, by limiting ourselves to the good old fashion way of the two party, have we been a part of allowing such abuses? Too much power, being controlled by too few, is always a problem, and it is a problem for those on either side of the ideological fence. Influence peddlers, their methods and their money, just naturally breed opportunities for corruption. One thing is clear to the working class, and that is, that it is them who'll get screwed in the end. No matter the promise or who made it, it is the working class men and women of this country who will pay for it, they always do.
Now, you would think, that people on both sides of our national debate, would recognize the problems inherent with our current system, and at least explore other methods? You would think that, but you would be wrong. One of the biggest shared traits between Conservatives and Liberals, is their fear of change. You would think by their labels of liberal or progressive, that the Democratic party would be open to new ideas, but in this, they stand in lockstep with the Republicans. Holding onto the old ways so hard, that they are even against term limits. Fear of change is a common enough trait, but with a change like this, it is a legitimate fear for them, and they would fight hard to keep it in place. Why wouldn't they, as they are one of the two who share power. There is an alternative, as we, the people, don't need either one of them, and it could be very easily done. To go from the two party system, to a no party system is really hot hard. For room sake, I will spare you the details. Briefly, as an example: Start with 12 people. These would be people who might start out championing one cause or another. They would start with a small following, but as they gained in popularity, they would have enough followers, and be able to get the required amount of signatures on a petition. A petition requesting that their guy, be considered as one of the twelve. By a structured procedure of vetting, all paid for by the taxpayers, so that no special interest need apply. The goal would be to get four finalists, and these four, all with equal ad money, (no more billion dollar campaigns), would compete equally for the Presidency. No more labels of one or the other, except for maybe the first one to become elected in such a way. We could call that one, the first Candidate of the People.
Now, you would think, that people on both sides of our national debate, would recognize the problems inherent with our current system, and at least explore other methods? You would think that, but you would be wrong. One of the biggest shared traits between Conservatives and Liberals, is their fear of change. You would think by their labels of liberal or progressive, that the Democratic party would be open to new ideas, but in this, they stand in lockstep with the Republicans. Holding onto the old ways so hard, that they are even against term limits. Fear of change is a common enough trait, but with a change like this, it is a legitimate fear for them, and they would fight hard to keep it in place. Why wouldn't they, as they are one of the two who share power. There is an alternative, as we, the people, don't need either one of them, and it could be very easily done. To go from the two party system, to a no party system is really hot hard. For room sake, I will spare you the details. Briefly, as an example: Start with 12 people. These would be people who might start out championing one cause or another. They would start with a small following, but as they gained in popularity, they would have enough followers, and be able to get the required amount of signatures on a petition. A petition requesting that their guy, be considered as one of the twelve. By a structured procedure of vetting, all paid for by the taxpayers, so that no special interest need apply. The goal would be to get four finalists, and these four, all with equal ad money, (no more billion dollar campaigns), would compete equally for the Presidency. No more labels of one or the other, except for maybe the first one to become elected in such a way. We could call that one, the first Candidate of the People.
Friday, November 6, 2015
The Power and the Majesty
There is power in the sky, there is strength, there is majesty, and there is direction. For in the skies, often are signs, signs to be read, signs huge, like billboards along the highway. If you can read them, and see that they do not come only from atmospheric conditions. For these signs appear when the prevailing winds are calm, and the clouds can have their way as they move slowly overhead.
And I looked up, and at the head of this huge bank of clouds was clearly the formation of a dove. The white dove type that are sometimes released at weddings. But as I watched, the formation changed from that peaceful dove, into a bird of prey. I didn't understand it at first, but caught up in the grandeur of the scene, I praised God. I was struck motionless with my arms outstretched at my sides.
And then the cloud spoke to me. Not in an audible sense, but clearly in my mind, and this is what it said. The time has come, when you must change from the dove and become the eagle again. You were born for this moment, founded on a covenant with me, and so, it has fallen to you, to be the defender of the free world. But you have allowed yourself to be led astray, your conscience has been seared from horror, and you have long since forgotten who you are. For you were born, not to follow, but to lead. Chosen by God, it is why you became so rich and powerful in such a short time.
But though you are fearful of what history has yet to tell, you can shirk your responsibility no more. For like it or not, it doesn't matter your politics, war is at your door. As is always true with free will, you have a choice. That choice is, whether we choose as a nation to honor our covenant with the God on whom is our base, and go confidently ahead into this coming of great trouble, or, continue as a nation to reject him, and go it alone? Remember that you have been birthed by God, sealed by the truth of God, and it is he who has made you great.
But understand this, Just because you have been chosen for battle, doesn't mean you are destined to win. Free will must have its way with you, and so, if this country continues in it's wicked ways, rejecting his leadership, and choose to go it alone, without God, well, we will win some battles, but lose the war.
And I looked up, and at the head of this huge bank of clouds was clearly the formation of a dove. The white dove type that are sometimes released at weddings. But as I watched, the formation changed from that peaceful dove, into a bird of prey. I didn't understand it at first, but caught up in the grandeur of the scene, I praised God. I was struck motionless with my arms outstretched at my sides.
And then the cloud spoke to me. Not in an audible sense, but clearly in my mind, and this is what it said. The time has come, when you must change from the dove and become the eagle again. You were born for this moment, founded on a covenant with me, and so, it has fallen to you, to be the defender of the free world. But you have allowed yourself to be led astray, your conscience has been seared from horror, and you have long since forgotten who you are. For you were born, not to follow, but to lead. Chosen by God, it is why you became so rich and powerful in such a short time.
But though you are fearful of what history has yet to tell, you can shirk your responsibility no more. For like it or not, it doesn't matter your politics, war is at your door. As is always true with free will, you have a choice. That choice is, whether we choose as a nation to honor our covenant with the God on whom is our base, and go confidently ahead into this coming of great trouble, or, continue as a nation to reject him, and go it alone? Remember that you have been birthed by God, sealed by the truth of God, and it is he who has made you great.
But understand this, Just because you have been chosen for battle, doesn't mean you are destined to win. Free will must have its way with you, and so, if this country continues in it's wicked ways, rejecting his leadership, and choose to go it alone, without God, well, we will win some battles, but lose the war.
Just another day
Just another day in the litter box. It is a figure of speech, to which I may, or may not have coined? A figure of speech, according to what I figure, is a pre programmed response to an often asked question. For instance, in the common occurence of everyday pleasantries, one might say to you, How are you doing today, how's it going, that type of thing. Now if you are anything like me, you might choose to use a bit of sarcasm here, just for comic effect. The answer I had been giving was, Whats the use of complaining, nobody listens, but I'm now using, Just another day in paradise. Just another day in the litter box, just popped out for the first time today, where it came from I do not know, and I may, or may not have heard it somewhere before? At this point, you are probably wondering what this has to do with anything? I know I am. But I'll go on anyway, since I'm already started.
When you are figuring whether to use figure of speech's in your daily response to such pleasantries, you should also consider, that far more often then not, they are received well. In reality, when people say such things in casual encounters during your day, they are rarely interested in how you are, or how your day is going, but are only being polite. In these instances of polite conversation, Figure of Speech statements are usually understood, sarcastic or not. Even though what is really going on here, is that no real answer is necessary, because they, like you, are in a hurry, and would rather go on with what they were doing. So go ahead and use a figure of speech to blow them off, it is perfectly acceptable and polite.
When you are figuring whether to use figure of speech's in your daily response to such pleasantries, you should also consider, that far more often then not, they are received well. In reality, when people say such things in casual encounters during your day, they are rarely interested in how you are, or how your day is going, but are only being polite. In these instances of polite conversation, Figure of Speech statements are usually understood, sarcastic or not. Even though what is really going on here, is that no real answer is necessary, because they, like you, are in a hurry, and would rather go on with what they were doing. So go ahead and use a figure of speech to blow them off, it is perfectly acceptable and polite.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
What is cool?
I have been told that I should continue writing here on my site, and when checking, realized that it has been quite a spell since I have. My reasoning was sound, as I looked to finish a book I had started, and thought that I should concentrate more on that. Though it is very close to being finished, it still isn't. I've found that book writing takes discipline, something I was never good at. But I will finish it soon, though it has morphed from one book, to a short one with three short stories. (no pun intended)
Anyway, cool, what is it? Do you have what it takes, are you cool? Being cool is something I've strived for all of my life, and for the most part, I have accomplished that. My first attempt was regarding engineer's boots, white tee shirts and rolled up blue jeans. Later, seeing as how we are on foot wear, came cleats nailed to the heels of your shoes, so that you would click when you went down the hall. The engineer boots, or at least it is my belief, came originally from train engineers, but made famous by returning GIs, who, returned from the war, and started motorcycle gangs.
So what is cool, does it always change with the passing fads, or is it something more basic then that? The one thing I can think of that has remained cool through it all, is to be a rebel. To be rebellious, to rage against the machine, take the road less traveled, be your own person, be one of a kind. But it takes guts. But, if you do it, you'll be as cool as the cat's pajamas. To find where the cooler then cool are, you must never look for them in the majority, but only in the small groups.
So now all you need do, is pick a small group of intelligent people, and join it. Individualists, always congregate in smaller crowds, it is where art is found. Wanna join the most select of all groups, one that does rail against the machine, one that, cast in stone will make you the coolest of all?
Be a Christian, because there is nothing more courageous then announcing that you are a Christian. No other group is so maligned, and it isn't an easy road. That's what makes it cool. Of course, there is the alternative, the world's way, their idea of courage? If you choose that one, the small group you want to join to become cool, protests for gender neutral bathrooms.
Anyway, cool, what is it? Do you have what it takes, are you cool? Being cool is something I've strived for all of my life, and for the most part, I have accomplished that. My first attempt was regarding engineer's boots, white tee shirts and rolled up blue jeans. Later, seeing as how we are on foot wear, came cleats nailed to the heels of your shoes, so that you would click when you went down the hall. The engineer boots, or at least it is my belief, came originally from train engineers, but made famous by returning GIs, who, returned from the war, and started motorcycle gangs.
So what is cool, does it always change with the passing fads, or is it something more basic then that? The one thing I can think of that has remained cool through it all, is to be a rebel. To be rebellious, to rage against the machine, take the road less traveled, be your own person, be one of a kind. But it takes guts. But, if you do it, you'll be as cool as the cat's pajamas. To find where the cooler then cool are, you must never look for them in the majority, but only in the small groups.
So now all you need do, is pick a small group of intelligent people, and join it. Individualists, always congregate in smaller crowds, it is where art is found. Wanna join the most select of all groups, one that does rail against the machine, one that, cast in stone will make you the coolest of all?
Be a Christian, because there is nothing more courageous then announcing that you are a Christian. No other group is so maligned, and it isn't an easy road. That's what makes it cool. Of course, there is the alternative, the world's way, their idea of courage? If you choose that one, the small group you want to join to become cool, protests for gender neutral bathrooms.
Tuesday, October 13, 2015
Being Anderson Cooper
By design, I had arranged my TV so that I had the Mets/Dodger game on one channel, and CNN's coverage of the Democratic debate on the other. All I need do is hit my "last" button so that I could switch during commercials, and try to catch them both. I thought about setting up the PIP button, but it didn't end well the last time I tried it? But then, you might say that I thought better of it, thinking to myself that the whole process would wind up a frustrating waste of time. Both the media and the candidates having been already forewarned, that Hillary was to be treated with kid gloves. The die having been cast, how interesting could it be? My only real interest anyway, was to see how main line Democrats were dealing with the reality of being so closely knit to the Socialist party. Surely the lines between the two had become blurred, so much so, that when Chris Matthew's asked Debbie Shultz with tongue in cheek, what the difference was between a socialist and a Democrat, she looked dumbfounded, stammered for an answer, and then quickly changed the subject? Surely, under the leadership of Barrack Obama, the party has lurched so far left, that there is little difference. Is there a difference anymore, and is Bernie Sanders the only one brave enough to cast off the the semantics, and not need names like liberal and progressive anymore? Saying in essence, if it looks like a duck, and it walks like a duck, it's probably a duck. What difference is there anymore? It is a fair question. You have to love ole Bernie, at least he's honest, he believes that crap. Misguided as he is, he really believes that this time, we can get it right.
So anyway, I opted for the game only, and I'd see the highlights of the debates on the news. Afterall, the question as to whether the people want a centralized rule and believe that an elite class must lead the people, and this for the people's own good. If the people understand what the candidate offers, and still want that, then the people will decide by their vote. Whether they call it Socialism, or Just being a good Democrat the differences between the two parties, Republican and DEmocrat, have never been so clear. Choose a party who believes that a huge federal bureaucracy is the answer to everything, and that we would all be better off once we came to accept it, or, the other side, which believes that the people should rule, and definitely not a select few.
But still, knowing already their views and their base talking points, it is, a must watch to some extent. And even though it promised to be only slightly more entertaining then watching paint dry, I have watched some of it, therefor, completed my obligation as a Democrat and a citizen. By the way, the last I saw, the Mets were down three/one.
But to combat the boredom, I thought how to make it more interesting, and thought to myself, why not pretend to be Anderson Cooper, and have control over the event? Now, you must understand that no two men could be more different, and I don't mean just in our political bent. We are so different on so many fronts, suffice it to say that we are of a different pedigree. But, this is just pretend, and so why not have a little fun? Instead of the normal, boring, good ole boy politics, so let's have some real fun. So you have to imagine, that I am now Anderson Cooper. And in my best Anderson Cooper voice I say, Good evening America, and thank you for joining us on this, the first of the Democratic debates for the presidency. The candidates are on stage, and ready, we're ready, the people in the audience and all of you at home are ready, so, Let's do this! First question. Americans are rightly very worried about the goings on in the middle east, and the threat of terrorism from that region coming here. The question on many American's mind is, Whose idea was it to blame the deaths of four brave Americans in our Benghazi embassy, on some obscure video, and when did you first know that it was a lie?
Now I know what your thinking, and no, the real Anderson Cooper would never ask such a thing Why it would be considered just bad form, besides, he isn't allowed. I told you we were nothing alike, but still it was nice to pretend.
So anyway, I opted for the game only, and I'd see the highlights of the debates on the news. Afterall, the question as to whether the people want a centralized rule and believe that an elite class must lead the people, and this for the people's own good. If the people understand what the candidate offers, and still want that, then the people will decide by their vote. Whether they call it Socialism, or Just being a good Democrat the differences between the two parties, Republican and DEmocrat, have never been so clear. Choose a party who believes that a huge federal bureaucracy is the answer to everything, and that we would all be better off once we came to accept it, or, the other side, which believes that the people should rule, and definitely not a select few.
But still, knowing already their views and their base talking points, it is, a must watch to some extent. And even though it promised to be only slightly more entertaining then watching paint dry, I have watched some of it, therefor, completed my obligation as a Democrat and a citizen. By the way, the last I saw, the Mets were down three/one.
But to combat the boredom, I thought how to make it more interesting, and thought to myself, why not pretend to be Anderson Cooper, and have control over the event? Now, you must understand that no two men could be more different, and I don't mean just in our political bent. We are so different on so many fronts, suffice it to say that we are of a different pedigree. But, this is just pretend, and so why not have a little fun? Instead of the normal, boring, good ole boy politics, so let's have some real fun. So you have to imagine, that I am now Anderson Cooper. And in my best Anderson Cooper voice I say, Good evening America, and thank you for joining us on this, the first of the Democratic debates for the presidency. The candidates are on stage, and ready, we're ready, the people in the audience and all of you at home are ready, so, Let's do this! First question. Americans are rightly very worried about the goings on in the middle east, and the threat of terrorism from that region coming here. The question on many American's mind is, Whose idea was it to blame the deaths of four brave Americans in our Benghazi embassy, on some obscure video, and when did you first know that it was a lie?
Now I know what your thinking, and no, the real Anderson Cooper would never ask such a thing Why it would be considered just bad form, besides, he isn't allowed. I told you we were nothing alike, but still it was nice to pretend.
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