America is NOT a Secular Nation: So Say "Merry Christmas!"

[re-edited 2/2013 ... often write these late, late at night, so they are frought w/spelling, grammar errors and poor wording.]

I seriously have to wonder these days:  have we forgotten our hard won freedoms and the high price that was paid in order to obtain them? Or have we just become so complacent, so callous(?) that we no longer care anymore about these freedoms and the impact they have on our society today? Believe it, or not, our Founding Fathers, along with the brave men and women who fought to establish this wonderful nation we now live in, fought for the right of each and everyone of us to be able to express ourselves, to have our own beliefs and traditions and to have the right to be able worship freely as we, each and every one of us, see fit to do so.  These brave men and women were NOT fighting for a secular nation! They were fighting for our right to have "Freedom of Expression", not to have our government suppress expression under the guise of secularism, as we are seeing today.

Having the freedom to express ourselves, the freedom to have our own beliefs and traditions, while being able to worship freely is the very thing that makes our nation so dynamic, diverse and strong! The suppression of the latter in order to obtain a false sense of a homogeneous, politically correct facade is NOT what our forefathers were fighting for by any means! If you personally desire the appearance of a homogeneous nation:  then go live in a fascist country somewhere and make "secularism" your state sponsored line.

Last night on the news, I heard the governor of the State of Washington had allowed (without further court appeal or challenge) a court ruling which said atheists could put a sign in the state capital building spelling out the atheist take on the "Holiday Season" -- just as the Christians have been allowed, in years past, to put up a nativity scene in the State Capitol.  Not surprisingly, many people were up in arms because the atheist sign wound up being placed right next the nativity scene in the Washington capitol. These objectors felt strongly that the Aetheists' sign should have been placed off on its own or even displayed at a different time from the nativity scene altogether.  They were angry that the governor of Washington did nothing further to pursue any of the latter options for displaying the countering viewpoint sign or to even appeal the court's initial ruling.

Well I say: ENOUGH ALREADY! Let the atheists put up their sign! Let them express themselves! As long as the Christians get to express themselves as well. I may not agree with the Athiests' beliefs, or the way they go choose to go about expressing them, but they do have a right to express themselves and their point of view.  Furthermore, other groups should also be allowed to express themselves during the "Holiday Season."  If African-Americans want to put up a "Kwanzaa" sign: more power to them. Same with the Jews, if they want to put up a menorah: go for it. I'd rather have everyone allowed to express themselves than see a wash of plain, white, secularism everywhere. And speaking as a Christian, I don't think Jesus will mind sharing the attention. Jesus was first and foremost a humble and tolerant individual, and as Christians we should also strive to be the same.

Bottom-line: I am sick and tired of secularism and "political correctness" running the show in this country! All of this bickering and complaining produces the net result of taking the JOY out of the Holiday Season (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever you happen to celebrate). Wish me a "Merry Christmas", a "Happy Kwanzaa", or a "Happy Hanukkah"! You won't hurt my feelings or upset me.  I can share in your joy, even if I don't personally share your belief system. So lets stop all of the quibbling! We're missing the point:  Share the joy! And be happy that we live in a country where we have the FREEDOM to express ourselves!  So many on this rapidly spinning blue planet do not have the freedom to do so, even today.

If by chance you happen to be a part of the elitist, secular movement promoting this white-washed, politically correct agenda:  I sincerely urge you to go back and READ THE HISTORY OF YOUR COUNTRY once again! You are truly, truly, misguided if you believe that our founding fathers were fighting for the right to establish a secular nation. Furthermore, your efforts to secularize our nation are actually hurting us, by attempting to stifle the unique and dynamic diversity that has historically made us such a creative, adaptable, productive and strong nation.

Let us, once again, look to the hope and promise of our children as they play with children of different faiths and beliefs on the school playgrounds and in neighborhoods across America. Watch and learn from the inherent innocence and wisdom of our youth as they learn, with open hearts and minds, about "Christmas Around the World," "Hanukkah" and "Kwanzaa", "Chinese New Year" and "Islamic New Year" in their classrooms together, side by side with children of many faiths. God bless the children and ALL OF US this Holiday Season. Here's wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Kwanzaa and Hanukkah too!


P.S. A message for Bill O'Reilly: calm down already! Let the atheists put up their sign. It lets Christians know who they need to pray the hardest for and it may just be a lightening rod for some divine intervention.

Sanctity of Human Life

Per my recent entry: "Children: Opening Our Hearts and Minds", dated November 3, 2008. A friend of mine sent me this email today concerning some potential legislation regarding existing abortion laws in this country.

"Dear Friend, I'm writing to let you know about a terrible piece of legislation called "The Freedom of Choice Act" (FOCA).FOCA would establish the right to abortion as a fundamental right (like the right to free speech) and wipe away every restriction on abortion nationwide. It will eradicate state and federal abortion laws that the majority of Americans support and prevent states from enacting similar protective measures in the future. Please read the expert analysis by Americans United for Life (AUL) and sign the Fight FOCA petition at: http://www.fightfoca.com/
Thank you,
Linda"

If this is a cause that is near to your heart, please visit the website mentioned and read more. Then, sign the petition -- if you would like.

On the subject of the sanctity of human lives ...

I hope you all had a blessed Thanksgiving. For me, Thanksgiving was overshadowed by the hostage crisis in India. I pray for all who lost their lives and loved ones in this tragedy.

I wish with all of my heart (and I pray for this daily) that all of us, living on this planet, will place more value on the precious gift of human life (at any age). Whatever religion you practice, or beliefs you subscribe to, you are naive to think that God (or the Supreme Being) will not hold those that take a life, or lives, personally accountable for each and every life that they have been responsible for extinguishing. God, in His love and infinite wisdom, chooses to grant each and every single life; All life is precious is to Him. How arrogant, foolish, and defiant of God the Father to take it upon oneself to choose an end to His gift of life.

Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not fear those who deprive the body of life but cannot destroy the soul. Rather, fear him who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna. Are not two sparrow sold for next to nothing? Yet not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father's consent. As for you, every hair on your head has been counted; so do not be afraid of anything. You are worth more than an entire flock of sparrows. Whoever acknowledges me before men I will acknowledge before my Father in heaven. Whoever disowns me before men I will disown before my Father in heaven." (Matthew, 10:28-33)

"As for you, every hair on your head has been counted; so do not be afraid of anything." This passage jumps off the page and says, to me, that each life is so precious to God our Father that He has counted each and every single hair on our heads -- each and every single one of us living on this planet. Wow! Definitely something to think about ...

I know that God loves us so much that he gave us free will. That's why we are here: to make choices ... choices that impact the greater world around us for better or worse. We have choices and our choosing to do what is right gives God glory and in turn makes the world in which we live a better place. Choosing to do what is right is not always easy, but those hard choices give even greater glory to God.

In closing, here is something else to think about with regard to the tragedy in India:"Love Your Enemies ... You have heard the commandment, 'You shall love your countryman but hate your enemy.' My command to you is: love your enemies, pray for your persecutors. This will prove that you are sons of your Heavenly Father, for His sun rises on the bad and the good, He rains on the just and the unjust. If you love those who love you, what merit is there in that? Do not tax collectors do as much? And if you greet your brothers only, what is so praiseworthy about that? Do not pagans do as much? In a word, you must be made perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect." ( Jesus to his disciples, Matthew 5:43:48)

Peace, Joy & Prosperity

God Bless!

M

Which Song is the United States National Anthem?

Q: Which Song is the United States National Anthem?

Do you know? My husband and my sister emphatically tried to convince me not long ago that "God Bless America" was the national anthem of the United States. I was convinced that it was the "Star Spangled Banner."

A: Well, today I had time to look it up and, yes, it is the "Star Spangled Banner. " Now I don't feel so bad for not knowing all of the words to "God Bless America".

I wonder how many Americans do not know the song for our National Anthem? Ask your friends and see.

Here are links that tell more about how the "Star Spangled Banner" became our national anthem:

http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/treasures/trm065.html

http://www.gbjann.com/anthem/history.htm

Words to national anthem:

http://www.lyricsondemand.com/miscellaneouslyrics/nationalanthemslyrics/americanationalanthemlyrics.html

Veterans Day 2008

Today we should all pause from the busyness of everyday life to take a moment to just be thankful for all that we have and for the brave men and women who defend --have defended-- our great nation and who through their efforts and sacrifice preserve our American way of life.

Today is Veteran's Day. One special day, each year, where we set aside time to thank the many brave men and women who have served, or are currently serving, in our armed forces. These soldiers put their lives on the line to defend the American ideals of FREEDOM and our very way of life. God bless them, each and every one, for their service to their country. We are forever in their debt!

THANK YOU TO WHO ALL WHO SERVE! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE SERVED! THANK YOU FROM THE VERY BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

Let us think of these brave men and women and say a special prayer of thanks, not just today, but each time we see an American flag dancing freely, boldly in the passing breeze, each time we cast our voter ballot in an election, each time we see our children run and play safely --freely-- in the streets of our hometowns, and each time we are free to enter a religious house of worship of our own choosing. Let us be proud to be Americans! Let us celebrate not just our freedom to disagree (politically), but also that which we have in common: our love of our great nation and its underlying principles "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."


We do live in a great nation! It was great those many, many years ago when these words of the "Declaration of Independence" were written. It was a great nation on 9/11/2001. It was a great nation on 11/03/2008. It is still a great nation today on 11/11/2008. God Bless the USA and the brave men and women who have defended her and who continue to defend her today. God Bless the families of these brave soldiers as well -- their personal sacrifices do not go unnoticed nor unappreciated. May God keep this nation strong.  May God bless her leaders with wisdom to do what is right and just, even if it seems unpopular at the time.

God bless my husband who has served in the U.S. Army, my father who served in the U.S. Air Force for over 20 years, the husband of my children's dance teacher who serves in the U.S. Army --currently deployed in Iraq-- and all veterans of all ages, in all branches of service. Amen.

For more interesting info on the history of Veteran's Day visit: http://www.history.com/minisites/veteransday/

 

 

P.S. I'll never forget the time that I had the unique privilege of sitting next to a gentleman who had been a pilot in WWI. Yes, the first World War, not the second. He was a very elderly gentleman. He spoke softly and he was very hard of hearing. Thus, the conversation was a bit one-sided, but this pilot's story and the pride he had for his his service, and for his country, was so inspirational that I didn't mind just listening to him speak as he relayed his incredible tale of service to me.

I was in my first year of college, at the time, and far from home as my family was an entire ocean away, in the United Kingdom (England). I was attending a small college, in the midwest, and happened to be travelling by Greyhound bus, to visit my grandmother and her family for the Thanksgiving holiday. I have to admit that I was a bit nervous traveling alone by bus for the first time. My pick-up stop was a sign post that read "Greyhound Bus" along a seemingly deserted stretch of roadside in the middle of a series of corn fields. When I boarded the bus, there weren't many empty seats left on the bus.  I glanced at the available seating options and decided to settle into the seat next to an elderly, well dressed gentleman. As the bus resumed its journey, this gentleman smiled warmly at me and asked me where I was headed.  Then he showed me his WWI-era military ID badge and a special pilot's award pin that he had been awarded.  He informed me that he used to wear this pin --no doubt proudly-- on his pilot's jacket. The photo ID badge was very faded, but a photographic image of a much younger version of the man then sitting next to me was still clearly visible. The jacket pin (brass wings) itself was also very worn in a few places, as if it had been handled fondly in the years since its awarding. The man then began to recount numerous tales of his adventures as a pilot during WWI.  He told me all about his unit and how they had flown reconnaissance missions to gain military info in Europe. He told me stories about having to bail out of planes that had been shot at and were too badly injured to make the return flight. Stories of numerous close calls and times he didn't think he'd ever make it back home again, but he always wound up smiling with a far-off look in his sparkling eyes and a slow, gentle shake of his head, as he repeated "But somehow, by the grace of the Big Guy (pointing up to the sky), I always made it back home."

There were some parts of the stories that I could not hear clearly, but I did not have the heart to interrupt his tale. Sometimes over the years when I have thought back on this chance meeting with this WWI pilot, I wish that I would have interrupted the kind, elderly gentleman relaying his fascinating tale so that I could have a clearer recollection of all of the detailed facts behind his story. But sitting here, as I write now, it occurs to me that God probably put me there on that day, in that very seat, next this gentleman to just listen ... To just listen and to be a witness to that wonderful man sitting next to me and to just let him be heard.

Perhaps this story is reminder to all of us of the importance of listening to others in our own lives?  With the latter in mind, why not take some time to sit down today with a veteran, in your own life, and just listen to their story of what being a veteran has meant to them. Listening can be such a wonderful way --such a wonderful gift- of showing your thanks for the service and sacrifice of these brave men and women.  God Bless our veterans, one and all, today, tomorrow and always!!
 

The Die is Cast ...

Well the die is cast. The American people want CHANGE and that's what we are going to get. Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

It is hard for an incumbent party to get reelected in year when the economy tanks, let alone when it tanks in the final weeks of the campaign. The race was not a landslide; Obama won the popular vote by only a few percentage points. So McCain-Palin ran a good campaign.

The election is over and the issue at the forefront is: ECONOMY, ECONOMY, ECONOMY.

Even though I did not agree with the bailout plan on principle, I did appreciate that our elected leaders in Congress debated viable solutions, voted, and came up with a plan to help stave off a total melt down of our economy. I respect the members of Congress who were present during that time of crisis and who voted -- what we elected them to do. I understand why Obama chose not to be present: it was the best position he could be in for his campaign -- not taking a side. But now that Obama will be our next President of the United States: the economy is his baby. I'll be interested to see what Obama does with it.

I respect every one's right to disagree and I have friends who are democrats. I just wish that all people in America would take the time (and effort!) TO BE INFORMED about what goes in our country and around the world. Being informed is part of our civic duty and it is a privilege -- just like the right to vote. Just because the election is over doesn't mean your civic duty is over: BE INFORMED ... STAY INFORMED!

I still have serious concerns about Obama as our President, but I am hopeful that he will surprise me. That he will not only live up to his promise of CHANGE, but that he will -- as he has said in many, many speeches -- bridge the ideological gaps between the parties and unite the country as a whole.

Thank you Senator McCain, Governor Palin, your families and campaign staff for a tireless, well-run, spirit-filled campaign. Enjoy some well deserved downtime. God Bless!

During this time of transition, I will pray that God continues to bless our country with economic prosperity and homeland security. That God will guide our elected leaders to make strong and wise decisions that will benefit our nation as a whole. God bless all men and women who have served our country at home and in the Middle East. God bless the families of these brave men and women as well. God bless all people living in the Middle East. May peace and stability reign in the Middle East now and for years to come. Amen.

Final Hours: Election Countdown

Well we're in the final stretch. I've made phone calls on behalf of my candidate in the states of Pennsylvania and Virginia. I've contacted my family, friends, and acquaintances and told them why I support McCain-Palin. I've made an honest effort to vote by absentee ballot in my home state -- as we are currently residing in another state on temporary work assignment. I've encouraged everyone to vote on the issues.

At the end of the day, hopefully we will have a fair and honest election and a President and Vice President that can lead this country out of the economic slump that we are in and into a bright future of economic prosperity, energy independence, and homeland security.

God Bless!

M

The "Obama Effect"

Forget the "Bradley effect". After the 2008 Presidential Election, we may well have a new political term to describe voter behavior: the "Obama effect."


"If the undecideds put McCain over the top, said Aaron Mishkin in the Weekly Standard, it won't necessarily be because they're racists. It's the fear of being "thought" a racist that makes them reluctant to admit they don't like Obama for perfectly valid reasons of policy and experience. The media keeps telling them that Obama is the future, and that anyone who doesn't support him is either a bigot or a moron. So when these "undecideds" choose to disagree, political scientists may have a new phrase in their lexicon: "the Obama effect." "

[source: "The Week Magazine", November 1, 2008]


I, for one, am tired of the liberal left and the biased media telling me that if I'm not for Obama then I must be "either a bigot or a moron." I don't support Obama for many, many valid political reasons: a lack of practical experience being at the very top of the list.

Obama's plan to immediately "withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq [if elected]" is a slap in the face to all those who have bravely served in Iraq and the Middle East. It also defies logic and reason, given the fact the U.S. "Military Surge" in Iraq has worked and brought unprecedented peace and stability to the region. As I said before,

"how can you "strike at the heart of terrorism" [Obama said in a campaign speech at the end of last week] if you order an immediate, across the board, withdraw of US military troops from Iraq, and systematically destabilize the region? Make no mistake, destabilization is statistically highly likely given Obama's withdraw scenario. Destabilization of the region will result in an increase of available resources (i.e., guns and other weapons) and unhindered movement for terrorists. Terrorist groups will once again have an increased influence in the region and may once again have the means necessary to strike on U.S. soil.

The U.S. military "surge" in Iraq has resulted in a semblance of order and our taking out the number 2 leader behind Bin Laden. The surge has worked, and we are closer than ever to "striking at the heart of terrorism". If we suddenly change course, 180 degrees, with an immediate troop withdraw, we would loose the ground that we have gained with lives of our own American men and women thus far.

Obama's statement this morning is a prime example of Obama's inexperience and pandering to a segment of the American electorate who truly don't understand military strategy or what is at stake in Iraq and the greater Middle East. We, as Americans, ALL WANT PEACE and order in the world, but that peace and order sometimes comes at a price and is kept in place by military intervention. History has shown this time and time again: especially when you are dealing with extremists who have no intention of "sitting down and negotiating";their unswerving end goal is the total annihilation of the "evil western world" and its people (that's you and I!).

I fear that Obama's inexperience in Foreign Policy would put American back in the position of having its head in the sand again: right back where we were on 9/11/2001 and the months leading up to this horrific terrorist attack on American soil. That is NOT "CHANGE WE NEED!" ".

John Mcain is for "winning the war in Iraq" and bringing our troops "home with victory." He won't sit down and negotiate with dictators on their terms, and he has voted to support the U.S. military troop surge that has proven effective and puts closer to ensuring our nation's safety against future terrorist attacks.

Obama's plans for the economy aren't sound in the long run either. Energy independence is a key factor to restoring our economy. Obama is opposed to many safe and immediate solutions to this energy crisis (e.g., off-shore oil drilling off coast of U.S. and nuclear power). Further, he wants to tax and penalize [per his own comments in campaign speeches these last days] into oblivion the coal industry, even in light of huge strides made in "clean coal technology". This direct attack on the coal industry will cost us American jobs, jeopardize our much needed energy independence, and make electricity cost more for you and me. None of the latter will help an already staggering American economy!

John Mcain supports clean coal technology, nuclear power, off-shore oil drilling now, natural gas, and pursuing alternative energy sources (solar power on large scale, wind, hybrid and bio fuels). He is for all technologies which have been proven safe -- with new technology developments -- that will get American on its immediate way to energy independence.

Obama did nothing to help avert the financial crisis. He remained on the campaign trail and did not return to the U.S. Senate to review the bailout plan, give his input, and vote. Obama did not even vote "present" during this crucial time. What does that tell us about his leadership abilities?

John McCain suspended his campaign and returned to Washington and the U.S. Senate when the country was on the verge of financial collapse. He heard the debates, reviewed proposals, gave input and sought to bridge party differences. He voted at this critical time and put "Country First." John McCain has also vowed to review Wall Street regulations and to enact legislation that will ensure that Wall Street never again has the power again to do what the AIGs, Fannie Mae's and Freddie Mac's did to the American economy.

Obama's plan to lower taxes on the middle class is riddled with holes, in my opinion. A large portion of those eligible for the "tax cut" did not even pay taxes in 2008, but they would still receive a check? To me, that is equivalent to buying votes with taxpayer dollars. Meanwhile, Obama plans to increase taxes on small business, which have historically been responsible for creating long term jobs in the economy. Obama's plans to increase "infrastructure jobs" (e.g., government jobs) will only create short term jobs, increase bureaucracy and the national deficit. I also heard that Obama wants to tax 401k (retirement) contributions as a source of revenue, but I have yet to verify that this is fact. If it is: scary!

John McCain's economic plan will lower taxes, relieve burdens on small businesses and create new and permanent jobs to grow our economy. He has vowed to end all earmark spending and put government on a budget "just like you and I live on" [per John McCain's campaign speeches yesterday, 11/3]. This is a necessary step toward reducing the national deficit. Sarah Palin has a superb economic record in her state of Alaska. She turned a huge government deficit (from her predecessor) into a surplus and put money from energy revenues back into the pockets of every citizen of Alaska. Palin's expertise on economic issues will directly translate to the national scale and help to put the American economy back on track.

Finally, Obama is for abortion, including partial birth abortion. Just look at his voting record. Obama even voted against a bill that would have provided immediate medical attention to babies that were alive after an abortion procedure. If you don't think abortion is a crucial issue, just read my blog from earlier today: "Children: Opening Our Hearts and Minds." In today's busy world, we often become immune to violence in all of its forms. Maybe we need to rethink the significance of abortion and its impact on our society for generations to come.

John McCain is pro-life (against abortion) and has a strong voting record to support this stand. He and his wife have adopted children, some with medical needs, from foreign countries.

The clock is ticking. We're down to the final hours. Think long and hard: which candidate is going to do the best job for our country when the cameras are off and the real work begins? Do your homework, sort through the bias and the rhetoric, and vote on the issues.

God Bless the candidates, in these final hours, and our nation as a whole.

Children: Opening Our Hearts and Minds

Abortion is a touchy subject. Most people don't like to talk about it, because it makes them feel uncomfortable -- just like religion and politics. There is an important difference between the former and the latter, however: human lives are stake with abortion. No matter
what your personal feelings are on this heated issue, you may look at things differently after reading this story:

I have a 2nd grader and a 3rd grader. This year they are both attending a public school. My children, like so many children their age, have been exposed to the topic of the 2008 presidential election like no other generation before them. My husband and I read newspaper articles, and watch a lot of news coverage relating to the election. We also, like many parents, have conversations about issues pertaining to this election. Consequently, many children when asked to vote for a presidential candidate will mimic the views of their parents and/or caregivers.

Over the last few weeks, both my 2nd and 3rd grader have come home excited, with stories about how they were able to "vote for president" in their classrooms. After sharing their stories, we discovered that both of our children had voted the way that my husband and I would have voted. Based on the outcomes in each of the classrooms -- Obama won by a few votes in each class -- it seems that many of the children voted the way they had heard their parents speak at home ( I say this, because we are now residing in a state that has historically gone "blue" (democratic) in past presidential elections).

At the beginning of last week, my third grader came home with a story that she had heard on the playground. One of the children had told the other children that Obama was "for killing babies in pregnant mommies tummies." The playground discussion went round, and round. Then, the story spread throughout the lower grades in the school (those that share similar recess times).

At the end of last week, the classrooms held a second mock presidential vote. This time the results were surprising: John McCain won by a landslide in both of my children's classrooms. The reason for the complete 180 in the outcome? The playground story about Obama's position on abortion. Little children just could not fathom the idea that anyone could be for "killing babies in pregnant mommies tummies."

Children keep it real! They view the world through innocent eyes and hearts. I wonder how many of us, would truly be for abortion if we had to explain what abortion is and the reasons that we are "for it" to our children. Perhaps many of the children from my children's school, went home and asked their parents about abortion and whether, or not, their parents were "for abortion." Perhaps these children opened the eyes, hearts, and minds of their parents in a way no other adult rationale could ever have.

God Bless the children (both born and the unborn).

Sarah Palin: Successful Governor and Superb Pick for VP

Despite the media's new slant that the majority of women supposedly "have a negative opinion of Sarah Palin," and that many supposed noted political analysts and strategists find Sarah Palin "grossly unqualified to serve as VP" and "not ready to assume presidency:"

I, myself (a college-educated, hard-working, married, mother of 3), find Sarah Palin to be more qualified to be Vice President -- and potentially President -- than Presidential candidate Barack Obama.

Historically, governors have been deemed by the American people, as well as political analysts and strategists, to be uniquely qualified to run for the Presidency and to serve as Vice Presidential candidates. The fact that Sarah Palin is a woman governor makes her no less qualified. Mrs. Palin's record on turning the economy of the state of Alaska around, taking on a corrupt incumbent governor, and tackling government corruption in the state of Alaska is very strong. Her record speaks volumes about her qualifications to be Vice President, and yes -- if need be -- President of the United States.

[To learn about Sarah Palin's qualifications visit: http://www.johnmccain.com/about/governorpalin.htm]

In this time of economic uncertainty, more than ever, a team that has proven economic experience -- like Palin in the state of Alaska, as governor -- should invoke confidence in the American electorate. Not non-specific uncertainty.?! If there are doubts, put a name on them. The media's latest slant has no substance. Their claims are non-specific, and I have yet to see them produce a high ranking member of the Republican Party who will state on camera -- or in print -- that they are unhappy with Sarah Palin as the VP pick, let alone why. At least with specifics, Sarah Palin and the McCain camp can address legitimate concerns of the American people.

I think Sarah Palin, as the Republican Party VP candidate was a very smart move by John McCain. McCain's choosing Palin truly energized a lethargic, unhappy, and splintered Republican party. I think -- based on conversations with my friends, family, and other acquaintances -- despite what the media says, that the choice of Sarah Palin has brought many independents -- particularly women -- over the Republican ticket. I also think that in these final days -- when the independents are done analyzing all of the issues -- that independents will see that the McCain-Palin ticket is truly the strong and wiser choice for our country in the long run.

Also, if -- as the media says -- there are so many supposed Republicans in the party, who are "unhappy with the choice of Sarah Palin as the VP candidate," then I would challenge the media to actually find them and interview them. If not: stop talking about them! Because, I truly don't believe many, if any, exist.

Hang in there Sarah: you're doing an awesome job! (and to be writing this in a rush on Halloween eve: I really must think that you're something! : )

God Bless!

M

Free Speech in Jeopardy? National Security in Jeopardy?

Saw Obama's speech in Iowa this morning. I have a big concern about the security of the United States of America under the leadership of Obama as president. Obama said in his speech this morning:

That he would "end the war in Iraq immediately" when he becomes president. Then he followed with "I will snuff out terrorists like Osama Bin Laden".

Well how can you "strike at the heart of terrorism" if you order an immediate, across the board, withdraw of US military troops from Iraq, and systematically destabilize the region? Make no mistake, destabilization is statistically highly likely given Obama's withdraw scenario. Destabilization of the region will result in an increase of available resources (i.e., guns and other weapons) and unhindered movement for terrorists. Terrorist groups will once again have an increased influence in the region and may once again have the means necessary to strike on U.S. soil.

The U.S. military "surge" in Iraq has resulted in a semblance of order and our taking out the number 2 leader behind Bin Laden. The surge has worked, and we are closer than ever to "striking at the heart of terrorism". If we suddenly change course, 180 degrees, with an immediate troop withdraw, we would loose the ground that we have gained with lives of our own American men and women thus far.

Obama's statement this morning is a prime example of Obama's inexperience and pandering to a segment of the American electorate who truly don't understand military strategy or what is at stake in Iraq and the greater Middle East. We, as Americans, ALL WANT PEACE and order in the world, but that peace and order sometimes comes at a price and is kept in place by military intervention. History has shown this time and time again: especially when you are dealing with extremists who have no intention of "sitting down and negotiating";their unswerving end goal is the total annihilation of the "evil western world" and its people (that's you and I!).

I fear that Obama's inexperience in Foreign Policy would put American back in the position of having its head in the sand again: right back where we were on 9/11/2001 and the months leading up to this horrific terrorist attack on American soil. That is NOT "CHANGE WE NEED!"


Obama also said that "We need new leadership in Washington." I agree, and McCain and Palin are poised to bring new leadership to Washington. He followed with "We need new policies in Washington." Again McCain and Palin are poised to bring new policies to Washington.
To find out more specifics on what McCain-Palin stand for visit: http://www.johnmccain.com/

Another thing that concerns me about Obama is that he does not truly support our 1st Amendment Right to Free Speech. After an interview in Florida, where Joe Biden was asked if Obama's philosophy of "spread the wealth around" was "marxist," the Obama campaign ended the interview and has since denied ABC -- and its affiliates -- all access to their campaign. If the shoe were on the other foot (e.g., Katy Couric asked a similar question to Sarah Palin) you can bet that the McCain campaign would be criticized and ridiculed to no end for a similar stunt.

Campaigns are indeed about THE ISSUES, but they are also about pointing out inadequacies, flaws, questionable judgements and associations. Why? Because all of these factors speak to the ability, or lack of ability, of the presidential candidates to hold and effectively execute the highest office of our nation. If you can't stand up to scrutiny while running for office how can we, the American people, expect that you will be able to stand up the demands and scrutiny of the Office of President of the United States?

This morning (per Fox News) the "Washington Post," "New York Times," and the "Dallas Morning News" all endorsed John McCain for President. The Obama campaign summarily told each of these papers, and their staff --that had been travelling with the Obama campaign -- that they no longer had room for them on the Obama campaign transportation. They would have to make other arrangements. How presidential is that? What does it say about right to Free Speech under an Obama presidency?

McCain, his campaign and supporters, contrary to what Obama and his campaign would have you believe are not engaging in "dirty politics". The McCain camp are merely trying to lift THE VEIL that prevents Obama from being scrutinized in any way. The American people have a right to know the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and to decide for themselves when they have all of the cards on the table.

Lastly, I wish that John McCain -- having now supported the congressional bailout to stabilize the American financial system -- would speak specifically as to what steps he will take, once in office, to ensure that the AIG's, Fannie Mae's, Freddie Mac's and their respective executives don't have the ability to do what they did to destroy their companies and jeopardize the American financial system again. And perhaps speak to a criminal investigation into these companies and executives.

P.S. College Students: Obama is offering to "help pay for college" tuition of those who agree to sign-up for some form of service to the country. I think that this is a worthy idea and worth pursuing. I don't, however, think that this idea ALONE makes Obama worth voting for. This idea can be effectively put forth, and pursued, by an congressperson or senator of the United States. My husband and I both worked our way through college and paid 100% of our college tuition. If you have the will and determination, you will find the way and be the better for it in the end.

Mason-Dixon Poll Reports: McCain and Obama are Tied

I wrote this on my blog the other day:

" Another form of bias is seen in the media constantly pointing out what a great performer and orator Obama is. But you have to look deeper. Look to the issues and where the candidates stand. Look at their voting records. Look at their work experience. Then say to yourself: "Which candidate is going to do the best job for the country when the cameras are off and the real work begins?"

You may have a favorite actor on TV. They play politicians, surgeons, doctors, lawyers, and nuclear physicists. They may be brilliant actors worthy of your devotion, but would you want that actor to run the nuclear power plant down the road? Would you want them to perform brain surgery on you? Would you want them to represent you in court? "

This is the most important message that needs to get out to voters.

Today I saw a TV ad that said, "You wouldn't want Obama as your surgeon. He has no real experience .... (Are you sure you want him as your president?) ... Barack Obama is UNTESTED."

I am glad that this precise message is getting out there. A Mason-Dixon poll shows McCain and Obama tied, neck in neck Most other major polls show Obama with only 3 point lead, which is within the margin of error they sight.

For more information and to find out ways you can help visit:



www.johnmccain.com


Be sure to vote on Nov. 4th or in early voting! Your vote makes a difference!

God Bless!

M

Biased Independent Poll Data?

The polls are in and they say that Obama is in the lead by as much as 6 points. But are these polls truly accurate? In reality they are a best guess sampling. The election isn't over until the American people have voted and the votes have been counted; Don't let the media or any polls tell you otherwise!

I always gave the polls the benefit of the doubt and took them as a best guess sampling, but without bias or hidden agenda until I heard a caller on the Sean Hannity radio program last week. The caller was a woman from North Carolina. She said that the Gallup Poll center (verified by caller ID) in her area had just called. They began asking her questions: "Had she registered to vote? What issues were most important to her in this election?" When they asked if she had decided on a specific candidate for president, she said that she had "decided on John McCain." The pollster asked her to "hold for a moment please" and then hung up on her! Unbelievable?!

This story is very unnerving! It may be evidence that the polls are not truly representative of a RANDOM sampling and that they may, in fact, be biased. This is just one story? Are there more? There may be individuals who have a hidden agenda to bias the polling data -- in this specific case: the Gallup Polls.

So now we may not be able to trust the independent election poll data either? Who can you trust to give you give you accurate information about the candidates, the issues, and where the candidates stand with the rest of the country?

The answer: NO ONE!

You have to listen directly to the candidates themselves and take secondary news information as suspect, always looking for the bias or slant. You have to watch, read, and listen to a variety of news sources and play them off of one another to get to the truth. Voting in this day, and age of information and technology, is harder than ever and comes with greater responsibility to get to the TRUTH. This is the only way you can make an informed decision when you cast your ballot for the next president of the United States of America.

Remember the Presidential Election 2000? The media (CBS) claimed "It's over. Al Gore has won!" Then they had to go back on the air and admit that they were wrong, but at that point many Republicans had decided not to bother with voting. This could have affected the outcome of the election in favor of Al Gore. The point here is not whether a Democrat or a Republican would have won, but that the media had such a sway in the voting process!

The media influence (and yes, bias) is ever present in this Presidential Election 2008. This time we need to keep them in check and not let them have the sway that they held in 2004. We need to question their motives for reporting this story and not that story (e.g., for focusing on Sarah Palin's wardrobe cost and ignoring Obama's questionable associations). We need to take the polls with a grain of salt, realizing that there may in fact be bias in the independent poll data that is being reported. We need to send a clear message to the media, the pollsters, and groups and individuals that try to commit voter fraud that we, the American people, are going to: 1) hold them accountable for what they say and do; and that 2) we are going to be informed and decide for ourselves who we think the best president for our country will be.

Bottom Line: It's not over until the American People vote in a fair election and ALL of the votes are counted!

One more thing: Brave men and women have fought for, and are still fighting today, to protect our freedom and right to vote. Don't dishonor their valiant efforts by defrauding the election process with bogus voter registrations and voter fraud on election day, or by being too lazy to get out and vote on election day. You owe it to your country, and yourself, to be honest and fair in the voting process and to actually vote on election day. God Bless! Now go vote!

P.S. Another form of bias is seen in the media constantly pointing out what a great performer and orator Obama is. But you have to look deeper. Look to the issues and where the candidates stand. Look at their voting records. Look at their work experience. Then say to yourself: "Which candidate is going to do the best job for the country when the cameras are off and the real work begins?"

You may have a favorite actor on TV. They play politicians, surgeons, doctors, lawyers, and nuclear physicists. They may be brilliant actors worthy of your devotion, but would you want that actor to run the nuclear power plant down the road? Would you want them to perform brain surgery on you? Would you want them to represent you in court?

Buying Election Votes?

Well Obama gave us some specifics on his economic plan yesterday, 10/14/08. Finally, some hard core facts. I have one question though: is giving a tax rebate (totally different from a refund) to 42% of Americans*, who paid little or no taxes for the 2008 calendar year, equivalent to buying election votes with taxpayer dollars?

Will this truly benefit the overall economy of the United States, or mainly benefit Obama at the polls on election day?

I hope that John McCain addresses this in the debate this evening 10/15/08.


*(42% number from Fox News sources)

Obama: Demand Specifics now!

It is unprecedented, in a presidential election, that such a large percentage of the electorate are willing to vote for a candidate solely on the grounds of FAITH in his non-specific message of "CHANGE."

Senator Obama may be a very charismatic individual and gifted orator, but all of his rhetoric is empty and without specific details. Obama is great at pointing out what (he thinks is wrong) is wrong with McCain's positions on various issues, but at least McCain has stepped up to the plate and laid out his positions and plans for addressing issues -- such as the current financial crisis -- in detail. Obama is focused on pointing the finger. John McCain is focused on leading. When will Obama -- and the American people -- realize that the time be "present" is over. If Obama can't give us specifics on issues and demonstrate his ability to lead now, how can we trust him to lead as president?

The fact that so many Americans are sold merely on the rhetoric and promise of "change" scares me! What will that change entail? I want details, and answers, and I want them now!

If change is what you want: stop and look at John McCain's record. His voting record is consistent with change and voting for what he feels is best for the country as a whole, even when it goes against the establishment. Even if you don't agree with John McCain's vote on every issue: at least he has a record to examine. What does a vote of "present" on issue, after issue, tell you about a prospective presidential candidate?

Governor Palin has a record of "change" as well. Palin took on corruption in her state of Alaska. She ousted an icumbent governor and cleaned up corruption in the government of Alaska. Governor Palin turned the economy of Alaska around, established a surplus of government funds, and put money directly back into the pockets of every citizen in Alaska. How can Americans not see that her experience and successes as a governor can translate directly to benefit the economy of the United States as whole? Palin's only lack of experience comes in the area of foreign policy where John McCain has a wealth of experience, both militarily and as a congressman of 20+ years.

John McCain and Sarah Palin are in a position to bring concrete and beneficial "CHANGE" to the United States of America.

They have a long-range, detailed plan for America, and they have committed to keeping America strong, both economically and militarily.

They realize that we can't just stick our heads our in the sand and focus on purely economic issues at home and still remain a world power.

They realize that a strong United States of America has maintain a leadership role in the world.

They realize that America can't just vote "present" when innocent people are being murdered en mass, when extremist regimes violate UN directives and continue to develop nuclear weapons technology, or when foreign governments overstep their bounds and oppress fledgling democracies.

They realize that we can't sit down and talk with leaders of terrorist and/or extremist regimes on their terms. We can't afford to give these regimes even the slightest semblance of legitimacy.

McCain and Palin realize that men and women in the United States of America armed forces have put their lives on the line for this country and that government of the United States, and its representatives, has an obligation to be fair and truthful in their support of American troops with what they say (i.e., unsubstantiated claims of troops repeatedly killing civilians on a mass and daily scale) and how they vote.

McCain and Palin have the facts on the advancement of safe technologies for harvesting American energy resources (e.g., offshore oil drilling) that would take America closer to a state of true "energy independence", while alternative energy sources are studied, developed, and perfected to make a viable energy contribution.

McCain and Palin are dedicated to strenghtening the economy, creating jobs, and reducing corruption in Washington and on Wall Street (I hope to hear more specifics on this from McCain at the next debate).



Most recently Obama has criticized John McCain's economic plan to buy failing mortgages at their current value, vs. their fallen value. This plan, while costly, is a concrete step that would help to put a floor under plummeting home values and allow homeowners to stay in their homes with readjusted fixed-rate mortgages. It may not be Obama's idea of a perfect solution, but a least John McCain has proposed an immediate and viable solution. What is Obama's plan? He doesn't have one! Or perhaps an even scarier scenario: Obama (and his inner circle) has a plan, but he doesn't want to share it with you the American people because he thinks that the details of his plan are beyond your understanding or need to know. And who comprises Obama's inner circle? Just look at the laundry list of questionable Obama associations. Are these the kind of individuals who will be helping to formulate the decisions behind an Obama presidency?

If you are for "CHANGE" you better start demanding the specific details of that change. It is just over 4 weeks until the presidential election. For the sake of our country, our freedoms, our right to the "pursuit of life, liberty and happiness": let us once and for all demand specifics on issues from Obama, starting with his detailed plan for the current economic crisis, and the mortgage crisis in particular [While we are at it let us look at Obama's ties to Acorn, a company which is in large part responsible for many of the defaulted mortgages in this current meltdown].

I myself am going to get out there, face-to-face, and campaign for TRUE CHANGE via the McCain & Palin ticket. Maybe I can help to make a breakthrough with the liberals in this state where I am currently residing.

God Bless America!

M

Hardwired Political Disposition?

A lot has been going on this past year, but I'm still alive and kicking. Can't believe it has been it has been nearly a year since I last wrote.

These days it's politics, politics everywhere you go. It's good to see that nothing has changed! With that in mind: I read an interesting article the other day that suggests that our political orientation (i.e., Republican, Democrat, or Independent) may have to do more with our biology than our brainpower or personal beliefs.

"The very different way conservatives and liberals view the world isn't just the product of experience or thought -- it's also the product of biology."

This assertion is based upon a study done by researchers at the University of Nebraska. In this study researchers asked participants a set of initial questions to ascertain their political affiliations. Then they exposed the subjects to a series of "startling sounds and threatening images."

Subjects whose views fell on the right side (conservative) of the spectrum had much stronger physiological responses (e.g., sweating and eye-blinking). Subjects whose views fell on the left side (liberal) of the spectrum had significantly more muted reactions: "They simply didn't perceive the same level of threat."

"The results suggest that people's political orientation is at least to some extent hard-wired, which is why conservatives and liberals often find each other mystifying. Neither side is necessarily correct in it interpretation of possible threats. "People are simply experiencing the world differently." "

The Washington Post article, interview with Researcher John Hibbing.

Interesting theory? Wonder how evolution and survival of the fittest would come into play here? Just joking! Bottom line, looks as if given this perspective of "hardwired" political disposition that neither "side" is likely to persuade the other to see their point of view. It's biologically impossible?

Any thoughts?

Later,

M