Shovel Ready Jobs, Right–AKA Increased Taxes
After the fanfare and good tidings which created that tingling sensation that ran up and down our spines when Barack Obama and team redistributed more of our federal tax dollars through the TARP scheme for “shovel ready” jobs (remember Jobs, Jobs, Jobs) it’s time to see exactly what the consequences are. First of all, no one can really document the success or inherent failure of the bailout because much of the statistics reported on the government web site are fictitious, listing districts and towns that don’t exist as having received dollars from nanny. We do know that most of the money has never been spent even though we were told that we must act immediately. Today on the front page of the Philadelphia Inquirer, our liberal governor, “slick Eddie” Rendell is calling for natural gas drilling taxes and raising tax on personal income. Taxes that will stifle exploration and extraction of this energy source which is still in its infancy. We just witnessed the Pennsylvania lawmakers from both parties object to a broad based tax increase which delayed a budget approval by 101 day impasse. Why is Rendell bringing this unpopular idea up again? To deal with the budget shortage “tsunami” created as the federal stimulus dollars dry up. Get it? Now additional taxes must be raised on a state and local level to continue supporting all these “jobs” that were allegedly created. As long as liberal democrats and sleepy citizens continue on their drunken spending spree, the working men and women of this great country will have to work even harder so that Washington can continue to spend our money. The actual cost of spending dollars at a federal level is often times pushed down to state and local government to make up for shortfalls for the local working citizens (those paying taxes) to deal with. I hope you’re enjoying your TARP funded job. By the way, do you know anyone who received a job as a result of TARP?
Christmas Joy
If you are reading this entry, you’re probably well informed about the meaning of Christmas. In all likelihood you could recite most of the New Testament Scriptures that reveal the mystery and divinity surrounding the birth of Christ. As Christians, we’re all aware of the of the significance of Savior, Prince of Peace, Reigning King, coming to earth and beginning life in such a lowly place as a stable for animals. Through the years, it has become increasingly more difficult to remain focused and intent on keeping Christ at the center of this celebration. We’re all easily torn away from the core of the birth celebration, by the commercialization that seems to be hoisted upon us each Christmas season. The attack by retailers usually begins now in early October before the Halloween goblins have had a chance beg for candy. We’re over worked, over shopped, over wrapped, over mailed, over UPSed, over FedExed, over cooked, over fed, over weight, and of course over decorated. For who? For what? We lose sight so easily of what it’s all about to begin with. I don’t have to tell you that the Spirit of Christ is one of love, giving, redemption and restoration. If we are traveling at light speed through this “Holy Day” season without slowing down long enough to offer love, giving, forgiveness, and restoration then we’ve missed the point entirely. All the gifts, shopping, food, travel, cards, are only sentimental trappings without the deep inward peace of Christ and will accomplish nothing. This is why depression, suicide, anxiety, family arguments and division are so common during this time of year. I encourage you to tell yourself the truth about what Christmas is all about. Once you get that clear in your head, much of the rest will low naturally out of a heart at peace with the Savior of the World spreading much joy!
Forgiveness
In Henri Nouwen’s book The Return of the Prodigal Son, he says that the way to spiritual fatherhood is forgiveness. It is through constant forgiveness that we become like the Father.
I have often said I forgive you but even as I said these words, my heart remained angry or resentful.
I still wanted to hear the story that tells me that I was right after all; I still wanted to hear apologies and excuses. I still wanted the satisfaction of receiving some praise in return.
But God’s forgiveness is unconditional; it comes from a heart that does not demand anything for itself, a heart that is completely empty of sell-seeking.
It is this divine forgiveness that I have to practice in my daily life. It demands that I step over the wounded part of my heart that feels hurt and wronged and that wants to stay in control and put a few conditions between me and the one whom I as asked to forgive.
This stepping over is the authentic discipline of forgiveness.
Finish Strong
In 2000 Kathy and I sponsored about 20 youth from our church on a mission team to Puebla Mexico which is approximately 40 miles east of Mexico City. We conducted “vacation bible school” for about 200 or so kids. The “VBS” included a music band, parties, arts, crafts, games, and of course a Bible story. The team engaged in a service project at the local orphanage school which involved fun activities for the children in the orphanage and some grooming and clean up of the property. The out buildings were somewhat “run- down” and there was a lot of clutter on the play ground. We mowed, chopped, removed weeds, stumps, bushes, and old sheds from the property. We repaired swing sets, basketball courts, back boards, and replaced rims and nets. We repaired the volley ball court and soccer field.
Puebla Mexico is a beautiful city high in the mountains with an elevation of over 7000 ft. When we first arrived several of us became sick and nauseated (use your imagination). We at first attributed this to unclean food or impure water. After doing some research we discovered that it was neither. The cause was altitude sickness. Altitude sickness is a reaction of the body to suddenly experiencing very high altitudes which have less oxygen. This sickness mimics a flu like syndrome of body aches, head aches, and nausea (use your imagination.) Any type of physical activity, walking up a hill, carrying heavy material, running, pushing, pulling, climbing, exacerbates altitude sickness. The bottom line is, we were very tired. This was our last day and we were trying to complete the projects at the orphanage we had started. I was really dragging (I was the oldest one there so have some sympathy). We were just finishing mounting the new basketball rim and backboard when one of the ministers with us murmered, “finish strong.” We actually began to pray that we would finish strong. The two words, finish strong, began to echo in my ears over and over again. It gave me the inspiration to pick myself up and get back to work so that we could complete the tasks which would make the orphanage a little brighter for the children.
Even though it’s been years since our trip, I am often reminded of those words, “finish strong” especially when I’m tired and just want to quit. It might be a large project at home or work, or often it’s at the gym and I’m trying to complete my 3rd mile on the treadmill. I have a still small voice in my head that whispers “finish strong.” Usually I am able to pick up my speed just a little and complete my goal.
This week for Thanksgiving, we are visiting Kathy’s mom in Tennessee and I always go to their YMCA (which is a fabulous place) for my work out and daily run. This morning I was running on a treadmill facing the parking lot looking out on the gray damp morning. It was about 7 am, and I was nearing the completion of my second mile. As I looked out toward the parking lot and up the sidewalk leading to the front door of the Y, I caught a glimpse of a little old lady, with thinning silver hair, stooped over with osteoporosis, slowly, yet deliberately, hobbling into the gym using her walking cane. Yup you may have guessed it, the little old lady was Kathy’s 87 year old mother.
The picture was a woman fiercely pushing onward, to finish strong with great determination. Intentionally moving forward, never giving up, NEVER, she lives her life to it’s fullest, set and determined to finish strong. What a role model, what an example, what a heritage for Kathy and my boys.
I finished my workout, hit the shower and as I walked out through the lobby, I peered through the window to the glass covered swimming area and noticed a little silver haired head bobbing up and down, up and down in the swimming pool. Actually, there were several silver heads bobbing up and down creating small ripples in the huge pool of blue shimmering water. Grandmother Howard seemed to be enjoying the excercise with a small cadre of her peers who also have made the decision to finish strong. A decision they will never regret.
When you’re tempted to “throw in the towel,” when you’re tired and you really don’t want to continue, remember that you too can determine and purpose to FINISH STRONG.
Mammograms
The USPSTF, (United States Preventive Services Task Force) a panel of independent medical experts but part of the US Department of Health and Human Services, said it was recommending against annual mammograms for women between the ages of 40 and 49, saying the risks outweighed the benefits from earlier screening. That …announcement, which goes against a trend of recommending increased screening by cancer agencies, has left many confused. This is especially true since the American Cancer Society and the ACOG (American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology) disagree with the recommendation.
Now honestly, If you are a woman reading this, how do you feel about the recent recommendation by the government panel of “medical experts?” Guys, how do you feel about your wife, mother, or other significant female in your life not getting mammograms early? And by the way dudes, your PSA (blood test for prostate cancer screening) will be next to undergo scrutiny. If you feel ok about it, or good about it, then you’ll love the new government run healthcare plan about to be passed by the senate (already passed by Pelosi’s house.) This is exactly a preview of what is going to happen. A panel of “medical experts” will come up with some type of health or medical related recommendation to disallow this test, or that procedure, or decrease this diagnostic work-up, can’t prescribe this medication because it’s too expensive, not on the government run drug formulary, can’t have this treatment because, because, because…..And if you’re a doctor right now you must be shaking in your boots. The first time you abide by one of these “panel’s” decisions to cut corners with a diagnostic test and the patient develops a malignant tumor, in march the trial lawyers (sorry Clint and Lewis and Scott) to pluck the rewards of negligence and medical malpractice. How’s that hope and change working for ya?
World’s Thinnest Books
As I’ve referenced in previous entries, I’m a full fledged addict to Twitter and FB (Face Book to you newbies). A funny site on Twitter is called “World’s Thinnest Books,” which…..well, see for yourself as I try and list SOME of the world’s thinnest book titles.
Wal-mart’s Greeters Job Description, Life after 50 by Michael Jackson, Things I’ve done to Protect Liberty and Freedom, by Barack Obama, How to Reach the Superbowl by Donovan McNabb, Class Act by Wanda Sykes, Voice Training Made Simple by Amy Grant, Finances and Banking Made Simple by Barney Frank, Keeping the Place Neat by Rick Creasy, Mechanical Engineering by Rick Creasy, Sexual Purity by Madonna, The Joy of Flying by US Air, The US Constitution by Barack Obama, Love Conquers All by Jeremiah Wright, Healthcare For All, by John Kevorkian, Keeping the Spark in my Marriage by Hillary Clinton, forward by Bill Clinton.
I’m sure you can come up with some of your own.
Thought we could use a little humor in all this turmoil we live in.
Another Flying Experience
I’m on the plane to Dallas today and once again I’m certain they’ve taken another 6 inches out of the seat spacing. Even short people are cramped. On what used to be a relatively relaxing 3 hour flight, I need a chiropractor to realign my spine and vertebrae. I also believe I’m forming a deep vein thrombosis in both legs due to the minimal blood flow to my lower extremities. I can’t even begin to describe my adventure in the lavatory with a ceiling that’s 5 feet high. But those of you who know me realize I’m 6’4″ tall. Let your imagination run wild. Just let me say that the contortionists in Cirque du Soliel have nothing on me especially when it comes to water acrobatics.
I always try and upgrade to first class but on this particular flight there’s only 4 seats available for the privileged few. My attempts to obtain an exit row seat which has 2 extra inches of leg room was also in vain due to the friendly and customer oriented USAir flight crew commuting to Dallas gobbling up the choice seats. And we all know about the in – air eating experience. I broke down and purchased a 6 oz can of Almonds for $5. They do have chicken salad for $7. Forget the peanuts/pretzel freebees. Or like the guy sitting in the seat next to me who weights 275 lbs chowing down on his Colonel Sanders KFC bucket of thighs and legs, I should have brought my own.
I suspect that some airlines are flying these miniature aircraft to save on fuel and of course leave a lighter “carbon footprint.” Somehow that becomes somewhat irritating when I think about Al Gore (high priest of mother earth and all that is green) jetting the globe in his private jet. Oh well, I suppose I should be grateful just to land safely and with both pilots wide awake. Oh, wait, that looks like the Rio Grande down there! Should have known.
Hey, check me out on Face Book
Help me feed my addiction.
Philadelphia is a Great Example of Liberal Politics
It’s hidden deep on page B1 of the Philadelphia Inquirer and barely recognizable in the shroud of a local opinion column, but the facts are there. Philadelphia, one of the Northeast bastions of liberal politics and appointed research laboratory for all that Obamanation stands for, demonstrates the waste and inefficiency of the so-called stimulus money, provided and funded, by the taxpayer’s hard earned money. Under the superb and brilliant leadership of slick Eddie (Democrat Ed Rendell former mayor of Philadelphia and now Governor) Pennsylvania ranks 50th in creating new jobs from the $787 billion federal stimulus program. We have an unemployment rate of 8.8%. As Karen Heller (local columnist) puts it, “the stimulus was supposed to be manna from heaven. Instead, it has revealed the divine incompetence in City Hall.” Guess which political party (which also happens to worship at the altar of unions) and political philosophy has provided oversight, strategy and vision for Philadelphia since time began? Karen Heller attributes this failure to the citizen’s “low expectations.” Well. It’s also due to the false belief that government can solve our economic problems by taxing more and spending more.
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