COVETEOUSNESS

You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's. (Exodus 20:17, Amplified)

The above verse comes to mind when I hear those in Washington, specifically President Obama, bang the class warfare drum. He laments that millionaires and billionaires are not paying their fair share and must sacrifice what they have worked for and earned to bail out the disaster his administration has created. Such statements infuriate me beyond belief.

Before I get lambasted for defending the wealthy, or lest someone think I am monetarily well off let me be clear, I am not monetarily well off, at one time I lived in my car and I have experienced joblessness, and living paycheck to paycheck. However, I grew up in a family where my parents started and owned their own business, my dad still owns this business. I grew up watching my parents work 18 hours a day to ensure their business stayed afloat and they could meet payroll. I have grown to adulthood knowing that the small business my dad still owns has and continues to employee many people, I am also very aware of the amazing amount my dad personally and his business pays in taxes to the various governmental entities that he is required to.

With that cavet out of the way. I have a few simple questions for the President:

1. Mr. President who creates the jobs in the country?
2. Mr. President who invests in this country?
3. Mr. President who lends money in this country?

Washington is perpetuating a culture of covetousness by intimating that the wealthy are not doing enough or they do not sacrifice enough. In the President's mind anyone who earns $200,000 a year is considered wealthy and should pay more and more. This attitude is not only wrong but harmful, it exponentially increases an entitlement mentality, which already pervades this country.

I will emphatically state I have never drawn a paycheck from a poor person, ever. When I was living in my car or unemployed it was not the government that helped me, it was the employer that took a chance on me. When the President plays the class warfare card he is stating that being successful or wealthy or both is somehow evil and wrong and should be punished.

I do find it abhorrent that the tax code allows companies such as General Electric (a company not high on my list of favorite companies) to pay no taxes, however it is not General Electric that is at fault, GE is getting their shareholder the most bang for their investment, it is the US Tax Code that should be reformed. Reforming our convoluted tax code is a worthy project and should be met head on. However, this does not mean that our government has the right to punish those among us, people and corporations who are monetarily successful for the mess Washington, DC has put this country into.

Spreading the wealth, shared sacrifice, and leveling the playing field are government euphemisms that breed jealousy and covetousness. Punishing success is not the answer to putting America back on track to prosperity, it never was.

The Lack of Common Sense

Despite not writing this blog for a long time I have kept up with politics and most days I just shake my head and wonder how the lunatics came to run the asylum. There can no longer be any doubt that President Obama and the Democratic leadership have pushed America to the precipice. My feelings about President Obama has never been a secret but secretly I hoped and prayed my opinions were wrong or misinformed, unfortunately I was not. There is absolutely no common sense and no spine in the leadership that is to serve We the People.

During my hiatus I have been working and finishing my education and one of the classes I took was Principles of Management, this class solidified in my mind the fact that the leadership of the United States does not understand nor comprehend the simply common sense facts of what defines a leader. President Obama has never gotten out of campaign mode and truly embraced one of the most fundamental principals of being a good leader and that is the characteristic of a servant leader, which is of course a leader who is supposed to serve the needs of those he/she leads.

The Debt Ceiling "crisis", is a prime example of our leadership having no common sense and no spine. Everyone who has ever drawn a paycheck and had to pay bills understands that there is not an unlimited amount of funds to draw nor is there a money tree out in the back yard somewhere. However the leadership in Washington, DC does not understand this simple item. Most Democrats led by President Obama believe they can spend insanely and then just demand you and I pay the price. Most Republicans are being paralyzed by fear that they will lose their jobs, therefore they are abdicating.

The solution that again is so simple cut Spending, period. Quit Spending more than this country can afford. Quit trying to terrify We the People about Social Security, Veterans Benefits, Military Pay, etc. not getting paid. The scoop is this the US government brings in plenty in current revenues to meet our debt payments and cover those who drawn Social Security, et al. What we do not currently bring enough in taxes for is to spend on all of this extra wasteful nonsense. Since Obama has taken office government has grown exponentially, the private sector has shrunk.

Obama, Democratic leadership and Geithner are using scare mongering because they believe We the People are idiots and can't see the simple truth. That no family, business, or government can sustain spending more than they take in continually. Guess What Mr. President, not one American Family or Business has a mechanism in place to raise it's personal debt ceiling and most of us now resent the fact that you refuse to step up to the plate and do the right thing, not the easy thing, but the right thing. Geithner needs to go to jail for screaming fire in a crowded movie theater, by stating emphatically that without the debt ceiling being raised America will default, this will only happen if the President tells the Treasury Secretary to forget the Constitution.

To the Republican leadership I say find a spine, present We the People with a House bill that includes specific cuts, 3 dollars of cuts in current spending level for every dollar the debt ceiling is to be raised and a provision that ensures Social Security, et. al, gets paid, so those who are most vulnerable will no longer be used as a political pawn and terrified. Hand it to the Democratic led Senate and White House and say this is what you are getting, the onus will fall to them.

My prayer is those who are to serve and lead We the People will stop the craziness and find some common sense. Quit playing politics, make the hard choices and trust that We the People do indeed have a brain and understand budgets and how they work.

There But Not Here & 169/365

A couple of days ago Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano arrived in Afghanistan with US Customs and Border Enforcement agents to bolster the Afghan border. While this may very well be needed in Afghanistan, I find it perplexing that the Obama Administration would work on securing a foreign nation's border yet leave the US border porous.

To me this is yet another egregious example of the current administration's inability to follow through with their most important task of protecting We the People. This administration continues to prove its priorities are skewed. I have no problem with America doing what is necessary to protect the men and women who are serving in Afghanistan. What I find problematic is the lack of attention being paid to the exact same issue on our borders.

The administration will use We the People's money to secure the Afghan border, along with using our human treasure by utilizing our US Customs and Border Enforcement personnel yet cannot and will not apply the same principle to our own borders.

To compound this decision is the fact that Janet Napolitano remains the head of Homeland Security yet does nothing to secure our homeland. She is completely inept but Obama refuses to recognize the mistake he made in naming her Secretary of Homeland Security. She knowingly dismisses security issues that daily affect the lives of We the People. Yet she will hop a plane to a foreign country and do there what she will not even acknowledge needs to be done here.

169/365

Today I am thankful:

1. For Dutch coffee that was gifted to me, I have missed drinking it and am thoroughly enjoying it.

2. That the weather outside is amazingly warm on this first day of 2011, after the coldest December on record.

3. For new PJ's, I needed them and they were on sale.

4. For a new day.

5. For this amazing promise, "Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning;great is your faithfulness."~Lamentations 3:22-23

Endings & Beginnings

Today marks the end of 2010 which for me has been a year of test and trials to put it mildly. I have been at the depths of the valley, yet as we venture into 2011 I am seemingly climbing to the mountain top. I know that even in the days, weeks, and months I spent in the valley I was not down there alone, I was cradled in the Arms of The Most High King. As I have been ascending the mountain I have no doubt that much of the ascent I have been carried until my legs were strong enough to walk beside my Comforter, Protector, and Strength.


There were many dark days in 2010 when I honestly could see no reason to crawl out of the bed, nor did I want to. It was in that darkness and despair that even when I could not feel Him, I know He was there because I am still here.


I look out at the sun shining on this last day of 2010 and see a present and a future. That does not mean all my trials are over but it does mean that no longer am I sunk into despair. The shining sun no longer brings the thought of, "Lord I can't do this one more day!", it brings the thought of, "Wow, Thank You Lord for this day!"


So today I say goodbye to 2010 knowing that God was and is faithful to the promises He freely gives His children:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done~Genesis 50:20

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose~Romans 8:28

May each of you have a most blessed 2011. Below is a song that truly without a doubt has spoken to my heart.


"Amazing Grace," Chris Tomlin
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Enemies Foreign & Domestic & 168/365

Our elected officials are tasked and take an oath to protect We the People from enemies foreign and domestic. The President, The House, and The Senate's main task is to ensure that We the People are able to actively enjoy our God given rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. So I am dumbfounded, although I should not be, that the START treaty was ratified during the lame duck session of Congress.

To those who voted in favor of START, You did not keep your oath to We the People. You should be ashamed and defiantly no longer have a job. You have allowed a foreign government to dictate that We the People will not be protected because the START treaty explicitly prohibits our government from creating and implementing missile defense technology. Are you kidding me?

Since when does the Russian government or any other foreign power trump what is in the best interest of We the People?

I am completely outraged. Iran is a threat, North Korea is a threat, Venezuela under Chavez is a threat, not to mention other rogue elements and terrorists. Yet once again those tasked with protection have capitulated. There is no excuse although this is par for the course with the last two years. The Obama Administration is intent to continue to weaken our Nation and We the People need to continue to stand in opposition to such blatant disregard for our welfare.

START weakens America greatly.

168/365

Today I am thankful:

1. That I am off for the next 5 days.

2. That I can afford to go grocery shopping, this is something I take for granted a lot.

3. That yesterday was warm comparatively.

4. That Raleigh may actually see a genuine White Christmas.

5. For this verse that came to my Facebook page from "God is in Control" yesterday at a time when I needed to read it and soak it in, "For I know the plans I have for you,' says the LORD. 'They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."~ Jeremiah 29:11

Leave It Be & 167/365

Last week I heard about something that left me shaking my head not realizing that tomorrow was the day it was going to be voted upon. This vote will not be made by the House or the Senate, but by the FCC. The FCC will be voting upon Net Neutrality.

At first I did not understand what Net Neutrality was but I think I get it now and all I can say is a yes vote will give the government more control when they need to just leave it be.

First I will point out that the FCC has no mandate or legal right to control the internet, so it is likely this will get overturned on appeal. That being said this is disturbing for what it could lead too. The idea with Net Neutrality is that if you use the internet 10 minutes a day and your neighbor uses it 5 hours a day, your neighbor will be charged more but your Internet Service Provider cannot divert your share of bandwidth to your neighbor who is downloading more. A type of leveling the playing field.

The scenario that made this gel in my head was this one, suppose the FCC decided to apply the same Neutrality to Cable which like they internet they don't have the right to regulate, but I digress. Suppose they did, then under the Cable Neutrality, if you watched 1 show a day and your neighbor 10, your neighbor would have to pay more. The charge would be per show, not by package.

Our government is so intent on regulating everything that they do not see the premise, "if it ain't broken don't try to fix it." I think there is likely a plan for everyone out there to pick and choose what kind of internet package they want. Therefore, this type of regulation is definitely not necessary even if the FCC had the power to regulate the internet which again they do not.

167/365

Today I am thankful:

1. That I only have 2 work days to go for the week, especially since I am not feeling very well today.

2. That the temperature will be warming up as the week goes on.

3. That I found my favorite hair color at the store and it was on sale, double bonus.

4. That the end of the week will bring something amazing.

5. For how amazing this is, "I, even I, am the one who wipes out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins."~Isaiah 43:25

The Right, The Wrong & 166/365

Congress has sent some mixed messages over the last few days to We the People. We saw the extension of the Bush era tax cuts, while it would have been better to extend them permanently, hopefully it sent a sigh of relief to small businesses and We the People that taxes would not be raised, and there will be a 2% cut in Social Security payroll taxes for employees from 6.2% to 4.2%, although businesses will still have to payout 6.2%. I do however have an issue regarding this whole hoopla with the Estate Tax. This is a tax that needs to be repealed permanently. This is double taxation and a nightmare. I know the left feels this should be raised, but the property in the estate of someone who has died has already had tax paid on it, the Estate tax is a punishment to the family.


The Dream Act died in the Senate this again is another good thing in my opinion. This whole bill was an attempt to circumvent the existing immigration laws. I do believe that no Administration will deal with the illegal immigration issue. It is too politically charged and emotion runs high on both sides. However, a good start would be to just enforce the existing laws.


The repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is in my estimation detrimental to We the People. This is one of those out of no where things that has me shaking my head. I believe this will not bolster the men and women who serve and protect We the People and is a travesty.

The last thing item that was a good for We the People was the pulling of the almost 2000 page pork laden Omnibus Spending bill. The Democratic controlled House and Senate has for the longest time decided to ignore things then make them an emergency to push through their agenda. This time they hit a brick wall because of We the People, their neglect did not constitute our emergency.

To sum it up, there does seem to be a push back toward responsible Fiscal government, hooray for We the People. Time will tell what the new Congress will do, if indeed the message We the People have been yelling for almost two years has sunk in. Social issues seem to be an area that many think they can compromise on for political expedience. Here is the thing, ethics and morality cannot be compromised for political expedience.

166/365

Sometimes it is difficult to come up with my thankful list, today is not one of those days!! Today I am thankful:

1. That I have a huge list of thankful items.

2. That yesterday I got to spend the bulk of the day with one of my best friends doing girl stuff.

3. That TJ Maxx had a travel mug in my budget (4.99) since the seal on my other one went kaput.

4. That between now and January 3rd I will have 4 paid holidays!!!

5. For this lesson that just may be sinking into my skull, "Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing." ~Psalm 37:7-8

219 Years Ago Today & 165/364

In 1941 President Roosevelt declared that December 15th was Bill of Rights Day to mark the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the Constitution. It was ratified in 1791. So today is the 219th birthday of amazing freedoms that we often don't think about. May we never forget how blessed we are to have them, many do not. So in honor of the birthday of We the People's Bill of Rights I am listing them below (my thanks to Wikipedia):

Preamble

Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine

THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution.

RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz.

ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution.^[4]

Amendments

• First Amendment – Establishment Clause, Free Exercise Clause; freedom of speech, of the press, and of assembly; right to petition

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

• Second Amendment – Militia (United States), Sovereign state, Right to keep and bear arms.

A well regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. ^[5]

• Third Amendment – Protection from quartering of troops.

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

• Fourth Amendment – Protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

• Fifth Amendment – due process, double jeopardy, self-incrimination, eminent domain.

No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

• Sixth Amendment – Trial by jury and rights of the accused; Confrontation Clause, speedy trial, public trial, right to counsel

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district where in the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.

• Seventh Amendment – Civil trial by jury.

In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

• Eighth Amendment – Prohibition of excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment.

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

• Ninth Amendment – Protection of rights not specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

• Tenth Amendment – Powers of States and people.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

165/364

Today I am thankful:

1. That something I have prayed about happened yesterday, not only did it happen but the blessing was bigger than I had prayed for!

2. That my sweet Avalon has got to be one of the most amazing dogs ever, I can leave to go do what needs to be done and there are no accidents and she never tears anything up. She is definitely a great match for me.

3. That I have something amazing upcoming.

4. That I have been afforded the opportunity to finish my Bachelor's Degree beginning in January.

5. For, "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass."~Thessalonians 5:24

Score One for We the People & 164/365

Judge Henry Hudson ruled today that Congress overstepped its bounds with ObamaCare by forcing people to buy health insurance. He ruled it was unconstitutional and for that We the People should be cheering. Here is the link for the Judge's ruling.

The judge stated, "[t]he unchecked expansion of congressional power to the limits suggested by the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision would invite unbridled exercise of federal police power. At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance-or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage-it's about an individual's right to choose to participate."

From the very beginning the majority of the American people rejected the administration's push and ultimate success at taking over 1/6 of America's economy. While very few would suggest that those in need not be helped, the push back came when We the People woke up to that fact that we had a President, House and Senate who wanted to dictate every aspect of our lives.

While there is no doubt this will end up in the Supreme Court for the moment it is nice to see that the Constitution still holds power. We also need to remember that many states are suing to stop ObamaCare, so this is likely the first of many rulings to come. Hopefully we will see more rulings in favor of We the People and our ability to think and act in our own best interest without government interference.

If you get 10 minutes listen to what President Reagan had to say about socialized medicine long before he became President.

Ronald Reagan Speaks Out Against Socialized Medicine
- Watch more Politics Videos at Vodpod.

164/365

Today I am thankful:

1. For warm clothes, it is so bitterly cold.

2. That come January I will begin the journey to finish my Bachelor's Degree, it has been a long time coming.

3. That Avalon was incredibly good today and had no accidents in the house nor did she tear anything up while I was at work.

4. For my roommate who gets home before I do and let Miss Avalon out, apparently she listened well to him.

5. For this even when it is hard, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD."~Isaiah 55:8

A Heart's Beat Away & 163/365

On Thursday as a requirement of my job I took a tour of a dialysis facility. This was quite an experience, my hands were still visibly shaking when I returned to the office. I remember thinking to myself Thank You God that I am healthy and please allow me to stay that way. But what if I wasn't, what if I had a chronic illness or a terminal illness, what would my prayers be? I know this is a heavy subject, however I read today about the incoming Governor of Vermont and how one of his platforms was getting Euthanasia (Assisted Suicide) legalized in Vermont. He plans to pursue this for 2011.

This to me is dark legislation. I know there is the on going debate about quality of life vs quantity of life. However, I do not believe God requires our help in deciding when to end a life. Legislating death is a slippery slope, history has proven this. People are people and abuse of any type of legislation happens and then the lines begin to get blurred.

Here is "Euthanasia Pros and Cons" as found on Euthanasia.com

Arguments For Euthanasia:

• It provides a way to relieve extreme pain
• It provides a way of relief when a person's quality of life is low
• Frees up medical funds to help other people
• It is another case of freedom of choice

Arguments Against Euthanasia:

• Euthanasia devalues human life
• Euthanasia can become a means of health care cost containment
• Physicians and other medical care people should not be involved in directly causing death
• There is a "slippery slope" effect that has occurred where euthanasia has been first been legalized for only
  the terminally ill and later laws are changed to allow it for other people or to be done non-voluntarily

I believe that Euthanasia is not a fly by night legislative issue and We the People need to decide where we will draw the line. Life is precious and each of us unique, God does not require our assistance in deciding when someone's time is up, even our own.

Montana, Oregon and Washington all have Physician Aid in Dying (PAD), in The Netherlands and Belgium Euthanasia is legal and in Albania and Luxembourg Assisted Suicide is legal.

164/365

Today I am thankful:

1. That I am healthy.

2. For my sweet furry four legged new friend Avalon, she is amazing here is her picture










3. For getting a great deal accomplished today both professionally and personally.

4. For dark hot chocolate with a splash of half and half.

5. For never forgetting this: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."~Psalm 139:14 NIV