Arkansas City will not be the focus now, but we can still talk about the town. For now the blog is a blog in search of an identity. Considering what the new niche will be.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Open Tuesday
Its open blog Tuesday
What do you want to talk about....
Here's one...TSA asks a 95 year old woman to remove her Depends so she can get through checkpoint. I know the headline says one thing, but when you read the daughter's testimony, it's clear this little old lady was taken advantage of. Why? Cause no one wants to say the word "terrorist's are usually 20-30 year old Muslim men" This is insanity gone to seed. She has dementia, wheelchair bound. Wow...I'm sure she was planning something sinister (pun intended) http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/27/florida.tsa.incident/index.html
You have to wonder - why the Public is willing to let the Government have so much control!
If a private Airline was to do their own screening - you can bet the Federal Government would be on the spot claiming/citing discrimination!
Because the Goverment pumps so much public money in the form of subsidies into those industries and then assumes the cost to do those screenings - no one questions their methods!
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
----------
I don't think I read anywhere in the Pre-amble to the Constitution where the original framers intended to rule the world - or let the rest of the World Rule US!
They did, however, outline a basis and example for building a country where liberty could thrive and exist!
As I reflect on our freedoms this July 4th weekend, I have to lament where this country has ended up. We sang God Bless America in church this morning and I had to wonder; should God bless America? Is this country worth blessing? Do we take Jesus' admonition to love the poor seriously, or just give lip service to it. If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it. During the last presidential election Jeremiah Wright recieved a lot of flack for saying, "Not God bless America, but God damn America..." But if we treat our poor and marganalized as second class citizens, maybe his words were the most appropriate of the election.
thats a good point. but i do object to singing "god bless america" in church, or any other patriotic song. i know lots of people like it, so ... its just my personal preference.
I think modern american christianity has become very republicanized, and that is not a good thing. Would jesus be a conservative? Would jesus be a liberal? no to both. but i just cannot imagine jesus being against health care for all people, and against helping the poor and the needy while giving huge tax breaks to the rich...
but i just cannot imagine jesus being against health care for all people, and against helping the poor and the needy while giving huge tax breaks to the rich...
Well JJ,
I don't agree with your stance on not singing Patriotic songs in Church - I think its important to keep God in all things!
I also disagree with you on WHO should be helping the POOR and the NEEDY! It's become far too easy to just let the GOVERNMENT take care of all the Social Problems! (In fact its to the point where those in Government see that as their MAIN objective! They have even made it phohibative in some cases to do anything other than what they mandate! Welfare is probably a good example!)
Thats probably one of the biggest difference between Socialism and Capitalism! (Socialism relies on the Government/laws/taxes, Capitalism relies on markets/businesses/charities!
So, that "WE" in the pre-amble doesn't include everyone on everything if your goal isn't to tackle the problems as a Nation of States, Cities, and People! (In fact we are at a point of division/tipping point where the future will be determined by the decisions made today! The country "We the People" are almost split evenly on that direction!)
Btw: I don't agree with the shut-down of Government in Minnesota. But when you reach the point where Government is out of control and people who have no stake in the benefits or services provided to others but are then expected to pay for it - something has to give! (Especially when you are passing it on to future generations - some who may not even be born!)
That "Can" is getting so big the "FOOT and Boot" won't be able to budge it!
Exactly. Singing patriotic songs in church is not including God in everything, its putting government and politics in religion. To me it cheapens religion. The church is - should be - a holy place. To me there is absolutely no room for politics or even patriotism. Heck why not set up a concession stand at the back door so people can get a cold one before the preacher starts .... to me that is what singing patriotic songs in church is.
Also, i have no problem with "government" running social programs to help the poor.
You who want smaller govt ... isnt it hypocritical to also want huge military .. drug laws .. speed limit laws ...... or evem tax breaks for huge companies that are already gouging us ... think oil companiesl
isnt it hypocritical to also want huge military .. drug laws .. speed limit laws ...... or evem tax breaks for huge companies that are already gouging us ... think oil companies!
Where do we start-
I think speed limits and national highways, drug laws (regulations within reason and for safety of the consumers), tax laws -(Who is writing those tax laws?) are all within the range of governtments responsibilities!
How long do you think we should subsidize the American Indians, (how many generations) Should we make lump sum payments to all Black Americans just because their ancestors were slaves?
Should we promote Public Housing as a way of life and not a helping hand or stepping stone?
What about all those programs like Social Security, SSI (disability), food stamps - now debit cards, etc. that are simply misused or have been misused or modified from their original intented purpose!
What about all the duplication in services on the different levels of Government! If they were a private sector business (with competition) they would be combined/consolidated, bought by another company or simply go out of exisitence!
That doesn't happen in Government - once something is established it continues to operate often even tries to expand - or find another reason to justify its existence!
Over and over we see Programs like welfare that trap people and act as disincentives with conditions that determine their behaviors!
Some of the people who play the Government games - know the rules better than anyone else- the are Professionals!
The real problem is that Government can't or doesn't adapt well to changes - we have some of the same programs trying to fill the needs of a more modern Society!
So, do you think more of what already is outdated or doesn't work is the REAL Answer?
Btw: It probably won't be long if some of the radicals and Lefty Liberals have their way - that Church might be the only place left where you can sing GOD BLESS AMERICA!
The United States Post Office covers the exact same territory as UPS and Fed EX! In fact they deliver to addresses originaly assigned by the Post Office! Yet the USPS loses billions annually! I've read several articles about the USPS and how inefficient they are compared to their competition! Their only advantage? They are gauranteed to exist by the Constitution!
Don't tell me its all the fault of the Oil Companies or large Corporations!
From Wiki-Pedia about America and religions percentage by population.
Many faiths have flourished in the United States, including both later imports spanning the country's multicultural immigrant heritage, as well as those founded within the country; these have led the United States to become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.[3]
The majority of Americans (76%) identify themselves as Christians, mostly within Protestant and Catholic denominations, accounting for 51% and 25% of the population respectively.[4] Non-Christian religions (including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism), collectively make up about 3.9% to 5.5% of the adult population.[4][5][6] Another 15% of the adult population identifies as having no religious belief or no religious affiliation.[4] When asked, about 5.2% said they did not know, or refused to reply.[4] According to the American Religious Identification Survey, religious belief varies considerably across the country: 59% of Americans living in Western states (the "Unchurched Belt") report a belief in God, yet in the South (the "Bible Belt") the figure is as high as 86%.[4][7]
However, despite this seemingly high level of religiosity, only 9% of Americans in a 2008 poll said religion was the most important thing in their life, compared with 45% who said family was paramount in their life and 17% who said money and their career was paramount. [8]
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is the largest Catholic church in the United States.The First Amendment to the country's Constitution prevents the Federal government from making any "law respecting an establishment of religion", and guarantees the free exercise of religion. The Supreme Court has interpreted this as preventing the government from having any authority in religion.
----------- So, do you think America is a primarily a Christian Nation?
i dont know what christian nation means. im not being a smart alec either, ive never understood that. how does a nation "be" anything ... i am christian first, american second .. to me the two have nothing to do with each other.
Btw: Just to be fair to the USPS - because I would really hate to see the go out of existence or be privatized!
Each time there is a price increase in postage it has an adverse impact on private sector businesses! (Especially the ones who do their monthly billings through the mail!)
But the elctronic age has changed the way business is done today!
E-mails, elctronic transfers, fax machines etc. have reduced the amount of First Class Postage! (Thats where USPS made the bulk of its money! They now rely on 3rd class and bulk advertising which is less profitable!)
So, there will continue to be a push for on-line payments to reduce costs to businesses that do billings! (Plus they will save on the cost of materials - paper products!)
Actually your seeing similar changes in the phone companies where the trend is to get cell phones (only) which is applying pressure and addtional expense to maintain the "Legacy System" or landlines! (Its either going to get more expensive as the cost is passed on to the the consumer or Government will have to subsidize it to protect services like 911!)
Markets will always seek to be efficient - except where they are manipulated or (over) regulated!
One side note: If they want to raise taxes or increase their revnue they should be looking at a National Sales tax/Consumer tax! (Not on top of the taxes already in place and not a VAT tax like Europe! But we know all those complex tax laws give "Power and Control" to the Government and Politicians.:)
The world is changing. The pony express was once the latest technology, and now all those pony's are out of work. mail - other than merchandise - could become obsolete. its not government that is the problem .. its that technology changes everything.
one thing that would help the deficit would be to cut the tax breaks to the huge oil companies
I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences.
“If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, and are the sole and supreme judges of the general welfare, they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every State, county and parish and pay them out of their public treasury; they may take into their own hands the education of children, establishing in like manner schools throughout the Union; they may assume the provision of the poor; they may undertake the regulation of all roads other than post-roads; in short, every thing, from the highest object of state legislation down to the most minute object of police, would be thrown under the power of Congress… Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America.” – James Madison, Letter to Edmund Pendleton, January 21, 1792
I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences.
She has to live with what she did - or the fact that she didn't care enough to give her daughter a proper burial - in the event of a legitimate accident?
Either way she is relatively young and has a lot of years to regret her actions!
"I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences."
I wrote that and you all assumed I was talking about the Casey Anthony murder trial, when the same thing happens every day in abortion clinics across the country. Yet no one cares about those little ones, because the media ignores their cries.
We may not be able to agree on what it means to be a Christian nation, but... Since many do consider us to be just that, then these words from Stephen Colbert seem pretty apropos.
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it."
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it."
Colbert has made a relatively good argument!
But, I think the real question is - Should you reward Sefishness and Irresponsibility in Society!
More than ever today our Society has become one of selfishness and self-satisfaction! Even at the the expense of Government and Society!
When you see the divorce rate well over 50% and then add in the single parent families - where no (usually) Father is present! (If you look at the plight of the Black population and see that the majority of eligble males are imprisioned?)
Then you expect the Government (who simply made these things possible through vehicles like no-fault divorce or allowing deadbeat dads to skip on their part of supporting their off-spring. Maybe even making having/raising children an occupation?)
How do you think that can be resolved when the trend is to make more people POOR or increase the number of POOR!(We might want to also include immigration - which is simply compounding that PROBLEM and increasing the number of POOR!)
Btw: You don't see alot of RICH immigrants flocking to America! Do you?
I think Jesus said You will always have the POOR with you - I think he would work to change peoples hearts - both in Society and Government but also tell them where they are WRONG and with conditions!
Here is from Wikipedia on religion by population in Mexico!
Roman Catholics are 82.7%%[2] of the total population.[3] In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after Brazil.[4]
While most indigenous Mexicans are at least nominally Catholic, some combine or syncretize Catholic practices with native traditions. In the Yucatán Peninsula, some Mayan people still practice the traditional beliefs of their ancestors, without being syncretized with Christianity; the same happens with the Wixarika people of Jalisco and Nayarit.
**********
Now Mexico is not a POOR country in terms of its natural resources. Oil, Minerals, and other key assets like beaches/recreation!
They are by population identifeid by mostly one religion (Catholicism) and by more than any other religion in the USA! (US is 76% as combined)
Yet not too long ago when Arizona was passing its law which might increase deportation or result in the voluntary departure of many illegals back to Mexico! There were Governors from several States in Mexico that cmae to the US to protest! They wanted to know what they were going to do or how they were expected to provide for those people who were returning HOME!
Then look at the corruption in Central and South America all who are allowing their POOR to migate to the USA!
I believe that most of those countries are also indetified as religious! (Catholics)
So, why is it that Goverments who often can be corrupt are expected to do the job of Religions? (Like Christianity/Catholicism)
Well first of all, the article is very slanted against christianity and the bible, which is obvious from the beginning. Lets look at the first couple sentences....
<>
"Filled" eh ... Theres like maybe four ... but no specific examples are given. These were rare instances .. the thing is, people want to judge history based on now . there were people who would have killed all of gods people if given the chance - and some tried. That was not uncommon at the time ..
>> There are a surprising number of Christians who defend the multiple godly genocides of the Old Testament as necessary and just ethnic cleansings.>>
Name two ... ive never heard anyone make that claim, christian or otherwise ...
Thats my take its just blatant attack on the bible and christians .. not based in fact at all..
The quotes from jesus and paul are waaaay out of context by the way .. the new testament never speaks of such things.
Religion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups.[2] The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms references "God", and the monarch carries the title of "Defender of the Faith". However Canada has no official religion and support for religious pluralism (Freedom of religion in Canada) is an important part of Canada's political culture.[3][4] The 2001 Canadian census reported that 77% of Canadians claim adherence to Christianity, followed by no religion at 16%.[1]
With Christianity having once been central and integral to Canadian culture and daily life, it has been recently suggested that Canada has come to enter a post-Christian or secular state, where practice of the religion has "moved to the margins of public life",[5][6] and irreligion is on the rise.
**********
Now lets see: USA 76% Claim Christianity Mexico 82.7% Christianity Canada 77% Christianity
You may be on to something there. I think modern day christianity is way to bound up in politics and especially in america, way to to much in bed with the republicans. christianity in other parts of the world is not near as conservative as the american brand .. just talk to some missionaries from africa, asia .. australia etc.
there are always these studies saying it is on the decline .. yet 77 percent claim to be . i am not at all sure that this is less than any other time. the history is real interesting, and there have always been detractors.
and the church is changing. it has always changed.. even when there was allegedly only one church in the middle ages - catholicism - there were still some radical fringe groups.
we need to realize who the general really is .. and what the war really is . :)
just talk to some missionaries from africa, asia .. australia etc.
Well I have talked to some missionaries from Africa and they went back.
He told me about a Christian food drop - where a truck just shows up and drops off the food then leaves for their next stop!
He said the Muslims claim the truck and food are theirs and they are providing that service for the African people!
My response was -Why don't you tell them the truth! His response - if they find out where it comes from they will try to STOP IT!
We live in a country where thats not a problem - the problem is we turned all those type responsibilities over to the Government! (Its really not surprising that 77% claim to be christian but aren't all active!)
I'm not sure the Conservatives or Repulicans are in Bed with all the Christians! There seems to be a lot of liberals in the Clergy! (Even ones who support divorce, - maybe been divorced -,abortion, etc.!)
Like I said No GENERALS! (To them its just an occupation!)
Here is an example of what some people (mainly Christians) see as an alternative to Obamacare! It has been in existence since 1993 so its not a new concept! According to their website it also is exempt from some of the regulations and restrictions of Government Healthcare! There are some people (including their website) who are forecasting healthcare cost to increase by as much as 40%!
Btw: There are other similar healthcare alternatives listed on the WEB you would have to do your own research!
I say this is another good example of why religion and politics should not be mixed. That is a conservative position, but not a biblical christian position. So, christian conservatives have to compromise their faith ... in order to be a good conservative.
So, christian conservatives have to compromise their faith ... in order to be a good conservative.
Gee JJ,
I kind of thought you might like that Medi-Share approach to healthcare!
They aren't a for profit organization like those nasty Insurance companies. They don't answer to Wall Street, investors or distribute any type of dividends! They don't pay lobbyist to sway legislation or buy-off Politicians! They don't answer directly to the Government - other than through industry regulations!
Pretty well covers all the things you hate about Private Sector Health Insurance companies!
I know you would rather have Big Brother make everyone BEHAVE!
The medishare thing sounds good. I dont see it as govt making decisions for you, but you do want govt making decisions. Govt tells you which side of the road to drive on. how fast you can drive. what recreational drugs you may or may not use ... whether it be caffeine or meth .. both are still drugs.
isnt the health of people more important than any of those things? it isnt that you dont want govt control, you just want to control certain things ...
yes i do say christians have to compromise their faith to be a good conservative because it is obvious that some conservative ideas are not biblical, and not christian ..
i honestly do not think a serious, committed christian who loves god above all else, could in good conscience belong to any political party ..or ally themselves with conservatives or liberals.
Here's one...TSA asks a 95 year old woman to remove her Depends so she can get through checkpoint. I know the headline says one thing, but when you read the daughter's testimony, it's clear this little old lady was taken advantage of. Why? Cause no one wants to say the word
ReplyDelete"terrorist's are usually 20-30 year old Muslim men" This is insanity gone to seed.
She has dementia, wheelchair bound. Wow...I'm sure she was planning something sinister (pun intended)
http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/27/florida.tsa.incident/index.html
You have to wonder - why the Public is willing to let the Government have so much control!
ReplyDeleteIf a private Airline was to do their own screening - you can bet the Federal Government would be on the spot claiming/citing discrimination!
Because the Goverment pumps so much public money in the form of subsidies into those industries and then assumes the cost to do those screenings - no one questions their methods!
Big Brother just got a WHOLE LOT BIGGER!
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
ReplyDelete----------
I don't think I read anywhere in the Pre-amble to the Constitution where the original framers intended to rule the world - or let the rest of the World Rule US!
They did, however, outline a basis and example for building a country where liberty could thrive and exist!
I wonder how much longer we can keep it?
As I reflect on our freedoms this July 4th weekend, I have to lament where this country has ended up. We sang God Bless America in church this morning and I had to wonder; should God bless America? Is this country worth blessing? Do we take Jesus' admonition to love the poor seriously, or just give lip service to it. If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it. During the last presidential election Jeremiah Wright recieved a lot of flack for saying, "Not God bless America, but God damn America..." But if we treat our poor and marganalized as second class citizens, maybe his words were the most appropriate of the election.
ReplyDeletethats a good point.
ReplyDeletebut i do object to singing "god bless america" in church, or any other patriotic song.
i know lots of people like it, so ... its just my personal preference.
I think modern american christianity has become very republicanized, and that is not a good thing.
Would jesus be a conservative?
Would jesus be a liberal?
no to both.
but i just cannot imagine jesus being against health care for all people, and against helping the poor and the needy while giving huge tax breaks to the rich...
but i just cannot imagine jesus being against health care for all people, and against helping the poor and the needy while giving huge tax breaks to the rich...
ReplyDeleteWell JJ,
I don't agree with your stance on not singing Patriotic songs in Church - I think its important to keep God in all things!
I also disagree with you on WHO should be helping the POOR and the NEEDY! It's become far too easy to just let the GOVERNMENT take care of all the Social Problems! (In fact its to the point where those in Government see that as their MAIN objective! They have even made it phohibative in some cases to do anything other than what they mandate! Welfare is probably a good example!)
Thats probably one of the biggest difference between Socialism and Capitalism! (Socialism relies on the Government/laws/taxes, Capitalism relies on markets/businesses/charities!
So, that "WE" in the pre-amble doesn't include everyone on everything if your goal isn't to tackle the problems as a Nation of States, Cities, and People! (In fact we are at a point of division/tipping point where the future will be determined by the decisions made today! The country "We the People" are almost split evenly on that direction!)
Btw: I don't agree with the shut-down of Government in Minnesota. But when you reach the point where Government is out of control and people who have no stake in the benefits or services provided to others but are then expected to pay for it - something has to give!
(Especially when you are passing it on to future generations - some who may not even be born!)
That "Can" is getting so big the "FOOT and Boot" won't be able to budge it!
The problem is, we begin to think that God has ordained us as a nation at the exclusion of others, or that to be American one must be Christian...
ReplyDeleteExactly.
ReplyDeleteSinging patriotic songs in church is not including God in everything, its putting government and politics in religion.
To me it cheapens religion.
The church is - should be - a holy place. To me there is absolutely no room for politics or even patriotism.
Heck why not set up a concession stand at the back door so people can get a cold one before the preacher starts .... to me that is what singing patriotic songs in church is.
Also, i have no problem with "government" running social programs to help the poor.
You who want smaller govt ... isnt it hypocritical to also want huge military .. drug laws .. speed limit laws ...... or evem tax breaks for huge companies that are already gouging us ... think oil companiesl
isnt it hypocritical to also want huge military .. drug laws .. speed limit laws ...... or evem tax breaks for huge companies that are already gouging us ... think oil companies!
ReplyDeleteWhere do we start-
I think speed limits and national highways, drug laws (regulations within reason and for safety of the consumers), tax laws -(Who is writing those tax laws?) are all within the range of governtments responsibilities!
How long do you think we should subsidize the American Indians, (how many generations) Should we make lump sum payments to all Black Americans just because their ancestors were slaves?
Should we promote Public Housing as a way of life and not a helping hand or stepping stone?
What about all those programs like Social Security, SSI (disability), food stamps - now debit cards, etc. that are simply misused or have been misused or modified from their original intented purpose!
What about all the duplication in services on the different levels of Government! If they were a private sector business (with competition) they would be combined/consolidated, bought by another company or simply go out of exisitence!
That doesn't happen in Government - once something is established it continues to operate often even tries to expand - or find another reason to justify its existence!
Over and over we see Programs like welfare that trap people and act as disincentives with conditions that determine their behaviors!
Some of the people who play the Government games - know the rules better than anyone else-
the are Professionals!
The real problem is that Government can't or doesn't adapt well to changes - we have some of the same programs trying to fill the needs of a more modern Society!
So, do you think more of what already is outdated or doesn't work is the REAL Answer?
Btw: It probably won't be long if some of the radicals and Lefty Liberals have their way -
ReplyDeletethat Church might be the only place left where you can sing GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Just in case you missed my point-
ReplyDeleteThe United States Post Office covers the exact same territory as UPS and Fed EX! In fact they deliver to addresses originaly assigned by the Post Office!
Yet the USPS loses billions annually!
I've read several articles about the USPS and how inefficient they are compared to their competition!
Their only advantage?
They are gauranteed to exist by the Constitution!
Don't tell me its all the fault of the Oil Companies or large Corporations!
From Wiki-Pedia about America and religions percentage by population.
ReplyDeleteMany faiths have flourished in the United States, including both later imports spanning the country's multicultural immigrant heritage, as well as those founded within the country; these have led the United States to become one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world.[3]
The majority of Americans (76%) identify themselves as Christians, mostly within Protestant and Catholic denominations, accounting for 51% and 25% of the population respectively.[4] Non-Christian religions (including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism), collectively make up about 3.9% to 5.5% of the adult population.[4][5][6] Another 15% of the adult population identifies as having no religious belief or no religious affiliation.[4] When asked, about 5.2% said they did not know, or refused to reply.[4] According to the American Religious Identification Survey, religious belief varies considerably across the country: 59% of Americans living in Western states (the "Unchurched Belt") report a belief in God, yet in the South (the "Bible Belt") the figure is as high as 86%.[4][7]
However, despite this seemingly high level of religiosity, only 9% of Americans in a 2008 poll said religion was the most important thing in their life, compared with 45% who said family was paramount in their life and 17% who said money and their career was paramount. [8]
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C., is the largest Catholic church in the United States.The First Amendment to the country's Constitution prevents the Federal government from making any "law respecting an establishment of religion", and guarantees the free exercise of religion. The Supreme Court has interpreted this as preventing the government from having any authority in religion.
-----------
So, do you think America is a primarily a Christian Nation?
i dont know what christian nation means. im not being a smart alec either, ive never understood that.
ReplyDeletehow does a nation "be" anything ...
i am christian first, american second ..
to me the two have nothing to do with each other.
i dont know what christian nation means. im not being a smart alec either, ive never understood that
ReplyDeleteMaybe we should just call that 76% (another site puts it at 76.5%) who profess to be Chrisitans and believe in God!
"The Silent Super Majority"!
Btw: Just to be fair to the USPS - because I would really hate to see the go out of existence or be privatized!
ReplyDeleteEach time there is a price increase in postage it has an adverse impact on private sector businesses! (Especially the ones who do their monthly billings through the mail!)
But the elctronic age has changed the way business is done today!
E-mails, elctronic transfers, fax machines etc. have reduced the amount of First Class Postage! (Thats where USPS made the bulk of its money! They now rely on 3rd class and bulk advertising which is less profitable!)
So, there will continue to be a push for on-line payments to reduce costs to businesses that do billings! (Plus they will save on the cost of materials - paper products!)
Actually your seeing similar changes in the phone companies where the trend is to get cell phones (only) which is applying pressure and addtional expense to maintain the "Legacy System" or landlines! (Its either going to get more expensive as the cost is passed on to the the consumer or Government will have to subsidize it to protect services like 911!)
Markets will always seek to be efficient - except where they are manipulated or (over) regulated!
One side note: If they want to raise taxes or increase their revnue they should be looking at a National Sales tax/Consumer tax! (Not on top of the taxes already in place and not a VAT tax like Europe!
But we know all those complex tax laws give "Power and Control" to the Government and Politicians.:)
The world is changing. The pony express was once the latest technology, and now all those pony's are out of work.
ReplyDeletemail - other than merchandise - could become obsolete.
its not government that is the problem .. its that technology changes everything.
one thing that would help the deficit would be to cut the tax breaks to the huge oil companies
its not government that is the problem
ReplyDeleteHmmm? Continuing to fund programs that are not competitive, out of date and maybe almost obsolete. That lose billions annually?
Seems like a BIG problem to me!
Btw: HUD is an economic black hole where good money goes to die! Never to be seen again! :)
Like the infrastructure. What a waste that is.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.washingtonpost.com/local/house-gop-expected-to-ax-transportation-funds/2011/07/05/gHQAt9HkzH_story.html?hpid=z1
Damn that Communist Socialist Democrat Dwight Eisenhower and his "interstates!" They're nothing but a freeway to oppression!
I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences.
ReplyDelete“If Congress can employ money indefinitely to the general welfare, and are the sole and supreme judges of the general welfare, they may take the care of religion into their own hands; they may appoint teachers in every State, county and parish and pay them out of their public treasury; they may take into their own hands the education of children, establishing in like manner schools throughout the Union; they may assume the provision of the poor; they may undertake the regulation of all roads other than post-roads; in short, every thing, from the highest object of state legislation down to the most minute object of police, would be thrown under the power of Congress… Were the power of Congress to be established in the latitude contended for, it would subvert the very foundations, and transmute the very nature of the limited Government established by the people of America.”
ReplyDelete– James Madison, Letter to Edmund Pendleton, January 21, 1792
I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences.
ReplyDeleteShe has to live with what she did - or the fact that she didn't care enough to give her daughter a proper burial - in the event of a
legitimate accident?
Either way she is relatively young and has a lot of years to regret her actions!
You can't run from yourself!
Since you were there you shold have testified.
ReplyDelete"I can't believe that we live in a country where a mother can kill her child because she would rather be out partying than being a mother, and have no legal consequences."
ReplyDeleteI wrote that and you all assumed I was talking about the Casey Anthony murder trial, when the same thing happens every day in abortion clinics across the country. Yet no one cares about those little ones, because the media ignores their cries.
Something to think about.
Bravo, I like your comment - unborn is still "ALIVE"!
ReplyDeleteWe may not be able to agree on what it means to be a Christian nation, but... Since many do consider us to be just that, then these words from Stephen Colbert seem pretty apropos.
ReplyDelete"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it."
Stephen Colbert
"If this is going to be a Christian nation that doesn't help the poor, either we've got to pretend that Jesus was just as selfish as we are, or we've got to acknowledge that he commanded us to love the poor and serve the needy without condition, and then admit that we just don't want to do it."
ReplyDeleteColbert has made a relatively good argument!
But, I think the real question is - Should you reward Sefishness and Irresponsibility in Society!
More than ever today our Society has become one of selfishness and self-satisfaction! Even at the the expense of Government and Society!
When you see the divorce rate well over 50% and then add in the single parent families -
where no (usually) Father is present! (If you look at the plight of the Black population and see that the majority of eligble males are imprisioned?)
Then you expect the Government (who simply made these things possible through vehicles like no-fault divorce or allowing deadbeat dads to skip on their part of supporting their off-spring. Maybe even making having/raising children an occupation?)
How do you think that can be resolved when the trend is to make more people POOR or increase the number of POOR!(We might want to also include immigration - which is simply compounding that PROBLEM and increasing the number of POOR!)
Btw: You don't see alot of RICH immigrants flocking to America! Do you?
I think Jesus said You will always have the POOR with you - I think he would work to change peoples hearts - both in Society and Government
but also tell them where they are WRONG and with conditions!
Here is from Wikipedia on religion by population in Mexico!
ReplyDeleteRoman Catholics are 82.7%%[2] of the total population.[3] In absolute terms, Mexico has the world's second largest number of Catholics after Brazil.[4]
While most indigenous Mexicans are at least nominally Catholic, some combine or syncretize Catholic practices with native traditions. In the Yucatán Peninsula, some Mayan people still practice the traditional beliefs of their ancestors, without being syncretized with Christianity; the same happens with the Wixarika people of Jalisco and Nayarit.
**********
Now Mexico is not a POOR country in terms of its natural resources. Oil, Minerals, and other key assets like beaches/recreation!
They are by population identifeid by mostly one religion (Catholicism) and by more than any other religion in the USA! (US is 76% as combined)
Yet not too long ago when Arizona was passing its law which might increase deportation or result in the voluntary departure of many illegals back to Mexico! There were Governors from several States in Mexico that cmae to the US to protest!
They wanted to know what they were going to do or how they were expected to provide for those people who were returning HOME!
Then look at the corruption in Central and South America all who are allowing their POOR to migate to the USA!
I believe that most of those countries are also indetified as religious! (Catholics)
So, why is it that Goverments who often can be corrupt are expected to do the job of Religions? (Like Christianity/Catholicism)
JJ, I'd like your take on this article...
ReplyDeletehttp://irregulartimes.com/index.php/archives/2011/07/11/gods-genocide-its-not-just-an-old-testament-thing/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pulsenews
Well first of all, the article is very slanted against christianity and the bible, which is obvious from the beginning.
ReplyDeleteLets look at the first couple sentences....
<>
"Filled" eh ... Theres like maybe four ... but no specific examples are given.
These were rare instances .. the thing is, people want to judge history based on now .
there were people who would have killed all of gods people if given the chance - and some tried.
That was not uncommon at the time ..
>>
There are a surprising number of Christians who defend the multiple godly genocides of the Old Testament as necessary and just ethnic cleansings.>>
Name two ... ive never heard anyone make that claim, christian or otherwise ...
Thats my take
its just blatant attack on the bible and christians .. not based in fact at all..
The quotes from jesus and paul are waaaay out of context by the way .. the new testament never speaks of such things.
From Wikipedia religion by population in Canada!
ReplyDeleteReligion in Canada encompasses a wide range of groups.[2] The preamble to the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms references "God", and the monarch carries the title of "Defender of the Faith". However Canada has no official religion and support for religious pluralism (Freedom of religion in Canada) is an important part of Canada's political culture.[3][4] The 2001 Canadian census reported that 77% of Canadians claim adherence to Christianity, followed by no religion at 16%.[1]
With Christianity having once been central and integral to Canadian culture and daily life, it has been recently suggested that Canada has come to enter a post-Christian or secular state, where practice of the religion has "moved to the margins of public life",[5][6] and irreligion is on the rise.
**********
Now lets see: USA 76% Claim Christianity
Mexico 82.7% Christianity
Canada 77% Christianity
Thats quite an Army for GOoD!
Too, bad there aren't any Generals!
Too, bad there aren't any Generals!
ReplyDeleteYou may be on to something there.
I think modern day christianity is way to bound up in politics and especially in america, way to to much in bed with the republicans.
christianity in other parts of the world is not near as conservative as the american brand .. just talk to some missionaries from africa, asia .. australia etc.
there are always these studies saying it is on the decline .. yet 77 percent claim to be .
i am not at all sure that this is less than any other time.
the history is real interesting, and there have always been detractors.
and the church is changing. it has always changed.. even when there was allegedly only one church in the middle ages - catholicism - there were still some radical fringe groups.
we need to realize who the general really is .. and what the war really is .
:)
got some life & discussion back in this blog. That's what I'm talkin' bout.
ReplyDeletejust talk to some missionaries from africa, asia .. australia etc.
ReplyDeleteWell I have talked to some missionaries from Africa and they went back.
He told me about a Christian food drop - where a truck just shows up and drops off the food then leaves for their next stop!
He said the Muslims claim the truck and food are theirs and they are providing that service for the African people!
My response was -Why don't you tell them the truth! His response - if they find out where it comes from they will try to STOP IT!
We live in a country where thats not a problem - the problem is we turned all those type responsibilities over to the Government!
(Its really not surprising that 77% claim to be christian but aren't all active!)
I'm not sure the Conservatives or Repulicans are in Bed with all the Christians!
There seems to be a lot of liberals in the Clergy! (Even ones who support divorce, - maybe been divorced -,abortion, etc.!)
Like I said No GENERALS! (To them its just an occupation!)
http://news.yahoo.com/york-town-clerk-quits-over-gay-marriage-licenses-222510597.html
ReplyDeletehttps://medi-share.org/ms/lp/medical-bill-sharing_11-1.aspx?leadsource=Internet-Search%20Engine&custentity_urlreferralid=G2-Christian_Health&gclid=CKClpvOWk6oCFQjf4AodfF2Dxg
ReplyDeleteHere is an example of what some people (mainly Christians) see as an alternative to Obamacare!
It has been in existence since 1993 so its not a new concept!
According to their website it also is exempt from some of the regulations and restrictions of Government Healthcare!
There are some people (including their website) who are forecasting healthcare cost to increase by as much as 40%!
Btw: There are other similar healthcare alternatives listed on the WEB you would have to do your own research!
What say you JJ?
I say this is another good example of why religion and politics should not be mixed.
ReplyDeleteThat is a conservative position, but not a biblical christian position.
So, christian conservatives have to compromise their faith ... in order to be a good conservative.
is that radical? :)_
So, christian conservatives have to compromise their faith ... in order to be a good conservative.
ReplyDeleteGee JJ,
I kind of thought you might like that Medi-Share approach to healthcare!
They aren't a for profit organization like those nasty Insurance companies. They don't answer to Wall Street, investors or distribute any type of dividends!
They don't pay lobbyist to sway legislation or buy-off Politicians!
They don't answer directly to the Government - other than through industry regulations!
Pretty well covers all the things you hate about Private Sector Health Insurance companies!
I know you would rather have Big Brother make everyone BEHAVE!
The medishare thing sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI dont see it as govt making decisions for you, but you do want govt making decisions.
Govt tells you which side of the road to drive on.
how fast you can drive.
what recreational drugs you may or may not use ... whether it be caffeine or meth .. both are still drugs.
isnt the health of people more important than any of those things?
it isnt that you dont want govt control, you just want to control certain things ...
yes i do say christians have to compromise their faith to be a good conservative because it is obvious that some conservative ideas are not biblical, and not christian ..
i honestly do not think a serious, committed christian who loves god above all else, could in good conscience belong to any political party ..or ally themselves with conservatives or liberals.
thats my radical thing for the day )