Judgement Day

FREEDOM TO BELIEVE

As May 21st, 2011 approached, and eventually past, the media and social nnetworks were full of jokes and commentary about the prediction of the Rapture. Some were humorous and some revealed the true nature of a persons outlook on religious beliefs and Christianity specifically, and what's amazing is this consensus that talk of a Rapture is viewed as one mans folly. Really? Now if someone has chosen to be an atheist I can understand his disbelief, and perhaps even his ridicule but what amazed me was how the main stream media addressed the event.

It makes me wonder how this world will react when the second coming eventually happens? For those that believe it's not a matter of if but only when, and certainly when you look around at the events on this planet it would be easy to draw the conclusion that the time has come to blow it up and start all over. Weather events, religious wars, unchecked pollution of our planet, total disregard for your fellow man, leaders that lie, are only interested in personal greed and power, a total breakdown of morals and manners in society and you think it's ludicrous to think the end time may be near? If you'd like to tilt your head and look at someone like they are crazy perhaps you need to start with the man in the mirror.

Now, I can say that none of these reactions are actually a surprise. In today's society the acceptable think is to make fun or what that of which we don't understand, and God forbid the media should revert back to the good old days where they present the facts without an undertone of bias or agenda. It's really sad when you think about it.

In any event the 21st is past, we are still here, and there will be another time in our future someone will make a prediction. The interesting thing will be home many will be laughing and joking when it's the real thing? That is one day I hope I am here to see.

Happy Easter

In the year of our Lord 2011, if you look around at the events of the world you might be inclined to believe we are entering into the rapture. Now, for those that do not believe that comment may seem silly but to those that have read God's word it has merit.

Throughout the world there is universal unrest, religious wars, nature as we have never seen her before, and our own government has slowly but surely turned from being Representatives to being Rulers. With the advent of a world based economy businesses no longer have a vested interest in community. They are only concerned in the "bottom line" regardless of the cost and with little regard to human suffering. Our Religious leaders preach how theirs is the only "true" way, when in reality the only true way is in the hearts of mankind. War in the name of religion, hate in the name of religion, all of these actions have become way too common place, and are indeed an abomination to the Lord.

Throughout the history of mankind, the common person has chosen to believe while the leaders have attempted to manipulate. And this action is not exclusive to one religion or sect, it is almost universal. Now, some would say it is basic human nature while others would say it's the work of Satan, but in reality aren't they one in the same? Today the catch phrases most associated with religions are extremists, radicals, or something similar in nature, and while at first glance you think of Islam, if you take an honest look you will admit those terms can be associated with every organized religion. We have all seen the "preachers" that espouse hate at funerals, on religious holidays, and in the mass media. Just as we have seen Rabbi's and Imam do the exact same thing. In then end, it's not often we associate the words peace or love anymore is it?

So, as you are reading this you are thinking; what is his point? Is this an Easter message or an indictment on organized religion? Well, the simple answer is it is both, yet it is neither.

What this is about is that as Christians, which should never be confused with Roman Catholics or Protestants for they are organizations with specific agendas, we realize that regardless of how chaotic the state of the world around us appears, the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so that we are safe. With all of the fire and brimstone, doom and gloom, and guilt evangelized by organized religions, those that truly believe understand in our hearts that God is a loving God, he is a forgiving God, and while we should all strive to live a better life he does not expect perfection from us. See, we don't need to be perfect because God loved us so that he gave his son Jesus Christ, to die on the cross, to cleanse us of our sins.

This allows us to make mistakes, this allows us to break a commandment, this allows us to make poor choices, as long as in our hearts we keep the Lord. Believers know that being a Christian is about ones action, not one's words. We understand that we are entitled to opinions but in the end only one has the power to judge or criticize, and he gave his life so that we may be free.

I am a sinner and I know that you are too, therefore who am I to sit in judgement of how you live your life? Yet there are those that do, and they call themselves Christians, or Jews, or Muslims, or Hindu's, and regardless of what names they adorn themselves with, true believers know the only one that has the power to judge is the Almighty.

And that is the reason we give thanks today. That is the reason that families will gather in groups both small and large, with festive clothes, chocolate bunny rabbits, and delicious dinners, to acknowledge the fact that we are free to make mistakes. Now some would say we commercialize our religious holidays because they are meaningless, whereas I choose to think we do it to make believing more comfortable, more personal. Because despite of all of the tangible things we have at Easter, at some point everyone will say a prayer, either aloud or to themselves, thanking the Lord Jesus for his sacrifice.

You see, the point is our beliefs are about people, ourselves, what we carry in our hearts, and how we chose to share them. I believe that while the world around us is a mess, it is not beyond redemption or repair. I know this because can I walk without fear of failure, I can walk without fear of dying, for the Lord Jesus Christ gave his life so that you and I are insured peace ever after. So, may your hearts be filled with peace and love on this and every other day, and Happy Easter to you all, my friends.

Catching Up With Life

We all get absorbed with things at different stages of our lives. Sometimes it's family, sometimes friends, sometimes politics, sometimes religion, sometimes sickness and sometimes death. We tend to dwell in that snapshot in time that we are currently standing and, too often, we shut all else out.

For me, I have been standing in to political arena, assessing my country, its political system and the people it affects. I have to say there have been times in my life where I was prouder to call myself an American, and the system seemed just a little more "pure". After all of the debates, the editorials, the pontifications and protests not much has changed and it saddens me to realize that people would rather complain than make the effort to take an action.

Now, I'm not the brightest guy in town but my momma didn't raise any stupid children either, and since I do understand the definition of insanity, I've decided to make the transition to other frames in the movie of life. It's time to let someone else pick up the fight for a while.

FRIENDS AND LOVERS
As I transcend from veteran young guy to rookie older guy I have been fortunate to reestablish many old friendships from my youth. In the list of regrets in my life I will add losing contact with the people high upon my list. In making up for time lost I am finding that the "Reader's Digest" versions we have exchanged about our lives only stimulates the need to want to know more. To know the details of that marriage, the kids, careers, divorces, medical issues, and I think it's just human nature to be curious this way. I'm fortunate to be living in an era with social networks like Facebook because they make it so much easier to reach out to people.

Now on my Facebook page I have a little over 700 friends. About 60% of those are because I play the games associated with the network and they are also players who have, by the shear nature of interacting, become new friends. The remaining 40% are a mixture of friends of my youth and a handful of former lovers. I was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was able to find a lot of my old friends and certainly the power of two had a lot to do with that. Now they have become a short daily visit to share so many different things about life or just a laugh. It was also surprising to learn how different we all grew up to be, yet, we all still have a common denominator based in the community and values we were all raised with. 

As for the former girlfriends and lovers that has actually worked out quite well. The tend to want to protect me or mother me in a humorous was to let me know when I may be getting into potential trouble. All and all it's a pretty good fail safe and there is only one or two missing from the group that I am not connected too. Not that I didn't try they just rejected my request which should tell me they probably aren't mature enough to handle friendship without baggage, so that works for me.

JOY AND SADNESS
One of the hardest things to face when you're trying to make up for 40 years lost is that along with the joy of renewing friendships you have to face the cold realities of life. In 40 years people get sick, have accidents, or just give up and die. Friends that were as solid as a rock have pass on years ago and you shake your head and say "wow". Then there is the reality that as we age there are friends here currently that are fighting for their existence and their lives. 

It is at that point that you understand that a true friend isn't the one that stands by you when things are good, he is the one remaining when things are bad. And here we are 40 years later being a support system for each others. Being the sounding boards that never pass judgement, that try to be objective, and offer solutions as well as pep talks. We are there to talk about retirement, to brag and complain about our children, to visit those that are slipping through our fingers and into the hands of God. It's what friends do.

Sometimes, support can take the form of helping a person forget about the past, or about the moment. Give them a diversion that allows them to relax and rest their weary mind. Me, I post jokes, I play the frustrated DJ, I flirt, I post useless facts, I post (what my friend Tracey calls Barryisms) which are nothing more than sayings collected over the years and I do my best to help people find that safe place we all need in our lives. 

Do I sometimes I talk politics. Sometimes I talk about God. I try never to play the evangelist because I've always found those that do are phony, real Christians walk the talk. And for all of the things I post or say, I listen and read twice as much. Life is put before us to live and to learn, to absorb every moment, every nuance, every fleeting glance, every smile, and every laugh. You learn about life from both the positive side and the negative, then it's your obligation to share that knowledge and pass it along to the next generation.

Looking
When it's all said and done we are all looking for that comfort zone, that safe place. If your uncertain of where to begin I've found returning to my roots, finding lifelong friends, and knowing that the Lord is usually two steps to my left is a good place to start.

Be back with more soon, take care!

Fallacies in America

I can't help but shake my head when I look around at the fallacies that the majority of Americans overlook on a daily basis. Now call it what you want, blind faith, convenient truths, brainwashing but the fact of the matter is we live in one of the most hypocritical countries on earth. Now before you start telling me to move to Iran, let me say, I love my country and there is no greater place to live on earth but I am also grounded enough to know that nothing, besides God, is perfect and there is always room for improvement.

Now, improvement can only begin when people start to think, to question, to open their eyes to what is going on around them. In today's society you would think that would be a fairly easy task but the reality is we are not the free thinkers that we'd like to believe we are. We have become a society accepting of being manipulated by the media and too often we allow them to dictate to us what we think is right and what we should think we want.

As an example I have two good friends and a brother that lean to the far right in their politics, and as such I love to push their buttons from the middle or left perspective. We often discuss or debate a variety of current event topics regarding politics and more often than not they, all three, will use the "exact" same verbiage or phrase to express "their" opinion. To chide them I will say "oh, I see someone has been listening to Rush or Beck again" and they go into this state of denial. "No, I don't pay attention to that guy" they'll say and then all three will say did you notice they, the media, never talks about the movie made about assassinating George Bush?

Now, I've never heard of this movie and I have randomly asked several of my non political friends about it and they haven't either. But three different guys, from three different generations, in two different regions of the country, all have the same "original" point of view? Gee, I kind of doubt it. And the same can be said about you that live on the far left, you too are just as brainwashed so don't go getting all self righteous because you are just as bad.

Now with the prelude written, the table set, and my intent identified, let me warn you that I am about to write some things that are bound to piss people off. Because I am going to step out of that cozy, little box we live our lives in and make you think about different topics. I will also say that not everything I write may be what I believe but I say it because it needs to be factored into the equation if you are going to look at the big picture. So, it's your choice at this point. Open your mind for a few minutes, read, think, formulate your own opinions and go make others think, or leave now and enjoy your weekend.

LEADER OF THE FREE WORLD
America, the greatest country on earth. The hallmark of democracy, an example for all to strive for, or are we?

In your lifetime how many promises has our country broken to others? Can you name one? Two? Several? I want you to think about it honestly and write one down. If you cannot write one down you are lying to yourself and you really shouldn't be reading this. I can think of a few, we don't torture people, we believe in the due process of law not just for our citizens but as a covenant in the basic laws that govern mankind, just to name a couple.

How many allies have we kicked to the curb? Most recently it's Mubarak in Egypt. Here is a staunch supporter of U. S. Middle East policy for the last 30 years, a country with a stable government that we hailed as our friend and ally. Then one week's worth of protests happen and President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton have all but told this guy to step down. Do you call that loyalty? You're our friend until there is a hiccup in your country and we'll turn our back on you?

Now before you Republicans and Tea Totalers start yappin' about "See, it's that Commie Obama" let me refresh your memory with a few names; Noriega, Marcos, The Shah of Iran, and if I needed to I could recite a dozen more. All allies until there was unrest in their countries, then we turned on them. During each instance there were sitting Presidents representing both the left and the right, so nobody gets off scott free in this argument.

You may recall an event in our history called 9/11 and shortly afterwards we decided to invade a sovereign nation, Iraq, with no cause and a few of our allies, think Germany and France, objected. To hear the average American tell it Germany and France were communist, pinko, scum sucking traitors for not supporting our President in his quest for justice (revenge?). After all we support all of your governments and countries through thick and thin, or until there is a week of protesting, right? Can you say hypocritical? I think you can. If you think I'm saying this due to leftist leanings you couldn't be more wrong.

Now do you understand why the rest of the world doesn't think we are as wonderful, as we think we are? We are a legend in our own minds because our actions betray what were our principles. My opinion, I think Obama needs to butt out and keep quiet and let Egypt determine their own destiny.

For an eye opening point of view on 9/11 read Donald Rumsfelds new memoir "Known and Unknown", here is an excerpt;

"Just 15 days after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, President George W. Bush invited his defense secretary, Donald H. Rumsfeld, to meet with him alone in the Oval Office. According to Mr. Rumsfeld’s new memoir, the president leaned back in his leather chair and ordered a review and revision of war plans — but not for Afghanistan, where the Qaeda attacks on New York and Washington had been planned and where American retaliation was imminent.

“He asked that I take a look at the shape of our military plans on Iraq,” Mr. Rumsfeld writes.

Think about that for a bit.

CONSERVATIVE VALUES

Another fallacy in today's political arena is the purported conservative values of the Republicans and the, so called, Tea Party. How's that for pokin' 'em with a stick? Before you start to monitor my email and phone without a warrant let's look at a few facts.

The Conservative Right, the Moral Majority, the Tea Party, all champions of smaller government, less welfare, morality, self determination, family values and the right to life, correct? Can you agree with that statement? I think we can but a few questions needs to be asked.

All of the aforementioned traits are admirable if they were consistent but there are gaping holes in their philosophy that they refuse to address when asked. If you dare question them you are part of the far left media conspiracy trying to make them look bad. In reality no, I'm not, I'm just an average guy that can see things at face value. And when I look at the Conservative movement in this country I see the following contradictions:

MORAL ISSUES

We are for smaller government except in matters of personal choice like abortion, interpersonal relationships, and basically any moral and/or personal choice issue. Now, before you get all worked up, I do not believe in abortion but I also do not believe that I have the right to tell a woman what to do with her body, unless I am willing to stand in line to take that unwanted child and raise it in a safe environment. The right says "Why should I have to raise that child?" and my response is you took on that responsibility the moment you decided what was best for it. The truth is that the choice of life is a choice that needs to be judged by the Lord God, and not by man. To think you have that right is as contrary to the teachings in the Bible as the act itself.

GOVERNMENT IN BUSINESS

Why is it that the right thinks Unions are the cause of all failures in business? It's ok for a company to go bankrupt, deny it's obligations to it's workers all in the name of profits? Now you can say they have never said that directly and maybe they haven't, but they haven't said it is wrong either, have they? In some circles that is known as implied consent.

Can you imagine the uproar there would be if the Conservative applied their philosophy evenly across the board? Why should military personnel receive lifetime health care, educational benefits, preferred mortgage rates, and shopping privileges at the PX? "Because they served their Country", you say? It was their choice. just like it is the choice of a auto worker, factory worker, salesperson, it was the vocation that they chose. "It was dangerous", you say? So is window washing on a high rise, putting your arms in a press machine, deiceing a jet plane, again it was their choice? "Because they were injured", you say? Well, what is wrong with them drawing social security benefits? Using local health facilities? Just like others that made a career choice and have to live with the consequences?

Sounds absurd, doesn't it? But in a true conservative society that should be the way things are. After all society doesn't owe you anything. Life is about personal choices and living with the consequences, right? But you'll never hear that from the right, especially not in an election year.

LIBERAL LEFT

The party of the people, bastion of the worker, the downtrodden and the average man. Really? In the last half century the Legislative branch of our government has been controlled by the Left for about 80% of the time. During that time we have seen countless deregulation of businesses, lopsided trade agreements, and an overall decline in the quality of life for the average worker in this country. How'd you let that happen?

We asked you for a program to ensure that no American is denied the ability to receive basic health care and you gave us a 2,500 page document that convoluted the entire health system.

We asked you for some assistance when we fall upon hard times in our life and you instituted a system that rewards multi-generational welfare recipients.

We asked you for a decent education and got money instead of programs, money instead of guidelines, and money our children's, children will have to repay.

We got incompetent teachers locked into iron clad jobs. We got a society that has forgotten the value of failure because it has been legislated away.

You took the simplest sentence and turned it into a novel. You allowed those with money determine our destiny.

The fallacy of the party of the people is that you have been, and always will be, the party of the extreme. More is not always better and less is not always a bad thing.

There was a time in my youth when this was the greatest nation on the face of the earth but we have allowed that time to slip away. Look around and actually see what is happening. The attributes that made us the most powerful, desirable country in the world have been traded away by those entrusted with our welfare.

We are no longer an economy growing but we are an economy in decline. Why, because we no longer build anything. We were the place to come with "streets paved in gold" because you could come to this country and find work. Now, if you don't have a degree you're useless. And we have allowed it to happen.

The next time we have to save the world who is going to provide our weapons? Our fuel? Our Vehicles? Our Computers? What work force will we mobilize to protect our country, provide for our common defense? We no longer have one?

Can we recapture what we once were? Yes, I believe so but only if we the people start to use our heads for something other than a convenient place to keep our hair. We need to demand some changes, we need to be willing to pay a few dollars more for items, and do without a few things for the overall benefit of "our" society.

At least that is my opinion, what do you think?

You've Got To Be Kidding Me, Right?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110128/us_yblog_thelookout/house-abortion-bill-redefines-rape-incest-exceptions

With an economy that is held together with bailing wire and bubblegum it appears the best the Republicans can do is a "symbolic" vote against health care and dust off decades old "Moral" issues.

Folks you've been trying to legislate morality for going on 50 years now and it hasn't worked. Do you know the definition of insanity? If you really hope to regain the White House in two years I strongly suggest you quit dusting off old ghosts that the MAJORITY of Americans could care less about and focus on things that matter; the economy, jobs, restoring housing values, revamping piss poor trade agreements.

You've cried wolf too many times in the past two years about not being able to get anything done, and now you hold the majority in the House so nobody is going to buy it again come election time.

And before you all start with your liberal references, stuff it. I'm tired of politicians that ignore the majority and pander to the minority, on both the left and the right.

Random Thoughts for 2011

I have a good feeling about 2011. I think it is going to be a year of progress, a year that will allow more people to get back on their feet, and it will be a year where we, the people, will make our thoughts heard louder than in the past. At least I hope so.

Starting this new year off I think I need to clear my head of all the cobwebs and get some things off my chest.

Reducing Medical Costs

Now as our politicians continue to do their best to mess up any chance of guaranteeing every American has affordable access to health care, I can't help but wonder what these idiots use their brains for? When I was a trainer we used to have a saying, "Rise up to the basics", which is exactly where our government needs to start when the discussion turns to medical care and reducing costs. Here are a few Ideas I'll share with them.

Let the "patient" be a "consumer". You want to save money on medical costs? The answer begins with making Doctors and Dentists provide costs before the work is done. Make them post a schedule of their charges and fees just like any other business that does not have a huge, rich lobby. The average American does not want to waste tax payer money and if they could price compare "elective" care, you might be surprised at the result.

As an example I recently went to my Dentist for some work and I came away mad as hell. I am fortunate enough to have some form of Dental Insurance. The total annual benefit is $1,000 so going in I felt pretty comfortable I could get my teeth cleaned, 4 x-rays (computer generated) and take care of some decay that was noted under a back crown. I didn't ask about cost, shame on me, but I received a bill today for $378 that went over and above my $1,000 benefit. Now that was a crown and a filling, no root canal, and a basic cleaning on the 24 teeth I have left in my mouth. $1,378! Had I had the opportunity to know the costs up front I can guarantee you I would have shopped around, and I will be looking for a new dentist now.

The point is that more often than not, whether we are talking a Doctor or a Dentist, the patient has no idea what the charges will be up front. If the government were truly serious about wanting to reduce health care costs they would enact legislation to correct this huge flaw in the system.

Homeowners Insurance

Speaking of legalized rip-offs is there a bigger one out there than homeowners insurance? Here is another "Gorilla Lobby" industry that our legislators let get away with murder. They, our government, would like us to think that they are watching out for our best interests but that's a load of crap and every American knows it.

What are you actually covered for? Beyond a house fire what isn't excluded or limited by an obscure clause in your policy? Floods? Nope! Broken plumbing? Uh uh. Slip and fall? Yes with limits. Tree falls on your house? Only after your deductible.

And then there is my favorite "Replacement Cost" policies. Every year I have to argue with my insurance company that they don't need to raise my coverage. They say it'll cost $230k to replace my house worth $140k that I owe $170k on. I explain only if I have to replace the underground utilities and buy the lot. When I say I want only enough to cover my mortgage obligation they say they cannot sell it to me, or if they do it will cost the same or more? Does this make sense to anyone?

Commercials

I know you're waiting for me to rip on all of the obvious fraudulent products advertised on TV and in the print media. And if I had several hours I might but let's just agree that the media has morals as long as they don't interfere with their revenues.

No my comments are about the way commercials have evolved and what we are willing to accept into our living rooms. If you are over 50 did you ever think you would see commercials for erectile dysfunction, massage cream that make everything more intense, or vibrators designed to blow your hair back? Seriously, if you are a parent of a 10 year old today I pity you. You have way more explaining to do than I ever had did.

Sports

Does anyone still believe professional sports should be called sports? Aren't they just entertainment? The money made in sports by the player and owners passed obscene several years ago, and the extends down into the college ranks as well. The NCAA suspended 5 OSU players for half of the 2011 season due to a beach of the rules, but they are allowing them to play in this years bowl game. Gee, I wonder if the money paid to the NCAA by the bowls sponsor had anything to do with that? Based upon what I have seen in the sports world in the last 10 years we better quit making fun of the wrestling fans.

That's all I have today. I know it was short but part of my new outlook includes trying to talk less and listen more. So what do you think?