The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, August 30, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Restoring Honor
Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor celebration in Washington DC yesterday spurred a conversation between my sister and I. I hope everyone got a chance to either check it out on C-Span or actually attended. Well anyway back to the story, my sister thought it might put people off that he's move to a very religious stance, actually quoting scripture. I on the other hand believe that's what's missing in America, we've drifted from our faith.
The lack of character and integrity is fueled by a lack of morals. Those morals are defined by the Bible. We've loosely interpreted those teachings. When you begin to accept less than the message written in the Scripture, then you justify bad behavior. It then begins to snowball, and that's where we are today.
In her defense she said most people don't either know or understand the Bible. Exactly! Allowing people to become aware of the Scripture just might lead to an ah ha moment. Where else are they going to hear it? Quote it then explain it, and then live it. Leadership is influencing people in a positive direction. Leading by example! People follow you and want to emulate you because of your example.
The irony is, my dear sister was the one who suggested I check out Glenn Beck's message. I have to agree with the example he's setting, and the direction he's going. He's leading with love, and with people like Dr Alvita King by his side, he cannot help but succeed. God speed Glenn! And as a footnote, shame on you Al Sharpton, you've exposed yourself with your self serving attitude.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
The lack of character and integrity is fueled by a lack of morals. Those morals are defined by the Bible. We've loosely interpreted those teachings. When you begin to accept less than the message written in the Scripture, then you justify bad behavior. It then begins to snowball, and that's where we are today.
In her defense she said most people don't either know or understand the Bible. Exactly! Allowing people to become aware of the Scripture just might lead to an ah ha moment. Where else are they going to hear it? Quote it then explain it, and then live it. Leadership is influencing people in a positive direction. Leading by example! People follow you and want to emulate you because of your example.
The irony is, my dear sister was the one who suggested I check out Glenn Beck's message. I have to agree with the example he's setting, and the direction he's going. He's leading with love, and with people like Dr Alvita King by his side, he cannot help but succeed. God speed Glenn! And as a footnote, shame on you Al Sharpton, you've exposed yourself with your self serving attitude.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Let The Games Begin!
There's a myriad of things running through my head this morning, as I awoke in the mountains of Tennessee. Let's see if I can form a coherent thought....
The beginning of a new football season is weighing heavy on my mind. My son's senior season of college football is about to come to fruition, and it brings to mind the challenges we are faced with everyday. Every one's metal is tested daily, whether you opponent is an addiction, a vice, your marriage, or people you work with. Sometime throughout the day your going to be called upon to reveal the level of your convictions. Your going to have to rely upon your faith, or your integrity, or your character. Perhaps the little challenges are practice for when the "big one" hits.
Football teams prepare all week for "game day." They run every possible scenario so they are prepared for anything. Yet somehow the opponent finds that little thing that was overlooked, and it comes down to how prepared they were as to the result. Same thing applies in life, you practice your faith, character, and integrity, yet somehow you get thrown a curve ball. Only then do we understand how important practice is!
Now on the upside, when we falter, the Lord above understands. That's why He left us the lesson of forgiveness. Not only that He forgives us, but we follow His example and forgive other's as well. Check out the Lord's Prayer...
...And forgive us our trespasses, so we can forgive those who trespass against us.
Then there was His gift of His son. Who left us the ultimate example of forgiveness as they nailed Him to the cross.
...Forgive them Father, for they know not what they've done.
I find it interesting with all the challenges we have living a life of faith, character, and integrity, we invent contests to challenge ourselves even more. All across the country today college football begins. 350 pound linemen with the attitude of a bull stung by a bee will stand between the opponents and their goals. This is when the preparation has paid off! They don't know the script you've been practicing, and will behave completely differently than you imagined. Your metal will be tested today, have you done your homework?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
The beginning of a new football season is weighing heavy on my mind. My son's senior season of college football is about to come to fruition, and it brings to mind the challenges we are faced with everyday. Every one's metal is tested daily, whether you opponent is an addiction, a vice, your marriage, or people you work with. Sometime throughout the day your going to be called upon to reveal the level of your convictions. Your going to have to rely upon your faith, or your integrity, or your character. Perhaps the little challenges are practice for when the "big one" hits.
Football teams prepare all week for "game day." They run every possible scenario so they are prepared for anything. Yet somehow the opponent finds that little thing that was overlooked, and it comes down to how prepared they were as to the result. Same thing applies in life, you practice your faith, character, and integrity, yet somehow you get thrown a curve ball. Only then do we understand how important practice is!
Now on the upside, when we falter, the Lord above understands. That's why He left us the lesson of forgiveness. Not only that He forgives us, but we follow His example and forgive other's as well. Check out the Lord's Prayer...
...And forgive us our trespasses, so we can forgive those who trespass against us.
Then there was His gift of His son. Who left us the ultimate example of forgiveness as they nailed Him to the cross.
...Forgive them Father, for they know not what they've done.
I find it interesting with all the challenges we have living a life of faith, character, and integrity, we invent contests to challenge ourselves even more. All across the country today college football begins. 350 pound linemen with the attitude of a bull stung by a bee will stand between the opponents and their goals. This is when the preparation has paid off! They don't know the script you've been practicing, and will behave completely differently than you imagined. Your metal will be tested today, have you done your homework?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, August 27, 2010
Are You Touched By The Stimulus?
America is awakening to the fact the Keynesian Economic plan, used by this administration, to stimulate the economy, isn't working. You can only imagine the shocked look on my face as this enlightenment drove itself home. After all, Japan tried the very same model, which led to the now famous, "Lost Decade."
Only those closest to the president still believe in this plan, like Joe Biden, Even Christina Romer, the mastermind of this plan, and his chief economic advisor, is abandoning ship to return to teaching. How do you enlighten our youth about economics after this debacle? Do as I say, not as I've done? What I tell you in the classroom, doesn't apply in real life? Call me silly, but I'd have a difficult time signing on to a class taught by her.
Meanwhile this administration is out telling us about all the lives this stimulus has touched. Finally the truth! This stimulus will affect generations, as it's going to take that long to pay it off. If anyone is portraying this as a positive, they themselves must be a tad "touched."
Americans know the truth, since this downturn has affected them they've been saving like never before, and paying down their credit card debt. If John Q Public knows this is the right path, why are the elected officials so out of touch? The answer is simple, it's not their money. They are making third party economic decisions, not first party like the voters. Washington simply does not honor the stewardship we've entrusted to them with our tax money. Honestly, most of them think our tax dollars are owed to them. Only 66 more days till we can correct their thinking!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Only those closest to the president still believe in this plan, like Joe Biden, Even Christina Romer, the mastermind of this plan, and his chief economic advisor, is abandoning ship to return to teaching. How do you enlighten our youth about economics after this debacle? Do as I say, not as I've done? What I tell you in the classroom, doesn't apply in real life? Call me silly, but I'd have a difficult time signing on to a class taught by her.
Meanwhile this administration is out telling us about all the lives this stimulus has touched. Finally the truth! This stimulus will affect generations, as it's going to take that long to pay it off. If anyone is portraying this as a positive, they themselves must be a tad "touched."
Americans know the truth, since this downturn has affected them they've been saving like never before, and paying down their credit card debt. If John Q Public knows this is the right path, why are the elected officials so out of touch? The answer is simple, it's not their money. They are making third party economic decisions, not first party like the voters. Washington simply does not honor the stewardship we've entrusted to them with our tax money. Honestly, most of them think our tax dollars are owed to them. Only 66 more days till we can correct their thinking!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, August 26, 2010
President Reagan Had It Right!
"It isn`t that liberals are ignorant. It`s just that they know so much that isn`t so."-Ronald Reagan
This has to be my favorite Reagan quote, mainly because they reinforce it everyday! Have you heard Vice President Biden's assessment on the economy? Really, we're heading in the right direction? Me thinks he's standing on the stern of the vessel looking back at the horizon!
The spin from the left that is fed to us daily is absolutely incredible! I can't believe a sane person would allow these words to spew from his mouth. It's like in this day and age they are trying to convince us the earth is flat. The only thing I can liken it to is the band on the Titanic continuing to play as the ship is sinking.
I don't think you could even hypnotize the public to believe the fodder coming out of Washington to be true. It's seems they believe the more you say something they more it becomes fact. It isn't working, America isn't as naive as they think, just look at the polls.
This has to be my favorite Reagan quote, mainly because they reinforce it everyday! Have you heard Vice President Biden's assessment on the economy? Really, we're heading in the right direction? Me thinks he's standing on the stern of the vessel looking back at the horizon!
The spin from the left that is fed to us daily is absolutely incredible! I can't believe a sane person would allow these words to spew from his mouth. It's like in this day and age they are trying to convince us the earth is flat. The only thing I can liken it to is the band on the Titanic continuing to play as the ship is sinking.
I don't think you could even hypnotize the public to believe the fodder coming out of Washington to be true. It's seems they believe the more you say something they more it becomes fact. It isn't working, America isn't as naive as they think, just look at the polls.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Let's Do This!
Peace is maintained by confronting, in love, all issues when they come up, that is why cowards are never at peace.-Orrin Woodward
He hit the nail on the head once again! How many times do we let something gnaw on us all day long, when a simple loving confrontation would bring the issue out into the light of day? 99 times out of 100 it's just a simple lack of communication that is causing the problem, and the longer it lies in the dark, the more the infection festers.
Here's how to confront in love. What I heard you say is_________. Now maybe I'm taking that wrong, but what it seemed like you meant was________________. Could you help me understand what you were thinking?
Nobody's blood pressure gets torqued, and the misunderstanding is brought out into the open where it can be explained and dealt with. Harboring resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It only impacts you!
A heart at war will never find the resolution to the conflict. The answer to the problem always lies well below the level at which it currently exists. The first step is to climb out of your box of self, and seek to understand. It's easy to become defensive and self protective, but the resolution demands you take the next step, communication! Without dialog there will never be peace. (Remind me to send this to the Middle East).
Finally, don't let a misunderstanding take anymore of your time than necessary. There is absolutely too much living to do to be tied down in resentment. What beautiful moments are passing you by while your all ball up with self? Remember, confront in love.....
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
He hit the nail on the head once again! How many times do we let something gnaw on us all day long, when a simple loving confrontation would bring the issue out into the light of day? 99 times out of 100 it's just a simple lack of communication that is causing the problem, and the longer it lies in the dark, the more the infection festers.
Here's how to confront in love. What I heard you say is_________. Now maybe I'm taking that wrong, but what it seemed like you meant was________________. Could you help me understand what you were thinking?
Nobody's blood pressure gets torqued, and the misunderstanding is brought out into the open where it can be explained and dealt with. Harboring resentment is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It only impacts you!
A heart at war will never find the resolution to the conflict. The answer to the problem always lies well below the level at which it currently exists. The first step is to climb out of your box of self, and seek to understand. It's easy to become defensive and self protective, but the resolution demands you take the next step, communication! Without dialog there will never be peace. (Remind me to send this to the Middle East).
Finally, don't let a misunderstanding take anymore of your time than necessary. There is absolutely too much living to do to be tied down in resentment. What beautiful moments are passing you by while your all ball up with self? Remember, confront in love.....
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Is That Really True?
"They" say the best way to learn something is to teach it, and Lord knows I need to work on the following, so here goes.
Today's thought will be about people skills. Specifically, responding to a statement you don't agree with. Often we're confronted with an opposing view point that we totally disagree with, and I know my response is usually less than desirable. Somehow, "Where the hell did you get that idea," or "That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard," isn't the proper response. I've been told that if you raise someone's blood pressure, your not likely to find common ground.
Now I'm proud of my opinions, they are well researched and based in fact. So when I hear the polar opposite, I take it personally, but the secret is, seek first to understand. A better response would be,"Oh really, why is that?" or " Do you really think so?" This leaves the door open for the conversation topic to be explained. I'm also told it's critical after you ask those questions to breath through your nose. Ergo, don't speak.
I hope this venting helps me become a kinder, gentler, conversationalist, but don't bet the farm. It's a process, and understanding the problem is but the first step. So as I begin my journey on baby step one, I'd appreciate you holding me accountable. And for my critics that think this won't work, "where the hell did you get that idea?"
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Today's thought will be about people skills. Specifically, responding to a statement you don't agree with. Often we're confronted with an opposing view point that we totally disagree with, and I know my response is usually less than desirable. Somehow, "Where the hell did you get that idea," or "That's the most absurd thing I've ever heard," isn't the proper response. I've been told that if you raise someone's blood pressure, your not likely to find common ground.
Now I'm proud of my opinions, they are well researched and based in fact. So when I hear the polar opposite, I take it personally, but the secret is, seek first to understand. A better response would be,"Oh really, why is that?" or " Do you really think so?" This leaves the door open for the conversation topic to be explained. I'm also told it's critical after you ask those questions to breath through your nose. Ergo, don't speak.
I hope this venting helps me become a kinder, gentler, conversationalist, but don't bet the farm. It's a process, and understanding the problem is but the first step. So as I begin my journey on baby step one, I'd appreciate you holding me accountable. And for my critics that think this won't work, "where the hell did you get that idea?"
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, August 23, 2010
Did You Ever Wonder.......
He didn't speak until he was 3 years old. He was the worse behaved child in class. His teacher called him a foolish dreamer and encouraged him to drop out.
When he was home sick from school and bedridden, his father showed him a compass. It fascinated the young fellow, the needle's constant swing to the north, seemed to be driven by something invisible. He was convinced that there was something behind somethings that are deeply hidden. He needed to know those things!
He believed everything is full of energy. His conclusion was E=mc2. His theory of relativity changed the world, and revealed the universe to us, although it was against conventional wisdom.
His lesson to us? If your going with the flow, it's probably the wrong direction. Only dead fish swim with the tide. His name, Albert Einstein.
"The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has it's own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tires merely to comprehend a little of this mystery everyday. NEVER LOSE A HOLY CURIOSITY!" -Albert Einstein
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
When he was home sick from school and bedridden, his father showed him a compass. It fascinated the young fellow, the needle's constant swing to the north, seemed to be driven by something invisible. He was convinced that there was something behind somethings that are deeply hidden. He needed to know those things!
He believed everything is full of energy. His conclusion was E=mc2. His theory of relativity changed the world, and revealed the universe to us, although it was against conventional wisdom.
His lesson to us? If your going with the flow, it's probably the wrong direction. Only dead fish swim with the tide. His name, Albert Einstein.
"The important thing is to never stop questioning. Curiosity has it's own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tires merely to comprehend a little of this mystery everyday. NEVER LOSE A HOLY CURIOSITY!" -Albert Einstein
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, August 22, 2010
How To Apply Stimulus!
As a business owner, most understand investment in your livelihood to increase there bottom line. When you purchase equipment, it either aids you do your service more efficiently, or opens the door to additional service. This often provides opportunity, increasing your labor force and raising your income.
Say you had an auto repair facility. You went out on a limb and decided you're going to expand into front end alignments ,and the tire business. You invest in a front end machine, a tire changing machine, and a tire balancer. This new equipment will need additional employees trained in their use, another expense. So you hire two more people, advertise the service and build a reputation for having fair prices and great service. The new addition becomes popular, and you have to hire two more employees, economic growth! The machines and new personnel contribute more income through out the life of the equipment. This is the proper use of economic stimulus, creating residual income.
Now imagine your an elected official, with no business experience. Your faced with a sagging economy that needs a boost. So you invest in that economy, apply a stimulus package. Not understanding residual income you invest the money to save existing jobs, say teachers or other service personnel. While you've maintained your tax base, (the income tax you collect), you've not increased your bottom line to pay for the investment. Worse yet, you've only funded the jobs for one year, with no hope of recouping your investment. The next fiscal cycle arrives and there is no money to support the jobs you saved. Not only have you not increased your tax base, you've put a time limit on the return, and haven't supplied yourself with reoccurring income.
Take that same money, build a road or a bridge, put up a toll booth, and you have something. You've created short term jobs, building a once non existent income producer that supplies a toll tax base. You've also created jobs that weren't there that supply income tax revenue, staffing the facility, and you've created something that keeps on paying you back through tolls collected.
Better yet, take that same investment and use it as a tax incentive for a private corporation to build a facility. Your investment has supplied a future property tax, offered jobs to the area, and created an income tax residual that didn't exist before. I'll also submit there will be additional neighborhood economic growth as those newly working employees will need housing, groceries, and services. Pssst, their kids will need school teachers, firemen, and police as well, saving and paying for those jobs long term.
This my friends is how you properly support and raise up a faltering economy. But then how would you expect someone without practical business experience to know that? Theories create ideas, but experience creates results. Those that can, do...Those that can't teach, (or referee).
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Say you had an auto repair facility. You went out on a limb and decided you're going to expand into front end alignments ,and the tire business. You invest in a front end machine, a tire changing machine, and a tire balancer. This new equipment will need additional employees trained in their use, another expense. So you hire two more people, advertise the service and build a reputation for having fair prices and great service. The new addition becomes popular, and you have to hire two more employees, economic growth! The machines and new personnel contribute more income through out the life of the equipment. This is the proper use of economic stimulus, creating residual income.
Now imagine your an elected official, with no business experience. Your faced with a sagging economy that needs a boost. So you invest in that economy, apply a stimulus package. Not understanding residual income you invest the money to save existing jobs, say teachers or other service personnel. While you've maintained your tax base, (the income tax you collect), you've not increased your bottom line to pay for the investment. Worse yet, you've only funded the jobs for one year, with no hope of recouping your investment. The next fiscal cycle arrives and there is no money to support the jobs you saved. Not only have you not increased your tax base, you've put a time limit on the return, and haven't supplied yourself with reoccurring income.
Take that same money, build a road or a bridge, put up a toll booth, and you have something. You've created short term jobs, building a once non existent income producer that supplies a toll tax base. You've also created jobs that weren't there that supply income tax revenue, staffing the facility, and you've created something that keeps on paying you back through tolls collected.
Better yet, take that same investment and use it as a tax incentive for a private corporation to build a facility. Your investment has supplied a future property tax, offered jobs to the area, and created an income tax residual that didn't exist before. I'll also submit there will be additional neighborhood economic growth as those newly working employees will need housing, groceries, and services. Pssst, their kids will need school teachers, firemen, and police as well, saving and paying for those jobs long term.
This my friends is how you properly support and raise up a faltering economy. But then how would you expect someone without practical business experience to know that? Theories create ideas, but experience creates results. Those that can, do...Those that can't teach, (or referee).
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Are You A Parrot?
We live in a world heavily influenced by the media we entertain ourselves with. It's become a habit to retreat to our homes and plug in the umbilical cord to the blue hue, and become mesmerized by the likes of "True Blood." People live vicariously through the episodes of reality TV, and their exposure to American exceptionalism is channeled via "American Idol." We've become sedimentary, and it's no surprise we also allow Hollywood to dictate our opinions through their propaganda.
How sad is that? Could you ever imagine society being controlled by an electronic box? What happened to reading and searching out your own information and having an opinion you could call your own? Here's the tell all when you come in contact with a zombie controlled by the media... They can't. or refuse to defend their opinion. If you took the time to have a well informed position, shouldn't you be capable of defending it's merits? They have a word for people who fall for the media trap....sheep!
This is America, and Hollywood types are more than within their rights to voice opinions. The actors, producers, sound men, and critics are more than welcome to chime in. I can honestly say there are some things they bring to the surface I also believe in, but the difference is, I know why! Everyone has something to contribute, that's what makes America great, diversity. But it'll be a cold day in hell when I let someone else speak for me, unless I've lost the use of my motor skills!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
PS Mr. Ebert...When you publish ten things you know about the building of the Mosque, It'd be nice if they were in fact about the Mosque. This is why they've never erected a statue to a critic!
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/08/ten_things_i_know_about_the_mo.html
How sad is that? Could you ever imagine society being controlled by an electronic box? What happened to reading and searching out your own information and having an opinion you could call your own? Here's the tell all when you come in contact with a zombie controlled by the media... They can't. or refuse to defend their opinion. If you took the time to have a well informed position, shouldn't you be capable of defending it's merits? They have a word for people who fall for the media trap....sheep!
This is America, and Hollywood types are more than within their rights to voice opinions. The actors, producers, sound men, and critics are more than welcome to chime in. I can honestly say there are some things they bring to the surface I also believe in, but the difference is, I know why! Everyone has something to contribute, that's what makes America great, diversity. But it'll be a cold day in hell when I let someone else speak for me, unless I've lost the use of my motor skills!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
PS Mr. Ebert...When you publish ten things you know about the building of the Mosque, It'd be nice if they were in fact about the Mosque. This is why they've never erected a statue to a critic!
http://blogs.suntimes.com/ebert/2010/08/ten_things_i_know_about_the_mo.html
Friday, August 20, 2010
Usurping Authority!
This is one that sticks in my craw. Utah has gone to court over crosses erected on the side of the road, in memory of fallen state police officers. Atheists from Texas challenged that practice, and once again the courts have failed to up hold our Constitution, and ruled the crosses need to go.
Let me read from our founding documents, The Constitution of the United States of America- Amendment 1- Titled Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression.
"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 of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Let me be clear for the people on the street that Jay Leno has yet to interview for his "Jaywalking" segment, there is no mention in either the Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, nor The Articles of Confederation of a separation of church and state. What it does say is; "Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion." It says that because the Constitution grants Congress and only Congress the power to make laws. The Supreme Court doesn't make laws. It defines them as Constitutional or not, period. If it's not mentioned in the Constitution, it's a power of the State, not the Federal Government. Ergo, if a matter comes before the Supreme Court involving the freedom of expression of religion,( the erection of a cross), it's Constitutional,(see above).
Let me quote James Madison, "Belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the World and the happiness of man, that arguments to enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources."
The Sequicentennial Commission on the Constitution writes, "The Constitution prescribes an oath of affirmation...[that] in it's essence is a covenant with the people which the President pledges himself to keep with the help of Almighty God. Modern interpretations of the Constitution the prohibit displays of crosses in the name of religious freedom would have rightly been shouted down by the Founders, who intended no such separation."
Any judge who defines the separation of church and state as a Constitutional issue is attempting to legislate from the bench. For those "challenged" jay walker types, this means they are making law instead of defining it. When you declare something constitutional, you are defining the opposite unconstitutional, and if it's not written as such, you've set a precedent to be used in future legal arguments. Precedents are used to make law, so in effect you've done Congress's job. Not your job description, as defined in the Constitution! Your now the dreaded "Judicial Activist."
If it's not defined in the Constitution, it's not a federal matter, kick it back to the states! As noted by Amendment 10; " 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.
Put the crosses back, and quit rewriting the founding documents.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Let me read from our founding documents, The Constitution of the United States of America- Amendment 1- Titled Freedom of Religion, Press, and Expression.
"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 of the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
Let me be clear for the people on the street that Jay Leno has yet to interview for his "Jaywalking" segment, there is no mention in either the Constitution, The Bill of Rights, The Declaration of Independence, nor The Articles of Confederation of a separation of church and state. What it does say is; "Congress shall make no law prohibiting the free exercise of religion." It says that because the Constitution grants Congress and only Congress the power to make laws. The Supreme Court doesn't make laws. It defines them as Constitutional or not, period. If it's not mentioned in the Constitution, it's a power of the State, not the Federal Government. Ergo, if a matter comes before the Supreme Court involving the freedom of expression of religion,( the erection of a cross), it's Constitutional,(see above).
Let me quote James Madison, "Belief in a God All Powerful wise and good, is so essential to the moral order of the World and the happiness of man, that arguments to enforce it cannot be drawn from too many sources."
The Sequicentennial Commission on the Constitution writes, "The Constitution prescribes an oath of affirmation...[that] in it's essence is a covenant with the people which the President pledges himself to keep with the help of Almighty God. Modern interpretations of the Constitution the prohibit displays of crosses in the name of religious freedom would have rightly been shouted down by the Founders, who intended no such separation."
Any judge who defines the separation of church and state as a Constitutional issue is attempting to legislate from the bench. For those "challenged" jay walker types, this means they are making law instead of defining it. When you declare something constitutional, you are defining the opposite unconstitutional, and if it's not written as such, you've set a precedent to be used in future legal arguments. Precedents are used to make law, so in effect you've done Congress's job. Not your job description, as defined in the Constitution! Your now the dreaded "Judicial Activist."
If it's not defined in the Constitution, it's not a federal matter, kick it back to the states! As noted by Amendment 10; " 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.
Put the crosses back, and quit rewriting the founding documents.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, August 19, 2010
More Unsung Heroes!
To follow up on yesterday's post, I had some more heroes. Courage comes in many forms, here are some more.....
You have to give it up for the parent, or parents, who in this world of immediate gratification, tell their children, no. They exude courage when they risk their relationship and realize someone has to be the adult. You can't always be your child's friend. It does them no good when they are handed everything they dream of, without earning it. I admire the parents who live by principle and teach their children, dream, struggle, victory. They are the well adjusted, prepared young adults this world needs. This act of courage seldom goes noticed, till now!
People who walk in, and profess their faith, are heroes. What a challenge it's become in this world to walk proudly with the Lord. In this twisted world it takes courage to love your Maker. God Bless those who buck the politically correct!
Another act of courage in this give up easy world, is those who honor their commitments, specifically marriage. It takes a hero to hold true to your vows in the face of adversity. It's been too convenient to void your contract to your spouse, and start anew. Marriage is never an easy road, so the heroes who stay on the straight and narrow path, despite the distractions, deserve recognition here!
Heroes, take a bow, and thank you for your example!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
You have to give it up for the parent, or parents, who in this world of immediate gratification, tell their children, no. They exude courage when they risk their relationship and realize someone has to be the adult. You can't always be your child's friend. It does them no good when they are handed everything they dream of, without earning it. I admire the parents who live by principle and teach their children, dream, struggle, victory. They are the well adjusted, prepared young adults this world needs. This act of courage seldom goes noticed, till now!
People who walk in, and profess their faith, are heroes. What a challenge it's become in this world to walk proudly with the Lord. In this twisted world it takes courage to love your Maker. God Bless those who buck the politically correct!
Another act of courage in this give up easy world, is those who honor their commitments, specifically marriage. It takes a hero to hold true to your vows in the face of adversity. It's been too convenient to void your contract to your spouse, and start anew. Marriage is never an easy road, so the heroes who stay on the straight and narrow path, despite the distractions, deserve recognition here!
Heroes, take a bow, and thank you for your example!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Did You Know Your My Hero?
One of the greatest traits I admire in a man or woman is courage. While I respect character and integrity, and demand it from those I associate with, without courage, one might never know of your character and integrity.
Most of our heroes are first responders, risking life and limb to run into burning buildings, or our service men defending our freedom and the rights of others. Some of our heroes are role models, parents, teachers, or community leaders, that demonstrate character and integrity for us to follow. The often overlooked hero is the one who has the courage to speak up to right a wrong.
How often does a situation arise when we say to ourselves,"someone should do something about thet?" Go look in the mirror partner, that someone is staring back at you! God gave us a spine, it's time we put it to use! Find the courage to voice your opinion, tell the world what you think. You spend all that time forming your opinion, why do you keep it to yourself? If it's worthy of having, it's worthy of defending.
Just like those who "protect and serve," you have a duty to your community. It maybe a political wrong, or a social injustice but if it's hurting another human, why oh why would you keep your input to yourself? Who does that serve? Take a page from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s book and get involved. Love your neighbor enough to make a difference. Be a hero!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Most of our heroes are first responders, risking life and limb to run into burning buildings, or our service men defending our freedom and the rights of others. Some of our heroes are role models, parents, teachers, or community leaders, that demonstrate character and integrity for us to follow. The often overlooked hero is the one who has the courage to speak up to right a wrong.
How often does a situation arise when we say to ourselves,"someone should do something about thet?" Go look in the mirror partner, that someone is staring back at you! God gave us a spine, it's time we put it to use! Find the courage to voice your opinion, tell the world what you think. You spend all that time forming your opinion, why do you keep it to yourself? If it's worthy of having, it's worthy of defending.
Just like those who "protect and serve," you have a duty to your community. It maybe a political wrong, or a social injustice but if it's hurting another human, why oh why would you keep your input to yourself? Who does that serve? Take a page from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s book and get involved. Love your neighbor enough to make a difference. Be a hero!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Unemployed Vs. Undocumented!
I've heard this excuse for the last time from the pro illegal undocumented worker crowd. "They are doing the work American's won't do." Really? Let's take a look at that from a practical standpoint....
Who's employment are they taking? Unskilled labor traditionally falls to the teenage part timers, so are you surprised to know that teenage unemployment is 26%? One out of four employable teens don't have a job. They are not finding the employment they need to develop work ethic, responsibility, and income management.
Minorities also traditionally compete for those jobs as well. Unemployment for documented Latino's is hovering at 12.5%, while the American Afro population is suffering a 15% unemployment rate. Call me silly but there seems to be a plentiful workforce available to fill those "jobs American's won't do."
Here's a thought, why don't we seal the borders, remove the illegal population, and quit financing unemployment with 99 weeks of vacation? It's incredible what a lack of income will do to motivate people to work. It'll also increase the tax revenue base, because all of that illegal labor's taxes will be collected. The burden on the unemployment compensation will be relieved and this economy just might rebound.
We don't have to worry about creating new jobs, there are so many here being filled by workers who don't have a right to them. If you check the numbers, the unemployed are almost equal to the undocumented.It's so close it's scary.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Who's employment are they taking? Unskilled labor traditionally falls to the teenage part timers, so are you surprised to know that teenage unemployment is 26%? One out of four employable teens don't have a job. They are not finding the employment they need to develop work ethic, responsibility, and income management.
Minorities also traditionally compete for those jobs as well. Unemployment for documented Latino's is hovering at 12.5%, while the American Afro population is suffering a 15% unemployment rate. Call me silly but there seems to be a plentiful workforce available to fill those "jobs American's won't do."
Here's a thought, why don't we seal the borders, remove the illegal population, and quit financing unemployment with 99 weeks of vacation? It's incredible what a lack of income will do to motivate people to work. It'll also increase the tax revenue base, because all of that illegal labor's taxes will be collected. The burden on the unemployment compensation will be relieved and this economy just might rebound.
We don't have to worry about creating new jobs, there are so many here being filled by workers who don't have a right to them. If you check the numbers, the unemployed are almost equal to the undocumented.It's so close it's scary.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, August 16, 2010
Monkey See, Monkey Do!
Haec studia adolescentiam alunt senectutem oblectant, secundas res ornant, adversis solatium et perfugium praebent, delectant domi, non impdiunt foris, pernoctant nobiscum, pergrinantur, rusticantur.
-Cicero
Now think about that for a second! Okay, time is up! If your like me, about all you got from that wisdom is, it's all Greek to me. So here's my point. We have available to us over 2500 years of Greek and Roman literature. It's a comprehensive study of the Homo sapien and how he thought and reacted throughout history. It's the longest record of poetry, drama, law, agriculture, philosophy, logic, politics, botany, zoology, medicine, geography, theology, and just about any subject you can imagine. I've always been told that experience is the best teacher, especially when it's someone else whose done the experiencing. Now to all of that add the wisdom of the Bible, meld the two and it's a how to handbook!
So it begs the question, why aren't we taught any of this in school? It sure seems to me, a great deal of this experience would come in handy when decision making. In 2500 years someone must have faced a similar dilemma, and we could gain their wisdom from it. Here's the short answer, we are not being educated, we are being trained. We are being taught to perform, not unlike the animals in a circus.
There is a vast difference between training and education. The educated are taught to think and reason, the trained are taught to perform. Pass a Comprehensive Test, or the SAT or ACT, so you can go to a higher level of training. It's difficult to educate people, not everyone can be educated, but everyone can be trained. This is the result of handing over our education system to the government. They took the path of least resistance, the cookie cutter conveyor belt training system produces the workers of the country. The thinkers are left to their own.
If you want to stretch your mind to be capable of reason, it's become your responsibility. You have to have the drive to read and search out the classic education, the Thomas Jefferson school of thought. Become a hungry student and thirst for knowledge. Your mind expands as you library does.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
-Cicero
Now think about that for a second! Okay, time is up! If your like me, about all you got from that wisdom is, it's all Greek to me. So here's my point. We have available to us over 2500 years of Greek and Roman literature. It's a comprehensive study of the Homo sapien and how he thought and reacted throughout history. It's the longest record of poetry, drama, law, agriculture, philosophy, logic, politics, botany, zoology, medicine, geography, theology, and just about any subject you can imagine. I've always been told that experience is the best teacher, especially when it's someone else whose done the experiencing. Now to all of that add the wisdom of the Bible, meld the two and it's a how to handbook!
So it begs the question, why aren't we taught any of this in school? It sure seems to me, a great deal of this experience would come in handy when decision making. In 2500 years someone must have faced a similar dilemma, and we could gain their wisdom from it. Here's the short answer, we are not being educated, we are being trained. We are being taught to perform, not unlike the animals in a circus.
There is a vast difference between training and education. The educated are taught to think and reason, the trained are taught to perform. Pass a Comprehensive Test, or the SAT or ACT, so you can go to a higher level of training. It's difficult to educate people, not everyone can be educated, but everyone can be trained. This is the result of handing over our education system to the government. They took the path of least resistance, the cookie cutter conveyor belt training system produces the workers of the country. The thinkers are left to their own.
If you want to stretch your mind to be capable of reason, it's become your responsibility. You have to have the drive to read and search out the classic education, the Thomas Jefferson school of thought. Become a hungry student and thirst for knowledge. Your mind expands as you library does.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Taxing?
If raising taxes were the answer to deficit reduction, shouldn't our country be well into the black? Isn't that a great question, after all how many times has Washington raised our taxes? It's not a complicated issue, raising revenue doesn't lower the burden, cutting back on the paid outs does.
President Calvin Coolidge, who turned the depression of the 1920's into the boon of the roaring 20's, had a few things to say on this matter.......
Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery.
There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.
Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.
Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character.
Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.
No enterprise can exist for itself alone. It ministers to some great need, it performs some great service, not for itself, but for others; or failing therein, it ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist.
To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race.
Now Washington, take some notes from a man who had the fruit on the tree. Cut the spending and follow the Constitution. It's a simple recipe.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
President Calvin Coolidge, who turned the depression of the 1920's into the boon of the roaring 20's, had a few things to say on this matter.......
Collecting more taxes than is absolutely necessary is legalized robbery.
There is no dignity quite so impressive, and no one independence quite so important, as living within your means.
Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong.
Industry, thrift and self-control are not sought because they create wealth, but because they create character.
Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.
No enterprise can exist for itself alone. It ministers to some great need, it performs some great service, not for itself, but for others; or failing therein, it ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist.
To live under the American Constitution is the greatest political privilege that was ever accorded to the human race.
Now Washington, take some notes from a man who had the fruit on the tree. Cut the spending and follow the Constitution. It's a simple recipe.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, August 14, 2010
On The Offensive!
Our country is under attack. We face a threat greater than any terrorist organization, and it comes from within. It's weapons are ignorance and misinformation, and because we've become complacent, it's been effective. They tell us that we should seek social justice, and pervert the ideals of our founding fathers.
Our weapons are information and reading. We must educate ourselves to the truth. The other day it was suggested I offer a reading list on my web site. Here's the first two books, the "Holy Bible", and "A Patriot's History of the United States"-Schweikart and Allen. They are both large and intimidating books for someone whose not a reader. Enjoy them slowly, absorb one tidbit at a time, and you'll get through them. I'll betcha you'll begin to become enthralled and enjoy them. Just remember, the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Our weapons are information and reading. We must educate ourselves to the truth. The other day it was suggested I offer a reading list on my web site. Here's the first two books, the "Holy Bible", and "A Patriot's History of the United States"-Schweikart and Allen. They are both large and intimidating books for someone whose not a reader. Enjoy them slowly, absorb one tidbit at a time, and you'll get through them. I'll betcha you'll begin to become enthralled and enjoy them. Just remember, the way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, August 13, 2010
Teach Your Children Well......
Yesterday's post drew some great comments about how the government took God out of school. While I agree that influence is vital, and a God fearing atmosphere can do nothing but improve the learning experience, we shouldn't rely upon just the government. That responsibility begins at home. It's not only critical we expose our children to our religious belief, it's mandatory we set the example.
Let's face it, we screwed up when we allowed the government to educate our children. The school system produces a product that is taught to work for someone. Their idea of success is outdated, it's still based in industrial age thinking. Get good grades, get a job, and work 45 years for retirement with a good company. While prior to 1990 that was the norm, it's not how things work now. There are no benefits to retire to, unless your in government service. Yet it's still the curriculum in school.
Has anyone seen a course study to teach how to become wealthy? Even business courses are based upon management principles. your taught to be an employee. Have you ever thought about why that is? The simple answer is, you cannot teach what you don't know. Have you met any wealthy teachers? A great note to this point is, Bill Gates and Michael Dell both dropped out of school to become successful, wealthy entrepreneurs.
Government is suppose to be good at raising armies, printing money, and defending the borders. How successful has that been? Since they can't handle their basic job description, why would we trust them to educate our most valuable assets? We bear the responsibility as parents to instill the Golden Rule in our offspring. Passing that responsibility off to the government isn't a wise course of action. After all aren't they products of the government education system themselves?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Let's face it, we screwed up when we allowed the government to educate our children. The school system produces a product that is taught to work for someone. Their idea of success is outdated, it's still based in industrial age thinking. Get good grades, get a job, and work 45 years for retirement with a good company. While prior to 1990 that was the norm, it's not how things work now. There are no benefits to retire to, unless your in government service. Yet it's still the curriculum in school.
Has anyone seen a course study to teach how to become wealthy? Even business courses are based upon management principles. your taught to be an employee. Have you ever thought about why that is? The simple answer is, you cannot teach what you don't know. Have you met any wealthy teachers? A great note to this point is, Bill Gates and Michael Dell both dropped out of school to become successful, wealthy entrepreneurs.
Government is suppose to be good at raising armies, printing money, and defending the borders. How successful has that been? Since they can't handle their basic job description, why would we trust them to educate our most valuable assets? We bear the responsibility as parents to instill the Golden Rule in our offspring. Passing that responsibility off to the government isn't a wise course of action. After all aren't they products of the government education system themselves?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Wisdom With Teeth!
I start every morning with a reading from the Bible, today's was exceptionally pertinent, so I thought I'd share....
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:" Psalms 111:10
The founding fathers apparently agreed as well, they based the whole premise of our government on a Judeo-Christian philosophy. The longest standing form of government is based upon the fear of the Lord. Sounds like a success principle to me!
How much better a place would this world be if we all lived this philosophy? As imperfect as we are, if we walked with the respect of the golden rule, ( the Ten Commandments), wouldn't this have a positive effect on our environment? After all, isn't the perversion of that written law the basis of every problem?
The absence of morality impedes our character and integrity. With those principles compromised, the limits of our behavior are boundless. When you remove the guidelines you can rationalize just about anything. Once you have an excuse for your behavior, it's been justified in your mind, and your conscience allows it, void of consideration of others. Selfish acts have just been quantified as acceptable behavior.
Enjoy a healthy respect for the principles outlined by faith, and the last paragraph is erased. You don't need a Harvard education to understand this as common sense. In fact a Harvard education has produced many who'll argue this premise.
Live in love, respect the Ten Commandments, and that person who greets you in the mirror each morning, will have no issue looking you square in the eye with a sense of approval......
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom:" Psalms 111:10
The founding fathers apparently agreed as well, they based the whole premise of our government on a Judeo-Christian philosophy. The longest standing form of government is based upon the fear of the Lord. Sounds like a success principle to me!
How much better a place would this world be if we all lived this philosophy? As imperfect as we are, if we walked with the respect of the golden rule, ( the Ten Commandments), wouldn't this have a positive effect on our environment? After all, isn't the perversion of that written law the basis of every problem?
The absence of morality impedes our character and integrity. With those principles compromised, the limits of our behavior are boundless. When you remove the guidelines you can rationalize just about anything. Once you have an excuse for your behavior, it's been justified in your mind, and your conscience allows it, void of consideration of others. Selfish acts have just been quantified as acceptable behavior.
Enjoy a healthy respect for the principles outlined by faith, and the last paragraph is erased. You don't need a Harvard education to understand this as common sense. In fact a Harvard education has produced many who'll argue this premise.
Live in love, respect the Ten Commandments, and that person who greets you in the mirror each morning, will have no issue looking you square in the eye with a sense of approval......
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Problem or Opportunity?
Everyone has problems in their lives, but how do you choose to view those issues? Are they truly a challenge, or an opportunity? If you choose, that's right I said choose, to look at a problem as an opportunity to improve our life, then it takes on a whole new meaning.
First your reaction to the situation is your choice. If we take a negative pose, the chances of a positive outcome are slim. Problems only become problems when you give up your opportunity to take a positive outlook. You have the power to make that decision. Remember every problem addressed and solved, makes you life that much better, an opportunity to improve.
Make a list of all those things, big and small, that put a burr in your britches. I think you'll find some of them can be quickly put to bed with very little effort. As you collect victories under your belt, the confidence grows to confront bigger issues. Each one dealt with and resolved makes your world a more positive environment. Shortly, before you know it, your ready to take on world hunger, and all because you made a list and walked in a positive direction.
Remember a problem is nothing more than an opportunity to improve your life!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
First your reaction to the situation is your choice. If we take a negative pose, the chances of a positive outcome are slim. Problems only become problems when you give up your opportunity to take a positive outlook. You have the power to make that decision. Remember every problem addressed and solved, makes you life that much better, an opportunity to improve.
Make a list of all those things, big and small, that put a burr in your britches. I think you'll find some of them can be quickly put to bed with very little effort. As you collect victories under your belt, the confidence grows to confront bigger issues. Each one dealt with and resolved makes your world a more positive environment. Shortly, before you know it, your ready to take on world hunger, and all because you made a list and walked in a positive direction.
Remember a problem is nothing more than an opportunity to improve your life!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Keep It Between The Ditches!
Well, I've heard this analogy for the last time, it's time to address it. Our president seems to liken his recovery attempt to a car stuck in a ditch. If I'm not mistaken his words go something like this, "You're not going to hand the keys back to those who drove this car into the ditch, now that we've just gotten it out."
That's cute!
First of all the car's still in the dang ditch! We're not going to give the keys to anyone to drunk to realize that. The intoxication of power has shaded the view of the White House. They are so far removed from reality, they're starting to believe their own spin.
Secondly, while the republican's had their hands on the wheel, the democrat's had their foot on the accelerator. May I remind the president, the democrats controlled the Congress for half of those eight years. Nothing gets passed in Washington without cooperation of all three branches. It's also important to note Mr. President, that you, yourself, were part of that guilt ridden Congress. I think it's time for a breathalyzer, maybe too much time was spent at the beer summit?
Then we move on to the campaign hype. To paraphrase, "to move forward you put the car in D not in R." The president's reference to vote for the democrat's not the republican's. The "D" on this shifter seems to stand for debt. Your driving us further an further into the mire. Any good tow truck driver, with real world experience knows, to extract a vehicle from a ditch you bring it out the way it went in. So in this case the "R" the president speaks of, should represent repeal, replace, and restore.
Here's the scoop, they are all to drunk with power to drive our economic engine. It's time to replace the incumbents, they can't pass the field sobriety test. The political designation of "D" or "R" is meaningless, they all have to go. It's time to put people in office that respect and understand the powers granted by the Constitution. Officials who spend our money with an air of fiscal responsibility, and the principle of frugality. Not like a drunk in a bar that just got paid. And finally some representatives that listen to the people who pay them, and put them in office. We're tired of the arrogant indifference from public servants.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
That's cute!
First of all the car's still in the dang ditch! We're not going to give the keys to anyone to drunk to realize that. The intoxication of power has shaded the view of the White House. They are so far removed from reality, they're starting to believe their own spin.
Secondly, while the republican's had their hands on the wheel, the democrat's had their foot on the accelerator. May I remind the president, the democrats controlled the Congress for half of those eight years. Nothing gets passed in Washington without cooperation of all three branches. It's also important to note Mr. President, that you, yourself, were part of that guilt ridden Congress. I think it's time for a breathalyzer, maybe too much time was spent at the beer summit?
Then we move on to the campaign hype. To paraphrase, "to move forward you put the car in D not in R." The president's reference to vote for the democrat's not the republican's. The "D" on this shifter seems to stand for debt. Your driving us further an further into the mire. Any good tow truck driver, with real world experience knows, to extract a vehicle from a ditch you bring it out the way it went in. So in this case the "R" the president speaks of, should represent repeal, replace, and restore.
Here's the scoop, they are all to drunk with power to drive our economic engine. It's time to replace the incumbents, they can't pass the field sobriety test. The political designation of "D" or "R" is meaningless, they all have to go. It's time to put people in office that respect and understand the powers granted by the Constitution. Officials who spend our money with an air of fiscal responsibility, and the principle of frugality. Not like a drunk in a bar that just got paid. And finally some representatives that listen to the people who pay them, and put them in office. We're tired of the arrogant indifference from public servants.
God Bless
Capt. Bill
Monday, August 9, 2010
Darwin's Other Theory!
Charles Darwin is noted for his Theory of Evolution, to which I'm not a big fan, but he also has another theory, Survival of the Fittest. Some might interpret this as, "only the strong survive," but in today's society I feel it's more, " only the prepared survive." What would you do if tomorrow you woke up and your money was worthless, the electricity was off, and conveniences you rely upon daily ceased to exist?
Survival in this scenario is true independence. There was a time when we had to look ahead, not rely upon immediate gratification. No all so long ago, no stores were open on Sunday. The population had to think more than one day ahead for it's needs. It's a great test of how independent you are, by looking at how many times you run to the store on a Sunday.
Can you provide for yourself? Do you know how to hunt and fish? Skin and cook your catch? Can you plant a garden, then preserve the fruits of your labor for months of no harvest? Can you chop wood, and know how to make a fire? How about shelter and water, can you provide these life sustaining needs? Do you have the skills necessary to survive a disaster, or has society created a generation dependent upon Wal-Mart?
Should the unthinkable happen, how many would turn to the government for aid? Is the Harvard educated president capable of leading without resources? Suppose there was no phone service, or electricity to run the two way communication, no fuel for the cars, trucks, and air planes? How would Washington serve you then? Do they have the resourcefulness of our founding fathers like George Washington, who would thrive under those circumstances? I don't think the metro-sexual we have in the White House is up to the task.
A great deal of this country's citizens have become accustom to handing over their freedom to the government in a time of need. Are you really comfortable with that, or would you be a victim? Survival of the fittest means your prepared and independent. Independence is freedom. Can you rely on yourself to survive?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Survival in this scenario is true independence. There was a time when we had to look ahead, not rely upon immediate gratification. No all so long ago, no stores were open on Sunday. The population had to think more than one day ahead for it's needs. It's a great test of how independent you are, by looking at how many times you run to the store on a Sunday.
Can you provide for yourself? Do you know how to hunt and fish? Skin and cook your catch? Can you plant a garden, then preserve the fruits of your labor for months of no harvest? Can you chop wood, and know how to make a fire? How about shelter and water, can you provide these life sustaining needs? Do you have the skills necessary to survive a disaster, or has society created a generation dependent upon Wal-Mart?
Should the unthinkable happen, how many would turn to the government for aid? Is the Harvard educated president capable of leading without resources? Suppose there was no phone service, or electricity to run the two way communication, no fuel for the cars, trucks, and air planes? How would Washington serve you then? Do they have the resourcefulness of our founding fathers like George Washington, who would thrive under those circumstances? I don't think the metro-sexual we have in the White House is up to the task.
A great deal of this country's citizens have become accustom to handing over their freedom to the government in a time of need. Are you really comfortable with that, or would you be a victim? Survival of the fittest means your prepared and independent. Independence is freedom. Can you rely on yourself to survive?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Quips of Wisdom!
Sunday words of wisdom...
Engage those who have problems. Understand their situation. Mostly, just listen!
Everyone dies, yet not everyone lives. Live well and provide a great example.
Don't look back, it just squanders your energy, disrupts your focus, and sows seeds of doubt and recrimination that are destructive to yourself and those around you.
Every man seems to feel he has got the duties of two lifetimes to accomplish in one, so he rushes, rushes, rushes, and never has time to be companionable-never has any time at his disposal to fool away on matters which do not involve dollars, duty, and business.-Mark Twain
Begin with the facts, the decisions will make themselves.
May your last word be love. We never know when our last word will come.
At the exact moment children stop listening to their parents, they finally hear what they've been saying all along.
While your busy creating your life, life is creating you.
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves. Do not seek the answers now, because you have to live the questions to find the answers. Live everything!
Anyone can dream an impossible dream, yet only a few find a dream that's possible, and those are the one's that are happy.
If it can be resolved with time or money, it's not a problem.
As long as your talking, your still negotiating.
Nobody wants to be bored with your troubles. They are bored enough with your success!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Engage those who have problems. Understand their situation. Mostly, just listen!
Everyone dies, yet not everyone lives. Live well and provide a great example.
Don't look back, it just squanders your energy, disrupts your focus, and sows seeds of doubt and recrimination that are destructive to yourself and those around you.
Every man seems to feel he has got the duties of two lifetimes to accomplish in one, so he rushes, rushes, rushes, and never has time to be companionable-never has any time at his disposal to fool away on matters which do not involve dollars, duty, and business.-Mark Twain
Begin with the facts, the decisions will make themselves.
May your last word be love. We never know when our last word will come.
At the exact moment children stop listening to their parents, they finally hear what they've been saying all along.
While your busy creating your life, life is creating you.
Have patience with everything unresolved in your heart. Try to love the questions themselves. Do not seek the answers now, because you have to live the questions to find the answers. Live everything!
Anyone can dream an impossible dream, yet only a few find a dream that's possible, and those are the one's that are happy.
If it can be resolved with time or money, it's not a problem.
As long as your talking, your still negotiating.
Nobody wants to be bored with your troubles. They are bored enough with your success!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Love Thy Neighbor!
Story time!
There is this undocumented couple, who have traveled to the United States, from Mexico, for a better life. She works at Mc Donald's as custodial help, and he works at a lawn service. They send their daughter to a public school, where she is three years behind her age group because of the language barrier.
They lived in a modest apartment complex, and met a fellow who lived next door who also migrated to Florida from Ohio, we'll call him Dennis,(because that's his name). He befriended them and assisted them overcoming their limited English speaking ability. Time came for them to move to a new residence, so they upgraded and rented a three bedroom house. Dennis, as any good neighbor and friend would, assisted them moving from the old apartment, to the new house. Your wondering when this begins to get interesting, huh?
Dennis is unemployed, he's exhausted all of his benefits and has no hope of finding employment, mainly because he's not looking. When his last check ran out, he called on the newly formed friendship and invited himself to their extra bedroom, just till he got back on his feet. Well, six months have gone by and the uninvited guest is still, "getting back on his feet." Dennis is running up their electric bill, water bill, and helping himself to their food, as he has nothing to do all day but watch their cable TV.
Interestingly enough, the "undocumented" couple have decided to break their lease, quit their jobs, and move back to Mexico. My guess is it's the only way they can extract themselves from Dennis. I can't help but notice, this will open up two new positions in the work force, and one school desk, vacated by a special needs student. Does anyone care to wager Dennis will still be in need of a job, despite the opportunity?
All this time America has been looking to the government to solve the illegal immigration problem. I've always said, everything is best handled by the private sector. We don't need ICE to enforce our borders. We just need to assign one of these home grown freeloaders to each violator. The threat of that, will secure our borders. As an interesting footnote....Dennis is a registered democrat, who is passionate about an open border policy. You just can't make this stuff up.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
There is this undocumented couple, who have traveled to the United States, from Mexico, for a better life. She works at Mc Donald's as custodial help, and he works at a lawn service. They send their daughter to a public school, where she is three years behind her age group because of the language barrier.
They lived in a modest apartment complex, and met a fellow who lived next door who also migrated to Florida from Ohio, we'll call him Dennis,(because that's his name). He befriended them and assisted them overcoming their limited English speaking ability. Time came for them to move to a new residence, so they upgraded and rented a three bedroom house. Dennis, as any good neighbor and friend would, assisted them moving from the old apartment, to the new house. Your wondering when this begins to get interesting, huh?
Dennis is unemployed, he's exhausted all of his benefits and has no hope of finding employment, mainly because he's not looking. When his last check ran out, he called on the newly formed friendship and invited himself to their extra bedroom, just till he got back on his feet. Well, six months have gone by and the uninvited guest is still, "getting back on his feet." Dennis is running up their electric bill, water bill, and helping himself to their food, as he has nothing to do all day but watch their cable TV.
Interestingly enough, the "undocumented" couple have decided to break their lease, quit their jobs, and move back to Mexico. My guess is it's the only way they can extract themselves from Dennis. I can't help but notice, this will open up two new positions in the work force, and one school desk, vacated by a special needs student. Does anyone care to wager Dennis will still be in need of a job, despite the opportunity?
All this time America has been looking to the government to solve the illegal immigration problem. I've always said, everything is best handled by the private sector. We don't need ICE to enforce our borders. We just need to assign one of these home grown freeloaders to each violator. The threat of that, will secure our borders. As an interesting footnote....Dennis is a registered democrat, who is passionate about an open border policy. You just can't make this stuff up.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Friday, August 6, 2010
Judicial Interference!
I have a little problem with the California judge who oveturned the vote defining marriage as between a man and a woman. I'm not upset about the process, but I am upset about is him being of a sexual orientation. When judges have conflicts of interest, they should excuse themselves from the decision. Here's the problem...
Every human on the planet has a prefered form of sexual orientation, so they have a conflict, and are not capable of an unbias decision. Even someone who's decided to remain celibate, has a preference, so how do we come to a fair decision?
Perhaps we should look back to the roots of marriage. Marriage is a religious sacrament, that has been hijacked by the government. Yhey've licensed it and collected a fee so you may participate in something your faith originally offered as a religious ceremony. Since it was originally offered as a rite of religion, wouldn't it be wise to see what then entity that has no sexual preference has to say on the matter?
God's word, the Bible, defines marriage for us. It's a union between one man and one woman. The Lord has no sexual bias in this decision. His purpose of defining marriage in this manner is so we could reproduce and preserve our race.
Does this trample anyone's rights? Not at all, we are all equally able to marry someone of the opposite sex. There is no discrimination. No matter what your sexual preference, your able to wed.
Now should you wish a unholy union outside of those parameters, that's your decision. It's up to your maker to decide your judgement, not us. You're free in this country to make that decision, you're not free to define it as a marriage. Simply rename it. The term "civil union" comes to mind. Attempting to change the definition of a rite is similar to calling a car a bicycle. While they're both modes of transportaion, one is hardly the other.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Every human on the planet has a prefered form of sexual orientation, so they have a conflict, and are not capable of an unbias decision. Even someone who's decided to remain celibate, has a preference, so how do we come to a fair decision?
Perhaps we should look back to the roots of marriage. Marriage is a religious sacrament, that has been hijacked by the government. Yhey've licensed it and collected a fee so you may participate in something your faith originally offered as a religious ceremony. Since it was originally offered as a rite of religion, wouldn't it be wise to see what then entity that has no sexual preference has to say on the matter?
God's word, the Bible, defines marriage for us. It's a union between one man and one woman. The Lord has no sexual bias in this decision. His purpose of defining marriage in this manner is so we could reproduce and preserve our race.
Does this trample anyone's rights? Not at all, we are all equally able to marry someone of the opposite sex. There is no discrimination. No matter what your sexual preference, your able to wed.
Now should you wish a unholy union outside of those parameters, that's your decision. It's up to your maker to decide your judgement, not us. You're free in this country to make that decision, you're not free to define it as a marriage. Simply rename it. The term "civil union" comes to mind. Attempting to change the definition of a rite is similar to calling a car a bicycle. While they're both modes of transportaion, one is hardly the other.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Flags of Victory!
After the American forces defeated the Japanese at Iwo Jima, they immortalized the victory by raising a flag. It was a symbol of conquering the enemy after a hard fought battle. It served as inspiration for our country to continue the battle and win the good fight.
"Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" is a historic photograph taken on February 23, 1945, by Joe Rosenthal. It depicts five United States Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman raising the flag of the United States atop Mount Suribachi.[6] The photograph was extremely popular, being reprinted in thousands of publications. Later, it became the only photograph to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in the same year as its publication, and ultimately came to be regarded as one of the most significant and recognizable images of the war, and possibly the most reproduced photograph of all time.[6]
As we walked the first man on the moon, one of his initial priorities was to plant an American flag at Tranquillity base. It symbolized the victory of accomplishment of man over space. We met the challenge and were up to the task. We immortalized that moment by erecting that flag and claiming that struggle as ours.
After the horror of 9/11 the Muslim world is attempting to raise a mosque as a symbol of victory. From the ashes of the defeat of capitalism, arises a 15 story monument to the cause. A recruitment tool for the extremist to use symbolizing their ability to wound "The Great Satan."
They know our laws hold us helpless to stop them. If we did we'd be hypocrites to our charter. While this administration tries to make gestures of peace, by closing GITMO, they are laughing at our naivety and building a bigger symbol of victory, inspiring yet more recruitment. As our billionaires collect monies for worldwide charities, theirs fund radical extremists, and monuments to their victory. This is not by accident, it's by design.
I pray we are using every covert method possible to expose where this funding is coming from, so we can bring this to world attention. The building of this Mosque isn't a cultural event, it's symbolism for recruitment. This is their flag of victory!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
"Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" is a historic photograph taken on February 23, 1945, by Joe Rosenthal. It depicts five United States Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman raising the flag of the United States atop Mount Suribachi.[6] The photograph was extremely popular, being reprinted in thousands of publications. Later, it became the only photograph to win the Pulitzer Prize for Photography in the same year as its publication, and ultimately came to be regarded as one of the most significant and recognizable images of the war, and possibly the most reproduced photograph of all time.[6]
As we walked the first man on the moon, one of his initial priorities was to plant an American flag at Tranquillity base. It symbolized the victory of accomplishment of man over space. We met the challenge and were up to the task. We immortalized that moment by erecting that flag and claiming that struggle as ours.
After the horror of 9/11 the Muslim world is attempting to raise a mosque as a symbol of victory. From the ashes of the defeat of capitalism, arises a 15 story monument to the cause. A recruitment tool for the extremist to use symbolizing their ability to wound "The Great Satan."
They know our laws hold us helpless to stop them. If we did we'd be hypocrites to our charter. While this administration tries to make gestures of peace, by closing GITMO, they are laughing at our naivety and building a bigger symbol of victory, inspiring yet more recruitment. As our billionaires collect monies for worldwide charities, theirs fund radical extremists, and monuments to their victory. This is not by accident, it's by design.
I pray we are using every covert method possible to expose where this funding is coming from, so we can bring this to world attention. The building of this Mosque isn't a cultural event, it's symbolism for recruitment. This is their flag of victory!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Overkill?
In the interest of the redistribution of wealth, the left proposed and passed the Community Reinvestment Act. It was designed for low income buyers to have an opportunity to purchase a home, by making available lower requirement mortgages.
The passage of this bill, and it's modifications, put pressure on lenders to finance less than qualified applicants, and was likely the single biggest factor in the present economic downfall. Don't get me wrong, it had nothing but the best of intentions, but there is always a tipping point. You have to know when enough is enough! Ultimately we achieved too much of a good thing, and now the results are in.....
On top of decimating the economy, home ownership is now lower than it was back in 1960. I think that speaks for itself. Now we'll spend the rest of the day listening to the real important news, the non-stop reporting of the break-up of Levi Johnson and Bristol Palin. Thank goodness the media is on top of the important issues!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
The passage of this bill, and it's modifications, put pressure on lenders to finance less than qualified applicants, and was likely the single biggest factor in the present economic downfall. Don't get me wrong, it had nothing but the best of intentions, but there is always a tipping point. You have to know when enough is enough! Ultimately we achieved too much of a good thing, and now the results are in.....
On top of decimating the economy, home ownership is now lower than it was back in 1960. I think that speaks for itself. Now we'll spend the rest of the day listening to the real important news, the non-stop reporting of the break-up of Levi Johnson and Bristol Palin. Thank goodness the media is on top of the important issues!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Leadership Contrast!
Today I want to contrast leadership styles and see if there isn't a flaw in the thought process between styles. Let's compare....
Arguably, the greatest leader to walk the face of this planet had to be Jesus. He lived his life above reproach, and led by example. He suffered and died on the cross for our sins, resurrected, and took his place at the right side of the Father. It's important to note here, he didn't ask anyone else to take his place. It would have been easy to have Peter or Paul step in and take the punishment, but a leader doesn't do ask anything of a follower he wouldn't do himself. (Key point).
In contrast Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Taliban religious zealots ask followers to strap explosives to themselves, and maim and kill other people, so they can achieve a place in heaven. This incredible sacrifice grants them a gift of at least 20 virgins. Key note here, the "leadership" never offers to make that sacrifice. They seek self preservation, not the salvation of their people. One hundred and eighty degree the opposite of the example noted above.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. walked this earth for a cause. He preached non violent resistance and love, and led the marches that would eventually end him up in jail. His belief led to his demise, but the cause was always bigger than the person to him. Once again he never asked anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself.
Again in contrast we have the "leadership" of SEIU and other groups who are bussing in their followers to radically protest various causes they don't agree with. Inevitably the protesters are arrested and booked, yet none of the upper level management, the people who organized these marches, are among those incarcerated. Now who's welfare are they ultimately looking out for?
Above there are two exemplary examples of true leadership, and two that don't pass the smell test. Measure the leader by their example and selflessness, it'll expose the posers. Ask a blind follower if their leader is making the same devoted sacrifice to the cause at hand. A sheep is led, a follower is influenced in a positive manner.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Arguably, the greatest leader to walk the face of this planet had to be Jesus. He lived his life above reproach, and led by example. He suffered and died on the cross for our sins, resurrected, and took his place at the right side of the Father. It's important to note here, he didn't ask anyone else to take his place. It would have been easy to have Peter or Paul step in and take the punishment, but a leader doesn't do ask anything of a follower he wouldn't do himself. (Key point).
In contrast Al-Qaeda, Hamas, and Taliban religious zealots ask followers to strap explosives to themselves, and maim and kill other people, so they can achieve a place in heaven. This incredible sacrifice grants them a gift of at least 20 virgins. Key note here, the "leadership" never offers to make that sacrifice. They seek self preservation, not the salvation of their people. One hundred and eighty degree the opposite of the example noted above.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. walked this earth for a cause. He preached non violent resistance and love, and led the marches that would eventually end him up in jail. His belief led to his demise, but the cause was always bigger than the person to him. Once again he never asked anyone to do something he wouldn't do himself.
Again in contrast we have the "leadership" of SEIU and other groups who are bussing in their followers to radically protest various causes they don't agree with. Inevitably the protesters are arrested and booked, yet none of the upper level management, the people who organized these marches, are among those incarcerated. Now who's welfare are they ultimately looking out for?
Above there are two exemplary examples of true leadership, and two that don't pass the smell test. Measure the leader by their example and selflessness, it'll expose the posers. Ask a blind follower if their leader is making the same devoted sacrifice to the cause at hand. A sheep is led, a follower is influenced in a positive manner.
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Monday, August 2, 2010
Live Mindfully!
Have you ever noticed spiritual souls like Mother Theresa, or the Dalai Lama don't have an actual source of income, yet they're able to continue their life's work uninhibited? Support appears from out of no where and their needs are supplied for. Which leads me into my story...
In the toxic environment of downtown New York city, through a crack in a well traveled sidewalk, a spring flower managed to push itself through. It achieved an inch of growth despite the smog, heavy foot traffic, and concrete boundaries and produced a bud. It was just about to come to full bloom, when a pedestrian crushed it and stomped out it's existence. Amid all the indifference and distraction, a thing of beauty almost achieved success.
Lesson? Some environments are more nurturing than others. What environment do you choose to inhabit? Does your present surroundings allow you to come to a beautiful bloom, or are you just managing to survive, and avoid destruction on a day to day basis?
Unlike the flower, we get to choose where we grow our roots. Are you surrounded by a great support system, so you can achieve your full potential? Our associations dictate our level of success, or to quote an old quip, "birds of a feather, flock together." Are you being fed fertilizer to keep you where your at, or to help you grow and produce fruit?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
In the toxic environment of downtown New York city, through a crack in a well traveled sidewalk, a spring flower managed to push itself through. It achieved an inch of growth despite the smog, heavy foot traffic, and concrete boundaries and produced a bud. It was just about to come to full bloom, when a pedestrian crushed it and stomped out it's existence. Amid all the indifference and distraction, a thing of beauty almost achieved success.
Lesson? Some environments are more nurturing than others. What environment do you choose to inhabit? Does your present surroundings allow you to come to a beautiful bloom, or are you just managing to survive, and avoid destruction on a day to day basis?
Unlike the flower, we get to choose where we grow our roots. Are you surrounded by a great support system, so you can achieve your full potential? Our associations dictate our level of success, or to quote an old quip, "birds of a feather, flock together." Are you being fed fertilizer to keep you where your at, or to help you grow and produce fruit?
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Teach A Man To Fish..........
I ran across this great story that I'm sure a great deal of people don't know. It revolves around a farmer from Indiana named Dan West. It's the kind of story that gives us real answers to the problems of the world, not the useless flow of money we are accustom to throwing at hunger and poverty. Let's take a look at how American exceptionalism and compassion addresses this issue.
In the 1930's Dan worked as a relief worker in the Spanish Civil War. His job was to distribute powdered milk so people wouldn't go hungry. There was never enough, and he had to make daily decisions who would go hungry. Every day he saw the same starving children, and it pulled on his heart. He couldn't help but think of his own health daughters, on his farm, back in Indiana. Then came the solution....
Give them a cow, not a cup!
He started by sending 17 cows to malnourished children in Puerto Rico. After World War 2 he sent more cows to Europe and Japan, then to poverty stricken Africa and South America.
His generosity came with a catch... When each animal gave birth, the newborn calf had to go to another family. The gift had to continue.
One man, one idea, seventeen cows! Today Heifer International feeds over 8.5 million people in 125 countries. And it's all because one man saw a need and applied some ingenuity. Once again proving, problems are best solved by the private sector, not government intervention.
We can make a difference!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
In the 1930's Dan worked as a relief worker in the Spanish Civil War. His job was to distribute powdered milk so people wouldn't go hungry. There was never enough, and he had to make daily decisions who would go hungry. Every day he saw the same starving children, and it pulled on his heart. He couldn't help but think of his own health daughters, on his farm, back in Indiana. Then came the solution....
Give them a cow, not a cup!
He started by sending 17 cows to malnourished children in Puerto Rico. After World War 2 he sent more cows to Europe and Japan, then to poverty stricken Africa and South America.
His generosity came with a catch... When each animal gave birth, the newborn calf had to go to another family. The gift had to continue.
One man, one idea, seventeen cows! Today Heifer International feeds over 8.5 million people in 125 countries. And it's all because one man saw a need and applied some ingenuity. Once again proving, problems are best solved by the private sector, not government intervention.
We can make a difference!
God Bless!
Capt. Bill
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