More On Health Care

Well, I don't have much to write today, just a few more thoughts on the health care bill that is under consideration right now.
(Note: Many of these aren't original, they are being widely discussed and debated. I just wanted to compile the ones I thought were most note worthy, or that I have put the most thought into)

Many people are saying that we need healthcare reform. Some of them think that this is the way to do it, others don't. But something has been brought to my attention, and I can't get it out of my head. What authority does the Government have to reform our healthcare system? Can you find it any where in the constitution? (Granted, liberals aren't so big on the constitution these days, but still...) Yeah, it might be messed up in some ways. But if we, the American people, don't like it, we need to find ways to fix it ourselves! Big brother government can't be called on every time we realize we aren't living in utopia! For one thing, the more power we give them, the more they will take. Government will regulate 3 things for every 1 we think is necessary. Even now their is debate over all sorts of things democrats think government should take care of, that they have no right get involved in! (Many of them in regard to seperation of church and state, by the way, which isn't in the constitution) If we let them regulate health care, they will go one step further and regulate something else. and something else. and something else. Congress, (Or the President) have no right to meddle in the privately run healthcare system. I love chocolate. I can't always pay for it. Should government come and ration out chocolate to everyone and put Hershey out of business? For the record, I definitely understand that health care is more important and more necessary than chocolate. I am just trying to make you understand that we live in a capitalist system, and that has to be preserved! I know many people scoff at the "right wing radicals" who are worried about President Obama turning us into a socialist nation. If you are one of them: Do you know what socialism is? Many people are advocates of communism, even though they would be deeply offended if you told them so. Any one who wants government to be in control of everything, (or most things, such as redistribution of wealth, or "Spreading the wealth around", the economy, automotive companies, and healthcare!) are in favor of a a socialist/communistic society. (Or at least one that leans that way heavily) I understand that there are problems in a capitalistic society. Newsflash, there are problems in ANY society thanks to mans sin nature! But a capitalistic system has consistently proven to be more efficient. So am I that unreasonable for thinking we should stick with it?

The Public Option, Which Isn't Really an Option.

Hello everyone! I know I haven't posted on here in a while, but right now there is just too much going on for me to stay quiet!!!

Our President has introduced a new idea that will undoubtedly revolutionize our nation!
Universal Health care!!! Now no one in America will ever have to be sick now, amd everyone will get the health care that they need and are desperately clamoring for!

There are a few issues with that last statement, and of course, since its based on the idea's of liberals, its riddled with half truths and lies. First of all, universal health care is NOT a new idea. It has been tried in Canada, England, and other countries all around the world. And guess what? Every single time it has FAILED!!! All of these "compassionate" countries have taken on a universal health care program, a so called "public option", and the results have been catastrophic. There are waiting lists months, and even years long to see a doctor just for the initial appointment to diagnose your problem! Not to mention how long you have to wait for the surgery or treatment you need to save your life, IF the bureaucrats decide that its "cost effective!" I'm sure all of you have heard the countless stories of the Canadian (for example) who was diagnosed with cancer and needed life saving surgery. If they had the procedure done there was a great chance that they would live, but because of the waiting lists they couldn't get in to the operating room until after there life expectancy period was up! So they came to America, had the surgery immediately, and are now living full lives with their friends and families! http://directorblue.blogspot.com/2009/04/true-stories-of-canadian-health-care.html


But President Obama refuses to learn from the mistakes of other countries. He seems to think that we can bring the same programs here, and implement them in the same ways, and somehow the results are going to come out magically different!!! Why do liberals always seem to think that if they do something, no matter how many times it has already been done, they can do the same thing and it will work? They say that those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Is our entire nation going to be forced to suffer because of the stubborn blindness of our President and Representatives? I think the thing that frustrates me the most about this whole issue is that the American people have clearly spoken out on this issue!!! In town hall meetings across the United States, the American people have expressed their outrage over President Obama's plan to give us a "public option" which will clog up our health care until we are just like Canada or England or any other country that has implemented socialized medicine. (yes, socialized medicine.) But does President Obama care? Does Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi care? No! In fact, Ms. Pelosi has amounted town hall protesters to Nazis! Nazis!!!

Have you seen any protesters carrying swastika's to a town hall meeting on health care? Ever? Because I certainly haven't!!! But then again, considering I am not an elected official, I am probably not intelligent to know a swastika when I see it. What does it look like again? Anyway, what do we know? We are only the citizens of this country, the ones who put these people in office! (Well, thats how it used to work anyway! We'll see if it continues that way...) I am sick and tired of our democratic representatives not giving a rats rear what we think. The clear majority of people have listened to their plan for a "public option", and we have said "Thanks, but no thanks. " I think its time they listen. Yes, Universal Health Care sounds like a great plan that will help people live better lives. But you know what? So did communism at first...

True or False: Global Warming is a Fraud.

I don't have much to write about today, surprisingly, nothing specific is really getting on my nerves in the political world. All thats really bugging me today is the heat! Its probably "global warming"... And I have officially just thought of something that annoys me! Global warming. The elusive problem that has been plaguing our nation this whole decade. We can't seem to track it, and there isn't much in the way of science to prove its going on, but we know its out there, and we have to stop it! Its funny the problems America has. You would think we have enough on our hands with the real issue's, such as immigration, the economy, and a plethora of other national problems that are actually affecting our people. (I used Plethora in a sentence!) But no, we have to come up with nonexistent problems to keep our politicians, and taxes, busy. You want to hear something really interesting? In the 70's the politicians and scientists were worried about a similar issue. Global Cooling! They were worried because they notices slight downward trends in temperature, and thought the earth would continue to cool until it froze. (Wiki is amazing) Have the scientists considered that maybe the earth will always have slight downward and upward trends in temperature, as part of the sustaining process? Of course they have. And believe it enough, some are actually both brave and honest enough to admit it. Some people are actually speaking out against it, such as ABC news reporter John Stossel. There is one curse word in this video, I apologize for that. But he brings up some important points!



I encourage you to visit the page on The Center for Public Integrity that covers global warming, http://www.publicintegrity.org/blog/entry/458/?gclid=CKnskJTorZoCFQLixgodPCp_cQ , and do some reading for yourself. The government is, once again, trying to tell us how we should live our lives. Everyone should go out and buy smart cars, low voltage light bulbs, and "green" grocery bags, and the world will be a much better place. But why should people spend more money and effort to live a "green" lifestyle if it really isn't going to help our planet anyway? I am so disgusted by all the "green" talk, words cannot even describe. ITS NOT THAT BIG OF A DEAL! The earth isn't dying, and it won't die until after the Lord comes back anyway! Look global warming up online. You will find lots of fluff and "fun facts for the kiddos", but NO real proof that it is actually going on to a degree that will affect our lives in any way! So can we all please just get over it and move on? Did you know that the year Al Gore (great, now I need to go wash my typing fingers) won a Nobel peace prize for his documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, (2007 btw) there was another lady who was nominated? Her name was Irina Sendler. She was responsible for rescuing over 2,500 Jewish children during WWII. She risked her life countless times, and suffered awful persecution from the German Nazi's. But was she awarded the prize? Of course not! It was given to Al Gore for shooting a film on something that isn't even completely scientifically proven to be a factor in... anything! Except some charts on scientists computers. Do you really think Global Warming is so important that a woman who saved thousands of childrens lives should be overlooked? I don't.

Communism in America?

You know what is bugging me today? Socialism. I am so sick of stinking communists trying to change our country! I mean, all this talk about redistribution of wealth and taking from the rich to give to the poor? yeah, thats communism! Something that used to be an object of fear and loathing in our country just a few decades ago is now openly embraced and praised! Now, I'm sure we all know this, but communism is when government regulates all the work enviroments, cash flow, income, spending, just about everything. They take everyone's money and "spread it around" so its all "fair". Does that sound familiar? Now, communism, in theory, doesn't seem so bad. I mean, whats so great about capitilism anyway, right? All the hardworking people end up rich, and the poor lazy people end up, well, poor! So why not make it fair? After all, who doesn't like things to be fair? The problem is, communism doesn't work. Its been tried over and over again. I mean, the Soviets thought they had a pretty good thing going, until it destroyed their country! China is still entrenched in communism. But their people have no freedom! I know missionary's who are currently in china under work visa's. They aren't even allowed to talk to those around them about God unless it comes up for a specific reason, and even then it is closely monitored! Is that what we want here? Okay, maybe for some liberals it is. But it isn't just religious freedom thats lacking. Citizens of communist countries aren't allowed to speak up against their government, ever! How would the liberals like that? I mean, what would they have done with themselves the last eight years if they couldn't scream their heads off about how much they hate President Bush? Now, it may seem like I have taken a total rabbit trail, I mean, what does the redistribution of wealth have to do with religious and political freedom? Well, here is the connection. communists never originally think that is where they will end up. I mean, the people who loved Stalin when he first came to power probably never thought they would end up fearing for their lives because an enemy at work could tell the KGB that they were rebels against the state and cost them their lives! But thats what happens when freedoms are taken away. It starts out as financial freedoms. I regulation here, a restriction there, nobody really notices. But as government takes more and more control over how much money we can earn, how much we can spend, where we can spend it, etc, they start taking over more and more of our lives. Before you know it, we have no freedoms left! And it all started with something really great, like wanting to help the poor. Government should have a small role in helping the underpriviliged. But that role shouldn't be taking our money and giving it to them! It should be helping them find jobs, which both provides them with income AND boosts our economy! And sometimes, in the rare occasion that someone absolutely CANNOT work, THEN is the time to have things like welfare! NOT for everyone who lost a job and is too lazy to go find another one! There are times when government should step in, but they are few and far in between. I am so sick of a big government trying to rule our lives, taking away one freedom at a time! I am so sick of the impending communism...

Music Is a Function of the Spirit

Well, I know I usually talk about more political topics, but today I want to post a speech I wrote for a competition, it isn't political, but it is about something I feel very strongly about! I hope you like it...

Music Is a Function Of The Spirit

Picture this; you are at a concert for a large symphony orchestra.You can feel the excitement in the air as the orchestra warms up. The audience gives off a low rumble of expectancy, then the orchestra plays one long tuning note, and the concert begins. The first song they play is bright and happy, and you find yourself smiling at the trilling of the flutes as you lightly tap your fingers against the seat. Next they play a slow, sad song, and you feel shivers going up your spine at the haunting melody from the violinists. The final piece of the night is loud, and triumphant. The tympani is pounding out a battle cry as the trumpets go to war! At the end of the piece the audience roars with applause, as the conductor takes his bows. As you walk out of the concert hall, you consider what you have just been through. You have felt three completely different emotions, all in the space of around an hour. You went from happy, to sad, to roused and excited, all while sitting in your seat. And what caused these emotions? Was it something that happened to you? Was it words, or lyrics that caused these mood swings? No, it was music, in and of itself. Today I submit to you that Music is a function of the spirit. God cares about our spirit, and therefore God cares about our music.

First, I would like to discuss the spirit. There are two different ways to write the word spirit. You can capitalize the S, at which point you are referring to the Holy Spirit, the person of the Trinity that indwells born again believers. But you can also write the word spirit with a little s, and then its a whole new matter. I John 4:1 says, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. So you see, there are many different kinds of spirits. According to 1Jn 4:6, We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. This verse states that there are rights spirits and wrong spirits. 1Pe 3:4 says But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. So we are to have a meek and quiet spirit. Clearly, God cares about our spirit. There are many kinds of spirits: a meek and quiet spirit, and loud and obnoxious spirit, a fearful spirit, a bold spirit, a kind spirit, an angry spirit. Our spirit is manifested in our emotions. I'm sure all of you have witnessed these spirits, and many more, at one time or another in the lives of yourselves and others. Oftentimes we know when not to talk to someone, because we can sense their angry or irritable spirit, from their words, their countenance, and their actions. This is how we try the spirits, and this applies to music, as well as everything else.

There are those who would tell you that music is completely neutral, that it can be neither good nor evil, and therefore is acceptable in all forms. They tell us that they are simply worshiping God in their own way, and we shouldn't be judgmental of them. But is simply worshiping God in our own way enough? Dr. Peter Masters, Pastor of Metropolitan Tabernacle where Spurgeon once pastored, said in his article "Throwing out the Principles" Aesthetic worship is the idea that worship may include things that are beautiful, artistic or skilfully executed, offered up as an expression of worship to God. It is based on the notion that we worship not just with spiritual thoughts from our minds and hearts, but also with the creative skill of our minds and hands. It believes that genuine praise needs a 'physical' dimension greater than mere unison singing. But John 4:24 says, God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. So it is obvious that God has a certain way in which he wants us to worship Him. Not in a physical way that is pleasing unto man, but in a spiritual way that is pleasing unto God, who should be the true object of all worship. And here again we come back to the main issue, of music being a function of the spirit. We worship God with our music, and if we are to worship Him in spirit and in truth, then surely our music must be spiritual, in one way or another. Mr Kurt Woetzel, noted author and conference speaker, in his article "Is Music Moral" Discusses the fact that, in the old testament especially, God's people often used music to praise, and God was present in Godly music. He says, quote, "Music has a powerful influence in individual lives, families, and churches. My prayer, aim, and purpose for this discussion is that the music in the life of the reader would cause him to experience the reality of the words in 2 Kings 3:15. "But bring me now a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him."

Most of you know the story in I Samuel 16 in which Saul is troubled with an evil spirit from the Lord. He called David to his chamber, and when David played his harp, the spirit was lifted from Saul! Whats even more incredible is the fact that David didn't sing. It wasn't his lyrics that comforted Saul, but the musical notes themselves. It is becoming more and more clear that music is a function of the spirit. Even though many say that they are worshiping God in their own way, like Cain, they are offering up an unacceptable sacrifice! It is not enough just to worship God, we must worship him as He has commanded, "in spirit and in truth". Those who want to "modernize" their music say that the church is no longer able to reach the lost for Christ because we are not conforming to the generation we live in. But it is not our place to conform! Rom 12:2 says And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. If we want to offer our music to God as an acceptable sacrifice, like Abel's spotless white lamb, then we MUST NOT be conformed to this world! By "Modernizing" our music to reach the lost, we are turning away from God. Outreach is vital, of course, but how can we use a tool for Gods work that God Himself does not approve of? Mark 3:24 says, And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. By using worldly music to bring others to Christ, we are attempting to divide the kingdom of God! If we are going to use music to serve God, then we must use the music He approves of. Those who do not are, like Cain, attempting to serve God on their own terms. We must not conform to the idea of aesthetic worship, but instead, as we are commanded in scripture, we must worship in spirit and in truth. Our music does affect our spirits, and we must be careful that our music conveys a spirit of truth, and not of error. There are many specifics that can be discussed about music, beats, chord progressions, and so on. But I would say that there are much easier ways to tell whether or not music is affecting you. When you are walking in the mall and rock music is blasting from the nearest store, do you find yourself nodding your head, tapping your fingers, or walking in time with the song? Or what about young children? Have you ever noticed that we don't have to teach toddlers to dance? It comes naturally to them! I recently babysat the three year old of a family friend. We went shopping, and one of the stores was playing a song with a heavy beat. The next thing we knew, he was nodding his head and swaying. While this may seem like just a cute little thing children do, it proves that music can influence us! It isn't an amoral form of entertainment, but a very moral, or immoral, way that we can worship either God or Mammon. Godly music will worship God, but there are other types of music that worship other false gods, such as drugs, or alcohol, or money. Teenagers who listen to hard rock are often depressed and moody, because their music worships things that they don't have. But Godly music leaves believers with a deep joy, because not only can we worship God with our music, we can experience His love in our lives! So how is it that Christians are trying to take music that worships idols, and tweak it to worship the one true God? It can't be both! Once again, they are attempting to divide the kingdom of God. If we want our music to please God, it must be the kind of music that has a good and clean spirit that conveys worship of the Lord, not a mixed message of worldly music with godly lyrics.



So, we have come full circle, and I return to my original statement. Music is a function of the spirit. God cares about our spirit, and therefore, God cares about our music. I am not going to try to tell you what you can and cannot allow in your music, that is another discussion for another time. But I beseech you, look into the matter. Pray about it , "Try the spirits" of your music, and discern what music is of a good spirit and pleasing to God, because after all, He is worthy.


P.S. The parts in yellow are quotes, either from scripture or from the person I am quoting=)

Religious Persecution in America

Well, I have just gotten back from a trip for a national fine arts competition among christian schools. On the last day, one of the men representing the association got up and told us about persecution from the government toward chirstian schools and homeschoolers. Now, we don't usually think that there is religious persecution going on anymore, expecially not in America, the land of tolerance! But unfortunately it is alive and well, even, and especially, in this country, despite any claims to the contrary. Now, I'm not jsut talking about the badmouthing and downright slandering that goes on everyday in the media about anyone who is either conservative, christian, or both. Thats just a given in the CNN, NBC, and ABC era. No, I am referring to the actual removal of religious freedoms by the government of the United States of America. Now, note, I am not saying that religion in general is being attacked, thats not true. If you are muslim or buddhist or hindu or satanist or some freaky new age cultist, then you are fine. After all, we want to be tolerant in America. Tolerant against anything but christianity that is. I'm sure most of you have read the stories about kindergartners being punished for drawing pictures of the cross because it could be offensive, and high schoolers being told they cannot pray in school, or mention Christ in their assignments or speeches. Its fine to have GLBT clubs on school property, but if you want to hold a school Bible study, well, you are committing a hate crime! Christian monuments are removed and prayer is banned. And what do we, the christian conservatives of America, do about it? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. We stand by and watch our freedoms taken away, and hope it will change. Hope someone will do something. Hope we get a conservative government in four years. True, a few groups are trying to stop this madness, and I am so grateful for the courage of these people. But a few groups isn't enough to stop this! We all must band together, call your local politicians, start petitions, and stand up for our civil liberties! Otherwise, I'm afraid America will someday in the not too distant future begin looking like communist China, where christians are forced to meet underground, fearing for their lives. This may seem extreme, I know. Its hard to believe we would ever reach that point. But go find your grandparents and greatgrandparents, and ask them. Ask them if fifty or sixty years ago, they could ever imagined we would reach the point we are at today.

Day of Opression

As many of you know, this year April 17th is the Day of Silence, an annual event held by homosexuals all over the country. The idea is that Gays and Lesbians and all who support them will spend an entire day of silence to further their cause and protest against the oppression they face in America. Sounds great right? Except for a few simple things. First off the bat, I believe homosexuality is wrong. I am a christian, and I can back my position up from the Bible. This does not mean I hate all homosexuals. I don't. I believe their lifestyle is an abomination to the Lord, but I also believe that they can change, and that God still loves them. No, I don't believe ANYONE is born that way. (And, by the way, as much as liberals would like us to believe thats true, they are still unable to prove int scientifically in any way.) So, now that you understand my views on homosexuality, I would like to discuss the more political aspect of the day of silence. GLBT people are NOT oppressed. They may have been in the past, but in this day and age they are the the farthest thing from. You can't turn on the tv anymore without hearing about how glamorous the life of a homosexual is, and what wonderful people they are. The only reason they continue to "stand up against oppression" is because it furthers their political agenda. As long as they continue to be poor innocent victims they recieve sympathy from the American people. And the more we feel bad for them, the more we overlook their "Quirks", thereby normalizing the GLBT lifestyle. The homosexual lobbying group is one of the more powerful in the nation. They have succeceded in bullying the American Psychiatric Association into removing homosexuality from their list of personality disorders, as well as forcing the Medical world to quit reffering to AIDS as GRID. (Gay-related immuno defficiency) Clearly they are no longer oppresed or held back. In fact, they have now turned around and begun to do the things they constantly accuse others of to all who stand in their way. Anyone who is morally against the homosexual lifestyle is labeled as a "homophobe" and accused of hate crimes. (By the way, since when was hate a crime? Acting on it, yes, but Hate itself?!?) And so, as the day of silence nears, I would urge you not to yield to the GLBT groups. They are not oppressed, they are not held back, they are rarely even slandered now a days. Don't fall for their smoke screen of whining, when really, they are the true opressors.

Rom 1:18-32
(18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
(19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
(20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
(21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
(22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
(23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
(24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
(25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
(26) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
(27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
(28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
(29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
(30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
(31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
(32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.