Minority Rule & 152/365

Since Democrat Mary Landrieuof LA sold out for $100 million per vote for Health Control, the polls show if it is passed we will be living in the land of Minority Rule. The latest polls show that only 38% of likely voters want or desire government control of healthcare, yet Senator Harry Reid has said they will pass it with or without Republican support. This is not the way our republic is to work.

I started reading the 2074 page bill it is just as atrocious as the house version and there is no way on this earth that We the People can afford to foot the bill. Rationing would have to be the order of the day, quality medical care is neither cheap nor should we expect it to be. So if there are only so many dollars it stands to reason tough choices will have to be made.

Senator Liberman has stated he will not allow a public option bill to come to the floor for a vote, I say hooray and pray his spine stays steely on this one. Sen. Landrieu was unable to do that, as she sold her vote to the highest bidder.

It also appears that Governor Sanford from SC a republican will be facing ethics charges on what he did with the South American trip, he is like former Gov. Easley a Democrat from NC who is also in hotwater for doing what he knew was illegal.

Ethical behavior is paramount for our public servants as they are to speak for us, yet day after day the list grows of those who cannot see their responsibility to We the People. My prayer is most of them will receive their pink slips come November 2010. We the People need to look at those who are running and ask the tough questions. We are seeing daily graft and corruption, as well as an "I don't give a flip" attitude from those who we elected too serve. We just need to remember they serve at our pleasure.



152/365

Today I am thankful:

1. For the nicotine patch, my 41st birthday present to myself is to finally lay down the smokes. Since yesterday morning I have had 4 cigarettes.

2. For a family that is supporting my efforts and are not easily offended by my way to often acerbity as I am getting through these rough days without my cigarettes.

3. For the weeks that have gone by without a call from school regarding either of my children's behavior.

4. For the upcoming holiday and a short school week, I do miss those boys of mine while they are at school.

5. How amazing is this:

Know (perceive, recognize, and understand with approval) that the Lord is God! It is He Who has made us, not we ourselves [and we are His]! We are His people and the sheep of His pasture. Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with praise! Be thankful and say so to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name! For the Lord is good; His mercy and loving-kindness are everlasting, His faithfulness and truth endure to all generations.~Psalm 100:3-5 Amp

Happy Birthday Melisms

In just two days I will be one year older and hopefully this year has brought me more wisdom. I do know it has been a year that will be burned forever in my memory and a year that has taught me more than I ever imagined. I wrote alot of this last year when I was turning 40 but it seems to apply with a few additions for turning 41.

Along my journey in life I have learned a few things, here is my list of Melisms (aren't blogs great you can make up your own words) in no particular order:

• I don’t know as much as I like to think I do.
• Being a mom is hands down the best career in the world.
• Being short has its advantages.
• The world does not run according to Mel’s rules (although I often believe it should).
• Laughing at myself needs to occur at least once a day and usually does.
• No color is more expressive than purple.
• Walking the Road Less Traveled is for me.
• Sing even if you can’t carry a tune, in spite of your family’s protests.
• Erma Bombeck was a great philosopher. (If you have never heard of Erma Bombeck look her up, and read her musings.)
  http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/erma_bombeck.html
• There is no failure that can’t be overcome.
• Actions always speak louder than words.
• A beauty regime has nothing to do with make-up and skin care.
• Always remain teachable.
• Picasso has nothing on Ms. Clairol.
• Being flexible is more precious than gold.
• Patience is a virtue I am still trying to acquire.
• Coffee and Chocolate both warrant their own food groups.
• Spell check was created for people like me.
• My parent’s wealth of wisdom has increased in direct portion with my age. Now if my 4 kids would just figure this out.
• Compassion and empathy should always be tempered with common sense.
• Life is not supposed to be fair.
• True friendship is one of life’s greatest blessings and often times much too rare.
• Kindness is never a mistake.
• I will take a good book over a movie any day.
• Prayers are always answered even when we don’t like the answer.
• Say what you mean and mean what you say.
• Do it afraid and do it boldly.
• I can’t change anyone, despite my best efforts.
• I am now in the target demographic for TV commercials advertising funeral insurance, yikes!!!
• There is no such thing as normal and Thank God for that.
• Having lived in other countries, I know there is no place like America.
• That my circumstances do not determine my worth, nor my past determine my future.
• That there is absolutely nothing wrong with ladies being sports nuts.
• That life is truly too short to sweat the small stuff.
• My life is blessed beyond measure.
• That the right choice is often the hardest.
• Never forget to look up no matter how far down I am in the valley.
• That being a family does not always refer to having the same blood line, families are made by those who love and support us.
  

To Hear A Pin Drop & 151/365

So silent you could hear a pin drop. Words that adequately describe the administrations desires when criticized. The Obama administration seems to have thin skin and when critiqued moves in to those critiquing and use any means necessary to silence those who disagree.

This morning I read about two 20+ year EPA lawyers who did a video with thier bosses permission that gives a differing opinion on Cap and Trade than President Obama's. Now these lawyers are intimately familiar with Cap and Trade, so why the hullabaloo including a congressional oversight investigation into these folks' lives? Because they are committing the cardinal sin of not walking in lock step despite the fact that their employer is the Federal government.

I have to wonder what such a move says about our government. If those in the know are being silenced because they are unable to swallow what the government is telling We the People, how do We the People find the truth? Isn't this what the Soviet Poltiboro used to do with anyone who did not agree, they would silence them or throw them in camps? Is this what our country is becoming? If so how do We the People change it?

We have all heard that freedoms are not free and with great liberty comes great responsibility, so it seems to me that We the People cannot allow silencing of anyone's opinion even if/when we disagree. America's greatness comes from those freedoms that we have long taken for granted but that are now being taken from us quickly.

On another note from a previous blog let me just reiterate my complete and total disgust with the administration's decision to bring Khalid Sheik Mohammad and 4 other terrorists to NY for civilian criminal trials. Such a slap in the face, and I pray the outcry is so great this is rethought quickly.



151/365

Today I am thankful:

1. That I got an early start on the day after a couple of days of running behind.

2. For finishing some important paperwork yesterday that will help wonderful folks...the challenge was the deadline which was today.

3. For the makeover I am getting beginning today, I am so excited to be treated and pampered with such a thing.

4. For knowing that life is not supposed to be fair and that whining does not make it anymore fair.

5. For this powerful lesson that I seem to be improving on: "The tongue has the power of life and death,and those who love it will eat its fruit"~Proverbs 18:21

Maxine on Health Control

You guys may have seen this already. However, I received it by email and while I don't normally cut and paste on my blog I think Maxine nailed this one.

Let me get this straight.

We're going to pass a health care plan written by a committee
whose chairman says he doesn't understand it,
passed by a Congress that hasn't read it but exempts themselves from it,
to be signed by a president that also hasn't read it and who smokes,
with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his taxes,
all to be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese,
and financed by a country that's nearly broke.

What could possibly go wrong?

Define Enough & 150/365...Winner

After perusing the news this morning the word "Enough" kept jumping to the forefront of my mind. It seems at least to me that our government is like the child who is walking through the toy store and wants everything they see. While such an attitude is not a surprise considering all that has transpired since inauguration day, I still wonder when is Enough Enough.

First and foremost the idea that Terrorists who want nothing less than the complete and utter destruction of America will be brought onto American soil and given civilian trials instead of military tribunals. Can Obama not see that such a move is a slap in the face to every victim of 9/11, their families, our military, first responders as well as the bulk of We the People? We have an apparatus in place that will appropriately respond to the actions of terrorists so why is that not enough? Ideology cannot and should not trump ethics and justice, yet that is the case. Khalid Sheik Mohammad and others of his ilk will be afforded more rights members of our own military. When does the President say the terrorists have done Enough damage.

Another tidbit that I read this morning is the idea that our government is not satisfied with the takeover of the auto industry, banking industry, corporate pay rate setting, the move to take over healthcare; Nope not Enough, the representatives of We the People have determined that indeed they must now take over the subways and light rail systems.

Government run amok, a government that is truly never satisfied with their task at hand, a government that does not believe the words in our founding documents. There seems to be no definition to our government's idea of Enough.



150/365

Today I am thankful for:

1. For songs that speak to me and often times speak when I cannot.

2. For the marvels of modern medicine.

3. For the changing of the leaves, the crunching under my feet when walking, and the crisp mornings.

4. For the studio I get to work out in when the mood and need strikes me.

5. For the way this verse spoke to me:"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers" ~Psalm 1:1

Winner of my blogoversary giveaway: Liz!!! Liz email me and let me know which giftcard you would prefer (Starbucks, Target, or Wal-Mart) and your address.

The Weight of Parental Choice & 149/365

(Don't forget to comment on this post for a chance at a gift card)

I just finished reading a story about a judge that has disregarded parental choice although in this case parental choice is backed up by the 1st Amendment.

In this case a mother in West Virgina choose not to have her children vaccinated, that is her right as a mom to decide what is the best interest of her children. I know this particular issue is a hot button topic among parents, but parents do not disagree in general on the fact that the health and well being of our children falls squarely on our shoulders.

A judge has decided that despite the "Free Exercise" of religious beliefs (1st amendment) and equal protection clause he denied her appeal to West Virgina's law of opting out of vaccinations for children. West Virgina is one of only a few states that do not have the religious exemption.

It seems to me that unless undue harm can be proven parental rights take precedence in such cases. The vaccination debate still rages and there are pros and cons on both sides of the issue that are evident for all, however in the end a parent's choice should be just that.



149/365

Today I am thankful:

1. For a new day dawning and a much improved attitude on my part. The last few days I have been the polar opposite of a joyful person.

2. For my boys having a break in the middle of the school week after the news of the weekend they needed it.

3. For the fact that an unexpected gift can allow me to exhale, last night was the perfect night to receive the gift, funny how things like that work.

4. For the weather finally seeming fall like, albeit with rain.

5. For, "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation."~1Peter 4:12-13

Thank You Veterans & Happy Blogoversary

Today is a day that can be overlooked with the busyiness of life, it is Veteran's Day. The day where we celebrate all of those who have served and are still serving to allow you and I to live free. The video below seemed to capture it for me. To all of those who stand for and have stood for my family and I, thank you can never be enough.




On to the second thing. It is my blogoversary!!! It hit me at about 5am that one year ago today I entered the realm mixing two of my great passions in life writing and politics. So any anniversary or birthday requires a gift. Therefore, leaving a comment will automatically enter the world's best bloggy buddies into a contest for either a Starbucks, Target, or Wal-Mart gift card (winner's choice). In the comment let me know if you have learned anything new about political issues/policies.The cut-off will be 12:01am Sunday.

To Choose Life & 148/365

The US House of Representatives will this day tell We the People where they stand on the heartbeat of the most innocent members of our society. The health care debate has raged on for months. One huge sticking points for many of We the People along with various members of the House is that HR 3200 would cause you and I to pay for abortion on demand.

While Roe v. Wade is still the law of the land and abortion is legal it is against the principles of the majority of Americans to use tax dollars to pay for the taking the life of the most innocent and fragile among us.

Today the House will vote on the Stupak - Pitts Amendment which would if HR 3200 is passed keep federal dollars from being utilized for abortion. The link to the amendment is here

My stance on government controlled health care is well known and not surprising to many of you, however I do say that I am thrilled that so many members of the House find We the People funding abortion in HR 3200 offensive.

The Stupak-Pitts Amendment will codify the Hyde Amendment to ensure that even if Pelosi and company do not renew it, which is their objective, federal funding cannot be used for abortion, this particular amendment has been renewed annually since its inception in 1976.

Additionally, the Stupak-Pitts amendment would if passed strike any federal funding of abortion in the government paid healthcare plan. So while I still think HR 3200 is a nightmare bill I will watch this vote carefully and celebrate should Stupak-Pitts be passed.

Today is the day We the People will discover is those who were elected to speak for us have heard and heeded our words. The chance of HR 3200 passing are very good and should it pass in the House today our voices need to move to the Senate. While the House is likely to pass HR 3200 We the People still need to stand strong and speak out to the Senate.



148/365

Today has been one of those days where this list is super important because well life usually does not go as we plan it. It is a day where I have seen hearts of gold and hearts of stone. Today I am thankful:

1. For those in my life who love unconditionally and encourage with hearts of gold.

2. For hearts of seeming stone to allow me to see the other side.

3. For knowing beyond a doubt that I am never alone no matter the circumstances.

4. For crisp fall days, I have to admit I love the cool weather and the fall colors.

5. For this promise of adoption, may it be one I never forget, "Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him, In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will."~Ephesians 1:5

Who Decides? & 147/365

Enemies, it seems that is the new catch phrase with the Obama administration. Anyone who is not walking in lockstep with their ideology is paying a price. Yet that is so far from the principles that our nation were founded upon. Each of us are granted by our Creator the inherent right of free will and with that free speech. Our Constitution guarantees that each of us has the right to speak our opinion including an adverse opinion about our government. Yet we see everyday citizens maligned in the media for standing up and speaking out.

The newest issue is the Obama administration's war with FOX News. It does not matter your ideology or whether you watch or don't watch Fox News, the issue at hand is that the government would believe it is their right and duty to freeze out a major news network because they don't like what they are hearing. While this type of behavior is not new, it is not acceptable in the United States. Our founders again knew what they were doing when they penned the Constitution and wrote the 1st Amendment, guaranteeing Freedom of the Press.

We the People are witnessing our government overstep lines left and right on a regular basis. While elections have consequences it is likely that not many realized the severity of the consequences of our last election. The glimmer I see at the moment is that more and more of We the People are taking a stand, speaking out, and many are throwing their hats into the political arena. Such actions illustrate that it has never been our government that has made this country great but her people.

This quote is a reminder of the fact that our Founding Fathers got it:

"The jaws of power are always open to devour, and her arm is always stretched out, if possible, to destroy the freedom of thinking, speaking, and writing."~John Adams



147/365

Today I am thankful:

1. That I am on the road to recovery, what a trip :).

2. That we are all settling in well in our new home and school.

3. For a few warm days, although I love the chill in the air, we went from summer to winter here in NC with no fall. Now we are back to summer, I would love some fall days.

4. For a new perspective and unimagined opportunities.

5. For, " This is what the Lord says, "At the right time I will hear your prayers. On the day of salvation I will help you. I will protect you, and you will be the sign of my agreement with the people."~Isaiah 49:8 NCV

Unheeded Wisdom and 146/365

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."~Thomas Jefferson

"I place economy among the first and most important virtues, and public debt as the greatest of dangers to be feared. To preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt. If we run into such debts, we must be taxed in our meat and drink, in our necessities and in our comforts, in our labor and in our amusements. If we can prevent the government from wasting the labor of the people, under the pretense of caring for them, they will be happy."~Thomas Jefferson

While I should never be surprised by the antics of our current administration nor many of those sitting in the House and Senate, they still do things that take me aback. I wonder did the representatives of We the People ever read anything by our founding fathers or do they seriously lack the capacity to understand history even recent history?

I read this morning how Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA), (Anyone besides me wonder how is this man still in office and not jail?) has decided to see if he can fix the situation for people who he thinks do not have enough credit. Now this is the same man who helped create the credit crisis in the first place, with his inaction and deviousness on the mortgage issues not to mention helping to pass the new credit card law that the Credit Companies implicitly stated would restrict credit even more. So despite the recent history and fall-out of the credit and mortgage crises, Rep. Franks is still willing to push, pull, cajole and force when necessary private industry to issue credit to those who cannot get it on their own.

History teaches clearly whether we look at recent history or that which transpired long ago that in general what is given and not earned will not in the end help anyone. High risk mortgages gave way to astounding foreclosure rates because you cannot legislate responsible behavior. It is a serious lack of common sense to think giving someone credit or a mortgage when they cannot pay it back will all of the sudden change them so much they will magically find money they do not have or be able/willing to divert it from the basic necessities of life.

Those inside the beltway don't seem to realize that there is no such thing as EZ-Credit or a Free Lunch. Yet it is a lesson that We the People in general live with daily. This push by Rep. Franks is irresponsible at best but it has more insidious undertones in my mind. The liberal idea of utopia is daily becoming more of a reality for We the People and the price we have paid and will continue to pay is astronomical. Freedom and Liberty come with a price and We the People throughout our history in general have been willing to pay that price with ingenuity and an incredible tenacity and work ethic that seem to be being stripped away daily a bit at a time and sometimes in huge swaths.

We the People need to be vigilant and not allow complacency slip back in during these most perilous of time. This quote has never been more true and we the people would do well to heed what our current government chooses not too:

"A government big enough to give you everything you want is strong enough to take away everything you have"~attributed to Thomas Jefferson, Gerald Ford, Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan.



146/365

Today I am thankful:

1. For being forced to drag my sick self to the doctor yesterday.

2. For breathing treatments, shots of Solu-Medrol, folks to help me with the boys, and medicine to heal my pneumonia, ear infection, and laryngitis.

3. For the restaurant manager last night who did a great job rectifying a bad service situation.

4. For wonderful, caring teachers at the boys new school and while there have been a few issues they seem to be adjusting amazingly well for the most part.

5. For these promises which I am posting on the fridge:

"All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the LORD your God:

"Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the country.

"Blessed shall be the offspring of your body and the produce of your ground and the offspring of your beasts, the increase of your herd and the young of your flock.

"Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl.

"Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out."~Deuteronomy 28:2-6