Blog Archives - North Florida Writer

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Procrastination

4/28/2018

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. - Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

Procrastination. It's a problem that we all have and it sometimes puts us in a position that causes serious stress. Take the college student who waits until the last minute to
"cram" for a final exam. Or the working man who can easily finish his work for the week on Friday, yet ends up day dreaming and has to jump through hoops on Monday morning to catch up. Even the soldier who knows he has a big uniform inspection coming up and waits and waits until it's almost impossible to shine that brass and spit shine those shoes on time.

We humans are so often torn between what we need to do and what we want to do and often when we choose the latter it gets us in a royal bind. Yet, even then, when we hustle and get it done before the deadline we easily forget the error of our ways. Or if the "boss" or teacher or company commander is late on his or her own schedule, we get an undeserved reprieve that we seldom learn from.

But what about our requirement to gain Eternity through the grace and love of Our Savior. What if we procrastinate on making our decision to believe in Him by faith and earthly death comes before we make that commitment? Well, the answer is not one that we like to contemplate, for the Bible is clear that we must believe in Him by faith before our time on earth is done. It's the one time we don't have a second chance to make the decision.

So, simply stated, don't procrastinate on deciding to put your life in the hands of Christ. We must make the decision today and do everything in our power to live for Him throughout our life. He wants us to join Him with Everlasting Life when our earthly life is done, but we must make our own free will decision to do so. Give your life to Jesus while you can. It's one time when you beat the procrastination bug that will stay with you forever, both here and in the life that awaits.

Dear Lord, Help us to fight the temptation to procrastinate about our decision to put Our Lord and Savior first in our lives. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving forever and we thank you for giving us the most golden opportunity of them all. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Watch Out What Schools Are Doing to Your Kids, Parents!

4/27/2018

When we send our children off to school each morning, don't we expect that their day will be filled with learning subject-matter that will help prepare them for their future? And don't we also expect those things to be positive things, things that will help them grow wiser and better for facing that future? Well, sadly, in a society today that has eliminated right and wrong and instead focused on moral relativism and political correctness, our expectations are often wrong. And nowhere is this new standard more violated than in the concept of human sexuality.

A good case in point was found in Albemarle County Public Schools in Virginia where ninth grade girls are being exposed to a sex education program which is so explicit and graphic that it clearly violates the trust that parents should be able to have in their children's education program. A large group of parents in that school system are speaking up with adamant opposition. The program involves a series of sex videos that discuss aspects of sexuality that should be clearly out-of-bounds in any educational program for young girls or boys for that matter. And the group that is leading it in the school system is affiliated with Planned Parenthood.

Rather than go into the details and possibly misrepresent it, the link to the story is included herewith. This type of overreach by a school, dealing with issues that clearly belong within the purview of parents, not an adult who clearly has a particular agenda, should be terminated immediately. And now the Liberty Counsel, a God-centered legal organization has taken up the cause for the parents involved. I hope all will read this and use the information gained to use in watching what is going on in your own children's education experience. If schools in Virginia are teaching this stuff, using materials that likely even violate state statutes, what do you think might be going on in your own local schools? I doubt this is an isolated incident, so parents keep your radar up. The future of your children and their moral foundation could very well be at stake here.

Here's the link. Just cut and paste it into your browser to read:

http://www.wnd.com/2018/04/schools-explicit-sex-videos-for-14-year-olds-outrage-parents/

Raising children is the most important thing that we parents are tasked with doing. Having to deal with what I consider "filth and trash," perpetrated by people who are supposed to be trustworthy in training our children, is vile and out-of-bounds in a decent society. So, what gives the public schools, an agency of the State, the right to force this stuff on young children? We need an answer to that question. Act accordingly; get involved.

Be Careful About Taking Away Civil Liberties, You Might Be Next!

4/26/2018

Alan Dershowitz is a liberal attorney I greatly respect. Admittedly, I may not agree with him on many of his views, but I always respect them. He uses reason, logic and the rule of law to come to his conclusions and he makes me a better man for considering the things he says. Some of our best learning comes from taking the time to listen to other points of view; they make you better.

The good Professor, a true titan at the Harvard Law School, has come under a lot of criticism in recent years from liberals. One of the most prominent statements he has made in the last several years that drew their ire was his statement that Ted Cruz was one of the most gifted law students he ever had at Harvard. The howls went up as if they wanted to tar and feather the man, yet he held his ground with truth. And whether you love or hate Ted Cruz, a man who seems to get responses from both viewpoint, a look at his record reveals he has a brilliant mind when it comes to the law and Dershowitz was merely recognizing that. After all, he taught him in his rigorous classes and watched him shine. Cruz clearly has an amazing gift for debate.

But now Professor Dershowitz has upset liberals to the point of them nearly becoming unhinged. Why? Because he defends Donald Trump's right to fair treatment under the law. He didn't vote for Trump, quite the contrary, but he sees the madness surrounding the Left's treatment of the man as a major threat to our concept of civil liberties. And he cites the current investigation, including the work of Robert Mueller as being potentially dangerous to our continued existence under the rule of law.

I wouldn't dare to try and explain this eloquent man's views for you for I would do great disservice to them, so instead I would ask that you read an article that was penned by Professor Dershowitz for the Gatestone Institute and was published in ZeroHedge.com this morning. I think it is an excellent read whether you be liberal, conservative or anything in between. It is powerful and the link follows. Just cut and past it on your browser.

https://www.zerohedge.com/news/2018-04-24/dershowitz-should-robert-mueller-be-investigated-violating-civil-liberties

Be careful when you want to take away someone's civil liberties. Someone else might come after yours next.

HUMP DAY IS TRUMP DAY: The French Connection

4/25/2018

Presidents Trump and Macron at the State dinner in Washington

Remember when Donald Trump was running for President and the Left and even some of the Establishment Republicans said he would be a disaster when it came to international affairs. Well, as we find ourselves sixteen months into the Trump Presidency we find that his acumen concerning the foreign scene is quite accurate and wise. Nations which have played us for patsies on trade are having to adjust their actions, Europe finds itself to be a paper tiger when it tries to bully America on globalism and climate change, and even the little North Korean menace is talking about ending his nuclear proliferation game. Iran realizes it is facing a change when it comes to Washington, Israel has breathing room and the United Nations has been shown for what it is: an anti-American entity that can no longer expect America to support its waste of money.

The visit of French President Emmanuel Macron is a great example of how Trump handles himself on delicate issues. While the two leaders have a different view of the situation regarding the unsigned Iran "treaty," even the consummate European Macron admits that Trump has some interesting views which need to be considered. These two leaders, generations apart, seem to have a liking for each other that can only improve relations between France and the United States and Macron seemed truly touched by the attention and courtesy with which he has been treated, much unlike the expectations from our American press.

Trump, the businessman has transitioned to Trump, the President, in a way much different than most expected, but it should be no surprise. After all, in his international business dealings just like dealings at home, Trump learned to approach each opportunity in a manner appropriate for the individual situation. And Trump is now doing just that with world leaders. Trump and Macron will, of course, continue to disagree on many issues, but they will be able to disagree in a manner that will maintain respect for each other's nation and people and allow for solid discourse.

Contrast that to the way President Obama dealt with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu a few years ago in Washington. Entering the White House for a scheduled meeting, Netanyahu was ushered into a waiting room for nearly an hour while Obama continued family dinner even though he knew the Prime Minister was expected. He was also escorted out the kitchen door when the meeting was over.

We can love Trump or we can hate Trump, but if we want to be honest with ourselves we must admit that the man knows how to get things done and he is not one who takes no for an answer. Frankly, at this time in our nation's history and with all the international struggles that he inherited, America needs a President like Trump. I am sure when Macron returns to Paris there will be no illusions in his mind about where the President stands and what is important to him. And that's healthy in an international relationship which requires mutual respect.

Bring it On, Tom Perez, We Dare You!

4/23/2018

DNC Chair Perez, Railing and Ranting

So Tom Perez, the radical flamethrower who is also the Chairman of the Democratic National Committee has announced that the DNC has filed a civil suit against the Trump campaign, Russia and Wilileaks, suggesting that the three defendants committed a vast right wing conspiracy to throw the 2016 election to Donald Trump. Good, Mr. Perez, bring it on. And I hope you are prepared to deal with the discovery phase of a case that will open your organization up to the truth about just what did and did not happen. That likelihood has already been broached by Wikileaks and they are itching to get at it.

It's been almost two years since the FBI began the investigation of Donald Trump and Russia collusion and almost a full year since the strange methodology took place to appoint Robert Mueller as Special Counsel and here we are today right where we started from. Even so, the Left rails on while the investigation stalls and they panic, knowing that they've thrown everything they have at the President and are still coming up blank. Even with the willing mainstream media buying their line, public opinion doesn't budge at all and they have run out of ideas. The have no issues to run on, having spent all of their time and energy on hating Trump and it hasn't gotten them anywhere and they know it. Yet they continue on with a law suit which is frankly laughable.

Individually, we can choose to believe the investigation results coming out from the Justice Inspector General or not, but a criminal referral has been sent on Andrew McCabe and now James Comey is being looked at closely. These two are just the tip of the iceberg from the information gleaned from the finally released emails and there are likely more to come. And the more time that is spent looking at what really happened instead of an already debunked dossier, the more truth will find its way out. And with the DNC opening the door to discovery on their charges with nothing but fodder to back them up, the worse it will get for them.

So, Mr. Perez and all of those who have played a part in wasting America's time and patience, I say bring it on. Let the chips fall where they may, for truth always finds its way to the surface. Game on.

SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: The Grandest Homecoming

4/21/2018

In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?
- John 14:2 (ESV)

Homecoming. The word conjures up pictures of family reunions, school reunions, military reunions and other events involving the gathering together of people who once were very close and are now scattered about. They are a time to remember, compare notes on what each attendee has been doing and to have a good time, often with food and music to dance the night away.

But often we fail to think about the grandest reunion of all, a reunion that has not been attended by any of us who are alive today but one we should all seek to make a part of our future. It's the reunion that each of the faithful followers of Our Savior will participate in when they make the trip to heaven. Family, friends and others who met the challenge and departed this life earlier will all be waiting for each of us there. And it will be joyous and beyond the realm of anything we can imagine. It will be divine and the successful travelers will inherit a new body, a body free of pain and suffering with physical limitations gone.

So what do we have to do to attend this grand reunion? Well, the steps to be followed are quite simple, it's the execution that is difficult. It's difficult because it's much easier for us to put ourselves and our selfish wishes first, but that won't get us to the reunion. No, the path to the grand reunion is by believing in Our Lord and Savior through faith, for when we do, we see the world differently and will want to carry out His wishes first and foremost. And that's it. Believe in Him through faith and get the ticket to the grandest reunion of them all.

But remember, taking that step must be done while we are still alive on earth. It's not something to put off, but it is something that is worth taking the steps he asks, for the reunion I'm talking about will last for eternity. Let there be joy forever.

BLUE LIVES MATTER: Assassinations in a Small North Florida Town

4/20/2018

Hobo's Restaurant in Trenton

Trenton, Florida is a friendly small town about thirty miles west of Gainesville. It contains some good old fashioned eateries like Hobo's shown here, is in close proximity to the Suwannee River and Fanning Springs and is a great place for anyone who enjoys small town charm. But yesterday, the community was both shocked and dismayed by the cold blooded assassination of two Gilchrist County deputies by a middle-aged resident of Bell, John Highnote.

The two peace officers, Sergeant Noel Ramirez and Deputy Taylor Lindsey were sitting in a downtown Chinese restaurant when Highnote approached the building and fired shots through the window, killing both men instantly. It was a clear ambush with no chance for self-defense. Before the Sheriff's Department could respond, Highnote reentered his nearby vehicle and killed himself as well. No reason is yet given for his actions but the situation is under investigation.

In his press conference about the tragedy later in the day, Gilchrist County Sheriff Bobby Schultz stated that he feels a big reason for events such as this one is the constant demonization of law enforcement officers and the hate that is spewed against them. I concur with that assessment, but it is clearly just part of the problem, for so many Americans today have lost their sense of right and wrong and think that it is okay to take what they want in whatever they do as long as they don't get caught. When a nation loses its way and its cultural norms, bad things happen and it has been happening more and more in all facets of society. While police bear much of the brunt because of their duty to enforce the law, we see it in education, family life and even in religious institutions which abandon their awareness of absolutes in life.

Watch groups of people in public settings and the way respect for others is abandoned, teachers in some of our schools who are afraid of their students and administrators who won't back them up and even some ministers and other clergy who water down God's laws. There are absolutes in this world, absolute truths, and when we try to say they are outmoded and no longer applicable we violate some of the most basic principles of nature, a force given to us by God. Self-control, individualism and understanding right from wrong are paramount to a society if it wants to remain both peaceful and also productive. Sadly, "group think," based on moral relativism is in so many ways replacing that and political correctness is just one of its products.

I will say a prayer for the two officers who were needlessly killed yesterday and also pray for a return to common sense and adherence to the wishes of God for all Americans and people the world over. Until that happens and politicians continue to peddle pablum instead of truth, problems like the situation yesterday in Trenton are likely to not only continue, but get worse. May God shine His guiding light on America and bring her back to her senses.

Support Business That Supports the Constitution, America

4/19/2018

In the current undeclared war between those who support the Constitution and the Left over the Second Amendment, several strategies have been used to try and do by protest what can't be done by law. Boycotts have been used, but largely ineffective particularly where talk radio is involved, but pressure against particular businesses has been more effective. It seems that most corporate big wigs are so concerned about their image that they cave to demands even before they know the degree to which the protesters are supported.

Particularly noteworthy are two or America' largest banks, Bank of America and Citibank. Bank of America has announced it has ceased doing business with gun manufacturers which follow the letter of the law, demanding that they change their policies to reflect what BofA has in mind. CitiBank is now doing the same thing, even more demanding, but a Republican Congressman from Indiana and a number of his colleagues have decided to take up the cause of fighting for gun rights using a different approach. And since money usually talks, their plan could conceivably bear fruit in the war for the minds of Americans.

It seems that Citibank currently has a seven hundred billion dollar contract with the federal government, yet the company is telling its gun manufacturing and sales clients that financing will be eliminated unless Citi's terms relating to gun products be honored. Citi wants a bump stock ban, elimination of high volume ammunition clips and the end of long gun sales to those under twenty-one. It also has established a waiting time requirement that is even more oppressive than current federal policy.

So, what is U.S. Representative Todd Rokita (R-IN) doing about it? He has prepared a letter with fifteen co-signers requesting that the General Service Administration review and cancel all contracts with Citibank until the bank rescinds its new requirements. His logic is simple and accurate. American businesses should operate under the provisions of the Constitution and honor all God-given rights for all Americans. He wants to hit them where it hurts.

Congratulations, Representative Rokita for standing up for the "Law of the Land". Keep the pressure on the GSA. It's the right thing to do. The entire Republican congressional delegation should join in your cause. We'll be watching especially to see the ones who don't. And regardless of the outcome, we're sure that there are plenty of banks that will gladly give those customers better service than Citibank.

h/t to Breitbart

THE HUMP DAY IS TRUMP DAY BLOG: McConnell Does the Right Thing

4/18/2018

For the last six months or so, a group of Democrats and RINO Republicans have been trying to put together legislation to protect Robert Mueller. They seem to be in great fear that Trump will fire Mueller and create some kind of Constitutional crisis, unwilling to admit that we are already in one.

Now I don't fault the Democrats for what they do because it's what they do. Obfuscate, stall and use name calling to try and stop the Trump Train, which despite their efforts has found ways in many instances to get done the things that the President wanted to get done. But the RINOs, or moderates if you prefer, are really not Republicans at all. Their primary goal is to maintain their positions and their prestige, foremost in everything they do. And I don't use the term moderates because, at least in my humble opinion, a moderate in politics is a do nothing, waiting to see which way the wind is blowing. I don't think Americans vote for a candidate with that in mind.

Several of these so-called Republican Senators including Lindsey Graham (SC), Thom Tillis (NC) and Jeff Flake (AZ), just to name a few, have been working with the likes of Cory Booker (NJ) and Richard Blumethal (CT) to try and coddle together a way to protect Mueller from Trump. They are fearful that Trump might fire Mueller and damage their brand since they still sit on the Republican side of the aisle.

Trump isn't likely to fire anyone, but he will fight back vigorously and use his Twitter account to get out his message. Like it or not, it is effective and with a press corps that will never say a decent word about what he does, I can't blame him. And if you are a Conservative, think about the types of people the RINOs are working with. Senator Booker is the man who grilled Secretary of State-nominee Mike Pompeo over his Christian values. He clearly has deemed being a Christian to be a problem, even though Pompeo clearly stated he will follow the law. Blumenthal, another Northeasterner, represents a state which is financially devastated by big government routinely, hates guns and loves abortion under all circumstances. He rails on in speeches short on fact an heavy on emotion, not the type of person most Republicans should be working hand in hand with.

Well, yesterday, even Senate Majority Leader "Mitch" McConnell finally reached the point where he's had enough. He stated that if a Senate committee wants to debate the issue that's fine, but he's not going to allow any such legislation to reach the floor. McConnell, certainly not a Trump supporter and a man who has slow-walked much of the President's agenda, does at least recognize that such a step as is being proposed is a real threat to the separation of power of the three branches. Setting such a process in motion would be a bad precedent in a constitutional republic. Senator McConnell may be slow, but he "ain't" stupid. So, I must give him credit for making the right call on an issue that shouldn't even be considered.

Just another day in the United States Senate, I guess. It's a body designed for vigorous debate but one which has been relegated to accomplishing nothing worthwhile. Maybe a term limitation on these windbags would do some good. At least the deadwood, the geezers who have lived at least half of their adult lives sleeping in the chamber, might finally be forced to head for the retirement homes that they need. As Rand Paul said a few years ago, the "stale and mossy" Senate could use an airing out.

Comey's Book: Better Find a Different Line of Work, James

4/16/2018

So, James Comey's supposed bombshell book, "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership" has now been presented to the public via ABC and George Stephanopoulos and hits the streets today. The former FBI Director, a man who thinks he is so important that he is sure everyone will agree with his wisdom, is about to face the music of public opinion full force and it is likely to be very negative. Oh, he will have his supporters, largely drawn from the group of "Never Trumpers" and the Left, but even they really don't like him. All you have to do is remember when they thought Comey was coming down on Hillary with the full force of the law and they voiced disgust with him. Let's face it, he just isn't a very likable guy with his display of arrogance and self-righteousness.

Beyond those things, the book is downright trite and filled with venom and hatred. He talks about the President's hand size (we know the connotation of that), how he had a orange glow from his tan which left white circles around his eyes where the tanning goggles. He even comments he felt uncomfortable in the presence of a man he thinks is akin to a "Mafia Boss." He went so far as to say that the President isn't morally qualified to hold the office, conveniently forgetting the sins of others in the past. Yet, he also talks about his own purity, his higher loyalty to the truth and his leadership of the FBI, but today we see an FBI that still has a number of officals who remain out of control and out of touch with their mission. A quick look back at the actions leading up to his Comey's firing and his book make it clear that this man must be on some kind of heavy duty Kool Aid, for his comments nowhere resemble reality.

Back when Hillary was getting going in her campaign and ethical and other problems were surfacing, the FBI began to look at her computer emails and server problems when it become clear she was doing something out of the ordinary. Also, of course, the Uranium One issue came up involving a seeming pay for play scheme where Russia would get rights to twenty-percent of our uranium in return for who knows what. The who came out later and it involved heavy donations to the Clinton charity to the tune of one hundred and fifty million dollars. These played out for months but the FBI was investigating and no one knew what would ultimately follow.

During that period leading up the the 2016 election Clinton was questioned by Congress and the FBI. She was never under oath and when the FBI finally decided they needed a more formal discussion she was even allowed to have her attorney and her confidante, Cheryl Mills, present with her. Again, she was never put under oath and that final meeting with her was on July 5, 2016. Now we've learned from the slowly released email records that Comey and his chief investigator on the case, Peter Strzock, were drafting her exoneration letter in May, two months before her final hearing. Contrast that with the treatment of Donald Trump's staff member General Flynn who was never even told that the discussion was an interview, conducted when an FBI agent dropped in to the White House informally.

Of course, Comey reopened the Clinton case suddenly not long before the election and quickly closed it again, saying nothing was out of order. And through it all he stuck to his original press statement that he found significant problems with Clinton's handling of the emails but, in the end, he didn't think sufficient issues were found to warrant legal action. Come on, Mr. Comey, she had an unsecured computer in her home with access to classified documents. No one in government service, elected, appointed or otherwise is granted that authority under the Federal Code. And when the documents disappeared after being subpoenaed, what should have taken place was obvious, but it didn't.

And then there is the Russia collusion problem and the appointment of a Special Counsel, something which Comey said was the reason for releasing his self-prepared memos about his confidential meetings with Trump. Justice Department rules don't authorize that; Comey was sending documents created on government time with a government computer about conversations with the leader of the Free World and releasing them to a friend to leak to the press, which was done quickly. Those documents were federal property, not Comey's personal possessions. He's admitted sending them and he's even admitted that the infamous dossier which started the Special Counsel activity wasn't even validated.

Earth to Comey, you can't use an unverified document as the basis for a FISA court warrant, yet you personally approved it. And then isn't it interesting that the man who, from that beginning, one Robert Mueller, Comey's mentor at the FBI, was selected for the job. This is just too cozy for comfort, including the make-up of Mueller's team with the likes of Peter Strzock and his mistress Lisa Page (Trump hating email partners) and Andrew Weisman. Weisman has a dismal track record in legal matters including the Enron-Arthur Anderson case over a decade ago which shuttered a large company and ended the employment of nearly ten thousand employees. And the case was overturned on appeal by the Supreme court unanimously, 9-0.

I won't even go into details on the supposedly pure Robert Mueller's past as a federal prosecutor where his actions in Boston cost the taxpayers one hundred million dollars. All you have to do is look up the Whitey Bulger, mobster extraordinaire and his service as a federal informant to put those pieces together. And all of these things and all of these people are now joined together because of one thing: Hillary couldn't face the reality of losing and James Comey wants to get even with the President of the United States for winning. Believe what you want, folks, but the case they are trying to build with little if any evidence against Donald Trump is so one-sided and biased that when it hits the fan, it will look like a block of swiss cheese which exploded. There will be extra holes in it everywhere.

And finally, why did Comey use "A Higher Loyalty" as the title for his book and to whom is that loyalty? Well, it's really simple. His loyalty certainly isn't to Truth. His loyalty is to James Comey, who thinks purely of himself and self-promotion. And it should be clear early on in this book that he should have never been made the head of the nation's premier investigative arm of the law. But, having said that I do hope he makes a lot of money from sale of his book. He's going to need it later for a very good criminal defense attorney. And it will all come in due time, all in due time.