Blog Archives - North Florida Writer

"Money Talks and $^&(@!)# Walks.................."

8/31/2016

...........Or at least that's the way it usually works, but not always. One exception happened last night right here in Alachua County, Florida where Commissioner Mike Byerly successfully defended his position and was the victor in the Democratic Primary which is tantamount to re-election in November. Byerly was targeted by the Chamber of Commerce-supported political action committee (I'll call it ChamberPAC) with large financial support for his opponent, Reverend Kevin Thorpe. Weyerhaueser, the owners of what used to be called the Plum Creek property in East Alachua County, expected Thorpe to eliminate Byerly as the major "thorn in their side" in their push to development a "City in the Swamp" in the Windsor area.

A large coalition that was created to oppose Plum Creek continued to stand tall, voting in sufficient numbers to garner over 52% of the vote for Byerly despite the heavy advertising and commercial support for his opponent. Being a Republican who was willing to switch parties for the primary to help Mike, this writer lost a number of Twitter and Facebook followers over this issue but the issue was just too important to remain silent. And since being involved in the Stand by Our Plan coalition for over three years, it was important to hold this position and Mike is the most outspoken and knowledgeable advocate for our land and waters which are under assault.

Even in our own area, the springs are showing signs of stress and algae formation as is the Saint Johns River, much like South Florida finds today as the earth is showing its reaction to the abuse it takes. Politicians generally just give this lip service while the over development and sprawl continues as desired by the big money folks, but Byerly practices what he preaches. We are fortunate to have this man in office to fight for the rural land we have left and maintain a development process that is not one-sided for the developer and against the people. And that position isn't liberalism, folks, it's real conservatism as in conservation of what we have on God's green earth.

So congratulations to Mike Byerly on his successful campaign and it was a please to stand with him since we know he will always Stand by Our Plan. We will look forward to working with him for another four years.

Stormy Weather Incoming: Satellite Internet Will Be Going Down

8/30/2016

It's been a tough day on the internet, folks. Some early rain bands from the approaching tropical system have had my computer satellite link to the internet up and down all day so I decided to just take a break from it all. Perhaps its just preparing us for Obama's impending surrender of the internet to the UN; we've really got to stand up and stop that disaster before it happens. And depending on where this storm finally hits shore will determine if my system will be down for just hours or days so I won't plan on any big posts for a few days.

The good news is that we've had a shortfall of rain of late and we really need it right now. So it's important to remember that with God's nature, there is always a good side to go with the inconvenience that tropical weather or any other problematic pattern brings. I will just pray that all weather the storm okay and that it will just be a nuisance, not a heartbreak.

If the weather system turns out to be a "dud", I'll be posting as usual but if not, well, I'll just play it by ear. God bless you all and be safe wherever you are. Changing weather is just one of the little things that keeps life from being dull. Be thankful for all of the wonders that God gave us and never forget to appreciate his handiwork.

Hope to be back in gear soon. See ya' then.

Will We Turn Alachua County Over to the Chamber of Commerce Tomorrow?

8/29/2016

Tomorrow is a really big election day in Alachua County. While it's a primary election, it ranks right up there with the biggest of elections as far as the impact it will have on our community. Mike Byerly, a sitting commissioner is in the fight of his life with a well funded opponent who has garnered major financial support from both local and out of town business and development interests who want to make Alachua County just like most of the rest of Florida. How we vote will result in a definitive direction for the future.

Commissioner Byerly is an activist for many things, but none are in this writer's opinion more important than our local environment. To maintain a "where culture meets nature" philosophy in the leadership of this community, Byerly and Hutch Hutchinson both need to be reelected, but Byerly is particularly vulnerable due to his outspoken voice in support of keeping the rural spaces we have predominantly rural. If you are a naturalist, love conservation or just enjoy peace and quiet in the way you live, then it's imperative that you vote for Byerly. And if you are a Conservative, remember that land conservation is an important component of that original philosophy. His opponent is a mouthpiece for the Chamber of Commerce push for development everywhere, never taking into consideration those who already live rural, the dwindling status of our natural environs and the major concern over water which is always avoided like the plague by the development community.

The Chamber of Commerce is not what it used to be. It is now a behemoth organization at the national level which has targeted many politicians in Washington who oppose crony-capitalism and are more concerned about small business. Just by being a member of the national body, the local chapter supports that underlying viewpoint and it can be seen by the limited impact small businesses have on its philosophies and policies. And with its tight link to Plum Creek, now Weyerhaeuser, those who have been involved over the fight for Envision Alachua know that the average citizen is of no concern to their game plan. So while the majority of the county opposes the huge land development push, the Chamber has identified candidates, including Byerly's opponent, to heavily fund campaigns with lots of out-of-town money in order to complete a takeover of the County Commission.

Now there is nothing illegal with what they do, but it surely shows where their interests are and they are not in the best interests of the "little people" who pay property taxes and follow the law and in times of huge development frequently lose that property. After all, many are of limited means or on fixed income and they never gain the fruits of big business operations. They merely are stuck with paying for it and losing their life style and their property, many of whom have been in their families for generations.

That's what this Democratic primary election tomorrow in Alachua County is all about, folks, so think carefully about what you do. Don't settle for hype and bullet points that don't say anything and remember what we've faced in the past and will face more of in the future. If you do, you'll vote for Mike Byerly tomorrow and return him to the County Commission for another term. And don't forget to vote for Hutch also. While he has an easier likely path to victory, never take anything in election politics for granted. And please share these thoughts with anyone who is uncertain of what to do.

The pictures below offer the contrast. Beautiful rural and peaceful Florida against what man so recklessly does. If that doesn't help you decide, nothing will.

RE-ELECT MIKE BYERLY TO THE ALACHUA COUNTY COMMISSION BY VOTING FOR HIM IN THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TOMORROW, AUGUST 30TH. Let's keep some of the great heritage that we have. If we lose it, it's gone forever.

Sunday Morning Coming Down: Does God Pick Sides in Politics?

8/28/2016

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. – Romans 13:1

Since the beginning of the worship of God, man has been involved in something akin to politics. Whether it was organizing a clan, clamoring for power over other members, or in more modern times participating in a sophisticated version with legislative bodies and such, politics is a natural state of social interaction. And since all men (and women) were created in the image of God, those who gain power are authorities under God to govern. Otherwise we would have total chaos and ultimately anarchy. The Apostle Paul understood this well and the first fourteen verses of the cited chapter of Romans deals directly with this, written at a time when the new and growing church was under the yoke of Rome.

The answer to the question herein posed is that no, God does not pick sides in elections. He gives us with our free will the opportunity to pick those who would govern us on earth, expecting us to understand the appropriate time and place for governance from man on earth and from God on greater things, things of an everlasting nature. Each election finds many candidates with widely varying views vying for office and God expects us to be smart enough to select those best suited by skill and good moral judgment to lead us. And we, in turn, have to live with the results of our choices, even if sometimes the difference between victory and defeat of the candidates is razor thin.

Having said that, the victorious candidates, once again men and women who are created in God's image, are expected to govern in a godly fashion. It only makes sense that a creature of God is expected to live within the expectations of Almighty God who created them. And this is where the problems come in, for when leaders don't live up to their obligations God then finds displeasure and he expects us, the subjects, to devise ways to insure that the leaders face their shortcomings and find their way. It is for this reason that such procedures as impeachment and recall from office, even the oft mentioned Article 5 Constitutional Convention were designed by our early leaders to offer solutions, not through chaos but through orderly procedure. But man being man, an imperfect and sinful body, often falls short of this. And if that weakness turns us from a situation where the appropriate concerns of man by leaders aren't addressed by the proper governing laws of this earth and turn to something dark and sinister, that is when it is necessary to pray for God's divine guidance and intervention if necessary.

So when we go to the polls in all of this year's elections, think things through, ask God to guide you with His love and the code for living that He has given us, The Ten Commandments, to make wise choices. If we use our free will correctly and follow it, we will make the right choices, but it's up to us. God is, however, always standing by to guide us in times of strife, but we do have to ask for his help.

Dear Lord: We thank you for the gift of free will and being given the ability to determine our own destiny through this freedom. Help us to use it wisely and to ask you for guidance in these endeavors always. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Licensing For Cajun Navy? Another Government Disaster

8/25/2016

One thing is always for certain when it comes to government: never underestimate it's ability to make something simple complex and in so doing destroy good initiative when it is most needed. A good case in point is the proposal by Louisiana State Senator Jonathan Perry to require licensing of members of the Cajun Navy or other such volunteer disaster rescue groups.

It never ceases to amaze. We see volunteers out of compassion and love work for long and arduous hours to do something heroic, something that needs to be done quickly and a politician comes along and wants to ruin it. In all fairness to Senator Perry, he is concerned about liability and all of the other things so commonplace in a litigious society, but do you think that hard working and courageous volunteers are going to waste the time to do the paperwork, jump through hoops as the government requires and attend some type of boring training that common sense usually provides before they jump into action when something must be dealt with now. And on top of that they are supposed to pay for the privilege of volunteering to help others.

How about a better idea? Prepare and have the Governor sign special legislation creating an exemption from the hoopla when nature's events require. Good people offering help at a time when none is available should never be turned away by a bureaucrat more concerned about his own turf than the needs of the people. Oh, you need law enforcement standing by to identify any attempts at a "sham" being perpetuated on the trusting public, something akin to watching for excessive price gouging like 250% mark ups on goods in a critical time. Some price increase is clearly going to happen legitimately during times of demand outpacing supply, it just has to be in the realm of reality not a get rich scheme based on the suffering of others.

Cajun Navy member Dustin Clouatre of St. Amant described it best when he said, "How can you regulate people volunteering to help other people?"

Clouatre has it right because you really can't. And I suspect that the good people of Louisiana will rise to the next occasion as they have in the past, with swift response and the result being lives saved and the community coming together which has been a good example for all of us.

Senator Perry's intentions, no matter how well meaning they are, just add to the problem that we see today with politicians and bureaucrats. Stop focusing on control and start focusing on positive results. Louisiana, like the rest of America, has had enough.

Hat tip to WWL-TV in Louisiana for reporting on this matter.

It's Prime Time: Florida Hurricane Season Arrives

8/25/2016

Is Florida's hurricane season about to get active?

After a long lull in tropical systems, the Sunshine State could potentially be facing her first real hurricane in a decade. This, of course, depends on whether or not a potential system near Puerto Rico develops fully but the track, if it does, is likely to be a threat to a significant portion of the state. Of course, the Weather Channel will hype it up whether it's a major blow or just a minimal one, but depending on where you live it is still wise to pay close attention.

As a long time resident of the Eastern Seaboard, I've been through a lot of these storms going back to my childhood days. I remember a storm as a boy that nearly blew our kitchen door in back in Tidewater Virginia. We had to push a refrigerator against the door to hold it and the same storm turned our backyard into a fortress of huge tree limbs from what had been a large and beautiful cottonwood tree.

Also never forgettable was being stranded on the Outer Banks of North Carolina when the bridge to the mainland partially washed out and we had to wait for some emergency repairs to return home. Even then, it was rather frightening driving over a temporary metal bridging structure connecting solid parts of the original bridge structure.

More recently here in Florida in 2004, I remember riding out two hurricanes in six weeks in a fifth wheel RV while we were waiting on our permanent home to be completed on new property. We actually anchored the unit using heavy duty roping over the top tied tightly to six foot rebar sections driven into the ground. Our shelter was secured yet we did have some problems with the windows giving somewhat to the wind, but we came out of it okay even if we did on both occasions suffer from lengthy periods without electricity.

Hopefully, things will not be too severe this go but one never knows. So take time to get some emergency supplies (especially water and batteries) and get ready because even if this one misses us hurricane season doesn't officially end until November 30th. It's just one of the prices we must pay to live in a land where the winter is warm.

Here's hoping that we dodge the bullet again but whatever happens, be safe and God bless you all.

It

TRUMP: DAMNED IF HE DOES AND DAMNED IF HE DOESN'T

8/23/2016

Charlotte, North Carolina's Queen City.

Donald Trump has given some excellent speeches in recent days, none considered better than his speech in Charlotte, North Carolina. The Tar Heel State is considered one of those must states for his campaign if he is to be successful in his run for the Presidency.

During his speech in Charlotte, Donald took special aim at the Democrats and the way they have taken the Black vote for granted. He saw their treatment of the minority community as an "urban plantation" where the Democrats pander and make all kinds of the promises for the future yet things continue unchanged. After all, ever since the 1964 Civil Rights Acts, the African-American community has solidly supported the Democrats yet by their own admission things remain unchanged. So Donald asked them what they had to lose by voting for Trump this year. Could it be any worse of an outcome than what they have faced and what if his economic based push to put America first could turn things around for them as well? That point is showing some signs of getting some attention.

He made a big hit for honesty with that speech and the packed Charlotte crowd loved it but, of course, the Hillary-dominated media "pooh, poohed" that as is to be expected. They even claimed that there were no minorities present in the audience although attendees reported a good turnout.

The truth is Donald can do nothing right as far as the mainstream media is concerned. He's damned if he does and damned if he doesn't, so he's rightly decided to take the issues openly and truthfully to the public in all segments and let the chips fall where they may. That's likely a very wise move because America needs the truth, it has been hidden by shifty politicians for way to long and it will set all of us free. Those in power don't like that. We Americans need to respond with a resolute reply: "Too bad, deal with it because you're gonna' get it anyway." And what a refreshing change from the blather and platitudes of Hillary Clinton who can barely even bear to campaign. Have a great day.

Cajun Naval Power: A Louisiana Community Initiative

8/22/2016

Reading about the horrors of the flooding of historic proportions in Louisiana clearly brought tears to those of us who have weathered a severe hurricane. But nothing brightens such a sad picture as much as the individual and group initiative of Louisiana boaters working in tandem to save lives. Hundred of volunteers under the moniker of the Cajun Navy have spent untold hours rescuing their fellow Louisianans from the flooding and potential death. They didn't wait for the President or FEMA to act; they took the matter into their own hands and showed the world what community spirit and love is all about.

Meanwhile, our illustrious President showed no concern or care, choosing instead to yuck it up at Martha's Vineyard on the golf course. The man who has done more in recent history to divide Americans by race and other categories, a man who never fails to get personally involved in bashing the work of our police, chose not to lift a finger on behalf of the good people of Louisiana. He chose instead to send Jeh Johnson, the shameful head of the Department of Homeland Security (or is it Insecurity) to Louisiana with the message that the President is too busy to be all places at once. He knew full well that these ravaged people were aware that the President was on vacation and, like his boss, showed clearly that he didn't care either.

After watching the Milwaukee riots and the way the community fell apart at the hands of paid agitators, what a refreshing thing it is to see the good people of Louisiana get to work with their own initiative to show what real community living is all about. Individual and group initiative, love and caring were there for all to see and these fine citizens are indicative of what America should be all about. We who have not been so unfortunate need to chip in however we can to help them, for so many are now without homes or any possessions. All they have left are their lives and they are thankful for that.

In the midst of tragedy and sorrow, the light of God's love was shining brightly in the Cajun State and with the spirit and strength that they have, they have proved that they will survive and come back stronger than ever. And that glorious makeshift Cajun Navy is to be congratulated for the wonderful work they have done and continue this day to do.

God bless them all.

Stamina: A Needed Presidential Prerequisite

8/21/2016

If there is one thing that a President of the United States must have it is stamina. The Presidency is one position that never really has time off; even when he or she is sleeping the requirement for quick and good decision-making is as close as the 3 a.m. wake up call and the occupant of that illustrious position must be wide awake in mere seconds.

That very factor is what is so terribly troubling about the medical situation, whatever it may be, that is currently impacting Hillary Clinton, the Democratic nominee for President. While she denies it and avoids it, Americans are noticing the strange behaviors she displays with lapses of memory, periods which resemble some kind of seizure and the continual propping up of her physical being be it from Secret Service help or cushions placed at her back. But this is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of indications that something is seriously wrong.

Yesterday it was learned that she is routinely taking long weekend breaks during the campaign and, in fact, with the exception of one campaign appearance prior to the end of August, her campaign calendar is empty up until the latter half of September. Can you imagine how any candidate can conduct an active campaign without appearances directly before the voters? And this doesn't even include the fact that she has not had a press conference in two hundred and sixty days.

Imagine what the media would be doing if this situation involved Donald Trump instead of Hillary The coverage would be non-stop, yet they barely mention Hillary's case since they are so in the tank for her campaign. Meanwhile, however, The Donald is working like a dynamo, taking his vision for America to the people and the response is starting to gather gusto on his behalf. Hillary thinks she can just coast behind her press barricade sickness or not.

Thinking ahead, we need to anticipate her next move to cover her health. Expect her to ask for debates in a sit down mode. Frankly, she likely can't stand on her own and walk around freely for a two hour period while for the first time in her life facing a real challenge. So if she does request such a change, Trump should politely say no while telling the press that candidates for the highest office of the land need to be able to stand and walk around with vigor if they want to hold such an office. Then he needs to just stick to his guns and refuse to give her any cover. America needs to see her up close and personal on her feet, not propped up on pillows to hide the truth.

That may sound cold, folks, but the fact is that Hillary asked for the opportunity to run for the office, now let's see if she's up to it. If she is, so be it. If not, she needs to face the truth for a change and let America in on her secret. After all, Americans deserve a President who is fully alert and capable, not a shell of a person who, if elected in poor condition, will just be a placeholder while someone else is actually performing their duties. We don't need a President in the mold of the character in the movie "Dave'. That would even surpass the empty suit syndrome that we currently have in Washington.

Sometimes the truth is cold and hard but it is always the truth. We'll soon find out.

Sunday Morning Coming Down: All That We Are Belongs to God

8/21/2016

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV)

As I get older, I am continually amazed to see people much younger than me huffing and puffing as they walk into a shopping mall or any other public facility in America today. Many are grosslye overweight and they often wait in line in a parking lot for an open spot rather than park at a distance and actually walk somewhere. America is truly out of shape and it often seems like many of us don't even care.

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not a health nut or someone who has a body builder's physique and I'm not a vegetarian. I love a good piece of red meat as much as anyone, but I also enjoy fruits and salads and realize that we can't sit our life away. Feet were made for walking and the body was made to be upright, not slouching or sitting for extended periods with no exercise or momentum.

I mention this on this Sunday Morning Coming Down because as the Apostle Paul tells us in the passage from 1 Corinthians above, our body is in reality a temple of the Holy Spirit within us. What that means is we are expected to live the way God would have us do and one of the key tenets of that is good, healthy living. Look at the physical attributes of the human body and it's clear we were made to be active, not sedentary. So get off the couch and go for a walk, or ride a bike or even go swimming or just about any activity you can think of that increases your heart rate and burns some caloric intake. It doesn't have to be painful or extreme, but just do something to keep the blood flowing and the heart pumping.

God loves us but He expects us to honor Him in the way we live. After all, we are supposed to be living for Him, not for ourselves. And one of the things that means is keeping ourselves as healthy and fit as we reasonable can. Sooner or later we will all face physical and mental frailty and die, but don't hasten it along. Keep the mind and body active and it will pay great dividends. You will be blessed for it.

Be active, stay alert and enjoy the wonders of the gift of life that God has given us. Staying healthy is an important part of that for, remember, we are each a Temple of the Third Person of God, the One who dwells within us. We all need to act with appropriate reverence.

God bless you all.