Blog Archives - North Florida Writer

November 30: Obamacare Website D-Day

11/30/2013

So today is the supposed D-Day for the Obamacare website. Everything is supposed to be coming up roses by the end of the day, at least according to the many pronouncements as such by the President. But like everything else involved with Obamacare, no matter what the Administration reports at the end of the day, the program is still a disaster.

While a very small number have signed up, most are either those with major existing medical conditions or they have signed up for Medicaid, which really is just a shell program. For example, if you are forced into Medicaid (because of financial limitations or because none of the other overpriced programs will take you), if your problems are serious and you die, your loved ones will find out the hard way. The state or feds will come after them for payment, including the taking of property. It's already happening.

But getting back to the mechanics of the website, a knowledgeable source said yesterday that success will be judged by whether or not at least 50,000 potential customers can go on line at once. Can you imagine Amazon having this sort of limitation. They would be out of business.

This is just a symptom of the problem and their actions certainly serve as no cure. Trying to sign up people without full disclosure of the impact is dishonest and needs to fail. Why would anyone want to sign up for a program that doesn't give cost factors and all other information needed prior to applying? Which doctors will be covered? What is the full cost? What about security issues with using your computer? Why are you asked to pay for so many things that you will never need? Why are young adults paying so much for so little, in fact, everyone who is healthy for that matter?

I think deep down inside we all know the answers. The program is a sham and a fraud. It is just a redistribution of wealth and a means of controlling everything you have and do a la George Orwell. Instead of worrying about a ridiculous website, we need to be worrying about the real issue here: the destruction of the best healthcare system in the world and its replacement with a Third World program. Welcome to Cuba North.

Is anyone in Washington other than Ted Cruz and a few other patriots listening? Probably not, so it is up to us, the American people, to light a spark for Liberty using this issue as a major point of action. Does anyone else feel this way? Let's get to work.

Despite this disaster, have a nice weekend and relax but be ready to turn on the heat on Monday. Start calling each elected official you have in Washington and tell them this is unacceptable as a program. Repeal and replace it with a good quality patient-doctor private system that insures care and dignity.

God be with you and God bless America and don't forget church tomorrow.

The Day After Thanksgiving

11/29/2013

Black Friday: the day everyone complains about but oh, so many jam into the stores looking for special bargains after reviewing all of the teaser ads from retailers. The long Thanksgiving weekend (at least for many) results in being one of the most hectic and sometimes almost inhumane times of the year. Crime goes up and bargains go out the window of the stores quickly, and a few are excited about the special deals they found while others vow to never do it again, only to repeat themselves the following year.

And all of this begs the question as we enter the Christmas Season (yes, I said Christmas, and I don't ever say Happy Holidays): WWJD? We Christians all see the initials many times, but do we really ever open our hearts to Jesus and ask ourselves how we should handle the month of December? What will we do in response to what He would have us do?

This entire month is preparatory to Christmas or for those who don't believe they use it as an excuse for festivities minus Christ. But for we Christians, it's all about Christmas and we must ask if we have forgotten the meaning of the season and what it is truly for.

Oh, the fun times are great and it's always good to give to others as well as receive gifts. But the real meaning of this time of year is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, not a party of going into debt, eating too much and for some imbibing in too many spirits in the liquid form. I know that for me the answer is handling the celebration in a more conservative manner. I find the best part to be a good meal with family and friends and attending worship for the Christ Child and thanking Him for the gift of eternal life that loving Him offers. Everything else is very superficial and of little long term value.

So I hope we Christians truly take the time to marvel at the real Reason for the Season. Put Christ first and yourself second and the gifts that you will receive will make Christmas presents look very small indeed.

For those of you out in the malls today, I wish you my sympathy. Be careful and be safe. For those of you who prefer this day to be a little more quiet, I say enjoy the peace while you can. In any event, have some fun, party within reason, and don't forget to cap off the weekend with your Sunday worship. Blessings to all and God bless America as well.

Pent Up Energy Finally Breaks Free

11/27/2013

Yesterday I wrote about our rainy day including how my "Mutt and Jeff" duo of dogs was extremely bored being "cooped up" in the house all day. The rain kept coming and coming and the dogs, led by the little white dynamo, Molly, kept reminding me how much they wanted to play outside. But the weather was quite wicked with high winds, thunder and lightning and heavy winds and I knew if I turned them free they would really make a mess of themselves, so I even took them out by leash to answer nature's call.

The only one adversely impacted by this was me, soaked to the bone. Even though I was able to keep them out of the mud, they still brought a small ocean of water back inside with them. They could have cared less, but at least the basics were taken care of and we would just have to wait out the storm before they could release all of the energy building up.

Kaz, a wonderful Great Dane that we rescued nearly a year ago, was a different story. Not as antsy or hyperactive as Molly, he enjoys his couch potato time, loving to lounge on his large dog bed which we place in the living room near us. He likes togetherness, always wanting to know that his master or mistress is nearby. When left alone for extended periods is when he gets into trouble or when Molly coaxes him into trouble.

In mid-afternoon I had to go out and perform my horse chores as the weather was predicting severe storms in the evening and I wanted to have things done beforehand. After feeding our horses, I made sure the geese were put up with feed, the barn cats fed and the chickens watered, and then I made my quick visit to a neighbor who I help where I help with their horses. By the time I returned home it was looking really ominous with the sky having a strange tint and the winds picking up. Having lived in the Midwest for a short time previously, all of the indications of a tornado were present and we did have a tornado watch issued.

Coming in the house, I saw that the dogs had been surprisingly good. Except for a few torn up paper bags, Molly had behaved herself. And as for Kaz, well, he just looked bored and sleepy, maintaining his couch potato status. I knew that they needed a "potty break" but the first line of thunderstorms was rolling through and it would have to wait.

As the thunder boomed and the lightning flashed with the accompanying wind gusts and punishing rain, Goober, one of our other little dogs, a Shih-Tzu started to breathe heavily as an indication of her fear. Froodle the Poodle started barking and that set off a symphony of dog music with Kaz howling and Molly barking. Even Lupe the Chihuahua chimed in.

Suddenly, the storm passed and it became eerily quiet. This was my chance; I accompanied the dogs outside for a comfort break. As long as I was with them they knew they had to behave but I knew in my heart that they really wanted to run and release all of that pent up energy, especially Molly.

Over the next few hours while I awaited my wife's return from her evening job, a few more blasts of weather came through with the same result from the dogs. Aside from quite a bit of standing water and a few medium tree limbs down we were spared any serious damage and thankfully we never lost our power. But I knew before the night was over these lively fellows needed to run.

As my wife came in the door at midnight with the sky beginning to clear, I turned them loose. Off they went headed to the barn. They were determined to find a raccoon or possum to terrorize. Oh, it was just barking and growling, but it was their "thing" and they performed well. And I have to admit that since we got this tandem our chickens and geese are never threatened by coyotes, a problem that was previously endless.

We let them "play" for about twenty minutes and then called them in. They looked happy with their mud covered legs and feet. Stopping them at the door, two or three old towels and a little water did the trick and they were back to normal. A little spritz of a deodorizing dog spray and even the "wet dog smell" was gone. A quick snack and a drink of water and they were ready to turn in, sleeping soundly until seven this morning.

Welcome to dog and animal world. Sometimes it's hectic, sometimes in bad weather it can be a little frightening, but no matter what it's always interesting. Ans whatever "mess" they might create, it's easily corrected with a little soap, water and elbow grease. God bless these wonderful animals, they are my companions and friends out here in the country and they make me smile and laugh. They are a grat antidote to a troubled world and truly a gift from a gracious God. Thank you, Lord.

Have a wonderful day. Woof! Woof!
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If you like this true picture of life in the country, you should like my book, "Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark", available from Outskirts Press: ouskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark. This author page has links to Amazon, Barnes and Nobel and an E-Book . Animals, A Wonderful Gift From God.

A Rainy Farm Day

11/26/2013

With warnings of possible severe weather later today and the clouds rolling in, I can learn much about what to expect from the animals that surround me. They seem to have a better understanding of the weather than the weatherman and their track record is usually better as well.

The horses have their winter coats almost complete, ready for cold weather. It's just in time, too, for after the storm goes by tonight the temperature is supposed to drop quickly. They provide a sure sign of what to expect soon, earlier than usual in North Florida.

The barn cats are hanging a little closer this morning. They understand what's coming and are preparing to hunker down in the eaves of the barn until the storm passes. On days like these they leisurely pass their time either in the barn or in the garage where they can stay dry. Dinky, our mixed Siamese-Himalayan looks like a "woolly bear", those furry looking caterpillars that appear prior to a cold winter. As she walks by she almost resembles a hairy accordion as her body motion make her low slung body appear to lengthen and shorten as she walks about.

The dogs don't ask to go out as much. My jack rat terrier, Molly and Kaz, the Great Dane, usually so anxious to scour the property for raccoons and possum are only going outside for nature's call, then they quickly return. On days like these they become couch potatoes. The other little dogs just curl up on a rug and seem content.

All of the hens are seated on their perches in the raised and covered part of the coop, safe and secure from the rain and water. Except for eating and nesting, they will stay there all day. The sure sing when all is clear is when they again will start moving about and clucking loudly. Not today, which also means not many eggs.

There is, however, one group of our animals that want to go out in the storm to frolic: the geese. Ringo, Lucy and the gang love the rain and the puddles and mud. They delight in it, honking and splashing while looking like young kids in the bathtub with their play toys. With their thick and oily feathers they are protected from come what may. Wet and cold is never a problem. It is so pleasing to them that they will give me a hard time getting them back to their pen this evening. Sorry, fellas, you can't stay out. Don't forget we have coyotes.

At a time that America seems to be falling apart and the world is filled with terror and sadness, why do I shift my gaze to a quiet and uneventful event such as a rainstorm and the animals? Well, I do so to highlight the wonder and instinct of the many animals that surround all of us in our daily lives. Sometimes they are smarter than we are and are therefore better prepared. The rains, the cold and the sunshine and heat come and go, but these creatures adapt quickly and appropriately for the seasons and the weather they are given. They don't grumble or complain, they just take what God gives and use it in the best way possible. For some it's play, for others it's rest, but it always fits the situation.

And you know what else? While man gets all worked up and concerned about the supposed impact of global warming, he really can't even tell accurately what this afternoon's weather will really be like. I mean, really, his prognostications are often no better than a "crap shoot", so how does he know with any likelihood of accuracy what the weather patterns will be like and their impact five, ten, even one hundred years from now? He can't.

Frankly I'll place my bet on the animals and just general observation of nature around me. Odds are it will be more accurate and it also puts things in their proper place. I think that's what God intended, for all the preparations we can take for whatever we expect mean nothing when the forces of nature, all part of God's creation, come into play. We are at His mercy as it should be.

Lord, Help us to always remember that through you is our salvation. Remind us that we can weather any storm and flood or anything your natural elements can bring our way but only if we remain righteous and true to you. Help us to keep our hearts open to you and our conscience always alert and aware to what you expect us to do, whether it be preparing for today's storm or the ultimate joy of eternal life. We ask in Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a great day, sunshine or darkness, knowing that He is always with us. Take comfort in this and heed His direction for life always. It will work wonders within each of us. God bless.
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Enjoy nature and animals? You might enjoy my book, "Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, now available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and E-Book. Here's the link to all three: outskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark.

Obama Makes A "Chamberlain" Move

11/25/2013

So Barack Obama, in his supposedly infinite wisdom, has led the push to end economic sanctions against Iran in return for a questionable halt in that country's march toward nuclear status. I doubt if anyone truly believes that Iran has any intention of keeping their word; they never have in the past and why should they now? But Obama, always working with those who oppose us while opposing those who are, or used to be our friends, continues in his disastrous efforts to make the United States a Third World nation.

After all that he has done to destroy our way of life in the United States by destroying the middle class, it is impossible to believe this man. He has lied to us about nearly everything he promised in the past so why would his game plan change now? I also find it appropriate that the hapless John Kerry, a man who seems to have little common sense but lots of talk, represented the United States in the effort. The results make his earlier gaffes look like something one would find at a Sunday school picnic by comparison.

America, Iran is pure evil. They have been at the forefront of leadership in killing our troops by providing support to our enemies, they have been in the lead in spreading fear and Sharia and they have made no attempt to hide their desire to destroy Israel. Israel, not only our only trustworthy ally in the region but also the home of our basis for decent behavior, the Ten Commandments, and the birthplace of our Savior, Jesus Christ, has been sold out for the equivalent of the thirty pieces of silver that Judas received for forsaking the Savior. And Obama? Well, he has shown his true colors and I think this "Chamberlain Moment", similar to the British folly in entering a peace agreement with Adolph Hitler in 1938, will generate horrific consequences for freedom the world over. It is a step toward opening the doors for Shariah law around the world and another potential holocaust, this time not just involving Jews but all Godfearing people.

If ever Americans should be outraged and strengthen their resolve to face the real truth, this is it folks. And I think what we do in the next year will determine our fate. If things don't start to change in a major way by means of the 2014 election, our way of life could be over.

Remember, friends, Israeli is the chosen land. God has brought wrath on her enemies since the earliest times, and I fear that America has now been judged to be in her enemy's camp. God bless Israel, may she always remain viable as a nation and may America please awaken to the truth. The truth will set us all free.

How Do You Measure Success?

11/24/2013

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Success. It's something we all dream of and desire in all that we do. With it comes wealth, fame, gaining favor, and power. Many of us spend our entire life seeking it; some of us might achieve it in the material sense while others fail. Regardless, when we think we've reached its pinnacle most find it to be inwardly unsatisfying. We feel empty and lacking. Oh, life on this earth is made comfortable by this definition, but in the bigger picture what have we really achieved?

The Prophet Jeremiah, living roughly in the 640-570 BC time frame lacked riches, power and also many friends. He was scorned by many and even his life was threatened because of his devoutness and strict adherence to his mission from God. While lacking the trappings of success that most desire, he was considered by God to be a complete success. He followed God's mission obediently and without question in his quest to awaken the Jews of Judah to the impending calamity due to their lifestyle.

His prophecy came true. The Temple and with it Jerusalem was destroyed in 586 BC and the Judeans were taken into captivity by Babylon. As the southernmost kingdom of what had been included in Israel before the death of King Solomon, Judah had fallen to the depths and all because it had not listened to and followed the Word of God. Depravity, selfishness, and downright greed had replaced the Ten Commandments. Just like the Israelites some 900 years prior had wandered aimlessly in the desert as punishment for not following God's commands, Judah found itself in the same situation. Forty years in captivity would be the punishment for failing to listen, but God again relented after His promised people finally returned to righteousness as a result of this lesson.

Jeremiah is thought to have been stoned to death in Egypt and never returned to see the promised land again. But to the end he was faithful to the Lord and His requirements and never faltered. His place with God was secure and his success was attained through his obedience and faith.

Friends, it seems like we find ourselves in a similar situation today here in America. Debauchery, having no consequences for our actions and denying God and His Law are not only popular in our culture, the government actually appears to accept amoral behavior as the acceptable norm. Everything is okay; you can just do what you want as long as it is what the government wants you to do.

I would hope that all Christians would carefully consider where we find ourselves and work diligently to stand for Our Lord and His Law. Defend Him, always love Him, and never deny Him. Oh, we may suffer at the hands of evil in this world, but the joy of spending eternity with Him for staying true and faithful will be so "out of this world" that we can't even imagine how wonderful it will be.

Do you want to join me in finding out? Let's do it together and, in the meantime, reclaim our country that we love for Him. Let's get to work.

Lord, Give us strength of purpose and the faith to see us through. Help us to use our lives for you as long as we live and breathe, always spreading your love and following your guidance. Bless and keep us no matter how difficult the days ahead become knowing that we will always be safe at your table when our days are done. We love you Lord and want to always put you first. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

So How Should Republicans Respond To Reid?

11/23/2013

I remember as a young boy in the second grade a class bully who always wanted to control the schoolyard. Any time someone started to play on a sliding board, the monkey bars, the swings or whatever, he would come over with a menacing look and his fists balled up and say, "It's mine, you can't play here."

One day on recess I walked over to the empty monkey bars and started climbing. Within moments, he approached and repeated his usual warning.

I don't know what decided it for me, maybe it was my morning Wheaties or something, but I retorted "No, I'm not leaving", and climbed down, walked over to him, and stood toe to toe with him.

The next thing I noticed was his fist when he hit me in the face, but my adrenaline was high and even though my nose started to bleed, I was not backing down. I responded with a good smack to his face as well which, surprisingly, knocked him down. And I noticed something else. Not only did he bleed like me, he began to cry.

After that, young Tommy and I had no further problems. We actually got along and, not only that, the terror on the schoolyard was over not just for me but for everyone.

I am reminded of this little story when I watch the groveling Republicans in the United States Senate. Day after day, month after month, they talk about how they don't have a majority and can't do anything until the next election while Harry Reid and his Democratic "bullies" work their will on them. With the exception of a few like Ted Cruz, Mike Lee, and Rand Paul, they just take it and give in to the tyrannical behavior time after time. And just like the young bully story, as long as they do they will meet with no respect. Reid and his "storm troopers" will just continue to push them around as long as they see no adverse consequence for their action.

Now that Mitch McConnell and his little band of neutered minority has even lost the filibuster, a procedural rule put in place by Thomas Jefferson to insure against the tyranny of the majority, their minority status has dropped to laughingstock. And the result will be the jamming through of judges and other appointments who are even more disastrous than the ones they have previously allowed to take office.

So are they really helpless now? Is there not anything they can do? Not exactly. There are hundreds of procedural rules and gimmicks that they can use to slow things down, tie things up, and make it more difficult. And while using them my not result in a win for the minority, it can make life difficult for the Democrats. After the treatment they have faced, I think they owe it to America to fight Reid's abuses in any way they can.

I'll just give one example of what they should do. Immediately stop granting unanimous consent to any and all requests in the lawmaking process. Just say NO. Make the Democrats read every piece of legislation cover to cover on the floor and tie up whatever else they can with this motion. It will at least show that they actually stand for something and they are not going to sit quietly by and let Reid work his will.

And the other thing that can be done is not up to the Senators but to We the People. We can vote out every Democratic incumbent up for reelection next year. But to make this effective, we also need to replace every RINO up for reelection with a true conservative. This can first be done by primarying them with good qualified men and women who stand for the Constitution and can eloquently make their case. It's time for the Republican base to take control of the party, not leave it in the hands of a corrupt Washington Establishment.

Now the "Big Guns" in Washington politics say it can't be done. But Texas did it with Ted Cruz, Utah did it with Mike Lee and Kentucky did it with Rand Paul. And all three had to fight off the establishment; Rand Paul even had to fight his senior Senator McConnell. If the people speak up and we run solid candidates who support constitutional government and can communicate it well, I say (using the words of a scoundrel) "Yes We Can."

It's time for action, America. Let's return the Land of the Founders back to her principles and strike what could be the first of a series of fatal blows to progressivism once and for all. God bless you and God bless America.

or the swings

The Dictator of the Senate

11/22/2013

Yesterday, in a typical show of complete disdain for the rights of the minority, Harry Reid, Senate Majority Leader, completely overturned over two hundred years of Senate procedure and custom and invoked the "Nuclear Option". Henceforth, voting in the Senate to confirm all presidential appointments excepting the Supreme Court will no longer require sixty Senators to close debate. A simple majority of 51 will be all that's needed to confirm Obama's appointments.

The Republicans voiced their typical outrage, not very convincing with the exception of the committed conservatives, and a tradition since the Founders has been destroyed. This means that Obama can railroad through appointments of extreme progressive ilk and the Republicans will be unable to slow them down. Not only that, but the steps being proposed to stack appellate courts with less than well qualified jurists will be on a major upswing.

The Democrats argued that the Republicans "threatened" to do the same thing when they had the majority and used the same logic or lack thereof. And there is truth to that but there is one huge difference. They didn't follow through, they relented. But now that the Dems have invoked open warfare in what used to be the "Great Debating Body", all bets for more civility and fairplay are off.

King Barack, acting more and more like a dictator of the Chavez variety in the White House, now has his "little" Dictator in the Senate. The only body with any hope for maintaining America as we know it is the House, and with John Boehner, a very weak and easily swayed Speaker, that future doesn't look very good.

America, it is very important that true conservatives be elected next year to turn the tide in the Senate. They must be dedicated to the Constitution and freedom. RINOs and Progressives will not do, for electing the same people again will only compound this horrible result and our free society can't stand any more of that. Those of you in red states with Democratic Senators, particularly take note. There is not a red state progressive Senator who supports the view of the majority of the state's people. Examples abound such as Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Mark Begich of Alaska and Kay Hagan of North Carolina. There are many others. Act accordingly and throw them out, but do so with a true Conservative opponent, not a RINO hiding under cover.

It's also time to replace all of the leadership of the Senate Republican minority with fighters, men and women who will stand up to the progressive onslaught, not make statements of outrage while going along for the ride. No one is more representative of this than Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the Senate Minority Leader, who must be replaced by a leader who represents the will of the people, not K-Street. There are several others in leadership of a similar mind like John Cornyn of Texas.

Get ready for the 2014 elections, voice your opinion and support Conservatives, true conservative candidates. Study their records, see what they have and have not done, and vote for those who support American values. Otherwise the "Land of the Free" will truly become the future "Home of the Slaves".

Think about it, pray about it, and act. It's our responsibility and it's our right. Have a wonderful day and God bless America and all that she stands for. She is not the government, she is her people. Always remember that.

The Medal of Freedom. Really?

11/21/2013

Yesterday President Obama held a ceremony and presented the Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award that the United States can bestow. As I looked at the list, I had a difficult time holding back my feelings when I saw names of people who clearly didn't deserve such an honor. Two in particular caught my attention and I honestly can't think of a thing that either one of them has done which could be seen as supporting freedom. Frankly, I can think of several things in their resume which have had a chilling, opposite effect.

As I thought of the significance of the award, I couldn't help but think of the brave men and women who have fought and died for this country. They are the true heroes, not a bunch of civilians who have led the good life in comfort while these young men and women were giving there all in sacrifice. And I thought of the disdain that Obama's actions toward so many of our military have shown and his willingness to use them as pawns, and it made me give even less credence to this civilian award.

Having mentioned this marked contrast, I am sure you wonder who the two civilian awardees are for whom I have such disregard. They are Gloria Steinem and Oprah Winfrey? Oh, others don't represent the best tenets of freedom either, but these two really stand out.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised because it is par for the course with our current President. He tries to stick his finger in the eye of all conservative Americans who believe in God, family and country. And these two certainly represent an insult to us.

Why do I say this? Well, let's look at Gloria Steinem first. Steinem, a woman who spent her life touting immoral lifestyle and behaviors such as abortion on demand and promiscuity, is considered a national hero by Obama. What about the unborn child who lost his or her freedom (life) due to the selfish behavior of someone who would have been the parent? Or what about the young lady who began to have sex after hearing a Steinem diatribe, only to lose the one gift from God that should have been saved for something special? Well, I guess if you don't have God in your life to impact your plans, sex on a casual basis becomes an everyday event like a kiss at the door after a date.

No, Steinem is no hero. She represents forces that have grown in this country and have destroyed much of our moral fiber and self-control. And, instead of freedom, the resulting lifestyle results in the making of poor decisions which are more likely to create a form of slavery--slavery to welfare and state support as a consequence of the behaviors.

And then there's Oprah Winfrey, a woman who has made millions upon millions of dollars, most of her fortune coming from fans who are caucasian and have supported her loyally, many from her native South. And even though we have a black President who received plenty of support from the white community, Oprah sees his problems, problems due to his own dogma and unwillingness to face political reality, as a result of racism. Not only that, she sees the solution to be the death of many generations of Southern whites who she deems racist. So if we kill off the whites who are undoubtedly racist in her mind, the racism will go away. Not really, Oprah, if you are in fact the one displaying the racism.

No, Oprah, it's not racism. It's America rising up against Socialism and the destruction it represents. It's rebellion against a health care system that is destroying the best health care in the world, cronyism that has corrupted the political process, and extensive graft and corruption by an Administration hell bent on turning America into a Northern version of Cuba. This isn't racism, Oprah, this is patriotism and someone like you who has been so fortunate because of the American dream needs to get down on your knees and thank God for the goodness of those people, many white, who have helped you get whee you are today. How about a little gratitude and honesty instead of all of the hate?

Sadly, you have chosen another course, making outlandish claims that aren't supported by fact. Even sadder is the fact that the President of the United States has deemed this behavior to be worthy of the Medal of Freedom and in so doing he has seriously cheapened its value. His actions have shown contempt for the very basis for our freedom, for only with love in our hearts and belief in the tenets of America can we ever attain our dreams. And when our leaders reward immoral behavior and hatred in the name of freedom we are in real trouble.

America deserves so much better but it is not likely to change until the infection in our government is removed. Prosperity and truth will only return with a different election result in the future. Our leaders and those who have been successful need to stand up for the goodness of America not continually trying to tear her down. It's all about attitude and outlook and if it doesn't change soon, the very concept of freedom, the supposed basis for the award of a medal in its name, will be lost and unlikely to return.

Americans, stand up for your country and its constitutional beginnings under God. Be strong and be brave and never be swayed by those who want to change her basic foundation. That foundation is what has made her strong and will sustain our future if we stay the course. With God in our heart and actions, we will always be free. Otherwise, the course might lead us into chains of bondage that always comes with big, unaccountable government. Let's work hard to keep this from happening.

God bless you all.

God Bless Christian Schooling

11/20/2013

Yesterday I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at a wonderful Christian school in Jacksonville. Participating in their annual Author Extravaganza, I spoke to a second grade class before meeting parents and students at the book fair. It was an uplifting and enlightening experience.

These children were bright and eager to learn and they had fun, asked questions and were always polite. It was obvious that their parents are dedicated to their mental and spiritual development as well as the dedicated staff of the school that works with them daily. And it really brought something very important to mind, something that we have lost.

America was so much better off when we had God in schools. And no, I don't mean forcing people to worship Him, I mean making Him available to those who do. The morning Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer that I remember, while voluntary, was eagerly participated in by most. And it set the tone for the day, a day which was usually civil, filled with learning minds and only minor altercations. It is much different in the public schools today and I think our society suffers terribly for this. Make no mistake, we need God in our lives for, without Him, we truly lose our way.

So my hat is off to Christian education, a system that teaches excellence in subject matter to prepare young minds for the working world ahead while it also assists in spiritual development and renewal, something we all need in a society that is so often at war with itself. And I know many parents have to scrimp and save to provide this opportunity and the staff expends much time above and beyond the call of their daily duties, , but properly rearing and training our children is the most important and most honorable job that we have as parents and as educators of young minds.

So a special "hats off" to the students, staff and parents of Christ's Church Academy in Jacksonville for providing the type of environment that our kids so desperately need. God bless you and I hope to be back next year.
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Author of Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, now available at outskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark. Real stories about the daily life of animals in rural Florida. They are truly a gift from God.