I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on
I’m just rolling on past the slower trucks, and past loves
Rolling on beyond the regrets, towards new sunsets
I’m just rolling on, putting miles between my trials
Measuring miles by the gallon; I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on
I’m not gone, I’m always almost there; it just past the nowhere, right before somewhere. I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on past the empty eyes, finding depth in the changing skies
I can’t right the wrong, but I’m ‘steeling’ my strength to remain strong
I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on
Rolling on towards my mountain home, or at the river’s bend, at home in the valley, the meadow or the glen; my home is wherever I’ve been…I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on.
Leaving the past like it was yesterday, traveling into my future, which always lingers in the next today. I’m never there yet, but I passed many things I forget. Seems just when I’m about there; it turns out to be another here, I’m not gone, I’m just rolling on
©
2013 threegemstrucking by The Pilgrim
Monday, February 4, 2013
Friday, January 18, 2013
Reformed vs Transformed
An Appeal to Christians:
President Obama is not a Caesar, and America is not the completely pagan, though sophisticated, society of first century Rome. When one considers, that the entire New Testament was written in that time frame, by authors, who would all die a martyr’s death; the truths, promises, hope and love conveyed is both astonishing and unparalleled. For the first 300 years after the death & resurrection of Christ, the simple act of proclaiming one’s faith in him was a capital crime, punishable by death. Yet, in spite of the obstacles, the Christian faith flourished; resulting in the exponential changing of societal values and thereby, forever impacting history. There is not a development of Western Civilization and certainly not America without that survival and flourishing.
I have always been fascinated by the realities of the lives, lived in faith, by those early believers. After all, there were no bibles to read, no large churches with organized activities, no seminaries, no books to buy, etc. The Corinthians, for example, had two letters from the Apostle Paul; some perhaps, had seen the gospels or heard his letters to the Philippians, Colossians, Galatians or others. Communications were verbal mostly, and leadership was presented by example of the Apostles and their disciples.
At our time in history, we are blessed with far more information available than our earlier brethren. In spite of this apparent advantage, I think it is imaginary that our faith is stronger and our lives are purer or more exemplary. I know there are tremendous examples, in our modern world, of men and women of faith; yet the percentage of believers following the earlier models is significantly lower. In America today no one is subject to death for their faith. Yet, we are easily excitable, and offended concerning a lack of “Christmas Spirit”. We complain readily about the crassness of television programming, the sexual nature of ‘pop culture’, the disregard of morality by those considered leaders, whether civil or clergy. We claim to not understand our government losing its Christian foundation or our churches losing their influence and appeal.
I offer a explanation that reconciles this evidence with my understanding: The Apostles and their disciples understood, experienced and taught transformation by Christ; not reformation for Christ. They did not risk their life for platitudes, a list of instructions or for their ‘religion‘; they had experienced the transformational power of Christ. They knew that the Spirit of God bore witness with their own spirit that they were indeed the children of God. (Rom. 8: 16) As the Apostle Paul further exhorted in that same chapter: ”For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38,39)
I am continually bewildered by the American brand of Christianity that follows 400 years of teaching a return to conformation to various configurations of arbitrary law. Ironically, the reformation founders separating themselves doctrinally from ’Romanism’ by teaching salvation by faith; would be intrigued by the different forms of ‘Jesus plus my efforts’ salvation by attainment, taught today in their name. Thus, reducing Jesus’ declaration on the cross “It is finished” to mere uncertainty, depending on what the believer chooses to do or not. Changing the words of Jesus himself: “ …whomsoever believes is not condemned, but has everlasting life.” (John 3:16) To whomsoever believes maybe is not condemned and we will eventually find out whether he merits everlasting life! Having read many theologians and scholars, my simple mind is baffled that, after their years of study, they still propose conclusions seemingly in direct contrast to the very words of our Lord. Raising the question: Do I need more education or are they too smart for their britches? The Apostle Paul declared: ”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) Any theological scholarship that reduces, through its teaching, the gift of God to a merited reward cannot be reconciled, regardless of the stature of the theologian.
The point is, the effectiveness of Christianity today is rendered feckless, without power, by its abandonment of the transformation of the believer by Christ; adopting rather, legalistic requirements for the believer’s reformation for Christ. Throughout the New Testament and specifically in Paul’s epistles, the utter frustration and repeatable failure of this vanity is revealed. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Rom. 7: 18,19) Furthermore, as Paul was instructing his disciple Timothy, the young teacher, to remain faithful to the teachings and to be ever attendant to sound doctrine, he gave a prescient warning about this very subject: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (II Timothy 3:1 - 5) I agree with many scholars, that Paul was calling out participants in the church with this warning.
The words of Jesus brings home to the believer the source of power: “I am the way, the truth and the life“…(John 14:6) What is the life? It is not me being good or improvingly better; it is Christ Jesus! He confirms this in the same chapter, when he speaks of his departure and the indwelling of the believer by the Spirit/comforter: ”In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) As my mentor Ed Dezago, likes to say; “Spirituality is what we receive; not what we achieve.”
The circumstances of my life did not allow for a life of academic scholarship, but I am so thankful for many of those whose lives and talents have pursued that course. I recommend the following for greater understanding of the transformation by Christ, the difference in results between salvation and discipleship, the integral relationship of salvation and sovereignty, and an on-going education by a tremendous teacher:
The Rest of the Gospel: When the partial gospel has worn you out. - Dan Stone and Greg Smith This is an eye-opening explanation of the reality of the new creation/ transformation of the believer.
The Reign of the Servant Kings - Joseph C. Dillow A fascinating scriptural study of the promises and warnings interspersed throughout the New Testament concerning the relationship between salvation and discipleship of the believer.
Salvation…Sovereignty - Kenneth Keathley Providing a scriptural analysis acrostic for understanding the role of God’s sovereignty in the salvation and relationship with the believer.
Ed Dezago, PhD, This is the link to the developing website of my friend and mentor. Although, we have been best friends since first grade, I am continually inspired by the depth of knowledge and spiritual wisdom he has garnered in his 42 years of scholarship and ministry. I look forward to his teaching in this on-line format. http://www.toliveischrist.org/
President Obama is not a Caesar, and America is not the completely pagan, though sophisticated, society of first century Rome. When one considers, that the entire New Testament was written in that time frame, by authors, who would all die a martyr’s death; the truths, promises, hope and love conveyed is both astonishing and unparalleled. For the first 300 years after the death & resurrection of Christ, the simple act of proclaiming one’s faith in him was a capital crime, punishable by death. Yet, in spite of the obstacles, the Christian faith flourished; resulting in the exponential changing of societal values and thereby, forever impacting history. There is not a development of Western Civilization and certainly not America without that survival and flourishing.
I have always been fascinated by the realities of the lives, lived in faith, by those early believers. After all, there were no bibles to read, no large churches with organized activities, no seminaries, no books to buy, etc. The Corinthians, for example, had two letters from the Apostle Paul; some perhaps, had seen the gospels or heard his letters to the Philippians, Colossians, Galatians or others. Communications were verbal mostly, and leadership was presented by example of the Apostles and their disciples.
At our time in history, we are blessed with far more information available than our earlier brethren. In spite of this apparent advantage, I think it is imaginary that our faith is stronger and our lives are purer or more exemplary. I know there are tremendous examples, in our modern world, of men and women of faith; yet the percentage of believers following the earlier models is significantly lower. In America today no one is subject to death for their faith. Yet, we are easily excitable, and offended concerning a lack of “Christmas Spirit”. We complain readily about the crassness of television programming, the sexual nature of ‘pop culture’, the disregard of morality by those considered leaders, whether civil or clergy. We claim to not understand our government losing its Christian foundation or our churches losing their influence and appeal.
I offer a explanation that reconciles this evidence with my understanding: The Apostles and their disciples understood, experienced and taught transformation by Christ; not reformation for Christ. They did not risk their life for platitudes, a list of instructions or for their ‘religion‘; they had experienced the transformational power of Christ. They knew that the Spirit of God bore witness with their own spirit that they were indeed the children of God. (Rom. 8: 16) As the Apostle Paul further exhorted in that same chapter: ”For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:38,39)
I am continually bewildered by the American brand of Christianity that follows 400 years of teaching a return to conformation to various configurations of arbitrary law. Ironically, the reformation founders separating themselves doctrinally from ’Romanism’ by teaching salvation by faith; would be intrigued by the different forms of ‘Jesus plus my efforts’ salvation by attainment, taught today in their name. Thus, reducing Jesus’ declaration on the cross “It is finished” to mere uncertainty, depending on what the believer chooses to do or not. Changing the words of Jesus himself: “ …whomsoever believes is not condemned, but has everlasting life.” (John 3:16) To whomsoever believes maybe is not condemned and we will eventually find out whether he merits everlasting life! Having read many theologians and scholars, my simple mind is baffled that, after their years of study, they still propose conclusions seemingly in direct contrast to the very words of our Lord. Raising the question: Do I need more education or are they too smart for their britches? The Apostle Paul declared: ”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) Any theological scholarship that reduces, through its teaching, the gift of God to a merited reward cannot be reconciled, regardless of the stature of the theologian.
The point is, the effectiveness of Christianity today is rendered feckless, without power, by its abandonment of the transformation of the believer by Christ; adopting rather, legalistic requirements for the believer’s reformation for Christ. Throughout the New Testament and specifically in Paul’s epistles, the utter frustration and repeatable failure of this vanity is revealed. “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh; for the willing is present in me, but the doing of the good is not. For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.” (Rom. 7: 18,19) Furthermore, as Paul was instructing his disciple Timothy, the young teacher, to remain faithful to the teachings and to be ever attendant to sound doctrine, he gave a prescient warning about this very subject: “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.” (II Timothy 3:1 - 5) I agree with many scholars, that Paul was calling out participants in the church with this warning.
The words of Jesus brings home to the believer the source of power: “I am the way, the truth and the life“…(John 14:6) What is the life? It is not me being good or improvingly better; it is Christ Jesus! He confirms this in the same chapter, when he speaks of his departure and the indwelling of the believer by the Spirit/comforter: ”In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.” (John 14:20) As my mentor Ed Dezago, likes to say; “Spirituality is what we receive; not what we achieve.”
The circumstances of my life did not allow for a life of academic scholarship, but I am so thankful for many of those whose lives and talents have pursued that course. I recommend the following for greater understanding of the transformation by Christ, the difference in results between salvation and discipleship, the integral relationship of salvation and sovereignty, and an on-going education by a tremendous teacher:
The Rest of the Gospel: When the partial gospel has worn you out. - Dan Stone and Greg Smith This is an eye-opening explanation of the reality of the new creation/ transformation of the believer.
The Reign of the Servant Kings - Joseph C. Dillow A fascinating scriptural study of the promises and warnings interspersed throughout the New Testament concerning the relationship between salvation and discipleship of the believer.
Salvation…Sovereignty - Kenneth Keathley Providing a scriptural analysis acrostic for understanding the role of God’s sovereignty in the salvation and relationship with the believer.
Ed Dezago, PhD, This is the link to the developing website of my friend and mentor. Although, we have been best friends since first grade, I am continually inspired by the depth of knowledge and spiritual wisdom he has garnered in his 42 years of scholarship and ministry. I look forward to his teaching in this on-line format. http://www.toliveischrist.org/
Monday, January 7, 2013
Amusing
To muse is to ponder, reflect, think about, deliberate or weigh thoughtfully. When ‘a’ is added as the prefix in amuse, it means ‘not to’ ponder, think about, etc. Much of today’s culture is centered around entertainment/amusement. I believe to a fault and consequently to our detriment as a society. If I walk up to the next 10 guys I see, I’ll bet most would be able to tell me, at least, 3 players from 5 NFL teams. If I asked the same guys to give me 5 of 13* virtues, their expression would be that of a “deer-in-the headlights.” It is not a stretch to conclude, that they care more about the NFL than virtue. If I wanted to be tough on them, I could always ask them to define virtue, or maybe list the 1st ten amendments to our constitution, or to name our three founding documents.
I am embarrassed to admit my knowing Kim Kardashian is pregnant with Kanye West’s baby. But, in today’s culture, that is “News” which must be communicated in every format; so, the simple act of turning on my computer brings me to this profound information. The Captain once quipped “ If Lindsey, Paris or Brittany have any impact on your life; your life sucks!” He never imagined how many more names would be added.
One of the saddest commentaries on the Sandy Hook tragedy were stories, about a week later, concerning movie producers losing millions of dollars by delaying the release of “Jack Reacher” and “Django Unchained”. Evidently, it is very important to get violent movies released, as early as possible, for the “Holiday Season”!
I know I’m still in the early stages of my self-imposed ‘political rehab’. Although I think I am slowly recovering, let me just reiterate for a moment, Today’s political scene is not the cause of our problems, but the revealing symptom of our problem as a nation and society; likened to having our tumor on the outside of our body. The unfortunate people who consider President Obama, or any of our current political class, great men/women; have never experienced or studied “Greatness”. Mr. Obama is, in many ways, the perfect fit for President in our culture. He is shallow, an unwavering political ideologue, at best; a intellectual lightweight, economically illiterate, and geopolitically misguided. Yet, his strongest appeal to both “low-life” and the “well-heeled” is his likeability and their deeming him to be “cool”.
I am determined to focus on improving our country by influencing others to reach higher, think on better things and live better lives. The collective “WE” never accomplishes squat. Therefore, starting with “ME”, I am going to improve!
*Per Ben Franklin:
Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversations Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable Chastity: Rarely use venery but for "health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates
I am embarrassed to admit my knowing Kim Kardashian is pregnant with Kanye West’s baby. But, in today’s culture, that is “News” which must be communicated in every format; so, the simple act of turning on my computer brings me to this profound information. The Captain once quipped “ If Lindsey, Paris or Brittany have any impact on your life; your life sucks!” He never imagined how many more names would be added.
One of the saddest commentaries on the Sandy Hook tragedy were stories, about a week later, concerning movie producers losing millions of dollars by delaying the release of “Jack Reacher” and “Django Unchained”. Evidently, it is very important to get violent movies released, as early as possible, for the “Holiday Season”!
I know I’m still in the early stages of my self-imposed ‘political rehab’. Although I think I am slowly recovering, let me just reiterate for a moment, Today’s political scene is not the cause of our problems, but the revealing symptom of our problem as a nation and society; likened to having our tumor on the outside of our body. The unfortunate people who consider President Obama, or any of our current political class, great men/women; have never experienced or studied “Greatness”. Mr. Obama is, in many ways, the perfect fit for President in our culture. He is shallow, an unwavering political ideologue, at best; a intellectual lightweight, economically illiterate, and geopolitically misguided. Yet, his strongest appeal to both “low-life” and the “well-heeled” is his likeability and their deeming him to be “cool”.
I am determined to focus on improving our country by influencing others to reach higher, think on better things and live better lives. The collective “WE” never accomplishes squat. Therefore, starting with “ME”, I am going to improve!
*Per Ben Franklin:
Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversations Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; that is, waste nothing Industry: Lose not time; be always employed in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly; speak accordingly Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think you deserve Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes or habitation Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or accidents common or unavoidable Chastity: Rarely use venery but for "health or offspring; never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Please America
Please America (or, at least, my friends) turn off your televisions.
This past year you received more than a lifetime of vitriol, lying, corruption, threats, foul language, dishonesty and shock. Unbelievably, this was all brought to you by the campaigns for the highest civil office in our government. You have been sullied more than anyone should be forced to bear, and now they want your respect as “Leaders”.
Television is the money fountain funding this nonsense. The politicians and television executives know that there are millions of dollars to be garnered for and against the present administration. Inevitably, there is enough funding to promote both sides of every issue. The term “news” needs to be removed from their titles. Each network promotes only the information that they want you to know; hoping to attract a following to boost theirs ratings, which increases their revenues. Ironically, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Fox News fan or MSNBC, CNN fan, because this election was decided by our largest demographic: the uniformed or “low information” voter.
Like many, my blood pressure increases and I feel it is necessary to shower away the slime after watching the same small group of pundits, anchors and pseudo-intellectual experts regurgitate the same pabulum ad nauseum.
The problems, in my opinion, that we face as a nation are not confined to politics. They are matters of who we are as people, individuals specifically. We are witnessing an unparalleled degradation of our society. While we may attach many fathers as the patriarchs of blame. It cannot be remedied on the whole without first introspection as individuals.
I choose, and would encourage you to detach from the box. There is a wealth of information available through books. It can be carefully thought through at your own pace and without the theatrics of debate.
Some recommendations:
A History of the American People - Paul Johnson (This is a large volume and very astonishingly detailed. It contains many segments which can be read separately according to your interest)
Intellectuals - Paul Johnson ( Amazingly insightful details of the lives and thinking of the intellectuals whose thoughts created the foundation of philosophical/political debate today.)
Facts & Fallacies - Thomas Sowell ( Empirical evidence regarding well intentioned policy and the ultimate fallacy of their practicality.)
Basic Economics, 4th Edition - Thomas Sowell ( Again a large volume which can be read in segments according to one’s interests)
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller ( A conversationally written book providing reasoned argument for belief in an age of skepticism)
Reasonable Faith - William Lane Craig (A scholarly written presentation of reasonableness of faith; this well known scholar has debated many of the worlds greatest atheists (See YouTube for examples)
Many of my friends already know that I try to read 8-10 books a year with a passion for history and theology. Last year was pretty dismal, I only read four, but it’s a new year and that I plan to rectify.
Please my friends, I believe it is imperative for all of us to improve as individuals. Books are an economical way of enhancing our minds, and thereby changing our lives.
As always, I am interested in your feedback.
This past year you received more than a lifetime of vitriol, lying, corruption, threats, foul language, dishonesty and shock. Unbelievably, this was all brought to you by the campaigns for the highest civil office in our government. You have been sullied more than anyone should be forced to bear, and now they want your respect as “Leaders”.
Television is the money fountain funding this nonsense. The politicians and television executives know that there are millions of dollars to be garnered for and against the present administration. Inevitably, there is enough funding to promote both sides of every issue. The term “news” needs to be removed from their titles. Each network promotes only the information that they want you to know; hoping to attract a following to boost theirs ratings, which increases their revenues. Ironically, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a Fox News fan or MSNBC, CNN fan, because this election was decided by our largest demographic: the uniformed or “low information” voter.
Like many, my blood pressure increases and I feel it is necessary to shower away the slime after watching the same small group of pundits, anchors and pseudo-intellectual experts regurgitate the same pabulum ad nauseum.
The problems, in my opinion, that we face as a nation are not confined to politics. They are matters of who we are as people, individuals specifically. We are witnessing an unparalleled degradation of our society. While we may attach many fathers as the patriarchs of blame. It cannot be remedied on the whole without first introspection as individuals.
I choose, and would encourage you to detach from the box. There is a wealth of information available through books. It can be carefully thought through at your own pace and without the theatrics of debate.
Some recommendations:
A History of the American People - Paul Johnson (This is a large volume and very astonishingly detailed. It contains many segments which can be read separately according to your interest)
Intellectuals - Paul Johnson ( Amazingly insightful details of the lives and thinking of the intellectuals whose thoughts created the foundation of philosophical/political debate today.)
Facts & Fallacies - Thomas Sowell ( Empirical evidence regarding well intentioned policy and the ultimate fallacy of their practicality.)
Basic Economics, 4th Edition - Thomas Sowell ( Again a large volume which can be read in segments according to one’s interests)
The Reason for God - Timothy Keller ( A conversationally written book providing reasoned argument for belief in an age of skepticism)
Reasonable Faith - William Lane Craig (A scholarly written presentation of reasonableness of faith; this well known scholar has debated many of the worlds greatest atheists (See YouTube for examples)
Many of my friends already know that I try to read 8-10 books a year with a passion for history and theology. Last year was pretty dismal, I only read four, but it’s a new year and that I plan to rectify.
Please my friends, I believe it is imperative for all of us to improve as individuals. Books are an economical way of enhancing our minds, and thereby changing our lives.
As always, I am interested in your feedback.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
So it continues
More Discourse, Of Course
Pilgrim: Welcome to the wide open spaces of Wyoming
Captain O.B. Obvious: Let me address Carter’s lunacy about the argument being over and that the progressives won. For all one hundred years of progressive argumentative drool, the conclusion is the same: they announce victory and disallow rebuttal. Thus, Al Gore’s famous pontification: “the science is over.” What they have accomplished; is the destruction, by education, of historical precedent. Without a historical basis to reference, they have completed their ultimate goal: a population of the drones (see Occupy Wall Street ) and the gullible (see Today’s Media). You do not need to make sense to the gullible. It is like forcing yourself on the willing. Or, per the sage:”…teaching peace to the conquered.” By the way Pilgrim, I haven’t seen this much concern about women’s issues, since you were late to Seattle
Carter Vaughn Saucy: Do I need to remind you Captain, that we live in the same brain?
They’re spoon feeding Casanova
To get him to feel more assured
Then they kill him with self-confidence
After poisoning him with words
(B. Dylan – Desolation Row, 1965)
So, don’t go getting all dylanesque with me. Genius is not always pretty and does not always sing with a soothing voice. Speaking of genius, I thought President Obama’s remark about developing algae, as alternative energy, was a brilliant deflection of blame. (Languidly cheered by people who just paid $4.97 p/gal to get there.)By the time the republicans discover their shoes have all been tied together, the media pseudo-intellectuals will have completed the task of finalizing the narrative; that 8% unemployment,$5.00 p/gal gasoline, $15+Trillion in debt, world chaos and unparalleled corruption far exceeded anyone’s expectations for a mere neophyte. The rise from tyro to tyrant is unprecedented; it is like jumping from kindergarten to graduate school, by-passing all the foundational knowledge in between. The concluding declaration is beautiful: It could have been worse!
Captain O.B. Obvious: Carter, you just made my point. Simply, listing Obama’s record leaves the progressives wishing for more, while the sane are crying STOP! I hope we can find a cure for Stupid before November. Perhaps I can apply for a research grant. The problem is finding a university not already terminally infected. I wish the liberals/progressives would finally decide on a name for themselves instead of changing it every twenty years. I don’t even think John Kerry is still a liberal; now isn’t he a progressive too? Of course, my suggestion would be something timeless and accurate that can transition to every generation with out losing its meaning: IDIOTS!
Pilgrim: Hey guys, it is starting to snow. We’ll come back in a couple of days, but for now I need to visit reality.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
READY, SHOOT, AIM! Part 3 - The Conclusion
“Happy Days are Here Again” was the theme song for the Franklin D. Roosevelt campaign and became one of the most popular songs in America New York City Columbia University
Although the ‘New Deal’, in my opinion, and confirmed by several historians turned out to be a failure, the democrat congressional majority lasted until 1994. What the “New Deal” did irrevocably accomplish, was the transformation of America
During FDR’s 12 year presidency the American electorate lost the anchoring fortitude that its moorings to the constitutional restraints and historical foundation of limited government had previously provided. The individual; his preeminence and his freedom of life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, which was foundational to the framers of the constitution, were now subject to full confrontation of new legislation and thought. Commerce was now attacked, rather than, promoted by the government. Taxes were changed from the rich paying their ‘fair share’ to everyone paying far more. (See 1945 Table) Supposedly, everyone needed to ‘sacrifice’ for the ‘greater good’ due to the crisis. Sound familiar?
Franklin D. Roosevelt was very charismatic, and took full advantage of the newest technology to reach the masses: Radio. He was, in effect, the 1st media president. From “Fireside Chats” to numerous speeches and press conferences, it seems he was constantly in the homes across America America America Roosevelt even introduced a second Bill of Rights. Although never passed by Congress, many of its tenets are repeated as guaranteed to Americans today: the right to healthcare, the right to a home, the right to a job with high wages, etc. These are not qualified as “unalienable” and there is absolutely no provisional basis for them within the language of the US Constitution.
The sad commentary and the vulgar ignorance of historical revisionists, to the realities of the Roosevelt 4-term presidency, is that none of these huge changes in government policy and economic interference did anything to correct the economic problems the country was facing. Where President Hoover can be rightfully blamed for starting the slide down a slippery slope; President Roosevelt placed the country on a Racing Sled! (Can you say Bush and Obama?) The country did not experience anything closely resembling the promised economic recovery until the outbreak of World War II in 1940, with America US than Roosevelt ’s government spending and programs in the previous 7yrs.
I am not a historian; I study history as a passion. My point is: the better one knows history; the easier it is, to recognize the mistakes repeating. I believe, due to progressive’s dominance of academia, this is the reason that only revisionist history is taught when history is taught at all.
President Barrack Obama is dangerous for the longevity of America
Please follow links to understand the results of an unrestrained federal government:
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Hold on tight
The Discourse Continues
Pilgrim: Welcome once again ladies and gentlemen. Your tolerance; exhibited by your return, is only exceeded by your mental masochism to listen again to our panelists. In the slight hint of chance, that my companions have not been indelibly seared into your mind; I will re-introduce on my right, Captain O.B. Obvious and to my left, Carter Vaughn Saucy. If you ever heard the raucous bawdiness that these two can sink to in their banter, you would understand the necessity of keeping them separated and sitting up straight as it were. Before we begin tonight’s discourse, let me caution the two of you; it is my desire that you be given a fair amount of time to elaborate. I would hope you would limit your thoughts to our two categories of discussion: an evaluation of media coverage of the Presidential Race and a discussion of the success or failing of our current set of political opportunists. If you can color within the lines that I have drawn, for as much as decorum will allow, I will let you talk unfettered. Let’s begin.
Captain O.B. Obvious: Well Pilgrim, at the risk of being plucked, I would say regarding the media: Hyperbole is the new understatement. It is as though the Weather Channel is now forecasting the news. I fully expect Chris Matthews to don his bright yellow, foul-weather gear and stand in a 40mph wind announcing a catastrophe if anyone other than Mr. Obama is president. If I were the republicans, I would schedule a debate where Mr. Obama’s 1st year teleprompter faced his 4th year teleprompter. The President could moderate and attempt to explain the difference. It is amazing to me that a screeching Hillary Clinton screamed to an imaginary antagonist that “dissent is the highest form of patriotism!” while after one term of an Obama Administration, dissent is now a ‘hate crime’.
Carter Vaughn Saucy: Whoa Captain! Are you sure you are not a Koch brother or perhaps an unacknowledged child of Rupert Murdoch? It is that Fox News mentality that gives credence to the kind of thinking; that federally financed programming would have a bias. Just because Jeffery Immelt, as CEO of GE, was able to secure $140million of TARP funding for GE Captial, and give raises to the anchors of a minor subsidiary, MSNBC, doesn’t mean you can go from 1 to 4 completely bypassing 2 and 3. Besides, GE sold MSNBC eliminating any remaining signs of a conflict of interest.
Captain O.B. Obvious: Carter, I could never follow your fuzzy math anyhow. It sounds like the famous Biden 3-letter word: J O B S! (By the way. I think President Obama’s remaining healthy for his first term is something we are all grateful for). I think the democrats have about as much chance of defending the President’s record and listing his accomplishments as completing a census of the jackalope population in South Dakota
Carter Vaughn Saucy: Pilgrim, perhaps you can explain something obvious to the Captain that he has obviously missed: the argument is over; the progressives won. When I was working towards my PBS in Political Scientology it was apparent that Keynesians had far more complicated equations to basic economic functions. Everyone knows that people are always impressed with complexity. For example: the economists of the think tank, Wonder, Ponder & Yawn have the entire democrat party repeating their equation that for every $1.00 spent in unemployment benefits; it returns $1.33 to the economy. You can’t get there with simple addition. It requires a complex calculus, coupled with a crystallized understanding of sectors, vectors and trifectas. Throw in a Romulus
Captain O.B. Obvious: Meanwhile, I can pick any Bubba from the bayou who will tell you: “C.V. why then, don’t we break-out the Billy Beer and all go on unemployment so that the economy can really take-off?” Have you ever tried talking a gator into letting go of your leg?
Pilgrim: Go easy please. Don’t make me shake my head and return to sanity.
Carter Vaughn Saucy: I was listening to Mitt Romney’s victory speech in Nevada America California
Captain O.B. Obvious: I did not see Matt Lauer needing a helmet when he did his Super Bowl interview of the president. Mr. Obama said he deserves a second term, but the job is not done. Thank goodness! Because when the job is done so will America
Pilgrim: If there is any hope of having a returning audience, we need to end here.
Captain O.B. Obvious: One more quick thing before I return to my neuro earthworm duties. The Chrysler Super Bowl Ad was a lot of Americana
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Western Kansas Dialogue
The Discourse
Welcome ladies and gentlemen, please sit and relax. It is hoped tonight that the following discussion will prove to be insightful and entertaining. To provide the necessary background, let me briefly introduce the participants.
I am Don Allen, your moderator: Known on the road, as the Pilgrim. I will be asking pertinent questions of my companions and travel commentators: Captain O.B. Obvious (Donnie) and his antithesis, Carter Vaughn Saucy (Donald).
I have asked that both refrain from interrupting each other and to stay within the content of the posed question. Before I ask the first question, let’s take a minute for you guys to tell us a little about yourselves. Captain you go first.
Captain: Well, thank you Pilgrim. A very appropriate choice, since I was first. May I state the obvious? You are the only one of three with a physical presence; therefore, the only fingers actually on the keyboard. Would it not be your responsibility to keep us from interrupting each other? We’ll just stipulate that point. As to my background; well Pilgrim, until fairly recently you were quite content that I spend my entire existence in the background. While dodging the random firing synapses of your frayed nerves, avoiding the refuse piles of your dead brain cells; I have been overtaxed trying to find concise coherence to the amount of nonsense you have gathered through knowledge and experience. You have taken in more than the limited useful space your brain can hold. I spent the better part of the last ten years clearing clutter. I turned on the vacuum of forgetfulness to dispose of the mundane and useless. It is my goal to sort through the remaining 3% and break it down, so I can explain to you simply what you know.
Pilgrim: We’ll talk about it later. For right now; Carter, please gives us a little background.
Carter: Thank you Pilgrim, it is obvious that I was deemed unnecessary until the Obama Administration led you and the captain to explore the unchartered territory of the left side of your brain. I completely understand that western Kansas Sherman and Mr. Peabody, came to an expanded vocabulary with Clyde Crashcup and, of course, geopolitics from Boris and Natasha. My undergraduate days were done under the influence with Professor Irwin Cory and I received my masters at the University of NPR
Pilgrim: Thank you, with the limited time we have tonight I am only going to ask one question and then ask for a small reflection of your thinking this week. With a sincere apology to our audience; we will have to continue this at a later date.
First let me deal from the bottom of the deck of Barbara Walter’s inane questions. Captain, what food item, such as fruit or vegetable, would you use to describe Mitt Romney?
Captain Obvious: Well Pilgrim, I would have to say grapes. Whether you take him as he is, crush him or let him dry; he still remains desirable and profitable as a grape, wine or raisin.
Pilgrim: Alright. Carter, please apply the same question to Newt Gingrich.
Carter Vaughn Saucy: Fig is not only obvious, it is correct. Despite his propensity to prolasping, he is well preserved. He is often thinly spread in his thinking and has the viscosity to be smeared. In his current prune form he is still adroitly capable of initiating a new movement.
Pilgrim: Thank you. Although we have to end tonight’s discourse early; I would like each of you to briefly summarize your thinking this week. Given the magnitude and gravity of our current dilemma and the natural confusion that embodies presidential politics; what insight can you share with our audience?
Captain Obvious: Well Pilgrim, I do not share your strong pull to understand magnets and gravity. Although Newt has a family history of studying gravity; I believe he is the apple that did not fall all the way to the ground. I believe he must have been inhaling rocket fumes to bring up colonization of the moon. It reminded me of an old adage I created this month: “Out There” is not a reachable destination; no matter how ‘out there’ you get, there is still more ‘out there’ out there.
Carter Vaughn Saucy: Thank you Pilgrim. In reference to the natural confusion of presidential politics, my post graduate work at NPR qualifies me as having more experience and spending the greatest amount of time in confusion. We understand that the smoothest shape is a circle; there are no sharp points, nor abrupt changes in direction, as one would find in a square, triangle and the other geometric possibilities. Therefore, nearly all of our arguments and discussions are circular. I’ll admit that to many, who watch from outside in, at first, second and even third glimpse it appears confused. Once inside this confusion you only see the smoothness of the circle.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
READY, SHOOT, AIM! Part 2
The general misunderstanding that has been taught as history is that the “Roaring Twenties” and Republican laissez faire policies led to the stock market crash of 1929 and caused the depression of the 1930’s before the 4 term (1933 until death 1945) presidency of FDR and the Democrat controlled congress were able to save the country by the policies of expanding the role of the Federal Government through the “New Deal”. Slobberknocking Hogwash!!!
First, the stock market crash was caused by fear and speculation. It was more of an investor disaster than an economic collapse. The fear was two-fold; Banks were weak, due to monetary supply decisions by the Federal Reserve (which was exerting more influence), and a growing nationalism that was dominating thought on a global scale, this was combined with the short-sightedness of investment speculator’s fantasy of a never bursting bubble. Even with the crash, unemployment rose from 3+% in 1929 to 8+% in 1930; not enough to crash the economy. Economists like Milton Friedman and historians who lay blame on the Smoot-Hartly Tarriff Act of 1930 have given different damage causing weight to the effect of varying political decisions. My contention is that Republican President Herbert Hoover’s decision to abandon laissez faire restraint and to initiate market interference by federal policy and manipulation created an upheaval, from which, our country has never returned. He used misguided persuasion to insist that companies maintain their wage levels and as much of their employment numbers as possible. He signed into law the Smoot-Hartley Act in 1930 and more than doubled the income tax during his one term 1928-32. These government policy moves crashed the American economy! Smoot-Hartley initially created a sharp increase in factory production and employment before its devastating effects (unforeseen consequences) were understood. Starting with bank failures in Europe , the law triggered a trade war. US
Depression Era Unemployment Statistics | ||||
Year | Population | Labor Force | Unemployed | Percentage of Labor Force |
1929 | 88,010,000 | 49,440,000 | 1,550,000 | 3.14 |
1930 | 89,550,000 | 50,080,000 | 4,340,000 | 8.67 |
1931 | 90,710,000 | 50,680,000 | 8,020,000 | 15.82 |
1932 | 91,810,000 | 51,250,000 | 12,060,000 | 23.53 |
1933 | 92,950,000 | 51,840,000 | 12,830,000 | 24.75 |
1934 | 94,190,000 | 52,490,000 | 11,340,000 | 21.60 |
1935 | 95,460,000 | 53,140,000 | 10,610,000 | 19.97 |
1936 | 96,700,000 | 53,740,000 | 9,030,000 | 16.80 |
1937 | 97,870,000 | 54,320,000 | 7,700,000 | 14.18 |
1938 | 99,120,000 | 54,950,000 | 10,390,000 | 18.91 |
1939 | 100,360,000 | 55,600,000 | 9,480,000 | 17.05 |
1940 | 101,560,000 | 56,180,000 | 8,120,000 | 14.45 |
1941 | 102,700,000 | 57,530,000 | 5,560,000 | 9.66 |
Source: | ||||
The income tax increase was more than doubled at the top and bottom. In 1931 the bottom rate was 1.5% on income $0 - 4000 and the top was 25% on $100,000. In 1932 the bottom rate was 4% $0- 4000 and the top was moved to 63% on $1 million. $100,000 was now taxed at 56%. Considering that the average income throughout the 30’s was less than $2,000 per year, who was nearly destroyed by these increases? Let me help:
EVERY BUSINESSMAN/EMPLOYER IN AMERICA! Click on link to compare 1931 rates to 1932. Follow the comparison through 1945 to see Roosevelt ’s salvation (lol).
With the election of 1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt (the “Savior”) swept into office surrounded by a ‘Brain Trust’ of young intellectuals who were the new wave of academic progressives. Some wishing, with jealousy, for the ambitious transformation that was taking place worldwide; Stalin’s communist Russia, Mussolini’s fascist Italy and the new rising star Adolf Hitler’s national socialism (Nazis) were all held in high esteem by intellectuals and progressives in the early 30’s.
To be continued...
“Fun and Educational”: http://www.thepeoplehistory.com/1930s.html
Friday, January 13, 2012
READY, SHOOT, AIM!
And so it has begun…
Two hoots for Newt; you are confirming my political analytical genius. You are a very intelligent teacher and speaker who knows history well. However, you are far removed from the character of the men you claim as role models. Instead, the pettiness of your fragile ego is your driving force. It is that pettiness that has often placed you in direct contradiction to the principles you claim as your over used ‘fundamental’ foundation. A special award to Governor Perry for taking your foot out of your mouth long enough to stick your head into a permanent sub-orbital exploration of Uranus. The attacks of these two men and their ad men, which sound more like Occupy Wall Street slogans than conservative principle, is inexcusable. As far as I am concerned, it is permanently disqualifying; rendering anything else that they say as meaningless! Let me make this easier for the republican voters who are trying to determine the ‘true’ conservative from among this field of candidates. HE IS NOT HERE! (Sweater vests confirm dorkiness; not principle) Many of my friends, who know from even a cursory conversation that I am a fit-to-be-tied constitutional conservative, were surprised by my endorsement of Mitt Romney. Evidently, I did not make it clear that my pick of Romney is based on political realities of demographics, not his adoption of my personal (correct) philosophy.
Let’s return to the basics: Defeat Obama Period
He, after all, as leader of the Democratic Party is the culmination of one hundred years of the self defeating, misguided, nonsensical, and empirically wrong stew of errant philosophies of progressivism/communism/socialism. Spread and supported by the so-called ‘enlightened’ academics, aided by the creation of mass media, that has brought our country to the brink of bankruptcy. Despite the misdirection of media idiocy, a class system was first introduced into the American culture through Franklin Roosevelt’s administration successful transformation of thought & law from individualism (rights & responsibilities) to the collective “people” who look to government as the provider of jobs, subsidies and protection benefits, as well as the arbiter of rights and economic management. This system divided the country into only two classes: the Rulers & the Ruled. The dumbing down of America through revisionist’s history or the complete lack of teaching history for nearly two generations has left the country gullible enough to elect an incompetent ideologue who is asking for another $1.2 Trillion to add to the $5 Trillion debt he has already saddled our country with in only 3 years in office. Fortunately, we now have Republicans in congress that support fiscal austerity. So they say all the right things first, before giving him the $1 Trillion as in 2011. Furthermore and probably worse, is the thinking that “Wall Street” as construed today, with privatized gain and socialized risk, is free enterprise.
By now, some may be asking: Are you going to tell us what you really think about all of this? Why yes, Bunky, I will.
From 1789-1930 a mere total of 2700 pages of law were written by the federal government. During that time America America
The greatest percentage of rise in the standard of living for the largest number of ‘average’ Americans came about through a combination of technology (electricity, affordable automobiles, modern ovens, indoor plumbing, radio, low cost home building, increased wages in new businesses and corporations) and a supposedly ‘do nothing’ president, Calvin Coolidge; who with the best Secretary of the Treasury, Andrew Mellon this country has known, left the economy alone. An economic recession was ended in 16 months, gaining nearly full employment, allowing taxes to be increased to a top rate of 25% through his term1921-28. Known as the “Roaring Twenties” it has been condemned by progressive historians ever since. It flies in the face of their ‘enlightened philosophy’ of a managed economy, consolidated and centralized power.
TO BE CONTINUED… http://youtu.be/DyLmru6no4U
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Hear ye! Hear ye!
A Call to Christians and Conservatives
“It does me no harm if my neighbor has one God or twenty.” Thomas Jefferson
There is not a position open for Assistant God. Please do not act, as if,
you would qualify. Captain O.B. Obvious
If Archie Bunker ever had a role model, it could have been my Dad. He was impartial in his discrimination; everyone received his even-handed rancor. In spite, of the many non-factual quips he tied together in his advice; every once in a while, he said something that seemed to make sense to my, then teenage, mind. One such piece of sagacity:”Income, politics and religion are personal; yours is no one Else's business and theirs is none of yours”. He missed the humor of my response: But that’s where to find the best arguments. My Dad passed away in 1994;needless to say, he would be extremely agitated following the news coverage of candidates today.
I do not believe our culture is improved by neglecting my dad’s advice. Instead, we have a president who takes every opportunity to seize upon differences and represents a party that has envy and ‘class warfare’ as its campaign theme. There may have never been a more focused need to nominate a strong presidential candidate as the republicans face in the 2012 election. This election has been reduced to only two goals: First, defeat Barrack Obama; second, accomplish the first goal.
I want Christians to understand two distinct facts about nominating a presidential candidate. The first fact is foremost: God is sovereign. Nothing happens that comes as a surprise to him. Nothing happens that is beyond his knowledge or his allowing for the fulfillment of his purpose. The second fact is the President of United States is the executive position of a civil government. It is not an ecclesiastical position; therefore, one’s theology has no direct bearing on the performance of the job. (See Jimmy Carter)
As to ‘Conservatives’, I have never met a more politically confused set of people in my life. Due to a lack of understanding of what it is that is to be conserved; shallow-rooted conservatives are tossed like milkweed in the wind of media manipulation. It is appalling to me, that many believe Newt Gingrich is a conservative. I would argue that he is not more conservative than Romney and that Romney is smarter and more talented. Let me say, any one of the republican candidates would be a better president than Mr. Obama. I believe that Jon Huntsman is more consistently positioned in conservative principles than the others without the distraction of their personality quirks. Unfortunately, for him, the media plays much too large of a role in today’s political landscape.
Please consider that the conservatism of the president is less important than the conservatism of Congress. The republicans are only four seats away from controlling the Senate, a necessity in changing the direction of the country. America needs at least 10 more fiscal conservatives like Paul Ryan in the House of Representatives.
Do not rely on the media to determine your vote. Obama has a record now, which will go a long way to defeating him. Our country will improve dramatically, simply due to him being gone. The significant changes in law, tax codes and energy policy will arise from congress. The president’s role will be in team building domestically and in foreign relations. He will have many crises from outside that demand a tremendously smart military efficiency and preparedness, including reappraisal of our deployments. He will need to replace our financial officers with a new thinking team and will have to initiate a complete revival of our State Department and Department of Justice. The primary function of the next four years demands a very skilled executive not an egotist or ideologue. When I filter the republican field, I see only one who meets my qualifications: Mitt Romney
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