tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66446120948978258002024-03-13T09:31:17.413-07:00ElRay's DMarcThis is my demarcation point. Where I take my ideas which have been translated from information I have received from inspirational sources. A dmarc is the point where the telephone company brings dial tone and where a company or person becomes responsible for the maintenance of equipment. My dmarc is where my thoughts begin from the life I have lead, the books I have read, the people to which I have listened, and life that I have shared with others.Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-9125561524808908422009-10-09T08:37:00.000-07:002009-10-09T08:38:48.172-07:00Who is on Our Side? Not Them!It seems that lately my time and my brain are used up by the time I get home. I have not written since I left my son and his family before went to Afghanistan. Where do I find myself this time? Well once again I am thousands of feet above the surface of the earth. Before the flight to Austin Texas it had been 14 years since I boarded a plane. What are the odds that I would be back on one so soon? I thought I would drive to Vegas today, but I am tired and I could not see myself looking at my windshield for 6 hours going through places like Kingman, Arizona. The bright side of this is that I get to relax for a few minutes before my life gets crazy again when my feet hit the desert floor in Las Vegas. My brain is somewhat spared tonight before I sit down I build a presentation for tomorrow so I can share a few of my feelings.<br />During the last few weeks it seems as a whole new world is opening up to the inhabitants of the United States of America. The past number of months has left me scratching my head wondering: where is the land that brought prosperity to the world? Where are the responsible leaders that managed this free people by letting us fail or succeed by the actions that we take as we plotted our course in the frail existence? I have intently watch the world during this time frame and I think the past few weeks have proven to be the slipperiest slope I have witnessed in my short 28 years of adulthood. For the first time I find myself scared of the world that my children are living in. I look at the leadership of our country and I see devils that are selling peace and prosperity but the bait and switch is war and confusion for the children of God, not only on this land, but all the lands of this earth that was created for us.<br />We have watched the politicians, at a distance, as they changed this country slowly for the past 60 years, now a lot of Americans are watching them more closely as they divert our course to freedom at a quickened pace. As people begin to call our leaders on these plans to change our world those that run interference for them are calling us racist. That is the game plan; attack the messenger not the message. So as I challenge our president on his policies, I guess this White, Middle-aged LDS guy is referred to as prejudiced towards people of the same race as President Obama. So I will focus my disgust to the policies of our leadership towards Harry Reid. Heaven knows I cannot focus on Nancy Pelosi because I could be accused of being prejudiced against arrogant power hungry asses from San Francisco.<br />You see, Mr. Reid is LDS, white, and a little older than middle-aged. Mr. Reid is troubling to me as he pushes this country down the slippery slope. In my opinion he has turned his back on the freedom that we fought for in our pre-earthly state. We fought against Lucifer as he slowly plotted a course of destruction for God’s children. Mr. Reid fought by our sides as we chose to live as free and independent beings to choose for our own individual decisions to return to our Father-in-Heaven. Somewhere along the way Harry decided to change sides and force the children of God, who were born in freedom, to live under laws that would lead to the destruction of our liberties. Mr. Reid, we lost one-third of our spiritual brothers and sisters in that Great War. Now, you have chosen to take on their spiritual lose on your shoulders. You have chosen to risk the blood of generational soldiers that have and continue to shed blood in the defense of the freedom of Americans and the freedom of those that live outside the boundaries of this great union of free and independent states. I wish you no harm; I only wish that you would join the ranks of those you fought with in the pre-existence. Put down your mighty pen that approves these proposals that will only lead our union to oppression under a tyrannical government.Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-32613390797147627682009-07-21T19:29:00.007-07:002009-07-27T21:23:44.808-07:00A Bird's Eye View<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60oE7Vgf3BgqdGS8Ukb8esZw0BRCTfYBkE1nU3qAvrjDMoptOyZucLIVZuDwJrN7lFm7QSy2hiuP2VtIeNfeQUMuYYG7_OoWeBFZewO_lAUPW8LBs2PXnyhMFX6ak_qmvyCQp2CmmYHqf/s1600-h/Family+Picture+2009.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 88px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 130px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363360619735831970" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60oE7Vgf3BgqdGS8Ukb8esZw0BRCTfYBkE1nU3qAvrjDMoptOyZucLIVZuDwJrN7lFm7QSy2hiuP2VtIeNfeQUMuYYG7_OoWeBFZewO_lAUPW8LBs2PXnyhMFX6ak_qmvyCQp2CmmYHqf/s320/Family+Picture+2009.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Today I am writing from one of the most uncomfortable places that I can think of, about 35,000 feet above the surface of the Earth somewhere between Austin, Texas and Denver, Colorado. Flying is not an activity that I seek to experience, I do not have wings. Every bounce of the aircraft and every tilt of the wings brings a feeling of, crap, are we OK? I spent the weekend away from my wife for the first time in a long time. This has been a weekend in which I have had so many swings of emotion that I cannot put my finger on the feelings I am leaving here in Texas and those that I am bringing back with me to Arizona.<br />I met my little Granddaughter, Lavinnia, she is such a precious child. Holding her was, sort of, different. She is so sweet, but I did not have to change one poopy or wet diaper, I let Austin and Erin do that. I review my life and think of how blessed I am. Many people never get the chance to feel these emotions. I left that little family with a tear in one eye and a twinkle in the other. One leg was dragging behind while the other leg pulled me towards the ticket counter. The tears fell because I had to leave them in Texas while not knowing when I will see them again and for other reasons I will write about later. The twinkle, because they are doing OK, they have a home, job, and most importantly air conditioning. The leg drug because I wanted another moment to look at that new family and ponder what challenges and blessings awaits them on their course in this life. The other leg was looking forward to seeing and holding those that are at home waiting for me to be a husband and a father. Life is not about having it all, it is about, I do not know, but I am finding joy in figuring it out.<br />Joy is not fleeting. However, its ingredients have a not so funny way of dragging you through unhappy times and then through wonderful moments. This week was a mixture of all the ingredients plus the others that make it a complete recipe.<br />As I ponder that statement my mind looks back at my oldest son, I cannot stop thinking about the man he has become. How can I find joy in the fact that he is going into harm’s way? There is absolutely no happiness in that thought, but the pride and joy is immeasurable. He is a soldier in the US Army. I am a veteran of the US Air Force. Today, my blood runs Army green. Today, my heart is bursting with pride, as I write; I am a father of a soldier that defends the right for me to live in freedom. He is willing to leave behind those that he loves, for more than a year, and is willing to have his blood stain the ground, in a country so far away from the borders of his home. What kind of man does that? My son is one of the men and women that choose to put on that uniform with the colors of red, white and blue on its sleeve. A country that stands for freedom and that is why they go.<br />So is there any question of why the tears flowed from the eye of sadness? There should be no doubt as to why the twinkle in my eye is shining with the pride of a father that sees a boy become a man in a drastic way. Body armor sits on his floor as he awaits his call to duty in just a couple of weeks. His dear wife and sweet little baby sit with the anticipation of him having to don the battle uniform. Why do they do it? It is for freedom! It is for me! It is for the cause of freedom and for the prior warriors that paved the way to building this Nation. God Bless you, Austin, Erin and Lavinnia, and God Bless the USA.<br />Mr. and Mrs. Politician please do not let the potential blood of my son stain you as you pull away from what makes this country great. Before you vote for one more bill that puts my children and grandchild in further debt, before you take one more step to government control over more aspects of our lives, think about the sacrifice you are making my and many other families face. My opinion is that the blood that stains the ground in fights for freedom will stain your eternal life if you continue this push from the ideals of this free nation. </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-50021972342997154342009-06-21T19:18:00.005-07:002009-06-21T19:33:26.651-07:00What Can I Give My Dad?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26YVHWBELFIC998S5zmooKDB3w-dJVUH1Ey2t5PM8UHikM8AaI64OSmunV8nGWgkH_Qrz8qw0FbXnaMjeqCJcV4MgmKNjx7CLF5tCHz8M6AcjHbFVJLPhszJNjOtPwWoPj-2wNxRCGpDj/s1600-h/Me-Dad-Brad.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349970840101224098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg26YVHWBELFIC998S5zmooKDB3w-dJVUH1Ey2t5PM8UHikM8AaI64OSmunV8nGWgkH_Qrz8qw0FbXnaMjeqCJcV4MgmKNjx7CLF5tCHz8M6AcjHbFVJLPhszJNjOtPwWoPj-2wNxRCGpDj/s320/Me-Dad-Brad.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Father’s Day causes me to reflect on my life as a father. The things I have done wrong seem so numerous that they cannot be counted while the right things are hidden from my mind. Not too long ago my Mom’s mother passed away and I had the opportunity to speak at her funeral. My parents have been divorced for years, but my Dad was there to pay his respects to this tough woman. The night after the funeral I called my Father and thanked him for giving me direction in my life. His reply? “Well if I have done something right, in raising you kids, I will accept it, but I know I have done more wrong than right.” So what can I give my Dad for Father’s Day, There is nothing that could possibly tell him the way I feel about him, so I will write about him and let others know of the man I call Dad.<br /><br />I do not remember calling him daddy, nope, just Dad. The years are lost to my mind of the daddy I had. I do, however remember a trip to California, going to see my grandparent’s. I sat between him and my mom in the front seat; probably because I was pestering Brad and Debbie and they were going to sacrifice me to the Highway gods. I would say, “every time the wheel turns we get closer to Nana and Papa’s house.” I am sure he wanted to stick a sock in my mouth to shut me up, but he just said “yep.” My dad taught me many lessons and I appreciate him. I wrote a short poem, (for lack of a better word, I am not a poet.) My mind may have lost its memory of my daddy by it has a firm grasp on the Dad I have. Here is your Father’s Day gift. Remember, you get what you pay for! </div><div><br />“The Wheels in Life” </div><div><br />“Every time the wheel turns around we are getting closer, huh, Dad,” That is what I said as we traveled on long trips when I was but a child. Your reply, “yep.” Wheels turn throughout our lives and each turn brings us closer to our destination. My Dad, through his wisdom, would help me steer my load. Through disappointment and sometimes despair I looked to you and said, “Dad, will I reach my destination?” Through my mind I heard you say, “yep, every time the wheel turns you get closer.” When I get impatient I can imagine you saying, “Son, you need to stop and look around before you lose your inclination, of right and wrong, then your wheel will move along in the wrong direction.” The path of sin is the same, every time the wheel turns around, you move further from your appointed destination. Though you were lost from my view; you could not tarry with a son that insisted on losing his ambition, my path was dark, my view clouded over, as I lost my inspiration. The wheels moved on to paths so long in dirty dusty places, life does not care, if you are lost or found you will reach a destination. The storm clouds lifted, I looked to you, for simple profound directions. You said, "turn around, the wheel will lead to the right destination." Every time the wheel turns around you get closer, son. I looked to you and prayed that you could lead me to salvation. It is then I learned that God gave his son and I must look to him to bring me back to my heavenly home. But while I am here God gave me you; to lead me, to guide me, to walk beside me and I am thankful my dad is you. The wheels turn on and each time we come closer to our destination. </div><div><br />I love you Dad! </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-25475295504397306192009-06-07T20:48:00.003-07:002009-06-07T21:34:19.721-07:00Stop Signs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT1_NfbyUKlNK3oDzsAW25041tBFzojWpWDxcZ1N4XYVMhiY3tK5woqNgEtkhutxYJ1zbgU-uZC-tTaSUJ_QEkO3jLv3Pp8RDLccPzzyg2E-HyIQZJ1uShHlsQAZhunEuQYnI7JupFHkU/s1600-h/alma-younger.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344804886836590482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 246px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaT1_NfbyUKlNK3oDzsAW25041tBFzojWpWDxcZ1N4XYVMhiY3tK5woqNgEtkhutxYJ1zbgU-uZC-tTaSUJ_QEkO3jLv3Pp8RDLccPzzyg2E-HyIQZJ1uShHlsQAZhunEuQYnI7JupFHkU/s320/alma-younger.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Spirituality can be moments fleeting within periods of confusion and times sandwiched by struggles and concerns. Today I read the recollection of Alma the Younger as he recited his experiences as he and the Son’s of Mosiah set out to cause disruption among the followers of Christ. As they were on their journey an angel appeared to them and told Alma, paraphrasing, if you want to destroy yourself, go ahead. However, it is time to stop destroying others. If you want to be judged with your works that is fine, but stop the destruction of the children of God. Then Alma speaks of the feeling of the judgments’ of God and the loss of eternal life, or eternal life knowing that he could have been more. He could have been a builder of people instead of a destroyer of souls. Then he thought of the teachings of his father, that there would be a Christ and he would bring healing. Let me tell you, again, my words, the pain I felt was so tremendous that I could not move, but when I thought of Christ the Joy I felt was immeasurable. Faith, in Christ is built as we turn our life into a building mode and stop the destruction. The joy of the knowledge of Christ and that there is hope, is a moment that is not fleeting. It turns an ordinary life into one of great potential. </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-80730273452881956742009-05-31T22:28:00.005-07:002009-06-07T21:16:55.316-07:00Stop Thief!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVt0R9ySMo4GlFd5YmKc4V2jZNh0bD8zK0VJIHavbAEfNNYur3R67hgjVUbkRKGZA7UwysPnM_yD3AfdZTZQpblTmn-5Hi2RylpebbR0wG7zNlLqhTSt7lKFTylCPJMpynhEw1dTizYVm/s1600-h/DSCN1573.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342227181498613314" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnVt0R9ySMo4GlFd5YmKc4V2jZNh0bD8zK0VJIHavbAEfNNYur3R67hgjVUbkRKGZA7UwysPnM_yD3AfdZTZQpblTmn-5Hi2RylpebbR0wG7zNlLqhTSt7lKFTylCPJMpynhEw1dTizYVm/s320/DSCN1573.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Time is a thief. It steals the things that are most close to you. One day you may find yourself praying for just a few quiet moments. The quiet that only a parent knows, it is the peace after your kids run off to school or the tranquil moments after the last child is tucked in for the night. Just prior to the sound of quiet the house was filled with the sounds of rushing, reminders, and sure to be miscommunications. Sounds of disappointment, sounds of victory, sounds of joy, and sounds of utter despair fill our homes as we raise these tiny people that come into to our lives and introduce all sorts of unexpected circumstances. The sounds of books being read and stories being told, instructions for the coming day and reminders for prayers to be said the sounds that have to stop before the beds are filled with his or her bodies. As silence encroaches you cannot help but check on them numerous times before you can sleep. Oh, that time is priceless. Now that the thief has been satisfied and the little one are growing and some gone the quite does not sound so good. The quiet times are now interrupted with brief moments of a child checking in or coming home for a few hours. We stay up late worried if they are doing OK. We would welcome the sounds of rushing that seemed so burdensome just a while ago. Where does the time go? Can I even remember the events that made my life what it is now? I miss the nonsense laughter the silly giggling and the requests for just one more story. Now, I pray for just one more story, but this too must pass. I love my older children that have taught me so much. I love my little ones that think that I am a good guy. I am that guy that they do not see when they wake up, nor do they see me when they come home for the day. They see me after I am used up for a day and preparing for another. I am the guy that gets lost in my thoughts and I forget to enjoy this moment. I wish I could press rewind and change that prayer. Please help me to cherish the loudness of my home and when the quiet moments come enjoy it. Please help me plan for the future but live in the moment. Please help me to remember this time and cherish the little ones, before you know it they are gone. I love all of you kids! </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-68973825643919178692009-05-26T00:40:00.002-07:002009-05-26T01:08:41.462-07:00Covering the Stains<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5WapF4wRCsC1p1rF8hEzJ7kRK0UL-69GuAq1xcn1zEEVAgHZrw1s4CwoW89q09Dl9HNYGojwkswJmIl3ch-GkWNInjnnBK-8ctO2-msI-g_USfQMjPNMMeCnRSvCimrndejIjDUw5IGe/s1600-h/Memorial-Day.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340041358743751794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS5WapF4wRCsC1p1rF8hEzJ7kRK0UL-69GuAq1xcn1zEEVAgHZrw1s4CwoW89q09Dl9HNYGojwkswJmIl3ch-GkWNInjnnBK-8ctO2-msI-g_USfQMjPNMMeCnRSvCimrndejIjDUw5IGe/s320/Memorial-Day.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I take on one more sleepless night, I ponder about the lives of our military men and women that have been cut short by enemies of our nation. Looking at the results of the conflicts that have been fought on our or foreign soil one has to ponder of the worth of souls. What is the value of life? To our politicians is IT just one more number? To his or her Mom, child, Dad, spouse, was IT just a number? I think not. Why, war? Why, bloodshed? Why not peace? Why not understanding? Why carnage? Why the loss of limbs? Why not love? Why not life? Wow, that would be great in a perfect world. Why or why not? Because there is always someone being unjust in the world, there will always be terrorist, there will always be the ACLU trying to protect them. Thank God for solders, Airmen, Seamen, and Marines that have been there to stand up for those of us that choose to live within the walls of freedom. Thank you for your life!! The worth of souls is great, thanks for the price you paid. No, the price we paid for your blood that was spilt, the cost to us is great. I hope our politicians will reflect on your life before making one more plea to change the course of our nation. The blood that once stained the ground to protect our values may be the blood that stains our nation’s soul as we turn our backs on the principles that guided this nation to its stature in the world. We stand for freedom, we stand for principles, we stand for what is right. You died as you voiced our standards.</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-30745924518789942132009-05-17T23:14:00.007-07:002009-05-17T23:39:47.175-07:00Here's to Ya Kid<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw06p7pqd6CEIf7Yr5c-NyS-FpQeq0AG20LftCB9njDl-xwBpBqYwynxuijmRgMRld8LeP3CZb27BFy7RlB7z5muUZnk8JwF_BRA1px5UnsqTS-DVOGYvWhTZEfJpwOxpblQAKUnStRpB/s1600-h/DSCN1226.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337043667911094978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyw06p7pqd6CEIf7Yr5c-NyS-FpQeq0AG20LftCB9njDl-xwBpBqYwynxuijmRgMRld8LeP3CZb27BFy7RlB7z5muUZnk8JwF_BRA1px5UnsqTS-DVOGYvWhTZEfJpwOxpblQAKUnStRpB/s320/DSCN1226.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Nothing to really write about on a political subject tonight, with everything that is coming down around us I know I could, but tonight is a reflective night. My third daughter had her baccalaureate and Seminary Graduation tonight and it turned me inward. How can I be so old? There was a slide show of the kids showing pictures from early childhood until his or her senior picture. Well, I must say my eyes started sweating when I saw my little girl’s picture. Where does the time go? This is a hard night, I cannot sleep. Let me tell you about this kid, kid?, young lady. She was broken at age four and now she is a shining star. Was it me that made her change? No. It was people that came into her life. It was people that came and rescued her from a life of nothingness to a life of promise. It was my wife for taking time and talking to her and learning about her and making her feel like a person of worth. It was people making her reach within herself and learning to sing in front of people. It was my wife teaching her respect and teaching her to be her best self and not accepting her limitations. It was teachers taking the time with her to build her self confidence. It was the saving grace of our Savior, Jesus Christ that reached out to heal her. It was the Spirit that comforted her in the terrible times of her life. It was not me! I made some decision that helped her, but it was other people that were the biggest influences on her. No matter what, I thank my good wife for teaching this child the meaning of being a good woman that would stay with her through thick and thin. No, she did not give birth to her, but she is her Mom. She is a savior to me and to these kids. They may not want to read that but it is true. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Because of her, she has a roof over her head, because of her, she had doctor’s appointments, because of her she has straight beautiful teeth, because of her she had birthday cakes, because of her she has traditions, because of her she has someone to call Mom, because of her she has a place to call home, because of her, she has a little brother and sister that adore her, because of her she has a future. Here is to my daughter and to my wife. Through it all, through the pain and uncertainty, I love them both. I love all my kids, but tonight kid, it is your night. </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-51529397225821616412009-05-06T21:54:00.005-07:002009-05-08T10:02:53.815-07:00Principles Revisited<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh2wvTAtpDvTHz6Fj31Amob_K33JV7wnIUwZUKDE_3eV8eYNPdKukdos33pVrBTpYXSJk2_VhN9H8y4Cu4ozy4kwTVsasw1lYDnZ9BSNYF5htsassjPvq9EaojPtbg42X_Oj0Yoy8Cspu/s1600-h/Alinsky384.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332947115438432962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh2wvTAtpDvTHz6Fj31Amob_K33JV7wnIUwZUKDE_3eV8eYNPdKukdos33pVrBTpYXSJk2_VhN9H8y4Cu4ozy4kwTVsasw1lYDnZ9BSNYF5htsassjPvq9EaojPtbg42X_Oj0Yoy8Cspu/s200/Alinsky384.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>What are our principles, as individuals or as a nation? I addressed this a few nights ago when waterboarding was in the news every minute of every hour. Some questioned the rationality of my thinking. Why would I be opposed to waterboarding when so much good came out of the practice? "We saved possibly thousands of lives." My mind goes back to the condemnation of Saul Alinsky when he wrote that the end justifies the means. Rules for Radicals, outlines that the means are disposable if the end goals are meet. This is the same type of thinking that justifies the torture of other humans. The practice of waterboarding uncovered information that saved the lives of Americans. Now are we of the opinion that the means were justified by the end result? If that did not work, would cutting off a finger knuckle by knuckle be acceptable, if it saved American lives? I guess the answer only comes through our principles. Please do not misunderstand, I do not feel these people deserve to be treated kindly nor do I think that President Obama is doing the right thing by exposing this issue. I am challenging you to look at your principles and identify what makes torture correct. If you can justify it in your mind, maybe you should reexamine the Rules for Radicals and see where you are at on the scale. I still think that the president is taking our country down the wrong path, but torture is against the principles of our nation.</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-3287150036138015242009-04-30T20:42:00.004-07:002009-04-30T21:15:50.727-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEteYdS4TSn8HLGgMUpKAclipC5C3ojjdXtltsvb3MM527dDVSSJq4HubSpZTZypLXd5qQ_SZe2YKjT2osmawZ59zJYQD4O84f_snhrpHkIg6QnUuKzPLK9Z59MS7AoEMkU4yuaMFhy88/s1600-h/MartinLutherKingJr.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330704281116734690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 147px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEteYdS4TSn8HLGgMUpKAclipC5C3ojjdXtltsvb3MM527dDVSSJq4HubSpZTZypLXd5qQ_SZe2YKjT2osmawZ59zJYQD4O84f_snhrpHkIg6QnUuKzPLK9Z59MS7AoEMkU4yuaMFhy88/s200/MartinLutherKingJr.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Martin Luther King wrote, "Actually, time itself is neutral; it can be used either destructively or constructively. More and more I feel that the people of ill will have used time much more effectively than have the people of good will. We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the <strong>appalling silence of the good people</strong>. Human progress never rolls in on wheels of inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to be co workers with God, and without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the forces of social stagnation. We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right." As we look around us today we can see our nation turning against the principles it was found upon. They my cry foul with the torture of evil people while the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">leadership</span> of our country pull the rug out from under its very fiber. We can sit silently while it happens or speak up and and try to save her!</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-52649190368202378122009-04-29T21:38:00.006-07:002009-04-29T21:50:46.986-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9duSEToGmH8GCYu82lt4CJwuqzYlwwKErJkrWvrihDX0X0iyn5MWCO2py1HDMdOv3-KhEDZRWaCJMz8i7XxwSZqYFYsGJkv6tvttarSm_u9sWIqpeUuPIlz9qvSecoj-VpUTpxI358tYy/s1600-h/mp_main_wide_waterboarding.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330342149746139682" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 146px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9duSEToGmH8GCYu82lt4CJwuqzYlwwKErJkrWvrihDX0X0iyn5MWCO2py1HDMdOv3-KhEDZRWaCJMz8i7XxwSZqYFYsGJkv6tvttarSm_u9sWIqpeUuPIlz9qvSecoj-VpUTpxI358tYy/s200/mp_main_wide_waterboarding.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I know that I lot of my friends and family will disagree with me on this point, but the more I think about the use of waterboarding the more I am siding with President Obama. This is one point that I agree with him, waterboarding is against the principles of this Nation. Being conservative I want to be OK with getting information that saves my loved ones, but at what cost? It raises the question can there be a small deviation in Integrity? No matter what the cost can you, as a person, accept the torture of another human? The argument that they caused tremendous pain on many people does not change the fact that we are a people with principle. We are fighting terrorism with terror? The practice of waterboarding is wrong and I think that no matter what proof you provide of stopping an attack. The point is mute, because you will never know if proper treatment would have produced results.</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-61463589812720161002009-04-25T23:06:00.003-07:002009-04-26T16:15:25.510-07:00Where Did It Come From, Where Did It Go?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJfR36nQoSxlTdQMnz9wGZJtnwKxdvZIFEAbD8yiMO6-cep8oHtjpae-nmM4bI5nRAghD0o6gMIEspzoer4gWsPHEVKce676H1W3a63szBNF0qFiNWU4SltlfnlXT0vpLGv29Zjf1BPR-/s1600-h/Humility.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328877976077268370" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 184px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLJfR36nQoSxlTdQMnz9wGZJtnwKxdvZIFEAbD8yiMO6-cep8oHtjpae-nmM4bI5nRAghD0o6gMIEspzoer4gWsPHEVKce676H1W3a63szBNF0qFiNWU4SltlfnlXT0vpLGv29Zjf1BPR-/s200/Humility.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The it, I am writing about, is the humility it took to build this Proud nation. Now that is an oxymoron, isn’t it? Look at the two pictures. Prayer today is scoffed at as a weak man paying respect to what? Some God that<br />does not exist? A God that knows so little that you cannot see Him? Some attack the very nature of God saying, “I thank God, who ever she is.” Barack Obama’s minister said “This Nation wants us to sing 'God Bless America.' No, no, no, God damn America.” Mr. Obama apologizes for our arrogance<br />as a nation. Apologize for what? Maybe apologize for not acknowledging that there is someone else that deserves reverence and consultation. General Washington knew that it took humility to build. Humility to realize that taking an idea and birthing a nation that would be a candle to light the direction of<br />hope, virtue, knowledge, charity, the ability to choose for oneself, took the guidance of Heavenly Father. Thus we say its praise, One Nation Under God. President Obama knows arrogance because of his own. Now, we are no longer a Christian Nation but a nation of citizens. The candle on the hill, built with humility, is now being shadowed by the bushel of arrogance of individuals that trust in the arm of man and shun the very notion of asking for guidance from a wiser more experienced individual, our Heavenly Father. Built on the knees of founding fathers in miserable conditions, shall we let her be shredded by arrogance of poses in lavish surroundings? </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-88873968410185533302008-11-14T20:53:00.002-07:002008-11-14T21:45:51.058-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ryQxY1A5mBFS1YfcPge7yvkjiOjUAE4NhGFA8p6A6DqLuKfE5W6lANsxKtV0ydGmquluNch6lWrMfbYVliEKSGMiVFiqB8N3pO_g1gCUqXKY1hRRDAISydt8JJVCy5eMvfgdQiqGwJWu/s1600-h/1109693.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5268740915060467170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 213px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ryQxY1A5mBFS1YfcPge7yvkjiOjUAE4NhGFA8p6A6DqLuKfE5W6lANsxKtV0ydGmquluNch6lWrMfbYVliEKSGMiVFiqB8N3pO_g1gCUqXKY1hRRDAISydt8JJVCy5eMvfgdQiqGwJWu/s320/1109693.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>It has been quite some time since I made a post. I just do not have much time to sit in front of the computer to write my thoughts. The world seems to have gone into a tailspin. The economy has gone crazy, the political environment is though we are in a different world, and the gay marriage issue has changed the generational dormancy of hatred towards the church. So many references to the early saints were given a General Conference this year; I guess we are going to in some small point start experiencing some of what they went through. There is so much attention given to this issue of same sex marriage. I cannot believe that it has come to this point. The family is the last stand of the war against corruption within our society. What a mess we find ourselves in. First sex became a freedom statement. Which brought on a vast amount of out of wedlock births, no fathers in the home created limited direction in the home. Free sex also was a precursor to the breakdown of the family through divorce, which my home fell victim. Now we have gone from a single mom or dad household to a two mom or dad household. This is just another attack centered on the family masked in the veil of intolerance and discrimination. The bottom-line is, same sex relationships are against the nature of our God. I have heard people say “it is natural for same sex people be attracted to each other, you see it in the animal world all the time.” I cannot believe people want to compare themselves to animals to define nature. I do not feel that people that have same sex attraction are less important than I am. Nor do I feel that I am any better than they are, nor that my Heavenly Father loves them less than he loves me. Someone just needs to make a stand for what is left of the moral fabric of this society. </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-39332393207756287842008-10-29T22:31:00.004-07:002008-11-14T21:51:12.601-07:00Just Tired<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a_oo3D6N5xMyWHlOFy-IJ1ttrSXUSkLvSdUyAy8YCWLJ-zN_sZ-JbuPihOwPfdYgqyxZ0JQos1FP0k8wW4Myuow9femp4GzwXSssPUznkeHg1YuhpzzzDxBnYLVsPt5xPsnbe_c4ZxII/s1600-h/200px-Karl_Marx_001.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5262831131326734978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 282px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-a_oo3D6N5xMyWHlOFy-IJ1ttrSXUSkLvSdUyAy8YCWLJ-zN_sZ-JbuPihOwPfdYgqyxZ0JQos1FP0k8wW4Myuow9femp4GzwXSssPUznkeHg1YuhpzzzDxBnYLVsPt5xPsnbe_c4ZxII/s320/200px-Karl_Marx_001.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I am tired of hearing the same thing over again<br /><br />The mean main streets of America, patients are thin<br /><br />Taxation beyond belief is what you hear them cry<br /><br />Son in the Army for this, he may die?<br /><br />Social reengineering "the rich do not do their share"<br /><br />The lazy, less fortunate, where money comes? Should care?<br /><br />The power of technology information is never clear<br /><br />Email from my step mother, my father, cancer?<br /><br />Where is our society with all its advantages?<br /><br />Email? texting? Voice mail? Closet closing stages?<br /><br />Socialism, Marxism, Capitalism? It’s all a play<br /><br />A play on your emotions, guns pointed in, I'll stay<br /><br />America the great and proud still people care<br /><br />America's Got talent votes live on the air<br /><br />Mr. Obama, President, the first of his kind<br /><br />Not black, Not white Economic Slaves, we are blind<br /><br />First to wave the flag of defeat, of a philosophy that made us, us<br />Without a shot fired, without bloodshed, the first, the first? I am just tired!</div><br /><div></div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-83148197650395722722008-10-26T18:19:00.003-07:002008-10-26T18:55:57.821-07:00Scrament MeetingToday was a good day at church. The talks centered on the <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/en/a_of_f/1">Fourth Article of Faith</a>. Sacrament Meeting today was one of the more powerful from start to finish that I have experienced for a while. In today's world it is easy to get caught up in too many activities. Just waking up in the morning there is little time for reflection. Usually one has to get up and moving and not stop until it is time to go to bed. Where is there time to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost? One of the speakers reflected on the talk by Elder Oaks, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=12d72bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1">"Good, Better, Best."</a> With a world that is extremely busy we need to choose what activities are best for us and our families. This week has been enlightening from start to finish. My boss shared a poem with me. He pulled me aside and said "I know no one would believe that I am a poetry type of person, but let me share something with you." It was a poem by Rudyard Kipling, <a href="http://www.olimu.com/readings/GodsOfTheCopybookHeadings.htm">"The Gods of the Copybook Headings."</a> I really enjoyed the poem and it started me thinking about life in our world and the spiritual promptings I have felt to make a stand in the world that seems to be crumbling around us. I am grateful for this week and how God touched my life. Which brings one more Conference talk to mind by President Eyring, <a href="http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=88562bce258f5110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1">"O Remember, Remember."</a> How has God touched my life this week? I talked to my son that is in the Army, for the first time in two months. My wife and I were able to share some time with each other this week. My third oldest daughter mad the honor roll. She had a serious learning disability and has been in resource since fourth grade for English challenges. This year she is in College Prep English. My daughter in College called just to say hi. My youngest daughter played cards with me. My youngest boy that almost died at birth wants me to sit with him and share "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" I talked to my oldest daughter and she is OK. My boss shared another poem with me called IF and it talked to me. Sometimes it is hard to see, but God does touch our lives.Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-15875856865380788782008-10-24T21:38:00.005-07:002008-10-25T07:18:33.582-07:00Strike and Walk Out<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J3CjgQppF-QA_C954zKDAtAZ2lL_ZOEWa4NlalHWp0IpKFEL9StanWMJDAzuKT3augFFF5LUXEetSEVLsGkYnYhrbFIAR9v5Fya35e3ziR1EqifmYxYgHTt9EIluUQlzaTcWYYtegAxZ/s1600-h/100_1619.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5260952839788427074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0J3CjgQppF-QA_C954zKDAtAZ2lL_ZOEWa4NlalHWp0IpKFEL9StanWMJDAzuKT3augFFF5LUXEetSEVLsGkYnYhrbFIAR9v5Fya35e3ziR1EqifmYxYgHTt9EIluUQlzaTcWYYtegAxZ/s320/100_1619.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This photo was taken a couple of years ago. During a work stoppage I drove haul trucks. As a salaried worker I had to cross picket lines on a daily basis. This was a difficult period in my career and as a human. I live in a small town and had to work long hours while hourly workers stopped working because of the unfair practices of the management of our company. The division of the work force never has healed and most of the salary people have left for new jobs. The practice of dividing people to reach the objectives of those in power is not only practiced in the workplace, but extends into the political realm. Look at our soon to be president, Senator Obama, he is pitting the middle-class against the upper-class. I think that using this tactic has been successful, but from the period of my life, pictured to the left, I see that this agenda will do nothing but scar our nation. I am saddened by the course of our nation’s leaders. We face, now more than ever, rulers that are out for the progression of damaging agendas. Just wait to see the effects of an Obama, Pelosi, and Reid monopoly of power, our country will be divided to the point of falling apart. The time working this strike was an example of division. Once the battle lines are drawn our nation will be on a slippery slope. </div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-67741462565276899032008-10-22T21:18:00.001-07:002008-10-25T07:12:47.392-07:00Questions of Socialism<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F8bE4rv-pBuZC-pB_dxuiC3aH5ozTurd6tmYksYRvSkCSnBa-3_0xanNPjY0OKY2exVfkThyU1ojEKYpoX9P_h19E-H0zfa8i77UvPNwP_s9VetKrSDOCodl7AWtRrurml41o9zw74PR/s1600-h/FribergAbinadi.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261094169462658498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 219px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4F8bE4rv-pBuZC-pB_dxuiC3aH5ozTurd6tmYksYRvSkCSnBa-3_0xanNPjY0OKY2exVfkThyU1ojEKYpoX9P_h19E-H0zfa8i77UvPNwP_s9VetKrSDOCodl7AWtRrurml41o9zw74PR/s320/FribergAbinadi.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>MOSIAH CHAPTER 11: 3-7<br /><br />3 And he<em> laid a tax of one fifth part of all they possessed</em>, a fifth part of their gold and of their silver, and a fifth part of their ziff, and of their copper, and of their brass and their iron; and a fifth part of their fatlings; and also a fifth part of all their grain.<br /><a name="4"></a>4 And all this did he take to support himself, and his wives and his concubines; and also his priests, and their wives and their concubines; thus he had changed the affairs of the kingdom.<br /><a name="5"></a>5 For he put down all the priests that had been consecrated by his father, and consecrated new ones in their stead, such as were lifted up in the pride of their hearts.<br /><a name="6"></a>6 Yea, and thus <em>they were supported in their laziness</em>, and in their idolatry, and in their whoredoms, by the taxes which king Noah had put upon his people; thus did the people labor exceedingly to support iniquity.<br /><a name="7"></a>7 Yea, and they also became idolatrous, because they were deceived by the vain and flattering words of the king and priests; for they did <em>speak flattering</em> things unto them.<br /><br />If we cannot learn from the past we will repeat it. King Noah and Barack Obama have basically the same plan. Tax for the benefit of the government and those that serve within the walls of government is the true plan when you cut through all the fancy speeches. We are burdened with much more that 15% of all we earn. Now Mr. Obama wants to redistribute the money we earn to those that are less fortunate. I have no problem helping people that have less than I do, but why does it take government intervention? Why should we support more bureaucracies with office workers and management? How much will trickle down to those that Obama says that he wants to help? Talk about trickledown economics! Sounds to me that we will have a bigger government that will become fatter and lazier as more of our tax dollars fleece the pockets of politicians. I say “no thanks to your socialist agenda!” The more I think of this man the more sickened I become. His plan is flattering to those that have a sincere desire to help those in need and those that have nothing more than bondage of Americans as his or her desire.</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-68770115945964180322008-10-20T20:44:00.001-07:002008-10-25T07:08:04.721-07:00Captain Moroni<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKKiLmUidiBfWwQuDjFSOz2hvehlzmOpssiL35_FKMgvnaG7phO2tY4jGQkyGFlUIXpWaLuYV-7tYV5IKQqoBObsDM0XOf62ibfVzmONleJXShEfLNvlQdOP2jnjat1QgsUs75jPl4PN4/s1600-h/15_%2520captain%2520moroni.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261092961622592482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 206px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKKiLmUidiBfWwQuDjFSOz2hvehlzmOpssiL35_FKMgvnaG7phO2tY4jGQkyGFlUIXpWaLuYV-7tYV5IKQqoBObsDM0XOf62ibfVzmONleJXShEfLNvlQdOP2jnjat1QgsUs75jPl4PN4/s320/15_%2520captain%2520moroni.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday, I started thinking about Captain Moroni and his anger towards Amalickiah (Alma 46 in the Book of Mormon.) Amalickiah was a man of flattery. He drew many followers because of his lies. Moroni stood up and was counted. He was a leader of Christians; he stood for righteousness and was not afraid of the results of his making a stand for the right cause which was freedom for the women and children of the Nephite nation. Again, a great man, much like Patrick Henry. Senator Obama is much like Amalickiah. His words are flattering to listen to and he has such an attractive way of stating his beliefs. He is an eloquent speaker and one wants to believe him. But, there is no doubt in my mind that Barack Obama his evil intentions with the power he and his supporters crave. I feel that Obama's cause must be stopped. The cause of redistribution of wealth and the dumbing down of the working American. Take away our desire to be successful you take away our desire to achieve the greatness that has made this country the standard to the world. Let us accept our failures and learn from them. We will become a stronger nation, a nation that will continue to have success through the desire of bettering our individual lives through gaining knowledge, experience and the desire required to elevate our collective lives.</div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6644612094897825800.post-77657703870264080592008-10-18T15:10:00.002-07:002008-10-25T07:05:29.391-07:00Where is Patrick Henry?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89qVitwmiTJDMlN1RLZi-YxWMSpeJu3zP1UBPCuNw1crZ6KS_Nj110FFPjWNz8GlagomoUofVrTsBE3a5kk-QbAmik31qEfb6xQHIrYuIp1JV-ShqJlcK95IMLS3Tfygmnbb4hVZfwkoT/s1600-h/225px-Patrick_henry.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5261088217308193426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 272px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh89qVitwmiTJDMlN1RLZi-YxWMSpeJu3zP1UBPCuNw1crZ6KS_Nj110FFPjWNz8GlagomoUofVrTsBE3a5kk-QbAmik31qEfb6xQHIrYuIp1JV-ShqJlcK95IMLS3Tfygmnbb4hVZfwkoT/s320/225px-Patrick_henry.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>As I reflect upon the state of our country I find it hard to believe that we are willing to give our individual freedoms away. We find ourselves in the throes of an economic situation that we caused through excess of living. The government of the United States prints money and the value of the dollar is decreasing. Our soon to be President, Barack Obama, is promising to redistribute wealth so the middle class can thrive. Senator Obama sickens me. He is a dynamic speaker and his words are pleasing to our collective ears. Patrick Henry, where are you? "Give me liberty or give me death." Now, too many of us Americans can only say, "please, give me!" "Give me health care, give my baby formula, give me school lunch, give me a reduced mortgage, give me money for my failing stocks; or just give me!" The politicians are too happy to hear these cries. We allow these slick talkers to lull us away from freedom without a shot being fired. We need to wake up before Barack changes the fundamentals of our government, just like he is promising! Change is not always good, just ask the Romans.<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, <strong>give me liberty or give me death!"</strong></span></div>Elrayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11755068554559162822noreply@blogger.com0