Whatever it takes...

A little after 10:00am on Thursday June 28, 2012 my jaw dropped as I looked at the news feed on my phone.The ruling from the supreme court had been announced that it had judged the Affordable Care Act "Constitutional". Admittedly I was entirely surprised by their ruling.
Surprise later turned into depression and later still, into anger.I've been angry with the court's decision ever since.
As a few days have passed and as I have taken time to reflect on things both recent, and in years passed, one phrase has been popping into my head. A phrase that I realize now that I hear often and from many people for different reasons.That phrase is
"whatever it takes..."
Suddenly, I can envision this phrase being applied to almost unlimited situations. Situations and circumstances both great and trivial. This mindset, or philosophy if you will, could be translated into " the ends justify the means", and I believe this way of thinking has permeated into the way we all conduct our selves whether we realize it or not.
Let's start with the trivial and seemingly inconsequential instances where I could see this philosophy put to one's use.
How many of us when running a little late for work or other destination while driving and approaching a red light,in our haste cut through the corner gas station parking lot to avoid the light? Or how many times have you been standing in line at the checkout about second or third in line, and another lane is opened to relieve the backup, and the person who just walked up to the line quickly redirects themselves to the open lane. How is that any different than the traditional breaking in line? Seems to me that the courteous thing to do would be to offer the opened lane to the person who has been waiting the longest. We all know how it feels when we get that instinctual frustration after someone breaks in line ahead of us, don't we?
Again, trivial isn't it, but do you see my point? These are examples of we have become accustomed to ignoring traditionally accepted rules of behavior in a populated society, and we do it because we have to get to work, or we're in a hurry to checkout at the store so we are willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Now let's look at another scenario with a little more weight to it. Recently our parish has done some minor renovations. Among the items of work to be performed was the replacing of the carpet in our sanctuary. In his comments to the congregation after a service, our pastor informed us that some funds were needed to help pay for the new carpet. He then stated that we should just give the needed funds directly to the parish and not place them in the usual "building fund" envelope. Why? because according to the pastor the parish had already fulfilled its money obligations to the Archdiocese for the year, and any money offered in appropriate envelopes would be sent to it first and after its cut was taken out, the remaining funds would be sent back to the parish anyway. Apparently, such funds raised as the basket is passed normally go to the Archdiocese accounting office where the Archdiocese extracts a percentage in what amounts to a tax until the parishes' annual debt is paid. In this case our parish had already paid its bill, but was technically required to send in building fund offerings anyway so the Archdiocese could get its cut.
Now I heard this with my own ears, and unless I am mistaken in what I heard it sounded to me like the pastor was stating that the Archdiocese didn't really need the money and therefore he was willing to do whatever it takes to get the carpet down.
Now let's get real heavy. Let's relate this philosophy to our government and the way they have been governing, or ruling over us these past several years. Let's go back to the subject that started this post and talk about the Affordable Care Act, or "Obamacare" and how it became the law of the land. I watched, as maybe you did, the shell games, the bribes, the backroom deals, and the blatant disregard for established Senate rules, and the arm twisting of members of the House who knew better.
The concept of universal healthcare has never enjoyed popularity with the vast majority of the American people.Because , I believe that most Americans are industrious, self sufficient, and independent minded individuals who value a traditional sense of American freedom. Although many of which do not know how to express or exercise their God given rights.
Unfortunately there also exists many Americans who don't agree, or at the very least don't care about their unique place in history. they don't understand that their heritage is blessed, but their current ambitions for material welfare is not. Some would argue that its not the material welfare that prompts their wants for "free" healthcare, but they are only fooling themselves because nothing can save us from physical deterioration, sickness, and ultimately death. Not even the most prosperous nation in history.
They are pawns for the those in power. And that's what this takeover of one sixth of our GDP really is about....POWER and control. Our Federal government is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain and add too their power and control over our lives and our freedoms. It was on display when they passed this horrific law. It's on display when drones fly overhead watching and killing undeclared enemies of our nation, and now, watching our own citizens. Its on display constantly by both parties in all three branches of our government because they have proclaimed themselves not to be bound by the rule of our Constitution, but are willing to do WHATEVER IT TAKES to get done what they want, how they want, because they want. Rules be damned! Laws be damned! Our future be damned!
I don't know what it will be like if Mitt Romney becomes our next president. I can only hope a return to some good and decent civility, but I do know for certainty what it will be like if Barack Obama is reelected. Barack Obama is willing to do whatever it takes to make the American people do whatever HE wants.
Please remember this. Not even our Lord followed the whatever it takes philosophy to bring goodness and kindness to this world. He could have changed everything by the wave of his hand, but instead he subject-gated himself to the will of his Father. He followed the rules because he was trying to be an example for all of us.
It's now up to WE THE PEOPLE to turn this thing around and get back to a republic based on the rule of law, and it won't require doing whatever it takes yet. we just need to show up to the polls on November 6, 2012 and vote for Mitt Romney. We don't really have another choice.

God Bless.

Predicated on the Prior

The bill of rights, just like the ten commandments, were set up a certain way for a certain reason. It's not just a list of rules thrown together in a Hodgepodge.
The first amendment has its place among the other nine as a gatekeeper, and with it's destruction, the others will fall.
The first amendment is under attack in this country,and if you think that they won't come and take your guns after they're done taking your freedoms of religion and speech, think again. Wait until they tell you can no longer go into the public square and proclaim that you believe in Jesus Christ or Buddha or whatever the case may be.

In some attempt to seem accommodating, they'll redefine freedom of religion into freedom of worship. Meaning that you can do what you want to in private, but don't you dare come out among the rest of us and start proclaiming anything resembling a religious view. Especially a Christian point of view.
Wait until they take your freedom of speech away. Or have they already? How many of you are afraid to express your beliefs and opinions freely on Facebook or Twitter because you might be labeled? How many of you fear you could lose employment if your true opinions and beliefs were known? Even if those opinions or beliefs are based in your choice of religion? If so, then you've been silenced already and political correctness was the tool that shut you up. Your freedom of speech has been effectively taken from you without so much as a whimper.
Now, back to the second amendment... After they have marginalized most of us into hiding who we are and what we believe, the government will tell the rest of the sheeple in this nation that "we had to take their guns because they are extremists, they're crazy and they're dangerous, they break the law and they're criminals, and they can't be trusted. That's why we took their guns." And you won't be able to defend yourself with words of conviction because you've given up your freedom of speech...your first and second amendments will be gone!
Without the first and second the third will fall, and so on and so on until you have no freedom left, because all of our God given rights supposedly protected, are predicated on the prior amendment.
I have been quite outspoken among my peers these last few years, and those who really know me know that I have been outspoken about our government's abusive tendencies before I ever heard the name Barack Obama.

In recent years I have approached some of you at my work, in my church, or on some other various path my daily life takes me down and I've asked you to speak up. I've encouraged you to stand up with me and for yourself... I've been disappointed time and time again because you've said nothing. You still think that "this is America, and it can't happen here". Well, it's happening right in front of your eyes!!!
If asked, most of you would probably say that you care about your kid's future. Any prosperous futures for our kids are not hinged on what college they get in to or what job they get.

Their future, OUR FUTURE, depends on FREEDOM and the Bill of Rights.

There is a Connection!

This Wednesday, September 28 2011, the annual “40 Days for Life” campaign begins again. It has become a well known season for drawing attention to what one would think is an obvious truth. That human life is sacred and the cause of promoting human dignity is a righteous endeavor.

However, since our Supreme Courts’ landmark decision in 1973 to legalize abortion across our nation, and the resulting 53 million children killed with the grace of government, there is also something terribly obvious as well. That a culture of death still grips our nation and our people, and it seems, unfortunately also, our youth. To them, the option to abort a child must seem like just another option, rather than the abhorrent act that it is because they have only known a nation that allows it.

This past Sunday, at our weekly “Life Teen – Life Night”, our ministry engaged the start of this year’s prolife campaign by presenting several speakers, videos, and scripture to our teens so that they may understand and be more aware of this ongoing effort that encompasses Christian faith of all denominations.

First of all, please let me express that I think that the presentation was fantastic because there was no flash or flare, or gimmicks to keep the kids attention. No, it was just simple, well put and straight forward information. Sometimes our kids need that. And on that note I have something to add about what we tell our kids and what we don’t tell them with respect to the prolife movement.

A couple of the speakers began their talk by separating the issue of abortion from the political aspect of the abortion “debate”, as it was called. Now I don’t really mind this… especially in that setting, and in the context of recognizing human dignity as the paramount objective. The discussion also included the other end of human life and the right to a natural death. I know that for some, the mere mention of politics causes some people’s eyes to glaze over, and a reflex to change the subject. And those are the adults I’m referring to.

But I can’t help but realize what an opportunity we are missing in educating our youth by excluding the political side of such issues.

Now let me preface my following comments. These are my opinions and I am well aware that many may disagree with my views. Where I try to tie religious and political views together, others will see and place separation. Many have bought the myth of separation between church and state. I suppose it’s easier to compartmentalize the two subjects. Many don’t want their spiritual life mixed with what can be a “blood sport” for lack of a better term. I personally see a connection between Religion and politics, and the easiest way I can share this with you is by asking a question that demonstrates that connection.

Do the things you believe in guide the way you govern yourself?

Let’s start at the beginning. In the book of Genesis we read that the human being was created in the likeness of God, and he granted to us the unique position of dominion over the other creatures coupled with the responsibility of stewardship. It is from this perspective that the church promotes the bedrock principle of human dignity, and at its foundation is the God given breath of life that must be respected.

But there is another, more recent beginning. There is the beginning of our nation. Written and expressed in the Declaration of Independence is an attempt by man to institute a government that acknowledges that only God can grant natural rights to man.

“We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are LIFE, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”.

There are many fellow citizens that don’t agree with the way our nation was constituted, and have been actively working to destroy its foundation for generations. Not surprisingly, movements like the pro-abortion groups are often populated with people who don’t subscribe to true Christian principles or who don’t believe in God at all.

Our children need to understand that a lot of actions and movements sanctioned by government are purposely generated by those who disagree with our Declaration of Independence, and our Constitution. If we Christian parents, mentors and youth ministers don’t inform them of this, they are sure to never receive it from modern media, and government education.

There is a connection!