DEFINED AND REFINED

From My Perspective – - -

What defines who or what you are? In many instances, the things that define a person can be Family; Heritage; Region (Farm versus City; Rural versus Urban); Education; Religious Values; Political Orientation; Mindset; Motivation (or lack of same); Marriage; Sense of Responsibility/Duty; Ambition; etc. The list could easily be much longer – but these are some of the things that define one. On the other hand, there are those who are all too willing to define another person and place them in a “box” or “pigeon-hole” and thus relegate them to a set of pre-conceived expectations – never giving that person a chance to climb out of the box or escape from the pigeon-hole.

More than fifty years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote a semi-autobiographical tome entitled, “Surprised By Joy: The Shape of My Early Life.” The purpose of his writing was to share his quest for that which seemed so elusive, namely, Joy. A brief comment about his book indicates: “…his aim was to identify and describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of and consequent search for the phenomenon he labeled Joy.. This Joy was a longing so intense for something so good and so high up it could not be explained with words. He is struck with stabs of joy throughout his life. He finally finds what it is for, at the end.” Where and How does C.S. Lewis find what he searched for throughout his life? The book’s last two chapters cover the end of his search as he makes the leap from atheism to theism and then from theism to Christianity. Lewis ultimately discovers the true nature and purpose of Joy and its place in and for his own life. Perhaps a poem by William Wordsworth had some influence in the thinking and quest of C.S. Lewis:

SURPRISED by joy — impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport — Oh! with whom
But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind —
But how could I forget thee? Through what power,
Even for the least division of an hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be blind
To my most grievous loss?–That thought’s return
Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,
Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,
Knowing my heart’s best treasure was no more;
That neither present time, nor years unborn
Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.

Consider these things with me – - One does not have to be locked into how one is DEFINED by self or others. Regardless of either self-imposed barriers, or those set by others who we allow to define us – there is an alternative. The process can be arduous (testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous) and difficult. The result and what it achieves makes it worthwhile. An example of this can be seen in I PETER 1:7-8, “…the tested genuineness of your faith being more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” This is part and parcel of how one is REFINED and processed by God’s Grace. The “testing by fire” may sometimes be painful but it enables one to get from where he/she is to the place where God wants him/her in relationship to Him – resulting in “joy that is inexpressible.” The fact is – you can make it to this goal and experience! Others have – You Can Also! Take the bold step of Faith and begin the journey from the “DEFINED” to the “REFINED” by God’s Grace!

A SIGNIFICANT COVER-UP

From My Perspective – - -

For more than thirty (30) years, the United States has been involved in conflicts and increasingly tense relationships in the Arab-Muslim world, particularly with Iran (and the hostage crisis 1979-81) and then Iraq (1990-91, and 2003 to the present). It has cost our nation dearly in terms of life, limb, treasure and prestige.

Events move so quickly in our world that they become almost a blur in our thinking. The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 52 U.S. diplomats were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in support of the Iranian revolution. One of the revolutionaries pictured in that hostage situation is now President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. In Iraq, there was “Operation Desert Storm”—Aug. 2, 1990-Feb. 1991 – On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces invaded and quickly conquered the small, oil-rich emirate of Kuwait. Almost immediately, an international coalition of nations gathered a powerful military force under the authority of the United Nations and the leadership of the United States to defend the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to force Iraq to withdraw from occupied Kuwait. The “No-Fly Zone War” –1991-2003–Following the cease-fire ending the Gulf War, the Allies, (America, England, France) had the right to conduct air patrols over parts of Iraq to ensure Iraqi compliance with the cease-fire terms. Currently, “Operation Iraqi Freedom”)—March 19, 2003- Present– The current war can be seen in at least two distinct phases: The Invasion and the Occupation. Though Saddam’s regime fell fairly quickly, the insurgency was able to gain strength in large part because the U.S. and Coalition leadership was slow to recognize that they had a guerrilla movement underway.

The Jerusalem Post learned and reported (August 8, 2007) that despite a series of initiatives aimed at generating foreign tourism, the Saudi Arabian government continues to bar Jews and Christians from bringing items such as Bibles, crucifixes and Stars of David into the country and is threatening to confiscate them on sight, It was included in the tourist information of Saudi Arabian Airlines in New York: “A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations,” declares the Web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country’s national carrier. After informing would-be visitors that items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography may not be transported into the country, the Web site adds: “Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are also prohibited. These may include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols such as the Star of David, and others.”

Consider these things with me – - – In his book, It Doesn’t Take A Hero, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf comments on Operation Desert Storm/Shield. He also mentions the tension with Saudi Arabia regarding our Military Chaplains displaying a cross on their uniforms or tents. Ironically, Before President Barack Obama spoke from Gaston Hall at Georgetown University (Georgetown is a private Catholic institution founded by Jesuits in 1789) last week, his advance team requested that the university hide or remove any religious symbols or signs while the president was on stage. Of the more prominent was a monogram IHS, whose letters in Greek spell out the name of Jesus and which is normally displayed above the stage in Gaston Hall. During the address, the monogram was covered with what appeared to be black wood. The auditorium in which the president spoke is normally adorned with religious imagery, but only the symbols directly on the stage — those likely to be picked up by a television camera — were obscured. We are reminded in Psalm 50:16-23: “But to the wicked God says… I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!” And Psalm 9:17-20, “The wicked will go down to hell (sheol) – This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God… Arise, O LORD! Do not let mere mortals defy you! Let the nations be judged in your presence!…” President Obama chose to cover-up the Greek Symbol for Jesus! Why? Is this a new political correctness to appease the Muslim world? Is our President fearful or ashamed to be identified with Jesus? Can judgment upon our nation be far off?

MR. MAGOO – WHAT DO WE DO?

From My Perspective – - -

Quincy Magoo – Mr. Magoo – is a cartoon character. He is a wealthy, short-in-stature retiree who gets into a series of sticky situations as a result of his nearsightedness compounded by his stubborn refusal to admit the problem. Affected people (or animals) often had the impression that he is a lunatic, rather than just being nearsighted. In later cartoons he is also an actor, and generally a competent one except for his visual impairment. In our nation and world where myopia seems to rule and reign in the body politic, one could easily come to a conclusion that we have elected Magoo-like politicians who are bumping into the challenges of the moment without cognizance of what they are or what one should do with and/or about them. If only there was a simple remedy – but – there isn’t.

In a terse commentary entitled, THE OBAMA ECONOMY – Wall Street Journal – March 3rd, 2009 – the following appeared: “President Obama’s policies have become part of the economy’s problem. Americans have welcomed the Obama era in the same spirit of hope the President campaigned on. But…it’s become clear that Mr. Obama’s policies are slowing, if not stopping, what would otherwise be the normal process of economic recovery. From punishing business to squandering scarce national public resources, Team Obama is creating more uncertainty and less confidence — and thus a longer period of recession or sub-par growth…Every new President has a finite stock of capital — financial and political — to deploy, and amid recession Mr. Obama has more than most. But one negative revelation has been the way he has chosen to spend his scarce resources on income transfers rather than growth promotion. Most of his “stimulus” spending was devoted to social programs, rather than public works, and nearly all of the tax cuts were devoted to income maintenance rather than to improving incentives to work or invest…” But – the Mr. Magoo mode is bumping its way along by trying to spend itself out of debt.

John Maxwell – a skilled Leadership expert – comments: “With the economy in its current state, it seems like every time we turn around, a new crisis appears. Bank failures, home foreclosures, business ventures reluctantly abandoned. In times like these, good leadership is especially critical.
1. Courageous decisions. What must be done? Crises usually prompt an organization to narrow its focus. Leaders have to make those calls
2. Priority decisions. What must be done first? The Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto once said, “If you’re Noah, and your ark is about to sink, look for the elephants first…if you can find one elephant to get overboard, you’re in much better shape.” If you’re a leader, identify your elephants.
3. Change decisions. What must be done differently? Even ideas that would have worked well a month earlier may be useless in an emergency. When the horse is dead, DISMOUNT.
4. Creative decisions. What are my options? When the old methods aren’t working to solve the crisis, they need to be questioned. Think outside of the box. Get every option out on the table.
5. Support decisions. Who can help me? Leaders are responsible for having the right people on the team and making sure they are in the right places.

Consider these things with me – - John Maxwell concludes: “Leaders are not MADE in a crisis. Leaders are REVEALED. It’s easy to steer a ship in calm waters. Only the turbulence of a storm shows a captain’s true skill. If your organization is facing a storm, take the wheel and make the decisions that only a leader can make…” In Romans 12:4-8, we have a clear delineation regarding true Leadership function: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Mr. Magoo – following Biblical Principles is what we should do!

DENIGRATION

From My Perspective – - -

This past week, two separate events transpired that brought to mind different ideas that are somewhat akin to each other, namely, Belittle and Denigrate. Belittle is: “To represent or speak of as contemptibly small or unimportant; disparage; To cause to seem less than another or little…” Denigration is defined as: “to attack the character or reputation of; speak ill of; defame; disparage; belittle…”

Two illustrations of this phenomena occurred this past week. One was on a telecast – Britains Got Talent 2009, and involved a 47 year old woman from Scotland. The body language of the three-person panel and many in the audience started out derisive and condescending. Obviously, it was a judgment based on external factors rather than the internal talent or ability of the person. However, Susan Boyle almost instantly converted the audience and panel to look past the external and to accept the ability and performance. As a result, this segment on You-Tube has now passed 34 million viewings. She has been on Larry King’s telecast and will be on Oprah Winfrey’s program soon. You owe it to yourself to view this excellent performance and breakthrough – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY. This is an instance of triumph as the derision, ridicule and belittling was stifled by the talent displayed.

Denigration was on full exhibit and display when President Obama attended the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobaga this past weekend. The report of the Summit – Bloomberg.Com – states: “Latin American leaders railed against the U.S. during President Barack Obama’s first trip to the region, turning what was intended to mark a new direction in relations into a history lesson that chastised “Yankee troop” interventions and U.S.-dictated economic policies. Obama arrived at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday promising to “listen and learn” from regional leaders. He got an earful. In the weekend’s first speeches, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner voiced grievances on issues ranging from the U.S. drug war to American support for counterinsurgency movements of the 1980s. Both urged Obama to end the 47-year-old trade embargo against Cuba, the only country in the Americas excluded from the 34-nation summit. “For many years, there have been traumatic relations,” Fernandez said. “I want you to know, Obama, that this is in no way a reproach against you. It’s simply an exercise to look back at what happened.” In addition, Jake Tapper, Senior White House Correspondent for ABC News reports: Chavez Gifts Obama With Book That Assails U.S. for Exploiting Latin America. “At President Obama’s meeting with the heads of South American countries this morning, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez stood, walked over to him, and presented him with a copy of “Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent” by Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano. Obama politely posed for a photograph with Chavez, shook his hand, and accepted the gift. Later, Hugo Chavez, in a 50 minute verbal attack, besmirched this nation and disrespected its leader.

Consider these things with me – - – to be belittled, denigrated, ridiculed is not easy to accept or endure. All have a craving, need, desire to be accepted and appreciated by someone. One could wish our President would have protested in some way to these accusations and verbal attacks. However, one could also hope he was following a Biblical model and mandate – it’s doubtful he was. A classic Biblical example of denigration, belittling, ridicule is shared in II Samuel 16:5 through 14. Shimei of the house of King Saul is filled with hatred and despises King David. He hurls insults, stones and dust at King David and those with him. While David has the ability and the mighty men who could have silenced this man, David’s tact was: “…Leave him alone, and let him curse…It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today. So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed…and threw stones…and flung dust. And the king…arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.” These last phrases should be uplifting for us – “the king…arrived weary at the Jordan and there he refreshed himself…” The time of refreshment will always come to those who trust in the Lord, and who will walk by faith and not by sight. There is rest for the weary!

RADICALISM OR PROPAGANDA

From My Perspective – - -

What is happening to America? What has happened to the “land of the free and the home of the brave…”? What happened to the Constitution of the United States? Whatever happened to the Bill of Rights, namely, Article the third [Amendment I]: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Did we all go to bed one evening in America and wake up the next morning in a Socialist or Dictatorial nation elsewhere? Is this the “change” people were desiring or expecting when they voted in November 2008? Is there no longer any room in our democracy for “buyers remorse” and the freedom to so state? Can the proponent of “The Arrogance of Hope” now champion the Suppression of Freedom of Speech and Lawful Assembly? In July 2008 the Washington Post contained an editorial that raised this point: “When Barack Obama appeared on the scene, the nation asked, “Who is he?” Now the Washington Post’s Charles Krauthammer wants to know, “Who does he think he is?” Is that kind of speech now “right-wing-radicalism” to be disallowed?

Something unique will occur in our nation today – April 15th, 2009. The agenda is clearly stated on the webpage – www.teapartyday.com, and includes: Are you fed up with a Congress and president who – - -

• vote for a $500 billion tax bill without even reading it?
• are spending trillions of borrowed dollars, leaving a debt our great-grandchildren will be paying?
• consistently give special interest groups billions of dollars in earmarks to help get themselves re-elected?
• want to take your wealth and redistribute it to others?
• want government controlled health care?
• want to take away the right to vote with a secret ballot in union elections?
• refuse to stop the flow of millions of illegal immigrants into our country?
• appoint a defender of child pornography to the Number 2 position in the Justice Department?
• want to force doctors and other medical workers to perform abortions against their will?
• want to impose a carbon tax on your electricity, gas and home heating fuels?
  
• want to reduce your tax deductibility for charitable gifts?

Based on such statements and gatherings, the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in rightwing extremist activity, saying the economic recession, the election of America’s first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias…It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration…The nine-page document was sent to police and sheriff’s departments across the United States on April 7 under the headline, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.”

Consider these things with me – - – In I Peter 2:13-21, there is a general guideline given to God’s people for a constant behavior even if government oppression occurs – “Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Live in a such a way that you will always honor and please the Lord. This is the right and victorious way!

PREDATORY PURSUITS

From My Perspective – - –

The times in which we live are serious and uncertain. A brief glimpse of the current news is merely a microcosm of what is occurring throughout our world. North Korea and Iran with their nuclear ambitions; Pirates off the coast of Somalia and their ongoing seizure of unarmed merchant vessels for financial gain; the declaration of Israel to Iran to Stop Nuclear development or they will be stopped; Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (escalating into Pakistan); Growing Unemployment and Tax Frustration in the United States (Tea Party Meetings Across the United States set for April 15th) – these events don’t even begin to scratch the surface of human needs and fears.

While we can take great pride in the recent accomplishment of the US Navy Seals off the coast of Somalia, it does serve to underscore some of what could be accomplished if our military was permitted to do what it is trained and capable of doing. A favorite video series is Horatio Hornblower, a fictional British Naval Officer who was – undaunted by the challenges; unstoppable by overwhelming odds; with flamboyant swagger and courage; able to manage the unmanageable; a leader who was followed; etc. One cannot help but to reflect on what could be done with such a person in reality today. Our Navy Seals exhibited that kind of ability and determination. They will be unknown as they move on to their next task and achievement. Government usually does not have the training or expertise in terms of military strategy and mission accomplishment.

Different pundits have shared some thoughts regarding government over the years – -

1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress. — John Adams

2. If you don’t read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed. – – Mark Twain

3. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. — Winston Churchill

While these comments are intended as “humor”, there is an element of pithiness and truth to some of what was spoken and written.

Consider these things with me – - – Tomorrow taxes for 2008 are due and payable. In lieu of the recent increased funding for Banks and Businesses by the Federal Government, a form of Tax Revolt is occurring across our nation. Tea Party events are scheduled. The frame of reference is the historic Boston Tea Party. This was a direct action protest by colonists in Boston, against the British government. On December 16, 1773, after officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain, a group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbor. Protest is legal but we need to be reminded of our obligation to pay our taxes in a timely manner.

When Jesus was asked about taxes “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus replied (Matthew 22:17-21), “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax. And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? They said, Caesar’s. Then he said to them…render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” When demand was made for Jesus to pay the Temple Tax, we read in Matthew 17:24-27 how provision was made to do so – “When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax went up to Peter and said, Does your teacher not pay the tax? He said, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others? And when he said, From others, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Our duty is to do and be honest in the sight of all. For 2009, establish a Personal Budget that plans for Taxes, Tithing and Saving. It can and must be done. A starting point is to Eliminate Credit Purchases and to be frugal.

TEPID TRENDS?

From My Perspective – - -

The April 13, 2009 Cover of Newsweek asserts: “THE DECLINE AND FALL OF CHRISTIAN AMERICA…” and headlines the lead story: “The End of Christian America”. The article is written by Jon Meacham and states: “The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades…It was a small detail, a point of comparison buried in the fifth paragraph on the 17th page of a 24-page summary of the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey…” Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary reaction and response is noted as: “…the central news of the survey was troubling enough: the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent. Then came the point he could not get out of his mind: while the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest…this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified…the historic foundation of America’s religious culture was cracking….”

Mohler wrote in his online column: “A remarkable culture-shift has taken place around us…The most basic contours of American culture have been radically altered. The so-called Judeo-Christian consensus of the last millennium has given way to a post-modern, post-Christian, post-Western cultural crisis which threatens the very heart of our culture…Clearly, there is a new narrative, a post-Christian narrative, that is animating large portions of this society…” Meacham then summarizes: “This is not to say that the Christian God is dead, but that he is less of a force in American politics and culture than at any other time in recent memory. To the surprise of liberals who fear the advent of an evangelical theocracy and to the dismay of religious conservatives who long to see their faith more fully expressed in public life, Christians are now making up a declining percentage of the American population. According to the American Religious Identification Survey that got Mohler’s attention, the percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 percentage points since 1990, from 86 to 76 percent.”

President Obama shocked some this past week when he declared: “America is not a Christian nation; it is not a Jewish nation; it is not a Muslim nation; etc.” The question for the President is: On what basis have you determined America is not a Christian nation? A number greater than a simple majority would disagree with his statement and conclusion. To give some perspective, in our nation currently the Jewish population is 1.2 percent and the Muslim is 0.6 percent.

Consider these things with me – - – As we navigate through uncertain times in our nation, it is difficult to understand why a media outlet – Newsweek, and a national figure – the President, would seek to either undermine or remove the Christian foundation of this nation. In a day when one hears of redistribution of wealth; increased taxes; long-term national indebtedness; legislated national programs that will be funded by taxation; involvement in war (with other potential trouble spots on the horizon) – why would the foundational hope of millions be declared as waning or no longer true for this nation? A former President, Gerald Ford, once said: “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” Could that possibly include ones Christian beliefs? Psalm 11 should be ones source of hope and confidence: “In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face.” Have Faith In God! Lean on His everlasting Arms. Let the Lord be your Refuge and Fortress in troubled and troubling times!

IMPLAUSIBLE

From My Perspective – - -

Implausible means: “not wearing the appearance of truth or credibility, and not likely to be believed.” The Synonyms are: unlikely, improbable, unbelievable…That seems to be where we are in terms of our nation and world today. “Change” is occurring rapidly – so rapidly as to leave one, in the lyric of an old romantic song – “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered am I…” The changes occurring with financial institutions and corporations in the United States as the government exercises greater involvement are an ongoing event. We see escalating financial infusion because of a strange notion that “failure is not an option.” Our inaction permits the implausible to gain momentum and make progress.

Question: Should we have been caught by surprise by the actions and innovations of the present administration in terms of government involvement in banks and businesses in our nation? First, in terms of Budgets and Deficits, Government speak uses “investment” as their word for “spending”. What is the bottom line and misrepresentation of their rationale for “investment”? In a current Forbes Magazine article – GOVERNMENT GONE WILD: “In February, the government said that its $787 billion stimulus bill would create 3.5 million new jobs. This was at the very highest end of the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) estimate of 1.2 to 3.6 million new jobs…In a leaked memo from Gordon Brown, the British prime minister. He proposed a $2 trillion European stimulus plan that was supposedly going to create 19 million jobs. In other words, Europe can create a new job with just $105,000 of government spending per job, while the U.S. needs $219,000. The new massive government spending plans are especially frightening with the U.S. now facing $1 trillion deficits. President Obama says that this is all OK, and that he is cutting the deficit in half (to $533 billion using administration math, or $672 billion according to the CBO) in just four years. What he doesn’t say, and what no one seems willing to say, is that without his new budget the deficit would have been cut by 75% in four years to about $250 billion. The budget deficit and the size of the government are exploding and no one seems to care.”

Secondly, in regard to the Automotive Industry, What is the goal and ambition of the President? In his 2006 autobiography, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, his vision for the auto industry was: “The bottom line is that fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels like E85, a fuel formulated with 85 percent ethanol, represent the future of the auto industry. It is a future American car companies can attain if we start making some tough choices now. For years U.S. automakers and the UAW have resisted higher fuel-efficiency standards because retooling costs money, and Detroit is already struggling under huge retiree health-care costs and stiff competition. So during my first year in the Senate I proposed legislation I called “Health Care for Hybrids. The bill makes a deal with U.S. automakers: In exchange for federal financial assistance in meeting the health-care costs of retired autoworkers, the Big Three would reinvest these savings into developing more fuel-efficient vehicles…” If someone disagrees with the Presidential agenda, what can such a one expect? “Don’t think we’re not keeping score, brother.” That’s what President Barack Obama said to Representative Peter DeFazio in a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic Caucus last week, according to the Associated Press. A few weeks ago, Mr. DeFazio voted against the administration’s stimulus bill. The comment from Mr. Obama was a presidential rebuke and part of a new, hard-nosed push by the White House to pressure Congress to adopt the president’s budget….

Consider these things with me – - – Should spending and indebtedness be the model followed by the nation and/or individuals? Your answer should be “No!” A basic concept is given in: Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” And, Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything except to love one another…” Winston Churchill once said: “The price of greatness is responsibility.” If the “implausible” is allowed to become the plausible, irresponsibility will become the modus operandi and failure will soon follow. The implausible is gaining momentum! Action delayed comes with a very high price-tag – maybe the next generation being indentured because “we” allowed the implausible to occur.