Monday, August 25, 2008
Global Warming - A Matter of World View
Global warming, green-house gases, melting ice caps - depending on who you speak to or listen to we are either on the edge of ecological disaster or in the midst of natural ecological cycles.
I think we do need to take it seriously, but in moderation based on real science and not sensationalism. My world view is man has been given the role of steward over the earth. This is clearly taught in the Bible.
Genesis 1:26, 28 says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth...And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Italics added by me)
From the Amplified Bible these verses read, " ...let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth...And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth."
Man is in a stewardship role over the earth. We are to take care of the earth, not worship it. There is no Mother Earth or Captain Planet that we need to give an account to. We must be responsible in our actions and prudent in using the natural resources God has provided us with. This does not mean extremism, it means responsibility and moderation.
I recently listened to a segment on The Bible Answer Man program and highly recommend checking out the site for resources and information.
I also recommend you take a look at the following articles:
Your world view will play a major part in how you see global warming. I encourage you to get the facts and not the hype.
I think we do need to take it seriously, but in moderation based on real science and not sensationalism. My world view is man has been given the role of steward over the earth. This is clearly taught in the Bible.
Genesis 1:26, 28 says, "And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth...And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth." (Italics added by me)
From the Amplified Bible these verses read, " ...let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth...And God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it [using all its vast resources in the service of God and man]; and have dominion over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and over every living creature that moves upon the earth."
Man is in a stewardship role over the earth. We are to take care of the earth, not worship it. There is no Mother Earth or Captain Planet that we need to give an account to. We must be responsible in our actions and prudent in using the natural resources God has provided us with. This does not mean extremism, it means responsibility and moderation.
I recently listened to a segment on The Bible Answer Man program and highly recommend checking out the site for resources and information.
I also recommend you take a look at the following articles:
Your world view will play a major part in how you see global warming. I encourage you to get the facts and not the hype.
Political Humor
Here's a joke that my uncle sent me - I thought it was pretty funny!
Obama & McCain Ice Fishing!
The Presidential election was too close to call. Neither the Republican candidate nor the Democratic candidate had enough votes to win. There was much talk about ballot recounting, court challenges, etc., but a week-long ice fishing competition seemed the sportsmanlike way to settle things. The candidate that caught the most fish at the end of the week would win the election
After much of back and forth discussion, it was decided that the contest take place on a remote frozen lake in northern Minnesota .
There were to be no observers present, and both men were to be sent out separately on this isolated lake and return at 5 P.M. with their catch for counting and verification by a team of neutral parties. At the end of the first day, John McCain returned to the starting line and he had ten fish.
Soon, Obama returned and had no fish. Well, everyone assumed he was just having another 'bad hair' day or something and hopefully, he would catch up the next day.
At the end of the 2nd day John McCain came in with 20 fish and Obama came in again with none.
That evening, Harry Reid got together secretly with Obama and said, 'Obama, I think John McCain is a low-life, cheatin' son-of-a-gun. I want you to go out tomorrow and don't even bother with fishing. Just spy on him and see just how he is cheating.'
The next night (after John McCain returns with 50 fish), Harry Reid said to Obama, 'Well, tell me, how is he cheating?'
Obama replied, 'Harry, you're not going to believe this, but he's cutting holes in the ice.'
Experience Counts
Obama & McCain Ice Fishing!
The Presidential election was too close to call. Neither the Republican candidate nor the Democratic candidate had enough votes to win. There was much talk about ballot recounting, court challenges, etc., but a week-long ice fishing competition seemed the sportsmanlike way to settle things. The candidate that caught the most fish at the end of the week would win the election
After much of back and forth discussion, it was decided that the contest take place on a remote frozen lake in northern Minnesota .
There were to be no observers present, and both men were to be sent out separately on this isolated lake and return at 5 P.M. with their catch for counting and verification by a team of neutral parties. At the end of the first day, John McCain returned to the starting line and he had ten fish.
Soon, Obama returned and had no fish. Well, everyone assumed he was just having another 'bad hair' day or something and hopefully, he would catch up the next day.
At the end of the 2nd day John McCain came in with 20 fish and Obama came in again with none.
That evening, Harry Reid got together secretly with Obama and said, 'Obama, I think John McCain is a low-life, cheatin' son-of-a-gun. I want you to go out tomorrow and don't even bother with fishing. Just spy on him and see just how he is cheating.'
The next night (after John McCain returns with 50 fish), Harry Reid said to Obama, 'Well, tell me, how is he cheating?'
Obama replied, 'Harry, you're not going to believe this, but he's cutting holes in the ice.'
Experience Counts
Monday, August 18, 2008
Obama The Artful Dodger
Barack Obama claimed the leading role as the Artful Dodger by dodging a firm answer on a tough question. During this weekends debate he was asked when a baby is entitled to human rights. His answer was he couldn't say because that decision was above his "pay grade." John McCain clearly stated a baby is entitled to human rights at the moment of conception.
That wasn't a tough question, and surely everyone has their own opinion on this issue. But when people are trying to decide whether or not to vote for someone, it's awfully hard to determine where you stand when you don't take a stand.
By the way, McCain got the answer right!
That wasn't a tough question, and surely everyone has their own opinion on this issue. But when people are trying to decide whether or not to vote for someone, it's awfully hard to determine where you stand when you don't take a stand.
By the way, McCain got the answer right!
China Confiscates Bibles
Here is an article on China confiscating Bibles for "security" reasons. It also has a brief clip on the story from Fox News.
Why is China afraid of the Bible coming in to it's country? Probably because of the freedom it will bring. Unfortunately it seems Christians and the Bible are about as popular in our country as they are in China.
Why is China afraid of the Bible coming in to it's country? Probably because of the freedom it will bring. Unfortunately it seems Christians and the Bible are about as popular in our country as they are in China.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Hagan Unleashes Attack Ads
NC Democratic Senatorial candidate Kay Hagan has unleashed some negative ads against NC Senator Elizabeth Dole. I happened to see one of the ads tonight and they are negative but really don't provide any information. Senator Dole published a response to these negative ads, you can read them here.
Senator Dole has done a fine job representing us in Washington and I support her re-election!
Senator Dole has done a fine job representing us in Washington and I support her re-election!
Dole On Energy
NC Senator Elizabeth Dole sent out the following in email:
Dear Friends:
I have heard from so many North Carolinians who are suffering every day with the burden of higher gas prices. That's why I have put forward a comprehensive energy plan that immediately addresses high gas prices and increases energy independence over the long term - and I promise to fight for its passage in the United States Senate (Click here to read my energy plan).
There are clear differences between myself and Mrs. Hagan on the energy issue. While Mrs. Hagan often “talks” about high gas prices, a close look reveals that her energy plan does nothing to produce a single barrel of oil or bring the price of gas down a single cent.
In fact, while Mrs. Hagan was in charge of the North Carolina budget, the state gas tax went up more than eight cents a gallon -- to its highest rate ever and the second highest in the southeast. If she did that in North Carolina, I shudder to think what she would like to do to the national gas tax in Washington.
I encourage you to read my plan and hope you will share your ideas and thoughts with me.
Thank you so much for your support! Working together we can make a difference for North Carolina.
Dear Friends:
I have heard from so many North Carolinians who are suffering every day with the burden of higher gas prices. That's why I have put forward a comprehensive energy plan that immediately addresses high gas prices and increases energy independence over the long term - and I promise to fight for its passage in the United States Senate (Click here to read my energy plan).
There are clear differences between myself and Mrs. Hagan on the energy issue. While Mrs. Hagan often “talks” about high gas prices, a close look reveals that her energy plan does nothing to produce a single barrel of oil or bring the price of gas down a single cent.
In fact, while Mrs. Hagan was in charge of the North Carolina budget, the state gas tax went up more than eight cents a gallon -- to its highest rate ever and the second highest in the southeast. If she did that in North Carolina, I shudder to think what she would like to do to the national gas tax in Washington.
I encourage you to read my plan and hope you will share your ideas and thoughts with me.
Thank you so much for your support! Working together we can make a difference for North Carolina.
Pelosi's Energy Embargo
The Family Research Council has posted a good article on House Speaker Pelosi's inaction on our energy crisis. You can read it here. You can also click here to take action on this important issue!
An on-line article from Fox News shows the Republican House members still in Washington pushing for action while their Democratic colleagues are on vacation.
An on-line article from Fox News shows the Republican House members still in Washington pushing for action while their Democratic colleagues are on vacation.
Foxx On American Healthcare
The following good article is from an email from Congresswoman Foxx.
American Healthcare: More choices, personal ownership, fairnessWithout Big Government Interference
By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
While the high price of gasoline is the major issue on the minds of most Americans, another prevalent topic of discussion is healthcare. Americans have traditionally enjoyed the best, most accessible, patient-centered health care in the world and I am fighting to see that tradition continue.
Americans have a right to expect access to affordable, high quality, patient centered health care. That does not have to mean a one-size-fits-all plan run by clipboard-wielding Washington bureaucrats or a program for seniors which denies them choice of physicians.
Yet the most prosperous country in the world finds itself in a situation where the cost of health care increases each year at more than twice the rate of inflation. Understandably, many Americans are frustrated with the spiraling cost of healthcare and experience a great deal of insecurity about paying medical bills. The two major factors behind these risings costs are government-run programs and employer provided insurance.
A reform agenda with health care tax credits for families and individuals where anyone can easily carry coverage for years or from job to job would be a great starting point. And we should also work to ensure that low-income children are insured.
Every year the United States shells out $2.1 trillion for health care. This amount is larger than the entire economies of all but six countries in the world. Thanks to government intervention in the health care marketplace, government spending today accounts for about half of all healthcare spending and is a major contributor to the rising cost of healthcare. And where the government spends the money it typically dictates conditions and options for healthcare—which don’t always make sense for individuals.
One potential solution is to level the health insurance playing field and reduce the government’s intrusion into healthcare. Thanks to out-dated, World War II era tax laws the health insurance market is skewed almost entirely towards large company-sponsored plans.
The federal government gives large companies generous tax write offs for providing health insurance to their employees. But individuals without employer provided health insurance are stuck footing the whole bill—with not a tax break in sight. If your workplace doesn’t offer a health plan you’re often out of luck. I’ve co-sponsored the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act (HR 636) to address this health insurance inequity head on.
The Health Care Freedom of Choice Act makes individual medical expenses fully tax-deductible—everything from medical and dental care to long-term care and health insurance premiums. By making this straightforward fix to the tax code we can help millions of Americans take control of their healthcare and make their own choices about what coverage and which doctors make sense for them.
People who choose to purchase their own health insurance would be able to get a tax deduction, just like workplace-based plans. This would help to end the tax code discrimination towards health plans that are tied to jobs. We live in an economy where more and more people regularly switch jobs. It makes sense to structure our tax code in a way that reduces the average American’s uncertainly about health insurance in an increasingly dynamic job market.
Changing the way the IRS views your health care spending is just one of many ways we can reform our nation’s health system. Health Savings Accounts hold the potential to generate billions in individual savings and foster a real sense of ownership and control over health care decisions. Allowing the creation of Association Health Plans would give small businesses more options for providing healthcare coverage to their employees.
Health care dollars should be spent on patients in the hospital – not on lawyers in the courtroom. Reforming the health care liability system by creating reasonable guidelines, not caps, on punitive damages would drive down costs for doctors and hospitals and make healthcare more affordable for everyone. Today America enjoys the most advanced healthcare in the world. We can do more to ensure everyone has access to this world class healthcare. There are many good ideas for improving our nation’s healthcare system. I argue that the solution does not lie in a top-down system engineered by Washington. Instead, the best solutions involve giving average Americans affordable choices as well as ownership and control over their healthcare.
Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District, is a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.
American Healthcare: More choices, personal ownership, fairnessWithout Big Government Interference
By Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
While the high price of gasoline is the major issue on the minds of most Americans, another prevalent topic of discussion is healthcare. Americans have traditionally enjoyed the best, most accessible, patient-centered health care in the world and I am fighting to see that tradition continue.
Americans have a right to expect access to affordable, high quality, patient centered health care. That does not have to mean a one-size-fits-all plan run by clipboard-wielding Washington bureaucrats or a program for seniors which denies them choice of physicians.
Yet the most prosperous country in the world finds itself in a situation where the cost of health care increases each year at more than twice the rate of inflation. Understandably, many Americans are frustrated with the spiraling cost of healthcare and experience a great deal of insecurity about paying medical bills. The two major factors behind these risings costs are government-run programs and employer provided insurance.
A reform agenda with health care tax credits for families and individuals where anyone can easily carry coverage for years or from job to job would be a great starting point. And we should also work to ensure that low-income children are insured.
Every year the United States shells out $2.1 trillion for health care. This amount is larger than the entire economies of all but six countries in the world. Thanks to government intervention in the health care marketplace, government spending today accounts for about half of all healthcare spending and is a major contributor to the rising cost of healthcare. And where the government spends the money it typically dictates conditions and options for healthcare—which don’t always make sense for individuals.
One potential solution is to level the health insurance playing field and reduce the government’s intrusion into healthcare. Thanks to out-dated, World War II era tax laws the health insurance market is skewed almost entirely towards large company-sponsored plans.
The federal government gives large companies generous tax write offs for providing health insurance to their employees. But individuals without employer provided health insurance are stuck footing the whole bill—with not a tax break in sight. If your workplace doesn’t offer a health plan you’re often out of luck. I’ve co-sponsored the Health Care Freedom of Choice Act (HR 636) to address this health insurance inequity head on.
The Health Care Freedom of Choice Act makes individual medical expenses fully tax-deductible—everything from medical and dental care to long-term care and health insurance premiums. By making this straightforward fix to the tax code we can help millions of Americans take control of their healthcare and make their own choices about what coverage and which doctors make sense for them.
People who choose to purchase their own health insurance would be able to get a tax deduction, just like workplace-based plans. This would help to end the tax code discrimination towards health plans that are tied to jobs. We live in an economy where more and more people regularly switch jobs. It makes sense to structure our tax code in a way that reduces the average American’s uncertainly about health insurance in an increasingly dynamic job market.
Changing the way the IRS views your health care spending is just one of many ways we can reform our nation’s health system. Health Savings Accounts hold the potential to generate billions in individual savings and foster a real sense of ownership and control over health care decisions. Allowing the creation of Association Health Plans would give small businesses more options for providing healthcare coverage to their employees.
Health care dollars should be spent on patients in the hospital – not on lawyers in the courtroom. Reforming the health care liability system by creating reasonable guidelines, not caps, on punitive damages would drive down costs for doctors and hospitals and make healthcare more affordable for everyone. Today America enjoys the most advanced healthcare in the world. We can do more to ensure everyone has access to this world class healthcare. There are many good ideas for improving our nation’s healthcare system. I argue that the solution does not lie in a top-down system engineered by Washington. Instead, the best solutions involve giving average Americans affordable choices as well as ownership and control over their healthcare.
Editor’s Note: Virginia Foxx a United States Representative from North Carolina’s Fifth Congressional District, is a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Good Article From Family Research Council
I just read this in an email from the Family Research Council. You can find more info here.
Of the 290 laws passed this Congress (which comes dangerously close to the lowest number ever), 30 percent of them just name post offices. Congress also took the time to recognize July as "National Watermelon Month" and officially classify dirt as a natural resource. It is little wonder that Congress's approval rating is in the single digits-nine percent-for the first time ever. While the nation tends to be safer when Congress has recessed, there are a number of issues that Congress has failed to address, including the confirmation of President Bush's judicial nominees, protecting minors from being carried across state borders for an abortion, and increased U.S. energy independence. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been trying to highlight the judges and energy issues on the Senate side and Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) have been instrumental in getting life issues talked about in the House. Last Friday dozens of Republicans joined hundreds of spectators on the House floor to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) decision to send Congress home for the rest of the summer without a vote on legislation to move America toward energy independence. The protest is set to resume today, despite Democrats' turning off the lights and microphones.
Of the 290 laws passed this Congress (which comes dangerously close to the lowest number ever), 30 percent of them just name post offices. Congress also took the time to recognize July as "National Watermelon Month" and officially classify dirt as a natural resource. It is little wonder that Congress's approval rating is in the single digits-nine percent-for the first time ever. While the nation tends to be safer when Congress has recessed, there are a number of issues that Congress has failed to address, including the confirmation of President Bush's judicial nominees, protecting minors from being carried across state borders for an abortion, and increased U.S. energy independence. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has been trying to highlight the judges and energy issues on the Senate side and Reps. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Trent Franks (R-Ariz.) have been instrumental in getting life issues talked about in the House. Last Friday dozens of Republicans joined hundreds of spectators on the House floor to protest Speaker Nancy Pelosi's (D-Calif.) decision to send Congress home for the rest of the summer without a vote on legislation to move America toward energy independence. The protest is set to resume today, despite Democrats' turning off the lights and microphones.
How Did That Happen?
Did you notice that gas prices have gone down and it's not because Congress has done anything to help? While Congress wrangles over what to do about our energy crisis and who should get the credit for solving the problem, the American consumer has already started to impact gas prices by conserving, car pooling and generally driving fewer miles. I believe gas prices are lower because of the consumer creating less of a demand.
When will Congress take real substantive measures to ease the pain at the pump? We need solutions, not politics. We need short term and long term solutions, not smoke and mirrors and promises that are as empty as our gas tanks. Is it any wonder that the Democratic majority Congress' job approval rating is at an all-time low?
There are some in Congress who are trying to make a difference (see some of my previous posts). We applaud their efforts and thank them for it. Don't get relaxed just because prices have dropped. As JFK said, the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining! Take action, get involved, contact your Senators and Congressmen and ask that they take action - today.
When will Congress take real substantive measures to ease the pain at the pump? We need solutions, not politics. We need short term and long term solutions, not smoke and mirrors and promises that are as empty as our gas tanks. Is it any wonder that the Democratic majority Congress' job approval rating is at an all-time low?
There are some in Congress who are trying to make a difference (see some of my previous posts). We applaud their efforts and thank them for it. Don't get relaxed just because prices have dropped. As JFK said, the time to fix the roof is when the sun is shining! Take action, get involved, contact your Senators and Congressmen and ask that they take action - today.
Sunday, August 3, 2008
What Happens Every 4 Years?
Here's my question: What happens only every 4 years? Most folks will probably say either the Olympics or our Presidential election. While both answers are true, I want to focus on our elections.
I think it is sad that many Americans only care about politics every 4 years. So much happens in those 4 years that if you are not involved or at least in the know, it can impact you.
Our form of government was never designed to be a spectator sport. Our form of government was designed for we the people to be involved and active in what our elected officials do on our behalf. In the Federalist 22, Alexander Hamilton wrote, "The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority."
Come on America - get in the game!
I think it is sad that many Americans only care about politics every 4 years. So much happens in those 4 years that if you are not involved or at least in the know, it can impact you.
Our form of government was never designed to be a spectator sport. Our form of government was designed for we the people to be involved and active in what our elected officials do on our behalf. In the Federalist 22, Alexander Hamilton wrote, "The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority."
Come on America - get in the game!
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