Hi everyone! It’s been way too long since I last posted on Present Day Patriots. I’m being totally truthful when I say that school is consuming so much of my time I have not had enough time to write up a quality blog post. But on the eve of fall break, I’m back!
We have five days until Election Day, November 2nd. It goes without saying that we—America, itself—has a lot riding on this election alone. I cannot stress the importance of getting out there and VOTING! Don’t think that “one vote won’t make a difference”… America blindly allowed the current administration to come to power the last time; let’s not make the same mistake again and get involved in our civic responsibilities. Research your candidates, and make the best decision based on their character and dedication to doing what is right, rather than what is popular. We need to restore our political system so it fulfills the quota it was intended to fulfill upon its creation; a government by, for, and of the people.
I know I’ve missed a lot of fascinating and just plain infuriating events and stories in my long absence, but I want to share with you the most recent of my findings. Never, in any history I have ever learned have I ever heard a President declare those with opposing views as the “enemy” that must be “punished” until the current administration. In speaking of his plans for immigration reform (oh yes, the ever present fight to just completely demolish the idea of a secure border and the value of citizenship) stated;
“If Latinos sit out the election instead of saying, ‘We’re going to punish our enemies and we’re gonna reward our friends who stand with us on issues that are important to us,’ if they don’t see that kind of upsurge in voting in this election, then I think it’s going to be harder and that’s why I think it’s so important that people focus on voting on November 2.” http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/25/in-appeal-to-hispanics-obama-promises-to-push-immigration-reform/
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/new-obama-gotv-rallying-cry-lets-punish-our-enemies/
Now I’m all for exercising your right to vote, obviously! But it’s a form of “punishment” now for those with opposing views? Those of us who kind of like being a legal American citizen and want to maintain to merit to that status are labeled the enemy?
Think of me what you want, but to be honest, I don’t see opposing views as the enemy. There have got to be opposing views to some degree in our society—that’s how our government works. And if it weren’t for the current administration’s ridiculous belief in spreading the wealth and opening the border, I wouldn’t have much to write about in this blog. But are we not all Americans still? Or has our country become so polarized we cannot even identify ourselves as the UNITED States anymore? You all know how much I am NOT an Obama/Pelosi/Biden/etc. etc. fan…but I see the enemy as those who wish to KILL US and dream of their radical religion flying a flag over the White House. (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/oct/4/islamic-flag-over-the-white-house/ )
(And before my many Anonymous friends cry, “MUSLIM-HATER!” as a caveat, it’s the radical ones that used airplanes as lethal missiles to attack my country that I’m really not fond of.) My enemy is the group of monsters called Al-Qaeda…the same group behind the murder of two Somalian girls, age 18 and 15, by firing squad, in a Somalian town for trying to spy against this radical group. Those are the ones I consider the enemy, and their threat is ever-present. I can’t picture myself around a campfire singing Kumbayah with any radical left-winger, but still…those of us who are LEGALLY HERE are still AMERICANS. Isn’t that something we can still be proud of? Let’s get our priorities in order. This brings to mind a quote by Abraham Lincoln that is painfully true…
“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.”
This goes hand in hand with another favorite quote—a quote engraved in granite outside of the National Archives in Washington, D.C: “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.” Where is our VIGILANCE being directed these days?
Speaking of Abraham Lincoln, lately I have been looking for some meaningful quotes to put as my Facebook status (don’t laugh) and have come across some of his incredibly powerful words…so I’d like to share a few with you. I read some of these and was shocked of how well they can be applied to present day, and situations in my own life as well.
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have. I must stand with anybody that stands right, and stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong.”
“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.”
“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”
"It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt."
This last quote is often erroneously attributed to Abraham Lincoln, but in all actuality it was written by American Presbyterian minister and speaker of the mid 1900’s, William John Henry Boetcker…
"You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away men's initiative and independence.
You cannot help men permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves."
And I love polls (even though AP Statistics and I aren’t getting along well at the moment) so here’s an interesting one I found on Rasmussen.
“A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 65% of Likely U.S. Voters say if they had the option next week, they would vote to get rid of the entire Congress and start all over again. Only 20% would opt to keep the entire Congress instead. Fifteen percent (15%) aren’t sure.”That’s just one of the all-encompassing stats from the survey. Click on the link below to read more stats from the poll...
http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/october_2010/65_favor_getting_rid_of_entire_congress_and_starting_over
On November 2nd, one of the propositions my fellow Missourians and I will vote on is Prop B, the “Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act”... I’ve been doing some reading on this and have come across arguments in its defense, and other vehemently opposed to it. Missouri has long been known as a “hot-spot” for puppy mills, and this legislation intends to combat this by limiting the number of dogs breeders can have in addition to adding strict regulations as to the care of animals by dog breeders. However I am wondering, why isn’t our current puppy mill legislation being enforced? Why more government intervention? Why more restrictions? It is feared that this will put many responsible Missouri dog breeders out of business and speculation exists that other areas of agriculture could be affected in the future. However I need to do a little more research on this to provide you with all the facts, so watch for that in the coming few days!
Well that’s all for tonight! Being the lover of the free-enterprise system that I am, I’ll leave you with an Ayn Rand quote...
“America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to "the common good", but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes.”
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Colin Powell has gone off the "deep end."
Hi everyone, I was scanning through some links this morning and I found a CBNC Economic Poll (no, I do not get all my facts from Fox News only :) ...) that I found fascinating. I'm a nerd; I love looking at polls, graphs, and stats like these. Below is a link to the poll conducted regarding the current economic conditions, conducted by Public Opinion Strategies/Hart Research on September 9th and 12th. To me it's obvious American's know something's afoot, that this "recession" is far from over, and that allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire may not be the best decision. This poll also brings to light the fact that the economy, the existence of jobs, spending and deficit are among main concerns. The first link is to a write up about the poll, a summary of the results, and the second is to the poll and graphs themselves.
Poll: Extend Bush Tax Cuts
Complete Economic Poll Results
I just found another little joyous tidbit on Theblaze.com (really--check this site out).
Once again it's the omittance of that nasty word "illegal" that brought my attention to Former Secretary of State Colin Powell. He states that "illegal immigrants do essential work in the U.S"... and he knows this, because they "work on his house."
Well that's just great. Way to support legal citizens working in the landscape/yard care industry, when unemployment is in the double digits. I just cannot comprehend what is so difficult to realize that those illegally here are breaking the law. Don't call me anti-immigration; I'm definitely not. But go through the naturalization process. If you're going to do something so important and pivotal as seek a new, better life in the United States, do it right! I do believe we could make the naturalization process and the process of obtaining a Green Card more accessible to those wishing to come to the US. Don't say I don't show sympathy for folks who wish to come to America because conditions in their country of birth are less than desirable...I do. Millions of immigrants saw, and still do see, America as a "shining city on a hill" and continue to risk everything to get here. I think people from around the world who desire a second chance on America's shores should have the opportunity to enjoy the rights we do...and I wish them the best, and if given the opportunity I would help them to the best of my ability to get settled and start a life here...but, not if such a person were breaking the law and taking a job from a legal citizen.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/powell-says-illegal-immigrants-do-his-home-repairs/
I could discuss that all day, but I wont...no, I just want to share with you a few words from our White House "Science Czar" John P. Holdren. He seems like a really fun guy. According to a book he wrote in '73, he'd like to work to "de-develop" the United States and believes that "wealth distribution is absolutely essential in order to provide a decent life for everyone." Oh my. Can I please tell this loon that I'll keep my money, you keep yours, and the quality of my life is up to me and is a result of the decions I make. Personal responsibility. Thank you very much, have a nice day. I really feel like our environmental well being is in the hands of a great guy now. Don't you? Such a relief. (please note sarcasm).
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wh-science-czar-use-free-market-to-de-develop-u-s-wealth-redistribution-absolutley-essential/
Well, that is all for today, thanks for reading... I'll leave you with a final quote, one of my favorites..."The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money." -Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America)
Gotta love Alexis. :) Have a great week, everyone!
Poll: Extend Bush Tax Cuts
Complete Economic Poll Results
I just found another little joyous tidbit on Theblaze.com (really--check this site out).
Once again it's the omittance of that nasty word "illegal" that brought my attention to Former Secretary of State Colin Powell. He states that "illegal immigrants do essential work in the U.S"... and he knows this, because they "work on his house."
Well that's just great. Way to support legal citizens working in the landscape/yard care industry, when unemployment is in the double digits. I just cannot comprehend what is so difficult to realize that those illegally here are breaking the law. Don't call me anti-immigration; I'm definitely not. But go through the naturalization process. If you're going to do something so important and pivotal as seek a new, better life in the United States, do it right! I do believe we could make the naturalization process and the process of obtaining a Green Card more accessible to those wishing to come to the US. Don't say I don't show sympathy for folks who wish to come to America because conditions in their country of birth are less than desirable...I do. Millions of immigrants saw, and still do see, America as a "shining city on a hill" and continue to risk everything to get here. I think people from around the world who desire a second chance on America's shores should have the opportunity to enjoy the rights we do...and I wish them the best, and if given the opportunity I would help them to the best of my ability to get settled and start a life here...but, not if such a person were breaking the law and taking a job from a legal citizen.
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/powell-says-illegal-immigrants-do-his-home-repairs/
I could discuss that all day, but I wont...no, I just want to share with you a few words from our White House "Science Czar" John P. Holdren. He seems like a really fun guy. According to a book he wrote in '73, he'd like to work to "de-develop" the United States and believes that "wealth distribution is absolutely essential in order to provide a decent life for everyone." Oh my. Can I please tell this loon that I'll keep my money, you keep yours, and the quality of my life is up to me and is a result of the decions I make. Personal responsibility. Thank you very much, have a nice day. I really feel like our environmental well being is in the hands of a great guy now. Don't you? Such a relief. (please note sarcasm).
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/wh-science-czar-use-free-market-to-de-develop-u-s-wealth-redistribution-absolutley-essential/
Well, that is all for today, thanks for reading... I'll leave you with a final quote, one of my favorites..."The American Republic will endure until the day Congress discovers that it can bribe the public with the public's money." -Alexis de Tocqueville (Democracy in America)
Gotta love Alexis. :) Have a great week, everyone!
Friday, September 17, 2010
Long Time No See!
Hi everyone! It's been way too long since I last posted anything here. Time flies when you're having fun, I suppose! I wanted to post a quick update tonight, while I had a little time.
First I want to express my regret that I did not post anything regarding September 11th. I had planned to, but that day was really hard for me. I did not lose anyone that I knew in the attacks, but it still really gets to me, especially with my family's direct connection to the aviation industry. I was in 3rd grade in 2001; I really didn't understand what really happened, what was lost, and what was really attacked that day. Every year since I find myself reading more and more in depth about 9/11, looking at pictures, watching videos. Sounds morbid, maybe, but I think it's my way of understanding, and not forgetting. And I'll admit, I usually cry every year on September 11th. I'll also admit that I can be rather emotional, so I can only imagine the utter devastation and emptiness that families of victims experienced and are reminded of every day. President George W. Bush summed it up best, "... for those of us who lived through these events, the only marker we’ll ever need is the tick of a clock at the 46th minute of the eighth hour of the 11th day." Regardless of your opinions of GWB, read his speech to Congress and the American people... http://www.greatdreams.com/bush_speech_92001.htm .
Never forget.
On a lighter note, (sort of) I want to share something with you that I have found interesting.
For a man that has proved to be so, so skilled in reading off a teleprompter, he may have slipped up this time. Or did he? I'm not sure. But it's awful fishy to me. In a speech to the "Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute" he started quoting the Declaration of Independence (wow--didn't see that one coming). Now let's see how many of you are history nerds. Choose the phrase that is correct (aka exact text of the Declaration of Independence)...
A: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
B: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are crated equal. Endowed with certain inalienable rights: life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Which one did Mr. O use? Guess. B.
He omitted the word "creator." Go figure. Watch the video for yourself...
This just sounds a little fishy to me. First of all, if I were president, and I forgot the lines of one of--if not the--most important statements in all of American history, I would die of embarrassment. I would, I'd just die. If you're President, you might want to know what our founding documents say. (But, that's right, Obama is the one that said our Constitution is "flawed"...) And if he just chose to leave the word "creator" out... hmmm. And we all know his talent for reading teleprompters.
(http://www.theblaze.com/stories/revisionist-recitation-obama-omits-creator-while-quoting-declaration/)
That's all for tonight... I hope to post again soon. In the meantime, check out TheBlaze.com for some really revealing stories everyday... it's where I found the one posted above. Have a great week!!
“The man who fears no truth has nothing to fear from lies.” -Thomas Jefferson
First I want to express my regret that I did not post anything regarding September 11th. I had planned to, but that day was really hard for me. I did not lose anyone that I knew in the attacks, but it still really gets to me, especially with my family's direct connection to the aviation industry. I was in 3rd grade in 2001; I really didn't understand what really happened, what was lost, and what was really attacked that day. Every year since I find myself reading more and more in depth about 9/11, looking at pictures, watching videos. Sounds morbid, maybe, but I think it's my way of understanding, and not forgetting. And I'll admit, I usually cry every year on September 11th. I'll also admit that I can be rather emotional, so I can only imagine the utter devastation and emptiness that families of victims experienced and are reminded of every day. President George W. Bush summed it up best, "... for those of us who lived through these events, the only marker we’ll ever need is the tick of a clock at the 46th minute of the eighth hour of the 11th day." Regardless of your opinions of GWB, read his speech to Congress and the American people... http://www.greatdreams.com/bush_speech_92001.htm .
Never forget.
On a lighter note, (sort of) I want to share something with you that I have found interesting.
For a man that has proved to be so, so skilled in reading off a teleprompter, he may have slipped up this time. Or did he? I'm not sure. But it's awful fishy to me. In a speech to the "Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute" he started quoting the Declaration of Independence (wow--didn't see that one coming). Now let's see how many of you are history nerds. Choose the phrase that is correct (aka exact text of the Declaration of Independence)...
A: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
B: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are crated equal. Endowed with certain inalienable rights: life and liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Which one did Mr. O use? Guess. B.
He omitted the word "creator." Go figure. Watch the video for yourself...
This just sounds a little fishy to me. First of all, if I were president, and I forgot the lines of one of--if not the--most important statements in all of American history, I would die of embarrassment. I would, I'd just die. If you're President, you might want to know what our founding documents say. (But, that's right, Obama is the one that said our Constitution is "flawed"...) And if he just chose to leave the word "creator" out... hmmm. And we all know his talent for reading teleprompters.
(http://www.theblaze.com/stories/revisionist-recitation-obama-omits-creator-while-quoting-declaration/)
That's all for tonight... I hope to post again soon. In the meantime, check out TheBlaze.com for some really revealing stories everyday... it's where I found the one posted above. Have a great week!!
“The man who fears no truth has nothing to fear from lies.” -Thomas Jefferson
Monday, August 30, 2010
Good Morning!
Hi everyone... I know it's not usually typical of me to post at such an early hour, but I have some free time here at school so I figured I'd make the most of it.
Over the weekend I'm hoping that you heard at least a little news blurb regarding the 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally in Washington D.C, instigated by Glenn Beck. I had the privilige of watching it on CSPAN and on the live stream on Facebook...to those of you that actually got to go, please send me an email or post a comment about your experience! Also, any pictures you have I would love for you to share.
In total, the rally raised over $5 MILLION for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. If you've never heard of SOWF, PLEASE visit their website at www.specialops.org and help if you can. SOWF provides college educations to children of fallen special ops soldiers, and also immediate financial assistance to the wounded and their families. This was the reason for 8.28...restoring honor where it needed to be restored. In our military and veterans.
It was not one massive Tea Party protesting government spending, and I think that is what is throwing off the media. Most of the people there were there because they still believe in the greatness of their nation, and they believe that the days of America being the most free nation in the world, that city upon a hill, is not near finished.
Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Alveda King (neice of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and various other speakers were present. Sarah Palin recognized three veterans. One of them was Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. (A little off topic, but if you haven't read it yet, read Marcus's book, Lone Survivor. It will change your life. Seriously.)
From Glenn's website, here are a few pictures, and below his keynote speech.
And Glenn's speech...
I personally got chills just watching the rally on TV and was near tears at times... whether we like it or not, America has been and, God willing, will continue to be a model nation for the world...a nation that puts God first, and a nation that recognized that rights were derived from God himself, not man. I feel like those in power right now are contradicting and straining to change that fact, and as Glenn said, we are going to have to first fix ourselves and turn back to God.
As I said, if anyone attended 8/28, please comment or send me an email or message! I'd love to hear about it. I have some great thoughts that I want to put into words here pretty soon... so keep checking back and reading PDP. Have a great day!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Over the weekend I'm hoping that you heard at least a little news blurb regarding the 8/28 Restoring Honor Rally in Washington D.C, instigated by Glenn Beck. I had the privilige of watching it on CSPAN and on the live stream on Facebook...to those of you that actually got to go, please send me an email or post a comment about your experience! Also, any pictures you have I would love for you to share.
In total, the rally raised over $5 MILLION for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. If you've never heard of SOWF, PLEASE visit their website at www.specialops.org and help if you can. SOWF provides college educations to children of fallen special ops soldiers, and also immediate financial assistance to the wounded and their families. This was the reason for 8.28...restoring honor where it needed to be restored. In our military and veterans.
It was not one massive Tea Party protesting government spending, and I think that is what is throwing off the media. Most of the people there were there because they still believe in the greatness of their nation, and they believe that the days of America being the most free nation in the world, that city upon a hill, is not near finished.
Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Alveda King (neice of Martin Luther King, Jr.) and various other speakers were present. Sarah Palin recognized three veterans. One of them was Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. (A little off topic, but if you haven't read it yet, read Marcus's book, Lone Survivor. It will change your life. Seriously.)
From Glenn's website, here are a few pictures, and below his keynote speech.
And Glenn's speech...
I personally got chills just watching the rally on TV and was near tears at times... whether we like it or not, America has been and, God willing, will continue to be a model nation for the world...a nation that puts God first, and a nation that recognized that rights were derived from God himself, not man. I feel like those in power right now are contradicting and straining to change that fact, and as Glenn said, we are going to have to first fix ourselves and turn back to God.
As I said, if anyone attended 8/28, please comment or send me an email or message! I'd love to hear about it. I have some great thoughts that I want to put into words here pretty soon... so keep checking back and reading PDP. Have a great day!
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Right vs. RIGHT.
Hi everyone! Wow, sorry for the ridiculously long absence. It is now the second week of school, and it has been keeping me rather busy. But, I'm setting aside some projects tonight to get back to Present Day Patriots. Quite a bit has been going on since I posted last, and I have been sent some great links by friends that I would like to share.
Undoubtably you've heard about the big New York City Mosque debate... originally named "Cordoba House" ("reference to the Spanish capital where Muslim conquerors vanquished Spanish Catholics in the 8th century" ... spells "conquest" to me) which has been renamed to "Park 51"... basically the intent is to build a mosque and community center just a stone's throw away from Ground Zero. Now, I have a problem with this. A big problem. Let me first say that yes, yes, yes, freedom of religion is a founding principle and a Constitutional right, and I don't care if you pray to God or Allah or Tom Cruise or WHOEVER... as long as you are not persecuting or harming, you have that right. So yeah, build your mosque. Sure.
But is it right? And where is the funding for this mosque coming from? And really, why does it HAVE to be within walking distance to Ground Zero? Really?
A poll of New Yorkers taken in late June illustrated that folks in the Big Apple were against the mosque by 52%... 31% favor, and 17% are undecided. Those are some pretty clear stats.
(http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/New-Yorkers-Oppose-Ground-Zero-Mosque-Poll-97602569.html)
I know, I know, not ALL Muslims believe the same radical ideologies as those who took the lives of almost 3000 Americans on 9/11... I'm definitely not insinuating that. But the perpetrators were practiced RADICAL ISLAM. Turn the picture anyway you want and it's still going to look the same.
Let me remind you that those in New York have a pretty good idea about what happened on the morning of September 11 (not to say that those who do not live in NYC don't...but I mean, it was in their city...just saying).
Looking at those pictures just now, I still am incredulous to the fact that this really happened. New York Mayor Bloomberg stated, "The government should never, never be in the business of telling people how they should pray or where they can pray. We want to make sure that everybody from around the world feels comfortable coming here, living here and praying the way they want to pray.”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/02/new-york-mosque-controversy-fires-national-campaign/
Totally agree with that, Mayor. But one thing...(and I would think you, as Mayor, would feel a twinge of sensitivity to this, it being your city and all) but can you not understand that Americans are just a tad sensitive with this situation? Or is that just way out of your realm of understanding? This picture sums it up for me...
Muslims consider Mecca holy ground... well, Americans consider Ground Zero, in a way, sacred ground. Being one of the few countries in history to allow such religious freedom to any and all, you think we'd get a *little* respect for that.
To add insult to injury, how about the Greek Orthodox Church, that stood in the shadow of the World Trade Centers, and has yet to be rebuilt? Requests to rebuild this church have been constantly ignored. Wait... what about this freedom of religion, freedom to worship Mr. Obama was talking about? Seems theres more concern for the mosque, than the church that was destroyed in the collapse of the towers.
(http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/17/ground-zero-church-archdiocese-says-officials-forgot/)
And Nancy Pelosi, ever the comedian, wants to investigate the opposition to this mosque. She just never quits. I mean if it weren't for prying into people's lives and denouncing their opinions as lunacy --oh, and spending tax dollars frivolously-- I really don't know what she would do all day.
And lastly I have a classic loon to share with you... seems to me he's been drinking a little too much Kool Aid. He says, in regards to September 11th, "Get over it"... yeah, you read right, and if you don't believe me, watch the clip for yourself! I only wish I could meet the lady who put this guy in his place... just thought I'd share this with you for a little comic relief!
Wow... look at those pictures of Ground Zero that I posted above. Think about the Pentagon. Think about the field in Pennsylvania. Think about Todd Beamer saying the infamous phrase "Let's Roll" on United Flight 93. Can you just "get over it?"
I returned with a rather depressing topic, but it's rather important, I think, and something we can not disregard. So let me just say this... I am all about freedom of religion. You want to pray to God, Allah, Tom Cruise, whoever, that's your prerogative (I'll take God, but that's just me). But, when you want to build a mosque two blocks from the site of buildings taken to the ground, lives ended abruptly, by radical members of your religion, that's where I draw the line. It's a right but... I really don't think its right.
Undoubtably you've heard about the big New York City Mosque debate... originally named "Cordoba House" ("reference to the Spanish capital where Muslim conquerors vanquished Spanish Catholics in the 8th century" ... spells "conquest" to me) which has been renamed to "Park 51"... basically the intent is to build a mosque and community center just a stone's throw away from Ground Zero. Now, I have a problem with this. A big problem. Let me first say that yes, yes, yes, freedom of religion is a founding principle and a Constitutional right, and I don't care if you pray to God or Allah or Tom Cruise or WHOEVER... as long as you are not persecuting or harming, you have that right. So yeah, build your mosque. Sure.
But is it right? And where is the funding for this mosque coming from? And really, why does it HAVE to be within walking distance to Ground Zero? Really?
A poll of New Yorkers taken in late June illustrated that folks in the Big Apple were against the mosque by 52%... 31% favor, and 17% are undecided. Those are some pretty clear stats.
(http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/New-Yorkers-Oppose-Ground-Zero-Mosque-Poll-97602569.html)
I know, I know, not ALL Muslims believe the same radical ideologies as those who took the lives of almost 3000 Americans on 9/11... I'm definitely not insinuating that. But the perpetrators were practiced RADICAL ISLAM. Turn the picture anyway you want and it's still going to look the same.
Let me remind you that those in New York have a pretty good idea about what happened on the morning of September 11 (not to say that those who do not live in NYC don't...but I mean, it was in their city...just saying).
Looking at those pictures just now, I still am incredulous to the fact that this really happened. New York Mayor Bloomberg stated, "The government should never, never be in the business of telling people how they should pray or where they can pray. We want to make sure that everybody from around the world feels comfortable coming here, living here and praying the way they want to pray.”
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/02/new-york-mosque-controversy-fires-national-campaign/
Totally agree with that, Mayor. But one thing...(and I would think you, as Mayor, would feel a twinge of sensitivity to this, it being your city and all) but can you not understand that Americans are just a tad sensitive with this situation? Or is that just way out of your realm of understanding? This picture sums it up for me...
Muslims consider Mecca holy ground... well, Americans consider Ground Zero, in a way, sacred ground. Being one of the few countries in history to allow such religious freedom to any and all, you think we'd get a *little* respect for that.
To add insult to injury, how about the Greek Orthodox Church, that stood in the shadow of the World Trade Centers, and has yet to be rebuilt? Requests to rebuild this church have been constantly ignored. Wait... what about this freedom of religion, freedom to worship Mr. Obama was talking about? Seems theres more concern for the mosque, than the church that was destroyed in the collapse of the towers.
(http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/08/17/ground-zero-church-archdiocese-says-officials-forgot/)
And Nancy Pelosi, ever the comedian, wants to investigate the opposition to this mosque. She just never quits. I mean if it weren't for prying into people's lives and denouncing their opinions as lunacy --oh, and spending tax dollars frivolously-- I really don't know what she would do all day.
And lastly I have a classic loon to share with you... seems to me he's been drinking a little too much Kool Aid. He says, in regards to September 11th, "Get over it"... yeah, you read right, and if you don't believe me, watch the clip for yourself! I only wish I could meet the lady who put this guy in his place... just thought I'd share this with you for a little comic relief!
Wow... look at those pictures of Ground Zero that I posted above. Think about the Pentagon. Think about the field in Pennsylvania. Think about Todd Beamer saying the infamous phrase "Let's Roll" on United Flight 93. Can you just "get over it?"
I returned with a rather depressing topic, but it's rather important, I think, and something we can not disregard. So let me just say this... I am all about freedom of religion. You want to pray to God, Allah, Tom Cruise, whoever, that's your prerogative (I'll take God, but that's just me). But, when you want to build a mosque two blocks from the site of buildings taken to the ground, lives ended abruptly, by radical members of your religion, that's where I draw the line. It's a right but... I really don't think its right.
Monday, August 9, 2010
"Keep the Change"
Hi everyone! Hope you all have been having a lovely summer! I have been pretty busy lately; last week I toured Webster University for the second time. I really enjoyed it and have applied there... we'll see where that leads! :)
I have some interesting stuff to share with you tonight. While driving I heard a song on the radio, called "Keep the Change" by Darryl Worley. It speaks for itself, and I think it really puts into words what a lot of Americans are feeling. But it on iTunes and share it with your friends, especially those who have yet to "wake up." Here are the lyrics:
If you see me hold my hand over my heart
Before I start the pledge of allegiance
There's a reason
It's to honor those who died
And if you see me close my eyes and bow my head
Before I break bread with my family
It ain't a habit, it's important
It's my right.
I work half the year for me
The other half for uncle sam
While he's bailin' out those sinkin' ships
And drownin' the little man.
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Wanna keep our God, our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change.
Now the fat cats on the hill actin' so brilliant
Ain't smart enough to notice
That we're angry
And that America's in trouble
If they don't wise-up and stop
Bustin' out the blocks that were laid
As a foundation well our nation
Could wake up in a pile of rubble
They say we're makin' progress
But it's a big old shame to me
Common sense ain't near as common
As it used to be
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
Well I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Wanna keep our God, our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change.
I bet our grandpas are gettin' dizzy
Down there in their graves
Rollin' over and over
Over what's goin' on these days
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Gonna keep our god our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change
Just keep the change
Y'all can keep the change.
A friend shared this movie trailer with me on Facebook...I don't watch too many movies, but I think this one, "I Want Your Money" will be one of those proverbial "must sees"....
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to keep working hard every day so you can fund future Obama vacations...oh, did I just say that? Yes, I think I did. Note sarcasm.
I don't know about you, but I'm glad that our tax dollars can fund an almost $400,000 trip for Mama and Daughter O to Spain. Must be nice. Glad I can help out. Anytime.
As always, thanks for reading! Tell your friends and neighbors about PDP... regardless of their political stance. I'm not afraid of a little debate here and there...as far as I know, we still have our right to free speech and I intend to take full advantage.
Have a great week!
I have some interesting stuff to share with you tonight. While driving I heard a song on the radio, called "Keep the Change" by Darryl Worley. It speaks for itself, and I think it really puts into words what a lot of Americans are feeling. But it on iTunes and share it with your friends, especially those who have yet to "wake up." Here are the lyrics:
If you see me hold my hand over my heart
Before I start the pledge of allegiance
There's a reason
It's to honor those who died
And if you see me close my eyes and bow my head
Before I break bread with my family
It ain't a habit, it's important
It's my right.
I work half the year for me
The other half for uncle sam
While he's bailin' out those sinkin' ships
And drownin' the little man.
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Wanna keep our God, our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change.
Now the fat cats on the hill actin' so brilliant
Ain't smart enough to notice
That we're angry
And that America's in trouble
If they don't wise-up and stop
Bustin' out the blocks that were laid
As a foundation well our nation
Could wake up in a pile of rubble
They say we're makin' progress
But it's a big old shame to me
Common sense ain't near as common
As it used to be
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
Well I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Wanna keep our God, our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change.
I bet our grandpas are gettin' dizzy
Down there in their graves
Rollin' over and over
Over what's goin' on these days
I watch the news and have to wonder
If this country's goin' crazy
Talkin' 'bout how much they love it here
But how they want to rearrange it
I'm just your average joe
And that makes me smart enough to know
There's a bunch of us out here
That feel the same
Gonna keep our god our freedom
A little money in the bank
Y'all can keep the change
Just keep the change
Y'all can keep the change.
A friend shared this movie trailer with me on Facebook...I don't watch too many movies, but I think this one, "I Want Your Money" will be one of those proverbial "must sees"....
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to keep working hard every day so you can fund future Obama vacations...oh, did I just say that? Yes, I think I did. Note sarcasm.
I don't know about you, but I'm glad that our tax dollars can fund an almost $400,000 trip for Mama and Daughter O to Spain. Must be nice. Glad I can help out. Anytime.
As always, thanks for reading! Tell your friends and neighbors about PDP... regardless of their political stance. I'm not afraid of a little debate here and there...as far as I know, we still have our right to free speech and I intend to take full advantage.
Have a great week!
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