Stop Lying!!

As a people, we in the United States have been subjected to an almost continuous series of lies for the past four years.  Obviously, the greatest of these has been the murky background of our president.  We have become accustomed, as citizens, to an endless supply of information, easily verified, about every candidate who has ever aspired to that office.  Our former watchdogs—the press—had kept us up to date with far more information than we could absorb about every minor facet of their existence. 

Even the most trivial information is obscured in mystery.  A quick Google search will reveal that former president; Warren G. Harding wore size 14 shoes.  His immense girth would have required proportionally large feet to support him.  No one questions the veracity of that stated measurement.  Substituting Obama for Harding we find responses ranging from 9 ½, 12, & 13 ½ on the first page.   This is not an issue of any real importance so what is the point of not having a definitive answer?  Do his feet enlarge and then shrink during each day?

Back in the rude rural community, in which I was raised, a popular expression was: “He’d lie when the truth would do better.”  For those who constantly extol the virtues of the president (the media and his minions) this is common practice.  It extends well past the size of his feet to discussions of domestic and foreign policy, social issues, pending legislation, cap and trade, military matters, socialized medicine, taxes, the housing crisis, and unemployment.  True to form, each is approached from a Pollyannaish perspective, with solutions and their appropriate numbers snatched from thin air. 

For example, the socialized medicine initiative is rife with examples of a program billed as being a money saver.  The OEM, responsible for reporting actual fiscal outlay, has not seen it that way.  Even the speaker of the house (I cannot bring myself to mention the name of that harridan) assured us we would have to pass it in order to read it.  Insurance companies are withdrawing from the market place in droves and doctors are retreating from Medicare practice as a result.  These people are realistic evaluators of the fiscal aspects of their enterprise and realize that what was presented as savings is an absolute lie.  Who in their right mind ever turned any enterprise over to the federal government as a cost cutting device?

The stimulus package was advertised as assuring the public that they would, as a result, benefit from a fixed unemployment rate of 8% or under. The reality has been 9.5% with slight variables.  Once one factors in those who have just plain given up on finding suitable employment, it is realistically estimated at 16% plus.   Those responsible, including the president, were well aware that this was a lie.  In spite of claming to reduce the deficit, we find it soaring to a level equivalent to the total achieved in our 225 year history.

Those who observed this benign and generous nation over our existence have seen us use our treasure, the lives of our youth, and our strength to protect their freedoms, secure their safety and rescue them from both manmade and natural disaster.  How then, can the president go abroad and apologize for our country as the provoker of evil in the world.  It is little more than the furtherance of the lie. 

Another earthy phrase comes to mind as we watch the rats jumping from the sinking ship which is our administration.  “It’s enough to gag a maggot.”  Even the hardened liberal left has recognized that association with a serial liar is a perilous path to success even in a world of liars.  Many have retreated to the warrens of academia to nurse the wounds of their proximity to Obama.  Many however, remain to further the false doctrines and twisted reportage of actual facts.  Even the media has, through dropping readership and loss of viewers, become aware of decreasing revenue streams resulting from their obvious devotion to the fully committed socialist president.  There is now awareness on their part of the importance of self-preservation.  The sale of Newsweek for $1 is indicative of that realization.

This raises the question, then, of the biggest lie of all.  Obama is not dedicated to the greatest constitutional republic the world has ever seen.  Even though he swore an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States; in so doing he ascribed to yet another lie.  Even those not really paying attention should, by now, be able to understand that his dedication is the exact opposite.  He has done his level best to exercise the Cloward/Piven strategy to seek the destruction of the republic.  He seeks to accomplish, by destroying our financial base, the ends which aggressors have failed to achieve by force of arms.  We are currently being led by the most aggressive socialist ever to have sought the office.

As we approach the second anniversary of the worst election result in the nation’s history, we need to, as a people, understand clearly our role in reversing the mistakes of the past.  We must “man-up” and admit that we made a serious mistake.  We must absolutely insist upon the restoration of truth from our leadership, the media, and our neighbors.  We can no longer be comfortable listening to a continuation of a string of lies, distortion of fact, and misrepresentation.  If you are reading this post on your computer, there is an automatic assurance that you personally have the means to fact check every word which comes from the mouth of the prevaricator-in-chief.  Rather than assume that he is humble and sincere; recognize that his agenda seeks to destroy the United States. 

As a father with a near score of grandchildren I urge you to recognize the horror of the legacy which these innocent youngsters and yours will inherit.  It will not be one of ease and luxury compared to the rest of the world and our previous history.  Instead they will share in the responsibility for a mammoth debt from the moment of their birth. 

As I returned from the Tea Party event on 9/12/09, I brought my mind back to leaving the Capitol Mall.  I noted at the time that the grounds were absolutely clean with no evidence of 800,000 people having been there.  As we age and then depart this earth will we take the same care to leave the republic free of debt and being a useful citizen on the world stage?  Or, will we leave a legacy of slavery to our socialist masters and the wreckage of imprudent finances?  The answer rests upon our actions over the next five weeks and the events of November 2, 2010.   The result will depend upon you.  God help us all.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Attention Wal-Mart Shoppers!

I was unable to resist this tale of woe from Alliance, Ohio.  It appears that Jim Brienzo, at the conclusion of a “shopping” foray at Wal-Mart, went out an open side door instead of using the checkout lines near the front.  Once outside, Brienzo, decided to hide out in a dumpster parked beside the super center.  It was not mentioned whether he had the $1000 worth of merchandise he had lifted, with him in the trash.

Soon after becoming “safely” hidden; along came the trash truck, picked up the dumpster and dumped Jim and the largely cardboard contents into the interior and activated the compactor mechanism.  Jim, unable to extricate himself, called a friend who in turn called 911.  The truck continued on its rounds and picked up several more dumpsters full and added to Brienzo’s problems.  The police, by using GPS tracking of Jim’s phone signal, were able finally to locate the truck and direct it to the nearest trash facility.  Once the contents were dumped, they still couldn’t find the thief until they sorted through the mess in search of his faint calls for help.

After experiencing repeated compactions in the rear of the truck, he was fairly easy to apprehend.  If you want to experience “breaking every bone in your body,” Jim’s escapade will serve you well.  This latest will only enlarge upon the existing 26 page “rap” sheet he already has—if he lives through it.

It surely brings new meaning to “clean up on aisle 8.”  Or better; maybe a quote from Bill Engvall: “Here’s your sign!”

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Testimony of Christopher Coates

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights

September 24, 2010

Zion Beckons encourages its readers to read, in full, the testimony of Christopher Coates before the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.  By doing so you will not be subjected to the widely varied interpretations of those who have “cherry picked” his remarks.  Your franchise as a voter is what is at stake.  To access the file, simply click here.

You are adults and are free to draw your own conclusions from this text of Coates’ remarks.  No further comment is required.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Chris Christie; Against All Odds

A popular topic of conversation consistent with what is hoped to be a general upheaval in the political balance of power in November is: who would be the best candidate to face Obama in 2012.   It is a cold fact that “best candidate” is defined truthfully as: “who can win.”  Those who are aware that your host spends too much time in absorbing political matters frequently ask for my take--as if I had a crystal ball.

As a general rule, I distrust the usual suspects because of loyalty to the establishment party (Republican) greater than an absolute commitment to the people.  I discount some others as being too much of a lightening rod to attract an impassioned response from the Democrats.  Name recognition and reputation are strong factors as well.   Absolute and unequivocal devotion to the principles outlined in US Constitution is probably the strongest qualifier.   Thankfully, this is not an issue of immediate necessity. 

I am, however, compiling a short list of those who appear to have the best interests of the population in both their head and their heart.  No less important, is the will, the intellect, and the competitive spirit to actively seek the office.  Those who know me well and have been subjected to my life long prejudices and opinionated views are shocked that Gov. Chris Christie has made my personal list of suitable candidates.

His short lived tenure (Jan. 19, ’10 to date) as New Jersey governor has demonstrated executive abilities well in excess of expectations.  With a hostile legislature, he has none-the-less played them like a banjo and managed to keep soaring demands on the treasury under relative control.  When presented with a bill for an inflated budget, he vetoed it almost before it hit his desk.  When the override vote was taken; most of the “yea” votes had somehow vanished in the face of his wrath.

His credentials as a “social conservative” were boosted in a recent decision regarding the financing of Planned Parenthood ($7.5 million) in New Jersey.  When he ended the support, the legislature countered with a bill to reinstate the finances of killing New Jersey’s unborn by a margin of 30 to 10.   Christie responded with the now familiar veto and the override failed by 23-17.  This in turn forced closing many of the abortion provider’s facilities for lack of funding.  Although the amount of money involved is trivial in the grand scheme of things, it is augmented by a show of active support to those who treasure each and every human life.

He has also demonstrated support for other conservatives involved in races of national importance.  Meg Whitman of California asked him to attend a rally in support of her efforts for election to the governorship of California.   When a heckler rose to scream at Whitman, Christie intervened (see tape)  and quelled the disturbance.  His modulated response to the man’s rant served to contrast intellect over insane passion.  Most important was his willingness to support another conservative candidate.

Fortunately, Chris Christie simply adds to the ever increasing stable of potential opposition to “change we can believe in.”  He presents a man of exceptional experience with a back ground of actual work who understands a paycheck and what it really takes to acquire it.  Keep your eye on this guy who rightly claims that his problems with New Jersey take precedence over all other current issues.  Until they have a satisfactory solution he may be hard to convince to even run.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

“A Rendezvous with Destiny”

Ben Howe has surpassed every previous effort in the production of this video.  He has managed to capture the entirety of the tea party movement, shown the various faces of America, identify the problems and offer the solutions in a mere 3:06 minutes.   Whether you are convinced we are doomed or hold confidence in America, to return to its former glories; you need to see this video as shown on Red State.  The title on Red State is “November is Coming.”

To better get the vital importance of the closing spoken words, we present them here so that you may savor them at leisure:

“You and I have a rendezvous with destiny.  We’ll preserve for our children, this, the last best hope of men on earth or we’ll sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness.”  Ronald Reagan

Thanks to you for taking my suggestion and thanks to those past patriots for holding America, dear to their hearts.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Religion of Peace

The following were extracted from a more comprehensive article posted on "Storm'n Norm'n" . These are the high points spread over the last forty-two years or our relationship with the religion of “peace.”  Go to his website for a more complete rundown.

“1) In 1968, Sen. Robert Kennedy was shot and killed by:

Answer: A Muslim, male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40

2) In 1972 at the Olympics in Munich, Germany, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

3) In 1979, the U.S embassy in Iran was taken over by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40  

4) During the 1980s, a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

5) In 1983, U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut were blown up by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

6) In 1985, the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70-year-old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40  

7) In 1985, TWA Flight 847 was hijacked in Athens, and a U.S. Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

8) In 1988, Pan Am flight 103 was bombed by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

9) In 1993, the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by: 

 

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

10) In 1998, the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

 11) On Sept. 11, 2001, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take out the World Trade Center. Of the remaining two, one crashed into the U.S. Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers. Thousands of people were killed by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40  

12) In 2002, the U.S. fought a war in Afghanistan against:

 Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

13) In 2002, reported Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by:

Answer: Muslim, male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40

 Footnote: At Fort Hood, Texas, another Muslim, 39, killed 13 people and wounded 30 others.”

_______________________

The above, seen as a group, should indicate to any sane reader, that it is possible that Islam is not really the “religion of peace.”  Evaluating the cult of Islam, which encourages lies about the “faith” in “scripture,” should be easily accomplished through observation of their history.  Get used to it: they hate you, they hate your system of government, they hate your success and life style and they hate your failure to bow down before the onslaught of Sharia Law. 

In contrast, our country has welcomed millions to our shores because they loved the concepts embodied in our constitution and the God-given rights it was crafted to protect.  The intent of immigrants from Muslim lands is not to achieve assimilation into our society but rather to change it to their own hate filled ideology which reflects a Stone Age mentality.

Those who submit that our hostile relationships with Islamic entities are a result of recent actions by our government need to be reminded that the “teachings” of the Koran were in existence long before we ever became a nation.  The stonings, beheadings of the unbelievers, and the absolute subjugation of women have been a part of the cult for centuries. 

Unfortunately, the only way to defeat this ongoing threat is by a demonstration of force so powerful as to be impossible to ignore.  Islam is made up of human beings whose sense of self-preservation will over-ride all else, even a cult mentality.  The longer our nation withholds that exhibit of our absolute power; we shall continue to be subject to intentional outrage.  How many repetitions of 9/11 must we endure before a mature attitude in our seats of power finally takes that step?  God, help us.  To defeat the unimaginable, we must do the unthinkable.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Yamamoto: A Voice from History

Isoruku Yamamoto (1884-1943), was the Naval Marshal General of the combined Japanese fleet during the early part of World War II.  Part of his early education included work at Harvard University where his most important educational accomplishment was gaining familiarity with the people of the United States.  A common assertion is that he gained the highest post at sea to keep him separated from radical militant forces in the homeland who viewed him as insufficiently aggressive.

There is a quote attributed to him which is widely mentioned and more than believable.  Upon learning the success of the attack on Pearl Harbor, he remarked: “I fear that all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve.”  As an eye-witness to that historical period, I see his remark as understated if anything.  Every man, woman and child was absolutely committed to the US response to the sneak attack on our homeland.  It suddenly became the universal goal to seek redress for that assault.  Those citizens who had rarely agreed on any issue were absolutely united in their response to the atrocity at Pearl Harbor.

Recruiting stations had lines which stretched well around the block.   As the war effort progressed, women were removed from the cook stove and replaced men on the production lines.  Suddenly the word “essential” (for the war effort) entered every vocabulary to define only those purposes of labor which supported our mutual response to the attack.  Yamamoto’s fears were well grounded. 

That was then; this is now.  As we neared the 60^th anniversary of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor, America suffered another attack which came as an unexpected shock to the nation.  Although we suffered fewer casualties at Pearl Harbor (2402 total dead) we did not witness an equivalent national response to the loss of nearly 3000 lives on 9/11.  As each retaliatory action was formulated, it met an active opposition.  Certain factions had objections to foreign operations to run down Al Quaeda in various Mid-Eastern locations.  Many were unwilling to sacrifice what they considered freedoms for enhanced national security.  Rather than an all out response we found a government crippled by instances of partisan politics. 

We have even lowered ourselves to the point where we are considering allowing our avowed enemies to erect a “victory” monument practically on top of the site where fellow Americans were innocently slain.  Apparently, “outrage” has a “use by date” which has expired like that carton of milk you bought two weeks ago.  Lesser events; the USS Cole, the barracks in Lebanon, the Fort Hood massacre by Major Hasan, the first unsuccessful WTC attack and others, all, are virtually ignored as the assaults on America by Islamic interests continue.   It appears that the “sleeping giant” which Yamamoto referenced has not only nodded off, but is comatose.  Those patriots who recognize the threat from radical Islam are hooted down as racists, bigots, and warmongers.  Given the resources available to the United States to bring this outrage to a halt; the response is best described as tepid. 

Part of the research for this piece included a visit to the casualty lists from Pearl Harbor.  On one, each person is named, the site of death, rank, and the home town or state given.  Poring over the list it becomes quickly apparent that no state or region was exempt from casualties.  Every corner of America was seared with the pain of a lost loved one.  An especially tragic note was logged when the deceased had a close relative (brother, son, etc.) also lost in the attack.  This is, of course, typical of military units.  Being part of the armed services is an automatic exposure to people from random parts of the country who are part of your training, assignments, and finally become your closest and most dependable friends.  Regional differences are overshadowed by the central purpose of operating in defense of the United States and covering for each other.

Obviously, in the 9/11 attacks, the victims on the planes were from a wide variety of different countries (70) and states.  The Pentagon victims were also from diverse places.  Those who perished in the towers and the first responders both fire and police who lost their lives were essentially local residents.  The hardest hit were residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.  Even today, many locals in your neighborhood will have a firm recollection of a nearby kid who lost his life or was injured during the attack on Pearl Harbor.  Unless they live in the New York metroplex, it is unlikely they can relate that personally to the WTC attack.  In this regard, 9/11 does not have the same universal scope.

Even considering the previous observation, the question remains: why has this even more serious attack on our country been unable to match an equivalent commitment to response?   When FDR sought a declaration of war with Japan it passed 99 to l.  A few days later, a declaration against the balance of the axis powers passed unopposed.  Today, we find a war-funding bill in congress stalled by partisan bickering.  In 1941, such opposition would have been run out of town on a rail wearing nothing but tar and feathers.  Today, it returns to committee for further consideration.

Fortunately, we find a sea change in the national will.  It is not universal but it is emerging with strength and vigor to reformulate the national mind.  The “establishment” politicians are already feeling the heat of those who recognize our national purpose; who gradually assume more of the leadership roles and seek even greater responsibilities in elected offices.  Neither side of the aisle is immune from this onrushing tide of political correctness which has replaced common sense, and both sides are subject to rejection by the people who sent them there.

The time has long past that we, as a nation, recognize that 9/11 and Pearl Harbor are sufficiently equal as to require an equivalent response.  If our leadership fails in this regard, we can kiss this country “good-bye.”  To continue to mis-identify the threat from the radical Islamic cult is suicidal for both our citizens and the nation as a whole.  As a citizen, it is your responsibility to get involved in the governance of your country and oversee its return to sanity.  I’ll see you at the polls in November.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Jimmy Carter now most ‘Superior” of Ex-presidents

It has to be true because a fine “Christian” like Jimmy Carter wouldn’t lie.  

To better understand just exactly what the former president had to say, we shall provide a link to first read, MSNBC"  to avoid any accusations of political bias.  They have not only the video of the interview but also the printed text for your study and evaluation.

As one who survived the one-term Carter administration, I am free to report that he never met a dictator (oppressor, commie, despot or Marxist) he didn’t like.  After his removal from office at the hands of the American people with the election of Ronald Reagan (by 8,416,813 actual votes and an electoral margin of 489 to 49), we found the saner heads in Iran recognized the difference and promptly released the hostages.  The malaise of Carter’s soaring interest and a moribund economy were abated and the constitutional republic commenced its return to a normal healthy state.  In retrospect we reviewed the roster of former presidents and universally decided that he held the crown as the absolute worst the nation had ever endured.   

Almost every family has a “crazy” uncle or a “loony” aunt who provides a constant source of embarrassment.   As a national family, we have Jimmy Carter.  What other president ever lost a confrontation with a crazed rabbit while in office?  (link to text) (link to picture)  We should probably be more sympathetic to a dangerous encounter with a buck-toothed furry assailant except it provides one of the few amusing anecdotes of an otherwise damaging and undistinguished career.

Jimmy, give us all a break and go back on your meds.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Sarah Palin – Tonto or the Lone Ranger?

The relationship of Tonto and the Lone Ranger on the movie set which featured the unlikely blending of the two lead characters had an interesting component.  Who among us geezers does not remember at a Saturday matinee, Tonto referring to the Lone Ranger as “Kemo Sabe?”  At least, that was the anglicized version of what we heard.  Actually, it is a Spanish expression--“que no sabe”—which roughly translates to “he knows nothing.”  Now, review in your mind, the endless times, as a kid, you heard Tonto repeat those disparaging words.  One can only wonder if Sarah Palin ever referred to John McCain with the same expression.  In 2008, she certainly aptly filled the definition of a “faithful Indian companion.”

Her position now and then has not changed one iota, I might add, neither has mine.  Since I first heard her speak in front of Bass Pro in Springfield, Mo. in 2008, she left an impression which has only been enhanced since.  She fully understands the role of the people in their own governance.  This fact has escaped the leaders of the major political parties on both sides of the aisle and they both stand aghast at the results of their failures.  She may be an established enemy of the grizzly and the moose but she poses a far more deadly threat to the RINO and the donkey.

In their hide-bound allegiance to party regulars, they stand amazed at her success in isolating the problems which face the country.  Does that mean she is the obvious inheritor of the position of leadership which the Tea Party intentionally shuns?  Quite the contrary, Palin routinely ducks the constant questioning and refuses to identify as the titular leader of the movement.  By doing so, she remains aloof from the requirements of party affiliation and insists upon recognition of the role of the individual citizens.  By elevating them to their rightful position as determinants of their own governance, she strengthens both the populace and deprives the opposition of an easy target.  Make no mistake, once someone declares a position of leadership, the opposition will be out in full force against the threat with investigations, personal attacks and warped historical perspectives.  (Cf: see O’Donnell, Christine)

Paul Goldman has an article in—of all places—the Washington Post on Sarah Palin and her influence on today’s political scene.  If you consider the source, you may choose to ignore it.  I encourage you not to do so because, even from a “liberal rag,” Goldman has given thought deeper than the usual obvious Palin bashing. 

As usual, a commenter on Instapundit observed in a separate entry on “what ever happened to Camille Paglia” a particularly good bit of insight which is relevant:

“23. Viator

Maybe there is another reason the Tea Party isn’t a third party (yet).

Has Sarah Palin saved the GOP?

“Consider: If Newt Gingrich or Glenn Beck held Palin’s political clout, they might very well have used this power to encourage independent conservative challenges, figuring the resulting GOP chaos would rebound to their benefit. Palin rejected this course, even though it probably would have been in her political interest.”

Consider also that Palin has received no credit for being loyal to a party establishment that continues to treat her with maximum low regard. Americans have never sent to the White House an individual rejected four years earlier as a vice presidential nominee. So it is doubtful that Palin stuck with the GOP because she hoped to be rewarded with the chance to lead it in 2012. Think about it: A lesser person would have opted for payback, not party.

That the GOP establishment fails to appreciate the debt it owes her is reflective of the elitist outlook that is contributing to Tea Party activism nationwide. Leaving aside the substance of her policies, there is no denying the “populist conservative” roots of Palin’s politics. She is a “bottom-up,” not a “top-down,” leader, a rare commodity on the national scene.”

I agree with “Viator” on his appraisal of Palin as “heir apparent” to the role of probable candidate and her entitlement.  She has definitely exhibited that rare quality among politicians—class.

Do I think she should run for president?  That’s a toughie.  Personally, I can’t think of any reason why she would want to other than salving her ego.  It’s hard to imagine why anyone would be willing to trade an established residence in Alaska to move to the snake pit that is Washington, D.C...  It would require the absolute sacrifice of everything which she has stated she holds dear.  I am personally convinced that she holds her role as mother in high regard.  Is that incompatible with the presidency?  It would have to be a factor.  Perhaps she could commute to help Todd with the next salmon run.  It’s a job no sane person would seek just for the money.  Fortunately, as Obama proved so well (even a blind hog finds an acorn now and then,) it is a decision which is not necessary at the moment.

Whatever Sarah Palin decides, we have the inescapable truth that she has altered the political landscape for the better.  I’ll bet she will do something really radical.  She’ll probably pray about it.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon

Monday Morning Rant 165

We lead off this morning’s rant with what is perhaps the most asinine remark of the week.  The “Reverend” Jessie Jackson, in this short clip from Andrew Breitbart. asserts that “Jesus didn’t speak English; US shouldn’t be English only.” 

Jessie: is it possible that Jesus didn’t speak English because the language, as we recognize it, would not become available for centuries to come?  Two millennia passing have seen a considerable change, not just to English, but every other tongue as well.  Few today are fluent in the languages in use at the time of Christ’s reign on earth.  Even Latin, which is still taught in a few of today’s schools, was not yet in current vogue at the time of Christ.  Its principle value today lies not in popular conversation but to gain a clear understanding of the roots of English and its accompanying lessons in grammar.

The remark demonstrates a fundamental flaw in logic and dependence upon a ridiculous premise to support a serious discussion.  Jackson’s time would be far better spent attempting to eliminate the corruptive influence of “ebonics” in our speech which serves only the further confusion for those who can least afford it.  

The “Reverend” might also do well to review the havoc caused, as seen in Genesis 11 (KJV), by the confounding of the language.  In their conceit (sound familiar, Jessie?) the people built a tower, better to access heaven and demonstrate their supposed power.   One takes from that reassurance that God and His Son, Jesus Christ, both have linguistic skills which far exceed that of any other known source. 

On the expectation of some mighty changes in the American political scene this coming November, perhaps “Reverend” Jackson might wish to turn to Longfellow’s “King Robert of Sicily” for a timely bit of advice: “Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles.”  If your Latin is a little rusty or you don’t happen to have the Tales of a Wayside Inn handy, it translates to: “He has put down the mighty from their seat and has exalted them of low degree.”

September 19^th, Talk like a Pirate Day!

Aaaargh!   Hope you had a great day.   To give you some reference material to improve your pirate jargon, here is an excerpt from The Seaman’s Manual (1844) by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.:

“Lift the skin up, and put into the bunt the slack of the clews (not too taut), the leech and foot-rope, and body of the sail; being careful not to let it get forward under or hang down abaft. Then haul your bunt well up on the yard, smoothing the skin and bringing it down well abaft, and make fast the bunt gasket round the mast, and the jigger, if there be one, to the tie.”

Ever since we read this, we have been very careful to “haul our bunts well up on the yard.”

Understanding Sarah Palin

Hot Air poster, DOCTOR ZERO has come up with some superior observations on the subject.  For just a teaser, here is a quote from his entry:

“Obama would be making a deadly mistake by calling out Sarah Palin for a political cage match.  Let me put this bluntly: virtually no one in America gives a damn what Barack Obama says about anything at this point.  What could be more predictable, and less interesting, than Obama’s opinion on any given subject?  Who wants to contemplate the economic wisdom of a guy who looted the Treasury for a trillion dollars, with less benefit than we could have achieved by stuffing hundred dollar bills into random cereal boxes?  Who’s excited to hear about the next plan to convert taxpayer dollars into Democrat campaign funds?  Who’s hungry for another hour of tedious excuses about permanently broken markets and the titanic dead hand of George W. Bush?  Who wants a lecture on ethical business practices from the titular head of the party that gave us Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters?  What use is another hollow foreign-policy speech from a man who sees no global adversary to rival the menace of Arizona?  Even Obama’s supporters don’t hear anything he says any more.  There’s nothing left to hear.

Palin, on the other hand, commands attention.  Lots of it comes from people who dislike her, of course, but she definitely gets people talking.  Many of her detractors have a surprising ability to quote her verbatim, stretching back for weeks.  Obama’s critics need Google searches to remember what he said yesterday.  They can only recall that it was boring, and expensive.”

Do click on the above link for the rest of this informative piece.  I guarantee your understanding of the current political scene will be improved.

Ecclesiastes to the Rescue

A friend at church handed me this and he was right; I can use it.

“I have often wondered why it is that the conservatives are called the ‘right” and liberals are called the “left.
By chance I stumbled upon this verse in the Bible:

Ecclesiastes 10:2
“The heart of the wise inclines to the right,

but the heart of the fool to the left!”

And Finally

I had previously noted some strange markings on the pavement of the bottom road this week but didn’t fully understand their meaning until we drove to church this morning.  The first bike I passed was not unusual.  The second and third piqued my curiosity.  Shortly there after, it dawned on me that we were in the middle of some sort of event.  Given the rural nature of the route, their collective carelessness may have been excusable.  However, riding three and four abreast on a narrow rural road seems like a risk which greatly exceeds the benefits of the exercise as a whole.  A bike and rider don’t stand much of a chance in a conflict with a 4000+ lb. SUV. 

By extending as much courtesy and latitude as possible, we managed to cover the seven miles without killing anyone only to find the finish line was on the road in front of and across the street from the church.  In spite of the rousing welcome extended to each finisher who crossed the line, the sound did not carry into the sanctuary and the service was as peaceful as our enthusiastic preacher would allow.  We also have an active congregation.  They love the Lord and are more than willing to raise their voices accordingly.

Life here on the ridge is busy as we prepare for the cool weather in the offing.  We are both more than ready for a little relief from 90° + days.  The hummingbirds are busy packing for their trip south.  The lawn is becoming leaf strewn with the produce of the pin oaks.  It may now be safe to observe that this has been a nearly “snake-free” year.  Personally, I haven’t seen a copperhead or other poisonous variety all year.  I think they are there but either I am getting less able to see them or somehow, they are blessedly absent.  If so: it’s proof enough there is a God, that, and the blessing of living in this little patch of wood.

In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon