As a boy, I learned many important lessons from the men in my family. Be it father, grandfathers, uncles, whatever; when women folk are ill it is best not to inquire too specifically into the illness but rather remain solicitous and sympathetic to their discomfort. I am grateful for their advice as it has served me well to keep from asking embarrassing questions and getting in over my head in matters which shouldn’t really concern me other than in general ways.
We had just such a circumstance this past week with my bride which involved taking her to Springfield to a medical facility there. The lead-up to the procedure was difficult for her and uncomfortable. She was anxious about the procedure but faithful in the routine proscribed to accomplish the medical inquiry. It did prove quite disruptive to our normal lives but everything turned out well with no dire consequences so we are all happy and feel secure in her continued good health. If your curiosity is getting the better of you, you may read about her experiences in her own entertaining words by going to Granny with a Pitchfork.
In any case, it did disrupt my normal schedule and I was remiss in failing to make my routine number of posts. For that; I apologize. Please forgive me and accept my promise that I shall attempt to do better in the future.
A Response to a “Nameless Cynic”
In a rather harsh criticism of the Monday Morning Rant 142, a comment was belatedly posted to that entry so you can read for yourself his opinion of your host. Since the individual has chosen to remain anonymous we shall use “he” for convenience.
The first issue was the character of David Koresh. He raises many issues and accusations, none of which were identified as the purpose of the raid on the compound by the federal authorities. Had they been after Koresh they could have arrested him in town in the preceding days without an assault on the compound. In addition, I have heard the local sheriff complain that he was not advised of the initial raid and greeted the news with absolute denial of any prior consultation. The accusations voiced by “Nameless Cynic” are all within the jurisdiction of that officer.
As it was, they launched an all-out assault and were met with considerable resistance. It is difficult to justify your concern for the young girls that were supposedly Koresh’s victims when they found it necessary to burn the compound to the ground at the end, killing 76 people, 20 of which were children. If this is not an example of a “government gone power mad,” I hesitate to imagine exactly what you think would rise to that level.
I will admit I was amused by the remark that they had spent “$2K” on guns, ammo, and other munitions and equipment. Either that is a typo or you don’t have much to do with firearms. $2,000 won’t acquire much in the line of armaments; maybe a couple of guns and a few hundred rounds of ammo.
As far as McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing; his choice of the anniversary of the Waco debacle lead me to believe along with other evidence that he was indeed influenced by governmental overreach. It would only be fair to mention that several militia groups recognized that he would not be a suitable person to join their efforts and he was rejected. I do acknowledge that as one who lives in close proximity to the occurrence (Tulsa?) you may have been exposed to better coverage than I had living in Wisconsin at the time.
The savage beating of Allee Bautsch in New Orleans, in spite of your protests, has not had much coverage in the news or on the net in the last few days. Her mother has altered her story and claimed that the protesters were responsible. Since she wasn’t there, I shall take that with a grain of salt and wait until the NOPD completes their investigation. Whatever the cause of the attack; grown men in numbers assaulting a woman is not my idea of a fair fight. The fact that they could do this at all is reprehensible in a civilized American city.
Lastly, when the Tea Party Express buses arrived at the fairgrounds in Tulsa a few weeks ago, the first person I sought out was Lloyd Marcus. We had a nice chat and I thanked him for his efforts. He was received with huge enthusiasm in that crowd who loved his singing and appreciated what he had to say. I found the Tulsa gathering exactly the same as every other one of the many I have attended: spirited, safe, noisy, and peopled with folks who have problems with changing America into a socialist state. I am not only happy, but proud to be associated with such a crowd—including Mr. Marcus.
This site does not operate a conversational type open forum so I shall wish you well for the future with the assurance that I shall have no further response.
The Tea Party Affect
There is a continuing frustration on the left with the Tea Party movement. With no clear individual leadership, the group offers no readily available person to attack, demean, or otherwise defame. Thus, denied their usual tool of personal assault, they must confront ideas. As though in compliance with the assertions of the Tea Partiers; the administration continues to supply grist for the mill.
The difficulty lies in the failure of the left to recognize “the people” as an independent voice. It is a concept that those unfamiliar with our history and the procedures used to establish the greatest nation in the world are near totally unfamiliar. A simple reading and understanding of the words in our constitution would clear all this up. From the very first words of that document—“We the People,”—the governing authority is established.
The free exercise of individual rights is alien to those who depend upon a state for their every need. They cannot fathom that our rights, a gift from the Creator, are protected from intrusion of government in that document. In the God-given genius of the founders, it outlines the many ways the authority of government may not intrude in the daily lives of its citizens. In so doing, no allowance is made for the despots who despoil other nations for their personal gain.
This clear understanding of our constitutional mandate by those in the Tea Party Movement is what has the leftists so flummoxed. Their cry for liberty will always fall upon deaf ears of those who would rule. For those whose self-interest and lust for power prevails, it will continue to be mis-understood. For me, I am content to be part of “We the People...”
And finally,
With Granny back to her usual feisty self and life on the ridge continuing to bloom, we are returning to our usual bliss. The grapes I planted to eventually cover the lattice on the roof of the deck are doing exceptionally well. This will be the critical season for them to find their way aloft and complete the vision I have of a roof sagging from the weight of fruit. I’m just a Roman at heart.
The indigo buntings have returned and the occasional flash of intense blue on the rail under the feeder is a welcome sight. Officially, the bird visitor list has 17 species and we were finally able to firmly identify the tufted titmouse. The red-bellied woodpecker is our “clown prince.” He is really too large to be on the feeder and so hangs precariously off the edge and has his own unique system for retrieving the seed. It is amazing how fast they go through a 40# bag of seed.
Life is now returning to normal and we are thankful—God is good.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, April 26, 2010
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Liars, Damned Lies and Fairyland Fantasy
Have you caught the commercial which shows Ed Whitacre (GM CEO) walking across the production floor bragging about how the company paid back its loan from the government “in full, and ahead of time?” Apparently, Mr. Whitacre doesn’t have the mathematical wit to understand the difference between $6.7 billion and $49.5 billion.
He also forgot to mention that the funding for this miraculous payback came as a result of adding $13.4 billion in additional “working capitol” to the ever mounting pile of dollars which GM has received since the feds took over. Here let me caution you not to try this with Discover or Master Card. They have no sense of humor about folks who add to their debt to reduce their ever expanding balances.
To add insult to injury, the $13.4 billion came with a 2% lesser interest rate than the $6.7 billion carried.
In further breaking news, the attack on Toyota continues apace in spite of court
decisions supporting that company’s defense of their product. Who’s next, Ford?
That is an unlikely possibility since that company has a far more positive balance sheet than either GM or the government.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
He also forgot to mention that the funding for this miraculous payback came as a result of adding $13.4 billion in additional “working capitol” to the ever mounting pile of dollars which GM has received since the feds took over. Here let me caution you not to try this with Discover or Master Card. They have no sense of humor about folks who add to their debt to reduce their ever expanding balances.
To add insult to injury, the $13.4 billion came with a 2% lesser interest rate than the $6.7 billion carried.
In further breaking news, the attack on Toyota continues apace in spite of court
decisions supporting that company’s defense of their product. Who’s next, Ford?
That is an unlikely possibility since that company has a far more positive balance sheet than either GM or the government.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, April 19, 2010
Monday Morning Rant 142
“Concord Hymn”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee."
In 1836, in honor of his grandfather and the other patriots who gathered to defend the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts against the British Army, Emerson wrote this hymn to be part of the dedication ceremony for the obelisk in memory of the fallen heroes of that day. It was to be sung to the old standard tune of what is commonly known as “Old Hundredth.” You will readily remember it as the (un-) common hymn which opens with these words: “Praise God from who all blessings flow…” As you reread the verse, sing it to that tune and realize a special kinship both to the author and to those who sacrificed all on that noble occasion. While little is made of the last verse, you may agree it is the one that has the most significance.
That day, April 19, 1775, did indeed mark the firing of the shot heard round the world. It is credited as being the day of commencement of hostilities between the British Crown and the citizens of what would become the United States of America. When the alarm was raised to warn of the British incursion into the country side, close to a thousand men responded from all corners of the area to meet the threat. The British purpose was to seize arms and capture some of the leadership who had proven a thorn in their side. By virtue of faulty intelligence and patriot’s eavesdropping the arms had been moved or cleverly concealed. With the warning of the intent to seize them, both Hancock and Adams made a hasty exit.
In fairness, we should be reminded that the British force commenced their march upon orders received about 9 pm the night of the 18th. They chose to use boats to cross over to Cambridge and lacking a suitable landing place were forced to wade the river for a distance to finally come ashore thus arriving waterlogged on the opposite shore. They then faced a seventeen mile march to the first encounter with the colonial militia at Lexington. Even though the British commanders urged the militia to lay down their arms and leave the commons, many refused and the battle was on. Out numbered 10 to 1, the militia at Lexington was ordered to retreat by their commander, Capt. Parker, but some stubbornly stood their ground.
Among them, my personal favorite, Jonas Parker (an older relative of the commander) who, upon hearing the order, advanced, threw his hat upon the ground, filled it with the “possibles” necessary for the smooth bore arms of the day and commenced firing. The advancing British made him one of the first fatal casualties of the conflict at bayonet point. The actual verification of exactly who fired the first shot remains in doubt to this day. Surely, Jonas Parker’s was among the first who fired and inflicted one of the first British casualties. After extensive interviews and other research, the issue remains unclear but the end results of the day’s activities do not. The British returned to Boston under constant hostile fire and seldom left the friendly confines of the town. The revolution was on!
Emerson beseeched the:
“Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.”
He could not know how “time and nature” and the “Spirit” has indeed spared the memory and the obelisk that was erected for the occasion. He was able to to see the “children free” as a result of the heroics demonstrated on that fateful day and subsequent others.
Today, we find coincidental occurances on this memorable date which remind us of the will of the people to resist what they perceive to be a hostile government. The Oklahoma City bombing was a response to a similar imagined threat. The Koresh compound at Waco was destroyed along with dozens of people by a government gone power mad. Both occurred shamefully on the anniversary of the encounter chronicled above. There is much to remember and think through thoughtfully on this significant anniversary. Unfortunately, there is little to recommend the actions of government in any of these occasions. We all suffer when violent response becomes the only answer to the people’s greivances. Our prayer is that reason may prevail over overt force. Be certain that the early colonials shared our prayerful request.
Continued Tea Party Violence
The left is in a continued search for violence on the part of the Tea Party Movement. They are hell bent on tarring the participants with the brush of racism, bigotry, and unearned wealth. They maintain, through projection and with the cooperation of a compliant press, the fiction that each Tea Party event is a hotbed of paricipants who share these vile notions. The actual facts of the matter tell a far different story.
Most of the encounters have been at the hands of the SEIU and other leftist goons who have infiltrated the venues and offered their own brand of hate. Their desire to vilify this staunch collection of grannies, teens, housewives, and solid citizens would be laughable if it had not resulted in occasional serious injury and harm to the righteous protestors of a failing government.
Most recently, Allee Bautsch, a fundraiser, and her boyfriend, Joe Brown had attended an event held for Republican governor Bobby Jindal in the French Quarter. When they left walking, they were accosted a short distance from the event and in the ensuing struggle, she suffered five breaks in her leg and her friend had a broken jaw, broken nose and a black eye. All this accompanyed by racial taunts and slurs.
The “non-news” side of this story is the fact that this may well be the first you have heard of it. There has been a near total blackout on this news story from the mainstream media. For all the “chantilly and lace” charm of New Orleans, it does indeed have a dark side and many in a constant state of dependency who await the next government handout. It is difficult at best to hide the racial implications when you commence an attack with the words, “get the little blond b*tch.”
Since this story does not fit the “narrative,” the local press chose to treat it as an underreported street crime and not the obviously planned attack it was on those who represent the people of America in an attempt to restore legitimate government. The fact that Ms Bautsch was not robbed in the assault serves to verify that it was not “street crime.” Obviously, if the political identities had been reversed the media would have had a perfect tale to forward their false assumptions about the Tea Party.
And finally
One feels almost guilty enjoying the advancing Springtime here on the ridge. In the midst of national chaos, it is well to be here on the ridge to watch the full leafing of the trees. The first mowing of the available open space is now complete and Granny is busy planting new additions to her massive flower collection. The day lilies have enjoyed spectacular growth as have the grapes I put in to climb to the roof top trellis on the new deck. Last year’s newly planted azeleas are obviously small but in full riotous flower. Color has returned to erase the gray stains of winter. Even our annual crop of rocks which emerge during the winter has not been as serious as in prior years. God is good!
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Ralph Waldo Emerson
"By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
The foe long since in silence slept;
Alike the conqueror silent sleeps;
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.
On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone;
That memory may their deed redeem,
When, like our sires, our sons are gone.
Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee."
In 1836, in honor of his grandfather and the other patriots who gathered to defend the Old North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts against the British Army, Emerson wrote this hymn to be part of the dedication ceremony for the obelisk in memory of the fallen heroes of that day. It was to be sung to the old standard tune of what is commonly known as “Old Hundredth.” You will readily remember it as the (un-) common hymn which opens with these words: “Praise God from who all blessings flow…” As you reread the verse, sing it to that tune and realize a special kinship both to the author and to those who sacrificed all on that noble occasion. While little is made of the last verse, you may agree it is the one that has the most significance.
That day, April 19, 1775, did indeed mark the firing of the shot heard round the world. It is credited as being the day of commencement of hostilities between the British Crown and the citizens of what would become the United States of America. When the alarm was raised to warn of the British incursion into the country side, close to a thousand men responded from all corners of the area to meet the threat. The British purpose was to seize arms and capture some of the leadership who had proven a thorn in their side. By virtue of faulty intelligence and patriot’s eavesdropping the arms had been moved or cleverly concealed. With the warning of the intent to seize them, both Hancock and Adams made a hasty exit.
In fairness, we should be reminded that the British force commenced their march upon orders received about 9 pm the night of the 18th. They chose to use boats to cross over to Cambridge and lacking a suitable landing place were forced to wade the river for a distance to finally come ashore thus arriving waterlogged on the opposite shore. They then faced a seventeen mile march to the first encounter with the colonial militia at Lexington. Even though the British commanders urged the militia to lay down their arms and leave the commons, many refused and the battle was on. Out numbered 10 to 1, the militia at Lexington was ordered to retreat by their commander, Capt. Parker, but some stubbornly stood their ground.
Among them, my personal favorite, Jonas Parker (an older relative of the commander) who, upon hearing the order, advanced, threw his hat upon the ground, filled it with the “possibles” necessary for the smooth bore arms of the day and commenced firing. The advancing British made him one of the first fatal casualties of the conflict at bayonet point. The actual verification of exactly who fired the first shot remains in doubt to this day. Surely, Jonas Parker’s was among the first who fired and inflicted one of the first British casualties. After extensive interviews and other research, the issue remains unclear but the end results of the day’s activities do not. The British returned to Boston under constant hostile fire and seldom left the friendly confines of the town. The revolution was on!
Emerson beseeched the:
“Spirit, that made those heroes dare,
To die, and leave their children free,
Bid Time and Nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and thee.”
He could not know how “time and nature” and the “Spirit” has indeed spared the memory and the obelisk that was erected for the occasion. He was able to to see the “children free” as a result of the heroics demonstrated on that fateful day and subsequent others.
Today, we find coincidental occurances on this memorable date which remind us of the will of the people to resist what they perceive to be a hostile government. The Oklahoma City bombing was a response to a similar imagined threat. The Koresh compound at Waco was destroyed along with dozens of people by a government gone power mad. Both occurred shamefully on the anniversary of the encounter chronicled above. There is much to remember and think through thoughtfully on this significant anniversary. Unfortunately, there is little to recommend the actions of government in any of these occasions. We all suffer when violent response becomes the only answer to the people’s greivances. Our prayer is that reason may prevail over overt force. Be certain that the early colonials shared our prayerful request.
Continued Tea Party Violence
The left is in a continued search for violence on the part of the Tea Party Movement. They are hell bent on tarring the participants with the brush of racism, bigotry, and unearned wealth. They maintain, through projection and with the cooperation of a compliant press, the fiction that each Tea Party event is a hotbed of paricipants who share these vile notions. The actual facts of the matter tell a far different story.
Most of the encounters have been at the hands of the SEIU and other leftist goons who have infiltrated the venues and offered their own brand of hate. Their desire to vilify this staunch collection of grannies, teens, housewives, and solid citizens would be laughable if it had not resulted in occasional serious injury and harm to the righteous protestors of a failing government.
Most recently, Allee Bautsch, a fundraiser, and her boyfriend, Joe Brown had attended an event held for Republican governor Bobby Jindal in the French Quarter. When they left walking, they were accosted a short distance from the event and in the ensuing struggle, she suffered five breaks in her leg and her friend had a broken jaw, broken nose and a black eye. All this accompanyed by racial taunts and slurs.
The “non-news” side of this story is the fact that this may well be the first you have heard of it. There has been a near total blackout on this news story from the mainstream media. For all the “chantilly and lace” charm of New Orleans, it does indeed have a dark side and many in a constant state of dependency who await the next government handout. It is difficult at best to hide the racial implications when you commence an attack with the words, “get the little blond b*tch.”
Since this story does not fit the “narrative,” the local press chose to treat it as an underreported street crime and not the obviously planned attack it was on those who represent the people of America in an attempt to restore legitimate government. The fact that Ms Bautsch was not robbed in the assault serves to verify that it was not “street crime.” Obviously, if the political identities had been reversed the media would have had a perfect tale to forward their false assumptions about the Tea Party.
And finally
One feels almost guilty enjoying the advancing Springtime here on the ridge. In the midst of national chaos, it is well to be here on the ridge to watch the full leafing of the trees. The first mowing of the available open space is now complete and Granny is busy planting new additions to her massive flower collection. The day lilies have enjoyed spectacular growth as have the grapes I put in to climb to the roof top trellis on the new deck. Last year’s newly planted azeleas are obviously small but in full riotous flower. Color has returned to erase the gray stains of winter. Even our annual crop of rocks which emerge during the winter has not been as serious as in prior years. God is good!
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tax Day Tea Party
Ah, Tax Day, a time for conflicted scheduling. In this end of the branch, you have to be a clueless fool to not locate a tea party to vent your outrage about advancing Marxist government. I am assuming that you don’t have the time or the wherewithal to manage to join the patriots in Washington, D.C. For those who must, at this time, stay close to hearth and home, here in southwest Missouri are seven different events over the next seven days to satisfy the need to participate. For Granny and the geezer, each event is less than a one hour drive—and we live in the sticks.
We realize that not all of our readers live close enough to join us so we urge you to go to Tea Party Patriots, click on “events” and find a local gathering in your neighborhood. When it comes up, just scroll down and your state will come up and you can go from there. Often it will link you to a local organization which is sponsoring the event and give you far greater detail: speakers, local interest, vendors, directions, etc..
Here in our area we even have a Tea Party to promote a different Tea Party on the following day. It’s scheduled on a busy corner in Springfield (appropriately named Battlefield Mall) to urge folks to go to Branson, MO the following day for a big “hoo-haw” happening there. For those who make that trip, it will be the cheapest Branson visit they ever experienced. Along with the protest is a great collection of musical talent. It will be at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand area on Route 76.
How important is it to be present at one of these events? It is vital! Any occasion when the “people” can assemble and make their voices heard is extremely difficult even for our blasé media to ignore. Strengthening the crowd count at local events does not diminish the importance of those gathered at the mall in D.C... It serves to underline the importance of the day, nationwide, and therefore the message to the leadership. Do not for a minute believe that this expression of disdain from the Tea Party attendees is not noticed by those who are facing a hostile electorate.
What do you gain personally? Primarily, when you attend, you will learn from personal experience that you are not the only one mumbling into your coffee cup when you get the news each morning. It is an opportunity to be with those who feel as you do that our government has gone astray and it will only get worse if we do not make our presence known. You will be in the presence of the cleanest, neatest, best behaved large group of fellow citizens you will ever encounter.
About 3:30, Granny and I will leave for Springfield to be at 640 W. Chestnut Expressway at 5 pm. As the number of these events mount, we get progressively more excited by the prospect of meeting more of our closest friends. Bring the kids. Bring the dog. All are welcome.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
We realize that not all of our readers live close enough to join us so we urge you to go to Tea Party Patriots, click on “events” and find a local gathering in your neighborhood. When it comes up, just scroll down and your state will come up and you can go from there. Often it will link you to a local organization which is sponsoring the event and give you far greater detail: speakers, local interest, vendors, directions, etc..
Here in our area we even have a Tea Party to promote a different Tea Party on the following day. It’s scheduled on a busy corner in Springfield (appropriately named Battlefield Mall) to urge folks to go to Branson, MO the following day for a big “hoo-haw” happening there. For those who make that trip, it will be the cheapest Branson visit they ever experienced. Along with the protest is a great collection of musical talent. It will be at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand area on Route 76.
How important is it to be present at one of these events? It is vital! Any occasion when the “people” can assemble and make their voices heard is extremely difficult even for our blasé media to ignore. Strengthening the crowd count at local events does not diminish the importance of those gathered at the mall in D.C... It serves to underline the importance of the day, nationwide, and therefore the message to the leadership. Do not for a minute believe that this expression of disdain from the Tea Party attendees is not noticed by those who are facing a hostile electorate.
What do you gain personally? Primarily, when you attend, you will learn from personal experience that you are not the only one mumbling into your coffee cup when you get the news each morning. It is an opportunity to be with those who feel as you do that our government has gone astray and it will only get worse if we do not make our presence known. You will be in the presence of the cleanest, neatest, best behaved large group of fellow citizens you will ever encounter.
About 3:30, Granny and I will leave for Springfield to be at 640 W. Chestnut Expressway at 5 pm. As the number of these events mount, we get progressively more excited by the prospect of meeting more of our closest friends. Bring the kids. Bring the dog. All are welcome.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Born Again America
This came in the mail this morning. Enjoy some extremely talented musicians share their view of America.
A big hat tip to Marge in Las Vegas for this one.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
A big hat tip to Marge in Las Vegas for this one.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday Morning Rant 141
Your host has just recovered from a serious bout of “spring fever.” It is an annual affair which leaves one helpless in the face of warm days, buds and blooms, and the general resurgence of life as it escapes the clutches of winter. Everything is now showing signs of emerging and we now renew our hopes for the coming growing season.
Although sapped of nearly all energy by the balmy weather, we are preparing to attend a Tea Party on Thursday (April 15) and hope for gathering strength to register our collective grievances. Keep in mind that the acronym comes from “taxed enough already” and although cleverly alluding to the historical event that was, indeed, the origin. As it becomes more apparent by the day that the administration has no intent to reduce but rather advance the taxes to support their socialist programs, now is the best time to protest.
“Spend More Time with the Family”
Is this America’s new rallying cry from House members on the wrong side of the health care issue? Actually, it’s appropriate for politicians of every stripe when they come under fire for any legislative malfeasance. The issue which brings about this newly discovered interest in the “family” is an act of a traitorous nature to their constituency. They claim a self-sacrificing posture of service in the government until such time as their promises come back to haunt them. Then, suddenly, it’s the “family” which takes on a new found importance. In fact, they probably couldn’t name the various members of the family if challenged to do so.
In the case of Bart Stupak and his like minded cohorts who abandoned their “rock solid” anti-abortion posture, we strongly suspect that they are far more influenced by the promise of “thirty pieces of silver!”
The Black-White Puzzle
Since it is not constantly on my mind, I very infrequently discuss issues having to do with racial differences. It is just not a factor in my thinking process. What occupies my thoughts are the deep-seated issues which divide Americans from the current government and from God. Recent experience has informed me that race is not part of the driving force which forms those separations. When challenged to identify the differences of opinion I have with others, race has little to do with it.
Over the course of nearly eight decades, I have met an astounding number of people in all walks of life, every race, many different nationalities, widely variant religious persuasions, huge economic disparity, with a full range of intellect. I would love to say that like Will Rogers, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” I shall conclude only that some were more likeable than others. None, however, were bereft of any socially redeeming feature. As a long-distance charter bus driver and tour organizer, I frequently found myself in the company of those who had a commonality very unlike my personal characteristics.
I was the driver of choice by such groups as the Milwaukee Urban League, a Korean church congregation, the Girl Scouts, The Pommern Group (German National’s annual visit,) the RNC, Japanese ladies, Polish National basketball team, several black churches, the M & I Bank and many others for tours all over the United States. These exposures were for periods of one to as much as three week’s constant association and were often repeated the following years. These extended tours provided opportunity to engage with the many passengers (average forty per) and get past the normal courtesies and platitudes.
As a conservative white Christian American man, I frequently found myself in the company of those who did not share all of my characteristics. At no time did I see any evidence of resentment or hear any of the currently voiced criticisms so popular of those who do not share my personal demographics. In short, we got along well and I was able to show off the country I love with these widely disparate groups.
My conclusion, as a result, is that much of the emphasis on our differences is manufactured for the nefarious purposes of seeking divisions of our peoples. A prime example is Nancy Pelosi leading the parade of congressional black caucus members from the house office building to the capitol through what she anticipated would be a hostile crowd. She was right but for the wrong reasons. The crowd was hostile. For good reason, they opposed the socialized medicine proposals on the docket in the legislature. By intentional staging of the event, using the black caucus, she chose to introduce the racial aspect to her own advantage. With the complicity of the media, she painted the protestors as unruly anti-civil rights demonstrators instead of those who are concerned with the fiscal future of America. Race was not a factor as subsequent tapes have thoroughly demonstrated.
As I viewed the exchange, I was reminded of the biggest complaint I had with the Milwaukee Urban League and their annual trip to Washington, D.C... Their leader, an otherwise delightful man, always brought along a case full of Jerry Clower tapes and played them all the way to D.C. and back. Even the best of Mississippi’s redneck comedians gets tiresome after hours of exposure.
And Finally
If nothing else comes of the political situation, the American electorate should wake up to the fact that government “of the people” is an obtainable reality. If we value the Constitution and its God given protections of our rights, it is imperative that we take our rightful place in defense of the document. The current crisis demands that we rise as a citizenry to demand our voice in the process. Over the ensuing months we have the responsibility to retake the government and insist that our leadership govern with the will of the people upper most in their minds.
This will require that we engage in activity which we have normally left to others. Each person will have to, within his own resources, do everything he can to ensure the continuance of the republic. First, we must realize that America is under assault as surely as it was the morning of December 7, 1941. We recognized our personal responsibilities on that black Sunday and rose to defeat the threat. We were not aware of the ferocity of our enemy on that day any more than we are today. It is for this very reason that we must become familiar with today’s perils and recognize how they will affect the future of the country we all know and love. If each citizen reacts with that same vigor we will be able to accomplish a victory for our country without bloodshed. Pray that God strengthens us to rise to the task at hand.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Although sapped of nearly all energy by the balmy weather, we are preparing to attend a Tea Party on Thursday (April 15) and hope for gathering strength to register our collective grievances. Keep in mind that the acronym comes from “taxed enough already” and although cleverly alluding to the historical event that was, indeed, the origin. As it becomes more apparent by the day that the administration has no intent to reduce but rather advance the taxes to support their socialist programs, now is the best time to protest.
“Spend More Time with the Family”
Is this America’s new rallying cry from House members on the wrong side of the health care issue? Actually, it’s appropriate for politicians of every stripe when they come under fire for any legislative malfeasance. The issue which brings about this newly discovered interest in the “family” is an act of a traitorous nature to their constituency. They claim a self-sacrificing posture of service in the government until such time as their promises come back to haunt them. Then, suddenly, it’s the “family” which takes on a new found importance. In fact, they probably couldn’t name the various members of the family if challenged to do so.
In the case of Bart Stupak and his like minded cohorts who abandoned their “rock solid” anti-abortion posture, we strongly suspect that they are far more influenced by the promise of “thirty pieces of silver!”
The Black-White Puzzle
Since it is not constantly on my mind, I very infrequently discuss issues having to do with racial differences. It is just not a factor in my thinking process. What occupies my thoughts are the deep-seated issues which divide Americans from the current government and from God. Recent experience has informed me that race is not part of the driving force which forms those separations. When challenged to identify the differences of opinion I have with others, race has little to do with it.
Over the course of nearly eight decades, I have met an astounding number of people in all walks of life, every race, many different nationalities, widely variant religious persuasions, huge economic disparity, with a full range of intellect. I would love to say that like Will Rogers, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” I shall conclude only that some were more likeable than others. None, however, were bereft of any socially redeeming feature. As a long-distance charter bus driver and tour organizer, I frequently found myself in the company of those who had a commonality very unlike my personal characteristics.
I was the driver of choice by such groups as the Milwaukee Urban League, a Korean church congregation, the Girl Scouts, The Pommern Group (German National’s annual visit,) the RNC, Japanese ladies, Polish National basketball team, several black churches, the M & I Bank and many others for tours all over the United States. These exposures were for periods of one to as much as three week’s constant association and were often repeated the following years. These extended tours provided opportunity to engage with the many passengers (average forty per) and get past the normal courtesies and platitudes.
As a conservative white Christian American man, I frequently found myself in the company of those who did not share all of my characteristics. At no time did I see any evidence of resentment or hear any of the currently voiced criticisms so popular of those who do not share my personal demographics. In short, we got along well and I was able to show off the country I love with these widely disparate groups.
My conclusion, as a result, is that much of the emphasis on our differences is manufactured for the nefarious purposes of seeking divisions of our peoples. A prime example is Nancy Pelosi leading the parade of congressional black caucus members from the house office building to the capitol through what she anticipated would be a hostile crowd. She was right but for the wrong reasons. The crowd was hostile. For good reason, they opposed the socialized medicine proposals on the docket in the legislature. By intentional staging of the event, using the black caucus, she chose to introduce the racial aspect to her own advantage. With the complicity of the media, she painted the protestors as unruly anti-civil rights demonstrators instead of those who are concerned with the fiscal future of America. Race was not a factor as subsequent tapes have thoroughly demonstrated.
As I viewed the exchange, I was reminded of the biggest complaint I had with the Milwaukee Urban League and their annual trip to Washington, D.C... Their leader, an otherwise delightful man, always brought along a case full of Jerry Clower tapes and played them all the way to D.C. and back. Even the best of Mississippi’s redneck comedians gets tiresome after hours of exposure.
And Finally
If nothing else comes of the political situation, the American electorate should wake up to the fact that government “of the people” is an obtainable reality. If we value the Constitution and its God given protections of our rights, it is imperative that we take our rightful place in defense of the document. The current crisis demands that we rise as a citizenry to demand our voice in the process. Over the ensuing months we have the responsibility to retake the government and insist that our leadership govern with the will of the people upper most in their minds.
This will require that we engage in activity which we have normally left to others. Each person will have to, within his own resources, do everything he can to ensure the continuance of the republic. First, we must realize that America is under assault as surely as it was the morning of December 7, 1941. We recognized our personal responsibilities on that black Sunday and rose to defeat the threat. We were not aware of the ferocity of our enemy on that day any more than we are today. It is for this very reason that we must become familiar with today’s perils and recognize how they will affect the future of the country we all know and love. If each citizen reacts with that same vigor we will be able to accomplish a victory for our country without bloodshed. Pray that God strengthens us to rise to the task at hand.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Monday, April 5, 2010
Monday Morning Rant 140
This was indeed, theday the Lord hath made. The drive to Miami, OK was fantastic. The dogwood, redbud, and pears were at near peak, the temperature around 70º, the grass was greening nicely, the sun was shining and all was right with the world. Even though I didn’t set the alarm clock properly and awoke 50 minutes after the clock setting, I made it exactly on time at 9:30 AM
We had a multi-phase service and appreciated a grand variety of musical talent and some fire-breathing preaching. A special unforeseen treat awaited; after the services I was invited to Easter Sunday dinner at a nearby home. It has been a long time since I have seen a feast of that quality and proportion presented anywhere. Every age group from toddlers to great grandpas attended and we laid waste to a huge ham, turkey, at least eight choices of vegetables and salad and far more desserts than anyone should ever think of eating. If you long for “down-home” hospitality and plenty, I heartily recommend Oklahoma
The Word on the Militiaman from Michigan
We have seen the media reaction to the “threat” presented by the group members arrested in raids in Michigan. They were reportedly right-wing extremists. In a dispatch from the Toledo Blade, they reported the following:
“Jacob J. Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio, voted as a Democrat in the 2004 and 2008 primary elections. He also voted in 10 other elections since 2000. Party affiliation in Ohio is determined by which party’s ballot they requested in the most recent primary election.”
I thought we were assured that these guys were all right wingers. Surely the main stream media wouldn’t lie—would they?
Tea Party Leadership
I truly believe that which mystifies the leftists the most about the Tea Party movement is the lack of a firmly identifiable figure in a leadership position. Even though they claim this grassroots organization and that, within their own ranks, they cannot admit that the Tea Party is actually a true grassroots effort. The concept of universal opposition to their plans and programs to reshape our nation by the people is simply an idea which they are unable to absorb. Their goal of top-down direction in every endeavor makes the Tea Party an alien idea.
Ignoring the stated opinions of the people of the Tea Party, they are convinced that it is led by Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, John McCain, Dick Armey, or some other recognizable conservative. The fact that all these people deny that leadership position does not deter the left from their insistence. It simply underlines the modus operendi of the left which is predicated on personal attacks on individuals while omitting a valid argument against ideas. Since most in the Tea Party obtain their talking points from the United States Constitution they are easily found to be in unity on most issues. Even on social issues which divide the right and the left, they are in general agreement. I don’t ever remember seeing signage or support for abortion, gun control, amnesty for illegals, or environmental controls at a Tea Party Rally. A study of individual polling on issues vary by the day but most of the preceding share disdain for current policy on those mentioned issues.
The ideas and principles put forth by the founders are timeless in nature and with the evidence of success to back it up, substantiate the opinion of the people in the Tea Party. Lacking the easy target of a human being as leader, they make their own substitutions of individuals they personally despise: Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity and a variety of politicians they can only wish would assume the role of leadership. These continued misunderstandings by the leftists will only further their efforts to find a public figure they can disparage and then they can rid themselves of what they privately understand to be a formidable force.
Meanwhile, the Tea Party message is very clear: at our earliest opportunity, we must clean house in D.C. and local state houses to be replaced by those with a clearer understanding of America, its success and its founding. For a briefer statement: throw the rascals out!
For a closer look at just who the Tea Party Patriots are, you might be interested in the Gallup Poll published in USA Today. You will be surprised at the demographics, politics and race of the participants.
We’re Still Waiting
As the clock continues to click, we are maintaining our vigil. When will the Democrat party and especially the congressional black caucus step forward to claim the $100,000 offered by Breitbart. He has publicly announced that he would donate that amount to the United Negro College Fund in exchange for verifiable evidence of the taunts and spitting alleged by that group on a recent staged march to the Capitol.
It was Breitbart’s most recent effort to up the ante on the unproven incident. Given his history in investigative journalism, (see the tapes on ACORN) it’s a safe bet that Cleaver and the rest of that bunch will be unable to receive that boon for their colleges.
And finally
We were pleased to learn this morning that our sister-site, Conservative Firestorm has been restored to its original vigor. It is a compendium of conservative thought from several contributors and represents the surging opinions of many other Americans. Any blog can become the subject of mischief on the net and thus its temporary removal was a cause for concern. If you haven’t already, drop by and enjoy your stay. Comments are always welcome.
We certainly welcome the return of Spring, not only for its beauty but the promise of rebirth fulfilled. Coupled as it is with the celebration of the risen Christ, it is a time for rejoicing. Enjoy these golden days; the heat of summer will soon be upon us.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
We had a multi-phase service and appreciated a grand variety of musical talent and some fire-breathing preaching. A special unforeseen treat awaited; after the services I was invited to Easter Sunday dinner at a nearby home. It has been a long time since I have seen a feast of that quality and proportion presented anywhere. Every age group from toddlers to great grandpas attended and we laid waste to a huge ham, turkey, at least eight choices of vegetables and salad and far more desserts than anyone should ever think of eating. If you long for “down-home” hospitality and plenty, I heartily recommend Oklahoma
The Word on the Militiaman from Michigan
We have seen the media reaction to the “threat” presented by the group members arrested in raids in Michigan. They were reportedly right-wing extremists. In a dispatch from the Toledo Blade, they reported the following:
“Jacob J. Ward, 33, of Huron, Ohio, voted as a Democrat in the 2004 and 2008 primary elections. He also voted in 10 other elections since 2000. Party affiliation in Ohio is determined by which party’s ballot they requested in the most recent primary election.”
I thought we were assured that these guys were all right wingers. Surely the main stream media wouldn’t lie—would they?
Tea Party Leadership
I truly believe that which mystifies the leftists the most about the Tea Party movement is the lack of a firmly identifiable figure in a leadership position. Even though they claim this grassroots organization and that, within their own ranks, they cannot admit that the Tea Party is actually a true grassroots effort. The concept of universal opposition to their plans and programs to reshape our nation by the people is simply an idea which they are unable to absorb. Their goal of top-down direction in every endeavor makes the Tea Party an alien idea.
Ignoring the stated opinions of the people of the Tea Party, they are convinced that it is led by Sarah Palin, Ron Paul, John McCain, Dick Armey, or some other recognizable conservative. The fact that all these people deny that leadership position does not deter the left from their insistence. It simply underlines the modus operendi of the left which is predicated on personal attacks on individuals while omitting a valid argument against ideas. Since most in the Tea Party obtain their talking points from the United States Constitution they are easily found to be in unity on most issues. Even on social issues which divide the right and the left, they are in general agreement. I don’t ever remember seeing signage or support for abortion, gun control, amnesty for illegals, or environmental controls at a Tea Party Rally. A study of individual polling on issues vary by the day but most of the preceding share disdain for current policy on those mentioned issues.
The ideas and principles put forth by the founders are timeless in nature and with the evidence of success to back it up, substantiate the opinion of the people in the Tea Party. Lacking the easy target of a human being as leader, they make their own substitutions of individuals they personally despise: Limbaugh, Beck, Hannity and a variety of politicians they can only wish would assume the role of leadership. These continued misunderstandings by the leftists will only further their efforts to find a public figure they can disparage and then they can rid themselves of what they privately understand to be a formidable force.
Meanwhile, the Tea Party message is very clear: at our earliest opportunity, we must clean house in D.C. and local state houses to be replaced by those with a clearer understanding of America, its success and its founding. For a briefer statement: throw the rascals out!
For a closer look at just who the Tea Party Patriots are, you might be interested in the Gallup Poll published in USA Today. You will be surprised at the demographics, politics and race of the participants.
We’re Still Waiting
As the clock continues to click, we are maintaining our vigil. When will the Democrat party and especially the congressional black caucus step forward to claim the $100,000 offered by Breitbart. He has publicly announced that he would donate that amount to the United Negro College Fund in exchange for verifiable evidence of the taunts and spitting alleged by that group on a recent staged march to the Capitol.
It was Breitbart’s most recent effort to up the ante on the unproven incident. Given his history in investigative journalism, (see the tapes on ACORN) it’s a safe bet that Cleaver and the rest of that bunch will be unable to receive that boon for their colleges.
And finally
We were pleased to learn this morning that our sister-site, Conservative Firestorm has been restored to its original vigor. It is a compendium of conservative thought from several contributors and represents the surging opinions of many other Americans. Any blog can become the subject of mischief on the net and thus its temporary removal was a cause for concern. If you haven’t already, drop by and enjoy your stay. Comments are always welcome.
We certainly welcome the return of Spring, not only for its beauty but the promise of rebirth fulfilled. Coupled as it is with the celebration of the risen Christ, it is a time for rejoicing. Enjoy these golden days; the heat of summer will soon be upon us.
In His abiding love,
Cecil Moon
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
