Change in Washington DC? Only One Way to Do It!

Barack Obama made “change” the theme of his campaign for the presidency of the United States. Already into the beginning weeks of the new administration we are witnessing great change, but many are not persuaded that it has been for the better!

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. --- Psalm 12:1, 2

Tea parties have been prominent in a lot of news reports immediately prior to and then following the most notorious date on our calendars – April 15! These also sparked debate and among what has been known as the “mainstream media” have come very negative comments by way of response.

Queen Nancy Pelosi also had some well chosen statements to make as she attempted to downplay the gatherings which took place all over the country and the protests against excessive taxes and government spending which is clearly out of control. The “Queen” has made her own significant contribution to the financial chaos which presently exists.

At the heart of the protests is the demand for change, particularly as it has to do with taxation policies and how money is to be spent. Appeals have been made and continue to be made that citizens need to personally contact their representatives in Congress. This means contacting two senators and one member of the House of Representatives. There are those who believe it can be done. Will it?

Here’s a better way to do it – that is, if you want real change unlike anything this country has ever witnessed before. Begin making it a practice to always vote anti-incumbent at the state and federal levels in every election – no exceptions! I have been doing this for some time. There comes a deep sense of satisfaction in voting this way.

Of course, there will be objections with some saying, “But there are some good politicians doing a good job, etc.” That may be so, but in order to make the message clear, do a complete housecleaning with no exceptions!

Will it work? It would if everyone voted anti-incumbent with consistency. It’s possible, if it happened, that the new bunch elected might just reason this way – “I managed to get elected – I’ve never had this office before – if I don’t do a good job in faithfully representing the people then I’m out the door the next time around!”

Think how interesting this situation would be – think of the scrambling that would go on in state capitols and in Washington DC – think of real changes for the better which just might come about!

OK, I know I’m just dreaming – but this non-affiliated registered voter will continue to always vote anti-incumbent as long as he is able to enter the voting both. And in his mind will be an uplifting thought – the day will come when I no longer will cast a ballot and all politicians will be removed from office, because Jesus Christ will have returned to earth and has taken full control of all governments!

Ponder this one for a while – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’" --- Revelation 11:15

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in His holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain coals, fire and brimstone and a burning wind; this shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. --- Psalm 11:3-7

Almost Like Judgment Day of a Kind, Isn't It?

Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, to the oppressing city! She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the LORD, she has not drawn near to her God. Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave not a bone till morning. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. --- Zephaniah 3:1-4

Today is the day that politians look foward to more than kids on the day before Christmas. It's the day we citizens experience the horrors of a financial Dracula out of control as we endeavor to satisfy the ever growing demands of the Internal Revenue Service (the United States' version of the Gestapo) -- now don't get upset - there are enough tales of terror documented about IRS operations to verify that preceding remark!

If you want to read how elected officials operating out of Washington DC play fast and loose with our tax money, go to Citizens Against Government Waste -- these people at CAGW have done a fantastic job. You can enter the name of your congress rep or your senator and find out the ugly truth about the earmarks for some real crazy stuff. But then why should they care? It's our money they are wasting plus the added aggravation that we pay them lavish salaries and perks to do it!

Today is also the day of "Tea Parties" all over the United States. It started with an idea of sending tea bags to the people in Congress -- tea representing "Taxed Enough Already!" The idea evolved and now the tea party protest is taking place all over the U.S. Fox News people have played a great part in promoting this and of course, it has captured other media attention as well. Will it accomplish anything of significance with an out of control spender in the White House who talks the kind of talk that "spend like there's no tomorrow" members of Congress will follow like meek little lambs to the slaughter? Not likely!

It's time to return to the original Boston Tea Party days -- you remember, do you not, that the revolutionaries threw the tea off the ships into the harbor. I vote to repeat that with one difference -- instead, throw the White House administration people, the members of the U. S. Congress, and the members of the U. S. Supreme Court overboard and then start with a total fresh slate -- maybe then there might be a glimmer of hope!

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind.Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?" --- Revelation 6:12-17

President B. O? An Unprecedented Nightmare Beginning January 2009!

And the LORD spoke by His servants the prophets, saying, "Because Manasseh king of Judah has done these abominations (he has acted more wickedly than all the Amorites who were before him, and has also made Judah sin with his idols), therefore thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Behold, I am bringing such calamity upon Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle.'......... Moreover Manasseh shed very much innocent blood, till he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin with which he made Judah sin, in doing evil in the sight of the LORD. --- 2 Kings 21:10-12, 16

It appears to be simply a matter of a few months and our republic will be under the domination of President B. O! Will McCain take the White House? Not likely -- there is something about B. O. that is unlike any person yet who has aspired to be president of the United States.

Think about it -- here's a guy who literally came from out of nowhere -- spent a limited time in the Illinois Legislature -- made it for the U. S. Senate on his first try and was selected (or was it a contrived set up?) as keynote speaker at the Democratic Convention last time around in electing a president with bulk of mass media all goo-goo eyed over this guy! It is inaccurate to call it "charisma" -- it is something more than that -- a kind of "anointing" but obviously not from Almighty God!

How could the election of B. O. to be president be a nightmare for the republic of the United States?

First, he's too young for such a position -- a person in his 40's cannot handle that kind of power and position responsibly. He will abuse this thing of issuing "executive orders" -- that is when a president becomes a dictator and by a stroke of the pen issues orders for things to be done -- the Congress is totally bypassed -- and we've already had too much of that in past administrations! Evidence is overwhelming that persons in their 40's elevated to positions of extensive power have abused that power due to lack of wisdom, common sense and failure to fulfill the responsibility in the fear of God!

The attempt might be made to cite John Kennedy as being in his 40's when elected president and that he was a "good" president. That is open to debate -- and what is definitely known is that Kennedy had raging hormones out of control and literally threw his marriage vows out the window more than a couple of times! God has spelled out what is required in those who govern and Kennedy flunked out on those clear requirements!

Second, B. O. will be regarded as the "Commander in Chief" of the military. It will not help the morale of the military branches of service in knowing a kid is in charge of all operations! Plus the fact that this kid has had no military experience whatsoever. It is easy to get reckless in using the power of the military -- and we've seen that happen in times past also!

Third, all indications are that he will be calling for more taxes under some kind of pretense or other. But then politicians in past decades have been notorious for increased taxes -- and once in a while try to convince us that they are our friends by giving a token "rebate" to help the economy! B. O. will not launch any kind of campaign to reduce the burden of our taxes -- it will still be spend, spend, spend, spend (add as many "spends" as you want!).

Fourth, he will zealously support the deceptive "constitutional right" to mutilate and murder unborn children! Further, B. O. will attempt to remove any and all barriers when it comes to protecting the lives of the unborn -- he will be a major contributor to the ongoing U. S. version of Holocaust! He stonewalled the effort in Illinois to protect the lives of the unborn in the late stages of pregnancy!

Of course what B. O. and all governing powers as well as mainline church groups fail to realize is that God has yet to make His response to a nation which claims that all persons should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Somehow we seem to have adopted the attitude that God isn't paying any attention to the fact that we have destroyed nearly 50 million unborn children since January of 1973!

Cited above is one king from out of the past who was heady with power and thought he could ignore the holy standards which Almighty God has spelled out for the sane, sensible, healthy, peaceful and ongoing survival of a culture. B. O. will prove to be no exception to this!

Do not mistake these comments to be an endorsement for John McCain. Neither major political party has anything significant to offer when it comes to addressing the most serious ethical, moral and spiritual problems which are pulling our nation along a path to sure and certain destruction!

A number of us will be looking for a third party candidate who exhibits qualities needed such as those found in an effective leader known as Joshua a long time ago. Is such a person out there some where who can lead us out of this spiritual chaos in which we presently find ourselves?

"No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." --- Joshua 1:5-8

Piracy in State Capitols and the Biggie in Washington DC? What Else Can You Call It?

How about a change in the flags that fly over state capitols and the one over that big building in Washington DC which houses a group of persons known as the United States Congress?

You can easily recognize the one at the very top and it has always been identified with certain unscrupulous persons who go about taking money and valuables from other persons, usually at the point of a pistol or sword!

Yes, I know -- it is bordering on the insane to even suggest such a change! But stop and reason for a bit -- all I am suggesting that we try to have the flag truly reflect what has happened inside the buildings over which it flies.

While there are quite a few things that could build a case for the flag change, let's just cite one notorious instance.

It used to be a long time ago that a couple would marry and have children. They continued to work and accumulate some earthly possessions and get a bank account established -- miracle of miracles, maybe that bank account would build up and amount to a considerable amount of wealth! The time would come that the couple would arrange for drawing up a will that divided all the wealth and property among the children or perhaps they would include their church or a charitable organization in their will.

The day came when the couple exited this earthly life and their estate was divided and dispersed to the parties so designated in their will -- every single cent was passed on to the chosen persons, church or organization as so chosen.

But something happened eventually over time -- politicians, as corruption set in, got the idea that a couple having accumulated an amount of wealth should share a good portion of that with government, at the state level and the federal level. Presto, something called "inheritance tax" was born!

Basically these "pirates" in business suits and claiming to represent the best interests of their "constituents" have pointed the sword at the throats of the citizens and demanded to have a generous share of whatever a couple has accumulated before it is passed on to the selected parties in the will of the couple!

Now in all honesty -- is that right and just? Call it whatever you want, but piracy is a most accurate label to apply to this horrendous practice! We have reached a point where some mention is made of it and once in a while some rumblings may briefly occur in the capitols, but nothing is ever constructively done to correct this mass injustice.

And you'll notice that presidential candidates while professing that they will bring about desired "change" if elected, don't seem to mention this one in addition to the many other critical issues which are causing the nation to capsize!

I admit to being greatly influenced by the prophets of the Old Testament -- if we could resurrect them, the only thing changed in what they said would be names of people and locations -- such as Washington DC instead of Jerusalem!

For those who think this policy is quite acceptable -- that is, government at some level taking a generous portion of the estate of persons who have worked all their lives and want certain parties to receive ALL of that estate after those persons have passed on to the next life -- if this is considered an OK thing, then how about having a good heart to heart talk with God about it? Below you will see His feelings about such activity -- it happened centuries ago -- seems piracy is too often an ongoing thing when it comes to governing officials!

Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain...... Woe to her who is rebellious and polluted, to the oppressing city! She has not obeyed His voice, she has not received correction; she has not trusted in the LORD, she has not drawn near to her God. Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves that leave not a bone till morning. Her prophets are insolent, treacherous people; her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law. --- Ezekiel 22:27; Zephaniah 3:1-4

42 Million Dollars to Tell Us What We Already Knew!

Yes, most all of us have heard the term, "monkey on your back." Most often it has been applied to a human situation where a person is addicted to something from which he or she cannot break free. These days it can be just about anything -- in times of old it seemed to be limited to certain habits such as alcohol, tobacco or drugs. But that has been expanded a bit.

The one M. O. B. we all share is something called the U. S. federal government. In my post yesterday it was compared to a special airplane designed and built back in 1921. Just to refresh your memory, here is the photo of the "monster" sitting like a duck on a lake in Italy before its first (and last) attempt to fly!


As noted, the federal government is not just like the cumbersome flying houseboat pictured above, but it is a monkey on the back of every citizen.

The latest debacle was the spending of 42 million dollars to send us letters to tell us how much we would receive in this big refund that is supposed to get the economy back into high gear, and then immediately shifted into overdrive! We had already been given the details days back right after Bush signed the bill -- printed and broadcast on radio and TV again and again!

Is it true, as some have suggested, that once you take office in Washington DC you store your brains (what few there may be) along with all common sense in a mason canning jar, screw the lid on tight, and bury it in your back yard before leaving for that place where the dominant philosophy practiced is, "To get along, go along!"

You know, don't you, that the day will come when those people will shuffle things around and we'll be hit with tax increases somewhere, somehow -- it's the name of their game! We are a nation wallowing in trillions of dollars of debt and this increases steadily month by month. Yet there is no hesitation when it comes to spending billions here and there.

And don't forget -- each member of Congress has his or her "pet" projects -- those infamous "earmarks" you hear about from time to time -- I have the misfortune of living in the district in PA which is represented by John P. Murtha, the "earmark" champion in the U. S. Congress!

As you will note if you browse around in this blog or take a look at some things in the related web site, "Circuit Rider's Range," there are a number of negative comments made on matters related to government and church -- the kind of things which bring about "negative" responses from government people and church leaders in particular!

So how about a positive comment before we close this one out -- would you like that? If you will look at the links on the right side of the blog you will see at one point I have a subject area titled, "A Short Range Pessimist with a Long Range Optimism!" It's just below the picture of the "older" CDH -- being a preacher for nearly half a century can cause a thing called "aging!" In that area are some subjects which will produce evidence that I am deep down a positive person -- no, really I am! But I also am a realist when it comes to facing the national and world situation politically as well as the overall church situation.

The good news is that there will be a change come about one of these days which even the most dedicated Christian cannot fully grasp! Jesus Christ is going to interrupt the flow of human history as it is presently being played out -- He will take full control of this world and all the nations existing at that time when He returns as King of kings and Lord of lords!

Just think -- no more elections ever -- that in itself will help create a heavenly condition, will it not? But there is so much more -- make sure you don't miss out on it!

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion." --- Psalm 2:1-6

The LORD said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool." The LORD shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of Your enemies! --- Psalm 110:1, 2

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their thrones fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: "We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was and who is to come, because You have taken Your great power and reigned. The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth." --- Revelation 11:15-18

Important Tax Reminder!

Have you paid your taxes......??


Don't forget -- 12 million illegal aliens are depending on you!

OK -- just two things about all this:

• First, this was something that has been circulating around the Internet and someone passed it on to me -- I don't know what person should be credited with the graphic or the reason we should be sure to pay our taxes!
  
  
• Second, the issue of "illegals" in this country has become somewhat of a powder keg -- a real political time bomb with a heavy emphasis on amnesty being granted to all who are in this country illegally.
  At least a few of us are wondering what's going on here -- has it not been for a long time that certain laws have been in place which determine how many from wherever are permitted to enter this country? And once you get in you are expected to adjust to the customs of this republic that include obedience to its laws and the learning of its language which is English, right?
  
  But then again, it seems that it's still pretty much a rather rigid requirement to enter this country if you are coming from just about anywhere except from that country below the southwestern border of the United States!
  

And on this tax thing -- something else to remember -- thanks to our elected officials, it now takes the average citizen nearly 6 months to pay ALL taxes (local, state, federal, hidden, and not so hidden) before he or she can begin to pocket a bit of income for personal use within each calendar year! And a PS -- we Pennsylvanians are among those who pay some of the highest gasoline taxes in the whole country and there is talk of adding some more tax on gas -- hang on, we'll make it to the top of the heap yet! With the most top heavy bumbling legislature of the entire 50 states, we can be sure of one thing -- our tax nightmare has really just begun!

"Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain. --- Ezekiel 22:27

How Long Until We Bring in the Prostitutes?

Your princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves; Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They do not defend the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come before them.......Her princes in her midst are like wolves tearing the prey, to shed blood, to destroy people, and to get dishonest gain.......The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.
--- Isaiah 1:23; Ezekiel 22:23; Psalm 12:8

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is quite a state in which to reside -- I am starting to get a bit of a handle on it since I've lived in it for a few decades. The exceptions were when I was in South Carolina for a few months learning to work for Uncle Sam and that work continued later in North Carolina. And a few years after that I and my family lived in Kentucky for a while.

I can remember a time when there was no such thing as a sales tax nor a state income tax nor an occupational tax nor a state operated lottery -- oh, there's a bunch of stuff that didn't use to be in the Keystone State a long time ago!

But politicians are a peculiar breed -- tax revenues are never quite sufficient, so new means of raising revenue is always on their agenda, whether publicly disclosed or not. Often it really doesn't become public knowledge until we wake up one morning and discover the critters did it again -- a new way to get more money out of the citizens and then those special times that they increase their own personal fortunes in the process!

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has devious means of raising money -- it's been in the liquor business for a long time. Then once in a while even "officials" sometimes are given to lamenting that so much destruction of property, injury, grief, and death result from use of these alcoholic products sold by the state!

The state is also in the business of gambling with the establishment of a lottery years back. And in recent months due to politicians giving enthusiastic support, we now are getting the slot machines up and running full speed. A news announcement today indicated the opening of the fifth casino in PA in Washington County (southwestern corner of the state). Now get this -- when finished the casino will contain more than 1,700 slot machines in an area the size of a football field! Whew -- watch those quarters and nickels roll!

Serious investigation has shown again and again that gambling ruins lives just as surely as addiction to drugs and alcohol -- but it brings in the revenue our politicians say is needed. Gambling is also a magnet for organized crime as well -- so who knows, except God Himself, what kind of money passes under the table from someone to another someone for special favors and whatever!

Since our politicians insist that we have to resort to gutter level activities to raise revenue, how long will it be before we bring in the prostitutes for further financing of a state that has about the most top heavy legislature of all 50 states?

Never, you say? Don't bet on it (yes you can place a bet already in PA!)! Sooner or later a politician will be willing to be the point-man (or woman) and say we need to get more revenue ("I haven't had a raise in salary since last year!") and this is bound to be a gold mine! After all, it works for the state of Nevada! So how about setting up a "Rooster Ranch" in Harrisburg PA?

Those of an older generation can remember when the spiritual, moral and ethical climate of our country with its individual states was much, much healthier than it is now. There have been a number of groups and institutions which have contributed to the decline over the years, not the least of which have been elected officials at the state and federal levels in particular!

Will there soon be a 180 degree turn-around -- a widespread sense of the need to seek the mercy and forgiveness of a holy God? Honest confession spreading among leaders and citizens that we have really messed things up and slapped God in the face with our defiant spirit of rebellion? That we have trampled His righteous standards underfoot in our mad quest for amusement and gratification? A thorough housecleaning in government and churches with the holiness of God and full obedience to Him as the goal to be sought and sin in every manifestation as the thing which has to be expelled?

What say you?

"O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned against You. To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against Him. We have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our God, to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets." --- Daniel 9:8-10