Friday, June 29, 2012

Yep, it's a tax







Candle Sense
(by R.P.Edwards)

Johnny loved the candle
It's warm and friendly glow
But when he'd try to touch it
His mother told him, "No!"
"That light will hurt you, honey."
Her tired and worn refrain
But Johnny finally listened
 And what taught him was...
The pain


Well, it's been over twenty-four hours since the "Obama Care is Okay" decision handed down by the Supreme Court.  I have to admit, like most I was a bit surprised. Especially at the revelation that Justice Roberts was the deciding nod.  And, although I haven't spent much time with the "whys" and "wherewithals," I've heard that the persuading argument given was that the Federal Government has the right to tax and, when it comes right down to it, the individual mandate is a tax; albeit a wolf in sheep's clothing, a bald faced lie to the public, an obfuscation leading to emasculation...tax.

And so, it seems, we the people, via the reasonings of the Chief Justice, have been given the opportunity to fix the mess that we the people inflicted upon ourselves in 2008.  Yes, rather than have the Supreme Court do our dirty work, it turns out that if "We the People" actually want to remain a viable constitutional republic, then we must, in the coming months, roll up our sleeves, rally, and then roust out those who promised hope, but have delivered instead...chains.  

And so...the poem.  Like the little boy who is best taught by pain, we, who were in 2008 dazzled by the eloquence of the current administration, we now have touched the flame...and it burns. The question however is; have we learned enough to remove our hand, our favor, from that which injures us?

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For your viewing pleasure, the Supreme Court song: 



Monday, June 18, 2012

Keith Green and me







Get up you bum!
(by R.P.Edwards)

Candy Bars
And coffee quaffed
Shaken from
My lazy loft
"Up, you sluggard!
To the chair!
And pound the keys
Your simple...share"


Candy bars and coffee. Those were my obsessions this early morn. You see, my sweet sixteen year old daughter (having recently discovered the world of work, and pay) well, she indulged her old man by purchasing for me candy bars (a big Hershey, and a bag of bite sized 3 Musketeers) along with some bagged brew...for Father's day.  Yum. 

Well, when my older offspring then approached with their gift; rather than a bottle of slightly more expensive wine than I'm used to (sorry, my tea-totaling brothers and sisters. I am among those who believe the wine Jesus provided was actually that...wine; and that non-abuse can be of use [a topic for another day]) well, instead they gave me a four CD collection of Keith Green's work.

To the younger crowd: Keith Green was the modern Christian artist of my day (1977-82). Talented, tenacious; his passion for the work and message of Christ set many ablaze and, as I meandered in the kitchen this hot summer's day, I listened anew...and a fire...stirred.  

And so, to the keys!  Honestly, I had resigned myself to the notion that my meager offerings were of little import, but perhaps, PERHAPS! there is even one whose notch is mine to fill.  So, as my system valiantly nullifies the sugar and caffeine in my system I offer two things to ponder. One: the song Mr Green sang that helped me awaken (at least a bit). And two: a reminder (via an article from Small Victories ministry) of the tragedy of abortion in our midst. A tragedy that an awakened church...can alleviate. And an awakened electorate...can mitigate.


 


Small Victories article. Please read: Small Victories 

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