Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Charlotte's Shame





Progressive?
(by R.P.Edwards)

They call it "Progressive"
As if it was new
This trending towards turning
Away from the true
Old fashioned as apples
And a whispering snake
Rejecting relation
Damnation to take 




What is it with cities and the propensity to sin? Why is there so often a coalescing in the urban centers of those who readily reject or reconstitute scripture to mirror their inner denials? 

Charlotte, North Carolina; being in the Conservative South one would think Bible-isms would abound. Well, in a way they do. In this case it's the leaning towards "not" in the "Thou shalt NOT's."

The Charlotte city council has voted to expand discrimination protections to groups whose sexual urges are outside the heterosexual norm; in particular those whose sexual inner "feeling" varies from their biological evidence. Meaning; NOW men who feel womanish (at least for today; tomorrow they might "feel" differently) can, legally, go into a ladies room to relieve themselves while your and my daughter are in there.

Let's just say it: these Council members are out of their progressive minds! Thinking themselves compassionate and caring, they are simply immoral and unfit; AND, if there is any semblance to a majority of God lovers in the Sodom of the South, these members need to be purged from the rolls (legally, of course). 


Cities and Sin
(by R.P.Edwards) 

Cities suck
The country dry
Fat and fancy
"Wise am I"
Full of self
Forgetting HIM
So often ending
Deep in sin 

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Sunday, February 14, 2016

RIP Justice Scalia and US Constitution?

















The Court
(by R.P.Edwards)

I wade through blood
All the day
Because what seven
Men did say
And decades later
It's still that way
So I wade through blood
All the day




I hate going down to that place, and it didn't help that it was cold; bitter cold. But, because seven men went far beyond their mandate and condemned pre-born humans to death AND, because the nation has not found the will or wherewithal to stop them; I go down there and add my middle-aged, bearded, laid-off presence to the mix.

Justice Scalia died yesterday (yes, the day I went down to the abortion clinic). I have nothing but admiration for the man, and nothing but sincere sympathy and gratitude towards the family that shared him with us for so long. For, you see, THIS particular jurist got it right; the Supreme Court isn't supposed to make it up as it goes along. The Supreme Court ISN'T supposed to write law. AND, since the only way to stop them (impeachment) is a laughable proposition, they wield away and WE ALL will and DO pay.

And, O yes, the accolades and respectful purrings are pouring in from the lips of allies and adversaries alike (I'm talking Americans here; as in ideological leanings). But, it goes without saying that the Chief Executive, who put his hand on TWO Bibles at the swearing in ceremony, will (unless a Paulian conversion takes place) do his best to put on the bench another word bender.

 And so, Rest in Peace, Justice Antonin Scalia and, perhaps forever, RIP US Constitution.


Pretty Please
(by R.P.Edwards)

"Pretty
Pretty
Pretty please!
Do your job
This once!"
So says we
To the six plus three
From beneath our cap
"The Dunce"

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Tuesday, February 9, 2016

South Carolina, so much more







And when hatred stands
And knocks you down
We see you rise
To Higher Ground
Instead of Blood
We see HIS hand
For America's sake
Please, help us understand!

From the song, "South Carolina, so much more"
(by R.P.Edwards)



An obscure beginning. This, being an election year, this writer was (and still is) a huge fan of a presidential candidate (former) who would have, if given the opportunity, done great good in the office (former Governor, Mike Huckabee). The electorate was not convinced.

Anyway, the preliminary--pick the candidate for the eventual Republican nominee--process begins in Iowa and, since my God-given talents lean towards verse and voice, I wanted to do a pro-Iowa song with a gentle endorsement of said candidate. The result was "Iowa Stand" (a link to is currently at the bottom of the page). It, of itself, is apolitical. 

Well, knowing that South Carolina too has a strong Christian base, I thought perhaps a song for The Palmetto State might be in order. Yes, it started as a thought, a nudge, a stirring and, one would think that the removal of my man from consideration would have ended it. It did not. And, as I did more research on the State and its struggles, I quickly came to realize that there is more to South Carolina than Myrtle Beach and Fort Sumter.

Slavery; a horrid practice. Lessened by the blur of time, it was nevertheless an evil institution that treated those made in God's Image as less than human; as property; livestock. South Carolina championed it. And, theirs was not just a passive endorsement; no, the State was the FIRST to secede and to attempt the death of others through government sanctioned warfare. And, of course, after the bloodletting known as the Civil War the evils of the KKK, Jim Crow, and segregation found a ready home.

But, I don't want to stay there for, if I may, the real issue is "sin," and, as so many South Carolinians know, the solution is always...Christ. On June 17, 2015 a young, white male was lovingly welcomed into a Bible Study at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Driven by hate he ended up murdering nine of those attending; hoping to start a Race War. He did not.

Indeed, the Country--so often divided and in conflict with one another--it (we) did NOT witness a violent response to the violent act, but rather, what WAS seen was a united outpouring of compassion culminating with some of the victims' families going so far as to extend forgiveness to he who did the unthinkable.

You see? South Carolina, although resplendent with those "things" that are pleasant to the senses; those "things" that please the eye and entertain the muscles and mind; South Carolina, dear reader,...is so much more. For, it has in its confines an understanding; a knowing; that our survival rests not in ourselves...but in He whose heart and grace knows no bounds. And Oh, how we in America need this!

And...when I read the State's Motto: "While I breathe, I hope"...that did it.

In conclusion; I hope this little offering is a blessing. There's no "endorsement" attached other than for the one who redeemed me from my own personal bondage years ago. And, although I realize this song is simplistic, a bit strained in places, amateurish at best; I dearly hope the message of South Carolina becomes the theme of ALL fifty States. So that we would truly become, once and for all; One nation, Under God, Indivisible...

South Carolina, so much more

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Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Huckabee, a tribute






After
(by R.P.Edwards)

Time for rest
Time for ease
Time for YOU
Alone to please
Time for sitting
In one place
Time for Song
Amazing Grace
Time for family
Close and dear
No more travel
Far and near
Time for grandkids
Time for play
Time to plan
But not today
Time for schedules 
Open all
Time to NOT
Receive that call
Time for smiles
Cameras none
Time for time
It has
Begun



I knew better, but that one life-sucking spot on the love seat lured me in. I was asleep in no time. AND, as a result I missed a lot of the play by play concerning the Iowa Caucus results. Alas, my man Huckabee did not do as well as hoped and he, wisely, has suspended his campaign.

O, I have great admiration for the former Governor and I have followed with interest his campaigns and career since the 2008 Presidential run. Godly, courageous, kindly, conservative, compassionate, seasoned, tested, tried and true; all of these describe the man from Hope Arkansas. And I, and not a few others, were dearly hoping that his run for the White House would have ended at Pennsylvania Avenue. 

And so, he is out of the race. No doubt there is disappointment in the camp, but there must also be the satisfaction that comes with knowing ALL was done in the effort. Now it's time to decompress, regroup, and rekindle. Take a break, Governor. You, ALL of you, deserve it. 

PS, if one cares to look, this blog is adorned with not a few Huckabee items. Many of these will remain, at least for now. One reason: It may very well be that the eventual nominee may want their running mate to be a man, wise in counsel, and well able to step into the highest post if needed. Mike Huckabee is such a man.



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Monday, February 1, 2016

Iowa's BIG night!





Iowa Caucus 2016
(by R.P.Edwards)

Iowa Caucus
Hopeful I
A decent showing
For my guy
 Polls upended
Pundits wrong
Then singers sing
A different song



Hours away from the long-anticipated IOWA CAUCUS' (ta dah!)

Yes, those hardy Iowans will brave the weather and gather in their many and diverse gathering places and then try and convince their equally hardy neighbors why THEIR particular guy (or gal) is the best fit for their Midwestern selves.  In the last two election cycles (presidential) two very devout types won the day (on the Republican side). First, former Governor, Mike Huckabee (2008), and then former Senator, Rick Santorum (2012).  Neither went on to win, but they were first out of the gate.

Well, NOW the field is FULL of devout types (again, the Republican side). Even Donald Trump has been seen with his Bible. Yes, these are trying hard for the holy nod and, although MY choice, Huckabee, is given little chance, I'm hoping he at least wins the "show" spot in this horse-race. 

Not much to add. I'll be paying attention to the results. Over the last few months efforts have been made to promote a fine, and gifted, and WELL QUALIFIED candidate. Some say it will take a miracle, well, I believe in those.

Following is a link to a playlist of pro-Huckabee songs; all of which were sung by a currently laid-off, union steel-worker (moi). Many were birthed through the lyrical talents of a gifted fellow we shall call "Huckabee George," matched to some familiar tunes. If you've got a few minutes and a liking for Mike, pour a cup of coffee and give a listen. And then, if you're an Iowan; go, GO fight for the most battle-tested and qualified candidate; former Governor, Mike Huckabee!




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