Renee Ellmers and Abraham Lincoln

Common Cowardice 

(by R.P.Edwards)

I empathize with cowardice

I empathize with fear

I empathize with those who quit

the finish line...so near

I empathize with stuttered steps

of turning when not done
I empathize with losing
with the battle nearly won
I empathize with "if only I"
that haunts the mind for years
I empathize with recurring shame
that leaves its mark in tears
And I empathize with those who pray
receiving strength and grace
And I empathize with these reborn
who finally win...the race

The following is from Lincoln's FIRST inaugural address:

Apprehension seems to exist among the people of the Southern States, that by the accession of a Republican Administration, their property, and their peace, and personal security, are to be endangered. There has never been any reasonable cause for such apprehension. Indeed, the most ample evidence to the contrary has all the while existed, and been open to their inspection. It is found in nearly all the published speeches of him who now addresses you. I do but quote from one of those speeches when I declare that "I have no purpose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with the institution of slavery in the States where it exists. I believe I have no lawful right to do so, and I have no inclination to do so."

____

I was thinking about the recent pro-life disappointment having to do with the "new" congress' (Republican) failure to pass a bill that would prohibit abortions after twenty weeks gestation (when pain supposedly can be felt by the baby). It was defeated by, among others, a former advocate, Renee Ellmers: Something about the "rape" provision, or the timing wasn't right.

Anyway, many of my "life-lovers" are going ballistic over Ms Ellmers' turnaround.  But, I'd like to think, that instead of being devious or traitorous (in a pro-life fashion) that she was and is, for some reason, merely...afraid.

Perhaps she lost focus for a bit. Perhaps the less committed among her colleagues put a doubt-producing bug in her ear. Whatever the reason...she hesitated, choked, fell short.  And now (although the Chief executive said he'd veto the measure [so much for his "Christian" claim,]) the babies will continue to be painfully murdered with abandon. 

But...I believe in redemption; in second chances. And, as one who has on more than one occasion been hindered by "fear," I also know that there can be a steeling, a honing, a putting on of courage. And, when it comes to the monstrous evil of infanticide...we need such as these in the seats of power. I'll be praying for Rep Ellmer's redemption and resolve. And, as for Lincoln; what began as an all-out effort to preserve the Union, ended with being a God-ordained instrument in the abolition of the great evil of his day...slavery.

Following is a copy of his SECOND inaugural address:

 
At this second appearing to take the oath of the Presidential office there is less occasion for an extended address than there was at the first. Then a statement somewhat in detail of a course to be pursued seemed fitting and proper. Now, at the expiration of four years, during which public declarations have been constantly called forth on every point and phase of the great contest which still absorbs the attention and engrosses the energies of the nation, little that is new could be presented. The progress of our arms, upon which all else chiefly depends, is as well known to the public as to myself, and it is, I trust, reasonably satisfactory and encouraging to all. 

With high hope for the future, no prediction in regard to it is ventured.
On the occasion corresponding to this four years ago all thoughts were anxiously directed to an impending civil war. All dreaded it, all sought to avert it. While the inaugural address was being delivered from this place, devoted altogether to saving the Union without war, insurgent agents were in the city seeking to destroy it without war—seeking to dissolve the Union and divide effects by negotiation. Both parties deprecated war, but one of them would make war rather than let the nation survive, and the other would accept war rather than let it perish, and the war came.

One-eighth of the whole population were colored slaves, not distributed generally over the Union, but localized in the southern part of it. These slaves constituted a peculiar and powerful interest. All knew that this interest was somehow the cause of the war. To strengthen, perpetuate, and extend this interest was the object for which the insurgents would rend the Union even by war, while the Government claimed no right to do more than to restrict the territorial enlargement of it. Neither party expected for the war the magnitude or the duration which it has already attained. Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict might cease with or even before the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible and pray to the same God, and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces, but let us judge not, that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered. That of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes. "Woe unto the world because of offenses; for it must needs be that offenses come, but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh." If we shall suppose that American slavery is one of those offenses which, in the providence of God, must needs come, but which, having continued through His appointed time, He now wills to remove, and that He gives to both North and South this terrible war as the woe due to those by whom the offense came, shall we discern therein any departure from those divine attributes which the believers in a living God always ascribe to Him? 

Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty scourge of war may speedily pass away. Yet, if God wills that it continue until all the wealth piled by the bondsman's two hundred and fifty years of unrequited toil shall be sunk, and until every drop of blood drawn with the lash shall be paid by another drawn with the sword, as was said three thousand years ago, so still it must be said "the judgements of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.

****

ISIS and Roe v Wade

Isis we

(by R.P.Edwards)

Isis kills

And we're aghast!

The innocents

They've slayed

But we, my friend

Have murdered more

OUR "faith"

is 

 Roe v Wade

It's the anniversary of Roe v Wade; the "landmark" decision by the Supreme Court that gave the "Okay to slay."

A new twist: we (as the above poem points out) are aghast at a group of individuals who, in the name of their god, have no problem slaughtering others who, by our "civilized" standards...are innocent. Yes, we, the level-headed and freedom-loving West, cannot fathom such "evil." 

However, it should be pointed out that there is ANOTHER realm/kingdom, that looks on at OUR actions with greater disgust. For we--civilized and educated and enlightened "we"--have no problem with filling the halls of "heaven" with the spirits of the babies we have murdered because seven "men" aspired to godhood.

It's almost funny if you think about it. "We're" troubled by some Islamic zealots beheading children, when, just down the street in good ol' America little babies--millions upon millions of them--are ripped to shreds and their parts sold to grave robbers. On that note, a saying comes to mind: When those who harvest pigs are asked what is "used" from the animal; they often reply..."Everything but the squeal." If the question would be asked to the abortionist and, by extension, to we who allow such barbarity, the answer might be..."Everything but the cry to God."

Enough said. Following are a couple quotes: Justice Byron White's dissent of the damnable ruling, and Jefferson's thoughts about another evil that has the same parent. 

I find nothing in the language or history of the Constitution to support the Court's judgment. The Court simply fashions and announces a new constitutional right for pregnant women and, with scarcely any reason or authority for its action, invests that right with sufficient substance to override most existing state abortion statutes. The upshot is that the people and the legislatures of the 50 States are constitutionally disentitled to weigh the relative importance of the continued existence and development of the fetus, on the one hand, against a spectrum of possible impacts on the woman, on the other hand. As an exercise of raw judicial power, the Court perhaps has authority to do what it does today; but, in my view, its judgment is an improvident and extravagant exercise of the power of judicial review that the Constitution extends to this Court. Justice Byron White

Indeed I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that his justice cannot sleep forever.
Thomas Jefferson

****

Ted Olson vs Martin Luther King Jr

         

Say it

(by R.P.Edwards)

Say it like you mean it

Say it like it's true

Say it like it's always been

That ignorance "Is you"

Say it from the higher ground

Say you're heaven's voice

Say that none will suffer

If the "victims" have this choice

Say our fears are meaningless

Say our thoughts arcane

Say it from the prophet's perch

Invoke the hallowed names

Say it till you sway us

Say till all believe

Say it till destruction comes

For "say it" means...deceive

  

First of all, welcome back to the Fox News Channel (from we Dish subscribers). I was in the final stages of switching. 

Speaking of Fox: I watched a Fox News Sunday segment yesterday (youtube link); a debate (well, not a debate; more a gentle questioning) involving Ted Olson and Tony Perkins over the coming querying by the court over the same-sex issue and the fourteenth amendment. Many judges have been adding their "amen" to the new/old sexual tangent; but there are a few holdouts. Supposedly the highest court will try to solve this conundrum which they themselves are the authors of.

Well, I've written on this sort of thing before; (Not the Same, Chris Wallace, NO!! and probably a few more somewhere), but, on this important memorial, and even though my chalky complexion may lessen my standing; let me just comment that I tire of the endless comparison of the plight of gays to those of African descent. Imagine equating the horrific treatment done to a whole race due to an unchangeable skin pigmentation (murders, assaults, rapes, cruel and inhumane treatment done on a societal level), to those whose "minority status" is defined by "affection" and sexual rubbing. It's absurd...and offensive.

But...my words mean nothing. Less than nothing. I only hope some whose platform is more recognizable have the courage to stand up and speak. The institution of God-ordained and defined marriage needs protecting. So too the legacy of those who literally gave all...to right the injustices brought to mind this day.

****

Goodbye Dish Network!

Divorce?

(by R.P.Edwards)

It's called a "Separation"

That's what our parents say

But dad's no longer with us

And mom is sad all day

My mom's name is Dish Network

And dad's name is Fox News

And since they're "separated"

We children have the blues

:(

I was thaaaat close! (picture index finger and thumb a millimeter apart) to cancelling my subscription: Subscription to Dish Network that is. Why? Because of the "war" with Fox News. I'm a Bill and Megyn fan, and I'm rather fond of the whole bunch (even the "lefters"), but this "negotiation" is getting on my nerves and, to top it off! I, also being a HUGE Huckabee fan (Huckabee 2016!), I missed the "final" show because of...the war.

Anyway, I hope mom and dad settle they're differences soon. I've paid for another month due to the wishes of "other than Fox" watchers. But, if things are not resolved by then...Roku is looking pretty good.

The Fake Trio has something to say on the subject. Enjoy:

 ****

Hi-Ho Silver Bells

Of Christmas

(by R.P.Edwards

Christmas at

Its smallest part

Is a child's faith

And a Father's 

heart

I had originally titled it, "Hi Ho Silver-bells," but the St Louis Post Dispatch gave it the moniker shown below. The year was 1998 and the powers that be at said periodical were kind enough to print the story on Christmas Day. I was grateful then. I'm grateful now. 

It's a true story; an episode in this writer's life and, if I'm not mistaken, it was 1994. What brought it to mind is that in the recent searching for "something" else (how often does this happen?) I ran across an item I wasn't searching for...a copy of this story. Being reacquainted with the words and the memories I thought perhaps new eyes and hearts might find encouragement in the lines. So, in this festive season for most, and especially for those whose spirits are on a more somber plane...here is a simple gift. Please enjoy; find encouragement; and may God richly bless you and yours this holiday season...and beyond.


_________________________

Christmas Joy from a 2-bit pony ride

(by Robert P. Edwards)

There we were, my two-year-old daughter and I, the day before Christmas, crammed into a department store lobby. All around us the last minute, "Gotta buy it! Gotta buy something...even if I have to run over YOU to do it!" yuletide feeding frenzy swirled and pressed relentlessly against us. For some reason I had been sent out for a last minute do-dad and, having weathered the maddening isles and the raucous registers, we had nearly escaped when the dark-colored, "I know your kid will see me," plastic pony beckoned my innocent miniature. And I, being the obedient parental "sucker," proceeded to feed the merry-go-round thoroughbred its costly race horse fodder...2 bits.

Christmas. Memories include lying in bed, early 25th. I, a mere tot, excitedly waiting for reveille. I didn't want to catch Santa in the act, so I waited...and waited. Then, as was our family custom, breakfast had to be eaten before presents were orderly distributed and shucked.

I remember the night before...Christmas Eve. We would sleepily (the kids anyway) attend "Midnight Mass." None of that "day before" stuff. If you were going to church on "Christmas," well, by golly, its going to be on Christmas proper! After the service Mom and Pop would allow us to open our "hung by the chimney with care" stockings. Among the interesting trinkets contained therein I could always count on finding a variety of chocolate. My favorites were the "Bells." Real milk chocolate, mind you; not that imitation "waxy" junk. And a netted bag of gold-foil coins.

But, that was years ago. Now I was "Pop" and, although "money" is theoretically not the point, it seems to always come down to the "green." And this particular year...there was precious little. I won't go into the gory details, but two weeks before the big day, a collection agency that we thought we had appeased, informed us, with all the delicate charm of a Great White Shark, that they were in the process of litigation. This all happened just as our, "When it gets here we'll buy presents" check from mom and pop arrived. We dutifully turned around and sent our Christmas money to Ebenezer. Despair ruled.

So, there we were. In my arms, my precious Katrina. She, who with childhood innocence was oblivious to the life-draining maelstrom that gripped her father. And, although the "Christmas Spirit" seemed to dance all about, I viewed it with the eyes of a foreigner, an outcast, a prisoner looking through iron bars. Too many years of always being behind. Too many years of seeing my spouse travail, and even weep, over finances. Too many years of relying on the charity of others. Too many years.

"Maybe I can't give you everything...but I can give you this." 

Gently, I placed my darling on her waiting noble steed. She joyfully gripped the reins and bid him go. And, with the drop of the coin...she was off!

Then, and I'm not exactly sure how, but something amazing happened. For, you see, out of this arcade animal came not the short-lived tinny tune--a ten second loop with a 30 second life span--that I expected. But rather, from this fiberglass filly poured a beautiful rendition of the William Tell Overture, or, as we laymen say, "The Lone Ranger theme."

On and on it played; the graceful mount with the beautiful girl. Music and laughter in wonderful, glorious harmony. And, as I stood there amazed; I, who moments before was cloaked in the weighted garment of depression; I, the thirty-something failure in pursuit of normalcy...I felt a quickening. It was as if the death-mask I wore was being slowly chipped away by each liberating note. And, by the time the lengthy chorus was completed, I too had joined my ascending eaglet in her flight far above the tempest.

Well, it's been a few years. The horse is gone and our financial state has improved. But, even in the months that followed, when the quarter was dropped with child aloft...it was never the same. Indeed, it became what I first expected. 

So...what had happened on that special Christmas Eve? What had occurred that made this dead man live again? Believe what you may, but I think it was nothing less than a divine intervention...a gift, if you will, from the one who was born to bear our burdens; from the one who offers hope to the hopeless, and rest to the weary.

So..to Him, my Savior, on this blessed occasion, I say, "Happy Birthday!" And to all others I say, "Merry Christmas! Peace and prosperity be yours. And in all your pursuits; in all your endeavors; may you always remember the greatest gift that was given to human-kind...the gift given on that first Christmas Day!"

****

For the 25th, here's a video done a few years ago, but still relevant; dedicated to those who are ever vigilant on our behalf, and for those...who love them.

  

Belated Pearl Harbor Day

The Stone

(by R.P.Edwards)

Names

At first

With meaning

Mourned 

And grieved 

As loved ones

Lost

But time

Removes

The tie

Of skin

And blunts

The awful 

Cost

Most of my "Pearl Harbor" day was spent at work. So, what should have been published on the 7th, is now assigned to 8.

Nothing new here. The farther from the conflict, the sacrifice, the pain; the more blurred the lines. There are few World War IIers left. And, the "values" of that generation are also weakening.

Enough said. Following is a song written with the Greatest Generation in mind. Rather long, but there's a lot to say.

****

John Kasich and me

Of Captains

(by R.P.Edwards)

At the helm

A steady hand

The course determined

The purpose planned

The thoughtful captain

Tested, sure

Years in training

Purged

And pure

Then storms, they threaten!

The weaker wail!

Those unfamiliar

With wind and sail

The bowing mast!

The creaking deck!

The novice screams

Of reef...and wreck!

But the captain knows

The end's the thing

And to the tempest

Whispers, "bring"

Then face like flint

He parts the waves

And those who'd rule

He makes them slaves

 On and on

Through valleys deep

From crest to crest

No rest!

No sleep!

He guides the ship

To distant land

Where those below

Can safely stand

And as the plank

Is pushed and placed

The battle's clamor

Gone, erased

A precious few

Will turn and wave

A thanks to him

Whose wisdom saved

But most go on

 In selfish more

Until their need

For "tested...sure"

"Who's your governor?" A simple question asked of a couple fast-food friendlies who were fetching some much needed coffee in a post midnight hour. We (the "six;" a number that made "flying" [the preferred mode of transportation] a bit too pricey] were well on our way to the nutmeg state and I, the primary driver, needed some liquid stimulant. I knew we were in Ohio and, being a John Kasich fan, I thought I'd test the knowledge of these fine and faithful young men. They hadn't a clue.

Oh, I don't blame them. At their age I wasn't nearly as tuned into the boring world of politics. But, seeing how the proper "captain" at the helm can steer a state into solvency, Governor Kasich's name came to mind and, the mouth (to the consternation of the graveyard shift) followed.

Just a thought about the coming election. That is: the "choosing" of the next chief executive. I hope we've all learned that experience governing is a must. Sure, I believe a different prior position can produce a memorable offspring (Lincoln comes to mind), but, "governors" know how to, frankly, govern. Therefore, let "We the People" wisely think along these lines when the contestants line up. Kasich? Yes. Christie? Yes. Huckabee? Yes! (my choice). Jindal, Walker, Brownback? Yes, yes, yes! And the list goes on.

And to the Senators of the conservative ilk which speak well and inspire much, to these I would suggest the second position of Vice President. It's a place (although we rarely say it), for the not quite ready...to become ready. Something to think about, inspired by a long trip. A few more musings may follow.

****