Middle America's Worldview

There's been nearly a week of debate over the New York Times
exposing of a confidential government program to monitor the financial
transactions of terrorists. Some have suggested criminal charges be brought
against the Times for publishing national security secrets. At the very
least, the Justice Department ought to determine who in government leaked
the information and prosecute them. While Attorney General Alberto
Gonzales onsiders his options, I want to share excerpts of a letter that
Lieutenant Tom Cotton, currently fighting in Iraq, sent to the Times.

"Congratulations on disclosing our government's highly
classified anti-terrorist-financing program. …I spent the last four days
patrolling one of the more dangerous areas in Iraq. …Unfortunately, as I
supervised my soldiers late one night, I heard a booming explosion several
miles away. I learned a few hours later that a powerful roadside bomb killed
one soldier and severely injured another from my 130-man company. I deeply
hope that we can find and kill or capture the terrorists responsible for that
bomb. But, of course, these terrorists do not spring from the soil. …No,
they require financing to obtain mortars and artillery shells, priming
explosives, wiring and circuitry, not to mention for training and payments
to locals willing to emplace bombs in exchange for a few months' salary.

"You may think you have done a public service, but you have
gravely endangered the lives of my soldiers and all other soldiers and
innocent Iraqis here. Next time I hear that familiar explosion -- or next
time I feel it -- I will wonder whether we could have stopped that bomb
had you not instructed terrorists how to evade our financial
surveillance.
"And, by the way, having graduated from Harvard Law and
practiced with a federal appellate judge and two Washington law firms before
becoming an infantry officer, I am well-versed in the espionage laws
relevant to this story and others -- laws you have plainly violated. I hope that
my colleagues at the Department of Justice match the courage of my
soldiers here and prosecute you and your newspaper to the fullest extent
of the law. By the time we return home, maybe you will be in your rightful
place: not at the Pulitzer announcements, but behind bars."

I received the above and just had to share it. I have heard alot of talk regarding the news outlet, but I haven't heard any action, yet.

Alabama 1901, Preamble. We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution.

Alaska 1956, Preamble. We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.

Arizona 1911, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...

Arkansas 1874, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...

California 1879, Preamble. We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom.

Colorado 1876, Preamble. We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe.

Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.

Delaware 1897, Preamble. Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences.

Florida 1885, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...

Georgia 1777, Preamble. We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...

Hawaii 1959, Preamble. We, the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance . Establish this Constitution.

Idaho 1889, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings.

Illinois 1870, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

Indiana 1851, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.

Iowa 1857, Preamble. We, the People of the State of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings establish this Constitution.

Kansas 1859, Preamble. We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.

Kentucky 1891, Preamble. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties...

Louisiana 1921, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.

Maine 1820, Preamble. We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity ... And imploring His aid and direction.

Maryland 1776, Preamble. We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...

Massachusetts 1780, Preamble. We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe ... In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction ..

Michigan 1908, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom establish this Constitution.

Minnesota , 1857, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Minnesota , grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:

Mississippi 1890, Preamble. We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.

Missouri 1845, Preamble. We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution .

Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ...

Nebraska 1875, Preamble. We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom .. Establish this Constitution.

Nevada 1864, Preamble. We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom establish this Constitution ...

New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V. Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.

New Jersey 1844, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.

New Mexico 1911, Preamble. We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty

New York 1846, Preamble. We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.

North Carolina 1868, Preamble. We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those

North Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...

Ohio 1852, Preamble. We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common

Oklahoma 1907, Preamble. Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty ... establish this ..

Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I. Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences..

Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble. We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance

Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing

South Carolina, 1778, Preamble. We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.

South Dakota 1889, Preamble. We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties .

Tennessee 1796, Art. XI.III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...

Texas 1845, Preamble. We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.

Utah 1896, Preamble. Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.

Vermont 1777, Preamble. Whereas all government ought to .enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..

Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator .can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other .

Washington 1889, Preamble. We the People of the State of Washington , grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution

West Virginia 1872, Preamble. Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virgini a reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ...

Wisconsin 1848, Preamble. We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility

Wyoming 1890, Preamble. We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties .. establish this Constitution.

After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong!

"Those people who will not be governed by God will be ruled by tyrants." - William Penn

I listened to "Manager of his Home" by Steven Maxwell today. It was a audio seminar for helping your wife succeed as she manages the home. The seminar was for men only.

I will have to say, as I listened to the cd's it really hit hard on me. The cd's were not easy listening. I do not mean the quality, rather the message itself. It points out the father/husband is the primary responsible person of the family and household. It's easy to say the father/husband is the man of the house. The idea may seem pleasant enough, but the accountable responsibility (once understood) is something else.

I have to say, listening to this guy talking, I felt convicted. The discussion ranged from the father/husband being the leader. This covers everything from financial, spiritual, and your looked upon not only by your kids but by your wife as to where the family is heading.

One statement stuck in my mind. If your wife comes up to you and ask you specifically, 'where do you think God wants this family to do/be and what are you doing about it?' That's a really heavy question if you think about it. Most guys, myself included, simply go day to day, not really thinking of a project plan for the family. This question is also a very valid one. Think of working in a office and a issue or project is requested. Your asked by your manager 'whats the plan to address this'? Just as your manager or peer has the right to question this, so does the wife and family.

Fortunately, this particular question has not been asked of me. However, even though the question is not verbally asked, does not mean it should be addressed.

I took a couple of benadryls to help me rest tonight and they are taking their toll.

I wanted to blog on this, because after hearing this message, it really started me questioning, what in the hell am I doing to ensure all the needs of my family?
I suggest every dad and/or husband to listen to this, if possible. It really puts things in perspective and for me it was a conviction for me to do something about it.

Truth is indeed a hard pill to swallow.

An important announcement from our friends at Voice of the Martyrs
Pastor Beaten By Radicals While Police Watch

While distributing Christian literature, Pastor M. Aharon, was mercilessly assaulted by a group of militant Hindus. He was assaulted for converting Hindus and Muslims to Christianity. His face was covered with blood from heavy blows to his mouth and nose. He survived the brutal attack at the hands of Hindu radicals in the town of Nizamabad, Andhra Pradesh, located about 300 miles east of Bombay in central India.

During this violent incident, a mob of over 100 Hindu radicals cheered and yelled in support of the attack on Pastor Aharon, inciting the rest of the crowd to turn against him. Police stood by as the extensive attack was being carried out, and the constables even prevented the pastor from escaping. Only after Aharon could barely hold himself up did police begin to escort him from the tumultuous scene. They carried out their attack plan as a secret mission to keep other pastors from spreading the gospel in India.

Pastor Aharon, who has led 700 Hindus and Muslims to Christ and has established 12 churches in this community, has outraged radical Hindus and Muslims. When a VOM contact asked Pastor Aharon what was going through his mind during the attack, he said, "I remembered Christ and many others persecuted for their faith in the last twenty centuries."

Please take this opportunity to request your free subscription to The Voice of the Martyrs monthly newsletter. You will read some of the most courageous stories and find practical ways you can get involved.

Voice of the Martyrs definitely puts out good material concerning persecution.
You can sign up for their free monthly here

As the 4th of July draws near, most of us are in preparation of celebrating our freedom and America's birthday. Unfortunately there are many countries that does not support or allow those same freedoms.

I am totally utilizing my Fathers/Birthday gift.

I was given a HP dvd840e Super Multi DVD Writer. I found this article that gives a really good review on the writer.

I have accumulated alot of information over the years. I usually pull pdf files, articles, freeware programs, ect. of interest. I was also converting my cda's to mp3 files in order to play them in our Van's mp3 player. It also helps out on our long drives to have one cdr containing many songs instead of a book of cd's.

Anyway, I was finally able to get the writer setup and figured out this week. The plug and play, just didn't want to work for some reason. Since then, I have been piling my data cdr's onto the home PC, remove the duplications and burn it all on the dvdr. I literally was able to toss two handfulls (I have big hands((smile)) of cdr's. I converted them down to 3-4 dvdr's. Yes, I had 4.5 gigs of freeware programs. I had nearly 4 gigs of religion info containing programs, mp3's, online videos, pdf's ect. I was able to install the writer on my work PC and back up all my work files. It was absolutely great! Totally being utilized and totally enjoying it.

I haven't posted awhile, so here it goes. I had a conversation yesterday that basically got under my skin. I will not go into detail, but let you know why I became irratated.

Essentially, the conversation started out fine. It was more of a discussion of where each stood in a specific subject in addition the topic was about acquiring information from a specific source. Frankly, I stated, I am the type of individual that likes to ask detail questions. However, when I ask specific questions to this source, I do not receive specific answers. This tells me one of two things. It is either a) they do not know the answer or b) they are hiding something. I conveyed to the person on the other end of the phone yesterday, I realize it may appear I am picking this source. However, after time, I feel it is one of the two above options, they dont know or is hiding something. I also tried to convey to this individual the "I don't know but let me get back to you on that" answer is not a bad answer. I personally learned the hardway, you can only BS so long.

Anyway, I was trying to convey this to her yesterday. I was also trying to convey the fact, "the more information we have, the better decision we can make." I get frustrated when it becomes 'a pulling of the teeth' to get valuable information in order for us to make a sound decision. In my line of work, the devil is found in the details. So what is her reply on how she evaluates and decides?

She knows she isn't book smart but has a lot of common sense. (her own words) So she just prays and puts it to God. She then goes into detail on her belief and faith that everything will be ok and work out.

OK. Now you have the synopsis, hear my aggravation point.

I belive in God. I believe that God will provide his beievers with any means necessary. I personally have had this experience more in my life than I deserve. However, I do not believe to throw my arms up in the air and wait on God. I get very frustrated with those who say they pray and wait on God to do everything for them. These are the ones that ask God for something, when that thing may be there all along for them. Now I will tell you why I believe this.

It was pointed out to me, a passage in the bible (since this is the source of our knowledge on God) where the disciples attempted to go to Asia, but God did not allow them to do so. In the book of Acts, the disciples was spreading the truth. They attempted to go out and inform everyone of this truth. They were doing something. This simple fact may be little, but I found it to be profound. The fact is the disciples were doing something. They were not expecting God to do it for them, rather they were having to be with-held from certain places.

In addtion, what does the bible say regarding anything you need or want?

Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.

These are all action items. We seek. We knock. We ask. It has come to my belief and philosophy, we humans should attempt to do all we can do. When that achievement cannot be done, that is when God steps in and does it. Take a look at the history of the Bible. God normally does the impossible to show us He is God. In many examples, this feat is done after the people fail.

So, yes, I believe that God will provide and take care of us. But, come on, do your part first.

I continue to grow amazed of the information I find regarding the Civil War. I, probably like most, didn't realize the amount of foundation of this country that was laid out during the Civil War.

There was a lot of controversy in the last couple of Presidential elections regarding dodging the draft for war. The media and many other outlets attempted to define draft dodgers as un-Patriotic or undeserving to run such an office.

During the Civil War a draft was also in place to pull candidates into the frey. However, a stipulation was put in place.

The Enrollment Act of 1863 was created to conscript men into the Army. The conscript demanded a quota of enrollments for each state. The quota was based on the population, ect. If that quota was not met, a draft by the War Dept. was put in place for that state.

The North had a $300 exemption in the conscript. If a person could drum up this 300 dollars, they would be exempt for war. A substitute would go in his place.

There are some noted draft dodgers that chose their beginning enterprises, rather than the war. Among those were, a 23 year old John D. Rockerfeller, financier Junius Spencer Morgan, and 27 year old Andrew Carneige.

Do you recall the founders of the now companies?

The 23 year old John D. Rockerfeller started the oil buisiness as a side job, which turned out to be his main job.

The financier Junius Spencer Morgan took advantage of the Civil War by investing in gold. Later creating the J.P. Morgan & Co.

The 27 year old Andrew Carnegie was working as a superintendent of the Pennsylvania Railroad's Western Division. In my opinion more patriotic than the other two, Carneige had invested in shares of stock, Adams Express Company. The first dividend gave him a desire to investing. He made a investment in the Columbia Oil Company for ten thousand dollars. It returned 1.25 million. Not to be drafted, he paid the fee to be substituted. He later became the richest man in the world.

These are just 3 men who chose wealth over war.

A:

Philosopher of science Dr. Michael Ruse has said, "evolution, akin to religion, involves making certain a priori or metaphysical assumptions, which at some level cannot be proven empirically." In fact, evolution underpins the religion of humanism. The people who composed the Humanist Manifesto, which claims that humanism is "a philosophical, religious, and moral point of view," built their entire way of thinking on the basis of evolution.

In other words, evolution would be their worldview.

Julian Huxley and his humanist friends were very clear in claiming that the evolutionary story was the foundation for their new humanist theology. They knew that the long evolutionary past of millions of years, if accepted by society, would remove the Judeo-Christian God from the culture. In place of God would be the "time and chance" of evolution!

No-one currently alive was there during the beginning. Irregardless of the facts, one's faith has a part of their way of thinking.

Sadly, though, when taken to a logical conclusion, if there is no God, people are free of divinely sanctioned laws and codes. In other words, they can do what is right in their own eyes … and justify the selfish desires of their hearts, just as the Bible describes in Proverbs 30 and Romans 1.

Note this is the same theology of liberlism and all other pagan religions, including secular, evolutionist.

These humanists understood that evolution was really an anti-God religion, and they said so in their Manifesto.

Evolutionary scientists don't want to admit that they are also very religious people, who put a blind faith in time and chance, instead of a real faith in a loving and infinite God.

The writer simply reiterates seculur humanists realizes it's simply a different faith based religion or worldview. As with any form of religion, that religion wishes everyone else to accept their means of thinking.

Religion can be defined as such.

re·li·gion (rĭ-lĭj'ən)
n.

Belief in and reverence for a supernatural power or powers regarded as creator and governor of the universe.

A personal or institutionalized system grounded in such belief and worship.

The life or condition of a person in a religious order.

A set of beliefs, values, and practices based on the teachings of a spiritual leader.

A cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion.

Note regarding evolutionist or secular liberals, the second and fourth definition above still applies to their belief system.

A couple of quotes to consider.

"A religion is essentially an attitude to the world as a whole. Thus evolution, for example, may prove as powerful a principle to coordinate men's beliefs and hopes as God was in the past. Such ideas underlie the various forms of Rationalism, the Ethical movement and scientific Humanism.

"Humanism: An outlook that places man and his concerns at the centre of interest. Modern Humanism, which does away with traditional Christianity, is characterised by its faith in the power of human beings to create their own future, collectively and personally."

There is a thought process out there. The idea the Civil War was fought over for slavery. You then have 'experts' make the remark "yes and no". So what was the Civil War fought over and why is there an ideology it was fought to end slavery?

After reading a few books regarding the Civi War, it currently is my thought, slavery only came into the Civil War after the Union was losing the war.

Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated into office February 23,1861. The Civil War officially began in April when the Confederates attacked Fort Sumter.

Nearly two years later Lincoln finds his Union army losing to the Confederate Army. Morale is down. He is being attacked on both sides of the party, politically. Lincoln's sole purpose is to maintain the Union.

"It was an inescapble fact that slaves constituted more than half teh Confederacy's workforce." (source 1863 The rebirth of a Nation)

Lincoln knew he had to do something drastic. He created The Emancipation Proclamation. He was unsure how it would be accepted. It turned out to be mixed. Once he produced this document and changed the meaning for the Union to fight the Civil War, it changed everything.

I could go into more detail, but my point here is simple. The Civil War was not based on Slavery. Only after the Union was losing the battle, and it appeared England was becoming sympathetic to the South. Once the Emancipation came out, the rally for the Union changed by giving them something more to fight for.

Can I say, I am thankfull for Friday? Man it's been a busy week. I was able to get some projects done this week. In addition the yard is done as of 1 hour ago. I had planned to do that Saturday. However, it seems we have company coming over tomorrow for lunch, so I had to get it done, now.

Work was a stresser. Home was a stresser. I am glad it's Friday.

I will be having to go to PA next week. I fly out Sunday and return the following Saturday. I will literally be gone on my birthday. It will be fun to make up for it when I get back home.

I am looking to get a part time job. Yes, we are extremely busy. I have been listening to Dave Ramsey on the radio for some time and just now found his book. I haven't had a chance to read it. But I am sure the theme will be more money coming in and less going out.

I rented Firewall to watch tonight. I am looking forward to it.

The good thing about this week? They got Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi. Fan-xing-tasic.

I was finally able to watch the High School Musical dvd with the kids.

I found it strikingly similiar to the original Grease back in my day. Yes, some things definitely differ, but the overall theme, and storyline seemed very similiar.

A couple of things I noticed that are the same in each movie.

A new girl comes into the school system.
The boy everyone looks to for leadership wants to change his profile.
Once the leader changes, everyone seems to change.
There is a girl that is 'mean spirited'.
The new girl is shy but comes out of her shell during the movie.


How they changed the plot, a little.

Rather than the emphasizes on individuals, per say, High School Musical has the whole group (or student body) changing their individual profiles. The movie has each student wishing to come out of their quoted profile and expand out of their 'thought to be' elements. In this respect, I see High School Musical conveying to the audience, 'we are all the same' and we as individuals need to show ourselves as, not only individuals with different interest and talents, but also as a whole. This is different with Grease, as Grease storyline revolved around 2 main characters.

Overall, the movie was very cute with a decent message. High School Musical already shows to be a phenomenal success.

I am nearly done reading The Davinci Code. I had started it on my vacation and trying to finish it before this weekend. Kel's aunt wishes to read it as well.

I have to say first, Dan Brown's writing is easy read. The storyline moves well and it keeps you interested. There are ever changing moves in the plot. I am enjoying reading it.

So, why the big controversy over this book? It is as one talk show host stated, "insecurity" for the christian faith? Personally, I don't think so. Insecurity is founded on ones belief structure being damaged or where the person is unsure of his or her own faith. I don't think it's a matter of insecurity for the rise against the book.

Throughout the book, it has continued deep overtones for feminity. Truly, the book has been created for a feminist or more for the female audience. There are two primary characters in the book. Each learn from each other as they continue to dodge danger after danger in chases, ect.

I think the biggest issue of the book is the books education aspect. By that I mean 'what the book is really saying or educating the audience with'. With respect, everyone knows it's fiction. Or at least I hope they do. However, over 70% of Americans chooses not to read a non-fiction book once they leave highschool. Think about that. Over half the population of America acquire their knowledge by magazines, tv, or some other means other than research in non-fiction. This is why some groups point out the 'tv shows' or 'magazine articles' ect. as indoctrination. Sadly, many Americans are lazy upon knowledge.

I would suggest the book as a good read, knowing its fiction. I would also suggest some other sources as well. The book "Cracking the Davinci Code" is a good read. The documentary "The Real Davinci Code" is also a good find.

So all in all, a good read. But just leave it as that.

As far as the movie goes, I heard one critic stating the following.
"It will be enjoyable for the readers. For the non-readers of the book, they will be lost." She was a bit dissapointed due to the movie not moving along as well as the book.