CHANGE is a joke on the Democratic Party

Obama campaigned on a CHANGE ticket, but we got the first inkling that he was not really dedicated to CHANGE when he chose Washington insider, Joe Biden (aka 'Loose Change'), as his vice presidential candidate.

Now that he is our President-Elect, Obama is assembling a Cabinet that is a duplicate of the Clinton Administration. Heck, he's even embraced Hillary Clinton for Secretary of State! That is going to be an interesting juxtaposition as she is mightily power hungry. Obama is not giving any concessions to those who campaigned so hard for CHANGE.

The names he has chosen for his cabinet so far are surprisingly stale, as these people have failed in various moral and legal ways in the recent past.

Hillary Clinton has her own very visible skeletons and heavy baggage with Whitewater and a litany of dodgy choices.

Tom Daschle's represents humiliating defeat in his own state because of his failure to connect with his own party and people while Senate Majority Leader.

The possible choice of Bill Richardson, who leads the worst education system in the nation - better than only Puerto Rico in most areas of government service - speaks for itself.

Eric Holder, who oversaw the egregious Clinton pardons (Need I say more?) begs the question of his values.

Rahm Emmanuel, Chief of Staff and Democratic hatchet man who sends dead fish to people who disagree with him, does not represent positive change. He's a bully.

YEAH, THAT'S THE CHANGE WE NEED!!!!

Can we destroy the Democratic Party Dream by making the same mistakes over and over? "YES, WE CAN!!"

Don't take me wrong! We have dear friends in the Democratic Party. We want to have compassion on the poor, and we believe in stewardship of the environment and alternative energy sources. We believe in 'green' jobs. We believe that working people should not have to pay $500 - 1000 per month for medical insurance - of which probably half of that is lawyer fees. We don't understand why India can sell fuel cell vehicles for $5000 (here is more information of the REVA )when the Chevy Volt base price is going to be $40,000. We don't believe that American Car companies can do much right, and they should be run by the government until responsible leadership can take over - not by those inflated childish fat cats in their Lear Jets coming to Washington to beg for money so they can produce more cars we don't need and can't afford, like the Hummer, the Escalade, the ugly Ford Flex, and the hideous crossovers as well as other SUV types.

But will Obama's 'Back to the Future" cabinet bring about CHANGE? I doubt it and the joke is on the Democrats who elected him.

Explain something to me, please!

Barack Obama, our President-Elect, campaigned on a "CHANGE" ticket.

Why in heaven's name is Obama choosing second tier Clinton personnel for his cabinet?
Why did he choose Hillary, herself, for Secretary of State? (Kind of a direct opposite of Condi Rice)

Democrats, I don't call this change. I call it more of the same old stuff.

Was this your plan?

Really?

?

Second Century Prayers

Intercession

May God the Father, and the Eternal High Priest Jesus Christ, build us up in faith and truth and love, and grant to us our portion among the saints with all those who believe on our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray for all saints, for kings and rulers, for the enemies of the Cross of Christ, and for ourselves we pray that our fruit may abound and we may be made perfect in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN.

-Polycarp

A Dying Prayer of Polycarp, the Martyr

O Father of Your well-beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have known You; O God of the angels and powers and of every living creature, and of all sorts of just men which live in Your presence, I thank You that You have graciously granted this day and this hour to allot me a portion among the numbers of martyrs, among the people of Christ unto the resurrection of the everlasting life, both of body and soul, in the incorruption of the Holy Spirit; among whom I shall be received in Your sight this day, as a fruitful and acceptable sacrifice, as You have heretofore prepared, often revealed and now fulfilled, most faithful God who can not lie. Wherefore for all things, I praise You, I bless You, I glorify You, through the everlasting High Priest, Jesus Christ, Your well-beloved Son, to whom with You and the Holy Spirit, be all glory, world without end. AMEN.

-The Martyrdom of Polycarp

A Prayer for the Privilege of Martyrdom

Ask for me this only in your prayers, that strength may be given me of the Lord that I may not be called but proved to be a Christian. Then shall I be seen to be faithful when the world no longer sees me. for nothing that appears is eternal. For the things which are perceived are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. I write to the Churches and garge you all that willingly I die for Christ, if you prevent me not. I ask of you that your love for me be not untimely; allow me to be devoured of wild beasts, through whom I may attain unto God. I am the grain of God ground between the teeth of wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of Christ. Then indeed shall I be the true disciple of Christ when the world shall no longer behold my body. Beseech Christ on my behalf that through these means I may be found a perfect sacrifice. Not as Peter and Paul do I command you. They were apostles, I am the least of them: they were free, but I am a slave even unto this day, but, if you wish, I shall be the freedman of Jesus Christ, and in Him I shall rise again and be free. AMEN

-Ignatius

I am Joe

I am everyman.

I wonder what the future will hold.

I wonder if I'll be penalized for being successful.

I wonder if I should start that business that employs 10 - 100 people.

I wonder if an Obama administration will cause me to lose my profitablity.

I wonder if I will have to pay by taxes to provide for those who choose to not work.

I wonder if our great nation is going to turn Socialist.

I wonder if Obama will compromise our national defense.

I wonder about a Democratic supermajority including a Congress that has the lowest national approval rating in history.

I am Joe.

Explaining Taxes with Beer

I received this as an e-mail from a good friend of mine. It was written by David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of Economics University of Georgia.

This is from a Professor at UGA. So naturally, it compares drinking to what we pay in taxes. It’s a good lesson on our tax system though.
===================================================================================

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for a beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.


If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something
like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

The fifth would pay $1.

The sixth would pay $3.

The seventh would pay $7.

The eighth would pay $12.

The ninth would pay $18.

The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.



So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day
and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them
a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm
going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. 'Drinks for the ten now
cost just $80.The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes
so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But
what about the other six men – the paying customers?


How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair
share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they
subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man
would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that
it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and
he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.



And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).

The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).

The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).

The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).

The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).

The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).


Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.


'I only got a dollar out of the $20,' declared the sixth man.

He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10! ''Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man.


'I only saved a dollar, too.. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!


''That's true!!' shouted the seventh man.


'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two?


The wealthy get all the breaks!


''Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison.
'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!


'The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up. The next night the
tenth man (the richest) didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and
had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered
something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for
even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax
system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a
tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just
may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the
atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.



For those who understand, no explanation is needed.

For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.


David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.Professor of Economics University of Georgia

I'm not thinking about the Economy!

Those in the Obama camp think all the electorate is thinking about is the economy.

I'm not.

I'm thinking about Obama being weak on national defense. So much so that we may possibly lose a city because our enemies being emboldened. Maybe El Paso because it has a large strategic military base, and the border is so near and very open. Fort Huachuca is also near the border and is of strategic importance.

I'm thinking about an Obama tax plan that cripples small business. the backbone of the US Economy.

I'm thinking about Obama's rich and obvious heritage of Marxist/Socialist philosophy.

I'm thinking about Obama's dubious connections. The ones he used to get ahead and then cast aside when they were not useful any more - Jeremiah Wright, Tony Rezko, William Ayers. ACORN....etc.

I'm thinking about an Obama health care plan that continues to pay for illegals and conscious slackers.

I'm thinking about an Obama that openly supported his Communist cousin Odingo, whose followers burned Christians alive in a church.

I'm thinking about the sharp left turn the United States will make with a Far Left Democratic Triumverate in the Presidency, the House with Pelosi at the helm and the Senate with Reid reigning proudly. The Supreme Court won't be far behind as Obama will push through far left liberal justices and there won't be a damn thing we can do about it.

I'm NOT thinking about the Economy. I'm thinking about the Future of America.

Obama's Friends

This list is by a person called "swamp" whom I found on the AOL Poll.

Obama and 'friends'

Rev Wright
Tony Rezko
Michelle Obama
Louis Farrakhan
William Ayres
Bernadine Dorhn
Rashid Khalidi
Nadhmi Auchi
Khalid Al Monsour
Frank Marshall Davis
Saul Alinsky
Father Pfleger
Kwame Kilpatrick
Rev Meeks
George Soros
Raila Odingo
Abongo Obama
Black Panthers
Ludacris
Franklin Raines
Jim Johnson
Ahmad Yousuf (Hamas)
Fidel, Raul Castro
Hugo Chavez
Daniel Ortega
Mu'ammar Qadhai
Kim Jong Il

Change we can 'bereave' in

What Obama Sez!

OBAMA CAUGHT SAYING ACORN AND FRIENDS WILL SHAPE HIS PRESIDENTIAL AGENDA

Hat tip to my Lizardly friend 'abolitionist'


Here's another must read article about Obama and ACORN. Obama's more involved with ACORN than he likes to admit!

Why McCain is failing in the polls

This article is the opinion of Mr. Radiant Times.

This election cycle we have two democrats running for President: McCain and Obama. One is a Maverick who means well but has no plan, and the other has a plan which is openly Anti-American. It is time for Conservatives to stay out of this election and as Jesus said, "Render unto Ceasar that which is Ceasar's". I say let the democrats and RINO Rebuplicans (intimate allies of the democrats) choose which democrat they want to win. Real Americans and the Conservative movement have already lost this election.

Not everyone forgets McCain's treacherous statements. Not everyone forgets that he was the leader and organizer of the Gang of Fourteen. Not everyone forgets the bad language and the open hatred of Christians. Not everyone forgets his openly mocking the sitting President. There is no excuse for McCain being the Republican nominee. He's lying about being a conservative and only a morally shipwrecked soul like John McCain could turn his personal treachery into a virtue which he calls being a Maverick. I cannot vote for John McCain under any circumstances. He is sneaky and reminds me so much of Richard M. Nixon. Remember President Nixon was a man who started out doing good then under the pressure of being President turned into a imperialistic liar.

I'd like to finish with this one thought:

McCain is behind Obama about 3 - 4 points in the polls in reality, and I predict that he will lose. If he had made a greater attempt to reach out to conservative than to reach across the aisle, he could have had the respect and the trust of the Republican base. There is a real danger that if John McCain should win and take the blame for this depression that we are sliding into - and he will - that the conservative movement which has been completely marginialized this election season will never have a chance to put a good man or woman in that office again. That is a change we cannot live with.

Obama will win, and, of course, he will do none of the things he has promised. He will have the most morally corrupt and perverted and liberty opposing cabinet this country has ever seen. Think Joselyn Elders times ten. But when people are hungry, jobless, taxed to the hilt and out on the streets, let an Obama administration take the blame for the coming depression - not the Republican party I used to know before it nominated McCain to be the presidential candidate.

New Lizard Pictures

It's been too long! Here are some more pictures of Feisty and Roughy!

Roughy is showing his dominance over Mr. Radiant Times.

Where did it go?

Change Candidates

Spare Change and Loose Change

Spare Change because he was who the Democrats had left over after the uber-primary season. Spare in that he doesn't really have any real "change" for us - just warmed over socialism. He can give a prepared speech like no other but has no experience. He does not have any special skills or magical powers. Spare in his ability to keep America safe. Spare in his military experience. Spare in his economic plan because he keeps using the failed plans and words of the past, as well as crooked economic advisors. Obama is Jimmy Carter "Lite". Our enemies know it, too. No wonder they root for him!

Loose Change because he can become unhinged.

We'll see it in the debate with Palin...
his eyes will start to twitch and he'll say something outrageous. Joe Biden is "change"? He's been witnessed making things up, being rude to members of his own party. (which he actually has in common with McCain) His childish prattle causes even young senators to fall asleep in meetings. Biden's been called by other Democrats a "Loose Cannon" - Hence the concept "loose change." It's change you get, but not the type you want. Think Monty Python.

Obama blew it.

Hillary would have had a lot more class!
She would have been a better VP. Even Biden admits that!

Separated at Birth???

Senator Joe Biden and Jesse Duplantis



Is it the fact that they just have very similar biological features or is there some truth in the folk wisdom that physical appearances are merely manifestations of the soul.

If you are seen as accustomed to trying to bilk people out of their money for your own personal gain, and you are commonly known as a "confidence man", is that the kind of change we need from a VP candidate?

Got Crickets?

Obama Bus in November

Pelosi still not saving the planet!

Today, August 1, 2008, Pelosi and the Democrats turned off the lights and microphones and adjourned the House while the Republicans were still debating the drilling issue. Please view the Video update.

Rep. John Culberson reports on the debate on the need for an energy plan, which the Democrats ignore. All they want is a vote, but Pelosi must know that most Democrats would agree to drilling.

UPDATE: Rep. Culberson is using Twitter to keep the world informed about the historic debate.

Important Insight about Obama

SAY WHAT YOU REALLY MEAN!: Why I cannot drink the Obama Koolaid.


The most important part of this article is the comment about Obama's refusal to repudiate the title "Messiah". Does he really believe he is the 'savior'? That would be arrogance to the point of being evil.

Pelosi not out to save the Planet - Updated

Pelosi's adamant refusal to bring the issue of drilling for oil on the continental shelf to a vote is not so much about saving the planet as it is about saving Democratic backsides.

UPDATE: Today, August 1, 2008, Pelosi and the Democrats turned off the lights and microphones and adjourned the House while the Republicans were still debating the drilling issue. Please view the Video update.

If Democrats don't have to publicly vote for or against increasing American oil production, the "great unwashed populus" of the United States does not need to know where they stand. If the masses don't know for sure that Democrats would rather the United States remain dependent on other countries for oil (much the same way they want the American people dependent on a 'nanny' government for basic needs), then they will not do any damage to the great Obama's (bow down, unworthy ones!) chances for winning the Presidency - not just of the US but of the WORLD!

Pelosi would rather our country lurch leftward and toward second world status in the name of "saving the environment" with a socialist/Marxist leaning President than for our country to regain and maintain greatness and strength among the nations.

First Century Prayers

For All Kings and Rulers

Grant unto all Kings and Rulers, O Lord, health, peace, concord, and stability, that they may administer the government which You have given them without failure. For You, O heavenly Master, King of the Ages, gives to the sons of men glory and honor, and power over all things that are upon the earth. Do, Lord, direct their counsel according to that which is good and well pleasing in Your sight, that administering in peace and gentleness, with godliness, the power which You have given them, they may obtain Your favor. O You Who alone are able to do these things, and things far more exceeding good than these, for us, we praise You, through the High Priest and Guardian of our souls, Jesus Christ; through Whom be the glory and the majesty, unto You, both now and for all generations, and forever and ever. AMEN.

-- Clement of Rome


A Morning Prayer

O God, Who are the unsearchable abyss of peace, the ineffable sea of love, the fountain of blessings, and the bestower of affection, Who sends peace to those that receive it; open to us this day the sea of Your love, and water us with the plenteous streams from the riches of Your grace. Make us children of quietness, and heirs of peace. Kindle in us the fire of Your love; sow in us Your fear; strengthen our weakness by Your power; bind us closely to You and to each other in one firm bond of unity; for the sakd of Jesus Christ. AMEN.

--Syrian Clementine Liturgy

For Rulers and Governors

To our rulers and governors on the earth - to them You, Lord, gave the power of the kingdom by Your glorious and ineffable might, to the end that we may know the glory and honor given to them by You and be subject to them, in nought resisting Your will; to them, Lord, give health, peace, concord, stability, that they may exercise the authority given to them without offense. For You, O heavenly Lord and King eternal, gives to the sons of men glory and honor and power over the things that are on the earth; may You, Lord, direct their counsel according to that which is good and well-pleasing in Your sight, that, devoutly in peace and meekness exercising the power given them by You, they may find You propitious, O You, who only has power to do these things and more abundant good with us, we paraise You through the High Priest and Guardian of our souls Jesus Christ, through who m be glory and majesty to You both now and from generation to generation and forevermore. AMEN.

- Clement of Rome


For Blessings

May God, who sees all things, and who is the Ruler of all spirits and the Lord of all flesh - who chose our Lord Jesus Christ and us through Him to be a peculiar people - grant to every soul that calls upon His glorious and holy Name, faith, peace, patience, long-suffering, self-control, purity, and sobriety, to the well-pleasing of His Name, through our High Priest and Protector, Jesus Christ, by whom be to Him glory, and majesty, and power, and honor, both now and forevermore. AMEN.

- Clement of Rome

For Forgiveness

You did make to appear the enduring fabric of the world by the works of Your hand; You, Lord, did create the earth on which we dwell, - You, who are faithful in all generations, just in judgments, wonderful in strength and majesty, with wisdom creating and with understanding fixing the things which were made, who are good among them that are being saved and faithful among them whose trust is in You; O merciful and Compassionate One, forgive us our iniquities and offenses and transgressions and trespasses. Reckon not every sin of Your servants and handmaids, but You will purify us with the purification of Your truth; and direct our steps that we may walk in holiness of heart and do what is good and well-pleasing in Your sight and in the sight of our rulers. Yes, Lord, make Your face to shine upon us for good in peace, that we may be shielded by Your mighty hand and delivered from every sin by Your uplifted arm. and deliver us from those who hate us wrongfully. Give concord and peace to us and all who dewll upon the earth, even as You gave to our fathers, when they called upon You in faith and truth, submissive as we are to Your almighty and all-excellent Name. AMEN

- Clement of Rome


Prayer Before Partaking of the Holy Sacrament

O God, who are great, great in name and counsel, powerful in Your works, the God and Father of Your Holy Son Jesus, our Savior, look upon us, Your flock, which You have chosen through Him to the glory of Your Name; Sanctify us in body and soul, and grant that we, being purified from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, may partake of the mystic blessings now going before You, and Judge none of us unworthy of the, but be our Supporter, our Helper, and Defender, through Your Christ, with whom glory, honor, laud, praise, thanksgiving be to You and the Holy Spirit forever. AMEN

- The Clementine Liturgy


A Pure Heart

O God Almighty, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, give me a body unstained, a pure heart, a watchful mind, and an upright understanding, and the presence of Your Holy Spirit, that I may obtain and ever hold fast to an unshaken faith in Your Truth, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; through whom be glory to You in the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. AMEN.

- The Clementine Liturgy

For Joy and Gladness

Blessed are You, O Lord, who has nourished me from my youth up, who gives food to all flesh. Fill our hearts with joy and gladness. that we, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work in Christ Jesus our Lord, through whom to You be glory, honor, might, majesty, and dominion, forever and ever. AMEN.

- The Clementine Liturgy


Please leave a comment if these prayers have been helpful.

Radiant Times

This sums it up nicely!

This says it all, doesn't it!

Who Does He Think He Is???? President???

I'm not impressed by Obama campaigning in Berlin. It's not like he's running to lead the European Union. Obama is so presumptuous in this 'World Tour', as if he were some kind of Rock Star - oh wait! That's what he's been called before. Obama is campaigning among the leaders of our allies instead of among the American People. I guess he thinks he has the election wrapped up.

Not with me, for sure! And I'm no McCain fan.

By the way - Tiergarten means Zoo.

New Testament Prayers

The Prayer of Simeon

Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel.

Luke 2:29 - 32 NIV

The Magnificat

And Mary said,
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled th hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.

Luke 1:46 - 55 NIV


Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.
My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.

Matthew 26: 39,42 NIV

Jesus' High Priestly Prayer

Father, the time has come. Glorify your son, that your Son may glorify you. For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him. Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ , whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours: you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

John 17: 1a - 8 NIV

Prayers of the Early Church

I discovered a little book owned by my dear husband, Mr. Radiant Times, called Prayers of the Early Church which was originally complied and edited by J. Manning Potts and published in 1953. In subsequent posts, I will edit (updating antiquated language) and publish selected prayers here for the benefit of my readers.


New Testament Prayers
First Century Prayers
Second Century Prayers
Third Century Prayers
Fourth Century Prayers
Fifth Century Prayers

Please leave a comment if you find this site helpful. Thanks.

Radiant Times

What a Race!

I cannot say our nominating system has been successful when I see the two presidential front runners campaign nowadays. If the best we can do is John McCain and Barack Obama for this election cycle, we will just have to grin and bear it for the next four years of bad leadership.

Obama is the furthest left of any Democratic member of the Senate and John McCain has reached far enough across the aisle to be vetted as a Democratic VP Candidate. So, both candidates are so far from their base that many Democrats are considering McCain and our undereducated product of government schools believes Obama is the greatest thing since Meerkat Manor and will vote for him in droves.

McCain is still not convincing his base that he's the right one for President, and many disillusioned conservative voters will either hold their nose to vote for him (and have a stiff drink afterwards) or simply abstain from voting for president this year. (My dear husband, Mr. Radiant Times, who thinks McCain is Nixonian and may plunge us into more war than we can handle, is in this category.)

Their major difference is on the handling of the war in Iraq and the War on Terror. Obama does not have his act together on this one. His waverability of positions is painful and obvious enough that it provides McCain easy cannon fodder for attack ads. Obama makes his lack of historical knowledge clear in the many recorded gaffes in his speeches. It's to the point that people expect Obama to say something wrong and historically or geographically incorrect.

McCain says the right things, but has a history of doing that and then turning on his party. Some say he is treacherous, and still needs to win the trust of his base. He's lucky to to have the PUMA Democrats leaning toward him.

We still have no clear direction on VP candidates. The right candidate is VERY important for McCain, whose advanced age IS an issue. McCain will essentially be choosing the next president. Obama is still a young buck, so the VP role in his campaign is not as important.

Both bases are disenfranchise and we have the worst slate of candidates for president that I have seen in my lifetime. The latest JibJab flash video is painfully true. God have mercy on America!

Just a Thought

The cover of the New Yorker is all the rage today, with it's supposedly satirical portrayal of Barak and Michelle Obama. Everyone's talking about it.




I had a different thought flowing through my active mind instead. Obama was raised as a Muslim. Not necessarily a radical Muslim, but enough to have an impact on his life. That's a fact and not a big deal. He also converted to Christianity around 1985, and started attending the church of the Notorious Rev. Jeremiah Wright, of "God D**m America" fame.

His conversion could be a problem for him as he tries to negotiate with Achmadinejad in Iran and with other Muslim leaders. Being a convert to Christianity, he is officially an apostate and the consequences of apostasy in Islam is death. Would he not be under threat of assassination if he attempts diplomatic negotiations in countries which are predominately Islamic??

Just a Thought!

Mr. Bill's - The Best Burgers in Town

As I was driving home from a rehearsal with a brilliant young singer, Karline Valentine, I heard an ad on the radio (AM 1450) for Mr. Bill’s on El Paseo in Las Cruces. It claimed that Mr. Bill’s had the best burgers in town. This is a possibly dubious claim since there are multitudes of burger places in town.

You can leave your skepticism at the door – Mr. Bill’s is the real deal. They really do have the best burgers in Las Cruces (and we are pretty picky!) The burgers are as good as the ones right off your grill and feature a thick tomato slice, iceberg lettuce, onions (grilled or ungrilled!) and a mayo house sauce. You can have your burger any way you like. The bun is delicious too!

They charge only $1.78 for their simple hamburger – and this small price for a real burger, not one of those stamped out military style burgers that are called ‘sliders’ in the Navy.

Besides a creative and delicious array of hamburgers, Mr. Bill’s also offers delicious seafood. We had the clams, which were not over breaded. The Chihuahua Dog amused me –it is a foot long all beef dog wrapped in a tortilla with green chili and cheese that is deep-fried!

Mr. Bill’s claims to be a “Hot Rod Café” and also adds to the ambiance of the place with a 50’s theme, the pictures of classic cars around the restaurant, the generous use of glass in the construction of the building, and the vintage seats and booths. One almost expects “The Fonz” from Happy Days to come around the corner to charm you and steal some fries from your basket.

Mr. Bill’s claims to be a meeting place for car buffs, and they offer half price burgers if you bring your classic cars on the right days. Yo! You Low Rider boys – Listen UP!

July 15 – 31, 2008 bring your 1960 car or truck for half price burgers.

August 1 – 15, 2008 bring any pre-1970 Harley Davidson for half price on your burgers!

Our only beef was with the fries, which were a bit soggy. They make them by hand from real potatoes – not the pre-fried, pre-frozen excuses of potatoes – and they just need to be a little bit larger. Everything else was FABULOUS!

Is the Methodist Church causing it's own downfall?

Is it a coincidence that the Methodist church has gone from one of America's largest denominations to one that is seriously declining?

Stay Posted! I'm on vacation in Virginia and will be back home this coming week!

Let's Drill Our Own!

There is oil available in the Rockies, offshore and in ANWAR in Alaska - plenty of oil to tide us over until we can make greater strides toward becoming energy independent. It can be accessed in a low impact way environmentally, and, best of all, it's OURS!

Unless we depend on ourselves for our energy needs, we are going to be dependent on foreign "oil ticks" who get rich off our need for their oil. You know who they are and they are not necessarily friendly to us! They are prospering at our cost.

What is keeping us from harvesting our energy bounty? Hate to be partisan, but it's the Democrats in Congress! They vote down every proposal to use our own energy resources? I'd like to know why. Does anyone have a real answer? Do they think blocking the development of our own oil fields is going to make us lean towards renewable sources of energy quicker? The average Joe already wants to convert to other forms of energy, but it's way too expensive at the moment. The change has to be gradual, but, while we are waiting let's get our own oil out of the ground and keep US monies in the US, for goodness sake!

With Friends Like These.........

Who needs enemies!

Wow! I'm not enamored with McCain, but if this guy is a typical representative of an Obama supporter, his campaign is in a LOT of trouble! I wonder whose koolaid he's been drinking.....there are so many moonbat fountains!




Thanks to Blogs for McCain for sharing that tidbit!

Garden Update

I've had some successes and failures in my little garden.

The sprouting red potatoes I planted did not do well at all. Nor did the Radishes, even though I planted them early enough and watered them regularly. Surprisingly, the onions did not take, and I think it is a soil issue rather than a heat and water issue. Green beans have sprouted and produced a few beans, but have not thrived despite having enriched soil.

Because I planted early and watered well, lettuce did well for me. My Zucchini plants are thriving and will probably bloom in the next week or so. It is no surprise that tomatoes are doing well. I planted Early Girl, Beefsteak, and Heatwave. All tomato plants except the beefsteak tomato plant have fruit on them. The Cherry Tomatoes are already turning red. My Big Jim pepper plants look great and are blossoming.

In my herb garden - the Basil did not reseed, and my Spearmint carried over from last year. It doesn't look great and I want to see if the extra feeding will help. The Rosemary bush is thriving, but the climate here in Las Cruces is friendly for Rosemary.

I'm going to plant some more beans, as I know they are heat tolerant, and hopefully, I'll have more success with them. Because of our long hot summers, I cannot plant a fall garden until the end of September.

I'd like to experiment with fruit trees and berries. Flower gardening is not my strong suit, but I hope to try them later.

Here's a good gardening site for Las Cruces Gardeners - Guzman's Garden Center

Not the Obama I Know

Is it time?

What a disappointment this primary season has been. The end result is going to be two main presidential candidates who both hold very liberal positions. Conservatives have essentially been shut out.

Is it time to consider a new political party? The Republican party, nationally, seems to prefer being "Democrats Lite" with a strong leftward shift on policy issues from federal spending to abortion. Conservative voters have been marginalized in the primary process, and many cannot and will not vote for McCain as a matter of conscience.

I've started looking into the American Conservative Party. If things don't change in the Republican party, perhaps a strong conservative coalition will bring balance to this out of balance political situation.

With Gratitude to our Troops

Thank you to all the men and women in the Armed Services and the United States Merchant Marines who support our troops. Our love and appreciation for you is undying.

In remembrance of our brave fallen soldiers, here is one of our favorite songs, Mansions of the Lord.





Here's another video of the same song:



God bless our Troops and God Bless America!

I am my own best customer!

Ugh! I check the site meter daily, and find that my IP address is the one that visits this site the most. I know why, too. I've been so involved with these last weeks of teaching that I've barely had the time or energy to contribute what Bill O'Reilly would call 'pithy' comments for general web consumption.

Oh Well! School will be out in less than Three Weeks! My students will perform this Friday, and after that we will try some musical games so I can see what will work and what will not. It ought to be fun. One class wants to revisit old songs. Another I think I will teach how to crochet. Maybe we will do a Plastic Canvas mobile of musical symbols to hang in the room with another class. Thankfully I have freedom to create plans as long as they stay within the guidelines of my standards and benchmarks.

Another MAHS Site

Here is another website for Alumni of Munich American High School. This site seems a little more active than the forum I posted, but the combination of web resources can keep you in touch with old friends.

I was happy to find some people I knew on the site, and may go to the reunion in Dallas next June 2009. Shocking! That will be my 30 year high school reunion!

For Chris: If you remember, I wanted to be an opera singer - that was my career goal at the time. Life got in the way and I did not sing any opera roles until the Spring of 07, where I sang the role of the mother in Hansel and Gretel with the Dona Ana Lyric Opera. I did reach my goal of becoming a professional musician, and have a Master's degree in Choral Conducting. Yes I did sing with George Morrison up to the spring semester of 79. Mr. Morrison and I had a falling out and I did work study teaching elementary music in the afternoons.

Ruth Seiler, formerly Ruth Mills

Munich American High School

I went to one of those Department of Defense schools that now belongs to the Germans since the US closed so many bases in the 80s and 90s.

Munich American High School is no longer an American School, but its alumni are scattered to the four winds. Fortunately, there are ways to seek and find old classmates. Today I found an old, but still functional Forum for Munich American High School students. I'm a member of the class of 1979, by the way!

Computer Repairs, Gardening and Much Needed Rest

This week was spent doing many things so very different from my usual routine. It was spring break in this part of the country, and I had a week off from teaching. It was also a week of limited access to the internet community - our primary computer was being repaired. I've missed blogging, but the blogging life is not the center of my existence either.

I spent a lot of time in my little organic garden. Vegetable growing is one of my hobbies. The southern New Mexico climate (zone 9) permits the planting of summer crops earlier than most region. My readers from the cooler climes will be surprised to know that my tomatoes and peppers are planted and thriving. (Early Girl, Beefsteak, Heatwave, California Wonder and Big Jim chile peppers!) Today, if all goes well, I'll be planting green beans, yellow summer squash and zucchini.

I planted my spring crops in January - several varieties of lettuce, spinach, radishes, peas, potatoes (red potatoes from the store that had sprouted) and turnips. We are harvesting the lettuce now. The radishes should start bulbing out soon. The peas are not blooming yet and the turnips look healthy. I forgot to mention my red onions. They did not get planted until about a week ago, but I could not find good onion sets until then. (I still have some yellow onion sets to plant today as well!)

My little herb garden contains rosemary, spearmint (good thing it's in a contained raised bed), basil and coriander.

As my garden is fairly small, I use a modified version of Square Foot Gardening to maximize yield. Vegetable prices are high nowadays, and whatever I can do to help keep our food costs down and provide healthy food for my family is a bonus!

The biggest expense of gardening in the desert southwest is the cost of water. I like to use a lot of mulch to retain moisture in the garden, and I spot water my plants and use a soaker hose to target watering. How I wish we had a grey water system to recycle laundry, sink and bath/shower water! Such a system is high on my wish list if we were to move from here.

Interested in organic gardening? My favorite resources are the "Mother Earth News" and "Organic Gardening" magazines. Yes, yes, I'm a political conservative who reads "Mother Earth News"! I believe in responsible stewardship of our natural resources, and have NEVER believed the "Progressives" and "Liberals" have had a corner on the market of environmental responsibility!

There are two days left of this blessed spring break, and then I go back to the very busy life of teaching choir at one of our local schools. Large group festival is looming, as well as our spring concert and other opportunities for my honor choir to sing.

Taste of India

My dear husband and I wanted to eat something different after our very busy work week. I convinced him to try the Taste of India. We were not disappointed!

Taste of India has a wide variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. All their meats are kosher, and they have a tandoori oven in the kitchen.

My husband tried the Tandoori Combination Platter, and I enjoyed the Non-vegetarian platter (carnivores are we!) Our waiter gave us the choice of mild, medium or hot for our dishes. My dear husband choose the very hot as he has a cast iron stomach (or at least claims to) while I chose medium. The combinations platters included chicken and lamb. The curries were delicious and creamy and a homemade cheese was part of the dish. We enjoyed a condiment made up of home grown mint, jalapeno and, we think, cucumber.

If you come at lunch, there is a rich buffet prepared, and you can choose whatever you want to eat.

If you are in Las Cruces and want to try something different than the ubiquitous Mexican fare, try A Taste of India. Here is the address and phone number:

Taste of India
1001 E University
Ste F3
Las Cruces, NM 88012

(505) 532-1700

The Engine Behind Change

Mike Huckabee is no longer officially running for President (although if McCain were to have some problem with his health or other issues and needed to drop out, the convention would be brokered and all candidates would be back on the table.)

Despite the withdrawal of Huckabee from the presidential race, the energy behind his supporters has not waned - merely been redirected. HucksArmy is still a viable force on the political scene. This time, though, their energy will be turned toward supporting those candidates who share Huckabee's values. A new group has formed as well - the F3 Coalition - an action site based on Huckabee's slogan FAITH, FAMILY, FREEDOM.

These forums are worth looking at, and , if you want to get involved, please sign up. A change needs to be made in the Republican party as it continues to drift away from its base. Conservatives are about ready to say, like Reagan said of the Democrats - "I didn't leave the party, the party left me."

Another Option Besides the Expected

The Republican Presidential Primary is far from over. McCain does not have the delegates needed to clinch the nomination yet. He also has FEC problems and there is a question if his birth in Panama makes him ineligible for the presidency.

Regardless of McCain's problems, people ought to check out Huckabee. He has the most experience governing of any candidate. Besides, having a brokered convention would be such a good thing for the Republican party.

Here is an editorial written by some Huckabee supporters. It is concise and well written (or I would not put it on this humble blog), and lays out why so many people support Mike Huckabee.

Check out Huckabee

Many people are willing to disenfranchise thousands of voters in Ohio by clamoring for Gov. Mike Huckabee to exit the presidential race. Senator McCain has not clinched the nomination by winning 1,192 delegates. With Gov. Huckabee, voters have a choice between a Governor, with 10 and one-half years of proven experience in running a state, and an experienced legislator.

In the predominantly democrat state of Arkansas, Republican Governor Huckabee tackled issues like welfare reform, joblessness, health care, education, and a crumbling infrastructure. He pushed through the first major, broad-based tax cuts in state history. He took office with a $200 million deficit; he left office with an $850 million surplus. He was recognized by Time Magazine as one of the five best Governors in America.

Gov. Huckabee is an effective communicator; a tested leader. He'll reduce the size of government, fight for a fair tax, seal our borders, and end illegal immigration. He staunchly defends the second amendment, and is passionate about ending our dependence on foreign oil. He believes a strong defense is the best offense, so will restore our military to its former strength. He understands the war we are fighting is like no other; that we must leave a stable Iraq. He passionately defends the right-to-life and traditional marriage. He never gives up. He will fight tirelessly for his vision of a better America.
Please check Gov. Huckabee's record at http://www.mikehuckabee.com. Vote for the genuine conservative on March 4. Ohio, we have a choice!

Bob and Reta Tharp
Heath

Let's Be Honest Here!

With McCain's decidedly liberal positions on the pro-life issue and immigration, taxes and free speech, I think this little sketch is appropriate.




If McCain is the nominee, I'm facing the possibility that the Republican Party is leaving it's faithful. Grandpa John is like Dole - just more liberal, angrier, and more coarse and mean. Although an American hero based on his service in the past (like Kerry), he's certainly not the best candidate.

The Best Democrat in the Race

It should be obvious!



This is the face of the sharp left turn of the Republican Party. Pity!

No Retreat - No Surrender

Call us hardcore if you wish. Many conservatives will not vote for John McCain this fall, even if he is on the ballot. We don't see why we have to merely accept the RINO that the Republican establishment wants to throw at us. They presume we will vote for their 'presumptive nominee', but we cannot and will not compromise our values. Romney asked us to look at his record - and he was found to be a hardcore liberal underneath his facade. Now we should do the same to John McCain and have his treachery and liberal choices exposed as well.

Mike Huckabee is in the race to the end, and conservatives are with him. We will not retreat and we will not surrender. He still has a chance at the nomination.

Good Money After Bad

So, Romney is planning to stay in a race where he is increasingly unpopular. He has not been able to purchase the hearts of voters with his multitudinous millions, but his ambition to be president, seemingly based on his mistaken opinion that he truly deserves the nomination - despite his vacillating positions on key issues, is a lust that cannot be satisfied. Romney now bitterly lashes against those who disagree with him, and with each offended word a little more of his plastic facade flakes from his "perfect" exterior to reveal a spoiled rich man who is used to getting his own way by purchasing what he wants.

Here is an article demonstrating Romney beginning his angry fight of blame for his lack of success. First he blamed Huckabee; now he snubs President Bush. Who is next? Maybe FOX news for acknowledging Huckabee's success on Super Tuesday, and the Media for ending the Huckabee Blackout.

Romney Vows to Fight to Convention, Makes Swipe at Bush

Tuesday, February 5, 2008 10:48 PM

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney spoke late Tuesday night to supporters in Boston, saying it's time to send the politicians home from Washington and put the people back in charge. With results showing Sen. John McCain sweeping Northeastern states with the exception of Massachusetts, Romney said results in the West had not come in fully. But he made clear that whatever the final results of Tuesday's elections, he planned to fight for the nomination all the way to the GOP convention. Romney said he was fighting to keep America great in the image of great presidents citing Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Teddy Roosevelt. He omitted President George W. Bush. According to press reports, President Bush has expressed displeasure privately over Romney's positions on Iraq and immigration. © 2008 Newsmax. All rights reserved.

Mike Huckabee - Going the Distance

Wonderful video!

My Sentiments Exactly!

There is a fine article The Catholic Online site that echoes what I'm feeling and adds to my prior posting about feeling disenfranchised.

The Shaking of the Republican Party

This election is shaking the Republican Party and forcing it to reexamine its first principles. It may mark the beginning of a new coalition for life, family, freedom and solidarity.

Feeling Disenfranchised

I will not pretend to be able to read into the future and tell you which of the presidential candidates will be left standing to proceed toward the nomination of their parties or if there will be brokered conventions. I am only expressing my personal opinion in this article.

People talk a lot about Reagan's "three legged stool" and how they represent the different sectors of conservative voters - the fiscal conservatives, the security conservatives and the social conservatives. They rave about how Reagan brought those three groups together, and he did well at that because he was able to effectively communicate with all conservatives and with those called the "Reagan Democrats". It was what the Republican Party needed at the time.

The Republican party is again fractured and somehow needs to be brought together. George W. Bush has not left us with an 'heir-apparent", and the fractured sections of the conservative base have again become evident. This makes for an exciting, if frustrating, selection process as we try to determine the Republican nominee. Our current choices are a very socially liberal candidate who is strong on national security, a one-term governor and business man who seems to be buying the election and is only recently 'conservative', a successful multi-term conservative governor who communicates well, but is branded as a liberal because of his compassion for the poor and because he had to raise some taxes to benefit the people of his state, and an anti-war Libertarian who should have run as a Libertarian, but decided he had a better chance running as a Republican.

Additionally, those in the media whom we deemed trustworthy are fully supporting Republican candidates who either hold firmly to liberal positions or who are recent converts to conservatism with no evidence to back up their new positions. One candidate, whose companies own part of a popular "fair and balanced" television station, is being foisted on us by that station. The one candidate who is most conservative is sidelined and ignored in the mainstream media. The most liberal of the Republican candidates, the one who has done the most to denigrate his Republican credentials, is seen as the 'front runner."

The irony in our current scenario is that the current 'front runner' does not adhere to the Republican party platform, led a revolt of Senators against the President, collaborated with the Democrats to limit our free speech and give amnesty to illegal immigrants, and was even courted by Democrats to be a vice presidential candidate. The one pushed by the 'fair and balanced' media outlet promised to be even more liberal than his democratic opponent when he ran as governor, and made gay marriage and legalized abortion (only $50) available during his term as governor.

All of these candidates need the large block of social conservatives to successfully gain the Republican nomination. This block, branded as the "evangelicals" consist of social conservatives who believe in traditional values. Republican candidates try to court this large group of voters and are often successful because of promises made to them - promises that usually do not come to fruition.

This leads me to the point of this rambling article. As a social conservative, I feel disenfranchised by my own political party. The party has certain political platforms that are supposed to define and unify those who agree with them, but the majority of candidates being foisted upon us do not adhere to the platform (probably out of fear of losing elections). This causes the Republican party to appear as if it does not have significant differences from the opposing party, and demonstrates a lack of integrity. As mentioned before, these candidates aggressively court the 'evangelical' vote, only to disappoint those very voters by supporting issues that they consider socially liberal. Could it be that evangelicals are being used by the Republican Party the same way Blacks and Hispanics are used by the Democratic Party? It's something to think about! And maybe it's time to determinedly pursue an alternative to the current two party system, and organize a third party.


Feb. 3, 2008
Quick update: To those on the Ron Paul Information site - I am not LouDobbs!!!
Radiant Times is a humble music teacher in New Mexico.