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Question & Thought for January 24th, 2015!!!

Question & Thought for January 24th, 2015!!!

Good Saturday Morning!

1. Question – Are we to blame?

2. Thought –

Obama vs. Us

 

            Suppose you saw a person driving his car on the wrong side of a highway, against the traffic. Would you call him a stupid and/or incompetent driver? You say, “Williams, what kind of question is that? Of course he’s one or the other!” I’d say, “Hold your horses. What are his intentions?” If the driver’s intentions are to cause highway calamity, one can hardly call his actions stupid or incompetent. Given his intentions, he is wisely acting in a manner to achieve his objectives.

            This observation lies at the heart of my colleague Dr. Thomas Sowell’s column last week, in which he says, “Pundits who depict Obama as a weak, lame duck president may be greatly misjudging him, as they have so often in the past.” After suffering an elective trouncing at the polls, President Barack Obama issued Congress an ultimatum, saying that if it doesn’t enact the kind of immigration law that he would like, he will unilaterally issue an executive order to change the nation’s immigration laws. This threat, along with other abuses of his office, is not a sign of presidential stupidity or incompetence.

            Obama is doing precisely what he promised during his 2008 presidential campaign, to cheering and mesmerized crowds: “We are going to fundamentally change America” and “We will change America. We will change the world.” Obama is living up to those pledges by subverting our Constitution and adopting the political style of a banana republic dictator. He showed his willingness to ignore the Constitution when he eliminated the work requirement in welfare reform laws enacted during the Clinton administration. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as Obamacare, was enacted by Congress and hence is the law of the land. Obama has used executive orders to change the law on several occasions. Ask yourself whether our Constitution permits the president to unilaterally change a law enacted by Congress. For a president to do so is for him to behave like a banana republic dictator. As Sowell says, “people who are increasingly questioning Barack Obama’s competence are continuing to ignore the alternative possibility that his fundamental values and imperatives are different from theirs.”

            The recent elections, which gave Republicans control of both houses of Congress, clearly indicate a repudiation of much of Obama’s agenda. But the question is whether the Republican majority has the courage to act on that repudiation and stop the president from running roughshod over the Constitution. Because Article 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power of the purse, there is not much a president can do without a budget appropriation. The question is whether Congress has the guts to exercise its power.

            We can rightfully condemn the president for picking and choosing which laws of the land he will obey and which he won’t, in violation of the Constitution’s Article 2, but is his administration’s executive branch that much of an exception to the other branches of the federal government — the legislative and judicial branches?

            The legislative branch is bound by Article 1 of the Constitution. Section 8 of Article 1 delineates the scope of congressional power to tax and spend. Nowhere within Article 1, Section 8 is Congress granted the authority to tax for at least two-thirds of the federal budget.

            The courts are bound by the Constitution’s Article 3. Part of the courts’ responsibility is to ensure that the executive and legislative branches of government uphold the Constitution. In that respect, the courts have been grossly derelict, particularly during and after the New Deal era.

            Seeing as all branches of federal government ignore most of the provisions of the Constitution, I think we can safely say that we’ve reached the post-Constitution stage of our history. Washington politicians are not to blame. It’s the American people who’ve lost their love and respect for our Constitution. Washington’s politicians are simply the agents for that contempt.

            Walter E. Williams is a professor of economics at George Mason University. To find out more about Walter E. Williams and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2014 CREATORS.COM

 Rem

Question & Thought & ANDs…

ANDs for January 23rd, 2015!!!

ANDs for January 23rd, 2015!!!

Good Friday Morning from all of you in the ANDS, EnJOY!

And: My husband and I heard a statement years ago that we have made our own: You can’t drive a ten-ton truck of correction over a bamboo bridge of relationship!”

AND: Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

AND: Guilt, once I ask for forgiveness, at that moment when I get up and walk away I do feel refreshed and anew. Within a few days of asking God to forgive me, something or someone reminds me of the sin and I am right back at ground zero feeling as though I wasn’t truly forgiven.. My own weak flesh let those feelings come flooding back, and I found myself asking multiple times for forgiveness… In the end I ask for strength to let it go and strength in my faith.. When you think sometimes the sin is so great is when I struggle the hardest… Great reminder this morning – thanks!!

AND: “The Audacity of Hope” – talk about double talk.

AND: According to the Washington Examiner, Clint Eastwood hasn’t been happy with Michael Moore since 2005. At the National Board Review dinner in 2005, both were present to be honored for “Bowling for Columbine” and “Million Dollar Baby.” And long before Moore was taking cheap shots at the hit movie American Sniper and Chris Kyle, Eastwood had this to say…

Clint Eastwood accepted his award, and said the following, “Michael Moore and I actually have a lot in common – we both appreciate living in a country where there’s free expression,”

Then came the . . . joke.

“But, Michael, if you ever show up at my front door with a camera – I’ll kill you.”

The audience laughed, Moore laughed, then Eastwood said, “I mean it. . .”

AND:

Question: There is a lot of debate out there concerning the so-called health benefits of coconutoil. Is coconut oil OK to use as part of a Nutritarian diet? Is it healthier than other oils?Answer: The argument here for me is not whether one oil is marginally better than another, but whether oil in general is healthful. I don’t recommend that people use oil on a regular or substantial basis, since whole foods are the healthiest way to get our fats. Eat almonds, not almond oil; flax seeds, not flax oil; coconut, not coconut oil.
All oils are processed foods, that have had all the good stuff removed; they have almost zero micronutrients and no fiber. Oil is oil, 120 calories of low-nutrient fat per tablespoon that is absorbed almost instantaneously.
I have never seen a study of any oil having benefits over the whole food it was processed from. Most of the studies concerning coconut oil are irrelevant as they do not compare the use of coconut oil to the same diet without oil, they compare coconut oil to other oils, like corn oil or animal fats. In other words, adding coconut oil to a healthful diet gives a healthful diet a lower nutrient per calorie density and does not add any longevity inducing substances—the opposite of what you would want to achieve to promote longevity. In comparison, there are scores of studies showing that adding whole walnuts to a diet has cardiovascular benefits, offers brain protective effects, and promotes overall longevity. Minimize oils and make whole seeds and nuts your main source of fat intake.
This question and answer is a sample of what you will find in Dr. Fuhrman’s Member Center Ask the Doctor Forum. Access to this forum requires membership. All Members can search the entire archive of questions and answers. In addition, Platinum and higher members have access to ask Dr. Fuhrman and his Medical Associates their own questions.

AND:  I believe that Louie felt that the ‘Young’ bird was the way he was because of his upbringing…trying to please the hard-handed father whose demands were unattainable.  He began the process of forgiving when he saw the picture.

AND: But, if I know the person is a liar- I have no desire to read their books. When he opens his mouth, he continues to prove himself a liar – I won’t grow, in any good way, from reading what he has to say.

AND: Who said “one”? :) they are all different.  There are only 8 commanded and 2 traditional.  (Your Master did them and asks you to follow Him). Remember the question “what would Jesus do?” The answer was far easier than I had realized:  “what did Jesus do?” Is really the question and it was the Torah.

AND:   Good question on what Louie was thinking as he looked at the picture of the young “Bird” and his father.  Here’s what I found myself hoping that Louie was thinking….

 

“Wow….his dad looks like a pretty rough dude.   I bet he got beaten-up pretty bad when he was a kid.  Looks like he’s become the father he feared.  While that’s no excuse for him beating me, I need to forgive him.  If I don’t, this hatred will eat me up forever.  Even though I’d still like to take a few cracks at him with that stick of his; the fact remains that God forgave me…so I need to forgive him.”

 

I found myself hoping that this scene was the beginning of forgiveness for Louie.  Forgiveness he gave…and forgiveness he received.

AND: Took the fam to see Unbroken over the weekend. I had the same question when I saw that scene with Lou in the Bird’s quarters. First I was wondering why he went up there to begin with, then I wondered about the photo.  If you noticed at the beginning of the movie, they said the Bird was a member of an influential Japanese family….and at the end of the movie, they wrote that the US pardoned the Bird from war crimes. Perhaps ‘influential’ is an understatement.

 

I heard FOX is doing a follow on to Unbroken.  Lou’s family was unhappy that Angelina Jolie did not include the post-war life of Lou…his PTSD, his struggles, and his rescue after attending a Billy Graham revival.  The family was actually more focused on post war spiritual growth and grace than WWII heroics.

 

AND:  My Mom gave me a used Bible…it’s the one Papaw was reading in the picture. :o]

AND: It  seems the Federal Government has become the principle adversary of the American People. Laws and regulations are being passed in record numbers. The Bill of Rights is but an after thought. Taxes are increased Government waste continues to rise. The politician our bastion against tyranny is all but absent.  We the people are left to our own devises as long as we submit to the intrusion of our liberties. Those of us who are responsible those that save those that protest the outrage of big government are called radicals by the tyrants. This must change and we the people are the last hope.

AND: Veggies….very under rated for the most part.  That being said, most diets have you avoid potatoes…just as most push green veggies, especially leafy greens.  I would have bet the common denominator of diets was water.  Proper hydration is a detox in and of itself.

Interesting storyline with the Pats, Coach B, Brady, ball inflation etc.  Did anyone check the Colts ball inflation?  Why not?  How much temperature drop needs to occur to move the PSI scale to out of range?  How much temp drop to account for the difference between where the balls were and min inflation?  There are easy fixes to these type of events…will the NFL change its process?

If its found the inflation was somehow adjusted manually, what should be the price?

Interesting that at least one ref handles the ball on every single play….yet only one ball was eliminated from play once the game began.

AND: The news out of Yemen is not promising. Should a portion of Yemen fall, or it entirely, the House of Saud will be on notice.  There isn’t much in Oman to fight or to provide support. The actions in Yemen will serve to embolden the radical faction within Saud.

I imagine there are plenty of operatives watching royal movement–both US and Israeli–but when we see family members depart the country, you can bet they are nervous and anxious.

Maybe we can send James Taylor to Yemen…

AND: A good thought…I take some exception, but overall a good and true perspective.

Can’t wait for the WH-sponsored conference on (violent) extremism.  This ought to help define our global culture and pinpoint exactly what threatens our existence and that of others as well.  May want to consider hosting this out in CO so that the dope smoking will at least be state-legal.  Not certain who will show up to this conference from outside the US; I have no doubt the ivy league educated think tank leaders will show tho.  These same open-minded brainiacs could not figure out how to get a representative to France to visibly demonstrate solidarity in their sponsored event against terrorism–so why would the world come here to discuss (violent) extremism?  Our government, not just Obama, is gutless with a morale compass that has no orientation other than inward.

 

Our world will not change until our US leadership changes.

 

Can anyone name five items that fall under (violent) extremism that threaten our general populace?  Four?

 

This entire reaction, the lack of substantive action and the complete absence of a cognitive actionable plan is beyond belief.  Our leaders are AWOL regarding their first constitutional responsibility to provide for the safety of the American people.

AND: Regrettably this is a politician (campaigner) talking.  His actions have shown he has done numerous things that counter the principles of the people who built this Nation. Dr. King’s speech the day before going to Memphis was  true inspiring words.  The best way to build a better American for our children and grandchildren is to elect a man with a Vision for this Nation in 2016.    If one does not get involved in politics, then politics will find you.

AND: Wow, 42 years and still confrontational in nature.  Perhaps four generations of child bearing women (assuming in their twenties) and the debate continues. Truth seems to have the ability to linger.  Since legalization, US doctors have reported aborting nearly 55 million babies….ever wonder what percentage was due to rape, incest, or life preservation of mother necessitated actions?

AND:   Football recap.

+ Green Bay v Seahawks: Green Bay lost this game in the first qtr when they failed to score TDs when the opportunity presented itself.  Folks can argue that taking the three points was wise, but in doing so you discount the failure to score.  Hats off to Seattle defense for keeping their club in the game. I respect Packers Coach M, but he needed to score a TD not a FG.  Seattle won’t put many points on the board–perhaps that was his thinking–but when you want to go to the Super Bowl, you have to score when you have first and goal….and in the same light, Defense has to make that stop.  Seattle wanted it more.

Seattle going for two was an obvious call…but they ran the wrong play and GB should have made the stop.  They didn’t.  In OT, it appeared GB thought Seattle would run….no safety? you kidding me?…and Seattle capitalized.

 

+ Pats v Colts: This game was over early on. Colts looked horrible, like they didn’t want to play football, or at least like they didn’t want to play against the Pats.  Colts D was not prepared for the Pats offensive creativity, and they paid the price.  Honestly, Denver players have to be wondering how they lost to the Colts at home (and that was a horrible Denver game as well).  I left this game prior to the third qtr ending…it just wasn’t ‘fun’…

 

Super Bowl:  Two weeks out, so I’m sure my perspective will be fine tuned in the near future. Seahawks don’t have the offense to generate points to keep up with the Pats.  However, they are long on heart and they know what they will need to do to win.  Pats Coach B tho is a wise ol’ coot and he’ll reach into that bag of tricks and take home the victory.  I don’t know what the vegas line is today, but I’d bet Pats by 10 and a good day to hit the slopes vs the family room sofa.

 

 

AND: I believe in cause and effect.  I also believe that when certain chemicals and gases are introduced into the atmosphere that there will be an effect.  Our world is made up of naturally occurring chemical reactions.  Is it possible that manmade pollution is affecting the climate.  Yes, it is possible.  Drive to the hill/mountain tops of regions around Banner Elk, NC, where skiing is possible, and any one can see the ravages of acid rain on the vegetation and structures.  This is not deniable when the evidence of acid rain is so clearly visible.  However, what else in nature generates such a fall out?  Volcanic reactions.

I believe we have to be brutally honest with ourselves that we as human beings do have the capability to affect the environment.  We have been manipulating the landscape for centuries to suit our needs and wants.  We have destroyed habitats that lead to dessimating other species.  And so yes, we are very capable of affecting global warming to ‘some’ degree.

Are we destroying the earth?  Ever watched an ant farm in one of those clear plastic ant farm containers as a kid?  What inevitably happens?  The ants do their best to bury the debris and the dead…until they run out of room.  Although the food is being supplied by humans, the ants all eventually die…they ran out of space after attempting to bury everything no longer useful…and there isn’t anything in their contained environment to assist in the disposal of the dead and debris.  They all die.

Are first world countries responsible for third world practices?  Who’s supplying the funding that encourages certain practices and processes?  Where am I going with this line of thinking?

I believe God expects each of us to be good stewards of the land we affectionately refer to as earth and home.  It is by far the richest of all wealth.  When we produce crap (bio, nuclear, domestic, hazmat, etc) and attempt to bury the crap of millions into the earth and water without developing better means for reuse or repurpose, we are dooming ourselves as if we are all contained in tiny plastic ant farm.

I believe we need to be aware of our environment as we conduct our business locally and globally.  I recall the American Indians may have practiced this in their various cultures prior to the interference of European settlers.  If a certain life style appeals to man, he will stop at nothing to attain it…even if it means destroying the ecosystem.  We have too many examples throughout history to deny this.  Until the global material pursuit is culturally redirected with communication and education, man will always be this way.  Displaced American Indians torn off their original regions and forced march to reservations had three choices…assimilate into the existing cultural power structure, continue their culture on their newly assigned reservations, or die, whether be by the original march or by substance abuse through the generations since that displacement.  Yet, their ancestors had it right.

Follow the money.

Is All Gore right?  He’s an idiot of a human being.  He’s a well paid figure head puppet.  But he knows how to make the money flow.  He’s a manipulator…a successful one.  If he truly were an advocate for the environment, he wouldn’t focus his attention on just the USA.  What about Brazil?  What about China?  What about all those other countries (both first and third world types), that have contributed to contaminating our earth?  Follow the money, and find the motivation and the true goals.

Our earth is a massive ecosystem that is affected by the chemicals and gases dumped into the environment.  It is designed by God to recover from such natural events as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, fires, snow fall, tornados, hurricanes, tsunami, etc.  However, when human industries over run the natural ability of the earth to recover, we are going to see the devastating fall out.  No, not necessarily locally, but globally.  We, all humans across the globe, are negatively impacting the earth through our poor stewardship of the earth with improperly managed industrial and commercial wastes (too expensive to waste the funding on developing a better process for the product) but I think it is niave to call it simply global warming.  It is a massive ecosystem disruption generating a multitude of varying weather throughout the earth’s atmosphere.  I won’t be so niave as to assume we humans cannot affect this outcome…we now well cover the globe in comparison to centuries ago.  Our very own ant farm…

AND: Love it.

Was in a discussion about heaven/hell…the folks started talking about who was in heaven…loved ones they’d see and reconnect with.  (thought about you and how you always said you wanted to have a heavenly beer with Lewis)  Anyway, my question to the group is whether they’d see Hitler in heaven.  Boy did that stir the pot.  We know history and we know what his actions were.  How could he possibly be in Heaven?  If you realize that answer is not our decision, you then begin to see that you may have put limits on God’s capacity.  Grace. Forgiveness. Love.

AND: Its not ironic that when I hit send I thought the Colonel might like this one!

My wife has come to me a lot lately saying “I feel disconnected from the kids” and I said we tell them to stop the focus on instant gratification b/c you’ll find a hollow feeling either way it turns out.  So it is with parenting and you have to find the right moments to connect and not let your first, middle and last move be negative about an expectation they’re not living up to…just get them talking and listen what is best to ask them leading questions about and keep it going as long as you can and then just tell em’ you love them and walk away.   The reason being is for moments like you describe below. We as ‘teachers’ of our kids and ‘students’ can’t help but feel human and want to see instant results but its about the investment in others that pays dividends like your moment below – well played Sir!

AND: (this came to me at 8pm last nite) Hello Colonel Remick and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

Thought you might appreciate what I read recently?

 

My mom died last Friday in a Peoria, IL hospital.  I went to Illinois to help my sister, who lives in TN, with matters.  We went out for dinner Monday evening.  While at the register to pay the bill on a small piece of wood was painted the following:

 

“What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?”

 

I smiled as did my sister…when we read it.  While not thanking God for everything we do wake up and thank God for waking up.  The chance for another day…life!

 

Alright…go read a book!

Don’t text and drive! Read! Make it a life that matters!!!  If I left you out of the ANDs, I am sorry if you are offended. Had to make a cut. But I read and learned from all of you. Why is there a tomorrow? Interesting questions you all ask me.

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Platypus – be good- do good!

Question & Thought & ANDs…

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