Thursday, February 18, 2016

Think Before You Vote

Every time, you turn on the TV, more and more problems seem unsolvable. Economic, national security, immigration, and healthcare issues dominate the headlines. The recent death of a Supreme Court Judge has left a void at a crucial time in our nation’s history. The next nominee will be scrutinized like none other.

Unless you live on another planet, you know this is a presidential election year in the U.S. The liberal/progressive Democrats say the problem this country is facing is income inequality and that the Federal government needs to do more to level the playing field for everybody. They insist taxes need to be raised so that Washington, D.C. will have more money to redistribute.

The more conservative Republicans insist that our government is too big and that the economy does better with less regulation on businesses and lower taxes for everyone. More jobs will then be created and individual incomes will grow in a thriving economy. Both sides accuse the other of trying to fix the wrong problem. If we can survive the loud voices and campaign rhetoric, the side that makes the best case will win the upcoming election.

In the next few weeks, the people’s voices will be heard as they head to the polls to continue to vote in primaries and caucuses. By this time next month, both political parties will have a pretty good idea of who will be the nominee of their party for the national election. I am not going to endorse anyone in my blog, but I would ask you to consider some very important questions before you cast that all important vote for your party's nominee.

  • What person do you want to appoint the next Supreme Court Judge? What will be the qualifications of the next Justice and what will be their philosophy on the role of Constitution in our country?
  • Whose face do you want to see in your living room on the TV for the next four years? The next President will have many problems to solve and his presence will dominate every news cycle. If you are already tired of a certain candidate, don’t vote for that person as the nominee of your party.
  • What person has the character and lifestyle you want to see exemplified that will influence our children and be an example to the rest of the world?
  • What philosophy of government do you want imposed on your children and grandchildren?  This election is not only about us but the future generations. We need someone in office who has the ability to bring both sides together so that our most pressing problems will be solved. Our descendants deserve an America with a good economy for all with peace and security in order to live as productive citizens.
  • Have you prayed about your choice for President?  As Christians, we are to be in submission to God and then to our leaders. Ask God to influence your vote and give you  wisdom as you cast your ballot.


Thursday, February 4, 2016

February Fun


February is the shortest month in the year and sometimes the dreariest as spring is still weeks away. But, if you put your mind to it, it can be a month for a good time. National Groundhog Day is behind us and Valentine Day is just around the corner. The groundhog did not see his shadow and we will have an early spring and love will be in the air, at least through February 14.

But do you know there are a lot of other fun days to celebrate in February? For example, who knew February 4th is:
National Thank a Mailman Day
National Homemade Soup Day
National Create a Vacuum day
To celebrate, I will wave at my mailman, make a pot of soup for supper, and push my vacuum around.

We have George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to thank for being born in February. Our present line up of politicians running for President want to take Father George’s and Uncle Abe’s place in the annals of U.S. history. From the Iowa causes to Super Tuesday, there will be plenty of intrigue, entertainment, accusations, and speeches. As a political junkie, I’ve watched all the debates and have picked my candidate. Our absentee ballots have been mailed for our Super Tuesday vote here in Georgia. Now we get to sit back and watch it all unfold and, hopefully, celebrate when our candidate gets picked.

Think of how much you will accomplish this month if you take seriously the following:
·                                                                                February 11—National Make a Friend Day
·                                                                                February 14—National Organ Donor Day
·                                                                                February 17—National Random Acts of Kindness Day

Or for a more lighthearted approach, recognize these days:
·                                                                              February 6—National Lame Duck Day                                                                  

                                   February 11—National Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk Day

·                                                                              February 16—National Do a Grouch a Favor Day

A lot of folks will be going to Mardi Gras for a super-sized party and folks born on February 29 will actually have a birthday this Leap Year.

Speaking of birthdays you can always celebrate mine on February 8. Isn’t February a great month?