North Slope Jobs in Virginia

Way Cleared for Oil Exploration 50 Miles Off Coast


The profile of this dredging rig is far greater than that of any oil rig fifty miles out.

During the campaign, Governor Bob McDonnell pledged to make Virginia the "Energy Capital of the East Coast." Today a major step was taken towards making that goal a reality. President Obama today directed his administration to proceed with oil and natural gas exploration and production off the coast of Virginia, making the Commonwealth the first state on the East Coast to drill offshore and paving the way for thousands of new jobs, billions in investment, and more money for transportation improvements. Watch out for the EPA weighing in on this one though.

The Manhattan Declaration

Taking a Stand for the Values that Built a Nation



Affirming the Values Faith Teaches Us

Christians, when they have lived up to the highest ideals of their faith, have defended the weak and vulnerable and worked tirelessly to protect and strengthen vital institutions of civil society, beginning with the family. It was in this tradition that a group of prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders, and scholars released the Manhattan Declaration on November 20, 2009 at a press conference in Washington, DC. The 4,700-word declaration speaks in defense of the sanctity of life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty. It issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere firmly to their convictions in these three areas.

Visit the Manhattan Declaration Website [click to read] to learn more and add your name to this important statement.

The goal of those who released the Manhattan Declaration is to build a movement of Catholic, Evangelical, and Eastern Orthodox Christians who will stand together alongside other men and women of goodwill to advance the sanctity of life, rebuild and revitalize the marriage culture, and protect religious liberty.

Time to Get Out in the Garden

Spring Color is Appearing Every Day

George Müller's Orphanage in Bristol

The House that Faith Built Cared for Thousands


George Müller.

What Can One Do, Motivated by G-d's Love?

Our small group has been discussing the book Crazy Love [1.] by Francis Chan. There is a brief mention of George Müller, the Nineteenth Century evangalist who is famous for his work with orphans. Müller's story begins in Prussia and continues as he comes to faith as a young man. Motivated by his love for G-d he moves away from some practices in the church such as 'renting' pews. In those days people of means would pay handsomely for the best seats and the Pastor would make a good living from these monies.

George Müller's love for G-d soon moved him to reliance on G-d. When he came to take a church in Bristol, England he declined the salary. He wanted to show people how vast and great G-d really is by trusting Him for his supply. Müller prayed and told his needs to no one, then ministered to the needs of his congregation. When his needs were supplied he gave G-d the glory. In times of waiting for supply he gave G-d the glory.

Seeing the needs of orphan children, George Müller went to his knees on their behalf and G-d provided the means for him to care for them. He eventually built five orphan houses and never once made an appeal for money!

We often read of how G-d worked in the lives of the saints of old. We read Hebrews 11 and see how men and women motivated by the love of G-d lived out that love, but with George Müller's story we have photographs. Here are some old post card views of the orphan house at Ashly Down, built in 1849.


Nineteenth Century rendering of the house at Ashly Down.


The house at Ashly Down.


Children at Ashly Down.


Children at Ashly Down received education and training for future employment. the day started at 6am for the orphans, normal forworking-class children of Victorian times.


While boys would be placed in apprenticeships at age 14, the young ladies would remain until 17. They received training to be Nurses, Teachers and Domestic Servants [as the group in maids' uniforms above].

More on the Life of George Müller [click to read].

The George Müller Foundation [click to read].

Redefining 'Social Justice' [click to read] from World Magazine.

Beck vs Wallis [click to read]. More thoughts on 'Social Justice.'


The house at Ashly Down today. Although the building might seem austere by today's standards it featured high ceilings and three hundred large windows [all donated by a window maker]. By Victorian standards it was a bright environment.

Citizen Statesmen (and Women) Arise!

Reagan Was an Actor, Palin is a Mother of Five


American Power featured this beautiful photo of Governor Palin. ht/Mike.

They Stepped Forward and Made History

There is a new kind of person taking an interest in the affairs of state and that is a good thing. Love her or hate her, Governor Palin has put citizens back in the game. She understands a lot of basic things about this country and her people that the overlawyered legislatures and acedemia have all but forgotten.

She cleaned up the corruption in Juneau and got a pipeline project started. She took a Republican campaign that was faltering and kept it alive to the finish line. She writes great op-ed pieces too and now is a regular on Fox.

She's a quick learner too. If the main complaint about her is 'experience' or lack therof, just sit tight for a bit and see how she does. She has always shown a great command of the issues she's worked on. She's well grounded in the core principles of our nation and builds well upon them.

One should never forget that Palin and Reagan did not begin their careers as professional politicians or lawyers. I don't think Reagan ever played one on TV.

On the local level, Alex Davis just assumed chairmanship of the Staunton Republican Party. He's a familiar face to patrons of Berry's Natural Way and he too represents the finest in citizen statesmanship. Young people are being energized to take part in the process and that is a very good thing. Lynn Has More [click to read] about Mr. Davis' selection.

"But Isn't That the Way Our Country Works?"

Bart Stupak in a Town Hall Meeting Last Year


Why we need to take the 2010 elections seriously.

Public servants need to remember who they serve! [1.] Here the hidden camera catches Bart Stupak in an honest moment last year.

'Tempest in a Tea Party'

People Seem to Forget America Started as a Tax Protest!


September 12, 2009 at the Capitol Reflecting Pool.

Bracing Brew [click to read] by Myron Magnet in City Journal.

Therefore, when a government invades rather than safeguards property through taxation without consent, it cancels its own legitimacy. -- George Mason

'Willing Accomplices' in Media

Once Again Phil Proves Limbaugh's Accuracy

A.Z. Rainman Photoshop Satire

The Sad Saga of Phil's 'Letter to the Editor'

It all began with the News Leader's editorial praising the passage of Obamacare and casting opponents as... well, read Phil's response and you'll get the idea:

In the past, I had thought the Newsleader editorial board was staffed with a few well intentioned liberal-leaning journalists. With Tuesday's editorial I realize I was wrong. The board is made of some full time Democrat Party Apparatchiks.

The editorial was nothing but Democrat talking points and "progressive" group think. 34 Democrats break away from the party, and you call it unity. "Almost Immediate" delivery of new benefits is contradicted on the previous page of the paper. Your Rush Limbaugh line was so pathetically wrong that it is laughable. Any honest journalist knows that is not what he said.

The editorial says Republicans had "no viable alternatives." Even Speaker Pelosi was less partisan than the Newsleader. She said that there were 200 Republican Amendments included in the final bill.

The worst part of the editorial was the last paragraph, concerning the comparison of the Tea Party movement to racism. The Democrat party is and has been the party that divides people by race. It is the home of Ku Klux Klanner Robert Byrd. It is the party of Jim Crow and Black Codes. It was Democrat Sen.Harry Reid who called President Obama " a light skinned" man without "a negro dialect". President Clinton said that President Obama would be fetching coffee for him and Ted Kennedy.

The very first Black, Mexican, and female members of Congress were all Republicans. It was the first Republican President who sent Americans to die to end the evil of slavery. It was a Republican who wrote the Emancipation Proclamation. It was Democrats who filibustered the 1964 Civil Rights Acts. It was Republican Senator Everett Dirksen wrote the language for the 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 1968 Civil Rights Bill. A. Phillip Randolph, a Republican organized Republican Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's March on DC for his famous "I have a dream" speech. It is the Republican Party that wants people to be judged by the content of their character, not the color of their skin.

When I saw Phil's letter, my bet was that the paper wouldn't even bother to print it. I was wrong [partially], the paper DID print the letter, minus the last two paragraphs!

I'll Let Phil Tell His Own Story [click to read] here.

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume II, Issue XIIIA, Special Edition

THYME's First 'Defender of Freedom' Award

We are pleased to announce this year's winner. He is a man who possesses the strength of character that allows him to stand on principle and common sense. He possesses the grace to accept the graceless behavior of an American President and say simply that "this is a dispute among friends."

Thank you, Binyamin Netanyahu, for your continued friendship to the American people.

SWAC Girl Has This [click to read].


Why 'land for peace' won't work. The green borders are the UN borders originally drawn in 1947. As you can see they create a defense nightmare. The straight line border with Egypt and the current definition of the West Bank came in 1949 after the initial Arab invasion was put down. The 1967 war resulted in Israel controlling Jerusalem and the West Bank and Sinai as well.

THYME Magazine

Citizen Jornalism with a Better Flavor


Volume II, Issue XII

An Essential Guide to the New Plan

2400 pages that create new bureaucracies and regulations, unconstitutional mandates and the destruction of private insurance are obvious. The design of the program that spends two trillion dollars and makes us even more a vassal state to China is even more ominous.

THYME Illustrates the New Plan [click to read] in an earlier issue.

The destruction of our self-sufficient nation as a lighthouse of freedom is cause enough. Stay in the fight. Pray! "Never give up, never give up, never never never... give up!" -- Sir Winston Churchill

Clueless in the Capitals

I Apologize for My Country to Binyamin Netanyahu!


Binyamin Netanyahu is a clear voice of leadership in the world. Some of us still love him.

Dear Mr. Netanyahu,

I am one of those Americans who is inspired by your clear message. You lead a nation the size of our state of New Jersey and yet there are many in our world who would cast you as an enemy of the stature of the old Soviet Union! They are ignorant.

There is only one nation in the Middle East that I would feel comfortable living in. You lead that nation. Your representative government includes all people and persuasions. Tell me the name of one neighboring state that comes close.

You have opened your arms to refugees from around the world. You have made the desert 'blossom like a rose.' I make no secret of my admiration for you and your people.

Be assured, Mr. Netanyahu, that our President and Secretary of State do not speak for me. As long as our people enjoy free elections I will be working along with many others in this great land to help correct the problem.

Hopefully we can begin with the elections this year and replace our executive branch in 2012. Then we can work together to take on real problems, like Iran's ICBM program. Their missle capacity looks a lot like the early Soviet programs. If we do nothing they will be able to hit most of Europe in short order. I take some comfort knowing that you are watching them too. I know you are committed to the survival of your nation and that, dear Mr. Netanyahu, is an interest we share.

Clueless in the Capitals

Lawmakers Should Understand the Anger of the People


Demonstration against healthcare bill, December 15, 2009.

These are troubled times. Lawmakers in Washington are reporting threats. Minority Whip Eric Cantor's Richmond office near the Jefferson Hotel was shot at on Monday. There are reports of vandalism at several Democrat's offices and Bart Stupak is being cursed out over the phone.

There seems to be a lot of anger going around. All this after the President promised a 'new tone' in American politics and a 'new spirit of bipartisanship!" Welcome to the world of 'Hope and Change.' Be careful what you wish for.

'Bipartisanship' it turned out was no more than a change in the ball possession arrow. With a controlling majority in the House and Senate, winning the White House meant 'Bipartisanship' was agreeing with the President. People saw the will of the people being ignored. The majority of the people, who are moderate to right on the issues, saw a socialist agenda being put into play and were powerless against it. They went to town hall meetings and tea parties, hoping to be heard. They were informed and passionate, but they were polite and orderly.

They saw votes being bought and their childrens' futures being mortgaged and tried to get their representative's attention and on Sunday night they saw one of the few men they thought operated by principle cave in. After the vote Bart Stupak was partying with the other Dems in a pub. Can you understand the feeling that you have been betrayed?

They tried to make the unrepresented people out to be an 'angry mob' and 'Nazis.' Then they tried to claim that they were the victims of these great unwashed racist masses. They demonized the Republican minority as 'obstructionists,' conveniently forgetting that most of the fight happened within their own party. The Republicans didn't have any answers, they said, forgetting a lot of good ideas that had been laid out in earlier discussion. With a willing lapdog media they painted their opponents as devils who wanted to let people die in the streets. That may help you understand the bullets through Eric Cantor's windows.

So, knowing that one group pretty much controlled the discussion and the mainstream media spin, who should we blame for this rancor?

Clearly the current administration promised a new tone, but failed to deliver.

Right now Democrat leaders are telling Americans: "Your attitude stinks." To quote a line from the movie Remember the Titans: "Attitude reflects leadership."

Clueless in the Capitals

Our Centers of Government and of Entertainment


Washington DC, September 12, 2009. They didn't listen.

Andrew Klavan [click to read] in City Journal tells a 'Tale of Two Cities.' Washington DC professes to be the center of representative government and Hollywood professes to represent the ideals of our culture. Both are woefully out of touch!


Hollywood.

Stupak's Original Sin

Kathleen Parker and Phil on Pro-Life 'Paradise Lost'


Defender of Life? Not quite. "These Democrats chose a last minute fig leaf rather than standing up for the pro-life American majority." -- Marjorie Dannenfelser

Kathleen Parker [click to read] in Jewish World Review has some pretty clear thoughts on the fall of Stupak. Marjorie Dannenfelser, President of Susan B. Anthony List has announced that Stupak will not receive the 'Defender of Life' award. Many of us were feeling betrayed and confused by Stupak's changing his vote for the promise of an executive order. Indeed there is little an executive order does to guarantee government dollars don't fund abortion.

The rescinding of the award is deserved. Now Phil [click to read] discusses the 'Stupek Stipend.' Now it is becoming likely that Stupak was PAID for his vote.

"Stupak's clumsy fall from grace is a lesson in human frailty. In a matter of hours, he went from representing the majority of Americans who don't want public money spent on abortion to leading the army on the other side.

Something must have gone bump in the night."

"After the Sunday vote, a group of Democrats, including Stupak, gathered in a pub to celebrate. In a biblical moment, New York Rep. Anthony Weiner was spotted planting a big kiss on Stupak's cheek.

To a Catholic man well versed in the Gospel, this is not a comforting gesture." -- Kathleen Parker

Here is the 'Stand with Stupak' Video [click to watch] that Ms. Parker references.

Pro-Life American Majority Locked Out [click to read].

"Today's decision to sign the Executive Order behind closed doors reveals much about the seriousness of this President and Democrats' commitment to keep abortion funding out of the healthcare legislation. If the Executive Order solution were real, then the signing ceremony would have to be on the White House lawn--somewhere big enough to fit the massive, bipartisan consensus.

The abortion issue was the pivot point for the passage or failure of the entire bill. These Democrats chose a last minute fig leaf rather than standing up for the pro-life American majority. This pro-abortion president and his enablers who call themselves 'pro-life' want this issue to go away fast. But they will not keep the newly enlivened, vastly larger pro-life movement at bay, despite the President's promises that all will be forgotten by November. The Susan B. Anthony List is hard at work with daily reminders. Votes have consequences and for the pro-life betrayers, it will be a quick downhill slide to defeat in November. "Just four days ago, the Susan B. Anthony List was preparing to defend 'pro-life' Democrats, like Rep. Bart Stupak, in primary and general elections. In the coming weeks, instead, we will be examining the districts where we can elect a strong pro-life representative who will not crack under pressure." -- Marjorie Dannenfelser

Visions of Heaven... Illustrated!

12 Year Old Artist Captures the Grandeur of Eternity


Revelation 21 describes the New Heaven and New Earth.

1And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and theyshall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there beany more pain: for the former things are passed away. 5And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 6And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is a thirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. 7He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God,and he shall be my son. 8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. 9And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. 10And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; 12And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13On the east three gates; on the north three gates;on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. 14And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city,and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. 16And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as thebreadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and fourcubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. 18And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. 19And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte;the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. 21And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was ofone pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass. 22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. 25And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. 26And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. 27And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. -- Revelation 21


Amazing work by an untrained artist captures the glory of Eternity!

1And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: 4And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. 5And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. 6And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. 7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. -- Revelation 22: 1-7

More on Heaven [click to read] from Randy Alcorn of Eternal Perspectives Ministries.

My Thoughts on Heaven [click to read].

Visions of Heaven... Illustrated! [click to read].
21 Year Old Artist Captures the Grandeur of Eternity

Visions of Heaven... Illustrated! [click to read].
A Little Boy Describes His Time in Heaven

Akiane's Web Site [click to read].

Patrick Henry's Words Spoken on This Day

March 23, 1775, Saint John's Church, Richmond


The steeple of Saint John's Church...

No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as abilities, of the very worthy gentlemen who have just addressed the House. But different men often see the same subject in different lights; and, therefore, I hope it will not be thought disrespectful to those gentlemen if, entertaining as I do opinions of a character very opposite to theirs, I shall speak forth my sentiments freely and without reserve.

This is no time for ceremony. The questing before the House is one of awful moment to this country. For my own part, I consider it as nothing less than a question of freedom or slavery; and in proportion to the magnitude of the subject ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth, and fulfill the great responsibility which we hold to God and our country.

Should I keep back my opinions at such a time, through fear of giving offense, I should consider myself as guilty of treason towards my country, and of an act of disloyalty toward the Majesty of Heaven, which I revere above all earthly kings.

Mr. President, it is natural to man to indulge in the illusions of hope. We are apt to shut our eyes against a painful truth, and listen to the song of that siren till she transforms us into beasts. Is this the part of wise men, engaged in a great and arduous struggle for liberty? Are we disposed to be of the number of those who, having eyes, see not, and, having ears, hear not, the things which so nearly concern their temporal salvation? For my part, whatever anguish of spirit it may cost, I am willing to know the whole truth; to know the worst, and to provide for it.

I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know of no way of judging of the future but by the past. And judging by the past, I wish to know what there has been in the conduct of the British ministry for the last ten years to justify those hopes with which gentlemen have been pleased to solace themselves and the House. Is it that insidious smile with which our petition has been lately received? Trust it not, sir; it will prove a snare to your feet. Suffer not yourselves to be betrayed with a kiss.

Ask yourselves how this gracious reception of our petition comports with those warlike preparations which cover our waters and darken our land. Are fleets and armies necessary to a work of love and reconciliation? Have we shown ourselves so unwilling to be reconciled that force must be called in to win back our love? Let us not deceive ourselves, sir. These are the implements of war and subjugation; the last arguments to which kings resort.

I ask gentlemen, sir, what means this martial array, if its purpose be not to force us to submission? Can gentlemen assign any other possible motive for it? Has Great Britain any enemy, in this quarter of the world, to call for all this accumulation of navies and armies? No, sir, she has none. They are meant for us: they can be meant for no other. They are sent over to bind and rivet upon us those chains which the British ministry have been so long forging. And what have we to oppose to them? Shall we try argument? Sir, we have been trying that for the last ten years. Have we anything new to offer upon the subject? Nothing. We have held the subject up in every light of which it is capable; but it has been all in vain. Shall we resort to entreaty and humble supplication? What terms shall we find which have not been already exhausted? Let us not, I beseech you, sir, deceive ourselves.

Sir, we have done everything that could be done to avert the storm which is now coming on. We have petitioned; we have remonstrated; we have supplicated; we have prostrated ourselves before the throne, and have implored its interposition to arrest the tyrannical hands of the ministry and Parliament. Our petitions have been slighted; our remonstrances have produced additional violence and insult; our supplications have been disregarded; and we have been spurned, with contempt, from the foot of the throne! In vain, after these things, may we indulge the fond hope of peace and reconciliation. There is no longer any room for hope.

If we wish to be free-- if we mean to preserve inviolate those inestimable privileges for which we have been so long contending--if we mean not basely to abandon the noble struggle in which we have been so long engaged, and which we have pledged ourselves never to abandon until the glorious object of our contest shall be obtained--we must fight! I repeat it, sir, we must fight! An appeal to arms and to the God of hosts is all that is left us!

They tell us, sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when shall we be stronger? Will it be the next week, or the next year? Will it be when we are totally disarmed, and when a British guard shall be stationed in every house? Shall we gather strength by irresolution and inaction? Shall we acquire the means of effectual resistance by lying supinely on our backs and hugging the delusive phantom of hope, until our enemies shall have bound us hand and foot? Sir, we are not weak if we make a proper use of those means which the God of nature hath placed in our power.

The millions of people, armed in the holy cause of liberty, and in such a country as that which we possess, are invincible by any force which our enemy can send against us. Besides, sir, we shall not fight our battles alone. There is a just God who presides over the destinies of nations, and who will raise up friends to fight our battles for us. The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave. Besides, sir, we have no election. If we were base enough to desire it, it is now too late to retire from the contest. There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable--and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come.

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace-- but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!


...scene of Patrick Henry's famous speech. ht/SWAC Girl

Daffodils are Blooming

It Looks and Feels Like Spring is Finally Here


Today, thirty-one years ago I took a young lady out on our first date. We're still dating. The first flowers I gave her were daffodils picked near the house I lived in then.

How Government Healthcare Works

Costs Rise, More are Employed, and Less is Actually Done

Theodore Dalrymple [click to read] in City Journal has a dire picture of what awaits Americans if they allow the government to move to a single payer system. Dalrymple, a physician, has written on this issue before. He knows what he's talking about.

"Americans would do well to ponder a recent admission by a former British minister in the Blair government. On March 2, the Guardian reported that the ex-minister, now Lord Warner, said that while spending on Britain’s National Health Service had increased by 60 percent under the Labour government, its output had decreased by 4 percent. No doubt the spending of a Soviet-style organization like the NHS is more easily measurable than its output, but the former minister’s remark certainly accords with the experiences of many citizens, who see no dramatic improvement in the service as a result of such vastly increased outlays. On the contrary, while the service has taken on 400,000 new staff members—that is to say, one-fifth of all new jobs created in Britain during the period—continuity of medical care has been all but extinguished. Nobody now expects to see the same doctor on successive occasions, in the hospital or anywhere else."

Media Bias?

Here's Phil's Letter to the Editor [click to read]. Probably won't make it to print but you need to read it right here in the annals of 'Citizen Journalism.'

Stupak got Skunked [click to read] is even better with Phil's visual!

Pro Life or Anti Life [click to read]. He who controls the language controls the discussion.

THYME Magazine

Citizen Journalism with a Better Flavor


Volume I, Issue XII

The Largest Employer in Kansas City

Years ago I went to a convention of the National Institute of Restoration in Kansas City, Missouri. While I ws there I learned a few facts about the city. Who do you think the largest employer in Kansas City is? If you guessed the federal government give yourself a gold star!

The federal government!!! In the heartland of America? In the state that gave us Rush Hudson Limbaugh! Believe it! Our government workforce is HUGE and much of it is not even in Washington DC where you would expect to find it.

This was over seventeen years ago! Now if you think the federal bureaucracy has decreased in the years following my discovery think again. It is only going to get worse.

Tucked away in the 2000+ pages of 'healthcare' that was railroaded through the house last night is a provision for hiring 16,000 new IRS agents! What do more IRS agents have to do with making healtcare more affordable? They are essential if 'healtchare' involves collecting fines and increased compliance monitoring.

Here's a better idea: Reports from reliable sources say there are millions in unpaid taxes by FEDERAL EMPLOYEES! How about the existing agents leaving alone all but the most blatent private sector cases and concentrate on cleaning their own house for a year?

Statistics show that people doing the same job as someone in the private sector make 20% more working for the government. If we're intent on 'taxing the rich' here's an exellent place to start.

While I'm on the subject, if redistbution of wealth from the 'evil rich' is such a priority, how about some tort reform so those nasty old trial lawyers don't get rich off of our medical spending?

It's Time to 'Redisribute the Jobs'

Speaking of trial lawyers, with lawyers being so overrepresented in our Congress and the 2010 elections on the horizon, it's time to fire the representatives and senators who gave us no representation over the past eighteen months. Scott Brown is evidence that we can get better representation anywhere. We can look for Jefferson's ideal of citizen governance on all levels as we vote this November.

It goes without saying that Ronald Reagan's vision needs to be implemented again. Taxation and government will need to be cut in order to restore vitality to the market economy that creates real jobs and real growth... the private sector!

Ten Reasons to Fire Nancy Pelosi [click to read] from SWAC Girl.

Stupak's 'Defender of Life Award' Revoked! [click to read]. If they don't 'walk the walk' don't let them 'talk the talk!' Marjorie Dannenfelser makes a clear and needed statement about integrity here!

Supply and Demand, Congress Style [click to read] from Fishersville Mike.

A Visual Stand for Rebuilding America

Twin Tower Alliance [click to read] offers a simple but compelling vision. Visit their site and you can purchase these inspiring posters:

Stupak Got Skunked...

The 'Executive Order' Won't Stop Abortion Funding

Here's Why:

1. An executive order can be rescinded any time. President Obama could reverse it next week, next month, or next year. Should another pro-abortion president be elected in the future, it could be rescinded on inauguration day.

2. An executive order will not prevent insurance companies that provide abortion from participating in the exchanges.

3. Abortion funding in the health care legislation can be only be removed using the legislative process. An executive order not only doesn't fix the problem, it isn't needed to fix the problem, and could not stand a legal challenge. If Democrats are serious about protecting taxpayers from funding abortion in the health care bill, they must use the legislative process to fix the problem.

ht/Marjorie Dannenfelser

30,000 Gather to Oppose ObamaCare

March 20 Rally at the Capitol Sends a Clear Message


30,000 turned out to voice their opposition to the legislation and the convoluted methods being promoted for its passage. Tea Party Express photo.

More Photos [click to view].
Even More Photos [click to view].

Taking Our Concerns to a Higher Authority

A Modest Proposal for Righting Our Course


Ramsey's Draft flows across the rocks...

"Sometimes the voice of G-d sounds a lot like your wife." -- Chuck Swindoll

Her point was well stated: all the phone calls and demonstrations in the world won't change the heart of a man who can ignore Brett Baier's repeated and pointed questions about a process that by its very nature ignores the will of the American people. But there is one in Heaven who can guide the king's heart like a watercourse.[1.] It is to Him that we must petition when things are beyond our ability.

Consider George Washington at Valley Forge, looking at his ill-equipped troops and a well supplied British force he must have felt the cause of liberty was about to go down on more than one occasion. History shows us that Washington gave himself to prayer and after a miraculous victory at Trenton, the establishment of a new republic and its surviving a military coup that almost happened when the troops were not paid, I think Washington would have seen the whole of it as nothing short of Divine Providence.

Today we are facing the dismantling of that dream that Patriots spilled blood for, Washington prayed for and countless sons of liberty have stood in harm's way to preserve. The odds seem as bleak as those of that little band of men at Valley Forge. We must take up their ultimate weapon, prayer and supplication to G-d!

I speak to you from no position of authority and with no qualifications other than a love of G-d and a love of America. I write a little blog with three readers, but I would like any one of you, or all of you to take the torch from my hand. Here is my proposal:

As thousands make their way to Washington to petition Congress tomorrow at noon, I want to humbly ask you to join me in petitioning Heaven. Many of us will not be able to make the trip to Washington but are there in spirit.

Could everyone who gets this message stop what they are doing at noon tomorrow EST on March 20 and pray for our nation. Let us make it sincere, on your knees, honest prayer. Let us be honest about our failings, both personal and as a nation, and seek the mercy of a loving and powerfl G-d. Let us look to G-d not only to change our national history but each of us personally.

It is a dangerous prayer but these are dangerous times. I for one do not want it said that I neglected the best resources at my disposal to sway the course of history.

So please share this if you feel the same. There is no promise I can make for this, only the evidence of history.

This is what came to my heart as I spent some time alone this morning: Americans in Alaska praying at 8:00am tomorrow. Americans in California praying at 9:00am and Americans in the Rocky Mountains praying at 10:00am. Americans in Chicago praying at 11:00am tomorrow as Americans in Washington pray at noon. Share this, if you feel as I do. What if we go beyond simply surrounding the Capitol and surround our nation -- with prayer?

1. Proverbs 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases."


...but the greatest force in our lives is the one unseen.

High Noon this Saturday for Healthcare

A Call to Arms by Jon Voight: Come to DC


September 12 rally fills Pennsylvania Avenue.

Join Me in DC this Saturday to Stop ObamaCare [click to read] says Jon Voight. This 11th hour effort to stop the 'Slaughter' was mentioned several times today.Glenn Beck talked about it on his show and Richmond Tea Party [click to read] is planning a convoy driving to Union Station in Washington Saturday!

Plans are for the rally to be on the Capitol steps. The time is 12:00 noon EST, Saturday, March 20th. The vote is scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

Brett Baier Interviews President Obama

Straight Questions [click to view] about an increasingly convoluted strategy to pass the bill.

Update: Bus From Staunton Information

The vote is Sunday. The bus goes up to D.C. Saturday, March 20th. We NEED to Fill The Bus!!!!

BUS PICK-UPS:
STAUNTON WALMART 7:45 A.M.
HARRISONBURG WALMART 8:15 A.M.
STRASBURG exit 298 Park & Ride near Food Lion 9:00 A.M.

COST: $30 per person....Pay at the bus

NOON RALLY SURROUNDING CAPITOL TO LET OUR CONGRESSMEN KNOW WE ARE AGAINST THIS BILL.

Meal stop on trip home: (variety of fast food places)

IMMEDIATELY CALL TO REGISTER AND RESERVE YOUR SEAT:

SUE WARD: 540/ 521-3805
LYN BING 540/521-3804

Dark Hollow Falls in Shenandoah Park

Falls Flowing Full from Snow Melt and Spring Rains


Dark Hollow Falls near Big Meadows in Shenandoah Park. Photo by S. Kirchman.


Bridesburg Cottage at Big Meadows.


Old Rag Mountain.

Shenandoah National Park has always been a special place to our family. As a girl, my Mother hiked Old Rag and White Oak Canyon. Skyland was always where we had family reunion. When my Mother and Father passed away we gathered one last time at Skyland to remember them.

Big Meadows was where my wife and I spent the first night of our honeymoon. Bridesburg cottage had fireplaces in the rooms and even in late May it was nice to have a warm fire.

This past Tuesday my son continued the tradition... proposing to his girl at Dark Hollow Falls! When she said 'absolutely' another generation made Shenandoah their special place as well!


My photo of Dark Hollow Falls, now even more of a favorite place!

Middle East Reality Check

It's Important to Know Who Your Friends Are


THYME Covers featuring Israel.

Cal Thomas [click to read] in Jewish World Review makes a few clear observations:

"How about first making these demands of the Palestinian-Arab-Muslim side:

(1) A pledge of no more war with Israel, or terrorism; 2) a declaration by a powerful Islamic cleric that their God no longer requires them to kill people who don't believe as they do; and 3) no more teaching in Palestinian textbooks and in their media that Jews created AIDS and descend from monkeys and pigs?

After those three demands are met, the State Department can start making demands of Israel. Not before. Anything less puts America on the wrong side, along with Israel's (and America's) enemies. Or hasn't State noticed that we share the same enemies?"

Washington Throws a Tantrum [click to read].

Morning Light in Oak Leaves

Last Year's Leaves Capture this Morning's Light


The sun coming over the hill lights the leaves of this oak.






Sunrise paints the fresh snow on tree branches.

I Am Ashamed of Our Policy Toward Israel

Show Me the One Free Society in the Middle East


The United States should realize that Israel's friendshp is one of the few certainties we have in the Middle East. We should cherish it accordingly.

"If the Palestinians laid down their arms, there would be peace. If Israel laid down its arms tomorrow, there would be no Israel" -- credited to Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister

"Any solution for the Iraqi problem cannot be reached without Arabs and Arab participation." --Amr Moussa, Secretary-General of the League of Arab States

"How will decent people in the region ever believe in peace if Arab terrorists interpret every gesture of peace as a display of weakness and then act accordingly?" --Tom Lantos, US Congressman

ht/Phil for these quotes.

Phil has Some Background [click to read] on the situation in Israel as Mrs. Clinton throws Israel to the wolves. Thankfully Israel has Binyamin Netanyahu to guide her, a man who walks in the spirit of David and the wisdom of Solomon. I hope Mr. Netanyahu realizes how many of us are ashamed of the treatment he is being given by our 'official' representatives.

When Mr. Netanyahu addressed the United Nations and said "have you no shame?" he spoke for many of us. He spoke for me!

So Mr. Netanyahu, please realize how many of us see your leadership and appreciate it. We are working to restore balance in our own government that includes official recognition of the bond between our peoples.


When I think of Israel my mind cannot help wandering to flowers. This small nation, the size of New Jersey, exports many fine flowers and other agricultural products as well. Her produce is known throughout the world.

A Little History [click to read]. ht/Phil