“Where will it end? How low do you have to
stoop in this country to be President?”
—Hunter S. Thompson
___________________________________
It’s down now to the last few weeks. The air froths with tension. The crescendo of blather, the simpering insipid press, blah, blah, blah, on and on it goes. The endless cycle of this daily poll and that daily poll, an incessant cyclone of noise and thunder.
I know how a lot of you are feeling. As the Presidential election looms, now just days away. So much at stake, and so many seem to sleep.
You know who you are. The ones with the sweaty palms, the palpitating heartbeats, shortness of breath, cold night sweats. The ones who hyperventilate at the thought their candidate might not win. That he probably won’t. The ones who can’t imagine the country in the hands of the enemies of all they hold dear.
I know who you are, too. I can sympathize. I used to be one of you. I was right in there with you during the last two Presidential campaigns. AlGore drove me bonkers. I still can’t stand to see him or listen to his deranged rantings about global warming. The pompous gasbag prophet. The haughty John Kerry and his equally haughty wife Teresa stirred their own apocalyptic visions in my head.
All the strain and stress of worrying and fretting about politics. It’s enough to unhinge sound minds and turn the strongest heart to quivering jelly.
And I wonder why we do it. Why we allow ourselves to become so wrapped up, so obsessed with the outcome of a political process.
Deep down, do we consider it our salvation? Not of our souls, but of our “heaven on earth?” If we do, we should know better. Politics is a vile and dishonorable profession; it poisons all it touches. Including you, if you drink too deeply of its tainted dregs.
All the characters running for office are deeply flawed. Corrupted by their years in office or by the process itself. They will promise anything they think we want to hear, but after they are elected, we are forgotten. As are their promises.
So I’m not doing it. Not this time. The strain and stress and hyperventilation, I mean. And it’s not about voting or not voting, or who you’re voting for. Do what you want. Vote pragmatically or vote your conscience. I’ll do the same. I won’t think less of you. You may think of me however you wish.
It’s about keeping perspective. And sanity.
I don’t know who will win. You don’t either. A few weeks ago it seemed like McCain. Lately, Obama has momentum, if the sycophant press can be believed. Somehow, I remain highly skeptical of the breathless media reports that it’s all over. Methinks they protest too much; they are “whistling past the graveyard,” hoping that because they say so will make it so. We’re still two-plus weeks out. We won’t know who won until November 4th comes and goes.
I’m going out on a limb here. I still think it will be McCain and Palin. The polls will tighten in the last week, when even the blatantly biased pollsters will want to get it right. Because of the Bradley effect, if Obama doesn’t go into election day with a substantial (5% to 7%) lead, he will lose.
If that happens, there will be riots in the cities. Especially if it’s too close to call and goes to the courts again like it did in 2000. If that happens, heaven help us all.
But I don’t know. It’s just my opinion. I’m not a prophet.
I’m irritated at the slobbering, slithering press and its blatant backing of Obama. They make no bones about it. Maybe they’ll get their wish. If so, he’ll bite the hands that fed him soon enough.
I’m irritated at a lot of other things too.
At McCain and his incoherent ramblings. Probably the most incompetent campaigner in the history of Presidential politics. The man said a few weeks ago that he’d consult AlGore on global warming. At his big government solutions to all things that ail the country. And probably most of all, for his co-sponsorship of the despicable McCain-Feingold Act and the suppression of free political speech. It’s just abominable. For that vile betrayal alone, the man does not deserve to be President. Period.
I’m irritated at Obama too, mostly for being a vacuous empty suit with a messianic complex, who spouts vacant socialistic platitudes about “change.” And that anyone who opposes him is instantly pegged as racist by the unhinged left. He can say nothing better than anyone I’ve ever heard. Not that I listen to him much. I’m sure the man is not the demon he’s portrayed to be. Yes, he’s a leftist, and yes, he’s a liberal, but if elected, his policies will not automatically become law. Any country that survived eight years of the degenerate Clinton can take on about anything. I do believe an Obama administration would be even more corrupt than Clinton’s was.
I still naturally react viscerally against all things liberal, the socialism, the base class envy at the core of all the Democrats believe and do. I have few illusions. Obama and Pelosi and Reid will drive our country straight over the cliff. Into oblivion. About five miles per hour faster than McCain would.
The Republicans had all the opportunities in the world to change things. Back when they owned the Presidency and both houses of Congress. That was their chance. Instead of seizing it, they dramatically expanded government, and spent money like drunken bums. Which they are.
The truth is that Bush has decimated the Constitution far worse than Clinton could ever have dreamed of doing. And far worse than either AlGore or Kerry would have done, had they been President. I’ve heard it said years ago that a Republican President will do more damage to the country than a Democrat, simply because those who should be on guard, the conservative base, always have their guards down and don’t protest as they should. I believe this is true.
With the recent bailout, federal powers have increased dramatically as the government seized control of practically every aspect of banking and finance. What government takes with its heavy hand, it does not easily relinquish. The market showed its confi-dence in the takeover by blasting up over 900 points on Monday, only to drop more than 700 points two days later. Dropped again today.
We are still in for a long dry slog through the desert. The piper will be paid.
More ominously, since Oct. 1, for the first time, we now have a brigade of troops stationed in our own country to respond to natural disasters and DOMESTIC CIVIL UNREST. In direct violation of Posse Comitatus [military personnel may not be directly involved in law enforcement]. The separation has been in effect since 1878. But Bush broke down the wall, and now they’re here. Heaven only knows what dark storms they portend. Before it’s over, the blood of American citizens will be flowing in the streets.
That’s what I fear and loathe. Not so much who’s running for President, or who will be President, but what our government has become. Where we are heading, regardless of who wins this election.
It’s OK to loathe. It’s not worth the effort and energy required to hate. And fear, well, we have the choice on whether or not it paralyzes us. A healthy fear is good, a paralyzing fear is not.
I believe that an old house with a rotting foundation that is falling down should be assisted in its fall, not shored up. Obama will take the house down faster than McCain. So if the country votes him in, it will get what it deserves. More severe pain, more quickly. But also a real chance for those who love freedom to clean up the mess. A mess that will have to be cleaned up sooner or later. Might as well be sooner.
Maybe in my lifetime. Maybe not. Whatever happens, it won’t affect who I am and what I believe.
Whoever wins, my tirades will be unleashed against them from time to time. As long as I’m allowed to keep this site. I fully expect the day to come, and it’s not that far off, when internet free speech will be a thing of the past. The Demoncrats are slobbering at the bit for the Fairness Doctrine and a lot more. All sites will be licensed and curtailed. And ultimately silenced.
Until then, I’ll keep plugging on.
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Congratulations to the Phillies for crushing the Dodgers in five games. Unfortunately, Tampa collapsed last night after leading the arrogant Red Sox, 7-0. Lost 8-7. With a swing like that, it will be a miracle if the Rays still pull it out in the next two games. But hope springs eternal, and all that.
If the Red Sox do make it, I will be in the extremely awkward position of cheering for the Phillies. And I mean awkward. It’s like the sun rising in the west. Maybe I’d just sit it out. Be neutral. As if that would be possible.
I stopped at Amelia’s Discount Groceries the other night on the way home from the gym. To pick up a few items for supper. As usual, I loaded up with more stuff than I had planned. The middle-aged Plain Mennonite cashier rang up my purchases.
“Fifteen twenty-eight,” she said pleasantly. I opened my wallet and extracted the cash.
To my horror, I had exactly fourteen bucks. I shuffled uncomfortably.
“I guess I’ll have to remove an item,” I stammered, pointing to a box of ice cream I didn’t need anyway, and hadn’t planned to buy. “I’ve got exactly fourteen dollars.”
“Oh, that’s quite alright,” the Plain Mennonite lady said soothingly. “It’s certainly not the first time something like this happened.” She re-rang the total. Thirteen seventy-eight.
I handed her all my money, took my change, and thanked her. “Thought I was better organized. I usually carry more cash.” I mumbled. She smiled kindly. She’d heard all the excuses before.
Embarrassing. Can’t remember the last time something like that happened to me. Probably when I was a teenager.
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While you’re at Wikipedia looking up the Bradley Effect, might as well see Morton’s Fork as well, perhaps even more applicable. (Why do we fall for this, allowing others to tell us what to think?)
For some humor on the approved candidates, see http://www.jibjab.com/originals/time_for_some_campaignin
But in the end, Ira, it is the community we share, the support we give one another that will outlast and outshine all the rest. I remember the sign on Ron Paul’s welcome desk when I took my children to tour DC. Visible from the hall, it said, “PRAY.” (For Ron Paul’s blog – http://www.campaignforliberty.com/blog/?p=582) So I appreciate your thoughts.
Comment by LeRoy Whitman — October 17, 2008 @ 10:26 pm
We’ve all been there. Ummm, I guess I dont have enough cash. It’s embarassing, but it shouldn’t be. We usually don’t know that cashier and will probably never see them again. I know what you’re thinking, “do you take plastic?”
Considering the host’s knowledge and perspective of the current political scene, one might be surprised to remember that he only reads and doesn’t watch television news programs.
The host’s response to the reader’s snide observation: I also listen to Rush and Glenn Beck. Always have. Probably will as long as they’re allowed on the air. And no, I am NOT a closet TV newswatcher.
Comment by Reuben Wagler — October 17, 2008 @ 11:26 pm
We saw Sarah Palin this morn. in Lancaster, shouts of Sarah, Sarah, Country first, country first, & drill, drill, drill, filled the Clipper Stadium…It was neat how she walked in carrying baby Trig in her arms.
Comment by wilma wagler — October 18, 2008 @ 2:17 pm
The more one shuns regular news outlets (esp TV and radio), the better opportunity to be informed and think clearly, I am convinced! That’s not from any church rule perspective; just from the John Baptizer wilderness-hearing one.
Comment by LeRoy Whitman — October 18, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
The Phillies will crush whoever they play in the World Series. Hopefully it’s the Sox so I can watch their fans writhe in pain…
Comment by Ira L Wagler — October 19, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
The Color of Blue would be a nice addition to remind us of our Patriotic “and Christian” duty on November 4th.
Nis
Comment by Dave Nissley — October 19, 2008 @ 3:44 pm
New here, from Bloomfield, Iowa. Have learned a lot from all these writings. I’ve read them all! Took me at least two weeks (writings and comments). I think I may be addicted. I read the hilarious mean pony tale to my husband last night. He got a big kick out of it.
You are an amazing writer and human being. I have learned so much from you as an x-Amish, and human being. I certainly have much more understanding and respect of the Amish. I never know how close to get to the Amish, as I am a very friendly, outgoing lady and I do not want to cross a line. Most of the women have such sincere smiles and the children, oh my, the children are precious. I love to see them walking barefoot to school, carrying their lunches. Sometimes I see a buggy with school children in it. What a beautiful sight. I always visit the greenhouses and the grocery stores. It kind of aggrevates me about the furniture stores, selling furniture they did not make. Many people who come down here think it is made here.
I know, from a distance, some of the people you talk about. I will have a gleam in my eye and a smirk on my face next time I encounter some of them again (with total respect).
I love how so many of your friends support and encourage you. That is so beautiful. I wish you the best in the rest of your life. Hope you can find the perfect woman for you. She is in for a wonderful treat, I’m sure. You seem like the perfect man. Wish you could give my honey some tips! Ha!!
I could go on and on, as I am really in to your writings, but I shall end your misery now. God bless you, as I’m sure He will.
Krin
Comment by Krindee — October 22, 2008 @ 6:33 pm
What time is it….
As we look back thru the annals of time, there are many, many examples of men and women doing something because they felt it was….time.
Nature presents us with many examples of how He programmed, within certain creatures, to KNOW when it is ‘time’ to do something.
Birds know when it is time to migrate. And where to go. Each species has their specific place to go to.
The salmon knows when it is time to return to the place it was born.
That worm that knows when to start spinning it’s cocoon…so it can emerge…as something beautiful!
A babe in the womb begins to feel that restlessness…
The homing pigeon knows how to return home…regardless where it is taken to and released from.
The creatures that know when and how to stock up for winter.
The creatures that know what to do to prepare for that time of hibernation ahead. When to hibernate and when to wake up.
Fall…is an example of nature….getting ready for what lies ahead.
How does nature KNOW that it is that ‘time’?
Don’t know, but it does.
On and on it goes.
Then we have countless examples of people, down thru the ages, KNOWING what ‘time’ it was in their day.
There was a time to go down into Egypt, and there was a time to come out.
Joseph gathered in the 7 years of plenty…for the 7 years of famine to come.
Many, many years ago, some of our forefathers knew when it was time to come out of the religion they were raised in.
Many years ago, some of our forefathers felt compelled to leave their homeland to go to that land across the waters.
We look at those men and women as great men and women.
We hold them in esteem.
What we fail to do, is realize how they were looked upon by MANY in their generation.
People have always been the same. The spirits of people have always been the same.
The spirits of those that felt a pulling…restlessness…that ‘gut’ feeling, you could say.
Even tho they knew that God had lead their forefathers down into Egypt…they began to feel a restlessness…not knowing for sure…why…or what.
And the spirits of those that think… “this is what our forefathers did, so this is what we should be doing. Things have been this way for many years…and they will surely…continue on. God lead us down into Egypt, and here we stay. God told Noah to build a boat, so surely we need to build one too.”
The question that we face today…is ‘what time is it’.
For us.
That is the question of all questions.
The masses….have been desensitized.
Disoriented.
Being made fools of.
They no longer know what to ‘feel’.
Or believe.
Their minds filled with anything…and everything.
Garbage called ‘news’.
Disinformation being sown on the left and on the right.
Keep them occupied with worthless things.
Then there are the cares/pleasures of life, to fill any voids….
In the meantime, the important things that are going on behind the scenes…that most are ignorant of…blind to…
Christianity has played her part, also.
Never has there been such division.
Diversity of doctrines.
Universal gospel…but other than that, confusion on every hand.
Something is drastically wrong.
Terribly….terribly wrong.
You don’t ‘feel it’…you say?
Hmmmmm…
*********************************
WHOEVER…this is referring to here in Proverbs….is in deep trouble.
Just WHAT IF….this fits OUR generation!!
Couldn’t be….surely not….
What is written here shows that He is CAPABLE of feeling this way…towards a people.
Many folks think that He would never feel that way towards a people.
Think what you will.
Prov 1:24-33
24 Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;
25 But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;
27 When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you.
28 Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:
29 For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord:
30 They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.
31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.
32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.
33 But whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.
Comment by fritz — October 24, 2008 @ 11:46 am
Not into politics. Not into sports.
But the grocery store incident rings a bell. A loud gong is more like it. Just last week it happened. And two weeks before that. Some of the cashiers are nice about it and some act like you just killed their mother. Oh well, life goes on.
Comment by Francine — April 10, 2013 @ 12:19 am