Monday, January 14, 2008

John McCain - Currently The Top Republican Candidate


Lady of Light

I was speaking with my friend and neighbor, Dennis, who is a World War II buff and historian and is quite familiar with the intricacies of McCain's military history and the details of his days in Viet Nam. This discussion was quite interesting, however, the thing that stood out most in my mind after speaking to him was the fact that McCain made a public statement forgiving his enemies from the past that harmed him.

As I watched Andy Stanley, Dr. Charles Stanley's son yesterday preaching from the church in Atlanta, he spoke of how the only way to have true victory in life is to have true forgiveness towards those who have wronged or hurt us. Those of us who are Christians have received the forgiveness of God through salvation in His son Jesus, and understand our responsibility to forgive others - to quote scripture - "as we have been forgiven in Christ Jesus".

When you find out that McCain was a prisoner of war and went through all kinds of suffering, you see how this man has risen above this by the nature of forgiveness and is now running the race to lead America in the future as President of the United States. For me, this new knowledge gives credibility to the man, John McCain and his character.

I then went to John McCain's website to take a look at how he stands on the various issues. The writers have done a terrific job and have gone into great detail about his stand on many issues. I have selected two issues to review. After the forgiveness information, I was interested in the Issues of Humanity. What does John McCain think about in his concerns for mankind? We will examine this and I will also go into his plan for Iraq, since his military history is impressive, and since he is a third generation military man, it will be interesting to see what he has to say about this also.

HUMAN DIGNITY AND THE SANCTITY OF LIFE

Overturn Roe Vs. Wade

J
ohn McCain believes "Roe Vs. Wade should be overturned, and as President he will nominate judges who understand that the courts should not be in the business of legislating from the bench. Constitutional balance would be restored by the reversal of Roe V. Wade, returning the abortion decision to the individual states. The difficult issue of abortion should not be decided by judicial fiat. He also wants to end abortion at the state level.

John McCain has publicly noted : "At its core, abortion is a human tragedy."

Promoting Adoption

He will seek to promote adoption as first option for women in crisis pregnancy. (He and his wife have an adopted child from Mother Teresa's Orphanage in Bangladesh.)

I am , myself, an adopted child so I can certainly identify with McCain's belief for the government to make this a viable option by supporting pregnant women so that they can give birth through government, charity and faith-based agencies and passing legislation to have government aid available to help with some of the expenses involved in adoption.

Although I am a "Right to Choose" person, I am also a "Right to Life" person (that is what I choose). I believe that the government should not dictate to women that they must have their children under any and all circumstances. This has to do with my belief about the role of government and the powers it should have. God gave man a free will, and I question giving the government the right to impose its will in issues of a personal nature that should be between a woman and God, not a woman and her government.

However, I like the fact that John McCain doesn't simply advocate abortion as some do, but looks to viable solutions and support for women in crisis pregnancies and that he, in his own private life has made a personal decision to adopt a child --thereby being "part of the solution" rather than "part of the problem" concerning this issue.

PROTECTING MARRIAGE

A
s President, John McCain would nominate judges who understand the role of the courts not to subvert the rights of the people by legislating from the bench.

"Critical to constitutional balance is insuring that where state and local governments do act to preserve the traditional family, the courts must not overstep their authority and thwart the constitutional right of the people to decide this question."

ADDRESSING THE CONCERNS OF ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY

John McCain opposes the intentional creation of human embryos for research purposes.

I agree that there needs to be reasonable government controls in Scientific Research, especially concerning stem cell production and usage.


PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM INTERNET PORNOGRAPHY

J
ohn McCain has been a leader in pushing legislation through Congress that requires all schools and libraries receiving federal subsidies to utilize internet connectivity to restrict access to sexually explicit material by children using such computers.

I agree that parents need all the help they can get to insure that their children are exposed to wholesome learning materials at schools and libraries.

PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM ONLINE PREDATORS

John McCain has taken a hard line against pedophiles that use the internet to prey upon children by proposing the first of its kind National Online Registry for persons who have been convicted of sex crimes against children.

This sounds like a good theory, but I'm not sure how it will work in practice. I do think that parents need all the information and guidance they can get to protect their children and this would require parental supervision as well. I am all for activities that help with parental guidance, whether on the internet or in the entertainment industry.

I must commend John McCain for his moral concerns about women and children and being aware of the moral implications that need to be curbed regarding stem cell research. I respect his viewpoints on these issues.

Now, we will take a look at his views concerning Iraq, which is of major concern to all of us at this time.

IRAQ

Bolster Troops on the Ground

"A greater military commitment now is necessary if we are to achieve long-term success in Iraq."

Implement New Counterinsurgency Strategy

Strengthen the Iraq Armed Forces and Police

Create Security Necessary for Political Progress and Stability

Accelerate Political and Economic Reconstruction in a Secure Invironment

"
Iraqis need to see tangible improvements in their daily lives or support for the new government will falter."

Keep Senior Officers in Place

Call for International Pressure on Syria and Iran

With his military experience, John McCain seems to have insight into some of the strategies that are needed for longterm victory in Iraq. To further evaluate this and other issues of the McCain campaign, I refer you to his website.

McCain Tax Cut Plan (select quotes)

Reforming Entitlement Programs For The 21st Century

  • Reform Social Security: John McCain will fight to save the future of Social Security and believes that we may meet our obligations to the retirees of today and the future without raising taxes. John McCain supports supplementing the current Social Security system with personal accounts -- but not as a substitute for addressing benefit promises that cannot be kept. John McCain will reach across the aisle, but if the Democrats do not act, he will. No problem is in more need of honesty than the looming financial challenges of entitlement programs. Americans have the right to know the truth and John McCain will not leave office without fixing the problems that threatens our future prosperity and power.
  • Control Medicare Growth: The growth of spending on Medicare threatens our fiscal future. John McCain has proposed comprehensive health care reforms that will reduce the growth in Medicare spending, protect seniors against rising Medicare premium payments, and preserve the advancements in medical science central to providing quality care

Health Care Reform

  • Comprehensive Health Care Reform: John McCain believes health care reform should address the rising costs that threaten families' budgets, business competitiveness, and government programs by making the entire system responsive to the needs of American families. Families should receive quality, accountable care at lower costs by harnessing market competition. (John McCain's detailed plan to reform our health care system may be found here.)
Border Security & Immigration Reform

On the Issues / On The Issues / Issues / Home

Border Security & Immigration Reform
Immigration is one of those challenging issues that touch on many aspects of American life.

I have always believed that our border must be secure and that the federal government has utterly failed in its responsibility to ensure that it is secure. If we have learned anything from the recent immigration debate, it is that Americans have little trust that their government will honor a pledge to do the things necessary to make the border secure.

As president, I will secure the border. I will restore the trust Americans should have in the basic competency of their government. A secure border is an essential element of our national security. Tight border security includes not just the entry and exit of people, but also the effective screening of cargo at our ports and other points of entry.

But a secure border will contribute to addressing our immigration problem most effectively if we also:

  • Recognize the importance of building strong allies in Mexico and Latin America who reject the siren call of authoritarians like Hugo Chavez, support freedom and democracy, and seek strong domestic economies with abundant economic opportunities for their citizens.

  • Recognize the importance of pro-growth policies -- keeping government spending in check, holding down taxes, and cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens -- so American businesses can hire and pay the best.

  • Recognize the importance of a flexible labor market to keep employers in business and our economy on top. ation of our immigrant population, which includes learning English, American history and civics, and respecting the values of a democratic society.



I hope that this information and my comments have been helpful to you. It is certainly interesting that on the day I am writing about McCain, news tells us that he has risen to the top as Republican Presidential Candidate! God bless you. Have a great day!

:Lady of Light


How Do Americans Vote?


Lady of Light

In an article by Joyce Brothers last week, I found out some interesting information I would like to share with you. She wrote a quiz about politics and voting from which I take the following excerpt:

"Since Americans vote with their brains, they'll be looking for the most intelligent candidate regardless of gender."

The answer to this question, Dr. Brothers tells us is false. Studies have shown that more Americans vote for emotional reasons than for intellectual reasons.

This is why I am in agreement as I previously stated in another blog about Barbara Simpson's article is that our candidate selection has triggered many emotional reactions because of the race and religious actions.

I am taking that cue, as I began with Huckabee, to introduce some of the Republican candidates and share something about their stand on various issues, to try to combat this tendency that Americans have to "vote with their emotions." Perhaps as we take some time to ponder the issues and what each candidate stands for, it will be easier to allow our intelligence to enter the picture even if it isn't the natural tendency.

I know that I have felt more confident about evaluating the candidates after doing some objective research.

In between various articles and stories this week, you will see some profiles of the Republican issues. I hope that this will be helpful and enjoyable for you.

The next article will be about John McCain. This is timely because he has just risen and become the top presidential candidate for the Republicans.

So, relax and read on to the next blog! God bless you! Have a wonderful day as you increase your knowledge and stretch the intellectual awareness of the Republican candidates.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

The Dawn Of A New Day

by Lady of Light

Today's poem is an early morning meditation that I had several years ago that just turned into a poem when I went to write it down. I guess I think more of new days right now because it is a new year!

THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY


The rows of houses, lining the still streets

are quiet from within,

It's the dawn of a new day about to begin.

Tje light peeks out from the darkness of night,

The birds begin singing - a true delight.

The beginnings of traffic can be heard in the street,

People raising early, the patter of feet.

The miracle of the sun and the sense of new light,

The dawn of a new day, wrought by God's might.

The dawn of a new day, so special and true,

Help me to be thankful and live it anew!


In the bible, these sentiments are expressed in the verse "This is a day that the Lord hath made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it." (Philipians). I hope this litlle poem brightens your day.
God Bless You.

Lady of Ligh (Remember, I invite comments and guest poetry.)

Easy Recipes for Football Season

It's nice to just be able to prepare a few simple dishes that can be used for meals, snacks, or people who drop by during football season - especially on the weekends. Here are two favorites of mine.

The first one, cold tuna macaroni salad was a recipe of my husband's mother. It is a favorite of his, quick easy, economical and delicious:

TUNA MACARONI SALAD

1 pound of elbow macaroni, cooked, according to directions, rinsed
in cold water, drained
1 Cup mayonnaise
1 Large jar of salad olives (green, pitted)
3 cans of tuna

l. Cook macaroni as directed, rinse in cold water, drain
2. Add 3 cans of drained tuna in flakes
3. Drain jar of olives (can dice, if preferred) and add to salad
4. Add and mix thoroughly, 1 cup of mayonaise

Optional: 1 cup diced green pepper
3/4 Cup of diced onion
3/4 cup of diced celery
Or add: garlic salt
basil
onion salt
celery salt

It is delicious plain - that's the way we like it - Chill and serve.

The second recipe is Mom's Chile con Carne> This was always a family favorite in our house.

CHILE CON CARNE

1 Pound Chopped beef meat
1 Large can Campbell's tomato soup
3 cans of Goya dark red kidney beans (this is what I use)
1 diced lg. green pepper
1 diced white or yellow onion
salt, pepper to taste
3 Tbs. chile powder (what I use , to your taste)

1. In large frying pan, brown chopped meat, add salt and pepper
2. Add diced green pepper and onion, cook into meat
3. Add and mix Campbell's tomato soup
4. Drain and add the kidney beans, stir
5. Add chile powder
6. Cover and simmer at least 14-30 minutes

Serve hot .

I hope you enjoy these recipes and have them on hand for a busy football weekend or a quick meal anytime. God Bless You.

Lady of Light









Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Substance of Mike Huckabee


After doing my article yesterday about being more informed, I have decided to write about Mike Huckabee as quoted from his website on a series of political issues in the hopes that you will be more informed about some of his positions after reading this blog.

SECURE AMERICA PLAN

Huckabee has a nine point strategy to enforce immigration law to lower the illegal immigration population:

1. Build the fence by 7/2010.
2. Increase border control.
3. Prevent Amnesty
4 Enforce law on employers
5. Establish an economic border
6. Empower local authorities
7. Ensure Document Security
8. Discourage Dual Citizenship
9. Modernize Process of Legal Immigration

SANCTITY OF LIFE

In simple terms, Huckabee is basically a "right to lifer".

FAITH AND POLITICS

"My faith is my life. It defines me . My faith doesn't influence my decisions. It drives them."

This is a definite indicator that Huckabees Christianity will strongly influence the presidency and this should be kept in mind. In an article on THE POLITICAL MACHINE today, it was stated that Huckabee, who professed to have a Theology Degree, never completed that degree and he used this statement about himself to strengthen his position in various situations. Did his faith help him make the decision to misrepresent himself to the American people? I would rather have Joel Osteen who, lacking in formal bible education, freely and openly admits this and simply continues to do what he does as "who he really is". An HONEST man who is doing the work of God as he believes he is called. (See previous stories on Joel Osteen). We must be cautious about someone who tries to elevate himself by misrepresenting his qualifications. If he would misrepresent himself on this, what else is going on with him? Will we find out later that he doesn't really represent these positions on the issues as he claims? It has made me a bit cautious.

VETERANS' BILL OF RIGHTS

Hukabee believes in having a bill that will address issues that are not currently being handled properly.

EDUCATION AND THE ARTS

Test scores rose dramatically in Arkansas when Huckabee was Governor because of education reforms

Huckabee believes that children should have what he refers to as "Weapons of Mass Instruction" in both Art and Music.

As Governor of Arkansas, Huckabee passed landmark legislation to provide music and art instruction by certified teachers in grades 1 - 6 for 40 minutes per week.

As Chairman of Education and Arts Commission of the States, he promoted benefits of art in 50 states - "The Arts: A Lifetime of Learning"


HEALTHCARE

Huckabee believes that we don't need universal healthcare.

He will reduce healthcare from 17% to 11% , saving 700 billion dollars--twice the National deficit.

Huckabee believes in a consumer based system, not socialized medicine.


MARRIAGE

Huckabee states, "I support and have consistently supported passage of the federal constitutional amendment that defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman."

Since we know that other types of marriages exist in this country, this could pose a problem for gays and those in the transgender community. Though some may aggree with Huckabee that this is the definition of marriage, can we ignore the rights and freedoms of those who think or live otherwise?


NATIONAL SECURITY/FOREIGN POLICY:IRAQ

Huckabee states, "Iraq is a battle in our generational, ideological war on terror."

"I am focused on winning. Withdrawal (from Iraq) would have serious consequences and horrific humanitarian consequences for the Iraquis."

Huckabee accuses the Democrats as being "in delusional denial that Iraq is a war of terror."

I would be interested to hear the comments of some Democrats on this.

ENERGY

Huckabee states "The first thing I will do as President is to send Congress my comprehensive plan for energy independence."

"We have to explore, we have to conserve, and we have to pursue all avenues of alternative energy - nuclear, wind , solar, hydrogen, clean coal, biodiesel, and biomass."

This sums up some of the issues as stated by Huckabee in his own words. His tax plan sounded so radical to me that I would recommend you read it for yourself on his website. I am not well versed on all of the tax plans and I am wise enough NOT to say I completed my CPA when I did not!











Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Let's Vote For A Qualified Candidate in Election 2008


Today I would like to respond to an article on world net daily.com called Religion Vs. Race written by California talk radio host Barbara Simpson. I am in total agreement with her sentiments that we don"t want to vote based on religious or racial attitudes and beliefs.

This is a most unique presidential race because so many of the candidates have things that stand out about them that are not simply qualifications to run the country. Do we want a WOMAN president? A MORMON? A BAPTIST PREACHER? or a BLACK MAN? I want the person who is best qualified to run this country and I think Tommy Christopher, on THE POLITICAL MACHINE has handled the topic of candidates very well by simply clarifying the political platform of each candidate in the hopes that people can vote more intelligently.

Edwards is the only one who doesn't seem to have something about him that stands out like a sore thumb and also, as Tommy Christopher said, a most reasonable platform.

Are people really selecting a candidate because they are more interested in their self- image (not a racis, a God-fearing Evangelical)? That is no reason to vote for anyone. I would suggest that the media cooperate in giving the American people the perspective that they need in order to back the person who would best do the job.

I don"t think that anyone who didn't vote for Obama is a racist. He is not the only candidate. I think this whole political scene is getting out of hand and Tommy Christopher is one of the few reporters who has tried to keep a right perspective on the election. The media influences people and has a duty to do better than to try to ascribe motives to the people who have done the voting so far in the primaries.

I liken the media to the Lions roaring when King Nebuchadnezzar sent Daniel to the Lion's den. If you remember the account in the book of Daniel, God closed the mouths of the Lions and sent an angel to protect Daniel. So there is hope that the media can do a turnaround and encourage the American people to vote for a candidate based on their honesty, integrity and perceived ability to run the country. ''

I hope this clarifies my position. I welcome your comments and encourage you to read The Political Machine - Posts by Tommy Christopher and Elections: 2008 by Barbara Simpson on Worldnet daily.com.

Have a great day and stay informed of the exciting goings on in the race. McCain and Hillary have won in New Hampshire - Hillary is no surprise because the newspapers there all endorsed her.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

God Will Establish Us

Now we are actually into the second week of the New Year and have begun to attempt to live out our resolutions. Somehow we plan to improve ourselves, our lives, our relationship with God, our relationship with others, our involvement in the church and community, and our careers and jobs as well.

If you have been reading my posts, you can see I have made a commitment to quite a few changes and quite a few things. It's not easy to "teach an old dog new tricks" but the bible says, thank God, "All things are possible with God." In this same vein, I want to introduce a verse from Psalm 90:17.

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."

This is perhaps a prayer of David because he knows that if the beauty of God be upon us - that is we do things to bring honor and glory to God, our works will be established. We must commit each and every plan to Him in order to know that we will have the supernatural power that is necessary to make consistent changes, improvements and accomplishments in our life.

One of the sure ways to accomplish new things is to pray and set goals on faith. We can do this as we know that God will establish us if we are behaving according to His will. Certainly God loves us and wants us to be healthy, have healthy relationships and to prosper in all that we do. We are so very fortunate to have a loving heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers.

Let's be like David, and ask for the beauty of God to be upon us and for God to establish the work of our hands.

I wish God's blessing upon you as you will to carry out new plans and make new changes in
2008;

I will speak more about my progress and experiences in future posts.

Lady of Light