Obamacare Leaves 17 Million Uninsured

An article from yesterday's USA Today:
Congress' Health Care Bills Leave Millions Uninsured

Crandall Printing Museum Review

As we walked into the museum, I turned to my friends, Anna and Bryce, and said, “It’s such a small museum. This tour can’t possibly take two hours.” It did. The Crandall Printing Museum is a small museum that was just started a few years ago here in Provo, Utah and this museum’s tour was required for my American Government and Society class. While I did not enjoy the museum as much as my friends did, I came to see it as a highly educational and engaging opportunity.


We walked into the lobby and a small man behind the desk greeted us enthusiastically and showed us where to sign in for the tour. The first room we entered was set up to look like an old printing shop, with a large wooden printing press and several display cases. There were lots of chairs set up and we sat down and listened to a presentation for about an hour. In this room we learned about Johannes Gutenberg, the man who invented the printing press. The presenter had formerly worked in the printing business and was very knowledgeable. He even had us come up and watch as he demonstrated how the Gutenberg press printed the very first printed book – a “Gutenberg” Bible. However, I gave a presentation on the history of books a few years ago, and I went to a museum with a printing press last summer, so the presentation was slightly boring to me. Also, the air in the room was rather warm and I had stayed up late doing homework the night before, so I think I dozed off a couple times. Ok, actually, I know I dozed off a couple times.

The tour was then interrupted by “Benjamin Franklin” who invited us to come see his printing press. We moved into another room where he showed us a replica of Franklin’s press and spoke to us about Benjamin Franklin’s life and the role of the printed word in early American history. Usually, I would find this sort of thing intriguing. However, being a formerly homeschooled student, I have been able to tailor much of my education to my interests, which just happen to include early American history. As a result, I have read Franklin’s “Autobiography” and know well the subject being discussed in the presentation and was, again, rather bored. I don’t mean to sound like a know-it-all or a brat, I’m just trying to tell the story as honestly as possible. Which, I suppose, means that if I do sound like a know-it-all or a brat, than I really am.

We moved on to the last room of the tour, which was meant to be a replica of the printing shop the Book of Mormon was first printed in. This presentation was slightly more engaging and we saw the press the Book of Mormon was first printed on, learned about how the book was printed, and some of the miracles that happened along the process. This was the warmest room of all and while I felt incredibly drowsy and anxious to get out, I managed to pay attention and learned several interesting facts.

When they announced our tour complete, we quickly moved toward the exit, though we were stopped along the way by a museum guide who wanted to show us a press that the Deseret News, a prominent newspaper in Utah, had been printed on. As we walked outside I was completely unprepared for Anna’s reaction: “That was SO COOL! I’m so taking my family back here some time. Wasn’t that just awesome?!?” She squealed while practically skipping to the car. I looked at her, utterly bewildered, and finally told her I was very glad she enjoyed herself.

On the way home, I tried to decide why I hadn’t enjoyed it. It was very true that that sort of thing is usually right up my alley. I could blame it on the hot temperature, or the less-than-intriguing material, but I think the blame really lies with my own lack of preparation. I was extremely tired, slightly crabby, and looked at the tour as something to get over with rather than a learning opportunity.

Honestly, the Crandall Museum can be a very interesting educational presentation. It is a comprehensive and engaging history of the creation and influence of books, and, specifically, the scriptures. If you go with the right attitude and a desire to learn (and plenty of rest) it will be an experience that you can leave jumping up and down and exclaiming that next time you’re taking your family. Just ask Anna.

More info on "Safe Schools Czar" Kevin Jennings

This is more info on the new "Safe Schools Czar" Pres. Obama has appointed. I pulled this from an email alert I received from the Liberty Counsel and it is absolutely sickening the things we are learning about this man. Once you have read this, please consider signing the petition to remove him from office - here is the link:
http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827


Taylor,

Thanks again for signing Liberty Counsel's petition calling for
the removal of Kevin Jennings, President Obama's appointee as
"Safe Schools Czar." Thanks to you, we are already half way
to our initial goal of 25,000 signers. But with each passing
day, we learn more outrageous facts about his sordid past and
radical ties.

For example, his homos*xual "partner" states that Jennings was
a leading member of Act Up, a militant homos*xual group that
invaded St. Patrick's Cathedral during a Mass in 1989,
harassing the congregation and desecrating the Sacraments.
Act Up was responsible for many other outrages, including
throwing the ashes of dead AIDS victims onto the White
House lawn.

Jennings also wrote the forward to a book entitled, "Queering
Elementary Education" which boldly calls for pushing the
homos*xual agenda in the earliest grades.

I've included my original message below. This is an URGENT
request: Please forward this to your friends and ask them
to join you in signing. Thanks and God bless you.

Mat
+ + + + + + + + +

Kevin Jennings isn't a household name, but we've been watching
his actions very closely. The reason is that Jennings poses
a severe threat to our Nation's school children, yet he is
President Obama's choice for "Safe Schools Czar"!

Let me be absolutely clear: Kevin Jennings is unfit to serve
in ANY position related to our public schools.

Recently, over 50 Congressmen formally demanded that President
Obama remove Jennings from his post. Here's what motivated
this unusually strong action...

The congressional letter states, "As the founder of the Gay,
Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), Mr. Jennings
has played an integral role in promoting homos*xuality and
pushing a pro-homos*xual agenda in America's schools-an agenda
that runs counter to the values that many parents desire to
instill in their children."

You can read the full letter here:

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827


+ + "Safe Schools" will mean "Pro-Homosexual Schools"

Jennings' intent is to use his platform as Safe Schools Czar
to aggressively promote -- and even celebrate -- homos*xuality
in our schools. He is an outspoken proponent of a radical
pro-homos*xual curriculum, including so-called "diversity"
training at the elementary school level!

This is deplorable. It is not to be tolerated!

On top of his unacceptable, strident stand on the homos*xual
agenda, Jennings has even admitted to the use of illicit drugs,
showing no signs of remorse. This man is totally unqualified
to serve as a policymaker and role model in the Department
of Education!

Mathew Staver, Founder and Chairman
Liberty Counsel

http://www.libertyaction.org/r.asp?u=22455&PID=22583827

Petition to Remove Pro-Homosexual Activist Kevin Jennings from Office

Please read this story about the "Safe Schools Czar" and consider signing the petition:
http://www.libertyaction.org/308/petition.asp?Ref_ID=2853&RID=22260163

Religious Freedom: The First Amendment Under Attack

In the past century, there has been a constant, subtle attack on a principle that lies at the very heart of our nation’s foundation. Through media, legal, and societal pressures, there has been a push to eradicate this principle from our society. Many people claim to be advancing this truth, even as they unwittingly take an ax to its foundation. The principle under attack is the right of religious freedom. American society must recognize the fundamental and natural right of religious freedom and be more vigilant in its protection.


The very first Constitutional amendment ratified in the Bill of Rights says that, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof” (Constitution). Many would not see any problem with this statement in regards to our current government and society. However, I disagree. The most prominent example in my mind is the pending Hate Crimes Bill currently being discussed in the U.S. Congress. A pastor may refuse to hire a homosexual individual because it is against his or her religious beliefs and then may be penalized by this law. Wouldn’t that law be “respecting an establishment of religion” by refusing to allow the pastor to follow his religious beliefs?

The more pronounced abuses against religious freedom fall under the phrase “prohibiting the free exercise thereof,” which is what I’d like to cover more fully.

One of the most authoritative voices on religious freedom is Thomas Jefferson. In 1786, the Virginia House of Burgesses passed a bill drawn up by Jefferson titled “An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom.” Among many important points in this bill is a statement emphasizing the free practice of religion. It says:

“No man shall be…enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities” (Jefferson 119).

While there are fortunately very few laws that currently restrain religious freedom, it is certainly true that there are media and societal pressures that would restrain a man from arguing his positions on matters of religion and certainly there are forces claiming that the practice of religion affects a person’s civil capacities. One example of this abuse is found in the aftermath of the passing of Proposition 8 in California. Just a few months ago, Proposition 8 was passed in a state-wide vote declaring that marriage is between one man and one woman. Furious at the outcome of the long and intense debate, homosexual activists persecuted financial donors, vandalized and destroyed church properties, and intimidated anyone who had supported the cause. They also started several lawsuits against churches and religious officials claiming that religion should have no part in a political debate.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that:

“Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. This right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship, and observance” (US Code).

Notice that this statement includes public life. This affects the increasing arguments against nativity scenes in front of town halls, and a recent controversy surrounding high school cheerleaders using scripture verses in their banners. It also affects the ban against football players no longer being allowed to drop a bended knee in deference to God after a touchdown and school officials being banned from offering prayers at extracurricular functions.

The writers of the Bill of Rights purposely placed the right to religious freedom as the first amendment. It is an absolutely vital principle in our government and society. The United States Code, a federal law, states:

“The right to freedom of religion undergirds the very origin and existence of the United States….[The Nation’s Founders] established in law, as a fundamental right and as a pillar of our Nation, the right to freedom of religion.”

As citizens of the United States, we must uphold the Constitution and protect the right to religious freedom from attack. It is a natural and fundamental right that is at the core of our nation. Religious freedom is a major basis for the founding of America and it is one of the most prominent reasons for America’s goodness and virtue. As Alexander de Tocqueville’s famous quote says, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great” (qtd. in Couch).



Works Cited

The Constitution of the United States with Index and The Declaration of Independence. 2nd ed. Malta, ID: National Center for Constitutional Studies, 2005. Print.

Couch, Stuart. "Couch: A Question of Conscience — The Center for the Study of Human Rights in the Americas (CSHRA)." Center for the Studies of Human Rights in the Americas. UCDavis, 2008. Web. 22 Oct. 2009. .

Jefferson, Thomas. "An Act for Establishing Religious Freedom." 1785. Voices of Freedom: A Documentary History. 2nd ed. Vol. 1. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2008. 119. Print.

"US CODE: Title 22,6401. Findings; policy." LII
Legal Information Institute. Cornell University Law School, 2008. Web. 21 Oct. 2009. .

America's Founding according to The Book of Mormon

It is not an uncommon belief among Americans that God had a hand in the founding of our country. Many Christians point to signs of God’s intervention in our first struggles. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I too can say that I believe there was divine assistance in those events. Many people do not know that it is part of our belief as Latter-day Saints that America is a chosen land; and more specifically, that a prophet in The Book of Mormon foretold these events. This prophet’s name was Nephi (pronounced nee-fie) and I would like to share with you some of his prophecies and how they have been fulfilled.


1 Nephi chapter 13 tells of a vision Nephi has when an angel visits him. He first sees Christopher Columbus going across the Atlantic and Nephi says that he sees the Spirit of God “wrought upon the man” (Book of Mormon, 1 Ne 13:12). Christopher Columbus firmly believed he was divinely inspired and said “Our Lord unlocked my mind, sent me upon the sea, and gave me fire for the deed…. Who can doubt but that the Holy Ghost inspired me? (Wasserman 19-20)”

Nephi next sees many multitudes “and they went forth out of captivity, upon the many waters” (1 Ne 13:13) to the “land of promise.” We know that these are the colonists coming to America, many escaping the captivity of poverty or a state-enforced religion.

Then, we get to my favorite part. In verses 16-19, Nephi sees the Revolutionary War. He writes that the people did “humble themselves before the Lord; and the power of the Lord was with them.” He then beheld that they “were delivered by the power of God out of the hands of all other nations.” Not only were they delivered out of the hands of Great Britain, but they were divinely protected from any of the other world powers that might have staked a claim on the Americas. Why is this? Why did God protect them? In the Book of Mormon, we learn that the American Continent is a promised land. People could only come here if they were brought by the hand of the Lord; and if they were righteous, then they would continue to be protected by the Lord. It was the same with the Colonists. 2 Ne 10:11-14 says:

“And this land shall be a land of liberty unto the Gentiles, and there shall be no kings upon the land, who shall raise up unto the Gentiles. And I will fortify this land against all other nations…. For he that raiseth up a king against me shall perish, for I, the Lord, the king of heaven, will be their king, and I will be a light unto them forever, that hear my words.”

America was the first nation with religious liberty, because God had a hand in its founding, and saved this place to be a promised land. God wants this to be a land of liberty, that we can worship HIM as our king. In this way, we are truly free to serve not mammon, but only our God; and serve him with all our heart, and all our might (Holy Bible, Deut 4:5-6). May God continue to bless America.



Works Cited

The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ). Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ, 1981. Print.

The Holy Bible (KJV). Salt Lake City: The Chruch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1979. Print.

Wasserman, Jacob. Columbus, Don Quixote of the Seas. Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1930. Print.

How They Convince Us We Can Pay for It.

"Lawmakers use a 10-year accounting window to assess new programs. Starting the Medicare cuts and some of the taxes in the early years — and pushing the bulk of new spending into the latter years — helps keep the cost of the health care overhaul within Obama's $900 billion limit. Bush used the same kind of maneuver to push the Medicare benefit through Congress."
If Healthcare passes, Subsidies will come later by the Associated Press

The Road of Faith

This is a topic that no one likes to talk contemplate – adversity in our lives. Everyone has experienced it, some more, some less. There is purpose in the trials in our lives. James E. Faust quoted Brigham Young in saying that, “Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.”


The book True to the Faith defines humility as “an acknowledgment that your talents and abilities are gifts from God … it is an indication that you know where your true strength lies.” Adversity creates this sort of humility in that you have the opportunity to learn to rely completely on the Lord. If you let it, adversity can deepen your spirituality and relationship with God and can make you more in tune with the Spirit.

Some of the darkest periods of our lives can also be times for the most learning and growth. When your heart is broken and contrite, that is when God can stretch it the most. The lyrics of the song Only the Brokenhearted express this well:

Broken hearts are deeper;

They've been opened wide

And the tears become containers

To hold more love inside

And truly feel what only the brokenhearted can (Call, Cherie).

In the midst of great adversity is where your faith can grow the most. This is the place of a great crossroads. You can choose to doubt God and ask how He could let this happen to you, or you can choose to exercise faith and believe that He will keep you in the hollow of his hand. Often, in the midst of opposition you strain to see God’s hand in your life and your human nature simply restrains you from finding it. This is exactly when you need faith the most. When you look back at your decision to not despair, but to show faith in Christ, you will see that you “took the [road] less traveled by, and that has made all the difference” (Frost).

I told a friend recently that the past few weeks have been some of the hardest of my life. In the span of just a few short weeks, I believe I have cried more than ever before, but I also believe I have learned and grown more than ever before. While I am in a completely new environment far from most of my family and friends, I have had to learn to completely rely on God. My heart has been broken, and rather than heal it right away, God has had me exercise faith that, over time, it will become whole. I am beginning to internalize the meaning of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. It is now, more than ever, that I have come to know what it means to have faith in Christ. I know, now, that it is not just belief, though that was the beginning. I have faith that I am where God wants me to be. I have faith that I am doing what He wants me to do. And I have faith that while He will not deliver me from adversity immediately, He is holding me in the hollow of His hand. He is picking me up when I fall and encouraging me every step of the way. He is supporting me and allowing me to learn and grow and become stronger.

As I look back on the choices I have made, I can see where I decided to simply walk with faith. I cannot see very far on the road ahead; but looking back at my path, I can see that God has been with me all the way, often carrying me over the most treacherous parts. I can see where I made the choice to walk the less traveled road of faith, and I know it has made all the difference.



Works Cited

Call, Cherie. "Only the Brokenhearted." Cherie Call's Web Page. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. .

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. True to the Faith: A Gospel Reference. Salt Lake City: Intellectual Reserve, Inc., 2004. Print.

Faust, James E. "The Healing Power of Forgiveness." The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Apr. 2007. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. .

Frost, Robert. "The Road Not Taken. Frost, Robert. 1920. Mountain Interval." Bartleby.com: Great Books Online -- Quotes, Poems, Novels, Classics and hundreds more. Web. 12 Oct. 2009. http://www.bartleby.com/119/1.html.

The Revolution of Sober Expectations

Why was the American Revolution special? Have there not been scores of other revolutions throughout history with equally compelling motives? In a speech entitled “The Revolution of Sober Expectations,” Martin Diamond presents evidences to why the American Revolution stands separate from the rest.


First, one must note that, unlike others, the American Revolution was not led by unchecked passions. British Troops began occupying Boston in 1768, the Boston Massacre occurred in 1770, the Battles of Lexington and Concord were in the spring of 1775, and still the Continental Congress did not declare independence until July 4, 1776. Many of the signers of the Declaration were still hesitant to sign at that time. They understood the severity of their actions. This is why the Declaration lists the offences that the King and Parliament had committed, explaining to the world their justification for this apparent treason.

The Declaration of Independence put forth the main idea for which the American Revolution would be fought – the ideal of civil liberty. Civil liberty was an ideal which not only inspired, but was also attainable. The signers did not seek to create a utopian state, but sought after a goal which was realistic and pragmatic.

Also, there is something absolutely vital to a new nation that is absent from the Declaration. There is no mention of a new government. Mr. Diamond says, “The makers of the American Revolution did not think themselves in possession of the simple and complete political truth, capable of instant application as a panacea for government.” Thus, the Declaration of Independence was only half a revolution.

The revolution was completed with the ratification of the Constitution. Through extensive debate and argumentation came a sober analysis of how this new government should be run. Many people celebrate America creating the first modern democracy, but in reality most of the Founding Fathers were against a pure democracy and were extremely concerned about the plausibility and consequences of such a government. Over the course of a long, hot summer of protracted political debate, they created a government which they called a “democratic republic.” They thereby were able to include the necessary benefits of democracy, while retaining tried governing principles of a republican nation. The government they set up has now lasted more than 230 years. Mr. Diamond said of the Constitution’s ratification that:

“At precisely that moment of crisis when other revolutions turn turbulent, begin to devour their own, and dash all the initial hopes, at precisely that moment ripe for disaster, the American Revolution achieved its glory by a unique moment of stillness and sobriety.”

The American Revolution was one of sober expectations. The Founding Fathers knew the risks they were taking, and took the time to be sure of what they were doing. They considered each step and were critical of each principle. They were skeptical, sober, and realistic, while always keeping in sight their goal of liberty. It was a revolution like no other.

Works Cited

Diamond, Martin. "The Revolution of Sober Expectations." Independence Square, Philadephia, in the House of Representatives Chamber, Congress Hall, Philadelphia. 24 Oct. 1973. Speech.

The Two Fundamental Laws

In my political science class today, we were discussing the correlation between Politics and Economics. My Professor, Kirk Hawkins, told us:
"Protection of property rights and and enforcement of contracts are crucial for investments, innovation, and growth."
This statement immediately reminded me of the concept of the "Two Fundamental Laws". The Two Fundamental Laws are an idea presented by Richard J. Maybury in his educational "Uncle Eric" book series. It is my belief that these are the only laws any government or society needs to function, and I would like to present them for your consideration. They are:

"Let's Abolish High School"

As a formerly homeschooled student, I am a big supporter of alternative education; which is one reason I found the following article so compelling. Though I can't agree 100% with everything Dr. Epstein says, I think this is a well-educated and provocative viewpoint.
"Let's Abolish High School" by Dr. Robert Epstein

Governments Terrorize Homeschoolers

I just finished reading an article about a Swedish family who had their son taken away because they were homeschooling him. If this were Germany, I wouldn't be surprised; but, in Sweden homeschooling is legal. The story is truly shocking. However, this is not an isolated incidence. The Home School Legal Defense Association reports far too many of these cases of government intrusion. Here is the story:
http://www.hslda.org/default.asp?bhcp=1
The fight for parental rights is real and scary. The right to choose your child's education is not the only parental right at risk. If this article frightened you, I urge you to check out http://www.parentalrights.org/ and learn about the issues, pending legislation, and what you can do to protect your children from the government.
If you would like to learn more about the specific fight for homeschooling rights, I highly suggest the HSLDA website: http://www.hslda.org/.
These two websites are also in my sidebar under "My Favs".