Wednesday, June 16, 2010

It’s Not About Speeches Any More. It’s About Leadership!

Everyone has been talking about how this current BP oil spill is Obama’s Katrina. The similarities involved are not practical but geographical. But I want to avoid that particular comparison.

The point I’d like to make is one about someone elected to lead. Obama has NOT been that person… especially in this crisis.

As of today’s date, June 16, 2010, it has been 58 days since this whole thing started. Our government has been doing nothing but offering platitudes. 58 days is just ridiculous.

NO, I don’t think Obama caused the disaster.
NO, I don’t think Obama could physically plug the leak himself.
NO, I don’t think Obama should hold blame for the disaster.

But, 58 days?!!?!??!!?!?!!

The Cuban Missile Crisis lasted from October 15, 1962 to October 28, 1962. That's just 13 days!!!!

When America faced its most tense moment in the Cold War, and many were sure that a nuclear conflict was inevitable, President Kennedy LED to a FAST resolution that not only protected Americans, but also established to the world that we were not going to take any crap from ANYONE!

Can we say that about America today based on what Obama has done and is doing?

Why hasn’t he accepted the help from the various nations, corporations and entrepreneurs who have come forward with plans and equipment? Why has he continued to talk about this and how much of a victim we are of big oil?

Look at what this president has done in the face of disaster, tragedy, and even matters of locality.

He wants to have BP divert funds away from fixing this leak by positioning the Attorney General to file lawsuit after lawsuit against BP and the other companies involved.

He wants to blindly throw money our government doesn’t have to bring into fruition something that is neither practical or cost-worthy, while disrupting the lives of millions in America and the world involved in an industry that has been a VITAL part of the American economy and way or life for over 100 years.

He wants to have very unrealistic “shiny-happy people” relationships with countries who want nothing more than to destroy us or at the very least want us to ignore their atrocities against their own people and/or the people of other nations.

He wants to make vocal judgments on state laws without reading them.

He wants to criticize local authorities without knowing all the facts.

Ask yourself… How would Barack Hussein Obama lead America in situations like Shay’s Rebellion, The Mexican-American War, Assisting the Republic of Texas, The Civil War, the Gadsden Purchase, The Spanish-American War, The San Francisco Earthquake, WWI, The Depression, WWII, Dropping the Atomic bombs on Japan, The Korean War, The Space Race, The Cuban Missile Crisis, Viet Nam, Apollo 13, The Iran Hostage Crisis, Three Mile Island, Beirut Bombings, Libya, Grenada, The Challenger disaster, Noriega and Panama, Desert Storm, The collapses of the Soviet Union, Somalia, the Balkans, Katrina, and any terrorist attack?

I was willing to give the guy a shot as there are great American leaders who were involved in almost all those situations mentioned. But more importantly, there were leaders of action, for right or wrong.

Mr. President, there is an old saying – Lead or follow, just get out of the way! And right now, you are in the way of American prosperity and greatness.

There is another old saying – If you ain’t the lead sled dog, the scenery never changes. Man am I tired of the lead dog right now.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Are The Vegetarians Right?

I’ve seen some debate among some of you about vegetarians and meat eaters. SO, before this gets out of hand, let try to avoid a holy war about vegetarianism. And, as a grateful eater of meat, I find myself needing to help clear up some things.

First of all, Vegetarianism is NOT a sin, nor is eating meat. I WILL NOT place any judgment on anyone based on their Godly directed eating habits.

The Bible actually says that up until after the great flood, all men and animals were vegetarian. God told Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden –

“I have provided all kinds of fruit and grain for you to eat. And I have given the green plants as food for everything else that breathes. These will be food for animals, both wild and tame, and for birds.” (Genesis 1:29-30)

However, after the flood –

“The fear and dread of you will fall on all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky, on every creature that moves along the ground, and on all the fish in the sea; they are given into your hands. Everything that lives and moves will be food for you. Just as I gave you the green plants, I now give you everything.” (Genesis 9:2-3)

Some people wonder if it is sinful to eat meat. The Bible clearly states that we CAN eat meat. The prime example is –

“They gave Jesus a piece of fish that had been cooked and some honey. He took it and ate it…” (Luke 24:42-43)

Many vegetarians refrain from eating meat because some of the meat industry seems cruel and exploitive to animals. And yes, God gets very angry at this type of treatment of His creation. However, most of the meat industry is providing a service to customers that is no different than any other commercial industry. If your conscience haunts you about eating commercial industry meat, then don't eat it. However, if it doesn't bother you, eat without fear or guilt. And there should be no ill feelings among vegetarians and meat-eaters as each must do what he or she feels is best for them. The bible advises us in this, even specifically about this topic. (Please understand that even though it says that one who only eats vegetables is weak in faith, it doesn’t make them any less a guest at Christ’s table) –

“The faith of some people allows them to eat anything. But others eat only vegetables because their faith is weak. People who eat everything must not look down on those who do not. And people who don't eat everything must not judge those who do. God has accepted them.” (Romans 14:2-3)

Therefore, all you vegetarians should understand that we meat eaters are going to keep eating meat the way we always have and we should let you eat as you desire. Sending out those things from PETA and the like are only going to cause meat eaters to eat meat and really enjoy it even more.

Finally, if you are a Christian or are on a path seeking after God –

“God's kingdom has nothing to do with eating or drinking. It is a matter of being right with God. It brings the peace and joy the Holy Spirit gives." (Romans 14:17)