Category Archives: Politics

Dear Mike Huckabee

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Dear Mike Huckabee,

I wish you all the best as you continue to fight for conservative causes in our nation. I wish that you were still a viable presidential candidate but felt you bowed out of the race with grace and dignity.

One of my favorite things about you was that your stands on the issues stemmed from the same cause as mine: belief in God. Being a Christian impacts everything one does and most certainly should drive where he stands on many political issues. I like how you stood up for your values without wavering, even when those positions weren’t popular.

Some fellow Huckabee supporters are clamoring for John McCain to pick you as his Vice Presidential candidate. As I think you would make a great president, of course I think you would make a great VP as well. I, however, don’t necessarily think that strapping yourself to McCain’s ticket is the best option. Whether or not you are VP, I think you can do some good.

Thanks for what you’ve done for our country and what God will continue to do through you!

Humbly,

Ronnica

Dear United States Government

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Dear United States Government,

Yesterday marked the day when our taxes were due. Though I filed mine back in February, yesterday’s ominous date reminded me of the taxes that we all pay in order to keep this government operating.

I don’t mind paying taxes, really I don’t. Since I never see the money I give to you, I don’t really feel like I’m giving it at all. It’s more like I’m just getting paid less for the work that I do. I know that the government needs money to do important things like protect us and I don’t mind paying my share.

That said, I ask that you consider if you are spending the money taxpayers give you wisely. You have a job to do with this money. There are all sorts of stories about government waste. The fact that our national debt is growing exponentially is a burden we should all feel. I don’t care if you are a Democrat or a Republican, you have no right to spend money you do not have, thus passing the bill off on my generation and the ones that come after.

I look forward to the day where true tax reform will be discussed and debated. Though I don’t know that the Fair Tax is THE answer, I like it a lot. It at least should be an option when considering how to overhaul the collecting of tax dollars.

More imporantly, how tax dollars are spent needs to be overhauled. The federal government since the days of FDR has encroached more and more on the territory that should be left to the state and local governments. It’s time to reconsider what belongs to the central government and what belongs to the states. Though some might throw a fit if you cancel the funding of their special program, you have to encourage the states to take the fiscal responsibility for those programs if they really want them. If they are not willing to foot the bill, then maybe the program isn’t worth the money that is spent on it.

I truly thank those who serve the citizens of the United States government for what you do for us. I just ask that you consider anew the purposes to which you are serving.

Thankfully,

Ronnica

Would You Like a Slice of Reality with Your Conspiracy Theory?

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Have you heard anyone talk about the North American Union? Basically, it’s the idea that bureaucrats and other powers-that-be behind government and corporations are conspiring together to get Canada, Mexico, and the United States into a borderless unity like the European Union which would nullify the US Constitution and replace the dollar with an Amero. Opponents not only dislike the idea (I don’t like it either) but believe that this is in fact taking place behind closed doors without any say from the American people.
Whether or not this is true, I don’t know, but I do know that the “evidence” they have is very circumstantial and not substantive. The reason I bring this up now is that there was a lady on this morning’s talk radio program (I so enjoy listening to Brad and Britt!) who is with the North Carolinians Against the North American Union.
Being pressed several times, she was unable to come up with anything of substance as evidence that this theory has any merit. If I had my philosophy notes with me, I could probably tell you several different fallacies to her argument. Her greatest defense to her position was that thousands of people in Texas and Oklahoma have protested the creation of a NAFTA Superhighway, which supposedly the precursor to the North American Union (which also has no credible evidence that it’s in the works). Just because people protest against something does not mean it truly exists. I’ve seen some pretty wacky protests, haven’t you?
No, I can’t say for sure that there is no secret plan for a North American Union, but neither has anyone yet presented any evidence that has convinced me to be worried about it. Call me a skeptic, but I think our country has bigger problems than a potential union with our neighbors.
What do you think about all this?

I’m Proud to be a One-Issue Voter

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**You may or may not agree with what I’m about to say. I respect that, and truly do not mean to offend anyone. I don’t take the issue lightly, but feel I must as a friend and neighbor share what I believe to be the truth.**
I’ve heard various political commentators rail against what they call “one-issue” voters. I’m here to say that I’m one of them, and proud of it.
The term “one-issue voter” is slightly misleading, however. It’s not that I value one issue to the detriment of others, but that one is much more important to me. Also, Neal Boortz who rants about one-issue voters terms people like me “abortocentrists.” This also is misleading, because I’m not obsessed with abortion, but with the value of human life. Yes, ending abortion (with the one exception: continuing the pregnancy will prove fatal to the mother) is one part of it, but so are other things like outlawing embryonic stem cell research, having strict penalties for those that violate human life through murder, rape, and abuse; and making certain euthanasia and infanticide stay illegal.
The reason why I’m proudly a one-issue voter is that I think that the one issue at hand is more important any other in politics. Man alone among creatures has been made in the image of God. This does not begin at birth (after all, what’s the difference between a baby the moment before he is born and his first moment outside his mother’s womb?), but from the moment the baby is a unique life (at conception). A person bears God’s image regardless of their mental, physical, or social capabilities.
I have opinions on all sorts of other political discussions. I’m sure that I’ll never find a candidate that matches each and every one of my beliefs, but I absolutely will not support a candidate who does not value human life. It’s that simple.
I know that most won’t agree with my position, and that’s okay. I respect your right to think as you wish. Please respect mine.
As always, I’m still fine-tuning my position and how I state it. It’s not important to me as much to be right, as it is to believe and speak the truth. I’d love any civil feedback that you might have, positive or negative. I’m also willing to answer any questions you may have, as I tried to keep this entry simple and straight forward. Thank you for considering what I have to say.

Random Thoughts on the Republican Debate

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I’m sorry if I’m talking politics too much for your taste. It’s just that I don’t have anyone around here to talk to about this (Dana and I can get into some great political discussions, but she’s too far away).

Tonight’s debate is the first one I’ve seen, since it was the first I was able to see. I feel fairly knowledgeable about the candidate’s positions, but it was good to hear them and see their body language as they assert their opinions.
The following are just a few of the observations I jotted down during the debate (I started watching about 7:45, so I missed anything/everything before that). They are merely thoughts that came through my head, and of course are biased like all opinions are. So:
Why couldn’t they have shown names on screen of the debaters as they were speaking? If you popped in midway, you might not know who they all were. I didn’t recognize Ron Paul at first, until I heard the rhetoric coming out of his mouth.
Ron Paul on health care…wow. I believe the question was about health care, not about inflation and the war. His angry tone was a big turn off.
I don’t agree with Rudy Guiliani that reading/writing/speaking English should be required for citizenship (though I do believe that is the way it is now). English is NOT an official language, and until there is a law passed to say it is, I will continue to cringe when people say everyone must speak it. Sure, it would be beneficial, but it’s their choice.
Mitt Romney really has a great voice (but maybe not as great as Huckabee’s). I just wish that the things coming out were equally beautiful.
Who picked the background? It was awful, and definitely wasn’t flattering to the candidates. At least Huckabee had some blue behind him, because the red was worse.
Romney sure seemed to hog the spotlight. I guess he had the right, since most of the others’ barbs were pointed at him.
Romney, what exactly is your immigration plan? I only heard you fight the others, so I know what your plan is NOT. So what IS it?
Rudy Giuliani confused me. First he said that Ronald Reagan did amnesty, then he went to describe that amnesty using the exact same features of his own plan, which he doesn’t consider amnesty. Did he just confuse me, or is he the one confused?
I now understand why Fred Thompson is perceived as lazy. He used a lot of “uh’s” and “umm’s” (can’t fault the guy, I do too) and leaned back in his chair A LOT. He did have a lovely purple tie, though.
I need to research the national ID thing some more. What’s so wrong with it (as Paul suggests)? Right now, I’d support it if it was implemented correctly.
I liked the question about what the candidate would say if they were against Obama. I especially liked Huckabee’s answer stressing the similarities and not the differences!
What did John McCain mean by agreeing that Romney was the candidate of change? Oh my, I feel stupid, I just realized what he meant as I typed that. Haha, that’s funny. Too bad nobody in the audience laughed.
Romney doesn’t want the debate to be personal? What does he consider all his attack ads on the others?
Romney, why did you turn your chair away from him when McCain was criticizing you? That appeared cowardly and juvenile.
Huckabee, you won my heart again by saying that most issues should be left to the states!
Paul, I did like your joke about you and Obama having youthfulness in common. Too bad you hadn’t acted like a old man set in his ways earlier.
Thompson, you clearly aren’t bothered by the oil company profits. The question barely registered a response at first.
Audience, I really felt sorry for you that you had to clap the entire time the Republicans and the Democrats were greeting one another. Why couldn’t we have heard what they were saying? That would have been cool.
So, what did you think? Do you think I made a fair assessment? Who do you think won? I would have to say either Huckabee or McCain.

A Prayer for Our Troops on Veteran’s Day

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Lord,

Thank you for allowing me to be born in a country where I can worship You freely. Thank you for those who serve us both at home and abroad.

Thank you for those who willingly put themselves in harm’s way for our country. Protect them, bless them, but most importantly bring them to know You, the true source of strength, guidance, and hope.

Be with their families while they are far away. Help them to handle the everyday stresses of a family unnaturally separated by thousands of miles. Bring others alongside these families to help, bless, and encourage them. Use Your church to reach out to those in need so that we may serve them and show them Your love.

Be with our leaders as they seek to guide our country. Give them wisdom to make the right decision for our country’s future. Raise up leaders that will rightly honor You as they lead and serve America.

In everything we do, may we glorify You. May Your praises be proclaimed throughout our land.

To You be all honor, Amen.

Ronnica
NaBloPoMo, Day 11

Panera and Presidential Politics

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I tried to post this while I was at Panera this afternoon, but apparently this is “not authorized for viewing.” I haven’t a clue why. Maybe they think I look ornery and will post something about their food tastes like two-day-old socks. Believe me; I won’t since I come here almost every week!

One year from today is the election for the president of the United States. Of course, if it is anything like the last two elections, we won’t know who won the first day, but that is certainly the day that America will choose where our country should be going.

I have already mentioned my choice of presidential candidates here. While I believe that he is the best for the job, I’m perfectly aware that he may not be elected. As a Christian, I can rest assured that God can work in our government regardless of who is in office (even if it’s Hillary!). The Lord knows much better than me, anyway!

Ronnica
NaBloPoMo, Day 4

I Like Mike

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I don’t normally go out on a limb and post my political beliefs since very few people read this and I’m sure those who do probably don’t care, but I feel I need to get the word out to anyone who in fact might read this and care about it. I’m one of those people that enjoys talking politics as long as it is civil and sticks to the issues. As a Christian, I find it is important that I vote in a manner that honors the Lord.

After researching the major candidates, I believe Mike Huckabee is the best candidate for president in 2008. While I would love you to join me in supporting him, I would much prefer you to research yourself and come to that conclusion than to simply take my word for it.

Just a few reasons why I like Mike:

He has a strong view of the sanctity of life.

He supports reform of health care that does not involve the government simply taking it over and making a bigger mess of it.

He supports convental marriage.

He has a strong desire to protect our citizens, both internationally and domestically.

He has the leadership experience, more than any other candidate.

I encourage you to check out Mike and the other political candidates. Make an informed decision and don’t rely on someone else to do all the thinking for you. Even if you come to a different conclusion than I did about the right person to lead this country, at least you will have the reasons to back up your opinion.

For Illegal Immigration?

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On my near-hour commutes to and from the office, I like to listen to talk radio. I don’t feel compelled to agree with the talk show hosts (usually locals Brad and Britt in the morning and Sean Hannity in the evenings), but enjoy hearing opinions that may or may not mesh with my own. The latest hot topic has been immigration. This is a topic that I struggle to come to an actual opinion on, because there are two competing desires within me.

The problem I have with the majority of anti-immigration advocates is that there are often strong nationalist, xenophobic, and ethnocentric underpinnings to this stance. Yes, there are legitimate concerns with national security and law enforcement that come in to play, but all too often I hear people complaining about the increasing cultural diversity as if America has always been static and English is the only language that should be spoken in a civilized country.

As a Christian, I worship a God that is calling all peoples to Himself. America is not the new Israel, a nation chosen by God in some special way. Yes, God has blessed America, and I am incredibly thankful to have been born here. However, my citizenship is ultimately in heaven and that is where my true allegiance lies. This influences how I view American foreign policy.

I’m excited to live in a place where the nations are coming to us. The American church has the blessing of being able to reach out to individuals who come from places where they would never have heard the Gospel. I never want to be a part of a local church that does not welcome “outsiders” whether openly or by simply by ignoring them.

I generally agree with the ideas I’ve heard about the latest immigration bill, but I’m not willing to support it outright without knowing the details. While I don’t like the fact that there is a huge number of immigrants who have entered our country by breaking the laws, I’m not going to push them out. They are no more or less important than anyone else.

The issue of immigration is where my love of rule-following and my love of all people come at odds with each other, but I’m okay with that. I know which one will come out on top.