Merry Christmas & Your Input on 2008 Top Stories

Merry Christmas to all!

As we enjoin the annual celebration of Christ' birth (knowingly at the wrong time of year), I'd like to take the time to Thank You for your support in the first five months of the Political Hope Radio Show. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.

This Sunday we are going to reflect on 2008. A couple of good friends with broadcast experience, Rob Coker & Jerry Petermann, are going to join me in studio, as we look back on the past year. It was an exciting year, and I need your thoughts on the most significant political and religious events of 2008.

Reply via email, or post on the blog... Send me you top story for politics and religion in 08.

Show Announcement: Holiday Pork Hunt

I've been struggling to get into the Giving Spirit this Christmas, so I decided to go pig hunting instead. Wow, have I been having fun! Those greasy ole' big gov'ment pigs can be hard to catch. I had to enlist the help of some top notch pork hunters. Senator Tom Coburn and a host of others have been working hard to STOP THE PIGS! Click the images below for a bit of pig hunting fun for the holidays!

Join me this Sunday, as I talk pork with Michael Quinn Sullivan. Michael is president and CEO of Empower Texans, and its premier project, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility. He also serves as treasurer of the Empower Texans PAC. I must warn you, Michael is an Aggie, not that it tells us anything about his ability to hunt pigs...

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion every Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen to live streaming on-line ...
www.theword993.com

We need your calls. You can still watch the game; just turn down the play-by-play and listen to Political Hope! Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ...

(512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673

I Understand You're Busy

Yes, I know, you're busy. You've got business and family to take care of. I do too. With that said, there is one more thing I need you to do. Comment on the newspaper editorials, especially you who live here in Austin.

This week, the Statesman Editorial Board called for the resignation of Cynthia Dunbar from the Texas State Board of Education. Dunbar and others are calling for more objective teaching on the Evolutionary Origins. The Statesman is a media outlet for the secular progressive movement, and many people commenting on their stories are the same. Dunbar respects and knows the Constitution of this nation, and I highly recommend her.

Your voice is needed. Below are the links to two Dunbar/SBOE stories, and a link to the Of Sacred and Secular Blog. Please weigh in and help drown out the non-sense...

Kallison: How Texans can change the State Board of Education

Dunbar bedevils public education

Of Sacred and Secular

God Save the U.S.A.

Conservative Interests

They say, “Hindsight is 20/20”, but I’m nearly going blind. Sometimes it takes a lot of hind sight to get perspective. We'll see what folks are saying in twenty years about the many unique events witnessed in the 2008 presidential bid. For now, the missing element in the conservative movement is still large and gaping in my mind.

The Republican primaries exuded the problem. If you have pulled pieces from all the candidates into one guy, we might have found one true conservative. Each had their own peculiar attributes, conservative in some aspects, but not all. With all the variations, we ultimately arrive at two major categories: Social Conservatives and Economic Conservatives. Both groups are willing to compromise the constitution to get what they want. Of course that assumes that they know and care about the Constitution in the first place. Sure, they're familiar with the Bill of Rights, especially the Second Amendment. What about the exhaustive extent to which the Founders pursued the Separation of Power? What about ensuring that no group of people, large or small, has too much influence or control?

Friends, along with ignorance of basic moral principles, ignorance of core founding principles will certainly sabotage the greatest form of Government yet to exist. As it stands we are Two States away from a Constitutional Convention. The missing element is the Conservative Movement is the Constitutional Conservative. Republicans and Democrats alike have been all to willing to abuse power.

Republicans now are in a pickle that they have helped create. Will Constitutional Republicans emerge from the GOP? Will Economic & Social Conservatives split the sheets? Most of my readers already, but “Repeal 17” is one key to restoring our form of Government, as is turning America back to God’s Way.

God Save the U.S.A.

Show Announcement: Guests & The Stack

Well, aren't we priveledged? Indeed, we are all very blessed, and I'm pleased to announce our guests for the show this Sunday, December 14th and a new feature I hope to provide on a consistent basis.

First, the guests...

Eric Opiela, is a lawyer and the Executive Director for GOP Texas. Eric lives in Austin and will be joining us in studio this Sunday. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Texas at Austin, where he was the student body vice-president and chairman of the University of Texas System Student Advisory Council. He earned his law degree from the University of Texas School of Law, where he was Editor-in-Chief of The American Journal of Criminal Law, one of the nation’s top two scholarly journals dedicated to criminal justice. After law school, he clerked for The Honorable Mary Ellen Coster Williams, United States Court of Federal Claims in Washington, DC.

Rob Hurlburt, is the Founder of Takeup.org and Creative Director for Sovrenti - New Media Lab . Rob is a graduate of Baylor University & Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, worked for Land Commisioner, Garry Mauro, before coming to true repentance. Now Rob serves Christ through Kingdom Activism and providing technology solutions to Kingdom Clients addressing conservative causes. Read more about Rob >>

Rob & Eric both have a passion for using technology to shape politics and policy. This show may resemble an e-Blast. Which leads to ... "THE STACK". Some of you have been asking that I put THE STACK of stories out before the show. So, here you go ...

Please also help spread the word about the Political Hope Radio Show, and we are looking for sponsors / advertisers and interest guests. Any leads or recommendation you have are greatly appreciated. Also, check out America Bless God News and Know the Blessing.

THE STACK for December 14, 2008

Change Is Coming & Obama Supporters are Already Plugged In
Source: http://my.barackobama.com - Official Website of Barack Obama
Do you expect to impact the come governmental changes? You better read this then.... If you were not on Obama campaign list, then you may be out of the loop for impacting change.

Obama Transition Team launches “Open for Questions” tool on Change.gov
Source: http://change.gov/page/content/openforquestions
The Obama Transition team launched its new "Open for Questions" tool today on Change.gov. This new tool will allow anyone to ask and vote on questions they have for the Transition team. Popular questions selected by the community of web users on Change.gov will be answered on a regular basis by the Obama team.
Your e-Seat at the table

RINO Technology Video!!!
Source: www.takeup.org
Hey conservatives with brains out there, you KNOW we must change with regard to our pitiful utilization of technology. Seriously, in the video on the right called “3 Reasons” I made a parody ... Watch this video, but don’t laugh; it isn’t funny.

Modernization of U.S. Superhighway
Source: http://change.gov/newsroom/entry/the_key_parts_of_the_jobs_plan/

Third, my economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen. We will repair broken schools, make them energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st century economy, we need to send them to 21st century schools.

As we renew our schools and highways, we’ll also renew our information superhighway. It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they’ll get that chance when I’m President – because that’s how we’ll strengthen America’s competitiveness in the world.

In addition to connecting our libraries and schools to the internet, we must also ensure that our hospitals are connected to each other through the internet. That is why the economic recovery plan I’m proposing will help modernize our health care system – and that won’t just save jobs, it will save lives. We will make sure that every doctor’s office and hospital in this country is using cutting edge technology and electronic medical records so that we can cut red tape, prevent medical mistakes, and help save billions of dollars each year.

Washington Times - EXCLUSIVE: Obama's Web presence loses its luster
Source: www.washingtontimes.com
Viewership for President-elect Barack Obama's weekly YouTube "fireside chats" has tanked, dropping more than 50 percent since his initial video three weeks ago.
Exclusive news? Really?

White House Opposes FCC Free Wireless Internet Plan - WSJ.com
Source: www.online.wsj.com
Bush administration officials are trying to put the brakes on the FCC's plan to urge a free, national wireless Internet plan, which the agency could approve next week.

Would Free Nationalized Wireless help or hurt the economy? Mr. Roosevelt gonna save us all... Opps, make that Obama.

NEWS BLURBS

President-elect Barack Obama is "feigning" a centrist position
Source: World Net Daily - www.wnd.com
President-elect Barack Obama is "feigning" a centrist position on some issues so he can ultimately push through a radical agenda, including universal health care and trimming the military, according to analysis by a founder of the Weathermen terror group, Mark Rudd, who has ties to Obama mentors.

Milwaukee neighborhoods could print own money -- chicagotribune.com 3:17pm
Source: www.chicagotribune.com
They may be talking funny money, but it's not funny business. Residents from the Milwaukee neighborhoods of Riverwest and East Side are scheduled to meet Wednesday to discuss printing their own money.

California Out of Cash - Bloomberg.com: News
Source: www.bloomberg.com
Dec. 5 (Bloomberg) -- California, the world’s eighth-largest economy, may pay vendors with IOUs for only the second time since the Great Depression, State Finance Director Mike Genest said.

Chris Bell & Joan Huffman fighting for Texas Senate Seat
Joan Huffman for Texas State Senate District 17 » Blog Archive » TLR PAC: CHRIS BELL’S TRIAL LAWYER
Source: www.electjoanhuffman.com
AUSTIN, TX – Personal injury trial lawyers continue to provide most of the funding for Chris Bell’s campaign for State Senate District 17. Bell’s 8 Day report, released today, revealed an additional $449,533 ...

ABC News: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Is 'Senate Candidate No. 5', Says He Did Nothing Wrong Source: www.abcnews.go.com
Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) says prosecutors want to interview him as part of the investigation of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He told ABCNews.com this morning he has been told he is not a target of the probe and will cooperate fully, once he has consulted lawyers.

CitizenLink: Universities Push Christmas off Campus
Source: www.citizenlink.org
For years, Christmas trees have greeted visitors to the two main libraries on the University of North Carolina's Chapel Hill campus.
Christ wasn't born on 12/25 anyway - shall we pick a new date for a TRUE CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION?

'Jesus was born in June', Astronomers Claim
Telegraph Media Group - 2008-12-10
Astronomers have calculated that Christmas should be in June, by charting the appearance of the 'Christmas star' which the Bible says led the three Wise Men to Jesus. They found that a bright star which appeared over Bethlehem 2,000 years ago pinpointed the date of Christ's birth as June 17 rather than December 25. The researchers claim the 'Christmas star' was most likely a magnificent conjunction of the planets Venus and Jupiter, which were so close together they would have shone unusually brightly as a single "beacon of light" which appeared suddenly.

DA in Kansas has PP in the Cross-Hairs
Source: www.citizenlink.org
The Kansas Supreme Court decided Friday to allow Phill Kline, outgoing district attorney for Johnson County, Kan., to use the medical records of women treated at a Planned Parenthood abortion clinic in his case against the clinic.

Amsterdam is waking up...
Source: www.citizenlink.org
Amsterdam has unveiled a comprehensive plan to close up to half of its businesses that "generate criminality," including brothels, gambling parlors and marijuana cafes. Saturday’s announcement also includes ...

God Save the U.S.A.

Change is Coming & MP3 Downloads

If you were supporting Barack Obama in the primaries you would know this, but for those that were not, it is imperative that you sign up on the President-Elect's web-site to be informed of events that will shape future policy in the Obama administration.

Change is Coming - House Meetings
http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/changeiscoming/

I urge you to host or find a House Meeting to participate in. This is the new era of Open Government, and your voice needs to be heard. I'm hosting a meeting this Thursday from 7 - 11pm near Lakeline Mall. Let me know, if you're interested.

Program Note: You can now download archived MP3 recordings of our show. Visit the program link on our web-site, www.politicalhope.com/program.htm and click on the play button for the date on interest. The play button at right, will download our show with Dr. Bruce Shortt.

God Save the U.S.A.

Lining up for Change

Surely you agree with something in the Obama agenda. Tell me it is not possible that you reject everything the President-Elect is proposing. There is at least one area that gets me excited and gives me hope. That is government accountability / eliminating wasteful spending.

The Dems and GOP both purport to carry this mantle. Neither has been effective. The problem is corruption. The problem is malfeasance. The issue is as old as civilization. The corruption of man's sole, and our tendency to sin against our brother, is as old as mankind.

The best solution was in play at the founding of our Great Republic. Unfortunately, it was undermined in 1911. The best solution is separation of power; spread out the power and double the accountability. We practice this in most institutions of our great society. Look most school boards, city management systems, and non-profits. You may think we have separation of power at the federal level with the Executive, Judicial and Executive Branches being distinct. However, an important aspect of separating power is now forgotten and overlooked, and it has turned our government on its head.

I am speaking of the Upper and Lower Chambers. The House and the Senate of the U.S. Legislature were much more distinct than we find them today. When the Constitution was written, the federal government was established in such a way as to respect the existing State Constitutions that were already extant. The feds had to respect the sovereignty of the individual states.

The Upper Chamber, the Senate, was responsible for protecting the States, as they were appointed by the State Legislatures (Article 1 Section 3, U.S. Constitution). The popular election of U.S Senators, established by the Seventeenth Amendment in 1913, removed a key element of the separation of power found in the U.S. Constitution. The Senators were directly accountable to their State Congressmen, and therefore had a vested interest in protecting State Rights. This mitigated undue influence from general lobbying. Furthermore, the U.S. Senators were not subject to the popular election campaign funding temptations associated with the U.S. House seats.

My friends, the Seventeenth Amendment has enabled corrupting forces to cease power at the federal level. Certainly, there are other factors, but this is major. The Seventeenth Amendment has enabled the Federal Government to expand at its greatest rate in all of U.S. history. The Seventeenth Amendment has subjected Senators to the same campaign and lobbying influences as the Congressmen of the Lower Chamber. This makes it easier for laws that undermine States Rights to pass both chambers. This makes it easier for the expansion of the federal government. Repeal Seventeen!

God Save the U.S.A.

Holes in the Education Purse

Haggai 1:6 speaks of placing money into a purse with holes? As the Texas & U.S. legislatures spring into action this January, will that trend continue? Will we continue to spend on education problems that can’t be fixed with money?

General Colin Powell has labeled our urban schools as "Cities in Crisis". Dr. Bruce Shortt and others in the Southern Baptist Convention have called for Christians to remove their children from public schools. Yet, most people think it is the schools and kids in other districts that are problem, not their own.

We can talk about the drop out rate, the graduation rate, SAT scores, standard test scores and "No Child Left Behind". But the bottom line question is, "what is the purpose of our education system"? "What is our vision?" "What do we expect the end product to look like?"

Short has a book titled, "The Harsh Truth About Public Education" detailing the plagues of our modern education system. Join Dr. Bruce Shortt and me this Sunday at 4pm for Political Hope, as we illuminate the intersection of religion and education policy. Visit www.politicalhope.com to get connected, and call us with your thoughts this Sunday.

PS1 - You can still watch the game; just turn down the announcers and listen to Political Hope!

PS2 - Change IS Coming - Are you going to be involved? You better read the following page ...

http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/changeiscoming/


God Save the U.S.A.

Principled Pragmatism Prepetuates Unemployment Payments

President-Elect Obama is proudly pronouncing pragmatic members of his new administration and pragmatic principles upon which he will operate. In case you've missed it, http://www.change.gov/ is the web-site for the Office of the President-Elect, and there are many interesting features that "you've mandated".

On Nov 15th Obama called for the extension of employment benefits, and on Nov 21st announced that Congress had acted, saying that millions of Americans are lying awake at night not knowing if they can pay their bills or not. I guess they'll rest easier now. Extending unemployment benefits beyond the normal one-year period is apparently "what works"; the pragmatic solution. On a number of occasions President-Elect Obama has stated that he will govern with policies that work. In a 60 Minutes interview on Nov 16th he said ...

"I don't want to get caught up in a lot ideology ... my interest is finding something that works" - President-Elect Obama

While denouncing ideologues, Obama is espousing the ideology of pragmatism. Pragmatism does not know truth; it has no moral or ethical limits. Pragmatism is relative by nature and has roots in men such as Darwin and Dewey.

I must admit, I'm more comfortable with Obama's words now than during the campaign cycle. The Weekly Addresses are the same tired song, but some of the interviews reflect rationale objective logic over the resounding mantra of change. I'd love to see some federal programs obsoleted, as Obama has called for. He has slightly backed off from the Leftist supporters that got him elected. They are wondering what happened to their candidate, and when he's going to enact programs for their benefit. But while he targets elimination of subsidies to rich farmers, he wants to increase subsidy for long-term unemployment. Obama likes rewarding those doing good in the environment or public schools, and at the same time rewards those doing bad in the labor market. Someone please explain...

This Sunday, Nov. 30th, let's talk about pragmatism and unemployment benefits. How does pragmatism compare to other ideologies? Can it offer a principled approach to unemployment and other problems? Are American workers due an equivalent job and wages after being laid off? Obama claims the feds are on solid ground in providing jobs to the unemployed, and at the same time states that we're a free market economy. What do you think? What are the Constitutional and Biblical considerations for the federal government coming to the aid of the unemployed?

Oh, don't forget your pragmatic solutions...

God Save the U.S.A.

Churches Under Secular Heads

Maybe you think the above title is some kind of prophecy. It is the present reality. Yes, things could get worse. They can also get better. Will the church pursue a change in legal status?

The majority of today's U.S. churches are legally and organizationally bound to a head other than Christ. Churches that incorporate and establish a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS are bound to certain rules that are secular in origin. As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, I know full well the restrictions, requirements, limitations and administrative obligations of such an organization. Even just an incorporation establishes a legal entity that can be sued and is subject to the civil code of state federal laws. These matters are of great importance, and Christian Lawyer, Jerald Finney has something to say about it.

“When a New Testament church does anything contrary to Scripture which gives even partial claim of sovereignty over that church to the state, that church has committed a wicked act which subjects her to another head, thereby greatly displeasing the Lord. That church has betrayed the Lord” – Jerald Finney, God Betrayed: The Separation of Church and State: The Biblical Principles and the American Application

Finney asserts that contemporary churches have done a wicked act in the sight of God by wilfully submitting to a secular heads, the state and federal governments. That is not to say the church is not accountable to criminal law.

Jerald Finney and Steven Reeves were our guests on the first Political Hope Radio Show aired on July 27, 2008. Join us this Sunday, Nov 23, as we reflect on that show, and add to the discussion of challenges facing the New Testament churches in the U.S.

RRISD Rents say TTYL to Lauren Myracle

It’s a cute little pink book; Bright yellow emoticons on the cover. Your eleven-year-old daughter brings TTYL home from the school library. When the “rents” review the book, they find out it’s not cute at all; in fact it’s vulgar and sexually explicit. That’s what happened to Wes & Sherry Jennings, parents of a student in a Round Rock ISD Middle School.

TTYL (Talk to You Later) is the book title. TTYL is about three High School sophomore girls who are best friends that stick it out through thick and thin. That’s all great. Too bad writer Lauren Myracle thinks teen girls will be sexually repressed by their Christian parents, and must be liberated by an X-rated and vulgar sexual expose of the "real world". TTYL is deservedly on the 2007 top ten most banned book list of ALA.


Thanks to persistent objection from RRISD parents, the book has been removed from Round Rock Middle School libraries. Superintendent, Dr. Jesus Chavez took action to protect young readers against TTYL on Monday, Nov. 17th.

Thank God that parents have stood up to the process, and persisted in protecting little ones. Thank God that Dr. Chavez recognized TTYL is not appropriate for Middle School girls. The Jennings and other Round Rock parents have set a great example, making a difference by engaging the process.


God Save the U.S.A.

Show Announcement: The Future of Liberty, Part II

The future destiny of our nation will soon be in the hands of the most left leaning Presidential Administration and Congress we've ever seen. The secularization of America and its institutions is still raging on its destructive path.

What will you do? Will you continue to be silent and disengaged from the political process? Will you continue to mind your own business?

Parents in Round Rock ISD are setting the example on a local book controversy. The 11-year-old daughter of Wes and Sherry Jennings checked out the cute little book "TTYL", by Lauren Myracle, from a Middle School library. The book turned out to be not so cute; in fact, it's vulgar, bigoted, and X-rated sexually explicit. RRISD officials have thus far taken no steps to protect the little ones from sin. Jennings will be joining us to expose the issue and tell how we can help.

... whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt 18:6 (ESV)

Rob Hurlbut of TakeUp.org will also join the program. Hurlburt is a Kingdom Warrior. He knows first hand how the political system works, and what we can do to impact our nation. As we prepare for the first 100 days of a new Presidential Administration and a new Congress, we must be ready to stand and to speak.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion this Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ... http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls. Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673

Show Announcement: The Future of Liberty, Part 1

The Election is over and the results are speaking. The intentions of the hearts and minds of Americans have been revealed on a ballot and the vote count rings loud with the past actions, the current climate, and the future destiny of our nation.

We have seen the United States of America drift away from morality, the church and God. We have seen God systematically removed from public life in America.

What is the true Hope of our Nation? What will it take to keep aflame the Torch of Freedom in America? Will the next Presidential Administration and U.S. Congress continue the secularization of America? Will God or Government have preeminence in our nation?

Join us the Sunday at 4 pm as we look at liberty in the U.S.A. http://www.theword993.com/

God Save the U.S.A.

Socialist Education & Economics

Cynthia Dunbar and Jonathan Saenz joined our show on Sunday, November 2nd. Cynthia is very articulate in communicating the associations of the Bible and the Constitution, and she has a new book, "One Nation Under God: How the Left is Trying to Erase What Made Us Great" Jonathan Saenz is Director of Legislative Affairs for Free Market Foundation. Jonathan knows first hand the legal attacks of the leftist/socialist agenda.

The show is now posted on our web-site for your listening. There is an mp3 download link on the Program Page of the Political Hope Radio Show web-site, and you can still listen to and browse the shows on our SMP player.

NOTICE: I'll also be on the Homeward Bound Program today (Monday, Nov 3rd) with Richard Curlee on the Word, KLGO 99.3 FM or http://www.theword933.com/. You can listen on-line or on FM radio in Austin, and you can call-in to the show at (512) 637-9673.

[Show Announcment] Jim Dillon Interview

I sat down with Jim Dillon on October 2nd to discuss his run for Texas House District 20. Jim is from Liberty Hill and is running a very unique campaign. Jim ran and won the Democratic primary in Spring of 2008. Jim is not your average Democract by any stretch of the imagination. He is not soliciting donations from any one. He is running a very independent campaign. Dillon says, "This nation was built by rugged individuals".

Jim aligns more with Constitution Party platform than the Democrat platform, and he said, "Republicans are conservatives in name only ... They have a fantanstic platform that they never abide by".

Jim also said, "I'm just your average 53 year old American patriot. I went to High School in Tokyo, Japan. I've work hard all my life. I've never been on welfare, and don't understand why any one else would ... with the right solutions America can be great again." I urge to listen to this interview on our web-site >>

Jim is running against Republican incumbent Dan Gattis for the seat of Texas House District 20. I'll be paying attention to this race to see how well Jim's support tracks with other Democrats in Williamson County.

Show Announcement: The Final Analysis

Early voting has ended with heavy turn-out and the big day is about to go down in history. This maybe the most pivotal election in our life time. The stakes are extremely high, and we'd like to hear where you stand.

Have you already voted? Are you undecided? Have a question about a race? Maybe you're planning to sit it out?

Our guests for Sunday, November 2nd are Cynthia Dunbar and Jonathan Saenz. Cynthia holds the District 10 seat on the Texas State Board of Education. She is also a lawyer, educator, speaker and author. Cynthia has a new book, "One Nation Under God: How the Left is Trying to Erase What Made Us Great".

Jonathan Saenz is the Director of Legislative Affairs of Free Market Foundation. Jonathan and Free Market are actively involved in numerous religious liberty and family friendly legal & legislative issues in Texas and the nation

We'll cover a host of different topics relating to the election, including the State Board of Education and Socialist Economic Policies. We would love to hear where you stand.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion this Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ... http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls. Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673

Obama FOCA

Surely you've heard of it. It's the total rage. I can't believe you're not in the know. It's called Obama-FOCA. Oh, my gosh, let me tell you.

No, not Obama-phobia. That's for religious extremist. This is Obama-FOCA. It's for secular extremist. I'm sure you'll be so hyped, when you hear Obama's promise to one of his key supporters, the great community organization for population control.

Obama FOCA is the rave among those that support population control policies. Obama FOCA is the top priority for those that believe 15 million aborted black babies is not enough. For those that believe 50 million babies sacrificed on the altar of women's rights, Obama FOCA is the perfect choice.

Obama FOCA is not for me. I believe God gives life, and government should protect the God given right to a birth date. I believe we must do everything possible to esteem the value of a human being, all humans.

God Save the Baby Humans

Obama Makes In Roads Among Born-Again Believers

We've all been hearing and seeing that Obama has won over many born-again believers. The main reasons I hear relate to the economy and the war. Researcher George Barna has released a new survey predicting that Obama will will the election and confirming that Obama has made significant inroads into the faith community. Yet, among Barna's qualified evangelicals, McCain still holds a large lead.

Obama Poised to Win and Make Significant Inroads with Christian Voters

How do you explain it? Why are many Born-Again Believers supporting Obama? What are you hearing from born-again Obama supporters?


God Save the U.S.A.

Welcome to the Socialist States of America

Friends, let me be very blunt. We face a very real danger of waking up in the Socialist States of America shortly following November 4, 2008.

Barak Obama is a Socialist/Marxist as is Nancy Pelosi and others members of the Democrat Progressive Caucus. The ideology of these people stands in direct contrast to the nature of our Republic. If you are unaware of the Socialist agenda, please read "Where we Stand" on the Democratic Socialist of America web-site.

WorldNet Daily published a new article today detailing Obama's ties to the Socialist Party of America. This article is not necessary to make the conclusion that Obama is a Socialist. His policies speak loud and clear. His speeches openly declare his support for the re-distribution of wealth and economic justice. He admits that Joe the Plumbers has missed his opportunity to be supported by the State.

Friends, if Senator Obama is elected, combined with a Democrat controlled House and Senate, and an unstable Supreme Court, we will see unprecedented change in the face of our nation. Socialistic policies will sweep in fast, the church will be further relegated to the corner of the room, and the Free Market in America will be on its way out.

See What if Obama Has Coattails?

Friends, you must speak up! You must be involved! Drop what you are doing and battle for this election. You can influence the vote of others. If you don't know what to do about the next ten days, call me or write.

God Save the U.S.A.

Nader & Baldwin Debate

I'm sure you were all glued to C-SPAN tonight as Third Party candidates Ralph Nader and Chuck Baldwin debated.

Seriously, you should be listening to these guys. The DNC & RNC both are neglecting our Great Constitution. Nader & Baldwin actually frame their responses in terms of Constitutionality. If you want to hear some reasonable discussion and debate about the issues we face, you'll find this debate refreshing (to a degree).

Click here for C-SPAN Coverage of Nader/Baldwin Debate

I know you think a Third Party vote is a wasted vote. Don't waste your breath expressing that non-sense to me. If people don't vote for your candidate, it's because they do not like your candidate! The only wasted vote is the one that is never cast.

I'm sure none of you were wasting your time watching the World Series or checking your fantasy football team, while the Foundation of Freedom is washed out from under our feet. I'm also sure you don't waste your time on media outlets that waste their time on Third Party debates. Or maybe I'm wasting my time with excessive sarcasm.

BTW: The GOP started out as a Third Party ...

God Save the U.S.A.

A New Civil Rights Issue

Today there are over 27 million slaves in the world. It's a new slave trade to accommodate the growing appetites of indulgence. I have not seen the movie yet, but the reality exists. I ask you to support this movie and talk about the issues.

CALL + RESPONSE

God Save the U.S.A.

An Obama Win is a Civil Rights Victory

Among Black/African-American voters Senator Obama is overwhelming supported over Senator McCain in the 2008 Presidential bid. Take a look at the following polls/surveys to see how overwhelming an advantage Obama has among blacks. He is also strongly favored among Hispanics.

Russ Parr Morning Show - informal polls
The Yolanda Adams Morning Show - informal polls
ABC News Study - Blacks, Politics & Society

Do you think an Obama win is a victory for the Civil Rights movement?

Blacks and other minorities have advanced well in our nation in recent decades. Certainly, we still have room to improve and correct. Do you think Obama will help that trend, or will his policy stances encourage dependence upon the government and the system over self-reliance and perseverance? Will an Obama win hurt the progress of liberty, independence, and freedom in our nation?

Your comments are appreciated. Also take the poll at top right.

Tax Policy Just the Tip of the Iceberg

POLITICAL HOPE RADIO SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT

TOPIC FOR SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2008, 4 PM CDT

If you watched the Presidential debate on Fox News this past Tuesday, maybe you heard the comments of Nina Easton with Fortune Magazine.

"We're witnessing tonight something quite profound and that was the sinking ship of free-market Republicans keel over, groan, and fall to the bottom of the sea. John McCain, without much notice, proposed a $300 billion dollar plan to nationalize home mortgages. ... And this is before he went on to attack Barack Obama on obscene spending and government control of health care. I thought it was an amazing moment." - Nina Easton, Fortune Magazine

McCain claims he'll lower taxes and Obama will raise them. Obama claims he'll lower taxes for the middle-class, increase spending, and still have a net budget decrease. Does anyone trust either candidate?

Taxes are just the tip of the iceberg. Economic policy goes far beyond taxes. Obama and McCain both favor government subsidy of housing. This works against private property rights and personal responsibilty. Neither candidate has any apparent opposition to fractional banking. Neither candidate has taken serious action to strengthen the value of the dollar. McCain opposes progressive taxation. Obama is clearly for progressive taxes. If the government owns and runs everything, progressive taxation won't matter anymore, and we have even talked about the National Retirement System, or wage and price controls.

Has McCain caved on Free Market economics? Was he strong on economic policy in the first place? If we don't see a major change in the campaign very soon, we'll all be singing, "Welcome to the Socialist States of America". God Save the U.S.A.

Call the Political Hope Radio Show to voice your opinion this Sunday at 4 pm CDT. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ...

www.theword993.com

We need your calls. Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673.

Reforming the Federal Government

Do you believe that the U.S. Congress is operating outside the boundaries of our Constitution? Should the federal government be involved in everything from healthcare to teacher pay and business subsidies?

There are a number of fundamental reforms that have been proposed to restore the balance of power in our Nation's Capitol. Which reforms do you think are the most important? Register your opinion on our poll, and join the show this Sunday at 4 pm.

Bryan Malatesta is the Director of Development for the Constitution Party of Texas. Pat Dixon is the State Chairman for the Libertarian Party of Texas. Pat & Bryan are our guests for October 5, 2008. They have both worked hard in their respective third party groups for several years, and will help us address the Role of Federal Government, possible Federal Reforms and the Presidential Race.

You can join us live on air or by internet every Sunday at 4pm. You can hear us on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ... http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls. Pick up the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673

Malpractice on the Senate Floor

I understand how difficult it is to keep up with everything that happens in the U.S. House and Senate. This past Wednesday was epic. Below are two testimonies that I encourage you to read. I heard these while listening to debate over the bail-out, before the Senate voted on Wednesday nigh, where they attached the $700B bail-out to THE PAUL WELLSTONE MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTION EQUITY ACT OF 2008. Here are a couple of quotes to get your attention and interest...

"We have fought communism, dictators, and tyranny. We have helped establish democracies and free-market economies across the globe. Because of America, millions of people are now electing their leaders, and millions have been taken out of poverty and enjoyed prosperity. Yet as the blood of our young men and women falls on foreign soil in the defense of freedom, our own Government appears to be leading our country into the pit of socialism. ...

If we were honest with the American people and explained the failures that have led to this financial crisis, we might have the credibility to ask our citizens to allow us to borrow another $700 billion in their name to try to fix this problem. But we are not being honest. This problem was not created by our free enterprise system. It was created by us, the Congress and the Federal Government" - Senator Jim DeMint - South Carolina

"For those of you who are not familiar with those two portions of our Constitution, they are very clear. Article I, section 8 is the enumerated powers that are given to Congress. They are very specific. They are very direct. It tells us what we are to be dealing with and what we are not to be dealing with. It tells us the extent to which the Federal Government is to intervene in the lives of Americans. ...

As a practicing physician, I compare where we are today to a physician who commits malpractice." - Senator Tom Coburn - Oklahoma

These are powerful words in my book. Now is the time to put pressure on our Congress to reign in the federal government. We are in violation of our own Constitution and we keep feeding the monster of federal tyranny.

The House Heard You

Your voice makes a difference in politics. Congressman John Carter's officer heard the tax-payers voice on the bail-out proposal. Please read the following story regarding from the Austin-American Statesman ...

Bailout fears were heard, Texans tell constituents
By EUNICE MOSCOSO
Wednesday, October 01, 2008

God Save the U.S.A.

Is Our Federal Government Out of Control?

Where does the role of our federal government begin and end? Should our Federal Government be re-distributing wealth on a daily basis? Does a 26% annual increase in the debt ceiling scare you? Should we bail-out bad investments to the tune of $700 Billion? Where do we draw the line on the operations of our federal government?

According to my count there are: 52 Federal Administrations, 33 Federal Agencies, 20 Federal Boards, 38 Federal Bureaus, 47 Federal Commissions, 9 Federal Corporations, 17 Federal Councils, 55 Federal Departments, 9 National Foundations, 2 National Laboratories and 61 Federal Service organizations.

Is it time for major reform of our Federal Government? Take our poll (at top right) and call the show to voice your opinion this Sunday at 4 pm CDT.

Join Don Bebee and I live on air or this Sunday at 4pm. You can hear the Show on The Word 98.5 & 99.3 KLGO FM Radio in Austin, or listen on-line ... http://www.theword993.com/

We need your calls. Pick us the phone and join the discussion every Sunday at 4pm. The call in numbers are ... (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673.

God Save the U.S.A.

Twenty-Six Percent Debt Limit Increase in One Year

As of Sept. 27, 2007 the limit on public debt was $8.965 trillion. The current bail out proposal from House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank would raise the National Debt Ceiling to a staggering $11.3 trillion. That is 26% in one year!

SEC. 18. INCREASE IN STATUTORY LIMIT ON THE PUBLIC DEBT.
Subsection (b) of section 3101 of title 31, United States Code, is amended by striking out the dollar limitation contained in such subsection and inserting in lieu 6 thereof
$11,315,000,000,000. - Sept 22, 2008, Chairman Frank's Proposed Legislation

The debt ceiling has been raised twice already in the last year. It was increased from $8.965 trillion to $9.815 trillion effective September 29, 2007. And it was increased from $9.815 trillion to $10.615 trillion effective July 30, 2008. Now the feds want more fiat currency.

I also encourage you to look at the history of our National Public Debt in alignment with the various expansions of our federal government, which occurred at the expense of State's Rights. The growth of the public debt is staggering, particullarly when you look at how fiat currency was used to fund the Union Army. The National Banking Act of 1863 put many state run banks out of business.

Visit the following U.S. Treasury link to see how much public debt we owe. The numbers do not include unfunded government programs like Social Security and Medicare. In 1893 there was panic over the gold supply. In 1907 there panic spawned from a stock scheme. Now we have no standard gold and can't print enough paper (fiat) currency.

God Save the U.S.A.

Huckabee Disgusted with Republicans over Bail-out

On Monday Gov. Mike Huckabee expressed his disgust with Republicans over the Wall Street bail out...

"It’s especially disconcerting to see the very people who pilloried me during the Presidential campaign for being a “populist” and not “understanding Wall Street” to now line up like thirsty dogs at the Washington, D. C. water dish, otherwise known as Congress, and plead for help." - Gov. Mike Huckabee 9/22/08

What I can't figure out is why only a few people are discussing the origin of these problems. The FHA, Fannie Mae, and other housing federal programs/agencies were started as a part of the New Deal. Combined with elimination of the gold standard, the New Deal is a Raw Deal. The Federal Government has no business underwritting housing purchases.



Think about the process of buying a house. When people sign all those papers on a new home, do they really know what they are doing? Do the mounds of regulation and paperwork actually protect the buyer, or do they make it easier for crooks to get away with their robberies?




McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden and others are complaining about Wall Street. I think they're pointing at the wrong institution. The real problem is the over-bearing complexity of government regulations and their false promise to protect the people.



Wall Street has its problems, but the size of the Federal City is a bigger problem. If McCain and Palin are truly reformers, why are they going after Wall Street instead of Washington? What are your thoughts?

God Save the U.S.A.


U.S. Captiol Detail - Photo by jcolman (flickr)

Dr. Paul Endorses Chuck Baldwin

Barr begged the question. McCain called for an endorsement. Now they have been answered, and it's not what they were looking for. Libertarian turned Republican (at least temporarily), Dr. Ron Paul, has endorsed Chuck Baldwin for President.

The big challenge, however, is taking on the establishment, and the process that is so well entrenched. But we can’t beat the entrenched elite without the alliance of all those who have been disenfranchised. ... I’ve thought about the unsolicited advice from the Libertarian Party candidate, and he has convinced me to reject my neutral stance in the November election. I’m supporting Chuck Baldwin, the Constitution Party candidate. - Dr. Ron Paul. 9/22/08

The latest polls have Obama back in the lead. McCain/Palin have joined in the Wall Street bashing rhetoric. Folks are predicting our currency is going to take a massive hit. The 401(k) and IRA accounts of most have already suffered great losses (Thank God he led me to put everything into cash). Many individuals and banks have been bailed out of bad loans, and the war on terror has taken a back seat to financial chaos. Of course it is all Bush 43's fault. Not!

What about us? Could the current financial crisis be our responsibility? Could our political apathy be a concern? Could our tolerance of humanist thinking be connected to the current financial meltdown? Could the de-emphasis of morality play a part? Could the prevalence of personal debt and personal deficit spending be connected? Could the failure to continue in the Spirit of 1776 be part of the problem? What about the massive expansion of federal government? What about the degradation of states' rights? The list of speculation goes on and on, but in the end ... this is our country.

My friends, while I certainly have concerns about Wall Street, I believe the main problem is Main Street. Main Street has forgotten where it came from. Main Street has failed to lift up and maintain our Constitution. Main Street has failed to pass along the Ten Commandments and other Biblical principles that secure the liberty of a Nation Under God. I believe we have allowed our government and our culture to grow out of control, and we can take it back.

Dr. Paul's endorsement of Chuck Baldwin speaks to the issue of the Constitution. Dr. Paul has fought against the massive expansion of federal government more than any contemporary I know. Dr. Paul understands the Constitution better than most contemporary Congressmen. He actually votes according to his Constitutionalist view. I cannot say this about very many Republicans or Democrats.

I do believe Obama is more dangerous than McCain. I think McCain has a shot at making some reforms that will restrain Washington. In Texas and many other states, McCain has the lead, but overall Obama is moving back to the front, and anything can still happen.

My gut says vote for Chuck Baldwin. I don't think you can waste a vote, but my rationale mind says, "vote in such a way to ensure Obama doesn't win". A vote for any candidate is a vote that counts, but there is a lot riding on this one. What do you think? Baldwin for President?

God Save the U.S.A.

Voter ID & Fraud Prevention

“IN TEXAS, AN EPIDEMIC of voter fraud is harming the electoral process and it’s time we rooted it out. Of course, voter fraud is no newcomer to the Lone Star State. Six decades ago, the votes “found” in Jim Wells County’s infamous Ballot Box 13 helped Lyndon Johnson squeak into the U.S. Senate. Maybe none quite so dramatic, but other instances of “election irregularities” on both sides of the political aisle have plagued Texas since that 1948 primary.” - Greg Abbot, Texas Attorney General from 2006

Are Texas voting mechanisms vulnerable to manipulation by those who lack integrity and honesty? Accusations of voter fraud and criminal convictions exist in Texas history, along with many other states. Will it be any different this year, or in the years to come?

Can something be done about voting integrity without making it too hard for people to vote, and enabling further government intrusion into the privacy of individuals? Will electronic devices, such as RF-ID chips, take us one step closer toward overbearing government surveillance?

Voter Fraud is just one of many issues facing the Texas Legislature in 2009. Jerry Mikus, Republican for Texas House District 50 will be our guest on the Political Hope Radio Show on September 21st.

Join us at 4 pm with your calls, comments and questions.
(512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673

Please take the time to find out which district you are in, and be informed to vote. Visit http://www.politicalhope.com/ for the Resources link >> .

Is Jillian Michaels Mean to the Biggest Losers?

There is one reality show my wife likes; it's The Biggest Loser. She sees people that care about each other, have a unified purpose, and can truly empathize with one another, while competing to loose weight.


The question I have for you is this ...

Is Jillian Michaels mean to her losers?

Think about it. Jillian gets in those women's face. She shakes her finger at them, and tells them to get off their ___ ___ and do the exercises. Jillian is like a Drill Sergeant. She is pushy, demanding, and near brutal in her drive to knock the pounds off of the contestants.


Is that mean? Or is that compassionate? Does it best reflect hate, love, or indifference?


"The Biggest Loser" TV show illustrates what America has forgotten. Good is not easy. Wrong is easy. Love isn't a push-over. Love drives toward what is right and true, and doesn't cave into what is wrong. Rather than let loved ones eat unhealthy diets for years and years, love will take strong action to protect and bring change.


In the case of gay sex, rather than be bold enough to warn men of the associated health risks, people cave into saying its okay. Nothing could be farther from the truth! Men having sex with men (MSM) is more risky than obesity, and our society is largely silent on both issues. Take a look at what the CDC says about MSM.

What do you think? ...

Is Jillian Michaels Mean to her losers?

Obama's Social Agenda Belongs in the Church House not the White House

So, the whole Messiah complex continues...

Obama bloggers and campaigners are propagating the analogy that "Obama" equals "Community Organizer" which equals "Jesus". What non-sense! Senator Barak Obama in no way compares to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is much more than a Community Organizer. Jesus actually opposes evil. Jesus drives out demons. Jesus heals the sick and the lame. Jesus raises the dead, walks on water, and defeats death itself. Jesus is much more than a man or Community Organizer. Jesus Christ is God Incarnate. Jesus Christ is the Spotless Lamb of God, and He is more of a man than Barak Obama or I will ever be. This comparison is absolute non-sense, and reflects the failure of many to comprehend the Bible and the nature of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Now, let's set side the magnanimity of Christ aside for one second. Let's follow-out the Dems' notion that Jesus was a Community Organizer. Did Jesus run for the office of Roman Emperor (analogous to the White House)? Did Jesus seek to implement his reforms through law. No! Jesus came to conquer the hearts of men, not to assert a government program of social welfare. Jesus came to inspire the hearts of men to help their neighbor of their own volition, not through government mandate.

If Senator Barack Obama wants to implement community reforms in the model of Jesus Christ, he needs to be working in the church house, not the White House.

God Save the U.S.A.

The Sarah Palin Factor Sunday 9/14/08 at 4pm

Love her or hate her, Alaska's Governor Sarah Palin has nearly taken over the Presidential Race. Obama can't stop talking about her, and McCain doesn't want her away from his side. Now, there are a host of possible explanations for those loose comments...

The key questions revolve around Palin's significant impact on this race. Republicans are suddenly energized and Democrats are throwing darts her way at ninety miles per hour. But she is Super Woman, and the action figure proves it. Biden doesn't have one. (Don't be offended; that just a little satire to accompany the circus act).

While many analysts claim the Palin nomination to be a brilliant political move on McCain's part, one can also assert that Republicans and Conservatives have bought into part of the left's feminist agenda and claimed the victory for their own. That can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on your perspective.

Maybe you missed it, but there's also the Pentecostal background of Palin that made news this week. Is speaking in tongues and baptism of the Holy Spirit strange to some Evangelicals as John Fea says? Fea expects the GOP to keep the Pentecostal explanations out of the speeches. Maybe the Dems have other plans.

There are a host of more important questions and concerns around Gov. Palin. We want to hear your thoughts. Join Eileen Flynn and I as we talk about the Palin Factor, this Sunday at 4pm. Eileen is the Religion Reporter at the Austin-American Statesman. I encourage Austinites to follow her Of Sacred and Secular Blog.

Listen to the show this Sunday at 4 pm on-line at the Word (http://www.theword993.com/) or 99.3 FM in Austin. You can call us at (512) 637-9673 (WORD) - or - (888) 860-9673. You can also email your questions/comments to politicalhope@hotmail.com

God Save the U.S.A.

Statism: The Death of Religous Freedom & the State

R.C. Sproul's current Table Talk article deals with Statism and it's relevance to the United States. Please read it, and post your thoughts here.

Statism - by RC Sproul

God Save the U.S.A.

Tagged by the Crow

You can blame, I mean thank, my friend Mike Crow for this one. Mike was kind enough to tag me. Look out fellow bloggers. Here are the rules:

1. Write about 5 specific ways blogging has affected you, either positively or negatively.
2. Link back to the person who tagged you
3. Link back to this parent post (L.L. Barkat is not so much interested in generating links, but rather in tracking the meme so she can perhaps do a summary post later on that looks at patterns and interesting discoveries.)
4. Tag a few friends or five, or none at all
5. Post these rules— or just have fun breaking them


Here goes ...

1.1 Blogging is great to to help digest what you're taking in on the topics of life. We are inundated with news and messages. Writing things down helps sort through what you've absorbed.

1.2 Blogging helps develop discipline. I was having trouble staying in a routine with writing. If you don't write regularly, people don't read your blog. I blog immediately following a few of the regular events in my weekly routine, and that has been a great blessing.

1.3 Blogging is convenient compared to regular web-site updates. You just write and post. It has help my productivity on web administration.

1.4 I'm running out thoughts... too much blogging.

1.5 The best reason to blog is so your friends will have something to throw darts at., and you can learn their opinions as they poke holes in your arguments.

2. Mike Crow - As the Crow Flies

3. LL Barkat - Seedlings in Stone

4.1 Gary DeMar - Mashed Potatoes on the Anvil
4.2 Eileen Flynn - Of Sacred & Secular

5. You saw them, now read them and obey them! They're not the ten commandments, but you get the idea...

Holly Hansen & The National Conventions

In the past two weeks, we heard everything thing from "After all, there aren’t many people eager to see the words “Texan’ and “president” in the same sentence ever again" ... to "We lost the trust of the American people ..."

While it may not have been the most exciting speech of the last two weeks, it had two important and rare traits in political speech. Those traits are integrity and humility. A few DNC & RNC speeches referenced humility; Senator McCain displayed it by admitting his and the GOP's part in recent government problems/failures. Cecile Richard's speech reflects the antithesis of humility and is much more typical of what we hear in political convention speeches.

Was anything said or done at the conventions that swayed your opinion in the past two weeks? What did you see as the high lights and low lights? Join the Political Hope Radio Show with Republican delegate Holly Hansen and I as we review the 2008 National Conventions.

Sunday, September 7, 2008- 4 pm
http://www.theword993.com/
http://www.politicalhope.com/

Humility in Politics

Some say that "Political Hope" is an oxymoron. What about humility in politics?

As we listened to the various political speeches at the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, did you see or hear true humility? Is that even possible? Am I crazy to even think about it or suggest it?

More than one candidate mentioned some form of the the word humility. All of the quotes I caught were self-described attributes in reference to receiving a nomination or serving with a truly great leader. I'm not going to tell you those were false assertions, though I know many of you are skeptical. I ask you to consider another view of humility, and the reality that one politician had the guts to demonstrate it.

My view of true humility is one that "the Fonz" on Happy Days couldn't quite get out of his mouth. My definition is doctrinal in nature. It has to do with confession; ownership of faults; recognizing that we're human. Of course we all know that we are human and we do have faults. The question; the difficultly ... is admitting them. Are you willing to admit your faults. Do you confess that you made a mistake, or an error, or just flat blew it?

There are two acid tests of true humility. One, are you willing to admit to your kids, especially teenagers, that you were wrong, and two, as a politician are you willing to admit you and/or your party has blown it?

Just my opinion ... but I think we could use a lot more "true humility". We need men and women, parents and politicians both, that are willing to say, "what I've been doing was wrong". From my count, during the last two weeks of national conventions, only one man, only one politician, had the guts to admit fault and take responsiblity for it.

God Save the U.S.A.

Political Thought of Young Voters this Sunday

Rush Limbaugh is wrong. The data and many experts agree, when it comes to young people, the momentum is in favor of the progressive political ideology. The questions are why, whether or not the trend is good or bad, and will it continue?

Clint Chegin, Chairman, UT Chapter of Texas Young Conservatives and Dan Smithwick, Founder and President of Nehemiah Institute will join us at 4pm, Sunday, August 31st, as we discuss the trends and the political thought of young people.

Dan created the PEERS Test which has been used with High School students over the last 20 years. Dan's test data agrees with Future Majority and Civic Youth/Circle; the trend among youth people is toward the progressive/socialist thought. Read more on our web-site and take the PEERS Test, then join us on Sunday, August 31st @ 4 pm on The Word, 99.3 FM in Austin.

We'll take your calls on The Youth Vote, the Democratic National Convention, and GOP VP nominee, Sarah Palin, Gov. Alaska.

An Ugly Child of the New Deal

Fannie Mae is her name. FDR is her daddy and compassionate corruption is her mother. While we can certainly point to Republican beds of corruption, this is the Dems' week and they have their schemes of lies and deception as well.

This week, during their national convention, the DNC tells us about all of the housing woes of the our nation, how these problems are all Bush's fault, and how Senator Obama is the only one that can fix them. We the people will do well to remember that the most ominous threat to our economy was birthed of the same type of political philosophy. A philosophy that says, "big brother is here to save the average worker", has created one of the most corrupt schemes of obscene profit that pours our money into the hands of a few and hi-jacks our housing market and economy, all in the name of compassionate corruption.

Fannie Mae was birthed out of FDR's New Deal during the depression. Originally a part of the federal budget and a federal agency, Fannie Mae became partly private in 1968. While she was originally federally operated, funded, and backed, she now is run as a public-private corporation without the regulatory scrutiny of the SEC. She is still backed by the feds, but is not part of the federal budget. Her weight of debt is obscene. As of 2007, Fannie Mae and her little brother Freddie Mac own about $6 Trillion in mortgage debt. No wonder the feds wanted her off the books in 1968.

On December 6, 2006 federal regulators filed 101 civil charges against CEO Franklin Raines, CFO, J. Timothy Howard; and the former controller Leanne G. Spencer. The three were accused of manipulating Fannie Mae earnings to maximize their bonuses. On December 21, 2006 Frank Raines resigned. In the mean time over $50 million per year was given away to the charities of involved DNC/liberal politicians. Read Dick Morris' book Outrage for more details.

The DNC has painted the RNC as the bad guys all week long. The reality is that we all have our failings. Where is honesty and integrity in the convention speeches? Few people believe what comes from the mouths of politicians. The rhetoric that blames the other party over and over is getting really old. This sound byte non-sense drives people away from politics and civil involvement.

It is time for real reform at the federal level. We need to clean up our federal government folks. I propose that we begin gathering all of the organizations and PACs that support federal reform and develop a non-partisan agenda. Anybody in? We must get this kind of garbage under control!

Bush Does the Impossible

These things seem much more likely to occur towards the end of a presidency; The power and influence of the Presidency becomes so much more pronounced. Today, we heard about what may be Bush's most significant accomplishment. It's also very interesting that a Democrat is the one heralding Bush's accomplishment; well, kind of...

Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin, was speaking about alternative energy during the DNC convention this afternoon. He told of a company that had re-tooled their shop to turn a failing business into a budding opportunity in the alternative energy arena. The business is now making gears that go in wind turbines. Doyle went on to say that business turn arounds like that could only happen under the leadership of Barack Obama.

You can look this two ways: 1) Bush did the impossible; he created jobs before Barack reached the Oval Office, or 2) Doyle is off his rocker.

Dems believe that the economy and jobs are dependant upon the federal government. I say jobs, wages, and earnings are the product of resourceful people; people that know how to seize an opportunity; people that know when demands for one set of goods and services diminish, there is likely another on the rise.

The reality is that the President does not have any where near the power that campaign rhetoric (DNC or RNC camps) assigns to the office. It would sure be nice to here some deeper policy discussions over this well rehearsed non-sense.

The World As It Is

Michelle Obama's speech on the first evening of the DNC depicted a family, two individuals, a man and a woman, that have embraced their role as parents, embraced hard work, perseverance, volunteerism, community involvement, and they seek to lead others into these roles. These are great, and I applaud their accomplishments.

The problem is how we incorporate these great ideas in American culture. An Obama administration seeks to implement social reform through the federal government. While chiding the current administration's failures, the Dems seek to give every child a world-class education, a job, health care, retirement security, etc... through the auspices of wealth redistribution. While much of Michelle's work in the past was through a non-profit called Public Allies, which is funded privately, the Obama plan will incorporate these programs into a impersonal bureaucratic government system.

Michelle rejects the world as we know it. She seeks to make it as it should be. The world in which Michelle has thrived and helped so many others, she seeks to change. She, her husband, and the Dems seek to implement a great expansion of FDR's New Deal. The attitude of selflessness, giving, and volunteerism are great and worthy of praise. Forcing people to participate in an expansive government social system will destroy these values.

America is the most generous nation in the world. America gives more to the less fortunate and the desperate of the world than any other nation. If we continue to drift toward the socialist ideas being perpetrated by the Dems, America's great trend of giving will be a thing of the past.

God Save the U.S.A.

DNC Declares America Dream is Dying

The opening moments of the Democratic National Convention in Denver are indeed revealing. We had not heard any of the the big speakers yet, and the themes clearly emerged before and during the opening prayer, and amidst the procedural elements. I'll try to be objective, but I must admit that my opinion of the DNC & RNC are both pretty well set.

Howard Dean jumped right into the purpose the convention ... "the tell America why Barack Obama should be the next president of the United States". Dean immediately pointed out "the need for change" from the failed polices of the last four (eight) years. He also made it clear that unity and support from Obama is the goal.

The convention outcome is 90% set before it begins; there are not many variables with National Conventions any more. Sure, we could be surprised, but the plan is well prepared, set in wet concrete, and is being carefully carried out. The rhetoric will be regurgitated before a national audience. The biggest risk is a major rebellion among Clinton supporters, but even that doesn't seem likely. All of the committee reports were adopted with no chance for discussion. All the work is done, let's get on with the show...

The opening prayer (sacred oration) by Polly Baca repeatedly appealed to the need for the DNC to adopt the social welfare commands of Jesus (and the Bible) to be executed by the federal government. There was no mention of Jesus' church; it was largely focused on what Democrats need to do for the least of these, the poor, the disadvantaged, the sick, the immigrant, the elderly, et. al.; not through the church, but through the federal government. Certainly, we all agree with the need to help others. The question is how. Should it be up to the feds to decide who is rich and poor, and then re-distribute the wealth and the opportunities for "we the people"?

Convention Chairwoman, Rev. Leah Daughtery referenced Sunday's interfaith service and the need for unity among Democrats. She sees disappearing jobs, folks struggling to keep their homes, compromised moral authority, sacred responsibility toward the least and the lost. She called Democrats to "step from shadows of comfort and complacency" and accept that sacred responsibility. "Yes, we can! Yes, we can!"

Next a video rolls. Democrats are the new masters of the old west! Governors from various western states speak out on how the Democrat arty has gained new momentum in Western states, and they are the new tough guys for the cause of America. Democrats are championing the tough causes of the environment, alternative energy, health care, education and a host of others.

Alexis Herman declared the hope and determination of the party. She declared that good education, health care, retirement and jobs are rights due to all Americans. The DNC is the party of economic prosperity and a party for the people. Sunita Leeds referenced some upcoming changes in the nominating process, which will be in effect for the 2012 season.

It was very interesting to note the passing of the gavel from Howard Dean to Nancy Pelosi. By "chance" I had been reviewing the By-Laws & Charter of the DNC earlier today. Within this 27 page document the phrase "opposite sex" appears 36 times. These references all relate to gender balance in the leadership of the committees and caucuses. Then I witness Dean hand the gavel over to a four woman leadership team for the convention; no men in sight. I doubt this is technically against current DNC rules, but it sure flies in the face of the gender equality principle.

Patricia Madrid (NM Attorney General) covered part of the Platform Committee report. She heralded 1,600 platform hearings involving 30,000 people. Pictures from churches and other community forums filled the big screens. Certainly some lessons can be taken from that process. Madrid echoed the theme that the American dream is in danger; implying that a vote for Barack Obama is a vote for the America dream. She added that the DNC is continuing the great ideas of FDR's New Deal, and that Democrats reject illegal wire-tapping, spying, torture and "velvet gifts". She lauded that lobbying and campaign reform are long over due. Judith McHale piled on that we cannot continue the with the failed approaches of the last eight years. We cannot stay in Iraq, and we must complete the un-finished work in Afghanistan. And with that the Platform Committee Report was adopted with no discussion.

I'll leave my comments out for this post, aside from this. What you read above is simply a brief report. There are many parts that I dis-agree with and a few that I think need to happen. The clear highlight was the pledge when all the Democrats said, "I pledge allegiance to the flag and to the Republic for which it stands". Does anyone remember what that word means? Oh, yes, that concept is in the Bible too...

Jonathan Saenz & The Bible in Public Schools on Sunday, Aug. 24th

Objections to teaching the Bible in Public Schools largely center around proselytizing for Christian sects. Some folks believe that parents don't have the right to proselytize their own children at home, and many more believe that proselytizing at school or other "public" places is a violation of the separation of church and state. At the same time, tenets of Religious Humanism are regularly fed to our children in public schools, especially High Schools and Universities, and apparently only a minority of folks see a problem with that form of proselytizing.

In 1946 the Dallas Independent School District published a New Testament Bible Study Curriculum. The Old Testament edition was published in 1954. These courses were offered as elective credit classes, and reflect the legacy of Biblical Education in the United States. In the early nineteen-sixties legal attacks against prayer and teaching the Bible in public schools arose in the U.S.

Since that time, the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, originally a protection of Religious Liberty, has been distorted into a means of Religious Oppression. Students in Public Schools across our nation have been denied their right to openly carry and use their Bibles at school, and Bible classes taught at public schools have been deemed a violation of "church-state separation".

The 80th Texas Legislature clarified this issue for Texans by passing House Bill 1287. This bill declares that School Districts may offer elective Bible classes for credit effective immediately, and Public High Schools shall be required to offer elective Bible classes beginning in the 2009-2010 school year.

Join us for the Political Hope Radio Show this Sunday at 4 PM CST, August 24th. Jonathan Saenz will be with me in studio to discuss the Bible in Public Schools. Jonathan is Director of Legislative Affairs for Liberty Legal Institute, and put much time into House Bill 1287 over the last couple of years. We'll take your calls and questions on The Bible in Texas Public Schools.

BTW: Be sure to check the videos on the left of this blog page.

God Save the U.S.A.

The Secular Vernacular & Systematic Political Philosophy

Ryan Anderson, writing for the Wall Street Journal, has some free advise for Huckabee supporters and social conservatives. He doesn't pick on the issues, but rather the political strategy, the choice of words, and the appeal to Biblical justification. You can read below and then post your thoughts.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121901226896448001.html

We do need to be able to communicate and justify our positions to those that do not have faith in the Bible. We do need to have rational arguments that stand along with Biblical reasoning without making a direct appeal to the Bible. I think Ryan has a valid point, though some of his rationale is in-correct.

I would also say there is a much bigger issue at stake. Social conservatives need to broaden their thinking on policy in general (so do economic conservatives). The whole system of American Liberty has been turned up-side-down, and the compromises we've made and continue to make with the Constitution are major part of the problem.

For instance, are you willing to further erode states rights for the sake of a moral issue, such as gay marriage? The increase of federal government and out-of-control judges is a big issue. The question is whether to increase the power of federal government to fix it, or to decrease the role of federal government, return more powers to the states and use existing measures to reign in judges.

I urge social conservatives to workout a systematic understanding of government philosophy. We must broaden our argumentation beyond the Bible and a few major injustices.

Thanks to Jason West for pointing out the WSJ article and God Save the U.S.A.