Calamity of Being Politically Terminally Negative

It's quite obvious that public life in the shadow of politics is not an easy path to take.  On the one hand you have the ability to legislate policy, usually along with a council of others, for the betterment of the community, state or country in which you live.  Being in the spotlight also means you gain enemies faster than you gain allies.  Negativity is easy to come by and assume.  It's the positive that we actually have to put forth the effort to see and share.  It isn't necessarily that you are a bad leader or even that your policies that you support are adversely affecting those whom you govern.  It boils down to the here and now of what people want.

During my time on the Council I've had my share of disappointments and hardships.  Entering office at the commencing stages of a new water plant, immediately, approvals of budgets and water plant finance issues were scrutinized by many members of the public.  This is good!  It shows that there are those who are paying attention and providing a community "checks and balances" on whom they elect.  Though encouraging that there are people who actually participate in the critiquing of elected officials, a proper perspective also needs to be employed while keeping emotions in check.

We all do it!  We all judge prematurely the works of officials whom we've elected.  At least most of us do it.  At the same time the vast majority of us do it without a proper perspective in considering the office officials hold and the information they are privy to.  Ultimately we fail to keep our emotions in check thus producing attitudes that this guy is evil or that guy is a puppet.  Though these conceptions may be true, it is also probable that things aren't what they seem.  At least not to the degree we feel the plight may be.  Anyone who can't agree with that simple fact seriously has their eyes veiled at no more than two inches in front of their face.

The issue that exacerbates the already frustrating job of public life are those people who threaten, excessively question or portray a terminal character of negativity.  There are always a select few who carry this view who cannot be reasoned with and to whom nothing can satisfactorily be explained.  They simply want the attention and desire to be seen and guise it all under the benevolent umbrella of "being a watchman of the public funds."  Again it is outstanding that there are people who take the initiative to watch and learn what their elected officials do.  The canker of public life are in those select few who take it to an unhealthy emotional extent or level where their rantings benefit no one.

Being negative of all facets of life is not healthy for the person or anyone else - even those whom you wish to gain support from.  If you exercise a positive attitude you will be better armed to employ proper judgement and the ability to see or perceive that other perspective that elected officials have according to their office and the sustaining vote from the people.  Not only will you be advancing the cause of your good health but you will be immensely helping your public officials use better judgement in their decision making affecting the area which they are called to govern.  How??  By discharging a better attitude you increase the outlook of everyone around you.  You relieve the pressures on others.

It's a matter of faith!  Faith is extremely hard to live by for people who are constantly negative in concert with like-minded people.  When I speak of the affects of carrying a positive attitude they don't physically "see" the evidence of it in their mind.  That's part of what faith is.  It's the ability to believe in that which is not seen but is true nonetheless.  Therefore, without even the smallest degree of faith certain people lull in the mires of the here and now and see only the negative aspects of life.

It is my hope that elected officials will be strong and strive to keep a good outlook amidst those few who hang on their heels to drag them down.  There are many who are legitimate in their questions and there are those who are not.  May we as a nation of liberty and freedom live up to the mantle that we as everyday citizens are called to occupy.  Whether elected by the people or the people being governed we all have a responsibility to uphold the precepts of the Constitution of the United States and to execute a positive outlook at all times from which free enterprise and our capitalist system flourish.

Captain Phillips Movie and Horn of Africa Maersk Alabama 2014

The movie "Captain Phillips" was quite moving and emotional.  It brought to our homes the reality of the dangers working the waters around the Horn of Africa.  Places such as Somalia and the countries and islands of the area are a hot bed of anxious adventurer pirates that actively seek, not too unlike Al Qaeda, for opportunities to capture ships and/or hold working men and women hostage.  All their efforts for nothing more than money.  In 2009 they succeeded in briefly hijacking a Maersk Line container cargo ship that was bound for Mombasa, Kenya.  Opportunities like this are difficult to deprogram from the minds of the countless who are already in destitute and poverty stricken situations.

It is enlightening to witness from the comforts of our homes in America the various movies based on actual events.  World Trade Center is among them.  It stirs sympathetic feelings and new appreciation for not only the working men and women who put their lives in harm's way daily, but also the military, Navy Seals and first responders who may be called upon to rescue civilians or resolve a potentially deadly situation.  Unfortunately it is the price of progress in a fast world needing goods and services shipped around the globe in a timely fashion.

In February of 2014 it seems the storyline and danger of the Maersk Alabama continues from it's commencing piracy chapter from 2009.  Apparently two former Navy Seals were found dead recently aboard this very ship.  These men were employed by the Trident Group who are a collective of experts dealing with maritime security.  It is still early for hard information but could this be stemming from an ongoing effort of a faction in the Seychelles islands bent on retribution?  It's entirely possible.  Needless to say that the Maersk Alabama is a modern testament that lives are still at stake as ship pass through the Horn of Africa.

This post is not intended to rehash the details of this incident.  There are much better places to visit for that.  Here it is the desire to express the urgency of the moment.  In an effort to thwart opportunists it is important to realize the extent being made to secure many of the products that you bring into your home.  The divisions between countries who prosper and those who do not grow every day.  Bitterness and hatred heaps up against the United States.  This offensive attitude is often a result of jealousy and envy for American prosperity.  Around the Horn of Africa natives see this displayed often with the ships that pass by.  Let's not be misunderstood.  This does not validate attacking container ships from any country.  It does, however, illustrate that to these desperate opportunists they view these gems of the sea as quick money sold to the highest bidder.

What does the future hold for security in international waters?  With growing dissension among the ranks of nations from the elite powers down to even third world countries, entities such as the Trident Group will be an increasing necessity upon troubled waters.  Not all the product carried comes to the United States.  In fact, through the Horn of Africa only a fraction of that product sees our domestic ports.  Nevertheless, in order to be proactive in securing our homeland and our citizens abroad it is essential to produce our various products within our United States boundaries.  This would include above all - energy.

It is vitally important that we support the armed security aboard these vessels.  Millions benefit from the movement of these containers and assuring that passage remains imperative.  We are not going to change the minds or alter the paths these natives are choosing by the day.  So long as the desire for money darkens the heart of the young and their countries remain in political unrest, then further elaborate plans will be carried out on shipping lanes around the Horn of Africa and elsewhere around the globe.  As far as the United States is concerned the more we resolve to produce more of our goods and fuels within our boundaries the less we'll be relying on foreign support.  Yet, like I said, only a fraction of that product reaches U.S. ports.

Shipping lines have taken great strides in updating and securing their vessels for the safety of their product and more importantly their staff.  After all these incidences of piracy cost the shipping industry about $7 billion in cost.  It is evident that more needs to take place since there is obviously still interest from opportunist tribal factions.  Cautiously, the news of late has been encouraging.  Since 2006 piracy has fallen to it's lowest level.  Many attribute this to armed security personnel stationed on at least 80% of all containers ships and tankers.  Clearly this is an effective deterrent for the vast majority.

Piracy and terrorism are real problems and costly ones at that.  We need to be supporting these men as the fight continues.

Gender X 50 for Social Acceptance

I am a dog.  I have always been a dog.  I feel a kinship when I see a dog wag it's tail.  I understand the language of a dog.  In fact, when I go to a park I have this uncontrollable urge to create landmines there.  Though born a male human being.  I feel it is my right to be known and accepted as a canine with entitled rights.  This situation is the world we are headed to.  Welcome to the age of 50 gender types as announced by Facebook.

Let's first do some housekeeping.  First, as a disclaimer for the powers that be I do not and never shall advocate the creation of, or placement thereof, of landmines.  Second, I got rid of my Facebook account in August of 2013.  I find no reason for it and it festers and distracts the mind and body from more productive and active positive uses.  Now that we have that out of the way.....

The above scenario with the dog is not a light-hearted attempt to make fun of this "multi-gender" world.  It is a foresight of what is to come.  This will come to pass and you can mark my words on it.  Is it really any different than the gender outlines on Facebook and elsewhere?  Let's get real here.  Not long ago the United States took a dangerous road by legislating sexual orientation in relation to marriage and family.  That debate and judicial debacle continues today.  Now, when life couldn't get any more confused we have entered an era where legislating the world to fully accept and lock arms with who people "are" isn't enough.  Now, people will be compelled by law to accept and lock arms with who people "think" they are.  This is a grievous path to take.

Gone is the time when people knew they had problems and issues and worked to straighten their lives out in order to find happiness, family and personal industry.  Where has the personal initiative and accountability gone?  Where is the innate drive that we've been given to work out our obstacles instead of gleefully add to them?

I don't care and refuse to give one grain of sand about your own personal problems and doubts.  If you want counseling, advice or just need to bend an ear I'm hear and willing to listen.  If you don't want those things then I really don't need to know them.  Furthermore, I don't need your problems, issues or orientation advertised for me to see.  That, my friends, is called having a prideful heart.  To advertise your situation for the purpose of recognition and/or acceptance is a further testament of an inner confidence issue.  Every Tom, Dick and Harry doesn't need to know that your were born a female yet live your life feeling you are a male.

I'll say this only once and not out of apology.  I am not bashing what people are feeling and definitely not their orientation.  I am, however, against the path we are on where it becomes a fad to come out and express every little feeling you have at the moment and demand that the rest of the world accepts it.  When you head down that road of multi-minority acceptance and be made to believe that the multi-minority is really the majority, and that their voice should be made law, then you have completely broken down the rule of law and order and chaos and anarchy ensues.

These are difficult times.  The confusion is easy to understand.  We are in an ever-growing population with an ever-growing diversity.  Though we have the Internet most of us feel more alone than ever.  We reach and struggle for an identity that we too often feel is out of reach.  In that effort we latch on to every short term fix we can in order to feel not only important but valid as a person being with equal rights and opportunities.  Though we may not show it we become depressed at the core and wallow in that which we feel, not necessarily is right, but rather what we are comfortable doing or feeling.  In my opinion this applies to the "50 genders."

Well, I hate to break the news to you but we all go through this self actualization.  We all come up short in the end.  Yet with all our problems and obstacles we fight through them with the prize of victory ahead.  We admit to our own shortcomings in body, heart and mind.  Instead of wallowing in the mire we reach for the tree branches that we may pull ourselves out with a little help from those around us.

We have reached the core of the problem.  It is the most basic ID card that I never thought would be questioned.  Your birth was not an error.  Even with handicaps and deficiencies you were born according to your spirit and your mission here.  At the core let us first identify our body that we've been given, and acknowledge that we are a son or daughter under the Most High with a design and purpose that, if achieved, will magnify and perfect that body.

If your body is male then your spirit is male.  If your body is female then your spirit is female.  This is basic and not an error.  Live your life in constant correction according to who you were born - a male or female.  You must be resolute in your decisions.  To waiver in your views is to build your house on a sandy foundation.  It will not stand!

In conclusion, I reject and fear this new shade of dark we've entered.  To come to a point where we question our very gender (which there are only two) is a very noticeable dangerous sign that we are headed for trouble in a very cataclysmic way.  

Head of Mormon Church President Thomas Monson Questioned Over Basic Christianity

I believe in unicorns.  Their ability to fly at 30,164 feet is their way of showering humanity with untold blessings.  Will you test and prove these blessings with a little financial support?  With that support I will encourage others to observe the legendary unicorns and their incredibly awesome powers.  Through those powers coupled with the faithfulness of the people devoted followers may find healing in their lives.  Scientifically, the nature of the unicorn cannot be proven.  Yet, it is my belief that when you see a double rainbow in the morning sky it is proof that the great unicorn, Barnaby, is ever watching over us.

Confused?  Well, you should be.  The above claim is no less than what the offended and disaffected are charging President Thomas S. Monson of in their allegations springing up in this month of February in the year of our Lord 2014.  Yesterday I had read that charges of fraud were taking place regarding the doctrine of tithing as taught by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Today I read that the scope is enlarged to encompass specific teachings including Adam and Eve - Adam and Eve!!?

Let's go back to the first paragraph.  First off, isn't it a matter of my own free choice to believe in someone asserting the powers of the unicorn?  Did you know that there are certain Asian sects that believe God is blue?  Did you know that there are diverse places that regard the cow as sacred?  What about the modern moderate that loves to hug trees and view their own God as only the spirit of the earth and nature?  When we take these into consideration what is so outlandish about the unicorn?  And yes, there are even organizations of tree huggers that solicit funds for their cause which they are lawfully free to do.

No, I do not believe in unicorns and I am not asking for money.  Let's get that out of the way before the "powers that be" find me in contempt or violation.  Again, people being offended... I do, however, believe in the scriptural law of tithing.  I also believe in Adam and Eve as our first mortal parents.  In fact, contrary to several other beliefs I believe Adam and Eve are to be revered for their choices.  They knew that if the law of God was not transgressed the human family couldn't be.  My free choice to study the doctrines of the Church allow me to build a foundation upon which to erect a productive and faithful life.  Living those doctrines either proves or disproves the promises of those doctrines.  It's nothing new - it's called life!  I can choose to take it or leave it without having to call "foul" by being offended.

In the LDS Church the law of tithing is taught.  At the same time, at the heart of all the teachings is the person's liberty and freedom to choose.  You don't have to pay tithing at all, but as taught in order to grow spiritually and temporally that law needs to be observed.  There is no coercion and there is no one at the end of the year coming after you or sending you a bill or invoice for funds to remit.  THAT particular practice does take place in several religious organizations though.

As many know I put out my thoughts in a blog post yesterday after hearing the initial allegation regarding tithing.  I had no plans to continue publishing my thoughts regarding the matter.  However, after hearing that basic Christian tenets such as Adam and Eve are being included in this farce I couldn't resist but to voice out again.  This is bull and accelerates what I predicted in yesterday's post that the Christianity package is soon to be on trial and thus comes the persecution of the Christian regardless of sect or persuasion.

I don't use the word proud but I will say that I am confident in my allegiance to the Latter-day Saint faith.  It is the rock which is built through the power and authority of Jesus the Christ.  I believe that the prophet, seer and revelator Thomas Monson holds all the keys of the Church and stands as the mouthpiece of Jesus Christ to the inhabitants of the world.  I trust in him because all his teachings bring no emphasis to himself but instead to God the Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ.  This separates him from others whom many claim him to be just like.  They won't be named here because they are unworthy to be named in the same publication as the Lord's Anointed.

In finality, I have a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Yet, I don't shove down the throats or expect anyone else to subscribe to my beliefs.  As demonstrated above my beliefs are proven by me and have shown to satisfy my progress in this life.  I believe that should be the journey of every human being - to pursue happiness through the liberties of freedom and the agency to choose and to leave this life content in their works...

President Monson the Latest in Alleged Fraud by the Offended

It is sad to see the spiral of human conscience as people retract from personal responsibility seek ire against their neighbor.  The cancer of our species is the relinquishing of our backbone in order to pander and pamper those who claim to be offended and thereby feel entitled to a pacifier.  This post is a quick reaction to rumors that President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been served by the courts of England.
To Be Offended
Apparently, anti-Mormon groups may have successfully turned their farce of charges into a legal action.  Though I don't fear success of this lawsuit, it does announce to the heart and mind the direction we are headed as a civilization.  When was the turning point in our history when someone chooses a different path at some point in their life and all of the sudden became so bitter and hateful as to seek frivolous damages against that organization or entity they once allied with?  Mark my words, this path of slapping a diaper on every person who cries wolf will one day evolve into a people's beliefs being put on trial.

The case of this particular claim is that the LDS Church leadership knowingly preaches the doctrine of tithing which they know is false.  Knowing a principle is false and asking people to pay into tithing constitutes fraud in their minds.  Well, good luck proving that!

It all comes down to people of low worthiness striking back because they now feel naked, exposed, vulnerable, unworthy and thereby feel they can't achieve the heights they once reached for in the Church.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is among the last organizations that holds parameters of worthiness for its members.  These guidelines are set in order for them to progress spiritually and temporally.  These guidelines of worthiness direct the member in paths leading to self reliance, thrift, industry, compassion, love, growing devotion to God through service to others and sacrifice.  Yes, part of spiritual ascension is learning to sacrifice that which we covet the most - money.

Money is not bad or good.  It is neutral and its worth depends on what we use it for.  The Church uses funds to build up the Kingdom of God.  Funds issued from faithful members of the Church are used to erect sacred temples, build and maintain meetinghouses and a variety of other uses.  God knows that these things are necessary in order to grow the influence of Jesus Christ in the lives of an ever growing population.  Unfortunately many people fail to see the purity of the intent of tithing and that it is a law of God set forth in holy scripture.

Qualifications of worthiness are proven even in the former members of the Church many of whom now comprise the core of anti-Mormon groups.  Just consider the fact that there is no other organization in the entire world that has as many individuals and groups who actively seek to destroy it.  Why is this?  It's worthiness, of course!  We all have our pride pricked a little when we fail or find a journey too hard to endure.  Pride is the downfall of all nations, both past and future.  Pride is what we often blanket ourselves with in order to feel comfortable and important.  When that get compromised in the least we strike back as a viper toward its prey.

Again, I don't fear that this case will be successful.  I don't believe we are quite at the point yet where court sponsored witch hunts for Christians will take place.  That time will be soon enough.  Obviously, this post addresses my point that we need to keep our pride in check and move on in life when we think we are being "offended" or downtrodden.  Just because we might give up choose to forsake our beliefs because of our unworthiness, doesn't mean we have to actively seek to destroy that system of faith that has proven to uplift and work for millions of other people around the world.
Update on this story in Day 2
To desire to trash the faith of millions in order to succor the mired heart of the one is a textbook definition of pride in my book.  

Are You Alone in Your Choices

Do you feel lonely?  Often in our daily activities and pursuits many of us feel imposed into a box of desertion.  This happens often in our good deeds.  Yet, it also happens during the wages of sin.  Where does this feeling come from?  Who authors such abandonment of spirit?  It is a big problem which can lead to the disestablishment of the family, skewed lifestyles and even death.  I am not a doctor or even someone schooled in such a field of psychology.  Perhaps this makes me all the more qualified to contemplate the mindset and state of man.

I'd like to break it down into varied areas which this occurs.  Starting with deeds that you enact for the benefit of others.  Serving your fellow man is of utmost quality and is the greatest means of building ones integrity, charity, understanding and pure love.  However, a correct and stable mind is essential in allowing your spirit to reap that light which prevents that isolation and loneliness which may come.  Envy and jealousy is a rampant disease which caps one's own potential and happiness.  You may see others prospering and being productive in their good works.  Unfortunately this may give the false reasoning to endeavor is good works yourself.  Competing with the character and seeming blessings of another man is not good, and all subsequent works that you do will be tainted and stained with your own fingerprints.  It is an eternal truth that your works rooted in envy and jealousy will always leave you bitter and feeling forsaken.  Envy and jealousy will also leave you focusing on your own rewards as you engage in the service of others.

A growing mind, a stable mind, will always strive in good works for the temporal and spiritual well-being of others.  It is to look upon the fatherless, the widow, the homeless and sick and feel in your soul that longing to provide relief.  It is that prompting from that unseen power that brings you into fields of choices (your agency to choose) whereby you may serve.  A proper heart and mind will always strive in a path of selfless service.  When you extend a hand to the downtrodden without thought of self or reward - that is where the blessings flow.

This is the little known silent truth that should resound in the familiar heart of man:

Spending your life in the selfless service of others magnifies and expands your liberties and choices - which ultimately leads to true happiness.

Understand from your reading so far that your happiness and favor in the sight of your own God depends on your intent of service.  For the Christian the following passage from Deuteronomy 6:5 clearly states that your whole being must be turned toward God and his will, not yours.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."

Yes, at times this may leave you feeling rather alone as far as with other men is concerned.  They may scoff, point and even persecute you for your good works.  Yet, your proper service may leave you in your sweet solitude with your own Maker who comforts all hearts.  This is where your integrity is.  This is where your happiness is.  You've exercised selfless service and walked into fields of liberty.  Now, you are truly not alone.  

There is a self-imposed emptiness in sin.  There has only been one perfect Man to walk the earth.  That is by design and equally by design that all other men are flawed and subject to sin and correction.  When we do engage in sin or ill-will against another it is most often done in secret dark erroneous shadows.  We wallow in the prideful nature of deceit and ugly masks.  Your endeavors may offer you the view of success and satisfaction but it is always a far cry from legitimate happiness and fulfillment.  To entice and drag you through the depths of despair is the mission of the adversary and his legions of imps.  That is part of the reason why they were cast down forever disembodied.  Yet, like cowards they will always veil your eyes with the illusion of success but leave you utterly abandoned when the curtain surely falls.

Interestingly, this path does leave you restricted in liberty and your choices continually become few.  This funneled outlook is contrary to the unlimited potential design of the human spirit.  Of course, engaging in sin will leave you utterly alone and feeling forsaken.  The key is at the start of each decision you make.

It is so important to feel inclusive with your fellow man.  We are created not to be alone, yet stand alone when occasion warrants it.  We are a community of beings inclined to progress as a team with a common cause or goal.  The choices we make every moment of the day dictate our place in that journey.  The key to not feeling alone is literally in your choices.  Make healthy choices designed in interaction with others, genuineness of spirit and selfless service.

Don't be afraid to self correct at the first sign of your choices being restricted.  That is a giveaway that you may be under adverse conditions.  Refrain from daily habits that degrade or attempt to degrade your senses.  Always walk in the light of uplifting information and interaction.  Think big in your positive effectiveness in the world.

Last but not least always know that you are a son or daughter of the Most High.  Whatever God you figure that power to be, that enables you as a potential prince or princess, a king or queen.  All based on your choices.  The accountability thereof will be your reward or downfall.  There is no loneliness but what we make.  Know your potential, walk the path and you will find yourself in the company of concourses of angels and friends.

Shenandoah Installs the Pledge of Allegiance

Given the current state of the world it isn't often we have something good and virtuous to report on.  I am pleased and filled with hope as the news crossed my ears that our youth in Shenandoah, the heartland and corn belt of America, are once again saying the Pledge of Allegiance at the High School.  It is my deep desire for the sake of the rising generation that this continues along with the displaying of our national flag.  With gratitude and thanks I humbly offer to the local school board and/or other entities and individuals that made this wise decision for the youth of this community.

Many of us remember the Pledge from our own youth.  We crossed our heart with our right hand and focused on the flag.  We weren't "offended" by any means.  In fact, patriotism aside, most of us enjoyed those few brief moments because it got us out of our seats and "saved" us from school curriculum (jokingly said).  By and large none of us knew the depth of meaning the Pledge of Allegiance was intended to produce in us.  Yet, in a subtle quiet way it did help bond us as one in an identifying way that we were all Americans.

"I pledge of allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Since when did this simple yet powerful few words cause so much heartache and distaste for so many with internal personal problems?  Is it really so difficult to understand that once you strip patriotism and allegiance from the schools it is a sure road to mutual and national distrust.  It also leads to entitlements and complacency.  In essence it strips all personal responsibility and the very spiritual means to prosper and appreciate the United States of America.  

Many of our modern leaders have been raised up by adverse means to lofty positions.  They would have us think that America is substandard and undeserving of the liberties its foundation ensures.  They seek to sway us from those things that have served to cement or unify us as a people on this blessed land.  Most all nations render its citizens under a singular flag.  Curious how we've let ourselves go so far as shrink to minority opinion and look with regret our flag and Pledge that so many have fought and died for.  Such sacrifice on many foreign lands as well as our own for the stars and stripes and the freedoms and liberties which they represent.  

That next phrase identifies the system of government we ascribe to.  It is interesting how the mass of talking heads in the United States render America as a Democracy.  This is incorrect as we are truly a Republic.  I believe this is a key part of the problem that is quietly swept under the rug.

This Republic stands as one nation under God!  I am confident and resolute in saying so.  I relish and give thanks for that assurance and truth.  This phrase doesn't dictate what form of God we are all to believe in.  Instead it just places our gratitude and prosperity at the feet of a God whom we acknowledge as being subject to.  This phrase is crucial!  With proper observance it prevents ill-decisions and most of all unproductive pride.  Any amount of study into nations that have fallen before should bear witness that conditions spiraled unto destruction with the boasting pride of its people caused by the virus of its leaders.

We simply acknowledge that Higher Power for which we owe everything.  Everything from our prosperity to our very lives and property.

The rest of the inspired Pledge characterizes our people as being one and equal in opportunity and liberty.  With so many people today screaming "unfair!" and feel entitled to certain things they fail to see that at the heart of the foundation of this nation we are still bound by basic liberties and freedoms that we can all take part in and benefit from.  Its only when we become "offended" that we feel infringed upon and belittled by those who do prosper in the United States of America.  

"To be offended is a choice we make; it is not a condition inflicted or imposed upon us by someone or something else."

This is a quote offered by David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Finally a leader takes the blade of truth to the heart of every American.  Unfortunately, many Americans would take offense to that statement about offense!  Duh!  Anyhow, I believe like quotes are what is needed from our national leaders.  They need to stop pandering to voter blocks and start trusting in God (i.e. the Pledge) in the discharge of their duty to serve the people and protect their freedoms and liberties.  To not do so would be to welcome a destruction the likes of which has never been seen before in the history of the world.  

I am grateful for Francis Bellamy who in 1892 under the inspiration from his Creator formed the Pledge of Allegiance.  I am grateful for a by-and-large God-fearing Congress of the United States who adopted the Pledge of Allegiance in 1942.  I am grateful for the inspiration of God in 1954 to install "under God" into the Pledge.  Again, I am grateful for the powers of the Shenandoah School system and others across the nation for allowing this vital piece of growth back into our schools.  Now, the test shall be to see if we all will maintain this standard or fold in time to political or legal-threatened pressures.