An Unpublished Letter To The Editor
This letter was originally sent, by a concerned county resident, to the editor of the "Pulaski Citizen" who apparently will not publish it until at least after the election. I believe that after the election it will be to late and must be made public now. I offer the letter in it's entirety for your consideration and comment.
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After Barack Obama was elected, I was totally depressed and dejected. The cry of my heart was, “But God, what about my country? What about liberty?” After months of this, one day God spoke to my heart softly but with great authority. He said, “this is my country”. With those words, God placed in me a new hope that this great country will resist the downward spiral into the abyss of the socialist, Marxist, atheistic state.
However, after this encounter, I realized anew that Christians alone bear the responsibility for the state of this country. This remnant has not loved our country well. Many have eschewed “politics” and embraced complacency and called it holy, while evil in the guise of socialism kills, steals, and destroys our churches, our country, our families, especially our children. With false pride, Christians have adorned themselves with the deceptive mantle of “separation of church and state”. And they tiptoe around our national sins as if on eggshells. We must not make anyone mad! We must be politically correct. So many Christians vote for those politicians who promote abortion, who promote confiscatory tax policies, and the many politicians who revel in their dereliction of duty in handling the nation’s check book. Do you not know that God will hold you accountable? Think on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. To the servant who buried his talent the Lord called him wicked and slothful and unprofitable, and God cast him into outer darkness. Also, remember that God gave Adam and Eve the job of tending the Garden of Eden.
Say you don’t know anything about politics? Take a little time to read. But first pray for discernment. God has promised discernment to those who ask.
The Democrat party has become so closely aligned with Marxist philosophy, that I don’t think this party is salvageable. Watching some of their leaders, especially Nancy Pelosi, I wonder if God has turned them over to reprobate minds. A vote for anyone in the Democrat party, I fear, is a vote for Pelosi, Reed, Biden, Obama, Marx.
Christianity and liberty go hand in hand. Christians must get up and shake off the distractions of the world. Christians, tend the garden where God has put you. To those who vote with their pocketbooks and are proponents for social programs, let me ask you who is your provider? God or Mammon?
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After Barack Obama was elected, I was totally depressed and dejected. The cry of my heart was, “But God, what about my country? What about liberty?” After months of this, one day God spoke to my heart softly but with great authority. He said, “this is my country”. With those words, God placed in me a new hope that this great country will resist the downward spiral into the abyss of the socialist, Marxist, atheistic state.
However, after this encounter, I realized anew that Christians alone bear the responsibility for the state of this country. This remnant has not loved our country well. Many have eschewed “politics” and embraced complacency and called it holy, while evil in the guise of socialism kills, steals, and destroys our churches, our country, our families, especially our children. With false pride, Christians have adorned themselves with the deceptive mantle of “separation of church and state”. And they tiptoe around our national sins as if on eggshells. We must not make anyone mad! We must be politically correct. So many Christians vote for those politicians who promote abortion, who promote confiscatory tax policies, and the many politicians who revel in their dereliction of duty in handling the nation’s check book. Do you not know that God will hold you accountable? Think on the parable of the talents in Matthew 25. To the servant who buried his talent the Lord called him wicked and slothful and unprofitable, and God cast him into outer darkness. Also, remember that God gave Adam and Eve the job of tending the Garden of Eden.
Say you don’t know anything about politics? Take a little time to read. But first pray for discernment. God has promised discernment to those who ask.
The Democrat party has become so closely aligned with Marxist philosophy, that I don’t think this party is salvageable. Watching some of their leaders, especially Nancy Pelosi, I wonder if God has turned them over to reprobate minds. A vote for anyone in the Democrat party, I fear, is a vote for Pelosi, Reed, Biden, Obama, Marx.
Christianity and liberty go hand in hand. Christians must get up and shake off the distractions of the world. Christians, tend the garden where God has put you. To those who vote with their pocketbooks and are proponents for social programs, let me ask you who is your provider? God or Mammon?
posted by Allen Barrett | 11:22 AM
113 Comments:
The last refuge of a scoundrel.
I cannot believe that just because someone does not believe everything that the letter writer says and that they are Democrat you label them as non-christian and evil...please read Gods word about making judgement on other people. By the way I am a Republican....but I also believe in the Constitution of the United States that gives us the right to vote....does that make me a Non-Christian with no morals!
This thread is a bad as any I've ever seen on here. This is terrible. Move to Venezuela.
Thank you Steve Lake for not publishing this drivel.
I, too, am a Republican but have to say I was highly offended by this letter. I am an American first and this is perhaps the most un-American literature I have read in quite awhile.
WAB If this was for publication in the newspaper it would have required signature. Why didnt you attach the signature of the letter writer.
To Mr. Barrett, You have chased a car and caught it this time.To say that Christians have caused the problems in this country is one of the worst insults I have ever gotton.Every christian in this county should throw eggs at you for such an unexcuseable letter.Only an AntiChrist would wtite such an insult to us.I believe you would want to tell God how to run Heaven.I don't approve of atheists and deists but I do know that some of them did a good job of founding our country.Our job is to hate the sin and love the sinner.Have you ever tried that?
7:45 Don't hold your breath. Barrett wrote the letter.
"I believe that after the election it will be to (sic) late and must be made public now."....WAB
I agree with 8:45. Barrett obviously believes and endorses the substance of the letter and even deems it urgent.
Disgraceful.
Wow, looks like this letter struck a nerve! I read it, then read the comments, then reread the letter. The only conclusion I can come up with besides illiteracy, is rabid liberalism and hatred for Mr. Barrett. My, how they love to attack him. Really quite puzzling to me. I think Allen Barrett is a patriot and I think the letter is inspired. Keep up the good work, Mr. Barrett!
Of course Steve Lake wouldn't print a letter like this. Besides being a professed atheist, the Lake monopoly has always carried the water for Democrats...especially incumbent dems.
I think a lot of the people have forgotten how to be Christians.
From a lot I read on these blogs, I wonder about these people.
I remember as a child when I went to church the leaders of the country was prayed for, that they might rule wisely and the men and women in services were prayed for. I don't hear this like I use to, makes me wonder why.
I think the answer to helping our country is in our prayers. We've got to pray that things will change and quit hating people.
I use to be a Democrate, but Reid and Pelosi have turned me away.
We will soon be a muslim country if something isn't done.
You people give religion a bad name. Shame on you using for God to promote a political agenda. Pathetic.
Ever notice that if you follow the threads on here, most end with an apology from Barrett.
This one should as well.
'If God is for us, who can be against us?'
(Romans 8:31)
wab
Where is your thinking? You just keep on making enemies. Someone called you a patriot, and I about fell out of my chair laughing.
I do hope the rumor is true that you are moving away from Giles County. Now that would be something you could do for the betterment of the county.
I think this letter points out some VERY painful facts to Christians. The fact is, most are complacent & "blow with the wind". If the Christian majority would straighten their backbone & stand against the liberal agenda - abortion, gay marraige, other abominations to God, this country would be better off.
Please people, stop being so self-absorbed that you do not / can not see what is happening around you & how far this country has slid down the slippery slope.
We ARE becoming a socialist state. We HAVE turned our backs on God and his teachings.
How many of you that have posted have even read a portion of the Bible yet call yourselves Christian?
The democratic party & Christianity are NOT compatible and YES, there are bad republicans, too - nobody is perfect. Sometimes it is a matter of picking the better of two bad choices (in an election) until we get candidated that value our viewpoint & morals. If WE VOICE those morals & ethics, the candidates will conform to them eventually - they will have to if they want to win but it seems we would rather sit & let the vocal minority have their will & way instead.
I hate the sin & love the sinner BUT THAT DOES NOT MEAN that we have to ACCEPT OR AGREE with the sin, either, & that is what we, as a country, have done.
WAKE UP !!!!! Thanks for the letter - maybe someone will start thinking instead of following for a change.
For those interested in the truth I'll address the issues raised by this thread, for others there is nothing I can say that will possibly cool their personal white hot hatred for me. While they call for us to "hate the sin while loving the sinner", clearly their actions are to hate and attack the messenger while ignoring the message and enabling the sinful.
I find it rather amazing that the same enablers that claim I am too arrogant to ever apologize for anything also claim that most threats end with an apology from me. Seems kind of like trying to have a boyfriend and a husband at the same time, while the idea may seem pleasing conflict is inevitable.
Fact one: I did not write the letter although I agree with most all of it.
Fact Two: I did not say that every Christian has caused the problems. I certainly believe that Christians have a greater responsibility for identifying and stopping evil. Certainly an intelligent person would not expect to have the evil correct itself.
Fact Three: I have no desire to tell God anything other than how great He is and how grateful I am to Him.
Fact Four: The philosophy behind "hate the sin and love the sinner" is that as Christians we have a responsibility to identify unacceptable behavior and seek its suspension. We are never given authority to condemn an individual or judge their motivation (or heart) that is God's privilege alone. I would ask the same question of the writer "have you ever tried that?" There certainly are no signs of it in your personal attacks against me.
Fact Five: Obviously some people have forgotten how to be Christians. Christianity is an action not just a feeling or belief. The devil “believes”. While praying for a hungry person may comfort you, by itself it does little to fill the stomach of the person you are praying for. If God has given you the means to feed that person isn’t a greater good done by feeding that person and praying for them. Prayer has little benefit without any action; even our need for forgiveness required an action to be fulfilled.
Fact Six: Listening to rumors and gossip spread by loafers and skunks only puts you on the same worthlessness level. Unless you want to buy my house at my price I’ll be staying until God moves me.
Amen Mr. Barrett
I think the letter is right on. So many who like to call themselves Christian forget that your duty as a Christian is to vote for leaders of our country that represent those beliefs. What stings so many who have read and commented, is that the letter speaks the truth. I wonder how many of you who criticize Mr. Barrett and the person who wrote the letter would mock God. We have to keep God in our lives daily. Some conform their religion to their lifestyle and that is wrong. We are to follow the bibles teachings. Some can't do that because it would mean they would have to change their lifestyle.
To the last four posts....AMEN, AMEN, AMEN AND AMEN!!!
wab
You say we are not given the authority to judge or condemn. Then why do you do it? Do you think a Christian should be out in public calling people names like you so frequently do? You claim it's a Christian's responsibility to stop evil. Well, it's my opinion that there are a LOT of local Christians who see your behavior as evil. And as for hating you, I don't. But I detest your behavior.
Lastly, I hope God moves you soon.
Jesus died for our sins. He forgives us, if we can't forgive anyone, why should Jesus forgive us.
If someone talks about us and we then talk about him, that makes us no better than the one talked about us.
Two wrong don't make a right.
How about stop this beckering and act like Christians.
Because you hold someone accountable for their actions does not mean you are condemning them or judging them.
That's the cowardly attitude that you and others try to use and relieve yourself of your responsibility as a Christian. You just can't stand it when others do what you know deep inside that you should be doing it that's why you hate WAB so much. He puts the light on your darkness and you don't like the exposure.
4:43
No, you are totally wrong about your assessment of certain Christians who find allen barrett to be the most hypocritical and troublemaking person in Giles County.
He's not putting the light on anything that concerns me, so you are wrong about that as well.
It just baffles me that you continue to defend his misbehavior. Are you by any chance a relative...or are you barrett himself?
Gayle Chapman Jones wrote the original letter....why does she not want to claim her feelings toward her fellow man...,.geez....!!!! If you stand by your beliefs...stand tall!!!! I'm sure that you will delete this post Allan!!!! So sad!!!
I am Annelle McPeters Guthrie, first cousin of Gayle Chapman Jones. I had read a copy of the letter Gayle sent to the newspaper and thought it was excellent. When it wasn't in the paper Tuesday night, I was puzzled. I knew that she sent it in by the deadline. I also knew of another letter that had been sent in and wasn't published. It then dawned on me, that with the current editor of the newspaper, it was possible that there was a ban of political letters. It's happened before.
So I called and talked to Steve Lake and sure enough, my instinct was correct. He said that their policy is to not publish anything negative during the election. He said that he's sitting on six political letters just this week. He also said something to the effect that it isn't fair to the candidates because they can't defend themselves.
I told him that I think it's because they have always tried to protect incumbent candidates, especially Democrats. I said that it isn't fair, that their newspaper is the only outlet for the citizens to voice their concerns and opinions, except for the blog. That's pretty much the jest of our conversation. We were both polite although we strongly disagree with each other's position. If you have any doubts, please call Steve Lake yourself at 363-3544. He's very cordial.
I am the one that sent Gayle's letter to Allan Barrett and explained that the paper wouldn't publish it. I asked him to put it on the blog and told him to sign Gayle's name (with her permission of course) and tell my story of calling the newspaper. I also told him to feel free to use my name as well. Allan apparently decided to publish it anonymously, I suspect to protect us from the same type of vicious attacks that he receives on a daily basis.
The media bias we have in Giles County is a microcosm of the same liberal bias we see daily on every TV network other than Fox News. (And yes, I know that Fox is biased toward the right.) It's truly a shame that the people can't voice their opinions, unless, of course you buy an ad. Seems like so called negativity isn't a problem with the newspaper if you can pay the exorbitant rates they charge as a monopoly outfit.
P.S. I am signing this anonymously because I don't have an account. Sad to say, but I really don't read this blog very often. Got burned in local politics many years ago.
Mrs. Guthrie, WAB only gets attacked because he opens himself up to it by attacking others. Don't make him sound like a poor, defenseless animal.
You republicans are saying the same thing the Iranian ayatollahs are saying. Doesn't that concern you?
If the editor wants to edit letters to his paper, he has that right. That's what an editor of any paper does. Too bad the letters are negative ones that allow people pot shots at candidates like they do on this blog. It takes all kinds to live in this world. Have you noticed how negative we have become about anything and everything? Think about it.
8:56
Why do you have to come back at Mrs. Guthrie. Someone accused Barrett of writing the letter and she just let them know he didn't write it.
If it came a tornado and wiped Pulaki off the map some of you would say WAB did it.
Mr. Barrett does some thing I don't agree with but you poor angry people do them also.
I sure would like some examples on how republicans & "Iranian ayatollahs" are alike, please. It really does seem a ludicrous stretch.
I would very much like for someone to explain to me - precisely - why the original letter is so offensive to so many.
Is it because she states "The Democrat party has become so closely aligned with Marxist philosophy"? I feel this is a true statement - just think about this "wealth distribution" plan we operate under (for starters).
Is it because she stated "that Christians alone bear the responsibility for the state of this country"? That is pretty accurate as well. We, as Christians, have allowed the removal of prayer from our schools & have allowed the government to lead the people in a downward spiral of morals & ethics. Look at how many gangs there are now vs. a time when our moral fabric was made of "sterner stuff".
Does this comment make "non-practicing" Christians uncomfortable? It should. What part of the comment is untrue?
BTW - I term non-practicing Christians as those who like to call themselves Christian but have no deeds - faith without deeds is dead. There are LOTS of people who call themselves Christian but do nothing to prevent the killing of babies every day - for starters.
Christians that do nothing to stop the "trash" on TV & really, all that is required there is to NOT WATCH IT. If the number of people who claim to be Christian did not watch the television shows, they would not be airing. Just a beginning on that topic, too.
Not going to take up the whole blog - but maybe the Christians & others offended by this letter forgot to pray for discernment.....
12:42 Good post. The government also isn't for marriage. Look how they pay the doctor bills and provide wick if the girl stays single. Some can even get a check and the man live with them. Maybe in small places like Giles County they will be turned in, but bigger places and I think Giles County is getting like that, you don't know who your neighbor is, so they don't get turned in.
We stood by and let all this happen, starting with no prayer in schools.
Ditto to the last three posts! Big government wants people to be dependent on it. Welfare has absolutely done much to destroy marriage. Well intentioned? Maybe. But as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Mrs. Jones letter has a lot of truth in it....however, I feel that both parties Republican and Democrats alike...have lost all of their values. To me they are equally corrupt and non-christian. I believe in the citizens of the United States and the soldiers that are fighting for our country. But I have lost all confidence in the leaders.
The only question I have is "Do people that are Republican or Democrats not see the flaws in their own political parties"? To me we all need to work in the party we believe in a try to correct some of the issues that are troubling us! And stop judging the people that we know we will never agree with anyway! This is not going to happen...just saying!!!
Mrs. Jones letter has a lot of truth in it....however, I feel that both parties Republican and Democrats alike...have lost all of their values. To me they are equally corrupt and non-christian. I believe in the citizens of the United States and the soldiers that are fighting for our country. But I have lost all confidence in the leaders....Democrat and Republican!!!
You are very right - BOTH parties have SERIOUS problems.
I was hoping the Tea Party would turn into a party by the people & for the people & they just pull themselves into that role - I hope they do, anyway.
There is no perfect party or candidate, Just the one that is NOT AS BAD as the other, unfortunately.
There is just no way we, as a country can sustain the path we are going in.
Join the TEA Party and be labeled a radical and a loser. What will it or you do to change the country. I would like to know. We will all vote for you as dictator of these Separated States.
I feel pretty certain that God is not a Republican. I am sorry to let Mrs. Jones down. I am equally sure he is not a Democrat as well.
It is not about the party that is running our nation...it is the corruption within the parties. Republican and Democrat Parties Alike!!
6:30-I do not know what the answer is...but I do know that the path we are on and have been on for a long period of time is not the answer....and I do not understand your anger!!!!! Maybe you are the one with all of the answers...or part of the people that are the problem. If you have an answer for fixing all the problems I welcome for you to be a part of the solution....we need you because right now we don't have anyone leading with integrity!!! But I do know that negativity is not the answer! Working together between the parties is the only hope!!!
Is Mrs. Jones serious?
"So many Christians vote for . . . the many politicians who revel in their dereliction of duty in handling the nation’s check book. Do you not know that God will hold you accountable?"
Really? Oh no. I voted for George Bush, who never proposed a balance budget. Have I lost my salvation?
Go back and read the history of the political parties. This has been to course of events from the enception of the parties. We have survived because this country is the most important place on this earth. Try living in Venezuela, Iran, or North Korea. Politics have no place there. We the people will always prevail, no matter what some may think. Don't get your drawers in a wad, we will survive.
I have read and listened to much criticism aobut local elected officials and their not wanting to change things in this town. Listen to some of the Conservative views posted on here. Who is not wanting change? Too many critics and not enough doers. No matter what anyone does to help, there will always be the detractors.
Maybe you are the one with all of the answers...or part of the people that are the problem.
So if I don't agree with you, I am part of the problem. That doesn't help anything. We can differ and yet move forward. With some, if you don't agree, YOU are WRONG (period).
I agree that both parties have serious problems. But what are we supposed to do...just sit at home and not vote? Or or we supposed to vote for whatever party our great grandfather was without even evaluating what the party stands for today? I know it's easier to go through life with our heads in the sand, but in the meantime, our country is being destroyed from the inside. Wake up, people!
I agree with Mrs. Jones that the Democrat party is probably unsalvageable. It is wholly owned by the far left and their goal is socialism and eventually communism. (Note: I'm not saying that rank and file democrats are socialists or communists, but that many of their leaders at the top levels of government are.) It's such a shame that many people with conservative values continue to vote for this party's candidates seemingly because that's how their ancestors voted.
Republicans are also at fault for the state our country is in, but in my opinion, to a lesser degree. Like many Democrats, they get in office and find the power intoxicating. Spend, spend, spend....it's fun to spend other people's money.
Unfortunately, in our two party system, we don't have a viable third party option. Third party candidates act as spoilers and almost always help secure the reelection of incumbents. Incumbents really like third party candidates.
I don't think that God is on the side of Republicans
or Democrats, but I do think that it is time for us to be on God's side. I fear it is the only hope for our country and our freedoms to survive.
10:38 Good post. But please allow that differing opinions can exist and calling those who disagree with your position less than Christian is, of course, very offensive to anyone.
We are each entitled to our own political opinion, whether that is developed in conjunction with our spirituality or not.
Case in point: The care of the poor is important to me. Not because of my politics but because of the Bible. That is just my opinion. Caring for the poor, I believe, is not an option for anyone who takes a serious reading of the Bible—it is a demand and even a test of whether I am really a Christian. I happen to think the Democratic Party has done a better job trying to do this than Republicans. Sure, they have not produced perfect programs—almost all of them are flawed as badly as my local church’s attempts to run Sunday school or evangelism programs. But an imperfect work is better than no work at all. I know some conservatives say, “This is what the church should be doing.” I say phooey! Show me where. What church does this in a serious way? There are a few, but it is a cup when an ocean is needed. Even if we were willing to forgo our new building to care for the poor and pay the bills for all those aged parents in nursing homes (Oh, you didn’t know that Medicaid pays most of those?) I still don’t want the church to do it all. Why? I think rich non-Christians ought to pay their fair share too. When I pay my taxes I pay them like I pay my tithe—some of that money fulfills Christ’s command to care for the poor. Democrats help me fulfill this command of Christ far better than most Republicans do, even if there is “waste in the system.” Holy smoke—if “waste in the system” were the criterion, few of us would pay our tithe and none of us would pay our denominational taxes!
But again, you are entitled to have a completely different political philosophy and that does not mean either of us loves our God any more, or less, than the other.
10:38 here. That was a very thoughtful post and I admire your heart for the poor. Indeed, it is required of Christians. I just think that somewhere along the line, the system has failed.
We need reform of many social programs, but whenever it is brought up, Democrats always pull the class warfare card. Any serious debate turns into nasty politics. Nothing gets done and the needy are the ones hurt the most.
I don't claim to know what the answer is, but every night I am on my knees praying for our country. I've found it's the best place to start for the solution of any problem.
Why did Tee Jackson tell school board members not to show up at Charter Commission meeting on Friday night of two weeks ago. and Why wasn't it in newspaper.
12:27
Why don't you pick up the phone and call Mr. Jackson yourself?
11:08, while your heart is in the right place, your mind isnt. The dems dont encourage personal responsibility. They feel that everyone should be on equal footing regardless of whether you work hard or just sit on your couch and collect welfare. Its ludicrous at best, and insulting (to hard working americans) at worst. Not to mention their lack of morales.....where do we even begin to start with that one(insert eyes rolling). Having said that, there are many scumbags in the republican party....but if you compare the two, it aint even close. I seriously dont see how ANYONE could be a democrat, and claim to be a Christian. To say that you are both, is a true contradiction in terms.
I am one of those that, according to the gov, is categorized as a 'rich american'. I dont mind paying my fair share of taxes, but i am tired of paying for mine and everyone elses as well. I have worked hard my entire life to get where i am...i have sacrificed much in order to provide for myself and my family.....so tell me, why should i pay more in taxes to take care of those that REFUSE to help take care of themselves?
One kid...naww...lets have 3or4, never get married, and let the gov take care of all of us(again, insert eyes rolling). Its generational and is taught to their kids, so why would we expect any different. The bleeding hearts have no clue. I know MANY that have turned down jobs simply b/c they can make more on unemployment. Again, that is ridiculous. I have no problem helping those that need it, and then those same folks help themselves by either getting a job, getting training for a job,or simply putting forth SOME kind of effort to show that they arent a deadbeat, like the majority of those on government assistance. As a Christian, i 'vaguely' remember reading something in the Bible about this guy they called Jesus. He told some out-of-this-world story about a man that was hungry and that to give him a fish would stop his hunger for a while; but if he would teach him how to fish for himself, then he would never go hungry from then on.
9:38 Unfortunately your response is indicative of what this blog has become. Rather than trying to respond with thoughtful arguments, all I see here is name-calling and attacking one's intellect.
Apparently you refuse to concede that people can disagree with your political philosophy and because of that they are less Christian than you. That is a sad commentary. But you are entitled to your opinion.
You are not, however, entitled to your own facts. Christ did not tell the "teach the man to fish story", but that doesn't mean it is not a good line. I happen to like the following derivation of it:
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to sell fish and he eats steak.” As a capitalist, I particularly like this version.
Notwithstanding your post, I remain optimistic that we as Americans and, for those who chose, as Christians can have healthy debate without attacking each other's character or beliefs.
You just dont get it. I didnt attack anyones character or beliefs. You are free to believe what you want, but if you look at the core beliefs of the democractic party, and truly think that they are in line with what the Bible teaches.....well, nothing more needs to be said. I was just pointing out the facts of the matter. What percentage of Christians do you think are conservative as opposed to liberal??? :-) Now why is that??
I want less government in my life. I will take care of me and my family, and i think others should do the same. Its that simple.
BTW, where is the name calling in my post??? Oh thats right....it isnt there. So tell me, now who is 'not entitled to their own facts'.
I AM THANKFUL:
“FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT
BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH. “
11:08 and 10:20, these are two of the best posts I have ever seen on this blog. Bravo!
10:57 You state you want less government in your life yet you are adamantly opposed to a county charter which puts the local government in the hands of the people!
People who don't know how to run a government, but be devisive in its thinking and doing. NO Way
Argue Politics and religion and there never seems to be a winner. One or the other isll always be wrong according the one who feels most irritated.
But would it not be nice to discuss without name calling and belittling someone.
I guess I'm a day late and a dollar short, but has anyone commented on the fact that the Lake monopoly won't publish letters to the editor in the midst of a campaign. Part of their "protect the incumbents" policy. Wonder if WAB would publish any letters to the editor since our "newsopoly" doesn't seem to recognize the importance of free speech in Giles County. What about it Mr. Barrett?
1:39 Good isea! If the local media won't respond to the people then we should by-pass them, including purchasing the paper. Maybe Mr Barrett would be willing to do this. We should expect people to provide their name, etc just as you would if the newspaper published your letter.
If the editor wants to edit letters to his paper, he has that right. That's what an editor of any paper does. Too bad the letters are negative ones that allow people pot shots at candidates like they do on this blog.
This blog can't seem to carry a sensible and educated discussion about anything. It has become a place of jealousy and malcontent for those who want to take pot shots and ANY and EVERY Body.
Thomas Hicks
I never heard of a real Christian killing a baby but I have seen a lot of cars in the church parking lot with stickers supporting democrats and that party supports abortion funded with taxpayer dollars.
1:02 Amen!
I appreciate Mrs. Guthrie coming forward and clearing up the authorship of the letter I was accused of writing.
I find it amusing that any thinking person would suggest or imply that the Bible supports the government welfare state. As Christians we certainly have a responsibility to help those in need but it must be done responsibly and has no precedent for delegating Christian duty to governments.
The government seldom actually helps it mostly enslaves. For the most part governments are merely enablers that provide for the loudest segment organized to take advantage while leaving out those in need but unaware of how to play the system.
I just read of a woman who was unmarried and never had a job yet was making $144,000.00 a year. She had seven children and was pregnant with her eighth and was only in her early twenties.
This woman’s mother had gone to Human Services in Chicago and told them that her unemployed daughter was incapable of caring for her children and they should be placed in foster care. Human services looks at the situation and agrees, the grandmother then volunteers to be a foster parent and the children are then [placed in her care.
Being in Foster Care qualifies a child to be financially supported by the state to the tune of $1,500.00 a month…. EACH. Total income for this grandmother “foster parent” is $144,000.00 a year, plus free medical care for the children, a monthly credit card for free groceries, and a voucher for 250 free cell phone minutes on her cell phone. This doesn’t even include the extra benefits from the WIC program and other welfare benefits.
Since the sixties more has been spent on welfare than on actual defense and the only thing that has changed is that there are more on welfare today than back then. Yes we need welfare but it must be used more intelligently than it has in the past and it must be directed toward getting people able to provide for themselves, not create a permanent welfare class.
I have said before that I will be glad to post most any topics suggested by the readers, I will add that any letter can be posted as a blog topic. Both require the name and means by which the writer can be contacted but if they chose their name will be withheld and their identity will be known only to me and them.
My son asked me one time, "How can someone be a Christian & a democrat at the same time? I asked what he meant & his reply was that since democrats mainly believed in abortion (as a party), how could they be supported by a true christian - anyone have an answer for that?
On another thought, the scripture most applicable to the poor these days might be this -
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If a man will not work, he shall not eat."
I AM NOT SAYING starve the elderly & the handicapped. I am saying we have A LOT of people who are very capable of working that are getting the proverbial "free ride".
Maybe instead of food stamps to buy steak (FYI - I have seen FIRST HAND how this system works), we provide vouchers to a "needy" store which has food - beans, rice, chicken, etc. that they can go to for food if they have nothing to eat. The store CERTAINLY won't have chips, soda, steak, etc.
Christ said to care for people - NOT make them fat & lazy.... even the widows & orphans had to glean the fields that the field owners were commanded to leave for them...
11:34 Cynical! Maybe you have never been in need?
I did not say - please re-read - not to help those in need.
I AM saying, we have created a welfare state where we have made millions reliant on hand-outs instead of doing anything for themselves.
Are you saying we should keep people reliant on the government and have the working middle-class pay for their upkeep instead of trying to help themselves and encourage their children to have a better life?
We now have generations who view education as having no value and who have no respect for themselves let alone anybody else.
These people seem to be in need of much more than food stamps.......
oct 16, 6:43pm, you must have be confused with someone else. I have never commented on the charter issue...not a single time.
I want to know who "These people" are? Let's hope you are not referring to what seems to be your view of society!
Get serious 8:48.Open your eyes and look around "THESE PEOPLE" are everywhere,They refuse to work,They are playing the system for all its worth.They are lined up at rapid care and pain clinics across the country to get drugs to sell or take.They are causing most of the crime in this country.and our court system and prisons are full of them.All this at the expense of the TAX PAYERS.If you can't see this you must be blind.
Simply stated - so you can understand it - "these people" would be the degenerates of society that could care less about anybody but themselves & what they can get the working people of the country to pay for while they do nothing nor have done nothing to earn it.
Anymore questions?
9:00 & 9:16 Just bet you are avid church goers. Cant lump all people in the same pot. There are those who would love to work but where?
4:46 - we can go down that road, too .... I will bet if we send home the MILLIONS & MILLIONS of illegals in this country, there would be jobs for those who want to work. These people are doing work Americans WON'T do - because they can sit back & get welfare & food stamps .....
BTW - just curious - what does church have to do with wanting people to be responsible for themselves??????
Some like to use the church to support their idiotic socialist agenda. Most good, honest, hard-working Christians(and people in general) dont want to accept handouts. They want to earn their way. However, the present generation has an 'entitlement mentality' that they deserve to be taken care of by the government. That doesnt include all of those on government assistance, but the vast majority.
Yep, that is what Wal-Mart and Wall Street want you to keep believing. Use religion to keep our country club members protected by your votes. Works like a charm.
This is supposed to be the Bible Belt. Sad to say what the people of this region are like. Christians being NON Christians.
In my personal opinion, "church" should never be used to support a socialist agenda - just the opposite is true, I think. Christians should help others but not enable others to be lazy - remember the parable of the talents?
8:55 - I really have NO IDEA what you are talking about but would like to respect your viewpoint - can you please elaborate?
10:16 - you are right. There are A LOT of un-Christian Christians but please remember, there are others who do truly do try to follow the words of Christ to the best of their ability. All of us fall short of the Glory of God & must keep trying to be as Christian or Christ-like as possible. It is not an easy path to take at times, though.
9:21
And there are a few un-Christian individuals running around posing as Christians. I call that hypocrisy gone to seed!
8:51 I agree!
While President Obama is trying to make a difference , it seems that you all, conveniently forget , that it was President Chaney and his little sidekick, VP Bush, that got us in this mess. Now we have the Tea Party and other similar Republican faith based groups wanting to go back to them? What a joke!
So typical of the brain dead who seek to re-write history.
While Bush was not the best president he wasn't Carter. He did a good job until the democrats took over the congress. With mullah obama and his many unconfirmed czars we have plunged into a debt that we can not recover from. He has spent more than all the presidents in history combined. We count those in the unemployment line while he feast on $90.00 a pound steak. While many wonder how to feed their families Mrs Obama is telling everyone to stop eating what they can afford and eat like her and be fit. Sorry but she looks like the before pictures for a weight watchers ad.
He has nationalized the auto, housing and banking industries and politicized education to an unprecedented level. Damaged the best health care system in the world and turned the justice system into a racist department of selective enforcement. He has made no secret of his goals to redistribute wealth and make a socialist nation of the nation. He is a liar who can't even speak without his teleprompter and even then can't half read if he is to be believed about his explanation for twice leaving out "God" in his quote of the Declaration of Independence.
A dope smoker and dealer, who used cocaine, a slacker
whose heroes have been socialist and communist. Don't believe it read "Dreams of My Father" which was ghost written by someone else.
Wat about the amount spent for dear Nancy's Alchol drinks on her plane. Didn't tax payers have to pay it?
That would be a good way to cut cost.
Actually Mr. Barrett, I must disagree with you. Compare if you will, George Bush's bailout of the financial sector with President Obama's bailout of the auto industry.
The financials received TARP funding with little likelihood of the taxpayers ever being repaid. Citibank may work out, but AIG never will.
Conversely with the auto industry, the Economist magazine (a conservative publication) took President Obama to task for the plan, but recently printed a thoughtful and in-depth apology to him and his administration. (“An apology is due to Barack Obama: His takeover of GM could have gone horribly wrong, but it hasn’t.”...The Economist).
The magazine points out that two years ago, General Motors and Chrysler were headed for oblivion. Letting these companies reorganize under normal Chapter 11 bankruptcies, as many free-marketeers advocated, would have ended in failure.
Recall how the financial markets, in full panic mode, froze credit. “It is more likely,” The Economist writes, “that GM would have been liquidated, sending a cascade of destruction through the supply chain on which its rivals, too, depended.” An additional 1 million jobs would have gone poof.
The industrial Midwest could have utterly collapsed. The psychological blow of seeing GM — the symbol of American manufacturing might — go down amid a terrifying Wall Street meltdown would have spread economic disaster coast to coast.
Thanks to the government intervention, General Motors is out of bankruptcy and again turning profits. Chrysler is stabilized. Last April, GM paid back its loan in full and with interest years ahead of schedule. Next month, the Treasury will begin selling off its ownership of GM through an initial public offering of stock.
Yet many tea party/Republican politicians persist in portraying this story as one of government overreach forced on good Americans by Washington socialists. They totally forget the economic mayhem that was gripping the country. Or perhaps they simply welcome any opportunity to bash unions.
Back in the scary days, Sen. Jim DeMint, the South Carolina Republican, rejected extending taxpayer support to the flailing auto companies. He said that “we’re not going to do it with the barnacles of unionism wrapped around their necks.” (Never mind that the administration’s restructuring plan hit workers with sharp cuts in pay and benefits. Never mind that it forced many more plant closings.)
Most inexplicably, these “anti-government” candidates are gaining ground with blue-collar voters, including in the Midwest. These are the very workers they were ready to sacrifice on the altar of an extreme free-market god.
The $86-billion bailout was a gamble, all right, but it was a bet that America won. And it was won not through dumb luck but the administration’s skilled management of the bankruptcy. And the good news keeps coming. At the last count, the bailout’s actual cost to taxpayers has fallen to $17 billion, according to the Detroit News.
Meanwhile, revived consumer faith in a restructured Detroit has sparked new life in the automotive heartland. Recent growing demand prompted nine GM plants — four in Michigan and one in Indiana — to skip their usual summer shutdowns. GM and Chrysler have added shifts. Ford, which didn’t need government help, continues to go great guns.
Yes, the nation is still suffering economically. And, I concede, “it would have been worse without us” does not make a spiffy Democratic campaign slogan. But have American workers so forgotten how the automotive industry was saved that they would elect those who wouldn’t lift a finger to help them?
Mr. Barrett, I think not.
7:19
Is that you, John?
"You cannot help the poor
by destroying the rich.
You cannot strengthen the weak
by weakening the strong.
You cannot bring about prosperity
by discouraging thrift.
You cannot lift the wage earner up
by pulling the wage payer down.
You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.
You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.
You cannot help people permanently
by doing for them,
what they could and
should do for themselves."
Abraham Lincoln
7:19 You're kidding right. The auto industry was not about to go under GM and Chrysler was bankrupt but all the others including Ford did not need or take anuy government bailouts and rob the share holders. Today GM and Chrysler are just as vulnerable but are now owned by the union and government. What Bush did was wrong and it had Obama's full support. The same idiots that bankrupted the banking industry and other job producing business opportunities are trying to destroy healthcare and the democracy. Obama should be brought up on charges of teason along with his socialist czars.
Fools are plentiful when things get rough. They claim to have all the answers. I am wondering what some of these same people will talk about when they don't have any insurance and Medicare is not there to take care of them. When the rich want to keep their thumb of the poorer hard working man, who will be the better off? It is mind boggling that we have poor people who can't pay their electricity, car payment or house payment, yet are so quit to complain that the government is too large and doing too much in the lives of the people.. who else is going to help you? Go ask the man down the street who thinks he is has money and ask him to give you an helping hand. Wish in one hand and s in the other and see which one fills quicker. No matter what's said, you can't erase and delete IGNORANCE.
Abraham Lincoln said what was necessary when he was trying to end a Civil War of his people. He was advised by his closest skilled people just as all other presidents. So let's not start tooting the horn of a President who did what he had to do to keep this country together.
10:41
I could be wrong, but you sound just like the typical Democrat when it comes to your thinking about rich people.
Do you realize that the rich pay close to 40% of the taxes? Did you know that our country would be in dire straits were it not for the wealthy? Can you not see where they are the real job providers in this country?
We can resent the rich and despise them til the cows come home, but I am thankful we have them in this country. Where would we be without them? Wwere it not for a rich man who signs my paycheck, I would be in a world of trouble. Were it not for that so-called evil rich man, I would have had a very tough time providing for my family. And the Democrats want to punish them? Think.
90% of this country's income is earned by 10% of the people. That means we 90% have to split 10%.
Is that really in keeping with the principles upon which this nation was founded? I think we broke something along the way.
8:12 You got that jumbled up it's 90% of the taxes are paid by 10% of the people. The principal that you should be looking at is if you are able to work and refuse then you go hungry. Consider this the poorest person in this country is far wealthier than the weqlth in many countries and cultures.
The girl that pops out babies so often and don't work is better off than a lot of hard working people trying to make a living and support their family.
She gets her doctor bills free, food stamps, housing and a little money. Oh don't forget the cell phone and probably a lazy man is living with her.
The Democrate way.
That has got to stop sotired of people popping out babies and getting free stuff!!!!!
8:47 I wish I had it wrong. Unfotunately, it is true. Sickening isn't it?
A local 12 yr old girl from a "good family" who will help take care of her, yet received some of the "Freebies" of the system. Is that family wrong? Should that family accept those things or be criticized for taking advantage of what the system offers? Listening!
I omitted saying the 12 year old is pregnant.
9:01, Maybe she should get an abortion.
PLease define what constitutes a "GOOD FAMILY" in your world.
How is it possible for a 12 year old to be alone with any boy in order for something like this to happen?
11:28
Why should the unborn child have to pay with hids or her life because the mother messed up? Killing for the sake of convenience is still murder.
The guy who impregnated her needs to be in jail along with the parents. The baby should be taken abd put up for adoption.
From someone who has experienced the devastation of abortion first hand, I applaud a family that chooses life, despite the troubling circumstances. I had a "convenience abortion" almost 30 years ago because I had fallen for the lies spewed by the liberals and the feminists. It was nothing to me at the time. I gave it as much concern as I would have given a tooth extraction.
Fast forward 10 to 15 years. By this time I had children that were lucky enough not to be murdered by me, their mother. I assure you there's not a day that goes by that I don't think about the heinous act that I committed. I grieve for my unborn child and hope someday that we will be reunited in heaven.
Decisions one makes in life have everlasting repercussions. It makes me very angry that this lie of "choice" has been foisted on women. Fifty million murdered babies and many more wounded souls later, people are still voting for the same liberal policies that have wrought such destruction on us individually and as a nation. There's a bumper sticker I once saw that speaks volumes: Abortion, one dead and one wounded.
This is the typical response of the "compassionate, Christian" conservative. Don't give any help in the form of medical treatment, pre-natal care, or even food for the child and then is called a murderer for considering an abortion. Then you threaten to take away the baby and put into a foster care system, because adoptive parents are not standing in line waiting on babies despite what you think. And God forbid that you have a little sex education that might have prevented such a pregnancy. The new conservatives care so much about the fetus, but they don't care much for the child once born.
6:26 Have you ever had an abortion? If not, how dare you make judgement on me when you have no idea what you're talking about?
Here's the simple facts. Life begins at conception. If the parents are human, the young life inside the mother is (drumroll please) HUMAN. Therefore, taking this life is murder. That my friend, is the un-sugarcoated truth. Deal with it.
You are also absolutely wrong that there aren't adoptive parents longing for children of their own. Why do you think that so many couples seek international adoptions? Unfortunately, so many women in the U.S. have their babies and never even consider adoption. Then they don't marry the "baby daddy" because Uncle Sam has taken his place. So what if the baby actually needs a father...with Uncle Sam paying the bills, women can do it all. Right?
The liberal policies instituted in the 60's and 70's have all but destroyed the family. Abortion has hurt millions of women and killed millions of babies and anyone that would continue to vote for the party...that's right Democrats, I'm talking to you....that pushes the abortion agenda, has some serious soul searching to do.
to 11:15
AMEN! You are so right about the Democrats. It's shameful. I go to church with some of them who would never vote against the "party of their parents and grandparents", regardless of what that party stands for and promotes.
to 6:26
Would you please answer a question for me concerning the typical Democrat view on abortion and capital punishment? Why does the typical Democrat stand against putting a murderer to death and yet sees no problem with the killing of the innocent? Why? I have never understood that.
Our government needs to monitor the unwed mothers a little closer. Could there not be unannounced visits , including checking on clothes to see if the baby!s daddy is living with the mother? I do not like for my tax dollar to go to these mothers when their live in is making GOOD MONEY.
You guys are so ready for a fight that you won't even listen to what someone is saying. First, no one is judging you for having an abortion. At least I'm not, but I am willing to be a lot of the people who post on here do judge you even though they won't say it.
Look at the posts about the 12 yr old girl. Did you ever think that it is the attitude of judgment that would cause someone to have an abortion? You (and when I say you I mean all of you) would deny a woman any government involvement with her baby except that the government will force her to have the baby. Once the baby is born, who cares if the mother cannot afford formula or diapers, at least she didn't have an abortion.
I personally think that in many cases, adoption is the best option for all involved. I have several friends that were adopted and have wonderful families and life experiences. They are also very pro-life and very thankful that their mothers didn't snuff their lives out through abortion.
I also know several wonderful, Christian couples that have been plagued with infertility and desperately long for a child of their own. Astronomical infertility treatment bills, miscarriages, failed adoption bids...one heartbreak after another. And believe me, these couples would make wonderful parents and give their children the love and upbringing to become outstanding members of society.
I know that making the decision to give your baby up for adoption must be one of the hardest decisions anyone could ever have to make. And frankly, there are no great options from which to choose once a young woman is faced with a crisis pregnancy. I just know that my abortion is the biggest regret of my life, and would encourage young women to reject a culture that calls it merely a "choice".
Why should it be the government, (every taxpayer) job to take care of anyone's baby. If the parents are to worthless to take care of it it would be better off with adoptive parents. Paying all the bills for some promuscious brat only encourages more objectionable behavior. Some are acting no better than stray dogs why should I be expected to pay for their disgusting behavior?
2:35 Perhaps the "pup" should be put to sleep.
"Our government needs to monitor the unwed mothers a little closer. Could there not be unannounced visits...."
Friday, October 29, 2010 8:45:00 AM
Oh sure. Lets create another bloated beauracratic divison of useless people to whine incessantly over how they never have enough money or people to do their job, while they consistantly recieve budget,and worker increases yearly for ever.
Why "our government"?
What ever happened to the "concerned citizen"? What ever happened to the "compasionate neighbor"? Why should the "government" have the burden of looking out for our neighbors, family, or friends?
Why do we need another government program to do anything in this country? Have none of you people learned anything yet?
There is not a single Govenment program ( except the military) that ever does anything well, and 90% of the time, it only causes more tax increases on us all, and usually makes our lives even more complex, and frustrating.
Think I'm lying? Then when was the last time you went to the DMV, or waited in line at the social security office? Or how about the IRS expericne every year? And don't even get me started on the postale service.
Have we become so detached, that we just naturally think that we have no ability, nor even responsibility toward ourseves and our own?
I understand that we have better than 120 Churchs in this county, and they are supporting missions overseas, building "Chistian life Centers", and constantly raising money for some benifit of some kind. Yet they can't meet the needs of the people in their own community, and the government is the only answer to everyday problems? IT's past time we stoped looking for government or anyone else to do for us, what we are abundatly able to do for ourselves. If we cared near as much about the problems at hand as we pretend to, we'd take the initive to act, instead of expecting others to do it for us. I dare you to try. Make an effort! YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED AT HOW ABLE YOU REALLY ARE!
I made the comment about our government monitoring a little closer, because they are the one paying . They need to make sure the payments are justified BEFORE they make them.
I read the letter " from a concerned county resident" and have a question. Did the writer NOT sign it when it was sent to the paper or to you?
To 11:00...you're a little late to the game. That letter is several weeks old. If you'll scroll up toward the top, there's a post by Annelle Guthrie that explains everything. It's my understanding that the author signed the letter and both the paper and WAB knew who wrote it.
Washington. Representative-elect Andy Harris, a Maryland Republican and anesthesiologist, beat his incumbent Democratic opponent by campaigning against the terror of universal socialized medicine. Despite the fact that his opponent voted against healthcare reform, Harris insisted that once elected he would vote to repeal healthcare reform. Now he is elected! And he was shocked to learn that his free, taxpayer-funded, government-run healthcare won't kick in until 28 days after he's sworn in. This made him upset!
“He stood up and asked the two ladies who were answering questions why it had to take so long, what he would do without 28 days of health care,” said a congressional staffer who saw the exchange. The benefits session, held behind closed doors, drew about 250 freshman members, staffers and family members to the Capitol Visitors Center auditorium late Monday morning,”.
Then he came up with a pretty good idea: "Harris then asked if he could purchase insurance from the government to cover the gap...." Yeah -- why can't people just purchase health insurance from the government? Oh, right, because of Joe Lieberman and every Republican in Congress.
"'This is the only employer I’ve ever worked for where you don’t get coverage the first day you are employed,' his spokeswoman Anna Nix told POLITICO." It's funny because lots of people have worked places where you don't get coverage any day you're employed.
God bless the random anonymous aide who exposed this guy as a tool a month before he was even sworn in.
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