Re: I read that. . .

It is nice to understand history. If you think that is useless how about: After debating the issue for five minutes in 2009, the Common Council in Madison Wisconsin voted to make the pink plastic flamingo its official city bird. So when you are in Madison no wise cracks concerning pink plastic flamingos. Or  maybe this one, hang gliding is banned at national parks in Ethiopia to prevent stampedes. Antelope often mistake the contraptions for vultures. So if you were thinking of going hang gliding in Ethiopia, you should think again.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

On Tue, Oct 26, 2010 at 7:42 PM, Grover W. Hastings <gwh1206@comcast.net> wrote:

John, YOU are something else!! I don't have time for such useless info to me. For you, it must be important. To each his own.

I thought growing up was something that happened automatically as you got older.  

But it turns out it's something you have to choose to do. 

Grover W. Hastings

gwh1206@comcast.net

In God We Trust

"If we ever forget that we are one nation under God, then we will be a nation gone under."  President Ronald Reagan

On Oct 26, 2010, at 6:33 PM, John Jenkins wrote:

The "V" sign with the back of the hand has been a profane gesture for more than 100 years in England meaning essentially "up yours" which gives a slightly different view of those pictures of Winston Churchill making such a gesture. 

During WWII the meaning of the gesture changed. A Belgian politician, Victor de Laveleye who went to England when the Nazis took over his country and directed radio broadcasts for the BBC suggested listeners in Europe use the letter "V" as a symbol of resistance. In French the V stands for "victoire" translated "victory" and in Dutch it stands for "vrjheid" for translated "freedom". In the United States it means "peace" which does not make sense. To have peace you have to have victory. With victory we have vrjheid. 

As for me I like to think Churchill intended the original meaning.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

I read that. . .

The "V" sign with the back of the hand has been a profane gesture for more than 100 years in England meaning essentially "up yours" which gives a slightly different view of those pictures of Winston Churchill making such a gesture. 

During WWII the meaning of the gesture changed. A Belgian politician, Victor de Laveleye who went to England when the Nazis took over his country and directed radio broadcasts for the BBC suggested listeners in Europe use the letter "V" as a symbol of resistance. In French the V stands for "victoire" translated "victory" and in Dutch it stands for "vrjheid" for translated "freedom". In the United States it means "peace" which does not make sense. To have peace you have to have victory. With victory we have vrjheid. 

As for me I like to think Churchill intended the original meaning.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

"Manifesto: A Mad Farmer’s Liberation Front" from THE COLLECTED POEMS: 1957—1982 by Wendell Berry. Copyright (c)1985 by Wendell Berry.

Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.
And you will have a window in your head.
Not even your future will be a mystery
any more. Your mind will be punched in a card
and shut away in a little drawer.
When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.

So, friends, every day do something
that won't compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.
Denounce the government and embrace
the flag. Hope to live in that free
republic for which it stands.
Give your approval to all you cannot
understand. Praise ignorance, for what man
has not encountered he has not destroyed.

Ask the questions that have no answers.
Invest in the millenium. Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest.
Say that the leaves are harvested
when they have rotted into the mold.
Call that profit. Prophesy such returns.

Put your faith in the two inches of humus
that will build under the trees
every thousand years.
Listen to carrion - put your ear
close, and hear the faint chattering
of the songs that are to come.
Expect the end of the world. Laugh.
Laughter is immeasurable. Be joyful
though you have considered all the facts.
So long as women do not go cheap
for power, please women more than men.
Ask yourself: Will this satisfy
a woman satisfied to bear a child?
Will this disturb the sleep
of a woman near to giving birth?

Go with your love to the fields.
Lie down in the shade. Rest your head
in her lap. Swear allegiance
to what is nighest your thoughts.
As soon as the generals and the politicos
can predict the motions of your mind,
lose it. Leave it as a sign,
to mark the false trial, the way
you didn't go. Be like the fox
who makes more tracks than necessary,
some in the wrong direction.
Practice resurrection.

Profiling

Has it occurred to you that no one complains when people are racially and ethnically profiled for acting parts in commercials, movies, television, etc but it is illegal to do the same profiling to protect our lives. Who is crazy?

Government Benefits

The other day I was watching a group of Mexicans and I got to thinking, why does anyone care if they are here legally or illegally? My conclusion is those of us already here are concerned the new folks will get the same benefits from the Federal and State governments that WE get. The solution is to eliminate all benefits to anyone from any government.

 

On the subject of gays and lesbians marrying what business is it of anyone if two people want to commit to each other regardless of gender? Could it be we do not want gays and lesbians to enjoy those benefits given to US, the straight people, by Federal and State governments? The solution is to eliminate all benefits to anyone from any government. Also get governments out of the marriage business.

 

Prior to our forefathers and their forefathers coming to North America how did the Native Americans protect their borders? They either killed strangers or accepted them. They had no laws to prohibit immigrants. If they were strong enough they could protect their borders. If they were not they did not.  As we are told, might makes right.

 

During the time of our forefathers how did they protect their borders? They did not. If you could get here you could get in. Laws abounded governing what could be imported and exported but none for people coming here on their own.  Why do we want to protect our borders? Could it be we don't want strangers receiving the same benefits we "natives" already receive from our Federal and State governments? Could the solution be to eliminate all benefits to anyone from any government?

 

We have become slaves to our Federal and State governments. We need to reduce both drastically and soon.

 

 

 

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

Another question about the Homos

Do you know the purpose for having the government decide who can marry? Watching a documentary on things distilled I wonder why the government decides who can make and sell some things such as liquor but anyone can make beer and wine. Surely taxes are the reason. What do you think?

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
GatlinburgTN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

Don't Ask Don't Tell

Have you ever wondered what's the problem with homosexuals in the military? Are those in favor with Don't Ask Don't Tell upset about the straight military having to be in the showers with homosexuals? Can you imagine how impressive a battalion of homosexuals would look? Their uniforms would be the stylish and colorful. Can you imagine how well they would eat. Their mess hall would be decorated and the food gourmet. I don't see the problem do you? Is this another example of big brother protecting us?

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

Bullying

CNN's series of programs on the subject of bullying is nothing more than spreading the homosexual agenda. Bullying is rampant and raises its head in many forms such as spousal abuse, child abuse, sexual harassment. Many television programs are established on the anchor of bullying such as court room shows such as Judge Judy, American Idol and the like. Apparently the viewers like to see people abused and mistreated who are helpless to defend themselves.

 

AndersonCooper360 criticises  children for not standing up to the bully. Is he crazy? A non violent child is going to confront a violent bully. Adults don't do that let alone a child. If bullying would be treated as a felony these bullies could be put into prison environments where they will meet some real bullies. If I was on the jury I would not vote to convict a wife for killing her abusing husband nor would I vote to convict the victim of bullying of killing the bully.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

Keeping them Honest is an Already Known

It is nice that AndersonCooper 360 and others report on the elections and proving my point that ALL politicians at ALL levels are dishonest, immoral, and unethical. They will take care of themselves first, those who give them money second and last and by all means least the voter. Let's get away from their dishonesty, immorality and lack of ethics and look at their platforms. You cannot believe anything ANY politician says only what they DO.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"And do not forget brethren, that we are drifting."

J.D. Tant

America Gets What They Deserve

and we deserve what we tolerate. 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."

Bristol's First Dance

Bristol did not dance. She stood there while her partner did all the moves. Bristol may stay but it will be because of her mother not because of her dancing. She is embarassing.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."

School Bullies

Listening to the various discussions in the media concerning school children being bullied and who should step in and when one thing quickly comes to mind. Children as well as adults are mostly non-violent and will not, cannot step into a confrontational situation. The key will be for the authorities whoever they are to get involved immediately. Otherwise you are going to see the 2nd amendment get involved. 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."

Paradox

Something for the media to ask the president. 

Ben Stein says:

"Fathom the odd hypocrisy that Obama wants every citizen to prove they are insured, but people don't have to prove they are citizens."

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."

Re: Specific Example

Last night the reverend spoke on the subject of prayer.  He mentioned it was ok to pray for sick. Do you know of any specific place in the bible where we are encouraged to pray for the sick and expect God to heal them in response to our prayer?

Perhaps James 5:13-16, but each version has a different slant on these verses. Brother Woods and others of our common belief disregard these verses as applying only to the first century. God gave Hezekiah 15 additional years. Not sure this should be applied to us today.

If Hezekiah had died as scheduled there would not have been a Manassa. If James was meant for us wouldn't you expect Paul to have called the elders to heal Timothy or even himself? There are no examples in the NT of Christians praying for healing so I wonder why we do it especially why we make it our primary requests of God. To me, the way I read it, James is a guarantee and does not allow for everyone has to die. I believe through praying for healing we learn that God does not ever say yes and therefore we do not expect anything. I think it makes us weak. If we were to ask what God has done for us we have nothing to say.

2nd Amendment

The question should not be what the 2nd amendment says the question should be what gives the government the right to supervise the citizens and to control what they may possess and what they may not possess. The citizens of this country have become too accustomed to government interference they do not recognize it anymore. We tolerate surveillance, we tolerate government deciding who can and cannot marry, we tolerate and out of control IRS, we tolerate Blackwater patrolling the streets of New Orleans, we tolerate the government control of who can and cannot use the airwaves, who can and cannot approve abortions, we tolerate government controlling the healthiness of our food, we tolerate government deciding what medicines we can us or not, we tolerate the government deciding what is a legal and what is an illegal drug. Because we like one or more we let the government control our lives.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com 
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"IF 7UP hadn't decided on a name that was short and sweet we'd still be drinking Bib-Label Lithiated Lemon-Lime Soda."

Bush to be Stripped of the Heisman?

The problem as I see it is there should be no individual awards in a team sport. There is no one individual who is the best football player. If it were not for the rest of the members on the team doing their jobs no one looks good. If the defense fails no offensive player will win the overall award. So it takes the TEAM!

As 911 Approaches Lessons we should have learned

What happened on 911 was we learned how if felt when we dropped bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki civilians, how it felt when we carpet bombed German civilians, how it feels when we bomb civilian areas in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq to get the bad guys who are hiding in those areas. Many of the first responders died due to faulty equipment which the city of NY provided.

What 911 should have taught us is that we are not better than anyone. We have our way of life and we should let others live as they want to. Come home, Mr President, and let the world alone.

Ground-Zero Mosque?

The people directly affected by the attack on 9/11 are dead. Their families sold the memory of their dead when the took the money from the government. The only people to be considered on this subject are the people in the neighborhood of the site of the proposed mosque. I vote to erase everthing that reminds us of 9/11 and show the muslim community we have moved on.

No One Else

You might want to consider changing you opinion of Obama because there are no alternatives out there. We would have to be out of our minds to want the Republicans to take back Washington. Their fiasco irresponsibility disrespect for science, deferring to Wall Street, contempt for the environment.

Republicans doubled the national debt under Bush, The national debt tripled during the Ronald Reagan era. Regan made a career by attacking "tax and spend" Democrats but he invented "tax and borrow" Republicanism.  VP Cheney claimed that Reagan proved deficits don't matter.

The same people who are attached themselves to Reagan's line that the government is the problem, that we need less government outreach, are the people who have been attacking Obama for not doing enough in the Gulf.  

You may not like Obama but who else is there?

SO WHY IS EVERYBODY SO UPSET ABOUT ARIZONA???

 

Simple solutions to not so complex problems!

In 2007, Missouri placed on the ballot a proposed constitutional amendment designating English as the Official language of Missouri.  Nearly 90% voting in favor!  English became the official language for ALL governmental proceeding in Missouri.  It also means no individual has the right to demand government services in a language OTHER than English.

In 2008 a measure was passed that requires our Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officials to verify the immigration status of any person arrested, and inform federal authorities if the person is found to be here illegally.  It allows Missouri law enforcement offices to receive training to enforce federal immigration laws.  The bill makes it clear that illegal immigrants will NOT have access to taxpayers benefits such as food stamps and health care through Missouri HealthNET. 

In 2009 a measure was passed that ensures Missouri's public institutions of higher education do NOT award financial aid to individuals who are here illegally.  The law also requires all post-secondary institutions of higher education to annually certify to the Missouri Dept. of Higher Education that they have NOT knowingly awarded financial aid to students who are unlawfully present in the United States.

So while Arizona has made national news for its new law, it is important to remember Missouri has been proactive in addressing this growing problem.

Missouri has sent a clear message that illegal immigrants are NOT welcome in our state and they are certainly NOT welcome to receive public benefits at the cost of Missouri taxpayers!

Article in "The Ozarks Sentinel" Editorial Opinion - Nita Jane Ayres, May 13, 2010

 

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

You are getting old when you just can't stand people who are intolerant.

For Your Consideration

Reference your editorial on June 2, Releasing Inmates Early Can Lead to Tragedy, as One Family Here has Learned.

 

I love your justification. "The board presumably made the best decision it could make based on the inmate's record, seriousness of offense, time served, disciplinary actions taken while imprisoned and programs completed while incarcerated."

What were they thinking? What are you thinking "seriousness of offense?" He killed a woman. He did not kill out of temper or fear. He killed her because he did not want her to testify in court. He killed her because he wanted her quiet and the only way to ensure that was to make her dead. He should have been executed. He should have been killed in the same manner in which he killed.

Look at reality. Beginning at 17-years he lived among animals for 33 years and you think there is anyway he can get along in society when he is 50-years-old? For 33 years he lives in a world kill or be killed, take what you want prison guards making decisions for him. What have you been smoking?

 

How about he moves next door to you and your family or the families of those decision makers?

 

The judicial system in this country is a joke. Life in prison should mean life in prison. The death penalty should mean death.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-430-4427
425 Patterson Lane

Gatlinburg, TN 37738

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

You are getting old when you just can't stand people who are intolerant.

FREE - Chris Anderson

I read a book entitled FREE. The author makes the case that in many instances businesses can profit more from giving things away than they can by charging for them. Below is an example. I thought GACS might be appreciate a benefit similar to UC Berkeley.

 

How Can a University Education Be Free?

Chris Anderson

FREE The Future of a Radical Price.

You don't have to enroll at UC Berkeley to watch Richard A Muller deliver his popular "Physics for Future Presidents" lectures. They're on YouTube, along with talks from more than a hundred other Berkeley professors that have been collectively watched more than 2 million times. And Berkeley is not alone: Stanford and MIT also release lectures on YouTube, and MIT's "OpenCourseWare" initiative has put virtually all of the university's class curriculum online, from lecture notes to assignments and demonstration videos. It can cost $35,000 a year to attend these universities and take these classes. Why are they giving them away?

Lectures aren't a university education. Aside from the small matter of a degree, which you can't get via YouTube, a college education is more than lectures and readings. Tuition buys direct proximity to ask questions, share ideas, and solicit feedback from academics like Muller. It's access to the network of other students and the idea exchange, help, and relationships this provides. For universities, free content is marketing. Top students get their pick of schools. Sampling the mind-blowing fare of a particular program or professor can win them over.

Create demand for expertise. To date, one of Muller's lectures has garnered 200,000 views. That's three times the capacity of the football stadium at UC Berkeley. After becoming a Web celeb of sorts, Muller secured a book deal to write a popular hardback version of the textbook he penned for his class. Released in the summer of 2008, Physics for Future Presidents was widely reviewed atop one of Amazon's best-seller lists. It's easy to see just how good Free has been to Professor Muller.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

You are getting old when you just can't stand people who are intolerant.

Bill Cosby has decided to become a write-in candidate for President in the year 2012

and here is his platform. . .

 

(1). Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English'is immediately banned. English is the official language;   speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can.

(2). We will immediately go into a two year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country... America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports.  We will use the 'Wal-Mart's policy,  'If  we  ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here!

(3). When imports are allowed, there will be  a 100% import tax on it coming in here.

(4). All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States  (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND  aliens.

(5). Social Security will immediately return to its original sta te. If you didn't put nuttin in, you ain't gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it.

(6). Welfare. -- Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40 hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades.

(7). Professional Athletes -- Steroids?  The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports ... for life.

(8). Crime -- We will adopt the Turkish method, i.e., the  first  time you steal,  you lose your right hand. There is no more 'life sentences'. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for the victim you killed: gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9). One export of ours will allowed: wheat; because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the exact price of a barrel of oil.

(10). All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause.

(11). The Pledge of Allegiance  will  be said  every  day at  school and  every  day  in Congress.

(12). The National Anthem  will  be played at all appropriate ceremonies,  sporting events,  outings, etc.

Letter from Mrs. Susan Hildebrand, owner of the Shiner Ranch, to Mayor of San Antonio, Julian Castro, in response to his protest of the Arizona immigration law.

 

Dear Mayor Castro,

I am writing on behalf of my family and many other ranching families who live in South Texas.  I listened to your opinion about the actions of the Governor of Arizona, and I respectfully disagree. 

We have had to deal with illegal immigrants crossing onto our land for many years, and before the drug cartels and terrorists entered the picture, it was always our policy to help these people by giving them something to eat and drink.  It is something we wanted to do to help them, but now things have changed and we feel that our lives are in danger from the recklessness shown by those crossing the borders.  In the past nine months, "coyotes" have driven through our fences SIX times while attempting to escape law enforcement. 

Just this past week, they have crashed three stolen vehicles on the ranch and have abandoned the people who were being transported, including a 14 year old girl who was injured.  (The driver had to be air lifted to San Antonio, at a cost to us tax payers.)  The vehicle had been stolen from Travis county and it had to be towed.  Another tax payer expense, to say nothing of what it has cost us to repair fences and pay for vet bills to pay for an injured horse.  (See below.)

Last summer around eleven o'clock at night, another stolen vehicle broke through our fence and managed to drive through three other fences in an attempt to escape the Border Patrol.  While our men were repairing the fence so that the livestock wouldn't get out onto the highway, the Border Patrol, Sheriffs from two towns (Pearsall & Dilley), mounted law enforcement officers (with their tracking dogs) from the Dilley Prison, a helicopter, and a wrecker were here searching for the coyote and his passengers.  During the hunt, one of the prison dogs was bitten by a rattler and she died later that night, despite medical treatment.  One of our working ranch horses was so frightened that he ran into a tree and cracked his skull.  Meanwhile, most of the bad guys managed to elude capture.  When the coyote was finally apprehended, he was found to have around $39,000 in his pockets…all taken from the people he had abandoned.

It is easy to live in a city away from the problems we are experiencing here near the border, but we would welcome you and your family to join us and see what is happening firsthand.  It would be an eye-opener and it might change your mind when you criticize what the people of Arizona are doing in trying to protect their citizens. 

Racial profiling has nothing to do with following the laws that are supposed to be in effect concerning Illegal immigration.  Personally, whenever I write a check, go for a doctor's appointment, or break a traffic law, I am always asked for my identification.  I believe it's the same for you, too.

The Border Patrol is so understaffed, and even if they do apprehend someone they have no power to hold them at gun point.  Their lives are put in danger every day while our government officials sit back and offer only criticism of the job they are trying to do. 

This land where we live has been in my husband's family since 1881, and never before have we had any fear about leaving our doors unlocked, walking down a sendero, or driving through a pasture.  Now we've had to instruct our men not to confront any strangers they come upon because we are unarmed, and they may not be.  My husband and I want to leave a legacy of love for this part of God's country to our children and grandchildren, not one of fear.  Please reconsider your stance about enforcing stricter immigration laws, and stand behind the brave men and women who protect our families, as well as your own.

I appreciate the chance to give you some idea of what we are dealing with, and it is my prayer that you will support defending our borders before it is too late.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ponzi Victims?

Several years ago friends told me that Dennis was a Day Trader. That he had developed a program that would monitor the markets, buy and sell. The program was guaranteed to make money. They mentioned he would sell the program for $1,000. It seemed too good to be true. I passed. Some time later I heard he was traveling around the world giving presentations and selling the program for $10,000 a copy. I wondered if I had passed up a great thing. I knew Dennis from his shop he had had in Gatlinburg and through school activities. He was quiet and did not talk about his Day Trading activities. Then he built that house 5 stories with a bridge crossing between the mountains to get to his garage and a great view of Gatlinburg and Mount LeConte.  He was a celebrity. People and organizations could not help themselves from wanting to be around him and give him their money.

 

People investing with Dennis saw him as a successful investor and felt very comfortable giving him their money so he could multiply it many times over. The typical American dream where winning is all but guaranteed and losing is not possible. When someone has half a million dollars why risk it? The answer is greed, something for nothing. They lost and now blame Dennis. Usually a con man cannot con unless the target turns a blind eye. When something seems too good to be true it usually is. Dennis's investors did not know what Dennis was doing but they were willing to gamble as long as there was no gamble. They lost and now blame Dennis. Imagine a Sevier county resident with half a million or a million dollars CASH and down the street children going to school without breakfast, without reasonable clothes, without the requisite school supplies, without the convenience of a doctor when they are sick and babies leaving the hospital without anything to wear. When someone is robbed you can feel sorry for them but when they cannot give their money fast enough to an investor like Dennis how much sympathy do they get?

 

http://www.themountainpress.com/view/full_story/7483829/article--Bolze-takes-stand-at-hearing--defense-contesting-portions-of-pre-sentencing-investigation-?instance=main_article

Cheap Tomatoes: From a California school teacher - - -

As you listen to the news about the student protests over illegal immigration, there are some things that you should be aware of: I am in charge of the English-as-a-second-language department at a large southern California high school which is designated a Title 1 school, meaning that its students average lower socioeconomic and income levels.

 

Most of the schools you are hearing about, South Gate High, Bell Gardens , Huntington Park , etc., where these students are protesting, are also Title 1 schools.

 

Title 1 schools are on the free breakfast and free lunch program. When I say free breakfast, I'm not talking a glass of milk and roll -- but a full breakfast and cereal bar with fruits and juices that would make a Marriott proud. The waste of this food is monumental, with trays and trays of it being dumped in the trash uneaten.

 

I estimate that well over 50% of these students are obese or at least moderately overweight. About 75% or more have cell phones. The school also provides day care centers for the unwed teenage pregnant girls (some as young as 13) so they can attend class without the inconvenience of having to arrange for babysitters or having family watch their kids.

 

I was ordered to spend $700,000 on my department or risk losing funding for the upcoming year even though there was little need for anything; my budget was already substantial. I ended up buying new computers for the computer learning center, half of which, one month later, have been carved with graffiti by the appreciative students who obviously feel humbled and grateful to have a free education in America.

 

I have had to intervene several times for young and substitute teachers whose classes consist of many illegal immigrant students, here in the country less then 3 months, who raised so much hell with the female teachers, calling them "Putas"(whores) and throwing things, that the teachers were in tears.

 

Free medical, free education, free food, free day care etc., etc, etc.  Is it any wonder they feel entitled to not only be in this country but to demand rights, privileges and entitlements?

 

To those who want to point out how much these illegal immigrants contribute to our society because they LIKE their gardener and housekeeper and they like to pay less for tomatoes: spend some time in the real world of illegal immigration and see the TRUE costs.

 

Higher insurance, medical facilities closing, higher medical costs, more crime, lower standards of education in our schools, overcrowding, new diseases. For me, I'll pay more for tomatoes.

 

Americans, we need to wake up.

 

It does, however, have everything to do with culture: It involves an American third-world culture that does not value education, that accepts children getting pregnant and dropping out of school by 15 and that refuses to assimilate, and an American culture that has become so weak and worried about "political correctness"  that we don't have the will to do anything about it.

 

CHEAP LABOR? Isn't that what the whole immigration issue is about?

 

Business doesn't want to pay a decent wage.

 

Consumers don't want expensive produce.

 

Government will tell you Americans don't want the jobs.

 

But the bottom line is cheap labor. The phrase "cheap labor" is a myth, a farce, and a lie. There is no such thing as "cheap labor."

 

Take, for example, an illegal alien with a wife and five children. He takes a job for $5.00 or 6.00/hour. At that wage, with six dependents, he pays no income tax, yet at the end of the year, if he files an Income Tax Return, he gets an "earned income credit" of up to $3,200 free.

 

He qualifies for Section 8 housing and subsidized rent.

 

He qualifies for food stamps.

 

He qualifies for free (no deductible, no co-pay) health care.

 

His children get free breakfasts and lunches at school.

 

He requires bilingual teachers and books.

 

He qualifies for relief from high energy bills.

 

If they are, or become, aged, blind or disabled, they qualify for SSI.  If qualified for SSI they can qualify for Medicaid.   All of this is at (our) taxpayer's expense.

 

He doesn't worry about car insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance.

 

Taxpayers provide Spanish language signs, bulletins and printed material.

 

He and his family receive the equivalent of $20.00 to $30.00/hour in benefits.

 

Working Americans are lucky to have $5.00 or $6..00/hour left after paying their bills and his.

 

Cheap labor? YEAH RIGHT!

Daniel Webster said:

Addressing the New York HistoricalSociety, 1852, Daniel Webster stated: "If we and our posterity live always in the ear of God and shall respect His Commandments...we may have the highest hopes of the future fortunes of our country. But if we...neglect religious instruction and authority; violate the rules of eternal justice, trifle with the injunctions of morality, and recklessly destroy the constitution which holds us together, no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States

"We have been recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown; but we have forgotten God. Intoxicated with unbroken success, the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us. It behooves us, then to humble ourselves before the offended Power to confess our national sins and to pray for clemency and forgiveness."

Teddy Roosevelt on Immigrants

'In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin.. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here.... Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language.. And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.'

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Immigrants Today are Different Than 100 Years Ago

Dear Editor:

So many letter writers have based their arguments on how this land is made up of immigrants. Ernie Lujan for one, suggests we should tear down the Statue of Liberty because the people now in question aren't being treated the same as those who passed through Ellis Island and other ports of entry.
 
Maybe we should turn to our history books and point out to people like Mr. Lujan why today's American is not willing to accept this new kind of immigrant any longer. Back in 1900 when there was a rush from all areas of Europe to come to the United States, people had to get off a ship and stand in a long line in New York and be documented. Some would even get down on their hands and knees and kiss the ground. They made a pledge to uphold the laws and support their new country in good and bad times. They made learning English a primary rule in their new American households and some even changed their names to blend in with their new home.

They had waved good bye to their birth place to give their children a new life and did everything in their power to help their children assimilate into one culture. Nothing was handed to them. No free lunches, no welfare, no labor laws to protect them. All they had were the skills and craftsmanship they had brought with them to trade for a future of prosperity.
Most of their children came of age when World War II broke out. My father fought along side men whose parents had come straight over from Germany , Italy , France and Japan . None of these 1st generation Americans ever gave any thought about what country their parents had come from. They were Americans fighting Hitler, Mussolini and the Emperor of Japan . They were defending the United States of America as one people.

When we liberated France, no one in those villages were looking for the French-American or the German American or the Irish American. The people of France saw only Americans. And we carried one flag that represented one country. Not one of those immigrant sons would have thought about picking up another country's flag and waving it to represent who they were. It would have been a disgrace to their parents who had sacrificed so much to be here. These immigrants truly knew what it meant to be an American. They stirred the melting pot into one red, white and blue bowl.

And here we are with a new kind of immigrant who wants the same rights and privileges. Only they want to achieve it by playing with a different set of rules, one that includes the entitlement card and a guarantee of being faithful to their
mother country. I'm sorry, that's not what being an American is all about. I believe that the immigrants who landed on
Ellis Island in the early 1900's deserve better than that for all the toil, hard work and sacrifice in raising future generations to create a land that has become a beacon for those legally searching for a better life. I think they would be appalled that they are being used as an example by those waving foreign country flags.

And for that suggestion about taking down the Statue of Liberty , it happens to mean a lot to the citizens who are voting on the immigration bill. I wouldn't start talking about dismantling the United States just yet.

(signed)
Rosemary LaBonte

People Yes! Corporations No!

I understand that democrats plan to introduce a bill that will curtail the ability of corporations to make political contributions in the wake of January's Supreme Court ruling, which found that companies and unions could spend unlimited amounts of money on political candidates. Corporations have no Constitutional rights so corporations should not be permitted to contribute any money to any politician or to any cause. People can contribute all they want to of their own money but corporations should be prohibited. Constitutional rights protect the people it does not protect corporations.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Quotation from Larry the Cable Guy

"Even after the recent Super Bowl victory of the New Orleans Saints, I have noticed a large number of people implying, with bad jokes, that Cajuns aren't smart.  I would like to state for the record that I disagree with that assessment.  Anybody that would build a city 5 ft.below sea level in a hurricane zone and fill it with Democrats is a  genius." Larry the Cable Guy 

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Letter to Senator Corker: Subject AARP

Recently I read where you said you would not be a member of AARP because the association does not let the country face our problems head-on.  You are rich you do not need AARP or what it provides its members and by default every person older than 50. But you miss one very important reality. Neither AARP nor any other lobby group has influence unless you and your fellow senators and representatives sell your vote. Lobby groups depend on the fact that all politicians are dishonest, immoral and unethical. You first take care of yourselves, second those who give you money and last and by all means least the voter, if it does not cost you anything.  If you do not believe it look at your senate retirement; look at your health care plan. We all see it. Why don't you? Does the culture of the senate so corrupt its members they actually believe they deserve it?

 

The AARP protects the sheep (its members) from the wolves (you and all members of government). The founders of our country never expected professional politicians. They "stood" for office because "running" for office was demeaning and degrading. Which we know is precisely what it is. So get off the back of AARP and get busy. When you and your compatriots stop selling your vote the lobby groups will be out of business.

 

Thanks Pseudo Conservatists!!

Obama will soon appoint a justice to the Supreme Court who will affect our lives for decades to come. With the 5 members to the Fed he has or soon will have appointed Obama will continue his influence. Anyone unhappy concerning these circumstances can thank conservative spokes people i.e. radio and TV talking heads who bailed on McCain because he was not conservative enough. With conservative thinking like yours conservative thinking in the United States is in trouble. Way to go, morons!

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Re: 13 ways the healthcare bill changes the tax code

I have a different view:

 

Our president gets a yearly medical checkup. Former presidents' wife goes to the hospital for a few days because she is not feeling well. The rest of us muddle along the best we can. Anyone against guaranteed health care equal to or exceeding what our elected officials provide for themselves should pay for their own. Before a business of any size can pay higher than average salaries, bonuses, dividends on their stock, do any capital expenditures they should be required to pay into a fund for the health care of their employees. Otherwise the taxpayers (ME!!!) are subsidizing the business. Talk about bailouts.

 

Another result that folks will be surprised about will be what the government does to cut costs. I predict any behavior that increases the spread of sexually transmitted diseases will become criminalized because they increase the demand for health care. Any behavior that increases charges to welfare such as dropping out of school before graduation, pregnancy outside of marriage which practically guarantees the girl and baby live on welfare will also be criminalized. Smoking and failing to obey government mandates on healthy work environments will become criminalized. We may need a second revolution.

 

But every business must provide health care for their employees because if they do not I must. If the increased costs cause them to go out of business, so be it. Someone else, with a better mousetrap will replace them. The key is to cut costs and cut taxes.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

On Wed, Apr 7, 2010 at 1:48 PM, Grover W. Hastings <gwh1206@comcast.net> wrote:

Grover W. Hastings

gwh1206@comcast.net

In God We Trust

Begin forwarded message:

From: "Gwen Warren" <bb78@bellsouth.net>

Date: April 7, 2010 12:19:54 PM CDT

To: "Gwen Warren" <bb78@bellsouth.net>

Subject: 13 ways the healthcare bill changes the tax code

·         The tax on employer-provided health care benefits will start next year.  This will cause a huge increase in the taxable income of anyone who has those benefits. 

·         This year tanning beds, next year McDonald's.  Once "Big Brother" determines it's unhealthy, they can tax it, and you can't stop it.  But, by golly, those sex change operations are a necessity and will be fully funded.

·         Raising the deductibility of out-of-pocket healthcare costs places a giant tax burden on the elderly and the sick.  What a terrible target group.  My own 95-year old father will now have to pay taxes because not all of his current $68,000  a year in medical expenses will be deductible.

·         Employers are penalized for not joining the national healthcare system and staying in the private sector.  Drink the kool-aid, people.  It's really good for you.

 

And you thought the healthcare bill was about healthcare . . . really?!

 

 

Gwen Warren

615.672.1316

This message is intended only for the addressee and may contain information that is privileged, confidential and/or accountant work product. If you have received this message in error, do not read, copy, retain or disseminate this message or any attachment. Please call the sender immediately at (615)672-1315 and delete all copies of the message and any attachment. Neither the transmission of this message or any attachment, nor any error in transmission shall constitute waiver of any applicable legal privilege. Further, in order to comply with certain U.S. Treasury regulations, rules and statutes please be advised that unless expressly stated to the contrary, any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this e-mail, including attachments, is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by any person for the purpose of avoiding any taxes, penalties or interest that may be imposed by the Internal Revenue Service.

 

Women's NCAA Basketball National Champion?

A basketball national champion that can be held to 12 points in a half? The best woman's basketball team ever? Sets women's sports back 50 years. Apparently it just goes to show girls should stick to girl sports like field hockey and maybe jogging a mile. Stanford was no better. Sponsors should be furious. Embarrassing!

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
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Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Bullies and Bullying

The police cannot protect you. Parents cannot protect their children. School administers and teachers will not protect you. The courts cannot protect you. Talking will not stop the bullies. When one is being bullied one must take steps to protect themselves. Otherwise no one will correct the situation. Acquire a weapon and shoot on sight. I for one, if on the jury will never vote to punish the victim of bullying or battering. We have turned into a society where the only way to settle problems the officials will not settle is to terminate with extreme prejudice. As a parent it is up to you to take the corrective actions to protect your child. If you do not like my idea what is your idea?

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Narrow Thinking Now Producing Fruit

I heard recently president Obama will soon have appointed 5 members to the Fed. There is a good chance he will appoint 3 or 4 justices to the supreme court. He will soon via executive order define certain aspects of the Health Care Plan. Anyone who is unhappy concerning these circumstances can thank Ron Paul, conservative spokes people and radio and TV talking heads who bailed on McCain because he was not conservative enough. We do not have Conservatives in the William Buckley mold. We have complainers. Hopefully they will wake up for the November elections.

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Government Bailouts for Everyone

Our president gets a yearly medical checkup. Former presidents' wife goes to the hospital for a few days because she is not feeling well. The rest of us muddle along the best we can. Anyone against guaranteed health care equal to or exceeding what our elected officials provide for themselves should pay for their own and just be quiet. Before a business of any size can pay higher than average salaries, bonuses, dividends on their stock, do any capital expenditures they should be required to pay into a fund for the health care of their employees. Otherwise the taxpayers are subsidizing the business. Talk about bailouts.

 

 

 
Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Do not be surprised. . .

Concerning vandalism, violence and threats of violence in response to the vote on Health Care.

 

I do not condone violence. I do not condone rape. But women who dress provocatively and put themselves into compromising situations with men who are morally starved should not be surprised when the reaction is something they do not want. They are not asking for it. They do not deserve it but they should not be surprised.

 

Same with our government officials. As we showed in our Revolutionary War the populace will only take so much of government riding roughshod over the people. Check with King George of England to get his reaction to his colony rising up and destroying his army. The officials do not ask for it nor do they deserve it but they should not be overly surprised when they get a reaction they do not want.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Amen!

I have no idea who said it but I will give him or her an Amen!

 

The danger to  America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the presidency. It will be easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to an electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails us. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president."    

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

"Telling shoeless people to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps is not only cruel, it's also pointless."
Martin Luther King

Jobs

The King of England had a Grooms of the Stool. These were groomsmen paid to thoroughly wipe the King of England's rear and then inspect the stool for signs of illness. While the job seems like a good argument for overthrowing the monarch it was an enviable position in that day. 

Also among the members of his court were Flatulists. They were comedians who pass gas in a musical or otherwise entertaining manner. King Henry II of England kept a flatulist in his court who could supposedly blow out candles with his own wind while tooting musical numbers at the same time. Classy? It was not.

Israel Cannot Help Us

If we want to make fun of, laugh at, make jokes about, insult, embarrass and otherwise mistreat our Vice President and President that is our privilege. When Israel does we should let them go it alone for a while. The only friend we need in the Middle East is Iran. Iran can support us with oil and with an army. Israel cannot help us.

 

Understanding Derivatives, for Dummies

Stupid

The Dayton Ohio police officers who got drunk for a training exercise are morons. Why not a snort of cocaine or smoking a little maryjane?

Blame Both Coach and Skater

The disqualified skater is as much to blame as the coach. Both should have known the correct lane. Both were not paying attention. If the skater had already changed lanes he should have yelled back to the coach "I've already changed lanes!!!!" Both made an error that will probably destroy both. That's the breaks. As Forrest says, "Stupid is as stupid does."

No Accountability

Toyoda says their emphasis on safety may have relaxed. May have? He is not accepting responsibility. Aren't Japanese people supposed to commit suicide when they have been dishonored? He says he is responsible. That means he is dishonored. Grandson of the founder usually destroys the company.

Firing all the teachers at that school was not drastic. You had a school that students were not learning, which means teachers were not teaching but all the employees were getting paid and the students receiving a degree. That school should have been shut down long ago. Any teacher applying to be rehired must answer the question Why did you leave your last job?

Accountable or Not Accountable, That is the Question.

Individuals must accept accountability for their actions. Trust is something that is easy to lose and very difficult to regain. In the long run all one has is their reputation. An individual is seen as reliable or not. If individuals will just do what they say they will do they will be head and shoulders above 99.9% of the people.

When we think of the leaders of GSMCOC do we see them as reliable? Can they be trusted to do what they say they will do? Do they accept accountability for their actions? Jesus told people to "Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'. . ." I understand that to mean we are to live so that whatever we say will be accepted as the truth; our character and life will give affirmation to what we say. Others should be satisfied to take our statements at face value.

If I understand the discussions in the Men's meeting concerning getting men to participate in the assemblies some or many are not reliable, cannot be trusted to do what they have agreed to do and will not inform the responsible individuals. The lack of response to the sound equipment training supports that conclusion.

As individuals and as a congregation will we be accountable for our actions? We have no choice. If we do not we cannot be trusted. Can anyone believe what we say?

Toyota Going Down

It is reasonable to presume the owner's of Toyota models experiencing the problems reported in the news were and are willing to risk their lives and the lives of the members of their families hoping for a big lawsuit. Anyone concerned should have parked the vehicle until the problems are resolved. Instead they whine how the federal government doesn't protect them. Mr Toyoda accepts the responsibility how about a little contrition? How about a resignation or a suicide. Don't Japanese people kill themselves to avoid being dishonored? Too late for Mr Toyoda.

Passed Time for a Change

Recently I read an article comparing the results of the Clinton administration with the results with Bush43's administration. During the Clinton years, for whatever reasons, jobs grew from 90.8 billion to 111.6 billion. During W's years jobs reduced from the 111.6 billion to 110.9 billion. The number of private sector jobs created in the Clinton years were more than the Reagan and Bush41 lumped together. Clinton inherited a $290 billion budget deficit and by the end of his administration we had a$236 billion surplus. He also had 2 balanced federal budgets the first in 40 years. Bush43 inherited the $236 billion surplus and when he left office he left the country with a $1.4 trillion deficit. When Clinton left office China held $73 billion in U.S. debt. When Bush43 left office China's holdings had increased to $746 billion.

Times have changed. Neither the Democrats nor the Republicans are friends of the people.

Benjamin Franklin said "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

The alleged crime occurred on November 17^th and on January 22^nd the court does not know if there is enough evidence to go to trial? Am I the only person who thinks that is terrible?

Police officers today generally have (or "think" they have!) orders to detain, search, and/or arrest those "they feel" violated a law. The Founding Fathers were very much opposed to this kind of discretionary power being placed in the hands of any one person (and is evident by the general design of the Federal Government: the distribution of power across 3 branches, the system of "checks and balances", etc).

There are 2 elements of the Fourth Amendment that were intended to prevent Standing Orders from being executed against the people:

• The first is the "oath or affirmation": a sworn civilian complaint and
• The second is that warrants must be specific.

Both are intended to remove the discretion of arrest/search/seizure from the arresting officer, and provides the needed "checks and balances".

If the complaint MUST ALWAYS come from a civilian (i.e., not the government; not the arresting authority) this ensures that the Police Force is "reactive", and not self-directed. If all arrests/searches/seizures are documented with the specific justifications of the action (the warrant), this also removes the arbitrary discretion from the officer.

The Fourth Amendment requires specific Warrants and that the complaint be initiated by a civilian thus prohibiting the police from executing "Standing Orders" against the people. Today, in modern America, when the police arrest someone, there is rarely a specific warrant, and rarely is there the "oath or affirmation" of a complaining civilian.

Many Americans have come to blindly believe that the government will ensure our safety (or at least provide the illusion of safety). But such gullibility comes at a steep price---the devaluation of our freedoms. Requiring government to operate under the Constitution is the only protection the people have.

Benjamin Franklin said "Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both."

Remember if they can do it to this boy they can do it to you.

MLB or WWE?

If Mark McGwire is serious about being sorry how about he return the money he received because he was cheating? Steroids turns MLB into the WWE. What would have been a catch on the warning track was a homerun. What would have been a hit was a called strike.Nothing was or is real until all steroids and the like get a lifetime ban.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

Christianity is truth

Brit Hume is correct. The media shows itself to be unable to be fair. There is a "double-standard" when it comes to speaking publicly about Christianity versus other religions and you prove it. The problem you face is that no matter what you think there are absolute truths. One of them is that Jesus was and is the son of the only living God. And one day everyone including members of the media will admit it. Whether it be during this life or the one to come I do not know.

 

Not believing makes one a moron. Anyone who believes they are an accident proves my point. If you are an accident what you think is an accident and cannot be relied upon. For anyone to look at nature and see accident shows just how wrong one can be. No matter what you say about Christians it changes nothing.

  

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

One QB Does not a #1 Team Make

While Texas moves on to 2010, most likely a mediocre year, one must wonder just how stupid is the head coach? He has one quarterback and does very little to develop a backup. What happened to playing the starters to win the game today and the second and third stringers to win the game next year? I wonder if any head coaches understand.

 

Thanks, John Jenkins
865-803-8179  cell
Gatlinburg, TN

Email: jrjenki@gmail.com
Website: http://www.greenbriersolutions.com  
Blog: http://littlepigeon.blogspot.com/

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

Hopefull Dodd is just the first. . .

While it is a bit surprising the Connecticut voters would recognize dishonesty and influencing peddling it is nice to know they have and that Senator Dodd will be no more. Hopefully more states will be willing to admit just how dishonest, unethical and immoral our senators and representatives have become.