I am new and not able to post video here, but wanted to connect you to one that will just give you lift to start your day.  Stephen Colbert did a piece on the South Carolina GOP debate on May 5 and it was delightful.  Oh, I’m already getting the question of whether “dark horse” (“horse of a different color”) is racist.  That would be a “No”, since Mr Cain coined the phrase for himself over a year ago.

See the video here.  http://www.cainscorner.com.

Thanks in advance for allowing this – I wasn’t sure how else to connect Red Staters to the video.

All causes, thoughts, speech and courses of action have resulting effects. This is a basic natural law. It is this that has had me thinking about where we are now regarding ethics in our Federal, State and local governments. I will never claim to be a philosopher, historian or intellectual, but I have reached some conclusions over the last several months over the weakness, waffling and lack of ethics of so many that we have elected in DC

First CAUSE: We have a choice as to what type of candidate we elect. We may elect a “politician” – 1: a person experienced in the art or science of government ; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government 2 a: a person engaged in party politics as a profession b: a person primarily interested in political office for selfish or other narrow usually short-sighted reasons.

Alternatively, we may choose to elect a “statesman” – 1: one versed in the principles or art of government ; especially : one actively engaged in conducting the business of a government or in shaping its policies 2: one who exercises political leadership wisely and without narrow partisanship. (definitions – Merriam-Webster.com)

First RESULTING EFFECT: If we elect politicians, we have already lowered the governmental ethical bar. Lowering that bar will result in legislation that meets their personal aims rather than the good of the citizens. If we elect statesmen, we have not lowered the bar, we have added the wisdom that comes with the experience of successful governance or leadership, and resulting legislation will be for the common good, not for the satisfaction of personal or partisan goals. In a majority of cases in the media age we have elected politicians rather than statesman, resulting in the petty partisanship and egocentricity that now impedes the legislative process and continually lowers ethical boundaries.

Second CAUSE: Since the 1960′s we have been living in a society that has preached moral relativism. Catch phrases/philosophy – “situation ethics” a “Christian” theory from Episcopal priest Joseph Fletcher – It basically states that sometimes other moral principles can be cast aside in certain situations if love is best served; this progressed to “its OK if its not hurting anyone”, “if it feels good do it”, “no one has the right to say they’re position is right above all others”, “a loving God would never punish people or limit access to heaven”, “Holy Scripture is a wonderful collection of various forms of literature”, “its OK to cheat (lie, steal, murder) as long as you don’t get caught”, “there are NO (moral) absolutes”, and finally “the Constitution is a flawed document written 200+ years ago and subject to interpretation”.

Second RESULTING EFFECT: We have in our Federal and local governments a majority of politicians who, among other things, believe that their job is to interpret the Constitution rather than apply its constraints when legislating. In “politico-speak” – use the constitution when its suits them as a means to support their end goals, and discard it when it does not. Why do they feel the freedom to do this? First, there are no moral absolutes, so their are no limits to what they feel the freedom to do. Second, the governing ideas in the Constitution were based on, among other documents and writings, the moral tenets and principles found in Holy Scripture. Holy Scripture, the Old and New Testament, was for most of our founders their daily guidebook for a civil and moral life. Their success in those lives caused them to believe that the same principals would aide us in having a civil society.

If politicians no longer believe in the infallibility of scripture or that it was a Divine revelation given by our Creator so we would know how to exercise our inalienable rights, then by default they also are free to question the validity of the Constitution that was based on those scriptural principals. In short, if they believe the 2000 year old document is fallible, then by default the 200 year old document based on it is also fallible. Ergo, they may apply it situationally. In the broader picture, they can live their lives and make moral choices with impunity because their belief in fallible scripture results in no moral absolutes to govern their personal conduct.

We should not be surprised at where we now stand. We have allowed politicians rather than statesman increasing control over our nation and our lives. We have compromised our own ethics and standards when convenient. We have placed our own faith in a box that says use when necessary.

When we become desperate enough to persistently petition our Creator to show us what is necessary to restore this once great nation, then. in his Divine Providence, he will show us. Until then, we are tilting at windmills. His answer may sound something like this:

“If MY people, which are called by MY name, shall humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins and heal their land.” I Chronicles 7:14

Note – From my blog GordonGazette – http://www.gordoncafe.com

So just north of Pensacola FL. the principal of Pace HS (public), Frank Lay (pictured) asked the athletic director, Robert Freeman to say a brief blessing an appreciation luncheon for those who helped move toward a new field house.

This sort of prayer/blessing is offered every day in our congress. Now, because the principal shortsightedly did something that would have been routine 5-10 yrs ago, in the face of an earlier injunction as a result of an ACLU case, he and the Athletic Director are facing fines of up to $5,000 and possibly 6 months in Federal jail. They have also been told by the state (Bd of Ed?) that they could lose their RETIREMENTS if the case holds up – for saying a prayer at a faculty/booster luncheon.

I understand that the principal and athletic director are being said to be guilty of what might at best be misdemeanor offenses by PRAYING ILLEGALLY (I cannot believe my country has come to this when we used to read Old Testament scripture in my elementary classes) – however the possible punishment and financial ramifications of this very innocent act seem extraordinarily out of line. This is a small rural HS with a very large part of the student body who have strong faith backgrounds. The prayers were said after school hours with NO STUDENTS present. The school caved to the ACLU previously by prohibiting a Christian student body president from speaking at graduation for fear she might say something offensively Christian. Once again the good of the many is being undermined for the peevishness of a very few.

At the same time, in the same America, we can have students on a college campus imitate Gitmo prisoners kneeling on an American Flag and then defacing it by drawing a swastika on it (this during a 9/11 memorial bipatisan rally) and there is no punishment.

Gitmo protest VIDEO

Article in Washington Times regarding the Prayer case with over 500 comments:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/aug/14/criminal-prayer-case-stirs-protests/?feat=home_headlines

Local news article on the prayer matter - http://www.newsherald.com/articles/high-76368-administrators-pensacola.html

Liberty Council article on the prayer matter- http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=1016

Local Legal Defense fund established http://www.srpressgazette.com/articles/lay-7887-frank-defense.html

When people say “I want my country back” it is because we are beginning to not recognize it anymore. Especially those of us over 50. And I have to admit there are moments when I have to remember all the current citizen and soldier warriors and the ones who have gone before to truly say I am proud of my country. I cannot believe I just wrote that.

I am proud of those who are standing up and reminding everyone who sees them who America is, no matter the smears placed on them by the powers that be. It is NOT a country that should allow the travesty that is happening to these two LIFELONG educators. If our citizens allow this we have only ourselves to blame.

-Gordon –

PS – just a note of thanks to the fine officers who peacefully dispersed a growing drug-related teen fight right outside my apartment that erupted while I was writing this. Some new “non-resident elements” are causing havoc in what has previously been a very safe place to live. Will appreciate your prayers that the leasing company gains some control of the situation.

Ok – I’ve seen videos of folks saying WHY they are in the “angry mob” and who they are. Here’s your chance! Just add a comment telling who you are and why YOU ARE THE MOB.

I’ll start:
***************
55
Christian
Public school teacher in Title I Renaissance school(poorest of poor)
Blogger
Widow
GOP (for now)

Note to the Obama/DNC- You will be incredibly sorry you dismissed and insulted America’s largest volunteer force and called out the SEIU/ACORN thugs on them. Nah, I’m not talking about me and my co-conspirators in the WORKING mob. We are an auxiliary of the real MOB. The ones who grew up during WWI, survived the truly GREAT and life-altering Depression, fought in or served at home during WWII and Korea, sent their children to VietNam and their grandchildren and great grandchildren to the wars in the Mid-east.

Do you really think that the generation who lived through watching Hitler destroy a continent through his propoganda (along with special domestic forces, brainwashing of the youth, and oh yeah, genocide of millions) are not going to be a LITTLE suspect of you trying to take over an industry that they depend on and completely alter its make-up? Do you really not understand that this is the generation that reads and if possible highlights every word of every thing they sign and usually ask for 24-48 hours before doing so?

They GET that you are moving way too fast and they have some serious questions. They arrived there all on their own. The greatest generation are NOT ignorant sheep that must be led by mass media. They actually grew up reading books! Do you really think they are too stupid to see that medicare will eventually disappear and they will be forced under this system? Or that all of your advisors see little “productive unit” value in anyone over 60 with health challenges?

If there’s a national or local emergency or disaster, who shows up? Senior citizens. Low-paid poll workers? Senior citizens. Library, hospital and school volunteers? Senior citizens. Hardest workers in any church, synagogue, lodge or civic organization? Senior citizens. Why? They grew up with a spirit of volunteerism that was inbred. It reached searing strength fighting great evil in the last century. They WILL get organized in a heartbeat and – note to AARP – THEY DON’T NEED the DNC or you.

Do you really think the generation that saved America from the Nazi’s and the Japanese emeror is going to be afraid of a few thugs from Chicago and some beat up “finally got a chance at power” aging commies/socialists/progressives? THINK AGAIN! If they have not been educating their children and grand-children they will now. You will soon see Senior Rallies. I dare you to see the reaction of ALL Americans if you bring out your thugs against them. Hey Mom – I’m speaking up for you here – love ya. If you haven’t met my Mom – be very afraid.

Tampa, FL – Smiling faces of all colors speaking total lies about conservatives, calmly telling me that I was a goon for the big drug companies, a racist and a moron. Another told me that if I went to the emergency room without insurance I would get care because “my skin was white” whereas she wouldn’t “because her skin was black”. I calmly explained that was illegal and if she allowed herself to be turned away, she was not claiming the rights she already had by law.

I had someone violently smack my hand and tell me to “stop trying to poke my eye out with your f**ing finger!”. Another person walking down the sidewalk saw a “Don’t Tread On Me” flag and said – “Oh don’t walk buy them – we might get hit!”. Heard another say about a white male protestor “Look at that idiot redneck with the potbelly – he don’t know crap”.

It’s enough to make you angry (along with all the FISHY things that the GOVERNMENT is doing and all the lies told in the media). But I work VERY hard at not showing that anger. I do that purposely.

Why? Well I have a scenario that keeps popping in my head. Because a majority of those (definitely NOT all) who are showing up to protest Health Care Reform and ask questions happen to be Caucasian or Asian – well actually, we’re just Americans, but I guess that doesn’t matter – I believe we have a real danger emerging as the ACORN and SEIU thugs appear. And it’s not violence.

I am going to speak the unthinkable. I was raised in the Northeast and do not have a prejudiced bone in my body. My place of work is in a very poor community However, I am just getting an image of someone catching this scene on camera – I give in and shout “Answer the question!” while black SEIU workers are lining the front of a room and a politician is spouting talking points and not answering any questions. And the photograph would not be pretty.

Most people are not attractive when they yell. Pictures of white people yelling while blacks stand calmly? Not very pretty at all. And, I believe, just what SEIU is hoping to see. Then there will be a reason for violence – because we will be “just like all them rednecks who held blacks down for a hundred years!”. Anyway, remember we have a president who does not believe that the Supreme Court has done enough to redress the grievances of slavery. Making us angry is one of the “Rules for Radicals”.

Let’s not give the opportunity for that falsehood to run rampant. At any event I attend I am simply going to stand silently – whether with a sign or without – and calmly ask a question if I get the opportunity. I will not interact. I will not answer questions. Just stand and represent my country and my fears and hopes for the future.

PS – I will also join the “silent prayer line” movement on Saturday August 15 from 10-12 that has been being promoted on Twitter. They (not sure the originator) suggested doing this at the State Capitol, but local Town Halls or congressional offices would work for those who cannot travel. No debates, no violence – just flags and silent intercession for our nation. No Obama/party directed signs. Make messages about policy, not the president. Anything else is pointless and provocative. Single line stretching as far as it will on public sidewalk without blocking any entries or exits for vehicle or pedestrians.

This is a video I made from the few pictures I was able to take at the Tampa Town Hall last night. I was one of those stuck outside. The words n the music say “The God who gave us Life, gave us Liberty at the same time. The hand of force may destroy, but shall not disjoin them!”

Keep standing!

Here is my report:
I was approaching the meeting as people were coming the other way saying the meeting was already closed and they were turned away(right at 6 pm). But I persevered and was in the flow as the line move around the building. I was able to get almost to the doors when police said no one else could go in – even to the air conditioned anteroom. Throughout the hour they continued to not let anyone in even though others were coming out.

Yes there was chanting out side from both sides – “read the bill!” “Obama! “Just say NO!” “Public Option!” “Bring it outside!”

If there were opponents banging on windows as has been reported, it must have been on the other side of the building, where reportedly supporters were being let in the back door.

Yes, half of the room was reserved for SEIU.

If there was violence, from everything I have seen, it all came from ObamaCare supporters.

I saw one man come out to try to make a police report. He was right in front of me. His shirt was half torn off and he had a large deep scratch on his chest. Said someone inside twisted his arm, ripped his watch off. I could not hear what he said about his shirt and the scratch. I later learned that he was forcibly pushed out the doors to the actually meeting room before the doors were closed to people in the anteroom even being able to hear and see. He is the one in the green shirt by the closed doors in the last video* below (this video is also on Eric’s blog – I put it here for reference).

I was confronted by two ObamaCare supporters who demanded why I could not find a GOP town hall to attend. I told them that as a citizen of Tampa, Florida and America I had every right to be there. They kept a running “what a bunch of hired goons” commentary going behind me.

Another supporter with a handmade ObamaCare sign asked me a question. When I tried to answer she violently slapped my hand and told me to “stop trying to put out her eye with my f**ing finger!”. My finger WAS pointed but my hand was at MY waist next to MY body.

The crowd outside was very large and I would say at least 3/1 Obamacare opponents. I can’t report on inside but was told by others I knew who made it in that it was a complete farce. Castor did not answer any questions and left 30 minutes into the meeting by the backdoor.

The meeting was supposed to run from 6-8. Police told us to disperse at approximately 7:10. The actual words were -

“We need you to clear the premises so the people inside are able to exit”

My interpretation – “Americans – get out of the way so the select few can leave safely!”

Many continued to stand in front of the building. I am waiting for the 10 pm news to see how this is reported.

In the words of my soon coming protest song – “I will not apologize, I will not sit down. I will fight for freedom’s cause and beat this tyranny down!”

This video from Fox News Tampa shows me at the beginning in the white jacket n the middle. The woman standing behind with long blond hair, sign held high saying “We want public option” is the one who slammed my hand. By the way – I am fully expecting my pick slip from the school district when they see I was there.

*Last a powerful video from You Tube that happened INSIDE.

Short and sweet – Today- Thursday – tweet this -

@whitehouse I am the mob! You WON’T shut me up! #iamthemob #ThugThursday

Do it over and over like a chant.

If you want to add particulars of who you are like age, party, location, gender or profession, that’s great.

If you also want to call, email or fax, that’s great too.