I was saddened when I read in the Poughkeepsie Journal that the little boy who was in an accident on the Saw Mill Parkway died. According to the news reports, somebody stopped in the passing lane of the southbound parkway, waiting to make an illegal U-turn. The guy waiting to make the turn was rear-ended by another car and pushed into the oncoming northbound lane. In being pushed into the oncoming traffic, it hit the vehicle the little boy was riding in. Sadly, they were coming from a Yankees game.
Two points on this tragedy:
(1) Given the severe head injuries the boy sustained, I suspect he wasn’t strapped in. Always wear your seat belts, even when riding in the back seat. Younger children should have age-appropriate children’s car seats.
(2) Before doing something illegal, reckless, stupid or otherwise dangerous, THINK before you act! Stopping in the passing lane of a parkway where people are going 50 mph or more is unbelievably stupid and dangerous. Although charges haven’t yet been pressed, I suspect the guy who stopped on the parkway will be charged with vehicular manslaughter or some similar charge that will probably put him in prison.
So you have three families whose lives have been ruined: the boy’s family, the family of the guy who will probably go to prison, and the family of the person who rear-ended him. Every day I see stupid and reckless acts on the road, and it’s a miracle there aren’t more accidents and tragedies. Don’t become a statistic.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
What’s Wrong with Nuclear Power?
If you ask that question of some people, they will give you a laundry list: dangerous, Chernobyl, waste storage, lack of controls, etc. What it really boils down to is an irrational fear of nuclear power.
I say “irrational” because there has been one minor incident in the U.S. (Three Mile Island) and one major catastrophe (Chernobyl). Three Mile Island was blown out of proportion by the press, and Chernobyl resulted from a dysfunctional Soviet Union. Done right, nuclear can be a source of safe, clean, and relatively cheap energy. I believe it is the key to our future, but some don’t see it that way.
Interestingly, it is the leftists typically are against nuclear power, while those on the Right tend to favor it. Given that nuclear power plants can replace polluting coal-burning plants, thus helping the ecology, I’m not sure why those on the Left are so anti-nuclear. I believe with a concerted effort by the government and industry, we can resolve the waste storage problem, develop appropriate safeguards, and do it right. Let’s stop polluting the earth and go nuclear!
Certainly we can have wind farms, and we can and must conserve, but those measures will not meet the needs of our nation. We must build many nuclear plants and phase out the fossil fuel plants, keeping them in reserve for peak summer usage. With cheap and abundant electricity, we can begin heating our homes electrically, power our cars electrically, and use fossil fuels in airplanes and trucks where there aren’t any readily-available substitutes for petroleum. Let’s move into the 21st century and stop using 19th century technology!
I say “irrational” because there has been one minor incident in the U.S. (Three Mile Island) and one major catastrophe (Chernobyl). Three Mile Island was blown out of proportion by the press, and Chernobyl resulted from a dysfunctional Soviet Union. Done right, nuclear can be a source of safe, clean, and relatively cheap energy. I believe it is the key to our future, but some don’t see it that way.
Interestingly, it is the leftists typically are against nuclear power, while those on the Right tend to favor it. Given that nuclear power plants can replace polluting coal-burning plants, thus helping the ecology, I’m not sure why those on the Left are so anti-nuclear. I believe with a concerted effort by the government and industry, we can resolve the waste storage problem, develop appropriate safeguards, and do it right. Let’s stop polluting the earth and go nuclear!
Certainly we can have wind farms, and we can and must conserve, but those measures will not meet the needs of our nation. We must build many nuclear plants and phase out the fossil fuel plants, keeping them in reserve for peak summer usage. With cheap and abundant electricity, we can begin heating our homes electrically, power our cars electrically, and use fossil fuels in airplanes and trucks where there aren’t any readily-available substitutes for petroleum. Let’s move into the 21st century and stop using 19th century technology!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Reduce Government Expenses
Government at all levels is cutting expenses due to the recession and the resulting decline in tax revenues. I believe it is the responsibility of we the people to understand what government officials are proposing to cut, and then let our representatives know what we think. We need to have a voice in the process. Believe me, the special interests have a voice, and if that’s all our representatives hear, that’s who they’ll listen to.
Gov. Patterson of New York just came out with proposals for cutting back expenses. Do you know what he is proposing? Various cities, towns, villages and counties will be doing the same. Will you study what they are proposing and let them know what you think they are doing wrong?
Over the past seven years we have seen the largest growth in federal government since the Great Society and the New Deal, and this was done by a Republican administration! Government has paid for or gotten itself into things that are not appropriate. Now some tough decisions will have to be made, and we must make sure they are made. Let’s start holding our representatives and local officials accountable.
I believe government should do either what nobody else can do (such as taking care of roads, providing public education) or what government typically is responsible for (such as national defense, fie departments, police), and nothing else. Government at all levels will have to stop spending on things outside of its core responsibilities, and stop “earmarks” (spending on pet projects that typically aren’t funded by government). I don’t think government should be funding the arts, for example. This is not a core responsibility. Private funding is more appropriate for the arts and things like that.
Don’t let local officials scare you. The first thing they say is they’ll have to cut some educational programs, and cut back on fire and police. Let’s look at the schools’ core goal, which is to educate our children. Rather than cutting back on education (its fundamental reason for being), let them cut back on sports and extracurricular activities (or charge fees or increase fees). Why subsidize sports and other non-core activities at the expense of education? That doesn’t make sense.
Same with fire and police. Cut back on other things less essential to the welfare of the citizenry. Increase user fees. One problem we have now is rebuilding the infrastructure. I believe this is essential, but some states (and I think the federal government) have plundered the highway trust funds so now they have no money. Decreased gas tax revenues have made the situation worse. There is already tremendous debt, so how can there be more borrowing to fund this work? Bad leadership has created this mess, and all I can think of (besides putting those government officials in jail for robbing the trust funds to pay for their pet projects) is cutting back on nonessentials so that roads and bridges can be repaired and replaced.
We love to complain, but often aren’t part of the process. Our voting record is pitiful in this country. Now, more than ever, it is critical for all of us to be part of the solution. May God bless you as you work to improve our government and our society.
Gov. Patterson of New York just came out with proposals for cutting back expenses. Do you know what he is proposing? Various cities, towns, villages and counties will be doing the same. Will you study what they are proposing and let them know what you think they are doing wrong?
Over the past seven years we have seen the largest growth in federal government since the Great Society and the New Deal, and this was done by a Republican administration! Government has paid for or gotten itself into things that are not appropriate. Now some tough decisions will have to be made, and we must make sure they are made. Let’s start holding our representatives and local officials accountable.
I believe government should do either what nobody else can do (such as taking care of roads, providing public education) or what government typically is responsible for (such as national defense, fie departments, police), and nothing else. Government at all levels will have to stop spending on things outside of its core responsibilities, and stop “earmarks” (spending on pet projects that typically aren’t funded by government). I don’t think government should be funding the arts, for example. This is not a core responsibility. Private funding is more appropriate for the arts and things like that.
Don’t let local officials scare you. The first thing they say is they’ll have to cut some educational programs, and cut back on fire and police. Let’s look at the schools’ core goal, which is to educate our children. Rather than cutting back on education (its fundamental reason for being), let them cut back on sports and extracurricular activities (or charge fees or increase fees). Why subsidize sports and other non-core activities at the expense of education? That doesn’t make sense.
Same with fire and police. Cut back on other things less essential to the welfare of the citizenry. Increase user fees. One problem we have now is rebuilding the infrastructure. I believe this is essential, but some states (and I think the federal government) have plundered the highway trust funds so now they have no money. Decreased gas tax revenues have made the situation worse. There is already tremendous debt, so how can there be more borrowing to fund this work? Bad leadership has created this mess, and all I can think of (besides putting those government officials in jail for robbing the trust funds to pay for their pet projects) is cutting back on nonessentials so that roads and bridges can be repaired and replaced.
We love to complain, but often aren’t part of the process. Our voting record is pitiful in this country. Now, more than ever, it is critical for all of us to be part of the solution. May God bless you as you work to improve our government and our society.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Black in America
CNN ran a series on this past Wednesday and Thursday called “Black in America.” They are running it again on Saturday, 7/26. I recommend you watch it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Bi-Lingual Nation?
Bilingualism hasn’t been in the news recently, but it’s still there. We see it in many official announcements and in stores. If you go into Lowe’s you see signs in both English and Spanish, and you hear announcements over the PA system in Spanish. The question is, is it appropriate to make the US a bilingual nation?
The history of bilingual nations isn’t always pretty. There have been problems in Canada and in Belgium, both of which are officially bilingual. One thing that has helped unite a very diverse United States is one language. I see no reason to change that.
Some would say that there are so many Spanish speakers in the US that we should accommodate them. First of all, 12 million are here illegally, so I can’t see any reason to become bilingual for that reason. Second, having a bilingual nation will further divide us, which we don’t need. Third, it will reduce the incentive to the Latinos to learn English and assimilate. English will be the language necessary to succeed for the foreseeable future, so a lack of English proficiency would be a hindrance to fulfilling the American dream.
Under our present one language situation, immigrants often retain many of their cultural traditions, but learn the common language of English, strive to get an education, and generally by the second or third generation feel a part of the mainstream US. We see that with most Latinos, so why hinder that process my giving them little incentive to learn English? All we would be doing is creating an underclass of Spanish-speakers.
The history of bilingual nations isn’t always pretty. There have been problems in Canada and in Belgium, both of which are officially bilingual. One thing that has helped unite a very diverse United States is one language. I see no reason to change that.
Some would say that there are so many Spanish speakers in the US that we should accommodate them. First of all, 12 million are here illegally, so I can’t see any reason to become bilingual for that reason. Second, having a bilingual nation will further divide us, which we don’t need. Third, it will reduce the incentive to the Latinos to learn English and assimilate. English will be the language necessary to succeed for the foreseeable future, so a lack of English proficiency would be a hindrance to fulfilling the American dream.
Under our present one language situation, immigrants often retain many of their cultural traditions, but learn the common language of English, strive to get an education, and generally by the second or third generation feel a part of the mainstream US. We see that with most Latinos, so why hinder that process my giving them little incentive to learn English? All we would be doing is creating an underclass of Spanish-speakers.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Where Is God?
Often one of the most frequent reactions to a disaster is, “Where was God?” That was asked on 9/11, and it was asked which Katrina struck the Gulf Coast. I’m sure it’s also asked in many other personal and large tragedies. I have no doubt that as the economic times get tougher, many will be asking that same question, “Where is God?”
I believe our nation has been especially blessed and has been used by God throughout its short history. We’ve had a mix of people from all over the world that have blended together reasonably well. We are united by one common language that anybody coming to these shores understands they will have to learn in order to thrive. This country has not been hindered by a caste system or other artificial barriers to success, with the rather large exceptions of race and usually first and often second generation immigrants.
We’ve been blessed with natural resources, rich farmland, and a government that was designed to be about the best one ever designed by man (flawed not so much by design as by the sinful people who are in charge of it). We have a constitution that guarantees certain inalienable rights (although some of those rights are being eroded thanks to ungodly court decisions).
Our country has been used by God as a haven for those suffering religious and other kinds of persecution; as a power to ultimately bring to a conclusion two world wars; as an example of how a nation should operate; as a base for sending missionaries to the rest of the world; as a source of monetary aid to struggling developing countries; and as a protective force for Israel.
In the past 60 years, we have been progressively turning our back on the God of our Fathers, the God under which the country was founded (“one nation, under God…”). While we probably have the highest percentage of regular church attendance of any nation (which is commendable), in fact we as a nation are moving further and further away from God and biblical principles. We see this in our trashy culture which we the people support by buying or watching what the morally bankrupt entertainment industry produces. We see it in our “liberal” laws and in court cases. Read what Jesus said to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-17; 19-20
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
“I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked...
“I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.” NRSV
That could be written for us today in the United States, as could the following passage from 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, where God tells his people Israel:
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. NRSV
I believe we are entering the years of the locust in that we will be soon facing the worst economic times since The Great Depression of the 1930s. Some economic experts are saying it will be worse than the 1930s in that we will have a significant loss of buying power (i.e., inflation) accompanied by unemployment and the other problems that usually are part of an economic downturn. I’m hoping that as a result of that economic hardship, people will return to God and this nation will once again be blessed and used of God. We also have the promise in Joel 2:25a: I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten… NRSV
So if you ask, “Where is God?” I can tell you God is always where he’s always been. We are the ones who moved. I encourage you to get back into right relationship with God now.
I believe our nation has been especially blessed and has been used by God throughout its short history. We’ve had a mix of people from all over the world that have blended together reasonably well. We are united by one common language that anybody coming to these shores understands they will have to learn in order to thrive. This country has not been hindered by a caste system or other artificial barriers to success, with the rather large exceptions of race and usually first and often second generation immigrants.
We’ve been blessed with natural resources, rich farmland, and a government that was designed to be about the best one ever designed by man (flawed not so much by design as by the sinful people who are in charge of it). We have a constitution that guarantees certain inalienable rights (although some of those rights are being eroded thanks to ungodly court decisions).
Our country has been used by God as a haven for those suffering religious and other kinds of persecution; as a power to ultimately bring to a conclusion two world wars; as an example of how a nation should operate; as a base for sending missionaries to the rest of the world; as a source of monetary aid to struggling developing countries; and as a protective force for Israel.
In the past 60 years, we have been progressively turning our back on the God of our Fathers, the God under which the country was founded (“one nation, under God…”). While we probably have the highest percentage of regular church attendance of any nation (which is commendable), in fact we as a nation are moving further and further away from God and biblical principles. We see this in our trashy culture which we the people support by buying or watching what the morally bankrupt entertainment industry produces. We see it in our “liberal” laws and in court cases. Read what Jesus said to the church in Laodicea in Revelation 3:14-17; 19-20
“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the origin of God's creation:
“I know your works; you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to spit you out of my mouth. For you say, 'I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing.' You do not realize that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked...
“I reprove and discipline those whom I love. Be earnest, therefore, and repent.” NRSV
That could be written for us today in the United States, as could the following passage from 2 Chronicles 7:13-15, where God tells his people Israel:
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, pray, seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. NRSV
I believe we are entering the years of the locust in that we will be soon facing the worst economic times since The Great Depression of the 1930s. Some economic experts are saying it will be worse than the 1930s in that we will have a significant loss of buying power (i.e., inflation) accompanied by unemployment and the other problems that usually are part of an economic downturn. I’m hoping that as a result of that economic hardship, people will return to God and this nation will once again be blessed and used of God. We also have the promise in Joel 2:25a: I will repay you for the years that the swarming locust has eaten… NRSV
So if you ask, “Where is God?” I can tell you God is always where he’s always been. We are the ones who moved. I encourage you to get back into right relationship with God now.
Friday, July 18, 2008
The Reason for Church
In an earlier post, I encouraged those dissatisfied with their own church not to drop out, but to find a church more to their liking. Today some say the Church is irrelevant, and some individual churches have become irrelevant. A church becomes irrelevant when it isn’t fulfilling its God-given purposes.
We have to remember that the Church is not the hierarchy, the clergy, or the organization. The Church is each and every believer, coming together as a body to do God’s work. Jesus established the Church to do his work on earth once he had ascended into heaven. The church operates under the power of the Holy Spirit, but it has to be open to the leading of the Spirit. Some are not, unfortunately, and they founder. Obviously there have been times in history when the Spirit was ignored and terrible things were done by the Church in the name of God.
Because the Church is made up of many people being led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said we will be able to do great works (John 14:12):
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” NRSV
As I believe I have mentioned in the past, the purposes of the Church are, in my opinion, the same as those mentioned in the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. As a matter of fact, we can best fulfill those personal purposes by being part of a church. Those five purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry/service, and evangelism/mission.
We have to remember that the Church is not the hierarchy, the clergy, or the organization. The Church is each and every believer, coming together as a body to do God’s work. Jesus established the Church to do his work on earth once he had ascended into heaven. The church operates under the power of the Holy Spirit, but it has to be open to the leading of the Spirit. Some are not, unfortunately, and they founder. Obviously there have been times in history when the Spirit was ignored and terrible things were done by the Church in the name of God.
Because the Church is made up of many people being led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus said we will be able to do great works (John 14:12):
“Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” NRSV
As I believe I have mentioned in the past, the purposes of the Church are, in my opinion, the same as those mentioned in the book The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. As a matter of fact, we can best fulfill those personal purposes by being part of a church. Those five purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry/service, and evangelism/mission.
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