Glenn Beck? Oh What the Heck!

It has been fun to read the varied responses to the recent Glenn Beck “Return to Honor” gathering in Washington D.C. The most fun has been the bantering by evangelicals. Most are not sure what to make of Glenn and especially the Mormon Church. The most interesting question has been: Is this a Beck conversion?

I suppose anything is possible… Beck did “convert” to Mormonism some years ago. But why does it have to be a conversion? Why can’t a Mormon be concerned about America? Why can‘t a Mormon know that the only way to maintain our freedoms and liberties is through being true to God? Why can’t a Mormon desire a return to God? Beck, as a Mormon, has recognized the dangerous times in which we live and is sincerely using whatever God has made available to him to do something about it.

Why are the evangelicals suspicious? One declared that America was founded on Protestant Christianity. He pointed out that only one Catholic signed the Declaration of Independence and that all the rest were from the protestant tradition. I’m sure historians would argue whether you could describe all of the Founders as strict traditional “Protestants,” but can agree that they believed in the “Christian” God. Mormon’s also believe in the “Christian” God… if you agree that Jesus Christ is God!

That brings me to the next suspicion. Evangelicals do not like Mormon theology of the Godhead. Both sides agree that the Godhead is made up of three entities: The Father, Son and Holy Ghost. However, there is substantial disagreement about what the Godhead looks like. Evangelicals believe in the traditional Godhead that grew out of the creeds of Christian fathers: Three entities, one God. Mormons believe in Three entities who are agreed in one, each fulfilling unique missions under the direction of God the Father. Does that mean we can’t stand on the same stage and invite all Americans to return to honor… return to God?

Another evangelical pointed out that Mormon’s believe that Christ’s Atonement did not take place on the cross, but in the garden of Gethsemane. That’s why Mormon’s don’t have crosses on their building or have them dangling around their necks. So, Mormon’s obviously do not believe as Paul: preach Christ and Him crucified. Well, this is unfortunate misinformation. Mormons do preach the crucifixion. Mormons believe that the Atonement began in Gethsemane, where the Savior did pour out great drops of blood as He suffered for the sins of mankind. But all Mormons also know that the Atonement continued through the crucifixion and culminated in the resurrection. You see, Paul also preached that “we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10). Mormons preach that the only way we can overcome this fallen life is through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, but also know that we can ease life’s path by choosing to focus on the Savior’s life and living as He did as best we can.

With all that said, and despite the differences, it has been heartening to see that some evangelicals are setting aside theological differences and giving Beck the benefit of the doubt. Why not? The circumstances we find ourselves in these days cry for a unity of faith in a God… one that can help us return to honor. And on that point, I’m with Beck.

Dreams "On the Side"

What a day to live in. Each day things seems to change right before your eyes. As a boy, growing up in the deserts of southern Nevada, I had my dreams. They fluctuated between playing in a rock band to being an international spy. But at some point, reality set in and I had to “do” something, not just dream it, in order to be a contributing member of society.

In time, I found myself as a teacher. I’ve taught for decades now, not just years. Was teaching ever a dream? No. But it has been a stable profession that has allowed me to marry and raise five children to adulthood. Have all my dreams been dashed upon the rocks of reality? I can honestly say, no.

I still have dreams… they’ve just morphed and changed over the years. I have been able to fulfill many of them “on the side” of real life. Some people experience some luck and fall into a situation where their “dream” and their “life’s work” are one in the same. For most of us, however, we mostly work out our dreams on the side. But that’s OK. Those who fulfill their dreams “on the side,” at least, are no burden on their neighbors.

That brings me to something that troubles me these days. There seem to be many who have no qualms about being a burden on their neighbors. In fact, they often declare that they are owed something. Life owes them, the government owes them, their parents owe them, something or everything. What ever happened to personal responsibility? Picking yourself up by your own boot-straps? Why does it seem like there are woefully fewer individuals who believe in the value of being self-reliant? And then I get really troubled when those who should no better promote such attitudes.

I was shocked recently when word hit the news about some comments Nancy Pelosi gave at a Washington event. She was defending the merits of the unmerited Obama Health-Care Bill. Note this insightful quote from her speech:

“We see it as an entrepreneurial bill, a bill that says to someone, if you want to be creative and be a musician or whatever, you can leave your work, focus on your talent, your skill, your passion, your aspirations because you will have health care. You don't have to be job-locked.”

Gosh, the government will save us. Where were they when I was dreaming about being in a rock band or employing skills as an international spy? I sure missed out didn’t I? Instead, I’m one of those guys who will foot the bill for those who can now escape being “job-locked” and feel free to forever explore their dreams. Why? Because they will no longer need a job to have health care.

Well, as far as I’m concerned, I feel much more useful and valuable to society as an active contributor… one who is self-sustaining and responsible… and still get to enjoy dreams “on the side.” To my own kids, and to the rising generation, I say, try it, you may like it… and yourself.

Hear the Boot Drop?

Well Utah has sent a message to all RINOs that exist in the political zoo in Washington D.C. It came in the form of the rejection of Bob Bennett, a 3-term incumbent Republican, in the second of three rounds of voting. Setting aside the frantic picture being painted by the MSM (main stream media ) that a gang of radical tea party-ers were to blame, you can bet that RINOs throughout the US heard the boot drop echo from Utah.

So, what is the reaction of the esteemed Utah Senate delegation? Bennett suggested that he was done in by the toxic political environment and a couple of votes. Then he said the words that really grind on me. He said that it was these things “that ended my career.” Well, there you have it. Any sympathy I might have had for the guy is drowned out by that “career” word. For I man who promised Utahans that he would only serve two terms, the word “career” shows his true heart. Too many politicians see their position of trust as a career as opposed to a time of service for their country.

The other esteemed Senator from Utah has a similar problem. When he ran against Frank Moss what seems like centuries ago, he fought off Moss’s argument that his position of power and influence nurtured over decades of work make him a shoe in for Utahans. Hatch downplayed the importance of such position, power, and influence. Utah agreed and voted him into office. How the shoe is on the other foot. Guess who’s using the “power and influence and position” argument? Can you hear echoes of Frank Moss? Like Mr. Moss and Mr. Bennett, Hatch has become a career politician.

Asked what he thought of Bennett’s defeat and the possibility that he will run into the same opposition, Hatch responded with, “I’m ready for a fight.” A fight? Now that’s a very interesting response. I’d ask him: “Well, just who do you think you’re going to be fighting with, Mr. Hatch?” There’s only one answer—his own constituency. If he thinks he can win that fight, then he deserves a royal whipping.

It’s time to remove career politicians across the country. Service in Washington is NOT a career or a right of passage or anything else. It’s an opportunity to serve your country and to maintain for the people their rights and freedoms.

We need more boots to drop.

“It’s not Time to Retreat, but to Reload”

So, what were you doing this morning? Sleeping in? Jogging? Eating a big breakfast? Tilling your garden space for Spring planting? Well, when I started out this morning at my wife’s encouragement, I could think of several other places to be going. Staying with the in-laws in Henderson, NV, we stepped out of their home, hopped into the XTerra, and headed to Searchlight.

What in the heck were we doing going to Searchlight? Well, it wasn’t to shake hands with each of the 773 people who live there. On this particular weekend, there was an organized event. In fact, it was a Tea Party, purposely scheduled in Harry Reid’s hometown. Why? It was a “Dump Harry Reid” party, and Sarah Palin showed up to give it some creds.

About 4 miles outside of Searchlight we ran into stop and go traffic. It was a little surprising since they were only expecting about 4,000 people to show up. We slowly made our way another 2 ½ miles and noticed people pulling of I-95 and parking. We hurried and did the same.

There we were, walking with whites, blacks, Latinos and Hispanics. They were of all ages, from kids to grandpas… all of them happy to be together and shooting pictures of posters and signs. It was also an interesting mix of people from all walks of life. You had your bikers with long hair and earrings to grandmas with umbrellas. One guy had his leg in a brace and a cane… slowly making his way to the event. These folks were quite a contrast to the Reid supporters who drove by yelling obscenities from car windows or who threw eggs at the Tea Party Express bus. In fact, I’m sure the Nevada Highway Patrol had to be surprised by the pleasant thank you’s extended to them as they crossed the street.

When we finally finished our 1 ½ walk, we were surprised to find a crowd of people in a dusty desert bowl surrounding a makeshift stage. High above the stage was a large speaker hanging from a cranes extension. We heard a variety of different speakers whipping the crowd into a frenzy. There were a number of motor homes parked around the bowl marking the perimeter. We made our way to a rise on the opposite side of the bowl and sat on a rocky mound.

My wife asked if these people were in Cougar stadium how many people would I say were there. It was a good way to look at the crowd. My best guess was that there were 30,000 to 40,000 people crowded in that dusty bowl. Flags colored the crowd: an American flag here; a “Don’t Tread on Me” flag there. A variety of signs and tee shirts carefully moved through the mass of people. One young woman featured a sign that said: “I’m in your DEBT, Obama.” High in the skies above, five planes painted word art messages. “God bless the US.” “Tea Party-ers Vote Reid Out.” And then Sarah Palin took the stage….

She is a crowd favorite. A helicopter from a local station hovered above us; they must have been informed about the time Palin was to speak. It was so noisy it competed with Palin’s talk. The cold wind didn’t help either. It didn’t matter to the crowd, they were glad to be there and to heartily thank Palin for some one-liners that they did catch. What was one of her most popular one-liners? “It’s not time to retreat… but to reload.”

Well, that is the point, isn’t it. The Democrats cram through legislation that Americans didn’t want. They did so in ways that sicken most red-blooded Americans. They’ve abused some principles of representative government. Finally, Mr. Obama signed it into law. With so much going against us… including our own elected representatives… the tendency would be to throw in the towel. “Why try… no one’s listening anyway?”

Well, from what I saw today, no one is throwing in the towel. In fact, they’re writing “Don’t Tread on Me” on their towels and waving them for the world to see. Palin’s got it right… one battle may be over, but the war goes on. Don’t retreat, just reload. Well, this is one Basicguy who will do just that. I’m not finished… I’m thinking we replace those who refuse to represent the people in both 2010 and 2012. We literally reload Congress and the White House and then repeal bad law. In time the bad taste in my mouth will be gone and I’ll once again be enjoying the sweet flavor of liberty and hope.

Well, our first Tea Party experience is now over. How heartening it is to know that good and basic people are rallying to this cause. Little Searchlight, Nevada, drew people from Texas, Oregon, California, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Pennsylvania and, of course, Nevada. This is a nationwide movement. It is a grassroots movement. It is a movement for limited government, free enterprise, and sanity in the political arena. Basic people mad about Mr. Obama’s change, like a sleeping giant, are awake and rising up to wrench America back from the hands of those who hate it and intend to reinvent it in their own sorry image.
Well, America is speaking out… since too few are speaking for them in Washington. Reload America… lock and load… load with the right ammunition—the principles of freedom found in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Now, I’m just a Basicguy, but if America rode into existence on the shoulders of such weighty principles, we can ride them again to reclaim our nation.

Denying the Undeniable

Did you catch the new out of Washington D.C. today? The Obama administration had an anniversary of sorts. Under the circumstances, I’m not sure I would have even brought it up. But they did. It was a year ago today that Mr. Obama signed the nearly a billion dollar Stimulus Bill. Fox News reported it this way:

“The White House stood its ground Wednesday on the impact of the economic stimulus package, arguing that the bill signed a year ago has given an ‘undeniable’ boost to the economy and that Republican critics are just playing politics.

“On the one-year anniversary of the bill's signing, President Obama said the $787 billion package saved 2 million jobs and helped prevent a ‘second depression.’ White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said that while many Americans have soured to the program, the bill is working and taxpayers will ‘absolutely’ have a different outlook once it has had its full effect.”

Golly, I’m sure glad we dodged that “second depression”! Of course, on earlier similar claims Mr. Obama and his staff have made, no one had any idea where they got their numbers. We’ll probably hear similar reports about these claims too. But not to worry, Roberts Gibbs assures us that it’s all “undeniable.”

Hmmm. That sounds familiar. Wasn’t that word once used to describe the science behind global warming and climate change… even by this administration? Makes one wonder doesn’t it.

Aw, what the heck. I’m going out on a limb. I’m denying the undeniable in this case. Getting to be quite a habit too.

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Do you feel like a sing along with Andy Williams? I do. And there’s one song in particular that I’d love to belt out about now. Let it Snow. Why? Because if Washington DC is socked in with record snow levels, maybe Congress can’t do any more damage to the country. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

Tea Anyone?

Now, I’m not a tea drinker… never have been. Actually, some forms of it is against my religion. However, there is one particular tea I’m very partial to. It both tastes good and feels right. It’s something that anyone can taste or feel at your local tea party. What am I talking about?

Well, there have been “tea parties” sweeping the nation for at least a year now and they keep coming. The name was borrowed from our early revolutionists who opposed British taxation on local tea and ended with a major tea party in Boston harbor. The movement today is a national stand of regular people against big government and irresponsible spending. In essence it’s a citizen’s revolt against the policies of intrusion by the Obama White house and the wasteful and out of control spending of Congress. And to me, it’s the only tea that both tastes and feels good going down.

I’ve watched it with a great deal of interest and feel swells of patriotism for my country. A glimmer of hope fills me knowing that I’m no longer alone in a world that once appeared to be slipping into political and economic insanity. But of course, if we’re not careful, all of this hope can be dashed upon rocks of reality. I see worries on the horizon.

Tea Partiers beware! Political forces see you as a prime source to exploit, are at your doors. Don’t get sucked into their web. Many are conspiring for their own gain. The GOP would love to “catch” your wave and claim you as its own. Now, I’m a republican, a say this carefully. I may be a Republican, but I’m a conservative first. Republicans like Democrats use movements to gain power. Republicans “used” conservatism for this purpose and once in control ended up wielding their new-found power to simply maintain job security on the people’s dime. Conservatives felt betrayed when those entrusted with the reins of power defaulted to party politics. The same thing will happen to the Tea Party movement if you are not careful.

Another warning I can see is the temptation to establish a third party. Political parties tend to exist less for movements, and more for those who seize control of them. Power invested in the few has a debilitating affect on mere mortals. They tend to think its all about them instead of an opportunity to use talents for the greater good… servants of the people. With this in mind, I was glad to see Mark Skoda (a Tea Party organizer in Memphis, TN) says:

“This movement is beginning to mature… not as a third party but a force to be reckoned with in the traditional party structure.”

Now that makes the most sense to a basicguy like me. The Tea Party needs to remain as a movement. There may a star around which the movement takes voice such as a Sarah Palin or a Mit Romney. But as soon as any one person sees it as a chance to seize some power and wealth, and Tea Partiers allow it to happen, then the movement dies. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed… no, let’s stay ever vigilant and not allow for any one person or entity to rest it from the hands of the people.

Finally, a tea the tastes and feels good going down… and that isn’t against my religion. Tea anyone?