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Morality, What? Where?
Posted Friday, October 9, 2009, at 1:24 PM<< Previous | Read comments | Respond | Email link | Next >>
Healthcare this and healthcare that. That is really all I can see on TV anymore. No, really, I cannot watch the baseball playoffs without something about healthcare being mentioned (or avocados and guacamole). Since everyone and their dog have an opinion about it, I should probably mention it.
Every four years the Sunday before the Presidential Election, pastors across the country make a bold statement for the congregation to vote for the moral candidate. They use these "code words" to say they only want pro-life and anti-homosexual candidates in the White House and really nothing else. By what standard of morality do they use? They will say the Bible's standards. Well, ok, but here's a parable most pastors or Christians do not like to hear. It is from the Gospel of Matthew chapter 25 verse 31 -- 41 and quoting from there (using a New International Version text): "31When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' 37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' 40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me.' 41"Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels." As most of you who read that passage, you gather a decent idea as to where I am leading this blog. In this wealthy country of ours, it is a moral obligation for this country to have universal health care. For EVERYONE to be insured by the federal government, so that no one gets left behind. There are too many inaccuracies about this debate in the past months that it is ridiculous. That it will ruin the doctor's care of the patient, there will be long lines, and "death panels" as the incompetent former Governor Sarah Palin claims. Wow. My rebuttal is that it seems like a bunch of lies for the "moral" party. I pose this: think if the unfortunate event happens where you are in a near fatal car accident. You are taken to the hospital and treated. You may need rehabilitation, and so you get it. Then the hospital bill arrives and your "good insurance" refuses to pay for it because that hospital, ambulance, and physical therapist are not under their coverage. The above situation I posed is not out of the realm of reality. Here is a question: who is at fault in that situation posed? Certainly neither the hospital nor the patient is at fault. It is the fault of the insurance company. They pose more of a monopoly in this country than what the government would. In my ideal situation, you could go to whatever hospital, see any doctor or therapist without having the fear of that visit or treatment not being covered. The people who stain this situation are the ones who say it is immoral to take tax dollars from the rich to help the unfortunate. The biggest adversaries in this debate are the politicians who are in the pocket of special interest, and they code their motives as being "moral," or by being "for the people." I do not buy it. My biggest concern in this debate is, in fact, the morality. Passing a federal insurance system for everyone should be at the top of list for anyone who is religious, spiritual, or for anyone who has any moral fiber within him or her. When I check my Facebook (yes I have one), I see many Christians who oppose the very notion of something that can help everyone. Where is the morality? Apparently it starts and stops with their paycheck. The point made is that next time I hear a pastor endorse or say anything about moral candidates I will not be convinced morality is what they mean. They really mean Republicans, and in what we have seen, they are not entirely the "party of morals." Comments Showing comments in chronological order [Show most recent comments first] |
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Thank you Drew. Don't worry the only people that are opposed to health care for all, are the people that already have it, and normally it is paid for by someone else. Remember all Govt. employees health care is paid for by all the taxpayers not just a few. And I keep hearing that one reason many don't want health care, is because it will expand Medicare, and Hospital's don't collect but about 30% of the actual cost from Medicare, and Medicaid, which means that they charge extra from those that are insured, or those paying out of their pocket to make up the difference. Please everyone tell me that they believe that an aspirin is worth $ 3.00, and that a pack of tissues are worth about $5.00. which is about the normal that one is charged while in a Hospital.
Would you please make up your mind as to which point you are trying to make? Is this column about your concerns with the debate over health care coverage, your obsession with your hatred of the Republican party, or are you actually trying to suggest that you have some Christian values? Do you mean to suggest that there should be universal health care coverage because the Bible tells you so?
Lorhagatha,
As someone who knows Drew and disagrees just about everything with him, he does have Christian values. You are right he is obsessed, but it's not about hatred. What most people don't realize, and this is both the left and the right, it's not that they hate the other party, it's that they are so obsessed with the views of their own chosen people they cannot possibly see how others see things differently. I think it is quite clear his column is about his being in favor of universal healthcare. He is using his Christian values as a means to reach out to those who disagree with him. Myself on the other hand have way less Christian values than Drew but disagree with him anyway. My reasons are more capitalist in nature.
P!
And Drew, in actual response to your column as opposed to another commentor, your hypothetical situation is more of a stereotypical horror story related to an insurance company than the norm. On average insurance companies will pay in an emergency situation, now when it is no longer an emergency and you go to therapy, then you need to go in network. Here's a real life example for you. At the physical therapy clinic my wife most recently worked at, Medicare paid a flat fee for services rendered. That fee was less than the hourly rate of pay of a physical therapist in that clinic. So not even counting general overhead or different supplies that may be needed, the clinic lost money when they saw someone on Medicare. If your solution is to pay health professionals less then good luck finding someone willing to go through the educational obstacles required to develop the knowledge to treat you.
I support universal healthcare, and I support Drew Landry. It's about time someone in this county had the courage to be a semi-liberal and post it publicly. Someday, our country will catch up with the rest of the world and have legal same sex marriage and universal healthcare.
Drew, I also have been going to a Physical Therapist at the local Hospital, they are charging $ 239.00 an hour, I am on Medicare and am going through Cardiac Rehab, I don't know what Therapist make but I am sure $239.00 an hour will cover it. Now if they really only get 30%, that would still leave them a pretty good amount considering there are 40 of us in the class with 2 Therapist. So if they are getting $239.00 an hour times 40 I doubt they will close the Clinic.
Drew,
Love the stuff you write about. Personally have health insurance. Very good insurance. But there are many hard working Americans that don't have coverage. Why??? Even the Indians we stole this country from took care of their own. There is a good chance if universal health care passes the price of the care lucky people like me have will go down.
I read the Yahoo News this morning. Headline was; Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize. Yahoo responded with: Winning Peace prize may hurt the President. Why???
By the way, couple of good posts from "not from Greene Co."
Drew,
I agree that the healthcare system needs to be changed. However, it is the standard hypocrisy of the Democratic Party to use examples as you use them that make people like me ill. With one hand you would use Bible verses to explain the need for Universal Healthcare and on the other smite it by supporting candidates who willfully go against Bible teaching; abortion and gay rights. Your utter disdain for conservative candidates is as visible as your attempted indocrination of those who don't know any better. Its a joke. I do enjoy the Sarah Palin snipes as well. Nothing says tough like a liberal poking jabs a true feminist.
Wiglund please read my last post on Drew's last blog, it was about one of the finest men I had the pleasure to know.
I too have good healthcare for my family and me. My wife and I worked very hard to get an education and jobs that provide good healthcare. My parents also worked hard, yet they generally went without healthcare. I know it is a financial burden and there are a lot of unanswered questions in regards to the exact language, but it is needed change. The healthcare may effect you directly with universal care, but it already effects the economy indirectly. When good hardworking people have no other choice but to declare bankruptcy to survive...somethings wrong.
riley- Here is a true story...Woman goes through extensive tests with multiple doctors, finally landing at Iu Med. The diagnosis is given and the patient needs a transplant. Transplant costs and maintenance will exceed $1,000,000. Patient has insurance and thinks they are covered. The claim is filed only to be denied. At first it is nit picky things like an updated list of doctors seen and previous tests ran(all which was sent initially). Paperwork is filed multiple times only to be denied. The insurance takes their fully allotted time to return things to the patient. All this time the condition is worsening. IU Med tells the patient that the insurance is dragging their feet and a lawyer may be needed. Patient doesn't want to do that. After multiple ridiculous letters claiming the doctors disgnosis was wrong and the patient should try just one more test...the paptient decides to find a lawyer. Communication stops and lawyers begin the long process of bringing the incident before a judge. Hours before the hearing..Insurance caves. Seems they had a retired pediatrician studying these tests a refuting all results and recommendations from the EXPERTS. Why the game? They were banking on the patient dying. So when a politician spouts off about death panels...remember whose money is in their pocket because they already have death panels at insurance companies.
"Passing a federal insurance system for everyone should be at the top of list for anyone who is religious, spiritual, or for anyone who has any moral fiber within him or her."-Drew Landry
Wow. You've outdone yourself.
................................
Is Greene County Daily World in some kind of financial trouble?
Valid points, but...
So is government the answer to whatever ails us?
Do we want the government making healthcare decisions for us?
Do we want less doctors in 20 years?
Do we want to pay for insuring the illegals in this great nation?
Has government run healthcare worked in other countries?
The answers are NO! Big government is not the answer! A free market, capitalistic system made this nation great!
We have the best healthcare in the world, why would we want to be like the others?
hopeanddust-
A fine quote to show exactly the hypocrisy of the liberal agenda. Apparantly its impossible to help others or care about others unless you support the liberal agenda. Of course these are the same people who are working hard to hide the bill from the common man and commonly use this type of ploy into shaming people into believing as they do. This paper needs to vet its bloggers like the White House needs to vet the dozens of illegally appointed Czar's that Obama has put into place.
Drew, all I can say is... what???
I know some things I write can be a bit confusing because I try to add some humor in it, yet fail. Anyway, let me try to clear up some confusion as there was another comment about it also.
The basis of this entry is that we have a moral obligation in this country for reform in the health care system. I happen to think the best way for that is for the federal government to be the insurance company for all.
I am well aware that most people may not agree with my thoughts, and that is perfectly fine. All I want to do, as I have stated before, is bring the debate to this public forum. Something as big as health care needs to be discussed as often as possible.
Thanks for reading.
Chris, without price controls set by the Govt. where would farmers be.
Ask all of those on Medicaid, and Medicare or ask the Veterans at the V.A.
Name me a poor Dr. In Greene County, wonder why there was a Dr. Turner, Dr. Moses, Dr. Benjamin, Dr. Brochures, the list goes on and on, all of these Dr. sons were also Dr. you think they thought it was just a good way to go broke.
Are we paying for illegals now? No we don't want to pay for them, we just want to hire them for less that the legal wage.
Well other countries don't have 44 million people uninsured.
If this free market is working so well how come we are bailing out the banks, the car companies, and Insurance companies like AIG, yes it is really working well.
Why are we borrowing money from China?
Remember the Bush Tax break for the Rich really is working well, last year we lost an average of about 700,000 workers a month, is that the plan that was going to get us out of the Recession?
Drew, are you serious?
What kind of a writer answers a blog to explain their own article? I guess it could have been written better.
Your NIV is so hard to understand. Try the King James. Then you won't have man's interpretation getting in the way.
You know the president is in trouble on this issue when he brings in the "Doctors for America" group (formerly Doctors for Obama), passes out white lab coats for the photo op and says America is really changing their mind on this issue.
People, the only time anyone advertises is when they have something to sell. It just happens Obama is selling a fragmented, pork laden, illegal immigrant loving, tax raising, doctor losing, beurocratic health care bill.
Why not just get clinics for those who don't have coverage, do tort reform, allow insurance companies and patients to trade over state lines and allow the senate and house to have the same coverage as the rest of us?
And for goodness sake, get the government out of our business and make them leave us alone!
Cow Rancher have you ever had a thought of your own, I can just listen to Rush and then I know what you will post. I keep hearing people say that if we could trade over state lines it would help us, please tell me what State is that much cheaper to deal with. What state do you want to buy your insurance from? Why would getting another 40 million customers hurt any Dr. I will bet you that no matter what bill gets passed, that not one Dr. at Internal Medicine in Bloomington quits and starts working at Walmart.
Not from Greene--
If you want to get into a price support debate about farmers(which why this was brought up baffles me) we can. Price supports and the government involvement in agriculture is because we as Americans demand cheap food. I know that if you would ask any farmer, he/she would in a heartbeat trade in all government support, for an absolutely free trading CBOT, without any governmental controls. Yes again, a belief in small government!
Medicaid and Medicare u mention--at the rate the current administration has quadrupled the national debt, yes I am scared these useful programs are going broke, along with social security. What happens to these progams in 2013 in the Obamacare plan? Why 2013, oh yes its one year after the next election.
So your problem with the healtcare industry, is because Doctors are wealthy? lol Why wouldnt they be. They go to school longer, their education costs are very high, and most importantly they are Doctors. LOL I must have missed your point on this one too. Oh, maybe your waiting on your check from them, their not sharing their wealth with you.
The illegal debate--well you might check your numbers because the actual number of unisured that need or want healthcare coverage is alot smaller. And yes your number includes the 10-20 million Illegal Aliens in this country!
Bailouts--Yes I believe this shouldnt happen. The best managed survive! The reason this happened? Bad loans! Executive pay schedule out of control! Out of control spending! Plain and simple, poor management. Now, we can debate each of these if you wish, like the fact that the bad loans are a result of Clintonian policy on housing loans, but lets again stay on topic--healthcare.
Borrowing from China--well I covered this a little in the national debt is 4X larger since January--so back to healtcare!
oh shoot not yet
Taxes--Are you aware that the richest 1% of earners pay 39.9% of the country's total income tax bill? or the top 10% pay 71%? How about this figure-- The bottom 50% of all earners make 13% of the country's total income, yet pay less that 3% of the income taxes!
Now back to healthcare--Big government in not the answer!!! Does the healthcare/insurance system need some work--yes! Is the government being our insurancer the answer--Heck no!!
You mention Rush above, and I in NO way mean this demeaning, but seriously go out and get Glenn Becks new book! "Arguing with Idiots" it was number 1 on the New York Times bestselller list. This alone will answer many of your comments above!!
Thanks and nothing personal! Just a lively debate from a conservative who believes in small government,a strong national defence, and who loves to opine! :)
I don't even know where to find Rush. I also don't waste my time with much news from the networks. I am too busy and usually get my news from reading the bills (if posted) and from the Wall Street Journal. I have heard about Glenn Beck's book but havent read it.
I am usually too cheap to buy books unless I can download them onto my Kindle. I did buy "Liberty and Tyranny" by Mark Levine. It is a little difficult to read, in spurts, but makes excellent well-thought out points.
I have trouble with hypocrites. The title to this article is about morality. Granted, most politicians have trouble with morals, but only Drew's beloved democrats embrace the gay/lesbian agenda(The safe school czar is a member of the man/boy love association), abortions and taking money away from those who earn it to give to those who don't. Correct me if I'm wrong , but these are all immoral acts and just plain wrong.
I also despise the price support system and my best years have been when the government was out of the picture and I was allowed to produce and sell on my own. Freedom is and should be the goal of us all....especially if you like to eat.
"Your NIV is so hard to understand. Try the King James. Then you won't have man's interpretation getting in the way." -Cow Rancher
I'm not sure the statement of "you won't have man's interpretation getting in the way" is true. The Bible wasn't originally in English, and translation always lends itself to a lot of interpretation.
Chris, so you feel I should read and understand Glenn Becks book,"Arguing with Idiots" . Well at least you didn't beat around the bush, you don't know me but already feel I am an Idiot, you must be a proud Christian Conservative. Normally one has to talk with a person a few times before making such an opinion, but you figured it out after one post. Cow Rancher, so you get your news from "Wall Street Journal, Glenn Beck, and Mark Levine, a well rounded group. Now you for sure will get both sides of an issue with those three. As for as the gay lesbian issue, Drew is not the only one that embraces that issue, some of the conservatives best friends embraced it, Rev. Ted Haggerty, and Sen. Larry Craig.
LOL--Its the title of a book! Read the Preface of the book and reread my post--you will see that I in no way call you a name. Chill and have a fun debate with facts!
As for a proud Christian Conservative, yes I am trying to be! Thanks
First of all the KJV is possibly one of the most incorrectly translated Bibles in the world. Second Christians use the Bible to point out everybody should love everyone, and then they use it to hate on gays and pro-choicers.
Let me show you some other things some Leviticus (the book that supposedly condemns homosexuality)
"'Do not cut your bodies for the dead or put tattoo marks on yourselves. I am the LORD. Lev 19:28
I have a tattoo. I guess I'm going to Hell
"'Do not cut the hair at the sides of your head or clip off the edges of your beard.Lev 19:27
I cut my hair and shave. This is getting worse.
"'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.'" Lev 23:22
I bet Cow Rancher doesn't leave his fields to be eaten by the poor people or the immigrants. So is he going to Hell too?
There are also verse condemn planting a field with more than one crop, wearing clothing of more than one type of fabric, and marrying outside of one's own race, but it condones slavery and raping your wife.
So as you can see we are racking up quite a party in Hell here according to many of you. Read your Bible and read it closely so you don't miss the large contradictions.
GOD BLESS THE GAYS, LESBIANS, BISEXUALS, AND TRANSGENDER! And pray that he helps his straight homophobic followers to see through their own intolerance.
jimmy 42, I am far from a Biblical scholar but can see that you are using snippets of verses to make your case. Also known as "using out of context". I also see that you choose not to use verses that state God's disapproval of homosexuality and other deviance. And to state that Christians "hate" homosexuals is an injustice. I have friends, relatives and co-workers who are homosexuals and do not "hate" them but I do not approve of their sexual deviance. The same is true about alcohol, drugs, rudeness, mean spirited, etc... I hope you see the difference and see that people don't hate you, just some of your actions. Just as some hate some of my previous actions but love me. I am not bound to those actions but am bound by God's word. I choose to accept and follow it or not. When a rule is set, you break it and are punished, does that make your parent, guardian, boss, officer, judge, etc. a "hater"? We don't have to like it but that does not make our actions any less wrong.
As far as going to hell, we all are going to hell until we accept Christ and His free gift of restoring our relationship with God.
As for the KJV it IS the most accurate and easy to read (a rare combination). By making the word of God "easier" we tend to change the context or meanings. To imply that the translation was inept is woefully ignorant (not meant in a bad way) of the magnitude and seriousness of the project. If you ever talk with a historical translator you will find that they think in a way that would bore you to sleep. They pride themselves in accuracy, not speed.
As for the health care and bail out issues, I agree with cow rancher and Chris. There are much better ways to accomplish the task of insuring more people than letting the Govt. take over.
Go meat!
I was just making a point that Leviticus says a lot of things that people don't follow, but they pick and choose what they agree with. I choose just to leave that behind. How do you choose which Old Testament laws you follow? The NRSV is the most accurately translated Bible.
But along the lines of Healthcare, I believe a single-payer system would be the best way to decrease cost and to cover every citizen. The whole point of the American economic system is to have modified capitalism where we provide for everyone, but aren't socialist. I'm pretty sure a lot of people are lacking in their knowledge of what socialism actually is. I'm not a socialist, but I'm also not a capitalist. I prefer a compromise between the two, which I believe is what the American system is actually meant to be.
Why would I follow the laws from Leviticus? We do not live under the law now. Christ fulfilled those laws and we are now under grace. To complete the relationship connection, we accept Christ as Savior.
Please explain to me how providing for everyone (for everything?) would not be Socialism and carry many if not all of the inherent problems associated with it. While Capitalism has problems and we as a society will have "socialist" forms of help, I do not believe that a Near Socialism format would be any better but actually much worse. I have only worked with a few people who were union and to get them to perform was near to impossible. They apparently are used to having a job regardless of how badly they perform. Much like the "bailouts" our Govt. has been so gracious to give to companies who have performed badly. I am not an economist but I don't see how a company can be "too big for us to allow to fail". Under our system, someone (or more than one) would step up who was waiting for just such a chance. Bad behavior should not be promoted, whether in child rearing or business or Govt.
Jimmy,
Here is some Bible history and translation facts for you. I welcome any research you can provide to disprove me.
First, the Bible is composed of 66 books compiled by over 100 scholars shortly after the first century. The accumulation is called the Textus Receptus and has an old testament originally written in Hebrew. The new testament was written in Greek. The English speaking people wanted a translated version of the original texts. King James comissioned an even larger group of scholars to translate the Hebrew and Greek texts. The outcome was the 1611 King James Bible.
Second, all other Bibles in existence are versions of the Textus Vaticus, written in the 4th century from the Textus Receptus but changed for Constantine (A.D 313). So, when you or anyone else says that the NIV, NRSV, NKJ, Paraphrased Bible or any of the commonly changed versions of the 23 Watch Tower versions is the most accurate, then they are wrong. Men commonly change versions to sell Bibles and to fit the common lingo of the day. Versions are also written to change meaning from the original texts.
About 25 years ago, the Dead Sea Scrolls were found and translated from their Hebrew to English. The translation was exactly, word for word, the same as the King James 1611 translation. It is the preserved word of God. This was no surprise to true Bible scholars but is hard to defend by those who say their version is the most accurate. Revelation 22:18-19 is very specific as to preserving God's word. Some recent versions omit this completely as they know they should not change the Bible to suit their needs. Other common deletions are the great commission in Mark 16:15-16 and the use of a descriptor of Mary (Mary was a virgin not a maiden. Maidens in the Bible are descriptors of prostitutes as well.)
To some, the Bible is full of contradictions. However, to a born again child of God(John 3:4-7), there are no contradictions. The only contradictions are in the mind of the person reading the text and in their own barriers of understanding the Bible. God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit are infinte but our minds are finite. Therefore we can not understand all things relating to God or eternity. It requires faith.
Remember, Jesus says that the Old Testament is our schoolmaster , a text used for the training of people. Jesus ushered out the dispensation of law (including Levitical law in the old testament)while beginning the dispensation of grace (he repeats all the ten commandments in the New Testament (except for remember the sabbath day and keep it Holy...Sunday is currently the day of beginnings-first day of the week, the day of resurrection-Easter and the Lord's day of rest and worship. He is specific about the salvation of one's soul.
Concerning gleaning, the leaving of part of the field for the poor, it is still a law today. While most don't know it exists, the poor may still gather food from a field. However, due to the general laziness of most people, I doubt if they would go through the trouble of processing the corn or beans themselves and opt for a quick trip to the Wal-Mart and a swipe of their Indiana "Works" card (they don't use food stamps any more do they?).
Try reading the Christmas story in KJ and then in the Bible you are using. You will soon learn the KJ Bible is much easier to understand. The average word length in the KJ Bible is 4.5 letters long. If it is not easy to understand, then the Bible says for us to "study to show thyselves approved". Also, if you are not a Christian, the Bible will seem like giberish anyway, except for the verses "repent and be converted that your sins may be blotted out" and the others about recieving the gift of God, etc...
Like jbann said, the discussion is one that I like but to one who is only a casual observer, the discussion will be quite boring. The bottom line is if you KNOW where you will be the second after you take your last breath.
Some of my cows got out today so I was really yelling, "GO MEAT!"
The Bible is a fun read.
Jesus was the first hippie.
I KNOW that I have found good sight in whatever God really meant. The Bible was written by men and nobody can argue that. Added biblical history, Genesis was written during the time of the Babylonian captivity. It was strongly based on the Babylonian creation myth called the Enuma Elish. The flood story which was written at about the same time was based on the Epic of Gilgamesh. The Torah also know as the Pentateuch was written in the form of a Documentary Hypothesis. It was written by four writers known as Yahwhist, Priestly, Elohist, and Deuteronomist. Three were written earlier and one later came along and redacted the others to fit their particular theology. Part of the Hebrew Bible, Old Testament, or TaNaK is written in Aramaic, which is what Jesus spoke. Part of the Dead Sea Scrolls were written in cuneiform, but not all of them. There are hundreds of books that were left out of the Bible, because the church didn't like them. One said that Jesus told one of his apostles that everyone would be let out of Hell and come to be with him in heaven, but then the church didn't agree with that. So don't doubt that I know my biblical history. Also, biblical history really doesn't have to do anything with this topic. This is another case of you trying to look superior to everyone else by rambling on about something. The topic posed is about morality or immorality. What is what.
Just for the sake of debate, what qualifies something as a sin? I know a lot of you will say whatever the Bible says is a sin is, but I qualifies a sin as something that does or can damage another person. So let me pose a question. Does homosexuality hurt anyone? Does it cause damage to anybody? The undebatable answer is no. The only argument a person could make that somebody being a homosexual could hurt anybody is if you talked about intolerant people parents or peers beating somebody for being different from what society says is normal. Gay people are born gay. They have no choice to not be gay. I bet from the scrutiny they would take in Greene County they wish they could not be gay sometimes. There is scientific evidence that people are born with homosexual tendencies, but lets ignore that fact because some book we think was written by God says they are evil.
Personally bible or no bible I don't want the government choosing my doctor. They have their nose in enough of our business!!
cow rancher, I am pretty old, so I do remember the days when the township trustee would stop by the low income people's home and see if they needed help, many were to embarrassed to admit it, but the trustee already knew who did, and who didn't, so he would just give them a sack of beans, and some rice, and a box of powdered milk. After doing that for many years, the Dept of Agriculture hunting a way to help the farmers deceided to try something else, they came up with food stamps, not to help the poor, but to help the Grocers, and the farmers. Do you think that a pound of hamburger would be $3.00 a pound without food stamps? And I bet your neighbors will be happy to know that you do not care if they come on your land and gather corn and beans, what makes me think you would call the police and charge them with trespassing? But I can see you are compassionate about the poor from this statement,"Concerning gleaning, the leaving of part of the field for the poor, it is still a law today. While most don't know it exists, the poor may still gather food from a field. However, due to the general laziness of most people, I doubt if they would go through the trouble of processing the corn or beans themselves and opt for a quick trip to the Wal-Mart and a swipe of their Indiana "Works" card (they don't use food stamps any more do they?)". Make sure and post your name, so the poor will know how to find your farm.
Oh jimmy, that is a sad mixed up story which takes more faith to believe than what Christ asks of us. I had to laugh when I read the "names" of the "writers" of the Pentateuch. We could go back and forth on this forever but I fear that you are afraid of accepting that God exists, let alone His desires for us and guidelines for our life.
Sin is pretty much what you consider, but you left out God. Sin is something that transcends God's law. Just because you don't see the harm does not mean it is there. When I was growing up, my parents said not to do certain things. I did not see why but they knew. My not knowing did not make it right. Our sin separates us from God, inhibits our relationship with Christ.
As for being born homosexual, there is no scientific evidence. Sorry. One of the attempts while mapping the genome was to search for this. It was non-existent. And yes, we do all have choices. If your statement is true then any pedophile, sadist, masochist, animal "lover", or any other sexual deviance would be just as bound. Yet, contrary to popular belief, that also is a choice which can be re-evaluated and your mindset changed. As for homosexuals being evil... well no more than any other sin. God does not put grades on sin, that was us. And I resent that you say that any of us are trying to be superior. How is offering information and help being superior. If it is taken that way then perhaps it is because you feel uncomfortable and want to blame someone else. Sorry, but I have been through enough counseling to not enable you. Stand on your own and don't throw it on me or anyone else who holds a hand out to you. You say this blog is about morality yet when someone shows compassion you reject it and call it haughty. Shame on you. As I have said before, Christians are taught to hate the sin, NOT the sinner. We try to reach the "sinner" but cannot condone the sin. If I get acting wrong, I have friends who correct me. Does that mean that they hate me?
I am compassionate for the poor and disabled. I am not compassionate for the lazy and entitled.
Unfortunately there are many people who are second and third generation welfare recipients who think they are owed a livilihood. Just youtube "Detroit Obama money" and you will see what I mean.
There are still those who are blaming the government for not giving them housing in New Orleans, following Katrina, but the Amish in Daviess and Martin county had to be told to stop repairing their homes, after the tornados two years ago, so that FEMA could come and assess the damage. There are some people who have their hands out all the time while others choose to work their way out of a jam. The latter are the ones I like to help.
There is a difference in the poor fifty years ago from the poor now. Since you are old like me, then you know what I'm talking about. Most working poor in the 50's and 60's had pride and a work ethic. They also said "thank you" when they recieved gifts.
Today, I rarely recieve a "thank you" from those who recieve gifts and when I thank others for their generosity the phrase I hear is "no problem" instead of "your welcome". To say "no problem" insinuates that one was a problem before or they we not raised in a polite household.
I contend that the lack of morals today is directly correlated to the removal of the Bible from classrooms and the removal of prayer in 1962.
It is no accident that America is in the shape it is. If we continue to elect legislators and leaders who lie when convenient, steal, distort the Constitution, support leciviousness of all kinds and perpetuate socialism, then we will no longer be the America that had morals to begin with.
My family gives time, money and products to the poor and disabled. The entitled can go ahead and call ACORN and you for their help. I'm sure that will get them on their feet again.
This video says it all.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOZ-Etb0k...
If you think this is chaos, just wait until America can't print any more money (the dollar has lost 27% of it's value since Obama had been elected)and the welfare checks stop being issued. It makes me glad to live in the boonies and not in the city.
This "free money" policy is not a gift to anyone, it is a curse and a perpetual spiral of entitlement mindset.
Ok CR, jbann, and jimmy, you need to get over it. There are many controversial ideas about who wrote the Bible. Personally, I think that CR and Jbann are hateful. You are just looking for a fight and do not seem to be trying to spread the warmth of Christ. This is seen by everyone. If your real name was on here, would you be so rude? You just bash everyone. Seriously, where is the love?
Personally, I really liked this blog.
No problem does not mean that a person wasn't born in a polite household. Times change, phrases change, and society changes. We don't say "thee" and "thou" anymore. We don't say "Gee whiz" either. No problem means "Hey, it wasn't any trouble giving my service to you. It's my job." I used to work in fast food and for someone to say "thank you" was really rare. I normally just said "no problem." No one accused me of being a heathen. Times are constantly changing, and it's our job to keep up.
Hasn't this taken a nice turn. The Bible is a matter of faith. You either believe God inspired those who wrote it or you don't. Both sides would have hard time proving anything else.
The poor from 50 years ago raised the poor from 30 years ago...so it is the governments fault they were poor? Each generation has their own moral dilemnas. Homosexuality, adultery, racism,etc... nothing new...except we can turn the TV on and watch it over and over, while some person tells us how we should interpret it.
So if national healthcare is not something a person wants. Want type of changes should be made? I'm not for a government exclusive set up, but options would be nice...regulations would be nice. I'm sure the government could screw it up...but wake up the insurance companies are already screwing it up.
I contend that the lack of morals today doesn't exist. We are just more open about our lack of morals than the passed generations were. For certain it is not the lack of religion in the classroom. If anything, religion has made this rebellion increase. Religion by trying to make this a Godly world has made it a secular world instead. CR it's a good thing you are not in charge of a school system, because my kids are staying far away from anywhere that would impose a single religion on all the kids in that school. Biases and political and religious should stay out of school. I hope you are never a teacher or administrator. By the way jbann, I do believe in God. Just because I don't agree with you doesn't make me an atheist. Just so you know John McCain said that ACORN along with other organizations makes America what it is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJ9wy2MI1...
CR did your great-great-great-grandparents get upset when people stopped saying "I thanketh thee for you services" or "Good morrow". Personally, I prefer see you later and thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HAEKNIUQ2...
Government's job is regulation, to make sure the marketplace is fair for all players. It should not operate in the private market. Our Government is run by Politicians, people with law degrees. They do not have have experience running a business and, so, should not be involved in the private market, other than to ensure equality through minimal oversight and regulation. Instead of a government health care option, we should try the following:
1.Allow people to buy health insurance across state lines.
2. Eliminate mandates imposed by states on health insurance policies.
3. Allow employees to actually own the policies their employers pay for ... which would mean they could take those policies with them.
4. Allow people to form groups to buy large group policies (co-ops).
5. Expand health savings accounts.
6. Allow individual consumers to deduct the cost of their health insurance from their taxable income, just as their employers do currently.
7. Controls on medical malpractice suits (tort reform).
8. Expand the treatment authority of nurse practitioners.
These have all been proposed by Republicans and each has been rejected by Democrats who say Republicans have nothing to offer.
Good plan James 30096,
It sounds very logical. However, you have left out the entitlements that others say they need. What would America be if everyone would be accountable for their own actions?
Here is an audio clip, presented by Limbaugh (I couldn't find one without him), from some of the recipients in Detroit of the free money giveaway this week. Remember, if you pay taxes, this is YOUR money! Listen to it, you need to realize what this government is creating.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tKb78kJha...
You're welcome, Jimmy. By the way, my great, great, great grandparents didn't speak in old English, they were immigrants who came to America legally by using the immigration and naturalization process. Thank you for admitting that your lack of morals is more out in the open for all to witness.
You have just demonstrated why John McCain was not elected president. He has no clue about domestic or economic policy. He is a hero for his service to America, though.
Thank you James30096,
Open debate is better than the current lies and manipulations by both sides. I don't necessarily agree, but at least this is on topic.
1. I'm not sure how buying healthcare across state lines uncomplicates this issue. Sure it would seem the best would rise to the top...but how would you know. Plus, most people don't worry too much about insurance until they need it. Will cheaper be better...throw in the fact that most employees have little say in who their provider is...makes it sound a bit scary. This also doesn't address the legal implications. Currently sue insurance companies across state lines is difficult and expensive. Federal courts would have to become more willing to hear cases involving insurance issues. Would this mean more federal judges. Don't know, but it leaves a lot of unanswered questions. Marking up one of my issues with the Republican party...Capitalism does not cure all.
4. Lots of groups already do this, yet still see no improvements. Insurance continues to be more expensive, while offering less. I also wonder how much power certain groups would have in bargaining. Plus, Coop sounds socialist :) Only kidding.
Although I like some of the ideas, It is no better than the Democrats view. Too many question marks. Plus, it doesn't really address the monopoly that has developed in the insurance industry.
I wonder what the financial burden is of all the people without insurance or with poor insurance. We can argue all day about lazy people slipping into the system, but the idea of a hard working American being without insurance when they need it or in financial ruin because of mounting medical bills is a dilemna. I'm not sure how to fix it...but my guess is The far left and far right aren't the people to ask.
I think a majority of Americans understand changes need to be made to our current health care system. What we disagree on is how to do that and where the reform needs to come from.
There are things we should and can do to improve the current system before we let the government take over control of our health. There are several other ideas that I didn't list in my previous post and there is no reason we can't try other options. But it will be near impossible to get rid of government health care once it is enacted, even if it does not work.
We can look at Massachusetts as a test case. It has a single-payer, state-run program, similar to what is currently being proposed at the Federal level. It was predicted to save money and lower costs, just as the national plan. The majority of citizens are required to have health insurance or pay a fine, as is proposed in the Federal plan. Average premiums are higher there than the rest of the nation for comparable plans, under their state-run government option. The plan was predicted to lessen emergency room care, thereby reducing health care costs. Early studies have shown an increase in emergency room care and an associated rise in costs.
I think the biggest problem we have is we moved away from preventive medicine where, as the name implies, measures are taken to prevent the disease or condition from occurring. We have tended to practice curative or "reactionary" medicine, where you treat as the problems arise. It is easier, and I believe cheaper, to prevent rather than cure. Returning to preventive techniques would be a big step.
Ok, just to get this out of the way since I have been off working and have been left behind.
Greene_Countycitizen,
Hateful? How was I hateful? Truth isn't hateful. It is just truth. Please don't throw the word hateful around, it is used too much lately. And my name is on here... "er" And I did no bashing! I did no name calling, I put no one down. I returned comment.
Now, gotta go. I have work to do.
Oh yeah, John McCain was right. ACORN has helped make America what it is today... weak.
Lots of good stuff on here today.
Go Meat!