Christine Smith's Blog

Call! Oppose Bailout

http://www.freedomsphoenix.com/Editorial-Page.htm?InfoNo=038883
Good article above (“Contact your Congressional Representatives before 12:30 p.m.”)

I’ve called mine, and urge all who oppose bailout to call yours.

The United States is a “Democracy” (according to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)

Learn Revisionist History & “Facts” – Become US Citizen

The phrase used in our courtrooms (stemming back to the 13th century) “The truth,the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” would be an excellent guide for teaching history. But it is not to be. The revisionists have achieved their goal: students are indoctrinated and thereby society as a whole to so many falsehoods about our nation.

I can remember when I was a student answering school test questions with the answer(s) I knew that particular teacher wanted. There were times when I knew the teacher was incorrect (usually because of their personal bias on some historical happening), but experience had shown me to share an opposing viewpoint or even a fact was pointless (with some exceptions when one knew their teacher to be objective). Thus, in most instances, we knew what to write in order for our answer to be graded as “correct.”

I even recall a teacher becoming so angry when I shared some historically accurate facts with the class that they picked up several huge stacks of papers and threw them all over the floor and then stormed out of the classroom. I can also readily remember the teacher even we, as children, knew was a Communist. They brought their ideology (both socialism and Communism) into the classroom in just about every classroom discussion and activity (another one of those teachers whom you knew just what had to be answered to make the grade). That same teacher also denounced my sharing of a fact leaving no room for checking on its accuracy (which it was) because it countered their opinion which was stated to the students as a fact.

These things came to mind today as a result of reading the set of questions from which the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services uses to determine if someone is knowledgeable enough for them to grant them citizenship. Seems they, like teachers of my past, have their own set of answers (regardless of accuracy) you had better provide or else you won’t make the grade of becoming a citizen. At a time when immigration and citizenship (two different things) are debated, it’s interesting to note just what this government wants its “legal” citizens to “know.”

Personally, when I read the “correct” answers to a number of these questions, it’s my opinion that persons with both an ignorance of history, a simplistic mind, and incomprehension of the U.S. Constitution wrote the questions and answered several of them.

So for those eager souls wishing to become U.S. citizens, what the government requires is that you must regurgitate the canned answers to prove you’re worthy of being an American. Pathetically sad. Prove that you’ll be a patriotic citizen by accepting the history they say is so.

The questions read like a test for say, third grade (at least the third grade I recall, but some have said it’s more indicative of the high school level in our current public education system, but I wouldn’t know).

And the “answers” to several are, in my opinion, oversimplified “truth,” questionable, ambiguous, and some downright wrong.

Take a look…the egregiousness of the mistakes shouldn’t surprise you, after all it was (I assume) done by some federal government employee(s). The so called correct “answers” to a number of these questions will make you cringe…say for example, to become a US citizen you must know that your freedom of speech “comes from” the Bill of Rights, and according to the USCIS (formerly INS) the form of government in the United States is a “democracy” (see question 78), and that the most important right the government has “granted” you is the right to vote, It was also interesting to learn that Congress declares war (if only it were practiced that way) and Lincoln “freed the slaves.”

First- here are the requirements for naturalization:, interesting in themselves, and I draw your attention particularly to the requirement of a “Good Moral Character” and “Attachment to the Constitution” (as our federal officeholders exemplify I suppose).

And as for that ” Knowledge of U.S. history,” here goes the Q & A (scroll to lower half of page for questions with answers rather than clicking each question individually)

I realize they are trying to produce a “nuts and bolts” type questionnaire, one that doesn’t require “essay” type answers, but this is pathetic. With all the red tape and years it takes some to become U.S. citizens, this “test” is an accurate reflection of the sorry state of the U.S. government and all of its wasteful oppressive bureaucracies.

Now I see new redesigned tests become effective Oct. 1, 2008, a glance at those reveals to my surprise that we have a “capitalist economy or market economy,” (what about all those bail outs?), and that there are “some” powers that belong to the states (with an implication that most rests with the federal government), and (not to my surprise) numerous propaganda questions regarding what loyalty means as well as asking potential naturalized citizens “When is the last day you can send in federal income tax forms?” Again there’s questions such as “What was one important thing that Abraham Lincoln did?” and you can bet the answer of beginning the centralized planning we suffer under now or that he destroyed the Jeffersonian view of the Constitution isn’t provided as an acceptable answer.

I groaned as I read the benefits (question 86 current test) of becoming a US Citizen since the first one listed was “Obtain federal government jobs.”

It seems to be that rather than such a test, an understanding of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and those limitations by the people on the powers of the federal government should be emphasized, the safeguards against the federal government abusing its power, the freedom of the individual in our nation, and that it is we, the people, who dictate to the government what they may or may not do – not the other way around….but, of course, that’s not a message the U.S. government wants citizens born here or naturalized to grasp is it?.

A Truly Beautiful Individual

“Some glances of real beauty may be seen in their faces, who dwell in true meekness. There is a harmony in the sound of that voice to which Divine love gives utterance, and some appearance of right order in their temper and conduct whose passions are regulated.” – John Woolman

A truly beautiful individual is one in whom we see the love of Truth. The beauty of God, shines as a light in the darkness in this world through individuals who make His Truth their highest priority. They then draw others to marvel, wonder and to come to Truth.

Through their life, their tireless works to bring love into a world that believes it is impossible, they devote themselves to tasks which may seem great and which some may deem impossible, but nevertheless they wholeheartedly devote themselves to faithfully manifests love in all they do: through their devotion to liberty for all, compassion for all, and identification with all.

Such an individual does not let possible consequences from the world cease their commitment to their work. They do the good they can, regardless of the worldly obstacles and regardless of the persecution they may receive. Through the work and activities they are called to do, they let their lights shine – and light always dispels darkness.

This humility, faith, love of God and His righteousness, shines not only in their works but in their entire demeanor. Such a truly beautiful individual exemplifies a quote I have reflected upon for many years: “I believe that no Divine truth can truly dwell in any heart, without an external testimony in manner, bearing, and appearance, that must reach the witness within the heart of the beholder, and bear an unmistakable, though silent, evidence to the eternal principle from which it emanates.” – M. A. Schimmelpenninck

Palin, Politics, Family Values, Priorities & Compromise – Are you, too, part of the problem?

I don’t care what you call yourself: libertarian, conservative, liberal, constitutionalist, pragmatist, realist…you are part of the problem: If you hold any government position in which you utilize the threat of the force of the government to make people comply. If you are part of any agency or department which regulates the people. If you join the school board for your local public schools. If you play any part in tax collection. If you are part of any government entity which takes away the liberty of the people to live their life as they please if they are harming no other. The list goes on…

“Hey, but I’m just making a living for my family,”you say. Or, “I’m trying to make a difference through the system.” At whose expense?

To align oneself with the machinery of oppression is to assume responsibility for its results. Do not delude yourself. No matter how you may rationalize or minimize your contribution to the big picture of government tyranny – nonetheless you’ve chosen to be part of it. Though you may tell yourself that by being part of it you can make it better, you are wrong. Your very presence within a corrupt system strengthens its very existence.

I liken this to the analogy of the trim tab. Buckminster Fuller used to explain the concept of trim tab to emphasize the immense difference you, small as you may perceive yourself in comparison to the world and forces around you, can yet make to affect the direction of society as a whole. As he wrote, “…Something hit me very hard once, thinking about what one little man could do. Think of the Queen Mary – the whole ship goes by and then comes the rudder. And there’s a tiny thing at the edge of the rudder called a trim tab. It’s a miniature rudder. Just moving the little trim tab builds a low pressure that pulls the rudder around. Takes almost no effort at all. So I said that the little individual can be a trim tab. Society thinks it’s going right by you, that it’s left you altogether. But if you’re doing dynamic things mentally, the fact is that you can just put your foot out like that and the whole big ship of state is going to go…”

The analogy, however, works both ways. Just as it may be used to illustrate the enormous affect an individual can have in a positive way, likewise the opposite is true as well. As the tiny trim tab on the rudder of a great ship makes the immense movement possible, so each individual who is a even a small part of the greater mechanism of government tyranny, makes the evil possible. One cannot separate themselves from the outcome of which they contributed. A little evil is nonetheless evil. The “I was following orders” nor the “I don’t have a choice,” excuse holds no weight. Each of us has a choice. Might be a difficult choice, but it is a choice for which you must take responsibility for.

This is how I perceive Sarah Palin.

A woman who had much potential. Intelligent. Strong and feminine – making her personable to the American people. And, apparently, one with some degree of political principle based on reports of her work in Alaska.

“Had potential?” you ask. Yes, had. Because now she has chosen to become part of the tyranny.

Regardless of the “positives” we see in her — including admirable stances and work on reducing government spending, being an advocate of the free market including competitiveness in health care, tax reduction, support of the right to bear arms, not being from the usual political crowd or “good ole’ boy club,” — she has aligned herself with the McCain campaign. Whatever positives once in her (which in no way compare to the fundamental personal & political choices and values which I differ with) are far outweighed by the negatives present now.

Some might argue, giving her benefit of doubt, that she’ll bring some aspect of libertarian leaning thought into the White House. They argue falsely.

In her VP acceptance speech, Palin expressed full support for McCain’s foreign policy and used all the “right” words to buttress Americans’ fallacious fear of terrorism and thereby gave her support to the continuation of the warfare state which both her political party and running mate adhere to. Her speech was filled with the expected patriotic blind support of the very policies which have caused so much suffering and death worldwide.

Since I have received a number of inquiries from readers asking my thoughts about Palin, I share the following articles which I highly recommend to you, for they more than any others I have read, most precisely reflect my opinion:

1. Lew Rockwell’s article “Sarah Palin’s Career Ends in Tragedy.” In it, Rockwell perceptively (and accurately) comments upon the sad reality he’s witnessed of those with expressed values and principles who succumb to relinquishing them for the sake of an agenda other than liberty. It’s an excellent piece I highly recommend.

2. Laurence Vance’s thoughts in his Sept. 6 blog post “Sarah Palin, Motherhood, and the Christian Conservatives.” In it, he points out the hypocrisy of certain Christian conservatives’ support for Palin (while condemning women in general who pursue careers at the expense of time with their family).

3. Jacob Hornberger’s “Palin’s Wrongheaded View of God’s Plans,” articulately focuses on the obvious contradiction between Palin’s previous remarks regarding God’s will in contrast to the biblical commandment: That shalt not murder.

If Palin had wanted to continue making a difference, she should have stayed in Alaska, with her family, and do the good – as she saw it – there. Now, she’s become just another big government, tyranny endorsing, politician. Only in utter defiance and rejection of statism does one have any hope of abolishing it.

Several days ago I was sharing briefly my thoughts about her on a national talk show, and despite the positives which I acknowledged and mentioned and which are not in the other candidates (I always believe in giving credit where credit is due), I expressed my rejection of her (and her ticket) because of her acceptance of continued US imperialism. She apparently has held this view for some time. Politically, she was an outstanding choice for McCain, as I think her presence greatly improves his chances. She brings some degree of conservatism to the ticket. But as I told the radio hosts, I would never vote for a McCain or Obama ticket, and I would not vote for a Palin with her acceptance of the “War on Terror.” Even giving her the benefit of doubt, that she sincerely has fallen for the spurious “War on Terror” arguments in the name of safety and security, such an individual would have to come to the realization of such a misguided mistake in allegiance to evil policies of their government. It is the lives of Americans…the lives of Iraqis…the lives of Afghans…the lives of people worldwide which are being taken as a result. I could never cast a vote for anyone who supported it.

Further, she not only compromises her Christian beliefs (or family values) she and her supporters espouse by acceptance of such unjust killing by the government (I ask: how can one be for “family values” while condoning the deaths of thousands- do not those families count?), she also contradicts it by what I would view as a betrayal of the responsibility she has, as a mother and wife, to her family. If one cannot be true to one’s own family, and if one is willing to compromise that responsibility for some supposed gain (be it career/political/and even for the rationale of service to country) one’s priorities are sadly egregiously out of order. It’s not a question of whether she can do the job, of course she can…it’s a matter of should she? Before this nation, she has shown her true values; for her, the VP nomination trumps all else.

I believe one’s husband, and one’s children, will suffer spiritually, morally, and emotionally when a woman accepts any such demanding undertaking. No hired help is adequate enough surrogate for the care and nurturing that only you can give your family. Being a man’s wife is a great and beautiful honor and responsibility; likewise if one becomes a mother, those children become paramount. For me, and my values, nothing in life would ever be more important than my family. Nothing could lead me to betray the trust a friend or family member puts in me.

The choices one makes personally in regards to those who depend upon them does provide us insight into the priorities of the individual. If those who should be your highest priority come second to worldly opportunity, why would a nation of strangers be any different? The ego (the false personality our mind makes) always wishes to take as much as it can, it is entirely focused on itself at the expense of all others around it. It can rationalize the actions it leads you to take. The ego always marches to defeat. The temptations are great in this world, and without a strong sense of humility, a commitment of spiritual grounding which guides you in all decisions, one can easily falter. One’s over-zealousness can cloud wise judgment. When this happens, all suffer.

I digress but to share another example of this phenomenon: reports of some proclaimed Ron Paul supporters and delegates apparently falling in to support McCain. If so, how sad, and how pathetic. I bet they even still call themselves fighters for liberty. How delusional. Such people care nothing for advancement of liberty, they simply use politics to feed their egos, and used Dr. Paul’s campaign as long as it gave them a sense of worth and purpose – but his message – a message of no compromise when it comes to liberty – was lost on them. They, in their shallowness, are part of the problem.

Thus, I return to where I began this piece: Are you, too, part of the problem? Examine your life, your choices, and in any area where you’ve allowed compromise for some gain or advantage, choose again. I would never put anything above being there completely for those I love, nor put anything above the beliefs, principles and values I have chosen. They are one and the same.

To place anything above the moral, spiritual, family, and liberty values you may claim to hold is to work against them. Be bold, outspoken, and let all your public actions match what you privately claim to believe and value.

Integrity is rare. Choose it. Nothing ever justifies compromise of your principles. Don’t just give lip service to them – live them. To deviate at all, is to turn your back completely on them. For a little poison, is poison nonetheless…and the consequences will be reaped. You’re either a true individual or false. Unfortunately, the majority seeking and holding political office, are false. Be one of the true ones – no matter what. Neither vote for, work for, or accept an opportunity which requires the compromise of what within you know is right. Free yourself from all your ego justifications for compromise of principle, and you truly become part of the quest for freedom.

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