Let's start our world turning again....how about it?

"Where were you when the  world stopped turning, on that September day...."  so begins Alan Jackson's song commemorating the loss Americans faced on September 11, 2001.

I was driving to the barn this morning to tend my horses when this song came on the radio and sent my thoughts back through the years to that morning almost thirteen years ago.  

I was working from my home office that day.  Coming across the living room, I could see the MSNBC Home Page on my PC.  It looked like a building fire and the headline said a plane had hit the WTC Tower.  I thought a small plane like a Cessna had crashed and turned on the TV to see if people were okay.  As I sat to watch the report, the world changed forever....

Now, Americans can see the changes that were wrought that day.  Some for the better and some not so.  If we, as Americans, want to pass on the traditions of our childhood to the generations to come, we need to stand up now and make some changes in our lives.

There are so many groups that are separated from other groups by ideology.  There are groups that hate other groups because they are different.  There are groups that want to win so badly that they will lie about those who disagree with them....this HAS to stop.

We ALL have too much at stake to continue on with this acrimonious environment.  America has for centuries been the shining example.  The one bright light held up for all to reach for across a world that was ever changing.  Americans were the bravest, the best, heroes larger than life.

Today, we have become "R" or "D"; white or black or brown; Christian or Jew; left or right; straight or gay.  No more.  We have more in common that brings us together than we have to drive us apart.  America's best days and best citizens are before her.  Look at your neighbor, your colleague, your friend and think about the gifts of Liberty we have that others only wish for.

America is the "land of opportunity" and we have the ability to work for the life we want.  We can dream of what we want our life to be and then work to create for real, that picture in our heads.  We don't need "universal health-care" or a "welfare state".  We don't need bailouts or handouts or an "escape" - we have the freedom to be whatever we want.  That is a great gift - a miracle for some.

With that possibility and promise of success through hard work comes responsibility too.  Because we have opportunity and the ability to rise above circumstance, we also have risk.  We might fail.  We might not reach our ultimate goal.  That is true.  

Some will fail to reach their goal.  Some may be hurt by that failure.  Some may be crushed.  Some will be galvanized by that failure to even greater success.  It all depends on YOUR attitude. 

You can fail and say "poor me, it isn't fair.  I should have won and someone should make it okay for me".  You can wallow in that for your lifetime.  A bitter, angry shell of what you were meant to be.

You could, instead, use that failure to learn from and pick yourself up from your fall to move forward - smarter, stronger - and more empowered than before.  Consistent action and persistent will can lead to achievement.

Which path will you choose for your life?  Remember - it's not just you and your dreams on the line - you are reaching for your goal - but you are also forging a stronger country - one successful American at a time.

A Thanksgiving Wish

****REPOSTED - See Bottom

November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving

As some of you may be aware, I'm not exactly known as the 'hope' guy around the office. I tend to have what some would describe as a 'negative' outlook on certain things such as the economy. Hope and I have sort of a tumultuous relationship. Some days we get along great, other days we fight. While sometimes hope vanishes entirely and I don't see it again for a while - as was the case just a few days ago on November 6th. I found it hard to get my mind wrapped around the fact that Obama was going to have another four years to work on destroying - or fundamentally transforming, as he would say - America.

But here's the thing about hope - it always comes back. And it didn't take long after the election for me to gain the proper perspective. While the current President may be one of the most astoundingly incompetent, radically left, Eurocentric & egomaniacal presidents America has ever had - I still have hope because he is not bigger than the people. And he's certainly not bigger than God.

Just like we understood the folly of Obama's faithful followers placing all their hope in one human being, we have to understand the folly of pinning all our hope in beating that one human being in an election.

Don't get me wrong, we definitely need to keep fighting the good fight. But we cannot afford to lose sight of who is ultimately in control. And through the ups and downs we must remember to give thanks to Him for everything that has been given to us.

So today I want to share with you a few of the things I'm thankful for & I encourage you to take note of your blessings and share them as well.

I'm thankful for my wife and her utter disregard of all standards when she decided to marry me.
I'm thankful for my children.
I’m thankful for my sisters.
I'm thankful to live in America, a land so rich our worst struggles would be a paradise for most foreigners.
I’m thankful for my friends, who have been there for me at my best and my worst.
I'm thankful for the ability and means to help those in need.
I'm thankful for turkey. And stuffing. And gravy.
I'm thankful we have a forgiving God and a loving Savior.
I'm thankful for Texas, a sliver of sanity among growing madness.
I'm thankful the camera only adds 10 lbs.
I'm thankful for the amazing men and women of our military.
I’m thankful for the blessings that have allowed me to achieve more than I ever thought possible.
I’m thankful for the failures that have kept me humble.
I’m thankful for my staff, who show me everyday what it means to dream.
I’m thankful for my fans, and the opportunity to come into their homes each and every day. I am truly inspired by each and every one of you. YOU are the force protecting America’s founding ideals and it’s truly an honor to stand shoulder to shoulder in defense of liberty and freedom.

Truth is, I'm not as pessimistic as everyone makes me out to be. I know that even on our darkest days, I am joined by people across the country who are working every minute of every day to make sure our neighborhoods and our local communities are on the right track. I know that parents are out there teaching the lessons that will one day grow the next George Washington, the next Abraham Lincoln, and the next Martin Luther King, Jr. I know that people are waking up, and that the embers of freedom will never be extinguished as long as some of us are willing to keep the fires burning.

And I know that even on nights when I am far away from home, I can hear my wife’s voice and remember that real answers will only be found through family and faith.

I hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving.

Laus Deo,

Glenn Beck

 ****Republished from Glenn Beck on glennbeck.com  (C) 

 

 

 

Wolf Meaning and Totem Symbolism of the Wolf

To understand totem wolf symbols, one must first understand the heart of the Wolf. This takes time because the Wolf has had to endure many false stereotypes, misconceptions and misunderstandings. 

Not at all the picture of ferocity or terror, the Wolf is a creature with a high sense of loyalty and strength. Another misconception is that of the “lone wolf.” To the contrary, the Wolf is actually a social creature, friendly, and gregarious with its counterparts. 

The Wolf is an incredible communicator. By using touch, body movements, eye contact as well as many complex vocal expressions – the wolf makes his point understood. Those with totem wolf symbols are of the same inclination – they are expressive both vocally and physically. Those who have the wolf as their totem animal are naturally eloquent in speech, and also have knack for creative writing. 

A quick-list of totem wolf symbolic attributes include:

• Intelligence
• Cunning
• Communication
• Friendliness
• Loyalty
• Generosity
• Compassionate

Totem wolf symbols belong to those who truly understand the depth of passion that belong to this noble creature. The Wolf is a representative of deep faith, and profound understanding.
Further, the Wolf possess a high intellect, and have been observed using strategies about hunting, habitat and migration. 

In history, the totem Wolf symbol appears with the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. Legend has it that the two founding brothers were raised and suckled by a she-wolf.
In Norse mythology, the Wolf is a symbol for victory when ridden by Odin and the Valkyries upon the battlefield.

As a Celtic Symbol the Wolf was a source of lunar power. Celtic lore states that the Wolf would hunt down the sun and devour it at each dusk so as to allow the power of the moon to come forth.


When this gracious creature appears to us, and serves as a totem in our lives, the Wolf beckons us to ask these questions:

• Are you thinking about a different form of education?
• Are you being a true friend, and are your friends being true to you?
• Are you communicating yourself clearly to others?
• Are you being loyal to yourself?
• Are you incorporating strategies and planning to achieve your goals?
• Are you spending enough quality time with yourself, friends and family?

Easter - A Season of Renewal

Easter is late this year.  So, in many ways is my own "season of renewal".  Though I think mine has been growing for more than just 40 days...and new, things are starting to flower and take root!

For Catholics, in February - deep in the cold and dark of Winter's long time of snow and ice, we celebrate Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent - it always brings me the promise of Spring - that knowledge that even in the deepest part of winter's hold, God wants us to feel the spark of warmth that comes with rebirth of all things.

The long 40 days of Lent - when we focused on "giving up" something for Lent.  That sacrifice is not meant to deprive us of something we like, but rather as a focal point for the bigger work of becoming a better person in faith.  By focusing on that one small sacrifice, we can use thoughts of that to strive to be a better mother, wife, friend, person.  For me, it has always been a struggle of my passionate nature - the quixotic, red-headed temperament that has always been my area of weakness, the one, big place to focus improvements.  Over years (YEARS), I have gotten a tight rein on my harsher tendencies and become....more - patient. (perhaps)  I try.  Every year.  Something new.

Then, with the bright little shoots of green, everywhere it seems all at once, it bursts to the surface - my desire to have new, green, growing things all around.  I love the change of seasons and all the different and new flowers, plants, fruits, vegetables, promises of things to come....Easter and growing - personal growth and growth of what seeds you planted.  The rebirth and promise of our Lord, Jesus and His gift to us - and the gifts that come from the earth.  They all seem tied together now.

In the Spring, I am always pulled by the earth to plant new, beautiful things to watch and nurture and grow.  I love this time of year and seeing what new things will bloom - just around the corner.  This year, I have planted my herbs and some flowers, my trees have budded and small pears and apples are on the branches.  Grapes have returned - and look to produce this year!  We will see what the harvest provides later in the summer, but for now - everything is coming up....roses.  :-)

So, Happy Easter...Happy Spring, Happy Renewed You!

A Few "Facts" About Taxes....

Some folks out there doubt what The House Leadership - lead by Mr. Ryan's Budget Plan have to say about Federal Spending and Taxes.  Let's take a look at some government tax and budget facts then so you can see why conservatives say America doesn't have a tax shortage, it has a spending problem:

Fact: In 2009, the Federal government collected 2.1 trillion dollars in taxes.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 3.52 trillion dollars.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 678 billion dollars on Social Security.
Fact: In 2009, the Federal government spent 676 billion dollars on Medicare.
Fact: In 2009, 38.47% of the entire budget went to Social Security and Medicare and the two programmes consumed 64.48% of all Federal tax revenues.
Fact: The 2009 Social Security and Medicare Trustees Reports show the combined unfunded liability of these two programmes has reached nearly 107 trillion dollars in today's dollars and Laurence Kotlikoff, a well-known professor of economics at Boston University, puts the real figure over 200 trillion dollars!

Fact: In 2010, the Federal government collected 2.16 trillion dollars in taxes.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 3.618 trillion dollars.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 701 billion dollars on Social Security.
Fact: In 2010, the Federal government spent 793 billion dollars on Medicare.
Fact: In 2010, 41.29% of the entire budget went to Social Security and Medicare and the two programmes consumed 69.17% of all Federal tax revenues.

Fact: Discretionary spending under Bush was 6% when he left office. Obama increased discretionary spending by 11% in 2009 and 14% in 2010.

Fact: Under the baseline scenario, for example, the CBO has determined that the federal government can restore fiscal balance by raising all taxes and cutting all transfer payments immediately and for the indefinite future by 35%.

Fact: The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the lowest marginal income tax rate of 10% would have to rise to 26%.

Fact: The CBO has found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the 25% marginal tax rate would increase to 66%.

Fact: The CBO also found that if federal income tax rates are adjusted to allow the government to continue its current level of activity and balance its budget, the current highest marginal tax rate on 250,000 dollars (35%) would rise to 92%.

Fact: If the CBO doesn’t do it for you, then try the IMF, which has said that the US has a “critical” fiscal problem and is “not serious” about addressing it. According to the IMF, were the US government to repeal the tax cuts enacted in the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA), and were the IPAB to succeed in curbing healthcare spending growth as provided in the IPAB mandate, reining in the fiscal gap would still require an immediate and permanent increase in all taxes and cut in all transfers of 26%.

Fact: According to the IMF, there is an alternative to the Paul Ryan Plan -- an 88% flat tax on everyone. Further, that would be in addition to FICA taxes, which would be 37% on gross income in 2054. [Yes, you read that correctly. 37% payroll taxes on gross income + 88% flat tax on everyone. And, yes, I realize that 37 + 88 = 125. Even if employers were to pay 50% of the 37% (18.5%), you are still left with 88% + 18.5% = 106.5%. Not only would you be working for free, you would also have to pay the government for the privilege of getting to work for nothing. And, you think the Madison labour fight was bad?]

Fact: If you raised taxes to 90% on the wealthiest Americans, forget about debt reduction. You wouldn’t be able to eliminate the budget deficit.

Fact: If you confiscated every penny owned (not just earned) by the 400 wealthiest Americans – 1.36825 TRILLION DOLLARS – you would still have a 300 BILLION DOLLAR BUDGET DEFICIT IN FY 2011.

Fact: If you confiscated every penny owned (not just earned) by the 400 wealthiest Americans – 1.36825 TRILLION DOLLARS – you would still not have enough money to fund Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for one year.

Fact: Under the Obama tax plan, the Bush rates would be repealed for the top brackets. Yet the "cost" of extending all the Bush rates in 2011 over 10 years was about 3.7 trillion dollars. Some 3 trillion dollars of that was for everything but the top brackets—and Obama says he wants to extend those rates forever. According to IRS data, the entire taxable income of everyone earning over 100,000 dollars in 2008 was about 1.582 trillion dollars. Even if all these Americans—most of whom are far from wealthy—were taxed at 100%, it wouldn't cover Obama's 1.65 trillion dollar deficit for this year.

Once again, America has a spending problem. Not a revenue problem.