Tag Archive for 'PA 12th Congressional District'

Please, take it off “REPEAT” already!

Published on August 9, 2010 in Fresh Brew. 4 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

Well, this isn’t a big surprise, but today, I read about Mr. Critz’s new escapades in securing $11 million dollars in earmarks for our 12th congressional district.  This is like a bad song on repeat!   STOP already, please!

The earmarks will likely only benefit a few here, again, but I’m sure we’ll have a new scholarship program or building named after Mr. Critz now, too.

When are we going to finally put a stop to this?  When are we going to start holding our politicians accountable in CREATING good-paying jobs for the long-term?  Why aren’t we planning for our future — and the future of our children and grandchildren?  Our politicians these days think throwing money at the problem is the solution (both locally and nationally), but in reality, money is just a temporary band-aid.  Until we truly start addressing the underlying conditions, we can never truly heal.  Why aren’t our elected officials trying to problem-solve?  Oh, I know why.  That’s WORK.  If politicians have the means to throw money at the problem, it sure does take a lot of pressure off of their shoulders, right?   It gives the appearance they are doing something “good,” too.  It’s all smoke and mirrors, friends, and it’s about CONTROL, unfortunately.  Money IS POWER, right?

As we inch closer to November’s mid-term elections, don’t be fooled by those who try to cloud the true issues.  Don’t be fooled by those who personally attack others, and don’t be fooled by those with “big names” and “big money” who back one candidate over another.  Don’t listen to “some” news outlets; research what THEY ALL are saying so you can be the most informed in your decisions this November.  Lastly (and perhaps most importantly), talk to your family members, friends, and acquaintances who are unemployed (or under-employed) here in the 12th congressional district; ASK THEM how they feel about more pork… Ask them if they feel another building (or airport) named after a politician here is the answer FOR THEM and if it will HELP THEM to provide for their families.

STOP.  We need a new song (something fresh and energetic)… We need a new UPBEAT song FOR EVERYONE (and not just the special few here).  It’s time for “Burn(s) It Up” by Tim Burns — coming to a store near year this November!

Where’s God in the mix?

Published on August 1, 2010 in Stir It Up!. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , .

Yesterday, we (Windber Area Community Kitchen or “W.A.C.K.”) served its monthly “community meal” out at Calvary United Methodist Church in Windber.  The meal was provided by Faith Chapel Baptist Church (Richland), and what a grand meal!  Not only was the menu superb, but they provided wonderful musical entertainment, too.  We were elated to have a constant flow of guests throughout the day to a tune of 104 guests total!  This was an all-time high for us (Our highest meal-to-date served 78 guests back in September of 2009).  God is good!

As I was reflecting today about yesterday’s festivities and the kindness and compassion shown to our guests, I was reminded of Glenn Beck’s “Faith, Hope, and Charity” series he has been sharing on his daily show on the FOX News channel.  While I’ve been fervently blogging about the upcoming election here in PA’s 12th congressional district, I realize I haven’t blogged much about GOD and FAITH… and as a Christian, I, too, believe these are essential topics we need to discuss as we move forward — as a district, state, AND nation.

Glenn Beck regular talks about who we are (as a great nation).

He states we are…

Hope: What other country on the planet — better yet, what other country in the history of this planet — has inspired so many people to risk life and limb to get there just for the chance at a better life?   There’s not even a guarantee.   People don’t take their families on a raft, through shark-infested waters, because they are searching for a handout.

You’ve heard it a million times:  They are coming for the hope of a better life.  They know that in America all you need is a dream and anything’s possible.  Last I checked no one is floating their way just at the chance to get into Cuba.   Hope has always come from America.

How did it provide it?

Faith:  Samuel Adams felt America was put together by divine providence — all of them did.  They relied on it.  God played an instrumental role; He was the one we had to have faith in.  George Washington said: “It is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”

Charity: When there is an earthquake or tsunami, when there is hunger and poverty, there is no other country in history that has been more charitable than America.  Name the country more giving and more generous than America.   France?  Spain?   Germany?

Faith, hope and charity: They are the essential teachings of Christ.

We often hear spiritual leaders and other Christians testify how we ought to turn back to God (before its too late) while some politically-charged affiliations try to relinquish God and faith from our very birth and history (and now academic books), but where do YOU stand on the ideas of God and faith?  Do you know?  Do you care?

While we continue to commentate (and sometimes argue) on and about politics, and as we get closer to our November elections, we must step back and evaluate just WHO we’re putting our faith in.  Are we placing our faith in an almighty God to help us recover from this desperate and jobless economy?  Or are we, once again, putting our faith in MAN… or the GOVERNMENT?

The Bible forewarns us about wrongly placing our trust in man:

Psalm 146:3-4, 7-9 (NIV)
…3Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.  4When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing.

7He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry.  
The Lord sets prisoners free, 8the Lord gives sight to the blind, the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down, Lord loves the righteous.  9The Lord watches over the alien and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

We must carefully consider our candidates and their view of faith in today’s world.  If they proclaim to be Christ followers, do they behave as such?  Of course we all fall short of the glory of God and we all regularly make mistakes (Thank God for Jesus, eh?), but those who claim to live in the light and continue in darkness are deceitful! (1 John 5-6, NIV)

The above scripture reminds me of those who misuse campaign funds, those who use their power and prestige over others for selfish gain, those who ignore the needy and hungry, and those who disregard God as “the One” in control.

I repeatedly blog about the importance of integrity, honesty, and responsibility because we are, as a nation, terribly lacking in these areas — especially in the political arena.  It’s disheartening, I know, since our elected officials legislate law which now impacts so many areas of our lives.  And while we proudly exclaim that we are a nation and government of the people, by the people (Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address), we regularly hear about botched elections and voter fraud and intimidation.  Is there any hope for us?!

I say… YES.  We have hope in Christ.

As November inches closer and while the lawn signs appear in support of candidates, we must, first, look up.  With God’s help and direction, we can elect the candidates with a true, servant’s heart.  I’m not referring to candidates who promise the world and then “seemingly” deliver with the moon and stars in arm, but I’m talking about the candidates who are humble, compassionate, honest, responsible, and God-fearing.  I’m talking about those who will “first seek the Kingdom of God.” (Matthew 6:33)

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” — Reinhold Niebuhr

God be with us.