Accurate Weights Are a Delight

King Solomon declares that 'The Lord abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight,' - Proverbs 11:1. This concept can be applied in various ways. Trade practices in business are one such example. But I suggest that God desires fair playing fields in any arena - He is a just and fair Lord according to Solomon. And I think equal scales are something we can all appreciate. Perhaps it's even inherent to our nature - made in the image of our creator; we delight when things are fair and whine when they aren't.

I'm not whining but I do want to point out some current news that reveals gross unfairness, which stinks of unjust scales. My abhorrence is churning. It has now been confirmed in more than one state, additional voter registration fraud - to the tune of thousands of possible fraudulent votes in swing states, I might add. One candidate (Obama) is unequally favored by those doing the cheating. Aggravated by the impossible task of verifying these registrations (and many states have lax identification standards when voting) we may elect a guy by a false constituent. And that fries my bacon, people. I can rectify my vote being unrewarded, as the opposing candidate takes office, if it's done with a justified electorate. But this 'fly in the face', 'end justifies the means', kind of rationale by those supporters is despicable. And it doesn't seem to make big news either. I hear smatterings here and there, but none of the mainstream news seems to be reporting this magnanimous indiscretion. Which brings me to my second observation.

I've seen some bias in journalism in my day; but the coverage of this 2008 campaign for the White House has an unprecedented prejudice in favor of Barack Obama. It's quite stunning. The glamor, weighted polls, the shinning editorials, the passes by journalists from asking hard questions of him and articles, of which, (right down to framing the pictures) are not just creative - they're magical. To simply cry unfair is an understatement in my way of thinking.

This past weekend I saw a piece about a TV news anchorwoman, Barbara West (with a local affiliate out of Florida, WFTV) that pitched some hard ball questions to Senator Biden, which rattled him during the interview. I'm not so sure they were unfair questions as he claimed (later, Biden pulled all future interviews with the station, including his wife, Jill's). The Obama camp was reported to have been furious! But many of the American people have had these questions, making this interview newsworthy. Her Marxist inquiry was served well, in my opinion, as it referenced the heightened question by "Joe the Plumber" about taxing small businesses in his tax plan and prompting the 'redistribution of the wealth' answer from Barack. Hello - it is an ideal of Karl Marx! Perfectly legit, if you ask me. I wanna know!

Suffice it to say, the only inequity I see is the underpinning of Barack's candidacy by the mainstream media and Hollywood's glamorous darlings (as if they were expert voices to whom we should listen). It's troubling that we may elect a president with a false electorate. It's a shame that apparently, socialist ideals have made a compelling argument to the masses in a country that primarily prospered through the ingenuity of a free people holding to capitalist ideas. But hey - maybe things aren't as they seem. After all, perhaps the scales have been slighted a little...perhaps more than a little.

A Fraudulent Witness Will Be Punished

According to King Solomon, there are six things the Lord hates. In Proverbs 6:16-19 they are listed. Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness and a man who stirs up dissension. Well, technically there are seven but several cover the same kind of thing - deception with malice and conspiracy. It's interesting to note that the parts of the body are listed, revealing a physical tool active in committing these various transgressions. We see in the eyes the demeanor of arrogance (motive), the tongue speaks lies, the hands kill, the heart conspires, the feet rush and so on. Notice that the whole body of a man stirs up dissension - belying the use of pretty much all the vehicles of action, which involves a deliberate effort. That's a perceptible metaphor.

Concerning the news that has exposed fraud on the part of those registering voters (namely A.C.O.R.N.); I suggest that the previous mentioned wrongdoings apply. The ACORN organization has clearly acted in serious misconduct that apparently used the tongue to speak lies, the feet to rush into evil with arrogance that conspired (in heart) to an end of biased gain. And it stirred up dissension, which is so widespread that the election boards of many, many counties across several states (last count was 14) may not be able to sort it all out by election day. If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck... THEY LIED TO PEOPLE. THEY SECURED KNOWINGLY, FALSE VOTER REGISTRATIONS. Their workers - who were hired? went out to meet quotas? What happened to volunteers for such generous, charitable kinds of support - those who are zealous with pure motivation for an ideal. Who decided it was a good thing to implement compulsive quotas to register voters? And then pay them? I propose that they aren't very bright - it's a no brainer to foresee the problems we have now. And shouldn't registering to vote be something every citizen consider an honored privilege with which the informed would seek to do? There's so many wonderful philanthropic organizations, which have tremendous support from volunteers that endeavor uprightly in their duties. What happen to those who serve purely? This coming from the party that boasts social welfare foremost - pro bono doesn't work anymore? Come on now people!

My point here is this: ACORN did some pretty atrocious things pertaining to our privilege to vote and should be called to account. Not just the individuals who did the deeds but also the higher ups that mismanaged, implemented and enabled these practices. Hold them accountable so we remove the incentive.

One more point. What's with all the recruitment for voting registrations anyway? After all, it's not hard to register. There are outlets to do so and we are given plenty of time. So if we have to give folks something for little or no effort on their part; do they appreciate it enough to be informed when casting their vote? I suggest that they don't. Just examine the registrations, with everyone from Micky Mouse to the Dallas football team who supposedly registered in Las Vegas. One guy confessed to registering 73 times for Pete's sake!

This is reckless disregard for our right to vote that was bought with a huge price. I remember when the voting age in California was 21 and our 18 year olds were drafted to go to war. You bet that the youth across our college campuses demonstrated until it was lowered and were granted a voice to determine such kind of policy. I heard interviews recently with many youth who couldn't tell you much about a political platform of a candidate or even recognize their picture - though most recognized Judge Judy. So stay home if it means so little.

In the meantime, prosecute the frauds and those who rush to do evil in this deed. The King also pointed out in Proverbs 19:5; A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free. So be it...

Foolish associations bring harm.

Recently both campaigns for the US presidency has turned quite ugly with hateful pot stirring by one camp to profane mockery from the other. One can hear the fanfare at McCaine/Palin's rallies shouting out their anger that was reminiscent of a movie I recall from the 70's called 'Network', "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!" Vindictive and incited to wrath, these folks are furious about two things: the legislative bail out of the banking failures and the journalist bias that seems grossly apparent. But on the other hand we have the Obama supporters ridiculing Palin in Sat. Night Live skits and parading around in profane 'T' shirts with slogans so ugly that they do not bear repeating. Not to mention the release of a Palin look alike porno flick now occupying the news. All this to make her look like a ditsy beauty queen rather than a viable candidate for VP. And we, the voter, are supposed to figure it all out so as to make an informative pull of the lever on Nov. 4th.

King Solomon suggests to us that the wisdom needed might logically be acquired with one simple observation. Proverbs 13: 20 says this, 'He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.' Given this standard, I think it best to decide what is apparent foolishness and recognize who is among them. For example, the ridicule and mockery going on, as well as unrestrained anger could be considered foolishness. Setting that aside; I think we can determine what shows wisdom and who may grow in it by his/her associations.

Many are concerned that Barack Obama has or has had some associations that are a bit radical. Whether he's sitting in a pew for 20 years and 'not hearing' hate speeches made by his pastor, Rev. Jeremiah Wright; or his being naive about the terrorist activities of a colleague, Bill Ayers, in affiliations during his community organizing days - at the very least he lacks sound judgment. And isn't it prudent to question his having a financial advisor that just left an institution which is now bankrupt? Then there's his associations back in Detroit, where the Mayor Kwane Kirkpatrick (forced from office due to various crimes) who is on his way to jail along with another associate closer to home, Tony Rezko. Also in that mix is an old poker pal, Executive Larry Walsh, who served in the Ill. state senate with Barack and is presently under investigation. Apparently Will County was blessed with a number of federal grants after Walsh's lobbyists met with Obama. And need I mention the impudent Dorothy Tillman who seems to have had a curious alliance with Barack and makes the hate filled bigoted speeches from the Reverend sound tame. The following links give details of some of these associations:
http://cdobs.com/archive/our-columns/the-cat-in-the-hat-is-back-in-the-news,1811/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-oped1013krauthammeroct13,0,362544.story


I realize that some would argue that John McCain has had his fair share of shady associations too. That Keating thing - was it nearly 20 years ago already? Suffice it to say he had at least poor judgment. In the face of his own immaturity, political ambition and words; he conceded thus. Let's hope that his gray hair is well earned and is evidence of lessons learned. But just for inquisitive minds that need the satisfaction of more scrutiny since it is a matter of public record; here's a link that should exonerate as did the congressional ethics committee. http://www.azcentral.com/php-bin/clicktrack/email.php/8379816 ...


But I think in the Keating case, the waters of good judgment were muddied by campaign support funds (McCain was said to have received from Keating campaign contributions for his debut run to the senate). Perhaps this is why now, he's a repentant zealot about campaign reform - 'Fool me once, you're the fool; fool me twice...' so they say. The problem with Obama's associations however, (other than they're being extremist for most of the populous) they remain a mystery. Much of the explanations do not do the truth justice, I suspect. It's incredulous to believe that he had this many dubious connections without sharing similar ideology. I do think that association is important. Bad company corrupts good morals, kind of thing. Wisdom cries out for those with an ear to hear - discerning and observing who are the fools and who is truly acquiring wisdom. Connect the dots and then go pull that lever.

Pledging security

Stunned as I watched this past week a wall street scramble, plunging to record lows since 2003; I kept thinking about poor folks who bet their retirement, (and then some) invested in the stock market. Coupled with a few other factors that have contributed to our current crises; it's apparent we're in deep doo-doo.

Customary in my lifetime is to run businesses, households and personal affairs on revolving credit. I refer back to something I said a few posts ago...'Heck, I could've lived with a whole lot more, high on the hog, if I died with my all debts paid off.' The point is, we've grown accustomed to using the tool of credit day-to-day so as to have a bit more for a buck than a budget would allow. And I might suggest too, because credit consumption is generally inflationary on the economy; even those who want to be more prudent in their stewardship have become ensnared in debt due to rising costs of living.

King Solomon would warn us in Proverbs 22:26; 'Do not be a man who strikes hands in a pledge or puts up security for debts; if you lack the means to pay, your very bed will be snatched from under you.' Pretty scary stuff and it seems apparent for many, we may be seeing the latter happening.

I have had on my own initiative to get out of debt over the past few years and have sought out the most efficient way to pay it down. One voice suggested that I run my household like a business. I would borrow a fair amount of money, a secured low/no interest equity loan, pay off high interest cards as much as possible and leave room enough to pay all my bills with it each month. Then put all my income each month toward that equity line of credit - making sure that my income surpassed the outflow. The more significant the income, the faster the initial debt would be paid down because the interest applied each month would be accessed on less principal (depending on the values, it could be half the real debt). I confess my personal concern quivering in my own heart, risking the equity in my house to do this. But in theory, it's possible and businesses do this all the time. Borrow for all the expenses - payroll , inventory and all else and then as the income flows in; it's applied to that line of credit. No wonder then, if there's gridlock in provision of credit; everything comes to a slowdown - or more dreadfully put, a standstill. And this is what we're experiencing, folks.

Add to that a lack of confidence by those who risk capital in the market and we get what we're seeing, a panic on wall street. Sell, sell, sell. Aggravated in recent weeks by polls that predict a victory for the presidential candidate who wants to raise the capital gains tax; those rich investors are waiting in the wings, taking the gains hit now - before it goes up.

The ugly truth is that for years, we have enjoyed global markets that have potential profits of astronomical figures and it's all connected with big consequences too. Like a string of buoys in the ocean and then, some huge bolder of great density and pressure drives it down to the bottom - the others tied to it will follow. Global markets will be effected negatively by our problems here in the US and vise-versa.

So, it is complex, to be sure. Recovery will be complicated too, depending on policies adopted. Foreign markets, as I write this, look like they're shoring up with usury tactics, making it implausible for borrowers to have flow. Given a change in the White House, that too, will spell influencing policies yet unknown. And with the housing market in the dregs; (that being the equity underpinning much of it) many may see our beds snatched out from under us! Heaven forbid - let's hope not.

Following the money tells all...

King Solomon warns us in Proverbs 15: 27, 'A greedy man brings trouble to his family, but he who hates bribes will live.' Given the recent chain of events with the US economy; there's a growing inquiry of how this could possibly happen. Wasn't there someone noticing? Check out this link. Someone did their homework with this chronicled expose' and followed the money, the trail of bedfellows and bad legislation. I need say no more...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RZVw3no2A4&feature=iv&an=otation_id=event_597487

Woe to him who aquires unjust gain by usury

In Proverbs 28:8, King Solomon puts it this way: "He who increases his wealth by exorbitant interest amasses it for another, who will be kind to the poor." His prediction is that though one may amass riches through usury; it won't do a body good. His insight declares that it's unjust so it will pass to another who will steward it kindly to the poor. In other words, there is no posterity for him who benefits upon the breaking backs of those he has oppressed.

Today's congressional rescue package that earmarked funds from the federal treasury failed. One would wonder what this attempted bail out for the current credit crises would have effected our free enterprise economy. As the dow took a downward record plunge in the face of the legislative failure; I think we can expect more doom and gloom ahead. I'm no seer, but given that global markets are tied to our US market, we may see a global collapse as well.

What I do see though, are vultures waiting in the wings - they always are. Those who have cash ready to profit from losses of those unsuspecting and desperate. They buy up devalued assets, turn it around and exploit these distressed folks. Expect that in a free market, depending on the level of fear and desperation, usury will oppress and interest rates will go as high as the market will bear. I'm old enough to remember rejoicing about having a 30 yr. fixed mortgage at 8.5% interest because what was prevalent at that time was 14% - 17%. It was an ugly season for capital investments.

Relative to what the market will bear, how desperate people are and other factors that plays into it; I think we'll see a 'back to the future' kind of adjustment. Tighter policy on who borrows or qualifies for credit, higher down payments when buying and a return to higher interest rates. All spells a slow down in capital investments - the thing that makes the American dream become a reality for more people. But in order to mend a bleeding artery of our banking system; some serious changes in a consumer's ideology must occur.

Saving up to buy big ticket items, pay off debt, restraints on consumption of goods and services all seem wise in the face of the alternative: becoming enslaved to lenders and vulnerable to the vultures out there. This doesn't sound sexy and I realize my suggestion may trigger a deeper recession. But I'm concerned for us little guys out there who simply want to hang on to what estate we've acquired during a lifetime of labor, hoping to preserve an inheritance for our posterity. These are uncertain times that prompt wise responses to present trials.

And for those vultures ready to take prey; be warned. Immediate gain doesn't have longevity - it will pass to another who makes it right. Perhaps that's happening as we speak - a vindication against those who solicited and oppressed an unqualified buyer. A few years back, I saw the foreclosure monster lurking around the corner when the 'creative' lending practices extended into a new market for homeowners... ARMs, no downs, and (initially) no interest credit cards. Now I sense that we have a runaway train that is out of control.

I hope the congress can come up with a lucrative plan for the poor and needy. I hope it won't be an added burden on the US taxpayer. I hope it regulates the vultures out there and I hope it will manage to engage capital investments that are at the heart of true economic recovery with healthy buoyancy globally. And hope is all I have...because now, what little assets I have are grossly inflated and devalued.

The borrower is enslaved to the lender

Though I won't pretend to be an expert on the current economic fall out in the US; I will add my two cents worth to the swirling spins. Most of us, unless you've been in a cave, have heard about or felt the happening across the country. Whether you own a business, large or small, have a retirement account with a portfolio of dabbling in mutual funds, gambling big in short falls on the stock market, or are simply a home owner trying to stay employed to make ends meet - this crises has imbued on everyone with an all encompassing effect. And I don't see an end to it, with or without a bailout.

The blame game is somewhat amusing, I must say. Though there's certainly serious wrong doing on some one's part. Generally I think we as a nation are to blame because we cultivated our lifestyle with irresponsible tools for selfish gain (my minor children, who weren't working at the time, have been solicited to receive credit). Yet as I listen to the commentaries, the senator's speeches, the reporters and then a few more voices out there; it's clear to me the finger pointing is only a distraction. Most want to rest blame somewhere, thinking it may arrest the culprit or at least appease an angry victim. Like that's going to help matters...I don't think so. Frankly, there's so many contributing factors. So I think it best to suck it up, learn from our mistakes jointly and make better choices down the road. No pain, no gain...or more close to the point; if I touch a hot burner - I've learned not to touch it again. I just hope I don't lose my whole hand in the process.

But how do we do that with so many who will suffer, and more others ready to relieve their pain? Take for example the bail out with the government treasury. I think this band-aid is treating a symptom when surgery is necessary. We've been conditioned to consume, consume, consume - and borrowing is a way of life to achieve it. This has inflated everything to the point where now we need to have two working incomes in every household, postponed retirement and insurance for EVERYTHING. Let's not forget all those taxes we pay on all that consumption, either.

King Solomon would say in a nut shell; avoid borrowing. (Proverbs 22:7). Real freedom isn't found in an abundance of choices and opportunity to make them. But it's in the wisdom to know when to be prudent. Borrowing makes one beholden to the lender. And that's enslavement - hardly freeing.

I'm sadden to think it'll be at least a generation (or two) when a new upbringing may change things. That's after a total collapse and there are no other choices out of this pit but up. The bail out plan is perhaps a lesser of two evils at this point. Uncle Sam is the rich guy that can provide a loan big enough and is able to sit on it long enough until the market becomes viable again. But it's just more borrowing with the hope that the investment may pay off down the road. What did the King say exactly? 'The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender'. That feels a little scary to me. Especially because the Congress, the Whitehouse, the US Supreme Court (let's not forget the Pentagon) have too much leeway for permeating corruption, gaining a ruling hand over me - no thank you.

Here's another thought. With banks having their butts covered; I think they'll dump those empty houses and pull the market down further. As I said before; it's time for surgery and not a band-aid and it's going to be painful.

Or, we could continue as we have with a cavalere way about things. Like someone once said to me, "If I died tomorrow with all my debts paid off; heck, think of all I could've had, high on the hog!"

Wisdom Cries Aloud

In the annals of King Solomon, recorded in the book of Proverbs, is a host of wise principles - those that sagaciously influenced his reign and named him the wisest king of all times. These inherent principles have proven timeless and universal, thus a guide post for humanity. I suggest this warrants a greater scrutiny of this benevolent gift from King Solomon - especially in the face of contemporary displays by humankind of licentious behaviour that lacks discipline, prudence, or aesthetic quality, which could be deemed as unwise.

My examination of the Proverbs will be an endeavor for personal devotions and meditation that is relative to current events. Hopefully, I will at least trigger some deliberation that may influence others to a higher standard and purpose. My expectations are to impact spheres of networking for a general good in our contemporary time. And I believe that is a beneficial thing, which is relevant today with a populous appeal.

Firstly, what is wisdom? Let me suggest that it is an inclination of far reaching insight to the consequences of choices made, having sound judgment and understanding for doing what is right, just and fair. It is that which gives one prudence, discretion and guidance for disciplined behavior. Yet directing deliberate action with a chaste response to situations that yield beneficial and profitable outcome for those who execute its mandates. I'm sure there's more to it than that but at least it's a start. In stating thus I'm convinced; we can't have enough wisdom.

The foundation of wisdom, so says King Solomon, rests on the fear of God. This may be problematic for some of you who don't believe in God. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater just yet, thinking this isn't a worthwhile study. Sometimes, as when 'all roads lead back to Rome', (logically I propose); we may find housed within a study of wisdom, a revelation of the master of it. If there is a Creator of all things by intelligent design; then it's logical to deduct that He is the author of that direction for humans to live well. Wisdom is simply that credible direction by him who is veritable and desires for our success. By inherent nature; our creator would want us to have a thriving existence and posterity.

In this age there's an ever increasing abundance of knowledge available to human kind, but there seems to be no common sense in an application of it. I contend with the premise that having knowledge makes one smart or intelligent. Anyone can acquire information and spew it out for show and tell. It's like a hard drive with a host of files and documents but no software to drive the bits of information anywhere it'll do someone good. In fact, contrarily that's not smart - it makes one a fool. Even a simpleton with little knowledge can apply wisdom that does a body good.

Therefore I invite you to ruminate upon the Proverbs with me, making comments along the way, spurring us all on to become, at least, more wise - and then perhaps, successfully thriving in the greater scheme of things.

New beginnings

I become exhilarated with new beginnings. It's like cleaning a closet of all the clutter and finding that red dress I thought I lost at the cleaners. It conceives in me hope, which is motivating. Excited with new inspiration to thrive again; I can see things clearly and focus toward new objectives, aggravating better disciplines, rediscovering inner longings and dumping that which is obsolete for the present. To reiterate simply, I'm feeling it today, folks. Look out world - anything is on the table!

One thing that shores up courage to try new things (like starting a blog) is that it's so forgiving - that is, if you live in the present. The 'mercies of God are new every morning', kind of thing. Wipe the slate clean and step into it without oppression of past mistakes. And I really need and appreciate all that - especially the mercy. So to begin anew means forgiving what's behind...other people, wicked deeds that bring shame and of course, myself. Losing that load makes for more energy, empowering in the present to accomplish that which I dream for in my future. And why not? I only have just one trip around this fence post. Life is too, too short to get stuck in the groove of the familiar and what's 'comfortable'.

Which stimulates another thought about new beginnings. It's not comfortable. Though I may have motivation and energy to begin something new; stepping out into the unfamiliar is painful, kinda scary and at the very least, tweakful. Yes, I said tweakful...that which is done when a slight ping to your world gives way to a shaking. For most of us, even if it's just a little shake or a 'turn your world upside down' kind of shake - we don't like it.

But I do think the adventure of new beginnings, as I pursue its beckoning, out weigh uncomfortable effects. Whatever is kinda scary; I won't bother myself to look at that. Because like when riding a bicycle and I see a small rock in the path that I want to avoid; if I look at it long enough, you can sure fire bet I'm gonna roll right over the top and perhaps even topple over. Perhaps a better application is like when I'm set to score a goal in a soccer match. I may be aware of where the goalie is in the box, but if I focus on where the goalie isn't, (my target) I'm gonna score!

So this blog is part of a new beginning. I am a newbie at this so please be patient and grade me on a learning curve by which is inundated with mercy. I'm one of those hard heads that learn by doing - and from my mistakes; I get it best. Join me in this deliberation about your new beginnings and on any other given thought this blog inspires. I'd like to hear from you and thanks for your interest. God Bless...