Congress Will Hear Us!

Some things are self-evident and we don't have to refer to founding principles for guidance. We have the foundation that was set before us with the creation of a national government under the Constitution. It is up to us, We the People, to restrict that government to the constitutional limitations placed on it.

Social changes notwithstanding, the principles of a federal republic and the limitations of that federal government to protect the rights and property of the people, led to prosperity for as long as the representatives of the people operated within those constitutional limitations, and did truly represent the best interests of their constituents.

The purpose of government is not to produce laws, but to protect the people under the laws set forth that are constitutionally valid. Those laws that are prohibited by the Constitution are by their very nature, null and void under the limitations of the Constitution.

The love of liberty was the cause that birthed this nation and giving up that love will be its downfall.

T'is The Season

It is not by coincidence that this time of year has so many celebrations and holidays. In Judaism, in Christianity, in Islam, there are holy days celebrated. So many have been "lost" since "pagans" were converted to Christianity. Others were simply adopted to Christian meanings.

The harvest season in Paganism and many ancient religions were the celebration of the abundance and the bounty, thanking the "Goddess" which became "Mother Nature." All Hallow's Eve which celebrated the time when the window or veil between the two worlds of the living and dead was at its thinnest and therefore a  time when communion was possible. Christianity used it as a tool. Ghosts and goblins, gremlins and witches, "scared off" by ugly faces carved in pumpkins, a plentiful gourd that was harvested in the early fall.

Thanksgiving celebrates with a feast of that harvest bounty, and is credited to the "pilgrims" of early America, who celebrated with the native tribes who although wary, were welcoming and offered to share in the abundance. At least until enough greedy Europeans decided they no longer wished to share. They just took what they wanted and then when the native nations rebelled, they were labeled as savages and were slaughtered.

In Christmas we also have many traditions that were changed to fit the holiday and appease the other religious beliefs. The "present" under the tree was originally a very special mushroom, one that had unique psychoactive properties. The "Magic Mushroom" of many legends and myths. But such a mind expanding revelation was intolerable to a strict belief in Christian Scripture and had to be made into something more acceptable to the Church.

It would take a book of several volumes to depict and explain all of the various traditions that were incorporated in the Christmas holiday. Much of the information is readily available to those who choose to do the research.

There is a common theme that can be embraced by people of all faiths: Love and Peace. Goodwill to (hu)man. Giving to others. Instead what we have in the world today is conflict, divisiveness, hate, oppression, and selfishness.

Our governments in just about every major nation promotes hate while pretending to be about peace. If all nations are peaceful, then why is there so much war and death? There must be a simple answer to it.

I propose that peace is not profitable. Those who finance the weapons of war, the manufacturers of weapons reap fortunes while millions go hungry and without medical care. Those who are caught in the conflicts simply die. The blame lies with the banks that back the war machine.

Remember that phrase, "What if they had a war and nobody came?"

The best methods for peace start with love and tolerance. Focus on the commonalities and accept the differences. But do not tolerate ignorance and lies. Teach those who do not know and be truthful always. Love with all your heart and soul.

For Mother

It is that time of year when the greeting card sellers and jewelers all offer the best ideas for Mother's Day gifts. I remember how I agonized as a child when I saw all the lavish presents that were given and thought I could never afford that!

I was fortunate to have a Mother who taught me valuable lessons that have stayed with me throughout my life. She taught me that love and respect above all meant more to her than all the riches offered. She appreciated the little clay bear and ashtray I made in school more than the most expensive gifts that others gave on such occasions. For Mom, she could feel the love that went into the molding and sculpting of that little bear. She felt my thinking of her as I applied the colors to that lumpy ashtray.

Years later, I realized that it had nothing to do with cards and presents. It was always about love and respect. and how one expresses love and shows respect does mean everything. It is easy to do and it costs nothing. And it is appreciated always.

So this Mother's Day, make it about Mother. Live you life in such a way that your Mother will always be proud of you. Act kindly toward others and treat them with the same respect you want for yourself and what you give to Mother.

Smile a lot too. Happy Mother's Day!