Obama – New Justice – And You. Three degrees of separation – here’s how it works.

President Obama will have, in his eight years as president of the United States, selected three Supreme Court Justices. That is no simple thing,  these individuals hold a life-long office, they can over turn decisions made by citizens in their states, and have the power to have those rulings become the law of the land.  Obama’s previous two selections have already shifted the previously conservative court to a moderate one, and now with this last selection he has the power to turn the tide on the courts make-up, making the transition complete from conservative-leaning to liberal majority.

That is why it is important that we all vote because while we don’t have a vote in the selection of Supreme Court Justices we do select the person who will.

One other point that I would add is this – voting for a persons you like is not as important voting for  a person that will champion the issues that are most important to you.  Vote the issues, not just the sound bites, or the name you recognize the most, but the person that most closely espouses your beliefs, or at least will defend the freedoms that will allow you to continue to enjoy the life you lead.  Two sources that I have found helpful in this has been OnTheIssues.org, and C-SPAN.com.

And just in case you were not convinced that this really is important here are some National Issues that will be directly affected by presidential decision:  Immigration, Abortion, Affirmative action and Public employee unions.

“Before Scalia’s death, the court was ideologically split with many 5-4 decisions. The remaining justices are generally divided among four conservative votes and four liberal votes — leaving the next nominee crucial to the court’s direction, potentially for years to come.” – Full Article

Another Obama appointment would shift the balance of the Court for a time, but it probably isn’t going to stay that way for long. Conservatives might also consider that Republican appointees have made up the majority of the Court for decades, and it still hasn’t done many conservative causes much good. – Full Article

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. – Matthew 5:9

The FBI has thanked Graham for his part in resolving the standoff. At a news conference in Burns, Oregon, FBI Special Agent Greg Bretzing said Graham had been in contact with the protesters for over a week “helping them work through their issues so they could come to a point where they were ready to leave of their own volition.”  At least one of the protesters had requested Graham be present when they emerged from their encampment. – Full Article

Great to know that pastors, even famous ones are doing more than just messages, videos, TV shows, filling out stadiums etc.  Here Franklin Graham not only talks of his faith but live it out by being a peacemaker by being an intermediary for the successful disbanding of this militia group that had taken over government property.  Good work Rev. Graham.

5 Reasons NOT to play #Powerball :: Poor Stewardship, False Hope, Predatory, Addictive, Destroys work ethic.

The concept of winning at the expense of others has become a modern curse. Society pays the escalating cost of associated crime, victim support, and family breakdown which erodes the quality of life. Seventh-day Adventists have consistently opposed gambling as it is incompatible with Christian principles.

https://www.adventist.org/en/information/official-statements/statements/article/go/-/gambling/

I have been hesitant to share my opinion on this issue but it has been on my mind for sometime now. I don’t know if it is because I am a father, that I am quite fond of fair treatment, or more likely a combination of both,  but I can’t let it go any longer without sharing my perspective on this issue.

During the fall of last year a story came out about a Father – Adrian Peterson- used severe measures to discipline his child. The response of media and society was, from my vantage point, one of disgust and outrage that he would abuse his child in this way. Fast forward to Spring 2015, another Mother – Toya Graham – uses severe measures to discipline her child. The response of media and society was celebration, awards, talks show appearances and general agreement that what she did was the right thing.

Now I know that there are more differences in the stories that I have not highlighted, I guess you can do that in your comments, but what I am bothered by is the seemingly apparent disparity society has shown, and the message it sends. What are we saying to our Father’s out there who are rearing children in America?

One message I heard loud and clear: You are not wanted as a parent. Whether its the favor given to mothers in placement of children, or the assistance that almost requires the father to maintain a role of sperm donor for fear the family may lose their benefits, or the growing discontent with anything masculine. The message is clear, at least to me. What are your thoughts?