Paineful Truth

Dear Readers,      As we celebrate this holiday, it would do us well to remember the 'why'. Why do we celebrate? As with most things in history, time causes much to pass away. So let's look back for a moment and focus on the reason we give thanks. ~JP Thanksgiving Proclamation Issued by President George Washington, at the request of Congress, on October 3, 1789 By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation. Whereas 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; and—Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of gov

Dear Mr. President: I write this today with a heavy heart. A feeling, I’m sad to say, that many of my fellow Americans share. A dark cloud is descending and darkening the future for ourselves and our children. We hope and pray for a leader that will stand strong. A leader that will fight to protect that future from the impending darkness. In our White House, there is no such leader to be found. Our nation is at a tipping point. On one side is prosperity, on the other is a steep, treacherous slope to destruction. There are many issues that could tip this balance one way or the other, depending on how they are handled. For example, our nation’s $18 trillion debt, First Amendment freedom of speech, basic civil liberties, and yes, the current immigration crisis in which we find ourselves. Mr. President, you and others of your persuasion, speak of “compassion”. You have stated that we cannot close our hearts to these victims, because “that’s not who we

Paris, France, the ‘city of light’, has gone dark. An unspeakable tragedy has occurred that has rocked the world. As details continue to emerge and give us a clearer picture of what happened, there are several things that we already know for sure: The threat of radical Islamic terrorism is real An armed citizenry is vital Strong borders are essential A country’s job is to protect its citizens It is the responsibility of the citizens themselves to personally help the world as a whole Radical Muslims are the enemy that this world faces today. There is no tolerance or acceptance in their way of doing things. Convert or die are the only choices, if any choice is given at all. In Paris, no choice was given. The number one, God-given right that every human being possesses (recognized or not) is the right to life. Attached to that right is the right to defend one’s life from threats. Here in America, we enjoy the benefits of the Second Amendment that guarante

When do you feel safe?  For most, it is when they are home, surrounded by people they love and familiar things. Especially this time of year, a warm fire and friendly conversation around good food is the picture of security and peace. Now, imagine purposefully leaving that feeling of safety and security. Imagine knowing that you may never feel that way again or return to that place of happiness. Imagine giving it all up and putting yourself in harm’s way, knowing that death is a plausible option. This is the definition of a soldier. A patriot. A hero. A veteran. My grandfather served as a pilot in the US Navy during World War II. I never knew him, but my parents and grandmother kept his memory alive with stories of his bravery and sacrifice. He was one of hundreds of thousands who answered the call, selfless men and women who fought, bled and died so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. I found it very fitting that the latest GOP debate occurred the day before Vet

It's no secret.  So what confuses me is why more people haven't just come out and said it. The mainstream media, and by that I mean the main networks such as ABC, CNN, Fox, NBC, etc., all have a distinct and obvious bias. Whether that bias be toward the right, left or center, they all have a bias. How, one might ask, can I say that? It’s pretty easy. Each network has something in common - they are all run by humans. As humans, we have opinions. That’s a fact of life. Each and every one of us has a worldview specific to ourselves. Others may have similar perspectives. But no two of us are alike and therefore, no two of us will line up exactly when it comes to opinions. Going to the mainstream media for unbiased reporting on anything from global warming climate change (sorry!), to police violence, gun rights/control, marriage, family, abortion, or any other topic is patently ridiculous. Why? Because everyone has a bias. Now, let me be clear. Having a bias is n