There's a new hero in Harlem, one that I think makes a great role model for those of us who defend our right to bear arms.
A 72-year old restaurant supply house owner was in his shop last week when four thugs came in to rob him. He told them he didn't have any money at the time and asked them to leave, even telling them he would not call the police if they did.
Instead, one put a gun in his face, demanding the cash he didn't have, while the others pistol whipped his employee at the end of the counter. When the employee tried to fight back, the thug who held the gun on the owner went over to help bludgeon the employee to death and that's when Gus Gusterson grabbed his shot gun that was behind the counter.
After once more telling the hoodlums to leave and they wouldn't, Gus decided in a split second to defend himself and his friend. He fired three shots off the wall, so he wouldn't hit his employee, instead killing one of the robbers, and scaring the other three off. One of the three who escaped later died.
I can see why Gus is a hero in Harlem. He won't be charged according to the local police chief because he was within his rights and the law, to defend himself. This is exactly why in my opinion, it is so important for the citizens of this country to have the right to have guns.
While the anti-gun lobby makes a compelling case about guns killing innocents, and uses the tragic cases of children who die in gun accidents as an example of why we shouldn't be allowed to keep them, I maintain that a lot of "innocent" lives (like Gus) have been saved because he was willing to defend himself, and because he had a gun nearby.
The Bible teaches us the concept of "an eye for an eye" and though he obviously didn't want to, Gus Gusterson gave what he would have gotten, had his gun not been on hand. While I "love my neighbor" as much as anyone,and I believe all people who are irresponsible with guns should be prosecuted, I'll defend my family to the death if they are threatened, and think most Americans would do the same. I champion the rights of all the Gusses out there who were simply going about their day when they were forced to defend themselves or die. I too, see Gus as a hero.
Maybe the next time some Harlem hoodlums want to pistol whip and rob someone, they'll just keep walking when they get to Gus's place. I hope his actions send the following message to those across the country who want to rob and kill: "Think twice hoodlum, or the next one to die just might be you." What do you think?
Teri
Monday, August 17, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Put Your Clothes On!
Shame on Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife for letting their 16-year old daughter Miley do a semi-pole dance at the Teen Choice Awards on Monday. While Miley is a huge star in her own right, she is underage and her parents could put a stop to it if they had any interest in her beyond the millions she brings in each year.
The incident brings us yet another reminder of how guilty our culture is of sexualizing little girls before they're even out of grade school. There are beauty contests where children are made up to look like they're adults,young girls are engaging in sex parties and we call it simple experimentation, and teen pregnancy is on the rise because attention starved girls are looking for someone to love. In my own neighborhood I have seen teen girls engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors because they are ignored by parents who care more about their own social life than what is going on with their children.
How hard it must be to teach a daughter to have self worth, and moral values in a society that consistently tells her she is nothing more than a sexual object that was put here to display herself for every weirdo's pleasure. I find it strange that while we continually push the idea of self importance and self centeredness in America, we are at the same time, encouraging our young females to prostitute themselves in the name of fame and adoration.
I feel sorry for Miley Cyrus, and the millions of girls like her who aren't center stage. While fame is a powerful drug and many will do anything to get it, there is a price to pay. Like Lyndsay Lohan and Brittany Spears before her, I'm sure Miley will eventually self destruct and she'll likely take many girls down with her because no one told them the behavior was wrong.
I only hope that when that time comes, Billy Ray Cyrus, his wife and the other
parents of the country who are left to clean up the mess, will blame no one but themselves.
The incident brings us yet another reminder of how guilty our culture is of sexualizing little girls before they're even out of grade school. There are beauty contests where children are made up to look like they're adults,young girls are engaging in sex parties and we call it simple experimentation, and teen pregnancy is on the rise because attention starved girls are looking for someone to love. In my own neighborhood I have seen teen girls engage in inappropriate sexual behaviors because they are ignored by parents who care more about their own social life than what is going on with their children.
How hard it must be to teach a daughter to have self worth, and moral values in a society that consistently tells her she is nothing more than a sexual object that was put here to display herself for every weirdo's pleasure. I find it strange that while we continually push the idea of self importance and self centeredness in America, we are at the same time, encouraging our young females to prostitute themselves in the name of fame and adoration.
I feel sorry for Miley Cyrus, and the millions of girls like her who aren't center stage. While fame is a powerful drug and many will do anything to get it, there is a price to pay. Like Lyndsay Lohan and Brittany Spears before her, I'm sure Miley will eventually self destruct and she'll likely take many girls down with her because no one told them the behavior was wrong.
I only hope that when that time comes, Billy Ray Cyrus, his wife and the other
parents of the country who are left to clean up the mess, will blame no one but themselves.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
The Ad-Lib--(It may come back to bite you)!
Writing a novel is difficult. You have to keep track of your grammar (thank goodness for my editor!) you need to make sure that you don't overuse particular words or phrases, and you have to watch your comparisons. While I understand the personal pain of this struggle, I have to admit, I had a good laugh yesterday when my president dove head first into the off-script, shark infested, bad comparison waters.
Perhaps President Obama should quit trying to make clever comparisons especially when touting the benefits of his new health care plan.
Speaking in New Hampshire, he attempted to defend a government run health care program by saying that FedEx and UPS were running great, but the post office was in trouble! Huh? (Please don't take my teleprompter away!) Sir, I think you're channeling the ghosts of Republicans past!
But a "Big Thank You" for making my point! I can honestly say that for the first time I totally agree with you! I too, think a government run health care plan would be about as effective as the government run Post Office. You're right sir. Health care would be much more effective in America if it were run by private companies like UPS and FedEx.
Here's one Republican who appreciates your gaffe Mr. President. While I'm certain your inner radical will once again rear its ugly head, for one day you made the world seem to be right side up again. I only hope this doesn't mean your mind is going. According to you, there may not be funding for treatment in the future.
Perhaps President Obama should quit trying to make clever comparisons especially when touting the benefits of his new health care plan.
Speaking in New Hampshire, he attempted to defend a government run health care program by saying that FedEx and UPS were running great, but the post office was in trouble! Huh? (Please don't take my teleprompter away!) Sir, I think you're channeling the ghosts of Republicans past!
But a "Big Thank You" for making my point! I can honestly say that for the first time I totally agree with you! I too, think a government run health care plan would be about as effective as the government run Post Office. You're right sir. Health care would be much more effective in America if it were run by private companies like UPS and FedEx.
Here's one Republican who appreciates your gaffe Mr. President. While I'm certain your inner radical will once again rear its ugly head, for one day you made the world seem to be right side up again. I only hope this doesn't mean your mind is going. According to you, there may not be funding for treatment in the future.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Will they really kill my mother?
I read an interesting article today written by Associated Press reporter Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar. In it, he discussed the facts surrounding the elder care portion of the Obama healthcare bill. Much of this latest hoopla began when former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin wrote on her facebook page that the bill had "death panels" that would call for the killing of the sick, the elderly, and the unborn or mentally challenged child.
In the bill, Democrat Earl Blumenauer of Oregon calls for Medicare to pay doctors for offering voluntary counseling, every five years to the elderly, about end of life matters. It would bring doctors into the discussion about living wills, power of attorney, and other issues that are currently discussed with the family attorney. No monies would be paid and the bill does not advocate assisted suicide.
In spite of this, The National Right To Life Committee opposes the bill saying stronger language is needed to ensure that an older person would not willingly or unwillingly give up their rights to medical treatment in the event that they are confused about their options or depressed when being counseled.
It is on this point that I agree. Complex legal language is hard for anyone to understand and if someone is confused or feels depressed on the day he or she is receiving counseling, they may decide (in the heat of the moment) to give up their right to treatment.
Likewise, many people from our parent's generation never question their doctor's decisions, preferring instead to give them total control over their bodies. While I respect the training and judgement of most physicians, I am afraid that many older patients would be willing to hand over life and death decisions simply because they are afraid or feel unable to make them.
As Christians we tend to view life and death as a decision that can only be made by God, but all too often medical science has a different point of view. In the case of my own father, he was told by doctors that he would die in 3 months when he was diagnosed with Cancer in 1986. The doctors didn't want to give him treatment, saying he was terminal and it wouldn't help, but my mother demanded it, he wanted it, and fortunately he got it. The chemotherapy allowed my dad to live for another year. Had the decision been left entirely up to the medical community we would have lost 9 precious months with my dad. Fortunately, it was during this nine months that my father found his salvation.
I agree with the National Right to Life Committee that the wording on this provision in the bill needs to be changed, because all life is precious and all Americans have the right to fight to live. I will say however, that in spite of my general approval of Sarah Palin, calling the provision a "death panel" does nothing to advance the discussion on both sides of the issue.
How sad that something as precious as our right to life has become a football for the politicians to toss around. It's not about who wins the 2012 election and it's not about the cost of caring for our elderly who have worked so hard to fight for us. If we're going to pay for millions of illegal citizens to live in this country then we need to pony up for those who have lived and died to preserve our freedoms and our choices.
No, it's not about politics. It's about God and his "sole" right to determine when the end will be for the lives He's created. Instead of seeking outside counsel about whether we should live or die, we need to pray for His guidance when confronting our own health issues. If we do this, I'm sure we'll realize, that God's,(not the doctors) is the only counsel we'll need.
In the bill, Democrat Earl Blumenauer of Oregon calls for Medicare to pay doctors for offering voluntary counseling, every five years to the elderly, about end of life matters. It would bring doctors into the discussion about living wills, power of attorney, and other issues that are currently discussed with the family attorney. No monies would be paid and the bill does not advocate assisted suicide.
In spite of this, The National Right To Life Committee opposes the bill saying stronger language is needed to ensure that an older person would not willingly or unwillingly give up their rights to medical treatment in the event that they are confused about their options or depressed when being counseled.
It is on this point that I agree. Complex legal language is hard for anyone to understand and if someone is confused or feels depressed on the day he or she is receiving counseling, they may decide (in the heat of the moment) to give up their right to treatment.
Likewise, many people from our parent's generation never question their doctor's decisions, preferring instead to give them total control over their bodies. While I respect the training and judgement of most physicians, I am afraid that many older patients would be willing to hand over life and death decisions simply because they are afraid or feel unable to make them.
As Christians we tend to view life and death as a decision that can only be made by God, but all too often medical science has a different point of view. In the case of my own father, he was told by doctors that he would die in 3 months when he was diagnosed with Cancer in 1986. The doctors didn't want to give him treatment, saying he was terminal and it wouldn't help, but my mother demanded it, he wanted it, and fortunately he got it. The chemotherapy allowed my dad to live for another year. Had the decision been left entirely up to the medical community we would have lost 9 precious months with my dad. Fortunately, it was during this nine months that my father found his salvation.
I agree with the National Right to Life Committee that the wording on this provision in the bill needs to be changed, because all life is precious and all Americans have the right to fight to live. I will say however, that in spite of my general approval of Sarah Palin, calling the provision a "death panel" does nothing to advance the discussion on both sides of the issue.
How sad that something as precious as our right to life has become a football for the politicians to toss around. It's not about who wins the 2012 election and it's not about the cost of caring for our elderly who have worked so hard to fight for us. If we're going to pay for millions of illegal citizens to live in this country then we need to pony up for those who have lived and died to preserve our freedoms and our choices.
No, it's not about politics. It's about God and his "sole" right to determine when the end will be for the lives He's created. Instead of seeking outside counsel about whether we should live or die, we need to pray for His guidance when confronting our own health issues. If we do this, I'm sure we'll realize, that God's,(not the doctors) is the only counsel we'll need.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Weird Science
Ok bloggies, it's time once again to get on the phone with our Congressmen and Senators.
The president's new proposed health care bill has 50-million dollars earmarked for a revised sex education program for our schools. According to Dr. Miriam Grossman who is a respected child psychologist, and the author of a new book called "You're Teaching my Child What?" the program that would be implemented is based in social agenda versus medical science. It's focus would be to teach kids that any and all sexual behavior is ok, and would promote the idea of acceptance for behaviors that society has previously viewed as deviant.
One specific issue that Dr. Grossman mentions is the idea of teaching kids to reconsider their gender. In her work as a psychologist,she has maintained that gender is hardwired into all of us before birth, however the new program teaches kids to review their options for change. And that's not all.....
Another helpful tool (so they say) would be to introduce a new doll into the schools that would teach little girls how to breast feed a baby! The doll is already used in Spain, and the packaging shows a girl of about 8 holding a doll next to her breast simulating breast feeding. To me, there's nothing else to say except:
That's just weird!
Once again, the government is trying to take away the parent's choice about how to raise their kids, and quite frankly they want to teach things that I don't want my child to learn.
Strangely, I have a character in the book I'm writing who is promoting the concept that sex education should be taught in the church. She has a whole bunch of money, and wants to teach the little Sunday school kids all about the birds and the bees.
It's funny my government calls this progress, and in my book I call her the harlot.
Teri
The president's new proposed health care bill has 50-million dollars earmarked for a revised sex education program for our schools. According to Dr. Miriam Grossman who is a respected child psychologist, and the author of a new book called "You're Teaching my Child What?" the program that would be implemented is based in social agenda versus medical science. It's focus would be to teach kids that any and all sexual behavior is ok, and would promote the idea of acceptance for behaviors that society has previously viewed as deviant.
One specific issue that Dr. Grossman mentions is the idea of teaching kids to reconsider their gender. In her work as a psychologist,she has maintained that gender is hardwired into all of us before birth, however the new program teaches kids to review their options for change. And that's not all.....
Another helpful tool (so they say) would be to introduce a new doll into the schools that would teach little girls how to breast feed a baby! The doll is already used in Spain, and the packaging shows a girl of about 8 holding a doll next to her breast simulating breast feeding. To me, there's nothing else to say except:
That's just weird!
Once again, the government is trying to take away the parent's choice about how to raise their kids, and quite frankly they want to teach things that I don't want my child to learn.
Strangely, I have a character in the book I'm writing who is promoting the concept that sex education should be taught in the church. She has a whole bunch of money, and wants to teach the little Sunday school kids all about the birds and the bees.
It's funny my government calls this progress, and in my book I call her the harlot.
Teri
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
God & Country, Crazy Councilmen, and Happy Geese
I have a "must read" alert for Christians who have kept the faith, and for those who
erroneously argue that this country was not founded on Christian principles. I saw a great interview the other night on the Mike Huckabee show with David Barton, the creator of the website, www.wallbuilders.com.
Barton basically pointed out the fact that of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, something like 90% of them were not only Christian they were considered theologians of their time.
Even Ben Franklin ( who was not one of the more religious men,) called a recess when the Constitution was being written so all of the men who were working on it could pray for three days for Godly guidance. (and yes they were praying to the Christian God.)
Other Interesting Facts:
1. The first English language Christian Bible was printed in the 1790's by none other than the American Congress who wanted it printed so it could be used as a textbook in the American schools.
2. Thomas Jefferson (again, not one of the more religious men)signed a presidential document "In the year of Christ". Can you imagine the uproar if that happened today?
(One thinks of George Bush's comments about his worship of Jesus, which is where I believe his media troubles began)
3. Some of the men who signed The Declaration of Independence were people who founded the concept of Sunday School, were University Presidents who wanted their schools to be the place where young theologians were trained and many of them were ordained Christian ministers.
The list goes on and on and definitively proves that America is here today because of the Christian faith of the many men who risked their lives to defend their right to worship. Shame on those who want to take God out of America. Without God,and these dedicated Christians there would be no America! Check out the website, I'm sure you'll be fascinated, and it will give you great ammunition the next time you debate your ACLU friends.
Today's "Get A Clue Award" (and I don't mean the ACLU this time) goes to the city councilman in Clearwater, FL. who decided to remove all of the American flags as part of a city budget cut. Obvious uproar occured, and now the city has had to put up twice as many flags to appease those who were upset. Hey buddy ---Have you ever heard the term "God & Country?" I don't think you can remove America from America! I bet it's great to be a veteran in Clearwater....(she said sarcastically)
Finally, I love the man in Fairfax Co. Virginia who hopped out of his car on the four lane highway between his home and Washington D.C. You see, a flock of geese was crossing the highway, and he physically stopped traffic so they could pass without injury. Oh sure, some may say he risked causing an interstate pile up, but even the judge who ticketed him saw that his heart was in the right place. God Bless you sir.
You were kind to our fine feathered friends. You can walk my dog anytime......
Teri
erroneously argue that this country was not founded on Christian principles. I saw a great interview the other night on the Mike Huckabee show with David Barton, the creator of the website, www.wallbuilders.com.
Barton basically pointed out the fact that of the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence, something like 90% of them were not only Christian they were considered theologians of their time.
Even Ben Franklin ( who was not one of the more religious men,) called a recess when the Constitution was being written so all of the men who were working on it could pray for three days for Godly guidance. (and yes they were praying to the Christian God.)
Other Interesting Facts:
1. The first English language Christian Bible was printed in the 1790's by none other than the American Congress who wanted it printed so it could be used as a textbook in the American schools.
2. Thomas Jefferson (again, not one of the more religious men)signed a presidential document "In the year of Christ". Can you imagine the uproar if that happened today?
(One thinks of George Bush's comments about his worship of Jesus, which is where I believe his media troubles began)
3. Some of the men who signed The Declaration of Independence were people who founded the concept of Sunday School, were University Presidents who wanted their schools to be the place where young theologians were trained and many of them were ordained Christian ministers.
The list goes on and on and definitively proves that America is here today because of the Christian faith of the many men who risked their lives to defend their right to worship. Shame on those who want to take God out of America. Without God,and these dedicated Christians there would be no America! Check out the website, I'm sure you'll be fascinated, and it will give you great ammunition the next time you debate your ACLU friends.
Today's "Get A Clue Award" (and I don't mean the ACLU this time) goes to the city councilman in Clearwater, FL. who decided to remove all of the American flags as part of a city budget cut. Obvious uproar occured, and now the city has had to put up twice as many flags to appease those who were upset. Hey buddy ---Have you ever heard the term "God & Country?" I don't think you can remove America from America! I bet it's great to be a veteran in Clearwater....(she said sarcastically)
Finally, I love the man in Fairfax Co. Virginia who hopped out of his car on the four lane highway between his home and Washington D.C. You see, a flock of geese was crossing the highway, and he physically stopped traffic so they could pass without injury. Oh sure, some may say he risked causing an interstate pile up, but even the judge who ticketed him saw that his heart was in the right place. God Bless you sir.
You were kind to our fine feathered friends. You can walk my dog anytime......
Teri
Monday, August 3, 2009
The Weekend in Review
Well it's Monday and since the news is same old, same old, I thought I'd update you on a great read from my weekend. Saturday for me is the day to sit by the pool and write (since I'm a writer) and read (since my brain occasionally freezes, and I need a break) I've also been known to throw in a few laps around the pool just so I can justify the hot dog I always enjoy scarfing down.
The book I want to tell you about is one I mentioned last week. It's a Christian self help book that is called "A Better Day: A Better Life," How to Thrive One Day at a Time. Author Kelly L. Wilson offers a three part Better Day Better Life model that was born in her children's playroom as she was grieving the loss of her baby daughter and many unexpected trials that had occured in her life. She details how God inspired her to create this model that tells us that He wants each of us to live with good relationships, to be productive, and to enjoy the life that He has given us on this earth. Kelly gives plenty of practical applications on how we can improve in each of these areas which in turn will help us live a life that is richer and more fufilled. I can tell you that the book is funny, practical, spiritual, and a great read for any Christian or Non-Christian who feels overwhelmed by the tribulations that life can often bring. You can order the book at www.victory4me.com or from the online book sellers like Amazon. It is definitely a great read.
For those who live in S.W. Ohio, I've got a couple of restaurants for you to try out. My job as a food critic gives me access to all the best and hottest restaurants so from time to time I'll mention a few. I'd recommend Ryan's Tavern in Hamilton for those who want a great meal, and a taste of Ireland in a beautiful setting. The tavern is owned by the mayor of our city and his wife, who is also an author, and for those who pass through it is a must visit place. Ryan's Tavern is located on High Street. I'd highly recommend the soups, foccacia bread, and fish sandwich.
Also, I tried a place in Fairfield just this past week, that had I not have been a critic I would never have visited. (but I'm glad I did) It's called Charlie's Throttle Stop Bar & Grill, and while it is "biker friendly" it has some of the best food and the largest portion's I've ever eaten. If you get to the area of Dixie Highway & Mack Road, stop in and see Charlie. Be sure to order a Hog Wing as you can truly eat like a hog(it's a whole lot of pork) but be completely guilt free (it's cooked in transfat free oil) Even if motorcycles aren't your thing (they aren't mine) the food is well worth your trip.
Until Tomorrow.............
Teri
The book I want to tell you about is one I mentioned last week. It's a Christian self help book that is called "A Better Day: A Better Life," How to Thrive One Day at a Time. Author Kelly L. Wilson offers a three part Better Day Better Life model that was born in her children's playroom as she was grieving the loss of her baby daughter and many unexpected trials that had occured in her life. She details how God inspired her to create this model that tells us that He wants each of us to live with good relationships, to be productive, and to enjoy the life that He has given us on this earth. Kelly gives plenty of practical applications on how we can improve in each of these areas which in turn will help us live a life that is richer and more fufilled. I can tell you that the book is funny, practical, spiritual, and a great read for any Christian or Non-Christian who feels overwhelmed by the tribulations that life can often bring. You can order the book at www.victory4me.com or from the online book sellers like Amazon. It is definitely a great read.
For those who live in S.W. Ohio, I've got a couple of restaurants for you to try out. My job as a food critic gives me access to all the best and hottest restaurants so from time to time I'll mention a few. I'd recommend Ryan's Tavern in Hamilton for those who want a great meal, and a taste of Ireland in a beautiful setting. The tavern is owned by the mayor of our city and his wife, who is also an author, and for those who pass through it is a must visit place. Ryan's Tavern is located on High Street. I'd highly recommend the soups, foccacia bread, and fish sandwich.
Also, I tried a place in Fairfield just this past week, that had I not have been a critic I would never have visited. (but I'm glad I did) It's called Charlie's Throttle Stop Bar & Grill, and while it is "biker friendly" it has some of the best food and the largest portion's I've ever eaten. If you get to the area of Dixie Highway & Mack Road, stop in and see Charlie. Be sure to order a Hog Wing as you can truly eat like a hog(it's a whole lot of pork) but be completely guilt free (it's cooked in transfat free oil) Even if motorcycles aren't your thing (they aren't mine) the food is well worth your trip.
Until Tomorrow.............
Teri
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