Drawing Political Battle Lines

By:  Dale Weckbacher   

Ephesians 6:12

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

NKJV

When we make a decision to believe in Jesus Christ and what He did for us by dying on the cross, we change sides in the spiritual battle for this world.  Ephesians 6:12 serves to remind us that the battle is not against flesh and blood, or other people, but against spiritual powers.  However, when Jesus died and rose from the dead, He made a path of victory for us.  All one has to do to get on this path to victory in the spiritual battle is believe in God’s only son Jesus (John 3:16).

However, even though we have total victory in Christ our lives are not going to be without struggle

1 Peter 5:8-10

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

NKJV

God’s Word teaches us how to discern which side of every battle is God’s side and as we remain steadfast in the study and application of God’s Word in our lives we can be victorious in any struggle. 

Our nation currently finds itself in a political battle that threatens our liberties.  On the left, we have individuals that believe the source of relief from the struggles in life lies in some new government program that promises to solve their struggles.  However, history has shown us that such dependence is flawed and does not solve the problem but actually serves to make it worse. 

In his first State of the Union address on January 8, 1964, President Johnson declared war on poverty promising that the government would develop programs ending poverty, joblessness, and hunger in the U.S.  (1)  However, fifty years into the war, we still have poverty, joblessness, and hunger.  50 years of history has proven that the government is unable to successfully win a war on poverty for in the process of fighting this war, we find our nation on the verge of bankruptcy, budget deficits, and out of control debt that future generations will have to deal with. 

On the right, we have individuals that believe in the power of the individual and believe the role of government is to protect the God given freedoms of individuals so they can pursue their individual dreams.  Understand that some individuals will succeed in the pursuit of their dreams and some will not but those that do succeed will become wealthy and create jobs.  Those that fail in the pursuit of their dream also have the liberty to change direction and find success in some other pursuit or work for someone that has succeeded in the pursuit of their dream. 

In this election cycle, we once again face the battle between right and left.  Will we elect leaders promising more government programs that, like their predecessors, are destined to fail or will we elect leaders vowing to protect the liberties of individuals established by our Constitution empowering individuals to pursue their individual dreams. 

Jesus came to earth and established a new covenant giving men and women a choice.  The fact that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world (John 3:17) but to give us a choice reflects Gods interest in preserving our freedom to choose.  This is why in the political battle between left and right many Christians lean towards the right believing that the proper role of government is the preservation of each individual’s right to choose.  This does not mean that Christians have no compassion for the poor, unemployed, or hungry but that they believe it is the role of believers, who have been blessed by God to support these individuals. 

In Jesus teaching found in Matthew 25:31:46, Jesus speaks of gathering the nations together and instructs us of the importance to help the poor.  The translation nation comes from the Greek word ethnos, which means “a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.”  (2)  Jesus is not talking about judging a government for its failure to help the poor but each individual. 

Over the next three Wednesdays, we will look at what I believe are the issues where the battle this election will be.  We will look at the issues of immigration, health care, and our national security.  We will demonstrate how the solution to these issues lies in less, not more government empowering us as individuals to elect leaders that will allow us to bring real solutions to these issues. 

Let me close with this quote from the late author Stephen Ambrose writhing about the men returning from World War II,

But in fact these were the men who built modern America.  They had learned to work hard together in the armed services in World War II.  They had seen enough destruction; they wanted to construct.  They built the interstate highway system, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the suburbs (so scorned by the sociologists, so successful with the people), and more.  They had seen enough killing; they wanted to save lives.  They licked polio and made other revolutionary advances in medicine.  They had learned in the armed forces the virtues of solid organization and teamwork, and the value of individual initiative, inventiveness, and responsibility.  They developed the modern corporation while inaugurating revolutionary advances in science and technology, education and public policy.  (3)

Our nation needs more individuals like this in order to save our nation.

1. Intenational, International Committee of the Fourth. Fifty years since Johnson’s declaration of the “War on Poverty”. www.wsws.org. [Online] World Socialist Web Site, January 8, 2014. [Cited: April 29, 2014.] Fifty years since Johnson’s declaration of the “War on Poverty”.

2. Bible Tools. Strong's #1484: ethnos (pronounced eth'-nos. www.bibletools.org. [Online] Bible Tools. [Cited: April 29, 2014.] http://www.bibletools.org/index.cfm/fuseaction/Lexicon.show/ID/G1484/ethnos.htm.

3. Jeremiah, Dr. David. Living With Confidence in a Chaotic World. Nashville, Dallas, Mexico City, Rio De Janeiro : Thomas Nelson, 2009.

Leadership Assessment: Governor Scott Walker

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Isaiah 54:17

17 No weapon formed against you shall prosper,

And every tongue which rises against you in judgment

You shall condemn.

This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD,

And their righteousness is from Me,"

Says the LORD.

NKJV

If there is a verse of scripture placing a Biblical perspective on the life of Scott Walker since becoming Governor of Wisconsin, the above scripture from Isaiah is in my opinion the most appropriate.  His term as governor began with protestors taking over and trashing the capitol in Madison.  The protests all revolved around his desire to bring government spending under control.  One of the major reasons for budget deficits in Wisconsin was the state having to support overly generous pensions for government employees. 

This prompted teachers and social workers to show up at the capitol in protest.  As Tim Stanley, writing for the Telegraph put it, “He wanted to reform the unions and bring spending under control – and the public sector came out onto the streets to stop him.  It was a kind of velvet revolution led by teachers and social workers and the folks who shoot bears when they start eating out of trash cans.”  (1) 

When the protests failed to change Governor Walker’s agenda, they started a recall effort.  Not surprisingly the well-organized union petition drive collected the required number of signatures but was unable to win the recall election resulting in Governor Walker becoming the first governor in U.S. history to win a recall election.  (2)  The many weapons formed to destroy Governor Walker failed and he remained in office. 

The good news is that Governor Walker’s policies succeeded in saving the State of Wisconsin.  As Mr. Stanley wrote in his article,

In 2011, Wisconsin had a whopping deficit of $3.6 billion dollars.  But a corporate tax cut and collective bargaining reforms invigorated the state economy.  Now, the state is boasting a $911 million surplus, credited to “good stewardship of the taxpayers’ money.”  (1)

Governor Walker, a pastor’s son, grew up in Delavan Wisconsin where he was involved in sports, band, church, and he also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.  He entered politics in 1993 with election to the state assembly of Wisconsin where he chaired several committees.  He authored several pieces of legislation including Truth-in-Sentencing, photo identification requirements to vote, and the elimination of the statute of limitations in sexual assault cases.  In 2002, he was elected Milwaukee County Executive in order to reform the scandal-ridden county government, a scandal that cost the county millions in pension obligations.  As county executive, he vowed to spend the county’s money as if it were his own resulting in a 30% reduction in county debt.  He was inaugurated Governor of Wisconsin on January 3, 2011.  (3)

Using our established matrix of vision, courage, integrity, and a servant’s heart, let us assess Governor Walker’s leadership qualities. 

1)    Vision - Governor Walker ran for office vowing to end ballooning budget deficits and creating jobs for the State of Wisconsin.  As we saw from Mr. Stanley’s article, he succeeded in converting a $3.2 billion budget deficit into a $911 million surplus (1) plus he succeeded after six months in office, restoring a quarter of the jobs lost in the state due to the recession.  (4)  In an interview in August 19, 2013, Governor Walker provided a glimpse of his vision for America when he said that, "You don't just sit back and nick the other side -- you've got to lay out a plan,"  (5)  Governor Walker’s vision is a plan of action and not just passive resistance

2)    Courage – Governor Walker came into office and immediately began implementing the changes he promised when running for office.  Implementation of these policies met with strong resistance mainly from unions in the state and resulted in a recall election, which Governor Walker won.  (2)  A weaker leader might have buckled at this level of resistance but Governor Walker persisted, surviving the recall and his policies have saved the State of Wisconsin from going over the fiscal and economic cliff.

3)    Integrity – Governor Walker did exactly what he promised to do when running for office and in spite of strong resistance, maintained his integrity by implementing his promised policies. 

4)    Servants Heart – As the son of a pastor, Governor Walker was raised in an atmosphere of serving others.  As governor, Mr. Walker has demonstrated a servant’s heart by not buckling to pressure and sticking the principles he believed, would benefit the people of Wisconsin that elected him.  On March 13, 2014, he tweeted Philippians 4:13, which says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  This led to a demand by the Freedom from Religion organization claiming that, “To say, ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,’ seems more like a threat-or the utterance of a theocratic dictator-than a duly elected civil servant.”  (6)  However, as a Christian I interpret this to mean Governor Walker derives his strength from Christ something I share.  In fact, I wear a ring with the same scripture on it to remind me of the source of my strength. 

I give Governor Walker a resounding A on his leadership assessment.  However, we must ponder whether he would be able to maintain his vision, courage, integrity, and servant’s heart on a national level.  However, if he continues to lead according to Philippians 4:13, he will be able to maintain his excellent leadership qualities knowing that no weapon formed against him will prosper. 

1. Stanley, Tim. How Scott Walker and the conservatives saved Wisconsin. America, take note. blogs.telegraph.co.uk. [Online] The Telegraph, 27 January, 2014. [Cited: April 25, 2014.] http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/timstanley/100256645/how-scott-walker-and-the-conservatives-saved-wisconsin-america-take-note/.

2. Terkel, Amanda. Scott Walker Defeats Tom Barrett In Wisconsin Recall Election (UPDATE). www.huffingtonpost.com. [Online] The Huffington Post, June 5, 2012. [Cited: April 25, 2014.] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/05/scott-walker-recall-election-results_n_1572532.html.

3. Office of the Governor of Wisconsin. About Governor Walker. walker.wi.gov. [Online] State of Wisconsin. [Cited: April 26, 2014.] http://walker.wi.gov/governor-office/about-governor-walker.

4. Editor Scott Walker Vision. Wisconsin: Getting Back to Work. scottwalkervision.com. [Online] Scott Walker vision, August 3, 2011. [Cited: April 26, 2014.] http://scottwalkervision.com/?p=24.

5. Sullivan, Sean. Scott Walker’s GOP vision: ‘No’ is not good enough. www.washingtonpost.com. [Online] The Washington Post, August 20, 2013. [Cited: April 26, 2014.] http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-fix/wp/2013/08/20/scott-walkers-gop-vision-no-is-not-good-enough/.

6. Snyder, Dr. Scott Walker: Christian Public Servant. ponderingprinciples.com. [Online] Pondering Principles, March 26, 2014. [Cited: April 26, 2014.] http://ponderingprinciples.com/2014/03/scott-walker-christian-public-servant/.

Our Out of Control Federal Bureaucracy

By:  Dale Weckbacher

1 Samuel 8:11-18

“This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for his own chariots and to be his horsemen, and some will run before his chariots. 12 He will appoint captains over his thousands and captains over his fifties, will set some to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and some to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. 13 He will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. 14 And he will take the best of your fields, your vineyards, and your olive groves, and give them to his servants. 15 He will take a tenth of your grain and your vintage, and give it to his officers and servants. 16 And he will take your male servants, your female servants, your finest young men, and your donkeys, and put them to his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you will be his servants. 18 And you will cry out in that day because of your king whom you have chosen for yourselves, and the LORD will not hear you in that day.”

NKJV

The context of the above scripture occurs at a time in Israel’s history when they asked for a king to rule over them just like the other nations surrounding them (1 Samuel 8:5).  The fact that Israel asked for a king was actually a rejection of God and demonstrated a lack of faith in God being able to protect and provide for the nation.  Prior to this, Israel had judges that ruled them some of which were good and ruled the nation according to the God’s Word and some that did not.  The book of Judges is a history of these judges.  Israel’s asking for a king occurred after Samuel’s sons had been appointed judges and were among those that did not follow God’s Word (1 Samuel 8:3).

The above passage of scripture was a warning issued by God, warning people of what would occur when they chose a king to rule over them.  As we read this warning, we see that it is a warning we also should heed for many in our country believe that a bigger more centralized government is beneficial to our nation.  In fact, our nation’s failure to heed this warning has already resulted in an out of control bureaucracy that threatens the liberties this nation was founded upon.

For example, we can point to the out of control IRS.  Last week on April 15, we went through our annual exercise of determining our income tax liability.  Our tax code has become so complex that many individuals either hire a tax professional to prepare their taxes or purchase software to assist them.  The government established the IRS in order to collect taxes for the government but through the years, the complexity of the tax code has opened the door for the IRS to become an agency of the federal bureaucracy that intrudes in a major way into the personal lives of individuals.  They have the authority to determine how much money we make, whether or not someone lives in our homes and whether or not we provide all of their support.  They know where we live, who we work for, and for those owning a business, who they have working for them.  Now, with the passage of Obamacare, they will know about our health.

However, this administration is now using the IRS to not only harasses political opponents but also seeks to prosecute organizations at odds with the agenda of the administration.  (1)  So much for the IRS being the revenue-collecting agency of the federal government for the IRS has now evolved into the main enforcement arm of the administration insuring the silencing of political opponents. 

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is also an example of our out of control government.  For generations, the federal government allowed ranchers to graze their cattle on federal land adjacent to their properties.  The Bundy family was one such family that since settling in Nevada in the late 1800’s is allowed to graze their cattle on land adjacent to theirs.  However, the federal government later created the BLM to protect vast swaths of federal land.  (2)  In other words, the mission of the BLM is to protect federal lands.

By grazing their cattle on federal land, the Bundy family was actually providing a service to the government by cutting the grass and fertilizing the land.  However, with the alleged discovery of a desert tortoise on the land, the BLM began restricting use of the land in order to protect an endangered species.  I guess the BLM’s authority has expanded from protecting the land to protecting animal species living on the land.  The BLM believes it has the authority to seize a rancher’s cattle, which are his property and livelihood, and surround his ranch with heavy artillery and snipers to enforce their authority.  I thought the Constitution guaranteed citizens protection against seizure by the government of their private property; I guess Mr. Bundy’s cattle are an exception.  There was also no need to come to Mr. Bundy’s ranch with a show of force for all they had to do was place a lien on Mr. Bundy’s property or cattle in order to collect past due fees.  It would appear to me that the government might have a more sinister agenda.

This leads me to make anther observation.  Why do various government agencies need to stock up on ammunition?  (3)  (4) (5)  It would appear that the government formed to for the people and by the people now fears the people.  Our founding fathers must be rolling over in the graves seeing what has happened to the country they risked their lives to form. 

This is why it is imperative that we begin electing people to office that favor smaller government that functions within the confines of its constitutional restrictions and if these elected officials refuse to uphold the constitution, we will force them to do so using article 5 of the constitution.  If you are unsure what article 5 of the constitution means, I recommend reading it and purchasing Mark Levin’s book the Liberty Amendments a link to which is in the upper right pane of this webpage.  We are still a government for the people and by the people and it is time for our elected officials to realize this. 

Samuels warning to the nation of Israel is as relevant today as it was in his time.  Our founders understood this and is why they established a government with limited power.  It is time for us as a nation to heed Samuel’s warning and reestablish the limited government our founders envisioned. 

1. Adams, J. Christian. A NEW, MORE SINISTER IRS SCANDAL. www.breitbart.com. [Online] Breitbart News, April 17, 2014. [Cited: April 19, 2014.] http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/04/17/A-New-More-Sinister-IRS-Scandal.

2. Darby, Logan Churchwell and Brandon. THE SAGA OF BUNDY RANCH--FEDERAL POWER, RULE OF LAW AND AVERTING POTENTIAL BLOODSHED. www.breitbart.com. [Online] Breitbart News, April 12, 2014. [Cited: April 19, 2014.] http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2014/04/12/The-Saga-of-Bundy-Ranch.

3. Watson, Paul Joseph. Social Security Administration To Purchase 174 Thousand Rounds Of Hollow Point Bullets. www.infowars.com. [Online] Alex Jones Infowars.com, August 15, 2012. [Cited: April 19, 2014.] http://www.infowars.com/social-security-administration-to-purchase-174-thousand-rounds-of-hollow-point-bullets/.

4. Brown, Peter F. Congressman: DHS Must Explain Ammunition and Armored Vehicle Purchases. www.westernjournalism.com. [Online] Western Journalism, March 18, 2013. [Cited: April 19, 2014.] http://www.westernjournalism.com/congressman-dhs-must-explain-ammunition-and-armored-vehicle-purchases/.

5. Chumley, Cheryl K. US Postal Service Joins in Federal Ammo Purchases. www.newsmax.com. [Online] News Max, April 15, 2014. [Cited: April 19, 2014.] http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/USPS-ammo-purchase-federal/2014/04/14/id/565541/.

Remembering the Greatest Event in History

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 11:25-26

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.  26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?" 

NKJV

Most organizations and even churches today are encouraged to develop mission statements.  The purpose of these mission statements is to keep the organization focused on its goal or mission.  The above passage from the Gospel of John represents the mission of Jesus, the Son of God who became flesh and came as the Lamb of God to die for the sins of mankind.  However, he did not come just to die but to resurrect from the dead thus declaring victory over death, life’s worst enemy.

As Christians around the world from all denominations celebrate Easter, or as I like to call it Resurrection Sunday this Sunday, let us reflect on what the day means for us.  When we do, I am sure we will agree that the event that occurred on that Sunday morning almost 2000 years ago when Jesus victoriously rose from the dead is the greatest even to ever occur in history. 

It is a fact that Jesus had to suffer death in order to fulfill the penalty for sin declared by God in the Garden of Eden.  God warned Adam and Eve of the consequences of disobedience to God in Genesis 2:16-17 where God said, 

16 And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

NKJV

This single act of disobedience by one man Adam caused the pronouncement of a death penalty on all future men and women born after them.  Had God left things as they were, all men and women born would have had no hope of ever having a relationship with their creator.  However, God loved mankind and even after pronouncing his curse on mankind, gave them a promise of a future savior that would take away the sins of mankind in Genesis 3:15,

Gen 3:15

15 And I will put enmity

Between you and the woman,

And between your seed and her Seed;

He shall bruise your head,

And you shall bruise His heel."

NKJV

Since men and not women have the seed, this passage is telling us that the birth of the savior of mankind will be a special birth, a virgin birth.  Christians all over the world believe that Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, is the one promised in Genesis 3:15.  Satan, the serpent, bruised the heel of Christ when Jesus died on the cross but Jesus bruised his head when he arose victoriously on the third day, Resurrection Sunday. 

Anyone choosing to believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah that came to die for our sins and most importantly resurrect from the dead can enjoy eternity with Christ.  So, if you are reading this and have not done so already, take a moment to pray this prayer with me.

Dear Lord Jesus.  I know I have sinned.  I ask you now to forgive me of my sins.  I invite you to come into my heart and become Lord of my life.  I believe you came to die for my sins and were buried in the grave for three days.  You then resurrected from the dead on the third day. 

If you have prayed this prayer, your sins are now totally forgiven and you have eternal life with our Lord.  I now encourage you to share your new founded faith with someone so they too can enjoy eternal life.  

The Bitterness and Sweetness of Life: Lessons from Passover and Easter

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Rom 10:9

9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

NKJV

Tax season has mercifully come to an end.  I found myself so caught up in the numbers, specifically the number 1040, which explains why I failed to post anything last Wednesday and Saturday.  My plans are to resume posting next week in order to take a break this week to celebrate Easter, or as I like to call it, Resurrection Sunday.

This week my family and I took a break from taxes and had the opportunity to attend a Passover Seder dinner.  Regardless of whether you are Christian or Jew, I recommend taking the opportunity to attend a Seder for the symbolism of the dinner not only serves to remind Jewish people of their slavery in Egypt and how God miraculously delivered them from that slavery but it also is the dinner being served during the Last Supper of Christ.  As a Christian, the symbolism of the Seder dinner also points to the death burial and resurrection of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ.

During the course of the Seder, we partook of the Maror (“bitter herb”) and the Charoset, which is a sweet salad of apples, nuts, wine, and cinnamon.  The Maror, usually horseradish, brings tears to the eyes to remind Jews of their Egyptian slavery.  After partaking of the Maror, the Charoset is even sweeter and speaks of the sweetness of the Jews deliverance from slavery.  (1)

In addition to Passover, this week we also celebrate Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.  As I was partaking of the Seder dinner, I equated the Maror to the death of Christ on Good Friday and the Charoset symbolizes the sweetness of the victorious resurrection of Christ on Resurrection Sunday. 

Our lives and even our nation have had, and will continue to have both sweet and bitter moments.  At present we are experiencing what I believe is a bitter moment.  Many still are unable to find work and in fact census data shows that 86 million private sector workers now sustain 148 million benefit takers.  (2)  This is not only bitterness for those relegated to eking out an existence on some government subsidy but is also bitterness for those working who are asked to do more while the government takes a greater portion of their income through taxation.  My hope is that in the upcoming elections we will take the opportunity to elect officials to office that will help our nation once again enjoy the Charoset, which will taste much sweeter after the bitterness of the Maror of the Obama administration. 

So, as we celebrate Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, take a moment to reflect on how the bitterness of the death of Christ on Good Friday led to the sweetness of his resurrection.  Because of the resurrection of Christ, we all have the opportunity to enjoy a new life with our sins completely forgiven. 

1. For Dummies. The Symbolic Foods at a Passover Seder. www.dummies.com. [Online] [Cited: April 16, 2014.] http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/the-symbolic-foods-at-a-passover-seder.html.

2. Jeffrey, Terence P. 86M Full-Time Private-Sector Workers Sustain 148M Benefit Takers. www.cnsnews.com. [Online] CNS News, April 16, 2014. [Cited: April 16, 2014.] http://www.cnsnews.com/commentary/terence-p-jeffrey/86m-full-time-private-sector-workers-sustain-148m-benefit-takers.

Leadership Assessment: Sarah Palin

By:  Dale Weckbacher

2 Timothy 3:12

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

NKJV

As I was searching scripture to find a Biblical reference that best describes what has happened to Sarah Palin since she entered public live, I believe the above scripture is very appropriate.  Paul is writing this to Timothy, a young man entering the ministry.  Paul is warning him that entering the ministry will make him a target for persecution, something Paul was all too familiar with (2 Corinthians 11:22-29).

Since entering public life, it seems that Sarah Palin is blamed for everything from global warming to every shooting carried out by someone believing the best solution to a problem is just to take out innocent people.  However, the worst thing is that those attacking her do not stop with just her and feel justified in attacking her family and children as well.  They have even went so far as to move next door so they can spy on her and her family in the interest of conducting research for some book with the agenda of bringing her down.  Makes me wonder exactly what they fear about her. 

Sarah Palin was born on February 11, 1964 in Standpoint Idaho.  She entered politics in 1992 when she ran for a council seat on the Wasilla City Council.  She ran on a platform opposing tax hikes.  Four years later, she was elected mayor of Wasilla knocking off three-term incumbent John Stein.  (1)

Palin then entered statewide politics in 2002 with an unsuccessful run for lieutenant governor losing by fewer than 2000 votes.  Governor Murkowski appointed Palin to chair the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in 2003 but Palin later resigned in protest over what she perceived to be the “lack of ethics” of fellow Alaskan Republican leaders.  She went on in 2006 to defeat Governor Murkowski in the 2006 primary and went on to become the Governor of Alaska in 2006.  (1)

Sarah Palin was unknown outside of Alaska until she was thrust onto the national scene when she was selected by Republican nominee for President John McCain in 2008 to be his running mate.  This emergence onto the national scene is when the persecution of Sarah Palin and her family began. 

Let us know begin our analysis of Sarah Palin’s leadership qualities against our matrix of vision, courage, integrity, and a servants heart.

1)      Vision – When first entering politics, Sarah Palin ran on a platform opposing tax hikes on the hard working people in her home town of Wasilla Alaska.  (1)  In a speech given at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi in 2011, Sarah Palin reiterated her vision for America.  She discussed China’s military rise, free trade, bailouts and of course the India-U.S. partnership.  However, the topic closest to the heart of Sarah Palin is America’s need for energy independence.  (2)  She believes that energy independence is vital to both the overall security of our nation as well as its economic security.  She also believes that a policy of energy independence will restore the prosperity of our nation.  (2)  By the way, her vision is actually becoming a reality in parts of our country that are currently experiencing an economic boom due to increased energy production. 

2)      Courage – Few individuals would be able to withstand the attacks on Sarah Palin and remain in public life.  In a town hall article published in May of 2013, John Hawkins outlined seven of the despicable ways liberals have attacked Sarah Palin.  (3)  There is little doubt that Sarah Palin possesses the courage of a “Mamma Grizzly” as she remains steadfast in spite of the numerous attacks upon her.   

3)      Integrity – As I define integrity as one standing upon what is right in spite of efforts to try to get them to change course, I would have to give Sarah Palin an A for integrity.  Most individuals would have buckled under the pressure of personal attacks but not Sarah Palin who remains steadfast, and very vocal, about her beliefs.  She continues to endorse candidates sharing her beliefs and her endorsement almost insures victory.

4)      Servants Heart – Sarah Palin is a devout Christian and makes no attempt to hide her faith.  Raised in the Assemblies of God denomination, Palin now attends the Church on the Rock in Wasilla Alaska.  (4)  When the Vice Presidential candidates in 2008 released their tax returns, the Palin’s made a combined income of $127,869 in 2006 and 2007 and donated $8,205 during that time.  In contrast, Biden earned $319,853 in just 2007 but has only donated $3,690 to charity since 1998.  (5)

Overall, I would give Sarah Palin an A in my assessment.  However, her lack of ever holding office on a national level causes many to wonder if she should be considered a candidate for the Presidency.  One could even cite the ineptitude of the current office holder as a reason why we should not elect someone with little experience at the national level.  

I have to disagree with this assessment.  Barack Obama may have brought little in the way of national experience to the office of the Presidency but what he did bring was the usual big government politics that has dominated Washington DC for far too long.  Sarah Palin is different in that she would bring a change in philosophy to Washington from more government to less and more responsible government. 

As I look at the current situation in Washington, I believe it is time to elect a leader that brings bold new ideas.  We need a leader that has the courage to stand up against the Washington elite that is only interested in increasing the size of government in order to preserve their power.  We need a leader with a vision of restoring American independence and not leaders interested in making the American people more dependent upon the government. 

Therefore, I believe Sarah Palin is someone we must seriously consider as we seek the next leader for our country.  Next Saturday we will assess the leadership qualities of Scott Walker. 

1. Biography.com. Sarah Palin. Biography. www.biography.com. [Online] [Cited: April 5, 2014.] http://www.biography.com/people/sarah-palin-360398?page=1.

2. Calabrese, Lori. Palin’s vision for America has much to do with energy. www.examiner.com. [Online] examiner.com, March 21, 2011. [Cited: April 5, 2014.] http://www.examiner.com/article/palin-s-vision-for-america-has-much-to-do-with-energy.

3. Hawkins, John. The 7 Most Despicable Ways Liberals Have Attacked Sarah Palin. townhall.com. [Online] Townhall.com, May 7, 2013. [Cited: April 5, 2014.] http://townhall.com/columnists/johnhawkins/2013/05/07/the-7-most-despicable-ways-liberals-have-attacked-sarah-palin-n1589064/page/full.

4. Fairchild, Mary. Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin: Faith Snapshot. christianity.about.com. [Online] About.com, November 1, 2008. [Cited: April 5, 2014.] http://christianity.about.com/od/religionpolitics/p/sarahpalinfaith.htm.

5. Duclos, Susan. Sarah Palin Releases Tax Records, Shown To Give More To Charity Than Joe Biden. www.digitaljournal.com. [Online] Digital Journal, October 4, 2008. [Cited: April 5, 2014.] http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/260733.

Why is My Doctor Surfing the Web Instead of Talking to Me?

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 8:16-17

When evening had come, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick, 17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying:

"He Himself took our infirmities

And bore our sicknesses."  

NKJV

As we see the best healthcare system in the world crumble under the weight of Obamacare, I find it comforting that I can still pray to the great physician for healing when all else fails.  However, there are people that God has given a special gift of healing and we are blessed to have many of these individuals working in the healthcare industry.  Unfortunately, under the new regulations of Obamacare, many of these people are retiring or going into other professions.

I am one of those who lost his doctor through retirement in spite of the fact President Obama promised I could keep my doctor.  My doctor did not provide any details of why he retired but when I found another doctor I found out that my doctor retired because he did not want to participate in the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) mandate of Obamacare.  At first I believed this was due to my doctor, who was old school, did not want to use the computer but I now know that it was a business decision on his part. 

On Wednesday march 26, 2014, Alabama Representative Mo Brooks read a letter on the floor of the House sent to him by Dr. Marlin Gill of Decatur.  The letter provides a doctors perspective of the excessive burden Obamacare's costs and regulations are placing on doctors, which will affect patient care.  Dr. Gill calls these excessive regulations a war against doctors.  (1) 

Health and Human Services (HHS) told doctors that EMR would reduce administrative costs and paperwork.  (2)  However, according to Dr. Gill implementation of the EMR mandate has increased work hours, wasted costs, decreased efficiency, and led to a declining in the ability of doctors to focus on patient care.  Dr. Gill goes on to cite at least six doctors in his community that have left patient care for administrative positions or to start a concierge practice.  Some, like my doctor, have retired altogether.  (1)

What lawmakers failed to take into consideration when they implemented EMR was that someone has to enter in the data that goes into the database, the data does not just magically appear.  This is similar to what happens in any business.  I work as an accounting professional and spend much of my time entering data into a database that management of the company uses to make financial decisions for the company.  (1)  The difference with EMR is the doctor is, or should be, the decision maker when it comes to patient care but under these regulations, doctors also have to work as the data entry personnel entering data into the database.    

In addition to the waste of time as doctors have to pull double duty as data entry clerks and patient care decision makers, doctors must incur additional costs to come into compliance with the new regulations.  For Example Dr. Gill cites that in his four doctor practice incurred $100,000 plus to come into compliance with EMR requirements.  (1) 

If that is not enough of a burden, doctors are also required to use the ICD-10 coding system, which contains an entirely new set of reimbursement diagnosis codes.  Of course this means doctors will have to pay for training their staff to learn these new codes and errors will occur as their staff becomes accustomed to using the new codes, meaning that doctors will experience delays, or even denial of reimbursement from insurance carriers. 

We must also consider the old adage “garbage in garbage out” which applies to all computer databases.  A doctor writing for the Independent Women’s Voice cited an instance where data, incorrectly entered into a database, stated that one of her patients had an adverse reaction to X-ray die.  This patient has a history of breast cancer and the doctor frequently is required to order tests using X-ray die.  The doctor and her staff wastes hours of time convincing the facility to conduct the test because they must convince them that the entry in the database is erroneous and needs correction.  Unfortunately, any attempt to correct the entry ends with the IT department telling the doctor that there is no current mechanism to correct the error.  (3)  Of course what else would we expect from the same people that wrote the software for the Obamacare website? 

This is just another example of how Obamacare is destroying the best healthcare system in the world.  Not only are individuals losing their health insurance and thus their ability to pay for health care when the need it, we will now begin experiencing a doctor shortage as doctors shut down their practices.  Doctors that remain in practice will be required to waste time entering data into a database and trying to correct incorrect data entered by other doctors. 

Jesus is called the great physician and in his ministry went about healing the sick.  God has gifted certain individuals with the ability to learn about the human body and treat our illnesses.  However, things like Obamacare cause these gifted individuals to waste time with administrative duties in order to comply with some massive government program instead of using the gifts God has given them.  It is time we took of the shackles of government interference so these gifted individuals can do what God created them to do, treat the sick.   

1. Hulsey, Emily. One Doctor’s Viral Letter Exposes the Harrowing Reality of Obamacare’s ‘War Against Doctors’. www.ijreview.com. [Online] Independent Journal Review, March 28, 2014. [Cited: March 31, 2014.] http://www.ijreview.com/2014/03/124716-one-doctors-viral-letter-exposes-harrowing-reality-obamacares-war-doctors.

2. Health and Human Services. Key Features of the Affordable Care Act By year. www.hhs.gov. [Online] Health and Human Services. [Cited: March 31, 2014.] http://www.hhs.gov/healthcare/facts/timeline/timeline-text.html.

3. Independent Women's Voice. Another ObamaCare Pipe Dream: Electronic Medical Records. www.iwvoices.com. [Online] Independent Women's Voice. [Cited: March 31, 2014.] http://www.iwvoices.com/detail.php?c=1391468&t=Another-ObamaCare-Pipe-Dream%3A-Electronic-Medical-Records.