tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65750755432015598112024-02-19T23:03:14.864-08:00Pause and ThinkHi. My name is John and I am really a fairly quiet, mild mannered guy. But I do have a few strong opinions, and I may try to stir things up just a little with some political and social commentary. My goal is simple: To get you to think about what is good, right, wholesome, wise, helpful, and worthy.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-19113737774591419882012-05-17T23:23:00.001-07:002012-05-17T23:26:16.130-07:00Study Science, Learn of GodWhen a person studies any field or science, he or she is learning about the nature of God; His creativity, His artistic nature, His power, His beauty. Many years ago most scientists understood this. Strange that, today, many scientists, and particularly science educators, don't even realize what the essence of what they are studying. How can anyone look upon any aspect of creation and not be awed by what it reveals about our Creator?The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-69160779603424602262011-10-10T23:27:00.000-07:002011-10-10T23:32:21.984-07:00We continue to crumbleGovernor Jerry Brown of CA has, in the past few days, signed several bills designed to further the destruction of liberty and decency. I have little expectation that the majority of Californian's will take a stand for a return to policies that will once again make us strong, secure, and economically sound, but I still have hope for the nation as a whole.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-53869791255575504092011-03-21T18:40:00.000-07:002011-03-21T18:48:20.815-07:00Fuel prices--fuel for thoughtIn case anyone out there doesn't already know it, be assured that Pres. Obama and his admin. staff want the price to go even higher. His energy man, Mr. Chu says the price to gasoline must go higher so that Americans won't mind so much paying the high cost of alternate energy sources. And one more reminder: the high cost of oil affects not just gasoline and home heating costs, it has a significant effect on the cost of virtually everything. That means essentials such as food, clothing, and medical supplies.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-24591518178583156202011-02-26T23:58:00.000-08:002011-02-27T00:46:19.217-08:00Amy Goodman-Democracy NowAmy Goodman editorials appear in our local paper. Sometimes I try to read them, but the lack of common sense and logic usually causes me to stop reading after a few paragraphs. However, I have read enough to discern a few things and to be left with a few questions.<br /><br />Amy's organization is called "Democracy Now." This leads to the first question: Is the name of the organization meant to indicate that they promote democracy? If so, why? As a governmental system, democracy is not one that anyone should want to live in. (In a democracy, eligible citizens--often that means property owning males--have the opportunity for direct votes on all issues of government.) Democracy is highly susceptible to emotional whims and decisions based on personal gain of money or power. In a large organization, like most nations today, it is quite literally unworkable. The founders of the USA recognized this and consequently gave us a republic.<br /><br />Now perhaps Miss Goodman and her group are using the word democracy as many Americans, including most politicians, commentators, and even educators do, to mean liberty; in particular a government that recognizes the citizens as the utltimate holders of power and gaurantees rights such as freedom of speech, worship, ownership of arms, no unreasonable searches or arrests, private property ownership, and a voice in their governance not tied to wealth, gender, race, etc. If this is the case, then it would be a really good idea to pick a new name. However, based on the views put forth by Miss Goodman, I don't think she supports the above freedoms.<br /><br />Most recently she has been taking a stand against the citizens of Wisconsin who voiced by their vote that they want their state government to become fiscally responsible. Miss Goodman supports those who would ignore the choice of the majority of voters and to allow rule by a combination of a political minority and the leaders of labor unions. If she actually believed in democracy (or free elections), she would support the decision of the voters.<br /><br />This is not the first time I have seen from her this expression of contempt for the citizens of the USA. From what I have read, she actually supports a system of government that can best be described as despotic or tyrannical. Although she doesn't always agree with the policy's of power holders like Barack Obama, she does appear to strongly support a huge, domineering central government (as long as that government makes decisions that fit progressive/liberal positions).The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-24715996092052375712011-01-12T18:17:00.000-08:002011-02-26T23:58:17.252-08:00Lengthy speech is not appropriateIt is after 7:00 pm in Tucson. I don't know just how long Mr. Obama has been speaking, but I know that it is way too long. For an occasion like this it is totally inappropriate for the president or anyone else to make a lengthy speech. A time like this calls for some comments on the people killed and injured, and an expression of sadness, disappointment, etc. that the tragedy occurred; nothing more. Something in the range of 5-10 minutes would be a worthy length. How refreshing it would be if some of our politicians would learn how to speak by reading the words of Abraham Lincoln.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-1309893106024819652011-01-10T08:51:00.000-08:002011-01-10T16:42:00.315-08:00OK, it has been a long time since I posted. Lot's of other things are more in need of my attention. However, events of the past few days deserve some comment.<br /><br />I marvel in wonder when observing adults, especially some "leaders" of our communities and states, who cannot think beyond the level of a child. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and several others were wounded by a lone gunman. Others, including a judge, were killed. The gunman was apparently a drug using, mentally unstable man whose political views were of the liberal persuasion. Yet, immediately following his deathly rampage, we started hearing other liberal "leaders" and commentators blame his actions on comments from well-known political conservatives.<br /><br />Of course this does not make sense for a few reasons:<br /><ul><li>The gunman did not likely listen much to conservatives, much less let them direct his actions.</li><li>No conservative has been reported as calling for the assassination of Giffords or any other congressmen.</li><li>Most of the victims did not hold governmental office.</li><li>The gunman apparently did not represent any political group, certainly not a conservative group.</li></ul><br />But what is very disturbing is the "let's find someone else to blame" attitude that has been repeatedly voiced in the past few days. Especially notable is the immature behavior of those like the local sheriff. I suspect that the sheriff's parents heard a lot of whining when he was a child. Just this morning I heard a 7 year old, who had experienced something unpleasant, whining and angrily saying to his mother, "It's your fault." A moment later he included all those around him, saying, "It's your guys fault." Grow up, sheriff. Put the blame where it belongs. It is no one else's fault.<br /><br />In recent years this seems to be a constant refrain from political liberals. Every time something really bad happens, they want to find someone, preferably a well-known conservative, but sometimes just patriotic Americans in general, to blame. This approach is often applied to criminals at all levels. I am glad to hear this morning a few comments from those who are rightly pointing out the stupidity and foolishness of this blame someone else approach. And by the way, I haven't heard any conservatives blaming liberal leaders or commentators.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-2028001050158855112010-07-16T07:30:00.000-07:002010-07-16T07:37:58.397-07:00Flags WavingJust returned from a week of travel. Encouraged by all the flags we saw waving, some at businesses, but mostly at homes. The unique greatness that is the USA must be constantly remembered or we will sink into something we will regret.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-49443082757956500552010-07-03T23:44:00.000-07:002010-07-03T23:57:15.807-07:00Are We Awake YetWith the constant efforts of so many, from Tea Party Patriots to individual candidates who are winning elections on a platform of supporting the Constitution, I am encouraged. But still, I wonder if the lack of education and the apathy of many will allow the destruction of our system.<br /><br />A poll cited yesterday found that 26% of those questioned did not know what nation we separated from in the Revolutionary War. If they do not know even that, is it possible that they know why? Is it possible that they understand the revolutionary new way of living and governing that was created when the Constitution was implemented?<br /><br />There are many today, like the Hebrews of long ago, who seem to be demanding that we have a powerful monarch as our ruler. We may not call him a king, but would still grant him the power. As it is now, the USA is being ruled by an aristocratic oligarchy, and most of us are just putting up with it.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-56420097590861489532009-11-07T23:34:00.000-08:002009-11-07T23:36:55.378-08:00US going down fastHow much longer can we endure under the tyrannical oligarchy currently in power?The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-12447033869958255452009-07-05T23:48:00.000-07:002009-07-05T23:52:45.123-07:00OK, here is an article which for now will get little comment from me. I will let the strangeness of it sink in for awhile. True story from the Swedish newspaper <span style="font-style: italic;">The Local</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Swedish parents keep 2-year-old's gender secret</span><br />Published: 23 Jun 09 16:24 CET<br /><br />A couple of Swedish parents have stirred up debate in the country by refusing to reveal whether their two-and-a-half-year-old child is a boy or a girl.<br /><br />Pop’s parents [see footnote], both 24, made a decision when their baby was born to keep Pop’s sex a secret. Aside from a select few – those who have changed the child’s diaper – nobody knows Pop’s gender; if anyone enquires, Pop’s parents simply say they don’t disclose this information.<br /><br />In an interview with newspaper Svenska Dagbladet in March, the parents were quoted saying their decision was rooted in the feminist philosophy that gender is a social construction.<br /><br />“We want Pop to grow up more freely and avoid being forced into a specific gender mould from the outset,” Pop’s mother said. “It's cruel to bring a child into the world with a blue or pink stamp on their forehead.”<br /><br />The child's parents said so long as they keep Pop’s gender a secret, he or she will be able to avoid preconceived notions of how people should be treated if male or female.<br /><br />Pop's wardrobe includes everything from dresses to trousers and Pop's hairstyle changes on a regular basis. And Pop usually decides how Pop is going to dress on a given morning.<br /><br />Although Pop knows that there are physical differences between a boy and a girl, Pop's parents never use personal pronouns when referring to the child – they just say Pop.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-4385013794424690602009-05-11T23:08:00.000-07:002009-05-11T23:11:01.153-07:00Carrie PreJean Deserves Our RespectIs there any legitimate reason to criticize Carrie PreJean? She has done NOTHING wrong. Standing up for morality is not wrong.<br /><br />The photos some people criticize are tasteful, not lewd. There is no hint of anything inappropriate in any that I have seen. If someone has a problem with her modeling photos, why are they not out protesting the contents of the women’s section of the JC Penney catalog?The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-77058588515431509542009-05-03T19:36:00.000-07:002009-05-03T19:38:23.673-07:00Good times and badDon't waste good times thinking about the bad times. That just makes the good times bad.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-48568400590772402552009-04-25T23:31:00.001-07:002009-04-25T23:34:31.595-07:00Obama bumper stickersAre people driving cars with Obama stickers on their cars unable to get those stickers off? Surely they must be embarrassed or ashamed to to have people see them.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-66151456323487287912009-03-25T23:35:00.000-07:002009-03-25T23:44:08.057-07:00Cosmology<h3 style="font-weight: normal; font-family: times new roman;" class="UIIntentionalStory_Message">I'm doing some reading in the field of cosmology. And if you think that has something to do with skin and makeup, you can ignore anything else I write. Science tells us that the universe could not have always existed, but also that it could not have been created from nothing. This presents a challenge for those scientists who want to try to explain things without including a creator.</h3>The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-23425577811801494632008-12-03T23:38:00.000-08:002008-12-04T11:20:27.865-08:00Know God?I was reminded recently of a cartoon in the <span style="font-style: italic;">B.C</span>. series from a few years ago.<br /><br />Question: What do a dead atheist, a dead agnostic, and a dead Christian have in common?<br /><br />Answer: They all know there is a God.<br /><br />Hope you all have a nice week.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-84412644893086736012008-09-27T22:45:00.000-07:002008-09-27T22:47:02.703-07:00I Believe• I believe in the sun even when it is not shining<br />• I believe in love even when I am alone<br />• I believe in God even when He is silentThe Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-34242690892911534892008-09-03T10:31:00.000-07:002009-11-07T23:38:43.350-08:00Twisted ThinkingI know by now that I should not be surprised by the totally wacky things that some media folks and politicians say. If you could believe those I am referring to, Sarah Palin's daughter gave birth to a Down syndrome child <span style="font-style: italic;">when she was about one month along in her current pregnancy</span>. Now that would be an interesting new twist in biology! In addition to the fact that Down syndrome occurs most frequently in women in their 40's and would be rare for a 17-year-old, any person who has made through junior high school knows a woman can't be one month pregnant with a new child at the same time she is giving birth to her previous child!<br /><br />Oh well, I am reasonably confident that most people will hear such things a dismiss them as the strange rantings of idiots.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-50069959506138126122008-08-25T00:00:00.000-07:002008-08-25T09:40:58.991-07:00Another Sunday NightSo here it is, Sunday night. I should be sleeping, but just wanted to put in a few minutes here. In the past few days I have added to my articles at <a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/John+Juneau">HubPages.</a> Two of these, "Children and Death" and "The Existence of God" are dealing with serious subjects. One, "Friend Thoughts" is just sentimental and nice, and you are invited to add to it. Here is a sampling of what you will find in these three articles:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">There was a day when I had to sit down with my three daughters, ages 5-10, and tell them their mother was gone. They knew that she had been very sick. They had visited her in the hospital (a very valuable experience for the girls and my wife). But none of us knew she would die.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It is rather curious to me that there are actually living, thinking, even well educated humans who are quite uncertain about the existence of God and the significance of man. In fact, it is sometimes the well educated who seem to struggle most with all of creation and the nature of the Creator.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Sometimes friends have two good legs, sometimes friends come on crutches, sometimes a friend comes in a wheelchair. Sometimes you need to go to your friend who cannot leave the bed.</span><br /><br />Pay a visit. Enjoy. Good night.The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-27128767738190563402008-08-18T00:25:00.000-07:002008-08-18T00:36:00.455-07:00A Good Old County FairI'll likely say more on this later, but it has been awhile since I have been here, so am posting a little now. It has been awhile primarily because I was busy at our local county fair. At a time in our nation when so many of the special things of the past have slipped away, it is refreshing to attend a good old county fair.<br /><br />Here is a world full of competitions for genuine home grown and home made fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies, pickles, cakes, cookies, and so much more. The stables are full of animals raised by kids of all ages. Treat street is loaded with corn dogs, pasties, pulled pork sandwiches, and a host of other good stuff, all sold by local non-profit groups.<br /><br />Meanwhile the giant Farris wheel and a host of other rides bring thrills and laughs. Square dancers, magicians, and minstrels add to the fun.<br /><br />A great place for all ages to have a fun time!The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-44324555878132271872008-08-03T13:46:00.000-07:002008-08-25T09:55:13.758-07:00A Broader View of MeSince my first entry was very narrow and potentially controversial, I decided to give my readers a little more of a look at the variety topics you can expect to see here. And I invite comments that are directed toward stories or sayings that can offer help and encouragement to people of all ages and in all situations. So visit a link below to learn more.<br /><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/profile/John+Juneau">My Profile</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Raspberry-Patch">A View From the Raspberry Patch</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Love-In-A-Plastic-Bag">Love In A Plastic Bag</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/Getting-to-Know-Your-Digital-Camera">Getting to Know Your Digital Camera</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/What-Does-Image-Size-Mean">What Does Image Size Really Mean?</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Business-of-Education">The Business of Education</a><br /><a href="http://hubpages.com/hub/The-Electoral-College-is-Essential">The Electoral College is Essential</a><br /><br />Let's have some fun!The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6575075543201559811.post-51156384316743835042008-08-03T13:00:00.000-07:002008-08-03T13:54:57.612-07:00Why Register to Vote?Now just so that no one gets the wrong idea, let me say that I think it would be good if every legal citizen would register to vote and then take part in every election from local to national. That having been said, however, it is necessary to recognize reality. Many folks won't register and, unfortunately, many who are registered won't take the time to learn about the candidates and issues.<br /><br />So, in response to the constant onslaught from politicians, news reporters, and those submitting letters to the editor of their local papers urging everyone to register and vote, I say "change your message!" If you want to see the citizens exercise their responsibility, urge them to <span style="font-weight: bold;">get informed on the candidates and issues</span>. I am confident that those who take the time to be informed will also make sure they register and vote.<br /><br />What we really do not need is more uninformed people going to the polls. Register if you want to, but <span style="font-weight: bold;">please don't vote if you don't understand what you are voting for</span>. Stay home. This endless mantra of "register and vote" is not helping to elect quality leaders and create wise programs.<br /><br />There is one political party in particular that makes it a goal to register as many people as possible who have limited education, usually without regard to whether or not they are legally qualified to vote. Their hope is that the new registrants will vote for whomever and whatever the party folks tell them to. And most of the time that is exactly what happens, especially since many of these new registrants won't ever go the the polls without someone from the party taking them (and reminding them of what choices to make).The Encouragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03767726808703422083noreply@blogger.com0