The organizer’s job is to inseminate an invitation for himself, to agitate, introduce ideas, get people pregnant with hope and a desire for change and to identify you as the person most qualified for this purpose.  (Alinsky, 1971) Anything sound familiar? Hope and Change. Hope We Can Believe In.

The very first chapter states “Rules for Radicals is written for the Have-Nots on how to take it away.” (Alinsky, 1971) Obama made it clear when he said to Joe the Plumber. "It's not that I want to punish your success," Obama told him. "I want to make sure that everybody who is behind you, that they've got a chance for success, too.  Then, Obama explained his trickle-up theory of economics. "My attitude is that if the economy's good for folks from the bottom up, it's gonna be good for everybody. I think when you spread the wealth around, it's good for everybody." (Hurt, 2008)

While “spreading the wealth around” sounds good to the liberal, to others, for those in generational poverty the attitude is that society owes one a living. (Payne, 2005) Handing out ever growing entitlements to those that will not work only continues the cycle of dependence on the government continues to grow. However, that may be the plan of the left they need their base. Those on the left that giving to the poor is the Christian thing to do.  Fourth Rule: Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules.  (Alinsky, 1971)

Luke  18And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

 19And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God.

 20Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother.

 21And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up.

 22Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.

 23And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.

I don’t see anyone on the left giving everything away down to their last nickel. Nor do they intend to, but for a tactic against the right. Rule 4 works very well. 

Rule 5: Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.  Look at what the left does with Sarah Palin. The woman cannot do anything without Rule 5 blasting on SNL and late night talk shows, or Robert Gibbs taking a dig. A word of advice to Robert Gibbs don’t use Rule 5 when talking about someone else’s method of giving speeches, it really does make you look foolish.

Rule number 13: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. Prime example would be in every speech about anything Obama always includes the following. In fact, when I first walked through the door, the government’s budget deficit stood at $1.3 trillion, with the budget gap over the next decade projected to be $8 trillion. (Weekly Adress, 2010) Maybe Obama should consider the 7th rule: A tactic that drags out too long becomes a drag.  Everybody, including my cat, has the “I inherited this problem” memorized.

Rule 9: The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.  Any president has vast authority to influence policy even without legislation, through executive orders, agency rule-making and administrative fiat. And Mr. Obama’s success this week in pressuring the Senate to confirm 27 nominations by threatening to use his recess appointment power demonstrated that executive authority can also be leveraged to force action by Congress.  (Baker, 2010) 

The 10th rule: The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition.  Problem here lays the possibility that people will finally have enough with bullies and elect to have them removed from office.  If the Tea Party isn’t a wake-up call for the Democrats, then Rules for Radicals are more important that what the American public wants from Washington. 

I do recommend this book for all conservatives. The book is highly enlightening as to the often disgraceful tactics, so called ethics or better lack thereof, and “means and ends” to obtain power. 

Alinsky, S. D. (1971). Rules for Radicals. New York : Radaom House Inc.

Baker, P. (2010, February 13). Obama Poised to Use Executive Power to Muscle Through Domestic Agenda. Retrieved February 14, 2010, from New York times: www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/13/obama-poised-use-executive-power-muscle-domestic-agenda/

Payne, R. K. (2005). A Framework for Understanding Povety. Highlands, TX: Aha! Process Inc.

Weekly Adress. (2010, February 13). Retrieved February 14, 2010, from White House: www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/weekly-address-president-obama-praises-restoration-pay-you-go

Candace Clark
Christian Political View

I have read several news articles on various news sources regarding a number of political issues. Historically, politics has always been spirited even in the beginning of the United States. However, for some reason, now it just seems different. The extent that some of the responders to articles goes just makes me sad.  The liberals accuse the conservatives as hate mongers, deservedly for some. Although I wouldn’t say the liberals were exactly dripping with love and compassion themselves by reading their responses.  They were just as hateful and vile to those they accused of being a conservative.

The people responding to these articles I might sum up as a full flung brouhaha. Often the discussion starts-off civil enough, then some instigator from one side or the other unable to defend their opinion starts picking someone’s typos, spelling or grammar skills or  lack there-of, as if proves the person writing the message doesn’t know what they are talking about.   After that the name-calling starts, usually with either libtards or conpukes for the milder ones. If that isn’t enough to make one’s eyes hurt, they are just getting started. I read the responses until my eyes hurt from all the abusive tone. I am not accusing all, but some brave sole comes in and tries to reason with both sides. Most of the responders usually ignore the person and continue their tirade. I wonder if these blogs moderate the posts at all. From the language I have seen I would have to wager the answer would be no.

Sometime ago some were making a huge deal out of Obama using Dijon mustard on his hamburgers. Look, I can find plenty to issues of Obama’s to disagree about, but Dijon mustard? If I did, I would have to throw out the mustard out of my refrigerator due to the fact I have only one kind. Yes, I do put it on my hamburger, hotdog or anything else I put mustard on. Just in case someone wants to ask a silly question do I put Dijon on ice cream. NO, but if Obama does, well its his digestive system.

Remember the criticism that George H. Bush got because he signed an executive order banning broccoli from Air Force One? I was a Democrat then, and figured he is a grown up and could decided for himself if he wanted to eat broccoli. Guess he didn’t have any better luck getting the dog to eat the broccoli than I did. (Read my last article if you are wondering)

It finally breaks down that no one is listening to anybody, both sides are angry. And yes, a lot of people are angry at both the Democrats and the Republicans. I put more responsibility on the Democrats because they have both houses, and the White House still can’t get anything accomplished except to blame the Republicans. The Republicans should have taken responsibility back in between 2000 and 2004 and a lot of this wouldn’t have happened. Now neither side takes responsibility. Both sides are going into campaign mode, so all we can expect is that nothing substantial will be accomplished.

Candace Clark
Christian Political View

I have to agree with Michelle Obama that child obesity is a crisis in our country.  The problem is what would be the proper solution to solve the situation.  From an article written by USA Today states that “the federal government would work with local officials and leaders in the business and non-profit sectors, to provide more nutritious food in schools, allow more opportunities for kids to be physically active and give more communities access to affordable, healthful food.”

While not trying to be critical as I do agree, obesity in anyone is a problem. However, responsibility seems to have fallen on the schools. Schools could offer healthier meals and give more physical education time, but that would be an additional cost to the taxpayers. As some families have had to cut back their food budget and purchase cheaper less nutritious food choices, the schools have also had to cut back on their food budgets. More students are receiving reduced and free lunches, which equals fewer dollars back into the school lunch program.  Either the federal government will have to give more in subsidies, the state will give the local districts more money for lunch programs, districts could increase local property taxes, or finally increase the price of school lunches for those that don’t qualify for free or reduced lunches.

Additional physical education time would be beneficial. This reminded me of when I was going to school way back in the days when TV was just starting to go into the classrooms, we had physical education every day. Mainly it was to get us students out of the teacher’s hair for thirty minutes, have us run laps in the miserable hot weather then sing a rousing chorus of “Go, You Chicken Fat Go!”  How many of you remember that little ditty? After which a couple of kids would pass out from heat exhaustion the rest of us would return to our classroom all sweaty and stinky; which may explain why our teachers appeared ill after we came back to class.

We all had to take physical fitness tests everyone had to pass the timed tests, or else you were considered “unfit”. No consideration that some kids just weren’t built the same even if they weren’t fat. I have a genetic disorder, which often isn’t obvious in younger children, the only sign might be being the class klutz. You know the kid no one wants on their team.  At the end of the year, the lucky students who passed all the physical tests received a nice little patch.  If you wish to sing along but can't remember the words click here.  As one Phys. Ed teacher said even students as dumb as a rock could get one of these.  Not exactly politically correct, even for then, but nothing was ever said.  Students with obvious disabilities only had to try, and they got the coveted patch, which is only fair. So what is worse than being as dumb as a rock? Being labeled unfit of course.

The article mentioned very little on how parents and children are to make right choices when it comes to dietary needs. How can you convince a child that steamed broccoli is good for you when chocolate cake tastes so much better? Many children have learned, you can’t hide broccoli in milk, nor will the dog eat the vegetable. Considering my dogs would on occasion insist on eating the most disgusting things,  (no doggie kisses after that) and wouldn’t eat broccoli made me wonder if the green vegetable was a toxic substance.  Considering the pesticides used back then, it probably was a toxic substance, not to mention fish with all the mercury content and other foods considered “healthy” slam packed full of cancer causing contaminations. 

The problem never really went away just pushed back on the back burner and forgotten until medical reports came out about the increase in obesity. Now once again the government is stepping in and making regulations, telling us what to eat, not eat and how to exercise. Sounds a little like the 1949 book entitled 1984 by George Orwell.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that corporations, labor unions and other groups can spend directly on political campaigns.  I have not located the courts comments on the case possibly has yet to be posted, however, I find it fascinating that we will be able to find out exactly who is contributing to whom with campaign money. Sometimes a name  and who they work for often doesn’t mean much without a little research, however if let’s say pharmaceutical companies were contributing large amounts of campaign money to a certain candidate who was claiming to clamp down on “gouging drug companies” wouldn’t that be interesting to know.

It is my opinion that the only reason Congress will send up any protest over the court’s ruling is that they don’t want us to know exactly where their money is coming from.  Campaign disclosure information gives name, who they work for, and the amount given. Right now individuals have a limit on how much they may give in contributions. We already know that oil companies tend to support Republicans and unions Democrats.  I wonder how much money financial institutions will be giving to the Democrats this year, considering the bail out money they received. Worse if they use part of the bail out money to make those contributions. But I supposed that would be acceptable if contributed to the correct candidate.  If things weren’t sleazy enough in Washington this should make the path to the Congress as slippery as banana peels on icy roads.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred [3] from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows

Candace Clark

Christian Political View

The heater in the house went out and we are waiting on a new part to get warmth back, which should be sometime next week. I am sitting in my office wearing a jacket, as the house is still cold from the past week of cold weather. During the coldest days, I wrapped myself in a blanket while working on deadlines, trying to concentrate on yearly reports while my teeth chatter to a distraction. The house has warmed up a bit, it was 45 degrees and currently the temperature has risen to a toasty 49 degrees.

I am not complaining many are far worse off than I am; at least I have a roof over my head. The people in Haiti need our prayers, the hardships they are facing is tremendous. The Haitian Red Cross estimates that the earthquake killed between 45,000 and 50,000 people.  We must do what we can to help these people in their time of need. Proverbs 28:27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.  Be careful when donating to a charity, all too often spurious organizations pop up to rob people of their generosity, check them out first.  Donate to those groups that you know and trust. 

During this busy time of trying to meet deadlines, get some photo shoots lined up, attend meetings, conferences and fundraising activities I find that keeping up with what is going on in politics a little more difficult. A good staff would be most helpful; though I am afraid, the pay would be the same as mine, which is nothing.  I will try to research as time permits on the goings on in Washington and let you know what I have found out. I hope that after March things should be back to an easier pace, at least until September when everything starts back up again.

It is finally warmer outside than inside, I think I will open the windows and let in some 60-degree air. Then start searching the legislation and see how Congress plans to spend our tax-dollars.

 
Candace Clark
Christian Political View

The firecrackers and jubilation have quieted down as a new year has settled upon us. I look back on 2009 and wonder what 2010 will bring us.  A mid-term election year is upon us, which will bring rhetoric from all parties each claiming they can do a better job, and blaming the other for the problems we face, while no one accepts responsibility. When they do accept responsibility often with lip service only, someone else pays the price; unfortunately, far too many times, the taxpayers are the ones who ultimately pay.

An icon will pass away and journalists, commentators, and bloggers will scrutinize the life and death of said person for a week, of course the more well know or controversial the person, the longer the story will remain until the next big event that grabs their attention.  At least until some “new” revelation develops and the story starts all over again.

We can be sure that we will see more scandals, some will be shrugged off, while others are condemned, tragedies, natural disasters, triumphs, and of course tender stories that will touch the hearts of many.  The media will continue to pound on one story while ignoring another that is just as important or more so.

With all of this in my thoughts, my mind reflects on the Psalm 23 1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.  3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.  4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.  5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Regardless what this New Year has in store for us we can keep secure of faith in the Lord, as He is in control no matter how circumstances appear around us.  Although a bit out of context here another verse gives comfort, Jesus said in John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

It isn’t always easy not to be afraid in this day of instant information and can watch stories unfold right before our eyes as they happen. However, the Lord’s promises have not changed, they have not waivered, we just need to learn to cling to them.

 
Candace Clark
Christian Political View

After looking over H.R. 3962 Affordable Health Care for America Act a 2076 page document, which nearly caused me to scratch my head bald and swallow a bottle of antacids, I have more questions than answers. Something that I did find humorous on page 20 (2) Language – The standards shall ensure that the summary is presented in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner and utilizes terminology understandable by the average plan enrollee. It is a shame that the legislators cannot do the same policy when it comes to writing legislation.

According to the bill, insurance companies will be required to provide four policy levels known as Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum. On page 112 of the bill, the Bronze level states the following. A plan in the Bronze level shall provide a level of coverage that is designed to provide benefits that are actuarially equivalent to 60 percent of the full actuarial value of the benefits provided under the plan.  Okay my first question was what in the world does that mean? So following the advice for the word of the day that Bill O’Reilly gives at the end of his show, I looked up actuarial. It means relating to statistical calculations especially of life expectancy. Oh my, not exactly clear on what they mean by using that terminology. Does the 60 percent mean instead of a 80/20 plan they pay 60 and you pay the 40.  I found the answer on page 224 and yes, that is what the 60 percent means. While one may save money on the monthly premiums, even a simple stay in the hospital would take a huge bite out of any savings.  Meanwhile Silver is 70 percent, Gold will be 80 percent and Platinum 90 percent. Of course, the Platinum level will have a nice little surcharge of 40% attached for those able to afford the premium. 

I also took note on page 228 Determination of High-Risk Individuals. This method shall provide for identification of individuals as high-risk on the basis of (i) a list of at least 50 but not more than 100 medical conditions that are identified as high-risk conditions and that may be based on identification of diagnostic and procedure codes that are indicative of individuals with pre-existing, high-risk conditions; or (ii) any other comparable objective method of identification recommended by the American Academy of Actuaries. (There’s that word again) I was unable to find a list of the so-called high-risk medical conditions, though I can guess what a few of them might be, and I have them, and so do many Americans currently and not currently covered by insurance.

Why is this being done? On page 229 states, (i) to provide a schedule of payments that specifies the amount that will be paid for each of the conditions identified under subparagraph (A) or (ii) to use any other comparable method for determining payment amounts that is recommended by the American Academy of Actuaries and that encourages the use of care coordination and care management programs for high-risk conditions.  All of this to start on January 1, 2014.  My question if no one is to be denied health insurance due to pre-existing conditions then why would individuals be targeted as “high-risk”?

On page 56, although the Public Option is out, at least for the moment, when comparative purchasing options for insurance will be as follows: eligibility, availability, premium rates, and cost sharing with respect to such coverage options and be consistent with the standards adopted for the uniform explanation of coverage as provided for in section 2715 of the Public Health Service Act. According to the legislation a website will be established so anyone, from any state may receive information on at least the following coverage options.  This site will also include information regarding Medicare and Social Security.

(A) Health insurance coverage offered by health insurance issuers, other than coverage that provides reimbursement only for the treatment or mitigation of –

      (i) a single disease or condition; or conditions; or

      (ii) an unreasonably limited set of diseases or conditions (as determined by the Secretary)

This to me makes absolutely no sense whatsoever, and nearly sent me to the nearest pharmacy for another bottle of antacids. Considering that insurance costs are actuarially based, my conclusion would be if treatment A costs X number of dollars, while treatment B is X amount, it costs less to treat and gets a higher rate of reimbursement. Which treatment will the patient be getting, even if treatment A is the better choice? That part is unclear.

So now who are The American Academy of Actuaries according to their website, they state they are a professional association with over 16,000 members, whose mission is to assist public policymakers by providing leadership, objective expertise, and actuarial advice on risk and financial security issues. The Academy also sets qualifications, practice, and professional standards for actuaries in the United States. In other words they are number crunchers.

The American Academy of Actuaries boggled my mind with their rhetoric, this plan will reduce the cost of premiums for some while others will be suffering from “rate shock”.  I thought the reform was to make health insurance affordable for everyone.

Rate shock doesn’t quite express my reaction when I found a letter from the CBO to Senator Bayh regarding the price of premiums in 2016. “Average premiums per policy in the nongroup market in 2016 would be roughly $5,800 for single polices (income $50,100) and $15,200 for family polices (income $102,100) in the proposal, compared with roughly $5,500 for single polices and $13,100 for family polices under current law.” How can Congress consider this affordable to middle-income America? However, I did find good news! With the tax subsidy received depending on the enrollee’s income relative to the federal poverty level the estimate would be single plans would now be $5,200 a year and the family plan drops to $14,100 a year. These costs are based on the second “cheapest” Silver plan. Seeing the prices of the Silver plan I fear that I would need a defibrillator upon seeing the premium prices of the Platinum plan.

With the cost sharing included, I am guessing this would include deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses. A single enrollee with the income of $14,700 the out of pocket/deductible would be $1,100 and a family of four with an income of four would be $9,000 which runs from $1,100 income of $14,700 single plan to $9,000 for incomes starting at $54,000 for a family of four.

Remember the promise of, if you like your current insurance policy you can keep it? Well that is true to a certain extent.  “As older and less healthy individuals leave the pool of grandfathered polices, these blocks of grandfathered policies could experience premium increases lower than medical trend. However, over time these blocks would likely shrink due to attrition, meaning that administrative expenses would have to be distributed over a smaller pool. In addition, policyholders in these blocks will age, and some will develop serious health conditions rise to the level of the new market, policyholders would move to avoid further premium increases.” Letter to the Senator Tom Harkin, November 23, 2009 from the American Academy of Actuaries.

Assuming that the requirement to purchase the required health insurance would in fact create a market for health insurance, at least in theory drive down the cost of said insurance. According to a letter written to Senator Harry Reid on November 20, 2009, stated: “For insurance markets to be viable, they must attract a broad cross section of risks. Implementing market reforms to prohibit insurers from denying coverage and to restrict how much premiums can vary will result in adverse selection and upward pressure on premiums unless lower-risk individuals have incentives to purchase coverage. To be effective, however, the penalties for not complying with the mandate must be meaningful relative to the premium faced. The penalties in the Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act are very low, which is especially problematic given the bill’s limits on premium variations by age, which will raise premiums for younger individuals. Strengthening the bill’s individual mandate through higher financial penalties is needed to reduce adverse selection that would arise due to the new issue and rating restrictions.

The bill contains incentives for lower-risk individuals to purchase coverage, but these incentives, especially those related to the individual mandate, are quite weak. In particular, the proposal would require individuals to have coverage or pay financial penalty of $95 for 2014, $350 for 2015 and $750 for 2016, and indexed thereafter. The letter goes on then makes the statement “Lower-risk individuals would be more likely to pay the penalty and forgo coverage or drop coverage they have, thus putting upward pressure on premiums.”

So if I was one of those people who don’t quite qualify for tax-credits, but still can’t muster payments for a premium on top of possible, home-mortgage payments, car payments, groceries, electric bills, etc etc. I might choose paying the penalties also. I am not sure if requiring someone to purchase health insurance would be constitutional. The example is everyone who owns a motor vehicle must have insurance if driven on public roads. However, federal and state laws do not require persons to purchase a vehicle.

The Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act includes provisions that would generate health care savings, particularly in the Medicare program. The majority of savings would derive from reductions in certain provider payments and reductions in payments to Medicare Advantage plans. Although these types of savings will help address short-term goals, options to more permanently reduce spending growth to address long-term goals.

I don’t know about you, but this sounds like a bad idea to me. Cutting payments to doctors would mean doctors either leaving the field, or not accepting more Medicare patients. While cuts to Medicare Advantage Plans would mean those on Medicare could be paying more out of pocket, unless they purchase gap plans, consequently more people buying insurance.

All in all unless you have no income, this is one very expensive health care bill. From what it looks like, be prepared to be fleeced

Candace Clark
Christian Political View

Now how do the Marines overcome this problem? The age of the recruit is probably not much younger than some of the Marines themselves were when they enlisted. The difference is the military would have weeded-out a number of them before they reached basic training; others are removed if they don’t measure up to standards during training, sadly some not until it was too late. However, you get what you get and have to instill higher standards into the recruit.

Speaking on my own experience in dealing with people that should never have been hired to the position they were given I will make a few points.  The question would be; how would one go about accomplishing this task?  I have an answer, but some groups would have a conniption for having made such a suggestion, probably because they suffer the same lack.  Since I can count on the U.S. would never implement my idea; what other options would be available.  The first thing would be, get rid of the corruption. Not an easy task, if the root of the corruption sits at the top.  Given that elections in Afghanistan were at the very least questionable, one must start elsewhere, and must consider that the courts may also be corrupt.

Some years ago, the elected head of the agency that I worked for was, let’s say might have been considered being two clowns short of being a circus. Without the help of the media, the citizens would never have known what kind of circus was really going on. He hired people that didn’t meet the then minimum of hiring standards so he lowered them until he could hire his “well qualified” workers that he preferred. I had to deal with file clerks and supervisors that could not read or write, seriously, if some of them had to spell the word cat, they wouldn’t know where to begin.  They were the least of the problems we had to deal with.  One might suggest teaching them to read and write, which takes a lot of time, but worth the effort if you have that luxury. I wasn’t in that position back then and I don’t think the Marines are now either, at least not with the time table Obama has suggested.

At least those with drug problems are removed, stealing candy is another matter. One might consider if the recruits will steal candy intended for children, then they might be doing other things such as taking goods from the bazaar without paying, perhaps they have a feeling of entitlement.  How do you instill in someone that integrity is valuable, in a culture that is vastly different to our own, once willingly given up, near impossible to regain?

The Marines have their jobs cut out for them, and are in need of our prayers.

Candace Clark

Christian Political View

I meant to write an article much sooner than I have, however, life sometimes throws a curve at you and takes up your time from the things that you really want to do. So many topics to choose from, which by now have been hashed ad nauseam to the point where I really want to scream.  I don’t want to rehash everything that has already been said.

An article on FOXNews caught my interest that some cities around American are not putting up Christmas decorations, or should I say “Winter Decorations” to be politically correct, since in many areas anything suggesting that December 25th is a Christian holiday has been banned.  Which is really sad, it would be like banning the American flag on the 4th of July, or red hearts on Valentine’s Day.

The most important thing to remember is why we celebrate Christmas.  Luke 1:67-79 67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, 68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David; 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; 72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; 77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by [3] the remission of their sins, 78 Through the tender [4] mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.  The Grinch cannot steal Christmas unless you allow it to do so.

I understand tight budgets, but even with a meager budget, one can still have a festive appearance. I’m talking for families not cities. We bought an artificial tree a few years back, which we use every year. Not having to go out and look for that “perfect” tree with a big bald spot on one side not only saves money, it also keeps my floors free from those pesky needles, and not to mention reduced fire danger.

Refurbish old decorations, a quick spray of paint and some glitter can add sparkle to your tree. Make your own tree topper. I used two different ribbons to make my topper.  Bought some acrylic gems from Michael’s in different colors to add sparkle. They have a little hole in them, I just slip a ornament hook through it and have a very nice little ornament. The poinsettias were on sale at 50% off also had a coupon for another 20% off my entire purchase.  The little white birds were from Dollar Tree if you look carefully you should find at least one.  The silver and blue picks were on sale at Michael’s something like .29 cents each.

My 1200 lights were bought over time; though some bulbs need to be replaced next year, as a few have burned out.  My tree has looked different every year, by just changing the color of ribbon, and swapping out the ornaments, use red and gold one year, blue and silver the next, multicolor after that.

This is what my tree looks like this year.  It isn’t as fancy as last year, just going to have to take my word on that, as I didn’t have my camera then.  One can also make their own gifts/decorations using glass blocks.




If you have any other ideas you would like to share, please let us know.


Candace Clark
Chrstian Political View

First off, thank you to those of you that sent messages of encouragement regarding my surgery, they meant a lot to me.  Also, I do apologize that I have been away from the blog for longer than I had expected, but I seemed to have been a bit optimistic on how I would be feeling so soon after surgery.  With a sore throat, and energy levels at near zero, I just couldn’t bring myself to write anything longer than a brief email or two.

I am going to ramble a bit about a issue. A person wrote to me unhappy that I only post replies to articles after moderation. Considering the vile language and threats this person used this would is a surprise? This is a Christian website, not a filth site. Those that wish to speak in such a manner may find plenty sites on the web more than willing to gutter talk but not here. If you have a problem with that, so be it. I think anyone reading the articles and the responses know that those answering do not have to agree with me, though I will defend my stance. All I ask is for those responding to keep it clean and civil.

With that off my chest now, and for those that are just itching to know how my surgery went, if not read no further. I will try to keep this humorous.

I arrived at the hospital shortly after 10:00 am on the 11th and walked into the lovely lobby. Very nicely decorated for Christmas, and to my delight a woman was playing hymns on a beautiful grand piano. Went to the admissions desk and was given number 25 and told to wait. It wasn’t long before I was taken into another room asked a few questions, and she told me my surgery was estimated to cost $37,000. I was thinking what kind of vehicle I could buy with that money, a BMW 135 perhaps. She put a bracelet on me and sent me back to the lobby. About 20 minutes later a young man comes to escort me to my next stop. Oh goodie, another lobby, Spartan compared to the main lobby, but it served its purpose.  Another wait, finally, had my vitals taken and sent back to the lobby, the population getting thinner. As people discussed politics I couldn’t help but notice that they centered around guess who? Obama. None of the people were complimentary of how he is handling the current financial circumstances that we are in.  A couple of women stated that Obama was stuck on himself, and didn’t do anything but make fancy trips all over the world. I wasn’t sure if the two were trying to get a reaction from me, they got none. However, by this time I was called to go to the next stop.

Now the fun starts, time to get into a elegant backless gown, which I was told was an exclusive design. Some thigh high white teds and Christmas red socks clashed terribly with the “exclusive” peaches and cream-colored gown. Completing the ensemble knee high navy blue Roman boot like things on my legs, wasn’t sure what they were for but I would find out later. Perfect outfit for that special date with the surgeon.  Now for the best part, getting the IV inserted into one of my veins. Let me put it this way, my veins don’t volunteer, they roll, they dive, and they hide and a nah nah nah you can’t get me just to make things challenging. With two nurses working on getting the IV in and a student nurse watching the IV was finally inserted after about twenty mintues. Someone comes in and says surgery is waiting on me. Already? Surgery isn’t for another hour and a half.

In comes the gurney, and off I go through a bunch of passages, an elevator through some doors into a holding area. Ah Ha! I knew it, my “exclusive” gown was off the rack just as I thought, everyone in there had the same gown. Oh well, I guess they were trying to make me feel special.

More people stopped by to ask questions again, what type surgery I was having. Big name uvulopalatopharyngoplsty, don’t ask me how to pronounce it, they just called it UPP for short.  Now it was 10 minutes after surgery was to start, finally started moving. A young woman said she was the anesthesiologist’s assistant and put a mask over my face. Said a couple of other things and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery room with a huge sore throat. I heard a male voice asking about my pain, and then giving me something in my IV, and little latter he asked if that had helped, which was no. After the third dose it finally worked.

A woman came up and asked me if I knew what type of surgery I had and answered that UPP surgery. She asked if I knew where I was, well of course I did, I smiled and said, “Yeah, EPCOT.” She laughed and I said I was at the hospital.

They got me to my room in SICU which was interesting. They connected me to a heart monitor, blood pressure machine, oxygen level monitor and a pump for those blue boot things. The boots massage the legs to prevent blood clots, it felt good for a while then became very annoying after the second day. My blood pressure was taken every hour on the hour, blood sugar checked every 4 hours, respiratory therapist every 4 hours, not to mention the having my temperature taken 4 hours as well, everything was not all at the same time. The alarms on the IV machine kept going off for no reason, which made it difficult to sleep in between all the other interruptions. Not to mention being able to hear all the other alarms in other rooms going off. I think the alarms were talking with each other.

If anyone wanted to a quick escape from his or her room forget that. First, I would have to disconnect all the contraptions that the hospital had me hooked up to, which have alarms that go off with the slightest whim. Next those boot things that have Velcro and very noisy when removing. But the biggest obstacle would have been the nurses placing their work desks, directly in front of my door. I was picturing myself as a football linebacker shoving his way through the opposing side seeing his way clear.  No chance. Guess I have to stay.

Thankfully the hospital is on 12 hour shifts and didn’t have to go through shift change every 8 hours and showing off those lovely stitches in my throat. Listening to what type of surgery I had, what type of medication I was on, also I was able to use the bedside potty and able to pass gas. Do I get a diploma for all of this? The nurses told me the doctor did beautiful work. Did he do needlepoint roses? Now I would consider that beautiful. Nope.  Well, I tell you, I don’t know what it looked like, but it felt like moss hanging down tickling the back of my throat and tongue.

The bed I was in was very nice. One of the nurses told me the bed cost $33,000 dollars. Darn and I couldn’t even take this thing for a spin around ICU that’s no fun. But I have to admit, it was very comfortable. I found a used one on line for $20,000. Yikes even used they are still expensive.  If you want to look at it click here.

As many of you that have surgery know that, some embarrassing things start to happen about 24 hours later. I don’t want to be crude but one might have thought that I had been to a Mexican Frijoles Grandes Festival for three days and tried everything twice, complete with firecrackers. You will be glad to know that the festivities have settled down since coming home.

After the first day, I was on clear liquid diet, chicken broth (low sodium) apple juice and tea. I don’t like tea, and I could only choke on the apple juice. It took all day to drink 12 ounces, not enough to be sprung from the hospital.

Day two doctor put me on full liquid diet. Ensure, oatmeal that looked like a glob of paste, coffee (something else I don’t drink) and milk. Took me a while but I got the Ensure and the milk down without too much trouble. But had to drink it out of a tiny medicine cup about half a shot’s worth.

Lunch was Ensure, cream of chicken soup (watch out for the tiny pieces of chicken, not good if caught in the moss) chocolate pudding. Took me two hours but I got the food down.

Don’t remember dinner, it was pretty much the same thing.

Another night of alarms going off, with the nurses who guard my door checked my IV flushed the line and still the alarm wanted to go off. Back in later have to get some blood. Again the veins wanted to play catch me if you can with the nurses. First one tried, better get the expert, score is now Veins 2 Nurses 0. They gave up and checked the orders, no blood work was ordered or let’s not worry about that. A few minutes later the IV alarm went off again. This time the needle had slipped out. Score is now Veins 3 Nurses 0.  They called for a nurse that that can get any vein. After struggling with the hide and seek veins, score is now Veins 3 Nurses 1!  Later in the morning I felt something wet on my pillow, oh no the IV was leaking. The nurse didn’t think the needle slipped just that the line detached from the whatever the thing is called. Next thing I noticed blood was coming out of the what the thing is called. The nurse said that is a good sign the needle had not slipped just the line detached. Sure enough score now Veins 3 Nurses 2.

I have to say the nurses that I had while in the SICU were so very nice. They encourage me to drink as much as possible to get those throat muscles working again. Now a little a week and a half later, I still splutter a bit, but I no longer use what I call the half-shot glass.

The final night I was moved to a regular room, down more long corridors, that appeared to have been long abandoned. I was imagining them being used in a movie called Zombies Take Over the Hospital, kind of spooky looking. But my new room was very nice, though the air conditioner was a bit noisy. I asked the nurse if there was a marching band around and was told no that is just the air-conditioner. Wow some sound that thing makes, I can hear the big drums, snares, cymbals, sousaphones, trombones, trumpets and so on. It plays different tunes too. I looked out the window and saw my room was across from the football field with a great view of the score board. Hah, now I know why I thought I could hear a marching band. When the game was over, the drone of the air-conditioner did not sound like a marching band, just a soft thud thud thud. The next morning I was able to come home.

I can get by with Tylenol instead of the liquid painkiller. Whatever you do, do not, I repeat do not; use the little syringe to squirt that stuff into the back of the mouth. I can’t say it brought tears to my eyes, more like tears shot out of my eyes like they were putting out a fire. I learned to carefully put in the front of my mouth and chase it down with a swallow of milk.  Each day I find a little improvement, haven’t gotten into eating anything more solid than cream of wheat, but that is okay. I might be eating sweet potato pie (without the crust), and mashed potatoes for Thanksgiving, for which I am thankful.

Hope I didn’t bore anybody, but I will be trying to get back on course soon, as soon as my tolerance for politics returns.  I am finding plenty to say.