When I was Eliza’s age I was taught to respect and honor the President of the United States. It was easy. I shall have to ask my daughter if it is harder for her generation.
I cannot nor will criticize the man in power who holds the weight of the free world on his shoulders. It’s an enormous weight to bear, and I don’t believe if my prayers alone are enough to help him carry it.
Still, it is speeches like this that I will share with my children, to teach them about America, Democracy, and their Freedom.
Every generation of Americans has had to struggle to provide freedom for their children. This generation’s challenges are no different.
Nearly nine years ago my wife and I were married in the LDS Temple in Cardston, Alberta, Canada. The ceremony was simple, and bound us together for time and all eternity. Close friends and family were invited, and it was an exciting, beautiful, and spiritual time. What a great way to start off our marriage!
In the nine years since. Lots of things have happened. Chrissy and I have welcomed our children, moved four times, and survived two deployments. There have been times when all the hope I’ve been able to stand on was the sacred promise of that ceremony. The details are sacred. The results are real.
HBO’s show “Big Love” now plans on airing sacred parts of the temple ceremony as part of its programming. I would encourage all who read this to voice their opinion in protest. Things this sacred are meant to be carried in your heart, not over cable TV.
History has repeated itself. We’ve heard it before. I didn’t want to believe it. Why, because FoxNews, CNN, NPR, and everyone else didn’t cover this story at any time between September 11th 2009 and Now.
Technology is a good thing because it increases the transparency of what’s going on in the world, even if meetings happen behind closed doors. The stimilus bill would be a lot different if this were 30 years ago and we didn’t have news agencies that could get a copy of it as it changes. Thanks to their efforts the bill is a bit trimmer than it started of being.
Well, I’ve got some bad news about history repeating itself. This is Representative Paul Kanjorski, a Democrat from PA. In this video he describes the closed door session where the Treasury Secretary and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. We weren’t supposed to see this, but some organization is very well put together, and on the anniversary of September 11th started electronically withdrawing billions of dollars. The Rep will mention September 15th & Thursday on the video. September 15th was a Monday. If he’s right that it was a Thursday, than it would be the week prior, the 7th anniversary of the most horrific terrorist attacks on this soil in modern times.
Maybe this is why the president of Iran predicted that this economic crisis was the end of the American Empire. I hope we prove him wrong in the same way we proved Japan wrong. Yamamoto said after the attack on Pearl Harbor: “I can run wild for six months … after that, I have no expectation of success.” It will take us a while to get our footing again, maybe a generation, but the sooner we recognize what caused this problem, (the housing market, in conjunction with this withdrawl) we’ll be better able to prepare for it in the future.
Thanks to Pamela, who’s dedication to researching this has proved once again insightful. The solution to this problem is going to be returning back to the values that have made this country great. Including being charitable. I’m going to start stepping up the effort for people to join the 9/11 National Fast group. I think it’s the best way to “stick it to the bad guys” we’re going to prove that American’s stick together.
Senator Chris Dodd was unresponsive to my previous letter, and so I’ve chosen to write him again. Below is what I’ve sent. Maybe he’ll reply.
Dear sir:
With all due respect I’m a bit miffed. Maybe your staff has some sort of feature that filters me out because I currently reside in the state of Oklahoma. Sir, I would like to remind you that you are my senator. I live here because I’m stationed here. For the past 11 years I have served in the Army. I have written you before, and I’d prefer NOT to be ignored again.
I don’t have any money that isn’t going towards paying off something I’m already committed to. Whether it’s my three kids, my wife, my mortgage, or our car payment I have no money. Neither does our government. I cannot print money to help our my neighbours, it seems to be the solution of your peers in the Senate to do just that–Print money we don’t have.
You are my elected official. I chose YOU to represent me, and the needs of my family. You have to find another way. I realized I don’t have any commodity that allows me to help out my neighbours but time. I fix up old donated computers and give them away to families that can’t afford them. I save families $400-$500 at a time. I found a creative way to help out others without spending a dime. Cant you do the same? Can’t you just mobilize American’s to clean out their attics and help out their neighbours.
I know according to Al Gore, I’m not supposed to listen to my parents, but growing up I did. They taught me when times get tough I should rely upon my savings. When that fails I should rely upon my family. When that fails I should rely upon my neighbours. When that fails I should rely upon my church/government.
I’ve seen the same unemployment numbers you have, but if our government doesn’t teach self reliance then we will always be forced to contribute instead of doing it willingly.
You’ve been no doubt, listening to personal stories of those who are dealing with our current economic tragedy. Do any of them have kids? My kids don’t need as many toys as they have. I’ll gladly send some their way. Got an old computer at home? Send it my way and I’ll gladly get it up and running to give to someone else.
This bill is the easy way out to nowhere. DO NOT SUPPORT IT. Be the creative voice in the Senate! Propose a resolution asking the President to mobilize America to do something for their neighbour. What happened to the message of hope we heard on the campaign trail?
Teach self-reliance. If you’re going to pass this thing then put some ads on TV that teach American’s to get ready for times like this ahead. Wasn’t it JFK, a democrat, who said: “ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
This bill takes away my freedom to help out my neighbours willingly. It forces me to support them in ways I, my children, and their children, cannot afford. It’s not that I’m unwilling. I’m more than willing. I’m doing everything I can think of. Instead of forcing Americans to help with government inefficiency, why not ask them to help? Have we tried that yet?
Sir, I expect a reply. I demand an acknowledgement. I don’t have the means to come visit you in person. We are both faithful servants of the constitution, and must exercise judgement according to our conscience. I pray that you will exercise your better judgement to acknowledge your receipt of this letter, and even if your decision is contrary to my request, may we both pledge our sacred honour to preserve this great nation.
This correspondence, as well as those previous, have been published on my blog. My readers are eagerly awaiting your reply.
In other news. I’ve found the writings of Jerilynn Fisher to be quite poignant. I would encourage folks to read and comment on her blog, Cognizance Today.
Oh yeah, and along the same lines, I’d like to share this video:
Ok so the people we’ve chosen to represent us have gone into their concrete and marble building to debate about how much money our grandchildren are going to have to pay. Yeah, I should probably have a blog category for “rants” this might end up on that list.
I’m still miffed. I’m sure I’m not the only one, but let’s see if we can put a new spin on this.
What’s going to pull America out of the thing it’s in? We still dont know as a nation where the bottom is yet. There seems to be no ground for people to stand on. America wants a rock–a sure footing. Why not go back to the rock our country has always relied upon–each other.
The wars our nation has won has been because of the resolve of its citizens. Why can’t we use that resolve now? Our President rallied the population to mobilize for his campaign. Why can’t he put that much effort into getting us to mobilize for one another?
I can’t believe that no one has thought of this yet. Why are we asking our large, sluggish, and inefficient government to help out our neighbours? Why can’t we just save us all… let’s say something close to a trillion freakin’ dollars, and get up off our butts and go help out the guy next door?
Oh yeah, that’s right. America is a nation of placated drones who believe their purpose in life is to be entertained instead of being industrious. If you’re one of the hard-working, politically cognizant, socially concious individuals then this last statement doesn’t apply.
So a trillion dollars seems like a lot of money right? Well, there are economists and politicans who argue that it’s not enough. That this is just the beginning. They’re probably right.
We can do more. I refuse to believe that our government can put a price-tag on our compassion. Our resolve doesn’t have a dollar sign. America’s capacity of compassion towards one another goes beyond a trillion dollars. The problem is mobilization. I agree in part with Seator Graham, our President’s abilities aren’t best spent motivating the congress, they’re best spent motivating the people.
Mr. President, I’m ready. I listened to your campaigning and looked for ways I could help out others. I’m doing that. Help me get my neighbors going. The American People react faster than our American Government. Stop telling us to support our representatives, and tell us how we can support one another. They key to this crisis isn’t economics, it’s each other.
Honeymoons always end. Just as Kim Posner Wilcox, who was married just a few weeks ago, and now finds herself in basic training. When a honeymoon is over it’s generally because it’s a time to move on. It’s a time in life that can never be recreated, and is always looked to with fondness.
In the aftermath of 9/11 there was a lot of uncertainty. Just how would our governement react? When would airlines be able to fly again? Was this Amtrack’s big chance to get viable?
Do you remember how you felt? I was in uniform our plans changed rather quickly. Our normal day-to-day life now meant we were providing for security, because there was a lack of it on our base in Germany. This meant long days in all kinds of weather. It also meant a “rules of engagement” that was not very helpful–but we’ll talk abou that later.
There was a lot of uncertainty in our government as well. You’ll recall that prior to addressing our nation President Bush met with members of several religions, including President Gordon B. Hinckley. Among those meeting with the president was a muslim man. While he was in Washington the FBI was knocking at his door. “Sermons” he had given recently called for violence against the United States, and the FBI was investigating all possible sources for the attacks in New York. You could imagine what the agents thought when his wife informed them that her husband was meeting with the president (see Islam Unveiled by Robert Spencer).
The Bush administration was in a bind. They could not wage a war against every Islamic nation in the world. So, they reduced their rhetoric, told Americans that “Islam is a religion of peace” and that they were only concerned about the “Axis of Evil.” Yeah, that would work except why were the terrorists wearing their religion on their sleaves saying that their actions were justified by their holy book? It didn’t make sense, and it didn’t matter what the terrorists felt their motives were. Once the administration had committed itself to the “Religion of Peace” they couldn’t turn on what they had said.
So now we were stuck being told that a peaceful religion had a book that condones it’s followers to beat their wives (sura 4:34), strike terror (sura 8:60), roast us in a fire (sura 4:56), and of course the call to smite at the necks of unbelievers (sura 47:4). Yeah, some religion of peace eh? The rhetoric of peace has kept the American public pacified and ignorant. It’s also set an important legal precedent in the world. Anyone who disagress that “Islam is a religion of peace” disagrees with the President of the United States right? That’s why for years a group called CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations has been working closely with our government to ensure we were just targeting muslims because of their faith. Because, after all, their faith is one of “peace.”
This group has had nearly unfettered access to the FBI, Congress, and the Oval Office. CNN seems to have a direct line to their organization. Well, the honeymoon is over for CAIR. It’s been known for years that they’ve had ties with Iran, Hamas, and other organizations. Finally the FBI closed the doors to members of CAIR. They don’t have their unlimited access any more! I wonder how many millions of us dollars they sent to terrorist organizations before someone at the FBI finally made the decision. Yeah, our government is slow. I would have stopped at the first dollar.
Now, on top of that members of congress are catching on. There’s at least five of them that ought to be re-elected just for calling B.S. to the whole organization.
This good news has some rather ominous overtones. What does it mean for the administration if, while they’re trying to court the islamic population of the world, it is at odds now with the FBI and the legislative branch of our government? It may be the most powerful office in the world, but when it represents a less cohesive government it is less effective.
I’m happy to say that I have no ill feelings towards my fellow human beings who are muslim. I’m happy to learn to forgive even in the face of such atrocities as the 9/11 attacks. At the risk of my job, my freedom, and everything I hold dear, I am proud to say that I am an American, and I am an enemy to Islam. It seems like such a bold move, but it’s not so hard to say when you realize that their doctrine supports lying to and killing Christians. I don’t know how you can be a citizen of this country and follow that faith. Under islamic law women’s testimonies in court, and while voting, are only worth 1/2 of a man’s.
I be you didn’t wake up this morning and think “wow, I’m going to become an enemy to islam.” Well, if 9/11 didnt teach you that you were an enemy to Islam, maybe this blog post will. Oh and guess, what? CAIR isn’t going to come after me for saying so anymore!
I wrote this to my Congressman on Friday. Maybe you should do something similar.
Dear Sir:
My name is Jacob Roecker and I’ve been serving in the military for the past 11 years. My family and I are currently stationed at Fort Sill Oklahoma, though I maintain CT as my state of residency.
For years now I have spent time in uniform overseas to protect this great democracy. I have chosen my profession because my family taught me that freedom is a rare blessing. Thomas Paine once argued that the caliber of men in uniform ought to be those who wish not for peace in their day, but to fight so that peace may be given to their children.
Sir, I have lived those words. I have spent time in the deserts of Iraq. I have looked upon my sacrifices with hope that I may be able to give to my children a world free for democracy to thrive.
They do not need any baggage from my generation, or my parents. Their world contains enough challenges ahead. I don’t consider my efforts futile, but their world will just be more complex than it is now.
Sir, I cannot support the stimulus package, and I hope that you will not either. I have expected those in government to tackle their battles the same way I have taken on the challenges in my life. I do not want financial peace in my generation, so long as we can provide it for our future. This bill seems to pass along the bad decisions of others to my three children, and needs to stop.
My wife and I are already preparing for the inflation that is soon to follow. We’ve started adjusting our grocery budget to work out $10.00 for a gallon of milk. It is my estimation that it will take the government 18 months to respond to my paycheck being worth nothing once inflation kicks in. We’re scrambling to be prepared.
Sir, if you wonder why the economy isn’t getting better it’s because there’s a few of us who are seeing the signs and preparing for them. It’s more important to buy canned food and wheat than it is to buy toys. Vacations aren’t being planned. Large parts of the “american dream” have been put on hold.
I’ve had to learn to defend myself from incoming bullets, mortar fire, and rocket attacks. Now, I’m learning to defend myself from the government I’m sworn to defend, and the citizens who make up this republic.
We fought for our independence with the slogan of “no taxation without representation.” Sir, Eliza (7), Daniel (3), and Rainey (2), have no representation in our government. Please do not burden them with tax obligations. You do have the ability to make a choice. I pray you make the right one.
I expect some acknowledgement of this email from either you or your staff. As a uniformed citizen you owe me at least that much.
Shortly after watching the September 11th terrorist attacks I had an idea. I thought it was a good one. I felt that cogress should pass a resolution encouraging Americans to participate in a national day of fastig each year on September 11th. Those who chose to participate would then take the money they would have spent on food, or the cans of food themselves, and donate them to a charity of their choice.
It’s personal, it’s progressive, and I never even got a response from anyone in congress when I proposed the idea. Go figure.
Those of you familiar with the LDS religion will note that this is very similar to practices at church… Yeah, that’s where I got the idea. Rumor also has it that a similar program was used to help Germany out of the Great Depression.
Humanity needs to move forward. Our generation will build memorials for those who have fallen. If we visit those sites we can teach are children the significance of those events. To compliment all of that here’s an idea to memorialize those who have passed on, and to build a legacy that does something positive in the world.
I’ve created a group on facebook for this purpose and would encourage everyone who participates in social networking to join on that site. If you don’t comment your commitment below. Doing so will allow me to send you an email reminder as the date draws closer. In any case, it’ll be 8 years come September. Our American memory is short, and our sympathies desensatized. Please join me to do something to move humanity forward.
NEWS ANCHOR: “Find out why people are dying from Peanut Butter and what you need to do to protect yourself. We’ll have the life-saving tips for you–right after the break.”
Let’s take a moment to reflect upon these profound words. It sounds like a crisis is looming. One of our basic American food staples has turned on us. It’s betrayal is at the level of Benedict Arnold or Anakin Skywalker joining the darkside. Surely such information marks a dark day for humanity.
More than that, it looks as though my own life, and the life of my children, might be threatened by such a betrayal. This is more than just the selling of land in New York, or the entire destruction of the Jedi Order. This isn’t fantasy, or history, this is happening now. My life could be in jeopardy! It’s like I’m hanging on the edge of a cliff noticing and someone from up top says, “Oh yeah, those rocks are slippery. Let me finish sending this text message, and I’ll throw you a rope.”
Sure we all know that I’m probably not going to slip to my death while the text message is being sent. We all know I’m probably not going to die while the commercials are rolling, but what does it say about their priorities. C’mon now, if you truly cared about me you’d put down the stinkin’ phone, stop running commercials, and help me out.
Then there’s the people who only patronize one news agency. I know people who only watch CNN, and wont get their news from anywhere else. Then there’s the people who only watch the news from FOX News because it’s just more patriotic. The worst folks, are the ones that only get their news from the comedy shows. These people generally have the same enthusiastic brand loyalty toward their news as some sports fan do towards football.
Actual office conversation (paraphrased for anonymity and grammar): “Last week I was wearing this shirt while watching my team play the game. They won, so it must be their lucky shirt. I’m wearing it again for this weekend.” Really, someone at work actually believes that the shirt they wear in their living room helps their team win…. yeah….. um……. Moving on:
It doesn’t matter who you are, what news source you turn to. Really, none of them care about “you” the way they should. Sure, there are notable exceptions, but I’m not mentioning any here. It’s all one giant pickle-sucking, capitalist, routine to sell advertising. Just admit that’s what you’re watching. There may be smatterings of patriotism, social progression, or good humor, but those are all packages, they’re not the product.
That doesn’t mean I would stop watching the news, but it’s important to realize that what you watch, your brain consumes. There’s a big difference between “good news” and “what’s good for the news.” I just wish they’d finally come out and say that they’ve based their formats on Greek Tragedy. In case you didn’t know, that’s where they got it from:
Owing to the rather depressing nature of the news I decided that we all needed a bit of cheering up. These are some of my favourite internet movies. Please take the time to watch them.
Sure, Mormons aren’t allowed to do a lot of things, but did you know that we weren’t aloud to send flowers? Really, you wont hear it at conference, but it’s true…. Just watch.
How effective is our missionary efforts in the church? They’re so effective that nightly comedy shows have turned consultants. Their clients? Al-Queada. It’s an odd blend, but it works rather well.
The internet has helped independent film makers really find their audience. I would so buy this movie if I could. It’s incredible. I feel like I want to be a better person everytime I watch it! Give it a shot. It’s longer than the others, but will probably have you in tears.
Read the First Comment 
Senator Chris Dodd was unresponsive to my previous letter, and so I’ve chosen to write him again. Below is what I’ve sent. Maybe he’ll reply.
