Just returned from hearing Mr. Coroon’s gubernatorial campaign pitch for requiring two more credits of math and science for Utah high school graduation. This aimed as response to claims a thousand math/science related jobs lie unfilled for lack of qualified applicants. Trouble is we’re already requiring seniors who hate math and are not good at it to take algebra, trig, or calculus classes 99% of them will never use again in their lives.
If we need better or more math classes to prepare kids who are so oriented, then let’s provide them. But no more just adding required-class burdens to pretend we’ve fixed a problem. That is already not working and it will only do more damage to push math-challenged kids into more math classes. Leave them the two hours for use in music, literature, mechanics ... something they have interest in and aptitude for.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
The Great Millennial Time
THE GREAT MILLENNIAL TIME
Election time’s come with the snow
Elephants rage and donkeys fret.
The former group proclaims reform
of health care laws, taxes and debt.
But they’ve been just as profligate.
Creating ills they now bewail.
Both elephants and donkeys quake
lest “throw the rascals out” prevail.
The econ’s stuck, stock market’s down,
radical gays want marriage banns;
our border South’s awash in blood
and myriads live employment sans.
We drift afar from virtues prized
by founders who laid out the plan;
the god in whom they put their trust’s
become a stranger in the land.
But those with vision still can see
that prophecies are being fulfilled;
That troubles, earthquakes, wars, disease
are harbingers that god has willed –
preceding when he comes again
to brush away the dross and grime
to set aright the affairs of men
and bring the great millennial time.
Election time’s come with the snow
Elephants rage and donkeys fret.
The former group proclaims reform
of health care laws, taxes and debt.
But they’ve been just as profligate.
Creating ills they now bewail.
Both elephants and donkeys quake
lest “throw the rascals out” prevail.
The econ’s stuck, stock market’s down,
radical gays want marriage banns;
our border South’s awash in blood
and myriads live employment sans.
We drift afar from virtues prized
by founders who laid out the plan;
the god in whom they put their trust’s
become a stranger in the land.
But those with vision still can see
that prophecies are being fulfilled;
That troubles, earthquakes, wars, disease
are harbingers that god has willed –
preceding when he comes again
to brush away the dross and grime
to set aright the affairs of men
and bring the great millennial time.
Monday, October 25, 2010
We take these precious names
LEAVES OF LIVES
We take these precious names
as leaves of lives, faded and worn,
ethereal as the beams of morning sun
yet representing beings known and loved.
Having weight and taking space
in unseen realms we know not of,
and yet we do know Father’s grace
extends to them in special place.
That they might with us share one day
the light and truth the Father gives,
perfected by His son’s own life ,
who died yet still, exalted lives.
We take these precious names
as leaves of lives, faded and worn,
ethereal as the beams of morning sun
yet representing beings known and loved.
Having weight and taking space
in unseen realms we know not of,
and yet we do know Father’s grace
extends to them in special place.
That they might with us share one day
the light and truth the Father gives,
perfected by His son’s own life ,
who died yet still, exalted lives.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Is grandpa here or can he come her still?
GRANDPA'S CABIN
(A Weber Winter Day)
Hopeful, we labor on through knee deep snow.
Some steps the crust holds firm, other sink in
to leave us puffing down the drift filled road.
Tin roof awakens tales of long ago.
The family camped in tents, the cabin rose.
River bank, bridge, and grove were all his too.
He pondered here the tree-filled site he chose.
His soul found peace, eyes rested by the view.
Anxious, I light, relight the fire...no flame.
The wood we brought too green, the woodpile wet.
Freezing, must we retreat the way we came?
With bark and bits at last a fire is set.
O glorious, sylvan, sun-splashed afternoon!
E'en birds keep silence here, or else have flown.
High window seat - whiteness below in tune.
A space, a time, a peace not elsewhere known!
The river rippling sends the only sound.
Silence awakens awe of God's display.
Waters, escaping bars of ice and snow,
on ceiling cast a shimmer through the day.
Is Grandpa here, or can he come here still?
To see his children's children here at play?
To see God's gifts bestowed by his good will,
or share the shimm'ring sunlight's bright display?
(A Weber Winter Day)
Hopeful, we labor on through knee deep snow.
Some steps the crust holds firm, other sink in
to leave us puffing down the drift filled road.
Tin roof awakens tales of long ago.
The family camped in tents, the cabin rose.
River bank, bridge, and grove were all his too.
He pondered here the tree-filled site he chose.
His soul found peace, eyes rested by the view.
Anxious, I light, relight the fire...no flame.
The wood we brought too green, the woodpile wet.
Freezing, must we retreat the way we came?
With bark and bits at last a fire is set.
O glorious, sylvan, sun-splashed afternoon!
E'en birds keep silence here, or else have flown.
High window seat - whiteness below in tune.
A space, a time, a peace not elsewhere known!
The river rippling sends the only sound.
Silence awakens awe of God's display.
Waters, escaping bars of ice and snow,
on ceiling cast a shimmer through the day.
Is Grandpa here, or can he come here still?
To see his children's children here at play?
To see God's gifts bestowed by his good will,
or share the shimm'ring sunlight's bright display?
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Social Security rule favors the rich over the working man
If you claim SS retirement benefits at the earliest age, but continue to work, you have a strict limit on what you can earn before you begin to owe one of every two dollars reimbursement to SS at the end of the year. However, if you live on investment income – even triple digit income – you need not reimburse SS at all.
Given the current crisis about SS funding, this loophole should be the first closed. Incredible that Congress set this up to penalize the person who has to continue working and reward the rich who can live on investments without personal labor.
Given the current crisis about SS funding, this loophole should be the first closed. Incredible that Congress set this up to penalize the person who has to continue working and reward the rich who can live on investments without personal labor.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Plato’s philosopher king idea has bad company.
Many men of their own reasoning have concluded with Plato that that men cannot govern themselves wisely. Unfortunately many of these such as Hitler, Ghengis Kahn, Ceasar, Napleon, Rousseau, Marx have determined that special men have talents to govern and should be in charge, e.g. Plato’s philosopher king, Hitler’s Ubermensch. History teaches that righteousness and obedience to \the Lord lead to prosperity with freedom; that man-designed utopias inevitably fail. Put succinctly by Book of Mormon prophets: Obey God and prosper in the land. Disobey and be cut off from his presence – bringing despair and desolation. America began with men of vision who put their trust in God, but is now steadily losing its way by trusting in the widsom of men – in particular Obama who has announced to the world that America is not a Christian nation.
Or interest in this regard is The Overton Window, a NY Times Best Seller by Glenn Beck. It’s a fun, fast-moving tale of political intrigue, which examines the ideas of Thomas Payne, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Plato, Marx, and others on how to solve man’s self-governance problems.
Or interest in this regard is The Overton Window, a NY Times Best Seller by Glenn Beck. It’s a fun, fast-moving tale of political intrigue, which examines the ideas of Thomas Payne, Jefferson, Adams, Franklin and Plato, Marx, and others on how to solve man’s self-governance problems.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Church of JESUS CHRIST of LDS seeks to help gays.
After Elder Packer of the LDS Church states that homosexual behavior is a curable illness – comes an activists’ march and flurry of protests. After the Deseret News does a series on pornography – comes back an overload of pornographic emails from the porn industry. “ The guilty taketh the truth to be hard for it cutteth them to the very core.” 1 Nephi 16:2, Book Of Mormon.
Both President Packer and the Church act on their love for people who are gay as brothers and sisters – who have a problem which can be helped. We all have problems which can be helped, and the damage to families and individuals from gay lifestyles is serious enough to need special attention. The Lord and His Church necessarily offer help.
As for the porn industry folks, they have a problem with which they need help, but are likely more immune to help, because they do what they do for filthy lucre.
Both President Packer and the Church act on their love for people who are gay as brothers and sisters – who have a problem which can be helped. We all have problems which can be helped, and the damage to families and individuals from gay lifestyles is serious enough to need special attention. The Lord and His Church necessarily offer help.
As for the porn industry folks, they have a problem with which they need help, but are likely more immune to help, because they do what they do for filthy lucre.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Was I not in Gethsemane?
WAS I NOT IN GETHSEMANE?
I was not in Gethsemane
for His hard labor, all alone,
which wrought the greatest miracle
the world has ever known.
He asked that they should “Watch and pray.”
Confronting all, he wanted friends.
But they, exhausted, fell asleep.
An angel came to make amends.
Did mighty Garbriel’s comfort tell
how millions watched for Him that day?”
Did His Atoning need our faith?
Did we unsleeping, watch and pray?
I was not in Gethsemane
for His hard labor, all alone,
which wrought the greatest miracle
the world has ever known.
He asked that they should “Watch and pray.”
Confronting all, he wanted friends.
But they, exhausted, fell asleep.
An angel came to make amends.
Did mighty Garbriel’s comfort tell
how millions watched for Him that day?”
Did His Atoning need our faith?
Did we unsleeping, watch and pray?
Monday, October 11, 2010
For whom do we vote?
President Obama declares that America is not a Christian nation. The psalmist writes: “Blessed is the nation whose god is the Lord.” Psalms 33:12. So we believers pray the nation is blessed . . . . but we're between a rock and a hard place.
We ought not suppose the morals of a man have no bearing on his merit as a political leader. But if a man cannot be true, for example, to marriage vows, how can you expect him to be true to vows of integrity in public office? Bill Clinton, John McCain, seem able to convince the public that marriage infidelity and fidelity in public office are entirely irrelevant. Too many other bad examples to be worth naming.
“No free government can stand without virtue in the people, and a lofty spirit of patriotism . . . thank God my life has been spent in a land of liberty.” Andrew Jackson.“Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.” Horace Greely. “What is liberty without wisdom and without virtue?” John Locke. David O McKay considered the personal integrity of a candidate more important than whether you agreed with his stated policies.
We ought not suppose the morals of a man have no bearing on his merit as a political leader. But if a man cannot be true, for example, to marriage vows, how can you expect him to be true to vows of integrity in public office? Bill Clinton, John McCain, seem able to convince the public that marriage infidelity and fidelity in public office are entirely irrelevant. Too many other bad examples to be worth naming.
“No free government can stand without virtue in the people, and a lofty spirit of patriotism . . . thank God my life has been spent in a land of liberty.” Andrew Jackson.“Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.” Horace Greely. “What is liberty without wisdom and without virtue?” John Locke. David O McKay considered the personal integrity of a candidate more important than whether you agreed with his stated policies.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
What if you were Latino and living in Arizona?
I bypassed a long left-turn-waiting line driving my daughter to school by taking the right lane past the light and making a U turn to come back for a right turn. A Sandy police lady ticketed me for illegal U-turn. I pointed out U-turns are legal when there’s no oncoming traffic and clear view of road ahead, but she replied, “We’ve been told to give anyone who U-turns there in the mornings a ticket. When I got to court the mediator threw it out, saying, “If they want to do that they’ll just have to put up a sign.” So this a case of the lieutenant inventing law
.
An officer pulled me over for making several short honks at the driver in front waiting to make a right turn, because the way was open, no traffic, and she had the right of way to go ahead. I asked why he stopped me. He said, “Why did you honk at that lady?” I told him, and unable to come up with something to charge me with, he let me go.
Small examples of how easily a little police power can go astray. Not that police in general are scoundrels. They are mortals like the rest of us, who, when we get a little authority will almost always begin to exercise unrighteous dominion over others. And the powers of arrest and imprisonment entrusted to these officers are substantial ones.
This is why some people are very upset at the new Arizona law directing police to inquire into legal status, if there’s a “reasonable suspicion, for anyone they stop. “Reasonable suspicion” is not a standard recognized in the law, is something less than probable cause, and almost invites a prejudiced officer to stop and harass Latinos. It is not hard to understand the desperation of Arizonans over the flood of illegals over their border, and the Federal Government’s gross negligence in the matter; but neither is it hard to understand Latinos’ opposition to this law. The law borders on police-state tactics. Imagine what police would have done with such a law for Jews in Nazi Germany. Anyone an officer stops on reasonable suspicion may be hauled in for questioning and anyone’s ID papers may be suspect. If you were a Latino citizen of Arizona, you might feel it necessary to pack your birth certificate everywhere you went. Not unlike Jews being required to wear a star on their sleeves in Holland in WWII days.
.
An officer pulled me over for making several short honks at the driver in front waiting to make a right turn, because the way was open, no traffic, and she had the right of way to go ahead. I asked why he stopped me. He said, “Why did you honk at that lady?” I told him, and unable to come up with something to charge me with, he let me go.
Small examples of how easily a little police power can go astray. Not that police in general are scoundrels. They are mortals like the rest of us, who, when we get a little authority will almost always begin to exercise unrighteous dominion over others. And the powers of arrest and imprisonment entrusted to these officers are substantial ones.
This is why some people are very upset at the new Arizona law directing police to inquire into legal status, if there’s a “reasonable suspicion, for anyone they stop. “Reasonable suspicion” is not a standard recognized in the law, is something less than probable cause, and almost invites a prejudiced officer to stop and harass Latinos. It is not hard to understand the desperation of Arizonans over the flood of illegals over their border, and the Federal Government’s gross negligence in the matter; but neither is it hard to understand Latinos’ opposition to this law. The law borders on police-state tactics. Imagine what police would have done with such a law for Jews in Nazi Germany. Anyone an officer stops on reasonable suspicion may be hauled in for questioning and anyone’s ID papers may be suspect. If you were a Latino citizen of Arizona, you might feel it necessary to pack your birth certificate everywhere you went. Not unlike Jews being required to wear a star on their sleeves in Holland in WWII days.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Who would want twelve children?
We decided before we married we wanted twelve children, and looking back now with eleven married happily and one single, still in college, I has been a great, challenging, marvelous and continuing adventure. If you struggle with three children, just multiply that by four and you have some idea of our undertaking.
The movie “Cheaper by the Dozen” has become a favorite, presenting a realistic look of the humor, trials and triumphs. The family council where father humorously vetoes having a dog, and they get one anyway; the parents’ struggle to maintain modesty and moral standards in an ever-encroaching world; mother’s heroic stepping forth to provide when father is gone (in our case when I had serious injuries).
The hilarious visit of the Planned Parenthood lady to recruit mother, and her shock when the twelve children assemble and father says, “Isn’t there someone missing dear?” She indignantly exclaims, “And within twelve miles of national headquarters!”
I see where “Cost of Raising a Child” website [probably Planned Parenthood] estimates at $266,690 the cost of raising a child, so our twelve would cost over $3,000,000 today. Well, we raised them for considerably less than that. The numbers seems inflated to discourage would-be parents. For us, the rewards in love, fellowship, learning together and continuing associations far outweigh the costs at any figure – then add the delight of thirty-nine grandchildren and counting!
We’re told many young people are afraid to bring children into this troubled world – afraid of the risks of failure, the trials and troubles, the heavy responsibilities. But we have found great comfort and truth in the words of the Lord:“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the dearth . . . .” Genesis 1:28. ”As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them . . . “ Psalms 127:4-5.
Eight of ours have bachelor’s degrees, three with advanced degrees as well. One is aimed for law school, and one more finishing a bachelor’s. So the education hurdle has been cleared – partly with scholarships & government loans and partly with their own part-time jobs.
We have encountered the expected criticisms along the way and find them easy to answer:
1. You can’t afford to educate them. Their college degrees amply refute that.
2. You’re overpopulating an overcrowded world. The creator himself said,
For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, . .” D&C 104:17.
3. Your kids cost society too much to educate, etc. We see that our children will be paying for our contemporaries’ retirements, with the shrinking workforce and the burgeoning retiree numbers.
4. You can’t give adequate attention to so many. We do not hear the gripe that our kids didn’t get enough individual attention in such a large group, in fact they often say how grateful they are for growing up in such a large family. Some have large families of their own.
The movie “Cheaper by the Dozen” has become a favorite, presenting a realistic look of the humor, trials and triumphs. The family council where father humorously vetoes having a dog, and they get one anyway; the parents’ struggle to maintain modesty and moral standards in an ever-encroaching world; mother’s heroic stepping forth to provide when father is gone (in our case when I had serious injuries).
The hilarious visit of the Planned Parenthood lady to recruit mother, and her shock when the twelve children assemble and father says, “Isn’t there someone missing dear?” She indignantly exclaims, “And within twelve miles of national headquarters!”
I see where “Cost of Raising a Child” website [probably Planned Parenthood] estimates at $266,690 the cost of raising a child, so our twelve would cost over $3,000,000 today. Well, we raised them for considerably less than that. The numbers seems inflated to discourage would-be parents. For us, the rewards in love, fellowship, learning together and continuing associations far outweigh the costs at any figure – then add the delight of thirty-nine grandchildren and counting!
We’re told many young people are afraid to bring children into this troubled world – afraid of the risks of failure, the trials and troubles, the heavy responsibilities. But we have found great comfort and truth in the words of the Lord:“And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the dearth . . . .” Genesis 1:28. ”As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them . . . “ Psalms 127:4-5.
Eight of ours have bachelor’s degrees, three with advanced degrees as well. One is aimed for law school, and one more finishing a bachelor’s. So the education hurdle has been cleared – partly with scholarships & government loans and partly with their own part-time jobs.
We have encountered the expected criticisms along the way and find them easy to answer:
1. You can’t afford to educate them. Their college degrees amply refute that.
2. You’re overpopulating an overcrowded world. The creator himself said,
For the earth is full, and there is enough and to spare; yea, I prepared all things, . .” D&C 104:17.
3. Your kids cost society too much to educate, etc. We see that our children will be paying for our contemporaries’ retirements, with the shrinking workforce and the burgeoning retiree numbers.
4. You can’t give adequate attention to so many. We do not hear the gripe that our kids didn’t get enough individual attention in such a large group, in fact they often say how grateful they are for growing up in such a large family. Some have large families of their own.
Monday, October 4, 2010
How precious, father’s interviews.
How may a father gain the confidences of his son or daughter in an interview? Prayer helps. Serious listening is essential. Helping him, when young, write in his journal, and reading from it does wonders for his self esteem and confidence in your interest. Offering and giving father’s blessings provides sweet occasion for expressing your love and teaching how that love relates the Lord’s love for them.
How should a father correct a child? Only at necessity very carefully, kindly, with no exaggeration, and then showing an increase in love.
Some fathers want to be buddies with their children, especially sons, and therefore cannot bring themselves to correct. But we are not called to be buddies at the expense of failing to correct. Alma is a beautiful example of this when he chastens his son for chasing after a harlot: “I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. But behold, ye cannot ahide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.” Alma 39:7. Plainly he speaks from love, not from any desire to punish, because he knows the son will have to account to the Lord if he does not make a serious correction. Alma 36 thru 42 provides a great guide for father’s interviews.
A worthy father stirs up the faith of his sons and daughters, challenges and inspires them with faith in the lord and themselves as they obey the Lord. He helps them realize that heritage as sons and daughters of God carries with it great power and promise; that, as Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
How should a father correct a child? Only at necessity very carefully, kindly, with no exaggeration, and then showing an increase in love.
Some fathers want to be buddies with their children, especially sons, and therefore cannot bring themselves to correct. But we are not called to be buddies at the expense of failing to correct. Alma is a beautiful example of this when he chastens his son for chasing after a harlot: “I would not dwell upon your crimes, to harrow up your soul, if it were not for your good. But behold, ye cannot ahide your crimes from God; and except ye repent they will stand as a testimony against you at the last day.” Alma 39:7. Plainly he speaks from love, not from any desire to punish, because he knows the son will have to account to the Lord if he does not make a serious correction. Alma 36 thru 42 provides a great guide for father’s interviews.
A worthy father stirs up the faith of his sons and daughters, challenges and inspires them with faith in the lord and themselves as they obey the Lord. He helps them realize that heritage as sons and daughters of God carries with it great power and promise; that, as Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
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