Thank the Good Lord not all elected Republicans are brain-dead. Today the Republicans in the Senate blocked a move by Democrats to impose a windfall profits tax on the oil companies. The Democrats are fit to be tied, complaining that with over $4 a gallon gas, this was the right thing to do.

How do people who know nothing about the economy of our country keep getting elected to pass regulations and taxes that can enable or kill it? How do people with a socialist view of economics get into national office? The political illiteracy of the American public.

Fewer and fewer Americans know how our economy functions and many of those who do, feel guilty over it. We are a market economy, spurred by sales, production, and meeting the demands of the consumer. We are NOT a state-run economy where government sets prices and profit margins, and runs manufacturing and production. We work for a profit, that is entirely just and moral that we be rewarded for our investment and labor.

Every political system that has grown too top-heavy with regulation and taxation has collapsed in on itself in the long run. Our system of capitalism has served us well for far too long to allow government to ruin it now.

Capitalism is not a crime, it is not immoral, it is not even shady. Capitalism is the freedom to trade goods and services in exchange for payment, to produce and make a profit from your labors, to create wealth and prosperity for all those inclined to work for it. To listen to the Democratic party is to hear a chorus of communists who hate free trade and want to kill it.

WINDFALL PROFITS TAX???? They have gone insane. If you impose a windfall profits tax on me this year, do you know what I will do next year? I will make only as much as I can to stay out of the windfall profits territory. The side effect of that is that the goods or service I used to produce will be greatly diminished, and the demand of the consumer will not be met. (HINT: Prices will go up) WHY would I invest and work harder only to pay more taxes and not a greater return for my efforts?

Not to mention that when we tried this same scheme in the 80’s it suppressed domestic production and sent imports sky-rocketing. We hurt our own economy and funneled more wealth to OPEC and other oil-producing nations.

Do you want lower gasoline and energy prices? Then call your congressman and tell him to lift restrictions on domestic oil drilling to increase supply of crude. Then, tell him to introduce and pass legislation to stream-line the construction of new refineries in America to increase the gasoline supply. When supply comes into alignment with demand, PRICES GO DOWN!!! When demand is high, and supply is low, PRICES GO UP!!!

The oil companies are not to blame, the commodities market is not to blame, OPEC is not even to blame. It is the insanity of the American government, especially the legislature, who has for over 30 years strangled domestic production of oil and energy.  We are reaping the fruits of decades of wrong-headed policies when it comes to energy, and liberals, environmentalists, and lilly-livered Republicans are to blame.

The time has come for the United States Congress to embrace the free-market economy gifted to us by our founders and lift the stifling regulations in our energy policies. If you want over-regulation and government control of the market, go to Cuba! I hear they have wonderful health care…..

Solutions for Energy?

                How ‘bout we stop poking ourselves in the eye then complain that OPEC, Halliburton and Exxon are causing our blindness? I ran into a nut job at the gas station yesterday who was talking (very loudly) at me across the lane from his pump.

                He was quite miffed at the price of gas, and his biggest complaint? George Bush is making millions off of oil prices and we are getting screwed. He then went on to ridicule the idea of drilling in Alaska or offshore while at the same time complaining that we aren’t using the strategic petroleum reserve to lower prices.

                He finished his rant with, ‘supply and demand, my friend, supply and demand!’

Huh?

First of all, the blame for the current energy crisis can be laid squarely at the feet of the US government, aided and abetted by environmental lobbies and the apathy of the average US Citizen. Over thirty years ago, we stopped building refineries, started capping domestic oil wells, and began to systematically declare gigantic swaths of American soil ‘off-limits’ to development or natural resource harvesting.

We did it all in the name of ‘caring’ for the environment. Plus, at the time, oil was cheaper to buy from other countries and producers because the price per barrel was so low. Now, with the price so high, it is more economically feasible to uncap some of our domestic production wells and pump from them.

Fifteen years ago, we could have started the process of drilling in ANWR, and we would be reaping the benefits of that added supply today. During that same time period, we could have been drilling and pumping from the Gulf of Mexico and off the shores of California, and now today with the world crisis, we would be reaping the benefits of that added supply today.

Now, we find that there is an oil field that is larger than the Saudi oil field and it is sitting right smack-dab in the middle of the good ole’ USA. We can begin TODAY the process of preparing to drill, pump, and refine our own huge oil reserve and in 10-15 years, be reaping the benefits of this huge added supply.

You see, the truth of the matter is, that supply and demand is an economic principle that is immutable. (that means it cannot move or change, it’s just true – always true) My addled friend at the gas station understood that the greater the supply, the lower the price, and the higher the demand, the higher the price, but he missed the point of which supply to pursue.

Not only would the amount of oil in the strategic petroleum reserve be a drop in the bucket for our demand, but it would deplete needed resources if there were a crisis situation, like world war, domestic attack, or another natural disaster like Katrina. So, not enough supply there and for the worng reasons. Sorry, Gas-Station Nutjob.

We recently asked the Saudi government to increase the SUPPLY of oil on the market to bring down the price. We were rebuffed twice, and prices continued to soar. Can you imagine a world where it mattered very little what a Middle Eastern monarchy did or did not do, it couldn’t affect our economy OR the gas price? I sure can!

If we were pumping our own supply of oil into newly-built and technologically upgraded refining facilities, we would have greater control over prices, over supply to meet the demand, and would be more secure in a world that is just watching and waiting to see us fall.

So, why won’t we? Why aren’t the environmentalists picketing the oil fields of Saudi Arabia, of Venezuela, of Iran, Mexico, or Nigeria? Why are they content to allow all these oil-producing nations to pollute their own environments? I mean, aside from the obvious reason that they would be beaten or shot in all those places for interfering with the government’s work. (interesting tactic, though)

I have to say, that the only glimmer of hope I have had this last year is Newt Gingrich’s new slogan: Drill here, Drill now, Pay less. To which I can only add a hearty AMEN!  

And finally, I’m sorry, George Bush is not making millions off of oil or gasoline prices. He’s doing it in a blind trust with investments and work he did BEFORE he became President. I hope when his term is up he goes right back to Texas and gets back into the oil business. We could sure use some more….

Why the Conservative Crisis? To me, Conservatism is mostly the child of Wisdom and Common Sense. But what do we do when common sense is no longer common and wisdom is no longer held in esteem?

That is the current state of Conservatism in America. Slandered and slapped, belittled and maligned. Many conservative Americans are shifting nervously in their seats, unsure of what they were once sure of. The power of a constant drone of the media, academia, and even popular culture can make even the most headstrong believers hesitate.

When the perception is built that almost nobody believes as you do, you have a decision to make. Will you give in to the perceptions of popular culture, or will you embrace what you instinctively know to be the truth?

Political conservatives are experiencing what theological conservatives have experienced for centuries. The incessant attacks on long-established doctrines of truth and tenets of the faith. In the Christian church and seminary, there has been a war raging since Christ ascended on the mount and sent His disciples out with the Great Commission.

The subtle question of ‘what if?’ is the weapon most utilized by the enemy. What if that’s not what the Scripture really means? What if my core beliefs are wrong? What if I’m being too narrow? What if the heathens are really right? It is the same question that was used at the beginning, when the serpent beguiled Eve.

“Hath God said…?” What if you really misunderstood what God meant? What if you’re doing it wrong? What if you are missing out on something FANTASTIC because you’re too narrow in your thinking? And Eve bit the apple. In short order, so did Adam, and we’ve all been paying for it ever since.

Churches and leaders have compromised over and over with the world system out of the fear of ‘what if?’ What if the Da Vinci Code is right? What if Jesus was married and had kids? What if Creation is an abstract concept and the Darwinists are right? What if I can’t raise my kids to stay pure, off drugs, and out of jail?

We water down our convictions to lower expectations when that nagging doubt of ‘what if’ torments us. We waffle and waiver in the most important areas of our lives and relationships when ‘what if’ blinds our sight. So what do we do with “what if’?

‘What if’ is not a cause for panic or dismay, it is an opportunity to genuinely sort through our belief system. When faced with doubts, the best decision is to go back to the basics. Why do I believe what I believe? What is the evidence? Who are the opponents of this view? What is there evidence? In the absence of evidence, are there certain positions I can stand on in faith?

These challenges to our understanding of the world we live in ought to strengthen our fundamental beliefs. A serious, honest inventory of our thoughts and understanding should solidify in our minds what is worth believing and what is worth fighting for.  

So for our politically conservative brethren, a question: Why do you believe what you believe? If what you believe in is true, then how can that belief be shaken? Is what you believe worth fighting for?

Many people refuse to do the work of owning their own beliefs, and make themselves the targets of the ‘what ifs’. Many conservatives long for a Ronald Reagan to happen on the scene and once again articulate the conservative position and fight for recognition of the power of these truths. And many conservatives were heartbroken when no Reagan appeared for the Presidential Primaries.

Even those ‘conservative’ candidates running were poor evangelists of the Conservative Cause.  Fred Thompson assumed too many people already knew what conservatism was and would support him because he was for it. Mitt Romney too late began to articulate with clarity the conservative position. Mike Huckabee was too ‘compassionate’ a conservative to take a glaringly strong stand. Rudy Gulianni was only half conservative, and left the back door open for moderation.

So we defaulted to a moderate to liberal McCain, who was pushed over the top in large part to the evangelicals mobbing Huckabee and cutting Romney and Thompson out, and the independents and Democrats who voted in the early primaries.

So now they tell me there is a ‘conservative crisis’ that we are depressed and aimless, demoralized and marginalized. The crisis is only one of belief. Many conservatives do not own their own beliefs, they let others define it for them. They let others fight for it and think it through. So, how do I own my own beliefs? Glad ya asked!

Have your thoughts on the subject matter fully sorted. It is a horrible thing to wait until you are asked the question to search for the answers. We should be asking ourselves the questions constantly. What do I believe about this subject? What is the conservative position? What principles apply? Don’t let others bully your thinking, be prepared ahead of time.

Read widely. Know what the positions on these topics are. It requires a bit of effort, but the rewards are worth it. Knowing what you believe and what is worth fighting for can save you a lot of angst and worry. It can help bring peace to your life.

Articulate what you believe. Until you have had to write sensibly or say out loud what you really believe, you really don’t have it sorted. Just letting it tumble around in your head for a while does not mean you can whip out a rousing defense of conservatism. Ronald Reagan was constantly writing, on notepads, in margins of books, on napkins, he was tireless in his articulation of what he believed. So when his moment in history came, he was prepped and ready not just to further his political ambitions, but to lead a movement.

That movement is in crisis today, because we don’t understand clearly what we believe, hold to what we believe, or fight effectively for what we believe. If conservatism is to rise to her greatness, this is exactly what we must do. No compromises, but victories. Not tired slogans, but moving arguments to convince those who oppose our point of view that we have the right principles and beliefs.

There is no Reagan on the horizon to ride in and save us, that we can point to and say, “Yeah! What he said!” That mantle falls to us. Get equipped, get prepared, and step into the battle. Lead your own movement, and stand up for what you believe. The nation needs you to, and the world needs you to.

                So, what do we do with Jeremiah Wright? He has made some incredibly hurtful and judgmental statements in his sermons, and now, in press interviews and press conferences. When anyone asks him to document his sources for the outrageous claims that he makes, he natters on about books, and context, and black liberation theology as a whole. His tactic of becoming dismissive to anyone who questions the logic of his statements shows he isn’t an apologist for his faith.

                One of the most outrageous claims he has made so far came just today at the National Press Club in Washington. He said those who questioned his outrageous statements, or who took issue with his interpretation of Scripture and worldview were not attacking him, but they were attacking the black church community as a whole.

                I think that, by far is the most outrageous statement he has made to date. To claim that he is the spokesperson for every black congregation in America, and that his interpretation of history and theology is the only correct one for the black faith community is audacity at its finest.

                I have grown up in the faith community and have many black brothers and sisters in Christ, I have worked with congregations that are predominantly African-American and in each and every case, they were nowhere near the liberal, racist belief system of Jeremiah Wright or black liberation theology.

                He seems to be relishing the attention he is receiving in his retirement, and obviously enjoys being combative with the press and dismissive of his critics. He even mentioned he has a book coming out later this year….

                So is that what this is all about? Is he garnering controversy so his book will be sold to everyone who really wants to understand what is in this man’s strange mind? Well, I guess retiring to a ten-million dollar mansion seems just a little boring after a lifetime of being outrageous in front of a crowd of boisterous supporters in church several times a week.

                As a pastor, I know the incredible temptation to make it about me. What I mean to say is, when people criticize the message, the messenger feels stung. I so identify with the God that I serve, and the message He has put on my heart, that a rejection of that message feels like a rejection of me.

                I also know that when I make foolish decisions and mis-represent what God has said in His word, that I deserve to be criticized. There is a distinction between my mistakes and failures that people see and a legitimate difference in core beliefs. One you can blame me for, and the other, you can take issue with my entire faith system.

                So after the sideshow this morning at the NPC, the only conclusion I can come to is that it is all about Jeremiah Wright and his opinions. If you question him you are a racist, if you debate his logic, you are attacking the black church in America, if you disagree with his politics you are a part of the oppressive regime that keeps the black community in poverty and keeps them from becoming successful. (Did I mention his ten-million dollar retirement mansion? Looks like George Jefferson isn’t the only one ‘movin on up.’)

                By trying to use the cover of God and the black American church community, he wants to be portrayed as a figurehead, the defender of the faith, willing to take on and slay the dragon of government oppression, oh, and white rich men oppression, oh, and American racist society oppression. The problem is, that Jeremiah Wright is a bitter, liberal racist who is using religion to peddle his socialism.

                The moral of the story: The Audacity of Audacity is……well, Audacious.

                Today, I took the family out to see Ben Stein’s movie, ‘Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed.’ I was captivated by the narrative from the start. Ben manages to take a documentary format and make a very compelling and entertaining presentation of the bias and prejudice against proponents of Intelligent Design.

                This is the movie that world-famous atheist, Richard Dawkins, was apoplectic about before it even came out. Once I saw the movie, I understood why. Mr. Dawkins’ narrow-minded bigotry comes across glaringly through two separate interviews in which he was very candid.

                Many of the secular scientists interviewed were amazingly candid. The absolute conviction they held that there was no possibility of a designer of our amazing world and creation was telling. In Mr. Dawkins case, he did allow for highly-evolved alien designers having ‘seeded’ our planet, but on the whole, in each and every case, they were adamant that there was no place for a designer of the world and everything in it.

                Or so it seems. Those scientists, physicists, biologists, MDs, and historians that allow for ANY mention or consideration of a designer are immediately and ruthlessly silenced. ‘Expelled’ does an amazing job of documenting the intimidation and coercion unleashed on these ‘superstitious fools.’

                When you hear the stories of these academics who have been ostracized for not holding to the establishment propaganda, it is infuriating. To hear those who hold the reins of power in our modern collegiate system coldly and blankly calling religion a ‘fairytale’ and ‘superstition’ is almost unnerving. They would not even pause to discuss the claims of Intelligent Design, they had already dismissed it out of hand as, gasp, ‘religious.’

                Instead, they launched into a monologue on the need to marginalize religion and supplant it with ‘science.’ They were very pointed and focused on their belief that the more they could discredit God and faith, the better off society would be as a whole.

                What was incredibly gratifying was to hear these PhDs stumble about and see them blink and squirm when they were asked the simple question of the origin of all life. They had to admit that nobody knows. There were theories they had, aliens included, but the crystals, the lightning, the primordial soup – none of these give a definitive answer to the question: ‘How did life first begin?’ All they have are postulates and theorems.

                To which I’d like to say, ‘Not that there’s anything wrong with that,’ but if it’s still the evolutionary THEORY, then stop behaving as if it is proven scientific fact. Which brings us to the main feature of this movie, the revealing of a group of arrogant elites who want us to believe that they have all the answers and we just need to shut up and take what they say as fact. Never mind the fact that there is no PROOF, never mind the fact that they will allow no debate on the subject, never mind the fact that it takes as much faith to believe in the evolutionary view of the beginnings of life on Earth as it does to believe that a loving God created us with a purpose – No, just shut up and swallow it.

                This is a debate that we as a nation need to have, but those who hold the purse-strings and the tenure-power are running a strict campaign of ‘no free-thinking allowed’ especially in this area of science. This question, the origin of life, holds the key to our future as a society. If you don’t believe me, then read the Declaration of Independence.

                If we are endowed by our CREATOR  and not the government with inalienable rights, what happens when we cease to believe there is a Creator, a Designer? The continued success of this political experiment in democracy, the Democratic Republic, rests on the premise that our rights come from God and not from man. Take God out of the picture, and we lose the ‘inalienable’ part of our rights, because now man is the final arbiter of our freedoms. Men and governments always stifle freedom, which is why the Founders saw the need for very specific and difficult steps to alter the Constitution.

                So why aren’t scientists in American Academia allowed to explore and ask the difficult questions about our world and how it got here? Because there is a controlling establishment that will not be held accountable, and which refuses to acknowledge that there might be a Deity. Funny, I’ve read about this before.

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man--and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.” Romans 1:20-23

                Seems almost prophetic, doesn’t it?