"More than anything else, let me be clear - we need to be willing to fight for freedom, and free markets, and traditional moral values. That's what the American people want to see this movement and this party return to." Mike Pence, Republican Governor, Indiana

School is back in session here in our area, therefore, the streets are even more clogged than they were before. But, our children are our future and they do need a good education, therefore, it's best to grin and bear it. It is Wednesday, August 27, 2014, and I want you to feel welcome here at the ole blogger ranch. That caring about children is a family value.  Speaking of family values, there's a court trial underway over in Virginia that has values as a part of the story line. Virginia's former governor and his wife are being tried on multiple counts of public corruption, having to do with financial gifts, payoffs, etc. Here's the deal: They are folks that had aligned themselves with Christian values, conservative ideals, and high morals. They now find themselves in court with their marriage failing. Bear with me because I am about to make my point. I listened to an interview on a national news radio program where a noted liberal journalist had been assigned to cover the trial. I think the interviewer was embarrassed because the journalist covering the trial was so gleeful over what he perceived as the downfall of these so called Christians, he was almost hissing as he spoke. It was like he was having a fit or something. He couldn't contain himself. He went on and on about all the Christian affiliations these folks had identified with and called out prominent Christian leaders who had endorsed his election. I don't know how they will come out but I do know that this reporter guy reflects the venom that awaits anyone who claims to know the Lord who might stumble along life's way. I thought it was an example, both pitiful and sad, but it also stands as a cautionary tale.

We are one of the only countries in the world that cannot/will not, despite spending billions, secure our borders. This has recently become of even greater importance as this new radical Islamic group sweeps across Syria and Iraq. This group referred to as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIL) recently videotaped the beheading of an American journalist and issued threats against the United States. There are some indications from officials that our border situation could be or has already been an entry point for some of these radicals infiltrating our nation. A report recently issued identified 75 countries implicated in illegally entering our country on our southern border. We already know that this includes criminal and gang elements. Law enforcement officials in border states are beside themselves in knowing how to cope with the number coming in that are supposed to be stopped by the Federal Government since they have statutory responsibility for border security. With these problems known by everyone everywhere in the world, this increased threat from Islamic radicals should be a wake up call. However, we still have folks in Washington D.C. that say we should open up our borders and welcome anybody and everybody in. I'm not sure this meets the definition of insanity but it sure is close.

Of course it would be good if the current administration would get their stories straight. The President said this ISIL group was nothing more than junior varsity in terms of terrorist organizations. Meanwhile, his defense secretary recently called it a threat beyond anything we've seen. Other administration officials have been issuing dire warnings about the potential for this well funded and well armed group to do harm to America and American interests. I'm a pretty simple fellow. I do know that a train engineer who goes to sleep while on duty is held accountable. And, my way of seeing it tells me we are experiencing a derailment throughout the world, and I will quote the defense secretary, beyond anything we've seen. Asleep at the wheel? That may be a kind assessment because the words inept and incompetent seem at least in the running to me. One thing is clear: We as a nation are in total reactive mode as opposed to proactive, here at home, on our borders, and throughout the world. That should do it for today. I had these armchair quarterback observations and opinions, therefore, you now have them too. I do pray for our nation and our leaders. (1st Timothy 2:1-2) Have a great Wednesday and I'll try to work on redirecting my thoughts for tomorrow's visit. Until then, may God bless our nation and may God bless each one. Amen.  ...More later.