In some respects, I think this poem is fitting.  On one hand, politically we want to eliminate guns because we have to prevent people from being idiots instead of punishing them.  On the other hand, we have to make sure morality and Christianity are prohibited in public, in school, and in private in some cases. 

The issue of how to deal with children in school will always be around.  It will continue to get hot, however, as we continue to release our responsibilities as parents, teachers, and as human beings.  It amazes me that we all stand around throwing our hands up in the air and no one appears to be taking responsibility for the actions of ourselves and our children.  And, when our children's actions are grave and adult in nature, not even the child is responsible.  Parents must wake up and take responsibility for "being a parent" and become a decent moral human being.  We need to encourage people to stop demanding that someone else carry their responsibilities and stop demanding handouts from the world without lifting a finger to help themselves.  Perhaps when we all wake up and stop worrying about being politically correct we'll have a better place to live.

Parents who truly need the help seldom receive it as often as parents who expect handouts.  They are overshadowed by the greedy and the irresponsible.  In the end, it is the Church, Synagogue, Temple, etc. that reaches those that truly need the assistance.  Yet these institutions are the very ones that are being pushed aside for the political correctness movement.

It is my understanding that this poem was written by Darrell Scott.  He is the father of Rachel Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in Littleton, Colorado.  This, too, is fitting.

By Darrell Scott
Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
Your words are empty air.
You've stripped away our heritage,
You've outlawed simple prayer.
Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
And precious children die.
You seek for answers everywhere,
And ask the question "Why?"
You regulate restrictive laws,
Through legislative creed.
And yet you fail to understand,
That God is what we need!

Why am I a moderate?

by Ted Wagner
And, yes you can quote me on this

Why am I a "moderate"?  Rush Limbaugh defines a moderate as someone who can't or won't take a definitive stand on issues.  On the contrary.  I believe that moderates are the epitome of independent thinkers.  Moderates don't necessary follow "party" lines.  We don't always associate ourselves with any "specific" party.  And, as of late, that's for good reason.

For instance, I believe the overall "need" of welfare and social security is an important one.  However, I think the system itself needs to be reformed and strengthened and held to some accountability for what it does.  I believe prescription drugs for seniors is important.  However, I believe that it should not be an entitlement.  Some seniors are more than wealthy enough to purchase their own medicine.  Why would we provide them with free drugs?  Why not give the assistance to those who truly need it? 

I believe abortion is bad and I also believe that the death penalty is morally unfounded.  How can anyone be for killing a baby before it's born?  Or how can anyone be against killing a baby and while doing so support the death penalty and claim life [in and of itself] is precious?   If you believe life has value, who are YOU to define the conditions of life?  Are you God?  If our leaders claim they are of a "Christian" background and morals, why do they support the death penalty?  I don't get it.  I understand the premise, but I don't understand the logic and the stated argument for the death penalty; and I don't understand the logic and the stated argument for across-the-board abortion either.

I also believe that taxes are a necessary evil in our society today.  But, the "evil" is not taxes!  The evil is how they are collected and their ultimate use.  Why do we give government grants to schools so they can handout birth control in our schools when they should be promoting abstinence?  What's the best way not to get VD and not get pregnant?  Abstinence.  For liberals to understand this, if not for the sake of morality, why can't we support abstinence to prevent disease???  Some argue, "if they're gonna do it, teach them responsibility!"  Ok, why don't we teach people how to drive while they're drunk?  That way, they know how to drive responsibly when they drink.  They're gonna do it anyway.  Right??  Hello, anyone home?????

Why does the government spend money on the protection of animals in caves when we could use it to reorganize our welfare system so we can reach more people who need the assistance?  Or, why do we spend a few million dollars on the needy in another country while our senior citizens and handicapped need assistance paying their medical bills?  Instead of continuing to fund crazy ideas with taxpayer money while we give more and more money to other countries, why don't we help ourselves for once?  I'm not saying we cut off aid to other countries.  I'm saying let's be responsible for the money we do give.  Let's be a little more frugal and responsible with the money we take from the pockets of our citizens and spend it wisely on our own citizens.

Why do we complain about high oil prices in a society dependent on oil, yet virtually do nothing to support the development of alternate fuels?  (Why does Al Gore say he supports the use of electric cars, but yet won't buy one himself????)  And, while we virtually do nothing, we protest allowing new oil fields that would help boost production and lower costs.  While we protest and resist, oil/gas/fuel costs go through the roof while we do nothing to change the situation, and we continue to complain!?  Why don't we shoot our ourselves in the foot, complain it hurts and bleeds, then shoot ourselves in the foot again while we refuse medical attention!!!!!!!!  WAKE UP AMERICA!

Why is it we preach "diversity" in our society, yet the very same supporters of diversity support laws which single out and undermine racial and sexual unity???

How can you have "hate crimes"?  If a person were given the death penalty for killing someone how do we further punish them if we've labeled it a hate crime?  Do we kill them twice?  Sorry, a crime is a crime.  I support sentencing people to the fullest extent that the law allows within moral restraints (no death penalty).  I also support helping youth and adults in trouble find the right and positive alternatives when they get in trouble.  At the same time, I don't support making prisons a 5 star hotel.  A prison is a prison.  You're there as punishment, not for vacation.  In prison, you should work and pay society back for your deeds not lay around all day watching TV, conducting your own business, playing on the internet, etc., etc., etc.  If that means bringing back chain gangs, so be it!  

It is cases like this that I, and quite a lot of other people, are not able to "walk the party line".  I cannot be a follower of hypocrites be it Republican or Democrat.  Frankly, I dislike all politicians.  Why can't we have more moral and upright citizens give their country their best as did Benjamin Franklin?  Someday, we may have statesmen again, but for now, we'll have to be satisfied with crooks (otherwise known as "politicians").