Commentary

4th of July and the Glorious Declaration of Independence from Which it Springs

We recall our Declaration of Independence as we honor our enormous debt of gratitude to our Founders and the 1.1 million brave Americans who have sacrificed for our freedom throughout our nation’s history—and who gave that “last full measure of devotion” so that we may be free.

There has simply never been a founding document like our Declaration of Independence.

Why do I say that? Because, far from being merely an eloquent listing by Thomas Jefferson of the abuses that early Americans suffered at the hands of the British King, it also arguably enshrines the most profound principle in history: “We hold these Truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness...”

Inscribed on the cornerstone of the state capital, beneath the image of the mother pelican sacrificing herself for her young, are the words “We live for those we love.” Nothing better describes our spirit as a state, or especially our commitment to our children. It is in this spirit that I am proud to have had the bipartisan support of the vast majority of the state legislature in passing Act 422 this past legislative session, signed into law this week. The impact of Act 422 cannot be overstated, as it will ensure that all third graders are able to read before they are promoted.

Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stress resulting in heat-related illness. Heat-related illness occur when the body cannot cool itself enough to maintain a normal temperature. Heat illness occurs along a spectrum; recognizing the signs is important for prevention.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion can include muscle pain or spasms; cold, pale clammy skin; tiredness or weakness and dizziness; and headache and fainting. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, move to a cool place and loosen your clothes, put a cool, wet cloth on your body or take a cool bath and sip water. You should seek medical attention for heat exhaustion if you’re throwing up and/or if your symptoms last longer than one hour.

This is a dangerous time for America.

Why? Because as the Wall Street Journal states, “for the first time in U.S. history, the prosecutorial power of the federal government has been used against a former President who is also running against the sitting president.” (WSJ, 6-102023.)

That’s scary. Using the power of government to eliminate political opponents is what happens in dictatorships. It’s what happens in places like China, N. Korea and Iran and banana republics like Venezuela where the strongman in power uses the military to crush his political opposition.

It’s not supposed to happen in America, but it is happening here.

The Trump indictment is nothing other than the Biden forces trying to destroy their chief rival for the presidency and they have formally weaponized our federal government to do it.

Devastating Boycotts Teach Corporate Elites: Go Woke? Go Broke!

I have often pondered the principles of marketing.

Whether we are talking about McDonalds, Coca Cola, the NFL, Target, or Anheuser-Busch—and its previously popular Bud Light beer—I would think the most important consideration would be to successfully target (no pun intended) the most likely consumers of the product and then do everything to gain, keep and increase the greatest market share possible.

In other words, as has always been the case in the corporate world before the “social justice” and Woke movements, the fundamental fiduciary duty to shareholders was to maximize profits. Period.

Well, corporate America has changed, and not for the better.

I love being c reat ive. There is just somet hing about having a mental image of something pop into my head, and then working through the steps to bring it into reality.

It doesn’t matter if it is a weaving project, baking bread, or anything else, I just love taking a project from idea to done.

Creating is a fun past time. But did you know there are also some tremendous health benefits in being creative?

Being creative is a great way to improve your cognitive function. Working with your hands helps not only with improving your memory, but also promotes deeper thinking to find solutions, and with our ability to focus.

Having great neighbors is a true blessing. Around here, we go to them for advice, as well as just an opportunity to sit and visit. All of our neighbors know they are welcome to stop in for a visit.

There was a time when barn raisings were a common thing. Neighbors would gather together to help a farmer build his barn. The sign of a barn raising meant that more people were moving into a community, which could give it strength as a whole. At times, a barn raising was done to replace one that was destroyed by weather or fire. By assisting with one barn raising, you were assured that you would be helped in your own time of need.

Barn raisings weren’t just all work. They were also considered a Community Get Together. The women would gather to prepare meals to feed the workers. The workers would have friendly competitions to see who could work bigger, better, faster. The children would either help the adults or fashion their own games.

This definitely isn’t a popular or P.C. topic.

But it’s definitely an eternally important one that demands a Biblical response: “Is repentance necessary (or essential) for Salvation?” Yes, it goes without saying that this isn’t a Politically Correct question— and one that quickly gets folks ( on either side of the issue) riled up. That’s why we must look to God’s inspired Word ( the Bible) for our answer.

First, we must understand what “repentance” is before we can answer the question.

Kiwanian Kyle Armitage, Chief Financial Officer of the Bank of Winnfield, spoke to Kiwa n i s about the banking crisis. Is it or is it not a banking crisis? He began by referencing the banking crisis of 2008-09 which was caused by the real estate boom. Home equity loans skyrocketed due to interest rates and the real estate bubble burst in 2008. The value of real estate decreased and banks wanted people to pay down their loans. Property values were affected as the value of houses became less than the amount owed on the house. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae helped to stabilize the housing market.

Biden Risks America’s National Security in Debt Ceiling Fight

As the federal government once again speeds toward the fiscal cliff of its $32 trillion debt borrowing limit, concerned Americans witness the same old song and dance.

Political theater and bluster, dire warnings, the supposed “guarantee” of a “financial apocalypse” if America defaults on its debt obligations.

Then, as night follows day, the debt borrowing limit is raised again, the “crisis” is averted and D.C, goes back to what it was doing before and does constantly, spend, spend, spend— until the next debt ceiling fight.

As Thomas Jefferson predicted, “future American leaders would be tempted to borrow to enhance their short-term popularity, while burdening a future generation with debt.”

Enough! This is completely unsustainable.

Let’s really consider this: how is a debt default ultimately worse than this ever-increasing ocean of debt?