Some Things You Always Needed to Know -- BUT FAILED TO ASK

Food Freedom and Creating a local Sustainable Food Supply

glenngohr — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 12:14:20 +0000

A press conference was held yesterday (9/24/2010) in front of the Greene County Court House in Springfield, Missouri at 3:15 p.m. Ruell Chappell of the Well Fed Neighbor Alliance made the announcement which also included comments from two special guests, former Lt. Governor of Missouri, Joe Maxwell (a Democrat) and former assistant Majority Leader Mark Wright (a Republican). The topic was “Food Independence” and “Food Freedom.”

The press announcement was the best way to inform the public about the dire need for raising local foods, buying and selling local foods, and eating locally-produced foods. In line with this idea, Ruell Chappell announced an upcoming food summit which will be held in Springfield on October 1st and 2nd at the Hammons Heart Institute, next to St. John’s Hospital. Booths and information will be made available at that time for people to get involved in creating a sustainable food supply to help the local economy with jobs and provide better health for the citizens of Southwest Missouri. Creating a local sustainable food supply not only benefits people today, but it can create a healthier, happier, and more prosperous world for future generations as well. The group says it is the first in the nation to announce such a move to restore the local food supply.

One of the basic statements made at the press conference is the fact that we can no longer feed ourselves. There is no location in this country that can feed the population that resides there. The U.S. has become a net importer of food from China. Not only are we net importers of products from China, but China finances, at last look, 900 billion dollars of the U.S. debt. We are part of a global economy that views efficiency and the lowest price as important, yet somehow, cannot foresee the extrapolation of a future with very cheap products with no one to buy them.

What is the answer? If we look to our history, our identity, and our heritage, we can see that Southwest Missouri was once home to the most envied agrarian economy on the continent. The Springfield area produced food that fed people all the way to the east coast and would, eventually, feed the world its tomatoes from 200 tomato canneries located right here in Southwest Missouri.

In a similar fashion, in 1950 Missouri had over 60,000 apple orchards, but it now has less that 600. We buy 65% of our fruit from other nations, including China. And Missouri imports 95% of its food from other states and nation. If the trucks stopped running, the grocery shelves would be empty of food in less than three days. We could have famine conditions in three weeks.

It is sad to say, but the canneries are all gone now. Instead, Southwest Missouri has become known for its service industries. The local workers here can wash your deck, market your business and clean air ducts like nobody’s business. But what is alarming is that we grow nothing and produce nothing. America grew and for decades remained great because of its manufacturing and agriculture, and if we are to be great again, manufacturing and agriculture must come home.

The Well Fed Neighbor Alliance in Southwest Missouri is dedicated to educating and helping our community back to a model that was powerful utilizing the best in modern technology. It isn’t necessary to go back 100 years. Instead, we should take a great model and use it today with all the technological benefits at our disposal.

The press announcement received coverage from KOLR 10 television and the Springfield News-Leader. It was well attended with approximately 200 people from around the Ozarks—local farmers and livestock owners, Amish food producers, consumers, grocery owners, restaurant owners, local businessmen, city and county government officials, city dwellers, rural folk, Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, people from all walks of life, old and young, you name it.

The Well Fed Neighbor Association has been promoting local food for a couple years now. Two of their projects have been the “1000 Gardens Project” and helping to promote local farmer’s markets. In January 2009 one hundred volunteers launched the “1000 Gardens Project” and by April 2009 over 3500 gardens had been started in and around Springfield. Some community gardens have now been started, and the goal for 2010 is 10,000 gardens. Also in the last year, several new farmer’s markets have opened in and around Springfield. The various farmer’s markets are now open on every day except Sunday.

Now what do you know about food?

According to a hand out from the Well Fed Neighbor Alliance, these food facts are true about Southwest Missouri (and some of these facts or similar situations also apply to other regions of the United States as well).

Did you know that 100 years ago Missouri produced and exported food in abundance and farmers could build a house without a bank loan?

Did you know that today Missouri imports 95% of its human food from other states and nations?

If a national emergency causes the daily food delivery system to break down, how long do you think the food supply will last in the grocery stores? _____ 30 days, _____ one week, _____ less than 3 days. (The answer is less than 3 days)

Did you know that the USA has NO emergency back up food supply? (NONE!)

If the electrical system breaks down for 30 days or longer and the grocery stores are empty, how long will your personal food supply last? _____ 3 days, _____ 30 days, or _____ days.

Are you able to grow some of your own food?

Are you willing and able to grow enough food for your neighbors? How much?

How much food producing resources do you have? A vegetable garden? Farm ground? Meat animals? Farming experience to share?

These are all good commodities that can help people in the Ozarks (this could work for other regions of the U.S. as well) be more self-sustaining when it comes to raising and growing our own food.

The Well Fed Neighbor Association is a non-political alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to restoring a healthy sustainable local food supply system and local jobs, through a sustainable food policy rather than politics. The mission is LOCAL FOOD and LOCAL JOBS.

Here are some helpful links

The Well Fed Neighbor Alliance:
http://www.wellfedneighbor.com/

1000 Gardens Project

Farmer’s Markets in Southwest Missouri

Plans Announced for Ozarks Food Security Summit (video–:056 mins.)

Artificial Sweeteners

glenngohr — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 00:42:10 +0000

Many people are familiar with Aspartame. Some see this as a popular artificial sweetener which is supposed to be good for two possible reasons 1) as a sugar substitute that is usable by those with sugar diabetes, and 2) as weight loss dietary supplement.

Although I can understand the reasons why some would want to use a sugar substitute, up until now I have not seen a safe artificial sweetener. There is ongoing controversy over whether artificial sweetener usage poses health risks. Personally, I would have to agree that there are health risks involved.

Currently the U.S. has approved six artificial sweeteners: saccharin, aspartame, sucralose, neotame, acesulfame potassium, and stevia. Each of these have questionable research behind their approval and continued usage. One popular artificial sweetener, cyclamate, has now been banned in the U.S. What bothers me is that so many food items today contain these artificial sweeteners, and some of them go by a multitude of names. Beware of anything that says “Light or Lite” or “No Sugar Added” or “Sugar-Free.” Most likely these items contain one of these artificial sweeteners. Read the labels, and familiarize yourself with any alternate names for sweeteners.

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Patient Vaccination Without Doctor Authorization

glenngohr — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:36:07 +0000

I received this forwarded information below on one of the lists I subscribe to, and it is posted on a web page. This is not a good thing when a pharmacist suggests giving a flu shot to a hospital patient (who already has enough problems) without a doctor prescribing it. And when it is hospital policy to be carried out—without a doctor’s order.

Another thing I’ve noticed separate from the attached narrative, is that with a recent hospital stay of friend, is that the hospital staff did an EKG “in case” the person needs to have surgery. What a waste of time, effort, and money. This person had just had surgery a little over two weeks ago previous (in the same hospital), and they did an EKG then. Also, it turns out that the doctor is not going to do surgery this time, as the hospital stay was for a couple of small bone fractures. And this person had not even been seen by an orthopedic doctor yet when the EKG was done. Apparently this is a “routine” thing to do to have an EKG done “just in case.” The hospital staff also did a chest X-Ray in the emergency room that was probably for the same “reason” since this person did not come in complaining about a chest problem, and the problem was bone-related and away from the chest.

As I often say, anyone who is a hospital patient needs an advocate who will monitor what is done, will ask questions, and even refuse certain procedures if needed. The patient and the patient’s advocate should be the final say—not the hospital or any doctor.

Here is the forwarded note:

FW: An Unwelcome Third Wheel: Patient Vaccination Without Doctor Authorization
Sent: Sun, Jan 31, 2010 9:37 am

An Unwelcome Third Wheel: Patient Vaccination Without Doctor Authorization
S. Humphries, MD [medical doctor]

http://www.medicalvoices.org/vaccination/articles/vaccination-without-doctor-approval-in-a-us-hospital.html

S. Humphries, MD [medical doctor]

January 22, 2010

H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines are now being given to sick hospital patients with or without their doctor’s consent. This is being done despite there being no data on the safety of doing so.

I am a licensed, board-certified nephrologist, otherwise known as a kidney specialist, working in a large, city-based hospital. Because I rarely admit patients to the hospital other than for specific procedures, such as a kidney biopsy, I only recently became aware of my hospital’s policy regarding flu shots for sick people. Waking up to this new rule made me realize that Big Pharma is getting closer and closer to bypassing doctors completely to deliver direct patient “care”.

We have an elaborate electronic charting system at our hospital. All of the medications and procedure orders are placed into the patient’s record by doctors and nurses so that every person has access to all that is happening with the patient. A few weeks ago, I arrived to see my first patient of the day, a patient with a kidney ailment that leaks protein and usually progresses to complete kidney shutdown. When I opened her electronic chart, I expected my section to be empty. Instead, I saw an order for an influenza vaccine with my name on it. Even more shocking was that the order was highlighted bright blue, meaning, the shot had already been given. I thought perhaps I had opened the wrong chart or some sort of mistake had been made. But it was the right file; her name in the upper left hand corner. And my electronic signature was on the page after the order. My patient, with kidney failure and an autoimmune disorder had been given a flu shot without my consent.

I was informed that according to a hospital policy that had been in effect since 2007, a pharmacist is permitted to visit a patient and offer them a flu vaccine. If the patient agrees, the RN is instructed to administer the shot and document the event in the chart. The attending physician’s signature stamp is used to complete the order. No one called to ask, “By the way, your patient wants a flu shot; can we give her one?” I’m not sure what was said to her, but she obviously agreed, and I didn’t need to be involved. The pharmacist had written an order for an injectable substance that I considered toxic and inappropriate for my patient, and it was administered by the RN before I even got to the floor.

My dissatisfaction eventually made it to the Chief of Internal Medicine who challenged me to produce peer-reviewed journal articles in support of my objection. There were dozens of case reports of kidney disease or small blood vessel inflammation following influenza vaccination. In fact, one paper cited 16 patients in its written report(1). Under-reporting of adverse vaccine reactions is a known phenomenon. The National Vaccine Information Center estimates that only about two percent of adverse vaccine reactions ever get reported. It would follow that written and published case reports found in medical journals represent a miniscule sampling of the totality of vaccine injury cases. These implications should evoke at least some curiosity on the part of doctors and health care advocates.

The rest of the article is found here:
http://www.medicalvoices.org/vaccination/articles/vaccination-without-doctor-approval-in-a-us-hospital.html

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Southwest Missouri Town Legalizes Medical Marijuana

glenngohr — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:07:34 +0000

In various newspapers this week the news is that a small town in southwest Missouri has legalized medical marijuana. This is a big boost to many of my liberty-minded friends who like me are strong believers in individual rights and freedoms with fewer government controls and mandates. The town is Cliff Village, Missouri, which is a suburb of Joplin. The Cliff Village ordinance passed Feb. 1 by a 3-2 vote. This is a small vote. Still, it did pass.

Marijuana is often confiscated throughout the state of Missouri, as well as other states and has been considered (and still is) a criminal offense if you are found possessing it, growing it, or selling it.

Newton County Sheriff Ken Copeland, whose deputies patrol Cliff Village, says, “My advice would not to be run out and start growing marijuana, or you’ll be a guest of mine. As long as the law of the state says it’s illegal to possess or grow or distribute marijuana, that’s the law I’m going to enforce.” But at least the ordinance in Cliff Village is a step in the right direction.

There is a National Organization to Reform Marijuana Laws, or NORML, which some may not be aware of.

San Francisco approved medical marijuana and then the state of California. Denver and then Colorado. Missoula and then Montana. There are even vending machines in California that people can use to purchase medicinal marijuana if they have special cards to authorize usage.

Columbia, Missouri passed a similar ordinance in 2004. This past November, Michigan voters made their state the 13th to allow relatively small amounts of marijuana for personal medical use. The Cliff Village ordinance takes the same approach.

Mayor John Blundell of Cliff City said in a news article that “the law came from his own frustration with pharmaceutical painkillers to deal with the aftermath of a train accident that left him in a wheelchair.”

“When I got introduced to this flower, it not only alleviated my pain, it got me out gardening,” Blundell said. “I’m not just stoning myself out. It allowed me to function.”

I know of others who are in constant pain due to accidents. It sounds like medicinal marijuana might be just the answer these people need.

For further information see:
Grass Roots Effort: Village Legalizes Medical Marijuana (The Joplin Globe, Feb. 15, 2009)

Missouri Village Legalizes Medical Marijuana

Village near Joplin okays medical marijuana (KY3.com, Feb. 10, 2009)

Ozarks Town Legalizes Pot (KSPR News, Feb. 10, 2009)

Southwest Missouri hamlet lights a fire for legalizing medical marijuana (The Kansas City Star, Feb. 9, 2009)

Medical Marijuana (Springfield News-Leader, Feb. 13, 2009)

Medical marijuana push gaining steam (Springfield News-Leader, Feb. 14, 2009)

Pot Vending Machines Take Root in Los Angeles (MSNBC News, Jan. 30, 2008 )

Medical Marijuana: Now in Vending Machines (CBS News, Jan. 30, 2008 )

Retirees Still Await Medical Pot Dispensary – L.A. Times

Reasoned debate needed on medical marijuana in New Hampshire

Missouri Medical Marijuana

The American Medical Marijuana Association/

The American Alliance For Medical Canabis

DMV sued by California medical marijuana advocacy group

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Who Will Be the Next Public Administrator for Greene County, Missouri?

glenngohr — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:58:05 +0000

Carolyn Little (Democrat), the long-time Greene County Public Administrator (28 years), is retiring. She is endorsing and supporting (as treasurer of her campaign, etc.) Laura Fabro (Democrat) for this position. There appear to be some controversies concerning Carolyn Wilson, another Democrat running for this office. Laura Fabro seems well-qualified for the position, should you want another Democrat to hold this position.

There are two Democrats and 4 Republican Candidates running for this office.

Democrats are:
Laura Fabro
Carolyn D. Wilson

Republicans are:
Becky Frakes
Anthony “Tony” Bleau
Terry Ozborn
David Yancey

The Greene County Administrator is not a business administration position. Instead the office entails appointing and overseeing guardians and conservators as well as any related matters. It is a specific job with specific duties and training that include following the National Guardianship Association’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. When the court finds that a person can no longer make decisions for themselves and no one else steps in to be an advocate, a public administrator is appointed. And when family members get into a dispute sometimes a public administrator is needed. . When someone passes away and there are no family members, once again, a public administrator is needed. Guardianship/conservator appointments are sometimes made for those with mental disability or incapacity.

Here is a little info. on the job qualifications from the Greene County official web pages:
http://www.greenecountymo.org/public_administrator/explanation_terms.php

Here is information about this office (from the viewpoint of Becky Frakes, one of the candidates):
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080626/OPINIONS03/806260342/1006/archives

Additional information about this office (from the viewpoint of Laura Fabro):
http://www.laurafabro.com/therole.htm

Here is a site that tells about Becky Frakes. She has a lot of experience in being an advocate for those needing assistance and has worked hand-in-hand with this office in the past. She is the best Republican candidate. I also heard her speak at a Pachyderm meeting, and I was impressed by all she had to say. She has a son with Asperger Syndrome and has been an advocate for him as well as for her aged parents. She has also worked in the Public Administrator’s office and in the legal profession. She is a very caring person, and the Public Administrator takes on cases of people who are unable to handle their own affairs, etc. The other candidates all had experience in the legal and other professions, but they did not have the real experience in the office itself or in caring and being an advocate one-on-one experience.
http://simplethoughts-complexmind.blogspot.com/2008/05/running-for-public-admin-becky-frankes.html

Of interest to some is that Becky Frakes used to work for Springfield attorney Rolland Comstock who was murdered in his home on July 3, 2007.

The other 3 Republican candidates, while I am sure they are good people, they don’t have the experience or qualifications needed. They seem to be running for any office they may be “qualified” for. They have run in the past for other positions and have not been elected. In a letter to the editor of the Springfield News-Leader, it says: “David Yancey ran for treasurer, Tony Bleau ran for circuit clerk and Terry Ozborn ran for assessor. Now all three of them are running for this office.”

Do candidates have actual experience? (Springfield News-Leader, July 21, 2008):
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807210319

Presumably additional information will be made available in the Springfield News-Leader, the Community Free Press, and other news media, as well as in information provided by the League of Women’s Voters.

It is obvious to me that the best choices are Becky Frakes (R) or Laura Fabro (D). And since I am in favor of LESS government controls and vote Republican, I support Becky Frakes for Greene County Public Administrator.

Explanation of Terms

http://www.greenecountymo.org/public_administrator/explanation_terms.php

Role of the Public Administrator
http://www.greenecountymo.org/public_administrator/role_administrator.php

Laura Fabro for Public Administrator
http://www.laurafabro.com/

Would You Vote For This Woman? (Carol Wilson)
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2008/07/would-you-vote-for-this-woman.html

Running for Public Admin—Becky Frakes
http://simplethoughts-complexmind.blogspot.com/2008/05/running-for-public-admin-becky-frankes.html

Comstock Murder: Investigators Examine Family Members DNA
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/19547104.html

DNA sought in Comstock case
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080603/NEWS01/806030346/1007

Tony Bleau for Greene County Public Administrator
http://www.tonybleau.com/

David Yancey for Public Administrator
http://web.mac.com/david_yancey/iWeb/David%20Yancey%20For%20Public%20Administrator/Home.html

League of Women Voters Guide for Greene County
http://lwvsgf.home.mchsi.com/GreeneCountyVotersGuide.pdf

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Who is the best choice for the next Greene County Sheriff?

glenngohr — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 04:23:37 +0000

**NOTICE**This is the 4th time ( July 23, 2008 ) I have revised this blog. I have vacillated between two of the candidates. As far as I can tell all 3 of the Republican candidates are good men. One is a Baptist, one is a Methodist, and one is Assemblies of God. I have friends supporting each one of the candidates.

This has been a really hard call, and all I can suggest is that you must decide for yourself who is the best choice for the next Greene County Sheriff. And I am still keeping an open mind and praying about this issue. In addition to what is available in the newspaper, TV, and the internet, the 3 candidates spoke recently at a Pachyderm meeting for Republicans on June 27th. They also spoke for the League of Women’s Voters at the Library Center on South Campbell in Springfield on July 22nd. There should also be printed information available from the League of Women’s Voters. Most if not all of the candidates are attending various functions and speaking to various groups in the mean time (as well as canvassing neighborhoods, etc.) up until August 5th. May the best man win.

I would like to be able to shake hands and be friendly with each one of the candidates, and I don’t wish to hinder any of their campaigns. I have decided to give a listing of web sites I have located (some of these are not easy to find), and give some idea of what information is available. I am also leaving the comments left by others (which are very much worth reading). Election day on August 5th is fast approaching, and there are many, many issues involved in the sheriff’s race. I am just a common citizen, and I do not claim to be very knowledgeable about the inner workings of the sheriff’s department. Someone in law enforcement or on staff with the sheriff’s department—and the candidates themselves—would be the best ones to ask.

In trying to sort out the important issues involved in the sheriff’s position, I have felt like I was interviewing someone for a job. But the more I look at the issues, I feel like I am over my head in trying to assimilate and understand some of the issues. Still as an average citizen, I would hope that my opinions would account for something. I apologize to anyone who may disagree with me, but for those who want to know, currently I am supporting Gene Thomlinson for Greene County Sheriff.

Sunday’s Springfield News-Leader [July 6, 2008] carried front-page coverage on the current sheriff candidates for Greene County, Missouri. The newspaper article focused on only one aspect of the job, and that concerns the need for further assistance in many areas of the Sheriff’s Department. With current budget problems and with the current economic situation in the U.S., it makes sense that at least some of this slack can be filled by volunteers.

Two of the candidates, Democrat Mike Ramon, and Republican Gene Thomlinson, advocated greatly expanding the volunteer base to help meet this need. Jim Arnott and Mark Webb suggested having a smaller number of volunteers. One reason is that some police duties could put a volunteer in danger. Also, they didn’t say it for the paper, but it would make sense that some information might need to be kept confidential in such a way that a volunteer should not have access to it. So there would only be certain tasks that would be suitable for a volunteer to do in the Sheriff’s Department. A fifth sheriff candidate, Jerry McGeeHee, had to drop out of the race due to health concerns.

Of more concern to me than the need for volunteers is if the potential sheriff has a concern for 1) upholding the laws as stated, and 2) respecting citizen’s rights and privacy.

Recently I heard the 3 Republican sheriff candidates speak at a Pachyderm luncheon on June 27th. They all seemed good.

Jim Arnott goes to a Baptist church, is young and energetic, and is currently assistant to Sheriff Jack Merritt. Still he has 20 yrs. experience in the force and has undergone a quite a bit of extra and specialized training, etc. He is the highest ranking deputy under Sheriff Jack Merritt, and Merritt has endorsed him. Based on experience, etc., he would be the best. He believes in fiscal accountability and will advocate to ensure crime victims have a voice in the criminal justice system. And he is a good guy.

Mark Webb is a member of a Methodist church and is a 27-year-veteran of the police department. I was impressed when I heard him in person because not only does he appear to know the law and is willing to enforce it, but he really seems to care about the rights and freedoms of individuals. He also has had a lot of specialized training in law enforcement and has been to law school. He is quite knowledgeable in a lot of areas. Yet he seems approachable and cares about the common citizen.

Gene Thomlinson appeals to me because he has been the head of security since 1969 for Evangel University, a Christian school that is affiliated with the Assemblies of God, and recently retired. His wife also is an employee with the Assemblies of God Credit Union, and I have known her for years. He also has a long tenure as a volunteer reserve officer with the Sheriff’s Department (37 years) and currently serves as Captain of the Greene County Sheriff’s Uniformed Patrol Reserve Division). Gene Thomlinson is a very personable and honest guy who listens and acts on what he hears. After conferring with an officer in the sheriff’s department and also with others who know Gene personally, this is my understanding: ”As a concerned and good listener, Gene Thomlinson has been seeking the advice of officers in the sheriff’s department who are on the front lines in their divisions. He seems to have a really good grasp of what the problems are facing the department. He is humble, and he believes in the value of each individual employee. He is another very good guy.

There was a controversial case recently in Springfield where a woman was stopped on S. Campbell a little after 2:00 a.m. She was going 10 miles over the speed limit–the only offense. She had on her emergency flashing lights and slowed down for awhile until she got to a better, well-lit location. She was upset and crying. It later came out that she was very emotional because: 1) she had just gotten married that week; 2) her husband was deployed to Iraq a day or so earlier; and 3) now she was stopped for speeding (or whatever) in the middle of the night. (But of course the officer couldn’t have known this beforehand.)

The deputies released her after writing her a ticket for allegedly driving 10 mph over the limit and failing to yield to a police vehicle. In the wake of bad publicity on a local television station that broke the story, police agreed to drop the failure to yield charge.

One headline read: ”GREENE COUNTY DEPUTIES HANDCUFF WOMAN AFTER SPEEDING STOP”
22-year-old didn’t stop immediately because she feared the car could be a fake cop — Decided to Keep Driving to Well-Lit Area

The deputies (3 of them were present) that arrested her did not know why the woman was so emotional or why she did not stop right away. She was handcuffed at gunpoint before any questions were asked, and she did not put up a fight. The only thing was that she was very emotional. Also, she probably was afraid to stop in an unlit area because this was an unmarked car. All of this can be seen on tape.

The current sheriff (Jack Merritt) seems to think the deputy was within his rights to do this, not knowing all the other circumstances. Mark Webb thinks otherwise. He believes the woman’s rights were violated. Sheriff Merritt even questioned Mark Webb about his views at the meeting (because Mark was on TV after the incident sharing these same ideas, and he was going against the views of Merritt). I have to side with Mark, and he is the one I would support because of his understanding of personal rights. I don’t see that the officers were rough in this incident, but I have to question why the young lady was immediately handcuffed before any questions were asked. She seemed cooperative, but was very emotional.

In an interview that KY3 TV did regarding this incident, only Webb reported the officer went too far. After the incident, Mark Webb stated: “If I’m the Sheriff today, and those are my officers out there, I’m going to start looking for ways to take corrective action, and maybe provide training.” He also said, “If it’s my officer these making these stops, I prefer a more citizen- friendly approach.”

Here is what the other candidates said as reported by the KY3 interview. Jim Arnott: Deputies acted “appropriately . . . did the right thing.”

Gene Thomlinson: “I didn’t see that the officer did anything wrong in what he did. This was a situation where the officer was using his best judgment I think.”

Mike Ramon: “She did what she needed to do to protect herself from her state of mind. The officers did what they needed to do to protect themselves . . . I think this is a happy ending.”

Jerry McGeeHee (no longer in the race): “I would’ve told my daughter to do the same thing.”

Gene Thomlinson was also interviewed by KY3 concerning the girl that was stopped south of town. But KY3 only put in that interview that he said the guys were okay in stopping her. He wasn’t given equal time. What they didn’t continue to air was the fact that he said they should have stopped her for the speeding incident—that would have been justified—but that they overreacted and went entirely too far with the cuffing, etc., without asking questions first. She was not, in any way, a threat to them, and they should have handled this differently. Information I have received is that the officer who first stopped her had only been “on the beat” a few months, so he might have done things differently if he had been better trained and more experienced. Gene Thomlinson also told KY3 (but it didn’t air) that he would have told his daughter or another woman to do exactly what she did. As usual, it seems that the media picks and chooses what it wants to report.

So it appears that Gene Thomlinson’s take on this incident is no different than Mark Webb’s view.

After hearing 3 of the sheriff candidates (plus the current sheriff) address this traffic stop in public, as well as other topics, and after talking to people in the sheriff’s department, as well as some of the candidates themselves, I am leaning toward Gene Thomlinson for sheriff. Although they are all good men as far as I can tell, here are the reasons I like Gene Thomlinson. 1) He wants to increase the amount of volunteers (saving taxpayer money); 2) He agrees that the officer should not have handcuffed the young lady without first asking questions; 3) He is a good listener and fair in his dealings with people (sheriff department staff and the public as well); 4) His training is good, but his experience in dealing with people is even better.

For the job of sheriff, I want someone who has a high regard for citizen’s rights and who will not be implementing new programs (that might cost more taxpayer money). Fiscal responsibility is important. Just work within the system already in place and tweak it as necessary and make sure that things are running smoothly. Listen to the staff and anyone else that is willing to voice a concern. But remember that new is not always better. In any situation, one has to weigh all the facts, and I believe Gene is a person who does that. Gene is in tune with modern technological advances, but I believe he will adhere to what some would call “old-fashioned” values. This has been a hard call for me, and I still pray every day regarding this election choice (and just about every other election choice that is coming up in August and November). My best assessment is that Gene Thomlinson is the people’s choice for Greene County Sheriff.

Someone who values the input of their employees and the common citizen shows the mark of a good leader and would best help the sheriff’s department and Greene County citizens in the transition to a new sheriff.

**UPDATE: July 27, 2008—After reading the latest article (7/27/2008) on the sheriff candidates and their views, I see that Mark Webb advocates using GPS monitoring devices for lesser offenders, which I am not in favor of. (Surely there are other alternatives.) I still would have to support Gene Thomlinson for Sheriff.

SEE ALSO:

Candidates for sheriff see role for volunteers
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080706/NEWS06/807060346

Democratic candidate for Greene County sheriff drops out of race
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080619/BREAKING06/80619047/0/RSS

Is This The Tape That Shakes The Sheriff’s Race?
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2008/06/is-this-tape-that-shakes-sheriffs-race.html

Greene County deputies handcuff woman who waited to stop in well-lit area (included video—but now taken offline)
http://www.ky3.com/home/video/19577939.html

Greene County deputies handcuff woman who waited to stop in well-lit area (on Police Forums & Law Enforcement Forums)
http://forums.officer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92655

Woman Fails to Stop Immediately for Unmarked Police Car, Handcuffed at Gunpoint (Video, 3:20 mins., plus comments)
http://www.dvorak.org/blog/?p=18385

Missouri: Woman Handcuffed for Waiting to Stop in Lit Area (Video, 3:20 mins., plus comments)
http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/24/2412.asp

Missouri: Woman Handcuffed for Waiting to Stop in Lit Area (includes public comment)
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2028826/posts

Missouri: Woman Handcuffed for Waiting to Stop in Lit Area (includes public comment)
http://artsgal.newsvine.com/_news/2008/06/09/1557562-missouri-woman-handcuffed-for-waiting-to-stop-in-lit-area

One candidate for sheriff thinks controversial arrest was handled wrongly
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/19617599.html

Greene County Sheriff’s race underway
http://www.kspr.com/news/whereyoulive/greene/10245511.html

Republican Candidates for Sheriff Face Off
http://ozarksfirst.com/content/fulltext/?cid=21947

Sheriff candidates differ on policy (includes video)
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080606/NEWS06/806060384/-1/BLOGS09

Mike Ramon For Greene County Sheriff
http://www.mikeramonforsheriff.com/

Jim C. Arnott For Greene County Sheriff
http://www.jimarnott.com/

Arnott Kicks Off Campaign for Sheriff
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2007/10/arnott-kicks-off-campaign-for-sheriff.html

Gene Thomlinson For Greene County Sheriff
http://www.thomlinsonforsheriff.com/

Thomlinson For Sheriff
http://joelmaxwell.com/2008/01/08/thomlinson-for-sheriff/

Why I am Supporting Gene – and You Should Too
http://joelmaxwell.com/2008/01/13/why-i-am-supporting-gene-and-you-should-too/

Thomlinson for Sheriff
http://www.thomlinson.com/index.cfm/2007/8/10/Thomlinson-for-Sheriff

Mark Webb For Greene County Sheriff
http://markwebbforsheriff.com/

It’s The Prosecutor vs. The Sheriff as Moore Backs Webb
http://ky3.blogspot.com/2007/12/its-prosecutor-vs-sheriff-as-moore.html

An early article telling about Arnott and Webb:
Greene County Sheriff’s race underway
http://www.kspr.com/news/whereyoulive/greene/10245511.html

Latest articles on the sheriff candidates:
Webb, Thomlinson try to upend Arnott in race for sheriff [includes video]
http://www.ky3.com/news/political/25786929.html

Four visions for sheriff
http://www.news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807270335

League of Women Voters Guide for Greene County
http://lwvsgf.home.mchsi.com/GreeneCountyVotersGuide.pdf

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

It is OK to vote NO!

glenngohr — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 19:28:33 +0000

Over and over, as I have taken a good look at the inner workings of national, state, and local government, the idea that keeps coming up is that “It is OK to vote no.”

Locally, I have seen a lot of proposals for high and mighty plans for the city and county. On the surface they may sound great and possibly even grandiose. However, a balanced view of government shows that the best approach is to let free enterprise thrive and to exercise limited government. This has been a main thrust of the Republican Party platform since about the time of Abraham Lincoln.

When free enterprise (that is what the United States has thrived on since its beginnings) is in place, then people can make their own way in life, make their own decisions for their personal lives, and there will be prosperity on a personal level (and in turn on the national level).

When you have a socialist type of government (what the Democrat Party seems to be espousing), then the poor and needy SEEM to be receiving assistance (but at the expense of the honest, hardworking middle class). And when government programs are in force, it is impossible for there to be equity in the way funds are doled out.

This can be seen in the various disaster areas (Hurricane Katrina and other hurricane ravaged areas as well as earthquake, tornado and flood-damaged areas, etc.). Also, big government always keep some of the tax monies for themselves. It works something like “one for me, and two for you”—and sometimes even “two for me and one for you.”

People (whether individuals or state or county government) have to actually apply for assistance (and not everyone has the knowledge to do that), and then some government entity (that might not know all the factors involved) makes the final decisions. In the end there is lots of red tape involved, and of course there are lots of administrative costs involved. What it boils down to, is that people pay in lots of tax money (from whatever source it comes), and then only get a portion of it back. (The administrative costs and red tape—and slow moving of government—are to blame for the portion taken out.)

Government programs are not all they are promoted to be. Look at Social Security for a prime example. People pay in money for years and years and receive very little back. If the same money had been invested privately, the people would be much better off.
There are lots of matching funds and grant money available for various projects. The ones (cities or other entities) that fill out the paper work usually get the funds—it is not necessarily the ones most needy or most deserving. How is this fair and equitable? It is not.

Also some programs get promoted or acted on because big government is dangling matching funds or other monies to help enact a certain program. It is like “If you don’t act on this program and take this money, then we’ll give it to someone else ‘more deserving.’” So somewhere, the programs of big government are bound to get acted on—whether or not they are good or needed programs. This is a big hindrance to free enterprise.

Here in Greene County, Missouri, the people have experience two major ice storms in two years. The first one crippled the city of Springfield and people in the county for several weeks, with lots of downed trees and power lines. Also there was much damage to property. The rules (thanks to City Utilities and the city and county government) have made it difficult to receive the assistance needed.

One of the plans was to have contractors pick up all the tree debris for every neighborhood. This took months and months, and it was quite expensive for the city and county. If individuals had hauled their own brush to the landfill, that could have been done possibly in a week or two. Why drag things on and on, and spend tons of money for a contractor to do the debris pick up? Surely there could have been a better way.

There are still issues that property owners are dealing with that concern property that was damaged by “city-owned trees.” Apparently any tree that is within a couple feet of a curb actually belongs to the city instead of the property owner. The city is reportedly supposed to trim these trees (but only if they need a major trim job or get in the way of power lines) and is in charge of cutting them down whenever the city decides it should be done. I have found this true in my own yard. It took several for the trees to be cut down, and then additional months for the roots to be ground up, and then more time before grass seed was sowed. The damage to fence and house has not yet been dealt with (a year and a half later) due to “regulations.”

Over and over again, I see that “less government is better.”

Anymore, when I go to vote on candidates and issues, I am looking to vote “no” on most things. It seems that special interest groups and sometimes well-meaning individuals in power think that programs and new laws are what people need. I personally do not need anymore new laws. Our country as we know it has been around for 232 years since 1776 (although our actual independence came a few years later). Surely, in all that time, just about every aspect of human life has been dealt with. And when inequities or problems or discrimination has been shown to exist, I believe almost all of those problems have been dealt with through laws (and some of the good laws have now even been repealed).

There are congressman and lobbyists who promote special interest ideas, and they want to put a feather in their cap to say they voted for or proposed this bill or that. I for one do not need anymore new bills or taxes. I don’t care what it is. VOTE NO. Whether you are a legislator or someone who votes in the polls, I want to stress to you that “It is OK to vote NO!”

As more laws are passed, I find that I have to lower my speed limit in neighborhoods (when the speeds were already low enough). I find that I cannot go through a red light without paying an automatic fine (that is camera enforced). I find that I am required to give my children questionable immunizations (that contain mercury and other ingredients that counteract any of the supposed good benefits). I find that I must have fluoride in my drinking water (when the benefits have been proven to be questionable, and when most of the water goes into the bath water, toilet, the grass, etc.). Soon I will be forced to use supposedly “green light bulbs” that are extremely dangerous. They contain 5 grams of mercury. That makes this a hazardous material. What is wrong with the standard light bulb that has been around for years (or maybe there is some other alternative). If people want to use the reported energy-saving light bulbs, let them do it, but don’t have Federally mandated laws to force light bulb usage.

In the recent political scene, one of the gubernatorial candidates for the state of Missouri has seen the light of day on this. Sarah Steelman recently held a press conference in Springfield, Missouri (and in other cities) to state that she no longer can support government mandates on ethanol being introduced into our fuels. She believes in free enterprise, and the current ruling would force farmers and others to use ethanol when they don’t necessarily want to. If something like this is voluntary, then OK. But don’t force an issue like this. She has also said the same thing about the National Animal Identification System (NAIS). If people want to microchip their animals, let them, but don’t force this on all animals (even farm animals). Sarah Steelman’s field director for her gubernatorial race says Steelman is 1) Opposed to North American Union straight up, no need to complicate it with KC Smartport; 2) Against eminent domain to generate more tax revenue; 3) Against illegal immigration and for employer sanctions; and 4) Opposed to NAIS. I say “bravo” to State Treasurer Sarah Steelman who is running for governor in the state of Missouri.

Missouri 5th District Representative Jim Guest of King City, Missouri is also opposed to NAIS. He has also sponsored a bill against the REAL ID. He is another Missouri legislator who is not afraid to say NO against bad legislation.

Two of the most well-known proponents of the “vote no” idea include Senator Ron Paul of Texas (who until recently was a candidate for U.S. President) and former Senator Jesse Helms of North Carolina (who passed away on July 4, 2008 at the age of 86). Dr. Ron Paul has voted “No” on so many bills and laws that would have hurt our citizenry and free enterprise, that the media has labeled him as “Dr. No.” Senator Helms became known as “Senator No” for opposing just about anything that obstructed his conservative view of the world.

As these two legislators point out, “it is OK to vote NO!” So often new legislation is not well-thought out, and it panders to some hidden agenda or special interest group. It may not in the main thrust of a bill, but often there are underlying bills attached to larger bills. And these other bills can be VERY counter productive. That is why there has become the need for governor vetoes and Presidential vetoes (a power that is not used often enough).

Personally, it would be fine with me (or at least better than what I now see) for all the legislators to take a holiday for their whole term of office (or at least most of it). Then, at least, they would not be proposing and voting on dangerous bills that will in the long-run have dire consequences. I say leave well enough alone. If something isn’t broke, don’t try to fix it. And most of all, no more increased taxation. That is what our forefathers rebelled against when they orchestrated the Boston Tea Party, signed the Declaration of Independence, and went to war with Great Britain.

In the past, when I have had the chance to vote regarding a sale tax increase (or any other type of tax increase), I have voted NO. I plan to continue doing that. A few times I have voted YES to continue a small tax fee that was already in place, but I think to restore the monies to the citizenry, we need to back track. Next time I will also vote NO on any tax that is a continuance (an extra tax put into place several years earlier). All those additional “highway improvements” and library and school tax levees, etc. should be stopped instead of continued. Some of the supposed “improvements” are not improvements at all. How often do these entities get the input of local citizens before embarking on some of the grandiose ideas that keep surfacing? A lot of the (city, county, state, national) government problems stem from wrong priorities and mismanagement of funds—not from a lack of funds.

We need to take care of necessities first. It is not that important to put Springfield (or any other community) “on the map.” It is important to pay for pension funds for police and firemen. It is important to meet the needs of school children (needs not wants), and it is important to help the common man with a few issues in life, but grandiose park schemes and downtown betterment are not always a necessity.

So, I encourage you that next time you have a chance to vote NO to be sure and exercise that privilege. I think you will be pleased with the results.

UPDATE: The city of Springfield and Greene County currently has a referendum on the August 5, 2008 ballot to continue a 1/8 cent tax for the purpose of improving roadways, making expansions, etc. According to the Missouri Ethics Commission, most of those who donated money to send out a flyer to all the citizens of Springfield-Greene County regarding the 1/8 sales tax continuance are groups of people who stand to benefit from such a tax (i.e. trucking companies, engineering companies, striping and sealing companies, etc.). And of course the Director of Public Works endorses this continuance. City Utilities and members of City Council have also been promoting the sales tax. I’m sure the average citizen does not realize these things. From my perspective, some of the “improvements” are not necessary, and it is odd when people who stand to gain from such a tax are promoting it. They can’t be unbiased. with the current economic outlook on things, it seems wise to rethink some issues like this. I am voting “NO” on this continued extra sales tax.

SEE ALSO:

Our Responsibility: Be An Informed Voter!
http://princessofthetwilite.gaia.com/blog/2008/6/our_responsibility_be_an_informed_voter

JESSE HELMS
Jesse Helms: ‘Senator No’ helped lead conservative comeback
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jul/05/jesse-helms-senator-no-helped-lead/

Wake up America: ‘Senator No’, Jesse Helms Dies at 86
http://wwwwakeupamericans-spree.blogspot.com/2008/07/senator-no-jesse-helms-dies-at-86.html

Greatest Senator of our time
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3827/is_/ai_n8975905

Jess Helms: To Mold a Nation
http://www.newsobserver.com/642/story/255955.html

Why the World Is Better For Jesse Helms
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9401E2D81030F931A15757C0A9679C8B63

The Jesse Helms Center
http://www.jessehelmscenter.org/”>http://www.jessehelmscenter.org/

RON PAUL
Congressman Paul’s Legislative Strategy? He’d Rather Say Not
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/08/AR2006070800966.html

Ron Paul: We Say “Yes” to Dr. No
http://www.vutorch.com/vutorch/2007/10/ron-paul-we-say.html

Yahoo! Answers: Ron Paul has been called “Dr. No”. Why?
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071004072445AAnwqx7

Dr. No (R-Texas) / Interview by John Stossel, Part 1 (12/12/2007)
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/my_interview_with_ron_paul.html

Dr. No (R-Texas): Ron Paul on War / Interview by John Stossel, Part 2 (12/19/2007)
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/ron_paul_on_war.html

Dr. No (R-Texas) / Interview by John Stossel, Part 3 (12/27/2007)
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2007/12/dr_no_rtexas.html

WATER FLUORIDATION
Professionals’ Statement Calling for an End to Water Fluoridation
http://www.fluoridealert.org/statement.august.2007.html

VIDEO: Professionals Call for End to Water Fluoridation
http://rinf.com/alt-news/breaking-news/video-professionals-call-for-end-to-water-fluoridation/2118/

COMPACT FLUORESCENT LIGHT BULBS
Florescent Light Bulbs: The Truth (YouTube)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqrCij6CbHA”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqrCij6CbHA

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT ENERGY SAVER LIGHT BULBS! (YouTube)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-LOtKIIKcg”>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-LOtKIIKcg

Compact fluorescent light bulbs are dangerous when broken CFL (YouTube)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUl1iVE3qXU

SARAH STEELMAN
Sarah Steelman is right–about one issue anyway
http://blog.showmeprogress.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1269

Sarah Steelman calls senators ‘cowards’ for vote on ethanol plant tax credits
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/18947299.html

Steelman calls for end to ethanol mandate
http://news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080702/NEWS01/807020506/1007

Steelman Backs Repeal of Missouri Ethanol Mandate
http://www.ksdk.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=149185&catid=3

NATIONAL ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM (NAIS)
NAIS Press Release
http://ozarksrealnews.blogspot.com/2007/02/nais-press-release.html

NoNAIS.org
http://nonais.org/

REAL ID
REAL ID Becomes Real Issue at Capitol
http://www.missourinet.com/gestalt/go.cfm?objectid=ECD3CACA-9291-D818-326396AC1B8A20CD

Department of Homeland Security Confirms Real ID Act Regulations Coming; States Rebel
http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/DHS-Confirms-Real-ID-Act-Regulations-Coming-States-Rebel/

Legislators Against Real I.D.
http://legislatorsagainstrealid.com/

JIM GUEST
The Jim Guest Show
http://thejimguestshow.com/about/

Missouri Liberty Coalition

Minutes of City Council Meeting held July 14, 2008 that mentions the 1/8 cent sales tax

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Being A Modern-Day Good Samaritan

glenngohr — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:31:01 +0000

Many are familiar with the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37. The theme of this story illustrates that compassion should be for all people. Everyone, no matter who they are, or what their circumstance, is our neighbor.

This story goes hand in hand with the Scripture in Mark 12:28-31: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (NIV).

From these two examples set forth by Jesus, it is obvious that we as Christians should love our neighbor. We are now about 2000 years removed from the way of life in Jesus’ day. In the 21st Century (at least in the United States), I find some roadblocks that hinder the process of helping out our neighbor.

For one thing, people in the U.S. tend to be very selfish and very willing to file a lawsuit over any circumstance that doesn’t meet their approval. So, if by helping someone, you put yourself into a risky situation, then you might be opening yourself up to false accusations or a lawsuit.

One illustration of helping out a neighbor involves hitchhiking. In my younger years I worked in a remote place in Oregon and had no transportation. A few times I hitchhiked to work (although a company bus was available for that purpose). And I also ended up hitchhiking to church on Sunday nights about 30 miles away, during that period. One member of the church said that if I would hitchhike to church, that he would bring me back (which was extremely kind of him). So in that case, I had a perfect stranger each time willing to give me a ride, and then another kind soul who would bring me back to my house, when it was getting close to dark. Both would fit the bill for being a Good Samaritan.

In the years that followed, I felt the need to reciprocate these kindnesses, and so I picked up a hitchhiker from time to time (always praying for wisdom and direction from God before doing so). I had some interesting experiences, and God kept me safe. But I remember one hitchhiker told me I should not pick up hitchhikers in a certain area (the same area I picked him up at) because there might be escaped convicts looking for rides, and that could be dangerous. Yes, hitchhiking can be dangerous, both for the hitchhiker and for the one offering the ride.

Once a couple years ago I saw a woman, lying on the ground in a rainstorm, and she looked like she was in pain. I stopped and asked her what she needed. She said her hip was messed up and she couldn’t walk the rest of the way home. He apartment was only about two blocks away, so I offered her a ride. She agreed, but later my wife said that might not have been good, because the lady could have accused me falsely of things, and it would have been my word against hers.

Not long ago I was attending a funeral of a friend. A seniors choir sang at the funeral. Afterwards one of the women from the choir got left behind (the bus left without her). I saw her need, offered her a ride to where she needed to go, and she very much appreciated the ride. I know that my deceased friend would have been pleased, for he was a shining example of an encourager and one who would have been a Good Samaritan in every way possible.

Now that I am married, for the most part, I no longer give rides to strangers. I have my family to consider in case something bad should happen. Also in most places in the U.S. now it is against the law to pick up hitchhikers.

So I look for other ways to help my neighbor.

There have been times that I have had car trouble and been alone on the edge of a highway. One man stopped at 11:00 p.m. one night in a remote place in Colorado to help me change a flat tire, and then he helped me get to the next town, which was about 50 miles away. I thank the Lord for that Good Samaritan. And a few others have helped me with similar car situations over the years. Although I am not mechanically adept, I have done my share of offering to help when someone was stranded or helping to “jump” someone with a dead car battery.

Once a person wanted me to meet him at a certain spot, where his car was supposed to be, and see if I would jump the car. Wisdom said to not go there alone, so I took someone with me. That person was not there when we arrived, and apparently the story was intended as a way to get me in a place alone where the person could steal or do other misdeeds. Fortunately I was spared from any harm.

One man I knew was very willing to help people stalled on the road who had car trouble. He had a heart of gold. But, unfortunately, one time he tried to help someone, and they had evil plans. He was murdered while trying to help out a stranger. And he had a wife and young kids left to mourn his death and continue in life alone.

A few times people have stopped me and asked for money for food. My solution is to go with them to an eating establishment, and buy them the food. One gentleman was very appreciative, and I felt like he really was sincere and needed assistance.

Recently a lady stopped me and said her car was running on fumes and needed gas. Not willing to help a cigarette, drinking, or drug habit (if that was the case), I followed her to the gas station and proceeded to fill up her car. Once I got to the $50.00 mark I had to quit. I do not have unlimited resources. If the woman needed more, surely God would have some other way besides me to help out. I prayed with her and encouraged her to attend church. She tried to get me to buy her some food at the convenience store (not the cheapest place to buy food), but I declined. I felt I had done my part. There are church groups, soup kitchens, and government assistance places that can help out in many situations such as hers.

In helping others, I think there has to be a limit. We shouldn’t help others to the extent that it might deplete our own resources (for ourselves and for our own families). The Scripture says to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It doesn’t say to love your neighbor “more than yourself.”

If someone else should cross my path this week, I’d be willing to pray with them and to help them if possible, but my financial assistance to others this week has reached its limit. I can steer someone to a church or street mission or the Salvation Army should they need assistance of a monetary type.

Recently, a local church in Springfield, Missouri, offered gasoline to patrons at the low price of $2.42. This was more than a dollar lower than the current cost of gasoline. The amount was decided on because Acts 2:42 says “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

This is a Scripture that gives the reason for the church reaching out to needy people in the community. They were following the Lord’s commandment to “love your neighbor” and following the teaching of the apostles. And I think this is a word to encourage others to do the same—to love God and follow His commandments. This was a good witness to people to encourage them to seek more of God.

The cars were lined up for several hours, and the church continued until everyone was served. The church paid the extra approximately $1.30 per gallon of gas pumped, so that the station owner was properly paid. The church spent almost $5,000 fueling 400-500 cars. People were appreciative, and this was one way to be a Good Samaritan to people in the community. This was under a collective basis, coordinated through a church, instead of on an individual basis.

This same church has given away tens of thousands of dollars in school supplies, frozen turkeys at Thanksgiving, clothing, shoes, bicycles at Christmas, food, and general services. Each year for several years they have done a school makeover where up to 350 volunteers from the church paint, landscape, clean, scrub and repair a public school. They have also done home makeovers and have given away several cars and Christmas shopping sprees to families in need. In addition to this, we have provided more than 75 local classrooms with their annual budgets for teachers, etc.

Other group efforts to help others can include canned good drives which most communities and many churches facilitate to help the needy. Groups like the March of Dimes and other charities have fundraisers to help out with medical needs. This is an anonymous sort of way (but still good) to help others in need. The Habitat For Humanity is another way to volunteer time to help strangers in need. In one local situation, friends of a family, as well as church members all pitched in to help a family I know to get a new home built through Habitat For Humanity. Other ways to help can be offering services as a foster parents or by volunteering at places like a soup kitchen, food harvest, the Red Cross, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, or a crisis pregnancy center. There are any number of help agencies, such as those sponsored by the United Way, which would be glad to have donations of time or money.

Another way that I like to help people is by giving blood. The American Red Cross (and locally we have the Community Blood Center of the Ozarks) takes blood donations to assist those in hospitals who are needing blood transfusions. Without the blood donations many would die. This is a very worthy cause.

Helping our neighbor does not always mean helping a total stranger. James 1:27 says: “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (KJV).

As a youngster, I used to go with my dad to help out a couple of widows in our church (but the same types of things could be done for a neighbor or stranger) who needed home repair jobs done. Another family I recently met has only one car. The husband works odd hours, and the wife babysits for long hours. I have done a few errands for them during the daylight hours which they could not seem to get done otherwise. Sometimes even the smallest thing you can do will be a blessing to someone—an encouraging word, praying with someone, or being available should a need arise.

There are always people in need. Even Jesus said “For ye have the poor always with you” (Matthew 26:11). One person cannot help all the poor and needy, but each one of us can help someone. Just look around you and see how you can help those less fortunate or those with a specific need. You can pray, you can help financially, and you can help through working or assisting. But, sad to say, in the modern-day world—and possibly more than in any other time in history—one must be careful and use godly wisdom when helping strangers who might have unpure motives.

See also:

The Parable of the Good Samaritan:
http://www.jesuswalk.com/lessons/10_25-37.htm/

The Salvation Army:
http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/

The American Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.org/

Community Blood Center of the Ozarks:
http://www.cbco.org/

March of Dimes:
http://www.marchofdimes.com/

Habitat For Humanity:
http://www.habitat.org/

Pregnancy Care Centers:
http://www.covenantnews.com/pregnant/

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America:
http://www.bbbs.org/

United Way of America:
http://www.liveunited.org/about/

Church helps hundreds fill their gas tanks: Volunteers go past deadline rather than turn people away

Invade Your Community With Compassion

Voting One’s Conscience

glenngohr — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 05:49:52 +0000

Recently I’ve been contemplating what it means to be a Republican and also what it means to vote one’s conscience. With a number of local, state, and national officials up for election or reelection, I want to make sure that I support and vote for the best candidate. As a member of the Greene County Republican Central Committee, I have given myself to the task of supporting and promoting Republican candidates for office. This is the main task of this local committee. I’m glad to do that, because I agree with all the tenets of the Republican Party as far as I know (although I understand the platform changes slightly as time goes by).

Here are a number of statements from the 2004 Republican Party Platform that I can agree with (along with many other points):

“We believe that good government is based on a system of limited taxes and spending. Furthermore, we believe that the federal government should be limited and restricted to the functions mandated by the United States Constitution. The taxation system should not be used to redistribute wealth or fund ever-increasing entitlements and social programs.” This is further outlined in this statement: “Our Party endorses the President’s proposals to make tax relief permanent, so that families and businesses can plan for the future with confidence.”

Here is information on the stance of the Republican Party and small businesses: “Small businesses are the most potent force of economic growth and job creation in America. They generate more than half of our nation’s gross domestic product and create seven out of ten new private-sector jobs in America. Small businesses have been the primary vehicles of economic advance for American women. Republicans pledged in 2000 to lower tax rates for small business owners and entrepreneurs, end the death tax, cut red tape, reform our liability system, and aggressively expand overseas markets for our goods and services.”

Here is their view on personal property rights: “The core of ownership in America has always been ownership of private property that a citizen can call his or her own. Republicans respect this tradition. For reasons both Constitutional and environmental, therefore, President Bush and the Republican Congress will safeguard private property rights by enforcing the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment and by providing just compensation whenever private property is needed to achieve a compelling public purpose. We oppose efforts to diminish the rights of private citizens to the land they own.”

Regarding school funding, here is the Republican platform: “We recognize that under the American Constitutional system, education is a state, local, and family responsibility, not a federal obligation. Since over 90 percent of public school funding is state and local, not federal, it is obvious that state and local governments must assume most of the responsibility to improve the schools, and the role of the federal government must be limited as we return control to parents, teachers, and local school boards.”

The Republican Party also promotes healthy choices in children’s health, including abstinence. Another important issue is promoting school choice initiatives that give parents more control over their children’s education, including the option of home schooling. Another big issue, relevant today is the stance that the union of a man and a woman in marriage is the only standard for marriage, and if necessary, a constitutional amendment should be set in place to reinforce and uphold this time-honored definition.

Although some of the positions of the “Party of Lincoln” as approved in 2004 will likely change at the 2008 Convention, I believe the Republican Party best represents my views that it is essential for our government leaders to uphold the U.S. Constitution, as they take an oath to do. Also, that the less government, and less taxation, the better, so that individuals can follow the “American Dream” to work to run their own lives and map out their own future financially and in every other way. This is in contrast to the “tax and spend” mentality of the Democrat Party which seems to want to tax people to death in order to fund any number of government “programs” which may or may not be successful, and which may or may not benefit each and every individual.

So, when it comes to the next elections in my community, state, and country, I want to vote my conscience. In other words, vote for the best candidate who upholds the beliefs that I hold dear—especially the value of the individual over the value or power of the government. I believe individual rights are essential to be maintained—whether it be the right to freedom of speech and religion (first amendment), the right to bear arms (second amendment), immunity to unreasonable searches and seizures (fourth amendment), or any of the other important amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

And from past experience, I believe there are some “Republican” candidates in name only, who do not fully support following the U.S. Constitution and who do not uphold the rights of the individual to be more important than the state and Federal governments. If a candidate cannot fully support individual rights (i.e. the bill of rights) and the U.S. Constitution, then I cannot endorse them. I want someone who will truly support the original views of the Republican Party. With that in mind, there may be some independents that I would support, or people who technically are affiliated with other parties. But if they are “true Republicans” then I will support them. When it comes to the next election, and every upcoming election, I will have to vote my conscience.

Another idea that comes to mind is that when I vote in a church business meeting, a PTA meeting, or any other organizational meeting, I unwaveringly vote my conscience—no matter what the believed outcome will be. That way, at least I can rest easy that I supported the right cause. In a democracy, the majority gets the say so, and that is not always the best way, but it is the only way to allow people to have their voices heard and acted upon. So if a cause is worth fighting for, then one should promote it at least long enough to try to influence a majority of votes. But even so, some compromises will usually have to take place in a democratic voting system. But for some reason, people think the U.S. presidential race is different. I have heard people say that if I vote my conscience, that I might be “throwing away” my vote, or I might be “taking votes away” from someone who needs them. Also, in line with this vein of thinking is that sometimes one must compromise and vote “the lesser of two evils.” I say poppycock to all of that.

Why not vote your conscience? My vote and your vote will still count—event if it is a minority among the votes. A statement can still be made, and if enough people make a statement out of an issue, then the outcome of a decision might turn out differently than anticipated. Why put the political scene into a different category than other votes? Vote your conscience. At least then you will be able to sleep at night. I know I will be able to.

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com

Made in the U.S.A.

glenngohr — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:45:38 +0000

Lately, especially in light of the downhill spiral of the U.S. economy, I keep pondering about American-manufactured goods or American-grown products. It seems that these are harder and harder to find, and this is NOT a good sign. I can remember about 35 years ago, when I had a Japanese pen pal. The pen pal would ship me a gift or two in the mail that was definitely Japanese-made and unique. Those items were a thrill to receive, and a treasure. But, when it came time to reciprocate, I really couldn’t do it. I thought of toys and fun items (things that a kid or adolescent would like). About all I came up with were some plastic combs (for a girl), and a Frisbee. Both were made in—you guessed it—Japan! That was really the best I could come up with. These kinds of items were readily available in the store and were considered “American.” The best I could rationalize was that just because these items were manufactured in Japan, does not mean that they were products readily available to the public there. I hoped my presents were well-received, but I never found out if Frisbees and such were an easy to find commodity in Japan.

Still, through all this, I came to realize that a lot of goods in the U.S. are manufactured in other countries and imported here. I’ve long been familiar with Pier 1 Imports, which seems to have more exotic furniture and home furnishings. That was all right. But what about toys, household appliances, sporting equipment, “souvenirs” from U.S. landmarks, clothing, and the list goes on and on. A lot of clothing and other items for years have said things like “made in Japan,” “made in China,” “hecho in Mexico,” etc. And now, it seems that more and more things are made in China.

Another thing I have been pondering is the department store giant known as Wal-Mart. Back in the early 1980s, I was fond of shopping at K-Mart (which at that time was a giant in department stores). Since then K-Mart and almost every store has been outdistanced by Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart not only sells clothing and household items, but also automotive, hardware, and grocery items. Wal-Mart Superstores and Sam’s Clubs have been multiplying around the U.S. They have become pretty much a one-stop shopping place—with no need to shop anywhere else—for most items. It is a known fact that in some small communities, Wal-Mart has ended up putting some smaller established companies out of business. Wal-Mart seems to continually have the lowest prices (just as they advertise), but at what cost?

If they put other companies out of business, then they are doing away with healthy competition (as well as some people’s jobs).

And I remember back in the 1980s when Wal-Mart became popularized in Missouri, where I live, the standard slogan was “Buy American.” This made Wal-Mart sound very patriotic and very people-oriented. And having low prices on top of that, made Wal-Mart the very best choice, it seemed. People started shopping at Wal-Mart because it was a good place to shop—plus by shopping at Wal-Mart it was supposed to help the American workers. Now people are hooked on Wal-Mart because of the lower prices.

But anymore, Wal-Mart’s “Buy American” program is virtually non-existent. I haven’t heard this slogan for at least 10 years, and by looking at their products, you can understand why. Practically ALL of their goods are foreign-made. So, in all actuality, everything that Wal-Mart one stood for (during the time that Sam Walton was still alive) is no longer true. In fact, buying from Wal-Mart (and really, to be honest, almost every other department store of any type in the U.S.) has become un-American. When we buy goods from other countries (when the U.S. is perfectly capable to make the same goods here), then we are hurting our own economy.

And every day I hear of manufacturing companies moving their factories to Mexico or other places (where labor is cheaper). This is a way to bypass the U.S. taxes, insurance, and other factors that are costly for business owners. But by moving factories elsewhere, this means wide-scale loss of jobs for American workers. This is all about money for big business—it is not about helping the common man or our country as a whole. And I’ve leaned that unions (which are supposed to help the common workers) may be just as much at fault. Unions constantly make demands of the employers—higher wages, better benefits, etc. Those things are all well and good, but the company has to see a profit. If the demands become too high—then what is the easy way out? Move the company to Mexico or South America where the demands are much less. That is simple to understand. But it is a very grave situation for the common worker who loses his or her job in the process.

Here is a quote from one of our foremost presidents:

“I have come to a resolution myself, as I hope every good citizen will, never again to purchase any article of foreign manufacture which can be had of American make, be the difference of price what it may.” —-Thomas Jefferson

It all comes down to “Whose pockets are we lining?” Why not line our own? We must be able to pay for the things that “We, the People” have demanded from our country. Buying American benefits everyone. How?

1) Workers in foreign countries don’t pay taxes to America.
2) American-owned companies pay twice the amount of taxes as foreign-owned companies do.
3) More taxes paid means more benefits reaped. Seventy-five percent of all federal spending goes to Social Security, Medicare, defense, education, farm subsidies, highways, parks, and interest on the national debt.
4) When you buy American, you help to secure jobs for American workers.
5) By helping American workers, you also help to secure the American economy.

Now, I challenge you to find products that are American-made—I mean totally American-made. We have car manufacturers in Detroit and other places—but even “American-made” cars have components that are manufactured overseas. Even many of our produce items come from Mexico or South America.

About the only thing I can think of is to buy from your local farmer’s market (instead of Wal-Mart or a grocery store). The local farmer will take more care and pride in what he grows—and hopefully it will be a healthier product. And it is a very good thing to support local businesses and local farmers. It will help the economy locally, and eventually, hopefully, help the economy as a whole. Don’t support overseas merchants—support our own American people. It just makes good sense!

I have learned of a new book that I would like to promote. It is How Americans Can Buy American by Roger Simmermaker

Roger Simmermaker also has an office called:
How Americans Can Buy American
Post Office Box 780839, Orlando, Florida 32878-0839
Tel: 1-888-US OWNED (1-888-876-9633)
Emergency Backup: 407-234-4626
Email the Author: Roger Simmermaker
Web: http://www.howtobuyamerican.com

Union: Wal-Mart `Buy American’ program is a sham
http://milwaukee.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/1997/07/28/editorial3.html

Wal-Mart’s “Buy American” Program Just a Memory
http://www.talkleft.com/story/2006/01/08/394/92650

How Americans Can Buy American
http://www.howtobuyamerican.com/simmermaker/ba-030517-wal-mart.shtml

SEE THE MAIN SITE OF GLENN GOHR’S WEBLOG:
http://glenngohr.wordpress.com