Musings for the day...

I hear a lot of “partisan” bickering. Oh you rightwing nut jobs do this, or you socialist left wing commies think that. Bush did this, Obama is doing that… well you know I guess maybe I am just tired of it all. I am tired of the status quo that politicians are liars. When and why did we ever become okay with the fact that our leaders are free to lie and deceive? I make no bones about it, I don’t like, one bit, all the bailouts and spending and mortgaging of my childrens future that President Obama is doing. What I do like is that people are communicating. Not always in a forum to learn, but people are caring. I have yet to hear one argument by President Obama’s supporters that justifies his spending. I have yet to hear a better plan come from the Republican side. It’s true the people spoke in resounding fashion this past election in favor of President Obama. But have we selected Form ahead of Function? Oh yeah, I love to hear the WAY PBO speaks, but the words and even more telling the execution are what scare the hell out of me. Many countries have attempted to enlist the ideologies and principles that PBO is enacting. Does PBO intend to force every CEO from every company that has failed and taken gov’t money to resign? If not, why? If so, Why and under what authority. Heck if he bankrupts the USA, will he resign? Go ahead Bush bashers and bring up wire tapping and all the other arguments. I am not saying Bush is a saint. What I am saying is there are some scary things going on with our current administration, that are WAY outside of the Constitution and the Rights and Authorities that exist therein. It seems eerily reminiscent to Nixon saying, that when the President does it, it’s not illegal. Heck, the oath (which by definition is: “a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one’s words.”) (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oath) President Obama said, “I do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Well one of two things seems to be evident, that perhaps he doesn’t know how, or more likely he just doesn’t care. His name will forever join Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Lincoln, Hamilton, Truman, Reagan. Those who signed the Declaration of Independence, pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.

I think my plea is to all that we look for a higher level off accountability in ourselves and in our leaders. Jefferson, in looking for inspiration and material to write and formulate his genius ideas, sought for a return to the “ancient principles”. I submit we need that today as much or more than they needed them then. I love America, and beg for God to bless it, but wonder far too often, how can he or why would he?

JAJ

Function or Form?

Now that both of the people that have read my previous post have had time to think about Dr. Seuss and those crazy buildings he used to draw, I’d like to ask you: Do you think those buildings would be practical and functional in this world? Probably not.

I was talking about the current state of the Republican Party in this country with a buddy of mine and he asked me a question that I haven’t been able to stop thinking about; “What comes first – Function or Form?”

Instinctively, my answer was that function should precede form (thinking in terms of my industry – engineering/design). After all, what good is a beautiful building or piece of equipment if the design that it originated from failed to consider the necessary function?

Still confused, I asked my friend to tell me where he was coming from with regards to the question.

He began by talking about the embarrassment Republicans were recently subjected to during the elections (both on the Federal and State levels). We talked about candidates that we thought should have received nominations during the primaries. It was agreed that there seemed to be true "Republican" candidates in contention for their party’s nomination during the primaries, but failed to receive the nod. Why were they beaten out by opponents with a less "Republican" record? Why were they beaten out by opponents that may have just seemed more “appealing” on a superficial level?

He made the case that in today’s political atmosphere, it seems more important to look “cool” instead of having the experience and ability to perform any necessary function while in office.

Is that where we have found ourselves currently? Has the “Reality Show” mentality overcome our sense of responsibility? Are we more worried about an outward appearance over ability to function? Are we living in a Dr. Seuss book?!

I’m going to leave this open for any discussion/comments for the time being. Do you agree? I don’t think that there is much debate over the function and form issue. I think the question comes in as it pertains to today’s political atmosphere.

AL

Do You Ever Feel Like You're Living In a Dr. Seuss Book?

Remember those oddball buildings that Dr. Seuss used to draw and put in his books? You know the ones I’m talking about! They were leaning in every direction imaginable and were being held up by a single, little stick. Although those buildings are fantastic to look at, we all know that they're completely impossible in this world.

After thinking about those pictures, look around and ask yourself this:

Do you ever feel like you’re living in a Dr. Seuss book?

More to come….

AL

My wife and I

Well we were talking the other day about "politics". I admit it's on my brain a lot. I think she shares a feeling like many out there; we talk and talk and talk all day, but what can we really do?! In many ways it sure feels like that is the case. It seems as though we are in the midst of a battle that is raging and we really can't combat against the powers we are faced with. How do you contend with government? How do you contend with the problems and evils we face? If talking about it isn't enough, what can we do? What should we do? Most importantly, I think is the question, what WILL we do? In a loving letter from Abigail to John Adams, she said, "You cannot be, I know, nor do I wish to see you, an inactive spectator... We have too many high sounding words, and too few actions that correspond with them."

When assessing what we can do, it definitively implies that there is something that needs doing. So for some time I would like to devote this blog to ideas on a few things:
1. What needs doing? What I mean by this is if we have some "high sounding words" what is it that we wish to accomplish?
2. Why do we need to do this? As important as the what, is the why.
3. Once we ascertain what needs to be done, and why we need to do it, we need to determine what can we do to enact the changes we see as needed?
4. And perhaps the most important, what am I willing to sacrifice that this may get done?

So simmer on those questions. I invite all to participate. This is an open forum and as such I hope to gain from all who will contribute. This exercise is yet to answer the question of my lovely wife as to what we can do, that we be not what Adams' lovely wife said and that of an "inactive spectator." And once we have found some answers to these questions, may it become a call to action.

JAJ

A well wish to a dear friends Dad

I wanted to take a moment out and offer love, support, and prayers, on behalf of all the Sentient Sentinels, to my dear friend Kevin and his family. Particularly his father, Brian who experienced a massive heart attack today while working out of town. We love you Cooks and pray for a great man, father, friend, leader, and inspiration. God Bless you!

Well He Started It...

http://washingtontimes.com/weblogs/joe-curl/2009/Mar/08/obama-makes-oval-office-call-reporters/

Now maybe it's just me, but if I hear our President say that this didn't all start on my watch one more time, while continuing down the same path, I may just scream!!! Let's face it, President Obama was on watch when these things happened and he put his name and his vote behind these same measures he is trying to pass the buck on. Or am I wrong to think a seated Senator is supposed to be one of the "watchmen"? Could just be that I am crazy. Hey B.O. when exactly did your "watch" begin? Did you only feel a sense of ownership of the decisions you have your signature on after you took the oath of President? I guess the only one that is responsible for the direction of the country is the president.

What I want for our country is an educated citizenry where we all participate, where we understand the ramifications of what our "watchmen" are doing. What good are the watchmen who claim they aren't to blame when they were at their post?

The Audacity of Hope Indeed!

This hits the the heart of what the Sentient Sentinels want to combat. We would like to open this up to the forum though. Take a look at the following link and respond:


http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aG0_2ZIA96TI


it is our firm belief that this is a large part of what is wrong, on so many levels. But we want hear what you think as well.

Federal Secrecy

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aG0_2ZIA96TI

I seem to recall The President saying that they (the administration) would be posting online what our (the tax payer) money would be used for. The Vice President was responding to a question regarding this very matter when he had to ask for the "website number". After all of these promises, The Fed refuses to disclose this information to the public?!

A quote from the article: "The Fed refused yesterday to disclose the names of the borrowers and the loans, alleging that it would cast “a stigma” on recipients of more than $1.9 trillion of emergency credit from U.S. taxpayers and the assets the central bank is accepting as collateral. "
A stigma? $1.9 Trillion dollars of OUR money and we don't get to know who gets it because it would "cast a stigma" on the recipients!

Does this sound like the transparency we were promised and deserve?

Welcome from the Sentient Sentinels!

It is the mission and aim of the Sentient Sentinels:

• To promote a thinking citizenry, conscious of our founding father's God inspired intent for the governing of this great nation.
• To educate those who are unaware of the fundamental principles, liberties and rights that "We The People" are afforded by our Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights.
• To become a voice for the silent majority.
• To hold those, whom "We The People" elect, firmly accountable for their stewardship.
• To put the entirety of that stewardship under the microscope of the Governed, to ensure that our elected officials are honest and transparent in their governing.

Core Values Statement:



"If we truly cherish the heritage we have received, we must maintain the same virtues and the same character of our stalwart forebears—faith in God, courage, industry, frugality, self-reliance, and integrity. We have the obligation to maintain what those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and sacred honor gave to future generations. The opportunity and obligation for doing so is clearly upon us. May we begin to repay this debt by not only preserving but strengthening this heritage in our own lives, in the lives of our children, and generations yet unborn." (Ezra Taft Benson, “Our Priceless Heritage,” Ensign, Nov 1976)

*Italics indicate modification from original text