THE FOUNDING FATHERS

Google "Deism" and you will find untold numbers of discussions on the religious views of the founders of this country. It seems that groups of all kinds-Christian, Deist, Atheist, and more- want to claim kinship in their views.
The fact is that the founders views on religion were as diverse as current society. It is also possible to put a label on very few of them. Most of the leaders were men who thought for themselves and though most were associated with some denomination, they did not agree with 100% of the doctrines.
The one thing the majority agreed on, however, was an extreme and well-founded dislike of big government and big religion.They wanted for themselves and this country the liberty of thought and reasoned acts.
It matters not at all what religious beliefs these great men held. What matters is that the system they put in motion allows me to hold and express mine.

YOUR HEALTHCARE, YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

One of the hot topics in politics is health care and insurance. Some folks think this is fairly new. Actually it has been around since the late 40's. Harry Truman pushed for nationalized health care after WWII. It was a bad idea then and still is. Prior to the war, most people paid their own medical bills. Few companies offered company paid insurance as a benefit. During the war, due to price and wage controls, many companies started to offer it as a way to recruit new employees as a way to skirt these controls.
Somehow, over the years of growth of the nanny/welfare state, people have been convinced that this is a right, like it's in the Constitution or something. People have come to expect cradle to grave protection against any type of problem. This attitude has been encouraged by politicians and wacko liberal groups. It is just another push for control over your liberties and your pocketbook.
The fact is your healthcare and that of your family is YOUR responsibility, just as is food, shelter, clothing, etc. If you can negotiate it as part of your pay package at work, fine. If not, you need to get your own.
I know it can be pricey-I have paid my own since I was 19 (I am now 50), but most people can do it.
An example is Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Mississippi. A 30 year old couple with 2 children can get a great policy with low co-pays for around $250 per month. It does not include dental or eyecare and at this premium there is a deductable on the hopital part of $10,000. I know you are saying "I can't come up with $10,000!! Well, this will get you in the hospital-they will work a payment plan on the 10 grand and 10 grand is much less than a total bill of maybe $100,000 or more. Deductibles as low as $1,000 are available, but the premiums are higher, of course. A novel idea is to save the extra premiums so you will have the deductible when you need it.
Another money saving tip-do not go to the hospital for tests and scans. Find out which providers are in the insurers network and schedule the tests there. It can cost as much as one-fourth as much and you get in and out much quicker.
Tight budget? It's a matter of priorities. Here are a few suggestions: disconnect the cable TV, sell the new car with the payments and drive a used car ( a beater if you have to), cut out the Saturday night trips to Billy Bobs Dance Hall, stay in the home you are in instead of buying that big one you really can't afford anyway, get a part-time job. WHAT-EVER IT TAKES! Remember, it is your responsibility!
Please do this before you become one of those folks who reads this and says "I have preexsisting conditions and can't get insured". Well, if you wait until you need insurance, your too damn late.

BUY AMERICAN

Starting when I was a teenager, back in the early 70's, I insisted that every product I purchased be USA made whenever possible. The only exception I made was for western boots made in Mexico due to the high quality. This was not too difficult ot do since at the time there were many products still made here. This was good for the economy and I was glad to pay the extra cost. I have always been proud that we Americans were over paid. This way everyone has jobs and can buy homes, cars and the other good things in life. From a more selfish stand-point, I figured that my own business depended on it. People in other countries weren't buying anything from me.
During the tight economy in the late 70's/early 80's, I watched as many American workers lost their jobs, some of it due to foreign competion. Americans were buying more and more imported items. I saw people on television crying about losing their jobs because the plant had shut down and production was being moved over seas. This saddened me, but I noted that some of these folks were wearing foreign made clothing, driving foreign made cars, etc. They wanted their own job but were not willing to support the worker down the street. Some may have said "I can't afford those USA products, they are over-priced! I say "Can you afford not to buy them? If you don't buy the other guys product, how can he buy yours?
I would also point out that cheaper isn't always less expensive. The quality of the American goods is much better than those made elsewhere-making them a more economic choice in the long run.
This is still true today. I continued to buy American until it became nearly impossible to find USA made merchandise in the stores. Recently I have found some on the internet, especially clothing. I will pass some of these on here. If you know of anymore, let me know and I will post them.
I have recently bought jeans from Buddys Jeans in New Hebron, Mississippi. They are not only American made, but made in my home state! They are also the best quality jeans I have ever owned. They make jeans for men, women and children, in regular fit or cowboy cut.The web address is buddysjeans.com. The cost is only $29.95, not much more than I was paying for Wrangler (Costa Rica) and much better made.
The Union Jean Company is also around. I haven't bought anything from them yet, but they also make khakis and I will try them soon. unionjeans.com
The best shoes and work boots I have found are Redwings. Not cheap, but extremely good product. Note that Redwing also has some foreign lines such as Worx by Redwing" and others, but the ones with just "Redwing" are produced here.
Dan Post boots are USA made and my favorite for dress or casual footwear, since boots are all that I wear. Cowtown is another. There are others and I will list them later.
Still working on shirts, suits, etc.

DEISM MY WAY

I started to rethink my religious beliefs a few years ago and enrolled in a Bible study class at my church. During this time I also did some independent studying. I never really had a literal belief in the Bible, although I have always and still believe in the message that most of the writers are trying to convey. I do not believe in Darwinism, but I don't buy into the Genesis story either. I totally reject the Book of Revelation as written by some one with mental problems, as well as the book of Job-I do not think God would behave this way. I also reject prophesy and revealed religion. Deism is about reason, God gave us this gift and intends for us to use it. Christian Deism is about following the teachings of Jesus, who understood natural law and human nature better than anyone. He was truly the greatest Deist ever.
I believe that God is all powerful and is involved and interested in what He created. He can intervene in any aspect of life if He chooses. The big question is what are the things He chooses to do and what things does he leave to the system He created. I don't know all the answers to this and neither does anyone else still here on earth.