Constitutional Crisis or Congressional Corruption?

Every single day, there is more nonsense coming from the Oval Office resident–proving he is totally, undeniable unfit for the position in which he holds. Every single day, GOP Congress remains silent and refuses to exercise their Constitutional oversight and rein him in. Perhaps, the real problem with Congress is–they’ve been bought and paid for by so many PACs and corporation donors to the point where they have completely forgotten their congressional oath–to uphold the Constitution, not the person in the Oval Office.

Paul Ryan (OpenSecrets.org)

Representative (R – WI)

• Speaker

First Election:

1998

Rep. Paul Ryan is retiring at the end of the 115th Congress.

TOP INDUSTRIES 2017 – 2018

Retired

$1,801,163

Securities & Investment

$1,172,184

TOP CONTRIBUTORS 2017 – 2018

Blackrock Inc

$121,700

Blackstone Group

$67,712

Mitch McConnell (OpenSecrets.org)

TOP INDUSTRIES 1989 – 2018

Securities & Investment

$4,285,338

Retired

$2,936,546

TOP CONTRIBUTORS 1989 – 2018

Blackstone Group

$313,100

Kindred Healthcare

$251,400

These figures represent a summary of what has been donated by various groups. Fortunately, for everyone–details can be found on OpenSecrets.org for anyone who cares to look.

Of course the NRA contributions to GOP candidates makes it easier for all to understand their reluctance to enact “Common Sense Gun Reform.”

Paul Ryan             $9,900

Kevin Cramer      $5,500

John Culberson   $4,950

Bob Goodlatte     $4,950

Rick Saccone       $4,950

Luther Strange   $4,950

Roger Wicker      $4,950

Ted Cruz               $4,000

I don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but it seems like our Congressional Leaders should be the examples for future generations as to how to lead. But then again, perhaps that’s the problem–Republicans don’t know how to lead, just whine and complain.

They complained about President Obama and whined about everything he did–even when they held the majority in both houses–they still whined. They whined about Hillary’s emails, Benghazi, and Uranium One and Fast and Furious and the SCOTUS seat, and Michelle’s bare arms, and Obama’s tan suit, and the daughter’s short skirts, and the Dijon mustard and everything that wasn’t a Constitutional violation.

But with trump–with the violation of the Emoluments Clause, the nepotism, the breech in disclosing–honestly–financial records, attempting to suppress and bar the media from reporting activities that are of American interest, and obstructing justice when he’s being investigated–majority leaders are silent, while a fringe (secretsocietytheorists) are infringing upon the DOJ’s office to unmask an informant–simply because trump ordered it–an abuse of power–according to the Constitution.

Remember when Republicans were supposed to be the “fiscally conservative” party? Now, they’re watching trump run rampant through tax payer dollars with minting coins that mean nothing, parading our military to appease his ego, and never curtailing his expenses–billed to the US treasury with his golf outings and other non-essentials. TAX PAYERS ARE FOOTING THE BILLS.

But then, you have those low-educated, ill-informed voters who choose to support the racist, pathological liar, in the Oval Office–who complained about the Obamas taking too many vacations–at tax payer expense–but not a peep about all the money being paid out for trump’s golf outings at his own properties.

Double-whammies–trump and his supporters (sycophants) worshiping him as their god and a complicit Congress who won’t do their job.

So are we facing a Constitutional Crisis or just seeing what Congressional Corruption looks like–up close and personal?

Whatever it is–it’s time for a change–time for Everyday Americans to be governed by Everyday Americans who care about all. What do you think?

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Fired Up!

Since the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School last week, I’ve been torn and disgusted that our lawmakers still think, “now is not the time to talk about Common Sense Gun Legislation.” As disgusted and appalled as I’ve been, I have also been encouraged and inspired by the students affected in Parkland, Florida.  They are fired up and ready to fight back on every level.

I’ve listened to their articulate voices, crying foul to the lawmakers who spew a lot of rhetoric and then do nothing.

I’ve seen the lies and false propaganda promoted against these teens by those who attempt to silence and then I’ve watched them: Emma, Cameron, Delaney, Kyle, David and so many others–ignore the stupid and stay focused on their goal–to make sure their voices are heard.

I’ve watched them stand before lawmakers and speak their minds and not back down even when the lawmakers disappointed them.

I watched them during the CNN Town Hall where they were very bold and courageous, fired up and determined to make their voices heard over all the noise of the naysayers and especially, the NRA. They are awesome and instead of the derision and contempt shown to them by Fox News and others, they should be applauded for having the guts to do, what most adults wouldn’t do–stand their ground.

I also watched grieving parents at the “Listening Session” hosted by the White House. I heard a grieving father express just how “pissed off” he was at losing his daughter to gunfire in her school. I also heard his determination to do something–with or without lawmakers or those sitting in the White House.

And then I heard Donald Trump, with a cheat sheet of comments–say, “let’s arm the teachers.” Obviously, he has no clue that obtaining a permit to conceal and carry a “handgun” with military training–would not stop someone with an assault weapon. There is no way to “conceal an assault weapon” to counter an attack by someone with one. Absurd is the mildest adjective I can use in this forum. Others have been far more succinct in their disgust by this suggestion.

The bottom line to the dilemma in this society is this: Republican lawyers are so bound by blood money from the NRA they will never change their stance and enact Common Sense Gun legislation. And we know from what Dana Loesch said last night, NRA is never going to support a ban on any type of weapon nor do they support raising the age limit to 21. Their consistent argument about the 2nd amendment falls hollow when (as it was pointed out last night by two people), the 2nd amendment dealt with the formation of a “militia to protect and defend states,” not as open door for individuals to own any and every type of weapon.  No one needs an assault weapon who is not in the military or law enforcement since their only purpose is to kill people. To use hunting as an excuse for owning an assault weapon is an indicator of someone not knowing that assault weapons “shred the target,” just like they shred human targets.

There is a simple solution–one that does not require any background checks, or increase in mental health care or even any money spent–we simply need to #VoteBlue in every election, removing Republicans from the equation and letting Democrats enact the legislation needed to save children and other innocent victims from dying due to gun violence.

The NRA–and all those who support them and their efforts to put guns in the hands of anyone who wants one–should take the time to pray (since they claim they’re Christians) and seek God–asking Him to show them the truth about themselves–they lack humanity and compassion and are only interested in profiting from the loss of lives.

I’ve stated before that I am a legal, responsible gun owner and I believe in all the rights afforded every person based upon our Constitution, but I also believe we must hold lawmakers accountable for their inaction when they have it within their power to change the course of events, but won’t because of the money they receive from the empire of evil–the NRA.

The parents and students are right–enough is enough–the time is past for thoughts and prayers–bold, courageous action must be taken before the next school shooting or massacre of anyone in any place. It’s time for America to get “Fired Up” and support these teens in their efforts to get the attention of all on Capitol Hill and the White House so they don’t have to see others suffer loss of life. It’s time for every adult–who is a registered voter to contact lawmakers and let their feelings be known about assault weapons and the deaths of innocent people. And when the lawmakers refuse to listen or act–it’s time for Voters to get Fired Up and vote them out of office.

I’m Mary Hall-Rayford and I’m Fired Up and ready to serve all Everyday Americans and to take on the gun lobbyists in Washington. Let’s get it done.

The Children Will Lead!

It is truly unfortunate that our nation is once again, struck by indefensible killings of students and their teachers. What’s even more horrific is the silence from those lawmakers who are more committed in their continuance of accepting donations from the NRA than in establishing and enacting Common Sense Gun Laws. To offer their, “thoughts and prayers” without doing anything concrete to stop the stupid is as insulting and heartless as one could possibly be. Exactly what are thoughts and prayers going to do to stop the senseless carnage and loss of life?

What our “elected” politicians seem to forget is that prayers without action won’t change anything. But the children understand this–they know thoughts and prayers won’t stop a determined shooter from going into a school and gunning down students who came to school to learn, not to die.

Emma González understands and those students in Parkland, FL understand— that it is the responsibility of lawmakers to change the course of events by enacting Common Sense Gun Laws–who at the moment seem frozen into complete impotence because they’re afraid to buck the NRA after taking millions in contributions to them. They are bought and paid for by NRA and nothing short of a miracle will cause them to mobilize and do what should have been done long ago.

How many times must we sit back and watch the news and see how children and other innocent people have been gunned down by those who legally purchased guns, in particular assault weapons, with more ease than some teens can buy cigarettes? This is totally unacceptable. The visit by trump to visit a victim in the hospitable was just as tasteless and inappropriate as his throwing paper towels to victims of the hurricane in Puerto Rico. Attempting to console people is not an opportunity for a photo op in which he comes off looking like a grinning fool. No one appreciates the “thumbs up” gesture in a time of sorrow and mourning. No empathy capable by him and his lack of compassion for the families is absolutely abhorrent.

I’m supporting the planned walk-out by many students across the nation on April 20, 2018 and any other protest, including my own creativeness in reaching out to those who voted for him to understand, if we don’t change the way we think about the use of assault weapons, their child could be next. And perhaps that’s what it’s going to take–a number of trump supporters losing their children to gun violence or the lawmakers losing a child to gun violence–maybe then, they’ll see the need to get off their butts, return the money to the NRA and do the job they were elected to do–establish sensible laws for the benefit and protection of all Americans.

The children of Parkland, Florida will lead the charge but they won’t be alone. The nation will be right behind them, supporting them every step of the way. At least those of us with a heart will be right behind–the rest–well–they’ll have to deal with the consequences of their inaction.

I am a legal gun-owner, but I do not own an assault weapon because I have no need for one and neither does anyone else who is not actively serving in the military or law enforcement. That’s the bottom line for me. No one else needs an assault weapon since their own purpose is to kill and destroy lives. For the lives that were taken–killed for no reason–left behind families whose lives are destroyed as they muddle through life, trying to understand–why?

Anyone who supports the NRA and it’s lack of human decency is complicit in all who are killed by those who are “exercising their 2nd amendment rights.” Any elected official who will not denounce the use of assault weapons and will not ban them, will have the blood of every person killed on their hands and God will judge them accordingly, but the voters will put them out of work to make sure they do not have an opportunity to be the cause of another loss of life.

If the children are willing to take the lead, the rest of us must be willing to follow and make sure elected officials honor lives over money. It is time we stop asking the question, “Is it time to talk about guns,” for it is past time to talk and do what needs to be done to save lives, not collect money.

Call your congressional representatives at 202-224-3121 and demand they establish Common Sense Gun legislation, now–that includes banning assault weapons.

 

Now Is The Time For Action!

In his arrogance the wicked man hunts down the weak, who are caught in the schemes he devises. He boasts about the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek him; in all his thoughts there is no room for God. His ways are always prosperous; your laws are rejected by him; he sneers at all his enemies. He says to himself, “Nothing will ever shake me.” He swears, “No one will ever do me harm.” His mouth is full of lies and threats; trouble and evil are under his tongue. He lies in wait near the villages; from ambush he murders the innocent. His eyes watch in secret for his victims; like a lion in cover he lies in wait. He lies in wait to catch the helpless; he catches the helpless and drags them off in his net. His victims are crushed, they collapse; they fall under his strength.He says to himself, “God will never notice; he covers his face and never sees.” Arise, LORD! Lift up your hand, O God. Do not forget the helpless. Psalm 10:2-12 NIV

As a strong believer in the power of prayer, I also understand that praying without taking appropriate action won’t accomplish much. Yes, we need to pray for people in times of crisis and tragedy, but we also need to take action–not just the Everyday Americans who’re praying, but the legislators who have the authority to change the way we do business and to curtail the evil nurtured in those who do not know God.

There is a time for prayer–daily, as often as one needs to talk to God–but then if we want to see concrete results of prayer, we must DO SOMETHING in order to see our prayers answered. Faith–total confidence in God–requires action on the part of the people praying, not just giving lip service in a time of crisis. Yes, “our hearts, thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of tragedy,” may make us feel better that we said something, but does it make sense for us to keep saying the same thing, over and over again, when our lawmakers–hold within their hands the power to change the landscape of tragedy into one of hope and saved lives?

I’m praying that all of those legislators who have so happily received funding from NRA will now, reject further involvement by them and act on principle and morality instead of party partisanship. It is time to set aside greed and govern according to the needs of people across America who have suffered loss or injury from out of control people using guns. We NEED COMMON SENSE GUN LEGISLATION, NOW! The discussion needs to be held now, not later when the sensationalism has subsided, but now while wounds are still gaping and bleeding and graves waiting to embrace the innocent. Now, is the time, legislators must stop procrastinating and DO SOMETHING to save lives and end the carnage that erupts by those who are either mentally unstable or just plain evil.

And to be clear, evil doesn’t just rise to the surface unexpectedly. It rises out of careful nurturing over time, being fed and watered out of hate of self and others and those who are partaking of the nurturing, should also be punished for the role they play in the senseless loss of life. Evil doesn’t hide–it parades itself for all to see and someone watching the parade should speak up and try to direct the evil to turn aside into a place of peace and love so healing can begin.

As a nation, we cannot afford to sit idly by and say nothing–we must speak out and force our elected officials to do their job for the sake of all, not the gun lobbyists and manufacturers. Now is the time for action; getting beyond lip service to bring about legislative change to protect us all.

I pray we can affect this legislation immediately, but if we can’t, I urge all to keep pushing for Common Sense Gun Legislation (CSGL) and in 2018 and 2020 vote for candidates who will get it done–forsaking the all mighty dollars of the NRA, in order to save lives.

Even If The Mountains Fall!

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,” (Psalm 46: 1,2 NIV).

Though the news in far-away places is usually negative and depressing, we have no need to fear.

Though politicians refuse to do the job for which they were elected (make decisions for the people, not the greedy), we have no need to fear.

Though the foolish and idiotic attempt to sway believers they are wasting their time believing in God, we have no need to fear.

Though the gun-lobbyists are fueling evil and creating environments that cost lives, we have no need to fear.

Though lawmakers create laws that encourage sin in the land, we have no need to fear.

Though there can be little hope for peace among those who are peace-breakers, and not peace-makers, we have no need to fear.

Though it may appear that all hope is lost because of man’s desire to do what pleases himself instead of God, we have no need to fear.

No matter how the enemy influences others to do what is totally against God, we who believe that God is and will always be–our refuge and strength in times of trouble, have no need to fear. We can and will stand confident in the knowledge of God and in His Word and we will not be moved by trends or people who deliberately defy God. Though the mountains tumble into the sea–our confidence remains deeply rooted in the faith that God can and will save us.  Even though some may see and know physical death, our eternal resting place is guaranteed, and nothing will deter us from obtaining it.

 

Father, in the name of Jesus, thank You for Your Word that rises up mightily in us in the face of danger and negative reports.  Thank You for instilling in us, unmoving faith in You and in the knowledge of who You are and Your plans for us.  Remind us to encourage others in the faith, to hold onto Your Word, no matter what the enemy does, and be not moved by the appearances of things, but moved only by our faith in You.