Conservative

...but what if it does?

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:35:00 GMT

With the hubbub around here about the upcoming political convention (we’re not far from Denver), I couldn’t help but reflect on how I might cast my vote in the upcoming election. This, of course, is not the first time I’ve pondered it. I’m not registered under either party. However, if you had access to the personal voting records, and I suspect that is probably more people than we’d like to believe, you would see that I vote on the conservative side of things.

I don’t vote that way because my “momma does” or because my “husband does” or because a long time ago somebody told me “the liberals were evil”. I vote conservatively because my beliefs, my convictions and my mindset are that of a conservative nature. It irritates me when people just vote a particular party or moral line and don’t really know why. Equally frustrating is when people vote (conservative or liberal) simply because “so and so” (usually a parent) does/did or “that’s just how I was raised”. These people don’t know why they vote the way they do. Or maybe, they think they know why but it’s all based on something someone told them and not their own personal research into the matter.

Unfortunately, some people just vote based on hate for the other party. If they were honest, they don’t know that the party they vote with is better, they just hate the other side for whatever reason. We can’t forget the group who will vote for whichever party is not currently in office. Why? Oh because they want a change. Huh? Yeah, it sounds rather flippant to me too. Who cares if the candidate can do the job, they’re “different” so that’s good enough…right? Hmm, I’m not convinced either.

Even though I don’t agree with people who vote in any of these ways, I do respect them a tad more than those who vote based on things the candidate has no control over… like skin color or gender for instance. I mean, I’m a woman but I certainly wouldn’t sacrifice my belief system just to get a woman into the oval office any more than I would to get a fellow “brunette” into office. I see skin color the same way. I think it’s ignorant to vote for someone because they are or aren’t a particular color. Color and gender are things that the candidate doesn’t have any control over. So, why on earth would I cast my vote for or against them based on those things? If you are thinking only one race or gender is guilty of this! There are individuals who vote like this in all categories!

Shouldn’t it be about the issues? Shouldn’t it be about which candidate has the right experience, is most in line with my personal beliefs and who has an agenda that I can support morally and ethically? Of course it should, but that would mean that we can’t take “Aunt Gertrude’s” or our “BFF’s” word on it. We have to do our homework. We have to find out what the candidates really do stand for – not just what the media wants (or doesn’t want) us to see, and certainly not based on appearances. We also can’t go solely on what the candidates say they believe – do their actions match up? And what about their friends – those people do matter in the equation. They influence them more than anyone else. I mean, maybe you can’t choose your family but you can certainly choose your friends and mentors. Who you choose speaks volumes about you so why wouldn’t it speak volumes about your candidate?

You may be wondering how I will cast my vote. To be quite honest, I don’t know yet. I don’t take this lightly and I still have some homework yet to do. So why did I write this post? To get you to think a bit more about how you’ll use your voice in the next election. Why are you voting? Who or what is influencing your vote? Are you educated enough about the candidates to make a solid personal choice or are you just following the crowds around you? If you were put on trial for your vote, could you clearly, articulately and morally defend your choice?

Some of you may be scoffing, “seriously, you’re out there lady, it doesn’t matter that much”..

…but what if it does?

Bailing on Wal-Mart

Julie Blair Lane — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 15:46:00 GMT

I grew up shopping at Wal-Mart. Their “made in the USA” and family friendly ideals were very appealing to this very patriotic, Bible-believin' family. I'd say that we've spent tens of thousands of dollars at their stores over the years.

In the past several years, I've been pulling away from Wal-mart a bit more each year. I have family employed by them and I've been informed about how they treat their employees. Yes, this bothered me and so I distanced a bit. Then my husband and I watched a documentary on how Wal-mart is affecting the US economy, how the company creates it's own customers by putting smaller businesses out of business and how they are moving more and more jobs overseas to make their profit margins even larger. After seeing that documentary we distanced ourselves even more from them.

And now, in recent months we've pulled our support entirely, content to drive out of our way to their competitors and pay higher prices to keep from handing our hard earned money over to that chain. I do not agree with their recent move to not remain nuetral on the “marriage” issue. Yes, Wal-mart has every right to support homosexual marriage with their monetary donations. However, I am not in favor of legalizing homosexual marriage and like my stance with Ford and Starbucks, Wal-mart will not recieve financial support from me. I did the math and not including Christmas shopping, Wal-mart was getting over $10K a year from my family alone just for grocery-type purchases. I don't know what my parents' annual average spending at Wal-mart was but they've stopped shopping there as well. It was the last straw for us.

Yes, I still have family working for them. Maybe I should send them the employment listing for Target and/or Costco?

Wal-Mart Watch, AFA, Wal-Mart Movie, PBS Documentary

Fly the Flag on 9/11

Julie Blair Lane — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 08:19:00 GMT

I've received word of a “fly the flag” campaign in memory of 9/11. We left our flag in storage (which we displayed the day after the 9/11 tragedy and then for months to follow. We typically put it up every memorial day through the 4th.

Anyway, we're going to look into getting a flag to display here. If you're planning to participate in this (which I hope all Americans will), please be sure to read up on flag etiquette. It really does bug service people to see the flag displayed incorrectly....in some cases it can even be dishonoring without you even realizing it.

Witness a Homer in KC!

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 10 Aug 2006 17:09:00 GMT

In May, I posted about Starbucks' removal from my coffee list and directed those in the DFW area to a place called America's Best Coffee.

Well, I have a new place to send you to if you are ever in the Kansas City area. It's called Homer's Coffee House and you must pay it a visit! Can you believe a coffee house with the motto:

"Saving the world...one latte at a time"

When Erik found this place we knew that's where we'd get our coffee during our stay here. As of June, they even have a Blog! So, if you like good coffee, good company, good music and free wireless internet - you should check it out.

Them There's Texas Chairs

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 09:00:00 GMT

I don't know if I was feeling overly sentimental or what just before we left Texas, but whatever the cause, I purchased two Texas Flag folding chairs for our balcony (ours look slightly different than the one pictured right). The moment those chairs came out of the truck, our son ran up the 1.5 flights of stairs to the condo and placed them on the balcony.

Well, as we all know, Tuesday was Independence Day. A guy Erik works with told him about a great spot from which to catch the fireworks display. So, we loaded up our chairs (six of them total), some dinner, drinks and blankets. I didn't feel we needed blankets but the kids suggested that we might get cold. I laughed thinking, "um, it's like July - we'll likely be sweating", but I said they could take their blankets nonetheless. We arrived on the grassy hill just before dark. A pleasant breeze caught our hair and waved it about. The freshly mowed lawn brought back memories from childhood of those summer evenings playing with the neighborhood kids. Our kids ran around playing with some other children (apparently this was a well-known spot lol). We proudly set up our Texas Chairs and got a few looks.

Once it was as dark as it would likely get, Erik had the kids come take a seat. By this time, the nice breeze actually had a bit of a nip to it and I began to think blankets weren't such a crazy notion after all. All bundled, the kids waited patiently. Just as we were beginning to think we were in the wrong spot, the first rocket flew into the air and with a loud bang, the show began. The crowed cheered! "I see one, I see one," Jewel (2) shouted with each burst of color. The children oo'ed and ah'ed. "That's my favorite," chimed Kate (6). "Oh did you see that one - it was huge," exclaimed Lee (8). "Are they on fire Daddy," asked Ann (almost 4). Behind us I heard a child ask when the "grand finale" was, I smiled remembering asking the same thing as a kid.

Then, with a rapid series of pops, bangs, bursts and smoke, the show ended. The crowd cheered again, a few yelled "Happy Birthday America" and we began to disperse. The walk back to the van was pleasant. "This was a good idea," I smiled to my husband (who beamed at the praise). In the end, it mattered not whether we were Texans or Kansans or whatever, we were Americans sharing a glorious moment in time with other Americans.

Who Made Her a Great Nation?

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 08:38:00 GMT

My parents instilled in me a great many things during my growing up years. Aside from showing me the way to salvation, one of the greatest values was a love for my country. They taught me to care for The Star Spangled Banner, our flag which stands for freedom. They showed me America, The Beautiful land of infinite opportunity. They instructed me to pray that God Bless America. They taught me that This Land is Your Land and my land and we'd best defend her at all cost. America, that is my country, my home! I learned to Pledge Allegiance and place my hand over my heart. John Wayne put it in a way that only he could, "Sure I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be."

"Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry

You can't grow up in a family with military background like mine and not love your country. My grandfather served in the Korean War and was one of The Chosin Few, a survivor of one of the greatest military battles of all time. My father (as well as his twin brother) served during Vietnam (AirForce & Marines). My husband and I met while serving in the United States Air Force (yes, I too took an oath to serve and defend). My cousin recently returned from Iraq. I could name many others, family and friends alike, who have taken that oath and followed through...even to the death. We often hear the phrase, "Freedom isn't Free" but do we really take a moment and reflect on what that means? Do we truly grasp the countless lives lost so that we might have Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness? So many sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and friends who will never return. It is because of each of them that we enjoy the land we have today.

I could not close out this bit on our military without adding this next quote. "The liberties of our country, the freedom of our civil Constitution, are worth defending at all hazards; and it is our duty to defend them against all attacks. We have received them as a fair inheritance from our worthy ancestors: they purchased them for us with toil and danger and expense of treasure and blood, and transmitted them to us with care and diligence. It will bring an everlasting mark of infamy on the present generation, enlightened as it is, if we should suffer them to be wrested from us by violence without a struggle, or to be cheated out of them by the artifices of false and designing men." (Samuel Adams) No doubt many will be called to defend us in the future still, but praise God for those who step up to the plate and take it on.

"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." - Nathan Hale

"I shall know but one country. The ends I aim at shall be my country’s, my God’s and Truth’s. I was born an American; I live an American; I shall die an American." - Daniel Webster

America, she truly is a grand country. My heart soars at the sight of a bald eagle and warms when our national anthem is played. Red, White and Blue shall always signify honor, freedom and bravery to me. I've seen a great deal of this magnificent nation. The beauty of the land alone could take ones breath away. The Canyons, the rivers, the mountains, the prairies, the valleys, the blue skies, the sparkling seas...she is gorgeous. God created such a masterpiece in her.

"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves." - Abraham Lincoln

"I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him." - Abraham Lincoln

What makes this country so great isn't just it's geography filled with fertile soil and natural resources. The worth of our land comes from those who inhabit it. The people, they are the true asset. I believe that most Americans are proud to be Americans. To quote Thomas Paine, "Our great title is AMERICANS…" I also believe most would gladly lock hands with their fellow countrymen in the name of their America. We are the great melting pot of the west, the land of many faces but with one common goal...freedom. However, as important as American's are to the equation of a prosperous nation, we must remember Who truly rose us up as a force to be reckoned with. Who blessed our crops, Who protected us, Who multiplied us? God. I realize the faith history of our country offends a few, but we should not discount that God's hand is on us because our fore Fathers were faithful to him. Dare we cause Him to remove His hand by blotting Him out with legislation and judiciary process? We were founded on a faith in God. I pray that America will remember Who made her a great nation.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

"Love your country. Your country is the land where your parents sleep, where is spoken that language in which the chosen of your heart, blushing, whispered the first word of love; it is the home that God has given you that by striving to perfect yourselves therein you may prepare to ascend to him." - Giuseppe Mazzini

THE BEAUTY of MY COUNTRY_{hosted by Bethany}

America's Best Alternative

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 09 May 2006 01:13:00 GMT

My husband and I were very big coffee drinkers last year. Since we go to church on Saturday nights, it became our Sunday morning habit to hit Starbucks on our way out to get a Sunday paper. We even purchased their coffee beans at the local grocery store for home usage. Then one Sunday morning all of that changed. If you've ever been to Starbucks, you know they have "quotes" on their cups. Well, I never really cared for the quotes being of an overall liberal nature but I wasn't offended. That is, until the Sunday morning I mentioned. The quote on the cup was highly offensive and in my opinion, inappropriate for all audiences. So, I wrote to Starbucks about the offensive cup and got the usual "we don't necessarily support every quote we print" response. I set out to find out what exactly Starbucks does "necessarily support" and discovered that they did back the agenda I was so offended by in the quote that day. I cannot begin to tell you how much money I have spent at Starbucks over the years. So, we decided right then and there that they wouldn't be getting another dime from us if we could help it.

We set out in search of another coffee house and must confess we met with one disappointment after another. That is, until we happened upon a place called "America's Best Coffee". The coffee is good but that isn't the only draw. They also offer free wireless internet. No, that isn't it either. It is the atmosphere. Would you believe they play Christian music?? Would you also believe that they hold church services on Sunday mornings?? Yep, they do. It's not terribly close to our house (there are at least three Starbucks closer to us in fact lol), but I'd much rather support a place like America's Best Coffee! I consider them to be America's Best alternative :o)

Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1863

Julie Blair Lane — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 11:18:00 GMT

"The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed. Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.

Proclamation of President Abraham Lincoln, 3 October 1863.

Thank you Erik for the reminder (Happy Thanksgiving).

Election Day....now we wait.

Julie Blair Lane — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 07:42:00 GMT

Erik and I took all the kids with us to the polls this morning. It's the first time they've gone with us and they were very interested in the whole process. Last week I printed up a copy of the ballot and began to research each proposition. It took several hours but it's nice to feel confident in how you plan to vote.

We only had to stand in line for a short time and were out of there fairly quickly once we had ballot in hand. Now we wait for the results.

Miers Withdraws

Julie Blair Lane — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 15:31:00 GMT

Since I hadn't fully made up my mind about Miers, I've neither a sigh of relief nor a sigh of irritation over this news. Maybe my feelings are mixed because on the one hand I want this nomination process over and resulting in an appointment of the right person. On the other hand, if it takes months to get the right person appointed, so be it.

Who is the “right person” for the job? I don't know. I do know that I'm sick of judges making law from the bench.

Conservatives, Moderates, Liberals....none really seemed to collectively back Miers. Kind of makes you wonder if all “agendas” were stripped away, maybe a really good candidate just withdrew? We'll never know of course.

Please stop by Tidbits & Treasures for more on this latest turn in the Supreme Court tug o' war.