A mother’s prayer for her 5 year old Ben who is dying

Lord, comfort your beautiful son in these next few days. Give him peace. And alleviate his pain. Show him the way into heaven and promise me, You'll be the first to greet him. Wipe away his tears and let him know we won't be that far behind him. Tell him to look out for his big brother and baby sisters while they navigate this life. Perhaps you can introduce him to his sibling we lost in-utero more than two years ago. I'm sure his relatives that are there waiting won't have a problem recognizing him for themselves. He's going to love all of the animals - frogs and snakes are his favorite - and he's going to be thrilled to have his own wings. I'm sure he'd love playing with David's slingshot, too! And God, grant us peace, as well. Those who are left behind. As we come to grips with our new future without Ben being close. As we find the grace you've given us and discover joy in the knowledge that You're carrying all of us in the palm of Your hand.

We are scared. We are hurt. We are sad. But we trust You. For You are Good.

Amen.

http://bensauer.blogspot.com/

Update: Ben is in heaven. May 13, 2014

Modal verbs, can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, would

27 million men, women, and children are trafficking victims at any given time.  Boko Haram is adding terrorism to the centuries old African slave trade and religious persecution by kidnapping Christian school girls.

“It ought to concern every person, because it’s a debasement of our common humanity. It ought to concern every community, because it tears at the social fabric. It ought to concern every business, because it distorts markets. It ought to concern every nation, because it  endangers public health and fuels violence and organized crime. I’m talking about the injustice, the outrage, of human trafficking, which must be called by its true name – modern slavery.” President Barack Obama, September 25, 2012

This would be a much stronger statement without all the "oughts."  For instance, "Slavery concerns every person because it is a debasement of our common humanity." A modal verb is an auxiliary verb which is used with another verb to talk about possibility, probability, permission, intention, etc. Sounds preachy and finger wagging without any action intended.

The next victim group

Imagine if next year Rednecks became a protected victim group, everyone who has shared this photo, or laughed at it, or "liked" it, would lose their job.

CRC on labor unions, March issue

Ever wonder what it would be like if radical unions and their allies gained control of New York City? Wonder no more.  “Labor Watch” reports on how the nation’s most powerful union local, Service Employees International Union 1199, and its radical allies such as former ACORN leader Bertha Lewis, now dominate city government. The key: they successfully backed Bill de Blasio, the city’s new mayor.

Wall Street Journal wrote a stinging editorial on de Blasio’s payoff to his cronies in the city’s teachers’ union via a new contract. The sweetheart deal “is walking back a decade of [school] reforms and blowing the bank” on $5.5 billion in pay raises for teachers.

CRC senior editor Matthew Vadum exposes a related phenomenon: the increasing presence of labor union bosses in the secretive, pro-Democratic funding powerhouse known as the Democracy Alliance. Co-founder George Soros’s son Jonathan accidentally left behind a partial membership list at the Chicago Ritz, and it shows that new members of the donor group include leaders from Workers United and Communication Workers of America, as well as Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

http://freebeacon.com/politics/jonathan-soros-left-a-confidential-document-at-his-donor-conference/

http://observer.com/2013/05/1199-seiu-endorses-bill-de-blasio/#axzz31eETVZdO

Bullies (paid) of the worst kind—race and ethnicity

When I was working back in the 90s at Ohio State, I attended a number of workshops on being sensitive to people of other cultures and abilities. Most were pretty good, because you might not notice how difficult access is to buildings, or the strain on necks and arms for high counters and closed doors unless it was brought to your attention. But some were not so good, like recognizing cultural differences and the speaker could barely speak English or the body odor was so overwhelming it filled the room. So I'm wondering about these new workshops to convince those of European descent, particularly men, that they are the scum of the earth and the source of all problems from global warming to the kidnapping of Nigerian school girls. We know it by another name, bullying. And, if it were me, I'd look into an EEO complaint if attending one was a requirement--for anything--particularly reprisal. (Federal fair employment laws prohibit discrimination and require the government to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disabling condition or reprisal.)

http://imcw.org/calendar/events/vw/3/sm/613/itemid/794/Weekend-Workshop-White-Identity--Racial-Awareness.aspx

http://www.amazon.com/White-Awareness-Handbook-Anti-Racism-Training/dp/0806135603

http://www.cirtl.net/diversityresources/workshop/awareness

Jackie Kennedy’s letters to a priest

Here's something to remember about private letters. In the U.S. they (content) belong to the writer (or estate), but in England (and I assume Ireland) they (content) belong to the recipient. Regardless, I think it's tacky to sell Mrs. Kennedy's private letters to a priest. Although technically this was an act of friendship not confession, who knows how she saw it. They should have been returned to her daughter.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2014/05/13/jacqueline-kennedys-newly-discovered-personal-letters-reveal-14-years-of-secrets/

The Nigerian school girls

Michelle Obama's comments about the abducted Nigerian girls has gotten some attention, "In these girls, Barack and I see our own daughters." All North and South Americans could be reminded that we can see our fellow citizens with African heritage in this tragedy.  This reenacts in the 21st century what Arab (Muslim) and African tribal groups, where reducing your enemy to slavery was the custom, contributed to the slave trade of the 17th and 18th centuries.  Europeans couldn't get to the interior of Africa (just as they aren't having much luck finding these girls today) so had to rely on those who knew the territory.  It was lucrative for all involved--Arabs, Africans and Europeans (especially Dutch and Portuguese). Today's slave trade is far larger than the Atlantic slave trade of 5 centuries ago, much of it for sex and cheap labor of children.

“The sex trafficking of boys is often hidden, reflecting cultural taboos in many parts of the world. In Afghanistan and coastal Sri Lanka, boys are more likely than girls to be subjected to prostitution; in Mexico and Central America, boy migrants are vulnerable to commercial sexual exploitation en route to the United States; boys in Southeast Asia are exploited in prostitution; to a lesser extent, men are victims of sex trafficking; in recent years, Brazilian men were identified in forced prostitution in Spain and men were identified as sex trafficking victims in the United States.” U.S. State Department report on Trafficking, 2013

American Jesus

Today I'm previewing a DVD, "American Jesus, " which shows the response of many Christian groups to the culture--from rodeo pastors, to surfers, to bikers, former porn stars, reaction to materialism, yoga, snake handlers and athletes. Some I knew about, but most I didn't. There’s no mention of gay churches, or mainline churches that raise funds for “social justice” causes, or those who pray to mother/father gods. 

It's pretty good and fair with just straight filming of many groups allowing them to explain why the traditional organized church doesn't work for them--up to about 50 minutes in, and then Franky Schaeffer (son of L'abri founder) takes over the narration. And since he's moved from right wing evangelical, pro-lifer, over to the dark side, it takes a hard left turn--anti-Bush, anti-Israel and pro-Obama. Says he doesn't trust the Bible, and his Christianity isn't based on the Bible (no shock there). The film morphs to a PBS interpretation of Christianity.

The culture, particularly the media, love nothing more than a famous turn coat--unless the celebrity/author/movie star are left wing humanists and have moved right. It's almost as if a curtain was pulled back and you see the point of the film when Schaeffer begins. It is, however, very well done and eerily convincing. The literature says "street date May 13, 2014, price $19.98. I have no idea if this means theaters or store. But don't be fooled. It is what it is.

Caring for elderly parents, guest blogger, Jacqueline Marcell, author of Elder Rage

“For eleven years I pleaded with my ‘challenging’ elderly father to allow a caregiver to help him with my ailing mother, but he always insisted on taking care of her himself. Every caregiver I hired soon sighed in exasperation, ‘Jacqueline, I just can't work with your father. His temper is impossible to handle and he’s not going to accept help until he's on his knees himself.’

When my father’s inability to continue to care for my mother nearly resulted in her death, I stepped in despite his loud protests. It was heart-breaking as one minute he’d be my loving dad and then some trivial little thing would set him off and he’d call me nasty names and throw me out of the house the next. I took him to several doctors, only to be flabbergasted when he could act completely normal when he needed to.

Finally I stumbled upon a thorough neurologist, specialized in dementia, who put my parents through a battery of blood, neurological, memory tests and P.E.T. scans. After ruling out numerous reversible forms of dementia, such as a B-12 and thyroid deficiency, and evaluating their medications, I was stunned by the diagnosis of Stage One Alzheimer's in both of my parents–something all their other doctors missed entirely.

What I'd been coping with was the beginning of Alzheimer’s, which starts very intermittently and appears to come and go. I didn't understand that my father was addicted and trapped in his own engrained bad behavior of a lifetime of screaming and yelling to get his way, but that it was coming out intermittently in inconsistent spurts of irrationality. I also didn't understand that demented does not mean dumb (a concept not widely appreciated), and that he was still socially adjusted never to show his ‘Hyde’ side to anyone outside the family. Conversely, my mother was as sweet and lovely as she’d always been.

Alzheimer's makes up 60-80 percent of all dementias and there's no stopping the progression nor is there yet a cure. However, if identified early there are four FDA medications (Aricept, Exelon, Razadyne and Namenda–and many more in clinical trials) that in most people can mask dementia symptoms and keep the patient in the early independent stage longer.

Once my parents were properly treated for the Alzheimer’s, as well as the often-present depression in dementia patients, and then my father’s aggression, I was able to optimize fluid and nutrition with much less resistance. I was also able to manage the rollercoaster of challenging behaviors. Instead of logic and reason, I learned to use distraction and redirection. I capitalized on their long-term memories and instead of arguing the facts, I lived in their realities of the moment. I also learned to just go-with-the-flow and let hurtful comments roll off. And most importantly, I was able to get my father to accept two wonderful live-in caregivers. Then with the tremendous benefit of adult day health care five days a week for my parents and a support group for me, everything finally started to fall into place.
Alzheimer's disease afflicts more than 5.4 million Americans, but millions go undiagnosed for many years because early warning signs are chalked up to stress and a ‘normal’ part of aging. Since one out of eight is afflicted with Alzheimer’s by age 65, and nearly half by age 85, healthcare professionals of every specialty should know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s and help educate patients and families so everyone can save time, money–and a fortune in Kleenex!”

TEN WARNING SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER'S
www.ElderRage.com/Alzheimers.asp

The author is available for speaking engagements.

'Elder Rage, or Take My Father... Please!
How to Survive Caring for Aging Parents'
Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
www.ElderRage.com

Happy Mother’s Day

We had a wonderful brunch after church at our daughter's with 2 new recipes that we all loved—a baked egg/shredded potato/cheese casserole and a ‘French toast blackberry’ baked dish with warm syrup. Told favorite "mom stories." Amazing how similar my son and SIL stories were--I guess little boys are all alike. A fun day. I received a lovely plant in a cute “watering can,” and a $25 gift card for Barnes and Noble.

Progress in wiretaps

Happy Mother’s Day

I know many "pro-life" people who say abortion is wrong except in cases of rape, incest, or if the baby has deformities. This woman knows what Mother's Day really means.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVPLsz1sqV4#t=98

D.E.A.R. to defeat Alzheimer’s

While the primary focus of the D.E.A.R program is Alzheimer's prevention; following these simple lifestyle and dietary modifications can also prevent or lessen the symptoms of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, joint and spine disease and many other health issues.

1) Diet--a food ratio at each meal that is one-third carbs, one-third protein, and one-third good fats.

2) Exercise--“3 Ss - Stretching, Strengthening, and Stepping” - all to boost brawn and brain power.

3) Accentuate your brain reserve—challenge your brain to allow more blood flows into neural regions and form new connections, daily "brain boosters," such as math problems, sections to read aloud, lists to memorize, organizational tasks.

4) Rest and recovery—relaxation and sleep, prayer, meditation, and optimism (worriers have poor health)

Read more here at Dr. Vincent Fortanasce's  web site.

“Obesity, smoking, lack of physical activity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are some of the culprits. . . .  So keeping these under control is crucial.  Depression is another risk factor for memory loss, so managing stress and staying socially connected is also important.  B vitamins may prevent dementia in those who are deficient and there are some simple blood tests that can detect this.  For the vast majority of people, however, there are no prescription medications that have been proven to prevent dementia. This means that a brain-healthy lifestyle is really our best bet for delaying the onset of memory loss.” Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy     http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/can-alzheimers-be-cured/

The resurrected campaign issue

DeBlasio and the teachers’ unions

Will Cain has made a film about a charter school, Success Academy, in NYC where his son is enrolled. He's thrilled with the school--Will is from a small town with one school, he had no idea that public schools in NYC could be so bad. This school has the highest test scores in the state--a school of underprivileged, black and brown children (32% Latinos and 38% African-Americans) with single parents, bad living conditions, you name it, and these kids overcame what the research said was impossible given their economic and family status. They are testing higher than the kids of the one percenters! And Mayor de Blasio, a Sandanista supporter who honeymooned in Cuba, has decided the charter school must be closed as, "not in the best interest of the children." Ha! Not in the best interest of the teachers unions. http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/07/opinion/cain-charter-de-blasio/

It’s just us—the gay lobby

HGTV has withdrawn (aka fired them) a new program hosted by two Christian brothers (twins, it looks like) who had the audacity to speak of the "homosexual agenda" along with a long list of sins of heterosexuals specifically listed in the Bible—abortion, infidelity, adultery.  And their father protested at abortion clinics!  It seems they believe marriage is about more than “love.”  One brother had actually led a prayer rally outside the Democratic National Convention in 2012.  How awful—the party that booed God and voted for abortion in its platform had people praying peacefully outside.

Homosexuals have successfully built a TV and literary image of "just folks like the rest of you, give us a chance" and now they are becoming their own worst nightmare of bigotry and anti-Christian assaults.  HGTV has had a very strong gay presence in all its programs both with hosting and in their real estate shows. It has contributed to the "just folks" image, but are losing it fast.

Think of the filth, violence and silliness you can see on TV—but gays object to this? You know no script about abortion or gay lifestyle would be on the show, but it is their private beliefs that can’t be tolerated by this lobby.

“The Benhams, who are graduates of Liberty University, said they were saddened to hear about HGTV’s decision.

“With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television, you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles, and dedicated professionals,” they wrote.”

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/05/08/ex-hgtv-hosts-if-our-faith-costs-us-tv-show-so-be-it/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2014/05/07/hgtv-nixes-benham-brothers-series-anti-gay-extremist-abortion/8810393/

Remember—he promised to make fossil fuel too expensive to use

Obama is desperate to energize his base who believe he hasn't gone far enough to the left, and Democratic Senators who have to run on his Obamacare record in 2014. Thus, the new, scary climate report.

'The current bad science is all based on a theory that the increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from the exhaust of the burning of fossil fuels leads to a dramatic increase in “the greenhouse effect” causing temperatures to skyrocket uncontrollably. This theory has failed to verify and is obviously dead wrong. But the politically funded and agenda driven scientists who have built their careers on this theory and live well on the 2.6 billion dollars of year of Federal grants for global warming/climate change research cling to this theory and bend the data spread to support the glorified claims in their reports and papers.'

John Coleman blog, first Weathercaster on “Good Morning, America” and the founder of The Weather Channel.

Distracted driving, teens and cell phones

A well known TV personality in Columbus is promoting awareness about distracted driving. His beautiful teen daughter was killed last year. Statistics are already grim for teens and driving, but add in a smart phone and we're all at risk if we're sharing the road with them (as I was yesterday). "Currently, 77% of drivers talk on their phones while driving, 81% of young adults write text messages while driving, and 92% of young adults read text messages while driving. Drivers are 23-fold more likely to crash if texting while driving." But it's not just teens. I see a lot of moms chatting on the phone with kids in the car, watching her behavior. http://archpedi.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1745570#WhatParentsCanDo

Other distractions about which older people need to be reminded: eating and drinking, changing channels on the radio or disc player, hands free phones, passengers in the car talking, checking the GPS, adjusting seats, taking off jacket or other clothing, looking for sun glasses, adjusting the visor to keep out glare, finding a tissue . . . keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road and the other drivers.

We need to revise our unfair tax system

“At the beginning of the 20th century, federal taxes accounted for 3 percent of the nation’s gross domestic product, and federal tax rules filled just a few hundred pages. But for the past sixty years, federal taxes have averaged about 18 percent of GDP, and today, federal tax rules and regulations span over 60,000 pages.

The federal government extracts over $2 trillion in federal taxes from families and businesses each year, which imposes a huge economic cost. The key problem with current federal tax laws is that high rates and the unequal treatment of economic activities create enormous distortions that reduce economic growth.

The reduced growth leaves people with less money to buy food, clothing, and other needed items.
The federal tax rules impose other costs too. The complexity of federal tax rules creates compliance and administrative costs, and it makes financial planning more difficult for individuals and businesses. 

Furthermore, the hidden nature of many federal taxes imposes a cost in transparency. In particular, it is difficult for citizens to figure out the overall burden of taxes they are paying under the current system. “

Read more here about flat tax or national sales tax.

Sean Astin, Christian movie star

I was watching Sean Astin on Fox this morning discuss the new Christian movie, "Moms night out," so I checked out his faith, and found out that after a long journey with many twists and turns, he is a baptized Lutheran and serious about his faith.

Interview comments on The Blaze.

http://www.catholic.org/news/hf/faith/story.php?id=39608