Tar and TaxWritten by Joyce C. Lock
It wasn't but a few short years ago, especially in south, that tobacco was many farmer's main crop and even preachers were known to smoke ... and it was accepted. It was tobacco industry that added ingredients to keep one hooked and our government who looked other way ... same government who has, now, picked out a select minority to tax and breed hate. Those same people, who's service for Lord was once honored, are not allowed to serve in titled positions of churches today. What? Did God stop speaking to people because they smoke? Ok, did He stop speaking to you who drink coffee? Or, have you ever heard God speak in first place? The government's excuse for taxing smokers is that they run up more medical bills. Well, if that's true concern, why aren't we taxing gay community and why are we funding abortion? In addition, studies have proven effects of obesity are just as damaging to one's health as smoking. Equality for all? I don't think so. Though, many smokers were guilty of one thing ~ being rude and inconsiderate with their smoking. But, do you know what? I don't like smell of people who need bathed, dirty diapers, or vomit, either. So, why don't we penalize them while we're at it? Regulations have gone from smoking in separate sections, to no smoking in public areas, to no smoking within building, to no smoking except outside, to no smoking except in weather designated areas, to no smoking on premises ... even amidst acres of parking lot. Recent campaigns suggest one is abusing their children by smoking. But, if you pay attention to their statistics, one would have to hold a child captive to a smoke filled room for an entire day to intake equivalent of 1/2 packs of cigarettes. The likelihood of that is so rare that it hardly merits an expensive campaign that can, one day, lead to children being removed from their homes if a parent smokes. Besides, being that cancer patients, who wear glasses, are more likely to die of cancer than those who don't, money would be better spent on a campaign for UV protection.
| | Land of the FreeWritten by Joyce C. Lock
"God Bless America" is a well-known phrase throughout land. The Bible tells us how to receive His blessings. Yet, America is running in opposite direction. By their example, our forefathers taught how to make America great. Our nation was founded "Under God" for purpose of freedom in worship (a privilege that brings God's blessings every time). Our coins are a reminder of their heart, "In God We Trust" (where God always looks first). The Ten Commandments were their moral guideline (the system set up by God for a better way of life). Men believed so strongly that they fought and died for cause of America and Pilgrims risked their lives to be a part of it. Yet, today, we see a new breed of ‘would be’ forefathers who; vote their wallet instead of their conscience, dictate what we should believe to justify their lifestyle, look other way rather than stand for Godly values, wear as many faces as it takes to reach prominent positions, and attend church only for special occasions while having no intentions of worship.
|