IRRESPONSIBLY YOURS

From My Perspective - - -

Many years ago, Will Rogers wryly stated: “This Congress is the best money can buy!” Another thought was: “Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.” Little could he have known that less than a century later, an appointment for the US Senate could be purchased for $1 million dollars. The Governor of Illinois has raised this potential to a new high. Today’s News reports: “The criminal complaint against Blagojevich indicates the governor and his brother discussed picking (Jesse) Jackson, Jr. over other candidates for the post because a Jackson "emissary" promised at least $1 million in campaign contributions in exchange…” In all of this, those who are innocent of any participation in this scheme will be maligned via "the guilt by association” conclusions.

In the US Senate yesterday, Irresponsibility rose to another level of Incomprehensibility. When the Auto-Makers Bailout request was losing the vote, the Late News Report was: “It’s over with,” the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said on the Senate floor, after it was clear that a deal could not be reached. “I dread looking at Wall Street tomorrow. It’s not going to be a pleasant sight.” Mr. Reid added: “This is going to be a very, very bad Christmas for a lot of people as a result of what takes place here tonight.” Another news report references another Senator: “In an interview following a December 10^th press conference where he and four other senators aired their opposition to the proposed bailout deal struck by congressional leaders and the White House (and approved by the U.S. House of Representatives 237-170 that evening), Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., warned that the perception that some industries are being bailed out and some aren’t could lead to violence. We’re going to have riots. There are already people rioting because they’re losing their jobs when everybody else is being bailed out. The fairness of it becomes more and more evident as we go along. The auto companies may be hurting,” he said, but “there are very few companies that aren’t hurting and they’re going to hurt. We don’t have enough money to bail everyone out.”

These two comments by U.S. Senators: (1) The Stock Market will plummet tomorrow and “It’s not going to be a pleasant sight"; and (2) Violence and Rioting will result if “the perception that some industries are being bailed out and some aren’t…” It would be well if these men would concentrate on governing and stay away from the Crystal Ball and exercising with a Prophetic License that is faulty at best. So many political people are deeply indebted to Supporters and Influential Constituents and/or Lobbyists, that the Government of the people, for the people, and by the people is becoming a Historical Footnote rather than the actual practice. The overwhelming numbers of Taxpayers are against all of these Bailouts – but – the Congress ignores them while they claim to be doing “The People’s Business”! It’s difficult to Pray For this political bunch who are Preying Upon the electorate who entrusted them with honest and frugal governing. They have become Irresponsibly Yours!

Consider these things with me - - - Christian Stewardship requires Financial Responsibility. In Matthew 22:21, Jesus stated: "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." In like manner, the Jesus also taught in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In Philippians 4:6, we are instructed – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God…” In I Timothy 6:6-8 we learn, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that…” Even though we live in uncertain times and the economy concerns many, God is Always Faithful to His own. Perhaps we have been trying to go it alone for so long that God is giving us a wake-up call – a new opportunity and/or beginning – to walk by faith and not by sight! To Trust Him alone and always! Don’t lean upon the temporary or look to it for relief – Lean on the Everlasting Arms and find refuge, comfort and provision from the God Who loves and cares.