From My Perspective - - -
We have heard much about the “Culture of Corruption” in Politics. The current majority party used that as a mantra during the last election cycle, and did so effectively. However, when one gets down into the “Swill” and it begins to “Swirl”, it produces that which is corrupt in a more universal way. When “Swill” is referenced, it means: “liquid or partly liquid food for animals, esp. kitchen refuse given to swine; hogwash; kitchen refuse in general; garbage; any liquid mess, waste, or refuse; slop.” When one gets to stirring it, or to “Swirl” it, it means: “To move with a twisting or whirling motion; eddy; to be dizzy or disoriented.”
At the beginning of this year, Congressman John Carter, R-Texas submitted legislation (HR 735 - also known as the "Rangel Rule Act of 2009”). He states the idea for this legislation was spurred by two factors: (a) for decades, Texas lawyers have used the "Hobby Rule" to win the immediate release of clients arrested on DWI charges. Longtime Texas Lt.Gov Bill Hobby was locked up one night for driving under the influence, but immediately released when his attorney came down to point out the high status of his client. When news of this special treatment slipped out, the court tried to defend itself by saying it was standard procedure to release a suspect into the custody of an attorney, though everyone knew any regular DWI inmate would have been held for bond or trial. Ever since, Texas lawyers have sought the release of their inebriated clients by exercising this previously unknown "Hobby Rule." It's standard legal procedure to this day. (b) “American taxpayers could win the same treatment according to HR 735, thanks to…Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem), and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Chairman Rangel admitted on the floor of the House that he had for years failed to pay tax on rental income from his resort property in the Caribbean. He apologized for this "oversight" and agreed to pay his back taxes - but has paid no interest or penalties. Secretary Geithner admitted in his Senate confirmation hearings he had for years failed to pay taxes on his income from the International Monetary Fund, even though the IMF sent him checks and instructions to pay those taxes. He also called this an "oversight," and has paid no penalties and faces no charges. Rep. Rangel is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees the IRS. And Geithner is Secretary of the Treasury. Just like Bill Hobby, these two high-status men have received different treatment than the common taxpayer.”
Some of what is known as fact regarding the “Culture of Corruption” includes the following: $34,000.00, federal taxes that Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner (D) failed to pay during his employment at the International Monetary Fund; $75,000.00 is the amount of money that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), was forced to report on his taxes after the discovery that he had not reported income from a Dominican Republic rental property; $133,900.00 is the amount Fannie Mae "invested" in Chris Dodd (D-CT), head of the Senate Banking Committee; $140,000.00 is the amount of back taxes and interest that Cabinet nominee Tom Daschle (D) was forced to pay after the vetting process revealed significant, unexplained tax liabilities, etc. This is merely the tip of the “Culture of Corruption” iceberg.
An important guideline is given in Romans 13:1-2,“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted…” In Romans 13:5-7, “…it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” The person who is obedient to God’s Word should not be near or in the Swill and Swirl of the Culture of Corruption. The obedient follower of Christ should not have to utilize a “Hobby Rule” or a “Rangel Rule”! The point of these rules is that every citizen should be treated equally and fairly. A Basic Rule for the follower of Jesus Christ is: Stay Away From The Swill, or you will get Caught In The Swirl! Consider these things with me!
We have heard much about the “Culture of Corruption” in Politics. The current majority party used that as a mantra during the last election cycle, and did so effectively. However, when one gets down into the “Swill” and it begins to “Swirl”, it produces that which is corrupt in a more universal way. When “Swill” is referenced, it means: “liquid or partly liquid food for animals, esp. kitchen refuse given to swine; hogwash; kitchen refuse in general; garbage; any liquid mess, waste, or refuse; slop.” When one gets to stirring it, or to “Swirl” it, it means: “To move with a twisting or whirling motion; eddy; to be dizzy or disoriented.”
At the beginning of this year, Congressman John Carter, R-Texas submitted legislation (HR 735 - also known as the "Rangel Rule Act of 2009”). He states the idea for this legislation was spurred by two factors: (a) for decades, Texas lawyers have used the "Hobby Rule" to win the immediate release of clients arrested on DWI charges. Longtime Texas Lt.Gov Bill Hobby was locked up one night for driving under the influence, but immediately released when his attorney came down to point out the high status of his client. When news of this special treatment slipped out, the court tried to defend itself by saying it was standard procedure to release a suspect into the custody of an attorney, though everyone knew any regular DWI inmate would have been held for bond or trial. Ever since, Texas lawyers have sought the release of their inebriated clients by exercising this previously unknown "Hobby Rule." It's standard legal procedure to this day. (b) “American taxpayers could win the same treatment according to HR 735, thanks to…Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem), and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Chairman Rangel admitted on the floor of the House that he had for years failed to pay tax on rental income from his resort property in the Caribbean. He apologized for this "oversight" and agreed to pay his back taxes - but has paid no interest or penalties. Secretary Geithner admitted in his Senate confirmation hearings he had for years failed to pay taxes on his income from the International Monetary Fund, even though the IMF sent him checks and instructions to pay those taxes. He also called this an "oversight," and has paid no penalties and faces no charges. Rep. Rangel is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees the IRS. And Geithner is Secretary of the Treasury. Just like Bill Hobby, these two high-status men have received different treatment than the common taxpayer.”
Some of what is known as fact regarding the “Culture of Corruption” includes the following: $34,000.00, federal taxes that Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner (D) failed to pay during his employment at the International Monetary Fund; $75,000.00 is the amount of money that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), was forced to report on his taxes after the discovery that he had not reported income from a Dominican Republic rental property; $133,900.00 is the amount Fannie Mae "invested" in Chris Dodd (D-CT), head of the Senate Banking Committee; $140,000.00 is the amount of back taxes and interest that Cabinet nominee Tom Daschle (D) was forced to pay after the vetting process revealed significant, unexplained tax liabilities, etc. This is merely the tip of the “Culture of Corruption” iceberg.
An important guideline is given in Romans 13:1-2,“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted…” In Romans 13:5-7, “…it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” The person who is obedient to God’s Word should not be near or in the Swill and Swirl of the Culture of Corruption. The obedient follower of Christ should not have to utilize a “Hobby Rule” or a “Rangel Rule”! The point of these rules is that every citizen should be treated equally and fairly. A Basic Rule for the follower of Jesus Christ is: Stay Away From The Swill, or you will get Caught In The Swirl! Consider these things with me!
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