America: Who will buy her goods?

American workers are feeling bitterly betrayed.

Due to outsourcing, buyouts, wage cuts and massive layoffs, the left out workers of today have no money to buy the goods that America has to offer.

The past few times I have walked in my nearest grocery store I noticed barely any customers there. I thought it strange the first time it happened but my last visit was much the same. This started me thinking. Rising gas prices along with those who have recently joined the growing ranks of the unemployed, have joined together to create a murkiness of the financial waters that will prove to be fatal for those who sell their goods in the U.S.A.

Those who sell in America will come to see that the average consumer will be too broke for them to sell their wares to.

Here is a scenario for you to contemplate:

A man has worked at the same company for 20 years or more.

He is laid-off or is forced to take a buy-out deal or a significant wage cut.

This man has a mortgage, utility bills, grocery bills, ever increasing abuse at the gas pumps, a wife, 2 children and upkeep for the kids alone breaks the bank.

How is a man put in this no win situation supposed to keep up with these financial demands?
This scenario has been played out in truth throughout America in recent years. Many are not getting extensions on their unemployment benefits and are ultimately losing their shirts in this sorry excuse for a robust economy.

In an online news item, "Buyout Feels to Them Like Being Sold Out" a man shares his predicament:
"We were promised a future with these companies. We've spent our lives at these factories. So have our parents, and so are our children," said Shotwell, 55, a machine operator at Delphi's fuel-injector plant in Coopersville, Mich. "We have to fight, any way we can."

Multiply this scenario by thousands and you will understand where our economy is headed. I believe that many are soon to feel the full effects of this.

Gas gouge

What are we supposed to do to battle this gas gouge that seems to be worsening? The answer seems to be for some to buy motorcycles and sell off their cars. Sounds like pretty drastic measures for an American citizen to take but you never know what we may have to resort to.

I don't believe we've seen the worst yet. Read my article "The Titanic Has Nothing On America".

Might as well face it we're Addicted to Oil?

Our President tells us we are "Addicted to Oil".

Yes, we are addicted/dependent upon oil, but those who are hooked the worst on it is those who have ties to it in our administration, Cheney, Bush Sr. and Bush Jr, Rice, etc.

They are addicted to the profits the oil industry generates.

Doing more for less in the declining American Economy

A changing of the lifestyles is in order for one and all, here and now.

Americans will have to learn the hard way that they are going to have to live on less of everything.. Less money, less groceries, less entertainment, and less gasoline.

The days of living beyond our means are finally drawing to a close. Who cares about keeping up with the Jones's when one cannot even keep gas in the tank or food in the fridge? Always before it was important for many to drive the newest S.U.V or the raciest sports car.

Now many are trying to sell off those luxury items that at one time were so dear to them in order to make their next mortgage payment so they can keep foreclosure at bay.

For those "high maintenance types" that have had their desires met in years past by charging their credit cards to the max,they are going to be in for the reality check of a lifetime. These people's lives will be dismal for a very long time to come. People feel they need things they don't. Their "needs" are only their "desires" and are NOT the necessities of life.

Rising unemployment + rising prices = empty aisles

Any way you look at it, the increasing numbers of the unemployed, combined with rising prices in all areas will equal empty aisles. But hey, those stock futures look a lot better ever since thousands of faithful workers got the axe. These companies are laying off workers and never does it cross their minds that the very ones they are getting rid of are the ones who will not be able to buy their products! Who is that company going to find to buy their products since the average American consumer cannot afford them due to job loss?

I have said repeatedly that our currency is going to lose out in the end. It is the stumbling block that will prove to be our downfall.

The Seared Conscience of the Sociopath - Part 2: His way of life

It is my personal belief that a sociopath starts out pretty early in life. From my experience, I have noted that they start dishing out trouble and misery to others while they are relatively young and this continues throughout their lives.

Young sociopath's will often pick on and mistreat their younger siblings. This characteristic bullying only gets worse as the years fly by. Take extreme care and be sure to never leave any child or teen alone with one of these people. Many sociopath's will sexually abuse young children and teenagers. Many, but not all pedophiles are sociopath's.

Many sociopath's will harm and kill animals and insects.

The reason why they do this is because it gives them pleasure! They will derive relief from boredom as well as pleasure from tormenting and killing god's creatures. We as sane individuals WITH a conscience, have to struggle to understand how anyone could not only do these things, but gain pleasure from doing them. Here is a few scriptures that you need not neglect, they go right to the heart of the sociopath and his actions:

The Reprobate Mind:

Romans 1: 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

Titus 1: 15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

How well the above scriptures describe in very clear terms the personality and characteristics of the sociopath.

A Seared Conscience

The seared (burned) conscience means that they do not let things get to them. They do not feel shame, guilt and a myriad of other emotions as those of us who do have a healthy conscience. How could this be?
I believe through years of systematic selfishness and cold-heartedness they have been building what in the end turns out to be a frozen heart, lacking empathy and compassion for others.

They are altogether a whole other creature.
The sociopath seems to fly by the seat of his or her pants through life. They are good-time Charlie's, relying on the good will and natural kindness of others - that which they do not possess themselves, they rely on and look for in others. They have a very keen eye toward picking out people who can be used or conned by them. The gullible, and especially the elderly are quickly taken advantage of and when the sociopath's victims finally are clued in to the fact they've been taken for a ride, it is often too late to recover from agreements broken, savings lost, property taken, etc.

Hustlers, Gamblers and Risk Takers

Sociopath's are hustlers and can con you out of the shirt off your back as well as the cash in your pocket! Sociopath's love to have fun! Gambling is only one pastime they are fond of. They do well at adapting to new surroundings. To the sociopath, nobody is a stranger, but rather a potential supplier to fill their needs. They go through dry spells and suffer lack pretty well if forced into the situation. While experiencing lean times they truly believe that they will be back on top of the mountain tomorrow. They always believe that good times are waiting to be had by them and are right around the corner calling their name! In all their pursuits and schemes, if one falls through, the sociopath seldom if ever sulks or worries about it. In my experience they NEVER worry. They are much too busy in planning their next conquest, whether it be sexual, financial or otherwise. The sociopath's motto is "survival at all cost" and "I'm looking out for #1" and "what have you done for me lately". These people are easy to spot because when they recognize you looking at them, they will put on the smile, charm and more charisma than 30 Hollywood actors possess!

Spending Time with a Sociopath

The sociopath's I have known were very bright and somehow could recognize what you wanted to hear. They will spend time with you at first, getting to know your likes and dislikes. Keep in mind this is IF you have something they need. Getting to know you by spending time with you helps them know how to work and maneuver you in the future. Over time they become aware of what your sensitive issues are and will not press these issues or push your buttons unless you have nothing to offer them or you become their enemy. If that day ever comes, they seem to take an evil pleasure in creating pain in your life by saying hurtful things to you and cutting you down to the quick.

Crazy Making in Washington: Ports, Borders and Fighting Terrorism

The policies our Government is trying to implement are beyond belief to the average American. The recent decision to give control over to Dubai Ports World of our six major American ports is only the most recent example. Our President along with Michael Chertoff have both given their seal of approval on this ridiculous move. There is no way for the American citizen, regardless of their political affiliation to look the other way and to conclude all is well after finding out about this. We as Americans have to conclude that there is without a doubt something rotten afoot within Washington.

Have we allowed the Fox to guard the hen house?

What is the Administration's view on this? Read on.
White House defends ports takeover stance :"The White House is embarking on a vigorous defense of its decision to approve Dubai Ports World's £3.9bn (€5.7bn) takeover of P&O, the UK ports operator, in the face of mounting congressional opposition to the deal".

and here's another bit from the same article :

" The Bush administration will also call on State and Defence department officials to persuade legislators that the US has a "long-standing" and "good" relationship with the United Arab Emirates".

We will see where this goes. I believe this proposal will be approved because the Powers that be desire it. They care nothing about the average American citizens opinion on this most serious matter of national security. Just as they've cared nothing on numerous other security decisions that will effect our way of life and safety. Homeland Security is a joke at this point.

Our Government is very serious about tapping our phones without our knowledge and would go to great lengths to see that legislation is approved for measures such as this. Funny how these legislative measures seem to benefit anyone BUT the American people.

Borders Wide Open, Eyes Wide Shut

Our border policy is another joke. While thousands illegally cross our borders every day, this administration's stance is certainly not busying itself with passing legislation in favor of stronger border policy. Why isn't American taxpayer money being thrown at this serious problem? There is plenty of money for the unjust war in Iraq, yet our own nation is desperately under funded when it comes to securing our borders.

February 15, 2006

Rising tide of border crime and violence Brazen drug criminals now smuggle people.

HOUSTON – "First came an armed standoff between Texas lawmen and drug smugglers disguised as Mexican soldiers. Next, federal officials seized a stockpile of heavy-duty weaponry - assault rifles, hand grenades, and improvised explosive devices - along the Rio Grande. Then a Mexican police reporter was critically wounded after intruders fired more than 60 rounds into the newspaper's offices. These three incidents in as many weeks dramatize the rising violence along the US-Mexico border. Drug traffickers are becoming more brazen and expanding their operations to include smuggling people. Even as President Bush proposes to beef up border security, these attacks are renewing the debate over how best to keep criminals - perhaps even terrorists - from crossing into the United States".

We have serious border problems. That problem is not only shrugged off as nothing, but now our Government proposes that we turn over the controls of our ports to Dubai? Something certainly does not add up here folks. While our Government is pressing more in favor of stifling the average American citizen's rights, they show no interest at all in doing the essential things necessary to protect our borders and now what do we find out is next?

Our ports!

What will we be left with?

This administration will be leaving our nation in a horrible mess upon their departure. We now have the mile-high deficits and the sky rocketing job losses to contend with. Am I the only one who feels that we are experiencing what in the end will amount to a raping and pillaging of our nation?This nation will be left with a mess I do not believe we can recover from after they're gone. Big money for defense has been given top priority, as has been tax cuts for the most wealthy of Americans. Friends, I adjure you to pray like you have never prayed before for our nation. Those in power who have taken these actions are the ones to be held accountable. We may never know why they have done what they have done. In years past I have written about an economic downfall with decline of our currency and other matters that I have felt we cannot escape from. I do believe as I have said in related articles, that we are in for dark days ahead. But just remember that if you have your faith in God, the God of the Bible, you will not be abandoned nor ever suffer his wrath.

More on the insecure state of America to come!

Distress of Nations With Perplexity

The days we are living in can be best described by reading the following words spoken by Jesus:

Luke 21;25

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

The nations of the world seem to be in extreme distress. Significant climate change, devastating hurricanes and tsunamis are more recent examples. Our own nation of America is experiencing both drought in the Midwest and floods on the West Coast. We are told by God in the bible that many sorrows will await us in the last days before Christ's return. Who could deny that we are surely experiencing at the least what he tells us is the "Beginning of sorrows"?

Matthew 24: 4)Take heed that no man deceive you.

5) For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

6) And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.

7) For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.

8) All these are the beginning of sorrows

The following scripture gives us a glimpse of what the earth and it's inhabitants will experience in those days before Christ's return:

Isaiah 24: 20) The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.

4) The earth mourneth and fadeth away, the world languisheth and fadeth away, the haughty people of the earth do languish.

5) The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof; because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant.

6) Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

The earth will be moved out of it's place. The inhabitants of the earth have misused the earth by greedily using up it's vast resources.

Our technological advancements may be handy for us but they have cost us greatly, and what we are now seeing is not at all the worst we will be faced with in the years to come. It is as if the earth is demanding to be heard by it's inhabitants. Some of the recent catastrophes such as hurricane Katrina have surely gotten our attention.

I passed by a major lake near our home last week and noticed how low the water level was. The scripture came to my mind in which God withheld the rain for three years. We have done without a good soaking rain for only a few months. I cannot imagine enduring a drought another six months, let alone 3 years as expressed in the bible. This recent drought reminded me of how thankful I need to be in the future for the rain that God does give to us.

In the Midwest they are going through fire bans and strong wind warnings. In many areas a person cannot grill outdoors without being fined, and all with very good reason. The wildfires are eating up thousands of acres. On the west coast they are going through flooding so extreme that mudslides are keeping most of the workers swamped. Lives and homes have been lost in all of these calamities. Other recent newsworthy happening from around the globe: Just recently, Ariel Sharon has suffered from a brain bleed that has led the world to wonder who will carry on after he is gone.

Our president of the United States is still keeping our military in Iraq and has no problem with them staying there for years if warranted. The job situation in America is not a good one. But it's funny how those who are doing well and have jobs (at the moment) cannot place themselves in another's shoes and ponder what it would be like if they were jobless, penniless and out on the streets begging for a piece of bread. God would not have it so. God would have us envision how we would feel, if we were in another's sad position. He wants us to imagine ourselves in their shoes in order for us to have understanding of their given desperate situations. All of us are to show compassion and mercy for our fellow man. Notice I did not say fellow "American", I said fellow "Man".

Summer in Winter?

At times it seems even the seasons are bucking up against each other and turning upon one another. Our winter season now reminds some of spring or summer. We are experiencing pains of the earth in such a way that it is eerily similar to the "birth pains" as a woman in labor goes through. I believe one of the next disasters we will see on the horizon is devastating earthquakes, just as Jesus spoke of.

These earthquakes we will not be ready for, because none of us are ever prepared for such horrific disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, droughts, tornadoes and hurricanes. Building an Ark In Noah's day, God told him to build an ark for the saving of his family. God gave Noah advanced warning of the impending disaster and doom soon to strike the earth. Noah gave heed and believed God, just as Abraham believed God for a child. When the rains came, I have no doubt that those mockers thought nothing of it. To them, they had seen rains before. But in the end, the people of Noah's day did not need an umbrella, they needed an ark. But they did not get one. They chose scoffing and mocking over believing.

They chose to be a hinderer instead of a helper. How many of those people who died in the great flood believed God and Noah? None of them. The believers were safely sealed up in the ark. The fact is, people do not take heed to warnings much until the disaster is knocking at their own door. Distress upon the Nations Living Through it without our faith faltering Just as Noah believed God and used the information God had given him to get through the great flood alive, we must all believe God in these last days and use the information he gives us in the bible in order to get through these last days alive and with our faith intact. The days we live in are growing darker and the sins of many is causing them to live with permanent blinders on.

Our sins and stubborn pride blinds us from having a relationship with God. We don't believe we need a savior because we are so "able" to deal with our lives in our own way. Or so we think. But this is only a lie of Satan. We don't have it in ourselves to direct our steps. We need the one who created us to help us to live this life with victory and to come out unscathed with faith whether it be at his return or if we go from this life and enter into his presence at our deaths.

Recently, the coal miners who lost their lives in West Virginia would have never imagined their next visit to the entrance of that mine would be their last. I witnessed on CNN, a woman at the West Virginia church comment on the mistaken news that 12 coal miners were alive in this manner: "We don't know if we even have a Lord anymore". I turned around from my chair at my desk to look, she had gotten my attention with her words.

What would cause a person who is solid in their faith to say such a thing? Could a false statement cause it? Could the death of their loved one cause it? Could destruction, famine, nakedness or the most serious peril cause it?

Romans 8: 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We are told in scripture that there is indeed nothing that can separate us from the love of God. The earthly trials and struggles we put up with are only temporary. As we go about living this life we can still have peace if we lean on the love and truth that God offers us.

We will someday have eternal peace when we are in his presence and taken from this world. Until that time, know that even though the world we live in is in distress, we do not have to be.
How do we not live in distress? The secret is to know who you are in Christ and who Christ is in you.