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Keith has been frustrated with all the hype concerning weight loss. Visit www.IChooseThin.com. He has attempted to create a place where you can obtain healthy weight loss knowledge without the pressure of someone attempting to sell you a specific product or weight loss pill. The information gathered has been arranged in an easy to use format. www.IChooseThin is the result of a two year quest for information without the hype normally associated with weight loss. |
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Comments on all articles by Mr. Keith (1,975)     Mr. Keith    How Much Do I Pay To Get That For Free? Comment by Jane Bullard (1,263)  Jane Bullard (21 days 19 hours ago.) Hi, You have hit on a prevalent product marketing tool. Some things are free; others are not. Perhaps most are not. When my husband and I hear of something free, especially a product (free information seems more likely to be truly free), our first questions are similar to your reaction: what's the price? what's the catch?
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (21 days 13 hours ago.)Thank you for the kind comment to my whimsical article.
Bowel Movement 101. (Everyone Does It!) brenda from tennessee: (22 days 15 hours ago.) 
my husband has not had a bowel movement in 10 days. We have tried everything. He has taken laxitives for two days, lactolose for two days, I gave him a saline enema and a couple of days later I gave him a Mineral oil enema. I have not done all this in one day. It has been spaced out in 5 days. He is also very sleepy, starting to feel sick, and his mental state is that of a child many times. My husband is in his late 50's. He did move a little bit, but with great straining and there was some blood and it was only a few balls. Nothing relieving. What would you recommend? Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (22 days 10 hours ago.)I would recommend that you take your husband to the emergency room right now. If you do not do that go to the doctor first thing tomorrow. This is not something you want to mess around with.
Do not be embarrasessed just get it done. Every person in the world has bowel movements. Everyone poops and has those bouts of diahrea and constipation.
Do not pass go, do not collect $200.00, go straight to the doctor!!!
The Holy Grail of Weight Loss Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,457)   Robert Melaccio, Sr. (25 days ago.) Excellent article Mr. Keith. You hit the nail ont he head, bang zoom, only and I mean this is a friendly way, the majority of society doesn't want to put an "EFFORT" into anything or I should say "Committment". The quick fix is what they want when they took years to develop what the problem is. There are millions being made and in my opinion it will remain that way. I always wonder why peole need someone to tell them what is obvious? Oh well I guess that is why we are the Bovine? A really good job as usual.
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (24 days 7 hours ago.)Thank you for the kind words.
Does Anyone Know How To Find God? Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,457) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (30 days 16 hours ago.)Yes, I have found God. Now if you read my work you know where he is or at least should be in a true believer. Actually it shows up in all you do or don't do. Your very interesting dialog with really good people illustrates the division of men concerning a God that Loves. Who says, regardless of religion denomination who profess a belief in Him that LOVE is the most important thing we can do. That is to love him, and then our neighbor as ourself. Everything else is covered in that. As for Catholics they no longer say if you are of another Christian faith you go to hell. They even accept baptism in a trinity believing church and they accept marriages as well. What is now preached is they are a "full menu" church which was handed down from the Apostles. Now I must agree some preach that there is no salvation outside the church. So here is my opinion based on faith. Example- We are in a boat in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico and it is sinking. We both are sinners. I'm a catholic, your of anotehr denomination. I call my priest for confession, sorry, you have to come in, I don't do any over the phone. But I have a mortal sin. Well its between you and God. He'll judge you as he will me. The other is in the same state of affairs. We both die and get up to stand before God. The rest is up to him. Now we both know the reason we feel we will be saved. That is faith. I will add however, faith without works is dead regardless if you say your born again or not. Yes what you have done for the least, etc. The rest, didn't we Lord, depart. There is the answer. Best wishes my friend and regards. Robert.
Teresa Ortiz: (33 days 12 hours ago.) Well, thank you Mr. Keith. I always pray that I will give simple, understandable, yet biblical answers :-)
All those Muslims will have their opportunity.....
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (33 days 13 hours ago.)Oh I will not judge anything but you.....
You get an A+++ for your answer.
I love to play the devil's advocate all too often and your answer is good enough to be in a text book.
I still wonder about all those Muslims though.......
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,015)   Teresa Ortiz (33 days 14 hours ago.)Yes, you heard me correctly. that is true. And the Bible tells us that every person who have ever lived and will live no matter what country will have the opportunity to received Jesus as Savior. Because God created everyone, he created hell for the demons and his angels, not people. But people will go there of their own chosing, not because they didn't have any choice. This is very well laid out in the bible. My pastor will say that anyone, be it mormon, JW, Whatever will go to heaven if their faith and trust in in Jesus, not in their works or the church they claim to belong to.
Like I said, Not all people who go to a church building will go to heaven. Only those who have received Jesus. I wll not say that all mormons, or all Catholics or all of any particular group are going to heaven, because I cannot see their heart, only God can. And that is what you will hear from me, my pastor or any true Christian who follows the Bible and not the man-made guidelines set by their denomination.
As far as the teaching of each individual church outside of the Bible, that needs to be checked against the bible before it is received, because the Bible is the final authority for truth as it relates to following Jesus.
I personally make no claim to be anything other than a Christian. I am not baptist or methodist or whatever, my alligence is to God and God alone. I will say that the reason I stay away from a mormon church or JW is because they put more emphasis on their doctrine and not the Bible and for me, that bothers me, but I don't judge individual mormons because of what their church doctrine teaches. I only judge the doctrine if it doesn't align with the Bible. For me, it is less confusing, and I only have to worry about one truth and that is what is taught in the Bible. It makes my relationship with God simple. Besides living a humble and self-less life is hard enough without adding a bunch of rules that are not even in the Bible.
God makes a promise in the book of Jeremiah that anyone who seeks God with their whole heart will find Him. Many other places as well, but that one lays it out beautifully.
Please don't judge God by the imperfections of man. We are a fallen race. The book of Colossians tells us the bottom line and the substance is Christ. Period.
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (33 days 17 hours ago.)So, If I read what you write that if I accept Jesus as my Saviour I will go to Heaven? If that is the case then ALL Mormons will go to heaven? All of them have been baptised and accept Jesus as their Saviour. That is a fact! So do the J.W bunch.
If I am to understand what you write then all of the world will go to heaven as long as they accept Jesus in their heart? Is that true?
If I am a Mormon and do all that I am asked I WILL belive that Jesus is my personal saviour. I will believe he is the Son of God and was sent here to save me from my sins. If I were to ask your pastor he would also spend time teaching from the pulpit that Mormons too will go to heaven?
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (33 days 17 hours ago.)You are suggesting to use the KJV? I question even that. I learned about the history of the creation KJV and it is much LESS than a spiritual event.
I will guess that you dismiss other Bibles because it has not sold more copies? That would make Quoations from Chairman Mao the next best source of theology?
All the resposnes I have received say "no" you do not have to be a member of my church you just have to accept Jesus. So does that mean ALL of the Muslims go to hell?
If the KJV is right? Who decided that? Maybe the Koran is right and all the Christians are doomed? Either way, if this is the system that God set up......it stinks. If this is the system God put in place because he loves us and then damns half of the world to hell is what he decided would be a great plan , then I think his plan is flawed. Yes, I think that if this is the plan that God created, it is flawed and that is why I have such a hard time accepting that this plan is actaully the creation of a God.
There is nothing I could think of that my children could do that I would want to see them suffer forever. Why would a god want to see half of the world suffer in hell?
So, according to your Churches belief's, are the Muslims going to hell? They too are god's kids and they will never be baptized because of their birth being in the Middle East, which also was decided by God.
Can anyone tell me what church they belong to and then just say "yes" so I can explore the doctrine of that church? I am not trying to be rude, I just want a simple answer to the question without all the fluff of interpretation of scripture from a certain publication of a certain Bible that is presummed to be the correct Bible.
Anonymous: (33 days 21 hours ago.) Mr. Keith,
I was searching for another topic when I came across this blog.
You keep pointing toward a particular church or denomination. As the previous poster said it is about having a personal relationship in Jesus Christ. If I share the saving grace of Jesus with you in Spanish or French or some other language has nothing to do with what bible I read. It's forgiveness of sin plus nothing. However, when man starts to interprt what a perfect God has created he can put twist on a verse that God didn't intend.
I don't agree with everything my pastor preach's but I ask God to open my eyes to scritpure so that I might understand.
Obviously, by you asking these questions you have been touched by the Holy Spirit. There is somthing that God puts in all of us that makes us want to find the truth. I have had this very discuss with many people.
What about this religion or that religion?
I always ask them to show me where they are referring to in the bible. By the way I use a King James Version as my primary source. It has sold more copies than any other "book" in history. I also use the New American Standard. I want them to show me what there talking about. Most of time what i find out is that "someone" told them that the way it is.
Quit talking to man and search the scripture. Ask God to show you what's right and what's wrong.
Turn to the book of Romans.......and read these scriptures:
Chapter 3 verse 23
3:10-18
6:23
5:8
10:9
10:13
5:1
8:1
8:38-39
This explains man's condition from God's perspective not another man's perspective.
Post your repsonse. I'll check back this afternoon.
Teresa Ortiz: (33 days 20 hours ago.) Hi Mr Kieth,
I thought I answered that. Yes, the answer is yes, if you have surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, if you have acknowledged your sin, and asked Jesus into your heart to save you, then you are saved. You will go to heaven and have a personal relationship with God no matter what church you go to. Period. Like I tried to say, the Bible doesn't tell you you have to go to a certain church, because the church is the people, not if your are Mormon, not if you ar JW or not even if you go to a "Christian church. Because the point is, it's not about being religious. It is about knowing Jesus Christ and about having the Holy SPirit dwelling in your heart.
I suppose what I was trying to say by the people who come to my door getting mad at me is that I was pointing out to them that according to the bible I did not have to attend their church or be baptized into their religion. I told them I was already saved because I had Jesus in my heart and I just prefer to attend services at a church that just teaches the Bible and doesn't add things that contradict.
As far as the book of Mormon not contradicting Jesus, you are right. But it is the Doctrines and Covenants that do. But I won't go into that here.
You say that their are many translations of the Bible, this is true and quite obvious, but have you read them all? They all teach the same thing. They do not contradict teaching. They merely use easier language.
Here is an example of Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8-10
The New King James Version: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works, whick God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
The Message: Saving us was all His idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enought to let him do its. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play a major role. If we did, we'd propbably go around bragging that we'd done the whole thing! No! We cannot save ourselves. God does botht the makeing and the saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to hoin him in the word he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.
The New Living Translations: God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so non of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
See how each of these translations worded it differently, but the truth of the message is the same.
God does the saving, we have the faith and the evidence of our faith is that we begin to do good works that God wants us to do. Meaning, we follow his commands and love people.
But you have to remember, we are not perfect and people grow in their relationship with God at a different pace. So at different times we may stand for something we don't quite understand, but it doesn't mean we are not saved. Because it's the faith in Jesus that saves us.
This is the Bible's message. But again, different religions will say that you have to be baptized or you have to do this or that in order to go to heaven. But that is not what the Bible says, so that is all I am pointing out. I know Mormons who are saved, and I know some JW's who are saved. I also know some Catholics and Baptist's etc who are not saved. Again, it is a heart issue. And the simplest way to know that you have the truth, is just stick to the Bible.
These JW's and Mormons that I know are saved have admitted that their Doctrines and Covenants or Watchtower magazines contradict the Bible, so they don't follow them. Yet they feel compelled to stay in that particular group.
I know you wanted a simple yes or no, but I felt the need to add this based on your other comments back to me.
Here is simplicity:
Trust Jesus to save you= saved
Do not trust Jesus to save you= no.
The choice is ours. As the commentator says, obviously the Holy Spirit is working in your heart. Do not resist him because of past religious experience. Invite him into your life and He will come in. Begin a relationship. Forget about religion. The Holy Spirit will open your understanding to God's truth if you let Him. But it starts with your surrender.
A simple heart-felt and meaningful invitation from you to Jesus:
"Lord Jesus, I am confused by a lot of things and angry by religious hyprocrisy, but I do know that I am not perfect and I am ready for some sense of peace in my soul. Come into my life, make things clear to me and teach me. Forgive me of my sin and help me to live the life that you have planned for me. I need you and I am willing, but help my unbelief and my unwillingness. Thank you for accepting me just as I am, In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
If you do this, or something similar, you will be saved. Their is no magical ritual you have to do. Romans 8:8-10 also talks about salvation being by profession of faith. And if your profession of faith is real, pretty soon it will be evident by a changed lifestyle and the peace that will flood your life. For some people the peace is instant, for others,, they feel nothing after praying, but then gradually they notice the change, more importantly, the people around them do.
I didn't even go to church when I first got saved, I read my bible and prayed. I got strong in my faith as Jesus revealed His word to me. It might be good for you to do the same since you have been wounded by "church"
Sorry this was so long. I do mean it when I say I understand where you are coming from and may God continue to woo you with His love. Your friend, Teresa
Comment by Terry Mitchell (1,231)  Terry Mitchell (33 days 10 hours ago.)Yes. Trusting Jesus as your savior is the only thing that matters. Once again, your religion or denomination is irrelevant.
Comment by Teresa Ortiz (5,015) Teresa Ortiz (34 days 7 hours ago.)Hi Mr. Keith, I agree with Terry and would like to add that I am truly sorry that you have had more experience with Religion than you have with people who have a relationship with God.
The Bible is not the problem. The Bible gives the answers, it is people who have the problem. The Catholics and the Mormons use teachings that are not in the Bible to promote why they are the only true church and that you have to be baptized in their denomination. That is not in the Bible. The Jehovah's Witnesses use a Bible that is a translation of a translation and they also put their watchtower magazine above the Bible as their principle source of belief. I am sure you know this since you have studied with them. So again, it is not the bible, it is the extra biblical writings that bring in the problems and divisions and when they go against the Bible, it is rejected by Biblical believers.
Jesus told us how to find God and it is by receiving him, by admiting that we are not perfect and that we have sinned. It's by grace we are saved in total and complete trust in Jesus. This is what the Bible says and the true church is as the Bible says, invisable and has no walls. The "church" is made up of those who follow Jesus period. It is non-denominational in the Biblical sense.
Jesus even rebuked those who made a name for themselves. So anyone who tells you that you are not saved because you do not go to their "building" is wrong.
And my encouragement to you would be to look to Jesus and forget about religion. It's about a relationship with God through Jesus, not about the name on a building made with hands. As Jesus said, "church" is anywhere God's children meet. Whether in a park, in someones living room, or in front of the grocery store. It's not the building that is sacred and blessed it is the people.
I hope this helps, and again I am sorry for the apparent frustration religion has caused you and I do pray that you would not let that keep you from God. Alot of times these people that come to our doors do not even realize they are going against the Bible. I have had many conversations with them and they have left angry with me. I like you am not rude, but I ask them questions and pull out my Bible and they don't have answers. So in some respects you are the one being true because you are not preaching something you really know nothing about. And that is not to say that all of them are not aware of what they are talking about.
God bless you and hey, if you ever want to talk more about this or have questions, I would love to chat with you. I promise I won't try to convert you, but I will do my best to answer according to what the Bible says and not merely what I believe. Take care Mr. Keith.
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (33 days 23 hours ago.)Hi!
You say "the Bible", that is my point!
There are so many translations and beliefs and you yourself say the others are wrong. That is the entire point!
Here is my question, If I were a true believer of the Catholic church, I mean a avid believer. Would I go to heaven by the doctrine of whatever church you belong to? What if I was a Jehovah's Witnesses? Would that matter? They all have different theories but still accept Jesus as the savior. Therefore if they are believers in Jesus they are saved and that is that?
I feel as if all churchs have their own reasons why the other church is wrong. Despite what you write I hear it in your response also. I have read the Book of Mormon and in THAT book there is nothing that goes against the teaching of Jesus. Yet other churchs that never read it say it is wrong.
Simple question....If I were a J.W. or a Morman. I mean a loyal, Jesus believing member of that church, would I go to heaven based on the doctrine of your church?
A simple Yes or No response?
Comment by Terry Mitchell (1,231) Terry Mitchell (34 days 9 hours ago.)I'm sorry you included Baptists in your list. Apparently you know more about Baptists than I, even thought I've been one for more than 36 years. My church does not believe you have to be a Baptist to be saved. In fact, you do not have to be a member of any church, for that matter. A denomination does not save anyone -- faith in Jesus Christ does. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is the only path to salvation. Jesus did not start a religion or a denomination. He came to save the world from sin. What denomination a person belongs to is irrelevant. I regret that some Christians have given you the impression their church is the only one. There is really only one church anyway. That church is the body of believers that Christ will one day return for.
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (33 days 23 hours ago.)I have a question?
If I was a firm believer in the LDS church....a true believer in the Mormon church, which believes in Jesus Christ as the saviour, Would I go to heaven?
Simple Yes or no answer.
Who Would Decide What To Separate? robert melaccio sr: (45 days 11 hours ago.) Mr. Keith another interesting article that stirs the thought process. I noticed many are writing to the same topic. Yes who is going to heaven and who isn't? That will be all cleared up at the end one way or the other, if there is an end? Well who is right or who is wrong? Also satisfied at the end, if there is one? Is black, really black or is it white? What is good or not? For now we must deal with man, their views, beliefs, interpretations. Yes, I'm right your wrong [of course] The separation of man is endless. In fact Jesus Himself said, for believers, is that he came to separate so why would at least Christians be confused over this? That is why "religion" has no place in politics when it is used to Evangelize or imposes religious belief onto others. Moral, ethical, who says so? It must be society of we get anarchy. However, we cannot escape that what you believe is for the most part in my opinion the root that shapes decisions. Indoctrination, influence, surroundings, culture, education, church, traditions, family, friends, people, etc all shapers. What you wind up with is your beliefs at the time a decision or choice must be made. However the one constant in my opinion that we never seem to learn, the one universal fact that never seems to be understood is that without love you have nothing. If you experienced love that day in the restaurant the situation never happens. If you have love you never argue about right or wrong, you never hurt, abuse, take or exploit, you respect. That is in my opinion what gets one through those pearly gates, if they are there and are they really pearls? That is in my opinion what most of us can accept as good decisions or bad. It is all about what you do and fail to do. Hey but who am I and here we go again. Best wishes. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (45 days 10 hours ago.)Thank you for a well thought out and intelligent comment. It was a pure pleasure for me read your words. Dane Tyner from Tulsa, OK: (45 days 15 hours ago.) Mr. Keith, This was an interesting piece. I’m sure you are aware that our Founding Fathers shared your distrust of people. This is fundamental to the government system they devised. They believed no one man could be trusted with absolute power. They even believed that a majority of the population could not be trusted to make right decisions. Thus, we have a system of checks and balances. Our nation’s founders held a biblical worldview, evidenced in their many documents. The Declaration of Independence refers to their common belief that the ultimate Authority in the world is not any man or men but God, the Creator. His laws trump all human laws – whether of church or state. Sometimes human laws allow things God forbids and sometimes forbid things God allows or even advocates. We are ONLY bound to obey God’s laws. Christ’s Apostles expressed this view when ordered by the religious authorities not to teach about Jesus anymore. They said, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right for us to obey you or God” (Acts 4:19). Like many people in our land, legitimately confused by the different denominations, you seem to have decided that the government needs to be protected from our confusion. I know that the Popes will be surprised to see me in heaven. There was a time when I would have been surprise to see any of them there, too. But Scripture says, “the Lord knows those who are His” (2 Tim 2:19). Furthermore, it tells us that, in the end, He is the One to whom “we must all give account” (Heb 4:13). The differences between the denominations are not nearly as great as you suggest. Very few of us believe that OUR group is the only group, and you are “going to hell” if you aren’t part of our group. The moral views of the denominations are probably 90% in agreement. That we interpret the Bible differently should surprise no one. We have nine Supreme Court Justices that are routinely split 5-4 on what the authors of our Constitution meant by what they wrote. And every time a new Justice is to be appointed, all hell breaks loose. Why? Because we want Justices who will interpret it the way we want it interpreted. I admit you can find that same mindset in many churches regarding the Bible. All of that said, the common interpretation that the “separation of church and state” was ever meant to bind religious people from having a voice in the laws of the land is wrong. I suppose every government prefers some religion, even if it be NO religion. I believe our nation suffers because the preferred religion of the land has shifted from Christianity to that of secular humanism. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (45 days 12 hours ago.)Thank you for the comment as I am glad peopel such as yourself find what I write.
You actually supported what I said in what you wrote. In your own writting you made my point and did not even realize you had done it. That is because most people who are deep into their religion really do not listen to what they are being told.
You wrote, and I quote " I know that the Popes will be surprised to see me in heaven" . My question is why do you KNOW you are going to heaven? If I were a Muslim and you were a Mormon you would not make it. If you are a Baptist and I was Jewish, I would not be going to your heaven.
I will bet you a dougnut that if you went to the CORE of your church's doctrine you will see I am right. I am not speaking of what makes you "warm and fuzzy" I am speaking of "doctrine". Because of your doctrine you KNOW you will be in heaven and the Pope will be surprised to see you.
I make no apoligizes but I want no part of a government that includes doctrine in its policy. MOrals are one thing, doctrine is another.
Thank you for making my point.
Comment by Susan Thom (8,330)  Susan Thom (45 days 18 hours ago.)hi mr. keith, feeling a little fiesty these days, huh? this was a well written, well thought out, interesting article. i'm so enthralled in my daily life, i don't tend to think about what i just read. thanks for sharing it, best regards, sue Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (45 days 12 hours ago.)I vent through the articles I write but in my daily life I do not worry much about what I write. My life is so full of woek, family and my websites that I have little time for else. I really do enjoy writting though.
Thanks again!!!!
Keith
My Dog and My Weight Loss Comment by Dianne Lehmann (2,587)  Dianne Lehmann (46 days 14 hours ago.)Keith, aside from all that you said, how wonderful it is for Jackie to have found you. I'm sure she benefits as much from the relationship. Dianne Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (46 days 12 hours ago.)I thank you for taking the time to read my story. Jackie is a wonderful friend. Actually better than alot of people I have met over the years. Watch Out For Obama Anonymous: (46 days 22 hours ago.)  You say: "I for one am sick of seeing the Spanish translation under every sign in the stores today. I for one am tired of having to listen to English/Spanish recordings whenever I make a telephone call. " etc. etc.
Wow, you really have a hard life. I feel sorry for you. I don't really see anyone on your side of the arguement keeping quiet for fear of upsetting others. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (46 days 12 hours ago.)I really.....do not care if what I say is upsetting because it needs to be said. Americans have been conditioned to be so sensitive to others that we are afraid to stand up for what is right.
You are in America, learn English.
Comment by Roschelle Nelson (803)   Roschelle Nelson (47 days ago.)I can agree with you on this issue, Mr. Keith. It's so frustrating trying to care for a patient who doesn't understand you and you don't understand them. My Dog and My Weight Loss Comment by Roschelle Nelson (803) Roschelle Nelson (47 days 4 hours ago.)Keith, I know just what you mean. They are awesome family members and great "personal trainers"! Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (47 days 1 hour ago.)Thank you for the kind comment. Show Support For Obama John Short from Huntsville: (47 days 18 hours ago.)  Obama doesn't have a very long history of holding office on a national level (this is common for U.S. presidents) so it's not going to be easy looking at Obama's record as compared to McCain's. I do recall a Republican Illinois State Senator who endorsed Obama in 2007, saying that Obama was instrumental in passing ethics reform in Illinois. I believe we need reform on a national level, too. A pivotal moment for me occurred a few months ago when Obama took the position against the national gas tax holiday. If you recall, both Hillary and McCain supported the gas tax holiday. Every major economist said the gas tax would do little more than just put more money in the pockets of the oil companies, but the issue sounded good in sound bites so Hillary and McCain took the otherwise indefensible position and chose to pander for votes. There was no good political reason for Obama to take his stand against this idea except it was the right thing to do, and this helped Obama earn my respect and to me was a pretty good indicator he actually meant his campaign slogan of "change we believe in." I don't think it's fair to ask why anyone would support Obama and not allow refection on his philosophy. To me this would be like asking for an opinion on the Ford Motor Company but saying the we can not mention anything that has anything to do with the automotive industry. A lot of people support Obama because we support his philosophy. Indeed being so young there isn't as much of a track record to judge, but does this preclude him from leading our nation? I think that many people believe there are more ways to fight terrorism than only with our military. The military is an important part, for sure, but what about diplomacy? What about economic pressure? Seems to me the terrorist nations will just keep getting richer under McCain's plan. Surely there are more options. I think Obama understands this. I think that many people believe there are more ways to solve the energy crisis than just drilling more oil wells. McCain's track record would indicate he doesn't have any other solutions. Obama's philosophy would indicate he has a broader vision for solutions. I think that many people believe that there are better ways to solve the mortgage crisis than just bailing out the lenders and making it harder for consumers to file bankruptcy. McCain's track record would indicate he doesn't have any other solutions. Obama's philosophy would indicate he has a broader vision for solutions. I think that many people believe there are more ways to help the economy then sending an occasional tax rebate check to all Americans, or extending tax breaks to the richest of Americans. McCain's track record would indicate he doesn't have any other solutions. Obama's philosophy would indicate he has a broader vision for solutions. So you see, philosophy does count for something. America is looking for hope in something other than the disasters we've experienced in the past few years. I will vote for Obama because at least he offers hope. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (47 days 17 hours ago.)If I am to understand the rational for why I should vote for Obama you say, and I quote "A lot of people support Obama because we support his philosophy. Indeed being so young there isn't as much of a track record to judge, but does this preclude him from leading our nation?"
My response to that is "yes!" This does preclude him from leading our nation. I really do not even know what his philosophy is, but let us analyze some of the reasons you have listed.
GAS TAX You said that Obama was against slashing the tax on gas because it "would do little more than just put more money in the pockets of the oil companies". If I am having to spend LESS money at the pump how is that a bad thing? I for one like when I have to pay less taxes because I am so tired of working ONE HALF of my year so the Government can redistribute the money I earn to people that have a greater need for THE MONEY I EARNED! So, because Obama wanted to keep MY money, I should vote for him? I do not think so! As far as fighting terrorism goes Bush and his cronies have allowed millions of people in this country to live normal and free lives. There has not been any more terrorist attacks in America. Are you saying the only reason for this is because of our military? Again, I do not think so. The military has kicked ass and when they were giving their all, Obama wanted to give up and call them home. Now that was a great signal to send. Do you really think that the military did it all? Maybe it had to do with some of the legislation that was passed against the will of Obama himself? As far as "drilling more wells"... Why do we think that exploring more wells is not going to work? Why can the Saudia's pump more oil and the price of oil goes down, but if America were to pump more oil you say it will have no effect on the price of fuel? If America were to drill for more oil we would be better off and that is one fact that is indisputable by logic. Obama's "broader vision" is that he wants to place a windfall tax on the oil companies. Who do you think pays those taxes? Corporations ALWAYS just pass the taxes on to the consumer. But I guess there is that answer again....Take more of my money to solve the problem and then give it to someone that the Government thinks needs it more than the me. Heck, I only worked for it and traded 40 hours of my limited hours on Earth to earn it. I guess Obama knows that I really do not need the money that much anyhow.
In closing I now understand that you think Obama should get my vote because
1) "we support his philosophy". You go on to state that he has a broad vision to tax MY money even more. Punish ME because the GOVERNMENT will not allow AMERICAN oil companies to drill for more oil. ( oil windfall tax) 2) He "endorsed" an ethics reform bill. ( That alone should place his mark in history.) 3) The war on terror has been going so well that I have been able to attend the Super Bowl and not get blown up. Our military has done ALL we asked them to do and did it well. I guess that U.N. sanctions would have worked better? Is your last name Chamberlain?
Higher taxes, broad vision, a neato philosophy of "change" and he signed an ethics reform bill. All else was what you think and not what Obama has done.
I am glad you started off by stating "so it's not going to be easy looking at Obama's record as compared to McCain's". You should have stopped right ther because that was all you needed to say. Everything else was a waste of cyber space and actually proves even more there is no solid reason to vote for the man. Watch Out For Obama Comment by Susan Thom (8,330) Susan Thom (48 days 8 hours ago.)hi mr. keith. i agree with a lot of what you said, and i also think that we and our children would be greatly enriched by being able to speak another language, but then, it wouldn't be forced, it would be our choice. personally, my son has been suffering in spanish class for a few years. mandatory? yes. i can see the point of trying to accomodate our spanish immigrants, or any immigrants, that's what we stand for, and with so many spanish people living in the United States, it souns good in theory, buti can also see the American language to be the one and only. and the biggest pet peeve is the phone prompts. i say this with no disrespect to spanish, german, italian, long island!, i believe anyone who wants to be here legally, is welcome. my grandparents came her from Italy, but they learned to talk english, and i'm not hearing about italian classes being mandatory. come and enjoy the fruits, butlearn to speak English quickly. best regards, sue Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (47 days 19 hours ago.)I see you clearly understood the intention of my article!
Thanks again.
Comment by Jay Hopson (1,509)  Jay Hopson (48 days 15 hours ago.)Mr. Keith, I wish you would stand up and tell us how you feel! lol.. that was great.. glad to hear someone telling it like it is. We are in danger from liberals who are so bloated on their own success they think we as a nation are always in the wrong. Keep up the good fight. Though it may be out of fashion... standing up for what one feels is right is always the answer. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (48 days 14 hours ago.)Thank you for your comments, I love to know that people read what I write. Whether or not the comment is favorable I still enjoy others reading what I write. Thanks again for a gracious comment. Show Support For Obama Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (48 days 19 hours ago.)Actually I try not to let talk shows or news organizations shape my opinion on pretty much anything. The time I spent as A Marine officer serving in the Middle East has caused me to always doubt what I read. I always have the major doubt in my mind that makes me question what we are spoon fed. I could give specific examples of information deception but what would be the point? This doubt is only in my reality therefore it is something I must be able to sift through on a daily basis.
As I st and watch the stories I always question what I see. As a result I even question McCain. What disturbs me about this election is that neither candidate is stellar. I cast major doubt in the leadership qualities in either choice.
As of now, the only thing McCain has going for him (my opinion) is the fact that when he was a P.O.W. he refused release unless his men were released. That alone shows character and compassion.
A major indicator of his Presidential run is who his VP will be. Because of McCain's age this is very important because if the VP is a leader he/she will be the leader and be able to LEAD us for 10 years if McCain were to not complete his term. I wish no ill towards McCain at all but statistically speaking there is a good chance that whoever is the VP choice for McCain will be the next President before the term of McCain is completed.
So no, I do not have all the facts yet to make my choice so the question still stands.
What has Obama done in his life to deserve being given the burden of leading our great nation for the next few years? It is a simple question that I find amazing that after being posted for days on the Internet has not received one valid response.
Maybe that alone is the answer!
The question still stands........What has he done?
Comment by David Tanguay (5,817)  David Tanguay (49 days 12 hours ago.)I'm not concerned with what the man has done. I'm concerned with what he is going to do. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (49 days 11 hours ago.)Then elect me President. I will promise anything you want.
Oh! Wait a moment, All politicians do that anyway.
THE QUESTION STILL STANDS.........
WHAT HAS OBAMA DONE THAT MAKES HIM WORTHY OF MY VOTE? WHAT HAS HE ACCOMPLISHED THAT SHOULD ALLOW HIM TO BECOME PRESIDENT OF THE GOOD OLE' USA?
Comment by Roschelle Nelson (803) Roschelle Nelson (49 days 7 hours ago.)Mr. Keith, It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that you are a very intelligent man. You do your homework and have facts to base most of your views on. Therefore, I'm almost 100% sure that you've already researched this candidate. Whether he' s "worthy" of your vote or not has already been decided....by you.
I don't think "any" answers you receive will change your mind or opinion of this candidate. If so, it would have already happened.
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (49 days 13 hours ago.)The question still stands.
What has the man done to deserve my vote?
Roschelle Nelson from MS: (49 days 23 hours ago.)  Ok let's see. He's had two negligent collision charges. Arrested for disorderly conduct twice. He also has one(that we know of) DUI. As Governor, he slashed taxes, reduced state revenue to point of bankruptcy and put the state government in debt for billions in borrowed money, the interest for which is now paid by the state's taxpayers. Set a record for most executions by any governor in history and PUBLICLY mocked Faye Tucker, a Christian female death row inmate, for her passionate clemency plea before executing her. 1st president in U.S. Histoey to enter office with a criminal record. 1st year as Commander-in-Chief broke record for most vacation days. Sat calmly for at least 7 minutes during 9/11 attack, standing sure and certain, strong as a rock while almost 3000 Americans died. 3.3 million jobs lost in his first 3 years in office. Appointed more convicted criminals to administrative positions than any other president. Cut healthcare benefits for war veterans. 1st President in U.S.history to start a war against the will of the U.N. and the world community. Entered office with the strongest economy in our nation's history and in less than 2 years turned every single economic category into a sharp downward trend. Passed a medicare bill that will gut medicare. Oh my. I was so appalled by the legacy of George W. I just couldn't imagine anyone being any worse. So, I stopped looking for things or accomplishments Barack has made (I'm using FIRST names so I won't sound racist) In short....can anyone be any worse? Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (49 days 13 hours ago.)As I expected...the answer has nothing to do with the question.
NEXT PLEASE.
Comment by Avis Ward (8,717)  Avis Ward (49 days 13 hours ago.)No, I didn't count that as an answer to your question.
But what Senator Barrack Obama has done is receive the Democratic Nomination for President of these United States. (Like it or not, that's a fact, jack!) (I'm a Republican, by the way.)
Comment by Avis Ward (8,717) Avis Ward (50 days 10 hours ago.)Mr. Keith, you must have written this in a bit of a hurry. " I am not thrilled with Obama nor am I thrilled with Mcain. (I only use last names to prove I am not being racist) I have decided that I really only dislike some of McCain's ideas and I completely disdain every word that Obama utters. So, as I make the following request I want you to know I am not a Mcain lover, I am really just anti-Obama because I think his ideas are worse, a lot worse. I think his ideas can destroy the very fabric that holds this nation together." In this direct quote, there are two typos for McCain's name. I thought you would want to know. :)
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (50 days 9 hours ago.)I have corrected my spelling of the name and I thank you for the notice. I will count this as a valid answer but not one that answers the question. I look forward to the responses I receive. Watch Out For Obama Comment by Robert Melaccio, Sr. (4,457) Robert Melaccio, Sr. (50 days 10 hours ago.)I have said enough about this topic to fill novels and yet who really listens? By the numbers a few. It is Mr. Keith a sign of the times we live in. I called it "The Easter Bunny Syndrome many years ago. Truth is not anyhting to place into a equasion any longer. Good job as usual. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (50 days 9 hours ago.)I am once again grateful for your comment. Thank You! Comment by Mark Parsec (8,526)  Mark Parsec (51 days 9 hours ago.)Keith, Thank you for your comments... I used to feel the same way. However, I have to agree with Avis, that being multilingual is very important. In California Spanish Americans will comprise more than 50% of our population within the next few years. I thought that in a democracy that the majority ruled. OK... so, for now, Anglos are the majority group of America. But, in reality, we do not speak English, as much as we speak American... a dialect of English. Interesting thing about our language is that it comprises words from English, German, Greek, Roman, Spanish, French... The melting pot of America is truly seen in the language we speak. This process happens so slowly that most people don't even realize it. If we want to talk about speaking English... then should we look at the language that was spoken by our forefathers? Wherewithal shalt thou find fault therein? Yikes! The times they are a changing... clothes change, music changes, languages change. Some of us just don't like change. Comment by Danny Davids (13,481)   Danny Davids (51 days 10 hours ago.)Very gutsy, and very true. Before you know it we'll be the United States of Every-Other-Country-BUT America. Thanks for the article. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (51 days 10 hours ago.)Thank You!,
In my own little corner of the world I truly desire to help wake up the sleeping Americans. I am not a Mcain lover by any stretch, but I would rather lose a finger than the whole hand. Obama would be like losing your neck.
robert melaccio sr: (51 days 12 hours ago.) Mr. Keith without getting into detail a small tale. A Hispanic woman was upset because her children were being set back in school when she moved to another state because she and they didn't speak English. Everything had to be done in Spanish even though they lived here two or more years. Now when she was in this other state they had Spanish instructors and all the tests were administered in Spanish, not English, why? In my opinion they actually did these people and children a major disservice and no real good at all. Now some Hispanics who heard of this were upset and actually mad that Americans are not required to speak Spanish, mandated and voiced that openly. Two people, one from Greece and one from Italy overheard and they did not speak up but were upset by that comment. Now it just so happens they came as legal immigrants. they came with little to nothing after waiting 20 years.. They came and they learned the language. They were now going to be Americans and they wanted to embrace of all America, language and all. They insisted their entire family learn and they all became citizens, taking the test and the pledge. A proud day, they were now Americans. They loved their former country but America was first. theyw ent to school and studied in English and made a path for themselves, no crutches or special favors just hard work. There in lies the catch to all this. One even had a 95 year old grandmother who wanted to learn the language. To sum it up, I think learning languages is wonderful. However, I do not think that in America, where the language is English, we Americans should have to adapt to all who come here. It is part of this Global philosophy that we all seem to miss, one great happy planet, are we truly? Then again if we want to be fair and just, do we not discriminate against every other nationality who comes to our shores and secondly right, wrong of indifferent English is the language of the land, for now that is. Yes and by the way, why teach and insist on only Spanish? Nothing wrong with that but why the emphasis? I think people are thinking right past the obvious, like SPP? No not hate just truth. Yes and God if I recall His Word scattered us all so that we wouldn't have one language? I guess he could care less what language we speak as long as we do? Yes many good and decent people confused over this entire aspect. Good job and best wishes. RTM
Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (51 days 11 hours ago.)I thank you for the comment. I never thought of speaking Spanish in America as discrimination against all other ethnic groups. HMMMMMM. Maybe another article is in there somewhere. Comment by Avis Ward (8,717) Avis Ward (51 days 14 hours ago.)No, I didn't miss your point but I understand it better now. Thank you for explaining it to me. Comment by David Tanguay (5,817) David Tanguay (51 days 17 hours ago.)I'm the anonymous above. I forgot to log in Anonymous: (51 days 17 hours ago.) I went on an R & R to Japan from Vietnam. When I got into a cab the Japanese cab driver spoke to me in English. I told him "I come to your country and you speak English" Americans are too lazy to learn how to get along with foreigners. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (51 days 14 hours ago.)I love to hear Americans are too "lazy". You were overseas fighting for another country. My father was in WWII and fought all over the world for years. He was not "lazy". I served in the USMC for ten years and I was not "lazy". So, why are we "lazy" when we choose to not learn another language? What is lazy is an American that is on government aid. I and NOBODY I know accept any aid from the government. I studied Spanish in High School and Russian in college. Does that make me "lazy"? America is not a land of "lazy" people. We are the nation that conquered the entire world and the GAVE IT ALL BACK. Anonymous: (46 days 8 hours ago.) Whatver happened to E Pluribus Unum?? “From Many, One”..found on the great seal of the United States. Those three words to me sum it all up. One language, one culture, one identity, to galvanize us all as AMERICANS – not any hyphenated Americans, but as AMERICANS, period. Somewhere along the way, the one simple phrase seems to have been forgotten. Why does this country cater so much to the one group of people most widely responsible for breaking our immigration laws? A lot of people from all over the world would love to have the opportunities to become Americans, but do not have the luxury of just barging over the border and then breeding like animals. Where is the German written on everything; or the Chinese? or the French? So why Spanish then? This country needs a common language to keep from coming nothing but a bunch of disassociated sub-cultures.... Lastly - I find your comment about Americans being to lazy to get along with foreign people deeply offensive. I just retired from the military last year and in those years, I was overseas many times, including places like Iraq and Kuwait. None of the people considered any Americans they knew lazy - in fact, most Kuwaitis and Koreans I met loved Americans and were very appreciative of what America had done for them in the past. Refusing to learn the language of an invading (and yes it is an invasion) people is NOT LAZY..... Comment by Avis Ward (8,717) Avis Ward (51 days 17 hours ago.) Mr. Keith, I think Americans should learn to speak Spanish, French, German, Italian, Greek, Japanese, Hebrew etc. to be intellectually and culturally blended. I admire multi-lingual individuals and that's more prevalent outside of the U.S. This comment isn't to support your statement or Obama's. I am merely giving you my personal opinion. If I had children, I would have insisted they learn Spanish, French and German. I speak these three conversationally and I'm American. I would have given them an incentive if they learned Japanese. I wonder what language will be spoken in Heaven. Do you think it'll be English only? Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (51 days 14 hours ago.)You have made the supposition that there is a heaven. Also you have made the assumption that in "heaven" there will even be need for a language. I think you may have missed the point. I am not upset about having to learn another language at all. I am upset that we have a person running for office that is saying we, as a nation, once again have to cater to those who are here as criminals. They take our jobs, use our health care and schools and then send the money out of our economy to their homes. Google health care expenses that are run up by illegals that are never paid for. My uncle was in a car wreck and the "illegal" ran from the scene. The car was not registered and the driver was not a citizen. As a result he had no legal avenue to pursue. Illegals are criminals and nothing more is relevant to the case. July 4th, 2076 Anonymous: (57 days 22 hours ago.) Beautifully expressed. Thank you. There Is Slavery In America Today And You Are The Slave rtm: (67 days 20 hours ago.) Mr. Keith your writing bristles with truth and honesty. Can anyone ever convey this truth through words?Well you do as good a job as any. However, unfortunately, the wrod of this century, in my opinion unless you have undergone the experience they are but mere words to most. Of that it is a shame. When someone shares their experiences it is for the benfit of all, all people regardless of race, color, creed, gender or preference. Keep writing to it though because we all need to wake up to what we, yes we have created and allowed. Best wishes and keep writing. RTM Where Did All The Overweight People Go? Comment by Susan Thom (8,330) Susan Thom (69 days 20 hours ago.)hi mr. keith, well written, and interesting, and it makes me think that your reasoning at the end of your article was what probably started movies to begin with-an escape from reality. makes sense, thanks for sharing, best regards, sue Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (69 days 14 hours ago.)Thank you for the comment! I enjoy reading them!!! Retail Employment: The Customer Was Not Right Today Comment by Susan Thom (8,330) Susan Thom (87 days 12 hours ago.)hi mr. keith, boy, that was a rough couple of hours. i am sorry to hear about your daughter-in-law. i think right about the time i was listening to my son tell me this, i would have thrown the phone at mr. "want to be compensated" and then charged him for a new phone! your patience is enviable. may all be well, best regards, sue thom Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (87 days 10 hours ago.)No, it is not patience, it is called needing a job. Thanks, for commenting. I Do Not Like My Customer Service Being In India Akshay from India: (88 days 6 hours ago.) I appreciate your views in your article. However, I see no harm if someone answers my phone call in India. People in the third world countries are ready to work harder to earn their wages. You must remember that the person answering your phonecall in India is working from 11 p.m. to 7.a. m. Not your regular working hours, are they? You cannot blame India if they take advantage of the Americans being lazy. After all, it was the Americans who got into the habit of getting all their work done from someone else. Comment by Mr. Keith (1,975) Mr. Keith (87 days 14 hours ago.)Are you kidding me???? You have been listening to too much liberal crap to connect a coherent thought that has any basis in reality. There is harm if people are answering the phones in India. The harm is we have less jobs here in America. I really do not care how hard people work in a third world nation. I am concerned only with the status of the United States. I worked at a retail store for the last 4 years working 11 hour shifts everyday!!!! (Welcome to management!) Who the heck are you to to state Americans are being lazy? I work my tail off as do almost all of my coworkers. It has nothing to do with being lazy. It has everything to do with GREED. The companies want to earn a larger and larger profit. You are a fool if you think America is a lazy country. We were real lazy when we rescued and CONQUERED the ENTIRE world in WWII and then GAVE it all back. But then I guess I am just an arrogant American huh? Let me guess...You also agree that America is the world polluter and that we need to stop "global warming" and the U.S. needs to pay ($$) the world off for it's sins. You need to wake up and see the world for wha |
