Friday, December 21, 2012

Stop Fiddling

If ever a situation pointed to the need for tax reform, the current budget bill debate is it.  While the two may seem unrelated, they are not.  The existing process promotes shifting the focus from spending cuts to revenue.  The real issue is not revenue stream, the issue is that politicians spend more than the system provides by continuing their “pork barrel” politics to win re-election. 
Nothing has changed in nearly a century; the Republicans want less taxation on the wealthy and use the economy to scare voters, while Democrats promote more taxation on the wealthy by scaring the poor and middle classes.  Therefore, is it surprising that the so-called “fiscal cliff,” which was enacted during a previous budget battle and likely designed to provide political cover for future battles, is now the “enemy” of everyone? 
Once again, the media tell us “Rome is burning.”  Meanwhile, the people we elected to lead this nation “fiddle.”  It is time to abandon the budget bill posturing, hand wringing and predictions of fiscal doom to enact a tax code that is fair, exempts no one, and does not require yearly change.  Perhaps, then, the people that put us in this mess can focus solely on curbing their uncontrolled appetites for spending other peoples’ money.

Jim

Friday, December 14, 2012

WHAT IS A PASTOR

WHAT IS A PASTOR

A pastor is expected to be
The leader of the flock for you and me.
Someone to teach, someone to preach;
Someone with an “open arm” reach.

He always has to be involved,
Around him, all the church revolves.
Planning and organizing in all things,
Answering the phone when it rings.

Each activity that comes along
He best be there, or he’s in the wrong.
Someone needs counseling; he’s always there.
To miss a meeting, he doesn’t dare.

Visit the sick and help the poor,
Greet each guest at the door.
Entertain every visiting speaker,
Be a “strength” to all those weaker.

But, have you ever looked beyond
All those things he does to bond?
To see the real person there,
He has his own cross to bear.

He too, should be a friend,
Not just always “The Reverend.”
Invite him over once in a while.
Visit with him as pal to pal.

Let down the guard and be yourself.
Don’t put your friendship on the shelf.
Get to know him as a person,
As good a friend as you’ve ever chosen.

© 1980 Annie McColloch