Oakland County is not only a hot-spot for political activity, but is a pivotal battle ground for our state. They say if you draw a 50 mile wide circle around Pontiac, that that circle encompasses all or part of a majority of house and senate seats for the state. You can see how we can influence and interact with politicians and members of political parties to shape our smaller government message and enhance personal liberties and responsibility.
We welcome your ideas and involvement on any level, and welcome you to actually taking part in shaping your own destiny and the destiny of generations to come!
While my wife was pregnant with our first daughter in the Fall and Winter of 2008 we had many lengthy discussions on the welfare, raising and well being of our child. We discussed many things and came upon the subject of education.
Education is the one thing most parents want for their children so they can be better off than we were. We want them to succeed with less hurdles and more strengths than we had. But we all know there are "Many pairs of shoes worn out between the saying and doing" (Italian Proverb).
We began to discuss how we go from A to B. We made a decision fairly soon that we did not want anyone else raising our children. That meant they had to spend almost all of the time with us or people we implicitly trusted.
I guess that eliminates day care; So one of us must stay home with the kids.
What about school? Well, let me see. If they attend school from 8:00 am to 3:00pm (the Standard day, that is 7 hours. 180 days is the standard school year here in Michigan. 180x7=1260 hours a year x 12 years = 15,120 hours = 630 days which is nearly 2 years of the 12 they are influenced by others. That is too much time letting others teach my child in the ways THEY think are correct.
Let me borrow this well written explanation from Steve Moitozo at this Link:
"There was a time when I had a list in my wallet of 20-30 advantages of homeschooling. I carried this list tucked in my pocket everywhere for years and used it when confronted by the critics of homeschooling. Occasionally it would come in handy with reporters (especially in telephone interviews when they couldn't see it). But the list was too long, people would not listen to a lengthy treatise.
Over time, after consulting with hundreds of families in my office, after attending support group meetings around the country, and after hearing speeches by supporters, I concluded that reporters and the general public really wanted to hear the simple advantages, and they fell into four broad categories.
(1) The advantage of religious/philosophical convictions (2) The advantage of socialization (3) The advantage of academics (4) The advantage of "time as a family"
From an unscientific point of view, I sense that when a homeschooler is asked why they homeschool, one of these advantages rises to the top of their list. If the conversation expands, they will eventually touch on all four. Let's look briefly at each advantage separately. (I could write a chapter on each of these, but this capsule is about all I'd ever have time for in an interview with a reporter or a holiday argument with the in-laws!!! Well, I might indulge in a few illustrations as I go along...)
(1) RELIGIOUS / PHILOSOPHICAL CONVICTIONS Nothing goes deeper to the core of our motivation than our personal convictions. We all have some deep conviction, something that has changed our lives, something that is carved on our soul. Some of us can articulate it, some of us have never put it into words, but we all have it. And when that "something" is engaged, we demonstrate a direction and passion that is unexplainable. For some it is their religious convictions, for some it is a way of life. These people make great homeschoolers. Their sense of purpose and their passion keep them going through the tough times. Their purpose & passion keep them reaching higher, their purpose & passion sustain them in their drive.
The best teachers I ever knew had a sense of purpose and they radiated "passion" when they taught. They generated a contagious enthusiasm about whatever it was, and they motivated me. When a family has strong religious or philosophical convictions, they radiate passion that energizes them and others. Homeschooling allows a family to weave these convictions into every aspect of their "curriculum." They are now in control of the subject matter and in control of the who's in charge of the topics. This is a clear advantage for homeschooling.
(2) ADVANTAGE OF SOCIALIZATION The homeschooler has a community-based socialization, rather than a classroom-based socialization. This advantage removes them from confinement with their agemates. In the traditional classroom, you and I did not have "class-mates," but we did have "age-mates." (You see, classmates are those who are functioning on the same academic level; e.g., all those who have mastered multiplication & division of fractions are in a class together, whether they are in the 3rd grade, 5th grade or 7th grade -- those are classmates. The traditional classroom promotes age-mates -- keeping children segregated into age groupings -- 2nd graders are 2nd graders because they're all 7, not because they have all reached a certain level of academic mastery.)
When I want my 10 year-old child to pattern appropriate behavior, I do not confine him with 10 year-olds for 6 hours a day away from his family. Better I should have him with those of more experience who have behaviors which have proven appropriate over the years, and I should expose him to a younger child for whom he can now act as a model (for when I see my child teaching another child, I am assured that my child has "gotten it").
Further, the socialization for homeschoolers is real. It is not the artificial, contrived, false socialization of the classroom. In the traditional classroom the variables are controlled by an unknown adult. The environment is controlled by people who have been hired to maintain the control of those variables for a defined agenda in classroom management. In the homeschool, students are exposed to all the variables of real life in the real world. They actually see adults they know, love, and trust solving the problems of daily living -- academic study balanced with real schedules, caring for the sick neighbor and getting her walkway shoveled, having the car inspected, doing the grocery shopping, changing the diapers while on the phone with Uncle Harry while turning down the heat on a boiling kettle, etc. etc. The never-ending balancing act that real people experience in the real world, not the spoon-fed phony regulation of the classroom. [Note to the reader: Forgive me here, please. I have prepared a major workshop on the topic, "10 Myths of Socialization" and I could get carried away in this area. For now, enough said.]
(3) ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE The most easily defensible aspect of parents teaching their children at home is academics. Such results can be measured quickly, compared to others, easily, and are understood by nearly everyone because we've all been through it. But why do homeschoolers excel?
(A) CUSTOM-DESIGNED CURRICULUM: Homeschooled children are allowed to work at their own level of mastery, rather than at the level of the graded curriculum outline. Few 5th graders are perfect 5th graders -- instead they may be reading at the 7th grade level, spelling at the 4th grade level, doing science at the 6th grade level and doing math at the 5th grade level. In a homeschool, the program can be constructed around the child's real level in each course. This advantage provides for real progress and assures success.
(B) MOVING AT THE CHILD'S OWN PACE: If the homeschooled child has completed the project or page or chapter assigned, then she can move on to another topic. She does not have to wait until the bell rings before digging into something else. Or, if the child is excited about the topic and really getting into it, she doesn't have to "change her mind" when the bell rings. (I remember being intrigued with a project in science, but when the bell rang I had to "change my mind" and go down the hall to read Shakespeare !) Conversely, if the child is slow to master a concept, the homeschool program allows for the flexibility to take it slower, or come back to it another time.
(C) WORKING WITH THE CHILD'S LEARNING STYLE: Each child has a certain "learning style," a particular way they process in-coming information best. Intuitively, parents seem to know what will get the point across, and what won't. And with a day of training, a parent can find keys to unlock more doors to the child's learning style. This is quite different from what happens in the traditional classroom where the child must conform to the teacher's "teaching style." Students of average ability who are allowed to in-put and process information according to their natural learning style can become great learners. The traditional classroom is teacher-driven, whereas the homeschool can be student-driven, and the child allowed to master areas in the best way at the best time for the best results.
(4) TIME AS A FAMILY In America when the average child is in the traditional school setting by the age of 5 or 6, they begin spending more waking hours of the day with the peers than with their parents. Yes, more awake time with their peers than with their parents. Now consider this simple statement -- children become adults. No dispute with that, is there ? I believe 5 elements contribute to that process of moving from childhood to adulthood: morals, values, ethics, problem-solving, and decision-making.
(Morals: defining what things are right and what things are wrong. Values: identifying what's important to this family, what we value. Ethics: behavior and how we conduct ourselves based on our morals and values. Problem-solving: the ability to identify issues and outline the steps to solve them. Decision-making: the highest level of maturity showing readiness for adulthood -- choosing directions for action based on my morals, values, ethics, and problem-solving ability.)
Children move from childhood to adulthood. Period. They do, and they will do it with you or without you. They will do it by spending time modeling the parents or modeling the peers. They will either bond with the parent or band with their peers. The advantage of homeschooling is clear.
Oh yes, I've heard the critics. They say we're protecting the child, sheltering him. Yes, I certainly hope so. When I want to grow a tomato plant, I do not take the seed and put it directly into the garden. I carefully cultivate it in a special growing pot. I control the light, water, temperature, and nutrients. When the roots are deep enough and the stem strong enough, I then put it in the garden to be exposed to the elements. Timing is everything. A good start means everything."
To find others in Michigan that homeschool to explore the option or find out more information CLICK HERE.
Better yet, take the time to join us in Lansing on June 18th and 19th at the Lansing Center. MCHE Family and Home Education Conference and Book Fair in L a n s i n g , M i c h i g a n Friday, June 18, 2010, from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. & Saturday, June 19, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It is a Christian/Catholic based Convention, but all are welcome! RSVP at the link and at the phone numbers provided here -> http://www.campaignforliberty.com/calendar.php?rsvp=8446.
Many people have used this document to determine how close their lives were to Christ. This is written by those with direct involvement with Jesus Christ, so it is unlike anything else. Even the Bible has been subject to man's interpretation.
How close are you to what Christ taught??
DIDACHE HISTORY
(pronounced DID-ah-kee)
The Didache is also called the "Teaching of the Twelve Apostles." It was possibly written around 65 - 80 A.D. and is supposed to be what the twelve apostles taught to the Gentiles concerning life and death, church order, fasting, baptism, prayer, etc.
The Didache has been recognized and accepted as authentic. The work is cited by Eusebius who lived from 260 - 341 and Athanasius (293-373) It seems to be referenced by Origen who lived from 185-254. In the Didache, 16:2-3 is quoted in the Epistle of Barnabbas in 4:9, or vice versa.1 The Epistle of Barnabbas was written in 130-131 A.D. The Didache is not inspired, but is valuable as an early church document.
DIDACHE
Chapter 1. The Two Ways and the First Commandment.
There are two ways, one of life and one of death, but a great difference between the two ways. The way of life, then, is this: First, you shall love God who made you; second, love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you. And of these sayings the teaching is this: Bless those who curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for those who persecute you. For what reward is there for loving those who love you? Do not the Gentiles do the same? But love those who hate you, and you shall not have an enemy.
Abstain from fleshly and worldly lusts. If someone strikes your right cheek, turn to him the other also, and you shall be perfect. If someone impresses you for one mile, go with him two. If someone takes your cloak, give him also your coat. If someone takes from you what is yours, ask it not back, for indeed you are not able. Give to every one who asks you, and ask it not back; for the Father wills that to all should be given of our own blessings (free gifts). Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless. Woe to him who receives; for if one receives who has need, he is guiltless; but he who receives not having need shall pay the penalty, why he received and for what.
And coming into confinement, he shall be examined concerning the things which he has done, and he shall not escape from there until he pays back the last penny. And also concerning this, it has been said, Let your alms sweat in your hands, until you know to whom you should give.
Chapter 2. The Second Commandment: Grave Sin Forbidden.
And the second commandment of the Teaching; You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not commit pederasty, you shall not commit fornication, you shall not steal, you shall not practice magic, you shall not practice witchcraft, you shall not murder a child by abortion nor kill that which is born. You shall not covet the things of your neighbor, you shall not swear, you shall not bear false witness, you shall not speak evil, you shall bear no grudge. You shall not be double-minded nor double-tongued, for to be double-tongued is a snare of death. Your speech shall not be false, nor empty, but fulfilled by deed. You shall not be covetous, nor rapacious, nor a hypocrite, nor evil disposed, nor haughty. You shall not take evil counsel against your neighbor. You shall not hate any man; but some you shall reprove, and concerning some you shall pray, and some you shall love more than your own life.
Chapter 3. Other Sins Forbidden.
My child, flee from every evil thing, and from every likeness of it. Be not prone to anger, for anger leads to murder. Be neither jealous, nor quarrelsome, nor of hot temper, for out of all these murders are engendered. My child, be not a lustful one. for lust leads to fornication. Be neither a filthy talker, nor of lofty eye, for out of all these adulteries are engendered. My child, be not an observer of omens, since it leads to idolatry. Be neither an enchanter, nor an astrologer, nor a purifier, nor be willing to took at these things, for out of all these idolatry is engendered. My child, be not a liar, since a lie leads to theft. Be neither money-loving, nor vainglorious, for out of all these thefts are engendered. My child, be not a murmurer, since it leads the way to blasphemy. Be neither self-willed nor evil-minded, for out of all these blasphemies are engendered.
Rather, be meek, since the meek shall inherit the earth. Be long-suffering and pitiful and guileless and gentle and good and always trembling at the words which you have heard. You shall not exalt yourself, nor give over-confidence to your soul. Your soul shall not be joined with lofty ones, but with just and lowly ones shall it have its intercourse. Accept whatever happens to you as good, knowing that apart from God nothing comes to pass.
Chapter 4. Various Precepts.
My child, remember night and day him who speaks the word of God to you, and honor him as you do the Lord. For wherever the lordly rule is uttered, there is the Lord. And seek out day by day the faces of the saints, in order that you may rest upon their words. Do not long for division, but rather bring those who contend to peace. Judge righteously, and do not respect persons in reproving for transgressions. You shall not be undecided whether or not it shall be. Be not a stretcher forth of the hands to receive and a drawer of them back to give. If you have anything, through your hands you shall give ransom for your sins. Do not hesitate to give, nor complain when you give; for you shall know who is the good repayer of the hire. Do not turn away from him who is in want; rather, share all things with your brother, and do not say that they are your own. For if you are partakers in that which is immortal, how much more in things which are mortal? Do not remove your hand from your son or daughter; rather, teach them the fear of God from their youth. Do not enjoin anything in your bitterness upon your bondman or maidservant, who hope in the same God, lest ever they shall fear not God who is over both; for he comes not to call according to the outward appearance, but to them whom the Spirit has prepared. And you bondmen shall be subject to your masters as to a type of God, in modesty and fear. You shall hate all hypocrisy and everything which is not pleasing to the Lord. Do not in any way forsake the commandments of the Lord; but keep what you have received, neither adding thereto nor taking away therefrom. In the church you shall acknowledge your transgressions, and you shall not come near for your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life.
Chapter 5. The Way of Death.
And the way of death is this: First of all it is evil and accursed: murders, adultery, lust, fornication, thefts, idolatries, magic arts, witchcrafts, rape, false witness, hypocrisy, double-heartedness, deceit, haughtiness, depravity, self-will, greediness, filthy talking, jealousy, over-confidence, loftiness, boastfulness; persecutors of the good, hating truth, loving a lie, not knowing a reward for righteousness, not cleaving to good nor to righteous judgment, watching not for that which is good, but for that which is evil; from whom meekness and endurance are far, loving vanities, pursuing revenge, not pitying a poor man, not laboring for the afflicted, not knowing Him Who made them, murderers of children, destroyers of the handiwork of God, turning away from him who is in want, afflicting him who is distressed, advocates of the rich, lawless judges of the poor, utter sinners. Be delivered, children, from all these.
Chapter 6. Against False Teachers, and Food Offered to Idols.
See that no one causes you to err from this way of the Teaching, since apart from God it teaches you. For if you are able to bear the entire yoke of the Lord, you will be perfect; but if you are not able to do this, do what you are able. And concerning food, bear what you are able; but against that which is sacrificed to idols be exceedingly careful; for it is the service of dead gods.
Chapter 7. Concerning Baptism.
And concerning baptism, baptize this way: Having first said all these things, baptize into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, in living water. But if you have no living water, baptize into other water; and if you cannot do so in cold water, do so in warm. But if you have neither, pour out water three times upon the head into the name of Father and Son and Holy Spirit. But before the baptism let the baptizer fast, and the baptized, and whoever else can; but you shall order the baptized to fast one or two days before.
Chapter 8. Fasting and Prayer (the Lord's Prayer).
But let not your fasts be with the hypocrites, for they fast on the second and fifth day of the week. Rather, fast on the fourth day and the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites, but rather as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, like this:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily (needful) bread, and forgive us our debt as we also forgive our debtors. And bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Thine is the power and the glory for ever..
Pray this three times each day.
Chapter 9. The Eucharist.
Now concerning the Eucharist, give thanks this way. First, concerning the cup:
We thank thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David Thy servant, which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever..
And concerning the broken bread:
We thank Thee, our Father, for the life and knowledge which You madest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Even as this broken bread was scattered over the hills, and was gathered together and became one, so let Thy Church be gathered together from the ends of the earth into Thy kingdom; for Thine is the glory and the power through Jesus Christ for ever..
But let no one eat or drink of your Eucharist, unless they have been baptized into the name of the Lord; for concerning this also the Lord has said, "Give not that which is holy to the dogs."
Chapter 10. Prayer after Communion.
But after you are filled, give thanks this way:
We thank Thee, holy Father, for Thy holy name which You didst cause to tabernacle in our hearts, and for the knowledge and faith and immortality, which You modest known to us through Jesus Thy Servant; to Thee be the glory for ever. Thou, Master almighty, didst create all things for Thy name's sake; You gavest food and drink to men for enjoyment, that they might give thanks to Thee; but to us You didst freely give spiritual food and drink and life eternal through Thy Servant. Before all things we thank Thee that You are mighty; to Thee be the glory for ever. Remember, Lord, Thy Church, to deliver it from all evil and to make it perfect in Thy love, and gather it from the four winds, sanctified for Thy kingdom which Thou have prepared for it; for Thine is the power and the glory for ever. Let grace come, and let this world pass away. Hosanna to the God (Son) of David! If any one is holy, let him come; if any one is not so, let him repent. Maranatha. Amen.
But permit the prophets to make Thanksgiving as much as they desire.
Chapter 11. Concerning Teachers, Apostles, and Prophets.
Whosoever, therefore, comes and teaches you all these things that have been said before, receive him. But if the teacher himself turns and teaches another doctrine to the destruction of this, hear him not. But if he teaches so as to increase righteousness and the knowledge of the Lord, receive him as the Lord. But concerning the apostles and prophets, act according to the decree of the Gospel. Let every apostle who comes to you be received as the Lord. But he shall not remain more than one day; or two days, if there's a need. But if he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes away, let him take nothing but bread until he lodges. If he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you shall neither try nor judge; for every sin shall be forgiven, but this sin shall not be forgiven. But not every one who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet; but only if he holds the ways of the Lord. Therefore from their ways shall the false prophet and the prophet be known. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat it, unless he is indeed a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, but does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved true, working unto the mystery of the Church in the world, yet not teaching others to do what he himself does, shall not be judged among you, for with God he has his judgment; for so did also the ancient prophets. But whoever says in the Spirit, Give me money, or something else, you shall not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for others' sake who are in need, let no one judge him.
Chapter 12. Reception of Christians.
But receive everyone who comes in the name of the Lord, and prove and know him afterward; for you shall have understanding right and left. If he who comes is a wayfarer, assist him as far as you are able; but he shall not remain with you more than two or three days, if need be. But if he wants to stay with you, and is an artisan, let him work and eat. But if he has no trade, according to your understanding, see to it that, as a Christian, he shall not live with you idle. But if he wills not to do, he is a Christ-monger. Watch that you keep away from such.
Chapter 13. Support of Prophets.
But every true prophet who wants to live among you is worthy of his support. So also a true teacher is himself worthy, as the workman, of his support. Every first-fruit, therefore, of the products of wine-press and threshing-floor, of oxen and of sheep, you shall take and give to the prophets, for they are your high priests. But if you have no prophet, give it to the poor. If you make a batch of dough, take the first-fruit and give according to the commandment. So also when you open a jar of wine or of oil, take the first-fruit and give it to the prophets; and of money (silver) and clothing and every possession, take the first-fruit, as it may seem good to you, and give according to the commandment.
Chapter 14. Christian Assembly on the Lord's Day.
But every Lord's day gather yourselves together, and break bread, and give thanksgiving after having confessed your transgressions, that your sacrifice may be pure. But let no one who is at odds with his fellow come together with you, until they be reconciled, that your sacrifice may not be profaned. For this is that which was spoken by the Lord: "In every place and time offer to me a pure sacrifice; for I am a great King, says the Lord, and my name is wonderful among the nations."
Chapter 15. Bishops and Deacons; Christian Reproof.
Appoint, therefore, for yourselves, bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful and proved; for they also render to you the service of prophets and teachers. Therefore do not despise them, for they are your honored ones, together with the prophets and teachers. And reprove one another, not in anger, but in peace, as you have it in the Gospel. But to anyone that acts amiss against another, let no one speak, nor let him hear anything from you until he repents. But your prayers and alms and all your deeds so do, as you have it in the Gospel of our Lord.
Chapter 16. Watchfulness; the Coming of the Lord.
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ready, for you know not the hour in which our Lord will come. But come together often, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if you are not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increases, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but those who endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth: first, the sign of an outspreading in heaven, then the sign of the sound of the trumpet. And third, the resurrection of the dead -- yet not of all, but as it is said: "The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him." Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
-END DIDACHE-
As you can see, the Didache is very strcit to the teachings of the Lord, but without Man's influence. Let God speak to your heart and you shall know this is true.
Let these ancient teachings guide you to be more like the Lord for your salvation.
Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.
I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing, endless baking, decorating, and even overspending..
Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.
My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.
For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school"s Winter Pageant.
I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production, unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his Teacher, she assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.
All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then. Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise.
So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.
As I waited, the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.
Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer,Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer.
So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was slightly taken aback by its bold title.
Nicholas w as aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snow caps upon their heads.
Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.
As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, "Christmas Love."
The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her; a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down - totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".
The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this little ones mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, as she stood tall, proudly holding her "W".
Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.
A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen.
In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, there was a purpose for our festivities.
For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud and clear:
"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"
And, I believe, He still is. Amazed in His presence....humbled by His love.
Try to remember the real reason we are here...although we are all charged to manage our own lives, please remeber it all belongs to Him. All of it.
On its 35th annual event, the Campaign for Liberty participated in this Detroit street fair to recruit and collect signatures for our audit the fed initiative. I arived bright and early to set up and was greeting by a very warm gathering of local artists, musicians, poets and other political activists. Campaign for Liberty was the first to arive and soon after other groups came with their agenda. Some how our table was nestled in between to socialist groups, but we were the last table standing by days end. As one man who came to visit stated, "You guys(C4L)I like, those guys, not so much" Others expressed there distain for socialism using various hand gestures. These folks have no problem expressing their opinions, the irony is that this is a very liberal crowd, but even they could see the writing on the wall. The writing was literaly on the wall..."liberty, prosperity, peace" was banner I placed above our C4L banner, a positive message that unites us all. As we collected signatures we heard many colorfull expressions about peoples opinions concerning the Fed. much of which I cannot repeat, I ws just happy they were on our side. We collected over 300 signatures, and I gave a short speech on their "soap box" located on the main street as many others learned about C4L and our goals. A professor at one of the local universities asked us to speek in his class in the near future. Many stopped by to take photos of our END THE FED sign through out the day and we were asked to come back next year. I plan to have tables at many future Detroit area events, this is just the beginning. For liberty!
Attneding the meeting, representing the Citizens of Oakland County were:
Dennis Marburger, Anna Janek and Dave Lonier
We proceeded to explain the project to place the materials package in the hands of every Sheriff in every county in the Country. To date Michigan has either hand-delivered or mailed the package to every Sheriff in the State. Nationwide, 6 other States have also completed this vital mission. For details see: "No Sheriff Left Behind" at: http://sheriffmack.com/
Having read the letter requesting the meeting, Sheriff Bouchard let us know that he had read Sheriff Mack's book and had seen the DVD, and was well aware of the role, powers and responsibility of the Sheriff.
Nonetheless, we diligently presented the material item by item, noting the Newsletter from the Police and Military Assn., which he hadn't seen, and the Pocket Constitution, personally hand signed by Ron Paul and Judge Andrew Napolitano.
The Sheriff let us know that he "almost" always carries his pocket Constitution with him, and graciously accepted our copy along with the other items.
We next voiced our concern that the rights of Americans everywhere are being increasingly eroded, and of the vital role the Sheriff plays in safeguarding those rights in his county. We then read a quote by Supreme Court Chief Justice William O. Douglas:
"The privacy and dignity of our citizens [are] being whittled away by sometimes imperceptible steps. Taken individually, each step may be of little consequence.But when viewed as a whole, there begins to emerge a society quite unlike any we have seen - a society in which government may intrude into the secret regions of a [person's] life.
He replied that he couldn't agree more. He informed us that he personally worked at ground zero NYC, and the Katrina aftermath and witnessed firsthand federal disaster relief. He expressed the need for County law enforcement to take charge if and when Federal agencies are called into the county, citing a law being considered in California making it clear that County Sheriffs have total command of any and all federal incursions into their counties. Opposed to the seat belt law on constitutional grounds and a strong Second Amendment advocate, he assured us that there would be no gun confiscation in Oakland County in times of emergency. He also noted his exercising the Sheriff's prerogative whenever State Police operate within the County.
As evidence of his personal commitment to the Citizens of his county, one of his first orders of business upon assuming office was to change the building sign from "Oakland County Sheriff Department" to "Oakland County Office of the Sheriff".
Sheriff Bouchard also informed us that he is President of the "Major Counties Sheriffs' Association, made up of all Counties having a population of over 500,000. For details see: http://www.mcsheriffs.com/
He let us know that he is willing to speak with groups such as a statewide meeting of C4L, (inviting other sheriffs to join him) SOAR or NORC, which would further our opportunity to question our Sheriffs on their commitment to protect and serve. He further expressed a willingness to invite us to attend and have speakers at meetings of the Michigan County Sheriffs. Dennis questioned him on media opportunities such as recommending him to Judge Napolitano's radio show for a live interview to which he was agreeable.
His unsolicited statement that, as the county's only duly elected peace officer, his duty is first and foremost to serve and protect the citizens who elected him (words to that effect), was well received.
By this initiative we have started what must become a continuing Citizen-generated effort to strengthen the bond between ourselves and our duly "elected" Sheriff.
On behalf of all the Citizens of Oakland County, we need to thank Diane Szostak and Candy Wingard for realizing the importance of this project and bringing it to fruition in our State.
For Liberty,
The Oakland County Citizens/Sheriff Coalition Committee
OAKLAND COUNTY - FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN - MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
What a great way to show our support and honor our fallen soldiers. We started the day off with a C4L early morning breakfast. Before the parade volunteers walked the 2 mile parade route and distributed literature. Thanks to William Skellenger, Jim Hardin, Anna Janek, Jennifer Porubsky, Erin M., Jim, and to anyone I missed a big thanks.After they returned we lined up over 30 C4L members and family behind a big C4L banner. Dave and Glenna's 1953 Ford Pickup was followed by Mark and Rick Van Camp pulling Dianne Szostak's prize winning Liberty Float. Candy Wingards grandaughter dressed as Lady Liberty.
The message of liberty and the Constitution along with the booming voice of David Dudenhoefer received tremendous applause from the crowd as we marched the 2 mile parade route. We finished the day with a C4L barbecue and FUN. A BIG THANKS TO SEAN HOUSE.
Tea Party 4-15-09, in Lansing, Michigan. A crowd of maybe 5,000 and a strong showing of Campaign for Liberty members. The end of the video has Michigan Senator Michelle McManus who is also a Republican candidate for Secretary of State holding a C4L sign.
We all know that gold and silver are a hedge against inflation. Individuals who are thinking about investing in gold and silver. There are some things you should look out for. Lately, which happens time to time, a few coin dealers and a few coin company's push high priced numismatic and so called semi numismatic coins as an investment. And make false claims about them. One, is that they qualify for exemption of government confiscation. Completely false! There is no statute or regulation to back this up. Two, is that if you buy bullion coins they need to be reported and numismatic and so called semi numismatic do not. Really? I've been buying and selling gold bullion coins for years and never had to report anything. Matter of fact The Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and the The Liberty Coin Act of 1985 defined the Gold American Eagle coins and the Silver American Eagle coin as "numismatic items". Were as the U.S. $20 gold pieces (Double Eagles or Liberty's) that they push are not by law defined as numismatic coins or semi numismatic and also contain less than one ounce of gold. They also like to tell you about the 1933 Gold Confiscation Order. Which the language in the order is very vague on what kind of coin you could keep. Millions of people refused to give up their gold. However, people who had gold certificates their gold was taken. (Physical ownership is key- what the government doesn't know they can't steal). So basically dealers or agents push these over priced coins to make a bigger profit or commission. These coins (numismatic, semi numismatic) should be bought as a collectible and not for investing.
Do your homework. Respected investors such as Peter Schiff, and Jim Rogers, also precious metal experts Franklin Sanders, and Don Stott RECOMMEND GOLD & SILVER BULLION for investing. Take delivery, physical ownership is the best way to protect wealth.
My opinion on what and where to buy from my experience. Gold bullion American Eagles and Kruggerands are my two favorite coins. They are both very popular. I usually pay $75.00 over to as low as spot for these coins. Silver bullion 1 oz. ingots and rounds, also 10 oz. and 100 oz. bars from the Engelhard and Johnson Matthey (JM) mints are my first choice. Both are very respected mints. I usually pay $1 - $2 over spot on silver bullion. Also 90% U.S. silver coin that is sold as bullion (junk silver), minted before 1965 are an excellent choice. The good thing is, mostly everyone knows what these coins look like. Expect to pay around 10x face value for them. Also you can buy in bulk bags. Where to buy and sell your bullion. I like local & state wide coin shows (best deals because of dealers competing for business). Respected local coin shops as well. If you don't have coin shows or shops in your area I recommend The Money Changer and Colorado Gold. Very honest folks.
Campaign for Liberty is a 501(c)4 lobbying organization which neither supports nor opposes candidates for public office and claims no responsibility for the actions of individuals or groups of individuals who use the Campaign for Liberty logo or name or who may claim to act as representatives of the Campaign for Liberty without prior written consent of the Campaign for Liberty. [?]
County Coordinator
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