Christmas--History Channel

This is a Christmas video from the History Channel speaking about the origins of the Christmas holiday and how we celebrate it today.

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



Part 4



Part 5

Handel's Messiah

This is a classic masterpiece written by George F. Handel in 1741.  He was a great musical composer.  I hope you enjoy it today.

Christmas Oratorio--Johann Sebestian Bach (BWV 248)

This Christmas Oratorio was written by Johann Sebestian Bach.  It was written for the Christmas season in 1734 incorporating music from earlier compositions, including three secular cantatas written during 1733.

Bach was a German composer, organist, harpsichordist, violist, and violinist of the Baroque period. 

Classic Christmas Songs

A Charlie Brown Christmas Play

Charlie Brown Christmas (The Meaning of Christmas)

The Little Drummer Boy

President Obama Nominates John Kerry for Secretary of State

Obama nominates Kerry for secretary of state | Fox News


President Obama announces that Senator John Kerry (D-MA) is his next choice for Secretary of State.  If confirmed, Kerry will replace the outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

President Obama on Friday nominated Massachusetts Senator John Kerry to be the next candidate to head the state department to replace the outgoing Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.  Obama made Kerry his choice to be the next Secretary of State a week after Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., withdrew her name for consideration to be the next person to replace Hillary Clinton.  Rice withdrew her name from consideration due to mounting resistance for several Republicans.  She's under fire for the comments she made following the Benghazi attacks in Libya when she called the attacks "spontaneous." 

Obama said Kerry would be the perfect choice to head the state department.  He was under consideration to be the next Secretary of State for President Obama even before Rice withdrew her name.  Obama cites Kerry's experience in the Senate as being chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.  Kerry's been in the Senate since winning his first Senate election in November 1984.  Kerry is a decorated Vietnam veteran.  He drew fire from the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth concerning the medals he claimed he earned while serving in Vietnam as well as testifying in Congress against our own troops in 1971.  Kerry was the Democratic presidential candidate in 2004 who narrowly lost to incumbent George W. Bush. 

If Kerry wins nomination, then his Senate seat will be up for grabs, which could open the door for outgoing Senator Scott Brown to have another opportunity at a Senate seat in Massachusetts next year.  To read the full story, click on the link from FoxNews.com.

Nikki Haley Appoints Rep. Tim Scott to Senate

Nikki Haley appoints Rep. Tim Scott to Senate

Sout Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (Center) standing alongside Rep. Tim Scott (Left) and outgoing Senator Jim DeMint (Right)

South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has appointed South Carolina Congressman Tim Scott to replace Senator Jim DeMint, who is resigning from the U.S. Senate to head the Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C.  Jim DeMint was first elected U.S. Senator of South Carolina in 2004 to replace the retired Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, who had previously been U.S. Senator from South Carolina since 1967. 

Tim Scott is a black Congressman from South Carolina who was first elected to the House in 2010, the year the Republicans recaptured the House from the Democrats.  He won an open seat in 2010 after beating the son of former segregationist and Senator Strom Thurmond that year.  Scott has close relationships with the governor and DeMint and the Republican Party establishment.  He will become the seventh black to serve in the Senate and the first black from the South since the 1800's.  Scott will face a special election in 2014 to retain the Senate seat and in 2016 the seat will be up for a full six-year term.  Scott expects to assume his new office on January 3, 2013. 

Bill O'Reilly: Obama Voters Voted for Free Stuff

In his Talking Points segment on the O'Reilly Factor on November 19, 2012, Bill O'Reilly was making the case that voters whose income was under $30,000 were those who tended to vote for President Obama's re-election victory on November 6.  O'Reilly pointed out that the reason those voters voted for Obama wasn't because those segment of voters voted for more government regulation of business or voted for high unemployment.  The reason why those voters voted for Obama is because they wanted government handouts.  That's the truth.  America has produced a segment voters who believe in an "entitlement mentality."  They believe the government owes them something.  We have voters that desire for government to give them handouts such as free healthcare, free housing, free college education, free cell phones, etc.  This kind of mentality is what's hurting America.  America's hope isn't in a handout or some government program.  America's hope is in the Lord.   Those who lack a work ethic need to realize that labor is part of God's economy.  God intends for us to labor for our living.  That's the Biblical way.  It's also the American way.  Those early settlers who came to America had to earn their labor by the sweat of their brow.  There weren't any government handouts available when the Pilgrims sailed to New England.  There also weren't modern conveniences that we enjoy today.  If they desired to eat, they must work for it.  They had to slay animals and grow crops for their food.  America has come a long way since that time.  Today we've produced a generation who doesn't have much of a desire to work for a living.  They want to sit at home expecting their parents and the government to take care of them.  It's tragic.

DeMint Exits Senate to Head up Heritage Foundation

DeMint Exits Senate as Conservative Brand Weakens - Bloomberg



U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) resigning from Senate to head Heritage Foundation

U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) announced a few days ago that he's leaving the Senate to head up the Heritage Foundation.  DeMint is considered a champion amongst fiscal conservatives.  DeMint played a role in the election of various Tea Party-backed candidates in the last two years such as Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), and Ted Cruz (R-TX).  DeMint's Senate Conservatives backed several Senatorial candidates in 2010 and 2012.  Some of them won as I mentioned ealier along with Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Jeff Flake (R-AZ).  Two other Senate candidates that DeMint endorsed were Todd Akin who ran against Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Richard Mourdock who defeated incumbent Richard Lugar in the Indiana primary.  Both of those candidate lost due to the rape comments they made this past fall.  Both candidates defeated themselves as far as I'm concerned. 

Republican political consultant Craig Shirley said that DeMint will be freer to "roar as a lion" by joining the Heritage Foundation than if he remains in the Senate.  Also, leading the Heritage Foundation will help bolster DeMint's finances.  He reported a net worth of $65,000 on his 2010 financial disclosures forms, the fourth lowest of U.S. Senators according to the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington.  Edwin J. Feulner, who will step down as president in April, was paid more than $1 million in 2010, according to the group's tax documents. 

Jim DeMint was considered a strong voice for conservative principles in the Senate, esp. when it came to fiscal issues.  Prior to running for the U.S. Senate, he served three terms in the House of Representatives.  The Club for Growth, a small-government group based in Washington, gave him a rating of 100%.  Jim DeMint was right on target with everything he said in regards to the political issues of the day.  He even voted right.  The only problem was when it came to the fight to try to stop Obamacare from being passed in the Senate in 2010, for example, he never led in an effort to start a filibuster.  That kind of leadership was something we were missing from DeMint.  Not only DeMint, but other Republican Senators as well.  We need Senators that will stand up against Obama's agenda and that has to be done through the means of a filibuster in the Senate.  We need our elected officials to be willing to stick their neck out in Congress.  Sadly, there's no one that's willing to do that.  Other than the fact DeMint didn't stick his neck out to stop Obama's agenda, he did well in regards to his voting record.

I'm certain there's much speculation on why DeMint is leaving the Senate.  I'm sure finances play a part.  I personally believe the reason he left the Senate is because he realizes it's a jungle in the Senate and since the GOP didn't gain control of the Senate this past election, he knew that it would be a mess.  I think he would serve much better at the Heritage Foundation than remaining in Congress.  He knows it's a losing battle in Congress and I think it was best that he move on.  The price was more than he probably was willing to pay by remaining in the Senate. 

To read the full story, click on the link from Bloomberg.

Gibson: Tax Pledge Doesn’t Count Because District Number Changed

Gibson: Tax Pledge Doesn’t Count Because District Number Changed - By John Fund - The Corner - National Review Online#


Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY)

When Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY) ran for Congress the very first time in 2010, he signed a pledge in 2010 that he wouldn't raise taxes.  Of course, he was running for the 20th district in New York.  In 2012, due to redistricting as a result of the 2010 census, Gibson was redrawn into the 19th district.  He then said he wouldn't abide by the tax pledge he made in 2010 because that doesn't apply to the district he now represents due to Congressional realignment.  However, half of his constituents were from the old 20th district.  He claims the pledge is to the constituents of a particular numbered district.  Since he now represents the 19th district, the tax pledge he made in 2010 no longer applies.  He's a RINO. 

Why is the issue of taxes such a big deal?  For one reason, America's economy is still sluggish and a tax increase isn't going to stimulate the economy.  The methods needed to stimulate the economy are to lower taxes and abolish the mundane regulations Congress has passed which make it very difficult for businesses to operate and flourish.  Secondly, I believe it's immoral for Congress to be asking the American public for tax increases when the problem is overspending.  Congress hasn't done anything to eliminate wasteful spending. For Congress to tell the "rich" that their taxes are being raised is very immoral.  I've stated numerous times that Congress should abolish the present tax code and institute a flat tax.  That way everybody who works a job has to pay a percentage regardless how rich or poor they are.  They refuse to do that because they love to polarize the American people by playing class warfare.  They try to give the impression that the rich are the evil people.  This tax policy is a great way to divide and polarize Americans.  That's why the Democrats and even some Republicans play the class warfare game. 

Taxes isn't refined to a particular district in a particular state.  Taxes affect all Americans and many Americans and businesses are struggling in part because America's tax system is too overbearing.  Let's face it:  Politicians can't obtain enough of our tax dollars.  They squander the money they receive.  I don't feel sorry for them.  That's why I say we need to vote out incumbents.  The longer they remain in office, the more corrupted they become. 

To read the full story, click on the link above.

Morning Bell: What IS the Fiscal Cliff?

Morning Bell: What IS the Fiscal Cliff?

I have posted a link from the Heritage Foundation which gives a primer on what a fiscal cliff is.  Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke coined the term "fiscal cliff" while urging Congress to avoid a steep drop off for the economy at the end of the year thanks to automatic tax increases and automatic budget cuts.

To read about the 'fiscal cliff' click on the link above from the Heritage Foundation.

Democratic Rep: Amend Constitution To Allow Control Of Speech « CBS Atlanta

Democratic Rep: Amend Constitution To Allow Control Of Speech « CBS Atlanta

Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA)

Democratic Rep. Hank Johnson (D-GA) is calling for a Constitutional amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would allow for some legislation restrictions on freedom of speech.  "We need a constitutional amendment that would allow the legislature to control the so-called free speech rights of corporations," Hank Johnson was quoted as saying by CNS News.  Johnson made the statement that "corporations control patterns of thinking."  I have a question for Rep. Johnson.  Does the ACLU control patterns of thinking in American society?  How about La Raza or Green Peace or feminist groups?  Do they need to be regulated as well? 

The hallmark of American society is the freedom guaranteed to us by the First Amendment which is the freedom of speech.  That's what makes America a unique country.  That amendment protects our right to say what we desire regardless of how popular or unpopular it is.  That's something citizens of many countries around the world don't have the privilege to enjoy.

To read the full story, click on the link above.

Boehner Faces Conservative Backlash Over Tax Proposal, Even as Democrats Resist Offer

Boehner faces conservative backlash over tax proposal, even as Dems resist offer | Fox News



House Speaker John Boehner is receiving a lot of heat from "conservatives" in both chambers of the House in regards to his fiscal crisis counter proposal where the House proposes $800 billion in new tax revenue.  Even that proposal was rebuffed by President Obama.  Tea Party-aligned Republican Jim DeMint (R-SC) argued that the House plan "will destroy American jobs and allow politicians in Washington to spend even more." 

John Boehner should resign as Speaker of the House.  It's pathetic there aren't any Tea Party Republicans in the House who have enough audacity to call for the Speaker's resignation.  If you click on Jim Sumpter's website which is www.JimSumpterShow.com, you'll see a picture of John Boehner in a dress.  That's the kind of leadership we have in the House.  He's weaker than the average woman.  Wouldn't it be great if he had as much gall to stand for the Constitution (like Nancy Pelosi does in standing for leftist causes)?  If he would stand for the Constitution, then Obama's proposal for a tax hike would immediately go in flames.  Instead, he caves in to the President.  He's totally abandoned the pledge he and the GOP made during the midterm election in 2010.  He's another sellout.

To read the full story, click on the above link from FoxNews.com.

Taxes: GOP Surrenders Last Issue Advantage

Taxes: GOP Surrenders Last Issue Advantage



House Speaker John Boehner with House Majority Leader Eric Cantor

It's a sad day in American history when you have RINO's such as House Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor surrending the one last issue the Republicans have over the Democrats: taxes.  For your information, I don't care about the Republicans.  I'm not interested in trying to save the GOP.  I think they've went too far to be saved.  They're bought by the same forces (forces of Nimrod) as the Democrats are.  Consequently, the GOP under crybaby John Boehner has inadvertantly told the voters by his actions there's no legitimate reason to continue for the GOP.  Both parties are virtually the same.  The only difference is that Democrats are hardcore socialists and Republicans are willing to be their accomplices.  John Boehner has eliminated any distinction between the two parties.  The average voter no longer has any reason to vote for the GOP.  If the Republicans officially decide to bolt against Grover Norquist's "no-tax" pledge and vote for taxes, then I believe it will more than likely be over with for the GOP.  Why the GOP in the House doesn't call for the resignation of Boehner is stunning.  The truth is they've all been compromised in the House.  Where's Michelle Bachmann?  Where's Tim Gowdy?  They need to be speaking out loud and clear against Boehner. 

Higher taxes isn't the recipe to prevent us from falling over the "fiscal cliff".  The answer is for the government to loosen the stranglehold on the economy, eliminate wasteful government spending, and abolish the present tax code.  The government should institute a flat tax.  It would stop all this class warfare. 

To read the full story, click on the above link from Breitbart.com.

Study: CA Worst-Governed State in America

Study: CA Worst-Governed State in America



Why am I not surprised when I read from Breitbart.com that California is one of the worst-governed states in the country?  I'm not a bit surprised.  When you consider the fact that voters elected past governors such as Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Jerry Brown, who's the current governor, it's no surprise.  Also, California hasn't been unable to unseat U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, to name a few.  The very fact that voters keep sending these corrupt politicians back to Washington says that California has major problems.  The type of politicians California keeps sending back to Washington is a representative of the people who live there.  That's why their state budget is out of control and they're practically bankrupt. 

Also, California is a cesspool of immorality, esp. in San Francisco.  San Francisco is filled with Sodomites who live in that area.  Former San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsome gave marriage licenses so sodomites could marry as far back as 2004, not too many months after the Massachusetts Supreme Court said homosexuals couldn't be forbidden to marry by the state.  California has barnyard morals.  And we wonder why the state is broke.  California has an extreme rate of inflation.  It's too costly for an average person to live there.  Also, regulations make it very difficult for businesses to operate there, so they're leaving the state in droves.  It's tragic.

To read the full story, click on the above link from Breitbart.com.

The Problem is Excessive Spending

Obama's opening fiscal cliff bid seeks debt limit hike, stimulus | Reuters



Since the presidential election we've been hearing about the "fiscal cliff" that's upon us and now Congress and the president are working toward some sort of "compromise" to avert the fiscal cliff that's upon us.  Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is making a proposal to include more stimulus spending and the authority to unilaterally raise the U.S. borrowing ceiling, according to Reuters.  Republicans greeted it with laughter.  Let's make something abudantly clear.  The problem is not the wealthy pay too little taxes.  The problem isn't that the borrowing limit isn't high enough.  The problem is one thing: overspending.  It's foolish to be discussing the issue of raising the debt ceiling or raising taxes on the wealthy.  The truth is Congress and the president will continue with their spending ways.  The Federal Reserve prints money already.  Raising taxes on the wealthy is plain wrong.  Why target them?  It's all about the the government controlling the American people.  The answer is for the government to drastically slash all the wasteful government spending.  That's the answer.  That's so simple that it's plain as the nose on your face.  It's too simple for the government to understand.  Ha! Ha!

To read the full story, click on the above link from Reuters.

The Spirit of Christmas (With the Living Strings)

This recording was from a 1963 album.