Separation of Which Churches and State?

"And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure if we have lost the only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath?" - Thomas Jefferson, Notes on the State of Virginia

Is the Constitution a living breathing document that can be changed on the fly?  The left sure thinks so.  One part is misused so often by them:  "Separation of church and state".

It's more like the separation of "which church and state" these days. 

Come to think of it, that phrase is only convenient when Conservatives/Republicans can be called racists, bigots, hate mongers, etc.  For example, when it comes to ObamaCare, the left tells us the Catholic church is nothing more than a bunch of women haters. They discount the lawsuits being filed around the country on the mandate that requires even religious organizations to provide  contraceptives!  That separation of church and state clause doesn't exist for this, they profess!

Next example...Locally - two local churches getting funds from Department of Public Instruction.  And to boot the current Board of Education chairman.  So NO again, according to these examples,  to separation of church and state.

Next example...Do you really think the following article is all about letting black Pastors know how to legally "talk about politics from the pulpit"?  

Holder to brief black pastors on campaign 2012

http://campaign2012.washingtonexaminer.com/blogs/beltway-confidential/holder-brief-black-pastors-campaign-2012/567501

Board of Elections Special Meeting_Thanks Shannon!

For those of you who couldn't attend, here is the video from Tuesday's special meeting on an allegedly campaign finance violation by Paul Gay and company concerning this ad.  Let it be on record that Mr. Gay won the no-contest bid for LCSS' supplemental insurance.  As he has for the last two decades,  I believe. See previous articles in the Herald for reference. 

Regardless of what any of us think, the school board has the governing authority to award the contract to anyone. It is OUR, mine and yours, responsibility to hold the board to contract standards and to petition them if we feel they are in error.

The State Board of Elections has the filing and is looking into it.  The local BOE dismissed it due to that and two of the 3 board members had other things to say.

Before reviewing, note that Shannon Gurwitch stood up for all citizens when she "questioned" one of the members for the motion presented.  As Shannon states, every citizen in our county should feel confident enough to that the local BOE would listen to every complaint.  Whether the board thinks it is right or wrong.  And we say Thank you, Shannon!  None of us know when we may need the services of the board.

Fresh Brew and the Sanford Herald

“My doctors told me this morning my blood pressure is down so low that I can start reading the newspapers.”
Ronald Reagan, US President, 1987

The statement above is about the only time I would ever disagree with Reagan.  I'm just the opposite right now.   You see, for quite sometime the Fresh Brew has had a link on the Sanford Herald's website.  Not any more.   I was afraid this day would come at some point.   That's the way it is when you don't shut up - you SPEAK UP!  Some simply will use it against you. Case in point.

To recap read these articles:

http://freshbrewedconservatism.blogspot.com/2012/05/rules-for-letters-to-editor.html

http://freshbrewedconservatism.blogspot.com/2012/05/if-onlya-fresh-brew-mission.html

You see my family would be the first to tell you to call me if there was anything going on with

If Only...A Fresh Brew Mission!

Folks, don't allow anyone, friends, family (frienemies), the media or politicians, etc.,  ever accuse you of misrepresenting them because you have a differing opinion and state so.  Stand your ground.  Make your case. The Constitution gives you the right to ask questions whenever and however and from whomever.  So did those that died while protecting this great country!  Anyway, you may not get the answer you want but that should NEVER deter you.  

Go after your legislators at all levels, your local boys and girls, your Governor, your local media, bloggers, and even your President.  Ask them what isn't being asked.  Vet those that want your vote.  Make them take a stand.  At the end of the day you will know you've done what you could for your country.  And I am talking about working both sides - left and right.  Leave no stone unturned!

  No one here at the Fresh Brew ever intends to defame and destroy.  Many of  my reactions pertain to articles, editorials or letters to the editor in the local paper, ads, and other forms of

REPRINT: A Soldier's Tribute

REPRINT from 2 years ago:  Worth it everytime!

A Soldier's Tribute

The happiness of society is the end of government.

John Adams

I’ve written so many times before that when I’m in a funk and need a fresh perspective on life, I get in my car and drive. And it’s usually west! Today was no different. This Sunday turned out to be one absolutely beautiful day for a drive.

As I drove into Boone, my Christmas tree farm loomed ahead with silhouettes of mountains behind it. Every time I see that “B” on the barn, I dream of the day I’m living there with my cows, my horses, a dog or two, 70˚ summers, and lots and lots of snow in the winter. Oh, I can’t forget this…and lots of fine coffee to keep me warm by the logs in winter and the camp fire in the summer. That’s a dream that’s hard to wake up from. But life goes on…doesn’t it?

After having lunch with my son and spending a $100 at Food Lion because he needed

Rules for Letters to the Editor!

So friends,  if you want any of your letters to the editor of Sanford Herald published follow the guidelines below.  I am posting them here because not every one has a subscription.  It could be one less bill for me but I like to know what's going on in the community.  And I write frequent letters to the editor.  If you don't speak up, who will??  Watch your words carefully.  Be prepared to get irate replies back.  Be prepared for you letter to get extreme scrutiny.  It's par for the course.

And I have heard on numerous occasions that letters are not getting published.  Therefore, being who I am I asked about that.  I asked for the rules and any policy changes.  I was basically told "I wasn't telling the truth" because I wouldn't reveal who  said it.  I didn't take too kindly to that. But that happens quite often when  you put yourself out front and confront the issues.  My intentions were to find the truth.  Case was definitely lost.  So be it.

Funny PHOTO OP of the Day!

UPDATE 5/30:  Mystery solved.  The SUV belongs to someone with the last name "Keller".
As in 421 Highway Honored Individual's grandson's family. 
I wonder if they got a ticket!  Probably not! 

From last Friday:

Saw this downtown today.  Couldn't believe it!

Why would the driver of the white SUV with DOT tags illegally park?

What businesses is it parked in front of? Please comment if you know.  :)

I wonder how fast you or me would get a ticket if we did this!  Trust me I'll keep wondering.

A Thought Occurred to Me....

Who will get the chair position at the "tourism bureau" if the General Assembly grants the occupancy tax proposal?  Feel free to take the poll to the right or leave comments!

SORRY THESE THREE ARE NOT ELIGIBLE!

How's that LEED Association Working out?

CLARIFICATION:  The Occupancy tax proposal is for a NEW tax. It will be a 3% tax just for the city, not for the county or the Wicker Center.

Another day.  Another "let us tax again" drama scene from the Sanford City Council.  This bunch just won't be happy until the line at the breadbasket forms all the way to Heins Palace.  And we have plenty of fools in this town who believe they are owed our money.

That being said,  the city council  is proposing a [NEW] 3% Occupancy tax and will be petitioning the General Assembly for its approval.  SOSDD.  Yep. Same old stuff different day.