WHY I DON'T LIKE CORRUPT LIARS AND DECEITFUL POLITICIANS. THIS PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION YEAR I'M SWITCHING POLITICAL PARTY- from The Independent to the Democratic party- because REPUBLICANS aren't offering any good reasons to vote for the. My vote today will go to Bernie sanders because of these undeniable facts in his 30 years in politics; He has been a consistent (always for the middle class and workers), honest, anti-war, fair, intelligent, visionary and revolutionary. Bernie Sanders has integrity, he is proven as a leader (was a major, governor, and now State senator). He can bring hope and vision to our country, and the right plan to change to America for the better.

1. IF YOUR STATE DOESN'T HAVE OPEN PRIMARIES (like NY State) YOU CANNOT VOTE for a DEMOCRAT. SO REGISTER now, you can do so by visiting the site http://voteforbernie.org/ 

- if you are not a registered Democrat (like me - I'm an Independent), you have the choice of downloading and/or requesting the form via mail. If you do so, you'll be able to vote for a democrat in the primary elections and elect Bernie! Or anyone else that is honest, smart and decent, and will stand up for all, not just the millionaires who own our government!

2. Why Am telling you to register as a democrat? Because I did! I requested the form, and I'm going to switch political party! It's about time! Yes, the time has come! The time to put our cards on the table...and be truthful. I came from Italy in 1974, and so far I have voted for six US Presidents- starting from George Bush #1 (the 1st Pr. Bush, the father). During the Carter election, in 1977,   I couldn't vote because I wasn't old enough and wasn't yet a US citizen. I was a legal resident with a green card. In this blog I would like to share with you the lessons I learned from all the presidential elections that I have been through, so far in the USA.

3. Let me tell you right away why I don't like most republicans.

I have learned, and seen from experience, that most republicans work for big business, the corporations. Their aim (objective, goal) seems to be to help the billionaires, the rich and make wars. It seems to me, and many other people- it has become  evident (clear, obvious) that republicans do these things, so that those who are in the weapons/war business, can flourish (grow) and make more money. Therefore (so), I have come to this conclusion that; republicans don't care about simple working people, like you and I, the middle class and the poor. And I believe that the only thing that republicans want us to do is to deceive us (lie), and use us to fight in the unnecessary/immoral wars that they fabricate (invent, make up, lie about) for us! They do this because their only objective is to do what their puppeteers, those people who control them, the masters, corporations/big business and lobbyists. They also do what is good/convenient for their party and themselves, and not what is good/just for our nation, America, and for the world.

4. Furthermore (and), republicans are those who jump start (help) the economy (commerce, trade, business, jobs) by cutting education, welfare, social security, Medicare and all other social programs that help the middle class and the needy (poor). Ronald Reagan (republican, 1981-89), believed and did this. He called it trickle down economics. I call it crumbs for the middle class and the poor. That's exactly what the facts/statistics reveal (tell us).

 

5. Reagan was another lair and cheater and an outlaw (a criminal) -someone who breaks the law- Yes, because as soon as he took office (became president) he broke the law, and did it more than once! As history tells us he did it twice (2 times). He allowed (permitted it, gave the OK for it) the exchanging weapons for the hostages, and also by sending weapons to the Contra rebels (fighters) in South America (it was called the Iran-Contra scandal). But, guess what? He got away with it- without any consequences! He should have been impeached, at the very least (as a minimum). Congress should have let him go, kicked him in the butt! to get him out- released of his presidential duties for good (for ever). But they didn't because they're cowards, and because he had a lot of friends/supporters. Reagan was a charismatic person, he was an actor, a good bullshitter (liar)!  He fooled (tricked) a lot of people, including me! I thought he was tough (strong) and good for America.

 

 

But I was naive. Anyway, at the time Reagan said he didn't recall (remember) ever giving the order to send weapons to the Iranians and the Contras. He also believed in helping big business and the rich. He thought (he probably lied) that when the government helps the rich, then the rich will create jobs. Wrong! Most rich businessmen pocket everything! They don't care about me and you. They just care about one thing: profits! (making more money)

 

6. Before Ronald Reagan, took office (became president) we had Pr. Gerald Ford. He was another republican (1974-1977). Ford was the one who took the place of President Richard Nixon, because Nixon was impeached (relieved, let go, kicked out) since he had created the Watergate scandal. He spied (listened without permission) on the opposite party by listening to their phone conversations, which is illegal (not legal, a crime). Ford was Nixon's VP (vice president), so as soon Ford replaced (took his place) in the oval office (the White House's President's office) and became President, he pardoned (forgave) him. Hence Nixon too got away with it (didn't pay for his crimes). 
president Nixon had a big fat potato nose! He reminded me of Pinocchio, the Italian fairytale wooden puppet, who had the habit of lying, and as soon as he lied, his nose would get longer (when he told lies), so Nixon was the Pinocchio President! With the longest nose!

7. The republican's usual, and lame (dumb. stupid), excuse (reason) is that the government is too big- it spends too much money. Hence, they accuse and point the finger at the democrats. They say: Democrats spend too much and cause big deficits (debts, more expenses than profits). However (but), that's not always true because Bush  #2 is the one who created it in the first place! With his dumb/useless war in Iraq! 
Although Pr. Bill Clinton (democratic, 1993-2001) wasn't perfect either. He had a sexual affair with one of his assistants in the White House and he lied about it on National TV. He should had been fired (impeached), but he wasn't because the judge who prosecuted him said that he did nothing against the US Constitution (law of the land). But what if you and I, a teacher, a policeman, a veteran (GI), or a firefighter had done what he did in their place of work? You bet! They'd get fired on the spot (right there where they did it)! And in a heart beat! (quickly, right away). At any rate (but) Clinton was a good spender, he knew how to handle the government's finances (budgeting of money). With his leadership we had billions in surplus (extra money). Then came George Bush (Bush #1, 1989-1993), and after him, his son Bush #2 (George W. Bush, republican, 2001-2008). It is believed that his election was rigged (manipulated) by his brother, Jebb Bush (he is a candidate for president now), who was the governor of Florida at the time. Bush #2 was a big failure and a big spender himself. He failed to (didn't) protect (defend) the USA from the 9-11 terrorist attack. His mind was fixated (set) with punishing Iraq (possibly because Saddam Hussein tried to assassinate his father). So, immediately (soon) after the 9-11 terrorist attack, he and his administration lied about it- they covered it up (hid it)- so that they would not be blamed for their ineptitude (inability, failure) in keeping America safe against terrorist. And in fact, the Bush administration stated that the President didn't know that the terrorist were planning such an attack. When in fact, they he knew that such an attack was imminent (coming soon), and that it would target several high profile (important) places/cities in the US. So, this failure- or it is very probable (possible) that it was another one of Bush's deceit. He looked away, so that the terrorist would be unhindered, unobstructed (no obstacles in the way) to hit their targets. Therefore, Bush #2, (the son) had a pretext (an excuse) to start an unnecessary war with Iraq. His other fake (not real, false) reasons (or lies) was that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction (nuclear, and chemical weapons), and Saddam Hussein- the Iraqi President at the time- had ties to terrorists. However (but), these charges from Bush #2 were never proven true; the weapons of mass destruction were never found, and his accusations (blame) against Saddam's connection to terrorist were never found either. God only knows how his lies and wars cost us financially, which brought us where we are now! With billions in debt and an economy that has been defunct (dead) for over a decade! and is finally now showing signs of life. Thanks to Pr. Obama, and the democrats, not the republicans!

8. However, the Iraqi war also had another huge price paid with American blood! We lost almost 5 thousand young GIs, thousands were wounded, and thousand were scarred for life. And it is a shameful/disgraceful fact, that the Bush administration didn't do a good job in taking care of them! So, republicans don't see their military spending as causing big problems for people, for the economy, for you and I, the workers. No, they think it's good business to lie, deceive the public and make wars. To them this is good business, good trickle down economics! Those who make/sell weapons prosper (get rich), while young Americans die for them! 

 

They don't see (don't understand), or refuse (don't want) to see, and they rather (prefer to) put their heads in the sand, when American middle blood, from the middle and lower classes trickles down! Their military spending is the highest and the biggest budget in the world!  Why can't they reduce it to a decent level? No, that's bad economy for them! Their friends would loose too much money!  Deceivers/liars and hypocrites, that's what they are! 

9. Republicans also deny (disagree on, don't accept) that the effects (results) of global warming could be devastating (harmful, destructive) to our planet and our survival (life). They don't believe in climate change- they say it's a hoax (lie)- when we all know that the vast majority of scientist tell us otherwise (differently). Republicans, simply put their heads in the sand - they refuse to accept the truth, because the truth hurts their pockets! They don't want their rich friends to lose money. Their cronies, lobbyist- those who don't care about our planet and our health, those who are in fact destroying the earth by polluting it with fossil fuels, chemicals, herbicides, pesticides and by forcing GMOs (Genetically Modified Organism) on us. And it's not true that they uphold family/moral values. They are are not sincere, they are compulsive liars! They lie all the time! Simply put, they are hypocrite cowards! How many unborn babies did Bush 1 & 2 save with their rhetoric (otherwise known as bullshit, or lies)? Zero, nada, zilch, not even one! 

 

12 Initiatives (ideas) that Bernie would like to enact (do, accomplish) if he is elected (chosen) President.

10. Republicans say that they are against abortions and for protecting human life at all levels. How many children have they saved so far? What have they done? Not much! They secretly support Planned Parenthood, an organization that supports abortions.
All decent people who care about human life know that abortion is morally wrong- hence it should only be used as a last resort, to save the life of the mother. Hence, governments/States should not encourage it and/or pay for it. Individuals should pay if they want one. The poor, those who cannot pay for it, should be excused and get it free, but all others, who want one should have to pay for it. Because the reality (fact) is that the vast majority (over 99%) of abortions aren't medically necessary (not needed). 

So many women have abortions today, not because they need it, but because they want it- they use abortion as a birth control method! But there are better ways of avoiding pregnancies, however, our government doesn't care about unborn children- and doesn't bother to educate young people. Why? Is it because politicians figure (think) that if poor women don't have abortions, then it would be a lot more expensive for the government to take care of their children. Because poor people most likely have children who will be poor, and hence add to the government's welfare rolls (numbers)! It seems to me that this is the case (reality) in America. 

This statement in the image below with Pr. Obama is disappointing because he talks as a politician, not as a Christian. He says that as a lawmaker he cannot force his views on people, so he can't stop the government from supporting abortions- just because of his religious beliefs. He needs reasonable reasons why he should outlaw abortions! That's really insulting. According to him there aren't other good reasons to outlaw abortions! There are many! The first one is, democratic/civilized governments should protect all human life, from conception (the beginning, moment of birth) until the end, or in old age! God gives us life, and only God has the right/authority to take it back when He wants. It's not up to humans to decide when/how a life will start.

 

 

Wouldn't it make more sense to focus on prevention (telling, informing) and education? Shouldn't government invest in educating children/young people in avoiding abortions and becoming better parents! Instead of giving them condoms and encouraging promiscuity! Of course!  
But, it seems to me that our government (and many other western rich societies) have created (made, built) a monster (ugly creature/animal)- a slaughterhouse- a horrible place, an hungry machine that slaughters (kills unmercifully) millions of unborn children. Hence, the so called democratic governments (that consider themselves fair and just) have made it easier to get rid of poor children, with their abortion scheme (plan). And they have become so blind (ignorant) that they don't realize (know, understand) how devious (sick) and evil their plan has become. 

Wouldn't it be better, less painful, cheaper and more effective if children/young people were educated and taught in school? They should be taught that parental involvement in the life of children is essential (important). In fact, it is the most important duty (job) parents have. To take care of their children, being with them when needed, spending time with them, teaching them, guiding them and loving them, is and should be the number one priority (duty, job) of parents. Common sense, experience, in addition to (also) research (study) of the effects of family life show that when parents are present and caring, their children don't make get in trouble, they don't make mistakes like getting pregnant too young, and/or becoming fathers when they are only in early teen years. 

So, spending quality (good) time with children is of paramount importance (very important), and a wise (good, smart) investment that pays off. Taking care of our children give us (parents) good returns (pays off), like happy children/families, and later on the investment of time and effort (work) spent in taking care of our children translate (produce, make) children into successful/responsible/sensitive (caring, loving) adults. 

Young people must also be taught and shown, that when parents  invest (spend) a lot of time in themselves (e.g., entertaining self, watching TV, surfing the Internet, going/staying Facebook, talking on cell phones, etc) instead of spending little time with their children; their families will suffer- their children will have problems, they will not be happy, and will have problems in school and in life. 

 

But of course republicans don't care about this long and expensive plan (idea, solution), of prevention/education of young people and parents. No they rather pay for wars and give lip service (just talk) to the anti-abortion stand, which is just a show and nothing else! The name for this is hypocrisy! 

 

11. I realize that it is difficult and probably (possibly) impossible to legislate (make laws) that force parents in spending quality time with their children. That is why our political leaders should try the other option: supporting/financing education. I know from experience (life)- I'm a father of two children, an adult girl and a teenage boy- that the most important factor (thing) in the success and/or failure of a human being is the level/quality of his/her parents and their immediate family. If a family cares for (loves) their children, the children will mostly likely turn out (become) happy, healthy and productive individuals. But when parents/guardians (people responsible for children) do not have their children as the number one priority (duty, job), then the children will suffer and have problems. When parents/guardians have other priorities (e.g., playing/entertaining themselves with watching TV, playing video/computer games, staying on the net for hours on end (a long time) and/or think that others should take care their children (e.g., baby sitters/strangers), this is also a mistake.

 

For instance (example), many parents think that it is the school's responsibilty to take care of their children. That's not completely correct, because schools' main objective is to teach and to a certain extent to love/take care of their students. Most tteachers do a good job at taking good care of their students' emotional needs, but most of the nurture (love, care) must come from the family. If it doesn't then it's a gigantic (very big) problem/mistake. Teachers can help in sustaining (helping) a child emotionally by encouraging them, respecting and loving them when they are in school, but this will not be enough, it can't replace the love and nurture that a child needs from his parent/s, and/or a close adult who is there with them most of the time, to guide, protect and love. When children don't have a constant loving presence they will suffer and their pain will cause them to do negative things. Parents who don't, or can't take care of their children are recipes (plans) for tragedy (accidents, sorrow, pain) and failure (not success). 

12. The media is also in part responsible, and should be blamed, for some of the violence that we see in society today. Hence, this question begs to be asked: Why is there so much bullying and sexual assaults in our schools and in society in general? Why are there so many shooting in public places like schools and malls? I'm sure that the high level of violent and repulsive (ugly, bad, filthy) shown on TV, at the movies and in video games, are having a negative (bad) effect (result) on peoples mental health! and especially on young vulnerable minds. Don't you think?  The amount of violence (also sex, drug/alcohol use, bad/filthy/aggressive language) that children are are exposed (see) to is way too high. Hence, children have become desensitized (insensitive) to other people's needs. So when they see people in pain, suffering and/or dying, they do not feel anything, and often they laugh at it! They think it's funny!

13. So, for too long now, too many TV shows and movies are violent. They are filled with sex, drugs, filthy (dirty) and vulgar (bad)  language, etc.  And so are many video games today. They are also violent/vulgar/filthy that isn't fit (not good, inappropriate) for our children. This provides negative (bad) and destructive (violent, unhealthy) models. It is filth (dirt, vulgar) that teaches them the wrong ideals (violence, hatred, intolerance, impatience, greed, etc.), and makes them insensitive (uncaring, cold, mean) to others. Today, as matter of fact, we see this high level (rate, quantity) of violence reflected (seen) in our society; kids bullying other kids, children having sex/children with other children, shootings in public places are increasing yearly (annually, every year), sexual abuses/assaults (unwanted sex, sexual harassment, rapes, etc.) on school/college campuses. 

Bernie Sanders - The President We Need. He's honest and for the Middle Class

GOD'S LOVE DOESN'T DISCRIMINATE - and/or FORCE OTHERS IN DOING THINGS AGAINST THEIR CONSCIENCE! This applies also to INDIVIDIUALS and GOVERNMENTS!

Recently, some Christian (in the USA) who have businesses have refused services/products to gays and/or lesbians. I think that this isn't right- Christians aren't supposed to judge others, but to love...because that's what Jesus did!  However, God doesn't force people to go against their conscience and/or moral values. So, too the US government should stop forcing its atheistic values on all people! IT MUST RESPECT ALL VIEWS, those of believers and non-believers! To do OTHERWISE (differently) is hypocritical and unjust!

What is discrimination? What does it mean?

The word discrimination is a noun, an idea, and/or a concept, like freedom, love, hate, etc. But it can also be a verb- an action. Discrimination can be good and bad. let me explain. When we discriminate we make a distinction This means, we differentiate, we chose one thing or things or a person or groups of people. over another or over others. We pick or favor (like and choose) something or someone (a person) over (against) another (person), we maybe against a group (of people we don't like) and be for another. We may be for a class of people (certain people), e.g., (for example) we may likethe richand the famous, and dislike poor people, black people,  Asians, or Hispanics. We can also be against a category of people (another group), for instance (example) we may not like certain women, or certain groups of Christians, Jews, or Muslims. We may also discriminate on the basis (because of) race (types of people, blacks, orientals, Europeans, etc.).  

But there's also a positive (good) way of discriminating, that's on merit or positive (good) factors/reasons/characters/personalities (that people have) we discriminate because of negative reasons, like racial, sexual, nationality, hence we do not tolerate (like) them, and we use discrimination to put them down, or make them feel inferior (bad, sad, lowly, not important, insignificant, and unworthy).  

We may think, that for example, all immigrants are dumb, or that short people are useless, or that fat people are not so smart. So when we discriminate against people, and treat and deal (act) with them in a negative (bad) way, then this is discrimination. So, discrimination is treating others (people) wrong, when we simply do not like them because of unfair (unjust) and unreasonable (not reasonable, silly) factors/features (or reasons). Just because they are fat, or short, or we don't like their skin color, or country of origin, or religion, or social status (e.g. poor/homeless). We simply don't like them because they aren't like us; they don't live/think and act the way we do)- hence we think we have the right to mistreat them (or treat them badly), in a negative (bad) way. 

But there's also a positive (good) way of discriminating, that's on merit or positive (good) factors/reasons/characters/personalities (that people may have, or products (things) may have.

For instance for (example); I may chose between water and soda- I pick water because it is healthier. We can also discriminate between people, we may decide that some people are better than othersOther meanings of the word related to discrimination. Having a discriminating taste isn't a negative (bad) thing, because we choose what we think is good for us. We have the power of making fine (good) distinctions; discriminating judgment (choosing between good/bad things): For example;

She chose the colors with great discrimination (great/careful care).
He  has a discriminating (choosy, good) taste. He likes only fresh Italian pastries! I do too!
They have a discriminating taste for fancy clothes!

 

Often Christians may disagree with someone else's life style, but they shouldn't concern themselves with others' sexual orientation- That's their business. They should instead care and be concerned about treating everyone with dignity and kindness- because that's what God calls us to do! Doing otherwise is immoral! Its wrong! It is sinful!

 

To say that "some" others do not deserve our kindness/services and/or be allowed to buy our products, because they are gays/lesbians, isn't right.
Ask yourself: Would Jesus do that? No, he wouldn't!  Why? Because people who lead different life styles are human beings too, and should be treated with respect too. It doesn't matter if they have a different sexual orientations than ours, or that they may come from a different culture/religion (Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, etc.) or doesn't believe in God (an atheist), or if someone is of a different race (e.g., black, oriental, Hispanic, etc).
These differences are not a license to discriminate and/or treat people with unjustly/kindly (not nice, not kindly) and/or with disrespect (without respect). All people deserve to be treated with dignity (respect, and compassion) because it's the humane thing to do!
And if we're a believers (in God), we should remember that all human beings (people), no matter their age, sexual orientation, skin color, age, ect.), were created by the same God, who created me and you.
So, to do discriminate against anyone is simply wrong! not good! It is not ethical (correct, right), it is morally wrong. Even non-believers, people of good will, decent people, know that discrimination is unacceptable in their book, and for that matter, in all faiths, including mine, the Christian faith. 

I'd like to share (give) with you some examples why it is wrong to discriminate against anyone. As it is apparent (clear), in this blog I am referring to gay/lesbian discrimination. If you're wondering why I am writing this essay, let me clarify any doubts that you may have about me; I am not gay and neither a lesbian!
I am writing this essay because I believe that any form of discrimination against anyone is wrong. This belief of mine probably originates (starts, begins) in my upbringing, when my parents taugth me to treat everyone with respect- even those who didn't deserve it. Because my parents taught me to follow Christian morality. So, today I man who tries to follow Jesus teaching/examples in my life. However, I also want to clarify that being a Christian doesn't make me better than anyone else. Why? because I'm also a sinner, someone like everyone else - I make mistakes too - but I have compassion, for gays/lesbians too. That's why I wrote this essay. I despise (don't like) injustice.

 

So let me begin my illustration (explanation) why it is wrong to discriminate. I'll begin by asking this question. If we run across someone who needs help/assistance (in a fire, or in a car accident, etc), are we going to ask them what their sexual orientation is? Before we assist them, and call 911? I will not! Because that's not what God wants me to do. In fact, in the Good Samaritan story, Jesus didn't teach us to ask, but to act in kindness/compassion, as to help and alleviate pain. The Good Samaritan wasn't concerned about the sex, or the status of the man on the ground. He just took care and helped the poor man who was left laying on the road, after he was robbed and beaten up. That's what decent people- people of goodwill do- they help out in compassion. That's what Christians are supposed to do.

What about the time when they tried to trick Jesus? Some people who wanted to get Jesus arrested, asked Him: Master, should we pay taxes to the Romans? The Romans believed that their Emperor was a god  and also slaughtered thousands, and possibly  more Christian, by crucifixion  and many others in the Colosseum in Rome. What would our reaction be to that trick question?  We'd probably would have said: The heck w/the Romans, they can go to hell! But that's not what Jesus said. After he asked them to show him the coin, He said: Who's image is it on this coin? They replied: Caesars' (The Roman Emperor). And Jesus answered: Then, give to Cesar's what is of Caesars' (or to the Roman  Empire), and give to God what is of God's. What does this mean in our life today? For me it means that we, who are made in God's image (we look like God), should put God first in our life, and hence obey His commandments. However, we should not do it (love God) out of fear, but out of love, because God doesn't force His love on us. 

However, this parable (story w/a meaning), of the Roman Coin, tells us another "story" (another meaning), and that is; we should obey civil laws/authorities. Why? For two reasons; Jesus obeyed them. He didn't rebel and/or incite (tell, encourage) others to do so. Neither did he fight the Romans. Therefore, we as his followers, if we care and love God, must also do as Jesus did. We shouldn't rebel and pay our dues- our taxes. Why? Our government needs this money to provide us with services (schools, hospitals, roads, armies/police/firefighters- they protect our nation- they provide assistance for the needy/elderly/homeless/poor/maimed veterans, etc.) But, I'm sure some of you will say: Our government doesn't always do the right thing! Agreed- that's why we must remind our leaders in government,  or they will just take care of their own friends and the powerful- often those who support them financially! Again, humans discriminate and often we do not do what's right! 

(For more info. on the Parable of the Roman Coin visit  http://pangelingua.net/2014/10/18/a-god-who-pays-taxes/ or for a simpler explanation Google: Parable of the Roman Coin in Wikipedia)

Yes, I know, governments sometimes  make mistakes, and it is unfortunate that lately this happens often- I'd say on a regular basis. Today many of our leaders do not do what's morally right; sometimes they discriminate, they don't listen to all people, and don't take care of the needs of the powerless/weak. However, they do listen and do what the powerful/rich want, don't they? This happens very often in our rich/affluent western societies, doesn't it? We also know that democratic governments (like ours, in the USA) shouldn't force Christians to go against their moral beliefs. For instance, for us Christians it is wrong to pay for and/or support abortions in any way, yet our "fair" democratic government (and also most other western nations) collect taxes from all citizens (no matter what their religion/beliefs are) and it (the government) supports/pays/guarantees abortions on demand. Hence governments do what pleases them. They also start wars, usually with a pretext, (an excuse) so they can deceive (cheat, lie to) the masses (the public, most people, citizens). But who gets to go to war? Who spills his/her blood for our nation? Not the rich/affluent and the powerful, but the poor and the middle class! Then they (many of our political leaders) tell us that we shouldn't help the poor because they are lazy! Bull! They let others do their dirty work and they enjoy their social status- I call it welfare for the rich!! 

 

Civilized governments should also protect/respect the rights all citizens, but often they don't. They only protect a select few, like the wealthy/powerful/connected, unbelievers (atheists), and the healthy. But they neglect (don't care for) the weak/defenseless, and those who have strong moral/religious beliefs, the believers (e.g., Christians, Jewish, Muslims, etc). When governments are selective, it is downright wrong! Governments should protect everyone! Even the unborn, the elderly, the sick, the wounded, the defenseless,  believers, nonbelievers, the poor, the straight, the gays/lesbians. In other words, civilized/just governments should guarantee the right of all people- because all humans have dignity. However, this doesn't happen in our world, because we humans are weak, and our governments are imperfect, we all make mistakes, we are all sinners. That is why I think that it is also wrong for the US governments (federal and States') to force people/businesses to do something that goes against the beliefs/moral values of believers. Our government has no authority in forcing a Christian (or any other faith) business, or a pastor  to marry a gay/lesbian couple. And/or forcing a Christian hospital/clinic to perform abortions. There are many other places that will perform these services (marrying gays/lesbians and performing abortions). Why does our government have to force a person (e.g., pastor/priest/imam/rabbi, etc.), and/or an organization (e.g., hospital/clinic/church) to go against their beliefs? Hence, force them into performing  immoral acts? Things that aren't acceptable in the eyes of God?!? I call this dictatorship! Our government doesn't care for the rights of all believers/faiths!

What should we do? I personally know that I hate violence, and as a Christian I cannot and will not use it in order to solve problems. But I know that I can make positive contributions (good things/actions) to society. I can take effective (good) actions. I can try to improve/change our government for the better. But I also know that in order to successfully do this, I need help/assistance- I can't do it alone. And that's why I wrote this essay- to try and enlist (ask for) your help. So, we must be  united in this effort, because as the saying goes: "United we stand and divided we fall!" I also think that we need to pray for peace, harmony, ethical/moral values to take hold in our society and the world, and for honesty, fairness/justice/mercy for all people. So, that people everywhere may be treated with respect. We should also pray for God to give us the vision/understanding/compassion, and the courage to respectfully disagree with those who are different from us (those who lead different life styles than us, and/or have different faiths, cultures, skin color, sexual preferences, etc.). But we must do this first ourselves with  honesty, fairness and with compassion (kindness, love). Let's begin by being considerate (kind, nice) of our neighbors, our family members, our co-workers, friends, etc., who may be different than us, and may happen to be gay/lesbians, or from a different culture/religion/country/race/ethnic background (e.g., black, Muslim, Hispanic, oriental, etc.). Second, we must speak up kindly but firmly. We must educate ourselves by reading, and getting all the facts- before rushing into immature decisions/judgements. This also means to inform our political leaders in Congress, and let them know how we feel about issues (problems), as this one, that impact our life, our nation, and the world. This can be done by writing to our leaders, and media outlets (newspapers, magazines, etc), and voice (speak) our opinions (ideas, thoughts), but we must do it always respectfully. We can also post/write blogs/essays/articles/letters like this one online. And last, but not least we must vote only for politicians/leaders who are ethical and have the courage to stick (follow) to their ideals, who tell us the truth and do what's right for all! Leaders who respect all people and all faiths, not just a select few, like the rich/powerful and/or  atheist.

In the end, those of us who care about others must be focused on doing God's will and obey His command; that is to love one another, instead of judging. Isn't this what Jesus taught us Christians? Isn't this what God desires from us all? So, isn't discrimination of gays/lesbians wrong? Of course it is! And isn't also wrong for the government to force its atheistic views on its people? Isn't it wrong for the government to tell/force religious people to do things (like abortions, marrying gays/lesbians) that go against their conscience/religious beliefs? Isn't any type of discrimination against anyone wrong? You bet! All of these are!That's why we need to speak up! Vote for someone who will respect all people, not just a few!

BERNIE SANDERS TELLS US WHY HE IS RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT OF THE USA.
I am with him. I believe he is honest, has integrity, and has experience- his record speaks for itself. In addition, he is intelligent, and has a good plan, one that will benefit America and the world. 
I am an Italian immigrant and naturalized US citizen. I came to America in 1974. I have seen many US Presidents come and go, and I have never made a financial contribution to their campaigns. This time I donated to Bernie Sander's presidential campaign because I feel we need a President who stands for the people and not for special interests, and big corporations who have only one goal- profits- and don't care about us, our public's interests/health/well being and the environment. In addition, we do not want to continue to feed/support the monster, the huge war/weapon bellicose (war making) industry with our tax dollars- when we have almost 50 million who are living in poverty, and when our tax dollars could be better invested, and used in creating jobs by rebuilding/fixing our infrastructure (our schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, etc.) I am sick and tired of the status-quo, the same old stale/ineffective/greedy story of supporting the rich, the huge corporations, so that the economy will improve- they call it trickle down economics. I call it trickle down crumbs for me and you! We know it- it's well documented- look at the statistics- that trickle down economics is a lie! The rich are getting richer and the middle class and the poor are getting the crumbs! That is why I will support Bernie! See what Bernie has in store for America.

An invitation from Senator Bernie Sanders

Dear Friend,
For many months I have been traveling from coast to coast across our country, and have had the opportunity to meet with thousands of good, hard-working, and remarkable people. Like you and me, they are deeply concerned about the future of our country.
They wonder why they are working longer hours for lower wages. They worry about whether their kids will be able to afford college or get decent jobs. They fear that they may not have the savings to retire with dignity and security.

The challenges facing our country are enormous. That's why I am running to become the next President of the United States.
You've already signed up to join our campaign, and for that I thank you. Can you take the next step and contribute $5 to our campaign?

It's not just that, for forty years, the middle class has been disappearing. It's that 99% of all new income is going to the top 1%, and the grotesque level of wealth and income inequality today is worse than at any time since the late 1920s. The people at the top are grabbing all the new wealth and income for themselves, and the rest of America is being squeezed and left behind.

The disastrous decisions of the Supreme Court in the Citizens United case and in other related decisions are undermining the very foundations of American democracy, as billionaires rig the system by using their Super PACs to buy politicians and elections.

And the peril of global climate change, with catastrophic consequences, is the central challenge of our times and our planet.

 

The middle class in America is at a tipping point. It will not last another generation if we don't boldly change course now.

After a year of travel, discussion and dialogue, I have decided to be a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President. But let's be clear. This campaign is not about Bernie Sanders. It's about a grassroots movement of Americans standing up and saying: "Enough is enough. This country and our government belong to all of us, not just a handful of billionaires."
Our movement needs people like you involved to help it succeed. Contribute $5 now to support our campaign for president.
I run not to oppose any man or woman, but to propose new and far-reaching policies to deal with the crises of our times. And I run because I know we must change course now, or risk losing the future for so many to the interests of so few.

A successful national campaign is a massive undertaking, especially when we will be heavily outspent. It will require the active participation of millions of Americans in every community in our country. In fact, it will require nothing less than a political revolution that combats the demoralization and alienation of so many of our people from the political process.
Let me be very honest. It may be too late to stop the billionaire class from trying to buy the Presidency and Congress. The forces of greed already may be too powerful.
But we owe it to our children and grandchildren to try. We owe it to them to make the fight and, through the power of our numbers, turn back this assault on the foundation of our democracy and our future.

We are at a moment of truth. We need to face up to the reality of where we are as a nation, and we need a mass movement of people to fight for change.
I believe America is ready for a new path to the future.

Please make a $5 contribution to our campaign now:
https://go.berniesanders.com/donate-to-our-campaign

Sincerely,
Senator Bernie Sanders

I am...I hope you are! This man deserves a chance to save America from the war hawks, greedy and unethical influential people who corrupt and have bought our political system! For only one purpose...to make a profit! Not for the well being of our nation, but just so that their pockets are full of money!