About Us

Name: American Sweetheart
Email: hlskittypryde@yahoo.com Biography
Name: GeorgeBruno
Location: Perkasie, PA
Biography
Loading...

Create Your Own Blog Find Other Townhall Blogs

Comments

Blog Roll

 

Romans 13 and the Government: Then and now.

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Monday, October 13, 2008 10:23:43 PM
I am just developing this thought. I verbalized it partially in the adult Sunday school class I attend this past Sunday. It is regarding Romans 13 from the New Testament. This version is a popular bible paraphrase called The Message:
It reads:
 
"Be a good citizen. All governments are under God. Insofar as there is peace and order, it's God's order. So live responsibly as a citizen. If you're irresponsible to the state, then you're irresponsible with God, and God will hold you responsible. Duly constituted authorities are only a threat if you're trying to get by with something. Decent citizens should have nothing to fear. Do you want to be on good terms with the government? Be a responsible citizen and you'll get on just fine, the government working to your advantage. But if you're breaking the rules right and left, watch out. The police aren't there just to be admired in their uniforms. God also has an interest in keeping order, and he uses them to do it. That's why you must live responsibly—not just to avoid punishment but also because it's the right way to live. That's also why you pay taxes—so that an orderly way of life can be maintained. Fulfill your obligations as a citizen. Pay your taxes, pay your bills, respect your leaders."
 
OK. That's pretty clear. I agree, for the most part, government is OK. Without it we dont have criminal justice, good roads, advocates for the disadvantaged, womens rights, minority rights, etc.
 
We are all aware of the abuses of government as well. Those are the things we all hate about "Washington".
 
Here's my hypothesis.
 
The government in the first century was the Roman government. They were adversaries of Christianity. They truly were an enemy.
 
But...today..things are different. Our gov't is a "we the people" gov't. if we don't like something, we CAN change it. We can vote in or out people who represent or don't represent us. They could NOT do that in the first century. If you stood up against Rome, which was the "Washington" of that day, you would die. The Roman colliseum is a testament to that as Christians were put to death as entertainment sponsored by the gov't.
 
Should we be so passive and have a Romans 13 attitude today? How is Romans 13 relevant today I ask you? Christians are not different, but the gov't is. Is our relationship with the gov't different? How do we live out Romans 13 today? How do we flesh out Romans 13 in the light of this upcoming election? Do we still have to go to the slaughter at the hands of the gov't?
No one is appointed except supreme court judges and at local levels we vote them all in. All other gov't rulers are put there by no one but us.
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Are we really diametrically oposed?

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Saturday, October 11, 2008 10:52:17 AM
I have written privately for years. My hard drive is jam packed full of platitudes, ponderings, and indulgences.
Blogging has allowed me to come out of the closet, so to speak.
 
As I market and publicize this particular blog to friends and foes, it is very fascinating what I get in response.
 
One beloved friend, whom I respect and adore writes back saying, "Good luck blogging, but I personally am rooting for Obama/Biden.  I don't want ANYONE telling ME what I'm allowed to do with my own body.  And I certainly don't want a daffy hockey mom and another old white guy running the country.  How terrifying."
 
Another writes, " OK, I read your blog, now I ask that you watch this: http://my.barackobama.com/page/content/fourdays and take note - the drop in gas prices now that election day is approaching will not sway my opinion. Fair is fair. At least watch it."
 
and
 
"It makes me very sad at how easily swayed the American populace is. How quickly they forget that they've been badly beaten and abused with a handful of candy. I simply can't forget, especially not that easily and when I work my a$$ off to watch our glorious government take almost half of that to give to their friends....And I respect your opinions so let me know if I get too serious"
 
What I get out of these responses is that people are charged up. I don't believe we can change anyones mind. Political ideology is a matter of the heart. It is not the result of systematic polemics and stating cases.
My friends send me things to read.  I send them things to read. I don't think it does anything except open up dialogue in areas that we never had or make each other mad as hell. I am not willing to burn those bridges. That is why blogging is so much fun. People tune into you who like what you have to say, not because they hate you. Most of the time, if someone hates you, it's probably because youve given them a reason to hate you.
 
Don't pet a cat in the wrong direction.
 
I don't want to beat anyone nor do I want to get beaten.
 
We both look at each other as being as lost as a ball in tall grass.
 
Are we diametrically oposed? Yes.
Is it fatal for a friendship? No. Not if you don't want it to be.
Do I need all my friends to believe like me? Heck no. How boring would life be?
Will I ever have a show on PBS or NPR? They'd never do it, but I would.
Can we agree to still love each other. You bet.
 
I don't want to be "the ugly Republican" and I don't want to be with "the ugly Democrat"
 
If youre not a conservative, a little right of center, like me....then be happy to have me be your "conservative friend".
I don't mind having you as friend. As a matter of fact, I cherish it.
 
I wrestle with closing my email responses to my more liberal friends.
I am always tempted to say I still love you. Which if you read between the lines really means "inspite of your political faults, I love you".
 
I am tempted, but I will not fall into that ugly demeaning trap.
 
So I just write, "I love you" and sometimes add  "...and there aint nothing gonna change that".
 
Some of my more liberal friends like that and are now practicing that with me as well.
 
Some won't even answer the phone anymore.
 
Oh well. You can't please everybody.
 


Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Weekend at Bernies..I mean at the Texas polls

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Friday, October 10, 2008 8:29:12 PM
4,000 dead people were found to be on the voter rolls in Texas.
 
The report did not mention what party the dead people were affiliated with. It'll be interesting to find that out.
 
You cant make this stuff up.
 
I love Texas. They do everything BIG. Even their community organizers go all out to provide the gift that keeps on giving...um..I mean ...keeps on voting.
 
Your vote counts in Texas..and counts...and counts..and counts.
 
I love the story of the lady who died ten months BEFORE the '04 primary and was recorded as having voted.
 
Sounds like a new M. Night Shymalan movie.
 
Let's call it "Dead Man Voting"
 
"I see dead people...and they're voting."
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Got economic woes Bunky?

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Friday, October 10, 2008 5:12:40 PM
Economic woes Bunky?
Just step right up.
What... me worry?
You can't lose what you don't have.
All of my well-to-do friends are fretting over what their investments are doing.
I get daily reports of how much they have lost and hear the grief they are experiencing.
 
That's nothing new for anyone who has been through a divorce or is an entrepreneur in round two or three.
Divorce and family break up does the same thing.
You lose everything...or at least initially think that.
You wonder where youre going to live.
You pretty much lose your standard of living.
You discover eBay and find yourself selling things you really dont need.
You buy store brands now.
Youre happy with the basics: Clean clothes, a tank of gas, and good conversation.
Youre willing to give everything up...except your high speed internet.
You refresh your ironing and spray starch skills from college.
You buy Glad plastic food containers because you can probably get another day out of that chili.
You have baked beans with chopped hotdogs, ramen noodles, and Hamburger Helper for the first time in 20 years.
You tip exactly 15% ...IF...you go out to eat.
You turn lights off when you leave a room, put an extra blanket on the bed, and re-live the joys of wearing sweaters in the house.
You find yourself speaking to God a little more.
 
It's not all that bad....especially if you had nothing to begin with.
 
Remember when Job said...."Naked I came from my mother's womb. Naked I will depart. The Lord gives and takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this, Job didnt sin or curse God foolishly."
 
That's the real "Secret" to making it through these economic woes.
 
Agree or disagree?
Comment and forward to your little hearts content.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Your LOCAL elections affect your life more than anything else

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Wednesday, October 08, 2008 11:10:01 AM
Your LOCAL elections affect your everyday life more than any other. I'm not saying that the state and national elections are not important, they are. What I'm saying is that you need to see who is on the ballot in your local area....judges, state reps, school boards, borough officers, etc.
 
The condition of your roads, your divorce and custody cases, your school boards, the curfew times for teenagers.....ALL DETERMINED BY LOCAL ELECTIONS.
 
You send the message by voting to retain a judge or not.
Do your research. Google them. See what their record is.
If you don't like the way they have ruled, vote NO to retain and send them back to practicing law somewhere. Once they are in, there's not alot you can do...for at least ten years.
If you don't intelligently vote, you have forfeited your right to complain.
Get to work. Start googling.
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The Law of Attraction

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Monday, October 06, 2008 9:47:49 PM
 
Something very odd has been happening in our culture in the past few years and I am surprised how the media has just given this thing so much attention.

Thinking about something does not make it happen.
The concept of "putting it out into the universe" is baloney

Every twenty years or so, some bogus philosophy of business prosperity emerges and a boatload of people spend tons of money going to seminars, workshops, buying books and tapes, and spouting this business heresy.

It hit the Christian world at one time too and caused more harm to Christianity than any other heresy. It was what some people called the prosperity gospel...as if God is your extra-terrestrial Santa Claus just waiting for your list of what you want.

But here's the truth regarding business. This is what works. Listen close....

It is called the Law of Action.
DOING something about it...not just dreaming about it. You can visualize all you want, but if you don't ACT on it...it is worthless.

ACTION-ACTION-ACTION

ACTION makes it happen. Even if you don't believe in it...action works. But just "believing" and "putting out in the universe" is nonsense.

There will always be "sheeple" who believe success comes from this. Don't be a "sheeple".

Ask the people who are already successful. It's all about ACTION.

You can “visualize” a pile of money on the table in front of you, but that does not equal a pile of money. The Law of attraction says that the “higher thoughts” have higher vibrations where like attracts like. In other words, think about success and you will be successful.

The “secret” is full of baloney. Do not waste your time. The Emperor has no clothes and I dare to say it.

I'll leave you with this:
A traveler once asked Socrates how to get to Mt. Olympus. Socrates replied, "Make sure every step you take is in the direction of Mt. Olympus"

What have you done today to propel you in the direction of YOUR Mt. Olympus? Did every phone call, step, contact, email relate to your goal?

Stop wishing and hoping and start moving. Have goals, act on them, be persistent, be consistent, sell, sell, sell, don't take no for an answer, give great customer service, innovate, find a need, fill that need, get paid for it.

Now THAT'S what works!!! That is what will make the change in your personal culture.

Any questions?

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The Sarah "Washington Outsider" Approach

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Monday, October 06, 2008 12:24:19 PM
I dig her schtick, but the funny thing is is that it's not a schtick. It's a non-schtick schtick. I am a marketing guy. I would like to think everything is the result of incredible planning and strategy. For the most part, most political stuff is.
Sarah reminds me of my fave YouTube singer gal...Ysabella Brave. Check her out. She is an internet sensation...just by doing..for lack of a better term...karaoke.
People dig her. She changes up her hairstyle, her colors, does some original songs occasionally, has a video blog.
She caught me pretty quick and I am a hard sell.
A very smart record label spotted her and signed her. The message she got was "...don't change a thing." We dig the Ysabella that we first saw on YouTube.
 
Sarah's schtick is a non-schtick. She is being who she is. She never took "sarah lessons" from anyone..and that is sufficient for most Americans. We sense that and that is what is refreshing for us. We don't get the feeling that she has been coached to be what we see. We never got that feeling about Hillary. We don't get that feeling about Pelosi.
 
Actually, I think being as far from Washington as she as been has served her extremely well.
 
I can tell when I see the smile on John McCain's face when she speaks. He may be part of that old school lawyer politician boys club...and she is not. He know that. I think HE thinks she is refreshing. The so-called washington outsider has finally found its place in Washington.
 
As a man...she is what I would love my wife to be (when I get one), she is the woman we love to see at our kids games.  She is the woman we want to hear speak at parent-teacher night. She is the woman we cheer on who runs for school council, mayor, governor, and eventually president.
 
I am not a vibe guy...but I have such a good feeling about Sarah.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Great Job Gwen, Joe, and Sarah

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Friday, October 03, 2008 11:14:38 AM
Gwen Ifil. Consumate professional. Lived up to everything I predicted. Good job Gwen. Now hire me.
 
Joe Biden. Likeable lefty. Mature. Stable. Definitely personable. A little mistaken on his facts.A little bit of a short fuse mistaken by many for passion. It's still a short fuse. I was proud of him too. Good job. I dig the Home Depot and coffee shop reference. Brought you down to earth. I related.
Sarah Palin. Go for it Governor. Great job. Obviously the point winner, gets the personality award, and injected me with some fresh hope for change in Washington. Let's get real....Sarah is the REAL candidiate for change. I went to sleep with a big grin on my face.
 
For me it was a great night. The Phillies game and the debate. I was in heaven.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

This is what I think Gwen will do

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Thursday, October 02, 2008 7:27:28 PM
Now that the pressure is on, Gwen Ifil will be hyper-vigilant and make it perfectly clear that she is unbiased and fair. She has a wonderful reputation and wants to keep it. I don't think she is going to be as slanted as some think. I would be surprised if she hammers Sarah Palin like the talk radio and Fox crew says. Let's see.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

My experience with Gwen Ifil

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Wednesday, October 01, 2008 11:22:20 PM
I was a broadcast stand-in for Washington Week with Gwen Ifil at Penn in Philly.  I was "obviously" the conservative republican white guy in the "ethnic" Philly crowd and also in the midst of a PBS democrat-fest. I also got some sweet national air-time with a question for the panel. My first experience with a PBS production. Worked with all-around great people...producers, crew, director, and cast. Wouldnt mind working for them after this particular experience.
Gwen was gracious, friendly, charmimg, intelligent, and magnetic. I saw only a fair and balanced news person. I know where she stands, but it was not offensive or any more or less than anyone who supports their candidate or ideology. I think she'll be a great moderator. I don't believe she would be any more or less than Britt Hume. I am not an Obama fan, but am a Gwen Ifil fan. Go for it Gwen. You have my vote.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

The 150 mpg carburetor: Remember that from shop class?

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 11:03:10 PM
Remember the paranoid conspiracy theory shop teacher in the 70's that talked about how oil companies paid off ....or killed off the guy that invented the 150 mpg carburetor?
 
You wondered if it was really true.
Art Bell touched the topic occasionally.
 
Thank God for my buddy Art Bell on some of my long dark night rides home for many years.
The next morning, you were never really  sure if you actually heard him or dreamed those things.
 
I saw an ad today on my yahoo homepage that said, "Ford releases 65 mpg car...but not in America"
 
It figures. We might see that in five years.
 
How come when I travel the world I see these really really compact cars that get 45-55 mpg and I don't see them here in the U.S.?
 
I am slow to jump on the conspiracy band wagon, but this one bugs me.
 
Just thought I would drop this one.
 
Now let me go back to my George Noory show.
 
 
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Honor Firefighters with a Firefighters Sunday

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Sunday, September 14, 2008 12:39:09 PM
Today we had "Firefighter Sunday" at our church. It was a service that honored and thanked firfighters for their role in our town of 8,000 here in Bucks County, PA. Do you have one at your church or house of worship? It might not be a bad idea.
The main message is that there is no rescue without sacrifice. It's almost a gospel-like message.
Everytime they respond, they don't know for sure if they will be back, but that is the risk they take. No first responder ever thinks they are going to die when they leave the house and eventually the station. I'm sure it is in the back of their minds that any call could be a big one, and from what I have seen from the volunteer firefighters in my county, they step up to the plate without a second thought.
 
Here is the firefighter's prayer that was in the bulletin. Enjoy and pass on please.
 
When I am called to duty God
Where the flame may rage
Give me strength to save some life
Whatever be its age.
 
Help me embrace a little child
Before its too late
Or save some older person from
the horror of that fate
 
Enable me to be alert
and hear the weakest shout
and quickly and effectively
to put the fire out
 
I want to fill my calling
and give the best in me
to guard my every neighbor
and protect his property
 
And if according to Your will
I have to lose my life
Please bless with your protecting hand
My loving family from strife.
 
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

A weird cultural observation

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Saturday, September 13, 2008 11:16:11 AM
 
Something weird is happening in our culture today.
Gee. What a surprise.
Bottom line.
Thinking about something does not make it happen.
The concept of "putting it out into the universe" is baloney

Every twenty years or so, some bogus philosophy of business prosperity emerges and a boatload of people spend tons of money going to seminars, workshops, buying books and tapes, and spouting this business heresy.

It hit the Christian world at one time too and caused more harm to Christianity than any other heresy. It was what some people called the prosperity gospel...as if God is your extra-terrestrial Santa Claus just waiting for your list of what you want.

But here's the truth regarding business. This is what works. Listen close....

It is called the Law of Action...or as Dan Kennedy says, "The Principle of Massive Action".
DOING something about it...not just dreaming about it. You can visualize all you want, but if you don't ACT on it...it is worthless.

ACTION-ACTION-ACTION

ACTION makes it happen. Even if you don't believe in it...action works. But just "believing" and "putting out in the universe" is nonsense.

There will always be "sheeple" who believe success comes from this. Don't be a "sheeple".

Ask the people who are already successful. It's all about ACTION.

 You can “visualize” a pile of money on the table in front of you, but that does not equal a pile of money. The Law of attraction says that the “higher thoughts” have higher vibrations where like attracts like. In other words, think about success and you will be successful.

The “secret” is full of baloney. Do not waste your time. The Emperor has no clothes and I dare to say it.

If you want to know how to achieve anything....listen to people like Earl Nightingale, Dennis Waitley, Brian Tracy, Zig Ziglar. Dan Kennedy. All tried and true.

I'll leave you with this:
A traveler once asked Socrates how to get to Mt. Olympus. Socrates replied, "Make sure every step you take is in the direction of Mt. Olympus"

What have you done today to propel you in the direction of YOUR Mt. Olympus? Did every phone call, step, contact, email relate to your goal?

Stop wishing and hoping and start moving. Have goals, act on them, be persistent, be consistent, sell, sell, sell, don't take no for an answer, give great customer service, innovate, find a need, fill that need, get paid for it.

Now THAT'S what works!!!

Any questions? Shout at me.

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Bloggers benefit from speaking better

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Friday, September 12, 2008 8:48:56 PM
I often speak about writing.

Someone asked me to blog/write about speaking and this is what I put together. An unbeatable combination in our present culture is to write and speak well. Success in the media is much easier when you do both well.  Many bloggers lack effective speaking skills and are uncomfortable in social situations. This may help those bloggers get out of their boxer shorts and slippers and use their talent in a different way.

Why should you speak well? Here are ten compelling reasons:

1. You will convey your message in more passionate enthusiastic manner. Passion equals convincing. You don't need to survey an audience to find that they will always give better reviews to the more compelling, passionate speaker. You should have the motto, "Thou shalt not bore". Passionate and enthusiastic speakers always get invited back...so speaking well is good for repeat business and is a passive income generator.

2. It assures that you won’t be misunderstood. Take full responsibility for your message. The reality is that if you are misunderstood, it is YOUR fault, not theirs. Even in one-to-one communications, someone should never say to you, "Sorry, I didn’t get your name." The burden is on you to have everyone know your name, who you are, what you do, how you do it, and why they need you.

3. You will be chosen for more work, better work, and more often. You will be the company "smart-bomb". If a presentation has to be made, you get chosen. If a valuable sales call has to be scheduled, guess who they are going to choose? The rewards just seem to flock to the person who speaks better.

4. It makes you appear "smarter" People judge your capabilities by your speaking. Apart from the speaker's appearance (we will get to that in another article), the way you speak will have a direct effect on the impression you make to others. It may be a simple as talking to someone on a train on the way to work, the classic elevator conversation, and of course in business presentations. Intelligence and IQ are not good determiners of success. Some of the greatest leaders are known for their speaking style first and content second. I suggest getting broth of those mastered. You have heard it said that "It's not what you say; it's how you say it." It is very valuable in life, business, relationships, marriage, and parenting.

5. It leads to a more effective social and personal life. Networking events become easier. Impromptu speeches become effortless. You have been to events where someone off the cuff says to you, "why don't you stand or come up here and give us a few words about.......” These scenarios always lead to better work, more work, and more opportunity.

6. People will model after your speaking skills: boss, employees, clients, children, etc. when you speak well, you unconsciously raise the bar of conversation, speaking style, content, and everyone around you benefits. Slang and nonsense talk flee in the presence of a conscious speaker.

7. It makes you a more interesting and compelling person. People love to be around a good speaker. They love to hear what you have to say. They learn from your style, cadence, humor, and content.

8. It makes you an overall better communicator, written and verbal. I have found that the best writers are those that write in a conversational style. When you perfect your speaking and conversational style, you will find that your writing will be nearly effortless. Personally, since I have become conscious of this, I have been getting compliments on my writing for several years. This benefits in your copywriting as well. You will write better sales letters, ad copy, and marketing pieces. Your blogging will become compelling and much more attractive. Your readership will "magically" increase.

9. The better communicator always get picked over the weaker communicator in all areas of life. It is your responsibility to be the best speaker in your circles, whether it be in business, sports, church, politics, or sitting around the table with friends.

10. And the bottom line...People who speak better, earn more! The research is conclusive. Your income will increase with your improved speaking skills.

What will you do today to improve your skills? I would love to hear from you.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

What do you love more? The Internet or your books

Posted by GeorgeBruno on Friday, September 12, 2008 8:27:10 PM

A Man’s Books

I have a library

I mean it.

I have a library.

A real library. A whole wall of books. 15 feet long and 8 feet high. I love books. There was a time when I could bet that I was the most well-read person in my circle. I read everything. I had five to eight books on my nightstand at all times for over 20 years. I read it all from history to logic, to fiction, to sci-fi, theology, philosophy, math, scieince, art, and comics too. When I was married, the light on my nightstand was always the last one to be turned off because of my reading.

Today....just about everything I have can be found on the web somehow, someway....in just second with broadband.  I have debated if I should keep all my books when I can just google anything I want....and I do. I am google's biggest fan ...and I like a nice simplified living space without clutter.

Because of that, I have been tempted to get rid of my books

In 1986, a woman I worked with knew how much I read and gave me a parchment in a frame that said the following...

A Man's Books

Reading on wise and virtuous subjects is, next to prayer, the best improvement of our hearts. It enlightens us, calms us, collects our thoughts, and prompts us to better efforts. We say that a man is known by the friends he keeps, but a man is known better by his books.

-William Law-

I just found that framed print she made for me and blew the dust off of it.

I think I will keep my books.
What are your thoughts?
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive
« Previous1234Next »