"The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them." Proverbs 11:3 (NASB (1995))
"As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, And You set me in Your presence forever." Psalm 41:12 (NASB (1995))
"So he shepherded them according to the integrity of his heart, And guided them with his skillful hands." Psalm 78:72 (NASB (1995))
"Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for You." Psalm 25:21 (NASB (1995))
Follow the Money Or Walk In Integrity?July 27, 2009
This week's commentary will be direct and (at least for me) brief. I am not a happy camper, and I will tell you why.
As I have had the opportunity to address economic changes the United States needs to make to save our economy (see last week's commentary for the details) in a July 16th speech and the issues of health care reform legislation moving ever so torturously (but at the same time quick enough to reach Mr. Obama's desk before the August recess) through the House of Representatives and the Senate as a panel member at a July 20th health care forum, I realized that the vast majority of the people to whom I spoke had no clear understanding of the issues I was addressing. When I finished each presentation, I received thanks from the organizers and a few members of the audience, and I received one or two e-mail messages a day or two later requesting further information.
Because I do not receive any money for speaking or derive (at least at present) any revenues from this Web site, my unhappiness is not based on any unexpected loss of revenue (or the complete absence thereof). I do what I do because it is what I believe God has called me to do. As Jesus said in Matthew 10:8b, "Freely you received, freely give." (NASB (1995)) That is what we Christians are all called to do. Receive and give. Freely. Enough said.
While looking at two articles "hot off the Associated Press" within the past hour, I was reminded that some of our leaders do not necessary believe as I do. The first, entitled "Dodd, Conrad told deals were sweetened" begins with the following few paragraphs:
"Despite their denials, influential Democratic Sens. Kent Conrad and Chris Dodd were told from the start they were getting VIP mortgage discounts from one of the nation's largest lenders, the official who handled their loans has told Congress in secret testimony.
Both senators have said that at the time the mortgages were being written they didn't know they were getting unique deals from Countrywide Financial Corp., the company that went on to lose billions of dollars on home loans to credit-strapped borrowers. Dodd still maintains he got no preferential treatment.
Dodd got two Countrywide mortgages in 2003, refinancing his home in Connecticut and another residence in Washington. Conrad's two Countrywide mortgages in 2004 were for a beach house in Delaware and an eight-unit apartment building in Bismarck in his home state of North Dakota.
Robert Feinberg, who worked in Countrywide's VIP section, told congressional investigators last month that the two senators were made aware that 'who you know is basically how you're coming in here.'"
Three questions come to mind immediately. First of all, why did it allegedly take a month for this information to come to light? Second, is this not the same Senator Dodd who provided the media and the American people with conflicting stories about his involvement in other banking-related matters? finally, were these senators votes on banking-related matters "freely" given, do we have to ask them to "show [us] the money"? Again, enough said.
The second article, entitled "Senate group omitting Dem health goals", has to do with possibles significant changes in the Senate version of the health care reform legislation. Again, an excerpt from the article:
"After weeks of secretive talks, a bipartisan group in the Senate edged closer Monday to a health care compromise that omits a requirement for businesses to offer coverage to their workers and lacks a government insurance option that President Barack Obama favors, according to numerous officials.
Like bills drafted by Democrats, the proposal under discussion by six members on the Senate Finance Committee would bar insurance companies from denying coverage to any applicant. Nor could insurers charge higher premiums on the basis of pre-existing medical conditions.
But it jettisons other core Democratic provisions in a reach for bipartisanship on an issue that has so far produced little.
The effort received a boost during the day from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, normally a close ally of Republicans. In a letter to committee leaders, the business group called for the panel to "act promptly, preferably before" the Senate's scheduled vacation at the end of next week. In doing so, the business organization dealt a blow to the Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and other GOP lawmakers who have called repeatedly for Democrats to slow down."
Again, three questions come to mind right away. First, why have there allegedly been "weeks of secretive talks"? Doesn't a matter with a possible price tag of more than $1 trillion demand a full and open discussion?
Second, if having a "government insurance option" is so crucial to provide health care coverage for an estimated 50 million uninsured people, why is it being negotiated away behind closed doors? Is the real agenda behind supposed health care reform something the American people have yet to see?
Finally, why is an organization like the United States Chamber of Commerce suddenly calling on the Senate to "act promptly, preferably before" the August recess when it, like many others, has been asking for the pace of legislative deliberation on this issue to "slow down". Again, is there a hidden agenda behind the Chamber's sudden change of position on this issue? If so, tell us the truth.
My purpose in writing this commentary is not to prove some conspiratorial theory. It is not to cast aspersions on individuals or groups. It is simply to raise what I believe are pertinent questions. Hopefully, by next week, we will all have some good answers. Until then, "Walk with the King, and be a blessing".
A Ministerial Perspective ArchivesFour Changes Needed to Save The American Economy (July 20, 2009)
Immorality, Bad Counsel, and The First Tax Revolt (July 7, 2009)
What Are We Leaving Our Children's Children? (June 18, 2009)
It's Time For A Vision Check (June 10, 2009)
Oliver K. Burrows III is executive editor of economictruth.org and has thirty years of business and education experience. He graduated from Colgate University with a B. A. in History in 1976, from Drexel University with an M. B. A. in Marketing and Personnel/Industrial Relations in 1979, and from NTC Bible College with a B. A. in Theology in 2008. He has held middle and upper management positions in the retail and information technology fields as well as operating his own consulting business for eleven years. He has been an adjunct instructor for five colleges and universities, teaching courses in fields ranging from English, mathematics, and environmental science to a myriad of social science and business fields in both a face-to-face and on-line format. He currently teaches for Cardinal Stritch University and is developing on-line courses for Acts Ministry University in Biblical economics, introduction to church administration, and elementary doctrines to be taught beginning in the fall of 2009. His secondary teaching experience includes three years in the social studies department at Mosinee High School from 2000-2003 and a year as a social studies teacher and iMentor for Insight School of Wisconsin in 2007-2008. Oliver is also a licensed minister through Acts Ministry and is presently working to identify and develop partnerships with individuals and ministries led to establish state, national, and international on-line Christian schools and colleges. He also works with Dr. Warren Drake, founder of the Vision Resource Network, in the areas of technical support and web site development. His wife, Donna, is an ordained minister and is the lead teacher in a Christian day care ministry. They have four adult children and one grandchild. As the founder of economictruth.org, Oliver is assembling a team of professionals from a number of disciplines to develop a teaching and news and information-oriented web site for those who want to learn the truth about the present economic situation, its causes and effects, and how to respond to it in a Biblically-based manner. For further information about Oliver and his work, please contact him by e-mail at this address.