To me, it is the norm to stand for the national anthem, honor the American flag and be proud to be an American. Many outsiders seek to live in our country, experiencing democracy and freedom.
It is hard for me to comprehend the Sept. 30, 2023, eleventh hour Congress vote to keep our country from going into shutdown. Congress members are elected to represent us. It is their responsibility to operate our country, knowledgeable of the budget and operating deadline. I’m questioning if other individuals are disappointed with Congress’ dysfunctional manner of being our leaders? Both Democrats and Republicans choose to vote exclusively party line. No self-thinking individuals to determine what is best for our country. Finances over budget or under budget.
I do not have solutions to many of our current problems; homelessness, drugs, shootings and disrespect for one another. More and more God has been ousted from our daily living. God made the world and gave us the Holy Bible to abide by. History has proven countries that disobey God have suffered greatly.
A Bible verse that has stayed with me is Romans 1:20: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities. His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.”
We must love all of God’s creations. The whole of it and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf. Every ray of God’s light. If you love everything, you will perceive the heavenly mysteries. Reject a culture of chaos.
If there is a country shutdown, Congress members should not receive pay, just as the military and other federal employees would be denied.
I have voted every election. My small contribution to make this a better America: selecting qualified leaders. Hopefully, along with my white hair and forgetfulness, I have derived some wisdom also. We must live by God’s rules, not man’s rules. There is no better country in the world than the USA, even with many challenges. The can was kicked down the road for 45 days.
Lois Keen
Centralia
