Just the way it is....

As some of you know, my husband is the editor of the Superlooper magazine. This is a magazine of the USTRC (team roping). Well he wrote the following for his September editorial column (Just the way it is...) and I was so impressed with it that I wanted to post it on my blog. It has taken off like wild fire and he has had lots of interesting comments about it. I hope you enjoy it and come election time don't forget to VOTE.

Just the way it is...

September 2008
By Ben Clements

As everyone knows, this is an election year and we are facing some extreme changes and lots of uncertainty in our country. I have avoided talking about the election and politics all together, but I think it is time to discuss the issue, because there are a lot of concerns out there.

I heard a quote the other day and it undoubtedly applies to this time in our lives. "We are voting as if our lives and futures depend upon it. Not because we fear someone is going to come out and kill us, but because we fear that if we don't get this right, our children and their children will not enjoy the privileges this generation has enjoyed as Americans—the economic opportunity, the prosperity, the education, all of those elements that have characterized our existence and our flourishing. After Florida in 2000, everybody knows that every vote absolutely counts."

Wow, what a quote. This is very true and something we need to pay attention to. It is true that every vote does count and it is critical as Americans that we vote. It is important, however, to vote for the best candidate. I am not exactly thrilled about the options out there. I cannot believe with all the Americans in the world these are the best alternatives, but that is a mute point since Senator Barack Obama and Senator John McCain are the choices we have at hand.

Barack Obama is quite a guy, but not the man to be the President of the United States of America. Anyone who is not proud enough of his country's flag that he takes it off his plane does not need to be the President of that country. Anyone who does not believe in the "Pledge of Allegiance" does not need to be the President of the United States of America. Anyone who puts down the Bible and what the United States of America stands for does not need to be the President of the United States. This nation was founded on the Bible and has survived for more than 230 years as "One nation under God," Who does Barack Obama think he is that he can totally transform the greatest nation in the world?

Obama is a great public speaker and a very convincing public figure, but if you really listen to what he is saying and if you pay close attention to what he stands for you will realize, as an American, he is a fraud. A man like that is not someone we need as the President of the United States of America. In a speech, in 2006, he openly put down the Bible when he bashed the Book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy. He also spoke out against the story of the Sermon on the Mount. Whether you are a devout Christian or not you have head of the "Ten Commandments." And I would probably guess most of us feel the "Ten Commandments" are a pretty good code of ethics to live by. The "Ten Commandments" come from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible.

As for the Sermon on the Mount – It is a commentary on the "Ten Commandments," The Sermon also contains "The Lords Prayer" and Jesus' interpretation of "The Golden Rule." All of this doctrine is what America was founded on and what America symbolizes. "The Golden Rule" says to treat others as you want to be treated. That my friends, is American and a good standard to live by, and one that our past generations held true to and our future children need to aspire to.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also said, "I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."

You might think I am picking on Obama because of his race. There are plenty of African Americans out there who could serve this country well as President. Unfortunately, such figures as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice are not candidates. The color of ones skin has nothing to do with being a good President. Morals, values, and being a true American is what counts when it comes to being President of the United States of America. Barack Obama does not fit this description at all. His allegiance and loyalty are lacking when it comes to serving this nation. His lack of experience is well documented.

That leaves Senator John McCain. Now this guy is by no means perfect. He is kind of crazy and he is old. He has a history of having a bad temper, but so do a lot of people I know. Senator McCain knows what it is to serve his country as a soldier. He served America to the point of almost losing his life in a POW camp. His son serves in Afghanistan as we speak. He knows what it is to salute the flag and he respects his country. He was willing to die for it. He has values – American values! He believes in right and wrong and he will put his hand on the Bible to swear in when he becomes President. He is American to the core and he will lead this country to the best of his God-given ability. He is not perfect and he might not be the best man in the world for the job, but of the two choices, he is the only clear option for President of the United States of America. If we are talking about experience and credibility, McCain certainly has the advantage.

I do not care if you are a Republican or a Democrat, you should always vote for the best person for the job. Don't vote for someone just because they belong to one party or the other. Vote because they will be the better option. Vote because the future of the United States of America depends on it. Vote because you are an American with American values and standards. Vote because every vote does count and vote because we have the freedom and right to do so. Vote because you belong to the greatest nation in the world and vote because you live in a country, which was founded on the fact that we are, "one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Vote because you care and that my friends is just the way it is………….

Becoming a Texan...

Well I did it....I finally took the Utah plates off of my truck and attached Texas ones to it. I have to say that giving up my Ut. plates and changing my drivers license over to a Texas one have two of the hardest things I have done. (It has taken me three years and getting married to do it) Maybe I am crazy, it shouldn't be that big of deal but it is!!! (No offense to those of you that are Texans) I think it has something to do with the fact that for the many years I have dated Ben (on and off, of course) I always distinguished myself as the "Utah Girl." Even after I moved here I was known as the girl from Utah. Now to some of you it might be a detriment but to me it made a statement!! I am proud of my heritage and those pioneers that braved the way to "This is the place" and even though Texas is a great place it will never take the place of UTAH!!! So on to the next chapter of my life as a Texan but just so you know - I will always be a UTAH GIRL at heart!!

So long Utah Plates....

Move over Texas drivers and get ready for a little Utah driving....

Kennedy Reunion

Some of you already know that I spent last month in Utah visiting my family. It was a great visit and one I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a very busy month and I am sure I will end up posting a few blogs about it. From my family's USTRC roping in Vernal to barrel racing with my friends in Pocatello it was a fun filled month. Before I begin on some of the month's activities I just want to thank my wonderful husband for being so good about me being gone. I missed him tons and he was such a good sport about it.

Well to start the month off my family put on our annual USTRC roping. It was a good roping and although I didn't win anything my brother Lex won his first saddle in the #8. So congrats to him!! I was so excited for him and hopefully he will be able to use his shootout at the finals in OKC in Oct. and I can cheer him on there.

The next weekend was the Joe and Lota Mae Kennedy reunion. This would be my grandma's family. Well we were the hosts for the reunion this year and it was a crazy two days. We put my aunt Kristy in charge and she did an awesome job. From the food to the entertainment it was a great time. I just wish my rubber ducky in the rubber ducky race would have won....I think the best part was listening to my grandma tell about getting married in England during WWII. It was an incredible story.

My grandma telling her story

My mom - the crafter!

3 on 3 tournament (the old men still showed the youngsters some moves)

My dad - Head of Security AKA "The Cook"

As you can tell from the pics we had a great time. It was fun to spend time and catch up with all of the relatives. I will write more on the rest of the trip to Utah later.