For those of you who are fond of using quotes in discussion, here are a list of quotes that and unconfirmed at this time and probably should not be used in a debate type setting as they are not rock solid. This is not to say that are not true, they just have not been proven true yet. A few of them are among my favorite quotes such as James Madison's quote about the Ten Commandments. :-( This by no means, indicates that the quotes are false, it merely states that as of yet they are unconfirmed. I may consider using these quotes again at some point, but would present them as unconfirmed quotes. Oh well, no one says in quite like David Barton himself so have a look.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Faith in the White House
Hey Guys!
There is a really good show on PAX TV right now. It is really good so if you get PAX please check it out. It should be on at least until 9 CST.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Update: Guys, that show was awesome! It was totally amazing! It tells all about George Bushes prayer life and his walk with the Lord and destroys the "separation of church and state" myth that says a president cannot be a practicing Christian and hold office. A truly great film. The film is available here if you would like to look at it.
There is a really good show on PAX TV right now. It is really good so if you get PAX please check it out. It should be on at least until 9 CST.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Update: Guys, that show was awesome! It was totally amazing! It tells all about George Bushes prayer life and his walk with the Lord and destroys the "separation of church and state" myth that says a president cannot be a practicing Christian and hold office. A truly great film. The film is available here if you would like to look at it.
Go George Bush! Down with Nancy Pelosi!
Oh me. George Bush's speech tonight was great. Nancy Pelosi's counter point speech stank. All she could say was "international help in Iraq, international help in Iraq" and "pull our troops out soon". She had nothing to say about finishing the job, and to top it all off, she said the George Bush said "Mission Accomplished" at his speech on the aircraft carrier. HE NEVER SAID THAT! THERE WAS A SIGN THAT SOME GUY PUT UP BEHIND HIM THAT SAID "Mission Accomplished".
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It just is aggravating.
Oh well, I am ranting. Talk to you guys later.
Grrrrrrrrrrrrr. It just is aggravating.
Oh well, I am ranting. Talk to you guys later.
Monday, June 27, 2005
I'm Back!
Hey Guys!
I am back from the birthday party! Had a really fun time. Here is a quick link of interest and then I better head outside and start the weed eating. :-)
Supreme Court bars Ten Commandments at courthouses
For full story click here
Comments: I guess I shall save my comments for now as I am writing a article on this for Virtue Magazine. :-D
Have a great day all!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Update: I am still doing research for my article. I am compiling a list of link to use as resources. I hope to present a well written article for you by Friday. Also I may post all my link on this topic here on my blog for my readers pleasure. Talk to you guys later!
I am back from the birthday party! Had a really fun time. Here is a quick link of interest and then I better head outside and start the weed eating. :-)
Supreme Court bars Ten Commandments at courthouses
For full story click here
Comments: I guess I shall save my comments for now as I am writing a article on this for Virtue Magazine. :-D
Have a great day all!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Update: I am still doing research for my article. I am compiling a list of link to use as resources. I hope to present a well written article for you by Friday. Also I may post all my link on this topic here on my blog for my readers pleasure. Talk to you guys later!
Friday, June 24, 2005
Gone to A Birthday Party!
Hey Guys!
My sister and I were invited to a birthday party today! We won't be back until tomorrow so I will see you guys then!
Have a great day everybody!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
My sister and I were invited to a birthday party today! We won't be back until tomorrow so I will see you guys then!
Have a great day everybody!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Scouting the News # 2
First up...
Commentary & News Briefs from Agape Press
For full story click here
Comments: Stories covered here include Billy Grahams last Crusade and the successful passing of Oregan's gay marriage ban.
The ACLU and religious intolerance at the Air Force Academy
For full story click here
Comments: Another story about the ACLU's desire to remove Christianity from the public sphere.
A nation of deists
For full story click here
Comments: This is scary.
Outlawing Flag Burning
For full story click here
Comments: Sounds good to me.
First Baptists, Now Presbyterians Urge Withdrawing Kids from Public Schools
For full story click here
Comments: I don't blame them.
O'Connor, Not Rehnquist?
For full story click here
Comments: How will be the first Supreme Court justice to resign?
High court OKs personal property seizures
For full story click here
Comments: Hmm. Interesting judgment. I would like to find out more about this issue.
That's all for now!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Commentary & News Briefs from Agape Press
For full story click here
Comments: Stories covered here include Billy Grahams last Crusade and the successful passing of Oregan's gay marriage ban.
The ACLU and religious intolerance at the Air Force Academy
For full story click here
Comments: Another story about the ACLU's desire to remove Christianity from the public sphere.
A nation of deists
For full story click here
Comments: This is scary.
Outlawing Flag Burning
For full story click here
Comments: Sounds good to me.
First Baptists, Now Presbyterians Urge Withdrawing Kids from Public Schools
For full story click here
Comments: I don't blame them.
O'Connor, Not Rehnquist?
For full story click here
Comments: How will be the first Supreme Court justice to resign?
High court OKs personal property seizures
For full story click here
Comments: Hmm. Interesting judgment. I would like to find out more about this issue.
That's all for now!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Prayer in Public School
Having noticed, as I have, that someone voted to keep prayer OUT of public schools in the blog poll, I find it necessary to present the following article for your voting consideration.
BEN FRANKLINS CALL TO PRAYER - 1787
When, after the representatives who had met in 1787 to write the Constitution of the United States struggled for several weeks making little or no progress, eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin rose and addressed the troubled and disagreeing convention that was about to adjourn in confusion. It seemed that their attempt to form a lasting union had apparently failed. Benjamin Franklin said, In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers. Sir. were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fail to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little partial local interest; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business. Benjamin Franklin then proposed that the Congress adjourn for two days to seek divine guidance. When they returned they began each of their sessions with prayer.
The stirring speech of Benjamin Franklin marked a turning point in the writing of the Constitution, complete with a Bill of Rights.
Sirs, I ask you. If our founding fathers found prayer to be a fit, proper, and yes, necessary, part of writing the constitution, how can we forbid school children from praying in their classes?
For more information, please read my post, Our Christian Heritage
Hat Tip: Restoring America.org
BEN FRANKLINS CALL TO PRAYER - 1787
When, after the representatives who had met in 1787 to write the Constitution of the United States struggled for several weeks making little or no progress, eighty-one-year-old Benjamin Franklin rose and addressed the troubled and disagreeing convention that was about to adjourn in confusion. It seemed that their attempt to form a lasting union had apparently failed. Benjamin Franklin said, In the beginning of the contest with Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayers in this room for Divine protection. Our prayers. Sir. were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending Providence in our favor. . . . And have we now forgotten this powerful Friend? Or do we imagine we no longer need His assistance?
I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fail to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel; we shall be divided by our little partial local interest; our projects will be confounded; and we ourselves shall become a reproach and a byword down to future ages. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter, from this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing government by human wisdom and leave it to chance, war, or conquest.
I therefore beg leave to move that, henceforth, prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberation be held in this assembly every morning before we proceed to business. Benjamin Franklin then proposed that the Congress adjourn for two days to seek divine guidance. When they returned they began each of their sessions with prayer.
The stirring speech of Benjamin Franklin marked a turning point in the writing of the Constitution, complete with a Bill of Rights.
Sirs, I ask you. If our founding fathers found prayer to be a fit, proper, and yes, necessary, part of writing the constitution, how can we forbid school children from praying in their classes?
For more information, please read my post, Our Christian Heritage
Hat Tip: Restoring America.org
Scout Found!
Boy Scout, Brennan Hawkins was rescued yesterday. He is alive and well, although a bit dehydrated. Praise the Lord! No news as of yet as to how he got lost.
Read full story here
Quote of the Day:
"People say that the heavens are closed and God no longer answers prayers. We are here to unequivocally tell you that the heavens are not closed, prayers are answered and children come home,"
Brennan's mother, Jody Hawkins.
Amen, Mrs. Hawkins, amen.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
One quick note on this story: Senator Durbin Apologized for Nazi Remarks
Read full story here
Quote of the Day:
"People say that the heavens are closed and God no longer answers prayers. We are here to unequivocally tell you that the heavens are not closed, prayers are answered and children come home,"
Brennan's mother, Jody Hawkins.
Amen, Mrs. Hawkins, amen.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
One quick note on this story: Senator Durbin Apologized for Nazi Remarks
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Virtue Magazine issue 12!
Hey guys!
First up today, Virtue Magazine has come out with issue 12! This issue is the largest one yet with a whopping 15 articles! Some of the Subjects include:
1. The Minuteman Project
2. Stem Cell Research
3. The Michael Jackson case
4. The Faith of Evolution, Part II
5. Rick Warren: Good or Bad?
And much, much, more! These are just a few of the many great articles that caught my eye. So please head over and have a look!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
First up today, Virtue Magazine has come out with issue 12! This issue is the largest one yet with a whopping 15 articles! Some of the Subjects include:
1. The Minuteman Project
2. Stem Cell Research
3. The Michael Jackson case
4. The Faith of Evolution, Part II
5. Rick Warren: Good or Bad?
And much, much, more! These are just a few of the many great articles that caught my eye. So please head over and have a look!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Monday, June 20, 2005
Boy Scout Missing in Utah
An 11 year old Boy Scout, Brennan Hawkins has turned up missing in the mountains of Utah. He is the second scout to go missing in these mountains. The other scout, a 12 year old Garrett Bardsley, has been missing since last August.
Read full story here
Comments: Guys, this is terrible. Both of these young men were lost while walking approximately two hundred yards from their camp site. This has been all over the scout forums and one of the main reasons given for their disappearance was the violation of one of the chief rules of scouting, the buddy system. Both of these boys were would by themselves, had they had a buddy, their chances of survival would have been much better. A young man who is alone can fall into a river and never be heard from again, but two young men can protect each other and provide aid or call help if necessary. May the Lord help their family's as they go through this difficult time. Please pray for young Brennan as the search for him continues.
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
Rom 12:15
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Read full story here
Comments: Guys, this is terrible. Both of these young men were lost while walking approximately two hundred yards from their camp site. This has been all over the scout forums and one of the main reasons given for their disappearance was the violation of one of the chief rules of scouting, the buddy system. Both of these boys were would by themselves, had they had a buddy, their chances of survival would have been much better. A young man who is alone can fall into a river and never be heard from again, but two young men can protect each other and provide aid or call help if necessary. May the Lord help their family's as they go through this difficult time. Please pray for young Brennan as the search for him continues.
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep."
Rom 12:15
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Oh, You Got Me!
Hey Guys,
I have been tagged by Agent Tim. Playing "tag" has been sweeping the blogosphere lately. It is a game where you answer some questions and then "tag" other bloggers and asked them the same questions you answered. Tim asked me the following questions:
1. What is the total number of books you own?
2. What is the last book you bought?
3. What is the last book you read?
4. Name five books that mean a lot to you
Now without further ado, here are my answers:
1. Total Number of Books Owned: I counted 45 on the book shelf in my bedroom, but we have many more about the house. We are also regular library patrons. :-D
2. Last Book I Bought:Hmm, I think the last book that our family bought was...The Faith of George W. Bush
3. Last Book I Read: Lets see, I am currently reading, this list of books. I love reading. :-D
4. Five Books That Mean A Lot To Me:
A. First and foremost, the Holy Word of God, the Bible.
B. The writings of our founding fathers.
C. Man in Demand
D. Almost any history book. :-D
E. Books by G. A. Henty
Now if you would like to be tagged, please leave a comment and let me know when you answer the questions and I will post it here.
Thanks guys,
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
I have been tagged by Agent Tim. Playing "tag" has been sweeping the blogosphere lately. It is a game where you answer some questions and then "tag" other bloggers and asked them the same questions you answered. Tim asked me the following questions:
1. What is the total number of books you own?
2. What is the last book you bought?
3. What is the last book you read?
4. Name five books that mean a lot to you
Now without further ado, here are my answers:
1. Total Number of Books Owned: I counted 45 on the book shelf in my bedroom, but we have many more about the house. We are also regular library patrons. :-D
2. Last Book I Bought:Hmm, I think the last book that our family bought was...The Faith of George W. Bush
3. Last Book I Read: Lets see, I am currently reading, this list of books. I love reading. :-D
4. Five Books That Mean A Lot To Me:
A. First and foremost, the Holy Word of God, the Bible.
B. The writings of our founding fathers.
C. Man in Demand
D. Almost any history book. :-D
E. Books by G. A. Henty
Now if you would like to be tagged, please leave a comment and let me know when you answer the questions and I will post it here.
Thanks guys,
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Poll Results
Hey Guys!
I have added a new poll question and posted the results of the old one. The new poll question is "Should voluntary audio prayer be allowed in public schools?
I am also doing research for my article on separation of Church and State. I have been wanting to write this article for some time, but it always seems to fall by the wayside. After watching the David Barton video, America's Godly Heritage, a whole new world of information has opened up to me on this subject. This video includes the names of the various court cases that removed public prayer, Bible reading, and other such from school. These names allow me to search the internet for information on these cases. With the information available over the internet, I hope to present a well, written article to you, my readers. Now here are the last polls results:
I have added a new poll question and posted the results of the old one. The new poll question is "Should voluntary audio prayer be allowed in public schools?
I am also doing research for my article on separation of Church and State. I have been wanting to write this article for some time, but it always seems to fall by the wayside. After watching the David Barton video, America's Godly Heritage, a whole new world of information has opened up to me on this subject. This video includes the names of the various court cases that removed public prayer, Bible reading, and other such from school. These names allow me to search the internet for information on these cases. With the information available over the internet, I hope to present a well, written article to you, my readers. Now here are the last polls results:
| Vote For your Favorite Article | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What type of posts would you like to see on the Boy Scout Blogger?
|
Friday, June 17, 2005
Top headlines on Fox News
Christian School's Gov't Funds Raise Cain
Read full story here
Comments: This is just one more example of liberals trying to eradicate our Christian history and heritage and remove any Christianity from government(or schools).
Number 2 Democrat on capitol hill compares American troops to Nazis
Read full story here
Comments: A U.S. Senator bashes troops over interrogations of terrorists.
Any thoughts on these news stories? If so, comment below.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Read full story here
Comments: This is just one more example of liberals trying to eradicate our Christian history and heritage and remove any Christianity from government(or schools).
Number 2 Democrat on capitol hill compares American troops to Nazis
Read full story here
Comments: A U.S. Senator bashes troops over interrogations of terrorists.
Any thoughts on these news stories? If so, comment below.
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Cousin's visit
Hey Guys!
Sorry about this late post. We were very busy today. My sister had an orthodontist appointment today and our cousins are up for a visit from Texas, *big grin* so blogging was light today. Hopefully more tomorrow.
Talk to you later!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Sorry about this late post. We were very busy today. My sister had an orthodontist appointment today and our cousins are up for a visit from Texas, *big grin* so blogging was light today. Hopefully more tomorrow.
Talk to you later!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
My first audio post!
Hey Guys! Agent Tim asked me to do this post to answer some questions about blogging! I wrote down what I wanted to say, so I am afraid I came off a bit "wooden". So please forgive me if I sound like I was reading a script. :-( I will have to work on that in future audio posts. Oh well, enjoy the post!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Cattle Work and the game of Tag
Hey guys!
The ongoing life of Travis:
Today, Dad and I, got up the cattle and corralled a calf to haul to the sale barn. Mom and Dad took it into town and just got back. While Dad and I were driving out in the pasture we went by the fish pond and its cool, clear waters had us both thinking about fishing. :-D We got a new air filter and spark plug for my push mower recently, and I need to get that on.
Other then that, I have been tagged by Agent Tim, so it looks like I am going to have the pleasure of writing a post about my favorite books. Thank you Tim!
I added a new link today. If you have not discovered it yet, let me introduce Agape Press!
Don't let your heart be troubled!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
The ongoing life of Travis:
Today, Dad and I, got up the cattle and corralled a calf to haul to the sale barn. Mom and Dad took it into town and just got back. While Dad and I were driving out in the pasture we went by the fish pond and its cool, clear waters had us both thinking about fishing. :-D We got a new air filter and spark plug for my push mower recently, and I need to get that on.
Other then that, I have been tagged by Agent Tim, so it looks like I am going to have the pleasure of writing a post about my favorite books. Thank you Tim!
I added a new link today. If you have not discovered it yet, let me introduce Agape Press!
Don't let your heart be troubled!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
"Let Freedom Ring"
Hey guys!
Not much happened here today, except we watched a really cool movie about the missionary Gladys Aylward, called "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness". It was a really good movie. If you get a chance to watch it, I would.
For today's post I thought I would show for my new readers a song I really enjoy. It is by Oklahoma artist, Dennis Jernigan. It is a very powerful song and one I certainly hope you will enjoy. Please click on the link below to hear this wonderful song.
Let Freedom Ring
Note: When you get to the site, click the yellow button labeled "Listen".
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Not much happened here today, except we watched a really cool movie about the missionary Gladys Aylward, called "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness". It was a really good movie. If you get a chance to watch it, I would.
For today's post I thought I would show for my new readers a song I really enjoy. It is by Oklahoma artist, Dennis Jernigan. It is a very powerful song and one I certainly hope you will enjoy. Please click on the link below to hear this wonderful song.
Let Freedom Ring
Note: When you get to the site, click the yellow button labeled "Listen".
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Saturday, June 11, 2005
A Quick Post
Hey guys!
I took the ACT test today! That was interesting. After that we went out and rented some movies! We got one about a missionary and then a Roy Rogers western! :-D
Also, I would like to introduce you to one of the great blogs I have found lately. I have enjoyed reading this blog and hope to see more from this author in future. Now without further
ado,
True Believers - A blog about Christianity and Politics :-D
There are some other great blogs I have been looking at, and I hope to bring some of them to you soon.
Have a great Sunday!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
I took the ACT test today! That was interesting. After that we went out and rented some movies! We got one about a missionary and then a Roy Rogers western! :-D
Also, I would like to introduce you to one of the great blogs I have found lately. I have enjoyed reading this blog and hope to see more from this author in future. Now without further
ado,
True Believers - A blog about Christianity and Politics :-D
There are some other great blogs I have been looking at, and I hope to bring some of them to you soon.
Have a great Sunday!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
This Weeks Book Bag and One Great Video
Hey guys! Here is this week's list of library books!
For shear, heart pounding, historical, adventure, three books by the boy historian, G. A. Henty!
1. The Young Carthaginian
2. By Right of Conquest
3. Beric the Briton
Also in the book bag this week...
4. Debating - Applied Rhetorical Theory
5. Speaking in Public
6. Napoleon
7. The Right to Bear Arms
8. The Case of Roe v. Wade
Also we checked out an absolutely incredible video while at the library. I would highly recommend this tape to anyone. It is called:
America’s Godly Heritage
Guys, if you watch one movie this year, watch this one!!!! Author and historian David Barton shines the light on "separation of church and state" and the controversy over prayer and Christianity in School. This tape will change how you think about America and will wipe away many misconceptionss the humanists have been throwing at us for years.
Please watch this film!!!! :-)
That's all for now, have a good day everyone!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
For shear, heart pounding, historical, adventure, three books by the boy historian, G. A. Henty!
1. The Young Carthaginian
2. By Right of Conquest
3. Beric the Briton
Also in the book bag this week...
4. Debating - Applied Rhetorical Theory
5. Speaking in Public
6. Napoleon
7. The Right to Bear Arms
8. The Case of Roe v. Wade
Also we checked out an absolutely incredible video while at the library. I would highly recommend this tape to anyone. It is called:
America’s Godly Heritage
Guys, if you watch one movie this year, watch this one!!!! Author and historian David Barton shines the light on "separation of church and state" and the controversy over prayer and Christianity in School. This tape will change how you think about America and will wipe away many misconceptionss the humanists have been throwing at us for years.
Please watch this film!!!! :-)
That's all for now, have a good day everyone!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
The Hand of the Lord
Well, everyone, I am just about rested up enough to tell you all some more about my week at Boys State. A little info on Boys State first.
Boys State is a 8 day camp put on by the American legion for high school juniors to teach leadership, patriotism and government.
I greatly enjoyed the week, especially the government in action and speeches that were given by some of Oklahoma's finest men. The Governor of Oklahoma spoke as well as our lieutenant governor. Other activities included a Counter terrorism drill, *big, huge grin* and fire search and rescue. One event that I am likely to remember as long as I live happened during government in action...
On the last full day of Boys State our city was in a class room, acting out the Oklahoma State Senate. We had all been given the opportunity to write a bill and present it to our Senate of 70 or so boys for approval. Before I go on, I would like to say that I was truly awed by the way the Lord worked though out the whole week. It was truly incredible. As I continue you will see what I mean. Well, the bill I wrote consisted of the following points.
1. Voluntary prayer in state funded schools shall be allowed so long as school activities are not interrupted.*
2. Prayers lead at a school activity such as a football game or school assembly shall be allowed so long as said prayer is voluntary.
*Prayer that would interrupt school activities will be allowed if religion requires prayers at certain times of day etc. and provisions are made with school officials.
I wrote this bill the day before and was really hoping for it's safe passage. After hearing several bills, my bill came up.
(First amazing point: My bill could have been placed lower in the stack of bills arranged by our steering committee. If it had, my bill would have not been heard.)
So I took the podium and begin reading my bill. About half way through my talk, a Senate member rushed in with the news that the entire Senate was convening to hear charges against our governor. So, the Senate moved to table my bill and go to the auditorium for the Senate hearing. When we returned, my bill was brought back up and I finished my talk and seat down. After some questions were asked of me, one senator gave a speech opposing my bill. After a more questioning my bill was again tabled.
(Amazing point Two: My bill could have died right there. It could have stayed on the table untouched and not been heard again. As it was, I found out later that one of the people who supported my bill wanted to table it while tempers were high over the governors impeachment hearing. My bill might have been killed on the floor or might have been amended to weaken it. But, by waiting, the bill was protected until tempers cooled.)
After hearing some other bills another Senator asked if we could bring my bill back up and finish it. The vote was heard and my bill was back on the floor. At this point another Senator asked to give a speech in favor of my bill. He proceeded to answer the arguments of the con speech and encouraged everyone to vote for the bill. (Amazing point Three: Had these two young men not recalled my bill could have died on the table. Also by giving a rebuttal to the speech against, the Bill's case was made stronger.
Then one of the aforementioned Senators motioned to add a friendly amendment. The amendments read as follows:
1. Teachers shall be allowed to pray in public schools2. Teachers shall be allowed to lead students in prayer if a student requests.(Amazing point Four: These public schoolers knowing more about the public school system then I, wanted to make the bill stronger and protect teachers rights as well!!!
Then the Senate voted on the bill. It passed some 68 to 2 in favor of the bill. Now the next hurdle was at hand. Now the bill had to pass the House of representatives in order to become law. The Senate asked me to take the bill over to the house and give a speech in favor of the bill. I said I would and was getting ready to go. Just as I walked out the door, one of the other senators asked me suddenly if he could go too. I said "yes" and we set off for the House.(Amazing point Five: Had this young man not gone with me, my bill might very well have , failed in the House, as you will soon see.
We reached the House and were asked to come in. The representatives voted to hear my bill immediately. After talking about my bill, I took questions. One young man stood up and told me that this bill was unconstitutional and had been declared by the Supreme Court. I responded that I did not know about that Supreme Court decision. My goose and my bill could have very easily been cooked right there, but then the Senator who had come with me took the floor. He replied that his school held prayers in public all the time and that there was no problem with the bill. The other guy sat down.
(Amazing point Six: I had no way of answering this person. I had not heard about that decision and could not answer arguments on those grounds. Had my fellow Senator not come my bill could have very easily failed in the House. Also, it is a wonder the young man sat down. He had won some prizes for debate in our state and probably could have given quite a fight.
After some more questions/statements it was put to a vote. It passed the House unanimously. With light hearts we took the bill to the governor for his signature.
Guys, I never cease to be amazed at the wonder of God. His hand was on this bill every step of the way. Had one of the links failed the bill could have fallen flat on its face. This is just one example of the Lord's faithful hand guiding me through the week at Boys State.
Guys, never loose faith in Him. He is our shield and a very present help in trouble. He will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we can not see. He will make a way.
Praise God!
Boys State is a 8 day camp put on by the American legion for high school juniors to teach leadership, patriotism and government.
I greatly enjoyed the week, especially the government in action and speeches that were given by some of Oklahoma's finest men. The Governor of Oklahoma spoke as well as our lieutenant governor. Other activities included a Counter terrorism drill, *big, huge grin* and fire search and rescue. One event that I am likely to remember as long as I live happened during government in action...
On the last full day of Boys State our city was in a class room, acting out the Oklahoma State Senate. We had all been given the opportunity to write a bill and present it to our Senate of 70 or so boys for approval. Before I go on, I would like to say that I was truly awed by the way the Lord worked though out the whole week. It was truly incredible. As I continue you will see what I mean. Well, the bill I wrote consisted of the following points.
1. Voluntary prayer in state funded schools shall be allowed so long as school activities are not interrupted.*
2. Prayers lead at a school activity such as a football game or school assembly shall be allowed so long as said prayer is voluntary.
*Prayer that would interrupt school activities will be allowed if religion requires prayers at certain times of day etc. and provisions are made with school officials.
I wrote this bill the day before and was really hoping for it's safe passage. After hearing several bills, my bill came up.
(First amazing point: My bill could have been placed lower in the stack of bills arranged by our steering committee. If it had, my bill would have not been heard.)
So I took the podium and begin reading my bill. About half way through my talk, a Senate member rushed in with the news that the entire Senate was convening to hear charges against our governor. So, the Senate moved to table my bill and go to the auditorium for the Senate hearing. When we returned, my bill was brought back up and I finished my talk and seat down. After some questions were asked of me, one senator gave a speech opposing my bill. After a more questioning my bill was again tabled.
(Amazing point Two: My bill could have died right there. It could have stayed on the table untouched and not been heard again. As it was, I found out later that one of the people who supported my bill wanted to table it while tempers were high over the governors impeachment hearing. My bill might have been killed on the floor or might have been amended to weaken it. But, by waiting, the bill was protected until tempers cooled.)
After hearing some other bills another Senator asked if we could bring my bill back up and finish it. The vote was heard and my bill was back on the floor. At this point another Senator asked to give a speech in favor of my bill. He proceeded to answer the arguments of the con speech and encouraged everyone to vote for the bill. (Amazing point Three: Had these two young men not recalled my bill could have died on the table. Also by giving a rebuttal to the speech against, the Bill's case was made stronger.
Then one of the aforementioned Senators motioned to add a friendly amendment. The amendments read as follows:
1. Teachers shall be allowed to pray in public schools2. Teachers shall be allowed to lead students in prayer if a student requests.(Amazing point Four: These public schoolers knowing more about the public school system then I, wanted to make the bill stronger and protect teachers rights as well!!!
Then the Senate voted on the bill. It passed some 68 to 2 in favor of the bill. Now the next hurdle was at hand. Now the bill had to pass the House of representatives in order to become law. The Senate asked me to take the bill over to the house and give a speech in favor of the bill. I said I would and was getting ready to go. Just as I walked out the door, one of the other senators asked me suddenly if he could go too. I said "yes" and we set off for the House.(Amazing point Five: Had this young man not gone with me, my bill might very well have , failed in the House, as you will soon see.
We reached the House and were asked to come in. The representatives voted to hear my bill immediately. After talking about my bill, I took questions. One young man stood up and told me that this bill was unconstitutional and had been declared by the Supreme Court. I responded that I did not know about that Supreme Court decision. My goose and my bill could have very easily been cooked right there, but then the Senator who had come with me took the floor. He replied that his school held prayers in public all the time and that there was no problem with the bill. The other guy sat down.
(Amazing point Six: I had no way of answering this person. I had not heard about that decision and could not answer arguments on those grounds. Had my fellow Senator not come my bill could have very easily failed in the House. Also, it is a wonder the young man sat down. He had won some prizes for debate in our state and probably could have given quite a fight.
After some more questions/statements it was put to a vote. It passed the House unanimously. With light hearts we took the bill to the governor for his signature.
Guys, I never cease to be amazed at the wonder of God. His hand was on this bill every step of the way. Had one of the links failed the bill could have fallen flat on its face. This is just one example of the Lord's faithful hand guiding me through the week at Boys State.
Guys, never loose faith in Him. He is our shield and a very present help in trouble. He will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we can not see. He will make a way.
Praise God!
Friday, June 03, 2005
Impeachment and Lawmaking
Boy, what a wild 24 hours we just had! Our governor was elected, then impeached for lying, then acquainted by the supreme court. It has got a bunch of people stirred up.
In other news:
We passed a bill placing voluntary prayer back in public school! :-D
Also we passed a bill forbidding gay couples from adopting.
We are all very happy to be going home tomorrow. :-D
Have a great day all!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
In other news:
We passed a bill placing voluntary prayer back in public school! :-D
Also we passed a bill forbidding gay couples from adopting.
We are all very happy to be going home tomorrow. :-D
Have a great day all!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Dude look at this!
Bloggers on a sign! Including mine!
Also in other news:
I got elected District attorney! I am very happy. :-D The other day we got to attack a building full of real soldiers. That was really cool! :-D We got to use replica M-16 in the assault. It was awesome! I hope everyone is doing well. I should be home on Saturday. Have a good day everyone!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
Also in other news:
I got elected District attorney! I am very happy. :-D The other day we got to attack a building full of real soldiers. That was really cool! :-D We got to use replica M-16 in the assault. It was awesome! I hope everyone is doing well. I should be home on Saturday. Have a good day everyone!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis
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