Greene Publishing, Inc.

By Nelson A. Pryor

The Veterans Administration has entered in to a dangerous  policy of censorship. Congressman Joe Poe, has congratulated the Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Houston, Texas, for bringing the problem to light.

Joe Poe says:  “The First Amendment rights of veterans have come under attack by the Federal Government.  The director of the Houston Veterans Administration Cemetery has led an authoritarian quest to remove Christianity and religion from  funerals.  She has banned the words ‘God’ and ‘Jesus Christ’ in the burial ceremonies of deceased veterans.  She censors the prayers.  She shut down the chapel, took out the cross, took out the Bible and locked the doors.”

Congressman Joe Poe, on September 7, 2011, said:  “Government censorship of funeral services for those who have fought and died for our country is unacceptable, unconstitutional and un-American.  The policy of the director is anti-Christian, antireligious and antiveteran.”  Congressional Record, 9/7/2011, page H5941).

To correct this injustice, he has introduced a bill, HR 2848, entitled the Veterans Religious Freedom Act.  This bill will protect the constitutional right to freedom of religion and prohibit the Veterans Administration from censoring free speech and censoring religion.  It will also require the veteran  cemetery directors to be veterans.

Representative Poe says further:  “The First Amendment is sacred.  Funerals are sacred.  And when our veterans are buried, that soil becomes sacred.  It is the constitutional duty of the Federal Government to protect speech and religion, not censor it.”

“And that’s the way it is.”

VETERANS ADMINISTRTION POLICY

The VA’s policy came to light in Houston because of an observant VFW chapter and a Congressman who listens!  This Congressman, Joe Poe, is now informing the Nation.  Just how invasive this VA policy is, will come to light, as more people become acquainted with the situation.

MADISON CARES

For all those who are outraged, contact your Congressman, Ander Crenshaw and ask him to co-sponsor HR 2848.

We further need to contact members of the Committee on Veteran Affairs.  Listed below are members of our Florida delegation.

First, we are exceptionally fortunate to have the Chairman of the Committee, in CD 1, Pensacola.  He is Jeff Miller.  Other members of the Committee are:  Cliff Stearns, Gus Bilirakis and Ms. Corrine Brown.

HOW COMMITTEES WORK

The Chairman, if he sees merit in the bill or if the pressure builds and he has to act, will either schedule a hearing or pass the buck and send it to a sub-committee.

If the pressure keeps on building, a hearing will be held and a vote taken to amend, reject or pass the bill.  Ultimately, the bill has to pass the full committee(s).  It then has to go to the Rules Committee.  Once that takes place, it takes a number and awaits an opening to be voted on b the full House.

In the meantime, the bill needs to be introduced into the Senate so that they can get started.

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THE MADISON COUNTY REPUBLICAN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Will meet  at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 25,  at the Madison Public Library.

ALL REPUBLICANS WELCOME

Paid for and approved by the Madison County Republican Executive CommitteeMadisonRepublican@embarqmail.com

By Jacob Bembry

Chances are that many of my readers are more familiar with the verse Jeremiah 29:11 than they are with the verse Jeremiah 29:10.

Jeremiah 29:11 resounds with the promise, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope..”Jeremiah 29:11 is on bumper stickers, you hear Christian speakers on television such as Joyce Meyer and Joel O’Steen reading this verse, giving their listeners comfort. I love to hear the verse Jeremiah 29:11.

Now, let’s look at Jeremiah 29:10: “For thus says the LORD: After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place.”

The Jews were stuck in Babylon as captives for 70 years. For seven decades, they had to endure that captivity before the Lord returned them to their homeland.

Let’s now look at Jeremiah 29:10-11 together: “After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

There is a promise in those two verses, but there is a qualification for that promise, given to the Jewish nation. For 70 years, they would have to endure hardship but God had a better plan for them.

When we are going through hardships, why don’t we as Christians read both verses and read that a better day is coming. The Lord does know the thoughts that He thinks toward us; He wants us to have peace and not evil. He wants us to have a future and a hope.

Remember Jeremiah 29:11, but also remember Jeremiah 29:10. Good times will be coming.

By Becky Bennett

Guest Columnist

It’s National Book Fair month!  I remember those days in elementary school when the teacher would hand out the book fair magazine and announce the magical day that the class would be visiting the book fair.  Books, magazines, pencils, posters, science experiment kits… there was something for everyone!  But with the onset of a new technology boom it has me questioning: is the magical world of book fairs (and printed books in general) becoming a thing of the past?

Electronic books are becoming more popular and large books stores are starting to go out of business.  Personally, I am a huge printed book fan but I recently received an electronic reading device as a gift.  This device can hold hundreds of books, play audio books, define words, play games, store music, etc.  Some of these devices are so advanced that the books you read become almost movie-like with background music, pictures, and character voices.  It is amazing how far technology has taken the world of books!  The question then becomes is this really beneficial to our youth?  Is a world of increasing technology helping or destroying creativity and reading abilities?  An argument can be made for both sides and some studies have done just that.  The foundations of education and the Essential Elements of 4-H both demonstrate the importance of youth having a sense of Belonging, Independence, Mastery, and Generosity in order to positively develop into contributing citizens.  If we remember to treat each child as the individual they are, we can encourage them to take ownership of their learning no matter what form it takes.  This will instill a sense of pride and ultimately produce a child who enjoys learning and performs well academically and socially.

There are several different styles of learning and 4-H encourages youth to find the method that works best for them.  Think back to a favorite memory from elementary school that involved reading; what were you doing?  Were you listening to a teacher read a story out loud imitating characters and creating an imaginary scene that you were positive you could see with your very own eyes?  Maybe you were physically acting out the story with a group.  Or perhaps you were sitting quietly on your own completely engrossed in a story, exploring that new world as if you were the main character.  Whatever your memory is you enjoyed what you were doing and it made enough of an impact that you remember it to this day.  Youth today have their preferred method of learning just as we did when we were in school.  The only difference is their options include advanced forms of technology.  So whether you are for or against the influx of e-books and the like, encourage youth to explore all of their options when it comes to reading and learning.  If a child seems more engaged and performs better by reading from a computer, then by all means encourage that child to do so!  Because if you criticize their successful efforts then you are planting a negative seed of doubt in their life and you never know how much damage you are causing with that one opinion.  As my high school literature teacher used to say, “Don’t take a bite out of someone else’s cookie…it may be their last.”

Will we start seeing e-books and electronic reading devices become a popular item at book fairs and libraries?  Who knows, but if it helps just one kid become a life-long learner then bring it on…just keep around those printed books for us “old school” types.

Becky V. Bennett

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity—Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations.  U.S. Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Florida, IFAS, Florida A&M. University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners Cooperating.

By Mark Buescher, C.P.A.

Guest Columnist

All small businesses start with something in common:  they devour cash.  They need cash for inventory, office space, insurance, legal fees, business licenses, remodeling costs, and the list goes on.  Whether starting a business or even expanding, adequate capital is essential.  In fact, the right sources of funding could make the difference between success and failure for your business. If you’re thinking about starting a small business, here are some financing sources to consider.

Personal Assets. The advantages of tapping your own bank account are obvious.  You don’t have to pay the money back; you don’t incur interest; you don’t have to grovel at a loan officer’s feet.  The disadvantages may not be as clear.  Other priorities – college savings, retirement plans – can get shoved aside.  So if you’re going to use your own assets, set limits.  Decide how much risk you’re willing to incur, and don’t deviate.

Friends and relatives. Convince your brother and golf partner that your idea is the greatest thing since sliced bread, and they may provide seed money for your new enterprise.  If they lend you cash, be sure to set up a formal agreement spelling out the loan details (interest rate, loan term, payment schedule).  And remember, many a family relationship and golf partnership have been ruined when a business fails and loans can’t be repaid.

Home-equity loans and lines of credit.  Another possible source of financing, the equity in your house can often be tapped either through a fixed rate loan or a variable rate line of credit.  These sources of financing tend to have much lower interest rates than credit cards or personal loans.  The disadvantage, of course, is that your house is on the line.  Fail to make the payments and you could face foreclosure.

Banks and credit unions.  Financial institutions are often reluctant to lend money to businesses without a proven track record, especially in today’s credit-challenged market.  But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.  To increase your likelihood of success, take time to lay out a detailed business plan (a good idea whether or not you ever visit a bank), and be able to justify your business needs in writing.  Generally, local financial institutions are the best source of small-business financing, especially short-term loans.  If you need a single-purpose loan for machinery or equipment, or a single line of credit, contact your local financial institution.  In Madison County alone, we have five strong financial institutions to choose from.

Economic Development Programs.  Many federal, state and local governments offer small business loan and incentive programs.  Often, special consideration is given to ethnic groups, women, veterans and companies located in designated urban and rural locations such as Madison County.

Funding through these special programs may require a great deal of documentation and tangible assets, primarily real estate or equipment, as collateral.  One of the most prevalent of this type of governmental loan is through the Small  Business Administration (SBA).

Other sources of start-up financing include retirement plans, grants, even credit cards.  Remember to think through the amount needed and have a realistic plan for repayment.  Cash flow is generally more important than profitability.

However, the critical element in receiving approval for funding is whether or not your business qualifies as a “good risk.”  When you apply for funding, be prepared to have your business undergo intense scrutiny.  The groundwork you do in advance should uncover any issues that you’ll need to address during the funding process.

Mark Buescher, CPA is owner and principal of Buescher and Ruff, LLC, a local full service accounting firm in Madison, specializing in tax preparation, business consulting and tax planning.  Tax laws contain varying effective dates and numerous limitations and exemptions that cannot be summarized easily.  For details and guidance for your specific situation, contact your tax advisor.

Lillian Allen passed away while I was in the hospital and quite ill, but I hope it’s not too late to let it be known that I grew up with Lillian and, though I was a few years older, I was a neighbor and playmate with her and her brothers and sisters.  Bob Bembry (my stepfather’s family) and the Will Welch family (Lillian’s) were close neighbors and friends for many years.

Many Saturday evenings, we enjoyed fried chicken and purlieu, hot biscuits, Charmers coffee, and chocolate cake in their kitchen or something similar in Mother’s kitchen. While the two women cooked and chatted, the men sat on the front porch and discussed the weather, crops and politics, and we children – Laverne, Leon, Norman and Leila Welch and I and sisters Helen and Ruby played children’s games – Ain’t No Bugabears Out Tonight, Ring Around the Roses, Tag, and chased fireflies.

Lillian’s father Will was an easy going, laid back type while her mother Edna was a dynamo, who not only was a nurse and midwife (she saved my mother’s life after she was crushed between a buggy wheel and a pine when a spooked horse ran away with her) – the doctors had given up on her.

Lillian seemed to be a combination of the two – having the easygoing traits of her father and the talented voice of her mother. Edna not only had a natural, operatic voice but played the organ. Nostalgia takes me back quite oft to the Sunday afternoons on the Will Driggers front porch when the Welch family came to visit and sing. Richard Driggers played the guitar, his sister Mary the mandolin, their father Will the harmonica and brother Dice, who could also sing anything, as well as play any instrument, usually played the handsaw. With Edna, Norman, Lillian and Mary adding those beautiful voices, the Grand Ole Opry couldn’t have been better.

Norman and I, both nine years old at the time of Mother’s accident, were best friends. One afternoon when everything seemed to show that she wasn’t going to live, Norman found me crying with my head against the outside chimney corner. He simply put his arms around my shoulder and cried, too.

Another memory has stayed in my mind all these long years. Dice and I had been married for more than two years and our first baby was a few months old. I could cook enough to get by and had learned to use the old heavy shuck mop on the wooden floors, but was not feeling well one day so Dice, on his way to work, stopped by Edna’s and asked if she could help.

Almost before I was out of bed and dressed, Edna, with Lillian, in tow, the mule pulled wagon was at my door. And like a whirlwind, they had my floors scrubbed, my laundry in the wagon and baby Joan and I out the door. She took me home with her, fed us lunch, put the clean and folded laundry in the wagon, took me home and put everything back in place before mid-afternoon! I was exhausted and had not done any work!

Edna led by example and her children were taught to work and I never heard one of them complain.

Laverne was my champion in school. I was small and two years ahead of my older classmates, having passed from the fifth to the sixth at age nine and was, for some reason, bullied by the older and bigger girls, but Laverne took me under her wing and that soon stopped.

Lillian grew from a pretty girl into a lovely woman, married and had three pretty daughters of her own. She never lost her wonderful talent, which was passed on ot her daughter, Kathy.

At age 92, I have a huge trunk full of memories, most of them good. Lillian and her family are among the best.

Thelma Thompson