Let's Start Speaking Out Today -- The Immigration Debate

Right now on Capitol Hill lawmakers are debating the immigration issue and working to pass new immigration legislation.


Our politicians had planned to pass this bill last week...before Memorial Day, but the debate grew heated and they didn't get it done. I think that's a good thing!


From what I've heard, this bill is not good for America. And why is this being rushed through? On a holiday weekend? Things are moving so quickly today...this holiday weekend...if we want to speak up, we need to do it soon. Like now. Today!


But when was the last time your wrote, called, e-mailed, or otherwise contacted your Senator or Representative? I've done so a few times in the past couple months, but that was the first time in a loooong time...and certainly the first time since the advent of e-mail. Before these recent e-mails, the last time I wrote a politician it was done by snail mail letter...which at that time was simply called regular mail.


But if we are going to make ourselves heard on this immigration bill, we may not have time to send a snail mail letter and get it there before the decisions are made and the votes cast. So it's time to act quickly.

How?

We can either call our Senators and Representatives or send them an e-mail. But where do we get their phone number or e-mail address? In the past couple months I took the time to figure that out, and I've put links on my web site where you can find the information quickly. Go to

www.ButtsAboutIt.com

and click on the "Politics" page. There you'll find links to the Senate, House, and White House. Click on the links and you'll be taken to pages where you can find the phone numbers and e-mail addresses for your politicians.


You don't need to compose a long message. Just tell him or her how you want them to vote: "I ask you to vote against this immigration bill."


By phone, you will need to leave a message. By e-mail, many of them have e-mail forms on their web pages where you can leave your message. Some even have categories you can pick from to let them know what issue you're contacting them about. If you e-mail, you will probably receive an automated response, but don't expect a personal response.


Consider sending a "cc:" (carbon copy) to the White House to let the President know your view on this issue.


To let your voice be heard, I'm thinking it will take you probably 15 to 30 minutes to find the information you need this first time and then write your e-mail or call. If we're going to start speaking out to make a difference in our nation, that's a small price to pay. Do you agree?

A Fitting Day to Start -- Memorial Day 2007

Are you concerned about our nation? I am.

I see too many things going on to stay quiet any more.

The war in Iraq.
Immigration.
The coming elections.
TV shows and movies coming out of Hollywood.
Ignorance and confusion about the Christian faith.

I repeatedly hear the news media say Americans are against the war in Iraq and I want to throw rocks at the TV. I don't know who these media people are talking to or speaking for, but they are not speaking for me. I want our borders protected and the people who enter the United States to do so legally and I'm called a bigot and a racist. I invite entertainment into my living room only to watch myself as a Christian be insulted and made fun of. I'm appalled by some of the motion pictures coming out of Hollywood. I see and hear prominent people equating Christians with terrorists, blaming the Christian faith for the world's problems, and trying to smooth things over by saying we all worship the same God.

Enough. It's far past time I spoke up. Said something. Found ways to make my voice be heard. I think a lot of Americans feel the same way. So here I go. I'm going to start speaking up...and in more ways than just this blog. I'm going to explore ways to make my voice be heard and my views known. It is my hope that you will join me. Will you speak up, too?

I'll tell you what I'm thinking and what I'm learning about making my voice be heard. I plan to write about the issues that concern me: politics...the entertainment industry...and religion. My name is Dianne E. Butts and I'll be writing about it.

I hope you'll stay tuned. And as I learn to voice my views to people in power, I hope you'll join me, making your own voice be heard. Together, maybe we can make a difference.

It's Memorial Day 2007. I'm proud to be an American. I love this country. I don't take for granted the freedom many died to provide for me. And I don't want to lose that freedom--not on my watch. What a fitting day to start this blog.

No buts about it.

* * *

"Taps"

How many times have you heard "Taps"? Countless times, no doubt. But do you know the words? Some of you may remember the beginning phrases: "Day is done. Gone the sun..." But did you know there are several verses to the song? Here they are. Be blessed.

Day is done, gone the sun,

From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,

May the soldier or sailor, God keep.

On the land or the deep, Safe in sleep.

Fading light, dims the sight,

And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright.

From afar, drawing nigh, falls the night.

Thanks and praise, for our days,

'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, neath the sky;

As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Sun has set, shadows come,

Time has fled, Scouts must go to their beds.

Always true to the promise that they made.

While the light fades from sight,

And the stars gleaming rays softly send,

To thy hands we our souls, Lord, commend.

(As found on http://www.countrygoldusa.com/taps.asp this date.)