Keep the Faith
by Bob Serrao

Dietrich Bonhoeffer discovered a valuable lesson as a prisoner in the Nazi camps. The Nazis could control everything … everything except his attitudes. Stripped of all else, he was rich with the sovereign choice of attitudes, positive or negative. He reached deeply into spiritual resources and drew out the greatest of attitudes. He grants to his captors…divine love! He loves them, sincerely! Obviously, this kind love confused his enemies and became their torture, because it humanized both him and them (victim and villain). They stood on the ground of common humanity. Sure, it was risky, but it once again proved that the power of love is greater than the sword. It also proved to be his temporary lifeline.

How does this relate today? I confess that at times in my political journey I don’t like my attitudes. I find myself angry, anxious, hateful, frustrated, judgmental and vindictive. My inner peace, trust in God and man, shattered! There’s overspending! Bloated bureaucracies! Inflation! Unemployment! Globalism! Tyranny! The incredulity of administrative stupidity and tyranny drive me crazy. I’m yelling at the TV, having bad dreams, and becoming argumentative. And, cursing! Yes, though biblical words only. Obviously, I’m functioning, but in my limited personal resources.

Bonhoeffer writes, “God's truth judges created things out of love, and Satan's truth judges them out of envy and hatred.”

In America’s battle for liberty, truth and justice, a tactic of the enemy is to generate reaction. In my case, it would be to get me to fall out of love, to abandon my faith and to live in fear and hatred. Every poke-in-the-eye from a renegade regime winds me ever tighter. Every new idea threatens the sacred ideals of the old, and rage is born again and again. Can you relate? So, how can we break the cycle?

Well, from time-to-time I get a wake-up call. Out of nowhere a shaft of laser “light” penetrates the “clouds” of my doubt and despair. A still, small voice of reflection breaks the silence – WHAT’S HAPPENING TO YOU, BOB?! That’s when I know I’m in real trouble! I wince, close my eyes and step into that imaginary courtroom of self-reflection to which I’ve been summonsed. Some of you know -- only the brave go here!

In this spiritual reflection I’m called to affirm that love conquers all things…that every person is providentially gifted with inalienable rights…that pity is due to all leaders who fail to live up to their duty and oath…that there are spiritual answers to every problem…that God is good and the ultimate Judge of the world…that truth and justice ultimately win out…that I can only do my best. Herein is my healing.

So, after the spiritual adjustments are made, I can leave the courtroom of self-reflection with renewed strength to once again step into the battle and fight like hell (biblical). After all, it’s my civic responsibility!

What Bonhoeffer proved under his extreme circumstances is exemplary to us all. Of all the emotional choices at the table of life we will taste the bitter and rotten. And, over time, these can choke the life out of us. But, faith, hope and love are so sustainable. Gorge yourself and get fat on the pure, the lovely and the good report. After all, we have the sovereignty. Let’s use it for good!

Congressman Visits Mission Viejo

On April 21, Congressman Gary G. Miller presented a roundup of news, summarizing his work in Washington, D.C. Saddleback Republican Assembly hosted the congressman at a meeting attended by approximately 45 people. The group met at the Norman P. Murray Community Center in Mission Viejo.

In addition to discussing the battle over the budget, Miller covered a broad range of current topics. He invited members of the audience to ask questions, and he addressed their concerns about the federal debt, Medicare, the military, EPA and California water issues.

Miller was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998 to represent California's 42nd Congressional District, which includes the Orange County cities of Mission Viejo, Anaheim, Brea, La Habra, Placentia, Rancho Santa Margarita and Yorba Linda, as well as several cities in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

‘Encouragement’ Progresses to Intimidation
by Joe Holtzman

During the April 18 council meeting, “Miss Goody Two-Shoes” Trish Kelley introduced a whole new Nanny State proposition for our city government to waste funds on, declaring Mission Viejo a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city.

Ms. Kelley, long known for lining her campaign coffers with money from the EMF-emitting folks at Southern California Edison, once again proved how duplicitous she really is. The following Resolution was introduced by Ms. Kelley:

Resolution 11-XX
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Mission Viejo that declares Mission Viejo a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city.

WHEREAS, in July 2010 the League of California Cities Board of Directors resolved to partner with and support the national Let’s Move Campaign, and encourages California cities to adopt policies that promote healthier lifestyles and communities (see: http://dms.cityofmissionviejo.org/sirepub/cache/0/n1wqmh55z32xbbbhcpyz3e45/23099430421201109543 5816.PDF

See the city council replay for all the details. I would highly suggest all read this bit of social engineering Ms. Kelley is engaging in.

Ms. Kelley went on to explain that our various restaurants and grocery stores should/could be “encouraged” by city staff to comply with all the facets of this wonderful opportunity/program. I guess encouragement would be something like the “encouragement” some of our Mission Viejo businesses get when they want to remodel, upgrade or rehabilitate their businesses—by having to place A.R.T. work (Another Rattay Tragedy) in front of their establishments.

The classic example is what happened to the Sonic Drive-in restaurant being “encouraged” to place (ART) a replica of a 1957 rusty T-Bird in front of their establishment. Part of Ms. Kelley’s encouragement would have checkout lines in our grocery stores without the usual candy bars/junk food located next to the cash register. In addition, local restaurants would be “encouraged” to have “healthy meals” added to their menus. All this would be followed up and audited by “city staff”—to be known as the Mission Viejo Food Police. Ms. Kelley, I am sure, fully understands things are “voluntary” until permits from the city are required—then they become “mandatory.”

So, while Ms. Kelley blithely ignores the pregnant mothers, infants and children being exposed to EMF radiation from Southern California Edison power lines in Flo Jo and other city parks, she and the city staff will be developing menus, grocery store checkout lines and auditing your kitchen pantry for “health foods.” Assuring more wasted staff time/city costs, the following was part of this bit of social engineering by Ms. Kelley:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the head of each affected agency or department should report back to the City Council annually regarding steps taken to implement the Resolution, additional steps planned, and any desired actions that would need to be taken by the City Council.

Perhaps Ms. Kelley’s Word of The Month for May should be “Intimidation “—errrr –another word for Encouragement.

Political and Government Events Calendar

Capistrano Unified School District Board of Trustees, regular meeting and Public Hearing (Student Teacher Ratio General Waiver Request for Grades 4-8, Fiscal Years, 2011-12 and 2012-13), Wed., April 27, 7:00 p.m., 33122 Valle Road, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 234-9200, http://capousd.ca.schoolloop.com

Aliso Viejo Republican Women Federated, dinner meeting, Thurs., April 28, 6:30 p.m., featured speaker will be former undercover FBI Agent Bob Hamer, “Enemies Among Us,” Aliso Viejo Conference Center, 31 Santa Barbara Drive, Aliso Viejo, RSVP to (949) 859-2818 or (949) 735-0718.

World Affairs Council of Orange County, Sir Eldon Griffiths, “The Pros and Cons of a Royal Monarchy for a Democratic Nation,” Thurs., April 28, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. dinner, 7:45 p.m. program, Hilton Costa Mesa, 3050 Bristol Street, Costa Mesa (949) 253-5751, http://www.worldaffairscouncil.org

ACT for America, Mission Viejo Chapter, general meeting, May 9, featured speaker will be corporate security consultant Ron Williams, “The End of Radical Islam and the Rise of Freedom in the Middle East.” Orientation for first-time attendees begins at 7:10 p.m., regular meeting runs from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo.

Saddleback Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees will meet May 10, 6:15 p.m., 25631 Peter Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-1234, http://www.svusd.k12.ca.us

South Orange County Republican Assembly will meet on May 12 at Sarducci’s Capistrano Depot, 26701 Verdugo Street, San Juan Capistrano. Those having dinner can arrive between 5:30 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. SOCRA President Craig Alexander will report on the annual convention of the California Republican Assembly. RSVP to SOCRA's membership secretary Denise Hickey at mdcthick@cox.net  or (949) 395-1049. Visit the Website, www.orangecountycra.com

Flag Day Dinner – save the date, May 16, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Irvine Hyatt, guest speakers will be New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez and commentator Bill Whittle. Details will be forthcoming.

Tustin Area Republican Women Federated General Meeting and Luncheon, May 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Guest Speaker will be Bruce Herschensohn, “Crisis in Egypt: The Impact on U.S. Foreign Policy and Our Efforts in the Middle East,” 12442 Tustin Ranch Road, Tustin, (714) 544-2063.

Non-government Events

Following is a sampling of events and activities that are not funded by taxpayers or promoted by the Nanny State. Please support private enterprise.

“Seed Starting” presented by Master Gardeners of Orange County, Tues., April 26, 10:30-11:20 a.m. and 3:30-4:30 p.m. Pretend City Children’s Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine, http://www.pretendcity.org

Stitching Sisters Embroidery Seminar, Fri.-Sat., April 29-30, Moore’s, 25390 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, (949) 829-0003, ext. 10, http://www.moores-sew.com

South Coast Symphony presents “Broadway, Our Way!” Anne Runolfsson and David Burnham accompanied by Or. Co. High School of the Arts, Fri., April 29, 7:30 p.m., Crossline Church, 23331 Moulton Parkway, Laguna Hills, get information and purchase tickets at (714) 731-8079.

“Container Gardening With Native Plants,” Sat., April 30, 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., complimentary soil with plant purchase, up to 10 gallons of soil, Tree of Life Nursery, 33201 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 728-0685, http://www.californianativeplants.com

Saddleback Lanes bowling alley has been in business since 1974; great gathering place with special discounts for groups. Events throughout the week, 25402 Marguerite Pkwy, Mission Viejo, (949) 586-5300, http://www.saddlebacklanes.net

Movies, Edwards Kaleidoscope Stadium 10 in Mission Viejo, 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy, (949) 582-4020, get show times, watch movie trailers, see what's coming soon at
http://www.moviefone.com/theater/edwards-kaleidoscope-stadium-10/32/showtimes

Youth Theatre: “Treasure Island,” through May 1, Laguna Playhouse, 606 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-2787, ext. 1, http://www.lagunaplayhouse.com

Jazz Monsters Concert with Roni Ben-Hur, Nilson Matta Septet and the Exotic New York-Budapest Brazilian Ensemble, May 25, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Soka University’s Campus Green Stage, 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo, (949) 480-4000, http://www.info@soka.edu

Farmers Market, Laguna Hills, Fridays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Laguna Hills Mall, (714) 573-0374.

Farmers Market, San Juan Capistrano, Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Historic Town Center Park, (949) 493-4700.

                                               
Art Exhibits featuring Sunny Kim and Howard Hitchcock, through May 2 daily except Tuesdays, noon to 5 p.m., Sandstone Gallery, 384-A N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, (949) 497-6775, http://www.sandstonegallery.com

“Growing Beautiful Roses” with Cristin Fusano, May 15, 9 a.m., Plant Depot, 33413 San Juan Creek Road, San Juan Capistrano, (949) 240-2107, http://www.plantdepot.com

The Buzz

A political storm developed when the California Republican Assembly held its annual convention in Sacramento on April 15-17. Challenging CRA President Celeste Greig was Karen England and her slate of candidates for nearly every CRA board position. Delegates who indicated they attended with an open mind said Greig’s slate won the arguments and showed trustworthiness. While each slate had its share of loyal supporters, the neutral delegates said they were leaning toward Greig’s slate midway through the convention after hearing both sides. As reported on last week’s blog, Greig’s entire slate won seats on the board.

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Councilwoman Trish Kelley apparently thinks Mission Viejo residents need the government to teach them how to feed themselves. With Kelley’s diversions, City Hall occupants can now stray even further from providing essential services, such as repairing the streets. Kelley’s recent council resolution promotes HEAL – Healthy Eating Active Living, which has been around for at least five years. Other government attempts at controlling what people eat predate HEAL -- with about the same results – an ineffective, self-congratulatory farce. How many examples can anyone cite where the government has HEALed anything?

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A message from Jenifer Hagge to all members of California Tea Partiers Unite on Tea Party Patriots: “High paying jobs are out there – you just need to know where to look. http://peerfly.com/x/0/2248/25666/TeaParty . Also visit California Tea Partiers Unite at:
http://teapartypatriots.ning.com/groups/group/show?id=2978134%3AGroup%3A30458&xg_source=msg_mes_group

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From the Tea Party Patriots Website: A mid-January 2011 Gallup poll
http://www.gallup.com/poll/145838/americans-believe-gop-consider-tea-party-ideas.aspx showed that seven in 10 adults nationwide, covering Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, say it is important that leaders in Congress take the Tea Party movement's position and objectives into account as they address the nation's problems. Among Republicans this number is 88 percent, even though only half are self-identified as Tea Party supporters. A February 2011 Rasmussen Poll http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/general_politics/february_2011/68_believe_gover nment_and_big_business_work_together_against_the_rest_of_us indicates that 68 percent of likely-voters believe big government and big business work together against the interests of consumers and investors. This view is shared across partisan, demographic and ideological lines. Rasmussen states: "As a result, the gap today between Americans who want to govern themselves and politicians who want to rule over them may be as big as the gap between the colonies and England during the 18th century. And that's true whether Republicans or Democrats are in charge."

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While reviewing Rasmussen Reports, check out how the president is doing: http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/obama_administration/daily_presidential_tracking _poll