Out Of My Head

Wow it’s Friday already? Seems like it was just Thursday. Anyway on this edition of “Becoming Today”, we deviate from our normal format and I share some random thoughts and observations that I really need to get out of my head.

You know I really wish this were something I made up. But truth is so much stranger than fiction. Unfortunately again we find so-called leaders failing to have any concept of reality.

This past week Texas Congressman Louis Gohmert proved he needs to be reminded of what Forrest’s mama always said – ‘stupid is as stupid does’

Why? Because he apparently was outraged that Republicans are not allowed to lie to Congress or law enforcement.

Yes he really said that.

In an interview, the yes – Republican congressional representative said, quote, “If you’re a Republican, you can’t even lie to Congress or lie to an FBI agent or they’re coming after you”.

Shouldn’t it be common sense to understand that not only as a member of Congress, but as a citizen you are expected to be truthful when questioned during an investigation? 

You can’t even lie?

Why should you be allowed to?

If I as an everyday citizen and voter can be prosecuted for lying to law enforcement why shouldn’t Congress? 

Federal statutes indicate that making false statements to federal investigators can result in prosecution for the felony crime of making a “false statement” to an agent of the federal government related to a federal matter.

These false statements can be either verbal or in writing and don’t have to be made under oath to violate the statute. The law applies in all types of situations, including misrepresenting income to the IRS or lying to the FBI during an interview.

If convicted of violating 18 U.S. Code § 1001, it can result in up to five years in prison. 

There are no exemptions for any elected officials in the law either.

This claim that it is outrageous that you can’t lie to Congress or the FBI, further irritated me, … yeah that’s a far more polite way of saying how it made me feel, because those elected to Congress swear an oath. 

They pledge, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter: So help me God”.

While it does not specifically say I shall not lie, I believe it is something that those of us electing someone expect them to refrain from. 

Also egregious here is the fact that many elected officials also affirm their commitments  with a hand on a Bible, which without a doubt instructs that lies of any kind are a big no-no. 

In Proverbs 16 it clearly states that “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him”, among these is a “lying tongue”. 

Also in Proverbs 12, “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight”.

Proverbs 19 also adds, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish”. 

So while he tries to dodge the issues and apparently favors misrepresenting facts, I think Louie Gohmert, who openly promotes himself as a Christian and claims affiliation with a church that believes in the sanctity of the Bible, one day will come to find out he too will be held accountable. 

Now here’s a headline that makes you wanna go what?!?

“Great Day” For Bumblebees As Californian Court Rules That They Are Fish”

You can’t make this stuff up.

While the justices issuing the ruling do readily admit there is no biological basis for a bee to be considered “a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins and living wholly in water”, the court did decide that bumble bees can be classed as an invertebrate,  which in turn gives them protection under the California Endangered Species Act.

The judges determined the state laws were  “ambiguous” as to whether the legislature intended for the definition of fish to apply only to aquatic species.

While bees are essential to life there just seems to be something fishy about having to declare the flying pollinators as cold-blooded to protect them.

I also wonder how this could impact the future discussions concerning the birds and bees? 

Perhaps the quote of the week should go to Jonathan Lovitz, who recently unsuccessfully ran for Congress in Pennsylvania. 

He’s coined a phrase that I think should be used far more often. He told the Associated Press that those seeking office should, 

“Be a vocal and visible ally even if it costs you endorsements and donations. Stand up for what you believe in; otherwise you’re not an elected official, you’re just a weather vane,” he said. “We don’t need fair-weather friends right now.”

Don’t be  a weather vane. Do not allow yourself to be directed in whatever direction the lobbyists are blowing for. Be more than a fair weather friend. I like those concepts.

Lovitz may not have won his primary race, but he’s got my vote for best descriptive phrase of the week.

And who says animals don’t have a soul?

Evidence recently caught “on tape” may strongly suggest otherwise. Bison were recorded not only apparently mourning the loss of one of their herd but also  taking steps to keep scavengers away from the burial site.

You can see the video here. 

Wildlife Photographer Julie Argyle shares “When a bison dies in Yellowstone, most of the time the herd that’s in the area will come to pay their respects and surround the dead bison and protect it for hours. This was definitely the case the other day”.

She continued, “As you can see in the video, wolves tried to come in and were chased away several times and two grizzly bears also tried to come in. None of them were allowed to get close to the dead bison until hours after it happened. Nature has an incredible way in life and death”.

Thanks for stopping by today and allowing me to get these things Out Of My Head. 

Join us again tomorrow and we’ll take a look back at the week that was here along our shared path we call “Becoming Today”.