It's a beautiful Memorial Day

Today's weather is a very pleasant surprise; often Memorial Day weather leaves something to be desired. But today the sun is shining and the temperature pleasant, considering the cold, rainy spring we have been having.

Yesterday I drove past Wisconsin Memorial Park on Capitol Drive in Brookfield (just west of 124th Street and the shopping center) and saw the American flags furled throughout the cemetery. They used to put them up just along the roadside but now have them displayed across at least the front portion of the park. These aren't just little hand waving flags but rather the huge 9' casket flags that are presented by the military to the families of Veterans. It is quite an impressive and sobering sight.

So today, as you enjoy this beautiful Memorial Day, take a moment and consider the price that was paid for your freedom. If you are a person of faith, thank God for the brave men and women who gave their lives serving their country.

Past Post: Memorial Day Traditions
Thank you, Veterans, for the final salute

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Will "Firearms prohibited in this facility" signs come to Wisconsin? Senate committee approves Conceal Carry

One version of Conceal Carry passed the Wisconsin Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. So will these signs soon be seen in various public places in our state as they are in Arizona, a state that allows Constitutional Carry?

We recently spent a few weeks in Arizona and I admit, at first those signs were a bit of a surprise. We soon became accustomed to seeing them though, and we also adjusted to seeing someone's firearm peeking out from a jacket or even openly holstered on the hip.

One Navajo woman, at dinner with her family, had a belt on with bullets sheathed around her waist and a derringer where the buckle would be! (That was on the Navajo Nation--they have their own regulations there.)

We also visited some folks we know in Phoenix and found that the husband carried. He frequently went target shooting to keep his skills honed.

Did I feel threatened by the people carrying? Not at all. In fact, since I was a bit unnerved knowing armed illegals travel at will in the southern portion of that state, it was somewhat comforting to know that many Arizonans pack a piece.

Concealed Carry will pass in some shape or form here in Wisconsin. The question is what version--Constitutional Carry like Arizona and 3 other states or Concealed Carry with a permit as Utah does along with 43 others. Wisconsin is one of 2 states in our Union that doesn't allow Conceal Carry in any form.

I am torn as to which type of Conceal Carry law we should have. Before President Obama, I would have said sure, by permit is fine. But since our President is so eager to over-regulate firearms, including by means "under the radar" as he recently told James Brady's wife, Sarah, I don't know.

Since any responsible person would go for training before carrying a firearm, and background checks are done at the time of purchase*, I think I could be OK with Constitutional Carry. Criminals will disregard any regulations for permitting or background checks for purchase no matter what the Conceal Carry law states.

If you are thinking of carrying, you should check with your homeowner's insurance carrier to see if you need some extra liability insurance. The insurance issue was raised by one of the attendees at the Kooyenga Town Hall meeting.

In Arizona, we saw the "Firearms are prohibited in this facility" signs posted at numerous National Park Visitor Centers. National Parks recently changed their policy and now allow concealed carry of loaded firearms in the parks, using the gun regulations of the respective state.

We also encountered one of those signs at the Courthouse in Phoenix, a beautiful building I would have liked to have toured but was prohibited from entering. They wouldn't let me in because I was packing... a camera! (Cameras were not allowed inside.)

More reading:

WisPolitics: Senate committee approves conceal carry bill

Wisconsin would be among easiest states to conceal carry

Obama: We're working on gun control 'under the radar'

*Firearms purchased from a gun store require background checks. Some firearms can be purchased at gun shows and privately without a background check. But as someone who knows about guns told me, this can be very dangerous to do. If that firearm was used in a crime, I was told you could become involved in that crime even though you had nothing to do with it.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Catching up: Voter ID, Kooyenga Town Hall & Elmbrook

Voter ID
At long last, Wisconsin's Voter ID bill passed the Senate yesterday and now awaits Gov. Walker's signature. Hallelujah. No doubt it will end up in court, but Sen. Alberta Darling mentioned yesterday on Jay Weber that though she preferred passing 2 separate bills, at least the bill is severable. (The Voter ID portion, which has been upheld by the courts, can be separated from the more controversial portions of the bill.)

Voter ID will be in place for the 2012 elections. I wonder what those elections will look like with Voter ID in place and the end of mandatory Union membership for State workers. (Unions fund Democrat candidate advertising with their dues.) Though the Budget Repair Bill is stuck in the doldrums of the Madison court, the Republicans could just incorporate it into the overall Budget bill.

By the way, Voter ID does not eliminate same day registration, but that turned out to be the better avenue. If we had eliminated same day registration, we then would need to implement MotorVoter laws, which ties obtaining a drivers license with registering to vote. I don't think registering to vote should be such an autopilot arrangement. My understanding of same day registration is that it still requires an approved photo ID. If the person doesn't have this, then they cast a provisional ballot (sealed in an envelope) and are given an opportunity to bring back their photo ID for their vote to count.

Past Post: Call Wisconsin Legislature to move on Photo Voter I.D.

Rep. Dale Kooyenga Town Hall
I didn't know what to expect. Would protesters be there? Would the room be packed as Town Halls had been before the November elections? As it turned out, there were 6 of us there--8 in all if you count Dale and his assistant William Neville. The 6 citizens in attendance consisted of 3 men I didn't know and Elmbrook Schools Superintendent Dr. Matt Gibson, Elmbrook Board President Tom Gehl, and little ole me.

The discussion was informal, with Kooyenga sitting with us in a circle of sorts. One man was talking about the concealed carry legislation when I cam in. Kooyenga briefly talked about the Combined Reporting changes, some which are addressed in the budget bill. Dale said rather than repeal the whole law, they would be looking at lowering the corporate tax rate.

Incidentally, did you know there is now a CPA Caucus? Kooyenga and his fellow CPAs now have their own group. He said they are working on a constitutional amendment to require a balanced state budget, applying business accounting principles to the state.

Dr. Gibson stated his support for the Governor's budget and appreciation for Kooyenga meeting with them regarding the coming budget changes. However, Gibson was looking to influence the per student dollar allocation. He mentioned working with the Fair Aid Coalition that represents property rich districts like Elmbrook (donor districts), who contribute to other school districts through their property taxes. Gibson said he was looking at increasing taxing authority as a possible solution to Elmbrook's shortfall.

It does seem like there might be some wiggle room in the state aid formula, "Some Republican legislative leaders say that they are working on a plan to lessen aid cuts for some Wisconsin schools. The legislature’s budget committee will take up the issue Thursday." I don't know if Elmbrook is included in that group, but it shows there could be some adjustments coming.

You can sign up for Rep. Dale Kooyenga's Legislative Wisconsin Capitol Update by contacting his assistant William Neville at William.Neville@legis.wisconsin.gov

Petitioning Waukesha School District subdivisions can't join Elmbrook School District
Don't know if you saw this, but those 3 subdivisions to Elmbrook's west lost again at the state level in their quest to be included in the Elmbrook School District. I blogged about this in February of 2011 in What? Families who HAVE 4K petition to join Elmbrook WITHOUT 4K?

BrookfieldNOW reported in Neighborhoods lose bid to join Elmbrook, again that "The state's School Boundary Appeals Board last week denied the request of nearly 200 property owners in the Black Forest, Summit Lawn, Emerald Ridge and Shire subdivisions to leave the Waukesha School District and join Elmbrook.

The board voted, 3-0, to deny the Shire, Summit Lawn and Black Forest petition, and the Emerald Ridge request was voted down, 2-1."

I think the bottom line is that regardless of where the boundary is, there will always be someone living across the street who isn't in the same school district as their playmate in the district. That really isn't a valid argument for annexation. It isn't the state's place to take money out of one school district by allowing those homes to attend another school district. The decision of which school district your children will attend should be made at the time you purchase your home, not after the fact!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Trump, Huckabee out, Newt, Romney should go too, we need a Ryan!

So far, the field of announced 2012 Republican contenders for the presidency is abysmal.

Thankfully,Huckabee decided not to run, and Trump announced the same. While I did enjoy Trump dishing it back to the press, he is no conservative. Glad he is out of the picture.

Then there is the has-been Newt Gingrich. He really shot himself in his remaining foot over the weekend by standing up for the individual health insurance mandate, endorsing the state run systems (he must have liked Romney's approach?), and criticizing Paul Ryan's plan as radical. (Newt apologized to Ryan, but the damage is done.)

Newt wasn't even on my radar as a possibility ever since he made that Pelosi love-fest ad for global warming. Since he still won't recant on that, Newt doesn't have a conservative leg to stand on. His marital history is a mess too. I think of Newt as Newt the coot--as appealing as week old, warmed over coffee.

Then there is Mitt Romney. He still won't renounce his Massachusetts health care plan, which was the template for Obamacare. The only thing he has going for him is that he promises to repeal Obamacare. (That would be his I created an Obamacare-like program before I was against it stance.) But even with that promise, I am struggling with supporting someone who is not a Christian. (I could support a Jew for president.) I do know some Mormons and they are lovely people. We share many common values, but we do not share a common belief in who God and Jesus Christ are or a belief in the Trinity. Though I would have voted for Mitt last time, I would have to prayerfully consider supporting Romney this time.

So, if we eliminate Newt and Romney, who then?

I would love to see Paul Ryan run, but he says the time isn't right. I would remind him that George Washington didn't want to be president either but agreed to do it because his country needed him. (I am praying for a change of heart.)

Though a Congressman has never won a presidency, I do wonder if those rules are out the window now since the emergence of the Tea Party and raised awareness of the voting public. After all, Wisconsin just had Ron Johnson, a business man with no political experience, win a US Senate race against Russ Feingold, a solid Democrat, last year.

Paul Ryan was on Mark Levin last night talking about his budget plan. One interesting point was that his solution for Medicare was originally talked about during the Clinton administration by a bipartisan Medicare commission in 1999. Ryan also reminded the public that Medicare on its present course goes bankrupt in 9 years!

Listen for yourself: Ryan comes on the show at the 4 minute mark and talks about his plan from the 5:17 to 16 minute mark.

In a nutshell: those 55 and over will have no change. Medicare for 54 and under would have a plan like the Congress and Federal workers have. The senior can pick their own provider from a list of Medicare approved providers, benefits would be prorated by ability to pay. The CBO says this allows Medicare to remain solvent.

Contrast Ryan's plan with Obamacare that removes $500 billion from Medicare and then relies on denying coverage for seniors outright via the 15 man bureaucratic commission. It goes bankrupt in 9 years!

In other words, Ryan's plan gives the money to the senior and they decide who will provide their coverage. Ryan's reforms promote competition and denies inefficient providers.

So if Ryan won't run, who would you favor?

I admire Michelle Bachmann. She is fearless in her ability to stand up for her beliefs, but she too is a Congressman.

Please don't say Chris Chrisite. For one, he just was elected as governor and he is NOT a conservative. He won't denounce Obamacare and he is pro amnesty and green energy.)

There are a number of choices on the Town Hall roster of 2012 hopefuls including Sarah Palin (she has been consistently solid on the issues since 2008 but I don't know that the majority would accept her), and there are others that I am not really familiar with. Names like Tim Pawlenty (I heard he renounced his pro green energy stance), Herman Cain (I like his ideas but don't know about his experience), Mitch Daniels (I have heard his name brought up, but I don't know how conservative he is), Rick Santorum (I really admire Rick, a solid conservative) and a few others. Ron Paul is on that list--he's great on the economy but really wacky on other issues.

Texas governor Rick Perry is also on that list. Maybe he is the Ryan-like candidate conservatives like me are looking for? I hope so. Governors are favored in a presidential race, and it seems he is moving forward: Rick Perry Presidential Push Quietly Gains Steam:

Perry just might be the man, "As many grass-roots Republicans remain in search of a conservative candidate with the pizazz to go toe-to-toe against President Obama, a man from deep in the heart of Texas who was tea party before the tea party was cool appears to be giving the presidential race some thought."

I hope conservatives are praying that the right man or woman is selected this time as the GOP candidate. We cannot afford another choice just because it was their turn to run!

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Rep. Dale Kooyenga Town Hall/Listening Session, Wed. May 18, 2011

This coming week, newly elected State Representative Dale Kooyenga will hold a Town Hall / Listening Session at the City of Brookfield's Safety Building Municipal Courtroom on Wednesday, May 18th, 7pm. (The Safety Building is just north of Brookfield City Hall on Calhoun Road.)

Kooyenga has been doing an excellent job keeping his 14th Assembly District constituents informed of what is going on in the Madison legislature via email alerts and also personal correspondence. I am pleased he is also doing the Town Hall meeting.

The legislators have been busy, passing the long awaited Voter ID bill just this week. It should be interesting to hear what else is on the horizon.

Talk show host Jay Weber has a Conservative Wish List posted on his web-page. Check out how many issues have been dealt with, those still pending, and the ones waiting for action. It is pretty impressive.

My wishes would be #10, "End all state mandates and subsidies for Ethanol", and #11, "Get rid of the mandatory emissions test for Wisconsin autos. (Kleefish working on it, vote not pending, though)" I heard one of the hurdles on emissions tests is the contract with the emission workers is still in effect. I would also like #13 dealt with: "Repeal the Planned Parenthood sponsored Sex Education bill."

Dale Kooyenga 14th Assembly District: Phone (608) 266-9180, Email: Rep.Kooyenga@legis.wi.gov



Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Mr. Obama, illegal immigration isn't funny in southwest

This week, President Obama visited El Paso, Texas, and in his typical say anything manner, proclaimed the border fence basically complete. Of course, the people of southwestern states know this is not true, for only 5% of the mandated 700 mile double fence has been constructed: 32 miles under Pres. Bush and 4.3 miles of it built under Pres. Obama. (The entire border is nearly 2,000 miles in length.)

Obama went on to quip about Republicans never being satisfied on securing the border--that if he built the fence, they would want a moat and alligators. He treated this very serious subject as if it were a joke.

Well, to the people of the southwest, who live with this constant threat, illegal immigration is not at all a laughing matter. The people living in the southern portion of the border states are reminded of the gravity of their situation every day. With news stories of illegal drug traffickers, helicopters sweeping certain areas as far north as Phoenix, Border Patrol SUVs cruising their highways, and roadblocks with drug sniffing dogs, they know the problem of illegal immigration is far from solved.

We recently spent a few weeks in New Mexico and Arizona, visiting most of the National Parks and Monuments these states had to offer. But there were some we avoided on the border of Mexico and Arizona and others because of the safety warnings from the U.S. Department of Interior that the parks have become "drug smuggling routes".

This is America and we have to avoid 1,000s of acres of our own land because they have been taken over by criminal illegals? Sen. Jim DeMint stated it well, "Our nation’s borders are fundamental to our national security and sovereignty. Americans shouldn’t be forced to live under the threat of kidnappings, drug violence, and gang activity because of political posturing in Washington. Security must be at the crux of any credible immigration policy."

We also encountered traffic stops by the border patrol, while traveling on US 70 to Las Cruces, NM, and on AZ 80 coming back from Tombstone, AZ. Both times the patrol was hoping to turn back Mexican illegals entering the U.S. via wilderness areas.

So if that fence is so complete, Mr. President, why the road blocks? And by the way, during our stops, I didn't observe anyone laughing.

Speeches and Summits Won't Secure the Border by Sen. Jim DeMint

Arizona seeks cash for border fence "Arizona lawmakers want more fence along the border with Mexico - whether the federal government thinks it's necessary or not. They've got a plan that could get a project started using online donations and prison labor. "

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Remember, Saturday, May 7th is WEED-OUT day at Mary Knoll Park

Though the temperatures might seem more like it is March or April, the calendar says it is the first weekend in May, and that means it is time for the annual Garlic Mustard Pull WEED-OUT at Mary Knoll Park in Brookfield.

If you have noticed, the spring plants are a bit behind this year (due to the colder weather) but don't worry there will be nothing for you to do--Garlic Mustard doesn't wait for the sun to shine to make its presence known!

If enough strapping men show up on Saturday, there might be an opportunity to do some BUSHWHACKING again.

Last year some Boy Scouts and their dads attacked the invasive Buckthorn trees and Honeysuckle bushes, clearing an area near the tennis courts at the park. These plants are a problem because they crowd out good, native plants. In addition, Honeysuckle bushes produce little red, orange, or yellow berries that look good, but actually irritate the digestive systems of birds. (The birds eat them and then suffer the G.I. consequences later!)

As usual, the WEED-OUT will be held rain or shine, from 9am to noon, on Saturday, May 7, 2011.

For those of you not familiar with Garlic Mustard...

Garlic Mustard is a terrible invasive weed that if left alone will completely take over any area it is allowed to grow in. Area residents, Patty Gerner and family, have been been battling this thug at Mary Knoll Park since 1997. Because of their efforts, along with the help of the annual Weed Out teams, the Garlic Mustard is in retreat and the native wild flowers are making a comeback.

I have participated in several of the Weed Outs and always enjoyed them. Unlike Bushwhacking, the work isn't difficult and Brookfield's Park & Rec. Department provides large bags and will dispose of the weeds too. All you have to do is come prepared to work. They will even provide instruction! (Photo from past Weed Out.)

Do wear your gardening clothes and bring gloves. You might want a kneeling pad or mat and a water bottle. Showers are forecast, so a rain poncho and hat might be a good idea. (Wet weather makes it easier to pull the weeds.)

Excerpts from the Parks, Recreation & Forestry flier:

Who can participate?

Any interested individual or group This is an excellent community service project for any organization, school or church group, family, or private individual concerned about the environment and the City parks.

Why participate?

To help our native plants and animals survive so that we can continue to enjoy them. Garlic mustard is an invasive weed introduced on the east coast by early settlers for its alleged medicinal qualities and cooking. In our community it spreads rapidly, overtaking wildflowers, native tree and shrub seedlings. It then drives out animals, birds and insects that depend on a diversity of plant species for food and shelter. To Register, Call the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Office at (262) 796-6675. (Registration is not mandatory, but gives us an idea on how many volunteers to expect) “Project Partners”: The Gerner Family, Boy Scout Troop 23, Brookfield Central High School Key Club and UW-Extension

Rain or Shine!

You don't have to live near the park to participate. One year a woman from the north side of Brookfield came to learn how to go about eradicating the weed from her neighborhood park. I think she was hoping to form a group in her area to work on their park. Great idea.

Mary Knoll Park is located at 615 S. Sunnyslope Road, just south of the I-94 overpass bridge, in Brookfield.

See you there?

Past Garlic Mustard WEED-OUT Postings:
5th Annual Weed Out

4th Annual Weed Out

3rd Annual Weed Out (with photos)

It is worth saving (pictures from Weed Out and wildflowers)

Oh, the shame! (photos and tips for evicting Garlic Mustard)

Weed control links: Garlic Mustard and garlic mustard's pretty cousin, Dame's Rocket. (It can take over native areas too.) Garlic mustard should be thrown in the trash and labeled, Garlic Mustard: Do not compost.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

National Day of Prayer: Meet at Brookfield City Hall Plaza May 5th, 12:20pm

Thursday, May 5, 2011 marks the 60th Annual Observance of the National Day of Prayer, where people all over our country will meet at school and city flagpoles to pray for our nation.

This year's theme is A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD and the verse is from Psalm 91:2 "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in Whom I trust."

I will be heading to the City of Brookfield's Plaza flag area (just north of City Hall) from 12:20pm to 12:40pm to pray for our community, state, nation, schools, leaders, servicemen, churches, and more. Hopefully, I won't be alone, but will meet others who who have come to pray for our country.

The National Day of Prayer website had this brief history of prayer in America under the heading Why Pray?:
"Prayer has always been used in this country for guidance, protection and strength-even before we were a nation or a handful of colonies. The Pilgrims at Plymouth relied on prayer during their first and darkest winter. Our founding fathers also called for prayer during the Constitutional Congress. In their eyes, our recently created nation and freedoms were a direct gift from God. And being a gift from God, there was only one way to insure protection-through prayer. "

Several years ago, their website gave this account of prayer in America: “The National Day of Prayer is a vital part of our heritage. Since the first call to prayer in 1775, when the Continental Congress asked the colonies to pray for wisdom in forming a nation, the call to prayer has continued through our history, including President Lincoln's proclamation of a day of "humiliation, fasting, and prayer" in 1863. In 1952, a joint resolution by Congress, signed by President Truman, declared an annual, national day of prayer.”

I have attended several other N.D.of P meetings at Brookfield's City Hall Plaza* and found them to be an encouraging experience. Hope you will venture out and join me in praying for our country.


*Note: Meeting at City Hall Plaza is NOT a City of Brookfield activity. It is just citizens exercising their right to free speech in a public place.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

Not exactly a fairytale royal wedding

APRIL 28, 2011

One can hardly turn on the news without hearing some buzz about the royal wedding between Prince William and Kate. I even witnessed a young mother today, shopping with her toddler, for an expensive hat and shawl to wear to her friend's royal wedding party on Friday.

The royal wedding is being referred to as a fairytale wedding, as in young woman meets handsome prince, marries, and lives happily ever after. But since this young couple has been living together for some time now, I just find it a sad reflection on today's mores.

I remember when Charles and Diana married; it was also a big deal. Some people watched during the wee hours to see the wedding unfold. I knew moms who had royal wedding tea parties for their daughters--that sounded like great fun to me. However, this time around, if a parent is encouraging their teens to be abstinent until marriage, how can they then celebrate this wedding between William and Kate, as if it is perfectly fine? That would really be a mixed message.

Don't get me wrong, I am glad William is making an honest woman of Kate, as they used to say, but I won't be watching the wedding this time. Curiosity will prompt me to look on the internet to catch a glimpse of her dress (it has to be better than Diana's, right?) but that will be the extent of my royal wedding watch.

With all the bad news today, be it war, rioting, flooding, fires, tornadoes, the economy, high gas prices and our debt crisis, I can see why this wedding would be such a welcome diversion for some. I just wish it wasn't a tarnished one.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation

A blessed Good Friday & Easter to you

APRIL 22, 2011

Though the word Easter and even some non-religious Easter Bunny themed events have come under attack by the P.C. crowd this year, Good Friday through Easter or Resurrection Sunday still mark the most important 3 days of the year for a Christian. It is during this time that we remember the crucifixion, sacrificial death, and burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and then celebrate His resurrection on Sunday.

Most Christians tend to make a big deal of His birthday, Christmas, and also His resurrection, Easter. These 2 days tend to be the more heavily attended church days of the year.

But in my Wednesday night Bible study class, my teacher recently mentioned that the Jesus never instructed us to remember His birthday, or even His resurrection day, but He does instruct His followers to remember His death. At the Last Supper He says, This do in remembrance of me. (Luke 22:19)

I admit I had never really thought about that before. There is nothing wrong with remembering or celebrating His birthday or resurrection day, but we are instructed to remember His sacrifice for our sins on the cross with the Lord's Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11, Jesus' followers are told, For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

The words of the song Oh To See the Dawn by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend sum relay why we remember this day.

"Oh, to see the dawn of the darkest day; Christ on the road to Calvary; Tried by sinful men, Torn and beaten then, nailed to a cross of wood."

Refrain: "This the power of the cross; Christ became sin for us; Took the blame, bore the wrath, we stand forgiven at the cross."

The song goes on to talk about the weight of our sins upon Him from every "bitter thought" and "evil deed" we have done, and how the ground shook and the curtain in the temple tore in two, ending the separation between God and man, when He cried it is "finished" and died. Then comes my favorite part when I am singing this hymn,

"Oh, to see my name, written in the wounds, For through Your suffering I am free. Death is crushed to death, life is mine to live, Won through Your selfless love!"

Final Refrain: "This the power of the cross; Son of God, slain for us. What a love, what a cost, we stand forgiven at the cross."

If do not have a church home, may I extend an invitation to mine, Brookside Baptist Church in Brookfield. They will present their Easter musical, No Greater Love, at 7pm on Friday and 5pm on Saturday. Easter Sunday services are at 8am, 9:30am, and 11am.

Links: Practically Speaking, Fairly Conservative, RandyMelchert, Betterbrookfield, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation