The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Greetings to everyone in western Illinois.
As I write this column the stars are shining brightly overhead and there is a full moon a shine'n. To the east on the horizon-a storm is brew'n with bright multiple lightn'n.
Looks to be perhaps in the Springfield area. Some folk had 1 1/2 inches rain all totaled Friday and Saturday nights. Isn't nature glorious!
The rain was welcomed by most, but for now it seems to have satisfied their wants.
A few farmers have started putting on NH3 for nitrogen fertilizer. The rain will help seal the ground for that process.
However, the ground is too warm to be applying nitrogen without it change'n form and loose'n it from denitrification and/or leaching with inhibitor included. In one example the farmer that was apply'n NH3 and was asked to stop his madness this early fer he was a spoil'n it for all others.
Without self regulation and reasonable restraint the government will step in with harsh restrictions.
Besides, why throw your money away in volatilized and/or leached nitrogen if'n you don't need to. Save it for Uncle Sam next year so's he can get a stab at it.
Sandy Bob gave us boys an e-mail the other day claiming Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia made a statement to Muslims who want to live under Islamic Shari law. They were told to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.
Australian Muslims were angered when they found out there was support for spy agencies monitoring the nations mosques. Can you imagine Christian response if'n that same spy activity applied to their churches!
The following quote was given in the e-mail: IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT. Take it or leave it. I am tired of this notion worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorists attacks on Bali, we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians".
"This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials, and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom. We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!"
"Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact-because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on our walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture."
"We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us."
This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about our Flag, our Pledge, our Christian beliefs, or our way of life, I highly encourage you to take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, THE RIGHT TO LEAVE."
"If you aren't happy here, then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted"
"Golly Geepers" I sez to Sandy bob, "That feller sure came on with a head of steam." "But, are you sure he said all them things quoted in that e-mail?" Can we depend on all them e-mails to be accurate and true? What do the aborigines, in Australia before the English, think of them statements or don't they count for anything?"
Some of those things said in that e-mail might apply to some folk but there is a whole lot of other folk that might be cast into a false net. I happen's to know more than a few Muslims that are mighty good neighbors. And, they believe in God but only accept Jesus as a Prophet."
"I also knows other folk who don't believe in God, don't accept Jesus for nothing, are not Muslim or Arabic descent, but would stab you in the back for a penny. Some are businessmen from old line families of Wall Street fame, many are of European ancestry hav'in lived in this country for generations. What do we do with them" I asks?
"And what if a Muslim is the only feller able to cure your bad heart, cancer, or save your child or grandchilds life. Would you view that person any differently"?
"Granted that e-mail has some appeal for stirr'n up ones emotions and gett'n the adrenaline flow'n, but, is that really what Christ teaches us? Maybe Sandy Bob", I sez, "you needs to spend a bit more time read'n Christian scriptures on God's love and skip them e-mails for a spell, especially dure'n this political season when things get exaggerated a bit over stirred up emotions". Besides ya ain't cause'n me over some e-mail of unknown origin or authenticity, to hate someone or something I hasn't met first hand.
"Well anyways, Sandy sez, "he will dwell on them thoughts for a spell." "One thing for sure", sez Sandy, "there's this staunch, long term Democrat lady up there in La Harpe that don't like you very well, in fact she don't like you at all. She's got you figured for a conservative Red necked Republican. Not tolerant for anything good like the liberal part of the Democrat party, socialism or drink'n beer at impressionable young folks gathern's and events.
"Well, that's a shame" I sez "fer I'm rather a likable type of person, by my own estimation, and besides when I visits with her on a one on one she seems to be in complete agreement with my company and my political views.
Maybe I needs to invite her down home agin for another "jaw'n" session and see just what has set that burr under her tail. There are still quite a few conservative "Blue Dog" Democrats who don't like bei'n called a "Red Neck Republican" just because they don't cotton to the socialism, give-away tax and spent habits of the present administration in Washington, D.C."
"Fat chance for that" sez Sandy "fer she gots her mind set on you just like those e-mail comments do for all them Muslims lumped into one hateful group."
Well, I guess the whole process needs to be given plenty of thought, meditation and review. Maybe Christian love would help, see'n as how that is what the Muslims are accused of lack'n. It's not good to hate just because some politician of any faith or political persuasion wants to see to to their particular advantage.
Maybe it's time to be think'n of next Tuesday's election. Perhaps the last minute mudslingers should be give'n insight as to your thoughts on that type of underhanded activity.
Maybe vote'n the ilk out of office would teach'em a proper lesson of the impropriety of use'n insults and accusations with the aim of damage'n the reputation of an opponent rather than address'n pertinent issues.
Keep on Smile'n
Catch ya later
Barnyard Bruke