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Bunny is the perfect Mamita now that she has figured out what those wee things are. My shop is the old guard's quarters which has it's own bath. I usually use the shower to refresh before coming into the house, especially when I have been working on Bam Bam. But there is also a shower outside the shop, so now Bunny and the lot are installed in the shower with their own fan. Nice and cool, easy to clean and isolated enough to afford her the privacy she needs. The shower lip will keep the pooches in control until they can cross it.

Last night we had the prayer meeting on the terrraza. Bunny came in and greeted everyone individually. I took guided tours out to see the group.

Amazing thing happened though, it was Luis' birthday so Jasmine and the three lasses were arriving later to have a wee party. Bunny had gone back to the shop when they arrived. Then suddenly there was Maria Laura, the wee deaf lass with Bunny at her side standing in front of me, Bunny turning towards the shop and Maria Laura pointing. To be sure we went  right away and Maria Laura was allowed by Bunny to pet each of the puppies.

How do Maria Laura and Bunny communicate? We have seen incidents like this before with those two, but never anything this plain. It would appear the Lord has given Maria Laura ears for Bunny and Bunny a voice for her. I really wonder more now at the time when Maria Laura slipped away and was opening the main gate and Bunny raised a tempest.

Financially the Lord will provide. Sandi's sweet shop looks like it will be worthwhile. My Canine Guard service should do well, I now have three probable clients waiting for the pups to be ready. I also just met a man in church who may well be influential in opening a door to a project here.

The referendum is for August 19th time frame, now though Chavez has already started saying that the signatures that have been collected are invalid and there will be a new Electoral Council which will not be as friendly as the old one. Civil war becomes more a reality everyday, we just sit and wait for it to happen. We do not want to leave and the other day Sandi said to me, "If it means our liberty, I will fight".

I am so torn by this that it is impossible to sort it all out. How I long for a wee boat where I go go out for a few weeks and just take the time with Him to sort it all out. I know Chavez is evil and I know he will bring this country further into ruin everyday. I also know that we are trying all the "Democratically" acceptable means and none are working. Chavez is well coached by Fidel and he has thwarted every effort since April 11. Sadly our own people and the democratic paradigm in the world denied April 11.

In a very strange way, the USA actions in Iraq have helped me to begin to understand. Now I see where a coup, a civil war, to change an oppressive regime such as Chavez's or Hussein's is the epitome of democratic expression. But I also see where other democratically elected leaders in the world simply must suppress this reality for their own survival.

We may try raising dot dogs as well, Janine so I will save the name for them. When I go to Caracas next time, I am going to see what exchanges can be made for other purebred bitches of the larger shorthair breeds.

Wiley, fortunately our land here at the house is perfect for a kennel. We have 600 square meters in back where I will construct kennels. We both though are looking forward to the antics of the pups! I remeber Bunny when she first saw the ocean!! LOLOL!!!   Barking and biting the waves!!

One of the men from our church, along with 16 other Christians from across America will be coming to rural Venezuela on February 17th.  They are going to learn how to lead mission trips and help build a church while they are there.  Since they are avoiding the capital, the missionary in Venezuela they are going to be working with thinks they will be okay.

As a matter of fact they have had teams in the country each of the last five weeks.

Kevin

Thank you Julie.

We met today with Puerto La Cruz and we have postponed the convention we were to host next saturday until the 25th of January. If the Lord permits, we will have our convention is peace, but to have it now would be imprudent.

Today El Presidente ordered the military to force the various workers back to work. Many of the military are saying no, they will not comply with his orders so the dissension in the ranks deepens.

The official word is, "All is calm and normal" This is a lie. But I am very surprised, a yank called me today to ask if I was watching CNN international. I seldom do and today was no exception. Anyway I tuned in and frankly I was shocked at how they played it. To listen you might even think the government is the victim here. Conveniently ignoring that this government and then the dominant party, MVR, created something modeled on Cubas neighbourhood cells called here Bolivarian Circles. Members of the circles were strongly encouraged to obtain arms and did so. El Presidente uses extremely inflammatory demagogue in his speeches, he talks of seige and coup constantly and frankly he lies.

The protesters killed in Altamira Plaza were peaceful, they are in opposition to the government. Those that fired on them were in support of the government. Sorry, but Sr. Chavez is not the victim here.

I wish the news media would be better informed. I also checked the reports from various sources over the tankers. I see where many have reported the government line, El Presidente ordered the Navy to board them. Well now they did, but please explain to me how they expect to drive those wee boats with Lawyers and Judges loyal to the regime? That one in Maracaibo is especially touchy, The Pinil Leon. She is fully loaded with gasoline. Maracaibo has a bridge spanning it's narrow channel to exit the lake for the sea. The pilots refuse to guide them out. El Presidente may be promising to deliver that gasoline but the how of it will be interesting.

Also of interest as all is "Calm and normal" is why the state owned oil company, PDVSA, declared Force Majeure concerning it's contractual responsibilities to the world market. Now Janine may need to translate that, but I believe it to mean, "We cannot comply due to circumstances beyond our control."

We are asking all congregations in the orient to join us on our knees on December 14th.

God bless

Saddamito Chavez, I tol' ya.

{{{Praying}}}.

Well Bunny does not support Chavez!

The rule now is even trips to the market, Bunny Wabbit goes along. (She is loving it and the exercise is perfect for her recuperation!!)  Magleny, my Sandi's sister took Bunny to the little market to buy some thread, along the way some boyos went past and honked the cacerolazo on the horn, (Two Short pause Three Long), Magleny responded with the Fuera sign, (From base ball, I think it means "You are out" or "Strike"?). Two guys were approaching her and they said "Chavez Viva!  Expletive deleted".

Bunny earned her favourite baked fish dinner!! Magleny commanded "Guard" and Bunny went into full alert. As Magleny said, when Bunny does that she even scares us!! The Chavistas decided to cross to the other side of the street as the boyos in the car came circling back. Now Magleny and Bunny both appear to have lads interested in them.

It does bother me though, this is the same rottweiler that allows Maria Laura to ride her like a pony pulling her ears to guide her. When I trained her to "Guard", it was never to be used. I actually never intentionally set out to train her guard, but she loves to hunt and chase lizards. Remembering what my Granda taught me, I put her on leash and everytime she would charge a lizard, I would command "Guard". Now the command sends her lunging to the end of her leash barking.

Do we all have protective instincts that will overcome our "love your enemy" admonition from Him when danger actually stares us in the face?

I go to Him in prayer now with questions I thought were answered. Forgive me my impatience Lord, but could you please come back soon?

Janine, I am afraid that after the Altamira Massacre, a vote will not be enough. He will have to resign now. After the Massacre with the perpetrator in custody, Chavez came on the telly "Explaining how it was all a frame up and the lad was not even in the country at the time". Now how he reconciles that with the videos of the boyo shooting and the crowd overcoming him to turn him over to the police right there is beyond me. But after that, I just do not see where there is trust that this government will even allow fair elections. He must resign and leave, I believe the Venezuelans will allow him passage to Cuba.

Sorry, his remaining term is 3 1/2 years.

No offense taken here?

His overthrow will be peaceful on the part of the opposition, they have even been studying Ghandi. All violence to date has been by Chavistas

Booty,

What is ECOMBRE or how ever you spelled that organization's name you asked if I were a member of?

Ark,

As you can see I am struggling with my convictions of pacifism. Rest assured my astute brother, the thought of armed guards has crossed my mind.

Not long ago I was asked to remove a pistol from a house here by a frightened family. Imagine their surprise when Brother Brojees, unloaded it, field stripped it and disabled it and reassembled it disabled with one wee part missing in less than two minutes. It remains useless back in it's hiding place.
A grand fear I have Ark, in these days of extreme stress and real and present danger to the woman I love, is that I know intimately the beast that resides within me and is held in check only by His love. I trust the Lord, but I do not believe I should be testing Him unnecessarily.

I love you brother and understand your sentiments and concern, but I believe my armed guard will remain the facade of a "ferocious Rottweiler". Now if I can only convince her to stop sleeping in front of the gate with her Teddy Bear!!

Booty,

After reading your post, I find myself just a little envious of such rich church family fellowship that you enjoy down there. :alien:

Wish I could import some of that up here.

:christmas:

Bob and others have asked me if there is anything they can do.

There is.

Please ask your media to compare their file footage with the followning excerpts from the Venezuelan Constitution and then follow their consciences.

This is a link to the Constitution of the Republic Bolivarian of Venezuela in English. It is from a government friendly site. The relevant articles appear well translated.

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Article 7: The Constitution is the supreme law and foundation of the legal order.  All persons and organs exercising Public Power are subject to this Constitution.[/quote]

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Article  68: Citizens*  have the  right to  demonstrate, peacefully  and without weapons, subject only to such requirements as may be established by law.

The  use  of   firearms  and  toxic   substances  to  control   peaceful demonstrations is prohibited. The activity of police and security  corps in maintaining public order shall be regulated by law.[/quote]

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Article 25: Any act on the part of the Public Power that violates or encroaches upon the rights guaranteed by this Constitution and by law is null and void, and the public employees* ordering or implementing the same shall incur criminal, civil and administrative liability, as applicable in each case, with no defense on grounds of having followed the orders of a superior.[/quote]

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Article 29: The State is obliged to investigate and legally punish offenses against human rights committed by its authorities.
Actions to punish the offense of violating humanity rights, serious violations of human rights and war crimes shall not be subject to statute of limitation. Human rights violations and the offense of violating humanity rights shall be investigated and adjudicated by the courts of ordinary competence. These offenses are excluded from any benefit that might render the offenders immune from punishment, including pardons and amnesty.[/quote]

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Article 350: The people of Venezuela, true to their republican tradition and their struggle for independence, peace and freedom, shall disown any regime, legislation or authority that violates democratic values, principles and guarantees or encroaches upon human rights.[/quote]

The only hope we have for justice is in the eyes of the world.

As long as I'm pestering government officials from the President on down about the immigration status of our brother Sam from India, I think I'll be using those email and snailmail addresses for Brojees & Sandi's stuff....

Yesterday was something very profound. Various politicos from the Copei Party, marched on Plaza Bolivar directly from their session in the National Assembly. They were stoned by Chavistas enroute, but continued on. It is something to see, a politician marching unprotected into a hail of stones. A number of them were injured, but they continued on to stand and sing the national anthem at the base of the statue of Bolivar. Then they retired bleeding to have their wounds treated.

I don't like politicians of any nation, any party any time. But I must admit, these gentleman earned my respect yesterday. That was real blood streaming from their wounds and it took real courage to stand up to the stones being thrown.

Chavez lost with the Alta Mira Massacre Decmber 6 when the crowds came back after the sootings and stood in the blood of their compatriots chanting "No tengo miedo", "I am not afraid".

Sadly though, oh so sadly, he is incapable of understanding this. So more and more confrontation will continue. More and more will be hurt, and more and more will die.
Sandi and I and the congregations here continue seeking the peace, seeking bloodless answers, non violent solutions. But daily we are coming to realize that we will be seeing more blood.

More have baptised, three this weekend alone. But now we are hearing our new brothers and sisters saying things like, "Now it's all right, I can die in peace". A fatalistic mood is growing. macabre and maudlin, rather bitter sweet.

We'll go meet the lions with a smile on our face, a song on our lips and a faith in our hearts.

I haven't been updating here, it is strange, but there is a real world out there that we are just resigning ourselves to without further protest. Sandi and I made an expedition to Puerto La Cruz yesterday for supplies. Found most of what we needed sort of, including a little gasoline. Next month we may not go, we may go, we may not be here, we may be here, we may be alive, we may not be alive. Why would it matter in any event?

Bunny's collar has the Venezuelan flag colours and patterns. We found it when we first got her and it has just always been. Today during our walk, in the plaza, a man and his wife started haranguing me about the disrespect of having the flag pattern on the hound's collar. There he stood with his wee red beret screaming at me. There is no disrespect, but the opposition has adopted the flag as their symbol and this couple is so partisan and so full of hate, that their own national flag sends them into a frenzy.

Bunny went to alert, putting herself between myself and them. She doesn't understand, but someone was menacing her "Popi" and that she will not permit. I held her under control and just told him, "Hermano, te amo, lo respeto bastante el pueblo Venezolano y su bandera. Dios te bendiga."
(Brother I love you and I very much respect the people of Venezuela and your flag). Omega saw the commotion and came running from his shop. Garcia from the police showed up as well and the couple was told to leave us alone.

We learned later from Omega, they are not from Piritu, they are here to join in the Chavista protests at the industrial complex. Omega seems to be involved in quite a bit of these things and seems to know quite a lot about the goings on. As I told Omega though, Bunny bought us time for him to arrive. But he is playing with fire, these people who are arriving are intentionally menacing people. Had Bunny not been present and had I had on one of my caps with the flag on it, I could see a different outcome.

We have the Lord and His peace, let the devil have his criac, he can't touch us!

Amen to Janine's prayer.  
Booty: my prayers are with you and Sandi, too.   I'm not eloquent at prayers but I think the Lord hears them as eloquent.  God bless you and keep you safe.
Love, Shorty

Any thoughts on Jimmy Carter's visit to Venezuela?  Will it do more harm or good?  I haven't heard many details.

Is it apostacy to lean more heavily on the words of Jesus than, say, of Paul?

(Where's my devilish grin smilie?)

I'm so sorry you are.

{{{Prayers}}} still for all y'all in Venezuela.



[vastly entertaining tangent:]

Years ago, Mike used to take one of our bulldogs swimming in the Tangipahoa River.  (Thor needed the bouyancy (boyancy?  floatiness!), since one of his hips wasn't functional after a run-in with a car.)

Seeing this as a good method of exercising any dog, 'disabled' or not, while still keeping it cool, he began that with our current dog Ginger when she was a few months old.

He'd take her down to the Missouri River, where we were in Iowa.  She was so strong and happy and healthy then (I hear that Seger song Like A Rock in my head now).  Poor thing suffers various geriatric ailments now.

No barking at the water.  Perhaps the current wasn't forceful enough to worry her.

Do y'all recall that airliner that crashed in Sioux City?  Maybe 12 years ago?  The story was so remarkable because the pilot fought horrible hydraulic problems to crash-land in a cornfield, managing to save dozens of lives.

Anyway, one of the photos our photographer took - I was working for the Sioux City Journal at the time - was of a National Guardsman carrying to safety one of the toddlers who was rescued.  That picture was loved 'round the world.  I think it might've won a Pulitzer, or at least it was a big contender for it.  Isn't it the Pulitzer Prize, for newspaper photos?

Down at the riverside park where Mike exercised the dog, a huge bronze statue based on that photo had been erected.  Maybe life-and-a-half sized.

Ginger never got over the thing.  Typically, pit bulldogs haven't a big bark-and-bristle "threat display", unless you teach them to.  She's all business, quiet business, in a serious situation.  That may be one factor in the mix, when people are so spooked and fearful of pit bulldogs. Their threat behavior is opposite what you'd expect.

Atypically, though, something about that huge, accurate statue -- a big man with no scent!  scary! -- "unmanned" her.  Undogged her, I guess you'd say.  Horrible evil-sounding ravenous growly screaming barks would come out of my sweet doggie, over that statue.

The mighty Missouri fazed her not at all, but a hunk of bronze did.

After thought, I believe the clincher for her was that this "man" was carrying off a limp little "baby".  She has ever wanted to protect smaller people, especially females, from dangerous people, usually males.

[here closes fantastic, worthwhile tangent]



Watch out for that sweet shop, Booty!  You may have to count on exercising the dogs to keep your waistline down!

And I pray that the worst thing they ever have to bite is an ocean wave!

Booty, a prayer for you and your family and the hermanos and hermanas there. It would appear that you are truly permitting the LORD to give you peace of mind and guidance. May the nation be guided out of this chaos and justice triumph. Many here are praying for the well-being of you and yours. It is quite interesting to know that the news media here slant things as they desire, but most of us have known this is true all along. I just wish you could get some of your on-the-ground views published in the USA, or would this be too dangerous???

Es mucho frio aqui...

I heard a report on National Public Radio yesterday that sounded pretty complete & unbiased.

The NPR reporter was assuming the typical liberal  ;)  position, telling us how the rich are selfishly fighting Chavez so they can gain control (& presumably get richer), and the poor are his ardent supporters...

Of course she didn't mention the money "the poor" receive to hop a bus into Caracas & protest for him...

And she didn't mention how many pro-Chavez mobs, causing mayhem & some deaths and injuries, (a) are led by people high up under Chavez, and (b) are not condemned, but almost approved, on pro-Chavez media.

But, the reporter actually in Caracas set her straight, gave a report pretty much word-for-word like what Booty tells us.

He didn't say Chavez was bussing and paying a per diem to the rural poor to agitate in Caracas, but he did remind her that 65% + of Venezuelans are at poverty level, but Chavez' 'approval' ratings come from only 30-35% of the people.  So, it looks like "the poor" don't all endorse him.

The reporter in Caracas said that you might, for a "short answer", call what happened in April a coup attempt, but he made it very clear that the people of Venezuela are not even primarily pushing to get rid of Chavez... they are pushing for that referendum, they want to vote him out of office, not chop off his head.

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote (B. H. @ Dec. 11 2002,3:10)[/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]How long does Chavez have before he leaves office?

I find it interesting that a shopkeeper/ capitalist would support a man sympathetic to communistic political ideas.  I have heard of this happening before in Italy and France, but I never can logically comprehende the concept.

Booty, do you believe that Chavez should be overthrown in a coup?  The Bible does say that the governing powers exist by the will of God.[/quote]
Barry,

You refer of course to Romans 13. written by Paul who also escaped from a goverour being lowered in a basket.

Yes I do think Chavez should be removed from office. If it had not been for the gross manipulation of the system he has engaged in, he would already be impeached.

Now before you even go there, I obviously am well aware of Paul's admonition and rest assured we have studied it diligently very recently. I will respond to your obvious reply before you even make it by simply stating that I will follow no government authority which is not following God, period and end of that discussion.

Now I am not sure of what you are referring to about the capitalist shopkeeper, but I am sure you will explain.

I expect about one more week in office at the maximum.

Glad to see you, ready to repent and return to the flock yet?

There you have us. Sandi and Booty

That is my own self to the right of that beauty!!  

Thank you Wiley for storing the photo.

:hug:  :thumbs-up:

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Meanwhile, National Guard troops fired rubber bullets and tear gas Thursday at anti-Chavez demonstrators in the coastal city of Barcelona, said the governor of north-central Anzoategui state, David de Lima. [/quote]

Now that is getting close!


Kevin,

As to this article, there is a certain disigenuity to the way it is written. The temporary halt to the work stoppage is an amparo or injunction against "Actively Striking". Employees marching and protesting. Simply staying at home and refusing to work may continue.

The TSJ is walking a thin legal line, but sucessfully. They have experienced significant pressure from the Presidente since they restored the autonomy of the metropolitan police of Caracas. I believe here what they are doing is responding to the case brought by the government against the strikers in a way that the government supporters feel vindicated as they seldom read the fine print.

I do worry though that perhaps the TSJ in so doing has set up the mechanism for the inevitable violent eruption we all are praying will not come.

Living in a Navy town -- only two blocks from the world's largest carriers -- I have visual aids to explain to my son the logical end to spilling blood for one's ideals.

My son knows I am an idealist with strong convictions about what could make the world a better place. He also knows I am a pacifist not by choice, but by necessity. It is well known that idealism and weapons to enforce those ideals are as natural as love and marriage for human beings.  I tell him that I am a pacifist because any idea worth explaining cannot be communicated effectively through the haze of threats and bloodshed. It would be much easier to surround myself with dead bodies to create a forum for my beliefs, but terror weakens the message.  

Both -- weapons and pacifism -- are desperate choices. In our world we see everyday, when divers pop up around the pilings of our bridge as they look for bombs -- that the weapon choice (our armed guards) are not insurance against violence -- in fact, they make us more vulnerable to violence. It is an illusion that weapons create security.

Praying for you, Booty.

Merry Christmas to all.

Janine, bless you and I promise we will behave.............,(We're in trouble I am sure),......OH OH ............ It was all Sandi's Granmum's (Abuela's) fault...........Maria Laura broke Santa's heart and then promptly melted it..........Bunny believes in Santa and has offered to properly bite anyone who dares disagree......Leonesa will go to her new duties today in the afternoon, wish her Godspeed.

The Lord touched Puerto Piritu last night personally. He allowed peace and security to reign in His name to those tired of the stress and tension they live with. We enjoyed and relaxed with our brothers and sisters.

The Christmas Dinner was held at in the patio of the home that Jesus and his family guard and garden, quite appropriately called Hijos del Rey, Sons of the King. We started at 7:00 pm Venezuelan time, (Which means any  time after sunset and before sunrise that you arrive unless you are late or early.). The children first had all types of activities including spontaneous caroling of the adults present, (Cristian is quite the showman and does not have a shy bone in his body!!).

Then Jesusito stood up and made a prayer that brought tears to all our eyes, (Oh Lord forgive me, I peeked!!!  I saw Omega and Eliecer take each others hands!!). Jesusito prayed for the future, he did not ask for a better future to grow up in, he just asked to permitted to grow up. When an 11 year old prays to be allowed merely grow up, on Christmas Eve, I don't care who you are, you stop and you think. Open you eyes and find that all the children had moved to stand behind him and it will bring you to your knees. Magleni and Eduard started singing Noche de Paz, (Silent Night, but in Spanish it is Night of Peace).
Jo Jo Jo Jo Was heard from the rear gate, Papa Noel arrived in style!!  Maria Laura is three, a simply beautiful wee muffin with long curly hair and an impish face. Profoundly deaf from a childhood fever. her sign for Santa is a wave, (Luis, Yasmin and I have talked long hours and Luis has finally allowed his pride to recede. Maria Laura will be starting proper sign classes in January.). When her two sisters signed Santa to her, she came scooting around the corner. Big eyes looked up and she closed on Papa Noel, but held her distance. The other children closed and this Christmas Papa Noel had his own surprise!! This Christmas Papa Noel poked their wee bellies asking if it was real first!! Jo Jo Jo Jo :christmas:  :christmas:

Papa Noel read the nativity scripture to them and led them in their prayer. Then they sang a special birthday song to Jesus. Maria Laura remained on the fringes, but attentively observing. Then the sack was opened by Papa Noels head elf Sandi. Once a year, children flock around someone other than Sandi, a noisy fat man in a red suit, (A VERY HOT RED SUIT).

Papa Noel was blessed with a personal moment with each child as they received special gifts. I would love to hear some of the things they said to him, but that's a secret that only Santa knows. I do hear though it makes the sweltering Red Suit worthwhile. Maria Laura did not join in the line but stayed to one side, those wide eyes watching Papa Noels every move.

Then the Elius came up to meet with Santa and receive their gifts as well. A package still rested by Papa Noel's side with Maria Laura's name on it. Eduard called for a prayer for Venezuela, we closed our eyes and heard the voices of youth expressing their personal dedication to our Lord Jesus one after the other. We heard each promise that in their lives still to come, they would follow their commission going forth to all nations, making disciples of all men and women baptizing in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Maria Laura was still observing.

Finally Los Eliu's requested a picture with Papa Noel, (Yes Wiley, the minute I have it printed I will have my neighbour scan it for me). Maria Laura had urgent business to discuss with Laura immediately after. Papa Noel started crying as he saw Maria Laura signing his "wave"  and the finger circling the mouth and chin, (For a goatee), that is "Brother Booty" in her special sign. Laura finally rsponded with the "Si" sign.

Maria Laura the stood there for an eternity, apparently building her resolve and strength for she next came running to Papa Noel and hurdled into his lap from a sure distance of at least two meters. I believe a record was set for three year old long jumps in Piritu last night!! Papa Noel was hugged and kissed by the bonniest wee colleen in the whole wide world!!

From that magic moment forward, Maria Laura became a permanent fixture in Papa Noel's lap!! Papa Noel is shamelessly in love!!          

Carlos told our new Deacon Jesus that a policeman had shot his dog. In front of him and his sisters. What a world, what a world, when will we ever ever ever learn His blessed peace? Jesus came by, and after gaining Maria Laura's permission to talk with Papa Noel, let him know.  Leonaesa will be going to fill a void in the family of Carlos when he returns home to Barcelona. A street urchin, Leonesa should fit in well. All she has ever asked for was someone to love.
Maria Laura finally agreed she would go with Papa Noel and his elf back to change from the HOT VERY HOT red suit!!  But first she made the Bunny sign, both arms biting like a crocodile!! The wait sign and ran off. Luis was carving the joint of bacon, pernil, and came up with the leg bone in a plastic bag and a question, "Bunny?" Papa Noel and Maria Laura made Bunny Wabbit a very happy Rottweiler when they arrived with her Christmas present.

When we returned in much cooler clothing!! We found ¿.... well....we found.......?   Perhaps I should just close here? We'll work on regimentation this year, OK? Perhaps we will find a way to conform? It was all Abuela's fault!! Omega helped!!







Oh no here we go.....




I can see the emails, phone calls and letters now!!!











Puerto Piritu is doing it again!!!












They just do not behave!!
 
:doh:  :doh:  :doh:  :doh:  :doh:











Remember when I told you that Abuela had assumed the role of teaching our young ladies to be exactly that, [B[LADIES[/B]?  Well I have seen makeup being more artfully applied, dress mode becoming more elegant and less provocative, hair becoming a glory in it's arrangement. All this in a country where women have made an art form of being sensual and erotic.

Our Eliu's have become ladies and gentleman as Abuela has also taken on the lads as well. This has extended to talking candidly of the trials of young motherhood and especially unmarried motherhood. The lads and I have talked quite frankly about the responsibilities of fatherhood. We also have talked quite openly about sexual desire.









But it all was Abuela's fault and Omega helped her!!!















WE RETURNED TO FIND ABUELA AND OMEGA TEACHING THE ELIU'S HOW PROPER YOUNG LADIES AND PROPER YOUNG GENTLEMEN DANCE!!!!

I suppose we should start disfellowshipping procedures immediately.  . . . . Could someone send us the guidebook?    I am not sure quite who to send it to though, becuse I took a turn on the floor with Papa Noel's favourite elf my own self!!

Feliz Navidad!!

From the Liberator's Side
Danny O Leary



Frayed Warp Thread #1

The Constitution of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela clearly states:

"Article 7: The Constitution is the supreme law and foundation of the legal order. All persons and organs exercising Public Power are subject to this Constitution."

I will repeat this with each Warp Thread we expose. There can be no denyingnor equivocation of this basic principle.

Recently images have flashed across the screens of your tellys of the "Strike" here in Venezuela. Your commentators have informed you that the opposition to the regime of Hugo Rafael Chavez Frias has mounted a pacific civil disobedience seeking a referendum on his governance. As part of these images, you have seen tear gas and rubber bullets being used to control these peaceful demonstrations to maintain the public order.

WARP THREAD #1 Unraveled

"Article 68: Citizens have the right to demonstrate, peacefully and without weapons, subject only to such requirements as may be established by law.
The use of firearms and toxic substances to control peaceful demonstrations is prohibited. The activity of police and security corps in maintaining public order shall be regulated by law."

Recently I had the opportunity to talk with a pro government attorney. I raised the issue of how we could have peaceful demonstrations being subjected to tear gas bombardment by the Guardia Nacional with this very clear and explicit article in our constitution. The response I received was basically it is considered "violence to disturb the public order".

By this malapropic distortion of the concepts "pacific" and "violent", every "Pacific Civil Disobedience" precept established by Ghandi is struck down and Article 68 becomes null and void. "Peacefully" obviously now comes to mean, "Not in disagreement with the government". An Orwellian Newspeak Concept.

"El primer deber del gobierno es dar educaci¾n al pueblo." Simon Bolivar

And the Waltzing Grannies.

He's back and he is angry. We have been misbehaving it appears and he was not received as he expected in New York, what did you people do to him? Apparently his new best buddy, Lula of Brazil, told him, "Hold the elections".

We were browbreat in cadena again today, all channels. But we have been misbehaving. Then today the Guardia Nacional broke into the warehouses and liberated "Soft Drinks and Beer", seriously, "Soft Drinks and Beer" are now essential food stuffs.

Perhaps they are when the opposition is now distributing beef and chicken free.

Shorty, the Lord has all our fingerpaintings and crayon-written prayers, with backwards letters and misspellings, on His refrigerator, next to our School Days of Earth class photo.  He loves them.

Read it years ago, pretty earthshaking in many ways. Do not have a copy.

Hee Hee are you sure it is not apostasy? :eek:  :frowning:  :blush:

And people refuse to think something like what you're going thru can ever happen in an enlightened, civilized country.

What, do they think Venezuela pre-Chavez was some sort of backward ignorant place that never heard of democracy?  (It may feel like that now...)

God bless you both and your loved ones, Booty.

Is there one smaller, a "runt"?  If so, in the fine tradition of 101 Dalmatians, you could call that one "Cadpig".

Tell Sandi "Hi"!  God bless her.

I hope your financial plans go smoothly.

When was that next sceduled/permitted referendum?

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote (nerdneh @ Dec. 07 2002,6:57)[/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]Booty, a prayer for you and your family and the hermanos and hermanas there. It would appear that you are truly permitting the LORD to give you peace of mind and guidance. May the nation be guided out of this chaos and justice triumph. Many here are praying for the well-being of you and yours. It is quite interesting to know that the news media here slant things as they desire, but most of us have known this is true all along. I just wish you could get some of your on-the-ground views published in the USA, or would this be too dangerous???

Es mucho frio aqui...[/quote]
Well Bob I might be willing  LOL

Here is a letter I just sent to the editor of our English Newspaper here

[!--QuoteBegin--][/span][table border=\"0\" align=\"center\" width=\"95%\" cellpadding=\"3\" cellspacing=\"1\"][tr][td]Quote [/td][/tr][tr][td id=\"QUOTE\"][!--QuoteEBegin--]I saw three fairly derisive letters to the editor denouncing the strike this last weekend and I wish to respond.

To the gentleman in Valencia who worries about the strikes effect on the Gross Domestic Product, I would say the following. I firmly believe that each shop owner and each worker who went al paro knows first hand just how the loss of his small portion of the Gross Domestic Product hurt him and his immediate family. Why then would he subject his family to the loss? Why did Captain Daniel Alfaro drop anchor on the Pilin León and end his career? Perhaps for the same reason that once a group of colonial dissidents pledged their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor to another revolution.

To the gentleman in Caracas who notes the middle class caraqueños walking past the indigenous women and children begging to arrive at the protest, I would say that at least two of them had a destiny with death that they were enroute to fulfill. I might ask him why those indigenous women are begging and not working, or has begging become their profession? How often does he take time to note those same caraqueños pay the chamos who wash windshields?

To the gentleman in Cumaná who is envious of the Venezuelans taking nine consequtive days off and wishes he had grown up here to enjoy these "mini holidays", I would say that these people are not taking vacation, they are investing in their future. Some are paying the ultimate price. This is not a frivolous snowball fight in Pennsylvania. This is a very serious struggle by a democratic people seeking to guarantee the future for their children.

As are most of the readers of the DJ, I also am a extranjero. As an extranjero I am a guest in this country. I chose to make my  life here and the Venezolanos graciously accepted me. As a guest I feel obligated to treat my hosts with respect and not derision as they risk their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor protecting the democratic principles they hold dear. I feel as a guest it is my responsibility to pray for them to be able to resolve their struggle without further bloodshed.

To these three gentlemen I will make the offer to call for you at your front door and drive you to Maiquetia whenever the negative results on the GDP, the ignored indigenous professional beggars or the abundance of days off becomes too much for you.

Brojees
Puerto Piritu
[/quote]

Danger? That went out for all to see.

I will send my Senators and Congressman an email asking them to consider focusing at least some of their attention on Venezuala.

Kevin

Quote

Booty,


I did not mean to offend you but only sought  answers to my questions.  Please forgive me.

How long does Chavez have before leaving office if he for the sake of argument is left in power?

It is good you have studied Romans 13 and other verses dealing with government authorities.  It is one thing for Paul to flee from a governor of Damascus in a basket and yet another to preach his violent overthrow.  Would Paul approve of a coup against Chavez?

 Have the people opposed to Chavez been entirely innocent in the matter at hand? That is why I brought up the question about the shopkeeper.  That man depends on profit to keep himself solvent and it is not in his best interests to support Chavez if he is a died-in-the-wool communist.  Chavez may have praised Castro-Ruz, but does that mean he is a communist?  I remember the president of Mexico welcoming Fidel honorably to Mexico City several years ago, and while most Latin American leaders respect him for standing up to the US, they do not necessarilly endorse his Marxist economic programs.  Was Chavez admiring Castro-Ruz simply because he is not afraid to stand up against Washington or does Hugo actually want ot be the next Lenin?

One thing I remember about your Bible is that there was a priest murdered by a King of Judah.  Later that same king was assassinated with the conspirators being caught fleeing to a town far away from Jerusalem.  The king that was killed started out good but turned bad, however his successor executed the assassins nevertheless. He spared their children with the explanation "Children shall not be put to death for the sins of the fathers....".  The successor, by the qouting of that verse was shown approval by the Bible writers in avenging the slain king and sparing the children of the killers.  What say you in the case with Chavez???  

I took courses on Latin American and European Politics while in college and one thing my professors emphasized is that the different parties are 1. very dogmatic and uncompromising in their views 2. there are a lot more parties than here in the US with a wide scope of ideas 3.  The parties are much more poloraized than US parties.  Because of this they are less likely to want to cooperate with each other or try to see the "middle ground."

I think that is what you see going on in Venezuela right now.  A lot of people on both sides of the issues simply cannot see beyond their own  polorizing dogmaticism and demonizing.

Booty,

Please answer my question.