Posted by
peripheral on Monday, September 07, 2009 8:17:19 AM
From My Perspective - - -
We have heard much about the “Culture of Corruption” in Politics. The
current majority party used that as a mantra during the last election
cycle, and did so effectively. However, when one gets down into the
“Swill” and it begins to “Swirl”, it produces that which is corrupt in
a more universal way. When “Swill” is referenced, it means: “liquid or
partly liquid food for animals, esp. kitchen refuse given to swine;
hogwash; kitchen refuse in general; garbage; any liquid mess, waste, or
refuse; slop.” When one gets to stirring it, or to “Swirl” it, it
means: “To move with a twisting or whirling motion; eddy; to be dizzy
or disoriented.”
At the beginning of this year, Congressman John Carter, R-Texas
submitted legislation (HR 735 - also known as the "Rangel Rule Act of
2009”). He states the idea for this legislation was spurred by two
factors: (a) for decades, Texas lawyers have used the "Hobby Rule" to
win the immediate release of clients arrested on DWI charges. Longtime
Texas Lt.Gov Bill Hobby was locked up one night for driving under the
influence, but immediately released when his attorney came down to
point out the high status of his client. When news of this special
treatment slipped out, the court tried to defend itself by saying it
was standard procedure to release a suspect into the custody of an
attorney, though everyone knew any regular DWI inmate would have been
held for bond or trial. Ever since, Texas lawyers have sought the
release of their inebriated clients by exercising this previously
unknown "Hobby Rule." It's standard legal procedure to this day. (b)
“American taxpayers could win the same treatment according to HR 735,
thanks to…Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem), and Treasury Secretary
Timothy Geithner. Chairman Rangel admitted on the floor of the House
that he had for years failed to pay tax on rental income from his
resort property in the Caribbean. He apologized for this "oversight"
and agreed to pay his back taxes - but has paid no interest or
penalties. Secretary Geithner admitted in his Senate confirmation
hearings he had for years failed to pay taxes on his income from the
International Monetary Fund, even though the IMF sent him checks and
instructions to pay those taxes. He also called this an "oversight,"
and has paid no penalties and faces no charges. Rep. Rangel is the
Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees the IRS.
And Geithner is Secretary of the Treasury. Just like Bill Hobby, these
two high-status men have received different treatment than the common
taxpayer.”
Some of what is known as fact regarding the “Culture of Corruption”
includes the following: $34,000.00, federal taxes that Secretary of the
Treasury Timothy Geithner (D) failed to pay during his employment at
the International Monetary Fund; $75,000.00 is the amount of money that
Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), was forced to report on his taxes after the
discovery that he had not reported income from a Dominican Republic
rental property; $133,900.00 is the amount Fannie Mae "invested" in
Chris Dodd (D-CT), head of the Senate Banking Committee; $140,000.00 is
the amount of back taxes and interest that Cabinet nominee Tom Daschle
(D) was forced to pay after the vetting process revealed significant,
unexplained tax liabilities, etc. This is merely the tip of the
“Culture of Corruption” iceberg.
An important guideline is given in Romans 13:1-2,“Everyone must submit
himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except
that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been
established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority
is rebelling against what God has instituted…” In Romans 13:5-7, “…it
is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible
punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay
taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time
to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay
taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor,
then honor.” The person who is obedient to God’s Word should not be
near or in the Swill and Swirl of the Culture of Corruption. The
obedient follower of Christ should not have to utilize a “Hobby Rule”
or a “Rangel Rule”! The point of these rules is that every citizen
should be treated equally and fairly. A Basic Rule for the follower of
Jesus Christ is: Stay Away From The Swill, or you will get Caught In
The Swirl! Consider these things with me!