If you are a TV addict, whoa be unto you. You probably have a build-up of anger, stress and/or fear. If you are a Talk Radio addict, you are probably wondering just how many ways a war can be discussed.

It would seem the media is working at staying timely and, in the process, are filling our nights and days with an abundance of opinions, speculations and observations...the likes of which we have not seen in decades.

The sleeper in each of us has been called to awaken from our slumber and use our discernment about so many ideas coming our way. We are being asked to address issues of “civil rights”... “constitutional legalities”... “how do we prepare” ... “where do we go for truth.”

We hear everywhere commentary on of our personal civil rights...laws and bills being talked about and passed which will curtail “the terrorist” activities. There is much concern on the part of civil right proponents, that in our haste, we do not trample all over the Constitution in bringing justice to “suspects”––suspects who may, or may not actually be guilty. When, and if, you are ever named “a suspect,” for anything...it is frightening to think that rights we take for granted, could be stripped from us---even if we are not guilty, but only suspected. Does such bending of "rights" make it easier to include a larger group of "suspects," when one doesn't have the restraints of the Constition inhibiting them? I heard one caller on talk radio mention that if the Constitution was in the way of finding those terrorists, that we should change it. The caller evidently didn't realize that the very words he was speaking––criticizing his Constitution––would in some countries, land him in jail. At one level, we have an incredible amount of freedom in this country.

And preparation...I have some family and friends who have larders of food, water and first aid supplies...store holds which they continually upgrade. It is not only an act of self-sufficiency, but also an act of responsibility for ourselves and for our families to plan ahead––here is the key...how far ahead does one plan? A week...a month...a year? How much room do you need for that amount of supplies? And are you willing to monitor your supplies with a “fifo” system...first in, first out? Otherwise, you can be left with botulism city, as cans start buldging and popping. So, something that seemed like a good idea, can become overwhelming, without some practical forethought.

Self-sufficiency...it is what America was built upon. It is amazing that we have come so far from those founding ideals. That the very act of storing supplies would be new to any of us--we who have 24 hour convenience stores and the ability to gas-up and drive anywhere on a moments notice. It is hard to fanthom a time when those conveniences have not been as accessible.

And truth...just where do you go to verify information coming through the Internet, the tv, the radio, the newspapers, your friends--the Internet sites on "Urban Legends" can only unravel so many e-mail distortions . Anyone can write their opinion and validate that opinion with any sort of credentials they care to make up...how do we discern fact, from garnered fiction, when there are those around us––both friend and foe––who would manipulate the truth for their own ends...what parameters can we use to evaluate such information and the sources from which they have sprung? The time of self-questioning is, indeed, here.

Love & Blessings,

Joann Turner