Since the news broke of widespread cheating in the Atlanta Public School system the clock has been ticking.  There was little doubt that the investigation would eventually lead to some sort of public reprimand that may or may not include Dr. Beverly Hall.  I remember vividly thinking of the families in Atlanta that will be impacted by this scandal for years to come and how much work it will be for those children to overcome the reprehensible actions of those educators responsible for those children. 

I have mixed feelings about this case.  My wife and I both personally know educators that teach in Georgia public schools and know that they are professional, dedicated to teaching children and committed to education as a whole. These friends, whom I count as a blessing, embody the best of their profession and are what all educators ought to be.  Regardless of one’s political ideology, I think everyone can agree that these are the kinds of educators our school age children deserve.  It bothers me that the efforts of these fine professionals are now called into question, even if indirectly, by the poor decisions and behavior of a few in a completely different school system.



This whole APS cheating scandal thing is, frankly, an embarrassment to the entire state of Georgia.  I am glad that the investigation has yielded indictments and the courts will seek to hold those individuals named in the indictment accountable for their actions.  The behavior they are accused of has no place in any educational institution.  The families of the City of Atlanta deserve better and I firmly believe they are receiving much better under the leadership of Superintendent Erroll Davis.



I am also glad that we live in a country that will permit them their day in court.  These are serious charges, including conspiracy which these folks must answer.  The public is rightly outraged and it is important to remember that these people are innocent until proven guilty.  It will not come as a surprise if a number of these people are found not guilty.  It is not often that educators are charged criminally yet in this instance, in my opinion, it is appropriate.  And make no mistake, the scandal in the Atlanta Public School system is not the last that will be disclosed in an American public school system. 

The Atlanta newspaper published a series of stories titled Cheating our Children last year that brought to light anomalies in test scores in roughly 200 school districts across the nation.  It saddens me to no end to know that perhaps tens of thousands of other families may have to face a cheating scandal of their own.  Of course, it has been a year since this report was published and the other shoe hasn’t dropped.  At least not yet.  Now, aren’t you glad we live in Cobb & Cherokee Counties which were not implicated in the report!

Christopher is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds  MBA and BS degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Christopher blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com. 

The sky is falling, the sky is falling!  Well, not exactly but more on that later.  What in the world am I talking about?  Sequestration!  You see, in 2011 President Obama signed into law The Budget Control Act of 2011 which included a provision establishing a special bipartisan committee tasked with reducing the federal budget deficit by roughly $1.2 - $1.5 trillion over the next ten years.   So what does sequestration have to do with this?  You see, the deal was simple: if this “super” committee could not come to an agreement on where these cuts should come from then sequestration, or automatic budget cuts, kick in for the next nine years.

Now based on all of the finger-pointing from our political leaders on both sides of the aisle one might simply conclude that the party one favors has done all that can be done and the other party is to blame for this impasse.  In fact, both parties have gone to great lengths to convince the American people of exactly that!  The GOP has pointed to the bills they have passed in the U.S. House of Representatives as proof of their willingness to work with Democrats.

For their part, Democrats have engaged in a scare campaign.  They are attempting to convince Americans that the effects of Sequestration will bring forth on America consequences not seen since the biblical plagues visited on Egypt found in Exodus 7 – 10.  In the update to the biblical story tainted meat, crumbling education, and long airport delays replace water turning into blood, frogs, and the death of first born sons and animals.  Abdicating responsibility after making token efforts and trying to scare people ought to be unacceptable and both parties should be ashamed of themselves.  By the way, just as with Y2K, everything is just fine since sequestration kicked in!

As both sides try to lay blame at the feet of the other, the public should be reminded that the notion of sequestration came from the Obama White House.  Then White House Budget Director Jack Lew (now Treasury Secretary), Legislative Affairs Director Rob Nabors, National Economic Council Director Gene Sperling were all involved and took the idea of using a sequester as a way to force the GOP to the table and get a budget deal done in 2011.  President Obama approved and eventually signed the resulting legislation into law.  Bob Woodward’s book The Price of Politics details the origins of the sequestration idea and the White House and since admitted that the idea originated with the Administration.  Anyone who says different is misinformed or dishonest.

The other little detail that has not received the attention it deserves is this: sequestration is simply slowing the growth of the federal budget.  You see, in Washington D.C. slowing the growth of government equals a budget cut.  In Cobb and Cherokee counties, a raise is still a raise even if it is not as large as one might like!  Just think, if there is this much trouble slowing the growth of our government, wait until they start eliminating programs and begin actually reducing the size government.  Oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth we will witness!

Christopher is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

The New Year is underway and as many thought; Congress managed to avert the apocalypse dubbed the fiscal cliff.   Regardless of how you may feel about the compromise that was reached, the end result to this fiasco is the same as every argument between the Democrats and the GOP over taxation and spending: American taxpayers will bear the brunt of Washington DC’s inability to control federal spending.  The odd thing about our current situation is that most people, regardless of political persuasion, agree that the federal government’s budget is a mess. 

Using such adjectives as crippling, devastating, draconian, etc. to frighten Americans, the tax increases that were set to be increased by about $500 billion and the spending cuts of about $100 billion were avoided.  Sadly, even had the nation gone over the fiscal cliff and endured this shock to Americans’ pocketbooks, the federal budget would still remain about $600 billion in the red.  You see, had Congress done nothing and allowed taxes to automatically rise and spending, mostly defense, to automatically be reduced, the federal government will still be adding somewhere in the neighborhood of $6 trillion to the national debt over the next ten years.  With the “deal” that was reached, that number is around $10 trillion. 

Consider that for a moment.  I don’t mean the political talking points from the Democrats or the GOP that most of us are all too familiar with.  Put on your kitchen table economics hat and really think about what our representatives in Washington DC are doing.  Does it really make sense?  Are they really talking about fairness and protecting American families?  I think not!

What Congress reached a deal on is how much farther into the abyss of unsustainable debt they will allow the nation to sink.  Not once in the current discourse has someone dared mention the ridiculous idea of actually balancing the budget and beginning to pay off our nation’s debts.  Heaven forbid the debt burden on future generations be considered and actually dealt with.  Our leaders seem to think there will be another time to address our nation’s debts yet Scripture clearly teaches that no one knows what tomorrow will bring (James 4:13-14). 

Our government has a whole host of programs that must be funded though continued borrowing.  Most economists agree that America’s current rate of borrowing cannot continue all the while Congress continues to spend away!  To be sure, some have called current federal spending levels reckless, and even unpatriotic.  While I will avoid using such a characterization, I am praying that America’s leaders address our finances while the nation is still able to do so on our own terms.  Alas, our national leaders have demonstrated yet again their mastery of the art of procrastination.  Just wait!  These skills will be on display again very soon as the fight over the debt ceiling starts heating up.  Stay tuned!

Christopher is a graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

As the end of the year fast approaches politicians in our nation’s capital are occupied by a single issue: the so-called fiscal cliff.  Under current law, a combination of tax increases and spending cuts totaling about $500 billion will take effect and the Democrats and Republicans are trying to find a way to prevent that from happening.  Never mind that even with these changes the federal budget will still be $600 - $700 billion in the red.  Simple kitchen table economics escapes our nation’s leadership.

Here are a few things to consider: if Mr. Obama’s desired tax increases on the “rich” manage to pass both chambers of Congress and become law they would raise less than $100 billion a year.  With the federal budget currently over $1 trillion in deficit spending annually, such an increase would hardly make a dent.  Whether or not one believes the “rich” pay their “fair share” or not, such an increase does little to help the current fiscal situation the country faces.  If the assets of the 500 wealthiest in the nation were confiscated, that would take care of the bloated federal deficit spending in Washington D.C. for about a year.  Then what?  Warren Buffet may be in favor of having his taxes raised but I doubt he is prepared to have everything he owns confiscated by Uncle Sam.

The unfunded entitlement liability issue is finally beginning to draw the attention it deserves.  The fact is the federal government has over $80 trillion in unfunded entitlement liabilities that are not on the books.  That represents promises that have been made to the American people that simply cannot and will not ever be paid to them in full.  Rather than being honest with the American people, especially seniors about Social Security, Medicare, etc., politicians of all stripes kick the can down the road all while doing everything in their power to continue to be re-elected.  Sooner or later economics catches up with politics and when that harsh reality comes to bear all income classes in the United States will be impacted and it will be a hardship on the entire nation.

Deuteronomy 28:43-44 warns Christians about the dangers of borrowing money.  The lender will rise above the borrower becoming the head while the debtor becomes the tail.   The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 13:8 that we are to owe nothing to anyone except love for one another.  Sadly, as Christmas approaches, far too many Christians will be focused on spending money instead of celebrating the real reason for the season forgetting or ignoring Matthew 6:24 and the warning about our inability to serve two masters.   The wisdom of 1 Corinthians 7:23 is as powerful today as it was when Paul included those words in his epistle to the Romans.  The debt problem in America is not limited to the federal government.  Christians, too, have their own issues to address.

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

It’s been a more than a week now and regardless of your preferred results, the sun has continued to rise and set each day since then.  Ah, politics in America!  By and large America has sent the same bunch back to Washington D.C. to try and tackle the nation’s problems.  Something about the definition of insanity comes immediately to mind but I will save that for another time.

For now at least, the political commercials are over and our elected officials are coming to terms with having to work together until the next election.  At the national level, there is no shortage of things to work on.  Republicans would do well to remember they have been sent to represent We the People.  We sent them back because the majority of us still believe they are capable of getting the job done.  The Democrats would do well to remember that Mr. Obama won re-election by a mere 340,000 votes spread over four states.  Hardly a mandate for much more than working with the other branch of government We the People have just elected in my view. 

A few suggestions as the holidays approach.  First, go patch up those relationships that were damaged by a very divisive campaign season.  We all have people in our lives we do not see eye to eye with politically yet they are still friends or even members of our families.  You knew about those differences before the election and little has changed so holding on to bitter feelings is kind of silly.

Second, regardless of which candidate you supported for president, the whole process will start all over again soon enough.  If you supported Mr. Obama, remember he won’t be on the ballot in four years so gloating will not serve you well.  If you supported Mr. Romney, complaining about a flawed candidate or some other reason as to how he was able to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory serves nothing.  Americans did not reject conservative ideology, they rejected Mitt Romney.  Learn from this cycle and be ready for the midterms!

Finally, Christians ought to turn our focus from politics and back to sharing our faith, serving those among us in need, and demonstrating the reason for the hope that is in us.  It makes no difference which political party controls the White House, Congress, governor’s mansion, etc.  Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.  

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

Early voting has begun here in Georgia and from various media reports, turnout has been strong so far.  In Cherokee County where I live, the line at my local library was so long I opted to wait until Election Day.  I must admit to being very pleased that so many of my neighbors are taking their civic duty seriously this early in the process and are casting their ballots early.  I am no expert on elections but I will not be surprised to learn that this cycle has record voter turnout. 

Of course, the election at the national level has been dominated by the presidential race between President Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney.  Both men have articulated their positions providing the nation with a clear decision between two very different visions of the future.  Conflicting polls, endless media bombardment, and enough rhetoric to fill the Georgia Dome will all culminate in a decision in a few short days.  For my part, the only bad thing about this election cycle coming to an end is that it will also mark the beginning of the next.  It seems our politicians are in a perpetual campaign mode these days.

The other big decision in the minds of many Georgians is the legislatively-referred constitutional amendment that would grant the state the power to create and fund public charter schools.  Opponents of the amendment state there is enough school choice in Georgia, it would undermine local control of schools and divert funds away from already underfunded public schools.  Supporters counter that the amendment requires the schools to be run by a local non-profit board thus increasing local control, provides for more innovation and accountability, and is more effective in educating students with reduced funding saving taxpayer’s money.

There are other issues that could be mentioned such as the congressional races or the second constitutional amendment that would allow the state to enter into multi-year real estate rental agreements.  While these are valid topics, the point of my blog today is this: are you informed about the issues that matter to you?  Will you make the effort to do a little research on the issues and educate yourself or will you simply let the media campaigns for the candidates and interest groups be your source of information?  Are you ready to go to the polls? 

Voting is a privilege that too many of our fellow citizens take for granted.  Take the time to be informed on the positions of the candidates and learn about the pros and cons of the other initiatives on the ballot before heading to the polls.   Don’t settle for the views of others when you have the right to cast your own ballot and make your views known.  And then, after doing your own research, go to your polling place and vote your conscience November 6th. 

Recently I wrote about the eleventh  anniversary of the attacks of September 11.  Since then, Muslims across the Middle East, Northern Africa and even in Indonesia have attacked American interests all supposedly because of some YouTube clip for a movie that has yet to be released.  In Libya, our Ambassador and three staffers were murdered in what Administration officials have finally admitted was a terrorist attack.   That admission was certainly a little too long in coming in my view.

With all of the so-called protests and attacks against American embassies, why isn’t there more outrage from Americans?  Why isn’t anyone pointing out how Christians do not riot in the streets when Jesus Christ is insulted?  Why is it there so little being said about the freedom of speech Western nations in general and Americans specifically enjoy?  Why does our government seem more interested in apologizing for the free exercise of those rights rather than defending something so core to who we are as a people?  Political correctness, quite frankly, has run amuck! 

Now, I am not a person who would seek to intentionally anger or even offend anyone.  While Christianity certainly makes claims of exclusivity that some may find offensive that does not mean we as Christians need offend anyone on purpose.  I believe in making a defense to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope in our hearts though it is very important to remember we are commanded to do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15). 

Well, in this age of political correctness, I am offended!  I am offended that our government is less concerned about the values America holds dear and seems to place beneath what other nations think of us.  I am offended that apologizing about a YouTube video takes center stage instead of forcefully defending the right of free speech people in the West hold dear.  I am offended that the people of so many other countries think nothing of attacking American embassies and murdering American diplomats who assisted them when they fought for their own freedom from oppression.

Regardless of whether the United States is a Christian nation or not, those who have committed acts of violence against our embassies and people view us as infidels.  If you are interested in how much of the Muslim world views the West, simply visit the Quran for yourself.  Surah 2, verses 120; 191; Surah 3, verse 28; 131; Surah 4, verse 101; Surah 5, verse 51; Surah 9, verse 30 among others just might open your eyes.  Perhaps this is important to you and perhaps not. 

You can listen to the talking heads in the media and the press releases from our government or you can read the writings Islam holds sacred and observe the widespread actions across the world and make your own decision about how you are viewed.  If you think this sort of discussion is only important to Christians, think again.  If you are not Muslim, you are an infidel, just like Ambassador Stevens and his staff.  I’m offended and think you should be too!

About Christopher:

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

Eleven years ago this morning, the United States and the world witnessed terrorism on our own shores on a scale once thought unheard of.  Today of course we know there are people who will go to extraordinary lengths to cause Americans harm.  Eleven years ago, my wife and I had not yet been blessed with our daughter and my son was only a few months old.  I was a new parent and the events of this day frightened me, angered me, and yet drew me closer to my Lord, my wife, and my fellow Americans in a way that the terrorists likely could not have understood.  And for a short time, much of the world mourned with America as we came to terms with our loss.

For their entire lives, my children have understood that boarding a commercial flight involved suffering indignities Americans never would have tolerated September 10, 2001; indignities that have almost become commonplace in the media today.  Unlike my generation who used to practice duck and cover drills in case of a nuclear attack, my children are growing up in the information age with the understanding that people groups in other parts of the world hate them.  They do not understand why.  Sometimes I don’t either!  

With the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 once again on the minds of Americans, perhaps a small measure of the unity we experienced in the days and weeks that followed might return.  Today our politics are divisive and overrun with vitriolic rhetoric that begs for unity and some old fashioned common sense.  Perhaps I am getting older and simply longing for a simpler time.  Maybe I do long for a simpler time but I think that view oversimplifies how so many of us feel this day.

In this political season, some will attempt to politicize this day for electoral gain.  I pray that as we remember the victims of these terrorist acts, we will reject those attempts, if only for the day, and remember that we are all Americans.  It does not matter if you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, and any other political label you may choose.  These terrorists hate us all for simply being Americans.

9/11/2011.  Never forget!

About Christopher:

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

 

Last week Gov. Deal made official his position on the expansion of Medicaid in Georgia under the Affordable Care Act referred to by opponents as Obamacare.  As soon as the news cycle with Deal’s position was complete, the spin began and oh the wailing and gnashing of teeth!  Seniors and children are going to be thrown in the streets.  Diabetics will lose limbs.  Hospitals will be forced to close their doors.  And on and on.  All because of the supposed evil being perpetrated upon the citizens of Georgia. 

So how is it that Congress can pass such a sweeping law and Gov. Deal simply decides that Georgia would not participate you might ask?  Simply put: the Supreme Court of the United States said he could.  In the ruling earlier this year upholding the Affordable Care Act based on the Congress’ taxation powers, Chief Justice John Roberts also said the federal government can offer more funding to states for the purpose of expanding Medicaid but could not punish states that opt not to participate in the program by withholding existing funds (see page 5 of the ACA ruling).  Georgia joins a growing list of states that have already announced they too will not participate in this expansion of Medicaid due to budget concerns. 

Governing is about making choices and Gov. Deal is doing what he believes is best for our state as a whole.  If you have been caught up in the hype, relax.  Nothing has changed and no, the sky is not falling.  The same programs that have been there for decades remain in place.  Nobody is being thrown out in the streets.  However, about 1 in 5 Georgians will remain without health insurance.  This fact remains regardless of the spin coming from those who support the governor’s decision.

What kind of people are these?  What of their compassion for the poor and underprivileged among us?  What indeed!  Let me ask a question: why are we counting on government to assist the needy among us?  Do you know how many charitable organizations there are in Cobb and Cherokee Counties that are trying to fill that gap?  Don’t take my word for it (go check for yourself) but I can tell you that are a lot of them.  Good men and women with the courage of their convictions trying to make a difference. 

Now, let me take this a step closer to home.  How many in our pews are giving to charity?  I’m not just talking about your church either.  When was the last time you supported one of the fantastic charities here in Cobb and/or Cherokee County?  Cobb Pregnancy Services, Tommy Nobis Center, The HopeQuest Ministry Group, and MUST Ministries (Cobb & Cherokee) to name only a few all need financial assistance.  Here’s the kicker: they need volunteers too!

Well, I am calling out my fellow Christians on this one.  When was the last time you volunteered to serve others in your community?  Again, I’m not just talking about your local church though I will say far too many congregations are inward focused rather than focused on reaching the community with the Good News (in my opinion).  I am talking about us individually.  Writing checks is goo but giving a few hours a month is better!  Regardless of what you may think of Gov. Deal’s decision, people of faith can make a difference in the lives of those among us in need.  That is, if we are willing to do so.  Are you?

About Christopher:

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.

Unless you have been under a rock this past weekend, you know about the passing of Neil Armstrong (see my blog for a brief post on that topic) and that Lance Armstrong has been banned from cycling for life and stripped of his seven Tour de France titles after announcing he would no longer fight the USADA’s charges of doping.  In the grand scheme of things, the accomplishments of Lance pale in comparison to those of Neil in my opinion.  Still, there is something about the situation with Lance that is bothering me.

You see, we Americans value fairness.  I have told my children time and time again that fairness ended in the Garden of Eden but that is blog for another time.  In the case against Lance Armstrong though, the cyclist rightly points to his history of drug testing in his sport.  Hundreds of drug tests performed and not once has Lance failed one of those tests.  Not once!  Here is where my problem begins.  You see, the USADA claims to have many witnesses prepared to testify that Lance used performance enhancing drugs, blood transfusions, etc. to fuel his wildly successful cycling career.  When the government says they have witnesses then the case must be iron-clad, right?  (Insert snarky laugh here)

Well, here’s my problem.  You see, if Lance had failed a single drug test this discussion would be very different indeed.  Now suppose Lance had failed a test in a competitive event and produced a dozen witnesses who would testify that Lance at no time used any of the previously mentioned methods (or any other for that matter) during the race and they could fully document that Lance was in their presence the entire time.  Guess what?  It wouldn’t matter!  Why?  Because of the failed drug test that’s why.  Do you see my problem yet?  No?  Let me explain.

USADA has rigged their system allowing them to have it both ways.  Heads you fail a drug test and we’ve got you or tails we have people to testify against you and we get to ignore the test results.  See the double standard?  The bottom-line is this: they can’t have it both ways.  Period.  This is the lack of fairness that I am talking about here and it simply rubs me the wrong way. 

I am not a big fan of cycling though like so many people around the world I have found Lance Armstrong’s story compelling over the years.  Many in the media claim Lance’s refusal to continue to fight the charges constitutes an admission of guilt.  Perhaps their statements have some merit.  Perhaps not. 

I don’t know if Lance Armstrong is guilty of doping but I know unfairness when I see it. If he is guilty of doping, Lance would do well to consider Mark 8:36, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”  All the good works of his foundation, his illustrious cycling career, and all the rest are for naught without Christ.

About Christopher:

Christopher is a recent graduate of Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary of Liberty University where he earned the Master of Religious Education. He also holds MBA Finance and BS Management degrees. A former resident of Powder Springs, Christopher and his family now reside in Woodstock. Having enthusiastically embraced social media in 2007, he blogs regularly at www.chris-sanchez.com and is very active on both Facebook and Twitter.