john and elizabeth are after all, human

John and Elizabeth Edwards, each with strong Biblical names, seemed like the perfect couple. John is handsome, charming, compassionate, accomplished and rich. Seemingly flawless. Elizabeth is beautiful, smart, passionate, courageous. And they seem to be model parents. And both John and Elizabeth come across as caring deeply for the disadvantaged. This is one of the main reasons which they said motivated him to seek the highest office in the world -- presidency of the U. S.

But John sinned. (We all have, haven't we.) He was unfaithful. But John's sin was exposed, very publicly. And it seems especially grievous because he is viewed as a person of high moral standards. Also Elizabeth has incurable cancer. And she helped to cover up John's sin.

There are a lot of things being said. Most of it is unkind and judgemental.

I have something to say, too. 4 things. 1. S(he) who is sinless or faultless, step up and throw the next stone. 2. Hate the sin, but love the sinner. 3. Pray for this family. It is the loving thing to do, even while feeling let down by the Edwards. We all need prayer and forgiveness. 4. Finally, praise God for his boundless, love, grace and forgiveness he richly gives.

Are you doing a good job of planning their futures?

The names of these babies could be Barack, Hillary and John. They are grown up and smart now. But at one time they were babies. Their parents and a supporting cast helped to plan their futures and enable them to become the giant figures they are today.

Whether you are a baby, young adult or near retirement, your future needs to be planned. Whether you are single, married, divorced or the survivor of a wonderful spouse, your future needs to be planned.

That's what we at U. S. Bennett Financial have been doing for 23 years. Helping individuals and families to set goals. Then make tough tradeoffs to establish priorities. Finally, together we develop and implement with you a written Financial Gameplan for both the near term and long term.

This Financial Gameplan can focus on a single issue or concern like, "How do I provide for my loved ones in the event that I die prematurely?" Or your Financial Gameplan can answer the question, "What is the best way to build enough retirement income for the future while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle today?"

If your current assets are substantial you may need a more comprehensive Financial Gameplan. This would include analysis and recommendations for insurance, investments, taxation, education funding, retirement planning, long-term care, as well as wills and estate management, conservation and distribution.

To get started today on developing your Financial Gameplan, here is the contact information for U. S. Bennett Financial:
Telephone: 817-417-6040 (DFW) 877-417-6040 (Nationwide)
web: ltmonline.com/skipbennett
email: usgameplannernow@aol.com


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HIV Seems To Be A Curse Worse Than Racism

By now most of you have seen or heard about what I'm referring to as the "New Black Plague." It's given name is HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). The negative impact is astonishing! Depending on which set of numbers you read, Black or African Americans (formerly Negro) men and women make up a substantial and disproportionate percentage of all Americans infected with HIV -- perhaps as much as 50%. How can this be true for a minority group that is decreasing in its demographic share of the American landscape. At worse the percentage should be near the AA percentage of the overall population, i.e. 10-12%.

I think that much of the explanation is due to the breakdown of the family unit. When I was growing up in the Jim Crow and racist society of the Deep South in the 50's and 60's, Negroes had at best a difficult time. Segregated everything. Couldn't vote, couldn't come into the front door of many places, couldn't get a white collar job in a major corporation and you better not "talk back" to certain people.

Yet, in spite of these difficulties "out in the world," there was always the family and church to give you encouragement, hope, help and also to "train you up in the way you should go." I think that that type of support system is still there but greatly weakened.

If that system were as strong today as it was a half century ago, I think that our great country would not be facing this New Black Plague - HIV. Let me acknowledge that I'm not living on a deserted island. I recognize that AA and Blacks also are impacted by societal factors. But what American isn't adversely affected at some time by preferences, favoritism and even injustice and, yes, discrimation? This may sound like Republican-speak. But I plan to pull the lever in November for Obama.

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