Young Oregonians Say “No Way” To Government Healthcare

This is a response to the recent ad campaign by Cover Oregon.

As native Oregonians, we found it strange that a large-scale, federally-funded ad campaign is trying to twist the meaning of “the Oregon Spirit.”

Quoting the Oregonian – ‘Mark Ray, co-owner and creative director of North [who created the ad campaign], said the initial ads are to “create almost a hello” sort of vibe, while stressing an “Oregon pride, Oregonians take care of themselves kind of thing.”‘

We agree, and believe that “Oregonians take care of themselves” means exactly that. We take care of ourselves. No government mandates, no tax penalties, and no manufactured marketplaces. We love seeing our fellow Oregonians happy, healthy, and strong, which is why we don’t want to see our state fenced in by government-controlled health care.

PS: Cover Oregon receives millions of dollars in funding from federal tax money. My friends and I made this on a $40 gas and food budget in one week. I don’t get a strong “grassroots” vibe from this organization, honestly.

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Lyrics:

You know there’s more to a state than the rivers and the rain
The trees and weather, for some, it stops there
They say the Oregon spirit but that’s not how I hear it
There’s more to Oregon than you’re aware

From out East they came, past Chimney Rock
Facing snakes and bites and the mud and the rain
They just hiked up their boots and they pushed through the pain
They said “oh, don’t fence me in”

Across the mountains they forged and came with enterprise
The wagon wheels came in fours and dusty boots came in scores
And the heart of the land fell on weary eyes
But the joy that they’d arrived made up for the sores

Long ago the wagons traveled past the cliffs of the Gorge
We watched the sagebrush trails become I-84
It’s not that I don’t care, it’s that I’ve seen it before
We say “oh, don’t fence me in.”

You say, “ooh, it looks mighty innocent”
but follow the trail, you know it’s gonna derail
I say “ooh, we’re all going to pay for this”
We’ve travelled quite a long road, and we know where this goes

You say it’s time for a change from the Oregon range
Rugged individuality gives way to rain and trees
So don’t tell the people of Oregon that we don’t care
Don’t fence me in. (Don’t fence me in)

His Engine (Original Song)

His Engine is one of my favorite songs that I’ve written, but I’ve found that it is really speaking to a specific group of people – Christians who are neither of the world nor in it. While I firmly believe that, as a Christian, we’re called to step above the depravity and darkness of the world, problems arise when we try to distance and isolate ourselves from it entirely.

I don’t want to be a Christian in philosophy only; I want to make a visible difference in the lives of my fellow man, both directly by connecting with others in a meaningful way, and also indirectly by producing positive content that inspires others and by working in politics and journalism to further the cause of truth and justice.

Prayer and contemplation is essential, but change occurs through our actions.

Simply put, we are God’s engine.

If you are struggling with despair or confusion in this broken world we live in, and feel like there’s nothing you can do, I hope this song speaks to you. Thanks for listening!

Copyright 2013

Big Dawg Music Radio Interview!

Just want to do a quick plug for Big Dawg Music Mafia and their radio show this evening. I had the distinct pleasure of being interviewed on the program by Lisa Mei, and I must say that it was really a fantastic experience. A bunch of great folks at Big Dawg promoting great content from musicians who just happen to be conservatives and libertarians.

If you missed tonight’s show, you can listen to the podcast HERE.

A big thank you to everyone who tuned in to listen and support me and Big Dawg Music Mafia. God bless!