Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for the ‘Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award’ Category

“A Simple Solution to Our Future Deficit” copyright 2010 Johnny Rigo, Texas Commentator

Posted in A Commentary on Dealing with Deficit by John J. Rigo, upcoming book "Passion Amidst Apathy", Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged on July 27, 2012| Leave a Comment »

  

John J. Rigo Texas Commentator

This commentary was written in 2010.  In reviewing I felt it applied more today than it did in 2010. 

Even with November elections wiping out the Democratic majority in the house, we will not be able to revert the effects of the billions of dollars, we will have in future deficits.  My solution to this deficit is simple and should bring us to a zero deficit within five years.

My approach would target our Nation’s non-profits in the form of their religious churches.  I am a Christian and do believe in separation of Church and State.  In the last ten years in my observation of two major churches, the Presbyterian movement, as well as the Methodist religion has brought me to writing this commentary.  It is my deep belief that our Nation loses billions of dollars every month in additional revenues that our country could be collecting, if it were not for non-profit churches. 

When churches across this nation are examined closely, one can easily summarize that a majority of monies that is collected by church congregations are either for the care and feeding of the pastors and/or ministers that lead these churches.  The other great percentage of the funds go to pay for the different church structure across the nation, structures many times are only utilized one day a week. 

The other aspect of collected monies by non-profits is the “dying Money” that is given personally to Pastors and Ministers by church members who are on their “death beds.”  I have no doubt that this amount of money alone, represents billions of dollars monthly that escapes the “Tax Man.”

There is not a month goes by that we do not fail to hear of the Pastor of a large church living “The High Life” with expensive homes, and the best that money can buy.  Recently it came to the attention of a congregation that their minister had a corporate jet hidden from them, that their collections paid to fly this Pastor all over the world to famous exotic locations to party.

It is time that our tax codes be revamped in relationship to the “free ride” that religious churches across this country enjoy.  It is time also for many of these ex-siding men and used car sales personnel who decide to become ministers and pastors paid the same tax rate as all of us do in the salary, as well as the perks they receive each day. 

In so doing the future generations of children would become more financially secure in the huge tax deficit that is before them.  Religious freedom and choosing how and who we wish to worship with, should not have anything to do with these organizations paying their fair share of taxes. 

Read Full Post »

"Memory" copyright 2005 John J. Rigo "Roses Amidst Thorns" (Note: to be considered PG13)

Posted in Poetry, Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged , , , , , , , , on April 21, 2012| Leave a Comment »

 

Courtesy of fineart.com

 
 
I closed my eyes:
 
The after-image of her was printed on the backside of my mind
the look of her neck bent backward
eyes closed.
 
That beautiful curve from her neck
to the tip of her breast.
There was a hint of sunrise
upon the horizon of her smile.
As a spirit I loved her
unaware of my own physical feelings.
 
It seemed I could not satisfy my need
to give her my love.
The flow seemed forever.
 
From moment to moment I explored her
no part untouched
or savored.
 
There was no shame in loving her.
We were eternal spirits
reunited in the flesh of our eternity.
 
I opened my eyes:
 
I am haunted by her
for the image remains.

Read Full Post »

“I Am the Only One That Can Sing My Song” copyright 2010 John J. Rigo, upcoming book, “Passion Amidst Apathy” Revised

Posted in Poetry, upcoming book "Passion Amidst Apathy", Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , on April 19, 2012| 3 Comments »

Within each of us there is a song.
The song is like no other
it is ours alone.
 
It is the song of our lives upon this earth.
It sings of our victories
it remembers our defeats.
 
Would we have shown courage
by never loved at all?
Would we have shown our creator
a lack of passion
by not living totally in the gift of time
that He so generously gave us?
 
I lived as a man
a creation of my God
in the singing of my song.
 
In those I loved
I gave more than I received.
If one was to be hurt by the ending of a love
I was always hurt the most.
 
I gave all in my being to protect the ones I loved.
In the pains that I endured
I suffered in their recall
more than once.
 
My song renders no apologies
for being made in His image.
The Passions is what separates us
from the wooden fence post.
 
I have breath
I have cried
I have laughed till I cried again.
 
In so doing have I found
the humor of my creator
in making my song
one that will be heard
throughout eternity. 

Read Full Post »

“Could That Poor Soul Be Jesus?” copyright 2010 John J. Rigo, upcoming, “Passion Amidst Apathy”

Posted in Poetry, upcoming book "Passion Amidst Apathy", Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged , , , , , , , , , on April 9, 2012| Leave a Comment »

Courtesy of hoteliermiddleeast.com

 
Many a time that my eyes beheld
a poor soul of the streets
have I thought
could that person be Jesus?
Jesus returning to earth
to see if we are still worthy of His Love?
 
When your eyes sadly behold such a vision
and you feel a pull on your heart
do not hesitate to share your brief wealth
at that moment.
 
Remember if it were not for grace of Jesus
it could be you in those rags of the street.
Let your Lord know in a real way
that His creation of you
was a worthy project.
 
Reach out and give this soul
a part of your self
as well as your day.
Jesus will be pleased with you.

Read Full Post »

“Dealing with ‘Old Timer’s” copyright 2010 John J. Rigo, preview poem from “Passion Amidst Apathy”

Posted in upcoming book "Passion Amidst Apathy", Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged , , , , , , , , , on May 19, 2011| Leave a Comment »

So, let me see if I understand this,
“When our memory goes, who we are, then goes?
There is something deeply heart-breaking about that.
 
How do we measure our progress as humans,
when our previous memories are no longer?
Are we truly blessed with an Eternal mind of Spirit,
where our memories are never lost?
 
How will our God judge us,
if there is no recall of our sins,
or our glories in His name?
 
Is this when trusting God is so important?
Trusting that He will return to us,
our precious memories of the gifts of this life?
 
I can only hope so.
For without my memories of you,
would this life seemed without purpose.

Read Full Post »

“Signs of God’s Love” copyright 2010 John J. Rigo, upcoming poetry book, “Passion Amidst Apathy”

Posted in upcoming book "Passion Amidst Apathy", Winner of Collin County Texas Poetry Award, tagged , , , on June 23, 2010| Leave a Comment »

Signs of God’s Love for us,
abound before us.
We must not be blinded to see it,
nor receive it.
Our lack of sight,
nor our ability to receive such gifts,
are lost to us,
by own very own angers,
and lack of forgiveness.
Only by becoming aware of our shortcomings,
in the eyes of our God,
with the help of Jesus’ individual Love for us,
will these many blessings,
become ours.
 

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts