Note- this is the first article of a series on America's Founders and the values and beliefs which America was founded on.
Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith.
Alexis de Tocqueville
The Americans combine the notions of religion and liberty so intimately in their minds, that it is impossible to make them conceive of one without the other.
Alexis de Tocqueville
Those of you who know me, know I immigrated here from Canada nearly 20 years ago. My husband and I were talking one day not too long ago about the state of things now. I said, I don't know who it's harder for, to see America being trashed. Those who were born here and having to see it, or those of us who came here to freedom, only to have it slipping away. Many millions have come to America to escape tyranny, oppression and poverty, have built families, lives and lively hoods. They had begun to see what freedom was- and now they are afraid because it is resembling too closely to what they thought they'd left behind.
I have for the past few years been interested in the history of America, and more so now. I have realized that too many people who have lived their entire lives here have no idea what the Country founding was all about. Many people love their country, but have no idea of the importance of History, and how if one does not know their history- they will not understand their liberties and freedoms. If they don't know where their liberties come from, and wrongly assume they are given by the government, they will lose them before they know it. I worry for the generations after mine who, if they are not taught the real History of America, they will never know how damaging the present state of our politics are to their own freedoms. It is for them that I am attempting to bring it out into the light for all to see and learn.
To know America's history, one must know before the beginning. Many people were taught about the Mayflower and the pilgrims and Thanksgiving Turkey. Mayflower Compact – What is it?The Mayflower Compact was a document written by a group of the new settlers arriving at New Plymouth in November of 1620. They had traveled across the ocean on the ship Mayflower which anchored near Cape Cod, Massachusetts. All of the adult male members on the Mayflower signed the Compact. Being the first written laws for the new land, the Compact set the authority within the settlement and established that the colony was to be free of English law. It was shaped to form a government of themselves and was written by those to be governed.
The Mayflower Compact reads:
"In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience. In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620."
I don't start this article with the Mayflower Compact just to show that America was in fact based on the Christian belief and for the purpose of spreading the Gospel, but to show a springboard onto the later documents which became the basis of the government and laws of America- The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution. It is a fact that many of America's earlier historians referred to the Mayflower Compact as the foundation of the U.S. Constitution which was written more than 150 later.
The first Charter of Virginia was written on the solid basis which made up that of the Mayflower Compact. It was granted by King James I, on April 10, 1606, and states:
We, greatly commending, and graciously accepting of, their Desires for the Furtherance of so noble a Work, which may, by the Providence of Almighty God, hereafter tend to the Glory of his Divine Majesty, in propagating of Christian Religion to such People, as yet live in Darkness and miserable Ignorance of the true Knowledge and Worship of God…Instructions for the Virginia Colony (1606)
John Adams, one of the Founders more than a century later understood the ideals of the earliest settlers when he said, “ The general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principals of Christianity… I will avow that I believed and now believe that those general principles of Christianity are as eternal and immutable as the existence and attributes of God.”
The foundation for the land which was to become the United States of America was the Gospel of the Bible. The founding fathers knew this, and learned from it. How they also understood that freedom and liberties are given by God and not the government is a large part of why a new government, separated from the Crown of England came about.
When after numerous grievances against the Crown brought nothing but contempt and misery, the founders felt it was time to declare a separation. They turned not only to their strong moral and religious beliefs in God, but also to the legal writings by a man named William Blackstone.
I aim for once, to keep these articles shorter, so I will end here. We will look more closely next time at William Blackstone, and why his legal writings were so important to the founders that much of what he wrote was woven into American history. Until next time- I invite you to read the Declaration of Independence again, as to understand what the early colonies were facing in a tyranny of the English Monarchy, and try and see if any could be compared with what we are facing these days.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Study Time
Hey folks- just wanted to say, I've been busy studying, and gathering information and thoughts for the next article. It will be in parts again, but too important to leave anything out. The only hint I'm giving, is it will have a lot to do with my previous post. If you haven't read it- now's the time!
God Bless and hopefully I'll have something ready soon~
God Bless and hopefully I'll have something ready soon~
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining, in the mean time, exposed to all the dangers of invasions from without and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us;
For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states;
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world;
For imposing taxes on us without our consent;
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury;
For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended offenses;
For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies;
For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments;
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity; and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
[Signed by] JOHN HANCOCK [President] New Hampshire
JOSIAH BARTLETT,
WM. WHIPPLE,
MATTHEW THORNTON.Massachusetts Bay
SAML. ADAMS,J
OHN ADAMS,
ROBT. TREAT PAINE,
ELBRIDGE GERRYRhode Island
STEP. HOPKINS,WILLIAM ELLERY.Connecticut
ROGER SHERMAN,
SAM'EL HUNTINGTON,
WM. WILLIAMS,
OLIVER WOLCOTT.New York
WM. FLOYD,
PHIL. LIVINGSTON,
FRANS. LEWIS,
LEWIS MORRIS.New Jersey
RICHD. STOCKTON,
JNO. WITHERSPOON,
FRAS. HOPKINSON,
JOHN HART,
ABRA. CLARK.Pennsylvania
ROBT. MORRIS
BENJAMIN RUSH,
BENJA. FRANKLIN,
JOHN MORTON,
GEO. CLYMER,
JAS. SMITH,
GEO. TAYLOR,
JAMES WILSON,
GEO. ROSS.Delaware
CAESAR RODNEY,
GEO. READ,
THO. M'KEAN.Maryland
SAMUEL CHASE,
WM. PACA,
THOS. STONE,
CHARLES CARROLL of Carrollton.Virginia
GEORGE WYTHE,
RICHARD HENRY LEE,
TH. JEFFERSON,
BENJA. HARRISON,
THS. NELSON, JR.,
FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE,
CARTER BRAXTON.North Carolina
WM. HOOPER,
JOSEPH HEWES,
JOHN PENN.South Carolina
EDWARD RUTLEDGE,
THOS. HAYWARD, JUNR.,
THOMAS LYNCH, JUNR.,
ARTHUR MIDDLETON.Georgia
BUTTON GWINNETT,
LYMAN HALL,
GEO. WALTON.
We hold these truths to be self-evident:
That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his assent should be obtained; and, when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a right inestimable to them, and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for opposing, with manly firmness, his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers, incapable of annihilation, have returned to the people at large for their exercise; the state remaining, in the mean time, exposed to all the dangers of invasions from without and convulsions within.
He has endeavored to prevent the population of these states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions of new appropriations of lands.
He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.
He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies, without the consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the military independent of, and superior to, the civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our Constitution and unacknowledged by our laws, giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:
For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us;
For protecting them, by a mock trial, from punishment for any murders which they should commit on the inhabitants of these states;
For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world;
For imposing taxes on us without our consent;
For depriving us, in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury;
For transporting us beyond seas, to be tried for pretended offenses;
For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies;
For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our governments;
For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation, and tyranny already begun with circumstances of cruelty and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow-citizens, taken captive on the high seas, to bear arms against their country, to become the executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall themselves by their hands.
He has excited domestic insurrection among us, and has endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, and conditions.
In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the most humble terms; our repeated petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.
Nor have we been wanting in our attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them, from time to time, of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity; and we have conjured them, by the ties of our common kindred, to disavow these usurpations which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too, have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity.
We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity which denounces our separation, and hold them as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.
We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name and by the authority of the good people of these colonies solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATES; that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved; and that, as free and independent states, they have full power to levy war, conclude peace, contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states may of right do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
[Signed by] JOHN HANCOCK [President] New Hampshire
JOSIAH BARTLETT,
WM. WHIPPLE,
MATTHEW THORNTON.Massachusetts Bay
SAML. ADAMS,J
OHN ADAMS,
ROBT. TREAT PAINE,
ELBRIDGE GERRYRhode Island
STEP. HOPKINS,WILLIAM ELLERY.Connecticut
ROGER SHERMAN,
SAM'EL HUNTINGTON,
WM. WILLIAMS,
OLIVER WOLCOTT.New York
WM. FLOYD,
PHIL. LIVINGSTON,
FRANS. LEWIS,
LEWIS MORRIS.New Jersey
RICHD. STOCKTON,
JNO. WITHERSPOON,
FRAS. HOPKINSON,
JOHN HART,
ABRA. CLARK.Pennsylvania
ROBT. MORRIS
BENJAMIN RUSH,
BENJA. FRANKLIN,
JOHN MORTON,
GEO. CLYMER,
JAS. SMITH,
GEO. TAYLOR,
JAMES WILSON,
GEO. ROSS.Delaware
CAESAR RODNEY,
GEO. READ,
THO. M'KEAN.Maryland
SAMUEL CHASE,
WM. PACA,
THOS. STONE,
CHARLES CARROLL of Carrollton.Virginia
GEORGE WYTHE,
RICHARD HENRY LEE,
TH. JEFFERSON,
BENJA. HARRISON,
THS. NELSON, JR.,
FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE,
CARTER BRAXTON.North Carolina
WM. HOOPER,
JOSEPH HEWES,
JOHN PENN.South Carolina
EDWARD RUTLEDGE,
THOS. HAYWARD, JUNR.,
THOMAS LYNCH, JUNR.,
ARTHUR MIDDLETON.Georgia
BUTTON GWINNETT,
LYMAN HALL,
GEO. WALTON.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Politicians Fiddle While the Gulf Coast Burns
As the days drag on and the tar and oil covered wildlife creep ever closer to our beaches, I have not been the only one frustrated. I'm having flashbacks of Slick Willie's "I feel your pain" every time Obama opens his mouth with a fisherman, business owner or multi generation shrimper.I am frustrated at those who think big oil is the monster and ought to be shut down and gone for good. I'm angry at government for causing this disaster to be as big as it is and still growing. Before you say, now wait a minute, it's BP's fault, let me lay out some things.
First of all, I do blame BP. They have a huge mess that shouldn't have, or wouldn't have been if they had have done things right when they started fudging the safety rules. They have a responsibility to their employees to make sure things are done safely and properly. They have a responsibility to their share holders to do business the right way- to make money honestly. They have a responsibility to those independent franchise owners who bear the BP name, whom, by the way are feeling the brunt of much of this by ignorant people boycotting them. These are localized businesses folks- boycotting them hurts only your own local working folks, not the head corporation.
Anyway, BP has much responsibility, and they are and will be paying for their part.
I have to ask though. Who is going to take responsibility in the American government for their huge part in making this the worst environmental disaster to hit the Gulf States?
Long before, when the liberals prevented onshore and interior drilling, most oil companies were moved far off shore where accidents would not be able to be contained as quick as they could be if they were allowed to drill closer. We've seen all the failed attempts to cap this well in deep water, and we know that the first attempt would have worked if they had have been allowed in shallower waters or on land.
Government regulations have been in place for decades- so tell me, if the BP corp has questionable safety records- whose responsibility is it to shut them down until they clean themselves up? Uh, the government perhaps? Why bother having regulations if you don't regulate??!
This present administration did not cause this spill, but thanks to them and their politicking, using this in those famous Rham Emmanuel words "Don't let a good crisis go to waste", well, they ought to be proud of themselves- as they are milking this situation for everything they can. They have made big oil the fall guy- again. These progressives just hate corporations. Well, except when they are getting campaign millions that is. So, most folks who follow the lame stream media religiously all now hate big oil. Isn't that great? The wildlife is dying, but at least people hate corporate fat cats. So. Obama cares- he feels our pain. That's why he's been on this from day one. Sure. Go play another golf game obama, maybe we might just get this cleaned up quicker.
Our southern governors have no one to turn to, so they are tying to do all they can for themselves. Too bad the feds keep getting in the way.Quick run down, and I'll give the link for each one- if you're interested in learning.
People blamed Bush for the Katrina disaster. It's old news and people believe what they want to believe. At least Bush wavered the Jone's Act so to allow help into the coasts of Katina stricken states. Now, with Gov. Jindall who has been begging for help since day one, he has tried to do what he can to take charge. Only problem is, every time he turns around, his efforts are being hemmed in by the feds- the EPA, the Coast Guard and Federal Fish and Wildlife. The man's hands have been tied while he sees his people's lives sacked, and his shorelines trashed.
Obama has been on this from day one- sure. He's had offers from around the world to help with this- but they've been denied because of the Jone's Act. He's refused until now to lift the ban on foreign vessels. Counties who have offered have shaken their heads over the denials of help.
Sure and Obama has made his rounds a couple of times, blaming big oil all the way. He's used this crisis to push his Cap and Trade (Read massive fake global warming energy tax) and like Chicago gangsters of old, muscled his way and strong armed BP into paying massive amounts of money into a private account for a third party to pay out to those affected. Al Capone would have been proud!
Now, I have no problem with BP paying damages- but it is beyond the Constitution for any president to order a private corporation to do with their money. But then again, he's done the same thing over and over again with Big Auto, Big banks and so why not with Big Oil?He's pandering and positioning himself before the left of the left- forcing evil oil to pay up or else. The socialists are happy (Well, actually they are still griping) because BP will have to suspend their dividends for at least a year and not be able to pay out to their shareholders. YAY right?! Uh, well, take it from this peon- there are many other peons who actually own some shares and were depending on them (and other evil wall street type stocks) for their retirements. Oh well that's fine and dandy- now they can depend on the glorious government.
I digress. As I said, progressives really do hate any kind of capitalism- except when they are padding their campaign coffers with their money. Obama and the socialist libs have been raking in millions by Wall Street and big Oil. Why don't they give their money to the poor fishermen? Nah.
One last thought. It's scary to think about all the possibilities the government can do to make this crisis linger on. Now that hurricane season has started, it wouldn't surprise me to believe this administration would allow this crisis to go on hoping that a hurricane will come along. After all, it'd give more fodder to the global warming garbage they are still trying to sell us. It'd give more muscle to cap and trade and more government and bigger government control. Sad to think such things about an American government- but even sadder when America's recent government has given us reason to believe such things.
First of all, I do blame BP. They have a huge mess that shouldn't have, or wouldn't have been if they had have done things right when they started fudging the safety rules. They have a responsibility to their employees to make sure things are done safely and properly. They have a responsibility to their share holders to do business the right way- to make money honestly. They have a responsibility to those independent franchise owners who bear the BP name, whom, by the way are feeling the brunt of much of this by ignorant people boycotting them. These are localized businesses folks- boycotting them hurts only your own local working folks, not the head corporation.
Anyway, BP has much responsibility, and they are and will be paying for their part.
I have to ask though. Who is going to take responsibility in the American government for their huge part in making this the worst environmental disaster to hit the Gulf States?
Long before, when the liberals prevented onshore and interior drilling, most oil companies were moved far off shore where accidents would not be able to be contained as quick as they could be if they were allowed to drill closer. We've seen all the failed attempts to cap this well in deep water, and we know that the first attempt would have worked if they had have been allowed in shallower waters or on land.
Government regulations have been in place for decades- so tell me, if the BP corp has questionable safety records- whose responsibility is it to shut them down until they clean themselves up? Uh, the government perhaps? Why bother having regulations if you don't regulate??!
This present administration did not cause this spill, but thanks to them and their politicking, using this in those famous Rham Emmanuel words "Don't let a good crisis go to waste", well, they ought to be proud of themselves- as they are milking this situation for everything they can. They have made big oil the fall guy- again. These progressives just hate corporations. Well, except when they are getting campaign millions that is. So, most folks who follow the lame stream media religiously all now hate big oil. Isn't that great? The wildlife is dying, but at least people hate corporate fat cats. So. Obama cares- he feels our pain. That's why he's been on this from day one. Sure. Go play another golf game obama, maybe we might just get this cleaned up quicker.
Our southern governors have no one to turn to, so they are tying to do all they can for themselves. Too bad the feds keep getting in the way.Quick run down, and I'll give the link for each one- if you're interested in learning.
People blamed Bush for the Katrina disaster. It's old news and people believe what they want to believe. At least Bush wavered the Jone's Act so to allow help into the coasts of Katina stricken states. Now, with Gov. Jindall who has been begging for help since day one, he has tried to do what he can to take charge. Only problem is, every time he turns around, his efforts are being hemmed in by the feds- the EPA, the Coast Guard and Federal Fish and Wildlife. The man's hands have been tied while he sees his people's lives sacked, and his shorelines trashed.
Obama has been on this from day one- sure. He's had offers from around the world to help with this- but they've been denied because of the Jone's Act. He's refused until now to lift the ban on foreign vessels. Counties who have offered have shaken their heads over the denials of help.
Sure and Obama has made his rounds a couple of times, blaming big oil all the way. He's used this crisis to push his Cap and Trade (Read massive fake global warming energy tax) and like Chicago gangsters of old, muscled his way and strong armed BP into paying massive amounts of money into a private account for a third party to pay out to those affected. Al Capone would have been proud!
Now, I have no problem with BP paying damages- but it is beyond the Constitution for any president to order a private corporation to do with their money. But then again, he's done the same thing over and over again with Big Auto, Big banks and so why not with Big Oil?He's pandering and positioning himself before the left of the left- forcing evil oil to pay up or else. The socialists are happy (Well, actually they are still griping) because BP will have to suspend their dividends for at least a year and not be able to pay out to their shareholders. YAY right?! Uh, well, take it from this peon- there are many other peons who actually own some shares and were depending on them (and other evil wall street type stocks) for their retirements. Oh well that's fine and dandy- now they can depend on the glorious government.
I digress. As I said, progressives really do hate any kind of capitalism- except when they are padding their campaign coffers with their money. Obama and the socialist libs have been raking in millions by Wall Street and big Oil. Why don't they give their money to the poor fishermen? Nah.
One last thought. It's scary to think about all the possibilities the government can do to make this crisis linger on. Now that hurricane season has started, it wouldn't surprise me to believe this administration would allow this crisis to go on hoping that a hurricane will come along. After all, it'd give more fodder to the global warming garbage they are still trying to sell us. It'd give more muscle to cap and trade and more government and bigger government control. Sad to think such things about an American government- but even sadder when America's recent government has given us reason to believe such things.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Scoffers
I read an article from Newsweek online called "Blood in the Water", which was the usual ignorance of "fundamentalist Christian" belief about the end times. Normally, I don't go in for this kind of tripe, but being long a student of Eschatology, I wanted to check it out, even though I knew it would be so off the mark. I wasn't disappointed. The reason I am even writing about it, and giving any lip service to the article at all, is because I've had this on my mind for quite a while, that there is so much confusion, error and lies about the Bible prophecies.
Consider the second part of the header of the piece- "To some Christian fundamentalists, the oil plume in the Gulf of Mexico heralds the apocalypse." Personally, I don't know anyone who believes in the literal prophetic writings who believes this disaster in the Gulf is part of Revelation. I know many of us have a thought that this is judgment on America for a variety of reasons, most recent is the appalling treatment of Israel by the antisemitic administration in the White House. But a part of Revelation which states in 8:8–11, “The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed … A third of the waters became wormwood, and many died from the water, because it was made bitter.” I seriously doubt this. Besides, as destructive as this disaster is, the Gulf of Mexico can hardly be considered a third of the world's sea!
This author writes, "Broadly speaking, these Christians subscribe to a theology called "premillennial dispensationalism." In this world view, they are warriors on the side of God: a cosmic battle—culminating in apocalypse, judgment, and, finally, the reign of Jesus in “a new heaven and a new earth”—will come soon. The most determined of these believers mine the Book of Revelation for signs that the end is near. (I'd call it studying- not mining) A text of terrifying and mysterious prophesy, Revelation forecasts the apocalypse in coded language; Christians have spent lifetimes trying to break that code by correlating its verses to current events..."
The article then goes on to tell about those who have predicted the end- but not bothering to mention that the Bible itself says that no man, not even the Son knows the hour of the judgment of the Lord. God has His own timing. I know there have been many predictions made over the years, even by some very knowledgeable folks. Fact is, when we do witness things which seem to fit, many Bible believing Christians tend to get excited because we are waiting for the literal return of Christ. Some do make the mistake of predictions, which do a disservice to the Word of the Bible, in that non or new believers get discouraged or become cynical about any of the end time Prophecies.
The part which really struck me though, was later on in the article when the author (and I use the term lightly) attempts to put a political spin on a deeply held conviction.
"But there’s a problem. In the place where American religion and politics intersect, signs of the end times have traditionally been interpreted by members of the right as punishment for ungodly behavior by those on the left. And because the values of the religious right have mirrored those of the Republican Party—at least before the last presidential election—the "good guys" in the cosmic battle have tended to look like Republicans on the far-right fringe and the “bad guys” like liberal Democrats.....Yet through a biblical lens, it’s hard to see the oil spill as anything but God’s punishment for greed and a disrespect of Creation—and both of those sins fall mostly on the shoulders of the Republicans....So the question for biblical literalists becomes one of political alliances. Does God wreak apocalyptic wrath on members of one’s own party—or only on the opposition?"
One part at a time deserves rebuttal here, and if this woman is supposed to be a so called religion correspondent, she needs care and do a little more homework! First of all, I know that more Bible believing Christians do happen to be on the conservative side of the political aisle- but to put it "signs of the end times have traditionally been interpreted by members of the right as punishment for ungodly behavior by those on the left" is just plain ignorant.
Yes, there are a lot of issues politically which make Bible believing Christians angry, sad or outspoken, but to say republicans blame democrats for the End of days as written in prophecy is a little too egotistical and ridiculous. To think that someone because of their political affiliation has an "in with God" to where we can say that Revelation is coming because of another political party is offensive. God didn't decide that the world would end because only Democrats or Republicans are all sinful and evil. He is bringing about a new heaven and new earth to complete His plan where His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. All are sinful, no matter who we are. The only thing which separates us is whether one has a personal relationship with Christ, whether one is born in the Spirit and has received the gift of Salvation through Christ Jesus. It is not up to me as a conservative to determine that the prophecies are coming to pass because I don't agree with liberals.
Next she presumes to know the mind of God- something which liberals always accuse us "fundies" of doing. She says, "Yet through a biblical lens, it’s hard to see the oil spill as anything but God’s punishment for greed and a disrespect of Creation—and both of those sins fall mostly on the shoulders of the Republicans...."
Oh, Ok. I'm sorry I brought this destruction down on the Gulf of Mexico- on beaches including one of the states where I live. Please! If one wants to look at this oil spill as punishment, I would say that again, God curses those who curse His People. With our treatment of Israel during the past few decades, it doesn't surprise me. I have posted in the past the "coincidences" which have occurred whenever our Government has cursed by agenda, the Israeli people. I see this latest as perhaps another coincidence, but keeping in mind that with the Lord there are no such things as coincidences. Could be that this was just a tragic accident. There are such things you know. And as for greed, greed and corruption fall in any political party, social status or society. Greed, I assume this author is speaking of wealth? One can be wealthy, and give more to society than can one who has very little. Yes, there are some who are wealthy yet greedy. For a little sample of those, look at my last post on charitable giving.
As for the author's last snide comment, "So the question for biblical literalists becomes one of political alliances. Does God wreak apocalyptic wrath on members of one’s own party—or only on the opposition?"Again, is a rediculous comment, uttered only because she, like so many these days have a disrespect not of Bible believing Christians, but of the Bible- God's Word. The prophecies of the end of times has nothing to do with political sides. Again, the judgements of the end of times as described not only in the Book of Revelation, but throughout the Bible, are on those who refuse to recieve Christ. Plain and simple. I know there are millions who take issue of this and would call me, and everyone else who believes this every name they could think of- intolerant, inclusive, sexist, xenophobic, racist (huh?!) and ignorant. Go ahead, we're used to it. But beware, it is not us who you are calling names- it is Christ Jesus, because after all it is He who says these things.
Ok, so, I knew the comment section of the article would be as interesting and predictable as the article. Here is a sampling:
"You godbots have been predicted the end for 2000 years now. Grow up."
"For any fundies who really believe this nonsense, I have a question. Can I have your car since you won't be needing it after the rapture?"
"As Abraham Maslow said in 1966, "It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail." If the focus of your consciousness is Revelations, then most of what you see will fit your interpretation - or you'll modify your interpretation to make it fit. How else would we see repetitions of the same predictions through history? People like drama, especially fundamentalists."
"I wonder when the world doesn't end, will these folks who are so sure it's going to, acknowledge they were wrong? I seriously doubt it. You'd think being wrong about something like that would have an effect on people's faith, but it doesn't really seem to. They just move on to the next "sign" and make up a new doomsday scenario, forgetting that they are always, inevitably, wrong. It is truly amazing that 60+ million Americans are completely delusional."
So, we are infants who like drama, and delusional doomsayers who willingly give up our cars at the rapture. See, I can be as sarcastic. Actually, it makes me sad. The whole thing, and so much of the attitudes of millions of unbelievers make me sad. They see, but are blind. They have heard but shut their ears. They, through pride or fear or anger refuse to acknowlege there is someone bigger than this life, that there is a greater purpose than this life. I'm not saying this out of spite or meanness- I say this because we have all put ourselves first- or our lives including our families, without acknowleging the One who created us. It is just that some of us have put our focus on Him now that we have found Him.
Moving on. You know what? I have had a similar discussion with family and friends who claim that every generation has believed they would be the generation that Jesus told about and that's true. Every generation has seen the decay and godlessness spread. Doesn't mean anything really though- there has been horrid rampant sin since the days of Noah. However, the point I make with everyone I discuss this topic with, is that no other generation had the rebirth of Israel. That, my dear ones is the clincher. Now, I am not going to predict that Jesus is coming this week, next month or 2 years from now. I have no idea when He is coming. All I know is that He will be coming soon. He gave us specific signs to look for, and those signs are now. Begining with the fig tree blooming- Israel reborn as a nation, the signs have been pointing along the way for the past 60 years. I am not going to go through them all here, as I have outlined them on Understanding the Bible Prophecies. There is a lot happening right now, as all news again and still is on Israel. There are some major things happening lately in which prophecies are coming to pass. Read Isaiah, Read Ezekiel, and you will see today's news headlines.
I do want to make a couple of points in wrapping this up however.
I have been wondering why I have such a fascination with Bible prophecy. It finally came to me. Even though I am reading the Whole Word, and can and try to find ways to apply it to my daily life, the prophecies are now. They are alive now. I look at the things happpening in the world and know that even though previous generations believed they were the ones, I know by history and present happenings that there were no way near the amount of things occurring as they are now which have already been told about in prophecy.
When I read the Word of Jesus, I see specifically the phrases: not yet..begining...then.... These from the Gospel accounts of what Jesus told His disciples when they asked for the signs of the times. A few of the commentors on the article had it right when they pointed out that the Revelation verse about the water turning to blood will be one of the judgments passed after the rapture. They will happen after certain other things come to pass, which have not passed yet. If people read the whole Word, they would not attempt to be so trite in writing such an article.
My last thought. I watched the movie 2012 this past weekend. First hollywood movie I've seen in quite some time. While I found it "hollywoodish" and I know the makers of the movie think Christians are nutjobs, after all he had great glee in the destruction of Christian symbols- the fact is, some day there will be horrible disasters come upon the world, something no hollywood producer could even conceive of. People think folks like myself are nuts because I believe what the Bible says. No, I don't believe the world will end on Dec. 31, 2012. I do know the world as we know it is coming to an end though. Jesus Christ will be coming soon- first for His own, then as the King of Kings , to make things right once and for all.
It is my sincere hope and prayer that instead of mocking, read the book. Read for yourself, with an open mind. After all, most claim Bible believing Christians are those with the small minds. Read the Gospels, read Ezekiel, Daniel, Psalm 83. Read Revelation. Ask for understanding. If you are not a believer, ask anyway- God, if you are real, please help me to understand and see. What can it hurt except your pride?
Jesus is coming. Some day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess He is Lord. It would be much better for those to confess now willingly, instead of later.
Consider the second part of the header of the piece- "To some Christian fundamentalists, the oil plume in the Gulf of Mexico heralds the apocalypse." Personally, I don't know anyone who believes in the literal prophetic writings who believes this disaster in the Gulf is part of Revelation. I know many of us have a thought that this is judgment on America for a variety of reasons, most recent is the appalling treatment of Israel by the antisemitic administration in the White House. But a part of Revelation which states in 8:8–11, “The second angel blew his trumpet, and something like a great mountain, burning with fire, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed … A third of the waters became wormwood, and many died from the water, because it was made bitter.” I seriously doubt this. Besides, as destructive as this disaster is, the Gulf of Mexico can hardly be considered a third of the world's sea!
This author writes, "Broadly speaking, these Christians subscribe to a theology called "premillennial dispensationalism." In this world view, they are warriors on the side of God: a cosmic battle—culminating in apocalypse, judgment, and, finally, the reign of Jesus in “a new heaven and a new earth”—will come soon. The most determined of these believers mine the Book of Revelation for signs that the end is near. (I'd call it studying- not mining) A text of terrifying and mysterious prophesy, Revelation forecasts the apocalypse in coded language; Christians have spent lifetimes trying to break that code by correlating its verses to current events..."
The article then goes on to tell about those who have predicted the end- but not bothering to mention that the Bible itself says that no man, not even the Son knows the hour of the judgment of the Lord. God has His own timing. I know there have been many predictions made over the years, even by some very knowledgeable folks. Fact is, when we do witness things which seem to fit, many Bible believing Christians tend to get excited because we are waiting for the literal return of Christ. Some do make the mistake of predictions, which do a disservice to the Word of the Bible, in that non or new believers get discouraged or become cynical about any of the end time Prophecies.
The part which really struck me though, was later on in the article when the author (and I use the term lightly) attempts to put a political spin on a deeply held conviction.
"But there’s a problem. In the place where American religion and politics intersect, signs of the end times have traditionally been interpreted by members of the right as punishment for ungodly behavior by those on the left. And because the values of the religious right have mirrored those of the Republican Party—at least before the last presidential election—the "good guys" in the cosmic battle have tended to look like Republicans on the far-right fringe and the “bad guys” like liberal Democrats.....Yet through a biblical lens, it’s hard to see the oil spill as anything but God’s punishment for greed and a disrespect of Creation—and both of those sins fall mostly on the shoulders of the Republicans....So the question for biblical literalists becomes one of political alliances. Does God wreak apocalyptic wrath on members of one’s own party—or only on the opposition?"
One part at a time deserves rebuttal here, and if this woman is supposed to be a so called religion correspondent, she needs care and do a little more homework! First of all, I know that more Bible believing Christians do happen to be on the conservative side of the political aisle- but to put it "signs of the end times have traditionally been interpreted by members of the right as punishment for ungodly behavior by those on the left" is just plain ignorant.
Yes, there are a lot of issues politically which make Bible believing Christians angry, sad or outspoken, but to say republicans blame democrats for the End of days as written in prophecy is a little too egotistical and ridiculous. To think that someone because of their political affiliation has an "in with God" to where we can say that Revelation is coming because of another political party is offensive. God didn't decide that the world would end because only Democrats or Republicans are all sinful and evil. He is bringing about a new heaven and new earth to complete His plan where His will will be done on earth as it is in heaven. All are sinful, no matter who we are. The only thing which separates us is whether one has a personal relationship with Christ, whether one is born in the Spirit and has received the gift of Salvation through Christ Jesus. It is not up to me as a conservative to determine that the prophecies are coming to pass because I don't agree with liberals.
Next she presumes to know the mind of God- something which liberals always accuse us "fundies" of doing. She says, "Yet through a biblical lens, it’s hard to see the oil spill as anything but God’s punishment for greed and a disrespect of Creation—and both of those sins fall mostly on the shoulders of the Republicans...."
Oh, Ok. I'm sorry I brought this destruction down on the Gulf of Mexico- on beaches including one of the states where I live. Please! If one wants to look at this oil spill as punishment, I would say that again, God curses those who curse His People. With our treatment of Israel during the past few decades, it doesn't surprise me. I have posted in the past the "coincidences" which have occurred whenever our Government has cursed by agenda, the Israeli people. I see this latest as perhaps another coincidence, but keeping in mind that with the Lord there are no such things as coincidences. Could be that this was just a tragic accident. There are such things you know. And as for greed, greed and corruption fall in any political party, social status or society. Greed, I assume this author is speaking of wealth? One can be wealthy, and give more to society than can one who has very little. Yes, there are some who are wealthy yet greedy. For a little sample of those, look at my last post on charitable giving.
As for the author's last snide comment, "So the question for biblical literalists becomes one of political alliances. Does God wreak apocalyptic wrath on members of one’s own party—or only on the opposition?"Again, is a rediculous comment, uttered only because she, like so many these days have a disrespect not of Bible believing Christians, but of the Bible- God's Word. The prophecies of the end of times has nothing to do with political sides. Again, the judgements of the end of times as described not only in the Book of Revelation, but throughout the Bible, are on those who refuse to recieve Christ. Plain and simple. I know there are millions who take issue of this and would call me, and everyone else who believes this every name they could think of- intolerant, inclusive, sexist, xenophobic, racist (huh?!) and ignorant. Go ahead, we're used to it. But beware, it is not us who you are calling names- it is Christ Jesus, because after all it is He who says these things.
Ok, so, I knew the comment section of the article would be as interesting and predictable as the article. Here is a sampling:
"You godbots have been predicted the end for 2000 years now. Grow up."
"For any fundies who really believe this nonsense, I have a question. Can I have your car since you won't be needing it after the rapture?"
"As Abraham Maslow said in 1966, "It is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail." If the focus of your consciousness is Revelations, then most of what you see will fit your interpretation - or you'll modify your interpretation to make it fit. How else would we see repetitions of the same predictions through history? People like drama, especially fundamentalists."
"I wonder when the world doesn't end, will these folks who are so sure it's going to, acknowledge they were wrong? I seriously doubt it. You'd think being wrong about something like that would have an effect on people's faith, but it doesn't really seem to. They just move on to the next "sign" and make up a new doomsday scenario, forgetting that they are always, inevitably, wrong. It is truly amazing that 60+ million Americans are completely delusional."
So, we are infants who like drama, and delusional doomsayers who willingly give up our cars at the rapture. See, I can be as sarcastic. Actually, it makes me sad. The whole thing, and so much of the attitudes of millions of unbelievers make me sad. They see, but are blind. They have heard but shut their ears. They, through pride or fear or anger refuse to acknowlege there is someone bigger than this life, that there is a greater purpose than this life. I'm not saying this out of spite or meanness- I say this because we have all put ourselves first- or our lives including our families, without acknowleging the One who created us. It is just that some of us have put our focus on Him now that we have found Him.
Moving on. You know what? I have had a similar discussion with family and friends who claim that every generation has believed they would be the generation that Jesus told about and that's true. Every generation has seen the decay and godlessness spread. Doesn't mean anything really though- there has been horrid rampant sin since the days of Noah. However, the point I make with everyone I discuss this topic with, is that no other generation had the rebirth of Israel. That, my dear ones is the clincher. Now, I am not going to predict that Jesus is coming this week, next month or 2 years from now. I have no idea when He is coming. All I know is that He will be coming soon. He gave us specific signs to look for, and those signs are now. Begining with the fig tree blooming- Israel reborn as a nation, the signs have been pointing along the way for the past 60 years. I am not going to go through them all here, as I have outlined them on Understanding the Bible Prophecies. There is a lot happening right now, as all news again and still is on Israel. There are some major things happening lately in which prophecies are coming to pass. Read Isaiah, Read Ezekiel, and you will see today's news headlines.
I do want to make a couple of points in wrapping this up however.
I have been wondering why I have such a fascination with Bible prophecy. It finally came to me. Even though I am reading the Whole Word, and can and try to find ways to apply it to my daily life, the prophecies are now. They are alive now. I look at the things happpening in the world and know that even though previous generations believed they were the ones, I know by history and present happenings that there were no way near the amount of things occurring as they are now which have already been told about in prophecy.
When I read the Word of Jesus, I see specifically the phrases: not yet..begining...then.... These from the Gospel accounts of what Jesus told His disciples when they asked for the signs of the times. A few of the commentors on the article had it right when they pointed out that the Revelation verse about the water turning to blood will be one of the judgments passed after the rapture. They will happen after certain other things come to pass, which have not passed yet. If people read the whole Word, they would not attempt to be so trite in writing such an article.
My last thought. I watched the movie 2012 this past weekend. First hollywood movie I've seen in quite some time. While I found it "hollywoodish" and I know the makers of the movie think Christians are nutjobs, after all he had great glee in the destruction of Christian symbols- the fact is, some day there will be horrible disasters come upon the world, something no hollywood producer could even conceive of. People think folks like myself are nuts because I believe what the Bible says. No, I don't believe the world will end on Dec. 31, 2012. I do know the world as we know it is coming to an end though. Jesus Christ will be coming soon- first for His own, then as the King of Kings , to make things right once and for all.
It is my sincere hope and prayer that instead of mocking, read the book. Read for yourself, with an open mind. After all, most claim Bible believing Christians are those with the small minds. Read the Gospels, read Ezekiel, Daniel, Psalm 83. Read Revelation. Ask for understanding. If you are not a believer, ask anyway- God, if you are real, please help me to understand and see. What can it hurt except your pride?
Jesus is coming. Some day every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess He is Lord. It would be much better for those to confess now willingly, instead of later.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Harlot Church
The Lord talks about apostasy. He tells of false Christs, wolves in sheep's clothing. Satan is described as an angel of light, the father of lies, coming to kill and destroy.
I've had so much on my mind for a long time now, it's been hard for me to write much. I've had so much going through my mind about daily things going on, in my own life and goings on in the world that I've almost shut down because it's almost overloaded me with burdens. Forgive me if I'm rambling.
As some of you know, I've written my blogs for over 5 years now- and I've written a bit about many things. Most of which has been politics, and as the byline of my blogs have always been world events with a Biblical Perspective. Some past posts have dealt with the church, and various leaders, mega church activities and how the world has not just crept into the church, but pretty much bombarded it. I'd like to expand on my thoughts about the way such entities as government, media and church leaders have begun (actually they began quite a while ago, but it's becoming more so now) to fuse together- all in the name of social justice.Now, although I do listen to Glenn Beck, I've had this subject on my mind for a long time, so it is purely coincidence that I write about it now as he has been focusing on the same subject for the past little while.
Where to begin- there is so much to write, to think about. This is going to be one of my notorious long ones folks, so get something to drink and make yourselves comfortable.
There are a few things about it all, but I guess the place to start would be here and now, with the current president and his Marxist ideologies. Not just his own, but that of nearly everyone he has surrounded himself with for decades. I'll only include some of the names here and now, as much of these are old news now. The only reason to bring them up is a refresher. There was and is Bill Ayres, that infamous unrepentant terrorist and member of the radical 60's organization, the Weather Underground. There was the "Almost like an uncle" Pastor of the Black Liberation church, Jeremiah Wright- with his 20 something years of antisemitic, anti American, socialist sermons which moved Obama so much as to be baptized by the man, and have him baptize his daughters. There is Rahm "never let a good crisis go to waste" Immanuel, the main man behind the teleprompter. There was Anita "one of my favorite people was Mao" Dunn. There is Saul Alinsky, the father of the socialist community organizer, whom in his book (a handbook to all progressive Marxists) Rules for Radicals," Alinsky wrote: “Lest we forget at least an over the shoulder acknowledgement of the very first radical, from all our legends, mythology, and history … the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom—Lucifer.”
If you read back on past memories of Obama, you will find that he has purposely surrounded himself with radicals, Marxists etc. He is actually quoted as saying, "To avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist Professors and the structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets."
Enter the progressive media, which has done a great job of burying all of Obamas Marxist ties and ongoing relationship with a true terrorist, while at the same time painting the Bible believing Christian voters and tea party folks as homegrown terrorists. This same media who about stroked out when President Bush announced a faith based initiative has been either silent about Obama's continuation and even more involved version, or they all of a sudden have "found religion" themselves. Case in point, when the Obama care agenda was really heating up, we heard from folks such as Ed Schultz, who on his MSNBC program, “The ED Show” told viewers back in September, that he believed Jesus would vote for a government public option.
I have often talked about the hypocrisy of the liberals in wanting to hold on to the false doctrine of the separation of church and state, until religion could be used for their own purposes. Liberal politicians have been actually preaching from the pulpits of liberal churches for years and not a peep, but have a pastor speaking out on bills such as the recent homosexual marriage amendments in California and Florida, and there has been hell to pay. So, latest example, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she has told Catholic cardinals, archbishops and bishops that she wants them to speak from the pulpit for immigration reform and tell Catholics who oppose it that reform “is a manifestation of our living the gospels.”
(For more about that, most of my thoughts on that are in my previous post about illegal immigration) She is not the first, nor will she be the last hypocrite to speak to church leaders or in a church. We've had to listen to guys like Al Gore spreading his inconvenient lie right into the church for years. Oh, and speaking of the environment, we have this from Ted "Christianity is for losers" Turner who lamented about America's greed in polluting the world. “I’m not a real religious person, but I’m somewhat religious. And I’m just wondering if God is telling us he doesn’t want us to drill offshore,” he said. “And right before that we had that coal mine disaster in West Virginia where we lost 29 miners,” as well as repeated mining disasters – “Maybe the Lord’s tired of having the mountains of West Virginia, the tops knocked off of them so they can get more coal. I think maybe we ought to just leave the coal in the ground and go with solar and wind power and geo-thermals where it’s applicable.”
OK, just a few examples, but you can get the point. Religion is good if these folks can use it for their own advantage or to spread their own ideas of what everyone else should do. Christ is not good though, for preaching the Bible because it might offend and be deemed hate speech.
Enter the liberal church. Leaders such as Obama's latest guru, Jim Wallace of the Sojourners. Now, I wrote about him and a few others of the "red letter Christians" about 4 years ago. They have had a huge increase in popularity over the past few years, starting with their emergent church philosophies and more so with liberals who are gaga over social justice issues.
When first reading or listening to guys like Wallace, everything seems A OK. In fact, on the surface, what he preaches is pretty good, and can be something that everyone could benefit from. I read quite a few of his articles again the other night, and yes, he seemed to make sense. Whenever I have gone onto socialist or communist websites, and liberal/progressive church sites, much of what they talk about sounds good. That is, until you dig a little deeper. It is much the same with guys like Jim Wallace, Tony Compollo, Rick Warren and others. It sounds good- on the surface, but as I was thinking to myself last night, there was something not quite right. I couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me. I was asking (praying for guidance) if I was being like a pharisee about groups like the Sojourners. I mean, these guys preach about helping the poor, taking care of the earth, trying to heal the sick, loving our neighbors and our enemies. These are all things Jesus talks about right? So, Lord- why do I still feel like there's something not quite right?
The answer came a little while later. No- I do not physically hear a voice in my head, but the answer did come. While these men may touch briefly on Jesus and His forgiveness, to them, that is it. I have not once read or heard them speak of redemption on the cross, Christ crucified for our sins and repentance. I have not once heard these groups preach the Gospel message. I have not once heard about Christ coming to set up His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven- NO. Their message rests on demands that we, specifically, they, with help from world leaders and government bodies, work towards creating His Kingdom. That is what has bothered me for the longest time.
These folks, so many of them, continuously preach on saving the planet from greedy destruction, saving people's physical lives through eradication of disease- spread much by greedy nations, redistributing wealth to make everyone on equal standing. Fixing society's problems- without telling them about eternal salvation. These folks have the sin of pride in believing that the Lord's creation can heal itself, that we, who are in His image, are like Him in that we can make His Kingdom on earth.
Satan is good. Good at deceiving that is. He uses circumstances and opportunities by preaching just enough of the Truth to make it sound right, but always going back to human effort, dependence on human will instead of doing God's will.
Listen, and listen good. Bible believing Christians do care about the earth. We care because the Lord gave it to us to live and thrive. However- caring for His creation is much different that worshiping His creation. Bible believing Christians worship the God who created- but we know by His Word that this earth will pass away, along with everything else, and everything will be made new. By God- not by man! We aren't ignorant because we don't believe all the global warming hype of people like Al Gore. We know because of the Lord's Word that the earth will last as long as He wills it, until His purpose is done. You know, maybe, just maybe men like Al Gore would be a little more believable if they weren't hypocrites. He makes millions of dollars a year speaking around the world about how we are killing the earth. He scares children. All the while, he is making money hand over fist with phony carbon credits, buying a huge mansion along the coast of California, and using more electricity in his Tennessee home in one month than most Tennesseans use in a year. It's not the size of his homes, the private jets and SUV's parked in his driveway- it is his do as I say, not as I do mentality which bothers me. I could care less how many billions he has. I've known rich people all my life- and am not biased towards wealth. I think it's great that people can invent or have the talents to "strike it rich". What I do not agree with is making money off of phony scare mongering and hypocrisy.
Bible believing people believe in loving others, and our enemies. Wallace and others make much ado about their "dialogues" and "interfaith" gatherings. They are proud of the way they can get along with people of other beliefs. OK, again I say- good for you! But I also say, you are allowing many, many people to follow a road which will lead them to hell, all because you don't want to offend your interfaith groups by preaching the Good News of Christ! You are loving people into hell. Bible believing Christians pray for their enemies, preach, even to death to those who would kill them, because Mr. Wallace, and every other progressive "christian", we LOVE them. We love them enough to know that they too, can be saved, they too are made in God's own image, they too, have every God given talent, gift and dignity to work to earn a living. No matter the color of their skin, Rev. Wright, no matter their social standing Rev. Sharpton, no matter their circumstances Mr. Obama- all people have from God, what it takes to live productively. Jesus tells us to go into all nations and spread the Good News. He tells us to love one another yes, but He tells us to tell others about Him! Bible believing Christians do that- the social justice/progressive church leaders do not.
Bible believing Christians believe in helping those who can not help themselves. We teach others to fish, because we know that giving them a fish will not feed them forever. Teaching them how, they will have the way to eat every day. Jesus does talk about the poor a lot, but He talks about hell more. Tell me Mr. Compollo- why is that? Perhaps because as He said, the poor will always be among us- but the eternal life is more important than this life? That we are told to not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal?Those who do not work, do not eat. The Bible talks about sharing, but it does not say for governments or elite groups to take away from one group to give to another. That taken by force is not charity. Give unto Caesar that which belongs to him, Give unto God that which belongs to God- is not a license for government to demand 60 percent of wages from the rich to give to the poor through taxes. Government is not the giver of liberties- God is the giver of liberties. The progressive democrats and church do not believe this. They believe it is man who gives, or they would not be demanding social justice.
Maybe if progressives did as they demand others to do, it wouldn't be so bad. But again, these are hypocrites! They spew lies about greed and corruption, create class warfare by promoting stories about greedy capitalists such as those on Wall Street. Corporate greed, capitalist greed, big bank, big oil etc., etc. How much have we heard this from Obama and company? They all claim the same thing. They care about the poor. I asked my mother in law once why she believed so much in the democrats. She answered the same thing- because they care about the poor and the workin' man.
OK. Lets see how much they care. Here are a couple of examples of how generous and caring some of these folks are.
Then Vice President Al Gore's charitable contributions, as a percentage of his income, were below the national average: He gave 0.2 percent of his family income, one-seventh of the average for donating households. He was, it was told, being charitable, as liberals understand that word, by redistributing wealth by social justice and high taxes on the rich.
Andrew Cuomo, former New York Attorney General was an advocate for the homeless. He had, according to his website, “compassion toward the most vulnerable of us.” [...] but according to his own tax returns he made no charitable contributions between 1996 and 1999. In 2000 he donated a whopping $2,750. In 2004 and 2005, Cuomo had more than $1.5 million in adjusted gross income but gave $2,000 to charity.
Barack Obama has a rather poor track record when it comes to charitable contributions. He consistently gave 1 percent of his income to charity. In his most charitable year, 2005, he earned $1.7 million. By the way, obama does have that brother living in a hut over there in Kenya- still in a hut.
Senator John Kerry, in 1995 gave zero to charity, but did spend $500,000 to buy a half stake in an antique piece of art. In 1993, he gave $175 to the needy. Later, of course, Kerry married Theresa Heinz, rich heiress of the Heinz Ketchup fame, and today is active in charitable "causes" using the Heinz foundation money.
Senator Ted Kennedy was known as the ultimate liberal Robin Hood. He once told Al Hunt of the Wall Street Journal, “I come from an advantaged life, and I’ll be goddamned if I’m going to get re-elected to the U.S. Senate by taking food out of the mouths of needy children.” Too bad that Senator Kennedy never actually practiced by giving much money to needy children. His tax returns were top secret until he ran for President in the 1970s. He then released some of them. With a net worth of more than $8 million in the early 1970s and an income of $461,444 from a series of family trusts, that liberator of the little man gave barely 1 percent of his income to charity. The sum is about as much as Kennedy claimed as a write-off on his fifty-foot sailboat.
Robert Reich, once Bill Clinton’s Secretary of Labor and now a professor at Berkeley, has been outspoken about how greedy conservatives are. Because of conservatives, “America has placed too high a value on selfishness.” When he ran for governor of Massachusetts in 2002, he had to release his tax returns. Reich’s 1040 revealed an income of more than $1 million, much of it giving speeches to corporations and universities for up to $40,000 a pop. He contributed just $2,714 to charity, or .2 percent of his income and part of that was the value of a donation of a used drum set to an organization called City of Peace.
Mr. Rainbow Coalition, Jesse Jackson has often claimed that he operates from a “liberal spirit of compassion and love” while conservatives are “heartless and uncaring toward the silent poor.” But according to his publicly-released tax returns, he regularly donates less than 1 percent to charity. Jackson and his family have also established a charitable foundation called the Jackson Foundation to support the underprivileged. According to tax records, the foundation board is controlled by family members and they receive large contributions from corporations. In 2004, for example, they collected $964,000 from corporations like McDonald’s, Anheuser-Busch, and GMAC. When asked on the tax form to described “direct charitable activities,” the foundation responded: “none.” From the close to million dollars collected, they gave away only $46,000 to a couple of colleges. The Jackson Foundation spent nearly twice that amount — $84,172 — on a “gala celebration” in honor of — Jesse Jackson.
Franklin "Chicken in every pot" Roosevelt. He is regarded by many on the left as the personification of charity and compassion, but FDR actually had a pathetic record when it comes to giving to charity. Roosevelt had an average income of $93,000 ($1.3 million in today’s dollars) but gave away about 3 percent of his income to charity. In 1935, during the height of the Great Depression, when people really could have used it, he donated just 2 percent.
Much has been written about the Clintons earning over $100 million since leaving the white house. They also made liberal use of the charitable deduction, claiming $10.2 million in charitable giving over the eight years. Intriguingly, nearly all the donations went to the Clinton Family Foundation, which has disbursed only half the money. The Clintons can thus use the foundation for giving, such as the $100,000 it donated last year to a local South Carolina library - the day after Mrs. Clinton debated in that primary state. There are other examples of such politically targeted philanthropy, and it's worth noting that most of the foundation's disbursements came only after Mrs. Clinton announced her Presidential run. Interesting too, in a story not too long ago about donation of clothing for charity- it included, yuck, used underwear. Oh, and the Clinton's have a neice, about Chelsea's age, who is destitute. Her parents died, and she was left with nothing. Gee, Uncle Bill- can't you spare a dime?
Then there is that paragon of Christian virtue, Ms. "we will rid Washington of croneism and corruption" Pelosi. Pelosi’s salary as Speaker of the House earns her just $217,400. (Just?!) Except, of course, that Mrs Pelosi lists assets held jointly with her husband as being worth up to $92 million. The generous and charitable Mrs Pelosi’s contributions are to things which are disproportionately enjoyed by other wealthy people. Gee, how about that! The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Symphony are things rather rarely attended by people such as the workin' man.
If I could dig it up, I'd find the charitable contributions on the rest of them- but what's the point. Studies have shown that although liberal families' incomes average 6 percent higher than those of conservative families, conservative-headed households give, on average, 30 percent more to charity than the average liberal-headed household ($1,600 per year vs. $1,227). In the 10 reddest states, the average percentage of personal income donated to charity was 3.5. Residents of the bluest states, donated just 1.9 percent.
One of the best quotes I found while researching for this post is this: People who reject the idea that "government has a responsibility to reduce income inequality" give an average of four times more than people who accept that proposition. I don't know who said it, but it is brilliant, and true.
Oh, and one more thought about this. Obama's inquisition on the wealthy is creating a charity deficit. Because of this depression (remember- never let a good crisis go to waste!) and the demand for more taxes for government take overs of industry, healthcare, energy and banks, charitable contributions have declined.
From News Busters, I gathered this bit of info-- Another devastating intended/unintended consequence of the Obama administration's major government expansion: charity organizations (already in deep struggle to weather current economic conditions) will likely experience additional major decline in contributions. On the April 16 broadcast of Fox Business Network's "Varney & Co.," Rick Dunham, CEO of fundraising consultant Dunham & Company, weighed in on the new budget proposal that would scale back charitable deductions for families making over $250,000. We are talking about a large amount of money which could be going to help the poor. Unfortunately, the progressive, for the workin' man, marxists, believe in the government to provide, not private or church giving.
When Obama started talking about continuing with the faith based initiative which George W. Bush began, Obama stated,
"Now, make no mistake, as someone who used to teach constitutional law, I believe deeply in the separation of church and state, but I don’t believe this partnership will endanger that idea – so long as we follow a few basic principles. First, if you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them – or against the people you hire – on the basis of their religion. Second, federal dollars that go directly to churches, temples, and mosques can only be used on secular programs. And we’ll also ensure that taxpayer dollars only go to those programs that actually work.”
So, in tying this all up. Obama with help from his faith leaders, will blend government and faith. Obama wants to use federal subsidies offered through the EPA and his faith-based outreach to get churches to do just what he claimed he is against- proselytizing, but this time it will be the green faith, the man based faith, the human ingenuity faith. Not only is the problem with the environmental lies of the green movement. The socialist church of Obama and friends focus on all social issues, mainly focusing on the environment, "gender" issues (the typical description for the homosexual lobby), re distribution of wealth etc. Oh, and I don't know why they call it redistribution- I mean, it's not like anyone distributed the money to all the wealthy people in the first place. These people actually earned by working for their wealth. Just call it as it is- stealing from those who have to give to the nanny state so they can give out what ever is left from their skimming off the top.
The left is always preaching about helping the poor- but I ask, after 70 years of government programs such as welfare, medicaid, social security, food stamps, government housing, government grants- why are there still so many poor among us? Mr. Wallace and the rest of the Liberal church- we can not be so pompous to believe that man can solve man's problems. Once the fall ocurred, humans as well as all creation fell under sin. Jesus Christ came the first time to save us from our sins by dying on the Cross. He overcame the power of death and Satan by raising bodily in the flesh 3 days after. Be sure- He will be coming again soon- to set things right once and for all. To set His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. His Will will be done, not ours, not yours, not Obama or any other government. This heaven and this earth shall pass away, for Him to make all things new. You folks claim to live by Jesus's words, to you, that means the red letters. You do not beleive in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you did, you would know that His Word is the Word of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus quoted the scriptures constantly. You can take the messages of His love yes! He does love each and every one of us! But we must take His whole word- not just the happy, easygoing, ear tickling parts, but all of it- and as leaders in our society, it is up to you to preach the whole Word. Woe to you teachers who lead your flocks astray.
The world has bombarded the church. Progressivism has invaded every denomination- from the Catholic Church, to the Baptist church, from the Protestants to the Episcopals. Satan is using just enough truth to spread his lie, that lie which will come soon to the formation of the one world church. Unfortunately that church will be still full- once Christ comes for His own.
I've had so much on my mind for a long time now, it's been hard for me to write much. I've had so much going through my mind about daily things going on, in my own life and goings on in the world that I've almost shut down because it's almost overloaded me with burdens. Forgive me if I'm rambling.
As some of you know, I've written my blogs for over 5 years now- and I've written a bit about many things. Most of which has been politics, and as the byline of my blogs have always been world events with a Biblical Perspective. Some past posts have dealt with the church, and various leaders, mega church activities and how the world has not just crept into the church, but pretty much bombarded it. I'd like to expand on my thoughts about the way such entities as government, media and church leaders have begun (actually they began quite a while ago, but it's becoming more so now) to fuse together- all in the name of social justice.Now, although I do listen to Glenn Beck, I've had this subject on my mind for a long time, so it is purely coincidence that I write about it now as he has been focusing on the same subject for the past little while.
Where to begin- there is so much to write, to think about. This is going to be one of my notorious long ones folks, so get something to drink and make yourselves comfortable.
There are a few things about it all, but I guess the place to start would be here and now, with the current president and his Marxist ideologies. Not just his own, but that of nearly everyone he has surrounded himself with for decades. I'll only include some of the names here and now, as much of these are old news now. The only reason to bring them up is a refresher. There was and is Bill Ayres, that infamous unrepentant terrorist and member of the radical 60's organization, the Weather Underground. There was the "Almost like an uncle" Pastor of the Black Liberation church, Jeremiah Wright- with his 20 something years of antisemitic, anti American, socialist sermons which moved Obama so much as to be baptized by the man, and have him baptize his daughters. There is Rahm "never let a good crisis go to waste" Immanuel, the main man behind the teleprompter. There was Anita "one of my favorite people was Mao" Dunn. There is Saul Alinsky, the father of the socialist community organizer, whom in his book (a handbook to all progressive Marxists) Rules for Radicals," Alinsky wrote: “Lest we forget at least an over the shoulder acknowledgement of the very first radical, from all our legends, mythology, and history … the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom—Lucifer.”
If you read back on past memories of Obama, you will find that he has purposely surrounded himself with radicals, Marxists etc. He is actually quoted as saying, "To avoid being mistaken for a sellout, I chose my friends carefully. The more politically active black students. The foreign students. The Chicanos. The Marxist Professors and the structural feminists and punk-rock performance poets."
Enter the progressive media, which has done a great job of burying all of Obamas Marxist ties and ongoing relationship with a true terrorist, while at the same time painting the Bible believing Christian voters and tea party folks as homegrown terrorists. This same media who about stroked out when President Bush announced a faith based initiative has been either silent about Obama's continuation and even more involved version, or they all of a sudden have "found religion" themselves. Case in point, when the Obama care agenda was really heating up, we heard from folks such as Ed Schultz, who on his MSNBC program, “The ED Show” told viewers back in September, that he believed Jesus would vote for a government public option.
I have often talked about the hypocrisy of the liberals in wanting to hold on to the false doctrine of the separation of church and state, until religion could be used for their own purposes. Liberal politicians have been actually preaching from the pulpits of liberal churches for years and not a peep, but have a pastor speaking out on bills such as the recent homosexual marriage amendments in California and Florida, and there has been hell to pay. So, latest example, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said she has told Catholic cardinals, archbishops and bishops that she wants them to speak from the pulpit for immigration reform and tell Catholics who oppose it that reform “is a manifestation of our living the gospels.”
(For more about that, most of my thoughts on that are in my previous post about illegal immigration) She is not the first, nor will she be the last hypocrite to speak to church leaders or in a church. We've had to listen to guys like Al Gore spreading his inconvenient lie right into the church for years. Oh, and speaking of the environment, we have this from Ted "Christianity is for losers" Turner who lamented about America's greed in polluting the world. “I’m not a real religious person, but I’m somewhat religious. And I’m just wondering if God is telling us he doesn’t want us to drill offshore,” he said. “And right before that we had that coal mine disaster in West Virginia where we lost 29 miners,” as well as repeated mining disasters – “Maybe the Lord’s tired of having the mountains of West Virginia, the tops knocked off of them so they can get more coal. I think maybe we ought to just leave the coal in the ground and go with solar and wind power and geo-thermals where it’s applicable.”
OK, just a few examples, but you can get the point. Religion is good if these folks can use it for their own advantage or to spread their own ideas of what everyone else should do. Christ is not good though, for preaching the Bible because it might offend and be deemed hate speech.
Enter the liberal church. Leaders such as Obama's latest guru, Jim Wallace of the Sojourners. Now, I wrote about him and a few others of the "red letter Christians" about 4 years ago. They have had a huge increase in popularity over the past few years, starting with their emergent church philosophies and more so with liberals who are gaga over social justice issues.
When first reading or listening to guys like Wallace, everything seems A OK. In fact, on the surface, what he preaches is pretty good, and can be something that everyone could benefit from. I read quite a few of his articles again the other night, and yes, he seemed to make sense. Whenever I have gone onto socialist or communist websites, and liberal/progressive church sites, much of what they talk about sounds good. That is, until you dig a little deeper. It is much the same with guys like Jim Wallace, Tony Compollo, Rick Warren and others. It sounds good- on the surface, but as I was thinking to myself last night, there was something not quite right. I couldn't put my finger on what was bothering me. I was asking (praying for guidance) if I was being like a pharisee about groups like the Sojourners. I mean, these guys preach about helping the poor, taking care of the earth, trying to heal the sick, loving our neighbors and our enemies. These are all things Jesus talks about right? So, Lord- why do I still feel like there's something not quite right?
The answer came a little while later. No- I do not physically hear a voice in my head, but the answer did come. While these men may touch briefly on Jesus and His forgiveness, to them, that is it. I have not once read or heard them speak of redemption on the cross, Christ crucified for our sins and repentance. I have not once heard these groups preach the Gospel message. I have not once heard about Christ coming to set up His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven- NO. Their message rests on demands that we, specifically, they, with help from world leaders and government bodies, work towards creating His Kingdom. That is what has bothered me for the longest time.
These folks, so many of them, continuously preach on saving the planet from greedy destruction, saving people's physical lives through eradication of disease- spread much by greedy nations, redistributing wealth to make everyone on equal standing. Fixing society's problems- without telling them about eternal salvation. These folks have the sin of pride in believing that the Lord's creation can heal itself, that we, who are in His image, are like Him in that we can make His Kingdom on earth.
Satan is good. Good at deceiving that is. He uses circumstances and opportunities by preaching just enough of the Truth to make it sound right, but always going back to human effort, dependence on human will instead of doing God's will.
Listen, and listen good. Bible believing Christians do care about the earth. We care because the Lord gave it to us to live and thrive. However- caring for His creation is much different that worshiping His creation. Bible believing Christians worship the God who created- but we know by His Word that this earth will pass away, along with everything else, and everything will be made new. By God- not by man! We aren't ignorant because we don't believe all the global warming hype of people like Al Gore. We know because of the Lord's Word that the earth will last as long as He wills it, until His purpose is done. You know, maybe, just maybe men like Al Gore would be a little more believable if they weren't hypocrites. He makes millions of dollars a year speaking around the world about how we are killing the earth. He scares children. All the while, he is making money hand over fist with phony carbon credits, buying a huge mansion along the coast of California, and using more electricity in his Tennessee home in one month than most Tennesseans use in a year. It's not the size of his homes, the private jets and SUV's parked in his driveway- it is his do as I say, not as I do mentality which bothers me. I could care less how many billions he has. I've known rich people all my life- and am not biased towards wealth. I think it's great that people can invent or have the talents to "strike it rich". What I do not agree with is making money off of phony scare mongering and hypocrisy.
Bible believing people believe in loving others, and our enemies. Wallace and others make much ado about their "dialogues" and "interfaith" gatherings. They are proud of the way they can get along with people of other beliefs. OK, again I say- good for you! But I also say, you are allowing many, many people to follow a road which will lead them to hell, all because you don't want to offend your interfaith groups by preaching the Good News of Christ! You are loving people into hell. Bible believing Christians pray for their enemies, preach, even to death to those who would kill them, because Mr. Wallace, and every other progressive "christian", we LOVE them. We love them enough to know that they too, can be saved, they too are made in God's own image, they too, have every God given talent, gift and dignity to work to earn a living. No matter the color of their skin, Rev. Wright, no matter their social standing Rev. Sharpton, no matter their circumstances Mr. Obama- all people have from God, what it takes to live productively. Jesus tells us to go into all nations and spread the Good News. He tells us to love one another yes, but He tells us to tell others about Him! Bible believing Christians do that- the social justice/progressive church leaders do not.
Bible believing Christians believe in helping those who can not help themselves. We teach others to fish, because we know that giving them a fish will not feed them forever. Teaching them how, they will have the way to eat every day. Jesus does talk about the poor a lot, but He talks about hell more. Tell me Mr. Compollo- why is that? Perhaps because as He said, the poor will always be among us- but the eternal life is more important than this life? That we are told to not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal?Those who do not work, do not eat. The Bible talks about sharing, but it does not say for governments or elite groups to take away from one group to give to another. That taken by force is not charity. Give unto Caesar that which belongs to him, Give unto God that which belongs to God- is not a license for government to demand 60 percent of wages from the rich to give to the poor through taxes. Government is not the giver of liberties- God is the giver of liberties. The progressive democrats and church do not believe this. They believe it is man who gives, or they would not be demanding social justice.
Maybe if progressives did as they demand others to do, it wouldn't be so bad. But again, these are hypocrites! They spew lies about greed and corruption, create class warfare by promoting stories about greedy capitalists such as those on Wall Street. Corporate greed, capitalist greed, big bank, big oil etc., etc. How much have we heard this from Obama and company? They all claim the same thing. They care about the poor. I asked my mother in law once why she believed so much in the democrats. She answered the same thing- because they care about the poor and the workin' man.
OK. Lets see how much they care. Here are a couple of examples of how generous and caring some of these folks are.
Then Vice President Al Gore's charitable contributions, as a percentage of his income, were below the national average: He gave 0.2 percent of his family income, one-seventh of the average for donating households. He was, it was told, being charitable, as liberals understand that word, by redistributing wealth by social justice and high taxes on the rich.
Andrew Cuomo, former New York Attorney General was an advocate for the homeless. He had, according to his website, “compassion toward the most vulnerable of us.” [...] but according to his own tax returns he made no charitable contributions between 1996 and 1999. In 2000 he donated a whopping $2,750. In 2004 and 2005, Cuomo had more than $1.5 million in adjusted gross income but gave $2,000 to charity.
Barack Obama has a rather poor track record when it comes to charitable contributions. He consistently gave 1 percent of his income to charity. In his most charitable year, 2005, he earned $1.7 million. By the way, obama does have that brother living in a hut over there in Kenya- still in a hut.
Senator John Kerry, in 1995 gave zero to charity, but did spend $500,000 to buy a half stake in an antique piece of art. In 1993, he gave $175 to the needy. Later, of course, Kerry married Theresa Heinz, rich heiress of the Heinz Ketchup fame, and today is active in charitable "causes" using the Heinz foundation money.
Senator Ted Kennedy was known as the ultimate liberal Robin Hood. He once told Al Hunt of the Wall Street Journal, “I come from an advantaged life, and I’ll be goddamned if I’m going to get re-elected to the U.S. Senate by taking food out of the mouths of needy children.” Too bad that Senator Kennedy never actually practiced by giving much money to needy children. His tax returns were top secret until he ran for President in the 1970s. He then released some of them. With a net worth of more than $8 million in the early 1970s and an income of $461,444 from a series of family trusts, that liberator of the little man gave barely 1 percent of his income to charity. The sum is about as much as Kennedy claimed as a write-off on his fifty-foot sailboat.
Robert Reich, once Bill Clinton’s Secretary of Labor and now a professor at Berkeley, has been outspoken about how greedy conservatives are. Because of conservatives, “America has placed too high a value on selfishness.” When he ran for governor of Massachusetts in 2002, he had to release his tax returns. Reich’s 1040 revealed an income of more than $1 million, much of it giving speeches to corporations and universities for up to $40,000 a pop. He contributed just $2,714 to charity, or .2 percent of his income and part of that was the value of a donation of a used drum set to an organization called City of Peace.
Mr. Rainbow Coalition, Jesse Jackson has often claimed that he operates from a “liberal spirit of compassion and love” while conservatives are “heartless and uncaring toward the silent poor.” But according to his publicly-released tax returns, he regularly donates less than 1 percent to charity. Jackson and his family have also established a charitable foundation called the Jackson Foundation to support the underprivileged. According to tax records, the foundation board is controlled by family members and they receive large contributions from corporations. In 2004, for example, they collected $964,000 from corporations like McDonald’s, Anheuser-Busch, and GMAC. When asked on the tax form to described “direct charitable activities,” the foundation responded: “none.” From the close to million dollars collected, they gave away only $46,000 to a couple of colleges. The Jackson Foundation spent nearly twice that amount — $84,172 — on a “gala celebration” in honor of — Jesse Jackson.
Franklin "Chicken in every pot" Roosevelt. He is regarded by many on the left as the personification of charity and compassion, but FDR actually had a pathetic record when it comes to giving to charity. Roosevelt had an average income of $93,000 ($1.3 million in today’s dollars) but gave away about 3 percent of his income to charity. In 1935, during the height of the Great Depression, when people really could have used it, he donated just 2 percent.
Much has been written about the Clintons earning over $100 million since leaving the white house. They also made liberal use of the charitable deduction, claiming $10.2 million in charitable giving over the eight years. Intriguingly, nearly all the donations went to the Clinton Family Foundation, which has disbursed only half the money. The Clintons can thus use the foundation for giving, such as the $100,000 it donated last year to a local South Carolina library - the day after Mrs. Clinton debated in that primary state. There are other examples of such politically targeted philanthropy, and it's worth noting that most of the foundation's disbursements came only after Mrs. Clinton announced her Presidential run. Interesting too, in a story not too long ago about donation of clothing for charity- it included, yuck, used underwear. Oh, and the Clinton's have a neice, about Chelsea's age, who is destitute. Her parents died, and she was left with nothing. Gee, Uncle Bill- can't you spare a dime?
Then there is that paragon of Christian virtue, Ms. "we will rid Washington of croneism and corruption" Pelosi. Pelosi’s salary as Speaker of the House earns her just $217,400. (Just?!) Except, of course, that Mrs Pelosi lists assets held jointly with her husband as being worth up to $92 million. The generous and charitable Mrs Pelosi’s contributions are to things which are disproportionately enjoyed by other wealthy people. Gee, how about that! The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the San Francisco Symphony are things rather rarely attended by people such as the workin' man.
If I could dig it up, I'd find the charitable contributions on the rest of them- but what's the point. Studies have shown that although liberal families' incomes average 6 percent higher than those of conservative families, conservative-headed households give, on average, 30 percent more to charity than the average liberal-headed household ($1,600 per year vs. $1,227). In the 10 reddest states, the average percentage of personal income donated to charity was 3.5. Residents of the bluest states, donated just 1.9 percent.
One of the best quotes I found while researching for this post is this: People who reject the idea that "government has a responsibility to reduce income inequality" give an average of four times more than people who accept that proposition. I don't know who said it, but it is brilliant, and true.
Oh, and one more thought about this. Obama's inquisition on the wealthy is creating a charity deficit. Because of this depression (remember- never let a good crisis go to waste!) and the demand for more taxes for government take overs of industry, healthcare, energy and banks, charitable contributions have declined.
From News Busters, I gathered this bit of info-- Another devastating intended/unintended consequence of the Obama administration's major government expansion: charity organizations (already in deep struggle to weather current economic conditions) will likely experience additional major decline in contributions. On the April 16 broadcast of Fox Business Network's "Varney & Co.," Rick Dunham, CEO of fundraising consultant Dunham & Company, weighed in on the new budget proposal that would scale back charitable deductions for families making over $250,000. We are talking about a large amount of money which could be going to help the poor. Unfortunately, the progressive, for the workin' man, marxists, believe in the government to provide, not private or church giving.
When Obama started talking about continuing with the faith based initiative which George W. Bush began, Obama stated,
"Now, make no mistake, as someone who used to teach constitutional law, I believe deeply in the separation of church and state, but I don’t believe this partnership will endanger that idea – so long as we follow a few basic principles. First, if you get a federal grant, you can’t use that grant money to proselytize to the people you help and you can’t discriminate against them – or against the people you hire – on the basis of their religion. Second, federal dollars that go directly to churches, temples, and mosques can only be used on secular programs. And we’ll also ensure that taxpayer dollars only go to those programs that actually work.”
So, in tying this all up. Obama with help from his faith leaders, will blend government and faith. Obama wants to use federal subsidies offered through the EPA and his faith-based outreach to get churches to do just what he claimed he is against- proselytizing, but this time it will be the green faith, the man based faith, the human ingenuity faith. Not only is the problem with the environmental lies of the green movement. The socialist church of Obama and friends focus on all social issues, mainly focusing on the environment, "gender" issues (the typical description for the homosexual lobby), re distribution of wealth etc. Oh, and I don't know why they call it redistribution- I mean, it's not like anyone distributed the money to all the wealthy people in the first place. These people actually earned by working for their wealth. Just call it as it is- stealing from those who have to give to the nanny state so they can give out what ever is left from their skimming off the top.
The left is always preaching about helping the poor- but I ask, after 70 years of government programs such as welfare, medicaid, social security, food stamps, government housing, government grants- why are there still so many poor among us? Mr. Wallace and the rest of the Liberal church- we can not be so pompous to believe that man can solve man's problems. Once the fall ocurred, humans as well as all creation fell under sin. Jesus Christ came the first time to save us from our sins by dying on the Cross. He overcame the power of death and Satan by raising bodily in the flesh 3 days after. Be sure- He will be coming again soon- to set things right once and for all. To set His Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven. His Will will be done, not ours, not yours, not Obama or any other government. This heaven and this earth shall pass away, for Him to make all things new. You folks claim to live by Jesus's words, to you, that means the red letters. You do not beleive in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you did, you would know that His Word is the Word of the Holy Scriptures. Jesus quoted the scriptures constantly. You can take the messages of His love yes! He does love each and every one of us! But we must take His whole word- not just the happy, easygoing, ear tickling parts, but all of it- and as leaders in our society, it is up to you to preach the whole Word. Woe to you teachers who lead your flocks astray.
The world has bombarded the church. Progressivism has invaded every denomination- from the Catholic Church, to the Baptist church, from the Protestants to the Episcopals. Satan is using just enough truth to spread his lie, that lie which will come soon to the formation of the one world church. Unfortunately that church will be still full- once Christ comes for His own.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Anti Illegal Flap Getting Ridiculous
I wasn't going to get into this Arizona law business, because everyone is talking about it already, and frankly, I'm getting tired of all the craziness going on these days and feeling more than a little overwhelmed by it all. I had to add my two cents however- the tipping point for me, is the latest story about some students sent home from school for wearing - are you ready for this? Gasp- they were wearing of all things, shirts with American flags or colors!!!! How Dare they?! On Cinco De Mayo of all days! A false supposed Mexican holiday (Mexican independence day is in September) and these kids were told that their T-shirts "incendiary". Who ever would have thought that wearing a shirt- or any other article of clothing featuring an American flag, in America, would be considered trying to stir up trouble. Is this what our soldiers are fighting and dying for?
We've got the usual groups from La Raza, Al "mr. I get along with everybody" Sharpton, and the other leftist, socialist gangs calling for lawsuits, boycotts and well, it wouldn't surprise me if they eventually called for the writers, signers and Governor of Arizona's illegal immigrant bill to be tarred, feathered and run out of the state on a rail. The Phoenix Sun basketball team is in on the act, but calling themselves the Los Sun. Wouldn't it be more politically correct to use the whole Spanish- as in Los Sol?! These groups are calling for Major League Baseball to change the location of next year's All Star Game from to somewhere else. May I suggest holding it in Juarez Mexico- that quaint peaceful town across the river from Laredo Texas? As a life long baseball fan, with many happy and good memories- if they cave in to this ridiculous demand, I will never watch baseball again. Why watch something when it defends something so cowardly and non American?
Non American. Yes, that's what I said. This law that Arizona passed is nothing more than what the federal law says anyway. We hear the leftist drivel- that this is a bigoted and racially charged law, provoking Gestapo type behavior whereas the innocent law breaking illegal aliens are ordered to "Show your papers". Let me clear this up. We are all required to show identification. When I go to the bank- even to deposit into my account, I have to show my drivers license. Every few years, I must make my trek to the nearest ICE office to renew my legal residence status. Because you know what? If I don't, gasp, I could be deported!! This law is already on the books folks- at the federal level, but we all know that the feds have not done anything to keep our borders safe. Millions of us come to America the legal way, many whom go through a rigorous process in order to even step foot here. Is it a pleasant process? No- but I'm glad they have it- or we'd be, well, we'd have the same kind of problem they do now. We'd have rapists, murders, drug lords, gangs, people with dangerous communicable diseases, and those who have no way of supporting themselves entering the country at all times of the year.
When one comes through the legal way, we have to have medical examinations to be sure we won't be spreading disease such as swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV, and a host of others. We have to have a criminal background check to prove we have no criminal history or outstanding warrants. We have to have a sponsor, who will vouch for us and make sure we don't come to take advantage of social programs such as welfare. When the law is ignored or broken, we have the mess we have. The law is the Law and millions of people who are coming across now, and who have been here years are lawbreakers. Where I come from, that's not the right or good thing. The country, America, I came to, it never used to be the right or good thing. Those of us who came here legally for whatever freedoms we came here for, respect and follow that law, and we respect and follow every other law. When you don't come here legally, you disrespect the Immigration law, and end up disrespecting other laws- even the "misdemeanors" such as driving without insurance or license.
This is not a humanitarian, or racist, or bigoted, or republican or civil rights issue, or even anti immigrant as so many of these groups claim. This is a LAW issue. A Safety issue. This is an American Issue, not a global community problem as Obama and others, including Mexico's own Vicente Fox has claimed. Fox has no right to say anything anyway. Have you seen the immigration laws of Mexico lately?!
The Federal government has dropped the ball on this for decades, and the States and their people are suffering for it. Through higher crime, senseless murder, higher taxes, lower wages- all because people are breaking the law to come here undocumented. These groups who claim to be compassionate and even those who call it the "Christian thing to do" in giving these people amnesty need to get with real life. How is is compassionate to allow them to be deprived of all the goodness and freedom to thrive in this country in the ways which millions of legal immigrants have done since the foundation? When one is hiding in a trunk of a vehicle, starving and dehydrated in the desert, at the whim of human traffickers, made to live in fear of being caught- you call that compassionate? How is it Christian to allow people to break the law? Even when a society's law contradicts Biblical law, which in this case it is not, there are other avenues to change society's law- not by giving people the idea to break it.
Yes, the Bible tells us to care for the alien in our midst- and to take care of the less advantaged. However, the Bible is clear on obeying the Law, even governments who may be against the people. In Israel, any alien who came to Israel, was allowed, but they were to conform to Israeli ways, they were to forget the gods of their ancestors and turn to the Lord God of Israel. They were to adopt Israeli festivals, feasts and traditions, and Israeli Law.
In years past, when people came to America's shores from such far away places, they knew that they were in a Blessed, Free land. They integrated. Sure, they still held to their old world traditions, language and religious backgrounds, but they also learned the ways and language of America, and worked hard to make this country their home. They took and swore an oath. (So help me who?) That is still the case for so many of us who have come here since, but unfortunately, it's no longer the same Nation. Now we are a nation of mini nations- we are a hyphenated society, everyone is something else first, American last.
I am not a Canadian American. I am not a citizen yet, but I still call myself an American. I still celebrate my Canadian roots, but I do not expect others to celebrate with me, and I certainly do not expect the rest of the country to conform to my roots. As long as I live in America, I will respect and honor the Constitution of this country. I do not fly the Maple Leaf above the Stars and Stripes, not even side by side. Stars and Stripes are my flag now- as long as I live in America.
I know that I have ruffled feathers in the past by stating that America is not found in the Bible. I know. I love America too- or what America used to be. It's hard to think that America will no longer be the shining city on a hill, the freedom for millions world over, and the help of the world. But the Truth of it is, that the world is quickly coming to an end, as written in the Bible and America, while it was the Super power of the world and one would expect to see a super power mentioned, America is no where to be found in Bible Prophecies concerning the end times. This incident of so called racial bigotry and humanitarian crisis is just another nail in the coffin of America.
Imagine. Kids being sent home from school- simply for being proud of America. Who would believe it. Only since I started studying the Word of the Lord, would I know that this is believable.
We've got the usual groups from La Raza, Al "mr. I get along with everybody" Sharpton, and the other leftist, socialist gangs calling for lawsuits, boycotts and well, it wouldn't surprise me if they eventually called for the writers, signers and Governor of Arizona's illegal immigrant bill to be tarred, feathered and run out of the state on a rail. The Phoenix Sun basketball team is in on the act, but calling themselves the Los Sun. Wouldn't it be more politically correct to use the whole Spanish- as in Los Sol?! These groups are calling for Major League Baseball to change the location of next year's All Star Game from to somewhere else. May I suggest holding it in Juarez Mexico- that quaint peaceful town across the river from Laredo Texas? As a life long baseball fan, with many happy and good memories- if they cave in to this ridiculous demand, I will never watch baseball again. Why watch something when it defends something so cowardly and non American?
Non American. Yes, that's what I said. This law that Arizona passed is nothing more than what the federal law says anyway. We hear the leftist drivel- that this is a bigoted and racially charged law, provoking Gestapo type behavior whereas the innocent law breaking illegal aliens are ordered to "Show your papers". Let me clear this up. We are all required to show identification. When I go to the bank- even to deposit into my account, I have to show my drivers license. Every few years, I must make my trek to the nearest ICE office to renew my legal residence status. Because you know what? If I don't, gasp, I could be deported!! This law is already on the books folks- at the federal level, but we all know that the feds have not done anything to keep our borders safe. Millions of us come to America the legal way, many whom go through a rigorous process in order to even step foot here. Is it a pleasant process? No- but I'm glad they have it- or we'd be, well, we'd have the same kind of problem they do now. We'd have rapists, murders, drug lords, gangs, people with dangerous communicable diseases, and those who have no way of supporting themselves entering the country at all times of the year.
When one comes through the legal way, we have to have medical examinations to be sure we won't be spreading disease such as swine flu, tuberculosis, pneumonia, HIV, and a host of others. We have to have a criminal background check to prove we have no criminal history or outstanding warrants. We have to have a sponsor, who will vouch for us and make sure we don't come to take advantage of social programs such as welfare. When the law is ignored or broken, we have the mess we have. The law is the Law and millions of people who are coming across now, and who have been here years are lawbreakers. Where I come from, that's not the right or good thing. The country, America, I came to, it never used to be the right or good thing. Those of us who came here legally for whatever freedoms we came here for, respect and follow that law, and we respect and follow every other law. When you don't come here legally, you disrespect the Immigration law, and end up disrespecting other laws- even the "misdemeanors" such as driving without insurance or license.
This is not a humanitarian, or racist, or bigoted, or republican or civil rights issue, or even anti immigrant as so many of these groups claim. This is a LAW issue. A Safety issue. This is an American Issue, not a global community problem as Obama and others, including Mexico's own Vicente Fox has claimed. Fox has no right to say anything anyway. Have you seen the immigration laws of Mexico lately?!
The Federal government has dropped the ball on this for decades, and the States and their people are suffering for it. Through higher crime, senseless murder, higher taxes, lower wages- all because people are breaking the law to come here undocumented. These groups who claim to be compassionate and even those who call it the "Christian thing to do" in giving these people amnesty need to get with real life. How is is compassionate to allow them to be deprived of all the goodness and freedom to thrive in this country in the ways which millions of legal immigrants have done since the foundation? When one is hiding in a trunk of a vehicle, starving and dehydrated in the desert, at the whim of human traffickers, made to live in fear of being caught- you call that compassionate? How is it Christian to allow people to break the law? Even when a society's law contradicts Biblical law, which in this case it is not, there are other avenues to change society's law- not by giving people the idea to break it.
Yes, the Bible tells us to care for the alien in our midst- and to take care of the less advantaged. However, the Bible is clear on obeying the Law, even governments who may be against the people. In Israel, any alien who came to Israel, was allowed, but they were to conform to Israeli ways, they were to forget the gods of their ancestors and turn to the Lord God of Israel. They were to adopt Israeli festivals, feasts and traditions, and Israeli Law.
In years past, when people came to America's shores from such far away places, they knew that they were in a Blessed, Free land. They integrated. Sure, they still held to their old world traditions, language and religious backgrounds, but they also learned the ways and language of America, and worked hard to make this country their home. They took and swore an oath. (So help me who?) That is still the case for so many of us who have come here since, but unfortunately, it's no longer the same Nation. Now we are a nation of mini nations- we are a hyphenated society, everyone is something else first, American last.
I am not a Canadian American. I am not a citizen yet, but I still call myself an American. I still celebrate my Canadian roots, but I do not expect others to celebrate with me, and I certainly do not expect the rest of the country to conform to my roots. As long as I live in America, I will respect and honor the Constitution of this country. I do not fly the Maple Leaf above the Stars and Stripes, not even side by side. Stars and Stripes are my flag now- as long as I live in America.
I know that I have ruffled feathers in the past by stating that America is not found in the Bible. I know. I love America too- or what America used to be. It's hard to think that America will no longer be the shining city on a hill, the freedom for millions world over, and the help of the world. But the Truth of it is, that the world is quickly coming to an end, as written in the Bible and America, while it was the Super power of the world and one would expect to see a super power mentioned, America is no where to be found in Bible Prophecies concerning the end times. This incident of so called racial bigotry and humanitarian crisis is just another nail in the coffin of America.
Imagine. Kids being sent home from school- simply for being proud of America. Who would believe it. Only since I started studying the Word of the Lord, would I know that this is believable.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)