Rosemead Times

Banning the Bible

2006-03-05T05:20:00.000-08:00

First Amendment freedoms of speech and religion in America have never been more threatened than they are today, particularly for people who believe the Bible is sacred and its teachings worthy of study.

This fact would astound the Founders, many of whom fought and bled to establish freedom of speech and religion as fundamental rights of all citizens. But then John Adams and James Madison could have not imagined what has happened to our public schools.

What they've become in too many ways is rabidly anti-First Amendment. Consider the recent ruling of administrators at the University of Wisconsin-Eu Claire banning resident assistants in the school's dorms from leading Bible studies in their own rooms on their own time.

Deborah Newman, UWEC's Associate Director for Housing and Residence Life, banned such studies because some students might think the resident assistants were unapproachable. Newman told one of the resident assistants that he must be available to your residents both in reality and from their perspective.

Newman made it clear that resident assistants who insisted on exercising their First Amendment right to free exercise of religion would face disciplinary action. But resident assistant Lance Steiger refused to be intimidated.

He contacted the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), which quickly fired off a letter to UWEC's Interim Chancellor Vicki Lord reminding her that every university student at a public university such as UWEC enjoys the full panoply of First Amendment rights, including freedom of religion and freedom of expression.

David French, FIRE's President, also pointed out that just last year the same university administration office now trying to ban Bible studies was full of praise for another resident assistant who staged The Vagina Monologues play as an official residence hall activity.

Then there is the case of the Montgomery County Public Schools’ refusal to distribute take-home flyers to parents announcing after-school meetings of Child Evangelism Fellowship because the group is evangelical and its predominate objective is proselytization. When challenged in federal court by Christian Legal Society attorneys, the Maryland school system admitted it routinely distributed flyers for other student groups, including those with religious purposes. Religious speech is not second class speech under the Constitution.

From Maryland we go to Montana where a Billings school system tried to silence a speaker invited to help students cope with a string of teen deaths by suicide and auto crashes. The speaker, Jarod Carpenter, was invited by the school board to address secular topics. Jarod Carpenter is with the Dawson McAllister Association, which is a Christian group that conducts youth rallies across the country. And, the school district knew this beforehand.

The school board rescinded its invitation after a board member and a school system attorney expressed concern about McAllister's religious purposes. At that point, the Rutherford Institute came to Carpenter's defense, asking a federal court to affirm his right to speak at the school.

Religious persons, like all others, have the right not to be discriminated against because of their beliefs or affiliations. School officials charged with educating our young people about our nation'Ã’s history and Constitution should be among the first to jealously guard the rights embodied in the Constitution.

These three cases are typical of hundreds across the country in recent years in which the rights of individuals to practice their Christian faith has been attacked by people in positions of power, often at taxpayers expense.

Citizens have a right to express or practice their Christian faith in public. If the anti-First Amendment crowd decrees religion can'Ã’t be allowed in public and are successful in purging Christian symbols from the public square, how long will it be before this same group of anti-First Amendment agitators attacks private worship.

A case in point has to do with the Rev. Robert Wesley Hill, pastor of True Apostolic Assembly Church. He is leading a court fight between his Minneapolis church and the government. The court fight has lasted for two years. Armed with three attorneys, Hill has done jail time for violating local and state noise laws. Hill's problem is that he and his congregation sing praises to the Lord too loudly. I guess we Christians must be silent in church, so they do not offend anyone outside when sing the Lord's praises.

In conclusion, it appears that banning the Bible is just another step on the way to banning Christianity. This is disturbing, because banning the Bible is one of the first tactics of Communism.

A Catholic Town

2006-03-05T04:08:00.000-08:00

New Flash: "NAPLES, Florida (AP) -- If Domino's Pizza founder Thomas S. Monaghan has his way, a new town being built in Florida will be governed according to strict Roman Catholic principles, with no place to get an abortion, pornography or birth control."

If this town was created, it would surely be attacked by the ACLU and special interest groups everywhere. If recent history is any indicator, I suspect that the courts would dictate a secular approach and do away with the original intent. It is unfortunate that our courts have become our masters in many ways.

Who would have ever imagined years ago that a small Communist inspired ACLU could weld enough power over public thinking that even the mention of a fictional "Catholic Town" could get Americans thinking about how wrong it is to even think such thoughts.

Some on the Supreme Court may say, "a Catholic Town indeed. How silly of Christians to think that they have the right to form a community of believers."

Indonesia

2006-03-05T03:14:00.000-08:00

"JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Thousands of Muslims rallied in front of the tightly guarded U.S. Embassy in Indonesia on Sunday, demanding American troops leave Iraq and Afghanistan and calling President Bush a terrorist."

Indonesia is a country steeped in a rich history. During WWII, the Japanese occupied this country and used the natural resources to benefit their war effort. After WWII, this country declared independence and started the long journey toward a representative government. However, they are now moving toward an Islamic nation. Instead of supporting a more participating democracy, they now embrace a radical Islamic mind-set. Since more Muslims live in this country than any place in the world, this new development is disturbing.

Indonesia's main religion is Islam, with almost 88% of Indonesians declared Muslim according to the 2000 religious census, making Indonesia the most populous Muslim-majority nation in the world. The remaining population is 8% Christian (of which roughly 75% are Protestant, the remainder mainly Catholic, and a large minority Charismatic), 3% Hindu and 1% Buddhist, with small communities of Jews. Before the arrival of the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity and Islam in the Malay Archipelago, the popular beliefs in this region had been thoroughly influenced by Indic religious philosophy through Hinduism and Buddhism.

Council on Foreign Relations has reported on the growing concern that terrorism is taking hold in Southeast Asia. While it is known as a secular, tolerant society that practices a moderate form of Islam, radical Islamists have gained momentum. U.S. officials and terrorism experts worry about al-Qaeda using Indonesia as a base for a Southeast Asian front in its campaign against “infidels, Jews, and the United States. Indonesia resisted international pressure to crack down on local militants suspected of al-Qaeda ties until a devastating October 2002 attack on a Bali nightclub and the simultaneous bombing of a U.S. consular office on the island. With more than 180 dead, most of them foreign tourists, it was the deadliest terrorist episode since September 11, 2001.

Unfortunately, this country is now becoming a threat to world peace. Terrorists in this country have become strong and now represent a large portion of the people of this country. This is a sad turn of events. Hopefully, Indonesia can develop a more participative democracy where radical Islam is rejected. Time will tell.

Jimmy Carter: A Man Misguided

2006-03-04T18:06:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Carter is at it again. He cannot help himself. His ideas about America seem to be disconnected from reality sometimes. Even though I think he is an honest man with good intentions, he is really misguided now.

"Mr. Carter said he made a personal promise to ambassadors from Egypt, Pakistan, and Cuba on the U.N. change issue that was undermined by America's ambassador, John Bolton. My hope is that when the vote is taken, he told the Council on Foreign Relations, the other members will outvote the United States. While other former presidents have tried to refrain from attacking the sitting chief executive, Mr. Carter's attacks on President Bush have increased. The episode he recounted yesterday showed how he tried to undermine officials at lower levels in an effort to influence policy."

The UN Human Rights Commission is the same commission that appointed Libya chair of said committee and praised Cuba by putting Fidel Castro's Communist island on the commission. This commission on human rights did not criticize Cuba's most recent crack down on opposition voices. Zimbabwe and Sudan were also ignored as offenders of human rights. It is ironic that this human rights commission would fail to act against some of the most hateful countries. Libya, Egypt, Nigeria, Saudi Aradia, Cuba, and Russia are guilty of human rights abuses. At the same time, many of these countries are on this commission. This is just plain goofy. Putting Cuba on this commission is like putting Al Capone in charge of bank security.

In addition to the UN Human Rights Commission fiasco, Former President Jimmy Carter has been linked with a key figure in the U.N.'s oil-for-food scandal.

Samir Vincent, who pleaded guilty to participating in numerous illegal activities as part of the U.N. scandal, admitted to receiving allocations for more than 9 million barrels of oil between 1996 and 2003 in return for serving as an agent of Saddam Hussein's regime. Vincent worked at Hussein's direction, lobbying U.S. and U.N. officials to end sanctions and to instead implement the oil-for-food scam.

"President Carter met with Vincent on more than one occasion. Did he know he was dealing with an agent of Saddam Hussein or was he just terribly gullible? Thus, former President Jimmy Carter has been linked with a key figure in the U.N.'s oil-for-food scandal."

Jimmy Carter spent his four years in the White House chastising Americans for our successes. He was not proud of America. He cut diplomatic ties with Taiwan and established them with Communist China. He gave away the Panama canal. He was responsible for the hostages in Iran by supporting an Islamic revolution. He signed a peace treaty that allowed Communist Russia to inspect our missiles facilities, but did not allow us to inspect their facilities. He supported the Marxist governments in Central America. And, he appointed Andrew Young, who was an outspoken America basher, to the UN as ambassador.

I am sure that President Carter was well-meaning during his time in the White House. He thought his parleys with tyrants could bring peace. "As chief executive emeritus, his saintliness now plays well; but we forget in the rough and tumble of his presidency that Mr. Carter's brag that he had no inordinate fear of Communism was followed by the brutal Russian invasion of Afghanistan, that sending Ramsay Clark to apologize to the Iranians did not win the release of the American hostages in 1980, and that U.N. Ambassador Andrew Young's praise of Cuban troops in Africa and his clenched-fist, black-power salutes to African leaders did not stop Communist intervention and bloodletting abroad."

Jimmy never misses an opportunity to criticize America. On the other hand, he praises the UN. He thinks that the UN is the ideal place to resolve the world's problems and that Cuba, Libya, Zimbabwe, Egypt, and Russia are somehow models of democracy. Also, he thinks that the UN Human Rights Commission is really concerned with human rights and a protector of individual dignity. Oh well, Jimmy also still thinks he was one of our greatest presidents. Wonders never cease.

Free Speech

2006-03-04T06:00:00.000-08:00

Free speech took a beating recently. David Irving is a writer of history. However, his ideas are misguided. On the other hand, American style free speech allows for errors in judgment. We even allow all types of goofy ideas to fill books that we gladly put in our public libraries. I could make a list of all the books that praise Karl Marx and the failed Communist movement. So, we in America have a great tolerance for goofy ideas. Even though some ideas in America have little value and even offend most people, Americans in general know the importance of free speech. Hopefully, America will never allow our government to exercise control over ideas, even if the ideas are goofy and lack merit. The following is an important lesson on free speech.

"The imprisonment of David Irving for Holocaust denial raises an important question: to what extent does truth need the protection of law? The particular case is highly specific to Austria, whose people felt that the force of law was needed if the past was to be confronted honestly and Nazism placed beyond the limits of acceptable speech. I for one would not wish to second-guess the decision of a country painfully wrestling with its past. There was a time when Muslim, Jewish, Christian and humanist voices joined in defending free expression as a matter of religious and moral principle. We may yet need them to do so again. Signed: Rabbi Sir Jonathan Sacks."

Dubai

2006-03-02T05:23:00.001-08:00

Well, this story just keeps on growing. It is amazing. The Bush Administration and Washington nabobs have lost touch with the harsh realities of terrorism. It seems that Republicans and Democrats are not concerned about the future of America. Because, they continue to allow foreign investment in America's vital industries and ports. The following news flash addresses this issue.

"The Bush administration, stung by the public outcry over the Dubai port deal, has launched a national security investigation of another Dubai-owned company set to take over plants in Georgia and Connecticut that make precision components used in engines for military aircraft and tanks."

"The administration notified congressional committees this week that its secretive Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is investigating the security implications of Dubai International Capital's $1.2 billion acquisition of London-based Doncasters Group Ltd., which has subsidiaries in the United States."

"Dubai International Capital's acquisition of Doncasters could present some of the same political problems created by Dubai Ports World's purchase of London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. Once again, a state-controlled Dubai company with deep pockets is purchasing a British firm with U.S. holdings. Doncasters has operations in nine U.S. locations and manufactures precision parts for defense contractors such as Boeing, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney and General Electric."

"Doncasters' expertise is in forging, fabrication, machining and alloy production. The company owns a plant that makes aerospace turbine blades and components in Farmington, Conn.; a turbine and generator plant in Rincon, Ga.; a steel foundry in Springfield, Mass.; and a metal-rolling plant in Groton, Conn. The company's Web site says the Georgia and Connecticut plants manufacture "engine ready airfoils," for aircraft, helicopter and tank engines."

We are told to trust Washington's judgment about such matters. Well, we trusted Washington before 9-11 to make sure we were safe. They dropped the ball. Now, it is time to question Washington's Republicans and Democrats about their plan to keep us safe. This includes selling vital industries and port management to countries that want to do us harm.

Sea Ports - National Review Online

2006-03-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

I have been reporting on the sea port story for a few days. However, I heard a conservative talk show host tell me this morning that I am evil for pointing out the facts of this situation. Good golly, being objective is an essential conservative message. This entire sea port situation should have been handled better. And now, some Bush supporters are trying to defend an obvious misstep. Everyone makes mistakes from time to time. In this case, Bush should admit it, cancel the deal and move on. Ronald Reagan would have already cancelled this deal and moved on to more positive issues.

News flash from National Review. Are we, " rewarding the people who played a role in the slaughter of 3,000 of our countrymen. This deal has confused the war's message and objectives and handed the opposition a club with which to beat the president on his strongest issue: trust with national security and moral clarity on the war. Never has the president been further from the base on these issues than now. But, by having the UAE withdraw its offer, the issue will be taken off the table, it can be corrected and ended; otherwise it will live and bleed for at least another 45 days."

Political Correctness Defeats Crusaders

2006-03-01T05:05:00.000-08:00

This is a news flash. "An evangelical Christian college in Idaho is considering dumping the nickname that has identified the school for decades the Crusaders because it is considered insensitive and inappropriate. Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho, has fielded Crusaders since at least the 1940s, but next month a less evocative mascot could emerge as the school's Board of Trustees meets to discuss the issue. In the very places where the Church of the Nazarene is reaching out through its colleges and universities [around the world], the term conjures up extremely negative images," opined the Idaho Statesman recently."

The origins of the word Crusader comes from various sources. The following will be helpful in examining the beginning of the word Crusader: from Old French "croiser" which means to bear a cross; from Latin "crux" which means cross; from Spanish "cruzada" and from "cruzar" meaning to bear the cross.

Even though the word crusader has a military history going back to the Middle Ages, a lot of our terms and language has a military history. My high school team was named the Shafter Generals. Since Crusader has a meaning other than military, trying to associate crusader entirely with military action is reactionary and lacks commonsense. From all appearances, Crusader has its origins in the Christian cross. A Christian college should be able to explain this to those offended. And, it seems that the leaders at this college are giving up the fight too easily. This Christian college is folding their Christian tent and going home. If Billy Graham would have folded his revival tent and left town every time someone did not like his preaching, there would be a lot less Christians today.

When I was younger, I was intrigued by the term "Campus Crusade for Christ". I am still supportive of this program. I pray that this good Christian organization will stand up against anti-Christian forces and political correctness and keep crusading for Christ.

It is just amazing that a Nazarene college would be pressured into changing the name of their mascot from Crusader to another name. On the other hand, several colleges have strange names for their football teams. Stanford University changed the name of their team from the Stanford Indians to the Stanford Cardinal. The Cardinal they use now is the tree. So now, Stanford's unofficial mascot at football games is a tree. Whittier College named its football team the Whittier College Poets. Mary Baldwin college named its mascot the Squirrels. North Carolina School of Arts named its football team the Fighting Pickles. My grandfather had a large fig tree and I sure liked those figs. Maybe Northwest Nazarene could change their name to a fig tree. Could Northwest Nazarene name their football team the Figs. The Northwest Nazarene Figs sounds odd. However, as compared to a Cardinal tree, Poets, Squirrels, and Fighting Pickles, the Northwest Nazarene Figs sound okay.

Ronald Reagan

2006-03-01T03:52:00.000-08:00

In my lifetime, Ronald Reagan was a great President. He defeated Russian style Communism, kept Communist Cuba out of Central America and the Caribbean, rebuilt the military, got us out of an economic recession, and stimulated growth in most sectors. He did not ship all our good paying American jobs out of the country and then tell us this was actually good for us. Let me see if I have this right, Clinton and Bush created thousands and thousands of jobs. What kind of jobs? Good paying manufacturing and high tech jobs went out the door and fast food jobs replaced them. Is this progress? There is a good discussion about great presidents at Journal of a Future President

More Bizarre Sea Port News

2006-03-01T03:22:00.000-08:00

Dateline: Front Page Magazine - March 1, 2006

When the Council on American-Islamic Relations parrots White House talking points, you know there's something very wrong inside the Beltway. CAIR spokesman Arsalan Iftikhar agrees there's no reason to get in a lather over the United Arab Emirates taking over just about every major shipping terminal along our Eastern Seaboard. The UAE is harmless, and if you're alarmed about the deal, well, you're an Islamophobe caught up in the post-9/11 "industry of fear."

Truth be told, CAIR has an otherwise glaring conflict of interest in speaking out about the White House-approved deal to give UAE-owned Dubai Ports World control of six of our ports effective March 2. And it's something that producers at FOX, CNN and NBC should know before they ever book another CAIR flack. Here's what CAIR is hiding:

The U.S.-based executives of Dubai Ports World report to the emir of Dubai, who owns controlling interest in the Dubai-based company. His name is Gen. Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. It just so happens that Sheik Maktoum also owns the deed to CAIR's headquarters located practically in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol.

This story just keeps getting more and more strange. Leadership in the Bush administration need to address this situation. And, the Republican Party needs to lobby Bush to quickly cancel this deal. This is going to hurt Republicans in the 2006. Because, you can bet that the Democrats are going to make the most of this for as long as possible.

Furthermore, the 45 day delay is just postponing the pain of canceling the deal. And, this delay gives the MSM a chance to play this up two times. I predict this will run for another few days on the MSM and conservative talk shows and then disappear. Then, when the 45 days is up and Bush wants to okay the deal, it will explode on the MSM and conservative talk shows again. Gosh, can't Bush see what is coming down the road. My advise, cancel the deal and get on with promoting a positive agenda for the 2006 elections.

Community Colleges

2006-02-28T21:42:00.000-08:00

News flash on an important topic. Namely, the value of a good community college system is being funded better now.

Governor Schwarzenegger has been a strong supporter of such Career Technical Education programs and his budget this year adds $30 million for their expansion, building upon the $20 million Community College Economic Development initiative created last year. He has been lauded by higher education leaders for providing more funds for community colleges, allowing them to maintain low tuition rates and avoid raising student fees.

San Diego City College is one of four campuses of the San Diego Community College District. It offers more than 80 academic majors and 90 certificate programs to students who can take advantage of programs such as engineering, graphic arts, radio and television, nursing, child development, languages and construction trades.

Sea Port Story and World Net Daily

2006-02-28T01:04:00.000-08:00

A news flash from World Net Daily gives more information on this bizarre story.

As far back as 1999, U.S. intelligence spotted Osama bin Laden at a desert training camp in Afghanistan for about a week. There was an opportunity to destroy the entire camp with cruise missiles. But the operation was called off because an official aircraft from the UAE was spotted, along with members of the royal family.

It turned out bin Laden was hunting with the princes of the UAE. Concerned that the princes might be collateral damage in a strike, the mission was called off. Two years later, 3,000 Americans were killed as a result.

In addition, at least two of the 19 hijackers were from the UAE. The UAE was one of only three countries in the world to recognize the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. UAE banks have also been found to be a source of terrorism financing before 9-11 and after. The UAE has proved less than cooperative with American investigators tracking that funding.

President Bush needs to move quickly to manage this story. He must address the public and reassure us that this new arrangement is okay. And, he must put all the cards on the table. Or, he must move quickly to cancel this deal. The longer this lingers, the more questions that will be raised.

Coast Guard

2006-02-28T00:49:00.000-08:00

This is another news flash regarding the Sea Port story. This story just gets more bizarre every day.

Citing broad gaps in U.S. intelligence, the Coast Guard cautioned the Bush administration that it was unable to determine whether a United Arab Emirates-owned company might support terrorist operations, a Senate panel said Monday. The surprise disclosure came during a hearing on Dubai-owned DP World's plans to take over significant operations at six leading U.S. ports. The port operations are now handled by London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company.

Bush Appointment

2006-02-27T04:28:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe this Sea Port story is just getting more bizarre all the time. The following news flash is interesting.

Only a month before the controversy arose over a United Arab Emirates company approved to control U.S. port operations, a top executive of DP World was named as U.S. maritime administrators reporting directly to Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta. The nomination of David Sanborn, however, is certain to face some scrutiny in confirmation hearings in the U.S. Senate in light of the questions being raised about the deal.

This story continues to grow and take on a life its own. It would be wise for the Bush administration to cancel the port deal and get on with other things. This deal is a loser going into the 2006 elections. There appears to be no way of selling this deal. And, I question the Bush administration's ability to manage homeland security. Managing this Sea Port situation seems on the surface to be an easy call. We must ask ourselves, "Do we want Arabs running our Sea Ports." The answer for most Americans is "no".

The Dutch

2006-02-27T04:12:00.000-08:00

Things sure have changed in Europe. It appears that a few countries are starting to make changes in the way they manage their affairs. The following news flash is quite interesting.

Dutch borders have been virtually shut. New immigration is down to a trickle. The great cosmopolitan port city of Rotterdam just published a code of conduct requiring Dutch be spoken in public. Parliament recently legislated a countrywide ban on wearing the burqa in public. And listen to a prominent Dutch establishment figure describe the new Dutch Way with immigrants. "We demand a new social contract," says Jan Wolter Wabeke, High Court Judge in The Hague. "We no longer accept that people don't learn our language, we require that they send their daughters to school, and we demand they stop bringing in young brides from the desert and locking them up in third-floor apartments."

This is just the start of a new way to manage the movement of people from one part of the world to another. America will eventually manage homeland security better. Our future will depend upon being able to create a living environment where people feel safe to create and be productive.

Taliban at Yale

2006-02-27T03:47:00.000-08:00

This is a news flash from Washington. A former spokesman for the Taliban, Rahmatullah Hashemi, has enrolled as a student at America's prestigious Yale University where he has taken a class on terrorism, a US magazine reported. The ex Taliban spin doctor and "roving ambassador", who has spent time in the presence of Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, is now a Yale "freshman" improving his English through a special nondegree program.

The next time you think about your son or grandson being denied a seat at a college somewhere, think about the Taliban studying at Yale. Only in America.

Medical Records Online

2006-02-27T03:29:00.000-08:00

Medical records will be online soon. This may be a good idea for many reasons. However, hackers will love getting the latest news about everyone's health problems and medication. In addition, I wonder if people will deny those on medication or being treated for illness a job. The future is uncertain on this. The following observation is quite in interesting.

"We have to worry about the hackers of the world," said Pati Trites, chief executive officer of Augusta, Mich.-based Compliance Resources. "There have already been some breaches in the pharmacy system."

Her company monitors hospitals, doctors offices and other medical professionals to see whether they are in compliance with HIPPA laws. Trites said during a recent survey, only 55 percent of health care providers and 72 percent of insurance companies were in compliance with the federal privacy protection laws.

"We have to work on enforcement of tight security," she said. "The law is a year old. They're basically saying we're not compliant with the law." Trites said she's worried that once all medical records go online, patients could be exposed to some severe ramifications if those records become public. "You could have job loss, insurance denials, increasing rates and publicity," she said.

There will be more to come on this I am sure.

More Port News

2006-02-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

This is another news flash from Washington. "A United Arab Emirates government-owned company is poised to take over port terminal operations in 21 American ports, far more than the six widely reported. The Bush administration has approved the takeover of British-owned Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. to DP World, a deal set to go forward March 2 unless Congress intervenes. P&O is the parent company of P&O Ports North America, which leases terminals for the import and export and loading and unloading and security of cargo in 21 ports, 11 on the East Coast, ranging from Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida, and 10 on the Gulf Coast, from Gulfport, Miss., to Corpus Christi, Texas, according to the company's Web site."

And, now we are hearing that no one really knew about this deal until it became final. What is going on here. More to come I am sure.

Port Management

2006-02-24T02:48:00.000-08:00

The entire port management deal has been handled poorly by The Bush Administration. Good golly, it sure seems that Bush and his administration should have known that anything this sensitive would cause people to wonder who is in charge.

"Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff was not aware a Dubai-owned company was seeking to operate terminals in six U.S. ports and that his agency was leading the review until after the deal's approval, an administration official said yesterday. "

My goodness, if I ran my organization like this, I would have been replaced quickly. Hopefully, Bush and his administration will get better at managing port security.

Rushed

2006-02-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Are we too busy to be productive. I say yes. It seems that I am not alone in wondering about multi-tasking and the idea of doing a lot of things at once. The following is interesting.

"Technology has sped everything up and, by speeding everything up, it's slowed everything down, paradoxically," said John Challenger, chief executive of Chicago-based outplacement consultants Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. We never concentrate on one task anymore. You take a little chip out of it, and then you're on to the next thing," Challenger said on Wednesday. "It's harder to feel like you're accomplishing something."

Hecklers

2006-02-22T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hecklers are at it again. This is a news flash. "Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia grew tired of a persistent heckler Tuesday and asked organizers of a legal seminar to do something about the outbursts, gently."

It seems anytime a conservative wants to talk, there is a liberal heckler out there somewhere. This appears to be a liberal strategy of shouting down conservatives. Unfortunately, liberals are not liberal when it comes to free speech. Hopefully, liberals will realize someday that polite discourse is better than trying silence conservatives by shouting them down.

Political Correctness

2006-02-22T04:49:00.000-08:00

South Korea

2006-02-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

This is a news flash from South Korea. "Nearly half of South Korean youths who will be old enough to vote in the country's next elections say Seoul should side with North Korea if the United States attacks the communist nation, according to a poll released Wednesday." The report went on to say, "At the same time, 40.7 percent of the 1,000 young people surveyed said Seoul should remain neutral in the event of hostilities between Washington and Pyongyang, according to the poll by The Korea Times and Hankook Ilbo dailies. Only 11.6 percent said the South should back its longtime U.S. ally."

This is an odd time in South Korea. It appears that our efforts to save South Korea from Communist North Korea has failed. Maybe it is time we withdraw our 30,000 troops and stop trying to protect South Korea. We could use our troops for homeland security.

Israel

2006-02-21T05:03:00.000-08:00

America has taken sides in the Middle East. This may not have been wise. On the other hand, provoking Israel and America is not in the best interest of Middle East or Iran. For some reason, radical self-defeating ideas have trumped rational thought in the Middle East. Peace will come when radical governments want peace. The Middle East and Iran can be peaceful tomorrow, if they want peace.

World Council of Churches

2006-02-21T02:41:00.000-08:00

The World Council of Churches (WCC) was founded after WWII to promote world peace and encourage a united and respectful Christian voice to the ecumenical movement. I applaud this endeavor. And, the idea of a world wide movement to promote peace and provided a forum for theological discussions is a wonderful goal.

The 1948 inaugural assembly declared: "The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches which accept our Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour". "A fellowship of churches which confess the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scriptures, and therefore seek to fulfill together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit."

However, the WCC got distracted. Soon this formulation gave rise to questions, and requests for a clearer definition of the Christ-centered focus of the churches' common calling, a more explicit expression of the Trinitarian faith and a specific reference to the holy scriptures.

There has been controversy within the WCC about its programs and actions. "Orthodox and Evangelical member churches have sought to make clear the nature of their involvement and limits on the authority of the WCC to speak on their behalf. Many churches have opted to stay out of the WCC, accusing it of being dominated by liberals and (or) leftists."

Furthermore, it appears that there is an anti-American pro-socialist attitude among the WCC leadership. The following is an important document and observation from an evangelical organization concerned with the direction of the WCC.

Dr. Philip Potter, WCC General Secretary, quoted from a 1969 WCC Central Committee directive as follows: "We call upon the churches to move beyond charity, grants and traditional programming to relevant and sacrificial action leading to new relationships of dignity and justice among all men and to become THE AGENTS FOR THE RADICAL RECONSTRUCTION OF SOCIETY. In the developed countries it means changes in the production structure and employment policies which will ONLY BE POSSIBLE THROUGH A CERTAIN 'SOCIALIZATION' of decisions that have so far been taken autonomously on the basis of interests of the private sector."

Based on the aforementioned, there appears to be a disconnect between the American style free enterprise community and a WCC idea of world wide socialism. The WCC needs to revisit this philosophy. The American business community is a strong and vibrant source of world-wide prosperity.

At the most recent WCC meeting of church leaders, the following statement makes me wonder. "An emerging theme as we visit our partners around the world is the growing sense that we're being seen as a dangerous nation," said the Rev. John Thomas, general minister and president of the United Church of Christ. He said this is "not just due to the violence of the war but the unchecked destruction of the environment and our wealth in the face of the earth's poverty."

It appears that the WCC feels that America is a dangerous nations. Let me see if I have this right. We come to the aid of every country when natural disasters hit. We provide more government and non-government aid to the world than any other country. We save the world from itself every time a ruthless dictator or potentate threatens world peace. We sacrificed thousands of soldiers on Pacific and European soil to help others be free of tyranny. And now, we are called dangerous by the WCC. The leadership at the WCC needs to just imagine what the world would look like if the most charitable, gracious, and freedom loving country on earth never existed. God bless America.

Joe Lieberman

2006-02-20T02:26:00.000-08:00

I support Joe Lieberman's approach to political discourse in America. He is an honorable man and is a model for others to follow. He is known as a Democrat who works across party lines to find common ground, who speaks his conscience, and who gets things done for his constituents and his country. That reputation is based on a diverse and distinguished record.

Lieberman is a respected leader on strengthening and modernizing our nation's defenses, a prominent voice on foreign policy issues, and a champion of international human rights. Lieberman is an advocate for investing in our public schools, improving healthcare, safeguarding our environment, and making our government more effective, responsible and accountable to voters. Lieberman is dedicated to strengthening America's families and renewing our common values.

May the Lord always be with the Joe Lieberman's of the world.

Free Trade

2006-02-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

Free trade is killing us. In Washington, Republicans and Democrats are not managing our economy. Our low and semi-skilled jobs are going to newly arrived workers. Our skilled manufacturing jobs are being outsourced to low wage countries. Something must be done quickly, or our economy will suffer the impact of a downturn. Individual debt is getting worse and the national debt is out of control. Hopefully, Washington will wake up and see that government policy must be used to control immigration. And, something must be done to encourage businesses to create job in America through taxing policy.

Jim Wallis: Sojourners Magazine Editor

2006-02-19T04:13:00.000-08:00

I read Jim Wallis and Sojourners Magazine regularly and I like his writing style. I agree with him sometimes and then I disagree with him sometimes. Jim Wallis is a brilliant writer and speaker. I appreciate his contributions to the debate about the role of Christianity in America.It is important to read about Jim Wallis and his past to really understand his writing. Even though he has some good ideas and I believe he is sincere about his Christianity, his view of the world looks too much like socialism disguised as liberal Christianity. With this in mind, the following history will be helpful in understanding Jim Wallis.

"Wallis, founder of the Washington-based Sojourners community, stated that America should have apologized to Iran for taking American hostages. America, says Wallis, is partly responsible for the Soviet attack on Korean Flight 007, and responsible as well for seducing the Vietnamese boat people with an addiction to Western consumerism. In his own publication Wallis wrote: "Many of today's [Vietnamese] refugees were inoculated with a taste for a Western lifestyle during the war and are fleeing to support their consumer habit in other lands" (Sojourners, September 1979)."

"Such a statement is staggering. With the exception of George Marchais, leader of the French Communist Party, no one in the West besides Jim Wallis went on record in defense of the Communists and in criticism of the boat people. Even the Italian Communist Party had the strength of mind to denounce the genocidal butchery of the North Vietnamese and later the Khmer Rouge. As Lloyd Billingsley points out in the final essay in this book, these "evangelical" purveyors of guilt are caught in a logical inconsistency: On the one hand, they say poverty is abominable, and God's wrath is called down on us for allowing it.... On the other hand, radical Christians lead us to believe that poverty is the only acceptable lifestyle for Christians and hence desirable. One cannot have it both ways."

"A hyperactive guilt reflex seems to be the motivating force behind their reasoning, not true Christian compassion. The lecture circuit is packed; the evangelical periodicals are loaded, with the purveyors of guilt. It is one thing to have wild-eyed doomsayers within the fold; it is another thing to make them our leaders. Unfortunately the drift of the evangelical leadership toward socialism, or at least pop-New Age leftism, is not solely the preserve of a few isolated individuals such as Jim Wallis."

I pray Jim Wallis will eventually become a moderate Christian voice for positive change in America. As of now, he has blended his liberal politics and liberal Christianity into a message that sounds like the ramblings of Fidel Castro. Hopefully, he will see the light and turn to Jesus just like in the old Hank Williams song "I Saw the Light". These words could have real meaning for Jim Wallis.

I wandered so aimless life filed with sin
I wouldnÂt let my dear saviour in
Then jesus came like a stranger in the night
Praise the lord I saw the light.

I saw the light I saw the light
no more darkness no more night
Now IÂm so happy no sorrow in sight
Praise the lord I saw the light.

Just like a blind man I wandered along
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the lord I saw the light.

I was a fool to wander and astray
Straight is the gate and narrow the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the lord I saw the light.

Who is Jim Wallis?

2006-02-18T03:38:00.000-08:00

Is Jim Wallis the moderate voice of the evangelical community. Or, is he much more than this. Last year, I watched Jim Wallis on a TV interview with Jerry Falwell. Since I am a moderate, I enjoy hearing both sides of an argument. Rev. Jerry Falwell asked Rev. Jim Wallis about his church. Rev. Jerry Falwell asked Jim a question that went something like this, "Where is you church. Give me the address, because I would like to visit your church this Sunday." Jim hesitated and said something like, "It's a small store front church in Washington DC. but I don't think it is open any longer." This started me thinking about the Jim Wallis. And, I wondered how a minister of a church would not know the address of his church and if it was still open.

I found the following about Jim Wallis.
1. Activist preacher and editor of the leftwing Christian magazine Sojourners
2. Democratic Party operative who claims that God is "neither a Republican nor a Democrat"
3. Apologist for communist atrocities in Cambodia and Vietnam
4. Dedicated foe of capitalism
5. Contends that Biblical scripture calls for large central government to aid the poor

This being said, I like the ideas that Jim Wallis presents, especially the idea that we need a moderate voice in America. But, Jim Wallis mixes his political advocacy with his liberal view of Christianity to arrive at a cause that appears to look like Cuba Lite. I am not quite sure that most people who listen to Jim Wallis or buy his books, understand that he is really advocating a form of Socialism, not a moderate view of Christianity. We need a more moderate religious voice in America. However, I don't think Jim Wallis is that moderate voice.

American Ports

2006-02-17T04:52:00.000-08:00

News flash hot off the wire. "The Bush administration on Thursday rebuffed criticism about potential security risks of a $6.8 billion sale that gives a company in the United Arab Emirates control over significant operations at six major American ports. Lawmakers asked the White House to reconsider its earlier approval of the deal. The sale to state-owned Dubai Ports World was "rigorously reviewed" by a U.S. committee that considers security threats when foreign companies seek to buy or invest in American industry, National Security Council spokesman Frederick Jones said."

The Bush Administration must be asleep at the wheel. It baffles the mind to try to understand why anyone would want to sale American sea ports to another country. And, if the foreign country buying the sea ports is in the Middle East, one might ask: "Is anyone awake in Washington." Good golly, I am not an expert in foreign affairs or international commerce, but I do have some common sense. The way I see it, common sense is in short supply right now. When it comes to selling our sea ports to United Arab Emirates, someone in the Bush Administration needs a dose of reality. And, why was this entire sale done under the radar? Was the Bush Administration afraid that people would criticize this sale? You bet.

Let me see if I have this right. Our soldiers are fighting for their lives in the Middle East. And back home, Bush is selling our sea ports to a Middle Eastern country. This is an odd development and makes one question decision making in Washington. In addition, when it comes to the war on terror, the United Arab Emirates has a questionable record. Washington can do a better job.

Jim Wallis and the Evangelical Movement

2006-02-16T19:03:00.000-08:00

Jim Wallis at Sojouners Magazine passes himself off as an Evangelical Christian minister. Evangelicals believe the following according to commentators and historians.

1.Emphasis on Conversion experience, also called being saved, or New Birth or Born again.

2. Protestant Biblical Canon title Bible as the primary, or only, source of religious authority, as God's revelation to humanity. Bible prophecy especially as interpreted according to Dispensationalism.

3.Encouragement of evangelism (the act of sharing one's beliefs) -- in organized missionary work or by personal encounters and relationships with others.

4. A central focus on Christ's redeeming work on the cross as the only means for salvation and the forgiveness sins.

I doubt that Jim Wallis believes the aforementioned. Generally speaking, Evangelical Christians are different than liberal Christians. He writes and talks like a liberal theologian and he is a minister with the ultra-liberal United Church of Christ. Furthermore, Sojourners magazine, run by Jim Wallis, is a liberal Christian publication. And, Reverend Jim Wallis has written several articles that would imply that he is a liberal theologian. Jim Wallis has been interviewed on programs where he continues to preach a liberal message.

What is liberal theology? The answer may be varied. However, most liberal theologians do not maintain that the Bible as central to understanding God's purpose in life. And, individual spirituality trumps traditional ideas about salvation, God, and Jesus Christ. In addition, they assert that God changes alongside creation. For more on this idea, see Process Theology and Alfred North Whitehead.

Jim Wallis writes and talks like a liberal theologian and he is a minister with the ultra-liberal United Church of Christ. "At the rally at Central Presbyterian, the Rev. Jim Wallis of the United Church of Christ, who wrote the book God's Politics and is editor of the Sojourners Christian-ministry magazine, urged like-minded congregations to wake up to what he called a Republican-led religious war intended to usher in a theocracy."

I question this logic. Plus, he gives the impression that he is indeed a liberal theologian. Therefore, I wonder why Jim Wallis is so intent on calling himself an Evangelical. Maybe it has something to do with politics. Maybe Jim Wallis wants to level criticisms at the Bush administration from his, so called, Evangelical world view.

In conclusion, Jim Wallis has every right to be a liberal theologian. And, I embrace several liberal theological views. However, I wish Jim Wallis would be intellectually honest and just proclaim his liberal theology and stop proclaiming that he is an Evangelical.

United Church of Christ by T.L. Stanley

2006-02-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a good model for including different Christian ideas about the world into a community of believers. However, the United Church of Christ and its liberal political activism may have a negative impact on Christian believers. I am a member of the United Church of Christ and a theological and political moderate. This is a difficult faith journey within UCC. Because, UCC's leadership is ultra liberal in their world view. Plus, several advocates of a ultra liberal world view are active at UCC as ministers and supporters. They include, Barry Lynn of the Separation of Church and State, Jim Wallis at Sojouners Magazine, and Howard Dean from the Democratic Party.

Even though I appreciate the importance of advocacy, I find it hard to understand why UCC finds it necessary to viciously attack the religious right in their publications and through advocates. At UCC, we should be supporting a more inclusive discussion about the ideas of the day. Hopefully, UCC will get better at accommodating different ideas about what it means to be a Christian. Because, promoting a more fulfilling relationship with Jesus Christ should be our mission, not political orations. Praise the Lord.

Teaching Marxism

2006-02-15T02:44:00.000-08:00

David Horowitz wrote a new book exposing anti-American and Marxist professors teaching at American colleges. Several professors have attacked Horowitz for this book. Furthermore, most of the academic community have been highly critical of Horowitz over the last few years. Because, he has been writing about professors teaching anti-American and Marxist ideas in all disciplines.

John Vandermeer, Margaret Davis Collegiate Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology , University of Michigan sent Horowitz this blog. While I think this professor is trying to be somewhat humorous, he also appears dead serious about teaching Marxism. I find it inappropriate for a professor at a public school to teach anti-American and Marxist ideas. I will argue that free speech is an American right, but if professors want to teach Marxist ideas they need to start their own private colleges in America and seek private funding just like other private colleges. The following quote is from Vanermeer.

Dear Mr. Horowitz:

I regularly teach a course entitled "biology and human affairs," and have been teaching this course for almost 30 years. It is a course that treats not only biology but the effects that various subjects in biology have on the human condition. Thus I present material related to genetics and race, the biology of race and gender and how that is relevant to affirmative action, questions of global warming and the Bush administration's foolish attempt to confuse the issue in the public's mind, questions of global hunger and European imperialism (including U.S. imperialism). In short, I cover all the material that would be undoubtedly offensive to the right wing of the country. Indeed, it has been rumored in the past that the course is informally known as "commie bio" amongst the general student body. How could that not be considered dangerous from your point of view. Every year I present this material to about 200 students. Why does this not qualify me for your list?

During the Reagan years, when the CIA was engaged in its illegal war against Nicaragua, I went to Nicaragua and taught agronomy students biology, attempting to help the struggling Sandinista government, and I have been vociferous in defense of Cuba's right to exist and its impressive agricultural system, which I have seen first hand on several visits to that country. I also give talks around town about the Cuban agricultural system and its vibrant democracy, which I contrast with the moribund democratic system (at least that of which remains) of the United States. I do hope you will reconsider and add my name to your list. Thank you for consideration of my request.

Can you imagine the outrage if a professor at the Univeristy of Michigan taught a science class that included the following content: pro-American military, pro-Christianity, pro-American history, pro-capitalism. Needless to say, a professor that taught in this manner would probably be quickly disciplined. In conclusion, in my opinion, there is no room on the American college campus for a Marxist professor.

When in Rome

2006-02-14T18:13:00.000-08:00

Muslim are outraged at insults launched against their faith by Western Civilization. We must be careful to respect other faiths.

Five centuries ago, Christians would have responded to insults as Muslims do today. However, given our pathetic protests of Hollywood sacrileges such as "The Last Temptation of Christ," one could argue that American Christians are quite tolerant and do not get upset at much anymore.

Like Catholics and Protestants in the 16th century, Muslims do not believe all religions are equal. They do not believe freedom of speech and the press should protect those who blaspheme their God or prophet.

We should curb our tongues when it comes to criticism of Muslims and their faith. This being said, free speech is an essential element of who we are as a people. And, people world-wide should be aware that they must learn to tolerate criticism if they want to come to America. Because, Americans enjoy a democracy where free speech is not only allowed but encouraged. When in Rome, do as the Romans.

Determined Advocates or Moderation

2006-02-14T04:02:00.000-08:00

I read liberal blogs and conservative blogs. It seems that most are really polarized. I post on these sites from time to time. I have found many liberal posts and conservative posts quite well written and full of good links. They make good arguments from a Liberal Democratic Party or from a conservative perspective. So, when I am struggling with my blog and need motivation to write a more balanced and moderate post about the issues of the day, I read these blogs. I agree with liberals sometimes and then I agree with conservatives sometimes.

I try to be a Moderate. This is a hard journey. Being an determined advocate is different than being a moderate. Using moderation and creating an environment of cooperation is a challenge. I am not quite sure our current liberal verses conservative battle is healthy. The destructive nature of personal attacks seem too poisonous most of the time. Democratic Senator Joe Leiberman is a moderate in many ways and has a good idea what it means to be objective. In conclusion, a more moderate and reasoned approach may be a better way to resolve our differences.

Al Gore and Diplomacy

2006-02-13T03:44:00.000-08:00

According to news reports today, Al Gore and others were at a conference in the Middle East and decided to criticize the Bush Administration on a number of issues. I find it odd that American leaders would go overseas and attack American policy in way that may put our troops in further danger. In many parts of the world today, emotions run high. And, careless words can stir people to the point of more violence. Therefore, it would be wise for American leaders to restrain themselves when discussing foreign policy while in the Middle East.

The following is noteworthy. "Former Vice President Al Gore told a mainly Saudi audience on Sunday that the U.S. government committed "terrible abuses" against Arabs after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, and that most Americans did not support such treatment. Gore said Arabs had been "indiscriminately rounded up" and held in "unforgivable" conditions. The former vice president said the Bush administration was playing into al-Qaida's hands by routinely blocking Saudi visa applications."

Michelle Kwan by T.L. Stanley

2006-02-13T02:58:00.000-08:00

Michelle Kwan
Thank You Michelle Kwan For Being So Graceful. Michelle Kwan has bowed out of the Olympics. I believe it was a graceful bow she took. Bravo and a standing ovation to you Michelle! You are loved! You are a class act! I borrowed the aforementioned from Paul at prying1. Michelle is really a joy to watch. I will miss her on the ice.

Blogs and Posts
When it comes to blogs and posts, there are a lot of good people in the blogosphere. On the other hand, there are some real rude people. I borrowed the following from The Truth. There are quite a few uneducated fanatics out there. Several attempted to post unsubstantiated, irrational posts including bad language.
I have no problem with a debate based on facts, or even a few opinions and beliefs, but what some in the general public do is:
1. Use humor to discredit facts and The Truth
2. Use "known" (actually unknown and unproven) facts to rebuff an assertion
3. Threaten or bluster
4. Discredit all facts with conspiracy theories
5. When confronted with irrefutable facts, duck with statements like, "a complete fabrication".
I welcome debate, but try to support your objection(s) with a few facts please.

Micro Chips in People
This most recent development in tracking employees is disturbing. "An Ohio company has embedded silicon chips in two of its employees - the first known case in which US workers have been tagged electronically as a way of identifying them. CityWatcher.com, a private video surveillance company, said it was testing the technology as way of controlling access to a room where it holds security video footage for government agencies and the police. There are very serious privacy and civil liberty issues of having people permanently numbered, said Liz McIntyre, who campaigns against the use of identification technology."

Civil Discourse by T.L. Stanley

2006-02-12T04:06:00.000-08:00

Not long ago, I was eating at a fast food restaurant and saw a young man from a nearby liberal arts college wearing a shirt with a statement on it that screamed out, "I'm ruder than you". He ate a burrito and at the same time cussed, belched, spit his food out, and yelled at others. The first thought that raced across my mind was, "What are they teaching at that liberal arts college?"

It seems that being rude is more commonplace now. This is especially true in discussing the issues of the day. I read one of those outrageous blogs recently. In the blogosphere, there are all types of blogs. There are conservatives blogs, liberal blogs, polite blogs with cats, evil blogs with demons, and even hate filled blogs with all sorts of profanity and insults. You can find just about anything in the blogosphere. In blogs, anything and everything is posted. Unfortunately, blogs can be downright uncivil.

Many of us think that we are not doing a great job of keeping our conversations civil in America today. In TV talk shows, opponents out-shout each other. At sporting events, fans fight with each other and players go into the crowds to strike back at fans. Automobile drivers shout at each other with the most vile language possible. And, politicians insult each other in a way that makes you wonder how in the world could the people in Washington manage anything. Howard Dean said recently, "I hate Republicans and everything they stand for." Conservative talk radio host Michael Savage stated recently, "The U.S. is being taken over by the freaks, the cripples, the perverts and the mental defectives" Dean and Savage are scandalous and have no shame.

Even though in America we have the right to free speech, I prefer a more civil discourse. Reasonable people can agree to disagree. Also, one can disagree without being disagreeable. One of the most important educational, political, and social issues of the day is how best to have a civil conversation in a democratic society. Our past, present, and future depend on this essential process: citizens gather, listen to each other, debate, make up their minds, and determine a course of action.

America's bold experiment to support a deliberative democracy in which all citizens can discuss and debate the issues of the day is a model of tolerance. History is full of failed experiments with forming societies. Communism, European style Socialism, and Dictatorships of all types have come and gone. But, America continues on with the knowledge that ideas and opinions can be presented with an understanding that it is okay to question contemporary happenings.

It appears that civil discourse and an orderly society based on democratic ideals go hand-in-hand. Harvard professor Samuel Huntington noted that "order" is the most important characteristic of states. Order is threatened when the level of mobilization exceeds the level of institutionalization within a society. Huntington was concerned that, as a result of economic development, political mobilization will increase faster than the appropriate institutions can arise, thus leading to instability. As a solution he advocates a stronger emphasis on institution building and most importantly the establishment of stable party systems.

He was highly skeptical of political mobilization and protests. This made him the target of heated criticism by student activists at the time his highly regarded book was published in 1968. Political Order is widely considered one of the classical works in post-war political science and is still required readings for many graduate students in political science in the U.S.

"Order" and civil discourse is essential in a participative democracy. This means that freedom loving people will listen as well as speak, respect different and even conflicting points of view, speak with restraint, cite evidence, and maintain a genuine openness.

A civil conversation can be defined by the very best principles that guide our participative democracy. Analyzing a situation (critical thinking) and then conveying our thoughts (communication) in a forum that encourages new ideas and different ways of looking at issues. These skills are necessary for responsible citizens in a participative democracy.

Critical thinking and communications are closely linked to basic social values that we also equate to good citizenship. Through civil conversation, we translate our highest values into everyday living. In a democracy, civil discourse is a life skill. A community of respectful and intelligent citizens will promote civil discourse. Because, civil discourse is essential for political, economic, and cultural progress.

Today, American society is highly diverse. Therefore, we must promote an environment of openness where the issues of the day can be discussed rationally. Civil discourse reinforces the values and traditions we hold dear in our multi-cultural and politically independent America.

America is a wonder. It's a place where countless thousand have died for democratic freedoms. It's a place where millions have traveled countless miles to call home. It's a place where even the poor are better off than most people in the world. It's a place where one is only limited by the creative energy one is willing to expend. The opportunity for educational, economic, and social progress is unlimited in America. In America, civil discourse allows us the opportunity to express our overwhelming desire to be free. May we always be civil in our discourse.

Supreme Court by T.L. Stanley

2006-02-10T20:35:00.000-08:00

We have a new Supreme Court. The people have spoken. Roberts and Alito have probably tilted the court to be less liberal. The court will be more mainstream now. However, for those that expect the Supreme Court to be a bastion conservative thought will be disappointed. Conservatives seem to believe that the Supreme Court will now return American justice to a 1950's mind-set. This court will not become a citadel against the changing times. More than likely, the Supreme Court will now move to the middle.

What will this mean? Well, it appears that middle American ideas about justice will be taken into consideration. And, conservatives will now have a voice, which will be reflected in court ruling. This being said, it appears that this voice will not be an overwhelming endorsement of a conservative agenda. And, one can still make a good argument that the Supreme Court as an institutions is too powerful.

From another perspective, I can understand why liberal Democrats do not want conservatives on the Supreme Court. Conservatives have a different world-view than liberals. Even though liberal Democrats have some good ideas, the liberal leanings of the Supreme Court over the last 20 years have extended the government's power over Americans. This trend has impacted the personal lives of many. And, workplace regulations have made it difficult for businesses to compete.

The Supreme Court has ruled in ways that appear to be more socialist oriented. This socialist orientation takes many forms. But in general, it can be translated into more government control. The following are good examples of recent Supreme Court judgments that are imposing more government control and practicing social engineering.

First, a Supreme Court judgment that Affirmative Action is not discriminatory against white males seem to defies logic. Affirmative Action blatantly discriminates against white males. And, anyone who argues that Affirmative Action is good for White Males is in need psychotherapy. An argument can be made for equal access to employment and educational opportunities. But, Affirmative Action is a goal and quota system that allows the government and the courts to select the racial makeup of educational institutions and the workplace. This is discrimination. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that this is not discrimination. Anyone with commonsense knows that this rationale is bordering on absurd.

Second, the Supreme Court's judgment that allows the government to take personal property through eminent domain and give said property to a developer to build a shopping mall is just plain outrageous. Third, the Supreme Court ruled that a nativity scene on government property was illegal. Fourth, the Supreme Court ruled that prayer at a school graduation is also illegal. The aforementioned rulings lack commonsense. So, one must question the logic of the court.

Over the last several years, the Supreme Court Justice confirmation process has become bizarre. I am still amazed at how senators could so easily confirm Ruth Bader Ginsburg, an ACLU attorney and one of the most liberal justices in the history of the Supreme Court, a few years ago. Then recently, the senators treated Roberts and Alito like criminals at a parole hearing. Because, they both have a conservative judicial philosophy. The United States Senate should have more dignity and honest debate about issues.

A clear thinking American with a good understanding of American history could make a sound argument that the Supreme Court has become too powerful. In a participative government based on democratic freedoms, it seems quite odd that the Supreme Court could overrule the desire of the voting public in matters of great concern. Elected officials should be making laws, not the Supreme Court. Also, a good argument could be made for term limits on Supreme Court justices.

Plus, I would suggest that we explore creating a recall process for Supreme Court Justices similar to California's State Supreme Court recall process. In California, three Supreme Court Justices were recalled in 1987, because they grew out-of-touch with the people of California. The recall of State Supreme Court justices Rose Bird, Cruz Reynoso, and Joseph Grodin changed law, politics, and the judiciary in California. The same process could be established at the national level that could apply to the United States Supreme Court.

I know there are pros and cons about term limits and a recall process. However, these two issues should be open for debate. Because, the Supreme Court has now reserved for itself too much power. It is not healthy to allow a few people, who are not accountable to anyone, to make laws that have a profound impact on the society as a whole. Our courts and government should be responsive to the concerns of Americans. This is what a participative democracy is all about.

Moderate Thinking by T.L.Stanley

2006-02-09T03:31:00.000-08:00

Moderates are a rare bred. For some reason, the political climate has deteriorated into a liberal verses conservative mind-set. This development makes rational discussions difficult. Because, the key to objective thought is being able to balance the pros and cons of any idea. A good social scientist or social commentator will look at the world with an open mind. In the same manner, a moderate will realize the wisdom in the old axiom, "There's two sides to every story".

Today, it seems that being a moderate is a dangerous place to be politically. Generally, most Democrats are liberal thinkers. And, most Republicans are conservative thinkers. Democratic Party mainstay, Senator Joe Lieberman, has been supportive of President Bush in many areas. However, Senator Joe Lieberman disagrees with Bush in other areas. Being a moderate is being able to think critically and not go down the path to "group think." Today, it seems that Republicans and Democrats are determined to stay polarized based on their world view. I agree with some Republican ideas and some Democrat ideas. However, most leaders today have drawn a line in the sand and either vote strictly Republican or strictly Democrat.

On the left, Joe Lieberman and his moderate ideas are not playing well. The left has called him a "lapdog". Grassroots Democrats, the liberal base, are furious about the fact that their senator is supporting Bush administration policies. On the other hand, the conservative are in a difficult situation in the Iraqi War. They are trying to balance their support for Bush and a concern that a long drawn out Vietnam type war will damage the conservatives and the Republican Party. Even though the Democrats need to articulate their arguments regarding the Iraqi War better, the Republicans need to realize that a long term commitment Iraqi is a real concern for most Americans. Conservatives and liberals are on the blogosphere. I admire anyone who has a successful blog. And, it is good to have an opinion about something as opposed to being brain dead. Regardless, the political polarization of thought in America is quite distinct. In some ways it may be good, because ideas about the world are advance.

Respectful Funerals And Politics by T.L. Stanley

2006-02-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

Coretta Scott King passed away and at her funeral, President Bush eulogized Coretta Scott King as a woman who fought through grief to help make America "whole." At her funeral, the president said, "the nation got to know King in "all the seasons" -- from the young widow of Martin Luther King to the visionary leader who carried on his work." He went on to say: "There was grace and beauty in every season." Bush led mourners at the church near Atlanta where the service took place. He was joined by three former presidents -- his father, President Clinton and President Carter.

Bush said, "When King's husband was murdered, she somehow found the courage to carry on." He continued, "Her dignity was a daily rebuke to the pettiness and cruelty of segregation. Rarely, has so much been asked of a pastor's wife. But she went on to secure her husband's legacy -- and build her own."

President Bush was respectful and gave King the highest praises. However, when it was time for others to praise King, some felt compelled to strike out at Bush and his policies. It was inappropriate for those that dislike President Bush to use a funeral to score political points.

Ronald Reagan passed away in 2004. At his funeral, Republican leaders could have used this opportunity to suggest that the Democrats were misguided in their political agenda. However, the Republicans showed that a funeral was not a place to score political points. They spoke of Ronald Reagan's contributions to America.

The Democrats could have been criticized by Republicans at Reagan's funeral in 2004 for their proposals. The following are a few ideas that Democrats were advancing in 2004: (1). Terry McAuliffe and Howard Dean-Universal health care; Repeal tax cut for everyone; Tax Social Security more. (2). Al Sharpton-Federal takeover of public schools; Make Washington DC the 51st. state. (3). Carol Moseley Braun-rescind National testing for students. (4). Dennis Kucinch-Replace all private insurance plans with a universal public health care plan.

I can understand why Democrats dislike President Bush. His policies differ greatly from a contemporary Democratic Party world view. The war in Iraq and the conservative ideas of the Bush Administration have hardened Democrats against President Bush in a way that seems too poisonous sometimes. One can disagree with another politically and still display a certain amount of civility.

The Democrats on the left and the Republicans on the right have been pounding each other for a long time. Even though I agree more with Republicans than Democrats on many issues, I am a proponent of centrist ideas. Joe Lieberman has been an advocate of a more centrist approach to government leadership. In supporting the Democratic Leadership Council, he stated, "The Democratic Leadership Council is an idea center, catalyst, and national voice for a reform movement that is reshaping American politics by moving it beyond the old left-right debate. The DLC seeks to define and galvanize popular support for a new public philosophy built on progressive ideals, mainstream values, and innovative, non bureaucratic, market-based solutions. At its heart are three principles: promoting opportunity for all; demanding responsibility from everyone; and fostering a new sense of community."

A more centrist approach to public policy debates would be helpful in diffusing the left verses right conflict. America needs to allow all voices to be heard. However, a funeral is not the ideal forum to have this debate. I hope in the future, the Democrats will use commonsense and a certain amount of respect when attending a funeral.

I have attended funerals where people wanted to say things that have been boiling inside for a long time. However, these hurtful words are left unsaid, because a respectful funeral is more important than getting even or hurting another person. I hope the Democrats can leave their egos at the door of the next funeral and focus on showing respect. Because, a person who has gone on to Gloryland deserves respect not political orations.

We need to move to higher ground. This reminds of the old gospel "High Ground". I love that old song. I can still hear our old country church singing, "I'm pressing on the upward way, New heights I'm gaining every day, Still praying as I onward bound, Lord plant my feet on higher ground." Amen and Amen .

President Bush

2006-02-07T02:04:00.000-08:00

The unlawful activities of the Bush administration in the most recent spying case is disturbing. However, Bush critics gloss over President Clinton's illegal activities. The following statement from a liberal blog is typical.

"Similarly, I've also lost count of how many GOP senators have insisted that Clinton did the same thing Bush has done. It's seems to be a particular favorite of Orrin Hatch. Of course the truth is, the surveillance the Republicans keep referring to was done before FISA was changed to cover physical searches in 1995. Clinton supported the change, signed the updated law, and followed it. Clearly, Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee know all of this and realize why the comparison doesn't make any sense. Why do they pretend otherwise? I have to assume because they don't care."

If I remember right, the Clinton administration was involved in all sorts of illegal activities such as illegally using FBI files to silence his critics. The list of questionable illegal activities by Clinton is a long one. The following is just a sampling of Clinton's many illegal adventures.

ALEXANDER et al. v. FBI, et. al.
Civil Action No. 96-2123. Judicial Watch is representing the plaintiffs in a class-action suit filed by White House employees of the Bush and Reagan administrations whose FBI files were wrongly accessed by the Clinton White House. The White House and FBI are being sued under the federal Privacy Act, while the individual defendants B Bernard Nussbaum, Craig Livingstone, Anthony Marceca and Hillary Clinton B are being sued for common-law tort of invasion of privacy.

While I disagree with the Bush administration on a lot of issues, is it really a good idea to use the Clinton administration as an example of how to be "Honest"? I think not. Being objective is difficult. But, clear thinkers and honest observers of current events will try real hard to see the truth. Needless to say, the truth is painful sometimes.

Male Bashing In College

2006-02-05T04:16:00.000-08:00

It was 1998, and I was excited about my new graduate school class in organizational studies. The female professor seemed to have a good grasp of the subject. I was the only man in a classroom full of women, but learning has always been more important than the makeup of the class. The lecture began, and the female professor started her rant about the glories of the Feminist movement and the horrors of sexual discrimination. I had heard comments by professors about this subject before. However, this was different. This was a highly organized two hour lecture about the evils of men. When it was over, a few women in class took tremendous pride in the professor's brilliant male bashing lecture.

Driving home, I thought about this experience. This lecture seemed odd and out of place. I wondered if a male professor would be able to get away with giving a two hour female bashing lecture directed at only one woman in class. I am sure the answer is "no".

I had been in management for many years and managed in a highly professional way. And, I had worked hard to purge all manner of sexual harassment from my workplace. I assumed that other professionals would do the same, especially professors.

Shameful as it is, male bashing is common and vicious at most colleges today. Unfortunately, boys in elementary and high school are also being harassed by teachers. Often, boys are treated as "Defective Girls" in school. Studies show that boys do not learn the same as girls. Boys need more hands-on activities. And, they need more time to release their male hormone generated energy in physical activities.

Since educators do not understand and appreciate boys, a negative learning environment has been created in schools. "By almost every benchmark, boys across the nation and in every demographic group are falling behind. In elementary school, boys are two times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with learning disabilities and twice as likely to be placed in special-education classes. High-school boys are losing ground to girls on standardized writing tests. The number of boys who said they didn't like school rose 71 percent between 1980 and 2001, according to a University of Michigan study."

Nowhere is the shift more evident than on college campuses. College life has become female dominated. Classrooms are full of professors that promote a Feminist philosophy. Sexual discrimination in the form of academic harassment is directed at males daily. Males are blamed for many of the world's historic and contemporary problems. This attitude is politically correct and is accepted as okay. College enrollments and graduation rates are being impacted. "Thirty years ago men represented 58 percent of the undergraduate student body. Now they're a minority at 44 percent. This widening achievement gap, says Margaret Spellings, U.S. secretary of Education, has profound implications for the economy, society, families and democracy."

Lou Jacquet, the editor of the highly successful publication Exponent states, "I think one of the reasons more women than men are choosing to pursue degrees these days has much to do with the fact that some males no longer feel welcome on the nation's campuses. In our quest for equal opportunity for the sexes, we have sometimes gone beyond equality to a place where males are consistently put down in lectures and discussions. In fact, this tendency to make males feel less than welcome all too often begins in grade school and continues right through high school, well before these students reach our universities."

Affirmative Action for males is a quiet movement at most colleges. At many colleges today, less that 35% of the entering freshmen are males. To make matters worse, males are entering an academic environment that is hostile to them. Liberalism, Political Correctness, Feminism, and Male Bashing have made life on campus difficult.

A well-rounded college education is essential. Because, a good college education stimulates intellectual inquiry, promotes a research based thought processes, and challenges students academically and socially. In addition, professional success and social mobility can be advanced through educational achievement.

Unfortunately, in today's educational environment, males will need to be prepared for a college experience that will attack their self-esteem. Since male bashing in college will not go away in the near future, parents of young college age men must provide affirmation and inspiration. In addition, parents should direct their son to a college that builds self esteem. A good parent will not force a son to fight this battle alone. So, parents should always stand firm right beside their son as he fights for his right to an education free of harassment.

Political Fund Raising

2006-02-03T04:21:00.000-08:00

"MISSOURI SENATE REPUBLICANS sent out an invitation to more than 100 Jefferson City lobbyists to attend a series of $1,000-a-plate breakfasts. Lobbyists would get to meet with committee chairmen to discuss the issues. The first breakfast would be with the Rules, Jt. Rules, Resolutions and Ethics Committee. There are three levels of donors: Platinum sponsors are $5,000, Gold Sponsors are $2,500, and Silver Sponsors are $1,000."

Is political fund raising ethical? I have pondered this for quite some time. It seems that buying political influence is as old as government formation. On the other hand, down deep I feel that influencing the actions of government by making contributions is somehow wrong. Therefore, I am torn about the entire idea of political fund raising.

When it comes to poltical lobbying, a contribution is given for anticipated special treatment. Then, special teatment is expected. A political contribution may seem unethical. Democrats usually get huge sums of contributions from labor unions. On the other hand, Republicans usually get generous contributions from business related advocates. This seems okay.

Ethical conduct will be questioned when interest groups out of the mainstream buy influence. For example, individuals and organizations that support the ACLU's activites contribute heavily to Democrats. And, individuals and organizations that support doing away with Social Security contribute heavily to Republicans. One could argue that this may border on the unethical.

For some reason, it seems that political fundraising is kind of like leaving a tip at a restuarant, except you leave a tip after the dinner is served. If the waitress gets your meal fast, the food is cooked to order, and the waitress makes you feel special, you give a good tip. You don't have to give the tip, but you give the tip because your needs have been met. The size of your tip will depend on services rendered and your financial ability to pay the tip. If you are rich, you will be able to leave a large tip. If you are not rich, your tip may be less. If you are poor, you may not be able to leave a tip at all.

In the everyday world, people pay for special treatment all the time. Tips or contributions can be in form of money, a special favor, a Christmas bonus, or other considerations. For speical services rendered or for anticipated future services, wise people will often "Grease someone's palm". A hair stylist, a barber, a waitress, an airport attendent, a bell hop, a gardner, and a house cleaner know all about tips and contributions for services rendered.

Good golly, I just had a thought about Senator Hillary Clinton or Senator Barbara Boxer being a waitress at my local Denny's restaurant. Oh my gosh, I get lightheaded when I think about Hillary Clinton or Barbara Boxer as a waitress, in a light green top, in an above the knee length black skirt, hair up, a pencil behind the ear, hurrying a pot of freshly brewed coffee to the tables, working the graveyard shift with an alluring smile. My goodness, this would be a sight.

Maybe they both should work in food service for awhile. Because, this would help them both get in touch with real people. I wonder which one would get the biggest tips at the end of the day. Regardless, I would tip them both just to see them rubbing elbows with us common folks.

The Universe and Howard J. Till

2006-02-02T02:06:00.000-08:00

Howard J. Van Till's ideas about the universe are indeed thoughtful. His quote from a 2001 lecture on this subject is highly informative. "There is, however, a third possibility to consider: that the requisite capabilities are indeed present, as the sciences presume, but their presence is not self-explanatory and can best be accounted for as the outcome of a Creator's purposeful conceptualization and lavish generosity in giving being to a universe robustly equipped for the actualization of new forms in the course of time."

Nonetheless, I still like the ideas presented by Professor Facchini. His Theistic Evolution has more transcendental meaning. His ideas are reasonable, while at the same time he adds a spiritual energy that is rare in our discussion of evolution.

I find the following quote by Professor Facchini refreshing. "He said he recognized some Darwin proponents erroneously assume that evolution explains everything." And, "Better to recognize that the problem from the scientific point of view remains open." He continued, "In a vision that goes beyond the empirical horizon, we can say that we aren't men by chance or by necessity, and that the human experience has a sense and a direction signaled by a superior design."

Evolution verses Creation

2006-01-30T17:17:00.000-08:00

Public educators in America advocate teaching Evolution only. Proponents of Evolution advance the idea that all other explanations that use theological views or point to supernatural origins are beyond the scope of the scientific method. Therefore, theological or supernatural ideas about the origins of life are akin to backward mythology. And, the Bible's creation story is just simple spookism.

Teaching only the theory of Evolution is problematic. Because, an Evolution world view based on an atheistic approach devalues religion. Evolution suggests that human life is no more than an accident of nature. This in turn, reduces religious traditions to superstition.

I suggest that the theory of Evolution is not capable of explaining our infinite universe. I will also argue that a theory that advances a theological explanation in order to study human development, the human condition, and social ethics is spiritually and socially advantageous.

In addition, a theological approach to Evolution will promote a more humanitarian and philanthropic social environment. This is based on an American model of humanitarianism. The American spirit of "helping those in need" is based primarily on Christianity and other religions. Our human compassion for helping the less fortunate is complex, but theological reasons for helping others plays a key role. The majority of aid to the world's poor comes from Christian based ministries, other religious organizations, and American funded aid programs. Therefore, it would be highly beneficial, from a social perspective, to advance a theological study of the human condition.

Evolution, as used by the scientific and secularist communities, is the sum total of the scientific theories and observational implications that explain human existence. They see that natural laws alone are sufficient to account for all observations in nature. Furthermore, proponents claim Evolution has no need to accommodate any explanation that suggests a supernatural intelligence, master designer, or creator.

One could argue that proponents of Evolution are also advancing an atheistic approach to life. And, they advocate the wonders of our infinite universe can be reduced to life-less equations and natural selection theories. By doing so, human existence is reduced to a "survival of fittest" mentality. Furthermore, our theologically based humanitarian concepts of "helping those in need" could be replaced with an Evolution and natural selection theory based "the strong shall survive" approach to life.

The teaching of Intelligent Design (ID) in public schools has become an issue for many. ID is a concept that states that certain features of the universe and of living things are best explained by an intelligent cause. Proponents of ID say that life is not an undirected process such as natural selection. Its leading proponents say that ID is a scientific theory that stands on equal footing with, or is superior to, current scientific theories regarding the origin of life.

An overwhelming majority of the scientific community views ID as pseudoscience or junk science. The National Academy of Sciences has stated that ID and other claims of supernatural intervention in the origin of life are not science.

An alternative to the debate regarding Evolution and ID is Theistic Evolution (TE). TE isn't a scientific theory. Proponents of TE hold to a particular world view about how the theory of evolution relates to many Christian and other religious interpretations. Furthermore, TE advances a general opinion that some or all classical religious teachings about God and creation are compatible with some or all of the human understanding about biological evolution. In addition, TE holds that the acceptance of evolutionary biology is not fundamentally different from the acceptance of other sciences, such as astronomy or meteorology. The latter two are also based on scientific methods of research and assumption of naturalism to study and explain the natural world, without assuming the existence or nonexistence of the supernatural.

Proponents of TE advocate that God transcends normal time and space, with nature having no existence independent of God's will. TE allows interpretations consistent with both a literal Genesis and objective science, in which, for example, the events of creation occurred outside time as we know it.

Trying to teach Evolution and ID side by side in public schools is problematic, because it could be confusing to young students trying to grasp the fundamentals of scientific methods while trying to understand an ID world view.

While it may not be appropriate to teach ID as a science, it does seem appropriate to accommodate TE in the study of philosophy, history, and social science. To divorce human existence from all theological content is counterproductive and may have a negative impact on individual and collective social interaction and social ethics. Plus, for many Americans, individual spirituality is essential in human growth and development. So, a theological world view can have a positive impact on individuals and society.

This being said, TE will not be promoted by secularists and evolutionists. This is unfortunate. The scientific and secular communities will continue advocating a teaching philosophy based only on Evolution. It doesn't appear that advocate groups that oppose ID will support TE or any concept except the theory of Evolution. Teaching any type of theological based views about human existence in any course of study will be fought with determined vigor by secularists and evolutionists. Furthermore, the "Separation of Church and State" constitutional idea will be advanced in order to purge all references to religion from schools and the public square.

In a much more broader sense, it appears that advocates for maintaining Christian symbols and traditions in schools and the public square have been inflamed and motivated to challenge teaching Evolution in the classroom. Because, secularists have been highly aggressive in trying to ban all forms of religion, especially Christianity, and associated symbols from schools and the public square. Therefore, proponents of Christian traditions and ID have been provoked into action by a highly contentious secularist movement. It appears that the Evolution verses ID debate is only part of ongoing discussion regarding the role of religion, especially Christianity, in American life.

Regardless, I suggest that Theistic Evolution is a reasonable alternative in the Evolution verse ID debate. And, it would be in the best interest of our society to allow for teaching a world view that includes Theistic Evolution.

Fiorenzo Facchini

2006-01-30T05:08:00.000-08:00

Fiorenzo Facchini, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Bologna, has been in the middle of the Intelligent Design (ID) controversy. Proponents of ID have advocated teaching ID along side evolution. Recently, Facchini made statements that suggested that ID was not science and that ID should not be taught in school. His statements regarding ID and his opinion that ID should not be taught in school is reasonable.

Opponents of ID have quoted this professor to advance their argument that ID is not science and that ID should not be taught in school. However, Facchini's statements suggest that he indeed believes in God's creative work.

A further review of Facchini's comments will suggest that he in fact supports a form of ID (Theistic Evolution). The following quote from Facchini will be helpful in understanding his ideas about ID.

"He said he recognized some Darwin proponents erroneously assume that evolution explains everything." And, "Better to recognize that the problem from the scientific point of view remains open." He continued, "In a vision that goes beyond the empirical horizon, we can say that we aren't men by chance or by necessity, and that the human experience has a sense and a direction signaled by a superior design."

Recently, the Pope addressed the ID issue in the following: "Pope Benedict XVI reaffirmed in off-the-cuff comments in November that the universe was made by an "intelligent project" and criticized those who in the name of science say its creation was without direction or order."

In conclusion, it appears that Facchini and the Pope are reaffirming their belief in an intelligent project, superior design, or Intelligent Design. Regardless of how we explain humanity, God's universe is beautiful and at the same time mysterious.

Democracy and the Middle East

2006-01-29T17:33:00.000-08:00

Iran has elected Islamic militants to govern the country. This is an interesting development. There is a good article regarding this at The Journal of a Future President. Furthermore, Iraq may turn out to be radicalized after fair elections. If this happens, the idea that democracy brings about peace and commonsense will be questioned. It is amazing that people would freely select an environment where diplomacy and positive ideas are overruled in favor of a continual state of war. And, peaceful coexistence is rejected outright. Will Iraq vote for Islamic militants? If they do, our foreign policy toward the Middle East will need to change. Time will tell.

God and Secularism

2006-01-29T05:40:00.000-08:00

Can one believe in God and be a secularist? I don't have the answer. There are too many semantics involved with this question.

However, I have an observation. Teaching creationism, Intelligent Design (ID) and evolution together in public schools should be avoided. But, those advocating a pure form of secularism are starting to ban Christian school students from entering public colleges. So, it appears that faith based education is being attacked. Thus, one could make the argument that aggressively promoting secularism may fuel even more conflict over creationism, ID and evolution.

Furthermore, there is an important case in California regarding this issue (University of California "UC" v. Calvary Chapel). UC is not allowing course credit for Calvary Chapel Christian high school graduates who have taken courses with a Christian viewpoint. I posted a long article on this previously at my blog site.

In conclusion, I do not think that the creation story, ID, and evolution should be taught together in public school. Because, it would be too confusing for students. On the other hand, high school philosophy courses should be able to address religious issues. In addition, it is absurd to think that any student can study American history without studying the influence of Christianity.

Theistic Evolution

2006-01-29T03:32:00.000-08:00

Did God create the universe and everything in it? I say yes. However, I think that evolution is a solid science and should be respected. At the same time, God's universal creation should be treasured.

Theistic evolution, less commonly known as evolutionary creationism, is the general opinion that some or all classical religious teachings about God and creation are compatible with some or all of the scientific theory of evolution.

Theistic Evolution is a variant of creationism, which accepts microevolution and macroevolution, while retaining a theistic interpretation of evolution. Theistic evolution is accepted (or at least not rejected) by major Christian churches, including Roman Catholicism; some Judaism denominations; and other religious organizations. Even though many Christian churches use a literal stance concerning holy scriptures and creation, numerous Christian churches and individual Christians stress the unreliability of Genesis as a scientific text.

Theistic evolution holds that the acceptance of evolutionary biology is not fundamentally different from the acceptance of other sciences, such as astronomy or meteorology. The latter two are also based on the methods and assumptions of naturalism. Thus, naturalism is used to study and explain the natural world, without assuming the existence or nonexistence of the supernatural. In this view, it is held both religiously and scientifically correct to reinterpret ancient religious texts in line with modern-day scientific findings about evolution.

This synthesis of ideas about religious teachings and science can be described as a form of creationism. Holding that divine intervention brought about the origin of life or that divine laws govern formation of species can be merged. When the creation-evolution controversy is in conflict, science and evolution may be given priority. Faith and science can both be accommodated by realizing that faith and science are different. This does not mean that faith has no place in answering questions about human existence. This means that faith is an essential part of who we are as God's creation. And, God's creation is capable to formulating a science to explain God's work.

Furthermore, one could argue that God transcends normal time and space, with nature having no existence independent of God's will. This allows interpretations consistent with both a literal Genesis and objective science, in which, for example, the events of creation occurred outside time as we know it.

In conclusion, God's work is not confined to a science laboratory. God's work is without measure. Furthermore, humans are not here on earth by chance or necessity. Science is science and faith is faith. They can coexist but they are not the same. The evolution of God's creation and the wonders of humanity is beautiful and at the same time mysterious.

Why Are College Professors Liberal?

2006-01-28T08:20:00.000-08:00

Why are college professors liberal? Two recent studies appear to prove that they are liberal. However, most college professors will not admit that their liberal leanings have anything to do with their teaching. On the other hand, conservative students and conservative professors will disagree. Conservatives on the college campus will tell you up front that liberal college professors and administrators rule with a heavy hand in the classroom. And, liberal ideas are promoted in most subjects.

Everyone has the right to express an opinion, even liberal college professors. In 1998, while I was in graduate school, one of my professors praised Cuba as a positive model when providing social services and medical care. She had a right to her opinion. However, she did not have a right to down grade a student for disagreeing with her liberal / socialist ideas.

This brings us back to the question,"Why are college professors liberal?" I think that the Vietnam War and the turbulent 1960's and 1970's had a huge impact on colleges. And now, colleges have become bastions of liberal thinking. The Vietnam War and a conservative abandonment of academic institutions are the primary reasons for a liberal domination of campus life. In the heat of the 1960's, 1970's, and the Vietnam War, college was an escape for many anti-war protestors. It was the one place that young people could go and protest the things they saw wrong with America. While there was merit to young people questioning America on several fronts, colleges in general provided a protest environment with very few restrictions. Thus, colleges became a sanctuary for those wanting to protest and radically change America.

This could have been a positive development, if approached in a thoughtful non-violent manner. But, changing American culture for the better requires a more reasonable and cooperative endeavor. In the 1960's and 1970's, most Americans did not view destructive riots, burning colleges, and murderous gangs as progress. So, most Americans outside the college environment rejected the radical 1960's and 1970's college protest movement. On the other hand, the academic community tolerated and even encouraged the radical notions of the 1960's and 1970's. And, this continues today in the form of liberalism.

In addition, conservatives, moderates, and independents in general did not aggressively present their ideas on campus and in the media. They abandoned the campus to the protest movement. Over the years, students that were protesting on campus in the 1960's and 1970's stayed on campus and gained additional formal education and became the elitist educational establishment. For the most part, the students that were burning colleges and the American flag during the 1960's and 1970's protest movement have become liberal college professors.

At college today, liberal ideas dominate. Generally speaking, colleges promote a liberal agenda of more government control over American life, more taxes, more welfare state programs, more government regulations, and more anti-Christian secularism. Today, everything that is wrong with America is being promoted on campus. And, the greatness of America is hardly mentioned inside or outside of class.

Today, students and professors with conservatives, moderate, and independent ideas about America, do not have a voice on campus. And, if they want a voice on campus they must endure harsh treatment from liberal professors and students.

Liberal colleges professors will continue teaching a liberal philosophy until conservatives, moderates, and independents demand an equal voice. This will not be easy, because liberals dominate all aspects of college life. It will take decades to have a fair and balanced approach to teaching. Hopefully in the future, colleges will become a place where conservative, moderate, and independent ideas can be explored with an eye on fairness.

Conservative Speakers on Campus

2006-01-28T01:36:00.000-08:00

Conservative speakers on campus are as rare as a good homecooked peach cobbler. When conservatives are allowed to speak at a college, it can be a difficult experience.

"William Kristol, editor of the Weekly Standard, was hit in the face with a pie during a speech at Earlham College and Pat Buchanan, the former presidential candidate, had salad dressing thrown on him at Western Michigan University. Horowitz was at Butler as part of his campaign to encourage state legislatures to adopt the Academic Bill of Rights, which Horowitz says will encourage a diversity of views in higher education. But, that critics say it is an attack on academic freedom. In a statement on the incident at Butler, Horowitz said, it is ironic that these assailants tried to prevent me from delivering a lecture on the need for greater tolerance and respect for dissenting opinions in the academic community."

Liberal college professors and administrators have promoted an intolerant socialist mind-set ever since the Vietnam War. And now, anyone who expresses a conservative idea is deemed to be a good target for liberals.

I remember when being a patriot and being proud of America was the norm. Today, being proud of America's history and leadership in the world can brand a person as some kind of extremist. Or, one might even be accused as being part of the vast-right-wing-conspiracy. Good golly, this is not progress.

Boys can't set still

2006-01-27T03:47:00.000-08:00

Public schools are ineffective in teaching boys. It appears that teachers are teaching boys like they are somehow defective girls. Boys are different. They need more activity and more hands on learning. Woodworking, autoshop, graphic arts, computer science and sports motivate boys. Research suggests that boys need a 5 to 7 recesses a day and that schools are making it harder for boys to learn. This is a good argument for having all boys schools.

In addition, schools need more male role models. Most teachers are women. Not long ago, I was on an elementary school campus and there were only two male adults on campus, me and the janitor. So, the educational establishment needs to address this problem.

Calvary Chapel and West Point

2006-01-27T03:27:00.000-08:00

A legal confrontation is brewing between the University of California (UC) and Calvary Chapel. It seems that UC has accused Calvary Chapel of being "too Christian" Thus, according to UC, Calvary Chapel is not preparing students for college.

A UC representative says, "I think there's a good chance the judge may take (the suit) very seriously," Haynes said. "The implication is now all religious schools have to clean up their act if they want their students to get into the university."

Oh really, I wonder how the United States Military Academy at West Point feels about this. The unthinkable happened last year. James H. Hahn, a Calvary Chapel graduate, was accepted to the United State Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. Home schooled from kindergarten through high school graduation in 2004, he received his diploma from Calvary Chapel Christian Academy in Murrieta, an independent study program affiliated with Calvary Chapel Christian schools. He played football at Calvary Chapel High School from 2001-04. Hahn reported to West Point on June 27. He is the son of Edward and Diana Hahn of Murrieta.

To hear some public school experts, homeschoolers and Calvary Chapel students have a narrow Christian view and are not prepared for the UC system. Gosh, UC must have made a mistake in concluding that Calvary Chapel students are not prepared for college. How could this happen. The UC system is stocked full of Ph.D professors that are highly intelligent. And, UC has access to outstanding research in the field of educational psychology. So, how could UC have made such a huge mistake in their evaluation of Calvary Chapel students? Good golly, I hope that religious discrimination was not a factor.

UCLA and Calvary Chapel

2006-01-26T05:27:00.000-08:00

I read this from the Daily Bruin Newspaper.

"Ultimately, it is the duty of a school to ensure its students are prepared for the road ahead. Administrators at Calvary Chapel apparently believe they are best preparing their students by teaching them about the Book of Genesis and Adam and Eve. Meanwhile, UC administrators believe they best prepare their students by teaching them about vestigial limbs and Darwin's cruise through the Galapagos."

This article is incomplete. Calvary Chapel applicants have higher than average college entrance test scores and have higher than average college graduation rates. Therefore, it is unfair to demean Calvary Chapel and Christian education.

It is unfortunate that our public colleges have decided to devalue a Christian education. The facts as presented by UC is incomplete in regards to the Calvary Chapel. I cannot image why university newspapers and publications are teaching their UC students that bias in reporting is okay. Hopefully, fair and balanced reporting is the goal of the UC system.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

2006-01-25T14:20:00.000-08:00

The governor has notched several important accomplishments. First, A deal reached this spring on workers' compensation reform showed he could negotiate a complex issue involving many warring factions. Second, California's credit rating during his tenure has improved -- something that will save taxpayers money.

Third, environmentalists believe he is becoming a national voice that could steer his party toward the platform that insists economic development and green-friendly policies can co-exist. Forth, a commitment the governor made in October to fund programs designed to protect ocean waters along the coastline did not get much attention but was considered a national breakthrough by ocean activists. Fifth, Schwarzenegger himself argues that one of the most important types of work he can do is what he did recently in Japan. Namely, he used his celebrity to become a vocal advocate for California in hopes of stimulating investment and jobs.

In conclusion, I think there is much more optimism now about the economy. As an international cheerleader, he can move public perception. California really needs Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Got To Speak Up

2006-01-25T05:12:00.000-08:00

When I was in graduate school, I just had to speak up against socialist professors. It was hard, because the socialist professors made my life difficult. I was branded a conservative. And, the university had their eye on me. I completed all the requirements for a second masters degree in 1998, including a demanding 300 page final research project on "Effective Leadership".

The university denied me my degree. So, I contacted every appropriate accreditation related agency, trustee, and government agency. It was a 6 month of fight. But, I was victorious. I was phoned at home one evening and offered an apology from the University Department Chair. Then, I got my second masters degree in 3 days. Sometimes, you got to speak up.

Academic Freedom

2006-01-24T10:17:00.000-08:00

Academic freedom at most colleges is as rare as a conservative Democrat. Today, professors routinely paint conservatives, Republicans, and anyone who is not a liberal Democrat as a person who harbors evil thoughts. There is a good article over at Front Page Magazine regarding this hot topic.

Democratic Party Nabobs

2006-01-22T01:44:00.001-08:00

Entertainer Harry Belafonte, one of the Bush administration's harshest critics, compared the Homeland Security Department to the Nazi Gestapo on Saturday and attacked the president as a liar. It is just amazing how liberals think. Unfortunately, most of the liberal Democratic Party nabobs think like Harry. My Democratic Party hero's were FDR and Harry S. Truman. It is hard to image that the Democratic Party has moved quickly to socialism.

When in college, I asked a vocal socialist Ph.D professor during one of her rants about America, "Have you ever had an economics or business class?" The answer from the professor was "No". I said, " Well Dr. Mims, this is your problem, you don't understand the world. You see, the government does not make anything. America is successful because we have something to sell. If we do not sell anything, we will have an economy the same as Guatemala." Needless to say, I had a tough time in this class. Sometimes, higher education is not quite so high.

Social Security

2006-01-22T01:36:00.000-08:00

Social Security fraud is a problem. In addition, when FDR created Social Security it was intended to provide for a retired person. Today, almost half the people drawing Social Security are not retirees. This has depleted Social Security funds. Now, the government wants to move the retirement date closer to 70 and reduce the benefits. This is going to be a big problem for older people who have worked and paid into the system all their life. There is a good discussion on this topic at The Journal of a Future President.

Evolution

2006-01-22T01:23:00.000-08:00

Creationism, Intelligent Design, and the theory of Evolution are interesting topics. It seems to me that it would be okay to teach Intelligent Design in a public school social studies or history class. But, I am really torn about teaching it beside the theory of evolution in a science class. This is a hot topic and I need to do some more thinking about teaching evolution. In my 8th grade history class, I was assigned to defend creationism against evolution in a speech. I remember reading the creation story out of the Bible. And, I remember being uncomfortable about this experience. So, I am not quite sure young students are prepared for the questions that arise from this debate. There is an interesting idea about evolution at blogger Prying1.

Polling

2006-01-21T02:30:00.000-08:00

Blogger The Journal of a Future President has a good article on polling and the possible impeachment of President Bush. I wonder about polling. Generally speaking, I wonder if polls are a good measure of American attitudes toward President Bush. The 2006 elections will be a good indicator of American attitudes.

Integrity

2006-01-21T02:00:00.000-08:00

Political integrity in Washington is as rare as a good homemade peach pie. In fact, getting a politician to admit he is wrong about anything is like trying to get my 4 year old grandson to confess to eating my last chocolate chip cookie. Blogger Prying1 has a good article on this topic.

We need to demand integrity in our elected officials. We also do not need to go on a witch hunt. I would suggest that all voters of either party ask questions about candidates integrity prior to voting. I'm not worried about if they smoked pot in the 60's/70's/80's or even the 90's. But are they honest about it? Do they have transparent humanity or do they try to act like they have no faults.

University of California verses Calvary Chapel

2006-01-20T05:53:00.000-08:00

In the 1970's, I took a public college course titled,"Philosophy of Religion". To my surprise, the professor was an atheist and taught the class in a way that demeaned anyone with a traditional Christian perspective. I still think about how inappropriate it was to have a highly vocal atheist professor teach a class about the philosophy of religion. Unfortunately, the professor was not fair to Christians in class.

Now, the University of California (UC) is not being fair to Christians. UC wants to control Christian high school curriculum by rejecting high school courses deemed "too narrow". UC is rejecting classes taught at Calvary Chapel High School. This high school is a 1,300 student Christian high school in Murrietta California. UC states that the classes taught at Calvary Chapel are Christian and are "too narrow". So, Calvary Chapel is taking an unusual path to addressing UC's actions. Calvary Chapel is suing UC.

Unfortunately, when Calvary Chapel students apply to UC for admission, UC will not give credit for courses with a "Christian viewpoint". This is an important case, because the 200,000 student UC system sets the academic standards for the 400,000 student California State University (CSU) system. And, California's two year community college system, with over 1.6 million students, is also directly influenced by UC and CSU academic standards. In total, California's overall college system is one of the largest college systems in world.

Last year, Calvary Chapel sent a description of some of its new courses to UC for review. One proposed English class, titled "Christian Morality in American Literature", included readings from Mark Twain, Stephen Crane, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. The University of California rejected the course because it "does not offer a non-biased approach to the subject matter". Courses UC did consider unbiased were public school offerings titled "Feminine Perspectives in Literature" and "Ethnic Experiences in Literature."

Calvary Chapel presented a social studies class titled, "Special Providence: Christianity and the American Republic" and a history course titled "Christianity's Influence on America". They were also rejected for being "too narrow." But when other schools wanted approval for classes titled "Irish History", or "Feminist Issues throughout U.S. History and Race", or "Western Civilization: The Jewish Experience", UC readily approved them. In other words, as Wendell Bird the attorney for Calvary Chapel put it, "UC routinely approves courses that add feminist, political, or non-Christian religious viewpoints, but disapproves courses that add viewpoints based on orthodox Christianity."

Calvary Chapel also argues that UC accepts the following courses with no reservations: "The Jewish Experience and Islam", "Military History and Philosophy", "Gender, Sexuality, and Identity in Literature" Plus, UC also approves courses titled, "Introduction to Buddhism", and "Issues in African History."

According to UC, Calvary Chapel's science classes are also not appropriate. A textbook Calvary Chapel utilized in the past was titled "Physics for Christian Schools". This text contains the same information as most physics textbooks. However, a Bible verse and theological preface introduced every chapter. According to UC chemistry professor Barbara Sawrey, "the verses alone disqualify the textbook."

By attacking this text in this manner, UC devalues Christian beliefs. Furthermore, one could argue that a text with a Christian viewpoint introduction would be appropriate for teaching science at a Christian high school. If basic scientific theory is presented in the text, it would seem that UC would use commonsense and accommodate a Christian oriented text.

I am a progressive and independent thinking Christian. And, I value a good well-rounded education. However, UC is not being fair to Calvary Chapel in this matter. By not allowing academic credit for classes taught at Calvary Chapel, UC gives every appearance of trying to dictate Christian school curriculum. By allowing specialty classes from other schools to be accepted for credit, then denying Calvary Chapel the same opportunity, UC is practicing obvious discrimination. Discrimination is against the law, so UC should revise admissions policies directed at Calvary Chapel. In addition, religious discrimination by UC should be strongly denounced by the entire American educational profession.

Zogby Polling Bias

2006-01-19T04:23:00.001-08:00

The Zogby poll has a sterling reputation. Thus, this highly respected organization has been able to acquire contracts for the purpose of supplying unbiased polling for several top media outlets including the Wall Street Journal, Reuters, and NBC. However, questions are starting to surface regarding Zogby polling bias. There are claims that Zogby, a polling giant in America, is bias in gathering research data. This organization has been accused of being politically motivated. And, they are described by some as having an overall disregard for ethics in polling. Unfortunately, there appears to be some truth to the claims that Zogby is bias in polling.

James J. Zogby is President of the Arab American Institute, And, John Zogby is President and Chief Executive Officer of Zogby International. Pollster John Zogby was a left wing activist who ran for public office and may still seek public office as a Democrat in the future. James and John Zogby are highly supportive of Saudi politics. In addition, they provide polling statistics that often go unchallenged despite the evidence of their Islamist and pro Saudi bias.

Brothers John and James Zogby, are two examples of how professional marketing and outstanding public relations have enabled them to advocate positions that support a pro-Wahabi and anti-American agenda. Furthermore, when James and John Zogby speak about American policy decisions regarding the Middle East, an astute reader of international news might conclude that Zogby has a vested interest in manipulating American public and political opinion.

Furthermore, Zogby's 2004 election day prediction that Democratic candidate John Kerry would win more than 311 electoral votes and the presidency was a perfect example of his flawed partisan polling. Plus, when his flawed prediction failed to become a reality, his organization joined Democratic Party nabobs in calling for an investigation.

"Shawnta Watson Walcott, communications director for Zogby International, joined a group of liberal Democrats at a faux congressional hearing focused on whether fraud influenced the Nov. 2 outcome."

It is hard to imagine that an unbiased polling organization would become an advocate for the Democratic Party. Therefore, Zogby gave another indication that partisan politics trumps objectivity in gathering polling data.

Another example of Zogby polling bias is the recently documented case in which Zogby took money from labor unions to conduct polling data. Labor unions have been battling Wal-Mart in order to force this retail giant to sign a labor contract. Zogby was paid by labor unions to poll American attitudes about Wal-Mart. Of course, the polling results reflect pro union and anti Wal-Mart opinions.

"When the national press devoured a new union-sponsored poll released last week by pollster John Zogby claiming that a majority of Americans believe that, 'Wal-Mart is bad for America', not reported were serious ethical issues which call into question the integrity of the much-ballyhooed survey. In recent years, Mr. Zogby has pocketed roughly $90,000 to serve as an expert witness for individuals suing Wal-Mart, according to testimony he gave in a deposition last year in an Arizona case."

Zogby should be more ethical about polling. Objectivity is the bedrock of unbiased polling, surveys and data interpretations. Zogby can do better and should devote resources to redirecting activities toward a more balanced and fair approach to the polling profession. Furthermore, I suggest that Zogby found an ethics studies program at a good Christian college in order to demonstrate a devotion to professional polling and high ethical standards.

College Bias

2006-01-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

It was my first day in class. To my surprise, my new college professor in this graduate school class proudly proclaimed, "We could learn a lot about social services from Cuba." She went on to suggest that President Bush and the Republicans were cruel non-caring imbeciles. I had not been in college since the Clinton administration, so this highly charged political learning environment seemed odd. The professor continued on and felt quite comfortable bashing President Bush and the Republicans. She did it with a zeal that almost seemed like a Democratic Party rally.

This development made me think about a liberal bias in college. Conservatives complain loudly about liberal college professors. Since my experience was limited, I wondered about liberal college bias on a more general basis. Is there really a liberal college bias against conservatives at most colleges across America? Or, is this an over-reaction on the part of conservatives?

At first glance, there appears to be a liberal college bias. But, we must be objective. In our exploration of this subject, it would be helpful to look at professor party registration. Daniel B. Klein, Santa Clara University economist, decided to take on a extensive research project to determine if Democrats out numbered Republicans on campus. He researched faculty at Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley. "He found 7.7 registered Democrats for each Republican at the former and 9.9 Democrats per Republican at the latter. In certain departments, Republicans are literally nonexistent."

When Klein looked at voting patterns from a survey of academics throughout the country similar results were found. For example, "in anthropology, there are more than 30 votes cast for Democratic candidates for each 1 cast for a Republican. In sociology, the ratio is 28 to 1. And on average, across all departments, Democrats get 15 votes for every 1 going to Republicans."

When comparing liberal verses conservative ideology, the U.S. college faculty skews heavily toward the liberal view. According to a survey in the Chronicle of Higher Education, "47.9 percent of all professors at public universities consider themselves to be liberal, with another 6.2 percent classifying themselves as far left. Only 31.8 percent say they are middle of the road and just 13.8 percent are conservative."

One might ask, can't professors be objective in their classes regardless of their political view? From conservative students and conservative professors, most liberal leaning professors teach their subjects from a liberal perspective. Simply put, it is very hard to get a tenured faculty position at a university. In order to gain tenure, a high priority is placed on intangibles like collegiality. This often means sharing the same politics and ideology.

Conservative students are starting to voice their displeasure with liberal leaning professors. Almost half of students reported hearing only one side of political issues in their classrooms. This was reported in a new survey by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni.

Conservative professors are beginning to come out against the overwhelming liberal bias. Since academic advancement means being able to gain support from other faculty and administration, liberal professors have the power to restrict any professor who does not share the same ideological and political views. Furthermore, Catholic professors are starting to complain that they are discriminated because they are Catholic.

Unfortunately, research will show that there appears to be a liberal bias at most colleges in America. Academic researchers are discovering that intellectual and ideological diversity is rare. And, that liberal views dominate college classrooms. It appears that a liberal view point is advocated in a way that makes all other views highly subordinate.

I have always been a Democrat. In fact, my focus in graduate school was on Labor Relations. Democrats and liberals have some outstanding ideas in this area. But, calling Republicans names and using Cuba as a role model is highly suspect. In our political dialogue, we can do better than this.

Higher education is suppose to be an exploration of ideas. A diversity of thought should be promoted. This includes valuing conservative opinions. The American educational system was founded on the premise that students should be educated in a way that allows them to explore a variety of positions. To only teach students a liberal point of view is shortchanging students and society as a whole. May our journey toward acquiring knowledge include an objective study of conservative scholarship.

Conservatives and Liberals

2006-01-13T03:46:00.000-08:00

During the Alito hearings, I have given a lot of thought to liberal and conservative ideas. It seems to me that liberals and conservatives see the world differently. Of course, this is a general observation with plenty of room for independents, moderates, and others who blend conservative and liberal ideas into their own view of the world.

Without getting bogged down in the specifics, liberals appear to advocate the following: (A) More government control of our economic system and social engineering. (B) More control by the United Nations and international law over American law and policy. (C) More value in teaching that America has a flawed and painful history and our traditions have little value today.

On the other hand, today's conservatives appear to advocate the following: (A) Less government control of our economic system and society in general (B) Less control by the United Nations and international law. (C) Less value on contemporary values and more value on being proud of America's accomplishment in the past and today.

Even though I am quite independent, I agree more with conservatives than liberals. I have become disappointed in the Democratic Party. For some reason, liberals and Democratic Party leaders have resorted to hostile and dividing comments over the last few years. The harsh quotes from liberals are endless. I disagree with this view of public discourse. I understand it is important for liberal leaders. But, the propensity for outrageous comments to gain support from their base has become embarrassing for those of us who want a more intelligent and civil discussion about the issues of the day.

For example, DNC's Howard Dean said last year in San Francisco that Republicans are "a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party." He went on to say, "We have to be rough on the Republicans. Republicans don't represent ordinary Americans and they don't have any understanding of what it is to go out and try and make ends meet."

Oh really. Most soldiers like President Bush and hold many Republican views. So, I guess Howard Dean is saying our military is full men and women who just don't understand what making a living is all about, even as they patrol Baghdad in body armor.

It's hard to imagine that DNC's Howard Dean is the face of the Democratic Party. If Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman could see the Democratic Party today, they would surely be disappointed.

Senators and Civility

2006-01-12T19:26:00.000-08:00

One night a few years ago, I was eating at a Chinese restaurant in San Gabriel California and overheard a woman tell her elderly father that her children did not love her. Her father listened to her complain about not being loved by anyone. She continued to talk for a long time about how much she wanted her own children's love more than anything in the world. Her father did not say anything and just listened. Then, he told her kindly,"You must be lovable to be loved." This father was wise in just a few words.

This is not to suggest that liberal senators and conservative senators should love one another. "Brotherly Love" may not be possible in the political arena. On the other hand, civility is surely a worthy goal for all of us, even United States senators.

I started out blogging as a moderate. However, I got tired of being insulted. When I disagreed with a conservative idea I was called pen-head, misguided, Pinko, and / or Commie. When I disagreed with a liberal idea I was called a Nazi, racist, sexist, and / or bigot. While I did not like being called any of these names, the liberal names hurt the most.

I continued trying to look at both sides of issues with an eye on objectivity. I finally came to the conclusion that I am conservative in some areas and liberal in other areas. Formulating my liberal and conservative ideas and then defending them has been helpful. Now, I am more conservative than liberal.

From my Civics class many years ago, I learned that it was okay to have different opinions about all types of issues. Plus, it is okay to disagree, but one should not insult others. And, personal attacks are really not the way to have a discussion.

I believe that one can disagree and not be disagreeable. Reasonable people can "agree to disagree" on any issue and maintain a civil discourse. This being said, I was distressed to see the liberals grill Alito and suggest he was a Nazi, racist, sexist, and / or bigot. As I watched Alito's grilling become more intense, and his wife began to weep, I said to myself "this is absurd."

Have we stooped so low in our public discourse that we would insult a good and honorable judge in this manner and somehow think this is okay? To make matters worse, later in the day, a liberal talking-head on one of the networks suggested that this type of grilling was okay and that Alito's wife was engaged in some type of theatrics. And, the Democrats should have been even more aggressive in going after Alito. Furthermore, if his wife could not take it, she should have left the room.

A liberal blogger went on to say: "The Give Me a Break Award for the Week: . . . Now comes Graham to orchestrate a two-hankey boo-hoo for Alito's wife. She just couldn't take it..."

My goodness, I cannot imagine wanting to instill in my children human qualities that would make it okay to insult a good and honorable judge and drive his wife to tears. Great Caesar's Ghost, we can do better than this.

Alito and Fairness

2006-01-12T04:27:00.000-08:00

Supreme Court nominee Alito has been grilled this week by senators questioning his past associations, writings, and decisions. Is Alito being treated fairly? It is time to revisit how they approached another Supreme court nominee.

Let us image for a moment that a Supreme Court nominee had advocated, this week, for the following through writings and speaking engagements: (A). A constitutional right to prostitution and polygamy. (B). Attacked the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. (C). Proposed abolishing Mother's Day and Father's Day and replacing them with a single androgynous Parent's Day. (D). Called for an end to singe-sex prisons on the theory that if male prisoners are going to return to a community in which men and women function as equal partners, prison is just the place for them to get prepared to deal with women. (E). Wrote, "use the Supreme Court to enact `social change....without taking giant strides...the court, through constitutional adjudication, can reinforce or signal a green light for social change." (F). Also wrote, "boldly dynamic interpretation departing radically from the original understanding of the Constitution is sometimes necessary." (G). Advocate universal court-ordered work place affirmative action quotas, even if no discrimination is found.

Surely no Senator would support Alito if he had such views. And surely no president, no matter how outrageous, would nominate such a candidate.

Unfortunately, the hypothetical nominee I have just described is, Ruth Bader Ginsburg. President Clinton nominated Ruth Bader Ginsburg on June 22, 1993. A mere six weeks later, on August 3, 1993, the Senate confirmed her nomination by a 96-3 vote.

In conclusion, it is hard to imagine any senator attacking Alito's respectable record with a straight face, while confirming an extremist like Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Christian Symbols

2006-01-10T02:52:00.000-08:00

Early American Christians were firm in their religious beliefs. This gave America a higher purpose and a greatness that the world has tried to copy for over 200 years. Early Americans left us with historic and traditional Christian symbols. These symbols are everywhere. Many Fundamentalist / Evangelical Christians are still firm in their religion.

I will argue that traditional Christian symbols serves a cultural and historical purpose. To purge all historical and cultural reference to Christianity is foolish. Christianity was and still is a defining element of who we are as Americans. Therefore, to deny America's Christian heritage is to deny who we are as a people.

Christian symbols have been outlawed by the government in many cases. This applies mostly to government property. In some cases, Christian symbols have been banned on government property, while other religious symbols have been allowed to stand (New York Schools).

Furthermore, in some cases Christian symbols have been banned from private property (malls and stores). This latest development may be directed at business related issues, but business liability and the threat of litigation by secularists has been a consideration.

I am concerned about those that advocate branding the Fundamentalist / Evangelical community as a group advocating extremist ideas. The Fundamentalist / Evangelical community has been with us from the beginning. Their firm belief system has elevated us to strive for a more perfect union while helping the world cope with neverending struggles for democracy.

In addition, there seems to be lack of understanding in the secular community and the news media about the Fundamentalist / Evangelical community. Fundamentalists and Evangelicals are not the same. For example, the "Church of Christ" and "The Christian Church" from the Stone-Campbell movement (Not Disciples of Christ) would normally be classified as Fundamentalists but not Evangelicals. And, the "Southern Baptist Convention" and the "Nazarene" church would be considered Fundamentalists and Evangelicals. Fundamentalism and Evangelism are approached in various ways by different Christian denominations.

It seems that mainstream churches (United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, United Church of Christ, Disciples of Christ and others) are viewed as okay. But, Fundamentalist / Evangelical (Pentecostal, Church of God, Calvary Chapel, Assemblies of God, American Baptist Churches USA, Southern Baptist Convention, and others) are extreme. It is hard to classify all Christians into the mainstream or Fundamentalist / Evangelical movements. Because, individual Christians have their own ideas about Christianity.

Those in our society that are trying to shame the Fundamentalist / Evangelical community into being more mainstream are being unreasonable. It appears that the most critical voices would be satisfied if the Fundamentalist / Evangelical community would be outlawed from having a voice in America. I will argue that there is room for all points of view in America, including Fundamentalists and Evangelicals.

Bill Clinton was in Love

2006-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

From the time I heard him speak in 1992, I knew he was going to have an opportunity to make a difference in the world. I still like Clinton, even though he has made some mistakes.

Taking money from the Communist Chinese is still an outrageous misstep on his part. On the other hand, I sympathize with Clinton regarding his love affair with Monica Lewinsky when he shared with the public, "I said that I did not have a sexual relationship with that woman, and I stand by the truth of that statement," Clinton told reporters. "We did not, I repeat, not, have a mere sexual relationship. What the two of us shared that fateful year we spent in each other's arms was so much more than that."

This is where Bill's warmth and passion comes to light. Even though I can appreciate his candor, it would be hard for most men to express feelings in this manner. The following story is spicy and would make a good scene in a romance novel. However, by reading this we can understand more about the humanity of Bill Clinton.

"According to Clinton, between December 1995 and April 1996, he and Lewinsky did not merely have sex. Rather, he said, they lounged luxuriously for hours in the Oval Office, reading each other poetry, feeding each other strawberries, and tenderly caressing each other about the face and neck before surrendering to desire and consummating their heartfelt passion."

When he was pressed about his comments, he stated, "These base allegations of a tawdry, superficial sexual involvement--motivated in no small measure by my political opponents' desire to further their own right-wing agenda--are completely unfounded," Clinton said. "It went way beyond the physical. This was more than just the intertwining of two bodies. It was the union of two souls."

Yale University law professor Laurence J. Timmins said, "If Clinton can prove that he loved Lewinsky with a selfless and immortal love, the kind of all-consuming love that burns in your heart like a diamond flame and swells to crescendo with a mighty sound of trumpets, then Clinton's Jan. 17 deposition stating that he did not 'have sex' with Lewinsky will not be considered perjury. The legal technicalities are tricky, but, basically, it comes down to the fact that anyone who has ever felt the full flush of true love beating in his breast, fluttering like the wings of a caged songbird, yearning for that exquisite moment of release, can tell you that sex and love are two very different things."

I cannot following this. All I can say is, Bill your life would make a good movie.

The Plain Truth

2006-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Rush Limbaugh

Liberals and Democrats work overtime to silence conservatives. With the MSM working against conservative ideas, liberals and Democrats have had a distinct advantage in presenting their ideas. Ann Coulter has a good article about Rush Limbaugh. Thus, the following is a good observation.

"Democrat prosecutor Barry Krischer has spent two years and hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to find some criminal charge to bring against Rush Limbaugh. Political hack Ronnie Earle spent three years and went through six grand juries to indict Tom DeLay. Liberals spent the last two years fantasizing in public about Karl Rove being indicted. Newt Gingrich was under criminal investigation for 3 1/2 years back in the '90s when liberals were afraid of him. Final result: No crime."

"Barry Krischer has been going around calling El Rushbo a criminal for more than two years but has yet to bring any charges. Last month, Krischer's assistant, James Martz, told the court that his office has "no idea" if Limbaugh has even committed a crime. I'm no lawyer, hey, wait a minute, yes I am! But, it sounds like maybe Krischer's maid has been out scoring him stupid pills again."

I can understand why the liberals and Democrats want Rush silenced. He has been a pain in their side from the beginning of his radio career. He gave a voice to conservatives who were locked out of the MSM and most news print. Rush came along, and transformed talk radio into an exciting place where new ideas and a different way at looking at the world was presented. I don't always agree with Rush, but my hat is off to him for standing his ground and unmaskinig the MSM as a left leaning bunch of America-Haters and political hacks bent on turning America into Cuba-Lite.

Naysayers and Scalawags

America's accomplishments in Iraq are phenomenal. Unfortunately, the naysayers and scalawags are still critical of our mission and the positive outcomes. The following is a sample of America's accomplishment from the Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State.

Fact Sheet
U.S. Agency for International Development
Washington, DC
December 7, 2005

Top Ten USAID Strategic Accomplishments in Iraq

Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810

1. Improving Primary Health Care: USAID is helping strengthen essential primary health care services throughout Iraq.

* In 2005 alone, USAID-supported emergency campaigns immunized 98 percent of Iraqi children between 1-5 years old (3.62 million) against measles, mumps, and rubella,
* Also in 2005, USAID immunized 97 percent of Iraqi children under five (4.56 million) against polio.
* In all, USAID partners have trained more than 2,500 primary health care workers to expand access to essential primary health care services.

2. Expanding Access to Electricity: In 2002, Baghdad had access to electricity 24 hours a day; the rest of Iraq was limited to 3-6 hours.

* Currently, all 18 governorates receive nearly 14 hours of electricity daily, an incredible improvement for a country emerging from decades of conflict and little investment.
* USAID efforts have added 1,400 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity to the national electrical grid, expanding access to 4.2 million Iraqis throughout most of Iraq.

3. Providing Potable Water: Many parts of Iraq had no access to or provision of clean potable water. Indeed many of Iraq's waterways were contaminated with refuse and sewage.

* Over 4 million Iraqis who had no clean drinking water in 2002 now have safe, potable water piped to their homes following USAID efforts to refurbish water treatment plants in 15 cities.
* USAID is also providing plant-level operations and maintenance (O&M) training at major water and wastewater plants nationwide to ensure that these plants remain functioning.

4. Restoring Sewage Systems: Before 2003, Iraq's cities suffered from inadequate sewage systems; backed up sewage created pools in neighborhoods or emptied directly into nearby rivers.

* Today, USAID's rehabilitated sewage treatment plants throughout Iraq process a total of 339.7 million gallons daily.
* These plants alone provide 7.2 million urban Iraqis - over a quarter of the national population - access to functioning, waterborne sewage, greatly improving sanitation and contributing to a decrease in waterborne disease.

5. Improving Local Governance and Community Development: Iraqi democracy must prove itself through service delivery and community-based solutions to local problems.

* With USAID assistance, representative provincial and municipal governments are more capable of delivering essential services to their constituents.
* Countrywide, more than 670 community action groups focused on civic education, women's advocacy, and anti-corruption have been supported by USAID.
* Working through local NGOs, USAID has implemented 4,672 quick impact projects throughout Iraq, providing short-term employment and restoration of basic services.

6. Connecting Iraq to the Global Economy: The private sector is the engine for sustainable job creation and economic growth. To help guide policy reform, USAID's Investor Roadmap analyzes constraints to investment.

* Iraq's Investment Promotion Agency was recently established with USAID assistance, and will serve as a resource to international investors.
* USAID worked with the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to develop a Competitiveness Study, helping integrate efforts to create a robust private sector that fosters job creation.
* USAID programs assist Iraq's MoF, Central Organization for Statistics and Information Technology (COSIT), and Iraq's Central Bank in meeting their International Monetary Fund (IMF) requirements. This $19 million technical assistance effort is expected to return to Iraq $480 million in the IMF Standby Agreement by December 2005 as well as debt forgiveness of $27 billion from the Paris Club by March 2006.
* Working with the MoF, USAID introduced the new dinar currency to promote national unity and a sound functioning monetary policy. Currently, 4.62 trillion new Iraqi dinars are in circulation in Iraq.

7. Expanding Political Inclusion and Expression: USAID assistance has helped prepare Iraq for two national elections, numerous provincial and municipal elections, and the Constitutional Referendum of October 15.

* In preparation for the January 2005 election, USAID helped the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI) establish a voter registration system, and worked with the UN on improving balloting procedures.
* USAID-supported NGOs distributed election materials, helped televise debates, and led over 22,000 town meetings to educate Iraqi voters.
* USAID and a local NGO trained over 8,000 election monitors.
* Current efforts are preparing 15,000 elections monitors for the December 15, 2005 elections.

8. Supporting the New Iraqi Constitution: The January 2005 Interim Government election put into place a National Assembly to frame a constitution emphasizing democracy and the rule of law.

* USAID partners provided constitutional specialists to the Drafting Committee while input from over 111,000 national surveys kept the Committee in touch with national sentiment.
* The Iraqi Women's National Coalition, supported by USAID, developed a 10-point statement adopted in the constitution.
* A USAID-supported NGO televised debates and distributed information. Nearly 9,500 monitors, trained by USAID partners, helped ensure a successful constitutional referendum.

9. Transforming Primary Education: USAID assistance has helped Iraq move away from rote learning methodology in decrepit, unsanitary classrooms to interactive learning in rehabilitated buildings.

* Since 2003, USAID has rehabilitated nearly 3,000 schools.
* Over 20 million new textbooks have been supplied by USAID (8.6 million) and UNESCO (12 million).
* By 2006, more than 133,000 primary school teachers - a third of Iraq's educators in all - will have received training and technical assistance.
* Already, the most recent primary school enrollment numbers show a 19 percent increase from pre-war levels.

10. Restoring Excellence in Higher Education: The USAID Higher Education and Development (HEAD) Program brings together five American and 10 Iraqi universities to help reestablish academic excellence in Iraq's higher education system.

* Since January 2004, more than 1,500 Iraqi faculty and students have participated in workshops, trainings, conferences, and courses in Iraq, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States.
* University facilities -libraries, computer and science laboratories, lecture halls, and buildings - have been rehabilitated at colleges throughout the country.
* A mini-grant program supports new, innovative research throughout the country. In addition, books and electronic resources have been provided to university libraries.

There is a good discussion at the aubreyj blog about this issue. Stabilizing Iraq has not been easy. And, I have even raised questions about our Iraqi War strategy. However, I cannot let naysayers and scalawags continue to downplay our accomplishments. Brave and dedicated men and women serving America in Iraq have sacrificed and have given their all to this mission. And, to minimize their individual and collective efforts is scandalous. Only a mean spirited and unscrupulous rascal would be so brazen to disparage American's good work. I salute our men and women in Iraq. God bless America.

This article has been cross posted at: aubreyj

The News

At Steven Sieber's "The Journal of a Future President", the following quote by Ron Nesen is noteworthy. "Nobody believes the official spokesman . . . but everybody trusts an unidentified source."

Using unidentified sources to the extreme is going to ruin the MSM. Because, their information gathering is suspect from the start. The MSM takes anonymous sources and mixes in a left-wing slant. And, good golly the truth is real questionable. To my way of thinking, the MSM should rarely use unidentified sources. If they do, the news outlet should be up-front with the reliability of the news they are reporting.

The Dan Rather story is an example of questionable sources and distorted news. Unfortunately for the MSM, Dan Rather type reporting may be more commonplace than we know.

At Slate, the following 2003 article by Jack Shafer tells it all. "What can you say about a trusted professional who makes stuff up and publishes it as fact? New York Times reporter Jayson Blair joined Janet Cooke, formerly of the Washington Post, the New Republic's Stephen Glass, the Boston Globe's Patricia Smith, and Jay Forman in Slate as journalists who got caught embellishing, exaggerating, and outright lying in print."

"The will to fabricate cuts across disciplines, with academics and scientists inventing data, too. Last year, Emory University history professor Michael A. Bellesiles resigned following an investigation of charges that he concocted evidence to support his book Arming America, and Bell Labs fired researcher Jan Hendrik Schon when it discovered he made up scientific data and published it."

Media bias and news fabrications in general have been going on for years. With the growth of internet news, media bias by the MSM is being exposed. ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, and most newspapers and news magazines are slanted to the left.

We shall overcome. Internet bloggers and citizen news-hounds will blog the heck out of the news and keep the blogosphere alive with truth, justice and the American Way. God bless America.

Cross Posted at: Journal of the Future President.

I Like Bill Clinton

2006-01-08T19:52:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

I like Bill Clinton. He has a spark and a charm in his voice that makes me want to believe in him. My relatives come from Arkansas and we can relate to his early poverty. It is easy to listen to his down-home style of speaking. I can understand his simple Baptist view of sin, redemption and salvation. In fact, I am the same age as Bill Clinton and I look a lot like him. And, my voice is high and somewhat raspy like his. Yes indeed, from the time I saw him, I liked Bill Clinton.

On the other hand, when Clinton points out the mistakes and shortcomings of the Bush administration, I wonder how Clinton can be critical knowing that his administration was knee-deep in all types of shady activities. A quick search will uncover a major scandal that did not get much attention. It had to do with Clinton taking money from the Communist Chinese funneled through Indonesia for the purpose of funding his campaign.

In the closing months of the 1996 campaign, a multitude of campaign finance violations involving foreign money being funneled into the political system came to light. In the opening days of the 105th Congress, the House Committee on Government Reform and Oversight as well as the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee were tasked with investigating potential campaign law violations.

Senate and House hearings were hampered by the Clinton administration's stonewalling and not allowing access to important documents. And, the inability to appoint a special prosecutor to conduct a thorough investigation. In addition, most of the witnesses took the 5th or fled America to avoid being called to testify. So, Clinton was able to get away with taking money from the Communist Chinese in exchange for allowing highly classified missile technology to be transferred to PRC.

Sadly, I think Bill Clinton has been involved in some real questionable dealings over the years. I don't know why he has stumbled and fallen on his journey through life. Of course, he is just human and possesses the human frailties that causes us all to stumble and fall in our quest to do right. Regardless, I can't explain it, but I am still fond of Bill Clinton. Just maybe, I really do believe in the redemption of a poor boy from rural Arkansas.

God has been kicked out of college

2006-01-08T13:59:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

When I was attending college, I took a class titled "Philosophy of Religion." It was an interesting class. However, the professor was an atheist and was quite confrontational if one professed a belief in God. God, according to her was an abstract philosophy that was just another theory about a belief system that had nothing to do with reality. She managed the course as if God was a myth to be dismissed along with all other flawed myths and superstitions.

I had a friend that sent his little girl to Catholic school K through 12th grade. After graduating high school, she went off to University of California at Berkeley. She returned home after her freshman year and proclaimed that she was now a devout Marxist and that her role model was the famous Marxist Angela Davis. And, she told her parents that their Catholicism was of no value to her.

It appears that most colleges are geared to create good socialists and Marxists. In fact, most professors are quite hostile to any student who speaks out against their socialist agenda. Hopefully, parents will start sending their children to good Christian colleges.

Power Source

2006-01-08T13:24:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

A power source is needed to move objects. We see that whatever is in motion must be moved by something else. Since all motion is the response of matter being moved by something powerful, it only seems logical that a power source exists somewhere. In the world of matter, there can be no power without life. And, life points to a power source or life source that produces life on earth. Therefore, a power source must be creating life.

One could argue nothing can be the cause of itself. Can you imagine saying that something created itself. It other words, something created itself and would have to be before itself. If a person toys with this idea long enough, psychotherapy may be needed.

We have an entire earth that has reproduced and sustained itself in all types of creative ways. Humans have adapted to all forms of natural and man-made changes on the earth. We have adjusted to all that is around us. Is this some quirk of nature or cosmic accident?

I will argue that God is the intelligent designer of the earth and all that is on the earth. However, I am not quite sure humans can explain it all. Because, humans are finite, while God is infinite. There is no scientific theory that will validate God's existence. God's work is a mystery. So, we come to God on his terms. We come to him by faith. May God be with us all in our faith journey. Praise the Lord.

Searching

2006-01-08T04:20:00.000-08:00

It is amazing what people will do when searching for their god. Most people look for their gods in all wrong places. People fall prey to the concept of self-gratification as a means to fill the void. Others seek out the lure of drugs and alcohol. The temptations of making various causes gods is strong. Even humanitarian efforts can be put on a pious stage to be worshipped, because the value of doing good can make one feel charitable. Sadly, people are deceived into thinking these things, these ideas, these lofty pursuits will fulfill the universal need for reassurance.

People search for meaning and purpose in their lives. They want to believe in something. But, most of the time they do not know what it is. They want peace, contentment, and reassurance. They want to be loved by someone that never changes and will always be there as they go down life's rugged pathway. Jesus Christ is the answer. He can welcome us into his arms with unconditional love. No matter where we have been in life, or where we are now, he can understand and give us comfort. We can overcome any obstacle and pursue any goal with the help of Jesus. Yes indeed, Jesus will be there for us. Praise the Lord.

Always Go Up

2006-01-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

I read a story recently about a little boy who was raised in the mountains and thought he could never get lost. Then, one day he found himself lost. Struggling in the brush and over the rocks, he went down in a large gully. All of sudden, he came across an old cabin near a stream. He knocked on the door and an old man slowly open the door. He was stooped over and moved slowly out of the dark doorway. The little boy said he was lost. The old man said slowly, "Son when you get lost, always go up to the highest ridge and you can get your bearings. Never, never go down."

This is a good lesson for us. We can get lost in the mountains of life. Life can confuse us and overwhelm our ability to cope. We can lose our bearings and go down the wrong path. Depression, doubt, and hopelessness can drive us to total despair. When we are lost, we need to look up to our savior. We need to restore our faith in the knowledge that our savior always loves us and wants what is best for us. Yes indeed, What a friend we have in Jesus, all our grief's to bear. Let us move to higher ground and keep our eyes on the eternal prize of being with Jesus in the Glory of heaven. Praise the Lord.

The Religious Right

2006-01-07T04:04:00.000-08:00

The Religious Right is organizing to support the nomination of Judge Alito to the Supreme Court. I have never really figured out who the Religious Right represents. Dobson and Falwell appear to have a following that is Conservative, Evangelical and Fundamental in their theology. However, many Evangelicals and Fundamentals are moderates. Regardless, the Religious Right is a powerful voice in any debate. And, they have a right to be heard. In America, the right to organize and voice concerns is a right that a lot of Americans have died protecting.

There appears to be a tremendous amount of concern in the political realm today about the Religious Right, Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians voicing their opinion. Politicians are falling all over themselves trying to fault these groups for an increase in hostile dialogue in the public square. An objective view of this situation with an eye on fairness may be helpful.

Even though Evangelicals and Fundamentalists are loud and stubborn on theological issues, they did not start this fight. It was started by those who want to ban Christianity from America's public square. Those opposing Christianity have been working overtime to purge Christian symbols from our society. The stories are endless about historical Christian monuments and traditional public Christian symbols being outlawed.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Therefore, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists have a right to be heard. If all types of organizations and advocates can proclaim their message from the rooftops, then Evangelicals and Fundamentals can also. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech are cornerstones of our American ideals. So, let the Religious Right, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists have their say. And, lets have the debate.

Lie or Mistake

2006-01-06T18:09:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

Liberals, Left Wingers, and the Democratic Party are beating a dead horse about Bush and his lie. Good golly, maybe its time to revisit the Clinton years and Iraq. Clinton made some of the same observations regarding Iraq. The following quotes by Clinton are helpful. (A). "If Saddam rejects peace and we have to use force, our purpose is clear. We want to seriously diminish the threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction program." (B). "One way or the other, we are determined to deny Iraq the capacity to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missiles to deliver them. That is our bottom line." (C). "The community of nations may see more and more of the very kind of threat Iraq poses now: a rogue state with weapons of mass destruction, ready to use them or provide them to terrorists. If we fail to respond today, Saddam and all those who would follow in his footsteps will be emboldened tomorrow."

Furthermore, I wonder why Bush doesn't do what Clinton did when he was caught in a lie or mistake. Namely, call on the FBI, the liberal press, the liberal Hollywood crowd, and his personal hit squad staff to dig up as much dirt and shame the person pointing out the mistake into keeping quiet. This worked well for Clinton.

In addition, I am still trying to figure out how Bill Clinton dodged the bullet when he got caught up in taking money from the Communist Chinese funneled through Indonesia into Buddhist Temples in California. I guess Bill just did not have enough money to run his 1996 Presidential campaign. Even selling missile technology to the communist Chinese later through the Commerce Dept. for millions was washed over. Good golly, I guess Bush is not in the same league with Clinton.

As odd as this seems, I have spoken to several liberal over the last few years and they blame the entire Vietnam War on Eisenhower. So, when it comes to being rational, liberals struggle.

Oh well, what do we expect when our educational system teaches our children that studying the feminist movement is more important than studying our constitution and the contributions of Washington and Jefferson.

Intellectuals

2006-01-05T03:45:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

Bertrand Russell, the famous English writer and philosopher, wrote about our human experience. He did not believe in the Bible and made the following comments about the pride of the intellectual, "Every man would like to be God, if it were possible; some few find it difficult to admit the impossibility."

From my college experience, it appears that most college professors are not capable of being humble. There is a tendency for college professors to pontificate. At most colleges today, an exploration of ideas is not tolerated. Classroom lectures are single-minded indoctrination chambers where students are told that their parent's Christian religion is simple-minded and intolerant. And, a faith in a Christian God is akin to spookism. Colleges are suppose to be higher education. However, colleges study a lower level thinking that has a lot to due with hedonism, self-gratification, and false intellectualness.

On the other hand, the anti-Christian movement at college may be a blessing in disguise. Because, real Christians will articulate their faith internally and externally in a way that will make them stronger Christians. Adversity can make a person stronger. With this mind, maybe more Christian colleges will be founded to educate Christians in a supportive learning environment. Persecution in this case may bring about progress in creating more Christian intellectuals.

No room at the Inn

2006-01-05T03:05:00.000-08:00

There seems to be no room at the inn for a moderate United Church of Christ (UCC)/Congregational member. Unfortunately, UCC has become just as politically active on the left as the religious right has become on the right. It appears that advocacy for liberal / leftist / Democratic Party ideas has moved UCC and many mainstream churches to the point of no return. From my moderate view, UCC needs to spend more time restoring faith and saving souls and less time on political advocacy.

UCC should be a place where people on a faith journey are welcomed, not just those that support UCC's political agenda. The reasons I joined the UCC/Congregational movement years ago were based on UCC's inclusion and tolerance. Evidently, these two ideas only apply if one agrees with UCC's political advocacy. I wonder if it is time for moderate UCC/Congregational members to start thinking about restoring our ministry to a Stone/Campbell type "Christian Church" or move to a the "Conservative Congregational" movement.

Too Smart

2006-01-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times
Intellectuals, college professors, scientists, and other smart people may be too smart for their own good. "Not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions." (Luke 12:15). They try to finding meaning in their work and study. They focus on saving themselves from the ravages of loneliness, depression, and a lack of meaning in their lives. Sometimes, they turn to destructive behavior in a search for meaning. They might turn to drugs, alcohol, violence, and immoral behavior. People are driven to search for meaning. Regardless of a person's intelligence, God will give meaning to life. God's saving grace can save a troubled soul from himself and make life worth living.

Too Busy for God

2006-01-04T02:12:00.000-08:00

Businesses try hard to be efficient. They adopt the latest new management philosophy. And, they reorganize at a rapid pace. Business is always striving to be better. People get day planners and high tech gadgets to streamline their daily work. Everyone is moving quickly to beat the competition. It seems that we all want to maximize our efforts and work toward top efficiency. We are a busy country and our American economy and society as a whole are the envy of the world.

On the other hand, most Americans do not put much effort into their spiritual lives. Getting up Sunday morning and going to church is a struggle. A daily Bible reading is interrupted by a favorite TV program. And, daily prayers are hurried into an already too busy day. Yes indeed, we need to spend more time with God.

Good Preaching

2006-01-03T11:13:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times
There seems to be a debate as to which type of preaching is best. Topical Preaching (TP) and Expository Preaching (EP) are two common types of preaching and appear to be at the heart of this debate.

To me, TP is when a preacher leads the congregation to review a number of scattered, but related Biblical passages on a specific topic. It appears that exhortatory, biographical, evangelistic, and charismatic preaching are subsets of topical preaching. Younger Christians may like TP better. They get bored easily and are accustomed to an entertaining sermon with contemporary stories.

Expository preaching differs from topical preaching in that the preacher will lead the congregation to concentrate on a particular Bible passage and sequentially work through a chapter or book of the Bible. Thus, a systematic review is undertaken of all the topics related to a passage, chapter or book. It seems that older and more mature Christians like EP better.

To my of thinking, TP might be a better style for Sunday morning services. And, EP might be best utilized for Sunday night and Wednesday night services. A good Bible study format is essential for Christian growth. So, EP is a key communication style.

When I belonged to the Pomona First Baptist Church, the pastor mixed TP and EP in a way that followed scripture and at the same time was quite contemporary. He had a style similar to Billy Graham.

I have heard all types of preachers in many denominations. I have listened to good preaching at the following churches: Baptist, Lutheran, Church of Christ, Christian Churches (Disciples of Christ), The Christian Church (not Disciple of Christ), United Church of Christ, Congregational, Nazarene, Church of the Brethren, and Methodist. I even heard a funeral sermon from a Catholic priest which was one of the most moving services I have ever encountered.

I am not an expert in this area. I am just a Christian who has experienced all types of preaching. I am not quite sure if TP or EP is better. To my of thinking, good preaching is good preaching. Praise the Lord.

Difficult Theology or Simple Salvation

2006-01-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Baptists, Lutherans, Catholics, Pysbertarians, and other Christians identify salvation using different names. They have their own teaching institutions and approach theological issues in their own way. Theology may be difficult. And, theologians will argue about different interpretations regarding the terms new birth, regeneration, and born again.

Salvation is really a simple concept. We need God. The soul craves the love of God. All that is required of us is to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior. Salvation is ours for the asking. Our soul will dwell with our Lord forever in the glory of heaven just by asking him into our life. "For God so loved the world, that he He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

The fact remains that people need God. Because, a godless existence is filled with emptiness and doubt. We are all striving for a purpose in our life. There has to be a reason to get up in the morning.

Many hard working people retire and then find out that they must have work to do. So, these retired people go back to work part-time or full-time. They need a reason to get up in the morning. In the same way, we need a reason to live and continue to strive on life's journey. A spiritual life filled with God's presence will turn life's up and downs into an exciting life of wonder and reassurance. We can be secure in knowing that regardless of our setbacks, God loves us.

My dear Grandma Parker had roses all around her house. She had all types of roses. Her white, pink, red, and yellow roses gave off a sweet smell that filled the air in the summer time. I image heaven to like this. Being in heaven with Jesus where the roses never fade is a wonderful picture.

Yes indeed, salvation is simple for Born Again Christians and Meandering Christians. It doesn't matter if the conversion process is instantaneous or takes a long time. The spiritual journey for Meandering Christians may take all types of paths. The road to salvation is not easy for many. And, inner conflicts and physical hardships can detour even the most sincere seeker of the truth. It really does not matter how we get to our final destination, it only matters that we get there. When we do get there, Jesus will be waiting and watching. He will see us coming down the road and will go to meet us. He will draw us into his loving arms and say, I've been waiting so long for you. Welcome home.

Spending too much on the wrong things.

2006-01-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

San Gabriel Valley Times:

Some people need to go shopping all the time. They see a coat and they must have it. They see a new power drill, and they must have it. They see a new car, and they must have it. Some people are just never satisfied. The spend and spend until their credit cards are at the maximum.

However, most people never think about spending time enriching their spiritual lives. They never think about spending time reading God's word. They never give much thought to praying for others. Yes indeed, many people just spend too much on themselves and on things that do not really matter, while their spiritual lives hunger for the nourishment of God's word.

Some people search all their life for something to fill the void in their life. Part of their life is empty. So, they turn to all sorts of remedies. Drugs, crime, cheating, and violence are just a few disastrous attempts to fill an inner emptiness.

On the other hand, by spending time with God, marriages can be repaired, new professional goals can be formulated, and an inner peace can quiet a troubled soul. Spend time with God and he will bless you beyond your dreams.

God Shed His Grace On Thee

2006-01-02T05:08:00.000-08:00

San Gabriel Valley Times
In the song "America the Beautiful", God shed his grace on thee. Yes indeed, we are saved by the grace of God. A faith journey may include the trials and tribulations of a struggling Christian trying to understand God's love and the idea of being saved by grace. Being saved by grace may seem odd to us, because most productive people want to work to be rewarded. God's saving grace does not require any work. It is free. God's grace is shed on everyone who believes in Jesus Christ and accepts him as Lord and savior.

Reformation of the soul is an ominous task. Being reformed to a greater understanding of God's word is indeed a faith journey. Becoming a Christian is similar to remodeling a house. Remodeling a house takes into account the basic structure and an overhaul is undertaken to reform the house. Plumbing, wiring, and roofing are upgraded. A new roof is put on. Painting and patching everywhere is the norm. Stucco may be used to change the exterior, while new plaster may be needed to make the interior look fresh and new.

Becoming a Christian means repairing the foundation too. An old foundation built on doubt, sin, and a lack of meaning must be changed to include the idea of God's love and a purposeful life. God's love for us all supersedes a secular world view that is based on self-gratification. God wants us to be happy and content in knowing that we are saved by God's loving grace.

San Gabriel Valley Times

2006-01-02T03:39:00.000-08:00

There appears to be a tremendous amount of concern in the political realm today about Evangelical and Fundamentalist Christians. Politicians are falling all over themselves trying to fault these two groups for an increase in hostile dialogue in the public square. I am not an Evangelical or Fundamentalist. But, I can objectively view this situation with an eye on fairness.

Even though Evangelicals and Fundamentalists are loud and stubborn on theological issues, they did not start this fight. It was started by those who want to ban Christianity from America. Those opposing Christianity have been working overtime to purge Christian symbols from our society. The stories are endless about historical monuments and traditional public symbols being outlawed.

The First Amendment guarantees the right to freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Therefore, Evangelicals and Fundamentalists have a right to be heard. If all types of organizations and advocates can proclaim their message from the rooftops, then Evangelicals and Fundamentals can also. Freedom of religion and freedom of speech are cornerstones of our American ideals. Hopefully, our politicians and judges will quickly realize that Evangelicals and Fundamentalists are a positive and stabilizing force in America. As they say in the Evangelical community, Praise the Lord.

Born Again or Meandering Christian

2006-01-01T04:45:00.000-08:00

How can one be born again? I hear it in the fundamentalist and evangelical communities. There is a rush to rejuvenate the soul for many Christians. This is justified. Because, Jesus said "I say unto you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Jesus was talking about a rebirth in a spiritual sense. Just like a new baby enters the world with many things to learn, a Christian must grow in the spiritual blessings of Jesus Christ. A spiritual transformation is the essence and beauty of Christianity. However, this spiritual rebirth may not be instantaneous. It may take time to develop an understanding of God's love. Born Again Christians and Meandering Christians are both saved by God's grace.

In the movie Batman, Bruce Wayne transforms himself into a superhero to rescue the helpless and save the world from the evil forces that threaten to destroy us all. Clark Kent, becomes Superman in order to fight wrongs and make them right. Unfortunately, we cannot switch back and forth easily like the superheros in the movies. A spiritual transformation that comes with becoming a Christian is not physical, but a spiritual rebirth.

Transforming ourselves into Christians is not the same for every one. For some, the conversion and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and savior is instataneous. For others, the process of learning, exploring, and understanding God's grace take a long time. For Christians that take time to study God's word and come to an understanding of God's purpose in their lives, a feeling of guilt may overtake them. Because, they don't feel moved by a conversion experience.

Furthermore, many well-meaning evangelicals and fundamentalists interpret a lack of a conversation experience as a lack of accepting Jesus Christ. Christians from the evangelical and fundamentalist communities should be aware that pressuring all Christians into following the same path to understanding and accepting Jesus Christ is folly.

Meandering Christians are those that have a faith journey full of exploration and study. And, they may have stumbled and stalled along life's rough road. They may have even accepted Jesus Christ early on and then fallen from God's love. Back-sliding over and over again can create a defeatist mind-set. Life can deal many people a tough hand to play. And, those who have allowed life's many pressures and disappointments to knock them down should understand that we all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. On the other hand, this back and forth, up and down, studying and reflecting may even help Meandering Christians grow and become stronger in their faith.

Meandering Christians come in many shapes and sizes. They are young and old, poor and rich, high school drop outs and college graduates, plumbers and doctors. They are from all parts of American society. Yes indeed, Meandering Christians are all over the place.

Born Again Christians and Meandering Christians have things in common. Namely, they are loved by God. They are God's children. God wants the best for them. They are blessed with the knowledge that some day they will be with the Lord in the Glory of Heaven. Praise the Lord.

Billy Graham

2006-01-01T02:30:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

I find Billy Graham's book "How to be born again" quite interesting. It answers a lot of questions regarding the issue of becoming a Christian. The following is a good review from Amazon.com.

Man has a problem and God has an answer in Christ. How then do we respond? Dr. Graham gives the answer in simple, direct, and dynamic language. But he does not stop with the moment of the new birth, for newborns have a lot of growing to do. Here also is essential guidance to take them further, for they can scarcely realize so soon the potential of the new power God can release from deep within them.

[*How to be born again publisher: W Publishing Group; New edition (March 7, 1989) W Publishing Nashville TN]

Kwanzaa and Christianity

2005-12-30T20:57:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

Exploring Kwanzaa and its founder Karenga has been interesting. It appears that Pro-Kwanzaa blogs are out-numbered by Anti-Kwanzaa blogs. Pro-Kwanzaa blogs and Anti-Kwanzaa blogs are both passionate about their ideas. Unfortunately, after reading several Pro-Kwanzaa blogs, it appears that many Pro-Kwanzaa supporters devalue Christianity.

I have more history and research to share on the topic of Christian reconciliation and redemption. However, in the interest of diplomacy, I will reserve my writings on the aforementioned subject for my new book. I have read a recent book by UCLA professor Dr. Scot Brown with a good forward by Dr. Claybourne Carson titled "Fighting for US: Maulana Karenga, The US Organization and Black Cultural Nationalism." And, I would recommend those interested in historical research to consider this a good read.

I am not a legalistic Christian. My theology is quite liberal; however, I have started to devote more time to studying the Holy Bible. In addition, I have pulled the following books from by personal library for further review. I recommend the following books for those wanting to get closer to Christ: "The Holy Bible" of course, "A Savior Worth Having" by E.V. Hill, "Life of Christ" by Bishop Fulton Sheen, "Power Thoughts" by Rev. Robert Schuller, and "Angels-Gods Special Agents" by Rev. Billy Graham. I had a 400 book library, until I donated 350 books to Azusa Pacific University, a fine local college, to be used in a new college campus being built in Africa.

Being a gracious Christian and sharing my ideas on Pro-Kwanzaa blogs has been a real challenge. However, something good has come of this experience. I have become a more commented Christian. And, this experience has solidified my belief that we are saved by the grace of God.

I pray that America does not turn its back on God. E.V. Hill from the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, who went home to be Jesus not long ago, said in his book "A Savior Worth Having", "One of the great thrills of my life was preaching in Moscow several years ago-just a couple of blocks from Lenin's Tomb, in the heart of Moscow. I was speaking to about 6,000 preachers (I suspect old Lenin was turning over in his grave) about this wonderful Jesus. For now, even in Moscow, the name of Jesus can be publicly spoken. Who would have thought four or five or ten years ago that the name "Jesus" could be uttered freely on the streets of the former Soviet Union? Tragically, while in Russian public schools He can be read about and discussed freely, in our own public schools, it is forbidden to speak His name."

In an interview, Pastor E.V. Hill said it best, ". . . my message all the time to any community that we're all one blood-we came from one Creator who gave us one Savior Jesus Christ our Lord and that's what I'd like to say."

Yes indeed, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. What a wonderful blessing to be saved by God's grace, mercy, and charity. May the Lord be with you all in your faith journey. Praise the Lord.

Wikipedia

2005-12-30T06:11:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

I use the online encyclopedia Wikipedia. And, it has been a good research tool. My hat is off to the community of contributors for being on target and providing excellent references. I understand there has been some criticism of Wikipedia recently; however, Wikipedia is just as factual as Encyclopedia Britannica according to recent research.

The knowledge in books is wonderful. I had two sets of the World Book Encyclopedias (1955 and 1986) and bought the year books each year. I donated my entire library and encyclopedias to Azusa Pacific University (400 books) to be used at a new African campus. This being said, I love the enormous information flow on the internet and the blogosphere.

Prayers

2005-12-30T05:21:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

Well, liberal judges are at it again.

An Indiana federal judge yesterday reaffirmed his decision to forbid prayers to be offered that use Jesus' name in the state House of Representatives.

U.S. District Judge David Hamilton rejected a request by Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma to review the original Nov. 30 ruling. Bosma claimed the directive was too vague to enforce. Ruling on a suit brought by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, Hamilton said that "using Christ's name or title" or referring to a "savior" amounted to a state endorsement of religion.

Liberal judges just cannot stand to see Christian observances any place. I think Americans should elect all judges. Then, let the Anti-Christian judges stand on their record of being Anti-Christian. I venture to say that most liberal judges would not be so quick to rule against Christian observances.

Kwanzaa and Karenga

2005-12-29T02:33:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

It is hard to separate Kwanzaa from the founder Karenga. A quick search of the internet will show that the two are linked closely. Without being disrespectful to Jesus Christ and Christians, supporters of Kwanzaa praise Karenga as a savior and cultural icon. I questioned this relationship on pro-Kwanzaa blogs, and there seems to be a tremendous amount of hostility toward anyone who tries to shed light on Karenga's past and the reasons for establishing Kwanzaa. Karenga's troubles at UCLA years ago and his imprisonment reveal a lot about Karenga.

"At the beginning of the 1960s, Karenga met Malcolm X and began to embrace Black nationalism. Following the Watts riots in 1965, he interrupted his doctoral studies at UCLA and joined the Black Power movement. During this time, he awarded himself the title "maulana", Swahili for "master teacher." He formed United Slaves, later called the U.S. Organization, an outspoken Black nationalist group."

"In 1969, the US Organization and the Black Panthers disagreed over who should head the new Afro-American Studies Center at UCLA. According to a Los Angeles Times article, Karenga and his supporters backed one candidate, the Panthers another. The Black Student Union set up a coalition to try to bring peace between the groups, which ended when US members George P. & Larry Joseph Stiner shot dead two members of the Black Panthers, John Jerome Huggins and Alprentice "Bunchy" Carter. The killing was dismissed by UCLA chancellor Charles E. Young as an unrelated incident."

"Time in Prison. In 1971 Karenga, Louis Smith, and Luz Maria Tamayo were convicted of felonious assault and false imprisonment for assaulting and torturing two women from the United States, Deborah Jones & Gail Davis. [4] A May 14, 1971 article in the Los Angeles Times described the testimony of one of the women: "Deborah Jones, who once was given the Swahili title of an African queen, said she and Gail Davis were whipped with an electrical cord and beaten with a karate baton after being ordered to remove their clothes. She testified that a hot soldering iron was placed in Miss Davis' mouth and placed against Miss Davis' face and that one of her own big toes was tightened in a vise. Karenga, head of US, also put detergent and running hoses in their mouths, she said." They also were hit on the heads with toasters."

I have tried to be objective in my approach to Kwanzaa and Karenga. Hopefully, he has overcome his troubled past and moved on to higher ground. God's Redemption is a blessing. Karenga is an excellent writer and I am sure he has influenced people in a way that enhances their lives. However, I disagree with his Marxist views. If Kwanzaa is used to build self esteem and provide the motivation to live a productive life, Kwanzaa will be a positive force in America. I pray this is true. God bless America.

Kwanzaa Revisited

2005-12-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

I found an interesting article on Kwanzaa. It seems that there has been a lot of discussions about Kwanzaa this time of year. Karenga's criminal past, Marxist views, and his desire for a bloody revolution in America, makes for interesting reading. I would like to seperate his teachings from Kwanzaa. However, Kwanzaa and Karenga are linked. Hopefully, he has changed his thinking. And, I wonder if he has repented and moved past his troubled start.

I have the following questions. First, does Karenga still believe his writings in "Quotable Karenga". In his Path of Blackness, which is detailed in his Quotable Karenga: "The sevenfold path of blackness is think black, talk black, act black, create black, buy black, vote black, and live black."

Second, I wonder if Karenga still thinks living in a Marxist country is better than living in America.

Third, A few years ago, Karenga was in dire need of psychiatic care as determined by the State of California. "Karenga was sentenced to one-to-ten years in prison on counts of felonious assault and false imprisonment. At his trial, the question arose as to Karenga's sanity. The psychiatrist's report stated: "This man now represents a picture which can be considered both paranoid and schizophrenic with hallucinations and illusions, inappropriate affect, disorganization, and impaired contact with the environment. The psychiatrist reportedly observed that Karenga talked to his blanket and imaginary persons, and he believed he'd been attacked by dive-bombers." I wonder if he has received treatment and is he still in therapy.

Fourth, Karenga explained in his 1977 Kwanzaa: Origin, Concepts, Practice, "Kwanzaa is not an imitation, but an alternative, in fact, an oppositional alternative to the spookism, mysticism and non-earth based practices which plague us as a people and encourage our withdrawal from social life rather than our bold confrontation with it." The holiday "was chosen to give a Black alternative to the existing holiday and give Blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." I wonder if he still thinks that Christianity is spookism?

In conclusion, I think the redemption of mankind is a wonderful blessing. We have all stumbled and fallen short of the glory of God. Hopefully, Karenga has realized the folly of his past and moved on to appreciate the wonders of a diversity of religious beliefs in America. America, what a wonderfully tolerant country. It is a place where even an Anti-American Marxist and "Doubting Thomas" professor with a violently troubled past can preach the spiritual nature of Kwanzaa at Long Beach State. God bless America.

Kwanzaa

2005-12-28T06:54:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

It appears that Kwanzaa is more of a Black Pride movement than a religious celebration. From Kwanzaa's beginning and its association with the Black Panther movement, Marxism, and Anti-American philosophies, the goals of Kwanzaa appear to be Anti-Christian. Historical documents and statements from Kwanzaa's founder appear to reaffirm a movement based more in afro-centric politics and less in deeply held religious beliefs.

I pose this question to myself: If Jerry Falwell's Baptist ministry would have viscously attacked another race of people and denounced Christianity as spookism, would he have a ministry today? I suggest he would be out of the ministry business.

America, what a wonderful country. It is a place where the founder of Kwanzaa can still have a Kwanzaa ministry at Loong Beach State preaching his Marxist and Anti-American ideas. God Bless America.

Christmas

2005-12-28T06:02:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

Christmas is over. But, I found a real interesting article on the La Shawn Barber blog.

"Discussions about Christ are taboo in government schools, but Kwanzaa isn’t. From a reader: “Today a gentleman was invited by my child’s kindergarten teacher to talk about Kwanzaa to the class…If the philosophy of Kwanzaa is allowed to be discussed in public school should I be allowed to discuss Jesus Christ with the class also?” Answer: Of course you should be allowed, but you are NOT."

"For decades, the media have given credence to many a self-appointed black “leader,” no matter how outrageous. Now they’re doing the same with a pagan ritual called Kwanzaa, a so-called African-American holiday."

"A made-up, anti-Christian observance, Kwanzaa is celebrated by blacks who profess Christ. In our politically correct climate, even President George Bush, a believer in Christ, feels obligated to praise this ritual."

"All holidays are made up! True. But in this context, here is what I meant: Kwanzaa is a jumble of political ideology, pseudo-cultural, and spiritualized “African” rituals. Unlike Christmas, the Christian observance of the birth of the Savior, Kwanzaa isn’t a deep-rooted, historical, or true observance of anything African. An ex-convict created a faux African Christmas replacement for black folks."

"Kwanzaa was invented in 1966 by Dr. Maulana “Ron” Karenga, a former black militant, Marxist and convicted felon. Claiming to have the unity of black people in mind, Karenga committed most of his crimes against blacks."

"Just five years after his invention, he was convicted of torturing two black women by stripping them naked, beating them with electrical cords, placing a hot iron into the mouth of one and mangling the toe of the other in a vice. During the ordeal, he forced them to drink detergent."

Why would the public schools endorse Kwanzaa and not Christmas? This is an odd development.

ACLU

2005-12-28T05:01:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

There is a good discussion on the Stop the ACLU blog regarding tax payers funding the ACLU. The new proposal does not go as far as it should to stop the ACLU from stealing tax dollars. Reimbursing the ACLU for suing our own government is goofy.

"As WorldNetDaily reported, Hostettler’s proposal would amend the Civil Rights Attorney's Fees Act of 1976, 42 U.S.C. Section 1988, to prohibit prevailing parties from being awarded attorney's fee in religious establishment cases, but not in other civil rights filings. This would prevent local governments from having to use taxpayer funds to pay the ACLU or similar organization when a case is lost, and also would protect elected officials from having to pay fees from their own pockets."

It seems that the ACLU has become an organization determined to attack traditional American ideals. The ACLU has supported attacking the Boy Scouts of America, historic religious symbols, and prayers by students at high school graduations. I have a feeling that the ACLU would like to change America into "Cuba-Lite". I am sure that Fidel Castro would be proud of the ACLU. In conclusion, it is time that American voters demand that our leaders stop funding the misguided activities of the ACLU.

Red Cross

2005-12-27T02:51:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

The Red Cross has allowed fraud. It is amazing that widespread fraud is being excused as normal. The following is a quote from a Red Cross official defending Katrina fraud by telephone center employees in Bakersfield. Poor management indeed.

"We knew we ran the risk of putting assistance in the hands of potentially unscrupulous individuals not affected by the hurricanes," Joe Becker, a Red Cross official, told a congressional Ways and Means subcommittee at a hearing this month on the charity response to Katrina. "We concluded that it was a reasonable business risk and mitigated the risks as possible."

Christmas

2005-12-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

Rosemead Times

It was a beautiful day in Rosemead. This is much better than Christmas time in 1966 and 1967 stationed on the Korean DMZ in the snow. God Bless.