The students of the University of Wisconsin Madison are paying "Sex Out Loud" $90,000 a year in student fees to give workshops on sexual pleasure. This includes how to use sex toys and play out fantasies. The organization began some ten years ago to inform students of the dangers of HIV and other STD's. The group claims to include abstinence and 'other' safe sex practices in its education. How teaching perversion is safe sex or healthy escapes me. It must go hand and hand with one of the other major vices of college life; binge drinking, especially the safe part. The rise in prominence of sex columnist in campus newspapers, and other programs such as these, work to erode the family unit and portray ones partner only as an object to serve one's own sexual desires. I would think that women would find this especially vile.
Unfortunately the only models of sexual life for our young people are the likes of Madonna, Paris Hilton and Bill Clinton. Perhaps parents need to be more vocal in their own homes during the raising of their children rather than keeping sex a mystery. Yes you young college men and women, your parents do have sex. A lot of sex, and they find it very pleasurable. We are a far cry from the days of one room homes.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Monday, December 04, 2006
Let Them Eat Cake!
Cake, referring to the build up of soot and creosote cleaned from chimneys.
And this is just what the democrats and other anti-war forces, including the mainstream media, have said to the Iraqi people. The constant barrage of demanding timetables, claiming civil war, that we are losing and should pull out, all for political gain, are influencing policy. To pullout of Iraq is to send Iraq and the surrounding area into turmoil, causing untold death and suffering. To stay the course, new or otherwise, is to suffer more casualties but overall save more lives and bring stability to the region and world. Like Vietnam, the left is tempting us to think of our own short term interests over the interests of the Iraqi people or the long term interests of the Unite States or the world.
Whether the announcement of Iraq's readiness to take control over its security by June was in response to the lefts accusations or not, does not make it necessarily bad. The pressure I'm sure drove Iraq to act more quickly than otherwise and can relieve our burden.
But what happens next? The news media announces that we can now pull out of Iraq, while the Bush administration states our troops will be pulled back to bases in Iraq. This is where our politicians and media need to break their alliance with Islamo-fascists. To continue to call for withdrawal will bring an end to hostility as a strategy by the terrorist to get our troops out. And as soon as we leave a relentless attack will ensue against the new government. To commit to the well being of the Iraqi people, we need to support our troops and their mission and not call for withdrawal.
And this is just what the democrats and other anti-war forces, including the mainstream media, have said to the Iraqi people. The constant barrage of demanding timetables, claiming civil war, that we are losing and should pull out, all for political gain, are influencing policy. To pullout of Iraq is to send Iraq and the surrounding area into turmoil, causing untold death and suffering. To stay the course, new or otherwise, is to suffer more casualties but overall save more lives and bring stability to the region and world. Like Vietnam, the left is tempting us to think of our own short term interests over the interests of the Iraqi people or the long term interests of the Unite States or the world.
Whether the announcement of Iraq's readiness to take control over its security by June was in response to the lefts accusations or not, does not make it necessarily bad. The pressure I'm sure drove Iraq to act more quickly than otherwise and can relieve our burden.
But what happens next? The news media announces that we can now pull out of Iraq, while the Bush administration states our troops will be pulled back to bases in Iraq. This is where our politicians and media need to break their alliance with Islamo-fascists. To continue to call for withdrawal will bring an end to hostility as a strategy by the terrorist to get our troops out. And as soon as we leave a relentless attack will ensue against the new government. To commit to the well being of the Iraqi people, we need to support our troops and their mission and not call for withdrawal.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Good Government
Reading that the government of Tanzania will fire regional administrative officials if they can't stop a cholera outbreak, I wish our own government would act as harshly to unethical or incompetent behavior by government employees. Uganda is another example of government's influence on the lives of its citizens, finding more freedom and prosperity after deposing Idi Amin Dada; it has become a leader in Africa in its fight against AIDS. Africa has abundant natural resources, a very diverse population, and political influences from Europe, China and the United States among others. A call for good government has gone out across Africa as a solution to its dilemmas and world image. So what makes good government?
Traditional monogamous families.
In the western world, not only Judaism, but also the Greeks and Romans were predominantly monogamous societies (though far from perfect). Of the Greek states, Sparta was the strongest proponent of monogamy and boasts the title of over a 1000-year reign. Sparta was the only Greek State to educate their women. Moreover, they were said to be the best in the world at fighting as a group, being the only Greeks disciplined enough to take a phalanx, a mass of intertwined men and armor moving at a slow trot, and pivot a wing to out flank the enemy. Modified by Alexander the Great's father such tactics developed into the Roman legion. Along with their abilities of conquest they also focused on incorporating the peoples of the lands they invaded. Both the Greeks and the Romans excelled in public works including theaters, roads, aqueducts and public baths.
Judeo-Christian ethics, Greek drama and philosophy and Roman law hold powerful influences on our society today. When the Romans came upon the Germanic tribes they marveled at how well they treated their women and Western Europe, and in turn the United States, have been leaders in concepts of liberty and social justice (in both Christian and materialist veins). All this from societies that honored traditional monogamous families and even more so from those who respected women to the greater degree.
The threat of terrorism, poverty, corruption, AIDS or war and genocide are predominantly coming from cultures that practice polygamy and/or hold women in low regard. The fact that AIDS itself, transmitted almost exclusively through intercourse, has swept the world in apparently only 40 years, illustrates the plight facing our society; the assault on the family unit. Uganda, as part of its successful war against AIDS, has promoted abstinence until marriage and upholds a model in its royal family. The discipline, compassion, insight and relationship skills learned from the traditional family unit are essential in working toward good government and creating a prosperous society for all. Whether Africa can prosper in its advantageous situation and set an example to the rest of the world depends on its ability to promote the traditional family unit. Something that has been lacking in many, but not all, parts of the continent.
Protecting the sanctity of the family unit and women's rights are the real battlegrounds for peace in our modern era, whether Islamo-fascist terrorism, genocide or AIDS.
A History of Marriage
Traditional monogamous families.
In the western world, not only Judaism, but also the Greeks and Romans were predominantly monogamous societies (though far from perfect). Of the Greek states, Sparta was the strongest proponent of monogamy and boasts the title of over a 1000-year reign. Sparta was the only Greek State to educate their women. Moreover, they were said to be the best in the world at fighting as a group, being the only Greeks disciplined enough to take a phalanx, a mass of intertwined men and armor moving at a slow trot, and pivot a wing to out flank the enemy. Modified by Alexander the Great's father such tactics developed into the Roman legion. Along with their abilities of conquest they also focused on incorporating the peoples of the lands they invaded. Both the Greeks and the Romans excelled in public works including theaters, roads, aqueducts and public baths.
Judeo-Christian ethics, Greek drama and philosophy and Roman law hold powerful influences on our society today. When the Romans came upon the Germanic tribes they marveled at how well they treated their women and Western Europe, and in turn the United States, have been leaders in concepts of liberty and social justice (in both Christian and materialist veins). All this from societies that honored traditional monogamous families and even more so from those who respected women to the greater degree.
The threat of terrorism, poverty, corruption, AIDS or war and genocide are predominantly coming from cultures that practice polygamy and/or hold women in low regard. The fact that AIDS itself, transmitted almost exclusively through intercourse, has swept the world in apparently only 40 years, illustrates the plight facing our society; the assault on the family unit. Uganda, as part of its successful war against AIDS, has promoted abstinence until marriage and upholds a model in its royal family. The discipline, compassion, insight and relationship skills learned from the traditional family unit are essential in working toward good government and creating a prosperous society for all. Whether Africa can prosper in its advantageous situation and set an example to the rest of the world depends on its ability to promote the traditional family unit. Something that has been lacking in many, but not all, parts of the continent.
Protecting the sanctity of the family unit and women's rights are the real battlegrounds for peace in our modern era, whether Islamo-fascist terrorism, genocide or AIDS.
A History of Marriage
Monday, November 20, 2006
What about God?
As the Presbyterian, Episcopal, and Methodist Churches, all related to the Anglican Church, openly embrace homosexual clergy, dividing its congregations, the Anglican Church itself is promoting euthanasia. Now political groups in Norway want to enforce quotas on its national church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, for homosexual clergy. As we debate the validity of peoples sexual orientation, not wanting to hurt anyone's feelings or deny them their (God given) human rights, and the sanctity of life under the guise of being fair has anyone asked; What about God? How does God feel? Was the crucifixion of Jesus Christ fair? The laws and practices of religion, namely Christianity, are relentlessly scrutinized and dissected by a humanistic politically correct dogma. In this process has anyone stopped to consider God as a living being, with desires, feelings and rights Himself?
May I humbly suggest the founding fathers of our great nation did just that. That the power and wisdom behind the First Amendment, the establishment clause, was not based on political realities but on an advanced knowledge of the living God. Seeing beyond their religious differences and facing common struggles, they recognized the living God present in all men and sought not to allow humanistic powers to corrupt or restrain this spirit of freedom whose origin was not in question. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;".
As we face a new age of globalization, and the reality of man's immense power over life and the creation, allowing us to reach to the ends of the universe, a deeper understanding of the living God needs to be applied. Humankind needs to recognize their own inherent power, given by God, comes with great responsibility, and to take this responsibility away, is to deny humankind its dignity; their position as His children. Is it fair to blame God for our self made quagmire? God's council has been far from unjust and within His rights as our Father. Whether it is abstinence education, which works and is highly beneficial to communities and society, or working to curing people of their the homosexual tendencies, it is time to acknowledge God and the blessings He has bestowed upon man. Not just to humble ourselves to His ways, but to understand that He suffers with us and has never desired evil or unhappiness for any of His children, which includes all humankind. After a century of seeing godless materialism destroy the lives of the people under its control and ultimately fail, it is time to acknowledge God's feelings and rights, and humankind's unseen ties to His blessings and ideals for our lives. He has only given us the world and the universe in which it rests.
Happy Thanksgiving.
May I humbly suggest the founding fathers of our great nation did just that. That the power and wisdom behind the First Amendment, the establishment clause, was not based on political realities but on an advanced knowledge of the living God. Seeing beyond their religious differences and facing common struggles, they recognized the living God present in all men and sought not to allow humanistic powers to corrupt or restrain this spirit of freedom whose origin was not in question. "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;".
As we face a new age of globalization, and the reality of man's immense power over life and the creation, allowing us to reach to the ends of the universe, a deeper understanding of the living God needs to be applied. Humankind needs to recognize their own inherent power, given by God, comes with great responsibility, and to take this responsibility away, is to deny humankind its dignity; their position as His children. Is it fair to blame God for our self made quagmire? God's council has been far from unjust and within His rights as our Father. Whether it is abstinence education, which works and is highly beneficial to communities and society, or working to curing people of their the homosexual tendencies, it is time to acknowledge God and the blessings He has bestowed upon man. Not just to humble ourselves to His ways, but to understand that He suffers with us and has never desired evil or unhappiness for any of His children, which includes all humankind. After a century of seeing godless materialism destroy the lives of the people under its control and ultimately fail, it is time to acknowledge God's feelings and rights, and humankind's unseen ties to His blessings and ideals for our lives. He has only given us the world and the universe in which it rests.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid?
Thinking of the fascist and communist regimes of the 20th century, it has often been pondered how the people of those nations let such tyrannical regimes take power. As the Democratic party develops a world view that irrationally blames all the world's ills on the Republican party (and the Christian right), vandalizes their campaign headquarters, slashing tires of Republican get out the vote vehicles and continually tries to take guns away from its populous, is it fair to make any comparisons?
Even after winning the election radical Democrat elements continue the attack. The Sean Hannity show and other conservative talk shows continue receiving vile comments and unfounded accusations of corruption and criminal activity, the accusations even increasing after the election. The exceptional blog, The Autonomist, and many others have had to add monitoring features to their web sites because of the abusive and defamatory nature of the remarks being posted.
When you add government actions at Waco and Ruby Ridge, or the Elian Gonzalez story, how far the abuse of government power can spread worries many. Consider this; President Bush and Vice President Cheney are both unjustly impeached and Nancy Pelosi is now our President. Another terrorist attack occurs and martial law declared. Is this the end of our democracy? When those who believe we should turn to Syria and Iran to resolve the Iraq War, enemy nations they hold in higher regard than their political opponents, take absolute power would it ever be given back to the people? It makes one question the Democrats defense strategy.
Very real concerns, but nothing that hasn't been faced in the past. God bless the founders of this great nation for their God given wisdom. In fact, whether it be slavery, the persecution of the Mormoms or modern day civil rights issues, this nation has faced and overcome all obstacles in its path including a civil war in which many freedoms were suspended under President Lincoln. I cannot see our great nation falling to such a coupe, and even if the unthinkable occurred the military, true protectors of freedom, would stand with the people and thwart any attempts to derail the constitution. Of course, I could never have imagined that elections in the United States would have international election monitors either.
Even after winning the election radical Democrat elements continue the attack. The Sean Hannity show and other conservative talk shows continue receiving vile comments and unfounded accusations of corruption and criminal activity, the accusations even increasing after the election. The exceptional blog, The Autonomist, and many others have had to add monitoring features to their web sites because of the abusive and defamatory nature of the remarks being posted.
When you add government actions at Waco and Ruby Ridge, or the Elian Gonzalez story, how far the abuse of government power can spread worries many. Consider this; President Bush and Vice President Cheney are both unjustly impeached and Nancy Pelosi is now our President. Another terrorist attack occurs and martial law declared. Is this the end of our democracy? When those who believe we should turn to Syria and Iran to resolve the Iraq War, enemy nations they hold in higher regard than their political opponents, take absolute power would it ever be given back to the people? It makes one question the Democrats defense strategy.
Very real concerns, but nothing that hasn't been faced in the past. God bless the founders of this great nation for their God given wisdom. In fact, whether it be slavery, the persecution of the Mormoms or modern day civil rights issues, this nation has faced and overcome all obstacles in its path including a civil war in which many freedoms were suspended under President Lincoln. I cannot see our great nation falling to such a coupe, and even if the unthinkable occurred the military, true protectors of freedom, would stand with the people and thwart any attempts to derail the constitution. Of course, I could never have imagined that elections in the United States would have international election monitors either.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
What was the Issue?
As I sat disappointed watching the election results come in, I asked myself why. What was the issue? Was it corruption, marriage rights, stem cells, taxes, voter ID (in Wisconsin), education, social security, the war, or those war referendums I never even heard about? In fact the voter was flooded with issues, too many to digest. A united national attack on the President and Republican party while the local elections were swamped with multiple issues, highlighted by Michael J. Fox putting stem cells to the forefront in the final weeks, kept the political trend of the opposition party gaining seats in year six of a Presidency alive. You were snoockered Mr. Limbough.
I do not believe a standing President has lost an election in war time, but if the election were held today you would have to wonder. Why the administration dropped the "stay the course" policy shortly before the election was a mistake. It added credibility to the Democrats on defense.
More blame falls on the Republican party itself, while screaming the Democrats had no agenda, showed themselves impotent in instigating their own, while holding both houses.
Ultimately the media and special interest groups won the day ("Defying Nature"). With not only the Episcopal, but now the Presbyterian Church embracing homosexuality you wonder where Americans are turning to for moral guidance. Obviously the TV, with its pontificating news commentators and the special interest agenda being played as commonplace in our entertainment medium. No wonder the media attacks televangilists so consistently. They're a threat to their congregation.
No landslides, as I predicted, and many more seats were won by the Democrats than I could imagine. The overwhelming victory of marriage amendments shows not only the ethical concerns of the nation but also the publics distrust of the judiciary. Obviously they see all politicians as corrupt, not discriminating between Republican and Democrat, and the Republicans are to blame, failing to drop several scandal ridden candidates.
The strategy of taking the issues away from the Democrats, that I believe the R.I.N.O. members were part of, failed and needs to be rethought. May I suggest a Lieberman, Obama, McCain alliance to put the socialist homosexual agenda of the money behind the Democratic party into its third party status where it belongs?
Yes, I still believe the public can discern right from wrong. Ironically it is in the hands of the political parties to buck the media influence and do major party restructuring. In this television/media dominated society, with special interest money dominating the agenda of the political parties, we need true leadership to accomplish this and reconnect the parties with the majority. This very well could be a break away black community.
I do not believe a standing President has lost an election in war time, but if the election were held today you would have to wonder. Why the administration dropped the "stay the course" policy shortly before the election was a mistake. It added credibility to the Democrats on defense.
More blame falls on the Republican party itself, while screaming the Democrats had no agenda, showed themselves impotent in instigating their own, while holding both houses.
Ultimately the media and special interest groups won the day ("Defying Nature"). With not only the Episcopal, but now the Presbyterian Church embracing homosexuality you wonder where Americans are turning to for moral guidance. Obviously the TV, with its pontificating news commentators and the special interest agenda being played as commonplace in our entertainment medium. No wonder the media attacks televangilists so consistently. They're a threat to their congregation.
No landslides, as I predicted, and many more seats were won by the Democrats than I could imagine. The overwhelming victory of marriage amendments shows not only the ethical concerns of the nation but also the publics distrust of the judiciary. Obviously they see all politicians as corrupt, not discriminating between Republican and Democrat, and the Republicans are to blame, failing to drop several scandal ridden candidates.
The strategy of taking the issues away from the Democrats, that I believe the R.I.N.O. members were part of, failed and needs to be rethought. May I suggest a Lieberman, Obama, McCain alliance to put the socialist homosexual agenda of the money behind the Democratic party into its third party status where it belongs?
Yes, I still believe the public can discern right from wrong. Ironically it is in the hands of the political parties to buck the media influence and do major party restructuring. In this television/media dominated society, with special interest money dominating the agenda of the political parties, we need true leadership to accomplish this and reconnect the parties with the majority. This very well could be a break away black community.
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Defying Nature
Several times in the history of our great nation there were major political shifts. One was the Revolution itself, a revolt not only against taxes but a corrupt Judiciary. New Jersey, a Tory strong hold, naturally became a base for British troops; abusing their power and being backed by the British judges turned New Jersey into a leading force in supporting the Revolution.
The fate of political parties in the United States ebbed and flowed on major events in our government. The Federalist party had vast support from the newspaper establishment, opposed the War of 1812 and believed in State rights; a confederacy rather then a strong national government. The vast expansion of United States territory and opposition to a strong national bank lead to its collapse, only to be reborn as the Whig party which opposed the expansion of Presidential power under Jackson.
The Progressive party, again breaking off under Theodore Roosevelt, trounced the Republican candidate for President, leaving the Democrat candidate, Wilson to take the Presidency. Though the Federalists and Whigs were able to gain substantial numbers of seats in the legislature, the Progressives only gained a governorship. The issues were again views of the role of the federal government. Still the two party system went back to its natural state and no third party candidate has been able to gain such wide spread support since, though they have continued to influence elections.
The issues today are the size and power of the federal government, taxes (only relieved by a temporary tax cut), a judiciary out of control, opposition to a foreign war and overwhelming media support for one party. Add to this ethic and moral issues, as the Democrats support gay marriage, their political representatives are wrapped in scandal, and they oppose school choice as our inner cities suffer with substandard schools. Piling on further we see the Democrats justifying their corrupt behavior while mercilessly attacking their opponents on any misstep true or not.
As Republican Michael Steele gains support from the local black leaders, the black vote in Wisconsin turns against the Democrat Governor Doyle for opposing school choice and the black community in general contemplates its own third party status including figure heads such as Barack Obama, how does one envision victory for the Democrats? In fact it has been the black vote that has kept the Democrat party in play for decades.
The Democrat party has been dead since the reelection of Bill Clinton. The only thing keeping it afloat has been a media that has stooped to deception and lies. Fighting the natural political tides, third parties have been pushed out of contention, leaving a party that has lost all semblance of political relevance, not having to respond to the will of the people. The media has in reality created a third party that represents a socialist homosexual agenda that is contrary to all true political trends. Like all third parties, they will loose their seats in the legislature and disappear into history unless overhauled by its conservative members. A split Republican party is acting as the traditional two party system of the United States.
As talk radio rips the liberal establishment, for looking at the public with disdain, believing themselves (liberals) the only educated class that can comprehend the issues and holding all the answers, they have fallen into the same trap. I believe the public actually has the capacity to see beyond the media and special interest group propaganda and recognize right from wrong.
The Republicans will win big tomorrow. The trend of the opposing party gaining seats in year six of a Presidency may lead them to gain a few seats but the decline cannot be stopped. Many races considered close will be Republican landslides, and that smirky giddiness Tim Russert gave us this Sunday will be wiped away.
In fact I said all this in substantially fewer words on October 14th with my illustration of the American psyche.
The fate of political parties in the United States ebbed and flowed on major events in our government. The Federalist party had vast support from the newspaper establishment, opposed the War of 1812 and believed in State rights; a confederacy rather then a strong national government. The vast expansion of United States territory and opposition to a strong national bank lead to its collapse, only to be reborn as the Whig party which opposed the expansion of Presidential power under Jackson.
The Progressive party, again breaking off under Theodore Roosevelt, trounced the Republican candidate for President, leaving the Democrat candidate, Wilson to take the Presidency. Though the Federalists and Whigs were able to gain substantial numbers of seats in the legislature, the Progressives only gained a governorship. The issues were again views of the role of the federal government. Still the two party system went back to its natural state and no third party candidate has been able to gain such wide spread support since, though they have continued to influence elections.
The issues today are the size and power of the federal government, taxes (only relieved by a temporary tax cut), a judiciary out of control, opposition to a foreign war and overwhelming media support for one party. Add to this ethic and moral issues, as the Democrats support gay marriage, their political representatives are wrapped in scandal, and they oppose school choice as our inner cities suffer with substandard schools. Piling on further we see the Democrats justifying their corrupt behavior while mercilessly attacking their opponents on any misstep true or not.
As Republican Michael Steele gains support from the local black leaders, the black vote in Wisconsin turns against the Democrat Governor Doyle for opposing school choice and the black community in general contemplates its own third party status including figure heads such as Barack Obama, how does one envision victory for the Democrats? In fact it has been the black vote that has kept the Democrat party in play for decades.
The Democrat party has been dead since the reelection of Bill Clinton. The only thing keeping it afloat has been a media that has stooped to deception and lies. Fighting the natural political tides, third parties have been pushed out of contention, leaving a party that has lost all semblance of political relevance, not having to respond to the will of the people. The media has in reality created a third party that represents a socialist homosexual agenda that is contrary to all true political trends. Like all third parties, they will loose their seats in the legislature and disappear into history unless overhauled by its conservative members. A split Republican party is acting as the traditional two party system of the United States.
As talk radio rips the liberal establishment, for looking at the public with disdain, believing themselves (liberals) the only educated class that can comprehend the issues and holding all the answers, they have fallen into the same trap. I believe the public actually has the capacity to see beyond the media and special interest group propaganda and recognize right from wrong.
The Republicans will win big tomorrow. The trend of the opposing party gaining seats in year six of a Presidency may lead them to gain a few seats but the decline cannot be stopped. Many races considered close will be Republican landslides, and that smirky giddiness Tim Russert gave us this Sunday will be wiped away.
In fact I said all this in substantially fewer words on October 14th with my illustration of the American psyche.
Thursday, November 02, 2006
The Spartan Solution
Continuation of Previous Post
More important than stopping North Korea from developing its nuclear weapons program is the liberation of its people. To allow the atrocities to continue are a curse on all men and their liberation is the surest way to end the nuclear weapons program for good. The reunification and demilitarization of the Korean peninsula is the greatest step to world peace that can be accomplished in this age. How can this be accomplished in the current political environment?
-Point one: Hamgyung Buk-Do (Hamgyung North Province), home of North Korea's infamous Camp 22, bordering both China and Russia, is to be turned over to the United Nations and all the North Korean undesirables brought there for safe haven, bringing and end to crimes against humanity by the communist regime. Under the United Nations and aggressive economic development policy can be undertaken. Still technically under North Korean rule this will bring economic relief to the Kim Dynasty and the entire nation while protecting human rights.
-Point two: The area of Kangwon Do in North Korea, where Mount Kum Kang has been opened to Southern tourists, is to be entirely opened to development with South Korea. This, along with the first point, will work to alleviate the immense economic burden on the South upon reunification and shift the North's economy away from being a global weapons bazaar.
So what can the North Korean regime receive that would allow them to agree with the first two points?
-Point three: P'yongyang and the surrounding Pyongan Nam-Do (South Province) is to be guaranteed communist party rule. Kim Jung Il, or who ever the communist party sees as the embodiment of the will of the masses dictated by Juche ideology, is the supreme Mayor/Governor ruler of this region after reunification. The region would also be a sanctuary for anyone who may have committed crimes against humanity, and all such individuals would be sent there immediately, to relieve the oppression on the people, that all don't rush to the UN controlled Hamgyung Buk-Do, as many are fleeing to China. The UN monitoring of human rights is to be allowed over all of Korea as part of this condition of sanctuary.
-Point four: All sanctions and other economic restrictions on North Korea are to be dropped immediately upon meeting the first three points.
So what does Sparta have anything to do with my proposal?
In a twist of fate Sparta found itself with two kings. Under a form of democracy, the kings held powers of commander and chief, judicial powers and participation in the legislature. Sparta ruled the region of Lacedaemonia and held influence over the larger region of city states composing what we know as Greece today. The power of Sparta over the larger community, a type of judicial rule, was recognized if both kings acted in concert when resolving conflicts between city states.*
So what national powers are to be given to the embodiment of the masses? Absolutely none; absolutely none by himself. In league with the elected government Kim Jung Il would posses far reaching powers. He could institute laws in conjunction with the President elect, only to be revoked by a super majority of the legislature. He could propose alternative nominations for the high court and be given tie breaking powers in both the legislature and judicial branches for example. A small personal army can be placed under his command to protect his communist sanctuary.
-Point five: The demilitarization of Korea so that national elections can be held for a reunified Korea as the economic disparity is overcome. This would include dismantling the weapons manufacturing capacity of all of Korea.
-Point six: The opening up of the border between North and South and freedoms of speech and press instituted across the peninsula.
-Point seven: Pan Korean democratic elections for a new unified government.
With demilitarization and the creation of a vibrant open market, the worse case scenario is the communists party takes control through a democratic process and we have a nation analogous to China today. A nation, kept from rebuilding its military, in which human rights can be defended by a vigilant world community.
I know one province that wont be voting for the communist party, Hamgyung Buk-Do.
Map of Korea
*Herodotus; "The Histories" - Book Six [50] - Oxford University Press, 1998
More important than stopping North Korea from developing its nuclear weapons program is the liberation of its people. To allow the atrocities to continue are a curse on all men and their liberation is the surest way to end the nuclear weapons program for good. The reunification and demilitarization of the Korean peninsula is the greatest step to world peace that can be accomplished in this age. How can this be accomplished in the current political environment?
-Point one: Hamgyung Buk-Do (Hamgyung North Province), home of North Korea's infamous Camp 22, bordering both China and Russia, is to be turned over to the United Nations and all the North Korean undesirables brought there for safe haven, bringing and end to crimes against humanity by the communist regime. Under the United Nations and aggressive economic development policy can be undertaken. Still technically under North Korean rule this will bring economic relief to the Kim Dynasty and the entire nation while protecting human rights.
-Point two: The area of Kangwon Do in North Korea, where Mount Kum Kang has been opened to Southern tourists, is to be entirely opened to development with South Korea. This, along with the first point, will work to alleviate the immense economic burden on the South upon reunification and shift the North's economy away from being a global weapons bazaar.
So what can the North Korean regime receive that would allow them to agree with the first two points?
-Point three: P'yongyang and the surrounding Pyongan Nam-Do (South Province) is to be guaranteed communist party rule. Kim Jung Il, or who ever the communist party sees as the embodiment of the will of the masses dictated by Juche ideology, is the supreme Mayor/Governor ruler of this region after reunification. The region would also be a sanctuary for anyone who may have committed crimes against humanity, and all such individuals would be sent there immediately, to relieve the oppression on the people, that all don't rush to the UN controlled Hamgyung Buk-Do, as many are fleeing to China. The UN monitoring of human rights is to be allowed over all of Korea as part of this condition of sanctuary.
-Point four: All sanctions and other economic restrictions on North Korea are to be dropped immediately upon meeting the first three points.
So what does Sparta have anything to do with my proposal?
In a twist of fate Sparta found itself with two kings. Under a form of democracy, the kings held powers of commander and chief, judicial powers and participation in the legislature. Sparta ruled the region of Lacedaemonia and held influence over the larger region of city states composing what we know as Greece today. The power of Sparta over the larger community, a type of judicial rule, was recognized if both kings acted in concert when resolving conflicts between city states.*
So what national powers are to be given to the embodiment of the masses? Absolutely none; absolutely none by himself. In league with the elected government Kim Jung Il would posses far reaching powers. He could institute laws in conjunction with the President elect, only to be revoked by a super majority of the legislature. He could propose alternative nominations for the high court and be given tie breaking powers in both the legislature and judicial branches for example. A small personal army can be placed under his command to protect his communist sanctuary.
-Point five: The demilitarization of Korea so that national elections can be held for a reunified Korea as the economic disparity is overcome. This would include dismantling the weapons manufacturing capacity of all of Korea.
-Point six: The opening up of the border between North and South and freedoms of speech and press instituted across the peninsula.
-Point seven: Pan Korean democratic elections for a new unified government.
With demilitarization and the creation of a vibrant open market, the worse case scenario is the communists party takes control through a democratic process and we have a nation analogous to China today. A nation, kept from rebuilding its military, in which human rights can be defended by a vigilant world community.
I know one province that wont be voting for the communist party, Hamgyung Buk-Do.
Map of Korea
*Herodotus; "The Histories" - Book Six [50] - Oxford University Press, 1998
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Does Evil have a Conscience?
As President Bush declared an 'axis of evil' and put out an ultimatum to any nation that would harbor terrorists, Libya came to terms with the UN and Western Powers, giving up their nuclear ambitions. We should not see this as a quid pro quos, that force, the bombing of Libya in 1986 and other actions, leads to submission. In fact it was not force, but diplomacy and the guarantee not to over throw the Libyan regime that lead to the eventual process of incorporating Libya into the larger world community.
Can we compare Libya to North Korea? I do not believe so, but deeper principles need to be understood from the Libyan model than the power of diplomacy. Just as there are people throughout history who embody the highest ideals and virtues attributed to man, those like Mother Teresa whom we call saints, there are those in our society that so embody evil that nothing that resembles a conscience is active. The complete denial of God composing the materialism of communism took another step in North Korea's Juche ideology. That is that Kim Il Sung, or now his son Kim Jung Il, is the personal embodiment of the power and will of the masses. Just as a man might shave, cut his hair or need surgery to remove a tumor, the masses were treated as the extension of Kim himself. A completely self oriented philosophy in complete contradiction to any world view that would include a God.
Libya has pursued ambitious projects for the sake of its people and country and now Gaddafi's son, Seif Al-Islam, is aggressively working to reconcile the nation with its former internal enemies, offering restitution for the atrocities of the past. The bombing of Libya lead to a backing down of Gaddafi, where similar retaliation was never considered against North Korea. When North Korea killed numerous South Korean government officials in the Burma bombing, in an attempt to assassinate the South Korean President, any military retaliation would have resulted in certain war. It is not apparent that the apple has fallen far from the tree in the case of Kim Jung Il. Just as Adolf Hitler, in his final days, expected and demanded the destruction of the entire German nation in its resistance to the allied powers, North Korea stands defiant before the world.
The principle beyond diplomacy, that brought Gaddafi to give up on his evil intentions, is exemplified in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an act of love for one's enemy, but more clearly laid out in the story of Esau and Jacob. Esau, having no sense of the value of his birth right, stolen by Jacob, was waiting with 400 men to kill Jacob upon his return to Canaan. Knowing this, Jacob sent all his wealth and family before him, giving them to Esau, who most likely saw Jacob as returning to claim all Isaac's house and possessions, held by Esau, since it was Jacob to whom Isaac gave the blessing.
In the same way the break through with Libya was the guarantee of maintaining the Gaddafi regime, Kim Jung Il needs guarantees of his own. The atrocities and crimes against the people of North Korea by the Kim dynasty cannot be ignored and need to be stopped. What to be done with the Kim dynasty and those who carried out it's crimes against humanity and a plan to reunite North and South I call the 'Spartan Solution'.
To Be Continued.
Can we compare Libya to North Korea? I do not believe so, but deeper principles need to be understood from the Libyan model than the power of diplomacy. Just as there are people throughout history who embody the highest ideals and virtues attributed to man, those like Mother Teresa whom we call saints, there are those in our society that so embody evil that nothing that resembles a conscience is active. The complete denial of God composing the materialism of communism took another step in North Korea's Juche ideology. That is that Kim Il Sung, or now his son Kim Jung Il, is the personal embodiment of the power and will of the masses. Just as a man might shave, cut his hair or need surgery to remove a tumor, the masses were treated as the extension of Kim himself. A completely self oriented philosophy in complete contradiction to any world view that would include a God.
Libya has pursued ambitious projects for the sake of its people and country and now Gaddafi's son, Seif Al-Islam, is aggressively working to reconcile the nation with its former internal enemies, offering restitution for the atrocities of the past. The bombing of Libya lead to a backing down of Gaddafi, where similar retaliation was never considered against North Korea. When North Korea killed numerous South Korean government officials in the Burma bombing, in an attempt to assassinate the South Korean President, any military retaliation would have resulted in certain war. It is not apparent that the apple has fallen far from the tree in the case of Kim Jung Il. Just as Adolf Hitler, in his final days, expected and demanded the destruction of the entire German nation in its resistance to the allied powers, North Korea stands defiant before the world.
The principle beyond diplomacy, that brought Gaddafi to give up on his evil intentions, is exemplified in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ as an act of love for one's enemy, but more clearly laid out in the story of Esau and Jacob. Esau, having no sense of the value of his birth right, stolen by Jacob, was waiting with 400 men to kill Jacob upon his return to Canaan. Knowing this, Jacob sent all his wealth and family before him, giving them to Esau, who most likely saw Jacob as returning to claim all Isaac's house and possessions, held by Esau, since it was Jacob to whom Isaac gave the blessing.
In the same way the break through with Libya was the guarantee of maintaining the Gaddafi regime, Kim Jung Il needs guarantees of his own. The atrocities and crimes against the people of North Korea by the Kim dynasty cannot be ignored and need to be stopped. What to be done with the Kim dynasty and those who carried out it's crimes against humanity and a plan to reunite North and South I call the 'Spartan Solution'.
To Be Continued.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
The Passing of Korea and Nuclear Power
"The Passing of Korea" by Homer B. Hulbert, an English missionary to Korea in the early 20th century, I recommend as a must read for the western mind to understand the culture and history of Korea and its current geopolitical situation. Witnessing the beginning of the Japanese occupation of Korea, beginning in 1905 after Japan defeated the Russians in a strategic battle for the peninsula, Hulbert concluded the Korea he knew would be complete subjugated and rebuilt in Japan's image.
Hulbert failed to learn however from his own observations. Korea had faced similar circumstances throughout its history and survived. Much of Korea's history was spent in offering tribute to China, whether it be Korean paper, highly valued, or women to serve as wives to Chinese husbands (this doesn't seem to be a new problem for China). China itself has often occupied Korea, and with its current leadership views Korea as its own territory, as it does Tibet, Taiwan and much of South East Asia.
In relation to North Korea, does China not have the ability to build nuclear power plants? In fact the United States, South Korea and even Russia are all offering to help North Korea meet its energy needs by building nuclear power plants, but not China. Currently it is reported that China is supplying North Korea with power, and many manufacturing plants in North Korea are limited to producing products exclusively for China. Technically, North Korea is producing power equivalent to its demand. This leaves nothing for development and most of the power is coming from plants along the Yalu River, bordering China.
Though North Korea has the fourth largest army, in the world it would be no match against China, considering China is in the best position to supply or deny North Korea of food. An army exists on its stomach. The impending annexation of North Korea will ultimately lead to the Chinese demand to reunify the peninsula, absorbing the South as it has Hong Kong and seeks to absorb Taiwan. In fact the United States, though it defends Taiwan, it does not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation nor is it a member of the United Nations as an independent nation.
One of the obstacles to allowing North Korea nuclear power plants was the possibility they may produce nuclear weapons. North Korea has removed that obstacle. One thing learned from Homer Hulbert's book is that Korea has historically displayed the art of playing surrounding powers against each other to their advantage. Yes, North Korea has only its own interests in mind, but there is a much larger picture besides the possibility of North Korea supplying nuclear weapons to terrorists, or an invasion of the South. It is a mistake to push North Korea into a corner with only China to turn to. Relations, especially those with the South should not be cut off.
Hulbert failed to learn however from his own observations. Korea had faced similar circumstances throughout its history and survived. Much of Korea's history was spent in offering tribute to China, whether it be Korean paper, highly valued, or women to serve as wives to Chinese husbands (this doesn't seem to be a new problem for China). China itself has often occupied Korea, and with its current leadership views Korea as its own territory, as it does Tibet, Taiwan and much of South East Asia.
In relation to North Korea, does China not have the ability to build nuclear power plants? In fact the United States, South Korea and even Russia are all offering to help North Korea meet its energy needs by building nuclear power plants, but not China. Currently it is reported that China is supplying North Korea with power, and many manufacturing plants in North Korea are limited to producing products exclusively for China. Technically, North Korea is producing power equivalent to its demand. This leaves nothing for development and most of the power is coming from plants along the Yalu River, bordering China.
Though North Korea has the fourth largest army, in the world it would be no match against China, considering China is in the best position to supply or deny North Korea of food. An army exists on its stomach. The impending annexation of North Korea will ultimately lead to the Chinese demand to reunify the peninsula, absorbing the South as it has Hong Kong and seeks to absorb Taiwan. In fact the United States, though it defends Taiwan, it does not recognize Taiwan as an independent nation nor is it a member of the United Nations as an independent nation.
One of the obstacles to allowing North Korea nuclear power plants was the possibility they may produce nuclear weapons. North Korea has removed that obstacle. One thing learned from Homer Hulbert's book is that Korea has historically displayed the art of playing surrounding powers against each other to their advantage. Yes, North Korea has only its own interests in mind, but there is a much larger picture besides the possibility of North Korea supplying nuclear weapons to terrorists, or an invasion of the South. It is a mistake to push North Korea into a corner with only China to turn to. Relations, especially those with the South should not be cut off.
Monday, October 23, 2006
WAR
In last nights episode of CBS's "60 Minutes", a human interest story on the genocide in Sudan, correspondent Scott Pelley compared the 'death villages' of Darfur with the death camps of nazi Germany. Unfortunately, the evidence is not as convincing, as the killing is done within the course of a day and the Muslim militia, the Janjaweed, and government troops move on, yet evidence exists. Pointing out the amusement of the UN Sudanese delegation, when President Bush, speaking before the UN called the actions of the Sudanese government "genocide", I could hear the Sudanese answer to the accusations before they spoke; it's war and this is what happens in war.
Yes there is a war, occurring in Darfur. And yes, in WWII the RAF practiced the tactic of carpet bombing population centers to break the will of the people to fight, as were the Germans. The difference is that the allied forces were fighting an enemy that sought to destroy them and their lifestyle. An enemy that dehumanized and slaughtered others who didn't share their views. In the case of Sudan, populations are being attacked because of their ethnic background or religion. Not an exact comparison, but yes, the Sudanese government closely resembles the actions of nazi Germany.
It is time to call for an end of the Sudanese government if they will not allow Darfur to be occupied by a proposed 20,000 man UN force. And maybe even if they do.
The latest response from Sudan was to expel the UN special envoy Jan Pronk for web logging reports of Sudanese military failures. There are also reports that the Sudanese soldiers are refusing to fight.
Any leader of a nation that can turn to war so easily and without justification, needs to be made an example of. War should always be a last resort. Darfur, and the Southern regions of Sudan where similar oppression has occurred, should be taken away from the Sudanese Muslim government, and only to avoid a larger war that may occur if the UN tries to remove the standing government. It is time to end the insanity of a world where we accept that a government represents, or has the right to rule a people, they seek to destroy.
As far as using war as an excuse, stupid is as stupid does; the Sudanese government has blamed the Jews.
Yes there is a war, occurring in Darfur. And yes, in WWII the RAF practiced the tactic of carpet bombing population centers to break the will of the people to fight, as were the Germans. The difference is that the allied forces were fighting an enemy that sought to destroy them and their lifestyle. An enemy that dehumanized and slaughtered others who didn't share their views. In the case of Sudan, populations are being attacked because of their ethnic background or religion. Not an exact comparison, but yes, the Sudanese government closely resembles the actions of nazi Germany.
It is time to call for an end of the Sudanese government if they will not allow Darfur to be occupied by a proposed 20,000 man UN force. And maybe even if they do.
The latest response from Sudan was to expel the UN special envoy Jan Pronk for web logging reports of Sudanese military failures. There are also reports that the Sudanese soldiers are refusing to fight.
Any leader of a nation that can turn to war so easily and without justification, needs to be made an example of. War should always be a last resort. Darfur, and the Southern regions of Sudan where similar oppression has occurred, should be taken away from the Sudanese Muslim government, and only to avoid a larger war that may occur if the UN tries to remove the standing government. It is time to end the insanity of a world where we accept that a government represents, or has the right to rule a people, they seek to destroy.
As far as using war as an excuse, stupid is as stupid does; the Sudanese government has blamed the Jews.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Now We Care
For decades the Kim dynasty in North Korea has been murdering, experimenting on and starving their citizens to death and that was OK. We can't challenge their sovereignty. But now that they have nuclear weapons, they better give them up or that's it.
We could have took out Sadam in the first Iraq War, but it wasn't until 911, an attack on us, that we finally decided a government butchering its people might pass on WMD's to terrorists intent on attacking the United States.
In the Vietnam war an invasion of North Vietnam could have saved millions of lives in South East Asia. Yes our death toll might have doubled or worse, but are tens of thousands of American lives more valuable than millions of Asian lives?
In fact there would be no North Korea if the United States and UN forces had done their job over fifty years ago. The reason wasn't lack of will, at least on the commanders part, for they knew the million man Chinese volunteers had been depleted. Even with the Chinese there, Ridgeway was sure they could retake the entire peninsula. The politicians on the other hand saw battles as a bargaining chip rather than a strategy to defeat the enemy. To bargain with whom; murderous thugs, given the undeserved dignity of representatives of a nation and people.
The fact is the leaders of the communist world and other oppressive governments are equivalent to Charles Manson and Timothy McVey. Yes forget Hitler and Stalin. It is time to stop associating such criminals with the rights of representing anyone. Just as we had no hesitation in apprehending and executing McVey, there should be no hesitation in capturing and bringing to justice other criminals, whether they head governments or represent the United Nations itself. And it is only the United States that can lead this charge.
In the Vietnam war an invasion of North Vietnam could have saved millions of lives in South East Asia. Yes our death toll might have doubled or worse, but are tens of thousands of American lives more valuable than millions of Asian lives?
In fact there would be no North Korea if the United States and UN forces had done their job over fifty years ago. The reason wasn't lack of will, at least on the commanders part, for they knew the million man Chinese volunteers had been depleted. Even with the Chinese there, Ridgeway was sure they could retake the entire peninsula. The politicians on the other hand saw battles as a bargaining chip rather than a strategy to defeat the enemy. To bargain with whom; murderous thugs, given the undeserved dignity of representatives of a nation and people.
The fact is the leaders of the communist world and other oppressive governments are equivalent to Charles Manson and Timothy McVey. Yes forget Hitler and Stalin. It is time to stop associating such criminals with the rights of representing anyone. Just as we had no hesitation in apprehending and executing McVey, there should be no hesitation in capturing and bringing to justice other criminals, whether they head governments or represent the United Nations itself. And it is only the United States that can lead this charge.
Why is the United States having problems grasping this concept and puts its own self interest first. Well it is human nature, but lets also look at the principles the United States was founded on; Christianity. God predestined everything, the poor will always be with us, the evil doers will be thrown into an eternal lake of fire on the last day, haha to them, and there will be no peace until Christ comes again floating out of the sky. Poof, you don't even have to look for Him, and its all over. As the Christian right seems to be playing a larger and larger role in politics they could use a little cause and effect scrutiny of their ideology.
Sure maybe diplomacy is the best option. We can offer these thugs the most luxurious prison facilities you could imagine if it would save the oppressed quicker or prevent a war, but we must demand the atrocities stop, in our media, in the public squares and in our churches. And for those who give up on world peace, yes, you Christians, its time to stop looking up at the sky and take a look at what's going on around you.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Cowboy Politics.
Like the country bumpkin with the winning hand sitting at a stacked table in a wild west saloon, the Republican Party is throwing everything in. With media giants and special interest groups palming the winning cards to the Democrats in plane site, being out gunned, this hick seed has few options. First he could protest, call the crooks out, and certainly end up dead. Or the townsfolk, watching everything unfold, usually moved to action by a lone cowboy, stand up and drive out the gang of trouble makers.
Sound too simplistic? Media bias and deception, voter fraud, lack of any agenda and political corruption are piled high in the Democratic camp. Where as the Republicans weed out their bad seed the Democrats don't even recognize the problem. The townsfolk have had enough.
Some may wonder why even the Republicans are predicting the loss of power? To put the Republican cause at a disadvantage and drive them out to the polls on election day, perhaps. When they continue to gain seats it can only be called one thing, a mandate from the people. Sure, they'll be a few stand alone Democrats (or Independents) to win big, but overall the Democrats will continue the downward slide. And with those R.I.N.O.s (Republicans in name only) we can't stop hearing about; why do we need Democrats? As it stands the Republican voters have every reason to come out strong and the Democrats have very few, unless they're planning to vote Republican.
Yes, I am officially predicting Republican victory in this next election. And no, I don't think this is happen stance but a brilliant straterized strategery. To anyone who may read this and think I'm just an idiot in the mold of G.W., all I can say is...
Yeeeee Haaaaaa!
Sound too simplistic? Media bias and deception, voter fraud, lack of any agenda and political corruption are piled high in the Democratic camp. Where as the Republicans weed out their bad seed the Democrats don't even recognize the problem. The townsfolk have had enough.
Some may wonder why even the Republicans are predicting the loss of power? To put the Republican cause at a disadvantage and drive them out to the polls on election day, perhaps. When they continue to gain seats it can only be called one thing, a mandate from the people. Sure, they'll be a few stand alone Democrats (or Independents) to win big, but overall the Democrats will continue the downward slide. And with those R.I.N.O.s (Republicans in name only) we can't stop hearing about; why do we need Democrats? As it stands the Republican voters have every reason to come out strong and the Democrats have very few, unless they're planning to vote Republican.
Yes, I am officially predicting Republican victory in this next election. And no, I don't think this is happen stance but a brilliant straterized strategery. To anyone who may read this and think I'm just an idiot in the mold of G.W., all I can say is...
Yeeeee Haaaaaa!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Real Pipe Dreams. Or Ending the Nightmare?
One characteristic of Koreans is fierce independence, not individuality, but a quality that has let them keep their identity as a people as invaders swept over and occupied their nation for centuries upon centuries. Kim Jung Il has no apparent successor, and do not believe that China has kept his regime in power, and nation afloat, without strings attached. In reality China is posed to completely annex North Korea upon the end of little Kim's reign (life). What could stop this annexation. Perhaps nuclear weapons? Something China is beginning to realize.
Maybe it is not time for the United States to meet with North Korea one on one, but maybe it is time to exclude China and Russia from the formula. Russia's alliances are still in question and the printing presses North Korea is using to counterfeit our currency came from Iran via Russia (originally a gift from the US to the Shah of Iran).
What the United States (South Korea and Japan) has to offer is independence from China and its imperialist goals. What North Korea has to offer is the liberation of their people, opening to the South and allowing the UN to care for and monitor their country.
Maybe it is not time for the United States to meet with North Korea one on one, but maybe it is time to exclude China and Russia from the formula. Russia's alliances are still in question and the printing presses North Korea is using to counterfeit our currency came from Iran via Russia (originally a gift from the US to the Shah of Iran).
What the United States (South Korea and Japan) has to offer is independence from China and its imperialist goals. What North Korea has to offer is the liberation of their people, opening to the South and allowing the UN to care for and monitor their country.
God Outlawed......., Again.
Michigan has just made it illegal to teach intelligent design in public schools. The arguments are easy to find on the internet and the theory of intelligent design is sound and powerful. The development of the eye seems to be the slam dunk in its favor, something Darwin could never resolve either. How did simple cellular life know the characteristics of light and develop a way to take advantage of it? And the odds, statistics, that so many random mutations could be so successful over such a relatively short time period. Intelligent design is a far superior 'scientific theory' than Darwinism, and that is what is predominantly taught in science class; theory. It appears that our judges are the least evolved among us.
The real issue is does God exist or not. All the arguments of those who oppose intelligent design are predominantly that 'God doesn't exist and you can't try to prove it'. OK Marx and Lenin, you did real well with those theories.
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610110064oct11,1,938141.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
www.everystudent.com/wires/claypots.html
www.thegodmovie.com/intelligentdesign/
The real issue is does God exist or not. All the arguments of those who oppose intelligent design are predominantly that 'God doesn't exist and you can't try to prove it'. OK Marx and Lenin, you did real well with those theories.
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610110064oct11,1,938141.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
www.everystudent.com/wires/claypots.html
www.thegodmovie.com/intelligentdesign/
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Faith
Our founding father's put their faith in the inherent goodness of man and his Creator, reaching beyond differences in religion which had torn Europe apart for centuries, they came together, proclaiming liberty and the unalienable rights of all men, and the most prosperous nation this world has seen was born.
Time Magazine has reported that Fidel Castro is dying of cancer and protests mount in opposition to Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Little is reported on our southern neighbors in relation to the big picture in politics. To remove the vulnerability of having a communist nation sitting on our doorstep is significant in our relations with China, which still believes in the vision of a worldwide communist society. North Korea, China's puppet, will also be influenced if the Cuban communist system would collapse.
It is time to put our faith in our fellow man, and some prayer, as we see the people of Venezuela stand up for liberty against the communist thug currently president of their nation, and hope the courage spreads to the people of Cuba, Iran and all other nations with oppressive governments. There are great steps to world peace to be accomplished here, more than meets the eye.
http://voanews.com/english/2006-10-08-voa9.cfm
Time Magazine has reported that Fidel Castro is dying of cancer and protests mount in opposition to Hugo Chavez in Venezuela. Little is reported on our southern neighbors in relation to the big picture in politics. To remove the vulnerability of having a communist nation sitting on our doorstep is significant in our relations with China, which still believes in the vision of a worldwide communist society. North Korea, China's puppet, will also be influenced if the Cuban communist system would collapse.
It is time to put our faith in our fellow man, and some prayer, as we see the people of Venezuela stand up for liberty against the communist thug currently president of their nation, and hope the courage spreads to the people of Cuba, Iran and all other nations with oppressive governments. There are great steps to world peace to be accomplished here, more than meets the eye.
http://voanews.com/english/2006-10-08-voa9.cfm
Thursday, October 05, 2006
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Maybe the editorials will come out Sunday on the issue, but it makes me scream to hear the perverse logic Charles Carl Roberts IV used to shoot ten Amish girls this last week. Sighting his molestation of young female relatives, a fact being shown apparently false, and fear of molesting young girls again the conclusion is to murder young girls?
In the same stream of thought Congressman Mark Foley, caught soliciting young boys, enters into rehad. What is happening to the moral fortitude of this Nation? What has happened to personal responsibility.
A few days ago a local radio celebrity spoke about five States that still allow paddling, spanking, in their public schools. Instead of telling a child that they have a problem and need help or fill them with drugs when they behave badly, dish out some punishment and tell them not to do it again. Eventually they will learn, some quicker than others, and be better off for it. Let the children live and learn. Let them learn they have to face consequences for their actions, reconciling and leaving it in the past.
Rather everything is a problem, not one's own fault and one needs 'help'. Mr. Roberts, taking it to its final conclusion, has targeted young girls whom he claims he feared he would hurt. Not his fault, theirs!
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610050088oct05,1,5460137.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
In the same stream of thought Congressman Mark Foley, caught soliciting young boys, enters into rehad. What is happening to the moral fortitude of this Nation? What has happened to personal responsibility.
A few days ago a local radio celebrity spoke about five States that still allow paddling, spanking, in their public schools. Instead of telling a child that they have a problem and need help or fill them with drugs when they behave badly, dish out some punishment and tell them not to do it again. Eventually they will learn, some quicker than others, and be better off for it. Let the children live and learn. Let them learn they have to face consequences for their actions, reconciling and leaving it in the past.
Rather everything is a problem, not one's own fault and one needs 'help'. Mr. Roberts, taking it to its final conclusion, has targeted young girls whom he claims he feared he would hurt. Not his fault, theirs!
AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0610050088oct05,1,5460137.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Louis Farrakhan
Upon news of Louis Farrakhen's failing health I find 300 authors, and 1300 post and counting, publishing racism, bigotry and thoughtlessness on the internet.
http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?ThreadID=95812
Having been outside the United States for several years I came back just as the news was filled with accusations of hate and violence centering on Louis Farrakhan, whom it appeared had the nation on the verge of a race war. I actually felt afraid for the country. Then I read and heard the quotes of Louis Farrakhan and was somewhat dumbfounded. I heard an expectation of violence but no threat of violence. Being interviewed he seemed quite intelligent with a well thought out reasoned ideology and world view that did not include aggression. In this age of Islamo-fascist Jihadism it should be evident to all that the Nation of Islam is not a violent group. Looking at his words and deeds, Louis Farrakhan appears a righteous man who desires peace, though his pessimism I haven't attributed to a religious leader before.
Yes, his ideology is filled with ideas that set one group of people apart from another, but isn't this a problem with all religions. Read the above linked posts. I would imagine that most of those posting were raised in Christian homes. Though, most would agree a true Christian would value every human being above one's self, this saintly standard is seldom achieved, and the teachings, usually centered on the idea of salvation, set one apart from another. All religions are plagued with this inconsistency and one can conclude that relativism is the natural evolution.
If all men are equal in God's site, yet we designate some saved and others damned for eternity, this contradiction is the seed for compromise, giving life to the relativism that is infecting and eroding civilization. Or in the case of the attacks on the Nation of Islam, the dehumanizing remarks centering both on race and creed, are a blight on this nation and play into Louis Farrakhan's own pessimism.
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain inalienable Rights,.....
God Bless America.
www.noi.org/mlfbio.htm
www.danielpipes.org/article/167
http://boards.msn.com/MSNBCboards/thread.aspx?ThreadID=95812
Having been outside the United States for several years I came back just as the news was filled with accusations of hate and violence centering on Louis Farrakhan, whom it appeared had the nation on the verge of a race war. I actually felt afraid for the country. Then I read and heard the quotes of Louis Farrakhan and was somewhat dumbfounded. I heard an expectation of violence but no threat of violence. Being interviewed he seemed quite intelligent with a well thought out reasoned ideology and world view that did not include aggression. In this age of Islamo-fascist Jihadism it should be evident to all that the Nation of Islam is not a violent group. Looking at his words and deeds, Louis Farrakhan appears a righteous man who desires peace, though his pessimism I haven't attributed to a religious leader before.
Yes, his ideology is filled with ideas that set one group of people apart from another, but isn't this a problem with all religions. Read the above linked posts. I would imagine that most of those posting were raised in Christian homes. Though, most would agree a true Christian would value every human being above one's self, this saintly standard is seldom achieved, and the teachings, usually centered on the idea of salvation, set one apart from another. All religions are plagued with this inconsistency and one can conclude that relativism is the natural evolution.
If all men are equal in God's site, yet we designate some saved and others damned for eternity, this contradiction is the seed for compromise, giving life to the relativism that is infecting and eroding civilization. Or in the case of the attacks on the Nation of Islam, the dehumanizing remarks centering both on race and creed, are a blight on this nation and play into Louis Farrakhan's own pessimism.
"We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain inalienable Rights,.....
God Bless America.
www.noi.org/mlfbio.htm
www.danielpipes.org/article/167
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Southern Comfort
We can't take the dismal performance of the Manihiki tribe on the hit TV show 'Survivor, Cook Islands' as representative of the African American community. The dominance of Randal on the NBC show 'The Apprentice' makes that clear. But the Manihiki tribe showing is much more common than that of the Randal's in the African American community. The Reason. Racism; not its practice, but the belief in it. The silence in the media on the Survivor 'experiment' is systematic of the problem.
In the professional world one of the first hurdles to achieve success is to acquire a comfort level, with the people you deal with and one's own abilities. In the case of one's abilities it comes from facing, sometimes severe, criticism in one's work. When I was a small child, I went to visit the home of one of my classmates. His grandmother was home a very strict, German speaking woman who really made me feel uncomfortable, though three generations earlier my great grandfather would have run a very similar house. Overcoming these discomfort is part of life and becoming one with the larger community. It opens opportunity and stimulates creativity. Far too often in the African; wait I never use that word when I'm speaking. Far too often in the Black community this is called racism. Not that racism isn't very real, it just is no longer prominent in this nation.
Africa had been isolated to a much greater extent than Europe or Asia. No migration of the nations, no invading armies sweeping back and forth across the Asian steps. Trading routes were much more piecemeal on the African continent. The cultural differences are great and black culture in the U.S. has been very resilient. A attribute to be admired in most cases. In fact the influence of black culture is very strong in the U.S. Music and not to mention that hip 70's counter culture have made a powerful influence on the greater culture. If all the youth of black America were raised in stable two parent families, lost black time and achieved a comfort level with the larger society the black community would dominate this nation.
Unfortunately many in our society have become dependent on the stigma of racism. Old habits are hard to break, but until the black community throws off this security blanket we'll see many more Manihiki tribes. If Black people understood how disappointed ( I've been too well conditioned to say disgusted; that would be racist) the white community is at seeing the vilification of prominent blacks in our society, including Condoleezza Rice, and the lack of outrage at Clinton becoming the 'first black President' real understanding could begin.
This pseudo racism, just as real racism, hurts everyone. The white Rarotonga tribe was no shining example. The problem is a large portion of our population is comfortable with the way things are.
In the professional world one of the first hurdles to achieve success is to acquire a comfort level, with the people you deal with and one's own abilities. In the case of one's abilities it comes from facing, sometimes severe, criticism in one's work. When I was a small child, I went to visit the home of one of my classmates. His grandmother was home a very strict, German speaking woman who really made me feel uncomfortable, though three generations earlier my great grandfather would have run a very similar house. Overcoming these discomfort is part of life and becoming one with the larger community. It opens opportunity and stimulates creativity. Far too often in the African; wait I never use that word when I'm speaking. Far too often in the Black community this is called racism. Not that racism isn't very real, it just is no longer prominent in this nation.
Africa had been isolated to a much greater extent than Europe or Asia. No migration of the nations, no invading armies sweeping back and forth across the Asian steps. Trading routes were much more piecemeal on the African continent. The cultural differences are great and black culture in the U.S. has been very resilient. A attribute to be admired in most cases. In fact the influence of black culture is very strong in the U.S. Music and not to mention that hip 70's counter culture have made a powerful influence on the greater culture. If all the youth of black America were raised in stable two parent families, lost black time and achieved a comfort level with the larger society the black community would dominate this nation.
Unfortunately many in our society have become dependent on the stigma of racism. Old habits are hard to break, but until the black community throws off this security blanket we'll see many more Manihiki tribes. If Black people understood how disappointed ( I've been too well conditioned to say disgusted; that would be racist) the white community is at seeing the vilification of prominent blacks in our society, including Condoleezza Rice, and the lack of outrage at Clinton becoming the 'first black President' real understanding could begin.
This pseudo racism, just as real racism, hurts everyone. The white Rarotonga tribe was no shining example. The problem is a large portion of our population is comfortable with the way things are.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Idomeneo, Still Dazed and Confused
As I read more of about the opera controversy I find that good taste had nothing to do with pulling the production. It had been shown before in the past. As 'Idomeneo" assails all religions in its revised ending I find the media coverage lacking integrity. No headlines mention the other religious figures heads and bury the fact deeper in the report, making the issue appear to be only an assault on Islam. Religious insensitivity is the culprit and the cause of so much violence. In fact it is an attack on almost every religion, yet no comparisons are made into Islam being the only religion feared to respond violently.
So the German Government wants to condemn self censorship and promote violence.
How about condemning violence and promoting cultural standards.
So the German Government wants to condemn self censorship and promote violence.
How about condemning violence and promoting cultural standards.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Idomeneo, Dazed and Confused
Opera 'head' Kirsten Harms, of the Deutsche Oper Berlin, has canceled the revision of a Mozart opera "Idomeneo", with a protesting German Chancellor Angela Merkel attacking the decision as "self censorship". The revised version is much like the original only that in the end the hero is shown laughing at the severed and bloodied heads of Buddha, Mohammed and Jesus Christ.
Though the opera is set long before the times of these religions, after the victory over Troy by the Greeks, the theme is religious in nature despite others claims that it is not. The story closely parallels the offering of Isaac by Abraham and deals with age old questions of man's condition. When man shows virtue the gods free him from the torment they imposed. It is a joyous occasion in which everyone celebrates.
The founders of these religions being shamelessly defamed, took on this very human condition and created paths to resolve its inherent contradictions. The simple addition of this moment as the opera ends is bigotry with no where to hide. There is no intellectual basis for the association as presented, unless only to say their sacrifice was of no value, in the vein of atheistic communism.
Kirsten Harms, head of a private organization and symbol of German culture, acted in good taste, and has the right to operate the opera as he sees fit. The intrusion of the government is the real intrusion into liberty, not a supposed censorship. The director, Hans Neuenfeld, can take his props to a variety of other venues and he and Merkel need not give it undeserved prominence.
www.r-ds.com/opera/synopses/idomeneo.htm
www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=33394
Though the opera is set long before the times of these religions, after the victory over Troy by the Greeks, the theme is religious in nature despite others claims that it is not. The story closely parallels the offering of Isaac by Abraham and deals with age old questions of man's condition. When man shows virtue the gods free him from the torment they imposed. It is a joyous occasion in which everyone celebrates.
The founders of these religions being shamelessly defamed, took on this very human condition and created paths to resolve its inherent contradictions. The simple addition of this moment as the opera ends is bigotry with no where to hide. There is no intellectual basis for the association as presented, unless only to say their sacrifice was of no value, in the vein of atheistic communism.
Kirsten Harms, head of a private organization and symbol of German culture, acted in good taste, and has the right to operate the opera as he sees fit. The intrusion of the government is the real intrusion into liberty, not a supposed censorship. The director, Hans Neuenfeld, can take his props to a variety of other venues and he and Merkel need not give it undeserved prominence.
www.r-ds.com/opera/synopses/idomeneo.htm
www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=33394
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Parent and Child
What has happened to the parent child relationship in the United States? Much of the baby boomer generation turned their backs on the morals and world view of their parents celebrating freedom with drugs and free sex beginning in the 60's. The 70's brought women's rights and the legalization of abortion. And a wave of new religions or sects that swept the nation in theses decades created a large of deprogramming industry, the kidnapping of adult children by their parents, spurred on by the likes of Charles Manson and Jim Jones.
As children declared war on their parents, parents on their children and women on men, or between husband and wife, is it any surprise to read of parents forcing their children to have an abortion. Not only have we denied the right of the father in deciding the fate of the unborn, now it appears the decision is being taken away from the mother also. Is it time for the State to step in?
In Maine parents kidnapped their 19 year old daughter, throwing her in the trunk of their car intending to take her across state lines for an abortion. She escaped.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214524,00.html
More recently in Columbus, Georgia, a mother and two cousins of her daughter, tried to induce an abortion in her daughter by forcing her to drink turpetine.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,215780,00.html
It's time for the leaders of this nation to realize the detriment of abortion on our nation. To allow the free practice of ones faith in the public square as well as in public schools, which our Constitution protects, if you know what the definition of 'is' is. And its time to recognize that teaching abstinence is the only responsible position to protect the fabric of society.
As children declared war on their parents, parents on their children and women on men, or between husband and wife, is it any surprise to read of parents forcing their children to have an abortion. Not only have we denied the right of the father in deciding the fate of the unborn, now it appears the decision is being taken away from the mother also. Is it time for the State to step in?
In Maine parents kidnapped their 19 year old daughter, throwing her in the trunk of their car intending to take her across state lines for an abortion. She escaped.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214524,00.html
More recently in Columbus, Georgia, a mother and two cousins of her daughter, tried to induce an abortion in her daughter by forcing her to drink turpetine.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,215780,00.html
It's time for the leaders of this nation to realize the detriment of abortion on our nation. To allow the free practice of ones faith in the public square as well as in public schools, which our Constitution protects, if you know what the definition of 'is' is. And its time to recognize that teaching abstinence is the only responsible position to protect the fabric of society.
Friday, September 22, 2006
POWER of Association
Iran, after its long horrid war with Iraq, rises again under Mahmud Ahmadinejad, looking to destroy Israel and waiting for the twelfth imam to vanquish their enemies and put Ahmadinejad and the Iranian people above all others. Hugo Chavez, handing out free oil, is met with cheers around the world that haven't been seen since Benito Mussolini made the trains run on time in Italy. And an industrialized nation, China, in the far east is building a military vastly larger than required for its defense.
Where as our politicians, teachers and other public servants had gained the communities respect through long years of service, sacrifice and pursuit of excellence, over the last fifty years the efforts and hardships in achieving these standards are replaced with status by association. Teachers, professional politicians and journalists among others have lost touch with the course to become a person of morals and status and demand the respect they believe they deserve based on the position they hold.
Ahmadinejad, Chavez and others, being leaders of their nations, are treated with the reverence of a person of leadership and accomplishment, and high moral standing based on the positions they hold, when in reality they are nothing but thugs, just as the fascists of WW II.
Men such as President Bush and John Bolton, on the other hand, have shown true leadership under diverse conditions. They have not responded to polls or worried about how the media might respond, but have stood strong in what is right. They have shown character and integrity. Surely God has blessed American with such leadership.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214709,00.html
Where as our politicians, teachers and other public servants had gained the communities respect through long years of service, sacrifice and pursuit of excellence, over the last fifty years the efforts and hardships in achieving these standards are replaced with status by association. Teachers, professional politicians and journalists among others have lost touch with the course to become a person of morals and status and demand the respect they believe they deserve based on the position they hold.
Ahmadinejad, Chavez and others, being leaders of their nations, are treated with the reverence of a person of leadership and accomplishment, and high moral standing based on the positions they hold, when in reality they are nothing but thugs, just as the fascists of WW II.
Men such as President Bush and John Bolton, on the other hand, have shown true leadership under diverse conditions. They have not responded to polls or worried about how the media might respond, but have stood strong in what is right. They have shown character and integrity. Surely God has blessed American with such leadership.
www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214709,00.html
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Religious Freedom Report 2006
Labeled as a "country of particular concern" (CPA) by the U.S. Department of State were Burma, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Vietnam. The language is weak, and dispite the denial of the nations mentioned, the abuse of religious freedom is without a doubt.
"These governments implement policies designed to demand that adherents recant their faith, cause religious group members to flee the country, and intimidate and harass certain religious groups," according to the report.
The report also defines religious abuse as discriminating against certain religions by describing them as dangerous cults or sects. Maybe the United States needs to look to itself in this regard. There has been a vast 'organized' anti-cult movement in this nation that has done just that for decades, lead predominantly by Christians. Not government policy, but the government has been complicite. From Bob Dole, then member of the Senate Finance Committee, who wrote the IRS Commissioner, Donald Alexander, leading to the railroading and imprisonment of Reverend Moon of the Unification Church. To the crass disregard for the rights of the Branch Davidians leading to scores of men women and children being killed. And the disdain shown to the Hari Krishna and others resulting in open discrimination against all such 'dangerous cults and sects' whom can find little to no relief from our judicial system, that is our jury system.
The United States stands is the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world and truly has achieved standards of freedom beyond any other nation. However look to the Religious Freedom Report itself if you do not believe the U.S. could possibly by complicite in bigotry. Though Saudi Arabia allows only one religion to be practiced, this years report has omitted the phrase "freedom of religion does not exist" and changed it to "there is no legal recognition of religious freedom, and it is severely restricted in practice."
http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20060917-093202-1640r.htm
"These governments implement policies designed to demand that adherents recant their faith, cause religious group members to flee the country, and intimidate and harass certain religious groups," according to the report.
The report also defines religious abuse as discriminating against certain religions by describing them as dangerous cults or sects. Maybe the United States needs to look to itself in this regard. There has been a vast 'organized' anti-cult movement in this nation that has done just that for decades, lead predominantly by Christians. Not government policy, but the government has been complicite. From Bob Dole, then member of the Senate Finance Committee, who wrote the IRS Commissioner, Donald Alexander, leading to the railroading and imprisonment of Reverend Moon of the Unification Church. To the crass disregard for the rights of the Branch Davidians leading to scores of men women and children being killed. And the disdain shown to the Hari Krishna and others resulting in open discrimination against all such 'dangerous cults and sects' whom can find little to no relief from our judicial system, that is our jury system.
The United States stands is the beacon of freedom to the rest of the world and truly has achieved standards of freedom beyond any other nation. However look to the Religious Freedom Report itself if you do not believe the U.S. could possibly by complicite in bigotry. Though Saudi Arabia allows only one religion to be practiced, this years report has omitted the phrase "freedom of religion does not exist" and changed it to "there is no legal recognition of religious freedom, and it is severely restricted in practice."
http://washingtontimes.com/op-ed/20060917-093202-1640r.htm
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Shoko Asahara to be Executed
The leader of the Aum Sinrikyo 'Cult', responsible for the Tokyo subway sarin gas attack killing twelve, has lost his final appeal and will be executed by hanging within six months or shortly after the trials of his fellow conspirators is complete.
1989 cult members were responsible for the murder of Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family. Mr Sakamoto was a lawyer opposing the Aum Sinrikyo 'Cult'. Six years before the gas attack.
The cults teaching and actions towards one enemy, combined with an apocalyptic view of the end of the world, are a deadly formula in the stream of Charles Manson.
The great irony is, Christianity which puts front and center the highest ideals of loving ones enemy also has the most apocalyptic view of the end of the world.
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060916p2a00m0na002000c.html
1989 cult members were responsible for the murder of Tsutsumi Sakamoto and his family. Mr Sakamoto was a lawyer opposing the Aum Sinrikyo 'Cult'. Six years before the gas attack.
The cults teaching and actions towards one enemy, combined with an apocalyptic view of the end of the world, are a deadly formula in the stream of Charles Manson.
The great irony is, Christianity which puts front and center the highest ideals of loving ones enemy also has the most apocalyptic view of the end of the world.
http://mdn.mainichi-msn.co.jp/national/news/20060916p2a00m0na002000c.html
Medieval Times in India
No it's not a theme park. An amendment to India's Freedom of Religion Act has allowed conversion between denominations of a religion and labeled Buddhism a denomination of the Hindu religion. No longer will one have to ask the government for permission to convert from Hinduism to Buddhism or visa versa. The Freedom of Religion Act was designed to prevent forced conversions of religion.
One has to think of the moral fortitude of our founding fathers, humbling themselves before man's unalienable rights endowed by God and blocking the hijacking of a faith for political gain.
www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=130003
One has to think of the moral fortitude of our founding fathers, humbling themselves before man's unalienable rights endowed by God and blocking the hijacking of a faith for political gain.
www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=2&theme=&usrsess=1&id=130003
Friday, September 15, 2006
Media! Millions Murdered By the...
David Gregory, NBC News' Chief White House Correspondent asked President Bush: "If the CIA officer, paramilitary, or special operations soldier from the United States were captured in Iran or North Korea, and they were roughed up, and those governments said; 'Well they were interrogated in accordance with our interpretation of the Geneva Conventions'. And then they were put on trial. And they were convicted based on secret evidence that they were not able to see, how would you react to that?"
Is this Intellectual or moral bankruptcy? It's both.
Intellectually, the hypothetical used to critique the United States interrogation and military tribunal system, has no basis in reality. If the countries in question captured any representative of the United States, they would only admit it after torturing the prisoner to the point of being brainwashed into repeat their dictation word for word. Evidence would be whatever the State says is true despite the facts. President Bush gave the appropriate answer.
Morally, the issue is similar. To compare the United States to North Korea, or Iran, is in itself dishonest. The people of North Korea under Kim Jung Il live a nightmarish existence where political dissidents are systematically starved to death, people of faith slaughtered and other atrocities beyond comprehension committed on any grounds they wish. Iran has vowed to destroy a sovereign nation. The rights of women are suppressed and you are free to believe the one true faith only, theirs.
But lets not put this all this bankruptcy on the medias shoulders. Look what the democrats and media accomplished in South Africa, bringing an end to apartheid.
The media is but one part of a formidable tag team; Senator McCain and the Democrats who seem all too eager to beat America first. Think of the resources aimed at destroying Karl Rove and the Valerie Plame, or President Bush and his service in the National Guard. How many lives could be saved if the same effort was made in opposing North Korea, or bringing the Muslim world to respond to the evil Islamo-fascism. Kim Jung Il or other dictators need not take pause to think of how the world will respond when they act.
Or if the media hadn't driven the United States out of Vietnam. Millions were killed aas a direct result of the United States leaving Vietnam and the corresponding fall of Loas and Cambodia. Even if the United States had doubled in our fight to defeat communism in South-East Asia, it would have been minute compared to the millions that were eventually killed. Is an American life worth that much more than any other?
MSNBC
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14848798/
North Korean/Chinese atrocities
www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/7/120250.shtml
My intention with this blog is to be concise and leave openings in my discourse for interpretation, stimulating ethical thought rather than detailed arguments. However typing in 'North Korean Atrocities" into the ask.com search engine I found myself mortified. Even though I had heard personal testimonies of the life in North Korea in the past, I could only imagine that it must have been getting better. I was shocked. If we call God our Father, how can we stand still as our brother and sisters are suffering unimaginable abuse and say nothing?
Shame on David Gregory for propagating this thoughtless near unintelligible swill. Shame on our liberal politicians. Shame on the mainstream media. Shame on the UN.
I hang my head.
Is this Intellectual or moral bankruptcy? It's both.
Intellectually, the hypothetical used to critique the United States interrogation and military tribunal system, has no basis in reality. If the countries in question captured any representative of the United States, they would only admit it after torturing the prisoner to the point of being brainwashed into repeat their dictation word for word. Evidence would be whatever the State says is true despite the facts. President Bush gave the appropriate answer.
Morally, the issue is similar. To compare the United States to North Korea, or Iran, is in itself dishonest. The people of North Korea under Kim Jung Il live a nightmarish existence where political dissidents are systematically starved to death, people of faith slaughtered and other atrocities beyond comprehension committed on any grounds they wish. Iran has vowed to destroy a sovereign nation. The rights of women are suppressed and you are free to believe the one true faith only, theirs.
But lets not put this all this bankruptcy on the medias shoulders. Look what the democrats and media accomplished in South Africa, bringing an end to apartheid.
The media is but one part of a formidable tag team; Senator McCain and the Democrats who seem all too eager to beat America first. Think of the resources aimed at destroying Karl Rove and the Valerie Plame, or President Bush and his service in the National Guard. How many lives could be saved if the same effort was made in opposing North Korea, or bringing the Muslim world to respond to the evil Islamo-fascism. Kim Jung Il or other dictators need not take pause to think of how the world will respond when they act.
Or if the media hadn't driven the United States out of Vietnam. Millions were killed aas a direct result of the United States leaving Vietnam and the corresponding fall of Loas and Cambodia. Even if the United States had doubled in our fight to defeat communism in South-East Asia, it would have been minute compared to the millions that were eventually killed. Is an American life worth that much more than any other?
MSNBC
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14848798/
North Korean/Chinese atrocities
www.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2003/5/7/120250.shtml
My intention with this blog is to be concise and leave openings in my discourse for interpretation, stimulating ethical thought rather than detailed arguments. However typing in 'North Korean Atrocities" into the ask.com search engine I found myself mortified. Even though I had heard personal testimonies of the life in North Korea in the past, I could only imagine that it must have been getting better. I was shocked. If we call God our Father, how can we stand still as our brother and sisters are suffering unimaginable abuse and say nothing?
Shame on David Gregory for propagating this thoughtless near unintelligible swill. Shame on our liberal politicians. Shame on the mainstream media. Shame on the UN.
I hang my head.
Pope Living in the Past?
Pope Benedict the XVI needs to take off his German thinking cap. He needs to open his eyes to a world where the hearts and minds of humankind feel and see the potential of world peace and unity. The level of disdain towards the UN caused by its self serving membership is growing substantially, even if not covered by the media. In the same way people are seeing more and more religion as being a divider rather than a uniter, and beginning to question the elements that foster these divisions.
The Popes exaltation of Christianity in the phrase, 'faith and the use of human reason are part of the faith itself' needs to be questioned. Looking to a past of religious violence and taking a clearly Catholicentric view of history brings more division rather than unity. Yes, we need to understand the source of fanaticism and the abuse of religious beliefs to wage war. Christianity, namely Catholicism, has plenty of historic self examination and criticism to apply to itself in this regard rather than pointing the finger at others.
Pope JohnPaul II, an accomplished intellectual himself, did not rely on intellectual arguments, but on universal and absolute truths. The sanctity of human life, the inherent goodness of humankind, right and wrong, and the beauty and value of families and family life. The world doesn't need to dig up a violent and oppressive past. You don't need to make historic arguments against religious fanatics. Their actions, obscene intolerance and flagrant abuse of human rights are self evident, if not to the main stream media, to everyone else.
Islam is on the hot seat, and they need to closely scrutinize themselves, and owe the world a response to this Jihadist movement. Pope Benedict XVI hasn't fostered that process.
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0609130174sep13,1,2637492.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1992677.cms
The Popes exaltation of Christianity in the phrase, 'faith and the use of human reason are part of the faith itself' needs to be questioned. Looking to a past of religious violence and taking a clearly Catholicentric view of history brings more division rather than unity. Yes, we need to understand the source of fanaticism and the abuse of religious beliefs to wage war. Christianity, namely Catholicism, has plenty of historic self examination and criticism to apply to itself in this regard rather than pointing the finger at others.
Pope JohnPaul II, an accomplished intellectual himself, did not rely on intellectual arguments, but on universal and absolute truths. The sanctity of human life, the inherent goodness of humankind, right and wrong, and the beauty and value of families and family life. The world doesn't need to dig up a violent and oppressive past. You don't need to make historic arguments against religious fanatics. Their actions, obscene intolerance and flagrant abuse of human rights are self evident, if not to the main stream media, to everyone else.
Islam is on the hot seat, and they need to closely scrutinize themselves, and owe the world a response to this Jihadist movement. Pope Benedict XVI hasn't fostered that process.
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0609130174sep13,1,2637492.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1992677.cms
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Ann Richards and Waco
Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas has passed away. She is remembered fondly with no mention of one of the most disturbing events in US history, the Waco Massacre. Anyone who takes on the burden of public office deserves our respect, however they also have a responsibility to serve and protect their citizens. Ms. Richards failed in that task with her complicity with Janet Reno and the Federal Government in criminal activity in the death of the Branch Davidians at Waco. From the destruction of evidence, to the crass violation of the rights of the Branch Davidians and what many people believe should have been charges related to their deaths, Ms. Richards was far from innocent allowing the military to deploy tanks to the scene.
The seriousness of the Federal Governments actions at Waco met great scrutany but little was done. What swept it out of the public eye was the terrrorist actions of Timothy McVey at Oklahoma City, showing clearly that nothing is ever accomplished by terrorism.
The Discovery Channel is launching a new documentary on Waco September 17th.
www.tsl.state.tx.us/governors/modern/page3.html
www.realitytvwebsite.com/news090706.html
The seriousness of the Federal Governments actions at Waco met great scrutany but little was done. What swept it out of the public eye was the terrrorist actions of Timothy McVey at Oklahoma City, showing clearly that nothing is ever accomplished by terrorism.
The Discovery Channel is launching a new documentary on Waco September 17th.
www.tsl.state.tx.us/governors/modern/page3.html
www.realitytvwebsite.com/news090706.html
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
The Path to 911
Many have commented on the recent made for TV movie "The Path to 911". There is one message that comes through loud and clear that many are ignoring. That is what it really means to be a martyr as a soldier.
Islam is strongly criticized for the act of waging war being embedded into it's faith and it deserves strong scrutiny. Looking at the topic historically Christianity has also embraced war. Christianity first gained in prominence in the world when the Roman Emperor Constantine, after seeing a vision of Christ and painting crosses on the shields of his soldiers, won a spectacular victory saving the Empire. The Crusades were highly regarded as the will of God and Joan of Arc, known for her military conquests, was proclaimed a Saint. Though militantism certainly is not a part of Christian faith.
El Quida, Jihadists and other Islamo-fascists have no clue as to what it means to be a soldier of God. In "The Path to 911" we see the leader of the Northern Alliance, Ahmed Jhah Massoud, declared a martyr by his followers as he was assasinated by El Quida posing as journalists. He probably wasn't the most innocent of individuals, as none of us are, but the motivation for his waging war was vastly different than El Quida's motives.
In history there have been threats to peoples lives and way of life that have deserved the taking up of arms. The threat of atheistic communism was one such threat, and Ahmed Jhah Mussoud was a leader in that war fighting valiantly against the Soviet Union. Outside of the Red threat, the world has become one where historic enemies have become friends, where a United Nations was formed under the auspices that world peace was in reach, and technology has brought people of the world together as never before.
Ahmed Jhah Massoud fought the Soviets, opposed the Taliban and made friends with the United States, because he did not see freedom as an enemy. To the Islamo-fascists freedom is the greatest enemy. A true faith or knowledge of God does not allow one to put himself in a position of superiority over any man no matter what their faith or beliefs. It is the embodiment of freedom.
Sometimes taking up arms is necessary, and we shouldn't deny that. Our own soldiers are fighting bravely for freedom, for our Nation and for the people in the Nations they are stationed in. Hopefully the day when the taking up of arms is no longer needed will come quickly. Until then we should all hope that God takes favor on those who fight and die for what is right and true, and that would include Muslims such as Ahmed Jhah Massoud.
hometown.aol.com/mbeve10258/Massoud.html
Islam is strongly criticized for the act of waging war being embedded into it's faith and it deserves strong scrutiny. Looking at the topic historically Christianity has also embraced war. Christianity first gained in prominence in the world when the Roman Emperor Constantine, after seeing a vision of Christ and painting crosses on the shields of his soldiers, won a spectacular victory saving the Empire. The Crusades were highly regarded as the will of God and Joan of Arc, known for her military conquests, was proclaimed a Saint. Though militantism certainly is not a part of Christian faith.
El Quida, Jihadists and other Islamo-fascists have no clue as to what it means to be a soldier of God. In "The Path to 911" we see the leader of the Northern Alliance, Ahmed Jhah Massoud, declared a martyr by his followers as he was assasinated by El Quida posing as journalists. He probably wasn't the most innocent of individuals, as none of us are, but the motivation for his waging war was vastly different than El Quida's motives.
In history there have been threats to peoples lives and way of life that have deserved the taking up of arms. The threat of atheistic communism was one such threat, and Ahmed Jhah Mussoud was a leader in that war fighting valiantly against the Soviet Union. Outside of the Red threat, the world has become one where historic enemies have become friends, where a United Nations was formed under the auspices that world peace was in reach, and technology has brought people of the world together as never before.
Ahmed Jhah Massoud fought the Soviets, opposed the Taliban and made friends with the United States, because he did not see freedom as an enemy. To the Islamo-fascists freedom is the greatest enemy. A true faith or knowledge of God does not allow one to put himself in a position of superiority over any man no matter what their faith or beliefs. It is the embodiment of freedom.
Sometimes taking up arms is necessary, and we shouldn't deny that. Our own soldiers are fighting bravely for freedom, for our Nation and for the people in the Nations they are stationed in. Hopefully the day when the taking up of arms is no longer needed will come quickly. Until then we should all hope that God takes favor on those who fight and die for what is right and true, and that would include Muslims such as Ahmed Jhah Massoud.
hometown.aol.com/mbeve10258/Massoud.html
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