DO YOU KNOW - DO YOU CARE

From My Perspective - - -

It’s sometimes of benefit to review odds and ends that occur in our world, nation and lives. They seem like they are small and don’t matter – but they can affect and impact different ones in different ways. For instance, DO YOU KNOW - DO YOU CARE – Reported by: (World Magazine - 04/25/09) “$42,105 represents the price tag for every person living in the United States, according to Bloomberg News Service, for what the U.S. government and the Federal Reserve have spent or lent or committed in new pledges this year. That's $12.8 trillion - nearly the value of everything the United States produced last year.”

DO YOU KNOW - DO YOU CARE – Today marks the 100th Day since the Inauguration of Barack Obama as President. The New York Post has published a report on the 100 MISTAKES IN THE FIRST 100 DAYS. Number 22 is representative of the 100 Mistakes - JOE SCARBOROUGH ON: PROMOTING FEAR - "During his historic inaugural speech, Barack Obama promised to usher in a transformational age where hope would replace fear, unity would overtake partisanship, and change would sweep aside the status quo. But early in President Obama's first 100 days it is obvious that the only thing that is changing is the Candidate of Change, himself. The same politician who proclaimed during his inauguration that 'on this day we have chosen hope over fear' soon warned Americans that the US economy would be forever destroyed if the stimulus bill was voted down. Why was it that same man who promised to put Americans' interests ahead of his own political ambitions chose instead to use the suffering of citizens to advance his agenda?”

DO YOU KNOW - DO YOU CARE – this week there was a low altitude Picture-Taking-Mission over New York City that caused panic – many people racing out of buildings and running in the streets supposing there was another 9/11 attack imminent. The estimated cost for all three aircraft was $328,835, Air Force spokeswoman Vicki Stein said in an e-mailed response to inquiries. The purpose of the Flyover (according to a CBS Report) – “…apparently ordered by the White House Office of Military Affairs so it would have souvenir photos of Air Force One with the Statue of Liberty in the background…”

DO YOU KNOW - DO YOU CARE – World Magazine Reports – You Can now do PRAYER BY PROXY – “While some Europeans are cyber-shopping for certificates to renounce their baptisms, an American website is banking on a better safe than sorry approach from those stateside. For those without time to pray, but yet unwilling to ditch religiosity altogether, the website InformationAgePrayer.com offers the soft apostasy of prayer outsourcing. Users of the site may subscribe and let the company's computers recite prayers for them using text-to-speech software. Protestant subscribers can pay $3.95 per month for a computer proxy to recite ‘THE LORD'S PRAYER’ each day for them. And the site encourages Catholics to ‘Show God you're serious’ by purchasing ‘THE COMPLETE ROSARY PACKAGE’—a purported value at nearly $50. The site has prayers for Muslims too, and a promise to point their speakers toward Mecca.”

Consider these things with me - - - The above reminds one of the summary in II TIMOTHY 3:1-5, “…understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people...” It seems as though the enemy has marched in while most were sleeping or having “warm, fuzzy feelings” about a new day and new hope. Gullibility is not a valid substitute for purposeful commitment to The Eternal God and having hope in Him alone. Let Him be The One Who leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake! Amen!

DEFINED AND REFINED

From My Perspective - - -

What defines who or what you are? In many instances, the things that define a person can be Family; Heritage; Region (Farm versus City; Rural versus Urban); Education; Religious Values; Political Orientation; Mindset; Motivation (or lack of same); Marriage; Sense of Responsibility/Duty; Ambition; etc. The list could easily be much longer – but these are some of the things that define one. On the other hand, there are those who are all too willing to define another person and place them in a “box” or “pigeon-hole” and thus relegate them to a set of pre-conceived expectations – never giving that person a chance to climb out of the box or escape from the pigeon-hole.

More than fifty years ago, C.S. Lewis wrote a semi-autobiographical tome entitled, “Surprised By Joy: The Shape of My Early Life.” The purpose of his writing was to share his quest for that which seemed so elusive, namely, Joy. A brief comment about his book indicates: “…his aim was to identify and describe the events surrounding his accidental discovery of and consequent search for the phenomenon he labeled Joy.. This Joy was a longing so intense for something so good and so high up it could not be explained with words. He is struck with stabs of joy throughout his life. He finally finds what it is for, at the end.” Where and How does C.S. Lewis find what he searched for throughout his life? The book's last two chapters cover the end of his search as he makes the leap from atheism to theism and then from theism to Christianity. Lewis ultimately discovers the true nature and purpose of Joy and its place in and for his own life. Perhaps a poem by William Wordsworth had some influence in the thinking and quest of C.S. Lewis:

SURPRISED by joy — impatient as the Wind
I turned to share the transport — Oh! with whom
But Thee, deep buried in the silent tomb,
That spot which no vicissitude can find?
Love, faithful love, recalled thee to my mind —
But how could I forget thee? Through what power,
Even for the least division of an hour,
Have I been so beguiled as to be blind
To my most grievous loss?--That thought's return
Was the worst pang that sorrow ever bore,
Save one, one only, when I stood forlorn,
Knowing my heart's best treasure was no more;
That neither present time, nor years unborn
Could to my sight that heavenly face restore.

Consider these things with me - - One does not have to be locked into how one is DEFINED by self or others. Regardless of either self-imposed barriers, or those set by others who we allow to define us – there is an alternative. The process can be arduous (testing severely the powers of endurance; strenuous) and difficult. The result and what it achieves makes it worthwhile. An example of this can be seen in I PETER 1:7-8, “…the tested genuineness of your faith being more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory,” This is part and parcel of how one is REFINED and processed by God’s Grace. The “testing by fire” may sometimes be painful but it enables one to get from where he/she is to the place where God wants him/her in relationship to Him – resulting in “joy that is inexpressible.” The fact is – you can make it to this goal and experience! Others have – You Can Also! Take the bold step of Faith and begin the journey from the “DEFINED” to the “REFINED” by God’s Grace!

IF YOU BUILD IT - WHO WILL COME?

From My Perspective - - -

In a 1989 a film entitled, Field Of Dreams was released. It is a story about a rural Iowa farmer who hears a voice whispering - "If you build it, he will come", and sees a vision of a baseball field. Believing he is somehow being asked to build it, Ray plows under his corn and builds the field. Ray and Annie are eventually forced to consider replacing the field with corn to stay financially solvent. At this point Ray’s wife spots a man on the ball-field, who Ray discovers is baseball player - Shoeless Joe Jackson. Joe is thrilled to be able to play baseball again, and asks to bring others with him to the field. He later returns with seven other players who were banned from playing baseball in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, emerging from the corn by the outfield.

In a similar way, the Helena Independent Record (MT) reported on February 13, 2008 - "Misunderstanding Leaves Hardin Prison Standing Empty" - By Jennifer Mckee. The article states: “The Two Rivers Regional State and Federal Support and Detention Facility in Hardin is almost ready to be occupied, but is without a contract with the state to house state inmates. As told by state and city of Hardin officials Tuesday, the history behind Hardin's empty, 464-bed prison hinges on one enormous - and expensive - misunderstanding. We didn't sign any contracts with this group; There are no e-mails or promises. The committee does not have the authority to change state law or approve prison contracts with Two Rivers. Hardin city officials worked with a Texas consortium to build and finance the $27 million prison. It was completed this summer and promoted as a way to bring 100 new jobs to the economically depressed town at the edge of the Crow Indian Reservation. The prison needs about 250 inmates to make enough money to open its doors and begin to repay the millions needed to build it, Hardin officials said. The financing package includes enough money for the prison to sit empty until May of 2009. After that, the prison would be nearing a financial crisis. But by not repaying its bonds until then, the prison would technically be in default on its debt.

Based on the theory - “If You Build It They Will Come” – who is envisioned as coming? The latest idea for this unneeded prison is to invite the Federal Government to move the Guantanamo Detainees to this empty facility that is ready to enter foreclosure. In the US Senate debate, Senator McConnell stated: "Foreign countries have thus far been unwilling to take them in any significant numbers. And even if countries were willing to take them, there's an increasing probability that some of these murderers would return to the battlefield…The administration needs to tell the American people what it plans to do with these men if they close Guantanamo,…two years ago the Senate voted 94-3 against sending detainees to the U.S.” However, there is $80 million budgeted to close the Guantanamo Facility and to relocate the detainees.

Consider these things with me - - - In Luke 14:28-30, Jesus gives a lesson on stewardship, building and practicality in terms of plans and the development of them. Note what Jesus states: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish.” An application can be, who would set out to build a prison before (a) determining the need for it, (b) securing a contract approving it, and (c) having some idea who will populate it. In this Age Of Earmarks, it’s easy to understand the securing of revenue (albeit, this is said to be a “private” venture) for such projects. So much of what is done tends to ignore the basic and long-range planning that should be part and parcel of any project and/or development of it. Too much is done on the faulty basis of, “It’s Easier To Get Forgiveness Than It Is To Get Permission!” We have the mistaken notion in this country that if we spend enough everything will work efficiently. We need a gigantic octagon shaped sign in the chambers of Congress – visible to all – that simply states: STOP! The broader question is: Are the Bureaucrats capable and desirous of following sound fiscal policy. Maybe someone will come to the conclusion that we can’t manage a mind-boggling $10 Trillion deficit, neither can our children or grand-children. Jesus states: Calculate the cost FIRST! Is it too late for us to do that now? Hmmmm!

A SIGNIFICANT COVER-UP

From My Perspective - - -

For more than thirty (30) years, the United States has been involved in conflicts and increasingly tense relationships in the Arab-Muslim world, particularly with Iran (and the hostage crisis 1979-81) and then Iraq (1990-91, and 2003 to the present). It has cost our nation dearly in terms of life, limb, treasure and prestige.

Events move so quickly in our world that they become almost a blur in our thinking. The Iran hostage crisis was a diplomatic crisis between Iran and the United States where 52 U.S. diplomats were held hostage for 444 days from November 4, 1979 to January 20, 1981, after a group of Islamist students took over the American embassy in support of the Iranian revolution. One of the revolutionaries pictured in that hostage situation is now President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran. In Iraq, there was “Operation Desert Storm”—Aug. 2, 1990-Feb. 1991 – On August 2, 1990, Iraqi forces invaded and quickly conquered the small, oil-rich emirate of Kuwait. Almost immediately, an international coalition of nations gathered a powerful military force under the authority of the United Nations and the leadership of the United States to defend the oil-rich kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and to force Iraq to withdraw from occupied Kuwait. The "No-Fly Zone War" --1991-2003--Following the cease-fire ending the Gulf War, the Allies, (America, England, France) had the right to conduct air patrols over parts of Iraq to ensure Iraqi compliance with the cease-fire terms. Currently, “Operation Iraqi Freedom”)—March 19, 2003- Present– The current war can be seen in at least two distinct phases: The Invasion and the Occupation. Though Saddam's regime fell fairly quickly, the insurgency was able to gain strength in large part because the U.S. and Coalition leadership was slow to recognize that they had a guerrilla movement underway.

The Jerusalem Post learned and reported (August 8, 2007) that despite a series of initiatives aimed at generating foreign tourism, the Saudi Arabian government continues to bar Jews and Christians from bringing items such as Bibles, crucifixes and Stars of David into the country and is threatening to confiscate them on sight, It was included in the tourist information of Saudi Arabian Airlines in New York: "A number of items are not allowed to be brought into the kingdom due to religious reasons and local regulations," declares the Web site of Saudi Arabian Airlines, the country's national carrier. After informing would-be visitors that items such as narcotics, firearms and pornography may not be transported into the country, the Web site adds: "Items and articles belonging to religions other than Islam are also prohibited. These may include Bibles, crucifixes, statues, carvings, items with religious symbols such as the Star of David, and others."

Consider these things with me - - - In his book, It Doesn’t Take A Hero, General H. Norman Schwarzkopf comments on Operation Desert Storm/Shield. He also mentions the tension with Saudi Arabia regarding our Military Chaplains displaying a cross on their uniforms or tents. Ironically, before President Barack Obama spoke from Gaston Hall at Georgetown University (Georgetown is a private Catholic institution founded by Jesuits in 1789) last week, his advance team requested that the university hide or remove any religious symbols or signs while the president was on stage. Of the more prominent was a monogram IHS, whose letters in Greek spell out the name of Jesus and which is normally displayed above the stage in Gaston Hall. During the address, the monogram was covered with what appeared to be black wood. The auditorium in which the president spoke is normally adorned with religious imagery, but only the symbols directly on the stage — those likely to be picked up by a television camera — were obscured. We are reminded in Psalm 50:16-23: “But to the wicked God says… I rebuke you and lay the charge before you. Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver!” And Psalm 9:17-20, “The wicked will go down to hell (sheol) - This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God… Arise, O LORD! Do not let mere mortals defy you! Let the nations be judged in your presence!...” President Obama chose to cover-up the Greek Symbol for Jesus! Why? Is this a new political correctness to appease the Muslim world? Is our President fearful or ashamed to be identified with Jesus? Can judgment upon our nation be far off?

Mr. Magoo - What Can We Do?

From My Perspective - - -

Quincy Magoo - Mr. Magoo - is a cartoon character. He is a wealthy, short-in-stature retiree who gets into a series of sticky situations as a result of his nearsightedness compounded by his stubborn refusal to admit the problem. Affected people (or animals) often had the impression that he is a lunatic, rather than just being nearsighted. In later cartoons he is also an actor, and generally a competent one except for his visual impairment. In our nation and world where myopia seems to rule and reign in the body politic, one could easily come to a conclusion that we have elected Magoo-like politicians who are bumping into the challenges of the moment without cognizance of what they are or what one should do with and/or about them. If only there was a simple remedy – but – there isn’t.

In a terse commentary entitled, THE OBAMA ECONOMY – Wall Street Journal - March 3rd, 2009 – the following appeared: “President Obama's policies have become part of the economy's problem. Americans have welcomed the Obama era in the same spirit of hope the President campaigned on. But…it's become clear that Mr. Obama's policies are slowing, if not stopping, what would otherwise be the normal process of economic recovery. From punishing business to squandering scarce national public resources, Team Obama is creating more uncertainty and less confidence -- and thus a longer period of recession or sub-par growth…Every new President has a finite stock of capital -- financial and political -- to deploy, and amid recession Mr. Obama has more than most. But one negative revelation has been the way he has chosen to spend his scarce resources on income transfers rather than growth promotion. Most of his "stimulus" spending was devoted to social programs, rather than public works, and nearly all of the tax cuts were devoted to income maintenance rather than to improving incentives to work or invest…” But – the Mr. Magoo mode is bumping its way along by trying to spend itself out of debt.

John Maxwell - a skilled Leadership expert - comments: “With the economy in its current state, it seems like every time we turn around, a new crisis appears. Bank failures, home foreclosures, business ventures reluctantly abandoned. In times like these, good leadership is especially critical.
1. Courageous decisions. What must be done? Crises usually prompt an organization to narrow its focus. Leaders have to make those calls
2. Priority decisions. What must be done first? The Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto once said, “If you’re Noah, and your ark is about to sink, look for the elephants first…if you can find one elephant to get overboard, you’re in much better shape.” If you’re a leader, identify your elephants.
3. Change decisions. What must be done differently? Even ideas that would have worked well a month earlier may be useless in an emergency. When the horse is dead, DISMOUNT.
4. Creative decisions. What are my options? When the old methods aren’t working to solve the crisis, they need to be questioned. Think outside of the box. Get every option out on the table.
5. Support decisions. Who can help me? Leaders are responsible for having the right people on the team and making sure they are in the right places.

Consider these things with me - - John Maxwell concludes: “Leaders are not MADE in a crisis. Leaders are REVEALED. It’s easy to steer a ship in calm waters. Only the turbulence of a storm shows a captain’s true skill. If your organization is facing a storm, take the wheel and make the decisions that only a leader can make…” In Romans 12:4-8, we have a clear delineation regarding true Leadership function: “Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function…We have different gifts, according to the grace given us…if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Mr. Magoo – following Biblical Principles is what we should do!

GREAT EXPECTATIONS?

From My Perspective - - -

Most are familiar with a classic novel by Charles Dickens entitled Great Expectations. It is the story of the orphan Pip from the days of his early childhood until adulthood and his effort to try to be a gentleman along the way. The story begins on Christmas Eve 1812 when Pip is 7 years old and continues through to the winter of 1840, and it moves through various stages of experiences and expectations in Pip’s life.

In anyone’s life, there are always personal expectations – schooling, career, marriage, family, etc. These serve as goals and motivation as one navigates through the un-chartered waters of life. Expectations – “Eager anticipation: Something expected: Prospects, especially of success or gain.” Some people have low expectations, either for themselves or for others. It is like a negative echo-chamber – “you’ll never amount to anything!”…or, “what makes you think you can succeed/achieve?” Perhaps this is the analysis that can be applied to the Susan Boyle phenomena (April 11, 2009) and the tremendous response to this ordinary person following her appearance on Britains Got Talent. Some of the explanation about this event is revealing…An article in USA Today (April 20, 2009) is entitled: Why Susan Boyle Inspires Us. An explanation given is: “Boyle, for those who have been unconscious lately, is the middle-aged woman with frizzy hair who has been all over TV and computer screens for days, singing a Broadway show tune while millions wept and shouted and applauded wildly. Ten days ago, Boyle — 47, unglamorous, unfashionable, unknown — faced down a sneering British audience and panel of judges on Britain's Got Talent…Then, in an instant, she turned jeers to cheers with her rendition of one of the weepier numbers from Les Misérables….All of us reveled in the fact that even in our image-managed world, we could still have the tables turned on us…Last week, Susan Boyle was on TV from early morning to late night, telling her Cinderella back story (youngest of nine, learning-disabled and bullied as a child, caretaker for her dying mother, never been kissed, singer in the choir, possessor of big dreams) to all who trekked in person or by satellite to her Scottish village outside Edinburgh…”

Some of the other random comments made were: "Every time I watched it, I felt emotional," says Julie Carrigan, 47, a mother of five in Hemet, Calif. But why? It's the vindication. "When they were making fun of her, I was getting annoyed…And inside I'm thinking, 'I hope she blows them away.' I was so happy when she just let them have it."
It's the surprise. "If you have expectations of someone, you need to be prepared to be surprised by them," says Paul Potts…"It's part of human nature to make judgments based on first impressions, but sometimes we allow ourselves to be misguided by first impressions."
It's the guilt. Why the surprise? There's no correlation between appearance and talent, says Scott Grantham…"If she didn't look the way she did, would there be the same reaction? I don't think so," he says. "We make snap judgments based on appearance, and when we see those judgments were premature, we overcompensate by going so far in the other direction."
It's the shame. Boyle forced people to recognize how often they dismiss or ignore people because of their looks. "Is Susan Boyle ugly? Or are we?" asked essayist Tanya Gold in Britain's The Guardian.

Consider these things with me - - - The best summary may be: “For many, it all comes down to ancient wisdom.” Rahn Hasbargen, an accountant in St. Paul, cites John 7:24: "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." "Never has that verse been explained more dramatically than in the case of Susan Boyle…” The Epistle of James, chapter 2, underscores this thought and echoes God’s Law in Leviticus 19:15-18, “Always judge your neighbors fairly, neither favoring the poor nor showing deference to the rich…Do not try to get ahead at the cost of your neighbor's life, for I am the LORD. Never…bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” We also note from Romans 15:7 that which should be the common practice, especially of God’s people, namely, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” Acceptance rather than Judgment – what a tremendous challenge and opportunity!

DENIGRATION

From My Perspective - - -

This past week, two separate events transpired that brought to mind different ideas that are somewhat akin to each other, namely, Belittle and Denigrate. Belittle is: “To represent or speak of as contemptibly small or unimportant; disparage; To cause to seem less than another or little…” Denigration is defined as: “to attack the character or reputation of; speak ill of; defame; disparage; belittle…”

Two illustrations of this phenomena occurred this past week. One was on a telecast – Britains Got Talent 2009, and involved a 47 year old woman from Scotland. The body language of the three-person panel and many in the audience started out derisive and condescending. Obviously, it was a judgment based on external factors rather than the internal talent or ability of the person. However, Susan Boyle almost instantly converted the audience and panel to look past the external and to accept the ability and performance. As a result, this segment on You-Tube has now passed 34 million viewings. She has been on Larry King’s telecast and will be on Oprah Winfrey’s program soon. You owe it to yourself to view this emotional performance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY. This is an instance of triumph as the derision, ridicule and belittling was stifled by the talent displayed.

Denigration was on full exhibit and display when President Obama attended the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobaga this past weekend. The report of the Summit – Bloomberg.Com - states: “Latin American leaders railed against the U.S. during President Barack Obama’s first trip to the region, turning what was intended to mark a new direction in relations into a history lesson that chastised “Yankee troop” interventions and U.S.-dictated economic policies. Obama arrived at the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago yesterday promising to “listen and learn” from regional leaders. He got an earful. In the weekend’s first speeches, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner voiced grievances on issues ranging from the U.S. drug war to American support for counterinsurgency movements of the 1980s. Both urged Obama to end the 47-year-old trade embargo against Cuba, the only country in the Americas excluded from the 34-nation summit. “For many years, there have been traumatic relations,” Fernandez said. “I want you to know, Obama, that this is in no way a reproach against you. It’s simply an exercise to look back at what happened.” In addition, Jake Tapper, Senior White House Correspondent for ABC News reports: Chavez Gifts Obama With Book That Assails U.S. for Exploiting Latin America. “At President Obama's meeting with the heads of South American countries this morning, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez stood, walked over to him, and presented him with a copy of "Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of the Pillage of a Continent" by Uruguayan author Eduardo Galeano. Obama politely posed for a photograph with Chavez, shook his hand, and accepted the gift. Later, Hugo Chavez, in a 50 minute verbal attack, besmirched this nation and disrespected its leader.

Consider these things with me - - - to be belittled, denigrated, ridiculed is not easy to accept or endure. All have a craving, need, desire to be accepted and appreciated by someone. One could wish our President would have protested in some way to these accusations and verbal attacks. However, one could also hope he was following a Biblical model and mandate - it’s doubtful he was. A classic Biblical example of denigration, belittling, ridicule is shared in II Samuel 16:5 through 14. Shimei of the house of King Saul is filled with hatred and despises King David. He hurls insults, stones and dust at King David and those with him. While David has the ability and the mighty men who could have silenced this man, David’s tact was: “…Leave him alone, and let him curse…It may be that the Lord will look on the wrong done to me, and the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing today. So David and his men went on the road, while Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed…and threw stones…and flung dust. And the king…arrived weary at the Jordan. And there he refreshed himself.” These last phrases should be uplifting for us – “the king…arrived weary at the Jordan and there he refreshed himself…” The time of refreshment will always come to those who trust in the Lord, and who will walk by faith and not by sight. There is rest for the weary!

RADICALISM OR PROPAGANDA

From My Perspective - - -

What is happening to America? What has happened to the “land of the free and the home of the brave…”? What happened to the Constitution of the United States? Whatever happened to the Bill of Rights, namely, Article the third [Amendment I]: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” Did we all go to bed one evening in America and wake up the next morning in a Socialist or Dictatorial nation elsewhere? Is this the “change” people were desiring or expecting when they voted in November 2008? Is there no longer any room in our democracy for “buyers remorse” and the freedom to so state? Can the proponent of “The Arrogance of Hope” now champion the Suppression of Freedom of Speech and Lawful Assembly? In July 2008 the Washington Post contained an editorial that raised this point: “When Barack Obama appeared on the scene, the nation asked, “Who is he?” Now the Washington Post's Charles Krauthammer wants to know, “Who does he think he is?” Is that kind of speech now “right-wing-radicalism” to be disallowed?

Something unique will occur in our nation today – April 15th, 2009. The agenda is clearly stated on the webpage - www.teapartyday.com, and includes: Are you fed up with a Congress and president who - - -

• vote for a $500 billion tax bill without even reading it?
  
• are spending trillions of borrowed dollars, leaving a debt our great-grandchildren will be paying?
  
• consistently give special interest groups billions of dollars in earmarks to help get themselves re-elected?
  
• want to take your wealth and redistribute it to others?
  
• want government controlled health care?
  
• want to take away the right to vote with a secret ballot in union elections?
  
• refuse to stop the flow of millions of illegal immigrants into our country?
  
• appoint a defender of child pornography to the Number 2 position in the Justice Department?
  
• want to force doctors and other medical workers to perform abortions against their will?
  
• want to impose a carbon tax on your electricity, gas and home heating fuels?
  
• want to reduce your tax deductibility for charitable gifts?
  

Based on such statements and gatherings, the Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in rightwing extremist activity, saying the economic recession, the election of America's first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias…It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration…The nine-page document was sent to police and sheriff's departments across the United States on April 7 under the headline, "Right-Wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment."

Consider these things with me - - - In I Peter 2:13-21, there is a general guideline given to God’s people for a constant behavior even if government oppression occurs – “Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Live in a such a way that you will always honor and please the Lord. This is the right and victorious way!

PREDATORY PURSUITS

From My Perspective - - -

The times in which we live are serious and uncertain. A brief glimpse of the current news is merely a microcosm of what is occurring throughout our world. North Korea and Iran with their nuclear ambitions; Pirates off the coast of Somalia and their ongoing seizure of unarmed merchant vessels for financial gain; the declaration of Israel to Iran to Stop Nuclear development or they will be stopped; Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan (escalating into Pakistan); Growing Unemployment and Tax Frustration in the United States (Tea Party Meetings Across the United States set for April 15th) – these events don’t even begin to scratch the surface of human needs and fears.

While we can take great pride in the recent accomplishment of the US Navy Seals off the coast of Somalia, it does serve to underscore some of what could be accomplished if our military was permitted to do what it is trained and capable of doing. A favorite video series is Horatio Hornblower, a fictional British Naval Officer who was – undaunted by the challenges; unstoppable by overwhelming odds; with flamboyant swagger and courage; able to manage the unmanageable; a leader who was followed; etc. One cannot help but reflect on what could be done with such a person in reality today. Our Navy Seals exhibited that kind of ability and determination. They will be unknown as they move on to their next task and achievement.

Government usually does not have the training or expertise in terms of military strategy and mission accomplishment. Different pundits have shared some thoughts regarding government over the years:

1. In my many years I have come to a conclusion that one useless man is a shame, two is a law firm, and three or more is a Congress. -- John Adams
   
2. If you don't read the newspaper, you are uninformed; if you do read the newspaper, you are misinformed. – - Mark Twain
   
3. I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill
   

While these comments are intended as “humor”, there is an element of pithiness and truth to some of what was spoken and written.

Consider these things with me - - - Tomorrow taxes for 2008 are due and payable. In lieu of the recent increased funding for Banks and Businesses by the Federal Government, a form of Tax Revolt is occurring across our nation. Tea Party events are scheduled. The frame of reference is the historic Boston Tea Party. This was a direct action protest by colonists in Boston, against the British government. On December 16, 1773, after officials in Boston refused to return three shiploads of taxed tea to Britain, a group of colonists boarded the ships and destroyed the tea by throwing it into Boston Harbor. Protest is legal but we need to be reminded of our obligation to pay our taxes in a timely manner.

When Jesus was asked about taxes “Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus replied (Matthew 22:17-21), “Why put me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin for the tax. And they brought him a denarius. And Jesus said to them, Whose likeness and inscription is this? They said, Caesar's. Then he said to them…render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” When demand was made for Jesus to pay the Temple Tax, we read in Matthew 17:24-27 how provision was made to do so – “When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax went up to Peter and said, Does your teacher not pay the tax? He said, Yes. And when he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, What do you think, Simon? From whom do kings of the earth take toll or tax? From their sons or from others? And when he said, From others, Jesus said to him, Then the sons are free. However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth you will find a coin. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.” Our duty is to do and be honest in the sight of all. For 2009, establish a Personal Budget that plans for Taxes, Tithing and Saving. It can and must be done. A starting point is to Eliminate Credit Purchases and to be frugal.

TEPID TRENDS?

From My Perspective - - -

The April 13, 2009 Cover of Newsweek asserts: “THE DECLINE AND FALL OF CHRISTIAN AMERICA…” and headlines the lead story: “The End of Christian America”. The article is written by Jon Meacham and states: “The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades…It was a small detail, a point of comparison buried in the fifth paragraph on the 17th page of a 24-page summary of the 2009 American Religious Identification Survey…” Albert Mohler, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary reaction and response is noted as: “…the central news of the survey was troubling enough: the number of Americans who claim no religious affiliation has nearly doubled since 1990, rising from 8 to 15 percent. Then came the point he could not get out of his mind: while the unaffiliated have historically been concentrated in the Pacific Northwest…this pattern has now changed, and the Northeast emerged in 2008 as the new stronghold of the religiously unidentified…the historic foundation of America's religious culture was cracking….”

Mohler wrote in his online column: “A remarkable culture-shift has taken place around us…The most basic contours of American culture have been radically altered. The so-called Judeo-Christian consensus of the last millennium has given way to a post-modern, post-Christian, post-Western cultural crisis which threatens the very heart of our culture…Clearly, there is a new narrative, a post-Christian narrative, that is animating large portions of this society…” Meacham then summarizes: “This is not to say that the Christian God is dead, but that he is less of a force in American politics and culture than at any other time in recent memory. To the surprise of liberals who fear the advent of an evangelical theocracy and to the dismay of religious conservatives who long to see their faith more fully expressed in public life, Christians are now making up a declining percentage of the American population. According to the American Religious Identification Survey that got Mohler's attention, the percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 percentage points since 1990, from 86 to 76 percent.”

President Obama shocked some this past week when he declared: “America is not a Christian nation; it is not a Jewish nation; it is not a Muslim nation; etc.” The question for the President is: On what basis have you determined America is not a Christian nation? A number greater than a simple majority would disagree with his statement and conclusion. To give some perspective, in our nation currently the Jewish population is 1.2 percent and the Muslim is 0.6 percent.

Consider these things with me - - - As we navigate through uncertain times in our nation, it is difficult to understand why a media outlet - Newsweek, and a national figure – the President, would seek to either undermine or remove the Christian foundation of this nation. In a day when one hears of redistribution of wealth; increased taxes; long-term national indebtedness; legislated national programs that will be funded by taxation; involvement in war (with other potential trouble spots on the horizon) – why would the foundational hope of millions be declared as waning or no longer true for this nation? A former President, Gerald Ford, once said: “A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.” Could that possibly include ones Christian beliefs? Psalm 11 should be ones source of hope and confidence: “In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, Flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes see, His eyelids test the children of man. The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence. Let Him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup. For the Lord is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face.” Have Faith In God! Lean on His everlasting Arms. Let the Lord be your Refuge and Fortress in troubled and troubling times!

HEROES and HEROICS

From My Perspective - - -

It seems as though there is an over-abundance of bad news that has become a constant in terms of media reporting. When American and Allied wounded and killed in Iraq occurred, the news reports barraged us with the body count. While we should have been aware of those being wounded and killed in the conflict, there is very little reporting of the positives, such as, (a) the success of the surge; (b) the rebuilding of the infra-structure; (c) the free and non-intimidating elections being held; (d) the government nearing attainment of the 18 benchmarks; (e) the numbers of girls and children in schools; (f) the greater freedom and rights for women; (g) the improvement and dependability of the Iraqi Army and Police; etc. Rather than General Patraeus being besmirched by the poster that referred to him as General “Betray-us”, he should’ve been and should be viewed as a gifted General and Hero.

We don’t seem to have time for Heroes in real life anymore. We have had generations who fantasized about the heroics of Superman, Batman, The Incredible Hulk, Spider Man, etc. We don’t seem to have time and space for the true and real Heroes of our time and recent history. A report is now circulating the Internet about Ed Freeman.

“You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley, 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the Medi-Vac helicopters to stop coming in. You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is 1/2 way around the world, 12,000 miles away, and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day. Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of a helicopter, and you look up to see an unarmed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it. Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come. He's coming anyway. And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board. Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the Doctors and Nurses. And, he kept coming back…13 more times…And took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out. Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died last Wednesday at the age of 80, in Boise, ID.”

Consider these things with me - - - A Hero is a special individual. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Heroes as: “A person noted for feats of courage or nobility of purpose, especially one who has risked or sacrificed his or her life…” in a noble cause and/or effort. Warfare and Tragedy have a way of producing Heroes. Certain occupations depend on those who are willing to risk life and well-being as they endeavor to come to the aid of others – Firefighters come immediately to mind. There are great instances of Heroes in the Holy Scriptures. Some who come to mind are Moses; Abraham; Joshua; Nehemiah; Esther; Gideon; Elijah; Hezekiah; etc. But the greatest hero of all was a man from Nazareth named Jesus Christ. He would bear the sin of the world and pay the full penalty for your sin and mine. In II Corinthians 5:19-21, we read this summary about Jesus Christ: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people's sins against them….God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” What an act of Grace and Mercy! God loved us so much that He made a way for us to be with Him forever in His Heaven! And, Jesus Christ was willing to be the once-for-all sacrifice for sin! What a Wonderful Hero! What a Wonderful King! What a Wonderful Savior! What a Wonderful Risen Lord!

IMPLAUSIBLE

From My Perspective - - -

Implausible means: “not wearing the appearance of truth or credibility, and not likely to be believed.” The Synonyms are: unlikely, improbable, unbelievable…That seems to be where we are in terms of our nation and world today. “Change” is occurring rapidly – so rapidly as to leave one, in the lyric of an old romantic song – “Bewitched, Bothered, and Bewildered am I…” The changes occurring with financial institutions and corporations in the United States as the government exercises greater involvement are an ongoing event. We see escalating financial infusion because of a strange notion that “failure is not an option.” Our inaction permits the implausible to gain momentum and make progress.

Question: Should we have been caught by surprise by the actions and innovations of the present administration in terms of government involvement in banks and businesses in our nation? First, in terms of Budgets and Deficits, Government speak uses “investment” as their word for “spending”. What is the bottom line and misrepresentation of their rationale for “investment”? In a current Forbes Magazine article – GOVERNMENT GONE WILD: “In February, the government said that its $787 billion stimulus bill would create 3.5 million new jobs. This was at the very highest end of the Congressional Budget Office's (CBO) estimate of 1.2 to 3.6 million new jobs…In a leaked memo from Gordon Brown, the British prime minister. He proposed a $2 trillion European stimulus plan that was supposedly going to create 19 million jobs. In other words, Europe can create a new job with just $105,000 of government spending per job, while the U.S. needs $219,000. The new massive government spending plans are especially frightening with the U.S. now facing $1 trillion deficits. President Obama says that this is all OK, and that he is cutting the deficit in half (to $533 billion using administration math, or $672 billion according to the CBO) in just four years. What he doesn't say, and what no one seems willing to say, is that without his new budget the deficit would have been cut by 75% in four years to about $250 billion. The budget deficit and the size of the government are exploding and no one seems to care.”

Secondly, in regard to the Automotive Industry, What is the goal and ambition of the President? In his 2006 autobiography, THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, his vision for the auto industry was: “The bottom line is that fuel-efficient cars and alternative fuels like E85, a fuel formulated with 85 percent ethanol, represent the future of the auto industry. It is a future American car companies can attain if we start making some tough choices now. For years U.S. automakers and the UAW have resisted higher fuel-efficiency standards because retooling costs money, and Detroit is already struggling under huge retiree health-care costs and stiff competition. So during my first year in the Senate I proposed legislation I called "Health Care for Hybrids. The bill makes a deal with U.S. automakers: In exchange for federal financial assistance in meeting the health-care costs of retired autoworkers, the Big Three would reinvest these savings into developing more fuel-efficient vehicles…” If someone disagrees with the Presidential agenda, what can such a one expect? “Don't think we're not keeping score, brother.” That's what President Barack Obama said to Representative Peter DeFazio in a closed-door meeting of the House Democratic Caucus last week, according to the Associated Press. A few weeks ago, Mr. DeFazio voted against the administration's stimulus bill. The comment from Mr. Obama was a presidential rebuke and part of a new, hard-nosed push by the White House to pressure Congress to adopt the president's budget….

Consider these things with me - - - Should spending and indebtedness be the model followed by the nation and/or individuals? Your answer should be “No!” A basic concept is given in: Proverbs 22:7 – “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.” And, Romans 13:8 – “Owe no one anything except to love one another…” Winston Churchill once said: “The price of greatness is responsibility.” If the “implausible” is allowed to become the plausible, irresponsibility will become the modus operandi and failure will soon follow. The implausible is gaining momentum! Action delayed comes with a very high price-tag – maybe the next generation being indentured because “we” allowed the implausible to occur.