Quintessentially Unemployed

From My Perspective - - -

With the unemployment figures hovering near the 10% level, several would be quintessentially unemployed. The idea of “Quintessential” is: “the pure and concentrated essence of a substance; the most perfect embodiment of something.” The Thesaurus gives a simple Definition: “Model”! It also list synonyms: “classic, ideal, typical, ultimate.” While Unemployment (and other ancillary conditions) is nothing to joke about, we should not lose our sense of humor in the tragic times through which one must pass. In that regard, someone has suggested the following review of Job Skills (or lack of same) when considering whatever employment opportunities become available, and what to factor into a Job Resume.
• My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned because I couldn't concentrate.
• Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the ax.
• After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job.
• Next I tried working in a muffler factory but that was too exhausting.
• I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
• My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
• I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
• I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
• I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
• I got a job at a zoo feeding giraffes, but I was fired because I wasn't up to it.
• After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
• My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.
• So, then I retired - - - And found out I was perfect for the job!

Unemployment is a serious issue in our nation. For the week ending June 12th, 2010 – the following report was given: “Experts were shocked again today with the figures for the week ending June 12. The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 472,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 460,000. The 4-week moving average was 463,500, a decrease of 500 from the previous week’s revised average of 464,000. Experts had expected the number to drop to 450,000. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 5 was 4,571,000, an increase of 88,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 4,483,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,601,500, a decrease of 21,250 from the preceding week’s revised average of 4,622,750.” Someone calculated that if we began in July 2010 to add 200,000 people to the employment rolls each month, it would take more than a decade – 10 years – before we could return to the pre-recession level of full employment. That is both drastic and tragic, and suggests desperate and difficult times ahead!

The Bible speaks of desperate times and great hunger as the result of famine and places being besieged by an enemy. One such instance is II Kings 6:24-33 where we read: “…Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it…” The hunger became so severe that people began to eat their children! In II Kings 7, God works a miracle for his people. Four Lepers who were outside the gate decided to go to the camp of the enemy to see if they would supply them with some food. As they near the camp, Syria thinks an army is on its way and they flee – leaving everything behind in their camp. The four lepers race from tent to tent and consume and gather everything they can. In II Kings 7:9 the Lepers “…said to one another, We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household." The Lord provided for the besieged city where desperation prevailed and hope had faded. Matthew 24 and 25 also reference desperate and difficult times in the future leading up to the final judgment. Are we at that threshold? Were the riots at the G-20 meeting a sign of what is to come? Be ready! Consider these things with me!

SAD - and/or - Going Bananas

From My Perspective - - -

Is “going bananas” a good or bad thing? Sometimes the phrase is used when one is losing mental focus and proper decorum – thus – “going bananas”! However, someone who is first in the pecking order of life is referred to as the “Top Banana”! A person who aspires to be the “Top Banana” is often referred to as the “Second Banana” or one who is merely part of the “Bunch”! It is indicated there is a Professor at CCNY in a physiological psych class who told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. This Blog is based on his entry, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

The following are some “Believe It Or Not” thoughts about Bananas. A test would be – Try It and Find Out whether or not this is theory or fact! Bananas contain three natural sugars: sucrose, fructose, and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained, and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you feel happier.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Mosquito Bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

There is a unique and meaningful promise of God to His People in Exodus 15:46, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer." His People were given Dietary Codes and Disciplines for Behavior to be believed, applied and obeyed. The result would be both strength of body and strength of character. We don’t want to dismiss physicians and medications, nor should we ignore the Lord and His prescriptions! Consider these things with me!

Termites Have Eaten The Big Stick

From My Perspective - - -

If left unnoticed and unattended, Termites can quickly undermine the integrity of a structure. The intriguing fact is that Termites are very small but can cause considerable damage as they work in a united way as an army with a mission to accomplish. The only remedy for Termite damage is to (a) immediately attack and treat the area of termite activity, and (b) almost as immediate, replace what has been damaged by the Termites. Where there is an area of Termite activity, one would be very wise to pay the Treatment costs rather than the modification and reconstruction costs. Could it be that the Termites have begun to gnaw on The Big Stick of American Diplomacy?

Big Stick ideology, Big Stick diplomacy, or Big Stick policy was the slogan describing President Theodore Roosevelt’s corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. The term originated from the phrase: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." The idea is to negotiate peacefully, while simultaneously threatening with the big stick, or the military. By application, it means to always negotiate from strength and not from weakness or a Caspar Milquetoast posture. In his style of governing, Theodore Roosevelt described his style of foreign policy as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis”! It is contrary to the Caspar Milquetoast style of life and governing (a milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or bland person. It is derived from the character Casper Milquetoast from the 1924 comic strip The Timid Soul). For those of you too young to remember, “Caspar Milquetoast was a comic strip character created by H. T. Webster for his cartoon series, The Timid Soul. It featured Caspar Milquetoast, a wimpy character. Webster described Caspar Milquetoast as "the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick". The character's name is a deliberate misspelling of the name of a bland and fairly inoffensive food, milk toast. Milk toast, light and easy to digest, is an appropriate food for someone with a weak or "nervous" stomach. When the term is used to describe a person, it typically indicates someone of an unusually meek or submissive nature, who may appear overly sensitive, timid, indecisive or cowardly.”

The classic example that could be cited is the Historical Meeting of Neville Chamberlain, Prime Minister of England with Adolph Hitler, Fuhrer of Germany. The issue was to seek restraint on the part of Germany with its ambitions in Eastern Europe, most notably, Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain thought he had received an honorable agreement with Hitler by the signing of the Anglo-German Agreements. German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop remonstrated with Hitler for signing it, the Führer replied, "Oh, don't take it so seriously. That piece of paper is of no further significance whatever." England thought otherwise. The Prime Minister would state: “My good friends, this is the second time there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now I recommend you go home, and sleep quietly in your beds…” The King of England, King George VI, issued a statement to his people: "After the magnificent efforts of the Prime Minister in the cause of peace, it is my fervent hope that a new era of friendship and prosperity may be dawning among the peoples of the world." That wasn’t to be! World War II would soon begin. Great atrocities would occur and millions of people would die in both Europe and Asia.

It becomes vital for us to know and embrace the true source of peace. It will not be achieved as elected officials bow to foreign leaders who would like to see our demise as a nation and power. Our peace is based upon a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has stated – John 14:27 (NLT) – “I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.” In Psalm 91:1-2 are these words: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, (You are) my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." The Chorus to an old Hymn contains these words: “Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.” Positionally – that’s where you can be – under the protecting, sheltering, comforting, peace-providing wings – where the Lord will be for you a refuge and a fortress. Consider these things with me!

Holes

From My Perspective - - -

No matter where we are or where we go, Holes are a reality. We have Pot-Holes, Doughnut Holes, Sink-Holes, Key-Holes, etc. What is a hole? Can we exist without some frame of reference to a Hole? At Dictionary.com, there are twenty-seven entries to define a Hole. Some of them are: (1) an opening through something; gap; aperture: a hole in the roof; a hole in my sock; (2) a hollow place in a solid body or mass; a cavity: a hole in the ground; (3) the excavated habitation of an animal; burrow; (4) a fault or flaw: They found serious holes in his reasoning; (6) a deep, still place in a stream: a swimming hole. In construction, there is the drilling of holes in steel, concrete, wood; (7) a water hole where animals can quench their thirst; (8) rings; and (9) wells for locating water or oil. In gardening, there is the digging of holes to plant bulbs, trees, shrubs. Animals dig holes (gophers). Golf is based upon ones skill in putting a small ball into a hole. Swiss Cheese looks better (and seems to taste better) if numerous holes are present in a slice. A person who is greatly indebted is in a financial hole. An intellectual in a debate will try to pick a hole in the other person’s logic or argument. Fill Dirt is purchased to fill holes, whereas Excavators are hired to dig holes (for buildings, fish ponds, mining). There are occasions where one must repair a hole in the roof of a home or other building. In the building of roads, dynamite was used to make holes (tunnels) through rock. For hunters, criminologists, investigators there is the awareness and analysis of Bullet Holes. Astronomers and Astrophysicists spend a lifetime studying The Black Hole and Neutron Stars. There seems to be no end to ones involvement with Holes in the ebb and flow of life.

In warfare, a problem in World War II was on Pacific Islands where the Japanese had dug a network of holes and tunnels from which they could mount an attack at will. This same strategy was employed during the Viet Nam War as the Jungle and Tunnels were used by the enemy to their advantage against the American and Allied forces. There is Biblical reference to this type warfare in I Samuel 14:6-14. Jonathon, the son of King Saul confronts a militant Philistine force. The text reads: “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few. Do all that you have in mind, his armor-bearer said. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul. Jonathan said, Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. If they say to us, Wait there until we come to you, we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, Come up to us, we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands. So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. Look! said the Philistines. The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in. The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, Come up to us and we'll teach you a lesson. So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel. Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.”

The most crucial area of Holes has to do with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This became a faith-issue for Thomas after the declared resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John 20:24-28 (The Message Translation): “Thomas…one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, We saw the Master. But he said, Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it. Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, Peace to you. Then he focused his attention on Thomas. Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe. Thomas said, My Master! My God!” If one refuses to believe that Christ died for his/her sins, and rose again from the dead – there is another hole referenced in this regard. It is called the “outer darkness” and “the lake of fire.” If you have doubts, then do what Thomas did – check out the nail holes in Jesus’ flesh – and believe! Consider these things with me!

Falling On Your Sword

From My Perspective - - -

One should always be willing to accept both the responsibility and consequences for words spoken or actions taken. An Idiom that is sometimes used is: “Falling On Your Sword”! It is an expression that means: “If someone falls on their sword, they resign or accept the consequences of some wrongdoing.” We have just seen this unfold yesterday as a four-star General – Stanley McChrystal - was humiliated in public, dressed down by civilians, and relieved of his command in Afghanistan. Even though he has served this nation bravely, courageously and well, comments that he made and allowed in a Rolling Stones imbedded interview brought about this sudden change in a selfless career. Could it be that his frustration over civilian interference in combat readiness and battle execution boiled over into his untimely remarks? What if you had been told additional troops and equipment would be sent to the battle zone, and then a long-wait ensues – is that not an occasion for frustration to some degree? What if you see the death-toll of your troops begin to increase and the enemy becoming more daring while your hands are tied, would that cause a reaction by you? Even though an Officer should maintain decorum and discipline at all times, it is understandable how a trained and experienced General would feel frustrated by the mixed signals of an untrained and inexperienced Commander-in-Chief.

There is another example on “Falling On Your Sword” in History. In the July 3rd issue of World Magazine, a review appears regarding must-read Books Of The Year. In a column - If We Lose The Battle - by Eric Metaxas and Marvin Olasky, our runner-up for book of the year is Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (April 2010, Thomas Nelson). The review raises these thoughts: “What if we found ourselves living under dictatorship, with our children and ourselves given daily instructions to kill those who disagree? This year brings the 65th anniversary of the Nazi hanging of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for his attempt to overthrow Adolf Hitler, and that martyrdom is well known—but Metaxas illuminates, mile by mile, the road to full resistance. Early this summer the book rose to The New York Times bestseller list, suggesting contemporary resonance with its 20th century themes. Metaxas describes a man of aristocratic background and intellectual talent who descended from social and university heights to do the hard work of ministry. In doing so he placed himself on a collision course with Hitler, a man who so envied and hated aristocrats and academics that he devoted his life to forcing them and millions of others to bow down to him…Bonhoeffer's belief was that "it was the role of the church to speak for those who could not speak." He fought Nazi attacks on Jews and called for "costly grace" by which Christians would give up comfortable lives to follow Christ's call: "Costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life…Bonhoeffer in 1933, at age 26, understood these holes in men’s souls and gave a radio talk on the problem only two days after Germans elected Hitler to be their chancellor. He said, "Whereas earlier leadership was expressed in the form of the teacher, the statesman, the father…now the Leader has become an independent figure. The Leader is completely divorced from any office; he is essentially and only the Leader… continued his critique of the Führer principle: If he does not continually tell his followers quite clearly of the limited nature of his task and of their own responsibility…then the image of the Leader will pass over into the image of the mis-leader, and he will be acting in a criminal way not only towards those he leads, but also towards himself. The true Leader…has to lead the individual into his own maturity…He must let himself be controlled, ordered, restricted."

Bonhoeffer demonstrated what it means to “Fall On Your Sword.” He would be executed on April 9th, 1945 days before the Surrender of Germany in World War II. The times in which we live are uncertain and may become dangerous. We might do well to embrace the commitment and choice stated in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” In The Message Translation of Acts 20:25-27, Paul wrote: “And so this is good-bye. You're not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God's…kingdom. I've done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God's will for you.” This is complete abandonment to a just and worthy mission and cause. Are we up to a similar task and stand? Consider these things with me!

Euphemisms

From My Perspective - - -

The use of words and phrases can make a direct point with limitless possibilities of interpretation and/or definition. A Euphemism is: “the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.” The New York Times carries a column entitled, Schott’s Vocab – A Miscellany of Modern Words and Phrases. A recent column entry made this appeal: “co-vocabularists are invited to submit descriptions for those of us who, on occasion, harbor delusions of adequacy.” The euphemism is: “Delusions of Adequacy.” This may be the dilemma (or malady) of many politicians and some military personnel. This is not too far removed from the idea of: “visions of grandeur.” Is it any wonder that we sometimes hear that a person is in need of a “reality Check”? The Guidelines for Submitting a Euphemism are: Such terms can include: (1) Traditional euphemisms – Not the sharpest tool in the box. (2) Apposite comparisons – Dumber than a sack of rocks. Or (3) local idiosyncrasies – Somewhere a village is missing its idiot.”

Some of the euphemisms submitted included: (1) “Having him (or her) at work is like having two good people off sick.” (2) “The one with the sign on his head…room for rent.” (3) He is “One taco short of a combination plate.” (4) That person is “One brain cell short of an IQ.” (5) This person is “One slice short of a sandwich.” (6) He has “All the leadership skills of a good follower.” (7) He’s so dense that “He thinks his twin brother was an only-child.” (8) “If his brains were dynamite he couldn’t blow the wax out of his ears.” (9) He “Couldn’t pour water out of a boot if the directions were on the bottom.” (10) “He needs directions to play follow the leader.” (11) She “Forgot the recipe for ice water.” (12) “He’s of two minds. One’s lost and the other’s out looking for it.” (13) “If brains were taxed he’d get a refund.” (14) “Down deep, he’s shallow.” (15) This is like “Eating with one chopstick.” (16) “She needs to act her age, not her shoe size.”

The British seem to be very gifted with the use of Euphemisms, or as some might call them – insults. Some writers in America also display that skill:
"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure." - Clarence Darrow
"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." - Moses Hadas
"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain
"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." - Oscar Wilde
"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one." - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill - - "Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second…if there is one." - Winston Churchill, in response.
"I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here." - Stephen Bishop
"He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright
"Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?" - Mark Twain
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde
The exchange between Churchill and Lady Astor: She said, "If you were my husband I'd give you poison." He said, "If you were my wife, I'd drink it."

Jesus would use Euphemisms to make a particular point. One illustration of this is Luke 18:24-25, “Jesus looked at him (the rich man) and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Basically, what Jesus is saying is: The rich man had to be willing to put God before his possessions. The man could not gain access to Heaven because of his position or wealth. That was classified as being “impossible”! The Camel could not fit through a small opening either. Jesus makes it clear in Luke 18:26-27 to: “Those who heard this asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus replied, What is impossible with men is possible with God." It was possible then and continues to be possible now! Consider these things with me!

Whodunit? Who Said It?

From My Perspective - - -

It’s amazing how easily people can slouch their way into a double-standard and/or duplicitous mindset. All of us come to any given event or situation with some personal biases. In the July 3rd, 2010 edition of World Magazine, the Editor (Joel Belz) has a column entitled: “Faultfinding Friends”! A valid point is raised in terms of how one responds to a given statement when it is based solely on the “Who Said It? Whodunit?” mindset and perspective. Example: "The problem here is this is an administration that, as Hillary Clinton famously pointed out during the primary campaign, you may not want to have answer the 3 a.m. call. These are guys who have tremendous vision about legislative achievements and specific things like healthcare, going forward on immigration, those difficult issues…But when it comes to the crisis, when it comes to the Gulf oil spill, the wars, the recession, they feel as if it's being imposed upon them, rather than taking the helm. That's what Americans are sensing right here…Are you able to handle a crisis in a convincing way that inspires confidence? And so far, the president hasn't done that." If you think that statement was made by Rush Limbaugh, or Dick Morris, or Sarah Palin, or George Will – then your particular bias would affect your reaction to that statement. However, it was not said by any of them. Here is the lead-in to the above statement: “Two years ago…Juan Williams of National Public Radio could barely contain his excitement when polls seemed to dictate Obama's election later that year. But two weeks ago, Williams said bluntly…” the above statement. If one listens to Juan Williams at all, it is clear that he is more of an apologist for the President and his policies, and will more often than not promote the Democrat Talking Points.

There is also the issue of duplicitous or double-standard thinking. An example of this comes from a Press Corp Briefing yesterday: “A White House spokesman mocked BP's chief executive Monday for attending a luxury yacht race despite the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, but then defended President Barack Obama's own weekend golf game. Tony Hayward, the British energy giant's embattled chief, drew fire from the White House over the weekend for having gone to the yacht race Saturday off the Isle of Wight. White House spokesman Bill Burton took him to task again on Monday, suggesting that Hayward take part in the cleanup operations in the Gulf of Mexico with the 300,000 euro yacht he co-owns…if Tony Hayward wants to put a skimmer on that yacht and bring it down to the Gulf, we'd be happy to have his help, Burton said to laughter in the White House briefing room. But what's important isn't what Tony Hayward's doing in his free time; it's what BP is doing to take…responsibility for the mess that they've made…His comments echoed those of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who called Hayward's decision to go to the yacht race part of a long line of PR gaffes and mistakes. But when asked about Obama's day Saturday, in particular his four hour golf game at a course near Washington, Burton said the president had the right to decompress a bit after a hard week. I don't think that there's a person in this country that doesn't think that their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind…I think that a little time to himself on Father's Day weekend probably does us all good as American citizens…” The President also attended a Washington Nationals Baseball Game over the weekend. Has anyone heard that “sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”? Maybe not!

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:37), Jesus makes this simple and declarative statement: “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” The Message Translation is: “Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” We see and hear many manipulation of words by politicians and people of every stripe. However, the intent of Scripture is in terms of how it impacts and influences a particular individual. Does it stimulate greater consistency in ones life? Are the things you say and do measured by their necessity and consistency according to your core values? It’s easy to criticize others and to magnify their inconsistencies. What if we were transparent with ourselves and looked objectively in the mirror each day using the same standards and values we apply to others – how would we measure up? We might be compelled to conclude: “But for the Grace of God, go I”? Consider these things with me!

Dad's Day - Make It A Special Day

From My Perspective - - -

Some of us were not fortunate to have a Dad to be part of our lives and/or to serve as a role model. Some have only vague memories of a brief time with the one called Dad. Dad’s have a unique opportunity to invest their lives in their children so they will be enabled to be responsible and mature adults in their generation. In my case, my Dad became ill and was removed from our home when I was five years of age – he would die when I was seven years of age. Over the years, I have clung to all that I have left of a childhood memory of my Dad – the last Birthday Card he sent and signed, and the last gift he gave me (still in its original form after almost seventy years). I occasionally look at that card and gift and muse with some what ifs. All of the what-ifs are subjective and will be forever unknown.

I became a bit nostalgic as I read and thought about an article from the pastor’s weekly briefing. The following is most of that article. In is entitled - FATHERS: THE PRIDE OF THEIR CHILDREN. Carey Casey is the CEO of national center for fathering. The national center for fathering has a wealth of information that might be used by leaders…in developing a strategy to reach and mature America's Dads. The Weekly Briefing indicates - based on the U.S. Census data and projections, there are 64,300,000 Dads in our country. Of that number, there are 26,500,000 Dads with children under 18 now living in the United States. That represents a whole lot of influence. I have long believed that the difficulty the church is having in our society can be traced to the low number of fathers actively involved in the Body of Christ (The Church). I can't prove it. I just feel it.

"The National Center for Fathering has a survey for those dads who will take the time to read it that helps put into perspective the true role of Fatherhood. They deal with issues such as:
• I often discuss things with my child.
• I praise my children for things they do well.
• I know what encourages my child.
• I am a good example to my children.
• I try not to vary much in the way I deal with my children.
• I read the scriptures with my children often.
• I express affection to my children.
• My child and I often do things together.
• I know what motivates my child.
• My children know what to expect from me.
• I pray with my children.
• I tell my children they are special to me.
• We have a family worship time in the home.
• I teach my children skills.
• I talk about spiritual things with my children.
• My child and I have fun together.
• I tell my children I am proud of them.

These are just a few of the topics that questions on the survey ask about. But, they are very revealing, even for Dads and Granddads…Father's Day Sunday can be awkward, but it can also be a lot of fun, because Dads really do like to laugh at themselves. I am hopeful that Father's Day for you and your family will be very meaningful. "Children's children are a crown to the aged, and parents (fathers) are the pride of their children" (Proverbs 17:6)."

I would have loved to have known my Dad but that wasn’t the case. There are just a few pictures of him and the lingering thoughts of what might have been. The Heavenly Father does fill that void in many lives – but those of you who can – don’t forget your Dad and Granddad – they would love to know that you care about them. Consider these things with me!

Bleating Sheep and Bleeding Hearts

From My Perspective - - -

Two news stories that don’t quite mesh - Story No. 1: “BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said Wednesday the British energy giant cared about the fate of the small people hit by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, vowing to look after all affected…he said the British energy giant had always met our obligations and responsibilities. We have made clear from the first moment of this tragedy that we will live up to all our legitimate responsibilities…adding all claims for compensation would be met swiftly and fairly. We will look after the people affected, and we will repair the damage to this region…President Obama said he had urged the BP bosses to remember when they were meeting in the boardroom to keep in mind those individuals, that they are desperate, may lose business that have been in their families for two or three generations. Svanberg agreed…: We care about the small people.”

Do Svanberg and Obama really care about “the small people”? Story No. 2 tells of how the funds will be provided and who will be the source of them. The Headline reads: “Obama Bullies BP Into 20 Billion Fund For Oil Spill Victims... But British Pensioners Will Pick Up The Bill.” The article states: “The crisis engulfing BP has plumbed new depths as President Obama bullied the company into depositing 20 billion into a fund to settle compensation claims for the calamitous Gulf of Mexico oil spill. After a face-to-face showdown with the President at the White House, BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg revealed the payment meant the oil giant would be forced to suspend dividends to its shareholders until at least next year.” Ah, yes – “the small people” about whom President Obama and Carl-Henric Svanberg care – share their dividends in yet another redistribution of wealth. The Poet had it correct when he penned in Gentlemen-Rankers:

We're poor little lambs who've lost our way, Baa! Baa! Baa!
We have done with Hope and Honor, we are lost to Love and Truth,
We are dropping down the ladder rung by rung,
And the measure of our torment is the measure of our youth.
God help us, for we knew the worst too young!
Our shame is clean repentance for the crime that brought the sentence,
Our pride it is to know no spur of pride,
And the Curse of Reuben (See: Genesis 35:22) holds us till an alien turf enfolds us
And we die, and none can tell Them where we died.
We're poor little lambs who've lost our way, Baa! Baa! Baa!
Gentlemen-rankers out on the spree, Damned from here to Eternity,
God ha' mercy on such as we, Baa! Yah! Bah!

In II Samuel 12:1 through 9, Nathan…speaks to King David about “the small people” in these words: "There were two men in a certain town, one rich and the other poor. The rich man had a very large number of sheep and cattle, but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb he had bought. He raised it, and it grew up with him and his children. It shared his food, drank from his cup and even slept in his arms. It was like a daughter to him. Now a traveler came to the rich man, but the rich man refrained from taking one of his own sheep or cattle to prepare a meal for the traveler who had come to him. Instead, he took the ewe lamb that belonged to the poor man and prepared it for the one who had come to him. David burned with anger against the man and said…As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity. Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! This is what the Lord…says: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. I gave your master's house to you…I gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if all this had been too little, I would have given you even more. Why did you despise the word of the Lord by doing what is evil in his eyes? You struck down Uriah the Hittite with the sword and took his wife to be your own…” The poor little lambs slaughtered yet again. Bah! Yah! Bah! Consider these things with me!

Abstractions and Considerations

From My Perspective - - -

Abstraction No. 1: Life is lived in a hurried pace and the thoughts or ideals from a previous, more tranquil time are forgotten or unheeded. There is a song titled "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" (music by Jerome Kern; lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II) from their 1927 musical play "Show Boat," that includes these lyrics: "Fish got to swim, birds got to fly, I got to love one man till I die. Can't help lovin' dat man of mine."
We now have the crisis of a Gulf Oil Spill and the chilling effect that fish can’t swim and birds can’t fly there now. Seafood may be impacted for years to come, and the migratory birds habitat may take years to clean – and a question pondered is – will the fish survive and swim there again and will the birds survive and fly there once again.

Abstraction No. 2: Glenn Beck has caused a literary stir by using the words of Rudyard Kipling in a promotion of his newest book, The Overton Window. The words are from The Gods of the Copybook Headings, and state:
As it will be in the future, it was at the birth of Man-
There are only four things certain since Social Progress began:-
That the Dog returns to his Vomit and the Sow returns to her Mire,
And the burnt Fool's bandaged finger goes wobbling back to the Fire;
And that after this is accomplished, and the brave new world begins
When all men are paid for existing and no man must pay for his sins,
As surely as Water will wet us, as surely as Fire will burn,
The Gods of the Copybook Headings with terror and slaughter return!
The critics, without knowing the words were by Rudyard Kipling deemed them to be without merit, An interviewer with The Huffington Post referred to the words as "stupid, simple."

Consideration No. 1: What’s even more intriguing is that some of the words used by Kipling were taken from the Bible - - Proverbs 26:11 – “The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” The Apostle Peter uses them in II Peter 2:19-22. Peter is writing about a world that has alienated itself from God, and says: “They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity--for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. If they have escaped the corruption of the world by knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and are again entangled in it and overcome, they are worse off at the end than they were at the beginning. It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them. Of them the proverbs are true: A dog returns to its vomit, and, A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

Consideration No. 2: Solomon spoke the sayings of the wise in Proverbs 24:23-34, These also are sayings of the wise: “To show partiality in judging is not good: Whoever says to the guilty, You are innocent - peoples will curse him and nations denounce him. But it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and rich blessing will come upon them…Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Do not testify against your neighbor without cause, or use your lips to deceive. Do not say, I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did. I went past the field of the sluggard, past the vineyard of the man who lacks judgment; thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” As societies and nations struggle to survive, it is wise to turn from those things which breed and cause decadence. A free people can choose to live in a world of Abstractions and struggle to survive, or they can embrace the stated Considerations and be guided into a pathway of wisdom and sound judgments. Consider these things with me!

Boy-Oh-Boycott

From My Perspective - - -

When disaster strikes, what should one do? There appear to be at least two possibilities: (1) Devise a Solution. Let ingenuity – part of the fiber and backbone of this nation’s development – be turned loose to create solutions and remedies for the crises at hand. Last Saturday-Sunday, the TV Program – Huckabee – had a string of ordinary people with possible solutions for the Gulf Oil Crisis. Sadly, government bureaucracy has not seen fit to try any or all of these possibilities – even though the demonstration of them showed a positive result. (2) Organize a Boycott. There are people in our nation whose response to a crisis is to see it as another opportunity to be in the limelight by organizing a Boycott. One of the downsides to such an effort is that it is based on disinformation and misdirection.

An example of this appears in a Boortz Report – Nealz News - where he states: “So now we have people showing up around the country calling for a boycott of BP…Can someone please tell me on what level of insanity a boycott of BP makes sense? A few things to consider: (1) The Deepwater Horizon oil drilling rig did not belong to BP. It belonged to a group named Trans-ocean. (2) At the time of the explosion there were 126 people working on the Trans-ocean rig. Only 8 of them were BP employees. (3) The vast majority of BP stations - the targets of the boycott - are privately owned by small businessmen. The employees of these stations are not employees of BP. (4) What sense does it make to, on one hand, try to starve BP of money while, on the other hand, demanding that they pay the costs of the cleanup? - - So what happens when you boycott your local BP station? First, you do little, if anything, to actually cause any financial harm to BP itself. The people you do hurt are the local businessmen who own and operate the stations and your neighbors that they hire. If your…boycotts are successful all you are managing to do is to put people in your own community out of work.

On June 14th, The New York Times Headline read: “Efforts to Repel Gulf Oil Spill Are Described as Chaotic.” Part of the report includes: “It was late May. Oil had been creeping into the passes around Grand Isle. Two fleets of fishing boats were supposed to be laying out boom, the long floating barriers to corral oil and protect the fragile marshes of Barataria Bay. But the boats were gathered on the inland side of the bay — the wrong side — anchored idly as the oil oozed in from the Gulf of Mexico. BP officials said they had no way of contacting the workers on the boats…For much of the last two months, the focus of the response to the Deepwater Horizon explosion has been a mile underwater, 50 miles from shore, where successive efforts involving containment domes, top kills and junk shots have failed, and a spill-cam shows tens of thousands of barrels of oil hemorrhaging into the gulf each day. Closer to shore, the efforts to keep the oil away from land have not fared much better, despite a response effort involving thousands of boats, tens of thousands of workers and millions of feet of containment boom. From the beginning, the effort has been bedeviled by a lack of preparation, organization, urgency and clear lines of authority among federal, state and local officials, as well as BP. As a result, officials and experts say, the damage to the coastline and wildlife has been worse than it might have been if the response had been faster and orchestrated more effectively…” These are good observations – but – where are the current solutions?

Human nature is fascinating. We can be aghast as catastrophes and errors in judgment that demonstrate ineffectiveness are observed. But – what about human life? What about the Christian Life-Choices – how effective have they been? In II Peter 1:5-8, a partial list is given that must be foundational for necessary Life-Choices. Note what is stated: “make every effort to add to your faith goodness; to goodness, knowledge; to knowledge, self-control; to self-control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; to godliness, brotherly kindness; to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ… Kept from being ineffective and unproductive – does that describe you? Obviously, these are Christian values and possibilities that are provable and functional! Consider these things with me!

Fleece The Sheep – and – Fleece Them Some More

From My Perspective - - -

Is it fair when a sheep has been shorn to try and get more fleece from that same sheep? To do so, will it not begin to cut into the flesh of the sheep? Will that sheep become impaired to the point that its contribution to wool production may actually begin to decrease? Using this as a metaphor, are we as citizens of this nation being viewed as sheep to be fleeced? When we have been shorn, are there ways being devised to fleece us yet some more?

On a broader and more general area, should you ever be required to surrender your Constitutional rights due to a government action or enactment? Is the Constitution of the United States meant as a safeguard for human rights and liberties? A friend (with whom I most often disagree) has written an interesting Blog – “The Constitution is Un-Constitutional?” He raises some interesting thoughts and points (most points he should sit upon and maybe he’d get the correct point). If you would like to peruse his Blog, go to: http://www.thoughts.com/colinstmichael/blog/the-constitution -is-un-constitutional-576170/. This past week his thoughts were timely, in a way, for my wife and me when we visited the Doctor’s Office for a routine check-up. We were handed a sheet that was required to be filled in “to update our file…” Most people just affix their signature to such a document without much of a glance regarding the content. One section of the form had to do with the collection of fees and the use of a Collection Agency if payment was not received. However, there was this sentence contained in that paragraph which read: “I hereby waive my Constitutional rights in this State of Residence, as well as in any other State forever.” My wife and I refused to sign it and were told: “Then you cannot be seen by the Doctor!” Before we left the office, we were asked to visit with the Office Manager. Her basic approach was: “Well – this is part of Obamacare.” We disagreed with her premise and said they had gone too far in asking any patient (much less citizen) to wave his or her Constitutional rights forever (forever is a long and interminable length of time - “Forever” means: “without ever ending; eternally…continually; incessantly; always”).

From The Law Dictionary, we find this definition of Waiver: “Waiver Legal Definition – (1) A voluntary relinquishing of a right or privilege. Although a waiver may result from an explicit surrender or by circumstances, courts frown on accepting waivers of constitutional rights. The party waiving a right must have knowledge of that right and the informed intention of surrendering it. (2) The paper by which a person surrenders his or her rights; for example, when the courier delivered the package, the recipient may sign a waiver relieving the former of any further responsibility. An Expressed Waiver: A deliberate and voluntary waiver. An Implied Waiver: A waiver of certain rights based upon the action of the waiving party. For example, if a person tells a courier he does not care what condition a package is in as long as it arrives by a certain time, that person has waived the right to require the courier to treat the parcel with the normally expected care. A Prospective Waiver: A waiver of something that may occur in the future; for example, the right to participate in an award from a future, anticipated law suit. Prospective waivers are often deemed to be unenforceable, as the party giving up a right cannot, by definition, know the parameters of what is being given up.”

As Jesus prepares His Disciples for the task of communicating The Gospel throughout the world, He shares these words with them in Matthew 10:16-17 (The Message Translation): “Stay alert. This is hazardous work I'm assigning you. You're going to be like sheep running through a wolf pack, so…be as cunning as a snake, inoffensive as a dove. Don't be naive. Some people will impugn your motives; others will smear your reputation - just because you believe in me.” Sheep in a world of Wolves indicates there is danger lurking in many of life’s experiences. Sheep are timid, naïve and oftentimes stupid. One definition of “sheep” states: “a meek, unimaginative, or easily led person.” While the primary goal of a Christian life is to live righteous and holy lives, there is also the duty to stand for truth and to defend the weak, helpless and defenseless. Be gentle! Be wise! Be strong! Stand Up and Be Counted! Consider these things with me!

Languishing Language

From My Perspective - - -

Do words define who we are? The adage states: “Actions speak louder than words!” – that’s true in and of itself – but words are the expression of what most readily comes to mind for one to say. Words – our Dictionaries contain more than 450,000 of them. It is the way one verbally communicates with others in a constructive, cogent and discernible manner. How did profanity become the acceptable language of our day?

CMI (Culture and Media Institute) in a report by Nathan Burchfiel on June 7th, 2010 regarding the MTV Awards Program uses this sub-headline: “Music Network’s Movie Award Show Features 100 Swears In 122 Minutes.” The article contains the following: “Ready to make the censors’ ears bleed? That’s how Anna Kendrick summed up MTV’s attitude toward decency June 6 during the network’s annual Movie Awards broadcast. It wasn’t just the censors who endured a two-hour swear-fest. The television audience had the pleasure of hearing 30 percent of the vulgarities uttered throughout the night. A Culture and Media Institute review found the 122-minute show littered with at least 100 bleep-worthy words – that’s more than one per minute not including commercials…The network’s censors caught 70 curses…It would be difficult for MTV to claim these were accidental. The show seemed obsessed with using offensive language…” The response by MTV is contained in the following: “Update - The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that MTV has apologized. In a statement, the network said the show is a live televised event known for irreverent comedy and a party atmosphere where our guests speak more freely than they otherwise might…We sincerely apologize to those in our audience who were offended by any objectionable words that might have slipped by [the censors] for the live airing. The statement conspicuously lacks any pledge to tone down future shows.”

Moving from The Entertainment World to The Political Culture, there are critics of the President who state that he appears too cool and aloof – such as the BP issue in the Gulf of Mexico – and that he should show more emotion. How does that statement resonate in the President’s mind? How best can he - will he display more emotion? Will it be by his actions? Will it be based on his determination to remedy that which has been a failure for the past 51 days in the Gulf environmental debacle and disaster? What would you do to show you are “tough” when that is the order of the day? How does the culture respond when it wants to be seen as “tough” in the circumstances and situations of life? One has a glimpse of the attempt of the President in an Associated Press Release for today, June 8th by Tom Raum. Their headline (slightly edited by this Blog writer): “Obama Talks Tough On Spill; Derrieres In Peril.” The report states: “President Barack Obama says his talks with Gulf fishermen and oil spill experts are not an academic exercise. They're so I know whose derriere to kick. One target for the presidential foot: Tony Hayward, the embattled chief executive of BP. Obama was asked by Matt Lauer of NBC's Today about Hayward's past comments that: I want my life back, that the Gulf was a big ocean and that the environmental impact of this disaster is likely to be very, very modest. He wouldn't be working for me after any of those statements, Obama said, according to excerpts released by NBC. The interview was to air Tuesday. NBC aired portions and put out some excerpts Monday night. It was part of a stepped-up White House effort to show Obama is actively engaged in dealing with the worst oil spill in the nation's history, and to distance itself from the London-based oil giant…” Is that valid emoting? Is that toughness?

Proverbs 10:19 (NLT) states: “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” The NIV renders it: “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” The President is a man who loves to “talk” and does it well – but rhetoric is a far cry from practical action. There is an old Hymn that contained a lyric: “What you are – Speaks so loud – the world can’t hear what you say! They’re looking at your walk – not listening to your talk…” The enjoinders of Scripture are: “Speak the truth in love…let your yes, be yes and your no, be no…respond with kindness – not anger…” Ecclesiastes 5:2 teaches: “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” Consider these things with me!

The Daze Of Remembrance

From My Perspective - - -

We so easily and soon forget our history…important events…our heritage…the privilege of freedom and liberty…landmarks of conflict… One of the Landmark moments occurred 66 years ago - June 6th, 1944 – called D-Day, a day of determination to set captive peoples free. Cemeteries dot the landscape of Europe denoting the price that was paid as brave men died in the accomplishment of a great and worthy cause.

As Allied servicemen invaded Nazi-occupied Europe on this date, President Franklin Roosevelt addressed the nation and world as he offered the following remarks and prayer. “MY FELLOW Americans: Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our allies were crossing the channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far. And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:
“Almighty God - Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our republic, our religion and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity. Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith. They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph. They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
“For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and good will among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home. Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.
“And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters and brothers of brave men overseas -- whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice. Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.
“Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces. And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.
“And, O Lord, give us Faith. Give us Faith in Thee; Faith in our sons; Faith in each other; Faith in our united crusade. Let not the keenness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose. With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogancies. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace, a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men - a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil. Thy will be done, Almighty God. Amen.”

That was then – but what about now? Psalm 33:10-18 shares these basic and important truths: “The LORD foils the plans of the nations; He thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord…From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind…He who forms the hearts of all, Who considers everything they do. No king is saved by the size of his army; no warrior escapes by his great strength. A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,” Let us be among those who both know and remember these truths. Consider these things with me!

BP - Boomerang Pretentiousness

From My Perspective - - -

"Oily to Bed – Oily to Rise" – such is the plight of those trying to cope with the largest oil catastrophe ever. We are constantly made aware that BP (British Petroleum) is responsible for the costs and expenses on this contamination, as well as compensating those who have been impacted financially because of the ruptured oil lines more than 5,000 feet below the surface of the Gulf. Politicians posture themselves as being “in charge” but everyone knows they’re not! For them, “BP” has come to symbolize – “Boomerang Pretentiousness”! When it looked like the well might be successfully capped, our President was there to claim he was in charge from Day 1 and the “buck” stops with him. When the cap failed, then “BP” came into play again, namely: (a) its British Petroleum’s fault; and (b) the Boomerang Pretentiousness that allows one to think he can claim credit while bearing none of the blame! “Boomerang” (as a verb) means: “to come back or return; to cause harm to the originator; to backfire.” To be “pretentious” means: “being full of pretense or pretension; characterized by assumption of dignity or importance; making an exaggerated outward show; being ostentatious.”

Can this gushing oil be stopped? At some point, Yes! Can it be stopped immediately? So far, No! Every effort has been marked by failure and now some speculate that a nuclear detonation may be necessary to seal the pipeline. Posturing won’t do it! Rhetoric won’t do it! Frequent photo-op trips to the Gulf won’t do it! Increase of taxes won’t do it (they can sell their oil product to any number of other nations – China comes to mind). A Bloomberg report today indicates: “Since the April 20 explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon rig, which BP Plc leased from Trans-Ocean Ltd., administration officials have increasingly criticized BP, saying their faith in the company to contain the oil flowing from a mile-deep well was ill-placed. The blast killed 11 and triggered leaks that a government panel said spew an estimated 12,000 to 19,000 barrels of oil a day into the Gulf of Mexico…“The more the images of oil in marshlands, and dead birds washing ashore, the angrier the American people are going to get…Largely, it’s been directed toward BP. But as the weeks turn into months you can feel, almost on a daily basis, the public’s furor start heading toward the White House.” It does seem as though there’s adequate blame to be spread around. However, the “blame-game” accomplishes little. This is true for a ruptured pipeline. It is likewise true for a ruptured life. We live in an “instant” world – everything designed to be faster, quicker, sooner – people line up for hours and days to buy the latest technology at inflated prices so they can be first and faster. The lifestyle and philosophy of life has little room or desire for patience. We have become a people who follow a mantra: “I know what I want – and – I want it now!”

A passage in Genesis 1:26-28 has been referenced as The Cultural Mandate. It states: “ Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.“Basically, God’s plan was that man would act and behave responsibly with His Creation – that they would subdue the earth and develop superiority over all beasts. Man was also made with the desire to explore. There are countless examples of man’s achievements as he has honed his skills and mind to bring about great inventions and practical uses for them. The fact that Oil is Gushing at will in the Gulf and contaminating wildlife refuges is tragic. However, man with his ingenuity will – in time – arrive at a determination of how that Oil Pipeline can and will be subdued. In the meanwhile, “BP - Boomerang Pretentiousness” is evident and, it too, is gushing freely. Can either the Pipeline or Pretentiousness be easily contained? No! There was no contingency plan for such an event with the pipeline; and there is no restraint for the pretentious. Time will bring about a solution. Meanwhile, patience and understanding are needed! For a while, those working on the pipeline will continue with their routine of “Oily to bed – Oily to rise” until resolve and remedy are realized. Consider these things with me!

Booms and Busts

From My Perspective - - -

Oil - - Black Gold - - Drill, Baby, Drill - - Oil Rig Malfunction… There are 3858 offshore oil wells in the Gulf of Mexico – but now we have a singular focus because on April 20, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon platform, 52 miles off-shore of New Orleans, (property of Trans-Ocean and leased to BP) exploded killing 11 people, and sank two days later. The resulting spill is expected by many to be the worst oil spill in US history, eclipsing the Exxon Valdez oil spill. There are hundreds of Offshore Oil Rigs all over the world and there are occasional mishaps (although rare) and potential disasters with them. Some of the Risk Factors are evidenced by: “In July 1988, 167 people died when Occidental Petroleum's Piper Alpha offshore production platform, on the Piper field in the UK sector of the North Sea, exploded after a gas leak. In March 1980, the 'flotel' (floating hotel) platform Alexander Kjelland capsized in a storm in the North Sea with the loss of 123 lives. In 2001, Petrobras 36 in Brazil exploded and sank five days later, killing 11 people.”

A concern was raised in a Wikipedia article and summary because of the times in which we live and the possibility of a Terrorist act: “Given the number of grievances and conspiracy theories that involve the oil business, and the importance of gas/oil platforms to the economy, platforms in the United States are believed to be potential terrorist targets. Agencies and military units responsible for maritime counter-terrorism in the US (Coast Guard, Navy SEALS, Marine Recon) often train for platform raids.”

Our History as a nation has seen The Gold Rush days as people headed West in search of their fortune; there was also the Uranium Rush and Search in Utah as we entered the Nuclear Age; and for more than 100 years, there has been a growing addiction for Oil. As the automobile became more popular, fuel was needed – and the search for Oil was on. Now – there is a problem. Fingers always can be pointed, but who really is to blame. The Government representatives can pontificate: “we will hold BP responsible…we will keep our boot on their neck…we will increase the tax on all oil companies…” – but – no one planned for this disaster and no one has an immediate solution for it. This is one Boom that will cause many to go Bust. Congressional Committee Hearings won’t solve it; Presidential Rhetoric can’t stop the flow of oil; Taxes being increased won’t prevent the oil from gushing into the Gulf waters…

Commentary by Pundits can be very harsh, as the Dick Morris Column in The Hill on June 1st, 2010 suggests: “Conservatives are so enraged at Obama’s socialism and radicalism that they are increasingly surprised to learn that he is incompetent as well. The sight of his blithering and blustering while the most massive oil spill in history moves closer to America’s beaches…calls to mind Jimmy Carter’s incompetence in the face of the hostage crisis. America is watching the president alternate between wringing his hands in helplessness and pointing his finger in blame when he should be solving the most pressing environmental problem America has faced in the past 50 years. We are watching generations of environmental protection swept away as marshes, fisheries, vacation spots, recreational beaches, wetlands, hatcheries and sanctuaries fall prey to the oil spill invasion. And, all the while, the president acts like a spectator, interrupting his basketball games only to excoriate BP for its failure to contain the spill.”

Question: Is there a possible application of Revelation 8:8-9 in this current disaster? The verses state: “The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.” Increasing numbers of sea birds, fish, whales and marine life have already perished and become extinct….In the area of the Gulf of Mexico, due to the Deepwater Horizon spill, it looks very likely that many species such as the Atlantic Blue-fin Tuna will die out. The only other place where they breed is in the Mediterranean Sea. Is Biblical Prophecy beginning to be fulfilled before us – and – many are missing the signs of the times? How many more Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Volcanic Eruptions, Hurricanes will it take to convince you to seek the Lord while He can be found? Consider these things with me!