Piracy (and Hypocrisy)

From My Perspective - - -

The NY Times posted an article on January 28th: Piracy At Sea. It refers to both Historic and current Piracy off the coasts of Somalia. The article includes: “There have been sea-going pirates throughout history - from plundering Vikings to 17th-century raiders who pillaged Spanish galleons. In recent years, a spate of attacks off the Horn of Africa has shown that piracy can still be highly profitable as well as dangerous. In Somalia, a country of grinding poverty and internal chaos, the pirate economy is booming…It has turned the waters into the most dangerous shipping lanes in the world…The pirates have spread themselves across thousands of square miles of water, from the Gulf of Aden, at the narrow doorway to the Red Sea, to the Kenyan border along the Indian Ocean…Somali officials said piracy started about 10 to 15 years ago as a response to illegal fishing. The country's tuna-rich waters were plundered by commercial fishing fleets soon after its government collapsed in 1991. Somali fishermen turned into armed vigilantes, confronting fishing boats and demanding they pay a tax. In 2008, more than 120 pirate attacks occurred in the Gulf of Aden, far more than in any other year in recent memory. Experts said the Somali pirates netted more than $100 million, an astronomical sum for a war-racked country whose economy is in tatters…On Dec. 29, The Piracy Reporting Center of the International Maritime Bureau said that pirates operating across the Gulf of Aden and along the coast of Somalia attacked 214 vessels in 2009, resulting in 47 hijackings.”

Another form of Piracy is discussed in a Book Review entitled: THE PIRATE’S DILEMMA - How Youth Culture is Reinventing Capitalism by Matt Mason. It references Intellectual and Creative piracy that is currently rampant. The author observes: “A pirate is essentially anyone who broadcasts or copies someone else’s creative property without paying for it or obtaining permission. Piracy transforms the markets it operates in, changing the way distribution works and forcing companies to be more competitive and innovative. Pirates don’t just defend the public domain from corporate control; they also force big business and government to deliver what we want, when we want it. Pirates produce 95% of all DVDs sold in China.” In terms of operational philosophy, the following is stated: “Current ideas from the philosophy of punk rock: (1) Do It Yourself. Don’t take your cues from the mass market. Set up your own business. Be creative. (2) Resist Authority. Anarchy is the path to a brighter future. (3) Combine Altruism with Self-Interest. Start out putting purpose before profit. It’s cool.” In a corporate sense, the author shares: “What happens when corporations charge so much for drugs that poor companies can’t afford them? “When the market fails and democracy is ignored, pirates should step into the breach. In this case, it was governments [India, Brazil, Argentina, Thailand, Egypt, and China] in the developing world who became pill pirates, providing better health care…by stealing ideas. Three habits of highly effective pirates: (1) Look outside of the market. Where are the opportunities that the market has ignored? (2) Create a vehicle. Think Blogs for an example. (3) Harness your audience. It is the support that pirates get that enable them to go legitimate.”

Piracy is: “the unauthorized reproduction or use of a copyrighted book, recording, television program, patented invention, trademarked product…” Hypocrisy is: “The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess; falseness…” Sadly, for Government and Marketplace proprietary rights, no ready solutions are forthcoming. Piracy lacks basic integrity and has become a game – “catch me if you can!” In the Spiritual area, one can find people who “fake it” and pretend to possess that which they do not have, It is identified as Hypocrisy. Control and Consequences become issues that are beyond human connivance – it has to do with eternal observation by God and personal accountability to Him. The Scripture gives all kinds of warning about hypocrisy and deeds done in the flesh, and the fact that one will be held accountable before God one day. In Romans 2:16, “…in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ…”, and Romans 14:12, “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” No one can (or will) escape the scrutiny of God or accountability to him! Don’t fake it – live legitimately and be known for your integrity! Consider these things with me!

Shock and After-Shock

From My Perspective - - -

Earthquakes and their magnitude are frightening and bring much calamity and grief. In the midst of the terror and death, the after-shocks bring added fright and panic. This morning, The Huffington Post reports: “Two aftershocks have again rattled Haiti's capital, sending rescue teams scrambling off precarious piles of rubble and already traumatized residents fleeing into the streets yet again. There are no immediate reports of damage from either temblor. The U.S. Geological Survey has given a preliminary magnitude estimate of 4.9 for one that hit at 11:45 a.m. (1645 GMT) Thursday. Haiti has been hit by at least 50 aftershocks of magnitude 4.5 or greater since the Jan. 12 quake that devastated the capital. None has caused significant damage, but they have hampered relief efforts and added to a sense of doom among the shell-shocked populace.”

A Christian Publication (Pastor’s Weekly Briefing) sought responses to the question: “WHY HAITI?"
Some of the responses received from pastors who expressed their opinions on how to respond to people when they ask you "Why?" and "Where is God in all of this?" questions related to the Haiti earthquake. It would be impossible to print them all…The following might prove helpful…as you put your thoughts together on the subject… Some of the responses include - - -
“Why, God? He sees the beginning to the end (eternal perspective). We only see what happens in the chrysalis of time.”
Elie Wiese (Nobel Peace Prize) said, "I have one request: may I never use reason against truth." Reason screams at us to doubt, to question, to run. But truth remains faithful to steady us and to enable us to trust, even when it seems illogical to do so.”
“According to reports, people in Haiti are saying things like this, "God is angry with us. We forgot him, so he hit us hard." The opposite is true. God is out to save us. If these tragedies provoke us to repentance, then such an outcome is to be welcomed. God's anger is forever appeased in the death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary.”
“The Word of God tells us that these things (earthquakes) must come. God never promised to keep us from events such as this, but to be with us through them. God has a perfect will and a permissive will. Since sin has entered the world, there will be evidence of Satan's influence.”
“Even when Jesus walked…on…this earth, he was faced with natural disaster in the lives of people. What was God's response? To be present where there is pain and suffering. That is his response today (in Haiti). One day, there will be no more pain, suffering, or tears; but for now, we live in a world with much potential for heartache.”
“We live in a broken world - unexplainable tragedies take place…It is important to remember who broke the world we live in. It was not God. He has called humanity to follow his plans and submit to his order of creation. Since Eden, we have defied him (Genesis 3:17).”

In Psalm 11:3, David asked a question: “When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do ?" He gives an answer in verse 1: “In the LORD I take refuge.” Another consideration is in terms of how buildings and lives are being built. In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus is addressing “HOW” one goes about building (a structure and a life). He illustrates and states: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock - rain came down…streams rose…winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand…rain came down…streams rose…winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." This is part of the answer of “Why Haiti?” In spite of that, we should still be moved with compassion and help the untold numbers of Haitians who have been devastated and who are trying to survive. Be generous in that compassion and wise giving! Any Judgment is God’s business! He has given us the opportunity of demonstrating His compassion – so do it promptly and generously! Consider these things with me!

The Old Grey Mare - Part III

From My Perspective - - -

The process of aging can have many peaks and valleys – the death of loved ones and friends; the increasing maladies – aches and pains; the oxymoron lonely hours that can seem endless and time that seems so fleeting; the wisdom one longs to share and the infrequency of those who seek it; the realization that death is closer while ambitions and goals of the past are not all fulfilled.

Some feel as though they were in a Soap Opera Drama – “Like Sands Through The Hourglass, So Are The Days of Our Lives.” The sand all too steadily filtering down – and time similarly passing all too quickly. One can reflect back to a Perry Como Lyric of many years ago:

Magic moments, mem'ries we've been sharin'
Magic moments, when two hearts are carin'
Time can't erase the memory of - These magic moments filled with love
The telephone call that tied up the line for hours and hours
The Saturday dance I got up the nerve to send you some flowers…
When two hearts are carin' - - Time can't erase the memory of,
These magic, moments, Filled with love!

As Moses contemplated life and what needed to be accomplished, he wrote his thoughts down in Psalm 90: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust…For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. You sweep them away as with a flood; they are like a dream, like grass that is renewed in the morning: in the morning it flourishes and is renewed; in the evening it fades and withers…The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away…So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…Have pity on your servants! Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, and for as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be shown to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!”

In James 4:13-15, one is reminded: “Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit -- yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

The Days of Our Lives – not just like Sand Seen Through The Hourglass – but also a mist, a vapor – appearing for a brief moment and then vanishing away. Like Moses, ones aim and focus should be: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…” The words of an old hymn should comfort and inspire one in the journey of life:

Never a trial that he is not there,
Never a burden that he doth not bear,
Never a sorrow that he doth not share,
Moment by moment, I'm under his care.

Moment by moment, I'm kept in his love;
Moment by moment, I've life from above;
Looking to Jesus till glory doth shine,
Moment by moment, O Lord, I am thine.

Ones life can be lived with misery, regret, bitterness, complaint, negative perspective – or – it can be lived in the joy and comfort of the presence of the Lord; His faithful care; His strength made perfect in ones weakness; His never leaving or forsaking. Make the positive choice! Consider these things with me!

The Old Grey Mare - Part II

From My Perspective - - -

Considerable attention is given to the subject of aging - senility, dementia, Alzheimer’s, general forgetfulness – plus the additional focus on Medicare Costs, Social Security and general health issues. In terms of Social Security and Medicare Costs, few are willing to address the fact that the monies paid into Social Security during one’s younger and productive years were not invested or saved for payment of benefits in one’s latter years – but were spent on other budget expenditures. The broad point is: Are those in the aging process no longer able to be productive and useful?

An interesting article appeared January 3rd, 2010 by Barbara Strauch (Adult Learning - Neuroscience) entitled: “How To Train The Aging Brain.” She speaks of reading many fine tomes, but observes: “I love reading history, and the shelves in my living room are lined with fat, fact-filled books…The problem is, as much as I’ve enjoyed these books, I don’t really remember reading any of them. Certainly I know the main points. But didn’t I, after underlining all those interesting parts, retain anything else? It’s maddening and, sorry to say, not all that unusual for a brain at middle age: I don’t just forget whole books, but movies I just saw, breakfasts I just ate, and the names, oh, the names are awful. Who are you? Brains in middle age, which, with increased life spans, now stretches from the 40s to late 60s, also get more easily distracted. Start boiling water for pasta, go answer the doorbell and — whoosh — all thoughts of boiling water disappear. Indeed, aging brains, even in the middle years, fall into what’s called the default mode, during which the mind wanders off and begin daydreaming. Given all this, the question arises, can an old brain learn, and then remember what it learns? As it happens, yes. While it’s tempting to focus on the flaws in older brains, that inducement overlooks how capable they’ve become. Over the past several years, scientists have looked deeper into how brains age and confirmed that they continue to develop through and beyond middle age. Many long-held views, including the one that 40 percent of brain cells are lost, have been overturned. What is stuffed into your head may not have vanished but has simply been squirreled away in the folds of your neurons… Recently, researchers have found even more positive news. The brain, as it traverses middle age, gets better at recognizing the central idea, the big picture. If kept in good shape, the brain can continue to build pathways that help its owner recognize patterns and, as a consequence, see significance and even solutions much faster than a young person can…Educators say that, for adults, one way to nudge neurons in the right direction is to challenge the very assumptions they have worked so hard to accumulate while young. With a brain already full of well-connected pathways, adult learners should ‘jiggle their synapses a bit’ by confronting thoughts that are contrary to their own…”

Many err by not having appreciation for the older and aging person. So many experiences and knowledge that could be shared are ignored and avoided. The wisdom that could be of benefit is not embraced. An illustration of this is in I Kings 12:1-11, “Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come…to make him king…and all…Israel came and said to Rehoboam: Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore lighten the hard service of your father and his heavy yoke on us, and we will serve you. He said to them, Go away for three days, then come again to me…King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men, who had stood before Solomon his father while he was yet alive, saying, How do you advise me to answer this people? They said to him, If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants forever. But he abandoned the counsel that the old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who had grown up with him and stood before him…What do you advise that we answer this people…And the young men…said to him, Thus shall you speak to this people who said to you, Your father made our yoke heavy… My little finger is thicker than my father's thighs. And now, whereas my father laid on you a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions." A clear example of the avoidance of wisdom; A missed opportunity; A lost moment to make a difference; Ignoring the Older Generation and embracing the Folly of Youth! It still occurs – but it doesn’t have to continue! Consider these things with me!

When The Candle Of Hope Is Flickering

From My Perspective - - -

The Banner Headline on The Drudge Report this morning reads: “HELL IN HAITI.” The Associated Press Release tells this grim account: “Dazed and injured Haitians sat on darkened streets pleading for help Wednesday and untold numbers were trapped in tons of rubble brought down by the strongest earthquake to hit this poor Caribbean nation in more than 200 years. Destroyed communications made it impossible to tell the extent of destruction from Tuesday afternoon's 7.0-magnitude tremor — or to estimate the number of dead lying among thousands of collapsed buildings in Haiti's capital of about 2 million people…Aftershocks rattled the city as women covered in dust clawed out of debris, wailing. Stunned people wandered the streets holding hands. Thousands gathered in public squares long after nightfall, singing hymns. It was clear tens of thousands lost their homes and many perished in collapsed buildings flimsy and dangerous even under normal conditions. The hospitals cannot handle all these victims, Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles…said as he helped survivors… The quake struck at 4:53 p.m., centered just 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince at a depth of only 5 miles (8 kilometers), the U.S. Geological Survey said…it is the strongest earthquake since 1770 in what is now Haiti. The temblor appeared to have occurred along a strike-slip fault, where one side of a vertical fault slips horizontally past the other…Most of Haiti's 9 million people are desperately poor, and after years of political instability the country has no real construction standards. In November 2008, following the collapse of a school…the mayor of Port-au-Prince estimated about 60 percent of buildings were shoddily built and unsafe in normal circumstances…”

This small and poor nation has been beleaguered by Hurricanes, Floods, Storms – and now – an Earthquake. For the desperately poor in Haiti – whose resilience is amazing – the Candle of Hope seems to be Flickering and appears to be almost out. There are tangible ways one can assist in this catastrophe. Reliable Organizations that will put your contributions to good use without top-heavy administrative costs are: (1) Worldteam – that has had a presence in the West Indies and Haiti for a very long time; (2) Mission To The World – who has a team already established from past storms; (3) Samaritan’s Purse that can quickly get aid and materials dispatched, and with teams that can assist with medical and building assistance; and (4) The Salvation Army is always a reliable source and resource. You can easily get the addresses for these organizations on the Internet. Many other Denominations and Religious Organizations are reliable and trustworthy, and will make maximum use of the donations sent. The important thing is that YOU be willing to sacrifice something for those who have nothing. Involve you children and help them to develop a worldview beyond the diatribe and ranting of a political and liberal oriented media.

One of the statements made by Dr. Louis-Gerard Gilles was: "Haiti needs to pray. We all need to pray together." Ecclesiastes 4:1 (NLT) has this observation: “I observed all the oppression that takes place in our world. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them…the victims are helpless.” If in recent years, any attention has been given to Haiti and the plight of the poor, you would know of “…the tears of the oppressed…” You would also be aware that few, if any, offer “comfort” to the people of Haiti. But if you were paying attention, you would know that in Haiti – “…the victims are helpless.” In Matthew 19:21, Jesus had been speaking with a young, rich man, and told him: “…go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.” In Deuteronomy 15:11, the reminder is: “…There will always be some among you who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share your resources freely with the poor and with others…in need.” In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist declared: “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry." The overall point is that one should be both compassionate and generous. Many of you can and should assist in this devastating event – in addition to your prayers – give what is tangible – and give funds for those who will provide food and water; clothes and medical aid; rescue and reconstruction. Do it in Jesus name! Consider these things with me!

The Old Grey Mare - Part I

From My Perspective - - -

The folk song expresses that – “The Old Grey Mare, Ain’t what she used to be – Many long years ago!” The picture is of a horse – head drooped, sway backed, gait unsteady – the old grey mare…! What should be done to/for The Old Grey Mare? There seems to be only two choices – let her roam in the pasture freely, or have her put down (sent to a glue factory for processing). The process at the Glue Factory that occurs is: “(the) …prolonged boiling of animal connective tissue. These protein colloid glues are formed through hydrolysis of the collagen from skins, bones, tendons, and other tissues, similar to gelatin. These proteins form a molecular bond with the glued object. Stereotypically, the animal in question is a horse, and horses that are put down are often said to have been sent to the glue factory.” The product was popular for woodworking prior to synthetic glues being developed. It could be argued that even in death the remains of The Old Grey Mare were useful.

Applying “The Old Grey Mare” to human life and plans for The Aging population: In October 2009, Business Specialties Investment had an item entitled: “The Graying of America: Age and Opportunity.” They wrote: “America is getting older. According to current-year estimates from Nielsen Claritas, the 55-and-over crowd now represents 74 million people, or 24 percent of the total U.S. population. Considering the sheer size of this group and the wealth they control, life in an aging world must be seriously considered. Unlike our culture’s obsession with the youth over the past 50 years, our future will be based on the interests of older people. According to the U.S. Census, 2037 will be our oldest year, with nearly 30 percent of households being headed by a person over 65. Forty-eight percent will be single-person households…What opportunities does an aging population offer? The market’s clear demand for retirement housing is the primary beneficiary. Why? Economic cycles have little or no effect on the natural aging process and the healthcare needs they represent. Demand for hospitals and conveniently located medical facilities will continue to increase. The demand for affordable seniors housing, particularly in ethnic communities currently under-served, is already a reality. Since the facts support that The Graying of America is a dramatic demographic mega-trend shaping our landscape, serious investors can’t afford not to consider the impact seniors will have on future real estate needs. Working with changing demographic trends, rather than against them, is the best way to reduce investment risk--and likely enhance returns…” One is forced to muse – is this the general sentiment of the American government toward the aging in the nation? Or – have the aged become too much of a liability for a nation whose bent is for redistribution of wealth and benefits, etc.?

In a broader view, is there a distinction that can be made in The Aging Process between knowledge and wisdom? Is senility, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and general forgetfulness inevitable? Is the older person to be relegated to a Nursing Home (pasture) or a worse fate – “Put Down” (euthanasia)? Is there a possibility that in the tendencies of youth there is a loss in perspective of the value of wisdom attained over the years versus the knowledge that is intellectually acquired? In Leviticus 19:32, the Lord says: “You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.” Another translation (NLT) states: “Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the Lord.” Solomon wrote in Proverbs 23:22, “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” In Jeremiah’s lament – Lamentations 5:11-17 – because of rebellion against the Lord, and embracing of sin, we read: “Our enemies rape the women and young girls…Our princes are being hanged by their thumbs, and THE OLD MEN ARE TREATED WITH CONTEMPT. The young men are led away to work at millstones, and the children stagger under heavy loads of wood. THE OLD MEN NO LONGER SIT IN THE CITY GATES (the place of wisdom); the young men no longer dance and sing. The joy of our hearts has ended; our dancing has turned to mourning. The garlands have fallen from our heads. Disaster has fallen upon us because we have sinned. Our hearts are sick and weary, and our eyes grow dim with tears.” Our nation may be well down a similar road – is it too late for it to reverse its coarse? Consider these things with me!

When Humpty Dumpty Begins To Fall

From My Perspective - - -

What can be done for a broken egg at the bottom of the wall? If that egg had some significance or notoriety, should an egg reconstructionist be found to share his expertise regarding repair of Humpty Dumpty? How can it be done – Band Aids, Super-Glue, Duct Tape? Can Humpty Dumpty be returned to his original state and status – or will he look like a patchwork quilt following his reconstruction? Does the Nursery Rhyme dismiss any hope of restoration?

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall; Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King's horses And all the King's men
Couldn't put Humpty together again!

A Syndicated Columnist has raised some questions about this nation as it embarks on a New Year and Decade. It is entitled: “A Decade Of Self-Delusion.” The following resounds with pessimism: “According to the International Monetary Fund, the United States began the century producing 32 percent of the world's gross domestic product. We ended the decade producing 24 percent. No nation in modern history, save for the late Soviet Union, has seen so precipitous a decline in relative power in a single decade. The United States began the century with a budget surplus. We ended with a deficit of 10 percent of gross domestic product, which will be repeated in 2010. Where the economy was at full employment in 2000, 10 percent of the labor force is out of work today and another 7 percent is underemployed or has given up looking for a job. Between one-fourth and one-third of all U.S. manufacturing jobs have disappeared in 10 years, the fruits of a free-trade ideology that has proven anything but free for this country. Our future is being outsourced - to China. While the median income of American families was stagnant, the national debt doubled. The Dollar lost half its value against the Euro. Once the most self-sufficient republic in history, which produced 96 percent of all it consumed, the U.S.A. is almost as dependent on foreign nations today for manufactured goods, and the loans to pay for them, as we were in the early years of the republic… There are nearly 200,000 troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and another 30,000 more on the way, al-Qaeda is now in Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and North Africa…We have a government that cannot balance its books, defend its borders or win its wars. And what is it now doing? Drafting another entitlement program as we are informed that the Social Security and Medicare trust funds have unfunded liabilities in the trillions. At the end of the first decade of the 21st century, the question is not whether we will preside over the creation of a New World Order, but whether America's decline is irreversible…”

Is this a “Humpty Dumpty” country beyond repair? Is the nation operating under a “Self-Delusion”? Should Humpty Dumpty be left at the base of the wall as a conglomeration of a fragmented shell and a scrambled yoke and egg white? If no one cares and no one tries, is that the rationale approach? It will require more than Band Aids, Super Glue and Duct Tape! One of the keys may be referencing George Washington’s Prayer Book, in which he wrote: “Let my heart, therefore, gracious God, be so affected with the glory and majesty of (Thine Honor) that I may not do mine own works, but wait on Thee, and discharge those weighty duties which Thou requirest of men…” It was establishing and maintaining the focus stated in the concluding words of The Declaration of Independence: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by the Authority of the good people of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these Colonies are, and or a Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown…And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Remember the words of II Chronicles 7:14, “…if my people…will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways - I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Humpty Dumpty can be repaired – but – there is a price to pay and a focus required. Let’s do it God’s way! Consider these things with me!