Leave her alone! ...She's a human!

Okay. So her name isn't Britney, it's Paris. And she's not getting a hundred million from big granddaddy "Warbucks" Hilton... she's only getting FIVE million. So, what must that have felt like... to know that "life as she knew it" was essentially over (unless she got up and went to work)? Was it a nauseous feeling like a swift kick in the gut? Did she wail as she did when carted off to jail? Or was it an explosive breath-stealing shock.....?

........BANG! BANG!!

...one shot to the chest and another to the throat? Life ebbing away in pools and rivulets; seeping into some anonymous filthy street in some backwater Pakistani city called "Crazy"?

How tragic. How completely and utterly tragic! To have all her hopes and dreams for the future cut so tragically short! Robbed of everything that matters by a madman devoid of any sense of humanity....

No her name's not Britney. OR Paris. Her name was Benazir... Her name is Martyr.

Coupla years back I wrote a verse of carol, and laid it aside. Last year I wrote another, then laid it aside. I've written a coupla more, but.... still needs another. Here's what I got so far...

Israel cried for her messiah
Mary had a baby boy
Come to baptize men with fire
God a babe in Mary's arms
Sing Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
O, Hallelujah
God a babe in Mary's arms

Angels sang in adoration
Mary had a baby boy
Come to bring the world salvation
God a babe in Mary's arms
Sing Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
O, Hallelujah
God a babe in Mary's arms

Shepherds quailed in fear and wonder
Mary had a baby boy
Come to die and death to conquer
God a babe in Mary's arms
Sing Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
O, Hallelujah
God a babe in Mary's arms

Wise men came with gifts a' bearing
Mary had a baby boy
Come to give us life unending
God a babe in Mary's arms
Sing Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
O, Hallelujah
God a babe in Mary's arms

Still need a final verse... I'm stuck. Actually have a melody, though... and chords and tab. The last bit'll come. I'm not at all worried.

Merry Christmas everyone.


..::Update::..

Hows about this one...?

Centuries gone, the world a' pining
Mary had a baby boy
For a King resplendent shining
God a babe in Mary's arms
Sing Hallelujah
Glory in the highest
O, Hallelujah
God a babe in Mary's arms

And just for fun...


"Santa is Dead"

Need Proof?

1. No known species of reindeer can fly, but there are 30,000 species of living organisms yet to be classified. While most of these are insects and germs, this does not COMPLETELY rule out flying reindeer, which only Santa has ever seen.

2. There are 2 billion children (persons under 18 years of age) in the world, but since Santa doesn't appear to handle Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and Buddhist children, that reduces the workload to 15% of the total, which is approximately 37 million according to the Population Reference Bureau. At an average rate of 3.5 children per house, that means Santa has to visit 91.8 million homes (assuming there is at least one 'nice' child in every home).

3. Santa has 31 hours in which to work (allowing for different time zones and the rotation of the earth, assuming he travels from east to west). Using the figures above, this works out to 822.6 visits per second, meaning that Santa has .001 seconds to park, hop out of the sleigh, jump down the chimney, fill the stockings, distribute the presents under the tree, get back up the chimney, jump on the sleigh and move on to the next house. Assuming that each stop is distributed evenly around the earth (I know that is wrong, but humor me), we are talking about .78 miles per house, or a total of 75.7 million miles. To achieve this Santa's sleigh must be moving at about 650 miles per second (300,000 times the speed of sound). The average reindeer clocks in with a top speed of 15 miles per HOUR.

4. Assuming that each child gets a small gift, like a medium-sized lego set (approximately 2 lbs), the sleigh will be carrying 321,300 tons, not counting Santa who is invariably described as overweight. A 'conventional' reindeer can pull almost 300 lbs, and if we suppose that 'flying' reindeer can pull 10 times that amount, it would not be possible to do the job with only 7 or 8 reindeer. According to the figures, 214,000 reindeer would be necessary, increasing the payload to 353,430 tons (4 times the weight of the ocean liner 'Queen Elizabeth').

5. 353,000 tons traveling at 650 miles per second creates enormous air resistance. This will heat up the reindeer in the same fashion as a spacecraft entering the earth's atmosphere. The lead pair of reindeer will absorb 14.3 quintillion joules of energy per second each, causing them to burst into flames instantaneously, and exposing the reindeer behind them. The entire reindeer team would be vaporized in .00426th of a second. Meanwhile, poor old Santa would be subjected to centrifugal forces 17,500 times greater than gravity. A 250 lb Santa would be pinned to the back of the sleigh by 4,315,015 lbs of force.


Unfortunately, all this leads to the conclusion that if Santa ever did deliver presents on Christmas Eve, he's dead now, due to the laws of physics.


Merry Christmas one and all, and may the Lord richly bless each and every one of you.

"Romney should not be the next president"

'Old GOP bromides' aside, why exactly does the Concord Monitor NOT like Mitt Romney? Little mention of Liberal objections to a Conservative candidate, just a list of flip and flops, and the word: "Chilling"

Follow the link to discover exactly why the Concord monitor calls Romney a ...

...disquieting figure who sure looks like the next president and most surely must be stopped.

The 'Pearl and Lodestone Crier' says pretty much the same of Hillary ...

a disquieting figure who sure looks like the next president and most surely must be stopped.

_________________

--This message was approved by ELAshley, but should in no wise be construed as an endorsement of Governor Romney

There’s a Huckabee Born Every Minute
--Ann Coulter
December 19, 2007

Asked on CNN's "Larry King Live" Monday night about his beliefs on evolution, Huckabee rushed to assure King that he has no interest in altering textbooks that foist this fraud on innocent schoolchildren.

The Huckster doesn't believe in evolution but has no interest in removing it from the Humanist Indoctrination manuals in American schools? He's willing to allow another generation to sink into that dark well of pathos and unbelief that the fraud of Darwinianism "foists" upon innocent school children? What? A Baptist preacher not interested in defending the truth?

Judging strictly from the rest of the article I'm beginning to wonder if I can even contemplate voting for Huckabee.

The world sees Christians in only two lights, really: Hypocrites and the 'Real Deal' which to the unbelieving world usually means those who compromise the message to make it more palatable to the unbelieving world.

Huckabee compromising on truth? What else would he compromise on if awarded the White House?

Click on the picture for the full view and some of my pencil notes will become legible. The robot is a theme I used in a drawing/painting I did back in, ohhh, 1991 or so dealing with man's reliance on technology and what's lost in the bargain. The painting was entitled 'A Farewell to Whales' from a series called 'Man, Being Imperfect.'

Saudi King Pardons Rape Victim

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP) - A woman sentenced to prison and a public lashing after being gang- raped has been pardoned by the Saudi monarch in a case that sparked an international outcry, including rare criticism from the United States, the kingdom's top ally.

The woman, known only as "the Girl of Qatif," was convicted of violating Saudi Arabia's strict Islamic laws against mixing of the sexes because she was in a car with a man she was not related to when the seven men attacked and raped them both in 2006.

The sentence shocked many in the West. In unusually strong criticism of a close ally, President Bush said that if the same thing happened to one of his daughters, he would be "angry at those who committed the crime. And I'd be angry at a state that didn't support the victim."

That's right... it's the woman's fault she got raped!

Peace with Islam? Not on THESE terms!

Muslim Students Take Over 'Meditation Room' in Minnesota

Key points EL finds curious:

Literature titled "Hijaab [covering] and Modesty" was prominently placed there, instructing women on proper Islamic behavior.

They should cover their faces and stay at home, it said, and their speech should not "be such that it is heard."

Jews and Christians are the enemies of Allah’s religion.

Peace with Islam? When they consider Jews and Christians to be 'enemies'? What American woman would accept Sharia Law when it demands they dress in croaker sacks and remain silent in public? Neither Judaism nor Christianity require this of women, and yet Christianity is pretty much reviled by those who are not Christian. Jews likewise are reviled by much of the world.

Islam? Embraced by far too many.

Be assured that a walk through the ocean of most souls would scarcely get your feet wet.

Anyone know who said this? Just curious.

Photo courtesy of Drudge

Income is earned, not distributed. The rich keep getting richer because they keep doing whatever it was that made them rich.

Ditto for the poor.

Having said that, Charity is 'Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself' in action. But being charitable requires one to be cognizant of good stewardship-- Charity is not a safety net for slothfulness.

Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

2 Thessalonians 3:8-12

But again... Charity is 'Love Thy Neighbor as Thyself' in action. Be good to your neighbor, but be good stewards with the resources God has given you.


..::Tacking::..

Being rich is not evil, as some believe. Rich men CAN enter heaven.

So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, and six thousand camels, and a thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand she asses.

--Job 42:12

The LOVE of wealth bars rich haughty men from entry into heaven, NOT the possession of wealth itself. Cash itself is not evil.

Failing them for fear
our oft desolate dreams
its becomes us a sensual search
for simple significance...
personal significance
Beating bushes
blazing trails
firing hills
and failing them all
for fear of failing
and a rhyme and resonance unrealized

Sift the ash of our ruin
What pearl of great price pristine
'neath unsullied skies
survives our stately scourge?
What is there left
having burned our bridges
fired our fields
having wasted ourselves for naught?
Looking within has yielded no fruit
no rhyme nor resonance
And failing ourselves within
what then lies without?


ELAshley
101507.082411.6

I’m not asking for Government censorship or any other kind of censorship. I am asking whether a form of censorship already exists when the news that 40 million Americans receive each night is determined by a handful of men responsible only to their corporate employers and is filtered through a handful of commentators who admit to their own set of biases.

--Vice President Spiro Agnew
November 13, 1969

You can read the whole speech here


Also uttered by Spiro Agnew:

In the United States today, we have more than our share of the nattering nabobs of negativism.

--September 11, 1970, San Diego, CA

Man! How little things change!

full, empty, empty, (full
and prostrate heavenward)
counting anxious minutes
full, empty, empty, full
(five, ten, fifteen)
an anxious watch of
hands too slow
minutes too creep
too full unempty
full, empty, empty, full
empty to weakness
and weak presage wellness
cleanliness nearer too
godliness
empty, full, full, empty
prostrate heavenward
(counting counting counting)
and nearer too empty


ELAshley
121407.041506.6

...and often maliciously deliberate --let's push back the fog of 'misconceptions' surrounding the differences between Islam and Christianity.


Per my last post, the author makes the following observation:

Only Islamic clerics sanction the murder of women who have been raped. Only Islamic clerics issue murderous fatwas, celebrate murder of artists, and mobilize sword-wielding men to demand death for a female teacher who allowed children to name a teddy bear 'Mohammed'. Only Islam proudly exhibits videos of throat-cutters torturing helpless victims.

True. Anyone watching the news these last few years cannot objectively dismiss it. Christianity, on the other hand has never condoned such behavior. "Christians" throughout the centuries certainly have promoted the idea that women are "less" than men, but considering the most basic difference* between Islam and Christianity, such men's status as "Christian" is in doubt. Truth: Christianity does not condone murder... not even the thought of murder.

On another front. Islam, in its more extreme forms, hides its women in croaker-sacks**. Christianity only asks that women dress modestly so as not to draw untoward attention from the opposite sex. As with murder, sexual impurity for the Christian is more than a physical act, it is a thought crime against God's Law. Just thinking with lust upon a member of the opposite sex is just as, and equally punishable, as the physical act under God's Law. Islam subjugates an entire segment of society because MEN cannot control their own base desires. Islam punishes the woman who is raped more severely than the rapist-- if he is punished at all. Many Muslims-- and other cultures --see nothing wrong with Female Genitalia Mutilation, or Female Circumcision. One reason for this practice that I've encountered is the idea that Women should not enjoy sex; that sexual pleasure is strictly for the male. Some Muslim communities even see it as fine and proper for a girl to be given away in marriage at nine years of age-- Mohammad himself had a nine year old wife.

And Islam does not condemn ANY of these practices***. How Christianity can then be said to be more similar to Muslim perversions toward women than disparate, requires one to willing accept a colossal pile of steaming ignorance, and call it 'informed' and 'palatable'.

Women have held subordinate roles in Western cultures for as long as there has been Western Culture, but this doesn't mean Christianity sanctions such. Taking time to actually read the Bible, one will find nothing to suggest that women should be treated with anything less than genuine unabashed respect. The Bible says we are to love our wives as Christ loved the Church. Throw that in with 'love your neighbor as yourself,' and it becomes clear to any objective reader that Christianity is not even remotely similar to Islam.

But this will fall on far too many deaf ears. The O'Donnell mindset on this is just too entrenched in far too many Liberal minds. There are of course exceptions: few Liberals who comment here actually ascribe to Rosie's brand of Liberalism-- a dangerous and fast-growing brand of Liberalism --that says Radical Christianity is every bit as dangerous as Radical Islam.

In conclusion, please consider this: Islam sees the world in only two "Houses": Dar al-Islam, the House of Islam; and Dar al-harb, the House of War. Islam is NOT a religion of peace... again, there is far too much ignorance in the Liberal mindset in this respect. There can be no peace with Islam for the simple reason that THEY do not believe there can be peace. Even the leaders of CAIR, who want only to 'improve relations' between Muslims and non-Muslims in America, ultimately want to see America under Sharia Law... the very Law that subjugates women, treats them less than dogs, allows for the mutilation of female genitalia, and stones them because MEN rape them. And many many more atrocities besides.

Naturally, had I the time, this post would be much much longer. As it is, some will find plenty to argue. But I'll not argue with people who can't see the obvious, or with those who, rather than argue the points, seek to divert attention by erecting 'strawman' tangents... something they can burn down... something over which they can feel proud of themselves.


---
* Muslims are born Muslim, whereas Christians born into the Church by Christ's blood.
** A Southern colloquialism, for a 'rough unattractive bag'
*** What is not forbidden in Islam is Allowed

Jihadism, Liberalism and Perversion

What [Janine Chasseguet-Smirgel] found was that perversions are an essential way in which the human mind and psyche rebel against and seek to evade reality. That reality is rooted in biology: the male-female difference. The intolerance and fear of such differences can result in the practices of Wahabbi Islam, wherein women are so feared that they must be hidden and brutalized like beasts of the field. Muslim men's terror of women is undoubtedly accompanied by a high incidence of hidden (not so hidden when they travel to the Riviera) perverse sexuality.

Socialism is similarly perverse in its radical egalitarianism, denying differences of talent, intelligence, motivation, skill. Liberalism's affirmative action is perverse in its effort to impose an egalitarianism that is unattainable. It seeks to correct the "socially constructed" discriminatory differences. (Under its strictures shouldn't there be affirmative action for white basketball players?) This is perverse thinking. Modern politically correct liberalism is shot through with perversion.

The reason we hear so little condemnation, much less military resolve to annihilate these savage perverts, is Western culture's thralldom to contemporary, politically correct liberalism, which is itself perverse. Post-modern Liberalism shares the mindset of the jihadis and unconsciously enjoys their enactment of liberal fantasies.

Ouch! Read the whole article.

This is a center-right country caught between an incompetent right-wing party and a ruthlessly organized, energized, militant, minority left-wing party.

--Newt Gingrich

...a DANGEROUS minority left-wing party.

From today's Rush....

Don Surber: "The War is twice as popular as Congress. Under Democratic leadership, the 110th Congress is the least popular Congress since pollsters began measuring this. Various polls peg the disapproval at various numbers at various times. But one thing doesn’t change: Worst Congress ever. Democratic apologists say that this is because Congress has failed to end the war. Well, that may explain the low marks on the Democratic end. But the 63 votes so far this year on the war obviously are turning off independents and Republicans. Let us review. In November, Gallup pegged the Congressional job approval at 20% with 69% disapproval. In December, Gallup found that 40% of Americans think the Surge is working, 39% say not working. And while 57% now say going into Iraq was a mistake, 41% say it was not a mistake. Apparently 69% say electing this Congress was a mistake. Only 20% apparently believe this Congress was not a mistake. While obviously the questions are slightly different, the pollster is the same: Gallup."

Maybe Congress needs to redeploy to Okinawa and not the troops. (laughing) War 40, Congress 20, and 69% say electing this Congress was a mistake. Speaking of this Congress: "Each day lately, Democrats inch closer to giving President Bush more money for the war in Iraq without any serious mandates for withdrawing US troops. Democratic leaders are loath to acknowledge they've backed off, but lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, as well as congressional aides, say Democrats are trying to find a way to provide continued troop funding while searching for some compromises that show they're still intent on challenging the president on the war. ... According to one senior Democratic lawmaker, there's a growing discomfort among pro-defense Democrats about linking a $50 billion Iraq measure to troop withdrawal. 'We have to come off this lack of funding for the military operations,' the lawmaker said. 'We have to continue the funding. We don't want to look like we're against troop funding. ... We should separate the funding discussion from the rest of the war.' ... Additionally, lawmakers who represent areas with large military bases fear that layoff notices could go out to civilian military employees just a week before Christmas if the Pentagon has to pull money from other accounts to pay for the war."

That's another thing that's driving the fear here. Layoff notices, civilian workers at the Pentagon, one week before Christmas. The question must be asked here, folks, how in the world will these civilian workers who are laid off afford the sleigh ride at Jellystone National Park? That's a reference to the last government shut down. Everybody got paid, but the Jellystone sleigh ride operator got laid off. (laughing) He called Larry King. He was on Larry King first. He called in here and he had a beef with me. He wanted to set me straight on this. So poor Democrats, war 40, Congress 20, and 69% thinking electing this Congress was a mistake. They've had 63 resolutions and votes to try to end the war and get the troops out. They've failed on every one of them, with a lame duck president in the last year. Now they're trying to figure out how they can give the money and have their stupid idiot base not realize they're doing it. (laughing) And now the layoff notices at the Pentagon. (laughing) Excuse me, folks. I just love seeing these people implode. They're imploding all over.

--Rush Limbaugh, December 6, 2007

                    Christopher Scott Gailfoil
                                   1964 - 2007


















I'm not usually moved to write anything for anyone specific, and judging strictly from what I remember of Chris, always smiling with room-brightening intensity, the tone of my little tune is far from bright, and far from fitting. Last I saw Chris was at our leaders' house signing the sleeve to a record I co-wrote. It's fair to say I knew his brother Mike much better.

I admire people like Chris, who know what they want in life and go for it. Chris was a dreamer who lived his dreams. I have always chosen to take the safer route which has never produced in me an ounce of inner calm... acceptance, yes... but never calm.
Stevie Nicks described it best,

But never have I been a blue calm sea
I have always been a storm

I was looking forward to seeing Chris again sometime in the upcoming year, him and especially Mike. Though I haven't seen either of them in more than twenty years something just spilled out of me this evening... lyrics to a song in my head in under five minutes. There was a melody when they came, but it has left me; this has always been the case... I have always had to fight for the melody. And I have not always won. But here is the song nonetheless... not as I heard it in my head, but its pale mute caricature...

"Going to Ground"

Harbingers a knockin’
Dead leaves clatter chatter down the road
Cold dead knuckles a tick tick tockin’
All of my heroes goin’ to ground
There was time green and shining
Cool pressed smooth clean linen white
But time, come a time, come a chimin’
And all of my heroes goin’ to ground
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
All of my friends are goin’ to ground

Insistence come a callin’
Layin’ to waste my palette of dream-soft dreams
It’s a thin tuft scrabble to keep from fallin’
All of my friends are goin’ to ground
Where is the time green and shining
Cool pressed smooth clean linen white?
And Time, now time, comes a chimin’
And all of my friends are goin’ to ground
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
All of my heroes goin’ to ground

Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
All of my friends are goin’ to ground
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
Swiftly unwelcome
All swiftly goin’ to ground
All of my friends are goin’ to ground
All of my heroes goin’ to ground
Everythings goin’ to ground


ELAshley
120107.105852.6

It's more than a bit disconcerting to know ones circle of friends and acquaintances have begun to shed the chrysalis, as it were... my how we dance about death...



The LORD bless and clothe him with His glory, and may He richly bless and comfort all those who have been left to carry on.

And though those're just lyrics from a hauntingly beautiful song, it is nonetheless what's to be seen; the future is unknowable, and the past is cataloged through a lens of personal and corporate bias. Only the present is truly experienced, and even it is a subjective experience. As fleeting as an single breath. Two beats of the heart. Perhaps less. We have the word of One who knows, but even his prophecy is shrouded in darkness. We can see the direction the road takes, but we discern only a handful of landmarks. And even those are open to interpretation.

I've been asking myself a few questions lately. Questions I feel compelled to seek answers to...

Why so many attacks against Christianity specifically? What other religions are as fragmented as Christianity? What significance, if any, can be attributed to this fragmentation? In terms of historical precedent, how long between Israel's initial descent into national sin before national repentance? Can that time-line be used as a model for our times? What obstacles exist to national repentance today? What evidence exists of our national-- corporate --sin?

...to list but a few.

For hatred and racism, specifically, to be eradicated, many things would have to be discarded by society as a whole, and even then the seed would still exist in the heart of every child born. Much of what passes for entertainment would need to be eradicated... perhaps eighty to ninety percent of all popular music would need to be banned from radio and television, along with most of television programing and a good many commercials. Even then, a seed remains.... Imagination. Imagination isn't evil, in and of itself, only the use to which it is put.

It is unlikely-- infinitesimally so --that our society would willing give up television and music, let alone computer games, and sporting events, and a whole host of other individual pleasures just to turn away, nationally, from darkness.

We ARE at war here... today. Just as we were yesterday, and will be tomorrow. But it's far more than any number of Iraqs and Afghanistans. It is a war we cannot win without divine intervention and guidance.

So what is it about Christianity that it is fragmented into thousands of sects, denominations, creeds and abominations? What makes Christianity so special that it has received so much interpretive attention? Why haven't other religions received the same attention? For even with Hindu's millions of gods it is still nonetheless a single unifying religion. What is so special about Christianity that it receives so much attention? So much vehemence? So many attacks?


Sure, it is not all darkness; the sun also rises. The clouds disperse and the sun shines warmly in season,and as a deterrent to obliteration out of season. But the things we choose to entertain, and allow to entertain us... the imaginations of our hearts... these draw the curtain against the light. And like the proverbial frog we become accustomed to the failing light, until we find ourselves stumbling in the dark; inured to the darkness, with conscience seared... unable to recognize... that light has gone out of the world.

Yes, it rambles. It's incoherent. But that doesn't make the shadow any less real.

For me... an inspiring guitarist, though not for this particular song. This one is just hauntingly beautiful...

I see problems down the line
I know that I’m right.

On August 1, 1620, the Mayflower set sail. It carried a total of 102 passengers, including forty Pilgrims led by William Bradford. On the journey, Bradford set up an agreement, a contract, that established just and equal laws for all members of the new community, irrespective of their religious beliefs. Where did the revolutionary ideas expressed in the Mayflower Compact come from? From the Bible. The Pilgrims were a people completely steeped in the lessons of the Old and New Testaments. They looked to the ancient Israelites for their example. And, because of the biblical precedents set forth in Scripture, they never doubted that their experiment would work. But this was no pleasure cruise, friends. The journey to the New World was a long and arduous one. And when the Pilgrims landed in New England in November, they found, according to Bradford's detailed journal, a cold, barren, desolate wilderness. There were no friends to greet them, he wrote. There were no houses to shelter them. There were no inns where they could refresh themselves. And the sacrifice they had made for freedom was just beginning. During the first winter, half the Pilgrims -- including Bradford's own wife -- died of either starvation, sickness, or exposure.

When spring finally came, Indians taught the settlers how to plant corn, fish for cod and skin beavers for coats. Life improved for the Pilgrims, but they did not yet prosper! This is important to understand because this is where modern American history lessons often end. Thanksgiving is actually explained in some textbooks as a holiday for which the Pilgrims gave thanks to the Indians for saving their lives, rather than as a devout expression of gratitude grounded in the tradition of both the Old and New Testaments. Here is the part that has been omitted: The original contract the Pilgrims had entered into with their merchant-sponsors in London called for everything they produced to go into a common store, and each member of the community was entitled to one common share. All of the land they cleared and the houses they built belong to the community as well. Bradford, who had become the new governor of the colony, recognized that this form of collectivism was as costly and destructive to the Pilgrims as that first harsh winter, which had taken so many lives.

He decided to take bold action. Bradford assigned a plot of land to each family to work and manage, thus turning loose the power of the marketplace. Long before Karl Marx was even born, the Pilgrims had discovered and experimented with what could only be described as socialism. And what happened? It didn't work! Surprise, surprise, huh? What Bradford and his community found was that the most creative and industrious people had no incentive to work any harder than anyone else, unless they could utilize the power of personal motivation! But while most of the rest of the world has been experimenting with socialism for well over a hundred years -- trying to refine it, perfect it, and re-invent it -- the Pilgrims decided early on to scrap it permanently. What Bradford wrote about this social experiment should be in every schoolchild's history lesson, every kid gets. If it were, we might prevent much needless suffering in the future. Here's what he wrote:

'The experience that we had in this common course and condition, tried sundry years...that by taking away property, and bringing community into a common wealth, would make them happy and flourishing -- as if they were wiser than God. For this community [so far as it was] was found to breed much confusion and discontent, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefit and comfort. For young men that were most able and fit for labor and service did repine that they should spend their time and strength to work for other men's wives and children without any recompense...that was thought injustice.'

That was thought injustice. Do you hear what he was saying, ladies and gentlemen? The Pilgrims found that people could not be expected to do their best work without incentive. So what did Bradford's community try next? They unharnessed the power of good old free enterprise by invoking the undergirding capitalistic principle of private property. Every family was assigned its own plot of land to work and permitted to market its own crops and products. And what was the result?

'This had very good success,' wrote Bradford, 'for it made all hands industrious, so as much more corn was planted than otherwise would have been.'

Bradford doesn't sound like much of a Clintonite, does he? Is it possible that supply-side economics could have existed before the 1980s? ... In no time, the Pilgrims found they had more food than they could eat themselves. ... So they set up trading posts and exchanged goods with the Indians.

The profits allowed them to pay off their debts to the merchants in London. And the success and prosperity of the Plymouth settlement attracted more Europeans and began what came to be known as the 'Great Puritan Migration.'

Now, aside from this program, have you heard this before? Is this being taught to children -- and if not, why not? I mean, is there a more important lesson one could derive from the Pilgrim experience than this? What if Bill and Hillary Clinton had been exposed to these lessons in school? Do you realize what we face in next year's election is the equivalent of people who want to set up these original collectivists communes that didn't work, with nobody having incentive to do anything except get on the government dole somehow because the people running the government want that kind of power. So the Pilgrims decided to thank God for all of their good fortune. And that's Thanksgiving. And read George Washington's first Thanksgiving address and count the number of times God is mentioned and how many times he's thanked. None of this is taught today. It should be.

--See, I Told You So

Have a happy Thanksgiving, folks. You deserve it. Do what you can to be happy, and especially do what you can to be thankful, because in this country you have more reasons than you've ever stopped to consider.


--Rush Limbaugh
Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Or, "Don't Russert me, Bro!"


I haven't seen much on this in my blogroll, so I thought I'd present a link to a site that covers the highlights of the latest scandalous debate hosted by a LIBERAL media outlet-- Hat-tip to Russert nonetheless for asking tough questions the last time around. Not every liberal media talking-head is in the tank for Party Affiliation it seems. But after Russert, I guess Dems needed some softballs. Way to go Wolfe!

All six of CNN's "undecided voters" were Democratic operatives


What I find extremely amusing about all this is these candidates abject fear of FOX news. These contenders all want to lead the nation, yet are afraid of being asked tough, honest questions. They want to decide foreign and domestic policy but can't face the criticism they might receive if they appear on a FOX sponsored debate. What a bunch of cowards, these Democrat pretenders!

With thanks to Neil for the wonderful shot of perspective

Actually, I am OK with unrestricted access to abortions... provided that the unborn get the same 10+ years of appeals that condemned killers do!

--Capital Punishment-Back in the News
at Eternity Matters

And I'll add to that here with a little perspective of my own....

Only half the patients who enter an abortion clinic come out alive.

It takes a special brand of depravity to argue against Capital Punishment while defending Abortion. And that is what is at the core of America's current shameful state of affairs... depravity.

That and Liberalism.

We are none of us alone. Even as we exhale it is inhaled by others. The light that shines upon me shines upon my neighbor as well. In this way everything is connected to everything else. In this way I am connected to my friend even as I am connected to my enemy. In this way there is no difference between me and my friend. In this way there is no difference between me and my enemy. We are none of us alone.

--Life 1.8

Brother, I am proud to know you. This is one of the greatest moments I have ever experienced. I think I sense the situation when I say that we all esteem it an honour to breathe the rather inferior atmosphere of this station, here along with our little friend. I guess we shall all go home and treasure the memory of his face as the whitest thing in our museum of recollections. And perhaps this good woman will also go home and wash the face of our little brother here. I am inspired with a new faith in mankind. Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to present to you a sure-enough saint--only wants a halo, to be transfigured. Stand right up.

The Little Man
--John Galsworthy, 1867-1933

A comet that has delighted backyard astronomers in recent weeks after an unexpected eruption has now grown larger than the sun.

The sun remains by far the most massive object in the solar system, with an extended influence of particles that reaches all the planets. But the comparatively tiny Comet Holmes has released so much gas and dust that its extended atmosphere, or coma, is larger than the diameter of the sun.

It has been opined by one commenter that...

It's getting tiring hear you call people with divergent opinions treasonous. You would like to see the failure of Social Security, Federal taxation, and American immigration laws. Should I call you traitorous because of your words and opinions? Get a clue!

The Legal Definition of Treason as defined by the Constitution of the United States, Article III

"Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court."

From Case Law: "The vacillation of Chief Justice Marshall between the Bollman and Burr cases and the vacillation of the Court in the Cramer and Haupt cases leave the law of treason in a somewhat doubtful condition. The difficulties created by the Burr case have been obviated to a considerable extent through the punishment of acts ordinarily treasonable in nature under a different label, within a formula provided by Chief Justice Marshall himself in the Bollman case."

Even Timothy McVeigh wasn't charged with Treason. He got what he deserved nonetheless.

As to the everyday definition of Treason...

-- a crime that undermines the offender's government
-- disloyalty by virtue of subversive behavior
-- treachery: an act of deliberate betrayal
-- a purposeful betrayal, usually constituting aid to one's enemies


Now...

Telling the world on international television that "the war is lost" while doing nothing substantive to end the war, is a purposeful betrayal of American citizens on the battlefield who are, ostensibly, fighting a war that is already lost. A majority of Americans disagree, but when has that ever stopped the Left... or Reid, for that matter?

The New York Times, and LA Times both, have deliberately printed classified material, giving aid to the enemy. But Reid and the Democrats have what? Condemned these failing fonts of Liberalism for their seditious acts? No, of course not, the Times-es both carry water for the Left. Instead Reid, Pelosi, Kennedy, Shumer, et al, praise these rags for their "Patriotism."

But how is wanting to see something better than Social Security put in place is Treasonous? A superior tax code? Actually enforcing current Immigration Law? You are WAY off base, here.

Do you really wish to compare "a concerted effort to lose the war, and applause of those who aid in the effort" to "criticism of Social Security, the Progressive Tax Code, and Immigration enforcement"? You can't even say 'Apples and Oranges' here because they're not even remotely related. It's more like Lodestones and Pearls.

If you're getting tired why not quit like your Democrat Leaders? For while believing the war is lost is certainly a divergent view from those who believe otherwise, what makes the former "treasonous" is the public support it offers to the enemy when spoken aloud on international television, and the efforts it makes in Congress to subvert the Military's mission... a mission APPROVED and sanctioned by the Left in the first place.

Liberalism specifically, and Democrats by extension, have been "undermining" the Constitution for decades.... D.C.'s 23(?) year ban on personal firearms? The reinterpretation of the First Amendment as it relates to faith and worship? Seeking to remove 'In God We Trust' from our currency? Seeking to abolish the name of God and any reference to Him in our Nations' Capitol, and other National Landmarks and Treasures? The indoctrination of our children in Marxist ideology in public schools? The Confiscation of property from one private citizen to be given to another private citizen for the purpose of adding to a community's tax coffers? The bizarre right to kill an unborn child in utero?

So let me get this straight... the Left-- and to no small extent, you --support the trashing of the Second Amendment, the trashing of the First Amendment, defacing centuries of Minting tradition, effacing and defacing the oral and written history of Faith from the Gestalt American consciousness, raising up generations of Marxists on taxpayer monies, theft of private property that does NOT serve the public need, ie, Highways, Bridges, and Public Works, and the wholesale slaughter of more than 47 million unborn children.

Judging strictly by the things you choose to defend and castigate, I'd say you yourself have been indoctrinated by the evils of Liberalism, which is evidenced by the fact that you can't think for yourself. Because you've been trained NOT to. Because you've been taught 'White is Black,' 'Up is Down,' and 'Left is Right.' That you defend these blatant subversions of our Constitution and rich American tradition, and the moral underpinnings of what made this a truly great nation speaks volumes. VOLUMES! I'd throw your 'get a clue' statement back at you, but you'd never catch it, let alone find it in the high grass of Liberal conceit.

The Mechanics of Grace:
Foundational/Necessary for Salvation

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

1 Corinthians 15:1-4

1- Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures
2- He was buried [according to the scriptures]
3- He rose again the third day according to the scriptures


In Corroboration:

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:9-10

1- Public Confession, via the mouth
     [Assuming Physical Limitations: by whatever means
     that allow for a public confession]
2- Believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, resulting in
3- Salvation


What must one Confess?

The Lord Jesus:

1- His Sacrifice
2- His Death & Burial
3- Three Days in the Tomb
4- Raised Again by God


1) Why His Sacrifice?

a- Hebrews 4:10 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins."
b- Hebrews 10:10-14 "By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins: but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; from henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."
c- John 14:6 "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

2) Why His Death & Burial?

a- Hebrews 9:22 "...without shedding of blood is no remission."
b- John 1:29 "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
c- Genesis 22:8 "God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering"*

*Corroboration: That this refers to Jesus is evidenced by the fact that what was provided to Abraham in place of Isaac, was a Ram, whose horns were caught in a thicket... Lambs do not have horns. It would be some 1500 years later before God would "Provide Himself AS" a Lamb for the burnt offering...

d- Revelation 13:8 "...the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world."
e- Ephesians 1:7 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace"
f- Colossians 1:14 "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins"
g- Colossians 1:20-22 "And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight"


3) Why His Resurrection?

a- 1 Corinthians 15:13-18 "But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: and if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished."
b- Matthew 22:32 "I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."


Our Proper Response to Grace:

1) To accept what God freely offers through Jesus Christ
a- Acts 16:31 "...Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved..."
b- Romans 10:9-10 "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
c- Romans 10:13 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

2) To respond in love and gratitude by working
a- John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."
b- John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."
c- John 14:23-24a "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings..."
d- John 21:15-17 "So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep."
e- Ephesians 2:10 "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
f- James 2:14-26 " What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

3) Work that includes bearing much fruit, and defending the Gospel. We are to be either in the field of harvest, or on the field of battle-- no lolly-gagging around! That's what happened to David: 2 Samuel 11:1-2

And it came to pass, after the year was expired, at the time when kings go forth to battle, that David sent Joab, and his servants with him, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But David tarried still at Jerusalem. And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent and enquired after the woman. And one said, Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?

Penalty of Failure to Respond to the Call of Grace:

1) Eternal Separation from the presence of Almighty God.

a- John 3:3 "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
b- Romans 8:9 "...Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his."
c- Matthew 22:11-13 "And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
d- Acts 4:12 "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
e- 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God."
f- Revelation 20:15 "And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."
g- Revelation 21:27 "And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life."
h- Revelation 22:15 "For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie."


Go ye therefore into all the world

1) Ezekiel 3:18-19 "When I say unto the wicked, Thou shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand. Yet if thou warn the wicked, and he turn not from his wickedness, nor from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity; but thou hast delivered thy soul."
2) John 3:17 "For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
3) 2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."


Go out into the highways and hedges:

1) Matthew 22:1-14 "And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: and the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are called, but few are chosen."

And compel them...

2) Luke 14:16-24 "Then said [Jesus] unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: and sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper."



In short:

1) There is only one Sacrifice capable of saving anyone
2) There was only one person Capable of making that sacrifice
3) That person was Jesus; God-incarnate
4) The Sacrifice was for all, but only those who accept it will be saved
5) Failure to accept that Sacrifice results in eternal damnation
6) Genuine conversion results in a desire to do good works, which include:
        a- Witnessing the faith
        b- Defending the faith
        c- Practicing the faith


------------

[ Gadzooks! ER's dreaded List! ]

Full post at RedState.com

On the floor of the Senate Tuesday, during leadership time, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Searchlight) made a statement on the occasion of the year 2007 becoming the deadliest year for US troops since the Iraq War began. One might find this an odd cause for recognition on the floor of the Senate, but not Sen. Reid. For him, the sacrifices of our brave troops provided an opportunity to both score political points against the war and, perhaps more importantly, denigrate the successes they are achieving every day as part of the troop surge.

I'm not surprised at the level of dishonesty that comes from the office of Harry Reid-- or Pelosi, for that matter. With his approval rating, in his home state, as low as it is, I wonder if he'll survive his next reelection bid. Remember what happened to Daschle?

Anyway, what is it I find so thoroughly dishonest about Reid's performance on Tuesday? The fact that his Official statement, the one that goes into the record, is not the same statement he made on the Senate floor.

As much as the Left despises the President, most of us on the Right equally despise Reid for being a milquetoast-ish, treasonous and bitter coward. Plenty of courage to slander the troops, but not enough courage to 'revise and extend' on the Senate floor and offer an appropriate apology.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy spoke before a joint meeting of the House and Senate yesterday.

Here's some of what he had to say about America, our history with France, and the debt at least ONE Frenchman feels is owed to American sacrifice... all in front of a Liberal Democrat dominated audience... [I've been unable to find a full transcript, so I've had to piece together a coherent whole from several sources]

Since the United States first appeared on the world scene, our two peoples, the French and the American people, have always been friends... We may have differences, we may disagree on things, we may even have arguments, as in many families, but in times of difficulty, in times of hardship, one stands true to one's friends, one stands shoulder to shoulder with them, one supports them, and one helps them.

To the millions of men and women who came from every country of the world and who -- with their own hands, their intelligence, and their hearts -- built the greatest nation in the world, America did not say, "Come, and everything will be given to you." Rather, she said, "Come, and the only limits to what you will be able to achieve will be those of your own courage, your boldness, and your talent."

The America that we love throughout the world impedes this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance, another chance, because, in America, failure is never the last word. There is always another chance. Here -- in your country, on this soil -- both the humblest and the most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That is what constitutes the moral value of America.

The United States and France remain true to the memory of their common history. Our duty is to remain true to the blood spilled by our children on both sides of the Atlantic in common battles.

France will never forget the sacrifice of your children... At a time when my country had reached the final limits of its strengths, the time when France was exhausted, had spent its strength in the most absurd and bloodiest of wars, France was able to count upon the courage of American soldiers.

I have come to say to you on behalf of the French people that never, never will we forget that.

America liberated us, and this is an eternal debt we owe America. Every time, whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them and I am sad as one is saddened to lose a member of one's family.

We need France to be stronger. I am determined to carry through with the reforms that my country has put off for all too long. I will not turn back. I will implement all of them, because France has turned back for all too long. I have come to present to you today a France that comes out to meet America, to renew the covenant of friendship and alliance that Washington and Lafayette sealed in Yorktown. Together, let us be true to their memories. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I say this to you on behalf of the French people: Long live the United States of America. Long live France. Long live French-American friendship!

How it must have galled many of those listening to hear the leader of France, a nation once perceived to be very socialist, praising America for values that are anything but socialistic... values many in America are trying very hard to subvert and ultimately reshape into... SURPRISE! Something a little more... socialistic.

What irony!

Bush and Sarkozy also toured Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington and the site where Washington and Rochambeau planned and worked together against the British. Don't know what significance that has at present, assuming there WILL be significance in the days, months, and years to come. But I'm content to let future historians hash that one out.

I just find it refreshing to see a shift in America's popularity abroad. The surge is working quite well, and France now thinks we're okay. On top of that murder victims are down 80% from its peak in Baghdad, and attacks involving improvised bombs are down 70 percent. This according to a story buried on page A-19 of the New York Times.


One commenter at Democratic Underground had this to say about Sarkozy's speech...

Frog Kisses Chimp! News at 11

Praise for America invites insults from the deranged Left.

From Neal's Nuze

The Heritage Foundation has a reason for the weak dollar ... and some people aren't going to be very happy to hear it. It's the U.S. tax code. Heritage says that there are two failings that are causing the long-term weakness of the dollar. First, Americans don't save enough to meet capital investment requirements. And the fact that we consume more than we produce. Both of these exist because of our complicated and asinine tax code.

Most politicians don't even want to consider scraping our current tax system. The current tax code puts a whole lot of power in their hands. When has the powerful EVER willingly relinquished power?

Screen shot @ Geoffrey Kruse-Safford's blog What's Left in the Church

There is a bit of hilarity in this screen shot which I'll get to, but for now I'll just get to the point of the post.

Here's a couple of choice quotes from Geoff's post "Passive-Agressive [sic] Post-Modernist" [Warning... foul and disrespectful language ahead. I apologize for posting this, but it's necessary]

ELAshley, you're a whiny-ass titty-baby.

Mom2, when I want advice from someone who knows nothing, I'll be sure to look you up. Until then, leave my wife, and her ministry, and everything else that has to do with me, out of it. I might just release some more words from my hands, because my patience with comments like yours has disappeared. Your phony sanctimony, your pompous preaching about morality, your tired, nonsensical drivel about how much more learned and wise you are simply because you haven't died yet all make me want to vomit.

And THIS from a Christian. And not just ANY Christian, but one who is married to a pastor, no less. My! What a testimony this man has!!!

Well! LOL! The funniest part of all this (the ONLY funny part in this) is the "virtual tin cup" in the upper left corner of the screen shot! Sorry Geoff, but why would I give money to someone who can't even bridle his own tongue? Who bends over backward to mock and abuse those who refuse to accept your empty theology? Why would I give money to someone who shows no evidence in their speech of their Christian walk?

Rather than glory in your own self-righteous outrage, you need to repent. I sincerely hold no enmity toward you, and I will pray for you.


..::Note to any would-be commenters::..
I will absolutely delete any comment that denigrates Geoffrey. He'll think my post denigration enough, and I won't allow anyone to compound it.

I have noticed something. Something that startled me, and made me wonder about the genuine state of today's Church.

Three mornings a week I drive a delivery van for a local florist. I deliver to a lot of churches and funeral homes. Funeral Homes are one thing; primarily places of business that service the needs of the dead and those they leave behind; a business intent of maintaining a good reputation and serving the individual needs and comforts of individual families. Funeral homes, then, have somewhat of an excuse.

Churches, on the other hand, do not. Nor do the many pastors I've encountered on my deliveries. Can you guess what has never happened to me while delivering flowers to Churches, be it for funerals or otherwise?

I have never been witnessed to.

Not once has a pastor asked about the state of my eternal soul. No pastor, no pastor's wife, no deacon, no secretary, no church member.

Just last month I delivered hospitality baskets to a huge tent revival... no one asked if I was saved.

It has gotten to the point that every time I deliver to a church I look for someone to give them an opportunity, but none ever take it. For the most part they smile and are friendly (yes, there are some who are not), but not a one so far has shown any concern for my eternal well-being.

I should admit here and now that my position doesn't allow me to do the same either, despite the owner being Christian. We are a place of business, and can't afford to offend anyone. But the pastors, and wives, and deacons, and secretaries are under no such constraints. It is their business to inquire after the souls of men.

My last delivery to a church had me very close to pointing this out to the pastor... I wanted to ask him why he didn't tell me about Jesus. What does he have to be afraid of? That I won't ever go to his church? Never put money in the offering plate? His church was some thirty miles out of town... I wouldn't have gone there anyway.

I used to carry tracts with me on deliveries. I have gotten out of that habit. I used to place them in Hospitals and anywhere else where it couldn't have been tracked back to the shop. I need to get back into that habit.

I've been studying the Tabernacle; how that it is a perfect image of Jesus Christ, and God's redemptive plan for mankind. In my reading, what has surprised me is how perfectly it mirrors the requirements of Salvation, and how it clearly shows that Jesus is the ONLY way to God.

Jesus said, NO ONE comes to the father but by Him... the Tabernacle expresses this.

From M.R. DeHaan's The Tabernacle

Our redemption has been bought with a precious price. It was the price of the blood of the Son of God...

Ye are bought with a price (I Corinthians 6:20)

Peter tells us:

Ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold... But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot (I Peter 1:18,19).

It is called "precious" blood. It means that it is of tremendous and inestimable worth. It was precious because it was the blood of God, not the blood of a man. Now if that statement seems to be strange and bold, we would remind you that the Bible clearly teaches that it was the "blood of God" which was shed on Calvary. The blood of the Lord Jesus Christ was not derived from man, but it was divine blood, and the divine contribution, the blood of God. Jesus was virgin born, without a human father. The blood in Christ was a divine contribution. Paul settles this beyond all dispute in Acts 20:28, where he says to the Ephesian elders:

Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock... to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

Notice the words -- "the church of God, which he [God] hath purchased with his own [God's] blood." Since it was the blood of Christ, He must of necessity have been God, because it is called "the blood of God." Jesus is God, and His blood therefore, was the blood of Almighty God Himself. No wonder that Peter calls it "precious blood."

Everything, therefore, depends upon the blood of Christ because it is divine blood. There is no salvation apart from personal appropriation of that blood by faith. Man may make light of it, and may refuse to accept it, but the fact remains, without the shedding of blood there is no remission, and without the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ there is absolutely no salvation. The natural man, of course, rejects this, and calls our theology a theology of the shambles and the butcher shop, but the fact remains that without this blood there is no approach to God. It is the very foundation, the very rock, the very silver foundation upon which all of our hope is built. If any man build on this foundation, he shall be saved.

The point is, there IS no other way to God but through Jesus. Recently, in discussions at other blogs, the struggle has been between those who choose to view all religions as having some truth of God; and a chance at Salvation-- that their god is not so shallow as mine, and will not consign whole generations and peoples who have never heard the name of Jesus to hell --and those who accept what the Bible truly says about salvation... that Jesus is the ONLY way, and that no one-- not Muslims, Hindus, or Jews --comes to the father but by Him.

I admit that is it a difficult thing to accept that these people, having lived and died never hearing the name of Jesus, should miss out on eternal life. But the message of the Bible... the ENTIRE Bible, not just the Gospels and the New Testament... clearly teach that there is but one way to God. Only one, for only ONE God shed His blood to redeem man.

For anyone interested in a fascinating and powerful look at God's redemptive plan, and how he showed it in type centuries before fulfilling it, I highly recommend this book by the late M.R. DeHaan.

You do know that Hillary's horrendous performance in Tuesday night's debate was caused by global warming, don't you?

Thanks Neal

I am swiftly becoming tired of those who decry my faith as shallow, hate-filled, and ignorant by those who display those very traits toward those with whom they disagree. Especially from those who display colossal ignorance themselves in 'rightly dividing' the word of truth-- Ms Green is right in this.

I have resolved myself to be civil even though these others do not care about civility. Sad for them, but I'm not going to be drawn in. I have decided I can both be civil AND earnestly contend for the faith. Jesus gave as good as he got from His detractors, and through it all remained pure; He was angry, yet sinned not. I can't at present do that. I will therefore be civil...

Let the dogs bark and bray in the street. Me? I choose not to be drawn in.

Here's a graphic I built for the 5 today, that I'm particularly proud of...
simple yet elegant.




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Here's a desktop version (800x600)...

Within one-hundred thousand years humans may be split into two distinct races... Elites and an Underclass-- sub-humans, workers... Morlocks.

From BBC News:

Human species 'may split in two'

Evolutionary theorist Oliver Curry of the London School of Economics expects a genetic upper class and a dim-witted underclass to emerge.

The human race would peak in the year 3000, he said - before a decline due to dependence on technology.

People would become choosier about their sexual partners, causing humanity to divide into sub-species, he added.

The descendants of the genetic upper class would be tall, slim, healthy, attractive, intelligent, and creative and a far cry from the "underclass" humans who would have evolved into dim-witted, ugly, squat goblin-like creatures.

Of course, all this assumes there is no God, and the promises of the Bible are nothing more than fables.

Also from the article...

Physical appearance, driven by indicators of health, youth and fertility, will improve, he says, while men will exhibit symmetrical facial features, look athletic, and have squarer jaws, deeper voices and bigger penises.

Women, on the other hand, will develop lighter, smooth, hairless skin, large clear eyes, pert breasts, glossy hair, and even features, he adds. Racial differences will be ironed out by interbreeding, producing a uniform race of coffee-coloured people.

And this within just a thousand years! But look at how Dr Curry describes those on the less fortunate end of evolution:

Social skills, such as communicating and interacting with others, could be lost, along with emotions such as love, sympathy, trust and respect. People would become less able to care for others, or perform in teams.

On a side note: One must wonder how Wells arrived at the names Morlock and Eloi. Did he just pull them out of his imagination or did he make an effort to 'make an allusion'?

Consider the first syllable in 'Morlock.' Mort, as in 'Mortuary;' Death... even Tolkien picked up on it when he named the first Dark Lord, Morgoth. A lot of negativity is bound up in Morlock. But Eloi... Eloi is something altogether different! Look at the first two letters, EL, then look at the Jewish honorific El used extensively in naming God; as well as describing attributes of, or derivations of God.

I propose that when we awoke this morning we woke to a sun 100,000 years in the future! Morlocks and Elois! We are already there! Children of the Light, and Children of the Darkness. Ideology versus Ideology. Motivation versus Motivation. Two philosophies diametrically opposed to each other in a struggle only one is destined to win.

My message to every Eloi reading this. Do NOT compromise the message of God. Friendship with the Morlock is enmity with God. What fellowship has Light with Darkness? Bring them into the light, but do not compromise the truth of God.

And make sure you enjoy a chuckle at Dr Curry's expense. Oh! And someone please get Miss Mimieux a towel!

Will I sleep one hundred years,
My first night ‘neath your summer eaves?
Will I cry, shed one hundred tears,
My sorrows clatter like autumn leaves?
Away from me, forever away
Your lips brushing my tears away
Fall asleep, the sleep of peace
As in your arms I lay

Will I dream while embraced in you,
Coupled neath linens clean and new?
Wakened to find my dreams come true,
And lost within your eyes of blue
Singing to me, a familiar song
Lips brush mine with tender song
And like the gentle murmuring sea
Rock me soft the whole night long

One hundred years, may each night seem
Forever may each day so be
And parting but a shadows dream
That has no life in the love we see
Smiling true in eyes brightly shining
Lips brushing mine ~ wet, soft, and shining
Shuddering and rising again to fall
Within your embrace entwining

Will I sleep a hundred years?
Your lips brush all my cares away?
Pain and sorrow erased, and gone my fears?
While in your arms in peace I lay?
Time and love will tell
Time and love will tell



ELAshley
18 March 2002, 1:10am
Revised:
102907.022926.1

It is spinning
Uncontrollably, or seeming so
Finite eyes cannot grasp a pattern
Finite minds cannot fathom the depths of hue and timber
If there is a pattern
We are too close to see it
Too close to the fire
There is too much comfort in glowing embers
Tended with patient mindless devotion
That the depths of cold empty space between us
Might seem less
Empty

Finite, yes—our human capacity
For perception
Bound by a spectrum
But an atom’s breadth wide
Yet this is the lie we tell ourselves
The lie we have come to believe
For we have no wish to step back
And search for patterns
We cannot acknowledge what cannot be seen
Right?
Or mere rationalizations
That do more to call us by name
Than the names we call ourselves…


Faithless…
That is what we are
Knowing deep within
The shape of patterns within the world
Like lace
To acknowledge the lace of our lives
Our meetings and partings
Seemingly random—yet not
Is to acknowledge patterns
We’d just as soon not recognize
That we own more control
Over unfathomed depths of locus—
We control more than we like
Like more than we wish
Wish less than we could

We stab out our eyes
To avoid seeing
Drive spikes through our ears
To avoid hearing
Cut out our tongues
To avoid confessing
Yet the world still spins
Truth still works the shuttle
Of Life’s warp and weft
Leaving us in the end
To understand our ability to work the loom
Is not hampered
By self-mutilation

And we are then left without excuse


ELAshley
051507.021212.1
Revised on:
052407.120559.1

More and more, too much of what I read on the internet, see on television, and hear on the radio simply makes me sick.

Modern Laodicea, all across the fruited plain. Christianity, more and more each day, is ceasing to look like Jesus. It is neither Cold; not entirely dead to some semblance of morality; capable of recognizing injustice in the community and in the world.

Nor Hot; actively up and demanding of itself separation from immorality; unwilling to stand for justice in the community or in the world. The salt is swiftly losing its savor. The Church has become tepid lumps of useless flesh sitting in false-piety on soft padded pews.

How can anyone look at the Church-- as a whole --and see something the Lord would not immediately spit out?

A bunch of fence-sitters! Leaning neither one way, or the other; not willing to make waves, or rock the boat. Who knows? Christianity may need the good will of the Cold Faction one day! Perhaps the pendulum will swing the other way and the Hot Faction will be the only choice worth making. But until that day the fence looks quite fine. No need to stir up hatred by choosing one side or the other. No need to display insensitivity to one side or the other. If by taking a stand the Church might offend even one person, then take a stand she mustn't!


"How dare the Church stand on Christ alone for Salvation! What will the poor Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, or Jew do? How hateful you appear in our and their eyes; worthy of all our condemnation!

"How dare the Church cling to the false idea that God condemns the poor homosexual? Doesn't the Church know that God made them that way!? That He's unwilling that any perish? God is Love! Can't you freaks understand this!?

"How dare the Church take the words of Jesus as absolute truth!? Don't you people know that the Gospels were written decades, if not centuries after Jesus' death? His words are a good starting point, but what kind of idiot relies 100% on the Bible, claiming it absolute truth, without error!? What a bunch of morons!

"The Church needs to care for the environment! Eschew outdated interpretations which divide rather than unite! Modern scholars are far more enlightened than those of the first century! Good Grief Church! Get your butts up on that fence and don't you dare offend anyone with your "Exclusive" Gospel of hatred and intolerance! That's not the Jesus of the Bible! Jesus said all could come! Whosoever will! And that includes men and women in committed homosexual relationships. How dare you judge these people for being who God made them to be!

"And how dare you suggest that God needs to be let back in our schools? Have you ignoramuses not read the Constitution!? Hello! Separation of Church and State!? It's in there, bub! How dare you insist that children in public schools be allowed to pray! What if they offend an atheist!? God forbid! They have rights too, ya know!

"How dare you criticize the film and television industries for the "crud" they offer as family entertainment? At least we get object lessons on what it means to be a man or woman living in the real world! So there's a murder every hour on the hour 24-7, 365! This is the world we live in! Don't like it? Change the channel!

"How dare you suggest people work for what they have!? How fair is it that you have a bank full of money and this poor guy in a van down by the river has nothing but the shirt on his back and the shoes on his feet!? You mean to tell me you object to "contributing" more of your hard earned wages so this poor Joe can have a warm blanket at night and a cup of coffee in the morning!? What kind of greedy bastards are you guys, anyway?

"And don't you dare utter a peep about abortion! Why, don't realize that if we force women to have their babies we'll all be saddled with the responsibility of caring-- on the public dole, no less! --for all those unwanted kids!? Yeah, you want to force women to have children but you don't want to shell out a single dollar to care for the kids! Some Christians you turn out to be!

"So don't you dare take a stand on anything! Keep your mouths shut, and your butts firmly on the pew! Don't you dare try to save anyone from their sins, and when we tell you to shut up, by God, you shut the frell up! You freaking hypocrites!"


...

Sorry. I can't do that. Jesus is coming. Soon. And you need to get ready. Now. Take another look at the Bible while there's still time. He said it himself:

Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

--Matthew 10:34

If the world hates the Church, the Church must be doing something right.