[Editors note: Michael Kleen has had better experience with social action in the church than many of us. He discusses the origins of the social gospel and offers an understanding perspective.]
Much hay has been recently made out of Glenn Beck’s ill-advised comments about the term “social justice.” In the first week of March, on his popular radio and television shows, he said, “I beg you, look for the words ’social justice’ or ‘economic justice’ on your church Web site. If you find it, run as fast as you can. Social justice and economic justice, they are code words.” Code words, he claimed, for Marxism. The overwhelmingly condemnatory commentary regarding this quote, though understandable, has so far overlooked a critical point about social justice and Christianity—and its use by some on the statist left—that can and should be debated. There are many activists, such as Sister Diane Drufenbrock (the 1980 vice-presidential candidate for the Socialist Party USA), who have used social justice as a rallying cry in their war against hierarchy and private property, and therefore Beck’s concern about the Marxist use of the terms social and economic justice is somewhat valid. His assumption about the danger of social justice as a moral philosophy, however, is not. His mistake can be excused by his lack of education, but there is no excuse for the trained theologians who willingly distort Christian social teaching for political ends.
The modern concept of social justice incubated in the Catholic Church. In the 1840s, Father Luigi Taparelli used the phrase to criticize the major economic theories at the time for ignoring moral philosophy and for undermining the unity of society by dividing it into competing classes. Since then, the Catholic Church has been clear about its condemnation of both socialism and unrestrained capitalism. In Pope Pius XI’s 1931 encyclical Quadragesimo Anno, he praised laws that “undertake the protection of life, health, strength, family, homes, workshops, wages and labor hazards, in fine, everything which pertains to the condition of wage workers, with special concern for women and children,” but noted, “it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community.” Read more of this article »
Last night was one of the rare occasions that I watched the local news. This is a great source of information about the robberies, rapes and murders in my home town… and it’s kind of depressing since there is not a lot that I can do about most of these personal tragedies. What upset me most, though, was the news feed about the “Christian militia” arrests that took place over the weekend. There was an almost gleeful tone to the story about how the feds took down these religious zealots intent on overthrowing the government. Folks, this is just the beginning.
To put the story into perspective, all we know is what the formerly main stream media has told us… and all they know is what they’ve gotten from the authorities involved. It may be that these nine or so people in custody presented a real threat to life as we know it, however our government, over many administrations has lied to us so often that it’s difficult to know truth from fiction – and our media watchdogs have turned into lapdogs so we can’t look to them for help in ferreting out the straight story.
Even FoxNews ran an uncritical story about arrests of “Christian” militia members, so what can we really expect from the likes of CNN and MSNBC. Not knowing these people, I have no idea of what brand of theology they adhere to, so I am unable to decide if they are persecuted brothers or nut case heretics. I mean, this is the same media that calls Jeremiah Wright and Jim Wallis Christian, and I certainly am not willing to claim any spiritual kinship to them. Read more of this article »
Passage of the so-called “health care reform” bill in the House of Representatives this past Sunday, March 21 (I won’t even address the inferred unconstitutionality of Congress doing business on the Lord’s Day. See Article. I. Section. 7. Paragraph. 2.) drove yet another stake into the heart of America. For all intents and purposes, it is the health of the United States that is in dire need of healing. In fact, the US has been on extended life-support for decades. With its condition being rendered critical, and absent major surgery, its days are numbered. The passage of this bill only serves to further weaken an already frail Constitution. In fact, this one may prove to be the fatal blow. Lady Liberty may never recover.
The decision by Congress to socialize medicine in the US ranks among the most draconian, most egregious, most horrific actions ever taken by the central government in Washington, D.C. This bill rocks the principles of liberty and constitutional government to the core. It changes fundamental foundations; it repudiates historical principle. Oh! The same flag may fly on our flagpoles, the same monuments may grace our landscape, and the same National Anthem may be sung during our public ceremonies, but it is not the same America. The Congress of the United States has now officially turned America into a socialist state.
On March 23, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the health care bill into law, and as such, this date–along with March 21–joins a list of dates that have each inflicted unconstitutional, socialistic, and sometimes even tyrannical action against the States United and have, therefore, contributed to the destruction of a free America. Read more of this article »
Human nature has changed little over the years. We have a tendency to put up with all kinds of intrusions and oppressions as long as it doesn’t intrude too much on our personal lives and it takes a some effort to change. When Moses went to lead the Children of Israel out of captivity into the promised land, they saw the destruction of Egypt through the various plagues that included turning the Nile River to blood, locusts devouring the crops and the death of every first born. They saw the power of the God that was setting them free. Yet, when they started on the journey and they were backed up to the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh’s army approaching, they apparently forgot everything they had just witnessed.
The ungrateful people turned to Moses and said, “It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” Like many of us, they only saw the problems and dangers. They forgot the amazing power that had won their release from the slave labor. They could tell the chariots were approaching in the distance and turned on their leader and the God who had led them to this point. In some ways they are a lot like many Americans today who like the freedom we have and understand what it took to give it to us… and when it comes under assault are ready to roll over and accept that it cannot continue.
As for the Israelites, although they had some weapons and organization, they could not see themselves surviving an encounter with Pharaoh’s army, and rightly so if they were battling the enemy alone. Panic stricken, they longed to be back in the yoke of slavery, but the God of Jacob had other plans. Moses told them, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” He stretched out his staff over the Red Sea and a path was created for the people to walk across on dry land. They were delivered form the clutches of Pharaoh, when they had the need. It was not too early or too late. Read more of this article »
With racing season in full swing, I thought it would be helpful to provide some advice for the few Democrats brave enough to read this blog. For those of you intelligent enough not to fall into this category, you may find tips on how to help your less perceptive friends navigate among real Americans. Watch and enjoy!
For those not perceptive enough to be impressed by the destruction of our economy or even our health care system, there is a lot more involved in Pelosi’s rape of the American taxpayer. While these concepts may be too broad for non-political junkies, here are a few, less earth shattering consequences of the bill… an appropriate term in more ways than one. One of the major tax preparation companies came up just a few of the changes that the unbelievers should take note of… as harbingers of things to come.
Each may each seem small, but they indicate a pattern of tightening the screws on the American people. But then, our entire tax systems is geared to having us distracted by scratching and digging for dollars by the hundred while the political class and their friends take it by the millions, billions and trillions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health care Spending Accounts (HSAs), two of the tools we can use to take control of our own health care decisions are beginning to be drawn down. They start in 2011 by eliminating bandages, aspirins, over-the-counter drugs and the like from reimbursement leaving only prescription drugs and insulin. Penalties for unqualified distributions will be doubled from 10% to 20% and more importantly, contributions to FSAs are dropping from the current $5000 to $2500. Read more of this article »
The constitutional requirement for the Census is found in Article. I. Section. 2. Paragraph. 3. “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.”
The purpose of the Census is that of counting the US population in order to apportion among the states the number of representatives in the US House of Representatives. That’s it. Nothing more. Nothing less.
There is nothing in the Constitution requiring or even suggesting questions regarding race, ethnicity, whether one owns or rents his or her home, income status, disability status, education, or anything of the sort. The only purpose of the Census is to count the US population. Anything beyond that is nothing more than an intrusive government prying and snooping into our lives: something the federal government is doing with greater and greater frequency and intensity these days. Read more of this article »
My oldest daughter is taking a college political science class. Recently, she emailed me asking for guidance on selecting a period of party dominance in America’s history. She was to write an essay about the era and why it was important. I couldn’t identify them off the top of my head, so I hit the search engine and found three major periods of party dominance. Not surprisingly, the most recent period running from the years 1932 to1968 was dominated by the Democrats. I suggested she look into that period, reminding her briefly the warped history of the “great” Depression, the FDR years, and Johnson’s Great Society. The events of those thirty-six years have paved the way to the current “Entitlement Period” which may very well lead to our destruction. (There are many with whom I won’t disagree that assert this all began with Woodrow Wilson, but I’ll just stick with the most recent 40 years of data, if our readers don’t mind.)
My daughter’s question prompted me to think about the evolution of our country into the “Entitlement Nation” that we are today. I’ve thought about it so much it’s led to this post, which is the result of much research. It’s absolutely depressing and positively frightening to think about the grave danger this extremely large part of government spending poses to our country’s social and economic health. Think about it, what does it say about our society and its future when so many are looking for a handout? There are far too many people who are asking what can their country do for them, and too few who understand and appreciate the intrinsic value of hard work and achieving success by one’s own hand while living as a contributing member of American society. The “Handout Attitude” is going to cost, and cost us dearly. Read more of this article »
Yesterday I, like many of my fellow Americans, lost several hours of my life that I will NEVER get back watching the “Blair House Dog n’ Pony” show that was the Health Care Summit. The purported idea behind the “summit” was for Republican and Democratic congressmen to engage in a free and open exchange of ideas for reforming our health care delivery system with the President and members of his administration. On the surface this is what appears to have occurred, but as we’re all too well aware, appearances can be deceiving. Since this Administration and Congress took power, that seems to have become the RULE itself, not the exception it was once thought to be. What became readily apparent to me, however, was that what was happening had absolutely NOTHING to do with health care reform at all. What health care “reform” is, and has ALWAYS been, is a naked power grab by the federal government of the United States. It is the latest in a SERIES of grabs, by this government for federal control of private businesses and industries with the SOLE aim of increasing the POWER of the federal government. This is FASCISM by definition.
When the Democrats initiated healthcare “reform” their stated goal was to bring down the cost curve, to allow for portability of insurance, to eliminate the pre-existing condition exclusion, and to ensure that the however many millions of uninsured Americans there REALLY are (since the number varies in each politician’s speech) could obtain affordable healthcare coverage. Then the Democratic controlled houses of Congress managed to put together and pass two bills that accomplish few if ANY of their stated goals (according to a panoply of non-political business, economic, and insurance experts), expand the size and authority of the federal government, and cost the taxpayers approximately a TRILLION dollars above and beyond the current budget. Read more of this article »
“These are the times that try men’s souls,” wrote Thomas Paine at the beginnings of the first American Revolution. I’m sure he would be writing the same words today. History shows the British monarch did not go away all by himself. The colonists endured years of bloody military and economic hardships to win their freedom. It’s difficult to say how many would have taken on the British Empire if they had known the cost… but once engaged, they saw it through to the end… to victory.
We are watching Democrats in Congress ignoring constitutional limitations and making up rules as they go while intruding further into our lives and pocketbooks with every passing behind-closed-doors meeting. They have no respect for the American people, or the founders vision of a free and open nation… yet they expect unquestioning compliance with their laws. The colonists fought to throw off the shackles of an overbearing government that looked on the residents of the new world as subjects who existed for the benefit of the King, and we have accepted a new set of masters.
Americans do not see themselves as subjects of a powerful government. The Democrats do. The Americans do not want to see their country bankrupted by underestimated costs of a health care system where the only solutions are to raise taxes beyond the citizens ability to pay or borrow from our enemies and let our children pick up the bill. If either of these options are acceptable, there is little point in reading further. Read more of this article »
[Editors note: I received an email with this message from Congressman Randy Forbes (VA-4). I've known him for somewhere around ten years and found that his actions match his words. He is one of only seventeen who have voted against every bailout program, and is one more Virginia patriot.]
“…we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”
Those fourteen words conclude the most important document ever written in American history – the Declaration of Independence. Fifty six men signed their names to that declaration out of a firm belief and conviction that what they had written were truths granted to all men equally by a Creator. Those fourteen words came fittingly close to what many people at the time felt was a death warrant – a sure way to bring havoc upon the colonies by the English monarchy. What is lost over history is the fact that those fifty six men were so committed to their beliefs – that all men had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness – that they were willing to put their lives on the line. And they did so without hesitation. Read more of this article »
More than 200 years ago, Virginians like Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington spoke out passionately against abuses on the British monarch. We modern day Virginians are privileged to have a worthy successor to our freedom loving heritage. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has put Speaker Nancy Pelosi on notice that cutting corners on the process to slip “health care” legislation past an angry public and and self serving legislators will not go unchallenged.
The Virginia legislature has already passed laws negating some of the worst features of ObamaCare… and they have a strong, dedicated defender in the person of Cuccinelli. Give a listen and remember the name. You will most like hear it many more times as the battle continues.
Oh yes, one more thing.., even though the election was last November and my stickers come off the day after… I still have one of his bumper stickers featuring the Gadsden flag on my car. Sometimes the electoral process works!
Anyone paying attention knows that John McCain has been a Big-Government Globalist Neocon (BGGN) for virtually his entire senatorial career. As with many BGGNs hiding out in the Republican Party, McCain likes to talk about smaller government, but his track record is littered with the promotion of one big government program after another. But, what else would one expect from a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)?
Lately, however, McCain has outdone himself. He has introduced two bills in the US Senate that are about as Machiavellian as they could be. I am referring to S.3081, a bill that would authorize the federal government to detain American citizens indefinitely without trial, and S.3002, a bill that would authorize the federal government to regulate vitamins, minerals, and virtually all health and natural food products.
According to Examiner.com, “Last week, John McCain introduced a bill into the U.S. Senate which, if passed, would actually allow U.S. citizens to be arrested and detained indefinitely, all without Miranda rights or ever being charged with a crime.”
The Examiner report continued by saying “This bill, introduced by McCain, who despite overwhelming evidence, claims to be a ‘conservative,’ would not only take away our right to a trial, but would also allow the federal government to arrest and imprison anyone the current administration deems hostile. Read more of this article »
I don’t often write about the topic of racism as many people attach too much of an emotional component to the topic that it is difficult to discuss it rationally. When those plotting behind the closed doors of the White House hear criticism, their knee-jerk reaction is that the only reason we are not blindly following their beloved leader is that America is basically corrupt and evil and we are not willing to follow a minority President. They somehow miss the fact that many of us hold Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in the same low regard as the President. However, letting the facts get in the way would negate their favorite charge.
Where we do see racially based data collection, distinction and analysis is in our census form. I was fortunate enough not to get the long form that wants to know how many toilets I have and how often I use them, but I did get the short form which I found quite offensive. Unfortunately, being a white Christian of European descent, my opinions are of absolutely no consequence to those currently in power. However like most similar people, I have too many important things on my plate to carry on endlessly about the unfairness of our government and society.
This time, however, I shall speak up. At a time when our country needs unity more than ever, and from an administration that said it would bring us together, we do not need to encourage people to see themselves broken down into eighteen competing racial groups with a miscellaneous category thrown in for good measure. The citizens of this great country are all Americans. We need to see ourselves as Americans. Not even as hyphenated Americans… that, too, is a divisive view of our population. Read more of this article »
There are some who live in a fantasy world that believe moral values are not necessary to maintaining a solid conservative government. They reject the idea that it takes a firm set of convictions to stop government waste and intrusion. They call themselves “fiscal conservatives” and want us to believe that the only qualification to be worthy of our support is to be in favor of a smaller government that minimizes its interference in their lives and lowers our taxes. Many of them do this in the guise of promoting what they call a “big tent” party.
They are ones who want to believe that killing unborn children is all right, but they still want lower taxes. While this specious goal may be theoretically attainable, in practice, it has never worked out. We are told that the death of innocent children and acceptance of aberrant lifestyles is something we should overlook so we can reduce the roll of government in our lives. To some extent it is possible to accept the premise that the national government has no business regulating these practices… if its hands are tied so it does not prevent the states from doing to.
The reality is that when the chips are down and the bare knuckle brawl begins, it is generally only the hard core fiscal AND social conservatives that are standing strong against higher taxes and beltway intrusion. So many of those who would have us believe their “fiscal conservatism” alone would save us have fallen by the wayside as they cave to the pressures of the progressives who have no such moral dilemmas or sell their allegiance to the highest bidder. These progressives and their corporate cronies know they want power, and power comes from bigger and bigger government operations. Read more of this article »
In late February, at the CPAC meeting in Washington DC, American conservatives met to experience and engage in conservative thought. The annual CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) meeting is sponsored by the American Conservative Union. The ACU brands itself as “America’s Oldest and Largest Grassroots Conservative Organization.”
In the straw poll conducted annually at CPAC, this year’s winner was Ron Paul (R-TX). According to CPAC’s poll data, 2,395 of the 10,000 attendees voted; 64% were male and 54% were aged 18-25. In addition to voting for favorite 2012 presidential candidates, poll respondents also indicated other priorities: a) 58% believe that Congressional Republicans should focus on cutting federal spending; b) 52% want to see a reduction in the size of government; and c) 80% identified their most important goal as “promoting individual freedom by reducing the size and scope of government and its intrusion into the lives of its citizens.”
The selection of Ron Paul in the straw poll has drawn a few disdainful observations. On Chris Wallace’s Fox News Sunday program, both Mara Liasson and Juan Williams stated that Paul is out of the mainstream and doesn’t represent most conservatives. (View their remarks around the 38 minute mark) Read more of this article »
Trying to mock traditional Americans, Norman Lear put words in Archie Bunker’s mouth that accidentally echoed some areas of truth. For those readers to young to have known Archie and Edith, enjoy this little introduction. They came into our homes every week with a generous dose of working class wisdom.
[Editors note: From time to time, my friend Nancy Slocum receives these words and passes them on. These would be good to read and heed.]
Definition of prowess:
1. Distinguished bravery, especially military valor and skill
2. Extraordinary ability
Prowess. That is correct. As My children, as you being part of My body – you have extraordinary skill and ability. I need it to rise to the surface so it can be clearly seen around the world in these last days.
As part of My army – My might and My power will be manifested and clearly demonstrated so people will have no confusion or doubt about who is King of Kings and the one and only true Commander in Chief. Read more of this article »
As we live in a world of milquetoast political leaders, we need to look back on a man who was not afraid to ruffle feathers and speak the truth. So many in office today are dwarfed by this man who could tell us the truth, help us love our country and guide us in the paths of freedom. Today’s political class is populated by moral midgets who have more concern for the next election than for the welfare of their constituents.
From time to time, it is good to not only read the words of Ronald Reagan, but to see the man and look him in the eye as we are called to greatness. Read, listen and grow… then act!
We the people tell the government what it is allowed to do.
Man is not free unless government is limited.
As government expands, liberty contracts.
America is freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare.
Freedom prospers when religion is vibrant and the rule of law under God is acknowledged.
God bless America!
And an added note… we need to be certain that America is blessable.
Yesterday I received a long awaited letter in the mail. It came from the US Department of Commerce, Economics ad Statistics Administration. Along the bottom, it read US Census Bureau. Above the window it read United States Census 2010. With fingers trembling with anticipation I tore open the envelope believing that finally I was going to see all the fabled questions I was not going to answer.
Instead of the official, government authorized census form, I got a letter that read… in bold print yet, “About one week from now, you will receive a 2010 Census form in the mail.” The letter went on to tell me how important it was that I fill out the upcoming form so my community would get it’s “fair share” of the borrowed money coming from the beltway bandits. Well, it wasn’t phrased quite that way, but that was the point.
I probably don’t have to tell most readers about this letter, because they apparently sent this out to almost everyone who is anyone. This was annoying on so many levels. First, just massive waste of such a mailing at a time when our government is running out of cash and borrowing from those who are not particularly friendly to us, or just printing more. They are telling us how important their government activities are and how we need to pay attention to them. Read more of this article »
February 23 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the battle of the Alamo back in 1836. For more than 13 days, 186 brave and determined patriots withstood Santa Anna’s seasoned army of over 4,000 troops. To a man, the defenders of that mission fort knew they would never leave those ramparts alive. They had several opportunities to leave and live. Yet, they chose to fight and die. How foolish they must look to this generation of spoiled Americans.
It is difficult to recall that stouthearted men such as Davy Crockett (a nationally known frontiersman and former congressman), Will Travis (only 23 years old with a little baby at home), and Jim Bowie (a wealthy landowner with properties on both sides of the Rio Grande) really existed. These were real men with real dreams and real desires. Real blood flowed through their veins. They loved their families and enjoyed life as much as any of us do. There was something different about them, however. They possessed a commitment to liberty that transcended personal safety and comfort.
Liberty is an easy word to say, but it is a hard word to live up to. Freedom has little to do with financial gain or personal pleasure. Accompanying Freedom is her constant and unattractive companion, Responsibility. Neither is she an only child. Patriotism and Morality are her sisters. They are inseparable: destroy one and all will die. Read more of this article »
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Les Phillip who is running for Congress in Alabama’s 5th district. He says, “Today’s representation is Washington is destroying all we have fought and died for. They were elected to serve as the people’s voice, to defend our rights and to create the opportunity for all American’s to enjoy security and prosperity. Instead, the power of elected office is being used for self-serving agendas, special interests and political gain. I say, ‘No more!’”
His message is the message so many Americans are looking to hear. His decision to take on the primary challenge of an incumbent Republican (until recently a Democrat) congressman whose voting record shows him to be part of the problem… not the solution shows the courage so many Americans are looking for.
After last year’s State of the Union address, Phillip was so upset with the direction the new President was leading our country, he found himself in his bathroom preparing to retire for the night… telling himself that something had to be done… that someone needed to step forward. The only person listening was the guy in the mirror… he knew it was his time to stand in the gap. Read more of this article »
Time for some Saturday afternoon fun. SNL comedienne Victoria Jackson strums and sings what many have been thinking to themselves and few in the media have been saying. Maybe it’s not all fun, but it’s all documented. This video has only been out for a few days and and is going viral. Check it out and pass it on.
Many who watched the recent Super Bowl got to see two and a half million taxpayer dollars transferred into the hands of the formerly main stream media as we were treated to a mini-drama presented by C-list celebrities designed to encourage compliance with our government’s demands to know more and more about our personal lives. Now the time is approaching when we are expected to quietly tell the census takers not only how many toilets we have in our homes, but how often we use them.
It may seem like a small thing, and in broad scheme of things, it may be, but if we are not willing to resist the smaller intrusions into our lives, will be be able to find the courage to push back on bigger issues. If it is too much trouble to say “no” now, will be able to say “no” when they come to confiscate our firearms, or when they come to take our children because we are raising them to be Christians?
The Constitution authorizes the government to count us, but not to probe all areas of our existence. There are at least two reasons for this unwarranted seizure of our personal information. First, is the insatiable desire of some in power to know more and control more. Second is the oft discussed perversion called crony capitalism where the government supports and subsidizes favored marketplace competitors. Imagine the market research savings a corporation can realize if they can get the poor, unsuspecting taxpayers to foot the bill. Read more of this article »
The major news media was replete with reports over the weekend that the coffee company, Starbucks, “has no problem with customers packing heat while placing their orders.”
“The coffee giant says it won’t take issue with gun owners who take advantage of ‘open carry’ laws and bring firearms into their restaurant.” (Source: NBC News)
To tell you the truth, I’m not sure why this is even considered “newsworthy.” Perhaps because Starbucks is a Seattle-based company that caters to the “yuppie” crowd? Maybe because the anti-gun national news media is shocked and chagrined at Starbucks’ statement? Who knows? That Starbucks would not want to alienate millions of gun owners (many of whom lawfully carry concealed weapons for personal protection) makes perfectly good sense to me. I’m sure the statement by Starbucks has little to do with guns and everything to do with business. But the fact is, there are tens of thousands of lawfully armed citizens who carry either concealed or open that have been peacefully doing business with thousands of companies around the country for years.
At last glance, 12 states allow unrestricted open carry. Those states are Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, South Dakota, Vermont, Kentucky, North Carolina, and Virginia. Plus, at least 13 other states allow restricted open carry (meaning a permit is required). I know it infuriates gun-grabbing liberals to admit this, but the facts are absolutely undeniable that an armed citizenry is far and away a more civilized and peaceful citizenry. Read more of this article »
There is a growing concern amongst some of our Orthodox Jewish brothers and sisters concerning what they term, “The Threat of Messianic Judaism”. Their evaluation of the threat hinges around what they see as deceptive missionary tactics that are a threat to all Jews, regardless of their levels of observance.
A dear friend of mine; who is a prominent Rabbi, sent me a letter regarding the expression of this concern by certain quarters. I thank G-d that it was not from him because we had already built our relationship on genuine friendship and we know each others hearts.
However, I will share with our Members the official response that I had regarding this “threat” . Let me be clear to my Jewish friends that this is not an answer to my esteemed, rabbinical friend, this is an official response to what has been deemed , “The Threat of Messianic Judaism”: Read more of this article »
Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament… whether it still applies to our time and political situation. By looking at what happened to Israel when they rejected the Word of the Lord to follow their own ways… and this was God’s chosen people… we get the idea that we do the same at our own peril. Let’s look at what the prophet Jeremiah had to say to those who chose their own way.
6 This is what the LORD Almighty says: “Cut down the trees and build siege ramps against Jerusalem. This city must be punished; it is filled with oppression.
7 As a well pours out its water, so she pours out her wickedness. Violence and destruction resound in her; her sickness and wounds are ever before me.
8 Take warning, O Jerusalem, or I will turn away from you and make your land desolate so no one can live in it.” Read more of this article »
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[Editors note: Michael Kleen has had better experience with social action in the church than many of us. He discusses the origins of the social gospel and offers an understanding perspective.]
Last night was one of the rare occasions that I watched the local news. This is a great source of information about the robberies, rapes and murders in my home town… and it’s kind of depressing since there is not a lot that I can do about most of these personal tragedies. What upset me most, though, was the news feed about the “Christian militia” arrests that took place over the weekend. There was an almost gleeful tone to the story about how the feds took down these religious zealots intent on overthrowing the government. Folks, this is just the beginning.
Passage of the so-called “health care reform” bill in the House of Representatives this past Sunday, March 21 (I won’t even address the inferred unconstitutionality of Congress doing business on the Lord’s Day. See Article. I. Section. 7. Paragraph. 2.) drove yet another stake into the heart of America. For all intents and purposes, it is the health of the United States that is in dire need of healing. In fact, the US has been on extended life-support for decades. With its condition being rendered critical, and absent major surgery, its days are numbered. The passage of this bill only serves to further weaken an already frail Constitution. In fact, this one may prove to be the fatal blow. Lady Liberty may never recover.
Human nature has changed little over the years. We have a tendency to put up with all kinds of intrusions and oppressions as long as it doesn’t intrude too much on our personal lives and it takes a some effort to change. When Moses went to lead the Children of Israel out of captivity into the promised land, they saw the destruction of Egypt through the various plagues that included turning the Nile River to blood, locusts devouring the crops and the death of every first born. They saw the power of the God that was setting them free. Yet, when they started on the journey and they were backed up to the Red Sea and saw Pharaoh’s army approaching, they apparently forgot everything they had just witnessed.
For those not perceptive enough to be impressed by the destruction of our economy or even our health care system, there is a lot more involved in Pelosi’s rape of the American taxpayer. While these concepts may be too broad for non-political junkies, here are a few, less earth shattering consequences of the bill… an appropriate term in more ways than one. One of the major tax preparation companies came up just a few of the changes that the unbelievers should take note of… as harbingers of things to come.
The constitutional requirement for the Census is found in Article. I. Section. 2. Paragraph. 3. “The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.”
My oldest daughter is taking a college political science class. Recently, she emailed me asking for guidance on selecting a period of party dominance in America’s history. She was to write an essay about the era and why it was important. I couldn’t identify them off the top of my head, so I hit the search engine and found three major periods of party dominance. Not surprisingly, the most recent period running from the years 1932 to1968 was dominated by the Democrats. I suggested she look into that period, reminding her briefly the warped history of the “great” Depression, the FDR years, and Johnson’s Great Society. The events of those thirty-six years have paved the way to the current “Entitlement Period” which may very well lead to our destruction. (There are many with whom I won’t disagree that assert this all began with Woodrow Wilson, but I’ll just stick with the most recent 40 years of data, if our readers don’t mind.)
Yesterday I, like many of my fellow Americans, lost several hours of my life that I will NEVER get back watching the “Blair House Dog n’ Pony” show that was the Health Care Summit. The purported idea behind the “summit” was for Republican and Democratic congressmen to engage in a free and open exchange of ideas for reforming our health care delivery system with the President and members of his administration. On the surface this is what appears to have occurred, but as we’re all too well aware, appearances can be deceiving. Since this Administration and Congress took power, that seems to have become the RULE itself, not the exception it was once thought to be. What became readily apparent to me, however, was that what was happening had absolutely NOTHING to do with health care reform at all. What health care “reform” is, and has ALWAYS been, is a naked power grab by the federal government of the United States. It is the latest in a SERIES of grabs, by this government for federal control of private businesses and industries with the SOLE aim of increasing the POWER of the federal government. This is FASCISM by definition.
“These are the times that try men’s souls,” wrote Thomas Paine at the beginnings of the first American Revolution. I’m sure he would be writing the same words today. History shows the British monarch did not go away all by himself. The colonists endured years of bloody military and economic hardships to win their freedom. It’s difficult to say how many would have taken on the British Empire if they had known the cost… but once engaged, they saw it through to the end… to victory.
[Editors note: I received an email with this message from Congressman Randy Forbes (VA-4). I've known him for somewhere around ten years and found that his actions match his words. He is one of only seventeen who have voted against every bailout program, and is one more Virginia patriot.]
Anyone paying attention knows that John McCain has been a Big-Government Globalist Neocon (BGGN) for virtually his entire senatorial career. As with many BGGNs hiding out in the Republican Party, McCain likes to talk about smaller government, but his track record is littered with the promotion of one big government program after another. But, what else would one expect from a member of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR)?
I don’t often write about the topic of racism as many people attach too much of an emotional component to the topic that it is difficult to discuss it rationally. When those plotting behind the closed doors of the White House hear criticism, their knee-jerk reaction is that the only reason we are not blindly following their beloved leader is that America is basically corrupt and evil and we are not willing to follow a minority President. They somehow miss the fact that many of us hold Harry Reid and Nancy Pelosi in the same low regard as the President. However, letting the facts get in the way would negate their favorite charge.
There are some who live in a fantasy world that believe moral values are not necessary to maintaining a solid conservative government. They reject the idea that it takes a firm set of convictions to stop government waste and intrusion. They call themselves “fiscal conservatives” and want us to believe that the only qualification to be worthy of our support is to be in favor of a smaller government that minimizes its interference in their lives and lowers our taxes. Many of them do this in the guise of promoting what they call a “big tent” party.
In late February, at the 
Yesterday I received a long awaited letter in the mail. It came from the US Department of Commerce, Economics ad Statistics Administration. Along the bottom, it read US Census Bureau. Above the window it read United States Census 2010. With fingers trembling with anticipation I tore open the envelope believing that finally I was going to see all the fabled questions I was not going to answer.
February 23 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the battle of the Alamo back in 1836. For more than 13 days, 186 brave and determined patriots withstood Santa Anna’s seasoned army of over 4,000 troops. To a man, the defenders of that mission fort knew they would never leave those ramparts alive. They had several opportunities to leave and live. Yet, they chose to fight and die. How foolish they must look to this generation of spoiled Americans.
A few days ago, I had the pleasure of talking with Les Phillip who is running for Congress in Alabama’s 5th district. He says, “Today’s representation is Washington is destroying all we have fought and died for. They were elected to serve as the people’s voice, to defend our rights and to create the opportunity for all American’s to enjoy security and prosperity. Instead, the power of elected office is being used for self-serving agendas, special interests and political gain. I say, ‘No more!’”
The major news media was replete with reports over the weekend that the coffee company, Starbucks, “has no problem with customers packing heat while placing their orders.”
There is a growing concern amongst some of our Orthodox Jewish brothers and sisters concerning what they term, “The Threat of Messianic Judaism”. Their evaluation of the threat hinges around what they see as deceptive missionary tactics that are a threat to all Jews, regardless of their levels of observance.
Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament… whether it still applies to our time and political situation. By looking at what happened to Israel when they rejected the Word of the Lord to follow their own ways… and this was God’s chosen people… we get the idea that we do the same at our own peril. Let’s look at what the prophet Jeremiah had to say to those who chose their own way.
