[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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
I just watched a two and a half million dollar frittering away of taxpayer dollars in the form of a Super Bowl commercial. The idea was to encourage people fill out their census forms so Big Brother would know that much more about us… and something the law requires. The commercial was populated by sort-of celebrities whose faces you may recognize, but whose names you may not know.
While the price tag is chump change compared to the other waste of our dollars, the Chinese dollars, our children’s dollars and our grandchildren’s dollars. I somehow was not feeling like we were getting our money’s worth. Yet with all the nonsense coming from inside the beltway, it’s not just the money, but the lack of respect, it’s as if our government is rubbing their ability to waste our resources in our face.
Later, Audi, drinking the green kool aid, ran a spot about “green police” arresting people for getting plastic bags at the supermarket and installing incandescent bulbs. Some thought they were mocking the green movement until it turned out they were promoting a “green” car. I tended to find little humor in acting out what some of the ecowhackos would really like to do. It may be that those who may buy their vehicles are definitely of a different demographic than myself. They may not have heard about the crumbling of the global warming mythology. Read more of this article »
I, like most of you, would rather be going along with life as usual, but have found that to be extremely difficult for the last twelve months. I have had to make a commitment, to either fight for our freedom, or keep going and ignore the truth about what is happening in our country today, wondering can I make a difference.
January, one year ago I did decide to commit to step up, and dedicate my free time to make a difference. Well, as it has turned out, it has taken way more than my free time. I will also say, I would have it no other way.
My journey began, trying to get educated on the task that would lie ahead. As someone, who really did not desire to read a lot, I found myself reading a lot. My first commitment to join others with a like minded spirit, that I felt I would fall in line with, were the patriots I met at the first 9.12 We Surround Them event at the Village Grill in Chester, VA. This is where I first met men like Ralph Carter, and his wife, Millette, and family. They have been an inspiration to us all. I also met Mike, Freddie, Marion, and Celeste, all of whom now are a huge part of the Chester Patriots, organized by Ralph. Carter. I began to immediately become involved in planning and activities this group had to offer. I was beginning to feel like I had made the right choice to “stand up for Freedom.” Read more of this article »
Editors Note: This message came to us from the Scott Brown campaign as he is attempting to win the seat occupied by the late Ted Kennedy. According to our sources, Brown if elected can be the one key to stopping Obamacare…the Senate would no longer have its 60 votes.
On January 19th, a special election will be held in Massachusetts to fill the vacated seat of the late Senator Ted Kennedy. As most of us realize, it can have a profound impact on the nation, as well as Massachusetts.
Until a few weeks ago, it appeared that Martha Coakley would easily win Kennedy’s seat and extend the Democratic stranglehold.
However, in the ensuing weeks, Republican Scott Brown has closed the gap so dramatically that, according to several polls, he is now in a DEAD HEAT. A key reason for Brown’s success is the intensive use of “phone banks”, whereby activist supporters have been calling and encouraging swing voters to vote for Brown. Read more of this article »
Genesis 1:28 (KJV) “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
The first covenant that God made with mankind is one that is certain to bring increase if we follow the process. G-d told Adam in Eden: to be fruitful and then multiply and then replenish the earth. This process is for a purpose: Phase 1: Be fruitful; Phase 2: Multiply; Phase 3: Replenish. What you receive in the phase of your calling to fruitfulness will sustain, uphold and defend you in the second and third stages of your multiplication and replenishing.
No other group of people has understood this simple principle better than the Jewish people but, unfortunately no other people has ever had to suffer like them for the multiplication and increase that their fruitfulness has brought.
Apart from the incorrect allegation of deicide – the Jews being responsible for killing Jesus (Yeshua)- the number one reason that many historians have said that most people hate Jews is because, “they possess too much wealth and power.” Read more of this article »
The morning after Christmas, I sat watching my four year old grandson play, sometimes with his new toys, sometimes with his “old” ones. His little imagination taking him to who knows where as he was blissfully unaware of the plans afoot to destroy the health care system that brought him through several severe allergy attacks, place his higher education plans at the mercy of government bureaucrats and enslave him for a year or two in compulsory government service. He doesn’t know the value of the money used to buy him food, clothing and, yes, toys, is headed toward the devaluation that comes from ill advised economic policies.
Later in the day, four more grandsons arrived along with their parents. They are older and more aware of dangers – economic and physical that we face as a nation. One is ready to enter the world of higher education and is looking into the few institutions not dedicated to inflicting the leftist agenda on those working hard to meet the financial demands they place on their students. It seems that the struggle is getting more difficult every year.
Some of us may accept the anticipated hard times in our future as the natural result of Christians failing to do their job… hiding behind church doors, with so many shunning involvement in public affairs. Too often, even strong believes, have accepted the lie that religious convictions have no place in the arena of public discourse. Read more of this article »
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Read more of this article »
According to Rasmussen Reports, “Seventy-one percent (71%) of voters nationwide say they’re at least somewhat angry about the current policies of the federal government. That figure includes 46% who are Very Angry.
“The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that only 27% are not angry about the government’s policies, including 10% who are Not at All Angry.”
The report goes on to say, “The data suggests that the level of anger is growing. The 71% who are angry at federal government policies today is up five percentage points since September.
“Even more stunning, the 46% who are Very Angry is up 10 percentage points from September.”
The report also states, “The latest numbers show that only nine percent (9%) of voters trust the judgment of America’s political leaders more than the judment of the American people.” It further states, “Seventy-one percent (71%) believe the federal government has become a special interest group that looks out primarily for its own interests. Sixty-eight percent (68%) believe that government and big business work together in ways that hurt consumers and investors.” Read more of this article »
Democrats call the Republicans “The Party of No”. Tea partiers want them to be called “The Party of Hell No!” When in reality, they are often “The Party of No Vision”. With the power crazed Democrats in control, pushing the boundaries of government in every possible direction, like a deer frozen in the headlights of an oncoming car, many Republicans can only think to say “NO!” to every hair brained scheme coming from the left. Others, without an ethical compass come up with the conciliatory attitude of negotiation so they can act like they have accomplished something. There are a few who are trying to give the party a sense of vision, but they tend to scare the old line party leaders unaccustomed to such principled stands and internal conflict.
The “no vision” moniker is based on a fair assumption that people make when they believe the Republican Party has no agenda. It was an agenda called “The Contract With America” that brought victories during the Clinton administration. The original contract outlined a set of specific steps required to correct the various flaws and abuses in the operation of our government. Over the years, some who came to office by advocating these changes gradually succumbed to the lure of beltway society and have become part of the problem.
It is only the disgust with Democrat intrusion into our lives that gives the Republican Party any sense of life at this point. For the most part, they do not have the agenda, drive or support to take off and soar. Republicans find themselves in a situation of just responding to plans from the other side of the aisle. It is time to regroup and plan for steps to undo these unconstitutional efforts. But to do this, the party and its individual representatives must have a vision of where they should be heading. Read more of this article »
A surprising revelation sprang into my quiet time this morning. It’s connected to a prophetic word God gave me yesterday called “A DECREE FROM THE LORD.” It’s posted on my blog http://Nancy777.com.
I was studying a teaching by Kim Clement on the subject of REVELATION. He said, “A revelation is a sudden compelling force or action that induces motion.” He went on to explain that it drives you forward and creates spiritual motion and with this motion creates expression by inactivating the “negative control system” and activating the “positive control system.”
I learned we have two control systems in us: negative and positive. The negative one is continually fed by the news media, bad reports, and bad things etc. These negative things stifle us and bring fear. What God does is suddenly activate the positive control system in you by inactivating the negative control system.
Kim said, “REVELATION CANNOT COME INTO EXISTENCE WITHOUT YOU! GOD NEEDS SOMEBODY TO BRING REVELATION INTO EXISTENCE IN TIME AND SPACE.” Read more of this article »
A lot of people are sitting around waiting for the election of Bob McDonnell in Virginia and Chris Christie in New Jersey, believing it will give Barack Hussein Obama his comeuppance and break the momentum of his rush to socialism. Important steps, yes, but just a start. A beginning of the long journey back to normalcy for our nation.
It will be encouraging and help us keep things going. As a victory by Doug Hoffman would help restore the voters to the head of the Republican Party… something many in official positions have been fighting tooth and nail for the last several years. Good things can happen, but we can’t expect a few steps to take us the entire distance and let us get back to our own little worlds.
We have devious and determined foes who will bob and weave like a like a boxer giving, then taking back… blocking punches and landing a few. We are in a fight that will not be won on points. We need to go for a knock out because as long as the statists are upright and mobile, they will pose a threat to the good people of America and the world. These people are patient and will take what they can get without taking their eyes off their long term prize… control of our country. Read more of this article »
I read an article this weekend about one man’s struggles to come to a truly “Christian” perspective to public life, welfare and government. There are people calling themselves Christians who have fallen right in line with the President and are pushing him to turn our health care system into a government run operation as they believe it is the fairest way to make sure everyone gets the care they need. Others, equally sincere are fighting this expansion of government tooth and nail. Who is right… and why would I come to that conclusion?
There is no easy answer to this question and to come to either conclusion without serious soul searching, investigation and prayer is to short change the gravity of the decisions implications. The ripples emanating from this choice extend to all areas of our lives. Do we treat our fellow men as physical or spiritual beings… when there are aspects of both in our total existence.
Many Catholic priests ventured into South American countries and saw the poverty of the peasants and the various injustices inflicted on them by the wealthy landowners. They thought they could eradicate poverty by eradicating sin… primarily the sin of the capitalists exploiting the poor. Forsaking their mandate to meet the spiritual needs of the people in their charge, they undertook to bring about a change in the social structure through a philosophy that came to be known as liberation theology. Many variations stemmed from this school of thought, including the black liberation theology espoused by Barack Obama’s pastor and spiritual advisor Jeremiah Wright. Read more of this article »
Have a look at this video. Think about it. What are the consequences of getting the swine flu… excuse me, h1n1. For most it is a few days of discomfort… sort of like the regular flu. The doctor said the flu is loosing its virulence – it’s getting weaker. As with much of this administration’s work, it is working hand in hand with the UN’s World Health Organization in creating concern – fear even, then providing a “solution” whether we want one or not.
According to Dr. Holtorf the vaccine presents a greater hazard to most people than the flu itself. While there are other opinions, he seems quite credible. The proposed vaccine has been rushed to market without the normal FDA test procedures. Drug companies have invested heavily following governments (both US and UN) and they must get their money back. If people don’t take the drugs, the drug companies don’t get their money back. Drug companies, not American companies like Merck, but foreign companies like Novartis, stand to make out like bandits if this forced inoculation goes through. This brings up a very important point…
Already the Massachusetts legislature has set in motion a plan authorizing Governor Deval Patrick to declare a state of emergency, and require everyone to submit to vaccination. This is the first and most heavy handed approach to date to letting we the people know we are nothing but twits and need the government to take our hand and to do what our masters have decided is best for us. Read more of this article »
On this 8th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, it behooves me to comment on the spirit of hatred that seems to motivate many people in and out of our great land. That the supporters and disciples of Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, Mao Tse-tung, and Adolf Hitler would hate America is understandable. Communism, socialism, and fascism are diametrically opposed to everything the United States was founded upon. Therefore, it is not surprising that people who espouse the tenets of these “isms” would exude hatred for America–at least for the America of our forebears. What is most disconcerting, however, is the number of people within our country (and I don’t mean illegal aliens) who harbor hatred in their hearts for our beloved land.
To be sure, one can count me in with those who hate the manner in which the international banking cartel has wormed its way into the inner workings of our federal government. I hate the condescending, elitist attitudes of many in higher education. I hate the way globalists–such as David Rockefeller and his ilk–have been able to use the federal government to promote and safeguard their own private financial and political agendas. I hate the way secularists in public education and private organizations–such as the ACLU, People For the American Way, the Anti Defamation League, etc.–have been able to strip our culture of its Christian heritage. I hate the way politicians from both parties in Washington, D.C., ignore and trample the U.S. Constitution. I hate the way professing Christians and “conservatives” turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the warmongering, police-state mentality of many within the national Republican Party. I hate the way Nancy Pelosi and her gaggle of liberal Democrats use their power to promote socialism in America. I hate the liberal bias of the mainstream news media. I hate the so-called “political correctness” that permeates the philosophy of virtually every major organization in America these days. I hate the attempts by liberals and “do-gooders” of all stripes to take away my right to keep and bear arms. And, yes, I hate the way America’s foreign policy has been manipulated by foreign lobbyists, socialists within the United Nations, and international business interests.
Barack Hussein Obama made his American classroom debut, cutting into busy first day schedule of many teachers, missing some who started the next day. The timing did, however, obscure the actions of a California judge who set a hearing date to look into the presidential birth certificate matter. The soaring rhetoric was gone… possibly to stay within the understanding of the younger members of his audience, and it just might be that some of his strongest supporters may have understood him for the first time.
There was the usual collection of cliches intermixed with some personal stories of the sacrifices his mother made for him along the way. He said the right things… or his teleprompter did. The only line that may have been troublesome was when he fell into the community organizer mode and told the young impressionable minds that they should study and work to make the nation more fair and free. This really begs the question of what the speech would have been like absent the public outcry. Some reports thought the speech was inspiring, and it might have been if one was an awestruck fifth grader.
For those of us who have had our fill of the false statements coming out of the presidential mouth it was fairly apparent that he was applying Saul Alinisky’s Rule Number Two about keeping your verbiage within the scope expected by the audience. The President said all the right things and in the process gave his supporters reason to claim the detractors were just paranoid. Read more of this article »
Editors Note: This is a controversial topic. Some swear the camps exist and are there for nefarious purposes. Others say they are nonsense. However, as Rev. Baldwin tells us, “If the reports are bogus, you’ve lost nothing; but if they are real, you could end up losing your liberty.” The we also have to take into consideration what Edmund Burke told us, “There is no safety for honest men but by believing all possible evil of evil men” I hope it is all the product of over active imaginations, but so many other things have happened that I would not have believed I have to look deeper into this. I would suggest the reader follow the links, do some more research and come to your own conclusions.
A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a column questioning why it was necessary for our federal government to be constructing internment camps all over America. See the original column at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2009/cbarchive_20090811.html
I felt it was time for someone such as me to publicly broach the subject. Needless to say, the response was overwhelming. Even more interesting is the fact that the web link to the National Guard Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of “Internment/Resettlement Specialist” that I included in my column was removed shortly after the column was published. Was this a coincidence?
Of course, the U.S. Army still has their web site soliciting recruitment for “Internment/Resettlement Specialist” online. See it at http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=292
Readers might also want to familiarize themselves with this story out of Fort Leavenworth:
http://www.ftleavenworthlamp.com/articles/2009/04/16/news/news1.txt Read more of this article »
Pesident Barack Hussein Obama announced to the world that providing health care for all is a moral issue. One must wonder how his supporters will take this news after years, decades even, of telling the world you can’t legislate morality. Every time issues like homosexual marriage and abortion are discussed, the progressives, in harmonious chorus tell us, “You can’t legislate morality!” Now the chosen one has pronounced that yes, indeed, we can.
Within the presidents moral unive, the provision of health care is a right… even if it means using the efforts and education of some who may not be willing to contribute them. So health care is a right, even if it involves the involuntary servitude of some who provide it. I wonder what Mr. Lincoln, who the president says he admires so, would have to say about that.
It is also interesting how the justification for government controlled health care has evolved from concern for forty plus million uninsured… which included many who should not even be in this country, to an overhaul of the entire health care delivery system to a moral obligation, as the extreme progressive wing of the Democrat Party searches for a message that the common folk will buy.
He has now enlisted the aid of many pastors of some of the more “liberal” churches. Churches that would be more accepting of the liberation theology preached by Obama’s former pastor, Jeremiah Wright. Somehow this is acceptable, where negativity toward the plan on the part of people like James Dobson, Pat Robertson and your local Southern Baptist preacher is an improper insertion of religion into the affairs of the state. Read more of this article »
The Public Option is off the table, we are told. The President is responding to the public outcry we are told. We have won a major victor we are told. We can relax now we are told. But… not so fast. Have we won over Barack Hussein Obama? As the man on TV says… watch what they do, not what they say.
Many are breathing a sigh of relief that a health co-op will replace the evil Public Option. Hmmmm! Let’s think about how wonderful this new plan is. We now have plans for a federal government financed plan where the people running the program are put into place by the federal government. The Public Option is to be put into place supposedly to keep the private insurers honest. While there certainly is some hanky panky going on, expecting the private insurers to have to compete against a government run entity – where the government make the rules does not sound very competitive. It doesn’t even sound like a scheme where the private insurers are expected to be around very long. This plan, financed and controlled by the federal government, under rules established by the federal government… sounds kind of like the Public Option to me.
They have us looking at the right hand while the left hand sticks a shiv in our ribs. We need to be careful what we get excited about. With the history of deception coming out of the White House, there is no way we should get too excited about the news that the Public Option is off the table. It simply is not true… even the White House is backing away from the statement. Read more of this article »
Many years ago, after returning to college with a number of years experience in the real world, I sat through a class named “Man In God’s World”. As it turned out, this class had more impact on my world view than any before or since. Reviewing some of the things I learned may help the reader understand why being a Christian is not a Sunday morning thing… but it colors, or should color, our view and approach to everything around us, including our interactions with society.
Using Jesus as our model, we find a life that was filled with pointing everyone to the Father and teaching spiritual values and lessons. But he did not stop there. He healed the sick, restored sight to the blind and raised the dead. He rescued a woman about to be stoned by an angry mob. He taught us how to get along with our neighbors, how to handle our money and how to relate to our government. His life and actions showed concern for every area of life, not just the afterlife.
Some Christians believe that if they go to church on Sunday and get their ticket punched, what they do the rest of the week doesn’t make that much difference… as long as it’s nothing too bad. If they don’t kill anyone, or throw widows out of their homes… they will be alright. Is this the case? Are there rules for life? Do they apply to everyone, everywhere? Read more of this article »
We have a distinctive message, but one that politicians avoid because it has an effect akin to suggesting a root canal procedure.
People – even conservatives – prefer a message that is emotionally satisfying. They would rather rail against politicians or other targets than contend with the complex causes of our social and political problems.
Our message is that political action is not enough. The problems we face are rooted in the broader culture. It has become a culture of complaint, victimhood and dependency. Politics is merely a reflection of that culture. We can replace incumbents, but fail to bring about any profound or lasting change.
Unless we change the culture, we will not solve our problems in Washington, Richmond or even at the local level. It is a culture that is breeding new voters who don’t share the opinions and values of older and native voters. Because of our debased culture, they are not exposed to the vision of the Founders or any coherent conservative thought. It is no wonder, then, that Virginia can no longer be labeled a reliably conservative state or that conservatives are no longer in control in Washington. Read more of this article »
Recently the internet has been awash in videos of our representatives running afoul of their constituents at townhall meetings throughout the country. They are entertaining to watch, and have generated controversy along with a great deal of misinterpretation. What is the real story behind these uprisings and are they justified?
The political elites are used to telling people how things are and being viewed with awe as a public benefactor. Such was not the case over the last few days. The worms have been turning on the people who have been criticizing and ignoring them for far too many years. It seems that there is a remnant in this country that still has an element of self respect and refused to be taken for granted or trampled upon any longer.
It appears that the Tea Parties have awakened a sleeping giant… that they opened citizens’ eyes that they were not alone in feeling abused by their government. They realized that many of their friends and neighbors are on the same page. They talked to each other, they connected online… they networked! In the past when the media that was sympathetic to progressive causes and agendas fed them information, they accepted it because they had no other frame of reference. My how times have changed!
In the past, these townhall meetings consisted of the esteemed personage coming down to give the little people a glimpse of their power and wisdom. My how times have changed! Those who have grown weary of being talked down to and weary of having their desires ignored finally found themselves ready to push back and set things aright. Read more of this article »
[Note: My son, Tim, writes today's column. He is an attorney who received his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a former prosecutor for the Florida State Attorney's Office and now owns his own private law practice. He is married to the former Miss Jennifer Hanssen.]
Let’s be honest, America is facing the same legal, moral and ethical questions that our Founding generation did, especially regarding the issue of “Who Is Sovereign in the United States.” For our Founders, they fought, bled and died on the principles that no man or government has the right to rule over others contrary to their agreement (i.e. compact, constitution) and contrary to the principles of natural law as revealed in the Creation of God; that all men are born in nature with the power to govern themselves; and that no Sovereign government, established lawfully by the consent of we the people, can be usurped and controlled by any other entity. Thus, today in America, the question once again comes down to “Who is Sovereign in the United States?”
Today, there are 3 basic options for “Who is Sovereign in the United States”: (1) the Federal government, (2) the State governments or (3) We the People. I feel confident in stating that most contemporary Americans believe that the answer to this critical question is the Federal government–especially as it concerns any practical effect on the power of and over government. For years, Americans have been brainwashed though public education, major media networks and politicians that ALL federal laws are the “supreme law of the land” and that no state law or action to the contrary is valid, citing Article 6, paragraph 2 of the US Constitution as their “irrefutable” proof. Of course they are completely wrong: American ideology and legal fact states that sovereignty rests with “we the people.” However, the question must be more narrowly defined. Read more of this article »
First of all, let’s make it clear that this is not a commercial for Nike. In fact you can wear almost any kind of footwear and take advantage of the ideas discussed here. However, as the phrase tells us, there are times when you just have to set aside personal hang ups, fears and lack of confidence and quit waiting for someone else to get things done. In the Richmond area this weekend we saw the folks that pulled off the Richmond Tea Party put together an event that attracted up to two thousand people who love their country and are looking to see how they can help.
Most of these people were either never politically active or had dropped out of the effort sometime in years past. They were not professional organizers, political, community or otherwise. Yet they pulled together representatives from around fifteen organizations, attract a couple thousand people and television coverage. They filled the Chesterfield County Fairgrounds with organizational displays, food vendors, games for the children and even a couple of dunking booths for the older children.
These average citizens found themselves pulled form their yard work, honey do lists, even time from their jobs and businesses. What pulled them away from the more mundane tasks that occupy most of us? Most likely it was the same thing that thing that caused you to begin reading this post… a recognition that things are not right in our wonderful country, and a desire to set them so. Read more of this article »
By now, most Americans are familiar with the horrific murder of a Pensacola, Florida, couple by the name of Byrd and Melanie Billings. They were the parents of 17 children, 13 of whom were adopted–most of whom had disabilities. This case hits home with me, because they lived in my hometown of Pensacola. I did not know them personally, but they were fairly well known around town. Byrd was a well-to-do businessman who owned a used car business and financial loan service.
Byrd and Melanie were shot to death in their own home a week ago Thursday. So far, eight people have been arrested in the case: seven men and one woman. The seven men are each charged with two open counts of murder, and the woman is charged with accessory to murder after the fact. Law enforcement officials said yesterday that at least one more “person of interest” is being sought.
The Billings murder case was broken open by the fact that their home was equipped with a surveillance system, which recorded the vehicle used to transport the murderers to the home and probably much of the criminal activity inside the house, although the sheriff’s office has not released the video of what was recorded inside the house. The video of the van led police to the suspects. Our State Attorney, Bill Eddins, says that all of the perpetrators who actively took part in the shootings are in custody. At least five of the men were inside the house when the murders took place; and police said the killers were in and out of the house in four minutes. Read more of this article »
I spent the last two days fasting. On day two I listened to worship music all day as I cleaned house. I kept my heart focused on the Lord’s presence. I went to bed exhausted and fell fast asleep but only for a short while. Something was stirring in my spirit. I woke up about three hours later and received this word from the Lord.
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Arise, My people! Bring forth the full force of the power I have placed within you.
I am calling My army forth. I am strengthening My people for the days ahead. The enemy knows his time is very short but he is on a short leash and he and his minions are no match for My army.
Oh, sure he is giving it all he has got but it will not overcome My true warriors. I have stationed My champions at all strategic points throughout this nation and all the nations of My universe. Read more of this article »
There are almost as many answers to this question of what it will take to the our country back on track as there are people who try to answer it. There is an answer that has worked in the past but is being practiced by far to few. II Chronicles 7:14 tells us, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Many of us, myself included, spend far too much time plotting, scheming and complaining and not enough following this advice.
Christians have had a hand in the creation of the mess as we tend to stay wrapped up in our own little world, not actively working to make our country a better place to live for everyone. The blame is not ours alone, but we can be the ones to set things straight. The founding fathers recognized the need for divine guidance and protection as they broke away from Great Britain to start a new nation based on rights given by our creator rather than granted by a monarch.
The Declaration of Independence declares: “We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States…” 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.]
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.
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.
I, like most of you, would rather be going along with life as usual, but have found that to be extremely difficult for the last twelve months. I have had to make a commitment, to either fight for our freedom, or keep going and ignore the truth about what is happening in our country today, wondering can I make a difference.
Genesis 1:28 (KJV) “And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.”
The morning after Christmas, I sat watching my four year old grandson play, sometimes with his new toys, sometimes with his “old” ones. His little imagination taking him to who knows where as he was blissfully unaware of the plans afoot to destroy the health care system that brought him through several severe allergy attacks, place his higher education plans at the mercy of government bureaucrats and enslave him for a year or two in compulsory government service. He doesn’t know the value of the money used to buy him food, clothing and, yes, toys, is headed toward the devaluation that comes from ill advised economic policies.
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
According to Rasmussen Reports, “Seventy-one percent (71%) of voters nationwide say they’re at least somewhat angry about the current policies of the federal government. That figure includes 46% who are Very Angry.
Democrats call the Republicans “The Party of No”. Tea partiers want them to be called “The Party of Hell No!” When in reality, they are often “The Party of No Vision”. With the power crazed Democrats in control, pushing the boundaries of government in every possible direction, like a deer frozen in the headlights of an oncoming car, many Republicans can only think to say “NO!” to every hair brained scheme coming from the left. Others, without an ethical compass come up with the conciliatory attitude of negotiation so they can act like they have accomplished something. There are a few who are trying to give the party a sense of vision, but they tend to scare the old line party leaders unaccustomed to such principled stands and internal conflict.
A lot of people are sitting around waiting for the election of Bob McDonnell in Virginia and Chris Christie in New Jersey, believing it will give Barack Hussein Obama his comeuppance and break the momentum of his rush to socialism. Important steps, yes, but just a start. A beginning of the long journey back to normalcy for our nation.
I read an article this weekend about one man’s struggles to come to a truly “Christian” perspective to public life, welfare and government. There are people calling themselves Christians who have fallen right in line with the President and are pushing him to turn our health care system into a government run operation as they believe it is the fairest way to make sure everyone gets the care they need. Others, equally sincere are fighting this expansion of government tooth and nail. Who is right… and why would I come to that conclusion?
On this 8th anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon, it behooves me to comment on the spirit of hatred that seems to motivate many people in and out of our great land. That the supporters and disciples of Vladimir Lenin, Karl Marx, Joseph Stalin, Leon Trotsky, Mao Tse-tung, and Adolf Hitler would hate America is understandable. Communism, socialism, and fascism are diametrically opposed to everything the United States was founded upon. Therefore, it is not surprising that people who espouse the tenets of these “isms” would exude hatred for America–at least for the America of our forebears. What is most disconcerting, however, is the number of people within our country (and I don’t mean illegal aliens) who harbor hatred in their hearts for our beloved land.
Barack Hussein Obama made his American classroom debut, cutting into busy first day schedule of many teachers, missing some who started the next day. The timing did, however, obscure the actions of a California judge who set a hearing date to look into the presidential birth certificate matter. The soaring rhetoric was gone… possibly to stay within the understanding of the younger members of his audience, and it just might be that some of his strongest supporters may have understood him for the first time.
Editors Note: This is a controversial topic. Some swear the camps exist and are there for nefarious purposes. Others say they are nonsense. However, as Rev. Baldwin tells us, “If the reports are bogus, you’ve lost nothing; but if they are real, you could end up losing your liberty.” The we also have to take into consideration what Edmund Burke told us, “There is no safety for honest men but by believing all possible evil of evil men” I hope it is all the product of over active imaginations, but so many other things have happened that I would not have believed I have to look deeper into this. I would suggest the reader follow the links, do some more research and come to your own conclusions.
Pesident Barack Hussein Obama announced to the world that providing health care for all is a moral issue. One must wonder how his supporters will take this news after years, decades even, of telling the world you can’t legislate morality. Every time issues like homosexual marriage and abortion are discussed, the progressives, in harmonious chorus tell us, “You can’t legislate morality!” Now the chosen one has pronounced that yes, indeed, we can.
The Public Option is off the table, we are told. The President is responding to the public outcry we are told. We have won a major victor we are told. We can relax now we are told. But… not so fast. Have we won over Barack Hussein Obama? As the man on TV says… watch what they do, not what they say.
Many years ago, after returning to college with a number of years experience in the real world, I sat through a class named “Man In God’s World”. As it turned out, this class had more impact on my world view than any before or since. Reviewing some of the things I learned may help the reader understand why being a Christian is not a Sunday morning thing… but it colors, or should color, our view and approach to everything around us, including our interactions with society.
We have a distinctive message, but one that politicians avoid because it has an effect akin to suggesting a root canal procedure.
[Note: My son, Tim, writes today's column. He is an attorney who received his Juris Doctor degree from Cumberland School of Law in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a former prosecutor for the Florida State Attorney's Office and now owns his own private law practice. He is married to the former Miss Jennifer Hanssen.]
First of all, let’s make it clear that this is not a commercial for Nike. In fact you can wear almost any kind of footwear and take advantage of the ideas discussed here. However, as the phrase tells us, there are times when you just have to set aside personal hang ups, fears and lack of confidence and quit waiting for someone else to get things done. In the Richmond area this weekend we saw the folks that pulled off the Richmond Tea Party put together an event that attracted up to two thousand people who love their country and are looking to see how they can help.
By now, most Americans are familiar with the horrific murder of a Pensacola, Florida, couple by the name of Byrd and Melanie Billings. They were the parents of 17 children, 13 of whom were adopted–most of whom had disabilities. This case hits home with me, because they lived in my hometown of Pensacola. I did not know them personally, but they were fairly well known around town. Byrd was a well-to-do businessman who owned a used car business and financial loan service.
There are almost as many answers to this question of what it will take to the our country back on track as there are people who try to answer it. There is an answer that has worked in the past but is being practiced by far to few. II Chronicles 7:14 tells us, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” Many of us, myself included, spend far too much time plotting, scheming and complaining and not enough following this advice.
