Politics and Christianity

The Barack & Bill Dance

2008-07-03T14:29:00.003-05:00

There has been an interesting dance going on between Barack Obama and both Bill and Hillary Clinton. Hillary has publicly warmed to Obama, supporting his bid for President by campaigning and urging her supporters to jump on the Obama bandwagon. She has appeared with him, laughing, hugging and joining hands to cement that image that she has become a team player.

For Bill Clinton, things are still pretty frosty and it will likely take a bit more effort to warm him up. Still stinging by the criticisms Barack Obama made during the primary which seemed to question Bill's accomplishments as President as well as accusations that he engaged in race baiting, Bill seems very reluctant to hoop and holler at the next Obama rally.

I can only imagine how Bill Clinton must be seething. Like most former presidents, the slogan is, "It's all about the legacy, stupid!" To listen to his reputation tarnished by this young upstart must be galling indeed, despite Obama's post primary effort to make amends. Even Obama's slogans were once the domain of Bill Clinton. Before Obama marketed himself as the Change Agent, Bill Clinton had been viewed as the young, bright Democrat that was all about change. Remember, "Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow...?" Before Obama penned, The Audacity of Hope, Clinton was the Man From Hope.

Political pundit, Dick Morris, has recently opined another explanation for Bill Clinton's cool attitude. Money. Hillary's personal financial investment in her presidential campaign reached somewhere between 14 and 20 million. Though the Clintons are outrageously wealthy, that kind of chunk is hard to recoup. According to Morris, Hillary is doing everything necessary to make sure she has not alienated Obama supporters in New York and possibly jeopardizing her Senate Seat. Bill, on the other hand, is minding the checkbook. It will take more that the $2,300 Barack contributed to Hillary's campaign debt, for Bill to stop playing coy.

Twenty million in debt? I am no political campaign manager but I think there must have been some ways the Clinton campaign could have cut a few corners. Obviously they never heard of VistaPrint, where I have ordered business cards and all kind of printed materials for years at great savings. Twenty million could have purchased a lot of car and custom magnets, as well as brochures and mailers.

It will be interesting to see how this dance continues by the time of the Democratic convention. Obama may well decide he doesn't need to haul Bill onto the dance floor, but may leave him to sulk.

High Gas Prices Prompt Both Prostitution And Prayer

2008-07-03T09:27:00.002-05:00

Paying over $4.00 a gallon for gas prompts some mixed reactions across the country. In Kentucky a woman was recently arrested for prostitution at a Day's Inn Motel, allegedly accepting a $100.00 Speedway fuel card as payment for sex. As a local prosecutor noted, it is sad to see someone selling their body for gas. In this case about 25 gallons worth.

At the other end of the spectrum there is the Pray At The Pump Movement, founded by Rocky Twyman, who has been holding prayer vigils at gas stations across the country. On Monday, Twyman took his movement from Shell and Exxon stations all the way to the steps of the Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Washington, D.C., appealing to the oil-rich country to raise the amount of barrels they release each day from 200,000 to 1.2 million.

Twyman, a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church spent the afternoon outside of the embassy praying and asking passersby to sign a petition for the release of more oil, which he hopes to deliver to the Saudi oil minister.

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Conventions & Trade Shows & Promotions... Oh, My

2008-07-02T21:14:00.003-05:00

I know we are just now entering the middle of summer but already people are gearing up for the Fall Conventions. No, not just the Democratic and Republican Conventions. Many will be heading to a variety of different conventions for their company or business. No sooner are the kiddies back in school than mom or dad are headed off to a trade show.

I used to work for a publisher and I well remember the amount of planning and preparation it took to put together attractive displays that would catch people's eye. If you find yourself in need of a little creative help for your trade show display you will want to investigate the products of the Godfrey Group. They offer a variety of custom trade show displays, from full-scale booths and exhibits to portable pop ups and accessories. Check them out.

On This Day In History...June 2nd

2008-07-02T20:43:00.003-05:00

On this day in history, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in a televised ceremony from the White House.

The most sweeping civil rights legislation passed by Congress since the post-Civil War Reconstruction era, the Civil Rights Act prohibited racial discrimination in employment and education and outlawed racial segregation in public places such as schools, buses, parks and swimming pools. In addition, the bill laid important groundwork for a number of other pieces of legislation--including the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which set strict rules for protecting the right of African Americans to vote--that have since been used to enforce equal rights for women as well as all minorities.

Despite one's current political affiliation or choice for this year's election, all Americans should be proud that we have reached a point where an African American has a real chance at becoming President of the United States. I think we actually reached that point a long time ago. Had Collin Powell held such aspirations, I believe he could have run for office and won the White House in 1996.

As we reflect on this day let us pray that God will continue to open our eyes to injustice in our midst and look for new opportunities to display the love of Christ.

Blogging And The Democratization Of Politics

2008-07-02T03:00:00.001-05:00

On a television talk show recently, a political pundit and Barack Obama supporter lamented the spewing of lies he thought was taking place regarding Obama. The conservative panelist responded to a particular example with, "I haven't heard anyone saying that! Who is saying that?"

The Obama supporter retorted, "It's everywhere!" The conservative panelist pressed, "Who?" I believe her questioning related to the fact that no one from the McCain campaign or officials from the Republican party had made these particular statements.

The Obama supporter repeated in frustration, "Everywhere! Nameless bloggers!"

His agitation was revealing. On one hand, he was dismissive - they are just nameless bloggers. They are nobodys! On the other hand he recognized that in today's political climate, bloggers are a force to be reckoned with. Bloggers speed along and often control the political conversation while the typical journalist is still waiting for his editor to proofread his article before going to press. Naturally, the professional pundits are defensive of their turf and are quite resentful at times of bloggers' influence.

Technology has enabled a democratization of politics like we've never seen before. Not only does everyone have a vote, but everyone truly has a voice if they choose to share it. Elitism is rearing it's head as the standard journalists and commentators find they are no longer the premier opinion makers. This is reminiscent of an observation made by Thomas Jefferson upon attending a Baptist meeting. He remarked that the meeting was a true democracy, since every member not only had a vote but a voice in the proceedings regardless of wealth, education, gender, or age.

Given this new sphere of influence, bloggers themselves should take care that they are using the most professional webhosting available. Independent and customer reviews are especially helpful as you research the best webhosts for your particular site. Webhostinggeeks.com is a great source of information on everything from inexpensive (or even free) domain names, to the best webhosing by speed, for blogs, for forums, and much more.

As the election year grinds along, expect more and more influence to come from the 'pajama pundit' bloggers and more weeping and gnashing of teeth from the 'professsionals'.

Mind Boggling

2008-07-02T02:35:00.005-05:00

I was at my doctor's office the other day and had to give blood. As the nurse poked around searching for a good vein, I turned away so as not to look at the needle. On the wall was an interesting sign I share with you here.

*******

Olny srmat poelpe can raed tihs.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulacity
uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan
mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at
Cmabrigde Uivervtisy.

It deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the
ltteers in a wrod are, the olny
iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and
lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The
rset can be a taotl mses and you can
sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm.

Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid
deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef,
but the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig
huh? Yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
sipeling was ipmorantt?

*******

The intricacies of our mind is truly amazing and a glorious gift from our Creator. Even scientists admit that the formation of the brain is a mystery and that the breakthroughs we have reached in understanding it is still a mere scratching of the surface. We are indeed fearfully and wonderfully made!

Trading In The RV For A Harley Davidson

2008-07-01T20:40:00.004-05:00

Over the last few days I have been having discussions with friends who are headed out on a trip to the Dakota's in their recreational vehicle. I have teased them about having an experience like that of Robin Williams in the movie RV. The truth is that I am jealous of the fact that they are taking off and getting away for a few weeks.

Even though I admit to being a bit envious (forgive me, Lord) I don't think my heart could take the strain of buying gas for one of those rolling monsters. Every time we pulled in and filled the tank I think I would need someone standing by with a defibrillator to zap me.

When I take a vacation I want something to start my heart, not stop it. So, in my fantasy vacation world I am riding a Harley Davidson... hair blowing in the wind... bugs in my teeth... heart pounding, blood pumping ... the vibrations of the hog as we travel through the prairies, over mountains, across rivers...

However, given that I am seven months pregnant that isn't going to happen; at least not for me. It could happen for you. If that sounds good you might want to check out EagleRider. EagleRider Rentals & Tours pioneered the Harley-Davidson motorcycle rental concept and today they are the world's largest motorcycle tourism company. In addition to rentals, and guided & self-drive tours, they have big-time discounts on motorcycles going one way to specific locations (they appear to run about the same price you would expect to pay for a mid-range car rental).

Just do me one favor. If you end up touring on a Harley with EagleRider, please don't send me any pictures or postcards. The jealousy just might kill me, and I've got a baby to think about.

Douglas Feith, Dennis Prager, Georgetown University and Dangerous Ideas

2008-07-01T18:50:00.005-05:00

I appreciate the balanced approach that Dennis Prager takes to almost everything. His radio talk show is one of my favorites for just that reason. He takes pride in making sure that those who oppose his viewpoints get adequate time to engage him online. Therefore, it makes sense that he would champion the cause of Douglas J. Feith, and have him on his show to talk about his situation.

Douglas Feith "served as the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy for United States President George W. Bush from July 2001 until he resigned from his position effective August 8, 2005. His official responsibilities included the formulation of defense planning guidance and forces policy, United States Department of Defense (DoD) relations with foreign countries, and DoD's role in U.S. Government interagency policymaking."

For two years he was a faculty member of the Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University. However, his contract was not renewed because a small number of faculty members protested his conservative policy positions. In fact, they went so far as to call him a war criminal.

I guess that tells us what the left at Georgetown University really believes about academic freedom....

Feith was a guest on Dennis Prager's radio program yesterday, explaining the events surrounding his termination. During the course of the interview Prager praised profusely Feith's book War and Decision: Inside the Pentagon at the Dawn of the War on Terrorism. Prager said that this memoir is "unputable downable." I guess I need to pick it up sometime when it is okay for me not to put it down.

Website Promotion

2008-07-01T01:31:00.003-05:00

Are you investigating ways to promote your blog, website or e-commerce business? If so, there are plenty of marketers out there that are perfectly willing to take your money and grant you some exposure. However, internet marketing does not work in the same fashion as does the non-virtual world. Exposure isn't branding, clicking isn't buying, and traffic doesn't mean you are seeing potential buyers. And, don't think that just because a web marketer comes with a well-known name that you are getting what you are paying for. When it comes to website promotions there are many players in the game that treat it as if it were a zero sum game.

So, if you are considering website promotions you will want to check out networksolutions.com. They are a one-stop website promotion solution for small businesses; researching keywords, analyzing your website, creating ad copy, purchasing keywords and reporting on your campaign.

They have organized their business to help businesses choose the plan that works best for them. You can choose from two affordable, fully-managed PPC advertising plans, with options that include customized landing pages and local business ads. They have provided a chart to help you identify which features are important for you and to make your choice of plans. Check them out.

Rocky, Rambo, Indiana...McCain

2008-06-30T16:03:00.008-05:00

An interesting phenomena has hit the box office in the last year or so - the 'thirty something' to 'forty something' virile, kick butt, male action star returns as a 'sixty something' still virile, kick butt, male action star.

Sylvester Stallone headed back to the boxing ring in Rocky Balboa to go the distance with a young whippersnapper in his prime. Sly also graced the screen as Rambo and was still able to outmaneuver, outwit and outfire the bad guys just like the Rambo of twenty years ago.
Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones tops my list of favorite action heroes and he also returned this last month as our favorite archaeologist/adventurer in Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. Our beloved Indy managed to jump from one moving vehicle to the next and use his whip to swing Tarzan style through the air.

One aspect of the films that I noted is that these characters were still believable. It didn't seem like a particular stretch that these characters would still be doing what they always did best. Sure they were a little rough for wear and had more lines on their face but they were still essentially the same characters with the same drives and passions. Though remarks or even jokes were made by the heroes themselves about their age, it was clear that age in and of itself would not slow them down or keep them from pursuing what they perceived as their prize, treasure, or appointed mission.

This trend of older heroes should not be surprising given the aging baby boomers as well as the upper end of Gen X. Once you've hit forty, fifty doesn't seem nearly as ancient as it once did. The same is true once you've hit fifty and sixty. In fact, we even have a slogan descriptive of this new perception. "Forty is the new thirty!" or "Fifty is the new forty!" is the triumphant mantra.

In many ways, the mantra is a true reflection of reality. People are waiting till later to get married, to have children. It is not uncommon to see kids in their mid or even late twenties move back in with mom and dad while they go back to graduate school. Everything seems to be pushed further into the future. As for 'getting older' many are pushing the concept off their radar entirely. Commercials for financial investment firms targeted toward baby boomers entering retirement depict people in action - hang gliding, scuba diving, traveling, starting a new business based on a hobby or passion they love.

In light of this current era of perpetual youth despite the calendar years, I find the reaction to John McCain's presidential candidacy curious. Suddenly his detractors are deeming him as old, old, OLD! Unfit for the oval office, McCain might just as well go play checkers on a porch somewhere with other senior citizens.

So let's get this straight. Sylvester Stallone turns 62 this month and Harrison Ford is 66. It's okay and even reasonable that they continue along the hero path but McCain (who isn't much older at 71) should just be put out to pasture? And remember it's not as if McCain is looking to wield a machine gun or go trampling through the jungle. He's not looking to be Tarzan. He is looking to lead this country as Commander-In-Chief and given his experience and background as a real life hero and patriot, he is the candidate most suited for the role.

I suspect that McCain's opponents feel threatened by the whole John McCain story and so supporters of the opposition are trying to change the narrative. Forget that McCain has the character to withstand five years of torture in service to his country. Let us just repeat, "He's too old to be President" enough times and maybe it will stick.

I don't think it will stick. The strategy goes too much against the grain of the 'anything is possible at any age' philosophy our current culture has adopted. If fifty is the new forty, then seventy is the new sixty.

If McCain loses the general election, it will be due to a variety of factors but it won't be because of age. McCain still has too much of the tough guy persona. He is a survivor like Rambo, he is disciplined like Rocky and has the maverick spirit of Indiana Jones. Sure he is a little rough for wear (funny how life as a POW takes it's toll) and has more lines on his face but he is still essentially the same character with the same drives and passions.

The smart democrats know this and though they won't admit it, they fear this.

Blown Away In The Windy City

2008-06-30T14:16:00.004-05:00

About ten years ago I had the opportunity to visit Barack Obama's stomping ground, Chicago. We lived in Ann Arbor where my husband was working at the corporate office for Border's Books and when he had to go to Naperville (near Chicago) for a conference, I jumped at the chance to tag along. Knowing I would be on my own during the days, I resolved to do my own exploring. This was before the era of online travel guides so I decided to just wing it as I looked for things to do in Chicago. Big mistake. If I had a brain cell in my head I would have checked with a place such as Trusted Tours & Attractions.

But apparently I was lacking that crucial brain cell. My free spirit, roam at will, philosophy of sightseeing did not serve me well. I spent several hours sitting in my rental car in horrible standstill traffic, only to arrive in the city and spend more time in the rental car either lost or searching in vain for a place to park. Finally, after striking out on foot I developed miserable blisters on the back of my ankles and discovered that I had parked in a rather unseemly neighborhood.

I did manage to find a few great restaurants and obtained tickets at the Chicago Theatre for my husband and I to see Beauty And The Beast (though I probably overpaid). However, I was unable to see a lot of the landmarks I wanted to see and my overall frustration made it hard to enjoy the landmarks I did see. In my effort to be an independent tourist and relish the flavor of the city, I just ended up with a bad taste in my mouth. The next time I visit a large city I'll know better. When I'm looking for things to do in New York, I will definitely find a tour guide so that I won't miss out on that trip to Yankee Stadium or Madame Tussauds.

If you are still contemplating a summer vacation, sign up for the Trusted Travels enewsletter and enter to win a handheld GPS. Offer ends June 30, 2008.

Wesley Clark Sticks Army Boot In Mouth

2008-06-30T13:23:00.000-05:00

Retired Gen. and Barack Obama supporter Wesley Clark, said Sunday on Face The Nation that John McCain's military service does not automatically qualify him to be commander in chief.

Clark has made such grumblings for several weeks and finally had a national audience in which he could officially stick his military boot in his mouth.

"In the matters of national security policy making, it's a matter of understanding risk," he told Bob Schieffer on CBS' "Face the Nation." "It's a matter of gauging your opponents and it's a matter of being held accountable. John McCain's never done any of that in his official positions. I certainly honor his service as a prisoner of war. He was a hero to me and to hundreds of thousands and millions of others in the armed forces, as a prisoner of war.

"He has been a voice on the Senate Armed Services Committee and he has traveled all over the world, but he hasn't held executive responsibility," Clark said. "That large squadron in the Navy that he commanded _ that wasn't a wartime squadron."

And what praytell, does Obama have in the way of experience at this level? What executive responsibility has he had? For whom has he been 'held accountable'? Which large Navy squadron did Barack Obama command during wartime or any other time? Toy boats in the bathtub don't count.

Wesley Clark did not help Obama's case. The only thing he accomplished (besides looking like a fool) was to remind voters again of the vast gulf in the way of experience between Obama and McCain.

Disturbing Legal Scenarios

2008-06-29T21:09:00.000-05:00

My husband and I watched the movie Michael Clayton last night. I can't say that I was really entertained -- in fact, I found it disturbing. Nevertheless, I do think it was beneficial in that it reinforced my perception of the justice system as a place where one simply must have the very best possible representation.

Our readers in California who find themselves in a disturbing real-life legal situation may want to check out the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Kestenbaum Eisner & Gorin LLP. They are former prosecutors who specialize in criminal defense in the Southern California courts.

Los Angeles Criminal Lawyers | California Criminal, DUI Defense

Fred Thompson Book Recommendation

2008-06-29T21:00:00.003-05:00

Fred Thompson has recently started writing for Townhall Magazine. I disagree with Fred about many things, and wonder if he may not have cost the Republicans the election this year by undercutting Mike Huckabee in South Carolina and setting up the John McCain nomination. Nevertheless, I do appreciate his convictions and his straightforwardness. He has a unique Federalist perspective and I like reading what he has to say even when I don't agree with it.

He recently recommended Andrew McCarthy's book Willful Blindness. He said this about it, "Andrew McCarthy's Willful Blindness book is an important wake-up call to all Americans. The world changed forever on September 11, 2001 yet so many politicians and academics want us to bury our heads in the sand, ignore the enemy [who is] motivated by fanaticism, martyrdom -- and wish ourselves back to September 10th."

Sounds like a book we all need to read. Anyone want to share your thoughts about the book?

Taming The Beast Within

2008-06-28T01:21:00.003-05:00

On a road trip I once got into a theological discussion with my six year old daughter about what it means 'to covet'. Knowing that I have a tendency to over-explain (or so my husband tells me) I tried to keep it simple. But as soon as I gave the standard definition of "wanting or desiring what someone else has", I knew that wouldn't be sufficient. She asked, "But what if you really like what someone else has, like a toy, and you just wished you had one too but you're not mad at them or anything because they have it...is that still coveting?"

Good question. At that point we talked about the difference between coveting and simply admiring. There are undoubtedly all sorts of things we may admire in the world, some of which belong to other people. The neighbor's garden, your classmate's silky hair, a friend's singing voice, your teammate's athletic ability, or those of a more material nature such as cars, homes, clothes or the latest techno-gadget or toy. I believe admiration can lead to covetousness but it is not necessary that one follows the other. It all depends on the condition of the heart. Do you begrudge the other person for what they have? Do you feel a bitterness that you don't have it as well, or that they have it instead of you?

These are the sort of questions we must constantly quiz ourselves about, whether we are six or sixty. We all tend to have our weak areas where our desires are the strongest. We must guard against letting natural and proper admiration turn into covetousness.

When I was twenty, I discovered a potential pitfall of covetousness. Another single female friend and I used to go to an event in our city called, The Parade of Homes. It was a tour of a lot of wealthy people's homes especially decorated for the Christmas season. Not only were these huge mansions but virtually every room was exquisitely decorated. We jaunted from home to home, admiring and continually picking our jaw off the floor as one seemed to outdo the one before. We dreamed, maybe someday..., then laughed as we went back to our little apartment and plopped on our garage sale sofa. It seemed a harmless kick but looking back, I believe the seed of a particular kind of covetousness was born in my heart. To this day I have a real weakness for beautiful things, particularly of an artistic nature.

I tell myself I am just an admirer. Truth be told, I sometimes cross over the line. When I see someone's home where they have exquisite china displayed on their table, in contrast to the mismatched plastic tableware that is more practical for my family made up of accident prone toddlers, I sense the beast rising within. When I see homes with beautiful tapestries and Persian rugs that in my home would no doubt see all kinds of spills and smudge marks, I sense the beast getting stronger.

Recently, I came across a website with such beautiful items I almost had to say to the covetous beast, "Down boy!" It's called handblownglass.net and offers some of the most beautiful Hand Blown Glass you will find anywhere. They have everything from traditional pieces like fluted bowls and vases, to non-traditional pieces such as wall art and one of a kind sculptures. The colors are vibrant and the detail is incredible. Each hand blown glass piece is also hand signed by the artist and comes with a certificate of authenticity from the studio.

So like my single self of twenty years ago used to sigh, "someday..." after going through the Parade Of Homes, my mom self today is looking forward to my kids getting old enough that I too can display such beautiful art. Someday...

A Time To Mourn

2008-06-28T00:46:00.002-05:00

When Tim Russert died a few weeks ago, I made mention of something Brit Hume said on Fox News about how Russert had consoled Hume on the sudden death of Hume's son. Russert had advised Hume not to grieve for the years he would not have with his son, but celebrate the years he did have.

Now that the initial shock is wearing off, perhaps the Russert family can also come to a point of thankfulness amidst their grief of the years they did have with Tim.

Along these same lines is a story from The Talmudic Anthology:

While Rabbi Meir was holding his weekly discourse on Sabbath afternoon, his two beloved sons died suddenly at home. Their mother covered them with a sheet, and forbore to mourn on the sacred day. When Rabbi Meir returned after the evening Services, he asked for his sons, whom he had not seen in the synagogue. She asked him to recite the Habdalah and gave him his evening meal. Then she said: "I have a question to ask thee. A friend once gave me jewels to keep for him; now he wishes them again. Shall I return them?"
"Beyond doubt thou must," said Rabbi Meir.
His wife took him by the hand, led him to the bed and drew back the sheet. Rabbi Meir burst into bitter weeping, and his wife said: "They were entrusted to us for a time; now their Master has taken back his very own."

When we lose someone dear to us, we may mourn in different ways. We have our individual 'stages of grief'. Though the loss is intensely painful to our heart, we can still find joy in the knowledge that we were able to share and take part in their life while they were here. As a believer, we can also take comfort in the fact that our loved ones, our jewels, have safely been returned to the Master and that we will yet enjoy them again one day.

Job Loss, Job Creation, and Job Transitions

2008-06-27T01:07:00.003-05:00

Many of the battleground states in this year's presidential election are going to be areas where changing economic trends have resulted in the loss of many industrial jobs. Quote statistics all you want about the number of jobs created during the time George Bush has been in the White House, but those who have lost the source of income for supporting their families are hurting, and hurting people will look for relief from wherever it might come.

One thing to remember is that despite all of the political rhetoric government does not create jobs. Effective government can put in place those things which facilitate economic growth and job expansion but ultimately it is the private sector which is responsible for the creation of jobs.

Rather than look to a political party, some of those who are transitioning into new vocational pursuits should take a look into construction. Employment in the construction field, especially in the operation of heavy equipment, is expected to increase as population and business growth create a need for new houses, industrial facilities, schools, hospitals, offices, and other structures. More construction equipment operators also will be needed as a result of expected growth in highway, bridge, and street construction.

Those who have been forced to inquire into new job possibilities can take advantage of the expected growth in the construction field by preparing to move into this vocational area. At the present time American Training Services (ATS) is offering free online training. ATS is America's oldest and largest heavy equipment operator school. There is no obligation and no money required for you to participate in this online training program. Check it out.

North Korea Off The Hook?

2008-06-26T23:43:00.005-05:00

North Korea might not be off the hook yet, but if they hold up their end of the bargain, they will be removed from the United States terrorism blacklist. Today, President Bush said he will lift key trade sanctions against North Korea under the Trading With the Enemy Act and notify Congress that in 45 days, it intends to take North Korea off the State Department list of nations that sponsor terrorism.

Whatever happened to North Korea as part of the 'axis of evil'?

Apparently North Korea is coming clean (or closer to clean) regarding its nuclear work, fulfilling a key step in the denuclearization process. The announcement came after North Korea handed over a long-awaited accounting of its nuclear work to Chinese officials on Thursday, fulfilling a key step in the denuclearization process.

To demonstrate that it is serious, North Korea is planning the televised destruction of a 65 foot tall cooling tower at its main nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. Since the cooling tower has already been disabled, blowing it up is meant to send a visual and emotional message to the world.

Bush's words still sound a ring of wary optimism. "We will trust you only to the extent you fulfill your promises," Bush said in the Rose Garden. "I'm pleased with the progress. I'm under no illusions. This is the first step. This isn't the end of the process. It is the beginning of the process."

One listens to Bush's announcement and almost hears the echo of Bill Clinton, who so wanted to believe that Kim Jong-Il's regime had also turned over a new leaf. Time will tell if North Korea has truly resolved to end it's highly enriched uranium and proliferation activities.

One ironic twist is that on this day in 1950, Harry S. Truman ordered the Air Force and the Navy into the Korean War.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

2008-06-26T22:06:00.003-05:00

Christian singles often have a hard time these days meeting their 'would be' soulmate. Even in this time when everyone tends to put off marriage until much later than our parents and grandparents, committed Christians are still more open to finding Mr. or Miss Right, rather than Mr. or Miss Right Now. Consequently, Christians often start dating their future spouse during the college years. For those who graduate and are not in a serious relationship, the pool of prospects suddenly seems to shrink.

Christian singles are then left with two major areas in which to meet other singles - the workplace and church. The workplace is fraught with problems for obvious reasons. There could be a conflict of interest, some employers even have rules barring office dating, or at the least there is the inevitable awkwardness that ensues if the relationship fizzles.

The church would seem to be a much more likely place to find someone with your beliefs and values, however the church also carries a certain amount of awkwardness. I had one single friend who felt it necessary to switch churches every time she dated someone and the relationship ended. She found it was too weird or even painful to continue to see them at church, particularly when they started bringing their newest love on their arm.

Another avenue many singles are exploring is an Online Dating Affiliate. Once upon a time there was a bit of a stigma attached to people looking for love via personal ads but not so with the brave new world of online dating services. One intriguing aspect is the niche dating sites where you can find someone who shares your interests and hobbies and if you are Christian, someone who shares your faith.

Perhaps if Ruth and Boaz lived in the twenty first century, they too would have found each other online.

Phillip Johnson Sounds Off At Shepherd's Seminar

2008-06-26T16:42:00.004-05:00

A few months ago Politics & Christianity conducted an interview with Phillip Johnson, executive Director of Grace to You, a Christian tape and radio ministry featuring the preaching ministry of John MacArthur. We have long admired Phil not only for his theological insight, but also for his approach to society and culture from a biblical worldview.

In a recent seminar speech, "Politically Incorrect? How To Shepherd Your Congregation In An Election Year", Johnson provides thoughtful analysis and historical context for the Christian's place in the world of politics. How is the believer best able to make truth known? What are the consequences of lobbying, lawmaking, and moralizing taking the place of Christ and the Gospel message? What is the healthy balance of political activism and the Christian servant's duty to serve the Kingdom?

These are important questions which Phillip Johnson answers with wisdom and clarity. In this election year, consider it must reading.

*****

Politically Incorrect?
How to Shepherd Your Congregation in an Election Year

If you came thinking I’m going to tell you how to vote this year, or suggest ways to mobilize your people to sway elections in your home town, you are probably going to be disappointed. In fact, those of you who know anything about me might be surprised that I’m even dealing with a topic like this one. I was frankly surprised when the guys who organize these seminars assigned me this session. Election-year politics are not really my cup of tea. And I don’t mean I’m not interested in the subject. I mean that I purposely try to keep my distance from it.

There’s a good reason for that. Before I became a Christian, I was a hard-core, obsessive political activist. Throughout my high-school years, I thought I wanted to be either a politician or a newspaper pundit when I grew up. That was my highest worldly aspiration, and the political power-struggle was the single, central, driving interest of my life. But when I became a Christian, I gave that passion up for something infinitely better—something of eternal value: the gospel of Christ.

I won’t give you my whole testimony about that. It’s on an audio-recording of one of my sermons somewhere downloadable from the Internet. But the short version is that from the night of my conversion until today, I have deliberately steered clear of partisan politics in the same way most of you would try to steer clear of pornography or recreational drugs. Because in my own experience as an unregenerate person, party politics represented that same kind of addiction. In fact, it was the very first worldly fixation I set aside when I became a Christian—because it struck me almost from the outset that an obsession with earthly power and political ideology is basically an addiction to the wisdom of this world, which is foolishness with God.

That’s not to suggest that I’m naturally apathetic about politics. To this day, I know that if I listened to a steady diet of Rush Limbaugh or Ann Coulter, I would begin to feel rising fits of those same old political passions. But political activism was so much of an idol in my old, pre-Christian life that today I think of it in pretty much the same way the apostle Paul said he regarded his former life as a Pharisee: I count it as dung. I’ve relegated those passions to the rubbish heap of things I count as loss, “In order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.”

Some of you are probably already thinking that sounds pretty harsh. If you are inclined to be a political activist yourself, you no doubt think I’m terribly short-sighted, or too much of an isolationist. I hasten to say that I’m not suggesting there’s anything inherently sinful about holding electoral office or doing public service. If it’s your calling to be mayor of your town or a congressman from your district, you’ll get nothing but encouragement from me as long as you seek to fulfill that task to the glory of Christ. But you need to do that not merely by flexing your power, but mainly by being a consistent example of Christlike service and humility. Of course, that’s just what every Christian in the secular workplace should endeavor to do. In the words of 1 Timothy 4:12, “in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.”

I thank God for Christians whose vocation is to serve faithfully in our government—including those elected officials who are devoted Christians. But let’s be clear, here: that’s a different vocation from the calling of a pastor. And I am speaking to you as pastors and church leaders: It’s well-nigh impossible to be a good pastor full time if you also fancy yourself a political lobbyist.

We need to remember that political clout has nothing whatsoever to do with spiritual power. Study the priorities for the church in the New Testament; look at the duties Scripture outlines for shepherds of the flock. You’ll find no mandate to press the government for legislation on moral issues. In fact, what you’ll see is that jockeying for political clout is one of the very strategies Jesus named as worldly methods that are not to characterize leadership in His kingdom. He said His kingdom is permanently set apart from every earthly dominion because Christ’s kingdom is advanced by humble service rather than through the kind of political strategies that depend on the exercise of human authority.

I’ll show you that in a moment, but first I want to stress this: Nothing in the past half century has done more damage to the evangelical cause than the notion that the best way for Christians to influence society is by wielding our collective political clout. If you think the most important answer to the ills of our society is a legislative remedy; if you imagine that political activism is the most effective way for the church to influence culture; or if you suppose the church is going to win the world for Christ by lobbying in the halls of Congress and by rallying Christians to vote for this or that type of legislation—then both your trust and your priorities are misplaced.

Personally, I think the tendency to seek legislative remedies for every social ill is one of the absolute worst tendencies of contemporary secular society, and it disturbs me greatly to see Christians more or less follow that pattern blindly. To borrow a thought from the title of John MacArthur’s least-popular book ever, Government Cannot Save Us. The only power that can truly and permanently rescue human society from its own spiritual ills is the transforming power of gospel of Jesus Christ. And that happens through the regeneration of individual human hearts, right? We need to remind ourselves of that fact often, and put more of our energies into the task of evangelism.

We are pastors and church leaders who formally and confessionally recognize the authority of Scripture. Practically the worst kind of spiritual treason we could ever commit would be to supplant the gospel message with a different message, or to allow an earthly agenda to crowd out our spiritual duties. That is exactly the risk we take when we pour money and resources into political and legislative remedies for our society’s spiritual problems.

At the moment, America is in the throes of one of the most hotly contested presidential elections ever. For the first time in more than two decades, the so-called religious right has no clear-cut favorite candidate in the race. None of the likely nominees from either party has credibly expressed any distinctly evangelical convictions. In fact, I think it would be fair to say that the leading candidates on both sides are essentially secular humanists. The candidate who it now appears will be the Republican nominee is a man who has been wobbly on the issues of abortion and same-sex unions, and he has repeatedly made it clear that he doesn’t share the passions of evangelical voters. He once referred to evangelical Republicans as “agents of intolerance.”

Now, consider the bitter irony of this: For more than two decades the number-one issue on the agenda of the evangelical wing of the religious right has been abortion. The number-one legislative goal of evangelical political activists has been to overturn Roe vs. Wade, the Supreme Court ruling that effectively legalized abortion. Politically-active evangelicals have been instrumental—in fact, they have been the decisive factor—in the election of every Republican president from Ronald Reagan until now. And yet not only have they failed to achieve their single most-coveted political goal, but they are now approaching a presidential election without a single viable candidate who shares their views.

And meanwhile, if anything, America’s moral decline has accelerated dramatically since evangelicals became politically aggressive in the late 1970s. Although by most accounts evangelicals constitute the largest single voting bloc in America, they have been remarkably ineffective when it comes to using politics to reverse America’s moral and spiritual decline. In fact, if you measure their success or failure according to their own stated political ambitions, evangelicals have failed spectacularly in America’s political arena. Over the past quarter-century, they have not accomplished any of their long-term legislative or constitutional goals.

Worst of all, during that same period of time, the evangelical movement has completely lost its spiritual influence, because the evangelical segment of the church has grown increasingly worldly. Evangelicals have become accustomed to compromise. They have abandoned (or else are in the process of abandoning) virtually all the doctrinal distinctives that made them distinct from Roman Catholics and nominal Christians whose faith amounts to a kind of civil religion. Evangelicals have pretty much forfeited whatever real moral and spiritual authority their movement ever had.

Consider the fact that almost no one in the evangelical world had more political savvy than Ted Haggard, the now-discredited president of the National Association of Evangelicals. He actually advised the White House on evangelical issues. Before his fall from grace, The Wall Street Journal called him “one of the nation’s most politically influential” ministers in America, and Harper’s Magazine said this about him: “No pastor in America holds more sway over the political direction of evangelicalism than does Pastor Ted.” But whatever his accomplishments in the political arena, by his own admission Ted Haggard was a liar and a fraud in his private life.

I’m not suggesting that political activism is what made Ted Haggard a hypocrite, nor am I saying that he is typical of everyone in the mainstream of evangelical politics. I certainly hope he was a singular case.

But I am suggesting that any religious organization that’s more concerned with political expediency than with biblical truth is by definition following the error of the Pharisees and will breed the grossest kind of hypocrisy. (I’m also suggesting that if the National Association of Evangelicals had been more concerned about their leaders’ spiritual qualifications and less enamored with worldly skills like personal charisma and political shrewdness, they would never have had Ted Haggard as their president. He had never really distinguished himself in any of the biblical categories the apostle Paul outlined as qualifications for an elder. His one qualification was his mastery of the political process.)

And let’s face it, brethren: Whether we like it or not, in the eyes of an observant world, Ted Haggard seems like a perfect mascot for the evangelical right.

Despite our outspokenness on selected issues in the political realm, American evangelicals have sent a mixed and often flatly contradictory message to anyone who looks at the big picture. Evangelical pulpits are notoriously weak and shallow. Evangelical churches are lukewarm and worldly. Evangelical people as a community tend to be increasingly unholy and are now virtually indistinguishable in lifestyle and behavior from their non-Christian neighbors. Evangelical leaders on the whole seem more concerned with being stylish and admired than with being clear and consistent.

For more than a decade now we have been hearing poll data that suggest people who identify themselves as evangelicals are just as susceptible to divorce and alcohol addiction as their unbelieving neighbors—which can only mean that our church rolls are filled with unconverted people. In fact, just about the only significant difference remaining between evangelicals and unbelievers is how we vote. (And certain forces in the Emerging Church are doing all they can to bring the church in line with the world on that front, too.) No wonder the world hasn’t taken the evangelical wing of the religious right seriously. The evangelical movement hasn’t shown itself serious about what we profess to believe.

How did the evangelical movement get so far off track? I wouldn’t suggest that evangelicalism’s recent obsession with political activism is the only factor, but I do think it’s a major one. If the same energies and resources that were poured into failed political efforts had been channeled into evangelism instead, I’m convinced that would have been instrumental in producing more spiritual good and hindering more of society’s evils than all our lobbying, demonstrating, and voting combined.

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Pack For Success

2008-06-26T14:47:00.003-05:00

Political analysts who discuss John McCain's victory in the Republican primary, often speak of how it was only this time last year that he was seen carrying his own luggage through the airports. I wonder, did journalists take a good look at McCain's luggage? I guarantee that if it had been ratty and in need of replacement, there would have been all sorts of negative press.

Of course presidential candidates are not the only ones scrutinized in such manner. One's image as a businessman or even as a clergyman is often determined by not only their dress but by the quality of their luggage.

Even families where image is not of primary concern still needs to take stock of their luggage needs from time to time. My nine year old son recently returned from church camp. As I helped him get ready and pack for his five day sojourn away from home, we had to transfer all of his belongings into three separate pieces of baggage. At first we tried a large duffel sized bag but then decided we needed more separate pockets for shampoo, suntan lotion, insect spray just in case anything leaked. We went to another large duffel bag that had plenty of outside pockets but it was still too small. Finally I broke out our only 'big' suitcase. It was a good thing my husband didn't have a business trip planned for that week or we would have really been facing a luggage shortage dilemna.

It is funny how the need for new luggage suddenly comes upon you. For me it is the realization that not only my son but my other kids have more and bigger stuff. Clunky tennis shoes take up more space than baby booties. My daughter's large array of 'must takes' for a long weekend at Grandma's will not fit in her little pink Barbie suitcase.

As I am hoping and planning on taking many trips over the next decade I am looking to invest in not just Carry-On Luggage but also Wheeled Luggage. I think the key to finding the best deal is to go online to sites such as hartmann.com where you can really find the quality and style you are looking for. They have an especially impressive line of Leather Luggage

If you don't plan ahead, you might find yourself making a last minute dash to Target or Sears the day before a big trip.

Child Rape - Cruel & Unusual?

2008-06-25T10:23:00.005-05:00

The Supreme Court on Wednesday outlawed executions of people convicted of raping a child.

In a 5-4 vote, the court said the Louisiana law allowing the death penalty to be imposed in such cases violates the Constitution's ban on cruel and unusual punishment.

"The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote in his majority opinion. His four liberal colleagues joined him, while the four more conservative justices dissented.

Pardon me Justice Kennedy but isn't the rape of a child cruel and unusual? Perhaps Justice Kennedy should consult the five year old girl in Caddo Parrish, Louisiana if she felt the REPEATED rapes she suffered from rapist, Richard Davis, was cruel and unusual. Davis was sentenced to death in December and I believe local prosecutor Lea Hall had the correct assessment when she told jurors: "Execute this man. Justice has a sword and this sword needs to swing today."

Likewise, The Louisiana Supreme Court upheld the death sentence of Patrick Kennedy who was convicted of raping his eight year old stepdaughter in her own home. The court noted that "short of first-degree murder, we can think of no other non-homicide crime more deserving" of the death penalty.

Had these horrible and violent rapes been perpetrated upon the children or grandchildren of Justice Kennedy and the four justices who sided with him, I suspect they too would agree that such crimes fall under the cruel and unusual category. For such unspeakable horrors which child rapists tend to repeat over and over, sometimes over the span of decades, I cannot think of a more fitting punishment than the death penalty.

Jesus said...But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:6)

Software Information On The Cheap

2008-06-24T21:28:00.004-05:00

Former U.S. Vice President Thomas R. Marshall is said to have remarked to a U.S. Senate clerk, “What this country needs is a good five-cent cigar.” There is no such thing as a good five-cent cigar. And, there is no such thing as cheap software. Or, is there? Whether you need to purchase Microsoft Office 2007 pro, or hundreds of other products, one of your first steps should be to check out the Software Supply software blog. You don't have to know everything about computing, or software, or the current marketplace if you know the right place to go to get the information you need. Check them out. (But, I don't think they review cigars.)

Congress Plays 'Mighty Mouse' To Strapped Homeowners

2008-06-24T20:07:00.003-05:00

Remember the introduction to the super rodent of yesteryear, Mighty Mouse? Mister Trouble never hangs around when he hears his mighty sound. "Here I come to save the day!" That means that Mighty Mouse is on his way. Yes sir, when there is a wrong to right, Mighty Mouse will join the fight. On the sea or on the land, He gets the situation well in hand.

One of our many Mister Troubles plaguing the country is the large number of families losing their homes to foreclosure. A combination of loose lending, overextension on the part of borrowers, adjustable rate mortgages that have spiked (sometimes causing the monthly payment to increase by $1000 per month) and a general sluggish economy in which many are underemployed and can barely fill their gas tank, have all collided to create a real crisis in the housing market.

After months of discussion, Congress is swooping in to save the day. According to the AP, a massive foreclosure rescue bill cleared a key Senate test Tuesday by an overwhelming margin, with Democrats and Republicans both eager to claim election-year credit for helping hard-pressed homeowners.

The mortgage aid plan would let the Federal Housing Administration back $300 billion in new, cheaper home loans for an estimated 400,000 distressed borrowers who otherwise would be considered too financially risky to qualify for government-insured, fixed-rate loans.

An 83-9 vote put the plan on track for Senate passage as early as Wednesday, but President Bush is threatening a veto, and Democrats are fighting each other over key details. Those challenges will probably delay any final deal until mid-July.

The bill advanced as separate reports underscored rising economic anxiety: Consumer confidence slid to its lowest level in more than 16 years, and closely watched indices showed a continuing decline in home values.

At the Capitol, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd, D-Conn., the Banking Committee chairman, said the lending measure "would allow us to begin to put a tourniquet on the hemorrhaging of foreclosures in this country."

Congress might not be saving the day, but many homeowners might just live to see another one.

Proverbs 31 Woman Goes Shopping

2008-06-24T01:10:00.003-05:00

I am always humbled when I read of the Proverbs 31 woman. So industrious, so hardworking - Her lamp does not go out at night and yet, She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

When does this woman sleep? All this sewing, making linen garments and selling them, buying real estate, working in the vinyard...whew! Doesn't leave much room for kicking back in the recliner and watching an episode of Tyra Banks, does it? That would probably go under the heading of 'eating the bread of idleness'.

This idea of bringing the Proverbs 31 woman into the twenty first century does cause me to wonder about a few things. Would she clip coupons, shop on e-bay? Would she blog? And what about the line where it says, she makes bed coverings? From where would she get the bedroom furniture on which to place her bed coverings? What about living room furniture or the nursery? If her husband is busy sitting among the elders at the city gates (or in modern terms, sitting in front of a laptop in his 20th floor office) then he probably doesn't have time to handcarve a baby crib, rocking chair, or round pedesatal table.

I submit that the wise Proverbs 31 woman of today would go shopping online. With all of her various household and business interests, would it not make sense that she use her time efficiently by utilizing the web to purchase the best quality furniture at the lowest price? Furniture From Home has a great motto - Where Quality Meets Convenience. As a modern day Proverbs 31 woman who is honing the art of multi-tasking, I plan on shopping there myself. Though I hope my husband has full confidence in me, if he questions any purchases I'll just tell him I was trying to be biblical.