Friday, December 30, 2005
Monday, December 19, 2005
Why is GW talking so much lately!!!
This president is desperate to change everyone's attitude, when in the past he could not care less what anyone thought about his actions. If the American people continue to buy into this egomaniac's ramblings, we deserve everything we get!
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Bush says "I am responsible!"
No kidding!!!!
Impeachment proceedings should commence immediately for lying to Congress and the American people! Ignorance is no excuse; ignoring the truth and doing what you had planned to do all along is criminal!
Impeachment proceedings should commence immediately for lying to Congress and the American people! Ignorance is no excuse; ignoring the truth and doing what you had planned to do all along is criminal!
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Europe CIA probe: Prisoners abducted, transferred illegally
CNN.com - Europe CIA probe:�Prisoners�abducted, transferred illegally - Dec 13, 2005
And on it goes - this administration is guilty of behavior never before even considered, let alone allowed, in this country. How long will we use 9-11 as an excuse to be just like the people we claim are the bad guys!
And let us not forget - we have people claiming this is a Christian nation. Someone forgot to tell the Bush administration what that means; actually someone needs to tell the people who make that statement what that means!
And on it goes - this administration is guilty of behavior never before even considered, let alone allowed, in this country. How long will we use 9-11 as an excuse to be just like the people we claim are the bad guys!
And let us not forget - we have people claiming this is a Christian nation. Someone forgot to tell the Bush administration what that means; actually someone needs to tell the people who make that statement what that means!
Monday, December 12, 2005
Bush finally tells the truth!
President Bush today compared the struggle for democracy in Iraq to the troubled birth of the United States, but acknowledged Iraqis have paid a heavy price. "I would say 30,000, more or less, have died as a result of the initial incursion and the ongoing violence against Iraqis," Bush said. While unexpectedly taking questions from the audience, Bush said he would invade Iraq knowing what he knows today. "I'd make the decision again. Removing Saddam Hussein makes this world a better place and America a safer country."
This man is either incredibly ignorant of everything from history to the results of his own decisions; or he is simply delusional enough to believe what he says!
Comparing Iraq to the birth of our nation is an insult to this country's struggle for independence. And whoever told Bush that only around 30,000 Iraqis have died, must be the same ones that told him all the other lies about Saddam Hussein's activities.
But the crowning statement is that Bush finally admits that it made no difference what the facts were, he was going to invade Iraq! This president is a warmonger, along with his neocon advisors, and has no right whatsoever to pretend he understands what it means to be a Christian, a true follower of Jesus Christ!
This man is either incredibly ignorant of everything from history to the results of his own decisions; or he is simply delusional enough to believe what he says!
Comparing Iraq to the birth of our nation is an insult to this country's struggle for independence. And whoever told Bush that only around 30,000 Iraqis have died, must be the same ones that told him all the other lies about Saddam Hussein's activities.
But the crowning statement is that Bush finally admits that it made no difference what the facts were, he was going to invade Iraq! This president is a warmonger, along with his neocon advisors, and has no right whatsoever to pretend he understands what it means to be a Christian, a true follower of Jesus Christ!
Friday, December 09, 2005
Monday, December 05, 2005
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Don Meredith can start singing!!!
Back in the days of Howard Cosell and Don Meredith on Monday Night Football, when it was obvious a team was destined to lose the game, Don would start singing, "Turn out the lights, the party's over!"
It may take another year to recognize it more thoroughly, but for all you right wing and religious fundamentalists in the political realm - it is the beginning of the end of your reign of terror!
It may take another year to recognize it more thoroughly, but for all you right wing and religious fundamentalists in the political realm - it is the beginning of the end of your reign of terror!
Monday, November 07, 2005
Is this man for real!!!
CNN.com - Bush defends detainees policy - Nov 7, 2005:
I really cannot decide if Bush believes what he says, or he just simply does not have a clue (translated: Cheney has not told him everything that is going on - duh!) . If he really believes the garbage he spits out, he needs to send himself to a refresher course on Christianity, since he claims to be one!
I tend to believe that Cheney and religious fundamentalist leaders have taught him well on the "end justifies the means" philosophy they live by.
I really cannot decide if Bush believes what he says, or he just simply does not have a clue (translated: Cheney has not told him everything that is going on - duh!) . If he really believes the garbage he spits out, he needs to send himself to a refresher course on Christianity, since he claims to be one!
I tend to believe that Cheney and religious fundamentalist leaders have taught him well on the "end justifies the means" philosophy they live by.
Sunday, November 06, 2005
The Wisdom of a Google search
1. Go to www.google.com
2. Type in the word failure
3. Press the "I'm feeling lucky" button (instead of the Google search one)
2. Type in the word failure
3. Press the "I'm feeling lucky" button (instead of the Google search one)
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Southern Baptists Deny Water Donated by Beer Company to Hurricane Victims
Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!
Yeah - that's gotta be southern baptists - cursing the darkness rather than turning on a light!
Yeah - that's gotta be southern baptists - cursing the darkness rather than turning on a light!
Monday, October 31, 2005
Bush continues to take this country backwards!
There is so much to say, but it has been said over and over; once again, Bush shows how weak he is by catering to the right wing politicians and religious fundamentalists. I guess he just could not find a woman or a minority that would please fundamentalists - we are surely not surprised by that, since they do not like either one in positions of power and control.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
A New Position for Bush?
With the investigation of Vice-President Cheney's staff, there is a rumor going around Washington that Cheney may resign. Constitutional scholars are suggesting that if that happens, George Bush will probably be promoted to the job!
Friday, October 21, 2005
We can make a difference!
Two days ago, the House of Representatives was poised to dramatically increase proposed cuts to crucial health care, nutritional and educational services. But individuals in this country fought back with over 30,000 phone calls and 130,000 personal letters to Congress as part of a "virtual march" on Washington. Hours before the vote was scheduled to occur, top Republicans were forced to call it off—citing a sudden drop in support even among their own party.
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Vote tomorrow on massive budget cuts!
As soon as tomorrow morning, the House of Representatives will consider a Republican amendment to permanently slash funding for basic health care, nutrition and education services for the poor. The budget proposal already calls for $35 billion in cuts, but top Republicans want to push it up to $50 billion. Meanwhile, the same budget proposal calls for $70 billion in new tax breaks, largely for the wealthy.
The hypocrisy of the Republican plan to slash programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans while offering new budget-busting tax breaks to the wealthy is being recognized across the country. And yet evangelical Christian leaders continue to support this inept behavior!
The hypocrisy of the Republican plan to slash programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and student loans while offering new budget-busting tax breaks to the wealthy is being recognized across the country. And yet evangelical Christian leaders continue to support this inept behavior!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Bush's job rating continues to drop
CNN.com - Bush's job rating continues to drop - Oct 17, 2005
I hope you right wingers and religious fundamentalists out there are taking note; you do not represent America - you are just louder than everyone else!
After the embarrassing "soldiers interview" last week, I am shocked that his approval rating is not a minus number. This president and his administration are an insult to the intelligence of all thinking people of the world! It is curious to me that none of you right wingers have said anything about the interview farce; silence means consent. The blind see only what the blind want to see!
I hope you right wingers and religious fundamentalists out there are taking note; you do not represent America - you are just louder than everyone else!
After the embarrassing "soldiers interview" last week, I am shocked that his approval rating is not a minus number. This president and his administration are an insult to the intelligence of all thinking people of the world! It is curious to me that none of you right wingers have said anything about the interview farce; silence means consent. The blind see only what the blind want to see!
Friday, October 14, 2005
How to win friends and influence people!
US Ambassador to the United Nations, John Bolton , in his first speech in Europe since taking his post in August:
... Bolton reiterated that Washington is prepared to work outside the United Nations if the world body's flaws cannot be repaired. 'We look at it in a kind of cost-benefit way,' he said. 'If it's not solving problems, what do we do to fix it? And if we can't fix it, where else can we look to have those problems solved?'
Bolton's temper flared briefly when some in the audience laughed at his assertion that America's contribution to maintaining world security is a form of overseas aid.
'If you would prefer us to withdraw to Fortress America, get up and say so,' he snapped. 'Yes,' replied one man in the audience, but Bolton later said the United States would not retreat into isolationism.
... Bolton reiterated that Washington is prepared to work outside the United Nations if the world body's flaws cannot be repaired. 'We look at it in a kind of cost-benefit way,' he said. 'If it's not solving problems, what do we do to fix it? And if we can't fix it, where else can we look to have those problems solved?'
Bolton's temper flared briefly when some in the audience laughed at his assertion that America's contribution to maintaining world security is a form of overseas aid.
'If you would prefer us to withdraw to Fortress America, get up and say so,' he snapped. 'Yes,' replied one man in the audience, but Bolton later said the United States would not retreat into isolationism.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
CNN.com - New York subway system on alert
Over the last few years, every time someone, especially Bush, Cheney or Rumsfeld, start talking about the "war on terrorism" and how important the Iraq war is to that "war on terrorism", we see a headline like the one above. Check the record; challenge me if I am wrong!
I am sure it is just a coincidence; lets see what develops. Maybe this time there is really something to be concerned about; if so it will be the first time since the Bush bullshit started!
I am sure it is just a coincidence; lets see what develops. Maybe this time there is really something to be concerned about; if so it will be the first time since the Bush bullshit started!
Bush and his lies!
It is reported that tonight Bush will state the following in his speech on the war and terrorism: "Osama bin Laden and his terrorist organization regard Iraq as their "central front" in the war on humanity -- and that the U.S. must recognize the country's central role in the war on terror. The president said worldwide terrorism thrives "like a parasite."
You know, this may be true, ... NOW! But it was not true before Bush and his cronies lied their way into a war!
The worst part of this is he expects us to believe him! No, what is worse than that is many people do!!!
You know, this may be true, ... NOW! But it was not true before Bush and his cronies lied their way into a war!
The worst part of this is he expects us to believe him! No, what is worse than that is many people do!!!
Monday, October 03, 2005
Saturday, September 10, 2005
Firms with White House ties get Katrina contracts
CNN.com - Firms with White House ties get Katrina contracts - Sep 10, 2005
Well, now I know where Cheney was for so long; you can bet he will never miss an opportunity to make money on a diaster for himself and his buddies (or a disaster he helps create)!
Well, now I know where Cheney was for so long; you can bet he will never miss an opportunity to make money on a diaster for himself and his buddies (or a disaster he helps create)!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Poverty is a national crisis
As Hurricane Katrina has dramatically exposed the urban poverty in southern cities, it is important to remember that poverty is a national problem, and a growing one.
37 million - total number of people living in poverty in the U.S.
13 million - number of children living in poverty
1.1 million - number of people who fell below the poverty threshold between 2003 and 2004
4 - number of consecutive years in which the poverty rate has risen in America
Source: The U.S. Census Bureau
37 million - total number of people living in poverty in the U.S.
13 million - number of children living in poverty
1.1 million - number of people who fell below the poverty threshold between 2003 and 2004
4 - number of consecutive years in which the poverty rate has risen in America
Source: The U.S. Census Bureau
Acts of God or sins of humanity?
by Wes Granberg-Michaelson
From a vacation cottage Karin and I watched on TV as the desolation unfolded in New Orleans and the Gulf coast. Through that agonizing week we sat helpless with millions, while the world's most technologically powerful nation could not provide food, water, and rescue to fellow citizens whose desperate faces filled our screen and haunted our consciences.
Commentators described Hurricane Katrina as a "natural disaster," or at times as an "act of God," like language used in some insurance policies describing events beyond human control. It means no one is liable. Except, of course, God. And that's what troubles me. How can a God of love, Creator of all that is, be responsible for such terrible, destructive disasters?
But as I listened, reflected, and prayed during that week, another question emerged. Just how "natural" was this disaster? Consider this, for instance. When Katrina left the Florida coast, it was classified as a "tropical storm" - not even a hurricane. It picked up tremendous power as it passed through the Gulf of Mexico, in part, experts think, because the waters of the Gulf were two degrees warmer than normal. So by the time it reached New Orleans, it was a category four hurricane.
Years before becoming general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, I led a group studying global warming and the responsibility of the churches for preserving the environment when I served as director of Church and Society for the World Council of Churches. Even then (1990), a clear global scientific consensus warned that global warming due to human causes - especially the accelerated use of fossil fuels - was causing disruptive climate changes. And I clearly remember listening to scientists say that one effect could be that storms such as hurricanes would increase in their intensity and destructive effects because of warmer waters and changing sea levels. So a part of Katrina's fury was not completely "natural."
And there's more. New Orleans was built between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, with much of the city below sea level. Its vulnerability to flooding from hurricanes was partly protected by the wetlands between the city and the Gulf. These act like a "speed bump," absorbing and lowering some of a hurricane's force. But they've been disappearing, making way for shopping malls, condos, and roads, so 25 square miles are lost each year - an area the size of Manhattan. And the city has kept moving closer to the Gulf. Moreover, the levees and dams constructed to protect the city and "control" the Mississippi deprive the wetlands from the sediments and nutrients that naturally would replenish its life. There's a lot "unnatural" about this "act of God."
And then, consider the victims. Those who have suffered the most are the poorest, and most of them are black. Twenty-seven percent of New Orleans residents lived below the poverty line, and many of those simply had no cars, or no money, and no way to leave. That also isn't "natural." The poverty rate, and the gap between rich and poor, continues to increase in this nation, and that is a national disgrace. More to our point, that's a sin, condemned by literally hundreds of verses of scripture. Those most vulnerable to Katrina have been kept on society's margins by persistent economic injustice and racism.
I celebrate the tides of compassion flowing in the wake of Katrina. Organizations such as Church World Service and the Salvation Army bear the compassion of Christ to the desolate, homeless, and hopeless. And I still don't fully understand why, in the providence of a loving and all-powerful God of creation, things like hurricanes and earthquakes happen.
But I do know this. When I see the devastating effects of Katrina, I don't simply regard these as an inexplicable "act of God." I also focus on the sins of humanity. We've disobeyed God's clear biblical instructions to preserve the integrity of God's good creation, and to overcome the scourge of poverty. In the aftermath of Katrina, we desperately need not only compassion, but also repentance.
Wes Granberg-Michaelson is general secretary of the Reformed Church in America.
From a vacation cottage Karin and I watched on TV as the desolation unfolded in New Orleans and the Gulf coast. Through that agonizing week we sat helpless with millions, while the world's most technologically powerful nation could not provide food, water, and rescue to fellow citizens whose desperate faces filled our screen and haunted our consciences.
Commentators described Hurricane Katrina as a "natural disaster," or at times as an "act of God," like language used in some insurance policies describing events beyond human control. It means no one is liable. Except, of course, God. And that's what troubles me. How can a God of love, Creator of all that is, be responsible for such terrible, destructive disasters?
But as I listened, reflected, and prayed during that week, another question emerged. Just how "natural" was this disaster? Consider this, for instance. When Katrina left the Florida coast, it was classified as a "tropical storm" - not even a hurricane. It picked up tremendous power as it passed through the Gulf of Mexico, in part, experts think, because the waters of the Gulf were two degrees warmer than normal. So by the time it reached New Orleans, it was a category four hurricane.
Years before becoming general secretary of the Reformed Church in America, I led a group studying global warming and the responsibility of the churches for preserving the environment when I served as director of Church and Society for the World Council of Churches. Even then (1990), a clear global scientific consensus warned that global warming due to human causes - especially the accelerated use of fossil fuels - was causing disruptive climate changes. And I clearly remember listening to scientists say that one effect could be that storms such as hurricanes would increase in their intensity and destructive effects because of warmer waters and changing sea levels. So a part of Katrina's fury was not completely "natural."
And there's more. New Orleans was built between the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico, with much of the city below sea level. Its vulnerability to flooding from hurricanes was partly protected by the wetlands between the city and the Gulf. These act like a "speed bump," absorbing and lowering some of a hurricane's force. But they've been disappearing, making way for shopping malls, condos, and roads, so 25 square miles are lost each year - an area the size of Manhattan. And the city has kept moving closer to the Gulf. Moreover, the levees and dams constructed to protect the city and "control" the Mississippi deprive the wetlands from the sediments and nutrients that naturally would replenish its life. There's a lot "unnatural" about this "act of God."
And then, consider the victims. Those who have suffered the most are the poorest, and most of them are black. Twenty-seven percent of New Orleans residents lived below the poverty line, and many of those simply had no cars, or no money, and no way to leave. That also isn't "natural." The poverty rate, and the gap between rich and poor, continues to increase in this nation, and that is a national disgrace. More to our point, that's a sin, condemned by literally hundreds of verses of scripture. Those most vulnerable to Katrina have been kept on society's margins by persistent economic injustice and racism.
I celebrate the tides of compassion flowing in the wake of Katrina. Organizations such as Church World Service and the Salvation Army bear the compassion of Christ to the desolate, homeless, and hopeless. And I still don't fully understand why, in the providence of a loving and all-powerful God of creation, things like hurricanes and earthquakes happen.
But I do know this. When I see the devastating effects of Katrina, I don't simply regard these as an inexplicable "act of God." I also focus on the sins of humanity. We've disobeyed God's clear biblical instructions to preserve the integrity of God's good creation, and to overcome the scourge of poverty. In the aftermath of Katrina, we desperately need not only compassion, but also repentance.
Wes Granberg-Michaelson is general secretary of the Reformed Church in America.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Monday, September 05, 2005
Right Wingers can move quickly when it benefits their fundamentalist ideology!
Bush moved within 33 hours to announce his replacement for Chief Justice Rehnquist (and 24 of those were on a Sunday - you know, church and all that stuff); it is pretty amazing how everything was in place to move quickly. It reminds me of how quickly he moved this country into an illegal and unnecessary war with no idea or concern about what would happen in the long run.
But Bush waited until two days after Katrina hit -- and a day after levee breaks in New Orleans, to get off his ass in Crawford and return to Washington to oversee the government's response. I guess Cheney called and said he was just to busy with everything else and needed some help! Or is it true, that he figured those poor black people were warned to get out - they should have taken care of themselves! Nevermind that they could not take care of themselves, largely because of Republican policies! Maybe he and all you other right wing fundamentalists need to be reminded that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not biblical!
And right wingers are saying, "...we can't be blaming people, we just need to get in there and get the job done..." That also reminds me of Iraq - oh, we can't be talking about how we lied to everyone to go to war; we just need to be taking care of what needs to be done!
One more thing: the flags were ordered to half mast yesterday - for Judge Rehnquist! Once again, nevermind those thousands dead and dying in New Orleans - they are just not important enough!
It will take generations for this country to recover from the damage done by this administration; and its religious fundamentalist friends!
But Bush waited until two days after Katrina hit -- and a day after levee breaks in New Orleans, to get off his ass in Crawford and return to Washington to oversee the government's response. I guess Cheney called and said he was just to busy with everything else and needed some help! Or is it true, that he figured those poor black people were warned to get out - they should have taken care of themselves! Nevermind that they could not take care of themselves, largely because of Republican policies! Maybe he and all you other right wing fundamentalists need to be reminded that the phrase "God helps those who help themselves" is not biblical!
And right wingers are saying, "...we can't be blaming people, we just need to get in there and get the job done..." That also reminds me of Iraq - oh, we can't be talking about how we lied to everyone to go to war; we just need to be taking care of what needs to be done!
One more thing: the flags were ordered to half mast yesterday - for Judge Rehnquist! Once again, nevermind those thousands dead and dying in New Orleans - they are just not important enough!
It will take generations for this country to recover from the damage done by this administration; and its religious fundamentalist friends!
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Protect Kids from the Pentagon
Did you know that buried deep within the No Child Left Behind Act is a provision that requires public high schools to hand over students' private contact information to military recruiters. If a school does not comply, it risks losing vital federal education funds. As if that weren't bad enough, the Pentagon has now built an illegal database of 30 million 16 to 25-year-olds as another recruitment tool.
You can join The Leave My Child Alone Coalition to protect children from unwanted military recruiting by getting their names off both Pentagon and high school recruiting lists.
Visit LeaveMyChildAlone.org for more information and all the forms needed to opt out.
You can join The Leave My Child Alone Coalition to protect children from unwanted military recruiting by getting their names off both Pentagon and high school recruiting lists.
Visit LeaveMyChildAlone.org for more information and all the forms needed to opt out.
Friday, August 26, 2005
Christian Editor Says Bible Supports Assassination in Times of War
Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!
I refer you to my August 23 entry - what guys like this believe has no resemblance to Christianity!!!
I refer you to my August 23 entry - what guys like this believe has no resemblance to Christianity!!!
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Pat Robertson: An embarrassment to the church by Jim Wallis
Pat Robertson is an embarrassment to the church and a danger to American politics.
Robertson is known for his completely irresponsible statements - that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were due to American feminists and liberals, that true Christians could vote only for George W. Bush, that the federal judiciary is a greater threat to America than those who flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, and the list goes on. Robertson even took credit once for diverting a hurricane. But his latest outburst may take the cake.
On Monday, Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Robertson is worried about Chavez's critiques of American power and behavior in the world, especially because Venezuela is sitting on all that oil. We simply can't have an anti-American political leader who could raise the price of gas. So let's just kill him, the famous television preacher seriously suggested. After all, having some of our "covert operatives" take out the troublesome Venezuelan leader would be cheaper than another $200 billion war, he said.
It's clear Robertson must not have first asked himself "What would Jesus do?" But the teachings of Jesus have never been very popular with Robertson. He gets his religion elsewhere, from the twisted ideologies of an American brand of right-wing fundamentalism that has always been more nationalist than Christian. Apparently, Robertson didn't even remember what the Ten Commandments say, though he has championed their display on the walls of every American courthouse. That irritating one about "Thou shalt not kill" seems to rule out the killing of foreign leaders. But this week, simply putting biblical ethics aside, Robertson virtually issued an American religious fatwah for the murder of a foreign leader - on national television no less. That may be a first.
Yesterday Robertson "apologized." First he denied saying what he had said, but it was on the videotape (it's tough when they record you breaking the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus). Then he said that "taking out" Chavez might not require killing him, and perhaps kidnapping a duly elected leader would do. But Robertson does now say that using the word "assassination" was wrong and that he had been frustrated by Chavez - the old "my frustration made me say that somebody should be killed" argument. But the worst thing about Robertson's apology was that he compared himself to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German church leader and martyr who ultimately joined in a plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler.
Robertson's political and theological reasoning is simply unbelievable. Chavez, a democratically elected leader in no less than three internationally certified votes, has been an irritant to the Bush administration, but has yet to commit any holocausts. Nor does his human rights record even approach that of the Latin American dictators who have been responsible for massive violations of human rights and the deaths of tens of thousands of people (think of the military regimes of Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala). Robertson never criticized them, perhaps because many of them were supported by U.S. military aid and training.
This incident reveals that Robertson does not believe in democracy; he believes in theocracy. And he would like governments, including our own, to implement his theological agenda, perhaps legislate Leviticus, and "take out" those who disagree.
Robertson's American fundamentalist ideology gives a lot of good people a bad name. World evangelical leaders have already responded with alarm and disbelief. Robertson's words will taint and smear other evangelical Christians and put some in actual jeopardy, such as Venezuelan evangelicals. Most conservative evangelical Christians are appalled by Robertson's hateful and literally murderous words, and it's time for them to say so. To their credit, the World Evangelical Alliance and the National Association of Evangelicals have already denounced Robertson's words. When will we hear from some of the groups from the "Religious Right," such as the Family Research Council, Southern Baptists, and other leaders like James Dobson, Tony Perkins, and Chuck Colson?
Robertson's words fuel both anti-Christian and anti-American sentiments around the world. It's difficult for an American government that has historically plotted against leaders in Cuba, Chile, the Congo, South Vietnam, and elsewhere to be easily believed when it disavows Robertson's call to assassinate Chavez. But George Bush must do so anyway, in the strongest terms possible.
It's time to name Robertson for what he is: an American fundamentalist whose theocratic views are not much different from the "Muslim extremists" he continually assails. It's time for conservative evangelical Christians in America, who are not like Islamic fundamentalists or Robertson, to distance themselves from his embarrassing and dangerous religion.
And it's time for Christian leaders of all stripes to call on Robertson not just to apologize, but to retire.
Robertson is known for his completely irresponsible statements - that the 9/11 terrorist attacks were due to American feminists and liberals, that true Christians could vote only for George W. Bush, that the federal judiciary is a greater threat to America than those who flew the planes into the World Trade Center Towers, and the list goes on. Robertson even took credit once for diverting a hurricane. But his latest outburst may take the cake.
On Monday, Robertson called for the assassination of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Robertson is worried about Chavez's critiques of American power and behavior in the world, especially because Venezuela is sitting on all that oil. We simply can't have an anti-American political leader who could raise the price of gas. So let's just kill him, the famous television preacher seriously suggested. After all, having some of our "covert operatives" take out the troublesome Venezuelan leader would be cheaper than another $200 billion war, he said.
It's clear Robertson must not have first asked himself "What would Jesus do?" But the teachings of Jesus have never been very popular with Robertson. He gets his religion elsewhere, from the twisted ideologies of an American brand of right-wing fundamentalism that has always been more nationalist than Christian. Apparently, Robertson didn't even remember what the Ten Commandments say, though he has championed their display on the walls of every American courthouse. That irritating one about "Thou shalt not kill" seems to rule out the killing of foreign leaders. But this week, simply putting biblical ethics aside, Robertson virtually issued an American religious fatwah for the murder of a foreign leader - on national television no less. That may be a first.
Yesterday Robertson "apologized." First he denied saying what he had said, but it was on the videotape (it's tough when they record you breaking the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus). Then he said that "taking out" Chavez might not require killing him, and perhaps kidnapping a duly elected leader would do. But Robertson does now say that using the word "assassination" was wrong and that he had been frustrated by Chavez - the old "my frustration made me say that somebody should be killed" argument. But the worst thing about Robertson's apology was that he compared himself to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German church leader and martyr who ultimately joined in a plot to assassinate Adolph Hitler.
Robertson's political and theological reasoning is simply unbelievable. Chavez, a democratically elected leader in no less than three internationally certified votes, has been an irritant to the Bush administration, but has yet to commit any holocausts. Nor does his human rights record even approach that of the Latin American dictators who have been responsible for massive violations of human rights and the deaths of tens of thousands of people (think of the military regimes of Chile, Argentina, El Salvador, and Guatemala). Robertson never criticized them, perhaps because many of them were supported by U.S. military aid and training.
This incident reveals that Robertson does not believe in democracy; he believes in theocracy. And he would like governments, including our own, to implement his theological agenda, perhaps legislate Leviticus, and "take out" those who disagree.
Robertson's American fundamentalist ideology gives a lot of good people a bad name. World evangelical leaders have already responded with alarm and disbelief. Robertson's words will taint and smear other evangelical Christians and put some in actual jeopardy, such as Venezuelan evangelicals. Most conservative evangelical Christians are appalled by Robertson's hateful and literally murderous words, and it's time for them to say so. To their credit, the World Evangelical Alliance and the National Association of Evangelicals have already denounced Robertson's words. When will we hear from some of the groups from the "Religious Right," such as the Family Research Council, Southern Baptists, and other leaders like James Dobson, Tony Perkins, and Chuck Colson?
Robertson's words fuel both anti-Christian and anti-American sentiments around the world. It's difficult for an American government that has historically plotted against leaders in Cuba, Chile, the Congo, South Vietnam, and elsewhere to be easily believed when it disavows Robertson's call to assassinate Chavez. But George Bush must do so anyway, in the strongest terms possible.
It's time to name Robertson for what he is: an American fundamentalist whose theocratic views are not much different from the "Muslim extremists" he continually assails. It's time for conservative evangelical Christians in America, who are not like Islamic fundamentalists or Robertson, to distance themselves from his embarrassing and dangerous religion.
And it's time for Christian leaders of all stripes to call on Robertson not just to apologize, but to retire.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
This is what popular American Christianity looks like now!
CNN.com - Robertson: U.S. should 'take out' Venezuela's Chavez - Aug 23, 2005
Give me the names of egomaniac fundamentalist Baptist preachers and I will show you a real "axis of evil."
Update (6:00 PM): CNN has a daily informal and unscientific poll on their internet home page. Today's question was "Do you think Pat Robertson's comment about Venezuela's Hugo Chavez was out of line? " At this post time, 30,668 people said "No". If any of those people claim to be Christian, than there is definitely a perversion of scripture being promulgated by fundamentalist pastors in every community of this country. These people are far from being followers of Jesus Christ!
Give me the names of egomaniac fundamentalist Baptist preachers and I will show you a real "axis of evil."
Update (6:00 PM): CNN has a daily informal and unscientific poll on their internet home page. Today's question was "Do you think Pat Robertson's comment about Venezuela's Hugo Chavez was out of line? " At this post time, 30,668 people said "No". If any of those people claim to be Christian, than there is definitely a perversion of scripture being promulgated by fundamentalist pastors in every community of this country. These people are far from being followers of Jesus Christ!
Pentagon can't verify Able Danger claim
CNN.com - Pentagon can't verify Able Danger claim - Aug 22, 2005
Nor is anyone disputing it! I believe it is safe to say there is still much more to find out about this administration's coverup (August 17 and 19 entries)!
Nor is anyone disputing it! I believe it is safe to say there is still much more to find out about this administration's coverup (August 17 and 19 entries)!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Friday, August 19, 2005
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Demolition double-standard in Gaza
The following is from Sojourners' weekly email newsletter:
AMY GOODMAN: On the issue of demolishing homes, I have noted over the last few days with the mainstream press in the United States, there's been a great effort to get the voices of Jewish settlers out, and you can hear the pain in their voices as they talk about their homes for many years, being forced out of them.... [W]e rarely hear that kind of extended interview with a Palestinian whose home has just been destroyed.
AMIRA HASS: Well, that's, of course, the fault of, as you say, the mainstream media, and which pains much more the loss of a huge house built at the expense of the Palestinians than the loss of thousands of Palestinian houses...which were very often demolished in order to safeguard the security of those very settlements.
From the transcript of an August 15 interview between Amy Goodman of Pacifica Radio's Democracy Now! and Amira Hass, an Israeli Jewish journalist for Haaretz newspaper who has lived and worked in Gaza and the West Bank for many years.
Contrary to widely held assumptions, only 5-15% of Palestinian homes that are destroyed are those of suspected terrorists. That policy was so counterproductive that the Israeli army abandoned the practice earlier this year. The majority are destroyed in "military operations" or because the homes were built without permits from the Israeli government which are nearly impossible to obtain.
AMY GOODMAN: On the issue of demolishing homes, I have noted over the last few days with the mainstream press in the United States, there's been a great effort to get the voices of Jewish settlers out, and you can hear the pain in their voices as they talk about their homes for many years, being forced out of them.... [W]e rarely hear that kind of extended interview with a Palestinian whose home has just been destroyed.
AMIRA HASS: Well, that's, of course, the fault of, as you say, the mainstream media, and which pains much more the loss of a huge house built at the expense of the Palestinians than the loss of thousands of Palestinian houses...which were very often demolished in order to safeguard the security of those very settlements.
From the transcript of an August 15 interview between Amy Goodman of Pacifica Radio's Democracy Now! and Amira Hass, an Israeli Jewish journalist for Haaretz newspaper who has lived and worked in Gaza and the West Bank for many years.
Contrary to widely held assumptions, only 5-15% of Palestinian homes that are destroyed are those of suspected terrorists. That policy was so counterproductive that the Israeli army abandoned the practice earlier this year. The majority are destroyed in "military operations" or because the homes were built without permits from the Israeli government which are nearly impossible to obtain.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
More reason to be suspicious of this administration!
Officer Says Pentagon Barred Sharing Pre-9/11 Qaeda Data With F.B.I. - New York Times
I still am puzzled about why we keep getting reports that imply this administration ignored all kinds of warnings before 9/11. Was this just arrogant negligence by this administration - we know they are very capable of that! Or was it much deeper and more sinister than that - did this administration want a 9/11 type event to give the neo-cons in control a reason to go to war!!!
I still am puzzled about why we keep getting reports that imply this administration ignored all kinds of warnings before 9/11. Was this just arrogant negligence by this administration - we know they are very capable of that! Or was it much deeper and more sinister than that - did this administration want a 9/11 type event to give the neo-cons in control a reason to go to war!!!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Quote of the Week
"Three quarters of Americans believe the Bible teaches that 'God helps those who help themselves.' That is, three out of four Americans believe that this uber-American idea, a notion at the core of our current individualist politics and culture, which was in fact uttered by Ben Franklin, actually appears in Holy Scripture. The thing is, not only is Franklin's wisdom not biblical; it's counter-biblical. Few ideas could be further from the gospel message, with its radical summons to love of neighbor."
- Author Bill McKibben, in his Harper's magazine essay, 'The Christian Paradox'
- Author Bill McKibben, in his Harper's magazine essay, 'The Christian Paradox'
Friday, August 12, 2005
Monday, August 08, 2005
Finding Our Way in Iraq
Following is a portion of an EthicsDaily.com editorial written by Robert Parham, executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics:
... A better approach would be a new policy, one that begins with straight talk about the mistaken reasons for the war and develops a new strategy.
A new policy would necessitate a new leadership team, one in which hubris would be seen as a vice and humility would be accepted as a virtue. Bush’s current team has failed the nation. They no longer deserve the public’s trust.
A new policy would necessitate that the president discharges the religious right from his war council. After all, the religious right blessed the war, often supporting it as a holy crusade. Their moral arguments were badly flawed. The president listened to their affirmation, and the country has suffered dreadful results.
Most of the leadership of the faith community said the war did not pass the time-honored just war theory and cautioned against a rush to war. Had Bush listened to these leaders, he might well have avoided this disaster.
A new policy is unlikely unless Washington politicians hear clearly and repeatedly that local leaders expect real changes in the administration and a new policy in Iraq.
Christians of all stripes need to speak quickly and insistently from a moral vantage point to congressmen and senators about the need for change.
Clergy, in particular, need to offer moral direction to our elected officials. Like the prophet Amos, clergy need to call for a mighty river of change and let politicians work out the irrigation system.
A good time for these conversations is in August, while our elected leaders are on recess.
The old way is paved with destruction; the new way might provide a path to peace.
... A better approach would be a new policy, one that begins with straight talk about the mistaken reasons for the war and develops a new strategy.
A new policy would necessitate a new leadership team, one in which hubris would be seen as a vice and humility would be accepted as a virtue. Bush’s current team has failed the nation. They no longer deserve the public’s trust.
A new policy would necessitate that the president discharges the religious right from his war council. After all, the religious right blessed the war, often supporting it as a holy crusade. Their moral arguments were badly flawed. The president listened to their affirmation, and the country has suffered dreadful results.
Most of the leadership of the faith community said the war did not pass the time-honored just war theory and cautioned against a rush to war. Had Bush listened to these leaders, he might well have avoided this disaster.
A new policy is unlikely unless Washington politicians hear clearly and repeatedly that local leaders expect real changes in the administration and a new policy in Iraq.
Christians of all stripes need to speak quickly and insistently from a moral vantage point to congressmen and senators about the need for change.
Clergy, in particular, need to offer moral direction to our elected officials. Like the prophet Amos, clergy need to call for a mighty river of change and let politicians work out the irrigation system.
A good time for these conversations is in August, while our elected leaders are on recess.
The old way is paved with destruction; the new way might provide a path to peace.
GuideStone (former SBC Annuity Board) Invested $60 Million in Companies with Sudan Connections
Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!
One of my issues with Southern Baptist leadership is that they simply do not practice what they preach; this article may be the best example yet!
One of my issues with Southern Baptist leadership is that they simply do not practice what they preach; this article may be the best example yet!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
WHO'S TAKING BLAME FOR CHRISTIAN VIOLENCE?
Published on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 by the Toronto Star
By Calvin White:
Now that imams in Britain and Canada are standing up and publicly condemning terrorist acts as anti-Muslim and against the teachings in the Qur'an, I wonder if pressure might be put on Christian leaders to take a similar stand. Contrary to what some might like to insist, Christianity is not the religion of "an eye for an eye" but it is the religion of Jesus, who refined those earlier directions and distilled the ten commandments into two. One as to "love thy neighbor as thyself." Pretty definitive isn't it? As is the edict of turning the other cheek.
Jesus expected to be betrayed. He expected to be arrested by the authorities. There was no exhortations to prepare for battle. There was no bloody attempt to stop the proceedings. Even as Jesus was brutalized while carrying his own crucifixion cross and being nailed into the timbers, there was no violent counterforce from his disciples. Not even an outcry. No matter where one reads in the accounts of Jesus, the only conclusion one can come to is that Jesus was about love.
So where are the Christian leaders when it comes to violent actions by our Western leaders? Where are the televangelists, who every Sunday take over the airwaves to trumpet the message of Jesus, when it comes to taking on bunker busting bombs and mass carnage? Where are they when it comes to the death penalty prevalent in the majority of American states?
When President George Bush insists that billions of dollars need to continue flowing to the war effort in Iraq which leads to more American body bags and Iraqi graves, why is there no outcry? Why don't the Christian leaders stand up and challenge those decisions, and passionately assert that Jesus would have sought another way of solving the problems? In this time when Christianity is on the rise all over America, when there is a growing surge in extolling Christian values, why is it that when the born-again Bush says its better to fight "them" over there than on American soil, no concerted group of leaders stands up and yells that he's got it wrong?
Like Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is also born again. Yet, their combined leadership has been responsible for excruciating death and injury to innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. They both claim a righteousness in their policies of destruction. They were even counseled by their secular allies not to resort to the carnage. Where was the equal pressure from the Christian leadership?
Interesting isn't it, that Muslim fanatics use the idea of holy jihad and rewards in paradise to recruit their dupes into terrible acts of destruction, and in Christian circles there is the solemn assembling for prayer and seeking of blessings for the troops and leaders in their mission of war. Interesting, isn't it, that polling clearly indicates the Christian right in America is emphatically against bad language on TV and in the movies, horrified by Janet Jackson's bare nipple - but drawn with considerable relish to violence in the same media.
The additional galling irony of Jesus being emblazoned on the foreheads of those in command of the sharpest swords is that Jesus was also all about intelligence. He was all about deeper understanding, about using insight and keenness of mind to solve problems. Think of how the Pharisees tried to trick him by holding up different sections of the law to trip him up. His disciples picking corn, for instance, and thus working, on the Sabbath. Jesus answered that the Sabbath was for man and not the other way around. There was the adulteress brought before him to be stoned; he responded that any without sin might cast the first stone.
What kind of insight have Bush and Blair employed? What intelligence, what deeper understanding is demonstrated by the tactic of blast and shoot with as much technologically advanced weaponry as is available? What compassion, what recognition of common humanity is shown when the biggest concern is how to pad the soldiers with as much body Kevlar and the humvees with as much armor as possible so they can kill all the easier without casualties - and thus retain the support of the home front.
How do our current religious leaders think Jesus would react to the concept of collateral damage?
By Calvin White:
Now that imams in Britain and Canada are standing up and publicly condemning terrorist acts as anti-Muslim and against the teachings in the Qur'an, I wonder if pressure might be put on Christian leaders to take a similar stand. Contrary to what some might like to insist, Christianity is not the religion of "an eye for an eye" but it is the religion of Jesus, who refined those earlier directions and distilled the ten commandments into two. One as to "love thy neighbor as thyself." Pretty definitive isn't it? As is the edict of turning the other cheek.
Jesus expected to be betrayed. He expected to be arrested by the authorities. There was no exhortations to prepare for battle. There was no bloody attempt to stop the proceedings. Even as Jesus was brutalized while carrying his own crucifixion cross and being nailed into the timbers, there was no violent counterforce from his disciples. Not even an outcry. No matter where one reads in the accounts of Jesus, the only conclusion one can come to is that Jesus was about love.
So where are the Christian leaders when it comes to violent actions by our Western leaders? Where are the televangelists, who every Sunday take over the airwaves to trumpet the message of Jesus, when it comes to taking on bunker busting bombs and mass carnage? Where are they when it comes to the death penalty prevalent in the majority of American states?
When President George Bush insists that billions of dollars need to continue flowing to the war effort in Iraq which leads to more American body bags and Iraqi graves, why is there no outcry? Why don't the Christian leaders stand up and challenge those decisions, and passionately assert that Jesus would have sought another way of solving the problems? In this time when Christianity is on the rise all over America, when there is a growing surge in extolling Christian values, why is it that when the born-again Bush says its better to fight "them" over there than on American soil, no concerted group of leaders stands up and yells that he's got it wrong?
Like Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair is also born again. Yet, their combined leadership has been responsible for excruciating death and injury to innocent civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq. They both claim a righteousness in their policies of destruction. They were even counseled by their secular allies not to resort to the carnage. Where was the equal pressure from the Christian leadership?
Interesting isn't it, that Muslim fanatics use the idea of holy jihad and rewards in paradise to recruit their dupes into terrible acts of destruction, and in Christian circles there is the solemn assembling for prayer and seeking of blessings for the troops and leaders in their mission of war. Interesting, isn't it, that polling clearly indicates the Christian right in America is emphatically against bad language on TV and in the movies, horrified by Janet Jackson's bare nipple - but drawn with considerable relish to violence in the same media.
The additional galling irony of Jesus being emblazoned on the foreheads of those in command of the sharpest swords is that Jesus was also all about intelligence. He was all about deeper understanding, about using insight and keenness of mind to solve problems. Think of how the Pharisees tried to trick him by holding up different sections of the law to trip him up. His disciples picking corn, for instance, and thus working, on the Sabbath. Jesus answered that the Sabbath was for man and not the other way around. There was the adulteress brought before him to be stoned; he responded that any without sin might cast the first stone.
What kind of insight have Bush and Blair employed? What intelligence, what deeper understanding is demonstrated by the tactic of blast and shoot with as much technologically advanced weaponry as is available? What compassion, what recognition of common humanity is shown when the biggest concern is how to pad the soldiers with as much body Kevlar and the humvees with as much armor as possible so they can kill all the easier without casualties - and thus retain the support of the home front.
How do our current religious leaders think Jesus would react to the concept of collateral damage?
Monday, July 25, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
'Enemies of humanity' quote raises Iraq PR questions
CNN.com - 'Enemies of humanity' quote raises Iraq PR questions
Once again, we have an example of "the end justifies the means" philosophy that is so rampant in every facet of this administration. Of course, our military would never create fictitious quotes to make a point - just like George Bush would never lie to justify war in the first place!
Once again, we have an example of "the end justifies the means" philosophy that is so rampant in every facet of this administration. Of course, our military would never create fictitious quotes to make a point - just like George Bush would never lie to justify war in the first place!
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Pottermania!
So many periodicals and news writers have gone to the trouble of analyzing the Harry Potter phenomenon. Anita Oliver in "Adventist Review" concentrates her concern on five points: (1) The use of power; (2) revenge; (3) the struggle between good and evil; (4) imagination; and (5) the occult.
Following is a letter to the editor from a person in Norway:
" Being a blue-eyed Scandinavian, I can't help wondering why evangelical Americans are so concerned about J. K. Rowling's fantasy product Harry, while they support a real-life president who certainly (1) gives the world a strong example of the use of power to show off; (2) threatens the world with revenge and actually does it; (3) forces all of us to take sides with him or against him in the struggle between what he defines as good and evil; (4) shows signs of a vivid imagination or limited knowledge about the world; and (5) claims to be Christian but behaves and speaks as a heathen cowboy.
Whom should we primarily warn our children about following? The imaginary Harry Potter, or the pretend-to-be-real U.S. president George W. Bush? "
I sure wish I had written that!!!
Following is a letter to the editor from a person in Norway:
" Being a blue-eyed Scandinavian, I can't help wondering why evangelical Americans are so concerned about J. K. Rowling's fantasy product Harry, while they support a real-life president who certainly (1) gives the world a strong example of the use of power to show off; (2) threatens the world with revenge and actually does it; (3) forces all of us to take sides with him or against him in the struggle between what he defines as good and evil; (4) shows signs of a vivid imagination or limited knowledge about the world; and (5) claims to be Christian but behaves and speaks as a heathen cowboy.
Whom should we primarily warn our children about following? The imaginary Harry Potter, or the pretend-to-be-real U.S. president George W. Bush? "
I sure wish I had written that!!!
Christians are listening and responding to the wrong voices!
CNN.com - Report: 3.6m face Niger starvation - Jul 21, 2005
But today, as everyday, fundamentalist leaders will continue to talk about homosexuality and abortion as mortal sins; how many people do you know that are involved in these two arenas of life? How many people do you know are starving to death today (read the article if you dare)!
So called Christians - look around you; open your eyes to a world that needs us to do what Jesus Christ called us to do. We are missing the mark daily - the Bible describes that as sin!
But today, as everyday, fundamentalist leaders will continue to talk about homosexuality and abortion as mortal sins; how many people do you know that are involved in these two arenas of life? How many people do you know are starving to death today (read the article if you dare)!
So called Christians - look around you; open your eyes to a world that needs us to do what Jesus Christ called us to do. We are missing the mark daily - the Bible describes that as sin!
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
And you wonder why I think the House Republicans are "nuts"!
Take out Islamic holy sites? - Terrorism & Security - MSNBC.com
Would someone out there start thinking about getting rid of these fundamentalist extremists in the 2006 elections!!!
Would someone out there start thinking about getting rid of these fundamentalist extremists in the 2006 elections!!!
Falwell speaks on how to serve Christ!
In today's Asheville Citizen-Times, Jerry Falwell comments on his appearance at a conference in the area. In the interview, he says, “It is impossible to serve Christ while disobeying and ignoring the clear teachings of Scripture, ...”
He and many others just like him continue to harp on issues like homosexuality and abortion, trying to make them the most important issues facing the world. And it is working because he knows people will listen to his demagoguery without thinking for themselves.
Falwell wants to talk about what the scriptures teach: Okay, lets talk about what the Bible really emphasizes:
Thirty thousand children will die today in the poorest parts of the world! Nine thousand people will die of HIV/AIDS today, and almost all of them will be poor! It would cause one to wonder if the real biblical issues matter at all, or if the chosen rhetoric is simply to get people to go along with the quest for power and control.
Yonce Shelton, national coordinator and policy director of Call to Renewal, says, (This religious fundamentalist influenced) "Congress is working on annual spending bills that will cut more than $200 billion from family and community supports such as health care, education, housing, nutrition, and more. When people play by society's rules but can't provide for their families, there is a problem. In September, one week after Congress takes the final vote to cut billions from social programs in 2006 (and after they hope the outrage has died down), they'll vote on a separate budget bill expected to contain more than $100 billion in new tax cuts heavily favoring the rich. As in the past, social program cuts will be made in the name of fiscal restraint even though the new tax spending would increase the deficit by more than $100 billion over five years. Many leaders won't connect the dots publicly. In addition, like the recent tax cuts for the rich, new cuts probably won't really help low- and middle-income families. Help for struggling families was taken out of the 2003 bill at the last minute behind closed doors. Why should we expect anything different now, even though with poverty on the rise for the past three years it doesn't look like the so-called "trickle down" effect has helped?"
Why is it that so-called Christians continue to ignore what followers of Christ should be "harping on" and what the scriptures really teach?
He and many others just like him continue to harp on issues like homosexuality and abortion, trying to make them the most important issues facing the world. And it is working because he knows people will listen to his demagoguery without thinking for themselves.
Falwell wants to talk about what the scriptures teach: Okay, lets talk about what the Bible really emphasizes:
Thirty thousand children will die today in the poorest parts of the world! Nine thousand people will die of HIV/AIDS today, and almost all of them will be poor! It would cause one to wonder if the real biblical issues matter at all, or if the chosen rhetoric is simply to get people to go along with the quest for power and control.
Yonce Shelton, national coordinator and policy director of Call to Renewal, says, (This religious fundamentalist influenced) "Congress is working on annual spending bills that will cut more than $200 billion from family and community supports such as health care, education, housing, nutrition, and more. When people play by society's rules but can't provide for their families, there is a problem. In September, one week after Congress takes the final vote to cut billions from social programs in 2006 (and after they hope the outrage has died down), they'll vote on a separate budget bill expected to contain more than $100 billion in new tax cuts heavily favoring the rich. As in the past, social program cuts will be made in the name of fiscal restraint even though the new tax spending would increase the deficit by more than $100 billion over five years. Many leaders won't connect the dots publicly. In addition, like the recent tax cuts for the rich, new cuts probably won't really help low- and middle-income families. Help for struggling families was taken out of the 2003 bill at the last minute behind closed doors. Why should we expect anything different now, even though with poverty on the rise for the past three years it doesn't look like the so-called "trickle down" effect has helped?"
Why is it that so-called Christians continue to ignore what followers of Christ should be "harping on" and what the scriptures really teach?
‘Faith-Based' Bigotry
The Wall of Separation
Click on www.au-wnc.org for more information on the Western North Carolina chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Click on www.au-wnc.org for more information on the Western North Carolina chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Monday, July 18, 2005
Friday, July 15, 2005
The American Way: Capitalism At Its Worst!
Welcome to Ethics Daily.com!: "Baptist Leaders Ignore Ebbers' $11 Billion Scandal, Act as Character Witnesses"
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Military Prisoner Abuses!
Today, military investigators told senators that there were abuses at Guantanamo. You can check out the details on your on - there is nothing new; it is the same kind of things that were reported at Abu Ghraib! All of the incidents were authorized by superiors. But the investigators also declared that that there was no torture and nothing they discovered was illegal!
There is the problem! We are turning into the same kind of extremists we are fighting. We are no longer the "do good Americans"; I doubt we ever were under this administration! I am convinced the people in charge really enjoy the kind of behavior they are approving - they believe everyone is bad except people who think like they do.
There is the problem! We are turning into the same kind of extremists we are fighting. We are no longer the "do good Americans"; I doubt we ever were under this administration! I am convinced the people in charge really enjoy the kind of behavior they are approving - they believe everyone is bad except people who think like they do.
Saying Yes and Saying No!
When the Supreme Court ruled on two Ten Commandment issues, the ruling on the Kentucky case should have been no surprise to church-state separation proponents. But the ruling on the Texas case should trouble anyone who really cares about the sanctity of scripture. Following is a portion of an article written by James Evans, pastor of First Baptist Church in Auburn, Alabama:
" ...In the case of Van Orden vs. Perry, the high court ruled that a Ten Commandment display on the grounds of the state capitol building in Austin, Texas was not a violation of the Establishment Clause. The 6-foot-high granite monument was among nearly 40 monuments and historical markers spread across 22 aces in front of the capitol. In another 5-4 decision the court held that the monument was acceptable because it accomplished a secular rather than religious purpose.
So, this is where we have come. If you want to have a Ten Commandments display that will pass muster with the court, simply design a visual presentation that promotes some secular or historical purpose. In other words, construct a setting that empties Scripture of the very thing that makes it unique. And rest assured that just such a design is on a drawing board somewhere right now. Of course we could always just change the composition of the court—a plan that is also on the drawing board right now. A new court with right thinking judges would allow promoters to decorate court houses and school houses with all the Scripture they can carve onto granite.
At the end of the day, however, it is Scripture that suffers from all this. The Bible is not a magic good luck charm that brings good fortune because it’s on display. The Bible is not a footnote to American history, something that merely contributed the establishment of our legal system. And a statue of the Bible is not the way to acknowledge God. If we would take time to read the book rather than trying to build monuments to it we would find that the way to honor God is by loving kindness, doing justice, and walking humbly with God. But I guess a monument is easier."
" ...In the case of Van Orden vs. Perry, the high court ruled that a Ten Commandment display on the grounds of the state capitol building in Austin, Texas was not a violation of the Establishment Clause. The 6-foot-high granite monument was among nearly 40 monuments and historical markers spread across 22 aces in front of the capitol. In another 5-4 decision the court held that the monument was acceptable because it accomplished a secular rather than religious purpose.
So, this is where we have come. If you want to have a Ten Commandments display that will pass muster with the court, simply design a visual presentation that promotes some secular or historical purpose. In other words, construct a setting that empties Scripture of the very thing that makes it unique. And rest assured that just such a design is on a drawing board somewhere right now. Of course we could always just change the composition of the court—a plan that is also on the drawing board right now. A new court with right thinking judges would allow promoters to decorate court houses and school houses with all the Scripture they can carve onto granite.
At the end of the day, however, it is Scripture that suffers from all this. The Bible is not a magic good luck charm that brings good fortune because it’s on display. The Bible is not a footnote to American history, something that merely contributed the establishment of our legal system. And a statue of the Bible is not the way to acknowledge God. If we would take time to read the book rather than trying to build monuments to it we would find that the way to honor God is by loving kindness, doing justice, and walking humbly with God. But I guess a monument is easier."
We're Not Afraid!
In regard to yesterday's post about the American military decision, check out this web site:
Were not Afraid!
Were not Afraid!
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
the brave American military!
The British people went back to work Monday in London and showed the world in all kinds of ways that they were not afraid and would continue their lives after the terrorist bombings last week. American military personnel stationed in England were banned from the Greater London area because of "concern about ... safety."
This really shows the British how courageous their American allies are!
This really shows the British how courageous their American allies are!
Listen to them cover for Karl Rove!!!
How can anyone who continues to support this administration deny that it is a lying, deceiving, manipulative group of people who firmly believe that the end justifies the means. That means in this context, once again, that any lies you can tell to get the war you want are fully justified because in the end democracy will be established. Right wing Republicans should look at the calendar - its almost August; Nixon resigned in August!!!
"Clinton lied and Hillary cried; Bush lied and thousands upon thousands died!"
"Clinton lied and Hillary cried; Bush lied and thousands upon thousands died!"
Friday, July 08, 2005
Baseball, Softball Dropped From 2012 Olympics
Baseball and softball, two sports invented in America, were dropped Friday from the Olympic program for the 2012 Summer Games in London.
Don Porter, the American president of the international softball federation, said, "I don't want to say it's an anti-U.S. thing, but they are two native American sports."
It has to make you wonder whether or not the anti-USA influence is now permeating even these kinds of decisions. I am beginning to think I will not live long enough to see repair of the damage inflicted by this arrogant administration!
Don Porter, the American president of the international softball federation, said, "I don't want to say it's an anti-U.S. thing, but they are two native American sports."
It has to make you wonder whether or not the anti-USA influence is now permeating even these kinds of decisions. I am beginning to think I will not live long enough to see repair of the damage inflicted by this arrogant administration!
Thursday, July 07, 2005
Terrorism at its worst - thanks to GWB
Today's bombings in London tells us once again how easy it is for terrorists to do whatever they want to do. British "defense" against terrorism is just as good as ours is; or should I say, ours is not any better than theirs. Today also reminds me again of how terrorism is worse around the world than before 9/11, mostly because of the behavior of George Bush and the neo-conservatives (Cheney, Rumsfeld, Wolfowitz, Perle, and others) who tell him what to do.
Just a reminder to all of us: The occupation of Iraq has claimed the lives of more than 1,740 Americans (over 100,000 Iraqis) and wounded 13,190; eight soldiers have been wounded for every one killed, about double the rate in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The percentage of soldiers who have undergone amputations is twice that of any of our past military conflicts; nearly a quarter of all the wounded suffer from traumatic head injuries. The cost of the war today is more than $200 billion. Yet, Bush continues to dissemble. He spoke again last week of the false connection between 9/11 terrorism and the Iraq War.
Americans are starting to see past the deception. The Zogby poll (http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1007) shows Bush's approval rating has sunk to 43%. If Bush did fix facts around policy, as the Downing Street Memo states, Zogby found that 42% would support impeaching him. (By comparison, 39% supported Clinton impeachment.)
Just a reminder to all of us: The occupation of Iraq has claimed the lives of more than 1,740 Americans (over 100,000 Iraqis) and wounded 13,190; eight soldiers have been wounded for every one killed, about double the rate in Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War. The percentage of soldiers who have undergone amputations is twice that of any of our past military conflicts; nearly a quarter of all the wounded suffer from traumatic head injuries. The cost of the war today is more than $200 billion. Yet, Bush continues to dissemble. He spoke again last week of the false connection between 9/11 terrorism and the Iraq War.
Americans are starting to see past the deception. The Zogby poll (http://www.zogby.com/news/ReadNews.dbm?ID=1007) shows Bush's approval rating has sunk to 43%. If Bush did fix facts around policy, as the Downing Street Memo states, Zogby found that 42% would support impeaching him. (By comparison, 39% supported Clinton impeachment.)
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Uncivil Religion
At the annual Religious Liberty Council Luncheon July 1, The Rev. Charles Foster Johnson, pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, San Antonio, Texas, urged BJC supporters to challenge "uncivil religion." Johnson said, "Religion in the public square has been stripped of its civility."
A disease of uncivil religion has infected our land," Johnson said. "This disease has been incubating for 25 years, but has reached epidemic proportions in our current time of terror. The motivation of uncivil religion is not to recognize God in our national life, but, rather, to represent him. The high priests of this uncivil religion desire not so much to speak to God in the public square, but, rather, to speak for God."
Read the text of his presentation at http://www.bjconline.org/resources/articles/2005/UNCIVIL%20RELIGION.pdf
Learn more about the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee at http://www.bjconline.org/rlc/index.htm
A disease of uncivil religion has infected our land," Johnson said. "This disease has been incubating for 25 years, but has reached epidemic proportions in our current time of terror. The motivation of uncivil religion is not to recognize God in our national life, but, rather, to represent him. The high priests of this uncivil religion desire not so much to speak to God in the public square, but, rather, to speak for God."
Read the text of his presentation at http://www.bjconline.org/resources/articles/2005/UNCIVIL%20RELIGION.pdf
Learn more about the Religious Liberty Council of the Baptist Joint Committee at http://www.bjconline.org/rlc/index.htm
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
...taken verbatim from a letter President Eisenhower penned to his brother, Edgar Newton Eisenhower, on 8 November 1954
Urban Legends Reference Pages: Politics (Social Insecurity): "President Eisenhower once noted that 'a few Texas oil millionaires' wanted to 'abolish social security.' "
Monday, July 04, 2005
Justice O'Connor on Religious Liberty
The following link will take you to Justice O'Connor's statement regarding the recent court ruling on the displaying of the Ten Commandments in Kentucky courthouses:
http://www.bjconline.org/news/docs/050627_t10c_oconnor.pdf
On this day, 229 years ago, King George III of England wrote in his diary, "Today, nothing of importance happened." Celebrate what this day means to all of us, but also take time to remember that our liberties are in danger if our "King George" succumbs to the wishes of the Right Wing fundamentalists in their quest to replace Justice O'Connor with "one of their kind."
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Rove spoke to reporter before leak!
Newsweek magazine is reporting that e-mails between Time magazine reporter Matt Cooper and his editors show that Karl Rove, President Bush's top political adviser, spoke to Cooper in the days before a CIA operative's identity was revealed in the media, but it wasn't clear what Cooper and Rove discussed.
Why would it surprise anyone that Karl Rove probably is the one who leaked the name of CIA operative Valerie Plame to the media in retaliation after her husband wrote an opinion piece critical of the administration. He operates fully under the philosophy that the end justifies the means!
Why would it surprise anyone that Karl Rove probably is the one who leaked the name of CIA operative Valerie Plame to the media in retaliation after her husband wrote an opinion piece critical of the administration. He operates fully under the philosophy that the end justifies the means!
Monday, June 27, 2005
a prophetic statement regarding the Iraq war
In October 2002, as the U.S. drive for war in Iraq was building, the organization Sojourners put together a joint statement by church leaders from the U.S. and the U.K. In it, there was noted that 'To initiate a major war in an area of the world already in great turmoil could destabilize governments and increase political extremism.... It would add fuel to the fires of violence that are already consuming the region. It would exacerbate anti-American hatred and produce new recruits for terror attacks against the United States....'
Yesterday, two and a half years later, The New York Times reported on a new assessment by the CIA that '...Iraq may prove to be an even more effective training ground for Islamic extremists than Afghanistan was in al Qaeda's early days, because it is serving as a real-world laboratory for urban combat.' The report went on to note that since the American invasion, Iraq has become 'a magnet and a proving ground for Islamic extremists' and is 'helping combatants learn how to carry out assassinations, kidnappings, car bombings, and other kinds of attacks....' Sojourner's words have rarely seemed more prophetic. "
Yesterday, two and a half years later, The New York Times reported on a new assessment by the CIA that '...Iraq may prove to be an even more effective training ground for Islamic extremists than Afghanistan was in al Qaeda's early days, because it is serving as a real-world laboratory for urban combat.' The report went on to note that since the American invasion, Iraq has become 'a magnet and a proving ground for Islamic extremists' and is 'helping combatants learn how to carry out assassinations, kidnappings, car bombings, and other kinds of attacks....' Sojourner's words have rarely seemed more prophetic. "
Billy Graham on Hardball
Tonight on the television program, Hardball, Chris Matthews asked Billy Graham about the Iraq war and the fact that we had lost so many young soldiers and others. All Graham could respond with was that we lost more than that in one day in other wars; he also said that everyone dies so war does not kill more people. What a sad response from a man who has preached the gospel for so many years; if that is all Christians have to say about war, expecially this one, Christianity has sunk to a new low!
phillipallen.net
If you go to my web site, www.phillipallen.net, you can catch up on my ramblings from the past. For now, I plan to use this blog for my own postings and to connect you to articles I think everyone should read.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Welcome!
This is my first posting of what I expect to be at least a weekly ritual of expressing my thoughts and feelings regarding a number of issues, but focusing mostly on the world of religion and politics. I am liberal in both arenas because I call myself a Christian; a follower of the most radical liberal that ever lived!
I invite your responses and comments.
I invite your responses and comments.
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