" You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on Earth, or we will sentence them to take the last step into a thousand years of darkness."
Ronald Reagan
Okay, so the title might be a bit ominous. But the following questions deserves to be asked -
“Who do you think the terrorist would like to see win the next United States Presidential Election, a Democrat or a Republican?
“Is the recent flair up in Iraq meant to sway the 2008 Presidential Election in favor of the Democratic or Republican candidate?”
“Would the terrorist rather see Clinton, McCain, or Obama in the White House come January 20, 2009?”
“Has the anti-American rhetoric emanating from the Hate Bush crowd (also know as the anti-war movement) embolden the terrorist faction that would love to see America leave Iraq?”
“Is Iran behind the latest attacks, and if so what are their motive?”
These are just a few question that will need to be addressed as the potential for increased violence in Iraq looms. Today's terrorist follow the same handbook that was written during the Vietnam War. The number one rule of that handbook - “the only battle that needs to be won is the battle for the home front.” It is not soldiers that lose battles but politicians and an electorate, that lacks the will to do the right thing, that brings defeat.
Terrorist will not commit to a major action on America soil before the November 2008 election because that it will reinvigorate the citizenship, which would benefit the Republicans. No, the terrorist have a much simpler plan to ensure a Democratic victory come November, a body bag a day will scare America away. The terrorist believe Obama's and Clinton's statements of an immediate surrender by American forces in Iraq should either get elected. There is no guarantee that either will commit to their pledge once they enter the Oval Office.
What the terrorist haven't learned about American politics is that what is said on the campaign trail is quickly pushed aside once the former candidate is transformed into sitting a President, and are suddenly faced with the harsh realities of their actions. Do I believe Obama and Clinton will honor their pledge to immediately withdraw our forces from Iraq? It is possible. Do I believe that they will go back on their pledge? Also possible.
So, who will get terrorist endorsement, and are you okay with that?
The loose coalition of splinter groups known as the Democratic Party is coming apart at their “Progressive” seams, and they have only themselves to blame. The only thing most “typical Democrats” have in common with each other is their hatred for the Republican Party, particularly President Bush. But the battle cry of “01-20-09” is giving away to “my way, or the highway!”
Recently Gallup conducted a series of polls that focused on the Obama and Clinton supports. The foundation for the polls was to determine what the supporters of either candidate would do if their candidate lost. No surprise, they would sulk and refuse to support the other Democrat:
The modern Democratic Party has been on a path of destruction for a long time, due in large part to their inability to commit to a common set of principles that most American's can embrace. The Democrats seem to lack the discipline to stop their own infighting long enough to focus on the issues important to America. Instead they latch onto the issues, or I should a say the narrow view of particular issues, that only seem to be important to the fringe groups. These fringe groups are more likely to eat their young to promote their cause, and truth be told, would really prefer to be on their own, unattached from the Party system. These fringe groups exude passion for their cause, but they lack the discipline and commonsense needed in order to achieve their goals.
The fringe elements that make up the Democratic Party are destroying the organization from the inside out. The elements that make up the Democratic Party seem more concerned about resolving their own self interest, than unifying to solve the issue that affect America on a whole. The Democratic Party is ready to implode, and a lost in November could be the match to the fuse.
Last week the Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments regarding the 2nd Amendment of the United States:
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
What is surprising is that this was the first major case regarding the 2nd Amendment to appear before this, or any Supreme Court in many years. At issues is whether any government body has the authority to restrict the rights of gun ownership. One argument that is often bantered about is from those who believe that the 2nd Amendment is somehow related to hunting rights. Make no mistake about it, the 2nd Amendment grants the power to the people to gather together to protect themselves from all enemies, foreign and domestic. The 2nd Amendment is no more antiquated than believing that the 1st Amendment has outlived its usefulness.
One loves to possess arms, though they hope never to have occasion for them.--- Thomas Jefferson to George Washington, 1796.
The fact that the Second Amendment followed the First Amendment was not a numerical coincidence, but a proclamation by our Founding Fathers that the power to not only speak in opposition of our government was vital, but to be able to back those words up with might’ (should the need ever arise) would help ensure that We thePeople was more than an empty promise.
Guard with jealous attention the public liberty. Suspect every one who approaches that jewel. Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force. Whenever you give up that force, you are ruined.O sir, we should have fine times, indeed, if, to punish tyrants, it were only sufficient to assemble the people! Your arms, wherewith you could defend yourselves, are gone...Did you ever read of any revolution in a nation...inflicted by those who had no power at all? ---Patrick Henry, Virginia Constitutional Convention, 1788
Granted the 2nd Amendment was written after a period of extreme oppression, as were all of the Amendments, but time does not diminish its relevance. I am always weary when individuals are so willing to surrender any one of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, regardless of whether they personal participate in the exercising of that right. No free citizen has to to adhere to any of the Amendments, but no one should willingly yield access to them either. The Constitution is our “castle wall” against tyranny. Each Amendment is a brick in that wall that helps protect our freedom. Be warned, to remove a brick from our wall with little to no regard, calls into question the integrity of the entire wall.
[The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation...(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.---James Madison
I am always surprised (not really) when a Progressive speaks in opposition to the 2nd Amendment, more so than any other Amendment, usually claiming that a “well regulated militia refers to the US Military, or each States National Guard, or local law enforcement. These would be the same organizations that Progressives have time and time again referred to as fascist, oppressive, and puppets of a corrupt government. You would think Progressives would support the concept of the 2nd Amendment based merely on their overt distrust of the government of the United States. Perplexing?
We established however some, although not all its [self-government] important principles . The constitutions of most of our States assert, that all power is inherent in the people; that they may exercise it by themselves, in all cases to which they think themselves competent, (as in electing their functionaries executive and legislative, and deciding by a jury of themselves, in all judiciary cases in which any fact is involved,) or they may act by representatives, freely and equally chosen; that it is their right and duty to be at all times armed; ---Thomas Jefferson to John Cartwright, 1824.
What Jefferson was saying in that last quote was that not only was the right to bear arms considered important enough to be included in the US Constitution, but that each of the original Thirteen States saw fit to place similar provisions in their State Constitutions. For example in my home State of New Hampshire, as stated in the NH Constitution (which was ratified prior to the US Constitution):
[Art.] 2-a. [The Bearing of Arms.] All persons have the right to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves, their families, their property and the state.
Right to the point and without reproach. There is no clearer purpose that has been bestowed upon the American people than the responsibility to secure and defend the right of self-government. This above all else is what separates us from all other nations.
"god forbid we should ever be twenty years without such a rebellion . . . the tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants. it is it's natural manure." --- Thomas Jefferson, in support of the Shay's Rebellion of 1787 (recently used as the title to the final episode of the TV show Jericho)
May the time never come when the American people need “to rise up.” But the ability to do so is what the Constitution demands of all of us, and why the 2nd Amendment exist.
They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ---Benjamin Franklin, 1759
All to often people associate Easter with the suffering of Christ during the Crucifixion, instead of the purpose of Christ life, death, and resurrection.Christians do not “celebrate” the death of Christ on Easter, because we know that Jesus paid the penalty for sin, thus purchasing for all who believe in him, eternal life in Christ Jesus. It is this unselfish sacrifice we celebrate, our new birth into a living hope (1 Peter 1:3) through Christ resurrection.
This Easter I challenge all of us to walk with Christ and celebrate his Resurrection and our new birth.
May the Peace of the Lord Be with You.
Time Line: The Last Supper, Crucification, and Resurrection:
Preceding Events
The Last Supper (Matthew 26:20-30; Mark 14:17-26; Luke 22:14-38; John 13:21-30)
In the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46; Mark 14:32-42; Luke 22:39-45)
Jesus is Betrayed and Arrested (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11)
The Religious Leaders Condemn Jesus (Matthew 27:1-2; Mark 15:1; Luke 22:66-71)
6 a.m.
Jesus Stands Trial Before Pilate (Matthew 27:11-14; Mark 15:2-5; Luke 23:1-5; John 18:28-37)
Jesus Sent to Herod (Luke 23:6-12)
7 a.m.
Jesus Returned to Pilate (Luke 23:11)
Jesus is Sentenced to Death (Matthew 27:26; Mark 15:15; Luke 23:23-24; John 19:16)
8 a.m.
Jesus is Led Away to Calvary (Matthew 27:32-34; Mark 15:21-24; Luke 23:26-31; John 19:16-17)
The Crucifixion
9 a.m. - "The Third Hour"
Jesus is Crucified on the Cross
Mark 15: 25 - It was the third hour when they crucified him. he third hour in Jewish time would have been 9 a.m.
Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do now know what they are doing."
The Soldiers Cast Lots for Jesus' Clothing (Mark 15:24)
10 a.m.
Jesus is Insulted and Mocked
Matthew 27:39-40 - And the people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. "So! You can destroy the Temple and build it again in three days, can you? Well then, if you are the Son of God, save yourself and come down from the cross!"
Mark 15:31 - The leading priests and teachers of religious law also mocked Jesus. "He saved others," they scoffed, "but he can't save himself!"
Luke 23:36-37 - The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. They called out to him, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!"
Luke 23:39 - One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
11 a.m.
Jesus and the Criminal
Luke 23:40-43 - But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
Jesus Speaks to Mary and John
John 19:26-27 - When Jesus saw his mother standing there beside the disciple he loved, he said to her, "Woman, he is your son." And he said to this disciple, "She is your mother." And from then on this disciple took her into his home.
Noon - "The Sixth Hour"
Darkness Covers the Land
Mark 15:33 - At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.
1 p.m.
Jesus Cries Out to the Father
Matthew 27:46 - And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
Jesus is Thirsty
John 19:28-29 - Jesus knew that everything was now finished, and to fulfill the Scriptures he said, "I am thirsty."A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to his lips.
2 p.m.
It is Finished
John 19:30a - When Jesus had tasted it, he said, "It is finished!"
Luke 23:46 - Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
3 p.m. - "The Ninth Hour"
Events Following Jesus' Death
The Earthquake
Matthew 27:51-52 - At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life.
The Centurion - "Surely he was the Son of God!" (Matthew 27:54; Mark 15:38; Luke 23:47)
The Soldiers Break the Thieves' Legs (John 19:31-33)
The Soldier Pierces Jesus Side (John 19:34)
Jesus is Laid in the Tomb (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42)
Jesus Rises from the Dead (Matthew 28:1-7; Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-9)
John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die
Soon to be former-Governor of New York Spizter is probably somewhat relieved that much of the news reports these past few days have focused on Presidential Candidate Obama’s relationship with his former minister, Reverend Wright. If anyone had any doubts that politics is a dirty game, I am pretty sure they resolved that lingering question witnessing this weeks events.
Reverend Wright has a long history of racist and anti-Semitic statements. Those statements were made from pulpit of the church that Senator Obama attend for 20 years. Senator Obama has identified Rev. Wright as one of his mentors. Reverend Wright officiated at the Obama Wedding, and baptized the Obama children. At no time in the past did Senator Obama ever distances himself from Rev. Wright’s hate filled tirades. Only now, after being confronted by unrelenting news reports, is Obama speaking out. So the question begs to be asked - “Is Obama Guilty by Association?”
There are really three reasons we find ourselves talking about this story this week:
First up, timing. Not the timing of the stories themselves, but the lack of timing on the part of Senator Obama. Reverend Wright has been making these types of statements for years. If you have heard the statements, you know that they were not made in casual passing. They were well thought out and constant. Obama claims he was never in attendance to hear Reverend Wright make sure venomous statements. Maybe that is true, but surely you have heard the hundreds of audio clips that date back a decade. Yet Obama remained silent while a member of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ. Why?
And what about the timing of the mainstream media? Reports of Chicago's Trinity United Church of Christ hate filled atmosphere and anti-American rhetoric have been going on for years. Obama’s relationship with Reverend Wright was well known when he ran for the Senate, which in turn carried over to his Presidential campaign. What obligation did the media have to investigate this story? Should the mainstream media been asking the questions they are just asking now months ago?
Secondly, politics and the pulpit. I like many people do not go to church to attend a political rally. Nor I am naive to think that politics and religion shouldn’t intermingle. But what Reverend Wright said from the pulpit was unchristian, and instead of leading his flock, he was inciting their hatred. What Reverend Wright did was no different that what Hitler did from his stage, and what was witnessed at Klan rallies across the South. Hate, distrust, and more hate are all I heard. This type of political fervor belongs outside the House of God, if at all.
Thirdly, racism in America. Racism is not going way. There will always be people who will discriminate against another person because of their race. Many will find my next statement controversial, but racism exists amongst Blacks, Asians, Native Americans, as well as Whites. Each race has their own “hate” demons to confront and deal with. The focus of Reverend Wright’s vocal distrust of Americans who are not the same color as him does not serve the greater good of race relations in America.
In the end, Senator Obama deserves this scrutiny, as would anyone (including you and me) if they associated with such a controversial figure as Reverend Wright. Knowing who Reverend Wright was years ago, did Senator Obama show the best judgment in continuing their relationship? Does Senator Obama's most recent statement put the issue to rest? Is Senator Obama guilty by association?
Once again we find ourselves consumed by another public official who violated his oath of office, and more importantly his commitment to his family.New York Governor Spitzer, who also served for 8-years at New York’s Attorney General, has been identified as “Client #9,” a prominent “John” that frequented a high-class prostitution ring.
The “soon-to-be” Ex-Governor Spitzer referred to his involvement with the prostitution ring as a “private matter.”There is nothing “private” about this, regardless of what Spitzer would like to think.As a former Attorney General, Spitzer knows full well that he violated the law he swore to uphold.In fact, Spitzer prosecuted numerous prostitution rings:
As I have stated before (Character Matters), the public has very little tolerance for public servants, Republican or Democrats, who violate the public trust.There is a particular distain for those that actively participate in enforcing the law, such as prosecutors and police officers, who also violate those very same laws through their “private” behavior.
I feel bad for the Spitzer Family (his wife and three daughters), his friends and supporters.Spitzer was right when he said, “I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.”Spitzer made a mistake, one that will cost him his job, his reputation, and possibly his family.How Spitzer response to this is up to him.He can seek redemption, and devote himself to being a better husband and father.Or he could let this tare him apart, sinking further into despair.When our actions lead to our disgrace, it is important to remember that honor isn't about making the right choices. It's about dealing with the consequences.
Every election we hear how “evil” Republicans are, and how the Democrats are just “trying to lookout for the little guy.” We hear complaints of the Republican Attack Machine (also known as the “vast right-wing conspiracy), spending millions of dollars to promote lies and dirty politics. As if we are to believe that the Democrats are incapable of any improprieties or collecting vast amounts of money for their campaigns.Give me a break!
First we learned this week that one candidate trying to be the next President of the United States raised 200 MILLION DOLLARS for their campaign. Was it Romney, nope.It must have been Giuliani, wrong again.How 'bout McCain? Not by a long shoot. The owner of this staggering war chest is none other than the man of the people, Senator Barrack Obama:
It is obscene to think of all the better ways this money could have spent. People facing foreclosure, unemployment, hunger, and homelessness. I guess we know where the Democrat’s priorities are.As far as money goes, Democrats seek it just as much as Republicans need it.But had a Republican candidate raised the type of money Obama did, the negatives stories in the news and on the blogs would be merciless.
And what about slim politics? My favorite!Modern campaigns are no more ruthless than those in the past. Affairs, out of wedlock children, corruption, and name-calling can be found in every election.But you would like to think that with modern technology, and the ability for a candidate to get their message to the people easier, that the slim attacks would be limited.Not so fast. The general election hasn't even started, and the first mud pie has been thrown:
The Fund for America is hoping to build a war chest of $100 millions dollars to use against Republican candidates, and some Democrat candidates, during the 2008 Election. It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Soros is behind any of this.There is nothing “progressive” about George Soros and The Center for America Progress.They are Socialist bent on destroying all that is good about America.What is surprising is the fact that a labor union, The Service Employees International Union, would be allowed to divert such a large amount of union dues in this manner.
Neither Party is below this type of activity, but when the Democrats do it, all is fair.When a Republican does it (which is never to the level the Democrats sink to), all hell breaks loose.That it is why it is important for all voters, Democrat, Republican, or Independent, to keep the campaign focused on the issues that are important to all Americans.
The Democratic Party has quite a pickle on their hands, and they have only themselves to blame.The Republican candidate for President was settled with McCain’s victories in Texas and Ohio.But the Democrats have two viable candidates left in Clinton and Obama, and mathematically neither one will have won enough delegates before the Democratic Convention to declare himself or herself the nominee.
The upcoming contest won’t make it any easier for the Party of the Donkey.Wyoming and Mississippi will probably go to Obama, but Mississippi could be close.But neither State has enough delegates to make that much of a difference.Pennsylvania is the next huge contest, and that has a Clinton victory written all over it.
If Clinton wins Pennsylvania it will be a bloody mess at the Convention….which will make for damn good television!
The Democratic Party will have decide between the candidate that carried every large State (Clinton) or the candidate that probably will be the one who carried more States (Obama).Many of the small States will most likely go Red in the general election, which makes the larger States that much more important.The Democratic leaders are also well aware that if Obama loses at the Convention, it will alienate a lot of voters.The only solution then is a Clinton-Obama ticket.Obama is still steaming over the actions of the Clinton Camp, but you know what they say – “politics makes strange bedfellows,” and Obama will have to “suck it up” for the good the Party.Won’t that be fun to watch!
What some people don’t realize is that each Party creates their own primary rules.The Democratic rules are more like “traditions,” rather than the “etched in stone” rules that the Republican’s follow.The Democratic Party is an awful like Pee-Wee Baseball (no offense to all the little Derek Jeters out there).In Pee-Wee baseball, as with the Democratic Party, there are “no losers,” and everybody gets a trophy.In an effort not to hurt anyone’s feelings, the Democratic Party decided that the delegates would be divided based on the percentage of votes each candidate got.Instead of a winner takes all philosophy (the American Way), the Democrat’s prefer a less “confrontational approach” to selecting their Presidential nominee, which is backfiring.
We already knew that the Democratic Party was a mess, but this election has brought out the worse in almost every Democratic voter.Don’t belief me?Look at the state of the Democratic Party today.You have people voting for rhetoric instead of actual ideas. You have an electorate voting for a candidate only because of the color of their skin or their sex; or worse yet, people not voting for a candidate because of their color or sex.You have minorities being played against each other (Hispanic versus African-Americans), and lastly, voting being spilt down the social-economic line (rich against poor). Once again, the Democrats have shown themselves to be the true hypocrites.
Between now and the Democratic Convention, Obama and Clinton will wage a war against each other.Spending millions of dollars, and attacking each other at every turn, which will cost them the election. But it has little to do with the candidates per say, and more to do with the Democratic Party itself.It is a party that lacks a commitment to principal, instead preferring to govern by polls. The Democratic Party is trying to be something to everyone, which only manages to pit everyone against each other.Republicans, especially Conservatives, should take heed, and make sure to run a campaign based on principals and not rhetoric.
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