Let's see if I get this right....
... In Iraq, elections are being held for THREE days over a weekend (nonetheless....)
... In Iraq, there will be a curfew in place the night before the start of the elections...
... In Iraq, (although I hear this has been resolved) you may actually vote for a candidate who does not have a name yet...
Now -- this whole democrazation idea that "we" had -- exactly what democracy is this based off of??
Moreover, (and I'm beating a dead horse here) who *says* that the Iraqi people *want* a democracy?? Just because we say so?? Just because there are more murders that happened in the US last year than what occurred in Iraq in the last 10 years??
Imposing the ideals on another is NOT a good idea..
Lastly, you know it's bad when the absentee voters that are currently voting in the Iraqi election ... in DETROIT.. Yeah, that's right.. Detroit Iraqis are getting the headlines over the OTHER Iraqi people......
I promise: the last point here.. Afghanistan took two years before "electing" someone for themselves.. Now all of a sudden we have to RUSH Iraq to a new government....
Considering how all of this sounds like some weird Republican way of running an election -- I guess I'd be pretty pissed off myself if I was living in Iraq....
Friday, January 28, 2005
Monday, January 24, 2005
Problem vs. Crisis??
I recently caught this nugget where apparently several key Republicans question the administration's claim that social security is in a "crisis situation.."
What's ironic about this is the fact that it's coming WITHIN BUSH'S OWN PARTY....
Which is proving once again that Bush isn't leading his party very well.. I guess in retrospect when I asked the question a little while ago "what sort of challenge does Bush face" -- is actually bearing fruit this hour.. Moreover, it illustrates several things:
-The administration likes to "supersize" the scare tactics bearing a smaller problem than is being represented
-That this administration cannot make policy unless it scares the hell out of everyone in the process (it worked in Iraq, didn't it??)
-Bush is not the leader of the Republican Party
I'm not saying that Clinton had every democrat in his corner, but when this administration hasn't clearly detailed their plan for social security -- and when this administration can't *agree* on the status of a program with its constituents ...... we have a problem..
For a President to believe he has a mandate - to lose ground within the first week of his inauguration is an embarrassment.. It clearly illustrates his lack of understanding of the world around him - and the apparent bull in the china closet mentality that he can rush it and make it work.. *This* is the man who controls so much - and he has been elected *twice*..
*sighs*
Memo to the new DNC chair: Open your eyes, listen and apply..
What's ironic about this is the fact that it's coming WITHIN BUSH'S OWN PARTY....
Which is proving once again that Bush isn't leading his party very well.. I guess in retrospect when I asked the question a little while ago "what sort of challenge does Bush face" -- is actually bearing fruit this hour.. Moreover, it illustrates several things:
-The administration likes to "supersize" the scare tactics bearing a smaller problem than is being represented
-That this administration cannot make policy unless it scares the hell out of everyone in the process (it worked in Iraq, didn't it??)
-Bush is not the leader of the Republican Party
I'm not saying that Clinton had every democrat in his corner, but when this administration hasn't clearly detailed their plan for social security -- and when this administration can't *agree* on the status of a program with its constituents ...... we have a problem..
For a President to believe he has a mandate - to lose ground within the first week of his inauguration is an embarrassment.. It clearly illustrates his lack of understanding of the world around him - and the apparent bull in the china closet mentality that he can rush it and make it work.. *This* is the man who controls so much - and he has been elected *twice*..
*sighs*
Memo to the new DNC chair: Open your eyes, listen and apply..
Friday, January 21, 2005
Powell and SquareBob...
FCC Michael Powell apparently is stepping down as the Nation's Censor Chief.. (thank gawd)
What a legacy this guy put together.. I know many will applaud his efforts to improve technology - but he'll widely be known for the infamous "booby-gate" incident with Janet Jackson.. He'll also be known for trying to coral Howard Stern..
So in today's news - there's a shocking story that SpongeBob SquarePants are promoting a gay/lesbian agenda..... According to the report I heard about - "it wasn't the cartoon, or the song they were singing ("We are family") but it was the group that was purportedly finacially supporting the segment..
Keith Olbermann had a pretty good write up about it..
It's just .... ridiculous...
What a legacy this guy put together.. I know many will applaud his efforts to improve technology - but he'll widely be known for the infamous "booby-gate" incident with Janet Jackson.. He'll also be known for trying to coral Howard Stern..
So in today's news - there's a shocking story that SpongeBob SquarePants are promoting a gay/lesbian agenda..... According to the report I heard about - "it wasn't the cartoon, or the song they were singing ("We are family") but it was the group that was purportedly finacially supporting the segment..
Keith Olbermann had a pretty good write up about it..
It's just .... ridiculous...
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Accountability .... finally
Condoleeza Rice Acknowledges Bad Iraq Decisions...
It's not much, but it marks the first time *anyone* in the administration has said *anything* about the decision being a bad one in *any* degree.....
*sighs*
It's not much, but it marks the first time *anyone* in the administration has said *anything* about the decision being a bad one in *any* degree.....
*sighs*
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
Pre-inauguration
"In other words, since I'm not going to run for office again people don't have to view me as a threat and hopefully that will enable people from both parties to come together to get some big things done for the country," he told Fox News.
This - after he addressed members of the military:
"Bush told the troops that "much more will be asked of you in the months and years ahead."
"In Afghanistan and Iraq, the liberty that has been won at great cost now must be secured. We still face terrorist enemies who wish to harm our people, and are seeking weapons that would allow them to kill on an unprecedented scale. These enemies must be stopped, and you are the ones who will stop them."
Basically saying again: "we're going to be the ones who will stop them.." Another shining moment that Bush has isolated us from the rest of the world.. Even Condoleezza said in her confirmation hearings that we need to mend our relations with other countries..
This is the leader of the free world..
This is the man 51% of Americans elected into office..
This is the man who has "high morals" who will set precedent for America who can't even maintain friendly relations with those countries we have had for over 60 years..
Congratulations America - *this* is your savior.. This is your *man* who will protect us from the enemy.. This is your man who will *continue* to send your wife, your husband, your son and daughter overseas -- not just to clean up the mess he's started in Iraq.. Don't believe me??
.... read his last line again:
"These enemies must be stopped, and you are the ones who will stop them...."
It's starting all over again... and yet he has the audacity to say "I'm no longer a threat politically." Clearly not the message one should be projecting at a time when the level of sacrifice continues to climb..
This - after he addressed members of the military:
"Bush told the troops that "much more will be asked of you in the months and years ahead."
"In Afghanistan and Iraq, the liberty that has been won at great cost now must be secured. We still face terrorist enemies who wish to harm our people, and are seeking weapons that would allow them to kill on an unprecedented scale. These enemies must be stopped, and you are the ones who will stop them."
Basically saying again: "we're going to be the ones who will stop them.." Another shining moment that Bush has isolated us from the rest of the world.. Even Condoleezza said in her confirmation hearings that we need to mend our relations with other countries..
This is the leader of the free world..
This is the man 51% of Americans elected into office..
This is the man who has "high morals" who will set precedent for America who can't even maintain friendly relations with those countries we have had for over 60 years..
Congratulations America - *this* is your savior.. This is your *man* who will protect us from the enemy.. This is your man who will *continue* to send your wife, your husband, your son and daughter overseas -- not just to clean up the mess he's started in Iraq.. Don't believe me??
.... read his last line again:
"These enemies must be stopped, and you are the ones who will stop them...."
It's starting all over again... and yet he has the audacity to say "I'm no longer a threat politically." Clearly not the message one should be projecting at a time when the level of sacrifice continues to climb..
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Excuse me -- what "challenge??"
I read this and I found myself perplexed: Bush Facing Sharp Challenges in Second Term
You control the White House..
You control the Senate..
You control the House of Representatives..
You may control the Supreme Court soon..
... exactly what is the "sharp" challenge facing Bush??
You control the White House..
You control the Senate..
You control the House of Representatives..
You may control the Supreme Court soon..
... exactly what is the "sharp" challenge facing Bush??
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
Major rant...
Today I pull up to a stoplight..
I'm minding my own business until I see an outline of one of those magnetic ribbons on a truck that was very dirty.. As I studied the contours of the curvature and subsequent consistency of the dirt (I get bored sometimes when I'm driving) I wondered why the ribbon had been pulled off to begin with..
I then noticed that the car in front of me had a "Support The Troops" magnetic ribbon on their car turned sideways so that it could fit flat against the trunk lid..
Then a very bad thought came in my head: "What if the ribbon idea was a Karl Rove concoction??"
I sighed deeply and became angry at the mere notion that somehow the ideology behind a support effort may be politicized.. Now I haven't investigated it -- my google searches proved nothing ill about it.. But the mere thought of it sickened me..
Because it made perfect sense..
I can't say for certain when the ribbons came out, but just like those annoying yellow "Baby on Board" warning signs of the 80's - the fad has grown well beyond anyone's expectations.. It's also been noted that these magnetic ribbons have also been the source of some thievery.. Apparently someone wanted to show their American spirit to support the troops by stealing it off someone else's car.. What's more American than that??
I digress..
But at a time when Bush's strongest position revolved around the whole conflict - one can't be rushed to defeat such a proposition that the ribbon campaign had been a brain-child of some administration official.. Think about it: the overall presence of support for the troops would in fact help Bush's re-election bid.. The more solidarity that is portrayed, the more people want to jump on the bandwagon..
Because consider the alternative: "if you do not support the troops, you are not American.." It's a message that has been pounded into us for the last 18 months.. So, to prove that one supports the troops, they spend their $5.99 at their local WalMart and get a magnetic ribbon that can be conveniently be removed when one's support has waned or becomes unnecessary..
Pardon me, but how transparent is that??
We will slap on the "Don't follow me. I'm lost too" bumper sticker that will last longer than the car will run..... but we'll prefer the removable support ribbon why-for??
If I understand it: it's okay to have a temporary, removable support for the troops - which I guess should make sense.. Because on the one hand, we hope and pray that our troops come home soon so that the ribbons can be removed from our cars.. On the other hand - I think it's incredibly superficial..
Because when I look at the drivers who have placed these magnets on their vehicles, I really wonder if they get it.. I wonder exactly how many of those ribbons I see everyday reach out to those that really understand what it means to have a loved one being placed in harm's way.. And I'm not counting the families themselves because if there's anyone that really understands the meaning of those ribbons: ARE THE FAMILY MEMBERS?? These are the families and friends that have on-going vigils at their residences; praying for the sons and daughters we have sent overseas for purposes that seem to have eluded this Presidency..
The Bush Administration announced today that it has officially given up its search for Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq.. Over 1,500 people enlisted in the search for WMD.. As I sit here brooding over that news nugget, I'm reminded that "we don't know if Saddam had them and moved them to some place else like Syria.."
True..
And I would normally subscribe to that belief if it weren't for the technology, methodology, investigative capability of the most technological country in the world -- couldn't find a piece of evidence to suggest even the manufacturing of WMD.. Nothing.. Could Saddam have personally cleaned every smidge of evidence so that nothing would be found?? I suppose..
But then anyone who watches CSI knows that it's impossible to clean up a bloodstain unless you know what to do with it.. And to do so without having *any* leads?? Not one shred of evidence??
And I'm the conspiracy theorist in MY family!!
(right)
But to have Scott McClellan announce: "Based on what we know today, the president would have taken the same action because this is about protecting the American people," is nothing short of treasonous..
Exactly *what* was the threat??
1.) There were no WMD
2.) The President would repeat what he did again
3.) Bush said he has no regrets for making the decision he made
4.) A staff of over 1,500 commanded by 4 different weapons inspectors and all of the collective help of the Iraqi citizens (some 4 million+) couldn't find them.....
5.) Over 1,355 Americans have lost their lives with another 10,000+ that have been injured.
6.) Not including the 15,289 Iraqi Citizens who have died during our liberation of their country.. That's 6 times those that died in 9/11..
We had the opportunity to support our troops this past November - but that didn't happen.. We had an opportunity to bring home our troops, but Bush is itching to get into Iran next..
So.. Let's consult the score card:
1.) No WMD (buzzer)
2.) Saddam has been caught (ding ding)
3.) 1,355 Americans have died (buzzer)
4.) 15,289 Iraqi civilians have died (buzzer)
5.) The Governor of Baghdad has been assassinated (buzzer)
6.) The 50+ Iraqi policemen who have been executed (buzzer)
7.) Holding an election that Bush ALREADY admits "The election is not going to be perfect." (buzzer)
8.) The sanctions have been lifted (buzzer) *note: just because you cheat doesn't mean you get a cookie!!
9.) We have an overwhelming support of the international community (buzzer)
10.) We are no where near getting Bin Laden or any other terrorist cell that was/is operating out there today.. (buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz)
Let's see, 1 ding and 9 buzzes.. Not good Mr. President..
The fact that almost his entire cabinet resigned speaks volumes.. And now that these reports continue to trickle after the election reinforces the timing of the release so as not to affect the November elections.. How nice of us to make an "informed decision" based on withheld releases of information..
-Still don't think the system is flawed??
-You don't think the press has its talons in the midst of it all??
-Still want to believe that the right guy for the job is living on Pennsylvania Ave this evening??
*sighs*
I thought about something else yesterday as I was listening to Air America Radio: the louder we yell, the less people listen.. If in fact the democrats are serious enough to take back the country we lost then this is the message: get smart people in smart positions and get them there soon.. If the democrats don't find their own version of Karl Rove - then the party is in deep trouble in 2006 and 2008..
Get smart..
I'm minding my own business until I see an outline of one of those magnetic ribbons on a truck that was very dirty.. As I studied the contours of the curvature and subsequent consistency of the dirt (I get bored sometimes when I'm driving) I wondered why the ribbon had been pulled off to begin with..
I then noticed that the car in front of me had a "Support The Troops" magnetic ribbon on their car turned sideways so that it could fit flat against the trunk lid..
Then a very bad thought came in my head: "What if the ribbon idea was a Karl Rove concoction??"
I sighed deeply and became angry at the mere notion that somehow the ideology behind a support effort may be politicized.. Now I haven't investigated it -- my google searches proved nothing ill about it.. But the mere thought of it sickened me..
Because it made perfect sense..
I can't say for certain when the ribbons came out, but just like those annoying yellow "Baby on Board" warning signs of the 80's - the fad has grown well beyond anyone's expectations.. It's also been noted that these magnetic ribbons have also been the source of some thievery.. Apparently someone wanted to show their American spirit to support the troops by stealing it off someone else's car.. What's more American than that??
I digress..
But at a time when Bush's strongest position revolved around the whole conflict - one can't be rushed to defeat such a proposition that the ribbon campaign had been a brain-child of some administration official.. Think about it: the overall presence of support for the troops would in fact help Bush's re-election bid.. The more solidarity that is portrayed, the more people want to jump on the bandwagon..
Because consider the alternative: "if you do not support the troops, you are not American.." It's a message that has been pounded into us for the last 18 months.. So, to prove that one supports the troops, they spend their $5.99 at their local WalMart and get a magnetic ribbon that can be conveniently be removed when one's support has waned or becomes unnecessary..
Pardon me, but how transparent is that??
We will slap on the "Don't follow me. I'm lost too" bumper sticker that will last longer than the car will run..... but we'll prefer the removable support ribbon why-for??
If I understand it: it's okay to have a temporary, removable support for the troops - which I guess should make sense.. Because on the one hand, we hope and pray that our troops come home soon so that the ribbons can be removed from our cars.. On the other hand - I think it's incredibly superficial..
Because when I look at the drivers who have placed these magnets on their vehicles, I really wonder if they get it.. I wonder exactly how many of those ribbons I see everyday reach out to those that really understand what it means to have a loved one being placed in harm's way.. And I'm not counting the families themselves because if there's anyone that really understands the meaning of those ribbons: ARE THE FAMILY MEMBERS?? These are the families and friends that have on-going vigils at their residences; praying for the sons and daughters we have sent overseas for purposes that seem to have eluded this Presidency..
The Bush Administration announced today that it has officially given up its search for Weapons of Mass Destruction in Iraq.. Over 1,500 people enlisted in the search for WMD.. As I sit here brooding over that news nugget, I'm reminded that "we don't know if Saddam had them and moved them to some place else like Syria.."
True..
And I would normally subscribe to that belief if it weren't for the technology, methodology, investigative capability of the most technological country in the world -- couldn't find a piece of evidence to suggest even the manufacturing of WMD.. Nothing.. Could Saddam have personally cleaned every smidge of evidence so that nothing would be found?? I suppose..
But then anyone who watches CSI knows that it's impossible to clean up a bloodstain unless you know what to do with it.. And to do so without having *any* leads?? Not one shred of evidence??
And I'm the conspiracy theorist in MY family!!
(right)
But to have Scott McClellan announce: "Based on what we know today, the president would have taken the same action because this is about protecting the American people," is nothing short of treasonous..
Exactly *what* was the threat??
1.) There were no WMD
2.) The President would repeat what he did again
3.) Bush said he has no regrets for making the decision he made
4.) A staff of over 1,500 commanded by 4 different weapons inspectors and all of the collective help of the Iraqi citizens (some 4 million+) couldn't find them.....
5.) Over 1,355 Americans have lost their lives with another 10,000+ that have been injured.
6.) Not including the 15,289 Iraqi Citizens who have died during our liberation of their country.. That's 6 times those that died in 9/11..
We had the opportunity to support our troops this past November - but that didn't happen.. We had an opportunity to bring home our troops, but Bush is itching to get into Iran next..
So.. Let's consult the score card:
1.) No WMD (buzzer)
2.) Saddam has been caught (ding ding)
3.) 1,355 Americans have died (buzzer)
4.) 15,289 Iraqi civilians have died (buzzer)
5.) The Governor of Baghdad has been assassinated (buzzer)
6.) The 50+ Iraqi policemen who have been executed (buzzer)
7.) Holding an election that Bush ALREADY admits "The election is not going to be perfect." (buzzer)
8.) The sanctions have been lifted (buzzer) *note: just because you cheat doesn't mean you get a cookie!!
9.) We have an overwhelming support of the international community (buzzer)
10.) We are no where near getting Bin Laden or any other terrorist cell that was/is operating out there today.. (buzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz)
Let's see, 1 ding and 9 buzzes.. Not good Mr. President..
The fact that almost his entire cabinet resigned speaks volumes.. And now that these reports continue to trickle after the election reinforces the timing of the release so as not to affect the November elections.. How nice of us to make an "informed decision" based on withheld releases of information..
-Still don't think the system is flawed??
-You don't think the press has its talons in the midst of it all??
-Still want to believe that the right guy for the job is living on Pennsylvania Ave this evening??
*sighs*
I thought about something else yesterday as I was listening to Air America Radio: the louder we yell, the less people listen.. If in fact the democrats are serious enough to take back the country we lost then this is the message: get smart people in smart positions and get them there soon.. If the democrats don't find their own version of Karl Rove - then the party is in deep trouble in 2006 and 2008..
Get smart..
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Media is in bed with who??
If there was any doubt that the media doesn't have any "in's" with this or any other administration:
One doesn't have to look any farther than Armstrong Williams...
I'm sure this is not the first time..
..it happens to be the first time anyone openly admitted it (to the best of my recollection..)
One doesn't have to look any farther than Armstrong Williams...
I'm sure this is not the first time..
..it happens to be the first time anyone openly admitted it (to the best of my recollection..)
Thursday, January 06, 2005
The Ohio Challenge
The Ohio challenge that is being put forth has made me reconsider whether or not I want Kerry in the White House..
The election is to be certified today, but Senator Kerry shows no real visible signs that he's eager to take on the Presidency:
"Underscoring that the outcome was not in doubt, Kerry, who conceded to Bush the day after the Nov. 2 election, said he would not join the challenge. The four-term Massachusetts senator was in the Middle East, thanking U.S. troops for their service.
In a statement, Kerry said there are "very troubling questions" about the Ohio voting and he would present a plan later to improve voting procedures. "
Now..
I don't like Bush - never hid that fact from anyone -- but if the guy you voted for is basically throwing in the towel and not fighting in what is right, then is this the guy we want to lead our nation??
*sighs*
I understand and support the "high road" that he wanted to take which was not going to put the nation in a strait jacket the public in another contested battle as what happened in 2000.. I understand that it paints him as a sore loser.. I understand that the Dems took a punch in the arm for what happened 4 years ago..
But at the very least he could've said "I'm concerned, and if there needs to be an investigation, the people of Ohio should lead it as they have been...."
But his tenor of what's been reported (and that may be the key here) is that he doesn't want it.. If this is the press' way of squeezing the last zit on this election so that everything can heal and move forward, then their portrayal of Kerry is assisting in that way..
It's frustrating as hell..
The election is to be certified today, but Senator Kerry shows no real visible signs that he's eager to take on the Presidency:
"Underscoring that the outcome was not in doubt, Kerry, who conceded to Bush the day after the Nov. 2 election, said he would not join the challenge. The four-term Massachusetts senator was in the Middle East, thanking U.S. troops for their service.
In a statement, Kerry said there are "very troubling questions" about the Ohio voting and he would present a plan later to improve voting procedures. "
Now..
I don't like Bush - never hid that fact from anyone -- but if the guy you voted for is basically throwing in the towel and not fighting in what is right, then is this the guy we want to lead our nation??
*sighs*
I understand and support the "high road" that he wanted to take which was not going to put the nation in a strait jacket the public in another contested battle as what happened in 2000.. I understand that it paints him as a sore loser.. I understand that the Dems took a punch in the arm for what happened 4 years ago..
But at the very least he could've said "I'm concerned, and if there needs to be an investigation, the people of Ohio should lead it as they have been...."
But his tenor of what's been reported (and that may be the key here) is that he doesn't want it.. If this is the press' way of squeezing the last zit on this election so that everything can heal and move forward, then their portrayal of Kerry is assisting in that way..
It's frustrating as hell..
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Signs....
The great thing about going on vacation, one tends to not be in touch with current events as much as one would be.. Obviously the tsunami in India and Thailand was a shock.. I haven't gauged Bush's response except that he's sorry that it happened and ordered our flags at half-mast.. I could be sarcastic, but it's still a tragedy.. Nothing changes the fact that over 100,000 people are dead or missing..
It raises a whole host of philosophical issues..
We started to watch a program about the Apocalypse - Armageddon - the end of the world on the History Channel last week.. I had no idea that it's the Christian religion that focuses so much on the end of life.. There's been a lot of discussion about this being a clear sign that the Rapture is coming.. Again, not sure if I have an opinion on it.. If it happens, it happens.. I can't really do or say anything to stop it.. It'll happen if it's destined to.. At most, all I can do is control that which is in front of me..
Still..
I recall that which I studied in college.. I started out an Astronomy major before settling in History.. Much to my mom's and Gram's chagrin - religion was something that was going to be difficult for me to venture towards.. Yes.. Having faith in Christianity - the Bible is a historical record of what happened, how people should live, and give a basic framework into what life is going to be like.. Now - not everyone is Christian and a lot of people do not subscribe to the Bible, its teachings or even the outlook as stated in Revelations..
Yet there are those that absorb themselves in Revelations as though it's the TV Guide for what's going to happen.. When history reflects the likes of Jim Jones, David Koresh, and others - I can't help but wonder exactly how healthy it is to immerse every fiber of your being into planning what may or may not happen tomorrow.. I recall (not that long ago) when the late night air waves had the likes of Dr. Jack Van Impe out that the end of the world was coming.... and coming..... (taps foot) ...... coming soon........ (sighs) ...... (long pause) ...... still coming........
You get the point..
But Van Impe is probably relishing a bit in this news.. Because when there's hardship - the book of Revelations says so.... Afterall, these are clear and visible signs that Christ is coming back.. I recall a number of years ago, about how some sort of terrorist act happened in the Middle East - is now understood as a "tell tale sign" that the rapture is coming.. (this was over 10 years ago....)
*sighs*
Okay - I'll go ahead and assume for just a moment that he's right.. I'll assume that the book of revelations is right.. What does Van Impe say one should do in preparation of the rapture: "millions need to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon-perhaps today!" I just went to his webpage and pulled up just a sampling of their writings.. Wow.. Interesting.. Even his question of the week was nothing short of bizarre: With so many increasing demonstrations against the war around the world, do you think Russia or China could use this as an excuse to attack America with nuclear bombs, on the pretense of stopping it? Either that, or get Korea to do their dirty work for them? Before that should happen, could the Rapture take place? Hope so!"
His response: "I think you heard enough today through what I said about Russia and China, to note the answer already. They might use any kind of excuse to get their hydrogen bombs moving across the globe, but will we be gone? Yes. The Bible teaches that the Rapture comes first. Revelation 4 verse 1, “Come up hither”, and the Tribulation only begins in chapter 6. We're gone. Two chapters ahead of that. So forget the fox holes. Trust Jesus. "
Whoa.. All I have to do is believe in Jesus and somehow I leave two chapters before the hydrogen bombs?? Then why didn't he send out a warning before the planes hit the towers?? Why wasn't there a siren that warned the 100,000 people in India of the impending danger that was about to happen?? Why don't we have the proper guidance according to the Bible as to what needs to happen in Iraq?? Moreover, if the rapture is going to happen soon, really soon, like .... today.. Then why aren't we making preparations?? Getting the family together so that we can all go together?? Why do we have to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon - instead of finalizing our affairs so that we're going to be ready for the big day??
Why is there an obsession that gays and lesbians aren't treated as humans, but are castaways who are damaged in some way?? That's very Hitler-esque if one thinks about it.. The Jews weren't particularly popular - even to the degree that they were the "cause" of the decline of German blood.. So what is the difference to what we're doing to gays and lesbians than what Hitler did to the Jews??
Well, Van Impe and others will say that all of these things are just signs to what is to come.. Okay.. I like the signs analogy.. I can run with this one.. But let's consider that maybe we're reading the sign wrong.. Perhaps this is God's way of saying "look, straighten up or I'm kicking everyone out of the pool.." Perhaps it's a sign that what we're doing in Iraq is wrong.. Perhaps it's a sign that we should be making the planet a calmer place to live instead of beating every hornets nest from here to the Middle East and beyond..
Remember: Hitler had the belief of God on his side when he believed he was the chosen one.. Napoleon believed that he was the chosen one to lead his country onto a dominant power.. Let's not forget that Bush himself believes he was selected to bid God's will.. But when we look at how the world powers have fared during history: we're in big time trouble because all of the biggest, most dominant nations in world history eventually fail and fall very hard.. This is recorded history; well documented, verifiable, and scary recent history.. Hell - take just the last 1000 years of which we can see where all of the other "successful" countries and how they fared..
Let's not forget that it was less than 70 years ago - just over a generation - when there was significant fear of Hitler and Hirohito of Japan.. When England was burning, we stuck to the Monroe Doctrine that kept everything in the western hemisphere.. It wasn't until Pearl Harbor that we finally got involved.. And back then - we were strong, but we weren't the strongest military.. It took 4 years to complete World War II after 1941.. So, let's be careful when we're saying we're the biggest, baddest, nation in the world and that everyone wants to be just like us.. September 11th proved that we are vulnerable and this administration continues to prove it..
We have a leader who is so focused on the theological reasoning of life - that it's leading us into a precarious position where our weaknesses are exploited.. Relying on faith didn't stop those planes from crashing into the towers.. Believing that we are doing in God's will won't stop the earthquakes, the next terrorist event, or the next plague.. Sometimes we have to rely on the tangible evidence and stop waiting for signs that are very likely not to come.. What if it was God's will that sent those planes into the towers?? What if He is really pissed at us and this is his way of showing us??
*sighs*
So.. What do folks like Van Impe do with the news of the tsunami disaster?? It boils down to an intricate, painfully distorted "Interpretation of Events..."
It's trying to apply today's news into passages from the Bible - as though there is a clear and present prophecy that is just about ready to happen today!! (um, yeah..) I did a quick google news search and found an interesting article from the Rabble which accurately portrays Van Impe for who he is: "an imbecile trying to shoehorn reasonably unpanicked headlines into the restrictive lunacy of the Book of Revelations. " Ouch, can't do better than that..
And that brings me to a larger question mark: exactly how can I trust that the separation of Church and State is facilitated so that we don't have someone like Van Impe trying to steal the launch codes so that he can fulfill his his interpretation of the prophecies on his own?? Not to mention what would happen if Benny Hinn or (god forbid) if Dr. Gene Scott was our Secretary of State..... *shudders* I've listened and watched all 3 and I get very afraid when I think that the highest office in this country, the leader of the free world may be influenced on an incomprehensible level as the three ministers I've listed here..
Not to mention, everyone can identify that Bush is not the smartest apple in the cart -- yet he was elected.. Are we comfortable with him because Jesus came to him and said he would be President?? Since when did God get interested in politics?? What would God gain from getting into politics?? He has the following of every Christian as it is ..... He has a number one best seller for the last thousand plus years...... He has a following which continues to grow and prosper....... What would God's need be with a President??
Okay..
I need to reiterate something..
Religion can be good.. The basis of religion to lay down a foundation of morality is a good thing.. We can't be running around in anarchy, can we?? I understand the need for faith and understand for some people - it's very important.. I'm not saying religion should be banned.. But I do have issues when it becomes a guiding principle in our policies and how it's going to evolve the world climate..
History demonstrates how wars usually are waged as a result of differing opinions about faith and religion.. Even our war on "terror" is rooted in a difference between Christianity and Islam.. Bin Laden has called for a Jihad - a holy war against us.. Look at the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict -- rooted not just in land, but in theology.. Even the ongoing struggle for peace in Iraq is rooted in the fact that the country by and large has no desire to become a democracy -- because it's in direct conflict with their religion of Islam.. So instead of forcing the Iraqi people into something they do not want, there should be a more consistent, realistic approach to defining the world around us and to stop trying to build the Garden of Eden according to the book of Job.. The inconsistencies alone are enough to convince me that religion and the practicality in society is distinctly problematic..
We have to face the fact that we are hated not because they are jealous - but because we are a threat.. We represent a threat to their religion and when we turn that argument around the other way - we're afraid of Islam much the same way..
So does it make sense for us to perhaps root our faith in the realistic solutions to a problem instead of relying on faith as our guide?? Shouldn't we have a better balance of morality and reality?? I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't have a President who does not believe in God, but imposing one's will on another is much different than what previous administrations have done.. A quick success (if one can call it that) in Afghanistan should not automatically dictate that our will should be the will of every country in the world..
It's a precarious, dangerous, hazardous outlook for 2005 and beyond..
Is the tsunami some sort of sign as the religious pundits will explore?? Yeah, I think it could be..
But I don't think it's the sign everyone thinks it could be.. I just hope that I'm wrong..
It raises a whole host of philosophical issues..
We started to watch a program about the Apocalypse - Armageddon - the end of the world on the History Channel last week.. I had no idea that it's the Christian religion that focuses so much on the end of life.. There's been a lot of discussion about this being a clear sign that the Rapture is coming.. Again, not sure if I have an opinion on it.. If it happens, it happens.. I can't really do or say anything to stop it.. It'll happen if it's destined to.. At most, all I can do is control that which is in front of me..
Still..
I recall that which I studied in college.. I started out an Astronomy major before settling in History.. Much to my mom's and Gram's chagrin - religion was something that was going to be difficult for me to venture towards.. Yes.. Having faith in Christianity - the Bible is a historical record of what happened, how people should live, and give a basic framework into what life is going to be like.. Now - not everyone is Christian and a lot of people do not subscribe to the Bible, its teachings or even the outlook as stated in Revelations..
Yet there are those that absorb themselves in Revelations as though it's the TV Guide for what's going to happen.. When history reflects the likes of Jim Jones, David Koresh, and others - I can't help but wonder exactly how healthy it is to immerse every fiber of your being into planning what may or may not happen tomorrow.. I recall (not that long ago) when the late night air waves had the likes of Dr. Jack Van Impe out that the end of the world was coming.... and coming..... (taps foot) ...... coming soon........ (sighs) ...... (long pause) ...... still coming........
You get the point..
But Van Impe is probably relishing a bit in this news.. Because when there's hardship - the book of Revelations says so.... Afterall, these are clear and visible signs that Christ is coming back.. I recall a number of years ago, about how some sort of terrorist act happened in the Middle East - is now understood as a "tell tale sign" that the rapture is coming.. (this was over 10 years ago....)
*sighs*
Okay - I'll go ahead and assume for just a moment that he's right.. I'll assume that the book of revelations is right.. What does Van Impe say one should do in preparation of the rapture: "millions need to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon-perhaps today!" I just went to his webpage and pulled up just a sampling of their writings.. Wow.. Interesting.. Even his question of the week was nothing short of bizarre: With so many increasing demonstrations against the war around the world, do you think Russia or China could use this as an excuse to attack America with nuclear bombs, on the pretense of stopping it? Either that, or get Korea to do their dirty work for them? Before that should happen, could the Rapture take place? Hope so!"
His response: "I think you heard enough today through what I said about Russia and China, to note the answer already. They might use any kind of excuse to get their hydrogen bombs moving across the globe, but will we be gone? Yes. The Bible teaches that the Rapture comes first. Revelation 4 verse 1, “Come up hither”, and the Tribulation only begins in chapter 6. We're gone. Two chapters ahead of that. So forget the fox holes. Trust Jesus. "
Whoa.. All I have to do is believe in Jesus and somehow I leave two chapters before the hydrogen bombs?? Then why didn't he send out a warning before the planes hit the towers?? Why wasn't there a siren that warned the 100,000 people in India of the impending danger that was about to happen?? Why don't we have the proper guidance according to the Bible as to what needs to happen in Iraq?? Moreover, if the rapture is going to happen soon, really soon, like .... today.. Then why aren't we making preparations?? Getting the family together so that we can all go together?? Why do we have to be alerted to the fact that Jesus is coming soon - instead of finalizing our affairs so that we're going to be ready for the big day??
Why is there an obsession that gays and lesbians aren't treated as humans, but are castaways who are damaged in some way?? That's very Hitler-esque if one thinks about it.. The Jews weren't particularly popular - even to the degree that they were the "cause" of the decline of German blood.. So what is the difference to what we're doing to gays and lesbians than what Hitler did to the Jews??
Well, Van Impe and others will say that all of these things are just signs to what is to come.. Okay.. I like the signs analogy.. I can run with this one.. But let's consider that maybe we're reading the sign wrong.. Perhaps this is God's way of saying "look, straighten up or I'm kicking everyone out of the pool.." Perhaps it's a sign that what we're doing in Iraq is wrong.. Perhaps it's a sign that we should be making the planet a calmer place to live instead of beating every hornets nest from here to the Middle East and beyond..
Remember: Hitler had the belief of God on his side when he believed he was the chosen one.. Napoleon believed that he was the chosen one to lead his country onto a dominant power.. Let's not forget that Bush himself believes he was selected to bid God's will.. But when we look at how the world powers have fared during history: we're in big time trouble because all of the biggest, most dominant nations in world history eventually fail and fall very hard.. This is recorded history; well documented, verifiable, and scary recent history.. Hell - take just the last 1000 years of which we can see where all of the other "successful" countries and how they fared..
Let's not forget that it was less than 70 years ago - just over a generation - when there was significant fear of Hitler and Hirohito of Japan.. When England was burning, we stuck to the Monroe Doctrine that kept everything in the western hemisphere.. It wasn't until Pearl Harbor that we finally got involved.. And back then - we were strong, but we weren't the strongest military.. It took 4 years to complete World War II after 1941.. So, let's be careful when we're saying we're the biggest, baddest, nation in the world and that everyone wants to be just like us.. September 11th proved that we are vulnerable and this administration continues to prove it..
We have a leader who is so focused on the theological reasoning of life - that it's leading us into a precarious position where our weaknesses are exploited.. Relying on faith didn't stop those planes from crashing into the towers.. Believing that we are doing in God's will won't stop the earthquakes, the next terrorist event, or the next plague.. Sometimes we have to rely on the tangible evidence and stop waiting for signs that are very likely not to come.. What if it was God's will that sent those planes into the towers?? What if He is really pissed at us and this is his way of showing us??
*sighs*
So.. What do folks like Van Impe do with the news of the tsunami disaster?? It boils down to an intricate, painfully distorted "Interpretation of Events..."
It's trying to apply today's news into passages from the Bible - as though there is a clear and present prophecy that is just about ready to happen today!! (um, yeah..) I did a quick google news search and found an interesting article from the Rabble which accurately portrays Van Impe for who he is: "an imbecile trying to shoehorn reasonably unpanicked headlines into the restrictive lunacy of the Book of Revelations. " Ouch, can't do better than that..
And that brings me to a larger question mark: exactly how can I trust that the separation of Church and State is facilitated so that we don't have someone like Van Impe trying to steal the launch codes so that he can fulfill his his interpretation of the prophecies on his own?? Not to mention what would happen if Benny Hinn or (god forbid) if Dr. Gene Scott was our Secretary of State..... *shudders* I've listened and watched all 3 and I get very afraid when I think that the highest office in this country, the leader of the free world may be influenced on an incomprehensible level as the three ministers I've listed here..
Not to mention, everyone can identify that Bush is not the smartest apple in the cart -- yet he was elected.. Are we comfortable with him because Jesus came to him and said he would be President?? Since when did God get interested in politics?? What would God gain from getting into politics?? He has the following of every Christian as it is ..... He has a number one best seller for the last thousand plus years...... He has a following which continues to grow and prosper....... What would God's need be with a President??
Okay..
I need to reiterate something..
Religion can be good.. The basis of religion to lay down a foundation of morality is a good thing.. We can't be running around in anarchy, can we?? I understand the need for faith and understand for some people - it's very important.. I'm not saying religion should be banned.. But I do have issues when it becomes a guiding principle in our policies and how it's going to evolve the world climate..
History demonstrates how wars usually are waged as a result of differing opinions about faith and religion.. Even our war on "terror" is rooted in a difference between Christianity and Islam.. Bin Laden has called for a Jihad - a holy war against us.. Look at the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict -- rooted not just in land, but in theology.. Even the ongoing struggle for peace in Iraq is rooted in the fact that the country by and large has no desire to become a democracy -- because it's in direct conflict with their religion of Islam.. So instead of forcing the Iraqi people into something they do not want, there should be a more consistent, realistic approach to defining the world around us and to stop trying to build the Garden of Eden according to the book of Job.. The inconsistencies alone are enough to convince me that religion and the practicality in society is distinctly problematic..
We have to face the fact that we are hated not because they are jealous - but because we are a threat.. We represent a threat to their religion and when we turn that argument around the other way - we're afraid of Islam much the same way..
So does it make sense for us to perhaps root our faith in the realistic solutions to a problem instead of relying on faith as our guide?? Shouldn't we have a better balance of morality and reality?? I'm not suggesting that we shouldn't have a President who does not believe in God, but imposing one's will on another is much different than what previous administrations have done.. A quick success (if one can call it that) in Afghanistan should not automatically dictate that our will should be the will of every country in the world..
It's a precarious, dangerous, hazardous outlook for 2005 and beyond..
Is the tsunami some sort of sign as the religious pundits will explore?? Yeah, I think it could be..
But I don't think it's the sign everyone thinks it could be.. I just hope that I'm wrong..
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