Let The Fight Begin

President Bush's choice of Alito for the Supreme Court already has the liberals ready for a fight! The moaning and groaning has begun, and it may last through the winter, if Harry Reid has anything to do with it!

Many think federal Judge Samuel Alito is closer to Justice Roberts than any other judge in the Supreme Court. Democrat Patrick Leahy said "instead of uniting the country through his choice, the President has chosen to reward one fraction of his party at the risk of dividing the country".

"Any nominee who so worries the radical left is worthy of serious consideration," countered James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family.

The judge brings with him an extensive record. Arlen Specter, R-PA, says there is a fair amount of work to review. And, although Bill Frist, R-TN, says that he feels they can get the nominee through by the end of December, Harry Reid says they aren't going to be rushed into anything.

Alito is highly respected by judicial colleagues. It is believed that he will dazzle them during the confirmation hearings with his answers, just as Justice Roberts did. Katherine Pringle, who clerked for him 1993-1994, says he will impress everyone with his intelligence, his experience, and the kind of person he is. He is a strong conservative, and this nomination has the Democrats hustling to find something they can go at him with - like his views on abortion. The fight is on, even before the nomination has cooled!

Check out Michelle Malkin for the blogger's views on this nomination.
Linked at Conservative Cat - Floating Ping Festival
The War Room at Real Teen-Right on the Right
TMH's Bacon Bits - Open Post Halloween

Check out California Conservative- 'Scalito's Way' - The Alito Nomination. Trackback and share your thoughts and opinions.

Stacy Harp has all the 'complainers', meanspirited and all - on this nominee by Bush.


Tags: Supreme Court, President Bush, Politics

Theology pair flips Bible Upside Down on Sexuality

With the first sentence, 'We must reject at the outset any notion of the supreme authority of scripture', I knew something was very wrong!

Two visiting scholars, one from Duke Divinity School, and the other from The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, were speaking on "Sex, Love and Marriage in Scripture and Tradition." But, there was nothing traditional in their stance and many would say very unscriptural!

Tradition has it that marriage is between a man and woman. We teach abstinence before marriage. But these two men are teaching that we should tolerate homosexuality. But, scripture tells us in Leviticus 18:18, that it's an abomination to lay with mankind, as with womankind. First off, God made man in His image and then took his rib to make the woman for his helpmate. He also gave them the charge to 'replenish the earth'. But, this is very impossible with two women or two men engaged in sex!

Crenshaw's Duke Divinity School is associated with the Methodist church, which allows gays to be members, but not ministers. Countryman is ordained in the Episcopal Church and had been outspoken in debates over homosexuality in that church.

Countryman said at the Lakeland symposium:

The apostle Paul wrote: "Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion."

"The language is harsh," Countryman conceded, "but Paul doesn't say explicitly that it is sinful. ... All we can say is that the case isn't very strong. For myself, I'm frankly unconvinced," he concluded. "Most important of all, the gospel doesn't enter into it."

He goes on to say that, in Romans, Paul agrees with our prejudices whether against homosexuals or jews. And, that we should never underestimate the ability of humans to get things wrong! What a truthful statement from a man who has the Bible all wrong! God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. And, what he required of the Old Testament people, I think He still requires of us today; that is, we must live a holy life, consecrated unto Him alone. We must obey his commandments, and love our neighbor as ourselves. And, I find no where in there that the Lord tells us that it's okay to practice homosexuality. When we sin against our bodies, if we claim to be a Christian, then we are defyling the 'temple of God' - 'which temple ye are'. (I Cornithians 3:16-17).

Minimum Wage Raise Rejected

Senate proposals to raise the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.25 was rejected. Republicans say a raise hike may work against the poor and cause small businesses to have to close or lay off workers.

The Kennedy amendment to a spending bill went down 51-47, and the GOP alternative 57-42. Under a Senate agreement, they would have needed 60 votes for approval.

Chris Townsend said this is the 'disgrace of the week', and he blames it all on the Republicans. But, I think it lies with Congress, period! Look at the pay raises they have voted for themselves in the past. Even Ted Kennedy has voted for pay raises for himself.

Research conducted in 2003 indicated that no fewer than 40 Senate members were millionaires, with 22 Republicans and 18 Democrats reaching this elite milestone. And even those who failed to make the millionaire mark were well on their way, with annual Senate salaries now at $162,100.

Look at this article from Jeff Jacoby in January 1, 2004.

Once upon a time, senators and representatives knew that before they could raise their salary, they had to hold hearings and take a vote. Those votes could be politically uncomfortable, and the public's reaction had to be taken into account. Not surprisingly, Congress tended to go long stretches between pay raises, and lawmakers knew better than to hike their pay during a recession. (On a few occasions, they even reduced their pay.)

But Congress has changed the rules. Under the system now in place, House and Senate members automatically get a pay raise every year.

Feingold puts his money where his mouth is, refusing any increase in pay during each six-year senatorial term. Though he is perhaps the least affluent member of the Senate, he has returned more than $50,000 to the Treasury over the past 11 years. Meanwhile, multimillionaire senators like Ted Kennedy, Jon Corzine, and Majority Leader Bill Frist vote to table Feingold's amendment and preserve the annual stealth pay raise.

I think a better way for a pay raise would be to pay a worker for their ability, and the work done rather than have a mandatory pay hike. I see so many people working who are there only for payday. Many times, I see workers slack on their job; and this causes others to have to do more. This is certainly true in the fast food chains! And, I also see it in the department stores I frequent. And, when I worked, it happened in my own office!

Perhaps this is what needs to be done for our Congress! They not only get those hefty salaries, but lots of amenities to boot, including free office space, free foreign travel, paid home travels, etc! They can holler all they want about this defeat - whether they voted for it or not. They KNOW they will get a pay raise every year, regardless of those less fortunate.

Maybe there needs to be a look at the 'checks and balances' among the rich - the government! The public needs to be able to decide whether their representatives are doing the job that they were sent to Congress to do. And, if they aren't, they don't get a raise!

Linked at:
Weekend Open Trackbacks
Conservative Cat - Floating Ping Festival

Tags: minimum wages, Congress, Ted Kennedy, Democrats, Republicans

God Is Still In The Midst Of Things

The devastation was felt in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama after Hurricane Katrina left. There is still much that will be there possibly for years. Many families are still without homes, or even the smallest of needs. Many have been helped, have found refuge in other cities, and put their children back in school. But, some aren't so lucky.

One of the couples that wasn't so lucky to evacuate before the storm was an older couple that had retired from Texas to Gulfport, Mississippi, due to the seizures the husband was having. They were going to evacuate, but he had a bad attack and they were unable to leave. He woke up to his 2 story home flooded. They came to the Command Post for Disaster Distribution at the Gulfport Church of God, and they were thought to be 'street people', they were in such a shape. The husband's blood pressure was through the roof, due to the seizures. But, after they got a hot bath and cleaned up, it returned to normal.

But, what is amazing about this story is this: their home was completely demolished, and so were their cars. They had nothing but a tent, 2 dirty pillows, and the clothes on their back. But, a man named Woody Harrell, a businessman from Macon, Georgia, approached Pastor Fulmer, saying "You have a homeless family here and I have come to take them to Macon." He knew nothing about the couple! But, Pastor Fulmer knew immediately that God had sent this man to help provide a new home for this couple.

No matter what the problem, if we look hard enough, we will see the hand of God in every situation. You won't see Him 'in person', but in the persons of those out there listening to His voice, and hear Him say, "Go feed my sheep".

Open Trackback Weekend at Oblogatory Anecdotes.
Linked at Conservative Cat: Permanent Floating Ping Festival

Tags: Hurricane Katrina, Disaster, Mississippi

Satire In Season

The Onion has done it again! Trick-or-Treaters To Be Subject To Random Bag Searches is a great read. And, it is just in time for the Halloween crowd.

|Technorati|Halloween, The Onion, satire

A Flimsy Sandwich for the Prosecutor?

Wes Pruden got it right when he wrote ‘Time To Bring In Two Slices Of Ham”. In other words, where is the proof that either Karl Rove or I.Lewis Libby has done anything wrong? Does the Prosecutor Fitzgerald have enough ‘mustard’ to make the sandwich stick together?

I, personally, haven’t seen any information that makes me believe that either Rove or Libby gave anyone the name of Joseph Wilson’s wife – the name she used as a secret agent – Valerie Plame. Neither Matt Cooper, of Time Magazine, or Judy Miller, of the NY Times, have said they got the name from these guys. They did testify they talked with them, but not that they gave her name. Matt Cooper stayed out of jail by making a deal (he was given the okay to use the name of his contact by the contact himself). Judy Miller decided to go to jail in order not to have to reveal her source. But, the Vice-President did finally tell her she was free to speak.

Miller released her notes where she had conversations with I.Lewis Libby, Vice-President Cheney’s chief of staff. Her notes say that he had been talking about Wilson’s wife weeks before Wilson’s claim that his wife’s cover had been leaked. The notes may be the one thing that DA Fitzgerald has that will prove detrimental to Libby.

This scandal is already more farce than comedy, but it's just the farce for Washington, where farce is mistaken for fact, and if nobody out there cares enough to read about it that makes it all the more delicious for insiders.

Facts speak for themselves, but are the facts this Prosecutor has enough to prosecute these two men? Or, is he out for publicity, in indicting two top men from the Republican presidency? Inquiring minds want to know,and perhaps we will find out the answer soon.

Visit Conservative Cat Home of the Ping Festival.

|Technorati|scandal, Valerie Plame, Fitzgerald

This Dates Me!

On this day in history:

1947, "You Bet Your Life," starring Groucho Marx, premiered on ABC Radio. (It later became a television show on NBC.) The radio show ran from 1947 through 1956. I don't remember ever hearing the radio show, though.

NBC ran the television show from October 1950 until September 1960. I looked forward to Groucho Marx and his humor each week. It was a quiz show, but, each week, there was a secret word. And, if a contestant said the word during the show, they received an extra $100. And, the stuffed duck would fall from the ceiling and have the $100 in it's mouth. All contestants were picked for their ability to take barbs - and Groucho Marx had many of those!

Groucho Marx died on August 19, 1977.

The Golden Rule

I am on a mailing list for devotionals sent out by Dr. Jim DeBruhl. He has many devotionals, but this one was from one called Freshbread. When I think of the 'Golden Rule', I always think of 'do unto others as you would have them do unto you', which was our senior class motto, when I graduated. The Golden Rule is actually, "Love thy neighbor as thyself". And, this is what Dr. Jim demonstrated in this morning's devotional.

How do you 'love thy neighbor as thyself?' Just how do you want others to treat you? Do you want others talking about you? Do you like people that are difficult or that offend people easily? Do you like encouragement from others? How do you want your life to be viewed?

In other words, however you want others to be towards you, return the favor. I love encouragement, and I try to give others encouragement. There are times that would be difficult, but I sort of say, "okay, God, help me do this, because this person needs it." I try not to offend others, because I hate to be offended. I want people to view me as easy to get along, a very agreeable person, one who has compassion for others and truly cares about their feelings. So, if I want others to see me this way, I must be in a position to treat them the same way.

Harriet Miers Withdraws Nomination

President Bush accepted the withdrawal of Miers' nomination for Supreme Court. She gave a letter of withdrawal in which she said her confirmation process was putting a burden on the White House and was not in the best interest of the country.

I didn't realize, until today, that Democrat Harry Reid had been one to recommend Miers' nomination. Now, he blames the radical right wing of the republican party for killing her nomination. But, I see many Republicans and Democrats that were unhappy with her nomination, due to her qualifications. Many felt she didn't know the Constitution inside and out in order to make sound judgements on the bench. Others say that the President would not turn loose White House papers prepared by Miers. But CNN says that both Republicans and Democrat senators say they had not asked for privileged papers. Either way, Miers is now out of the run for the Supreme Court.

Hopefully, the next nominee will be a more qualified candidate. But, will any conservative nominee satisfy the Democrats? I would hope the President would not fall into the trap of appointing someone that isn't fully conservative just to satisfy the left! That would be a mistake for the party and for the country. Remember, this nominee will serve a life time and could decide the outcome of some very important issues. Right now, it seems that Sandra Day O'Connor will still be able to have a say in some of those issues very dear to conservatives' hearts.

Read Miers Withdraws over at Oblogatory Anecdotes.
Michelle Malkin also has a great article with lots of interesting links to the topic.
Linked at Political Teen
Open Post - Euphoricreality.net - Harriet Miers Withdraws Her Nomination

|Technorati|Harriet Miers, Supreme Court, Nomination, conservative

Shall We Retreat To Our Cocoon?

An Internet friend sent me the link to Mike Fenley, and told me to look at October 21st. She couldn't believe what she had heard on that program! Well, neither could I, when I visited the site and knew immediately to what she was referring.

Seems one, Dr. Kamau Kambon, a book store owner in Raleigh, NC, and also a former visiting faculty member at North Carolina State, has advocated to 'exterminate white people off the face of the planet'. With these kind of extremists, we don't need terrorists; we have them in our midst!

Jon Sanders, of Carolina Journal has an article about Kambon's appearance on C-Span. Seems this man is of the belief that the 'white man' wants to 'kill all the black folks'. This is absurd! Where has he been in the past?

A great satire 'interview' with Kambon can be read over at Protein Wisdom by Jeff Goldstein! This is great, and, if you didn't know better, you'd think it was a real life interview with this fellow, who would love for the 'whitey' to disappear off the face of the earth.

Visit Michelle Malkin's site for some great links to other stories on Dr. Kambon.

Linked at GM's Corner
Open Trackback Wednesday - Cao's Blog
Linked at bRight & Early
Linked at TMH's Bacon Bits
Linked at Outside The Beltway - Beltway Traffic Jam

|Technorati|extremists, terrorists, Dr. Kamau Kambon

Let's Hear The Good News

Well, it’s time for Cindy Sheehan to land in Washington, DC, have her little ‘get-together’ in front of the White House, and tie herself to the fence! Can’t wait to see the action – handcuffs and all! One crazy lady!

And, other news in the headlines – there’s never any ‘good news’ coming out of Iraq that we hear about. Nothing positive is supposed to hit the air waves. But, J. Lee Grady of Charisma Magazine, writes about the good news coming from Iraq. What we’ve been hearing regularly, and even today, as they mentioned the mile marker of 2000 American troops dead there, is “More US Troops Killed In Iraq”. Well, Grady has some news that you never hear:

• Tons of weapons destroyed. 406,000 tons of weapons and ammunition have been destroyed. Coalition forces along with the Iraqi’s have worked to build 120 police stations. Peace is replacing violence.
• Iraqi economy booming. One of the 3 new communications companies, since the topple of Saddam’s regime, is planning on being the largest cell provider in the Middle East by the end of the year. I saw that a new business selling cell phones has opened up and is booming – this was on the evening news tonight.
• Books no longer banned in Iraq. 80 newspapers in Baghdad are being printed today. Books and newspapers no longer have to be censored or sold on the black market. They even read the negative American news.
• Soldiers spread compassion. Iraqi soldiers from the Tadji Military Base sent 1 million dinars to help with Hurricane Katrina relief.

Also, Iraqi and American soldiers recently delivered pencils, crayons, learning games and other school supplies to the children of Mahmudiyah, Iraq, and book bags to school kids in the village of Radwiniyah.

Polish soldiers stationed near Sumeria installed air conditioners and pumps in a local school while Bulgarian soldiers renovated classrooms near Afak. Yet all we hear in the American media is that our men and women in uniform do nothing but abuse prisoners, kill civilians and burn copies of the Quran.

• World Leaders lend support to Iraq. Even those countries opposed to the Allied military action in Iraq are now providing training and equipment.

• 15 evangelical congregations have started since the over throw of Saddam. Only 2 existed before.
• Pastors in the Kurdish North say they can evangelize more freely and the government even gave them land to build one church on.
• An of the Iraqi Christians that fled the country during the 2004 bombings are coming back. One pastor summed it all up: “We believe that God is moving in these times and that the future will be more peaceful, especially if Christians will befriend good Muslims and work together.”

So, let Cindy go on with her charade. She’s only hurting the cause she professes to help. And, she’s making herself the talk of the world!

Open Trackback Wednesday - Cao's Blog
Linked at bRight & Early
Linked at Mudville Gazette Open Post

|Technorati|Cindy Sheehan, Iraq, News,

Rosa Parks Dies at 92

Rosa Parks, who inspired the civil rights movement in 1955, when she refused to give up her seat on the bus to a white man in Montgomery, Alabama, has died at the age of 92. This led to the court ruling desegregating public transportation nationwide.

|Technorati| Rosa Parks, civil rights,

Christ, Christmas, And The Constitution

I know it is about 62 days until Christmas. But, decorations are up in the stores. Yes, decorations 'for the house'. But, I have yet to see the real decorations, like Christmas trees and such up in stores. For years, they have decorated for Christmas way before Thanksgiving. Although I had rather see them wait until the day after Thanksgiving, that is too much to wish for, I suppose.

But, what kind of Christmas season can we expect? I heard today on the news that WalMart in Huntsville, Alabama will not have Christmas trees decorated in their stores this year. This might offend someone who doesn't believe in them. Another lady from Sevier County, Tennessee, told me today that their Christmas season is no longer Christmas, but 'Winterfest' - a beautiful display of lights, but there is nothing much pertaining to the real meaning of Christmas. Slowly but surely Christ is being taken out of the very season into which He was born.

John Gibson, from Fox News, has a book on his website that he wrote, called The War On Christmas. It is a book about how the very basic ideas of Christmas are being suppressed and who is working to keep religion out of this very sacred day.

Public officials have gone too far in keeping religious scenes off public property. Christmas has always been celebrated as a religious and secular holiday in America. But the officials have been lead to believe the falsehood that all signs of Christ or any religious items cannot be put up in public schools or any public venue. This has led some Christians to confine Christmas to church and home, not wanting to be inclusive of others. Even, in some places, you can't even say "Merry Christmas". It must be replaced with "Happy Holidays". These are unnecessary restrictions put on people. Even our Christmas cards have become nothing but secular cards. Someone complained last year about the inability to find a meaningful Christian card to send out.

What then does the Constitution really require of Christians at Christmas?
1) The Constitution continues to guarantee both freedom of speech and the free exercise of religion. Therefore, public officials and school administrators may not censor the religious aspects of a national cultural holiday like Christmas. Private religious speech, such as saying "Merry Christmas," even in public or in public schools or workplaces, is protected speech.
2) Including a religious component to holiday displays and concerts in communities or in public schools does not violate the supposed "separation of church and state," a doctrine often cited by separationists as part of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. In fact, in its most recent cases the United States Supreme Court has stated that the Establishment Clause requires neutrality, not prohibition. Instead of taking Christ out of Christmas, all the government is required to do is to practice neutrality. Therefore, a school or community may have seasonal decorations that include a crèche along with secular symbols of Christmas, such as snowmen, and symbols of other religious holidays, such as the Star of David or a Menorah. The nativity may not be banned while other seasonal decorations are permitted.

There have been extremists who have prohibited children having Christmas programs, singing Christmas carols in school plays, Santa, candy canes, and Christmas trees.

One woman summed it all up on Mom's View:

The intent of our forefathers was not "separation" of church and state. It was never their intent to EXCLUDE religion from the public arena. The REAL meaning of the constitution was for government to remain TOLERANT of religion regardless of what kind. That is precisely why we LEFT England- b/c there was no tolerance of any religion other than that which was state mandated. In my opinion, we have become a public which is the EXACT OPPOSITE- we are in fact INTOLERANT of any type of religion- especially Christianity- in the public arena, regardless of the fact that over 60% of our population consider themselves Christian. The further and further we move away from God, the more immoral and degraded we have become as a society. The attack on religion in this country is specifically aimed at the Christian faith. I have little "faith" that, even if other religions were given equal space, that Christianity would still be welcome in the public arena.

Linked at TMH's Bacon Bits

|Technorati| Christ, Christmas, Constitution, Christianity, God

I Could Be Wrong ....... IF

Andy Borowitz was right in his article, President names a guy he met at mall to replace Greenspan. :)

Neither of us are serious. Just a little humor for today.

President Bush Expected to Name Bernanke to Replace Greenspan

Reuters is just reporting that President Bush is expected to replace Greenspan, whose tenure runs out in January, with Ben Bernanke. Bernanke is now Chairman of Bush's Council of Economic Advisers. His move from the Federal Board of Governors to the White House was watched on Wall Street as a likely replacement for Greenspan as Federal Reserve Chairman.

|Technorati|Federal Reserve, Greenspan, Bernanke

Tempers Flare!

Seems it doesn't take too much now days for people to get their tempers up! Two women working in a Florida drugstore got into an argument about who was going to get their soup heated first. One of the women picked up a knife that was left on the counter and stabbed the other one. She was arrested and jailed on a $50,000 fine. She is facing aggravated assault charges. I would think she might learn to supress her anger a little better after this!

HT: Nick Goomba -- I knew those microwave ovens were dangerous!

|Technorati|Florida, microwave oven

New Orleans Ninth Ward Sealed

To some, the sealing off of the Ninth Ward might not seem such a big thing. But, for those people whose homes were there, and damaged in Katrina, it is a big deal! They want to get in and assess the damage. Residents of the southern portion were allowed to return last week and then leave. But, one man and his insurance agent tried to get into the Ninth Ward to assess his Mother’s property, and they were turned away. They were told they need a councilman to go in with them, but nobody was there to go.

Keith Calhoun, a photographer and has documented Ninth Ward for years, says that St. Bernard parish is adjacent to Ninth Ward and in just as bad of shape. Yet, the St.Bernard residents were allowed to go back to their homes. Calhoun was born in Ninth Ward, sort of a ‘little town’ within the town of New Orleans. It is a community of what they call ‘shot gun’ houses, one and two stories, all colors, a factory and houses of worship.

Willie Calhoun, Keith’s Dad, remembers when his father built their brick home around 1953, or 1954. Friends helped his dad lay the bricks. And, his parents had lived there ever since. But, when his Mother saw the house, a four-bedroom structure with iron grillwork, she cried, and realized she would never live in that house again.

Another resident of Ninth parish, Mr. Reddick, saved the numbers to his home, because he says he will rebuild. He has re-settled his family in Houston, but came back to New Orleans to work. He looks forward to the summertime when he can move his ‘queen bee’ (his Mother) back to her new home in New Orleans. She is in Houston and ready to come home!

For Mr. Calhoun and the residents of Ninth Ward, there are many questions such as ‘Will we be able to rebuild?’ When will we be able to come back and build?’ Will they rebuild the levee strong enough to protect us?’ He has heard that their neighborhood is ‘expendable’, and he takes exception to that comment, since he’s lived in the neighborhood for over 30 years. And, he has never filed a claim for flooding until now. He tried to get a phone call through to his ‘so-called bosom buddy’ – a childhood friend – and the president of City Council, but was told he was too busy to talk. I’m sure these people in Ninth Ward are afraid they will never know this place as home again, and that can certainly be disheartening as well as depressing!

Open Trackback Monday - Political Teen

|Technorati|New Orleans, Ninth Ward, Katrina

A New Class of Babysitters?

Seems this young 19 year old man thought it was okay to play strip poker with the girls he was babysitting who were under the age of 12! He apparently exposed himself twice during the time. Parents need to know to whom they entrust their young children in this day and age of 'anything goes'.

New Orleans Churches Struggling

The First Baptist Church of New Orleans held it's first meeting, since Katrina, on October 9th. They were much smaller in number, but just as enthusiastic, as if the whole congregation was back.

The church was built high enough that the water only came to the steps. But, they didn't escape damage. The wind ripped at one of the buildings, and the rain came into the Sunday School rooms. The offices and church records were destroyed. And, there is still no electricity in the Church.

This church will recover, but some weren't as lucky. 27 churches were completely destroyed. But, there's one church sandwiched between bars and voodoo shops in the French Quarter. The pastor and his wife lost everything, and they now are housed in an upper room of the church. Only one parishioner showed up that first meeting, and there is no income. But, they say they will continue to feed and house those volunteers that have come to New Orleans to help.

“We have a little damage that needs to be repaired, but mostly we need prayer-walkers and kindness givers. If we miss this opportunity [in the French Quarter], there will be no change here. We’ll be fighting against reinforced spiritual darkness.”

TechnoratiNew Orleans, Katrina, Church

Link: Open Post
Cafe Oregano

Trio 'Ties Knot' In The Netherlands

Polygamy has become a 'way of life' in the Netherlands! The first threesome shared vows in a civil ceremony last Friday. Victor de Bruijn, along with his wife, Bianca, and their new friend, Mirjam, exchanged rings in the ceremony. Mirjam had recently left her husband and divorced, and began living with the couple. Bruijn says he's completely heterosexual and his 'wives' are both bisexual, so it will be a harmonious union.

The Netherlands was the first country to recognize same-sex marriages. In 1998, civil unions were introduced into law.

Sen. Rick Santorum, R-PA, says the acceptance of same-sex marriages just puts us on a slippery slope. Same-sex marriages now; polygamy on down the road. And, this has happened in the Netherlands.

In June, the president of the American Civil Liberties Union said polygamy is among the "fundamental rights" her organization will continue to defend.

In a brief filed last year by Utah polygamist, Robert Holm, it was said that monogamy is the minority way of life worldwide. Holms had been convicted of unlawful sex with a minor when he married his wife's sister, and had two children by her. He says that polygamy is a constitutional right.

Holm is a member of the Fundamentalist Church of Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. The Salt Lake City-based Church of Christ of Latter-Day-Saints says it has no connection to the Fundamentalists and officially oppose polygamy.

Link: Cafe Oregano-Sabbatical

TechnoratiNetherlands, polygamy, monogamy
bi-sexual, heterosexual

Another Setback for Nominee Harriet Miers

Wednesday, Senators Arlen Spector and Patrick Leahy, Republican and Democratic leaders of the Senate Judiciary committee asked Harriet Miers to resubmit answers to parts of her questionnaire. They were very unhappy with some of her answers, and some members said they were 'insufficient, 'inadequate' and 'insulting'.

Her answers that were questionable were about her legal career, her work in the White House, potential conflicts on cases involving the administration, and the suspension of her license by the District of Columbia bar. Suspension was from September 1, 1989 to September 20, 1989, for late payment of dues, which she says was an oversight of the administration over her Texas bar license.

The Judiciary Comittee is delving into her answers, trying to figure out if she has enough knowledge of the constitution which would qualify her as a Supreme Court judge. And, I'm sure, if there are unfavorable answers the second time around, she is going to face hostility in the hearing process.

"If the questions are not answered or their answer is incomplete, as they have been, then it's going to be a long hearing indeed," Mr. Leahy said.

The hearing process is scheduled to begin November 7. Arlen Specter overruled Democratic objections that they didn't have enough information to evaluate her.

Michelle Malkin says, in her article 'The Trouble With Harriet', that it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine that this nomination will make it to the scheduled Nov. 7 Senate hearing date.

|Technorati|Harriet Miers, Supreme Court,

Sheehan In The News Again

If you can't get the media to follow you around try an 'open letter'! That's what Cindy Sheehan did. She was granted a meeting with Senator Hillary Clinton. Afterwards, she decided to blast her because she hasn't heard the words coming from Clinton that she would like.

Although Hillary said she doesn't like seeing the boys being killed in Iraq, she still doesn't believe it's time to pull out. This isn't satisfying Sheehan, so she's blasting her right and left. She made the statement that it sounded like Rush Limbaugh to her. She sure isn't making friends in this world!

Rush Limbaugh came back yesterday on his show saying, 'There is trouble in paradise'.

"You don't do this, folks. You don't publicly as a Democrat disavow a Clinton and live to do it again. Well, you just don't do it again and again without something happening. So she's one gutsy lady or stupid, one of the two. But something's going to happen to this woman. Something's going to silence her."

Stay tuned and keep your ears open; Cindy Sheehan is still kicking!

HT: Mr. Minority-Oooh,Leftist Woman Cat Fight

|Technorati|Cindy Sheehan, Hillary Clinton, Rush Limbaugh, Iraq

Christian Carnival XCII Up At World of Sven

This week's Carnival is now up, and it's great! Some great articles in there, and a little humor from Pastor Mark!

Great job, Sven!

|Technorati|Christian Carnival

Teams Outline Ideas For Rebuilding Coast

More than 200 architects, planners, and city officials met on Monday during the final day of the meeting of the Mississippi Renewal Forum. Plans for rebuilding the Mississippi coast were unveiled.

Three proposals that were made were:

• Mass transit system to connect coastal cities

• Relocation of CSX rail line to north of I-10

• Creation of railroad boulevard for trains and traffic that would stop in town centers on the Coast

The forum looked at how to build as well as what building codes to adopt in order that the building can withstand disasters such as Katrina. The forum is part of Gov. Haley Barbour's Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal. Harriett Tregoing, executive director of Smart Growth America, says that having a plan is key to having the Gulf Coast rebuilt strongly and quickly.

Public and private investment will be needed for the plan to work. Also, all citizens are encouraged to take part in the meetings that will be held. They are also trying to make sure local developers will also be involved in the rebuilding.

|Technorati|Mississippi, Gulf Coast

Pecan Crop Destroyed

South Mississippi was expecting a bumper crop of pecans this year. But, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita destroyed all hope of pecans for the fall. 50% of some counties' crops were destroyed, either by the small nuts and leaves being knocked from the trees, or some trees completed blown over. Rita damaged 25% of the crop through the whole state of Mississippi.

T.J. Morris, of Oak Grove, was expecting his first big crop in the 12 years since purchasing his property. But, of the 40 acres of 196 trees, 24 were uprooted and the rest damaged. He and his wife had planned to hire workers to harvest the crop.

Pecans once played an important part in South Mississippi agriculture but took major hits from Hurricanes Camille in 1969 and Frederic 10 years later.

"Probably Frederic was the one that kind of put an end to the industry in South Mississippi," Braswell said. Hurricanes Elena in 1985 and Georges in 1998 also took a toll.

Most pecan growers in the Pine Belt, including Norris, bought the property for investment. They say pecan trees are very temperamental and anything can trigger them not to make more pecans.

Read: Obligatory Ancedotes
Jo's Blog Open Trackback Wednesday
Cao's Blog Wednesday Open Trackback

|Technorati|Mississippi, Pecans, Katrina, Hurricane Rita

New Orleans Slowly Coming to Life

New Orleans was devastated during Hurricane Katrina. But, she is slowing seeing rebuilding and people returning. Many popular restaurants have re-opened, including Bacco and Cuvee.

The French Quarter, Central Business District, and the Arts District hold most of the very popular eateries in New Orleans. Although they are re-opening one by one, the biggest problem they face is being short-staffed. The problem stems from many familes aren't moving back because of having young children to put in school. And, the Orleans parish, which wasn't hit too badly hasn't re-opened, as of yet. That means the restaurants have about half their staff back, and so they are having a smaller menu from which to choose than they would have with a regular staff.

But, although the staffs are about half as big and the menu smaller, that hasn't stopped people from coming to eat. This includes lawyers, FEMA workers, insurance directors, and the press. Another big dignitary who has made his way to New Orleans, and ate at Bacco's on Bourbon Street, is President Bush.

Baccos and The Red Fish Grill, owned by local restaurateur Ralph Brennan, were some of the first restaurants to pass health inspections. But, other Brennan family restaurants still haven't opened.

Still, chef René Bajeux of heavily storm-damaged René Bistrot predicts that the city will be ready for tourists sooner than initially thought.

"I think by Thanksgiving you'll see a different city," he says, noting that contractors already have gutted his restaurant and are on track to have it rebuilt for a reopening Nov. 15. "It's changing very quickly."

Blogging Outloud

|Technorati|New Orleans, Katrina, News, Business

Natural Disasters

There's been lots said about the disasters that has hit the United States lately, the hurricanes, the heat wave, drought, snow where snow is usually not seen, floods, etc. Rev. Mark Creech writes about 'When Nations Neglect God's Business For Their Own', at Agape Press. He quoted something that the Radio Bible preacher, the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee said:

Could there be any better description of our day? Radio Bible teacher, the late Dr. J. Vernon McGee, once said something more than 20 years ago in his commentary on Haggai 1:9-11 that was incredibly insightful for our time, especially for America, and even more specifically applicable concerning recent Katrina events in New Orleans.

"In our day," Dr. McGee said, "the tendency is first to blame the police -- they should have been on the job. Then we blame the mayor, we blame the legislature, and we blame Washington. Very possibly all of them are guilty. But, my friend, has it occurred to you that you yourself are to blame? Although we blame men and machines for the conditions of the world, God has brought it all to pass. Do you want to blame Him? Go ahead. He told Israel that He was responsible. But He also told them why. They had neglected Him. You see, the solution to our problems is very simple; yet it is complicated. We think that if we put in a new method or a new machine or a new man, our problems will be solved. My friend, why don't we recognize what our problem really is, who caused it, and how it can be solved."

As Dr. McGee said years ago, we do play the blame game. Most of the time we are wrong in whom we blame. And, perhaps he is right, in that America (individuals) have neglected God too long, and perhaps He is trying to rein us in - to be the people He predestinated us to be.

Global warming? The sun heating up? A natural cycle? Have you ever considered the fact that recent natural disasters might have more to do with you -- your neglect -- my neglect -- America's neglect -- the nations' neglect of God's business for their own?

|Technorati|Natural Disasters, God, Neglect

Just The News

I've been reading blogs and news tonight and run across a few very interesting ones.

Karl Rove's Garage Proves To be Typical
although it sounds a little cleaner than mine.

Yea? Well, Bush is only 39% happy with you, too

Rice: I don't want to run for President
Do you think she has shut them up yet?

Thomas Sowell: Random Thoughts
VERY GOOD!

Rush Limbaugh: Holding Court

Biggest Wi-Fi Cloud Is In Rural Oregon
Good article for those interested in wireless projects!

Those should keep you reading for awhile. I get the Jewish World Review each day. Thomas Sowell is a contributor there, as well as Cal Thomas, one of my favorites. If you visit JWR, you'll enjoy many more columns.

Anytime, Day or Night

How many times have you walked through the malls behind someone with his ears plugged, listening to music, tuning out the surroundings? It's on the streets, in the grocery store, the Doctor's office - you guessed it - everywhere!

Mitch Alborn, "Turn On, Tune In, Tune Out", writes about how time has changed since the television was first invented. We had a 'test time' - and I personally remember the 'little tests' that were run at night, and the television went off at a decent hour. Little did they know that it would evolve into a 24/7 time of watching television.

Along came the VCR and you could record and watch whenever. Then, there is now the TIVO, and you record, rewind, skip the commericals, and watch anytime you want. Alborn says he keeps waiting for the day when you watch your favorite programs during your sleep. 'All you do is press a button and your own boring dreams are replaced by "The West Wing." '

Seems there are to be no 'wasted moments' - no time for imaginations, day dreams or even talking or thinking! Now, you have the advantage of watching TV on the newest Apple iPods, anytime, anywhere.

|Technorati|iPod, Apple, Tivo,

Student In California Allowed to Dance to Religious Song

Lauren Stoudt was originally told she would be unable to perform her dance routine to "In His Presence", because of it's religious content. But, her father went to the Alliance Defense fund, which contacted everyone concerned, and they quickly changed their tune!

Too many times, schools keep students from expressing themselves with any religious content. This is against the 1st Amendment rights of these students.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that schools cannot discriminate against private student expression simply because that expression has religious content," Tedesco points out. "We can all agree that the First Amendment applies to all Americans," he says. "The First Amendment rights of religious students do not vanish once they step on campus."

The Alliance Defense Fund commends the school district for doing the right thing for Lauren. And, they hope to see other school districts will follow their lead and respect the rights of other Christian students.

New Orleans 'Mourners' Bid Adieu to Katrina

On Sunday, there was a 'funeral procession' through French Quarters in New Orleans, bidding farewell to Katrina. They say it's time to bury her, and get back to the task of rebuilding the city. The procession was led by a jazz band, followed by people dressed in Mardi Gras-type costumes, followed by two floats, one carrying a coffin. The paraders tossed beads to onlookers, who stepped out of the bars and restaurants, as it wound through the historic district, which is slowly coming back to life. One mourner said, "She needs to be put to rest forever," speaking of Katrina.

|Technorati|Katrina, New Orleans, Mardi Gras

Brosnan's Reaction to New 007 Star

The Irish actor, Pierce Brosnan, 51, says "Bond producers will regret dropping me". British actor, Craig, the first blond James Bond, was named the replacement for Brosnan last Friday in London.

James Bond
007
London

Another Storm Brews Over Atlantic

This has turned out to be one of the busiest hurricane seasons in history. Tropical storm Wilma is forming, tying the record set in 1933. She is the 21st named storm in this season.

Currently near the Cayman Islands, the depression may follow a track that will see it enter the Gulf of Mexico in four days, according to the hurricane center. Oil gained the most in four days on concern the depression may threaten Gulf supplies, following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Hopefully, this storm will never get near the Gulf of Mexico! It would be tragedy upon tragedy, if is did, and hit the coast lines once again. This storm is the last to be named from our alphabet. If there is another one, heaven forbid, it will be named after the Greek alphabet, Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and so on.

|Technorati|Tropical storm, Wilma, Gulf of Mexico

American Red Cross Response to Hurricane Katrina

At the American Red Cross site, you can see the Facts at a Glance. This includes the estimated cost of the hurricane, and the financial aid given already. Also, relief workers have come from 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands to help the hurting. You can also find out how to help on this site.

|Technorati| Katrina, Red Cross, Facts

Mississippi Town Feels Forgotten In Recovery

Thanks to Michelle Malkin for bringing this small town of Pearlington, Mississippi to our attention. Seems they aren't getting the help provided to others that might be in even better condition, after Katrina.

This is a small town of 1,700 people and nearly 600 are still living in tents. Some are scared to even leave what is left of their belongings to get supplies, fearing what was left will be taken.

Jeff McVay and five other members of a state emergency response team from Walton County, Florida, arrived at the request of Hancock County. Jeff has been through other hurricanes. He saw that the Red Cross had not showed up, so he called upon City Team of San Jose of California to set up the shelter and it was going in a few hours. Since, the person who refused to bring Red Cross in has been relieved, and Red Cross is now there. But, this is still a small, hurting town, where residents don't have home to which to go.

|Technorati|Katrina, Pearlington Mississippi, help

What Constitutes 'The Good Life'?

Christianity Today has an article taken from the new book by Charles Colson and Harry Fickett. The article centers around 'The $64,000 Question' - the life of his autistic grandson, and what that money could do for others, according to Peter Singer, the Princeton ethicist.

Singer believes we should be creating maximum happiness or pleasure for the greatest number of creatures, humans and animals alike. Singer's moral philosophy is a form of utilitarianism. There is no room in his beliefs for the disabled, however mild or severe.

Singer minces no words: "All I say about severely disabled babies is that when life is so miserable that it's not worth living, then it is permissible to give it a lethal injection." He asks rhetorically, "Why limit the killing to the womb?" As if to answer his own question, he says, "Infanticide … should not be ruled out any more than abortion."

In the article, Colson notes what could be done with the money that is spent on one autistic child, if it were spent in Africa or on inner-city kids who need schooling. And, he further states that, if we think humanity would not take severely disabled persons, especially children, and get rid of them, then they do not know the history of the Western civilization in the 'enlightened' 20th Century. We already know, through the Schiavo case, where the courts are leading us. Didn't matter that this young woman was 'wanted' by her family so they could take care of her. Someone (her husband) decided her life wasn't worth living, and the lawyers and judge agreed with him. So, her life was cut short - not by natural death, but by starvation. Oregon already has a law in place that legalized assisted-suicide. Stay tuned to America; more is coming!

Colson talks about how his daughter and her son relate to one another, the joy that is produced when he interacts with his grandson. This is nothing but love. Utilitarianism has no place for these feelings between the parent and child, the love that is felt in the heart. It's a matter of what is best for society, I suppose - the judgement call for life or death depends on one's on view of how important truth is. And, with real love, there is truth.

The meaning of 'the good life' rests with the individual. How do you feel about abortion? How would you feel, if your doctor said your unborn child would have specific problems when born? What decisions would you make? Are you in favor of doctor-assisted suicides? Would love and truth overrule what utilitarianism dictates?

'The good life' as we know it today is slowing slipping away. More and more laws are being put into place that enables others to make decisions that we might not make for ourselves. Hopefully, we will never be caught in a position where we aren't able to decide on things for ourselves, but many will be.

Linked to Basil's Blog - Sunday Brunch.
Cafe Oregano - Weekend Buffet

|Technorati|utilitarianism, Charles Colson, autism

Manners Out The Door?

Seems Americans are slipping in the etiquette department.

Americans' fast-paced, high-tech existence has taken a toll on the civil in society.

The AP-Ipsos poll claims that 93% of parents today fail to teach their children well. But, although the trend is shown in both urban and rural areas, seems the rural areas have better mannered people. 67% had bad manners in the rural areas versus 74% in the urban areas. Nearly 70% questioned in the poll said that people are ruder today than 20 to 30 years ago.

|Technorati|Etiquette, manners, Americans

James Bond Movies

I remember the first James Bond movie I ever saw. My husband was in the Air Force in Montgomery, Alabama, and we went to see Goldfinger. They will never replace Sean Connery with anyone that can do the job he could. I did like Roger Moore a little, but none have measured up to the first James Bond. You can go here and check out the list of movies and the actors who have played in them throughout the years.

|Technorati| James Bond

A New Bible .......No, Not The 100 Minute One!

There is another new Bible on the market. No, it's not a watered-down one, either. Daddypundit blogged about this one, called The Ourdoor Bible.

This Bible is just what it sounds like, a Bible which will withstand outside weather. Two friends got together and decided to make a Bible that could go to the mountains, the river, where ever they happened to be going to camp out. And, the weather didn't matter - rain, shine, sleet, or snow. So, they formed a publishing company and put together the world’s only waterproof, rugged, and tear resistant Bible.

I noticed the Bible on site is the NASB edition of the New Testament. I don't know if it comes in any other version of the Bible or not. Currently, the Bible is only offered online at Bardin & Marsee Publishing.

|Technorati|The Outdoor Bible

Marriage On The Ballot in Texas

On November 8, Texas will be voting on whether to ban same-sex marriages in the Texas Constitution. The state already prohibits same-sex marriages, by law.

This is an odd year for voting, and this usually means a small turnout. But, the Texas Restoration Project, a network of conservative pastors and others, have banned together to try and get this amendment passed. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force are equally trying to keep it from passing. They are running ads of lesbians and gays on television, with the words 'You know people just like this'.

A clergyman active in the effort, the Rev. Dwight McKissick of the Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, said he hoped the state referendums would be steppingstones to amending the United States Constitution. "They're all free to practice their lifestyle," he said of gay people, "but not to redefine marriage."

Kelly Shackelford, a leader of a pro-amendment group called Texans for Marriage, said that a low turnout would favor opponents of the initiative known as Proposition 2 since, he said, "we clearly don't have the money they have, and all the gay rights groups are pitching in."

Mr. Shackelford added: "The majority of Texans believe marriage is between a man and a woman. The biggest issue we have is getting the word out. Most people have no idea this election is coming.">

There are many people appearing in the commericals running on television by the The National Gay and Lesbian Task force:

The commercials feature, among others, the Rev. Carolyn J. Mobley, pastor of the Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, and her partner, Adrain Bowie, a videographer. "When I asked her to marry me, it meant a long-term commitment," Ms. Bowie says on screen.

I'm having a tough time with 'liberalism' these days. Scripture tells me that God made man, and then he formed woman from his rib. He made them to 'replenish' the land. And, I haven't found out how a man/man or woman/woman relationship can do that without 'outside' help. And, I don't believe that Scripture bears that out.

|Technorati| marriage, same sex marriage, Texas,ballot, vote

Target Practice

As a follow up to 'Target Bans Salvation Army From Its Door', I want to clear up some things I've just learned through SNOPES. I read on a forum today about Target being a 'french-owned company', which prompted me to look it up on the Internet. The first thing that came up was a page at Snopes, entitled 'Target Practice'.

If you want clear answers to the Salvation Army claim, and the ownership, you will find it all there at Snopes. Sometimes, through the media (ANY), we are given only one side of the issue, which happened in this instance. And, it's not always the 'clear' picture. Always check for accuracy!

|Technorati| Target, Salvation Army, Snopes

Christian Carnival XCI

Matt Jones has done a great job of putting up the new Carnival. In fact, I’m going from top to bottom, readng them – they are so interesting!

Matt starts with the 100 Minute Bible, jumps to ‘sex’ …….within the Bible, of course. Then, on down the line, through trouble, and we even stopped along the way to brush out teeth! Just kidding, but there is a post about what toothpaste will be used ‘up there’. Go see for yourself!

Anyway, thanks, Matt, for a great Carnival! And thanks to all the participants with so many great posts.

|Technorati|Christian Carnival

American Baptist Exodus

Again, scripture and homosexuality divide a large denomination. The Pacific Southwest is seeing the exodus of hundreds of churches from the American Baptist denomination due to the stance of many on homosexuality.

The conservatives have failed to convince the church to apply church teaching on homosexuality. The ABCUSA officially states that "the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching." But, many of these churches that allow homosexuality in their church have stayed with the denomination, and it's causing a split in the denomination.

Tony Campolo, professer of sociology at Eastern University, which is an affiliate-American Baptist school, says that the break away is unnecessary. Campolo is an ordained pastor in the American Baptist denomination, and he thinks that each church should have the ability to deal with homosexuality in their individual churches. The denomination allows for 'wide diversity' - whatever that means, and Campolo thinks that homosexuality shouldn't be the deciding issue.

While I don't think a homosexual seated in 'my church' would cause me to go to hell, or keep me from serving God, I do think that 'practicing homosexuals' should not be allowed in offices of the church. A practicing homosexual clearly goes against the teachings in the Bible. And, if you are going by the Bible for your teaching in the church, would you not want truth to be forthright in your congregation?

It's all up in the air as to whether a new organization will be formed. But, if a new organization is formed, it's feared that it could include between 1,500 and 2,000 churches. This should tell the denomination something - people want truth in the churches, not hyprocisy!

|Technorati| Baptist, homosexuality, truth, Bible

Book Review: 'How To Write' by Herb & Jill Meyer

For some great information on 'How To Write', this is a great value. As an e-Book, it is available for download from the Internet at only $1.99.

The book is divided into three parts:

1. Organizing For The Job
2. Turning Out A Draft
3. Polishing the Product

The book is easy to read and understand. It is a great asset for those of us writing for a hobby, or those wanting to write a book for publishing. When you have finished reading the book, you should be able to perfect your writing skills immensely. Pick up your copy today!

I was given a free copy of 'How To Write' by Mind & Media, provided by the publisher, Storm King Press, as a free gift for reviewers. If you are interested in becoming a viewer, visit Mind & Media.

|Technorati| e-Book

Smurfs On a Different Turf

Thanks to The Truth Laid Bear for having this link at the site today. Otherwise, I'd never have read this. My children grew up with the Smurfs. My daughter collected all the Smurfs and Smurfetts. It was a 'blue world' around here years ago.

But, now the Smurfs have taken on a different task. A film has been made by UNICEF to raise money for the rehabilitation of former child soldiers in Burundi. The Smurfs film is the first adult-only episode. It will feature the Smurf village being annihilated by warplanes.

The final frame bears the message: "Don't let war affect the lives of children."

The Smurfs are first shown having a good time, as always. But, then, the bombs fall, and the Smurfs are running for their lives, baby Smurfs running for their lives in vain. But, a baby Smurf does make it, crying and sitting among the dead Smurfs. Sounds like a tear-jerker, even though we know they aren't real - simply because the Smurfs were a 'happy group', appealing to the children and adults alike - or so, to me, anyway. Loved watching them with my children!

|Technorati|Smurfs, money

Why Worldview Matters

Thanks to Daddypundit for bringing this article from Nancy Pearcy into the limelight. It is a great article, not only for homeschoolers, but for all parents. As Daddypundit said, all parents need to bring up their children to think in terms of 'biblical truth', whether it's every day life, your job, or choosing a mate. So many today are equipped for salvation, or quoting the scripture, but not for applying 'biblical truth' in all facets of life.

New Orleans Beating Victim Says He Was Not Drunk

If you have viewed the tape of the beating of this man, you know they were using force. But, the two police officers pleaded not guilty to hitting him! The evidence is on the tape. There were witnesses that this man is trying to find - a white woman who tried to intervene and a policeman on a horse.

A New Orleans police spokesman said that the department didn't condone such behavior. He went on to say that the policemen were under lots of stress, having been on the job 12 hours at a time, and maybe lost all they had in the aftermath of Katrina. But, that doesn't give them the right to beat up on a man who was doing no wrong. According to the victim, he says he hasn't drank a drop in 25 years. He had a blackout spell and didn't remember how he got home, which prompted him to quit, according to an interview on television.

Two officers accused in the beating and another one, who grabbed and shoved a Associated Press Television News producer, were released on bond, and suspended from their jobs without pay. The U.S. Justice Department has started a civil rights investigation. But, Davis, the victim in this case, and the police officials, don't believe it was race related.

|Technorati|New Orleans, policemen

UN Wants Control of The Internet - Nothing New

The news sees to be that the UN is intent on taking over the Internet, as if they could run it any better than what they do with anything else they do. But, this is not something new. I just ran across an article written in December of 2003 by Tom DeWeese.

Their excuses for United Nations control of the Internet are typically designed to appeal to a wide variety of users. Government control, they argue, would prevent unwanted advertising called "spam;" stop the spread of computer viruses; protect privacy and beef up security of computer data banks; stop hate speech found in various web sites and (to appeal to Christians) to stop child pornography. It all sounds so perfect, so benevolent, so well organized.

Considering all of the ideas, proposals and schemes now seeping out of the United Nations that should frighten any freedom lover, none is more terrifying than UN control over the Internet.

Please tell me how they could do any better than the organization that runs it now? I can see trouble on the horizon, if this ever happens!

Imagine a United Nations committee assigned to oversee the Internet that is made up of representatives of China, Syria, and Libya.

DeWeese feels the real reason the UN wants to take possession of the Internet is to get access to our personal records. They want to control the last free voice of the world. The Internet is our free voice in the United States. And, it's also the free voice of the world, although any countries try to dictate what can be said across the Internet from their country.

With such power, the UN will control the flow of information, commerce, money and travel. Imagine all of that power in the hands of the Red Chinese and the Islamic terrorists and you can clearly imagine the dark ages that will surely descend over the world in a suffocating blanket of totalitarianism. Americans must now rise up in anger and horror to demand that the Bush Administration never give in to this insanity.

I just recently heard about the UN wanting control of the Internet. Perhaps I had heard it, but it hadn't made an impact on me until now. I can see freedoms slipping away - or perhaps completely taken away, should they ever gain control. So many would love to see the US out of the Internet business. We are a 'freedom-loving' nation, and we are hated for that.

|Technorati|Internet, United Nations, Control, Dictate

The Security Of The godly

Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalms 91:2 I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Psalms 91:3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Psalms 91:6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
Psalms 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.
Psalms 91:8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Psalms 91:9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;
Psalms 91:10 There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Psalms 91:11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.
Psalms 91:12 They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Psalms 91:13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Psalms 91:14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.
Psalms 91:15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.
Psalms 91:16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

|Technorati|Bible, Scripture, Almighty

Nomads In Their Own Country

Unless it’s happened to us, we have no idea how it feels to lose your home, everything you’ve taken for granted all your life. You exist; nothing else does. This means, no matter what the age, you start all over again. And, for the elderly, the sick, or those who have no relatives from which they can get help, this is a hard task.

Evacuees from New Orleans were shifted to any place that would take them. And, those that give of themselves freely to help started off looking forward to helping others that needed their help. The evacuees, some reluctantly, went wherever they were sent. After all, they had nothing to call their own, and they were at the mercy of others. Whatever they were told, they did.

As the days wore on, a month came, they became more and more ‘itching’ to get out, find a place of their own, a job – something to call their own – a place of ‘starting over’. Can you imagine what it’s like to be ‘locked up’ with people you don’t know, eating food that you aren’t accustomed to eating, missing the basics of life, and enjoying it? I can’t! I’m too molded into my life, too happy with my well-adjusted existence to even fathom something like thousands of evacuees have had to endure! Just the thoughts of anyone I know having to exist like that hurts me to the very core.

Hopefully, the families that were transported way across the country from New Orleans will some day, sooner than later, find a peaceful life once again. If they are unable to return to New Orleans, maybe they will find some place where they can live and make new friends, find a job, and enjoy life once again. Only God knows what they’ve been through during this tragic ordeal.


|Tehnorati|New Orleans, Evacuees, Hurricane Katrina

Target Bans Salvation Army From Its Doors

At Christmas time, Salvation Army workers are seen at the doors of most stores with their little red buckets and bells. But, this year, they won't be seen at the Target stores across the country. The explanation given is that they are going to uphold their policy of prohibiting all non-profit soliciting at the stores. But, Bob Knight of the Culture and Family Institute has other ideas for the reason of the banning from the stores.

Until this year, Target has always made an exception for the Salvation Army, even though they do have a long-standing policy against the soliciting. What's changed?

"We happen to know," the CFI spokesman explains, "that the Target Corporation has been under enormous pressure from homosexual activists to dump The Salvation Army because [it] won't give domestic-partner benefits [to its employees]."

Knight says that homosexual activists have long been after the Salvation Army. Rick Garcia, director of the homosexual lobby group Equality Illinois, even admits that the activists have pressured Target to quit supporting the Salvation Army.

Pete LaBarbera of the Illinois Family Institute (IFI) says homosexual activists like Garcia "talk a good game" about showing tolerance toward religious groups and other opponents of homosexuality. Ultimately, however, he asserts that such "homosexual humbugs" purposely demonize people of faith and pro-family organizations as bigots, haters, homophobes, and hypocrites -- or, as in Garcia's letter criticizing IFI, "charlatans."

SB 3186 is a bill that would put 'sexual orientation' into the Illinois' human rights code. The bill will come up for a vote around January 10 or 11th, and the pro-life Illinois residents are being urged to call their senators and representative to express their opposition to this bill.

Homosexual activists, according to LaBarbera, are going to use the sexual orientation laws as a basis to seek same-sex marriage laws, but will also "seek to criminalize Christianity - at least, as it applies to homosexual behavior."

|Technorati|Target,Salvation Army, SB 3186, Illinois

M.D. Hopes Oregon Loses Court Battle to Preserve Doctor-Assisted Death

Dr. Kenneth Stevens, an Oregon physician, opposes the doctor-assisted suicide in his state. He says the practice of letting physicians prescribe lethal doses of medication to their dying patients must be stopped.

Dr. Stevens says that there is not one case where the patient was in uncontrolled pain, when they took the lethal dose of medication. He says that the public needs to understand that many patients have not been using the doctor-assisted suicide for unbearable pain. He says they are doing it more for psychological and social reasons.

Stevens believes any time doctor-assisted death is allowed to become an "easy out" for medical professionals, patient care has a tendency to become compromised. Already, he notes, a study on terminally ill patients in Oregon has shown that their level of care by doctors has deteriorated since physician-assisted suicide became legal in that state.

The battle is now between the government and the state of Oregon. And, the new Chief Justice John Roberts has sharply questioned an attorney arguing for the preservation of Oregon's physician-assisted suicide law. The Bush administration is against the state law, but the voters have twice upheld it. 208 people, to date, have used the physician-assisted suicide law.

|Technorati|Doctors, Assisted Suicide,Oregon

Christian Carnival

Having been out of pocket for the last two Carnivals and not being able to submit a post, I still love to go read what is there. Today, I went over to Attention Span, the host for this week, and found "Gilligan's Island" as the theme. That was one of my favorite shows back in 'those days.' He says it was 'his stupid show' in the afternoon - so it must have been mine as well.

If you haven't already read the entries in this week's Christian Carnival, go now. I just read one at Truegrit called 'Warfare'. Very good. Also, do not miss Bruce's entry from the Sprucegoose -"How Goes The War?" Do we really know enough about what's going on in Iraq and other places where America is involved? Perhaps we do need to get down to Christian Warfare - praying for America more than ever before!

The PocketMod

Visiting Scribblings By Blair, I found an article on the PocketMod. This is a cheap and easy way to be organized. I just printed out a trial PocketMod, and it's very easy to do. Make it your shopping list, rememberance list, or whatever you need to keep in your purse.

As you get older (like me), you tend to need notes to remember (the young aren't excused either!). And, when I saw this on Blair's site, I figured it would be something useful. In fact, you can run off a number of them for future use.