Religion: A Neurological Disorder

Good old Bill Maher is at it, again. He loves nothing better than looking down his long elitist nose at Christians, specifically--and religion, in general.

Television personality Bill Maher. . .says Christians and others who are religious suffer from a neurological disorder that "stops people from thinking."

Wow, that's brilliant. I bet he makes most evolutionists proud, since this is the same argument they use.

"We are a nation that is unenlightened because of religion. I do believe that. I think that religion stops people from thinking. I think it justifies crazies.

Where to begin? This assertion belies well-known historical facts. Most of the men who dreamed up the Constitution and drafted the initial laws of this great nation were practicing Christians. I contend that a country extending unprecedented freedoms is pretty darned enlightened, by my definition of the word. Since most of the Founders shared a Christian worldview, how does he explain the idea that "all men are created equal" was the most enlightened idea of its time? Furthermore, if Christianity stifles thought, how does he account for the biblical basis for modern science, or the notion that most of the truly great scientists of yesteryear were Christians?

I think flying planes into a building was a faith-based initiative.

He's actually correct on this one minor point. Yes, their religious beliefs guided the 9-11 killers down that putrid path. But his point is less than stellar, since it's only relevant if every religion shares the same values, doctrines, and stated goals.

If you look at it logically, it's something that was drilled into your head when you were a small child. It certainly was drilled into mine at that age.

This is perhaps the most ridiculous stereotype I've ever read. So now all Christians are products of childhood indoctrination? That's silly, and demonstrably false. Mr. Maher's bad prepubescent tribulations aside, his personal anecdote does not speak to the experiences of the entire human race, or for all of the Church.

"When you look at beliefs in such things as, do you go to heaven, is there a devil, we have more in common with Turkey and Iran and Syria than we do with European nations and Canada and nations that, yes, I would consider more enlightened than us."

How does one even respond to such unmitigated arrogance? Mr. Maher would do well to remember that atheism has never been a boon to humanity. In fact, it led to the worst series of mass murders the world has ever witnessed, in the 20th Century. Nor do I buy into his addlepated contention that we have more in common with Syria, Iran, and Turkey than with Canada and Europe. And are Canada and Europe models to which we should aspire?

He claims religion is a neurological disorder. How about self-loathing, Bill. Does that epitomize mental health?

Maher explained that he was not singling out evangelicals, but was targeting all "religious" people.

Whew, that makes me feel so much better!

"I think the vote in Missouri [rejecting same-sex marriage] and a lot of other states is because people are religious," Maher said. "They don't have to be evangelical, but they're religious. They believe in religion, which as – I think it was Jesse Ventura who had that quote about religion is a crutch for weak-minded people who need strength in numbers."

Extrapolate from Billy-boy's opinion, folks: 1. Religion is a neurological disorder. 2. Rejecting same-sex marriage stems from religion. 3. Therefore, rejecting homosexual marriage is the product of a neurological disorder. This is a bizarre assertion, considering that homosexuality is probably the most dangerous, self-destructive lifestyle imaginable, even leaving the moral side of the equation out of it.

I am just embarrassed that it has been taken over by people like evangelicals, by people who do not believe in science and rationality.

Ah, here we go. A more fully-realized jab from an evolutionary standpoint. I love this. Anyone who harbors the slightest religious inclination scoffs at science and denounces rationality. How original. I wonder if he caused himself a neurological disorder thinking that one up.

"When you were a kid and they were telling you whatever you believe in religion, do you think if they had switched the fairy tales that they read to you in bed with the Bible, you would know the difference?

Preposterous. Speaking for myself, since I was a kid, once, I'd say yes. I most certainly would know the difference. Fairy tales do not have the moral dimension, the ring of truth, or the historical context that biblical stories have. Nor do fairy tales contend that they are the work of almighty God.

"Do you think if it was the fairy tale about a man who lived inside of a whale and it was religion that Jack built a beanstalk today, you would know the difference? Why do you believe in one fairy tale and not the other? Just because adults told you it was true and they scared you into believing it, at pain of death, at pain of burning in hell."

Sticking with Bill's examples, yep, I'd definitely know the difference. Jonah was swallowed by a whale as a punishment from God for ignoring His commands. It was a disciplinary action that achieved results. Jonah finally saw the errors of his ways, obeyed the Lord, and preached unto the people of Nineveh. They converted almost to a man. Contrast this with the story of Jack. Jack had a magic bean that grew into a beanstalk. Up the beanstalk lived a giant. Why did the bean grow into a gigantic beanstalk? Why did a giant live up at the top? How did the bean become magic, and what was its purpose? We don't know the answers to any of these questions, because the story doesn't tell us. Nor did the authors of this tale ever lay claim to its historical authenticity. So in truth, I see quite a huge difference between the two stories.

Bill comes across as someone who hates religion, but Christianity, in particular. Perhaps a nun pinched his ear a little too hard, when he was a kid. Perhaps the smell of brimstone during a sermon offended his olfactory senses. Perhaps the unleavened bread during the Lord's Supper was a little too bland for his exotic tastebuds. Maybe he just hates behavioral expectations. Who knows his reasons?

It's interesting--and also sad--that the Christianity Bill Maher hates is entirely a product of his imagination.

A fairy tale, if you will.

Banning Family Values

A federal court ruled the city of Oakland had a right to bar two employees from posting a flier promoting traditional family values on an office bulletin board.

Employees Regina Rederford and Robin Christy posted the flier in response to an e-mail to city employees announcing formation of a gay and lesbian employee association. The two responded with a promotion of their own -- the start of an informal group that respects "the natural family, marriage and family values."

But supervisors Robert Bobb, then city manager, and Joyce Hicks, then deputy director of the Community and Economic Development Agency, ordered removal of the flier, stating it contained "statements of a homophobic nature" and promoted "sexual-orientation-based harassment," even though it made no mention of homosexuality.

Titled, "Preserve Our Workplace With Integrity," the entire text said:

Good News Employee Associations is a forum for people of Faith to express their views on the contemporary issues of the day. With respect for the Natural Family, Marriage and Family values.

If you would like to be a part of preserving integrity in the Workplace call Regina Rederford @xxx-xxxx or Robin Christy @xxx-xxxx

The flyer was removed the same day, however, by order of Hicks.

Let me see if I understand this correctly: Open endorsement of homosexuality is good. Open endorsement of family values is bad. Family values are biased and discriminatory. Homosexual values are not. Additionally, any worldview not enthusiastically in favor of homosexuality is "homophobic."

The assault on the bulwarks of religious freedom continues, in the public square. Now they're scaling the battlements and raining arrows into the inner courtyard. How long before they break into the keep and raze it to the ground?

Christians Acquitted

Remember the group of Christians arrested in Philidelphia for protesting a homosexual event? Well, as of today, all charges against them have been dropped.

Judge Pamela Dembe of the Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas dismissed the charges, saying that she found no basis whatsoever for any of them.

"We are one of the very few countries that protects unpopular speech," Dembe said after viewing a videotape of the arrests. "And that means that Nazis can March in Skokie, Ill. ... That means that the Ku Klux Klan can march where they wish to. We cannot stifle speech because we don't want to hear it, or we don't want to hear it now."

As WorldNetDaily reported, on Oct. 10, a group of 11 Christians was "preaching God's Word" to a crowd of people attending the Philadelphia "OutFest" event and displaying banners with biblical messages.

After a confrontation with a group called the Pink Angels, described by protesters as "a militant mob of homosexuals," the Christians were arrested and spent a night in jail.

Eight charges were filed: criminal conspiracy, possession of instruments of crime, reckless endangerment of another person, ethnic intimidation, riot, failure to disperse, disorderly conduct and obstructing highways.

None of the Pink Angels was cited or arrested.

After a preliminary hearing in December, Judge William Austin Meehan ordered four of the Christians to stand trial on three felony and five misdemeanor charges. If convicted, each could have received a maximum of 47 years in prison. One female teenage protester faces charges in the juvenile justice system, but those charges likely will be dropped tomorrow.

"What took place here was a government crackdown on disfavored speech. The OutFest participants staged a national coming-out day on a public street using public funds, and then they tried to say it's a private event. That didn't make any sense, and neither did the actions of the police. …"--Joe Infranco, senior counsel for the Alliance Defense Fund

Whereas I admire and respect the good judge's commitment to free speech, does anyone else find it vexing that she mentioned this case in the same context as Nazi marches and Ku Klux Klan gatherings? This is an unjust and patently absurd association.

Mixed feelings aside, I'm very happy this despicable example of injustice was rectified. Would that all such persecutions had a happy ending.

Repost: Sincere Belief

This post--far and away--has generated more attention than any previous post. It's a record, folks, with 170 comments, and counting. I'm tickled pink, though, since I consider this one of my better ones. So without further ado, I'm reposting it for those who maybe missed it the first time around. Feel free to comment as you see fit. Here's the original, for anyone curious enough to wade into the prior comments.

Sincere Belief

Ever heard the old argument, "It doesn't matter what religion you have faith in, so long as you believe in something."? Boy, I sure have--many times, on the internet and within other print media. I realize this view exhibits the quintessence of ecumenism, i.e., the idea that all religious beliefs should be in harmony.

Allow me to demonstrate the absurdity of such an outlook. Sincerity does not equal correctness. For example: Suppose that you and I board a small plane and ascend to 25,000 feet. Snug in our seats, I look over at you and say: "

I sincerely believe that, if I jump out of this plane and flap my arms hard enough, I'll be able to achieve flight." Of course, you'd probably roll your eyes and denounce me as an idiot; or even more likely, you'd assume I'm joking. But a few minutes later, while your attention is averted, I slip out of my retraints, rip open the cabin door, and leap out of the plane. Slicing through mid-air and plummeting to the earth, I begin flapping my arms just as hard as I can.I sincerely believe I can fly. . .and in just a couple of minutes, I'll be sincerely dead. The point of this ridiculous story is that a person may be sincere in his beliefs, and be sincerely wrong.

The sinister idea lurking behind this notion is that there is no absolute truth, no distinct right and wrong. The key to understanding the problem is in recognizing that truth is not dependent upon belief. For example, the law of gravity is real--demonstrable, in fact. If every human being alive stops believing in gravity and its effects tomorrow, will that make its reality less true, its effects less real? Of course not.

Belief, however, is dependent upon truth. In other words, belief is important, yes, but only if what you believe is true.

Look at the contest between the prophets of Baal and God, in the Old Testament. Pieces of a dead ox were placed on an altar. The god who responded to his worshippers' petitions would burn up the sacrifice with fire. The prophets of Baal prayed, pled, danced, mutilated themselves, and performed other foolish, fruitless rituals all day.

Nothing happened. But were these men insincere in their beliefs? Quite to the contrary. They believed in their god so strongly that making fools of themselves in public was an acceptable risk.

Later, when the Lord God of Israel was invoked, He rained fire down out of Heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and even incinerated the very altar upon which it lay.

Baal's false prophets were slain for their evils. So if belief is all that matters, why were these men not spared?

Because faith's value depends on the object of that faith.

The Worldly Church

If the world grows too worldly, it can be rebuked by the Church; but if the Church grows too worldly, it cannot be adequately rebuked for worldliness by the world.--G.K. Chesterton

The Early Pro-Life Movement

Many people think the anti-abortion movement only began about the time of Roe v. Wade, or perhaps a little earlier. This is far from accurate, though. Below is a list of quotes taken from the writings or speeches of early Church leaders and workers, on the horror and ungodliness of abortion. I gleaned these from the pages of a marvelous book, entitled Third Time Around: A History of the Pro-Life Movement from the First Century to the Present, by George Grant.

These words were backed by deeds--many great and remarkable deeds of selflessness--for the sake of the unborn.

She who has deliberately destroyed a fetus must bear the penalty for murder. Moreover those who aid her, who give abortifacients for the destruction of a child conceived in the womb are murderers themselves, along with those receiving the poisons.--Basil of Caesarea, 4th Century

There are two ways: the way of life and the way of death, and the difference between these two ways is great. Therefore, do not murder a child by abortion or kill a newborn infant.--Didache, a collection of Apostolic moral teachings, end of the 1st Century

You shall love your neighbor more than your own life. You shall not slay a child by abortion. You shall not kill that which has already been generated.--Epistle of Barnabas, early 2nd Century

We say that women who induce abortions are murderers, and will have to give account of it to God. The fetus in the womb is a living being and therefore the object of God's care.--Athenagoras, in a letter to Marcus Aurelius, 2nd Century.

Our whole life can proceed according to God's perfect plan only if we gain dominion over our desires, practicing continence from the beginning instead of destroying through perverse and pernicious arts human offspring, who are given birth by Divine Providence. Those who use abortifacient medicines to hide their fornication cause not only the outright murder of the fetus but of the whole human race as well.--Clement of Alexandria, 3rd Century

Our faith declares life out of death. Therefore, murder is forbidden once and for all. We may not destroy even the fetus in the womb. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man killing. Thus it does not matter whether you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is coming to the birth. In both instances, destruction is murder.--Tertullian, 3rd Century

They deny in their very womb their own progeny. By use of parricidal mixtures they snuff out the fruit of their wombs. In this way life is taken before it is given. Who except man himself has taught us ways of repudiating our own children.--Ambrose, 4th Century

They who drink potions to ensure sterility are guilty of rebuffing God's own blessings. Some, when they learn that the potions have failed and thus are with child through sin, practice abortion by use of still other potions. They are then guilty of three crimes: self-mutilation, adultery, and the murder of an unborn child.--Jerome, 4th & 5th Century

They provoke women to such extravagant methods as to use poisonous drugs to secure barrenness; or else, if unsuccessful in this, to murder the unborn child.--Augustine of Hippo, 4th & 5th Century

Many other examples exist, including the Bible's strong pro-child stance.

Notice a pattern in the above quotes? Each of these supposed primitives held crystal clarity in several key areas, in which many today find only ambiguity:

1. The unborn are living beings, not blobs of refuse in the womb.

2. The unborn are children.

3. Killing the unborn is synonymous with murdering a child.

Abortion and even infanticide were perfectly legal in many contemporary societies during the lives of the men I quoted, including that of much-vaunted Rome. Islands of compassion and godliness in seas of barbaric paganism, what drove these men (and in some cases, women) to reach these conclusions?

The love of Christ, and Christianity's subsequent outreach.

Is it possible to be a pagan or atheist and still be pro-life?

Sure.

Is it likely? Is it a historical norm? Will atheism or paganism lead one to crusade for the temporal--and eternal--salvation of the unborn, or for that of small children?

No. Any historical example would be an exception, rather than the rule.

Literature For Boys

Ok, here's a list of books I read as a kid. Each was written in the last fifty years. I also recommend any of the classics, particularly the science fiction novels of H.G. Wells and Charles Dickens' stuff. Most of these should appeal to boys between the ages of eight and sixteen. Of course, this is just an estimate. It all depends upon your child's reading level. Heck, adults like these, as well.


1. The Call of the Wild and White Fang, by Jack London: Both tell stories of adventure in the Arctic from the viewpoints of dogs.

2. Island of the Blue Dolphins, by Scott O'Dell: The story of a young Indian girl fighting for survival on an island, all alone. Similar in some ways to Robinson Crusoe.

3. Call it Courage, by Armstrong Sperry: A boy enters a rite of passage in a game of life and death on the sea.

4. Sounder and its sequel, Sour Land, by William H. Armstrong: The first book tells of a black sharecropper's son and his relationship with his dog, during the Great Depression. The second book deals with the boy as an old man who is a positive influence on a white family.

5. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien: Most folks are familiar with this book, about Bilbo Baggins, a magic ring, and Middle-Earth. A prequel to The Lord of the Rings.

6. The Tripods Series, consisting of When the Tripods Came, The White Mountains, The Pool of Fire, and The City of Gold and Lead, by John Christopher: A story of alien invasion, and several children and adults facing its aftermath.

7. The Incredible Journey, by Sheila Burnford: Two dogs and a cat travel a long distance for a reunion with their owners.

8. The Prydain Chronicles, consisting of The Book of Three, The Black Cauldron, The Castle of Llyr, Taran Wanderer, and The High King, by Lloyd Alexander: Assistant pig-keeper Taran's road to manhood, set in the mythical world of Prydain. Fans of Narnia and Middle-Earth will love this one.

9. The Chronicles of Narnia, consisting of The Magician's Nephew, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Horse and His Boy, Prince Caspian, The Voyage of the "Dawn Treader", The Silver Chair, and The Last Battle, by C.S. Lewis: The amazing adventures of a group of children in the land of Narnia. A Christian allegory.

10. Down the Long Hills, by Louis L'Amour: A western about a young boy, his sister, and their horse, lost in the wilderness after a wagon train massacre. I defy anyone to not be touched by this book. In fact, almost any novel by this author is an excellent read.


I could write a book listing nothing but great fiction for boys, but I'll stop, here. I believe this list makes an excellent starting point.

Ted Hates America

From The Federalist Patriot:

"The nations in the Middle East are independent, except for Iraq, which began the 20th century under Ottoman occupation and is now beginning the 21st century under American occupation." --Sen. Ted Kennedy

Ok, this is beyond stupid, regardless of your particular take on the Iraq war. If Kennedy would only hoist himself out of the bottle for a little sunshine and fresh air, he'd realize the asinine nature of his words.

A little history: The Ottoman Turks were brutal oppressors, bent on dominating anyone--and everyone--in their path. They waged a long and bloody war against Europe, in the name of Islamic expansion, and ultimately lost. This defeat culminated at the end of the First World War. Ted "Pour Me Another" Kennedy's remark demonstrates two specific points: 1. His contempt for the United States is about as subtle as Fat Albert's weight problem; and 2. His ignorance of Islamic history is quite profound.

Worse, he implies that other Middle Eastern countries are free. Perhaps they don't have more powerful nations lording over them--but free? Tell that to the women who are beaten senseless or shot for stepping outside their houses without chaperones. Tell that to the young girls experiencing clitorectomies as a birthday gift from their parents. Tell that to those who are murdered, imprisoned, or deported for teaching the validity of any religion besides Islam. The list goes on and on, ad nauseum. Some of the most oppressed people on earth live in the Middle East, and the U.S. has nothing to do with it. If such evils continue in Iraq--and I'm sure they do--it is not as a result of the American presence, but in spite of it. Kennedy and others of his America-loathing ilk would do well to remember that.

Ancient Common Sense

"The real destroyer of the liberties of the people is he who spreads among them bounties, donations and benefits." --Plutarch

Reading about how the ancients were such primitive brutes makes me laugh. This tactic is used by those who would dismiss their words on a particular subject, with the wave of a hand. And yet finding numerous examples of their understanding of human nature--and just plain common sense--is quite easy. It's funny how so many people in modern times sneer at wisdom from the past, yet they prove daily their complete and utter lack of comprehension of this simple truth cited above.

The Old Rugged Cross

Only one of many hymns that brought me through my childhood, and I still love its powerful simplicity. Here are the lyrics:


The Old Rugged Cross


1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
the emblem of suffering and shame;
and I love that old cross where the dearest and best
for a world of lost sinners was slain.

(Refrain):

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,
till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
and exchange it some day for a crown.

2. O that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
has a wondrous attraction for me;
for the dear Lamb of God left his glory above
to bear it to dark Calvary.

(Refrain)

3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
a wondrous beauty I see,
for 'twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
to pardon and sanctify me.

(Refrain)

4. To that old rugged cross I will ever be true,
its shame and reproach gladly bear;
then he'll call me some day to my home far away,
where his glory forever I'll share.

(Refrain)

Words and music written in 1913 by George Bennard (1873-1958)

Now That Yowza Arafat's Gone. . .

President Bush plans in his State of the Union address on Wednesday to pledge greater assistance for the Palestinians, including a financial aid package that could total nearly $350 million to bolster development and security, sources familiar with the plan said.

What a capital idea! These poor, deprived people are in dire need of more bomb-making materiel, backpacks for their transportation, rifles, grenades, rocket launchers, and other assorted goodies. Yes, by all means, finance their every whim. Viva la Palestine!

Seriously, let's think about this. This is a blatant violation of the Constitution's specifically enumerated powers of the government. Indeed, all such taxpayer funded "foreign aid" is stepping well beyond the line of the federal government's rights.

This minor inconvenience aside, where is the tiniest iota of logic in this? How foolish must one be to give away hundreds of millions of dollars to a group of people governed by a terrorist organization? Does Bush seriously believe such monies will go toward "the greater good" of the "Palestinians." Apparently, Bush is a true believer in the phony depiction of the "Palestinians" foisted upon the world by propagandists.

Goebbels is clapping from the bowels of Hell over this one.

The announcement would highlight Bush's support for Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas, elected last month to replace Yasser Arafat, whom Bush shunned as an obstacle to peace until his death.

According to my limited research on the man, here's what I know about Abbas:

1. He opposes the idea of using force to stop terrorism.

2. In a doctoral thesis, he claimed that far fewer than 6 million Jews dies in the Holocaust.

3. He accused the Jews of conspiring with Hitler to exterminate European Jews--a truly unique perspective only fully appreciated in strait-jacketed asylum wards.

4. He denied the use of gas chambers on Jewish victims by the Germans.

5. He was one of the primary planners of the Munich Olympics terrorist attack.

6. He has been quoted as saying: The "intifada must continue."

Sounds like a classy guy, huh? Why are we giving these murderers money, and why is Bush supporting this wolf in sheep's clothing?

The man's treachery and connivance has all the subtlety of a hammerblow to the forehead.

Old Age A-Creepin' Up

I filched this from the internet. Like George Washington, I cannot tell a lie. I didn't write it, but I wish I had.


How To Know When You're Growing Older:


Everything hurts, and what doesn't hurt, doesn't work anyway.

The gleam in your eyes is from the sun hitting your bifocals.

You feel like you really hung one the night before, and you were in bed asleep by eight.

You get winded playing chess.

Your children begin to look middle-aged.

You join a health club and don't go.

You begin to outlive enthusiasm.

Your mind makes contracts your body can't meet.

You know all the answers, but nobody asks the questions.

You look forward to a dull evening.

Your favorite part of the newspaper is "25 years ago today!"

You sit in a rocking chair and can't get it going.

Your knees buckle and your belt won't.

You're 17 around the neck and 42 around the waist.

You stop looking forward to your next birthday.

Dialing long distance wears you out.

Your back goes out more than you do.

A fortune teller offers to read your face.

You turn out the lights for economic reasons rather than romantic ones.

You remember this week that last week was your wedding anniversary.

You are startled the first time you are addressed as "Old Timer".

You answer automatically when someone addresses you "Old Timer."

You burn your midnight oil after 9:00 p.m.

You sink your teeth into a steak and they stay there.

Your pacemaker makes the garage door go up when you see a pretty girl walk by.

You get your exercise acting as a pallbearer for your friend who exercised.

You have too much room in the house and not enough in the medicine cabinet.

The best part of your day is over when your alarm goes off.

The thought of getting out of bed never occurs to you.


Haha, and I thought getting old would be awful!

Mini Movie Reviews I

Open Water--

With a low budget and unknown actors, this movie still manages genuine terror. Two or three scenes absolutely are horrifying, making this one of the best horror films I've seen. Worse, nothing in the events portrayed is beyond the realm of possibility. The scenes of the divers bobbing endlessly in the ocean almost made me seasick on dry land. There were some flaws, such as snippets of political correctness, a little too much profanity, and the film was too short; but overall, a great, suspenseful movie. Go. Rent. And wear a lifevest.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow--

This takes place in a 1930s decade that never was, filled w/ the hustle and bustle of big cities, juxtaposed w/ technology ahead of its time. If you like larger-than-life characters, dizzying action sequences, giant robots, and genetically altered animals, this movie's for you. It reminded me of the old Superman cartoons, made in the 30s, as well as the Indiana Jones series. Check your brain at the door for this one, though. Awesome special effects can't hide some of the silly dialogue, unanswered questions, unrealistic character reactions to specific dangers, and logical inconsistancies. But despite its imperfections, I loved this movie. It took me back to my childhood. In fact, if such a film had appeared on the scene, when I was a kid, I would've flipped my lid. Don't let the flaws scare you away. I've never seen another movie filmed quite like this one. It's worth watching just for the spectacle. Highly recommended.

Hero--

Very strange movie, reminiscent of the old kung-fu movies from the old days. The dubbed voices are a bit grating, but not too bad. But the dvd allows the option of watching it in Chinese, w/ English subtitles. Some of the character names are corny, and many of the plot points are bizarre and unlikely. But the fight scenes are a beauty to behold, breathtaking in their near-perfect choreography. The special effects are amazing. I heard somewhere that this is the most expensive movie ever made by the Chinese. After having seen it, I have no doubt that its true. Odd and convoluted, you won't likely forget this film. Well worthwhile.

The Stepford Wives (remake)--

Here's a conundrum. What happens when Hollywood has a great idea, but executes it w/ all the grace of an elephant on roller skates?? You get The Stepford Wives. First the good: competent acting, great fx, good musical score, and an interesting premise. Now the bad: everything else. This is one of the most pc, anti-male movies I've ever seen. This is particularly inexplicable in light of the director's maleness (Frank Oz). Of course, I admit the possibility that hanging w/ muppets and Yoda all the time has the potential for skewing one's perspective. Almost every element of this film was absurd--particularly the end. If you haven't seen it, count yourself lucky. Better yet, go find the original--and far superior--version. Made in the 1970s, this is a great horror movie, w/ an impending sense of doom that'll have you squirming in your seat. It was not a facile attack on males like its current incarnation. A must-miss.

Mexico: Our Closest Enemy

The Mexican government is threatening to use international courts to stop Arizona law from limiting public benefits and voting eligibility to legal residents of the U.S.

Mexican officials have repeatedly complained about Proposition 200, which went into effect Tuesday. The statewide measure denies most taxpayer benefits to illegal aliens and requires state workers to report applicants for such benefits who may not be eligible. It also requires anyone registering to vote in the state to show proof of citizenship and bring a government-issued ID to the polling place.

AP reported Derbez expressed regret that, according to polls, about 40 percent of Mexican-Americans in Arizona supported Prop. 200. The measure passed with 60 percent of the vote.

Can you believe the audacity of these people? An American border state takes action to defend itself against bankruptcy caused by such criminals, and the Mexican government tries to thwart this reasonable endeavor.

Here's another beautiful story, on similar subject matter.

MSNBC.com research and government reports suggest hundreds of thousands of American citizens are in the same spot -- unknowingly lending their identity to illegal immigrants so they can work. And while several government agencies and private corporations sometimes know whose Social Security numbers are being ripped off, they won't notify the victims. That is, until they come after the victims for back taxes or unpaid loans owed by the imposter.

An undocumented immigrant worker managed to use Steve Millet's Social Security number for more than 10 years before the incident was discovered. Millet said the imposter managed to obtain a dozen credit cards, buy a car, and even a house using the stolen number and his own name. All the while, that imposter paid taxes, paid into Social Security, and took out loans using the stolen Social Security Number. All of those agencies had a record of the abused SSN; none bothered to tell Steve Millet.

Our government is trying to scare everyone to death about Islamic terrorists. Certainly, they're a serious problem, and should be dealt with. The terrorism situation--as it affects us domestically--is only a corner of a bigger picture. The immigration issues plaguing this country are a far more nefarious, corrupting problem. As I have said before, Mexico is not our friend. Its government is making active, unsubtle attempts to destroy our way of life. It has declared war on the United States, whether our government admits it, or not.

If we fall, it won't be due to the efforts of Islamic terrorism. America faces a much greater threat, right here, at home. Our "leaders'" response? Do nothing. Just ignore it. Be obedient little drones and focus on winning the "War on Terror." Good grief.

A Big Difference

From Vox's blog, yestiddy:

The difference between a man who fights in order to be left alone and live in freedom and a man who fights in order to gain ascendancy over others and exert power over their lives is polar.

Bingo. This is an important truth to set to memory. I've been sayin' that for a long time. Just remember this, the next time folks start shoutin' about the "cycle of violence" in Israel; or the "one man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter" nonsense, regarding the "Palestinians;" or when they compare the killers in Iraq with the Minutemen of the Revolution. This morally relativistic tripe needs consignment to the ash heap of history, right next to polyester and communism.

Founding Quotes of Note XXIV

"As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortunate that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others." --Alexander Hamilton

Sincere Belief

Ever heard the old argument, "It doesn't matter what religion you have faith in, so long as you believe in something."? Boy, I sure have--many times, on the internet and within other print media. I realize this view exhibits the quintessence of ecumenism, i.e., the idea that all religious beliefs should be in harmony.

Allow me to demonstrate the absurdity of such an outlook. Sincerity does not equal correctness. For example: Suppose that you and I board a small plane and ascend to 25,000 feet. Snug in our seats, I look over at you and say: "I sincerely believe that, if I jump out of this plane and flap my arms hard enough, I'll be able to achieve flight." Of course, you'd probably roll your eyes and denounce me as an idiot; or even more likely, you'd assume I'm joking. But a few minutes later, while your attention is averted, I slip out of my retraints, rip open the cabin door, and leap out of the plane. Slicing through mid-air and plummeting to the earth, I begin flapping my arms just as hard as I can.

I sincerely believe I can fly. . .and in just a couple of minutes, I'll be sincerely dead. The point of this ridiculous story is that a person may be sincere in his beliefs, and be sincerely wrong.

The sinister idea lurking behind this notion is that there is no absolute truth, no distinct right and wrong. The key to understanding the problem is in recognizing that truth is not dependent upon belief. For example, the law of gravity is real--demonstrable, in fact. If every human being alive stops believing in gravity and its effects tomorrow, will that make its reality less true, its effects less real? Of course not.

Belief, however, is dependent upon truth. In other words, belief is important, yes, but only if what you believe is true.

Look at the contest between the prophets of Baal and God, in the Old Testament. Pieces of a dead ox were placed on an altar. The god who responded to his worshippers' petitions would burn up the sacrifice with fire. The prophets of Baal prayed, pled, danced, mutilated themselves, and performed other foolish, fruitless rituals all day.

Nothing happened. But were these men insincere in their beliefs? Quite to the contrary. They believed in their god so strongly that making fools of themselves in public was an acceptable risk.

Later, when the Lord God of Israel was invoked, He rained fire down out of Heaven, consumed the sacrifice, and even incinerated the very altar upon which it lay.

Baal's false prophets were slain for their evils. So if belief is all that matters, why were these men not spared?

Because faith's value depends on the object of that faith.

Playing Politics and Using Political Correctness For a Ball

Here's an excerpt from Bush's Second Inaugural Address. I've read no commentary on this particular portion, so I thought I'd chime in:

In America's ideal of freedom, the public interest depends on private character – on integrity and tolerance toward others and the rule of conscience in our own lives. Self-government relies, in the end, on the governing of the self.

That edifice of character is built in families, supported by communities with standards, and sustained in our national life by the truths of Sinai, the Sermon on the Mount, the words of the Koran and the varied faiths of our people. Americans move forward in every generation by reaffirming all that is good and true that came before – ideals of justice and conduct that are the same yesterday, today and forever.

What a crock! This an obvious attempt to be "inclusive," driven to the point of absurdity. This from the man who repeatedly declares that "Islam is a religion of peace." Historically, Islam has been a religion of intolerance taken to an extreme level. It's character is steeped in degrading women, forcibly suppressing all viewpoints but its own, and killing opponents of this methodology. Islam played zero role in the founding of our nation, and its worldview is antithetical to peace, freedom, or Western civilization. "Convert, submit, or die" is not a legacy I want bequeathed to my children. I find his comparison between Islam and the great events of Judaism and Christianity insulting.

Has he actually read the Q'uran? I've read large portions of it. Though it does elaborate on many good things, it also calls for the deaths of infidels. Pair this with its blood-drenched history--from its inception--and you have a picture that would turn Stephen King's stomach.

How may we ever properly understand the nature of our enemy, when Mr. Bush refuses to describe it accurately?

I'll leave this topic with a final question: Is it a coincidence that every single terrorist group stabbing at us from the darkness is Islamic?

U.N. Efficiency

From The Federalist Patriot, regarding the tsunami relief efforts:

As one unidentified U.S. Foreign Service Officer on duty in Indonesia said concerning UN bureaucrats criticizing U.S. relief efforts: "As we come up on two weeks since the disaster struck, the UN is still not to be seen where it counts -- except when holding well-staged press events. ... Ah, yes, but the luxury hotels are full of UN assessment teams and visiting big shots from New York, Geneva, and Vienna. The city sees a steady procession of UN Mercedes sedans and top-of-the-line SUV's -- a fully decked out Toyota Land Cruiser is the UN vehicle of choice; it doesn't seem that concerns about 'global warming' and preserving your tax dollars run too deep among the UNocrats. ... I realized that if not for Australia and America almost nobody in the tsunami-affected areas would have survived more than a few days. If we had waited for the UNocrats to get their act coordinated, the already massive death toll would have become astronomical. But, fortunately, thanks to retrograde racist war-mongers' such as John Howard and George W. Bush, as we sat in air conditioned meeting rooms with these UNocrats, young Australians and Americans were at that moment 'coordinating' without the UN and saving the lives of tens-of-thousands of people."

Yet another great reason for why we all should perform ablutions at the altar of the U.N.

Founding Quotes of Note XXIII

"It may perhaps be said that the power of preventing bad laws includes that of preventing good ones; and may be used to the one purpose as well as to the other. But this objection will have little weight with those who can properly estimate the mischiefs of that inconstancy and mutability in the laws, which form the greatest blemish in the character and genius of our governments." --Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 73

One of Life's Little Questions

Why do arabs carry two pieces of sandpaper in their pocket?


One is a map of the area, the other is a picture of their house.


--Courtesy of JamieR

Why the Islamic World Hates Us

Let me preface my remarks by acknowledging that not all Muslims hate the U.S. or the Western world. Not all adherents to Islam want to see us vaporized. I'm well aware of that. I'm also aware that not all Japanese soldiers relished torturing prisoners during WWII, not all Italians love spaghetti, and not all communists sport Van Dyke beards like Lenin. The point is, that's irrelevant. What is germane to the discussion, though, is that Islam is a religion in conflict with all other religions--particularly that of Christianity, which has been its chief opponent, historically. Further, judging by the doctrines and agenda it espouses, its followers largely are our enemies. The very nature of this religion sets it against everyone else.

That said, I believe there are three basic reasons that most of the Islamic world loathes us:

1. The Western world is not Islamic. The United States, Europe, and South America all have long histories steeped in Christianity. Islam has never been a dominant force in the West--though that may change in the near future, if the study of European demographics has any significance. Needless to say, this fact in and of itself creates contention between the two regions, since the ultimate goal of Islam is global rule through Sharia law.

2. The U.S. is a grave threat to future Islamic domination. Militarily, the U.S. is the most powerful country on earth. In the past two years, two predominantly Islamic countries have had long-standing regimes overthrown by our military. I realize Iraq's ruling elite was secular in its outlook, but the populace was Islamic, in the main. Also, Hussein's pan-Arab vision followed a similar path to that of Islam's expansion. Since the U.S has little tolerance for forced religious conversion, beheadings of helpless prisoners without trial, or terrorist tactics (the Islamic method of gaining attention du jour), I don't see a lasting bond of friendship usurping our current relationship with the Middle East, The Bush Administration's PC portrayal of Islam notwithstanding.

3. The United States is the world's most staunch supporter of Israel. We've always been in their corner, at the very least agreeing with their right to exist in the region. Our government has taken many wrong turns in its relationship with Israel, giving the "Palestinians" far too much creedance and respect; but it is unquestionable that Israel has no more formidable--or loyal--friend. Since Israel is hated and reviled almost universally throughout the Middle East, putting two and two together is far from rocket science.

Can we do things to exacerbate this hatred? Sure. Have we commited such acts? Perhaps. But keep in mind that these people hated us long before the current Iraq war, and they will hate us long after it is a receding memory. Worse, they subsist on a daily diet of propaganda and outright lies about us. So whether the injustices they've suffered are perceived or genuine matters little in terms of their future actions. Personally, I think most of them are false or self-inflicted, but I digress.

They'll kill us, if they can. If the Islamic world had been as strong as the U.S. is, now, for the past two hundred years, the world would be a very different place.

U.N. Funds Terrorists

It seems the U.N.--at least indirectly--is aiding and abetting terrorist organizations:

Citing documents captured by Israeli Defense Force personnel, Ambassador Dore Gold says funds flowed from the United Nations Development Program, or UNDP, to two leading Hamas front organizations.

This should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the U.N.'s history--particularly that of recent times. In fact, I shook my head and almost laughed ruefully, upon reading the linked article, such was my disgust at the less-than-surprising nature of this revelation.

One of the great mysteries of our time is not that the U.N. exists, but that the U.S. acknowledges its existence.

I wouldn't touch it with a ten-foot pole.

My Favorite Bible Verse

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. --John 3:16

This one verse sums up everything the Bible is about. Not only did God love the world, but He loved the world so much that He gave His only Son as a sacrifice for our wretched sins. All we have to do is believe it and accept this free gift, and we'll dwell forever in His presence, after we die.

If you only memorize one Bible verse, this should be it. It tells the story of the Old and New Testaments, in only twenty-five words.

Amazing.

Inaugural Niceties

With an uplifted voice, and in words that may well ring through the ages, the lead singer of Fuel had this to say at the inaugural youth concert:

"Welcome to the greatest ----ing country in the world."

Don't get me wrong. I like the guy's patriotism (also called jingoism in liberalese). But to have the attention of millions, to appear on national television, to have the honor of performing at a concert celebrating a president's inauguration--this was the best he could do?

Wouldn't George Washington be proud?

The Antenna

Arielle's started herself a blog. Check it out, here. You guys remember her, doncha? She's the one who sprang on the scene a few weeks ago, making intelligent comments and sending the liberals and atheists running for the hills.

Welcome to the blogosphere!

Moronic Headline of the Day

Violence at anti-terror rally

Need I say more?

Border Patrol Successes

Fingerprint scanners deployed on the U.S.-Mexican border to detect terrorism suspects have caught not would-be bombers but thousands of other criminals, including murderers, kidnappers and sex offenders.

Border Patrol agents have snared 33,000 criminals - most of them along the 2,000-mile border with Mexico - since the digital fingerprinting system linking immigration and FBI databases went live nationwide in early September.

Did you catch that, folks?: 33,000, since September!

Officials say the technology has allowed the Border Patrol to catch more than 100 homicide suspects and more than 200 sex offenders in the last four months, singled out from more than 200,000 undocumented migrants detained during the period.

Rank-and-file Border Patrol agents like the technology, which is used at border crossings and by agents who pick up illegal migrants in the desert.

"You have a guy who looks like a harmless grandfather, but lo and behold, when you run his prints through IAFIS it turns out that he's a three-times-convicted child molester from Fresno," said Steve McPartland, a Border Patrol spokesman in San Diego, Calif.

"It's the best thing that's happened to us, as it's closed a loophole that in the past allowed potential criminal aliens to be released from our custody," he added.

Felons identified by the system are handed over to federal authorities, if it is a serious crime, or are passed on to police in the state where an outstanding warrant was issued.

God bless the Border Patrol. Every day, they go to work and do a thankless job--a job fraught with dangers--and become objects of hate for many in our society (like advocates of open borders). Successes such as those mentioned above all too often come in spite of our elected officials.

This information demonstrates the dire need for a different immigration policy than the one currently in effect. Locked borders, deportations, and careful selectivity of persons entering our country are the only solutions to this astronomical problem.

Remembering MLK, Jr.

On Sunday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told a church gathering near Atlanta that war, poverty and social injustice were damaging King’s legacy.

“It’s easy to admire Dr. King,” Jackson told 650 people at Dixon Grove Baptist Church in Jonesboro. “It’s a challenge to follow him.”

Listen up, folks. The Jesster knows of what he speaks. When he says,"It's a challenge to follow him," he ain't jest whistlin' Dixie. His entire career as a self-appointed black "leader" demonstrates the point, since his outlook and worldview is not representative of MLK's beliefs.

Uh-Oh

"Charity is no part of the legislative duty of the government." --James Madison

And there was great wailing and gnashing of teeth amongst the liberal/socialist establishment.

Koffi Trojan

In a moving act of charity, the U.N. is sending condoms to tsunami victims:

UNPFA (United Nations Population Fund) is asking for $28 million for the reestablishment of “reproductive health services” in areas devastated by the earthquake and tidal wave.

They may not have food, they may not have homes, they may no longer have a family, they may not have a single stitch of clothes, besides the ones they're wearing--but darn it, they will have access to condoms!

Doesn't it make ya feel all gooey inside, just knowing the U.N.'s out there, somewhere, in all its glory, lookin' out for the world? Sigh.

Scientific Objectivity

The new "scientific method":

“At this point, it is necessary to reveal a little inside information about how scientists work, something the textbooks don’t usually tell you. The fact is that scientists are not really as objective and dispassionate in their work as they would like you to think. Most scientists first get their ideas about how the world works not through rigorously logical processes but through hunches and wild guesses. As individuals they often come to believe something to be true long before they assemble the hard evidence that will convince somebody else that it is. Motivated by faith in his own ideas and a desire for acceptance by his peers, a scientist will labor for years knowing in his heart that his theory is correct but devising experiment after experiment whose results he hopes will support his position.”

– Boyce Rensberger, How the World Works, William Morrow, NY, pp. 17–18, 1986. Rensberger is an ardently anti-creationist science writer.

Pray For the Chief Justice

News reports suggest that Chief Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist's health is deteriorating.

I offer my prayers to God for his safekeeping and healing. May the Lord touch him with his kindness and make him whole, as only the Great Physician can.

No Apologies Necessary

President Bush is backpedaling about some early comments on the war effort. His recent comments touched upon several areas, but the one I want to focus upon is the area of Osama bin Laden.

In the week after the Sept. 11 attacks, Bush was asked if he wanted bin Laden, the terrorist leader blamed for the attacks, dead.

"I want justice," Bush said. "And there's an old poster out West, that I recall, that said, 'Wanted, Dead or Alive."'

Recalling that remark, Bush told the reporters: "I can remember getting back to the White House, and Laura said, 'Why did you do that for?' I said, 'Well, it was just an expression that came out. I didn't rehearse it.'

"I don't know if you'd call it a regret, but it certainly is a lesson that a president must be mindful of, that the words that you sometimes say. ... I speak plainly sometimes, but you've got to be mindful of the consequences of the words. So put that down. I don't know if you'd call that a confession, a regret, something."

Regarding bin Laden, I see no need for the president's apologies--unless he apologizes for not being harsh enough. Rather than saying "dead or alive," he should've stopped with "dead." If bin Laden has not justly and earnestly earned death, then no man has.

You were right the first time, Mr. President. You worry too much about the consequences of your words. You concern yourself with the perceptions of people who already hate you, and will continue hating you, no matter what words you utter, no matter what actions you take. So stand on principle; and if your popularity decreases, if the ad hominem attacks increase, at least you'll know that you unapologetically said the right thing. Now, sir, go to it, and give bin Laden the fake martyrdom to which he aspires.

Dinosaurs For Lunch

The fossilized remains of a dinosaur have been found. . .in the stomach of a mammal:

In China, scientists have identified the fossilized remains of a tiny dinosaur in the stomach of a mammal. Scientists say the animal's last meal probably is the first proof that mammals hunted small dinosaurs some 130 million years ago.

It contradicts conventional evolutionary theory that early mammals couldn't possibly attack and eat a dinosaur because they were timid, chipmunk-sized creatures that scurried in the looming shadow of the giant reptiles.

In this case, the mammal was about the size of a large cat, and the victim was a very young "parrot dinosaur" that measured about 5 inches long.

Wow, this contradicts conventional evolutionary thinking? Time to break out the picks and spades, boys and girls. Let's bury this new information, in the interests of "science."

Move along folks; nothing to see, here.

Hello, Titan

A European probe has touched down on the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan:

Huygens was spun off from Cassini on Dec. 24 to begin its free-fall toward Titan, the first moon other than the Earth's to be explored by spacecraft.

Named after Titan's discoverer, the 17th century Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, the probe carries instruments to explore what Titan's atmosphere is made of and find out whether it has the cold seas of liquid methane and ethane that have been theorized by scientists.

Timers inside the 705-pound probe awakened it just before it entered Titan's atmosphere. Huygens is shaped like a wok and covered with a shield to survive the intense heat of entry.

On the way down, it was to shed its heat shield and use a special camera and instruments to collect information on wind speeds and the makeup of Titan's atmosphere. The data will be transmitted back to Cassini, which will relay them to NASA's Deep Space Network in California and on to ESA controllers in Darmstadt, Germany.

Titan is the only moon in the solar system known to have a significant atmosphere. Rich in nitrogen and containing about 6 percent methane, its atmosphere is believed to be 1 1/2 times thicker than Earth's.

I always find stories like this fascinating. We're likely to learn information about this moon previously unknown to science, since peering through its thick veil of atmosphere with telescopes is impossible.

No word yet on the validity of reports that the probe's initial video recordings reveal footage of Jimmy Hoffa.

The Problem With Miracles

As I'm sure most of my regular readers are aware, I am a Bible-believing Christian. I accept that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. I believe that God used human beings to transfer His message to us. This He accomplished for our benefit. Furthermore, I believe the scriptures are inerrant. I'm not suggesting that minor translational discrepancies do not exist; I'm familiar with them. When I say "inerrant," I mean that God's Word is correct, accurate, and filled with truth.

Having briefly summarized my view, let's address a different aspect of this topic: If one accepts the above as true, why would one find difficulty in accepting the reality of miracles? I make this inquiry because, on a number of occasions, I have read or heard about self-proclaimed Christians doubting that certain miracles actually happened. Examples of Noah's Flood, the story of Jonah, and the wedding feast at Cana spring to mind.

The keynote, here, is that many people critical of biblical miracle stories claim Christian status. Probably the most well-known group in this category is the Jesus Seminar--a group of about two hundred New and Old Testament scholars. Many of its members proclaim themselves Christians, and are active in their respective churches. Yet a study of the Seminar's findings reveals that--of 176 separate events (many miraculous) involving Jesus and described in the Gospels--it found only ten of these deserving of a high rate of confidence as having actually occured. Another nineteen were termed probable, for a grand total of only sixteen percent receiving "likely" or "probable" rankings.

But all of this begs the question: If you believe in God's existence; if you believe that He created the universe and everything in it, including human beings; if you believe the Bible is His inspired Word, then why would you have difficulty with believing in miracles?

For a God who created life from nothingness--merely by speaking it into existence--it seems to me that bringing a universal deluge, or turning water into wine, or having a prophet survive three days in the belly of a great fish are all small potatoes, indeed.

In the end, I suppose it all boils down to what you believe. Do you believe the Bible is God's holy and inspired Word, or not? If so, then you have no basis for denying miracles, since they are biblical, and frequently demonstrated throughout the scriptures.

The "Law of the Land"

Remember Alberto Gonzales, President Bush's pick for the next Attorney General, currently in hearings for confirmation? Here's a snippet of a question and answer session he participated in, with Senator Richard Durbin. It's informative, to say the least:

Sen. Durbin: The last question is a brief one, and it may have been touched on earlier. But when Senator Ashcroft in your position aspired to this Cabinet-level appointment, he was asked about Roe versus Wade, which he disagreed with on a political basis, and his argument was he would enforce, in his words, "settled law," and Roe versus Wade was "settled law" in America. I don't want to put words in your mouth, but could you articulate in a few words your position about the enforcement of Roe versus Wade or any other court decision that you personally or politically disagree with?

Judge Gonzales: Thank you, Senator. Of course, the Supreme Court has recognized a right of privacy in our Constitution, and in Roe the court held that that right of privacy includes a woman's right to choose to have an abortion. A little over a decade ago, the court, in Casey, had an opportunity to revisit that issue. They made a -- they declined to overturn Roe, and of course made a new standard that any restriction that constituted an "undue burden" on a woman's right to choose could not be sustained. My judgment is that the court has had an opportunity -- ample opportunities -- to look at this issue. It has declined to do so. And as far as I'm concerned, it is the law of the land and I will enforce it.

Of course, at no point in his statement does Gonzales address the unconstitutional and utterly arbitrary nature of this ruling. He simply accepts that the Supreme Court has reached this decision--whether he likes it, or not--but then goes a step further in stating that he will enforce this "law of the land."

Is this the kind of man we need in this powerful position? Do we want a man who has no public criticism of Roe v. Wade, when given a perfect opportunity to expound upon his beliefs? I don't really know if Alberto Gonzales is pro-abortion, or anti-abortion, in his personal philosophy. And in the greater scheme of things, it doesn't really matter. For what I do know is this: when it comes to taking an open, public stand against the evil of abortion, he has chosen the acquisition of power, in its stead. And in truth, that's all I need to know.

The U.N.'s "Peace-Keeping" Thugs

The U.N.--never an organization of impeccable credentials--has made sullying itself a new art-form. This article goes into quite a bit of detail about the corruption, brutality, and barbarism characteristic of the U.N.

A French U.N. logistics expert in the Congo shot pornographic videos in his home, in which he had converted his bedroom into a photo studio for videotaping his sexual abuse of young girls. When police raided his home, the man was allegedly about to rape a 12-year-old girl sent to him in a law enforcement sting operation. As the Times reported, a senior Congolese police officer confirmed the bed was surrounded by large mirrors on three sides, with a remote control camera on the fourth side.

U.N. officials are worried that the scandal, which already has netted 150 allegations of sex crimes by U.N. staffers, will explode if the pornographic videos and photos, now on sale in Congo, becoming public.

U.N. "peacekeepers" from Morocco based in Kisangani – a secluded town on the Congo River – are notorious for impregnating local women and girls. In March, an international group probing the scandal found 82 women and girls had been made pregnant by Moroccan U.N. staffers and 59 others by Uruguayan staffers. One U.N. soldier accused of rape was apparently hidden in the barracks for a year.

Despite the fact that the U.N.'s sexual code of conduct is prominently displayed on U.N. facilities Congo – forbidding sex with prostitutes or women under 18 – the U.N. continues to hand out free condoms to "peacekeepers" to protect them from AIDS.

. . .previous revelations of peacekeeping abuses have only been revealed by news organizations. Such was the case in Cambodia in the early 1990s and later in Somalia, Bosnia and Ethiopia.

The list goes on. Keep in mind that this is the same organization that our government officials kowtow to, licking its boots and scampering to make sure that this august body sees us in a favorable light. Remember when the U.N. looked down its nose at us over Iraq, criticizing our every move? Remember when it tut-tutted at us over Abu Ghraib? What brazen hypocrisy. Isn't it fun receiving moral lectures from the morally reprehensible?

The U.N. is a despicable, worthless institution. Our continued alliance with it is unjustifiable and ill-considered. This has been true for a long time, now--at least since the occasion when its illustrious members gave Idi Amin a standing ovation, yet denounced Israel as a racist entity. Any decent person--no matter where one stands on the political spectrum--should be disturbed by our government's unwillingness to kick these rats out of our country and cease all funding and involvement with them.

Founding Quotes of Note XXII

"Law and liberty cannot rationally become the objects of our love, unless they first become the objects of our knowledge." --James Wilson

The Poetry of G.K. Chesterton

Chesterton is a famous Christian apologist/writer/poet from the early 20th Century. Here's one of my favorite poems, period, and in my opinion, his best.


A Hymn


O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honour and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord.

Tie in a living tether
The prince and priest and thrall,
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation
Aflame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to thee.

Round 'Em Up, Rein 'Em In, Ship 'Em Out

Sign this petition, if you're sick and tired of the federal government's laxity, regarding illegal immigration. The site gives some useful information about amnesties past, and the possible consequences of a future amnesty, or quasi-amnesty.

Do it for your country.

Do it for your own sake.

Or as the Demonscats say: Do it for the children.

Nonsense in the News

Kid Rock may headline the youth concert at Bush's inauguration. Maybe he'll treat us to a little freestyle rap duo with Laura Bush--or better yet, Barbara. Wouldn't that be a hoot?

Barney the dinosaur--and his friend, Spongebob--comes out of the closet. Grab a barfbag for this one, folks. You'll need it.

The Wisconsin state government began a new program, in which it will fund mortgage loans to--you guessed it--illegal aliens. Manuel may not be able to speak Eeengleesh; but darn it, he'll have a five-bedroom house!

We've started 2005 off with a bang! Call it the Year of the Absurd.

Compassion For Border Jumpers

I'm truly touched by this display of concern:

The government of Mexico is raising eyebrows with a new comic book offering advice on how to cross the border into the U.S. illegally.

Called "The Guide for the Mexican Migrant," the 32-page book published by Mexico's Foreign Ministry uses simple language to offer information on safety, legal rights and living unobtrusively in America.

"This guide is intended to give you some practical advice that could be of use if you have made the difficult decision to seek new work opportunities outside your country," the book says, according to the Arizona Republic.

Illustrations depict illegals wading into a river, trying to evade U.S. Border Patrol and crouching near a hole in a border fence. Immigrants are also shown hiking through the desert with rock formations similar to those in Arizona and being caught by an American agent.

Among the tips offered:

"Try to walk during times when the heat is not as intense";

"Salt water helps you retain your body's liquids. Although you'll feel thirstier, if you drink water with salt the risk of dehydration is much lower";

"Thick clothing increases your weight when wet, and this makes it difficult to swim or float."

It also says if migrants get lost, they should follow train tracks or power lines. It warns of walking for days to reach towns or roads in the desert.

If caught by Border Patrol, the book says, "Don't throw stones or objects at the officer or patrol vehicles because this is considered a provocation. Raise your hands slowly so they see you are unarmed."

It also recommends not running away from agents in pursuit.

"It's better to be detained a few hours and repatriated to Mexico than to get lost in the desert," the guide states.

The book includes a disclaimer stating it doesn't promote crossing the border illegally, but it doesn't give information about legal steps to seek a U.S. visa.

Let me be clear: I consider this a direct attack on the United States by Mexico. Already, illegal immigration has had dire effects on our economy; this promises to grow worse, over time. The Mexican government sees no need for reform, or increased freedom for its citizens. Rather, it encourages its poor, its downtrodden, its criminal elements to close up shop and head north. Kinda like Pontius Pilate washing his hands of the whole sordid business, as if doing so cleanses all guilt and culpability. I don't think so, Julio.

The Mexican government encourages its people to evade the Border Patrol, and what about that "don't throw stones or objects" statement? Are they serious? Of course that's a provocation. For anyone in doubt, walk up to the nearest cop and lob a rock at him. See what happens. Oh, and if you're still alive, afterward, report your results. I'll post 'em on my blog for all to see. By the way, notice that the author never says that hurling missles at security agents is wrong--only that it's a "provocation."

As far as I'm concerned, this is the Mexicans spitting at us, drawing a line in the sand, and daring us to step over it. It's not even subtle contempt. It's blatant, in-your-face disdain and subversion of our laws.

Mexico, you are not a friend of the United States. Nor have you been, for a long time--if ever.

Snapshots From the Tsunami Belt

With all the hullabaloo over the recent tragedy in parts of Asia and beyond, I thought I'd offer a little perspective on the event--a perspective seldom mentioned, during the pleas for yet more and more financial aid.

Here's an interesting article. I wonder how much airplay this received on tv? My guess is little or none.

A LEADING geologist repeatedly warned Indonesian officials that an earthquake and tsunami would soon strike their shores, it emerged this weekend.

Kerry Sieh, professor of geology at California Institute of Technology, has been studying the region for nearly a decade.

Last July he became so concerned at the likely massive loss of life that he printed and distributed 5,000 posters and brochures around some of the islands later hit by the earthquake.

He addressed church congregations and schools to tell people what to do in an earthquake. His main advice was for people to live away from shorelines.

Sieh had been due to meet Indonesian officials last month to discuss a wider education programme but the meeting was cancelled at the last minute because the officials said they had no money.

Two weeks ago he expressed his fear that a big earthquake and tsunami were overdue in the region at a conference in San Francisco.

“We told them it would kill people, wreck infrastructure and destroy livelihoods. But our warnings were falling on deaf ears.

So numerous warnings were given--and summarily ignored or downplayed. The lonely voice crying in the wilderness went unheeded.

Anti-human nonsense from the earth worshippers:

Two days after the tragedy, the executive director of Greenpeace UK (search) told the British newspaper The Independent, "No one can ignore the relentless increase in extreme weather events and so-called natural disasters, which in reality are no more natural than a plastic Christmas tree."

A spokesperson for the Indonesian arm of Friends of the Earth told the Agence France Presse, "We can expect in the coming years similar events happening as a result of global warming and therefore help and prevention are the responsibility of the Northern countries as well."

Isn't that a nifty, fact-free assertion from Greenpeace? And blaming well-developed overseas nations for supposed "global warming" problems is a tired rabbit pulled from the environmental movement's moth-eaten hat. It's debatable whether global-warming is occuring. When I was a kid, the overriding concern in the news was the oncoming ice age, supposedly headed our way at quite a bit more than a glacial pace. And as the article points out, the tsunami originated from an earthquake, not erratic weather patterns. So what caused the earthquake? An SUV collision? Flatulent dairy cows? A corporate CEO dropping his bank roll?

Earthquakes aren't caused by the weather or greenhouse gas emissions; they're caused by tectonics — that is naturally moving geological faults. While tectonics may cause climate changes, the reverse is not true.

In the near future, if a comet or other heavenly body collides with our planet, don't be surprised if the grass-smoking tree-huggers point the finger and say: "See, look what happened. If we'd only not ticked off the aliens with all our factories' toxic emissions, this never woulda happened!"

Happy New Year

I hope everyone had a good time, whether spent away from home, with family and friends, or sitting in front of the tube and watching the ball drop. New year's usually is a time for new resolutions--losing weight, exercising more, sloughing off leftist ideology, attending church more regularly, living a better life, etc. Whatever your resolutions, this year, if they be wholesome and beneficial (ay, there's the rub!), may all of you succeed. And don't make 'em, unless ya plan on keepin' 'em!

All of my regulars (Erik, Monster, Will, Bill, JAC, you know who you are) and all the lurkers, God bless each and ever one of you with happiness and prosperity!

Generosity With Other People's Money

After the tsunami disaster this week--in which the death toll now has topped 117,000--President Bush assured the media that we're compassionate people, pledging at least $15 million in relief aid. One U.N. official denounced the U.S. as "stingy" for this paltry sum. Isn't that precious? The U.S. provides more foreign aid than any other country in the world, but we are "stingy?" The U.N. conducts its affairs (like the illustrious Oil-for-Food scandal) largely through the financial beneficence of the U.S., yet we are "stingy." A massive collision with a heavenly body almost would be worth it, if U.N. headquarters were struck, first. But I digress with this happy thought.

The issue is not whether we recognize the tragedy in Asia and parts of Africa; nor is it that we are a generous, helpful people. Both of these are givens. The issue is: does the government, without the consent of the American public, have the right to procure taxpayer monies and send them overseas as disaster relief aid? My answer is no. There is no provision for this in the Constitution, so this is yet another usurpation of power not delegated to it on the government's part.

Davy Crockett--legendary hero and congressman from Tennessee--found himself in a similar situation. Early in the 1800s, Congress was mulling over a bill to appropriate tax dollars for the widow of a deceased naval officer. Most of the House members agreed with the bill's sentiments.

Here's how Mr. Crockett reacted: He spoke a few words of respect for the dead officer. But he insisted that such respect should not lead to an act of injustice by those still living. He went on:

“I will not go into an argument to prove that Congress has no power to appropriate this money as an act of charity. Every member upon this floor knows it. We have the right, as individuals to give away as much of our own money as we please in charity, but as members of Congress we have no right to appropriate a dollar of the public money.

“Some eloquent appeals have been made to us upon the ground that it is a debt due the deceased. Sir, this is no debt. We cannot without the grossest corruption, appropriate this money as the payment of a debt. We have not the semblance of authority to appropriate it as a charity. I cannot vote for this bill, but I will give one week’s pay, and if every member of Congress will do the same, it will amount to more than the bill asks.”

When he finished speaking, silence hung heavy in the air. Crockett seated himself, and when the bill came up for a vote, instead of passing unanimously--as had been expected--only a few representatives voted in favor of the bill.

Would that more people like Crockett served as congressmen.

Being charitable with your own money is a wonderful sacrifice; the government taking your money and being charitable for you without your input is a travesty.

Wisdom from the Ancient World

"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." - Plato

At least in this regard, he would have felt right at home with our Founding Fathers.

Hillary Clinton may now breathe a sigh of relief. He did say "men," after all.

Party Poopers

From the Rutherford Institute:

One of the most touching calls to come our way this Christmas was from a parent whose child wanted to bring a birthday cake for Jesus to his holiday party at school. A flier, decorated with a menorah and a girl with a wreath of candles on her head, had been sent out instructing the students to bring some kind of food that their family traditionally had for the holidays. But the little boy’s teacher claimed that a birthday cake for Jesus would not be allowed because it was “too religious and the party is not about religion.”

Then what, pray tell, is the party about? They never answer this question. The modern definition of tolerance is not to offend those who have expressed no outrage, all at the expense of Christians. With followers of Christ, the standard is different. Not only is offending them permissible, it is downright mandatory.

Founding Quotes of Note XXI

"Sometimes it is said that man can not be trusted with government of himself. Can he, then, be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the forms of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question." --Thomas Jefferson

And

"It has been said that all Government is an evil. It would be more proper to say that the necessity of any Government is a misfortune. This necessity however exists; and the problem to be solved is, not what form of Government is perfect, but which of the forms is least imperfect." --James Madison


Sounds like Jefferson and Madison were big-government liberals, doesn't it?

One Solitary Life

Let us turn now to the story.

A child is born in an obscure village. He is brought up in another obscure village. He works in a carpenter shop until he is thirty, and then for three brief years is an itinerant preacher, proclaiming a message and living a life. He never writes a book. He never holds an office. He never raises an army. He never has a family of his own. He never owns a home. He never goes to college. He never travels two hundred miles from the place where he was born. He gathers a little group of friends about him and teaches them his way of life. While still a young man the tide of popular feeling turns against him. One denies him; another betrays him. He is turned over to his enemies. He goes through the mockery of a trial; he is nailed to a cross between two thieves, and when dead is laid in a borrowed grave by the kindness of a friend.

Those are the facts of his human life. He rises from the dead. Today we look back across nineteen hundred years and ask, What kind of trail has he left across the centuries? When we try to sum up his influence, all the armies that ever marched, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned are absolutely picayune in their influence on mankind compared with that of this one solitary life...

--From the 1926 book, The Real Jesus, by Dr. James Allan Francis

Merry Christmas!

I probably won't be doing any blogging until after Christmas, so I'd like to just wish every single one of my readers and commenters a wonderful Christmas! Have a blessed new year, as well! May you all enjoy the time spent with family and friends.

Remember--Jesus is what it's all about. His birth began a series of events that shook the world; and from his death and resurrection, we gained life eternal. All we have to do is accept this lovely gift above all gifts, this sacrifice of unquantifiable worth. Praise the Lord for his love and mercy!

O Canada

Some immigrants aren't welcome in Canada.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

Seven Lebanese are scheduled today for deportation from Canada into the hands of terrorists likely to imprison, torture or kill them, say activists working on their behalf.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

Two recent examples illustrate these international law violations by Canadian immigration authorities, say human rights activists Jerry Gordon and Brigitte Gabriel.

In the first example, an SLA vet had fled South Lebanon via Israel in 1992. He entered Canada and obtained his citizenship after more than 12 years of residency. He was arrested in July 2004 at the Beirut International Airport, detained and tortured in Lebanon. He went on a compassionate mission to visit his sick elderly parents living there. The SLA vet had a Canadian passport and a valid Lebanese visa.

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

In the second example, SLA vet Ibrahim el Khoury along with his wife Norma Ata and his two children Kamal and Elie (the infant being a Canadian citizen) were arrested on their arrival at Beirut International Airport Sept. 27, 2004. Ibrahim was imprisoned and tortured while the family was detained for a few days and harshly interrogated.

"Little time remains for effective action to save the SLA veterans from almost certain death at the hands of Hezbollah operations and militias now in control of Southern Lebanon," said Gordon and Brigitte in a prepared statement. "It is absurd that Canada, one of the world’s premier human rights advocates and sanctuaries would permit this travesty of justice to unfold."

I don't know all the facts of this case, but a few items piqued my interest:

1. At least one of these men had lived legally in Canada for 12 years, and is now a citizen.
2. Canada has some of the most liberal immigration policies in the Western world, treating even illegal immigrants with leniency.
3. These men are former members of the South Lebanon Army, formerly allies of Israel.

Is it just me, or do you find it strange that Canada is serving these people with deportation notices? It makes me wonder.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

School Can't Make Up Its Mind

Here's an exercise in contradiction.

DENVER -- The parents of an elementary school student who was told not to distribute invitations asking classmates to join a Bible club sued the school district in federal court Wednesday, claiming their right to religious freedom had been violated.

The lawsuit says the Gilpin County RE-1 School District violated constitutional rights protecting free speech and religion. Robert and Patricia Unruh said the school barred their daughter from distributing the invitations based solely on their religious content.

The suit said Gilpin Elementary School Principal Deb Benitez told the Unruhs she had received several complaints from parents and that the invitations had caused a disturbance.

Superintendent Ken Ladouceur, who like Benitez is named in the lawsuit, said he had not seen the suit and did not know details about the case. But he said principals are authorized to make decisions to avoid disturbances in their schools.

"The principal's responsible for the peaceful environment of the school, so yes, it is the principal's call," Ladouceur said.

The lawsuit also accuses the school of discriminating against Patricia Unruh by repeatedly denying her requests to advertise a summer Bible camp that is separate from the club. Patricia Unruh asked to distribute flyers for students to take home to their parents.

Other groups, such as the Girl Scouts and Little League, are allowed to advertise in such a way, the suit says.

And the contradiction:

The superintendent said that while he doesn't know details of this specific case, district policy would allow flyers for an extracurricular Bible school to be distributed along with material about other activities.

"The policy was crafted to ensure all groups are treated the same way, religious or otherwise," he said.

Huh? Did you catch that? Which is it, Superintendent Dunderhead? Is it allowed, or not? And how is it treating everyone the same way, when you require students who wish to disseminate religious (Christian) material to distribute these items "along with material about other activities," but insist on no such criterion from the Girl Scouts and other groups?

The Unruhs established "God's Girlz" last year as a family-run social group for girls in fifth and sixth grade, the lawsuit says. The club allowed girls to participate in service projects, parties and other events while learning about the Bible.

The summer Bible group and God's Girlz pay rent to meet in a building on school district grounds but are not affiliated with the district, the suit says. The school is in Black Hawk, in the Rockies foothills west of Denver.

The Unruhs say in the lawsuit that their daughter distributed invitations to students before school and during her lunch hour on two days in September. About a week later, Benitez told the Unruhs several parents had complained and said the invitations had caused a disturbance, according to the suit.

How charming! The school district rents a building to the Bible club--a building located on school property--but the child cannot advertise the club's activities at school, on her own time.

Isn't tolerance grand?

Government Scools: Havens of Indoctrination

How many reasons do you need to pull your kids out of public school? Well, here's another great one:

Two parents who objected to a Massachusetts high school's homosexual-awareness day were expelled from the campus after a mother began videotaping a session.

Brian Camenker, an activist who has a son at Newton North High School in Newtonville, Mass., and Kim Cariani, mother of two students, said four police officers and the school principal warned they would be charged with trespassing if they didn't leave the campus Wednesday.

The school did not send home a note to parents about the event, a Newton North spokeswoman acknowleged to CWA's Culture & Family Institute. But she said the event is listed on the school's website and in calendars at the beginning of the year, and some e-mails were sent out.

The principal demanded Cariani turn over the videotape or leave, Camenker told the Herald. District policy prohibits taping or photographing students without parental permission.

"They took the two of us and pulled us out and gave us one minute to leave and if we came back on the property we would be arrested for trespassing," Camenker said.

A local newspaper columnist, Tom Mountain of the Newton Tab, also was barred from the assembly "for the safety and security of the children."

Camenker told CWA he sent a copy of the event schedule to the school superintendent and all eight school board members prior to the event, advising them that parents would be at school that day monitoring activities.

Two questions:

1. If such events are as benign and wholesome as the schools would have us believe, what possible problem could administrators have with a parent videotaping the activities?

2. If policy prohibits taping or photographing students without parental permission, does that mean we'll see well-meaning parents threatened or even carted off to jail, during the next "Saturnalia Festival" (formerly Christmas), or "Gratitude Toward the Enlightened Indigenous Peoples' Day" (formerly Thanksgiving), when camera shutters click and camcorders roll tape? I'm assuming most of these schools do have parties, plays, and other student celebrations, during various holidays.

At a "gay day" two years ago, Camenker said, a 20-year-old male wearing a dress spoke to students, telling them he was taking female hormones but hadn't yet had his penis cut off.

And you thought your kids weren't learning a thing in school.

Massachusetts taxpayers pay about $1.5 million annually for a Gay and Lesbian Youth Commission that aggressively promotes homosexuality in public schools and helps schools create "Gay/Straight Alliances," student clubs that press for acceptance of homosexuality.

The school's website notice about "To BGLAD" includes the long-discredited "fact" that one in 10 students is homosexual, CWA says. Most researchers place the population at only about 1 percent.

Isn't it nice seeing your tax dollars put to good use?

An outline of Wednesday's event on the district's website included these descriptions of these sessions:

"A Day in the Life: Statistically one in ten students at this school are (sic) not straight. Teenage life is complicated enough, but how does it differ for Gay/ Lesbian/ Bisexual/ Transgender (GLBT) teens? Come to this panel and find out."

"Student Speakout: Newton North students read original pieces about GLBT issues."

"Life Outside the Gender Norm: What happens when ones (sic) gender identity does not match their sex? In this session, speakers will talk about their experiences with gender identity and expression."

"Out at the Old Ballgame: Athletes and coaches discuss what it’s like to be GLBT in the gym, on the field, and on the road."

"Family Matters: What does it mean to be a family? What discriminations and legal obstacles do queer families face? Children and parents discuss living with queer family members."

"GBLT What's in a Name: What is homophobia? heterosexism? Why is there a ToBGLADay? In this interactive presentation, we will use activities to provide the groundwork for talking about GBLT issues."

"Color Me Queer: A panel discussion of race, culture, and sexual identity."

I know it's stating the obvious, but there's not a shred of skepticism or objectivity in this representation. Clearly, the goal is equating homosexual, bisexual, trans-gendered, and lesbian lifestyles with normal sexual behaviors and roles. Such propaganda probably would bring a tear of pride to Goebbels' eye.