Bakatya's Place

Straining For Cover

2009-12-15T12:18:00.002-07:00

The elites in the world are surging toward enacting protocols to address "Global Warming" or "Climate Change". The surge is picking up momentum due to ongoing revelations of scientific malpractice, evidence that there is no anthropomorphic global warming and their opportunity being in power. So to defend themselves these actions must be brought forth to prolong their reign. If they do not get their policies put in place and it becomes more obvious that there is no man-caused "Global Warming", they will be humiliated, however, if they get their laws enacted while they are in power and the "Global Warming" ceases, then they can claim victory. They can claim we all owe them our adulation for saving us and their obsequious media will deliver their story for them.

Stay alert. Pray for discernment. Do not put your faith in "Man".

Lines Being Drawn

2009-11-23T12:24:00.002-07:00

The lines in this world are being drawn more clearly.

With the revelation of the data from the University of East Anglia in England, it is becoming more clear that there is an ongoing manipulation of information to further political and societal goals. The information revealed from England demonstrates a manipulation of the facts, a disregard for peer review and an collusion between like minded scientists to further their global warming scheme.

Along with ACORN and the current administration's attempts to curry favor with totalitarian regimes along with a disregard for allies, the story from England discloses truth and goodness is under attack. Many in the country still continue to deny what is good.

The lines of distinction are growing broader. The choices made are condemning. There is spiritual warfare going on.

Isaih 5:20 reads "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter."

Different Things

2009-11-12T13:19:00.002-07:00

First, hypocratic people. If you read an earlier post of mine, http://bakatyasplace.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html , it is about an Amish school shooting during President Bush's administration. The post reports on two co-workers I have attributing the shooting to the murder's being driven insane by President Bush's policies. That is completley irrational but let us move on.

With the murders, not a tragedy but an atrocity, at Fort Hood I was anticipating the co-workers attributing the murders to President Obama (insert sarcasm here). Of course the co-workers do not believe this, nor do I. One co-worker's concern is how this is being played in the media in relation to protecting President Obama from claims of not protecting the troops. The truth is Major Hassan is a Muslim extremist that was allowed to stay in the military due to political correctness. Major Hassan should have been discharged when he started spouting Islamist beliefs.

On a completely lighter note...How about those Suns! A record of 8-1 to start the season, surprising all the experts. Tonight will be a tough game against the 6-1 Lakers in L.A.. Go Suns!

I Miss

2009-11-11T09:09:00.007-07:00

In no way is this hero worship or idolatry, he had his flaws, but..........I miss W.

Anniversary

2009-11-02T11:58:00.002-07:00

Today we learned of another reason to be wary of Russia and our administration. Today in the London Telegraph we learn of a Russian war game ran in September. This war game included simulated attacks on Poland, both conventional and nuclear. Very unnerving.

Even more scary, the Russians timed it to the 70th anniversary of the last time they invaded Poland. And this war game also happened to coincide with the Obama administration's decision to renege on our agreement to locate missile defenses in former eastern bloc countries. These countries were trusting us and we sold them out.

3 possibilities: A coincidence? Was there some kind of agreement between Russia and the Obama administration for these events to occur? Was the Obama administration played by the Russians?

Children in School

2009-10-19T12:45:00.003-07:00

In the last month or so, many people were subject to derision due to their anxiety over President Obama speaking nationwide to children in school. People in newspapers and workplaces ridiculed the public for their unease over President Obama. They asked "What could possibly be wrong with it?".

Now we have video of another of President Obama's advisors speaking outrageously. Anita Dunn is on recorded on video speaking to high school students about how she admires Chairman Mao. Mao murdered, at a minimum, 30 to 40 million people. This is the lack of sanity that people were worried about.

Add to Ms. Dunn the Van Jones affair and it becomes even more eerie. Of course to Mr. Jones others like Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dorhn need to be included.

America, stay true to your principles, and pray hard.

Great News

2009-10-02T08:05:00.002-07:00

The news just reported that Israel has received a video of their soldier Galid Shalit.
Galid was kidnapped 3 years ago from his post in Israel. Galid held a recent newspaper to prove he is still alive.

Israel traded prisoners for the video of Galid. Hamas\Hezbollah evidently value their people as worth a video tape. I thank God for Galid's safety to this point and I pray for His continued supervision of Galid.

WHAT IS IT WITH SOCIETY?

2009-09-29T09:25:00.002-07:00

American society is crumbling. It is now common in public discourse to question those prosecuting or disclosing child abuse.

In the last month we have had two cases of such an erosion of morals.

The first is the ACORN scandals. Video tape evidence of repeated cases of ACORN employees agreeing to facilitate the establishment of brothels using underage girls from South America.

The second is the attempt to carry out the prosecution of the director Roman Polanski. Mr. Polanski pleaded guilty to raping a 13 year old girl then fled to France to avoid punishment. If you are not familiar with the Polanski case go here (warning, it is disturbing):

http://www.americanthinker.com/2009/09/polanski_crime_worse_than_peop.html

Segments of American society are now supporting the molestors and abettors of child sexual abuse. The talking heads question the motives of the people disclosing the evidence.

We are sinking fast.

Pray for America.

A FEW THINGS

2009-09-25T07:40:00.003-07:00

1. I have been pondering the attitudes of the congregations of today. One attitude of note I have been thinking of was that of a church we used to attend. It was a very liberal church, both theologically and politically. It was a United Church of Christ of congregation. The prevailing attitude was one of superior intellectual ability. They tended to believe that their superior wisdom over ruled the scriptures. They believed that churches that preached the gospel according to the Bible were misguided and some thought possibly dangerous.

Another congregation I have been told about lately is a Bible believing conservative church. I have not attended this church, but the tone of the church in the local community is that other churches only wish they could be like them. This elitism is not based on doctrine they preach, which is good, but based on management and physical aspects.

We as the big "C" church really need to examine ourselves. Do we watch our doctrine closely? Do we love our fellow Christian? Do we look down on our brothers? Did the apostles congratulate the churches they visited, and created, on their buildings or facilities? This is not to say we should not make our buildings inviting to new comers, but instead to ask is our pride getting in the way of the Kindgom of God?

2. With so many rulings against Christianity in the public sphere, how is it possible we are going to have an Islamic day of prayer in Washington? Ironic that this day of prayer is so soon after the busting of Islamic domestic terrorist plots in Colorado, New York and other places.

3. Is God playing with our federal government? Again, ironic isn't it that 2 days after President Obama pledged a desire to have nuclear weapon free world, and pledged to unilaterally destroy some of our weapons that the international community discloses that Iran has been subverting the international dictates against it ordering it not to develop nuclear weapons and now has an additional nuclear site that is incompatible with peaceful energy use.

QUOTE FOR TODAY

2009-09-24T08:20:00.003-07:00

I received this quote from Patriot Post in my E-mail today:

"The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it." --James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States, 1790

We, as a society, have tended to fall away from the original intent of our Constitution and God in the Bible.

Funny Car?

2009-09-09T12:15:00.002-07:00

While on a walk about town yesterday I saw a vehicle that made me chuckle.

On the back of the car was an Obama '08 bumper sticker that read "Got Hope?" and prominently below it was your standard atheist Darwin fish. You know, one of the fish symbols with the Darwin's name inside.

An atheist that believes in evolution and could theoretically get hit by a train and mulch into the ground becoming nothing asking if another person has "Hope"? This atheist that believes man is just another animal with self-imposed man-made laws that can rapidly be changed by the next authority asks others if they have "Hope"?

No longer do I laugh at him but instead I now feel deep sorrow for him. He has no real "Hope" by his own "Choice".

Embassy=Abu Ghraib?

2009-09-04T10:22:00.003-07:00

If the left wing had any consistency, yes, there would be an equivalence between the American Embassy in Afghanistan and the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq.

The left wing relentlessly portrayed the abhorent actions by very few soldiers at Abu Ghraib as the state policy of the Bush administration. The left wing knew it was not Bush administration policy but latched on to the story as a way to make political points.

If the left wing had ANY consitency they would now portray the disgusting actions of the guards at the American Embassy in Afghanistan as stated Obama policy just as they jumped at the chance to accuse the Bush administration. But they will not. I do not believe it was Obama policy to sexually abuse guards and I do not believe it was Bush policy for soldiers to abuse prisoners.

Along the same line about consistency. Locally, during the Bush administration we had ladies that would dress up in black dresses and protest the wars. I disagreed with their actions but allowed that they had their opinion. Now, with President Obama in power, their is no sight of the Women in Black. Do they suddenly see the logic of trying to free people from tyranny? Did they get fatigued?

During the Bush administration they local paper, The Prescott Courier, ran many stories about anti-war protests. Now they will not report on Tea Party protests, stating that nothing has changed, it is the same arguments as the last protest. They say they have already covered the subject. Could we have some consistency please.

Current Sociological Ideas

2009-07-31T07:03:00.002-07:00

What do the following current popular theories\trends have in common:

Abortion is an acceptable procedure.

The elderly should be counselled to forgo treatments and instead treat pain and allow their life to end.

Anonymous social interaction on the computer is gaining in preference to traditional societal interactions.

The earth is overcrowded, population control is required.

Native tribes in remote areas of the globe should not be interacted with by modern man but should be allowed to continue in their ancient (early demise) life style.

Narcotic drugs should be legalized.

The population should turn to the government for its needs.

All these theories, whether intended or not, cause mankind to either turn away from God and seek other guidance and comfort, or cause man not to procreate (prosper) for God. These theories challenge God's primacy in our lives and allow us to hold our welfare as more important than others. These theories put man above God and make our lusts are more important than God's plan. These theories mean that fewer humans are born and there is less interaction with others so that God's Word does not get out and there are fewer souls won for Christ.

Spiritual Warfare is happening now.

Spiritual War

2009-07-15T09:23:00.002-07:00

There are more occasions of odd groups allying themselves recently.

First, communist dictatorial (or authoritarian) governments are lining up with Islamist regimes. Russia is not only denying assisting wide spread international attempts to curtail Iranian nuclear programs they are actively assisting with technology and military systems to protect the nuclear program. Russia has had major problems with Islamist organizations in the past, like the Beslan school massacre, but they seem to be thinking that they can deal with the U.S. first and handle the Islamists later.

Second, the Democrats are backing an attempted authoritarian take over of Honduras. The Honduran civil authority (supreme court, congress) have spoken to require the observation of their law. Ex-President Zelaya attempted to unilaterally change their constituion to prolong his rule. The civilian authorities ordered his removal by the military much to the chagrin of Zelaya's allies Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro and Barak Obama.

Third, locally, many ordinary citizens are aligning themselves with the left wing fringe in attempting to keep progress from happening in the name of the evironment (this county's land ownership is 70% government controlled). This axis is seeking more power to control what people can do with their property and the amount of people that move to this area so their eyes will not be offended.

Portions of humanity are seeking to control others while submitting to being more strictly controlled. They are willing to giver up liberty for a nanny. They seek a cocoon made by man rather than submitting to God's graceful rule. There is a spiritual war on. We no longer trust God to work in people's lives but instead our society has decided to become heavily regulated government state.

What Party?

2009-05-19T09:43:00.008-07:00

Since I have been able to vote I have been registered as a Republican. The Republican party at one time represented an image that was fairly close to my views. In recent times the Republican party has been heading toward a party of more moderate or progressive views. Republican leaders such as David Frum, Colin Powell and even Michael Medved have been espousing the need for conservatives to relinquish their hold to ideals such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research, small government and welcome candidates that espouse views antithetical to theirs.

My faith and my conscience are troubling me more and more. I am unable to vote for Republicans just because they may be slightly closer to my views or they just vocalize my views and govern another way. To vote Democrat is just not an option for me because they are so far gone, but I can no longer just go along with the Republicans either.

It is not just a national issue either. The state Republican party appears more as an insider clique. They strong arm their candidates on the locals (see Rick Renzi and Sydney Hay). The locals are then left to explain felony arrests and unethical actions (Rick Renzi) and the views of lobbyists they don't know (Sydney Hay). We must hold our representation responsible for their actions. I used to believe, or hope, that the Republicans had ethics, but that hope is dimming.

The way the Republican bigwigs treated Sarah Palin was abonimable. Because she did not come from their establishment but instead came from a small population state, they saw is as acceptable to attack her. The Republican party has made itself no longer worth defending.

Remember the Bible says to respect your government's leaders, just don't let them be where you put your faith. Your faith is for God alone. I know not voting is actually another vote for a Democrat so I must analyze each vote seperately. Can I hold my nose and vote Republican or will I abstain?

Cogs in the Machine

2009-05-19T06:57:00.008-07:00

In these difficult economic times I am hearing of more and more people taking early retirement. This seems like another negative impact that will be coming to the country. Many of us have determined that we no longer need to be a productive member of this society but instead are due an easy life. People that have truly become unable to work should retire, but able bodied people need to be convinced in their own mind of the need to be an active, productive member of our community.

As people age but are able to work they should feel it an honor to be active in the labor force. Perhaps more frequent or longer vacations would sate the need for rest and relaxation.

As the economy is now, with rising unemployment, with fewer people paying taxes, the country does not need more people withdrawing from production to go on social security but rather it needs more people to deny themselves.

It is important for people, men particularly, to be invested in the country. To be active, productive members of society.

This also ties in that it is a bad idea to have half of the people not paying income tax. Even if the bottom half of the earners of the population only pay a smaller percentage it would be a start. It would make them invested in the decisions of the country and focus their attention. My preference, in theory of course, would be that every person would pay the same percentage. We would all be invested in the decisions made by our politicians and more acutely aware of their impact. Why should I pay less of a percentage of my income than a physician that sacrificed for their education and continues to sacrifice in their practice?

Concern?

2009-04-21T13:08:00.004-07:00

Is there a reason to be concerned?

The federal government no longer calls terrorists "terrorists", but the federal government will create a Department of Homeland Security memorandum that labels people with pro-life beliefs, beliefs in God or who have served in the military as potential terrorists.

Is it of no concern President Obama was given a kick off political party by convicted criminal William Ayres?

Is it of no concern President Obama sat in a building for 20 years listening to anti-American views from pasotr Jeremiah Wright?

Is it of no concern that President Obama now treats Great Britian the same way he treats Venezuela, Cuba and Iran? An official says Great Britain is just one of many countries.

Is it of no concern that the federal government is now firing private company personnel?

Is it of no concern that the federal government is trying to keep banks from paying back the TARP funds?

Is it of no concern that President Obama describes a type of people as "clinging to guns and religion"? I do not cling to religion but I do cling to Jesus Christ. As we are seeing now things can change quickly. God is the only rock, the only entity that is deserving of total subservience.

I Need to Pray Harder

2009-01-23T10:54:00.004-07:00

I need to pray harder for my country and my president, President Barak Obama. We seem to be slipping away.

My country and its media now think it acceptable to heckle an outgoing president, President Bush, at his successor's inauguration. "Na, na, na, na, hey, hey, hey, goodbye". How crass and lacking in civility. Once a society loses civility, it is easy to continue the downward spiral.

How can our society create a 5 hour epic salute to Che Guevara and have the movie adored by critics? The Hollywood elite have given up any duty to America in their misplaced sense of self-importance. They feel no need to respect our military men but instead ridicule them as stupid, vicious and contemptible. Our celebrities have created more propaganda for our outright enemies than they have created honest movies about our military. Do the names Paul Smith, Michael Monsoor mean anything to you. Both Congressional Medal of Honor winners. In previous eras their stories would be known. In our time they are anonymous people lest the elites in this country be required to tell their heroic stories.

How can the media have 35 times the coverage of the Obama inauguration than the last Bush inauguration and still claim they are non-partisan? All the media coverage of Obama is adoring and propagandistic while dragging Bush through the mud. The media is pathetic.

How can the first phone call of an incoming president be to the head of the Palestinian Authority? Could he possibly make a call to allies that have stood by us in our times of need? Maybe Australia, Great Britian, the former East European countries that have proven themselves members of modern society?

How can we have a prayer after the oath of office for President Obama that ridicules Asians and whites? To as "yellows to mellow" is ignorant and devisive. If I were Asian I would be angry. Because they excel they should be admonished?

How can the portion of the population that has taken such enjoyment in running down President Bush now clamor for civility and partnership?

I pray for President Obama, that he will make ethical, sound and wise decisions. I pray that his opposition will be more reasoned and sane than President Bush's while not compromising their principles.

Interesting Columnists Today

2008-12-02T10:06:00.003-07:00

Today I read three opinion pieces, from different authors, each having its own view of the modern conservative scene.

First is a column by Steve and Cokie Roberts ( http://www.jewishworldreview.com/1208/croberts.php3 ) that suggests the only way for Republicans to get back in the game is to dismiss the culturally conservative. The say that abortion, same sex marriage and issues of the like harm the Republican party because the majority of people are not culturally conservative though they may be fiscally conservative. They also assert it is a matter of demographics, that the population no longer breaks down in favor of an "old white guys" point of view. As with the other two pieces I will review please go and read the article in its entirety.

Second is an article by Andrew C. McCarthy ( http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=YjJhYTE2OGI2MjI5ZmE2MGY2YzIwM2Y4MzUyNDdiMTQ= ) in which he has the view that the country has not "lurched left" with the election of Barak Obama. He justifies this position by citing a federal civil case against Chevron that was tried in San Francisco. The ruling ended up favoring Chevron against the international activists that had sued over an incident that had happened in Nigeria. He holds the view that if the traditional rule of law is upheld in San Francisco then the left is not on the march across the country.

The third item is by Star Parker ( http://townhall.com/Columnists/StarParker/2008/12/01/formula_for_gop_recovery_traditional_values_plus_limited_government ). She believes that the way for the Republicans to regain their foot hold is to renew their relationship with culturally conservative people. She hits on points that I have not read other places, for instance the ability or failure of people to self-identify themselves. One paragraph she writes on the statistics of self-identified conservatives, liberals and moderates reads:

"But taking a closer look at what this means leaves you scratching your head. You have to wonder what it means today to think of yourself as conservative."

Anecdotally this is what I have found in "fly over" country. People that I adamantly disagree with on basic issues like abortion, small government, liberty, lower tax burdens claim the conservative title while espousing very liberal views. They can claim the moderate label because the nation has veered so hard to the left that views that were once out of the mainstream are today actualized. Star Parker has written a very good piece.

Steve and Cokie Roberts may be correct in so far as the issue is about winning elections, sell out the culturally conservative because it would be popular and hip. Andrew McCarthy has a slim chance of being correct but basing his theory on one court case, a small sample in a jury pool, is risky. Star Parker hits the correct points. People like to perceive themselves as lovers of liberty and conservative, but when it comes to the issues they vote for self benefit over country. They vote for popular over principled while claiming virtue. Star Parker is also correct that those of us that are culturally conservative should not give up our ideals, we must endure.

If the Republicans take the position of disdaining our views that is their right. We will go on being true to ourselves. We must not support concepts that are anti-thetical to our nature.

In closing there are two Scripture citations I would like to leave you with. I believe they both are speaking about the Church but they seem appropriate for persevering.

In 1 Timothy 1 the New International Version reads:

8We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9We also know that law[a] is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious; for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10for adulterers and perverts, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11that conforms to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.

Also from the New International Version 2 Timothy 4 reads:

1In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

I pray for you that you will endure and carry out your minsitry.

Pray For Our President-Elect

2008-11-21T07:43:00.004-07:00

Please pray for President-Elect Obama. Pray that he will be a leader pleasing to God. Pray that he will govern as a man of morals and that he will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.

Pray that he will not be treated the way President Bush has been treated. If he is to be attacked the way President Bush has been, this country will be in for more difficult times than we are having now. I have read, seen and heard terrible things that have been aimed at Barak Obama already.

Once again, this does not mean he is to get a pass on moral or doctrinal issues. God will still take precedence on these matters, but we as a people need to be respectful and civil as we voice our disagreements.

Spousal Communication

2008-11-17T11:58:00.003-07:00

Sunday morning I was sitting in church and watching people while waiting for the service to start. My lovely wife was not with me, she was in another portion of the church working.

As I sat and people watched, I became enthralled, I watched the communication going on between husbands and wives. There was a beautiful closeness to it. They communicated in way that others would not understand. Each couple was unique. The soft hushed words of a wife and the deeper toned response from the husband. Others would be undable to hear clearly what was said, but each couple understood themselves. They may use words or perhaps just sounds that had been expressed for years between the two of them that conveyed the idea to be understood. It was inspiring to see the closeness and somberness as they came together with friends to worship God.

The Church (not the building, the people) is the bride of Christ. The Church communicates with Jesus through prayer and scripture reading and many people do not understand this. But it is an even more beautiful thing than the communication of a husband and wife. The communication between Jesus and his bride is a holy thing. It is separate and apart from the rest of the world. The world watches and hears bits of the communication, but does not understand. In the world's ignorance they ridicule the union as much as a recently divorced angry man would look at a married couple and mock their marriage. The angry man would need to reconcile his anger before he would ever be able to love again.

Pray for marriages and a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

We Were Told

2008-11-14T11:17:00.002-07:00

Just months ago we were told that the price of gas was what it was going to be from then on, $4.00+. We were told by most politicians that we could not "drill our way out of it".

Prices are now hovering just above the $2.00 range. We have not drilled our way out of it, but the week after both parties started speaking of drilling, the futures contracts started falling. The economic downturn has also greatly impacted the price as well.

The thought that the price of a commodity is to be forever stuck at one price is ignorant. Prices go up and they go down, only to go up again. There can be no argument that a big reason for the lower price is due to lower demand. So demand is lower than the price of $4.00 would allow. So it would seem if the demand was still allowing for a $4.00 price and drilling pumped more oil into the market, we would effect the supply side of the equation.

The People Expect....

2008-11-13T06:59:00.003-07:00

I saw Democrtat strategist Howard Wolfson on the news this morning. He was questioned about the proposed bailout of the big 3 car makers. He was asked about this money making its way to the workers as raises and better benefits at a time when others in different careers are losing jobs. He said how can you ask an auto line worker making $40-$50k a year not to get something when the executives are.

First thing, I don't think the executives should be getting bonuses or raises from any bailout whether it is the financial industry, car industry or any other industry.
Any bailout should be dictated so.

Second thing, I don't think the average line worker in Detroit is making $40-$50k a year. Nope, I just checked and the yearly average for the big 3 workers for wages and benefits is about $145k a year. As an aside the U.S. workers for Toyota, Honda and Nissan average $96k a year. Still alot of money for a high school graduate.

Third thing, Howard Wolfson knows this. He is acting in defense of the unions that continue to deliver votes to the Democrats. This is the payoff for the votes.

Fourth thing, originally I was for some emergency bailouts because I was told by the media and the politicians of both parties that without them the economy would crash. Now I am not so sure I believe any of it. It has become a money grab from the government. When I say government, I mean those that pay taxes. That excepts out what, approximately 30-40% of the population.

Even in these lean times the American population still has the mindset of what is in it for me. Until we get back to a strong work ethic, the ideal of being paid what you are worth not what you can extort, we are going to be in a world of hurt and this downturn will continue. Money can not continue to be taken from producers in the economy to pay off for votes. Or worse money can not continue to be borrowed to pay for votes.

Don't Know What To Make Of It

2008-11-11T15:14:00.002-07:00

Of the approximately 20 people that work in my office, there is 1 veteran.

At the church I attend perhaps as many as 40% of the men in the congregation are veterans.

To The Republicans

2008-11-11T10:09:00.005-07:00

The Republican party needs rehabilitation.

The Republican party needs to clean house and get rid of the old dry political wing of the party. The politicians that are in power to be in power and have influence need to go. The Republican party needs to become a party of ideals, of freedom and of liberty.

No longer should we see politicians of pork such as Ted Stevens of Alaska. No longer should we hear political aides seeking scape goats for their boss like we heard aides of John McCain bad mouthing Sarah Palin at the end of the campaign. It is a childish thing to do and must not be condoned. Take responsibility. Be an adult. I expect more from the party I choose. John McCain has been disappointing in not publicly chastising his aides that did this.

A good example of Republican ineptitude was the local race for Congressional Distric 1. The state party endorsed Sydney Hay through the primary in opposition to Saundra Livingstone. Sydney Hay is a lobbyist and was ran against effectively on that aspect in the general election. Saundra Livingstone has a great backround as an attorney and work in the State Department under Condoleeza Rice. The power brokers made their decision and possibly cost the Republicans a seat in the House.

The base is becoming more disheartened by the Republican establishment. Principles can not be given up to win an election. It is a sad state if it takes deceit to win an election.

Some Issues

2008-11-10T14:05:00.007-07:00

I still respect Barak Obama as my country's President Elect, but I already have some issues that I must comment on.

1. Poland-Over the weekend it was announced that Barak Obama had called President Medvedev of Russia and the president of Poland. The president of Poland released an anouncement that he was pleased that the new administration would be continuing with the missle defense shield. Barak Obama's camp quickly released a statement saying "not so fast". Pray that Barak Obama will quickly pick up international relations and that he won't say what each group wants to hear like during a political race. Also pray for commitment to our free allies in opposition to a resurgent totalitarian Russia.

2. Homosexual Marriage & the Church-Barak Obama definitely had the homosexual lobby supporting his election. Over the weekend there was a big protest rally at Saddleback Church protesting the passage of Proposition 8 in California (the gay marriage prop). It would be go a long way in uniting the country if he would ask his supporters to ease off the Church. If he is going to tacitly support attacks on conventional Christian doctrine he will lose whatever support he had in traditional Christian churches. Of course he will always have the support of the left wing churches that preach acceptance over Biblical truths and that speak of "the many ways to God", "we all are gods" or the "Christian Myth" as in the Unitarians or the UCC.

3. International Abortion-Also heard was a report that one of the first acts of the Obama administration will be to repeal President Bush's order against federal funding of international groups that advocate abortions in foreign countries. To advocate more abortions of babies in poor third world countries is a bad idea. The poor should not be targeted for abortion, they should be helped. All serious reports say that the Bush administration spent more money and effort on Africa than previous administrations. If the budget for third world countries is to be raised then life is where the money should be spent.

Thank You

2008-11-06T08:58:00.002-07:00

Mrs. Palin, thank you for your effort. Thank you for voicing traditional values of liberty and self reliance.

Please accept my apologies. As a registered Republican, I am sorry for the trashing you are receiving from the Republican establishment. Please do not compromise your principles to be accepted by the leaders in Washington. Stay true to yourself as they attempt to make you a scapegoat for a lost election that was really a result of an electorate that has moved hard to the left.

Come back in 2012. The traditional population that values their freedom are waiting for you.

The Punits Are Wrong

2008-11-06T06:25:00.002-07:00

This morning on the news program I saw pundits saying that Barak Obama will govern more from the center than the left where he ran.

I don't think he can govern from the center. For the last 2 years the public has been told that there would be "free stuff" for them. They have been told that they would receive money taken from wealthier people. They have been told that their worries over health care would be over. They have been told that they would have better jobs and make more money. They believed these things and voted for Barak Obama.

Should Barak Obama now try to govern from the center they people will not be pleased. They will protest and complain about the promises that are "owed" to them. They deserve other people's money. They believed Joe Biden when he said it would be unpatriotic for wealthier people not to give their money to poorer people. The people who voted for Barak Obama see these things now as their rights.

This will be interesting if nothing else.

President Elect Obama

2008-11-05T08:14:00.003-07:00

Barak Obama will be the next President of the United States. We must continue to respect the office and show him respect as well. The Bible in Romans 13 reads

"Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves."

Do not give up your doctrine or morality. All I am saying is we need to be civil and respectful while we work for a return to the concepts of the fight against abortion, the contest against totalianarism and the struggle for personal liberty. Pray for America!

On Liberty

2008-11-03T12:11:00.003-07:00

Liberty is waning. The population no longer desire or want liberty. The people want to be sheltered and want the ability to be able to tell others how to live. We are growing softer and I pray for a turnaround.

The first expample I have is local. Prescott is contemplating a new planning and zoning ordinace that would require 40% of land to subdivided be allocated for open space. This is a popular idea in Prescott these days. To get free stuff (open space) without renumerating others for it is seen as just these days. Prescott did not used to be populated by characters such as these, but then again this country did not either. Say a person has acreage locally that has been handed down through generations and the current owner has been planning on selling it off to finance his or her retirement. Now the citizens of Prescott seek to change the rules and make subdividing land impractical, which is the whole point.

Prescott has a beautiful downtown area of victorian homes. If a developer today were to suggest narrow lots with homes packed in like the valued downtown, the developer would be attacked, defamed and the people would attempt to extort value (land) from him. The development would not be viewed as quaint.

The second example is national. Barak Obama said new coal plants could be built but he would tax them so hard they would go bankrupt. Coal is a "dirtier" option for energy, but there is new technology coming on line all the time. To restrict electricity production by harrasing coal companies does not make sense and would end up most impacting the lower and middle classes to which he claims to fight. The coal miner's families would be devastated. The people that heat their homes with coal generated electricity would suffer. Barak Obama put himself in a difficult postulating a police power taking of private property.

Local Issues

2008-10-31T08:53:00.002-07:00

Chino Valley and Prescott Valley continue to grow.

Chino Valley and Prescott Valley are growing their business community. There are more stores, restaurants and entertainment options all the time. This means the dollars spent are generating tax funds for the respective communities. No longer do people live in Chino Valley or Prescott Valley, then drive into to Prescott to eat or shop. This is wonderful. These communities are becoming self sustaining.

The consensus in Prescott has been to curtail growth with an emphasis on slowing middle and low income housing. Prescott is actively persuing buying open space to prevent development. This drives up home prices and keeps people out.

So once working class young families move to Chino Valley or Prescott Valley these people should have the option to support their local communities with their tax dollars. This will impact Prescott eventually. Prescott has been enjoying income from ordinary folks who live in other communities. This is going to be greatly reduced.

Prescott is also beginning to lose tax revenue from their own residents. Prescott has not had a movie theater in their jurisdiction for some time. If Prescott residents want to go to a modern theater with nice amenities they now have to drive to Prescott Valley. Prescott will also lose tax revenue from their residents who like Sam's Club in Prescott Valley more than the Costco in Prescott city limits.

Prescott's recent trend toward no growth is going to begin impacting its citizens who will continue to seek improved roads, infrastructure and emergency services.

Election

2008-10-30T12:22:00.002-07:00

Please continue to the end of this post after reading the first few sentences.

I hope Barak Obama wins the election. I do not believe in him or support him, but I do believe that should John McCain win, the left will erupt into chaos. The Bush2 presidency has been attacked by the left with epithets from Bush=Hitler to cries of dictatorship. I believe President Bush is a good man and that history will judge him well, subject of course to extreme left wing professors maintaining control of academia. Should John McCain defeat the left's ultimate candidate the Bush years will seem as cordial as a victorian tea party. The affront to the left's ego will be huge. The only answer for them will be that the dumb rednecks were too stupid. There would be violence by them.

This is the only reason I would want Barak Obama to succeed. Fear of the left. It is an extremely short sighted view. The end result would be a weakened United States of America, a weakened Constitution and a lazy public. So this is why I was misleading in my support of Barak Obama. To express the fear of coercion.

The only good vote, not a great vote, is for John McCain. Should John McCain win the left will react spasmodically, it will be terrible in the short run. Remember that the Constitituion in Barak Obama's eyes is fatally flawed. There is nothing to respect. The world will be better off, in the long run of course, with a John McCain presidency.

Thoughts

2008-10-29T12:01:00.004-07:00

Here are some various thoughts:

Legislative, judicial, executive branch members of government should not be allowed to take any money or material from lobbyists, PACs or other third party organizations. Members of congress fight viciously to stay in goverment jobs that pays less than a private sector job. Why? Power and prestige and corruption at times. We need to bring back the concept of citizen legislators.

Too many religions teach animosity, greed and false doctrine. To check, does the religion teach contentment as denoted in my previous post. Hebrews 13:5 reads "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

Does the religion teach there are multiple ways to God? John 14:6 reads "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." Jude 1:3-4 reads "Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord."

COVETING

2008-10-27T13:55:00.002-07:00

What ever happens next week in the election, pray for our country. Pray that we will be pleasing to God. Pray that we will be constuctive and united. Pray for wisdom prior to voting.

Our politicians are playing down to our basest elements. They play to our greed and try to get us to covet others wealth.

Hebrews 13:5 reads "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,
"Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you."

Should this not be sufficient, to be employed, to work for our income. Why should I receive any money from my government that came from a person who has worked harder than I have or persevered through a longer education than I have. It is corrosive to society to tell people to penalize others with a different standard than they would have for themselves. It corrupts the system.

Be true to God. Be patient and content. Work hard. Love your neighbor as yourself.

Even your wealthy neighbor.

Respect

2008-10-03T07:04:00.003-07:00

At first I was disappointed that the media and the Democrat party were savaging President Bush. I believed that when the Iraq war turned for the better they would admit their error and be adults. I was wrong.

Last night in the vice-presidential debate Senator Biden continued to attack President Bush. Perhaps Senator Biden knows the Constitution better than I, but I believe the office of Presidency is term limited to 2 terms and President Bush will not be running again.

I do admit I have always liked President Bush even though I may not always agree with him. I think he is an honorable man who has been ravaged for 8 years while protecting this country.

Now Oliver Stone is releasing his movie "W". From the commercials I have seen Oliver Stone is portraying him as dumb teenage boy. I have never respected Oliver Stone or any of the other leftists in the media. This movie just adds on to that lack of admiration.

The leftists have been complaining that the Bush administration has been impacting their freedom of speech through the terrorist surveillance program that listens to international calls from suspected terrorists. I wish the government did not have to do this because future administrations will exagerate this program, but their are terrorist who would like to butcher us. And most outrageously the Obama campaign has already tried to make it a prosecutable crime for campaign adds they don't like. That is a real impact on freedom of speech. The main stream media says nothing, check the alternate media to get the "Rest of the Story".

The Loss

2008-09-29T15:58:00.001-07:00

The news is saying we lost one trillion dollars in the market today.

We have been debating alloting up to 700 billion dollars.

Huh?

Crash

2008-09-29T12:49:00.002-07:00

At the moment the Dow Jones Average is down about 700 points. Left to stand, this will have major impacts on the country and the world.

The House of Representatives voted against the bail-out bill. It seems to be primarily due to politics. The have constituents loudly protesting the bail-out, money going to the big financial instituions. The people are protesting the corruption and Congress is afraid to act, they want re-elected.

I believe there needs to be a bail-out plan and that the protest of the public is undermining our economy in an effort to see "big guys" suffer. The public is not looking at the big picture and how this issue is going to impact their lives. Only too late will the people come to realize their error, when it will take a long time to right the economy.

There is a slim chance we will act in time to avert serious problems but I have little confidence of it. Pundits on the radio and on the internet are still speaking about how this debacle can be used to their gain. They are still playing politics at others expense.

Possible Good Sign

2008-09-27T10:09:00.002-07:00

Recently I had a nice evening with an older couple who are more apolitical than average. The good sign was that these people, that don't follow politics, recognized that the media was bashing Sarah Palin. The brought this subject up, I did not prompt them. If this is reflective of the rest of the flyover country, it could be a problem for the Democrat party. The media relish the roll of telling the country what to think.

The main stream media continue to be biased for Barak Obama while claiming impartiality. The ordinary people seem to be on to them, they seem to be thinking for themselves. Not a good sign for the media.

MISC. STUFF

2008-09-19T07:37:00.002-07:00

This morning the stock market is rising fast on news of more government bailouts. I am the farthest from being a financial expert, but I hope the federal government is not expending money for short term gain resulting in long term troubles.

I worry the financail markets and companies have become so bloated and possibly corrupt that throwing money at them now to prop them up will only push the problem down the street. I worry that the abrupt rise in the market after a terrible week of losses is only the reaction of the financial companies that they don't have to address their issues now. They can continue as business as usual because the government will bail them out.

On a more upbeat note, earlier this week I was fortunate to work with some of the teenagers at my church. If anyone is pessimistic about the youth of today I encourage you to visit your local church and see the segment of the youth culture that is not given exposure in the media. The teenagers in my church are just fantastic, they are more composed than I was at their age. The event at which I was allowed to interact with them was a community service opportunity at a local secular institution. They are tremendous young adults eager to be positive and help others. If other churches have youth groups anything like ours, rest easy in the country's future.

Media Ethics

2008-09-18T05:35:00.002-07:00

Somebody has hacked into Governor Palin's personal E-mail account and the media does not raise an objection, on the contrary they report the hack gleefully. No government business is reported being done in the personal e-mail account, which was the reason given for the hack.

The media has once again proven it has no standards, only a world view. The public will see this as another reason to back McCain-Palin. The media is partisan, biased and unreliable but they are also the gang that can not shoot straight. They will end up electing McCain-Palin and complain loudly when it happens.

Democratic Response

2008-09-11T05:47:00.003-07:00

I am hearing and reading more that the tactic the Democrat party will use against Sarah Palin is questioning her belief in the Bible. This is a very poor idea that seems brilliant to the out of touch in the Obama campaign and the main stream media.

People will not react well to her faith being attacked, or so I hope. Perhaps I am putting to much trust in the American public. The public is changing but at this time the majority of the public respects and loves the Church even though the elites have been trying to break them of this respect.

When the Democrat party attacks Christianity I hope the people will see it for what it is. An attempt to say put your faith in us and not Christ.

People, please continue to love God and love your neighbor as yourselves. Everything else will fall into place.

Retirement

2008-09-09T12:18:00.004-07:00

I just read that the state of Nevada has a retirement funding problem. These type of stories will probably continue to appear in the future.

Our culture of the last 100 years has decided people no longer need to work past 60 to 65 years and our economy is now showing the results. We are bankrupting our children. It embarasses me to look at our youth and know that the money they are sending to Social Security will not be there for their society and it is not secure. We are paying there future to today's elderly.

There are many people that can not work in their 6o's, 70's or 80's and we should support those people monetarily and pray for them and care for them in Christ. The only way out would be for the able bodied older population to voluntarily rejoin the workforce with their experience and add to our GDP, and not take money from the federal government.

This issue will never be addressed by politicians searching for votes from the older segment of the country.

In previous generations there was always an overiding drive to leave a better situation for the children. This thought has skipped the baby boom generation but I hear a return of it more and more from the generation following the boomers.

Mrs. Sarah Palin

2008-08-29T12:37:00.002-07:00

I am very happy with Sarah Palin's selection as a running mate for John McCain.

McCain never energized me but Sarah Palin does seem like a breath of fresh air. She is a young politician from outside of Washington, she is devout in her faith in Jesus, she opposed Republican Ted Steven's "Bridge to Nowhere" and she is prolife.

Sarah Palin seems to be a throwback to previous politicians that came up through the ranks of local government then state government and then entered into national government. She is not a congressperson that has compromised their principles to get deals done. From what I've read of her she seems to be a person of traditional values that does not compromise herself for the next money deal.

Another good sign is that the traditional media are skeptical of her! Prescott College must be a very sad place to be today.

Waiting to hear.....

2008-08-25T07:19:00.002-07:00

I am still waiting to hear the words of condemnation from Randall Amster about Russia's invasion of Georgia. This invasion hits all of Mr. Amster's hot points. A sovereign country invaded by a far superior country, the control of an oil pipeline and a ego maniac leader. Yes in this situation these conditions actually do exist, but it is silence.

Perhaps the women in black are preparing a protest of Russia as well.

We may read a one time soft pedalled critique of Russia by Mr. Amster, but there will not be years of columns of condemnation. The women in black will not stage repeated protests.

V.P.S

2008-08-23T09:09:00.002-07:00

With Obama now selecting Biden as his running mate, let us turn to the Republican party.

I would prefer either Sarah Palin ( http://www.gov.state.ak.us/ ), or Fred Thompson ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fred_Thompson ). I would imagine either would fair well in a debate with Joe Biden. This is important due to the fact Obama is limiting the number of debates between himself and McCain.

Russia

2008-08-23T08:39:00.002-07:00

Russia said they would withdrawl, but now are going to continue to control the port city of Poti. Poti has nothing to do with the two areas of recognized Georgia seeking to return to Russian rule and leave Georgia.

This is further evidence Russia's actions in Georgia have nothing to do with peace keeping but instead all to do with restoring their empire.

Think of Russia as the abusive ex-boyfriend that stalks and abuses the ex-girlfriend when she finds a more fulfilling relationship.

Georgia

2008-08-11T12:28:00.002-07:00

The story of Russia's invasion of Georgia is not getting the attention that it deserves. Russia not only has Georgia under its thumb, but it now has other eastern bloc former members of the Soviet Union worried.

I just read Putin is upset the United States airlifted 2000 Georgian soldiers from Iraq back to Georgia. That Putin would think we would not assist true allies who are helping us in Iraq to get back and defend their own country is a sign of how the US image in the world has fallen.

Jesse Jackson's Statement

2008-07-10T07:27:00.002-07:00

Jesse Jackson is troubling. I can not imagine my pastor saying he wanted to "cut his n**ts off" about anyone. Jesse Jackson does not act like a pastor in my view.

The question I have is would Jesus be upset with somebody urging more personal responsibilty in their lives? Jesus told people to quit their old lives and go and sin no more. He did not appease them and tell them to go about their lives as they are used to because society keeps them in sin.

Barak Obama presented a Christian response of forgiveness. I am unsure if it is just a political response or if he truly does forgive him, but Barak did publicly accept his apology.

Prayer Works

2008-07-08T05:33:00.002-07:00

Yes, prayer to Jesus Christ does work. First and foremost it works for salvation and eternal life with Him. It also works in more earthly ways.

My church had a 24 hour prayer vigil for members of our congregation that had employment needs. I have heard of alot of answered prayers from the vigil. One man had been out of work for at least a year, but has now found a job and is very happy with it.

Prediction

2008-07-07T12:22:00.002-07:00

This oil bubble will pop. It will either pop due to the eventual cooling of the Chinese and Indian economies (like Japan's did in the 90's) or it will pop because the American people will insist on taking charge of their own destiny through nuculear power, new drilling and new technologies.

On My Previous Post

2008-07-02T14:47:00.002-07:00

In regards to yesterday's post, I need to clarify my statement. It is important to value all people regardless of their personal achievements. We are even to love our enemies because what does it say about us if we only love those that love us, can give us something or have a higher station in life than us.

Man of Honor

2008-07-01T06:40:00.002-07:00

Yesterday I went to a memorial service for a man from church. I knew him as a happy, kind hearted, barrel chested man with a booming voice who doted on his grandchildren. At the service I saw glimpse of much more of him. He was a Marine who fought in Korea, he was a drill instructor and he later earned a master's degree in mathematics and a P.H.D. in computer science.

I feel bad I did not fully appreciate the man and see the depth of his person. Don't let appearances be everything. The Bible requires us to love each other, to care for each other and be a brother in Christ.

Need to start reposting

2008-06-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

Really, I do need to start reposting.

Ken Burns

2007-09-25T08:46:00.001-07:00

I just heard the documentarian Ken Burns on Laura Ingraham's radio program. Ken was publicizing his documentary on WWII. Mr. Burns just had some great lines that I can't quote verbatim, but the first is "We have traded tryanny for the tyranny of celebrity" and another statement that struck me was "We are opinion rich and information poor, most people can't find their state capitol". Very perceptive.....

Dumbest Statement

2006-10-03T07:50:00.000-07:00

It has been awhile, but I felt the need to vent.

This morning at work I heard the most insane comment in quit awhile. Two co-workers were discussing the Amish school shooting. Co-worker "A" said to co-worker "B" that he read that President Bush was going to convene a gathering to research the recent school shootings. Co-worker "A" then said he did not condone the shootings but President Bush was driving him crazy as well. Co-worker "B" then agreed.

These are the crazy people. To suggest that President Bush is ultimately responsible for the murder of children is pathetic! The far left truly does suffer Bush Derangement Syndrome.

DRAT

2006-04-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Amare is back out. This time they shut him down for the rest of the season due to another knee surgery. Drat!

Horay!

2006-03-27T10:23:00.000-07:00

Amare is back in a Suns uniform.

My Timeline

2006-02-17T19:35:00.000-07:00

Does anybody else have co-workers that would like to bear the love child of Joe Wilson, Scott Ritter or Al Franken. I do. With daily leftwing accusations I needed to organize data so I created a timeline of recent events. It's not perfect but here it is.

Mid 1990's 16 February 2006 ABC reports of Iraqi tapes from mid 1990's

"One of the most dramatic moments in the 12 hours of recordings comes when Saddam predicts — during a meeting in the mid-1990s — a terrorist attack on the United States. "Terrorism is coming. I told the Americans a long time before Aug. 2 and told the British as well … that in the future there will be terrorism with weapons of mass destruction." Saddam goes on to say such attacks would be difficult to stop. "In the future, what would prevent a booby-trapped car causing a nuclear explosion in Washington or a germ or a chemical one?" But he adds that Iraq would never do such a thing. "This is coming, this story is coming but not from Iraq."

The same ABC report cites an Iraqi tape made in April or May 1995

"We did not reveal all that we have," Kamel says in the meeting. "Not the type of weapons, not the volume of the materials we imported, not the volume of the production we told them about, not the volume of use. None of this was correct."

September, 1998 Scott Ritter testifies to Senate committee

"Iraq today is not disarmed and remains an ugly threat to its neighbors and to world peace." "Americans who think that something should be done about it have to be deeply disappointed in our leadership."

31 October, 1998 President Bill Clinton signs Iraq Liberation Act making regime change the stated policy of the United States.

13 February, 1999 CNN reports Iraq offers Bin Laden sanctuary.

"Taliban authorities in the militia's southern stronghold of Kandahar refused to either confirm or deny reports that bin Laden had left the country. The Taliban have called bin Laden their honored guest, a friend who helped the Afghan resistance fight invading Soviet soldiers in the 1980s. "
"The Taliban's ambassador in Islamabad, Saeed-ur-Rehman Haqqani, said he had not been told of bin Laden's departure, "but if it has happened, it will be a good thing."
Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has offered asylum to bin Laden, who openly supports Iraq against the Western powers.
Despite repeated demands from Washington, the Taliban refused to hand over bin Laden after the August 7 bombings of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania, demanding proof of his involvement in terrorist activities. "

11 September, 2001

15 October, 2001 U.S. intelligence community becomes aware of a possible uranium sale agreement between Niger and Iraq (agreement in negotiation since 1999 and said to be approved in late 2000)

5 February, 2002 Second intelligence report of Iraq-Niger agreement. Report more detailed

12 February, 2002 DIA report detailing Iraq-Niger agreement. After reading report Vice-President Cheney asks for CIA analysis of the DIA report. CIA Counterproliferation Division (CPD) decides to send Joe Wilson to Niger, as recommended by his wife Valorie Plame a CPD worker. Valorie Plame said to her husband “there’s this crazy report” about an Iraq-Niger uranium deal and the CPD has requested he go to Niger.

18 February, 2002 Embassy in Niger sends cable that alleged Iraq-Niger uranium deal provides enough detail that another look is required

19 February, 2002 Valorie Plame convenes meeting with CPD personnel and Joe Wilson to discuss Niger trip.

8 Sept, 2002 Scott Ritter speaks to Iraqi National Assembly in violation of U.S. Code TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 45 > § 953
§ 953. Private correspondence with foreign governments

Any citizen of the United States, wherever he may be, who, without authority of the United States, directly or indirectly commences or carries on any correspondence or intercourse with any foreign government or any officer or agent thereof, with intent to influence the measures or conduct of any foreign government or of any officer or agent thereof, in relation to any disputes or controversies with the United States, or to defeat the measures of the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both. This section shall not abridge the right of a citizen to apply, himself or his agent, to any foreign government or the agents thereof for redress of any injury which he may have sustained from such government or any of its agents or subjects.

16 Sept, 2002 Boston Globe article regarding Scott Ritter

“Ritter's statements have stunned other former U.N. weapons inspectors. Richard Spertzel, the chief biological weapons inspector in Iraq from 1994 to 1998, ridiculed Ritter's assertions during a Senate subcommittee hearing Tuesday."How does he know what 100% is?" Spertzel asked. "I don't. And how many biological sites did he visit? The answer is none. He has no knowledge of those sites."David Kay, the chief nuclear inspector in Iraq from 1991 to 1993, agreed. He said Ritter sharply criticized the ability of U.N. inspection teams to disarm Iraq when he testified before Congress."Either he lied to you then or he's lying to you now," Kay said. "He's gone completely the other way. I cannot explain it on the basis of known facts."

8 October, 2002 Unanimous United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 holding Iraq in “material breach” of previous resolutions

28 January, 2003 President Bush gives state of the union speech which includes the 16 words “The British Government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa .” No mention of Niger is made. British reports made prior to the British ever seeing the “faked” documents.

7 March, 2003 Great Britain submits 17 March deadline for Iraqi compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441

19 March, 2003 President Bush gives the order for the invasion of Iraq

May, 2003 Joe Wilson becomes advisor to Presidential Candidate John Kerry

2 May, 2003 Joe Wilson attends Senate Democratic Policy Conference

3 May, 2003 Joe Wilson and Valerie Plame meet with New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof

6 May, 2003 Kristof writes opinion piece in New York Times about Niger uranium without citing the name Wilson or Plame

Early June, 2003 Walter Pincus of The Washington Post inquires of CIA about Joe Wilson

12 June, 2003 Walter Pincus writes article on a retired ambassador’s trip to Niger. Lewis Libby learns of Valorie Plame from Vice President Cheney.

23 June, 2003 Judith Miller of The New York Times discusses Joe Wilson with Lewis Libby

6 July, 2003 Joe Wilson writes opinion piece in New York Times

8 July, 2003 Bob Novak calls Karl Rove after learning of Valorie Plame from a senior Bush administration official. Karl Rove says he has heard of her too. Lewis Libby meets with Judith Miller and discusses Valorie Plame’s work with the CIA.

14 July, 2003 Bob Novak’s column naming Valerie Plame

7 July, 2004 Senate Select Committee on Intelligence report

BBC reports on removal of enriched uranium from Iraq

"The US has revealed that it removed more than 1.7 metric tons of radioactive material from Iraq in a secret operation last month.
"This operation was a major achievement," said US Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham in a statement.
He said it would keep "potentially dangerous nuclear materials out of the hands of terrorists".
Along with 1.77 tons of enriched uranium, about 1,000 "highly radioactive sources" were also removed.
The material was taken from a former nuclear research facility on 23 June, after being packaged by 20 experts from the US Energy Department's secret laboratories.
It was flown out of the country aboard a military plane in a joint operation with the Department of Defense, and is being stored temporarily at a Department of Energy facility.
The United Nations nuclear watchdog - the International Atomic Energy Agency - and Iraqi officials were informed ahead of the operation, which happened ahead of the 28 June handover of sovereignty. "

2 Oct., 2003 David Kay presents Interim Report of the Iraq Survey Group

We have discovered dozens of WMD-related program activities and significant amounts of equipment that Iraq concealed from the United Nations during the inspections that began in late 2002. The discovery of these deliberate concealment efforts have come about both through the admissions of Iraqi scientists and officials concerning information they deliberately withheld and through physical evidence of equipment and activities that ISG has discovered that should have been declared to the UN. Let me just give you a few examples of these concealment efforts, some of which I will elaborate on later:
· A clandestine network of laboratories and safehouses within the Iraqi Intelligence Service that contained equipment subject to UN monitoring and suitable for continuing CBW research.
· A prison laboratory complex, possibly used in human testing of BW agents, that Iraqi officials working to prepare for UN inspections were explicitly ordered not to declare to the UN.
· Reference strains of biological organisms concealed in a scientist's home, one of which can be used to produce biological weapons.
· New research on BW-applicable agents, Brucella and Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), and continuing work on ricin and aflatoxin were not declared to the UN.
· Documents and equipment, hidden in scientists' homes, that would have been useful in resuming uranium enrichment by centrifuge and electromagnetic isotope separation (EMIS).
· A line of UAVs not fully declared at an undeclared production facility and an admission that they had tested one of their declared UAVs out to a range of 500 km, 350 km beyond the permissible limit.
· Continuing covert capability to manufacture fuel propellant useful only for prohibited SCUD variant missiles, a capability that was maintained at least until the end of 2001 and that cooperating Iraqi scientists have said they were told to conceal from the UN.
· Plans and advanced design work for new long-range missiles with ranges up to at least 1000 km - well beyond the 150 km range limit imposed by the UN. Missiles of a 1000 km range would have allowed Iraq to threaten targets through out the Middle East, including Ankara, Cairo, and Abu Dhabi.
· Clandestine attempts between late-1999 and 2002 to obtain from North Korea technology related to 1,300 km range ballistic missiles --probably the No Dong -- 300 km range anti-ship cruise missiles, and other prohibited military equipment.
In addition to the discovery of extensive concealment efforts, we have been faced with a systematic sanitization of documentary and computer evidence in a wide range of offices, laboratories, and companies suspected of WMD work. The pattern of these efforts to erase evidence - hard drives destroyed, specific files burned, equipment cleaned of all traces of use - are ones of deliberate, rather than random, acts. For example,
· On 10 July 2003 an ISG team exploited the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC) Headquarters in Baghdad. The basement of the main building contained an archive of documents situated on well-organized rows of metal shelving. The basement suffered no fire damage despite the total destruction of the upper floors from coalition air strikes. Upon arrival the exploitation team encountered small piles of ash where individual documents or binders of documents were intentionally destroyed. Computer hard drives had been deliberately destroyed. Computers would have had financial value to a random looter; their destruction, rather than removal for resale or reuse, indicates a targeted effort to prevent Coalition forces from gaining access to their contents.
· All IIS laboratories visited by IIS exploitation teams have been clearly sanitized, including removal of much equipment, shredding and burning of documents, and even the removal of nameplates from office doors.
· Although much of the deliberate destruction and sanitization of documents and records probably occurred during the height of OIF combat operations, indications of significant continuing destruction efforts have been found after the end of major combat operations, including entry in May 2003 of the locked gated vaults of the Ba'ath party intelligence building in Baghdad and highly selective destruction of computer hard drives and data storage equipment along with the burning of a small number of specific binders that appear to have contained financial and intelligence records, and in July 2003 a site exploitation team at the Abu Ghurayb Prison found one pile of the smoldering ashes from documents that was still warm to the touch.

14 July, 2004 British Butler Report is issued

“It is accepted by all parties that Iraqi officials visited Niger in 1999. The British Government had intelligence from several different sources indicating that this visit was for the purpose of acquiring uranium. Since uranium constitutes almost three-quarters of Niger’s exports, the intelligence was credible.”

“By extension, we conclude also that the statement in President Bush’s State of the Union Address of 28 January 2003 that “The British Government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa” was well-founded.”

10 Sept. 2004 USA Today article on Albany terror cell arrests

"Aref is the imam of the mosque and Hossain is one of its founders. Both Albany men are charged with money laundering and attempting to conceal material support for a terror organization.
Aref, a native of Kurdistan, and Hossain, who is from Bangladesh, face up to 70 years in prison if convicted.
Last week, law enforcement officials speaking on condition of anonymity said U.S. soldiers discovered documents at an Ansar al-Islam camp in northern Iraq last summer (ed. that would be summer 2003, when the U.S. invaded) that referred to Aref as "the commander" and included his address and telephone number in Albany.
U.S. officials have said that Ansar al-Islam members are thought to be linked to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian militant whose network is blamed for attacks on U.S. forces and their allies in Iraq. "

The Holidays Are Over

2006-01-10T07:36:00.000-07:00

The holidays are finally over. I always look forward to Christmas time but when it's over it is a relief. There are so many parties, get togethers and errands to run that when I get back to a boring routine it is relaxing in a way.

I hope everybody had a great Christmas and pray for a peaceful new year.

Wed. Update

2005-12-28T08:14:00.000-07:00

Let me update a few things.

The 40 year old guy that was arrested locally for eco-terrorism in the northwest committed suicide in jail. There will be no following leads there.

The Phoenix Suns are sitting on top of the Pacific Division even though they have had some problems lately.

I hope everybody had a Merry Christmas and will have a safe New Years.

Link to Ms. Malkin

2005-12-20T09:24:00.000-07:00

The elegant Ms. Malkin's thoughts on recent eco-terrorism arrests http://michellemalkin.com/mt/oct05-tb.cgi/3449

Nutty Professor Update

2005-12-20T07:31:00.000-07:00

Actually there is no update. I thought in a small community, there would have been an uproar over the Nutty Professor's comments, but all is quiet. Not a word has been heard.

I guess Prescott has truly been Californiaized (cool new word, but it sums it up). How sad. Prescott residents have even enacted an ordinance against smoking in bars! Pretty soon the public will think they can keep patrons from drinking alcohol in bars in the interest of public health. I guess the Nutty Professor's comments seem rational to a city that has gone nuts. The locals that grew up here welcomed visitors and new residents, but now the new residents are hostile to others and want to lead the lives of those that live here.

The Nutty Professor

2005-12-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you about the area I live in. It is a mountain area of central Arizona that is growing in population and experiencing growing pains. I have lived in the area for about 30 years. Lately there have been disconcerting events happening in this once old-fashioned western area.

The latest news item that has caused a small stir, although it should be a giant eruption, in the area is the arrest of eco-terrorists in northern Arizona by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies. One of the arrests occurred in Prescott at a shop in an area of Prescott known as an “arts” district. The arrested people are accused of arson and destruction of public and private property in the northwest.

So far so good. All communities have their renegade elements, but a portion of Prescott seems to be embracing these destructive activities. There was an article in the local paper, The Prescott Daily Courier, by Ms. Mirsada Buric-Adam titled “Friends Plan Friday Vigil” that reports on the affects of the arrests in the local community. Ms. Buric-Adam filed a good report on the events to come and the current sentiment in the local “arts” community.

None of those quoted expressed revulsion at the tactics of arson and destruction of others property, but instead stayed focused on endorsing the accused. The scariest of comments came from a “professor of peace studies” at Prescott College. A word about Prescott College, it is an extreme left wing liberal arts college where wealthy children can afford to go to college and relive the 60s. The members of the student body are easy to spot in the local community by their tie dyed shirts and their being white 20 year olds wearing dreadlocks. The professor was quoted in Ms. Buric-Adam’s report “There is a difference between the threat represented by al-Qaeda and external terrorists versus people here at home who are using certain kinds of tactics for a social change,” he said. “It is dangerous when we are employing these kind of provisions against American citizens. We are seeing our own rights and liberties eroded in the process.” What an equivocating academic moral midget. Anybody that uses terrorist’s tactics needs to be prosecuted. The professor tacitly approves of the tactics of arson and destruction of public and private property as long as the professor is in agreement with the stated political goals." And this is the “professor of peace studies” instructing these spoiled children in the world views.

Prescott needs to wake up to this problem in the community and make it know it known that arson is not a viable tool in society.

Movies

2005-12-14T07:36:00.000-07:00

Let me get this straight, Hollywood is not pleased with the amount of money they are bringing in this year? Do they have no idea how to turn this trend around?

It is as simple as people are voting with their wallets, and I believe Hollywood does not see itself as filling a desire for entertainment, but instead they see themselves as instructors to the unwashed masses who need moral guidance. So they provide their dogma as the correct belief set. And the people stay away.

Since 2001 there have been heroic stories in the War on Terror, tales of epic heroism and adventure, stories of putting the welfare of others over oneself. But Hollywood remains silent on these issues. This is such a terrible change in the conduct of the film industry from prior years. Years when the industry did not see itself so superior to the common man, but instead viewed the sacrifice of others with awe and depicted their stories with reverence and thanks. The public appreciated Hollywood’s efforts once for the representation the industry gave their fathers, mothers, daughters and sons. But that time is over. Hopefully temporarily, because society needs to hear stories of greatness and tales of people striving for a better world. For years the best effort Hollywood could provide for Gulf War 1 was 3 Kings. What a pathetic image of the armed forces as a bunch of thieves. Well it was George Clooney, what can you expect. Then Jarhead arrived on scene, it had veterans upset from coast to coast.

Instead of great stories Hollywood insists on selling their worldview. The latest movie they seem to be strutting about is Brokeback Mountain, the gay cowboy movie set in the 1960’s. It brought in over $500,000 in limited release in San Francisco, Las Angeles and New York and the industry raves over the income and what a wonderful movie they have made. The public will yawn once it opens for wider release and Hollywood will wonder what is wrong with ignorant public. The public knows which movie reflects society and which movie is trying to sway their opinion to the politically correct view of the world.

The Hollywood caste may not ever change their movie making ethos, there is no need to change, they still make millions of dollars and live in a pampered elitist world. They trade a more vibrant industry for ideology.

Ideally more movie companies will be created with an innovative business plan, give the public a positive and enriching product that they want to see.
(Ooops, now that I have taken a day and a half to write this-I’m such a dork-I see Instapundit has linked to a Tammy Bruce post with a similar theme. Oh well I’m posting this anyway even though it is vastly inferior to her professional effort.)

Church People

2005-12-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

The lovely wife and I attended a small gathering of people from our church, and the more I think about it the more enjoyment I receive from it.

When walking through the doors of a Church, one sees people who want the best for others. In a Church there is not rampant jealousy, gossiping or other negative characteristics, if the Church is staying focused on God. Please don't get me wrong, these and other problems are still around, we are all sinners with selfish desires that at times get the best of us. However when people worship God they strive to be better, to be pleasing to God, to help others. A God centered Church has the ability to inspire people to ponder their position in God's creation and how they can further His Word. It becomes the purpose of the members of the Church to serve God to the utmost of their ability.

We were once in a church that was not so much God centered as it was philosophical. It considered itself a Church with Christian doctrine, and it was once a God centered Church, but with new leadership it became more theoretical, more based upon literature and the reasonings of man. The people then became more prone to worry about their favorite activities in the church, whether it be the type of music, the plates that were used at the church events, or if somebody used the pencil from their clipboard to sign up for another activity. Pettiness was not everywhere, but it pulled away the congregation's focus on God to worldly issues. It was a sad thing to see.

The key is leadership. The pastoral leadership is crucial. The leadership can keep the steady focus on God or it can begin to slip into the comfortable and easy secular world, bringing strife to the congregation. We are blessed with a terrific preacher at our Church that focuses on the Bible at all times and urges the congregation to remain centered on God's Word.

May all Churches make wise descisions in their leadership and gently correct the leadership when it goes astray, keeping Jesus the center of our world.

O.K., it's 0

2005-12-12T06:40:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Suns lost to the Clippers. The Suns shot horribly, but this is temporary, their touch will return. Tonight they play the Hornets, hopefully a day off allowed them to rest up and get ready for tonight.

It's 9

2005-12-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Did I mention it is 9 wins in a row for the Phoenix Suns and that is the longest streak in the NBA this season? The win last night against the Knicks was tough. The Suns had a terrible night shooting, but their defense held the Knicks to 80 points and they managed to get a victory. It wasn' pretty. Tonight is another tough game, their opponent is the Clippers. Still awaiting Amare's return....

Immigration

2005-12-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

On Immigration

On Monday a local radio talk show discussed the subject of immigrants living
in the community. The show gave me the opportunity to refocus my previous
thoughts on the immigration issue and to write on them here. Yes, I know
all the following ideas are not practical, but I'm just dumb that way.
Sorry.

The first thought is that illegal immigration can't be allowed to continue.
The thought of having such a porous border in these times is terrifying.
The U.S. government has no idea who crosses the border each day, where they
came from or what their intentions are. The vast majority of illegal
immigrants do come for the work and better way of life, but it is too easy
for anybody else to cross the border. We must seal the border.
My next thought regards the illegal immigrants that do cross for the
employment. I work in an office but have occasion to visit local
construction sites and have observed what I believe to be illegal
immigrants. The contractors I have spoken to enjoy having them as employees
and claim all the immigrants have Social Security cards and proper paper
work, but they still leave for their home country for months at a time.
There is the language issue as well, which causes some problems, but the
immigrants work hard, while many of the local workers that are sent from the
Department of Economic Security will appear for the first few days then
disappear so they can collect unemployment. The contractors say that a lot
of the local work force that is just starting a career don't want to start
at the bottom but have the mindset that they are owed something by society.
The portion of American society that used to perform these jobs are not
filling all the needed positions, so the immigrants are providing a valuable
service that we can't, or won't, fill ourselves. We need immigrants in our
work force.

There are problems in the local community with all these primarily single
men living in a culture that is not their own. Many disciplinary problems
arise when multiple single men congregate with free time on their hands and
no oversight. Women do make a civilization. So I would propose more legal
immigration with the requirement the immigrants be married, preferably with
children. It would be best to welcome workers who are willing and able to
fill jobs that we can't fill from the population that is here now. The
background checks for the families would need to be fairly in depth to
insure we would be receiving people with a desire to be a part of the
community and not people with a desire to harm it. If bringing families to
this country in a secure way is possible, then the immigrant workers would
no longer be sending the majority of their paychecks to their home countries
for the support of their families, but instead would be spending this money
in the local community, and they would feel involved in the furthering of
society.

Our culture would be enriched, we could see these people in our churches,
and we would fulfill God's request to welcome the alien and to live as one in Jesus.

7 in a row

2005-12-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

The Suns made it 7 in a row in convincing style. Tonight will be more of a test against a better opponent, the Warriors, winners of 5 straight.

Did I mention?

2005-12-06T15:01:00.000-07:00

Did I mention that the Phoenix Suns won again Sunday night? That makes it 6 games in a row. Best in the NBA. Of course, some of those teams were pretty bad. Tonight they play the Portland Trailblazers, how about win number 7!

This weekend's thoughts

2005-12-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

I have not posted for a few days because I have been busy over the weekend. But now, to the subject that is rattling around in my head after Church and fellowship time Sunday.

Christmas, and Jesus’ importance. I do not care if December 25th is the actual birthday or if the ancient leaders of the Church attempted to co-opt a pagan holiday. The point is we are honoring the birth of Jesus, and we are standing in awe of God’s gift of our savior. That is the basis for the holiday, whether or not it has become a secular holiday.

On another subject, why do some denominations attempt to subtly undercut Jesus’ authority? My wife and I previously attended a Church that had a pastor that would make disconcerting comments about Jesus, such as “Jesus never claimed to be God”. We were new to Church, but had read the Bible. We could not cite scripture as a retort, but we knew it sounded odd. This weekend we studied a verse that would directly reject such an accusation, John 8:54, Jesus said "If I glorify myself, my glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies me”. Jesus plainly claims to be the Son of God. And what about John 14:6, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’”. Here he claims to be our savior. I just do not understand.

For now my thinking is I should not tear down another Church, maybe it is in God’s plan somehow, but I need to guard the Bible’s doctrine closely in what I believe. I do not think I should cause dissention in the wider Church, and bring scorn by the unbelievers for the differences in denominations. However, I can not be led astray by incorrect doctrine, I will ultimately be held responsible for my beliefs, my actions and my life.

I pray that my thinking on this will continue to mature and change as I learn more and come to an even deeper faith.

Sun's Win

2005-12-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

How about those Phoenix Suns. They looked impressive last night against the Pacers. Of course I must admit the Pacers looked terrible. Some of their open shots were just weak. Still, the Suns played an excellent game and looked to be improving in team play. I can't wait for Amare to get healthy and come back.

Bible study was good. One thought I took away, although not the overall theme for the night, was to have a spirit of meekness, with God and with others. We Christians should be confident in our faith, but at the same time be humble in our lives, and serve others.

It's Wednesday

2005-11-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

That means it is Bible study night. I always enjoy it, but sometimes it takes some extra motivation to get going after getting home and having dinner with the lovely wife. My wife and I enjoy our church, especially after our last church that did not teach the Bible or have much in the way of activities for the working aged people. The preacher is incredible and has a deep knowledge of scripture.

Lunch break is over, back to work.

Initial Post

2005-11-30T06:43:00.000-07:00

Hello. This is my first post and welcome. I'm just trying things out while I should be getting ready for work. Bye.