"We have US C-130s flying in and out here dropping off heaps of supplies; US choppers arrive today; USAID is doing a knock-out job of marshalling and coordinating US and local resources to deliver real assistance to real people. The Aussies have planes and troops delivering stuff; even the Indians have goods on the way. The UN? Nowhere to be seen. OK, I'm not being fair. Last night they played host to a big 'coordination' meeting of donors to announce that the UNDP has another large 'assessment and coordination team' team arriving. Our USAID guys, who've been working 18-20 hrs/day, came back furious from this meeting saying everybody would be dead if the delivery of aid waited for the UN to set up shop and begin 'coordinating.'"The Diplomad
It would appear that the UN is still spinning it's beurocratic wheels while the US, Australia, Japan and India are actually doing something for the people who survived the tsunami. USAID members are working long hours actually doing something while the UN and its humanitarian relief is making plans. Our "stingy" government along with other "stingy" nations are busy supplying food, bringing in helicopters to help reach more remote areas not aaccessible by mud and debris clogged roads, making food drops, bringing in donated heavy equipment from American corporations to provide for the immediate needs, have medical teams on the ground and are doing all that is humanly possible to do in such a widespread disaster.
The death toll keeps rising and if it were not for the countries already involved, on the ground I shudder to think how much greater the death toll would be while we waited for the UN to get it's act together.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Thursday, December 30, 2004
Message To Kofi--A Disaster Happened
Following a hectic schedule throughout the summer and fall--campaigning while leading our nation, President Bush decided to take some actual vacation days between Christmas and New Years. I think he deserves a little down time even though he is never totally free of his presidential duties. Unfortunately, a great disaster occurred with the tsunami. President Bush called leaders of the countries involved, he set the wheels in motion for our country to respond to the disaster with the typical sympathetic, economic and physical aid. Yesterday the MSM criticized him for not reacting publicly soon enough, not organizing a coalition of nations to provide coordinated disaster relief. Although the United Nations is supposedly the world body charged with humanitarian efforts, the most I have heard is the complaint of the US being stingy. As assessment of the broad extent of this disaster continued to reveal more areas of concern along with mounting death tolls, the US government increased it's promised relief funding. The average American began donating additional funds through the agency of their choice.
This morning the MSM reports that Kofi Annon will be returning from his vacation due to this disaster. This leads me to question, just how dedicated is Kofi to the well being of the world's citizens? Why was he not widely quoted by the MSM regarding how the UN would respond to the disaster? Why is it that the often despised United States and our President are held responsible for providing the bulk of the economic, physical and emotional response to this disaster. Why does it fall to the US to organize and lead the rescue and humanitarian efforts?
Don't misunderstand, I would far prefer that US funding be dispersed directly to those countries in need of help. I would not like to see more of the US monies going through the corrupt UN. I just feel this is one more example of the total failure of the UN to accomplish anything that needs to be done while dreaming up schemes in how that body can dictate to the US.
This morning the MSM reports that Kofi Annon will be returning from his vacation due to this disaster. This leads me to question, just how dedicated is Kofi to the well being of the world's citizens? Why was he not widely quoted by the MSM regarding how the UN would respond to the disaster? Why is it that the often despised United States and our President are held responsible for providing the bulk of the economic, physical and emotional response to this disaster. Why does it fall to the US to organize and lead the rescue and humanitarian efforts?
Don't misunderstand, I would far prefer that US funding be dispersed directly to those countries in need of help. I would not like to see more of the US monies going through the corrupt UN. I just feel this is one more example of the total failure of the UN to accomplish anything that needs to be done while dreaming up schemes in how that body can dictate to the US.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
"God bless all the lists"
Mohammad of Iraq writes:
"The electoral campaigns are heating up in Iraq and the elections are occupying greater portion of the Iraqis' thinking"
Iraqis' response to terror was so clear; after the terrorists, or the so called insurgents threatened to slaughter anyone who participates in the elections, 7200 Iraqis rushed to announce their candidacy. YES, 7200 Iraqis representing more than 200 different political parties and I believe this makes the image clearer for the viewer.
Even the lists of the religious parties included technocrats and liberals and all the lists tried to include Arabs, Kurds, Muslims (Sunni and She'at), Turkmen, Christians and even people from the Yazeedi and Subbi minorities.
Everyone I asked said that Sistani blessed all the lists through a written fatwa that I read and it was calling the people to vote for the best choice regardless of religion or ethnicity."
"Take the hands of your disabled and your elders and help them vote"
"No to forgiveness checks and false promises. Yes to a vision of reality"
These comments excerpted from Mohammed's post show an entirely different picture than that portrayed by the MSM. Yes, the terrorists are doing terribly violent things in order to prevent the election process from going forward. The Americans and others in the coalition are aiding the current government in many ways to assure the elections go forward but nobody is attempting to install a puppet government. Imagine over 7000 candidates within the 200 parties. Imagine 200 parties with the majority of them having members embracing the different ethnic and religious groups. Now explain to me why the liberation is the "wrong war" and that this quagmire will end in utter and complete defeat and that we need to leave now. The Iraqis have suffered for so many years and finally they see a chance to vote for their own leaders. How "wrong" is that?
IRAQ THE MODEL:
"The electoral campaigns are heating up in Iraq and the elections are occupying greater portion of the Iraqis' thinking"
Iraqis' response to terror was so clear; after the terrorists, or the so called insurgents threatened to slaughter anyone who participates in the elections, 7200 Iraqis rushed to announce their candidacy. YES, 7200 Iraqis representing more than 200 different political parties and I believe this makes the image clearer for the viewer.
Even the lists of the religious parties included technocrats and liberals and all the lists tried to include Arabs, Kurds, Muslims (Sunni and She'at), Turkmen, Christians and even people from the Yazeedi and Subbi minorities.
Everyone I asked said that Sistani blessed all the lists through a written fatwa that I read and it was calling the people to vote for the best choice regardless of religion or ethnicity."
"Take the hands of your disabled and your elders and help them vote"
"No to forgiveness checks and false promises. Yes to a vision of reality"
These comments excerpted from Mohammed's post show an entirely different picture than that portrayed by the MSM. Yes, the terrorists are doing terribly violent things in order to prevent the election process from going forward. The Americans and others in the coalition are aiding the current government in many ways to assure the elections go forward but nobody is attempting to install a puppet government. Imagine over 7000 candidates within the 200 parties. Imagine 200 parties with the majority of them having members embracing the different ethnic and religious groups. Now explain to me why the liberation is the "wrong war" and that this quagmire will end in utter and complete defeat and that we need to leave now. The Iraqis have suffered for so many years and finally they see a chance to vote for their own leaders. How "wrong" is that?
IRAQ THE MODEL:
U.N. unqualified for relief effort
Joseph Farah asks " why is the U.S. turning over U.S. taxpayer dollars to an incompetent, morally corrupt, unaccountable agency? "
Recounting the miserable failures of the United Nations in Food for Oil, the sexual predators in UN peacekeeping forces, the lack of accountability of any official within the UN, Farah is asking the right questions. The USA is called "stingy" and told to raise taxes to give more to the UN for humanitarian efforts following the tsumani.
As an American, I am tired of the UN and their pretentious officials telling my nation how we should spend our money while all the time being critical of whatever we do. The US has always led the way in helping other nations. Our tax dollars are sent all over the world to support people who are suffering. Recall our immediate offers of help to Iran after the Bam earthquake, remember our money going to help fight Aids in Africa. We are
sending relief supplies such as food, medicine, water purification equipment and manpower from medical teams. disaster teams to military to help secure the wellbeing of the survivors.
How dare some UN nitwit castigate us?
Link:
Recounting the miserable failures of the United Nations in Food for Oil, the sexual predators in UN peacekeeping forces, the lack of accountability of any official within the UN, Farah is asking the right questions. The USA is called "stingy" and told to raise taxes to give more to the UN for humanitarian efforts following the tsumani.
As an American, I am tired of the UN and their pretentious officials telling my nation how we should spend our money while all the time being critical of whatever we do. The US has always led the way in helping other nations. Our tax dollars are sent all over the world to support people who are suffering. Recall our immediate offers of help to Iran after the Bam earthquake, remember our money going to help fight Aids in Africa. We are
sending relief supplies such as food, medicine, water purification equipment and manpower from medical teams. disaster teams to military to help secure the wellbeing of the survivors.
How dare some UN nitwit castigate us?
Link:
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Paul Harvey and Prayer
Paul Harvey says:
"I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.
I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theoryof evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.So what's the big deal?
It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts.
They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.
So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome..
"But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate.
Just humor us for 30 seconds ...
If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.
Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand.Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and
cannot do.
I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.
Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, know that the vast majority don't care what they want.. it is time the majority rules!
It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray.. you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him.
That is your right, and we will honor your right.. but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away . we are fighting back.. and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...
God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest nation of all.....God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God...
May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.
Keep looking up..... In God WE Trust. "
"I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December.
I don't agree with Darwin, but I didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his theoryof evolution.
Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.So what's the big deal?
It's not like somebody is up there reading the entire book of Acts.
They're just talking to a God they believe in and asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans going home from the game.
"But it's a Christian prayer," some will argue. Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian churches outnumber all others better than 200-to-1.
So what would you expect-somebody chanting Hare Krishna?
If I went to a football game in Jerusalem, I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad, I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer. If I went to a ping pong match in China, I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha. And I wouldn't be offended. It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome..
"But what about the atheists?" is another argument. What about them? Nobody is asking them to be baptized. We're not going to pass the collection plate.
Just humor us for 30 seconds ...
If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or a pair of ear plugs.
Go to the bathroom. Visit the concession stand.Call your lawyer! Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell thousands what they can and
cannot do.
I don't think a short prayer at a football game is going to shake the world's foundations. Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught us to pray before eating, to pray before we go to sleep. Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing.
Now a handful of people and their lawyers are telling us to cease praying. God, help us. And if that last sentence offends you, well..........just sue me.
The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one or two who scream loud enough to be heard, know that the vast majority don't care what they want.. it is time the majority rules!
It's time we tell them, you don't have to pray.. you don't have to say the pledge of allegiance, you don't have to believe in God or attend services that honor Him.
That is your right, and we will honor your right.. but by golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away . we are fighting back.. and we WILL WIN!
God bless us one and all, especially those who denounce Him...
God bless America, despite all her faults, she is still the greatest nation of all.....God bless our service men who are fighting to protect our right to pray and worship God...
May 2005 be the year the silent majority is heard and we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions.
Keep looking up..... In God WE Trust. "
Monday, December 27, 2004
Scientists Develop Red Blood Cells From Cord Blood Stem Cells
"Researchers coax the stem cells, taken from umbilical cord blood and other sources, to mature into red blood cells."
LINK
LINK
Disaster compared to scene from Bible
"Officials at the U.S. Geological Survey the 9.0 quake centered off the Indonesian island of Sumatra was the world's fifth-largest since 1900 and the biggest since a 9.2 temblor hit Prince William Sound Alaska in 1964.
The temblor sparked a tsunami, a series of giant walls of water which left more than 14,000 dead in six countries, with the death toll continuing to rise. "
Read More
The temblor sparked a tsunami, a series of giant walls of water which left more than 14,000 dead in six countries, with the death toll continuing to rise. "
Read More
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Saturday, December 25, 2004
Merry Christmas To All
May God bless each of you as we recall the greatest gift, a saviour which is Christ our Lord.
Friday, December 24, 2004
The Night Before Christmas
'T'was the night before Christmas and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found.
The people were all busyLike decorating,
and baking,and shopping in stores.
No one sang "Away in a manger,no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santadressed-up in bright red.
Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap
When what from the T.V.did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. which toldof a big sale at Sears.
So away to the mallthey all flew like a flash...
Buying things on credit...and others with cash!
And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.
Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things
No time to rememberChrist Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior...they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to
"Shop til they dropped!"
On Wal-mart! On K-mart!On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!A quick lunch at Denny's
From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,and visit them all!
And up on the roof,there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lightsup on his brand new step ladder.
He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...Light of the World.
Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back inChristmas and enjoy
some good nights!
Merry Christmas, my friends
Author unknown
Not a sign of Baby Jesus was anywhere to be found.
The people were all busyLike decorating,
and baking,and shopping in stores.
No one sang "Away in a manger,no crib for a bed".
Instead, they sang of Santadressed-up in bright red.
Mama watched Martha Stewart,
Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap
When what from the T.V.did they suddenly hear?
'Cept an ad.. which toldof a big sale at Sears.
So away to the mallthey all flew like a flash...
Buying things on credit...and others with cash!
And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall,
Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.
Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things
No time to rememberChrist Jesus, the King.
There were presents to wrap
and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember who died for their sake?
To pray to the Savior...they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to
"Shop til they dropped!"
On Wal-mart! On K-mart!On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales!A quick lunch at Denny's
From the big stores downtown to the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,and visit them all!
And up on the roof,there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lightsup on his brand new step ladder.
He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...Light of the World.
Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back inChristmas and enjoy
some good nights!
Merry Christmas, my friends
Author unknown
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Training for Eternity
For anyone who has not heard or read the post from a chaplain who cared for our wounded and dying in Mosul, I encourage you to read his blog. Hugh Hewitt and Laura Ingrahm evidently read this on their radio programs. It is a very moving post and I am just thankful we have such men with our troops to bring them the blessings from God's word and the very human representation of God's love.
Training for Eternity
Training for Eternity
I Am Thankful For Our President
"John-Henry Westen, (BA, MA) lives near Ottawa Ontario with his wife and six children. He is the co-founder and Editor of LifeSiteNews.com, an online daily news service covering issues of life, faith, family and freedom." In my online news, Mr. Westin writes of the lack of moral leadership in Canada.
"Lack of Moral Leadersip
One last reason why we are in such a mess here is the lack of moral leadership of the caliber found in the United States. We do not have here a Billy Graham, a Jerry Fallwell, a Chuck Colson or any equivalent of the late Cardinal O'Connor or some of the very outspoken U.S. Catholic bishops that were heard during the recent election.
The moral chasm between Canada and the US has widened under President Bush. The moral influence of a national leader on the citizenry has been recognized for centuries. Evangelists of old knew well that a country would soon follow its King to faith in Christ, therefore great effort was made to bring leaders to faith. The growing divergence in moral values between our neighboring countries seems to bolster the position. Everyone recognizes in President Bush a heartfelt Christianity which he practices without shame and which helps mold his policy decisions for the betterment of the US. In Canada, Prime Minister Paul Martin is a lapsed Catholic who, by his own admission, readily casts aside his faith when policy decisions which conflict with that faith are concerned.
However, with the enforcement of same-sex marriage on Canada by our unelected judges I have begun to see hope. Finally we are hearing some of the shepherds begin to speak out. Their voices must become much louder, and many more need to make themselves heard, and often. We need to defeat the Canadian loathing to be anything but politically correct. We need to have a conservative party in Canada that will stomach more than fiscal-conservatives and give voice to the millions of Canadians who still care for traditional values and know that they are key to a safe, and prosperous society."
"Lack of Moral Leadersip
One last reason why we are in such a mess here is the lack of moral leadership of the caliber found in the United States. We do not have here a Billy Graham, a Jerry Fallwell, a Chuck Colson or any equivalent of the late Cardinal O'Connor or some of the very outspoken U.S. Catholic bishops that were heard during the recent election.
The moral chasm between Canada and the US has widened under President Bush. The moral influence of a national leader on the citizenry has been recognized for centuries. Evangelists of old knew well that a country would soon follow its King to faith in Christ, therefore great effort was made to bring leaders to faith. The growing divergence in moral values between our neighboring countries seems to bolster the position. Everyone recognizes in President Bush a heartfelt Christianity which he practices without shame and which helps mold his policy decisions for the betterment of the US. In Canada, Prime Minister Paul Martin is a lapsed Catholic who, by his own admission, readily casts aside his faith when policy decisions which conflict with that faith are concerned.
However, with the enforcement of same-sex marriage on Canada by our unelected judges I have begun to see hope. Finally we are hearing some of the shepherds begin to speak out. Their voices must become much louder, and many more need to make themselves heard, and often. We need to defeat the Canadian loathing to be anything but politically correct. We need to have a conservative party in Canada that will stomach more than fiscal-conservatives and give voice to the millions of Canadians who still care for traditional values and know that they are key to a safe, and prosperous society."
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
A Stem Cell Tale
IT NEVER FAILS. If an embryonic stem cell researcher issues a press release touting a purported research advance, the media trip over each other to give the story full dramatic fanfare. But if an even better adult or umbilical cord blood stem cell advance comes to light--even when the experiments involve humans--you can usually hear the crickets chirping.
"First, there is no moral controversy with either adult or cord blood stem cells. Thus, we could have medical cures without the accompanying heated political controversy. Second, unlike embryonic cells, neither adult nor umbilical cord blood stem cells have been found to cause tumors. "
For those who share my interest in stem cell research as well as my opposition to destroying embryos, I recommend this article.A Stem Cell Tale
"First, there is no moral controversy with either adult or cord blood stem cells. Thus, we could have medical cures without the accompanying heated political controversy. Second, unlike embryonic cells, neither adult nor umbilical cord blood stem cells have been found to cause tumors. "
For those who share my interest in stem cell research as well as my opposition to destroying embryos, I recommend this article.A Stem Cell Tale
My Laugh for Today-An Email I Recieved
You know you're living in 2004 when...
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have email addresses.
6. You go home after long days at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.
11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.
13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message 19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20 You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list. AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
1. You accidentally enter your password on the microwave.
2. You haven't played solitaire with real cards in years.
3. You have a list of 15 phone numbers to reach your family of 3.
4. You e-mail the person who works at the desk next to you.
5. Your reason for not staying in touch with friends and family is that they don't have email addresses.
6. You go home after long days at work you still answer the phone in a business manner.
7. You make phone calls from home, you accidentally dial "9" to get an outside line.
8. You've sat at the same desk for four years and worked for three different companies.
10. You learn about your redundancy on the 11 o'clock news.
11. Your boss doesn't have the ability to do your job.
12. You pull up in your own driveway and use your cell phone to see if anyone is home.
13. Every commercial on television has a website at the bottom of the screen.
14. Leaving the house without your cell phone, which you didn't have the first 20 or 30 (or 60) years of your life, is now a cause for panic and you turn around to go and get it.
15. You get up in the morning and go online before getting your coffee.
16. You start tilting your head sideways to smile. :)
17. You're reading this and nodding and laughing.
18. Even worse, you know exactly to whom you are going to forward this message 19. You are too busy to notice there was no #9 on this list.
20 You actually scrolled back up to check that there wasn't a #9 on this list. AND NOW U R LAUGHING at yourself.
Federalist Patriot Quote
"[T]his hyper-sensitivity to religious minorities requires gross insensitivity to America's majority religion. You know, the one that begins with a 'C.' Since at least 9 out of 10 taxpayers are Christians, they foot the bill for a public education system on a search-and-destroy mission against even the mildest expressions of their holidays. America was founded by Christians and based on Judeo-Christian values. The signers of the Declaration of Independence and drafters of the Constitution all were Christians -- not Buddhists, or Wiccans or Zoroastrians. Were it not for Protestant Christianity, we wouldn't have limited government, separation of powers, a Bill of Rights or religious tolerance. In short, without Christians, the United States of America would not exist. Even in an age when traditional religion is driven underground, our currency still says 'One nation under God' -- not one nation under Allah or Shiva. On January 22nd, like all of his predecessors, George W. Bush will take the oath of office on a Bible that tells the story of the Nativity." --Don Feder
The Twelve Days of Christmas
There is one Christmas Carol that has always baffled me. What in the world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, and especially the partridge that won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas?
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
Although some doubt this, I found it interesting and it makes it less strange as to how this song became a Christmas Carol.
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a religious reality which the children could remember.
The partridge in a pear tree was Jesus Christ.
Two turtledoves were the Old and New Testaments.
Three French hens stood for faith, hope and love.
The four calling birds were the four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John.
The five golden rings recalled the Torah or Law, the first five books of the Old Testament.
The six geese a-laying stood for the six days of creation.
Seven swans a-swimming represented the sevenfold gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership, and Mercy.
The eight maids a-milking were the eight beatitudes.
Nine ladies dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
The ten lords a-leaping were the Ten Commandments.
The eleven pipers piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
The twelve drummers drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.
Although some doubt this, I found it interesting and it makes it less strange as to how this song became a Christmas Carol.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
The Jackels Are Gathering
The lawyers are swarming. People voice concern over the Patriot Act invalidating our rights to privacy. For the wellbeing of my country I am willing to have the government investigate my library use or search my home if there is a reason sufficient to obtain a search warrant. Perhaps I am willing because I have nothing to hide. This, however, is not the government invading my privacy but a law firm in California.
This letter was not some random, mass mailing to current resident. It was addressed to me and me only at my correct address. How do they know I took Vioxx? It relieved my pain and I have not had a stroke or heart attack but they surely want me to join in on a class action suit against Merck. They tell me "you probably have the right to a CASH SETTLEMENT NOW!!" They go on to tell me, "you MUST call our Beverly Hills Law Firm NOW" and if you delay and don'tcall you may run out of time and LOSE YOUR RIGHTS!!!"
This is a fine example of why we need tort reform. How many people who get this letter really will call and join in the efforts of the lawyers to make big bucks from Merck? How many will think they really are eligible to get money even when not harmed? The media have not been very clear in how Vioxx caused stroke and heart attack. For those who suffered from heart attack and stroke it was because of thrombus (clot) formation within a vessel. It did not attack the brain, it did not damage heart muscle. It caused clots which blocked vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle or the brain. People who suffered such heart or brain injury probably had some underlying vessel disease. Eating the wrong foods, inheriting genetic predispositon to vascular disease may have played a major role in these health problems.
Lest anyone accuse me of being in the pharmaceutical business, owning stock etc. rest assured I am not in the business nor do I own any stock. I have my criticisms of the pharmaceutical companies. I dislike the advertising prompting people to demand the latest drug on the market. I think advertising dollars should be spent on informing doctors only since they are the ones who make the judgement of what medication a person needs. The cost of mass advertising could be spent on research, development and clinical testing of new, possibly life-saving drugs. The cost of advertising could also be directed toward decreasing the cost of medicine for all citizens.
I spent my life in the medical field as a professional nurse. I have seen so many improvements in the past 50 years. I honor those who spend years doing the research that has brought us so many drugs that have extended our life span because of the ability to control many chronic health problems. I have personally thought that those I have lost may have been in my life for a longer period of time if only the drugs had been available in their lifetime. I hate to see the jackels gathering now to win huge monetary awards for those who truly suffered a loss and those who merely took a drug. Do you realize the millions of dollars the lawyers will be pocketing? Do you realize that true victims will only receive a small percentage of whatever the award turns out to be? Pfizer will be the next pharmaceutical company due to Celebrex. They will be watching Searle's Bextra and the many companies who make or distribute naprosyn which is commonly marketed under the trade name of Aleve. This will continue until such time as tort reform allows for reasonable payment for those actually injured and curb lawyers filing these huge suits and pocketing huge fees.
This letter was not some random, mass mailing to current resident. It was addressed to me and me only at my correct address. How do they know I took Vioxx? It relieved my pain and I have not had a stroke or heart attack but they surely want me to join in on a class action suit against Merck. They tell me "you probably have the right to a CASH SETTLEMENT NOW!!" They go on to tell me, "you MUST call our Beverly Hills Law Firm NOW" and if you delay and don'tcall you may run out of time and LOSE YOUR RIGHTS!!!"
This is a fine example of why we need tort reform. How many people who get this letter really will call and join in the efforts of the lawyers to make big bucks from Merck? How many will think they really are eligible to get money even when not harmed? The media have not been very clear in how Vioxx caused stroke and heart attack. For those who suffered from heart attack and stroke it was because of thrombus (clot) formation within a vessel. It did not attack the brain, it did not damage heart muscle. It caused clots which blocked vessels supplying blood to the heart muscle or the brain. People who suffered such heart or brain injury probably had some underlying vessel disease. Eating the wrong foods, inheriting genetic predispositon to vascular disease may have played a major role in these health problems.
Lest anyone accuse me of being in the pharmaceutical business, owning stock etc. rest assured I am not in the business nor do I own any stock. I have my criticisms of the pharmaceutical companies. I dislike the advertising prompting people to demand the latest drug on the market. I think advertising dollars should be spent on informing doctors only since they are the ones who make the judgement of what medication a person needs. The cost of mass advertising could be spent on research, development and clinical testing of new, possibly life-saving drugs. The cost of advertising could also be directed toward decreasing the cost of medicine for all citizens.
I spent my life in the medical field as a professional nurse. I have seen so many improvements in the past 50 years. I honor those who spend years doing the research that has brought us so many drugs that have extended our life span because of the ability to control many chronic health problems. I have personally thought that those I have lost may have been in my life for a longer period of time if only the drugs had been available in their lifetime. I hate to see the jackels gathering now to win huge monetary awards for those who truly suffered a loss and those who merely took a drug. Do you realize the millions of dollars the lawyers will be pocketing? Do you realize that true victims will only receive a small percentage of whatever the award turns out to be? Pfizer will be the next pharmaceutical company due to Celebrex. They will be watching Searle's Bextra and the many companies who make or distribute naprosyn which is commonly marketed under the trade name of Aleve. This will continue until such time as tort reform allows for reasonable payment for those actually injured and curb lawyers filing these huge suits and pocketing huge fees.
Hollywood Heroes
In contrast to the ideals, opinions and feelings of today's "Hollywonk" the real actors of yesteryear loved the United States. They had both class and integrity. With the advent of World War many of our actors went to fight rather than stand and rant against this country we all love They gave up their wealth, position and fame to become service men & women, many as simple "enlisted men".
This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor. So remember; while the "Entertainers of 2003" have been in all of the news media lately I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 were doing, (60 years ago). Most of these brave men have since passed on.
Real Hollywood Heroes
Alec Guinness (Star Wars) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.
James Doohan ("Scotty" on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.
Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.
David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.
James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty. Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre, and 7 Battle Stars during World War II. In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950s.
Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II, Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles. He attended the Officers' CandidateSchool at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s. Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.
Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak. Earnest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.
Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.
Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan
George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine.
Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.
Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the Pacific.
Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.
John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal. Robert Ryan was a U. S. Marine who served with the O. S. S. in Yugoslavia. Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Audie Murphy, little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts? Most Decorated serviceman of W.W.II and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.
So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spray out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yesteryear saying they hate our flag, making antiwar speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president?
I thought not.
Author of Email unknown.
This page lists but a few, but from this group of only 18 men came over 70 medals in honor of their valor, spanning from Bronze Stars, Silver Stars, Distinguish Service Cross', Purple Hearts and one Congressional Medal of Honor. So remember; while the "Entertainers of 2003" have been in all of the news media lately I would like to remind the people of what the entertainers of 1943 were doing, (60 years ago). Most of these brave men have since passed on.
Real Hollywood Heroes
Alec Guinness (Star Wars) operated a British Royal Navy landing craft on D-Day.
James Doohan ("Scotty" on Star Trek) landed in Normandy with the U. S. Army on D-Day.
Donald Pleasance (The Great Escape) really was an R. A. F. pilot who was shot down, held prisoner and tortured by the Germans.
David Niven was a Sandhurst graduate and Lt. Colonel of the British Commandos in Normandy.
James Stewart Entered the Army Air Force as a private and worked his way to the rank of Colonel. During World War II, Stewart served as a bomber pilot, his service record crediting him with leading more than 20 missions over Germany, and taking part in hundreds of air strikes during his tour of duty. Stewart earned the Air Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross, France's Croix de Guerre, and 7 Battle Stars during World War II. In peace time, Stewart continued to be an active member of the Air Force as a reservist, reaching the rank of Brigadier General before retiring in the late 1950s.
Clark Gable (Mega-Movie Star when war broke out) Although he was beyond the draft age at the time the U.S. entered WW II, Clark Gable enlisted as a private in the AAF on Aug. 12, 1942 at Los Angeles. He attended the Officers' CandidateSchool at Miami Beach, Fla. and graduated as a second lieutenant on Oct. 28, 1942. He then attended aerial gunnery school and in Feb. 1943 he was assigned to the 351st Bomb Group at Polebrook where flew operational missions over Europe in B-17s. Capt. Gable returned to the U.S. in Oct. 1943 and was relieved from active duty as a major on Jun. 12, 1944 at his own request, since he was over-age for combat.
Charlton Heston was an Army Air Corps Sergeant in Kodiak. Earnest Borgnine was a U. S. Navy Gunners Mate 1935-1945.
Charles Durning was a U. S. Army Ranger at Normandy earning a Silver Star and awarded the Purple Heart.
Charles Bronson was a tail gunner in the Army Air Corps, more specifically on B-29s in the 20th Air Force out of Guam, Tinian, and Saipan
George C. Scott was a decorated U. S. Marine.
Eddie Albert (Green Acres TV) was awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic action as a U. S. Naval officer aiding Marines at the horrific battle on the island of Tarawa in the Pacific Nov. 1943.
Brian Keith served as a U.S. Marine rear gunner in several actions against the Japanese on Rabal in the Pacific.
Lee Marvin was a U.S. Marine on Saipan during the Marianas campaign when he was wounded earning the Purple Heart.
John Russell: In 1942, he enlisted in the Marine Corps where he received a battlefield commission and was wounded and highly decorated for valor at Guadalcanal. Robert Ryan was a U. S. Marine who served with the O. S. S. in Yugoslavia. Tyrone Power (an established movie star when Pearl Harbor was bombed) joined the U.S. Marines, was a pilot flying supplies into, and wounded Marines out of, Iwo Jima and Okinawa.
Audie Murphy, little 5'5" tall 110 pound guy from Texas who played cowboy parts? Most Decorated serviceman of W.W.II and earned: Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, 2 Silver Star Medals, Legion of Merit, 2 Bronze Star Medals with "V", 2 Purple Hearts, U.S. Army Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, 2 Distinguished Unit Emblems, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with One Silver Star, Four Bronze Service Stars (representing nine campaigns) and one Bronze Arrowhead (representing assault landing at Sicily and Southern France) World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Marksman Badge with Rifle Bar, Expert Badge with Bayonet Bar, French Fourragere in Colors of the Croix de Guerre, French Legion of Honor, Grade of Chevalier, French Croix de Guerre With Silver Star, French Croix de Guerre with Palm, Medal of Liberated France, Belgian Croix de Guerre 1940 Palm.
So how do you feel the real heroes of the silver screen acted when compared to the hollywonks today who spray out anti-American drivel as they bite the hand that feeds them? Can you imagine these stars of yesteryear saying they hate our flag, making antiwar speeches, marching in anti-American parades and saying they hate our president?
I thought not.
Author of Email unknown.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Free the Philadelphia 4
I posted about the four Christians who are facing 47 years in prison for peacefully quoting the Bible
Joseph Farah writes in the WorldNetDaily:
"Free the Philadelphia 4
It's worth remembering the very first legislative act in Pennsylvania, April 25, 1682. It was called the Great Law of Pennsylvania - and great it was."
'Whereas the glory of Almighty God and the good of mankind is the reason and the end of government, and, therefore government itself is a venerable ordinance of God ... [there shall be established] laws as shall best preserve true Christian and civil liberty, in opposition to all unchristian, licentious, and unjust practices, whereby God may have his due, and Caesar his due, and the people their due, from tyranny and oppression.' "
Farah asks where is the ACLU who claim to fight for the rights of people. He further states video shows that despite very active harrassment, the
Christian group remained calm and obeyed police directions.
Read more
Joseph Farah writes in the WorldNetDaily:
"Free the Philadelphia 4
It's worth remembering the very first legislative act in Pennsylvania, April 25, 1682. It was called the Great Law of Pennsylvania - and great it was."
'Whereas the glory of Almighty God and the good of mankind is the reason and the end of government, and, therefore government itself is a venerable ordinance of God ... [there shall be established] laws as shall best preserve true Christian and civil liberty, in opposition to all unchristian, licentious, and unjust practices, whereby God may have his due, and Caesar his due, and the people their due, from tyranny and oppression.' "
Farah asks where is the ACLU who claim to fight for the rights of people. He further states video shows that despite very active harrassment, the
Christian group remained calm and obeyed police directions.
Read more
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