Fresh and Sassy or Stale and Griping

From My Perspective – - -

The process of aging is a reality for all. The whole idea of “from the cradle to the grave” is of interest and contains many implications. While thinking about the “cycles of life” can be grim and sobering, the one with wisdom and sense of responsibility is compelled to do so. One has to plan on education, career, family, home, savings, retirement, etc. Actually, if one is past the mid-20s range and hasn’t done some “life-cycle planning”, it may be the time to become engaged in doing so.

The University of Virginia has prepared a study entitled: AGING & CARING: 20 Easy Ways To Boost Your Memory. It was written by Paula Spencer who also maintains an interesting website, www.caring.com. In the article, her premise and thesis is: “Worried about fading brain power? If you’re older than 27, you have good reason. That’s the age when cognitive skills start to decline, according to new University of Virginia research. But while some changes in thinking and memory are inevitable as we age, the good news is that lifestyle seems to be able to blunt those effects — and keep many minds working sharply well into old age. That’s reassuring, given headlines from the Alzheimer’s Association’s new annual report showing that every 70 seconds, someone in the U.S. develops Alzheimer’s (the most common form of dementia). Debilitating memory loss doesn’t happen to everyone, though. Learn what you can do to preserve yours.” She then lists some of the following as a way and means to safeguard Memory Usage…
1. Take the stairs – Exercise benefits your head as much as the rest of your body, a growing number of studies indicate. Overall cardio-respiratory fitness also lowers the risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems — all known risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. Theories on why that’s so range from improved blood flow to the brain to less brain shrinkage.
5. Eat less – After only 12 weeks, healthy volunteers (average age 60) who reduced their daily calories by 30 percent scored 20 percent better on memory tests…The possible reason: decreased levels of insulin, created when the body processes food, and of the inflammation-associated molecule C-reactive protein. Both factors are linked to improved memory function. The people in the study were cautioned not to consume fewer than 1,200 calories a day. If cutting back on your diet by nearly a third seems too daunting, focus on eating less fat, meat, and dairy products. Earlier this year, Columbia University Medical Center researchers reported that in a long-term study of more than 1,300 participants, those with the highest adherence to a Mediterranean diet — rich in vegetables, legumes, fish, and monounsaturated oils (like olive oil) but low in fat, beef, and dairy — had the lowest risk of developing mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.
10. Take the “Multi” Out Of Your Tasking – Try to learn something new — reading a contract or directions, copying a skill — when you can give it your full concentration. Cut out distractions like the TV in the background…
19. Don’t retire – Provided you like your work, you’re helping your brain by sticking with it as long as you can. A satisfying work life offers social stimulation and decision-making opportunities — and exercises problem-solving skills. Next best: Volunteering, such as at a school or museum, where your training involves learning new material and the task involves interacting with others.

Someone once allowed there are three indications regarding aging – 1) Not seeing as well, 2) Not hearing as clearly, and 3) the third just doesn’t seem to come to mind. There is benefit in visiting with those who are aging. Even though some older adults have become very negative about life issues, helping one another to think constructively and positively will prove to be beneficial to all. One of the great words of both retrospect and perspective is shared in Psalm 37:23-26, “If the Lord delights in a man’s way, He makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.” A Hymn enjoins, “Count your blessings, name them one by one…” Someone suggested a variation to those words: “Count your blessings, name them by the score, And you soon will find – there are many, many more.” Consider these things with me!

Pernicious Paritsan Polarization

From My Perspective – - -

Do you ever become weary of all the verbiage and “junk” that is passed off as common sense? Do you ever think we are living in the midst of so-called communicators who just keep on talking until they can think of something to say? Do you get annoyed by a former President who continues to insist that Racism is at the root of the current political quagmire and morass? Perhaps he can be assisted in his pursuit and claim with the suggestions (or fodder) found in the humorous list entitled: YOU MIGHT BE A RACIST -

If you think that a czar is unconstitutional…you might be a racist!

If you are opposed to a government run health care system…you might be a racist!

If you think that it is un-American to bow before the Saudi King…you might be a racist!

If you think that the stimulus plan has been an utter failure…you might be a racist!

If you think that this administration is driving the deficit up at alarming rates…you might be a racist!

If you think that this is a nation based on Christian values…you might be a racist!

If you think that communism and socialism are NOT the solution…you might be a racist!

If you value the 1st Amendment, but think that the media is state-run…you might be a racist! If you are sick and tired of the race card being played…you might be a racist!

If you are a racist according to the current liberal agenda…you might just be an American!

Racism is a word used during the recent United Nations gathering of the nations in a Building dedicated to the maintenance of Peaceful Co-Existence. When Zionists were accused of being Racist, there was little or no reaction or response. When the Prime Minister of Israel – Benjamin Netanyahu – spoke, he stated: “The Jewish people are not foreign conquerors in the land of Israel. It is the land of our forefathers. Inscribed on the walls outside this building is the great biblical vision of peace: Nation shall not lift up sword against nation. They shall learn war no more (Isaiah 2:4). These words were spoken by the great Jewish prophet Isaiah 2,800 years ago as he walked in my country, in my city, in the hills of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem. We are not strangers to this land. This is our homeland…Over 70 years ago, Winston Churchill amended what he called – the confirmed unteachability of mankind. And by that, he meant the unfortunate habit of civilized societies to sleep and to slumber until danger nearly overtakes them. Churchill bemoaned what he called – the want of foresight, the unwillingness to act when action will be simple and effective, the lack of clear thinking, the confusion of counsel until the emergency comes, until self-preservation strikes its jarring gong…I speak here today in the hope that Churchill’s assessment of the unteachability of mankind is for once proven wrong. I speak here today in the hope that we can learn from history, that we can prevent danger in time. In the spirit of the timeless words spoken to Joshua over 3,000 years ago, let us be strong and of good courage. Let us confront this peril, secure our future, and, God willing, forge an enduring peace for generations to come.”

A Current Poll by WorldNet Daily asks the Question: What do you think is stopping Christians from making a bigger impact on America? The answers included: Too many Christians have grown soft & timid, afraid of being politically incorrect or persecuted – 24%; America is a nation that has rejected truth & God is preparing her for judgment – 22%; The church has abandoned sound doctrine and thus lost its saltiness – 17%; Most Christians’ worldview has been so diluted, the church is being undermined from within – 9% In Matthew 5:13-16, Jesus instructed: “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Are you doing what you can to impact those around you? Has your salt lost it’s saltiness? Has your light grown dim and flickering? Make the necessary adjustments and change! Consider these things with me!

Indoctrination Indignation

From My Perspective – - -

When is enough – enough? When will awareness of the nation’s direction become a source of concern to the citizenry? When will there be an aroused awakening and a concerted response: ENOUGH! STOP! NO MORE! The American people are skilled when it comes to griping and complaining – but equally timid when it comes to “getting involved” and insisting on a return to the foundational principles upon which this Republic was founded. It’s amazing that Prayer and Bible Reading have been excluded from our schools and classrooms – but – it is now allowable to teach Chants about the President – in a manner that venerates him and focuses on him in an almost frenzied ideological and spiritual manner. Part of what lends itself to this focus comes from a study of Presidential studies. It is reported that: “…when Ronald Reagan was president he would almost always speak in the 3rd person. He would use words like “we” and “our.” Barrack Obama is different. In 41 major speeches President Obama has delivered since he was inaugurated he has used the word “I” or “me” 1,198 times. One can easily gain the idea that he is quite impressed with himself.”

The following are the lyrics to a song taught to a class at a New Jersey elementary school full of praises for the “great accomplishments” of President Obama. The headline reads: “B. Bernice Johnson Elementary School Students Taught to Sing Praises of President Obama.” And the news item states: “Nearly 20 young children are captured in an online video as they sing songs that overflow with campaign slogans and praise for “Barack Hussein Obama,” as they repeatedly chant the president’s name and celebrate his accomplishments. The superintendent of a New Jersey school where students were videotaped being taught to sing the praises of President Obama issued a statement Thursday saying the taping was unauthorized, but failed to address whether the lesson – taught during Black History Month – was approved. A YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zrsl8o4ZPo) shows nearly 20 young children being led in the song…”

Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama Yes! Mmm, mmm, mm!

Barack Hussein Obama

A second song was also taught:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say “hooray!”
Hooray, Mr. President! You’re number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country’s economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we’re really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue —- Mr. President we know you’ll do the trick
So here’s a hearty hip-hooray —-
Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray! Hip, hip hooray!

Ironically, part of the lyric of Song 1 comes from the Church Song: JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN – red and yellow, black and white – all are precious in his sight… Some raise the thought and question whether or not we are on the threshold of The Antichrist. II THESSALONIANS 2:3-4,9: “Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped… The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders…” It’s past time to Wake Up! Pay Attention to what is happening in this world and do what you can to champion The Truth and The Gospel! Consider these things with me!

Post-American World

From My Perspective – - -

In May 2008, The Book Review Section commented: “In his new book, THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD, Mr. Fareed Zakaria writes that America remains a politico-military superpower, but in every other dimension – industrial, financial, educational, social, cultural – the distribution of power is shifting, moving away from American dominance. With the rise of China, India and other emerging markets, with economic growth sweeping much of the planet, and the world becoming increasingly decentralized and interconnected, he contends, ‘we are moving into a post-American world, one defined and directed from many places and by many people.’ Mr. Zakaria argues that we are now in the midst of the third great tectonic power shift to occur over the last 500 years: the first was the rise of the West, which produced ‘modernity as we know it: science and technology, commerce and capitalism, the agricultural and industrial revolutions’; the second was the rise of the United States in the 20th century; and the third is what he calls ‘the rise of the rest,’ with China and India ‘becoming bigger players in their neighborhoods and beyond,’ Russia becoming more aggressive, and Europe acting with ‘immense strength and purpose’ on matters of trade and economics.”

This book has some significance today because of a picture showing President Obama carrying this book with his finger in a place where he had been reading about The Post American World. But – let’s give this President a possible benefit of the doubt. What if he was reading one of the conclusions of Fareed Zakaria, namely: “…the economic dysfunctions in America today are the product not of deep inefficiencies within the American economy, but of specific government policies – which could be reformed quickly and relatively easily to put the country on a more stable footing. A set of sensible reforms could be enacted tomorrow…to trim wasteful spending and subsidies, increase savings, expand training in science and technology, secure pensions, create a workable immigration process and achieve significant efficiencies in the use of energy – if only the current political process weren’t crippled by partisanship, special-interest agendas, a sensation-driven media, ideological attack groups and legislative gridlock.”

The redefining in our nation includes history, vocabulary and values. This becomes part of a commentary that views the nation as weak and ineffective. The latest and almost boorish discussion over the charge of “Racism” submitted by Former Presidents Carter and Clinton, as well as Comedian Bill Cosby, is a case in point. If one disagrees with an action by the current President, it is deemed “Racism”! If poor people get submerged in a flood, it is the result of “Racism”. To his credit, President Obama stated in an interview with David Letterman, “I was Black before I became President…” In a disparate way, there is a group of words that are often misconstrued and misapplied: Racism (the belief that race accounts for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others), Bigotry (stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one’s own), Prejudice (an unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason), Racial Bias, Profiling…(It’s too bad the President doesn’t fully subscribe to definitions from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary regarding basic understanding).

The Ministry of Jesus Christ demonstrates the approach He would like His followers to apply. In JOHN 4, He approaches a Samaritan woman to ask for a drink. She raises the issue of Racism in her response: Why do You – a Jew – ask me – a Samaritan for a drink. The “Followers” respond with shock and surprise to The “MASTER” (V. 27): “…his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?” Jesus was approached by a Lawyer (LUKE 10:25-37) who asks Jesus: “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus shares with him about a half-dead man who a Priest had passed by, and whom a Levite had passed by as well. But a Samaritan has pity cares for him and makes provision for his continued care. In these times, it is too common to forget the “racism” of nations toward Israel historically: Egypt (1500 BC), Assyria (720 BC), Babylon (586 BC), Rome (50 AD), Germany 1940 AD), Arab States (2000 AD). There is considerable work that needs to be done to reach the oppressed in these times and Jesus Christ wants His Followers to do it. Consider these things with me!

Definitions – Who Needs Them

From My Perspective – - -

Book Burning – let’s start with the Dictionary, Thesaurus, Encyclopedia, or any other Definitive Tome. Definition became part of the ABC discussion Sunday between George Stephanopoulos and President Obama regarding a Tax and a Mandate. Their exchange: “STEPHANOPOULOS: Merriam Webster’s Dictionary: Tax “is a charge, usually of money, imposed by authority on persons or property for public purposes.” OBAMA: George, the fact that you looked up Merriam’s Dictionary, the definition of tax increase, indicates to me that you’re stretching a little bit right now. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have gone to the dictionary to check on the definition. STEPHANOPOULOS: I wanted to check for myself. But your critics say it is a tax increase. OBAMA: My critics say everything is a tax increase. My critics say that I’m taking over every sector of the economy…we can have a legitimate debate about whether or not we’re going to have an individual mandate or not… STEPHANOPOULOS: But you reject that it’s a tax increase? OBAMA: I absolutely reject that notion.”

If Definition of Words doesn’t matter, how can there be clarity in Communication? If definitions are disallowed, then the one who proposes a particular legislative proposal can supply his/her own definition to both mollify and maintain vagueness with constituents and countrymen.
WHAT IS A TAX? When used as a Noun, it means: “a sum of money demanded by a government for its support or for specific facilities or services, levied upon incomes, property, sales…” When used as a Verb, it means: “to demand a tax from a person, business, etc…to lay a burden on; make serious demands on…”
WHAT IS A MANDATE? A Mandate is: “a command or authorization to act in a particular way on a public issue given by the electorate to its representative…an authoritative order or command…to order or require; make mandatory…” The Thesaurus allows that a Mandate is: “Authority, Order” that includes the overall possibility for subjective interpretation and application in a far-ranging way: “authorization, bidding, blank check, charge, dictate, directive, edict, go-ahead, imperative, injunction, sanction, warrant…”
The same holds true for a Czar. What is a Czar? By definition, a Czar is: “An appointed official having special powers to regulate or supervise an activity…A person having great power; an autocrat…” How does one avoid undue concern about such a person and appointment? Simply – change the definition of Czar. Employ a Euphemism instead. Call the Czar a “Point Person”! When the President recently addressed the AFL-CIO, he tested out his euphemism when he said: “That’s why we’re investing in a clean energy economy that will free America from the grip of foreign oil and create millions of new green jobs that can’t be outsourced. That’s why I’ve named A NEW POINT PERSON to jumpstart American manufacturing so that we can make ‘Made in America’ not just a slogan, we want to make it a reality.”

Someone has allowed that the twelve most important words for a successful marriage are: “I Love You…I Am Wrong…I Am Sorry…Please Forgive Me…” What if a Presidential Commission or a Congressional Committee was assigned the task of simply stating the most important words to be championed by the Government and the US Constitution for a successful marriage – How many pages would it take? How many months would it be debated? Who would be able to understand it? Would all the Judicial District Courts be uniform in both understanding and application of the Congressional determinations?
The Sermon on the Mount – the words of Jesus, in Matthew 5:33-37, are significant, clear, logical. “…it was said to the people long ago, Do not break your oath, but keep the oaths you have made to the Lord. But I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God’s throne; or by the earth, for it is His footstool…Simply let your Yes be Yes, and your No, No; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.”
The ideas are clear: Keep it simple! Keep it straight-forward! Avoid vagueness! Don’t try to hide behind nuances, euphemisms, or abstractions! Saying a Mandate is not a Tax – doesn’t make it so! Using a Euphemism does not change the person, position, or his authority.
Personal Integrity should never be compromised; nuanced; hidden behind a euphemism. Let your life be clearly definable – hopefully one that is submitted to Jesus Christ. Consider these things with me!

Obituaries and Epitaphs

From My Perspective – - -

Recognition, acceptance, appreciation and accolade are part of the innate aspiration of many people. In a day of political correctness, it is refreshing to see those who are marked by uncompromising character and unwavering conviction. While those who are doers and thinkers don’t usually dwell upon how others may react or respond to their work ethic or precise rhetoric, nor spend much time delving into the conclusions others have about them – there is a time to recognize zeal, fervor, intellect, accomplishment. An example of this can be seen in some words shared about Irving Kristol following his death this week.

The following was written by John Podhoretz at Commentary: “The intellectual and political life of the United States over the past 60 years was affected in so many important and enduring ways by Irving Kristol that it is difficult to capture in words the extent of his powerful and positive influence. Irving, who died today (Friday, September 18th) at the age of 89, was the rarest of creatures—a thoroughgoing intellectual who was also a man of action. He was a maker of things, a builder of institutions, a harvester and disseminator and progenitor of ideas and the means whereby those ideas were made flesh. The clarity of his thinking and the surety of his purpose were one and the same; they were immeasurably enhanced by a powerful curiosity for the way things worked and the ways in which things could be made to work better. His was a restless intelligence, always on the move; there was not an idea he didn’t want to play with, and there wasn’t a new idea for a think tank or a magazine or a center for the study of something-or-other that didn’t excite him. He was a conservative by temperament and conviction, but he was an innovator to the depths of his being…”

Tombstones usually record the name and lifespan of a person, while some have a more personalized message on them. There is the His and Her Message Tombstones – “HIS was dated Sept 15, 1854: Stop here my friend and cast an eye; As you are now, so once was I; As I am now, so shall you be; Prepare for death, and follow me. HERS, dated April 12 1859, simply allowed: To follow you I’m not content; Until I know Which way you went.” One creative man decided to play a game with his name in a Ruidoso, New Mexico, Cemetery: “Here lies Johnny Yeast – Pardon me For not rising.” And – On Margaret Daniels grave at Hollywood Cemetery Richmond, Virginia: “She always said her feet were killing her but nobody believed her.”

Some of the Biblical Obituaries and Epitaphs succinctly state the life, character and spiritual relationship of the individual. In Deuteronomy 34:7, at the moment and point of the Death of Moses, this testimonial word is given: “Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died, yet his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.” A very unique individual is memorialized in Genesis 5:21-24, “When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after…Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” Hebrews 11:5 states it: “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.” His Life Summary: A lifetime of walking with God and pleasing Him. In Acts 6:15 are these words about Stephen as he was about to be stoned to death: “All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.” And in Acts 7:55, “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” In Acts 7:59, Stephen’s last thought and prayer: “While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” A Sermon by Paul includes these words about David in Acts 13:36-39, “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay…I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.” What will be the true – factual words that can be shared about you at your death? This is the time to think about and to begin to live it! Consider these things with me!

Who Winked – Who Blinked

From My Perspective – - –

A TIME TO NOT BLINK

History records that on 1 September 1939, the Germans invaded Poland from the west; and on 17 September 1939, the Russian Army invaded Poland from the east. The Soviet government pretended that it was acting to protect the Ukrainians and Belarusians who lived in the eastern part of Poland, because the Polish state had collapsed in the face of the German attack and could no longer guarantee the security of its own citizens. The Russian Army quickly achieved its targets, vastly outnumbering Polish resistance. About 230,000 Polish soldiers or more (452,500) were taken prisoners of war. The Soviet government annexed the territory newly under its control and in November declared that the 13.5 million Polish citizens who lived there were now Soviet citizens. The Soviets quelled opposition by executions and by arresting thousands.

Yesterday, on the 70th Anniversary of the Soviet Invasion of Poland, the news became more grim for those who reside in Eastern Europe. The Associated Press headlined a story: EAST EUROPE GRUMBLES ABOUT DOWNGRADE IN US TIES. The report includes: “Scuttling a missile defense shield in the Czech Republic and Poland helps smooth relations between the U.S. and Russia. But at what price? Some of America’s staunchest allies are the East Europeans — and on Thursday, they expressed dismay at what many see as a slight after decades of their support for the U.S…President Obama has been reaching out to Russia, which had expressed outrage at the notion of missiles being pointed in its direction from a region that was firmly in the Soviet orbit just 20 years ago. On Thursday, President Obama announced he was shifting the plan from Eastern Europe to other locations. President Obama’s decision got a positive reception in Russia, hailed…as a responsible move. Now we can talk about restoration of the strategic partnership between Russia and the United States…” America Blinked – Russia Winked!

A TIME TO BLINK

Investors Business Daily has Polled Physicians regarding the Health Care Reforms presently being debated and proposed in our nation. Poll Result: “Two of every three practicing physicians oppose the medical overhaul plan under consideration in Washington…72% of the doctors polled disagree with the administration’s claim that the government can cover 47 million more people with better-quality care at lower cost…65% of doctors say they oppose the proposed government expansion plan. This contradicts the administration’s claims that doctors are part of an unprecedented coalition supporting a medical overhaul…The AMA represents 18% of physicians and has been hit with a number of defections by members opposed to the AMA’s support of Democrats’ proposed health care overhaul…45% said they would consider leaving their practice or taking an early retirement if Congress passes the plan the Democratic majority and White House have in mind. More than 800,000 doctors were practicing in 2006, the government says. Projecting the poll’s finding onto that population, 360,000 doctors would consider quitting. More than 71% — the most lopsided response in the poll — answered “no” when asked if they believed the government can cover 47 million more people and that it will cost less money and the quality of care will be better.” A Blink by Congress is needed here – and – now!

A Devotional by Charles Spurgeon 142 years ago states: “We never do anything in this world until we set our faces thoroughly to it. The warriors who win battles are those who are resolved to conquer or die. The heroes who emancipate nations art those who count no hazards and reckon no odds…The merchants who prosper in this world are those who do their business with all their hearts…The halfhearted man is nowhere in the race of life; he is usually contemptible in the sight of others, and a misery to himself.” This is based on Isaiah 50:7, “Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.” We need leaders in our nation with this persuasion and commitment. Less Blinking – More Principled Resolve! Consider these things with me!

Convergence

From My Perspective – - -

STRATFOR Global Intelligence reports: “On September 13… an audio statement purportedly made by Osama bin Laden that was intended to address the American people on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. In the message, the voice alleged to be that of bin Laden said the reason for the 9/11 attacks was U.S. support for Israel. He also said that if the American people wanted to free themselves from fear and intellectual terrorism, the United States must cut its support for Israel. If the United States continues to support Israel…al Qaeda would continue its war against the United States on all possible fronts…” We also note: “On September 14, a Judge at Woolwich Crown Court in the United Kingdom sentenced four men to lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in the disrupted 2006 plot to destroy multiple aircraft over the Atlantic using liquid explosives. The man authorities claimed was the leader of the cell, Abdulla Ahmed Ali, was sentenced to serve at least 40 years. The cell’s apparent logistics man, Assad Sarwar, was sentenced to at least 36 years. Cell member Tanvir Hussain was given a sentence of at least 32 years and cell member Umar Islam was sentenced to a minimum of 22 years in prison.”

The Wall Street Journal reports “on September 15, Federal investigators evacuated a suburban Denver apartment complex to search the home of a 24-year-old immigrant from Afghanistan whose lawyer identified him as the man at the center of an investigation by counterterrorism agents in New York. Federal Bureau of Investigation officials in Denver and Washington confirmed the search at the Aurora, Colorado, apartment complex, called The Vistas at Saddle Rock, where Najibullah Zazi lives, and authorities confirmed searching the nearby home of his relatives. The search, led by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, came just two days after agents and police in New York City searched the apartments of Mr. Zazi’s friends in the borough of Queens after he had visited them.” The concern is in regard to a possible attack in the New York Subway System, as well as Airliners.

Are these events a coincidence or a convergence? With the increased strength of the enemy in Afghanistan and the pending request for additional American troops (between 30,000 and 40,000), is there an escalation of strategy by the enemy? Because of the economic transition in this nation, and the increased volume of dissident voices regarding involvement in war in both Iraq and Afghanistan, does the enemy view that as a sign of weakness and a moment to further their cause? Have we confused ourselves and emboldened our enemies by redefining global involvements? We seem to have forgotten that Definitions May Change – Enemies Do Not. We have redefined The War on Terrorism (also referred to as the Global War on Terror, World War 3, Global War on Terrorism) so that now it is the Overseas Contingency Operation. What exactly does that mean? How does that clarify the objective?

Where are we headed as a world? Are we approaching the end-time? Will God suddenly intervene in the affairs of state and man? In Revelation 18:9-18, there is a very grim picture: “…the kings of the earth…will stand far off and cry: Woe! Woe, O great city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come! The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their cargoes any more – cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; cargoes of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and bodies and souls of men. They will say, The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered…” An interesting sidebar here is Revelation 18:23, By her sorceries all nations have been deceived.” The word sorceries in Greek is pharmakeia, which refers to the mixing and using of drugs. A main crop of Afghanistan is the Opium Poppy – the type from which opium and many refined opiates, including morphine, thebaine, codeine, papaverine, and noscapine, are extracted. And lest we forget, modern Baghdad and ancient Babylon are only 80 km apart in Iraq. Is all this a coincidence or convergence? Consider these things with me!

Algorithms

From My Perspective – - –

Algorithms are understood and utilized in a variety of ways, viz., by putting it in the context of the methods employed to Divide and Conquer (D&C). American Heritage Dictionary defines Algorithm as: “A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps.” For instance, “In computer science…a D&C algorithm works by recursively breaking down a problem into two or more sub-problems of the same or related type, until these become simple enough to be solved directly. The solutions to the sub-problems are then combined to give a solution to the original problem.” Simply stated, Algorithm is understood by the following: “Divide and Conquer is a powerful tool for solving conceptually difficult problems. All it requires is a way of breaking the problem into sub-problems, of solving the trivial cases and of combining sub-problems to the original problem.”

The Divide and Conquer (D&C) approach is not limited to Mathematical and Scientific issues alone. If one pays attention, D&C is often a Political ploy used by a man/woman seeking elected office, or in the effort to gain support for legislation. An example of this is in the current Health Care Reform Debate and Possible legislation. We have heard the Speaker of the House state people are coming to Town Halls with Swastikas. Others have likened the citizens attending Town Halls employing terms – Brown Shirts, Mobs, Extremists. As a matter of fact, on the www.MyBarackObama.com webpage, there is a Link that refers to a group of American Citizens as: “Right-Wing Domestic Terrorists”! The headline of the article is: “MyBarackObama.com Page Planned Phone Campaign on 9/11 Against ‘Right-Wing Domestic Terrorists’ On Health Reform.” Plain and simple, it is the Divide and Conquer technique.

“United We Stand, Divided We Fall,” is a favorite phrase, used in varying forms, of political orators from Benjamin Franklin to Abraham Lincoln. It has been attributed to Aesop, both directly in his fable The Four Oxen and the Lion and indirectly from The Bundle of Sticks. It gained some popularity after John Dickinson’s ‘Liberty Song’ was published on July 18, 1768, in the Boston Gazette. The work contained the lines: “Then join in hand, brave Americans all— By uniting we stand, by dividing we fall!” Patrick Henry was passionate in this regard and used the phrase in his last public speech, given in March 1799, in which he denounced The Kentucky and Virginia Resolutions. Clasping his hands and waving his body back and forth, Henry declaimed, “Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall. Let us not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs.” At the end of his oration, Henry fell into the arms of bystanders…Two months afterward he was dead. A wise President during the sad and dark days of the Civil War – Abraham Lincoln – agonized over the nation. He empathized and emphasized the sentiments of Patrick Henry – United We Stand, Divided We Fall. Sadly, the trend of our times is to marginalize and fractionalize. It may bring momentary gain, but ultimately, it will prove to have contributed greatly to the ruin and demise of a once great and Christian nation.

In the spiritual sense, Jesus prayed for His followers so that they would not divide or be conquered. He did not want his followers to be marginalized and fractionalized. His Prayer is recorded in John 17:20-23, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you…May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” There is also the Prayer by Paul in Ephesians 4:2-6, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all…through all…in all.” If you have committed yourself to Christ, this should be your goal and reality. The motto of the Church of Jesus Christ must be: United We Stand – Divided We Fall! Consider these things with me!

Inconsequential – Indifference

From My Perspective – - -

Indifference has several definitions and usages: “having no particular interest or concern; apathetic not active or involved; not mattering one way or the other; having no marked feeling for or against…” Some of the synonyms are: “mediocre, undistinguished, uninspired, commonplace.” Its redundant to connect indifference with that which is inconsequential = seeing life and things as being “of little or no importance; insignificant; trivial; illogical; irrelevant.” These words describe one who has become detached from any or all responsibility, and who is resistant to receiving any advice or assistance to become involved in a positive and constructive way in matters pertaining to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Those who make this their life choice have chosen a vacuum lifestyle rather than a vibrant and productive one. The contrast for many today is inferred in the book, The Greatest Generation. One source puts it into a broader context by referring to – “the Lost Generation of the 1880s (who fought in World War I) and the Silent Generation of the 1930s.” The Greatest Generation is a term coined by journalist Tom Brokaw to describe the generation of Americans who grew up during the deprivation of the Great Depression, and then went on to fight in World War II, as well as those whose productivity within the war’s home front made a decisive material contribution to the war effort. Some of those who survived the war then went on to build and rebuild United States industries in the years following the war. Brokaw observes: “this is the greatest generation any society has produced.” He argued that the men and women fought not for the fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do. When they came back they rebuilt America into a Superpower. It seems as though the cycle has now brought us into the emergence of an Indifferent Generation.

There are two Biblical references that come to mind in this regard. The First is in I Kings 18. Elijah, the Prophet of God, is challenging and entering into a contest with the Prophets of Baal. The key is in verse 21, “ Elijah went before the people and said, How long will you waver between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him. But the people said nothing.” In one translation it states: “the people answered him not a word.” When Elijah appeals to the gathered people in terms of their loyalty and commitment, their silence was deafening! They chose to be spectators rather than participants. They would rather observe than to assist. It could’ve been cowardice – but more likely – it was their posture of Inconsequential Indifference. The Second reference is in Revelation 3:14-16, “This is the message from the one who is the Amen – the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation: I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!” The Head of The Church – Jesus Christ – observes the behavior of the non-committed and indifferent – and declares they are distasteful and useless to Him. The act of expectoration is one of consequence and judgment.

One of the idioms of the English Language allows for the phrase – “sit on the fence”. Basically, it’s implication is: “not to take sides in a dispute; not to make a clear choice between two possibilities. (such as, the image of someone straddling a fence, representing indecision).” Some of us grew up hearing the phrase: “If you stand for nothing, you will fall for anything!” It is tremendously important to have firm convictions in terms of what one believes. Know what the Bible teaches and Believe it. For too long, people have operated within their self-imposed limitation of several idioms: “don’t rock the boat”; or “just get along with everyone”; ad nauseum. This can cause one to fall into the state of being obsequious: “showing servile complaisance or deference.” The synonyms are: “cringing, submissive.” Does Jesus Christ look at you and your lifestyle choices and say: “…you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!” You are here to fulfill God’s purpose for and in your life. Be hot – and – not cold! Do it! You’ll never regret it! Consider these things with me!