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Category Archives for Politics/Current Events

The politics of global warming “science”

The Preface to the recently discovered internal EPA report (which was suppressed for political reasons), begins:

We have become increasingly concerned that EPA and many other agencies and countries have paid too little attention to the science of global warming. EPA and others have tended to accept the findings reached by outside groups, particularly the IPCC and CCSP, as being correct without a careful and critical examination of their conclusions and documentation.

The report provides a list of important developments that include

  • Global temperatures have declined for 11 years while CO2 emissions and atmospheric levels have continued to increase
  • There appears no correlation between global temperature and hurricanes
  • Greenland is not melting
  • The recession has resulted in greatly decreased greenhouse gas levels
  • A crucial assumption made by the IPCC is not supported by empirical evidence, and actually the feedback is negative
  • IPCC used faulty solar data dismissing the impact of solar variability on global warming

Even more astounding are the internal EPA e-mails quashing the report, one of which states (directed to the author of the study):

The time for such discussion of fundamental issues has passed for this round. The administrator and the administration has decided to move forward on endangerment, and your comments do not help the legal or policy case for this decision.

This is shocking behavior, but then again, it isn’t. Many of have known for some time that the true science is being ignored by those wanting to push through manic legislation such as Obama’s Cap and Tax bill (which, by the way, contains many, many surprises that will cripple our economy even more).

Why aren’t more people upset by this?

Written on 30 June 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 19 Comments
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Homeland Insecurity

If I didn’t know that there was a God, I’d be really, really afraid at what Obama and his crew are up to, and what it’s doing to the country.  But, unlike the millions of unthinking people who have put their hope in the psuedo-messiah, I do have faith in a higher power (one which the Big O seems reluctant to acknowledge, now that he’s been elected).

I do think that “faith” is the right word to describe O’s following.  With the economy tanking, people losing jobs (of which I am one, by the way), and national security always an issue, I do believe millions of people have put an irrational faith in the O, as a defense against despondency and panic.  I can’t help but draw parallels between Obama’s meteoric rise to power and that of another.

Here’s some of O’s “accomplishments” in his first few months in office:

  • Signed the largest spending bill in U.S. history, (creating many times more debt than Bush did in all 8 years in office)
  • Bowed to foreign leaders
  • Apologized to foreign leaders for America’s arrogance (ironic?)
  • Met and tried to make friends with every wacko leader and dictator he could find (including one who has called O an ignoramus)
  • Announced plans for nuclear disarmament on the same day that North Korea test launches one of theirs
  • Oh yeah, appointed a slough of tax evaders to his cabinet
  • Made Georgetown, a Catholic University, cover up the “IHS” (the first 3 letters of Jesus in Greek) so it wouldn’t be seen while he was speaking.

There’s more, but you know that.  Many of those who voted for Obama-Biden joined in the April 15 Tea Parties (although the “faithful” did their best to portray those attending as racist, redneck morons). Now, we have the Department of Homeland Security’s new report, warning local law enforcement agencies to be on the watch for right-wing terrorists.  This, by the way, from Janet Napolitano, who has refused to say anything publically about “Muslim terrorists” as not to be politically incorrect.

So, who are these right-wing terrorists?  None other than returning soldiers from Iraq, pro-lifers, those concerning with illegal immigration, and those who favor state-rights over Federal rights.

What?

I’m starting to miss Bill Clinton.  At least he wasn’t naive.   Thinking of Obama and Napolitano as naive and foolish is actually giving them the benefit of the doubt; the alternative is more frightening.  But, what I really fear is that if Obama and Co. continue this course of conduct, it will prompt rebellion; in that, the Homeland Security report is probably correct. The Administration can only push people so far before something snaps.  Clinton understood this, and quickly took a more centrist position.  I don’t know that the O is perceptive enough to realize this, or that he cares; I’m hoping he is.

We are undoubtedly in a state of national insecurity; the general populace is insecure about the economy, the national debt, and the real terrorists – the ones with psychotic leaders and WOMDs.  The Administration appears insecure about our own people.  This could be a problem.

Written on 21 April 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 3 Comments
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America’s Christian heritage

While I’m not a big supporter of the “America’s a Christian nation” thing, I do believe that the United States was indeed heavily influenced by Christian principles, and that historically, the so-called “separation of church and state” was never meant to exclude religion – even Christianity – from public life.  James Robertson has re-posted from J.Grant Swank From MichNews.com an interesting collection of quotes from many of our founding fathers that deserve to be read.  (You can go to the site to read Swank’s editorial comments, which I will not post here):

President George Washington wrote a prayer addressed to “O most glorious God, in Jesus Christ” and ended it with this: “Let me live according to those holy rules which thou hast this day prescribed in Thy Holy Word. Direct me to the true object, Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Bless O Lord all the people of this land.”

President Thomas Jefferson: “God who gave us life gave us liberty. And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis — a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are of the gift of God? That they are not to be violated but with His wrath? Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, that His justice cannot sleep forever.”

President James Madison: “Religion is the basis and foundation of government. We have staked the whole future of American civilization not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future of all of our political institutions upon the capacity of mankind for self-government; upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.”

President Andrew Jackson: “I nightly offer up my prayers to the throne of grace for the health and safety of you all, and that we ought all to rely with confidence on the promise of our dear Redeemer, and give Him our hearts. This is all He requires and all that we can do, and if we sincerely do this, we are sure of salvation through His atonement.”

Patrick Henry: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, property, and freedom of worship here.”

President Abraham Lincoln: “The ways of God are mysterious and profound beyond all comprehension. ‘Who by searching can find Him out?’ God only knows the issue of this business. He has destroyed nations from the map of history for their sins. Nevertheless, my hopes prevail generally above my fears for our Republic. The times are dark, the spirits of ruin are abroad in all their power, and the mercy of God alone can save us.”

President Grover Cleveland: “All must admit that the reception of the teachings of Christ results in the purist patriotism, in the most scrupulous fidelity to public trust, and in the best type of citizenship.”

President Woodrow Wilson: “America was born a Christian nation. America was born to exemplify that devotion to the elements of righteousness which are derived from the revelations of the Holy Scriptures.”

President Dwight Eisenhower: “Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Begin is the first — the most basic — expression of Americanism. Thus, the founding fathers of America saw it, and thus With God’s help, it will continue to be.”

Many of us, both liberal and conservative, seem to have forgotten our foundation and have forgotten what it really means to be a Christian.   Maybe President Obama should take a few moments to read these quotes, and perhaps he’ll remember how it was that he got where he is.

Written on 02 March 2009 by me under Letter to a Christian Nation, Politics/Current Events with 3 Comments
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Thomas Jefferson returns to the White House

It appears that Obama is channeling the spirit of Thomas Jefferson, who famously took it upon himself to cut out those portions of the Bible that he didn’t believe.  Obama hasn’t gone quite that far, but he has started a new tradition of editing prayars.

From U.S. News and World Report:

During Obama’s recent visit to Fort Myers, Fla., to promote his economic stimulus plan, a black Baptist preacher delivered a prayer that carefully avoided mentioning Jesus, lest he offend anyone in the audience. And at Obama’s appearance last week near Phoenix to unveil his mortgage bailout plan, an administrator for the Tohono O’odham Nation delivered the prayer, taking the unusual step of writing it down so he could E-mail it to the White House for vetting. American Indian prayers are typically improvised.

Read Albert Mohler’s comments here.

I have never been a premillennialist, and haven’t believed in a literal person who is the anti-Christ. However, as I’ve mentioned before, the insidious nature of this presidency may cause me to rethink my eschatology.

Written on 28 February 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 4 Comments
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Let’s all get on the Omnibus…

Is anyone paying attention to this?

Last week it was the $787 billion Stimulus Bill, which supposedly contained no earmarks of any kind. Of course, that was a lie, but, let’s set that aside for now.  This week, it’s the Omnibus Bill, which if you aren’t aware, is a totally separate, $410 billion bill that’s been passed by the House this week.  An omnibus bill is a scary thing; it’s essentially hundreds of separate bills that may be totally unrelated, which are grouped together in one big package. This particular bill, besides containing pro-abortion language, includes about 9,000 earmarks.  That’s right, 9,000 earmarks – those things that were so bad, Obama wanted everyone to know they weren’t a part of the stimulus package.  This is a classic magician’s sleight of hand trick; while all eyes are on the Stimulus, there goes the Omnibus.

An example?  How about $2 million for “swine odor and manure management.”  Or another $2 million for new buildings at the Center for Grape Genetics.  Want more?  Here’s all 258 pages.

And, unfortunately, we can’t just blame the Democrats. No, many Republicans were quick to include as much Republican pork as they possibly could.

Change?  Hardly.  The only change I think we’re going to see is what we have left in our pockets after Obama and company take our wallets.  By the way, I’m not mentioning the President’s proposed budget, which would leave us with a deficit the equivalent of $12,000 per taxpayer.

Earlier today I was thinking of the old song by Ten Years After, I’d Love To Change The World:

Tax the rich
Feed the poor
Till there are no
Rich no more.

I’d love to change the world,
But I don’t know what to do.
So I’ll leave it up to you.

However, “leaving it up to you” now means leaving this mess for our kids to pay off.  I’m thinking that perhaps another old song is more appropriate:

Call out the instigators
Because there’s something in the air
We’ve got to get together sooner or later
Because the revolution’s here, and you know it’s right
And you know that it’s right

We have got to get it together
We have got to get it together now (Something In The Air – Thunderclap Newman)

I’m just sayin’ …

Written on 26 February 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 5 Comments
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Overcompensation and the return to oppression

James Robertson writes:

Europe’s war on free speech is the result of a profound identity crisis, one that is being generated by the blanket abandonment of traditional Judeo-Christian values coupled with mass immigration from Muslim countries. But in their zeal to criminalize free thought and free speech, the leftwing guardians of Orwellian political correctness are systematically destroying European democracy.

Not only are European elites using hate crime legislation to silence people with opinions that do not conform to official state policies. They are also dividing Europeans into two groups (the majority and the minority), each with different rights and responsibilities. The minority (Muslims, homosexuals, Socialists) is imposing its will upon the majority (non-Muslim, heterosexuals, non-Socialists) by aggressively prosecuting those who refuse to fall into line.

He provides some recent examples of what’s going on in the rest of the West.  It’s bizarre, but not unbelievable.  And, America is not immune from this kind of thinking.  We have our own history of overcompensation, with so many incentives given to “minorities” that leaves a white male as perhaps the most disadvantaged person of all, as jobs and scholarships are given out based on diversity rather than on ability.  I have no problem with equality – I don’t believe that “all men are created equal,” but I think it’s great that our Constitution created that equality.  Of course, the Constitution is not what it used to be; and if we don’t watch it, in a few years it will be just a shadow of what it is today.

What happens, I think, is that what starts out as a very good and admirable desire for justice quickly turns into a shallow, mindless self-righteousness. We who have a new-found “tolerance” or understanding start to believe that we are perhaps better than those who may not be so tolerant.  There is then created a New Elite, a self-righteous minority who out of force of will become the new majority. But, as G.K. Chesterton said, “Tolerance is the virtue of a man without convictions.“  Where does that leave us?  As the perception grows that overcompensation – and the corresponding oppression of contrary opinion – is the high moral ground, right and wrong become so convoluted that a voice of reason is looked at with suspicion.  It is Orwellian, indeed.

Who, now, is the disenfranchised in the US?  Note that some of Obama’s first acts as President were in direct opposition to the majority opinion.  Note that a majority of people would like all the facts about evolution taught in our “public” schools.  I could go on, but all you have to do is pick up the newspaper for more examples.

Roberton asks if the U.S. will follow in Europe’s footsteps.  I think that as the issues become turned upside down, it is quite possible; and for some of our leaders, I think that this is actually the desired goal.

Written on 11 February 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 6 Comments
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It’s just a “mistake”

Okay, I try to keep out of politics as much as possible, but I just can’t help myself. For all of Obama’s talk about “change,” whatever that means, so far I haven’t seen anything new.  His proposed “stimulus” package is, from what I’ve heard, only about 1/5 actual stimulus, and the rest is just the typical pork-barrel spending.

Now, we see just how committed to integrity Obama is. First, we have his pick for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, who was discovered to have not paid $34K in self-employment tax. He blames Turbo-Tax for not telling him he should report those earnings.  Anybody see the irony here?  A Treasury Secretary who doesn’t know enough to report a few hundred thousand of self-employment income?  If he’s put in charge of the Treasury, do we all get to rely on the Turbo-Tax defense?

If that wasn’t enough, now we have poor old Tom Daschle, who apparently just forgot to pay over $120,000 in taxes.  But, apparently it’s okay, because he sent a letter of apology.  Tom didn’t use the Turbo-Tax defense… for Tom, it was just a “mistake.” So, will this be precedent-setting for the IRS?  This sounds an awful lot like an old Steve Martin routine, where he suggests using the excuse, “I forgot:”

You.. can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You can be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes! You say.. “Steve.. how can I be a millionaire.. and never pay taxes?” First.. get a million dollars. Now.. you say, “Steve.. what do I say to the tax man when he comes to my door and says, ‘You.. have never paid taxes’?” Two simple words. Two simple words in the English language: “I forgot!” How many times do we let ourselves get into terrible situations because we don’t say “I forgot”? Let’s say you’re on trial for armed robbery. You say to the judge, “I forgot armed robbery was illegal.” Let’s suppose he says back to you, “You have committed a foul crime. you have stolen hundreds and thousands of dollars from people at random, and you say, ‘I forgot’?” Two simple words: Excuuuuuse me!!“

Obama is on record as saying he “absolutely” stands by Daschle.  He, too, must accept the “I forgot” defense, which makes it even better. How can the IRS come after you or me for not paying taxes if it’s okay with the whole Executive Branch?

I’m trying to figure out, based on all this, what Obama really meant by “change.”  It could mean a couple of things. One, it could mean – as it seems – that the tax code is “more of a guideline than an actual rule.”  Considering Obama’s post-modern constituency, this could be the case, and it probably won’t stop there; I can see them looking at the whole Constitution as “more of a guideline.”   Obama also could have meant that in light of his stimulus package, which could exceed $1 Trillion, $120,000 is just “chump change.”

Or, it could be simply that he lied. It could be that he’s no different than any other politician, with little or no scuples, making empty promises and plans to get away with whatever he can. I wonder, will he look the other way at the forgetfulness of Republicans, or just his fellow Dems?  He’s only in his 2nd week as President- what he does now will set the stage for the next 4 years.  It he a man of integrity, or not? Only time will tell … but, he should know that there are many of us who are not as forgetful as his cabinet picks.

Written on 02 February 2009 by me under Politics/Current Events with 5 Comments
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Episcopal issues

In the last couple of months, I have become a regular at a local Episcopal church, and absolutely love it.  The liturgy is very meaningful, the music seclections are well chosen, and the sermons keep to the message and are always right on point.  At this point in my life, this is what I need (and yes, I’m aware that I’m focusing on my need here, and don’t apologize for that).  Furthermore, everything had, so far, been scripturally sound. That’s one of the benefits of liturgy.

However, the Episcopal church as a whole has problems, which has resulted in many congregations leaving the church. The main issue is over the fairly recent decision to allow gay priests. Now, there’s a move within the EC to broaden the definition of marriage to include gay unions. George Clifford writes in the Daily Episcopalian,

The next step in that unfolding narrative of grace is to expand the concept of marriage to include a gay man marrying a gay man or a lesbian marrying a lesbian. This timely, grace filled step rightly extends the Christian concept of marriage to people whom the Church for too long has marginalized or demonized, the very categories of people with whom Jesus spent his ministry. The Church wrongly has attempted to foist a life and love denying form of sexuality – heterosexuality – upon people whom God created with a different gender orientation. Consequently, their gender preference has too often caused gays and lesbians to deny their very identity or to express their sexuality in promiscuous, exploitative, or other destructive ways. Same-sex monogamous marriage inherently promotes healthy lifestyles, models the union of Christ and the Church, and can powerfully mediate grace to all whom they encounter.

George calls for the complete dismantling of the marriage rite, creating one blessing of any and all unions, regardless of whatever.  Besides completely ignoring Biblical teaching, including Romans 1, the logic is just wacko. This is one step away from blessing adulterers or worse (“… but he was born a pervert!”).

I agree that homosexuals have been treated badly over the years, and that they should be shown the same grace that we show any other sinners – which includes all of us. I don’t have a problem with that; I have welcomed gays and lesbians in church.  However, there is a great chasm between extending love and grace and supporting a lifestyle that is clearly against Scripture.  Suppose I was a compulsive adulterer – it is my nature; it may even be genetic, for all we know.  Why shouldn’t this behavior be condoned?  Why not show the same “grace” to that kind of sin?

As Karl Menninger once asked, whatever became of sin?  Or as Paul asked, should we sin more so that grace should increase?

It pains me that this kind of mindless pseudo-theology could drag a major denomination into heresy.  And yes, this is a major heresy, not just a civil rights issue, or an issue of which sins are worse than others. You see, Paul has identified marriage as holy not just because it is ordained by God, but because it is also a type of the relationship between Christ and the Church.  “Behold, I tell you a mystery,” Paul says concerning the issue.  To me, this goes right to the heart of the nature of the Church.

After finding a church that, for the first time in years, makes me want to get up early on a Sunday morning, I am deeply saddened by this issue, and pray that people listen to the Spirit of God, not the spirit of this age. I’d hate to have to go off in search of a church once again…

Written on 01 February 2009 by me under Church, Politics/Current Events with 3 Comments
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“Climate models are useless…”

From the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Environment & Public Works website:

Retired senior NASA atmospheric scientist Dr. John S. Theon, the former supervisor of James Hansen, NASA’s vocal man-made global warming fears soothsayer, has now publicly declared himself a skeptic and declared that Hansen “embarrassed NASA” with his alarming climate claims…

Theon declared “climate models are useless.” “My own belief concerning anthropogenic climate change is that the models do not realistically simulate the climate system because there are many very important sub-grid scale processes that the models either replicate poorly or completely omit,” Theon explained. “Furthermore, some scientists have manipulated the observed data to justify their model results. In doing so, they neither explain what they have modified in the observations, nor explain how they did it. They have resisted making their work transparent so that it can be replicated independently by other scientists. This is clearly contrary to how science should be done. Thus there is no rational justification for using climate model forecasts to determine public policy,” he added.

Eventually, people will start realizing that the scientific data (not the political propaganda) does not necessarily support anthropogenic global warming, or perhaps global warming at all.  The article goes on to state,

Gore faces a much different scientific climate in 2009 than the one he faced in 2006 when his film An Inconvenient Truth was released. According to satellite data, the Earth has cooled since Gore’s film was released, Antarctic sea ice extent has grown to record levels, sea level rise has slowed, ocean temperatures have failed to warm, and more and more scientists have publicly declared their dissent from man-made climate fears as peer-reviewed studies continue to man-made counter warming fears.

Again, this calls into question the so-called objectivity of “science.”  When scientists on the popular bandwagon go around saying, “hush, hush” to anyone who raises challenges to the status quo, pay attention.

Written on 28 January 2009 by me under Faith, Science & Doubt, Politics/Current Events with 7 Comments
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Is there life after Obama?

From The Onion:


Obama Win Causes Obsessive Supporters To Realize How Empty Their Lives Are

Written on 13 November 2008 by me under Humor and/or Sarcasm, Politics/Current Events with No Comments