Posted by
peripheral on Wednesday, November 26, 2008 5:42:49 AM
From My Perspective - - -
A
generation was captivated by the possibilities of space through the
fictional TV Series, Star Trek. In more recent times, the Star Wars
series has evolved and been viewed as a scenario that could unfold in
the worlds of the unknown. Earlier (1954), there was the film produced
by Disney entitled, Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, where we
were introduced to a whole different life and lifestyle. We were so
easily caught up in the brilliance of Captain Nemo and his innovations
and skill. As we viewed these productions, (a) we were drawn into the
possibilities of Time-Warp, and (b) we forgot they were science
fiction. The American Heritage Dictionary defines Time-Warp as – “A
hypothetical discontinuity or distortion occurring in the flow of time
that would move events from one time period to another or suspend the
passage of time.”
Someone recently sent me an item entitled,
“How Long Do We Have?” This is speculation rather than fiction, the
hypothetical, or theories. While this is part of an article about The
Athenian Republic, a more reliable source is to look at some of the
events surrounding The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Some of
the sub-points: “Economic factors are cited as a major cause of the
fall of Rome. Three single-issue models that led to the collapse: (1)
Economic (lack of circulating currency and trade deficit, and other
factors not clearly economic, like environmental change and decaying
infrastructure); (2) Military (citizenship granted to all (illegal
aliens) reduced the incentive to join the army), and (3) Gradual
transformation (drift toward socialism-humanism).” A comparison between
the Roman Empire and the United States shows serious and frightening
parallels, namely, "One of the primary catalysts to the deterioration
of the economy was the lack of circulating currency in the Western
Empire. Two reasons for the lack of funds are wholesale hoarding of
bullion by Roman citizens, and the widespread looting of the Roman
treasury by the 'barbarians'. These two factors, coupled with the
massive trade deficit with Eastern Regions of the Empire served to
stifle the growth of wealth in the west." It brings to mind the
oft-stated, and equally – oft-forgotten phrase – “He who forgets
History is doomed to repeat it!” That thought is also seen in the
writing of George Santayana (1863-1952), Life of Reason, vol. 1, chap.
12, p. 284 (1905)…”Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on
retentiveness when experience is not retained, as among savages,
infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned
to repeat it. This is the condition of children and barbarians, in whom
instinct has learned nothing from experience.”
Our nation is
becoming a nation of entitlement and expectation. The “gimme” mentality
is pervasive in our nation (reliance on or a demand for the generosity
of others, esp. as one's due). This week, while Citi-Corp was asking
for and receiving Billions of Dollars for their portion of the
“Bailout”, it was also revealed their expenditure of more than $400
Million Dollars ($20 Million Dollars per year for 20 Years) to have
their Corporate Name placed on the New York Mets baseball stadium, now
known as Citi-Field. Because of their cash short-fall, they will
terminate the employment of thousands of people – but – keep paying to
have their name on the stadium, One wonders, how and when did we lose
our way so severely and badly? Whatever happened to prudence and
self-discipline in both government, and personal management of
obligations and responsibilities?
Consider these things with me
- - - In Matthew 24:24-26, Jesus states: “False messiahs and false
prophets will rise up…So if someone tells you, Look, the Messiah is out
in the desert, don't bother to go and look. Or, Look, he is hiding
here, don't believe it!” When will the end be near? Jesus continues in
24:37-39, “it will be like it was in Noah's day. In those days before
the Flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings
right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn't realize what
was going to happen until the Flood came and swept them all away. That
is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.” This sounds like us
in our nation – spending, lavish living, carefree behavior, look to the
government to pay for our mortgages, provide us with health-care, give
us food stamps, etc. Ah, what Shock and Awe awaits! In the hour – the
moment – when no one is thinking religious thoughts – their personal
Time-Warp will cease and they will be abruptly introduced to - - THE
END!