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Definitions - Who Needs Them

Posted by peripheral on Monday, September 21, 2009 6:55:49 AM
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!
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Obituaries and Epitaphs

Posted by peripheral on Saturday, September 19, 2009 7:29:41 AM
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!
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Who Winked - Who Blinked

Posted by peripheral on Friday, September 18, 2009 5:29:06 AM
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!
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Convergence

Posted by peripheral on Thursday, September 17, 2009 7:46:19 AM
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!
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Liars, Cheats, Frauds

Posted by peripheral on Wednesday, September 16, 2009 7:39:13 AM
From My Perspective - - -

Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) is being reprimanded by the US House of Representatives for expressing in public to the Speaker of the moment, “You Lie!” As a matter of fact, there is a proper Decorum in the House and Committees in terms of what can and cannot be said. As stated in Cannon’s Precedents, on January 27, 1909, the House adopted a report in response to improper references in debate to the President. That report read in part as follows: “It is...the duty of the House to require its Members in speech or debate to preserve that proper restraint which will permit the House to conduct its business in an orderly manner and without unnecessarily and unduly exciting animosity among its Members or antagonism from those other branches of the Government with which the House is correlated.”

The accepted Decorum stipulates: “As a guide for debate, it is permissible in debate to challenge the President on matters of policy. The difference is one between political criticism and personally offensive criticism. For example, a Member may assert in debate that an incumbent President is not worthy of re-election, but in doing so should not allude to personal misconduct. By extension, a Member may assert in debate that the House should conduct an inquiry, or that a President should not remain in office. Under section 370 of the House Rules and Manual it has been held that a Member could: refer to the government as something hated, something oppressive; refer to the President as using legislative or judicial pork; refer to a Presidential message as a disgrace to the country; refer to unnamed officials as our half-baked nitwits handling foreign affairs.” Likewise, it has been held that “…a member could not: call the President a liar; call the President a hypocrite; describe the President’s veto of a bill as cowardly; charge that the President has been intellectually dishonest; refer to the President as giving aid and comfort to the enemy; refer to alleged sexual misconduct on the President’s part…”

In June 2009, Alex Brill wrote in Forbes Magazine Online an article: What Should Congress Do With Liars And Cheaters? - “Patent holders should be relieved they're not treated like those engaged in securities fraud - The U.S. legal system does not look favorably toward liars and cheaters. This is well known to the parade of executives sentenced to jail time over the last few years for securities fraud. But lawmakers need to take a closer look at how to treat fraud at the Patent and Trademark Office. While most consumers may think of the PTO as a government office for the nerdy types seeking permits for new gizmos, the truth is that the rules governing the patent system stand to affect the prices paid on household products from the medicine cabinet to the desktop. And the ability to entice investors to back new science discoveries depends on a system that discourages scientists from being cheats. Liars always face a cost-benefit trade-off. For securities fraud, lying may result in a short-run competitive edge, a boost in profits or market share, an up-tick in stock value or a bigger year-end bonus. The costs can be large fines or - as in the case of Bernard Madoff and others - imprisonment. These penalties reflect that markets cannot function well if investors worry about being stung by fraud. If investors cannot trust the information provided by the companies that they invest in, then financial markets cannot function efficiently and all investors will bear the greater risk. The public recognizes the importance of severe punishment as a deterrent against securities fraud…”

There are basic Biblical principles that should serve as guidelines: I Corinthians 14:40, “…everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.” The KJV states it, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” In II Corinthians 8:21, “…we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.” In Romans 12:17, “…Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.” In addition, we are to show respect toward and give honor to our political leaders/rulers – I Peter 2:13-17, “Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors… Show proper respect to everyone - fear God, honor the king.” This is the God-given direction for our lives. Let us do it adequately. Consider these things with me!
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Not A Drop To Drink

Posted by peripheral on Monday, September 14, 2009 5:38:30 AM
From My Perspective - - -

In The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge (1798) - Part II, And the Albatross begins to be avenged - these words appear: “Water, water, every where, And all the boards did shrink; Water, water, every where, Nor any drop to drink.” That conclusion can be based upon the fact that 29.22% of the earth's surface is land. 70.78% of the earth's surface is liquid water. Most of the earth's water is salty or permanently frozen. Approximately 3% of the 70.78% of earth's surface is covered in fresh water. Approximately 2% of earth's water is frozen in glaciers…In a world where the population continues to grow, usable water is a great concern. As of 14 September 2009, the Earth's population is estimated by the United States Census Bureau to be 6.784 billion. The most populous nations are China, 1,332,960,000 (19.65%); and India, 1,168,920,000 (17.23%). The United States of America is a distant third in the rankings of nations with a population of 307,387,000 (4.53%).

In the Book: UNQUENCHABLE: AMERICA'S WATER CRISIS AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT By Robert Glennon, the Introduction includes comment about water concerns and consumption in Las Vegas. He draws attention to the following data: “A prosperous future depends on a secure and reliable water supply. And we don't have it. We tend to look at Las Vegas and think it's a unique case, perhaps a cautionary tale but barely relevant to where the rest of us live. But the truth is, when it comes to water, Vegas offers us a glimpse of our own future. The evidence is everywhere-though if it is noticed, it is forgotten with the next drenching rain. Consider the following events that have occurred since 2007: Colorado farmers watched their crops wither because of a lack of irrigation water; Atlanta, Georgia, came within three months of running out, so it banned watering lawns, washing cars, and filling swimming pools; Orme, Tennessee, did run out and was forced to truck water in from Alabama; Scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography predicted that Lake Mead, which supplies water to Los Angeles and Phoenix, could dry up by 2021; Hundreds of workers lost their jobs at Bowater, a South Carolina paper company, because low river flows prevented the plant from discharging its wastewater; Lack of adequate water prompted the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to rebuff Southern Nuclear Operating Company's request to build two new reactors in Georgia; Water shortages caused California farmers to cut the tops off hundreds of healthy, mature avocado trees in a desperate attempt to keep them alive; Lake Superior, the earth's largest freshwater body, was too shallow to float fully loaded cargo ships; Decimated salmon runs prompted cancellation of the commercial fishing season off the coasts of California and Oregon; A lack of adequate water led regulators in Idaho, Arizona, and Montana to deny permits for new coal-fired power plants; In Riverside County, California, water shortages forced a water district to put on hold seven proposed commercial and residential developments…”

In EXODUS 17:1-7, we note: “The Israelite community set out from the Desert of Sin, traveling from place to place as the Lord commanded…but there was no water for the people to drink. So they quarreled with Moses and said, Give us water to drink. Moses replied, Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to the test? But the people were thirsty for water there, and they grumbled and tested the Lord saying, Is the Lord among us or not?” The Lord directed Moses to a rock and directed him to strike the rock. When he did, a supply of water gushed and the thirst was quenched.” In JOHN 4:7-14, Jesus converses with The Samaritan Woman regarding water. Jesus said: “Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink? Jesus answered her, If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water…Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst…the water I give him will become in him a spring of water bubbling up to eternal life." Has your inner thirst been quenched through the Living Water offered by Jesus Christ? Once you taste it – you will never thirst again, and you will never exhaust it’s supply! Consider these things with me!
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If - and - Then - and - When

Posted by peripheral on Friday, September 11, 2009 6:50:06 AM
From My Perspective - - -

The politically astute from another time and with firm convictions declared: IF we forget History, THEN we are doomed to repeat it! WHEN that begins to occur, it indicates a shift from the basic foundations and core values of what made our nation strong and prosperous. IF one chooses to ignore the Warning and Danger signs, THEN destructive consequences are not far away, On 11 September 2001, this nation was given a wakeup call regarding the dangerous world in which we live and the particular hatred toward this republic that has endeavored to promote Life, Liberty, and The Pursuit of Happiness – with Liberty and Justice for all. More than 3,000 people died 8 years ago when Aircraft mercilessly flew into the World Trade Center Towers. Suddenly – lives and values were changed. The unbelievable was becoming a reality.

Our Founding Fathers enunciated clearly that ignorance is unacceptable if a nation is to preserve and honor the liberty it has been afforded. Part of their legacy to us includes: "We ought to deprecate the hazard attending ardent and susceptible minds, from being too strongly, and too early prepossessed in favor of other political systems, before they are capable of appreciating their own." --George Washington
"Liberty cannot be preserved without a general knowledge among the people, who have a right, from the frame of their nature, to knowledge, as their great Creator, who does nothing in vain, has given them understandings, and a desire to know; but besides this, they have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge; I mean, of the characters and conduct of their rulers." --John Adams
"A nation under a well regulated government should permit none to remain uninstructed. It is monarchical and aristocratical government only that requires ignorance for its support." --Thomas Paine
"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders." --Samuel Adams
"If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." --Thomas Jefferson
"A popular Government, without popular information, or the means of acquiring it, is but a Prologue to a Farce or a Tragedy; or, perhaps both. Knowledge will forever govern ignorance: And a people who mean to be their own Governors, must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." --James Madison

It is too easy to become numbered with those who forget the horrors of History. It is too easy to become lackadaisical (careless, indifferent).The synonyms include: “abstracted, disinterested, half-hearted, idle, inattentive, languishing, passive, slothful, spiritless, unconcerned…” In the early stages of the Abortion Debate, the Pro-Life groups would often appeal to a Biblical passage: Proverbs 24:1-12 (excerpts): “Don't envy evil people…For they spend their days plotting violence, and their words are always stirring up trouble. A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables. A wise man is mightier than a strong man, and a man of knowledge is more powerful than a strong man…Wisdom is too much for a fool. When the leaders gather, the fool has nothing to say…The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone despises a mocker. If you fail under pressure, your strength is not very great. Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to death; don't stand back and let them die. Don't try to avoid responsibility by saying you didn't know about it. For God knows all hearts, and He sees you. He keeps watch…and He knows you knew! He will judge all people according to what they have done.” Will Health Reform actually fund abortions? Will Elderly and the very ill be counseled in terms of life-ending choices? Will health Care be rationed in the near-future? Do you care what is happening in our nation and Tax Revenues? Do you “bury your head in the sand and allow that debate is for politicians and others? The Judge of all people has spoken: “DON'T TRY TO AVOID RESPONSIBILITY BY SAYING YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT IT.” You Know! You need to demonstrate that You Care! God Knows that You Know! God Cares and wants You To Care too! Consider these things with me!
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Swill and Swirl

Posted by peripheral on Monday, September 07, 2009 8:17:19 AM
From My Perspective - - -

We have heard much about the “Culture of Corruption” in Politics. The current majority party used that as a mantra during the last election cycle, and did so effectively. However, when one gets down into the “Swill” and it begins to “Swirl”, it produces that which is corrupt in a more universal way. When “Swill” is referenced, it means: “liquid or partly liquid food for animals, esp. kitchen refuse given to swine; hogwash; kitchen refuse in general; garbage; any liquid mess, waste, or refuse; slop.” When one gets to stirring it, or to “Swirl” it, it means: “To move with a twisting or whirling motion; eddy; to be dizzy or disoriented.”

At the beginning of this year, Congressman John Carter, R-Texas submitted legislation (HR 735 - also known as the "Rangel Rule Act of 2009”). He states the idea for this legislation was spurred by two factors: (a) for decades, Texas lawyers have used the "Hobby Rule" to win the immediate release of clients arrested on DWI charges. Longtime Texas Lt.Gov Bill Hobby was locked up one night for driving under the influence, but immediately released when his attorney came down to point out the high status of his client. When news of this special treatment slipped out, the court tried to defend itself by saying it was standard procedure to release a suspect into the custody of an attorney, though everyone knew any regular DWI inmate would have been held for bond or trial. Ever since, Texas lawyers have sought the release of their inebriated clients by exercising this previously unknown "Hobby Rule." It's standard legal procedure to this day. (b) “American taxpayers could win the same treatment according to HR 735, thanks to…Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-Harlem), and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Chairman Rangel admitted on the floor of the House that he had for years failed to pay tax on rental income from his resort property in the Caribbean. He apologized for this "oversight" and agreed to pay his back taxes - but has paid no interest or penalties. Secretary Geithner admitted in his Senate confirmation hearings he had for years failed to pay taxes on his income from the International Monetary Fund, even though the IMF sent him checks and instructions to pay those taxes. He also called this an "oversight," and has paid no penalties and faces no charges. Rep. Rangel is the Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, which oversees the IRS. And Geithner is Secretary of the Treasury. Just like Bill Hobby, these two high-status men have received different treatment than the common taxpayer.”

Some of what is known as fact regarding the “Culture of Corruption” includes the following: $34,000.00, federal taxes that Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner (D) failed to pay during his employment at the International Monetary Fund; $75,000.00 is the amount of money that Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY), was forced to report on his taxes after the discovery that he had not reported income from a Dominican Republic rental property; $133,900.00 is the amount Fannie Mae "invested" in Chris Dodd (D-CT), head of the Senate Banking Committee; $140,000.00 is the amount of back taxes and interest that Cabinet nominee Tom Daschle (D) was forced to pay after the vetting process revealed significant, unexplained tax liabilities, etc. This is merely the tip of the “Culture of Corruption” iceberg.

An important guideline is given in Romans 13:1-2,“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted…” In Romans 13:5-7, “…it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” The person who is obedient to God’s Word should not be near or in the Swill and Swirl of the Culture of Corruption. The obedient follower of Christ should not have to utilize a “Hobby Rule” or a “Rangel Rule”! The point of these rules is that every citizen should be treated equally and fairly. A Basic Rule for the follower of Jesus Christ is: Stay Away From The Swill, or you will get Caught In The Swirl! Consider these things with me!
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Algorithms

Posted by peripheral on Thursday, September 03, 2009 6:42:05 AM
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!
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Inconsequential - Indifference

Posted by peripheral on Wednesday, September 02, 2009 6:53:00 AM
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!
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Absolution

Posted by peripheral on Monday, August 31, 2009 5:32:49 AM
From My Perspective - - -

Most were able to view many hours of the Senator Edward M. Kennedy Funeral events this past week. There were some very human and touching moments as different family members shared their recollections and vignettes of the many happy experiences they shared together.

The ABC-TV Boston Affiliate shared the following report prepared by Veronica Haynes, Senior News Editor: “…Kennedy's friend, retired Washington Archbishop Cardinal Theodore McCarrick officiated the brief, but poignant, graveside service. They called him the Lion of the Senate, and indeed that is what he was. His roar and his zeal for what he believed made a difference in our nation's life. Sometimes, of course, we who were his friends and had great affection for him would get mad at him when he would roar at what we believed was the wrong side of the issue. But we always knew and we were always touched by his passion for the underdog, the rights of working people, for better education, for adequate health care for every American…McCarrick also read from a letter that the ailing senator wrote to Pope Benedict XVI asking for his prayers and guidance as he entered the final chapter of his life. The letter was hand-delivered by President Barack Obama during a recent visit to the Vatican: I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines. I was diagnosed with brain cancer more than a year ago, and although I continue treatment, the disease is taking its toll on me…I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path."

Senator Kennedy’s letter also contained these words: “I want you to know, Your Holiness, that in my nearly 50 years of elective office, I have done my best to champion the rights of the poor and open doors of economic opportunity. I've worked to welcome the immigrant, fight discrimination and expand access to health care and education. I have opposed the death penalty and fought to end war. Those are the issues that have motivated me and been the focus of my work as a United States Senator. I also want you to know that even though I am ill, I am committed to do everything I can to achieve access to health care for everyone in my country. This has been the political cause of my life. I believe in a conscience protection for Catholics in the health care field and will continue to advocate for it…I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic, Your Holiness, and though I have fallen short through human failings, I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings…”

A key phrase is: “…I believe in a conscience protection for Catholics in the health care field and will continue to advocate for it…” Is this a carefully worded appeal seeking absolution for a personal focus and voting record on abortion? Can this be a desire to remove guilt from any inference regarding euthanasia in the much discussed National Health Plan? Absolution is: “an act of absolving; a freeing from blame or guilt; release from consequences, obligations, or penalties.” In Roman Catholic Theology, it also means: “a remission of sin or of the punishment for sin, made by a priest in the sacrament of penance on the ground of authority received from Christ. The letter is almost an appeal for Absolution without giving Definitive Statement regarding why such Absolution is being sought. In the vernacular, it would be “covering all the bases” just to play it safe! In Psalm 19:7-14 (NLT), The Psalmist David makes his appeal before God: “The law of the LORD is perfect…The decrees of the LORD are trustworthy…The commandments of the LORD are right…The commands of the LORD are clear…The laws of the LORD are true…They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them. How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults. Keep me from deliberate sins! Don't let them control me. Then I will be free of guilt and innocent of great sin. May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Words and deeds have consequences. The Grace of God alone can absolve one of sin and guilt but it has to be remembered that such Absolution is “not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:9). This kind of Absolution is based on Christ’s work on the cross, not on man’s deeds or terms. Consider these things with me!
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Hypocritical Hallucination

Posted by peripheral on Friday, August 28, 2009 3:49:47 PM
From My Perspective - - -

Many have insisted that the words in our Pledge of Allegiance must always contain, “one nation, under God” – but – whatever happened to “and to the Republic…with liberty and justice for all. We live in a time that is marked by disillusionment and confusion. We have been bombarded by “change” that is difficult to understand and assimilate. Those who are more cynical than others suggest that: “Obama's health care plan will: (a) Be written by a committee whose head says he doesn't understand it; (b) Be passed by a Congress that hasn't read it (but exempts themselves from it); (c) Be signed by a president who smokes (and also hasn't read it); (d) Have funding administered by a treasury chief who did not pay his taxes; (e) Be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese; and (f) Be financed by a country that is nearly broke. What could possibly go wrong?” A Congressman calculated that if we halted all debt accumulation today, and froze all expenditures, and began to pay off the current Budget Deficit at the rate of one million dollars per day, it would take more than 34,000 years to pay off the national debt. Tax Revenues coming in average approximately $17,500.00 per person – but – the expenditures going out average approximately $31,500.00 per person. It is an unsustainable Debt that is being heaped upon future generations of our nation.

Some have asserted that “The Lion of Liberalism” in the US Senate, Edward (Ted) Kennedy, was part of the problem and cause of the trends of our times. However, an interesting column posted by Cal Thomas on August 26, 2009 – entitled – My Friend, Ted Kennedy - shares some of the following thoughts: “…my 25-year relationship with Sen. Edward Kennedy…began in 1983 when I received a call from a Washington Post reporter. I was working for the Moral Majority at the time and a computer had spit out a membership card for Senator Kennedy and then inadvertently sent it to him. The reporter asked if I wanted the card back. No, I said. We don't believe anyone is beyond redemption. In fact, I hope Sen. Kennedy comes and speaks at Liberty Baptist College (now Liberty University), the school founded by the late Jerry Falwell. A few days later, I received a call from Kennedy's chief of staff. The senator accepts your invitation. I was stunned and so was Falwell, but Kennedy came and was well received. He spoke on faith, truth and tolerance… Kennedy said: "I am an American and a Catholic; I love my country and treasure my faith. But I do not assume that my conception of patriotism or policy is invariably correct, or that my convictions about religion should command any greater respect than any other faith in this pluralistic society…When people agree on public policy, they ought to be able to work together, even while they worship in diverse ways. For truly, we are all yoked together as Americans, and the yoke is the happy one of individual freedom and mutual respect…Separation of church and state cannot mean an absolute separation between moral principles and political power. The challenge today is to recall the origin of the principle, to define its purpose, and refine its application to the politics of the present…"

The Core Values of Senator Kennedy are now overshadowed by the reality of those who don’t share those values and qualify for the designation of being a Hypocrite. A Hypocrite is: “a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, that he or she does not actually possess; one who puts on a mask and feigns himself to be what he is not.” In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus addressed the issue of Hypocrisy in Matthew 6:2,5,16. It pertains to the ways in which the Scribes and Pharisees did their giving to the poor; how they would pray in public; and the manner in which they fasted – all to be seen and noticed by the community and organized religion. Jesus condemned it for what it was – not honoring God but merely acts of self-aggrandizement. Cal Thomas shares one other thought about Ted Kennedy: “I came to see Sen. Kennedy not as a symbol, but as a fellow human being who did not get up each morning seeking ways to harm the country. I know of things he did for the poor and homeless on his own time and in his own way without a press release or a desire for public approval. I know of other hurts and concerns he shared with a very few he could trust about which I would never speak.” How many of us give proper expression of our belief system and persuasions. Is it done in a way that honors the Lord or does it meet with His disapproval? Are we wearing a mask of Hypocrisy or are we the “real deal”? Consider these things with me!
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A Bridge To Nowhere

Posted by peripheral on Thursday, August 27, 2009 8:03:59 AM
From My Perspective - - -

Feeling abandoned to the inevitable is the plight of many. People find themselves in impossible situations and feel they are both trapped and helpless in their circumstance. All motivation to go on seems lost; hopes have faded; the will to be and to do has dissipated; the personal spirit has been broken or crushed; one seems suspended in time and space – uncared for and abandoned to unwanted and harsh realities. One tries to smile in spite of adversity but the pain of a broken heart prevents the brightness of that smile. What is one to do? How can one escape such complicated circumstances? How did one ever arrive at this point? It is like being on an endless treadmill or traveling on a bridge that goes nowhere – except for the further affliction, anguish and pain.

The above can describe all too many lives and marriages. It is a sad case and event of being abandoned to a very difficult context for one’s life. What is Abandonment? What does it look like? How did it occur? A frequent place where Abandonment is observed is in certain Marriages. The definition of Abandonment is: “to leave completely and finally, forsake utterly, desert; to give up, discontinue, withdraw from…” Synonyms are: Abandon, relinquish, renounce, to give up all concern in something; to give up or discontinue any further interest in something/someone because of discouragement, weariness, distaste, or the like…”

Abandonment can occur in several areas – individually, as a family unit, or a particular group (such as military units being taken as Prisoner of War). It impacts and crosses several areas of one’s being - Emotional; Physical; Financial; Fiduciary; etc. EMOTIONAL: Where a spouse no longer maintains a viable relationship with another or having any concern for another's feelings, needs, worth; PHYSICAL: where a spouse no longer maintains a viable interpersonal relationship, or is just not present to demonstrate any responsibility or care; or being harsh and cruel – abusive; FINANCIAL: where a spouse no longer provides for the upkeep of another; a family; a property; relationships; a total disregard for everyone and everything except self (narcissism run amuck); and FIDUCIARY: where a spouse ignores mortgage responsibilities (as a person to whom property or power is entrusted for the benefit of another) and other legal obligations are neglected – this is the DNA of the one who abandons and who has disregarded all duty, responsibility and trust. In a marriage and family situation, this can imperil the ones a spouse had vowed loyalty to and oneness with in a forever relationship (until death us do part). However, one is deserted and abandoned – left with hopelessness and despair – on a bridge to nowhere.

The Bible states how the irresponsible and/or abusive spouse is viewed from a heavenly perspective: (I Timothy 5:7-8 – NLT): “But those who won't care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers.” And the same verses in The Message: Tell these things to the people so that they will do the right thing in their extended family. Anyone who neglects to care for family members in need repudiates the faith. That's worse than refusing to believe in the first place.” That being said, what about the abandoned and/or abused person and family?

The Bible speaks of those who found themselves abandoned - trapped with no where to go – Jonah in the whale; Elijah as he fled from the threats of Jezebel; Job when he lost all of his family and possessions; Israel when they disobeyed God and chose idols instead. For these, and others, there was a reality check - their abandonment would end through deliverance by the Lord’s hand. A word of encouragement for the weary, oppressed, abandoned is Isaiah 42:5-6, “This is what God the Lord says-- He who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it: I, the Lord, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you…” He will take you from The Bridge To Nowhere and place you on a road to somewhere – He will hold on to you and never let you go! He will lead you safely from where you are to a place that is right and good for you! Enjoy being in His grip! Consider these things with me!
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Abandonment

Posted by peripheral on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 6:47:49 AM
From My Perspective - - -

Robinson Crusoe is a novel by Daniel Defoe first published in 1719, and sometimes considered to be the first novel in English. After a tumultuous journey that sees his ship wrecked by a vicious storm, his lust for the sea remains so strong that he sets out to sea again. This journey too ends in disaster as the ship is taken over by pirates, and Crusoe becomes the slave of a Moor. He manages to escape and years later, he joins an expedition to bring slaves from Africa, but is shipwrecked in a storm about forty miles out to sea on an island - which he calls the Island of Despair. His companions all die. He proceeds to build a fenced-in habitation near a cave which he excavates himself. He keeps a calendar by making marks in a wooden cross built by himself. He reads the Bible and suddenly becomes religious, thanking God for his fate in which nothing is missing but society. The immediacy of his situation is the sense of abandonment – having been left completely and finally; forsaken utterly; deserted and alone to either survive by ingenuity or to die in despair. Crusoe chose to live and devised a plan of survival and deliverance from his Island of Despair.

In a similar way, a recent film - CAST AWAY – tells the story of Chuck Noland who is a time-obsessed FedEx systems analyst, who travels worldwide resolving productivity problems at FedEx depots. A Christmas with relatives is interrupted by Chuck being summoned to resolve a problem overseas. While flying through a violent thunderstorm somewhere over the southern Pacific Ocean, an incident occurs on Chuck's plane which results in it crashing into the ocean. Chuck is able to escape the sinking plane and is saved by an inflatable life-raft, which floats for some time in the storm before being washed up on an island. It soon becomes clear that the island is uninhabited, and Chuck's early attempts to make visual signals for any searching aircraft, and to escape the island in the remnants of his life raft are fruitless. Four years pass, and after a large sheet of plastic washes up on the island, Chuck decides to use it as a sail in the construction of a raft. After spending some time building and stocking the raft and deciding when the weather conditions will be optimal, Chuck launches the raft and finally escapes the island. After some time on the ocean, the raft is virtually destroyed by a storm. Distraught, Chuck resigns himself to his fate and abandons his attempt to find rescue. Half-dead and sunburned, he is found drifting a short time later by a passing cargo ship. Upon returning home Chuck discovers that he has long been given up for dead by everyone he knows; his family and friends held a funeral; and the love of his life had married someone else.

Some situations of abandonment occur by accident, whereas others happen by design. In Genesis 37, there is the account of Joseph being sold into slavery. His older brothers feel he is more loved by their father than they are, and come to the point where they hate him. At first, they plan to kill him but them decide to sell him to a passing caravan. A commentator (Boice) shares his impressions of Joseph: “Joseph, being seventeen years old: He was loved and hated, favored and abused, tempted and trusted, exalted and abased. Yet at no point in the 110 year life of Joseph did he ever seem to get his eyes off God or cease to trust him. Adversity did not harden his character. Prosperity did not ruin him. He was the same in private as in public.”

What is it that sustained Joseph in his abandonment? How did he manage to survive rejection, hatred, being alone, and having become chattel in the hands of others? It is the truth shared throughout all generations and eloquently stated in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; I will help thee; I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” There comes a time during a famine when Joseph will be in the company of his brothers one more time. They are at his mercy and revenge could be so sweet. But - what will Joseph do at such a moment? How will he respond to those who hated him and wanted him dead? In Genesis 50:19-21, “Joseph said to them…You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” He forgave them and fed them! Don’t let adversity or abandonment harden your character. God has not abandoned you! Consider these things with me!
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Foils, Foibles, Fools

Posted by peripheral on Friday, August 21, 2009 7:50:02 AM
From My Perspective - - -

A Foil is one who sets out “to prevent the success of; to frustrate…” the goals and plans of another, The design is “to keep (a person) from succeeding in an enterprise, plan.” This is illustrated in the Novel – Vanity Fair - by William Makepeace Thackeray who was born at Calcutta in 1811. On his way to England from India, he saw Napoleon on St. Helena. His attendance at a school run by a Dr. Turner gave him experience later used in his book, Vanity Fair. A visit to Weimar bore fruit in the sketches of life at a small German court which appear in Vanity Fair. In 1848, while he was on the staff of Punch, he wrote Vanity Fair, the work which placed him in the first rank of novelists. It is a Novel of scheming, intrigue, relentless pursuit of a selfish desire, and how the attempt was foiled.

Vanity Fair focuses on “Amelia Sedley, of good family, and Rebecca Sharp, an orphan, who leave Miss Pinkerton's academy on Chiswick Mall to live out their lives in Vanity Fair — the world of social climbing and search for wealth. Amelia does not esteem the values of Vanity Fair; Rebecca cares for nothing else. Rebecca first attempts to enter the sacred domain of Vanity Fair by inducing Joseph Sedley, Amelia's brother, to marry her. George Osborne, however, foils this plan; he intends to marry Amelia and does not want a governess for a sister-in-law. Because of George's marriage, old Osborne disinherits him. Both young couples endeavor to live without sufficient funds. When Rawdon discovers Rebecca in her treachery, he is convinced that money means more to her than he or the son whom she has always hated. Because her parents are starving and she can neither provide for them nor give little Georgy what she thinks he needs, Amelia gives up her son to his grandfather Osborne. William Dobbin comes back from the service, reconciles old Osborne to Amelia, whereat Osborne makes a will leaving Georgy half of his fortune and providing for Amelia. Rebecca, having lost the respectability of a husband, wanders in Europe for a couple of years and finally meets Joseph, Georgy, Amelia, and William on the Continent. Rebecca sets about to finish what she started to do at the first - ensnare Joseph. She does not marry him, but she takes all his money and he dies in terror of her, the implication being that she has, at least, hastened his death. At the end of the book Rebecca has the money necessary to live in Vanity Fair; she appears to be respectable. William has won Amelia…”

The Novel serves in show the interweaving of Foils, Foibles and Fools. In today’s Wall Street Journal Online, Peggy Noonan concludes her column on: “Pull The Plug On Obama-Care” with these words – “It's not especially pleasurable to see history held hostage to ideological vanity, but it's not the first time. And if they keep it up, they'll help solve the president's problem. He'll have a Republican congress soon enough.” The mystique of a Vanity Fair Syndrome. Vanity can blind one to Reality and that which is Right! Vanity can compel one to drive into the obstructions no matter the peril or cost. Two of the several meanings of Vanity are: “excessive pride in one's appearance, qualities, abilities, achievements, character or quality of being vain; conceit;” and “lack of real value; hollowness; worthlessness.”

The Book of Ecclesiastes could be viewed as an Essay on Vanity. Is it any wonder that the wisdom writer would pause and note: Ecclesiastes 2:1, 11 – “I said in my heart, Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore enjoy pleasure; but surely, this also was vanity. Then I looked on all the works that my hands had done And on the labor in which I had toiled; And indeed all was vanity and grasping for the wind. There was no profit under the sun.” And then Vs.15-17, “So I said in my heart, As it happens to the fool, It also happens to me, And why was I then more wise? Then I said in my heart, This also is vanity. For there is no more remembrance of the wise than of the fool forever, Since all that now is will be forgotten in the days to come. And how does a wise man die? As the fool! Therefore I hated life because the work that was done under the sun was distressing to me, for all is vanity and grasping for the wind.” Life is more than the undaunted and vanity-driven pursuits. Godly and Righteous Values must be the reality and not merely a political ploy to achieve a personal goal. Vanity is not our Victory. Consider these things with me!
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