From My Perspective - - -

The US Senate is beginning to look like a Mental Institution that has been taken over by the patients – there is so little order, decorum or common sense on display there currently. An example is a Newsday Article (January 8^th, 2009) regarding: “Senate Democratic leaders yesterday laid out a path for former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate, softening their initial ardent opposition to Burris' appointment last week. After an hour-long meeting with Burris on Capitol Hill, Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and Majority Whip Richard Durbin of Illinois told reporters that they would consider Burris' appointment if it is certified by the Illinois secretary of state and if Burris testifies successfully before legislators in Illinois who are considering the impeachment of Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of corruption charges, including looking to sell Obama's Senate seat. Once that's done, we'll be in a position to see what we're going to do, said Reid, who last week had declared any appointment that Blagojevich made would be tainted. In a news conference yesterday morning, Obama said he would accept Burris as his replacement in the Senate.” The List of things for Mr. Burris “to do” if he is to be considered is bogus and a face-saving procedure to cover-over the foolishness of the Senate Majority Leader. It is part of the game people often play in Washington, DC.

This reminded me of a “to do List” suggested by Max Lucado in his book, IN THE EYE OF THE STORM. He speaks of various “lists” that people could and should consider for their lives. Among his suggestions are: “The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain. There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings….” Then he shares a long list of “to do” things for the New Year - - -

• Love God more than you fear hell.
• Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
• Make major decisions in a cemetery.
• When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
• Succeed at home first.
• Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
• Pray twice as much as you fret.
• Listen twice as much as you speak.
• Only harbor a grudge when God does.
• Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
• Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
• It’s wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
• God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
• When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
• Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
• Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
• The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
• Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
• Live your liturgy.
• Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the Captain.

Consider these things with me - - - A pithy statement from the past states: “God has given you two ears and one mouth – he expects you to do twice as much listening as you do talking.” That’s the idea shared in James 1:19 (NLT): “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” Elected officials surely need to put those words into practice – but then – so do you and I. Have you…we…I been diligent in trying it? I didn’t think so!  

From My Perspective - - -

On the Eve of the Inauguration of the 44^th President of the United States, this same controversy is brought to bear and formal court appeals are being made by Atheists in our nation. Prayer is alright ONLY IF one does not use the name of God and In Jesus’ Name. The Oath of Office can say whatever, just so long as it does not conclude with four words, namely, “so help me God.” One Pundit on a Sunday News Program allowed that the Ceremonial use of God has become so diminished that it is merely a term without significance. If that is true, and it certainly appears that it is, we have come too far as a nation and may not have much further to go. A nation that Dispossess God is a nation that is charting a course toward difficulty, judgment and obliteration.

From My Perspective - - -

As events unfold in ones life, sooner or later reference will be made to “The Peter Principle”! The general interpretation is that a person has a level of ability/competency and to go beyond that level invokes The Peter Principle. What is The Peter Principle? The Peter Principle states that in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his/her level of incompetence. It was formulated by Dr. Laurence J. Peter and Raymond Hull in their 1968 book THE PETER PRINCIPLE, a humorous treatise which also introduced the salutary science of Hierarchiology, inadvertently founded by Peter, the principle has real validity. It holds that in a hierarchy, members are promoted so long as they work competently. Sooner or later they are promoted to a position at which they are no longer competent (their level of incompetence), and there they remain. Peter's corollary states that in time, every post tends to be occupied by an employee who is incompetent to carry out his duties and adds that work is accomplished by those employees who have not yet reached their level of incompetence.

The Author, Gary North, in his Thesis: “Computers Versus The Peter Principle” writes: “The Peter Principle vies with Parkinson’s Law as one of the two most fundamental laws of bureaucracy. Parkinson’s Law was first articulated in public in 1955: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. C. Northcote Parkinson was a professional historian with the famous dry wit that was once common to the British upper class. He turned an article in The Economist into a book, Parkinson’s Law, in 1957. He later offered a corollary: "Expenditure rises to meet income. The Peter Principle was first made public in Jan. 1967, in an article in Esquire. This principle announces: In a hierarchy, every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence. Professor Peter was a specialist in the area of hierarchical incompetence. He was a professor of education. Here is his thesis. People get promoted in a hierarchy for as long as they display competence on the job. At some point, however, everyone hits his ceiling of competence. But neither he nor his employer recognizes that this is his top. So, he is given one additional promotion. At that point, he has risen to his level of incompetence. He will cease receiving any further promotions.”

While there are many applications that can be made in this regard, rather than drift toward denigrating any group, the point of focus is on motivation, skills development, ability that matches expectation, and maximized performance. A reason why Seminars and In-Service Training has been developed is to hone the skills of an individual so there can be increased motivation, skill development, productivity and realization of fulfillment in ones task. Regardless of ones experience and task involvement, there is considerable development in all skill areas. It would be short-sighted and unwise to ignore or be detached from the opportunities to increase knowledge and to learn better ways to accomplish a task. It is possible to invent a better mouse trap, or a better broom, etc. The learning curve is always a continuum and maximum potential is always the pursuit. None of this can occur through osmosis! It requires discipline and study and effort.

Consider these things with me - - - The Peter Principle is shattered when the Spiritual Dynamic enters. God, The Creator, spoke – “Let Us Make” – and the Universe and Man came into being. Two thoughts: In Matthew 4:18, as Jesus began to summon men/disciples, He said: “Come, follow me…and I will make you…” It would be instilling extra-ordinary skills and abilities into ordinary men. In like manner, in II Corinthians 5:17, we read: “…if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” The operative phrase is “new creation”! The overall point is that God has always been The Creator and His Work is now particularized in terms of the one who is In Christ. There is a new horizon, a new hope, a new potential, a new “You” as this new creation takes place, and the words of Jesus echo to you – “I Will Make You…” into what I want you to be. The only way this proposition can be proven and tested is for one to be In Christ where this new creation process will take place. To read about this “new creation” possibility further, one can consult Psalm 1; Ephesians 2 and 4; II Corinthians 5; etc. The difference between The Peter Principle and The Jesus Principle is that Jesus guarantees the new creation result in and for you!

From My Perspective - - -

It is obvious that polarization (a sharp division, as of a population or group, into opposing factions) is a reality within our nation. In an effort to address conflict on a secular level, someone has developed a list of 8 Possibilities For Conflict Resolution as a starting point: 1) Know Yourself and Your Vulnerabilities – Take Care of Yourself So You Don’t Capitulate Inappropriately Just To Achieve Resolve At Any Cost; 2) Clarify Personal Needs Threatened By Dispute or Misunderstanding; 3) Identify A Safe and Neutral Place for Discussion or Negotiation; 4) Be Ready To Listen As Well As To Interact; 5) Assert Your Needs Calmly, Clearly and Specifically; 6) Approach Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution with Flexibility; 7) Manage Impasse with Gentleness, Patience, and Respect; 8) Develop A Realistic Agreement that Can Result In Mutual Resolve. These steps should be able to begin a conversation and dialogue between individuals and/or groups. There are some “impasse” circumstance (a position or situation from which there is no escape; deadlock) that make any effort challenging and difficult. Many Divorce Circumstances have reached the “Impasse” level before counsel is sought or desired. Currently, the Conflict between Israel and Hamas (Gaza) represents a situation of great concern but one that is not ripe for resolution at this moment. One has to search to find those moments of national unity within our own nation – such moments, like September 11, 2001, evaporate all too quickly and the nation reverts back to its polarizing body politic. One wonders - ponders: Can Peace – Will Peace ever be a national reality again?

In a recent NEWSMAX Article (December 23^rd, 2008), Jim Walters reported: U.S. MILITARY PREPARING FOR DOMESTIC DISTURBANCES. The report contains the following: “A new report from the U.S. Army War College discusses the use of American troops to quell civil unrest brought about by a worsening economic crisis. The report from the War College’s Strategic Studies Institute warns that the U.S. military must prepare for a violent, strategic dislocation inside the United States that could be provoked by unforeseen economic collapse or loss of functioning political and legal order…Widespread civil violence inside the United States would force the defense establishment to reorient priorities in extremis to defend basic domestic order…An American government and defense establishment lulled into complacency by a long-secure domestic order would be forced to rapidly divest some or most external security commitments in order to address rapidly expanding human insecurity at home. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned last week of riots and unrest in global markets if the ongoing financial crisis is not addressed and lower-income households are beset with credit constraints and rising unemployment, the Phoenix Business Journal reported. Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma and Rep. Brad Sherman of California disclosed that Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed a worst-case scenario as he pushed the Wall Street bailout in September, and said that scenario might even require a declaration of martial law. The Army College report states: “DOD might be forced by circumstances to put its broad resources at the disposal of civil authorities to contain and reverse violent threats to domestic tranquility. Under the most extreme circumstances, this might include use of military force against hostile groups inside the United States…

Consider these things with me - - - Functional Axioms are: “It’s never right to do wrong so that right can occur.” The Biblical Approach is simply (Psalm 122:6-9): “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem (or Washington, DC, etc.): May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels. For the sake of my brothers and friends, I will say, Peace be within you. For the sake of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek your prosperity.” It is a focus away from self-serving interests and wants to a collective consideration – what is best overall and will serve the best interests of the greater number. Additionally (Psalm 34:11-14), “Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” These are first-steps on the path and road to Conflict Resolution and the lessening of Polarization. Try It! You Might Like It!

From My Perspective - - -

It is often said that “the world is getting to be much smaller” as communication and world markets expand. Some nations that had been hesitant to be globally involved, except for expansionist purposes, are now large population centers with demand for economic inclusion. The world’s population has expanded greatly with some nations (India, China, etc.) having 1 billion plus citizens. With accelerated modernization, there is also demand for greater inclusion in the world’s markets. The United States of America places certain restrictions within its economy to prevent pollution, etc., as well as limiting the usage of certain chemicals and other ingredients in products to maintain and prevent health factors throughout the nation. However, other nations do not observe these same standards and values. This allowed for lead-based paint on several products from China – including children’s toys. If you haven’t noticed lately, many – if not most of our products are made outside of the United States with China being the largest exporter of goods to the USA.

As focus is placed on the world’s economy and markets, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating and issuing alerts regarding the Confirmed Cases of Avian Influenza A (H5N1). In an assessment of the current situation, the following is stated: “The highly pathogenic avian influenza A (H5N1) epizootic (animal outbreak) in Asia, Europe, the Near East, and Africa is not expected to diminish significantly in the short term. It is likely that H5N1 virus infections among domestic poultry have become endemic in certain areas and that sporadic human infections resulting from direct contact with infected poultry and/or wild birds will continue to occur. So far, the spread of H5N1 virus from person-to-person has been very rare, limited and unsustained. However, this epizootic continues to pose an important public health threat…Research suggests that currently circulating strains of H5N1 viruses are becoming more capable of causing disease (pathogenic) in animals than were earlier H5N1 viruses. One study found that ducks infected with H5N1 virus are now shedding more virus for longer periods without showing symptoms of illness. This finding has implications for the role of ducks in transmitting disease to other birds and possibly to humans as well.”

“The World Health Organization has reported human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1) in Asia, Africa, the Pacific, Europe and the Near East. Indonesia and Vietnam have reported the highest number of H5N1 cases to date. Overall mortality in reported H5N1 cases is approximately 60%. The majority of cases have occurred among children and adults aged less than 40 years old. Mortality was highest in cases aged 10-19 years old. Studies have documented the most significant risk factors for human H5N1 infection to be direct contact with sick or dead poultry or wild birds, or visiting a live poultry market. Most human H5N1 cases have been hospitalized late in their illness with severe respiratory disease.” The speculation is this disease, if it makes the jump from poultry to humans could possibly have a 75% infection rate and a 50% mortality rate.

Consider these things with me - - - An interesting word appears in Exodus 15:25-26, “…the Lord made for them a statute and a rule, and he tested them, saying, If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.” The very one who can control and heal all disease is the one our nation and world is reluctant to hear and heed. With all the Health and Environmental Laws that are passed and enforced, this nation and all nations of the world, continue to turn to other things and other religions rather than turning to Almighty God. He will get the attention of mankind one way or another. He would prefer response to His Word and His Son and His Gospel. When that path is rejected and ignored, H5N1 is merely one possibility on the horizon. How many Wars, Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Tornadoes, Wild Fires, Contagious Diseases and other violent displays will it take before Mankind and the World begins to pay attention to the Only True God?

From My Perspective - - -

A sad headline occurred a few days ago, “Madoff Investor Found Dead Of Possible Suicide.” It is an account of Rene-Thierry Magon de la Villehuchet, an owner of a Hedge Fund, who had invested $1.4 Billion in Mr. Madoff’s financial charade. Many people have been affected by their blind trust in a man or ignorance in terms of risk management. One who fancies himself as a risk management expert wrote: “The economic events of the past few days transitioned the months-long saga of financial irresponsibility past merely stunning into the realm of truly terrifying. We’ve leaped past the predictable into a maelstrom of uncertainty edging on a black hole of unknowable repercussions. True, the system could stabilize soon; allowing us to rebuild before the shock waves topple the relatively stable average family. But right now it seems the global economy is so convoluted we’re all moving forward like a big herd navigating Himalayas in a blinding snowstorm with the occasional avalanche.”

One who was writing on corruption and mismanagement in city government spoke of: “Greed, Lies, Stupidity, Incredible Ineptitude, Secrecy, Laziness, etc.” All of these are contributing in the Avarice and Imbecilic approach so evident in the financial markets and management today. Another writer opines: “…we often hold up financial services as the golden child of risk management. In that world, nearly everything is quantifiable, especially with credit and market risk. Complex equations and tables feed intelligent risk decisions that allow financial institutions to manage their risk portfolios while maximizing profitability. All backed by an insurance industry, also using big math, big heads, and big computers; capable of accepting and distributing the financial impact of point failures.” It’s a system that feeds on itself and when it has become cannibalized, seeks remedial assistance so the process can be resuscitated and recycle itself once again.

There has been a growing resistance to making a connection between Biblical Prophecy and Possibilities with a New World Order in general, or Financial Markets and Banking in particular. There is a definition attached to a statement in the Book of Revelation regarding the Anti-Christ. In summary, the definition is: “The goals of the Anti-Christ is to control everything - Religion, jobs, economics, politics, education, government, police, military, banks, communications, entertainment...to have a cashless society controlled by the Antichrist…In a world where cash is eliminated and every financial transaction is done electronically, not only credit cards can be used, but also your micro chip number, retinal readers, voice recognition systems, signature dynamics...” We are well on the way toward a new way of doing business and existing in this world.

Consider these things with me - - - Lest we think these things are too far-fetched in terms of possibility, consider the word of prophecy in Revelation 13:16-18 records, “…He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.”  For years, there have been all kinds of speculation in terms of what this means and when it will happen. It is worth being reminded that the requirement of everyone having a Social Security Number is an indicator of how a central management can control what you can have and when you can get it. The entire development of both Credit and Debit Cards; Electronic Transfers of money; Direct Deposits – have us well on our way to a central control and regulation. If one is inclined to call a firm regarding a transaction, nearly every major business in this country makes use of electronic communication. Seldom does one connect to a real person with whom an intelligent and understandable conversation can ensue. We are caught in the maelstrom of avarice and the imbecilic and most are not even aware of it. That’s how a Madoff can accumulate and misappropriate $50 Billion and be undetected for so long; and – that’s why another who invested $1.4 Billion with him can no longer face his clients and world – and commits suicide. In Luke 12:13-21, Jesus is instructing and warns: "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." Try Jesus’ way – it is safe and wise!

From My Perspective - - -

As we fast-forward to the 21^st Century, that phrase can be restated: “Earth has no fury like a homosexual asserting an alternative lifestyle and acceptance of the same as a norm for life.” On the one hand, there is expressed outrage because President-Elect has selected an Evangelical who embraces traditional marriage between a man and a woman to give the Inaugural Invocation. On the other hand, Pope Benedict has now become an object of criticism and rejection for his remarks in a news item: “Pope Benedict was accused of stoking homophobia today after a speech in which he declared that saving humanity from homosexuality was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction. The Pontiff made the remarks yesterday in an end-of-year address to the Curia, the Vatican's central administration. He said that humanity needed to listen to the language of creation to understand the intended roles of man and woman and behavior beyond traditional heterosexual relations was a destruction of God’s work. The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less, he told scores of prelates gathered in the Vatican's Clementine Hall. "What’s needed is something like a ‘human ecology,’ understood in the right sense. It’s not simply an outdated metaphysics if the Church speaks of the nature of the human person as man and woman, and asks that this order of creation be respected."

The Gay Community appeals to Scientific Data and reference the PEER REVIEW Publication that includes a paper Reprinted from the St. Thomas Law Review, 2005/2006, Volume 18, Issue 2, pages 325-424, By George A. Rekers, Ph.D., FAACP  Distinguished Professor of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science Emeritus University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, South Carolina and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Trinity International University, South Florida Campus, Interestingly, the Gay Community selectively references this work, even though: “…a number of the peers of George A. Rekers; disagreed with him (as does the Gay Community).” I suppose, they would also refuse to read and/or acknowledge another point of view - "Homosexuality & The Father-Wound" by Gordon Dalbey, www.abbafather.com.

Consider these things with me - - - The word of appeal by the Prophet Isaiah (1:16-18 - NLT) is a valid and open invitation: “Wash yourselves and be clean! Let me no longer see your evil deeds. Give up your wicked ways…Come now, let us argue/reason this out, says the LORD. No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool.” And in I Corinthians 6:9-11 (NLT), “Don't fool yourselves. Those who indulge in sexual sin…adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals - none of these will have a share in the Kingdom of God. There was a time when some of you were just like that, but now your sins have been washed away, and you have been set apart for God. You have been made right with God because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you.” A fact of procreation is that it still requires one man and one woman reproducing offspring. Wherever one looks in the animal kingdom, it is also one male with one female in the reproductive order. That’s just the way it is and intended to be!

From My Perspective - - -

“Gay Pride” has become a common phrase in our culture. The word “pride” has varied meaning and usages. Most common are: “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct; the state or feeling of being proud; a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem… a group of lions…” When the phrase – “gay pride” is used, it is done so to recognize a lifestyle choice and expressing the desire for acceptance and equal status within a community.

There is currently a mild firestorm over the fact that President-Elect Obama has chosen Rick Warren, who adheres to a Traditional Lifestyle, to give the Inaugural Invocation. On Bloomberg.Com today, the following headline and report appears: “Obama’s Choice of Pastor Warren a ‘Mistake,’ Barney Frank Says”! President-elect Barack Obama shouldn’t have selected Rick Warren to deliver the Inaugural Invocation because the evangelical pastor has made offensive comments about gays…Giving that kind of mark of approval and honor to someone who has frankly spoken in ways I and many others have found personally very offensive, I thought that was a mistake for the president-elect to do…” Frank, who is openly gay (homosexual), made the comments after Obama stood by his selection of Warren for the January 20 Inauguration. Obama, speaking at a Dec. 18 news conference, said he doesn’t share Warren’s views on gay rights and wants to create an atmosphere “where we can disagree without being disagreeable and then focus on those things that we hold in common as Americans.”

It’s interesting how language changes to allow a different impression and acceptance. For instance, “Liberal” is now changed to “Progressive”; Government Entitlements based on Increased Taxation is now called “Investment”; “Gay” has become the word-choice rather than “Homosexual” and/or “Lesbian”; etc. It reminds one of the old expression: “A Rose by any other name is still a Rose!” Some language from the past has been cruel. Years ago, those living an alternative lifestyle were called “faggots” or “fruits”, etc. As a matter of fact, due to the alternative lifestyle, excessive drug use, motion picture philosophy – comedians began to refer to California as being the land of “fruits and nuts”! Rick Warren becomes the flash-point today because he (a) supported Proposition 8 in California in the most recent voting cycle, and (b) he supports Traditional marriage – a man and a woman constituting a legal union called marriage. The opponents to Warren also state that he opposes abortion, and they use that as another reason why he should be removed from the Inauguration Schedule.

From My Perspective - - -

In many areas and decisions one makes in life, there is an element of risk. It is a scary speculation to think (if the estimate is correct) that 1 in 5 drivers one passes in oncoming traffic is under the influence of “something”. The “risk” pertains to one’s consumption of some mood modifier; or they could be distracted by conversation with someone in the vehicle or on a Cell Phone; or there could be the all-too-frequent “Road Rage” factor present. Whether we like it or not, “Risk” is a real part of one’s way of life.

When it comes to finances and investments, this is a more controllable area of “risk management”! Before anyone makes an investment in anything, there is always a “Prospectus” available that defines the type investment and the risk factor(s). The safest investment is a fixed interest and federally insured (FDIC) saving instrument. Stocks and Stock Portfolios all can go down as well as up – thus – the Risk. There are too many “professionals” who are involved in Stock Market Investments. They have large amounts of funds and can influence the direction of a Stock Investment. They do so with the purchase of a “Call” (a determination of a price level the stock will reach on the upside) or a “Put” (an estimate of the possibility of a stock level on the downside). In other words, they “Hedge” their investment in the hope there will be a net gain versus a net loss! The Encyclopedia states: “hedge funds often seek to offset potential losses in the principal markets they invest in by hedging their investments using a variety of methods, most notably short selling. However, the term "hedge fund" has come to be applied to many funds that do not actually hedge their investments, and in particular to funds using short selling and other "hedging" methods to increase rather than reduce risk, with the expectation of increasing return. Hedge funds are typically open only to a limited range of professional or wealthy investors. This provides them with an exemption in many jurisdictions from regulations governing short selling, derivative contracts, leverage, fee structures and the liquidity of interests in the fund.” This is where the “risk” or “Gamble” is present. With computer models and a whole series of other strategies, a determination is reached in terms of Market Direction.

On the Website - www.investorwords.com – Hedge Funds are defined as: “A fund, usually used by wealthy individuals and institutions, which is allowed to use aggressive strategies that are unavailable to mutual funds, including selling short, leverage, program trading, swaps, arbitrage, and derivatives. Hedge funds are exempt from many of the rules and regulations governing other mutual funds, which allows them to accomplish aggressive investing goals. They are restricted by law to no more than 100 investors per fund, and as a result most hedge funds set extremely high minimum investment amounts, ranging anywhere from $250,000 to over $1 million. As with traditional mutual funds, investors in hedge funds pay a management fee; however, hedge funds also collect a percentage of the profits (usually 20%).” On the website - http://useconomy.about.com/od/themarkets/f/hedge_funds.htm - The following is stated: “Thanks to this compensation structure, hedge fund managers are driven to achieve above market returns. Since they get zero no matter how much money they lose, they are also very risk tolerant. This makes the funds very risky for the investor, who can lose much more than zero.”

Consider these things with me - - On a personal level and due to the Litigious nature of our times, Insurance of different sorts (Life, Medical, Extended Care, Auto, Home, Counseling, Flood, Earthquake, etc.) are prudent choices and a practice of good stewardship. We have the cautionary instruction of Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:19-21 NLT): “Don't store up treasures here on earth, where they can be eaten by moths and get rusty, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where they will never become moth-eaten or rusty and where they will be safe from thieves. Wherever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” This teaching encourages focus upon the things that matter most! It does not forbid investment but does enjoin that one has personal priorities in perspective and order. Our God is still able to do immeasurably more than any of us can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He has proven to be trustworthy! Question: Is our trust in Him 100%? 

From My Perspective - - -

In December 1963, LET’S MAKE A DEAL became a daytime entry in television as a contestant-driven program. A summary states: “One of TV's all time greatest and most successful shows, Let's Make a Deal was a game of intuition, skill, luck, decision-making and greed...all mixed into one…” People would carry signs, or dress in all kinds of costumes hoping to attract the attention of the Host, Monty Hall. Currently, there is another program that is rated very high – DEAL OR NO DEAL. These programs demonstrate the inner-struggle as contestants determine if a “greed principle” might pay off with a prize of considerable value. Some contestants claim “intuition” and others express “confidence” or “hope” that their selection is the top prize or bring about a valuable outcome.

In December 2008, we have a different “game” revealed that people and organizations have been playing. It, too, has been “…a game of intuition, skill, luck, decision-making and greed…” However, we are reading of the sad result for too many people and organizations as the “jackpot” became elusive and disappeared. In today’s news (December 16, 2008) is the following item: “A federal grand jury is investigating how a company that advised Jefferson County, Alabama, on bond deals that threaten to cause the biggest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history, did similar work in New Mexico after making contributions to Governor Bill Richardson’s political action committees… The investigation reflects another front in nationwide efforts by U.S. prosecutors to investigate so-called pay-to-play in the municipal bond market. The term refers to banks and advisers who make political contributions or personal gifts to public officials in return for fee-paying financing assignments…”

In a similar news item today, there is a continuing revelation of people and organizations who have been ultimately defrauded of Billions of Dollars. The Hedge Fund Scam indicates: “The fallout from Bernard Madoff’s alleged $50bn fraud spread through the global financial system on Monday as more banks revealed exposures to his firm and the beleaguered hedge fund industry braced for withdrawals from worried clients.” Banks, some of whom have received Billions of Dollars from the Federal Government Bailout, have also lost more than $10 Billion Dollars in this investment scheme. We also read: “Outraged philanthropists worldwide nursed wounds on Monday from the alleged $50 billion fraud by former Nasdaq chairman Bernard Madoff, forcing some charities to shutter and hitting others with massive losses…As of Monday, at least three foundations had closed or planned to shut.” It won’t be surprising if we soon learn that a number of religious organizations have been caught in this investment web and considerable loss.

From My Perspective - - -

At times, we have all had to struggle with an inner urge to “gloat” over someone or some matter. When a person has been arrogant towards another and then miscues, it would be so easy to gloat because that one has performed in an otiose (ineffective or futile; superfluous or useless) manner. Gloating is: “a feeling of great, often malicious, pleasure or self-satisfaction.” We attribute such moments to our “human nature” which, if left unchecked, can be very harsh or cruel in response to another’s floundering. The older generation can remember a phrase: “That one will get his comeuppance (a punishment or retribution that one deserves; one's just desert) someday.” When that day eventually arrived, it allowed for a time of gloating over another’s misfortune or difficulty.

There is no question about our world being in the midst of a major correction and transition. The Economics are just a part of the whole. There are the advocates of Global Warming who ignore the natural cycles through which the world passes on a regular basis. The area of Politics has received considerable notice and a considerable amount of ridicule. When one major party makes such a sweeping indictment against the other major party by campaigning against “the culture of corruption” only to face the reality that some members of their own political party are a real part of the very “culture” that was part of their campaign talking points – it is in juxtaposition to what was espoused and desired. When a Political Figure is targeted by a Federal Prosecutor and the evidence mounts that there is corruption that must be exposed, the natural tendency is to gloat, opine, and conclude – “there’s another one that is getting his comeuppance.” Some would even allow, it is a case of “be sure your sins will find you out.” When Automobile Manufacturers are reprimanded in public for their mismanagement, etc., it is too easy for one to gain satisfaction over the turmoil in an Industry, as well as in individual lives. Once again, the gloat factor becomes a reality.

In Biblical History (II Samuel 16), Absalom has decided to be King and to overthrow his father, King David. As David flees Jerusalem, he is met by a man who loathes him and who sets out to ridicule and gloat over him. We read is II Samuel 16:5-14, “As King David approached…a man from the same clan as Saul's family came out from there. His name was Shimei…and he cursed as he came out. He pelted David and all the king's officials with stones, though all the troops and the special guard were on David's right and left. As he cursed, Shimei said, Get out, get out, you man of blood, you scoundrel! The Lord has repaid you for all the blood you shed in the household of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. The Lord has handed the kingdom over to your son Absalom. You have come to ruin because you are a man of blood! Then Abishai…said to the king, Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over and cut off his head. But the king said, What do you and I have in common, you sons of Zeruiah? If he is cursing because the Lord said to him, Curse David, who can ask, Why do you do this? David then said to Abishai and all his officials, My son, who is of my own flesh, is trying to take my life. How much more, then, this Benjamite! Leave him alone; let him curse, for the Lord has told him to. It may be that the Lord will see my distress and repay me with good for the cursing I am receiving today. So David and his men continued along the road while Shimei was going along the hillside opposite him, cursing as he went and throwing stones at him and showering him with dirt. The king and all the people with him arrived at their destination exhausted. And there he refreshed himself.”

Consider these things with me - - - The attitude and perspective of King David is outstanding. This is the one who penned the words of Psalm 23 – “…even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…” When ridicule and gloating is most severe, it is time to put into practice the fact of our Savior – Emmanuel – is with us. He cannot fail and He will never leave us or forsake us. Political bluffing and/or bloviating are what they are – exaggerations and empty words. Living in the reality of Emmanuel, becomes very practical as one lives a life in the presence of God, as well as knowing the presence of the Lord wherever one goes. Emmanuel – God Is With Us!

From My Perspective - - -

Many years ago, Will Rogers wryly stated: “This Congress is the best money can buy!” Another thought was: “Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.” Little could he have known that less than a century later, an appointment for the US Senate could be purchased for $1 million dollars. The Governor of Illinois has raised this potential to a new high. Today’s News reports: “The criminal complaint against Blagojevich indicates the governor and his brother discussed picking (Jesse) Jackson, Jr. over other candidates for the post because a Jackson "emissary" promised at least $1 million in campaign contributions in exchange…” In all of this, those who are innocent of any participation in this scheme will be maligned via "the guilt by association” conclusions.

In the US Senate yesterday, Irresponsibility rose to another level of Incomprehensibility. When the Auto-Makers Bailout request was losing the vote, the Late News Report was: “It’s over with,” the Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid of Nevada, said on the Senate floor, after it was clear that a deal could not be reached. “I dread looking at Wall Street tomorrow. It’s not going to be a pleasant sight.” Mr. Reid added: “This is going to be a very, very bad Christmas for a lot of people as a result of what takes place here tonight.” Another news report references another Senator: “In an interview following a December 10^th press conference where he and four other senators aired their opposition to the proposed bailout deal struck by congressional leaders and the White House (and approved by the U.S. House of Representatives 237-170 that evening), Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., warned that the perception that some industries are being bailed out and some aren’t could lead to violence. We’re going to have riots. There are already people rioting because they’re losing their jobs when everybody else is being bailed out. The fairness of it becomes more and more evident as we go along. The auto companies may be hurting,” he said, but “there are very few companies that aren’t hurting and they’re going to hurt. We don’t have enough money to bail everyone out.”

These two comments by U.S. Senators: (1) The Stock Market will plummet tomorrow and “It’s not going to be a pleasant sight"; and (2) Violence and Rioting will result if “the perception that some industries are being bailed out and some aren’t…” It would be well if these men would concentrate on governing and stay away from the Crystal Ball and exercising with a Prophetic License that is faulty at best. So many political people are deeply indebted to Supporters and Influential Constituents and/or Lobbyists, that the Government of the people, for the people, and by the people is becoming a Historical Footnote rather than the actual practice. The overwhelming numbers of Taxpayers are against all of these Bailouts – but – the Congress ignores them while they claim to be doing “The People’s Business”! It’s difficult to Pray For this political bunch who are Preying Upon the electorate who entrusted them with honest and frugal governing. They have become Irresponsibly Yours!