A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Democratic Forum in Johnstown PA!

Critz tries to move away from Obama --- front page headline by Johnstown Tribune-Democrat - 12/09/16

The 12th Congressional District in Pennsylvania used to be represented by the late John P. Murtha who had been in office since the early '70's. Because of the far reaching clout he had, he earned the dubious label of being "King of Pork!" Millions and millions of dollars rolled into Johnstown PA as he gained power and influence in office. In fact he held a higher status than Almighty God Himself through much of the 12th Congressional District. One of the "projects" he arranged to get was an 8 million dollar radar system at the Johnstown airport. Only problem was they had no one to operate it, so it sat unused for a long time until someone began to make an issue of it (wasted gov't money, you know) and then the hunt was on to try to find an operator.

Big John made an unexpected exit from this life due to complications following some surgery. Mark Critz was a high ranking member of his staff and decided he wanted the seat formerly held by his boss. He won in the special election.

Now Critz has to try and retain his seat this November in the U.S. Congress but certain things as advocated by Mr. Obama and the Democratic party are not acceptable to Congressman Critz and a number of his constituents! So as the headline clearly suggests, he is trying to put some distance between him and the president as well as the party.

Mr. Obama has clearly declared war on coal and numerous small signs in our area are being posted which draw attention to this "war" and that it is time for the president to be shown the exit and denial of a second term! This region is known among other things as being a coal mining region with a long history of involvement in the industry. And those signs calling for Obama's defeat are not just being posted on the lawns of Republicans, which are greatly outnumbered in the 12th district anyway.

But there are other issues Mr. Critz has to deal with in which the Democratic party has literally shot itself in the foot so far as many constituents in the 12th district are concerned. This is a district that is made up of a lot of Roman Catholics and various Orthodox groups, which means there is a very, very strong pro-life sentiment and that is demonstrated each January as many bus loads of persons go from this region to the March for Life in Washington DC. The Democratic party platform is pro-abortion, although the deceptive term "pro-choice" is often used in connection with the issue of destroying unborn children! And there is no room left for doubt that Mr. Obama and his wife are strong supporters of abortion, even late term if necessary -- for them there is no difference in terms of time, since you are only dealing with a mass of cells, tissue and blood, are you not? So Mr. Critz has made it a point to stress in his ads that he is pro-life!

Finally, the 12th Congressional District has a large segment of the population that is into hunting. Both male and female hunters take to the woods each year as evidenced by pictures printed each deer season. Some young females who have just been legally able to hunt have brought down some impressive buck deer. But the present administration in DC is moving more and more toward an anti-gun stance, and appears to be sympathetic to the United Nations' campaign on the control of small arms -- interpret that to literally mean eventual confiscation! The ads put out by Mr. Critz and his supporters also stress that he is "pro-gun," which is something you most definitely will not see in Mr. Obama's ad campaign!

Perhaps the best picture in this situation is that of a big worm on a very hot skillet -- you know who the worm is, don't you? His name happens to be Mark Critz who is striving to be John P. Murtha incarnate in the United States Congress in Washington DC!

"Look, the princes of Israel: each one has used his power to shed blood in you. In you they have made light of father and mother; in your midst they have oppressed the stranger; in you they have mistreated the fatherless and the widow. You have despised My holy things and profaned My Sabbaths. In you are men who slander to cause bloodshed; in you are those who eat on the mountains; in your midst they commit lewdness. In you men uncover their fathers' nakedness; in you they violate women who are set apart during their impurity. One commits abomination with his neighbor's wife; another lewdly defiles his daughter-in-law; and another in you violates his sister, his father's daughter. In you they take bribes to shed blood; you take usury and increase; you have made profit from your neighbors by extortion, and have forgotten Me," says the Lord GOD. "Behold, therefore, I beat My fists at the dishonest profit which you have made, and at the bloodshed which has been in your midst." --- Ezekiel 22:6-13

Can You Really Trust a Mudslinger?

A restaurant conversation centered at one point on the subject of the political campaigns with one person making a statement that there has never been a time when the ads have been more negative than during the weeks preceding the elections of 2010!

I told some people recently that I would like to meet and shake the hand of the person who invented the mute button on a TV remote control. I would also express deep appreciation to that person for the great contribution made through such an invention, because I use it constantly -- not only to silence the commercial ads that drag on and on and on for minutes, but especially the political ads that have come upon us like a tsunami generated by an 8.7 magnitude earthquake under the ocean!

These political ads all have a common thread -- commonly known as "mudslinging" which reveals more about character of the politician who is involved in such tactics than he or she would honestly admit. Mudslinging is the vain attempt to paint one's opponent as being the very worst person possible and totally unqualified to hold public office. The person who is doing the mudslinging portrays himself or herself as the "savior" who will transform our government into an institution controlled by the holiest of saints and will usher in an utopian era for all Americans! Literally, as they tell it, we will indeed have a heaven on earth -- so God can just stay in His Heaven because we have already set up our own and we don't need Him around. But then, haven't we in the United States made decisions in the past in one way or another that have essentially told God to mind His own business and that certain areas are off limits to Him to start with?

So the question -- can you really trust a mudslinger? The answer is quite obvious -- any person who engages in such tactics or places a stamp of approval on such ads which are promoting his/her candidacy is immediately suspect as to what kind of moral and ethical standards are being practiced in every day life. It does present a dilemma when one goes into the voting booth this year, because there are no exceptions to this bombardment of very negative ads of attack. It comes down to this -- while I would much prefer not to vote at all, yet I will exercise my right as a citizen of this republic to vote -- but I will be approaching the ballot with this thought in mind -- "Which of these is the lesser of two or three evils (or however many are running for the office). This has been the problem for decades at the state and federal levels.

Be assured that the person who has engaged in mudslinging tactics to get elected will be untrustworthy when taking office. He/she will employ lots of rhetoric to try to convince us that he/she has our best interest at heart -- yea, sure!

Is it too much to ask of a person seeking public office that they simply stress point by point what he/she will do if elected and not mention a word about the opponent, nor engaging in the mudslinging tactic of trying to convince us that the opponent is in reality a disguised Frankenstein monster? Yes, I guess it really is too much to ask, since no candidate is willing to do it!

But there is good news, folks -- the day is coming when all politicians will be removed from office -- a different Administration will be in charge, and it will be world-wide in scope. The summary is found in the concluding statement just below from the book of The Revelation which spells out clearly that God indeed does have the last word, not humans and this includes politicians!

By the way, in the meantime we can pray that God will return upon their heads the fruit of their doings (such action is Biblical) -- it will be interesting to see what happens as praying people begin to make such an appeal to the Creator of this mighty universe!

Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" --- Revelation 11:15

12th Congressional District Election in PA - Some Observations!

"...(name) ...he's not for us...." --- quote from a political ad running on WJAC-TV prior to May 18, 2010 election in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania

The stench is still hanging a bit in the air after the May 18th election in the 12th Congressional District of Pennsylvania. Fortunately the winds over the Laurel Highlands of PA will eventually remove it, but it is pretty heavy stuff to eliminate!

Three things to be noted about the recent showdown between Mark Critz (recent leg man for the late Congressman John P. Murtha) and Tim Burns:

1 - The campaign got very ugly and very dirty. If even one half the stuff was true in the statements made by the opponents against each other, both should be locked up and the key tossed into the river. It is a dream that will never come true in these days of bankrupt ethics and morality -- a dream in which an ethical candidate refuses to attack his opponent but rather concentrates on stressing what he stands for, what he hopes to accomplish if elected, and the fact that the people he desires to represent mean more to him than his party. Common complaint among elected officials is the growing cynicism among the electorate -- are they so ignorant that they fail to realize who caused it in the first place? Come to think of it, they really are!

2 - WJAC-TV which is based in Johnstown in the heart of the 12th District would claim to be "fair and balanced" in its treatment of political issues. When Bill Clinton came into town to stump for Mark Critz you would have thought Almighty God Himself had just landed. An ex-president with an alley cat standard of sexual morality (which has been well documented) is given top billing and of course in the process with all this exposure under the guise of reporting the "news," it was a great political plus for one Mark Critz - a lot of "political hay" baled up last Sunday. In another segment a reporter from WJAC was disussing the election with time given to the Burns camp and then time given to the Critz camp. One big contrast - in regard to Burns, just some exchange of information and that was it. In regard to Critz, it was more than an exchange -- there were also big campaign signs with Critz' name on them -- the visual images were striking which were missing from the Burns segment! Fair and balanced? Yea, sure.

3 - John P. Murtha earned the unflattering title of "King of Pork" in his later years in the U. S. Congress. A lot of defense contracts worth millions of dollars were doled out in his district and especially in his hometown, Johnstown. With the political climate being what it is in DC these days (the stench there never goes away) who knows what Mark Critz will be able to do between now and November when he will have to run for re-election in order to hold on to that seat in Congress. One thing for sure, we'll hear a lot of details as to his activity in "representing" us and with WJAC-TV camped out in Washington DC it will be as though we have arrived in Mecca with Critz exalted as the new "sugar daddy" of Pennsylvania's 12th Congressional District!

Written by a non-affliated registered voter in Cambria County, PA and who voted in the special election involving the 12th Congressional District.

And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. --- Jesus speaking in Luke 16:15

What Will Johnstown PA Do Now?

Congressman John Murtha died on February 8, 2010 as a result of complications following gall bladder surgery. His funeral and burial are taking place today, February 16, 2010 in Johnstown PA, his hometown.

If you want to see something that far exceeds a 3-ring circus, you need to come to Johnstown PA within the next few weeks. There will be a scramble such as has not been witnessed in a long time as the Democrats attempt to retain control of the seat held by the late Congressman John P. Murtha. Understandably the Republicans will be determined to wrest that congressional seat away from the Democrats. Even the "anointed one" who occupies the residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington D.C. will be deeply concerned, and without a doubt will exercise whatever influence he can so that his party retains the seat.

But at least one thing will be much different than it has been for years for Johnstown. There will be no Murtha in Congress to turn on the financial faucets and aim them in the direction of his district, and Johnstown in particular. Speculation is that Mrs. John Murtha may seek the position. If she does, and she gets to fill out the term of her late husband, she will still be a rookie representative -- the power and clout simply won't exist as it did while "Big John" held the office!

This thing could get real ugly as it runs its course. But the fact remains, no matter who occupies the seat once held by John P. Murtha for many years, things will not be the same in Johnstown in years to come!

More details on this issue at Circuit Rider's Range at What Will Johnstown PA Do Now?

And a PS - the above photo is not intended to show disrespect, but rather reality -- Murtha held a status that was quite similar to that of a deity -- a god who could do just about everything when it came to getting money channeled into his district -- he sometimes was referred to as the "King of Pork!" Another way of viewing him was that he was the big Santa to Johnstown PA and its surrounding area!

Change in Washington DC? Only One Way to Do It!

Barack Obama made “change” the theme of his campaign for the presidency of the United States. Already into the beginning weeks of the new administration we are witnessing great change, but many are not persuaded that it has been for the better!

Help, LORD, for the godly man ceases! For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men. They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; with flattering lips and a double heart they speak. --- Psalm 12:1, 2

Tea parties have been prominent in a lot of news reports immediately prior to and then following the most notorious date on our calendars – April 15! These also sparked debate and among what has been known as the “mainstream media” have come very negative comments by way of response.

Queen Nancy Pelosi also had some well chosen statements to make as she attempted to downplay the gatherings which took place all over the country and the protests against excessive taxes and government spending which is clearly out of control. The “Queen” has made her own significant contribution to the financial chaos which presently exists.

At the heart of the protests is the demand for change, particularly as it has to do with taxation policies and how money is to be spent. Appeals have been made and continue to be made that citizens need to personally contact their representatives in Congress. This means contacting two senators and one member of the House of Representatives. There are those who believe it can be done. Will it?

Here’s a better way to do it – that is, if you want real change unlike anything this country has ever witnessed before. Begin making it a practice to always vote anti-incumbent at the state and federal levels in every election – no exceptions! I have been doing this for some time. There comes a deep sense of satisfaction in voting this way.

Of course, there will be objections with some saying, “But there are some good politicians doing a good job, etc.” That may be so, but in order to make the message clear, do a complete housecleaning with no exceptions!

Will it work? It would if everyone voted anti-incumbent with consistency. It’s possible, if it happened, that the new bunch elected might just reason this way – “I managed to get elected – I’ve never had this office before – if I don’t do a good job in faithfully representing the people then I’m out the door the next time around!”

Think how interesting this situation would be – think of the scrambling that would go on in state capitols and in Washington DC – think of real changes for the better which just might come about!

OK, I know I’m just dreaming – but this non-affiliated registered voter will continue to always vote anti-incumbent as long as he is able to enter the voting both. And in his mind will be an uplifting thought – the day will come when I no longer will cast a ballot and all politicians will be removed from office, because Jesus Christ will have returned to earth and has taken full control of all governments!

Ponder this one for a while – “Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!’" --- Revelation 11:15

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? The LORD is in His holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; His eyes behold, His eyelids test the sons of men. The LORD tests the righteous, but the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. Upon the wicked He will rain coals, fire and brimstone and a burning wind; this shall be the portion of their cup. For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright. --- Psalm 11:3-7

Requiem!

They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. --- Psalm 106:13-15

This may be interpreted as “sour grapes” after an election, but really it is not – it is reality and the fact that about 62.5 million people have just signed our republic’s death warrant!

In an earlier post it was stated that God would either express His intentional and deliberate will in this 2008 election or His permissive will. In the latter case it means He will let the majority get what they want, but eventually there will be a very high price to be paid.

What we can expect starting in mid-January 2009:

• The greatest impending disaster brought on by President Barack Obama is the fact that he will vigorously support the ongoing destruction of unborn children and seek to remove whatever few restrictions are presently in place to protect the unborn such as the heinous partial birth “procedure.” He will likely appoint at least 2 or more Supreme Court judges who will always rule in favor of destroying the unborn. And he will appoint judges in the lower courts who will not see their responsibility as supporting the Constitution but rather to “legislate” from the bench even in defiance of the Constitution!
  
  
• What will be the kind of people with which he will be surrounded in terms of advisers, cabinet members, etc? It has been well documented that his associations in the past have often been with persons of questionable character, including one named Jeremiah Wright. God’s revelation speaks loud and clear on the matter – a person who governs must have God-fearing persons surrounding him, and in this age of the Gospel, it means specifically relying on persons who know Jesus Christ personally as Savior and Lord. It is highly unlikely that B. O. will be at all concerned about selecting such people to be a part of his administration. In a sense, having bought this election by having outspent his opponent by millions of dollars, the young president is now beholden to quite a bunch of people – obviously there will be “political” pay offs!
  
  
• We can expect an ambitious “tax and spend” policy which will be enthusiastically supported by a Democratic controlled Congress. He and they will never learn that you cannot spend your way into a state of prosperity. Further, these people will not so much as lift a finger in an effort to reduce a national debt now approaching 11 trillion dollars. As an aside, "Big John" Murtha (unfortunately my rep in Congress) was reelected and will continue to do his big "earmark" thing -- he's a champion at this -- that is, until the country goes belly up financially!
  
  
• Eventually we can expect an assault against our 2nd Amendment rights. He has already indicated his dissatisfaction with the practice in a number of states of granting licenses to persons allowing them to carry concealed and loaded handguns. In some manner or other there will be an effort launched to further restrict sale and use of firearms and sales of ammunition! The dream of some persons in this republic is the outright ban and possession of all firearms by U. S. citizens. B.O. will at some point attempt to get us moving toward that objective!
  
  
• Under his “leadership” (term used very loosely) government will continue to expand and steadily move onward toward duplicating the horror of George Orwell’s novel, “Nineteen Eighty Four” -- you know, the condition where we are all monitored by “big brother.” The dominating force is the deceptive idea that the government can take care of us from the cradle to the grave – or as put more dramatically in other terms – from the womb to the tomb!
  
  
• Obama’s military will be interesting to watch. He will be “Commander in Chief” but never has had 1 day of military experience. Will we see a mass exit or not when enlistment terms expire and officers determine whether they will stay a while longer or retire? Time will tell on this one. A poll among the military before election revealed very strong support for John McCain with the exception of blacks in the military – as expected, their support was highly in favor of B. O.
  
  
• Perhaps one of the most crucial areas of concern under the administration of Barack Obama, second only to his attitude toward unborn children is how he will support Israel or refuse to support Israel. So far, this country has had leadership which has been supportive of the country of Israel and at times has been the only country to stand with Israel in certain crises. Shenanigans at the United Nations demonstrate all too well the truth of this. It likely will not be too long until we know if our new president will be supportive of Israel or will back off and eventually abandon the Jewish state.
  
  
• Finally, what will be his faith identity and church identity while occupying the White House? God has again made plain the fact that one who is in the powerful position of governing is to be one who bears witness to his faith and relationship with God – in other words leadership that is powerful and influential begins by exhibiting a holy example in conduct and providing evidence that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – that this same God is the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ and is real in every day experience. Will B. O. and family identify with a church – if so, will it be nothing more than one of those “feel good” churches where the word “repentance” is avoided like the plague, and the pastors of which would never say anything that would offend someone, especially one who is president of the United States?
  

Yes, there are times in recorded history when we observe God giving the people what they wanted, and too late they discovered they wanted what was not at all good for them, and then disaster struck!

"Then you shall say to the people, 'Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, and you shall eat meat; for you have wept in the hearing of the LORD, saying, "Who will give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt." Therefore the LORD will give you meat, and you shall eat. You shall eat, not one day, nor two days, nor five days, nor ten days, nor twenty days, but for a whole month, until it comes out of your nostrils and becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the LORD who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, "Why did we ever come up out of Egypt?"' …………… But while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was aroused against the people, and the LORD struck the people with a very great plague. So he called the name of that place Kibroth Hattaavah, because there they buried the people who had yielded to craving. --- Numbers 11:18-20, 33, 34

Pennsylvania Wildlife Anxiously Await Implementation of This Redistribution Thing!

Plumber to Obama: “Your new tax plan is going to tax me more. Isn’t it?”

Obama: “It’s not that I want to punish your success, I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success too. I think that when you spread the wealth around, it’s good for everybody.” --- as noted on Fox News, October 13, 2008

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania has an abundance of wild life which keeps the PA Game Commission extremely busy throughout the year. Among the many species is a creature called the black bear. These are also rather numerous and can cause a lot of problems in a variety of ways. They often come on our property and raid our bird feeders. Some time back I got a lot of pictures of a “nuisance bear” who destroyed my sunflower feeder one noon day – he hauled it down, sat down and proceeded to eat, giving me a look which said, “If you don’t like it, throw me off your property!” I said he was a nuisance bear – he had a tag in each ear which were clearly visible in photos which I took from about a distance of 15 to 20 feet away. That meant he had been trapped at least 2 times, tagged each time, and transported to a remote area in the forests of Pennsylvania with hopes he would stay in the wild, but obviously this one didn't get the message!

And I saw one just a few weeks ago on my morning walk – he was on the road about 100 yards or less from me and only moved when a car was approaching. Then there was a young one which I saw walking down behind our home in the back yard just recently. And just a few days back a truck hit one on a highway just a few miles from us – this one weighed 523 pounds – lots of bear there!

Rumors are now flying that the PA Game Commission has been observing that changes are taking place among our state’s wildlife population. Perhaps it is best explained in the below picture of a black bear who seems to be overwhelmed with B.O.’s redistribution plan. Notice how he is patiently waiting to be served – that is, to get his “share” which used to be in the possession of someone else!

On November 5th we will all know whether or not “Blackie” pictured above will get generous amounts of something, which formerly belonged to someone else, set before him or whether he will have to go back to raiding bird feeders and garbage cans!

Your eyes will see strange things, and your heart will utter perverse things. --- Proverbs 23:33

Election 2008 – God’s Intentional Will or Permissive Will? Which?

They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tested God in the desert. And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. --- Psalm 106:13-15

At least some (those among the devoted followers of Jesus Christ) have been praying about election 2008 and who shall be our elected leader for the next four years.

What about God’s will in this process? It comes down to this – either God will express His intentional will by intervention or His permissive will by simply letting the nation get what it deserves!

This experience of getting what you think you want and resulting in receiving what you deserve is powerfully exhibited by the ancient Israelites in their wilderness wandering on the way to Canaan, land of promise. Because they were badly confused at one point as to what they desired and what was really best for them in midst of murmuring and complaining, we are informed that God gave them the desire of their hearts BUT sent leanness into their souls!

The primary issue which has the greatest impact on our republic’s future destiny is not the economy, conflict of war, the environment, energy resources or national security – these are all minor compared to the primary issue of the value of human life from the time of conception in the human womb.

Major party candidates in election 2008 are sharply divided on this issue of the value of human life. Two terms indicate where they stand – “pro-life” and “pro-abortion!” The “pro-abortion” candidates and their party will do everything possible to avoid a label which identifies them as supporting abortion on demand and the fact that over one million unborn children a year are mutilated and murdered before birth! It is the stated intent of B.O. and Joe that this policy will continue.

Since polls presently indicate a significant lead on the part of the “pro-abortion” candidates, God may just permit those candidates to take over the leadership of this nation beginning the 3rd week of January 2009. But if that should happen by God’s permissive will, we can be definitely assured of some other things taking place during the next four years of the new administration.

1. As the calamities upon this republic increase in intensity, the time will come when the cry will go out that we need to seek God and pray for help. But the response will come back in words very similar to those spoken centuries ago to a people who found themselves in a crisis and called upon God:

"As the thief is ashamed when he is found out, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they and their kings and their princes, and their priests and their prophets, saying to a tree, 'You are my father,' and to a stone, 'You gave birth to me.' For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they will say, 'Arise and save us.' But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble; for according to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah. Why will you plead with Me? You all have transgressed against Me," says the LORD. --- Jeremiah 2:26-29

2. Following the above experience, the few who have remained true in their devotion and service to Jesus Christ under very trying circumstances may be told in words similar to what Jeremiah was told back in about the 6th Century BC:

"Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up a cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me; for I will not hear you.”… "Therefore do not pray for this people, or lift up a cry or prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry out to Me because of their trouble.”…..Then the LORD said to me, "Do not pray for this people, for their good. When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and grain offering, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence." --- Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14; 14:11, 12

3. And then, the worst of all possible scenarios taking place – when those who govern and those in positions of spiritual leadership discover too late that God is indeed a God of wrath and judgment just as a small number labeled as “extreme right-wing religious fanatics” had so claimed. Note once more the “formula” as to how a culture reaches this devastating climax in its historical journey:

Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he became king, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. He also did evil in the sight of the LORD his God, and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, who spoke from the mouth of the LORD. And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear an oath by God; but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart against turning to the LORD God of Israel. Moreover all the leaders of the priests and the people transgressed more and more, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the LORD which He had consecrated in Jerusalem. And the LORD God of their fathers sent warnings to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending them, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. Therefore He brought against them the king of the Chaldeans, who killed their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young man or virgin, on the aged or the weak; He gave them all into his hand. And all the articles from the house of God, great and small, the treasures of the house of the LORD, and the treasures of the king and of his leaders, all these he took to Babylon. Then they burned the house of God, broke down the wall of Jerusalem, burned all its palaces with fire, and destroyed all its precious possessions. And those who escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they became servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her Sabbaths. As long as she lay desolate she kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. --- 2 Chronicles 36:11-21

Be fully aware that no modern “Pied Piper” with his charm, charisma, clever rhetoric and manipulative ways will enable us to escape such a fate because at this point in time God’s intentional will is to bring judgment due to failure to fully repent and comply with His standards of holy living and relationships!

It has been noted that those who fail to learn from the lessons of history are doomed to repeat it. But what has been cited above will be written off by the vast majority as absolutely meaningless and has no bearing on a republic known as the United States whatsoever or does it? We shall soon see, shall we not?

I rest my case!

And He said to me: "Son of man, go to the house of Israel and speak with My words to them. For you are not sent to a people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, but to the house of Israel, not to many people of unfamiliar speech and of hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you. But the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me; for all the house of Israel are impudent and hard-hearted. Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. Like adamant stone, harder than flint, I have made your forehead; do not be afraid of them, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house." --- Ezekiel 3:4-9

The Spirit of Nazism Is Still Alive and Well in the U.S.A!

"Well the first thing I'd do as president is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." --- statement by Barack Obama in a speech to Planned Parenthood

Yes – it is likely that many will come forth with howls of loud and boisterous protest, and I will be the renegade for suggesting such a thing, but stop for a minute or two -- and for this one time, think it through in sober fashion.

For what were the Nazis of WW II notoriety most famous? Was it not that they held to a philosophy which determined that certain persons were worthy to live and certain others were not worthy of that privilege and these persons should be exterminated? And did they not demonstrate this philosophy in the most heinous fashion by intentionally killing at least 14 million persons of all ages, 6 million of which were Jewish by racial identity? And is it not true that we in the United States claim that such actions on the part of those Nazis under the leadership of Adolph Hitler were morally wrong and to be soundly condemned? Trials and subsequent executions at the conclusion of WW II are evidence that justice was carried out, in spite of claims on the part of the war criminals that they were innocent and simply “following orders.”

Now, about the claim of the spirit of Nazism being alive and well in a republic identified as the United States of America – before you shout, “How dare you…!” – just think for a bit before you open your mouth once more – is it not true that we have made a distinction in our nation that certain persons should live, BUT others should die and are not considered worthy of having the privilege to live for whatever reasons may be conjured up in unregenerate minds?

You say, “How is that?” Each week thousands of unborn children are “condemned” and “sentenced” to death – they are deemed not worthy to live – and so, they are brutally mutilated and murdered in their “mothers'” (term used loosely!) wombs with the “executioner” being paid big bucks for doing so!

You can see some graphic images of what the Nazis did in their extermination program in WW II at the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and they are most gut-wrenching to view! I know because I have been there twice. But who in these United States can point the finger to those people and say “What you did was morally wrong and criminal in nature!” – is this not being more than a tad hypocritical by pointing the finger at the Nazi when he shot a Jewish infant with his 9 mm Luger pistol and then declaring that such an act is morally wrong and a very violent criminal act?

Now we are in an election and on November 4th will attempt to select the person who will be our president for the next 4 years. Both of those candidates have taken a position on unborn children in the United States. The positions are different – in fact, quite radically different such as the difference between bright daylight and intense darkness.

One candidate exhibits the spirit of Nazism quite clearly, although the mass media that are attempting to elect him even before November 4th are very silent about this. In an address to Planned Parenthood B.O. went on record as to his intention to support legislation which will even overturn many state laws now in place which protect unborn babies, especially in late term pregnancies!

But don’t take my word for it – see it for yourself at LIFENEWS.COM -- use return feature on your browser to come back here.

As tragic as that is – a leader who advocates in aggressive fashion his support of the destruction of over a million unborn children a year in this republic, the greater tragedy is the failure of many church leaders to protest the slaughter – mainline denominations are especially guilty of being silent, and United Methodist bishops in particular!

In case you haven’t checked the numbers lately, take a look at A Quick Look at the United States’ Massacre Tally -- use reverse feature on your browser to come back here or click on link at bottom of that area which will bring you back.

Our greatest failure – and this is true on the part of those of us who profess to be Christian in our faith – is to realize it is but a matter of time before the mighty Creator of this universe makes His personal response to this abomination of destroying unborn children that we have so readily accepted throughout our cultue. The spirit of Nazism is alive and well in "the land of the free and the home of the brave" – BUT the day is coming when it won’t be!

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. --- Galatians 6:7, 8

But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His words, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the LORD arose against His people, till there was no remedy. --- Chronicles 36:16

Big John Has Gone and Done It Again!

Murtha remark debated…Rep apologizes; reaction mixed --- Johnstown Tribune-Democrat front page headline – October 17, 2008

Big John Murtha, infamous congressman from south central Pennsylvania, just can’t control that mouth of his under just about any circumstance – it seems to be a major problem of getting the brain and mouth in sync at the same time. Perhaps that is a unique disease that is prevalent in the nation’s Capitol!

Some time back he went on public record lashing out at certain Marines, accusing them of killing innocent women and children and labeled them as “cold blooded killers.” At this point in time 7 of the 8 have been exonerated of all charges leveled against them. The case of the 8th Marine is on hold for the time being. Big John did not go out of his way in making apology for his loose cannon mouth in this matter.

Now that same mouth recently fired off a barrage again which involves us who reside in his district and beyond in western Pennsylvania. We are now “racists” and by implication, will show our prejudices by voting against Barack Obama on election day in November.

As an aside, I admit I will be voting against B. O. on election day, but not because his skin color is much darker than mine – but mainly due to the undisputed fact that he is dedicated to perpetuating the ongoing practice of mutilating and murdering thousands of unborn children each week of the year in a nation that makes the hypocritical claim that every person should have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! He has opposed efforts to preserve even the lives of those few late term infants who miraculously survive an abortion attempt – just let them lie there until they die is B. O.’s approach to these circumstances.

Big John attempted some kind of “apology” but as reported by the Tribune-Democrat of Johnstown, the reaction to what he said is mixed. WJAC-TV, the local television station, conducted a poll on this issue and that was “mixed” with a number of persons indicating they were not offended by what he said.

John Murtha holds a position in the Johnstown and Cambria County area which can be compared to that of deity – in fact, God is probably at best second in position and perhaps quite a few rungs lower than John on the ladder of prestige.

He has brought millions of dollars into his district from the coffers of the U. S Treasury Department. He is at the top of the list when it comes to earmarks and tapping into tax dollars for whatever reason which will somehow benefit the district which he represents. This will help guarantee that his job is rather secure. Since his election to the U. S. Congress in the mid 70’s there have been opponents who have tried to unseat him, but to no avail.

Murtha is at a place where he can do about anything he wants, say anything he wants, even if it is a bold-faced lie, and still hold his position without any serious challenge..

Dyed-in-the-wool Democratic loyalty in the Johnstown and Cambria County area is such that if the Devil himself were running on the Democratic ticket and the people knew for real that it was the Devil running on the ticket, they would vote for him anyway – if the Devil is a Democrat running for office, it’s OK and it’s right! But then, there are some Republicans that are of about the same mind when it comes to blind loyalty as well – if the Devil ran on the Republican ticket, he would get their vote without question.

But as I have said previously on my web site and blog, there is reason to be excited and hopeful – the day is coming when all politicians and government leaders all over the world will be out of a job – no desperate speculation, but fact! The evidence? Take a look at Good News! A Day Coming in Which All Politicians Will Be Removed from Office! -- use reverse feature on your web browser to return to this place.

Oh yes, a parting question – John Murtha is up for reelection in November – anybody want to guess what I will do when I see his name on the ballot – will he get the “X” or will it be somebody else?

And do not assume that because I said I would vote against B. O. that I will be voting for John McCain -- there will be other names on the ballot for the office of president -- you ARE aware of that, are you not? None of us is obligated to select one of two major party nominees in a presidential election!

This was written by a non-affiliated registered voter living in Cambria County, Pennsylvania.

Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, and distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: the LORD has said to Me, ' 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.'" --- Psalm 2:1-9

B. O. the Poster Child of Many Mass Media Folks?

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. --- Colossians 2:8

It surfaced some time back -- statements that B. O. was getting more favored (and very biased) treatment from many of those in the mass media -- that is, he is their favored and preferred candidate and it is showing in the way they treat him and McCain in their reporting of Election 2008! Or another way of putting it -- the scales of the mass media are heavily weighted in favor of B. O! For McCain, it's really an uphill battle, since the "deck" is stacked against him so far as a large number of the mass media people are concerned. There are and will be more favorable sound bites for B. O. than there will be for McCain.

This was demonstrated in the area where I live within the last few days -- days of the Democratic and Republican conventions. Our local newspaper reported on the acceptance speeches of both candidates. The bias stood out like a proverbial sore thumb!

A letter was sent to the newspaper about this. With this newspaper, my letter has less chance of being printed than a snowball has of surviving intact in that very, very hot place to which a lot of people of all ages make reference from time to time! At my main web site I have devoted some time and space to my ongoing special "relationship" I have with the editorial department of this particular paper and their refusal to print any of my letters any longer -- they used to, but no more!

See the letter below ---

Friday, September 05, 2008

Editor:

Be careful right now because you just might be accused of being biased in your reporting on the presidential election of 2008. And this in turn would result in your being identified with much of the mass media which is rapidly building a reputation of being very biased toward and supportive of Barack Obama in his bid to be our next president!

Suspicion arises at the present time due to your handling of the acceptance speeches of Barack Obama and John McCain respectively.

Your front pages speak out loud and clear. On August 29th you had a photo of Barack Obama on the front page which measured 7 ¼ inches by 10 inches – not quite a traditional 8 x 10, but close! On September 5th your front page photo of John McCain measured 4 ¼ inches by 6 ½ inches, slightly over ½ the size of Obama’s acceptance speech photo! McCain’s photo doesn’t qualify for a traditional 5 x 7 by a long shot!

Written column space in the AP articles was approximately the same with one glaring difference. The Obama article on the inside page also included a picture of Mrs. Obama and daughters. This photo measured 3 ½ by 3 ¾ inches. John McCain and family did not fare that well as there was no photo of them at all.

Photos do have influence and the size of such do register – the bigger the photo, the more attention it attracts and greater is the impact on the observer, even when it comes to the election process. Cambria County being a kind of “Mecca” for the Democratic Party it can be assumed that Obama will be much higher profile than will McCain when it comes to media coverage.

This has been written by one who is a non-affiliated registered voter.
.
Still contending at www.crrange.com, blogging at http://cdharriger.blogspot.com and warning at www.crrange.com/USACoffin.html,

Clayton D. Harriger, Pastor

There you have it. It appears that we citizens need to maintain a high degree of suspicion when it comes to watching and listening to the mass media people -- are they JUST reporting news or are they trying to force-feed us with some propaganda and get us to vote for their favored candidate?

But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. --- 2 Timothy 3:13

What He Said – Are Those Actually His Words, or Those of Someone Else?

"Biden debuts with attack on McCain" --- Internet headline on August 24, 2008

Now it’s really getting interesting since we have been informed that Joe Biden will be the Democratic candidate for vice president of the United States in the upcoming November election.

Some of us will always be wondering each time he opens his mouth – are those words actually his, or did they originate with some other person of genuine prominence? You know, do you not, that Joe has had a problem with a thing called plagiarism in the past? It happened more than once and has been documented.

It seems Joe passed off some statements as though they were his own, but in reality they were statements made by other persons in public settings. This is considered a serious offense when you try to steal statements made by other persons and then use them as though they originated with you without giving credit where credit is due.

It comes down to a thing called ethics and honesty in communication.

I remember a class I was teaching years ago in which a student in doing her assignment of preaching a message made some rather impressive statements. Later I followed up on those and discovered she had literally used some statements by Martin Luther King, Jr. word for word! They were from a message he had given in the past. But she did not acknowledge that she was using his material!

There will be any number who will go to Joe’s defense and the fact that he eventually had to acknowledge his wrongdoing in passing off some stuff as originally his when in fact other persons were the real source of some of those things he stated.

But then, such qualities as high ethical standards and basic honesty are practically looked upon as major irritants these days. Surveys taken are showing the shocking reality that increased numbers of high school and college students do not think it is wrong to cheat and to lie – if you can get away with it, so much the better!

And we wonder why our republic resembles more and more a tissue which has been used to wipe a very runny nose and is immediately flushed down the toilet!

Don’t forget during upcoming presidential campaign – when Joe speaks, ask yourself, “Are those his words, or did they originate with someone of far greater significance and who holds to far higher ethical standards than he?”

Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! I will run in the way of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. --- Psalm 119:29-34

“Politics" in Electing United Methodist Bishops? Learn from Us, You Democrats and Republicans!

"I want to be a United Methodist bishop!"

A conversation with Luke this week tipped me off to the practice of creating websites for episcopal candidates within the United Methodist Church. He pointed me to the Southeast Jurisdiction Candidates and North Central Jurisdiction Candidates where nearly 100% of them have created a website specifically to promote their candidacy.
--- comment as posted at www.methoblog.com

Once again it has been “election time” in regard to something referred to as the episcopacy of the United Methodist Church.

Jurisdictional conferences have met, ballots have been cast numerous times, and out of all this activity certain persons now wear a hat with the label “bishop” on it.

Questions have increasingly surfaced about the “process” and the fact that it has become a game of politics each quadrennium. Conferences, certain groups and individuals have their “favorites” whom they want to see elevated to that coveted position of being a “shepherd” at the episcopal level of the United Methodist Church!

Like it or not, campaigning is now a very real part of getting to be a bishop in the U. M. C! Web sites are set up advertising all the so-called “gifts and graces” along with documented history and educational background of that man or woman and how he or she will be the perfect one to grasp the shepherd’s staff in some conference somewhere!

I remember seeing one web site 4 years ago with all the campaign rhetoric which would make the Democrats and Republicans look like amateurs by way of comparison in demonstrating how to get your candidate elected. By the way, the person on that web site did make it for bishop – a Las Vegas gambler would have bet that it was an absolute sure thing! Sorry for slipping that one in, since gambling is a great abomination among many United Methodists – but also keep in mind, one ought not to roll the dice, but it’s ok to mutilate and murder unborn children – no protesting on that one!

Actually I don’t make it a practice to check out all episcopal candidates when that time rolls around each 4 years – for the simple reason that the stuff promoting even one candidate goes a long, long way and my stomach can barely handle just one!

The main difference between the United Methodist and the Democratic/Republican style of campaigning for office is that the Dems and the GOPers don’t attempt to dress up their stuff with a lot of pious talk and activity.

What would happen if a Biblical approach was tried? Suppose the names of all who aspired to be bishop were dropped in a hat – then have two or three days of fasting and prayer with the attitude that God knows the best person for the position. Then have a 5 or 6-year-old boy or girl draw out the name or names! Hey, don’t get bent out of shape yet – think it through – it really couldn’t get any worse than it is now with the loss of tens of thousands of members every year.

Ooops! I forgot – that would probably lead to extensive “campaigning” as to who that boy or girl would be who would draw the names out of that silk hat!

Mister chairperson – I withdraw my motion that we attempt to select our bishops by lot. Instead I resubmit a motion to invite high level Democrats and Republicans to witness first hand what real campaigning is about during the year preceding our jurisdictional conferences – they will positively learn a thing or two about how to get a candidate elected!

Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, "Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?" He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: 'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men; the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do." And He said to them, "All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition." --- Mark 7:5-9

Fairy Tales 2008!

"When I become the next president in 2008, I am going to....." (insert anything in place of the periods -- it will be helpful if you let your imagination kick into overdrive for a few minutes before inserting the whatevers!). Now after that insert any name from the "wannabe" candidates for president of the U.S.A. at any location, any day of the week, any hour of the day or night! This applies up until the conventions later this year -- then you can still do the above exercise, but the names will be limited to Democratic and Republican nominees plus whoever else may jump into this 3-ring circus!

Circulating on the Internet is this little gem of a granny with a couple of her grandchildren -- granny, having lived for quite a number of years, has developed an immeasurable amount of wisdom when it comes to the subject of "politics!"



Now then, a modest proposal which will transform this repugnant practice every 4 years in the matter of choosing a president:

• each aspiring candidate would be given $100,000 out of the U.S. treasury to use to convince us as to why he or she should be president. No other funds, including private contributions by groups, corporations, or individuals would be permitted. The candidate would not be permitted to even use money out of his or her private bank accounts -- only the 100 G's could be used and a public record would be revealed as such funds are used up, making the individual accountable for that amount. If the amount is exceeded, then the candidate would be automatically disqualified from further involvement in seeking public office. Once the funds are used, that's it. Media could not give "free" time or space to the candidates during this time. It would be illegal for private citizens to "buy" advertising space for a candidate.
  
  

  Don't forget -- more elections are "bought" than we would want to admit -- in far too many cases, he or she who can garner the most bucks, usually takes the cake -- or more accurately, the political office which that person coveted intensely!
  
  

• political "conventions" would be eliminated -- the primary voting tallies added up for all states would determine who would be the candidate -- runner up would be the VP candidate, whether the presidential candidate liked him or her or not!
  
  
• during the week before the election, the media would give one half hour to each candidate to make a speech to the whole country as to why he or she should be elected president. After the speech no media hatchet men (or women) would be permitted to hash and rehash and rehash and rehash what has been said. Printed media would permit each presidential candidate and vice presidential candidate to write in 1,000 words maximum a listing of reasons why they should be elected to lead our nation for 4 years. The expense for that half hour and printed space in news media would also be paid for from public funds -- no political parties involved in this! That would be it -- nothing more!
  

OK, OK! So it qualifies for something of the most radical kind rather than being just modest! Yes, yes -- I know this doesn't stand a chance of surviving -- even much less than the proverbial snowball has in that very hot place you may have heard about -- which is denied by a number of theologians, seminary professors, and pastors -- but alas, I digress -- the hot place subject is for another time and eventually will be discussed in this blog at some point in the future.

Stop and think about the criminality and profanity of it all -- millions upon millions of dollars spent by a number of very ambitious people who are trying to convince us that the U.S. government under their leadership will take good care of us from "the womb to the tomb!"

What really is disturbing to the first magnitude is this -- all that money which could really be used to help the needy -- those victimized by the goons of greed in high places -- skyrocketing prices in about everything and no plausible explanation other than powerful people in high places can pull strings at will and the low income people get kicked again, even when they are already down!

Actually, we're probably talking money in terms of billions instead of millions when the dust has settled a bit come January 2009! And that doesn't include the congressional election mess, or equally so, the elections at the state level!

One thing sure -- if those radical proposals just mentioned would become a reality, it would end a lot of this thing of politicians being "beholden" to certain special interest groups and powerful individuals who have helped "finance" their campaigns -- but hold on, it will come to an end.

Perhaps God will step in soon -- and we should expect that since none of the candidates have really addressed the ethical, moral and spiritual crises which threaten the ongoing survival of this republic!

But there is good news -- a day is coming when all politicians will be booted out of office -- the control of this nation, if it is still standing at the time, and all others in the world will be in the hands of One Who holds the title, King of kings and Lord of lords."

For a few of us, we can put up with the political antics a while longer, though it be very frustrating -- do our voting according to conscience for the time being, but at the same time look forward to the day when God in effect says, "Now we are going to do everything MY way!"

Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us." He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The LORD shall hold them in derision. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure: "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion."..........Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!" --- Psalm 2:1-6; Revelation 11:15

And a P.S. on this -- I am a "non-affiliated" registered voter in Cambria County, Pennsylvania -- I like it that way, especially when I get calls from political groups seeking my vote for their candidate -- funny thing, as we engage in conversation, it seems they convey a feeling of regret that they dialed my phone number -- now, I wonder why?????

The TV News Channels -- Can Those People Really Be Trusted?

"You know what’s really frightening? You actually have an influence on this presidential election. That is scary, but it’s true. You’ve got stoned slackers watching your dopey show every night and they can vote." --- Bill O'Reilly (talking head par excellence of Fox News) as quoted in a remark to "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, Sept. 22, 2004

We are a people practically smothered in surveys and polls with no sign of any relief in the near future -- especially in a presidential election year!

Competition is extremely fierce among those 24/7 news channels with at least two making the claim that they are number 1 and the most trusted!

Those are Fox News and CNN with others nipping at their heals.

Fox News with its razzle-dazzle display of graphics gives one the impression that here is a beauty pageant of females with nearly inch-thick layers of make-up masquerading as news -- there are a few males sprinkled here and there! The claim of this whole bunch is that they are "fair" and "balanced" and "surveys" taken are used as proof that they are trusted and the most "conservative," whatever that word is supposed to mean anymore!

CNN also does a great job of flashing all kinds of stuff before your eyes when it comes to graphic images and all that kind of stuff, being so similar to Fox News. One of the king pins on this network is "Wolf the Blitz" -- he, along with other CNN males and females, is an expert on just about any topic you want to name.

The networks are really scrambling to outdo each other in this election year -- you know how it works don't you? Higher ratings always mean more revenue for the network and fatter wallets and purses for the guys and gals who do the reporting! So it's a bare knuckle brawl out there as we move toward November 2008!

If these people were really honest with us, they would paint their faces white, put a red rubber ball on their noses, and dress up in a baggy purple suit with yellow polka dots!

Trust them? Why should we? They have an "agenda" which they will try to keep concealed as much as possible -- they are masters at the use of words and phrases -- the "tilting" of information and not really "reporting" objectively but telling us how we ought to think about the issues of the day.

One accessory is an absolute must in each household if you choose to view and listen to these people -- have an air sick bag at your side at all times -- and maybe two, especially when they conduct one of those presidential candidate "debates" -- you'll fill more than one bag after an episode such as that!

Be careful as you try to sort out truth in the massive flow of information with which we are bombarded daily from many different sources -- TV, talk (yak) radio, printed media, and what purports to be "news" magazines!

Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. --- Colossians 2:8

The good news is that anyone can know the truth if he or she really wants to and to be able to discern the right from the wrong -- but there are conditions to be met in order to experience those things.

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are of the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. --- 1 John 4:1-6