Voting Democrat

I'm voting Democrat because I believe the government will do a better job of spending the money I earn than I would.

I'm voting Democrat because freedom of speech is fine as long as nobody is offended by it.

I'm voting Democrat because when we pull out of Iraq I trust that the bad guys will stop what they're doing because they now think we're good people.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that people who can't tell us if it will rain on Friday CAN tell us that the polar ice caps will melt away in ten years if I don't start driving a Prius.

I'm voting Democrat because I'm not concerned about the slaughter of millions of babies so long as we keep all death row inmates alive.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that business should not be allowed to make profits for themselves. They need to break even and give the rest away to the government for redistribution as THEY see fit.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe three or four pointy headed elitist liberals need to rewrite the Constitution every few days to suit some fringe kooks who would NEVER get their agendas past the voters.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe that when the terrorists don't have to hide from us over there, when they come over here I don't want to have any guns in the house to fight them off with.

I'm voting Democrat because I love the fact that I can now marry whatever I want. I've decided to marry my horse.

I'm voting Democrat because I believe oil companies' profits of 4% on a gallon of gas are obscene but the government taxing the same gallon of gas at 15% isn't.

Makes ya wonder now doesn't it?

No, I'm not really voting Democra!

Obama isn't a flip flopper

A flip flopper believes in only one side. Obama believes in two sides at the same time:

• He is for a united Jerusalem... and he is for a divided Jerusalem;
• He is for the DC hand gun ban... until the Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional and he is against the ban;
• He is for public campaign funds... and he is against public campaign funds (he committed to public funds then changed his mind);
• He supports our troops in Iraq... but won't shake their hands or visit them in the hospital without his publicity machine;
• He loves the United States... but clearly associates with those who don't (Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Bill Ayres, Father Flager, etc.);
• He was the first Presidential candidate to endorse NAFTA... in Ohio and Texas he was opposed to NAFTA;
• He criticizes The Administration's Energy Policy... but he voted for the 2005 Bush-Cheney Energy Bill;
• He said he would debate "Anywhere, Anytime"... but continues to reject joint town hall meetings;
• He is concerned about gasoline prices... but tells us to get ready for $12/gallon gasoline.

Who is this man? He clearly hasn't decided his position on most issues or changes his position with the polls. It is really scary to think so many people can't see his multiple positions on virtually all issues except one. He IS going to raise taxes! If elected to the presidency he will rival Jimmy Carter!

Obama in Iraq

I don't know how much of this is true but it does sound like some of the media reports may have been correct. Andrea Mitchell of NBC said she didn't report on a lot of the pictures coming out because they were provided by military personnel and no reports were allowed admittance. Therefore, she didn't feel they were news worthy. Too bad some of the other media didn't see through the ruse.

As you know I am not a very  political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama  came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to 'The  War Zone'. I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the  Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers were lined  up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he  went into the conference room to meet the General. As he
finished,  the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with  weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing  basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers  to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for  the American's back home that he is their candidate for President.  I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the  way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom  that they are providing for you. I swear we got more thanks from the NBA  Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheer leaders than from  one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United  States . I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be  our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be  around those that provide the freedom for him and our great  country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all  to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see  in the news is all fake.
In service,

CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier

Randy Pausch dies this morning

I have written about Randy Pausch at least a couple of times. He is the professor known around the world for his "Last Lecture." I truly believe that this is one man that made the world better and left it better than he found it. He and his wisdom and honesty will be missed by many, including me.

An Enduring Legacy

Randy Pausch Inspired Millions

Randy Pausch, the professor at Carnegie Mellon University who inspired countless students in the classroom and others worldwide through his highly acclaimed last lecture, has died of complications from pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Also a Carnegie Mellon alumnus, Pausch co-founded the Entertainment Technology Center and led researchers who created Alice, a revolutionary way to teach computer programming. He was widely respected in academic circles for a unique interdisciplinary approach, bringing together artists, dramatists and designers to break new ground by working in collaboration with computer scientists.

Outside the classroom, he gained public fame for delivering what would come to be known as "The Last Lecture." On Sept. 18, 2007, only a month after doctors told him that he had three-to-six months to live following a recurrence of pancreatic cancer, he presented a lecture called "Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams" to a packed auditorium at Carnegie Mellon.

The moving and often humorous talk recounted his efforts to achieve such childhood dreams as becoming a professional football player, experiencing zero gravity and developing Disney World attractions. In the process, he shared his insights on finding the good in other people, working hard to overcome obstacles and living generously.

"If you lead your life the right way, the karma will take care of itself," Pausch said. "The dreams will come to you."

The video appeared on countless websites and has been viewed by millions. Appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show, ABC's Good Morning America and the CBS Evening News followed.

A book version, "The Last Lecture" co-written by Jeff Zaslow of the Wall Street Journal (and a fellow Carnegie Mellon alumnus), became a best-seller upon its release this spring.

"Randy had an enormous and lasting impact on Carnegie Mellon," said Carnegie Mellon President Jared L. Cohon. "A brilliant researcher and gifted teacher, he was a key member of our Human-Computer Interaction Institute and co-founder of the Entertainment Technology Center. His love of teaching, his sense of fun and his brilliance came together in the Alice project, which teaches students computer programming while enabling them to do something fun — making animated movies and games. Carnegie Mellon — and the world — are better places for having had Randy Pausch in them."

Pausch was also a pioneer in the development of virtual reality, including creating the popular Building Virtual Worlds class.
A memorial service at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh is being planned; details will be announced at a later date.

He is survived by his wife, Jai, and three children: Chloe, Dylan and Logan. The family requests that donations on his behalf be directed to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or to Carnegie Mellon's Randy Pausch Memorial Fund, which the university will use primarily to support continued work on the Alice project.

For more information on Randy's life and legacy, read In Memoriam: Randy Pausch, Innovative Computer Scientist at Carnegie Mellon, Launched Education Initiatives, Gained Worldwide Acclaim for Last Lecture.

Related Links: Watch Randy's Lecture on YouTube | About Randy's Last Lecture | Download Randy's Lecture on iTunes U | Buy the Book

Randy Pausch, noted CMU prof, succumbs to cancer

Friday, July 25, 2008

By Eleanor Chute, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Photo by: Pam Panchak/Post-Gazette

Randy Pausch talks to the standing-room only crowd at Carnegie Mellon University's McConomy auditorium Sept. 18, 2007.

Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor whose final lecture inspired millions, has died of pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Pausch, 47, who turned the lecture into a book, said that no one would have been interested in his words of wisdom were he not a man in his 40s with a terminal illness, leaving behind a wife and three young children.

According to Dr. Pausch's Web site, a biopsy last week revealed that the cancer had progressed further than expected, based on recent PETscans.

"Since last week, Randy has also taken a step down and is much sicker than he had been," the Web site said. "He's now enrolled in hospice. He's no longer able to post here so I'm a friend posting on his behalf because we know that many folks are watching this space for updates."

Last fall, Dr. Pausch delivered the lecture at CMU, which still posts it on its Web site. The lecture has attracted more than six million viewers.

In the year preceding the lecture, he had gone through rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, but refused to give in to morbidity or self-pity. Instead of focusing on the cancer, he talked about how to fulfill childhood dreams and the lessons he learned on his life's journey.

In his 10 years at CMU, he helped found the Entertainment Technology Center, established an annual virtual reality contest and helped start the Alice program, an animation-based curriculum for teaching high school and college students.

After the lecture, he moved to Chesapeake, Va., to spend his remaining time with his wife, children and family.

With the help of Wall Street Journal columnist Jeffrey Zaslow, Dr. Pausch wrote a book, "The Last Lecture," which was published earlier this year. He elaborated on his lecture and emphasized the value he placed on hard work and learning from criticism. His words were intended as a legacy for his young children.

In May, Dr. Pausch spoke at the Carnegie Mellon University commencement. He said a friend recently told him he was "beating the [Grim] Reaper" because it's now been nine months since his doctor told him he would die in six.

"But we don't beat the Reaper by living longer. We beat the Reaper by living well," said Dr. Pausch, who urged the graduates to find and pursue their passion. He put an exclamation point at the end of his remarks by kissing his wife, Jai, and carrying her off stage.

Obama flip flops

Obama's flip flopping is getting a little much. He supported the D.C. gun ban until the Supreme Court struck it down then he reversed and said people should be able to have guns. He is opposed to drilling and we should plan on $12/gallon gasoline. He refuses to acknowledge that the surge has worked in Iraq. It is the first time a presidential candidate has opposed a successful military action. This man is not qualified to be president!

The following was posted on the Joel Rosenberg's blog:

Thursday, July 24, 2008

OBAMA BACKS AWAY FROM PLEDGE FOR AN "UNDIVIDED" JERUSALEM: Calls his own AIPAC speech a "mistake"

Sen. Barack Obama made a surprise visit to the Western Wall in Jerusalem this morning, before leaving Israel for Germany. It was another good photo op for the junior Senator from Illinois. Nevertheless, many in Israel are feeling stunned by the Senator's statements in recent days backing away from a pledge he made in June supporting an "undivided" Jerusalem. Last night on ABC News, the Senator actually called his clear and powerful defense of Jerusalem -- delivered just last month at a conference of the influential American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) -- a "mistake."

Consider the following string of statements:

* June 4, 2008:

"Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel, and it must remain undivided." (Sen. Barack Obama, Remarks At The Annual AIPAC Policy Conference, Arlington, Virginia)

* June 5, 2008:

Candy Crowley, CNN: "I want to ask you about something you said in AIPAC yesterday. You said that Jerusalem must remain undivided. Do Palestinians have no claim to Jerusalem in the future?"

Sen. Obama: "Well, obviously, it's going to be up to the parties to negotiate a range of these issues." (Interview with Sen. Obama, CNN's "The Situation Room," June 5, 2008)

* July 22, 2008:

Katie Couric, CBS News: "You said not too long ago that Jerusalem should remain undivided. And then you backtracked on that statement. Does that play into the argument that some believe that someone more experienced would not have made that kind of mistake?"

Sen. Obama: "Well, if you look at what happened, there was no shift in policy or backtracking in policy. We just had phrased it poorly in the speech. That has happened and will happen to every politician. You're not always gonna hit your mark in terms of how you phrase your policies. But my policy hasn't changed, and it's been very consistent. It's the same policy that Bill Clinton has put forward, and that says that Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel, that we shouldn't divide it by barbed wire, but that, ultimately that is a final status issue that has to be resolved between the Palestinians and the Israelis." ("Obama: Surge Doesn't Meet Long-Term Goals," CBS News, July 22, 2008)

* July 23, 2008:

Charlie Gibson, ABC News: "And then there's the issue of Jerusalem. You've said in the speech, to AIPAC, Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel. And it must remain undivided. When you said that did you not realize the significance that that has for so many people in this region?"

Sen. Obama: "Well, number one, the fact is that Jerusalem is Israel's capital. And so I was simply saying a fact, with respect to --"

Gibson: "You said 'must remain undivided,' (crosstalk) those are code words."

Obama: "Well the issue of it being undivided, I have said and I said immediately after the speech that that word was poorly chosen, that what I was referring to is making sure that we're not setting up barbed wire across Israel --"

Gibson: "But Senator, it was a very simple, declarative statement. It must remain, and you started the paragraph by saying, 'Let me be clear'--"

Obama: "Charlie, the day after, or the day of making the speech I conceded that the wording was poor, and it's immediately corrected --"

Gibson: "Rookie mistake?"

Obama: "Well I wouldn't say rookie mistake, I think that veterans make mistakes as well." ("Gibson Interviews Obama," ABC News, July 23, 2008)

posted by Joel C. Rosenberg @ 6:58 AM

Oncologist 7/23/08

I went to the oncology office this morning. I had blood tests and saw the nurse practitioner. There was only one test that didn't look too good. My absolute neutrophils have decreased to the "low" side. Absolute neutrophils is a gauge of how susceptible I am to infection and viruses. In other words, my immunities are low, again. I go back for more blood tests in two weeks and in three weeks I will have blood tests and see the Oncologist. At that time we will decide if the thalidomide is working or not. If not I will start on another regimen.

I skipped biology in high school and hated science. I have often said the science teachers felt sorry for me and passed me simply because I was so stupid. Now, I wish I had paid more attention since I have had to learn all these scientific information... not.

Prairie Home Companion

I enjoy listening to the Prairie Home Companion and the News from Lake Wobegon by Garrison Keillor. In Kansas City, NPR broadcasts it Sunday mornings and evenings and it is a two hour show. It is in the line of an old-time radio show. Many of the stories and characters remind me of the small town where I grew up in western Oklahoma. It is really a "hoot" but you have to listen very closely because there is a lot of subtle, dry humor.

The cast has been on vacation in July so Mr. Keillor has been rebroadcasting some of the story episodes. This week there was a portion from a Memorial Day broadcast that included Lincoln's Gettysburg Address:

Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

I am shocked that the courts and Congress have not tried to rewrite this speech and rid it of "under God." I wonder how many of our representative have read this speech, little less the last line... "government of the people, by the people, for the people" not for the personal and financial benefit of the representatives themselves.

I think it has been a while since anyone in Washington has listened to what the will of the people is!

now you now where i stand

OBAMA IS POPULAR WITH CARTOONISTS. 

NOTHING QUITE LIKE POLITICAL SATIRE TO MAKE A POINT. 

HAVE NO FEAR TROOPS, BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA IS ON THE WAY TO SAVE THE DAY! 

Obama vs McCain

I received this this morning via email from a friend. I can't attest to the authorship but Thomas Sowell does exist and is a writer. In my opinion it doesn't really matter. The actual article is very accurate and true. Take a minute and read the article.

Thomas Sowell is a syndicated editorial writer whose opinions appear in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, as well as many others across our nation.

Thomas Sowell was born in North Carolina and grew up in Harlem . As with many others in his neighborhood, he left home early and did not finish high school. The next few years were difficult ones, but eventually he joined the Marine Corps and became a photographer in the Korean War. After leaving the service, Sowell entered Harvard University , worked a part-time job as a photographer and studied the science that would become his passion and profession: economics.

After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University (1958), he went on to receive his master's in economics from Columbia University (1959) and a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago (1968).

In the early '60s, Sowell held jobs as an economist with the Department of Labor and AT&T. But his real interest was in teaching and scholarship. In 1965, at Cornell University , he began the first of many professorships. His other teaching assignments include Rutgers University , Amherst University , Brandeis University and the University of California at Los Angeles , where he taught in the early '70s and also from 1984 to 1989.

Sowell has published a large volume of writing. His dozen books, as well as numerous articles and essays, cover a wide range of topics, from classic economic theory to judicial activism, from civil rights to choosing the right college. Moreover, much of his writing is considered ground-breaking -- work that will outlive the great majority of scholarship done today.

Though Sowell had been a regular contributor to newspapers in the late '70s and early '80s, he did not begin his career as a newspaper columnist until 1984. George F. Will's writing, says Sowell, proved to him that someone could say something of substance in so short a space (750 words). And besides, writing for the general public enables him to address the heart of issues without the smoke and mirrors that so often accompany academic writing.

In 1990, he won the prestigious Francis Boyer Award, presented by The American Enterprise Institute.

Currently Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institute in Stanford, Calif.
Now, please read his article:

Obama and McCain

Thomas Sowell
Thursday, June 05, 2008

Now that the two parties have finally selected their presidential candidates, it is time for a sober-- if not grim-- assessment of where we are. Not since 1972 have we been presented with two such painfully inadequate candidates. When election day came that year, I could not bring myself to vote for either George McGovern or Richard Nixon.  I stayed home.

This year, none of us has that luxury. While all sorts of gushing is going on in the media, and posturing is going on in politics, the biggest national sponsor of terrorism in the world-- Iran-- is moving step by step toward building a nuclear bomb. The point when they get that bomb will be the point of no return. Iran 's nuclear bomb will be the terrorists' nuclear bomb-- and they can make 9/11 look like child's play.

All the options that are on the table right now will be swept off the table forever. Our choices will be to give in to whatever the terrorists demand-- however outrageous those demands might be-- or to risk seeing American cities start disappearing in radioactive mushroom clouds.

All the things we are preoccupied with today, from the price of gasoline to health care to global warming, will suddenly no longer matter.

Just as the Nazis did not find it enough to simply kill people in their concentration camps, but had to humiliate and dehumanize them first, so we can expect terrorists with nuclear weapons to both humiliate us and force us to humiliate ourselves, before they finally start killing us.

They have already telegraphed their punches with their sadistic beheadings of innocent civilians, and with the popularity of videotapes of those beheadings in the Middle East.

They have already telegraphed their intention to dictate to us with such things as Osama bin Laden's threats to target those places in America that did not vote the way he prescribed in the 2004 elections.  He could not back up those threats then but he may be able to in a very few years.

The terrorists have given us as clear a picture of what they are all about as Adolf Hitler and the Nazis did during the 1930s-- and our 'leaders' and intelligentsia have ignored the warning signs as resolutely as the 'leaders' and intelligentsia of the 1930s downplayed the dangers of Hitler.

We are much like people drifting down the Niagara River, oblivious to the waterfalls up ahead. Once we go over those falls, we cannot come back up again.
What does this have to do with to day's presidential candidates? It has everything to do with them.

One of these candidates will determine what we are going to do to stop Iran from going nuclear-- or whether we are going to do anything other than talk, as Western leaders talked in the 1930s.

There is one big difference between now and the 1930s.  Although the West's lack of military preparedness and its political irresolution led to three solid years of devastating losses to Nazi Germany and imperial Japan, nevertheless when all the West's industrial and military forces were finally mobilized, the democracies were able to turn the tide and win decisively.

But you cannot lose a nuclear war for three years and then come back.  You cannot even sustain the will to resist for three years when you are first broken down morally by threats and then devastated by nuclear bombs.

Our one window of opportunity to prevent this will occur within the term of whoever becomes President of the United States next January. At a time like this, we do not have the luxury of waiting for our ideal candidate or of indulging our emotions by voting for some third party candidate to show our displeasure-- at the cost of putting someone in the White House who is not up to the job.

Senator John McCain has been criticized in this column many times.  But, when all is said and done, Senator McCain has not spent decades aiding and abetting people who hate America .

On the contrary, he has paid a huge price for resisting our enemies, even when they held him prisoner and tortured him. The choice between him and Barack Obama should be a no-brainer.

Cardiologist today

I went to the cardiologist today as a follow-up to my hospital stay. The report was good. I have some narrowing of vessels but nothing to repair at this time. I am to remain on the medication. It dilates the vessels so blood keeps flowing. I don't go back for six months. Yah Hoo!!!!

Next week, back to the oncologist!

Jesse is at it again

It's time for Jesse to step back and retire from public life. He has fast become a liability to the equal rights agenda. He and Sharpton are really good at condemning others but not looking in their own closets. Sharpton called for crucifying Imus for his comment; I would think he would do at least the same with Jackson over this slur.

By: Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence

Sharpton 'very disappointed' in Jackson's use of the 'N-word'

"I'm very disappointed," Rev. Al Sharpton said today about the news that Rev. Jesse Jackson used the "N-word" during the same off-camera moment recently in which Jackson uttered a crude remark about Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama.

The racial epithet was not directed at Obama. Jackson used it to refer to African-Americans, according to the website TVNewser. Jackson, who previously apologized for the comment he made about wanting to cut off Obama's testicles, apologized again Wednesday after TVNewser broke the news about what else he said.

Sharpton said it is "disheartening" to learn about Jackson's use of the N-word.

"I have said, and many of those in other groups, NAACP and others, that we've all used it in the past and we've got to stop it as we challenge this nation," Sharpton added on CBS News' The Early Show this morning. "You can't challenge others without challenging ourselves. So this is disheartening, and I still hold Reverend Jackson in high esteem. But I certainly do not at all condone the use of the word." The Early Show's report is here:

Fox News Channel last night confirmed the news about what Jackson said, but did not release the video or a transcript of it. Jackson made the comments in front of a live microphone during a break when he was taping an interview for Fox.

FNC's Bill O'Reilly said Wednesday that the network didn't report on Jackson's use of the racial epithet previously because "I'm not in the business of hurting Jesse Jackson -- because it does hurt Jesse Jackson -- and I'm not in the business of creating some kind of controversy that's not relevant to the general subject: one civil rights leader disparaging another over policy. So we held it back. Some weasel leaked it to the Internet."

You Just Have to Laugh Through Tough Times

You Just Have to Laugh Through Tough Times is another David Naster Guidebook. This one has anecdotes that fall into the following categories: Humor, Illness, Injury, Danger, Grief, Laughter.

Although the categories in this book are more serious there are some very good stories that makes one stop and think about life and how serious we take it. It is a book spending and hour or two with; that is all it takes to read the whole book. It won't be time wasted.

When Work Gets Tough You Just Have to Laugh: A Guidebook

When Work Gets Tough You Just Have to Laugh by David Naster is an extremely humorous "Guidebook." Some of the anecdotes are familiar because they have been passed around via emails. Naster's web site describes the book as having three goals:

1. to make you laugh.
2. to teach you how to find humor.
3. to improve your work life.

Obviously, I can't testify to the third goal because I don't work but the first two are certainly met.

David is a hometown comedian... he lives in Overland Park, Kansas. His speciality is finding humor in the tough stuff of life. He is not only a comedian but also a motivational speaker. His web site is www.Naster.com.  You can purchase books, recordings and book an appearance through the site.

Pulmonologist today

I went to the pulmonologist today as a follow-up to my hospital stay. I am still have some difficulty breathing and the cough persists. The doctor said the lab is still growing some cultures which are still showing some "things." At this point it looks like the antibiotic that I was on for 10 days should have taken care of what is showing but I still need to wait for a few more weeks to get some definitive answers. She did instruct me to use my inhaler 2 puffs up to 4 times per day.

I'm scheduled for another check up on August 27.

New Yorker satire

I guess it's a reflection on my dislike of the Obamas but I don't find the cartoon tasteless or offensive. I find it humorous!

Mag satire panned; depicts Obamas as Muslim, terrorist

New Yorker via AFP/Getty Images

Democrats and Republicans are calling a New Yorker magazine cover tasteless and offensive for its satirical depiction of Barack Obama as a Muslim and his wife, Michelle, as a gun-toting terrorist.

From staff and wire reports

A satirical New Yorker magazine cover depicting Barack Obama as a Muslim and his wife as a gun-toting terrorist has drawn a unanimous reaction Monday from both the Democratic and Republican presidential campaigns that it is "tasteless and offensive."

The illustration, appearing on this week's issue, is titled "The Politics of Fear" and shows Obama in the Oval Office in sandals, robe and turban giving a "fist bump" to his wife, Michelle, who is outfitted in combat boots and an assault rifle. A painting of Osama bin Laden hangs above the fireplace in which an American flag is burning..

"The New Yorker may think, as one of their staff explained to us, that their cover is a satirical lampoon of the caricature Sen. Obama's right-wing critics have tried to create," said Obama campaign spokesman Bill Burton. "But most readers will see it as tasteless and offensive. And we agree."

It's All About Him

It's All About Him: Finding the Love of My Life by Denise Jackson with Ellen Vaughn is a good worthwhile read. I wasn't too interested in reading this book when it came out. I saw the Jacksons on Oprah and the View and it just didn't sound like a book I would enjoy. However, I was wrong about this one.

In this memoir Denise Jackson chronicles her faith walk through the years and the importance of her faith as she recounts the highs and lows of her marriage to country superstar Alan Jackson, whom she wed at age 19. She is very open regarding her relationship with Alan.

In addition, you get a free Alan Jackson CD with the book.

Dog Sense

Have you ever heard that a dog "knows" when an earthquake is about to hit?

Have you ever heard that a dog can "sense" when a tornado is stirring up, even 20 miles away?

Do you remember hearing that before the December tsunami struck Southeast Asia, dogs started running frantically away from the seashore, at breakneck speed?

Do you know that dogs can detect cancer and other serious illnesses and danger of fire?

Somehow they always know when they can 'go for a ride' before you even ask and how do those dogs and cats get home from hundreds of miles away?

I'm a firm believer that animals - and especially dogs - have keen insights into the Truth.

And you can't tell me that dogs can't sense a potentially terrible disaster well in advance

Simply said, a dog just KNOWS when something isn't right...when impending doom is upon us..they'll always try to warn us.... !!

Tony Snow

Press Secretary Relished Job

Tony Snow: 1955 - 2008

Conservative commentator and former White House press secretary Tony Snow has died of cancer at age 53.

» LAUNCH PHOTO GALLERY

Special to The Washington Post
Sunday, July 13, 2008; Page A01

Tony Snow, the former television and radio talk show host who became President Bush's chief spokesman and redefined the role of White House press secretary with his lively banter with reporters, died yesterday at Georgetown University Hospital after losing a high-profile battle with cancer. He was 53.

Snow had colon cancer diagnosed and treated in 2005, a year before joining the White House staff. He found out it had returned after an operation in March 2007 to remove what doctors thought was a benign growth in his lower abdomen. The cancer had spread to his liver, forcing him off the podium for treatment. Snow vowed to fight the disease and return to the briefing room but announced six months later that he was leaving his $168,000-a-year job because he needed to recoup the income he lost when he left his job as a radio and television host. He later joined CNN as a commentator.

In a statement issued by the White House, Bush said: "Tony was one of our Nation's finest writers and commentators. . . . It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day. He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work."

In his brief tenure as Bush's public advocate, Snow became perhaps the best-known face of the administration after the president, vice president and secretary of state. Parlaying skills honed during years at Fox News, he offered a daily televised defense of the embattled president that was robust and at times even combative while repairing strained relations with a press corps frustrated by years of rote talking points.

He was lively and entertaining, he could be disarmingly candid when ducking a question, and he did not hesitate to retreat when it became clear he had gone too far. He could tell reporters to "zip it" one minute and defuse tension the next by admitting that he knew so little about a topic that he was "not going to fake it." He enjoyed the give-and-take of a tough briefing, but his smile, upbeat energy and glib repartee seemed to take the edge off sometimes rough rhetoric on behalf of an unpopular leader and unpopular policies.

When The Washington Post's Bob Woodward disclosed internal White House maneuvering to push out then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, Snow tried to dismiss the account with a memorable put-down. "The book is sort of like cotton candy," he said. "It kind of melts on contact."

When a flamboyant radio reporter demanded to know whether Snow was going to evade a typically offbeat question, Snow chuckled. "No," he said, "I'm going to laugh at it."

In short, Snow led the first press briefing for the talk-show era, and he played the role with gusto. As the first working journalist in 30 years to serve as White House press secretary, he loved nothing more than jousting with reporters and expressed disappointment when they did not challenge him enough. To him, the job was the "Disney World of communications," as he once termed it. But at times, it seemed to be more about theater than information. He demonstrated little interest in the nitty-gritty of policy and delegated most off-camera reporter inquiries to his deputies. Precision was not his strong suit; translating difficult decisions into easily digestible explanations was.

Joining the White House as part of a staff shake-up in spring 2006, Snow quickly became a star among dispirited Republicans thirsty for an aggressive champion. In a break with tradition -- and, to some, crossing a line too far into open partisanship -- the White House used him to headline Republican fundraisers across the country as he became a high-profile advocate for the administration. He was the first press secretary in years routinely asked to sign autographs and pose for pictures while on the road. He made the rounds of talk shows, hit the lecture circuit and answered questions on a conservative Internet blog.

ABC News correspondent Ann Compton, president of the White House Correspondents Association, said yesterday that Snow was "the first press secretary who chose to use the podium as a way to argue the president's case -- not just in the president's words, but in his own."

"He was the first one who came from editorial writing and a pundit position, and he really did use that to articulate Bush's point of view."

Snow's freewheeling style took him too far on occasion. At one point, he said Bush believed that destroying embryonic stem cells was "murder." He later had to retract the comment, saying that he "overstepped my brief" and that the president would not use that term. Snow also apologized after initially seeming to brush off the seriousness of sexually explicit messages sent by then-Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) to underage House pages by referring to them as "naughty e-mail."

obama & mccaskill

Senator Claire McCaskill (D, MO), Obama's campaign national co-chair, was on Meet the Press this morning. She is incapable of answering a question about Obama's policy and stand on any issue. However, she seems to know a great deal about McCain's policies and opinions. She answers every question by stating what McCain's policy is and why it won't work.

I detest when candidates and supporters can't discuss their own candidate but spend their time talking about the opponent!

Tom Brokaw is no substitute for Tim Russert! Mr. Brokaw certainly allows his prejudices and favoritism come through in his interviews! NBC needs to find someone to host Meet the Press in the grain of Mr. Russert. He never allowed his politics show in his interviews. That is why he was such a success.

This week Obama said he was embarrassed by Americans because we don't speak foreign languages. Of course, he doesn't speak another language. In the typical Liberal way, he's good at telling the public what they need to do but doesn't do it himself. Liberals are also good about spending tax dollars as long as it doesn't affect them.

I would suggest that Obama needs to learn English. In the same speech he introduced a new word or maybe it was ebonics. He introduced a plural plural of we by using "wees" or maybe it is spelled "weez". Since I don't speak a foreign language I'm not sure how to spell it.

MISSILES & THE MESSIAH MAKING NEWS

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *

MISSILES & THE MESSIAH MAKING NEWS
Interesting times we live in.

By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., July 11, 2008) -- Talk of missiles and the Messiah are making big news in Israel, Iran, and the U.S. in recent days. It's a curious combination, to be sure. But numerous high-profile stories and television programs on both topics are stirring interest and controversy among millions in three countries that could not be more different. The Messiah stories are particularly interesting to me. Iran, as I mentioned the other day, is running a new documentary TV series on Jewish, Christian and Islamic eschatology (End Times theology), consistent with President Ahmadinejad's on-going call for the Muslim world to prepare for the "imminent" arrival of the Islamic Messiah, known as the Mahdi. The Israeli archaeological community, meanwhile, is currently abuzz over the discovery of an ancient stone tablet dated not long before the birth of Jesus that strongly suggests that religious Jews of the day were expecting the coming of a Messiah who would suffer, die, and be resurrected three days later. Most Rabbis and other Jewish scholars have long argued that the death and resurrection of a Jewish Messiah was a "Christian" invention, not part of long-established Jewish thought or Biblical teaching. But a front-page story in Haaretz, a leading Israeli newspaper, just a few days ago has a lot of people asking: Are Jews really supposed to believe their Messiah will actually die and rise again, and was this really Orthodox religious thinking before the time of Jesus?

That said, let's actually start with the missile stories. Tensions are growing -- as are oil prices -- after Iran tested more medium- to long-range ballistic missiles overnight. Each of the missiles were capable of reaching Israel, all U.S. bases in the region, all of the major oil fields and facilities in the epicenter, and even cities in southern Europe. Each were also capable, experts believe, of carrying nuclear warheads.
Particularly disturbing to me was this story out of Israel. "The IAEA's latest report of Iranian nuclear capabilities noted several covert developments 'which should be cause for some concern': Developments of nuclear detonators, high-end experiments involving conventional explosives made to accelerate nuclear warheads' fission and underground nuclear testing facilities. The most disconcerting find, however was that of computer files suggesting Iran already possesses - and may have already tested - a full-fledged nuclear warhead. To make matters worse, the Swiss authorities have recently discovered even more computer files suggesting Abd al-Kader Khan did more than draw plans for a simple nuclear warhead - he may have also provided the Iranians with the blueprints for a new, extremely small nuclear warhead, which can be installed atop ballistic missiles."

Consider these other headlines:

* Iran Press Service: In Direct Warning to Israel, Iran Test-Fired Long-Range Missile
* Islamic Republic News Agency: President Ahmadinejad: US, Israel not dare attack Iran
* AP: Iran test-fires more missiles in Persian Gulf
* Times of London: Iran ready to strike at Israel's nuclear heart: Iran has moved ballistic missiles into launch positions, with Israel's Dimona nuclear plant among the possible targets
* AP: Israeli defense minister Barak hints at Israel's readiness to strike Iran
* AP: Rice warns Iran that US will defend Israel
* MEMRI: Iran in Preparations, Deployment to Withstand Possible Attack by West

There's no question now that Tehran, Jerusalem and Washington are also actively preparing for the possibility of a major regional war this fall. But that's not all. A Wall Street Journal editorial yesterday morning on "Iran's Missile Threat" raises another disturbing scenario, one seemingly ripped right out of my latest thriller, Dead Heat.

"Yesterday's tests offered no big surprises about Iran's missile technology, but they are a useful reminder of just how real the Iranian threat is - and how rapidly it is growing," observed the Journal. "One of the missiles tested was the latest update of the Shahab-3, which has a range of about 1,250 miles. Replace the payload with a lighter one - say, a nuclear warhead - and the range gains 1,000 miles. Add a booster and the range can be extended even farther. North Korea did just that with its Taepodong missile - technology that it passed along to Iran. U.S. intelligence estimates that Iran will have a ballistic missile capable of reaching New York or Washington by about 2015. Iran may already have the capability to target the U.S. with a short-range missile by launching it from a freighter off the East Coast. A few years ago it was observed practicing the launch of Scuds from a barge in the Caspian Sea. This would be especially troubling if Tehran is developing EMP - electromagnetic pulse - technology. A nuclear weapon detonated a hundred miles over U.S. territory would create an electromagnetic pulse that would virtually shut down the U.S. economy by destroying electronic circuits on the ground. William Graham, head of a Congressional commission to assess the EMP threat, testifies before the House Armed Services Committee this morning. We hope someone asks him about Iran."

All the more reason to move forward -- rapidly -- with a robut missile defense program for the U.S., Israel and Europe, regardless of what the Russians say.
Now, let's turn to the Messiah stories. Through TV programs like "The Secret of Armageddon," the Iranian government continues trying to prepare people for what Ahmadinejad sees as the increasingly "imminent" coming of the Islamic Messiah. I don't begrudge them that, per se. I also believe we are living in the last days. I believe the Messiah is coming. And I believe we all need to live differently in light of these truths.

The problem is that while Jesus, the Apostles and all Biblical eschatology teaches us to love our neighbors and our enemies in the End Times -- and share the good news of God's love and salvation for all who will listen and respond -- Shia Islamic eschatology teaches just the opposite. The way to hasten the Mahdi's appearance or arrival on earth, Shia scholars teach, is to create chaos and carnage on the planet and kill tens of millions of people. They believe that annihilating Judeo-Christian civilization as we know it and sending the world goes up in flames will then trigger the arrival of the Mahdi who will bring righteousness, justice and peace and create a worldwide Islamic empire.

Of course, it's one thing to believe in such horrifying theology. It's another thing to run a country based on it. Yet that is exactly what is happening in Iran today. Such Shia eschatology is driving Iranian foreign policy. What's more, it is driving the Iranian regime's feverish bid to build, buy or steal nuclear weapons and the missiles capable of delivering them to U.S. and Israeli targets. Such genocidal zealots cannot be successfully negotiated with or deterred. That's what is so critical for Washington and our allies to understand. Ahmadinejad -- and, more importantly, the Ayatollah Khamenei -- don't want to be stopped. They believe they are on a God-given mission to bring about the end of the world, and they are eager and passionate about getting the job done as quickly as possible.
Meanwhile, a far healthier discussion is going on right now in Israel. Many religious Jews also believe global events are lining up to usher in the coming of the Messiah. Of course, they believe He will be arriving for the first time, not the second time, as Christians believe. But now the very nature of who the Messiah is and what He will do when He arrives is being debated in a whole new way. Consider these stories (and I strongly encourage you to read each thoroughly):

* Haaretz (a leading Israeli daily newspaper): Dead Sea tablet suggests Jewish resurrection imagery pre-dates Jesus
* New York Times: Ancient Tablet Ignites Debate on Messiah and Resurrection
* Agence France Presse: Mystery tablet could redefine Jewish-Christian links
* The Jewish Journal: Was Jesus' resurrection culturally expected?

Israeli Professor Israel Knohl of The Hebrew University of Jerusalem finds himself in the spotlight for a presentation he is giving this week at a major conference on the 60th anniversary of discovering the Dead Sea Scrolls. His lecture is entitled, "The Gabriel Revelation and the Birth of Christianity," and it is creating a whole lot of buzz.

"The first part [of the ancient tablet that he has been studying] describes an eschatological war," Knohl explains. "The nations of the world besiege Jerusalem, and the residents are expelled from the city in groups. This description is followed by a passage in which God sends "my servant David" to ask...the Messiah Son of Joseph to deliver a 'sign.' From the context, it appears that this sign heralds the coming redemption.The second part of the Gabriel Revelation focuses on death and resurrection - and the blood of the slain. The last paragraph cites the words of the Archangel Gabriel who commands a person to return to life after three days: 'By three days, live.' In my lecture I will deal with the possible connection between the figure of Ephraim, the Messiah Son of Joseph, and the image of Jesus in the New Testament. I will also explore the possible link between the resurrection 'by three days' commanded by Gabriel in the Gabriel Revelation and the resurrection of Jesus 'on the third day.'"

"Moshe Idel, a professor of Jewish thought at Hebrew University, said that given the way every tiny fragment from that era yielded scores of articles and books, 'Gabriel's Revelation' and Mr. Knohl's analysis deserved serious attention," reports the New York Times. "Here we have a real stone with a real text," he said. "This is truly significant."

What Knohl finds most significant is "the fact that [the writings on the stone tablet] strongly suggested that a savior who died and rose after three days was an established concept at the time of Jesus. He notes that in the Gospels, Jesus makes numerous predictions of his suffering and New Testament scholars say such predictions must have been written in by later followers because there was no such idea present in his day. But there was, he said, and 'Gabriel's Revelation' shows it."

"His mission is that he has to be put to death by the Romans to suffer so his blood will be the sign for redemption to come," Mr. Knohl said. "This is the sign of the son of Joseph. This is the conscious view of Jesus himself....To shed blood...to bring redemption to Israel."
Two trends worth watching.

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PRAY FOR PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR

today's potpourri

Congress

I doubt that anyone in Congress will check out this survey. This "do nothing" democratically controlled Congress is the worst Congress I have ever experienced. Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid should be checking out what this poll says and why they are leading the worst Congress in Rasmussen Reports tracking history.

In the past 2 1/2 years this Congress has accomplished two things... allowed gasoline prices to increase over $2/gallon; and, waste billions of dollars on earmarks!

Congressional Performance

Congressional Approval Falls to Single Digits for First Time Ever

Tuesday, July 08, 2008

The percentage of voters who give Congress good or excellent ratings has fallen to single digits for the first time in Rasmussen Reports tracking history. This month, just 9% say Congress is doing a good or excellent job. Most voters (52%) say Congress is doing a poor job, which ties the record high in that dubious category....

...Most voters (72%) think most members of Congress are more interested in furthering their own political careers. Just 14% believe members are genuinely interested in helping people. ...

Jesse Jackson

It looks to me like Jesse is a little jealous of Obama; someone else is getting some attention from the black community. Does this mean that Jesse may be on his way out as a "black leader"? We can only hope that the hypocritical Jackson takes Al Sharpton with him.

Jesse Jackson Apologizes for Open Mic Slight Against Obama

Civil Rights Leader Challenges First Black Major Party Nominee on African American Issues

By JAKE TAPPER and JENNIFER PARKER
July 10, 2008

A day after an open microphone caught the Rev. Jesse Jackson Wednesday criticizing Sen. Barack Obama for the way he talks to the black community, the civil rights leader praised Obama but continued to challenge the presumptive Democratic nominee to place more "emphasis" on issues that affect African-Americans.

The prominent black leader was unknowingly caught criticizing Barack Obama.

Unaware that his microphone was on before a television interview Wednesday, Jackson expressed anger that in his view, Obama has been overly critical of the black community.

"See Barack Obama been, um, talking down to black people on his faith based -- want to cut his nuts off," Jackson said in a video that aired Wednesday on the Fox News program "The O'Reilly Factor."

On Thursday's "Good Morning America," Jackson appeared contrite, saying he likes the Illinois senator "very much" but suggested Obama lacks passion in addressing issues that predominantly affect blacks.

"I'm a long-standing supporter [of Obama] and because of my commitment to what he represents and the campaign, I was quick to apologize for any offense or any harm or hurt," Jackson told ABC News "GMA" co-anchor Chris Cuomo.

war in november - part 2

Obviously, Iran is trying to provoke a war before Bush leaves office. The question is, will it be before or after the elections? We, the United States and Evangelical Christians, have committed to stand with Israel and defend her. If we are entering another war, and we are, who do you want to be the Commander in Chief? Which presidential candidate do you trust to stand behind their commitment to Israel? Before you vote give some serious thought to these questions!

Iran tests missiles in Persian Gulf

By ALI AKBAR DAREINI – 1 hour ago

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) — Iran test-fired nine long- and medium-range missiles Wednesday during war games that officials said aimed to show the country can retaliate against any U.S. and Israeli attack, state television reported.

Gen. Hossein Salami, the air force commander of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, said the exercise would "demonstrate our resolve and might against enemies who in recent weeks have threatened Iran with harsh language," the TV report said.

Wednesday's war games were being conducted at the mouth of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which about 40 percent of the world's oil passes. Iran has threatened to shut down traffic in the strait if attacked.

The report showed footage of at least three missiles firing simultaneously, and said the barrage included a new version of the Shahab-3 missile, which officials have said has a range of 1,250 miles (2,000 kilometers) and is armed with a 1-ton conventional warhead.

That would put Israel, Turkey, the Arabian peninsula, Afghanistan and Pakistan within striking distance.

"Our hands are always on the trigger and our missiles are ready for launch," the official IRNA news agency quoted Salami as saying Wednesday.

The report comes less than a day after Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dismissed fears that Israel and the United States could be preparing to attack his country, calling the possibility a "funny joke."

"I assure you that there won't be any war in the future," Ahmadinejad told a news conference Tuesday during a visit to Malaysia for a summit of developing Muslim nations.

But even as Ahmadinejad and other Iranian officials have dismissed the possibility of attack, Tehran has stepped up its warnings of retaliation if the Americans — or Israelis — do launch military action, including threats to hit Israel and U.S. Gulf bases with missiles and stop oil traffic through the vital Gulf region.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice called Wednesday's tests "evidence that the missile threat is not an imaginary one."

"Those who say that there is no Iranian missile threat against which we should build a missile defense system perhaps ought to talk to the Iranians about their claims," Rice said while traveling in Sofia, Bulgaria.

On Tuesday, Rice and Czech counterpart Karel Schwarzenberg signed a deal allowing the U.S. to base a missile defense shield in the Czech Republic.

A White House spokesman called the tests "completely inconsistent with Iran's obligations to the world."

"The Iranian regime only furthers the isolation of the Iranian people from the international community when it engages in this sort of activity," said Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council.

"They should also refrain from further missile tests if they truly seek to gain the trust of the world," he added, speaking from Japan where President Bush is attending the Group of Eight summit.

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama said Wednesday that Iran's missile tests highlight the need for direct diplomacy as well as tougher threats of economic sanctions and strong incentives to persuade Tehran to change its behavior.

John McCain, the Republican seeking the presidency, said the tests demonstrate a need for effective missile defense, including missile defense in Europe and the defense system the U.S. plans with the Czech Republic and Poland.

In late June, Vice Adm. Kevin Cosgriff, who was then the commander of the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, said any attempt by Iran to seal off the Strait of Hormuz would be viewed as an act of war. The U.S. 5th Fleet is based in Bahrain, across the Gulf from Iran.

Israel's military sent warplanes over the eastern Mediterranean for a large military exercise in June that U.S. officials described as a possible rehearsal for a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, which the West fears are aimed at producing atomic weapons.

Iran says its nuclear program is geared only toward generating electricity, not weapons.

The Israeli exercise was widely interpreted as a show of force as well as a practice on skills needed to execute a long-range strike mission.

Shaul Mofaz, an Israeli Cabinet minister, set off an international uproar last month by saying in a published interview that Israel would have "no choice" but to attack Iran if it doesn't halt its nuclear program. Mofaz is a former military chief and defense minister, and has been Israel's representative in a strategic dialogue on Iran with U.S. officials.

On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said Israel "does not desire hostility and conflict with Iran."

"But it is clear that the Iranian nuclear program and the Iranian ballistic missile program is a matter of grave concern," Regev said.

The Guards and Iran's regular army routinely hold exercises two or three times a year

war in november

I'm typically not an alarmist but Joel Rosenberg is amazingly prophetic when it comes to what is going on in and with Israel.

* * * * FLASH TRAFFIC: WASHINGTON UPDATE * * * *

WAR IN NOVEMBER?
A military showdown with Iran may be fast approaching.

By Joel C. Rosenberg

(Washington, D.C., July 8, 2008) -- War clouds continue to build in the epicenter. Last month in Rome, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad vowed that the United States and Israel would soon be "annihilated," language he had not used so explicitly since October 2005 when he promised to wipe Israel "off the map" and urged Muslims to "envision a world without the United States." This week, his regime authorized a new series of Iranian war games. He ordered the digging of 320,000 graves to bury the enemies of Islam. He is calling for the unification of the Islamic world politically and economically, including the creation of a single currency.

What's more, Iranian TV is running a new anti-Semitic documentary film series entitled, "The Secret of Armageddon." Setting the stage for a coming apocalyptic war that will usher in the Islamic Messiah known as the Mahdi or the "Twelfth Imam," the series focuses on a series of Bible prophecies that inform Jewish and Christian End Times theology. While the presentation is grossly distorted, some facts do emerge. Iranian scholar Dr. Ismail Shafe'i Sarustani , for example, tells viewers that the word "Armageddon" is "originally a Hebrew word" and "is a real geographical region, situated south of Haifa," noting that "the place was shelled by Hizbullah during the 33-day [July 2006] war." Iranian historian Mohammad-Taqi Taqipour notes that "these [Evangelical Christians], along with the Jews, believe that the War of the End of Days will take place in the desert of Megiddo, in Palestine. They believe that Jesus will return, and that then there will be a millennium of happiness."

The series, however, accuses Jews who were victims of genocide -- during the very Holocaust Ahmadinejad denies ever happened -- of actually planning to commit genocide. "There is a genocidal Zionist Jewish plan for the genocide of humanity at the hand of the Zionist Jew-boys," claims one Iranian researcher interviewed for the program. "The Zionist Jew-boys talk about a 'Greater Israel' -- from the Euphrates to the Nile -- but their actual goal is world domination." At one point, Iranian researcher Shams Al-Din Rahmani argues that "the goal of the Zionists is the total destruction of Islam."

During the June 7th episode, the narrator embraces anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and proceeds to try to justify Iran's own war plans. "Today, there are many indications that the 'hidden hands' of world Zionism were involved in the 9/11 terrorist attack. According to a large group of Western intellectuals, the Zionists are the real rulers of the United States. According to irrefutable documents published by independent American media outlets, the Zionists used intelligence agents and spies, with the full cooperation of agencies with the country, to carry out this terrorist operation in full view of the world, in order to prepare the ground for taking over Afghanistan and Iraq, and to realize the dream of a greater Israel."

Top Israeli intelligence officials, meanwhile, increasingly believe that time is running out. They believe that Iran could have nuclear weapons within a year and one former Mossad chief is urging his country's leadership to launch a massive series of air strikes against Iranian nuclear and other military facilities before it is too late. Israel's Air Force just conducted a test run of such a bombing mission.

John Bolton, the former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., says he believes Israel may strike Iran sometime in late fall or early winter, after the U.S. elections in November but before the inauguration of the next American President on January 20. A senior Pentagon officials told the Washington Post several days ago he is worried about the same scenario -- a November surprise -- prompting both President Bush and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to make strong public statements warning the Israelis not to take such actions. Until just a few weeks ago, it was widely believed in Israel that new parliamentary elections would be held in November. But at the last moment, Defense Minister Ehud Barak withdrew his threat of voting to bring down the Olmert government for a few more months, leading some to speculate that Barak may be calculating that Israelis couldn't be fully immersed in an electoral campaign and a bombing campaign simultaneously.

The U.S. does not want Israel to strike. After all, the repercussions of such a war with Iran would be global in nature. Israel would face tens of thousands of incoming missiles not just from Iran but likely from Syria, Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza and possibly the West Bank. Some of these missiles could have chemical and/or biological warheads, even if the nuclear warheads in Iran are not yet ready. Ballistic missiles would also be likely fired from Iran at the oil fields in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States, at oil tankers in the Persian Gulf and the Straight of Hormuz, and at U.S. bases and forces in Iraq. Tens of thousands of suicide bomber cells could be activated in the region -- especially in Iraq and Israel -- and perhaps even in Western Europe and the U.S. and Canada. Iranian efforts to topple Jordan's King Abdullah II and/or Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in favor of radical Islamic regimes friendly to Tehran could also be set in motion. Oil prices could shoot from $140 a barrel to $300 a barrel or more. U.S. gas prices could spike to $7-$10 or more, with horrific domestic and global economic repercussions.

No wonder Washington doesn't want a war with Iran. No wants such a war. I certainly do not, and neither do the Israelis. Yet, the U.S. does not have a convincing plan to stop the Iranian nuclear weapons program in time. Nor does the U.N., or the E.U. Diplomacy isn't working. Economic sanctions have been imposed on Iran since 1979 to little strategic effect. Unfortunately, the words of Sen. John McCain keep echoing in my head this week. In April 2006, the senior Senator from Arizona appeared on NBC's Meet the Press. He said, "there's only one thing worse than using the option of military action, and that is the Iranians acquiring nuclear weapons." For if Iran gets the Bomb, he said, "I think we could have Armageddon."
Developing....

To read the latest news from the Middle East and Russia, please go to Joel's WEBLOG.

To join 58,920 other >> FLASH TRAFFIC << subscribers who are receiving (free) geopolitical and prayer updates from Israel and the epicenter, please click here.

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Christians vs. Crusaders

One of my favorite podcasts I listen to every week in the sermon from Grace Church, Overland Park, Kansas. Yesterday, their guest speaker was a man called Tass Saada who happens to be the father of one of the church pastors, Ben Abu Saada.

Tass Saada is a former Muslim PLO Sniper and author of the upcoming book "Once an Arafat Man," scheduled for release in September. Yesterday, he spent a little time talking about his past as it related to his upbringing and his life in the Arab world including in the Gaza Strip. Primarily, he spoke of his journey and how he was brought to accept Jesus Christ as his saviour.

To me, one of the surprising statements, that he made was that he didn't like the word "Christian" because to him and other Arabs it brings thoughts of the Crusaders. He prefers to be called "a follower of Christ."

Even after all these centuries Arabs still think and talk about the Crusades. This actually hit home and explained a lot of the "bad feelings" Arabs have toward Christians. If you aren't familiar with the Crusades you should watch more History Channel. Another source of an example of Crusader behavior is James Patterson's book the Jester. Although a work of fiction there is some pretty accurate descriptions of work of the Crusaders.

It doesn't take a lot of study to figure out that the Crusaders were pretty ruthless in the name of God. So many of these men played right into the hands of the Pope to become Crusaders. They were told they were on a mission for God and the murdering committed by them was sanctioned by God when in reality it was sanctioned by the Pope.

Anyway, Jester is a good book worth reading and I can't wait for Once An Arafat Man to come out!

 

Fresh Faith

Fresh Faith by Jim Cymbala with Dean Merrill is another excellent writing that is informative and instructional for any person. Christians as well as seekers will enjoy this easy to read and understand text that is typical of Jim Cymbala. A couple of the Amazon.com reviews follows:

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
According to Jim Cymbala, Satan is the "master thief" of our day, robbing us of faith. In Fresh Faith, the inner-city pastor and author of the bestselling Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, challenges despair with the sword of Christian belief. In the wake of Satan's crime wave, Cymbala sees an overriding despondency that leads people to drugs, violence, and suicide. Even among pastors, Cymbala sees a turning away of Christ as "the first love," and instead he finds church leaders who are "hollow shells" of their former zealous selves. The final two sections of his book are devoted to "Getting Past the Barricades" and "Following the Divine Channel," showing readers how belief and trust can restore even the most damaged souls.

While Cymbala isn't the first pastor to try to ignite a fresh fire of faith, he is one of the most qualified. When he took over the leadership of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, the congregation was on the verge of extinction with only 26 members. The church is now 6,000 strong and a nationally recognized example of what a community's faith can do. --Gail Hudson --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly
This sequel to Cymbala's 1997 success, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire (still holding its own on the hardcover religion bestseller list), manages to offer what few sequels can muster: a "fresh" and invigorating perspective. Cymbala has a real knack for bringing Bible stories to life (King David, with all of his flaws, figures prominently here). The book's short homilies comprise readable chapters on issues such as trusting God, overcoming discouragement and acting on God's promises. Cymbala shares stories from his congregation, of his daughter's miraculous healing and the unforgettable conversion of Amalia, a drug-addicted incest victim to demonstrate God's power in transforming lives. Cymbala has some hard words for those who rely upon good works in hopes of earning God's approval, which in his estimation demonstrates a grievous lack of faith in grace. He chastises those who profess belief in the truth of the Bible but never read it for themselves; they suffer from "stale" faith because they refuse to be refreshed. On the other end of the spectrum, his message is also for "those Christians who pound the Bible the hardest [but] are the most unbelieving and cynical about God ever doing a new thing in his church." Some of Cymbala's politics may offend readers (one chapter profiles an ex-gay husband and father who renounced his former lifestyle and established a ministry to AIDS victims), but he generally manages to rise above divisive polemics to preach a gospel of truth-telling and ineffable love.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

grandparents must read

I have never been a great fan of the "Chicken Soup" series and have only read a very few of them. However, Chicken Soup for the Grandparent's Soul is a fantastic read and a must read for all grandparents.

If every story in this book doesn't remind you of something about your own grand children then you must have a limited life with them and I feel sorry for you.

This book makes one laugh, cry, contemplate, wish for more experiences and give thanks for the life that has blessed one. I can't imagine another "Chicken Soup" book that is better than this one.

The Israel Pledge

The Israel Pledge

WE BELIEVE that the Jewish people have a right to live in their ancient land of Israel, and that the modern State of Israel is the fulfillment of this historic right.  
WE MAINTAIN that there is no excuse for acts of terrorism against Israel and that Israel has the same right as every other nation to defend her citizens from such violent attacks.    
WE PLEDGE to stand with our brothers and sisters in Israel and to speak out on their behalf whenever and wherever necessary until the attacks stop and they are finally living in peace and security with their neighbors.  
Please Click Here to Sign the Pledge.

The Importance of Signing the Israel Pledge

In 1891, the Jewish people were under attack.  Jewish towns and villages throughout Russia were being ransacked by violent, anti-Semitic mobs.  Thousands of Jews had been killed in cold blood, and more attacks loomed. 

While most Americans ignored these bloody incidents, many religious Christians stepped forward and took action.  Led by William Blackstone, a group of American Christians organized one of the first pro-Israel petitions in history – decades before there even was a State of Israel!  This petition – called the Blackstone Memorial -- declared that the only way to stop the bloodshed was to create a Jewish homeland in Palestine to serve as a safe haven for persecuted Jews from Russia and around the world. 

Today, the Jewish people are again under attack.  Jewish towns and villages throughout Israel are being assaulted by terrorist missiles and suicide bombers.  Thousands of Jews have been killed in cold blood.  More attacks loom.

Once again, most of the world is standing idly by as Jewish blood is spilled.  And once again, believing Christians are providing an exception to this rule of apathy. Throughout America and the world, Christians are outraged by these attacks and want to do something to stop them.

The first step in making a difference is standing up and being counted.  Just like a century ago, the time has come for Israel’s friends to step forward and openly declare their support.  What we need today is a Blackstone Memorial for a new century.  
Thank you for standing united with Israel.
May God Bless You and Those that You Love,
Pastor John Hagee
National Chairman
Christians United for Israel  

 

oncology check 7/2/2008

Cheryl went with me to the oncologist this morning. The IGG (monoclonal protein count) which indicates the growth of the myeloma was up slightly. The last test it was 1,200+, this time it was 1300+. He wasn't too concerned since I have been off the thalidomide for over a week because of my hospital stay.

I will start the thalidomide again tonight picking up where I left off at 150 mg daily. After 10 days I will increase to 200 mg and will stay at that dosage indefinitely.

Other stuff...

I still have my cough I've been fighting for months and months. I will finish the antibiotic on Friday that the pulmonologist ordered. The oncologist said if the cough wasn't better by the first of the week I should get back to the pulmonologist.

I really like all my doctors and think they are some of the best available!