The moment

Nothing is ever as good or bad as it seems in the moment.

JFK, Jr.

Obama snubbed

Obama Clarifies: Israel Is The Problem Not The Palestinians

While campaigning for the presidency Obama repeatedly declared his support of Israel. Obviously he was lying, but what else could we expect from him. Jerusalem must not be divided.

[07.15.2009]

Obama Clarifies: Israel Is The Problem Not The Palestinians

President Obama invited a very select group of Jewish leaders to the White House. Like all his events, Obama made sure that his supporters dominated the room. Flanked by staffers Rahm Emanuel and David Axelrod, Obama overloaded the guest list with left leaning American Jews. Groups like Peace Now, The National Jewish Democrat Council, and J Street, all of whom oppose the the elected government of Benjamin Netanyahu, were included among the typical "major Jewish organizations."  Obama made sure that groups supporting the right wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu were a distinct minority.

From a few published reports and other sources, One Jerusalem has pieced together a picture of what took place at this meeting. In short, Obama made it clear that he feels Israel must be pushed to make a deal with the Palestinians - which means that Obama is planning to force Israel to compromise on Jerusalem, settlements, the West Bank, and possibly the right of return.  He will not be dissuaded by facts on the ground (more on this later), and he sees a moral equivalency between the plight of the Palestinians and the needs of the State of Israel.

When Malcolm Hoenlein of the Conference of Major Organizations made the case that progress on the Palestinian front comes when there is "no daylight" between the policies of the United States and Israel, Obama responded that despite overwhelming support by President Bush no progress was made. When Hoenlein pointed out that under Bush, Israel took the momentous step of withdrawing from Gaza (One Jerusalem opposed this action) and previously under other friendly Administrations went the extra mile, like adopting The Road Map, Obama refused to let these facts change his mind.

Our friend Rick Richman does a superb job responding to Obama:

The following would be my summary of the progress over the past eight years -- which Obama apparently ignored in his response to the group:

After the Palestinians rejected an offer of a state at Camp David in 2000, rejected the Clinton Parameters in 2001, and conducted a terror war against Israeli civilians from September 2000-2002, Israel nevertheless agreed in 2003 to the "Performance-Based Roadmap" for the creation of a Palestinian state, despite reservations about the manner in which that plan would actually be implemented.

In 2003 and thereafter, Israel ceased all settlement activity -- as it understood that Phase I Roadmap obligation (no new settlements; no building outside settlement boundaries; no financial incentives for Israelis to move to settlements) -- and believed American officials agreed with its interpretation of that obligation.

In 2004, after the Palestinian Authority failed to meet its own Phase I Roadmap obligation (sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist groups and infrastructure), Israel nevertheless proposed to dismantle every existing settlement in Gaza (not just "outposts"), remove every Israeli soldier, and turn over the entire area to the Palestinian Authority -- in exchange for a written American commitment to defensible borders and retention of the major settlement blocs necessary to insure them.

In 2005, after receiving the American commitment, Israel proceeded to carry out the Gaza disengagement, despite the political and social upheaval within Israel it caused, including the break-up of the ruling party and nationwide demonstrations, and - at State Department insistence - further dismantled four settlements (not just "outposts") in the West Bank as well, to demonstrate the disengagement would be "Gaza First," not "Gaza Last."

In 2006, after the Palestinians elected their premier terrorist group to control their government, Israelis nevertheless re-elected Kadima on a platform of "convergence" (the new name for withdrawal from the West Bank), and would have carried it out but for the attacks by Hamas from Gaza and Hezbollah from Lebanon that caused two wars and finally convinced Israelis further withdrawals were insane.

In 2007, despite the Palestinian failure to carry out its Phase I dismantlement obligation, and its categorical rejection of Phase II (a state with provisional sovereignty before Phase III final status negotiations), Israel agreed to proceed immediately to final status negotiations once again under the "Annapolis Process."

Throughout 2008, Israel negotiated with its "peace partner" under the accelerated process, and offered 100 percent of the West Bank (after land swaps) for a state, with concessions on other major issues, all of which were rejected.

During this eight-year period, the Palestinian concessions (aka reciprocal "progress") can be enumerated more briefly:  zero.
But Obama reiterated his commitment to forcing Israel to give Palestinians what they want. In other words he does not want to be deterred from his prejudices by the facts.

One Jerusalem has been warning Israel's supporters that the Obama Administration is dead set on using all its power to force Israel to capitulate even if it means dividing Jerusalem and weakening its defenses.  We must continue to recruit people in the campaign to defend Israel and Jerusalem.  Signing our Jerusalem petition is a sure fire way to stay informed about important news that you will probably not get anywhere else and to learn insider analysis.
As Obama's troubles at home multiply, look for him to show leadership by beating up on Israel. We need to be prepared to fight back.

Health update 07.15.2009

My blood counts had not improved in the past two weeks, but they decided I could go ahead with the Revlimid but I can take it for only 14 days instead of the usual 21 days. After 14 days on the drug I will then be off of it for 14 days. After that I will go back on at a dosage of less than half what I'm taking now. I don't know yet how the cycle will be structured... 14 or 21 days.

One of the blood counts that is too low is the absolute neutrophils which has to do with my immunities. They expect that I will become neutropenic which simply means I will be more subject to disease and infection. I will have to be much more careful about being around people that are ill.

GERMAN INTELLIGENCE SOURCES: IRAN COULD HAVE BOMB IN 6 MONTHS: Update on 9/11 webcast

JULY 15, 2009...5:39 PM

Joel Rosenberg’s Weblog

Concerns that a war between Iran and Israel may not be that far off are growing. A controversial report in the German weekly Stern quotes German intelligence sources as believing that Iran has “mastered the enrichment technology necessary to make a bomb and had enough centrifuges to make weaponised uranium.” The report, picked up by Reuters, quoted one expert at the agency as saying of the Iranian military: “If they wanted to, they could detonate an atomic bomb in half a year’s time.” Officially, BND, the German intelligence agency, is denying that the agency has formally made this conclusion, conceding only that some of its analysts may consider six months a worst-case scenario.

RELATED HEADLINE: Clinton warns Iran on engagement; US Secretary of State says Iran has limited time to accept offer of engagement on its nuclear program; meanwhile German intel denies report its experts believe Iran could have a bomb within six months

UPDATE ON 9/11 NATIONAL TOWN HALL MEETING

On Friday night, September 11, 2009, Lt.-General (ret.) Jerry Boykin, former commander of Delta Force, and I will host a “National Town Hall Meeting” — webcast to churches and individuals throughout North America and around the world — to discuss the threat of Radical Islam, the Iranian nuclear threat, the future of Israel, and the role of the Church in the Middle East.

Already, 79 churches have signed up to show the webcast to their congregations that night.

We will explain the three revolutions currently underway in the Islamic world involving the Radicals, the Reformers and the Revivalists. We’ll explain how the followers of jihad, Jefferson and Jesus have completely different goals and objectives, how each are battling to dominate the Middle East and transform the world, and why each should matter to you and your family. That night, in a webcast filmed before a live audience in Philadelphia, we will show an exclusive 30-minute excerpt from the new 90-minute Inside the Revolution documentary film that will be released nationwide by Tyndale House Publishers that day. We will then answer questions from the audience, and from viewers around the country and around the world.

General Boykin’s prayer and my own is that pastors in hundreds of churches throughout North America will choose to set aside Friday night, September 11th to show the webcast of the two hour National Town Hall Meeting to their congregations in their auditoriums as a catalyst for an ongoing conversation on these vital issues. There is no fee for churches to show the high resolution broadband webcast, but pastors must sign up and receive a special access code. Individuals around the world will be able to watch a normal resolution webcast free of charge through the special website we have set up. The webcast will air live from 7pm to 9pm eastern on 9/11. It will later be rebroadcast for churches in Western time zones.

Please visit www.insidetherevolution.org and learn more about how you and your congregation can participate in this “National Town Hall Meeting on Radical Islam and the Church’s Response.” The site contains details about the event and the film. There is also a link to a trailer of the documentary film, filmed on location in Iraq, Morocco, Israel and Washington, D.C. I hope you will join us, and invite your family and friends to join us as well. Thanks so much, and God bless you.

A Patriotic Resistance

This came to me via email. I felt it was so appropriate to my feelings. Just call me a Bible thumping, gun toting, mid-west hick!

I have noted that many elected officials, both Democrats and Republicans, called upon America to unite behind Obama.

Well, I want to make it clear to all who will listen that I "AM NOT" uniting behind Obama.  However, I promise to give our country the devoted loyalty of a patriot.

I will respect the Office which he holds, and I will acknowledge his abilities as an orator and wordsmith and pray for him, BUT that is it.

I have begun today to see what I can do to make sure He is a one-term President!

Why am I doing this?  It is because I do not share Obama's vision or value system for America;

I do not share his Abortion beliefs;

I do not share his radical Marxist's concept of re-distributing wealth;

I do not share his stated views on raising taxes on those who make $150,000+ (the ceiling has been changed three times since August);

I do not share his view that America is arrogant;

I do not share his view that America is not a Christian Nation;

I do not share his view that the military should be reduced by 25%;

I do not share his view of amnesty and giving more to illegals than American Citizens who need help;

I do not share his views on homosexuality and his definition of marriage;

I do not share his views that Radical Islam is our friend and Israel is our enemy who should give up any land;  

I do not share his spiritual beliefs (at least the ones he has made public);

I do not share his beliefs on how to re-work the healthcare system in America;

I do not share his Strategic views of the Middle East, and certainly do not share his plan to sit down with terrorist regimes such as Iran.

Bottom line, my America is vastly different from Obama's, and I have a higher obligation to my Country and my God to do what is right!

For eight (8) years, the Liberals in our Society, led by numerous entertainers who would have no platform and no real credibility, but for their celebrity status, have attacked President Bush, his family, and his spiritual beliefs! 

They have not moved toward the center in their beliefs and their philosophies, and they never came together nor compromised their personal beliefs for the betterment of our Country!  They have portrayed my America as a land where everything is tolerated except being intolerant!

They have been a vocal and irreverent minority for years;

They have mocked and attacked the very core values so important to the founding and growth of our Country;   
They have made every effort to remove the name of God or Jesus Christ from our Society;

They have challenged capital punishment, the right to bear firearms, and the most basic principles of our criminal code;

They have attacked one of the  most fundamental of all Freedoms, the right of free speech!

Unite behind Obama?  Never!

I am sure many of you who read this think that I am going overboard, but I refuse to retreat one more inch in favor of those whom I believe are the embodiment of Evil!

PRESIDENT BUSH made many mistakes during his Presidency, and I am not sure how history will judge  him.  However, I believe he weighed his decisions in light of the long established Judeo-Christian principles of our Founding Fathers!!! 

Majority rules in America, and I will honor the concept; however, I will fight with all of my power to be a voice in opposition to Obama and "his goals for America."

I am going to be a thorn in the side of those who, if left unchecked, will destroy our country!! Any more compromise is more defeat!

I pray that the results of this election will wake up many who have sat on the sidelines and allowed the Socialist-Marxist anti-God crowd to slowly change so much of what has been good in America! 

"Error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to combat it."  (Thomas Jefferson)

God bless you and God bless our Country!!!

Health update 07.08.2009

It has been 5 years, today, since my diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. By the way, today is also my Mom's birthday... Happy Birthday, Mom!

Considering the anniversary I guess it was an appropriate way to spend most of the day. I reported to Kansas City Cancer Center at 12:30 for blood tests. At 1:00 I met with the nurse practitioner to get the results of the blood tests. At 1:30 I reported to the treatment room. At 2:00 the nurse started my two hour IV of Aredia to strengthen my bones.

It was kind of a mixed bag today. My blood counts were good enough to get the treatment for my bones but not good enough to start my next cycle of cancer medication (Revlimid) tomorrow. My absolute neutrophils (basically my immunities) were too low. I was at 1.1 and in order to take the Revlimid it has to be at least 1.5.

I will have to go back next week for more blood tests and they will determine if I can start the Revlimid cycle next week. They suspect that my magnesium and potassium are low so they will be checking those, too

Corrections

There has been a couple of things on my mind lately. I have heard some comments from people that I think, even well intentioned, are incorrect.

First, "Happy July 4th!" I don't hear anyone saying "Happy August 4th," or "Happy January 4th." I understand the intentions of what is being said but I think the correct thing to say is "Happy Independence Day." Isn't that what we are really celebrating... independence from Great Britain? Let's try to get it correct in the future.

Second, we don't live in a democracy. We live in a Republic. "I pledge allegiance to the Republic" not democracy. A democracy is: government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them. It requires the participation al all the people not just some or a majority. Although, in today's world democracy and republic are pretty much used interchangeably they are not the same thing. A republic is: a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them. Let's remember that we live in a Republic!

End of today's soapbox!

The power of regret

Guest blog by Pastor Steven Furtick is the Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The power of regret

July 7th, 2009

I tend to deal with regret in 2 extreme ways.  Both are destructive.

Sometimes I let regret fill my heart until it reaches flood level.  Then I start to drown in it, and I can’t come up for air.  It’s pointless to rehearse endless scenarios of how things could have been, should have been, and would have been.  There are too many factors that play into every eventuality for me to play God over my past.

Other times I labor in vain to ignore the symptoms of regret.  It’s extremely painful to dredge up the details of failed relationships and bad decisions.  So by refusing to feel any regret, I avoid the sensation of loss, right?  Wrong.  What I end up avoiding is the opportunity to learn from my mistakes.  And no matter how much I try to regret-proof my soul, the stuff I’m trying to keep out will eventually seep in.  It’s better to deal with it head on.  Proactively.  On my terms.

I want to learn to wield my regrets like a weapon.  I’m learning to point my regrets in the direction of my future instead of allowing them to detonate in my memory of the past.

You can allow the power of regret to ruin your life.  Or you can harness it to lead you to repentance.  Choose to use the power to produce change.

Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.
-2 Corinthians 7:10-11

From the Woodward News Online

Published: July 04, 2009 11:28 pm 

Bush delivers Independence Day message

Steve Painter

“There are lessons we can learn from the experiences of the first Fourth of July. More than two centuries later it is clear July 4th was a turning point in history.”
These are the words former President George W. Bush spoke to the largest crowd to see him speak since he left the White House during the historical Let Freedom Ring 2009 at Crystal Beach Arena on Saturday evening.

As a surprise, Bush brought his wife Laura with him to Woodward. Both received a standing ovation from the crowd when promoter Landon Laubhan introduced them.

“I’m traveling with some pretty good company,” Bush said when Laura made her appearance. “She brought good old Western values to the White House.”

“This is a little different from the last eight years,” Bush said about being in Woodward. He said he had spent each Fourth of July during his presidency on the Truman Balcony watching fireworks over the Washington Monument.

He did say, however, that he was happy to be in “the middle-of-nowhere oilfield town of Woodward” as the Associated Press had deemed the city on Thursday.

“No wonder I feel comfortable here,” Bush said to applause when he quoted the article.

Bush then briefly touched on the history of Woodward. Being a Texan, he mentioned another famous Texan who became well known in Woodward -- Temple Houston.
Bush compared himself to Houston, saying Temple grew up in the governor’s mansion in Texas learning the family business just as he did while his father was a politician.

After making comparisons between Texas and Oklahoma, especially in the football department, Bush moved on to the crux of his speech -- patriotism.

“It is important on July 4 that all of us understand that because of the sacrifices of those who came before us America shines as a beacon of freedom,” he said.

Being commander and chief of the United States military is the biggest thing that Bush said he misses about not being president anymore.

“On this Independence Day I give our heartfelt thanks to those who wear the uniform,” he said. “This generation will do its duty and we will prevail.”

Besides military patriotism, Bush said there were other forms of patriotism. He mentioned some local forms such as Meridian Owens, an 8-year-old Girl Scout who saved several people from a burning building in Woodward this past year.

“Patriotism comes in all different kinds of ways,” Bush said, “ but they all involve serving something bigger than yourself.”

He recounted several stories of patriotism that he heard while in the White House. He mentioned Christian Bagge who in 2005 lost both of his legs while in Iraq.

“One of the most uplifting duties of the presidency was meeting people like Christian,” Bush said.

Bush said that when he met Bagge he was told that Bagge liked to jog. As a way to lift the soldier’s spirits Bush said that he and Bagge could go out jogging at the White House sometime.

A few months later Bush got a phone call from Bagge.

“He showed up at the White House with legs made of carbon fiber and a spirit stronger than steel,” Bush said. “He left me in the dust, and with his indelible portrait of courage and patriotism.”

Bush went on to mention a man from Nevada who had a son killed in Iraq. He wanted to serve in the military as a way to pay tribute to his son, but he was 60 years old. Bush said that the man could apply for a waiver if he had a skill the military needed. The man received his waiver and is now serving in Iraq as a battlefield medic in the Navy.

Another story of patriotism Bush told the crowd about involved a blind man in Mississippi who had his home ravished by Hurricane Katrina. This did not stop him though as he went on to become the first blind student at the University of Southern Mississippi to graduate suma cum laude.

Bush concluded his speech by saying, “If you’re a faithful person, I hope your faith is helping others.”

After finishing his speech Bush received another standing ovation. He then went into the crowd to shake some hands.

A spectator from the bleachers said “We miss you George,” which promptly started another round of cheers.

Before Bush spoke Laubhan gave his own speech about patriotism, complete with bagpipes. About a half hour before Bush took the stage a message from Mayor Bill Fanning was played on the two screens in the stadium.

“Let Freedom Ring marks the positive results our city has achieved,” Fanning said. “Today is truly a great day to be in Woodward.”

Military

The following was sent to me, today, by a friend in Woodward, Oklahoma, where I grew up. Woodward currently has a population of approximately 18,000. One newspaper describes the town as having more cattle than people, which may be true. I thought this email appropriate at this time, especially the first paragraph. She has requested her name be withheld.

Last night we did go to Liberal, KS where a church up there had a program honoring our military men. It was the most awesome thing I've ever seen...really. I think I cried at least five times. They didn't do anything spiritual but strictly had the theme of our flag. They had men present in uniform with their flag to honor each branch of our military. The choir was totally awesome. The men wore a black tux and the women worse red flowing skirts with sequin over blouses. There were representatives in uniform there for the American Legion and they did a little thing about a young man from their town who was killed in Iraq in 2006. Then they folded a flag while wearing white gloves and presented it to the mother and dad. Very moving! They also did a scene where men posed with a flag like they did at Iwo Jima. Then immediately while they were still posed, the flood lights switched to a scene of men that was exactly like the firemen as they put up the flag in New York after 9/11. Again, many in tears. They had the cutest little kids singing patriotic songs. They had everything memorized and I'll be the youngest boy wasn't more than four years old and he knew every sing word. I could go on and on but it really was simply beautiful and so moving. At the end of it a huge flag dropped from the ceiling that was the size of a stage curtain. Everyone sang the Nation Anthem and they closed in prayer. There were people there from several different towns as I guess they have done it for several years now. They even brought in bus loads. We had six of our people go ahead of time and hold seating for us. I couldn't help but think when we were in LA waiting for the plane recently. I walked up to two soldiers and thanked them for serving. They smiled and I know they appreciated it.  

Our traffic is unreal. They figure there are 30,000 extra people in town for the speech tomorrow night [July 4th] which is to be given by President Bush. Laura is with him. They are asking people to open up their homes and rent rooms to people. One guy who has a dumpy place by the park is cleaning it up, PTL, and renting parking places for $5.00. You couldn't pay me to go to that. It is 102 right now and in the sun, well, I cannot tell you how it feels. Plus the arena where he is speaking is only partially covered and those seats are like $500.00 each. No, we won't be going. We are instead going to Melvin's 90th birthday party at Fay's and Wanda's.  Can taste the steaks already!  :)

Well, I guess that is enough for now.  Sorry this got so long. 

Have a HAPPY 4TH.

Carol

more Obama satire

One has to remember, for something to be satirically funny, it must contain a gem of truth.  If any of these bring a smile, you must be recognizing a reflection of the truth to what you see going on in the political arena.

Health update 7.02.09

I saw the oncologist this morning. Some of my blood counts were down and some of the tests had not come back yet. I go again next Wednesday for more blood tests and, if they look okay, I'll have the Aredia treatment for my bones.