Wednesday, December 28. 2005
I was disturbed to read recently that on any particular day, there are 3000 people homeless in Baltimore. In this past year, 83 of them died on the streets. I thought that is terrible. However, on any particular day in Baltimore there are also more than 636,000 people who have homes. This was not mentioned in the article. If the first figure is a tragedy, the second figure is a far greater triumph. It is important to keep perspective. Many critics of America have a way of focusing on the negatives and overlooking, or even denying, the much more abundant and impressive positives. Why is that?
Wednesday, December 28. 2005
Back to reading our local paper. The lead editorial is a rant against the President for alledgedly easedropping on citizens. A cartoonist has Mr Bush compiling a hit list of personal enemies like J E Hoover did. The Editor says that the President has absolutely no constitutional right or Congressional approval for his actions. We listened to one knowledgeable commentator on the radio, as we drove yesterday, explaining how the President absolutely does have Constitutional authority and Congressional approval for the eavesdropping in question. He went back over the history of the last six Presidents where all this (including the debate) has been done before. How do supposedly reasonable and intelligent people interpret the same data in such extreme, opposite ways? The idea that the intelligence gathering in question is a personal political vendetta by Mr Bush is too ridiculous to deserve comment. So are the cries for the President's impeachment over this.
The only explanation, that comes to mind, is that the data involved is interpreted by people with prior personal bias. The old "Do not confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up." seems to apply.
One key element, that seems to be missing in most of arguments of the President's critics, is the reality that we are involved in a war with an enemy that is a genuine threat against this Country, whose security the President is responsible to protect. The Preamble to our Constitution states-
Continue reading "Impeach the President?"
Friday, December 9. 2005
Here is an extensive review of the Lion, Witch and Wardrobe and more- http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/lionwitchwardrobe.htmlIn general, reviewers, Christian and non-Christian, are pleased and recommend this film as a very well-made fantasy for family enjoyment (although perhaps some what intense for small children). The sad news is that, inspite of the ads which feature Aslan, the Lion, apparently the major character is really the White Witch. Much of the essential dialogue, written by CS Lewis, is missing. Thus much of the meaning of the original story is altered. Aslan is no longer the King of kings. His sovereignty and awsome power is gone. Now he is simply kind and wise. It is the Witch who comes across as strong and in control. Why am I not surprised?
Wednesday, December 7. 2005
Some 295,000 American troops were killed in World War II http://www.secondworldwar.co.uk/casualty.htmlI wonder if those who now protest American casualties in the current war, and are calling for troops to come home, would have done the same during WW II? If not, why? A local college is putting up "crosses" on one of their lawns to commemorate (?) those murderers who have been executed by the States for their crimes. Significantly, there are no "crosses" for their victims, those who have been murdered. Why? (Oddly, the college is Roman Catholic. There are also no "crosses" for all the babies who have been killed by abortion)
Saturday, December 3. 2005
The current cover of Christianity Today declares C S Lews to be a "Superstar", what with Lion, Witch and Wardrobe set to open in theaters this coming week and dozens of books and articles about Lewis being printed in recent months. I remember when conservative Christians [read: Fundamentalists] did not approve of him at all. He was, afterall, an Anglican, who smoked and drank alcohol. I do not think that the world is coming to appreciate the Faith espoused and ably explained and defended by "Jack". They are not excited about his theological books, like Problem of Pain, Screwtape Letters or Great Divorce. Certainly not about Abolition of Man or Miracles. I do not think going to the movie is going to create interest in these writings either. Rather, I think this particular book of his is riding on the current popularity of the fantasy genre, along with the Rings trilogy and even the Potter series. Christians rightly see Biblical themes in L W W and it can be an effective tool for evangelism. Most people are simple going to enjoy it as a good story. They will still hate Aslan in real life.
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