World Events in the Latter-Days

Worst Flooding in Mexico's History

2007-11-02T07:41:00.000-07:00

Mexico is currently in the midst of some of the greatest flooding that nation has ever seen. 300,000 people are stranded, and a million others will be affected by this disaster.

Some people say it's the result of global warming, while others contend it's because of over population. Whatever the reason, monumental catastrophic events like these have been predicted for thousands of years. We've been told that in the last days, they'd increase with alarming speed. And, we've been warned to prepare for even more perilous times ahead.

California Mandates Evacuation of 1,000,000 People

2007-10-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

Southern California has been suffering from some of the worst wildfires on record. San Diego, California has called for the mandatory evacuation of 1,000,000 of its residents - making it the largest evacuation in the state's history. 76,000 homes are threatened and almost 2000 have been lost so far. In all, over 1,000,000 people may be forced to leave their homes throughout the state.

President Bush has declared 7 southern California counties to be major federal disaster areas, and Homeland Security and FEMA officials are on their way to the region.

Europe Has Summer of Extreme Weather

2007-08-02T07:32:00.000-07:00

Flooding, fires and droughts have left Europe reeling over the past several months as weather-related calamities have uprooted one country after another.

Thousands of tourists and residents were forced to flee ahead of raging wildfires that have engulfed parts of the Canary Islands since the weekend, the latest in a string of bizarre, weather-related calamities to hit Europe this summer.

Local officials said that at least 13,000 people evacuated homes, hotels, campgrounds and other areas of the seven Canaries, Spanish territory in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of southern Morocco. More than 86,000 acres have been burned or otherwise affected by the fires since Friday, mostly on the islands of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, according to a spokeswoman for the islands' government who was not allowed to be quoted by name.

England Sees Worst Flooding in Modern History

2007-07-23T10:22:00.000-07:00

In was has amounted to the heaviest flooding in modern history, England prepares for even more rain over the next 24 hours. Additionally, 350,000 homes lost access to running water that could create one of the largest humanitarian disasters the nation has ever seen. The storm is next expected to impact London.

Also, HERE is another big reason why we have been warned to maintain adequate food storage. These poor people are driving over 15 miles to find clean water.

SKY News reports:

Submerged areas are bracing themselves for further chaos with water levels not expected to peak until tomorrow morning.

Gloucestershire is likely to be hit by yet more flooding as the River Severn is expected to rise once again in the early hours.

Severn Trent Water confirmed "at least" 350,000 homes in the county will be without water by this evening.

The peak level of the Thames is expected to travel through Oxford at about 2.45am and Abingdon at about 6.45am.

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has told MPs the flooding emergency is "far from over".

West London and the Thames Valley could be the next parts of Britain to go underwater as the floods spread east.

Hundreds of homes could be flooded when torrential rain hits the capital in the next 24 hours.

Moderate Earthquake in San Francisco

2007-07-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

A 4.2-magnitude earthquake shook the San Francisco area Friday at 4:42 a.m. PT (7:42 a.m. ET), according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The quake was centered about two miles east-northeast of Oakland, at a depth of 3.6 miles. Oakland is just east of San Francisco, across San Francisco Bay.

Kansas Continues to Struggle

2007-07-03T09:40:00.000-07:00

More record floods in the US as Kansas struggles to pump itself out of some of the worst flooding they've seen in generations.

UPDATE: Oil spill adds insult to injury.

Major Flooding in Britain, Fires in California

2007-06-26T14:17:00.000-07:00

As England struggles with it's largest amount of June rainfall ever recorded, lake Tahoe in northern California is struggling with some of the worst fires in that area's history.

World Running Out of Oil

2007-06-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

According to this report, we only have 4 years left until the world hits its peak production of oil. After that, its all downhill. Of course, BP says we have 40 years left. My guess is that the truth is somewhere in the middle. But either way, oil depletion will wreak havoc with the world economy.

Large Earthquake Rocks Guatemala

2007-06-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

As far as earthquakes go, this is a pretty big one.

6.8

Worst Drought in a Generation

2007-06-10T18:23:00.001-07:00

This is something that has gone largely unnoticed in the media. The entire western half of North America is in the grips of a crippling drought.

"America is facing its worst summer drought since the Dust Bowl years of the Great Depression. Or perhaps worse still.

From the mountains and desert of the West, now into an eighth consecutive dry year, to the wheat farms of Alabama, where crops are failing because of rainfall levels 12 inches lower than usual, to the vast soupy expanse of Lake Okeechobee in southern Florida, which has become so dry it actually caught fire a couple of weeks ago, a continent is crying out for water.

In the south-east, usually a lush, humid region, it is the driest few months since records began in 1895. California and Nevada, where burgeoning population centres co-exist with an often harsh, barren landscape, have seen less rain over the past year than at any time since 1924. The Sierra Nevada range, which straddles the two states, received only 27 per cent of its usual snowfall in winter, with immediate knock-on effects on water supplies for the populations of Las Vegas and Los Angeles."

Nuclear Rhetoric Heats up

2007-06-04T09:34:00.000-07:00

Putin has put Europe on notice by saying he'll aim his nuclear missiles at the Old Continent in response to the US wanting to install a missile defense shield. I haven't heard threats like this since the Cold War. And now NATO is getting involved.

It would appear that Russia, and Putin in particular, it trying to restore the old superpower's clout in the world. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union would threaten Europe (directly and indirectly) as a means to assert it's authority in the region. Having Putin start this game again is something an unstable world cannot afford at this time.

From Russia With Threats

2007-05-31T07:49:00.000-07:00

In a chilling reversal of the good will that has existed between Russia and the US for more than a decade, Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a series of very serious threats in response to what he sees as US aggression in central Europe.

MOSCOW (AFP) - President Vladimir Putin issued an acerbic warning Thursday to the United States, saying the recent test of a new Russian missile was a direct response to US actions and condemning "imperialism" in world affairs.

"Our American partners have quit the ABM Treaty," Putin told reporters after meeting his Greek counterpart, referring to the landmark 1972 US-Soviet treaty limiting the missile defenses of the Cold War superpower foes.

"We warned them then that we would come out with a response to maintain the strategic balance in the world. Yesterday we conducted a test of a new strategic ballistic missile with multiple warheads, and of a new cruise missile, and will continue to improve our resources."

Unfortunately, this is a sobering reminder that the likelihood of conflict (although remote) still exists between the former superpower and the US.

Another Loss of Freedom in Venezuela

2007-05-30T05:57:00.000-07:00

It sounds like something out of a dark science fiction movie. Television stations being shut down that run shows not approved by the dictator - programming instead being replaced with propaganda messages run by the government, "Venezuela now belongs to everyone." It's frightening.

Hugo Chavez is slick, indeed. He trumps up accusations about the only station that dares to question his leadership ability, saying they have "incited attempts on [his] life." Well, isn't that convenient. He tells his followers, those most eager to believe in what he is selling (shared wealth for everyone), what he wants them to hear, and then they do the rest. For example, while thousands protested against Chavez's closure of RCTV, his followers held a counter "anti-violence" demonstration. It's dystopic.

As Chavez tightens his grip on power, I can guarantee that the people of Venezuela will see similar justifications for the seizure of their freedoms. And, since Chavez now controls the media, the people will believe him.

Can this happen here in America? You better believe it. All it would take would be for circumstances to be bad enough, a slick politician who promises prosperity at the expense of the upper class, a willing Congress and presto! Don't believe me? That's OK... I'm sure the people of Venezuela thought it was absurd ten years ago, too.

Wild, Extreme Weather Threatens US

2007-05-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Tornadoes in the plains, floods in the Midwest, fires in the southwest and southeast, and a tropical storm in the Atlantic.

Main article HERE.

Major Flooding in the Midwest Could Rival "Great Flood of 1993"

2007-05-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Five levees along the Missouri River have burst sending thousands scrambling for shelter as the water levels continue to rise. A state of emergency has been declared in Missouri, and throughout several counties in Kansas.

AGENCY, Mo. (AP) - Five burst levees along the Missouri River sent a deluge of water that submerged the tiny town of Big Lake on Tuesday, as thousands in the region fled their homes amid warnings that the flooding could near the devastation of 1993.

The levees broke Monday south of Big Lake and the rush of river water immersed the town on Tuesday, said Mark Sitherwood, presiding commissioner of Holt County. Many of the buildings in town had several feet of water inside, said Holt County Clerk Kathy Kunkel.

Al Qaeda Threatens Major Attack in Britain

2007-04-23T05:04:00.000-07:00

In what they claim will rival "Hiroshima and Nagasaki," terrorists from Al Qaeda are threatening a major terrorist attack in Great Britain.

TimesOnline Reports:

The report was compiled by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) - based at MI5’s London headquarters - and provides a quarterly review of the international terror threat to Britain. It draws a distinction between Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda’s core leadership, who are thought to be hiding on the Afghan-Pakistan border, and affiliated organisations elsewhere.

The document states: “While networks linked to AQ [Al-Qaeda] Core pose the greatest threat to the UK, the intelligence during this quarter has highlighted the potential threat from other areas, particularly AQI [Al-Qaeda in Iraq].”

The report continues: “Recent reporting has described AQI’s Kurdish network in Iran planning what we believe may be a large-scale attack against a western target.

“A member of this network is reportedly involved in an operation which he believes requires AQ Core authorisation. He claims the operation will be on ‘a par with Hiroshima and Naga-saki’ and will ‘shake the Roman throne’. We assess that this operation is most likely to be a large-scale, mass casualty attack against the West.”

Crippling Drought in Australia

2007-04-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

Australia is facing the worst drought that nation has ever seen, requiring the government to enact drastic measure to ensure the agriculture sector is not decimated and that the population has an adequate water supply.

From The Independent:

Australia is in the midst of a crippling drought, the country's worst on record. Many towns and cities have been forced to enact drastic water restrictions as reservoirs have run dry. Rivers have been reduced to a trickle. The drought has severely damaged the agricultural sector. Farmers are raising emaciated cattle and sheep. Cotton-lint production has plummeted. Wine grape and rice output has collapsed. Agricultural production has fallen by almost one-quarter in a year. And it is estimated that the drought has knocked three-quarters to 1 per cent off the country's growth as a whole.

And now the government is reaching for desperate measures. Australia's Prime Minister, John Howard, has announced there may be a ban on the use of the country's largest river system for irrigation unless there is significant rainfall over the next two months. The government is preparing to wrest regulatory control of the Murray and Darling rivers from the five states through which they run to ensure that water is reserved for urban drinking supplies and farmers' domestic use.

What a Day

2007-04-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

I can't begin to express my sadness at the events unfolding today at the Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg, VA: 32 Dead in Shooting Rampage at Virginia Tech. This has been the most tragic shooting of it's kind in US history.

In other news:

2nd heaviest rain in NYC 's history.
Flooding in Boston, New Jersey, West Virginia.
Bee population being decimated by mysterious cause.

Crops Decimated in Southeast

2007-04-12T09:43:00.000-07:00

In damage estimates being compared to that of a hurricane, the southern states are seeing utter destruction of peach, apple, blueberry and hay crops due to the record cold temperatures being experienced there. In some areas, 90% of the yearly crop has been destroyed. This will not only raise the price of fruit in your local supermaket, but will also increase the cost of meat as farmers have to pay more for things like hay and other livestock feed that have been affected.

CNN reports:

In South Carolina, at least 90 percent of the peach crop was destroyed and officials said Wednesday they would seek federal aid.

"This is comparable to a hurricane," Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers said of the damage to the state's $40 million-a-year industry. "Growers say we'll be fortunate to get 10 percent of a crop."

In Georgia, farmers and agriculture officials were still assessing the damage, but the weekend freeze may have wiped out more than half the state's peach crop.

"There's no doubt we had damage," said Joe McManus, a commodities specialist with the Georgia Farm Bureau. "It's just a matter of to what extent. Peaches, I'm hearing 50 [percent] plus."

The freeze also killed off a large portion of Georgia's $60 million-a-year blueberry crop.

"Most anything that was green got damaged," said Danny Stanalan, extension coordinator for southeast Georgia's Bacon County. "Our blueberries took a hard hit."

Mexico Takes Another Step in Wrong Direction

2007-03-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

The Mexican legislature is expected to legalize abortion. Ironic that these "pro-choice" supporters are wearing death masks (complete with blood dripping from eyes), considering they are fighting to kill people who can't speak for or defend themselves. AP Reports:

About 3,000 protesters led by city legislators from various political parties on Thursday shouted "Freedom to choose!" and criticized President Felipe Calderon, a social conservative who has spoken out against the reform.

"A woman can decide to have an abortion or not have it, but it's her decision," said former presidential candidate Patricia Mercado, a leftist and feminist. "A secular state has the obligation to give the right to women to take this decision in the best conditions."

The bill was proposed by the leftist Democratic Revolution Party, or PRD, which holds a majority in the assembly in Mexico City — a federal district with its own legislature — and party legislators are confident it will pass in April.

False Priests and Anti-Christs

2007-02-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

This man, Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda, is certainly one of the more interesting kooks to come along in a long time. In addition to claiming to be the resurrected Savior, he has also decided to label himself the "Anti-Christ," which in his mind is not the negative thing portrayed in the Bible:

The Antichrist is not the devil, de Jesus tells his congregation; he's the being who replaces Jesus on Earth.

"Antichrist is the best person in the world," he says. "Antichrist means don't put your eyes on Jesus because Jesus of Nazareth wasn't a Christian. Antichrist means do not put your eyes on Jesus Christ of Nazareth. Put it on Jesus after the cross."

And de Jesus says that means him.

He even has the numbers "666" tattooed on his body, and has gone so far as to encourage his followers to do the same.

Among his more Christ-like attributes:

He says he has a church-paid salary of $136,000 but lives more lavishly than that. During an interview, he showed off a diamond-encrusted Rolex to a CNN crew and said he has three just like them. He travels in armored Lexuses and BMWs, he says, for his safety.

We've been warned that many people would appear in the Last Days claiming to be Christ. Luckily, most of us won't be fooled by people like this guy. It's the ones who don't sound so crazy that we should be worried about. People who, in the name of religion or government, seek to overthrow the freedom and agency of man. They're usually harder to identify, and have a greater ability to lead large amounts of people astray.

Personal Savings at Lowest Point in 70 Years

2007-02-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

An ominous sign of potential disaster, Americans have less money in savings than they did during the Great Depression - seventy years ago. But wait, it gets worse. When people dipped into their savings and spent more than they had back in 1932, it was to afford the basic necessities of life. In other words, they depleted their savings to survive. Today, people are spending their savings cash to buy boats, televisions and other, worthless garbage. AP Reports:

The Commerce Department reported Thursday that the savings rate for all of 2006 was a negative 1 percent, meaning that not only did people spend all the money they earned but they also dipped into savings or increased borrowing to finance purchases. The 2006 figure was lower than a negative 0.4 percent in 2005 and was the poorest showing since a negative 1.5 percent savings rate in 1933 during the Great Depression.

If our country faces a major economic crisis in the future, such as the havoc that would be unleashed during a pandemic flu outbreak, millions of people could lose everything - their homes, jobs, cars, credit and future.

We have been warned on countless occasions to save money, food and other essentials so that we can adequately protect our families should catastrophe strike. Nowadays, unfortunately, many people rely on the government to pick up the tab should a real emergency present itself. But if these figures are correct, then the millions of people left unprepared and financially destitute will utterly overload any basic services the government can provide. It's a recipe for societal chaos and personal ruin.

Start saving money and set aside food storage now! There's a good chance that if catastrophe does strike, you'll not only be providing for your own family, but potentially hundreds of people who will come flooding to your door for assistance!

Buy Fruit While You Can

2007-01-16T06:10:00.000-08:00

While this is only a major problem in California, the winter is still young. There are still 3 more months through which Florida must remain freeze-free. If anything happens to those crops, we're in a lot of trouble. For the time being, expect prices to rise for citrus, strawberries and avocados. So far, this has cost $1 billion in crop destruction, and may amount to the worst such case in California's history. AP Reports:

Three nights of freezing temperatures have destroyed up to three-quarters of California's $1 billion citrus crop, according to an estimate issued Monday as forecasters warned the weather could continue.

Other crops, including avocados and strawberries, also have suffered damage in the cold snap, agricultural officials said.

"This is one of those freezes that, unfortunately, we'll all remember," said A.G. Kawamura, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

The latest freeze will likely surpass the damage done by a three-day cold snap in December 1998 that destroyed 85 percent of California's citrus crop, a loss valued at $700 million, Kawamura said.

Chavez is Planning to Stay in Office... Indefinitely

2007-01-10T12:50:00.000-08:00

In another major blow to constitutional democracy, Hugo Chavez now wants the terms limits normally imposed on leaders of his country eliminated so that he can "serve" as leader indefinitely. This announcement came after he stripped one of Venezuela's largest TV channels (the only channel left that allows dissenting views from that of Mr. Chavez) of it's license to broadcast, effectively taking state control of the media. Oh, and for good measure, he also went ahead and nationalized the country's biggest oil company. Viva socialism.

As he works to consolidate his power, I can't help but feel sorry for the people of that country as their freedom is taken away from them, piece by piece. It's heartbreaking to watch the manipulation and lies that are leading that country down a very dark road.

But even more ominous is what this will mean for the United States in a few short years. We will have a very oil-rich and powerful dictatorship at our doorsteps in South America. And as Mexico falls deeper and deeper into chaos, you can bet that Red Hugo will eventually slide into that country as it's savior and literally be in our backyards. Think Ahmadinejad was bad calling for Israel to be "wiped off the map?" Mr. Chavez has openly called for the destruction of the United States.

2007 Has Started, and Already the World is Going Crazy

2007-01-08T12:26:00.000-08:00

Looks like 2007 is off to a tumultuous start. I've always said that odd years are the bad ones. Here's just a few headlines from today:

New York City plagued by mysterious fumes that cause panic and require evacuations.

Downtown Austin, Texas evacuated and shut down due to mysterious bird deaths.

Fund Manager who predicted the 1987 market crash and the 2001 gold rush predicts severe market "correction" in 2007. That means, sell now before the crash.

Killer Bees found near New Orleans.

Iran threatens to stop oil flow.

Possible bomb found at Port of Miami.

Ding Dong Saddam is Dead

2006-12-29T15:14:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time coming, but Iraq's former dictator, Saddam Hussein, has been executed by the hands of those he brutally oppressed for 20+ years. It is unclear how his death will be received in Iraq over the next few days, but one shouldn't be surprised to see an increase in terror attacks and sectarian violence. In the long term, however, this might prove to be a turning point for the struggling new democracy in Iraq.

Saddam Hussein Abd al-Majid al-Tikriti
1937-2006

London Braces for Attack; 'Miracle' If There Isn't One

2006-12-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

This is a scary sign of the times. If there is an attack, this will mark the first time authorities have successfully predicted (and failed to stop) a terrorist event. While this warning is specific to England, and not America, all Christians should be vigilant during the Season.

British intelligence and law enforcement officials have passed on a grim assessment to their U.S. counterparts, "It will be a miracle if there isn't a terror attack over the holidays in London," a senior American law enforcement official tells ABCNews.com.

95% of Americans Have Pre-Marital Sex

2006-12-20T05:49:00.000-08:00

I'm going to take a different tone than the authors of this study, who seem too overcome with exuberance to provide any information worth remembering. First of all, this number is astounding. Most people could have guessed that most people engage in pre-marital sexual behavior, but 95 percent? Wow.

It didn't take long for the study authors to begin making political decisions for Americans:

"The data clearly show that the majority of older teens and adults have already had sex before marriage, which calls into question the federal government's funding of 'abstinence only until marriage programs for 12- to 29-year-olds.'"

What kind of logic is that? Should we then, based on this line of thinking, stop funding drug awareness programs if 95% of people are hooked on cocaine? Should we forget about trying to save the environment if we've already polluted it 95%? Most people would laugh at such thoughts... yet when it comes to pre-marital sex, we're told to "get real." In fact, CNN calls this article a "reality check." Gee, thanks CNN! Without reporting like that, I might be inclined to think Santa Claus is real, too!

Just because 95% of people do something, it doesn't mean that thing is right. One could also cite other parallel statistics that trend upwards based on sexual promiscuity... like the AIDS rate, broken homes, selfishness, sex crimes, sexual addictions, apathy towards real affection and love. It's all there, right before our eyes.

Then there are those of us who dare say such things... we're labeled prudes, old-fashioned or worse. It's funny that the people who usually celebrate studies like this are the same, liberal-types who push messages of tolerance and diversity down our throats. That is, as long as you agree with their backward logic. Try telling someone on the left that pre-marital sex is a problem and see how tolerant of your view they are. Try it. I dare you.

Read the study HERE.

Terrorist Attack in Europe Imminent

2006-12-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

Or so says John Reid, Britain's top law enforcement official. Apparently, Ayman al-Zawahiri is expected to make some statement that may or may not be the precursor to an attack around the holidays.

Al Qaeda's media division, Al-Sahab, described the upcoming announcement to address "the truths about the clash between Islam and atheism."

Read ABC News article HERE.

Limited Nuclear War Would Be Damaging to Environment

2006-12-11T12:21:00.000-08:00

On first blush, one would be tempted to reply, "duh." But what's most ironic is how these scientists highlight the potential damage to the environment as the ultimate catastrophe in this scenario. Never mind the fact that the entire human race would be irrevocably changed. But I guess to the scientific elite, humans are the worst thing that has happened to this planet since it's creation. Nonetheless, the study itself is interesting.

SAN FRANCISCO—A small-scale, regional nuclear war could disrupt the global climate for a decade or more, with environmental effects that could be devastating for everyone on Earth, researchers have concluded.

[...]

The lingering effects could re-shape the environment in ways never conceived. In terms of climate, a nuclear blast could plunge temperatures across large swaths of the globe. "It would be the largest climate change in recorded human history," Alan Robock, associate director of the Center for Environmental Prediction at Rutgers' Cook College and another member of the research team.

[...]

For a regional conflict, fatalities would range from 2.6 million to 16.7 million per country. "A small country is likely to direct its weapons against population centers to maximize damage and achieve the greatest advantage," Toon said.

[...]

Will the conclusions result in worldly changes? "We certainly hope there will be a political response because nuclear weapons are the most dangerous potential environmental danger to the planet. They're much more dangerous than global warming," Robock said.

Again, duh.

Venezuela Votes to Continue and Expand Dictatorship

2006-12-03T15:38:00.000-08:00

Voters poised to re-elect Chavez in a landslide.

The opposition to Chavez's dictatorial rule had no chance. Chavez has a record of stifling all opposition, including sending his violent supporters to blockade media outlets that broadcast anything negative about the Dictator. It's gotten so bad that the free press in Venezuela is only free inasmuch as it supports President Chavez. The network brave enough to broadcast other opinions, Globovision, has had it's offices torched by Chavez supporters, and it's cameramen and anchors killed and brutally attacked. It's a shame that little of this is reported in the North.

Chavez, who doesn't give a darn about the poor people in his country, plays upon their poverty and fears to maintain a tyrannical hold on power. He buys their votes with subsidies the country cannot afford, and takes wealth and property away from the middle class using the power of the government. This is called the redistribution of resources and is a hallmark of communism - a despotic form of government that Chavez openly supports.

The system that Chavez is building cannot be supported on oil revenue alone, and I expect to see Venezuela doing a bit of expansion in the coming decade or so. Unfortunately for freedom's sake, it seems that his eventual takeover of Latin America will have been freely handed to him by the people based on the promise of "free stuff for all" at the expense of liberty and individuality.

So, given this kind of hostile atmosphere, it's still impressive that Chavez's opposition got any votes at all. Good for them, even if they failed in the end. Someone needs to stand up for freedom in that country.

Is The Middle East Coming Unraveled?

2006-12-01T12:28:00.000-08:00

It would appear so, at least on the surface.

In Iraq, the perception is that the terrorists have the upper hand. Even though, when engaging US troops, the terrorists haven't won a single gun battle. They have, however, been extremely successful in turning the American population against their own leadership. The terrorists know that they can't win on the battlefield, but if they can consistently pick off US soldiers now and again, they can win the war of public image. They know Americans have no patience for a war that lasts more than a few months. So they hold out, inflicting little in the way of physical damage, but causing intense psychological trauma.

The same thing happened in Lebanon between the Israeli military and Hezbollah terrorists in the hills of Lebanon. Hezbollah knew they were no match for Israel's military strength, so they brought the war into Lebanon's infrastructure - hiding weapons in hospitals, and using office buildings as shields. They knew it would only be a matter of time before the West called for an end to the "Israeli aggression." After all, they learned how to fight a successful public image war in Iraq.

In both cases, large modern military forces were proven impotent in the theater of urban warfare. The terrorists know that Western armies are unwilling to wage the kind of war it would take to truly eradicate the terrorists - a war of total annihilation. That doesn't fly in today's world of media-covered battles. Just the fact that civilians are still living in Baghdad should tell most people that this is not a war like WWII where cities were left in total ruins. For the most part in Iraq, business goes on as usual around the fighting. This is something completely new to the world of warfare and should be appreciated as such.

But aside from who may be winning the physical war vs. the media war, there has been one constant force behind almost all of the major unrest in the Middle East - IRAN.

This isn't some conservative attempt to take the focus off of Iraq, this is a fact. And if we shrug it off, we'll be as guilty as those who, through their complacency, allowed Nazi Germany to rise to power in the 1930s. We are facing a similar threat now, and it needs to be recognized and dealt with.

Iran is behind Hezbollah, which is now marching on the Lebanese parliament demanding the ouster of its Prime Minister. If that pro-Western government falls, it would go a long way to proving Iran's power in the region. If the US leaves Iraq due to the insurgency that is also backed by Iran, it would create a vacuum that would result in Iran controlling a third of the world's oil supply by going into Iraq. That would provoke Sunni powers (like Saudi Arabia) to stand up to Iranian expansion. None of this would be pleasant for a world conveniently ignoring what needs to be done in Iraq by burying their heads in the sand.

Iran Warning the West?

2006-11-30T12:24:00.000-08:00

It is becoming abundantly clear that Iranian President Ahmadinejad has something in store for the West. Whether it is an announcement of a new Iranian nuclear arsenal in 5 years, or a "partnership" with Iraq next week, something is in the works and it won't be good for US interests.

Here is a breakdown from Kenneth Timmerman, President of the Middle East Data Project and author of Countdown to Crisis: The Coming Nuclear Showdown with Iran. I've highlighted a few points in red:

WASHINGTON –- Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has followed up his 18-page letter to President George W. Bush earlier this year with a five-page missive to the American people.

In the earlier letter, which left the Bush White House shaking their heads with wonderment, the Iranian leader invited Bush to embrace Islam. That is a well-established Islamic tradition when dealing with an enemy just prior to war. If they refuse, then the Muslims are "justified" in destroying them.

The letter released today follows a similar pattern. In it, Ahmadinejad lays out his case for America's "injustice," using the term no fewer than 12 times in the five pages.

The concept of Justice lies at the very center of the Islamic faith. Justice is considered the backbone of all creation, handed down by the Almighty. The faithful should strive to achieve justice, to "secure justice," as Ahmadinejad puts it. Those who pursue injustice, on the contrary, are spitting in the face of Allah.

Ahmadinejad claims that America, under Bush, is pursuing injustice.

In making his case, he does not position himself as president of Iran, but attempts to set himself up as a spokesman for all Muslims. Thus, Iran itself barely figures in his letter.

Instead, Ahmadinejad focuses on America's support for Israel, the U.S. occupation of Iraq, and the Bush administration's "moral corruption," or as he puts it, the administration's pursuit of "darkness, deceit, lies, and distortion."

Students of recent Iranian history will recall that the "crime" most often used to justify a death sentence by Islamic Republic revolutionary courts during the early years of the revolution was "corruption on earth." This was how the regime simply eliminated its opponents or those who rejected absolute clerical rule.

Media commentators in the U.S. are likely to pick up on the "public relations" side of the letter. Ahmadinejad calls on the U.S. to bring the troops home from Iraq, to cut off support for Israel, and to stop "kidnapping presumed opponents from across the globe" and holding them in secret prisons.

He even has some advice for the new Democrat majority in Congress: Bend to the Muslim agenda, or you will be tossed out of power.

Ahmadinejad repeatedly tries to appeal to Americans as people of faith, who share Islamic values. "We, like you, are aggrieved by the ever-worsening pain and misery of the Palestinian people," he drones. "Persistent aggressions by the Zionists are making life more and more difficult for the rightful owners of the land of Palestine."

And he trots out his old anti-Semitic saw, claiming that "the Zionists" control America "because they have imposed themselves on a substantial portion of the banking, financial, cultural, and media sectors."

But to focus on these parts of his letter, however silly and objectionable they may be, would be to miss the main point. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is not the Hugo Chavez of the Persian Gulf. He knows that soon he will have his finger on the nuclear trigger.

Citing from the Quran at the close of his letter, he says that if Americans "repent" of their "injustice," they will be blessed with many gifts. "We should all heed the divine Word of the Holy Qur'an," he says.

The context of this particular verse (28:67-28, Sura "Al-Qasas," or The Narration), is very clear. It follows a graphic description of destruction and devastation that will befall those who fail to repent of their injustice.

It also sets out the terms of the tradition Muslim warning to the enemies of Allah. "And never will your Lord destroy the towns until He sends to their mother town a Messenger reciting to them Our Verses." This is precisely what Ahmadinejad is doing in his letter.

Dump Bush, allow the Muslims to destroy Israel, and adopt Islam — or else you will be destroyed. This is Ahmadinejad's message.

Iranian Paper: Great War to Wipe Out Israel Coming

2006-11-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

More frightening rhetoric from the Islamic fascist republic of Iran. This time the state-controlled Iranian media is attempting to prepare the public for potential war by whipping religious zealotry into a frenzy. Ynet News reports:

"The great war is ahead of us, (and will break out) perhaps tomorrow, or in another few days, or in a few months, or even in a few Years... Israel must collapse."

Scary days are ahead, and I'm inclined to believe that this will rupture into a full scale conflict between the West and Iran within 5 years. Watch and be ready!

US Staying Power

2006-11-14T06:58:00.000-08:00

Mark Steyn, columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and best selling author, has laid out rather succinctly, the consequences we will face as a nation if we're to pull out of Iraq prematurely.

"As it is, we're in a very dark place right now. It has been a long time since America unambiguously won a war, and to choose to lose Iraq would be an act of such parochial self-indulgence that the American moment would not endure, and would not deserve to. Europe is becoming semi-Muslim, Third World basket-case states are going nuclear, and, for all that 40 percent of planetary military spending, America can't muster the will to take on pipsqueak enemies. We think we can just call off the game early, and go back home and watch TV.

"It doesn't work like that. Whatever it started out as, Iraq is a test of American seriousness. And, if the Great Satan can't win in Vietnam or Iraq, where can it win? That's how China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Venezuela and a whole lot of others look at it. "These Colors Don't Run" is a fine T-shirt slogan, but in reality these colors have spent 40 years running from the jungles of Southeast Asia, the helicopters in the Persian desert, the streets of Mogadishu. ... To add the sands of Mesopotamia to the list will be an act of weakness from which America will never recover."

Read entire article HERE.

Gay Unions Legalized in Mexico

2006-11-09T22:35:00.000-08:00

If catholic Mexico has finally given in, what chance does the liberal United States have? A "snowball effect that no one will be able to stop?" He's right. Mark my words that this will eventually lead to the legalization of all sexual relationships - no matter how deviant. From Reuters:

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico City approved homosexual civil unions on Thursday, legalizing gay partnerships for the first time in the world's second-largest Roman Catholic nation.

The capital's municipal assembly, controlled by left-wing legislators, voted for the measure 43-17 as hundreds of rival protesters demonstrated noisily outside the building.

The move paves the way for same-sex civil unions in the city of 8.6 million people early next year.

The local congress in the northern state of Coahuila, bordering Texas, began debating a similar plan this week to legalize gay unions.

"These reforms are going to cause a snowball effect that no one will be able to stop," said David Sanchez of the left-wing Party of the Democratic Revolution, one of the few openly gay national congressmen.

Read entire article HERE.

Israel Prepares for Massive Ground Assault

2006-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wars and Rumors of Wars Alert: Just when you thought it was all over, there is more action in the Middle East. Also, it's important to remember that the problems in Gaza began before the Lebanese problem. From Breitbart News:

Israel has ratcheted up threats of a massive ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, amid an ongoing war of words with the ruling Hamas movement which has vowed to teach the army a harsh lesson.

"Gaza should not become a second Lebanon," said Immigrant Absorption Minister Zeev Boim on Tuesday, reiterating a phrase used by Israeli leaders recently to mean the territory should not become a bastion of militant resistance.

"Apparently we will not have any other choice but to launch an expanded operation, like Defensive Shield, in order to destroy the stockpiles of weapons and to hit the terrorist organizations," said Boim, a close ally of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

Read entire article HERE

Breaking: QUAKE SWARM HITS HAWAII

2006-10-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

Earthquakes in Diverse Places Alert: AP Reports:

HONOLULU (AP) - A strong earthquake shook Hawaii early Sunday, causing a landslide that blocked a major highway on Hawaii Island and knocking out power across the state, authorities said.

The state Civil Defense had unconfirmed reports of injuries, but communication problems prevented more definite reports. People were also trapped in elevators in Oahu, authorities said.

[...]

The quake hit at 7:07 a.m. local time, 10 miles north-northwest of Kailua Kona, a town on the west coast of the Big Island, said Don Blakeman, a geophysicist at the National Earthquake Information Center, part of the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Pacific Tsunami Center reported a preliminary magnitude of 6.5, while the U.S. Geological Survey gave a preliminary magnitude of 6.6. It was followed by several strong aftershocks, including one measuring a magnitude of 5.8, the Geological Survey said.

Read entire story HERE.

Grain Stockpiles at Lowest for 25 Years

2006-10-13T06:16:00.000-07:00

Famines, Plagues and Pestilence Alert: Another signpost on the downhill road leading to the end of days. We're in a time of plenty, yet we can't manage to prepare for the future when times will likely not be as pleasant. Let this serve as another reminder that we must get our own houses in order (stock up on emergency supplies), since we will likely not be able to count on the government or anyone else to bail us out if there is a worldwide calamity (pandemic flu, nuclear terrorism, etc.). Watch and be ready!

From the Financial Times:

The world’s stockpiles of wheat are at their lowest level in more than a quarter century, according to the US Department of Agriculture, which on Thursday slashed its forecasts for global wheat and corn production.

[...]

To add to the global supply concerns, Ukraine has introduced licences and quotas on its wheat exports, effectively bringing shipments to a standstill. This has already halted Ukrainian wheat shipments of 50,000 tonnes to India. The USDA also lowered wheat output for China, Brazil and the European Union.

[...]

“The concern now is what happens next year. If we have poor conditions for growing wheat again, supplies could get very tight and we might see some demand rationing,” said Dan Cekander, grains analyst at Fimat.

Read entire article HERE.

North Korea Nukes the World

2006-10-08T22:40:00.000-07:00

Wars and Rumors of Wars Alert: In a stunning move, the North Korean government has apparently tested a nuclear weapon in defiance of international law. This may set off an arms race in Japan (which has not had an army or significant military force since 1945) and destabilize the entire region. Stay tuned for updates.

From Reuters:

SEOUL - North Korea said on Monday it had safely and successfully carried out an underground nuclear test in a gesture of defiance as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in South Korea.
"The nuclear test was conducted with indigenous wisdom and technology 100 percent," North Korea's Korean Central News Agency said.
Read entire article HERE

Exlosion registers 4.2 on Richter Scale.

North Korea Announces it Will Test Nuclear Bomb

2006-10-03T13:07:00.000-07:00

Wars and Rumors of Wars alert (from CNN):

UNITED NATIONS (CNN) -- North Korea, citing American belligerence and pressure, said Tuesday it will conduct a nuclear test.
The North Korean Foreign Ministry issued the comment in a statement published by the Korean Central News Agency, or KCNA, the communist country's official news agency.

Entire article HERE.

Disturbing Trends

2006-10-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Over the past few weeks, the world has been charting a perilous course that will take it through destructive waters. I cite several incidents that seem to be echoing the state of panicked commotion that is permeating the various inhabitants of our planet.

FATWA Issued to "Kill the Pope" (International Terrorism Monitor)

Acting on behalf of the International Islamic Front (IIF) for Jihad Against the Crusaders and the Jewish People, which is headed by Osama bin Laden, the Markaz-ud-Dawa (MUD) of Pakistan, which is the political wing of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LET), is reported to have issued a Fatwa calling upon the Muslims to kill Pope Benedict XVI for a recent speech of his delivered on September 12,2006, which has been projected as anti-Islam by Al Qaeda and other jihadi terrorist organisations of the world.

US Political Parties Go to War

As if there wasn't enough hatred, bitterness and execration preceding this November's Congressional elections, the Rep. Foley scandal threatens to bring the whole House of Representatives down as battling parties attempt to define one man's actions as a political problem, while both sides attempt to indict the entire opposing party over the House Page Scandal.

This adds to one of the most bitter, ruthless and partisan elections cycles in history, as candidates attack one another without reservation or honor. In my 10 years of working on Capitol Hill, I have personally never seen such outright rage between parties, as each lust over power in new and deceitful ways.

General Violence

Three fatal school shootings in a week
Banks attacked in Mexican city
Pakistan Behind Mumbai Bombings?

Wars and Rumors of Wars

Israel on High Alert for Syrian Attack (Telegraph)

Israel has gone on heightened alert over a possible war with Syria amid reports that President Bashar Assad may be considering military strikes to regain the Golan Heights.

A signpost points out that Damascus is a mere 60kms from the Golan Heights

For years Israeli military intelligence has down-played Syria's capacity to launch a meaningful attack against Israel, and the threat level has been kept "low".

But Israeli reports have revealed that the threat level had been raised after intelligence assessments that Damascus is "seriously examining" military action.
The raised threat level comes as Israel prepares for Monday's Day of Atonement, known as Yom Kippur, a solemn Jewish holiday when the entire country effectively shuts down as residents fast and seek forgiveness for sins.

Disasters, Plagues and Pestilence

Earthquake in Maine
Locust Plague Encircles Cancun Resort
E-Coli Outbreak May be More Potent Than Others

Ahmadinejad, at UN, calls for the coming of the Mahdi

2006-09-22T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been out of town on vacation in Mexico. I should be posting more regularly now.

Apparently, while I was away, President Ahmadinejad of Iran had something to say to the world about the return of his Hidden Imam.

From Jihad Watch, citing WND:

WASHINGTON – While most of the reporting and analysis of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's speech at the U.N. focused on what he had to say about the West and specifically the U.S., his chilling closing remarks were lost on most listeners – and apparently all reporters.
The last two paragraphs of his remarks revealed his steadfast and driving conviction, as previously reported in WND ,that a messianic figure, known as the "Mahdi" to Muslims, is poised to reveal himself after an apocalyptic holocaust on Earth that leaves most of the world's population dead.

"I emphatically declare that today's world, more than ever before, longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above all longs for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet," Ahmadinejad said. "Oh, Almighty God, all men and women are your creatures and you have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirsts for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by you, and make us among his followers and among those who strive for his return and his cause."

With Iran on the verge of producing nuclear weapons and already in possession of sophisticated medium-range missiles, mystical pre-occupation with the coming of a Shiite Islamic messiah is of particular concern because of Iran's potential for triggering the kind of global conflagration Ahmadinejad envisions will set the stage for the end of the world.

Ahmadinejad is on record as stating he believes he is to have a personal role in ushering in the age of the Mahdi. In a Nov. 16, 2005, speech in Tehran, he said he sees his main mission in life as to "pave the path for the glorious reappearance of Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance."

According to Shiites, the 12th imam disappeared as a child in the year 941. When he returns, they believe, he will reign on earth for seven years, before bringing about a final judgment and the end of the world....

Ahmadinejad and others in Iran are deadly serious about the imminent return of the 12th imam, who will prompt a global battle between good and evil (with striking parallels to biblical accounts of "Armageddon"). Some interpretations of the events that precede his coming include a war that wipes out most of the world's population....

Ahmadinejad made reference to the Mahdi in his first speech to the U.N., too. He called on the "mighty Lord" to hasten the emergence of "the promised one," the one who "will fill this world with justice and peace."

Russia Going Cold Again?

2006-09-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Cold War II Alert. This is a scary scenario. GSN reports:

Russia Could Use Tactical Nuclear Weapons to Defeat U.S. Missile Defenses in Europe, Experts Say
Moscow reserves the right to use tactical nuclear weapons to thwart potential U.S. missile defense sites in Eastern Europe that could threaten Russia’s strategic missile force, Russian defense analysts warned recently.
“According to our military doctrine, Russia reserves the right to deliver preventive strikes at any targets that pose a threat to us, with tactical nuclear weapons being an option in such strikes,” said Alexander Pikayev, a department head at the Russian Institute for World Economy and International Affairs (IMEMO).
The United States has said it is seeking to erect missile defense sites in Eastern Europe — possibly in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland — to defend against ballistic missiles launched from Iran.
Institute analysts, however, have argued that the systems are actually intended to shoot down Russian long-range missiles and to undermine Russia’s nuclear deterrent, Izvestiya reported.
“By approaching Russia’s borders, the Americans are seeking to achieve their main objective: intercepting our strategic missiles at the early stage of their trajectory, when they are most vulnerable,” said retired Maj. Gen. Vladimir Belous, a senior research fellow at the Institute.
Russia would probably seek other measures to protect its missiles as well, Izvestiya reported, including moving their silos farther east and arming them with multiple warheads to make them more difficult to intercept.

Wildfire-Burned Acres Sets 45-Year High

2006-09-13T20:14:00.000-07:00

Lest we think that the Signs of the Times limit themselves to hurricanes and flooding, here is another piece of sobering news that shows us how the world is being increasingly beset with large-scale disasters.

From the AP:

Wildfires across the country have scorched more land in 2006 than in any year since at least 1960, burning an area twice the size of New Jersey.

[...]

As of Wednesday, blazes had torched 8.69 million acres, or 13,584 square miles, just above last year's total of 13,573 square miles, according to the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise. Reliable records were not kept before 1960, officials said. The annual average over the past 10 years is 4.9 million acres.

Read entire article

Administration Reveals Foiled Terror Plots

2006-09-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

AP Reports - Foiled terrorist plots, according to the Director of National Intelligence and President Bush's speech on Wednesday:

In 2002, officials disrupted a plot by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the suspected mastermind of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, to crash hijacked airplanes into targets on the U.S. West Coast.

In mid-2004, officials discovered a plan to bomb urban targets in the United Kingdom.

Terrorists involved in a well-advanced plot to attack targets in Karachi, Pakistan, were detained in the spring of 2003.

A plan to use hijacked commercial airplanes to attack London's Heathrow Airport was disrupted in 2003.

A plot to attack ships in the Persian Gulf was foiled in late 2002 and early 2003.

One of the plotters involved in the plan to attack ships in the Gulf was also part of a foiled plot to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

After a plan to blow up tall buildings in the U.S. was disrupted, Khalid Sheikh Mohammed said he directed his operatives to attack the buildings because they were too tall for victims to jump out of, ensuring they would die by smoke inhalation.

In early 2004, a captured al-Qaida facilitator revealed a plan to send suicide truck bombers into Camp Lemonier, a Marine Corps base in the African nation of Djibouti. This information caused security at the base to be enhanced.

In his speech, Bush said Mohammed and a terrorist named Yazid provided vital information on al-Qaida's efforts to obtain biological weapons that allowed officials to capture two other terrorists involved in producing anthrax for al-Qaida.

Problems South of the Border

2006-09-01T20:07:00.000-07:00

Our friend and ally to the south, Mexico, is in the grip of a major ideological division that may threaten the country's democracy itself.

The leftists, led by Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, contested the recent results to Mexico's presidential elections where they lost. Mr. Obrador has been using every dirty trick imaginable to steal the Presidency away from the rightful winner. He's been organizing violent protests, organized mobs and manipulation of the judicial system to get his way. And now that those attempts have failed (and in the case of the Mexican Supreme Court, proved that he was indeed the loser), the leftists have resorted to more drastic measures.

For the first time in modern Mexican history, the President's State of the Union address was canceled due to the leftist legislators storming the Congressional stage. This is a maneuver right out of the Marxist handbook. It threatens the peaceful transition of power, and puts democracy in jeopardy. More any more, politicians are flouting rules of decency and fair conduct to grab power at any cost. We saw it here in the US during the 2000 election dispute, and now we're seeing it in Mexico on a much larger scale.

Things are coming to a boil in Latin America. Mexico may fall prey to the socialist wave that is sweeping South America, under the hand of Dictator Hugo Chavez. Surely, as respect, law and order break down in this part of the world, and indeed, democracy itself, we will see more and more of this type of behavior. It will roll right onto our doorsteps.

And when Latin American countries fall to a mass leftist dictatorship one by one, the disgruntled immigrants in this country will be in a prime position to bring this nation to it's knees. The stage is set. Watch and be ready.

AP Reports:

Mexican Lawmakers Block Fox's Speech
MEXICO CITY (AP) -- Vicente Fox was forced to forego the last state-of-the-nation address of his presidency Friday after leftist lawmakers stormed the stage of Congress to protest disputed July 2 elections.

It was the first time in modern Mexican history a president hasn't given the annual address to Congress. Instead, Fox handed in a written copy of his report, and his office said he would address the nation in a televised speech later Friday.

A text of the speech Fox had planned to deliver to Congress called on Mexico to mend deep divisions that he said threatened the country's newfound democracy.

"Whoever attacks our laws and institutions also attacks our history and Mexico," he said, a thinly veiled reference to leftist presidential candidate Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
Continue article HERE.

LDS Perspective on Warren Jeffs: Is Polygamy That Bad?

2006-08-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

I have split feelings on this. It's easy to say that they (polygamists) should be allowed to practice their religion anyway they want - provided it doesn't involve children under the legal age of consent. This is an argument I have heard many times. On the other hand, it's also easy to say (based on that logic) that any type of marriage should therefore be permitted - homosexual or otherwise. So, can polygamy really be such a bad thing?

When it comes to determining which familial "choice" is right, the church has made itself very clear:

"We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God."

It's hard for some of us to accept restrictions based on marriage when it comes to polygamy. After all, our own church supported plural marriage at one time, and still holds the principle to be an eternal one. However, that principle was applicable to a select period in time, and has since been abandoned. Now, people can debate all day long whether the church abandoned it based on political pressure or divine revelation. But as members, we believe in the latter if in fact we truly sustain our leaders and have received our own testimony as to the divinity of the Gospel. Therefore, despite our history, we should continue to sustain our leaders when they tell us that today, polygamy is wrong.

Looking at some of the so-called "consensual" polygamous relationships, it's easy to sympathize and say, "They're not harming anyone. Let them be. After all, they are a family." We must look past such feelings of sympathy and recognize that these people entered into a relationship that is against the law. They may be a family, but that family was created by people who willingly broke law, or thought that they were somehow above it. In such cases, the grave responsibility lies with the father and mother when that family is ultimately broken up by the law. It is tragic, but we believe in upholding the law of the land.

You will see many people sympathize with Warren Jeffs in the coming weeks and months. You will hear many debate the reasoning behind anti-polygamy laws. Keep in mind, that these arguments will be co-opted by Satan. He will use this as a means by which to destroy the family. He'll say, "If you Mormons say you're for the family, then why would you want to break up such a peaceful (yet polygamous) relationship?." Don't be fooled. If we listen to such arguments, and fall under their sway, we open up the family to destruction on a far greater scale than we might realize. Remember, if we legalize one type of "alternate" marriage then we will legalize all types, and this is what Satan wants. It will cheapen the family, and it will cheapen the sanctity of marriage.

Ultimately, we must ask ourselves if we truly believe marriage to be "between a man and a woman." If we do, then we must fight any attempt to change that, no matter how much we may sympathize with the enemy.

Official Church Policy on Polygamy

The Gathering Nuclear Storm

2006-08-29T06:27:00.000-07:00

If you were Iran, and you wanted to put yourself into a place that would give you power beyond compare in the Muslim world, how would you go about doing it?

First, you would neutralize the United States military by reducing its morale, and weakening its support at home. You would accomplish this by turning Iraq into a trap for America. You would cause Americans to be divided, thus taking away their greatest natural strength. And by sending your elite troops into Iraq to ferment instability, you would increase American pressure to withdraw from the region. This is exactly what is taking place now.

Second, you would have to neutralize the Israeli military. By using the techniques you learned in Iraq, you could also drag Israel into a war for which it was unprepared to fight. You would use every resource in the West to show how Muslims were being victimized. You would use your political connections gained through oil sales to pander to the anti-Semitic European countries, thus eliminating any support that might be given Israel. You would, through your propaganda, encourage the West to pressure Israel into accepting a ceasefire - knowing this would be seen as a victory for Hezbollah (your agents of destruction). This is what is happening now.

Finally, and again, through your oil connections, you would ensure that Russia and China - America's most powerful potential enemies - would not support a western economic embargo. This would allow you to pursue your nuclear program without pressure. And, because of their involvement in other wars and low support at home, the American and Israeli military would be unable to stop you. Again, we have now reached exactly this point.

If I didn't think Iran had a form of outside help (and by outside, I mean outside of this world), I would be missing something that should be plainly obvious. Iran has executed control of world affairs for its own purposes with near-perfection. Their obectives are not peace, love and respect for their neighbors. On the contrary, their objectives are the destruction of a nation (Israel), the dominance of other religions (see Sharia law) and the physical expansion of their empire (Iraqi and Syrian Shia interests are making this happen now). All of their goals are rooted in evil. The master of this deception should be plain.

On top of all of this, you have a leader of Iran who believes it is his religious duty to bring about the cataclysmic "end times" so that his Mahdi can return. And in the western corner, you have a US President who believes with all of his heart that God wants him to stop Iran from attaining those goals. The game pieces are nuclear weapons. The stakes are high.

While the world may be uncomfortable with Bush's faith in God during times of crisis, I am not. Even though our application of Christian beliefs may differ, and even though I believe that he has made a few mistakes along the way, I still believe Bush to be a just man. I also believe that while our nation may be wicked, we still have a role to play in bringing peace to parts of the world where there is now only murder and religious oppression. God will sort out the indivduals who are to be punished. But for now, the goals of our nation are consistent with the Lord's will, that is, that His Kingdom will roll forward. And right now, Iran's vision is definitely not the tools by which that divine plan will be accomplished.

For the article that inspired me to write the above, click here.

Beware the 15 of Shaban (September 9th)

2006-08-25T20:04:00.000-07:00

Since we all know that Iranian President Ahmadinejad is a "Twelver," and that he is also big on special dates, perhaps this "Mid of Shaban," which happens to be September 9-10 on our calendar, will be the day Iran makes it's move.

Mid of Shaban is the birth date of the 12th and final imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi. It is celebrated by Twelvers on the 15th of Shaban. Many Shi'a fast on this day to show gratitude.

I know I'm borderlined obsessed over this... but I just can't shake the feeling that Iran is really up to something terrible. Since nothing happened on the 22nd of August, the date Ahmadinejad predicted his "day of happiness," except for their lame excuse for a diplomatic response to the carrots and sticks offered them in exchange for giving up their nuke program, I am guessing at another date.

Never hurts to prepare for the worst.

French Seduction and Betrayal

2006-08-24T14:09:00.000-07:00

This just boils my blood. Also, you notice how the only thing France did do with any urgency was evacuate their citizens from Lebanon? When it comes to tucking their tails and running, no one does it better than the French.

Seduce and Betray
By NIDRA POLLER
August 24, 2006

Jacques Chirac, like Hassan Nasrallah, is always victorious. France is always first and foremost: first to promise to send troops, first to back down on the promise. Triumphant newscasters announce: Fifty French combat engineers have been dispatched on an urgent mission to Lebanon! One hundred fifty more are on the way! While the rest of the world dithers, France springs into action!
The French, who were supposed to be the backbone of the beefed-up United Nations contingent, announced from the get-go that their troops wouldn't step in until Hezbollah was disarmed. At the same time, France mustered all its diplomatic power to stop the only army, the Israeli Defense Forces, that could actually achieve this. Paris knew that the Lebanese government couldn't disarm Hezbollah, and that Hezbollah wouldn't do so voluntarily. In a smashing non sequitur, France reduced its promise from 3,000 battle-ready soldiers to 200 engineers. Some backbone! Now, probably embarrassed by the waves of ridicule this deflation provoked, they are denying they ever promised thousands, while pledging to do better than 200, surely emboldened by the U.N. promise that these troops will not, heaven forbid, be asked to disarm Hezbullah.
Clear-minded people recognized the global threat forecast by Hezbollah's aggression against Israel. U.S. President George W. Bush supported Israel's right to self-defense; Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice resisted pressure to impose a hasty cease-fire; it looked like the West was standing firm.
And then that 21st-century fetish, the "international community," led by France, drowned that resolve in the cheap perfume of multilateral diplomacy. U.N. Resolution 1701 is a lace handkerchief fluttered in the face of reality. As soon as the resolution took effect, the instigators and perpetrators of the attack celebrated. The resolution tightens Hezbollah's stranglehold by handing it a victory it could not earn on the battlefield; Iran warmed up its exterminating engines; Syria decided that Hezbollah-type action was more promising than diplomatic acrobatics; Hamas swore it would not be outdone by the brave fighting brothers. In other words, jihad.
Yes, the U.S. was fooled by a slick French seduce-and-betray operation. Paris isn't having second thoughts about its troop commitments -- it probably never intended to send a robust force that would have taken on Hezbollah in the first place. On July 24, in separate interviews, French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, Lebanon's pro-Syrian President Emile Lahoud and Hezbollah leader Nasrallah himself set forth virtually the same conditions for a political solution to the conflict: an immediate cease fire without any real pressure on Hezbollah to disarm until an endless list of alleged gripes against Israel have been solved.
Mr. Douste-Blazy's obsequious pledge of allegiance to the great civilized state of Iran, "factor of stabilization in the region," was not a fluke; it was the tip-off. Far too much has been made of President Chirac's personal gripe with Syrian President Bashar Assad, and far too little attention is paid to France's troubling complicity with Iran and its merciless Hezbollah arm. The charming French minister of defense, Michèle Alliot-Marie, says she is not sending troops unless and until the U.N. can guarantee their safety. An anonymous source cited by Le Monde journalist Mouna Naïm claims that a French diplomat went directly to the Iranians to obtain a promise of mutual nonbelligerency. Barah Mikhail, a fellow of the French government-friendly IRIS think tank, spelled it out in an Aug. 19 radio interview: France doesn't want to be put in a situation where its soldiers would have to side with Israel against Hezbollah. To choose between a Western democratic ally and a terrorist organization seems too morally troubling for Paris.
Did I say terrorist organization? Quel faux pas. In an interview with Le Monde on July 26, Mr. Chirac reiterated that it would be counterproductive to brand Hezbollah a terrorist organization just "now, when we want, if possible, to try to bring Hezbollah back into the fold of the Lebanese community and help it become a political party." And so Paris remains the main opponent of putting Hezbollah on the European Union terror list.
France had been aching to grab a piece of the honest-broker action in an increasingly turbulent Middle East and impose its politique arabe on the hyperpuissant American rival. Co-sponsorship of U.N. Resolution 1559 was interpreted as evidence of a new Franco-American entente. Having more or less chased Syria out of Lebanon, the newfound chums joined forces to micromanage the current conflict -- which in fact ignited on the smoldering ashes of 1559.
France signed on to a joint resolution consistent with the American-Israeli position and then flip-flopped on every issue. The conditions that France somehow managed to impose on U.S. negotiators did not develop in the course of negotiations. They were enunciated, domestically, from the very beginning and sustained to the last minute. The French public was indoctrinated to swallow every point of the Chirac doctrine, illustrated line by line in the media. For the French, this was not a war against a terror organization acting on behalf of a genocidal and soon nuclear Iran. From the very start, the conflict was portrayed simply as a Lebanese humanitarian crisis, and the only "moral" solution was to declare solve it required an immediate cease-fire to get the evil Israeli army off their backs.
But if diplomacy is more moral than war and better protects us against jihad, how did it lead to a U.N. resolution that is the exact opposite of the original intentions to deprive Hezbollah of ill-earned gains, assert the sovereignty of the Lebanese government, offer Israel through diplomacy the security it was fighting to achieve through military action, and put Iran and Syria on notice that the international community will not be cowered by their heinous projects? Not to mention the kidnapped soldiers, Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, who remain in Hezbollah's hands. U.S. officials had backed Israel's demand for their unconditional liberation: no dirty bargains, no disproportionate prisoner exchanges. Their names didn't even make it into the body of the resolution.
As the loose-knit promises of 1701 unravel, France insists that Israel release the blockade to allow the free flow of goods -- returning refugees and, inevitably, combatants and arms. Paris is also pushing for the payoff resolution, which will demand mass release of Lebanese criminals held in Israeli jails, and evacuation of the tiny Syrian territory known as the Shebaa Farms, thereby justifying Hezbollah's lie to be a resistance movement against Israeli occupation. This misconceived exercise in multilateral diplomacy under the aegis of the U.N. unfolds as the West totters on the brink of a showdown with Iran. It reads like a fatal error.
Ms. Poller, an American novelist, has lived in Paris since 1972.

Iran Scores in World War

2006-08-24T06:43:00.000-07:00

As much as I have been trying to resist it, the outline of what is to come has becoming increasingly clear to me - we are at war with Islam. Or at least, we will be at war with Islam.

The way I see things now, we're only at war with the radical fringe within Islam. Those fundamentalists, or Islamo-fascists if you will, are the ones who demand nothing short of the complete submission of the West to Allah, or barring that, total annihilation of the West. But with Europe cowering away from calling a fire a fire, and Israel failing to complete it's objectives based on pressure from Europe (and the US, unbelievably), the radical Islamo-fascists are now being seen as the saviors of their people!

Those who were once regarded as terrorists and thugs among their own people, are now starting to look a lot more effective and thus, become respected. This is not good. It now means that governments in the Middle-East must protect this radical element to satisfy the will of their increasingly beligerent populations. This is how HAMAS won in Gaza and is what is likely to cause Hezbollah to rally during the next Lebanese elections.

This op-ed in the Washington Times explains with further clarity:

BERN, Switzerland. -- Those who gazed into their crystal balls at the end of the 20th century to get a glimpse of coming attractions missed the main event. Islam, whether in the form of young jihadis who live to die killing those who live to live in freedom, or conservative oil sheiks and emirs clinging to divine-right-of-kings privileges by heaping praise on Hezbollah guerrillas, dominates our fear of what the future may bring.

Perception is reality in most parts of the world but nowhere as much as in the Arab world and in the Muslim world beyond. Hezbollah ("Party of God"), listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S., is now seen as the clear victor over Israel, the Middle East's only democracy. For Israel to lose 116 soldiers is comparable to the U.S. losing 5,800 in 34 days of warfare (multiply by 50 to get the equivalent population ratio). So far, the U.S. has lost 2,600 in 3-1/2 years in Iraq).

Continue reading...

Our Reluctance to "Be Prepared"

2006-08-23T06:59:00.000-07:00

Boy Scouts have been familiar with the motto, "Be Prepared" for darn near a century. Americans have been told to be prepared for twice as long. Basic survival necessitates that we be prepared, yet shockingly (but not surprisingly) - most Americans are not.

We spend money on houses we can't afford, more cars than we need, junk food, expensive electronics, pedicures, entertainment, pharmaceuticals, self-help and cable TV pay-per-view movies. So, why can't we spend a few hundred bucks (over time) to set aside basic food supplies and water?

We have been warned, and warned again. There have been massive tsunamis, earthquakes and floods everywhere in the world. Then, last year, we got a serious warning as one of our great cities was utterly destroyed by a hurricane. Yet, we still say, "all is well!" No one thinks it can happen to them.

From a spiritual perspective, we have been warned by a Prophet of God. From a literal perspective, God Himself has warned us in the form of these calamities. If we continue to ignore all of these warnings we have witnessed - we only sow the seeds of our own destruction. PREPARE NOW!!

For a sad commentary on our laziness in being prepared, here are some excerpts from a TIME article that was released today:

Historically, humans get serious about avoiding disasters only after one has just smacked them across the face. Well, then, by that logic, 2006 should have been a breakthrough year for rational behavior. With the memory of 9/11, the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, still fresh in their minds, Americans watched Katrina, the most expensive disaster in U.S. history, on live TV. Anyone who didn't know it before should have learned that bad things can happen. And they are made much worse by our own lack of ambition--our willful blindness to risk as much as our reluctance to work together before everything goes to hell.

[...]

In the 12 months since Katrina, the rest of the U.S. has not proved to be a quicker study than the Gulf Coast. There is still no federal law requiring state and local officials to plan for the evacuation of the sick, elderly, disabled or poor. But in the past few months, both houses of Congress triumphantly passed bills that require locals to plan for the evacuation of pets.

[...]

But it's not just bureaucrats who are unprepared for calamity. Regular people are even less likely to plan ahead. In this month's TIME poll, about half of those surveyed said they had personally experienced a natural disaster or public emergency. But only 16% said they were "very well prepared" for the next one. Of the rest, about half explained their lack of preparedness by saying they don't live in a high-risk area.

In fact, 91% of Americans live in places at a moderate-to-high risk of earthquakes, volcanoes, tornadoes, wildfires, hurricanes, flooding, high-wind damage or terrorism, according to an estimate calculated for TIME by the Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute at the University of South Carolina. But Americans have a tendency to be die-hard optimists, literally. It is part of what makes the country great--and vincible. "There are four stages of denial," says Eric Holdeman, director of emergency management for Seattle's King County, which faces a significant earthquake threat. "One is, it won't happen. Two is, if it does happen, it won't happen to me. Three: if it does happen to me, it won't be that bad. And four: if it happens to me and it's bad, there's nothing I can do to stop it anyway."

This time, they're serious.

2006-08-22T11:22:00.000-07:00

So, no armageddon after all. Instead, Iran say's they're ready for "serious" talks. What in the world does that mean? The statement alone proves their complete indifference to international law. Obviously, nothing was taken seriously in Iran before today. But you know what, the UN and the international community has brought this kind of response on their own heads. If we're not gonna get serious with Iran, then why bother threatening them at all?

The AP reports:

TEHRAN, Iran. Iran's top nuclear negotiator said Tuesday that Tehran was ready to enter "serious negotiations" over its disputed nuclear program but did not say whether it was willing to suspend uranium enrichment _ the West's key demand.

The negotiator, Ali Larijani, hand-delivered Iran's response to a six- nation package of nuclear incentives aimed at persuading it to suspend enrichment. He gave the reply to ambassadors from Britain, China, Russia, France, Germany and Switzerland, state-run television said, without disclosing details.

"Iran is prepared as of Aug. 23 to enter serious negotiations" with the countries that proposed the package, state-run television quoted Larijani as telling the envoys.

Iranian officials close to the meeting said Iran offered a "new formula" to resolve the dispute as part of its formal response to the incentive package. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the information.

"Iran has provided a comprehensive response to everything said in the Western package. In addition, Iran, in its formal response, has asked some questions to be answered," one official said, without elaborating.

European Union foreign policy chief Javier Solana said Iran's response needs a "detailed and careful analysis," EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana said.

In a statement, Solana said he would remain "in open contact" with Larijani.

Today is the Day

2006-08-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Will Iran bring us terror and war, or will it simply give the West more of the same doublespeak we've been hearing for years? Will Iran, after having raised worldwide alarm over it's ambiguous statements regarding 8/22, simply respond to the world by saying: We are open to negotiation but we will not negotiate on our nuclear enrichment? After the perceived threats, this would come as a relief to many - taking the spotlight (once again) off their nuclear ambitions. We will see.

From CNN:

TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- Iran has given its formal answer to a package of incentives offered by the U.N. Security Council's five permanent members plus Germany in exchange for halting its uranium enrichment program, according to Iranian media.

It said Ali Larijani, Iran's chief nuclear negotiator, handed the response to ambassadors from Germany, France, Britain, Russia, China and Switzerland in Tehran on Tuesday afternoon, according to Iran's state-run Arabic-language Al-Alam television, Reuters reported. It did not give details of the reply.

Switzerland, which is not a member of the U.N. Security Council, is representing the interests of the United States because Washington does not have diplomatic relations with Iran.

Iran still has until the end of the month to formally respond to a U.N. resolution demanding it stop its nuclear program and allow full inspections, or face economic sanctions.

Iranian officials in recent days have already rejected the U.N. resolution, saying they are within their rights to build a nuclear energy program despite fears from the West that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons.

The Final Hours

2006-08-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Let's hope Ahmadinejad's "answer to the world" doesn't amount to anything. But if he is as crazy as some people believe, then tonight, on the eve of August 22, things could turn very ugly, very fast.

ABC News:

While no extra safeguards are in place, U.S. law enforcement are not ignoring the possible significance of tomorrow's date, August 22, a date that marks an important historic event on the Islamic calendar.

Internet websites have been full of speculation that it could be a target date for terrorists in commemoration of the return of the 12th imam, a supposed day of reckoning for Shiites.

August 22 was rumored by intelligence experts to be a possible date that the London plotters would blow-up passenger planes headed towards the United States, though it is not known if the suspects were Shiite extremists.

This year, August 22 marks the holy day on the Islamic calendar that is the day of reckoning for Shiites. Some Shiite sects believe that August 22 could correspond to the end of the world. And just today, after much hype, Iran has announced that it will continue to develop its nuclear program. To followers of Iranian President Ahmadinejad, this is a well-timed affront to Israel, the United States and the world. The United Nations had given Iran until the end of the month to respond, but Ahmadinejad had made it clear to all Iranians and the world that he intended to respond on the eve of August 22.

Whether or not this announcement is the end of Ahmadinejad's plans for August 22, one expert says we will have to wait and watch.

"The only thing we can know is that the date was not chosen by accident," said Robert Spencer, Director of Jihadwatch.org and an adjunct fellow at the Free Congress Foundation, a conservative think tank. "It does seem very likely, very probable, that he has something major in mind, whether only a major announcement or a major attack, we will soon see."

Watch and Be Ready

2006-08-20T17:11:00.000-07:00

We're getting closer to Iran's "Day of Happiness" on August 22. I have discussed the significance of that date on this blog for several weeks, and now it is upon us. And what's more, many people around the world (including prominent experts and news organizations) are seeing this Tuesday as the possible starting point for WWIII. Hopefully, it will amount to something far less dramatic and I will be proved wrong. For once, I would welcome looking like a fool.

However, the evidence is pointing to something big on the horizon, something that will change the way in which we view the world. Let's look at some of the hard facts:

Iran is currently engaging in large military exercises. In the past, military "excersises" have been used as cover for war preparations.
North Korea is preparing for a possible missile launch, and/or a nuclear test. Iran and North Korea have been working on nuclear technology and missiles for years.
Israel's military has been weakened by the recent struggle with Hezbollah (backed by Iran). Israel is typically seen as a natural military check to any Iranian agression in the region.

There are a lot of things in place that are very favorable to Iran doing something very stupid. I'll post more tomorrow as I get additional information.

Bush: North Korea Poses a Threat

2006-08-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

More on the possible North Korean nuclear tests:

CAMP DAVID, Md (Reuters) - President George W. Bush on Friday warned that North Korea would pose a threat to the world if it tested a nuclear bomb for the first time, following reports that the reclusive government was considering such a move.
Bush also pressed participants in six-party talks to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear-weapons program, while a senior U.S. official played down the chances of an early nuclear test.
"If North Korea were to conduct a test, it's just a constant reminder for people in the neighborhood, in particular, that North Korea poses a threat," Bush said at the Camp David presidential retreat. "We expect our friends and those sitting around the table with us to act in such a manner as to help rid the world of the threat."
View Entire Article

North Korea Appears to Be Preparing for Nuclear Test

2006-08-17T14:36:00.000-07:00

This is a BIG deal. It also ties in with what I've been saying about Iran (since the two are cooperating on nuclear programs). I wouldn't be surprised if we saw a nuclear test in both North Korea and Iran on August 22.

Aug. 17, 2006 — There is new evidence that North Korea may be preparing to for an underground test of nuclear bomb, U.S. officials tell ABC News.

"It is the view of the intelligence community that a test is real possibility," says a senior State Department official.

A senior military official tells ABC News that a U.S. intelligence agency has recently observed "suspicious vehicle movement" at a suspected North Korean test site.
Continue reading the ABC News Article.

Iran to Launch Major Military Exercise

2006-08-17T12:53:00.000-07:00

In what many (including me) see as a parallel to Hitler's summer of 1939, Iran has announced major military exercises that will begin on Saturday, August 19th, and have no forseeable ending in sight, the AP reports. All signs in my eyes point to something big on August 22nd, as I have been warning all along. I hope I'm wrong.

Iran will launch a series of large-scale military maneuvers across the country and has not made plans for an end to the ongoing war games, the army said Thursday.
"The maneuvers are aimed at introducing Iran's new defensive doctrine," military spokesman Gen. Mohammad Reza Ashtiani was quoted as saying by state-run television.
He said the exercises would begin on Saturday in the south east of the country. "It will continue in the whole of Iran, stage by stage for an unspecified period," Ashtiani said.
The announcement came as Iran faces heightened international scrutiny because of its contentious nuclear program and for supporting the Lebanese Hizbullah guerrillas.
Iran denies Israeli accusations it is arming and training Hizbullah fighters.
Ashtiani praised Hizbullah for its month-long fight against Israel. "Human forces can decide fate of a war. We saw it in Lebanon," the general said, echoing Hizbullah claims it won the war by resisting a massive bombing and ground offensive for more than a month before a UN-brokered cease-fire came into place earlier this week.
The military spokesman said Iran's maneuvers reflected the current level of tension in the Middle East. "We have to be prepared against any threat and we should be a role model for other countries," local newspapers quoted Gen. Ashtiani, as saying. "Our army is ready to defuse all plots against Islamic Republic of Iran."
The military exercise, involving 12 infantry regiments, is called "The Blow of Zolfaghar," in reference to a sword that belonged to Imam Ali, one of the most revered figures of Islam for Shi'ite Muslims. A majority of Iran's 70 million people are Shi'ite.
On Wednesday, the Interior Ministry said that Iran also plans to boost security patrols on its borders.
Ministry spokesman Mostafa Pourmohammadi said the move targeted smugglers. Drug traffickers killed 8 police officers during a firefight in southeastern Iran last week.
Iran has routinely held war games over the past two decades to improve its combat readiness and test locally made equipment such as missiles, tanks and armored personnel carriers. In April, Teheran launched its biggest military maneuvers so far, during which it said it tested several advanced weaponry including missiles.

Nukes at Our Ports

2006-08-16T12:42:00.000-07:00

I hate to say it because it's been said so many times before... But, this situation is not a matter of if - it's a matter of when. And now we have a better picture of the devastation that would result if a nuclear bomb was detonated at the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest in the country.

Here is the news article:

Rand: Port Blast Would Be Devastating

A nuclear explosion at the Port of Long Beach could kill 60,000 people immediately, expose 150,000 more to hazardous radiation and cause 10 times the economic loss of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, according to a new Rand Corp. study.

The study released Tuesday by the Santa Monica-based think tank was the latest to address concerns about the possible vulnerability of the nation's ports.

It analyzed the possible effects of terrorists detonating a 10-kiloton nuclear bomb in a shipping container unloaded onto a Long Beach pier.

In addition to the human casualties, such a blast might destroy the infrastructure and every ship at the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, which together handle about one-third of the nation's imports, the study said. Damage at port-area refineries could create critical shortages.

The two ports have taken steps to tighten security.

Last September, the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles received the second- and third-largest security grants from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, $12.7 million and $11.4 million, respectively. The money is to go for protecting ports from small craft and underwater attacks and enhance explosive detection capabilities.

Efforts are also under way to design a facility within the Port of Los Angeles where agents could thoroughly inspect suspicious cargo.

Currently, customs officials screen cargo with radiation monitors and X-ray machines at the docks then truck suspicious containers to a warehouse six miles away for closer inspections.

Click HERE for link.

Iran, August 22 and the Apocalypse

2006-08-10T14:44:00.000-07:00

I believe that Iran's President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, is a radical with apocalyptic visions of grandeur.

For starters, Ahmadinejad has expressed on more than one occasion his devout belief that he is in direct communication with heaven about his policies. Now normally, I would write this off as pandering to a pious audience. However, there are many interests at work in Iran besides fanaticism, so it would profit Ahmadinejad little to cater to the zealots.

Also, the crazy remarks attributed to Ahmadinejad go back to his days as a mayor, and even further to his radical youth - where he participated (albeit in a minor role) in the American Embassy hostage taking in 1979. So, to say he is only doing this to appear tough is misleading. He's been walking the walk and talking the talk all of his adult life.

On top of all of this, Ahmadinejad belongs to a small subset of Shiite Muslims who believe in the return of the Hidden Imam. Even the ultra-radical Ayatollah has had to rein in some of Ahmandinejad's comments regarding this particular faith. An interesting note about this Hidden Imam - believers view his return to the way Christians view the return of Christ. That is, that he will return amid a great world struggle to fight on behalf of the righteous and hasten a day of eternal happiness. The big difference (well, one of many really) between this and Christianity is that the Hidden Imam's believers follow the belief that they can actually bring about his return by spinning the world into chaos. In fact, believers claim it to be their duty. So, that Ahmadinejad is one of these believers should be of great concern to the western world.

Does Iran have nukes? That is the million dollar question. The Israelis predicted he would be armed in 6 months - about 6 months ago. While this is open to debate, that Iran has formed close ties with North Korea is not. And there is general consensus that Kim Jong Il does, in fact, possess nuclear weapons. So, does Iran have some of that North Korean sweet stuff? If they do, I would expect an announcement to such effect on August 22nd.

Finally, the real proof about Ahmadinejad's intentions are in his actions. He's funding Hezbollah, forging defense compacts with Syria and calling for the destruction of Israel. Given his personal make-up, I'm inclined to believe that he is serious about doing something to back up his words.

August 22 approaches ominously, indeeed.

Iran's Armageddon May Have a Date

2006-08-08T07:50:00.000-07:00

This is copied from www.drudgereport.com, which paraphrases an article in today's Wall Street Journal. I am posting it here because I think there may be some truth to this, as I mentioned in a previous post.

Here's the article:

WSJ: Scholar Warns Iran's Ahmadinejad May Have 'Cataclysmic Events' In Mind For August 22
Tue Aug 08 2006 10:22:35 ET

In a WALL STREET JOURNAL op-ed Tuesday, Princeton's Bernard Lewis writes: "There is a radical difference between the Islamic Republic of Iran and other governments with nuclear weapons. This difference is expressed in what can only be described as the apocalyptic worldview of Iran's present rulers."

"In Islam as in Judaism and Christianity, there are certain beliefs concerning the cosmic struggle at the end of time -- Gog and Magog, anti-Christ, Armageddon, and for Shiite Muslims, the long awaited return of the Hidden Imam, ending in the final victory of the forces of good over evil, however these may be defined."

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad "and his followers clearly believe that this time is now, and that the terminal struggle has already begun and is indeed well advanced. It may even have a date, indicated by several references by the Iranian president to giving his final answer to the US about nuclear development by Aug. 22," which this year corresponds "to the 27th day of the month of Rajab of the year 1427. This, by tradition, is the night when many Muslims commemorate the night flight of the prophet Muhammad on the winged horse Buraq, first to 'the farthest mosque,' usually identified with Jerusalem, and then to heaven and back (c.f., Koran XVII.1).

"This might well be deemed an appropriate date for the apocalyptic ending of Israel and if necessary of the world. It is far from certain that Mr. Ahmadinejad plans any such cataclysmic events precisely for Aug. 22. But it would be wise to bear the possibility in mind."

A Study into the Obvious

2006-08-07T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's amazing that it takes a 3-year study to point out the blatantly obvious - that listening to sexually explicit music/lyrics at a young age can lead to increased sexual behavior.

The STUDY finds that "among heavy listeners, 51 percent started having sex within two years, versus 29 percent of those who said they listened to little or no sexually degrading music." The results were obtained by a phone survey which followed a group of teens over the course of several years.

Now, I am not blind to the fact that other factors can contribute to increased sexual activity among American children. Additionally, I am not claiming that this study constitutes rock solid proof that any teen who listens to such will become another Walt Whitman, either (studies are often open to many interpretations). However, it doesn't take rocket science to see the damage being done to our youth as a result of the MTVs of the world and their messages of sexual liberation (even for pre-teens). And, having once been a hormone-filled teen myself, I can say with authority that the more sexual information I was fed - the more I became interested in it.

Even without a study it is reasonable to assume that listening to music with erotic beats and sensual rhythms (mixed with graphic lyrics) will only add to increase this stimulation that might otherwise be put off until someone is a little more sexually mature. If this wasn't the case, then why not just play bandstand music in clubs and discos?

There will be some who will demand that I "step down from my morale high-horse" when citing reports like this one. To them, these studies fly in the face of their liberal philosophies of "freedom without responsibility." They say that kids will always be sexual creatures so why try to stifle that impulse under some outdated, draconian religious ideal of morality? They look the other way when lives are destroyed by the emotional trauma, depression, disease and broken familes that often follow teenage sexual relationships.

To those people I ask: is your life so much better now that you have sex, abortions, antibiotics and antidepressents on demand? You think maybe, just maybe we'd have a little less use for these dramatic and life-altering (and life-killing) crutches if we had acted more responsibily as teens, or had parents who enforced a little morality? At the very least, maybe if we controlled the content of what went into our kid's ears (instead of acting like destroying their life is an acceptable option) by cutting the demand for such disgusting music, we could actually make a difference. Rather than pretending to make a difference by subscribing to the popular liberal sexual ideals of the 21st century.

Destroying Society in the Name of Personal Freedom

2006-07-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

Below is a very interesting article from the Wall Street Journal. My thoughts are under the article.

'Freak Show Holland'
By BAS HEIJNE
July 28, 2006

AMSTERDAM -- Many years ago, I watched a debate on British television about a proposal to lower the age of consent for sex between males to 18 from 21. At one point a matronly Conservative parliamentarian said bluntly: "We do not want to live in a pedophile society like they have in the Netherlands."

I remember how shocked I was by this lie. The age of consent then was 16, as it still is, irrespective of your sexual orientation. But in the U.K., a similar plan led this MP to paint a vision of pure sexual horror, where the state would promote the abuse of little boys. That nightmare had a name: the Netherlands. And she wanted none of that in her own country. (Eventually, in 2000, Britain did lower the age to 16, the same age as for heterosexual relationships.)

We Dutch are used to having our country serve as a rhetorical device without much regard to the truth. In the popular image, the Netherlands is associated with legal drugs, gay marriage and state-approved euthanasia -- a symbol of liberalism gone berserk. It's the price we apparently have to pay for being on the cutting edge of moral and sexual issues.

Secretly the Dutch are, I think, proud of being badmouthed by American talk-show hosts and Italian senators, who absurdly compare the very strict Dutch law on assisted suicide with Nazi death camps. We know that in the long run even American and Italians hotheads have to push their rhetoric aside, and debate the painful moral dilemma of how to help the terminally ill who wish to end their own suffering.

Recently, the smug Dutch self-image has taken blow after blow. Though most of us would still staunchly defend Dutch liberalism against foreign caricature, there is a nagging sense within the country that perhaps Holland may not be the best of all possible worlds anymore. Since 2002, we have witnessed two political assassinations. First the flamboyant Pim Fortuyn, a defender of liberalism and sexual freedom against the neo-puritanism of radical Islam, was shot dead by a fanatical animals-rights activist. Then maverick filmmaker Theo van Gogh, another self-styled defender of sexual liberalism, was slaughtered by a radical Muslim.

And now a small group of Dutch pedophiles wants to form a political party, the "Brotherly Love, Freedom and Diversity Party," and contest November elections with a call to legalize child pornography and lower the age of consent to 12. "Freak Show Holland" again made the headlines. Have we been tolerating the intolerable for too long?

In fact, the Dutch were as repulsed as anyone else. Party treasurer Ad van den Berg was chased from a holiday trailer park in the Netherlands when his 1987 conviction for molesting an 11-year-old boy became known. In a poll, 85% of the population supported the antipedophile organization Soelaas (Solace) in its law suit to have the party banned. But the judge ruled that freedom of expression can only be limited where public order is at direct risk. Since even the complainants admitted that the men behind the party were merely trying to change laws, not to break them, a direct risk could not be established. The decision can be seen as the essence of Dutch pragmatic liberalism: There is no need to ban even something like a pedophile party as it won't even get a single seat anyway.

Still, there is an element of self-doubt in Dutch public outrage about the party. What really got under our skin was the fact that these men claimed their sexual perversion was a justified political cause, on par with gay marriage and assisted suicide of the terminally ill. They speak the language of individual moral choice, in the best tradition of 1970s Dutch liberalism, abusing and twisting its real meaning. Surely something must be wrong with our cherished beliefs if they can be perverted so easily?

The Dutch may have begun to realize that, in their emphasis on individual rights, they might have neglected their sense of community. How do personal moral choices affect society? Anxieties caused by globalization and immigration have laid bare an unexpected need to belong to a group of shared values, not just individual rights.

For the Dutch, who in the past fiercely contested the enforced morality of church and state and nonchalantly ignored questions of identity, these anxieties can seem overwhelming. After the rapid modernization of our society, we have not much to fall back on.

The incidents that put us on the front pages of the world's newspapers may seem shocking. But our underlying concerns about the individual's responsibility in a fragmented society place us firmly in the modern world.

Mr. Heijne is a Dutch writer and cultural critic.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This is a very important shift in thinking, and is critical to our future way of life. The article is interesting because on the one hand, you have a very proud Dutchman (is that still an acceptable label?), defending his country’s traditions of liberalism and “cutting edge” moral legislation. On the other hand, you have someone who is beginning to “open his eyes” in a Matrix sense, and see the fallacy of rights-at-any-cost unfold around him. He’s put in an interesting position, trying to reconcile years of liberalism with the logical end result (and the scary specter of what the future holds).

This is the dead-end of liberalism that no one wants to talk about. Do you accept ANY behavior based on the very logic you used for generations to melt away Christian morals and decency? In the race to grant everyone special rights to do anything we wish, regardless of consequence, we have failed to neglect the warning signs on the road ahead. Now, this poor Dutchman is standing at the edge of a cliff asking himself why he went this far.

We are heading in the same direction in this country. Although, with typical American gusto we are RUSHING to the precipice, trying to “catch up” with the so-called wise democracies in Europe. Are we prepared to grant sexual relations for anything and anyone? If we do, why stop there?

I think Brigham Young once prophesied that “the traps left to ensnare the Saints and Laws of God will eventually dig the hole into which those who helped in the digging will eventually fall and perish by their own hand.” Or something very similar. This sounds like a partial fulfillment of that prophecy.

An Overlooked Problem

2006-07-25T13:57:00.000-07:00

Currently, there are a number of places in the US that are currently without electrical power due to heat overloads, storms and other problems. In NYC, St. Louis and California there are hundreds of thousands of people (literally, that many) who have been without power for over a week. Think about that for a moment, and imagine how your life would change if you didn't have electrical power to rely on. All of the food in your fridge would be spoiled in a day. If you have electric stoves, you'd have nothing to cook with. No hot water from the water heater and no way to charge your cellphone or use your cordless home phone. You would be cut off.

Now, thinking about this, ask yourself - do I have adequate food storage?

Consider this another reminder to get your houses in order. It's not only hurricanes that can disrupt civilization.

Saudi Arabia Fears Full-Scale Mid-East War

2006-07-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

Just when you think things might actually start to calm down in the Middle East, something else happens that threatens to re-ignite the whole thing.

Not only will THIS statement by Saudi King Abdullah likely cause a spike in oil prices, but it might also lead Israel into becoming even more defensive in their posture. I'm not sure where all of this will lead, but wars in the past (even big ones) have been tools that have opened up parts of the world to the Gospel for the first time.

Perhaps the Mid-East is ready for the Gospel? I just don't know.

This Looks Eerily Familiar

2006-07-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Hezbollah

Wow. Haven't we seen this kind of army before?

"Day of Happiness Near"

2006-07-18T13:30:00.000-07:00

Those were the words spoken by Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. More specifically, he said, "The day of happiness for the region is near… The world is on the verge of great changes." (Click HERE for the short article)

Why does this frighten me?

We all know this guy is a complete whack-job. But he also happens to be the head of state for one of the most powerful regimes in the region and could be potentially sitting on nukes. What could this "great day" be in his mind? A nuclear armed Iran? He's often spoken wistfully about the destruction of Israel. Does he plan a mass attack there?

I'm afraid that even if this ends up amounting to nothing - someday, something WILL happen. And I have a feeling Iran will be a part of it.

A Little Speculation on WWIII

2006-07-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

Are we headed for WWIII?

I hate to be an alarmist, but I have never heard so many references to this kind of war since I was a kid growing up in the 80’s (uh oh, my age is out of the bag).

Tonight I was watching O’Reilly go about his usual ego-saturated rants (the majority of which I also happen to agree with), when he brought up an idea that intrigued me. He mentioned that he believes this instability from Israel’s north is a result of Iranian forces moving to destabilize the region. He didn’t give any supporting facts, only threads from his imagination. But I thought, hmm… this makes a certain kind of sense (as many conspiracy theories do). Let’s look at the facts:

Iran has been stalling on a decision about how to respond to UN demands that it halt uranium enrichment activities. During this time, Iran has made statements to the effect that it would come to the defense of Palestinians should they come under attack by Israelis. Keep in mind, these statements were made way before Gilad Shalit was taken prisoner, and thus, before the current military situation in Gaza was even a twinkle in Ehud Olmert’s eye. In fact, this all started literally on the eve of Mahmoud Abbas’ referendum would have (potentially and quite possibly) led to Palestinian recognition of Israel.

So Israel goes into Gaza to rescue Shalit, who is nowhere to be found. Then, just as tensions start to ease (relative to the first several days), Hezbollah militants kill 8 Israeli soldiers to the north in what is termed a “bold move” that would open a new front to the north. Hezbollah fires crude rockets that wildly manage to hit a few sparsely populated areas – and then, somehow – a rocket manages to fly nearly 100 miles to the Israeli port city of Haifa. This is the major escalation that has been talked about for the past 36 hours.

Hezbollah immediately denies responsibility. I happen to believe them. Why would they deny something that would potentially raise their status as heroes of the cause? Maybe… because they honestly didn’t do it? Soon after, there was talk of an Iranian connection. (more talk here) Could Iran be proving their ability to pit the world against each other?

Russia, China and Europe condemned Israeli action while the US supported it. Iran has now threatened Israel with a “fierce response” should Israel attack Syria. Well guess what – all the so called Lebanese-based terrorists are now supposedly all headed across the border into Syria? If Israel follows them, and Iran attacks Israel, then what? Well, just a few weeks ago President Bush said that the United States would defend Israel against Iranian aggression. Russia said it would defend Iran (if the conditions were right). You be the judge.

Granted, this is the worst possible scenario – but we’re already halfway there. All it takes is Israel going into Syria. Then boom, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gets to fulfill his destiny of being the President when the Hidden Imam returns amid WWIII.

Oh yeah, and oil hit $78 a barrel.

A Book Recommendation!

2006-07-10T11:07:00.000-07:00

I'm going to recommend David Kupelian's book, The Marketing of Evil. While not quite as thought-provoking as some of the bona fide Gospel-centered books I've read, the book does manage to highlight several alarming trends in this country that are, well, very alarming. That's not to say that the book is bereft of logic or thoughtful analyses, because it's not. However, it's written for a broad audience (which means its a bit easier to read) and serves to inform the American public about a world where traditional morals and ideals have been hijacked and turned into bywords before our very eyes.

A few weeks ago I read an excerpt of this book that talked about the homosexual agenda for America. The Marketing of Evil starts there, and then begins to highlight some of the other problems in the country that conservatives find so appalling. For example, some of the chapters include: The Myth of Church-State Separation; Multicultural Madness (How Western Culture was Turned Upside Down in a Generation); The Campaign to Destroy Marriage; Obsessed with Sex (How Fraudulent Science Unleashed a Catastrophic Revolution); The Media Matrix (What We Think is Real); and finally, How Lying Marketers Sold America on Unrestricted Abortion.

I went into this book somewhat skeptical, thinking I wouldn't learn anything I didn't already know. Not so. The book, while sometimes preachy (a lot of Bible references), really punched me between the eyes. As I told a friend, it's virtually a laundry list of "secret combinations." Having said that, let me point out that this book isn't tabloid. Yes, it's alarming (as I mentioned), but it's alarming in a way that should serve to wake up the conservative middle class (if only they could get their minds around some of the lies that are being spread in this country via the media). The best comparison I can think of for this book would be something by Rush Limbaugh. In that, I mean that the author takes the liberty of making anecdotal assertions sometimes without stating all of the facts. Just because I agree with what he's saying, doesn't mean I don't want to know how the information being conveyed stacks up against a counter-point. However, the author does back up most of his examples with hard facts.

Upon finishing it, I feel that is has changed the way I view the world in many respects (specifically with regards to the media, abortion and the gay rights agenda). I also found that I came away with new zeal and passion for the conservative cause. My eyes feel opened anew, and Mr. Kupelian's articulate description of the modern ideological plagues that face this nation really struck a chord with me. He sounds very much like a Mormon at times. You'll finish this book in a day or two, easily.

A Socialist South America Means a Problem for Gringo North America

2006-05-08T13:37:00.000-07:00

I'm worried by the trend towards socialist governments in South America. I wrote the following in response to what a friend asked me in regards to Venezuela's President (almost dictator) Chavez's brand of socialism.

For people like Chavez, the move toward socialism is not one of benevolence, but rather, one aimed at the consolidation of power. Despite any good that socialism may bring to the masses, it is even better at creating strong central governments. Using government corruption as his battle cry, Chavez is convincing many Latinos that the time is ripe for sweeping change. The problem for us isn't that he's right (he is), it's that his brand of change is not a solution that will bring lasting benefits.

So far, Chavez's brand of socialism is sweeping governments in Latin America. Bolivia is the latest example of this. Corruption and greed have become so endemic in this part of the world, that the people are willing to do just about anything to end it (along with, hopefully, their resulting poverty). The wicked in power have brought this scourge upon their own heads, and now the people are happily being led down the path of socialistic experimentation that will bring them moderate gains in income (at best), and lasting centralized governments and dictators that will be even harder to replace (at worst). This, to me, is a clear case of the wicked being used to punish the wicked.

The end game for Chavez is to create a powerful Latin American entity. What self-respecting Latino wouldn't want such a thing? Pride and machismo are as much a problem in that region of the world as corruption. I may be generalizing a bit, but that weakness is being exploited by Chavez. The next twenty years may indeed see the rise of a South American super-state. Sure, Chavez sounds crazy and harmless to us compared with Osama bin Laden - but the Latinos in South America don't see him that way. To them, he's a hero. And because of that, he's growing in power right under our gringo noses.

Socialism is a perfect example of how convincing concepts can be when true gospel principles are mingled with the laws of men. Socialism preys upon the very thing it aims to eliminate - greed. It tells masses of people that they can have more by having less. It tells people that if they only give up certain freedoms to a large, central government and benevolent leadership whose only aim is to increase their prosperity, that freedom from fear and financial destitution will follow. It is a hollow lie. While the concept may be close to the Law of Consecration, the administration of such an enterprise is being managed by men. In the case of Chavez, a man who wants to solidify his hold on power. This is why the Law of Consecration is difficult in a telestial world.

Socialist Europe has avoided this fate because its nations were (up until recently), little more than small economic fiefdoms. That is changing with the rise of the EU (but that's another topic). In South America, you have poor countries that have had little respect, suddenly on the verge of greatness in the form of a socialist super-state. The people in this region, en masse, would love to be respected players on the world stage (remember the machismo that is absent in Europe). It just takes a man crazy enough, and willing to tell them anything, to do it. Hitler tried this, but was checked by the west. And now the west's moral authority to check such dictators is waning.

Remember, D&C 87:5 says that in the last days, "it shall come to pass that the [Lamanites] will marshal themselves and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation." I think what we're seeing in Latin America may be the early stages of that prophecy being fulfilled. We need to watch ourselves or again, the wicked will be punished by the wicked.

Gov. Romney is Abandoning His Values

2006-04-05T07:59:00.000-07:00

Right after a General Conference where the Prophet warned us on the dangers of getting into debt, Mitt Romney, the LDS Governor of Massachussetts, has decided that his state will now mandate universal health care. And if you can afford health care, but choose not to use it, you'll be fined $1000 per year. How's that for free agency?

This is the man I was hoping would be President in 2008. Now, he has lost me.

Romney pushed vigorously for the individual mandate and called the legislation "something historic, truly landmark, a once-in-a-generation opportunity."

This is bad news. It truly concerns me how careless republicans have been on things like spending - something that has usually been a democratic vice. We are spending this nation into the ash heap of history. We have had our 'seven years of plenty' and are now squandering its fruits. Instead of giving the money back to the people where it belongs, we have used it to fund further government expansion.

Military spending, which I believe is constitutionally justified, is a different matter. Yes, we're running huge deficits because of the War - but only because we haven't had the guts to scale back social spending. Republicans had one chance, before the war, to really hammer the notion into the public consciousness that social spending is not the responsibility of the government. But now, with their increased expenditures, we have created an entire generation that thinks the government should answer every personal call. And Katrina only made this worse. Look at the public's reaction to the disaster. "Where was the government?" Instead of educating the public about its proper role, the government commits to dumping $200+ billion into Louisiana to make up for that state's financial mismanagement and poor leadership.

If this is the course our nation as charted, none of us should be surprised when it sinks. If Romney wants to be Captain of that doomed voyage, he'll be embarking without his most important constituency, including me.

To see the news article, click HERE.

Random Thoughts

2006-03-27T06:31:00.000-08:00

There are many things happening in the world today that strike me as either outright alarming, or very disturbing at the least. Whatever happened to the good ole days, 20 years ago when all one had to worry about were the Russians? I can’t believe I’m actually pining for the old days of living under the constant threat of total nuclear annihilation.

I’ll tell you what, though… there’s something to be said for only having to worry about one enemy. While scary as civil defense drills were, they provided a degree of predictability. Everyone in the country knew how it would end if it came to war: you either lived in a nuclear blast zone or you didn’t. You were either vaporized in the blink of an eye or were destined to roam the irradiated countryside fending off attacks by road warriors. Simple.

Today, things are a lot worse. While worrying about the unpredictable nature of terrorism, there are dozens of other things that keep me up at night as they relentlessly tug away at the fabric of American civilization.

There is the rise of Europe, and their increasing belligerence world affairs as they (for the first time in history) exercise power as a single entity. While so far their clout has been limited to economic power, there is growing concern over the possible development of an E.U. military force, one that would “counter” the so-called new American threat.

Then there is China, silently building their economy into one of the most powerful in the world – all taking place right under the nose of the U.S and its allies. While once only considered a backwater communist nation without the ability to pose a threat internationally, now suddenly we face a financially strong China that has become a major competitor for resources with America. Now, when China buys gas – the world listens and American prices at the pump surge upward.

Each day, there is new discontent within America. People demand more at a time when the government and economy can provide less. This has given rise to formidable blocs of disenfranchised minorities such as the Latinos. Some of these groups demand political action by the U.S. government that would favor minorities while ignoring the majority – all of these demands on America coming while waving Mexican flags.

This trend doesn’t only include racial minorities. With increasing media fascination on protestors and their activist mentalities, governments are being forced to submit to vocal extremists that represent a minority of the voting public – simply to avoid getting bad press. This is an alarming precedent. It means that instead of working through democratic process and abiding by its principles and outcome, small groups that are dissatisfied with election results are beginning to dictate their agendas through intimidation and active protests. The belief that if you yell loud enough – what you’re saying must be true is taking hold within our consciousness more than ever before.

The world is truly in commotion. Weather patterns are in chaos, wars are happening with increased frequency and religion is being looked upon as a liability. But if you think things are bad now, just wait. What is happening now is just a precursor for the world we’ll be living in twenty years from now.

Imagine, 2026:

Europe, with the 4^th largest military in the world, challenges the United States on every international endeavor, making it impossible for the U.S. to actively pursue its foreign policy and thwart evil regimes from plotting against us.

Violent protests within the U.S. on a daily basis, increasing the chances of bloody confrontation between the government and its people.

China, with a full arsenal of nuclear weapons, dictates foreign policy to the United States. The U.S. is unable to act without drawing E.U. ire.

Nuclear Pakistan, abandoned by the U.S., enters into war with Nuclear India.

The U.S. loses international credibility as it battles with civil unrest at home.

Demands for more social programs within the U.S. are heeded by liberal politicians eager to please the media and vocal minority and start to bankrupt the economy, already weakened by competition from India and China.

Russian Communist leader sees U.S. behind bird flu outbreak

2006-03-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

Give me a break. We've always known that commies are idiots, but this goes beyond even the worst false scientific propaganda coming out of the Soviet Union in the 1950's!

I can't believe, that someone from a respectable nation as far as scientific education goes (propaganda notwithstanding), living in the 21st century, would actually propose that the reason birds aren't sick in the Americas is because the US is somehow using the Avian Flu as a biological weapon. From a statement like this, it's obvious to me that this guy is a first rate kook.

First, as far as biological agents go, there are far more effective means at killing people than a bird flu that doesn't even transmit to humans on a large scale. We're talking 100 human cases out of millions upon millions of daily contacts with birds. Second, and he says it himself - BIRDS are dying. How does this further American world conquest? Third, and finally, any bird watcher will tell you that the reason the virus has not shown up in America is because of the natural migratory patterns of birds that have been established since the dawn of man. They'll also tell you (as will the US government) that our time is running out. Wow. This guy is certainly a piece of work!

Nevertheless, Gennady Zyuganov is probably someone to be watched. I'm amazed at how many people, desperate for their country to increase in power and stature, will actually believe this kind of rubbish and propel even bigger idiots to power. Certainly a sign of the times.

Russian Communist leader sees U.S. behind bird flu outbreak

MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax) - Russian Communist party leader Gennady Zyuganov has blamed the United States for the spread of avian influenza, or bird flu, in a number of European countries, including Russia.
"The forms of warfare are changing. It's strange that not a single duck has yet died in America - they are all dying in Russia and European countries. This makes one seriously wonder why," Zyuganov said at a press conference at the Interfax main office on Tuesday.
Zyuganov said that he has good knowledge of war gases as he dealt with them during his army service.
"I tested all kinds of war gases at a range myself," he said.
Asked to be more precise as to whether he believes the bird flu outbreak could be a deliberate attack by the U.S., Zyuganov answered positively.
"I not only suggest this, I know very well how this can be arranged. There is nothing strange here," he said.

Iraqi Civil War?

2006-02-23T12:10:00.000-08:00

A quick observation about the Mosque attack in Samarra, Iraq. So, the Sunni insurgents get this radical idea to go blow up one of Shiite Islam’s most holy shrines. The result: Shiite’s go on a rampage killing scores of Sunnis. The backlash: Sunni Muslims pull out of the fragile Iraqi government leaving the country on the verge of civil war.

This is very, very bad for stability in the region. Sunni government support is seen as essential when it comes to curbing insurgent violence over the long term. Now that that support is gone, it gives insurgents a fresh victory. The insurgency (Al Qaeda) feels that if they were not able to stop the elections (something which they tried and failed to accomplish), then causing the government to fail is the next best victory.

If it comes to Civil War in Iraq, we can probably expect the following to occur:

Total loss of credibility and trust for America and the Bush Administration.
Justification for Iran’s Ahmadinejad to defend fellow Shiites in Iraq and cement his role in bringing about the return of the Hidden Imam through world instability.
Al Qaeda will claim a convincing victory and enjoy free reign amid the chaos.

There are many other possible scenarios, but these three are the most likely immediate events that would occur should civil society break down in Iraq.

From a spiritual perspective, I have mixed emotions on what will actually happen. If there is a civil war, it might actually give Muslims a chance to stand up against their common enemies (terrorists) and establish freedom based on their own will and efforts. Yes, America will look bad – but as I have said before, we’ve been warned of these times.

Eventually, America will stumble because of the iniquity that abounds in our culture. We have no respect for our leaders and fail to support them, and with that comes certain consequences. We have been promised that this nation will not fall unless we allow it to sink into wickedness. So while we still have much good to do in the world, like liberating Iraq, we will still have to pay the price for denying that which is good. So, as God has often done, he will use the same event to help those in need while punishing the wicked.

Twisting Freedom Again

2006-02-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

In a time when we are trying to preach the values of freedom to Muslim nations, inviting them into the world chorus of vibrant democracy, Europe does something monumentally stupid and offensive and then tries to defend it as responsible freedom of speech.

Give me a break.

Has the world gone mad? There was once a time when freedom of the press meant that in order to enjoy that freedom, one must exercise good judgment in what was printed. Yes, we have the right and freedom to say and do what we want – but that does not trump responsibility for our actions.

Freedom is not meant to go without responsibility. In other words, just because we can do something doesn’t necessarily mean that we should do it. There was a time when this was universally understood and respected. However, even in those days, people would occasionally cross the line of good taste and offend someone else through their right to say what they please. But in those days, the irresponsible person was often taken to task by his peers – eventually leading to an apology of some sort. This was civil liberty.

These days, with all of the attacks on personal responsibility by Satan and his angels, freedom has become a grossly perverted concept that has given rise to an “everything goes” culture that is utterly bankrupt in decency or taste. Now, one does not need to provide justification to saying what he feels. The freedom of speech is reason enough. Now, people say things because they can – regardless of whether it offers society any redeeming value at all. To question such speech is to question freedom in general.

So in Europe, where morals have been dead for a generation, no one blinks when newspapers print an image that is offensive to a billion people on the planet. Instead of doing the higher thing, and apologizing for crossing the line, the nations of Europe rally behind their perverted notion of freedom. No one has the right to tell them what to print. Responsibility be damned.

This is a tough spot for most freedom-loving people. Americans, including myself, cherish our freedoms more than any other earthly gift. So at first glance, we want to rise to the defense of the European media. But why should we defend such a poor use of freedom? The argument that we should defend their freedom to print what they please “just because” doesn’t amount to anything. The better use of freedom would be for the nations of Europe to apologize. But this won’t happen, and as a result Europe and the west will sink to new lows of journalistic freedom. Because hey, why stop at a few disrespectful images when there are so many other stimulating things to print?

And perhaps the bigger problem to consider is this: why would Muslims even want democracy at all if this is the kind of freedom it stands for? I tell you that they will reject it, and we will have pushed them deeper into a corner because of our own poor uses of liberty. And yes, it is our responsibility. We need to do more if we truly want to reach out to Muslims. We need to show them that sometimes responsibility for our actions is more important than proving a point by printing something offensive just because we can.

Europe must pay the price for its irresponsibility. Of course, I do not condone the burning of embassies as so many Muslims seem to be doing in response. That is a poor choice on their parts, and they will be held accountable as well. But Europe knows better. Europe should be teaching a high lesson. But since Satan has removed the concept of responsibility so that people can act without conscience, the battle lines between good and evil will continue to be drawn and solidified.

US Would Defend Israel Militarily

2006-02-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

This is somewhat of a foregone conclusion, but it's always nice to see it restated with such gusto.

NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Reuters) - President George W. Bush vowed on Wednesday the United States would defend Israel militarily if needed against Iran and denounced Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for "menacing talk" against Israel.

In a Reuters interview aboard Air Force One en route to Nashville, Bush also said he saw a "very good chance" the governing board of the International Atomic Energy Agency would refer Iran to the U.N. Security Council for possible sanctions.

"I am concerned about a person that, one, tries to rewrite the history of the Holocaust, and two, has made it clear that his intentions are to destroy Israel," Bush said.

"Israel is a solid ally of the United States, we will rise to Israel's defense if need be. So this kind of menacing talk is disturbing. It's not only disturbing to the United States, it's disturbing for other countries in the world as well," he added.

Asked if he meant the United States would rise to Israel's defense militarily, Bush said: "You bet, we'll defend Israel."

Ahmadinejad has prompted international condemnation for anti-Israel rhetoric in recent weeks, including saying it should be wiped off the map, and also calling into question the Holocaust.

If it were not for the United States, Israel would probably cease to exist. This is why many Arab nations have traditionally been resentful of the U.S. Our weapons, money and influence serve as a great deterrent to any would-be aggressor. Without that kind of support, Israel would almost certainly be overwhelmed by its Arab neighbors. The European Union is no help either. With the exception of Great Britain, Europe has never shown any real affection for Israel, and would likely (although not overtly) welcome its destruction as a stabilizing influence in the region.

Neighbor Against Neighbor?

2006-01-31T07:22:00.000-08:00

The House of Representatives just passed an immigration bill - the Sensenbrenner-King bill (HR 4437) - by a vote of 233 to 189. It is now on its way to the Senate. On the surface, it sounds like a great bill that would enhance our border security. Actually, it does address our nation's border issues with a lot of helpful tools, particularly when it comes to would-be terrorists. However, there is one portion of the bill that just didn't sit well with me, and that's Title II (Sec. 205):

SEC. 205. MANDATORY SENTENCING RANGES FOR PERSONS AIDING OR ASSISTING CERTAIN REENTERING ALIENS.

Section 277 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1327) is amended--

(1) by striking `Any person' and inserting `(a) Subject to subsection (b), any person'; and

(2) by adding at the end the following:

`(b)(1) Any person who knowingly aids or assists any alien violating section 276(b) to reenter the United States, or who connives or conspires with any person or persons to allow, procure, or permit any such alien to reenter the United States, shall be fined under title 18, United States Code, imprisoned for a term imposed under paragraph (2), or both.

`(2) The term of imprisonment imposed under paragraph (1) shall be within the range to which the reentering alien is subject under section 276(b).'.

Basically, this has the potential to turn our nation into a police state. If your neighbor employs illegal aliens, and you know about it, you can go to jail. It becomes your duty to rat out your neighbor. No, more than a duty. A "duty" implies that you have a choice to make, and you do your duty out of conscience. Now, if you don't turn your neighbor in, you'll go down with him. That's called coercion, and it has no place in our society. We do things because they are honorable, not because we are forced to.

Do I sound a bit extreme? I hope so. Sure, this probably won't be an issue now. No one will no about the law and things will go on as they have been for years. But when the next terrorist strike comes, or when someone in power decides to make an example out of a political enemy, there are now very scary laws to make it happen. Do you have someone living with you that's a foreigner? Expect to be harassed. Do your racist neighbors hate the new Mexican family down the street? Well, now they can "turn them in." This is un-American. And again, while no one would do this now (at least we hope not), if things get paranoid enough - your neighborhood will go downhill, and fast.

Again, I normally try to avoid being so alarmist. But Brigham Young prophesized that in the very last days, "state will turn against state, neighbor against neighbor and mothers against their daughters." I'll post the reference when I get a chance. But a prophet of the Lord has told us this would happen. And of course we know that things will get worse in our day before the Lord comes. Surely this crazy scenario has a good chance of becoming a reality.

Ready for $262/barrel oil?

2006-01-30T06:24:00.000-08:00

Even though I can't stand George Soros and his leftist agenda for America, his success as an investor is beyond dispute. His successes today are partly based on his ability to watch and determine which way markets will move. It has earned him billions. Now, according to a few of his economic predictions, the world is in for a rough ride ahead. But before I share the relating article, allow me to point out some worries I have.

For starters, a lot of what is happening in the world is no doubtly the result of secret combinations. Now, I don't have respect for the left wing attacks on the oil industry because they tend to go hand in hand with fixes that would end free-market economies and increase the power of government over its citizenry. However, that doesn't mean I think the oil companies are innocent because I don't.

The greed in our world is approaching epidemic proportions, and is even, dare I say - pandemic. Almost every person on this earth is obsessed with the accumulation of wealth. This is nothing new, of course, but the tools available today allow wealth to be generated more quickly than ever before which breeds a new kind of greed - the "I'll do whatever it takes to get on top" kind. This is dangerous. It's always been around in some form, but only over the past generation or so have we started removing responsibility from our culture in a way that makes this kind of greed especially dangerous. We have no morals, the relationship between right and wrong is scoffed at, our politicians promote a loose lifestyle without restrictions, and we allow our children to be raised in homes where money is the first and only priority. To think that the ideas so cherished by this generation intended to "free your mind" will escape greed is intellectually negligent.

Because of our love of money, waste and responsibility-free living, we will bring one of the below scenarios upon our own heads. So many today think it's ok to cheat to get ahead, that we don't notice when others do it to us. However, whenone cheats, one doesn't learn. When one doesn't learn, there will come a time when that person's lack of knowledge will come back to bite them in the rear. Here are those situations, paraphrased:

Two of the world's most successful investors say oil will be in short supply in the coming months.

By Nelson Schwartz, FORTUNE senior writer

January 27, 2006: 4:40 PM EST

DAVOS, Switzerland (FORTUNE) - Be afraid. Be very afraid.

That's the message from two of the world's most successful investors on the topic of high oil prices. One of them, Hermitage Capital's Bill Browder, has outlined six scenarios that could take oil up to a downright terrifying $262 a barrel.

The other, billionaire investor George Soros, wouldn't make any specific predictions about prices. But as a legendary commodities player, it's worth paying heed to the words of the man who once took on the Bank of England -- and won. "I'm very worried about the supply-demand balance, which is very tight," Soros says.

Soros pointed to the regime in Iran, which is heading towards a confrontation with the West over its nuclear power program and doesn't show any signs of compromising. "Iran is on a collision course and I have a difficulty seeing how such a collision can be avoided," he says.

Doomsdays 1 through 6

To come up with some likely scenarios in the event of an international crisis, his team performed what's known as a regression analysis, extrapolating the numbers from past oil shocks and then using them to calculate what might happen when the supply from an oil-producing country was cut off in six different situations. The fall of the House of Saud seems the most far-fetched of the six possibilities, and it's the one that generates that $262 a barrel.

More realistic -- and therefore more chilling -- would be the scenario where Iran declares an oil embargo a la OPEC in 1973, which Browder thinks could cause oil to double to $131 a barrel. Other outcomes include an embargo by Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez ($111 a barrel), civil war in Nigeria ($98 a barrel), unrest and violence in Algeria ($79 a barrel) and major attacks on infrastructure by the insurgency in Iraq ($88 a barrel).

It's clear that there is very, very little wiggle room, and that most consumers, including those in the United States, have acceded so far to the new reality of $60 or even $70 oil.

Although there are long-term answers like ethanol, what's needed is a crash conservation effort in the United States. This doesn't have to be command-and-control style. Moral suasion counts for a lot, and if the president suggested staying home with family every other Sunday or otherwise cutting back on unnecessary drives, he could please the family values crowd while also changing the psychology of the oil market by showing that the U.S. government is serious about easing any potential bottlenecks.

UPDATE (1-30-06): EXXON MAKES BIGGEST PROFIT IN AMERICAN HISTORY

The Palestinian Elections

2006-01-26T06:28:00.000-08:00

So, your country just elected a bunch of terrorists to Parliament, now what? Before I can even attempt to offer any answers, it would be best to explain a little background.

Hamas, a powerful terrorist organization that has its chief stated aim listed as “the destruction of Israel,” has just won a majority of seats in the new Palestinian legislature. This is the same Hamas that has committed scores of suicide bombings inside Israel, has supplied arms to just about any jihadist organization that wants them, and has repeatedly attacked and murdered civilians for decades.

At first glace, this is democracy gone horribly wrong. And while I agree that this does not look good (at least on the surface) for peace in the middle east, I think the results of the election might be more positive than most people realize.

It is imperative that we, the United States, do not come right out and condemn the election. For one, we would look extremely hypocritical by promoting democracy to then only recognize the outcome if it is favorable to us. Also, we must remember that we were the ones pushing the Palestinians to a vote so early in the first place. Keeping these things in mind, however, we must not abandon our sovereign right to choose whom we associate with on a diplomatic level. If Hamas doesn’t clean up their act, and fast, we can and should completely turn our backs to them.

But here’s the great opportunity: Hamas didn’t expect to win a majority. In fact, throughout the election they have claimed to be very comfortable with the thought of taking a secondary role in government. They insisted that their only wish was to participate in a new coalition government, not lead one. But why? Because in a leadership position, Hamas would be forced to take a firm position on Israel.

As a terrorist organization, Hamas’ primary goal is the destruction of Israel. As a government, this becomes an untenable political position. For a government to adopt such a stance would amount to a de facto declaration of war. The United States has insisted that it will not deal with a Hamas-led government unless they renounce their aim to destroy Israel. If they act responsibly, they will renounce this decades old objective. This would be a major victory for Israel and the United States. If they choose the other side, then Israel can walk in there and forcibly remove the threat Hamas represents.

My hope is that the world waits before pushing Hamas into a corner. Welcome the election results, but remind Palestine that they must now act responsibly if they want to play with the big boys. If they can’t let go of their idea that Israel must be destroyed, then I’m afraid the only place for Hamas in the future will be in history books.

The Iranian End Game

2006-01-20T16:25:00.000-08:00

What is up with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?

Iran’s fanatical president today started pulling Iranian assets out of European banks in anticipation of being hauled before the UN Security Council for his nation’s nuclear violations. Just what is he trying to prove?

One of the more conspiratorial ideas I’ve been playing around with is this: What if Iran wants to pressure Israel into preemptively attacking their nuclear facilities? Let’s say Iran keeps this up and sanctions fail to gain muster because of Chinese and Russian objections through vetoes. What then? At that point, it would be highly likely that Israel would send attack planes into Iran to take out their nuclear facilities. I believe that President Ahmadinejad wants this.

Let’s look at the background of Iran’s new president. He’s obviously not afraid to say what he feels. So far, he’s called for Israel’s destruction, denied that the holocaust ever happened and sees himself as the great caretaker of the end days. The Sydney Morning Herald states, “The most remarkable aspect of his piety is his devotion to the Hidden Imam, the Messiah-like figure of Shiite Islam, and the President's belief that his Government must prepare the country for his return.” This should say enough about the man. The Herald further goes on to ask the ominous question, “is Mr. Ahmadinejad now tempting a clash with the West because he feels safe in the belief of the imminent return of the Hidden Imam? Worse, might he be trying to provoke chaos in the hope of hastening his reappearance?”

I believe this is the case.

We have Iran moving forward on its uranium enrichment program. By some estimates, Iran could have a nuclear weapon by this summer:

"I know they are trying to acquire the full fuel cycle. I know that acquiring the full fuel cycle means that a country is months away from nuclear weapons, and that applies to Iran and everybody else," Mohamed ElBaradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in an interview with the British newspaper The Independent earlier this month.

So let’s say Israel does in fact attack Iran, as most people expect. Iran on the other hand, will be counting on it. If Israel attacks Iran, then President Ahmadinejad has all the justification he needs to launch his holy war against the Jews. And with tensions being what they are, he will probably have the support of other Arab nations like Syria. There will be pressure on Saudi Arabia to condemn the attacks, which they will, although they will most likely stay out of any armed conflict. To the world’s oil markets, all hell will break loose.

Oil prices will rocket above $100 a barrel in the first days of such trouble. The United States will be in a tough position of defending Israel’s right to preemptively defend itself, while nations like China and Russia will be pushing hard for sanctions against Israel. If Israel gets pushed into a corner, things could likely get worse – much worse. Sounds like a scenario worthy of an appearance by the Hidden Imam, don’t you think? Never mind that this Imam is probably none other than Lucifer himself, disguised as an angel leading his armies into glorious battle.

Then there’s Osama bin Laden. This would be a perfect time for him to attack the United States and divert their attention from defending Israel, leaving Israel on its own. Not good.

Something to think about.

UPDATE - Looks like I may have been on to something. This just released today (1-22-06) by the Associated Press:

Iran says Israeli threats are a 'childish game'
Iran on Sunday said Israel would be making a "fatal mistake" should it resort to military action against Tehran's nuclear program and dismissed veiled threats from the Jewish state as a "childish game."
On Saturday, Israel repeated its stand on the issue, saying it would not accept a nuclear Iran under any circumstances and was preparing for the possible failure of diplomatic efforts.
While Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz stopped short of an outright threat of military action, he said Israel "must have the capability to defend itself...and this we are preparing."
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said Israel was only trying to add to Western pressure on Iran to give up its nuclear program.
"We consider Mofaz's comments a form of psychological warfare. Israel knows just how much of a fatal mistake it would be (to attack Iran)," Asefi told reporters. "This is just a childish game by Israel."

Abramoff May Have Killed Democracy

2006-01-18T10:07:00.000-08:00

As a republican, I find it impossible to reconcile my beliefs with the actions of a fellow lobbyist and partisan. In fact, if I may be so bold, I attest that Jack Abramoff may have done more damage that he realizes. His actions, and those of the legislators whom he influenced, will ultimately bring about the demise of our system of government. Bold statement, I know. Let me explain.

On the surface, lobbying seems like a bad thing. Most Americans associate lobbyists with bribery, cheating and backroom deals. While in the case of Abramoff this may have been proven true, the reality is that for the other 99% of lobbyists, it’s not.

I work at an association that represents nearly 30,000 people from across the county. Our members are primarily first responders, people who are generally considered heroes. I think someone would be hard pressed to call us a “special interest group” because that phrase usually has a negative connotation (thanks to the media), even though that’s exactly what we are. We represent the special interests of our members, because their interests are different – special – than those of the general population.

Our association does not have a PAC (political action committee) that raises, and then donates, money to Congressional campaigns. As a result, we communicate with Congress the old fashioned way – by going to Capitol Hill and discussing our issues with Congressional staff in person, at lunch briefings, etc. We do not “buy votes” as some might say. We use our collective influence to let Members of Congress know that what they do might hamper (or help) the ability of our members to do their jobs.

Thanks to Abramoff, politicians are now scared to communicate with their constituencies. All of this knee-jerk reaction “let’s reform government” talk ends up being self-defeating in the end. Because jack Abramoff took advantage of people by cheating and stealing, he has now cast his whole party in a negative light. And eager to not be seen as criminal by the American public, Congress is willing to trade away the rights of their constituents to lobby in order for them to be seen as immune to the corruptible system.

While limiting things like lunches and trips may sound reasonable on the surface (because we are so accustomed now of thinking of our elected leaders as cheats), these types of moves don’t do anything but force corruption deeper underground. Limiting our ability to educate lawmakers by inviting them to lunch so that we can explain our positions without interruption will not stop corruption. It will kill the smaller voices who need to be heard, and increase the power of the elites who actually do have inside access to politicians.

Those with the most power, money and influence will not be affected by this change. If anything, it will encourage more organizations to start playing the campaign contribution game, since that will become the only way for a group (or individual) to be heard. And now that the other perks are gone, Congress will eschew any further attempt to curb campaign abuse because that will be their only source of gaining influence and power. And campaign money is where the real corruption exists.

Jack Abramoff, in his greed, has just effectively slammed the door in the face of legitimate (and poor) special interests. He has created an environment where the problem will go deeper underground, and thus have a more insidious effect on politics. Power is addictive, and money is the fuel that drives the race to gain more power. Curbing lobbying will not fix this.

By paying lip service to the concerns of the left-wing and the media, we have just created a more powerful class of elites. Those few who will have so much money as to have direct access to whomever they please. Not because they paid for a few skyboxes or dinners, but because they don’t have to.

Israeli PM on Life Support

2006-01-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

According to the most recent information, Israeli Prime Minister, Ariel Sharon, is clinging to life after suffering a major stroke last night. Ever since he suffered his first, relatively minor, stroke 2 weeks ago, I have been trying to envision what his death would mean for Israel at this critical stage in their history.

Up until last night, Sharon was running in a reelection campaign, under a new party, for his current position as Prime Minister. Originally a member (founder, in fact) of the conservative Likud Party, Sharon has been under increasing pressure from the more conservative members of his party for what they saw as his growing weakness towards the Palestinians, and thus the security of Israel.

After negotiating a pull-out of the disputed Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip and West Bank - a move that was considered unprecedented and seen as a major overture at peace with the Palestinians - the Likud party felt betrayed by Sharon, prompting the Prime Minister's recent renunciation of his Likud membership in favor of creating a new, more moderate party.

I find it interesting that Sharon's sudden strokes, in someone who had been previously given a clean bill of health, come so closely on the heels of this sudden political change. I'm not prepared to say that his strokes were the result of something intentional... but the coincidence of timing is a little suspect.

So, if Sharon dies, what happens in the middle east? My guess is that his Deputy Prime Minister would lead until new elections were called. The immediate front runner would be conservative Likud member - and past Prime Minister - Benjamin Netanyahu. I personally like Netanyahu, as he stands for a strong Israel. But I'm left wondering if Israel should really go back to its hawkish stance after everything that has been accomplished? The return of Bibi (as Netanyahu is often called) would almost certainly signal a return to Palestinian violence (not that it's been absent under Sharon's administration) and most likely draw both sides (Jews and Palestinians) back into their shells.

That is, unless Netanyahu could build better security for Israel through strength. Giving the Palestinians more territory through land concessions hasn't exactly brought peace in the last year. Plus, it's been prophesized by latter-day prophets that Israel will get stronger as we move closer to the Second Coming. But, does strength come through peace with Palestine or through a hard-lined stance? Time will tell. But I would definitely expect more violence in the short term.

Wild Weather

2006-01-01T17:22:00.000-08:00

Looks like 2006 is starting with a rather ominous outbreak of wild weather. We have fires in Oklahoma and Texas, and flooding in California and Nevada. While none of these events are particularly large scale, they are interesting to "sign watchers" nonetheless. I see these events as part of a larger scale of human-impacting weather systems.

The Prophet recently warned us about an uptick in natural disasters. In fact, during the October Priesthood session of General Conference while referring to the recent disasters, he states:

"What we have experienced in the past was all foretold, and the end is not yet. Just as there have been calamities in the past, we expect more in the future.

We can heed warnings. We have been told that many had been given concerning the vulnerability of New Orleans. We are told by seismologists that the Salt Lake Valley is a potential earthquake zone. This is the primary reason that we are extensively renovating the Tabernacle on Temple Square. This historic and remarkable building must be made to withstand the shaking of the earth."

There are certainly bigger catastrophes that we will witness. 2006, only in it's first day, has opened with disasters in TX, OK, CA and NV. Watch and be ready.

Removing Responsibility from Freedom

2005-12-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

Satan has apparently won another victory under the guise of "freedom of expression" in Canada (article below). This is a tough case. Of course, man has been given the agency to determine his own course. If he wants to commit acts that will jeopardize his soul, then he has every right to. However, this case my have further reaching consequences. Satan knows that if he can separate responsibility from personal freedom, mankind will feel more entitled to do more and more that will eventually be damaging to the soul - and then to the families who care for those souls. In this ruling, Canada has taken a step closer to Satan's ultimate objective. In Canada, a person's personal freedom should not be impinged in any way, despite the consequences of exercising that freedom (broken homes, sexually transmitted diseases that ARE a threat to society, dereliction of familial responsibilities). Responsibility is now further displaced from freedom. Does anyone honestly believe this ruling will have a positive impact on society? Watch for similar rulings in the United States over the coming years.

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Canadians can have group sex in clubs: top court
Wed Dec 21, 2005 10:16 AM ET

By David Ljunggren

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Group sex between consenting adults is neither prostitution nor a threat to society, the Supreme Court of Canada ruled on Wednesday, dismissing arguments that the sometimes raucous activities of so-called "swingers" clubs were dangerous.

In a ruling that radically changes the way Canadian courts determine what poses a threat to the population, the court threw out the conviction of a Montreal man who ran a club where members could have group sex in a private room behind locked doors.

"Consensual conduct behind code-locked doors can hardly be supposed to jeopardize a society as vigorous and tolerant as Canadian society," said the opinion of the seven-to-two majority, written by Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin.

The decision does not affect existing laws against prostitution because no money changed hands between the adults having sex.

The court was reviewing an appeal by Jean-Paul Labaye, who ran the L'Orage (Thunderstorm) club. He had been convicted of running a "bawdy house" -- defined as a place where prostitution or acts of public indecency could take place.

Lawyers for Labaye and James Kouri, the owner of another swingers' club in Montreal, had argued that consensual sex between groups of adults behind closed doors was neither indecent or a risk to society.

The Supreme Court judges agreed.

"Criminal indecency or obscenity must rest on actual harm or a significant risk of harm to individuals or society. The Crown failed to establish this essential element of the offence. The Crown's case must therefore fail," wrote McLachlin.

In indecency cases, Canadian courts have traditionally probed whether the acts in question "breached the rules of conduct necessary for the proper functioning of society". The Supreme Court ruled that from now on, judges should pay more attention to whether society would be harmed.

The judges said that just because most Canadians might disapprove of swingers' clubs, this did not necessarily mean the establishments were socially dangerous.

"Attitudes in themselves are not crimes, however deviant they may be or disgusting they may appear," the judges said, noting that no one had been pressured to have sex or had paid for sex in either of the cases.

"The autonomy and liberty of members of the public was not affected by unwanted confrontation with the sexual activity in question only those already disposed to this sort of sexual activity were allowed to participate and watch," they said.

The Iraqi Elections

2005-12-16T10:55:00.001-08:00

While there are many ways to interpret what is happening in Iraq, I choose to view the elections in a positive light. True, there are things happening in Iraq that are mirroring some of the prophecies made by prophets both ancient and modern - specifically with regards to war and rumors of war. But setting that aside for a moment, let's stick to what this election means (without getting into a idealogical debate) for the Iraqi people.

First, whether you agree with how it was accomplished or not, this election is bringing democracy (albeit kicking and screaming) to Iraq. As far as the Gospel is concerned, this can only be a positive thing. Under Saddam Hussein, there was no way Christianity could be preached in Iraq. Now, although still frought with peril, the prosyletizing of Christianity is possible - if not still discouraged.

Having a democracy allows generations to be raised under the umbrella of freedom. While the Gospel may not immediately take hold (as it didn't in this country for many years after its independence from Great Britain), children born today in Iraq will be less inhibited in their religious expression compared to their parents. They will be comfortable with freedom, and not view it as a fleeting dream often stained with blood.

This election furthers the Gospel mission by a few steps in the middle east. However, it's interesting to note how the Lord will bless those in need of freedom through this process while allowing those of us in the west, who have arguably squandered their freedoms on perversions of the concept, to slowly fall into darker territory as the last days pass by. The Iraqis will benefit while this nation will reap the consequences from letting its values be eroded by those whose deeds are done out of greed, untempered ambition and deceit.


	A signpost points out that Damascus is a mere 60kms from the Golan Heights