It will not surprise my forbearing readers to know that I can get quite angry. And there are times to be angry. But I’ve been giving in to anger too much lately. And that not so much in what I post here, but in losing control of my anger and also in letting it persist. (In other words, if you think I get angry here . . . )
It’s not for nothing that scripture exhorts us not to let the sun go down on our anger. Lately, I’ve been feeling both physical and mental fatigue, and I think a lot of that comes from letting my anger eat me up and wear me down. Obama and Obamacare have provoked a lot of the anger. So have less important personal matters. And the anger to a point has been justified. But I’ve let my anger spill out well beyond the point of righteousness and self-control. And the biggest victim of that has been myself. God has been gently opening my eyes to that this Lent.
Please feel free to pray for me. Anger has been an issue for me all my life. So in addition to there now being so much about which to be outraged, I’ve long been weak about self-control in this area.
Although I doubt she tends to anger as much as me, the Anchoress recently posted some thoughts on struggling with anger.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
O. K. The Pope-bashing is getting silly.
The pope-bashing has now gotten officially silly:
With the Roman Catholic Church now supposedly responsible for every evil on the planet, it came as no surprise to read in the Jerusalem Post that the Vatican “aided” Adolf Eichmann’s escape to Argentina. This accusation is made annually by hacks eager to do their bit of pontiff-baiting, but unfortunately for them, it is complete tosh.
One would think that, with all the bizarre accusations against the Joos through the years, nay, centuries, the Jerusalem Post would know a silly conspiracy theory when it saw one. But apparently not.
Meanwhile, I have it on good authority that the Council for Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the CIA, the Illuminati, the Elders of Zion, Goldman Sachs, the Mormons – you know, all those Jewish groups – conspired with the Vatican, Dick Cheney and Bush (of course) to assassinate JFK, cause 9-11, and smuggle Obama into Hawaii immediately after his birth in Kenya.
You heard it here first.
Now, for a slightly more thoughtful look at the recent Pope-bashing, I direct you to the Anchoress. Her post is the most thoughtful and personal take on the subject I’ve read.
With the Roman Catholic Church now supposedly responsible for every evil on the planet, it came as no surprise to read in the Jerusalem Post that the Vatican “aided” Adolf Eichmann’s escape to Argentina. This accusation is made annually by hacks eager to do their bit of pontiff-baiting, but unfortunately for them, it is complete tosh.
One would think that, with all the bizarre accusations against the Joos through the years, nay, centuries, the Jerusalem Post would know a silly conspiracy theory when it saw one. But apparently not.
Meanwhile, I have it on good authority that the Council for Foreign Relations, the Trilateral Commission, the CIA, the Illuminati, the Elders of Zion, Goldman Sachs, the Mormons – you know, all those Jewish groups – conspired with the Vatican, Dick Cheney and Bush (of course) to assassinate JFK, cause 9-11, and smuggle Obama into Hawaii immediately after his birth in Kenya.
You heard it here first.
Now, for a slightly more thoughtful look at the recent Pope-bashing, I direct you to the Anchoress. Her post is the most thoughtful and personal take on the subject I’ve read.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Creepy Bishop
Gene Robinson is not only “The Gay Bishop” he pledged not to become; now he is becoming The Creepy Bishop:
Perhaps the most interesting thing which happened during that question period was a short speech by Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, who expressed dissatisfaction with both papers and stated that it was time to move beyond speaking simply of "GLBT" (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) orientations: "there are so many other letters in the alphabet," he said; "there are so many other sexualities to be explored." He did not elaborate as to what those other sexualities and other letters of the alphabet might be.
Perhaps the most interesting thing which happened during that question period was a short speech by Gene Robinson, Bishop of New Hampshire, who expressed dissatisfaction with both papers and stated that it was time to move beyond speaking simply of "GLBT" (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered) orientations: "there are so many other letters in the alphabet," he said; "there are so many other sexualities to be explored." He did not elaborate as to what those other sexualities and other letters of the alphabet might be.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sarum Palm Sunday
From Pearson’s The Sarum Missal in English, I’ve been reading the liturgy for Palm Sunday. Between the pre-procession rites, the procession, and the Mass, the service for Palm Sunday must have been quite long in late medieval England.
Two parts of the rite stand out to me. First before the procession, all the palms and other greenery were blessed and exorcised.
I wonder if I should try that on my lawn. I have a few devilish weeds.
Second, at the second station of the procession, at the south of the church, “seven Choristers sing in a conspicuous place” –
Glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer King!
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet Hosannas ring.
Yes, the familiar hymn that opens many Palm Sunday services, including the one at my parish this morning. The choristers and the choir alternate singing the rest of the hymn.
How wonderful Palm Sunday must have been at the west front of Wells Cathedral. For the hundreds of life-sized statues that adorn the Cathedral's west front would appear to be singing, thanks to secret galleries behind the façade that housed the choir.
On Palm Sunday, the choir would take their place in the galleries, and as the procession of clergy approached, the statues of saints would appear to sing a response to the clergy's chants.
I enjoyed viewing both the statues and the secret galleries back in 2007. I can only imagine how amazing it was out on the west front lawn on Palm Sunday 1507.
Two parts of the rite stand out to me. First before the procession, all the palms and other greenery were blessed and exorcised.
I wonder if I should try that on my lawn. I have a few devilish weeds.
Second, at the second station of the procession, at the south of the church, “seven Choristers sing in a conspicuous place” –
Glory, laud, and honor
To Thee, Redeemer King!
To Whom the lips of children
Made sweet Hosannas ring.
Yes, the familiar hymn that opens many Palm Sunday services, including the one at my parish this morning. The choristers and the choir alternate singing the rest of the hymn.
How wonderful Palm Sunday must have been at the west front of Wells Cathedral. For the hundreds of life-sized statues that adorn the Cathedral's west front would appear to be singing, thanks to secret galleries behind the façade that housed the choir.
On Palm Sunday, the choir would take their place in the galleries, and as the procession of clergy approached, the statues of saints would appear to sing a response to the clergy's chants.
I enjoyed viewing both the statues and the secret galleries back in 2007. I can only imagine how amazing it was out on the west front lawn on Palm Sunday 1507.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Faking the Hate (or I told you so)
I mentioned earlier this week that a common tactic of the Left is to provoke outrage from the Right, then to use that outrage against them. “And if the Left doesn’t find some outrage from the Center/Right that is juicy enough, it will invent it.”
Well, sure enough, we’ve seen that tactic in action this week. For example, there have been claims that tea party protesters shouted racial slurs at congressmen in Washington. But although the protests were abundantly videotaped, the evidence for such is non-existent. And that even though Jesse Jackson and company certainly tried to taunt and provoke the protesters.
Now, do I assert that every tea party protester was immaculate in his conduct? Of course not. If you find any protest where that is the case, let me know.
Nevertheless, exaggerating and even inventing “hate” from the right while also ignoring it from the Left is nothing new, as Michelle Malkin reminds us.
And if our friends on the Left were really that concerned about civility in politics, then they would be more concerned about the consent of the governed necessary to civil politics.
I’m not holding my breath on that.
No, the Democrats’ real purpose in crying crocodile tears over alleged slurs and violence is to demonize those standing up against their attacks on freedom.
Well, sure enough, we’ve seen that tactic in action this week. For example, there have been claims that tea party protesters shouted racial slurs at congressmen in Washington. But although the protests were abundantly videotaped, the evidence for such is non-existent. And that even though Jesse Jackson and company certainly tried to taunt and provoke the protesters.
Now, do I assert that every tea party protester was immaculate in his conduct? Of course not. If you find any protest where that is the case, let me know.
Nevertheless, exaggerating and even inventing “hate” from the right while also ignoring it from the Left is nothing new, as Michelle Malkin reminds us.
And if our friends on the Left were really that concerned about civility in politics, then they would be more concerned about the consent of the governed necessary to civil politics.
I’m not holding my breath on that.
No, the Democrats’ real purpose in crying crocodile tears over alleged slurs and violence is to demonize those standing up against their attacks on freedom.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
++Chaput Calls Out “Catholics” Who Supported Obamacare
Archbishop Chaput has commented on the passage of the Obamacare bill he so resolutely opposed. And he calls out those “Catholics” who used the Catholic name to push Obamacare:
Fourth, self-described “Catholic” groups have done a serious disservice to justice, to the Church, and to the ethical needs of the American people by undercutting the leadership and witness of their own bishops. For groups like Catholics United, this is unsurprising. In their effect, if not in formal intent, such groups exist to advance the interests of a particular political spectrum. Nor is it newsworthy from an organization like Network, which – whatever the nature of its good work -- has rarely shown much enthusiasm for a definition of “social justice” that includes the rights of the unborn child.
But the actions of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) in providing a deliberate public counter-message to the bishops were both surprising and profoundly disappointing; and also genuinely damaging. In the crucial final days of debate on health-care legislation, CHA lobbyists worked directly against the efforts of the American bishops in their approach to members of Congress. The bad law we now likely face, we owe in part to the efforts of the Catholic Health Association and similar “Catholic” organizations.
That, particularly his use of scare quotes, is hard stuff coming from an archbishop. But it is appropriate. To use the name of one’s church to attack freedom and disregard the sanctity of life, and that against the clear council of that church’s leaders, is beyond inexcusable.
Fourth, self-described “Catholic” groups have done a serious disservice to justice, to the Church, and to the ethical needs of the American people by undercutting the leadership and witness of their own bishops. For groups like Catholics United, this is unsurprising. In their effect, if not in formal intent, such groups exist to advance the interests of a particular political spectrum. Nor is it newsworthy from an organization like Network, which – whatever the nature of its good work -- has rarely shown much enthusiasm for a definition of “social justice” that includes the rights of the unborn child.
But the actions of the Catholic Health Association (CHA) in providing a deliberate public counter-message to the bishops were both surprising and profoundly disappointing; and also genuinely damaging. In the crucial final days of debate on health-care legislation, CHA lobbyists worked directly against the efforts of the American bishops in their approach to members of Congress. The bad law we now likely face, we owe in part to the efforts of the Catholic Health Association and similar “Catholic” organizations.
That, particularly his use of scare quotes, is hard stuff coming from an archbishop. But it is appropriate. To use the name of one’s church to attack freedom and disregard the sanctity of life, and that against the clear council of that church’s leaders, is beyond inexcusable.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Sarum Lent
Lately, I’ve been perusing Pearson’s The Sarum Missal in English. And I’m impressed that the Sarum Rite had propers, graduals, etc. for each and every day in Lent. I intend to use that for my Lent daily offices next year.
I should add that I will use the Sarum Rite selectively. For while Sarum is a wonderful source of our Book of Common Prayer, it was also in great need of reform.
For example, today’s collect for Wednesday in Passion Week is excellent:
Enlighten, O God of mercy, the hearts of Thy faithful people by this holy fast; and, seeing Thou hast given them an hearty desire to pray, graciously give ear unto their supplications. Through etc.
But before that came yesterday’s:
May our fast, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be acceptable to Thee; that purifying us from sin it may make us worthy of Thy grace, and procure us everlasting recovery. Through etc.
Sorry, Sarum, but nothing we can do can make us worthy of God’s grace. And to pray so practically contradicts what grace is, God’s unmerited love and favor, not to mention it is incredibly presumptuous. And to pray that fasting can somehow “procure us everlasting recovery”?
Like I said, reform was needful.
But there are still treasures in Sarum useful for Lent. Just don’t think a holy Lent can procure everlasting life.
It is Good Friday and Easter that does that.
I should add that I will use the Sarum Rite selectively. For while Sarum is a wonderful source of our Book of Common Prayer, it was also in great need of reform.
For example, today’s collect for Wednesday in Passion Week is excellent:
Enlighten, O God of mercy, the hearts of Thy faithful people by this holy fast; and, seeing Thou hast given them an hearty desire to pray, graciously give ear unto their supplications. Through etc.
But before that came yesterday’s:
May our fast, O Lord, we beseech Thee, be acceptable to Thee; that purifying us from sin it may make us worthy of Thy grace, and procure us everlasting recovery. Through etc.
Sorry, Sarum, but nothing we can do can make us worthy of God’s grace. And to pray so practically contradicts what grace is, God’s unmerited love and favor, not to mention it is incredibly presumptuous. And to pray that fasting can somehow “procure us everlasting recovery”?
Like I said, reform was needful.
But there are still treasures in Sarum useful for Lent. Just don’t think a holy Lent can procure everlasting life.
It is Good Friday and Easter that does that.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
About Anti-Obamacare “Ugliness”
I was intending to go non-political today – I really was – but this is an instructive moment I cannot let pass.
There are many crocodile tears being shed over the “ugliness” of some of the opposition to Obamacare the past few days. For a good sample of that, go here.
First, it is doubtful whether at least some that is alleged to have happened really happened. Second, the Democrat whining is not unlike kicking someone in the shin and then being shocked, shocked when your victim says some naughty words. At the risk of repeating myself, when you trash the consent of the governed, yes, the reaction will get ugly and worse.
But, third, and this is most important, to provoke outrage from one’s targets and then use that outrage against the targets is an old tactic of the Left. I remember being personally suckered by that tactic in my Duke days. And if the Left doesn’t find some outrage from the Center/Right that is juicy enough, it will invent it. It’s wrong, but we are talking about Leftists. That is the sort of thing Leftists do.
So that makes it all the more important that we who oppose the Leftists and their agendas keep our opposition above reproach. Yes, Biblical admonitions work well in politics, too. We should be careful not to give the Leftists ammunition to use against us. When the Left tries to defame us who fight for freedom, let it be because they are lying, not because we are being stupid.
Like I said yesterday, fight hard but fight clean.
Housekeeping: For the remainder of Passion Week and Holy Week I will try to lay off the politics and Obamacare. I know – if I keep talking about Obamacare day after day, I will become tiresome like . . . Obama.
There are many crocodile tears being shed over the “ugliness” of some of the opposition to Obamacare the past few days. For a good sample of that, go here.
First, it is doubtful whether at least some that is alleged to have happened really happened. Second, the Democrat whining is not unlike kicking someone in the shin and then being shocked, shocked when your victim says some naughty words. At the risk of repeating myself, when you trash the consent of the governed, yes, the reaction will get ugly and worse.
But, third, and this is most important, to provoke outrage from one’s targets and then use that outrage against the targets is an old tactic of the Left. I remember being personally suckered by that tactic in my Duke days. And if the Left doesn’t find some outrage from the Center/Right that is juicy enough, it will invent it. It’s wrong, but we are talking about Leftists. That is the sort of thing Leftists do.
So that makes it all the more important that we who oppose the Leftists and their agendas keep our opposition above reproach. Yes, Biblical admonitions work well in politics, too. We should be careful not to give the Leftists ammunition to use against us. When the Left tries to defame us who fight for freedom, let it be because they are lying, not because we are being stupid.
Like I said yesterday, fight hard but fight clean.
Housekeeping: For the remainder of Passion Week and Holy Week I will try to lay off the politics and Obamacare. I know – if I keep talking about Obamacare day after day, I will become tiresome like . . . Obama.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Gulag Obamacare is here. So what now?
Today is a dark day for freedom in America. Even many across the pond can see that. Instead of being “post-partisan” as promised, Obama and his allied Democrats have conducted themselves like an partisan “elective dictatorship” and passed Obamacare down our throats. And that even though poll after poll have shown that Obamacare, and the Obama regime for that matter, utterly lacks the consent of the governed. The Democrats with their votes have told America to drop dead. And then they have the gall to say this is some victory for Americans.
So what do we do now?
First, we must not allow our anger to cause us to lose perspective and do something stupid. (And if you have not been angry this weekend, then I dismiss you to go and be happy in your utter cluelessness.) What happened this weekend is not a Supreme Court ruling, ala Roe v. Wade, cutting off an area of public policy to Constitutional democracy. Nor have we yet gone the way of Europe where socialist healthcare is so much a part of the national fabric that there is no hope of throwing it off.
In other words, civil democratic avenues are wide open to repeal last night’s outrage and more. Moreover, if we fight hard and clean, there is the possibility that the 2010 and 2012 elections will so repudiate the Obama regime and the Democrat Party that not only will Obamacare be repealed, but it will be generations before a president and Congress dare to so disregard the consent of the governed and to attack our freedoms.
Because the democratic avenues to fight are so open, this is not a time to be stupid, particularly to resort to offensive slurs or to violence. Yes, I do think it is needful to say that loud and clear for two main reasons:
1. As I’ve stated here before, a government which so lacks the consent of the governed invites violence. There may be a time for violence, but it is not now. Violence now would not only be politically stupid, giving our opponents ammunition, it would also be morally wrong. Yes, Obama and the Democrats have invited violence. We must decline the invitation.
2. If you have been half as angry as I have been at times lately, it is too easy to do something stupid. As Psalm 37:8 (NASB) warns us:
Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
So, yes, this is a time to fight for freedom and to fight hard. I will go so far as to say that this time so cries out for a fight for freedom that it would be ignoble not to take up the cause.
But we must fight clean. We must fight non-violently. Our opponents think the ends of their Leftist agenda justify anti-democratic and anti-Constitutional means.
We must not become like them.
So what do we do now?
First, we must not allow our anger to cause us to lose perspective and do something stupid. (And if you have not been angry this weekend, then I dismiss you to go and be happy in your utter cluelessness.) What happened this weekend is not a Supreme Court ruling, ala Roe v. Wade, cutting off an area of public policy to Constitutional democracy. Nor have we yet gone the way of Europe where socialist healthcare is so much a part of the national fabric that there is no hope of throwing it off.
In other words, civil democratic avenues are wide open to repeal last night’s outrage and more. Moreover, if we fight hard and clean, there is the possibility that the 2010 and 2012 elections will so repudiate the Obama regime and the Democrat Party that not only will Obamacare be repealed, but it will be generations before a president and Congress dare to so disregard the consent of the governed and to attack our freedoms.
Because the democratic avenues to fight are so open, this is not a time to be stupid, particularly to resort to offensive slurs or to violence. Yes, I do think it is needful to say that loud and clear for two main reasons:
1. As I’ve stated here before, a government which so lacks the consent of the governed invites violence. There may be a time for violence, but it is not now. Violence now would not only be politically stupid, giving our opponents ammunition, it would also be morally wrong. Yes, Obama and the Democrats have invited violence. We must decline the invitation.
2. If you have been half as angry as I have been at times lately, it is too easy to do something stupid. As Psalm 37:8 (NASB) warns us:
Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
So, yes, this is a time to fight for freedom and to fight hard. I will go so far as to say that this time so cries out for a fight for freedom that it would be ignoble not to take up the cause.
But we must fight clean. We must fight non-violently. Our opponents think the ends of their Leftist agenda justify anti-democratic and anti-Constitutional means.
We must not become like them.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Housekeeping
For some time, I have kept old comments made through haloscan while clearly directing new comments to a more preferred venue. However, haloscan has now made changes that make it difficult to impossible for me to continue to do that. In other words, haloscan was inviting “comments” again so matter what I did. So I have reluctantly removed haloscan from the blog altogether. As a result, past haloscan comments are in Limbo.
I regret that but see no alternative. If anyone has any techie solutions that would enable me to put haloscan well in the background, feel free to let me know.
Have a holy Passion Sunday.
I regret that but see no alternative. If anyone has any techie solutions that would enable me to put haloscan well in the background, feel free to let me know.
Have a holy Passion Sunday.
Friday, March 19, 2010
BREAKING: Secret Democrat plan to add $371 billion to Obamacare EXPOSED
Sordid details here. When will the Leftist lies and deception about Obamacare stop?
Democrats are planning to introduce legislation later this spring that would permanently repeal annual Medicare cuts to doctors, but are warning lawmakers not to talk about it for fear that it will complicate their push to pass comprehensive health reform. The plans undercut the party's message that reform lowers the deficit, according to a memo obtained by POLITICO.
Democrats removed the so-called doc fix from the reform legislation last year because its $371-billion price tag would have made it impossible for Democrats to claim that their bill reduces the deficit. Republicans have argued for months that by stripping the doc fix from the bill, Democrats were playing a shell game.
And indeed they are.
MORE:
More here:
Basically, this is an admission that the numbers the Democrats submitted to the CBO were entirely false, and that they plan to make this bill a deficit expander in the spring. It’s a breathtaking admission of deceit and hypocrisy. . .
Democrats are planning to introduce legislation later this spring that would permanently repeal annual Medicare cuts to doctors, but are warning lawmakers not to talk about it for fear that it will complicate their push to pass comprehensive health reform. The plans undercut the party's message that reform lowers the deficit, according to a memo obtained by POLITICO.
Democrats removed the so-called doc fix from the reform legislation last year because its $371-billion price tag would have made it impossible for Democrats to claim that their bill reduces the deficit. Republicans have argued for months that by stripping the doc fix from the bill, Democrats were playing a shell game.
And indeed they are.
MORE:
More here:
Basically, this is an admission that the numbers the Democrats submitted to the CBO were entirely false, and that they plan to make this bill a deficit expander in the spring. It’s a breathtaking admission of deceit and hypocrisy. . .
On the Verge of Gulag Obama
After reading of yet another defection to Obamacare, I have now come to the sickening expectation that Obamacare will pass the House and become law, even if law at its worst and most arbitrary.
I find it sickening because we will have come to the point where Congress can so Slaughter the Constitution that it thinks it can pass such a monstrosity without actually voting on it. It sickens me because once a nation burdens itself with socialized medicine, untold generations will suffer under that burden.
It sickens me because the very basics that our founding fathers fought for – consent of the governed, no taxation without representation, and our wonderful Constitution – will have been gutted in order to greatly increase the power of the Almighty State over our lives.
There is still hope. The manner in which Obamacare is about to be passed has so enraged Americans that the November elections may make 1994 and 1974 look like picnics. Such a historic repudiation may make it possible to restore freedom. And rest assured that I will be among those fighting (non-violently - Yes, I think it is needful to say that.) for freedom and against Obamacare.
Nevertheless, this is a dark day.
I find it sickening because we will have come to the point where Congress can so Slaughter the Constitution that it thinks it can pass such a monstrosity without actually voting on it. It sickens me because once a nation burdens itself with socialized medicine, untold generations will suffer under that burden.
It sickens me because the very basics that our founding fathers fought for – consent of the governed, no taxation without representation, and our wonderful Constitution – will have been gutted in order to greatly increase the power of the Almighty State over our lives.
There is still hope. The manner in which Obamacare is about to be passed has so enraged Americans that the November elections may make 1994 and 1974 look like picnics. Such a historic repudiation may make it possible to restore freedom. And rest assured that I will be among those fighting (non-violently - Yes, I think it is needful to say that.) for freedom and against Obamacare.
Nevertheless, this is a dark day.
Obamacare Will Increase IRS Powers
One of the little known Easter Eggs of feces in Obamacare is that it will greatly increase the powers of our friendly IRS:
IRS agents verify if you have “acceptable” health care coverage
IRS has the authority to fine you up to $2,250 or 2 percent of your income (whichever is greater) for failure to prove that you have purchased “minimum essential coverage”
IRS can confiscate your tax refund
IRS audits are likely to increase
IRS will need up to $10 billion to administer the new health care program this decade
IRS may need to hire as many as 16,500 additional auditors, agents and other employees to investigate and collect billions in new taxes from Americans Nearly half of all these new individual mandate taxes will be paid by Americans earning less than 300 percent of poverty ($66,150 for a family of four). There goes that less than $250,000 thing the POTUS promised.
Hey, but what is a Dear Leader without his secret police?
IRS agents verify if you have “acceptable” health care coverage
IRS has the authority to fine you up to $2,250 or 2 percent of your income (whichever is greater) for failure to prove that you have purchased “minimum essential coverage”
IRS can confiscate your tax refund
IRS audits are likely to increase
IRS will need up to $10 billion to administer the new health care program this decade
IRS may need to hire as many as 16,500 additional auditors, agents and other employees to investigate and collect billions in new taxes from Americans Nearly half of all these new individual mandate taxes will be paid by Americans earning less than 300 percent of poverty ($66,150 for a family of four). There goes that less than $250,000 thing the POTUS promised.
Hey, but what is a Dear Leader without his secret police?
Rowan Williams, Coward
I have long considered Rowan Williams an untrustworthy failure as Archbishop of Canterbury. But I don’t think I’ve considered him a coward until now.
Dr. Williams issued the usual worthless statement in response to Mary Glasspool receiving the necessary consents to become a TEC “bishop”.
But what is most notable is how he released it . . . or didn’t release it:
Rowan Williams is a failure as the Archbishop of Canterbury. . . an utter failure, as shown once again not in the actual words of his statement on Glasspool, but in the way the statement was released.
As of this writing, you won't find Williams' statement on his official website, or any official website run by the Anglican Communion. That's because Lambeth Palace is providing the statement only to those who contact them and specifically request it.
And, sure enough, just now I diligently searched His Grace’s official website, and there is no Glasspool consents statement to be found.
I am at a loss for words save . . . What a coward!
Dr. Williams issued the usual worthless statement in response to Mary Glasspool receiving the necessary consents to become a TEC “bishop”.
But what is most notable is how he released it . . . or didn’t release it:
Rowan Williams is a failure as the Archbishop of Canterbury. . . an utter failure, as shown once again not in the actual words of his statement on Glasspool, but in the way the statement was released.
As of this writing, you won't find Williams' statement on his official website, or any official website run by the Anglican Communion. That's because Lambeth Palace is providing the statement only to those who contact them and specifically request it.
And, sure enough, just now I diligently searched His Grace’s official website, and there is no Glasspool consents statement to be found.
I am at a loss for words save . . . What a coward!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
The Evil “Church” (TEC)
I am outraged this morning. No, I am not outraged over lesbian Mary Glasspool receiving consents to become a “bishop” in the Episcopal “Church”. That was predictable and passé already. *yawn*
What outrages me is that the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York sold the building that once belonged to the Church of the Good Shepherd . . . to Muslims. So here we have a “church” that sues the faithful out of their parish buildings and sells them to enemies of the faith.
So where do I stand on The Episcopal Church and on the Anglican Communion now?
Let me spell it for you.
A “church” that sues the faithful, praises murdering the unborn, aids the spread of Islam, and, while they are at it, makes “bishops” out of shameless perverts can go to Hell.
And I not only do I have no interest in going with them, I do not want to be in communion with any bishop who tolerates such evil in the church. Yes, that means I have no interest in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury as long as he is a dithering enabler of The Evil “Church”.
(UPDATE: Corrected two typos and added a link.)
What outrages me is that the Episcopal Diocese of Central New York sold the building that once belonged to the Church of the Good Shepherd . . . to Muslims. So here we have a “church” that sues the faithful out of their parish buildings and sells them to enemies of the faith.
So where do I stand on The Episcopal Church and on the Anglican Communion now?
Let me spell it for you.
A “church” that sues the faithful, praises murdering the unborn, aids the spread of Islam, and, while they are at it, makes “bishops” out of shameless perverts can go to Hell.
And I not only do I have no interest in going with them, I do not want to be in communion with any bishop who tolerates such evil in the church. Yes, that means I have no interest in communion with the Archbishop of Canterbury as long as he is a dithering enabler of The Evil “Church”.
(UPDATE: Corrected two typos and added a link.)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Pelosi House on Verge of Slaughtering the Constitution
How important is Obamacare to Obama, Pelosi, and other Demorats? A heck lot more important than the Constitution.
For Pelosi and allies are considering a maneuver of passing the Senate Obamacare bill without actually voting on it. Rules Committee Chair Rep. Louise Slaughter is behind this, hence the maneuver has been well dubbed “the Slaughter Solution.” And it would slaughter the Constitution’s explicit provision that Congress has to actually vote in order to pass bills. (Article I, Section VII, Clause II)
At the risk of repeating myself, Leftists only like Constitutional democracy when it serves their agenda. But when it doesn’t, then they have no qualms about tearing up the Constitution and overturning American democracy.
I hesitate to say what would be appropriate opposition should Obamacare be shoved through in such an unconstitutional manner. But it would most certainly be taxation without representation. And my educated readers know well what our forefathers did about that.
Much better we stop this NOW. Call your Congressmen and give them . . . godly admonitions.
MORE: Former Appeals Court Judge Michael W. McConnell speaks out.
For Pelosi and allies are considering a maneuver of passing the Senate Obamacare bill without actually voting on it. Rules Committee Chair Rep. Louise Slaughter is behind this, hence the maneuver has been well dubbed “the Slaughter Solution.” And it would slaughter the Constitution’s explicit provision that Congress has to actually vote in order to pass bills. (Article I, Section VII, Clause II)
At the risk of repeating myself, Leftists only like Constitutional democracy when it serves their agenda. But when it doesn’t, then they have no qualms about tearing up the Constitution and overturning American democracy.
I hesitate to say what would be appropriate opposition should Obamacare be shoved through in such an unconstitutional manner. But it would most certainly be taxation without representation. And my educated readers know well what our forefathers did about that.
Much better we stop this NOW. Call your Congressmen and give them . . . godly admonitions.
MORE: Former Appeals Court Judge Michael W. McConnell speaks out.
Catholic Bishops Oppose Pro-abortion Obamacare
The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement saying so and asked for the statement to be read at parishes. (RC readers, was it read at your parish? Post in the comments.)
Good Bishop Chaput has also spoken out, noting the “too often dishonest” nature of Obamacare advocacy.
And claims that Catholic bishops support Obamacare in its current baby-killing form are among the lies, along with claims Obamacare will reduce costs, reduce the deficit, not restrict your health insurance choices, etc. etc. etc.
Friday, March 12, 2010
First Things Calls Out Bob Casey
My April issue of First Things came in the mail yesterday. The first thing on the cover that caught my eye was “Bob Casey betrays the pro-life cause.” Now that is calling a man out!
But Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) richly deserves to be called out after that supposed pro-life Democrat ran roughshod over the unborn and over those taxpayers who cannot consciously fund abortion in his eagerness to support Obamacare. As John McCormack writes inside, he is a cowardly “sellout.”
Such a calling out may seem slightly out of character from the scholarly First Things. But there is a time to simply tell it like it is. And now is surely such a time.
(And, sorry, the opinion article is not online yet. All the more reason to subscribe to First Things!)
But Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA) richly deserves to be called out after that supposed pro-life Democrat ran roughshod over the unborn and over those taxpayers who cannot consciously fund abortion in his eagerness to support Obamacare. As John McCormack writes inside, he is a cowardly “sellout.”
Such a calling out may seem slightly out of character from the scholarly First Things. But there is a time to simply tell it like it is. And now is surely such a time.
(And, sorry, the opinion article is not online yet. All the more reason to subscribe to First Things!)
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Sandhurst UK Opposing Proposed Mosque
Sandhurst Britains are standing up against a proposed mosque that would include two 100 foot minarets. As they should.
This has little to do with freedom of religion. Freedom of religion does not include the freedom to dominate or bully or, in the Sandhurst case, endanger the security of a military academy. And remember that, as I and others have pointed out, mosques and minarets are not the equivalent of churches and steeples, but are much more domineering in purpose.
Even other Muslims see the proposed mosque as a provocation and are opposing it. Now will the authorities have spine to say no to more imperialistic Muslims?
This has little to do with freedom of religion. Freedom of religion does not include the freedom to dominate or bully or, in the Sandhurst case, endanger the security of a military academy. And remember that, as I and others have pointed out, mosques and minarets are not the equivalent of churches and steeples, but are much more domineering in purpose.
Even other Muslims see the proposed mosque as a provocation and are opposing it. Now will the authorities have spine to say no to more imperialistic Muslims?
Tuesday, March 09, 2010
How the Mighty Have Fallen
Remember when Florida Governor Charlie Crist was an inevitable Republican nominee for U. S. Senate?
How the mighty have fallen and how:
Support for Charlie Crist from conservative voters has pretty much evaporated, and that's allowed Marco Rubio to build a 32 point lead in the Republican primary for Senate.
Rubio now leads Crist 60-28, including a staggering 71-17 lead with conservatives.
Another RINO bites the dust.
Except in the case of scandal, I am hard pressed to think of a greater political turnabout in such a short time. I find it amazing.
I hope the Republican Party now, finally, gets it that it cannot take conservatives and tea partiers for granted. I think they do. But if they don’t then – to paraphrase Joe Bob Briggs – they are so stupid they deserve to lose.
How the mighty have fallen and how:
Support for Charlie Crist from conservative voters has pretty much evaporated, and that's allowed Marco Rubio to build a 32 point lead in the Republican primary for Senate.
Rubio now leads Crist 60-28, including a staggering 71-17 lead with conservatives.
Another RINO bites the dust.
Except in the case of scandal, I am hard pressed to think of a greater political turnabout in such a short time. I find it amazing.
I hope the Republican Party now, finally, gets it that it cannot take conservatives and tea partiers for granted. I think they do. But if they don’t then – to paraphrase Joe Bob Briggs – they are so stupid they deserve to lose.
Monday, March 08, 2010
Another “Evangelical” Shows His Hand
My observant readers may have noticed that I rarely, if ever, refer to myself as “evangelical.” The reason is there is so much that is supposedly “evangelical” with which I do not wish to be associated . . . at all.
For example, the compromise, appeasement and, yes, surrender of one “evangelical” Bishop of Liverpool.
For example, the compromise, appeasement and, yes, surrender of one “evangelical” Bishop of Liverpool.
Muslims Slaughter Hundreds Near Jos, Nigeria UPDATED
Disturbing news overnight from Nigeria. Sunday, Muslim Fulani herdsmen massacred up to 500 or more Christians in a village just south of Jos.
The Jos area has seen frequent Christian-Muslim violence. Please pray.
UPDATE: With the warning that there is disturbing content at the following links, more on the massacre may be found here and here.
The Jos area has seen frequent Christian-Muslim violence. Please pray.
UPDATE: With the warning that there is disturbing content at the following links, more on the massacre may be found here and here.
Friday, March 05, 2010
Obama: “Don’t mention the Armenian genocide!”
I remember an episode of Fawlty Towers in which Basil Fawlty (played by John Cleese, of course) has German guests and exhorts his staff, “Don’t mention the War!” Of course, Basil makes a total hash of things and ends up offending the guests who angrily proclaim Fawlty’s attempts to humor them “not funny.”
Fast forward to today and imagine Basil Obama exhorting, “Don’t mention the Armenian Genocide!” And, yes, Obama is making a hash of things. And it is really “not funny” at all.
You see, a House committee has passed a resolution onto the House floor declaring that the Turk genocide of 1.5 millions Armenians in 1915 was in fact genocide. The Turks aren’t taking this very well. And Obama wants to hush up the resolution, which once again breaks a campaign promise, by the way.
Now I actually commend Obama’s desire for good relations with Turkey. (Would he be so diligent about good relations with the UK!) We have historically sought good relations with nations with genocide and other atrocities in their recent histories. Germany and Japan come to mind. The difference is that, although forgiving, we have not sought to sweep history under the rug in order to keep those nations happy. And unlike Germany and Japan, Turkish policy toward Ottoman genocide of Armenians has been adamant and indignant denial.
So Obama’s policy of “Don’t mention the genocide!” is morally problematic at best. Many Armenians justifiably come to a harsher verdict. It most certainly feeds suspicions that Barack Hussein Obama is too quick to give Muslims a pass.
Fast forward to today and imagine Basil Obama exhorting, “Don’t mention the Armenian Genocide!” And, yes, Obama is making a hash of things. And it is really “not funny” at all.
You see, a House committee has passed a resolution onto the House floor declaring that the Turk genocide of 1.5 millions Armenians in 1915 was in fact genocide. The Turks aren’t taking this very well. And Obama wants to hush up the resolution, which once again breaks a campaign promise, by the way.
Now I actually commend Obama’s desire for good relations with Turkey. (Would he be so diligent about good relations with the UK!) We have historically sought good relations with nations with genocide and other atrocities in their recent histories. Germany and Japan come to mind. The difference is that, although forgiving, we have not sought to sweep history under the rug in order to keep those nations happy. And unlike Germany and Japan, Turkish policy toward Ottoman genocide of Armenians has been adamant and indignant denial.
So Obama’s policy of “Don’t mention the genocide!” is morally problematic at best. Many Armenians justifiably come to a harsher verdict. It most certainly feeds suspicions that Barack Hussein Obama is too quick to give Muslims a pass.
Thursday, March 04, 2010
“Just How Angry Are Some Americans?”
The Anchoress is at least as concerned as I am about the anger being provoked by Obama’s disregard for the consent of the governed, particularly when it comes to Obamacare.
Get thee hence!
Get thee hence!
Is Obama Selling an Appeals Court Seat for an Obamacare Vote?
Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) is one of several swing congressmen Obama is pressuring to vote for Obamacare. So is it not quite the coincidence that the Dear Leader has now nominated Jim’s brother, Scott, for the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals?
Now I don’t presume to know whether this is a bribe or the post-modern equivalent of simony.
But you can guess what my opinion is – brazen Chicago-style corruption taken national.
I’ve long had the gut feeling a big Obama scandal is coming sooner or later. Could this be it?
Now I don’t presume to know whether this is a bribe or the post-modern equivalent of simony.
But you can guess what my opinion is – brazen Chicago-style corruption taken national.
I’ve long had the gut feeling a big Obama scandal is coming sooner or later. Could this be it?
Wednesday, March 03, 2010
Obamacare, Reconciliation, and Consent of the Governed
A week ago, I expressed my alarm that barely a fifth of Americans think the current federal government has “the consent of the governed.” Well, the situation may be about to get even worse and fast.
For the word is Obama and company are intent on jamming Obamacare through the Senate using the reconciliation process.
Leaving aside what horrendous policy Obamacare would be, look at the horrendous politics of the course Democrats are considering.
Any number of polls indicate a majority of Americans oppose Obamacare. And it has been that way for months despite Obama again and again pushing his health care agenda. He even used the Super Bowl for that! What part of “NO!” does he not understand?
Polls also indicate a majority oppose using the reconciliation process to pass Obamacare.
The reconciliation process was never intended to pass major social programs but to deal with budgetary matters.
If the Senate passes Obamacare with a bare 50+1 majority, it will do so with the votes of Senators whose very presence in the Senate is of questionable legitimacy due to election fraud. Al Franken stands out in that regard.
In short, using reconciliation to pass Obamacare would be such an abuse of power that it would greatly inflame the consensus that this government lacks the consent of the governed. And that is because this raw power play would lack the consent of the governed as Rep. Paul Broun and others have stated.
But then, Leftists as a whole do not care about trivialities like the consent of the governed. They want their agenda passed, period. See their abuse of the federal courts to get a flavor of that.
Again, this lack of the consent of the governed – and Obama’s brazen disregard for it – is a profoundly volatile and unhealthy situation for the U. S.
Pray. (And give your Senators and Congressmen an ear full while you're at it.)
For the word is Obama and company are intent on jamming Obamacare through the Senate using the reconciliation process.
Leaving aside what horrendous policy Obamacare would be, look at the horrendous politics of the course Democrats are considering.
Any number of polls indicate a majority of Americans oppose Obamacare. And it has been that way for months despite Obama again and again pushing his health care agenda. He even used the Super Bowl for that! What part of “NO!” does he not understand?
Polls also indicate a majority oppose using the reconciliation process to pass Obamacare.
The reconciliation process was never intended to pass major social programs but to deal with budgetary matters.
If the Senate passes Obamacare with a bare 50+1 majority, it will do so with the votes of Senators whose very presence in the Senate is of questionable legitimacy due to election fraud. Al Franken stands out in that regard.
In short, using reconciliation to pass Obamacare would be such an abuse of power that it would greatly inflame the consensus that this government lacks the consent of the governed. And that is because this raw power play would lack the consent of the governed as Rep. Paul Broun and others have stated.
But then, Leftists as a whole do not care about trivialities like the consent of the governed. They want their agenda passed, period. See their abuse of the federal courts to get a flavor of that.
Again, this lack of the consent of the governed – and Obama’s brazen disregard for it – is a profoundly volatile and unhealthy situation for the U. S.
Pray. (And give your Senators and Congressmen an ear full while you're at it.)
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
++Duncan: Covenant’s Proposed Standing Committee “A Very Strange Idea”
At the Anglican 1000 conference at Christ Church Plano, Archbishop Duncan gave an interesting and wide ranging interview to Anglican TV.
What I find most notable comes at the end of the interview. The Archbishop clearly expresses issues he has with the proposed Covenant’s establishment of a Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion. After saying that Anglicans are traditionally “governed by bishops in counsel,” he states that “a Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is a very strange idea” and “a non-starter.”
I am very glad to see this. A big issue a number of orthodox have with the proposed Covenant is the said Standing Committee, which indeed is of questionable ecclesiology and would undoubtedly be stacked with the liberal Western minority of the Communion.
What I find most notable comes at the end of the interview. The Archbishop clearly expresses issues he has with the proposed Covenant’s establishment of a Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion. After saying that Anglicans are traditionally “governed by bishops in counsel,” he states that “a Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion is a very strange idea” and “a non-starter.”
I am very glad to see this. A big issue a number of orthodox have with the proposed Covenant is the said Standing Committee, which indeed is of questionable ecclesiology and would undoubtedly be stacked with the liberal Western minority of the Communion.
Monday, March 01, 2010
Obama’s Top 10 Snubs of Britain
When, early in his glorious regime, Obama kicked a bust of Winston Churchill out of the Oval Office and back to the UK and gave PM Brown a cheap gift of DVDs, I thought perhaps it was because he was young and clueless. I was so aghast, I had no better explanation. But since then, it has become clear that, for whatever reasons, he really does not like the British, pure and simple. His refusal to back the UK in its claims over the Falklands is just the latest instance.
It is hard to disagree with Nile Gardiner when he proclaims Obama “the most anti-British president in modern American history.” To back up his assertion, he presents Obama’s top ten insults against Britain.
Enjoy or be appalled, whichever the case may be.
It is hard to disagree with Nile Gardiner when he proclaims Obama “the most anti-British president in modern American history.” To back up his assertion, he presents Obama’s top ten insults against Britain.
Enjoy or be appalled, whichever the case may be.
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