I would be outraged about this if it weren’t so darn funny:
The Justice Department’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) has concluded an investigation finding that politics played no role in the handling of the New Black Panther Party case, which sparked a racially charged political fight.
After reviewing thousands of pages of internal e-mails and notes and conducting 44 interviews with department staff members, the OPR reported that “department attorneys did not commit professional misconduct or exercise poor judgment” and that the voter-intimidation case against the Panthers was dismissed on “a good faith assessment of the law” and “not influenced by the race of the defendants.”
. . . .
Excuse me, I fell off my chair I was laughing so hard.
This had nothing to do with race, nothing at all. Nothing to see here. “Politics played no role” either. Nope.
The Justice Department dropping the case was ALL ABOUT race and politics! They had the thugs convicted already! There was no other reason to drop the case. In fact, as I’ve noted, at times the Justice Department itself under Obama is all about race and politics. An Old South District Attorney could habitually drop charges against KKK members and say it has nothing to do with race and politics and have about as much credibility.
This sums up the situation well:
So let’s recap. The DoJ had this video and several witnesses to testify to the actions of the two defendants in a case of voter intimidation. The case was strong enough that the defendants didn’t bother to challenge it, and a judge entered a verdict of guilty. Somehow, after the default judgment, the DoJ decided to ask for a dismissal despite the video and the testimony … and now says it’s all in a day’s work?
Er … riiiiiiiiight.
Fortunately, this is not the final word on this matter.
It had better not be.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
All Aboard the Disability Gravy Train!
Hey, Obama isn’t so bad after all. Thanks to one of his wonderful decrees executive orders, more than a quarter of us are now “disabled” and covered by the American Disabilities Act.
Heck I think I’m disabled now. For bipolar disorder is now covered. I’m sure my kind readers have never noticed, but I can be a bit moody. So surely I can find aquack doctor who will diagnose me as bipolar and voila! The thought of being covered by ADA has me giddy!
Hey, who cares about the expanding costs of ADA to the economy? All aboard the disability gravy train!
Heck I think I’m disabled now. For bipolar disorder is now covered. I’m sure my kind readers have never noticed, but I can be a bit moody. So surely I can find a
Hey, who cares about the expanding costs of ADA to the economy? All aboard the disability gravy train!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Christians for Bankruptcy and Theft
No, I am do not think there are professing Christians knowingly marching in the streets for bankruptcy and theft, not many of them anyway.
But I do think those Christians protesting against budget cuts are indeed advocating bankruptcy and theft in ignorance. For the U. S. and U. K. governments cannot maintain current spending without confiscatory tax hikes or stealing from the future with ruinous debt or both.
Now these “Christians” should have enough humility and enough reverence for the name of Christ not to slap the name of Christ on their preferred profligate fiscal policy. But no. Jesus wants to loot the treasury and taxpayers just like them.
Needless to say, I do not suffer such insufferable self-righteousness well.
Really most of these “Christians” are idolaters. They worship at the altar of the Almighty State and look to the state to meet all needs. And imprecations on those who try to restrain the power of the Holy State.
It’s not for nothing that the Bible portrays rapacious states as beasts worshipped by idolaters. It has been so in history and is so today.
Cranmer is more patient and tolerant than I and sets forth an excellent case for Christians to favor needed budget cuts.
But I would be pleased enough if those “Christians” who brazenly slap the name of Christ on their statist idolatry would have the humility and fear of God to cease from doing do.
I am not holding my breath, however.
But I do think those Christians protesting against budget cuts are indeed advocating bankruptcy and theft in ignorance. For the U. S. and U. K. governments cannot maintain current spending without confiscatory tax hikes or stealing from the future with ruinous debt or both.
Now these “Christians” should have enough humility and enough reverence for the name of Christ not to slap the name of Christ on their preferred profligate fiscal policy. But no. Jesus wants to loot the treasury and taxpayers just like them.
Needless to say, I do not suffer such insufferable self-righteousness well.
Really most of these “Christians” are idolaters. They worship at the altar of the Almighty State and look to the state to meet all needs. And imprecations on those who try to restrain the power of the Holy State.
It’s not for nothing that the Bible portrays rapacious states as beasts worshipped by idolaters. It has been so in history and is so today.
Cranmer is more patient and tolerant than I and sets forth an excellent case for Christians to favor needed budget cuts.
But I would be pleased enough if those “Christians” who brazenly slap the name of Christ on their statist idolatry would have the humility and fear of God to cease from doing do.
I am not holding my breath, however.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Jesus is coming . . . on May 21st.
I hope you do not have too much planned this summer. Because I just found out Jesus will return on May 21st.
I wish I could tell you this was revealed to me in the midst of pious contemplations while receiving the Holy Sacrament in clouds of incense. Some may prefer that I receive this revelation while rolling on the floor or barking and engaging in Holy Laughter, which is not to be confused with Holy Listening.
But actually this billboard told me.
To be specific, as this helpful web site and informative video explains, the Rapture will occur on May 21st. And God will destroy the world on October 21st. And “we can know” this from “the Bible alone.” Well, that settles it!
This should make for an interesting year. I wonder how the General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church in June will be affected. . . .
Anyway, I know my readers are busy people. So I thought I would assist them in planning ahead.
You’re welcome.
MORE: I’ve poked around some more and found out the dates are the prediction of Harold Camping. Google “Camping May 21” and you’ll see numerous references.
I wish I could tell you this was revealed to me in the midst of pious contemplations while receiving the Holy Sacrament in clouds of incense. Some may prefer that I receive this revelation while rolling on the floor or barking and engaging in Holy Laughter, which is not to be confused with Holy Listening.
But actually this billboard told me.
To be specific, as this helpful web site and informative video explains, the Rapture will occur on May 21st. And God will destroy the world on October 21st. And “we can know” this from “the Bible alone.” Well, that settles it!
This should make for an interesting year. I wonder how the General Council of the Reformed Episcopal Church in June will be affected. . . .
Anyway, I know my readers are busy people. So I thought I would assist them in planning ahead.
You’re welcome.
MORE: I’ve poked around some more and found out the dates are the prediction of Harold Camping. Google “Camping May 21” and you’ll see numerous references.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
The Episcopal Church of Canada
No, the above title is not my snarky reference to the Anglican Church of Canada. It is the suggestion of a Canon in the said church for a change of name.
And, though for different reasons, I agree. The Anglican “Church” of Canada has much more in common with The Episcopal “Church” than with historic Anglicanism. So the suggested name would be more truthful than the current name.
See. I can be agreeable.
And, though for different reasons, I agree. The Anglican “Church” of Canada has much more in common with The Episcopal “Church” than with historic Anglicanism. So the suggested name would be more truthful than the current name.
See. I can be agreeable.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Whatever Happened to “Holy Listening”?
For years, the LGBT activists in The Episcopal Church and other mainline denominations and their supporters and enablers have exhorted us to “Holy Listening.” Those of us of a cynical bent translated that as “Listen to us again and again and again until you agree or we defeat you.”
The cynics were right.
In fact, in The Episcopal Church, it is practically official that the cynics were right.
At the opening of a consultation on same-gender blessings, the chair of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, Ruth Meyers declared, "Our purpose is not to debate whether to develop these resources; we had that debate in 2009."
The thing is there were debates after debates in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion concerning same-sex blessings. And the answer time and again was “no”, particularly at Lambeth ’98. But the LGBT did not stop pushing and debating. But now that the answer is finally “Yes” in a heretical corner of the Communion, the time for debate is suddenly over.
So much for “Holy Listening.”
And this is the modus operandi of the libchurch gay activist crowd. When discussion and contention results in an answer they do not like, they do not have the grace to pause and consider that their church is not ready to go further in the direction they desire in unity. No, they rend the unity (not to mention the orthodoxy) of the church by pushing their agenda again and again at every opportunity. See the General Assemblies of the mainline Presbyterian Church.
And when they finally win, then the question is settled. Debate is past. And congregations, parishes, and dioceses had better go along or else – “else” often being lawsuits to take church property.
Thus, those exhortations to Holy Listening through the years were pious deceptions.
The cynics were right.
In fact, in The Episcopal Church, it is practically official that the cynics were right.
At the opening of a consultation on same-gender blessings, the chair of the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, Ruth Meyers declared, "Our purpose is not to debate whether to develop these resources; we had that debate in 2009."
The thing is there were debates after debates in The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion concerning same-sex blessings. And the answer time and again was “no”, particularly at Lambeth ’98. But the LGBT did not stop pushing and debating. But now that the answer is finally “Yes” in a heretical corner of the Communion, the time for debate is suddenly over.
So much for “Holy Listening.”
And this is the modus operandi of the libchurch gay activist crowd. When discussion and contention results in an answer they do not like, they do not have the grace to pause and consider that their church is not ready to go further in the direction they desire in unity. No, they rend the unity (not to mention the orthodoxy) of the church by pushing their agenda again and again at every opportunity. See the General Assemblies of the mainline Presbyterian Church.
And when they finally win, then the question is settled. Debate is past. And congregations, parishes, and dioceses had better go along or else – “else” often being lawsuits to take church property.
Thus, those exhortations to Holy Listening through the years were pious deceptions.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Abomination of the Week: The Lady Gaga Mass
Now just how exactly am I supposed to spoof this?
The Episcopal Church has gotten *too* silly for blogging. It’s not fair!
Oh well. At least I have an easy choice for Abomination of the Week.
More at Stand Firm.
The Episcopal Church has gotten *too* silly for blogging. It’s not fair!
Oh well. At least I have an easy choice for Abomination of the Week.
More at Stand Firm.
Racist Justice
The Daily Caller has an excellent article up that documents a number of race-based decisions from Obama’s Department of Justice. It does so by focusing on the role of Obama-appointed Asst. Attorney General Loretta King (no relation to MLK).
Among other things, King stopped efforts by the head of the DOJ Voting Rights section to ensure new hires would be willing to defend the rights of whites as well as minorities. She was also behind the most notorious racist act of Obama’s Injustice Department – dropping voter intimidation charges against New Black Panthers when the charges had every indication of accuracy and success. She has also fought efforts of states to prevent election fraud. And . . . I could go on and on. Read the article.
Even the Dayton chapter of the NAACP has stated that her efforts go too far in the case of her pushing the hiring of firemen who flunk the hiring test but have the correct skin color of Black.
Civil Right Commissioner Todd Gaziano sums up the situation at Obama’s Justice Department well:
. . . there is a pervasive atmosphere of hostility to race-neutral enforcement and that Loretta King led the effort. . . . There is a racial double standard to the enforcement and that Loretta King shared and directed it as acting head.
And that no doubt with the support of President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder. Otherwise, they would fire that racist woman.
By the way, whatever happened to “post-racial” Obama?
Among other things, King stopped efforts by the head of the DOJ Voting Rights section to ensure new hires would be willing to defend the rights of whites as well as minorities. She was also behind the most notorious racist act of Obama’s Injustice Department – dropping voter intimidation charges against New Black Panthers when the charges had every indication of accuracy and success. She has also fought efforts of states to prevent election fraud. And . . . I could go on and on. Read the article.
Even the Dayton chapter of the NAACP has stated that her efforts go too far in the case of her pushing the hiring of firemen who flunk the hiring test but have the correct skin color of Black.
Civil Right Commissioner Todd Gaziano sums up the situation at Obama’s Justice Department well:
. . . there is a pervasive atmosphere of hostility to race-neutral enforcement and that Loretta King led the effort. . . . There is a racial double standard to the enforcement and that Loretta King shared and directed it as acting head.
And that no doubt with the support of President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder. Otherwise, they would fire that racist woman.
By the way, whatever happened to “post-racial” Obama?
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Some people will say anything.
Some things are so absurd already, they tax the ability of even the snarkiest blogger to lampoon them. For example, yesterday Nancy Pelosi said the following:
“Democrats have long fought for fiscal responsibility…”
And then she proceeded to blame the deficits on . . . wait for it . . . Bush, not Obama.
Pelosi and Obama tripled the budget deficit, but that is Bush’s fault. Bush made them do it while Obama and Pelosi fought, fought I say, for fiscal responsibility.
Like I said, some people will say anything.
(I know what more sensible people will say: Bush was irresponsible on spending. I agree. Nevertheless, Obama and Pelosi are three times more irresponsible, if you will, and are in no position to blame Bush or to give us lectures on “fiscal responsibility.”)
“Democrats have long fought for fiscal responsibility…”
And then she proceeded to blame the deficits on . . . wait for it . . . Bush, not Obama.
Pelosi and Obama tripled the budget deficit, but that is Bush’s fault. Bush made them do it while Obama and Pelosi fought, fought I say, for fiscal responsibility.
Like I said, some people will say anything.
(I know what more sensible people will say: Bush was irresponsible on spending. I agree. Nevertheless, Obama and Pelosi are three times more irresponsible, if you will, and are in no position to blame Bush or to give us lectures on “fiscal responsibility.”)
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Rowan Williams Indabas the Primates
I do not think Rowan Williams a liar, but I think he engages in some sanctified horse manure in his latest letter to the Primates. In it, he explains why the Primates Meeting suddenly has no power:
In recent years, many have appealed to the Primates to resolve the problems of the Communion by taking decisive action to enforce discipline on this or that Province. In approaching the Dublin Meeting, we believed that it was essential to clarify how the Primates themselves understood the nature of their office and authority. It has always been clear that not all have the same view – not because of different theological convictions alone, but also because of the different legal and canonical roles they occupy as Primates. Some have a good deal of individual authority; others have their powers very closely limited by their own canons. It would therefore be difficult if the Meeting collectively gave powers to Primates that were greater than their own canons allowed them individually, as was noted at the 2008 Lambeth Conference (Lambeth [Real African Word] 2008 #151).
The unanimous judgement of those who were present was that the Meeting should not see itself as a ‘supreme court’, with canonical powers, but that it should nevertheless be profoundly and regularly concerned with looking for ways of securing unity and building relationships of trust.
Oh yes, we must be profoundly concerned. Churchly weasel words.
Let me cut through His Grace’s . . . fog for you. Since 2003, the instruments of the Anglican Communion most under the control of the Archbishop of Canterbury and allies have consistently strung along the orthodox and given a pass to The Episcopal “Church” and the Anglican “Church” of Canada. Those instruments that better represent the broader worldwide communion have been the biggest threat to that policy. And those instruments are (or were) the Lambeth Meeting of all bishops and the Primates Meeting.
So Rowan undermined those instruments. He indabaed Lambeth, making it toothless. And he time and again undermined the Primates Meeting, which previously had made comparatively robust calls for discipline. When many of the orthodox primates finally had enough and did not attend the Dublin meeting, Rowan took advantage of that to strip the Primates Meeting of what little power remained. So now that meeting, too, is now a sanctified indaba (although those who know what the word really means will tell you it is not even that).
In short, Rowan Williams has neutered those more representative instruments that might stand in the way of his intent to give the apostates pass after pass after pass ad infinitum. Must not let the savages, er I mean, the colonies run the Communion, you know.
And no amount of fog from His Grace can hide what he has done.
In recent years, many have appealed to the Primates to resolve the problems of the Communion by taking decisive action to enforce discipline on this or that Province. In approaching the Dublin Meeting, we believed that it was essential to clarify how the Primates themselves understood the nature of their office and authority. It has always been clear that not all have the same view – not because of different theological convictions alone, but also because of the different legal and canonical roles they occupy as Primates. Some have a good deal of individual authority; others have their powers very closely limited by their own canons. It would therefore be difficult if the Meeting collectively gave powers to Primates that were greater than their own canons allowed them individually, as was noted at the 2008 Lambeth Conference (Lambeth [Real African Word] 2008 #151).
The unanimous judgement of those who were present was that the Meeting should not see itself as a ‘supreme court’, with canonical powers, but that it should nevertheless be profoundly and regularly concerned with looking for ways of securing unity and building relationships of trust.
Oh yes, we must be profoundly concerned. Churchly weasel words.
Let me cut through His Grace’s . . . fog for you. Since 2003, the instruments of the Anglican Communion most under the control of the Archbishop of Canterbury and allies have consistently strung along the orthodox and given a pass to The Episcopal “Church” and the Anglican “Church” of Canada. Those instruments that better represent the broader worldwide communion have been the biggest threat to that policy. And those instruments are (or were) the Lambeth Meeting of all bishops and the Primates Meeting.
So Rowan undermined those instruments. He indabaed Lambeth, making it toothless. And he time and again undermined the Primates Meeting, which previously had made comparatively robust calls for discipline. When many of the orthodox primates finally had enough and did not attend the Dublin meeting, Rowan took advantage of that to strip the Primates Meeting of what little power remained. So now that meeting, too, is now a sanctified indaba (although those who know what the word really means will tell you it is not even that).
In short, Rowan Williams has neutered those more representative instruments that might stand in the way of his intent to give the apostates pass after pass after pass ad infinitum. Must not let the savages, er I mean, the colonies run the Communion, you know.
And no amount of fog from His Grace can hide what he has done.
A Sarum Prayer for Ember Wednesday in Lent
In the Sarum Missal, the mass for Ember Wednesday in Lent concluded with the following “prayer over the people”:
We beseech Thee, O Lord, cast the bright beams of Thy light upon our minds, that we may both perceive the things we ought to do, and also may have power rightly to fulfill the same.
A variation of this prayer was and is the collect for the First Sunday in Epiphany.
It is a favorite prayer of mine. I often feel that, in spite of my feeble best efforts, too much of my life is spinning my wheels instead of accomplishing what God would have me to do. And I covet both God’s guidance and power to make something of this live he has given me. So when I come across this collect, I pray it most heartily.
We beseech Thee, O Lord, cast the bright beams of Thy light upon our minds, that we may both perceive the things we ought to do, and also may have power rightly to fulfill the same.
A variation of this prayer was and is the collect for the First Sunday in Epiphany.
It is a favorite prayer of mine. I often feel that, in spite of my feeble best efforts, too much of my life is spinning my wheels instead of accomplishing what God would have me to do. And I covet both God’s guidance and power to make something of this live he has given me. So when I come across this collect, I pray it most heartily.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sometimes, I hate being right.
Back on February 28th, when the noises from the media were that Qadaffi could go any day now, I said not so fast. He would be around longer than we think.
I had no idea how right I was. To be honest, I did not expect him to survive, but thought getting rid of him would take a long time. Now it looks like he will defeat the rebels.
All while the West and Obama fiddles, plays golf, and makes NCAA picks. Disgusting.
I had no idea how right I was. To be honest, I did not expect him to survive, but thought getting rid of him would take a long time. Now it looks like he will defeat the rebels.
All while the West and Obama fiddles, plays golf, and makes NCAA picks. Disgusting.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Wisconsin Police Union Extortion
I am admittedly sensitive about police using their position to go beyond enforcing the law. For example, I do not like it when someone calls me, identifies himself as a police officer, and asks for a donation. Those phone calls end up being short . . . very short.
So you can imagine what I think of a Wisconsin police union engaging in mafia-style extortion against private businesses:
In the event that you cannot support this effort to save collective bargaining, please be advised that the undersigned will publicly and formally boycott the goods and services provided by your company. However, if you join us, we will do everything in our power to publicly celebrate your partnership in the fight to preserve the right of public employees to be heard at the bargaining table.
By the way, the lead author of the extortion letter, Jim Palmer, is a real winner.
Any police officer who uses his position to engage in extortion like this should be fired, now, period.
I may dive further into the thuggery in Wisconsin and elsewhere from unions, Democrats and assorted leftists. For now, Gateway Pundit has numerous examples of such.
So you can imagine what I think of a Wisconsin police union engaging in mafia-style extortion against private businesses:
In the event that you cannot support this effort to save collective bargaining, please be advised that the undersigned will publicly and formally boycott the goods and services provided by your company. However, if you join us, we will do everything in our power to publicly celebrate your partnership in the fight to preserve the right of public employees to be heard at the bargaining table.
By the way, the lead author of the extortion letter, Jim Palmer, is a real winner.
Any police officer who uses his position to engage in extortion like this should be fired, now, period.
I may dive further into the thuggery in Wisconsin and elsewhere from unions, Democrats and assorted leftists. For now, Gateway Pundit has numerous examples of such.
A Reminder
Over the weekend, I saw so many things I hoped to post on Monday morning. But now that Monday morning is here, I am a bit spent from the fun of this past weekend and from the current business of the day and lack the energy to make a post worth . . . posting.
So I will take the opportunity to point out my twitter. You can also find the link at the right. There you can find quick rants that do not make it here to this blog. And I often post links to increase your knowledge of both heaven and earth.
I know you all can’t get enough of me anyway. ;)
So I will take the opportunity to point out my twitter. You can also find the link at the right. There you can find quick rants that do not make it here to this blog. And I often post links to increase your knowledge of both heaven and earth.
I know you all can’t get enough of me anyway. ;)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Pray for Japan
I will probably leave off blogging today in light of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
I prayed the Litany shortly after hearing the news and invite you to join me in praying for Japan.
I prayed the Litany shortly after hearing the news and invite you to join me in praying for Japan.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Obama vs. Freedom of Speech
I’ve mentioned that Obama supported the public sector unions, their runaway Democrat pets and their antics in Wisconsin.
And, yes, it warms my heart to see those efforts defeated. And I frankly do not care to hear any whingeing about it. Those who subvert and run away from the democratic process are in no position to complain when democracy prevails.
I do not mention this deserved defeat in order to gloat, as tempting as that may be, but to point out that Obama and most Democrats are hostile to your freedom of speech.
Leaving aside the question of whether they are trying to muzzle you (I think if they had their way, they would in a number of ways.), I point out that they force workers and taxpayers to fund political advocacy repugnant to them.
In Wisconsin and elsewhere, Democrats support forced closed shop unions for public sector workers (and private workers as well). In order to have a state government job in Wisconsin, one must pay union dues from one’s salary. And who pays the salaries? That’s right – in effect, taxpayers along with state employees are therefore forced to pay union dues.
And if you are forced to pay union dues, you are forced to finance Democrat campaigns.
Now someone try to explain to me how being forced to finance political causes repugnant to you is not a serious violation of freedom of speech.
But when Democrats have a choice between your freedom of speech and their campaign coffers, guess which they choose. No wonder Democrats adamantly oppose a National Right to Work law which outlaws forced union dues.
Obama also opposes freedom of speech on the issue of whether to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and NPR. With the wonderful sting videos, it has now become even more clear that NPR is a lefty propaganda organ. But Obama still thinks you should continue to be forced to finance CPB and hence NPR, to the tune of $451 million.
This represents not only a complete lack of budget priorities but contempt for your freedom of speech.
What’s next? Will we be required to contribute to the Democrat Party and the Obama campaign in 2012?
Well, now that I think about it, for those of us forced to finance unions in closed shop states – yes – yes, we will.
And, yes, it warms my heart to see those efforts defeated. And I frankly do not care to hear any whingeing about it. Those who subvert and run away from the democratic process are in no position to complain when democracy prevails.
I do not mention this deserved defeat in order to gloat, as tempting as that may be, but to point out that Obama and most Democrats are hostile to your freedom of speech.
Leaving aside the question of whether they are trying to muzzle you (I think if they had their way, they would in a number of ways.), I point out that they force workers and taxpayers to fund political advocacy repugnant to them.
In Wisconsin and elsewhere, Democrats support forced closed shop unions for public sector workers (and private workers as well). In order to have a state government job in Wisconsin, one must pay union dues from one’s salary. And who pays the salaries? That’s right – in effect, taxpayers along with state employees are therefore forced to pay union dues.
And if you are forced to pay union dues, you are forced to finance Democrat campaigns.
Now someone try to explain to me how being forced to finance political causes repugnant to you is not a serious violation of freedom of speech.
But when Democrats have a choice between your freedom of speech and their campaign coffers, guess which they choose. No wonder Democrats adamantly oppose a National Right to Work law which outlaws forced union dues.
Obama also opposes freedom of speech on the issue of whether to defund the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and NPR. With the wonderful sting videos, it has now become even more clear that NPR is a lefty propaganda organ. But Obama still thinks you should continue to be forced to finance CPB and hence NPR, to the tune of $451 million.
This represents not only a complete lack of budget priorities but contempt for your freedom of speech.
What’s next? Will we be required to contribute to the Democrat Party and the Obama campaign in 2012?
Well, now that I think about it, for those of us forced to finance unions in closed shop states – yes – yes, we will.
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
The Sarum Missal’s Ash Wednesday Collects
Last year, I noted that the Sarum Missal assigned propers to every day in Lent. And I stated my intention to use them in my Lenten devotions this year. And I began doing so this morning.
The Sarum Ash Wednesday liturgy contains a remarkable series of seven collects near the beginning. I prayed those during my personal daily office this morning.
Some Sarum prayers I have to slightly edit ala Cranmer because of theological issues, but not these seven. With a hat tip to the (Roman) Anglo-Catholic, here they are:
O Lord, we beseech thee, hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee, that they whose consciences by sin are accused by thy merciful pardon may be absolved. Through etc. R. Amen.
Inspire, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy servants with thy saving grace, that their hearts being melted by plenteousness of tears may be so softened and subdued that the working of thy anger may be turned away by a fitting satisfaction. Through etc. [Ed: Of course the “fitting satisfaction” is the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.]
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, unto these thy servants that by repentance they may continually work out the conditions of their purification; and that to enable them more effectually to fulfil the same the grace of thy visitation may prevent and follow them. Through etc.
Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, we beseech thee, prevent these thy servants, that all their iniquities may be blotted out by thy speedy forgiveness. Through etc.
Be favourable, O Lord, to our supplications, and let not the pitifulness of thy mercy be far from thy servants; heal their wounds, and forgive their sins, that being separated from thee by no iniquities, they may ever hold fast to thee their Lord. Through etc.
O Lord our God, who art not overcome by our transgression, but dost graciously accept satisfaction, look, we beseech thee, upon thy servants who confess that they have grievously sinned against thee; to thee it appertaineth to give absolution from offences, and to grant pardon to sinners ; thou hast said that thou wouldest rather the repentance than the death of sinners; grant, therefore, O Lord, to these thy servants, that they may keep unto thee the vigil of penitence, and amending their ways may rejoice that everlasting joys have been conferred on them by thee. Through etc.
O God, whose pardon every man needeth, remember thy servants and thy handmaidens; and because through the uncertain frailty of their mortal bodies, they are despoiled of virtue, and in many things have done amiss, we beseech thee that thou wouldest give pardon to them as they confess their sins, and spare thy suppliants, that they who are accused by their own deserts may be saved by thy pity. Through etc.
Expect me to post more from the Sarum Missal this Lent.
The Sarum Ash Wednesday liturgy contains a remarkable series of seven collects near the beginning. I prayed those during my personal daily office this morning.
Some Sarum prayers I have to slightly edit ala Cranmer because of theological issues, but not these seven. With a hat tip to the (Roman) Anglo-Catholic, here they are:
O Lord, we beseech thee, hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee, that they whose consciences by sin are accused by thy merciful pardon may be absolved. Through etc. R. Amen.
Inspire, we beseech thee, O Lord, thy servants with thy saving grace, that their hearts being melted by plenteousness of tears may be so softened and subdued that the working of thy anger may be turned away by a fitting satisfaction. Through etc. [Ed: Of course the “fitting satisfaction” is the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.]
Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord our God, unto these thy servants that by repentance they may continually work out the conditions of their purification; and that to enable them more effectually to fulfil the same the grace of thy visitation may prevent and follow them. Through etc.
Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, we beseech thee, prevent these thy servants, that all their iniquities may be blotted out by thy speedy forgiveness. Through etc.
Be favourable, O Lord, to our supplications, and let not the pitifulness of thy mercy be far from thy servants; heal their wounds, and forgive their sins, that being separated from thee by no iniquities, they may ever hold fast to thee their Lord. Through etc.
O Lord our God, who art not overcome by our transgression, but dost graciously accept satisfaction, look, we beseech thee, upon thy servants who confess that they have grievously sinned against thee; to thee it appertaineth to give absolution from offences, and to grant pardon to sinners ; thou hast said that thou wouldest rather the repentance than the death of sinners; grant, therefore, O Lord, to these thy servants, that they may keep unto thee the vigil of penitence, and amending their ways may rejoice that everlasting joys have been conferred on them by thee. Through etc.
O God, whose pardon every man needeth, remember thy servants and thy handmaidens; and because through the uncertain frailty of their mortal bodies, they are despoiled of virtue, and in many things have done amiss, we beseech thee that thou wouldest give pardon to them as they confess their sins, and spare thy suppliants, that they who are accused by their own deserts may be saved by thy pity. Through etc.
Expect me to post more from the Sarum Missal this Lent.
BREAKING: NPR CEO RESIGNS
NPR CEO Vivian Schiller has resigned. To which I say, good riddance, but it’s not enough. Defund NPR now!
By the way, if you think I’m hard on the NPR bigots, hear what Juan Williams had to say yesterday. He nails them but good.
By the way, if you think I’m hard on the NPR bigots, hear what Juan Williams had to say yesterday. He nails them but good.
David Cameron Backs Gulag UGay
Like Cranmer, I had not intended to post on the political on Ash Wednesday, but David Cameron’s comments backing the High Court’s ruling against Christians of traditional moral views demands a response.
Cameron said he found the High Court’s ruling against Owen and Eunice Johns “appropriate.” Then he lectured Christians that they must be “tolerant and welcoming and broad-minded” concerning homosexuality. So no sooner that he says it is “appropriate” for traditional Christians to be pushed further to the fringes of society and that they be found unfit to parent that he then turns around and lectures them about tolerance.
I thought only Leftists were capable of this sort of rubbish, of prating about tolerance while attacking the rights of those with whom you disagree.
Well, let me be “intolerant” and state what is not “appropriate.” It is not appropriate for a Prime Minister or President to cheerlead pushing Christians to the edges of society and then have the gall to lecture them about tolerance. It is no longer appropriate for a Christian or for anyone who cares about the rights and place of Christians in UK society to vote for a Conservative candidate who does not denounce Cameron’s comments.
If Christians vote UKIP, maybe Cameron would think twice about pushing the UK into becoming a society hostile to the rights of Christians. Maybe.
Cameron said he found the High Court’s ruling against Owen and Eunice Johns “appropriate.” Then he lectured Christians that they must be “tolerant and welcoming and broad-minded” concerning homosexuality. So no sooner that he says it is “appropriate” for traditional Christians to be pushed further to the fringes of society and that they be found unfit to parent that he then turns around and lectures them about tolerance.
I thought only Leftists were capable of this sort of rubbish, of prating about tolerance while attacking the rights of those with whom you disagree.
Well, let me be “intolerant” and state what is not “appropriate.” It is not appropriate for a Prime Minister or President to cheerlead pushing Christians to the edges of society and then have the gall to lecture them about tolerance. It is no longer appropriate for a Christian or for anyone who cares about the rights and place of Christians in UK society to vote for a Conservative candidate who does not denounce Cameron’s comments.
If Christians vote UKIP, maybe Cameron would think twice about pushing the UK into becoming a society hostile to the rights of Christians. Maybe.
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
NPR: Busted! UPDATED
NPR’s bigotry against conservatives and Christians has been exposed for all to see. In other words, busted!
And that is not to mention that the NPR exec in question (suddenly an EX-NPR exec), contradicts the public whining about taxpayer funding, saying NPR would be better off without it!
But don’t take it from me, check out this wonderful sting for yourself.
By the way, if NPR and the Center for Public Broadcasting are not defunded after this . . . .
Wow, maybe I should not finish that sentence. I know this is Fat Tuesday, but I am trying to give up crankiness and unrighteous anger for Lent. And this does get me angry.
UPDATE: This story has gone viral and fast this morning. It was briefly the lead headline at Drudge.
And NPR is now engaging in damage control.
And just to clarify, it is public funding of NPR that angers me. NPR getting busted, on the other hand, makes my day.
And that is not to mention that the NPR exec in question (suddenly an EX-NPR exec), contradicts the public whining about taxpayer funding, saying NPR would be better off without it!
But don’t take it from me, check out this wonderful sting for yourself.
By the way, if NPR and the Center for Public Broadcasting are not defunded after this . . . .
Wow, maybe I should not finish that sentence. I know this is Fat Tuesday, but I am trying to give up crankiness and unrighteous anger for Lent. And this does get me angry.
UPDATE: This story has gone viral and fast this morning. It was briefly the lead headline at Drudge.
And NPR is now engaging in damage control.
And just to clarify, it is public funding of NPR that angers me. NPR getting busted, on the other hand, makes my day.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Egypt’s Copts Under Attack
As I feared, the situation of Egypt’s Coptic Christians has become more dire.
Among the recent attacks on Copts is the torching of the Church of St. Mina and St. George and machine-gun attacks on two monasteries. Authorities have done little to nothing to defend Copts from these attacks.
Yes, Muslims are responsible for these outrages. It should be noted, however, that many, perhaps most, Egyptian Muslims are appalled by these attacks. Christianity Today notes that some Muslims even endanger themselves to defend Copts.
Please continue to pray for our Coptic brethren in Egypt.
Cranmer also notes these attacks and rakes the BBC over the coals for ignoring them. The U. S. “mainstream” news media deserve similar imprecations.
Among the recent attacks on Copts is the torching of the Church of St. Mina and St. George and machine-gun attacks on two monasteries. Authorities have done little to nothing to defend Copts from these attacks.
Yes, Muslims are responsible for these outrages. It should be noted, however, that many, perhaps most, Egyptian Muslims are appalled by these attacks. Christianity Today notes that some Muslims even endanger themselves to defend Copts.
Please continue to pray for our Coptic brethren in Egypt.
Cranmer also notes these attacks and rakes the BBC over the coals for ignoring them. The U. S. “mainstream” news media deserve similar imprecations.
Friday, March 04, 2011
I Corinthians 13 and Lent
In traditional prayer books, the Epistle Lesson for this Sunday Next Before Lent (Quinquagesima) comes from I Corinthians 13.
That famous chapter on love is indeed excellent preparation for Lent. If one is so dense as to have difficulty finding areas about which to be penitent, an honest reading of this chapter will fix that straight away.
To those who consider themselves to living somewhat up to the standards of godly love, I Corinthians 13 says, “Oh really? Are you patient to the point of suffering long? Are you kind? Do you never envy others? Etc.”
It will not surprise my forbearing readers that I fail when I get to patience already. And as for being “not easily provoked,” all it takes is my usual morning news reading to get me going in that area. I am sure my readers find that shocking.
So I commend the wisdom of the traditional lectionary to you in preparing for Lent. If I Corinthians 13 does not get you good and penitent, then I honestly do not know what will.
That famous chapter on love is indeed excellent preparation for Lent. If one is so dense as to have difficulty finding areas about which to be penitent, an honest reading of this chapter will fix that straight away.
To those who consider themselves to living somewhat up to the standards of godly love, I Corinthians 13 says, “Oh really? Are you patient to the point of suffering long? Are you kind? Do you never envy others? Etc.”
It will not surprise my forbearing readers that I fail when I get to patience already. And as for being “not easily provoked,” all it takes is my usual morning news reading to get me going in that area. I am sure my readers find that shocking.
So I commend the wisdom of the traditional lectionary to you in preparing for Lent. If I Corinthians 13 does not get you good and penitent, then I honestly do not know what will.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Michael Moore: “That’s ours.”
If you, for some reason, wish to see and hear the embodiment of the mentality of Leftists concerning economic success, you need go no further then the ravings of one Michael Moore. In talking about “cash”:
We've allowed them to take that. That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours. We all have this . . . . I think we need to go back to taxing these people at the proper rates.
Which no doubt is the pre-Reagan individual income tax rates of 70% and more.
Moore’s attitude belongs more on the elementary school playground than in political discourse. He and other Leftists think that the money you earn does not belong to you, especially if you make too much in their eyes. It belongs to them, namely a government controlled by them, in order to redistribute to more worthy outlets than you. If their benevolent government lets you keep some, then you should be grateful.
“What’s yours is ours,” whine the little Leftists.
Well . . . not so little in Moore’s case.
We've allowed them to take that. That's not theirs, that's a national resource, that's ours. We all have this . . . . I think we need to go back to taxing these people at the proper rates.
Which no doubt is the pre-Reagan individual income tax rates of 70% and more.
Moore’s attitude belongs more on the elementary school playground than in political discourse. He and other Leftists think that the money you earn does not belong to you, especially if you make too much in their eyes. It belongs to them, namely a government controlled by them, in order to redistribute to more worthy outlets than you. If their benevolent government lets you keep some, then you should be grateful.
“What’s yours is ours,” whine the little Leftists.
Well . . . not so little in Moore’s case.
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
Gulag UKGay
As Peter Ould notes, we should be careful not to overstate what the UK High Court ruled on orthodox Christians' eligibility to be foster parents. However, there can be no doubt that the High Court gave the green light to discriminating against Christians with traditional views on sexuality.
In short, if you do not bow down to the gay agenda, government entities can consider you unfit to foster parent.
And, yes, it does seem a short leap to being considered unfit to parent one’s own children.
The Christian couple in question sum up the situation well:
We are extremely distressed at what the judges have ruled today.
All we wanted was to offer a loving home to a child in need. We have a good track record as foster parents.
But because we are Christians, with mainstream Christian views on sexual ethics, we are apparently unsuitable as foster parents. We are unsure how we can continue the application process following the court’s ruling today.
We have been excluded because we have moral opinions based on our faith, and we feel sidelined because we are Christians with normal, mainstream Christian views on sexual ethics.
The judges have suggested that our views might harm children. We have been told by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that our moral views may 'infect’ a child. We do not believe that this is so.
We are prepared to love and accept any child. All we were not willing to do, was to tell a small child that the practice of homosexuality was a good thing.
Worst of all, a vulnerable child has now likely missed the chance of finding a safe and caring home, at a time when there are so few people willing to foster or adopt.
We feel excluded, and that there is no place for us in society.
We have not received justice. We believe that an independent inquiry is needed to look into this.
This is indeed an outrageous ruling. Cranmer goes into a number of the various and sordid details.
Recently, any number of people excoriated Melanie Phillips for warning against a gay mafia in the UK. Yet these same people who bitched about Phillips’ column prove her right by cheerleading the exclusion of Christians from foster parenting because they cannot endorse homosexual lifestyles.
Not even the mafia goes that far. No, this is the stuff of gulags in which one bows down to secularist state orthodoxy . . . or else.
I may remind my readers that totalitarian states have a record of removing children from parents in order to indoctrinate them. The UK has not gone that far yet to my knowledge. But it is running there. Its foster parenting and adoption policies are practically there already.
In short, if you do not bow down to the gay agenda, government entities can consider you unfit to foster parent.
And, yes, it does seem a short leap to being considered unfit to parent one’s own children.
The Christian couple in question sum up the situation well:
We are extremely distressed at what the judges have ruled today.
All we wanted was to offer a loving home to a child in need. We have a good track record as foster parents.
But because we are Christians, with mainstream Christian views on sexual ethics, we are apparently unsuitable as foster parents. We are unsure how we can continue the application process following the court’s ruling today.
We have been excluded because we have moral opinions based on our faith, and we feel sidelined because we are Christians with normal, mainstream Christian views on sexual ethics.
The judges have suggested that our views might harm children. We have been told by the Equality and Human Rights Commission that our moral views may 'infect’ a child. We do not believe that this is so.
We are prepared to love and accept any child. All we were not willing to do, was to tell a small child that the practice of homosexuality was a good thing.
Worst of all, a vulnerable child has now likely missed the chance of finding a safe and caring home, at a time when there are so few people willing to foster or adopt.
We feel excluded, and that there is no place for us in society.
We have not received justice. We believe that an independent inquiry is needed to look into this.
This is indeed an outrageous ruling. Cranmer goes into a number of the various and sordid details.
Recently, any number of people excoriated Melanie Phillips for warning against a gay mafia in the UK. Yet these same people who bitched about Phillips’ column prove her right by cheerleading the exclusion of Christians from foster parenting because they cannot endorse homosexual lifestyles.
Not even the mafia goes that far. No, this is the stuff of gulags in which one bows down to secularist state orthodoxy . . . or else.
I may remind my readers that totalitarian states have a record of removing children from parents in order to indoctrinate them. The UK has not gone that far yet to my knowledge. But it is running there. Its foster parenting and adoption policies are practically there already.
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