Thursday, November 29, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Nation of Covetous Thieves?
When I teach I sometimes ask people how many would like a smaller government and less taxes. Virtually all the people reply they would like that. I then tell them this could be accomplished if everyone obeyed the Ten Commandments.
Look how much havoc violating just one commandment--“Thou Shalt not Covet”--brings. If a group of people wanted better public schools, police, parks, and other public refinements, and they hired a gang to steal from people in surrounding states to finance these public refinements, they could be arrested and tried for conspiracy, convicted and put in jail.
But if that same group of people went to their Congressional delegation and had them designate tax money taken from people in other states to finance those public refinements, that would be legal. In fact, if the people in the other states didn’t give the federal government their tax dollars for redistribution, they would be put in jail. This example applies to all political jurisdictions. In fact, counties and towns take money confiscated through taxation by the state from citizens in neighboring counties and towns to “improve” what they are unwilling to pay for themselves.
Our disregard for the Ten Commandments requires larger government to control the excesses of men. Larger government requires a lot of money and government control. It appears that we are a nation of covetous thieves, and that is why we keep electing ethically-challenged political leaders.
Look how much havoc violating just one commandment--“Thou Shalt not Covet”--brings. If a group of people wanted better public schools, police, parks, and other public refinements, and they hired a gang to steal from people in surrounding states to finance these public refinements, they could be arrested and tried for conspiracy, convicted and put in jail.
But if that same group of people went to their Congressional delegation and had them designate tax money taken from people in other states to finance those public refinements, that would be legal. In fact, if the people in the other states didn’t give the federal government their tax dollars for redistribution, they would be put in jail. This example applies to all political jurisdictions. In fact, counties and towns take money confiscated through taxation by the state from citizens in neighboring counties and towns to “improve” what they are unwilling to pay for themselves.
Our disregard for the Ten Commandments requires larger government to control the excesses of men. Larger government requires a lot of money and government control. It appears that we are a nation of covetous thieves, and that is why we keep electing ethically-challenged political leaders.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Sovereign or not?
The Bible defines God as the absolute creator, ruler of the universe, and all that is in it. Obviously, that is not the way Congress views God. For example, the House of Representatives just passed legislation which protects those who participate in homosexual acts from various acts of discrimination in jobs and housing. One congressman said that discrimination against homosexuals was “wrong, wrong, not right.”
This congressman and others who agree with him obviously disagree with God.
1 Cor. 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Reading that scripture one can see that people who condone and practice certain behaviors, including homosexuality, will not be allowed in the kingdom of God. The truth is, God discriminates against behavior He designates as sin.
The Bible is clear that there will be a day of reckoning when unrepentant men and women will be judged for their rebellion against God. On that day, it will be too late to appeal because the offenders rejected the only mediator, Jesus Christ.
This congressman and others who agree with him obviously disagree with God.
1 Cor. 6:9-10 says, “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders, nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” Reading that scripture one can see that people who condone and practice certain behaviors, including homosexuality, will not be allowed in the kingdom of God. The truth is, God discriminates against behavior He designates as sin.
The Bible is clear that there will be a day of reckoning when unrepentant men and women will be judged for their rebellion against God. On that day, it will be too late to appeal because the offenders rejected the only mediator, Jesus Christ.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Friday, November 9, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Christian or Charlatan?
I am wary when dealing with someone who wants something from me who begins the conversation with “I am a Christian.” When this happens I figuratively put my hand on my wallet to prevent being conned. Unfortunately, phonies abound within Christianity, and many well-intentioned people are conned. Popular culture has redefined “Christianity” to mean anyone who claims the title of “Christian,” whether they believe in the Biblical Jesus and His teaching or not. Hence, a lot of fools and foolishness are used to denigrate the name and teachings of Jesus Christ.
We know from bitter experience that not every political candidate who claims to be a Christian is one, as evidenced by their words and deeds. Not every one who claims to be a minister of Christ actually is one, as proven by their words and deeds. Due to this type of fraud, polling data on issues that are purported to be relevant to Christians are often skewed because the people interviewed may not have a Biblical worldview. So the next time you read or hear that recent polling data indicating that Christian support for pro life issues or opposition to homosexual rights is declining, remember the people being polled may not believe in the authority of scripture or worship the Jesus of the Bible.
Christians should be identified by doctrinal beliefs and whether their words and deeds match those professed beliefs. Make a list of issues that are important to you, study to find what the scripture teaches about these issues, and then vote for the candidate who holds the position most close to the Biblical precepts. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me,’ Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" NKJV
We know from bitter experience that not every political candidate who claims to be a Christian is one, as evidenced by their words and deeds. Not every one who claims to be a minister of Christ actually is one, as proven by their words and deeds. Due to this type of fraud, polling data on issues that are purported to be relevant to Christians are often skewed because the people interviewed may not have a Biblical worldview. So the next time you read or hear that recent polling data indicating that Christian support for pro life issues or opposition to homosexual rights is declining, remember the people being polled may not believe in the authority of scripture or worship the Jesus of the Bible.
Christians should be identified by doctrinal beliefs and whether their words and deeds match those professed beliefs. Make a list of issues that are important to you, study to find what the scripture teaches about these issues, and then vote for the candidate who holds the position most close to the Biblical precepts. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone who says to Me,’ Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' 23 And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'" NKJV
Natural results of Darwinian evolution.
“I am prepared to fight and die for my cause, . . . I, as a natural selector, will eliminate all who I see unfit, disgraces of human race and failures of natural selection. No, the truth is that I am just an animal, a human, an individual, a dissident . . . . It’s time to put NATURAL SELECTION & SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST back on tracks!”1
“Sadly, these words were among the last things said before a self-proclaimed Social Darwinist took action in a shooting rampage in Jokela High School about 40 miles from Helsinki, Finland. At least eight people were reported killed by the student gunman named Pekka-Eric Auvinen, who had an online alias ‘Sturmgeist89,’ in a tragic event that has shocked the country that sits in the far northern region of Europe.”2 www.answersingenesis.org
“Sadly, these words were among the last things said before a self-proclaimed Social Darwinist took action in a shooting rampage in Jokela High School about 40 miles from Helsinki, Finland. At least eight people were reported killed by the student gunman named Pekka-Eric Auvinen, who had an online alias ‘Sturmgeist89,’ in a tragic event that has shocked the country that sits in the far northern region of Europe.”2 www.answersingenesis.org
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Choosing a candidate for the right reasons
With all the candidates running for various offices how can one make an intelligent choice? Some select strictly by party. But what's to be done when there are many candidates for one office, especially for the Presidential nomination?
---Vote for the most popular?
---Or the best public speaker?
You can find information on the candidates and issues at the following websites:
American Family Association: www.afa.net
American Policy Center: www.americanpolicy.org
Concerned Women for America: www.cwfa.org
Eagle Forum: www.eagleforum.org
Family Research Council: www.frc.org
Focus on the Family: www.family.org
Heritage Foundation: www.heritage.org
National Right to Life Committee: www.nrtlc.org
National Right to Work Committee: www.nrtwc.org
Harold Shira
---Vote for the most popular?
---Or the best public speaker?
You can find information on the candidates and issues at the following websites:
American Family Association: www.afa.net
American Policy Center: www.americanpolicy.org
Concerned Women for America: www.cwfa.org
Eagle Forum: www.eagleforum.org
Family Research Council: www.frc.org
Focus on the Family: www.family.org
Heritage Foundation: www.heritage.org
National Right to Life Committee: www.nrtlc.org
National Right to Work Committee: www.nrtwc.org
Harold Shira
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Consequences for illegal action??
There seems to be an apparent contradiction in our immigration laws in that while it is illegal to enter the country, it is not necessarily illegal to be in the country, so our courts have ruled. Whoa, figure that one out! Accordingly, Congress should make it a felony, not just for re-entry after deportation. However, illegal aliens, even though they might be otherwise decent people can’t help but break our laws if they are to live and move around.
We must restore the Rule of Law and eliminate sanctuary cities. Why would any city give sanctuary from detection, arrest and prosecution? Does this involve committing crimes by not doing anything? Non- or Malfeasance comes to mind. There are over 30 major cities that are known “Sanctuary Cities” with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mandate to police officers from asking about immigration status without criminal cause. However, the most important mission of the police is to enforce criminal laws and to protect its citizens. Putting blinders on will not solve anything. Best then to go sit and stay in a donut shop and ignore lawlessness or hide behind excuses for letting lawbreakers off the hook.
George Sahling
We must restore the Rule of Law and eliminate sanctuary cities. Why would any city give sanctuary from detection, arrest and prosecution? Does this involve committing crimes by not doing anything? Non- or Malfeasance comes to mind. There are over 30 major cities that are known “Sanctuary Cities” with a “don’t ask, don’t tell” mandate to police officers from asking about immigration status without criminal cause. However, the most important mission of the police is to enforce criminal laws and to protect its citizens. Putting blinders on will not solve anything. Best then to go sit and stay in a donut shop and ignore lawlessness or hide behind excuses for letting lawbreakers off the hook.
George Sahling
Friday, November 2, 2007
Illegal means ....?
Major news networks rarely provide us with insights regarding the criminal aspects of illegal immigration that make a mockery of our laws and impact our nation.
Thirty years in law-enforcement investigating almost every conceivable crime left me believing that the term illegal meant against the law and that helping someone commit a crime was also a crime. I did not know that it was optional to ignore or blatantly thumb one’s nose at our country’s former foundation based on and committed to the Rule of Law.
It is estimated that around 20 million illegal aliens from around the world are in our country when the majority should never have reached here in the first place. Being an illegal alien is more than just arriving at our doorstep seeking work and a better life. For the most part it results, by necessity, in the breaking of a whole range of laws from possessing and using forged documents to receiving social services under false pretences. I am not including crimes against persons or property in this category. It also involves those who aid and abet them and who in-turn break a long litany of laws, including hiring practices without the usual documentation, to not reporting their wages.
As US citizens we have to pay FICA, Social Security, Federal and State taxes, workers’ comp., pensions, health insurance etc. Not paying some of these items would land us in jail, period.
George Sahlin
Thirty years in law-enforcement investigating almost every conceivable crime left me believing that the term illegal meant against the law and that helping someone commit a crime was also a crime. I did not know that it was optional to ignore or blatantly thumb one’s nose at our country’s former foundation based on and committed to the Rule of Law.
It is estimated that around 20 million illegal aliens from around the world are in our country when the majority should never have reached here in the first place. Being an illegal alien is more than just arriving at our doorstep seeking work and a better life. For the most part it results, by necessity, in the breaking of a whole range of laws from possessing and using forged documents to receiving social services under false pretences. I am not including crimes against persons or property in this category. It also involves those who aid and abet them and who in-turn break a long litany of laws, including hiring practices without the usual documentation, to not reporting their wages.
As US citizens we have to pay FICA, Social Security, Federal and State taxes, workers’ comp., pensions, health insurance etc. Not paying some of these items would land us in jail, period.
George Sahlin
Thursday, November 1, 2007
No Brainer
Some things are “no brainers.” For instance, if one product can be bought for less money than another product of equal quality, that is a good deal. Most people shop around for those kinds of deals—but none of this applies when one is talking about education in the government school system. For illustration purposes lets say it costs Delaware taxpayers $9,000 per year to educate one student. If the state provided parents the option of taking a $3,000 per year voucher to use at a non-government school, that child’s education would save Delaware’s taxpayers $6,000 per year. Multiply that $6,000 savings by thousands of students and you are talking about serious budget reduction. Another advantage of the non-government school is that the taxpayer does not have to pay for the construction and maintenance of facilities--that means a decrease in the number of referendums and more stability in local property taxes.
Delaware’s education budget is one of the largest expenditures in state government. Vouchers/scholarships could reduce the State budget. Because of the competition that would come from the non-government schools, the quality of education in public schools would be enhanced, and its teachers and administrators would be more accountable. If it is such a “no brainer,” why don’t Delaware’s legislators enact education voucher/scholarship legislation? Good question! I imagine the answer can be found in two areas: one, it has to do with the voting influence of government school employee unions, and two, it’s more important for many legislators to retain their elected office than it is to find ways to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently and effectively.
Delaware’s education budget is one of the largest expenditures in state government. Vouchers/scholarships could reduce the State budget. Because of the competition that would come from the non-government schools, the quality of education in public schools would be enhanced, and its teachers and administrators would be more accountable. If it is such a “no brainer,” why don’t Delaware’s legislators enact education voucher/scholarship legislation? Good question! I imagine the answer can be found in two areas: one, it has to do with the voting influence of government school employee unions, and two, it’s more important for many legislators to retain their elected office than it is to find ways to spend taxpayer dollars more efficiently and effectively.
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