Category: Christianity

Thanksgiving 2013: The Anchor Holds.

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics3 Comments

Thanksgiving2013Thanksgiving Day.

Simply saying the words to myself brings back a flood of precious memories…memories of Thanksgivings past, as a child, surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, my sisters, and my Mother and Daddy…smells of sage dressing and oven-roasted turkey..followed by the feeling of having an over-stuffed stomach…all topped by the sounds of laughter and the sight of my aunts and uncles, all members of America’s Greatest Generation, being led in a penny-ante poker game after the Thanksgiving meal by my Daddy, the finest man I have ever known…all of them enjoying each other’s company as they reveled in the wonderful completeness of being a family.

Thanksgiving is a uniquely American Holiday…as unique as the nation which celebrates it.

In 1621, a small group of Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a feast celebrating the autumn harvest. This is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

However, Thanksgiving is much more than this.

Thanksgiving is a day when Americans thank their Creator for the blessings they have received during the year, while holding hope and expetation in their hearts for the blessings yet to come.

The Father of Our Country expressed his thankfulness concerning God and America, when he announced this holiday in 1789:

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me “to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.”

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be – That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks – for his kind care and protection of the People of this country previous to their becoming a Nation – for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his providence, which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war –for the great degree of tranquillity, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed – for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted, for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions – to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually – to render our national government a blessing to all the People, by constantly being a government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed – to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord – To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and Us – and generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789. – United States President George Washington.

On October 3, 1863, in the middle of the darkness and strife of a Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the following…

By the President of the United States

A Proclamation

The year that is drawing toward its close has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever-watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign states to invite and provoke their aggressions, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere, except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plow, the shuttle, or the ship; the ax has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege, and the battlefield, and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised, nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently, and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American people. I do, therefore, invite my fellow-citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens. And I recommend to them that, while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners, or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty hand to heal the wounds of the nation, and to restore it, as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes, to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United Stated States to be affixed.

Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the United States the eighty-eighth. 

Abraham Lincoln

The intestinal fortitude that is our heritage as Americans…along with that still, small voice which still resides in each and every one of us, will continue, I pray, to guide our nation, and spur us on, to stay vigilant and protect our American Freedom, just as my Parents’ Generation did, against the Axis of Evil.

This Thanksgiving Day 2013, I’m thankful for Americans who are still making a difference.  Americans who still love God and country, and stand on principle with their feet planted on a Solid Rock, and not on shifting sands.

They are the reason we remain, in spite of all that has befallen us in the last 5 years, the greatest country on Earth.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Until He Comes,

KJ

 

Obama to Close Vatican Embassy. “Security Concerns” or Petulant Payback?

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics5 Comments

obamabillofrightsAfter We Win This Election, It’s Our Turn. Payback Time! – Valerie Jarrett, Senior Advisor to President Barack Hussein Obama

Just when you think that Obama and his minions have pulled all of the dirty tricks that they possibly can….they surprise you…and pull another one.

Or, as Bullwinkle J. Moose said to Rocket J. Squirrel,

Hey, Rocky…wanna see me pull a rabbit out of my hat?

Rocky:  Again?

The Holy See is the diplomatic representative of the Roman Catholic Church and the Pope with its headquarters in Vatican City. The United States maintained a presence in Rome throughout the nineteenth century. The United States at different times had a Minister to the Papal States, Minister to the Pontifical States, and finally, a Minister to Rome from 1848 until Kingdom of Italy conquered Rome in 1870. Throughout much of the twentieth century, successive U.S. Presidents sent a Personal Representative to the Holy See.

The United States Embassy to the Holy See is located on the Aventine hill in the beautiful Villa Domiziana, a private residence, built in 1953. In 1994 the United States government bought the property and turned it into the new chancery for the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See.

Formal diplomatic relations with the Holy See were begun in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II. The mission works in partnership with the Holy See on global issues including HIV/AIDS, world hunger, religious freedom and human rights.

However, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, wants to close the Vatican Embassy.

According to the National Catholic Reporter…

Plans to move the U.S. embassy to the Vatican onto the grounds of the larger American embassy to Italy, though in a separate building and with a distinct entrance, are drawing fire from five former American envoys despite the tacit consent of the Vatican itself.

Justified primarily on the grounds of enhanced security, the move is described by former U.S. Ambassador James Nicholson, who’s also a former Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the Bush administration and a former chair of the Republican National Committee, as a “massive downgrade” in U.S./Vatican ties.

“It’s turning this embassy into a stepchild of the embassy to Italy,” Nicholson said.

“The Holy See is a pivot point for international affairs and a major listening post for the United States,” he said, “and to shoehorn [the U.S. delegation] into an office annex inside another embassy is an insult to American Catholics and to the Vatican.”

Nicholson, who spoke in an interview Wednesday with NCR, joins former Bush envoys Francis Rooney and Mary Ann Glendon as well as Raymond Flynn, the first Clinton ambassador, and Thomas Melady, who served the first President Bush, in objecting.

“In the diplomatic world, if you don’t have your own separate space, you’re on the road to nowhere,” said Rooney, who served as ambassador from 2005 to 2008. He’s author of The Global Vatican, a new book on U.S./Vatican relations.

While the move has not yet been publicly announced, a contract for renovations to the new facility has been awarded, and it’s tentatively scheduled to open in January 2015. The embassy is presently located in a building near Rome’s Circus Maximus, roughly 3 miles away from the other American diplomatic facilities in the city.

Although the Vatican traditionally has insisted that countries maintain embassies in distinct locations as a way of underscoring its autonomy, signals in this case suggest it won’t protest the relocation.

On background, a senior Vatican official told NCR on Monday that safety is a “real concern,” especially in the wake of a lethal June 2012 assault on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya, that claimed the lives of an American ambassador and three other officials. A U.S. State Department report after that assault recommended consolidating facilities wherever possible.

The all-encompassing excuse of “security concerns” is a catch-all in this case. The Obama Administration has been attempting to marginalize the Catholic Church in America for quite a while now.

Obama and his Adminstration expect Catholic Institutions to go against their faith, in deference to what they perceive to be a “higher power”: Obamacare.

The Catholic League shot back in January of 2012…with both barrels.

The following was our response to the announcement of the Obama administration’s edict mandating coverage of sterilization and contraceptive services in most healthcare plans:

Secretary of HHS Kathleen Sebelius said that aside from houses of worship, all other religious agencies and organizations will be required to provide sterilization and contraceptive services, including abortifacients, in their employee healthcare plans; none will be allowed to charge co-pays or deductibles. The policy goes into effect in August 2013 for these entities.

Sebelius explained how her directive applies to non-church religious entities such as Catholic hospitals and universities: “Employers wishing to take advantage of the additional year must certify that they qualify for the delayed implementation. This additional year will allow these organizations more time and flexibility to adapt to this new rule.” She also said, “I believe this proposal strikes the appropriate balance between religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services.”

That this edict was being announced in an election year indicates both contempt for the First Amendment and plain stupidity.

Things have not gotten any better in this “strained relationship”. 

In fact, in a related note, the Supreme Court announced yesterday that it will hear arguments concerning the requirement that employers offer access to contraception coverage. The two case being presented are both private companies, Hobby Lobby and Conestoga Wood Specialties whose owners are Christians who refuse to provide free contraception coverage, as that practice would go against their Christian Faith.

I find it quite revealing that, while Obama is requiring nothing from the murderous, barbaric country of Iran, and deemed his Nuclear Negotiations a “success”, he is not willing to negotiate with Christian Americans,who are simply standing for Christ, in defense of their faith and their right to Religious Freedom.

Priorities…and petulance.

Until He Comes,

KJ

Obama and Obamacare: Americans are Hurting. To Whom Can We Turn?

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics3 Comments

americaneagleflagTo say that America is facing a pivotal moment in history is an understatement. Obamacare is wiping out Americans’ health insurance coverage all over the country, causing despair and discouragement.

Add an American President, who seems to care more about supporting our enemies and improving his golf game, than protecting and serving the country he is supposed to be leading, and you see a country in the middle of a National Crisis.

Yesterday, in an interview with CBN’s Chief Poltical Correspondent, David Brody,  to promote he new Christmas Book, “Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas,” the following discussion took place,

David Brody: “Look, you don’t pull any punches, what a shock. In this book, when it comes to Jesus, you talk about him, you talk about God, Jesus, right there and you talk about how that name that if it wasn’t called Christmas, if it wasn’t about Jesus, then it may be a whole different story, but that name seems to offend and I’m curious about your views on that.”

Sarah Palin: “That’s a great point that you’re bringing up because that’s exactly the point. People who would be offended that we celebrate the Prince of Peace because it is called Christmas, it’s because the name Christ is in the title that they would be offended. So that tells you this war on Christmas is really the tip of the spear when it comes to a greater battle that’s brewing and that battle that’s brewing is those who would want to take God out of our society, out of our culture which will lead to ruin as history has proven. Any country, any government society that has kicked God out of the public square completely, it leads to ruin. Why would we go down that path when we know what would happen?”

So far, most of the ads, on television, Internet, Radio, and print, which I have seen, refuse to refer to the day on which we celebrate the birth of the Savior as “Christmas”. Instead, they refer to the time using the nebulous words, “The Holidays”.

Frankly, this ignorance in the name of Political Correctness is just a symptom of our rapidly-decaying American Culture, which has accelerated even greater in the last 5 years, under President Barack Hussein Obama.

This has been the most Christian-stifling Administration in the History of America.

As I have written in previous posts, the entire military is under the advisement of leaders who are following the advice of Mikey Weinstein, Founder of the Military Religious Freedom Foundation, an Atheist Organization. Weinstein’s mission is to remove God from our military.

Obama seeks the elimination of Christianity from the military and, eventually, from our daily lives, as well. Obama favors another religion over the Faith of Our Fathers.

Now, I know some of you will claim that he is just being sensitive to other religions. However, Jewish Americans have worked and served side by side with Christian Americans since the birth of our nation. They are respectful of our faith, as we are respectful of theirs.

What is it about Christianity that this Administration is so opposed to?

The American clergyman and author, Phillip Brooks, once said:

Christianity helps us face the music even when we don’t like the tune.

And, without America’s Moral Compass of Christianity in the way, Obama has free reign to “radically change” the “shining city on a hill”.

I’m sure that you have seen, or heard of, by now, the “Bro-surance” and “Ho-surance” commercials designed to lure healthy young Americans into buying Health Insurance through the Obamacare Exchanges.

The commercials portray young Americans as Hedonists, on a par with Sandra Fluke. You remember that chick…the 30 year old professional student, who insisted that we have to pay her $3,000 each month for her birth control.

Here’s an aspirin, precious. Place it between your knees and squeeze tightly.

But I digress…

Staying on the subject of Obamacare, what sort of “Christian” President (as he has claimed to be) would lie to the American People 29 times that “if you want your health insurance, you can keep your health insurance” and “if you want your doctor, you can keep your doctor”?

Additionally, what sort of “Christian” President would treat our sworn enemies, Muslim Extremists, better than he treats our greatest ally, the home of God’s Chosen People, Israel?

During my soon-to-be 55 years, I have noticed that our country’s culture tends to model itself after the character of the man sitting in the Oval Office at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

If you have a leader who loves God and Country, Americans tend to follow his example, becoming more conscious of their role is shaping this nation, by working hard, and taking pride in providing for their families, through personal responsibility, perseverance, and faith in the God of Our Fathers.

However, if you have an American President who embraces the teachings of Marx and Alinsky, and who seems to be more enamored by the Muslim Call to Prayer, “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset”, than he is “Rock of Ages” or  “Amazing Grace” (old or new version), then you will have Americans following what their President believes in, causing a crack in the fabric of American Society and Culture.

That is where we stand today. As Americans continue to lose their health insurance, and the realization of their betrayal by their fallen messiah sets in, there will be a lot of misled, hurting Americans, seeking some sort of assurance that their lives are still worth-living and that they will “get by”.

Last week, as he has done all his adult life, America’s Pastor, the Reverend Billy Graham, celebrating his 95th birthday, provided the answer. He advised Americans to RETURN TO THE CROSS.

As a kid in high school, my English Literature teacher, Mr. Rainey, had us all memorize famous speeches, and stand and deliver them in class. I picked the famous Call to Arms by American Founding Father and Christian, Patrick Henry:

Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here, idle? I know not what course others may take, but as for me, GIVE ME LIBERTY OR GIVE ME DEATH!

This American Patriot also said,

Being a Christian… is a character which I prize far above all this world has or can boast.

The Bible… is a book worth more than all the other books that were ever printed.

Righteousness alone can exalt America as a nation. Whoever thou art, remember this; and in thy sphere practice virtue thyself, and encourage it in others.

The great pillars of all government and of social life [are] virtue, morality, and religion. This is the armor, my friend, and this alone, that renders us invincible.

Raise your eyes to the hills, Americans, from which cometh our help.

For greater is He who is in us…than he who is in the world.

Until He Comes,

KJ

The Iranian Negotiations: Of Naivete, Nukes, and the Six-Day War

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics2 Comments

americanisraelilapelpinAs American’s learned earlier this week, President Barack Hussein Obama has been in secret negotiations with the leadership of Iran, consisting of the Ayatollahs and President Rohani.

The Obama administration began softening sanctions on Iran after the election of Iran’s new president in June, months before the current round of nuclear talks in Geneva or the historic phone call between the two leaders in September.

While those negotiations now appear on the verge of a breakthrough the key condition for Iran—relief from crippling sanctions—began quietly and modestly five months ago.

A review of Treasury Department notices reveals that the U.S. government has all but stopped the financial blacklisting of entities and people that help Iran evade international sanctions since the election of its president, Hassan Rouhani, in June.

On Wednesday Obama said in an interview with NBC News the negotiations in Geneva “are not about easing sanctions.” “The negotiations taking place are about how Iran begins to meet its international obligations and provide assurances not just to us but to the entire world,” the president said.

Negotiating with Barbarians. How quaint. 

It has been tried before, boys and girls.

On November 4, 1979, an angry mob of some 300 to 500 “students” who called themselves “Imam’s Disciples,” laid siege to the American Embassy in Teheran, Iran, to capture and hold hostage 66 U.S. citizens and diplomats. Although women and African-Americans were released a short time later, 51 hostages remained imprisoned for 444 days with another individual released because of illness midway through the ordeal.

…President Jimmy Carter immediately imposed economic sanctions and applied diplomatic pressure to expedite negotiations for the release of the hostages. First, Carter cancelled oil imports from Iran, then he expelled a number of Iranians from the U.S., followed by freezing about $8 billion of Iranian assets in the U.S.

At first, the Iranian government denied responsibility for the incident, but its failure to take action against the hostage-takers belied the denial. The Carter administration could do little other at that point than be patient and persistent.

In February 1980, Iran issued a list of demands for the hostages’ release. They included the Shah’s return to Iran, a demand for an apology for American involvement in Iran, including the coup in 1953, and a promise to steer clear of Iranian affairs in the future. From the president’s perspective, those demands could not be met.

In late April, Carter decided upon an ultra-secret mission to rescue the hostages. The operation, dubbed “Eagle Claw,” seemed hastily thrown together by some, doomed to failure by others. Teheran was surrounded by 700 miles of desert on all sides; the city itself was crammed with four million people, and the embassy was huge and well guarded. It was to have been a two-night process requiring a minimum of six helicopters and a handful of C-130 cargo aircraft. To be on the safe side, eight copters were prepared for the mission.

Once inside Iranian borders and advancing under cloak of night to a predetermined staging area 50 miles outside Teheran in the Great Salt Desert, one “helo” had to turn back with operating problems. Another helo and then another succumbed to a swirling dust storm, known in that area as a “haboob.” The mission was aborted.

Upon attempting their retreat, a miscommunication gave one helo the okay to lift off. The storm slammed the helo into a C-130, causing a gigantic fireball, killing three in the chopper and five in the airplane.

The aftermath, as Iranians eventually found and mockingly paraded the wreckage on worldwide television, was total humiliation for the United States, and spurred an onslaught of investigations and congressional hearings. Cyrus Vance, the secretary of state who had objected to the plan, resigned in protest. Back to square one.

Because if there is one thing that Muslim Fanatics want to do with American Infidels…it is sit down and talk.

After all…they are sooo refined, and don’t wish to harm a fly. Just ask Israel…and Former President Carter.

Back on February 24th, ynetnews.com reported that

As speculations over a possible strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities grow, the Islamic Republic is exacerbating its rhetoric.

Deputy Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi on Friday warned Israel against mounting such an attack: “Any act by the Zionist regime against Iran will bring about its destruction.”

Hezbollah, he added, “Is at the forefront of the fight against Israel and it is growing stronger by the day.”

Speaking at a ceremony honoring past Hezbollah commanders, Vahidi said that “Israel is weaker than it has ever been and its army is tired and humiliated… This is why it is trying to solve its problems by talking about taking action against Iran. But these are ridiculous statements.

“Iran’s warriors are ready and willing to wipe Israel off the map,” he declared.

Hey,no worries President Obama…Prime Minister Netanyahu, Iran is a peaceful nation…just ask them.

Yesterday,Iranian President Hassan Rohani urged world powers not to miss an “exceptional opportunity” to reach an agreement in their ongoing nuclear talks in Geneva, .

According to the official Iranian news Agency and propaganda Tool, IRNA, Rohani said,

I hope that the P5+1 group make the most out of this exceptional opportunity that the Iranian nation has offered to the international community, so that we can reach a positive result within a reasonable timeframe.

The Iranian Leadership, if they are insincere about world peace, and still harbor thoughts of “wiping Israel off the map”, (as anyone who is not naive, believes that they do)  would do well to  read the accounts of the Six- Day War.

The Six-Day War took place in June 1967. The Six-Day War was fought between June 5th and June 10th. The Israelis defended the war as a preventative military effort to counter what the Israelis saw as an impending attack by Arab nations that surrounded Israel. The Six-Day War was initiated by General Moshe Dayan, the Israeli’s Defence Minister.

The war was against Syria, Jordan and Egypt. Israel believed that it was only a matter of time before the three Arab states co-ordinated a massive attack on Israel. After the 1956 Suez Crisis, the United Nations had established a presence in the Middle East, especially at sensitive border areas. The United Nations was only there with the agreement of the nations that acted as a host to it. By May 1967, the Egyptians had made it clear that the United Nations was no longer wanted in the Suez region. Gamal Nasser, leader of Egypt, ordered a concentration of Egyptian military forces in the sensitive Suez zone. This was a highly provocative act and the Israelis only viewed it one way – that Egypt was preparing to attack. The Egyptians had also enforced a naval blockade which closed off the Gulf of Aqaba to Israeli shipping.

Due to the superior size of the Invasion Force, the world’s  news media reported the imminent defeat of Israel as a fait accompli.

The Invaders were attacking God’s Chosen People from all sides.

Egyptian forces invaded Palestine from the South-west, captured Gaza and were thrusting along the coast to link up with –

Arab legion troops driving from the west towards Tel Aviv, the capital of the new State of Israel.

Another Egyptian column thrust 30 miles across the southern desert and entered Beersheba.

Lebanese and Syrian forces were about to attack from the north.

Iraqi and Trans-Jordan forces were moving in from the North-east.

An Arab legion column striking west from Jericho were only ten miles from Tel Aviv.

Israel’s chances of defeating the Invaders appeared hopeless. As an insurance policy, some of the invading nations had actually forbidden any armaments or weapons to be sold to Israel.

Additionally, the crack Arab Legion forces were trained and led by British Army officers.

Inexplicably, within days, all the invading forces were retreating as fast as their camels could carry them!

The Egyptians were forced back to the Nile. Jordan’s legions had to give up all their area on the west side of the Jordan River. Israel occupied Lebanon and the Golan Heights.

Secular History tells us that it was a combination of Israel taking out the planes of the Egyptian Air Force, while they were still on the ground, and the Commander of their Tank Brigade surrendering, because the reflection off of the desert floor multiplied the size of the Israeli Force, making it seem like the Invaders were surrounded by superior numbers.

However, at the time of Israel’s victory, strange rumors started making the rounds.

Invaders from the south reported that they were confronted by legions of unknown troops clothed in white!

And, the thing was…the Israeli troops reported similar stories!

The outcome of Six Day War of 1967 was very important, because, for the first time for 2,520 years, Israel captured and governed Jerusalem.

For all those years before, Jerusalem was under the thumb of  non-Jewish powers, but their control was prophesied only to continue ‘until the times allotted to the Gentiles are completed,’ Jesus said (Luke 21:24).

Naturally, Christians everywhere got very excited at the significance of this event.

The attack on Israel come out of nowhere. So…how was it that Israel gained such a rapid victory?

God’s Cavalry was there for God’s Chosen People in the Six Day War in 1967.

Arab generals said, ‘they did not know that Israel had large cavalry units.’

Why was Israel favored by God with such an intervention? Was it because they deserved it? The answer is ‘No’.

God kept his promise, found in Leviticus 26: 42-44…

42 I will remember my promise to Jacob, Isaac, and Abraham. I will also remember the land. 43 The land, abandoned by them, will enjoy its time to honor the Lord while it lies deserted without them. They must accept their guilt because they rejected my rules and looked at my laws with disgust. 44 Even when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them or look at them with disgust. I will not reject or cancel my promise to them, because I am the Lord their God.

Rohani needs to remember that. President Barack Hussein Obama does, too.

Until He Comes,

KJ

America’s Culture War: Of Pedophilia and “Gay” Apparel

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics5 Comments

American FreedomWhile our nation’s attention has been focused on the all-out political assault of this Administration and their Progressive Lackeys on our Healthcare, Health Insurance, and our very rights as American Citizens, the Slippery Slope which our nation has been plummeting down since the ascension of The Lightbringer to the Throne of the Regime in January of 2009, just became even steeper…if that’s possible.

According to The Washington Times,

Pedophilia is not a “sexual orientation,” and erroneous use of that phrase will be corrected soon in its new manual on mental illnesses, the American Psychiatric Association said Thursday.

The APA’s statement came in response to media inquiries, including from The Washington Times, about an uproar on the Internet that the APA had designated pedophilia as a sexual orientation in its new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as DSM-5 or DSM-V.

About a week ago, a blog called NeonTommy, produced at Annenberg Digital News at the University of Southern California, said the APA had drawn a “very distinct line” between pedophilia and pedophilic disorder in its new manual.

According to the DSM-5, pedophilia “refers to a sexual orientation or profession of sexual preference devoid of consummation, whereas pedophilic disorder is defined as a compulsion and is used in reference to individuals who act on their sexuality,” NeonTommy wrote.

The item was picked up and circulated on countless other Internet sites. Many bloggers bashed the APA for “mainstreaming” deviance and capitulating to pro-pedophile groups. Others tied it to gay issues — one wag wrote that it was “time to change the LGBT letterhead to LGBT&P.”

The APA said in its statement that “‘sexual orientation’ is not a term used in the diagnostic criteria for pedophilic disorder and its use in the DSM-5 text discussion is an error and should read ‘sexual interest.’”

“In fact, APA considers pedophilic disorder a ‘paraphilia,’ not a ‘sexual orientation.’ This error will be corrected in the electronic version of DSM-5 and the next printing of the manual,” the organization said. The error appeared on page 698, said a spokeswoman.

It added: “APA stands firmly behind efforts to criminally prosecute those who sexually abuse and exploit children and adolescents. We also support continued efforts to develop treatments for those with pedophilic disorder with the goal of preventing future acts of abuse.”

The DSM-5 was released in May. For several years prior to that, major discussions were held about the pedophilia category.

In the end, however, only a small change was made: “Pedophilia” was changed to “pedophilic disorder,” to conform to other disorders in chapter on paraphilias, the APA said. The “diagnostic criteria essentially remained the same as in DSM-IV-TR,” it added.

To be diagnosed with a paraphilic disorder, DSM-5 requires that people “feel personal distress” about their atypical sexual interest or have a desire or behavior that harms another person or involves “unwilling” persons or “persons unable to give legal consent.”

Whoa. Hold on there, Slim.

Now, I realize that I’m just an ignorant old soon-to-be 55-year-old white male with a Bachelor’s Degree, including 3 Psychology and 2 Sociology courses, but…if performing unspeakable acts on innocent children is all you ever think about, THAT IS YOUR SEXUAL ORIENTATION. 

Calling it an “Interest” is parsing words in the self-serving interest of notoriety, Political Correctness, and the continued normalization of Deviant Behavior.

This is, in reality, nothing new. When I was in college, in the late 1970s, in my”Introduction to Sociology Textbook”, in the chapter on Deviant Behavior, both Homosexuality and Pedophilia were classified as such.

Then as time went on, and more and more practitioners of the ‘alternate lifestyle, got their doctorates in Sociology and Psychology, Homosexuality was re-classified as a “Sexual Preference”, and not a “Deviant Behavior”.

This trend of acceptance has continued, until now, you have a movement by Homosexual Activists and their Progressive  Accomplices to re-define the word “marriage”, which has been defined as the intimate spiritual, familial bond between a man and a woman, since Biblical Times. And, even though the overwhelming majority of states in our country have voted against “Gay Marriage”, the movement for re-definition continued, aided by self-serving politicians and activist judges.

Everyone is so “gay” sensitive, that Hallmark has even changed the lyrics to a classic Christmas Carol, afraid that Americans won’t buy a silly little ornament, as Fox News reports…

 The ornament, which was reportedly designed by Matt Johnson, a keepsake artist, was described on Hallmark’s website as an ornament that can “make your tree’s outfit complete.”

“With its catchy phrase, Don we now our FUN apparel! everyone will be in on the joke,” the website’s description reads.

 The company, which is more known for apolitical greeting cards wishing a boss a happy retirement, issued a statement to media outlets explaining the history of the song dating back to the 1880s, a time “when “gay” meant festive or merry.”

“Today it has multiple meanings, which we thought could leave our intent open to misinterpretation,” the statement said. “The trend of wearing festively decorated Christmas sweaters to parties is all about fun, and this ornament is intended to play into that, so the planning team decided to say what we meant: “fun.” That’s the spirit we intended and the spirit in which we hope ornament buyers will take it.”

In reality, fewer than 5 % of Americans are Homosexual. If you believe the pundits, or what you see every night on television, you may have thought that the number was much higher than that.

The name of the game is perception.

If a person thinks that a group has a huge number of participants, than the more likely than person is to think that the groups activities or, more presence is not a deviation, but rather, normal and thriving.

Plus, when you remove society’s labels and categorization of an activity, as the APA did with pedophiles, substituting a kinder and gentler description of the “condition” which causes their morally abhorrent “activities”, you make the violation of innocent children “more acceptable” tin popular culture.

Remember Roman Polanski and his supporters, like Whoopi Goldberg?

It wasn’t “rape-rape”.

Now, you may think that I have gone off my meds this morning, but, I believe that the “Slippery Slope” argument, which Reagan Conservatives, such as this ol’ Cracka, have been making, regarding “Gay Marriage” leading to the erosion of American Culture and the acceptance of other forms of Deviant Behavior, has been, if not proven, strengthened by the actions of the APA, this week.

Keep praying, Americans.

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 (ESV)

Until He Comes,

KJ

 

The War Against Christianity: Obama and America’s Armed Forces

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics8 Comments

praying soldierI remember my ex-brother-in-law, Dave. My late step-sister met him at the USO in Memphis during the Vietnam War. David was a Polish Catholic from outside of Detroit, a Navy guy who received his training in the computers of the day, while in service to our country. When he got out, they got married and moved to Dearborn (now Dearbornistan), Michigan, where he got a job with Burroughs. I remember Dave, because he was always good to me, even though I was just a runt kid, 15 years younger than him. I remember him cleaning his service rifle, sitting on the living room floor of our house, and, making sure it was empty, allowing me to to hold it. At the time I thought that was the coolest thing I had ever done.

I also remember John. John was a friend of my sister’s, who stayed with us, because of problems at home. As I have related before, my folks were the ones who all my sister’s friends would talk to when they had trouble at home. John was great guy, as well, who wound up enlisting and serving in that “crazy Asian War”, as Kenny Rogers and Mel Tillis once referred to it in song.

I have related before about my own Daddy and my Uncles, and their service in World War II. I have also had friends that served over the years, and one who is still serving in the Air National Guard.

All of these men were/are Patriots. They enlisted out of a duty to God and Country.

“God and Country”. Now, there’s a phrase that you may not hear much anymore.

You see, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, (our Lord and Savior, as Jamie Foxx referred to him) is on a Crusade to remove Christianity and any reference to the God of Abraham and Isaac, from our Armed Forces.

Recently, the Pentagon was caught teaching soldiers that the Christian Evangelical “American Family Association”, was a “Terrorist” Organization, needless to say, after Americans gave them “H – e – double hockey sticks” about that stupidity, they had to stop that training class.

Now, just within the last couple of days, the Obama Administration, through their operatives at the Pentagon, decided to remove the phrase “So help me God” for the oath that Americans take, when they enlist in the United States Air Force. It is now “optional”.

Recently, there have been instances of Air Force Personnel getting in trouble for sharing their faith.

The non-military Liberal Bureaucrats, who are in charge of our fighting men and women, issued a policy called “Air Force Culture, Air Force Standards,” published on Aug. 7, 2012.

Section 2.11 of the policy requires “government neutrality regarding religion.”

“Leaders at all levels must balance constitutional protections for an individual’s free exercise of religion or other personal beliefs and the constitutional prohibition against governmental establishment of religion,” the regulation states.

Military leaders were admonished not to use their position to “promote their personal religious beliefs to their subordinates or to extend preferential treatment for any religion.”

This policy and the removal of God from the Air Force Oath are the result of meetings with Mikey Weinstein.

Who is this clown, you ask?(You probably did not use the word “clown”, but I did. And, I’m holding my temper.)

Weinstein is the head of an organization, known as the “Military Religious Freedom Foundation”.

Per discoverthenetworks.org:

Established in 2006, the Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) describes itself as “a watchdog group” that is “dedicated to ensuring that all members of the United States Armed Forces fully receive the Constitutional guarantees of religious freedom to which they and all Americans are entitled …” The organization’s primary objective is to eradicate the religious bias and “coercion” that it deems prevalent among high-ranking Christian members of the U.S. military. Toward that end, MRFF functions as “a clearinghouse for violations reported by military and civilian personnel,” offering “complete anonymity” to all complainants.

Headed by retired Air Force lawyer Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein, MRFF declares: “At a time when the United States is encouraging greater religious freedom in Muslim nations, it is imperative [sic] upon America to show by example that religious pluralism is a viable and preferred option. Any sign of hypocrisy in United States policy … toward the free exercise of religion within the military makes it more difficult to convince others to follow our nation’s chosen path.”

In December 2006, MRFF issued a “Compliance Report on the Pervasive Violations of the United States Constitutional Religious Freedoms of Military Personnel.” “Military and civilian personnel,” says this document, “are subjected to blatant and unlawful displays of religiosity at mandatory formations, religious bias, and illegal proselytizing by their peers and superiors alike.” The report identifies “pervasive violations of United States Constitutional religious freedoms of military personnel” in five major areas:

(a) Blatant displays of religious symbolism on military garb.

(b) Placement of a biblical quotation above the door of the Air and Space Basic Course classroom.

(c) Illegal use of official military e-mail accounts to send e-mails containing religious rhetoric.

(d) Attempts by missionary organizations to train active-duty military personnel to evangelize their subordinates and peers.

(e) Military leadership openly discussing their commitment to bring religion into the military.

Notwithstanding the disclaimer, MRFF states: “[S]erious violations were committed by prominent figures featured on the organization’s ten-minute promotional video. … [S]everal members of military leadership appear in the video, dressed in full uniform openly discussing their personal connection to Jesus and how they make this connection part of the work they do in their professional capacity each day. {They] state that, among other things, with the help of Christian Embassy, they hold bible studies while on duty in the workplace, many times in their offices.”

Ohhhh….how horrible. Why…morality and ethical behavior may break out at any moment!!! 

I have some news for Obama, Weinstein, and the rest of “the smartest people in the room”:

GOD IS NOT AN “OPTION”. HE IS A NECESSITY.

A General by the name of George Washington thought so, too.

General Washington took the oath as our first President in New York City on April 30, 1789. When Chancellor Livingston swore Washington in as Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, Washington added four words to the Constitutionally prescribed oath:

So Help Me God

If it was good enough for Washington and every United States President thereafter, why does Obama was to do away with those four words?

Is this Administration threatened by the Sovereignty of God?

Until He Comes,

KJ

The Shutdown: The Tyranny of a Presidential Temper Tantrum

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics5 Comments

obamabillofrightsNarcissism – A psychological condition characterized by self-preoccupation, lack of empathy, and unconscious deficits in self-esteem.

This past week, Americans have witnessed something that we never thought that we would see: The President of the United States, who swore an oath to protect us, punishing us, because he is not getting his way is a battle with Congress.

His punitive measures against us have bordered on the insane, as this past week he not only threw barricades and barbed wire in front of our national parks and monuments, Obama even put safety cones out on the highway below Mount Rushmore, forbidding Americans from pulling their cars to the side of the road, to view this wonderful monument which honors past American Presidents.

Heck, this weekend he even tried to close the ocean down at Florida Bay.

These measures were bad enough. However, now the President of the United States is, literally, attacking our children.

President Pantywaist has shut down America’s Amber Alert System.

WashingtonExaminer.com has the story…

The Amber alert system, the national missing-child warning program, has been shut off due to the government shutdown, according to the Department of Justice.

“Due to the lapse in federal funding, this Office of Justice Programs website is unavailable,” it says on amberalert.gov.

Just 17 percent of the government is shut down, and Friday the Obama administration allowed union representatives to return to work.

So, union members could return to work, but the website to alert Americans to missing children had to be taken down?

The AMBER Alert Program is a voluntary partnership between law-enforcement agencies, broadcasters, transportation agencies, and the wireless industry, to activate an urgent bulletin in the most serious child-abduction cases. The goal of an AMBER Alert is to instantly galvanize the entire community to assist in the search for and the safe recovery of the child.

AMBER Alerts are broadcast through radio, television, road signs and all available technology referred to as the AMBER Alert Secondary Distribution Program. These broadcasts let law enforcement use the eyes and ears of the public to help quickly locate an abducted child. The U.S. Department of Justice coordinates the AMBER Alert program on a national basis.

The AMBER Alert Program was named in honor of 9-year-old Amber Hagerman who was abducted while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and was later found murdered. The program is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

As of January 1, 2013, the Amber alert system had saved over 600 children.

What is Obama’s purpose in shutting this program down?

What sort of man, much less an American President, would do something this petty and callous?

Fighting with Congress is one thing, but, don’t take your vindictiveness out on America’s children, Obama.

And, while I’m at it, are you aware that Obama and his Administration threatened furloughed Catholic Priests, telling them that if they performed their duties, i.e., Sunday Mass and Baptisms, that they would be fired?

What sort of American President interferes with our Military personnel’s Freedom of Religion?

Answer to both of the above questions: a tyrannical one.

Jonathan Mayhew (October 8, 1720 – July 9, 1766) was a noted American minister at Old West Church, Boston, Massachusetts.

Mayhew graduated from Harvard College in 1744 and in 1749 received the degree of D.D. from the University of Aberdeen. The following is an excerpt from “A Discourse Concerning Unlimited Submission and Non-Resistance to Higher Powers”.

. . . Those nations who are now groaning under the iron scepter of tyranny were once free. So they might probably have remained by a seasonable caution against despotic measures. Civil tyranny is usually small in its beginning, like “the drop of a bucket” till at length, like a mighty torrent or the raging waves of the sea, it bears down all before it and deluges whole countries and empires. . . .

. . . Tyranny brings ignorance and brutality along with it. It degrades men from their just rank into the class of brutes. It damps their spirits. It suppresses arts. It extinguishes every spark of noble ardor and

generosity in the breasts of those who are enslaved by it. It makes naturally-strong and great minds, feeble and little; and triumphs over the ruins of virtue and humanity. This is true of tyranny in every shape.

There can be nothing great and good where its influence reaches. For which reason it becomes every friend to truth and human kind, every lover of God and the christian religion, to bear a part in opposing

this hateful monster. It was desire to contribute a mite towards carrying on a war against this common enemy, that produced the following discourse. And if it serve in any measure to keep up a spirit of civil

and religious liberty amongst us, my end is answered. There are virtuous and candid men in all sects; all such are to be esteemed. There are also vicious men and bigots in all sects, and all such ought to be

despised.

I realize what I am saying. by using the word “tyranny” and I stand by its use. Obama has exceeded his Constitutional Authority and completely forsworn his Presidential duties as protector of America’s Citizenry, tossing both aside to embrace an ego-driven role of didactic dictator, determined to teach his “subjects” a lesson for trifling with him.

The fact that Obama even thought that Americans would side with him in his battle with Congress, knowing that it would mean the full implementation of Obamacare, the socialist healthcare System, which no one wants in the first place, was a prime example of narcissistic behavior. And, as his Gallup Poll Approval Rating of 41% shows us,

Pride goeth before the fall.

Until He Comes,

KJ

KJ UPDATE: The Amber alert system has been restored. It appears that President Pantywaist, AG Holder, and the rest of the Administration caught some heat for taking it down…and, rightfully so.

Welcome to Obamacare…and Government-Funded Hedonism

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics4 Comments

obamadoctorToday is October 1st. Welcome, Americans to the beginning of Obamacare…and the beginning of the New Soviet Union…or, is it the New Roman Empire?

Obama once remarked that we were no longer a Christian Nation. …and, with this massive failure in the making, he’s making sure that his statement is made true.

The Washington Times reports

The Office of Personnel Management ruled Monday that members of Congress and their staffs will be able to buy health care plans that pay for abortions, even though the premiums are funded largely by taxpayer money — a move that conservatives say breaks federal law on abortion funding.

Under the terms of Obamacare, lawmakers and their aides are required to ditch their government-sponsored plans and buy insurance on state-based health care exchanges, though unlike most people on the exchanges, the staffers and members will have most of the costs of their premiums paid by their employer — in this case, taxpayers.

Federal law generally prevents taxpayer money from being used to pay for abortions, but OPM said the health care plans offered through the exchange were private. The agency also said it will make sure the money is segregated so that the portion that pays for abortions comes out of the employees’ own contributions, which amounts to about a quarter of the premiums.

“While plans with such coverage may be offered on an Exchange, OPM can and will take appropriate administrative steps to ensure that the cost of any such coverage purchased by a member of Congress or a congressional staffer from a designated [exchange] is accounted for and paid by the individual rather than from the government contribution, consistent with the general prohibition on federal funds being used for this purpose,” OPM said in its ruling.

Rep. Christopher H. Smith, New Jersey Republican, said OPM is violating a law he wrote in 1983 that prohibits OPM from paying any expenses to administer plans that cover abortion, except in cases of rape or incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.

“You can’t break the law, Mr. President, and just issue a final rule as if somehow you’re comporting with the law,” Mr. Smith told The Washington Times. “We don’t want to subsidize abortion on demand, and the public is absolutely with us.”

Back on June 4th of this year, examiner.com told us that

…Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said that Obamacare will place a special focus on members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community because “for too long…[they] were pushed to the side,” Paul Bedard reported at the Washington Examiner.

“LGBT individuals have faced limited access to health care and insurance. They have been less likely to get the preventive care they need to stay healthy, they have higher rates of tobacco use, and they are often at increased risk for mental health illness,” she said.

To counter this, the administration is drawing attention to new benefits under Obamacare targeted to gays, Bedard said, and will add gender status to health surveys and questionnaires critical in determining services under Obamacare.

“Like all Americans, LGBT Americans deserve respectful health care providers and the security of accessible, affordable health care that meets their needs,” Sebelius said.

The announcement coincides with Obama’s proclamation of June as LGBT Pride Month.

“As we observe LGBT Pride Month, I am pleased to say that the Department of Health and Human Services continues working hard to make this a reality for the LGBT community,” she added.

Bedard posted the key benefits gays and lesbians will receive under Obamacare, according to Sebelius:

  • “Insurers can no longer impose lifetime dollar limits on health insurance coverage, and annual limits will be phased out in 2014. This is particularly important for people with cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other chronic diseases requiring comprehensive, long-term care.”
  • “Starting in 2014, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher rates based on a pre-existing condition or because an individual is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.”
  • “Insurers generally must cover such vital preventive services as HIV screening, vaccinations, depression screening, contraception, intimate-partner violence screening, and annual well-woman visits, at no out-of-pocket charge.”
  • “Healthcare.gov includes a health plan finder tool that allows consumers shopping for health insurance to filter for plans offering coverage for domestic and same-sex partners.”

Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other. – John Adams, Second President of the United States of America

Several times on the internet, I have attempted to engage in discussion with Kool-Aid drinking Liberals who insist that the Godless Socialization of American’s Healthcare System, the greatest in the world, is exactly what Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, would do.

I refute that, by carefully explaining to them  that no, Christ was not the author of “social justice”, sinful man was. Christ, in fact, said the following:

“For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want, you can do good for them. But, you will not always have me.” – Mark 14:7( ESV)

Yes, we are called upon to show Christian Compassion, through individual good works, or charity in action, through the organized “Body of Christ” (America’s churches).

I even had a Liberal tell me that Mosaic Law justified welfare, as it was the world’s first Welfare System.

First, I explained to the ill-informed young man that Christians are not under Mosaic Law, we are covered by the blood of Christ, and are under the New Covenant, as a result of His sacrifice.

Then, I explained that the teachings of Jesus, the Council of Jerusalem, and other New Testament teachings , (Romans 2:25-29, 8:1-4, 1 Corinthians 9:19-21, Galatians 2:15-16, Ephesians 2:15) make it clear that Christians are not required to follow the Old Testament rules about crimes and punishments, warfare, slavery, diet, circumcision, animal sacrifices, feast days, Sabbath observance, ritual cleanness, etc.

As Christians, we still look back to the Old Testament scripture for moral and spiritual guidance (2 Timothy 3:16-17). However, when there is a conflict between Old Testament laws and New Testament principles, Christians follow the New Testament because it represents the most recent and most perfect revelation from God.

So, the next time a Liberal gives you a bunch of garbage about Obamacare being the “Christian” thing to do, please set them straight, in a clear and gentle manner.

Then, feel free to quote them two of my favorite Bible verses:

1. “Judas went out and hung himself.”

2. “Go thou and do likewise.”

Because Christians aren’t perfect. Just forgiven. 🙂

Until He Comes,

KJ

Massacre in Kenya: Americans Involved, Americans in Danger

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics9 Comments

KenyanmallmassacreA couple of years ago, as I was sitting in church on a Sunday morning, our Preacher introduced a member of our church, who was a teacher at one of our local schools. “Gari Marie” had heard God’s call upon her life and had decided to take a position at  a Christian School in Nairobi, Kenya.

West Nairobi School is part of the Network of International Christian Schools (NICS). NICS operates 21 international schools in 16 countries around the world, including one online school.

Each NICS teacher attends a two-week training in-service designed specifically for educators working with international students. Teachers can share information, advice, and expertise with hundreds of professional teachers in similar schools. Being part of a large network of international schools benefits West Nairobi School students by:

  • aiding in the recruiting highly qualified professional educators — the NICS Home Office aids in the recruitment of WNS faculty,
  • providing the opportunity for WNS teachers to network with other educators around the world — teachers share information, advice, and expertise with hundreds of professional teachers in similar schools,
  • helping prepare WNS teachers for working in an international school — new teachers attend a two-week training in-service designed specifically for educators working with international students.

The mission of NICS is to establish a worldwide network of international Christian schools staffed by qualified Christian educators, instilling in each student a Biblical world-view in an environment of academic excellence and respect for people of all cultures and religions.

Each potential teacher has to raise their own funds, in order to teach there. Gari Marie came back home this summer to raise money for her second two year contract there. Her commitment to the mission that God has laid on her heart, has made her a shining example of God’s Love and Grace in action., and a wonderful example for all of us.

Our church was concerned for her safety this week.

This past week, Muslim Terrorists from the Kenyan Chapter of al Qaeda attacked a shopping mall in Nairobi. These barbarians

have killed at least 68 people, injured 175, and were believed to be holding about 30 people hostage.

“All efforts are underway to bring this matter to a speedy conclusion,” the Kenyan military announced on Twitter.

It said that “most of the hostages have been rescued and security forces have taken control of most parts of the building.”

Earlier, police had tweeted that a “MAJOR assault” by security forces was ongoing.

The developments come some two days after Al-Shabaab militants first stormed the shopping center, spraying bullets and unleashing chaos.

There are believed to be between 10-15 gunmen involved in the attack, officials said.

Sources within Al-Shabaab told CNN that nine names listed on a Twitter site — now suspended — were people who were among the alleged hostage-takers.

Three of the alleged attackers are from the United States, two are from Somalia and there is one each from Canada, Finland, Kenya and the United Kingdom, according to the list.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta vowed Sunday to hold those responsible for the violence, accountable.

The tragedy is personal for the president; one of his nephews and his fiancée were among the dead.

“They shall not get away with their despicable, beastly acts. Like the cowardly perpetrators now cornered in the building, we will punish the masterminds swiftly and indeed very painfully,” Kenyatta said.

The Kenyan Faction of al Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, has a long history of violence in Kenya, per qz.com:

  • 2003—Al-Shabaab emerges as a militant youth wing (shabaab means “youth” in Arabic) of al-Ittihad al-Islami, one of the many Somali extremist groups that formed in the 1980s and 1990s. Al-Shabaab remains relatively inactive and doesn’t control any territory in Somalia until 2007-08.
  • 2006—Ethiopia invades Somalia, removing an Islamic group known as the Islamic Courts Union from Mogadishu, the Somali capital, where it had established a modicum of central authority in June of that year. Al-Shabaab—which had served as a military wing of the courts union—begins to rise in prominence as a member of the resistance to Ethiopian invasion.
  • 2007—Al-Shabaab’s influence grows thanks in part to material assistance from the government of Eritrea, which uses the group as a proxy against its longtime enemy Ethiopia. The group retreats to the swampy south of Somalia conducting a largely conventional guerrilla campaign that bogs down the advance of Ethiopian forces.
  • 2008—Driven, in part, by an increasing association with al-Qaeda, al-Shabaab signals a new approach to fighting with a coordinated series of suicide attacks hitting government offices, UN agencies and the Ethiopian consulate. The US State Department identifies al-Shabaab as a foreign terrorist organization in February.
  • 2009—Ethiopia pulls back from the Somali capital. Its forces are replaced by an influx of Ugandan and Burundian soldiers serving as part of the African Union’s peacekeeping mission, which is largely confined to Mogadishu.
  • 2010—Multiple suicide bombers attack at a rugby club and Ethiopian restaurant in Kampala, Uganda. The death toll rises to 76 people. Al-Shabaab takes responsibility. It’s al-Shabaab’s first transnational attack, suggesting the group can add to regional destabilization.
  • 2011—Kenya commences military operations in southern Somalia, accusing al-Shabaab of a series of attacks in southern Kenya. Its forces easily push back al-Shabaab fighters.
  • 2012—Kenyan forces dislodge al-Shabaab forces from the strategically important port city of Kismayo, one of the group’s few remaining strongholds and a key source of revenue.

Al-Shabaab has called the mass murder “retaliation” for Kenya’s 2011 incursion into Somalia.

For those of you who have been living under a rock, al Qaeda now makes up the majority of the “brave Syrian Rebels”, to whom President Barack Hussein Obama has sent not just money, but advanced weaponry, as well, and has been lobbying so hard for our nation to lob missiles at Syrian President Assad, on their behalf.

In an article for The New York Times, Titled “Obama: man of the World”, posted on March 6, 2007, Nicholas D. Kristof wrote that

Mr. Obama recalled the opening lines of the Arabic call to prayer, reciting them with a first-rate accent. In a remark that seemed delightfully uncalculated (it’ll give Alabama voters heart attacks), Mr. Obama described the call to prayer as “one of the prettiest sounds on Earth at sunset.”

Over 200 years ago, another President of the United States, John Quincy Adams, wrote the following…

In the seventh century of the Christian era, a wandering Arab of the lineage of Hagar [i.e., Muhammad], the Egyptian, combining the powers of transcendent genius, with the preternatural energy of a fanatic, and the fraudulent spirit of an impostor, proclaimed himself as a messenger from Heaven, and spread desolation and delusion over an extensive portion of the earth. Adopting from the sublime conception of the Mosaic law, the doctrine of one omnipotent God; he connected indissolubly with it, the audacious falsehood, that he was himself his prophet and apostle. Adopting from the new Revelation of Jesus, the faith and hope of immortal life, and of future retribution, he humbled it to the dust by adapting all the rewards and sanctions of his religion to the gratification of the sexual passion. He poisoned the sources of human felicity at the fountain, by degrading the condition of the female sex, and the allowance of polygamy; and he declared undistinguishing and exterminating war, as a part of his religion, against all the rest of mankind. THE ESSENCE OF HIS DOCTRINE WAS VIOLENCE AND LUST: TO EXALT THE BRUTAL OVER THE SPIRITUAL PART OF HUMAN NATURE (Adams’s capital letters)… Between these two religions, thus contrasted in their characters, a war of twelve hundred years has already raged. The war is yet flagrant… While the merciless and dissolute dogmas of the false prophet shall furnish motives to human action, there can never be peace upon earth, and goodwill towards men.”

And, so it is today.

I believe (and the polls back me up) that the majority of Americans stand with Americans like Gari Marie (who let us know that she’s alright, praise God) and President Adams.

And, that is why Obama will never get our support for his allies, the Muslim Brotherhood and their off-shoot, al Qaeda.

Until He Comes,

KJ

Simmons/Tebow: A “Demon” Defends a Christian

On By kingsjesterIn Christianity, Politics3 Comments

Gene SimmonsBack in the middle 1970’s, when I was in high school, I had a buddy named Derral. Derral was a 6’3″. 280 lbs, tackle who could run a 4.3 440 and broke the Tennessee State Record by throwing a shot put 63 feet. My big mouth caused it. I bet him a Wendy’s Triple Meal that he couldn’t do it.

Anyway. when we were in class, Derral could usually be found doodling in his notebook. The usual subject of Derral’s artistic efforts was the rock group KISS. And, despite the catcher-mitt size of my big buddy’s hands, he was a surprisingly good artist.

Derral went to be with God 4 years ago. His big ol’ heart just gave out. I still think of our adventures together in high school to this day.

Somewhere up in Heaven today, my big buddy must be smiling, because sincere or not, KISS member Gene “The Demon” Simmons has come to the defense of a professional football player, who just happens to be a Christian…professional quarterback, Tim Tebow.

“He’s got a religious passion, as well he should, we’re in America,” the KISS frontman told Radio.com earlier this week. ”He’s proud to be a Christian, what’s wrong with that? And yet, with sports media and pop culture media, they make fun of his religion. Really? In America? If he was wearing a burqa, they wouldn’t dare say anything [editor’s note: only Muslim women wear burqas]. But if you’re a Christian, you get to be picked on? What the hell? The guy’s got family values. I never saw the media picking on Michael Vick for torturing dogs. Or this other football player, who’s alleged to have killed, committed murder. That’s ‘cool.’ But a guy who’s religious and has got family values isn’t ‘cool?’ He’s cool to me.”

As has been widely reported, Simmons and his KISS bandmate Paul Stanley are now co-owners of a new Arena Football League team, to be called LA KISS. And Simmons wasted no time drawing attention to the expansion team (which will begin playing in 2014), extending a very public offer to quarterback Tim Tebow, who after a brief up-and-down career in the NFL, was released by the New England Patriots a few weeks ago.

In an interview focusing on the new oral history of KISS, Nothing To Lose (more on that to come), Simmons addressed the situation with the man who he hopes will be the KISS QB.

“We haven’t heard back from Tim,” Simmons said. “He’s considering this seriously; he’s in Los Angeles. Right after this, I’m gonna fly back with our guys and try to sit down with him and tell him that we’re serious about this. He’ll get the respect here that he didn’t get at the NFL.”

Simmons may relate to Tebow on that level: he has always taken issue with the music media (notably Rolling Stone) for not treating KISS seriously, which he addresses in Nothing To Lose. But the treatment that he feels Tebow has received makes him particularly incensed: “They’re a**holes. And they should be called to task, and they should lose their license, because in a very real way, as far as I’m concerned, it’s slander and defamation. You’re making fun of somebody’s religion.”

“I think religion is good for mankind. Without the Ten Commandments,” he pauses to note, “Jews gave you that,” and continues, “Without that, there’d be chaos. Somebody had to say, ‘Here are some good ideas: don’t steal, and don’t kill.’ Those are good ideas. That’s called ‘civilization.’ There was once a time where those things weren’t written down. You had chaos! We still have chaos, but there’s a reference point. But those are good ideas. Honor thy father and thy mother. That’s a good idea!

The Internet has been buzzing since the news of Gene’s defense of Tebow was made public. In the last few years, KISS’ long-tongued Demon has had a surge of renewed popularity through his series on the A&E Network, “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels”, a series which followed his and his now-legal wife and former Playboy Bunny, Shannon Tweed’s, efforts in raising their two teenage children, while trying to handle the own careers and notoriety.

Opinions from all sides are coming in . Some are praising Gene’s forthrightness, while others are saying he is being disingenuous, and is only praising Tebow’s Christianity in order to sign him as a marketable asset for his new Indoor Football Team.

My thought’s are these…

I realize that years ago, Gene made very some ugly remarks about religion and the Christian Faith.

However, as viewers of his TV series know, Gene has done a lot of growing up in recent years. He is actually a Fiscal Conservative, who loves his family, and works hard to provide for them.

When I first heard about his statement, the cynic in me thought,

Okay, “Mr Show Business”, Gene Simmons, is trying to draw attention to his new endeavor, and is simply using Tebow to draw more attention to his team.

I mean, after all, he has supposedly had sex with 5,000 women, and, according to our parents, back in the 1970s, KISS stands for “Knights in Satan’s Service”.

But then, I remembered a very salient and important fact: On that blessed night, so many years ago, God used a jackass to help deliver the Good News!

Why can’t he use “The Demon”, as well?

Until He Comes,

KJ