the world from my point of view . . .
Politics
Symbols – Tribute to September 11, 2001
0They were two symbols of power. Two symbols of peace. Thousands gained their very sustenance from them. For over 30 years, they had stood as examples to many of what great power could accomplish. But to some, they represented the enemy; the providence of a god whom they did not serve. And so they sought to destroy them at all cost. They judged based upon their own flawed faith and plotted a grand scheme to bring them down once and for all.
That fateful morning around 9:00 am, the first impact struck one of these symbols. The first blood in a new war was drawn. But this war was really not new at all. It began when man fell from perfection in the garden and had continued throughout history. Evil has always waged war with Good, and the enemy thought that these next few blows would end it all. The second impact was much like the first, its mirror image. Then a third strike, lower than the others, brought even more suffering to this terrible day. As the red of pain welled from the wounds, the innocent made last prayers before death made its claim. Not long after the ordeal began, it was finished. The symbols of freedom and peace fell slack where they once stood firm. With great rumblings, the earth shook. Like a tear in the sky from top to bottom, the unthinkable happened. As the sky was obscured, some that were thought to be dead were seen walking the streets.
Those that knew the symbols the best were overwhelmed with disbelief. How could something so strong be brought so low? And in the distance a fourth and final blow was rendered, confirming that the day’s tragedy was at an end. Those that looked on knew by now that this was a blow against none other than God in heaven and that their lives would never be the same.
But what the enemy did not realize was that the symbols were just that. Symbols of the true power, not the power themselves. Symbols that accomplished great deeds, but whose real source came from a much greater place. Hope was not lost, for the destruction was only temporary and on the following Sunday many were amazed as they discovered that God was still in control.
For on the third day Christ rose from the grave and appeared to many who witnessed of these events. He showed them the scars He received: the first being in one hand and the second, the mirror image of the first; the third scar in His feet, and the fourth and final scar from the spear wound in His side that proved He was dead. He assured them that His death was necessary and that it meant that the door to heaven was now being opened. His followers, who were so sad and confused before now had hope and understanding. Jesus Christ, whose loving hands had been symbols of peace and freedom while he lived on earth, had now created the path to the Peace of heaven and true Freedom from death for all time.
Jonathan Senn – 9/11/2002
Top Ten Reasons I Do Not Want Obama For President
0I was recently asked why I did not like Obama for President of the United States. My response was because he is a socialist/progressive. When asked for more reasons, I typed up this top ten list. These are reasons besides the fact that Obama is a socialist/progressive.
1. Obama does not have the experience to be President. Of course, the comeback is “But look at Palin”. That argument, even though it isn’t relevant, seems to prove the point – either she DOESN’T have enough experience and neither does Obama, or she DOES have enough experience so why bring it up as an issue. Regardless, Sarah Palin is not running for President. And she DOES have enough experience to run for Vice President.
2. Obama does not seem to be a leader, but rather a follower. I haven’t seen an example where Obama has taken a lone stand on an issue, or where he has been decisive in a dramatic way, or where he has even clearly held to what his core beliefs are (whatever they are). There have been several examples of this even in this campaign, highlighted by the stark contrast of John McCain who is a very strong leader (and probably not a very good follower, btw). When Gustav was about to hit the gulf coast, McCain suspended the Republican Convention indefinitely. Obama made some concerned remarks from the campaign stump. When the economic “crisis” was looming with a $700 billion bailout imminent, McCain suspended his campaign and tentatively canceled the debate. Obama said “call me if you need me”. Not the actions of a strong leader in my book. Whether he is right or wrong on an issue, a President should be a strong leader. Otherwise, his advisers and the lobbyists will have way too much influence.
3. Obama is for abortion. In fact, he’s not just for abortion – he’s like major time super-duper for killing children. Even after they are born! Check out his shocking record on the Born-Alive Infants Protection Act. Now when it comes to abortion I am pretty much a one-issue guy. In almost every case I can think of, I’ll vote for the pro-life candidate over the pro-abortion candidate. But even if that’s not you, you’ve gotta be against killing a baby AFTER it’s born. I believe life begins at conception, but if life doesn’t begin at least at BIRTH, when DOES it begin? Obama will nominate judges who will uphold his evil viewpoint, and I just can’t sit by and allow that to happen.
4. Obama will destroy the nation’s health care system. I do not believe health insurance is a right. It is, rather, a product that must be paid for. And the government should not be the payee. Once the government controls the pay structure for health care, doctors will either move elsewhere or change jobs. Our health care system is the best in the world because it is the most lucrative. I am not saying that greed is the motivation for health care professionals, but there must be adequate compensation for the years of debt, sacrifice, and learning that goes into being a top-notch doctor. There must be money available to fuel research and development. Insurance helps do this. Destroy the insurance system and you destroy the health care system.
5. Obama will be a disaster for foreign policy. He is way too concerned with what other countries (including socialists, communists, and dictatorships) think about the United States. The United States is the most benevolent, forgiving, peace-loving, and tolerant country in history. If he cannot see that and be confident of that, we have a problem. Most countries will not “love” us regardless of what we do. That’s okay with me – as long as they respect us and leave us alone, I’m good. Plus, Obama would meet directly with leaders of rogue nations without precondition? Ouch.
6. Obama wants to repeal the “Don’t ask, don’t tell”. The military is no place for social experiments. If homosexuals want to serve in the military, they need to keep it to themselves. Please don’t mess with the social structure of the military, which is the very thing that keeps this country safe. Of course, in reality, God keeps our country safe. Which reinforces the point, actually.
7. Obama wants to register women for the draft. No way, no how.
8. Obama wants to establish a set timetable for withdrawal in Iraq, regardless of the conditions at the time of the withdrawal. This is just a really bad idea. First, it tells the enemy when it will be safe to be more aggressive. Second, it sets us up for defeat. If winning is our goal, we should want to stay as long as it takes. We still have military bases in Germany, for Pete’s sake. Personally, I think a few permanent bases in Iraq would be great staging points for the U.S. in the middle east. But withdrawal is happening now and will continue to happen – as the conditions allow.
9. Obama has a lot of dirty money and questionable (at best) associations. Not only does it make me question his judge of character, it makes me wonder who he owe’s something to.
10. Obama is against using using a photo ID for voter registration. I have never been able to figure this one out. Voter Fraud is something that fundamentally undermines our democracy (republic) and we should do EVERYTHING in our power as a nation to stop it. I would rather a few people that should be able to vote not vote than for LOTS of people who should NOT be able to vote vote.? It’s basic to our survival as a democracy. Photo ID’s are one huge step toward stamping out voter fraud, and we need them badly.
Bonus. Obama supports handgun bans. Not just restrictions, but bans.