In July, I posted about what it takes to get my vote. In that post, I said if Fred Thompson were to run, he would get my vote. Recently however, Fred Thompson has failed to meet 2 out of the 3 criteria I set forth to get my vote. Fred Thompson has not proven to be knowledgable, nor does he seem to have the common sense necessary to lead the country. It remains to be seen how genuine he is.

I have been focussing and forming my opinions based on the top tier candidates. Now, there seems to be a new top tier candidate. Mike Huckabee has been quietly moving up in the polls. I’m gonna keep an eye on him.

<a href='thechristianpolitico.com'>The Christian Politico</a>

I was glad to see the president’s position was steadfast. Allowing some troops home without replacement was a natural next step with the “surge”. He was obviously following the advice of his commanders on the ground as represented in General Petraeus’ report to congress. Even thought congress called Petraeus and his commanders liars, Bush trusted him. As a side note, congress trusted him until he agreed with Bush. There are a lot of things about this was I don’t like, but what kind of person would I be if I liked war. No, I just understand why we are there, I trust the men and women who are fighting, and I understand the repercussions if we should leave. There is one more thing that I understand that seems to elude our leaders in congress. I know I have no power to direct the war in Iraq. That is a power given solely to President Bush, our Commander In Chief.

In Senator Jack Reed’s rebuttal to the President’s address last night, he showcased their ignorance in the following comments.

“…We have put forth a plan to responsibly and rapidly begin a reduction of our troops.”

“…That is why our plan focuses on counterterrorism and training the Iraqi army. It engages in diplomacy to bring warring factions to the table and addresses regional issues that inflame the situation. It begins a responsible and rapid redeployment of our troops out of Iraq. And it returns our focus to those who seek to do us harm: al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.”

“…We intend to exercise our constitutional duties and profoundly change our military involvement in Iraq. We ask Americans of good will of whatever party to join us in this historic effort to restore the strength and security of the United States.”

Congress does have some authority that can change the direction of the war. They control the purse strings. What we as Americans need to realize is that the power of congress (or the President for that matter) is slightly less than the power we have. We control who sits in congress.

The Christian Politico

Source:
Democratic Response to Bush Speech

Six years after America came together, our leaders are falling apart. I'm embarassed at the state of our government. I haven't written much about it because I get so angry. When I write, I like to keep it light-hearted. I don't want to be angry. However in light of the treasonous behavior of our "leaders", I feel I must write.

What is the one thing standing between us and the muslims who call us infidels? It's not failing social policies of liberal weenies. It's not idiot protestors like Code Pink, Cindy Sheehan or MoveOn.org. It's not even spaghetti spined congressmen sitting in Washington. It is people like U.S. Iraq commander General David Petraeus who have put their lives on the lines to protect this country. And it's a shame.

It's a shame that, when compelled to present a report to congress and before he has a chance to speak a word, General Petraeus is told, "The administration's myopic policies in Iraq have created a fiasco... The administration has sent you here today to convince the members of these two committees and the Congress that victory is at hand... I don't buy it."

Those words were spoken by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Lantos, a California Democrat. Earlier this year, Lantos along with House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi defied President Bush's Middle East policy and visited Syria in an obvious attempt to undermine the presidency. Even yesterday, Ohio Representative and Democrat Presidential hopeful Dennis Kucinich, said on Syrian television, "I feel the United States is in an illegal occupation." There is something wrong when leaders in our country feel compelled to embolden the enemy! Make no mistake. Syria and Iran are our enemies in Iraq.

As I mentioned earlier, today marks 6 years since terrorists attacked us on our soil. Events are scheduled all over the country to memorialize and honor the fallen. Lantos, Pelosi and all the other traitors to our country have the audacity to stand with the sincere and honorable people who lost someone in the attacks.

Treason is the only crime that was origionally spelled out in the constitution. It states, "Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, <em><strong>or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort</strong></em>."

Further, the US Code of Law states:

Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

Personally, I think it's time someone is prosecuted.

The Christian Politico

Sources:
Petraeus hearing starts with Democratic criticism
Presidential Candidate Kucinich Blasts Bush ‘Illegal Occupation’ on Syrian TV
Nancy Pelosi Defies Bush, Has ‘Great Hope’ for Syria
U.S. Code Collection

 

Even though I am a conservative evangelical Christian – portrayed by some as the scourge of civilized society – I think that when it comes to winning my vote, my concerns aren’t very different from any sensible American.

First I want someone who is knowledgeable. When asked a question on the important issues of the day, I want them to know at least what they are talking about even if their opinion on the subject isn’t well-formed yet. I know that Voinovich isn’t running for president, but his interview with Sean Hannity demonstrates this point. When asked about the fairness doctrine, he had an opinion although he didn’t have a clue what the fairness doctrine was.

Secondly, they have to have common sense. I want someone to be able to look at a situation and almost instinctively – without polls – have an idea of what needs to be done. I don’t want someone who analyzes the public reaction before they take action. Like it or not, the public is fickle. The Iraq war is a great illustration of that. When faced with a decision to go into Iraq, the overwhelming majority of America believed we should. As time went on, opinions changed. The president doesn’t have the luxury that we have of second guessing his actions.

Third and probably the most important, they have to be genuine. This seems to be lacking in every candidate that is currently running for office. If it isn’t a thirst for power, it is thirst for recognition and fame. There doesn’t seem to be a genuine love for this country. Instead, there seems to be apathy towards the ideals that made her strong.

If Fred Thompson throws his hat in the ring, I will be supporting him. From the little I have seen, he knows America and what makes her great, he has common sense and above all he seems more genuine than the entire field of current candidates. I look forward to following his potential run.

The Christian Politico

 

Even as a Christian, my opinion of war in general is the same as it is for most people who are not Christians. War is only acceptable if it is a just war. After all, Paul said in Romans 12:18, “If possible, on your part, live at peace with everyone.” If the war is a just war, I will wholeheartedly support the men and women who fight it.

For a war to be just there must be just cause. In the case of Iraq, hindsight is 20/20 and based on the information that everyone had at the time, the course of action was clear. I will grant anyone that President Bush might have been looking for a fight in Iraq, but that doesn’t change the threat that everyone saw at the time.

Secondly, we cannot be aggressors and maintain a just war. One of the problems seen in Iraq is that it is taking so long. There is a reason. We could easily go in with guns blazing, taking out anyone who stands in our way. We have not done that. Sometimes it takes patience to play fair.

There have been injustices on both sides. That is what happens in war. When you take a horrible thing – as I’m sure we all agree that war is – and add the depraved human condition, such things happen. 1 Timothy says:

If anyone teaches other doctrine and does not agree with the sound teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the teaching that promotes godliness, he is conceited, understanding nothing, but having a sick interest in disputes and arguments over words. From these come envy, quarreling, slanders, evil suspicions, and constant disagreement among men whose minds are depraved and deprived of the truth, who imagine that godliness is a way to material gain. 1 Timothy 3-5

I do not dismiss them lightly, but war itself is neither moral nor immoral and will never be judged as such. Rather it is the heart of every man and woman who engages in the battle that will face judgment.

The Christian Politico

 

The outrage that I am seeing Since President Bush’s commutation of “Scooter” Libby’s sentence is overwhelming - though not surprising in the least. There is such a hatred for President Bush that the people are literally grasping at straws for something to be outraged about.

Ever since the commutation, people have forgotten history. They act as if this is the first time any president has granted clemency. The power of the pardon circumvents the legal system in cases deemed proper by the president and the president alone. That is the nature of the beast. No one is going to be happy with every pardon.

I could list here the criminal actions of all those pardoned under Clinton’s presidency, and you might be appalled. After all, they were crimes. But I could do the same for President Bush. Again I say, that is the nature of the beast. Regardless of the motivation and regardless of the crime, the President has that right.

However, I will point out that President Clinton lied under oath and was given a slap on the wrist. At this time, President Bush has only granted Libby with a commutation of his sentence so that he can pursue his appeal. He still has to pay $250,000 fine. President Bush could have given him a full pardon and eliminated the need for appeal, the fine, and the prison sentence. He could have, and it would have been his right to do so.

The Christian Politico

I’ve heard the ramblings of the hate filled liberals this morning. Spouting off about the rule of law, etc, etc… But the fact is that the President has the right by law to outright pardon or as in this case, to commute the sentence of anyone he chooses. Scooter Libby lied under oath and for that he was fined $250,000 and sentenced to a 2 1/2 year prison term. In contrast, Sandy Berger was caught stealing highly classified documents from the National Archives with the intention of destroying them. He was fined a mere $50,000 and sentenced to community service. So, not only did Bush have the right by law, he was fully justified.

I knew it. Deep down in my gut, I knew it. Solar power is not a good thing. If you don’t believe me, maybe you’ll believe Chee Chee Leung of the Sydney Morning Herald.

Humans are just one of the millions of species on Earth, but we use up almost a quarter of the sun’s energy captured by plants - the most of any species.

The human dominance of this natural resource is affecting other species, reducing the amount of energy available to them by almost 10 per cent, scientists report.

Source
Human greed takes lion’s share of solar energy


The Christian Politico

There is a quote that is often attributed to Patrick Henry: “It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but Christians, not on religions but on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For this very reason peoples of other faiths have been afforded asylum, prosperity, and freedom of worship here.” Although it is often argued that these words do not show up in any of Patrick Henry’s writings, I don’t think that makes them any less true. America was founded on Christian principles, but to truly understand what that means, you have to understand what those principles are.

If you have prejudices against Christianity, set them aside for the moment and consider this. When God created the world, He did not impose His will on the people. Instead, He gave them choice. They could love Him, or they could reject Him. They chose to reject Him. Yet, He still loved them. Now, think of this country.  It was founded because people were being subjected to the will of the king. They wanted freedom.

One of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity is that we should strive to be like God. In their pursuit of that goal, the founders put in writing in the Constitution of the United States of America the same principles of creation. Everyone here has the choice to believe in God or not. It was never their desire to impose Christianity on America. Instead, it was their desire that every American had the freedom to choose.

“America was not founded on religions,” as the quote says, “but on the gospel of Jesus Christ!” Religions dictate, but there is freedom in Christ. Why then is the freedom that is clearly given through that gospel being used to destroy it? America is great because God is great lest we forget.

The Christian Politico

It seems that people are longing for heroes as if there are no real ones to be found. Perhaps it is that the superheroes of comics and television have warped our view of what a hero really is.  They swoop in with no regard for their safety and save the day. Well, that is not entirely true. Everyone knows a superhero can’t get hurt. But what I know to be true is real heroes bleed, real heroes die and sometimes they just die trying.

In March of 2003, in the city of An Nasiriyah in Iraq, a convoy was attacked and prisoners were taken. On April 1st a successful rescue attempt liberated Private Jessica Lynch. The media was awash with stories of Private Lynch going down with guns blazing. But according to Jessica, this never happened.

Jessica was invited to speak before Congress in April of 2007 about how the military creates myths exaggerating the heroics of its soldiers. As a result of her testimony Jessica receives hate mail with some angry at her and some claiming she did nothing heroic. I strongly disagree. Regardless of the hype after her capture and subsequent rescue, she put her life on the line for this country. As Jessica herself said during her testimony, “The truth is always more heroic than the hype.”*

Why does the military feel the obligation to exaggerate? It’s because the American public demands it. V.A. hospitals across this country have been filled with heroes who may not have been the fastest or the strongest. Many never made it home.  It wasn’t a single act of bravery. It wasn’t exaggerated stories. Heroes are not made from these.  Being a hero is a condition of the heart.

There is no need to long for heroes. Heroes are everywhere. We don’t need to create them in our fantasies. They are the soldiers who lay down their lives for us. And if the heart is truly the indicator, they are the fire fighters, the police officers, the moms and the dads. They are the ones who cannot help but to selflessly give of themselves. They bleed, they die and sometimes they just die trying.

* Quote taken from “I’m Jessica Lynch-and here’s my real story”, by Abigail Pesta; Glamour, July 2007

thechristianpolitico.com

The word is that Speaker Pelosi is planning a new coordinated push regarding the war in Iraq. Apparently four Iraq-related ammendments are going to be introduced including a timetable for withdrawal of April 1, 2008 and a forced vote on a proposal to repeal the use-of-force resolution for Iraq. In addition, they plan to push proposals that would prohibit permanent U.S. military bases.

My concern is with President Bush’s defeat on the amnestby bill and the election approaching, many conservatives will try to distance themselves. One quick way to do that is to oppose him on his firm Iraq war stance.

I don’t want this war to continue as much as anyone else. But we are committed, and we need to get the job done so we can get our soldiers back. I am not a battle strategist, but I know that you never tip your hand to the enemy. If these measures pass, we tip our hand giving them all the information they need.

If I were a terrorist with that kind of information, I would sit low until the spring with the knowlege that the U.S. no longer has the resolve to defend herself. And with the troops gone that have been holding me back, I would join with Iran and lauch a crippling blow, perhaps nuclear, on the United States.

I’ve never seen our government in the state it is now. There has always been a conservative and a liberal struggle, but now the struggle is not just between the two, the two seem to be at odds with the American people.

We are not a socialist country, we are not a fascist country, and we are not a disctatorship. We are a Representative Republic. The Democrats, the Republicans, and the President need to continue to hear our voices.

Our voices were heard when we shut down the Senate phone systems over the amnesty bill. Our voices were heard in the offices of our representatives in Congress. Sure some chose to ignore them, but they won’t be ignored on election day.

Through the freedoms endowed to us by our Creator and put into law by our founding fathers and defended by our brothers and sisters, we the people are America. We must pray unceasingly. We must stand our ground. And when need be, we fight.

…and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day. 2 Timonthy 1:12

The Christian Politico

Sources:
Pelosi, Reid to announce new push to end Iraq war

On the way home yesterday afternoon, I was listening to Sean Hannity’s radio program. His guest was Republican Senator George Voinovich. I was blown away by how out of touch the Senator was.

When Sean first asked the Senator if he supported the Fairness Doctrine. His response was, “sure, whatever that is.” After Sean explained it, he changed and said he believed in the free market.

Sean then went on to talk about the immigration bill. The Senator began by talking about the support of the amendment entered by Senator Hutchison that would require that all illegal immigrants return home within two years and reapply to enter the US. Sean had to remind him that Hutchison’s bill was voted down.

After the exchange, the Senator became hostile and blamed radio shows like Sean’s for inciting the anger in his constituents. He dismissed the very people who put him in office by claiming that he would have to see the entire bill before he decided. My argument is that if he doesn’t have a clue now, he won’t have a clue then. Maybe his constituents need to get a clue.

I’m sure if I had continued to listen, I would be even more outraged.

I do plan to post here as well as to my own blog.

Until then, feel free to visit  http://thechristianpolitico.com.