Unclear Message Regarding Missing Mexican Radioactive Waste

    I've kept my eye on this story for the last week or so, and I'm not really satisfied that we have any definitive answers.  Here's why it is bothering me ... Last week, Mexico's nuclear safety watchdog, the National Commission for Nuclear Security and Safeguards (NCNSS), reported that a truck carrying dangerous radioactive material from a disused medical device was stolen.  Of course, they said there was nothing to worry about .... so long as its container was not broken or tampered with.
     So among the initial questions that popped into my head were "Was this a planned robbery?  Who stole the truck -- was it one of the drug cartels, or possibly a foreign terrorist cell?  Can this material be used to create a dirty bomb, and are the Alphabet Agencies on the lookout?"
     According to Mexican authorities, the truck was transporting a cobalt-60 teletherapy source from a hospital in the northern city of Tijuana to a radioactive waste storage center, and a search was under way in six states and Mexico City.  But wouldn't you think that proper security measures would have been taken, such as GPS tracking devices on the truck or radioactive detectors at the Border?
     For those of you who need a little more technical information, Co-60 is a product of neutron activation of other metals. When Iron 59 (Fe59) is exposed to a strong neutron flux, the iron captures a neutron and converts via decay to Co60.  Anyway you look at it, the result is radioactive material, and the effects of coming in contact with it are not pleasant.
     It is my understanding that after entering a living mammal (such as a human being), some of the Co-60 is excreted in feces. The remainder is taken up by tissues, mainly the liver, kidneys, and bones, where the prolonged exposure to gamma radiation can cause cancer.  That's just the beginning, though.  People smarter than me pointed out that if you attach a bomb to radioactive material and detonate it, it can in 'fact' become a 'dirty bomb'. The only question that remains is just how lethal it becomes.
     But there was no need to worry, right?  After all, our borders are secure, and there's not a chance that this radioactive material could be smuggled across our Southern border, correct?  Then came the report that the missing truck had been found.  Some media outlets reported that while the truck had been found, the container of radioactive waste was empty.  Other media sources reported that "at least some of the radioactive cobalt had been recovered on Wednesday."  But CNN reported that officials weren't sure whether any of the cobalt was missing, according to Juan Eibenschutz Hartman, head of Mexico's NCNSS.  In fact, Mr. Hartman said the container containing cobalt was found about a kilometer away from the truck and had been opened.
     As the story continued to unfold during the week, it seemed as though the questions I had asked myself were not as irrational as they seemed.  According to the same CNN source, both the driver and his assistant were taken to an empty lot where they were bound and told not to move. They heard one of the assailants use a walkie-talkie type device or phone to tell someone, "It's done."  So let the conspiracy theories begin!
     And as late as this last weekend, health authorities in Mexico City were saying that six people were being checked for possible radiation exposure.  They had been released from the hospital, but remained under detention.  The men were turned over to investigators, and the possible motive for stealing trhe truck and its radioactive cargo were still unknown.
     So this story seems to be languishing with no real information forthcoming.  How much, if any of the Co60 is still missing?  Who are these men and what were their intentions?  Will we ever know the results of the investigation, or will this be just another mystery that just fades from the front page?  We can only pray that God will protect this nation and hinder any diabolical plots for this dangerous material.  He knows the plans that have been made, and He has the Power and Authority to hinder and confuse the evil intentions.  To Him be the Glory!

Ezekiel 11:21     "But as for those whose heart goes after their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their deeds upon their own heads, declares the Lord God."

Nuclear Deal With Iran Defies Logic

     Isn't there an old adage about a leopard never being able to change its spots?  I want you to consider that idea as we revisit a 2012 article on CNN's Security Clearance site.  I just want to remind you of some of the quotes by those who were accepted as top officials in the intelligence community:

•  Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was reported, at the time, as saying, "Iran already has the largest inventory of ballistic missiles in the Middle East, and it is expanding the scale, reach, and sophistication of its ballistic missile force, many of which are inherently capable of carrying a nuclear payload."
•   Lt. Gen. Ronald Burgess, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, said Iran is also "not close to agreeing" to abandon its nuclear program.
•  During questioning by the Senate Armed Services Committee, both Clapper and Burgess verified that Iran remains a significant threat on a number of fronts, including its continued support of organizations such as Hezbollah, which is deemed a terrorist organization by the United States, as well as its indirect support of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
•  Burgess added that Iranian weapons have been found in Afghanistan, and that Tehran is attempting a "dual-track strategy" in Afghanistan and Iraq - working against U.S. and coalition desires while making efforts to "put forward the government" in both countries.
•  "They are walking both sides of the fence" said Burgess, who confirmed that it is the intelligence communities' belief that Iran is supporting the killing of U.S. soldiers.
•  Senator John McCain, who co-chaired the Senate Armed Services Committee, noted that Iran's believed involvement in a recent plot to assassinate a Saudi ambassador on U.S. soil has changed the nature of the threat.  "The rulers in Iran clearly pose a more direct threat to us than many would have assumed just a year ago," McCain said. "And that is on top of the hostile actions in which Iran has been engaging for years, including killing Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, supporting terrorist groups across the Middle East, destabilizing Arab countries, propping up and rearming the Assad regime in Syria, and continuing their undeterred pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability.  The threat posed by the Iranian regime could soon bring the Middle East to the brink of war, if it has not already."
     Keep in mind, that these statements were made less than two years ago!  So can someone please explain to me ... Why, in heaven's name ... would our government offer Iran $4.2 billion in relief aid, along with a reduction in sanctions, and allow them to keep developing their nuclear program!?!
     To be totally accurate, this is more of an interim agreement before the actual deal. Described as an initial, six-month deal, the White House says it includes "substantial limitations that will help prevent Iran from creating a nuclear weapon." In short, it is supposed to slow the country's nuclear development program in exchange for lifting some sanctions while a more formal agreement is worked out.  So, once again, I ask ... why $4.2 billion in aid???
     And of course, the whole deal could go south if Iran reneges on another element of the agreement.  As part of the deal, Iran will be required to dilute its stockpile of uranium that had been enriched to 20%. While uranium isn't bomb-grade until it's enriched to 90% purity, "once you're at 20%, you're about 80% of the way there," according to a nuclear policy expert. The deal also mandates Iran halt all enrichment above 5% and dismantle the technical equipment required to do that. Before the end of the initial phase of the deal, all its stockpiles should be diluted below 5% or converted to a form not suitable for further enrichment.
     Maybe I'm just cynical, but if Iran is 80% of the way towards having a nuclear bomb(s), couldn't they accomplish a lot in the next 6 months, the so-called "initial phase" of this deal?  Couldn't they be SO close that this is simply a way to get everybody off their back while they put the finishing touches on their nuclear weapons?  Sure sounds like a helluva great stall tactic to me!
     And how exactly will they be using that $4.2 billion we so generously gave them? Could it possibly help them speed up their program? Obviously, I'm no nuclear weapons expert, but neither am I stupid.  Pardon me, but the vitriol and hatred which Iran has directed towards both the U.S. and Israel makes me just a little bit skeptical.  Which takes me back to that old proverb about the leopard and its spots.... see where i'm going with this?

Jeremiah 13:23     "Can an Ethiopian change his skin or a leopard its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil." 

It's Still A Threat!

     I received an email from a faithful reader that had my head spinning!  The email linked to an article on a website called National Report, and stated that the city council of Dearborn, Michigan voted 4-3 to became the first US city to officially implement all aspects of Sharia Law.  The article went on to say that the tough new law, slated to go into effect January 1st, addresses secular law including crime, politics and economics as well as personal matters such as sexual intercourse, fasting, prayer, diet and hygiene. WHAT?!?!?!  
     Now, before your head explodes, let me make it very clear that National Report is a satirical website and the story is not true.  Of course, the authors of the article accomplished what they were after; namely 90,000 shares on Facebook.  And you can imagine that the joke didn't go over too well with the Mayor of Dearborn:  "“Dearborn has never been, nor ever will be, under sharia law. We are governed by the U.S. Constitution, the Constitution of the State of Michigan and the City of Dearborn Charter.”

     That being said, it doesn't mean that we shouldn't take this opportunity to have a very important conversation.  And it doesn't mean that we should dismiss the very real threat that this doctrine presents to our country.  In fact, there was a kernel of truth hidden in the false article.  In 2010, there was a study produced by the Center for Security Policy (CSP) titled “Sharia: The Threat to America“, a 352-page book based on authoritative sources of Islamic law.  The report, which you can access online, states that while sharia does actually include strict rules for prayer and fasting, it is also an all-encompassing legal and political code that covers all aspects of life including those that have nothing to do with religion.
     Proponents of sharia law will tell you that it will result in a more moral society. In reality it is so much more than a social ideology; it is a harsh legal-political-military doctrine that is a major threat to our Constitutional freedoms.  And in our politically correct world, there will be many who will advocate co-existence, accommodation and submission to this transparently un-American, and I will say it.... it is not about God; any god.  Unlike American faith, which preaches mutual toleration and respect for others, Sharia law is totalitarian and repressive.
     And make no mistake about it, there is a growing lobby for sharia law in this country.  And that's what has me asking a series of questions:  Have we lost our understanding of the founding principles?  Are we so confused about what it means to be free?  We must realize that shariah is fundamentally about power, namely the enforcement of a body of law, not faith!  It is the intention of sharia supporters to conduct a global campaign to replace non-Muslim governments with Islamic states governed by Islamic law.  It must be seen as an illegal effort to supplant our Constitution with another legal code, not a religious practice protected by that document.  It is not freedom of religion!
     So now we must follow up those questions with more:  As a nation, are we going to remain compliant with our own destruction?  Do we have the will to see this threat for what it really is, or will we allow the PC police to convince us it is a harmless religious creed?  Our future -- our very near future -- depends on how we answer those questions.  Can we make use of this satirical and false article to do some real research and soul-searching?   We need to face this challenge head on --- before it's too late!

Proverbs 25:26      "Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked."

It'sTime To Serve Again!

     I have been watching this organization for awhile, and am glad to report to you that they give me great encouragement. The name of the organization is Concerned Veterans For America, and they are exactly what their title suggests .... veterans (and their families) who see that the freedom and liberty they have fought for overseas, now needs to be defended here at home.
     Their official mission statement is as follows:  The goal of Concerned Veterans For America is to translate the experience, concerns, and hopes of our fellow veterans and their families into a common vision of liberty and freedom. We will provide a new and unique perspective on the issues that threaten to cripple not only our economic and national security, but the spirit of opportunity and liberty that we fought to defend and all Americans cherish. Our task will be to bring that fresh perspective to the American people and our leaders. We will lead.
     

     Who are they?   Let them tell you for themselves:  We are veterans. We are the family members of those who proudly wore the uniform. We come from every branch of uniformed service, with service histories stretching from World War II to the War on Terror. We come from all walks of life and live in every community across the United States.

     There is a strong belief that the freedoms we have defended – that our friends and loved ones suffered and died for – are threatened by the irresponsibility, broken promises, and misguided priorities in Washington. We contend that veterans, service-members, and their families are, and will continue to be, disproportionately affected by the current economic crises. We must rally to continue fighting as active citizens, just as we fought as soldiers.
     Throughout our years of service, through many deployments around the world, we have seen firsthand what happens when freedom and free markets are interfered with and fail.  After our service, we have watched our elected leaders fail to rise to the tests they face. We are committed to the historical promise of our nation, which is that all Americans have an equal opportunity to pursue prosperity. We affirm this commitment by working to return to the tradition of limited, effective government and disciplined administration through which this nation has weathered many past storms, so that those men and women who have given the most in service to the nation will not be denied their chance to enjoy that prosperity . We believe that it is our duty to stand as active citizens in defense of the freedoms that create that opportunity for prosperity, and to lead our fellow veterans in this new mission.

      Now that you've got a pretty good picture of who this organization is, and what they stand for, let me tell you why I think it is important that they exist.  For the past few years, I have been waiting for the veterans who have come home to realize how the country has changed since they've been away.  For those of us who have witnessed "the fundamental transformation" of our great nation, it has been difficult to realize that our military has largely been isolated from the policy decisions in Washington and the reshaping of our culture.

     Now that many of them have come home to a radically different America, they are once again rising to the occasion and accepting the same mission they had while in uniform --- defending freedom.  They recognize that our crippling national debt is denying many Americans the opportunity to prosper.  In fact, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has argued that debt is the biggest threat to U.S. national security.  When budget cuts and Sequester affect the military's efforts to adequately defend the country, that's something the veterans can identify with, first-hand.
     But it is more than national defense that concerns them.  Today’s veterans return home to a struggling economy and fewer job opportunities. Unemployment rates for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are significantly higher than for the general population.  Veterans did not join the military to get rich, nor do they demand riches upon their return home.  But the fiscal irresponsibility of our leaders in Washington has not earned the respect of our veterans.  They expect our elected representatives to show the same dedication and selflessness that those who defended this country in uniform have shown.
     The organization states that there are 15 million veterans in this country (from WW ll vets to those who have fought in the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan).  That's a pretty huge voting bloc; it includes 50 million if you count family members.  Veterans have much to bring to the table:  discipline, commitment, sustained effort, and a willingness to fight for something larger than themselves.  Think about it .... wouldn't unselfishness be a nice trait to have in our national debate?
     Finally, what gives me so much hope is that our veterans are being encouraged to take action; to stand up and be counted!  They are being called to a different mission:  active citizenship.  Their motto is "Defend and Reform", and I have no doubt that they will execute this mission as they have throughout our history; with honor, courage, commitment and leadership skills that will affirm America's freedom and strength.

To learn more about this outstanding organization and their mission, visit their website: www.concernedveteransforamerica.org.  

Galatians 5:13    "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."

This Is What Journalism Is Meant To Be!

     I never thought I would say it, but I have to give proper accolades to the CBS News program, 60 Minutes.  This show is usually just another mouthpiece for whatever the "powers to be" want disseminated.  But Sunday evening, reporter Lara Logan delivered the first of what I hope will be a torrent of information on the Benghazi debacle.
     Ms. Logan is a South African television and radio journalist, and war correspondent. She is the chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS News, and an occasional correspondent for 60 Minutes.  And she is fast becoming known for her character and unwillingness to back down from a story.  In other words, she has journalistic integrity; something that, in my opinion, is missing from a large segment of journalists.
     In late January 2007, Logan filed a report of fighting along Haifa Street in Baghdad, but the CBS Evening News did not run the report; deeming it "a bit strong". To reverse the decision, Logan enlisted public support; requesting them to watch the story and pass the link to as many of their friends and acquaintances as possible, saying "It should be seen". Logan later used the Haifa Street material for a 60 Minutes' report on Baghdad during the surge.  She is also known for speaking out on the prevalence of sexual assault in Egypt, and the sexual violence women reporters are reluctant to report in case it prevents them from doing their jobs.  She, herself, was the victim of sexual assault while covering the Egyptian Revolution.  Now she has turned her attention to Benghazi.

     On Sunday night, her segment of the news program delivered a powerful blow to the ridiculous Administration rendition of the Benghazi events on the night of September 11th, 2012; the version of the story that was propagated by the White House Press Secretary, the U.S. National Security Advisor, the Secretary of State, and even the President himself at a U.N. appearance.  In one fifteen-minute presentation, Lara Logan shattered the pretense that a video incited a rabble of random protestors into a murderous mob that killed our Ambassador and three others.  She helped the truth to finally emerge.
     We heard from a British military defense contractor, who realized from the start of his assignment that the Libyan security forces were inadequate and would not stand and fight to defend the Americans.  He was on the ground that night, and actually talked by phone to one of the personnel in Ambassador Stevens' compound --- during the attack!  He raced to the compound to find it ablaze, and then snuck in to the hospital to try to find the Ambassador.  He saw him lying dead in a room.
    Green Beret Commander, Lt. Col. Andy Wood, recounted his numerous dispatches to the State Department and Department of Defense, warning them an attack was imminent.  They had the information from Al Qaeda internet warnings that the Red Cross, the British Consulate and the American compound would be attacked.  This information was passed on up the line to the highest offices of our government.  When the terrorist organization made good on the first two of their targets, it was only a matter of time before they came for the third; the Americans.  Warnings that security was inadequate came from all those involved-- the British military contractor, Lt. Col. Woods and even the Ambassador himself.  The message was clear:  they were being targeted.  All such warnings were ignored.
     Lt. Col Wood went on to say that there is no doubt this was a well-coordinated and staged attack.  The accuracy with which the mortar rounds that killed Navy Seals Glen Doherty and Tyrone Woods were launched was equivalent to "getting a basketball through the hoop, over your shoulder."  When asked what it took to pull off such an attack, he was clear:  "Coordination, planning, training, experience of personnel and practicing those things; they knew what they were doing.  That was a well-executed attack." Kind of dispels the whole lame "Video" scenario spewed by the White House, doesn't it?

     Ms. Logan also interviewed Greg Hicks.  You might remember him from his emotional testimony before Congress on the events surrounding Benghazi.  While the testimony was riveting and very informative, it has resulted in no further investigation, to my knowledge.  That's why I was encouraged by his appearance in Ms. Logan's piece.  If Congress won't do it's job, then perhaps the Media will come to its senses and do what it is supposed to do... give the American people the truth.
     As the brave Deputy Chief of Mission in Tripoli, Libya, Mr. Hicks tried desperately to get military aid to those under attack in Benghazi.  He was actually on the phone with Ambassador Stevens, during the attack, when the line was cut.  "The sound of his voice is indelibly imprinted on my mind.  He sounded frightened."  He didn't flinch when she asked him what his thoughts were about being told no help was coming.  His reply was chilling and direct.  "For the people that go out, and onto the edge to represent our country... we believe that if we get into trouble, they're coming to get us; that our back is covered.  To hear that it's not, is a terrible, terrible experience."
     So now that Lara Logan and CBS News has shined the spotlight on the Benghazi prevarication that is coming from the Administration, perhaps other responsible members of the media will follow suit and the whole truth will emerge.  And we can hope that those who made the decision to lie to the American people will be exposed and held responsible, and the families of those who died while in service to our country will finally receive the truth about the failure to render aid to their loved ones.  This is the first trickle of such truth; may it turn into a flood.  Ambassador Christopher Stevens, Sean Smith, Glen Doherty and Ty Woods deserve nothing less for their sacrifice.

Proverbs 12:22     "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."

Will Today Be the Day WWIII Begins?

     Pretty cheery blog title, huh?  I really did not want to talk about the topic of pending war in Syria ... I really didn't.  But with every news site foretelling some kind of military action on our part on Thursday (I am writing this on Wednesday evening), it simply cannot be ignored.  But I'm seriously praying that when I wake up in the morning, I won't learn that the world has gone to war.

     I am not a political or military expert, and therefore I don't feel qualified to offer an educated opinion on the matter.  I know what I am being shown by various media outlets, and I'm not inclined to believe everything I see or hear.  I'm just not feeling very trustful these days.  That's why I tend to seek out the unconventional sources; those who have offered "unauthorized" versions of world events in the past and have been more accurate in their prognostications than the so-called "experts" within the Beltway.
     So, if you want some opinions from "outsiders" who look at the Syria situation in a more accurate and legitimate light, I suggest you read this article and this posting.  Click on the links and get a perspective you'll never hear on the Mainstream Media, and that includes Fox News.
     Now, in the light of this new warfare possibility, my purpose for today's blog is simple.  It's been awhile since we've talked about being prepared.  And you don't need another lecture from the likes of me to remind you to have plenty of food, toilet paper and candles stocked in your larder.  If you haven't seen to that task by now, chances are you've either decided that things will never get that bad, and I am crazy; or you're one of the Christians who have decided to trust in God to set your feet on high, dry ground while you watch the rest of humanity suffer.
     Either way, I would like you to consider altering your viewpoint.  Whichever camp you find yourself in, you have to admit that something is up!  It seems that every country in the Middle East is saber-rattling, and the three Super Powers are juxtaposing their positions in a way that tells me things are going to be changing in the near future.  Case in point:  our President goes to the UN, rather than our own Congress, for clearance to strike Syria.  China and Russia thumb their noses at us and steadfastly oppose any action on the part of the UN.  So what exactly is the grand scheme?  Do you really think that the evil forces in the world worry about offending America anymore?  Benghazi should give you your answer.  Our credibility and influence are in the tank;  the dollar cannot hang on much longer; and the Department of Homeland Security has bought up unexplainable amounts of ammo and trained troops in simulated urban warfare scenarios.  If you are doing your homework, or at least paying a modicum of attention, you cannot deny these facts.  The status quo is about to change and something is definitely up!

     So when I ask you to consider your state of preparedness, I am asking about more than your physical state.  Yes, you may still be residing in the midst of your comfortable life, but have you prepared for a swift and sweeping change?  Will you be able to function in a state of panic and fear?  Have you had that personal, private talk with your family members about how life could be instantly changed forever and how those scenes of mayhem and violence in far-off foreign lands could be seen in the streets of America?  Believe me, don't think that our leaders in Washington haven't conceived of that possibility and aren't planning accordingly.  But do you really think they are planning on what's best for the American citizens?  
     But most importantly, have you prepared your soul, and have you locked down your relationship with God?  All the physical preparedness in the world is just that ... it's for your existence "in this world".  And in case you haven't noticed, this world is falling apart before our eyes.  It will be good to have a few cans of soup, some rice and beans, and even a chocolate bar or two.  But when this world erupts into chaos, we all need to be prepared to see things and do things we have never experienced before in this land of ease.  And you need to have that solid foundation of a relationship with God to keep you from freaking out.  We will need Him to give us strength, wisdom and clarity of thought.  And never doubt ... He will be with us!  But only if you know Him.  So be on the alert; be vigilant and prepared.  But most of all, be in communion with the God of this world.   He is above all this insane disorder, and I have a feeling we're going to see how He sorts it all out real soon.  Make sure He knows you belong to Him!

Psalm 27:1-3    "The LORD is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid? When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident."

   

Do You Still Doubt The Global Caliphate?

     You know, I look back over my thoughts of the last year-and-a-half that I've been writing this blog and the issues that I've felt were important to share, and it is amazing how far we've come in our national "transformation".
     Blog posts on food storage, firearms training, and threats to our Constitution seem "old hat" now.  If you haven't sought information on these topics yet, then you are waaay behind the curve.  Because, in case you haven't noticed, the intent to change our American way of life has come out of the shadows and it is much more "in your face".  Whether it is the hijacking of our education system through the Common Core Standards, the intimidation by the IRS of anyone who doesn't agree with the Party in power, or the metamorphosis of our law enforcement system into using military-style tactics --- it's all designed to change the very foundation of this country.  And this realization leads me to a news item that I found not only disturbing, but quite alarming.

     Last week, The Clarion Project reported on the building of a 15-acre, $100 million mega-mosque in Maryland.  Nothing illegal there; we have freedom of religion in this country.  But The Clarion Project, which is a non-profit organization that draws together Middle East experts, scholars, human rights activists and Muslims to promote tolerance and moderation and to challenge extremism, says there is much more to this "Largest and most striking example of Islamic architecture in the western hemisphere."
     Indeed, Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan, who visited the site, warned an audience in attendance that there are groups in America promoting “Islamophobia.”  He branded such potential critics as paranoid bigots.  And to further his "official" statement about the virtues of Islam, he attempted to stage a meeting between the President and the father of one of the Islamists killed while on a Turkish flotilla which was trying to break Israel’s weapons blockade on Gaza.  Alas, he had to settle for John Kerry.
     But behind the scenes there was a more disturbing narrative.  Also in attendance at the media blitz for the mega-Mosque were the leaders of two U.S. Muslim Brotherhood entities.  One of the men is Naeem Baig, the president of the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA). A 1991 U.S. Muslim Brotherhood memo lists ICNA as one of “our organizations and the organizations of our friends.” The memo says its “work in America is "a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within.”  Comforting, isn't it?
     The second official from a U.S. Muslim Brotherhood entity that attended the event was Mohamed Magid, president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). ISNA and several of its components are listed as U.S. Muslim Brotherhood fronts in the same 1991 Brotherhood memo. ISNA was also an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation case, dubbed the largest Islamic terror-funding trial in the history of the U.S.  Federal prosecutors in the case also listed ISNA as a U.S. Muslim Brotherhood entity.
     I'm sure you are aware that outspoken critics of the Muslim Brotherhood, like Glenn Beck and former UN Ambassador John Bolton, have warned about the desire for the establishment of a global Caliphate, which is an Islamic state led by a supreme religious as well as political leader.  They've been laughed at and mocked by the MSM.  I don't know about you, but the statement above by the ICNA seems to go a long way towards substantiating their claims.
     If you still need convincing, consider this: the Turkish government has been quietly spreading its influence in the U.S., but Erdogan's public invovlement in the building of this center takes Turkey's "outreach" in America out of the realm of the subtle.
     The Clarion Project also recently reported on the growing ties between the Turkish government and Native American tribes. With Congress' help, thousands of Turkish contractors and their families may be flooding into America's heartland and settling in semi-autonomous zones of the Native Americans, well out of the reach of American authorities.  Why would that be, do you think?

Various organizations operating within
the Gülen Movement 

     And if you think all this is subtle maneuvering by the Islamists, there is an even more frightening aspect to their influence.  Right here in Texas, there is an investigation into the Cosmos Foundation, a charter school operator founded a decade ago by a group of professors and businessmen from Turkey. The group, currently using the name Harmony Schools, has become the biggest charter operation in the state.  True, its primary mission is educating schoolchildren, and it has carefully garnered a reputation for elevating our failing educational rates in the areas of math, science, and computer technology -- which makes it quite attractive to parents who want their children to be in the top percentile.  But what better way to infiltrate this foreign agenda than through our schools and our children's education?  But the Cosmos Foundation has also forged ongoing relationships with a close-knit network of businesses and organizations run by Turkish immigrants. Some of those founders, as well as school operators, and many of their business suppliers, are followers of Fethullah Gülen.
     This is important to Americans because Turkey’s regression from a secular democracy into an Islamic state may be based on this educational movement that has also taken root in America.  Imam Fethullah Gülen and his Gülen Movement (GM) have had enormous influence in setting the increasingly Islamist agenda in Turkey.  In fact, in Turkey, 75 % of the nation’s two million preparatory school students are enrolled in Gülen institutions. In America, GM runs the largest charter school network in the nation.  When you connect the dots, don't you think all this information is worthy of our scrutiny and our concern?
     And in case you think that the notion of a global caliphate is just more conspiracy poppycock, you should do your research on Turkey.  Turkey has long desired to see itself revived as the mighty Ottoman Empire; and coupled with Erdogan's movement towards making it a strong Islamic state, the global Caliphate could certainly be emerging.  If you're still in doubt, consider this:  In Turkey, college admissions have been changed to favor religious students, the military has been gutted of its secular generals (with one in five generals currently in prison on dubious charges) and women have been routed out of top government jobs. Honor killings in Turkey increased 1,400 percent between 2002 and 2009. Persecution of artists and journalists has become commonplace as opponents are charged with "crimes" like “denigrating Islam” and “denigrating the state.”
     So if you don't think that the construction of this new center in Maryland, which will have five buildings, including a mosque “constructed using sixteenth century Ottoman architecture that can hold 750 worshipers", is a step by Turkey's leader to push his Islamic agenda in America, then perhaps you need to quit being hypnotized by your Iphone and the propaganda machine of the MSM.  Look ... and I mean really look ... at what's going on in this country and around the world.  America is not only in danger of being "transformed", but of being destroyed from within.  I am so glad that I know God is in control, because when I look at where we're headed .....

Isaiah 1:7     "Your country lies desolate; your cities have been incinerated. Before your very eyes, foreigners are devouring your land— they've brought devastation on it, while the land is overthrown by foreigners."

Why Keep Asking "Why"? ... Or At Least Ask the RIGHT Questions!

     Boy, I don't even know where to start today!  In the aftermath of the arrest of the surviving Tsarnaev brother, my mind is racing in so many directions; and with no concrete answers!  I guess I first want to address the incessant and idiotic (at least to me) questioning by the MSM as to what could possibly have made these two young men take part in such a heinous act?  Let's put all of our political correctness aside once and for all, can we?  It's time to quit hiding behind "tolerance" and say it loud and clear.  No more being afraid to offend someone; the reason these two brothers carried out this bombing is .... RADICAL ISLAM!  There .... I've said it.  We shouldn't be apologizing when the facts are right before us.
     All the wishing and hoping by the Progressive Left could not make their dreams come true.  There was no way they could make the culprits redneck, Tea Party, or white right-wing extremists.  Not that they didn't try to convince their sheeple that it was so.  But it is time that the American people realize that the agenda of our government has been to lead us away from what we've instinctively known all along .... there is a war going on between two radically different ideologies.  The religion of Islam has been hijacked by fundamentalist extremists who have declared jihad on Christianity and Judaism; it is their goal to kill and destroy us "infidels".  We have been lulled into a false sense of security by leaders who have not only placated this ideology, but supported it in clandestine ways.  And now the facade is falling apart.
     Because, you see, this latest "terror attack" has uncovered more questions than it has answers for.  And I reminded PLW of a spiritual axiom that popped into my head this morning.  You have heard me say that this whole "internet age" and new technology has been an instrument of Satan (pornography; introducing the occult to our children through Dungeons and Dragons and the like; and desensitizing our youth through violent video games --- just for starters).  But the Holy Spirit reminded me this morning that what the Devil means for evil, God can use for His own good purposes.  And I believe we are seeing that in the wake of the Boston bombings.
     For you see, the technology that is available through cell phone cameras means that the public can catch our authorities in lies and misconceptions.  The "official" story is now harder to substantiate when there is more conclusive evidence that shows a different narrative.  So at this stage of the "story" there are actually more questions than our various branches of the government and national security departments ever anticipated being asked.
     I am trying not to get caught up any way-out conspiratorial theories, but there are some legitimate questions that have been raised by multiple sources and agencies that, at this early stage in the investigation, deserve at least a cursory consideration.  So let me just throw some of these out there and let's see where the next weeks and months take us.  Here are just a few questions and thoughts swirling around in my head:

•  Why have we not heard anything more about the initial suspect in the attacks (the Saudi National who was hospitalized)?
•  Did you know that he is allegedly here in the States on a Student Visa and is supposed to be a student attending school in Findley, Ohio?  So what was he doing living in an apartment in Boston?
•  Did you know that he allegedly attended the same Muslim Brotherhood mosque as the Tsarnaev brothers?
•  Did you know that on January 14, 2013, our president met with the Saudi Minister of the Interior, and two days later, Janet Napolitano signed an agreement with this same Minister giving Saudi Nationals "Trusted Travelers" Status?  Did you know that this status is only shared by citizens of Canada and Mexico; that not even our "trusted" allies in Germany or France share this status?  Israel is still waiting to receive this important status!  Did you know that with this status, if Saudi Nationals come into our country on Student Visas, that it doesn't even show up?  They are virtually incognito?
•  What is all the confusion about this Saudi student's deportation?  Does it have anything to do with the 140 Saudi's that were flown out of the U.S. shortly after September 11, 2001?  What are the real connections between our government and the Saudi government?
•  What about the rumors that the Tsarnaev brothers (at least the older one) were actually double agents that were supposed to infiltrate the extremist Chechyan movement, but then became radicalized themselves? (Read Israel's DebkaFile report for more on this theory).  Is Russia "the foreign government" who allegedly alerted the U.S. about the older brother's trip to Russia?  And why did the FBI not continue to observe him?
     There are too many rabbit holes to go down, with no clear answers.  And we may never know the real truth.  Is there a slight chance that the parents could be on to something when they declare that their sons were "set up"?  Even the circumstances of the older brother's death have changed.  Did he have a suicide vest on, or didn't he?  Who actually ran over him?  The younger brother supposedly tried to self-inflict a gunshot wound to his head, resulting in his inability to speak.  Yet new sources say there was no gun found on his person when he was arrested.  There are too many inconsistencies!

     Then we can go a whole different direction and take a look at the civil liberties issue.  Why were no Miranda Rights read to the youngest brother?  Why was an entire section of Boston shut down; people subjected to warrantless home searches; armored vehicles in the streets? .... yet the suspect was found outside that perimeter?  Are precedents being set for Martial Law?  According to the website, SHTFPlan, under the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act, anyone deemed to be acting in a manner that seeks to subvert the laws of the United States can be declared a terrorist... hence no Miranda rights are necessary.  That will be convenient if we ever have "real" Americans involved in a terror plot, won't it?
     Then there are the really crazy effects of this whole tragedy ... I actually heard someone call in to a talk radio program and suggest that these poor boys were a product of "bullying" by arrogant and unsympathetic Americans!  That's right, blame it on us Americans again.  And then there is New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg who just can't "let a good crisis go to waste" and decides that this is the perfect time to introduce legislation that would restrict the use of gunpowder in order to "reduce terrorism".  Can't forget the gun control agenda, now can we?
     Finally, there is the enlightening article on WorldNetDaily.com that "Americans are 'snapping' by the millions."  Apparently we are suffering chronic debilitating stress, our suicide rates are up, and we are depressed beyond comprehension.  The article goes on to tell us that all this is part of the plan.  Just reading a few pages into Saul Alinsky’s notorious “Rules for Radicals,” one encounters repeated confirmation that the very key to radical “change” is keeping the populace angry, encouraging their grievances, stoking their resentments and making sure they are continually upset.  So just how does this latest tragedy feed into that strategy and how much is manufactured to accomplish this goal?
     As you can see, I have asked lots of questions and have no real answers.  But I guess my whole point to this post is that we MUST ask the questions!  No more acceptance of the picture "presented" to us; we must seek our own truth and rely on our own instincts; always being vigilant to preserve our rights and our God-given liberties.  It will be interesting to see how far the tentacles of Evil reach, and if the American people can hang on to the freedoms that are slipping away.  God be with us!

Proverbs 16:4     "The LORD has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster."

What Sequestration Will Mean For Our National Defense

     It's time to have a serious discussion about Sequestration.  First of all, we need to be on the same page as to exactly what this term means.  MoneyWatch gives the simplest explanation I have heard:  Sequestration is the fiscal policy procedure adopted by Congress to deal with the federal budget deficit; an "automatic" form of spending cutback.
     And here is how it came about:  The Budget Control Act of 2011 (BCA) established a 12 member Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction  (or “super committee”)  charged with reducing the deficit by an additional $1.2 - $1.5 trillion over ten years. The BCA also included a sequestration hammer should the super committee fail, a provision intended to “force” the super committee to act.
     Guess what?  They failed.  So, as mandated in the BCA, sequestration was triggered when the super committee failed to reach an agreement. Sequestration generates automatic cuts for each of nine years, 2013-2021, totaling $1.2 trillion. Sequestration was originally scheduled to take effect on Jan. 2, 2013. However, it was delayed for two months - until March 1, 2013, by the deal struck on New Year's Eve, called the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012.
     Since Congress failed to act to stop sequestration, we are looking at the first round of cuts to take place on March 1st.  You might think automatic spending cuts are the way to go if Congress can't do their job and reduce the deficit.  If that's what it takes.....

          But here is the downside: the 2013 cuts apply to “discretionary” spending and are divided between reductions to defense ($500 billion) and non-defense ($700 billion).  Now you might not immediately see the ramifications of this split, but let me put it to you in simple-to-understand language .... nearly half of the budget cuts are at the expense of the military.  And not only will these spending cuts cripple the proficiency of our military; but with the socio-political state of the world, can we afford the effects of such a reduction to our defense capabilities?
     Consider this.  There are many factors of our military preparedness and readiness that will be affected by these drastic cuts.  Think about Military Intelligence.  It is part of the Defense budget scheduled for cuts.  With the troops that we still have stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with Benghazi-style attacks, Intelligence is important in keeping our troops safe and effective.  On top of that, deployments may be extended, adding an even heavier burden to our exhausted troops.
     With the impending budget cuts in view, Defense contractors have begun layoffs, which can only mean that our troops will pay the price with a lack of equipment and supplies.  The U.S. Navy has announced plans to reduce the number of ships in its fleet from 285 to 235 over the next 10 years.  Don't you think that is welcome news to our enemies and a source of consternation to our allies?
     I don't see how anyone can refuse to see that the world is becoming increasingly dangerous.  We see  chaos and war throughout the Middle East; Syria and Egypt are on fire; and Jordan, Libya, Yemen and Turkey are smoldering.  We have nuclear threats from Iran and North Korea, Russia rattling their sabres, and Africa becoming the new radical Islamic playground.  And let's not forget China and the threat it imposes! So why in the hell are we talking about disarming our nuclear arsenal and dismantling our fighting force?
     A Heritage Foundation blog pointed out this interesting fact:  "When President Eisenhower coined the phrase, “the military-industrial complex” in 1961, 51 cents of every dollar spent by the federal government was spent on defense, while 37 cents of every dollar spent by the federal government was spent on domestic programs. Today, less than 20 cents of every dollar spent by the federal government is spent on defense, while more than 70 cents of every dollar spent by the federal government is spent on domestic programs."
     I will agree that we need to strike a balance between defense and domestic spending.  A bloated military-industrial complex is not good for the country either, because that monster has to be fed.  And unnecessary wars and the loss of our best and brightest are not worth the cost.  But these figures now reveal that 3.5 times of the Federal Budget is spent on entitlement programs and "Departments", rather than on strengthening and maintaining the defense of this country.   Now tell me, just what have Food Stamps, Medicaid, Medicare, and the Departments of Education, Energy, Agriculture and Labor done to secure our freedoms?  Have any one of these "distribution" programs or swollen bureaucratic systems contributed to the protection or security of your family?
     Our national security is at risk!  While we disembowel the finest military on the face of the earth, our enemies grow in strength, capability and courage.  Why would they not see us as weak and potentially defenseless?  We are gambling with our future!  Sequestration sets us on the road towards destruction; and who, in DC, will stand for our brave troops, safeguard our homeland, and defend the stature and respect of the United States?  This is a disgrace!

Psalm 89:42-44     "You have exalted the right hand of his foes; you have made all his enemies rejoice.  Indeed, you have turned back the edge of his sword and have not supported him in battle.  You have put an end to his splendor and cast his throne to the ground. "
   
     

Questioning Hagel

     By the time you read this post, Senator Chuck Hagel will have undergone a day of confirmation hearings on Capitol Hill.  I have to say that I have become increasingly skeptical of these sideshows.  They seem to be all about image.  Some Senator will aggressively question the nominee; seeming to put him in the hot seat.  Some of the questions are even direct and call into question the nominee's true agenda.  Yet nothing ever happens, and nothing changes.  Is it all for show?

     In the case of Senator Hagel there is much to be concerned in regards to his nomination for Secretary of Defense.  I would venture that most Americans give little pause to the duties of this most important position in our government.  So let me enlighten all of us.
     The Secretary of Defense is in the chain of command and exercises command and control, subject only to the orders of the President, over all Department of Defense forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps) for both operational and administrative purposes.  Furthermore, because the Office of Secretary of Defense is vested with legal powers which exceeds those of any commissioned officer, and is second only to the Office of President in the military hierarchy, it has sometimes unofficially been referred to as a de facto "deputy commander-in-chief".  Now do you see why we should all be concerned as to who holds this influential office?
     If you have been paying attention at all, you know that there is much controversy about this appointment.  In my mind, there are many concerns about this nomination; everything from his support of Defense budget cuts and a "pared down Pentagon", to his Vietnam-era mindset (much like Senator Kerry's) that we need to approach war in a less militaristic posture.  (I would like to remind him that the world has waged war since the beginning of time, and the object should always be to WIN!)  But I digress.
     For me and my Biblical worldview, the most important issues concerning Senator Hagel's nomination are the many contentious statements he has made in the past about both Iran and Israel.  No matter which side of the political fence you reside, his positions should be important to you.  He is on record for opposing sanctions against Iran, instead supporting the current administration's policy of "reaching out" to regimes that have openly endorsed such terrorist groups as Hamas and Hezbollah.  At the same time, he has avowed that, "I've never voted against Israel ever in the 12 years I was in the Senate."  That's a rather misleading statement, and partisan politics aside, I'd like to point out that his fellow Republican, Senator Rick Santorum, would disagree.
     Having served in the Senate together and shared the same assignment on the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, I would contend that we should give a listen to Santorum's resignations about this nomination.  Perhaps most disturbing to me were the allegations that throughout the 2000s Hagel was a frequent speaker for the American-Iranian Council, the regime’s lobby in the U.S.  Indeed, in 2006, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) praised the possibility of Senator Hagel running for the 2008 Presidential nomination.  In addition to these bits of interesting information, Santorum reports that in 2007, Senator Hagel voted against an important amendment to the Defense Authorization Bill that would label the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) a terrorist organization. This came at a time when it was clear that the IRGC was providing weapons, training, and financing to those killing Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan.
     But perhaps more revealing than the instances of Hagel never voting against Israel, are the times he chose not to vote for Israel.  As pointed out on the Breitbart website, that is where Hagel’s record is at its worst. With a few exceptions, Hagel opted not to co-sponsor or sign onto straightforward statements supporting Israel.  For instance, he refused to co-sign a letter to President Bill Clinton in October 2000 expressing solidarity with Israel as it absorbed the violence and shock of a new Palestinian intifada.  He also refused to sign a letter initiated by then-Sen. Joe Biden calling for a re-evaluation of relations with the Palestinian Authority.  Now, he claims that neither of these solutions would have solved the problem.  Therefore, he considers these criticisms moot.  Sometimes what you don't do, speaks to your belief system more than what you actually do.  Perhaps he subscribes to the same philosophy as our current Secretary of State:  What difference does it make?  
     Well, let me tell you, Senator Hagel, it DOES matter!  Your decision to co-sign a letter to President-elect Obama during the Gaza War of 2008-9, urging him to seek dialogue with Hamas, even as the Palestinian terror group was raining rockets into Israel, tells me a lot about how you will deal with the Middle East, should you be confirmed.  And it doesn't bode well for Israel.  The fact that you would approve, promote and seek such conciliatory measures greatly concerns me.  And I would like to remind you that the God of Israel will not take kindly to any nation that denies Israel's right to exist.
     You may subscribe to a "kinder, gentler" America; one that isolates itself from the issues in the Middle East.  But, I contend, sir, that world events will neither allow us nor recognize our "cooperation".  You cannot be all things to all people. You must choose a side.  The one true God in Heaven is in control, and He demands that the nations side with Him.  Pray for America's leaders to make the right decision!

Psalm 66:7    "He rules forever by his power, his eyes watch the nations— let not the rebellious rise up against him."

   

Would James Madison Be Considered "Subversive" Today?

     Last week The Washington Times ran an article on a report issued by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.  According to this report, titled "Challengers from the Sidelines: Understanding America’s Violent Far-Right", there are three movements within our society that they consider important enough to include in their assessment.  Normally focused on such outside terror threats as Al-Quada and other Islamic extremists, the Center has turned their attention inward, pinpointing three domestic movements it identifies as “a racist/white supremacy movement, an anti-federalist movement and a fundamentalist movement.”

     This study has already been criticized and condemned by many Constitutionally-minded support groups such as Oath Keepers, along with retired military personnel and Americans, in general.  The author of the study, one Arie Perliger, is the Director of Terrorism Studies at the Combating Terrorism Center, and is also a graduate of the University of Haifa Israel in Jerusalem, where he has studied and written extensive papers on the Politics of the Far Right in Israel.  He has also been published by Columbia University Press and Chicago University Press.  Now that we have established his obviously biased political leanings, it becomes a little clearer why his "report" is prefaced with the following disclaimer:  The views expressed in this report are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of the Combating Terrorism Center, U.S. Military Academy, Department of Defense or U.S. government.
     So why give it so much significance and publish it under the auspices of West Point?  This misleading paper attempts to lump such fringe groups as the Neo-Nazis and Skinheads (that would be your racist/white supremacy groups) with nut jobs who bomb abortion clinics (there's your fundamentalist group).   Granted, these movements have exhibited violent tendencies and their actions are abhorred by all moral segments of society.  But the most spurious and fraudulent aspect of this report labels an "anti-federalist" movement as sharing the same goals and actions as these criminal elements.
     Just how does the Mr. Perliger describe a member of the anti-federalist movement?  He describes an advocate of this movement as a person who "tends to have strong opinions about the federal government, believing it could be corrupt or tyrannical; that the federal government has a natural tendency to  intrude on individuals’ civil and constitutional rights.  Finally, they support civil activism, individual freedoms, and self government. Extremists in the anti-federalist movement direct most of their violence against the federal government and its proxies in law enforcement."  (Of course, he fails to cite specific instances of this so-called violence).
     But he doesn't stop there.  It's just a tiny leap of his twisted logic to connect the mainstream conservative ideology to his fabricated anti-federalist movement.  Of course, in his (wink, wink) impartial opinion, he chooses to describe liberals as “future oriented” and conservatives as "living in the past".  He sums up this conclusion by stating,  “The far right represents a more extreme version of conservatism, as its political vision is usually justified by the aspiration to restore or preserve values and practices that are part of the idealized historical heritage of the nation or ethnic community.”

     So since the values of our historical heritage are embodied in the Founding Fathers, I can only surmise that Mr. Perliger would classify such Patriarchs as John Adams, Patrick Henry, Samuel Adams, James Madison, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson as the forefathers of the "Violent Far-Right", and worthy of inclusion in his report.  After all, it is no secret that they all viewed limited government, individual rights, and freedom from tyranny as the bedrock of our Republic.
     Unfortunately, as all Progressives tend to do, he could not disguise his disdain for "far-right groups’ [whose] ideology is designed to exclude minorities and foreigners.  The liberal-democratic system is designed to emphasize civil rights, minority rights and the balance of power.”  There you have it!  He has allowed us to see his political bias front and center.
     What has happened to the study and research of the blatant foreign extremists that wish to commit violence against this land?  Do any of these "experts" at West Point think it might be more productive to determine what mayhem and bloodshed they plan against the Homeland?
     But what is so upsetting and dangerous about such "studies" is that they are promoted from within the sacred halls of our most venerated Military establishments and accepted as Truth!  How many law enforcement agencies will receive this spurious report and develop policy based on the bogus facts and research that was conducted?  Why are our Military leaders silent on this publication?
     Perhaps even more disturbing and long-reaching is that Mr. Perliger teaches at West Point.  How many minds is he poisoning with this bitter attack on Constitution-loving Americans?  It is a sad day when our political heritage and a love for a free and independent citizenry can be painted with such a broad and black brush.  We must not let these aspersions define us.  As James Madison said, "The citizens of the U.S. are responsible for the greatest trust ever confided to a political society".  We have been entrusted with the Republic they left us, and it is our duty and our responsibility to safeguard it.  I will not be deterred by false labels or phony provocations.  There is too much at stake.

Psalm 27:11-12     "Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in straight path because of my oppressors.  Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations."
   
   

Syria: What Is The End Game?

     It's no secret that I view world events from a Biblical perspective.  You may, or may not agree with me, but I would hope you would consent to the idea that this viewpoint is legitimate and valid.  To that end, I am fascinated with the machinations of world leaders in regard to Syria.  In truth, the circumstances in this war-torn country, that has seen the reported deaths of 60,000 of its citizens, is an on-going event; so it is impossible to sum it up.  But it is nonetheless compelling in its relevance.

     There are so many references to Syria in the Bible.  For instance, Damascus is mentioned 67 times; it was on the road to this historic city that the Apostle Paul was converted.  And what Christian does not know the prophecy of Isaiah 17 that "Damascus will become a ruinous heap"?  So I watch all the maneuverings and the posturing between Russia and the United States and wonder, what will be the outcome of their furtive tactics?
     Just this past week, Syrian President Bashar Assad puffed out his chest and proclaimed that his country no longer takes dictation from anyone, and called on Syrian citizens to defend the country against “a war fought by only a handful of Syrians and many foreigners.”  Of course, I'm sure the 16 Russian warships, just off the Syrian coast, and carrying thousands of marines, gave him the confidence to boast that he would “deter the West from deploying ground forces in Syria."  So on the one hand, we see Russia actively getting involved in Syrian affairs.
     On the other hand, contradictory statements by U.S. Secretary of State candidate John Kerry leave me wondering just how our nation views our relationship with this troubled country. In March of 2011, Kerry spoke optimistically about the Syrian government and the United States making progress with Assad.  "“President Assad has been very generous with me in terms of the discussions we have had .... So my judgment is Syria will move; Syria will change, as it embraces a legitimate relationship with the United States and the West and economic opportunity that comes with it and the participation that comes with it."  He was quick to add, however, “I take nothing at face value in any relationship.”
     That's good, because in August of 2012, Kerry called for President Assad to step aside, in the wake of international outrage over Assad’s "unceasing violence against his people."   These remarks stood in stark contrast to previous Kerry statements.  He further stated, “what is clear is that we need to increase the political and economic pressure so President Assad understands that he must end the violence and embrace reforms.”
     To me, the unsophisticated (to put it mildly) political analyst, it would appear that the U.S. and Russia are jockeying for position, and influence, with Syria.  But what is their end goal?  It is hard to believe that the U.S. really thinks Assad wants any kind of relationship with the West; especially when he sees how the U.S. and its allies threw Egyptian President Mubarek to the wolves; whether he deserved it or not.  Why would he trust the West?
     And then there is Russia.  What is their agenda?  Russia and Syria have had a long history together; Syria being Russia's strongest Middle Eastern ally.  Russia has been supplying Syria with weapons since the 1950s, and has a vested interest in seeing the relations between the oil-rich Middle East and the United States in turmoil.  At this stage, it would appear that both super powers are backing opposite factions in Syria --- Russia supports Assad and his regime, while the U.S. approves of the so-called "rebel fighters" fighting for "democracy".  (We have yet to receive answers about our alleged involvement in gun-running via Libyan terrorist groups in Benghazi).

     But back to Kerry's statement about "Assad ending the violence," and President Assad's own statement about a"war fought ... by many foreigners."  Just who are these foreigners?  As my recent post, Understanding the Syrian Conflict  explains, many feel that the "rebel forces" fighting Assad are, in reality, Al Qaeda-linked forces, streaming into Syria to claim the country for their cause and align themselves with Iran and other anti-West terrorist groups.
     To that argument, I found a most interesting proposition on Debka, the Israeli news source.  In its latest issue of Jan. 4, Debka-Net-Weekly revealed that both Washington and Moscow may be encouraging the rush to Syria of Al Qaeda and other radical Islamist fighters so as to put them in harm’s way on the Syrian battlefield instead of their staying home to make trouble in Asian, European and other Middle East countries.  On this point, Assad remarked: “The West tried to get rid of these terrorists by drawing them into conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and other places, but were unsuccessful. Now they are sending them to Syria. "
     Wow!  That seems like a crazy idea .... or does it?  There's nothing I wouldn't believe these days.  As if that's not enough to blow your socks off, Assad seems to think that the presence of Russian marines near Syrian waters “will deter the West from deploying ground forces in Syria." The Russian flotilla and marines are intended to be the counterweight to the six NATO Patriot missile interceptors, the US, Germany and Holland have installed on the Turkish-Syrian border. Russia along with Iran  is providing Assad with a strong military shield, which is supplemented by Chinese diplomatic support.
     So, are you seeing the picture develop as I am?  Are the nations of the world assembling for an apocalyptic conflict on the plains of Syria?  They certainly seem to be competing for position, as well as power.  But woe to them, for they don't realize that the hand of God is the real Master behind world events.  It may not yet be time for Damascus to become "a ruinous heap", but the clock is surely ticking.

Ezekiel 38:23       "I will magnify Myself, sanctify Myself, and make Myself known in the sight of many nations; and they will know that I am the Lord."


 
   

Is Mali The Next Afghanistan?

     I have been so engulfed with issues going on in America, that I have to remind myself to keep an eye on the rest of the world.  As much as I would like to deny it, there are many important topics and debates that could affect our well-being, both physical and spiritual, and we must remain vigilant.  I want to take a closer look at some of them over the next couple of days.
     As I surfed the net, I kept coming across headlines referencing the small North African nation of Mali; so many in fact that I could no longer ignore them.  But the one that really caught my eye was "Terrorist State At the Doorstep of France and Europe."  This was a statement made by France's Defense Minister, no less, and the reason given for that nation joining forces with the African countries of Senegal and Nigeria in a combined air and ground assault.  It seems that this former French colony has become so desperate in its fight against radical jihadists, that it could no longer battle them alone.  While most Malians adhere to a moderate form of Islam, known Al-Qaida affiliates in Africa, (including those backed by the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi), have been a shadowy presence for years in the forests and deserts of Mali.

     So why should this interest us?  After all, the small nation of Mali is an ocean and a continent away. As reported on The Blaze and CNN, Al-Shabab, a Somalian-based cell of Al-Quaida, and its allies, have taken advantage of political instability, taking territory in order to stock weapons and train forces. Turbaned fighters control major towns in the north, carrying out amputations in public squares, just as the Taliban did.  And as in Afghanistan, they are flogging women for not covering up.  Since taking control of Timbuktu, they have destroyed seven of the 16 mausoleums listed as world heritage sites.
     Furthermore, even the United Nations has acknowledged that amputations, floggings and public executions -- like the stoning of a couple in July, who'd reportedly had an affair -- are becoming common in areas controlled by these radical Islamists. They are applying a strict interpretation of Sharia law by banning music, smoking, drinking and watching sports on television.
     And now that our country's leaders seem to be speeding up our withdrawal from Afghanistan, what can we expect to be the result?  Have we forgotten that it was groups such as this that plotted an attack against our homeland from those far off caves and deserts?  After years of fighting and thousands of American lives lost, do we really think that the Taliban and Al-Quaida will let Afghanistan (and now Mali) continue with their aspirations of freedom and democracy?  And who will be next?
     I'm just an average citizen, but even I can see that the West's pursuit of tolerance and appeasement, encouraged by the UN's benign policy for all nations of the world to respect the rule of law, has only resulted in further aggression and atrocities by radical ideologues who respect none of the above!  But they are no dummies, either.
     They deal with their enemies in determined and clever ways.  They calculate the best way to infiltrate each culture; whether it be direct and hostile, or careful and calculating.  In the case of Mali, a fairly new democratic, multi-party Islamist nation, the people can best be subjugated by threats of strict Islamic (Sharia) law.  This is what the Taliban has successfully done in Afghanistan, as well.  But in the West, we are being deceived by our own political correctness and the enemy's fraudulent misuse of our founding tenet, freedom of religion.
     Because, make no mistake about it, the ideology being fomented in these distant lands is not as remote or temperate as you might wish.  And the true enemy behind it begins with a capital "E" and seeks to destroy man's freedom; our freedom to worship the one true God, to live in relationship with Him, and to seek His justice and righteousness.  So look behind the veil of world events and you will see the truth.  It's the same battle that has been fought since the Garden of Eden.

1 Peter 5:8-9        "Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world."

2012 in Review: The UN And The Threat To U.S. Sovereignty

     I think this topic is the one that concerns me the most.  Perhaps because the UN's headquarters sits on US soil, I feel they threaten our sovereignty and I fear their authority in our national affairs.  To begin with, why did we need the UN to monitor our elections?  And as a follow-up to that question, does anyone think they did a good job?

     And in case you thought the UN Small Arms Treaty was defeated last July, never to be seen again, well, I have a little surprise for you.  Right before Christmas, The U.N. General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to restart negotiations on a draft of the international treaty to regulate the $70 billion global trade in conventional arms.  Apparently, the Obama administration was willing to let it slide last year when he feared that the Romney campaign could effectively use his support for the treaty against him.  Now that he has won re-election, it looks like it is "full steam ahead". 

     As it did in July, the United States voted to accept this treaty.  According to Reuters, Obama administration officials have tried to explain to U.S. opponents of the arms trade pact that the treaty under discussion would have no effect on gun sales and ownership inside the United States because it would apply only to exports.  But I think we all know where the Administration is headed, with their talk of an assault weapons ban.  In case you doubt my reasoning, just last month an unnamed U.S. official told Reuters, "We will not accept any treaty that infringes on the constitutional rights of our citizens to bear arms."  What would you call what Senator Feinstein is proposing?

     The Small Arms Treaty is not the only invasion of U.S. sovereignty being promoted by the U.N.  In a thinly disguised appearance of protecting the oceans and marine environment, the U.N. is pushing what has become known as "Agenda 21", or it's other commonly used description, "Sustainable Development".  In a nutshell, Agenda 21 is the springboard for an action plan that would inventory every nation in the world's environmental impact on coastal lands, waterways, land development, energy allocations and mineral processing.  Once inventoried, the U.N. could then decide to control national, regional and local policies, should they decide they are not "equitable" to other nations.  Many interpret this to mean a possible threat to individual property rights. 

      If you are not already aware, many of our national parks now fall under the jurisdiction of the U.N.  Note the sign at the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park which reads "AN INTERNATIONAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE."  And if you've recently visited one of our national parks, did you notice how many wilderness areas are already being closed to the public?  Roads inside the parks are disappearing, being given over to grazing lands.  Mountain passes and hiking paths are being blocked and access is restricted.  Have you also noticed the increasing number of "No fishing," "No hunting," and "No trespassing" signs on public lands?  We are being kept from our own national treasures by the U.N.!   

     These U.N. agendas are all part of an effort to institute a one-world global government that would rid sovereign nations of their ability to control their own destinies.  Do your own research on these programs, and I believe you will find the devil in the details..... literally.

1 Peter 5:8    "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."