When John McCain ran a tawdry campaign of innuendo and trash talk against President-elect Obama and employed those, who had run such a campaign against him in 2000, it was clear that he had thrown his principles to the wind. He gave up those ideals that he had fought for all of his political life to sell his soul to the far right and, hopefully, get elected. It didn't work, of course, so his image was tainted to say the least. His concession speech led some, including myself, to think that maybe he might return to his days of doing the right thing and being (oh how I hate to write this) a "maverick."
When Georgia Republican Saxeby Chambliss ran against Max Cleland for Cleland's Senate seat six years ago, he ran a typical right wing Republican campaign, smearing Cleland right and left. He pictured him with Bin Laden. He questioned his war record. At the time John McCain said, "I'd never seen anything like that ad. Putting pictures of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden next to the picture of a man who left three limbs on the battlefield -- it's worse than disgraceful. It's reprehensible."
So where has John McCain been this week? Throwing away his principles once again to try to get a Republican re-elected. He has been campaigning in Georgia for the man he called "reprehensible" and the man we call Saxeby "Shameless." "Shameless is involved in a heated runoff campaign with Jim Martin, another Vietnam veteran. So far, "Shameless" hasn't questioned Martin's Vietnam war record, although I wouldn't be surprised, if in desperation it doesn't come up. By the way, "Shameless" never served, but that doesn't keep him from questioning real veterans' records and easily voting to send more to their death in Iraq.
Next week John McCain will be meeting with President-elect Obama. I hope that the President-elect has someone to watch his back. The McCain that we see now is only a shadow of his former self. It appears that he no longer stands for any real principles. I don't think the country can trust him any longer, and I sure hope Obama takes anything he says with a grain of salt.
Then again...maybe John McCain never had any principles. Maybe his entire political career has been a lie. It certainly appears that way. Given his actions of the last two years, he is simply another guiltless politician, who will say anything and support anything to get elected.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The Southern Baptist Convention a Fundamentalist's Dream
My father was a Southern Baptist. He was a member of Old Union Baptist Church in Young Harris, GA. He lead singing and was, at one time, Sunday school superintendent. He was not, however, a fundamentalist. If he were alive today, I don't expect that he would be at all enthusiastic as he read the newspaper articles and blogs that I have read today. In many ways he was quite tolerant, but not tolerant enough to accept the dictatorial attitude of today's Southern Baptist Convention. The Southern Baptist Church has been hijacked by a hoard of religious tyrants pent upon turning that organization into a haven of fundamentalism.
Today, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article about the SBC's disciplining of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, GA, a 2700 member congregation, led by the Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell. I would not have been surprised if the SBC had singled out the church because its pastor has a hyphenated name. But no, it is much worse than that. The Rev. Pennington-Russell is a woman. There is no place in the SBC for a female pastor.
The Convention has stated that it will not accept donations from the Decatur church because it is not in line with SBC beliefs. The church will lose its voting status in the convention and cannot contribute to missions and other programs. The Decatur First Baptist has been a member of the Convention since 1862 and has contributed millions to its various programs.
So who is the loser here? It appears to me that the SBC is the loser. It will be losing a major source of revenue at a time when money for missions and other programs of assistance can't be bringing in as much as in the past. In addition the Convention is showing itself to be out of sync with many of its followers. There are other actions taking place in other states within the SBC as it clamps down on others who disagree with Convention policies. The message being sent is that anyone who fails to toe the fundamentalist interpretation will be dealt with swiftly and severely.
Maybe the SBC should have done something more in line with its beliefs as punishment to Decatur First Baptist. Since it is returning to the dark days of the church, perhaps the SBC should consider burning the Rev. Pennington-Russell at the stake.
Correction: I must correct myself. This church was disciplined by the Georgia Baptist Convention not the SBC. However, the GBC was simply following the lead of the SBC.
Today, the Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article about the SBC's disciplining of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, GA, a 2700 member congregation, led by the Rev. Julie Pennington-Russell. I would not have been surprised if the SBC had singled out the church because its pastor has a hyphenated name. But no, it is much worse than that. The Rev. Pennington-Russell is a woman. There is no place in the SBC for a female pastor.
The Convention has stated that it will not accept donations from the Decatur church because it is not in line with SBC beliefs. The church will lose its voting status in the convention and cannot contribute to missions and other programs. The Decatur First Baptist has been a member of the Convention since 1862 and has contributed millions to its various programs.
So who is the loser here? It appears to me that the SBC is the loser. It will be losing a major source of revenue at a time when money for missions and other programs of assistance can't be bringing in as much as in the past. In addition the Convention is showing itself to be out of sync with many of its followers. There are other actions taking place in other states within the SBC as it clamps down on others who disagree with Convention policies. The message being sent is that anyone who fails to toe the fundamentalist interpretation will be dealt with swiftly and severely.
Maybe the SBC should have done something more in line with its beliefs as punishment to Decatur First Baptist. Since it is returning to the dark days of the church, perhaps the SBC should consider burning the Rev. Pennington-Russell at the stake.
Correction: I must correct myself. This church was disciplined by the Georgia Baptist Convention not the SBC. However, the GBC was simply following the lead of the SBC.
Monday, November 10, 2008
It Never Stops & More Embarrassment for GA
Does anyone remember what happened to the Dixie Chicks? Talk about Un-American. This guy's district isn't that far away from my home. Even with all of George Bush's faults, I have never called him a Fascist, or a NAZI. Broun should be impeached. He cannot be emailed from his web page unless you are in his district. I have tried my address with a zip code from his district and that did not work. This man is pandering to the low lifes who continue to try to disrupt the political process through baseless lies.
From the Atlanta Journal:
Ga. congressman calls Obama Marxist, warns of dictatorship
The Associated Press
Monday, November 10, 2008
WASHINGTON — A Republican congressman from Georgia is calling President-elect Obama a Marxist and warning that he might be planning to form a Gestapo-like security force so he can rule as a dictator.
Two-term Rep. Paul Broun of Athens cited a July speech that has circulated on the Internet in which Obama called for a civilian force to take some of the national security burden off the military.
Broun said he was not fear mongering but wants to warn people that the nation could be going down that path.
His comments came in a Monday telephone interview with The Associated Press after he called Obama a Marxist at a Rotary Club meeting in his district over the weekend.
Update: Guess What?
Paul Broun now says he didn't mean to call Obama a Marxist and say that he was going to create a dictatorship. He "misspoke" and the press misquoted him. Riiiiight. When will politicians learn that they can say one thing, then claim that they either didn't say it, they were misquoted, or they simply "misspoke?" This is the day of the electronic media. It is everywhere. Everyone is listening, recording, and filming. Basically, Broun is lying. He said it, he meant it, and he can't take it back. At least he did apologize, sort of. He said, "I regret saying it that way. Yes, I do. I apologize to anybody that’s taken offense at that." That's kind of an apology, kinda, sort of, maybe...but not really. He meant to say what he said. He just didn't think he would get caught in a Rotary Club speech, but everyone in that Rotary Club wasn't an extremist Republican, thankfully.
Update 2: It seems that the Bush Administration already has a Civilian Force already in the works. Rep. Broun refuses to comment on that little tidbit. Just like the rest of the Republican party, he knows little more than to prey upon the fears of his shrinking base. At this point most Republicans that are clinging the little bit of party that they have left are those who continue to cater to the unthinking, uneducated, narrow minded, shills who follow them.
From the Atlanta Journal:
Ga. congressman calls Obama Marxist, warns of dictatorship
The Associated Press
Monday, November 10, 2008
WASHINGTON — A Republican congressman from Georgia is calling President-elect Obama a Marxist and warning that he might be planning to form a Gestapo-like security force so he can rule as a dictator.
Two-term Rep. Paul Broun of Athens cited a July speech that has circulated on the Internet in which Obama called for a civilian force to take some of the national security burden off the military.
Broun said he was not fear mongering but wants to warn people that the nation could be going down that path.
His comments came in a Monday telephone interview with The Associated Press after he called Obama a Marxist at a Rotary Club meeting in his district over the weekend.
Update: Guess What?
Paul Broun now says he didn't mean to call Obama a Marxist and say that he was going to create a dictatorship. He "misspoke" and the press misquoted him. Riiiiight. When will politicians learn that they can say one thing, then claim that they either didn't say it, they were misquoted, or they simply "misspoke?" This is the day of the electronic media. It is everywhere. Everyone is listening, recording, and filming. Basically, Broun is lying. He said it, he meant it, and he can't take it back. At least he did apologize, sort of. He said, "I regret saying it that way. Yes, I do. I apologize to anybody that’s taken offense at that." That's kind of an apology, kinda, sort of, maybe...but not really. He meant to say what he said. He just didn't think he would get caught in a Rotary Club speech, but everyone in that Rotary Club wasn't an extremist Republican, thankfully.
Update 2: It seems that the Bush Administration already has a Civilian Force already in the works. Rep. Broun refuses to comment on that little tidbit. Just like the rest of the Republican party, he knows little more than to prey upon the fears of his shrinking base. At this point most Republicans that are clinging the little bit of party that they have left are those who continue to cater to the unthinking, uneducated, narrow minded, shills who follow them.
"Evangelist" Steve Foss Piles the Garbage Higher
Below are excerpts from an email I received today from a fundamentalist Christian person, who is, apparently, a fan of someone named Steve Foss. Please note the date on the "message." I suppose Foss did this to convince his followers that he is, indeed, a prophet. However, he gives himself away, when he refers to the election in past and present tenses in a few places.
I find it interesting that people, such as Foss, interpret the exposure of Sarah Palin's activities and the fact that Joe the "Plumber" isn't really a plumber as "hatred." I suppose these folks have to interpret life in terms of their own feelings. Those of us who have criticized Palin and Wertzelbach don't "hate" them. We don't particularly care for the way they conducted themselves during the campaign, but hatred doesn't describe the attitude toward them.
There are many other "visions" reported in this email, which is, of course, designed to stir up the faithful and keep those checks rolling in. I checked this fellow's website and found that there had been so many online hits on his video about this message, that it had to be removed. However, for only $75 you can get your own copy, and the Rev. Foss will make about $73 profit. Quite a bargain for him.
The Rev. Foss is much more scary than anything that President-elect Obama can throw at us. His description of "a spirit of violence" coming from Obama as he spoke about peace and unity is particularly amazing. Take a deep breath, count to ten, then read this mess:
"A Prophetic Warning from Pastor Steve Foss Sat, 25 Oct 2008
...God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever! I say, again! God said, after W. Bush, comes its most ungodly president ever.
The elections are history,--this prophecy has come to pass! Shame on American "Christians"!
In 2006 I asked the Lord, "Is that guaranteed to happen in 2008?" Very clearly, He said, "It depends on the Christians."!
See what happened? Shame on American "Christians"!
I had a vision earlier this year. I saw Barack Obama , speaking to a large crowd and being broadcast on television. He was speaking incredible words of unity, peace, and bringing all sides together; the words were elegant, the words were comforting, and the words were inspiring. But while he was speaking I saw a powerful spirit of violence coming out of his spirit feeding into the spirits of those that were hearing him. That spirit of violence was directed at anybody who opposed what he was saying. Those who heard his words and received it had the spirit of violence being implanted inside of them. It was a rage like I have not seen before.
It was the rage that would be unleashed against those who oppose and stand in the way of Barack Obama's agenda. We are already seeing the beginnings of this spirit manifested here in America . The vicious attacks against Sarah Palin have been unlike anything we have ever seen before. The sheer hate for this woman from people who knew nothing about her, and who claim to stand up and protect the little people, and women, has been shocking.
We now see it with Joe the plumber. These people who are under the influence of this demon spirit of rage desire to completely destroy this man because he dared to question Barack Obama. In fact it wasn't just the question; it was because Barack Obama revealed his true agenda that Joe the plumber became a threat. So the supporters of Barack Obama who had been fed and affected by the spirit of violence went into full swing to destroy a fellow citizen; the very kind of person that Barack Obama has been speaking about in his eloquent speeches, saying how he is the only candidate fighting for them.
I want to put this deep in your spirit. I am speaking as a prophet. The words I'm about to tell you are "thus saith the Lord". Now that Obama is elected, the attacks against free speech, against those who believe differently than he does, and the systematic use of the government and laws to silence the voice of fundamental Christians will be unlike anything ever seen in this nation before. I have talked to many Christians, including pastors, here in the U. S., & around the world, who strongly supported Obama. Many are angry with the Republicans, understandably so. Others were inspired by the thought of electing America 's first African American president, while others believe Barack Obama to be a Christian who is very concerned with the poor and needy. I am not going to address any of the many concerns about Barack Obama and his form of Christianity. I am only speaking the words of thus saith the Lord, and you have to decide what you're going to do with it.
...You ask, "Are you saying that Barack Obama is America 's most ungodly president ever?" Yes!MANY people wanted an ungodly president. That's their choice.
I have watched throughout the world, "Christians" who support political leaders who are blatantly ungodly. So again, this is the people's choice! I believe if these "Christians" will pray, repent, and hear the voice of God, a miracle can happen on any day! This nation lies in the hands of the Christians. Will we humble ourselves before God and pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done? To our shame, not enough did !
Too many allowed our emotions, feelings, angers, greed, race, fears & the media, to dictate to us and affect who we voted for!...
...In the future, when the true end time financial collapse takes place, it will be very easy for the nations of the world and the peoples of those nations to allow a new worldwide governing body to come to the rescue. Understand that everything that is happening has a significant spiritual purpose. So don't panic by what you see happening today, but take this as a spiritual warning from God. Prepare yourself. Get out of debt. Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in regards to how you handle money. Let God position you to handle the future complete economic collapse and the overtaking of the world's economic system. Please pray for America . May God have mercy on us all.
Your friend, Steve Foss"
I find it interesting that people, such as Foss, interpret the exposure of Sarah Palin's activities and the fact that Joe the "Plumber" isn't really a plumber as "hatred." I suppose these folks have to interpret life in terms of their own feelings. Those of us who have criticized Palin and Wertzelbach don't "hate" them. We don't particularly care for the way they conducted themselves during the campaign, but hatred doesn't describe the attitude toward them.
There are many other "visions" reported in this email, which is, of course, designed to stir up the faithful and keep those checks rolling in. I checked this fellow's website and found that there had been so many online hits on his video about this message, that it had to be removed. However, for only $75 you can get your own copy, and the Rev. Foss will make about $73 profit. Quite a bargain for him.
The Rev. Foss is much more scary than anything that President-elect Obama can throw at us. His description of "a spirit of violence" coming from Obama as he spoke about peace and unity is particularly amazing. Take a deep breath, count to ten, then read this mess:
"A Prophetic Warning from Pastor Steve Foss Sat, 25 Oct 2008
...God spoke to me that after George W. Bush, America would elect its most ungodly president ever! I say, again! God said, after W. Bush, comes its most ungodly president ever.
The elections are history,--this prophecy has come to pass! Shame on American "Christians"!
In 2006 I asked the Lord, "Is that guaranteed to happen in 2008?" Very clearly, He said, "It depends on the Christians."!
See what happened? Shame on American "Christians"!
I had a vision earlier this year. I saw Barack Obama , speaking to a large crowd and being broadcast on television. He was speaking incredible words of unity, peace, and bringing all sides together; the words were elegant, the words were comforting, and the words were inspiring. But while he was speaking I saw a powerful spirit of violence coming out of his spirit feeding into the spirits of those that were hearing him. That spirit of violence was directed at anybody who opposed what he was saying. Those who heard his words and received it had the spirit of violence being implanted inside of them. It was a rage like I have not seen before.
It was the rage that would be unleashed against those who oppose and stand in the way of Barack Obama's agenda. We are already seeing the beginnings of this spirit manifested here in America . The vicious attacks against Sarah Palin have been unlike anything we have ever seen before. The sheer hate for this woman from people who knew nothing about her, and who claim to stand up and protect the little people, and women, has been shocking.
We now see it with Joe the plumber. These people who are under the influence of this demon spirit of rage desire to completely destroy this man because he dared to question Barack Obama. In fact it wasn't just the question; it was because Barack Obama revealed his true agenda that Joe the plumber became a threat. So the supporters of Barack Obama who had been fed and affected by the spirit of violence went into full swing to destroy a fellow citizen; the very kind of person that Barack Obama has been speaking about in his eloquent speeches, saying how he is the only candidate fighting for them.
I want to put this deep in your spirit. I am speaking as a prophet. The words I'm about to tell you are "thus saith the Lord". Now that Obama is elected, the attacks against free speech, against those who believe differently than he does, and the systematic use of the government and laws to silence the voice of fundamental Christians will be unlike anything ever seen in this nation before. I have talked to many Christians, including pastors, here in the U. S., & around the world, who strongly supported Obama. Many are angry with the Republicans, understandably so. Others were inspired by the thought of electing America 's first African American president, while others believe Barack Obama to be a Christian who is very concerned with the poor and needy. I am not going to address any of the many concerns about Barack Obama and his form of Christianity. I am only speaking the words of thus saith the Lord, and you have to decide what you're going to do with it.
...You ask, "Are you saying that Barack Obama is America 's most ungodly president ever?" Yes!MANY people wanted an ungodly president. That's their choice.
I have watched throughout the world, "Christians" who support political leaders who are blatantly ungodly. So again, this is the people's choice! I believe if these "Christians" will pray, repent, and hear the voice of God, a miracle can happen on any day! This nation lies in the hands of the Christians. Will we humble ourselves before God and pray for His kingdom to come and His will to be done? To our shame, not enough did !
Too many allowed our emotions, feelings, angers, greed, race, fears & the media, to dictate to us and affect who we voted for!...
...In the future, when the true end time financial collapse takes place, it will be very easy for the nations of the world and the peoples of those nations to allow a new worldwide governing body to come to the rescue. Understand that everything that is happening has a significant spiritual purpose. So don't panic by what you see happening today, but take this as a spiritual warning from God. Prepare yourself. Get out of debt. Hear the voice of the Holy Spirit in regards to how you handle money. Let God position you to handle the future complete economic collapse and the overtaking of the world's economic system. Please pray for America . May God have mercy on us all.
Your friend, Steve Foss"
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