The Desperate Hour
                                                     -By Patrick J. Z.


                            
The desperate hour has come;
Kingdom touches kingdom,
the fading flute, the deafening drum.

Fury and rage;
darkness and light,
violent clashes, through the violent night.

Fear and hope surge within the searching heart...
                         the silent gaze...                      
       
"These are the times that try men's souls..."
and of what mettle are they caste?
Where is the seer? Where, freedom's voice?
Where, sweet morning's redemption?

The desperate hour has come;
Kingdom touches kingdom,
the fading flute, the deafening drum.
 
*Graphic: 300: Warner Brothers

                                                                                                                                                                                                              


     My articles are normally geared toward apologetics, poetry, and  special feature topics, especially on holidays of remembrance - Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, etc.. I realize that heavy hitting political controversies are the main purpose for Townhall's blog forum. Debating hard issues and the polemics of Washington D.C. are important features in our culture of freedom. I also have the utmost respect for those who seriously and wisely engage in this process. Our constitution is such that allows for dissent, agreement, or innovation so that we may "form a more perfect union."
   The complete article, "A Little Wisdom from the Ages," contains quotes of inspiration, anecdotes, and words of good counsel. They are bequeathed to all of us by their respective authors, and are meant to be meditated upon, absorbed - and where it applies - put into practice. If they can by any means guide and help the reader fight the good fight - then so be it.

"All the great things are simple, and many can be expressed with a single word:  Freedom... Justice... Honor... Duty... Mercy... Hope..."   _{~Winston Churchill}

  A Little Wisdom from the Ages

...that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain --
that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...     

                                                    ~ Abraham Lincoln

To Whom Honor is Due

       
We the People of the United States of America...


Click here for: America's "True" Christian Identity

  



  The Purpose of the Cross...









           

   ...the Power of the Resurrection

    Click here to read article!

The Shamrock:
A Glimpse into
Divine Mystery 
       - by Patrick J.Z.


Click here to Read Article

 Evolution: Theoretic Opium 
                                                                  - by Patrick. J.Z.

                                 Graphic: Institute for Creation Science Copyright 2009

Of all genesis theories proposed by either science or religion, evolution is the greatest stick and carrot chasing one of them all. This particular theory belongs in its’ own class of Greek mythology: How planet earth is being held up by Atlas - or Darwin. Advocates of biblical creation constantly hear the cries of “strawman arguments! religious extremism! biblical mythology!" bellowing out against them from angry halls of secular elitism. However, where as mythology (of any flavoring) is merely the product an overactive imagination in order to explain natural and metaphysical phenomenon (not too unlike the vivid imagination of evolutionists and their arbitrary portrayal of prehistoric periods), scripture, ironically, with all of it's fantastic supernatural accounts is validated by archaeology, textual criticism, prophetic fulfillment, social experience, scholars of other religions in addition to Jewish and Christian apologists, has a general consensus of acceptance by many influential persons throughout history, and has been given to man - by a Creator - for the purpose of light, guidance, freedom, and understanding the overall basics of origins.
     So, in all candor, as creationists we must confess: our adherence to a creation principle when addressing 'origins' is predominately, and gladly, the solid foundation of faith in a sound biblical revelation, rather than in creative theories masking as scientific facts.

If the scientific adage is true: pure scientific conclusions must be proven by actual facts and facts alone. Then everyone is still waiting for this saying to become an actual scientific verity in regard to evolution. Instead, all we get from our secular science community is nothing short of a brainwashing mantra which continually sells evolution as a ‘highly probable fact,’ when at best it should be cautioned as nothing more than a proverbial Grecian myth - capricious, speculative, and imaginative. A myth which is being propped up and perpetuated by a greater number of anti-God, anti-scripture, philosophers and philosophies, rather than a sufficient number of intellectually honest scientists. Scholars which in fact do honestly apply the above adage are the ones who usually abandon preconceived evolutionism premises as having any credible explanation for origins. In the wake of new research, especially in micro-biology, this cross-over from evolution into any kind of creationism is becoming epidemic.

“The popular media often portrays the creation vs. evolution debate as science vs. religion, with creation being religious and evolution being scientific. In an ironic twist, it's the creationists who have a solid empirical basis for their theory, while the evolutionists are left clinging to their convictions by faith.” - All About Creation contributors.

Even the father of evolution and natural selection had his misgivings on the theory:

"To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I freely confess, absurd in the highest degree.” - Charles Darwin

We are inclined to conclude then, that many who continue to embrace the theory of evolution in the face of mounting non-supportive scientific findings are actually grasping at their own delusional faith in something else. Evolutionism began as a smug 19th century elitist repudiation of the literal Genesis account, but has gradually morphed into a 21st century's desperate and malicious all out, anti-scripture campaign. A world view whose main goal today is to discount a Creator, a Savior, and the bible altogether. It has become an intolerance that is quick to shout down anyone who disagrees, a pseudo-scientific opium for unbelief.
Modern day philosophies exalting evolution, furthermore, serve only to fuel the arrogance of man, i.e., man is not responsible to any God; mankind has evolved and can make his own moral rules! - the ever deforming evolution of the theory of evolution.
How tragic that those who stubbornly reject the light of scriptural revelation and prefer the darkness of irresponsible science believe they have the light, when in actuality they are in the dark. “If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness?” - Jesus

*Theistic evolutionists are not quite in the same category because their motives and goals differ from atheistic evolutionists. But they are in fact, without realizing it, chasing after the same carrot, the same vacuous, scientifically unsupported, theories.

The Incredible Spheres!

Abiotic (non living) systems are separate entities from biospheric (living) species. The biosphere cannot survive without them. In order for life to exist and continue on planet earth, these abiotic-systems must work in absolute perfect and delicate sequence with each other and the biosphere, even though they are completely independent of that biosphere and each other.

“The naturalistic philosophy of modern science has created a dilemma for evolution. No known laws of nature allow complex, living, information-containing systems to develop from the random interactions of matter. Yet, this is what is required in order for life to have evolved in the universe.” - Roger Patterson: Evolution exposed

This statement has to do with the impossibility of inert matter somehow processing itself in just the right way, over a long span of time, in order for specialized microbes to come into being and then evolve. No laws of nature support this possibility - not one. And if that scientific principle is true of chemical reactions and inert matter pertaining to complex bio-cultures, how much more so with complex abiotic systems, i.e., how does inert, unintelligent matter, form itself into abiotic-complex systems?

“From setting orbits straight and creating moons, to manufacturing magnetic fields, secular science has consistently used chance cosmic collisions and near-misses to explain the origins of a host of fine-tuned attributes. This strong reliance on lucky coincidences reveals a bias toward “methodological naturalism.” - Brain Thompson M.S. ‘ Can Cosmic Collisions Create?' Institute for Creation Science

Earth’s hydrosphere, atmosphere, and geo-sphere, are three abiotic- systems that operate in delicate balance and precision with each other and the biosphere. There is no evidence that these spheres came into being either of their own accord, or accidentally, and then started interacting with each other mechanically, chemically, and electrically, in order to maintain this delicate balance. Yet, they have come into being, and they do maintain a delicate balance in the earth. We must accept that something greater has made it so. But what? Of course the evolutionist will nonchalantly respond with, Random Chance. But is that really any non-scientifically different than a creationist saying, “God.” Random Chance is not exactly a series of scientific principles supporting conclusive scientific facts. So Random Chance is nothing more than a ‘belief’ based on nothing. For those who reject a Creator, but will not throw in with the empty philosophy of Random Chance, the only possibility would be that another force with a kind of artificial intelligence has made it so. But what? That in itself is a ‘belief’ based on rejecting God and Random Chance. It’s almost as if that group is saying, “We don’t exactly know what is, but we ‘believe’ it is there, and some day we will find it.” But even if some ‘thing’ is found with supportive scientific fact; a ‘thing’ that has arranged the precise workings of the abiotic-systems, who is then to say that God did not create that ‘thing,’ what ere it may be? For if not God, then some other ‘thing’ would have had to put together that entity that put together the abiotic-systems. Would that at last be God? Or some other ‘thing’? Die hard unbelievers and evolutionists will pursue that 'other thing,' creationists choose to trust in Scripture and God.

A little overview of these spheres will help us to appreciate the complexity and precision of earth’s abiotic support systems:

The hydrosphere, or water sphere, is the essence of life on earth. Every simple cell and living organism needs water in some measure or degree. But the hydrosphere does not merely provide water to the biosphere, it provides it in measured and gentle ways. One of those ways is through the process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation - rain. Without this process, which works in perfect harmony with the atmosphere, plant life would not exist anywhere except near a body of fresh water or spring.
The hydrosphere does more than merely provide moisture. Water circulation, by the process of rain, through underground streams, above ground creeks, rivers, and ocean currents, regulates atmospheric conditions. Atmospheric conditions regulate temperature and humidity distribution on land, sea ,and air. Without a constant circulation of water in precise flow patterns, the earth would either die or be very uncomfortable. Hydrosphere circulation, as with all spheres and their unique operations, is also aided and abetted by other planetary mechanics.

Earth’s atmosphere not only provides a balance of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gas elements for oxygen breathing creatures, it also receives and disburses sunlight in delicate ways that are sensitive and refined to the eye of man and other creatures. It accomplishes all of this as it simultaneously works in conjunction with the hydrosphere’s crucial moisture distributing activities.

Geosphere: dirt, rock, and all solids. Earth, or dirt, has got to be one of the rare wonders of the world. Its’ makeup is such that it not only provides land creatures with a stable platform on which to live and move, and plant life to take root and grow, but it also has to be porous with a perfect consistency of compaction, so as to absorb moisture, filter water, and at the same time be cohesive enough to contain the liquid. It cannot be all porous or all solid. It has to be just right.

How Wonderful! that abiotic systems, such as these, must have conspired together in order to aid and abet in the beginnings of life, and then maintain its' survival.

The hydrosphere said to the geosphere, “I need you to fit these specifications and scales, so that I may properly circulate,” and the geosphere said, “I can do that, just make sure you coordinate your activities with the atmosphere so as to meet my specs. And get brother sun and sister moon to fine tune their operations with our systems. We won’t be able to do anything without them. And don’t forget to inform the magnetosphere, gravitational mass ratio, and the constant of planetary motion. We can do this and make life happen if we all pull together. When we do, these chemical elements floating around can form into complex amino acids and microbes over billions of years and then evolve into higher life forms. Certainly we will also need to adapt and change our complex mechanics as these life forms mutate and evolve so as to continue servicing their intricate biological needs. Whew, we have our work cut out for us.”

If you don’t accept this scenario, there’s always the scientific vacuity of: a series of random chance incidents, better known in the scientific community as Methodological Naturalism, i.e., everything just sort of happens naturally (i.e. accidentally). Or you could chase the stick and carrot of ‘something else is out there.’ and spend all your life trying to find it. And of course there is still the possibility of creation; creation by a highly intelligent and powerful Creator as depicted in the book of Genesis.

Mankind (in general) is currently in the dilemma of faith vs. science; a very unproductive anomaly. This was never meant to be. He must find how the two fit together without falling into the snare of pseudo-science and the temptation of colorful, but unsupported, theories. That’s just the way it is, and the way it has been set up by the Creator's wisdom. Without the Creator’s input and inclusion, without the Creator's revelation and light, scientific mankind is nothing more than a funny dog, chasing his own short stubby tale (sic).

“For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth.” Colossians 1:16

*** Bibliography: On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favored Races in the Struggle for Life: Charles Darwin; Institute of Creation Science: Eclectic; Evolution Exposed: Roger Patterson; All about Creation Web Site: General Information; Can Cosmic Collisions Create?: Brian Thompson; High School Earth Science Review: Michael Bentley; New King James Bible;     http://www.icr.org/article/can-cosmic-collisions-create

^{Unsearchable Wonders is being edited and is not available at this time.}

http://www.allaboutcreation.org/creation-vs-evolution-n.htm
http://emporium.turnpike.net/C/cs/top.htm

More quotes and sentiments on the theory of Evolution:

"I believe that one day the Darwinian myth will be ranked the greatest deceit in the history of science." - Soren Lovtrup

"The doctrine of evolution has swept the world, not on the strength of its scientific merits, but precisely in its capacity as a Gnostic myth. It affirms, in effect, that living beings created themselves, which is, in essence, a metaphysical claim.... Thus, in the final analysis, evolutionism is in truth a metaphysical doctrine decked out in scientific garb." - Smith, Wolfgang, Teilhardism and the New Religion: Tan Books and Publishers, 1988, Rockford, Illinois, p. 24

“Lynn Margulis says that history will ultimately judge neo-Darwinism as "a minor twentieth-century religious sect within the sprawling religious persuasion of Anglo-Saxon biology." - Michael Behe Darwin's Black Box (1996), page 26 Reference given is to: Science Vol. 252, 19 April 1991, pp. 379-381 Which references: American Zoologist, 30:861-875 (1990)

"Today our duty is to destroy the myth of evolution, considered as a simple, understood, and explained phenomenon which keeps rapidly unfolding before us. Biologists must be encouraged to think about the weaknesses and extrapolations that theoreticians put forward or lay down as established truths.” - Grasse, Pierre-Paul (1977): Evolution of Living Organisms

" Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."  - George Washington








"Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak, and write." John Adams





"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you." Thomas Jefferson







"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." John Quincy Adams







"It is to be regretted that the rich and powerful too often bend the acts of government to their own selfish purposes." Andrew Jackson






"...In the present civil war it is quite possible that God's purpose is something different from the purpose of either party - and yet the human instrumentalities, working just as they do, are of the best adaptation to effect His purpose." Abraham Lincoln






"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. " Theodore Roosevelt






"In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed; it must be achieved."
Franklin D. Roosevelt






"I do not believe there is a problem in this country or the world today which could not be settled if approached through the teaching of the Sermon on the Mount."
- Harry S. Truman



"History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid." Dwight D. Eisenhower






"Israel was not created in order to disappear - Israel will endure and flourish. It is the child of hope and the home of the brave. It can neither be broken by adversity nor demoralized by success. It carries the shield of democracy and it honors the sword of freedom." John F. Kennedy






"... there's purpose and worth to each and every life."
-Ronald Reagan

  ... from Austin to Boston, Hail the
Red, White, and Blue!
_{^{- by Patrick J. Z.}}                               


What do you think Conservative America? Should every type of liberalism be completely expunged from U.S. democracy? Would the comprehensive eradication of the cultural and political blue be a plus for us? One might be tempted to believe this after reading the more vociferous anti-liberal blogs and commentaries on politically red charged web-sites. Is it possible that a 100% right wing ideology in every walk of life, at all times, could be so right and so good for the nation? Hardly! Obviously the opposite cry for unchecked progressive liberalism railing at us from far left internet forums will certainly not work either. It seems that to uncompromising conservatives the terms ‘liberal’ and ‘moral insanity’ have become as synonymous as ‘Kleenex’ and ‘tissue’(no offense to Kleenex). Unfortunately, in too many real ways this is an accurate description of the cultural left of today. However, the plain truth for old fashions and traditionalists who hate every mention of liberal idealism - like it or not - is that liberalism in its proper context is a vital ingredient for growth and functionality in any democratic republic. This is not mere opinion it is documented historical fact. Discounting the loony left of current stock, without a down to earth liberalism in equitable portions, pure conservatism would gradually turn our constituency into a dried out, brittle, creativity stifling, arrested culture. Godly conservatism is good and has a preeminent place in our commonwealth, but so does Godly liberalism. Yes, that’s right - Godly liberalism.

Consider the following simplistic yet true facts of liberal contributions to modern democracies (forgetting the bad things for now) : You get to wear your hair the way you prefer - long/short/any color; dress the way you want; exercise individual freedom in many personal aspects of your life simply because people in the past moved left of rigid formalities and boldly claimed the right (sic) to be different. We have greater latitude and variety of expression because of liberalism; more creativity in the arts, drama, and music because of liberalism (and that includes classic rock, country western, pop, contemporary christian, et. al.) ; freedom from stale dogmatic forms of religious worship because of liberalism; innovative ideas in academics, technology, business, because of liberalism. Liberalism has provided the lubricant and suppleness for functioning conventions, institutions, organizations, and other components that comprise the civic infra-structure. New creative ideas normally flourish within an atmosphere of liberalism.
Significant advancements throughout history occurred not by perpetuating the conservative agenda of that era, but by heroic figures who chose to move left and counter those strongholds. Christian disciples liberally preached against 1st century paganism and legalism. The Renaissance and Reformation were the result of liberal thought not the status quo. Plymouth colony turned port side of Anglican hierarchy; later puritans moved it back to an oblique starboard again. American Independence called for a liberal breaking away from English/Tory right wing control.

On the other side of the contribution list: Conservatives have brought structure, stability, reliability, perpetuation of important heritage traditions, and fiscal responsibility to our national fabric. Our American Declaration and Constitution were founded upon and wisely framed around ancient and moral absolutes - or enduring conservative ideas. Actually, to say it more perfectly, they are a unique blend of conservative verities and beneficial liberal innovations. Most of these absolutes are scriptural, some have been derived from our understanding of past human experience - philosophical anthropology. These tried and true guidelines grafted within our sacred documents are trustworthy in providing ‘We The People’ with a wholesome environment for the better pursuit of happiness. And it should be duly noted, America’s Cultural Conservatives have led the way to preserve, protect, and defend these absolutes more than any other group.

Solomon said, “to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” To extrapolate this adage in a manner germane to the article - “ there is a time for the right, and a time for the left.” There were periods in our national history - and the history of man - when moving left was the wise course of action - and vice-versa. Today we are currently in a time when the country desperately needs to activate the better angels of the conservative right: political, fiscal, and cultural. Moderate liberals who have the foresight to see the handwriting on the wall portending the enormous tragedies facing this nation if we don’t enlist those angels would be wise to join the cause.

Detrimental’ extremes are vicious predators, not merely warring against each other, but ever assaulting the best interests of humanity.

This essay is about the need for conservative and liberal ideologies to work harmoniously in a free republic, the need for cultural balance, cultural maturity, and cultural responsibility. It is about the danger of extremes. The focus touches on specified progressive excesses that have been dragging our nation into Sheol. Or better said: exposing the demons of anti-biblical sentiments possessing the far left echelons of government and secular trends. A mentality which has no regard for the wisdom and warnings of our founding fathers. Godless blights that are associated with racially divisive right wing philosophies are likewise condemned, not by this article, but by reasonable intelligence, human rights, and love for one's fellow man. Primarily though it is about cultural extremes in general, whether they come from the left or the right, and the imperative (IMPERATIVE!) need to begin replacing those extremes with a healthy balance of valued conservatism and constructive liberalism.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

How then should conservatives (and all who are willing) fight in this crucial battle, in this urgent hour? How to mobilize as the country suffers from the trends of immorality and ungodliness that have been infesting the nation for the past many decades? How do we rescue the U.S.S. America from the destructive shoals of moral relativism and secularism without ripping ourselves apart? Hatred toward those who embrace hard left, or radical right, idealism is not the answer. To put it mild, ‘That ain't scriptural or wise.’ Such attitudes will only result in the weakening of true conservative resolve and make matters worse. "Be angry, but sin not" is the admonition of scripture. There are situations when a cultural loon, or a far left (far right) advocacy org., will provoke a lambasting. So lambast, and get over it. Do not fester with debilitating emotions regardless of what others are promoting. God help us to be aggressive, yet gentle; powerful, but also compassionate.
Confronting the perpetrators of 21st century cultural anomalies and undoing the damage done is not by any stretch of the imagination a simplistic or easy undertaking. It will require dedication, patience, sacrifice, courage, indeed everything that we have to offer in unified persistence. But as we follow the leading of a higher wisdom instead of blind sentiments our efforts will result in a better success ratio.

Americans who truly care about our country’s ethical standards and foundational heritage must incessantly and courageously call things what they are via specific reference and not allow issues to be obfuscated under the guise of generic titles. (E.g.) Radical feminism is not a genuine liberal cause. It has been tagged "liberal" because it (together with other progressive ideologies) operates within the parameters of far left activism. Radical feminism has little to do with equality for women or changes that are good for society. This type of feminism's true nomenclature is that class of men and women who seek to destroy God ordained distinctions and moral clarifications. When wholesome non-pejorative clarifications in gender, sex, and morality disappear, so do important traditions, family values, and even romance. Homosexuality is not a 21st century liberal invention. This behavior has been around for ages. According to scripture and nature it is a perversion, an aberration of human sexuality. Elective abortion is not a woman's choice to remove an inconvenient fetus. It is ‘murdering’ an incomplete child in the womb. Not one of these practices ought to be classified  as a liberal cause, but rather delineated by historical, scriptural, religious, traditional, and common consensus; just as every illicit form of discrimination must no longer be identified as a "conservative" philosophy.

All the preceding abnormalities are statistically proven destructive movements, lifestyles, and policies that have gradually infected America’s freedoms and institutions. For so long such behaviors have been odious to the greater American populace because of the obvious ill consequences for those directly involved and society at large. Yet now, in these last days, somehow, someway, they have become accepted social norms. These very things, together with other similar unhealthy deviations (left or right) are at the core of ‘what’s da matter wid us.’

Concerned citizens who actually do desire to participate in the restoration process of our moral culture and its preservation must unite and take pragmatic constitutional action. This is accomplished by utilizing our rights of free speech, press, and political institutions. We can learn from the valiant actions, words, and wisdom, of right and left culture warriors in the recent past. Charlton Heston’s 1999 commencement address to Harvard Grads is a classic:

“...I believe that we are again engaged in a great civil war, a cultural war that's about to hijack your birthright to think and say what lives in your heart...”

So is Robert Kennedy’s 1966 Day of Affirmation speech:

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 march in Washington DC, ended in one of the most profound oratories ever delivered by a speaker:

^{“I have a dream... that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed... and if America is to be a great nation this must become true...Let freedom ring...”}

Our current conditions require the same unparalleled wisdom, patience, and intelligence - free and gracious gifts flowing from a generous Heavenly Father, all for the asking.

VOTE, VOTE, VOTE: vote radical sympathizers out of office. Vote for candidates who seek to restore sanity and equity in government and cultural policies. And be ever wary of movements which have a facade of justice, equality, and the country’s best interest at heart, however, in reality they are bent on slinging the nation into hurtful passions for their own prejudice.

Although a great percentage of America’s cultural woes today are the result of far left activism, conservatism has been plagued with sociological ills and extremes of its own. Contagions which have wrought their fair share of damage. Some of those ugly realities have been mentioned in generalized historical context. But what can conservatives say about white supremacy and fanatical protestant fundamentalism that had, and in many cases still do have, the backing of right wing groups here in the United States? Groups that call for un-scriptural discrimination and segregation based on color? race? gender? religion? Groups that promote rigid adherence to attitudes and mind sets that are as far from biblical truth as death is from life? Organizations and exclusive societies which fuel hatred and sport staggering hypocrisy among their own ranks?

“Ultimately we must separate ourselves from the Blacks and other non-whites and keep ourselves separate, no matter what it takes to accomplish this. We must do this not because we hate Blacks, but because we cannot survive if we remain mixed with them. And we cannot survive if we permit the Jews and the traitors among us to remain among us and to repeat their treachery. Eventually we must hunt them down and get rid of them”. _{- William Pierce: The National Alliance}

The above statement does not reflect who Godly conservatives are! Disassociation from groups and movements like this is of paramount importance for conservatives. The majority of us who want to see our culture restored to a wholesome expression of healthy conservative values and refreshing liberal ideas see all extremities, whether they are coming from the right or left, as being at the root cause of every serious problem in our country.

All extremes are error. The reverse of error is not truth, but error still. Truth lies between these extremes. _{^{- Lord David Cecil}}

Realistically speaking, anyone who believes all extremes can be, or even should be, eliminated from a free society altogether is quite naive. Such an enterprise would be the ultimate exercise in futility. Nevertheless, harmful extremes can be marginalized if not eradicated. And the emphasis is on harmful. Radicals can be prevented from harassing the culture and politics of our democratic republic any further. The only thing required is for the remaining majority on the left, right, and middle, to be intelligent, informed, and courageous. And then actively make it so. Without question, properly identifying exactly what those crippling extremes are is part of the real task: (i.e.,) which practices are truly hurtful to society and which ones are merely distasteful to those who disagree; which ones bleed out of bounds and which ones take sharp turns out of bounds. For what may be decried as a harmful extreme by certain groups may in fact not be so. Therefore, derailing the constitution is a definite no no. Casting aside the warnings of our founding fathers would be a dangerously unwise venture.

There’s a saying: If you want to find what you lost, go back to the most likely place that you lost it and there you most likely will find it. Americans must be willing to take a good hard look at reviewing the past, if we truly desire to improve upon our current conditions. At what point on the national calendar did things start going awry? Why? Which extremes of yesteryear most likely caused societal ruptures? What initiated a degeneration of social and family patterns? When did negative statistics on crime, economics, family, and government, start mounting? What was at the root of it? And when did undesirable consequences of aberrant behaviors and lifestyles become a matter of documented clinical record?
Stirring up an informed community awareness with incontrovertible intel on these topics and the constitutionally viable solutions which are available to us is the next step.
Many such studies and correlating activities have been going on for years. And some progress has been made (see, It’s Getting Better All the Time: Stephen Moore, Julian Simon - Cato Institute, 2000), yet so much more needs to be done. The burden has been placed on too few far too long. America... WAKE UP!

Alas, if we truly are ‘One Nation Under God’ as most Americans believe, then we can also expect the help of a Higher power as we do everything we possibly can to achieve our goal for a ‘more perfect union.’

Certain strains of liberalism are good for society, yes, even necessary. And conservatism is not an end in itself. In addition to preserving important absolutes (a definite yes) and countering harmful radical shifts to the left, cultural conservatives must seek to live in constructive balance with productive liberals, and vice-versa. Both leanings have their good points, their deficiencies, and their tendencies like a toddler to wander astray. Both entities need to be checked by each other from time to time. And both are expressive necessities within a diverse culture. The real enemy of peace, security, and prosperity in America’s free society, therefore, is not and never has been conservatism or liberalism per se, but rather the violent infringement upon our democratic system by those manifold votaries which espouse moral relativism and pernicious radicalism in order to further their own peculiar self serving ends. This then is that never ending struggle for genuine liberty which demands eternal vigilance and sacrifice from everyone who truly desires to live in a healthy, free, and blessed country.

“...You hold the key to love and fear, all in your trembling hand. Just one key unlocks them both, it’s there at your command...” - <sub>Youngbloods


^{* Encyclopedia Britannica, Archives of U.S. National Addresses, Comments by The Alliance, 1999 Commencement Address to Harvard University, by Charlton Heston, Book of Ecclesiastes: Bible, “Get Together” The Young bloods. http://www.youtube/watch?v=u5ALKAaa-TU    Picture of Harry Truman:  HBO - copyright 1995}</sub>

^{by patrick j.z.}

2001 was a tough year for you - and for all Americans. Following on the heels of a narrow election win, which your detractors would not concede because of their own self centered politicking, the calendar ended with a nation in mourning. To your credit, the country was galvanized into action: Homeland security, military assault readiness, the patriot act, and emergency response measures were adopted; networking with international intelligence agencies, tactical search and destroy missions of dangerous cells, and the choking of monetary backing for terrorists was likewise highly successful. In time, the tide began turning from a sense of vulnerability to one of safety and public well being. This was unquestionably the result of your presidential heads up leadership.

Iraq came with a lot of bitter accusations, mostly politicized; and also because it appeared to be heading for the same messy nonsense of the 1960's. However, two very important distinctions exist between Vietnam and Iraq. First, Vietnam was not categorized as an international threat by most contemporary democracies. Saddam Hussein's ambitions were so labeled. Vietnam did not pose the slightest danger for U.S. national security. Their was absolutely no pertinent reason to Americanize that war. Communism remained a western capitalist, NATO, and SEATO problem; a free world issue that needed a much smarter answer than flooding 19 and 20 year old U.S. draftees into South East Asia by the Johnson administration. Second, Saddam Hussein already emphatically signaled that he would spell nothing but danger for America and the world. A red flag, directly connected with this warning, that waved in the face of U.S. policy makers after he invaded Kuwait; another one that waved in their face after he refused to abide by the surrender agreements; and yet another after playing cat and mouse games with the IAEA inspectors.
Taking out this Middle East pandora would prove costly, but in time, a wise decision. By virtue of our military's courage, the bravery of Iraqi service men, and the sacrifice of coalition partners, a measure of peace and security has been achieved, "over there." Regardless of the many controversies that surrounded missing WMD's, Iraqi civil divisions, and International disapproval, the end result of this forced regime change is panning out in the positive for that entire region and the United States. And by the way, sending personal consolation notes to the families of fallen heroes revealed a compassionate side of our 43rd president's heart, the kind of caring that soldiers respect in their Commander-in-Chief.
In the final analysis, irrespective of the many conflicting opinions triggered off by Iraq, domestic and foreign techniques used in the fight against terrorists and their host nations, and other vital steps taken by your national security team, for the past seven years Americans have been breathing easier, and feeling somewhat safe again. THANK YOU. We pray that our next president follows your lead, stays the course, and fares with the same degree of success in this complex arena.

The character of your presidency is revealed in the following accomplishments as well:

Education- No Child Left Behind act; Religious Freedom - urging tolerance, especially toward Muslims; Traditional values- remembering America's heritage and faith; Participating in multi-national relief action- U.S. aid and support extended to those hit by the deadly Indian Ocean Tsunami and other natural disasters; War on drugs and FARC- "Plan Columbia."
Completely over-shadowed by a string of more urgent events, nevertheless, these unsung contributions will bear the fruit of a greater good in years to come.

Laura - you know, your wife - would become synonymous with genuine comfort and hope for most Americans, and the world at large. Devoting her time toward health issues, women concerns, and other social needs, the first lady managed to wield ninety six very productive months in the White House. The global community will miss and cherish the memory of Mrs. George W. Bush.

Bailouts and financial giveaways were a different matter. You did what you understood to be wise, but as the constantly over stated aphorism goes, "history will be the final judge." In perfect honesty, I (ssshhh, and lots of other Americans to) didn't agree with or like at all, not so much that financial stimulus (*to prevent a disastrous run on banks) was injected into the economy using tax payer money, but rather how these bailouts proceeded - extremely deficient of more detailed study and government oversight. What were you and other members of congress thinking?

All in all, you did extremely well, carrying yourself with a confident bearing, even in the face of excoriating personal and political attacks. You certainly made your share of mistakes, but so did every predecessor, as will every successor. You showed mercy toward those who resented you, and stretched out the hand of forgiveness for anyone who was willing to accept it - now that is real "Abraham Lincoln virtue." With dignity and respect you passed the torch into the hands of a new administration of historical importance.

Of course political and media opponents have their own uncomplimentary assessment of your presidency, which is their constitutional and God given right. Those of us who stood by you, and still stand by you, very much and gladly disagree. We commit their opinions vs. ours, not to history, but rather to the One Who evaluates every man's work and says, "Well done, good and faithful servant...," when that work pleases Him.

God Bless you President George W. Bush - 43rd President of The United States of America. May the goodness of Almighty God smile upon your past memories and future days.

*added after publishing

by Patrick J Z                                             Graphic: by Ron Stark                 

Til freedom's light shines in every land, bloody waters cover this darkened earth;
crimson tides amidst crashing waves; scarlet streams and countless drops,
with floods of tears through saddened eyes.

Be strong and of good courage loyal countrymen,
well done faithful daughters, well done fearless sons.
Welcome home!

For these are the ones upon whom heaven smiles,
these are the ones highly esteemed from above:

Your mother and father; for they have long-suffered you.
The young and old who have borne the reproach of Christ.
Whosoever has stretched out their hands to the poor and needy...
...in the causes of justice and righteousness.
And the soldier, the civil servant, who have sacrificed themselves for others.

Let my honor be as their honor...and my end as their end.

<sub>- by Patrick J.Z.

Wesley Lowe c. 2001-2007.</sub>

In 1621, Pilgrim Separatists in the new world joined together with local natives to feast and give thanks. First and foremost, the men and women of the fledgling colony were thankful that Almighty God safely brought a majority of them through the severity of their first year in America, and then crowned the second year with abundance.

Between 1781 and 1789 the American English colonies became free and independent States. Church bells rang with thanksgiving and praise throughout the land..

In 1865 prayers and thanksgiving were again offered up by the inhabitants of these United States. A bloody civil war finally came to an end.

Over and over, Americans, at different moments and periods of national reflection, chose to give thanks for salvation and blessings as "One Nation Under God." Abraham Lincoln and future presidents laid the ground work for a national holiday of giving thanks. What a wonderful way to express our freedom!

The following is a psalm which sums up our religious and national heritage. May such praises fill this land, and all lands, with His awesome presence.

" Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. Know that the Lord He is God; It is He who made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations." ^{_{Psalm 100}}

^{_{by Patrick J.Z.}}

"Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."

Words like these have the power to inspire. We need leaders who utter such motivating poetry. It is the sign of genuine statesmanship. Yes, we all know that it takes more than a rhyme and eloquent tongue to provide effective leadership, especially over a country as diverse and powerful as the USA. But what exactly is the main prerogative of a president, or head of state? After keeping the country safe and defending the constitution of the United States, is it not to galvanize the talent and resources of the nation into a series of successful enterprises, so as to stimulate advancement in every field of endeavor? It can be properly argued that moral example is important as well. However, looking back through a presidential kaleidoscope it is difficult finding that perfect executive of supreme virtue, courage, and intellect. Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, and John Adams, are a few who may rank high on the morality scale. Yet, as one examines their lives a little closer, questionable conduct can be detected in the area of unpublished sexual behavior, violence, depression, and spiritual unorthodoxy.

So exactly what does it take for a president to go down in history as a successful administrator? Future generations will no doubt come up with the right answers, provided that future generations are generous with mercy, and in possession of all the facts rather than scattered pieces of politically infected disinformation.

No one rejects the fact that John Kennedy had moral failings, except for those persons who have placed him in the idolized temple of their imagination. But going further into the bio of this extraordinary historical figure, it would not be intellectually honest to dismiss his good and finer points as a human being - and as an American President.

John Kennedy throughout his political career fought for the common man in labor, industry, and civil justice. Regardless of spurious and exaggerated slants poured out over the internet, or published in cheap books, he stood up against organized crime and other domestic threats within this country. Communism was countered at every turn by action, and by his persuasive rhetoric (see “I’m a Berliner” speech). Also, Kennedy's definition of liberal was a lot different than it is today.

"....if by a liberal they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people- their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, their civil liberties.. If that is what they mean by a "liberal" then I am proud to be a liberal. " ^{_{~ John F. Kennedy}}

The following accomplishments are attributed to John F Kennedy, 35th President of the United States:

* The Peace Corps: A volunteer organization that helps underdeveloped nations with needed knowledge and equipment for their own advancement.

* Alliance for Progress: A Western Hemisphere effort, where membership nations worked together in cooperative ventures of trade and the exchange of ideas.

* Upgraded Space Program: Motivated the nation into a successful all out space program that led to many other residual benefits in space exploration, science, and technology; in addition to national prestige.

* Nuclear Test Ban treaty: A treaty worked out with the Soviet Union that eliminated above ground testing of nuclear weapons, providing for a healthier world atmosphere for all nations.

* Civil Rights: Even though John Kennedy could have done more legislatively to fight the causes of repression against Black Americans, he did stir up national passion through key television speeches on the issue of race:

"...We are confronted primarily with a moral issue. It is as old as the scriptures and is as clear as the American Constitution.

The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated. If an American, because his skin is dark, cannot eat lunch in a restaurant open to the public, if he cannot send his children to the best public school available, if he cannot vote for the public officials who will represent him, if, in short, he cannot enjoy the full and free life which all of us want, then who among us would be content to have the color of his skin changed and stand in his place? Who among us would then be content with the counsels of patience and delay?..." ^_~JFK

Of course political critics will bring up the uncertainties surrounding The Bay of Pigs, The Cuban Missile Crisis, and Vietnam. And yet the same Monday morning quarterbacking can be applied to Lincoln's decisions that triggered America into a bloody Civil War; Jackson's breaking of the United States bank, plunging the nation into a deep recession; or Roosevelt's social programs, moving the country extremely left. And by reason of all the complexities, historical and otherwise, inculcated into any given crisis or situation a president must face, there will always be pros and cons weighed, after the fact, by common debate and specialized scrutiny.
Gordon Goldstein of the LA Times had this commentary in the November 22nd issue:

“It's not possible to know for certain how Kennedy would have managed the crisis in Vietnam had he lived. But it's clear that he was determined to prevent Vietnam from becoming an American war and that he expected to withdraw fully during a second term.” -_Goldstein

There is much evidence that this is the direction President Kennedy was headed concerning Vietnam. He already proved in earlier crises his capability to withstand the influence of the military elite. In a meeting with some of his generals, who were pressuring him to release more troops into Vietnam, Kennedy remarked, “If you can convince the general (Douglas MacArthur ) on the matter then I will consider it.” MacArthur already warned President Kennedy to avoid putting “regulars” in Southeast Asia.

Cuba unfortunately was an inherited debacle. The Bay of Pigs came upon the new President like a sudden rogue wave. Yes, he approved the invasion, but with the clear stipulation that no American troops would be involved. The CIA and U.S. military assured him that they were not needed, only to leave him with the blame when things went literally south.

The missile crisis was a continuation of this saga. As a matter of record, numerous KGB and Russian military personnel, who were active on the U.S.S.R. side during this historical confrontation, gave JFK rethought praise for the way he handled the dangerous conflict. According to their testimonies, after the break up of Russian communism, Khrushchev and his high ranking military were poised and determined to use nuclear weapons had America invaded Cuba, which the U.S. generals incessantly argued for Kennedy to do. Had any other man been in the White House at the time it might be a different world we live in today, something out of sci-fi land. Yet, the sun came up this morning, and we are all still here.

In the end, President Kennedy did what he did, and could, before he died, thankful for the help of a Higher Power. John Kennedy, like his predecessors, was very human, and that is refreshing. He also holds the title of a Statesman, i.e., someone who does what he believes is best for his country, even at his own expense. A true Profile in Courage in my estimation, an inspirational leader, irrespective of never ending political and personal controversies.

"What kind of peace do I mean? What kind of peace do we seek? Not a Pax Americana enforced on the world by American weapons of war. Not the peace of the grave or the security of the slave. I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time....For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal.” <sup><sub>~ John F Kennedy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPdFNzNR45s



* Sources:

JFK Presidential Library; Archives of speeches and addresses of President John F.Kennedy; Douglas MacArthur: Warrior as Wordsmith By Bernard K. Duffy, Ronald H. Carpenter Published by Greenwood Publishing Group, 1997; Euro-Cuba News: missile crisis special 10-14-2002 http://www.ibike.org/cuba/library/Missile%20Crisis%20(2).htm</sub>


 Tribute to Robert F.Kennedy      Legislative record of  Edward M..Kennedy</sup>

Americans do need to be concerned about these bail out options that are coming at us like hurricanes in the Fall season. How much is $700,000,000,000 anyway? Understanding this simple fact will wake more people up! When an astronomer helps us to comprehend immense sizes in the universe, he will use metaphorical images of sorts. Well let’s consider the following purchasing power facts. This will give us a better perspective of the term - seven hundred billion dollars.

What Seven Hundred Billion Dollars will buy:

* Twenty (20) super class Nimitz nuclear aircraft carriers, each equipped with100 of the latest fighter jets and payloads. -$160,000,000,000

* A state of the art sports stadium for every MLB and NFL team in the U.S. - $120,000,000,000

* A brand new 3000 mile interstate highway stretching from New York to L.A., all bridges and tunnels included, with a rest stop every thirty miles both ways. - $25,000,000,000

* Seven (7) distinct World Trade Center Tower Complexes located in seven different cities, each with at least two skyscrapers over 110 stories high. - $35,000,000,000

* The establishment of an extensive U.S. lunar exploration facility on the surface of the moon. - $60,000,000,000

* And even after the massive purchases listed above, there will be enough left over to give one thousand U.S. dollars ($1000) to every man, woman, and child in the United States. - $300,000,000,000

Total for all the above - $700,000,000,000

Is it any wonder why many Americans (STILL) are not happy about this ever inflating deal.

“But we need to give this money to wealthy wall street executives for the good of the country...” So went the sales pitch from the proponents of this fleece job several months ago. And now they want more for manufacturing companies. Who's next, the girl scouts? What is the saying, "give an inch..." There has got to be better solutions than just handing out money to huge corporations. How is that ever going to fix the economy?

Here’s just one solution of many you (on the Hill) might have considered:

We’ll for go the aircraft carriers, the sports complexes, the interstate highway from N.Y. to LA., and the World Trade Center Towers. Use that $340,000,000,000 to stimulate the economy (with careful oversight). Take the $60,000,000,000 for the moon facility and use it to find, and extract, the one trillion barrels of oil and natural gas reserves hidden under U.S. soil. Bid the drilling rights out to major oil companies with the caveat that all bids must entail sustained reasonable gas prices at the pump. Use the extra revenues from these ratio bids for health care, infrastructure repair, etc.. Create business incentives by reducing taxes, regulate credit and Wall Street, and send us the $1000 dollars. We are quite capable of spending the money and stimulating the economy on main street.

No one up there ever listens to us though.

^{_{by Patrick J Z}}

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal..."