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Saturday, September 16, 2006
Subject: In Defense of an Offensive Pope
Time: 5:02:24 PM EDT
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Angry
Music: Gaither Homecoming Friends: "Good News!"
I must admit there is, within me, an amount of extreme skepticism today.
In an AP story out today, Benjamin Harvey reports outrage across the Islamic community over a statement by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Germany. A followup article today can be found here .
So outraged, in fact, that two Churches in the West Bank were firebombed. The group “The Lions of Monotheism” accepted responsibility for firebombing both a Greek Orthodox and an Anglican Church in the city of Nablus. Umm, who is historically known as the “Lion of Monotheism”?)
The growing fear is that Islamic fundamentalists will “unleash their fury” – again.
The specific passage the Pope referred to was one written, surprisingly enough, by a Muslim cleric which examined a conversation between the 14th Century Byzantine (look it up, it’s instructive—especially to this event) Christian Emperor Manuel Paleologos II and a Persian scholar on the truths of Christianity and Islam.
Pope Benedict XVI says that, during the conversation, the “Emperor comes to speak about the issue of Jihad, ‘Holy War’. Benedict reads the passage from the conversation, wherein the Emperor states “Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sward the faith he preached.”
First things first,okay?
Benedict didn’t say it, he read it. It was said by the 14th Century Byzantine (no, really! Look it up, it matters!) Christian Emperor in a conversation with an Islamic Persian scholar.
Secondly, it is not a mis-quote. That IS what was said by the Emperor. And, it is also what was said by Mohammed! His direct command was to “spread by the sword the faith I preach.”
The Emperor’s opinion of such a statement was that it was “only evil and inhuman”. Benedict XVI seemed to agree with Pope Manual Paleologos II, which would be in conformance with his Christian beliefs.
The statement should be taken in context of the message Benedict was making, which was concerning the violent confrontations between Christian and Islam followers today.
To whit:
“The Rev. Robert Taft, a specialist in Islamic affairs at Rome's Pontifical Oriental Institute, said it was unlikely Benedict miscalculated how some Muslims would receive his speech.
"The message he is sending is very, very clear," Taft said. "Violence in the name of faith is never acceptable in any religion and that (the pope) considers it his duty to challenge Islam and anyone else on this."
German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the German-born pope, saying his message had been misunderstood. “It is an invitation to dialogue between religions, and the pope has explicitly urged this dialogue, which I also endorse and see as urgently necessary.”
Okay, back to the statement.
Who, precisely was it that was “outraged” here?
“Leaders of the Islamic world.”
“Turkey’s ruling party.” (Likened the Pope to Hitler and Mussolini, and accusing him or reviving the mentality of the Crusades.)
“Malaysia’s Prime Minister.” (Who also serves as the Chairman of the 56-nation Organization of the Islamic Conference.)
“The Pakistani Parliament.”
Lebanon’s top Shiite Cleric.”
“Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Mohammad Ali Hosseini”
Pakistan’s Parliament adopted a resolution condemning the Pope, for his “derogatory comments about Islam”, seeking an apology. (The one they got didn’t suit them, and they wanted another. And, another. And,…..)
“Egypt’s Foreign Minister” weighed in, too.
Even both Shiite and Sunni Clerical leaders tried to shout down Benedict.
The statement was related to the Pope’s stated desire that we should understand that violence in the name of religion has no place in religion. Now, you must understand that, given the Pope’s violent nature towards persons of a certain genetic makeup, I personally have some significant problems here. Nevertheless, that is for an entirely different entry.
It seems to me that these folks who are so out-of-sorts over the Pope’s statement are serving notice to him, although I doubt they understand the message they are sending. To me, what they are saying is that they clearly heard, and did not misinterpret his statement at all. After all, they are the very ones the Pope was inferentially addressing!
Perhaps the Pope, and maybe even I, will find some level of legitimacy in their outpouring of angst after they gather in the West Bank, and clean up, repair, and apologize to a couple of Churches which, incidentally, had nothing to do with any of this in the first place. And, perhaps they could even go so far as to condemn those within their own beliefs who are so extreme as to believe that Mohammad also requires them to killall infidels, wherever they may be found? Of course, that would require them to actually agree with the statement that Benedict was making in the first place. Ifthey did that, what would be the use of the “outrage” ?
And unless, and until they do, perhaps what they really ought to be doing is working a lot harder to control tyrannical (dare I say terroristic ?) outbursts from those within their own belief group!
The world trembles in fear because of what Islamic fundamentalists MIGHT do? Sounds like a really bad case of a parent fearing a tantrum from an unruly child to me.
Faith on the point of a sword is NOT faith. It is fear. Now, tell me. Who wants what?
Unohu
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Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Time: 7:18:59 PM EDT
Author: kybudman55
I am testing out the IM Blog entry feature of AIM. I wonder how, and even if, this works. I truly hope it does. For a quick update: The book is done, and is out for review. I am hopeful and feel as if there is every reason to believe that both an Agent and a publisher will be onboard soon for the book, and the series. School just keeps getting harder, and harder. A lot of technical issues put a mortal shot into the bow of the boat last term, so this term is a repeat. Because of the root cause, however, my University has really been great about such things as tuition forgiveness, no effect on GPA (4.0!) and credits attempted stuff. I got enrolled in another course, then two days before the first assignments were due, I was involuntarily switched back to the earlier courses, with two days til first assignments were due. Yeah, right! I'm working on those now, and getting back into the swing of school. From here to April (Graduation Masters IT), it will be a constant battle but I am highly motivated. If the book yields a contract, a lot of pressure will be off on one hand, and right back on, on another. The series is currently arc'd for 10 volumes. I'd love to have the second volume ready before the release of the first. On other fronts, life goes as life goes. I have up times/days, and down times/days. I miss the interaction with those of you who have been dedicated to my writing in "Contemplations", and look forward to a renewed activity within the Blog, and the Community. I am actively Blogging on my MSN Space (kybudman) and on the Yahoo 360 site (kybudman) as well. In the anticipation of the book's success, I have begun establishing a team of really outstanding folks to come together for the long - term dream. While the website for this project is under construction, you can at least get a sneak peek at what we are doing by going to http://www.kybudman.com and looking around. There's even a surprise announcement there that you might be pleased by. I hope you will check it out.
Written by kybudman55
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Friday, May 12, 2006
Subject: Personal Information Gathering, the NSA, and lies!
Time: 12:08:46 AM EDT
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Worried
Music: John Phillipe Rameau: Pieces de Clavacin in Concert
Today, the news media is discussing the new (to them) revelation that the American public creates over 1 billion phone calls each and every day.
Then, they "break the story" that these calls are being monitored, and information collected via NSA assets through many various service suppliers. This information is being routinely retrieved from the same pieces of paper that you use to determine the amount you owe your phone company: Your telephone bill. These pages are being routinely submitted to the government for "analysis".
In the midst of the hubbub, President Bush storms into the Press Room at the White House, and blasts the press saying: "We are not data mining, or trolling your phone call records. We are analyzing patterns for possible links to Al Queda."
Say what?
Let me put your mind to rest. First, if I may, a couple of questions:
1. How does this President know what "data mining" is? Likewise, with "trolling"? Who told him?
2. If the security services within Homeland Security are not data mining, or trolling, just exactly what is it they are analyzing?
3. Why?
In case all this is too far over your heads, the diversion isn't working as well as it was, but evidently the White House thinks it is. They put their number one face to work again, today.
What you missed in that exchange is only one little word. But, that one little word makes a world of difference. Let me explain.
You remember that, in a seemingly unassociated story, the President has nominated a military man to head the CIA, right?
Pay attention, dammit!
The nominee is the very self-same guy that designed the warrantless - wiretap and search operations that the White House has now stopped denying. With Senator Arlen Specter as the front man in refusing to allow investigations into this nefarious activity, there really is no need.
What word did you miss?
"We".
And, that is a tangential truth. However, this very same guy that the Prez wants to head the CIA is the very same guy that awarded no-bid contracts to virtually hundreds of contract companies to do the data mining, trolling, catalogueing, and reporting of all manner of personal information. They answer to, umm, one guy.
When, exactly is it that we are going to put an end to this megalomaniac? Is there just absolutely nothing we are going to dis-allow this Napoleonic, empire-building, tyrant to take out of our Constitution? When is it that you have had enough?
Enough! Enough, I say. Impeach the entire lot of them, right down to the Congressional Aides and Senatorial Pages. Do not let a Republican hold office for anything if they admit to supporting this embarassment to humanity!
Enough!
Unohu
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Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Subject: Why Time Matters!
Time: 12:45:38 PM EDT
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Anxious
Music: Gaither Homecoming Friends:"Down At The Tabernacle"
Okay, Gentle Readers:
It has come down to crunch time, for me. I have just finished my first online course! <YAY!> 23 more, and I will have my Doctorate in Information Technology!
Five week sessions, about 4-6 hours per day (average) to get just over 9 weeks' subject matter mastered. I did well, by all standards--especially considering my inability to access the class, the course, or the school for just over two weeks!
I have TWO classes, which started the minute after my first course was completed, that will make (for the next five weeks, anyway) my calendar my very best friend. And, that's the issue: time.
Between the websites (3), the Blogs (?), and the Forums (7), which are all creative resources/outlets, and school projects as well, the time thng is going to really be a test for me. I have noticed a decided lack of attention to this, my "Official" Blog. And, I am not doing a poll or anything. I am just responding to the various writing entry-points in my life with a question: where will my time be best served?
This Journal has become so very special for me as it is the writing outlet that has been so close to so many successes (and failures) in my recent life.
To keep it, or lose it? Some Journals will disappear with no more concern than the energy required to click "Delete!" Perhaps a website will go down, and be replaced by an MSN.SPACE. Perhaps. The website is paid, and has been so successful that not one single person other than myself has left a footprint. That puts it squarely on the "Student vs. Survival" agenda. Time is a primary source of income here in the electrons. It is a resource, a vehicle to barter, and coinage to be bought and sold.
It is also limited. One Forum = 2 hours. One Blog = 20 minutes. One assignment for ITN 305? About 20 Hours. See how it works?
This Journal is "Me to Me-or You!" Blogs are primarily "Me to Me". The Forums are "You to You"-I just facilitate the site and content so that you can have a positive online experience in any of the several topical Forums.
The Website is a total package. There are three of them. IT is a production-oriented career. These are all "deliverable products". The question is economic. Time is the coinage. The clock is the bank.
So, It's gonna be a test case to see where to spend the resource for the greatest return (ROI). In one week, this message will have appeared on every access point I have to the web. That's a fair amount of time, I think. If you want it to stay active, post a comment or let me know that you're interacting with the site. 7 Days = Zero? Easy. "Delete!"
IF they all get activity (and they usually do), top three will remain.
Look, I'm not making something out of nothing. I'm not complaining, whining, or anything else. I believe in a Representative Democracy. You tell me what is important to you, and that's what will happen. Six months of zero activity is a truth that should not be denied. Want it? Save it. Simple.
Unohu
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Sunday, April 16, 2006
Subject: Happy Easter, J-Land
Time: 9:14:30 PM EDT
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Worried
Music: Watching "Family Guy"
I just wanted to take a moment, and wish all my J-Land friends (you KNOW who you are!) a Blessed Easter.
I hope that, regardless of your faith, you have a wonderful day.
Bud
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Thursday, February 23, 2006
Subject: A Sad Day
Time: 9:13:24 PM EST
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Sad
Music: "We Shall Behold Him!" Anthony Burger
I recieved an email from my pal Mark Lowry very early this morning which saddened me to my core.
In October of last year, I made a verbal commitment to some very dear friends to attend, and participate in the Gaither Homecoming Cruise. Unfortunately, I was unable to honor that commitment. The cruise is happening even as I write this.
Mark's EMail was personal, and devestating to me. My friend, mentor, and fellow musician Anthony Burger passed away last night, during a performance on that Cruise. As he was completing yet one more performance of what may well be long-remembered as his "signature" work, Anthony suffered a heart attack. Several attempts to revive him failed.
I can only imagine the depth of sadness those in attendance must have felt, and are still feeling. The mere shock of this rare occurance is one thing. To have it happen at the conclusion of "We Shall Behold Him!" is just so very typically Anthony Burger. What a completely Holy moment that surely was. To have the priviledge of playing the final chorus in the very presence of the subject of this legendary work would only be reserved for him alone.
Anthony was working very hard at this point in his professional career. With well over 1,400 performances over the previous 8 years, it seemed to us all that this amazing pianist was merely beginning to show his truest capabilities. If you have not yet heard this man's completely electrifying work, you just simply must. His faith was complete, yet completely humble. He remained grounded in his humanity, living life fully with his wife and children. He spoke little, verbally, but preached volumes through his work. His testimony was so very easy to hear, and understand--just listen to him play! Classically trained, we shared some wonderful times reflecting on the seeming incongruity of classical musicians loving Southern Gospel music.
I was pleased to welcome his elevation to the postion of "Steinway Artist" only a few months ago. The work he did, every day, with the "Gaither Homecoming Friends" will be most fondly remembered by the millions whose lives and souls he touched with his heart, his gift, and without doubt his incredible love for his fellow humans.
I think of the names of people that I know who, upon seeing or hearing of this shocking event, will be completely and utterly devestated--as am I. And, it quickly becomes apparent that the list is so incredibly long as to evade utterance. Yet, we know who we are. And, we know why we are. And, even in this dark time of such sadness, we know whose we are.
"We Shall Behold Him!" wasn't a song to my friend. It was a testimony. It was an unshakable conviction that he loved to proclaim. And now, even more than when his beautiful hands delivered it the last time I saw them, it is a promise!
Well, Mark! He made it home for Christmas! What a party! And, how appropriate that he would still be testifying his most beloved message with his last breath on Earth--AND his first breath in Heaven. Man! You KNOW there's some partyin' goin' on today! And Heaven is surely a more musical place! Even as Anthony IS beholding Him, we will never forget just what that really means. We have been taught by the very best. You can find out more about this amazing artist here. Be patient; it is a very busy site right now.
Good night, my friend. Thank you for your life, your love, and your legacy. I'll see you soon. Keep playin' with the joy of the Lord. And, thank you so very much for a life well-lived. Help us out down here, 'cause we still got a little ways to go, okay?
Soli Deo Gloria!
Unohu
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Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Subject: Happy Valentine's Day
Time: 10:05:48 AM EST
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Quiet
Music: The Hagee Family:"It is Well With My Soul"
Happy Valentine's Day!
To all my friends in J-Land and beyond, may this day find you full of hope, joy, and happiness. As one of my friends says, happiness is a choice. So, incidentally, is love. Failing all else, please love yourself today. You are a unique creation. Act like it, and treat yourself like it.
Unohu
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Sunday, January 29, 2006
Subject: Your Assignment This Week
Time: 2:46:08 PM EST
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Anxious
Music: Watching UK v. Arkansas-the Kats WIN!!! Yay!!
THE STATE OF THE UNION
This coming Tuesday, on January 31st, 2006, the sitting President of these United States, George W. Bush, will deliver what portends to be the most significant public address of his life.
I was going to attempt to rebut, significant item by significant item, the expected verbiage of that delivery. I believe I could present a rebuttal that would, difficult as it may seem, effectively present an opposing view to virtually every word the President says. I know that may sound arrogant, and if that’s the way you take it, I apologize. There is, however, another way of looking at that statement. If I can deliver such a rebuttal, then it just must not be so terribly difficult a task to ponder. And, yes, Virginia, that IS the way I meant it.
Although the words may be written by those who have superior speech-writing skills, they will be delivered by a man whose ability to orate, publicly (yes, it is legal) is at the very best questionable. And, as has been so pointedly addressed towards me, if the people cannot understand what you mean to say, they will pay little or no attention to what you actually DO say.
In the preparation of my rebuttal, I actively tested the words on someone of what I believe to be approximately equal to the President in their policy and oratory skills. Sadly, I had to stop short when her third grade teacher made her come in from recess.
Rather than not only pick apart the speech, the man, and the administration (which would, I promise you not only be devastatingly effective, but also one heck of a good time!), I am going to honor the original caveat of this Blog: I will be honest to my greater goal.
Let me preface this with just a quick, general statement of belief on my part. It is MY belief. It is ONLY my opinion. No, there is no need for a rant warning this time!
This speech has been, throughout the history of our nation, the most singularly significant communication which a sitting President can make to the people he leads. Decades, and even Centuries of study are meticulously sacrificed to the exhaustive evaluation and study of the words uttered upon this occasion by the most learned men and women of the World. The American “State of the Union” Address is, without exception, the most studied speech in the Universe (or at least that part that we know about).
Hundreds of historians and scholars are, even as you read this, studying the first State of the Union address delivered by our very first President, George Washington. This Address (SOTU) is not merely a cornerstone of our nation. Economic fortunes are created and lost within 24 hours of its delivery. Governmental re-alignments multi-laterally occur because of these particular words uttered, whether stumbled over or powerfully delivered.
Hundreds of thousands of individual lives within the borders of this very country are indelibly affected by this address. Social dictates judicial proclivities, religious fervor, military advancements, scientific discoveries, medical breakthroughs, technological achievements—all these and so many more real life parameters are nudged and/or jolted because of this speech.
Do you really believe that?
It’s a very simple question that, I believe deserves your undivided attention and honest answer. That's alright, go right ahead and ponder. I will wait.
If you DO believe it, then are you willing to sacrifice the amount of time required to either watch, or listen to (SOTU) in its entirety?
And, furthermore, will you seriously attend the words of this President, and study not only their meaning but their impact on your daily life?
Will you exercise your liberty, your freedom, and your civic responsibility as an American Citizen—just this much? (Go ahead. Ponder. I will wait. You KNEW there was gonna be a test!)
Regardless of your political affiliation, social condition, spiritual advancement, financial status or emotional level, this speech WILL impact your life for the years to come. Exercise your franchise!
Evaluate the words; discern not what is said, but rather what is meant. You are invited to take action upon what you decide—here.
Leave a comment on the SOTU Address. Is that really so very much to ask, considering how much you believe all that I just said?
Even if you categorically deny the truth of these words, offer an opposing view. If nothing else, you will feel like you participated in the process. And voicing your opinion IS citizenship! That alone would make an historical difference in the future of our Nation.
Vox Populi!
Unohu
Written by kybudman55
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Thursday, January 19, 2006
Subject: MLK Day, Vice President Gore, and an amazing moment!
Time: 6:59:31 PM EST
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Frustrated
Music: Silence, the blessed silence!
I'm not just exactly sure where this one is going, sports fans.
I got a couple of emails upon my return home, asking me if I had heard/seen the speech that former VP Al Gore had made on MLK Day. I had not. I was directed to a spot that had a transcript of the speech (which I will give you shortly)--and I read it. About three times.
I then discovered that the Justice Department is, later today, releasing a forty-two page finding that President Bush is within his Constitutional Authority to authorize unwarranted wiretaps on American Citizens.
Then I got an advance copy of the report. And I read it. About six times.
Then I went back to the Gore speech, and read it about three MORE times.
Let me tell you, briefly, my reaction to both.
Since when did Al Gore get to be such a statesman?
Lookit, Virginia!! Hold the jokes. It is a very long speech. Even as political speeches go, it's a stunner. For you with ADHD, it will probably take a few visits to get through the entire thing. Did I mention it was long?
I am a very fast reader. This is a long speech.
'Nuff said?
Now. Read it. Every bit of it. Gore gives not only a cogent and insightful analysis of the condition, but he also itemizes five specific solutions.
And, as much as it does pain me to say so, after a lot of consideration, I found myself agreeing with everything he said.
It was a genuine masterpiece of oratory, in my opinion (and my opinion is not from a complete novice's standpoint!). These are words that, in my view, every American should hear and consider. Half of us would disagree with his statement, but I would have to say you had better be prepared to offer at the very least, an equally developed argument.
I thought that perhaps that's what I would see with the Justice Department's findings. It was not.
The Justice Department goes all the way 'round the dipper huntin' the handle in it's response, and fails on at least three fronts to even address the issue:
1. The Attorney General's Opinion addresses the issue of unwarranted wiretaps from a starting point that does not apply here. We have not, via Congress, declared War on anyone! "The War on Terror" is as much an armed conflict as "The War on Drugs", "The War on Poverty" and/or "The War on Illiteracy"! The AG's finding that the President is wholly within his Constitutional authority to authorize such activities can, by their own admission, ONLY be relevant when war is declared. The last time I checked, that does not occur from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
2. The AG further states that the President is within his authority to wiretap, etc. those who are suspected of being terrorists. This is NOT what has happened. Every email, every cellphone, every electronic and/or other communication is being "harvested". If, in the hunt, they find something that suits, they then justify the data mining as relevant. It's backwards. Instead of the premise that American Citizens are protected, Constitutionally, from such things as privacy invasion, unreasonable search and seizure, etc., the government and this President are taking the whole grainery, looking for one grain. Who knows what they are doing with the rest of it? Several agencies know, and they are collecting (by their own admission) this information for "future or futher use, as deemed appropriate". By what authority? The Constitution? I think not.
3. The AG's Report does not address the injury of non "Persons of Interest" as may be determined at some point in the present or future, by whatever description someone unnamed may determine. The "Fifteen Day Rule" only applies to warranted searches, authorized during time of war. By their own admission, the Administration has been conducting this operation for over two years, and possibly as long as four years.
One could reasonably presume, therefore, that come November, the President will "Constitutionally" remand public elections until the "cessation of hostilities" in this "War on Terror" which, by his own admission, is a date that does not exist.
I was listening to a discussion in Southern Illinois yesterday by two individuals. About this very topic, one of them stated "If you are not talking to Al Queda, then it shouldn't bother you!"
I remember a line from a book from a long time ago, written by a refugee named Anne Frank: "They told us that only Jews needed to worry."
I submit that every American should take just a moment, and consider what it is we have given ourselves here. National Identity Cards are not imagination. They are being printed. And, there is a group of American Citizens who do not currently qualify to possess them, and will have "limited" rights and privileges without them. It really does not matter so much as to who these "limited" rights apply to.
Travel restrictions are currently in place for many American Citizens who have absolutely no relationship to terrorists, yet they are denied airline travel. It doesn't matter so much that a computer error kept a four-year-old from visiting his Grandmother over Christmas. (Because he shared a common name).
Emails, like conventional mail, are now openly subject to examination. Not by your parents. Not by your employer. By your government. It doesn't really matter so much that they may contain opposing views to the Administration's agenda. Telephone communications are being recorded, ATM transactions are being monitored, and Driver's Licenses are being filed for "future" reference.
Yes, Virginia. I am completely aware of Project Echelon, and I would daresay more so than most anyone who reads these words. Don't go there, you do not have a convincing argument, and you have most probably even less factual knowledge of the program, its design, it's intent, or its history. I do. President Clinton did not authorize the illegal gathering of communications of all American Citizens, and kept the tightest possible control over the program for only the most extreme defensive intelligence purposes. And, incidentally, it was a Republican Congressional Committee that created the program, funded it, directed it, researched it, and brought the final program up to running speed, in spite of a Clinton Whitehouse Directive which specifically forbad it.
The argument is not who should be spied upon. The argument is not that disagreement with the Administration (regardless of their fervent desires otherwise) is equal to terrorism. President Bush said that if we are opposed to unwarranted wiretapping as he deems appropriate, then we are for the terrorists.
Read Al Gore's Speech, given on MLK Day at Constitution Hall. You won't hear it on the mainstream media. You won't find one word of it in the Washington Post. C-Span covered it, at noon. It is in their archives. If the thought of wading through the volume of reading matter depresses you, you can see the speech from their archives. But, I hardily encourage you to READ it. Consider the words, and hear the ring of truth.
It may sound distantly familiar. It's been a while since that particular voice made itself known.
Superb job, Mr. Vice President. I am shocked, astounded, amazed, and...
unbelievably proud. Thank you for weathering the storm. It is comforting to know that you have learned sublime truth from the horrors of the terrorism you have endured these eight long years. Continue the process, there is still time. Learn, and grow. You have the experience. You have the message. Now, learn how to deliver it--just as you did this past Monday--simply, and with truth. Help us keep the argument where it belongs: on the message--not the messenger.
You can find the speech transcript here. For the ogininal version of the speech, you can get the transcript here. You can see the AG's report here. And the actual law in question can be found here.
I cannot imagine anything more worthy of your time, or your most diligent effort at study than this. I would be interested in your comments.
Fidelitas,
Unohu
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Sunday, January 8, 2006
Subject: Roundabouts and Such
Time: 9:17:09 PM EST
Author: kybudman55
Mood: Happy
Music: Watching ESPN
Well, my fine feathered friends, the new year is off and running.
I hope this finds you safe, well, and happy.
The news has been somewhat sad this past week, with the mining disaster in West Virginia. Being from the coal fields, I have shared this experience many times in my life with families and friends from the Southeastern Kentucky mines. In fact, just such tragedies as this is what led a small youth to stand on a picket line while shots were fired at Kentucky State Police--more than once, until the United Mine Workers were formed, and operating. I was proud of it then, and I am proud of it now. Unfortunately, the Mine Safety and Health Administration has, for the most part, had their hands completely tied by this current Administration.
My thoughts, and my prayers go to the families and friends of those who were lost, and to those who were left to deal with this sadness. As a result, I wanted to find, from deep in my archives, a wonderful writing that had been done many years ago. It must surely have been timely, because not only did a friend send it to me, but he sent it in its complete form, which I have never seen.
I offer it to the families of Sago Mine, and to each one who visits this Journal. I can tell you that, no matter what, I do totally believe that every letter of it--even in times as horrific as this. I hope you will read it, believe it, and find hope from it. I do.
** THE WILL OF GOD **
The will of God will never take you,
Where the grace of God cannot keep you.
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercies of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you,
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you.
~~~-- Author Unknown Amen.
Written by kybudman55
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