100 Words--The Olympics

The Olympics.

A great event every four years. Winter. Summer games.

I’ve watched the Olympics over the years. Being a southern boy, I understood the summer games far better than the winter games. After all, what did I know about hockey or bobsledding?

But, was 2009 the year for our President to be salesperson-in-chief for the city of Chicago? Isn’t the President the Commander-in-Chief and not a community organizer in Chicago?

I thought so.

With unemployment still rising, the economy still sucking wind, earthquakes and tsunamis in American Somoa, seems to me those are far bigger items to focus on.

Thank You Mr. President

The Obama administration is just a little over 100 days old. But, so far, we've gotten a good idea on where Mr. Obama is taking the country. Just think about these recent news stories:

* The Obama administration needed a place to speak to the American people. Georgetown University seemed like a great place to do it. It's close by. Nice setting. Beautiful backdrop. Only one problem. The name of Jesus is plastered on the wall. The solution? Cover the name of Jesus so that no one would be offended. Sorry Mr. President. I'm offended!

* The Obama administration decides to release photos and videos of terrorists being "tortured" by our military, even though 4 previous CIA directors (Democrats and Republicans) said not to do it. Yet, the White House classifies the pictures of Air Force 1 flying over Manhattan. Putting Americans in danger because of videos being released--so we can be transparent to the world--is okay. Releasing photos of a lamebrain idea of flying Air Force 1 over the Statute of Liberty and downtown Manhattan is a bad idea because it is a PR nightmare.

* The president and vice-president decide that it would be wise to go out to eat together, to show Americans how important it is to eat out, to put money back into the economy. Where do they choose to eat? Ray's Hell Burgers. Do you think choosing that hamburger joint, with that name, was an accident? I don't think so.

* There will be no National Day of Prayer celebration at the White House--it might be offensive to some groups in our country. Again Mr. President. But, being a Christian, I guess I don't count.

Thank you Mr. President. America voted for you. We are getting what we desired.

I seem to remember an Old Testament story about another "king" that the people wanted. They begged for a king. They wanted to be like everyone else.

Anyone want to remind me: How did that work out?

Just One Question Mr. President

Georgetown University hid a religious inscription representing the name of Jesus during President Obama’s address there Tuesday, because White House staff asked the school to cover up all religious symbols and signs while the president was on stage.

The monogram IHS, whose letters spell out the name of Jesus, and which normally perches above the stage in Gaston Hall where the president spoke, was covered over with what appeared to be black wood during the address.

“In coordinating the logistical arrangements for the event, Georgetown honored the White House staff’s request to cover all of the Georgetown University signage and symbols behind the Gaston Hall stage,” university spokesman Andy Pino said.

The White House said that the backdrop, which included blue drapes and a host of American flags, was standard during policy speeches and other events.

Georgetown is a private Catholic institution founded by Jesuits in 1789. The auditorium where the president spoke Tuesday is adorned with religious imagery, but only the symbols directly on the stage – those likely to be picked up by a television camera–were obscured.

The White House insisted that the move was made only to provide a proper setting for the speech—and said that “any suggestions to the contrary are simply false.”

I have just one question, just one: “Mr. President, what’s the problem you seem to have with Jesus?”

Putting America First--Not

It’s a cold evening in the nation’s capital, but the guests at a local cocktail party hardly feel the winter chill. Amid the low symphony of glasses clinking and a dull hum of chatter, men and women mill about, likely dining on the finest finger foods that catering has to offer.

It’s Wednesday night at the White House, and the era of the cocktail party has returned. Only eight weeks into the Obama administration, the president and first lady have already hosted their fair share of social events. Indeed, White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has announced that the Obama administration plans to make Wednesday night social events a tradition.

“It’s not so much a cocktail party necessarily,” Katie McCormick Lelyveld, press secretary to first lady Michelle Obama, told FOXNews.com. “It’s a gathering that takes on the shape of the week’s agenda. The driving force is to reserve time Wednesday evenings to have at hand to use for whatever is at the top of the list of priorities that week.”

The announcement seemed to be a departure from the past several years, as the parties had all but fallen out of fashion since the Reagan era. President George W. Bush was rumored to dislike cocktail parties, and had given up drinking years before he was sworn in. As former press secretary Dee Dee Myers told Politico.com, the Clintons did not have a wide circle of friends in Washington and were “not as social” the Obamas have shown themselves to be. The Reagans reportedly cultivated relationships with Washington society and Hollywood alike, while Carter instead enjoyed a more quiet social life.

But the Obamas, known to be active in their community, have already hosted several events that have taken on different forms: from a bipartisan meeting of Democrats and Republicans before voting on the stimulus bill, to a concert in honor of Obama’s favorite musician, Stevie Wonder, to a Super Bowl party (on a Sunday, of course), to a black history event hosted by the first lady.

But not everyone is lifting a glass to toast the host and hostess.

The political watchdog group Freedom Watch has sought information from the federal government as to how much taxpayer money is being used for the events.

Well. What should I say? Nothing like mixing politics and booze to turn the economy around!

Who would have thought that alcoholics having “high-level” discussions would be better for America than a good ole fashion Wednesday night prayer meeting?

Dog Gone Crazy

Former French President Jacques Chirac was rushed to a hospital after being mauled by his pet dog who is being treated for depression, in a dramatic incident that rattled the ex-president’s wife.

The couple’s white Maltese poodle, called Sumo, has a history of frenzied fits and became increasingly prone to making “vicious, unprovoked attacks” despite receiving treatment with anti-depressants, Chirac’s wife Bernadette said.

“If you only knew! I had a dramatic day yesterday,” she told VSD magazine. “Sumo bit my husband!”

Mrs. Chirac, 74, did not reveal where the former president was bitten, but said, “the dog went for him for no apparent reason.”

“We were aware the animal was unpredictable and is being treated with pills for depression. My husband was bitten quite badly but he is certain to make a full recovery in weeks.”

Chirac was taken to a hospital in Paris where he was treated as an outpatient and later sent home.

I’ve only been bitten by a dog once, I was a child. It was a small, little, tiny dog. The dog came after me for no reason and bit me on the back of the leg as I tried to run away. Yes, I was running away!

Did I ever think the dog was depressed? Maybe that was it! The dog was depressed and was lashing out at me, because I was little and having a good time, enjoying life.

Does that sound stupid to you?

But, then again, we are talking about the French here! And, a poodle!

Welcome Mr. President!

Yesterday, Barack Hussein Obama became the 44th President of the United States of America.

I did not vote for President Obama. My reasons are my reasons. Chief among those reasons was his lack of experience in political life. Running for political office doesn't quality a person for the job.

While I didn't vote for Mr. Obama, he can know that he has my constant prayers during his term in office over the next four years. Over these next four years, I will pray:

1) For his safety.

2) For his sanity.

3) For support of the American people as he leads to the best of his ability.

4) For wisdom to lead our country in the right direction.

5) For his cabinet and those who surround him daily, that they will not be just "yes men" and "yes women" but will have the backbone to stand up for what is right and just.

6) For a peace of mind and heart that surpasses all understanding.

7) For his family and his balance of their needs to the country's needs.

8) For his walk with the Lord God and his personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

9) For the ability to know right from wrong and the way that is broad between the two.

Mr. Obama, if the national media is correct, the world is watching. I hope and pray that the promises you made genuinely reflect the desires of your heart for a better country and one that retains our freedoms. You have the eyes and ears of the world watching every step you take and listening to every word you utter. I doubt you will find the job as easy as you thought it to be and you'll probably come away with a greater respect for the man who preceded you in office.

You have my prayers Mr. President.

Thank You Mr. President!

Today, President George W. Bush, the 43rd President of the United States of America, leaves office.

Thank you Mr. President for the faithful commitment and dedication you've shown over the last eight years.

I will always be appreciative of your presidency for the following reasons:

1) Your love for America.

2) Your desire to keep America safe from further terrorist attack.

3) Your unshamed wearing of the American flag on your lapel! Then again, you first wore the American flag on your uniform as you served our country's military. So, who's surprised.

4) Your ability to laugh as yourself and others.

5) Your pet names for the White House Press Corps. Maybe that is why they didn't like you! That's probably not the reason, but it was fun!

6) Your obvious love for your wife and daughters. And, your admiration and support of your parents.

7) Your love for baseball, the greatest game on earth.

8) Your faith in Jesus Christ. While you did not always follow the path Jesus charted for you, who does?

9) Your ability to admit past mistakes, and current ones as well.

10) Your ability to ensure a smooth transition with the Obama team! There have been no reports of vandalism like when you came to office and the "W's" were missing from the computer keyboards and towels were stolen from Air Force One. Mr. President, thanks for exiting the scene with class.

Mr. President, I hope you enjoy some time with family, friends, and resting. After the two terms you've had in the Oval Office, you deserve a little "down-time!" I hope you find it and enjoy it.

A Troubled Economy

Our economy is in trouble. Is there anyone denying that?

If you are denying it now, just wait a few more months, and I can assume you’ll be recognizing the effects of the mortgage crisis, banking and auto bailout, and the increasing employment issues facing our country.

So, who’s fault is it?

I happen to be of the school that believes there is plenty of blame to go around! Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress are responsible for where we are now. Then again, so are millions of Americans who bought into the “easy money” lies that have been “preached” for decades and decades.

However, to no one’s surprise, the name calling has begun!

Just last week, the White House began pushing back hard against a New York Times article that essentially blamed President Bush for the sub-prime mortgage mess and the Wall Street collapse.

In a 5,000-word article in the Times on Sunday, under the headline, “White House Philosophy Stoked Mortgage Bonfire,” said Bush was also encouraging a “hands-off approach” to regulation that encouraged “lax” standards on behalf of lenders. “He pushed hard to expand homeownership, especially among minorities, an initiative that dovetailed with his ambition to expand the Republican tent—and with the business interests of some of his biggest donors,” the article said.

“That’s about as myopic as you can get,” White House spokesman Tony Fratto said in response.White House counselor Ed Gillespie lashed out at the Times for its interpretation of Bush’s housing policies. “They’ve had to mortgage their building in Manhattan to help make ends meet, and they’ve been reduced to junk-bond status. I don’t know if the New York Times’ shoddy reporting is the result of being in junk-bond status, or if their junk-bond status is what’s resulting in their shoddy reporting,” Gillespie said.

In fact, the Times’ article ignored a wealth of its own reporting, dating back to the era of Bill Clinton, whom the article mentioned only once, in passing. For example, in September 1999, the Times noted that, “Fannie Mae, the nation’s biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stockholders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.” The 1999 piece went even further: “In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980’s.”

Likewise, the Times made no mention over the weekend of President Clinton’s aggressive deregulation of the financial services industry, which empowered banks, brokerage firms, and insurance companies to engage in some of the very practices—such as credit default swaps—that contributed most to the current fiscal crisis.

While the Times mentioned that mortgage bankers and brokers donated almost $850,000 to President Bush's 2004 reelection campaign, the newspaper omitted the fact that the top three recipients of campaign contributions from Fannie Mae and its sister organization Freddie Mac over the last two decades were all Democrats. Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd, head of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; President-elect Barack Obama; and Bush’s 2004 opponent John Kerry all benefited from Fannie and Freddie.

I hate shoddy reporting. I hate even worse when people with an agenda write about their opponents.

Let’s face it folks. The current economic situation didn’t happen during President Bush’s term in office. The problems leading to where we currently are began happening in the 1980s and 1990s.

So, writers, editors, and reporters can take the coward’s way out and blame President Bush (if they are more liberal) or President Clinton (if they are conservative). But for me and my house, we’ll go back to what I said at the beginning—there’s plenty of blame to go around!

A Prayer for America

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States wrote the following prayer:

“Almighty God, Who has given us this good land for our heritage, we humbly beseech Thee that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of Thy favor and glad to do Thy will. Bless our land with honorable ministry, sound learning, and pure manners.

“Save us from violence, discord, and confusion, from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our libertires, and fashion into one united people the multitude brought hither out of many kindreds and tongues.

“Endow with Thy spirit of wisdom those to whom in Thy Name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that throughobedience to Thy law, we may show forth Thy praise among the nations of the earth.

“In time of prosperity fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in Thee to fail; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.

“Amen."

Where Are the Godly Prayers Today?

On the eve of D-Day, President Franklin D. Roosevelt went on the radio to address the nation. Listen to these powerful words shared from the Commander in Chief on the day before one of the most important military battles the world has ever known:

“My Fellow Americans

“Last night, when I spoke with you about the fall of Rome, I knew at that moment that troops of the United States and our Allies were crossing the Channel in another and greater operation. It has come to pass with success thus far.

“And so, in this poignant hour, I ask you to join with me in prayer:

“Almighty God: Our sons, pride of our nation, this day have set upon a mighty endeavor, a struggle to preserve our Republic, our religion, and our civilization, and to set free a suffering humanity.

“Lead them straight and true; give strength to their arms, stoutness to their hearts, steadfastness in their faith.

“They will need Thy blessings. Their road will be long and hard. For the enemy is strong. He may hurl back our forces. Success may not come with rushing speed, but we shall return again and again; and we know that by Thy grace, and by the righteousness of our cause, our sons will triumph.

“They will be sore tried, by night and by day, without rest -- until the victory is won. The darkness will be rent by noise and flame. Men's souls will be shaken with the violences of war.
For these men are lately drawn from the ways of peace. They fight not for the lust of conquest. They fight to end conquest. They fight to liberate. They fight to let justice arise, and tolerance and goodwill among all Thy people. They yearn but for the end of battle, for their return to the haven of home.

“Some will never return. Embrace these, Father, and receive them, Thy heroic servants, into Thy kingdom.

“And for us at home -- fathers, mothers, children, wives, sisters, and brothers of brave men overseas, whose thoughts and prayers are ever with them -- help us, Almighty God, to rededicate ourselves in renewed faith in Thee in this hour of great sacrifice.

“Many people have urged that I call the nation into a single day of special prayer. But because the road is long and the desire is great, I ask that our people devote themselves in a continuance of prayer. As we rise to each new day, and again when each day is spent, let words of prayer be on our lips, invoking Thy help to our efforts.

“Give us strength, too -- strength in our daily tasks, to redouble the contributions we make in the physical and the material support of our armed forces.

“And let our hearts be stout, to wait out the long travail, to bear sorrows that may come, to impart our courage unto our sons wheresoever they may be.

“And, O Lord, give us faith. Give us faith in Thee; faith in our sons; faith in each other; faith in our united crusade. Let not the keeness of our spirit ever be dulled. Let not the impacts of temporary events, of temporal matters of but fleeting moment -- let not these deter us in our unconquerable purpose.

“With Thy blessing, we shall prevail over the unholy forces of our enemy. Help us to conquer the apostles of greed and racial arrogances. Lead us to the saving of our country, and with our sister nations into a world unity that will spell a sure peace -- a peace invulnerable to the schemings of unworthy men. And a peace that will let all of men live in freedom, reaping the just rewards of their honest toil.

“Thy will be done, Almighty God.

“Amen.” (Franklin D. Roosevelt – June 6, 1944)

Lord, May It Be So

On October 28, 2004, as America approached its last presidential election, Monica N. Rutt, from San Francisco, California, wrote a letter to the editor of the New York Times. Ms. Rutt wrote:

“I find it disturbing that President Bush’s decisions and principles seem to be guided more strongly by his faith than by presidential pragmatism.

“I honor and appreciate people of all faiths, whether they are devout or not. But it troubles me that Mr. Bush stated in the third debate that he receives ‘'calmness in the storms of the presidency’' from his religion. Given the state of affairs in our country and beyond, I only wish I could say the same.”

While Ms. Rutt is disturbed by President Bush’s faith and guidance by his faith, I can only hope the next President will be such a man. Oh Lord, may it be so!

May God Bless America

Well, today is the day. America will decide the next president of our country. We will either elect the first African American man as President or elect the first female Vice-President. Either way, history will be made. Either way, one party will be disappointed, while the other celebrates. Some will know the thrill of victory, others the agony of defeat.

Either way, our country will remain divided after a bitter political contest that has lasted nearly three years. And, my guess is, that before the night is over, someone will predict who the next candidates will be in four years.

But, the greatest news is this: Come Wednesday morning, God will be on His throne, just as He always has been. God will not change come Wednesday. And, God's desire for all of us will remain the same--He will still desire for all of us to come to salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

Listen to the words of our first President, George Washington:

"Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government, and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

"And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without an humble imitation of whose example in these things, we can never hope to be a happy nation.

"Grant our supplications, we beseech thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

(George Washington, Written at Newburg, June 8th, 1783, sent to the governors of all the states)

What wise words for America today. May they be so! May our next President be such a person of faith, hope, and integrity!

What's Fair is Fair

Meeting with a Crazy Man

Iran’s President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, has challenged the United States presidential candidates to a debate when he is in New York for the U.N. General Assembly next week.

“I am ready for a debate with the U.S. presidential candidates over global issues in the presence of the media at the U.N. headquarters,” Ahmadinejad said at a press conference in Tehran. “I have no plans in my schedule to meet with U.S. politicians.” (As if U.S. politicians would really want to meet with him. Do you think they’ll be lining up to visit?)

“Last year, I said I was ready to meet with [President George W.] Bush. But now he is at the end of his term and [a meeting] will not impact our relations and future,” Ahmadinejad said.

So, do you think Mr. Obama or Mr. McCain will agree to meet with the crazy president of Iran?

My bets are no. Even though Obama has promised that he would negotiate with leaders of other countries with whom the U.S. has strained relations.

I guess time will tell.

Memories of a 9/11 Volunteer

9/11.

A day that changed America.

A day that changed my life forever.

There have always been those days. You know the ones. The ones that change history or that change your life or both. 9/11 is one of those days in my journey through this world.

On September 11, 2001, I was serving as a pastor in a small town in south Alabama (or LA as we like to call it—Lower Alabama). I was also serving as a chaplain/firefighter for our volunteer fire department. We had a great fire department. We had wonderful men and women who were committed to helping our community in any way possible.

The day had barely started in our office when a friend called to ask if I had seen the news. Of course, I hadn’t. I was at work and we didn’t have a TV in the office. I turned on the Internet and thought it strange how long it took for my favorite news site to load. After a minute or so, I understood why. A large photo of the first tower took up the screen. Within minutes, the second tower was hit, then the Pentagon, then the crash in Pennsylvania.

All of that was happening in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania. Trust me when I say that more than miles separated my small town from those locations. Our people were simply country folks. Good people, just vastly removed from the large city and acts of terrorism.

After 20 minutes or so after the second tower was hit, my fire department pager activated. We were told to come to the station, prepare the trucks, and wait for further instruction. That was a strange request—one I had never heard before. I rushed to the fire station and was greeted by a dozen or so other volunteers. We waited for our assistant chief to arrive. When he did, the town’s police chief also came. They had news for us. The President had ordered the immediate landing of all commercial aircraft. All aircraft were to land safely, but quickly.

That was the problem. There was one plane in our region that couldn’t be accounted for. We were activated because we provided protection for a small airfield about five miles from our station. We were activated to be ready for a potential crash as had taken place in Pennsylvania. No one knew, in that moment, what would happen the next moment.

Within a short period of time, the plane was located, and it landed in Atlanta. We thought our duty would be finished, but no, that was not to be the case. We were needed to help at several area businesses and schools. Remember what it was like on 9/11? We were all panicked over what might happen next. Were there more planes? More terrorists? More attacks on the way?

I was assigned to protect the local high school. The school was in lockdown, as you can imagine. I monitored the doors and the hallway, watching for anything suspicious going on. Of course, nothing happened. Well, frightened parents did rush to the school to check out their children. Children did cry. I stood watch. And I cried.

Life changed after that. America stopped to worship and attend church. At least for a few days, maybe a week or so. Then, it was back to normal for so many.

James 4:14 is one of my life verses. James wrote, “Life is but a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away forever.”

9/11 brought the truth of that verse to life for me.

What are your memories of 9/11?

If you have blogged about it today and would rather link us to your site, please feel free to do so. If you’d like to cut and paste what you’ve written, that’s fine to.

As you have a moment, please share your thoughts about this day.