Sound Off!: July 2009

Monday, July 27, 2009

Obama's Health Plan: We're Being Bamboozled

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I feel that your column in today's Progress is a reasonable assessment of Obama's performance thus far. Since I also feel that anyone criticizing a situation should be prepared to suggest a solution, I look forward to your sequel doing just that. I would like to know exactly what you would do as President about the economy, and most especially how you would make it possible to provide health care for every American. -- Sincerely, Henry M.

Just your average run-of-the-mill, special-interest-coddling worthless goddamn power broker like most of them are. --PW

The Christian Right (featuring Frank Schaeffer)

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Is there more than one "Religious Right" in America? I consider myself a member of the Religious Right, but I found Frank Schaeffer's description unrecognizable. Why the name-calling and hate rhetoric? We are not crazies, looking forward to the horrors of the Great Tribulation and the Battle of Armageddon. Sure, we would like to be raptured, but we do not seek to hasten the day and possibly deprive others of the chance of salvation. We agree that Christians ought to care, and evangelize.

We believe in "hate the sin but love the sinner". That includes hating our own sin -- we do not claim perfection. Mr. Schaeffer repeatedly bemoans our alleged hatred against gays (among others). We do not hate them. We do disagree with them, and we pray for their repentance and salvation. We do oppose any legislation, judicial activism, or social pressure that attempts either to force us to embrace and celebrate sexual perversion, or to at least silence our dissent. If the gay issue is drawing an inordinate amount of attention, it is not of our doing. We see here something that is a sin according to Scripture, no worse and no better than any other sin. The difference is that we don't see people trying to make it illegal to express disapproval of kleptomaniacs or tax cheats, etc. We do not endorse hating or mistreating gays. But to endorse such a harmful lifestyle as they wish we would, is not at act of love. Mr. Schaeffer says that Christians should care and help people. We agree. Does that really come as a surprise?

Mr. Schaeffer equates the present-day American Christian Religious Right with the Taliban. This seems to reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of one or both. We don't see the Religious Right issuing death warrants against its critics.

Sincerely,
Ron A.

Dear John And Staff,

I am very disappointed in this interview with Frank Schaeffer.

There is not only gross misrepresentation of statements made by people like Rush Limbaugh (and I don't always agree with him) but there also is, in my opinion, a deliberate attempt to instill fear in people who either don't understand the right or are fearful and mistrusting of them. This, to me, is shameful on your part. I am not a right wing extremist, but I am a "Christian" as defined by the Bible, unlike the majority who claim that title but care nothing about what the Bible has to say.
The mischaracterization of the right by suggesting that ideas that you have deemed, or in this case as Mr. Schaeffer has deemed dangerous or extreme, undermines all that you claim to fight for.

There is nothing wrong with people considering, for example, succession from the United States if the government has become totalitarian (something that you yourself have claimed). This is in fact what created our country in the first place; we fought for our freedom from a totalitarian England. Sadly our founding fathers would not recognize our country today and would themselves probably pick up their guns and march on Washington or leave this country altogether if they were alive today.

In the end, it is not a "defending America at all costs" mindset that should be adhered to, but defending the truth of God's word and what is right. If America fails, it will be because God's judgment is upon it and it will be Him that destroys it because it has turned its back on Him, not because of the Christian right. Furthermore, the Bible advocates imprecatory prayer on Godless leaders; to pray that Obama fails is not the same as praying that America fails, although it may be necessary for both to happen to achieve the one.

Your reckless endorsement and alliance with Frankie Schaffer's positions has led me to question whether I should continue my support. It is only because I have respected your work in the past that I am not dropping my support right now. I will prayerfully consider whether I should continue.

Sincerely,
David D.

Mr. Whitehead did not refute a single thing this left-liberal man said. I am very disappointed!! --Nan.

Friday, July 24, 2009

Obama's Health Plan: We're Being Bamboozled

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Hear! Hear! I lend my ear to your commentaries, and because I do, and with great appreciation, I have become enlightened to the state of affairs within our government. I am not a vigilant, politically-savvy individual, but I am an American raised, in salute-attention, by a military father that loved his country; who instilled the same profound love into his children. If what you say is truly happening with-in-the-walls of government then our countrymen, women, and children are being unfairly duped; as you more eloquently put it, "bamboozled!"

You're right: "start flooding the White House and your representatives in Congress with calls and emails. Let them know you are sick and tired of the corruption in Washington, DC. And if they don't listen, then come election time, throw the bums out of office". But is this monster too big, and/or its skin too thick to be knocked out or penetrated? Really, the powers that be will see that those who climb for change will either be corrupted to join in, or brushed off with one wave of the monster's hand. Something huge and extraordinary needs to happen. Something far more than floods of phone calls/e-mails to the White House and our representatives. But it's a start! Thank you, Mr. Whitehead, for your continuing heartfelt vigilance! -- Sincerely, Judith C.

Someone should put John back on track.

John cannot get his facts from the Associated Press and then state, "These facts are being denied the American people." The only way the people have of getting facts is through media like the AP. It's the accepted and usual conduit. So the truth is the contrary: these facts ARE promulgated to the people via the AP. --Rey

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Barack, What Happened to All the Change You Promised?

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It sounds like you have buyer's remorse over the actions of Obama' election in your commentary. You were fooled by his TALK and did not do enough looking into his actions and background. --Ronald C.

Tell the truth! We will never pay our way out of the big mess Obama is getting this country into or our kids! All smiles and no action is what he is! --Skeeter T.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Michael Jackson, Media Greed and the Demise of Democracy

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Thank you so much for reminding us that the smoke screens are there everyday. We must take time to look beyond the smoke. Not that the story of [Michael Jackson] wasn't important, the real story is still not being told.

We as American's must stop putting our heads in the sand to avoid the truth. We are the cause of the situations we are now in. We must make the change. Our new president has a LOT to deal with, but we must support the things he can change, and as he said he can't do this alone.

Once again thank you. We need to be nudged or maybe even pushed to do the things that are right and push the smoke from our eyes and really look at the truth, not made to believe the things people tell us are the truth. -- Annie G., Seattle, WA

Creating A Political Firestorm That Is Still Burning: An Interview with Frank Schaeffer

• Read the Interview

What a sad interview with Frank Schaeffer, his father must be rolling in his grave. Frank has come to embrace the arch-evils of moral relativism and big government statism in his gushy endorsement of the Obama platform.

I could not believe his statements bordering on universalism, when he said at no time during our spiritual pilgrimage can we claim to know anything absolutely. I was bracing myself for him to start quoting the Koran or the writings of Confucious.

Even though the national religious conservative movement has had its mediocre even repugnant moments I think that Frank is indulging in a type of self-loathing that white people foolishly validate because of their ancestors role in African slavery.

I am hopeful though that at some point in the near future the Obama plan is to be proven responsible for the unprecedented socialist blunder that it is, and will no longer be able to blame previous administrations for our emerging third world condition. -- Sincerely, Ed M.

A Grief Observed: Remembering Carol

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I cannot begin to tell you how much your column meant to me today. I read the story in the Fredericksburg (Va.) Free Lance-Star newspaper. Let me offer my condolences on the loss of your wife. Your story touched me deeply. I am also dealing with the loss of my loved one. My husband of 56 1/2 years passed away in March. It is more than I can bear. No one understands why you can't just put it aside and not think of it. Even our children. Your article described the emptiness and nothingness that I feel in my life now. No matter what I do or see or where I go, my memory is haunted by his image. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, as well as my best friend. Like your beloved Carol, he was always there to pick me up when times were rough. Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts with us. It must have been very hard for you. God bless you. -- Jean Danforth

What a truly beautiful tribute. Working in the domestic violence and sexual assault field, along with personal experiences that brought me to this field of work, it is difficult, at times, to remember that there are insightful, loving, compassionate, intelligent, inspired men in the world.

Thank you for not only being one, but having the courage to share who [you] are with the world. We need more of you sharing and showing the way.

Supposedly (I read or heard somewhere) an enlightened being can positively counter the negative influence of hundreds of not so enlightened beings.

Keep the faith my friend. Even in this time of grief and transition do you still give to those around you a way to experience and understand life more deeply and fully by sharing yourself with them. It is obvious that God works through you. Know that you have inspired others. -- Lynne S., Domestic Violence Advocate

Sorry to hear of your recent loss. Based on the description of your marital relationship you were truly blessed for 42+ years. I cannot relate to your loss having not lived it myself but I want to express my sympathy for your loss. You mention that God has brought you to your knees seeking answers for your emptiness as a result of losing your soul mate. God may have a plan to use you, but that is ultimately your choice. God's word (scripture) should leave no doubt that God unconditionally loves you. ref. John 3:16; John 15:12; Romans 5:8, 8:28, 35, 39; 1 John 4:10. -- A concerned reader, Dave

I know you're getting thousands of messages of support and sympathy. But I thought a long time before sending you this quote. I am truly unable to imagine your pain. Your remarks were the closest anyone may get to understanding.

"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." -- Lao Tzu

--Cheers, Dave T., Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Answers?

Subject: A Grief Observed: Remembering Carol

Answers? Not from me. Both of these men were extraordinarily blessed with godly women who were accepting, loving and giving. The greater the size of the blessing, the greater the size of the loss when it disappears. The only thing I can think of that might compare to the desolation of Lewis and Whitehead would be the sorrow of Mary standing at the foot of the cross watching her son suffer and die. Her son was not only godly but God Himself! What could have sustained her, standing there, but a trust and a hope greater than we can even begin to comprehend?

I would pray that with time the pain will decrease and there will be room for thankfulness for such an undeserved blessing to move in, along with hope for a future reunion. Carol is described as “a form of divinity.” C. S. Lewis also said that whatever we have experienced of true love is only a reflection of the love of God. Surely that is reason enough for hope. Much has been given and this dark night of grief and pain may be the soil in which gratitude and faith and hope can flourish.

In the meantime, John, may the Body of Christ lift you up!

Dorothy V.

What Is Wrong with the Federal Hate Crime Law?

Subject: What Is Wrong with the Federal Hate Crime Law?

Thank you for your column published in the Charlottesville "Daily Progress" on Sunday, April 26, 2009. I have included it as one of the most important newspaper articles that I clip and save.

This past Sunday evening on CBS "60 Minutes", Lesley Stahl reported on the development of brain scans to be used for thought reading. The capacity is still very limited; however, as this technology is advanced, it is disturbing to consider possible (probable?) adaptation to utilization in law enforcement.

You may view the report by going to www.cbs.com and selecting "Videos", then "60 Minutes", then "60 Minutes 06-28-2009", then "Lesley Stahl reports on newest neuroscience innovation". You may need to install "Adobe Flash Player 9" that is provided on the CBS website.

Thank you for your leadership at the Rutherford Institute. I continue to appreciate the Institute's help in 2000 with my battle against F. County's severe restrictions on political signs.

Sincerely,
Jarl H.

Michael Jackson, Media Greed and the Demise of Democracy

Subject: Michael Jackson, Media Greed and the Demise of Democracy

You have expressed my feelings exactly. I wish I had the ability to write as succinctly as you do. This obsession of the "News Media" with the demise of Michael Jackson is ridiculous as far as I am concerned. THIS IS NOT NEWS!! It is sensationalism and I am personally tired of it. I was tired of it from day one. There are far more important incidences of news available than this rot. Forget the so-called "celebrities" which the talking heads seem to speculate on endlessly. Thank you for your column in the "Crossville Chronicle" of Friday, July 3 2009. -- Fran S.

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Your column in today's Crossville Chronicle was unusual in two ways. (1) I believe it is the first time I found myself in total agreement with you (almost frightening), and (2) it was a column that needed to be said and you were right on. My compliments!

It does get discouraging, to say the least, that so many people appear to have no idea (nor any interest) in the problems of today's world. I find the quotation from Bernie Goldberg troubling yet nonetheless disturbingly accurate, "we have become the United States of Entertainment." Thanks for the provocation. -- Larry F.

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I am a retired consulting engineer who had state licenses to practice in a number of states; managed the mechanical engineering department for a large consulting engineering firm of over 100 persons; managed the design of a number of multi-million industrial projects, some constructed overseas; wrote a number of published articles in periodicals, and a 300 page book published by McGraw-Hill; and was elected president of four local chapters of national organizations.

I can't believe all this concern that I read in my newspaper for a celebrity, simply because he died. Countless people die every day of the year. Now I am suddenly to be concerned for someone I can hardly remember. I had trouble remembering if he was an actor or singer.

Mama Mia!!! Give your readers a BREAK!!! We are not all teenagers who have nothing to do with our lives except spending their time worshiping those, who too often are immature, unwise and are constantly promoted by an immature media. -- JNS, PE.

A Grief Observed: Remembering Carol

Subject: A Grief Observed: Remembering Carol

I read your account of your journey since losing your dear wife, and have seldom been moved more by such. I am one who knows not whereof you speak experentially, but resonate on several levels. After the incredible tragedy in the Amish schoolhouse at Nickel Mines, Pa. about two years ago [My son's wife was raised Amish in that very community] someone from that neighborhood was interviewed by a major network. He said something profound, words to the effect: "In this community, we know two things. One, God is good, and also that we do not know why things happen as they do." What a statement! -- Al L.

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Catholics are not strangers to redemptive suffering. Our whole sacred history is filled with examples of this from the lives of the saints. The link below contains writings from two such saints contained in a book called Trustful Surrender to Divine Providence. I hope it may be a source of knowledge and understanding for your present trial. As a point of interest to encourage you, C.S Lewis himself could have read such pages. His dear friend J.R.R Tolkein was a devout catholic who procured by sacrifice and prayer much of his conversion. -- Michael A.

Thursday, July 09, 2009

At Least Some People Get It

I just read your article, "Michael Jackson, Media Greed and the Demise of Democracy." That was a great article, and unfortunately I don't think most of America would get it! Today was Michael Jackson's memorial. I just found out about this today, and tuned in just out of curiosity. I thought it would be a very short, dignified memorial, like most are. Ha! That was a foolish assumption on my part. It was a CIRCUS. With celebrities performing, crying...I didn't watch any of it. As soon as I saw that starting, I turned it off, and then read about it later.

It's sad and pathetic that the media has chosen to manipulate people so they can make LOTS of money by exploiting Michael Jackson's death. But then I read your article, and I realize that at least SOME people get it!! Thanks for writing that!

Tom H.
San Diego, CA

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

Plain, Honest Men

Subject: Jefferson, the American Mind and the Birth of America

I recommend a new book: PLAIN,HONEST MEN, by Richard Beeman,Prof. at the U of Pa, Random House 2009. He details the very interesting deliberations at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in the summer of l787. Much of it seems very relevant to Constitutional questions arising in 2009. — John McV.

A Democracy or a Republic?

Dear Mr. [Whitehead],

With all due respect, I don't understand why the use of Democracy is used - the U.S. is suppose to be a Republic! Why do so many writers continue to use "Democracy"? It is maddening and it a huge part of why we are in the Big mess we are in!! Democracy is "mob rule" Republic - Government by Laws big, big difference!!!!!

Please help me understand...

Thank You

Mr. Whitehead,

Thank you for your articles in the Belgrade News, you are a beacon in this dark time. My only regret is that you did not run for President, we/our country needs you.

Sincerely,

Laura L .

USA in a State of Hypocrisy

I recently viewed the speech given by the valedictorian of 2006, Brittany McComb.

Please convey our message to her: wow!

It takes courage to use the 'liberty' and, 'justice for all' that the US has thought they have stood for. The silencing of her voice despite the obvious approval from the entire audience, was unthinkable on the parts of those who 'pulled the plug'.

The USA is considered to be a champion of 'rights' believing that 'democracy' is the only way to freedom. They have gone into other countries with bombs and guns to 'liberate' people so that they too, would have such freedom of speech.

What she was expressing was so inspiring: teens do not have to try and fill a void in their hearts with achievements or drugs or alcohol or sex.

Someone is there, all the time: and, like the stars that are there all the time, we may not see them all the time, but we know they are there.

An old time prophet once wrote: 'Call unto Me, and I will show you great and mighty things you do not know'. The US has a lot of crying out to do.

We all do. Thank you for your work to bring the dictators to their knees: every knee shall bow, every tongue will confess: Jesus Christ, the One who wore the Crown of Thorns is Lord over heaven and earth.

Hypocrisy is one of the worst sins. The USA should be ashamed of what happened there.

In Canada, Trish

Rights Bestowed from Our Creator, Not Man

Subject: Know Your Rights or You Will Lose Them

I am an admirer of your work and I didn’t think I would ever have to point this out to you, but the source of my liberties, and those of every American, is our Creator, not the Bill of Rights, as you incorrectly state below:

For more than 200 years, Americans have enjoyed the freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, among others, without ever really studying the source of those liberties, found in the Bill of Rights--the first ten amendments to our U. S. Constitution.

The First and Second Amendments are unambiguous that they are not granting any liberty, but clearly prohibiting government from interfering with those liberties which we each already posses in the natural state. Furthermore, the Ninth Amendment is clear that there are many other rights we also posses, which are not enumerated in the Constitution.

If one must look to the Constitution to reveal the source of our personal liberties, look not to the Bill of Rights, but to the Preamble. The Preamble is clear that the Constitution was “ordain[ed] and establish[ed]” to “secure the blessings of liberty.” Blessings do not come from government, but from the Creator.

The Declaration was clear that governments are instituted amongst men to secure the rights bestowed from our Creator, not grant any rights.

The fundamental problem in America today is that most Americans are ignorant of these not so insignificant point. This ignorance will be the downfall of the Republic, as the masses permit our politicians to continue to play the role of God and create rights and entitlements; something tyrants do, not Americans.

Kind Regards,

Michael D.

God Is the Source of Our liberties

Subject: Know Your Rights or You Will Lose Them

In your weekly newsletter "Speak Truth To Power," in the article "Know Your Rights or You Will Lose Them," you lead the article with:

For more than 200 years, Americans have enjoyed the freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion, among others, without ever really studying the source of those liberties, found in the Bill of Rights--the first ten amendments to our U.S. Constitution.

As you, as a Constitutional lawyer surely know, the Bill of Rights is NOT the source of our liberties. The authors of the Constitution recognized that God is the source of our liberties when they drafted the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

If our rights were derived from a piece of paper written in 1776 or 1787, they would be as tenuous as those of peoples around the world whose rights are granted and enumerated by their government. Ours, however, pre-existed these documents and forever will.

I think a clarification is in order. Don't you?--Andy P.