HEWITT KERRY SYMPOSIUM

"What do Kerry's answers to today's press inquiries tell us about Kerry's worldview and character?"

Great question, Hugh. I didn't see the interview but a quick read of the transcript of Kerry's response to the question about sending troops to Iraq was revealing. Ideas have consequences, therefore, I'll address what his remarks reveal about his worldview (paradigm, sacred belief system, perspective, etc.) then I'll examine his character.

WORLDVIEW. Kerry's core worldview is relativism and over his lifetime he has developed a powerful set of conceptual filters through which he measures, selects and distorts circumstances to fit his view of reality. In other words, for Kerry (and those who share his worldview) reality is not absolute but situational, and, therefore, he can be on both sides of an issue without seeing the inconsistency of speaking out of both sides of his mouth.

Another aspect of his relativistic worldview revealed in his press conference response is his obvious elitism. Throughout his politicial life John F. Kerry has portrayed himself as the heir apparent of the Camelot mystique of his boyhood hero, John F. Kennedy. The sad consequence is a man of great privilege and potential who has sacrificed autenticity and true authority. Therefore his remarks demonstrate an intensely authoritarian style of leadership by stating he has a plan but then refuses to explain the details. That elitism is particularly evidenced in the way he demeans others while exaggerating his personal accomplishments.

CHARACTER. Now the foundation is laid to examine John Kerry's character. There is a huge difference between personality and character. You are born with a personality, however, you must develop your character. Kerry's character flaws are easily teased out of his press conference comments. His lack of integrity and honesty is obvious by his distortion of the facts about General Shinseki's retirement. His lack of loyalty to the troops and our allies in the coalition is obvious from his negative assessment of the military's revolutionary new strategies to confront global terrorism. His lack of a sense of accountability is apparent through his unwillingness to share the details of his "plan."

In summary, the evident from Kerry's press conference exposes a professional politician who has become intellectually unstable and ethically bankrupt in his obsessive pursuit of the Presidency. Kerry has become a man without a core. A man who is not to be trusted. A man who will abuse and betray others. John F. Kerry is not fit to serve as the leader of the most powerful nation in the world.

THE POPE SHARES ABOUT SHARING

The DrudgeReport links to an article about the Pope encouraging his flock to be more transparent in the public witness of their faith. The Pope's epiphany could be related to his unsuccessful battle to include a statment about Christianity in the new EU constitution and the recent bans in France to restrict the display of religious symbols by students.

I agree that our faith is not something that should be kept private (remember the bushel basket reference of our Lord?) by attempting to blend in with the unbelievers. Apologetics (and this blog) is all about returning the biblical worldview back in the marketplace of ideas.

"May there be more commitment, on the part of Christians, to give witness with more force to the presence of God in the world," John Paul wrote. "Let's not be afraid to speak of God and to carry on high the signs of faith."

"Those who contend that public reference to faith can infringe the rightful autonomy of the state and civil institutions or that it can even encourage attitudes of intolerance are wrong," he said.

You can read the entire article here.

ANGLICANS IN CRISIS

It was just a matter of time. The Lord said darkness and light cannot have fellowship. Pray for our Anglican/Episcopal brethern as they continue this epic battle against apostasy. Read the entire article here.

The global Anglican Communion is ”broken” over the confirmation of a gay bishop in New Hampshire and may be beyond repair, the most influential Anglican leader in Africa said today.

Archbishop Peter Akinola of Nigeria also said that he views the head of the US Episcopal Church as an advocate for gays and lesbians and no longer trusts him.

DEBATE QUESTION FOR KERRY

I don't put much stock in political debates anymore because they have become so carefully programmed by both sides. They are more like joint press conferences with both candidates repeating their talking points ad nauseum. I do plan to watch all the debates this year more so for the theatrics than anything else.

However, I am indebted to Lorie Byrd at Polipundit and Oak Leaf for some important background information on the role of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (SSCI) in the Iraq WMD episode.

Based on this important information I hope someone will ask a question tonight similar to:

Debate Question for Kerry: Senator Kerry, the SSCI was established in 1976 according to Resolution 400: to every effort to assure that the appropriate departments and agencies of the United States provide informed and timely intelligence necessary for the executive and legislative branches to make sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation.”

Senator Kerry, you have consistently criticized the President for basing his decision to invade Iraq on flawed intelligence. Having served on the SSCI for 8 years, Senator Kerry, would you please elaborate on the reasons why you and your colleagues failed in your responsibility to insure informed and timely intelligence necessary for sound decisions affecting the security and vital interests of the Nation was provided?

Put that in your pipe and smoke it, Senator Kerry.

RUSSIA CONSPIRACY THEORISTS

Did you ever wonder what fuels the anti-globalist groups like A.N.S.W.E.R. and the other wacko leftwing groups in the Hate America political movement? A friend currently serving with the Navy in CENTCOM over the US military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan sent me the translated text of a speech by Russian General Leonid Ivashov, entitled Who's Noticing the NATO Danger?

The world financial empire spares no expense to create a mighty military battering-ram in the form of the American armed forces and NATO to expand its system of global surveillance and control over every square meter of land and sea, annihilation of planes at take-off and missiles at launch, and strikes at any spot on the planet at any moment. These were the goals outlined by American Defense Minister Donald Rumsfeld in his report to the US President and Congress regarding the development of the [US] armed forces in 2004 and beyond. Intimidating the whole world and breaking its will to resist will guarantee full dominion for the world oligarchy and mega-profits for the financial elite.

Click on the General's name to go to the article. It's a bit long but very educational. The General doesn't seem to think too highly of comrade Gorbachev's vision of the new world order described in my Gorby post from this morning.

WITH FRIENDS LIKE JACQUES....

John Kerry's good friend Jacques Chirac was recently interviewed in Vietnam. If America is counting on friends like Jaques, who needs enemies? This guy has a serious fixation on American culture. Click on the link, read the article, and go out and buy a Big Mac in honor of Jacques.

AMERICA'S KRISTALLNACHT?

Disturbingly familiar photo

On the nights of November 9 and 10, rampaging mobs throughout Germany and the newly acquired territories of Austria and Sudetenland freely attacked Jews in the street, in their homes and at their places of work and worship. At least 96 Jews were killed and hundreds more injured, more than 1,000 synagogues were burned (and possibly as many as 2,000), almost 7,500 Jewish businesses were destroyed, cemeteries and schools were vandalized, and 30,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps.

Read article here.

Polipundit has linked to several posts about the recent violence by Democrat thugs against Republicans. The images brought back a flood of emotions. Even through I wasn't even born then, the images and reports of the violence of Germans against their Jewish neighbors still sends a chill up my spine.

Mark you calendars. Display all the bumper stickers, yard signs, and posters you can get from your local Republican headquaters. We must not waiver, we must not be intimidated. Courage.

GORBACHEV PEDDLES GLOBALISM

Mikhail is once again beating the New World Order (NWO) drum, this time at the Insurance Leadership Forum -- the same forum where Paul Bremer recently stuck his foot in his mouth. You can find the entire CNSNEWS article here.

Gorbachev said the new world order he advocates should adhere to international law, rely heavily on the United Nations and not seek to impose the views of one country or a group of countries on others.

Gorbachev reportedly said the new world order would be more stable, more just and more humane. It supposedly would recognize the cultural and ethnic diversity in the world as well as environmental challenges.

On his website, Gorbachev describes the need for a "new system of values" by which the citizens of the world would no longer be "oppressed by the tyrannies of nationalism and imperialism." Sound familiar? Gorby is echoing part of a dream dreamt long ago by a powerful king and interpreted by a slave. The prophets of old saw the day coming when a new "global" federation (iron and clay) would be organized out of individual nation-states. Interestingly, what Gorbachev describes scares spitless both the extreme left and the extreme right.

On the surface, the greatest threat today to the American way of life is the Islamofascism of the Muslim culture. The "system of values" of this threat is illustrated by the terrorist statement in the video of the beheading of US hostage Eugene Armstrong in Iraq.

The militant on the video called President Bush "a dog" and addressed him, saying, "Now, you have people who love death just like you love life. Killing for the sake of God is their best wish, getting to your soldiers and allies are their happiest moments, and cutting the heads of the criminal infidels is implementing the orders of our lord."

As threatening as terrorism is, Gorbachev's new world order is the sleeping dragon recently awakened by the weakening of the UN and Old Europe. There are a number of factors pushing the NWO paradigm, but one of the strongest right now are the efforts by Old Europe, the New Russia, and Annan's UN to use the US policies in Iraq to justify the organization of a new political alliance to compete with what they see as the juggernaut of US "imperialism."

IMO, the War on Terror has become the playing field for this growing threat to US sovereignty. Incredibly the threat is both internal and external. It is clear that the extreme wing of the Democrat Party has hitched it's wagon the the NWO train. This epic battle is a long way from over, my friends, even with a Bush win. Fortunately, there will be a new world order one day. Re-read Daniel's interpretation of Nebucanezar's dream. The good guys win in the end.

THE VP DEBATE: WISDOM VS KNOWLEDGE

Cheney was the wise professor to Edwards know-it-all freshman student. I was disappointed but not surprised by Cheney's weak response to the gay marriage issue. Edwards clearly stated his opposition to the federal constitutional amendment. Cheney wisely remained silent since he disagrees with his president.

INTIFADA REGRETS

Former PA Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen):

If we were to sum up where we have ended up after four years of the Intifada, [we would find that] there are three opinions: the first opinion is that after the killing of 1,000 Israelis in the Intifada, Israel would collapse, as would Sharon; the second opinion is that the armed Intifada would liberate the homeland; the third opinion is that the Intifada would bring the settlements to a halt. An examination [of the matter] shows that Sharon did not fall. On the contrary, he has become the most popular [leader] in the history of Israel, after having been subjected to condemnations in Israel. On the same note, all of the Palestinian lands are now occupied and vulnerable, and the settlements have nearly doubled. We damaged our relations with the Americans and with Israeli public opinion; the latest statement from the Quartet is an additional indication of what has become of us.

Finally, a brave Palestinian who is willing to speak the truth about the madness of Arafat's Intifada. One wonders how long Addas will continue to breathe the raified air of the Holy Land. We were commanded by the Prince of Peace to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. That seems more important now than ever.

POPEYE AND OLIVEOIL DEBATE

I want to make it perfectly clear that I have the highest respect for Dick Cheney. Dick Cheney has served the nation with integrity, brilliance, and determination. However, I'd love to stick a sailor's cap on his head and a pipe in his crooked little smile and voila Popeye the Sailor Man! (If you don't know who he is, you're too young to be a Boomer.)

John Edwards, however, is another story. My perspective is tainted by the fact that I've had to suffer that poseur as my Senator for the last 6 years. Edwards is despised in North Carolina by both Republicans and Democrats for ignoring the needs of the state while advancing his political ambitions. He does, however, remind me of OliveOil, the love interest in the Popeye cartoons. She was always primping, posturing and whining while Popeye bravely protected her from his archenemy, Bluto.

I just hope Popeye Cheney got approval to bring along his trusty can of spinach to the debate.

HIKING UP THE SLIPPERY SLOPE

Betsy's Page has posted an apologetic by Jonathan Turely for the legalization of polygamy.

Yikes! Provocative, Betsy? Distorted, is a better word. Who would have thought the polygamists would be scrambling for their own redefinition of marriage even before the sodomist finished their attack.

The pattern of rationalization by liberals is so predicable. Gain an inch, take a mile. This should not be a surprise to anyone, particularly for those who recognize that sexual perversions are a predicable indicator of the times in which we live.

Turley cites biblical and koranic examples of polygamy as evidence of God's approval of the practice. That is totally bogus. Yes, fallen men and women practiced all sorts of sexual perversions, however, in each case the practitioners suffered the consequences of their stiff-necked rebellion from God's teachings.

The pattern of marriage was established by God with the creation of the first couple. Guess what? It wasn't two men, or two women, or any number of multiples that God created. It was one man and one woman. The pattern was set. The physical union of one man and one woman symbolized the ultimate union of relationship between God and man, his unique creation.

That is marriage. Period. Any other living arrangement is not marriage. Two men - not marriage. Two women - not marriage. Multiple men or women - not marriage. Man and dog - no way.

Turley's article is precisely why the vast majority of Americans strongly support a Protection of Marriage Amendment to the Constitution. Sadly, our elected federal representatives lack either the understanding or the courage to make it happen. And it is just one of the many reasons why the reelection of President Bush is so critical.

That we are actually having to fight this fight on the federal level illustrates the serious damage done to the Union. This is not the United Citizens of America. It is the United States of America.

I am an American through my state (NC) citizenship and the US Constitution was purposely designed to protect my rights as a citizen of my state. Those rights are not given by the state or federal government. My rights were given to me by God and it is government's responsibility to protect them.

One of those God-given rights is marriage. Remember, the founding documents of our nation say that right is granted by God. Like I said earlier, God had a specific design in mind when he instituted marriage. Is a polygamist's right to marriage protected by the Constitution? Absolutely. As long as the marriage conforms to the God's design. One man with one woman. Obviously, anything else just isn't marriage.

Tragically, activist judges have now declared that my rights defined in the Constitution are actually granted by the Judiciary rather than God. Therefore, they now adjudicate from a relativistic worldview rather than from a biblical worldview. You can argue all you want about whether America was a Christian nation, however, a quick read of the original documents proves the founding fathers saw reality through the Judeao-Christian worldview of that day. Is that still the predominate worldview of America. Yes. Unfortunately, that is not true for the majority of the Democrats, the MSM, or the Judiciary (and I might add, a remarkable number of public school teachers.)

Now if you're looking for something to be provoked about, try that!

RUMMY'S RUMBLINGS

I don't know about you, but I sure wish SecDef Rumsfeld could pitch-hit for President Bush at the next debate. I love the way he strings his words together and talk about strong facial expressions. One of Rumsfeld's looks would teach Kerry the meaning of the word incontinence.

Check out these recent Rummy Rumblings:

Rumsfeld doesn't expect there to be a civil war in Iraq.

Rumsfeld: No hard evidence of Iraq-alQaeda link.

Rumsfeld believes the world is a safer place without Saddam Hussein.

FLORIDA REPUBLICAN VOTERS DISSED

Hundreds of Republican voters have been disenfranchised in Florida as part of a Democrats-only voter registration drive sponsored by a national civil rights group, according to new allegations that are at the center of an investigation by the state's Election Division and the U.S. Justice Department.

A field director for ACORN, one of the many pro-Democratic Party organizations trying to register new voters in the state, has told investigators that efforts to rig votes for the 2004 election were "routine," according to the newspaper Florida Today.

Read the whole article.

THE PAPER CHASE CONTINUES

It will be interesting to see if the MSM pick up this exclusive report about WMDs and al-Qaeda contacts in Iraq before the war:

Iraqi intelligence documents, confiscated by U.S. forces and obtained by CNSNews.com, show numerous efforts by Saddam Hussein's regime to work with some of the world's most notorious terror organizations, including al Qaeda, to target Americans. They demonstrate that Saddam's government possessed mustard gas and anthrax, both considered weapons of mass destruction, in the summer of 2000, during the period in which United Nations weapons inspectors were not present in Iraq. And the papers show that Iraq trained dozens of terrorists inside its borders.

CHIRAC IRAQ FILIP FAILS

A report from DEBKA indicates the French were likely caught with their knickers down in Iraq last Thursday night while the French-looking Kerry was consulting his cheat sheets. It seems Chirac was up to a bit of skullduggery to embarrass the Americans and the Iraqi Provisional Government by negotiating directly with the Baathist terrorists for the release of two French journalists being held as hostages in Fallujah.

The outcome was that a hefty ransom was paid to the terrorist to release the hostages and transport them along the ancient Turkomen smuggling routes to Syria. Bad luck for them when their convoy was mistaken for smugglers and bombed by US aircraft, resulting in the untimely demise of six terrorist and the hostages disappearing into the Iraqi desert. Ahhh, that damned Pimpernel! He's here, he's there, he's everywhere!

KERRY HITS A SOUR NOTE

It appears John Kerry may have used notes during the first debate, a direct violation of the agreed upon rules. The video clip on the Drudge Report shows Kerry pulling something out of his pocket and fiddling with it on the podium. Maybe it was the lucky pen he got in Cambodia. Oh, right, that was a hat.

Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if he did cheat. Kerry has been fudging the rules for a long time, folks, so why should it frost our windows now? From his exaggerated combat heroics to his flip-floping on every issue, Kerry has proven himself unconstrained by conscience or ethics.

What is creepy is the way Kerry pulled the notes from his coat pocket as he approached his podium. Right there in front of God and everybody and with a big grin on his face. Kerry knew Jim Lehrer wasn't going to call him on it. Therefore he watched the President to make sure he didn't see him. I'd call Kerry a weasel but I don't want to denegrate the species.