What Was She Thinking?

I freely admit there have been times in my life when I have made mistakes. Fortunately, most of them have been in my personal life, rather than in public service.  Most of my mistakes have been redeemable, but a few have been real doozies. In at least one case, someone asked me, “What were you thinking?” Fortunately, I have never been third in the line of succession to the presidency.  We have a right to expect a higher standard from those who are entrusted with the fate of the nation. 

Christians are required to be respectful of the government and government officials. (1Peter2:13-17)  Therefore, it is with all due respect that I wonder what Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was thinking when she announced plans to visit Taiwan.  By doing so, she gave the Communist Chinese an open door to precipitate a confrontation, the results of which may damage our national interest and security. 

If Speaker Pelosi travels by a US military aircraft (customary) escorted by fighter planes, the People’s Republic of China (PRC) is warning of possible military action to stop it.  The PRC’s state-run media has labeled the proposed visit as an “invasion.”  Our argument against that is weakened because the United States has recognized Taiwan to be a part of China. 

However, the speaker of the house is third in line if the president and vice president are not able to serve.  If we allow China to dictate where or when our government officials may travel, the possible outcomes may have dire consequences. 

Our allies and partners in the region may perceive that the United States lacks the will to do whatever it takes to oppose the Communist Chinese.  As a result, our system of alliances in the region may be weakened.  If they lose confidence in America, they may begin to gravitate to the PRC.  Our ability to promote, preserve, and protect our interests in the region could be compromised.  One reason that Communist China covets Taiwan is that it is a leading producer of semiconductors.  It is important for the US to have a dependable source of semiconductors – other than the PRC.  These days, almost everything is computerized, including our military weapons systems. 

The PRC may conclude that we are unwilling to defend Taiwan.  In turn, this could cause them to attempt military action to annex Taiwan by force.  Then, if America and our allies use military force to defend Taiwan this thing could escalate into a bigger war. 

Unfortunately, our opponents have been given time to consider their options.  Consequently, the Russian Republic has reiterated its “one China policy” in support of the PRC.  The implication is that Russia could provide support to China in the event of hostilities over Taiwan. 

We win if Nancy Pelosi goes through with the trip, and the PRC backpedals.  We are reminded, however, that “losing face” is a big deal in the Orient.  In the event that China’s overreach in this matter results in their humiliation, it will aggravate what has already become a bitter antagonism between our two countries.  The Chinese remember things like this, and there will be trouble later for it.

We hope someone will have the diplomatic acumen to find a win-win solution out of this for the USA and the PRC.  An example might be something like, we could agree to cancel Speaker Pelosi’s trip if the PRC would agree that this does not create a precedent; and also, to stop their harassment and intimidation of Taiwan by intruding their military aircraft into airspace where such intrusions are a threat to Taiwanese security. 

All of this is well beyond the control of the average American.  Yet, we will pay a terrible price in the event this thoughtless action on the part of Speaker Pelosi results in the United States’ being forced to “back down” in humiliation, or it results in open military conflict with China. 

We can only hope Madam Speaker did not announce this trip for her temporary, personal political gain.  However, somehow I doubt it.

 

 

Whosoever Believes

Before he became a Christian, The Apostle Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus.  Saul was a Pharisee, as was his father before him. He studied under a member of the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel.  Gamaliel was a respected teacher of the Law of God as given through Moses, and Saul was zealous for the law.  Saul gave his approval to the execution by stoning of Stephen the Martyr, and he persecuted the church. (Acts 5:34, 22:3-5, 7:58, 8:1) 

Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute the believers there when he met Jesus Christ.  That changed everything: 

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.  Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.  But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”  The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.  Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.  And for three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 

Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”  And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying,  and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”  But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem.  And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”  But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”  So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”  And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he rose and was baptized;  and taking food, he was strengthened. 

For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus.  And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”  And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”  But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 9:1-22 ESV)

https://biblehub.com/esv/acts/9.htm

If Jesus can save a man whose heart was as hard as that of Saul of Tarsus, He can save you.  Please, accept salvation provided through the sacrifice of the Son of God.  If you let Him, Jesus can change everything.

 

More Newspeak

In the media, we hear a lot about the government “investing” in one thing or another.  News commentators, elected representatives, or public officials tell us about the government allocating funds for a program or effort to do something they would like us to think is necessary to preserve or enhance our wellbeing.  Using the term “investment” to describe this activity is misleading at best, and at worst it is outright fraud.  They are not investing – they are spending. 

Investing usually involves acquiring a tangible asset in the hope of making a profit. When we buy precious metals, commodities, stocks, bonds, or real property in the hope that it will increase in value; that is investment.  Investing does not usually involve consuming the asset.  We retain the asset over time to put our money to work for us – to create wealth.[1] 

The profit or loss from true investments is real and measurable. One way to measure it is called return on investment (ROI).  ROI measures the amount of profit or loss from an investment relative to its cost. It is usually expressed as a percentage derived by dividing an investment’s net profit or loss by how much it costs.[2] 

Government spending seldom results in a tangible return on investment that is measurable.  Benefits may, or may not, result from government spending, but too much spending results in inflation.  In turn, the outcome of inflation is a net loss to us all. 

Regardless, We the People don’t like it when we are treated like we are stupid.  We understand the difference between the truth and “spin.”  It would be nice if people would stop using euphemisms to sugarcoat the (sometimes) bitter pills we are given to swallow.

 

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[1] Hayes, Adam, Investment, Investopedia, 20 August 2021, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/investment.asp 

[2] Fernando, Jason, Return on investment (ROI), Investopedia, 30 June 2022, https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/returnoninvestment.asp

Working for a Living

The early Christians helped each other out when believers were in need.  Apparently, some people took advantage of church charity.  Also, in anticipation of the Lord’s immediate return, others stopped working to devote themselves to religious activities.  Paul reproved those who were unwilling to work: 

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you,  nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.  It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.  For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.  For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.  Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. (2Thessalonians 3:6-12 ESV) 

https://biblehub.com/esv/2_thessalonians/3.htm 

Paul encouraged families to take care of their own.  He condemned failure to care for elderly family members in need: 

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. (1Timothy 5:8 ESV) 

https://biblehub.com/esv/1_timothy/5.htm 

Today, our churches and families have abdicated most of the burden of caring for the poor, disabled and elderly to the public social welfare system.  Within limits, we welcome efforts by the American people to fulfill their social responsibility to care for the most needy among us.  These programs, however, create dependency and are fraught with abuse.  They must be administered carefully and continuously improved. 

The existence of public social welfare programs does not absolve our churches and families from their responsibility to care for the poor, and especially those who are members of the family of God and our own relatives. 

When lazy, disruptive people take advantage of the kindness of the brethren, or the general public, they must be required to earn their own living.  There is dignity in any honest work.  When we earn our own living, it gives us self-respect.

In The Name of God

The first thing the Pilgrims did after arriving on land at Plymouth Rock was to kneel in a prayer of thanks to Almighty God.

No one among them was appointed by the king to govern.  Therefore, they created a compact, or contractual agreement, by which they could begin to govern themselves.  The agreement was made “In The Name of God.”  It proclaimed that they were planting a colony to glorify God, advance the Christian faith, and honor the king.

 

Mayflower Compact 1620 

IN The Name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord King James, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, &c. Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honor of our King and Country, a Voyage to plant the first colony in the northern Parts of Virginia; Do by these Presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof do enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions, and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general Good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due Submission and Obedience. In WITNESS whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King James of England, France, and Ireland, the eighteenth and of Scotland, the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620

John Carver	Edward Tilley	Degory Priest
William Bradford	John Tilley	Thomas Williams
Edward Winslow	Francis Cooke	Gilbert Winslow
William Brewster	Thomas Rogers	Edmund Margeson
Issac Allerton	Thomas Tinker	Peter Browne
Myles Standish	John Rigdale	Richard Britteridge
John Alden	Edward Fuller	Georoe Soule
Samuel Fuller	John Turner	Richard Clarke
Christopher Martin	Francis Eaton	Richard Gardiner
William Mullins	James Chilton	John Allerton
William White	John Crackston	Thomas English
Richard Warren	John Billington	Edward Dotey
John Howland	Moses Fletcher	Edward Leister

 

http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/documents/1600-1650/mayflower-compact-1620.php

 

 

Get Rid of the Old and Put on the New

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.  For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.  When Christ, who is your  life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.  Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.   You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.  Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.  Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

(Colossians 3:1-17 NIV)

https://biblehub.com/niv/colossians/3.htm

 

 

Grave Digging

We are a free people (so far).  We should be aware, however, that when we buy goods made in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), we are digging our own grave.  Each time we buy another item made in China; we dig our grave a little deeper. 

Presently, it is impossible to completely avoid buying Chinese goods.  We may not have much choice if we are buying a new computer or pharmaceuticals, for example, as some types of goods may not be available if they are not made in China.  Please be aware, however, that we cannot depend on the Biden administration to fix the problem by “decoupling” us from trade with China.  Indications are that they have and will continue to surreptitiously engage in economic and political cooperation with the Communist Chinese.[1] 

The country of origin is not always clearly indicated on the goods we buy in stores.  Online merchants often do not provide readily available information about where an item that they are selling was made.  It is, however, incumbent upon each of us to do our research, and to make a good faith effort to find out. 

Nobody said doing the right thing would be easy.  It takes work.  Unfortunately, we cannot rely on our government to do its constitutional duty to protect us.  Further, retailers are compelled for business reasons to sell what the public demands - high quality goods at the lowest price the market allows.  That often means selling goods made in China - because that is what people buy. 

When we buy Chinese products, we are contributing part of the purchase price to the Chinese Communist government.  The PRC is a totalitarian state that oppresses its people and puts its political opponents, racial minorities, and religious devotees into concentration camps.  There they are pressed into forced labor, beaten, starved, and sometimes killed.  The PRC is aggressive.  It has attacked its neighbors, annexed Tibet and Hong Cong, and is threatening Taiwan.  They have occupied the South China Sea against international conventions that govern claims to territorial waters, and they have built military bases there.  They are in the process of militarizing outer space.  The money for all this comes, in part, from their trade with the United States.  We should not continue enable them. 

We can change it.  Vote with your wallet.  Demand goods made in the USA, or at least not made in China, by spending your money on “other than” Chinese goods.  Vote honest people into public office who will look after the interests of Americans as their first priority. 

We owe it to ourselves and to posterity to completely disengage from the PRC as soon as possible.  If we do not, China will reduce the United States to a second-rate world economic and military power.

 

 

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[1] Moore, Art. (2022, July 7). Biden sending oil from strategic reserves to China. WND. https://www.wnd.com/2022/07/u-s-sending-oil-strategic-reserves-china/

 

WND Staff. (2022, July 8). Hunter Biden tied to Chinese company that bought oil Joe released. WND. https://www.wnd.com/2022/07/hunter-biden-tied-chinese-company-bought-oil-joe-released/