With Respect: In Memory of President Gerald Ford

No one wanted him
yet he did his duty
No one voted for him
but he held the nation together

After he left he did as he should
He gave his help when asked
He remained quiet otherwise
The world was not depressed with his ramblings

He shall never again breathe
But his legacy lives on
His life as an example
His character as a model


Much can we learn from such a man
Yet one question still ask we can

Where will he spend eternity?

All good done, all deeds that shine
Had he ever done a crime?

Presidential Election - 2008

The 2008 Presidential Election is a ways off but many people are putting forward their hopes, dreams, and predictions. Since people have been asking for thoughts on the issue, lets look at potential candidates.

Before I do that however, let me just say this: I think it is way too early to tell much. Although I'm not too much of a sports person, it seems like a correlation can be drawn between calling a game two years before it happens with predicting the results of an election two years before it happens. There is always a possibility your team won't even make it to the Super Bowl or the World Series.

With that said, let's look at the possibilities beginning with the Republican presidential potentials.

While there is still much talk of Condi Rice running for president in 08, it is highly doubtful that she will run. Former NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani has been the talk of many since the World Trade Center Attack as a probable 08 Candidate. However, he is un-liked by many conservatives for his weak position on some issues such as abortion.

Colin Powel doesn't seem to have much influence with party leaders and political top dogs.

John McCain, who is also not liked by many conservatives for his positions on issues close to conservatives, appears to be the strongest candidate at this point. He seems to be in the best position to run for the Republican ticket as of right now.

Newt Gingrich seems to be a possible candidate as well and, if he runs, may give McCain a run for his money.

Vice President Dick Cheney has continued to declare that he is not running for president in 08 but some think that he will change his mind. Mr. Bob Woodward of the Washington Post believes that President Bush will persuade Vice President Cheney to run in 2008.

The recent developments of both Democratic voters and Republican voters calling for Barack Hussein Obama to run for president proves that anything can happen. Here is a picture of Senator Clinton and Obama.

Obviously there will be more coming on this subject but for now, think about who you would like to see run for president in 2008.

Two Excellent Radio Shows Today

Today I have heard two very excellent radio shows. The first was Dennis praeger talking with author Dr. David Gratzer about his book The Cure: How Capitalism Can Save American Health Care. I am eager to read this book. The book is available for sale here.

The other fantastic show was Michael Medved doing a special show called What Was So Great About President Reagan. I am planning on getting a copy when it becomes available here under Special Broadcasts.

Dr. John Stead: A Christian's Place In The Political Arena

The following is an excerpt from Dr. John Stead's chapel message he gave at The Master's College. The message is entitled: A Biblical View of Church and State. Note that he makes reference to Dr. Gregg Frazer's term "Theistic Rationalist" as a good representation of the religion of many of the key American founders. You can subscribe to this podcast here.

What kind of a nation is the United States of America? Well, I would submit to you that the United States is a nation where both Christians and non-Christians reside. That leads to a second question. Is there such a thing as a Christian nation?

I think it's totally clear from the new testament that the answer is absolutely no. And I believe that understanding this will bring a proper perspective as to what the role of the Christian should be in the political arena.

Now having said that, let me just say this, the primary framers of our constitution our founders, all believed that religion and morality had to be at the center of a core of democracy. Alexis de Tocqueville said this, "the more democracy a country has, the more religion and morality it needs." Washington, Madison, and Adams, all believed that the nation would only survive on what they both- all three called, a religious, and moral base. Now having said that, there's a great deal of difference from saying that and putting some kind of a theological context in the middle. There's a great deal of difference between religion and morality and the Christianity of the Bible. Most of the framers, the men that we look up to, were what Professor Frazer calls Theistic Rationalists. They did believe in a personal God, they did believe that God answered prayer, but they did not believe in miracles, they did not believe in the deity of Christ. Their view of religion and morality was primarily pragmatic. That for a democracy or a republic to be successful it had to have a religious or moral base.

You can subscribe to this podcast here.

Theistic Rationalism

From an article By Dr. Gary S. Smith
December 06, 2006

"I conclude therefore that Washington’s faith is better explained by the label “theistic rationalism” than by deism, Unitarianism, or Christianity. This theoretical construct combines elements of natural religion, Christianity, and rationalism, with rationalism predominating. It holds that God is unitary and active in the world and asserts that revelation complements reason. Since he directs human affairs, prayer is effectual. Because deists deny God’s active involvement in the world, the value of prayer, and the Bible as God’s revelation, the concept of theistic rationalism better describes Washington’s views than does the term deist, Unitarian, or Christian.

Scholars and ordinary Americans will undoubtedly continue to debate the precise nature of Washington’s faith, and its eclectic character does not help resolve the debate over America’s Christian origins. Clearly, however, his faith became deeper as a result of his trying and sometimes traumatic experiences as commander-in-chief and as the nation’s first president, and it significantly affected his understanding of life and his duties in both roles."

No More Amos n Andy

Why can't people be happy with clean humor? The recent film "Borat", as I understand it (I haven't seen it but have seen the trailor and talked with people that have seen it), is primarly a long string of indecent jokes. There is plenty of decent, uplifting material for humor that people can enjoy and have fun with.

I really enjoy waching old tv shows and movies. Comedies like, Laurel and Hardy, The Three Stooges and Amos n Andy were and are actually funny. Why don't people make them like that any more? I also like the old Andy Griffith show with Don Knotts and Ronnie Howard. You can see some old shows online.

Old classic radio shows are fun to listen to also. You can listen to old radio shows like Abbott and Costello, Avalon Time, Burns and Allen, Duffy's Tavern, Fibber McGee & Molly, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, You Bet Your Life, The Aldrich Family, Father Knows Best, The Great Gildersleeve, The Life of Riley, My Favorite Husband, Our Miss Brooks, Ozzie and Harriet as well as many fun shows on the internet here, or on the radio at AM 1710.

Ronald Reagan: National Defense

National Defense is not a threat to peace; it is the guarantee of peace with freedom.

Reagan - 1972