The Texas State board of Education has approved some controversial changes to what most students in the state will be studying in history, economic, and social study classes. Don McElroy, a board leader, explained that the measure is a way of "adding balance" in the classroom, since "academia is skewed too far to the left." And the board's critics have labeled the move an attempt by political "extremists" to "promote their ideology."
We hope this isn't so. Public school is to educate the next generation in general about the facts of history, regardless of whether they embarrass you or not. Naturally, liberals and conservatives will have differing views about the language that should be used. For instance, I believe the current curriculum is unfair and needs to be overhauled. The language is not neutral enough. Those with a "progressive" world view, on the other hand, have been endorsing changes in the other direction.
The main reason this has gained national attention is because Texas is one of the nation's largest consumers of school textbooks, and because of that, the textbook publishers tend to cater to their needs. It's part of the law of supply and demand - since there is such a huge demand for textbooks that meet the Texas standards, there will be a huge supply printed to meet that need. As a result, 80% of school districts around the nation end up with the same curriculum.
Here are just a few of the changes the Texas Board would like to make, and it may affect what your child will study:
* They would like to put more emphasis on "the conservative resurgence of the 1980s and 1990s." This means not only increased favorable mentions of Phyllis Schlafly, the founder of the Eagle Forum, but also more discussion of the Moral Majority, the Heritage Foundation, the National Rifle Association and Newt Gingrich's Contract With America. (All that sounds good to me. I mean, these are things that actually happened, and impacted America very, very profoundly.)
* They want to reduce coverage of Latino history and culture. (Now this is a sticky one for Texas. I understand that Hispanics have been living there for hundreds of years longer than white Americans. And I understand that those of Hispanic descent may want recognition of their roots and perpetuation of their identity. But how about expanded studies of the native Americans? How about expanding the coverage of the history and culture of England and Germany and the Scandinavian countries that populated early America and forcing our children to learn about all them right alongside that of Latino history and culture? My point is this: When you become an American citizen you should learn about the history of America. It is the duty of the family or local community to preserve whatever historical or cultural identity they want to preserve. Take a look at the Amish. They have done it well for hundreds of years. This is America. If you want to be American, learn the American way. If you want to be something else, fine, but don't make American schools teach your way of life.)
The proposals will come up for a final vote in May. Many of those that are crying "foul" are saying, "We just want things to be historically accurate." Believe me, those of us that are more conservative also want things to be historically accurate. But omitting important events and details that are contrary to your values is not being "historically accurate."
Let freedom reign, and the truth be told.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Lowest Crime Rate In The World
Do you know which country has the lowest crime rate in the world? Switzerland. Do you know why? It may have something to do with their military system.
The key to freedom is to have the ability to defend yourself, and if you don't have the tools to do that, then you're going to be at the mercy of whomever wants to put you away.
Guns are deeply rooted within Swiss culture – but the gun crime rate is so low that statistics are not even kept. The country has a population of six million, but there are estimated to be at least two million publicly-owned firearms, including about 600,000 automatic rifles and 500,000 pistols. This is due in large part to Switzerland’s unique system of national defense, developed over the centuries.
My personal belief concerning this phenomenon is that when you take God out of a culture, lawlessness and violence will quickly take over, no matter what kind of law enforcement is in place. There is a very deliberate campaign afoot to destroy America from the inside out, and their primary means of doing so is to secularize the society. We as Ambassadors for Christ must forget about the political landscape as being the answer to the moral woes of this country and (while I believe in voting and educating yourself about the issues) we need to step up personal evangelism. The number one reason this country is unraveling everywhere at once and with ever-increasing speed is because people are becoming lukewarm about their spirituality. Multitudes are losing faith, losing hope, and giving up.
Don't give up, my friends! Where there is life, there is hope. Jesus is alive! And life is worth the living just because He lives!
The key to freedom is to have the ability to defend yourself, and if you don't have the tools to do that, then you're going to be at the mercy of whomever wants to put you away.
Guns are deeply rooted within Swiss culture – but the gun crime rate is so low that statistics are not even kept. The country has a population of six million, but there are estimated to be at least two million publicly-owned firearms, including about 600,000 automatic rifles and 500,000 pistols. This is due in large part to Switzerland’s unique system of national defense, developed over the centuries.
Instead of a standing, full-time army, the country requires every man to undergo some form of military training for a few days or weeks a year throughout most of their lives. You can learn more by watching this video.
My personal belief concerning this phenomenon is that when you take God out of a culture, lawlessness and violence will quickly take over, no matter what kind of law enforcement is in place. There is a very deliberate campaign afoot to destroy America from the inside out, and their primary means of doing so is to secularize the society. We as Ambassadors for Christ must forget about the political landscape as being the answer to the moral woes of this country and (while I believe in voting and educating yourself about the issues) we need to step up personal evangelism. The number one reason this country is unraveling everywhere at once and with ever-increasing speed is because people are becoming lukewarm about their spirituality. Multitudes are losing faith, losing hope, and giving up.
Don't give up, my friends! Where there is life, there is hope. Jesus is alive! And life is worth the living just because He lives!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Rifqa Bary's Life Still In Danger
Rifqa Bary is still not safe. Pray for her. Above all, pray that she stand strong and faithful to Jesus no matter what happens. Read more about her current status here.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Could You Be A Leader?
Yes, you could. In fact, you are already a leader. Somebody follows you. Somebody is watching you and is learning to be like you. So the real question is, “Can you be a good leader?” If you learn to channel your frustrations and energy into a constructive and positive force, you can and are.
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes in the 1980’s? He wrote a book called, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca Says:
“Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? We should be screaming bloody murder! Our government is trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even run a ridiculous cash-for-clunkers program without losing $26 billion of the taxpayers' money, much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'trust me, the economy is getting better..'
"Better? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the lawmakers out along with the president!'
"I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
"Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's one thing to sit there and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
"We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the world, and it's getting worse every day!
"We've lost the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs..
"Our borders are like sieves and they want to give all illegals amnesty and free healthcare.
"These are times that cry out for leadership.
"But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense?
"Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
"We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened..
"Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping the government will make it better for them. Now, that's just crazy.. Deal with life.
"I have news for the gangsters in Congress. We didn't elect you to turn this country into a losing European Socialist state. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bobblehead on TV will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
"Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America .. In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years since 9/11.”
Now that’s someone who dares to be a leader! All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes in the 1980’s? He wrote a book called, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca Says:
“Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? We should be screaming bloody murder! Our government is trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even run a ridiculous cash-for-clunkers program without losing $26 billion of the taxpayers' money, much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'trust me, the economy is getting better..'
"Better? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the lawmakers out along with the president!'
"I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
"Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's one thing to sit there and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
"We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the world, and it's getting worse every day!
"We've lost the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs..
"Our borders are like sieves and they want to give all illegals amnesty and free healthcare.
"These are times that cry out for leadership.
"But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense?
"Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
"We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened..
"Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping the government will make it better for them. Now, that's just crazy.. Deal with life.
"I have news for the gangsters in Congress. We didn't elect you to turn this country into a losing European Socialist state. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bobblehead on TV will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
"Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America .. In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years since 9/11.”
Now that’s someone who dares to be a leader! All it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Will China Rule The World?
It was a commonly held belief among American government and business elites that as China became richer, their values and interests would become more like ours. But it's not working that way. While America strives for stability in the world, China is a Communist country striving for military and economic superiority. China's voice is becoming louder and more demanding, and one of these days we may well have to choose between giving her whatever she wants or suffer the military consequences. Learn more from the Phyllis Schlafly Report and this article from The Washington Post.
But more disturbing than the thought that China may one day control the world is the fact that the United Nations, which was formed with the thought in mind that it would one day grow into a world government, is now run and influenced by people who look at China as the role model for their beloved and long-awaited One World Government. I may be in trouble with the Vatican for saying this, but I believe the failure of the Copenhagen meetings in December was absolutely a godsend.
So I must ask myself the question - and I ask each of you the same question: "What are you going to do with the opportunity and freedoms you still have?" You are here for a purpose, and Jesus Christ holds the key to the fulfillment of that purpose. Not some church, nor some bishop or pope, but the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him?? There is still time.
But more disturbing than the thought that China may one day control the world is the fact that the United Nations, which was formed with the thought in mind that it would one day grow into a world government, is now run and influenced by people who look at China as the role model for their beloved and long-awaited One World Government. I may be in trouble with the Vatican for saying this, but I believe the failure of the Copenhagen meetings in December was absolutely a godsend.
So I must ask myself the question - and I ask each of you the same question: "What are you going to do with the opportunity and freedoms you still have?" You are here for a purpose, and Jesus Christ holds the key to the fulfillment of that purpose. Not some church, nor some bishop or pope, but the Holy Spirit. Do you know Him?? There is still time.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Jesus Is Coming Soon!
About a week ago, a Christian woman was driving on Highway 74, north of Terre Haute, IN, when she saw a man walking beside the road. She felt impressed to stop and offer him a ride. But because she was alone, and because it's usually not a good idea to do so, she resisted the feeling and went on by. However, the thought kept coming to her, and wanting to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit, she obeyed.
The man opened the passenger side door, but instead of getting in he told her that he had a message for her from God. He said, "Jesus is coming soon." And then he vanished right before her eyes! Surprised and shook up by the realization of what had just happened to her, she just sat there for a while trying to digest it.
As she was recovering from her shock, a State Trooper pulled up to check on her. She assured him that she was all right, and told him what had happened. He said, "You're the fourth person to report such an encounter along this road this morning."
Also, in Pennsylvania, about two weeks prior to this there were a number of people that had a similar experience. In one case the witness was actually driving after picking a man up when he said nearly the same thing and disappeared while sitting in the passenger seat.
In all cases the men walking beside the road didn't seem special, just men.
Now, I know some people will think this is just a trick of the devil, but I ask you to look at the message instead of the person who brought the message or the way in which it was delivered. Far be it from the devil to preach encouragement to the saints of the Lord. The disciples of Jesus saw a man one time who was casting out devils in Jesus' name, and they told him to stop doing so because he wasn't "one of them." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side."
The apostle Paul also wrote about men that preached the gospel for personal gain, and while it grieved him to see them do it, he rejoiced that the gospel was preached.
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!
The man opened the passenger side door, but instead of getting in he told her that he had a message for her from God. He said, "Jesus is coming soon." And then he vanished right before her eyes! Surprised and shook up by the realization of what had just happened to her, she just sat there for a while trying to digest it.
As she was recovering from her shock, a State Trooper pulled up to check on her. She assured him that she was all right, and told him what had happened. He said, "You're the fourth person to report such an encounter along this road this morning."
Also, in Pennsylvania, about two weeks prior to this there were a number of people that had a similar experience. In one case the witness was actually driving after picking a man up when he said nearly the same thing and disappeared while sitting in the passenger seat.
In all cases the men walking beside the road didn't seem special, just men.
Now, I know some people will think this is just a trick of the devil, but I ask you to look at the message instead of the person who brought the message or the way in which it was delivered. Far be it from the devil to preach encouragement to the saints of the Lord. The disciples of Jesus saw a man one time who was casting out devils in Jesus' name, and they told him to stop doing so because he wasn't "one of them." But Jesus said, "Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side."
The apostle Paul also wrote about men that preached the gospel for personal gain, and while it grieved him to see them do it, he rejoiced that the gospel was preached.
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!
Monday, January 11, 2010
Global Warming In Serious Trouble
Watch this short video from John Coleman, the founder of the Weather Channel. Finally, a REAL EXPERT showing the fallacy of the concept of “human caused” global warming.
Since the Climategate scandal and the Copenhagen summit, some scientists once again have the courage to voice their true feelings, and for some of them that is to express concerns about a coming ice age. Which would fit the pattern.
The truth is, no one has proved yet that fossil fuel emissions has affected the temperature in any way at all. And more and more evidence shows that the UN's computer models that predict a dramatic warming in the near future are flawed. They are based on ideas and theories that have been proven false.
Let me be clear: I believe in taking care of our earth, and in conservation, and in living in harmony with nature as much as possible. But why do these people keep feeding us lies? It is because they have an evil agenda, and all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
Since the Climategate scandal and the Copenhagen summit, some scientists once again have the courage to voice their true feelings, and for some of them that is to express concerns about a coming ice age. Which would fit the pattern.
The truth is, no one has proved yet that fossil fuel emissions has affected the temperature in any way at all. And more and more evidence shows that the UN's computer models that predict a dramatic warming in the near future are flawed. They are based on ideas and theories that have been proven false.
Let me be clear: I believe in taking care of our earth, and in conservation, and in living in harmony with nature as much as possible. But why do these people keep feeding us lies? It is because they have an evil agenda, and all it takes for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing.
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