Friday, January 30, 2009
BBC on Jos riots
Click titlel for a BBC programme on Jos but the reporter cannot pronounce the word, Hausa and fails to tell the pre-colonial history of conflict between Hausas and Plateau people. I found it a superficial analysis reflecting the usual BBC dhimmitude. I think the link will last only one week.
Scene is set for a pedants’ revolt as city dares to banish the apostrophe from its street signs
From The Times January 30, 2009
'For defenders of the apostrophe, who are more used to fighting minor skirmishes against greengrocers and butchers, it amounts to a major defeat: the day they lost Birmingham.
After a tense grammatical debate Birmingham City Council has decreed that possessive apostrophes shall no longer appear on its street signs.
No ceremony marked this expulsion from the municipality, only a statement from Martin Mullaney, chairman of the council’s transportation scrutiny committee. He noted that for some time the apostrophe had been slipping from signs all over the city.
Mr Mullaney argued that since the monarchy no longer owned Kings Heath, or Kings Norton, and since the Acock family no longer owned Acocks Green, the punctuation marks that once appeared in those names were now redundant. Defenders of the apostrophe in Birmingham responded with angry question marks. Much like the names on their street signs, some residents appeared to be possessive. They demanded the return of their apostrophes.
Mr Mullaney, however, stood firm: “The consensus of the city council on the future use of possessive apostrophes in place names is that they should not be reintroduced,” he wrote, in a grammatically correct entry on his blog. He added: “This view will, I know, upset a lot of residents.”
Mr Mullaney had raised the issue with residents at the beginning of this year. The transportation department was about to erect signs directing people to Kings Heath, and wanted to know whether there ought to be an apostrophe. On a community website, commentators argued that an apostrophe was required. “It’s important because it conveys the meaning of the Heath more accurately as belonging to the King — whether this be real or symbolic — in singular possessive terms,” wrote one, adding that it was a discussion that had occupied some residents’ groups “for some time”.
For their part, the Plain English Society and the Plain Language Commission both said there was no rule in Britain with regard to possessive apostrophes in place names.
The US dropped such punctuation in 1890 when the US Board of Geographic Names removed the apostrophe from its database. Only five exceptions have ever been made, including Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 1933. Australia followed suit in 2001 for the sake of consistency in the databases used by the emergency services, said Mr Mullaney. “It would be tragic if the ambulance couldn’t find your street if you forgot to use the possessive apostrophe.”
Above all, there was the cost of reintroducing the marks. If the council gave one road an apostrophe, residents on countless others would want one. “The cost would be astronomical,” he said.
The once punctuated suburbs of Kings Heath and Acocks Green were quiet last night: residents appeared to have come to terms with their loss.
On Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath, where the street sign’s apostrophe has been painted over, Jean Read, 71, a retired dinner lady, said: “I can’t even remember having one.”
There was anger, however, at the headquarters of the Apostrophe Protection Society in Lincolnshire. John Richards, the society’s founder and chairman, said: “It’s setting a very bad example because teachers all over Birmingham are teaching their children punctuation. Then they see road signs with apostrophes removed.” '
It is some time since I noticed the apostrophe had vanished from Henlys Corner on my way to work :-(
'For defenders of the apostrophe, who are more used to fighting minor skirmishes against greengrocers and butchers, it amounts to a major defeat: the day they lost Birmingham.
After a tense grammatical debate Birmingham City Council has decreed that possessive apostrophes shall no longer appear on its street signs.
No ceremony marked this expulsion from the municipality, only a statement from Martin Mullaney, chairman of the council’s transportation scrutiny committee. He noted that for some time the apostrophe had been slipping from signs all over the city.
Mr Mullaney argued that since the monarchy no longer owned Kings Heath, or Kings Norton, and since the Acock family no longer owned Acocks Green, the punctuation marks that once appeared in those names were now redundant. Defenders of the apostrophe in Birmingham responded with angry question marks. Much like the names on their street signs, some residents appeared to be possessive. They demanded the return of their apostrophes.
Mr Mullaney, however, stood firm: “The consensus of the city council on the future use of possessive apostrophes in place names is that they should not be reintroduced,” he wrote, in a grammatically correct entry on his blog. He added: “This view will, I know, upset a lot of residents.”
Mr Mullaney had raised the issue with residents at the beginning of this year. The transportation department was about to erect signs directing people to Kings Heath, and wanted to know whether there ought to be an apostrophe. On a community website, commentators argued that an apostrophe was required. “It’s important because it conveys the meaning of the Heath more accurately as belonging to the King — whether this be real or symbolic — in singular possessive terms,” wrote one, adding that it was a discussion that had occupied some residents’ groups “for some time”.
For their part, the Plain English Society and the Plain Language Commission both said there was no rule in Britain with regard to possessive apostrophes in place names.
The US dropped such punctuation in 1890 when the US Board of Geographic Names removed the apostrophe from its database. Only five exceptions have ever been made, including Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, in 1933. Australia followed suit in 2001 for the sake of consistency in the databases used by the emergency services, said Mr Mullaney. “It would be tragic if the ambulance couldn’t find your street if you forgot to use the possessive apostrophe.”
Above all, there was the cost of reintroducing the marks. If the council gave one road an apostrophe, residents on countless others would want one. “The cost would be astronomical,” he said.
The once punctuated suburbs of Kings Heath and Acocks Green were quiet last night: residents appeared to have come to terms with their loss.
On Wheelers Lane, Kings Heath, where the street sign’s apostrophe has been painted over, Jean Read, 71, a retired dinner lady, said: “I can’t even remember having one.”
There was anger, however, at the headquarters of the Apostrophe Protection Society in Lincolnshire. John Richards, the society’s founder and chairman, said: “It’s setting a very bad example because teachers all over Birmingham are teaching their children punctuation. Then they see road signs with apostrophes removed.” '
It is some time since I noticed the apostrophe had vanished from Henlys Corner on my way to work :-(
A short break from blogging?
I am told my congestive heart failure which put me in hospital in the Hebrides a year and a half ago is back. Last time it was from hypertension. This time it is atrial fibrillation. Well my heart may be fluttering and the breath short. but the spirit is good and I am encouraged by the good wishes of praying friends. I expect to be in Hammersmith hospital for a few days investigation and treatment. My doctor there is a kind friend in whom I have every confidence.
Spring - christiansquoting.org.uk
See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.- Song of Songs 2:11,12
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Afghanistan elections put on hold as Taleban spreads chaos
Allauddin Khan/AP says in The Times,'The new US Administration is preparing to send an additional 30,000 troop
Tom Coghlan in Kabul says,'Presidential elections in Afghanistan have been deferred until mid-August, sparking fears of increasing political turmoil in the country.
The head of the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission, Javed Luddin, said that the delay had been caused by the difficult security conditions in many parts of the country and logistical and technical problems.
It had been widely expected that the May election would be postponed, not least because winter snow makes some parts of the country inaccessible during the first half of the year.
The new US Administration is preparing to send an additional 30,000 troops to the country and Britain is also expected to bolster its forces as part of an international effort to quell the Taleban insurgency.
Enthusiasm for the polls, seen as a critical test for the continued legitimacy of Western intervention, has been limited and voter registration, particularly in the south of the country where the Taleban is most active, derisory.
In the worst-hit provinces of Uruzgan, Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz, only 56,000 people have registered; no registration centres have been able to open in five of Helmand’s 13 districts because of poor security. Fifteen per cent of those registered are women.'
Those who retain voter registration cards from the 2004 elections can still use them, but it is not known what proportion of the estimated 25 million population has the documents.
A spokesman for the Taleban, Zabiullah Mujahed, said that the insurgents were determined to prevent the elections from going ahead. “People are not happy about elections. They are just symbolic and everything will be chosen by the US President Obama. People don’t have a good memory from the last elections. We will support the people and defend them against the elections,” he said.'
We are in the country because of 9/11. Iraq shows you get no thanks for trying to save Muslims from tyranny but I believe our thankless task should continue for a Taliban run country would be completely oppressive, especially to women. Islem has never united Afghanistan, a country of warring tribes. The only thing historically to unite the country is foreign invasion. Britain did it in the 19th century, USSR in he 20th. The Afghans unite, defeatt he unvader and go back to fighting one anorher. If we pull out there will be civil war if not Taleban repression.
Tom Coghlan in Kabul says,'Presidential elections in Afghanistan have been deferred until mid-August, sparking fears of increasing political turmoil in the country.
The head of the Afghan Independent Electoral Commission, Javed Luddin, said that the delay had been caused by the difficult security conditions in many parts of the country and logistical and technical problems.
It had been widely expected that the May election would be postponed, not least because winter snow makes some parts of the country inaccessible during the first half of the year.
The new US Administration is preparing to send an additional 30,000 troops to the country and Britain is also expected to bolster its forces as part of an international effort to quell the Taleban insurgency.
Enthusiasm for the polls, seen as a critical test for the continued legitimacy of Western intervention, has been limited and voter registration, particularly in the south of the country where the Taleban is most active, derisory.
In the worst-hit provinces of Uruzgan, Helmand, Kandahar and Nimroz, only 56,000 people have registered; no registration centres have been able to open in five of Helmand’s 13 districts because of poor security. Fifteen per cent of those registered are women.'
Those who retain voter registration cards from the 2004 elections can still use them, but it is not known what proportion of the estimated 25 million population has the documents.
A spokesman for the Taleban, Zabiullah Mujahed, said that the insurgents were determined to prevent the elections from going ahead. “People are not happy about elections. They are just symbolic and everything will be chosen by the US President Obama. People don’t have a good memory from the last elections. We will support the people and defend them against the elections,” he said.'
We are in the country because of 9/11. Iraq shows you get no thanks for trying to save Muslims from tyranny but I believe our thankless task should continue for a Taliban run country would be completely oppressive, especially to women. Islem has never united Afghanistan, a country of warring tribes. The only thing historically to unite the country is foreign invasion. Britain did it in the 19th century, USSR in he 20th. The Afghans unite, defeatt he unvader and go back to fighting one anorher. If we pull out there will be civil war if not Taleban repression.
Hate Crimes: The Importance of Lady Justice's Blindfold
From the desk of Thomas Landen at the Brussels Journal on Wed, 2009-01-28 11:14
'The introduction of hate crime legislation brings a subjective element into the legal system. Where typically Lady Justice is blind and only takes objective facts into consideration, disregarding the position and the opinions of those committing the crimes, she may now apply the law unequally and selectively. Our societies subsequently risk losing an important principle of Western law, viz. equality under the law. Europe has already gone further down this road than America, but the U.S. is following fast in Europe’s tracks.
“If I talked about Muslims the way their holy book talks about me, I’d be arrested for hate speech,” Pat Condell, a British stand-up comedian, says in a youtube video released earlier this week. Mr. Condell, though a comedian by profession, is not joking. He knows how two years ago a British television crew which went undercover in British mosques and taped sermons inciting to violence against non-Muslims, was itself charged by the police and Crown Prosecution Service for “stirring up racial hatred” against Muslims, while the preachers were left undisturbed. According to the police and the public prosecutor the words of the preachers had been “taken out of context,” while the “context” of the makers of the television program was filled in by their accusers: their aim was said to be to stir up anti-Muslim feelings among the public.
Prosecutors and judges are no longer interested in what actually and objectively happened. Instead they focus on the intentions which they claim motivated those who acted. No longer is Lady Justice blind to anything except the facts; she is blind to the facts, but claims to be a clairvoyant about everything else.
Last week , the White House website announced that President Obama and Vice President Biden intend to “strengthen federal hate crimes legislation, expand hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act, and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section.” In the past, Europe was in the habit of imitating bad American examples (never the good ones). Now it seems the policies of “Change” in the U.S. mean that America will imitate Europe’s bad examples.
The “Matthew Shepard Act,” or “House Resolution 1592,” is named after Matthew Shepard, a young homosexual who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 1998 by two heterosexual men near Laramie, Wyoming. Apparently the two men killed Mr. Shepard because they “hated” their victim for his homosexuality. Though the murderers were each punished with two consecutive life sentences, the fact that they “hated” their victim was not taken into account when the court decided the sentence. This caused much indignation among homosexual activists who argue that people who commit a crime out of “hate” should be punished more severely than those who do not.
Taking “hate” into account, however, brings a subjective element into the equation, allowing different punishments to be applied for exactly the same criminal acts. It is possible to objectively prove that someone has kidnapped, tortured and subsequently assassinated a victim, but is it also possible to prove that these acts constitute a worse crime if the perpetrator “hates” the victim (or the group he belongs to) than if the latter is totally indifferent towards the victim and only acts for the pleasure of torturing and killing a human being? If Matthew Shepard’s killers had randomly picked him, because they wanted to kidnap, torture and murder someone – anyone – for the sheer fun of it, would they somehow have been less criminal? This is a question which Lady Justice does not normally need to consider, until hate crime legislation is introduced.
In Europe, where citizens lack the protection of a First Amendment, hate crime legislation is used to punish citizens for the expression of negative opinions concerning minority groups. In Europe the concept of hate crimes make sense because hate crimes are crimes of opinion and sentiment. Unlike America, Europe criminalizes opinions and sentiments. However, in the United States, with its First Amendment, it is difficult to see what purpose hate crime legislation can serve. The Matthew Shepard Act contains a “Rule of Construction” explicitly stating that “Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution.”
Hence, it is hard to see what the use of introducing hate crime legislation in America can be, unless one deliberately wants to bring in a subjective element into the legal system which abolishes the old principle of equal treatment before the law and which justifies arbitrary actions on the part of the authorities. This is exactly what has happened across the Atlantic. In Europe, hate crime legislation has been used to silence people with opinions that do not conform with official state policies. These include celebrities, children and even elected politicians speaking on behalf of their electorate.
One of the famous victims of hate crime legislation in Europe is Brigitte Bardot. Last June the former sex symbol, once considered to be the very icon of France, was given a two-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 by a court in Paris. Mrs. Bardot was convicted for “instigation of hatred” towards the Muslim community because in December 2006 she had sent a letter to Nicolas Sarkozy, then the Interior Minister of France, to demand that Muslims anaesthesize animals before slaughtering them. In the letter she said, referring to Muslims, that she was “fed up with being under the thumb of this population which is destroying us, destroying our country and imposing its habits.” Harboring and expressing such sentiments is a crime in France.
Dieudonné M’Bala is one of France’s new icons. He is a French comedian who is known for his anti-Semitism. Mr. M’Bala claims Jews are “a mafia that controls everything in France” and harbors feelings about Jews which are similar Mrs. Bardot’s feelings about Muslims: France is under the thumb of the Jews, who are destroying it and imposing their values. In 2004 Mr. M’Bala was taken to court in Paris for violating French laws against incitation to racial or religious hatred, but the court ruled that he was not violating the law. Why did Mrs. Bardot get a suspended prison sentence and a fine of €15,000, while Mr. B’Bala went free? Because Mrs. Bardot and Mr. M’Bala are no longer equal under the law.
In October 2006 Codie Stott, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Salford, England, was arrested for racism and spent three-and-a-half hours in police custody because she had refused to study with a group of five Asian pupils who did not speak English. When the Asians began talking in Urdu, Codie went to speak to the teacher. “I said ‘I’m not being funny, but can I change groups because I can’t understand them?’ But the teacher started shouting and screaming, saying ‘It’s racist, you’re going to get done by the police’.” A complaint was made to the police and Codie was placed under arrest. She was not prosecuted as she was too young, but the experience was traumatic for the young girl. The same applies to Jamie Bauld from Cumbernauld, Scotland, an 18-year-boy with Down’s syndrome and the mental age of a five-year-old. In September 2007 he was charged with “racial assault” after he had pushed an Asian girl on the playground.
Hate crime legislation is used to silence the famous and the innocent, but also the people’s democratically elected representatives. In January 2007 Christian Vanneste, a member of the French Parliament, was convicted by the Court of Appeal of Douai because two years earlier during a debate in the parliament and afterwards on television he had said that “homosexual behavior endangers the survival of humanity” and that “heterosexuality is morally superior to homosexuality.” Mr. Vanneste, a member of the governing UMP party of President Sarkozy, was fined €3,000. The Court also ordered him to pay €3,500 in damages to each of the three homosexual activist organizations that had taken him to court, plus the expense of publishing the verdict in three newspapers. The three organizations welcomed the court ruling, saying that it “aims to punish homophobic comments which should be fought because they inspire and legitimize verbal and physical attacks.”
Last week Susanne Winter, an elected member of the Austrian Parliament, was convicted by a court in Graz to a suspended jail sentence of three months and a fine of €24,000 for “inciting racial hatred and degradation of religious symbols and religious agitation.” At a meeting of the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ in January 2008, Mrs. Winter had said that the prophet Muhammad was “a child molester” since he married a six-year-old girl, and that he was “a warlord” who had written the Koran during “epileptic fits.” She had also said that Islam is “a totalitarian system of domination that should be cast back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean” and warned for “a Muslim immigration tsunami,” stating that “in 20 or 30 years, half the population of Austria will be Muslim” if the present immigration policies continue.
Following these remarks, Muslim extremists threatened to kill Mrs. Winter, who was subsequently placed under police protection. This did not persuade the judge, Christoph Lichtenberg, to be more lenient. He told Mrs. Winter: “You have only one goal: to gain votes by a despicable method, by appealing to xenophobic feelings.” Judge Lichtenberg said a severe punishment was asked for in order to prevent Mrs. Winter from voicing similar opinions during her next election campaign.
Also last week, the Court of Appeal of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, decided to prosecute Geert Wilders, an elected member of the Dutch Parliament, for “the instigation of hatred against Muslims” as the producer of Fitna, a short documentary about the Koran. In his movie, which can be seen here, Mr Wilders says that the Koran calls for violence against Jews and other non-Muslims. Mr. Wilders lives under constant police protection following death threats from Koran readers.
A few weeks earlier, on 3 January, Harry van Bommel, a Socialist member of the Dutch Parliament, took part in a demonstration during which he called for an “intifada” against Israel and marched with demonstrators who were shouting “Jews to the gas.” Will Mr. van Bommel, like Mr. Wilders, be charged with incitement to racial hatred? Will he be given the same treatment as Mr. Wilders? Considering that equality under the law is no longer guaranteed, this is far from certain. Indeed, while Mr. Wilders will be prosecuted, Mr. van Bommel is likely to go free.
One noticeable fact in hate crime prosecutions is that those prosecuted are often members of European majority groups, such as heterosexuals, non-Muslims or non-Socialists. Hate speech, racial slurs or religious insults directed against a majority group do not seem to be as equally punishable under hate crimes legislation as those directed against minorities. Unlike Susanne Winter, Alfred Hrdlicka, an Austrian “artist,” who last year depicted Jesus and his apostles engaging in homosexual acts of sodomy during the Last Supper, has not been indicted, let alone sentenced. Depicting Jesus sodomizing his apostles is not considered to be a “degradation of religious symbols” in Austria, but referring to the historic fact that Muhammad married a six-year old girl is.
Last Friday, in a speech at the Islamic University of Rotterdam, Khalid Yasin, a radical Muslim leader, said that Geert Wilders “should be flogged for his crimes.” While Mr. Wilders is critical of the Koran he has never advocated flogging Muslims. Nevertheless, Mr. Wilders is being prosecuted and Mr. Yasin is not. Why? Why do the British police arrest 14-year old children, such as Codie Stott, but do they not take action against Muslims such as Anjem Choudary who said in a television interview that anyone who insults Islam deserves “capital punishment”?
Is it because people such as Mr. Wilders, Mrs. Winter, Mr. Vanneste, Mrs. Bardot, though voicing strong opinions, never commit violence, while Muslims extremists threaten to kill everyone who opposes them and are consequently feared by the European authorities? Perhaps. Is it because members of majority groups are prosecuted for hate crimes, but hardly ever members of minority groups? Perhaps. In 2006, a heterosexual man in Belgium lodged a complaint against a media campaign that used the slogan “Dirty Heterosexual.” The Belgian government’s anti-racism and anti-discrimination body rejected the complaint, arguing that “stigmatization of a majority is impossible. Discrimination is something which by definition can affect only minorities.”
Whatever the reason, however, it is clear that with the introduction of hate crime legislation Europe’s citizens are no longer equal under the law. Some are harassed, prosecuted and sentenced, while others are not. Everyone who cares about freedom and democracy should demand that the law treats citizens equally, that Lady Justice does not discriminate, that she will again be blindfolded, so that Mr. Wilders is treated the same as Mr. van Bommel, Mrs. Bardot the same as Mr. M’Bala, Mrs. Winter the same as Mr. Hrdlicka, so that children and people with Down’s syndrome are left in peace, and so that people are judged not by how they feel toward each other but by the way they treat each other.'
Hate crimes are bas law. Only God can judge the heart, the motivation. If someone beats me up I want them punished according to my injuries, not their supposed thoughts.
'The introduction of hate crime legislation brings a subjective element into the legal system. Where typically Lady Justice is blind and only takes objective facts into consideration, disregarding the position and the opinions of those committing the crimes, she may now apply the law unequally and selectively. Our societies subsequently risk losing an important principle of Western law, viz. equality under the law. Europe has already gone further down this road than America, but the U.S. is following fast in Europe’s tracks.
“If I talked about Muslims the way their holy book talks about me, I’d be arrested for hate speech,” Pat Condell, a British stand-up comedian, says in a youtube video released earlier this week. Mr. Condell, though a comedian by profession, is not joking. He knows how two years ago a British television crew which went undercover in British mosques and taped sermons inciting to violence against non-Muslims, was itself charged by the police and Crown Prosecution Service for “stirring up racial hatred” against Muslims, while the preachers were left undisturbed. According to the police and the public prosecutor the words of the preachers had been “taken out of context,” while the “context” of the makers of the television program was filled in by their accusers: their aim was said to be to stir up anti-Muslim feelings among the public.
Prosecutors and judges are no longer interested in what actually and objectively happened. Instead they focus on the intentions which they claim motivated those who acted. No longer is Lady Justice blind to anything except the facts; she is blind to the facts, but claims to be a clairvoyant about everything else.
Last week , the White House website announced that President Obama and Vice President Biden intend to “strengthen federal hate crimes legislation, expand hate crimes protection by passing the Matthew Shepard Act, and reinvigorate enforcement at the Department of Justice's Criminal Section.” In the past, Europe was in the habit of imitating bad American examples (never the good ones). Now it seems the policies of “Change” in the U.S. mean that America will imitate Europe’s bad examples.
The “Matthew Shepard Act,” or “House Resolution 1592,” is named after Matthew Shepard, a young homosexual who was kidnapped, tortured and murdered in 1998 by two heterosexual men near Laramie, Wyoming. Apparently the two men killed Mr. Shepard because they “hated” their victim for his homosexuality. Though the murderers were each punished with two consecutive life sentences, the fact that they “hated” their victim was not taken into account when the court decided the sentence. This caused much indignation among homosexual activists who argue that people who commit a crime out of “hate” should be punished more severely than those who do not.
Taking “hate” into account, however, brings a subjective element into the equation, allowing different punishments to be applied for exactly the same criminal acts. It is possible to objectively prove that someone has kidnapped, tortured and subsequently assassinated a victim, but is it also possible to prove that these acts constitute a worse crime if the perpetrator “hates” the victim (or the group he belongs to) than if the latter is totally indifferent towards the victim and only acts for the pleasure of torturing and killing a human being? If Matthew Shepard’s killers had randomly picked him, because they wanted to kidnap, torture and murder someone – anyone – for the sheer fun of it, would they somehow have been less criminal? This is a question which Lady Justice does not normally need to consider, until hate crime legislation is introduced.
In Europe, where citizens lack the protection of a First Amendment, hate crime legislation is used to punish citizens for the expression of negative opinions concerning minority groups. In Europe the concept of hate crimes make sense because hate crimes are crimes of opinion and sentiment. Unlike America, Europe criminalizes opinions and sentiments. However, in the United States, with its First Amendment, it is difficult to see what purpose hate crime legislation can serve. The Matthew Shepard Act contains a “Rule of Construction” explicitly stating that “Nothing in this Act... shall be construed to prohibit any expressive conduct protected from legal prohibition by, or any activities protected by the free speech or free exercise clauses of, the First Amendment to the Constitution.”
Hence, it is hard to see what the use of introducing hate crime legislation in America can be, unless one deliberately wants to bring in a subjective element into the legal system which abolishes the old principle of equal treatment before the law and which justifies arbitrary actions on the part of the authorities. This is exactly what has happened across the Atlantic. In Europe, hate crime legislation has been used to silence people with opinions that do not conform with official state policies. These include celebrities, children and even elected politicians speaking on behalf of their electorate.
One of the famous victims of hate crime legislation in Europe is Brigitte Bardot. Last June the former sex symbol, once considered to be the very icon of France, was given a two-month suspended prison sentence and fined €15,000 by a court in Paris. Mrs. Bardot was convicted for “instigation of hatred” towards the Muslim community because in December 2006 she had sent a letter to Nicolas Sarkozy, then the Interior Minister of France, to demand that Muslims anaesthesize animals before slaughtering them. In the letter she said, referring to Muslims, that she was “fed up with being under the thumb of this population which is destroying us, destroying our country and imposing its habits.” Harboring and expressing such sentiments is a crime in France.
Dieudonné M’Bala is one of France’s new icons. He is a French comedian who is known for his anti-Semitism. Mr. M’Bala claims Jews are “a mafia that controls everything in France” and harbors feelings about Jews which are similar Mrs. Bardot’s feelings about Muslims: France is under the thumb of the Jews, who are destroying it and imposing their values. In 2004 Mr. M’Bala was taken to court in Paris for violating French laws against incitation to racial or religious hatred, but the court ruled that he was not violating the law. Why did Mrs. Bardot get a suspended prison sentence and a fine of €15,000, while Mr. B’Bala went free? Because Mrs. Bardot and Mr. M’Bala are no longer equal under the law.
In October 2006 Codie Stott, a 14-year-old schoolgirl from Salford, England, was arrested for racism and spent three-and-a-half hours in police custody because she had refused to study with a group of five Asian pupils who did not speak English. When the Asians began talking in Urdu, Codie went to speak to the teacher. “I said ‘I’m not being funny, but can I change groups because I can’t understand them?’ But the teacher started shouting and screaming, saying ‘It’s racist, you’re going to get done by the police’.” A complaint was made to the police and Codie was placed under arrest. She was not prosecuted as she was too young, but the experience was traumatic for the young girl. The same applies to Jamie Bauld from Cumbernauld, Scotland, an 18-year-boy with Down’s syndrome and the mental age of a five-year-old. In September 2007 he was charged with “racial assault” after he had pushed an Asian girl on the playground.
Hate crime legislation is used to silence the famous and the innocent, but also the people’s democratically elected representatives. In January 2007 Christian Vanneste, a member of the French Parliament, was convicted by the Court of Appeal of Douai because two years earlier during a debate in the parliament and afterwards on television he had said that “homosexual behavior endangers the survival of humanity” and that “heterosexuality is morally superior to homosexuality.” Mr. Vanneste, a member of the governing UMP party of President Sarkozy, was fined €3,000. The Court also ordered him to pay €3,500 in damages to each of the three homosexual activist organizations that had taken him to court, plus the expense of publishing the verdict in three newspapers. The three organizations welcomed the court ruling, saying that it “aims to punish homophobic comments which should be fought because they inspire and legitimize verbal and physical attacks.”
Last week Susanne Winter, an elected member of the Austrian Parliament, was convicted by a court in Graz to a suspended jail sentence of three months and a fine of €24,000 for “inciting racial hatred and degradation of religious symbols and religious agitation.” At a meeting of the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ in January 2008, Mrs. Winter had said that the prophet Muhammad was “a child molester” since he married a six-year-old girl, and that he was “a warlord” who had written the Koran during “epileptic fits.” She had also said that Islam is “a totalitarian system of domination that should be cast back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean” and warned for “a Muslim immigration tsunami,” stating that “in 20 or 30 years, half the population of Austria will be Muslim” if the present immigration policies continue.
Following these remarks, Muslim extremists threatened to kill Mrs. Winter, who was subsequently placed under police protection. This did not persuade the judge, Christoph Lichtenberg, to be more lenient. He told Mrs. Winter: “You have only one goal: to gain votes by a despicable method, by appealing to xenophobic feelings.” Judge Lichtenberg said a severe punishment was asked for in order to prevent Mrs. Winter from voicing similar opinions during her next election campaign.
Also last week, the Court of Appeal of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, decided to prosecute Geert Wilders, an elected member of the Dutch Parliament, for “the instigation of hatred against Muslims” as the producer of Fitna, a short documentary about the Koran. In his movie, which can be seen here, Mr Wilders says that the Koran calls for violence against Jews and other non-Muslims. Mr. Wilders lives under constant police protection following death threats from Koran readers.
A few weeks earlier, on 3 January, Harry van Bommel, a Socialist member of the Dutch Parliament, took part in a demonstration during which he called for an “intifada” against Israel and marched with demonstrators who were shouting “Jews to the gas.” Will Mr. van Bommel, like Mr. Wilders, be charged with incitement to racial hatred? Will he be given the same treatment as Mr. Wilders? Considering that equality under the law is no longer guaranteed, this is far from certain. Indeed, while Mr. Wilders will be prosecuted, Mr. van Bommel is likely to go free.
One noticeable fact in hate crime prosecutions is that those prosecuted are often members of European majority groups, such as heterosexuals, non-Muslims or non-Socialists. Hate speech, racial slurs or religious insults directed against a majority group do not seem to be as equally punishable under hate crimes legislation as those directed against minorities. Unlike Susanne Winter, Alfred Hrdlicka, an Austrian “artist,” who last year depicted Jesus and his apostles engaging in homosexual acts of sodomy during the Last Supper, has not been indicted, let alone sentenced. Depicting Jesus sodomizing his apostles is not considered to be a “degradation of religious symbols” in Austria, but referring to the historic fact that Muhammad married a six-year old girl is.
Last Friday, in a speech at the Islamic University of Rotterdam, Khalid Yasin, a radical Muslim leader, said that Geert Wilders “should be flogged for his crimes.” While Mr. Wilders is critical of the Koran he has never advocated flogging Muslims. Nevertheless, Mr. Wilders is being prosecuted and Mr. Yasin is not. Why? Why do the British police arrest 14-year old children, such as Codie Stott, but do they not take action against Muslims such as Anjem Choudary who said in a television interview that anyone who insults Islam deserves “capital punishment”?
Is it because people such as Mr. Wilders, Mrs. Winter, Mr. Vanneste, Mrs. Bardot, though voicing strong opinions, never commit violence, while Muslims extremists threaten to kill everyone who opposes them and are consequently feared by the European authorities? Perhaps. Is it because members of majority groups are prosecuted for hate crimes, but hardly ever members of minority groups? Perhaps. In 2006, a heterosexual man in Belgium lodged a complaint against a media campaign that used the slogan “Dirty Heterosexual.” The Belgian government’s anti-racism and anti-discrimination body rejected the complaint, arguing that “stigmatization of a majority is impossible. Discrimination is something which by definition can affect only minorities.”
Whatever the reason, however, it is clear that with the introduction of hate crime legislation Europe’s citizens are no longer equal under the law. Some are harassed, prosecuted and sentenced, while others are not. Everyone who cares about freedom and democracy should demand that the law treats citizens equally, that Lady Justice does not discriminate, that she will again be blindfolded, so that Mr. Wilders is treated the same as Mr. van Bommel, Mrs. Bardot the same as Mr. M’Bala, Mrs. Winter the same as Mr. Hrdlicka, so that children and people with Down’s syndrome are left in peace, and so that people are judged not by how they feel toward each other but by the way they treat each other.'
Hate crimes are bas law. Only God can judge the heart, the motivation. If someone beats me up I want them punished according to my injuries, not their supposed thoughts.
Reaction to Eames/Bradley report
Prize idiots in Northern Ireland think the families of terrorists should be paid compensation. The government were mad to release murderers. Now they want to re-imburse the relatives of bombers who blew up their own selves. BBC says,
'GORDON BROWN, PRIME MINISTER
I understand why one of the recommendations has provoked such controversy in Northern Ireland. I will never forget the innocent victims in Northern Ireland. '
So chuck out this idiot report Gordo
'SHAUN WOODWARD, SECRETARY OF STATE
What we owe everybody in this story, not just the commission but all the families of all of the victims, is to actually look at the work that Eames and Bradley have put together, which after all is based on consulting with them. '
I have looked and pronounce it folly.
'NIGEL DODDS, DUP DEPUTY LEADER
There can be no moral equivalence between the people who were murdered in the Shankill Road bombing and the criminal Thomas Begley who murdered them. I hope that the government understands and appreciates the degree of moral revulsion which exists within the community at this idea and will act accordingly. '
Amen.
'GERRY ADAMS, SINN FEIN PRESIDENT
"The Consultative Group is proposing the creation of a Legacy Commission appointed by the British government. This is not the independent and international commission, established by a reputable international body like the UN, that Sinn Féin believes is necessary to properly address this issue. '
The voice of the violent.
'REG EMPEY, UUP LEADER
The proposal regarding the £12,000 'recognition payment' has brought immense hurt. The outrage felt right across the community bears testimony to the fact that this proposal is fundamentally immoral, offending the common-sense decency that helped our society endure and emerge from the darkest years of the Troubles.'
True.
'MARK DURKAN, SDLP LEADER
This report needs to be given full consideration and careful reflection in and around and in its specific recommendations.'
In is hard to take any of it seriously when one part is so wicked and evil... and comes from an archbishop.
'DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE LEADER
While I have a fundamental problem with the recognition payment scheme, I hope that it will not undermine positive aspects of the report. I believe that the suggestion of a financial payment was ill-judged and members of the group have recognised that it is problematic. '
Mr Calm. Too calm.
'CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
The main problem with this proposal is that it clearly and unfortunately suggests that there is a moral equivalence between the paramilitary victim and the innocent victim. '
Exactly.
'GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF IRELAND
More than 300 members of the Orange Order were murdered in the Troubles, many of them serving their country in the security forces, others while going about their daily lives and some while attending lodge meetings. The recommendation that money be paid to the families of the perpetrators of violence, as well as victims' families, is abhorrent and has contaminated the rest of the report '
True.
'PETER GIBSON, NEWTOWNABBEY
A total and utter disgrace that terrorists are held up to the same level as innocent men, women and children. My father was shot dead by the Provisional IRA in 1993. His crime? He worked for a building company which undertook contracts for the security forces.
KEITH, BELFAST
Lord Eames has lost a lot of respect over this. Maimed or permanently scarred victims get nothing - murderers' families get the sick kudos and payment. Would London accept the 7/7 bombers' families getting this handout? Once again decency is put aside in Northern Ireland to pay off the ones who caused the destruction.
PAUL, MANITOBA, CANADA
What about those victims who have been injured, such as my father, who lost his legs in the Abercorn bomb of 1972. Will they receive any payments to make their life easier? There are many who are also in this situation and struggle on with life.
DAVID JONES, AMMANFORD, WALES
We as a family suffered mental stress for months as a member of our family served there as a soldier. But it was nothing compared to the grief and stress of innocent families who lost loved ones to the murderers of the IRA. To pay compensation to these murderers, some of whom were killed by their own bombs, is obscene and an insult to the families of innocent victims.
MATTHEW ROUTLEDGE, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
As someone who lived with the Troubles for over 10 years in Northern Ireland, I have to say that I think the award of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to line the pockets of people who were nothing but cold-hearted terrorists, be they unionist or republican, is abhorrent to the memory of the many who fell in defence of their country. What next - payment of rewards to Iraqi or Taleban terrorists?
DARREN HEAL, ABERDEEN
Anyone convicted of a serious terrorist offence should automatically void their entitlement to compensation.
RODGER WEBB, LEAMINGTON SPA, ENGLAND
How much more is Northern Ireland going to cost the UK tax payer? This looks like a great gravy train for the usual suspects. How much did this report cost? How much do the members get paid? '
I have deleted some favourable responses as not worthy of publicity.
'GORDON BROWN, PRIME MINISTER
I understand why one of the recommendations has provoked such controversy in Northern Ireland. I will never forget the innocent victims in Northern Ireland. '
So chuck out this idiot report Gordo
'SHAUN WOODWARD, SECRETARY OF STATE
What we owe everybody in this story, not just the commission but all the families of all of the victims, is to actually look at the work that Eames and Bradley have put together, which after all is based on consulting with them. '
I have looked and pronounce it folly.
'NIGEL DODDS, DUP DEPUTY LEADER
There can be no moral equivalence between the people who were murdered in the Shankill Road bombing and the criminal Thomas Begley who murdered them. I hope that the government understands and appreciates the degree of moral revulsion which exists within the community at this idea and will act accordingly. '
Amen.
'GERRY ADAMS, SINN FEIN PRESIDENT
"The Consultative Group is proposing the creation of a Legacy Commission appointed by the British government. This is not the independent and international commission, established by a reputable international body like the UN, that Sinn Féin believes is necessary to properly address this issue. '
The voice of the violent.
'REG EMPEY, UUP LEADER
The proposal regarding the £12,000 'recognition payment' has brought immense hurt. The outrage felt right across the community bears testimony to the fact that this proposal is fundamentally immoral, offending the common-sense decency that helped our society endure and emerge from the darkest years of the Troubles.'
True.
'MARK DURKAN, SDLP LEADER
This report needs to be given full consideration and careful reflection in and around and in its specific recommendations.'
In is hard to take any of it seriously when one part is so wicked and evil... and comes from an archbishop.
'DAVID FORD, ALLIANCE LEADER
While I have a fundamental problem with the recognition payment scheme, I hope that it will not undermine positive aspects of the report. I believe that the suggestion of a financial payment was ill-judged and members of the group have recognised that it is problematic. '
Mr Calm. Too calm.
'CHURCH OF IRELAND GAZETTE
The main problem with this proposal is that it clearly and unfortunately suggests that there is a moral equivalence between the paramilitary victim and the innocent victim. '
Exactly.
'GRAND ORANGE LODGE OF IRELAND
More than 300 members of the Orange Order were murdered in the Troubles, many of them serving their country in the security forces, others while going about their daily lives and some while attending lodge meetings. The recommendation that money be paid to the families of the perpetrators of violence, as well as victims' families, is abhorrent and has contaminated the rest of the report '
True.
'PETER GIBSON, NEWTOWNABBEY
A total and utter disgrace that terrorists are held up to the same level as innocent men, women and children. My father was shot dead by the Provisional IRA in 1993. His crime? He worked for a building company which undertook contracts for the security forces.
KEITH, BELFAST
Lord Eames has lost a lot of respect over this. Maimed or permanently scarred victims get nothing - murderers' families get the sick kudos and payment. Would London accept the 7/7 bombers' families getting this handout? Once again decency is put aside in Northern Ireland to pay off the ones who caused the destruction.
PAUL, MANITOBA, CANADA
What about those victims who have been injured, such as my father, who lost his legs in the Abercorn bomb of 1972. Will they receive any payments to make their life easier? There are many who are also in this situation and struggle on with life.
DAVID JONES, AMMANFORD, WALES
We as a family suffered mental stress for months as a member of our family served there as a soldier. But it was nothing compared to the grief and stress of innocent families who lost loved ones to the murderers of the IRA. To pay compensation to these murderers, some of whom were killed by their own bombs, is obscene and an insult to the families of innocent victims.
MATTHEW ROUTLEDGE, CHELTENHAM, GLOUCESTERSHIRE
As someone who lived with the Troubles for over 10 years in Northern Ireland, I have to say that I think the award of thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to line the pockets of people who were nothing but cold-hearted terrorists, be they unionist or republican, is abhorrent to the memory of the many who fell in defence of their country. What next - payment of rewards to Iraqi or Taleban terrorists?
DARREN HEAL, ABERDEEN
Anyone convicted of a serious terrorist offence should automatically void their entitlement to compensation.
RODGER WEBB, LEAMINGTON SPA, ENGLAND
How much more is Northern Ireland going to cost the UK tax payer? This looks like a great gravy train for the usual suspects. How much did this report cost? How much do the members get paid? '
I have deleted some favourable responses as not worthy of publicity.
Some of my Favorite Things
Rules:
1.) Make a list of some of your favorite things, it can be as long or short as you want
to make it.
2.) Then tag as many or as few of your friends that you want to take part in this game.
3.) There is no obligation to create your own list, but it sure would be nice to get to
know you better :-))
4.) Have fun and laugh often :-D
5.) To help get you started...copy and paste these rules.
Here we go....
First though, when I did the earlier list of 25 things about me someone expressed surprise that some items, like sporting interests were missing. The reason was I compiled my list on the basis of the sort of things the person who tagged me had mentioned. it shows lack of originality perhaps and laziness, but that's me folks. The same may apply here. From my friend i first of all learned that the things do not have to be material things.
1. The discipline of daily time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study.
2. Family
3. Local church family
4. Friends
5. The ability to communicate, so my Mac.
6. England
7. Books
8. Travel to see the world.
9. Watching sport especially cricket, football, rugby.
10. Quotations
11. Dabating
12. Preaching both giving and receiving
13. The memory of godly loving parents
14. Food especially savoury of all kinds with Korean the tops
15. Drink with Islay malts the top shorts and Belgian beers the longs.
16. Good pipes and cigars.
17. Choral music
1.) Make a list of some of your favorite things, it can be as long or short as you want
to make it.
2.) Then tag as many or as few of your friends that you want to take part in this game.
3.) There is no obligation to create your own list, but it sure would be nice to get to
know you better :-))
4.) Have fun and laugh often :-D
5.) To help get you started...copy and paste these rules.
Here we go....
First though, when I did the earlier list of 25 things about me someone expressed surprise that some items, like sporting interests were missing. The reason was I compiled my list on the basis of the sort of things the person who tagged me had mentioned. it shows lack of originality perhaps and laziness, but that's me folks. The same may apply here. From my friend i first of all learned that the things do not have to be material things.
1. The discipline of daily time with the Lord in prayer and Bible study.
2. Family
3. Local church family
4. Friends
5. The ability to communicate, so my Mac.
6. England
7. Books
8. Travel to see the world.
9. Watching sport especially cricket, football, rugby.
10. Quotations
11. Dabating
12. Preaching both giving and receiving
13. The memory of godly loving parents
14. Food especially savoury of all kinds with Korean the tops
15. Drink with Islay malts the top shorts and Belgian beers the longs.
16. Good pipes and cigars.
17. Choral music
Sport- christiansquoting.org.uk
Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical. --Yogi Berra
If the people don't want to come out to the park, nobody's gonna stop 'em.--Yogi Berra
Most sorts of diversion in men, children, and other animals, are an imitation of fighting.--Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)_Thoughts on Various Subjects_ [1711]
The addiction to sports, therefore, in a peculiar degree marks an arrested development in man's moral nature.--Thorsten Veblen_The Theory of the Leisure Class_
If the people don't want to come out to the park, nobody's gonna stop 'em.--Yogi Berra
Most sorts of diversion in men, children, and other animals, are an imitation of fighting.--Jonathan Swift (1667-1745)_Thoughts on Various Subjects_ [1711]
The addiction to sports, therefore, in a peculiar degree marks an arrested development in man's moral nature.--Thorsten Veblen_The Theory of the Leisure Class_
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the
olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit
pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a
pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The
phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde
Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the
olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit
pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a
pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by
istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot
slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Spoonerisms- christiansquoting.org.uk
Sir, you have tasted two whole worms; you have hissed all my mystery lectures and been caught fighting a liar in the quad, you will leave Oxford by the next town drain. William A. Spooner (1844 -1930)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Bangsters
Have you noticed that bankers have overtaken lawyers as the lowest form of life? I believe that Joe Public wants something done about the fine mess these irresponsible people have landed us in. All the government has done is feed them huge amounts of our taxes. They need chastisement not bail out. So what's to do?
Well, first of all, an appropriate new name for these berks. The usual epithet is to change the first letter of the name, banker. Let us put aside such low sexual insinuations and have a new name. Bankers who have behaved like criminals, like gangsters, should henceforth be called BANGSTERS.
How to chastise them? Most employees can be fired for gross incompetence. i would rather make them work. Reduce all bank directors and executives to the salaries and perks of the newest, basic grade cashiers, with the same share options, bonuses, pensions etc as the humblest cashier. If they do not like it, there's the door. I am sure there are plenty of others capable of running banks better than this shower has.
Next, let the government force the banks out of their quill pen and snail mail age. I mean why should it take several working days to clear a cheque? Answer: for those days the bank utilises your money interest free. Cheques in the electronic age should clear the same day, or the next if the banks wish to retain incompetence. Why does this not happen? Why do they get away with robbery like this? Too many MPs are bank directors, turkeys who will not vote for Christmas. Let them resign from their directorships now they are worth much less as per the above reforms. Instant cheque clearance shall now be the order of the day.
Any more reforms?
Well, first of all, an appropriate new name for these berks. The usual epithet is to change the first letter of the name, banker. Let us put aside such low sexual insinuations and have a new name. Bankers who have behaved like criminals, like gangsters, should henceforth be called BANGSTERS.
How to chastise them? Most employees can be fired for gross incompetence. i would rather make them work. Reduce all bank directors and executives to the salaries and perks of the newest, basic grade cashiers, with the same share options, bonuses, pensions etc as the humblest cashier. If they do not like it, there's the door. I am sure there are plenty of others capable of running banks better than this shower has.
Next, let the government force the banks out of their quill pen and snail mail age. I mean why should it take several working days to clear a cheque? Answer: for those days the bank utilises your money interest free. Cheques in the electronic age should clear the same day, or the next if the banks wish to retain incompetence. Why does this not happen? Why do they get away with robbery like this? Too many MPs are bank directors, turkeys who will not vote for Christmas. Let them resign from their directorships now they are worth much less as per the above reforms. Instant cheque clearance shall now be the order of the day.
Any more reforms?
The sum of our fear
From the Brussels Journal desk of Takuan Seiyo on Sat, 2009-'Question: What are these people doing in Europe? Who invited them? Who let them in? Who let them stay? What has allowed them to even dream about moving to Europe, let alone realizing a colonization plan?
In Great Britain alone, intelligence agencies are tracking 200 terrorists plots among Pakistani Brits, of whom some 2,000 are under observation. More than 400,000 Pakistani citizens of Great Britain travel every year to Pakistan – a country of 12,000 madrassas and, as of mid-2005, 55 terrorist training camps.
Why are there a million (1) Pakistanis in Great Britain? Just what has been going on in the brains of the British ruling elites these past 40 years? What has been going on in the brains of the ruled British people?
What are these people doing in the United States? We know how they came and who and what let them in, but why? The stock answer is: the left, to gain new voters; the right, to get cheap labor. But it’s not the real answer, except if this be a society of madmen.
You have to be a moron, an ignoramus with no knowledge of history, religion, philosophy, social psychology, economics, geopolitics, strategy, statecraft, higher [and ipso facto Western (2)] culture not to be aware that you have seeded a future civil war, an economic calamity, a cultural wasteland, a major devaluation of social capital, a destruction of your own mother, your nation. Yet the people who have inflicted all this on us have very high IQs (3) and have all been educated at the very best universities.
Why is Christmas in Sweden greeted these days with flaming mayhem by imported Muslim barbarians, rather than with flaming glögg by Swedes? Why are there 2 millions irredeemably alien “refugees” (4) in Sweden, including 600,000 Muslims, when there are only 7 million Swedes proper?
There are answers to this too: the politicians and the mass media are foisting this madness on the people, and the people have no power and no voice. But it’s a copout: the Swedish people do have the power and the voice – they just prefer not to use them.
All the answers are no answers. If we looked solely at the demographic folly of the West, the resultant fraying of the social fabric, the certainty of rapidly accelerating socio-political entropy, the inevitability of future internecine violence due to the infusion of 70 million Muslims (5) and growing, with many more to issue from those – that alone would qualify as the greatest catastrophe the West has inflicted upon itself since the Assembly of Athens, swayed by Alcibiades -- a glamorous fast-mouth of a type that entrances the demos of democracy to this day -- decided to send an enormous armada on its ill-fated mission to conquer distant Sicily in 415 BC.
For ours is not a disaster imposed from the outside, such as Hitler’s Germany inflicted on the rest of Europe, or Muslim jihad on Christendom. What we are witnessing is a voluntary self-destruction carried out by democratically elected political leaders on acquiescing populations that, largely, refuse to see The Emperor’s New Clothes even as his naked arse is at arm’s length from their faces.
To the contrary, gross, transparent lies such as “Our Strength is in Diversity, “All Whites are racists,” “Islam is a religion of peace” seem to have much traction with the general population, even though in the depth of their falsehood they equal the worst that the subjects of the Bolshevik Empire had to live under. The West has become an Orwellian tyranny of preferred lies, forcing the natural social preference for one’s own people into the same inhuman mold as the Bolsheviks applied to the natural preference for one’s family’s material wellbeing.
But that is just one of many symptoms. Why is the culture of Aristotle and Kant, Cervantes and Molière, Thomas Mann and Raymond Chandler, Mozart and Rachmaninoff, Velazquez and Bruegel, Charles Chaplin and Francis Coppola, Levi’s and Valentino now almost the exclusive province of Amy Winehouse and Rage Against the Machine, Booty Pop Panties and designer-torn jeans with rhinestone skull patches, Reality TV celebrating real repulsive imbeciles, and illiterate hoodlums with diamond-encrusted gold chains prancing on MTV ? Why are pierced eyebrows, green hair and Che Guevara the hottest fashion statement of Western man and woman?
Why is the idea of multiculturalism to not know any culture, least of all one’s own, rather than to know one’s culture plus at least one other?
Nor is the destruction demographic and cultural only. The madness of financial capitalism, of multiplying debt through reckless leverage and breeding funny money through out-of-control credit expansion, of making of consumption and borrowing rather than production and saving the holy grail of nouveau capitalism, have pushed America and capitalism itself under water. The shockwaves have swept through the West, bringing destruction in places ranging from Iceland to Bulgaria.
As reported by Reuters, in November 2008, the ten largest American financial companies had about $12.2 trillion of assets and only $406 billion of tangible common capital, or just 3.4%. The US financial system had $37 trillion of debt outstanding. According to some reckonings, the ten largest banks in America and Europe have a combined equity of 2.8 % of total assets.'
In Great Britain alone, intelligence agencies are tracking 200 terrorists plots among Pakistani Brits, of whom some 2,000 are under observation. More than 400,000 Pakistani citizens of Great Britain travel every year to Pakistan – a country of 12,000 madrassas and, as of mid-2005, 55 terrorist training camps.
Why are there a million (1) Pakistanis in Great Britain? Just what has been going on in the brains of the British ruling elites these past 40 years? What has been going on in the brains of the ruled British people?
What are these people doing in the United States? We know how they came and who and what let them in, but why? The stock answer is: the left, to gain new voters; the right, to get cheap labor. But it’s not the real answer, except if this be a society of madmen.
You have to be a moron, an ignoramus with no knowledge of history, religion, philosophy, social psychology, economics, geopolitics, strategy, statecraft, higher [and ipso facto Western (2)] culture not to be aware that you have seeded a future civil war, an economic calamity, a cultural wasteland, a major devaluation of social capital, a destruction of your own mother, your nation. Yet the people who have inflicted all this on us have very high IQs (3) and have all been educated at the very best universities.
Why is Christmas in Sweden greeted these days with flaming mayhem by imported Muslim barbarians, rather than with flaming glögg by Swedes? Why are there 2 millions irredeemably alien “refugees” (4) in Sweden, including 600,000 Muslims, when there are only 7 million Swedes proper?
There are answers to this too: the politicians and the mass media are foisting this madness on the people, and the people have no power and no voice. But it’s a copout: the Swedish people do have the power and the voice – they just prefer not to use them.
All the answers are no answers. If we looked solely at the demographic folly of the West, the resultant fraying of the social fabric, the certainty of rapidly accelerating socio-political entropy, the inevitability of future internecine violence due to the infusion of 70 million Muslims (5) and growing, with many more to issue from those – that alone would qualify as the greatest catastrophe the West has inflicted upon itself since the Assembly of Athens, swayed by Alcibiades -- a glamorous fast-mouth of a type that entrances the demos of democracy to this day -- decided to send an enormous armada on its ill-fated mission to conquer distant Sicily in 415 BC.
For ours is not a disaster imposed from the outside, such as Hitler’s Germany inflicted on the rest of Europe, or Muslim jihad on Christendom. What we are witnessing is a voluntary self-destruction carried out by democratically elected political leaders on acquiescing populations that, largely, refuse to see The Emperor’s New Clothes even as his naked arse is at arm’s length from their faces.
To the contrary, gross, transparent lies such as “Our Strength is in Diversity, “All Whites are racists,” “Islam is a religion of peace” seem to have much traction with the general population, even though in the depth of their falsehood they equal the worst that the subjects of the Bolshevik Empire had to live under. The West has become an Orwellian tyranny of preferred lies, forcing the natural social preference for one’s own people into the same inhuman mold as the Bolsheviks applied to the natural preference for one’s family’s material wellbeing.
But that is just one of many symptoms. Why is the culture of Aristotle and Kant, Cervantes and Molière, Thomas Mann and Raymond Chandler, Mozart and Rachmaninoff, Velazquez and Bruegel, Charles Chaplin and Francis Coppola, Levi’s and Valentino now almost the exclusive province of Amy Winehouse and Rage Against the Machine, Booty Pop Panties and designer-torn jeans with rhinestone skull patches, Reality TV celebrating real repulsive imbeciles, and illiterate hoodlums with diamond-encrusted gold chains prancing on MTV ? Why are pierced eyebrows, green hair and Che Guevara the hottest fashion statement of Western man and woman?
Why is the idea of multiculturalism to not know any culture, least of all one’s own, rather than to know one’s culture plus at least one other?
Nor is the destruction demographic and cultural only. The madness of financial capitalism, of multiplying debt through reckless leverage and breeding funny money through out-of-control credit expansion, of making of consumption and borrowing rather than production and saving the holy grail of nouveau capitalism, have pushed America and capitalism itself under water. The shockwaves have swept through the West, bringing destruction in places ranging from Iceland to Bulgaria.
As reported by Reuters, in November 2008, the ten largest American financial companies had about $12.2 trillion of assets and only $406 billion of tangible common capital, or just 3.4%. The US financial system had $37 trillion of debt outstanding. According to some reckonings, the ten largest banks in America and Europe have a combined equity of 2.8 % of total assets.'
Spelling- christiansquoting.org.uk
NOTE: This mail is a natural product. The sleight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual charicter and beauty and in no way are to be considered flaws or defects.
To be read quickly.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
A man occupied with public or other important business cannot, and need not, attend to spelling. --Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Gandhi and Nietzsche and Schulz
Form a trio of unheeded rules
The h within Ghandi can wander at will
And the digraphs of Neitsche cause many a spill
And Schultz has a t that is haunting him still
But that doesn't imply they are nothing but fools
Who spell Ghandi and Nietsche
Spell Gahndi and Neitzche
Spell Gandhi and Nietzsche and Schulz
Martin DeMello. A Pig's Eye View of Orthography, (apologies to Dorothy Parker) , in alt.quotations
My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling, but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places. Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne
Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, "How do you spell Charles M. Schulz?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one quotation.- G. L. Sicherman
To be read quickly.
Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at an Elingsh uinervtisy, it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoetnt tihng is taht frist and lsat ltteer is at the rghit pclae. The rset can be a toatl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae we do not raed ervey lteter by it slef but the wrod as a wlohe.
A man occupied with public or other important business cannot, and need not, attend to spelling. --Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)
Gandhi and Nietzsche and Schulz
Form a trio of unheeded rules
The h within Ghandi can wander at will
And the digraphs of Neitsche cause many a spill
And Schultz has a t that is haunting him still
But that doesn't imply they are nothing but fools
Who spell Ghandi and Nietsche
Spell Gahndi and Neitzche
Spell Gandhi and Nietzsche and Schulz
Martin DeMello. A Pig's Eye View of Orthography, (apologies to Dorothy Parker) , in alt.quotations
My spelling is Wobbly. It's good spelling, but it Wobbles, and the letters get in the wrong places. Winnie the Pooh, A. A. Milne
Sometimes I lie awake at night and I ask, "How do you spell Charles M. Schulz?" Then a voice says to me, "This is going to take more than one quotation.- G. L. Sicherman
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Speed - christiansquoting.org.uk
Speed isn't the only important thing; direction counts, too.
Sauri ya haifi nawa ? To how many children has speed given birth? - Hausa Proverb, Nigeria
Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly -- Mae Wes
Sauri ya haifi nawa ? To how many children has speed given birth? - Hausa Proverb, Nigeria
Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly -- Mae Wes
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Eritrea : Two More Die as Government Step Up Campaign to Stamp Out Christianity
CSW says,:'Sources have confirmed that eight Christians have died while imprisoned for their faith in Eritrea in the last few years. In addition, church leaders estimate that a further 2,907 Christians, including over 100 women, are being imprisoned because of their faith.
The government campaign against Christians continued into 2009 with the arrest on 11 January of 15 male members of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Keren. Five of them are preachers. All those arrested were taken from their homes.
In early January, Mogos Hagos Kiflom (37) died at Mitire Military Confinement, as a result of the continued physical torture he endured for his refusal to recant his faith. Kiflom, who was a member of the Rhema Church, leaves behind a wife, one child and his mother.
On 16 January, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42) also died in Mitire while under solitary confinement. Sources say he died as a result of ongoing physical torture and complications from his diabetes. Asgedom was a member of the Church of the Living God in Mendefera. He leaves behind a widowed mother.
The Mitire Military Confinement was built in the north east of the country apparently for the express purpose of punishing Christians who persist in their religious activities despite the government's ban on them in 2002. Incarcerated Christians from all over the country have been moved to Mitire where they suffer physical torture and forced labour.
Please pray:
1. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and solace for the families and friends of Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom and Mogos Hagos Kiflom. Ask God to provide for their needs.
2. Pray for all Christians who find themselves in Mitire Military Confinement and other Eritrean prisons. Pray that God's Spirit will keep them from despondency and through grace help them to remain full of hope and peace.
3. Pray for wisdom for all church members who have had to step into leadership positions due to the widespread arrest of pastors'
The government campaign against Christians continued into 2009 with the arrest on 11 January of 15 male members of the Kale-Hiwot Church in Keren. Five of them are preachers. All those arrested were taken from their homes.
In early January, Mogos Hagos Kiflom (37) died at Mitire Military Confinement, as a result of the continued physical torture he endured for his refusal to recant his faith. Kiflom, who was a member of the Rhema Church, leaves behind a wife, one child and his mother.
On 16 January, Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom (42) also died in Mitire while under solitary confinement. Sources say he died as a result of ongoing physical torture and complications from his diabetes. Asgedom was a member of the Church of the Living God in Mendefera. He leaves behind a widowed mother.
The Mitire Military Confinement was built in the north east of the country apparently for the express purpose of punishing Christians who persist in their religious activities despite the government's ban on them in 2002. Incarcerated Christians from all over the country have been moved to Mitire where they suffer physical torture and forced labour.
Please pray:
1. Pray for the Lord’s comfort and solace for the families and friends of Mehari Gebreneguse Asgedom and Mogos Hagos Kiflom. Ask God to provide for their needs.
2. Pray for all Christians who find themselves in Mitire Military Confinement and other Eritrean prisons. Pray that God's Spirit will keep them from despondency and through grace help them to remain full of hope and peace.
3. Pray for wisdom for all church members who have had to step into leadership positions due to the widespread arrest of pastors'
Brit Muslims want to remain segregated from rest of society
ANI Wednesday 21st January, 2009
'London, Jan.21 : A shocking 44 percent of Muslims in Britain have said that they would like to be segregated from the rest of society, and be free to develop along separate lines.
According to a poll reported by the Daily Star, religion has replaced race as the biggest equality issue, with six in 10 Brits thinking it is more divisive.
Mass tension have grown following terror attacks from Muslim fanatics, including the 7/7 Tube bombings in 2005.
But critics say that they are angered over the fact that Muslims are refusing to fit into the British way of life.
English Democrats' chairman Robin Tilbrook said: "As far as I'm concerned, what we want to be about is having an integrated society.
"If people don't want to integrate, they shouldn't be here. It's not at all right to have what's really a sort of ghetto situation developing - it's going to lead to trouble," he warned.
"We can't have a single society with lots of different rules." Stephen Green, national director of Christian Voice, said: I'm not surprised because there are already Muslim enclaves all over the country. They keep themselves to themselves anyway," he added.
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission poll found 67 percent of Muslims would not be happy for their child to marry someone of a different religion. But marrying someone from a different race bothers them less, with 61 percent content with the idea.
The shock results come a day after commission chairman Trevor Phillips said Britain was "by far" the least racist country in Europe. The commission said the poll confirmed Brits are "increasingly at ease with racial diversity". '
Multiculturalism is definitely a busted flush.
'London, Jan.21 : A shocking 44 percent of Muslims in Britain have said that they would like to be segregated from the rest of society, and be free to develop along separate lines.
According to a poll reported by the Daily Star, religion has replaced race as the biggest equality issue, with six in 10 Brits thinking it is more divisive.
Mass tension have grown following terror attacks from Muslim fanatics, including the 7/7 Tube bombings in 2005.
But critics say that they are angered over the fact that Muslims are refusing to fit into the British way of life.
English Democrats' chairman Robin Tilbrook said: "As far as I'm concerned, what we want to be about is having an integrated society.
"If people don't want to integrate, they shouldn't be here. It's not at all right to have what's really a sort of ghetto situation developing - it's going to lead to trouble," he warned.
"We can't have a single society with lots of different rules." Stephen Green, national director of Christian Voice, said: I'm not surprised because there are already Muslim enclaves all over the country. They keep themselves to themselves anyway," he added.
The Equalities and Human Rights Commission poll found 67 percent of Muslims would not be happy for their child to marry someone of a different religion. But marrying someone from a different race bothers them less, with 61 percent content with the idea.
The shock results come a day after commission chairman Trevor Phillips said Britain was "by far" the least racist country in Europe. The commission said the poll confirmed Brits are "increasingly at ease with racial diversity". '
Multiculturalism is definitely a busted flush.
Specialisation- christiansquoting.org.uk
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects. --Robert A. Heinlein
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Cases of Wilders and Winter
www.brusselsjournal.com says. on Fri, 2009-01-23
'The Jordanian Muslim organization “The Messenger of Allah Unites Us” states that the Kingdom of Jordan is about to issue an international arrest warrant against the Dutch politician Geert Wilders “within the next ten days.” Jordan wants to put Mr. Wilders, a member of the Dutch Parliament and the leader of the Freedom Party in the Netherlands, on trial for producing Fitna, a documentary film about Koranic verses advocating violence against Jews and other non-Muslims. (See Fitna here.) Zakaria Sheikh, the chairman of “The Messenger of Allah Unites Us,” told the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant that he is happy with the decision of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal earlier this week to prosecute Mr. Wilders for “the instigation of hatred” against Muslims. “Finally the judiciary in the Netherlands has taken action against these serious crimes,” Mr. Sheikh said.
If an international arrest warrant is issued against the Dutch politician, countries which have signed an extradition treaty with Jordan will have to extradite Mr. Wilders to Jordan if they arrest him. The warrant will make it difficult for Mr. Wilders to travel abroad. The Netherlands, however, do not extradite their own citizens. The politician, who had already received death threats from Muslim fanatics for his opposition to Muslim immigration before he produced Fitna, lives under constant police protection.
Last Wednesday another European politician living under police protection following Muslim death threats, was convicted by a court in Austria to a suspended jail sentence of three months and a fine of 24,000 euros.
Susanna Winter, a member of the Austrian Parliament, came to the court room in Graz under heavy police protection to defend herself against allegations of “inciting racial hatred and degradation of religious symbols and religious agitation.” In January 2008, Mrs. Winter, a member of the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ, said that the prophet Muhammad was “a child molester” because he married a six-year-old girl. She also said Muhammad was “a warlord” who had written the Koran during “epileptic fits.” The politician added that Islam is “a totalitarian system of domination that should be cast back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean.” She also warned for “a Muslim immigration tsunami,” saying that “in 20 or 30 years, half the population of Austria will be Muslim” if the present immigration policies continue.
Following these remarks, Muslim extremists threatened to kill Mrs. Winter, who was subsequently placed under police protection. “I do not feel guilty of racial incitement,” Mrs. Winter told the court. The judge, however, disagreed. He told the elected member of parliament: “You have only one goal: to gain votes by a despicable method, by appealing to xenophobic feelings.” The judge also argued that it is impossible to write during epileptic fits.
Despite the conviction, Mrs. Winter is allowed to retain her seat in Parliament. In Austria politicians only have to give up their seats if convicted to an effective jail sentence of at least one year. The maximum sentence Mrs. Winter could have received for her “crime” was two years in jail.
Meanwhile another European politician, Filip Dewinter of the Vlaams Belang Party in Belgium, predicts that Geert Wilders will gain electoral success as a result of the court prosecution against him. “Voters do not accept this,” he said. Mr. Dewinter’s party, the Vlaams Blok, was disbanded following a conviction for “racism” in 2004. The Vlaams Blok politicians formed a new party, Vlaams Belang, which went on to win the elections.'
'The Jordanian Muslim organization “The Messenger of Allah Unites Us” states that the Kingdom of Jordan is about to issue an international arrest warrant against the Dutch politician Geert Wilders “within the next ten days.” Jordan wants to put Mr. Wilders, a member of the Dutch Parliament and the leader of the Freedom Party in the Netherlands, on trial for producing Fitna, a documentary film about Koranic verses advocating violence against Jews and other non-Muslims. (See Fitna here.) Zakaria Sheikh, the chairman of “The Messenger of Allah Unites Us,” told the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant that he is happy with the decision of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal earlier this week to prosecute Mr. Wilders for “the instigation of hatred” against Muslims. “Finally the judiciary in the Netherlands has taken action against these serious crimes,” Mr. Sheikh said.
If an international arrest warrant is issued against the Dutch politician, countries which have signed an extradition treaty with Jordan will have to extradite Mr. Wilders to Jordan if they arrest him. The warrant will make it difficult for Mr. Wilders to travel abroad. The Netherlands, however, do not extradite their own citizens. The politician, who had already received death threats from Muslim fanatics for his opposition to Muslim immigration before he produced Fitna, lives under constant police protection.
Last Wednesday another European politician living under police protection following Muslim death threats, was convicted by a court in Austria to a suspended jail sentence of three months and a fine of 24,000 euros.
Susanna Winter, a member of the Austrian Parliament, came to the court room in Graz under heavy police protection to defend herself against allegations of “inciting racial hatred and degradation of religious symbols and religious agitation.” In January 2008, Mrs. Winter, a member of the Austrian Freedom Party FPÖ, said that the prophet Muhammad was “a child molester” because he married a six-year-old girl. She also said Muhammad was “a warlord” who had written the Koran during “epileptic fits.” The politician added that Islam is “a totalitarian system of domination that should be cast back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean.” She also warned for “a Muslim immigration tsunami,” saying that “in 20 or 30 years, half the population of Austria will be Muslim” if the present immigration policies continue.
Following these remarks, Muslim extremists threatened to kill Mrs. Winter, who was subsequently placed under police protection. “I do not feel guilty of racial incitement,” Mrs. Winter told the court. The judge, however, disagreed. He told the elected member of parliament: “You have only one goal: to gain votes by a despicable method, by appealing to xenophobic feelings.” The judge also argued that it is impossible to write during epileptic fits.
Despite the conviction, Mrs. Winter is allowed to retain her seat in Parliament. In Austria politicians only have to give up their seats if convicted to an effective jail sentence of at least one year. The maximum sentence Mrs. Winter could have received for her “crime” was two years in jail.
Meanwhile another European politician, Filip Dewinter of the Vlaams Belang Party in Belgium, predicts that Geert Wilders will gain electoral success as a result of the court prosecution against him. “Voters do not accept this,” he said. Mr. Dewinter’s party, the Vlaams Blok, was disbanded following a conviction for “racism” in 2004. The Vlaams Blok politicians formed a new party, Vlaams Belang, which went on to win the elections.'
Austrian Politician Faces Jail For Remarks About Islam
January 15, 2007 - San Francisco, CA - PipeLineNews.org - Suzanne Winter, the top candidate for the FPO's [Austrian Freedom Party] municipal election, is facing up to two years in jail for referring to Mohammed as a, "child molester" and a "field marshal" who had written the Quran "during epileptic fits."
She also characterized Islam as, "a totalitarian system of domination that should be thrown back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean." Winters made her remarks during a speech to the party. http://www.wienerzeitung.at/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4082&Alias=wzo&cob=322068¤tpage=0
The president of the Austrian Muslim community, Anas Schakfeh, warned that there is a very "wrathful mood" among Muslims and stated that violence could not be ruled out. These threats have prompted public prosecutors to go into full dhimmi mode, preparing to criminalize Ms. Winter's speech. http://www.ftd.de/politik/international/303410.html
Towards that end they have started an investigation of the matter to, "determine whether she violated the law forbidding expressions of racial hatred."
If Winter is tried and subsequentally convicted on this charge she could face up to two years in jail. http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/355445/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/innenpolitik/index.do
The political witch-hunt being engaged in by the Austrian government against Suzanne Winter is part of a widening campaign in European countries to silence right wing politicians who are vocal critics of the Islamization of Europe.
In Holland, Geert Wilders, head of the Freedom Party lives under constant guard due to threats on his life made by radical Islamists and he is facing government harassment and scrutiny by public prosecutors intent on taking legal action to stop him from airing a film that he produced which is critical of Islam. http://www.pipelinenews.org/index.cfm?page=austria1.15.08%2Ehtm
She also characterized Islam as, "a totalitarian system of domination that should be thrown back to its birthplace on the other side of the Mediterranean." Winters made her remarks during a speech to the party. http://www.wienerzeitung.at/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4082&Alias=wzo&cob=322068¤tpage=0
The president of the Austrian Muslim community, Anas Schakfeh, warned that there is a very "wrathful mood" among Muslims and stated that violence could not be ruled out. These threats have prompted public prosecutors to go into full dhimmi mode, preparing to criminalize Ms. Winter's speech. http://www.ftd.de/politik/international/303410.html
Towards that end they have started an investigation of the matter to, "determine whether she violated the law forbidding expressions of racial hatred."
If Winter is tried and subsequentally convicted on this charge she could face up to two years in jail. http://diepresse.com/home/politik/innenpolitik/355445/index.do?_vl_backlink=/home/politik/innenpolitik/index.do
The political witch-hunt being engaged in by the Austrian government against Suzanne Winter is part of a widening campaign in European countries to silence right wing politicians who are vocal critics of the Islamization of Europe.
In Holland, Geert Wilders, head of the Freedom Party lives under constant guard due to threats on his life made by radical Islamists and he is facing government harassment and scrutiny by public prosecutors intent on taking legal action to stop him from airing a film that he produced which is critical of Islam. http://www.pipelinenews.org/index.cfm?page=austria1.15.08%2Ehtm
Thursday, January 22, 2009
‘Ten Commandments’ of avoiding the debt trap
A brilliant article from The Times, Zambia by Madoda Milazi Published:Jan 21, 2009
Find out the 10 basic personal finance rules to keep the debt collector far from your front-door.
The Ten Commandments feature prominently in Christianity and Judaism as moral imperatives to save believers from falling into sin.
Similarly, financial advisers say consumers should swear by the “ten commandments of staying out of debt” to avoid falling into the debt trap. Luke Hirst, managing director of debt counselling firm Debtbusters, shared with Business Times the 10 basic rules of keeping debt collectors at bay.
1 THOU SHALL BUDGET
If you know how much you spend and where you spend it, you are less likely to fall behind on any payments that you may owe.
2 THOU SHALL NOT RIDE AN EXPENSIVE DONKEY
Driving a car you cannot afford is just plain stupid. It’s great to drive a flashy sports car and wear designer labels. But if you are worried about looking good in front of the neighbours, think about how silly you will look when the bank repossesses your car in the driveway while the Joneses are watching.
3 THOU SHALL INVEST SPARE COINS WISELY
For most people, being unable to pay their mortgage is one of their greatest fears. To decrease the total cost of your home loan, pay extra when you can to save on overall interest costs — over a 20- or 30-year loan, the saving can be astronomical.
4 THOU SHALL NOT SWIPE NOW AND PAY LATER
Credit cards are great when you can’t find an ATM, but relying on them to provide you with cash you don’t actually have can be catastrophic. With credit card interest rates as high as 27percent, a simple shopping spree could cost you dearly.
5 RENTING IS NOT A SIN
“South Africans have a mentality that renting is a sin, but in times of rising interest rates and high food costs, the knowledge that your rent is fixed for the term of your lease is a source of great comfort,” says Hirst.
6 THOU SHALL TAKE CONTROL
The minute you think you may be in financial trouble, take control of the situation. Contact your creditors, get hold of a debt counsellor or re-evaluate your budget before it gets too late.
7 THOU SHALL NOT FOLLOW THE HERD
With so much financial advice available, it becomes easy to read generic solutions and tailor them to your own financial situation. Get advice from a qualified expert.
8 THOU SHALL SHOP AROUND
Most people have been with their banks so long that they have no idea what competitive interest rates other institutions might offer. Don’t be a passive passenger in financing your home; shop around.
9 THOU SHALL EAT AT HOME
Everybody likes to eat out, but it’s the little things that add up when you are under pressure.
10 THOU SHALL NOT OVERPAY ON THY INSURANCE
You need insurance, but you should not be paying excessive amounts for it. With so many options available, take your time to shop around. Remember, the big names don’t always provide the most cost effective cover.
Find out the 10 basic personal finance rules to keep the debt collector far from your front-door.
The Ten Commandments feature prominently in Christianity and Judaism as moral imperatives to save believers from falling into sin.
Similarly, financial advisers say consumers should swear by the “ten commandments of staying out of debt” to avoid falling into the debt trap. Luke Hirst, managing director of debt counselling firm Debtbusters, shared with Business Times the 10 basic rules of keeping debt collectors at bay.
1 THOU SHALL BUDGET
If you know how much you spend and where you spend it, you are less likely to fall behind on any payments that you may owe.
2 THOU SHALL NOT RIDE AN EXPENSIVE DONKEY
Driving a car you cannot afford is just plain stupid. It’s great to drive a flashy sports car and wear designer labels. But if you are worried about looking good in front of the neighbours, think about how silly you will look when the bank repossesses your car in the driveway while the Joneses are watching.
3 THOU SHALL INVEST SPARE COINS WISELY
For most people, being unable to pay their mortgage is one of their greatest fears. To decrease the total cost of your home loan, pay extra when you can to save on overall interest costs — over a 20- or 30-year loan, the saving can be astronomical.
4 THOU SHALL NOT SWIPE NOW AND PAY LATER
Credit cards are great when you can’t find an ATM, but relying on them to provide you with cash you don’t actually have can be catastrophic. With credit card interest rates as high as 27percent, a simple shopping spree could cost you dearly.
5 RENTING IS NOT A SIN
“South Africans have a mentality that renting is a sin, but in times of rising interest rates and high food costs, the knowledge that your rent is fixed for the term of your lease is a source of great comfort,” says Hirst.
6 THOU SHALL TAKE CONTROL
The minute you think you may be in financial trouble, take control of the situation. Contact your creditors, get hold of a debt counsellor or re-evaluate your budget before it gets too late.
7 THOU SHALL NOT FOLLOW THE HERD
With so much financial advice available, it becomes easy to read generic solutions and tailor them to your own financial situation. Get advice from a qualified expert.
8 THOU SHALL SHOP AROUND
Most people have been with their banks so long that they have no idea what competitive interest rates other institutions might offer. Don’t be a passive passenger in financing your home; shop around.
9 THOU SHALL EAT AT HOME
Everybody likes to eat out, but it’s the little things that add up when you are under pressure.
10 THOU SHALL NOT OVERPAY ON THY INSURANCE
You need insurance, but you should not be paying excessive amounts for it. With so many options available, take your time to shop around. Remember, the big names don’t always provide the most cost effective cover.
New Attack on Free Speech about Homosexual Practice
Christian Concern for our Nation says,
'In May 2008 the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act was passed after a long campaign to secure the right of Christians and others to discuss or criticise homosexual practices without fear of prosecution. The Act created the criminal offence of ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ and the Government, at the instigation of ‘gay rights’ lobby groups, initially refused to make exceptions that would allow for free speech by those who wish to express their disagreement with homosexual practice.
However, a group of dedicated Peers led by Lord Waddington finally won in the House of Lords, forcing the Government to accept that people should not be hauled before the Courts for stating that homosexual sex is wrong, or for trying to persuade homosexuals to remain celibate. They tabled an amendment that now forms section 29JA in the Public Order Act 1986. This ‘free speech clause’ reads as follows:
In this Part, for the avoidance of doubt, the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging of persons to refrain from or modify such conduct or practices shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.
Neither the section creating the offence, nor the free speech clause has yet been brought into force.
CCFON was part of a key driving force behind the campaign that succeeded in securing this free speech clause. To read more about that victory, please click on the following link: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=278.
Unfortunately, the homosexual rights lobby will not let the matter rest. They have persuaded the Government to include a clause in the Coroners and Justice Bill 2009—clause 58—that will remove the free speech clause and thus negate the freedom of Christians or others who wish to communicate in any form their belief that homosexual sex is sinful. Clause 58 was inserted only in the final version of the Bill, without notice to anyone who might not support its inclusion. The Clause will be debated during the Second Reading of the Bill in the House of Commons on Monday, 26th January 2009.
Should clause 58 be passed, it will have a chilling effect on freedom of speech for religious beliefs on sexual ethics. In order to see the text of the Bill, please click on this link: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmbills/009/2009009.pdf.
Whilst Christians do not believe that hatred should be stirred up against people on the grounds of sexual orientation, it is reasonable to allow debate on the subject of Biblical texts and sexual morality without those who oppose homosexual practice being made to feel that they cannot criticise it without infringing the criminal law. This is the ‘chilling’ effect on free speech that is likely to result from the removal of the free speech clause.
The free speech clause was voted in only recently in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act in May 2008. It is a travesty of democracy to repeal so soon what has only just been decided by our Parliament and Government and without warning to the public.
The free speech clause is needed to protect orthodox, traditional Christian beliefs on sexual morality not to mention the freedom of speech of other traditionalists.
Removing the clause would have serious implications for our dearly-held belief in freedom of speech, because it could criminalise the mere criticism of homosexual practice, which is precisely what the free speech exemption that the Government wishes to repeal, seeks to avoid.
In balancing rights and freedoms against each other, the rights of freedom of religion and of conscience, together with freedom of speech in a democratic society should allow for criticisms of different types of sexual conduct or practices. It is important to have this free speech provision to show where the borderline lies so that criticism is not caught by over-zealous or confused police investigation. Guidance will not suffice as it is important that it is within the wording of the Act, as this is the first place the police, courts and judicial system will look.There is judicial authority from Northern Ireland recognising that these traditional Christian beliefs are long-established and worthy of recognition. (See Christian Institute & Ors, Re Judicial Review [2007] NIQB 66 (11 September 2007) at paragraph 50. This is available at: http://www.bailii.org/nie/cases/NIHC/QB/2007/66.html).
Existing public order offences already outlaw threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. These laws cover every member of the population, regardless of the particular motives for the words used. Already there are laws that prohibit discrimination in the fields of employment and the provisions of goods and services. The ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ offence is therefore unnecessary. (For the relevant provisions, please see: Public Order Act 1986, Section 5, Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007, all of which are available at: http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/Home.aspx).
The ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ offence created by the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 is so widely drafted that it does not make a distinction between sexual orientation (which is a characteristic that can be attributed to a person) and sexual practice, which is a matter of lifestyle choice.
Christians believe that we should love everyone, whether neigbour or enemy, but that we should state clearly when a particular practice is contrary to God’s commandments. Christians should be able to state their beliefs or discuss them amongst themselves or with non-Christians without fearing intervention by the state.
The offence does not distinguish between inciting the commission of a criminal offence and expressing a view that opposes homosexual practice. Those who oppose the practice of homosexual sex and who wish to criticise it or to discuss the matter should not fear sanctions for exercising their freedom of speech. The expression of an opinion on the subject is not the same thing as inciting hatred and it is self evident that this distinction should be recognised.
The removal of the free speech clause has been justified on the grounds that the threshold for the offence to be made out will not be changed. This is hardly the point: without an assurance on the face of the legislation that the criticism of homosexual behaviour will not be caught, there are likely to be many false allegations and fruitless police investigations.'
'In May 2008 the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act was passed after a long campaign to secure the right of Christians and others to discuss or criticise homosexual practices without fear of prosecution. The Act created the criminal offence of ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ and the Government, at the instigation of ‘gay rights’ lobby groups, initially refused to make exceptions that would allow for free speech by those who wish to express their disagreement with homosexual practice.
However, a group of dedicated Peers led by Lord Waddington finally won in the House of Lords, forcing the Government to accept that people should not be hauled before the Courts for stating that homosexual sex is wrong, or for trying to persuade homosexuals to remain celibate. They tabled an amendment that now forms section 29JA in the Public Order Act 1986. This ‘free speech clause’ reads as follows:
In this Part, for the avoidance of doubt, the discussion or criticism of sexual conduct or practices or the urging of persons to refrain from or modify such conduct or practices shall not be taken of itself to be threatening or intended to stir up hatred.
Neither the section creating the offence, nor the free speech clause has yet been brought into force.
CCFON was part of a key driving force behind the campaign that succeeded in securing this free speech clause. To read more about that victory, please click on the following link: http://www.ccfon.org/view.php?id=278.
Unfortunately, the homosexual rights lobby will not let the matter rest. They have persuaded the Government to include a clause in the Coroners and Justice Bill 2009—clause 58—that will remove the free speech clause and thus negate the freedom of Christians or others who wish to communicate in any form their belief that homosexual sex is sinful. Clause 58 was inserted only in the final version of the Bill, without notice to anyone who might not support its inclusion. The Clause will be debated during the Second Reading of the Bill in the House of Commons on Monday, 26th January 2009.
Should clause 58 be passed, it will have a chilling effect on freedom of speech for religious beliefs on sexual ethics. In order to see the text of the Bill, please click on this link: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmbills/009/2009009.pdf.
Whilst Christians do not believe that hatred should be stirred up against people on the grounds of sexual orientation, it is reasonable to allow debate on the subject of Biblical texts and sexual morality without those who oppose homosexual practice being made to feel that they cannot criticise it without infringing the criminal law. This is the ‘chilling’ effect on free speech that is likely to result from the removal of the free speech clause.
The free speech clause was voted in only recently in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act in May 2008. It is a travesty of democracy to repeal so soon what has only just been decided by our Parliament and Government and without warning to the public.
The free speech clause is needed to protect orthodox, traditional Christian beliefs on sexual morality not to mention the freedom of speech of other traditionalists.
Removing the clause would have serious implications for our dearly-held belief in freedom of speech, because it could criminalise the mere criticism of homosexual practice, which is precisely what the free speech exemption that the Government wishes to repeal, seeks to avoid.
In balancing rights and freedoms against each other, the rights of freedom of religion and of conscience, together with freedom of speech in a democratic society should allow for criticisms of different types of sexual conduct or practices. It is important to have this free speech provision to show where the borderline lies so that criticism is not caught by over-zealous or confused police investigation. Guidance will not suffice as it is important that it is within the wording of the Act, as this is the first place the police, courts and judicial system will look.There is judicial authority from Northern Ireland recognising that these traditional Christian beliefs are long-established and worthy of recognition. (See Christian Institute & Ors, Re Judicial Review [2007] NIQB 66 (11 September 2007) at paragraph 50. This is available at: http://www.bailii.org/nie/cases/NIHC/QB/2007/66.html).
Existing public order offences already outlaw threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour that is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress. These laws cover every member of the population, regardless of the particular motives for the words used. Already there are laws that prohibit discrimination in the fields of employment and the provisions of goods and services. The ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ offence is therefore unnecessary. (For the relevant provisions, please see: Public Order Act 1986, Section 5, Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003 and Equality Act (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2007, all of which are available at: http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/Home.aspx).
The ‘incitement to hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation’ offence created by the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 is so widely drafted that it does not make a distinction between sexual orientation (which is a characteristic that can be attributed to a person) and sexual practice, which is a matter of lifestyle choice.
Christians believe that we should love everyone, whether neigbour or enemy, but that we should state clearly when a particular practice is contrary to God’s commandments. Christians should be able to state their beliefs or discuss them amongst themselves or with non-Christians without fearing intervention by the state.
The offence does not distinguish between inciting the commission of a criminal offence and expressing a view that opposes homosexual practice. Those who oppose the practice of homosexual sex and who wish to criticise it or to discuss the matter should not fear sanctions for exercising their freedom of speech. The expression of an opinion on the subject is not the same thing as inciting hatred and it is self evident that this distinction should be recognised.
The removal of the free speech clause has been justified on the grounds that the threshold for the offence to be made out will not be changed. This is hardly the point: without an assurance on the face of the legislation that the criticism of homosexual behaviour will not be caught, there are likely to be many false allegations and fruitless police investigations.'
25 Things to Share
Rules:
Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged . You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.
1. I have nightmares about not having passed my exams to be a pharmacist.
2. I don't like to have anything to do with DIY. I would rather someone else is paid to do the practical work.
3. I met Katy at a London Inter-Faculty Christian Union Bible reading by Herbert Carson on The Sovereignty of God in Election, 5 November 1965. We were not initially attracted but had a scheming mutual friend.
4. I've eaten snails and horse but not frogs' legs nor termites.
5. I dislike being asked to accompany others shopping.
6. I don't think I am as compassionate a person as I should be, considering the job I have.
7. I did not like beer until I was in my thirties nor whisky until over 40.
8. I used to have bad dreams for many years about being chased by cattle. I attribute these to pictures of highland cattle on the bedroom landing before I was five.
9. I excuse my bad handwriting by saying I have read too many prescriptions before they were computerised..
10. I've never liked cigarettes but started pipe smoking age 15. I gave it up for many years when was a student four years later, and Harold Wilson put the tobacco price up to five shillings an ounce. I resumed when banned from it as a missionary. I can stop for weeks on end.
11. The first real big life crisis was thinking I had failed my A level exams. In reality I had the best marks in my school that year.
12. I am overweight because I comfort eat.
13. I would never buy a new car as the initial depreciation is a waste of money.
14. I have no formal theological qualification despite two years at All Nations Christian College. I walked out of the London University Diploma of Theology exams as I then and now refuse to answer questions as if the Bible is merely a human book of Jewish religious genius.
15. The only food I refuse is raw celery.
16. When I am quiet it is usually depression.
17. I usually only dance if lubricated but need to be careful not to be too well lubricated to dance.
18. I have disliked pharmacy work ever since I resumed it in 1983 after a nine year break.
19. I have a cyclothymic personality, up and down between two seemingly different people at times. It drives Katy nuts.
20. I regret I ever signed the pledge as a missionary. I would not again succumb to what I now regard as a legalism.
21. I passed my 11 plus exam before I was 10, a year early so finished secondary school at 17.
22. James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon ( Wight and Sinclair) were my customers in Boots the Chemist, Thirsk where I worked for my pharmacy practical year, 63-64. That was before the vet books were published.
23. I sleep with a sleep apnoea machine otherwise I am drowsy all day.
24. I do nit give out my Mobile number as I only switch it on when I want to make or receive special calls.
25. Before puberty I was the best cross country runner for my age in the second smallest grammar school in England.
Once you’ve been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged . You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it’s because I want to know more about you.
1. I have nightmares about not having passed my exams to be a pharmacist.
2. I don't like to have anything to do with DIY. I would rather someone else is paid to do the practical work.
3. I met Katy at a London Inter-Faculty Christian Union Bible reading by Herbert Carson on The Sovereignty of God in Election, 5 November 1965. We were not initially attracted but had a scheming mutual friend.
4. I've eaten snails and horse but not frogs' legs nor termites.
5. I dislike being asked to accompany others shopping.
6. I don't think I am as compassionate a person as I should be, considering the job I have.
7. I did not like beer until I was in my thirties nor whisky until over 40.
8. I used to have bad dreams for many years about being chased by cattle. I attribute these to pictures of highland cattle on the bedroom landing before I was five.
9. I excuse my bad handwriting by saying I have read too many prescriptions before they were computerised..
10. I've never liked cigarettes but started pipe smoking age 15. I gave it up for many years when was a student four years later, and Harold Wilson put the tobacco price up to five shillings an ounce. I resumed when banned from it as a missionary. I can stop for weeks on end.
11. The first real big life crisis was thinking I had failed my A level exams. In reality I had the best marks in my school that year.
12. I am overweight because I comfort eat.
13. I would never buy a new car as the initial depreciation is a waste of money.
14. I have no formal theological qualification despite two years at All Nations Christian College. I walked out of the London University Diploma of Theology exams as I then and now refuse to answer questions as if the Bible is merely a human book of Jewish religious genius.
15. The only food I refuse is raw celery.
16. When I am quiet it is usually depression.
17. I usually only dance if lubricated but need to be careful not to be too well lubricated to dance.
18. I have disliked pharmacy work ever since I resumed it in 1983 after a nine year break.
19. I have a cyclothymic personality, up and down between two seemingly different people at times. It drives Katy nuts.
20. I regret I ever signed the pledge as a missionary. I would not again succumb to what I now regard as a legalism.
21. I passed my 11 plus exam before I was 10, a year early so finished secondary school at 17.
22. James Herriot and Siegfried Farnon ( Wight and Sinclair) were my customers in Boots the Chemist, Thirsk where I worked for my pharmacy practical year, 63-64. That was before the vet books were published.
23. I sleep with a sleep apnoea machine otherwise I am drowsy all day.
24. I do nit give out my Mobile number as I only switch it on when I want to make or receive special calls.
25. Before puberty I was the best cross country runner for my age in the second smallest grammar school in England.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Dutch Disgrace
From the desk of The Brussels Journal on Wed, 2009-01-21 18:06
A quote from the press release of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, 21 January 2009
The Court of Appeal has considered that the contested views of Wilders (also as shown in his movie Fitna) constitute a criminal offence according to Dutch law as seen in connection with each other, both because of their contents and the method of presentation. This method of presentation is characterized by biased, strongly generalizing phrasings with a radical meaning, ongoing reiteration and an increasing intensity, as a result of which hate is created. According to the Court of Appeal most statements are insulting as well since these statements substantially harm the religious esteem of the Islamic worshippers. According to the Court of Appeal Wilders has indeed insulted the Islamic worshippers themselves by affecting the symbols of the Islamic belief as well.
Secondly, the Court of Appeal has answered the question whether a possible criminal prosecution or conviction would be admissible according to the norms of the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court based thereon, which considers the freedom of expression of paramount importance. The Court of Appeal has concluded that the initiation of a criminal prosecution and a possible conviction later on as well, provided that it is proportionate, does not necessarily conflict with the freedom of expression of Wilders, since statements which create hate and grief made by politicians, taken their special responsibility into consideration, are not permitted according to European standards either.
Thirdly, the Court of Appeal has answered the question whether criminal prosecution of Wilders because of his statements would be opportune in the Dutch situation (the question of opportunity). According to the Court of Appeal the instigation of hatred in a democratic society constitutes such a serious matter that a general interest is at stake in order to draw a clear boundary in the public debate.
As regards the insult of a group the Court of Appeal makes a distinction. In general the Court determines that the traditional Dutch culture of debating is based on tolerance of each other's views to a large extent while Islamic immigrants may be expected to have consideration for the existing sentiments in the Netherlands as regards their belief, which is partly at odds with Dutch and European values and norms. As regards insulting statements the Court of Appeal prefers the political, public and other legal counter forces rather than the criminal law, as a result of which an active participation to the public debate, by Moslems as well, is promoted.
However, the Court of Appeal makes an exception as regards insulting statements in which a connection with Nazism is made (for instance by comparing the Koran with "Mein Kampf"). The Court of Appeal considers this insulting to such a degree to a community of Islamic worshippers that a general interest is deemed to be present in order to prosecute Wilders because of this.
A press release from the Dutch Freedom Party, The Hague, January 21, 2009:
The Freedom Party (PVV) is shocked by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal’s decision to prosecute Geert Wilders for his statements and opinions. Geert Wilders considers this ruling an all-out assault on freedom of speech.
Geert Wilders: “Apparently this is The Netherlands today. If you speak out you might be prosecuted. To participate in public debate has become a dangerous activity.”
“If I have to appear in court, not only I will be prosecuted, but also hundreds of thousands of Dutch citizens who reject the Islamisation of the West. In Dutch Parliament only the Party for Freedom is willing to speak up for the preservation of our culture and our many freedoms.”
The Freedom Party leader now faces legal proceedings that will probably take years to conclude and will also involve enormous legal fees.
“We depend on small donations. The Freedom Party is the only party in Parliament that does not accept any government funding. This court decision jeopardizes the very existence of the Freedom Party. We simply cannot afford the enormous legal expenses.”
“This is a black day for freedom.”
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.
Ronald Reagan - A Time for Choosing, 1964
A quote from the press release of the Amsterdam Court of Appeal, 21 January 2009
The Court of Appeal has considered that the contested views of Wilders (also as shown in his movie Fitna) constitute a criminal offence according to Dutch law as seen in connection with each other, both because of their contents and the method of presentation. This method of presentation is characterized by biased, strongly generalizing phrasings with a radical meaning, ongoing reiteration and an increasing intensity, as a result of which hate is created. According to the Court of Appeal most statements are insulting as well since these statements substantially harm the religious esteem of the Islamic worshippers. According to the Court of Appeal Wilders has indeed insulted the Islamic worshippers themselves by affecting the symbols of the Islamic belief as well.
Secondly, the Court of Appeal has answered the question whether a possible criminal prosecution or conviction would be admissible according to the norms of the European Convention on Human Rights and the jurisprudence of the European Court based thereon, which considers the freedom of expression of paramount importance. The Court of Appeal has concluded that the initiation of a criminal prosecution and a possible conviction later on as well, provided that it is proportionate, does not necessarily conflict with the freedom of expression of Wilders, since statements which create hate and grief made by politicians, taken their special responsibility into consideration, are not permitted according to European standards either.
Thirdly, the Court of Appeal has answered the question whether criminal prosecution of Wilders because of his statements would be opportune in the Dutch situation (the question of opportunity). According to the Court of Appeal the instigation of hatred in a democratic society constitutes such a serious matter that a general interest is at stake in order to draw a clear boundary in the public debate.
As regards the insult of a group the Court of Appeal makes a distinction. In general the Court determines that the traditional Dutch culture of debating is based on tolerance of each other's views to a large extent while Islamic immigrants may be expected to have consideration for the existing sentiments in the Netherlands as regards their belief, which is partly at odds with Dutch and European values and norms. As regards insulting statements the Court of Appeal prefers the political, public and other legal counter forces rather than the criminal law, as a result of which an active participation to the public debate, by Moslems as well, is promoted.
However, the Court of Appeal makes an exception as regards insulting statements in which a connection with Nazism is made (for instance by comparing the Koran with "Mein Kampf"). The Court of Appeal considers this insulting to such a degree to a community of Islamic worshippers that a general interest is deemed to be present in order to prosecute Wilders because of this.
A press release from the Dutch Freedom Party, The Hague, January 21, 2009:
The Freedom Party (PVV) is shocked by the Amsterdam Court of Appeal’s decision to prosecute Geert Wilders for his statements and opinions. Geert Wilders considers this ruling an all-out assault on freedom of speech.
Geert Wilders: “Apparently this is The Netherlands today. If you speak out you might be prosecuted. To participate in public debate has become a dangerous activity.”
“If I have to appear in court, not only I will be prosecuted, but also hundreds of thousands of Dutch citizens who reject the Islamisation of the West. In Dutch Parliament only the Party for Freedom is willing to speak up for the preservation of our culture and our many freedoms.”
The Freedom Party leader now faces legal proceedings that will probably take years to conclude and will also involve enormous legal fees.
“We depend on small donations. The Freedom Party is the only party in Parliament that does not accept any government funding. This court decision jeopardizes the very existence of the Freedom Party. We simply cannot afford the enormous legal expenses.”
“This is a black day for freedom.”
You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We will preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we will sentence them to take the first step into a thousand years of darkness. If we fail, at least let our children and our children's children say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done.
Ronald Reagan - A Time for Choosing, 1964
Speaking- christiansquoting.org.uk
Stand up; speak up; shut up.
Be sincere.
Be brief.
Be seated.
An after-dinner speech should be like a lady's dress---long enough to cover the subject and short enough to be interesting. R.A.Butler
He is one of those orators of whom it was well said, 'Before they get up, they do not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking they do not know what they are saying; and when they have sat down they do not know what they have said.' Winston Churchill 1874-1965
If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time--a tremendous whack.-- Winston Churchill
Haven't you heard yet that I put something more than whisky into my speeches? ~ Winston Churchill
Whoever has received knowledge and eloquence in speech from God should not be silent or secretive but demonstrate it willingly. When a good is widely heard of, then, and only then, does it bloom, and when that good is praised by man, it has spread its blossoms. ~ Marie de France, Robert Hanning and Joan Ferrante, The Lais of Marie de France (1978)
The broad masses of a population are more amenable to the appeal of rhetoric than to any other force. Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)Mein Kampf, vol. 1, Ch. 3, 1925.
Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both.-- Joh Andrew Holmes, _Wisdom in Small Doses_
A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it's a whisper. -- Bary Neal Kaufman, from Peter Wooley's _What! And Give Up Show Business?_
Do not fear to repeat what has already been said. Men need the truth dinned into their ears many times and from all sides. The first rumor makes them prick up their ears, the second registers, and the third enters.RenÈ ThÈophile Hyacinthe LaÎnnec (1781ñ1826)
I will try to follow the advice that a university president once gave a prospective commencement speaker. "Think of yourself as the body at an Irish wake" he said. "They need you in order to have the party, but no one expects you to say very much." Anthony Lake, 1995
Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot. -- D.H. Lawrence
There's no point in speaking unless you can improve on silence. attributed to Edmund Muskie
Those who have had anything useful to say have said it far too often, and those who have had nothing to say have been no more reticent. --B F Skinner
I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to. --J. R. R. Tolkien, _The Two Towers_
I will be brief. Not nearly so brief as Salvador Dali, who gave the world's shortest speech. He said "I will be so brief I have already finished," and he sat down. Edward O. Wilson, 1995
Be sincere.
Be brief.
Be seated.
An after-dinner speech should be like a lady's dress---long enough to cover the subject and short enough to be interesting. R.A.Butler
He is one of those orators of whom it was well said, 'Before they get up, they do not know what they are going to say; when they are speaking they do not know what they are saying; and when they have sat down they do not know what they have said.' Winston Churchill 1874-1965
If you have an important point to make, don't try to be subtle or clever. Use a pile driver. Hit the point once. Then come back and hit it again. Then hit it a third time--a tremendous whack.-- Winston Churchill
Haven't you heard yet that I put something more than whisky into my speeches? ~ Winston Churchill
Whoever has received knowledge and eloquence in speech from God should not be silent or secretive but demonstrate it willingly. When a good is widely heard of, then, and only then, does it bloom, and when that good is praised by man, it has spread its blossoms. ~ Marie de France, Robert Hanning and Joan Ferrante, The Lais of Marie de France (1978)
The broad masses of a population are more amenable to the appeal of rhetoric than to any other force. Adolf Hitler (1889-1945)Mein Kampf, vol. 1, Ch. 3, 1925.
Speech is conveniently located midway between thought and action, where it often substitutes for both.-- Joh Andrew Holmes, _Wisdom in Small Doses_
A loud voice cannot compete with a clear voice, even if it's a whisper. -- Bary Neal Kaufman, from Peter Wooley's _What! And Give Up Show Business?_
Do not fear to repeat what has already been said. Men need the truth dinned into their ears many times and from all sides. The first rumor makes them prick up their ears, the second registers, and the third enters.RenÈ ThÈophile Hyacinthe LaÎnnec (1781ñ1826)
I will try to follow the advice that a university president once gave a prospective commencement speaker. "Think of yourself as the body at an Irish wake" he said. "They need you in order to have the party, but no one expects you to say very much." Anthony Lake, 1995
Be still when you have nothing to say; when genuine passion moves you, say what you've got to say, and say it hot. -- D.H. Lawrence
There's no point in speaking unless you can improve on silence. attributed to Edmund Muskie
Those who have had anything useful to say have said it far too often, and those who have had nothing to say have been no more reticent. --B F Skinner
I was talking aloud to myself. A habit of the old: they choose the wisest person present to speak to. --J. R. R. Tolkien, _The Two Towers_
I will be brief. Not nearly so brief as Salvador Dali, who gave the world's shortest speech. He said "I will be so brief I have already finished," and he sat down. Edward O. Wilson, 1995
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Plodspeak
Asst Chief Constable Dave Thompson was discussing neighbourhood policing with Ch Supt Janette McCormick in McDonald's when two masked and armed men entered.
The officers confronted the men who were armed with a machete and knife.
The offenders then made off in a black Mini Cooper. No one was injured and nothing was stolen from the restaurant.
'Very scary'
Mr Thompson said: "It was obviously a frightening experience for everyone who was inside the restaurant at the time.
"Myself and Chief Superintendent McCormick were not in uniform at the time, but when we realised what was happening, Chief Superintendent McCormick immediately phoned police and I went to confront one of the offenders who was threatening members of staff.
"When I shouted at him, he turned around and produced a large knife, so I made an assessment that to tackle him could have put myself in danger.
- BBC News
Translation, 'I thought he would stab me so I backed off'.'
The officers confronted the men who were armed with a machete and knife.
The offenders then made off in a black Mini Cooper. No one was injured and nothing was stolen from the restaurant.
'Very scary'
Mr Thompson said: "It was obviously a frightening experience for everyone who was inside the restaurant at the time.
"Myself and Chief Superintendent McCormick were not in uniform at the time, but when we realised what was happening, Chief Superintendent McCormick immediately phoned police and I went to confront one of the offenders who was threatening members of staff.
"When I shouted at him, he turned around and produced a large knife, so I made an assessment that to tackle him could have put myself in danger.
- BBC News
Translation, 'I thought he would stab me so I backed off'.'
Monday, January 19, 2009
Secularist MP questions contracts for faith groups
The Christian Institute reports on Friday, 16 January 2009. 'A Labour MP has implied that faith groups should not be given public money to carry out work for the Government if they only employ staff who share their beliefs.
Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North, is an honorary member of the National Secular Society (NSS) and a known opponent of faith schools.
He used written parliamentary questions to ask about the Government’s policy on giving contracts to faith groups if they make use of legal protections in employment equality laws.
These laws include religious liberty provisions so that organisations can employ members of staff who share their beliefs, if it is a genuine occupational requirement.
Mr Allen was told by Jonathan Shaw MP, of the Department for Work and Pensions, that as long as organisations complied with the law they would not be excluded from receiving Government contracts.
However, Mr Allen’s questions follow hints that the Government’s new Equality Bill could introduce barriers to religious groups being awarded public contracts.
Announcing a White Paper on the Bill, Women and Equality Minister Harriet Harman hinted that state contracts may only be given to organisations which fall in line with its equality agenda.
One Christian care home has already had funding withdrawn because of its religious beliefs on homosexuality.
Brighton Council – renowned for its political correctness – wanted Pilgrim Homes to ask its elderly Christian residents about their sexual orientation every three months, and use images of homosexuals in its promotional literature.
Residents at the Brighton home are made up of 39 single Christians aged over 80, including former missionaries and a retired church minister.
Phil Wainwright, director of human resources for Pilgrim Homes, said he was told by the council that the home must ask residents if they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual or ‘unsure’, even if they objected.
Mr Wainwright said: “There was a strong feeling among people in the home that the questions were inappropriate and intrusive.
“They felt they had come to Pilgrim Homes because of its Christian ethos and were upset they were not protected from such intrusions.”'
Another attempt to establish secularism, not the Christian faith, in national life.
Graham Allen, MP for Nottingham North, is an honorary member of the National Secular Society (NSS) and a known opponent of faith schools.
He used written parliamentary questions to ask about the Government’s policy on giving contracts to faith groups if they make use of legal protections in employment equality laws.
These laws include religious liberty provisions so that organisations can employ members of staff who share their beliefs, if it is a genuine occupational requirement.
Mr Allen was told by Jonathan Shaw MP, of the Department for Work and Pensions, that as long as organisations complied with the law they would not be excluded from receiving Government contracts.
However, Mr Allen’s questions follow hints that the Government’s new Equality Bill could introduce barriers to religious groups being awarded public contracts.
Announcing a White Paper on the Bill, Women and Equality Minister Harriet Harman hinted that state contracts may only be given to organisations which fall in line with its equality agenda.
One Christian care home has already had funding withdrawn because of its religious beliefs on homosexuality.
Brighton Council – renowned for its political correctness – wanted Pilgrim Homes to ask its elderly Christian residents about their sexual orientation every three months, and use images of homosexuals in its promotional literature.
Residents at the Brighton home are made up of 39 single Christians aged over 80, including former missionaries and a retired church minister.
Phil Wainwright, director of human resources for Pilgrim Homes, said he was told by the council that the home must ask residents if they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual or ‘unsure’, even if they objected.
Mr Wainwright said: “There was a strong feeling among people in the home that the questions were inappropriate and intrusive.
“They felt they had come to Pilgrim Homes because of its Christian ethos and were upset they were not protected from such intrusions.”'
Another attempt to establish secularism, not the Christian faith, in national life.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Christian care home loses funding over homosexuality stance
.christiantoday.com Maria Mackay: Friday, January 9, 2009, reports,'Brighton & Hove City Council has pulled thousands of pounds worth of funding from a Christian care home because of its religious beliefs on homosexuality.
The council withdrew £13,000 of funding when the care home refused the council’s request to ask the elderly Christian residents about their sexual orientation every three months. The home also refused demands from the council that it use images of homosexuals in its promotional literature and show staff a Stonewall presentation on ‘gay rights’.
The home is run by Pilgrim Homes, a charity serving elderly Christians for more than 200 years. Its residents include former missionaries and a retired church minister.
Phil Wainwright, director of human resources at Pilgrim Homes, said he was told by the council that the home must ask residents if they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual or ‘unsure’, even if they objected.
But managers at the care home told the council that meeting its demands would “unduly distress” the residents and go against their Christian ethos. They also informed the council that residents over the age of 80 in particular would regard probing from the council on sexual matters as “hostile and intrusive”.
“There was a strong feeling among people in the home that the questions were inappropriate and intrusive,” said Mr Wainwright. “They felt they had come to Pilgrim Homes because of its Christian ethos and were upset they were not protected from such intrusions.”
The council responded by accusing the home of “institutionalised homophobia” and withdrew the funding, which was being used to pay for warden services in sheltered housing.
Pilgrim Homes said it now plans to take Brighton & Hove Council to court for religious discrimination. The legal bid is being financially supported by The Christian Institute’s Legal Defence Fund.
The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: “Brighton Council is displaying a very prejudiced and discriminatory attitude to the religious beliefs held by the elderly residents of the home run by Pilgrim Homes.
“After a lifetime of Christian service, these elderly men and women deserve to live in a restful environment which supports and nurtures their Christian faith.
“This case is the latest in a series of troubling incidents where the rights of Christians are seemingly being ignored in favour of ‘gay rights’.”'
In a country with an established church, this is a disgrace.
The council withdrew £13,000 of funding when the care home refused the council’s request to ask the elderly Christian residents about their sexual orientation every three months. The home also refused demands from the council that it use images of homosexuals in its promotional literature and show staff a Stonewall presentation on ‘gay rights’.
The home is run by Pilgrim Homes, a charity serving elderly Christians for more than 200 years. Its residents include former missionaries and a retired church minister.
Phil Wainwright, director of human resources at Pilgrim Homes, said he was told by the council that the home must ask residents if they were lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual or ‘unsure’, even if they objected.
But managers at the care home told the council that meeting its demands would “unduly distress” the residents and go against their Christian ethos. They also informed the council that residents over the age of 80 in particular would regard probing from the council on sexual matters as “hostile and intrusive”.
“There was a strong feeling among people in the home that the questions were inappropriate and intrusive,” said Mr Wainwright. “They felt they had come to Pilgrim Homes because of its Christian ethos and were upset they were not protected from such intrusions.”
The council responded by accusing the home of “institutionalised homophobia” and withdrew the funding, which was being used to pay for warden services in sheltered housing.
Pilgrim Homes said it now plans to take Brighton & Hove Council to court for religious discrimination. The legal bid is being financially supported by The Christian Institute’s Legal Defence Fund.
The Christian Institute’s Mike Judge said: “Brighton Council is displaying a very prejudiced and discriminatory attitude to the religious beliefs held by the elderly residents of the home run by Pilgrim Homes.
“After a lifetime of Christian service, these elderly men and women deserve to live in a restful environment which supports and nurtures their Christian faith.
“This case is the latest in a series of troubling incidents where the rights of Christians are seemingly being ignored in favour of ‘gay rights’.”'
In a country with an established church, this is a disgrace.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Another reason to detest the EUSSR
Christian Institute reports o Thursday, 15 January 2009, 'The European Parliament has passed a resolution which calls for abortion rights and ‘gay marriage’ to be promoted throughout the EU.
The resolution was proposed by Italian Communist MEP, Giusto Catania. It also calls for critics of homosexuality to be silenced.
It was agreed to by 401 votes to 220 with 67 abstentions. A European Parliament resolution is not legally binding but expresses the institutional position of the parliament.
Resolutions are sometimes called ‘soft law’ because they are used in other international documents or judicial proceedings and can build pressure for creating binding laws.
The resolution is based on the Charter of Fundamental Rights, part of the Lisbon treaty, despite the fact that neither the charter nor the Lisbon treaty have been passed into law.
Although much of it deals with xenophobia, and the rights of children and refugees, it also demanded the promotion of reproductive rights – a euphemism for abortion.
It stresses “the need to raise public awareness of the right to reproductive and sexual health, and calls on the member states to ensure that women can fully enjoy these rights, to put in place appropriate sex education, information and confidential advisory services, and to facilitate access to contraception in order to prevent all unwanted pregnancies and illegal and high-risk abortions”.
Amendments seeking to protect an unborn child’s right to life were rejected.
The resolution also calls on all EU member states to recognise same-sex civil partnerships equally with heterosexual marriage and calls for critics to be silenced.
The resolution says the European Parliament “Takes the view that discriminatory comments against homosexuals by social and political leaders fuel hatred and violence, and calls on the relevant governing bodies to condemn them.”
Christian legal group, the Alliance Defense Fund, has raised serious concerns about the resolution. ADF Legal Counsel Roger Kiska, said it “would undermine the right to life, damage the institution of the family, and curtail freedom of expression.
“It does these things in violation of treaty law and member state autonomy. The parliament should not allow itself to be used as a vehicle to further spread a damaging social agenda outside of its scope.”
Anthony Ozimic, the political secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said: “The resolution violates national laws on conscientious objection to abortion and on public funding for abortion.
“The resolution calls for the recognition of a so-called right to abortion - yet not one international treaty or human rights court has recognised any such right.”
He added: “Religious leaders and pro-life groups throughout Europe must shake off their complacency about the EU and mobilise religious believers for pro-life action.
“The message everyone must hear is that the right to life is the most important political issue, because the right to life is the indispensable foundation of all other rights.
“Failure to act will mean that countless millions of unborn children will die because of the EU’s promotion of abortion both inside and outside Europe.” '
The EU is no RC plot. It is an antichrist.
The resolution was proposed by Italian Communist MEP, Giusto Catania. It also calls for critics of homosexuality to be silenced.
It was agreed to by 401 votes to 220 with 67 abstentions. A European Parliament resolution is not legally binding but expresses the institutional position of the parliament.
Resolutions are sometimes called ‘soft law’ because they are used in other international documents or judicial proceedings and can build pressure for creating binding laws.
The resolution is based on the Charter of Fundamental Rights, part of the Lisbon treaty, despite the fact that neither the charter nor the Lisbon treaty have been passed into law.
Although much of it deals with xenophobia, and the rights of children and refugees, it also demanded the promotion of reproductive rights – a euphemism for abortion.
It stresses “the need to raise public awareness of the right to reproductive and sexual health, and calls on the member states to ensure that women can fully enjoy these rights, to put in place appropriate sex education, information and confidential advisory services, and to facilitate access to contraception in order to prevent all unwanted pregnancies and illegal and high-risk abortions”.
Amendments seeking to protect an unborn child’s right to life were rejected.
The resolution also calls on all EU member states to recognise same-sex civil partnerships equally with heterosexual marriage and calls for critics to be silenced.
The resolution says the European Parliament “Takes the view that discriminatory comments against homosexuals by social and political leaders fuel hatred and violence, and calls on the relevant governing bodies to condemn them.”
Christian legal group, the Alliance Defense Fund, has raised serious concerns about the resolution. ADF Legal Counsel Roger Kiska, said it “would undermine the right to life, damage the institution of the family, and curtail freedom of expression.
“It does these things in violation of treaty law and member state autonomy. The parliament should not allow itself to be used as a vehicle to further spread a damaging social agenda outside of its scope.”
Anthony Ozimic, the political secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said: “The resolution violates national laws on conscientious objection to abortion and on public funding for abortion.
“The resolution calls for the recognition of a so-called right to abortion - yet not one international treaty or human rights court has recognised any such right.”
He added: “Religious leaders and pro-life groups throughout Europe must shake off their complacency about the EU and mobilise religious believers for pro-life action.
“The message everyone must hear is that the right to life is the most important political issue, because the right to life is the indispensable foundation of all other rights.
“Failure to act will mean that countless millions of unborn children will die because of the EU’s promotion of abortion both inside and outside Europe.” '
The EU is no RC plot. It is an antichrist.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Islam's selective outrage
Riazat Butt in guardian.co.uk comments, 'Muslims cannot claim a monopoly on anger over the events in Gaza while ignoring the suffering of other Muslims and non-MuslimsComments
Much has been been written about the Gaza conflict and several pieces concern the impact that events are having on British Muslims – whether it's alienating them from the political process or driving them to radicalisation.
More than a few commenters, such as Johnton, have claimed that the UK's Muslim communities have largely remained silent on the other catastrophes and atrocities to have affected their brethren in recent times. Two years ago, at a press conference, I asked Fareena Alam of the Muslim magazine Q News why Muslims were so quick to condemn western governments for their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet appeared to show little heartbreak or anger over suffering in Darfur.
She replied that it was "shameful" the way British Muslims had responded to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan: "We can get hot and bothered about Iraq. There is a lot of information about Darfur. There is no doubt this is Muslim-on-Muslim violence. In this situation where are these values we talk about, that killing one life is about killing humanity? It is a huge embarrassment to us. We need to have a very big conversation about this."
It was a subject I explored in a podcast about attitudes towards the ummah, the global family all Muslims are supposed to belong to. In reality people only refer to it when it suits them. I remember talking to Iraqis in London who said they were criticised by fellow Muslims for having allowed western soldiers into their country. They also said they had little or no social contact with the more prosperous and established Muslim communities in the UK and that they were seen as outsiders. That they were Shia Muslims further increased their sense of isolation. So much for solidarity.
Another case of a pick-and-mix approach to the ummah involves members of the Afghan community in Birmingham. They didn't have access to local mosques or community centres where they could meet or pray. Birmingham has a larger-than-average Muslim population and you would have thought someone could give them room hire at a reduced rate.
I appreciate that conflict in the Middle East has long been a lightning-rod issue for Muslims, but Muslims don't have a monopoly on this outrage. Besides, if you believe in the ummah then be consistent – not just when you believe there to be a western enemy. Here's another thought, instead of crying foul when it's just Muslims who are suffering, why not react this way when anyone is affected, regardless of what they believe? When there's a hurricane, a cyclone or civil unrest that leaves people dead, homeless or in the grip of oppression? It is your duty to protest and react, not because you're Muslim, but because you're human. Looking after your own – and only your own – gives the lie to the idea that Islam is a religion of compassion. In fact, it says Islam is a religion of self-interest.'
I rarely read the Grauniad but this is spot on. Islam is a self interested creed which despises other religions. Oh sorry. I forgot. It is the religion of peace. Their are good muslims but it is despite their creed.
Much has been been written about the Gaza conflict and several pieces concern the impact that events are having on British Muslims – whether it's alienating them from the political process or driving them to radicalisation.
More than a few commenters, such as Johnton, have claimed that the UK's Muslim communities have largely remained silent on the other catastrophes and atrocities to have affected their brethren in recent times. Two years ago, at a press conference, I asked Fareena Alam of the Muslim magazine Q News why Muslims were so quick to condemn western governments for their involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan, yet appeared to show little heartbreak or anger over suffering in Darfur.
She replied that it was "shameful" the way British Muslims had responded to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan: "We can get hot and bothered about Iraq. There is a lot of information about Darfur. There is no doubt this is Muslim-on-Muslim violence. In this situation where are these values we talk about, that killing one life is about killing humanity? It is a huge embarrassment to us. We need to have a very big conversation about this."
It was a subject I explored in a podcast about attitudes towards the ummah, the global family all Muslims are supposed to belong to. In reality people only refer to it when it suits them. I remember talking to Iraqis in London who said they were criticised by fellow Muslims for having allowed western soldiers into their country. They also said they had little or no social contact with the more prosperous and established Muslim communities in the UK and that they were seen as outsiders. That they were Shia Muslims further increased their sense of isolation. So much for solidarity.
Another case of a pick-and-mix approach to the ummah involves members of the Afghan community in Birmingham. They didn't have access to local mosques or community centres where they could meet or pray. Birmingham has a larger-than-average Muslim population and you would have thought someone could give them room hire at a reduced rate.
I appreciate that conflict in the Middle East has long been a lightning-rod issue for Muslims, but Muslims don't have a monopoly on this outrage. Besides, if you believe in the ummah then be consistent – not just when you believe there to be a western enemy. Here's another thought, instead of crying foul when it's just Muslims who are suffering, why not react this way when anyone is affected, regardless of what they believe? When there's a hurricane, a cyclone or civil unrest that leaves people dead, homeless or in the grip of oppression? It is your duty to protest and react, not because you're Muslim, but because you're human. Looking after your own – and only your own – gives the lie to the idea that Islam is a religion of compassion. In fact, it says Islam is a religion of self-interest.'
I rarely read the Grauniad but this is spot on. Islam is a self interested creed which despises other religions. Oh sorry. I forgot. It is the religion of peace. Their are good muslims but it is despite their creed.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Obama is so pro-homosexual
Christian Observer reports. 'In a strongly worded letter today, Association for Church Renewal President Rev. David Runnion-Bareford warned President Elect Obama about the destructive impact of his decision to invite Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson to lead prayer at the Sunday celebration of his inauguration:
Rev. Runnion-Bareford wrote, “Your decision, to invite Bishop Gene Robinson to provide public leadership at the Sunday celebration of your inauguration is offensive and disappointing to many of us in Christian leadership who seek to be supportive of your presidency. In contrast to your other choices for religious leadership during this historic occasion, Robinson is a schismatic figure who has intentionally caused deep hurt and division in the Christian church. To many mainline Christians who share your concerns for peace and justice, Robinson symbolizes the moral deviance of denominational leaders who have embraced the agenda of sexual license to the detriment and decline of their churches. The division caused by Robinson and his supporters have cause great harm to the Christian church.
Of equal or greater concern, however, is the public message you are sending to our international partners in the global south. Bishop Robinson has become a symbol of western decadence and moral deviance to African Church leaders and to some degree South American and Asian Church leaders who represent constituencies far larger than the Christian church in the U.S. Putting Robinson forward with the blessing of your presidency communicates that your intention is to embrace the virulent practice of western hedonism. It is abortive to your efforts to provide strong international leadership for unity and peace. African leaders in particular will see this as a direct insult to their efforts to confront the horrendous health issues that face their people and the oppression of Islamics and others who accuse Christianity of reflecting the immorality of western culture.'
So much for Obama identifying with Africa :-(
Rev. Runnion-Bareford wrote, “Your decision, to invite Bishop Gene Robinson to provide public leadership at the Sunday celebration of your inauguration is offensive and disappointing to many of us in Christian leadership who seek to be supportive of your presidency. In contrast to your other choices for religious leadership during this historic occasion, Robinson is a schismatic figure who has intentionally caused deep hurt and division in the Christian church. To many mainline Christians who share your concerns for peace and justice, Robinson symbolizes the moral deviance of denominational leaders who have embraced the agenda of sexual license to the detriment and decline of their churches. The division caused by Robinson and his supporters have cause great harm to the Christian church.
Of equal or greater concern, however, is the public message you are sending to our international partners in the global south. Bishop Robinson has become a symbol of western decadence and moral deviance to African Church leaders and to some degree South American and Asian Church leaders who represent constituencies far larger than the Christian church in the U.S. Putting Robinson forward with the blessing of your presidency communicates that your intention is to embrace the virulent practice of western hedonism. It is abortive to your efforts to provide strong international leadership for unity and peace. African leaders in particular will see this as a direct insult to their efforts to confront the horrendous health issues that face their people and the oppression of Islamics and others who accuse Christianity of reflecting the immorality of western culture.'
So much for Obama identifying with Africa :-(
England's lament
From The Queen's Royal Lancers Website:
Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend
Your days are numbered, being brought to an end
To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine
But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.
The French and the Germans may call themselves such
So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch
You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane
But don't say you're English ever again.
At Broadcasting House the word is taboo
In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too
Even schools are affected, staff do as they're told
They must not teach children about England of old.
Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils don't learn about them anymore
How about Agincourt, Hastings , Arnhem or Mons ?
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.
We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted - Shout it out loud !
Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack
Let the world know - WE WANT OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!
Goodbye to my England, So long my old friend
Your days are numbered, being brought to an end
To be Scottish, Irish or Welsh that's fine
But don't say you're English, that's way out of line.
The French and the Germans may call themselves such
So may Norwegians, the Swedes and the Dutch
You can say you are Russian or maybe a Dane
But don't say you're English ever again.
At Broadcasting House the word is taboo
In Brussels it's scrapped, in Parliament too
Even schools are affected, staff do as they're told
They must not teach children about England of old.
Writers like Shakespeare, Milton and Shaw
The pupils don't learn about them anymore
How about Agincourt, Hastings , Arnhem or Mons ?
When England lost hosts of her very brave sons.
We are not Europeans, how can we be?
Europe is miles away over the sea
We're the English from England, let's all be proud
Stand up and be counted - Shout it out loud !
Let's tell our Government and Brussels too
We're proud of our heritage and the Red, White and Blue
Fly the flag of Saint George or the Union Jack
Let the world know - WE WANT OUR ENGLAND BACK !!!!
Pakistan pastor attacked - by followers of the religion of peace
Judy West ', 2008 ReligiousIntelligence.com reports, 'The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org is reporting that a young Anglican priest who was kidnapped on Friday evening by unidentified men was found badly injured near the gate of Saint John's Cathedral Church on Sunday night in Peshawar, Pakistan.
Pastor Tanzil Zafar, a 28-year-old pastor of the Church of Pakistan and father of two children, is being treated at Mission Hospital Peshawar. Munawar Rumalshah, the Anglican Bishop of Peshawar diocese, said, "He was badly traumatized and his body was swollen when we found him near the Cathedral gate."
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and the police are still investigating the case. No one has claimed responsibility. Pastor Zafar did make a statement to police, but his testimony has so far been kept confidential. According to church authorities and other sources, the pastor has no personal enmity with anyone in the area.
A statement from the Diocese of Peshawar expressed concern over an increase in kidnappings in Peshawar. "The police services have been marvelous in working out this case," the Diocese stated. However, the statement added, "Kidnapping in the area goes unabated. It really affects the entire community, especially when religious leaders are abducted."
Last year, Taliban militants from the group Lashkar-e-Islam kidnapped 16 Christians at gun point in Peshawar and moved them to some unknown place nearby. However, the next day all the Christians were released.
Samuel Wallace, ICC's Regional Manager for South Asia, said: "This strategic targeting of Christians in Peshawar shows that radical Muslims have a systematic plan to threaten and chase Christians out of the city. The Pakistani government needs to step up its efforts to eliminate the Taliban threat in Peshawar to ensure the safety of all the city's residents." '
Muslims, when they rule, are persecutors.
Pastor Tanzil Zafar, a 28-year-old pastor of the Church of Pakistan and father of two children, is being treated at Mission Hospital Peshawar. Munawar Rumalshah, the Anglican Bishop of Peshawar diocese, said, "He was badly traumatized and his body was swollen when we found him near the Cathedral gate."
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered and the police are still investigating the case. No one has claimed responsibility. Pastor Zafar did make a statement to police, but his testimony has so far been kept confidential. According to church authorities and other sources, the pastor has no personal enmity with anyone in the area.
A statement from the Diocese of Peshawar expressed concern over an increase in kidnappings in Peshawar. "The police services have been marvelous in working out this case," the Diocese stated. However, the statement added, "Kidnapping in the area goes unabated. It really affects the entire community, especially when religious leaders are abducted."
Last year, Taliban militants from the group Lashkar-e-Islam kidnapped 16 Christians at gun point in Peshawar and moved them to some unknown place nearby. However, the next day all the Christians were released.
Samuel Wallace, ICC's Regional Manager for South Asia, said: "This strategic targeting of Christians in Peshawar shows that radical Muslims have a systematic plan to threaten and chase Christians out of the city. The Pakistani government needs to step up its efforts to eliminate the Taliban threat in Peshawar to ensure the safety of all the city's residents." '
Muslims, when they rule, are persecutors.
No-strings sex takes toll in UK
Republican American reports, 'To the cheers of social scientists, Britain has been named the most promiscuous major industrial nation based on the "international sociosexuality index," which measures attitudes toward one-night stands, casual sex and numbers of partners. (The United States finished sixth.)
Researchers say Britain's ranking is empowering for women because it means they now are as able as men to engage in no-strings sex. "Historically we have repressed women's short-term mating and there are all sorts of double standards out there where men's short-term mating was sort of acceptable but women's wasn't," said lead researcher David Schmitt, a psychology professor at Bradley University in Illinois. They attributed Britain's ranking to the decline of religious scruples, the highly sexualized culture and other factors. All good things, apparently.
Missing from the study and the fawning news coverage were the collateral-damage data:
The Health Protection Agency says sexually transmitted diseases in Britain have never been higher. STDs in 2006, the last year full data were available, were up 6 percent over 2005; of the 380,000 new cases, 200,000 occurred among 16- to 24-year-olds.
Britain is fast becoming the abortion capital of the world. Government statistics show abortions in 2007 increased by 2.5 percent; the number performed on girls under 16 jumped 10 percent. Its abortion rate is No. 1 in Europe and No. 3 in the world, behind only the United States and Australia, where rates have been falling steadily for years.
The teen-pregnancy rate is soaring and is the second highest in the world behind the United States, a UNICEF study found. The spike is occurring even though the government has spent more than $100 million in the last three years to cut the rate in half by 2010.
The most recent report on social trends by the Office for National Statistics found a record 1 in 4 children in Britain live in households headed by a single parents — overwhelmingly single mothers. That's three times the proportion of 1972, while the rate of two-parent families has fallen from 52 percent to 37 percent, a new low. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says Britain's welfare system is second only to Ireland's in making it more lucrative for single mothers to stay on the government dole. And predictably, single mothers and their children continue to suffer from some of the worst social and cultural pathologies.
How exactly is any of this empowering for women?'
It makes on ashamed to be English.
Researchers say Britain's ranking is empowering for women because it means they now are as able as men to engage in no-strings sex. "Historically we have repressed women's short-term mating and there are all sorts of double standards out there where men's short-term mating was sort of acceptable but women's wasn't," said lead researcher David Schmitt, a psychology professor at Bradley University in Illinois. They attributed Britain's ranking to the decline of religious scruples, the highly sexualized culture and other factors. All good things, apparently.
Missing from the study and the fawning news coverage were the collateral-damage data:
The Health Protection Agency says sexually transmitted diseases in Britain have never been higher. STDs in 2006, the last year full data were available, were up 6 percent over 2005; of the 380,000 new cases, 200,000 occurred among 16- to 24-year-olds.
Britain is fast becoming the abortion capital of the world. Government statistics show abortions in 2007 increased by 2.5 percent; the number performed on girls under 16 jumped 10 percent. Its abortion rate is No. 1 in Europe and No. 3 in the world, behind only the United States and Australia, where rates have been falling steadily for years.
The teen-pregnancy rate is soaring and is the second highest in the world behind the United States, a UNICEF study found. The spike is occurring even though the government has spent more than $100 million in the last three years to cut the rate in half by 2010.
The most recent report on social trends by the Office for National Statistics found a record 1 in 4 children in Britain live in households headed by a single parents — overwhelmingly single mothers. That's three times the proportion of 1972, while the rate of two-parent families has fallen from 52 percent to 37 percent, a new low. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says Britain's welfare system is second only to Ireland's in making it more lucrative for single mothers to stay on the government dole. And predictably, single mothers and their children continue to suffer from some of the worst social and cultural pathologies.
How exactly is any of this empowering for women?'
It makes on ashamed to be English.
Couple Refuses to Abort Conjoined 'Gift from God'
Aaron J. Leichman' Christian Post Reporter, reports,
A pregnant woman who discovered last week that she is carrying a rare form of conjoined twins has pledged not to abort them.
Doctors say there is only about a 20 percent chance of survival for the dicephalus twins of Mike Pedace and Lisa Chamberlain, whose fetus has separate heads but share a single body. And even if they do survive, they may have much difficulty living in the United Kingdom, where gossip papers are king and no dicephalus twins have ever survived long after birth.
Despite the risks, however, the Catholic couple says they will not throw away the “gift from God” they were given after seven years of efforts.
"Some people might look at me and say, 'You're going to give birth to a freak.' But I don't care because I feel blessed," said 25-year-old Chamberlain, according to the London-based Telegraph.
"To me, my twins were a gift from God and we're determined to give them a chance of life."
Chamberlain and 32-year-old Pedace, who are reportedly engaged to be married, say they have found hope from the case of Abigail and Brittany Hensel, the 18-year-old dicephalus twins in the United States who lead relatively normal lives despite sharing a rib cage, two arms, two legs, and organs below the waist.
The Hensel twins are currently attending Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., a private institution affiliated with the Baptist General Conference. Together, they coordinate both their arms and legs and are able to walk, run, ride a bicycle, and even drive. They also have a seamstress who alters their clothes.
Doctors at St. Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth, England, where Chamberlain is being monitored, say that they will not know how many organs her twins share until the twentieth week of pregnancy. From the ultrasound that was performed last week, they have only detected a single heartbeat so far. It is possible that another one may emerge, increasing the chance of their survival.
Chamberlain has already named the twins Layla and Kelsey, after having been told that 75 percent of Siamese twins are girls.
The twins will likely be born at London’s University College Hospital where conjoined twins Hope and Faith Williams were born last month. The Williams twins died after a complicated surgery to separate them.'
Now that is what I call PRO-LIFE.
A pregnant woman who discovered last week that she is carrying a rare form of conjoined twins has pledged not to abort them.
Doctors say there is only about a 20 percent chance of survival for the dicephalus twins of Mike Pedace and Lisa Chamberlain, whose fetus has separate heads but share a single body. And even if they do survive, they may have much difficulty living in the United Kingdom, where gossip papers are king and no dicephalus twins have ever survived long after birth.
Despite the risks, however, the Catholic couple says they will not throw away the “gift from God” they were given after seven years of efforts.
"Some people might look at me and say, 'You're going to give birth to a freak.' But I don't care because I feel blessed," said 25-year-old Chamberlain, according to the London-based Telegraph.
"To me, my twins were a gift from God and we're determined to give them a chance of life."
Chamberlain and 32-year-old Pedace, who are reportedly engaged to be married, say they have found hope from the case of Abigail and Brittany Hensel, the 18-year-old dicephalus twins in the United States who lead relatively normal lives despite sharing a rib cage, two arms, two legs, and organs below the waist.
The Hensel twins are currently attending Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., a private institution affiliated with the Baptist General Conference. Together, they coordinate both their arms and legs and are able to walk, run, ride a bicycle, and even drive. They also have a seamstress who alters their clothes.
Doctors at St. Mary's Hospital in Portsmouth, England, where Chamberlain is being monitored, say that they will not know how many organs her twins share until the twentieth week of pregnancy. From the ultrasound that was performed last week, they have only detected a single heartbeat so far. It is possible that another one may emerge, increasing the chance of their survival.
Chamberlain has already named the twins Layla and Kelsey, after having been told that 75 percent of Siamese twins are girls.
The twins will likely be born at London’s University College Hospital where conjoined twins Hope and Faith Williams were born last month. The Williams twins died after a complicated surgery to separate them.'
Now that is what I call PRO-LIFE.
Sovereignty of God- christiansquoting.org.uk
And who is fit to criticise God's plan?
Why, surely it is not this self same Man,
Whose actions always end in self-defeat,
Himself confounded by his own conceit.
Man proudly marches forth in error bold,
Accepts the gilded, and forsakes the gold.
The source of sovreign authority is found in God alone and not in the will of the people nor in human law.
Anti-Revolutionary Party of The Netherlands, 3 April 1879, in The Practice of Political Spirituality, McKendree R Langley, Paedeia Pres 1984, p27
The LORD is King for ever and ever -- Ps. 10:16
There is a God in heaven who overrules all things for the best; and this is the comfort of my soul. --DAVID BRAINERD
The sovereignty of God is that golden sceptre in his hand by which he will make all bow, either by his word or by his works, by his mercies or by his judgements. Thomas Brooks
Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name but God, whom heaven, earth and sea obey . King Canute
Receive this Orb set under the Cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the power and empire of Christ our redeemer.
Archbishop's words to the Monarch in the Coronation
There has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this...God's absolute sovereignty...is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes...The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God...God's sovereignty has ever appeared to me, a great part of his glory. It has often been my delight to approach God, and adore him as a sovereign God. --JONATHAN EDWARDS, Personal Narrative
All the plots of hell and commotions on earth have not so much as shaken God's hand to spoil one letter or line he has been drawing..-- William Gurnall
God never sends the' mouth but he sendeth meat. --John Heywood. Circa 1565. Proverbs Chap. iv.
In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions of both men and States must be referred, We, the people,... Humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, ..... Do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution.
The preamble to the Irish Constitution
All powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people.-- Irish Constitution Article 6
Man proposes, but God disposes. --Thomas à Kempis. 1380-1471. Imitation of Christ. Book i. Chap. 19.
God,is present in all life, with the influence of His omnipresent and almighty power, and no sphere of human life is conceivable in which religion does not maintain its demands that God shall be praised, that God's ordinances shall be observed, and that every labora shall be permeated with its ora in fervent and ceaseless prayer. Wherever man may stand, whatever he may do, to whatever he may apply his hand, in agriculture, in commerce, and in industry, or his mind, in the world of art, and science, he is in whatsoever it may be, constantly standing before the face of his God, he is employed in the service of his God, he has strictly to obey his God, and above all, he has to aim at the glory of his God.-- Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)Calvinism, London, 1932, p. 89,90.
The sovereignty of the state as the power that protects the individual and that defines the mutual relationships among the visible spheres, rises high above them by its right to command and compel. But within these spheres … another authority rules, an authority that descends directly from God apart from the state. This authority the state does not confer but acknowledges.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)
We understand hereby, that the family, the business, science, art and so forth are all social spheres, which do not owe their existence to the State, but obey a high authority within their own bosom; an authority which rules, by the grace of God, just as the sovereignty of the State does.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)Calvinism, London, 1932, p. 143
In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign,does not declare,'That is mine!'. --Abraham Kuyper
My life is rules by but one passion.
One higher urge drives will and soul.
May breath fail me before I ever
allow that sacred urge to fall.
'Tis to affirm God's holy statutes
In church and state, in home and school,
despite the world's strong remonstrations,
to bless our people with His rule.
'Tis to engrave God's holy order,
heard in Creation and the Word,
upon the nation's public conscience,
till God is once again its Lord.
Abraham Kuyper, Kuyper Gedenkboek, 1897
Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.
C S Lewis The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Bible says my King is a seven-way King:
He's the King of the Jews - that's a racial King.
He's the King of Israel - that's a national King.
He's the King of Righteousness.
He's the King of the Ages.
He's the King of Heaven.
He's the King of Glory.
He's the King of Kings and He's Lord of Lords.
David said: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork."
My King is a sovereign King - no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of his shoreless supplies.
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.
He's enduringly strong.
He's entirely sincere.
He's eternally steadfast.
He's immortally graceful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's impartially merciful.... do you know Him?
He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizons of this world.
He's God's Son.
He's the sinner's Saviour.
He's the centrepiece of civilisation.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.
He's august and He's unique.
He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented.
He's the loftiest idea in literature.
He's the highest personality in philosophy.
He is the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology.
He's the core and necessity for spiritual religion.
He's the miracle of the age, yes, He is.
He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
He's the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Saviour..... I wonder if you know Him?
He supplies strength for the weak.
He's available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathises and He saves.
He guards and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and
He beautifies the meek.... I wonder if you know Him?
Well, this is my King.
He is the King.
He's wellspring of wisdom.
He's the doorway of deliverance.
He's the pathway of peace.
He's the roadway of righteousness.
He's the highway of holiness.
He's the gateway to glory.... do you know Him?
Well, His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His life is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and
His burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you.
But He's indescribable.
He's incomprehensible.
He's invincible.
He's irresistible.
Well, you can't get Him out of your mind.
You can't get Him off your hand.
You can't outlive Him and
You can't live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn't kill Him.
Death couldn't handle Him.
The grave couldn't hold Him.
That's my King. That's my King. Yeah!"
"My King, more than the supreme problem of higher criticism"
A prayer of black preacher Dr. Lockeridge
Knowing that I am not the one in control gives great encouragement. Knowing the One who is in control is everything. --Alexander Michael
It is a throne of grace that God in Christ is represented to us upon; but yet is is a throne still whereon majesty and glory do reside, and God is always to be considered by us as on a throne.JOHN OWEN
Our free will gives us the ability to get ourselves into serious grief. Gods' sovereignty, is His ability to rescue us!!!-- Len Parrish
My faith hath no bed to sleep upon but omnipotency.- S. Rutherford
If I want only pure water, what does it matter to me whether it be brought in a vase of gold or of glass? What is it to me whether the will of God be presented to me in tribulation or consolation, since I desire and seek only the Divine will? ... Francois de Sales (1567-1622)
The Lord is the General, and he has the right . . . the sovereign right . . . to put us where he wants in the battle. - Francis A Schaeffer, Knoxville L'Abri Conference
There has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this...God's absolute sovereignty...is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes...The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God...God's sovereignty has ever appeared to me, a great part of his glory. It has often been my delight to approach God, and adore him as a sovereign God. JONATHAN EDWARDS, Personal Narrative
We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about. - R. C. SPROUL
I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom more or less that God wishes - that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its orbit, as well as the sun in the heavens - that the chaff from the hand of the winnower is steered as the stars in their course. The creeping of an aphid over the rosebush is as much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence - the fall of...leaves from a poplar is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche. CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
It would be easy to show that at our present rate of progress the kingdoms of this world never could become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Indeed, many in the Church are giving up the idea of it except on the occasion of the advent of Christ, which, as it chimes in with our own idleness, is likely to be a popular doctrine. I myself believe that King Jesus will reign, and the idols be utterly abolished. . . . The Holy Ghost would never suffer the imputation to rest upon His holy name that He was not able to convert the world. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the Gospel and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the Gospel... unless we preach the sovereignty of God in his dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah. Nor do I think we can preach the Gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of his elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend the Gospel which allows saints to fall away after they are called. --Charles H. Spurgeon
Let the emperor make war on heaven; let him lead heaven captive in his triumph; let him put guards on heaven; let him impose taxes on heaven! He cannot. . . . He gets his sceptre where he first got his humanity; his power where he got the breath of life. --Tertullian (AD 200)
I infer that God's decrees, and the necessity of event flowing thence, neither destroy the true free-agency of men, nor render the commission of sin a jot less heinous. They neither force the human will, nor extenuate the evil of human actions. Predestination, foreknowledge, and providence, only secure the event, and render it certainly future, in a way and manner (incomprehensibly indeed by us; but) perfectly consistent with the nature of second causes. --Augustus Toplady
The moment we make up our minds that we are going on with this determination to exalt God overall, we step out of the worldís parade... We acquire a new viewpoint; a new and different psychology will be formed within us; a new power will begin to surprise us by its upsurgings and its outgoings. ... A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]
God, we know you are in charge, but why don't you make it slightly more obvious?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1990 (address to students at at West Point)
Chance has no share in the government of the world. The Lord reigns, and disposes all things, strongly and sweetly, for the good of them that love him.
John Wesley , letter
Unless God has raised you up for this very thing [ablishing slave trade trading] you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be with you who can be against you. JOHN WESLEY, letter to William Wilberforce 10 days before Wesley's death
I bear no ill-will against those responsible for this. That sort of talk will not bring her back to life. I shall pray for those people tonight and every night. I know there has to be a plan even though we might not understand it. God is good and we shall meet again.
Gordon Wilson, whose daughter was killed in the IRA bombing of Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, on 8 November 1987.
For me, as an old soldier, it has never been my place to ask my commander why this battle or this war is not over yet, or why peace
Why, surely it is not this self same Man,
Whose actions always end in self-defeat,
Himself confounded by his own conceit.
Man proudly marches forth in error bold,
Accepts the gilded, and forsakes the gold.
The source of sovreign authority is found in God alone and not in the will of the people nor in human law.
Anti-Revolutionary Party of The Netherlands, 3 April 1879, in The Practice of Political Spirituality, McKendree R Langley, Paedeia Pres 1984, p27
The LORD is King for ever and ever -- Ps. 10:16
There is a God in heaven who overrules all things for the best; and this is the comfort of my soul. --DAVID BRAINERD
The sovereignty of God is that golden sceptre in his hand by which he will make all bow, either by his word or by his works, by his mercies or by his judgements. Thomas Brooks
Let all men know how empty and worthless is the power of kings. For there is none worthy of the name but God, whom heaven, earth and sea obey . King Canute
Receive this Orb set under the Cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the power and empire of Christ our redeemer.
Archbishop's words to the Monarch in the Coronation
There has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this...God's absolute sovereignty...is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes...The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God...God's sovereignty has ever appeared to me, a great part of his glory. It has often been my delight to approach God, and adore him as a sovereign God. --JONATHAN EDWARDS, Personal Narrative
All the plots of hell and commotions on earth have not so much as shaken God's hand to spoil one letter or line he has been drawing..-- William Gurnall
God never sends the' mouth but he sendeth meat. --John Heywood. Circa 1565. Proverbs Chap. iv.
In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity, from Whom is all authority and to Whom, as our final end, all actions of both men and States must be referred, We, the people,... Humbly acknowledging all our obligations to our Divine Lord, Jesus Christ, ..... Do hereby adopt, enact, and give to ourselves this Constitution.
The preamble to the Irish Constitution
All powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people.-- Irish Constitution Article 6
Man proposes, but God disposes. --Thomas à Kempis. 1380-1471. Imitation of Christ. Book i. Chap. 19.
God,is present in all life, with the influence of His omnipresent and almighty power, and no sphere of human life is conceivable in which religion does not maintain its demands that God shall be praised, that God's ordinances shall be observed, and that every labora shall be permeated with its ora in fervent and ceaseless prayer. Wherever man may stand, whatever he may do, to whatever he may apply his hand, in agriculture, in commerce, and in industry, or his mind, in the world of art, and science, he is in whatsoever it may be, constantly standing before the face of his God, he is employed in the service of his God, he has strictly to obey his God, and above all, he has to aim at the glory of his God.-- Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)Calvinism, London, 1932, p. 89,90.
The sovereignty of the state as the power that protects the individual and that defines the mutual relationships among the visible spheres, rises high above them by its right to command and compel. But within these spheres … another authority rules, an authority that descends directly from God apart from the state. This authority the state does not confer but acknowledges.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)
We understand hereby, that the family, the business, science, art and so forth are all social spheres, which do not owe their existence to the State, but obey a high authority within their own bosom; an authority which rules, by the grace of God, just as the sovereignty of the State does.
Abraham Kuyper (1837-1920)Calvinism, London, 1932, p. 143
In the total expanse of human life there is not a single square inch of which the Christ, who alone is sovereign,does not declare,'That is mine!'. --Abraham Kuyper
My life is rules by but one passion.
One higher urge drives will and soul.
May breath fail me before I ever
allow that sacred urge to fall.
'Tis to affirm God's holy statutes
In church and state, in home and school,
despite the world's strong remonstrations,
to bless our people with His rule.
'Tis to engrave God's holy order,
heard in Creation and the Word,
upon the nation's public conscience,
till God is once again its Lord.
Abraham Kuyper, Kuyper Gedenkboek, 1897
Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.
C S Lewis The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
The Bible says my King is a seven-way King:
He's the King of the Jews - that's a racial King.
He's the King of Israel - that's a national King.
He's the King of Righteousness.
He's the King of the Ages.
He's the King of Heaven.
He's the King of Glory.
He's the King of Kings and He's Lord of Lords.
David said: "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork."
My King is a sovereign King - no means of measure can define His limitless love.
No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of his shoreless supplies.
No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.
He's enduringly strong.
He's entirely sincere.
He's eternally steadfast.
He's immortally graceful.
He's imperially powerful.
He's impartially merciful.... do you know Him?
He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizons of this world.
He's God's Son.
He's the sinner's Saviour.
He's the centrepiece of civilisation.
He stands in the solitude of Himself.
He's august and He's unique.
He's unparalleled, He's unprecedented.
He's the loftiest idea in literature.
He's the highest personality in philosophy.
He is the supreme problem in higher criticism.
He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology.
He's the core and necessity for spiritual religion.
He's the miracle of the age, yes, He is.
He's the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him.
He's the only one qualified to be an all-sufficient Saviour..... I wonder if you know Him?
He supplies strength for the weak.
He's available for the tempted and the tried.
He sympathises and He saves.
He guards and He guides.
He heals the sick.
He cleanses the lepers.
He forgives sinners.
He discharges debtors.
He delivers the captives.
He defends the feeble.
He blesses the young.
He serves the unfortunate.
He regards the aged.
He rewards the diligent and
He beautifies the meek.... I wonder if you know Him?
Well, this is my King.
He is the King.
He's wellspring of wisdom.
He's the doorway of deliverance.
He's the pathway of peace.
He's the roadway of righteousness.
He's the highway of holiness.
He's the gateway to glory.... do you know Him?
Well, His office is manifold.
His promise is sure.
His life is matchless.
His goodness is limitless.
His mercy is everlasting.
His love never changes.
His Word is enough.
His grace is sufficient.
His reign is righteous.
His yoke is easy and
His burden is light.
I wish I could describe Him to you.
But He's indescribable.
He's incomprehensible.
He's invincible.
He's irresistible.
Well, you can't get Him out of your mind.
You can't get Him off your hand.
You can't outlive Him and
You can't live without Him.
Well, the Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.
Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.
The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree.
Herod couldn't kill Him.
Death couldn't handle Him.
The grave couldn't hold Him.
That's my King. That's my King. Yeah!"
"My King, more than the supreme problem of higher criticism"
A prayer of black preacher Dr. Lockeridge
Knowing that I am not the one in control gives great encouragement. Knowing the One who is in control is everything. --Alexander Michael
It is a throne of grace that God in Christ is represented to us upon; but yet is is a throne still whereon majesty and glory do reside, and God is always to be considered by us as on a throne.JOHN OWEN
Our free will gives us the ability to get ourselves into serious grief. Gods' sovereignty, is His ability to rescue us!!!-- Len Parrish
My faith hath no bed to sleep upon but omnipotency.- S. Rutherford
If I want only pure water, what does it matter to me whether it be brought in a vase of gold or of glass? What is it to me whether the will of God be presented to me in tribulation or consolation, since I desire and seek only the Divine will? ... Francois de Sales (1567-1622)
The Lord is the General, and he has the right . . . the sovereign right . . . to put us where he wants in the battle. - Francis A Schaeffer, Knoxville L'Abri Conference
There has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, in respect to the doctrine of God's sovereignty, from that day to this...God's absolute sovereignty...is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any thing that I see with my eyes...The doctrine has very often appeared exceeding pleasant, bright and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God...God's sovereignty has ever appeared to me, a great part of his glory. It has often been my delight to approach God, and adore him as a sovereign God. JONATHAN EDWARDS, Personal Narrative
We do not segment our lives, giving some time to God, some to our business or schooling, while keeping parts to ourselves. The idea is to live all of our lives in the presence of God, under the authority of God, and for the honor and glory of God. That is what the Christian life is all about. - R. C. SPROUL
I believe that every particle of dust that dances in the sunbeam does not move an atom more or less that God wishes - that every particle of spray that dashes against the steamboat has its orbit, as well as the sun in the heavens - that the chaff from the hand of the winnower is steered as the stars in their course. The creeping of an aphid over the rosebush is as much fixed as the march of the devastating pestilence - the fall of...leaves from a poplar is as fully ordained as the tumbling of an avalanche. CHARLES HADDON SPURGEON
It would be easy to show that at our present rate of progress the kingdoms of this world never could become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. Indeed, many in the Church are giving up the idea of it except on the occasion of the advent of Christ, which, as it chimes in with our own idleness, is likely to be a popular doctrine. I myself believe that King Jesus will reign, and the idols be utterly abolished. . . . The Holy Ghost would never suffer the imputation to rest upon His holy name that He was not able to convert the world. -- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
I have my own private opinion that there is no such thing as preaching Christ and Him crucified unless we preach what is nowadays called Calvinism. It is a nickname to call it Calvinism; Calvinism is the Gospel and nothing else. I do not believe we can preach the Gospel... unless we preach the sovereignty of God in his dispensation of grace; nor unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah. Nor do I think we can preach the Gospel unless we base it upon the special and particular redemption of his elect and chosen people which Christ wrought out upon the cross; nor can I comprehend the Gospel which allows saints to fall away after they are called. --Charles H. Spurgeon
Let the emperor make war on heaven; let him lead heaven captive in his triumph; let him put guards on heaven; let him impose taxes on heaven! He cannot. . . . He gets his sceptre where he first got his humanity; his power where he got the breath of life. --Tertullian (AD 200)
I infer that God's decrees, and the necessity of event flowing thence, neither destroy the true free-agency of men, nor render the commission of sin a jot less heinous. They neither force the human will, nor extenuate the evil of human actions. Predestination, foreknowledge, and providence, only secure the event, and render it certainly future, in a way and manner (incomprehensibly indeed by us; but) perfectly consistent with the nature of second causes. --Augustus Toplady
The moment we make up our minds that we are going on with this determination to exalt God overall, we step out of the worldís parade... We acquire a new viewpoint; a new and different psychology will be formed within us; a new power will begin to surprise us by its upsurgings and its outgoings. ... A. W. Tozer (1897-1963), The Pursuit of God [1948]
God, we know you are in charge, but why don't you make it slightly more obvious?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, 1990 (address to students at at West Point)
Chance has no share in the government of the world. The Lord reigns, and disposes all things, strongly and sweetly, for the good of them that love him.
John Wesley , letter
Unless God has raised you up for this very thing [ablishing slave trade trading] you will be worn out by the opposition of men and devils. But if God be with you who can be against you. JOHN WESLEY, letter to William Wilberforce 10 days before Wesley's death
I bear no ill-will against those responsible for this. That sort of talk will not bring her back to life. I shall pray for those people tonight and every night. I know there has to be a plan even though we might not understand it. God is good and we shall meet again.
Gordon Wilson, whose daughter was killed in the IRA bombing of Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, on 8 November 1987.
For me, as an old soldier, it has never been my place to ask my commander why this battle or this war is not over yet, or why peace
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