Tag: #politics

Politics and Religion

 

In the first and second centuries, the ruling authoritarian government of Rome persecuted Christians for crimes against the state. What were those crimes? Chief among the reasons for Christian persecution was the refusal of Christians to worship Roman gods. To the Romans, their deities, their gods, were the reason for their victory in war or bountiful resources. When told to give obeisance to these gods, Christians refused, claiming there is only one God who has disclosed Himself in the person and work of Jesus, the Christ. Roman authorities then used their political beliefs to penalize Christians for their speech in their finances and, ultimately, in their deaths.

Christian views that go against the ruling vision of any culture are seen as an attack on the accepted gods of that age, including political viewpoints. Everyone worships something. And by ‘worship,’ I mean a total dedication to current, cultural beliefs. Cultural idols come in many forms. We customize our preferences. We commercialize our consumer desires, equating our views with what we buy. We determine the logic of a thing. If it makes sense to our group – even if it doesn’t conform to created reality – then it must be true. We measure “truth” (in air quotes) by popularity and polls promoted by publicity. We live in the “now,” refusing to consider that there is a “then,” a life after this life, a final judgment.

To many people, politics is their religion. Groups live and die with each election, each ballot cast. And the governance of a nation can become a real idol. Parties and platforms are human-centered idols. Not bowing to the beliefs and threats of a governing body may begin the suppression of speech and the elimination of one’s job. What happened in Rome is happening here. For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking Truth wherever it’s found. [First published at MarkEckel.com]

Well, That Was Interesting

 

I live in western Washington state, a state completely dominated by the high population centers of several adjacent  counties which always go for the Democrats —  just look at Gov. Inslee (aka “Dimslee”) serving three terms — in a suburb that has overwhelmingly supported Democrats over the years.

My local legislators are all Dems, and the past few elections saw Democrats sweep our area in state and federal races.

Quote of the Day: Politics and Alarmism

 

“The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by an endless series of hobgoblins, most of them imaginary.” — H. L. Mencken

Can you say global climate change, boys and girls? Or Covid 19? I knew you could. Both are overblown political crises intended to keep people scared and isolated. As this century-old quote from H. L. Menken shows, it is not a new tactic. It is the whole aim of politics. To convince you the devil is in the chimney and only government intervention can exorcise it.

Member Post

 

I can’t remember how many times I’ve been asked this question, “How do you teach in the public university as a Christian?” At the Comenius Institute we have created various essays, videos, and video series that address the general idea of “How do I treat my neighbor?” whether in university or on your street. Find […]

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Member Post

 

Perennials are flowers that grow back every year. Once planted, the flowers can continue to bloom from one spring to another. The word “perennial” signifies what the flower does, coming back each year. In history the word perennial means “evergreen, continual, or lasting.” I have taken the definition upon myself to identify who I am […]

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Roosevelt’s Last Stand

 

‎“The Last Charge of the Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt’s Final Days,” by William Hazelgrove, Lyons Press, 2023, 360 pages, $32.00 (Hardcover), $30.00 (Ebook), $20.99 (Audiobook)

In the last two years of his life, Theodore Roosevelt attempted something no ex-President previously did. He wanted to command troops in battle as a division commander.

“The Last Charge of the Rough Rider: Theodore Roosevelt’s Final Days,” by William Hazelgrove tells that story. An account of the last two years of Roosevelt’s life, from April 1917 through January 1919, it recounts the political duel between Roosevelt and then-President Woodrow Wilson.

Alternating between 1917 through 1919 and flashbacks to earlier and significant periods in the lives of Roosevelt and Wilson, Hazelgrove takes readers through the US entry into World War I. He shows the political duel between Roosevelt and Wilson during that time. Roosevelt wanted the US to join the war; Wilson resisted.

An Immigrant Woman in America’s Inner Circles

 

Anna Marie Rosenberg became one of the most influential women in the United States during the middle of the 20th Century. An advisor to Presidents who shaped public policy from the New Deal to the Cold War, she is almost entirely forgotten today.

“The Confidante: The Untold Story of the Woman Who Helped Win WWII and Shape Modern America,” by Christopher C. Gorham is a first biography of this influential woman. It recounts a life that should be better known today.

Born Anna Marie Lederer, in Budapest, Hungary, she moved to New York City with her mother and younger sister in 1912 to join her father, who arrived there in 1910. There, Gorham shows, she became the classic American immigrant success story.

Mourning or Manipulation at Michigan State University?

 

No one would say that the shootings at MSU were anything less than a tragedy and nightmare. Two students died on February 13; six other students were wounded and five of them suffered critical gunshot wounds. Today the students were invited back to classes, but the way that return was acknowledged and promoted is a sad commentary on our view of the sanctity of life and the promotion of politics over the importance of mourning and honoring the dead.

The two primary abasements following this calamity occurred in two ways: first, students were told that they could attend classes virtually; second, some students were planning to attend a protest for gun control legislation at the state Capitol instead of attending classes. In the first case, the students who went to class virtually were being coddled and were dishonoring the memory and conditions of those who were direct victims. Instead of understanding that their own healing would begin in so many ways by appearing on campus, in spite of their fear and upset, they cowered at home rather than dealing directly with their grief. And they also lost the opportunity to grieve with other students, offering and receiving comfort through their actions. In the second case, going to a gun protest is a disgusting way to honor those people who were victims, making their pain and loss into a political prop.

Brace for the Red Wave (And Some Advice for the GOP)

 

I have long been certain, even in the wake of the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs, that the midterms were going to be a bloodbath for the Democratic Party. When some conservative (or so-called conservative) pundits began wringing their hands that Dobbs would surely spell electoral doom for Republicans, I held fast to my belief that — to quote James Carville — it’s ultimately the economy, stupid.

And the economic news is bleak, no matter how much the Biden White House tries to spin things.

Quote of the Day: On Voting

 

“The most interesting incident Tuesday morning was my walking to a building on Thirty-fourth Street to enter a booth and push levers on a voting machine. I have never understood why anybody passes up that bargain. It doesn’t cost a cent, and for that couple of minutes, you’re the star of the show, with top billing. It’s the only way that really counts for you to say I’m it, I’m the one that decides what’s going to happen and who’s going to make it happen. It’s the only time I really feel important and know I have a right to.” — Rex Stout, A Family Affair

Do I have to remind anyone that Tuesday is election day, and it is (as it always seems to be lately) the most important vote of our lifetimes? On Ricochet, probably not.

Pelosi, DePape, and the Politics of Mental Illness

 

The news has come out that Paul Pelosi’s assailant DePape has admitted it was political. That he admitted he was indeed there to force Nancy to tell the truth. For most of the Twit-punditry, this has meant a spiked football for them. The Right’s narrative is destroyed! The Right encourages violence and they need to pay!

However comma…

Member Post

 

Let’s get one thing clear. I will never vote for Lisa Murkowski, and I hope everyone in Alaska will join me in retiring her very soon. That then begs the question: Who should Alaskans vote for? The quick answer is anyone else, and a lot of people I respect have settled on Kelly Tshibaka as the […]

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Member Post

 

Wisdom, honesty, truth and common sense go a long way – in politics and life.  So it’s hard to believe the words coming out of the president’s mouth that conservatives, mainly those that support a “Make America Great Again” philosophy, are now considered “semi-fascists”.  This is a lie.  Biden is labeling people because they want […]

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Campaign Promise: No Mean Tweets in 2024

 

With the midterm elections coming and possible 2024 candidates dipping their toes in the political pool, Americans want a guarantee — be nice and civil, and that means no mean tweets. Mark Alexander posts the “Funnies” on the Ricochet Member Feed, for which I am grateful for the many laughs. This is a good one that deserves further comments or additions.

Making America energy independent, bringing back manufacturing and jobs; securing the borders from drugs and criminals; and asking that illegals coming into our country follow the law and enter through legal channels like other countries; teach English, math, science, and history to our children instead of gender fluidity; support our brave law enforcement, military and other first responders; and clean up our unlivable cities and towns by creating opportunity instead of ignoring the homeless and sick — these are secondary in importance.

The most important is that we must have no more mean tweets!

Is There a Politics-Free Zone Anywhere?

 

I don’t want to have political discussions with people on the Left. Period.

On the third Wednesday of every month, I have a Zoom meeting with a small group to discuss Jewish topics. Recently we decided to read essays of Sir Rabbi Jonathan Sacks that he produced in an ongoing series about the weekly Torah readings. But I’m already seeing signs that in an effort by group members to relate his essays to current events, we are going to have difficulty avoiding current politics, and I’m not sure how to address the issue. And, of course, they all are on the political Left.