Christspeak, Rx

Democrat Harold Ford bragged on the campaign trail that Democrats don't "use the Bible to judge people."

Almost in the next breath he (Ford) used the bible to judge people:
"My friend Lincoln Davis, who chairs this campaign, says there is one big difference between us and ... Republicans when it comes to our faith," Ford said. 'Republicans fear the Lord. Democrats fear and love the Lord.'"

My point is that politicians on both sides use people's faith to manipulate them. When they do it, their own faith is called into question.

I really don't mind when canidates talk about their faith and its influence on their leadership. But it is a dangerous thing when they compare or judge their opponent. It exposes the shallowness of their faith, not to mention their complete lack of knowledge about their faith.

Have you seen this short, 11 second video? Is this what most Democrats believe?...that the military is for people who don't do well in school?

The last draft ended in the spring before my senior year in highschool. Ever since that time, our military's entire population is made up of volunteers. And as a testament to the character of our country, enlistment has actually been up since the Iraq war began. Their performance as an army has been spectactular.

I find it hard to believe Kerry's remarks yesterday (and when he claimed our troops were terrorizing women and children) represent those of most Democrats. The Democrats have worked hard to overcome their image of being anti-military. It is misstatements like this one that harm a party's reputation on a key issue for years to come.

Whether you are liberal or conservative, the Missouri Cloning Stem Cell Amendment should deeply offend you. I have no doubt many of this bill’s proponents are genuinely concerned about ending human suffering, but they are tragically, (and inexcusably), uninformed. If you insist, as Michael J. Fox and others have, on fighting or arguing for it without understanding what it will do, then you aren’t simply stupid, you are foolish.

The initiative clearly states that “No person may clone or attempt to clone a human being.” The problem with that wording is that the amendment redefines human cloning as allowing the human clone to live. They are advocating cloning human life and mandating the cloned human’s destruction in order to use the human tissues for research.

Did any of you catch the recent sci-fi thriller “The Island?” In the movie, human clones are created in their adult state in order to develop life saving tissues and organs for the donors of the clone’s DNA. The donors believe, (because they are told and also because they are in a life threatening situation), that the human clones do not feel, hear or have any emotions. Rather, they are simply a product. In truth, any Doctor or scientist knows that even embryos hear and feel early on in the pregnancy, so it would be true even more so in the event of the fictional development of creating adult human clones. The cloning companies in the movie understood 2 things:
Americans would never allow themselves to be cloned if they knew the clones were living, feeling humans bred only to be killed.
People will do anything to survive, including shutting their minds off to ignore the truth.

There are many folks today who are living out those two truths presented in the movie. They understand they were once a teenager, a child, a new born, a fetus, an embryo... they know it is true, but they refuse to acknowlege the relevance of that truth when they see suffering- or when they are suffering. Most humans will do anything to survive.

Missouri could very well be the first state to legalize human cloning while mandating the destruction of the cloned human life for scientific research.

Don’t get caught up in blindly following the crowd on this issue. Read the law here. Read the argument against the amendment here.

... Check this out, ALLEN'S REVENGE: EXPOSES UNDERAGE SEX SCENES IN OPPONENT'S NOVELS

This is American politics today. Democrats have been aggressively labelling Allen as a racist. How? Rumor, slander, inuendo. .. like an aquaintence over 35 years ago remembers Allen used the N word while a student at UVA. During this whole campaign, Democrats and liberal bloggers have ignored debating policies and concentrated on damaging Allen's character.

So now the Allen campaign fights back by highlighting nasty sex acts and pedophilia scenes in his opponent's, Jim Webb, novels. He's tying Webb's written works of fiction to Webb's personal character.

And its working! The Democrats are actually defending Webb's novels. Read this. Well, what's good for the goose is good for the gander...right?

Why do we (bloggers) have to get involved in this type of behavior? It is trite, stupid, harmful and insulting.

...or fail to take control over either house- what are you going to do? How is your life going to be different? How would your life be different if the Democrats win?

I hope your answers will be the same as mine, that is, nothing really important will change at all in my life. I'm not saying politics and elections aren't important, of course they are. What I am suggesting is that politics has its place and too many of us, (especially bloggers), forget this.

Remember the survey most of us answered about blogging? Almost everyone I read admitted our closest relationships, our familiy and friends, were at best- indifferent about our blogging. That should be a clue for all of us to lighten up.

The truth really hit home for me during the recent flap over the Foley/Page scandal. A powerful man approaches young pages for sex. Evidently alot of folks knew about him, warned him to straighten up, yet he couldn't stop the flirting. (To date, there is no evidence of physical involvement with minors). Here's what I'm getting at- the man resigned immediately. Though we don't know how much people knew, almost everyone involved with the man, the pages- Republicans, Democrats and the press, all of them knew about this for months and months- and not one person saw it as a problem. Here's the damning part, they all viewed Foley's behavior as an opportunity.

• What kind of young man or young woman would play emotional games with a man like Foley?
• What kind of friends were Foley's fellow Republicans when they knew his behavior was close to crossing the line and yet did so little to intervene?
• What about all the Republican and Democrat staffers, was there even one among them who would do the right thing?
• And how is it that the Democrats, with no regard for anyone involved, would use this man to try and win an election
• And the press- evidently they hear about horrible things that powerful men do in private, with no regard at all for the victims.

This whole Foley mess revealed a tragic lack of character with everyone involved. (Well, perhaps Foley's immediate resignation is the exception.)

How would you react if you knew your friend or boss or loved one or neighbor, was seriously flirting with pedophilia? Would you shake your head in disgust and look the other way? Would you intervene on the child's behalf? What about the preditor, would you not care enough about him to put an end his destructive behavior? The truth is that the real tragedy in the Foley story is that plenty of people were sent to Washington, but there isn't a Smith among them.

Politics has a place in our society alright, but it shouldn't be on our front page. No, its rightful place is buried behind what is really important, far behind our faith, family, work, friends, hobbies and maybe even sports.

THIS MOST AMAZING BOOK- by Guy Andrews, copyrighted 2004

FACT: On April 18, 1942, the famous Doolittle Raid took place over Japan, where 16 B-25s attacked their mainland in reprisal to the Japanese offensive. Cpl. Jacob DeShazer was one of ten men who didn’t return. He became a POW for 40 months, 34 of which were in solitary, after his crew had to parachute into Japanese-held China. Wrestling as much over his hate-filled heart for his captors, as with his severe captivity, “Jake” gets his hands on a Bible in May, 1944. Though only allowed to keep it for several weeks, he devoured and memorized what he could, until on June 8, 1944, he encounters salvation.
1 Corinthians Chapter 13 came alive to him, as his heart became controlled by God’s love, ultimately leading him back to Japan after the war as a missionary for 30 years.

QUOTE: Sir Issac Newton; English mathematician and physicist (1642-1727) “We account the Scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever.”
STATISTIC: Amount of television that the average American watches per day: over 4 hours. Approximate amount of time it takes to read the Bible daily to complete it in 1 year: between 13-22 minutes.
“WORD” ON “WORD”: Romans 3:2, “First of all, they have been entrusted with the very words of God.” Paul was referring to the unique honor given to the Jewish people, particularly over the prior 1500 years before Christ, when he made this observation. Can we look upon this journey through the Bible as a personal “trust” given to us?

SUCCEEDING IN READING THIS AMAZING BOOK:
1. ENERGY: There is something to be said about simple raw energy in getting the job done. The 2003-4 Chicago Bulls had the 2nd worst record in the entire NBA. Yet the fans seem to be drawn to the boundless energy pouring out from the many other attractions that flow through the United Center in Chicago during a game. Talented kids drumming on sheetrock buckets at halftime, the awe-inspiring “Matador” dance brigade of “plus-size” fellas, Mascots: Benny the Bull, accompanied by Da Bull, and the high stepping Luvabulls revue, all create an atmosphere of irrepressible energy. Therefore, the Chicago franchise finished with the 3rd Best Attendance record in the NBA this year. Sometimes, just applying the Laws of Energy to your reading quest can be the right ticket.
2. GOLF BALLS GO FIRST: A friend recently sent me a great story about filling up a mayonnaise jar with various items. If one fills up the jar with sand first (representing the hundreds of micro demands,) then there will be no room for anything else. But if one starts with golf balls, then adds marbles, he will still have room for not only some sand , but a cup of coffee as well to occupy the mayo jar. The moral: Start your “To Do” list with the biggest value tasks and add the contents of your day around these core works .They will fit a lot better inside your empty jar. Likewise, make your Daily Reading of the Word one of those invaluable golf balls and you will stay “on par” during the rest of the day.

TIP: I know I am easily deterred from my daily reading when I consider either the “whole lump” of that day’s reading or the “immensity” of tackling the entire Bible. What gives me momentum in succeeding for one day is when I simply concentrate on “just getting started.” In other words, even if I am only able to read the first sentence or first paragraph, this somehow gives me confidence and drive to do the rest.

MOTTO: US Navy SEAL’s motto: “The only easy day was yesterday.” Nothing worthwhile is without difficulty. In the movie, “Perfect Storm,” George Clooney plays sword fishing boat captain, Billy Tyne. When faced with an enveloping 100 foot (10 stories high) rogue wave, Captain Tyne decides to go “full speed ahead” into the middle of it. Jump into the fray and feel the intensity. The strain says, “something Big is about to happen!”


DAY 2: READ GENESIS 3,4,5 MATTHEW 2

GENESIS 3,4,5
OVERVIEW: Satan, the grand distorter of truth, attacked Adam and Eve’s faith in God’s binding word. They succumbed to his glittering lie. This staggering defeat dealt them a severe consequence.. In chapter 4 God extended grace to Cain by warning him. Yet Cain still killed his brother Abel out of jealousy. Chapter 5 gives an expanded genealogy of Adam all the way to Noah’s three sons. Enoch was rewarded for his enduring “walk with God” by side stepping death.
THEME: God must punish His first human children to teach them the crucial ness of relying on His Word by faith, not sight. In chapter 4 Cain’s crime reveals the lengths that people will go to in order to cover up their inadequacy. The detailed genealogy in chapter 5 points to God’s serious intent for multiplying the human race (cf. Genesis 1:28.) KEY WORD: “Curse” (Genesis 3:14,17) God’s curse doesn’t necessarily spell annihilation, as it does the annulment of the esteemed purpose that He had originally designed His first couple for. Yet, God also adds a ray of hope in forecasting the One who would crush the head of their enemy (Genesis 3:15.)

MATTHEW 2
OVERVIEW: Matthew contrasts the pagan astrologers with the pseudo Jewish King Herod. From the Gentile “wise men” comes true worship, while Herod offers only deceit and massacre. After being born in Bethlehem, the ancestral town of King David, as prophesied (Micah 5:2,) Joseph’s new family is detoured to Egypt. Later, they settle in the obscure, farming district of Galilee.
THEME: God delights in being discovered in the least likely places. Jesus’ first audience were pagan astrologers, his first trip was as a refugee to Egypt, and his first home state was the “blue collar, hard-hat” region of Galilee, far from the power and religious center of Jerusalem.
KEY WORDS: “…gold,..incense,..and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:11) These were precious commodities in the 1st Century Middle East, but were made more precious by the King-sized faith that led these Gentiles to risk their lives to honor the arrival of the Prince of Israel.

reubliished by permission of Guy Andrews

Sacrifice is a term used alot in war. It is an appropriate word, but I think most of us forget what it really means. The film Flags Of Our Fathers is a painful reminder of the courage and tragedy involved with wartime sacrifices.

In Saving Private Ryan and We Were Soldiers we watched examples of sacrifice that made us proud of the men who fought for us. This is where Flags of Our Fathers falls short. It is shame because Iowa Jima was the greatest and costliest battle in Marine Corps history. It produced the most famous wartime picture of all time. Last, but not least, the bond tour was a huge success at a time our country needed it the most.

The film focuses on three soldiers and events surrounding the famous picture of the Marines raising the flag on a volcanic hill in Iwo Jima. There's little question the film is historically correct, but the author, in this case Director Clint Eastwood, chose to dwell soley on the tragedy of the soldiers' sacrifice rather than the consequences of their sacrifices and the honor it brought the country.

Also, we were introduced to great characters in the beginning, but the battle scenes were so confusing I never understood what happened to those men.

The result is an intense, well told, bummer of a story.

Historical perspectives:

• Iwo Jima was the first battle on Japense soil (spiritually sacred ground to the Japenese).
• The U.S. was broke and desperately needed money to fund the war. The past two war bond drives had fallen far short. The tour of the "heroes of Iwo Jima" raised over $22 billion in 2 months.
• The 3 soldiers who were hailed as heroes had not done anything remarkably brave that would set them apart from their fellow Marines at Iwo Jima, they just happened to be part of raising the flag.
• The famous flag raising was actually the second flag raising- and the picture really was something of a fluke. Most all of the photographer's (Rosenthall) film was wasted that day.
• All 3 men were embarrassed to be considered heroes for good reason, they were hailed as such in order to be used to raise desparately needed funds.
• The Marines ceased to treat the 3 men as soldiers while they toured for funds- and in doing so- failed them miserably.
• While the 3 men were understably uncomfortable with their mission, the mission was every bit as important as what was taking place in Japan. If they'd been treated like Marines during their tour, the tragedy of their sacrifice would most likely have been averted.

Years ago I had the opportunity to hear a young Fred Barnes speak about Christianity and the media. It must have been 1985, because he had just become famous for a question he asked as a panelist during one of the Reagan-Mondale presidential debates. He asked both canidates if either would describe himself as a "Born Again Christian?" (click the link to read the 1984 debate transcript.)

MODERATOR: We begin segment No. 3 with Fred Barnes.
REPORTER: Mr. President, would you describe your religious beliefs, noting particularly whether you consider yourself a born-again Christian and explain how these beliefs affect your Presidential decisions?...

...REAGAN: Well, I was raised to have a faith and a belief and have been a member of a church since I was a small boy. In our particular church we didn't use that term born- again so I don't know whether I would fit that - that particular term. But I have, thanks to my mother, God rest her soul, the firmest possible belief and faith in God. And I don't believe - I believe, I should say, as Lincoln once said, that I could not - I would be the most stupid man in the world if I thought I could confront the duties of the office I hold if I could not turn to someone who was stronger and greater than all others; and I do resort to prayer. At the same time, however, I have not believed that prayer could be introduced into an election or be a part of a political campaign, or religion a part of that campaign. As a matter of fact I think religion became a part of this campaign when Mr. Mondale's running mate said I wasn't a good Christian. So, it does play a part in my life. I have no hesitancy in saying so. And as I say, I don't believe that I could carry on unless I had a belief in a higher authority and a belief that prayers are answered."

Now the canidate's answers are not the point of this post, but Mondale's answer was extremely revealing as well:

MONDALE: "First of all, I accept President Reagan's affirmation of faith. I'm sure that we all accept and admire his commitment to his faith and we are strengthened all of us by that fact. I am a son of a Methodist minister, my wife is the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, and I don't know if I've been born again, but I know I was born into a Christian family, and I believe I've sung at more weddings and more funerals than anybody ever to seek the Presidency. Whether that helps or not I don't know. I have a deep religious faith, our family does, it is fundamental, it's probably the reason I'm in politics. I think our faith tells us, instructs us about the moral life that we should lead, and I think we're all together on that."

Interesting that it was Reagan who said, "I have not believed that prayer could be introduced into an election or be a part of a political campaign, or religion a part of that campaign."

For over 200 years politicians have used religion to influence voters during elections. And we know every modern day President, from Lyndon Johnson to George W. Bush have relied on prayer during key moments in their Presidency, (and at least 2 I am aware of- Carter and W -admit to praying and relying on prayer on a daily basis.)

Setting aside any judgement about any politician's use of Christianity or any other religion, there is only one reason faith plays a role in politics... millions of voters care about their leaders' belief in God.

It matters to alot of people. Why is that? Why do so many people want to know about their leaders' faith in God? It is a fascinating question...with too many answers. But the fact remains that sincere and insincere politicians talk about their faith because the people want to hear them express it.

Taking an inventory is something I learned to do while training to run a marathon. When I was in the middle of a long run, sometimes I'd feel really tired and want to quit. So I'd take a physical inventory. How are my legs? Most everytime they felt strong. What about my breathing? Ah-ha, I'm not getting enough oxygen. So I'd slow down for a while, get a second wind and - here's the best part- I'd be able to fly home with an incredible runner's high.

As the Rx in Christspeak, Rx implies, I take medicine to combat depression and to control ADHD. When I feel depressed, it is a very real and consuming cloud around me. But this is just how I feel. At 51, I've had the benefit of years of great counselling. One of the tools I use is scale or inventory I found in a book- Feeling Good, The New Mood Therapy.

Now sometimes we have very real problems that are truly sad. We get fired. You can't find a job. You can't keep a job. You can't pay your bills. You can't quit drinking. A loved one dies. Your wife or husband leaves you. Sometimes there's real good reasons to feel depressed.

Take an inventory. Do your friends love you? Your children? How does God feel about you?

Do you believe in God? Maybe not, but surely you'll agree if there is a God who created the world, He must be able to control your universe. Of course He does. So why is it neccessary for you to be strong and in control? Slow down, get your wind back and remember your legs need oxygen just like your lungs do.

Here's the truth, (and its true whether we believe it or not), God choses to love us. The God of the universe, ruler over all is in charge of your household. Not a good steward? He forgives you. Think you can make things better? He commands you to pass your burdens along to Him- Christ said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
So we get depressed when sad things happen, but we are not overwhelmed. Why? Because God in Heaven - despite our lack of faith in Christ, and misplaced faith in ourselves (false worship), constant rebellion against Him, and ourselfish ways- God finds us worthy. How can this be? Certainly not by our behavior, but because Christ died for our sins. He died in our place.

Yes we have reasons to feel sad. All of us do. But let's not let our feelings trick us into quiting. Take a break. Turn your concerns over to God. Look at life with His perspective.

As many of you know I'm no shrinking violet. I love to debate, even when it gets a bit nasty. But I noticed something last week and decided to take a signifcant break from politics. The result is my intent to be more narrow with the subject matter.

Two things occured:

1. During the Wake/Clemson game I spent 3 miserable quarters in competitive agony. I am competitive, so much so that my mood is directly linked to how my teams perform. I don't want to change either- I feel I have a good handle on what is truly important in life and how Clemson performs is way down the list.
2. In the wake of the Foley nonsense, I recognized the same competitive spirit ruling my nature... and its source. It is all the arguing, day in and day out. I notice most Greensboro bloggers are getting worked up as well. The truth is the political analysts-pollsters-insiders, the hollywood actors, and yes, even the politicians have little or no say in our lives.

So I took a break. From now on, Christspeak is primarily about the language within Chritianity. It will also focus on issues within the faith and stories. When I feel the need to write about politics in general, I'll use "Why Do You Drink."

More and more the Foley/Page scandal is looking like a dirty political trick. NOTHING is as it seems, nor is it definite, but there's no question the truth will be revealed.

• It was widely known Foley was gay by the pages and many other people in Washington.
• The page may not have been a minor. (Note: Most Democrats I've read see a big difference between a 16 and 18 year old. Its just as bad in my book.)
• Original emails were creepy, but nothing approaching the level of incriminating evidence as the IMs. So Hastert did address it- and Foley lied to him.
• We know the FBI revealed the IMs were tampered with.
• The timing of the "outing" is remarkably advantageous to Democrats.
• Some of the pages are saying Foley was setup, it was a cruel prank gone bad when it fell into the wrong hands. (The page's lawyer says its no joking matter)
• The page's parents would love to see their son serve again.

As a Republican, I hope the truth comes out soon. As a believer in Christ I am confident He is in control.

So where has this fiasco taken us? Mr. Foley is not only out of the closet, he's out of Congress. (That's a very good thing for him as well as the pages.) We know the Democrats are guilty- of all things- gay bashing. Republican leaders learned they are not well respected by the conservatives that put them in office. ..another good thing. Finally, we know it is the Democrats who forsook the welfare of young pages in order to gain power.

Hopefully, she'll have the transcript up here. But she grilled him about his staff, whether he'd resign, what he knew and when, why are some Republicans crying conspiracy (like the Clintons did), why is there so little good will built up with Conservatives...

Revealed: Hastert admits he's cancelled all fund raising for at least a week. Laura makes the point- you can't have a speaker who is not able to raise money.

... and its not just about who's in the Minutemen. Hint: "There are no illegals." Read about it here.

DAAAAAAAAAAAANG! Sorry all y'all gay fellers! Youins thought the Democrats were on your side! Foley had gay IM sex with an 18 year old! ...

...sorry LLGBC, (Spags is right), there'ain't much differnce tween a 22 year old, 18 year old or a 16 year old. Its all about power. Clinton, Foley, Kennedy(s)... they're all wrong, every last one of 'em.

This is a real sordid tale about a powerful man who sought sexual encounters with young men. It is also about a young man who was exploited by this powerful congressman.

Foley, to his credit, has resigned and presumably is seeking help. The young man, outed by ABC and others, deserves more from all of us, starting with both political parties.

The Democrats will likely gain a seat where they weren't expecting one. It must stop there. If they persist in trying to make a larger scandal, Republicans will certainly remind us of recent Democrat leaders who knew of their comrads' illicit behavior, yet kept silent.

What's our part? Voters need to place a higher value on a canidate's character rather than soley how he votes.

w-w-w-wait a minute! Some guy with a blog called Christspeak- and a believer in Christ no less- writing about getting drunk?

You should know I'm 3 for 3- 3...I -or rather -we raised 3 outstanding kids who a.) didn't drink until they were of age and b.) were celibate until marraige. But my kids and my friends know my passion for life includes sex, food and drink.

I didn't wait for anything. Yes, it is a regret, but no I don't dwell on it. When I talked with my kids (around 12-13) about why I drank- I didn't want them to think of it as all bad. Some of the most wonderful friendships are bound within those few euphoric moments of drunken bliss... enough to make up for all the inevitable vomiting, hangovers, and other treacheries.

So in that spirit, who among you would I love to get drunk with? Some of you, a Poet for example, wouldn't need alcohol. I think Sue (with her husband and dog)and I would have the most fun. Hogg for certain. And anyone from Boston and/or goes by Bubba, is a must to drink with. Casserta & Gaurino- baseball men are a great pair as well...

There's a point to this somewhere- I'll post it when I have more time. It involves perspective.

Its really fun putting these 2 names in the same headline. Malkin has a great piece on Instant Messaging 101. Earlier today Sue answered some questions as well. Read here.

The stories around the Foley outing have been flying, it is a story only bloggers can unravel. I don't like the fact that so many in congress either behave badly or do nothing about those that do...

My nephew (#12 of the Gamecocks), Branden Conrad's first cousin is making news as well:

Lady Viking Basketball's Conrad Featured By NCAA This story was orignally published at NCAASports.com. You may see the original story by going here: Lady Viking and Avid Sox Fan

Bethany Conrad is living out her dream. The North Park University women's basketball player is a life-long, diehard Chicago White Sox fan, and this summer, she is a part of the action at U.S. Cellular Field during each of her favorite team's home stands.

Conrad landed a job with White Sox Charities after her basketball teammates saw an advertisement posted on campus. Knowing she was a huge White Sox fan, they urged her to pursue the opportunity. She did, and was offered a position selling raffle tickets for the Sox' replica World Series rings, as well as their daily 50-50 raffle.

"I'm actually the one going up and down the stands selling tickets to customers, or selling at the gate and outside in the parking lot," said Conrad. "There's a lot of personal interaction with the White Sox fans, so that's a lot of fun."

The proceeds for the charity raffles go to projects for Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, cancer research, education foundations, and have even funded the building of a house for a family displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Conrad, a guard who averaged 2.8 points in 11.8 minutes per game for the Lady Vikings last season, grew up in St. Charles, Ill., just 45 minutes from Chicago. The rising junior grew up an avid White Sox fan. "My dad was born in Chicago and is a huge Sox fan, and my grandpa was a Sox fan," said Conrad. "We were raised Sox fans, so it's kind of a family tradition."

Last year's World Series championship by the White Sox has added a little extra excitement to Conrad's job this summer, considering the team's last title was in 1917. "Everyone is so excited," said Conrad. "They all wear their shirts and World Series Champions is plastered all over the place. Everyone is cheering like crazy, and it is such a great atmosphere that I have a blast everyday. It's so fun to be a Sox fan right now."

Conrad compares playing basketball to working for the White Sox as two things she loves and is passionate about. "Being a part of something that is bigger than you is the cool thing about it," said Conrad. "You learn how your part plays into the whole picture, like on the basketball court I play a small part on a big team."

Conrad, who aspires to work in sports journalism, is excited to get back to North Park and continue her academic and basketball careers, but plans to work for White Sox Charities as long as the season lasts – hopefully well into October for a shot at another World Series ring.

Read the whole thing here.

"SPEAKER HASTERT: No. First of all, what we knew is exactly what I told you. The parents contacted us. They wanted someplace to go to because they didn't want this contact to go on, and what we knew about it was that Foley contacted this kid through e-mail and asked him how he got through the hurricane, the Katrina hurricane. He was from New Orleans, I guess. The other part of it was, well, we didn't know anything else other than what they told us. We went to Foley, confronted him. He said he wouldn't do it anymore. He was sorry. He was just trying to talk to the kid -- he liked the kid, nice kid -- and he wouldn't do it anymore. We told him not to do it anymore there or to anybody. Period. "

Setting aside the fact a Congressman attempted to have sex with a 16 year old page(s)…

That is the first problem with this whole mess of tying Foley’s behavior to his Republican friends. I understand that Foley resigned and is no longer politically relevant. The fact is that Foley is the alleged predator and he must be held accountable.

Anyone who has been in leadership, be it in a church, school, or business will eventually face similar circumstances that Mr. Foley’s staff and fellow congressmen find themselves in today. I have experienced several as an elder in a large church and as a business owner.

Years ago, several black employees complained a foreman who worked for our best client was making stupid, racist remarks to them, albeit in a good nature way. He’d see my crew chief and call him “Black Beauty,” and he had similar names for the other crew members. They were embarrassed and offended. I could have told them the guy was a moron, but he- as a customer- is responsible for their paycheck, so buck up.

Instead, I called his boss and told him what happened. He didn’t see the big deal, so I reasoned with him. He’d worked with this foreman enough to know he ran his mouth too much, so tell him not to talk with my crew at all. I also confronted the foreman. I didn’t care if he did not mean anything by it, if he wanted my work he needed to deal with me directly.

As an elder, I know there is a camaraderie or bond that is formed between the pastoral staff and other elders. Years after my tenure, the head pastor, a longtime friend of mine as well, began a long-term affair with married woman. When the affair was discovered, he knew to publicly repent, but he and the woman made several attempts to abandon their families (they each had more than a few kids).

In the aftermath, many of us recalled numerous warnings we’d ignored from people we should have paid attention to, including the pastor’s wife. Other affairs were revealed among leaders. A disturbing pattern of abused church members, and even a few abused spouses would come before church leaders seeking help, only to be ignored. The truth was we were all friends who put our relationships with others before our duty as elders.

When our pastor confessed his affair, I was immediately convicted of my negligence as a leader, even though it had been many years in the past. From that point on, I became vigilant for the protection of church members. It cost my wife and me life-long relationships and eventually my eldership was permanently rescinded. (Thank God!).

Back to Foley and Congress

I imagine Foley had many friends on both sides of the aisle. When the emails were revealed, he was probably warned- and given his relationship and reputation, Foley lied about his intentions. They were all extremely busy men who didn’t want to be distracted.

I would hope they, (Congress), will put in place a system where pages and any staff can report misconduct… a system that does not involve Congress. This way, when offenses occur, they will be reported to proper authorities, rather than our nation’s leaders.

I saw this last night- Drudge had a flashing light- and the editorial hits a chord with alot of folks outside the beltline. The thing is, we know the Democrats are by far more notorious for putting up with this kind of behavior.

There's other sides to this issue we all should consider before throwing stones at people who knew something was amiss for a while. Things like relationships, personal assurances of innocence, betrayal and denial. More to follow...

Denny Hastert and Republican leaders are now on record- stating they knew nothing of the more graphic and lurid instant messages Foley is alleged to have sent to a 16 year old page. "But someone did," says Hastert.

Which begs the question, why was the evidence turned over to the media instead of being turned over to authorities?

We can be sure the politicians will shoot themselves up over this one, but what about the media? Is it ethical for a reporter to protect a source when it may mean more young kids are at risk from a pedophile? Assuming the reporter received the evidence recently, is he questioning why the source withheld it from the police? ... or is this another story for bloggers and talk radio to get right.

One of the good things Foley was known for was his work to protect kids from predators. Ironic. But remember the last time a congressman was busted for having sex with an underage partner? Mel Reynolds was pardoned by Clinton and now works as a youth counselor. I just don't think people in Washington get it.

...in the clutch!

"Mr Armstrong has long insisted that he meant to say “one small step for a man . . .” — which would have been a more meaningful and grammatically correct version, free of tautology. But even the astronaut himself could not be sure. "

Turns out, he got it right after all. Read the story here.

"When I ignore them, lies are perpetuated and assumed to be true. When I respond, I am belittled as a self-promoter, whiner, humorless scold, and opportunist ...But when the attacks come from a publicly subsidized UNC law professor and the largest blog conglomerate (valued at $76 million in 2005), they cannot go unanswered...
Someone created a fake Flickr site by filching photos from an innocent college undergrad's Webshots site without her permission or knowledge. That student is Ashley Herzog of Ohio University... Whoever created the fake Flickr site went to the trouble of posting a photo of a dorm from my alma mater to give it authenticity.
Some people still refuse to believe it's all fake." Michelle Malkin