"For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as
children of light: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and
righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no
fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For
it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever
doth make manifest is light. Ephesians 5:8-13 (emphasis added)
It is no mistake that president Obama forbade any television news cameras from filming him as he signed the executive order reversing the George W. Bush abortion
funding ban for international groups that perform abortions or provide
information about the procedures to women abroad. It was a shameful act, best
done in the dark. Ironically most of this federal money goes to Africa to abort
black babies. While president Bush spent more money in aid for Africa to combat
disease and poverty than any president in the history of our country, putting
the American peoples treasure to work fighting to preserve life, the first black
president puts that same treasure to the task of destroying it. But Kanye West
said Bush hates black people.Mr. Obama’s first act as president was to sign
a proclamation declaring January 20th, a National Day of Renewal and
Reconciliation, the proclamation begins,“As I take the sacred oath of the highest office in the land, I
am humbled by
the responsibility placed upon my shoulders, renewed by the
courage and decency
of the American people, and fortified by my faith in an
awesome God.
We are
in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is
being tested, and our people
know great uncertainty. Yet the story of
America is one of renewal in the face
of adversity, reconciliation in a time
of discord, and we know that there is a
purpose for everything under
heaven.
On this Inauguration Day, we are
reminded that we are heirs to
over two centuries of American democracy, and that
this legacy is not simply
a birthright -- it is a glorious burden. Now it falls
to us to come together
as a people to carry it forward once more.”To those empty words I quote:
“Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh
the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. Be not ye therefore
partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:6,7So; to glorify an awesome God, he in the first few days of his presidency, reverses a law designed to preserve the first unalienable right he swore in his oath of office to uphold, “the right to life”. He speaks of “reconciliation in a time of discord” and “coming together as a people” yet he could not wait to take an action that could only be perceived as nothing less than a petty smack in the face to conservatives; and
frankly, the God he professes to serve. an action designed to fan the
flames of discord ever higher to newer and greater heights. It seems this child
is able to compartmentalize his light.If the truth be told this is not an action by Obama that lacks precedent, one
of the first actions of Bill Clinton when he assumed office, was to reverse
similar laws put in place by Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, so it is not
just an Obama thing to counter erring on the side of life, it is a decidedly
democrat thing.Having studied scripture, history and economics, I can’t back Obama’s
domestic fiscal plans either, they are as foolhardy and ungodly as his social
agenda. To the Christians that supported Obama; if you have no understanding of
how the natural issues like the economy, and comparative political ideologies
really work from a practical and historical perspective, I can almost see how
you could fall for the socialistic rhetoric espoused by Obama nad the left, it
is very appealing to the flesh, and it elevates man, while alleviating
responsibility and guilt.They talk of relief for the poor while promoting policies that ensure that
the poor will always be there to vote for them. They talk a good game, if you
are not paying close attention. The media works hand in glove with the
democratic party by presenting a steady diet of alternatives to wholesomeness,
making it easier to sell aberrant lifestyles and rebellion against Godly
principles.
My Bible says that you know the tree by the fruit it bears, Mr.
Obama says that he supports the true war on terror, at least the war being
prosecuted in Afghanistan, and that he supports the men and women who are
fighting that war. Yet, paradoxically his first act as commander in chief of
those forces; was to skip The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball.The Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball began in 1953 with President Eisenhower’s
inauguration, and honors the nations Congressional Medal of Honor recipients,
the highest military honor bestowed in America. In 56 years and 14 inaugurations
no president has ever skipped this ball, until Mr. Obama. There were 48 Medal of
Honor recipients in attendance, heroes of the republic all, what where they
offered by their new commander in chief? Only the bitter fruit of
indifference.Meanwhile, the enemy who those brave warriors he claims to support are
facing, sit in madrasah all over the world hearing that the new president shows
once again the evil permeating American society, as they import death with
abortion to all the world, even Muslims hate abortion and it is prohibited in
Islamic nations as a great evil, as it should be in Christian nations.
But
somehow in America, some Christians don’t see it as the most important issue to
be concerned with when choosing a leader. God’s most precious gift, life, gets
relegated below universal health care, redistribution of wealth and “yes we
can”. I say how do you get to “Hope and Change” if you don’t start with life?
Issues like abortion, sinful lifestyles, and accountability, are spiritual in
nature, causing one to reflect on your relationships with your fellow man, who
it is much easier to give a handout to, than a hand-up, and to a creator God who
is the only real Judge.I hope those who voted for Mr. Obama look beyond what is being reported by
CNN and MSNBC, and begin to examine this man by his fruit. From where I am
sitting, Mr. Obama’s clothing, up close, and underneath, seems to be composed
more of fur than wool. If last week is any indication his fangs are more suited
to rending the flesh of those who oppose him than chewing the cud in hopes of
finding common ground." (Digital Publius)
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Digital Publius: Open Up, It's The Wolf
Digitial Publius wrote in my opinion an insightful assessment of PSBO's first few days in office entitled Open Up, It's The Wolf. I am reposting it here for my familiars(friends & family) who can't understand why I am like "a dog with a bone" on the life issue. Perhaps it will be more palatable for my "peeps" coming from DP.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
37 comments:
You conservatives are a live trip. You all were the one who damn near made an idol out of the stupefied GW Bush, and now you want to call out the Liberals for doing the same thing?
That's why I have equal contempt for the right and the left, conservatives and liberals, but you conservatives always try to frame your politics in scripture YET ignore the most base of tenets of Jesus Christ.
Simply Amazing.
DJ Black Adam~ Which basic tenets of Jesus Christ are we presently ignoring? Praytell...
The gospel is the gospel. Wrong is wrong. Those left or right of the political spectrum that say they are Christians MUST line up their lives and actions with God's word. President Obama says that he is a Christian but supports policies that are in complete opposition of God's word. That is the point of this article.
Very well put. Thanks for posting this.
@Pamela:
You wrote: "President Obama says that he is a Christian but supports policies that are in complete opposition of God's word. That is the point of this article."
So did President Bush, or do you all only see these inconsistencies when it is a democrat? The Gospel is much more than opposition to abortion and gay marriage...
The United States was as guilty of the Sin of Sodom under the GOP from Reagan to Gingrich to GW, as it is now. My point of contention is that you all just seemed to be able to see this and couldn't over the last 20+ years.
DJ Black Adam~For me the issue isn't conservative, liberal, Democrat or Republican.
I offer no defense for Reagan, Bush or Gingrich (although Bush's record in Africa speaks for itself). Personally, I am just shocked and amazed and dare I say sickened to see Christians idolizing Barack Obama. It's that simple for me. It’s a Christ thing for me not a partisan or political ideological thing. If I were a democrat I’d feel the same way about it.
I'm aware that the Gospel is more than opposition to abortion and gay marriage and I think DP addressed this in a comment from a previous thread when he wrote:
“A great example of the Biblical perspective on charity can be found in the book of Leviticus:
And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the Lord your God. Leviticus 19:9,10
This is wisdom. In God’s economy we can provide for the poor without destroying the spirit. The Israelites were commanded to leave a part of their land ungathered for those who were willing to come and get it for themselves. In other words they still had to gather for themselves, they had to work to eat. This is the sort of charity that allows a man to keep his dignity and sense of self worth. When you fall into the habit of accepting things that you should be providing for yourself on a regular basis, it destroys your will and character, It has the effect of making one weak and servile. This is exactly what has happened in large measure to the black community in America.”
@CBW:
I don't completely disagree with Digital, I just didn't see all of this uproar of the last 8 years of the Christian Right bowing down to Bush and Cheney. I think it is at best inconsistant, at worst, hypocrisy.
And Bush's record in Africa? Which record, the ignoring of Darfur and the Congo? His allowing thousands of people to die in Liberia which could have been stopped by a few Marines? Or him listening to Bono and increasing aid for AIDS?
Sorry, I can't be mad at Black folks being a little beside themselves after the last 400 years of history in the America that a Blackman is now president, he isn’t the Moshiach, but he is a positive symbol of hope that race relations in this country are improving. Further, I think it is a sociolocal – psychological boost to see a Black Man and WOMAN in the White House, better then the last 20 years of BET defining Black males and females with their gangsta video hoochie mama images.
When the work gets to being done, I am sure that African Americans will see this politician as what he and his predecessors are, POLITICANS. Simple as that.
The poor have been used abused and oppressed by the last 20 + years of supply side economics, the rich have gotten much richer (which in itself isn’t a;; bad) but at the expense of the poor.
I expect Barack to be more sensitive to the poor and the defenseless, America has shown that it is able to get past, the economics of greed, the culture of indifference and the politics of fear that have been instilled by the GOP, I am glad they got spanked and hope they learn some compassion before the next cycle.
As proof of left wing denial of empiricism:
“KIGALI, Rwanda — Bob Geldof has parachuted into the White House travel pool here in Rwanda, and will join us on the flight from Air Force One to Ghana tonight. He's going to interview President Bush for Time magazine and several European outlets, such as Liberacion, about aid to Africa for HIV/AIDS, malaria, and business development.
Mr. Geldof is an Irish rock and roll singer and longtime social activist who has helped, along with U2 rocker Bono, raise awareness about need in Africa. His most well known achievement is organizing the Live Aid concert in 1985, which raised money for debt relief for poor African countries. But Mr. Geldof has remained closely engaged with African affairs since then, and he spoke off the cuff to reporters today who were waiting for a press conference with Mr. Bush and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
Mr. Geldof praised Mr. Bush for his work in delivering billions to fight disease and poverty in Africa, and blasted the U.S. press for ignoring the achievement. Mr. Bush, said Mr. Geldof, "has done more than any other president so far."
"This is the triumph of American policy really," he said. "It was probably unexpected of the man. It was expected of the nation, but not of the man, but both rose to the occasion."
"What's in it for [Mr. Bush]? Absolutely nothing," Mr. Geldof said.
Mr. Geldof said that the president has failed "to articulate this to Americans" but said he is also "pissed off" at the press for their failure to report on this good news story.
"You guys didn't pay attention," Geldof said to a group of reporters from all the major newspapers. Bush administration officials, incidentally, have also been quite displeased with some of the press coverage on this trip that they have viewed as overly negative and ignoring their achievements.
— Jon Ward, White House correspondent, The Washington Times
The simple truth is that Bush spent more money in aid to Africa than any other president in history by a huge margin. He actually went to Liberia to ensure that the money allocated for the beleaguered country was used in the way it was supposed to be. Meanwhile Obama offers more death by way of your tax dollar going to Africa to pay for aborting black children.
Black Adam, you keep offering ad hominem attacks without dealing with the issues raised by CBW or myself. CBW asked the direct question:
"Which basic tenets of Jesus Christ are we presently ignoring? "
Which was met with silence, and then another ad hominem attack. Strip yourself of emotionalism and think. I am not hating on Obama because he is black, I am hating on Obama because he is a wrong headed, ungodly, democrat. I became a born again Christian 14 years ago after being born and raised a Muslim for the first 30 years of my life. After receiving the Lords salvation and studying his word, I could not reconcile voting for the democrats again because everything they stand for is in direct opposition to the Word of God.
I voted for Clinton the first time, but after being saved I could not vote for him the second time, or any other democrat since then including Obama.
@Digital:
I am glad you are “born again”, that is wonderful, I commend you for receiving this Gospel of the kingdom and pray that you DEMONSTRATE it. I converted from the faith of Judaism before I became a Christian 13 years ago, and I commend anyone who can put their religion aside and receive the Gospel of Truth.
You asked me to answer a direct question: "Which basic tenets of Jesus Christ are we presently ignoring? "
First, I need you to identify with who you “WE” are? When you tell me the “WE” you are a part of, I will kindly enumerate those tenets. I assume you are talking bout conservatives or the GOP, but I’d like to be sure…
Actually, DJ Black Adam the "We" I was asking about was DP since he wrote the article and me because I reposted it here. I think what you misunderstand is that "we" who happen to be conservatives feel this way because of our Faith not our political affiliation. So, caring about the unborn is a natural consequence of being who we are in Christ Jesus. It has nothing to do with politics. So based on DP's article I wanted to know what basic tenets of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we were ignoring.
@CBW:
"Actually, DJ Black Adam the "We" I was asking about was DP since he wrote the article and me because I reposted it here. I think what you misunderstand is that "we" who happen to be conservatives feel this way because of our Faith not our political affiliation. So, caring about the unborn is a natural consequence of being who we are in Christ Jesus. It has nothing to do with politics. So based on DP's article I wanted to know what basic tenets of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we were ignoring."
So the "we" is conservatives who vote for the GOP because they feel that opposing abortion is the central issue that one should be making their choice of who to vote for, I see. As A Christian, I often talk with evangelicals who vote on that issue alone.
Well, I will admit that the GOP talks a good game about being anti-abortion, my point to you and any Christian who thinks that this alone is the criteria for choosing who to vote for, is that these same GOP people you vote for, commit the Sin of Sodom over and over, and contradict Jesus in his most base teachings.
So in essence, at best, you are choosing what you THINK is the lesser of two evils, not the greater good.
The sin of Sodom is this: Ezekiel 16.49:
“This was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”
While the GOP was busy protecting the rights of the Unborn, they trampled on the rights of the poor. The current economic crises is predicated on Reagan's deregulation, made primarily to rob the poor of their wages and to make the rich richer, this is addressed by Prophet Malachi in Malachi 3.5:
"Malachi 3.5: “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the LORD of hosts.”
Now since Digital will more than likely decry my use of the Tanakh regarding without giving the proper context of Jesus' essential teachings, let me place those scripture in context with the Gospels, Jesus taught specifically:
Matthew 25:41-45: Then he will say to those on his left, “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” They also will answer, “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?” He will reply, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.”
The GOP allows big business to use the stranger or alien in our land, encourages these workers to break immigration laws, and on the other supports punishing them for coming here (hypocrites)
The GOP cuts funding for Food Stamps for the poor during Gingrich's contract on America, still attempts to cut funding for insurance for poor children especially the children of LEGAL immigrants, cuts funding to social services that could reduce abortions IF THEY COULD HELP single mothers,again, hypocrisy.
Depowering Unions in order for the rich to effectvily oppress the wages of the working class while they reward themselves with golden parachutes and fat bonuses.
Maybe that is more "Christian" to you and digital than the democrats, to me, they are BOTH of the world, it just seems that you al turn a blind eye to their sin and wish to put the spot light on the Democrats.
The last 28 years of the GOP has made clear that their values are not inline with Jesus teaching any more or less than the Democrats.
UptownSteve you write:"Little black fish swimming in lilly white ponds spreading the ugliest slander and lies about their own people."
The name of my blog is Conservative Black. Woman This forum is surely not a LILLY WHITE POND.
you write:"Yet all black conservatives do is yap about how dumb, unpatriotic, degenerate, morally corrupt etc their fellow blacks are."
I don't have to yap about how dumb some of my fellow blacks are because they do a great job of illustrating that themselves. Did you catch Young Jeezy and Jay Z's inaugural ball video "My President is Black". Before you beat me up verbally, I know that the greater amount of black folks are not thugs and rappers. Nor do I chide black folks for being unpatriotic because truth be told I struggle with patriotism myself. Moral corruption -- we are. If we were not then we would not be ok with 70% of our children being born out of wedlock, or eagerly embrace a candidate who feels that sex education should be taught in Kindergarten or that abortion is ok, or that knowing when life begins is above his pay grade. I'm aware that you have a problem with me "racializing" things but we have already had that discussion.
you also write:"Now I would love for CBW or any other black rightie to demonstrate with real evidence how the so-called "idolatry" of Obama by blacks is any more intense than the glorification and idolation of Bush and especially Reagan by conservative whites.
I'm all ears.
Well, Ears I can not think of one single example save for a few Reagan soundbytes that White conservatives have exhibited idolatry as it pertains to Reagan. But I don't pay much attention to white conservatives and what they do or don't do doesn't much concern me. But when you see grown men reduced to tears because Obama has "made the dream a reality" hollywood types publically fellating Barack Obama with that stupid "I Pledge" video. The media is also caught up in the Obama hype to the point where journalist namely Chris Matthews feels thrills running down his leg. I don't think Reagan had that effect on those in the media. Do you? Oh yeah, and that hypnotic OH-BAM-A, O-BAM-A, O-BAM-A chant composed by Will I Am sounds pretty worshipful to me. So, Ears -- I ask you to produce for me such adoration from the white conservative camp for Reagan which rivals the Obamamania.
@CBW:
You wrote:
" I ask you to produce for me such adoration from the white conservative camp for Reagan which rivals the Obamamania."
You must be kidding? The right might as well build a temple and an altar to their "god" Reagan. The Cult of Reagan is real, to the point even Barack was afraid to critsize "reaganomics".
Bill Kristol: Wiating on Reagan:
"“..It's foolish to wait for another Ronald Reagan. But not just because his political gifts are rare. There's a particular way in which Reagan was exceptional that many of us fail to appreciate: He was the only president of the last century who came to the office as the leader of an ideological movement…"
And this blogger breaks down the Reagan Cult very well: http://thepinkflamingo.blogharbor.com/blog/_archives/2008/1/21/3479068.html
14 COMMON TRAITS OF A CULT
The following information about cults is from Marcia Rudin's 14 Common Characteristics of a Cult
“1. Members swear total allegiance to an all-powerful leader who they believe to be the Messiah.”
I think we’re past go here. Conservatives must swear allegiance to Ronald Reagan the Incarnate of all that is Perfect Conservative A perfect example of this is today when Rasmussen reported that Romney is now ahead in Florida. I hate to burst their bubble, but Survey USA’s most recent study makes Rasmussen look bad.
“2. Rational thought is discouraged or forbidden.”
It is more than just conservative now. Even Barry Obama, one of the most liberal Dems in DC is quoting Reagan. (Flopping Aces)
Where’s Lloyd Benson when you need him?
“…But I think, when I think about great presidents, I think about those who transform how we think about ourselves as a country in fundamental ways...And, you know, there are circumstances in which, I would argue, Ronald Reagan was a very successful president, even though I did not agree with him on many issues, partly because at the end of his presidency, people, I think, said, “You know what? We can regain our greatness. Individual responsibility and personal responsibility are important.” And they transformed the culture and not simply promoted one or two particular issues….” Barack Obama
“3. The cult's recruitment techniques are often deceptive.”
You got that right. All that is required is indoctrination through the cult of Limbaugh, daily. Then add a dash of Hannity, a little Townhall and you’re dealing with a nice clean brain, washed off all critical thought.
“4. The cult weakens the follower psychologically by making him or her depend upon the group to solve his or her problems. “
I think this goes without say. A problem arises, you reach for Reagan. A candidate must quote Reagan, worship Reagan, swear eternal allegiance to what is Reagan. If a thinking person strays by stating that the Cult of Reagan Incarnate is mis-representing what and who Ronald Reagan truly was.
“5. The cults manipulate guilt to their advantage.”
You stray, you are destroyed by Rush, Hewitt, Hannity, Coulter, Malkin, Ingraham, etc.
“6. The cult leader makes all the career and life decision of the members.”
Limbaugh hates McCain, therefore McCain must be destroyed. Lindsey Graham disagrees with Rush, ergo Lindsey must be destroyed.
“7. Cults exist only for their own material survival and make false promises to work to improve society.”
We’re not there yet, but I swear some conservatives are damning McCain simply to prop up their own checkbooks by a McCain loss. They all know Romney is unelectable.
“8. Cult members often work fulltime for the group for little or no pay.”
Do Lemming conservatives do anything else?
“9. Cult members are isolated from the outside world and any reality testing it could provide.”
Oh, yea. This is very much the case.
“10. Cults are anti-woman, anti-child, and anti-family. “
(does not apply) Of course Rush does name fun of feminists.
“11. Cults are apocalyptic and believe themselves to be the remnant who will survive the soon-approaching end of the world.”
I think the end of the world would be a McCain Presidency. Outside the Beltway has a posting today about just such an incident. The Republican died Saturday when Fred lost. Dear Lord in heaven give me a break!
The comments following the article prove conservatives are now in an apocalyptic mode.
“12. Many cults follow an "ends justify the means" philosophy.”
We are past go with this one, trust me. The Opinionated Catholic does a good job on this one today.
“13. Cults, particularly in regard to their finances, are shrouded in secrecy.”
This one doesn’t apply
“14. There is frequently an aura of or potential for violence around cults.”
There are veiled threats against any candidate who disagrees with the conservative party line. There are threats against the GOP to withhold votes, etc. Kiko’s House has an excellent commentary about this today. And threats from Rick Moran if Mac is nominated.
“…But frankly, I will hold harmless any conservative who wishes to stay at home on election day if John McCain is the nominee. For myself, I don’t know what I will do as far as voting but I know that he will receive no favors from me on this blog. The same would probably be true for Romney as well. My heart just wouldn’t be in promoting the candidacy of a man as changeable as the former center-left governor of Massachussets….Whether conservatives hold their nose and vote for him or stay at home it will hardly matter in the long run. McCain will not govern as a conservative and will almost surely freeze conservatives out of major policy positions. If this is what Rush Limbaugh and others mean by destroying the party by making it simply a poor echo of the Democrats then count me out. I hardly see a difference between the damage that would be done by a McCain or Obama/Hillary….”
CBW
You're kidding right?
Aside from naming Washington National Airport after the man who left us with record deficits, spikes in crime and poverty, increased gaps between the rich and poor, and presiding over an era of greed and selfishness, of irresponsibility and excess, and of neglect, rightwingers like Peggy Noonan have called Reagan one of the 5 greatest US Presidents (WTF!!!!!) and Glenn Beck suggests Reagans bust be added to Mt. Rushmore.
Idolatry anyone?
You still my girl CBW!!!
UptownSteve & DJ Black Adam~
Touche.
But idolatry of any kind for mortal man is problematic. Can we at least agree on that?
@CBW:
"But idolatry of any kind for mortal man is problematic. Can we at least agree on that?"
Of course I agree with that, I just say it's expected, or, I am not surprised.
Well Dj Black Adam ignored my first round of empirical evidence, which disproved his take on Bush and Africa, I will now take a stab at showing the numbers in regards to programs for the poor.
President Bush has been unfairly treated in the media as it pertains to social programs and the economy. If you compare the halfway point of President Clinton's tenure to that of the Bush administration. In 1996, the poverty level in the USA stood at 13.7 percent. In 2004, the poverty level was 12.7 percent, Bush beats Clinton by a full percentage point.
As far as entitlement spending on poverty programs is concerned, it isn't even close. In 1996, President Clinton directed 12.2 percent of spending towards the poor. In 2004, Bush added 2 percent more than Clinton to poverty programs, $329 billion. this was just at the mid way point of his presidency compared to the midway point of the Clinton presidency, poverty spending under Bush increased from there, In fact, President Bush again spent more on poverty and entitlement programs and education than any president in history. this was one of the biggest complaints that fiscal conservatives had with Bush, that he drove the deficit up with programs for the poor without raising taxes.
I can tell Adam that you are used to spouting your unsubstantiated dogma unopposed.
Here is a little more factual information not based on emotionalism.
Under George W. Bush; the country had 6 straight years of uninterrupted economic growth, up until the last quarter. In fact the economy was humming along brilliantly until the 2006 elections. While again riding that same wave of Bush Derangement Syndrome and promises to end the war in Iraq, (not on economic issues) the democrats took over both houses of congress. They did nothing on the Iraqi front, and did everything they possibly could to undermine the administration economically. So here we are. Even though congress had an even lower approval rating than Bush. I am still waiting for; “man, if we could just get out from under this Reid and Pelosi economy, a black man could get ahead.
This is the actual timeline of the financial collapse and the documented attempts to reform them and the unheeded warnings of the president that were blocked by congress. Again facts not hyperbole:
President Bush publicly called for GSE reform 17 times in 2008 alone before Congress acted. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded, as the President's repeated attempts to reform the supervision of these entities were thwarted by the legislative maneuvering of those who emphatically denied there were problems.
2001
April: The Administration's FY02 budget declares that the size of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is "a potential problem," because "financial trouble of a large GSE could cause strong repercussions in financial markets, affecting Federally insured entities and economic activity."
2002
May: The President calls for the disclosure and corporate governance principles contained in his 10-point plan for corporate responsibility to apply to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (OMB Prompt Letter to OFHEO, 5/29/02)
2003
January: Freddie Mac announces it has to restate financial results for the previous three years.
February: The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) releases a report explaining that "although investors perceive an implicit Federal guarantee of [GSE] obligations," "the government has provided no explicit legal backing for them." As a consequence, unexpected problems at a GSE could immediately spread into financial sectors beyond the housing market. ("Systemic Risk: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Role of OFHEO," OFHEO Report, 2/4/03)
September: Fannie Mae discloses SEC investigation and acknowledges OFHEO's review found earnings manipulations.
September: Treasury Secretary John Snow testifies before the House Financial Services Committee to recommend that Congress enact "legislation to create a new Federal agency to regulate and supervise the financial activities of our housing-related government sponsored enterprises" and set prudent and appropriate minimum capital adequacy requirements.
October: Fannie Mae discloses $1.2 billion accounting error.
November: Council of the Economic Advisers (CEA) Chairman Greg Mankiw explains that any "legislation to reform GSE regulation should empower the new regulator with sufficient strength and credibility to reduce systemic risk." To reduce the potential for systemic instability, the regulator would have "broad authority to set both risk-based and minimum capital standards" and "receivership powers necessary to wind down the affairs of a troubled GSE." (N. Gregory Mankiw, Remarks At The Conference Of State Bank Supervisors State Banking Summit And Leadership, 11/6/03)
2004
February: The President's FY05 Budget again highlights the risk posed by the explosive growth of the GSEs and their low levels of required capital, and called for creation of a new, world-class regulator: "The Administration has determined that the safety and soundness regulators of the housing GSEs lack sufficient power and stature to meet their responsibilities, and therefore…should be replaced with a new strengthened regulator." (2005 Budget Analytic Perspectives, pg. 83)
February: CEA Chairman Mankiw cautions Congress to "not take [the financial market's] strength for granted." Again, the call from the Administration was to reduce this risk by "ensuring that the housing GSEs are overseen by an effective regulator." (N. Gregory Mankiw, Op-Ed, "Keeping Fannie And Freddie's House In Order," Financial Times, 2/24/04)
June: Deputy Secretary of Treasury Samuel Bodman spotlights the risk posed by the GSEs and called for reform, saying "We do not have a world-class system of supervision of the housing government sponsored enterprises (GSEs), even though the importance of the housing financial system that the GSEs serve demands the best in supervision to ensure the long-term vitality of that system. Therefore, the Administration has called for a new, first class, regulatory supervisor for the three housing GSEs: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banking System." (Samuel Bodman, House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Testimony, 6/16/04)
2005
April: Treasury Secretary John Snow repeats his call for GSE reform, saying "Events that have transpired since I testified before this Committee in 2003 reinforce concerns over the systemic risks posed by the GSEs and further highlight the need for real GSE reform to ensure that our housing finance system remains a strong and vibrant source of funding for expanding homeownership opportunities in America… Half-measures will only exacerbate the risks to our financial system." (Secretary John W. Snow, "Testimony Before The U.S. House Financial Services Committee," 4/13/05)
2007
July: Two Bear Stearns hedge funds invested in mortgage securities collapse.
August: President Bush emphatically calls on Congress to pass a reform package for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, saying "first things first when it comes to those two institutions. Congress needs to get them reformed, get them streamlined, get them focused, and then I will consider other options." (President George W. Bush, Press Conference, The White House, 8/9/07)
September: RealtyTrac announces foreclosure filings up 243,000 in August – up 115 percent from the year before.
September: Single-family existing home sales decreases 7.5 percent from the previous month – the lowest level in nine years. Median sale price of existing homes fell six percent from the year before.
December: President Bush again warns Congress of the need to pass legislation reforming GSEs, saying "These institutions provide liquidity in the mortgage market that benefits millions of homeowners, and it is vital they operate safely and operate soundly. So I've called on Congress to pass legislation that strengthens independent regulation of the GSEs – and ensures they focus on their important housing mission. The GSE reform bill passed by the House earlier this year is a good start. But the Senate has not acted. And the United States Senate needs to pass this legislation soon." (President George W. Bush, Discusses Housing, The White House, 12/6/07)
2008
January: Bank of America announces it will buy Countrywide.
January: Citigroup announces mortgage portfolio lost $18.1 billion in value.
February: Assistant Secretary David Nason reiterates the urgency of reforms, says "A new regulatory structure for the housing GSEs is essential if these entities are to continue to perform their public mission successfully." (David Nason, Testimony On Reforming GSE Regulation, Senate Committee On Banking, Housing And Urban Affairs, 2/7/08)
March: Bear Stearns announces it will sell itself to JPMorgan Chase.
March: President Bush calls on Congress to take action and "move forward with reforms on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. They need to continue to modernize the FHA, as well as allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to homeowners to refinance their mortgages." (President George W. Bush, Remarks To The Economic Club Of New York, New York, NY, 3/14/08)
April: President Bush urges Congress to pass the much needed legislation and "modernize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. [There are] constructive things Congress can do that will encourage the housing market to correct quickly by … helping people stay in their homes." (President George W. Bush, Meeting With Cabinet, the White House, 4/14/08)
May: President Bush issues several pleas to Congress to pass legislation reforming Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before the situation deteriorates further.
"Americans are concerned about making their mortgage payments and keeping their homes. Yet Congress has failed to pass legislation I have repeatedly requested to modernize the Federal Housing Administration that will help more families stay in their homes, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance sub-prime loans." (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/3/08)
"[T]he government ought to be helping creditworthy people stay in their homes. And one way we can do that – and Congress is making progress on this – is the reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. That reform will come with a strong, independent regulator." (President George W. Bush, Meeting With The Secretary Of The Treasury, the White House, 5/19/08)
"Congress needs to pass legislation to modernize the Federal Housing Administration, reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to ensure they focus on their housing mission, and allow State housing agencies to issue tax-free bonds to refinance subprime loans." (President George W. Bush, Radio Address, 5/31/08)
June: As foreclosure rates continued to rise in the first quarter, the President once again asks Congress to take the necessary measures to address this challenge, saying "we need to pass legislation to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac." (President George W. Bush, Remarks At Swearing In Ceremony For Secretary Of Housing And Urban Development, Washington, D.C., 6/6/08)
July: Congress heeds the President's call for action and passes reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as it becomes clear that the institutions are failing.
This is how you make an intelligent argument, with documentation not emotionalism and the nonsense that is fed to you by the media. Do a little due diligence and find out the truth. Instead of ad hominem attacks like you conservatives this and you conservatives that.
@Digital:
O.K., I tried to be respectful of you in spite of your inane sophomoric and incessant prattling, but you obviously don’t quite grasp the concept of civility and or mutual respect, like your Hannity and Limbaugh you folks always resort to lowest common denominator discourse, it is beneath me, so since you cannot maturely agree to disagree, let this be my last to you.
One, you give anecdotal evidence of the “good works” of the Bush administration, to which I say, SO WHAT? Satan is know to do good works to mask his intentions as well. You might want to try DISCERNMENT.
Two, your cut and paste of the GOP party line about how they wish to blame liberals and "social programs" and how they "forced" banks to make record profits of of bundling BAD LOANS is LAUGHABLE.
You wrote: “Do a little due diligence and find out the truth.”
Do you even know what TRUTH is? You make distinctions that are superficial at best, I suggest to you, since you are “Born Again” to get off the milk and spiritually grow that you might be able to judge things by the Spirit of Truth, which is the Holy Ghost, so that you are no so easily manipulated by a right wing that "claims" to represent Christ.
Unlike you, I do not see more than a surface distinction between the GOP and the Democrats, you seem to only be able to see wrong on the left, which is at best biased, at worst willful ignorance to truth, the world is the world. Bush and Cheney served Mammon not our Father, you can't see that because you are spiritually blind.
If it is TRUTH you truly seek to know and to share, I pray your understanding, of our Father, the Most High God, El Shaddai Elohim Adonai Shekinu, by His Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, which is the Holy Ghost, in the name of His Son, our Salvation, JESUS, Yeshuyah HaMoshiach Adonai Shekinu.
Where was I disrespectful? and the evidence I gave is not anecdotal, it is documented. Again you are attacking me and ignoring the evidence I have offered. As CBw stated my views are not driven by the republican party, they are driven by the Word of God, We are admonished to take on the mind of Christ. I am filled with the Holy Ghost and I heed His teaching. Life is the most precious gift bestowed on man by a loving God, so precious in fact that He gave His son so that those who believe on Him can have that life for all of eternity in loving fellowship with the Creator God and each other.
Abortion is THE issue, because without the gift of life to start, you never get to the other issues. This is the reason satan attacks children all through the Bible. Life is the first gift given to man from God, how can any other natural issue supersede life? Their are no other issues without life.
"Two, your cut and paste of the GOP party line about how they wish to blame liberals and "social programs" and how they "forced" banks to make record profits of of bundling BAD LOANS is LAUGHABLE."
?
This makes me think that you did not read my post, nowhere is blame mentioned, it is simply a factual timeline, with sources that you can check for yourself, of the efforts made by the Bush administration to head off the financial collapse
The above statement is filled with the same sort of isogesis that has peppered your other posts and your approach to scripture. Showing respect would be not reading into my comments what is not there, a courtesy I have shown you.
Digital Publius~ I wanna be like you when I grow up.
DJ Black Adam~ Not sure your last comment was fair. DP didn't stop to any "low level" tactics he simply presented evidence to support his premise that Bush was treated unfairly.
Since we are brothers and sisters in Christ lets act like it and stop fighting with each other. We have a larger enemy to fight in the last and evil days.
Bless Your Heart CBW!
@CBW:
You wrote: "DP didn't stop to any "low level" tactics he simply presented evidence to support his premise that Bush was treated unfairly"
My last comment is how I see it, it is what it is, and I stand behind it.
I understand that you, Digital and I are few miles apart when it comes to certain things, this is one of them.
Digital however, rubbed me wrong from the jump, I let it go a few times, maybe its an "online" tone, whatever it is, we aint' the two and I am not the one.
I just have to agree to disagree with you all. I don't see "abortion" as the central issue, becuase the GOP, in my opinion, has no real desire to do anything about it, they use it as a tool to manipulate Christians to vote for their true agenda. 8 years, 6 of them with a GOP Majoirty in congress, Roe V Wade still there, untouched, because they NEVER were going to DO anything about it, simple manipulation.
I think that CHRISTians have better ways to deal with the issue of abortion than supporting people who give nothing more than lipservice while they cahmpion the greed of the rich.
BUT, I digress, again, we just have to agree to disagree, at least I am, because NOTHING you can say will change what I KNOW about Bush and Cheney OR the GOP, you can show pictures of them feeding kids in the Congo, wouldn't change my mind at all, sorry...the GOP serves Mammon, not my Father, simple as that, they are as much OF the World as the Democrats, at least the Democracts don't try to act like they are not and co-opt Jesus into their politics.
@Stormbringer:
"As much as I'd like to take apart Dj Black Adam's inconsistencies, dodges and lack of logic (and using Limbaugh as a dirty word lol), I'll leave the fray to the rest of you."
lolololololololol Even if you HAD Thor's hammer you aren't up to the job.
Anytime you feel froggy, jump.
Sorry, DJ Jazzy Adam, even though I DO have Thor's hammer, you bore me.
@Stormbringer:
"Sorry, DJ Jazzy Adam, even though I DO have Thor's hammer, you bore me."
lololololol
Eventus stultorum magister.
I didn't realize that Adam's ego was so weak. (Yawn)
@Stormbringer:
"I didn't realize that Adam's ego was so weak. (Yawn)"
I didn't realize you were female until that comment. My bad, I generally don't give vague threats to women in Latin...
Well DJ Adam one thing the GOP did about abortion your man undid as soon as he took office, when he lifted the ban on federal funds being used to pay for abortions abroad. Also that conservative court upheld the ban on partial birth abortions. which will be next on the Obama chopping block.
I would like to know what I said that grieved you so much, as I try not to be offensive. I am not sure what you are disagreeing with. Adam you made some statements about Bush's African party that were specious and I posted proof that he did more for the continent of Africa than any other president republican or democrat. You ignored that demonstrable proof and attacked me.
Then you made spurious remarks about the financial trouble the country faces, So I posted proof that can also be checked by anyone with an inclination, to illustrate that in fact the Bush administrations efforts to prevent the crisis were ignored by the legislature. Instead of countering the demonstrable facts that I offered with evidence to the contrary, you again attacked me.
I did not give you my opinion, I gave you hard facts that are a part of the public record, a record that is ignored by a biased mainstream media. I have to ask you brother, what issue trumps the first gift granted by God to man, the gift of life? I am not being flippant, I really am interested in what you consider to be a greater issue than the wholesale slaughter of children?
Eventus stultorum magister.
I always thought that was a proverb, I didn't realize it could be used as a threat.
Which of course begs the question why would you, a Christian be issuing threats woman or otherwise on a blog thread?
@digital:
I wrote: "Eventus stultorum magister."
You replied: "I always thought that was a proverb, I didn't realize it could be used as a threat."
I didn't realize you obviously haven't seen "Tombstone" with Val Kilmer and Kurt Russell, and that you take yourself WAAYYYYYY to seriously.
Then you follow with the typical evangelical "let me determine who is a Christian line: "Which of course begs the question why would you, a Christian be issuing threats woman or otherwise on a blog thread?"
It was facetious, get a grip. It was a challange to StormBringer to bring the "point by point" debate, not for fisticuffs, oy veh. It seems your lack of ability to read contextually is not limited to your flawed exegetical views on scripture.
Your presumption knows no bounds, I didn't question your Christianity, yet you feel inclined to question mine as if you KNOW me(and it is the second time you've done that)?
CBW, I can take disagreement, but I think I will have to excuse myself from posting here further, self righteous Christians like Digital, I generally avoid. Maybe this stuff is "cool" in your protestant world, it's not cool in my Ethiopian Orthodox world.
I'll see you on Character Corner.
Peace.
"It was facetious, get a grip. It was a challange to StormBringer to bring the "point by point" debate, not for fisticuffs, oy veh. It seems your lack of ability to read contextually is not limited to your flawed exegetical views on scripture."
Well you invite StormBringer to a point by point debate, but avoid such a debate with me, anyone who reads this thread will see that I tried to engage you in just such a way, and all I got from you Adam, was a series of character attacks. Not once did you address a point that I made. You did however erect enough straw men to protect the state of Nebraska.
All this goes to prove that StormBringer is smarter than me, I actually thought that reason and empirical evidence would rule the day with you. Me and my partners owned three comic book shops in the late 80s and 90s here in the suburbs of Detroit and it had been my experience that comics fans were reasonable, at least the ones that came to my shops were. I guess you were right about my discernment.
CBW, if my actions have caused DJ black Adam to take his football and go home I apologize. It was not my intent. I simply wanted to add my voice to yours in support and to provide a little food for thought to the debates I had been following in silence your last few posts.
God Bless You and this Blog,
Hassan
Digital Publius~No apologies necessary.
DJ Black Adam~I've enjoyed having you. Don't forget Attymom's Podcast. I hope you are still in.
DP, you said, "All this goes to prove that StormBringer is smarter than me..." Wrong-O! I'm not smarter than you, just know a lost cause (DJ) when I see one. Note that he went on the ego thing, and also did not address any points that I raised.
Post a Comment