The Gate

The Gate 2013

Others,

The kingdom of Judah was re-constituted as a province of the Persian Empire after the liberation from Babylonian domination. Ezra was the religious leader for the new state. Nehemiah was the governor. The re-constitution was celebrated as an extension of Judaic culture with the reading of the law. The “law” was a combination of literature and history that documented the formation of the Jewish people.

The Water Gate
http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=222416024
All the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding.

This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.

-------------------------------

The Water Gate in the passage has been un-earthed.

Excavation of the Water Gate
http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4086258,00.html
“The highlight of the excavations is the complete exposure of the gate house. The plan of this impressive building includes four rooms of identical size, arranged on both sides of a broad corridor paved with crushed limestone.

“The plan of the gate house is characteristic of the First Temple period (tenth-sixth centuries BCE) and is similar to contemporaneous gates that were revealed at Megiddo, Beersheba and Ashdod.

“The excavator, Eilat Mazar, suggests identifying the gate house here with the ‘water gate’ mentioned in the Bible: “…and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower” (Nehemiah 3:26).”

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The book of the law expresses opposition to slavery and murder. The love for God is seen as hope for redemption from what was wrong with the past. The scripture documents the events for a time when it was hoped that existence in empire would expand justice. Alliance with empire however would come to face great challenge with the changing of imperial leadership.

If the Babylonian law was wrong because it allowed citizens to get away with murder, how were the Persian policies of devotion to the destruction of the enemy and perpetual war acceptable to a law that condemned killing as murder? Wasn’t murder on a mass scale being condoned outside of the kingdom while murder and other crimes were punishable by the death penalty in the kingdom?

======================

The excavation of ancient sites opens the door for comparison of then with now. What had happened in the flow of history? How does that flow influence what is being done now?

The Ruins of Ephesus allow for a comparison of buildings and policies from a number of imperial constructs. The Romans had adopted Greek gods and stories with the modification of names for the gods. Some buildings were maintained. Others were added. The Romans were replaced by the Byzantines and the Byzantines by the Ottomans.
http://bibleencyclopedia.com/places/Ephesus_ruins_from_Temple_of_Domitian.htm
http://www.twoyangs.com/2012/08/03/port-of-call-kusadasiephesus-turkey/
http://vexilla-regis.blogspot.com/2011/08/saint-paul-writes-from-ephesus.html
http://travelingwithkrushworth.wordpress.com/2012/08/01/ephesus-turkey-trave-guide-turkey-travel-photography/

The lives of apostolic Christians give us an idea of what was happening with some members of a small but growing religious group within the empire. Timothy, Titus and Silas were traveling companions with Paul.
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/88.html
Timothy was given a church in Ephesus and Titus in Crete. Silas was liberated from jail with Paul in Phillippi.

The early church in Ephesus may have assembled in the temple of Diana (formerly Artemis). The temple was a public construct for religious worship.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artemis#Trojan_War 

Remains for the Church of St. John from the 6th century CE have been unearthed. It had been built during the reign of Justinian, a Byzantine emperor.
http://www.go2ephesus.com/ephesus-turkey/ephesus.html
"The basilica was in a very dilapidated state when the Turks arrived in the Xll’th cent, (it was turned into a mosque in 1330). The building was partly destroyed by earthquake during the XlV’th cent, and was finally completely ruined during Tamerlane’s conquest of the town."

=========================

Time and space discourage extensive comparison by contrast, but the provision against cruel and unusual punishment as expressed by the English bill of rights (1689) was not in evidence; neither was the provision for freedom of religion as expressed in the US bill of rights (1791).

 

While these provisions are not the sum total for all the rights that are regarded as human in civil government, they affect a change in the administration of justice. Formerly, persecution was often conflated with prosecution. The members of the ruling elite could punish without being punished; making justice into a vague abstraction; something that might possibly exist, but often escapes expression by implementation in society.

The following song celebrates hope with promise.

The Gate to Restoration
1 Corinth.12, Neh. 8, Exodus 20; Ps. 19, Ps. 80, Matt.21:33-46

The body has many members,
but the members form one body.
So it is with Christ.
We were baptized into one body
by the Spirit. We participate
in the communion of community
as one living being.

Our communion is our common cup
irrespective of race, sex, age,
social status or income bracket.

When one member suffers; all suffer.
When one member is honored; all rejoice.

The people of conflict gather together in a temple
before the altar. The book of the law with liberty and grace
is brought out and read. The priest stands before the people
to reflect upon what had been read. Prayers are offered
for guidance in understanding, deliverance from adversity
and justice with mercy. The good news of God’s love
is shared by the experience of worship.
Communion shares energy
with divine being.

The rule of law is the gate to progress
in prosperity for posterity.

We are a religious body that participates
in government. We are not the government.
We do not own the government.

We do not dictate policy to the government.
We bring our experience with history to the table
to promote public policy that is fair
for the community, state, nation and the world.

Restore us, O God of Hosts.
Show the light from your sun.
We will be saved.

You brought a vine out from a land of cruelty.
You prepared the vineyard for growth.
The earth is the work of your hands.
The heavens have declared your handiwork.
You cast out those that enslaved people.

One day tells its tale to another.
One night imparts knowledge to the other.
Although time has no words or language;
the message has gone out to the ends of the world;
the sound has gone out to all lands.

A pavilion has been set for the sun in the deep.
Light comes forth like a bridegroom from his chamber
Illumination rises like a champion to run the course.

The course runs from the uttermost edge
and extends to the end of the heavens.
Nothing is hidden from its brilliant radiance.

The law of the LORD is perfect.
It revives the soul.
It gives wisdom
to all who need it.

You will not make false gods.
You will not abuse the name
of the LORD, your God.
Remember to worship together.
You will work for most of the week,
but preserve time for holiness.
Honor your father and mother
that your generation may live long
and well in the land in which you live.

You will not murder. You will not destroy marriage.
You will not steal. You will not bear false witness.
You will not covet another’s property.
You will not punish to destroy. When the accused is found
guilty of crime in a court of law by the body of evidence
before a jury of peers the accused will be convicted.
The convicted will be corrected by detention,
instruction and rehabilitation;
not by torture;
not by cruelty.

Murder is the only crime punishable by death,
but conviction must be based on evidence
that does not allow the shadow of a doubt.
The conviction may not be based on discrimination.

Leaders who profit from wars of aggression;
profit from merchandizing death.
This is mass murder.
The profit is not exempt from punishment.
Neither are those who made it.

Love God. Love others. Then you will love yourself.
Keep yourself from sin to keep yourself from crime.
Care for those who need it. Love your enemy.
Hate violence and deception
or you will never progress in justice
or find justice in progress.

These commandments are just.
They give joy to the heart and insight to the mind.
They make the vine take root.

The vine took root. It grew.
The tendrils stretched out along the rivers
and reached down to the sea.
The mountains were covered by its shadow;
The towering trees by its shade.
The land was filled with fertility.
Justice was the fruit of immortality.

The landowner leased the vineyard to tenants.
When the harvest time had come
he sent messengers to collect
the profit from its produce.

One was beaten.
One was stoned.
Another was killed.
He sent his son
hoping for respect.

The tenants seized the son,
cast him out of the vineyard
and killed him.

Now the walls of the vineyard
have been broken down.
The wild boar has ravaged the earth.
The beasts of the forest have eaten their fill
of our fruit. Injustice has established inequity.
Inequity has caused strife among the people.

What will the owner of the vineyard do to the tenants?
He will take it away from them and give it to people
who will produce the fruit of justice.

Turn now, O God of hosts, look down from heaven.
Behold this vine in your vineyard.
Preserve what your hands have planted.
Tend to the growth of the garden.
Restore our faith.

Your judgments are true and righteous
O LORD, our strength and redeemer.
They are more desirable than gold
and sweeter by far than honey.

Let the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart,
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD God of hosts.

===================

There are social programs that act as an extension for the life of the person who played a leading role in establishing the service. The counseling service at St. Mark’s in Macau, a former Portuguese colony, reflects the teaching ministry established by Christ through the work of the first female priest, Florence Li Tim-Oi.

Children At St. Mark's Daycare in Macau
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2012/03/05/from-gambling-counseling-to-education-hong-kong-anglicans-serve-society/
"St. Mark’s has a school, serving 2,000 students in K-12 and adult education, and runs a daycare center. And like the Gambling Counseling and Family Wellness Center, St. Mark’s serves families affected by gambling."

The Ordination of Florence Li Tim-Oi
First Woman Priest in the Anglican Communion 1944
http://anglicanfuture.blogspot.com/2007/01/priest-florence-li-tim-oi-and.html
"The story begins with the ordination of Florence Li Tim Oi in Hong Kong in 1944. The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II meant that Anglican priests were prevented from crossing to the unoccupied colony of Macao to bring the sacraments to the people there. Faced with this pastoral crisis Bishop Hall decided to ordain Tim Oi who was already serving as a deacon in Macao.

"It should be noted that Bishop Hall was in no position to consult any of the "Instruments of Unity" before making this decision and, in fact, was later roundly condemned by them. After the war, despite censure and pressure from the 1948 Lambeth Conference and two successive Archbishops of Canterbury, Bishop Hall did not require Tim Oi to renounce her ordination. She surrendered her licence to practise as a priest and continued her faithful service to the church in China as far as she could through terrible years of suffering during the Cultural Revolution.

"Finally, in 1971 the newly formed Anglican Consultative Council, which included lay people as well as priests and bishops, met in Kenya and voted by a narrow margin to allow the diocese of Hong Kong to ordain women. Tim Oi now in her 70's was able to resume her priestly ministry and we were honoured to have her spend her final years in Canada."

http://www.anglican.ca/faith/worship/resources/li-tim-oi/
"The Anglican Church of Canada had by this time approved the ordination of women to the priesthood and in 1984, the 40th anniversary of her ordination; Ms. Li was, with great joy and thanksgiving, reinstated as a priest. This event was celebrated not only in Canada but also at Westminster Abbey and at Sheffield in England even though the Church of England had not yet approved the ordination of women."

http://www.ittakesonewoman.org/public/litimoi.php
"It was not until 1971 that the Anglican Communion agreed that further women might be ordained priest, and not until 1994 that women were priested in the Church of England. In the same year the 'Li Tim-Oi Foundation' was launched to empower women in the Two-Thirds World for Christian mission and ministry."

=================

Western society has given birth to constitutional democracy. It is potentially the greatest contribution to the world for the representation of human rights by government. Capitalism as an economic system is allowed, but giving an unfair advantage to the wealthiest people with a tax break allowed them to buy control of the government.

Allowing the tax break increase from the Bush administration to expire has decreased the advantage afforded by the break. It has not ended it. The time that it took to win a small correction for the middle class shows that the correction is not complete. Neither does it count as something that has stopped the human rights violations documented by the NDAA.

Constitutional democracy favors that which is right about centrism.

The success of right wing extremism distorted the sense of center. When the right and left sides of center have been pushed so far to the right that the poor are being pushed out the door of society, democracy doesn't represent the people.

It only represents the elitists who have been paying to control government outcomes. Decreasing the tax break given to the wealthiest provides a measure for increasing representation for the people. This is the political solution that is currently being promoted by the executive to the legislative branch of the government.

The judicial branch has civil and criminal areas of authority. Tax reform promotes economic recovery, but it doesn’t correct those who paid to orchestrate two invasions and the human rights violations allowed by the NDAA.

How are people who profit from the merchandizing of death by mass murder to be corrected? There is the civic dimension for the problem. Law suits can seek financial restitution, but the criminal aspect has been left to speculation regarding punishment in the “after life.”

What level of hell is reserved for those who profit from mass murder? The speculation is idle when it refuses to consider the impact on the world. If the national court won’t entertain the criminal prosecution of offense will an international court be granted the authority of recognition by nations united for justice?

Unite for justice. Oppose war. Take action against wars for aggression. History has too many examples of criminals who rose to power by placing themselves over or outside of the law.

Steve K.  

Thirst

 

Others,

Congratulations to President Obama and Vice-President Biden for re-election!

Obama and Biden sworn in for second term.
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/president-barack-obama-vice-president-joe-biden-sworn/story?id=18263811

Obama’s economic reform will change the nation. Call it Obama-rama! It is for the people!

Biden’s been fighting with good faith for the right to ride in a horse that is not a runaway. Woah, horse!  We’ve been growing hoarse trying to stop “global war on terror” with the terror of war! Now we have to stop the drones!

The following song celebrates goodness for all who support it.

Thirst
for Goodness in Life
fm. 1 Corinthians 12, Psalm 36, John 2

There are a variety of gifts
from the same Spirit;
a variety of services
from the same LORD;
a variety of activities
from the same God.

The manifestation
for the common good
is given to each.
When each reaches out for each
community can teach.

Your love reaches to the heavens.
Your faith extends so high.
Your strength is like the mountains.
Your grace falls softly like a sigh.
Your justice runs in rivers;
it flows down to the deep.
Salvation saves the duty
for both the beauty and the beast.

Your pride is priceless.
Your protection is profound.
Your providence is evident
for common ground for all,
all around.

People take refuge under the shadow
of your wings.
We drink from the river
of your delights.

The well of life is with you.
Life is light with your sight.

Fill your glass with water.
Fill each up to the brim.
Drink for goodness in your life.
Drink deep and you will win.

==================

Lights will guide you home
and ignite your bones.
I will try to fix you.

Coldplay – Fix You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JI-o25K6B-E

Fill your glass with water.
Drink for goodness in your life.
Drink deep and you will win.

Steve K.

Water

Baptism of Jesus 2013

Others,

The baptism of Jesus represented the inclusion of non-Jews into the faith that justice can be achieved with the rule of law. God saves, so humanity will learn to live with justice for each other.

Nations will see the glory of your light; leaders will wonder at your dawn!
http://bible.cc/isaiah/60-3.htm

Harriet Bedell
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harriet_Bedell
“Harriet Bedell (March 19, 1875 – January 8, 1969) was an Episcopal deaconess and missionary to the Seminole Indians of Florida and the Alaskan native peoples.”

Education
http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2012-06-28/Opinion/Deaconess_Harriet_Bedell_missionary_to_the_Seminol.html
"[Harriet Bedell] was instrumental in the [Seminole] Indian’s gaining tribal status and acquiring some 200,000 acres of the Everglades where they could have their own school."

Health Care, Education and Economic Development

http://liturgyandmusic.wordpress.com/2011/01/08/january-8-harriet-bedell-deaconess-and-missionary-1969/
"In 1932, hearing about the plight of the Seminoles in Florida, Bedell used her own salary to reopen a mission among the Mikasuki Indians. There, she worked to revive some of their traditional crafts: Doll-making, basket-weaving, and intricate patchwork designs. The arts and crafts store that they established to sell their handicrafts improved the economy of the Blades Cross Mission. Though forced to officially retire at age 63, Bedell continued her ministry of health care, education, and economic empowerment until 1960 when Hurricane Donna wiped out her mission."

Blessed are the peacemakers. They will be called the children of God.
http://bible.cc/matthew/5-9.htm

Blessed is the Birdwoman, Harriet Bedell! She promoted peace with reparation. Her mission with the Seminoles in Florida encouraged commerce, health and education for economic development starting in the Great Depression.

---------------------------

Gabby Giffords & Mark Kelly Promote Responsible Solutions
http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/01/08/16411165-gabby-giffords-launches-group-to-counter-gun-lobby?lite
"The couple [Giffords & her husband] last week visited Newtown, Conn., where a gunman opened fire in an elementary school, killing 20 children and six adults in December. They also met with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a gun control advocate."

Responsible Solutions
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/08/gabrielle-giffords_n_2430779.html
"Giffords and Mark Kelly wrote in an op-ed published in USA Today that their Americans for Responsible Solutions initiative would help raise money to support greater gun control efforts.

""Achieving reforms to reduce gun violence and prevent mass shootings will mean matching gun lobbyists in their reach and resources," they wrote in the column.
"They said that it will "raise funds necessary to balance the influence of the gun lobby.""

=====================

Does it need to be written? Amend the Second Amendment. It is poorly written. It only addresses gun owners. It should address the right of the people to self-defense.

Guns are not the only recourse to self-defense; neither are weapons. Most people rely on the law to act in defense of human rights.

Advocates for gun rights often forget the Eighth Amendment with the provision against cruel and unusual punishment. The use of lethal force when it is not necessary is cruel.

Calling unnecessary lethal force "self-defense" does not make homicide justifiable. Lethal self-defense has to be defense of self, family, friends or others from lethal force in order to be legal.

Killing someone with iced tea and skittles, then making up a story for corroboration by a confederate does not qualify as a justification for killing in self-defense.

Argument Against Executive Order

http://www.bibleprophecyblog.com/2013/01/executive-action-not-way-to-go.html
""I don't think the gun owners of America and those who are in favor of our liberties and the Second Amendment are going to stand for the president taking away their rights," Staver contends. "They're not going to allow one individual through the signing of an executive order to literally nullify the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms.""

=====================

The president is not the only one who is for gun control. LaPierre's statement that only a good guy with a gun can stop a bad guy is false. Magazine size has to be restricted. The number of guns someone owns can constitute "probable cause" for surveillance.

If someone is purchasing more guns than are necessary to defend the home, then the castle defense is overextended. If someone is carrying a gun without a license, the self-defense provision of the SYG (Stand Your Ground) law does not apply. There has to be a requirement for licensing before someone can legally carry a gun outside of the household.

If the person owns an arsenal and defines the government as evil to defend the ownership of the arsenal, mental instability is in evidence.

Gun control limits use for responsible gun ownership.

===================

Egypt is your ransom.(Isa.43:3)

The Lives of Egyptians are Not the Ransom for Dictatorship
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/14/world/middleeast/egyptian-court-grants-hosni-mubarak-a-new-trial.html?_r=0
 "An Egyptian appeals court on Sunday overturned the life sentence of former President Hosni Mubarak for directing the killing of protesters, a ruling that could prolong a politically fraught legal battle over the fate of Egypt’s deposed autocrat two years after he was ousted."

Re-Trial for Mubarak
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/egyptian-court-grants-hosni-mubaraks-appeal-of-his-life-sentence-orders-retrial/2013/01/13/5948195e-5d5f-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html
"A new Mubarak trial would be popular, since many Egyptians were angered he was convicted for failing to stop the killings, rather than ordering the crackdown that killed nearly 900 people."

Isaiah prophesied as an apologist for kingdom alliance with empire. The passage that describes Egypt as ransom was written to suggest that paying tribute to the empire provided protection from another kingdom. Egypt had a history as a military power aspiring to empire. Constitutional constructs regarding the protection of rights had not been developed.

Who provides supplies for the Islamic Rebels in Mali?

Mali, Africa (former French colony)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324734904578239472166070626.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
"Responding to a call for help by the Malian president, France engaged its troops in central Mali on Friday and conducted more airstrikes over the weekend to block the southern progression of rebel groups that control the northern half of the African country."

Freedom of Religion in Mali
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mali#Religion
"The constitution establishes a secular state and provides for freedom of religion, and the government largely respects this right."

The new Egyptian constitution is deceptive insofar as it claims to have freedom of religion for the Abrahamic religions. It doesn't express recognition for other religions and it "stacks the deck" in favor of using state resources for Islam.

Constitutional democracy acknowledges the validity of religion that does not claim power over the state for the establishment of religion.

The world is a large place. History has seen the development of religion as a cultural forum for morality with civility. The Abrahamic religions are not the only advocates for civility.

The following song celebrates baptism for faith in the God of salvation.

Water
Ps.29, Isa.43, Luke 3

The Creator created conflict.
Competition celebrates formation.
Redemption rejoices in adaptation.
Being was born by bonding for improvement.

LORD, your voice is upon the waters.
It shimmers with the glimmers of waves.
Your frequency fills the skies.

Darkness moves upon the face of the deep.
Glory rumbles with the sound of thunder.
Turbulence raises the sea.
Creation sings with uncreated energy.

Your voice is powerful;
your face, resplendent.

The ground shakes
with groans of pain. 
The foundation breaks
where movement
is madness.

The wind roars insanity!
Lightning cracks; a tree is made black.
This is the death of vanity.

The volcano vomits fire.
Smoke fills the sky.

The quake shakes the wilderness.
Tidal surge supersedes the tide.
A tornado touches down.
This is the death of pride.

When you pass through water, I will be with you.
You will not be destroyed as you pass through time.
When you are tried by fire, you will not retire.

You will learn dignity.
Flames will not consume you;
only false pride

The LORD is your God.
The Leader of competition
is for salvation.

Households make community.
Communities shape state.
States produce nation.
Nations construct alliance for the world.

People are the wealth of nations.
Nature’s God created nature.
Nature makes you what you are.
You secure yourself
for posterity.

Labor is your heritage.
Promise is your prosperity.
Management plans for success
with provisions for failure.

Sight is submerged.
Water becomes atmosphere.
Breath is held to preserve
the ability to extract
oxygen from air
for blood and breath.

Light penetrates liquid.
Submergence reverberates
with muffled sound.
Incantations celebrate birth
with faith.

Emergence converges with renewal.
Light returns to sight in air.
Breathing is restored.

Sound resonates
all around.

The wetness of water
falls down.

We have been freed from slavery.
We have been re-born with Spirit.
We have been lifted to LEADERSHIP’s side.

Just as Moses lifted the serpent
in the wilderness;
Just as Mohammed  lifted his eyes
to the skies;
the Son of Man has lifted our life
for our lives.

Your light is precious in my sight.
Your sight honors me with love.
Your offspring are conceived
in the congress drawn
from debate.

Our sons will come from far away.
Our daughters will travel
from the ends of the earth.

Every one will be called by name;
was born for glory;
and is informed by change.

Glory to you LORD God of our ancestors!
Glory to you! You give strength to your people.

You shower us with the blessings of peace.
Our glory is by your side.

================

St. John's College, Oxford University
William Laud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Laud
"William Laud (7 October 1573 – 10 January 1645) was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1633 to 1645. One of the High Church Caroline divines, he opposed radical forms of Puritanism. This, and his support for King Charles I, resulted in his beheading in the midst of the English Civil War."

Death Penalty by Beheading
http://www.british-civil-wars.co.uk/biog/laud.htm
"Archbishop Laud was beheaded on Tower Hill on 10 January 1645 and buried at the church of All Hallows by the Tower. After the Restoration, his body was reburied in a vault under the altar at the chapel of St John's College, Oxford."

Divine Right of Kings
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/Archbishop-William-Laud.htm
"Laud’s real political power started to develop when Charles came to the throne in 1625. Laud preached that Charles had the God-given right to rule by Divine Right – a view strongly held by Charles himself. The assassination of the favoured Buckingham in 1628 further extended the influence of Laud who stated that those who failed to support the king were simply bad Christians."

Sectarian Policy
http://www.nndb.com/people/435/000107114/
"On the accession of Charles I, Laud's ambitious activities were allowed free scope. A list of the clergy was immediately prepared by him for the king, in which each name was labelled with an "O" or a "P", distinguishing the Orthodox to be promoted from the Puritans to be suppressed..."

"The Puritan lecturers were suppressed. He showed great hostility to the Puritan sabbath and supported the reissue of the Book of Sports, especially odious to that party, and severely reprimanded Chief Justice Richardson for his interference with the Somerset wakes. He insisted on the use of the prayer-book among the English soldiers in the service of Holland, and forced strict conformity on the church of the merchant adventurers at Delft, endeavoring even to reach the colonists in New England."

Book of Common Prayer
http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bio/76.html
"In 1637 an attempt was made to introduce the Book of Common Prayer into general use in Scotland, and it immediately caused rioting. In February of 1638, Scottish leaders signed the National Covenant, by which they pledged themselves to uphold the Puritan position by force, and by the end of the year they had voted to depose and excommunicate every bishop in Scotland.

“The unrest spread to England, and in 1640 Laud was arrested on a charge of high treason. He was kept in the Tower for four years, and tried in 1644, at the age of seventy-one. He was found guilty, not because there was any evidence of his guilt, but because the House of Commons was determined that he should die."

==================

Obscure or outdated biblical references don't constitute "Church Teaching." The Church is a body that lives in the present; not in the outdated standards of the past when the bible was recorded.

Gay Bishops
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20918806
"Some critics say it is undermining church teaching about homosexuality in the hope of winning public approval."

=================

Communism and Fascism are two extremes that lie outside the province of democratic leadership.  Communal ownership is a property of communism. Private ownership is a property of fascism.

The state controls industry by ownership in communism. Citizens that own industry control the state in fascism.

Internet Activism & Property Insurance
http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21569041-can-internet-activism-turn-real-political-movement-everything-connected?fsrc=scn/gp/wl/pe/everythingisconnected
"Since Garrett Hardin’s 1968 essay “The Tragedy of the Commons”, environmental issues have increasingly come to be seen in terms of “negative externalities”. Hardin argued that common properties would be overexploited because the benefits of the exploitation would be appropriated by the people doing the exploiting, whereas the costs fall on all equally."

The 'tragedy of the commons' reads as an endorsement for privatization. It argues that no one benefits from commonwealth accept the government official as the exploiter.

Exploitation is necessary in this paradigm. Privatization is better as a lesser evil because a private citizen benefits from the exploitation; not a government official. The trouble with the argument is that it assumes exploitation is a necessary evil. People are left to choose between one extreme or the other.

Constitutional democracy is a preferable alternative. The balance of powers is aimed at eliminating exploitation in the promotion of equity.

The inequity in the economy has increased every time that the wealthiest have been given a tax break. The "elite" have turned the government of the country upside down. They put the money that was saved by the tax break into buying influence OVER political leadership.

This pushes the form of government toward fascism, the rule of the "strong" over people with the law. War became the banner for the elite, because more money is taken through the industry for war. Commerce and favorable international relations were subordinated to Big Money. Human rights have suffered violations from those who hide behind the champions for the importance of respect in utility for representation.

The power of the accumulated capital is used to push for even more advantage, so even more money can be taken and withheld from the wealth of the nation. The tax break needs to be eliminated. People with the most wealth need to pay their share in the cultivation of social responsibility.

======================

More than 2,500 people were killed by drones. They were categorized as "militants" by surveillance. They were killed without a trial.

This policy does not promote democracy in Islamic nations. It does not win the hearts and minds of the people. It gives Muslims ample motivation to oppose western ideals in government.

It is tyrannical in the aggressive use of lethal force.  Non-combatants are killed by proximity to the suspected terrorists. You will not kill with universal approval. This policy should never have seen the light of day. It is past time to stop, so end it. Brennan should be put in prison as a mass murderer, not afforded the post as director for the CIA.

Look at the numbers again. More than 2,500 people were put to death without a trial. They were convicted by an anti-Islamic foreign policy posing as "intelligence."

Targeted killing with drones is not counter-terrorism. It is genocide. It kills due process. It is not legal, ethical or wise. It is a reduction of the war on terror, but it is not acceptable foreign policy.

Brennan Recommends Drone Strikes
http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2013/0107/With-John-Brennan-Obama-doubles-down-on-drone-strikes
"Under Obama, more than 300 drone strikes have reportedly killed more than 2,500 people – many of them Al Qaeda leaders or other dangerous terrorists, according to the US government."

Does It Matter?
http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/01/does-it-matter-if-john-brennan-was-complicit-in-illegal-torture/266918/
"In nominating John Brennan to head the CIA, President Obama has made declassifying the report a more urgent priority. It is one of several sources that could help us to answer an important question: Are the American people being asked to entrust our clandestine spy agency and its killing and interrogation apparatuses to a man who was complicit in illegal torture?"

Yes. It matters that Brennan was complicit in promoting the use of torture. Yes. It matters that he was the advisor that recommended the use of drones in targeted killing. Yes. This is an opportunity to object to policies promoted by the man.

Please express your disapproval for the policies. Use the opportunity to oppose the appointment of a man who promoted illegal policies. We don't need another dictator as the Director of the CIA. He will only dictate policies to the US for the world based on his tortured view of national security.

Assad would not be president of Syria were it not for the use of targeted killing in the drone war of the Brennan "counter-terrorism" operation. The aggression of the "counter-terrorism" op supports the aggression of dictatorship.
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2013/0107/Assad-speech-resoundingly-dismissed-by-opposition-and-allies-video
"Assad repeated the talk about a national unity government, a national dialogue, and a new constitution – which is an acknowledgement of the failure and illegitimacy of the constitution that was passed and prepared under the supervision of his regime- at the same time as his militias commit massacres against the residents across Syria."

"Israel" means "Against Ray [as] God," but the meaning doesn't qualify as an endorsement for war and oppression. It is an ancient reference to disagreement with Egypt. It was used to promote independence from empire, but it means that there will be disagreement in the formation of consensus. Debate is necessary to work through disagreement to find responsible solutions in state, national and international forums

We don't want another anti-Semitic swing in western civilization, but we can't promote violations of human and civil rights in making concern for Israel the only consideration in relations with the Middle East.

The most recent attack on Palestinians resulted in a greater than 20 to 1 kill ratio (20:1) of Palestinian compared to Israeli deaths. It was reported that over 100 Palestinians were killed as contrasted with the death of 5 Israelis (Pal.k’d>100: Is.k’d<6).

Where is the concern for the imperative against killing in that kill ratio? The timing of the assaults on Palestinian life and properties shows that killing and destruction are being used for political expediency in persuading the western coalition to support the “right for Israel to exist.” It is killing aimed at the oppression of another population.  The policy presents the definition for genocide.

The Hagel Appointment Stirs Controversy
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/08/chuck-hagel-controversy_n_2431228.html
"Hagel, who says he's a strong supporter of Israel, stirred bad feelings by referring to pro-Israeli interests as "the Jewish lobby" and suggesting they wield undue power in Washington."

=======================

Personal relationship forms the basis for social relations. Many personal relations are avoided in an economy where the wealthiest benefit so much that marriage cannot be afforded at lower economic levels. The song “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” sings about a relationship that could not be fulfilled due to adverse circumstances.

Willie Nelson – Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pt-LZa9w0dc

In the twilight glow I seen her
Blue eyes crying in the rain
When we kissed goodbye and parted
I knew we'd never meet again

Love is like a dying ember
And only memories remain
And through the ages I'll remember
Blue eyes crying in the rain

Someday when we meet up yonder
We'll stroll hand in hand again
In the land that knows no parting
Blue eyes crying in the rain

=================

Be baptized by your love for others.
Show love with respect for rights.

Steve K.

Wealth

 

 

Epiphany 2013

Others,

‘Jesus’ Means ‘God Saves’
http://bible.cc/luke/2-21.htm
The baby was named Jesus when he was circumcised on the eighth day; the name given to him by the angel before conception.

Prevent Infection, Transmit Herpes?
http://www.kqed.org/news/story/2012/12/03/112093/new_york_orthodox_jews_clash_over_circumcision?source=npr&category=health
“Most circumcisions in New York probably do not involve metzitzah b'peh. Still, the city's Health Department says it has linked the practice to nearly a dozen recent cases of the herpes virus in young boys.”

Knowledge in medicine has advanced. Rituals based on ancient practice developed in relation to the knowledge of the time require modification. 

 

How do you define prosperity?

Isaiah referred to the standards for his time and location.

Camels will cover the land. The pride of Midian and Ephah will show. The wealth of Sheba will bring gold and incense; proclaiming praise for the Creator.
http://bible.cc/isaiah/60-6.htm

-------------------------

 

How is this for a modern statement for prosperity with pride? "The nation will help make repairs for areas damaged by natural disaster!"
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/nj/20130105_N__J__and_N_Y__lawmakers_lukewarm_over_just-passed_Sandy_relief_bill.html

The state will help provide for the basic needs of the poor, the young and the elderly!
http://www.mymoneyblog.com/state-tax-rate-maps-how-does-your-state-compare.html

The following re-write expresses gratitude with faith for prosperity with historical perspective. Freedom of religion is honored as a given.

Wealth
from Isa.60, Psalm 72, Matt.2, Eph.3

Rise. Shine. Your time has come.
The glory of the LORD has risen.
Darkness covered the earth;
thick darkness the people
but glory has risen.
It will rise to shine over you.
Nations have been drawn to this dawn;
leaders to the brightness of the light.

Lift up your eyes and look.
They gather together.
They come to you.
Infant sons crawl from a distance.
Baby daughters are cradled
by nurse maids.

You will see radiance
and be radiant;
your heart will rejoice.
Joy will shine
with the prosperity
of providence.

The abundance of the sea
will be used responsibly.
The wealth of nations
will be balanced with a budget.
The nation will make repairs
for natural disaster.

The state will care
for the poor, the young,
the elderly and disabled.
Wealth will be shared.
Praise for providence
will be proclaimed.

A child has been born to lead.
You, the house of bread in the land of praise with promise,
have produced a leader to lead people through conflict.

Give leadership your justice, God;
Your prosperity for posterity.

The rule of law will guide leadership.
The poor will receive sufficient provision
for competition.  Protection will be provided
without extortion. Self-defense will be honored
as a human as well as a civil right.

The oppressed will be rescued; the oppressor
will be corrected. Those convicted on criminal charges
in accordance with the due process for law
will be detained for rehabilitation.

Lawmakers will have to look at causes for crime.
Did a deficit in provision by law create desperation
that induced criminal behavior?

Providence has existed as long as the sun,
the moon, the stars and planets that light the night
like diamonds in the sky.

Grace will come down like rain on sown fields;
like showers that water the thirsty earth.

This is the reason that we have suffered economic distress.
The commission that was given to remember the poor
was given to us for others. The goodness of the great society
has been shown. It is known through experience
for the benefit of the world.

National identity was not used to violate
human rights in other nations.

The plan had been shrouded in mystery for ages.
The cult of death used violence for destruction
and oppression. Their shroud
obscured the view of justice.

Provisions for justice have been made known
in rich variety through the community of faith.
Those who have not experienced the promise
of the plan will come to share the benefits
through the good news of salvation
in Christ.

=======================

There is fear that responsible gun ownership is not possible. Any time that someone lacking mental stability goes on a rampage and kills many people, the fear is warranted.

Responsible gun ownership can be taught. Not only can it be taught. It has to be taught. It is not something that is completely natural. Self-defense is natural, yet it requires training for development. Guns are manufactured.

Regulation is necessary to provide education in responsible gun-ownership. Schools that provide training would have to train gun owners to be responsible citizens first, gun owners next.

Otherwise, situations like that in Florida would become common. Any gun owner with a conflict that results in a death is using the argument for self defense to justify the claim to justifiable homicide. The SYG law is generating instability in the social situation for the state.
http://www.redandblack.com/views/half-measures-will-not-stop-next-sandy-hook/article_08956fd2-56db-11e2-99a1-0019bb30f31a.html

War is not the wealth of nations. The promotion of providence with provisions for commerce is the basis for a capitalist economy in a democratic society.

The acquisition of capital is limited by responsible leadership in a market regulated by competition with fair business practices. The unfair advantage for the wealthiest people in society has only been decreased by a small increment.

 

The debt was caused by the Congressional authorization of two wars after a major tax cut during a Republican majority . The call for spending cuts to entitlements in social security is simply a promotion of the unfair advantage. It destabilizes international security for the industry of war.

Income is used to pay for basic needs for most people. The wealthiest among us use income and assets to attain wants at the expense of the needs for others. Unpaid workers and companions are a significant part of our economy.

Shine bright like a diamond to make the economy work.

Rihanna – Diamonds
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWA2pjMjpBs

We are beautiful like diamonds in the sky.

Steve K.