Shoppers Trample NY Walmart Employee

"This crowd was out of control," Fleming said. He described the scene as "utter chaos," and said the store didn't have enough security.

Police said about 2,000 people were gathered outside the Wal-Mart doors before its 5 a.m. opening at a mall about 20 miles east of Manhattan. The impatient crowd knocked the employee, identified by police as Jdimytai Damour, to the ground as he opened the doors, leaving a metal portion of the frame crumpled like an accordion.

Damour, 34, of Queens, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead around 6 a.m., police said. The exact cause of death has not been determined.

Dozens of store employees trying to fight their way out to help Damour were also getting trampled by the crowd, Fleming said. Shoppers stepped over the man on the ground and streamed into the store.

At least four other people, including a woman who was eight months pregnant, were taken to hospitals for observation or minor injuries. The store in Valley Stream on Long Island closed for several hours before reopening.

This incident is tragic proof of America's disease, one that is curable by morals, taught by the family, and church.

(story)

Russia to Help Venezuela Go Nuclear

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev agreed to help start a nuclear energy program in Venezuela and said Moscow is willing to participate in a socialist trade bloc in Latin America led by President Hugo Chavez.

Chavez and Medvedev planned to visit a Russian destroyer docked in a Venezuelan port on Thursday. The arrival of Russian warships this week for training exercises with Venezuela's navy was the first deployment of its kind in the Caribbean since the Cold War.

Accords signed Wednesday included one pledging cooperation in nuclear energy for peaceful uses. Russia also agreed to work with Venezuela in oil projects and building ships.

Medvedev called Venezuela "one of our most important partners in Latin America" and pledged to keep supplying the South American nation with weapons. But he said arms sales to Venezuela "are not aimed against any other country."

Chavez's government has already bought more than $4 billion in Russian arms, including Sukhoi fighter jets, helicopters and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles.

The military show of force is widely seen as a demonstration of Kremlin anger over the U.S. decision to send warships to deliver aid to Georgia after its conflict with Russia, and over U.S. plans for a European missile-defense system.

But U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice told reporters in Washington on Wednesday that "a few Russian ships is not going to change the balance of power" in the region.

Medvedev was to finish his four-nation Latin American tour in Cuba.

Medvedev said he also discussed the global financial crisis with Chavez, and "exchanged different ideas of what actions to take in this situation." Chavez blames the financial crisis on U.S. free-market capitalism.

Story here.

Have a Safe & Happy Thanksgiving

Big Three Religions, and the End of Days

Here is a brief summary of how the three largest religions view the end of our days on earth.

Jews
According to the Tenach (Old Testament) and the Talmud (Sanhedrin 97b), there will be 10 signs heralding the coming of the Redemption. They are known as the birth pangs of the Messiah.
The world will either be in a state of complete righteousness or comlete degradation.
Truth will decrease and lies prevail.
Inflation will be out of control.
The Jews will return to their Biblical homeland and the desert will bloom.
There will be fewer and fewer wise and righteous people.
Many Jews will give up the hope for redemption.
The young will treat the old with disrespect.
Learning will be rejected because people will desire a life of ease.
The whole world will turn against Israel.
The Jews will fight each other (secular against religious).

In the war of Gog and Magog, God will defeat Israel’s enemies and confirm that the nation of Israel is His chosen people. Earthly redemption will last 6,000 years. Afterwards, eternity will come.

Christians
In Jesus’ end-time teachings (Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; Revelation), He speaks of the following signs:

The Beginning of Birth Pangs
Wars and rumors of wars among the nations
Famine and plagues (epidemics)
False messiahs
The return of the Jews to the Land of Israel
The restoration of Israel

The Birth Pangs
The Gospel spreads to all the nations of the earth
Many false prophets arise
The Jerusalem Temple will be reestablished
The abomination of desolation
Hatred of the nations toward Israel
Uncontrollable anarchy
Signs in the heavens and natural disasters
Tribulation
People’s indifference to the signs of the times

After the battle of Armageddon, the Messiah will appear in the clouds and the thousand-year reign will begin. Satan will be bound in chains. When the millennium ends, God creates a new heaven and earth and the New Jerusalem descends from heaven “made ready as a bride adorned for her husband” (Rev. 21:2). “The tabernacle of God is among men…and God Himself shall be among them” (Rev. 21:3).

Muslims
Major and minor signs will precede the arrival of the Last Days. (Koran Sura 21:96, 27:82, 43:61).

Minor Signs
Bloodshed among Muslim groups
Increasing war in the world
Time contracts, with days becoming shorter
Religious awareness decreases
Atheists become very common
Muslim infiltrate all nations on earth

Major Signs
Gross materialism
Women outnumber men
The Muslim defeat the Jews in a holy war
Initially, Muslim and Christians fight together against the unbelievers

Afterward, the Muslim defeat the Christians in another holy war: “On Saturday we kill the Jews and on Sunday the Christians!” Gog and Magog triumph. At the end of time, the world is destroyed, and only true Muslim are saved, with the most honorable places of heaven filled by martyrs who gave their lives for Allah in holy war. After the earth is destroyed, it is recreated and prevails 50,000 years.

(take from here)

Entering a New Era?

Be cautious this Thanksgiving weekend, threats are rising. Federal authorities are warning police of a possible terror plot against the New York City subway and train systems during the holiday season.

The FBI has received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that AL-Qaida terrorists in late September may have discussed attacking the subway system. The threat may also be directed at the passenger rail lines running through New York, such as Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road, which are particularly busy with Thanksgiving holiday travelers.

A U.S. counter terror official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said senior government officials have been briefed because the FBI very recently received credible information about possible attacks over the holiday season, and authorities are particularly concerned about this long holiday weekend.

The internal bulletin says "We have no specific details to confirm that this plot has developed beyond aspirational planning, but we are issuing this warning out of concern that such an attack could possibly be conducted during the forthcoming holiday season,"

With all that being said, I personally, feel reaffirmed in my decision to get my CPL (or CCW, a permit to carry a concealed pistol).

However, the real issue I think we could be facing here, is that we are on a road to becoming like many countries in Europe and the Middle East: We will be facing terrorist threats over most holidays.

Are we going to be receiving new warnings during Christmas? How about New Years? Time Square is always a huge crowd, not to mention all around the world. What about the Christian holidays like Easter? What makes a zealot choose the day of horror?

I strongly recommend that we Christian Americans learn to trust our instincts, we learn survival skills, and we push OUR agenda in government. Gun rights, prayer in school, pro-life, and let us not stand on the sideline when its time to vote.

This isnt empty rhetoric, this is a battle call, because whether you admit to it or not, we are on the eve of a battle.

(story here)

Thanksgiving Humor

A man in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says,"I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty-five years of misery is enough."

"Pop, what are you talking about?" the son screams. "We can't stand the sight of each other any longer," the father says. "We're sick of each other, and I'm sick of talking about this, so you call your sister in Chicago and tell her."

Frantic, the son calls his sister, who explodes on the phone. "Like heck they're getting divorced," she shouts, "I'll take care of this,"

She calls Phoenix immediately, and screams at her father, "You are NOT getting divorced. Don't do a single thing until I get there. I'm calling my brother back, and we'll both be there tomorrow. Until then, don't do a thing, DO YOU HEAR ME?" and hangs up.

The old man hangs up his phone and turns to his wife. "Okay," he says, "they're coming for Thanksgiving and paying their own way."

Obama's Office of Management and Budget

The current director of the Congressional Budget Office, Peter Orszag, is the President-Elect's choice for the Office of Management and Budget.

While this may not sound very interesting, its good to know what kind of people we have in charge. The Office of Management and Budget is responsible for: balancing the budget, ensures sustained prosperity, addresses immediate economic challenges, and assists in keeping America safe.

This guy will have a very important role from day one. he has to explain how he is going to get us out of the economic/financial crisis.

Peter Orszag was born December 6, 1968, and later attended Princeton, and then on to the London School of Economics, where he received his masters and Ph.D.

He served as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, and as Senior Economist and Senior Adviser on the Council of Economic Advisers during the Clinton administration. He is a democrat.

The Man Who Sounded the Alarm

This is amazing, the man Peter Schiff, is warning America that this financial crisis is going to happen. All the way back to the end of 2006, through 2007 and sure enough, here we are. The amazing thing is that in some of these interviews, he is laughed at.

Listen to his picks, companies that he says will have hard times, and increases in gold, truly amazing that no one listened to him, and he hit the nail on the head... over and over and over.

Its long, but wow, watch:

Russian Warships in USA's Backyard

Russian warships arrived off Venezuela's coast Tuesday in a show of strength aimed at the United States as Moscow seeks to expand its influence in Latin America.

Russia has been very close and friendly with Venezuela recently, selling navy ships and building up Venezuela's military. Russia has also assisted Iran in building a Nuclear Power Plant, not to mention talks with Cuba and very close ties with China.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez wants Russian help to build their own nuclear reactor, invest in oil and natural gas projects and bolster his leftist movement's effort to limit U.S. influence in Latin America.

Pres. Chavez also wants more weapons. He has bought more than $4 billion in Russian arms, including Sukhoi fighter jets, helicopters and 100,000 Kalashnikov rifles, and more deals for Russian tanks or other weaponry may be discussed during Medvedev's visit starting Wednesday.

Russia's deployment of the naval squadron, including the flagship Peter the Great (Pyotr Veliky), and two support vessels. It has been seen by many as a response to USA sending warships to aid Georgia.

Russia has also sent two strategic bombers to Venezuela in September, for a visit that drew comparisons to the Soviet Union's deployments to Cuba during the Cold War.

U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said. "If the Venezuelans and the Russians want to have, you know, a military exercise, that's fine. But we'll obviously be watching it very closely."

Two of the Russian ships appeared on the horizon Tuesday morning off La Guaira, near Caracas, and the destroyer Admiral Chabanenko, docked at port while Venezuelan soldiers fired off cannons in a 21-gun salute. Russians sailors dressed in black-and-white uniforms lined up along the bow. The Peter the Great remained out of sight.

While the Russian navy has its skirmish with Venezuela, Russian President Medvedev will tour the countries of Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba, (Venezuela is hoping to "open the doors" to and increase business in Latin America for Russia.) something that was planned prior to the financial crisis. The crisis is hurting Russia and Venezuela, and will put a hold on ambitions in Latin America, one which included the construction of a gas pipeline across South America.

This deal is a big "win-win" situation for the two countries, as Russia will be able to sell more weapons and gain international power and presence, while Venezuela gains in terms of having an ally.

(story here)

Gasoline Rates

I stumbled on a site that has the national average of taxation, as well as per state, on fuel.

Personally, I was curious most about Michigan, but I wanted to compare it with states like California, New York and Florida.

This is what I found. First, the National tax average on gasoline is 48.4 cents per gallon (for the month of Oct.), and a federal tax of 18.4 cents. That is actually down 1 cent from July 2008. California is the highest in both gasoline as well as diesel, with a total tax (both state and the 48.4 cents of federal) 67.1 cents per gallon. Out of all 50 states, Michigan comes in tied (with Indiana) for fifth place for the highest tax on gasoline, totaling 59.4. New York is at 60.9 cents, and Florida was at 51.6 cents.

As far as diesel fuel goes, the nationwide average is 53.6 cents per gallon, with the federal tax at 24.4 cents per gallon. California comes in at the top again with 76.4 cents per gallon, meanwhile Michigan is ranked sixth. Michigan's total tax, again, this includes the 24.4 federal tax, gives us a grand total of 67.3 cents per gallon. New York shows up seventh with 66.9, and Florida below that national average with 53.6.

All in all, Michigan has a high gas tax, far above the national average... maybe the government is trying to get our gas tax on top, just like our economy and unemployment rates.

Check your states rate here.

Tax Free Holiday For Gun Sales

Now this is a good idea. I stumbled onto the blog Conservative Scalawag, and found a very interesting post that talked about South Carolina... and its tax free holiday.

For years now, South Carolina has had a tax free holiday for back to school items, however now it has a similar holiday, for guns. In June state law makers passed a bill called the "Second Amendment Recognition Act", which makes the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, a sales tax "holiday" on firearms. In English (no need to press 1 here), that means you can purchase a pistol, rifle, or shotgun, and you wont have to pay the sales tax.

With the cost of guns going up, as well as the sale of firearms, this is a deal worth taking advantage of. Depending on what you guy, your savings could be anywhere from a little, to a heck of a lot. The tax rate in South Carolina isn't that much, a mere 4%, however its always nice to save money.

The Governor of the state, Mark Sanford, actually vetoed the bill, however the lawmakers overrode it. In his veto message, he said: “While we support the intent underlying sales tax holidays, we are vetoing this bill because we don’t believe that sales tax holidays are an effective method of promoting energy efficiency or the Second Amendment.”

He also said that there are many studies that show how providing a temporary sales tax holiday does not have a significant impact on consumer demand... which makes no sense as to why he would veto the bill. Thankfully, the lawmakers are smart and dedicated, and I thank you. If you ever need a job, please come to Michigan.


(picture from Reuters: Jeff Mitchell)

Gun Owners: Beware!

While Obama may say that he does not plan to promote gun control, his record paints a different picture. There was some controversy surrounding his stance, while running for Illinois State Senate, where he supported a ban on all handguns.

A Chicago nonprofit, Independent Voters of Illinois, had this question:
35. Do you support state legislation to:
a. ban the manufacture, sale and possession of handguns? Yes.
b. ban assault weapons? Yes.
c. mandatory waiting periods and background checks? Yes.

Obama's campaign said, "Sen. Obama didn't fill out these state Senate questionnaires--a staffer did--and there are several answers that didn't reflect his views then or now. He may have jotted some notes on the front page of the questionnaire, but some answers didn't reflect his views."

Here is the kicker: It was supposedly Obama's campaign that answered the questions, however, it is still his campaign answering these questions, at what point do you fire your campaign??? If your campaign is filling your questionnaires out incorrectly, why are they still working for you?

Obama also supported a gun ban in Washington D.C., when asked about it he answered:"Because I think we have two conflicting traditions in this country. I think it's important for us to recognize that we've got a tradition of handgun ownership and gun ownership generally. And a lot of law-abiding citizens use it for hunting, for sportsmanship, and for protecting their families. We also have a violence on the streets that is the result of illegal handgun usage. And so I think there is nothing wrong with a community saying we are going to take those illegal handguns off the streets. And cracking down on the various loopholes that exist in terms of background checks for children, the mentally ill. We can have reasonable, thoughtful gun control measure that I think respect the Second Amendment and people's traditions."

So it all comes back down to his mindset that if you control who gets the guns legally, you will also be able to control who gets guns illegally. This is a fallacy.

Obama supports the Assault Weapon Ban, an assault weapon defined has many meanings, however the one pertaining to this bill defined it as such: "refers to semi-automatic firearms (that is, firearms that, when fired, automatically extract the spent casing and load the next round into the chamber, ready to fire again) that were developed from earlier fully-automatic weapons."

Included in this term would be any rifle, that allowed for detachable magazines (quite common), that included two of the following:

A folding stock
Conspicuous pistol grip
Bayonet mount
Flash suppressor, or a barrel threaded to hold a suppressor
Grenade launcher (can I really buy one of these???)

Semi automatic pistols that allowed for detachable magazines, two or more of following:

Folding or telescoping stock
Pistol grip
a fixed capacity of more than 5 rounds
detachable magazine (are there semi-auto's that dont have this???)

He also supports closing the "Gun Show Loop". This is what people consider the Loop: Under federal law, a firearm dealer must conduct a background check on anyone to whom he sells a gun, regardless of where the sale takes place. A person who is not a dealer may sell a gun from his personal collection without conducting a check.

I bought my first handgun from a gun show, I was 18. I had my green liscense from the state police to buy a handgun. A background check was done on me, and they sold the gun. Just because a gun show, generally speaking, looks like a bunch of "gun-toting rednecks" doesnt mean they dont follow the law.

Lastly, Obama believes in childrens safety when it comes to guns... as most all Americans (and others) do. However the extremity of his "safety" would require gun manufacturers to use biometric shooter-identification systems. Accidental firearm related deaths among children has dropped by 86% since 1975. Today, the chances of a child being killed in a firearm accident are less than one in a million.

Facts gathered from OnTheIssues.org

Olmert-Bush Meeting, Why its Important

Ehud Olmert, is the Prime Minister of Israel. George Bush is the President of the United States of America, they often speak and have had open communication the entire time they have been in office, so what makes this meeting so special?

Both P.M. Olmert, and Pres. Bush are in a "Lame Duck" status. A Lame Duck is an elected official who is approaching the end of his tenure, and especially an official whose successor has already been elected.

Its important because a lame duck president or prime minister, dont usually carry high expectations this late in the game (leaving office in weeks to a months time), however in this case, we could be wrong.

London's Sunday Times claimed to have the real answer in a report citing intelligence sources who suggested Olmert and Bush will be hammering out final details of an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities.

According to the sources, the prospect of an Israeli strike on Iran's main nuclear facilities before US President-elect Barack Obama is sworn in on January 20 has become significantly more likely.

Israel is convinced Obama does not intend to exert the kind of pressure needed to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, and certainly will not exercise a military option.

That leaves Israel few options but to exercise its own military option, and if Jerusalem decides to attack it will need at least the tacit cooperation of the US, which controls most of the airspace between Israel and Iran.

Few topics would be urgent enough for two lame duck leaders like Olmert and Bush to get together weeks before both are out of office. But the prospect of Iran building a nuclear weapon within months and Israel needing to eliminate any chance of that happening would be such a topic.

(story)

Twilight

Vampires bite back and takes number one spot in sales this weekend, putting it above the new Bond movie, and Bolt.

The movie caught a ride on the Harry Potter fans when JK Rowlings movie "The Half-Blood Prince" was pushed back until next year. In fact, Twilight came out on the same day that the Half-Blood prince was scheduled to come out.

The movie itself was a very "teenage girl" flick, which isnt a bad thing, thats the group they were targeting. If you havent read the book, the movie might not make the most sense, but its still an okay movie.

Vampire movies and Twilight are NOT in the same category. Twilight hunts on the tween's wishing they were in love, and it is reflected in the movie often with the long scenes of staring at each other.

The anticipation readers have to watch the movie played a vital role in the box office, and I give credit to the Harry Potter fans for reading this book. It came out shortly after Rowling stopped writing her series, and Meyer took action. With her series of books filling the void Potter left, she banked on their obsession of kids with supernatural powers.

If you didnt read the book, you can wait for the movie to come out on DVD. If you read the book, well, its obvious you have already seen the movie in theaters, otherwise this movie would have flopped.

Lastly, the movie made enough money that they have decided to make the second movie.

It Begins!

ProminentThought.com is now up and running! While you will most likely see no changes, the biggest change is the URL (the web address, or "www.prominentthought.com" vs. "layneh.blogspot.com")

I am excited to have the url, and hope that in the future the site will grow.

Cheers!

-Layneh

Vote to be Postponed

"Until they show us the plan, we cannot show them the money," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi, at a hastily called news conference in the Capitol.

Democratic leaders in Congress sidetracked legislation to bail out the auto industry today and demanded the Big Three develop a plan assuring the money would make them economically viable.

Congress will return to work in early December to vote on legislation if the big three automakers can produce an acceptable plan.

The decision averted a likely defeat of legislation to providie a $25 billion loan for the industry. Reid and Pelosi both said there was no plan in circulation that could pass both houses of Congress and win President George W. Bush's approval.

As a result, the fate of hundreds of thousands of auto workers and even of an iconic American industry hangs in the balance.

Even if lawmakers return to vote, they are likely to insist on numerous conditions on any loans. One possibility is to seek a partial ownership of the companies. Another is to limit salaries of top executives. A third is to prohibit use of the funds for any lobbying.

When Lee Iacocca was in charge, and Chrysler was in financial trouble, he worked for $1. When the current leaders of the big three were asked if they would do the same, only one said yes; another said he would sacrifice half his paycheck, the third wouldn't do either.

All three flew on private jets for their meetings in Washington D.C. GM's Rick Wagoner arrived in a $36 million Gulf stream IV jet, costing $20,000 round-trip. California Democrat Brad Sherman asked them to raise their hands if any of them had plans to sell their corporate jets, to which no one raised a finger.

Ford CEO Alan Mulally's $28 million pay package includes the use of a private jet. He lives in Seattle and the company jet zips him home on weekends.

Bailout or Bankrupt... from the poll I am conducting, the answer is clear: bankrupt.

The Worship Game

My spiritual life lacks in worship. My stomach turns when worship happens in church, and I do not mind missing it. I could show up 15 minutes late to church, and leave 5 minutes early, only to catch the sermon itself, and I would be happy.

The downfall here is that I lose that "worship", or so it is said. After recent comments on an article about True Praise, I have decided to look into what the Bible says about worship. I also want to see if there is any noticeable difference between the Old and New Testaments.

So where do I go to look up worship and praise? Psalms is always a good place to start. Psalms 96:9 says: "Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth."

Worship in the greatness of God's holiness. Worship, not praise. So maybe I need to start by defining the difference between worship and praise.

Worship: love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; show devotion to; a feeling of profound love and admiration.

Praise: an expression of approval and commendation; offering words of homage as an act of worship;

So praise can be worship, but worship isnt really an act of praise, because you can praise something or someone for a specific action, but that doesnt mean you love unquestioningly. So we can praise God, and that is worshiping, however to worship God, it really takes something more... faith. Worship isnt just an act, it is your lifestyle.

So we praise God through prayers, and recognizing His grace, love, sacrifice, creation, and attributes and characteristics of God. How do we worship?

How do you love, unquestioningly? What does it mean to love unquestioningly? Time to find out how Biblical people worshiped.

Psalm 95:6 "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;"

Psalm 100:2 "Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."

The wise men came to worship Christ at His birth, Matthew 2:10-11 says "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh." They followed a star, and were overjoyed when they reached it because they knew a king was found. They bowed down and worshiped, they gave their treasures. They no longer followed king Herod, they followed a new king, their lives were changed.

In Matthew 28:9, when people met Christ, they "clasped his feet and worshiped him".

Luke 2:37 talks of a widow who worshiped day and night in a temple, fasting and praying.

Worshiping is a lifestyle. When you worship, your life changes. When people in the Bible would sin, and when they recognized their sin, they would tear their clothes and throw themselves at the alter, begging for forgiveness. They understood that worship is an voluntary action that comes with being a Jew, because it is a lifestyle.

When something becomes a lifestyle, it often loses its core meaning through redundancy. Christ knew this, even the disciples struggled. During the Great Commission, in Matthew 28: 16-17 it says; "the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted."

Christ had died, and rose again, and was standing in front of them, and some doubted. Christ told them He would rise on the third day, and there He was, standing in front of them, and they STILL doubted... He was right there!

Christ didnt rebuke them, He didnt tell them they were going to hell, He told them (in verse 18) "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." He reassured them. Sometimes we doubt, we fall short, but it is when we fall down, that we have the choice to look up, and see God for who He is.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship." Romans 12:1

Now I turn to look at the church, how did the early church worship? From what I have found, Corinthians gives us a great example. It doesnt jump out saying, do it this way, but when you look, it becomes clear.

1 Corinthians 14:26 "...When you come together, everyone has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. All of these must be done for the strengthening of the church." Everyone has a song, everyone has a word of instruction, everyone has a revelation, everyone has a tongue, everyone has an interpretation. Everyone.

When everyone has something to give, a "lead pastor" would be needed, not for the sermon, but to guide people in understanding, to assist, to help keep some order so that all people can share. To be a shepherd of the flock. Shepherds dont force their sheep to walk a straight line, but when a sheep wanders off, he brings it back. Shepherds guide the flock to water, and food, but the path they take isnt always straight.

I think the problem todays church has, is that it has become to large for everyone to share. When everyone brings a hymn to sing, but can only sing what the worship pastor sings, they fail to worship. Or the lead pastor requests certain songs to match up with his sermon, who is worshiping then?

Could you imagine a church where the congregation was asked what to sing? I am not talking about whats trendy in other churches, or that it should be planned out. I mean on Sunday morning, someone asks, "What do you want to sing today?" Let them sing until everyone has sang their song of worship. Going to be there a while? sure. Is that bad? no. Isn't it possible that people will learn scripture and study them on their own, once they are able to worship? Or even better, isn't it possible to learn the scriptures through the song?

Loans to the Big Three

Former Gov. Mitt Romney says dont do it, meanwhile Michigan's attorney general Mike Cox says the loans are whats best.

“Without that bailout, Detroit will need to drastically restructure itself. With it, the automakers will stay the course — the suicidal course of declining market shares, insurmountable labor and retiree burdens, technology atrophy, product inferiority and never-ending job losses. Detroit needs a turnaround, not a check.” Romney said today. Mitt Romney's father, George Romney was Michigan's 43rd Governor as well as a Vice President of the Americans Motor Corp.

Mike Cox has a different take on the situation. "Michigan's unemployment rate has climbed to 9.3%. Now, because of the Wall Street credit crisis, GM, Ford and Chrysler are in a financial squeeze and their very survival is threatened. ... I strongly support a bridge loan to ensure the survival of the Big Three. The auto industry needs to reform some of its practices, but we cannot allow GM, Ford and Chrysler to go bankrupt. The alternatives are too difficult to imagine."

For those like me who live in Michigan, we are in a catch 22. On the one hand, we are talking about more tax dollars being spent, $25 billion more giving us a total of $50 billion. That is with no guarantee that the big automakers would change. We would basically be taking them at their word. It also wouldn't change the way that the UAW works. Something else to think about is Pres. Elect Obama favors an open ballot within unions, which would hinder any changes within a union.

On the other hand, if the bailout is denied, and the big three, or even just GM or Ford went bankrupt, it would sever an artery within the Michigan economy. Many Michiganders have seen what happens when factories close within a city, look at Saginaw or Flint for your example. Talks have already occurred, and plants are already closing up in Lansing.

The big three automotive companies all share a similarity with each other: they have been too focused on current sales, and have chosen not to improve their products. Meanwhile, this great American invention is taken by storm, and sales skyrocket. Japan starts making automobiles too, only they seek to improve what we had already crafted, and succeed.

Its been a long steady battle, but Japan and other automobile companies are now selling more than the creators of this amazing invention. The big three have sought Americans as their market, and not looked to improve. "Buy American, support American jobs!" is something I remember from my childhood, but you know what happened? The product stopped improving, and warranties changed as did the quality, and not for the better.

Now these big auto makers are stuck between a rock and a hard place, and this isnt the first time. Americans fail to learn from our history. Lets look at another world famos invention that you dont see made in America anymore: Television.

Television is an American invention, but all the big name tv's are made in Japan or China. Foreign countries started making our inventions and sought to improve upon them, now where are the American televisions? I suspect they are making room for the American automobile industry.

True Praise

By Ludwig Scheider (here)

A rather unpleasant proverb states: “Some women do things to change their appearance for which a secondhand dealer would be put into prison.” Wrinkles are filled in to make one look young again. Of course people who are well-groomed make a better impression than those who are not; nevertheless, godliness and a healthy lifestyle cannot be replaced with cosmetics or covered with makeup.

Perhaps I am too critical, but I sometimes experience “praise and worship” that reminds me of makeup, as if they are trying to cover up the missing presence of the Holy Spirit. Anyone who talks about food all the time is usually hungry. In the same way, an over-emphasis on the Holy Spirit could be a sign that He is not there, and this is covered up with artificial praise and worship.

Yes, God calls His saints to worship Him (Psalm 30:4) for He dwells in the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). However, we should not overlook the fact that He is speaking here only about His saints. In other words, the prerequisite for being able to praise God acceptably is the fulfillment of: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy” (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16). Praise and worship must be an expression and consequence of our holy walk with the Lord.

Otherwise, we are just going through the motions. To sing song after song or to have a long sermon to simply fill up the time allotted for the service does not bring the Holy Spirit. Even “spirit-filled” churches can fall into habitual worship that is little more than dry ritual.

“What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me? I have had enough of [them]” (Isaiah 1:11). God does not want quantity, but quality of praise and worship from men and women who are leading a life that has been sanctified by God. Anything else is unacceptable to God for “He who turns away his ear from listening to the Law, even his prayer is an abomination” (Proverbs 28:9).

Korah’s faction lost not only their calling but also their lives because they offered their own fire. They tried to bring down the Holy Spirit on their own. Although singing one verse of a song over and over again may get us into a spiritual mood, it is not necessarily the working of the Holy Spirit.

God's Will

I dont know how many times I have heard people say something along the lines of, "no matter what happens, its God's will". I have often snickered to myself when I hear that, because I disagree with that idea.

The idea that no matter what you do in life, it is God's will, is wrong. That doesn't detract from God, that makes Him no less powerful, it highlights free will. God has a plan for each of our lives, but we are not forced to follow it, and when we make those choices to walk on our own path, it is not God's will, it is our own.

Many times when we make mistakes, we are able to look back and see how Christ used those situation, that doesn't mean He willed us to be there, it means we took a wrong turn.

God's will is perfect, and if God's will was done constantly, Adam never would have sinned, Noah would not have been needed, and Christ would never have had to come and die for us. Man's will is imperfect, which is why we have all those things I just listed.

So instead of saying no matter what happens, it's God's will, lets say something like no matter what happens, may God's will be done.

Falling Down

Falling down is something we all have done, and we will most likely all do again. I am not talking about the emotional state, or the mental state, but the physical state of actually falling down. I do not however, mean in an accidental way, or from an injury, I mean to fall down on purpose.

Okay, so now that I have probably confused you enough, let me give you my inspiration for this post: Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Stop. If you have never watched the show, its worth watching. If you think its just about rebuilding a house, your wrong. These people are rebuilding lives, and at the end of the show, the family comes back from vacation from wherever, and stand behind a bus, that is blocking the view of their new home.

If you have seen a commercial for the show, its inevitable that you have seen the families in tears hugging each other and crying and bawling and falling down. Why are they falling down?? I could understand the tears, and hugging and maybe even the bawling, but never really the falling down.

Tonight, it hit me, and I fell down. A fireman and a youth councilor had three biological children before they went on a mission trip. On a mission trip to Haiti, they adopted five, 5, more children. Later on, they adopted 3 more from within Toledo, to a total of 11 children. They out grew their home. That wasnt the problem. The problem was that the mother was diagnosed with an illness that attacked her connective tissue.

It really hit home to me when they interviewed the mother. She was lying on what she thought was her deathbed, and she said something important. All her children were in the room with her, and she was able to tell each of her kids what she saw that they would become. She told them she loved them, and what she loved about them. My mother did that. Sometimes the converstaion will make the mother fall, and sometimes the child. It means the world to me to know that small, yet so vital piece of information. Its ingrained in mothers to seek the best for their children, and its so important that their kids hear it, no matter their age. Make no assumptions, a child doesnt know until you have laid it out in a clear manner.

I digress here. Falling down. The families jump, cry, and fall down when they see the house. Thats not why they fall down, its not the house. Its the impact the house has, its the meaning the new home brings with it, its the knowledge that someone cares for them so much, they will do this for them. Its knowing. Just, knowing.

The power of knowing you are loved, you are special, you have a meaning, you have a purpose, someone has a dream for your life, and that very real and basic truth makes you fall down. Sometimes some people fall harder than others, and sometimes, people are never told. Sometimes, mothers assume their actions say the things they want to say, or that their unfinished attempts do the job, but it falls short... and thats a tough fall.

Falling down takes a lot of courage, but it doesnt have to be public. Letting yourself fall down doesnt make you weak, it allows God to make you strong.

Tonight, I fell down, and its probable that know one knew it, but it was still just as real. I fell down in awe and astonishment knowing. Falling down is required to standing up, and I dont mean just physically.

RePUGlicans

This video was pretty funny, thought I would post it as some filler while I think of something new to write about.

To the Hunters

Good Luck and be safe!

Portrait of Rahm Emanuel

Rahm Emanuel was born in Chicago, Illinois. Emanuel's father, Benjamin M. Emanuel, is a pediatrician, who was born in Jerusalem, and became a member of the Irgun (a militant Zionist group that operated in Palestine between 1931 and 1948). His mother, Martha Smulevitz, was a x-ray technician and later become a civil rights activist. They married in 1950.

When his family lived in Chicago, he attended Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School, a private primary Jewish day school. When his family moved to Wilmette, Il. he attended public school: Romona School, Wilmette Junior High, and New Trier West High School, and in the summer, he attended a summer camp in Israel. It was in high school that he cut his right middle finger, while working at Arby's, resulting in partial amputation.

In 1981 he graduated from Sarah Lawrence College, following he attended Northwestern University earning his masters in Speech and Communication in 1985. While in college, he joined the congressional campaign of David Robinson for Chicago.

Amy Rule, Rahm's wife, is a stay at home mother, who also works with disadvantaged youth through art programs. The two have three children: son Zachariah and daughters Ilana and Leah. Amy was converted to Judaism shortly before the wedding in 1994. They are currently members of Anshe Sholom B'nai Israel ( a moderate orthodox congregation located in Lakeview neighborhood on the north side of Chicago, Il.)

It has been said that it is because of Rahm Emanuel's knowledge of the top donors in the country, and his rapport with potential donors within the Jewish community that earned fmr. President Bill Clinton enough money to win in 1992. It was following this win that Emanuel became a senior adviser to Clinton from 1993 to 1998.

In 2002 Emanuel pursued the U.S. House seat in the 5th District of Illinois. It was during this time that another candidate charged Rahm Emanuel with holding dual citizenship, and fighting for the Israeli Army, both partial truths. Rahm did hold dual citizenship until he was 18, when he relinguished his Israeli citizenship. For a short time during the 1991 Gulf War, he was a citizen volunteer assisting the Israel Defense Forces. Emanuel united many members of the clergy to defend him, and won the primary.

He has now been appointed Chief of Staff (elect) by the newly elected president, Barack Obama.

Rahm Emanuel is pro-abortion, and is now being called "the new American Jew".

A Hedonism Resort

The White Cockatoo is a resort in Queensland, Australia, and they have a radical idea on how to better the economy...

During the month of March, The White Cockatoo will become, "a hedonism resort, where anything goes for a month. It doesn't take rocket science to work out what it means," says Tony Fox, the owner of the resort. "Almost No rules are applicable for this month"

The controversial "clothes optional" resort made headlines three years ago when police were called to end partner-swapping parties after a swathe of public complaints. They now have a "full feathers" and "no feathers" season.

The local regional mayor, Val Schier, said she wasn't opposed to the event so long as no laws were broken. Meanwhile Cairns Catholic Bishop James Foley has one thought (no, not that one...): "You've got to wonder what sort of people go and why. Where is the moral code of behavior and how do you stop jealousies and fights?"

Australia's tourism in industry is being hit hard by global economic turmoil with official figures showing a 7.6 percent decline in overseas visitors in September. "It is tough economic times and as long as it is with consenting adults, then there is no problem." Schier states, "People in tropical north Queensland are extraordinarily creative"

Industry leaders expect holiday bookings may drop by up to a third in early 2009 but are planning a new international advertising campaign to coincide with the movie "Australia" starring Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman.

Meanwhile Fox said his resort was almost fully booked for the month-long "rain forest party".

(story)

Election 2012: Clinton vs. Palin

Current numbers are showing that Hillary Clinton would have beaten John McCain by a larger margin than Barrack Obama. Exit Polls conducted by CBS showed 52 percent saying they would have backed the former Democratic candidate; while 41 percent would have voted for McCain.

Here's the kicker: 16 percent of McCain voters said they would have voted for Clinton, the Democrat, if she had been her party’s nominee. 21% of McCain voters who would have supported Clinton said race was factor in their vote.

That being said, I forsee Hillary Clinton running again in 2012, that is, depending on how Obama runs the White House. If America sees a large turn around in the economy, he will stay in office. However, if the economy stays the same, or worsens, hes a goner, and Hillary steps up to bat.

On the GOP side, I see Gov. Palin running for President. She brought excitement to the Republican party, and will have more experience under her belt in 4 years. In fact, it is possible that she becomes Sen. Palin shortly, which could to two things. First, it would give her the experience she supposedly was missing in this election. The second however, could damage her reputation. If she appoints herself to a Senate seat, it is possible that that action would be seen as a big negative. I guess that would depend on your party though.

This would be an epic race. Two women fighting for one seat, the winner? Completely depends on the economy, and foreign affairs. Clinton has age on her side, but Palin also has age on her side. Clinton has more political experience, but Palin has the down home connection that Hillary could never pull off.

It would be an epic race.

Overhaul

I decided to make an overhaul of the site, if I am listed on your blog or webpage, please change the blog title to "Prominent Thought". My apologies for the inconvenience.

Take a look around and let me know what you think.

Enjoy.

Iran test fires missile that could hit Israel

Nov. 12 Iran said it test-fired a new generation of surface-to-surface missile and that the Islamic Republic was ready to defend itself against any attacker.

Iranian Defense Minister Mostafa Mohammad Najjar said the Iranian-made surface-to-surface Sejil missile had "extremely high capabilities" and was only intended for defensive purposes. He said it had a range of close to 2,000 km (1,200 miles), almost as much as another Iranian missile called Shahab 3. That would enable it to reach Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf.

Iran has said it would respond to any attack by targeting U.S. interests and America's ally Israel, as
well as closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for world oil supplies. (story here)

Meanwhile America is still proposing to build missile defense systems in and around Poland. Yesterday, Russia rejected it, all the while, starting to build their own missile defense systems.

These actions are building to a prophetic war, one that could also spur the global society some world leaders are too eager to push. The bases are being loaded for a second return.

Computers, I hate to love them

My computer got a virus last night while I was trying to help my wife with some school work. It was a trojan & worm, and it ate my hard drive up. I tried to remove it, however in the process my boot.ini file disappeared. Oh, and my Autorun.inf in my c drive.

I am reformatting and starting over. I am thinking about moving to Vista, but I REALLY dont want to.

Hope to be back up and running shortly.

Layneh

Nephilim, Sons of God, revisited

I have thought about revisiting this topic on occasion, however I thought my previous posts were good, and didnt expect much attention on them in the first place. I think I was wrong.

First, the reference's to the Nephilim, or Sons of God:

Genesis 6:4 " The Nephilim were on the earth in those days—and also afterward—when the sons of God went to the daughters of men and had children by them. They were the heroes of old, men of renown."

Numbers 13:33 " We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from theNephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them."

Summary:

It is saying that Christian men (or sons of God, Godly Men) were marrying non Christian women (Daughters of men).

It has been suggested that Nephilim were giants, or that they had mystical powers. This is not the case. I believe that Numbers 13:33 is only referencing how the descendants of Anak were born from Christians and non Christians. In the Old Testament, that would tell you a great deal about their culture.

The idea that Adam (from Genesis) slept with an angel/demon being is also reaching. Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 are both accounts of creation. Just because we have 2 different chapters on creation doesn't mean that God gave Adam two wives, or a wife and a mistress or whatever. That would compare to saying Christ came to earth 4 times, because of the accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Lastly, to suggest that they (Nephilim) were giants because of their eating habits, would also be false. I am not saying that people havent grew larger when their eating habits increased, I am merely pointing out that the term Nephilim describes Christians.

Witchcraft, Another Crusade in Nigeria

"She turned me into a Newt.... I've gotten better..." is a quote from Monty Python's "Holy Grail". Today, it saddens me.

While the Bible talks about Christians being tortured and killed in the last days, I never expected it to come like this. I never expected to see the Christians to be the ones torturing others. The Bible warned us that people would come in the name of Christ, being false prophets, and that Christians would be tormented and killed, yet I never would have put my finger on them doing both.

Christians have been in Nigeria since the 19th century and the Niger Delta area claims to have more churches per square mile than any other place on Earth. Religious leaders in Akwa Ibom province, Nigeria, are identifying children as witches and wizards. This isn't because of Harry Potter, or some fictional books, this is real life.

Mrs Ukpabio, a mother of three, and author of a popular book that describes to parents what a possessed child acts like says this: For children under two years old, she says, the key signs of a servant of Satan are crying and screaming in the night, high fever and worsening health. All of which are typical amongst third world countries.

The preacher says that her work is true to the Bible and is a means of spreading God's word. "Witchcraft is a problem all over Nigeria and someone with a gift like me can never hurt anybody".

Religious leaders are willing to offer help to the families whose children are named as witches, but it is at a high price. Churches run exorcisms, or "deliverances", on evenings where the pastors attempt to drive out evil spirits. Only they have the power to cleanse the child of evil spirits, so they say. These exorcisms can cost the families up to a year's income.

During the "deliverance" ceremonies, the children are shaken violently, dragged around the room and have potions poured into their eyes. Many are held in churches, often on chains, and deprived of food until they "confess" to being a witch. Of those branded "child-witches" most are murdered - hacked to death with machetes, poisoned, drowned, or buried alive in an attempt to drive Satan out of their soul.

There is hope, it is small, yet it is there. Gary Foxcroft, 29, program director for the UK charity Stepping Stones in Nigeria. He first came to the country in 2003 to research the oil industry for his masters degree, but he was so shocked when he learned about the children's plight that he decided to help raise money for the refuge CRARN (or Child Rights and Rehabilitation Network).

While it is unconfirmed so far, I am searching for more information on CRARN, this is what I have for contact information:

Child's Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN),No1 Abat Rd

Ikot Afaha Idung Ukpa, P.O.Box, 564 Eket, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

or email: crarninfo@gmail.com

The only website I have for them does look a little shady, you can find it here.

My resource for this article can be found here.

I am researching more about CRARN, and hope to hear back from them soon.

Obama's Birth Certificate

The argument has been made, by myself and others, that Sen. Obama is not a naturally born citizen.In this post, I do not intend to argue about the truth behind his life birth certification, rather to suggest what would happen if it were in fact fake, and wasn't allowed to become President on Jan. 20th 2009.

Think about our country, in all its glory, refusing to allow its first black president from taking office. I ask, do you think that Barrack Obama would step down IF infallible evidence was produced that he was not a natural born citizen? I do. I think that he would.

However, I believe that those that voted for him would not allow it. I believe that the popular vote that he won would fight, and I mean literally here, to get him into office. Not to mention, who would take office in January? To suggest that our current president would stay in office until another election was held is ridiculous.

I am sure that the election would be held between McCain and Clinton, and probably Nader as well because he never goes away.... but thats beside the point.

The ramifications would be astronomical, we would have a complete civil battle on our hands, and I believe it would come down whether or not America should amend the constitution, or not.

Bailout the Automobile Industry

One day after General Motors announced that it is rapidly running out of money, congressional leaders called on Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson Jr. to add the car companies to the expanding list of industries eligible for government assistance under Treasury's $700 billion economic rescue program.

The letter notes that Congress granted Paulson broad discretion to use the bailout money to "restore financial market stability. A healthy automobile manufacturing sector is essential to the restoration of financial market security," the letter continues, as well as to "the overall health of our economy, and the livelihood of the automobile sector's workforce."

GM said it would move to cut spending and sell some product lines, but nonetheless expects to "fall significantly short" of the cash it needs to operate next year. The failure of GM or one of the other Detroit automakers could wipe out 2.5 million jobs and $125 billion in personal income in the first year, according to a report released this week by the Center for Automotive Research.

Amongst the poor economy of Michigan, and the continually failing economy since Gov. Granholm started trying to help, Obama has decided Two-Penny-Jenny was a valuable asset to his economy strategy team. (story)

This could be a bitter sweet treat for Michigan: We could lose our horrible governor, at the sacrifice of worsening our national economy. Not to mention Lt. Gov. Cherry would fill in.

I have created a new poll for Michiganders... which would be worse, keep Granholm for the last year years, or have her go to Washington for four?

Pres. Medvedev is a Puppet

Speaking within hours of Barack Obama’s election, Mr Medvedev announced that Russia would base Iskander missiles in its Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad – the former German city – next to the border with Poland.

He did not say whether the short-range missiles would carry nuclear warheads.

President Medvedev ordered missiles to be stationed up against Nato’s borders the day after the election to counter American plans to build a missile defense shield.

Taking advantage of the world’s attention on the US elections, Mr Medvedev also cancelled plans to withdraw three intercontinental ballistic missile regiments from western Russia by 2010.

During the address the Russian President also accused the US of causing the economic crisis', as well as trying to encircle Russia.

It looks like other countries wont wait until January 1st to test the President elect.

(full story here)

Back to Putin

Vladamir Putin, currently Prime Minister of Russia, and former two term President of Russia, is planning a comeback. However his comeback isnt as many expected.

There is currently rumors that the current Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, said to be a puppet of Putin's, may step down before the end of his term in 2012.

Wednesday, November 5, Medvedev proposed increasing the presidential term to six years from four years.Under the plan, Medvedev could implement changes to the constitution and unpopular social reforms, which would shine a brighter light on Putin, and the way he served as president.

Under this scenario Medvedev could resign early citing changes to the constitution and then presidential elections could take place in 2009, where Vladamir Putin would run for re-election. This would then allow Putin to step in to fulfill the presidents duties, because he is Prime Minister, from 2009-2012; then become president, again, for two, six year terms.

Story here

Obama to become President

And America to become Socialist. I am disappointed in the Republican Party, I am disappointed in America.

I am disappointed in the Republican Party for not selecting a candidate that stood for the same morals that the party stands for. I do expect great things out of Gov. Palin, and look forward to her bright future.

I am disappointed in America. This country has sacrificed its need for experience, for a person with charisma. Obama has little to no experience, he boarders on socialism, and he is unpatriotic, how could you even become a valid contender?

America, you have made history, but you have done so at a great sacrifice, and I fear that the loss was too great. I for one will cling to my morals, and onto my guns. I will continue to support Israel, and will continue to vote for real change; we will need it now more than ever.

"But the raven still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
Then, upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore --
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."
-The Raven-

Go Vote Michigan!

Today is your day, its your duty to be an active citizen, then you can go back to doing whatever you do, but today, you must serve your country.

The polls are open in Michigan from 7am. through 8pm. If you are unsure where to vote, or what is on your ballot, click here.

It is always a good idea to see what is on your ballot before you get there, so that you can vote in the local elections. Many people only vote in the Presidential elections, however if you really want to see changes in government, these local votes is where it is done.

Obama & McCain Polls

Exit polls tend to lean toward democratic candidates, so dont be suprised to see an early "lead" by Obama. Wait it out, lets see how the dust settles. It will most assuredly be a close battle, so dont forget:But seriously, vote.

I am voting for McCain, and expect to be up for a long night to see the outcome... However I do have a long class on Wednesday, CCW class, and its more important to shoot well on Wednesday, that it is for me to stay up and see who wins, when it will obviously be all over the news in the morning.

Uh.. Uh.. Sorry....

Yah... thats not going to work as President of the United States, and I dont really want Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid to have free reign.

Vote McCain/Palin.

Civilian National Security Force

Obama wants a what?! How can he do all that, when he is against the 2nd amendment rights?? Not to mention, "well-funded"... whos going to pay for that? Maybe all those "gun toting rednecks" will once you take away our 2nd amendment rights!

Proof:

FACT: Barack Obama opposes four of the five Supreme Court justices who affirmed an individual right to keep and bear arms. He voted against the confirmation of Alito and Roberts and he has stated he would not have appointed Thomas or Scalia.¹⁷

FACT: Barack Obama voted for an Illinois State Senate bill to ban and confiscate "assault weapons," but the bill was so poorly crafted, it would have also banned most semi-auto and single and double barrel shotguns commonly used by sportsmen.¹⁸

FACT: Barack Obama voted to allow reckless lawsuits designed to bankrupt the firearms industry.¹

FACT: Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and discredited Clinton Gun Ban.^{15 (Criminal Ban)}

FACT: Barack Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.³

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a 500% increase in the federal excise tax on firearms and ammunition.⁹

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership.²

FACT: Barack Obama supports local gun bans in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities.⁴

FACT: Barack Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.⁵

FACT:Barack Obama supports gun owner licensing and gun registration.⁶

FACT: Barack Obama refused to sign a friend-of-the-court Brief in support of individual Second Amendment rights in the Heller case.

FACT: Barack Obama opposes Right to Carry laws.⁷

FACT: Barack Obama was a member of the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation, the leading source of funds for anti-gun organizations and "research."⁸

FACT: Barack Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within 5 miles of a school or park, which would eliminate almost every gun store in America.⁹

FACT: Barack Obama voted not to notify gun owners when the state of Illinois did records searches on them.¹⁰

FACT: Barack Obama voted against a measure to lower the Firearms Owners Identification card age minimum from 21 to 18, a measure designed to assist young people in the military.¹¹

FACT: Barack Obama favors a ban on standard capacity magazines.¹²

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory micro-stamping.¹³

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory waiting periods.²

FACT: Barack Obama supports repeal of the Tiahrt Amendment, which prohibits information on gun traces collected by the BATFE from being used in reckless lawsuits against firearm dealers and manufacturers.¹⁴

FACT: Barack Obama supports one-gun-a-month handgun purchase restrictions.¹⁶

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on inexpensive handguns.⁹

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on the resale of police issued firearms, even if the money is going to police departments for replacement equipment.⁹

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory firearm training requirements for all gun owners and a ban on gun ownership for persons under the age of 21.⁹

1. United States Senate, S. 397, vote number 219, July 29, 2005. (http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=109&session=1&vote=00219)

2. Independent Voters of Illinois/Independent Precinct Organization general candidate questionnaire, Sept. 9, 1996. The responses on this survey were described in "Obama had greater role on liberal survey," Politico, March 31, 2008. (http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9269.html)

3. United States Senate, S. 397, vote number 217, Kennedy amendment July 29, 2005. (http://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm
?congress=109&session=1&vote=00217)

4. David Wright, Ursula Fahy and Sunlen Miller, "Obama: 'Common Sense Regulation' On Gun Owners' Rights," ABC News' "Political Radar" Blog, http://blogs.abcnews.com, 2/15/08. (http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/02/obama-common-se.html)

5. Illinois Senate, SB 2165, March 25, 2004, vote 20 and May 25, 2004, vote 3.

6. "Fact Check: No News In Obama's Consistent Record." Obama '08, December 11, 2007. (http://www.barackobama.com/factcheck/2007/12/11/fact_check_no_news
_in_obamas_c.php)

7. "Candidates' gun control positions may figure in Pa. vote," Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and "Keyes, Obama Are Far Apart On Guns," Chicago Tribune, 9/15/04. (http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_560181.html)

8. 1998 Joyce Foundation Annual Report, p. 7.

9. "Obama and Gun Control," The Volokh Conspiracy, taken from the Chicago Defender, Dec. 13, 1999. (http://www.volokh.com/posts/1203389334.shtml)

10. Illinois Senate, May 5, 2002, SB 1936 Con., vote 26.

11. Illinois Senate, March 25, 2003, SB 2163, vote 18.

12. "Clinton, Edwards, Obama on gun control," Radio Iowa, Sunday, April 22, 2007. (http://learfield.typepad.com/radioiowa/2007/04/clinton_edwards.html)

13. Chicago Tribune blogs, "Barack Obama: NIU Shootings call for action," February 15, 2008, (http://blogs.trb.com/news/politics/blog/2008/02/barack_obama
_comments_on_shoot.html)

14. Barack Obama campaign website: "As president, Barack Obama would repeal the Tiahrt Amendment . . ." (http://www.barackobama.com/issues/urbanpolicy/#crime-and-law-enforcement.)

15. Illinois Senate Debate #3: Barack Obama vs. Alan Keyes (http://www.ontheissues.org/2008/Barack_Obama_Gun_Control.htm and http://www.ontheissues.org/IL_2004_Senate_3rd.htm) Oct 21, 2004.

16. Illinois Senate, May 16, 2003, HB 2579, vote 34.

17. United States Senate vote 245, September 29, 2005 and vote 2, January 31, 2006 and Saddleback Forum, August 16, 2008.

18. Illinois Senate Judiciary Committee, March 13, 2003. To see the vote tally go to: http://www.nrapvf.org/Media/pdf/sb1195_obama.pdf.

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