As of today, the debt for the United States Federal Government is $9,202,509,607,709.03-- almost ten trillion dollars!. With a national population of 304,235,522 this would average out to $30, 247.98 for each citizen. This debt increases by almost $1.5 billion per day.
U.S. National Debt Clock
Worse than the gross indebtedness that we are leaving for our children is the fact that our government borrows billions every week from foreign lenders to cover government spending. Formerly, officials would console us about this debt by promising that we owe the debt to ourselves. No longer is this valid, when almost one-fourth of the debt is owed internationally. National Debt Questions and Answers
When someone proposes some benevolent federal spending program, either here in the US or abroad, I plead with you to pause and consider: 1) how will this program be afforded?; and 2) are we really doing justice toward succeeding generations when we saddle them with a seemingly insurmountable debt?
In light of our national indebtedness, the National Taxpayer's Union has sought to examine the platforms of the current presidential candidates to see the effect of their proposals on federal spending. The results are as follows:
* Barack Obama's proposals would add $287 billion to annual federal spending.
* Hillary Clinton's proposals would add $218.2 billion to annual federal spending.
On the Republican side:
* Mike Huckabee's proposals would add $54.2 billion to annual federal spending
* Mitt Romney's proposals would add $19.5 billion to annual federal spending.
* John McCain would add $6.9 billion to annual federal spending.
So, with federal spending out of control, with our national debt rising like the Tower of Babel, with fiscal sanity nowhere in sight-- we now have a crop of presidential candidates who think our burgeoning bureaucracy is not big enough, that our debt can be increased, and that restraint should not apply to federal spending.
By the way, Congressman Ron Paul's proposals would decrease federal spending by $150 billion annually. National Taxpayers Union
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Is Mitt Romney pro-life?
With the rise of John McCain in the polls, conservatives are looking for an alternate candidate who can defeat McCain for the GOP nomination. Many leading conservatives have rallied to the Romney banner with a belief that Mitt Romney is a convictional pro-life leader who will work to end the slaughter of the innocents in our land. But a closer examination of Romney's position on the right-to-life should cast aspersions on Romney's image as a staunch defender of life.
First, consider that, in his years of public life, Romney has been an on-again and off-again supporter of the pro-choice position on abortion. Supposedly, Romney claims to have had a conversion to the pro-life position in 2004. According to his testimony, Romney discussed the issue of stem-cell research with Harvard University researcher Douglas Melton, a discussion which Romney characterized as a shocking discussion. Let's give Mr. Romney the benefit of the doubt on the issue and consider only his post-2004 actions on the issue of defending life.
*As Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney's state health care plan provided for funding of abortion with only a $50 co-pay. Romney's health care plan pays for abortion
* In November, 2006 the Romney Administration provided A Five Million Dollar economic development loan for a Planned Parenthood clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts--a clinic that performed abortions. Romney Administration provided funding for Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinic
* In March, 2005, five months after his "conversion" to the pro-life position, supposedly sparked by being "shocked" on the issue of stem cell research, Romney still supported state funding for embryonic stem cell research.
* In October, 2005, almost a year after his dramatic pro-life conversion, Romney signed an emergency contraception bill, a bill opposed by pro-life groups. Joe Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League, said, of Romney, "this guy's not coming around." Romney Supports Emergency Contraception Bill Opposed by pro-life groups
* In December, 2006--over a year after Romney's pro-life conversion, he issued an executive order that required hospitals to issue pills that terminate pregnancies after conception to rape victims. This order was protested by Catholic hospitals who claimed that this order would force them to violate their religious principles. A Boston Herald editorial says that Romney has "executed an Olympic-caliber double flip-flop with a gold medal-performance twist-and-a-half on the issue of emergency contraception."
* As late as last Summer, long after announcing for President and loudly proclaiming his support for the right to life and opposition to stem cell research, Romney still had investments in money that did research on embryos to obtain stem cells. Romney against stem cell research, but likes the profits
Pro-life advocates must take a long and hard look at the Romney record before endorsing this man as a strong advocate for life.
First, consider that, in his years of public life, Romney has been an on-again and off-again supporter of the pro-choice position on abortion. Supposedly, Romney claims to have had a conversion to the pro-life position in 2004. According to his testimony, Romney discussed the issue of stem-cell research with Harvard University researcher Douglas Melton, a discussion which Romney characterized as a shocking discussion. Let's give Mr. Romney the benefit of the doubt on the issue and consider only his post-2004 actions on the issue of defending life.
*As Massachusetts Governor, Mitt Romney's state health care plan provided for funding of abortion with only a $50 co-pay. Romney's health care plan pays for abortion
* In November, 2006 the Romney Administration provided A Five Million Dollar economic development loan for a Planned Parenthood clinic in Worcester, Massachusetts--a clinic that performed abortions. Romney Administration provided funding for Planned Parenthood Abortion Clinic
* In March, 2005, five months after his "conversion" to the pro-life position, supposedly sparked by being "shocked" on the issue of stem cell research, Romney still supported state funding for embryonic stem cell research.
* In October, 2005, almost a year after his dramatic pro-life conversion, Romney signed an emergency contraception bill, a bill opposed by pro-life groups. Joe Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League, said, of Romney, "this guy's not coming around." Romney Supports Emergency Contraception Bill Opposed by pro-life groups
* In December, 2006--over a year after Romney's pro-life conversion, he issued an executive order that required hospitals to issue pills that terminate pregnancies after conception to rape victims. This order was protested by Catholic hospitals who claimed that this order would force them to violate their religious principles. A Boston Herald editorial says that Romney has "executed an Olympic-caliber double flip-flop with a gold medal-performance twist-and-a-half on the issue of emergency contraception."
* As late as last Summer, long after announcing for President and loudly proclaiming his support for the right to life and opposition to stem cell research, Romney still had investments in money that did research on embryos to obtain stem cells. Romney against stem cell research, but likes the profits
Pro-life advocates must take a long and hard look at the Romney record before endorsing this man as a strong advocate for life.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
John McCain and short memories
Conventional wisdom on the leading candidate for the GOP nomination seems to change on a weekly basis. This week, pundits are naming Arizona Senator John McCain as the odds-on favorite to win the Republican nomination. Comparing McCain to Lazarus, the pundits are stunned that McCain would made such a dramatic comeback after being declared politically dead just a few months ago.
True, Real Clear Politics lists several national polls that proclaim that McCain is currently the leading candidate among GOP voters nationally. My concern is that the average voter in Republican primaries has forgotten why McCain was so unpopular months ago.
1) McCain's popularity began to slide with his co-sponsorship, along with Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) of the Immigration Reform Bill which would have given amnesty to multiplied millions of illegal aliens. Do Republican primary voters really want the man who led the way for amnesty for illegals to carry the GOP banner into the Fall election?
2) Folks forget that McCain actually discussed running as Vice President with John Kerry in 2004. Granted, he claims that he turned down the offer, but the fact that Kerry found him compatible is telling, indeed. In 2001, McCain actually discussed switching to the Democratic Party. Democrats say McCain Nearly Abandoned GOP When Jim Jeffords did switch parties, McCain defended Jefford's decision.
When the heat was on Kerry for his weak stance on defense, John McCain piously defended John Kerry on the issue. McCain Defends Kerry on Defense
3) McCain voted AGAINST the Bush tax cuts. That's right, McCain OPPOSED cutting your taxes.
4) The greatest effort, in a generation, at restraining free speech was the McCain-Feingold legislation on campaign financing.
5) In spite of our dependence on Middle Eastern oil, McCain voted against drilling for oil in the Alaskan Reserve. Club for Growth on John McCain
6) During a campaign appearance in South Carolina on April 18, 2007, McCain was asked about his position on dealing with Iran. McCain began to sing, to the tune of the Beach Boys song Barbara Ann "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran." Is this the mindset you want in the Oval Office?
7) In the South Carolina primary, a large number of pro-life voters chose McCain. Have they forgotten McCain's support for federal funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, a process where aborted babies are harvested for their stem cells.
8) McCain is known on Capitol Hill for his violent temper and profanity. His outbursts are legend in the Senate cloakroom. Some say McCain is the strongest candidate to face Hillary Clinton in the Fall Elections. However, can you imagine Hillary chiding McCain as she has Obama? What if McCain flew off the handle in a presidential debate? McCain's Temper Fits
9. McCain has such a dismal record on gun rights, that the pro-Second Amendment group, Gunowners of America gives McCain a grade of F-. McCain's record on Gun Rights
10. While campaigning in Derry, New Hampshire, McCain said that he would be glad to keep American troops in Iraq for another one hundred years. You can watch his statement here.
My fear is that Republicans will experience buyers remorse with a McCain nomination. Before you cast your Super Tuesday vote, I hope you will think again on supporting John McCain.
True, Real Clear Politics lists several national polls that proclaim that McCain is currently the leading candidate among GOP voters nationally. My concern is that the average voter in Republican primaries has forgotten why McCain was so unpopular months ago.
1) McCain's popularity began to slide with his co-sponsorship, along with Edward Kennedy (D-Mass) of the Immigration Reform Bill which would have given amnesty to multiplied millions of illegal aliens. Do Republican primary voters really want the man who led the way for amnesty for illegals to carry the GOP banner into the Fall election?
2) Folks forget that McCain actually discussed running as Vice President with John Kerry in 2004. Granted, he claims that he turned down the offer, but the fact that Kerry found him compatible is telling, indeed. In 2001, McCain actually discussed switching to the Democratic Party. Democrats say McCain Nearly Abandoned GOP When Jim Jeffords did switch parties, McCain defended Jefford's decision.
When the heat was on Kerry for his weak stance on defense, John McCain piously defended John Kerry on the issue. McCain Defends Kerry on Defense
3) McCain voted AGAINST the Bush tax cuts. That's right, McCain OPPOSED cutting your taxes.
4) The greatest effort, in a generation, at restraining free speech was the McCain-Feingold legislation on campaign financing.
5) In spite of our dependence on Middle Eastern oil, McCain voted against drilling for oil in the Alaskan Reserve. Club for Growth on John McCain
6) During a campaign appearance in South Carolina on April 18, 2007, McCain was asked about his position on dealing with Iran. McCain began to sing, to the tune of the Beach Boys song Barbara Ann "Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, Iran." Is this the mindset you want in the Oval Office?
7) In the South Carolina primary, a large number of pro-life voters chose McCain. Have they forgotten McCain's support for federal funding of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, a process where aborted babies are harvested for their stem cells.
8) McCain is known on Capitol Hill for his violent temper and profanity. His outbursts are legend in the Senate cloakroom. Some say McCain is the strongest candidate to face Hillary Clinton in the Fall Elections. However, can you imagine Hillary chiding McCain as she has Obama? What if McCain flew off the handle in a presidential debate? McCain's Temper Fits
9. McCain has such a dismal record on gun rights, that the pro-Second Amendment group, Gunowners of America gives McCain a grade of F-. McCain's record on Gun Rights
10. While campaigning in Derry, New Hampshire, McCain said that he would be glad to keep American troops in Iraq for another one hundred years. You can watch his statement here.
My fear is that Republicans will experience buyers remorse with a McCain nomination. Before you cast your Super Tuesday vote, I hope you will think again on supporting John McCain.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Masada !
Readers of Musings from Maytown know that I returned from a tour of Israel last week. Today, a friend chided me for my lack of posts in January. Please understand that this has been a "catch-up" week. However, a number of posts are forthcoming.
One highlight of our Holy Land tour was a visit to Masada. In the first century AD, a group of Jewish rebels were working to overthrow Roman rule. This rebellion culminated in the sacking of Jerusalem by the Emperior Titus in AD 70.
Masada remains today a symbol of Jewish fervor and resistence to tyranny. While our tour group was visiting Masada, a group of Jewish students from the United States and Australia were walking this powerful mountain.
Masada appears as a mighty mountain and had been fortified by Herod the Great in the days just before the coming of Christ. The fort sits atop an isolated mountain in the region near the Dead Sea.
When the rebellion took place, Jewish rebels held Masada as a last holdout. The Roman soldiers would come and taunt the loyal Jews, even hurling newborn Jewish babies to a brutal death atop the mountain, using catapults. These proud Jewish rebels recognized that they could not defeat the Romans and determined that they would rather die than live as slaves to the Roman tyrants. These Jewish soldiers decided to commit mass suicide rather than surrender. The men refused to allow the Romans to abuse their women and enslave their children, so they all died atop Masada. Among the last decisions of these men was a decision to destroy everything of value, except the food stores. Roman invaders were forced to recognize that these Jewish patriots were not starved out by the Romans, but these men died as free men rather than to die under the Roman heel of tyranny.
There, half the world away, I thought of the Ron Paul campaign. In my lifetime, no presidential candidate has spoken so forthrightly about the surrender of our national sovereignty and our personal freedoms. The rhetoric of Congressman Paul embodies the principles of our founding fathers. Our founders pledged lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for the cause of liberty.
On the Mount of Masada, I felt in my bones that these Jewish patriots loved liberty in the sense of those who bravely dreamed the American dream. On February 5, when I cast my vote for Ron Paul, the establishment will know that someone in Maytown, Alabama loves liberty more than security. When you vote for Ron Paul, you are telling the tyrants that you will not be their slaves, that the American dream will not go down without a fight.
In recent days, several folks have scoffed at my support of Ron Paul with the criticism he doesn't have a chance. The brave men at Masada didn't have a chance either, but today, multiplied thousands look to them for inspiration.
Personally, I will not pass up the challenge to face down the enemies of liberty. When Super Tuesday is over, they will know that those who love liberty and defend the United States Constitution are still here. The smug, arrogant members of our nation's elite will be forced to know that they may surround Masada, but some of us have not surrendered and we still don't plan to do so.
Live or die, by God's grace, I plan to vote for Ron Paul for President on Super Tuesday!
One highlight of our Holy Land tour was a visit to Masada. In the first century AD, a group of Jewish rebels were working to overthrow Roman rule. This rebellion culminated in the sacking of Jerusalem by the Emperior Titus in AD 70.
Masada remains today a symbol of Jewish fervor and resistence to tyranny. While our tour group was visiting Masada, a group of Jewish students from the United States and Australia were walking this powerful mountain.
Masada appears as a mighty mountain and had been fortified by Herod the Great in the days just before the coming of Christ. The fort sits atop an isolated mountain in the region near the Dead Sea.
When the rebellion took place, Jewish rebels held Masada as a last holdout. The Roman soldiers would come and taunt the loyal Jews, even hurling newborn Jewish babies to a brutal death atop the mountain, using catapults. These proud Jewish rebels recognized that they could not defeat the Romans and determined that they would rather die than live as slaves to the Roman tyrants. These Jewish soldiers decided to commit mass suicide rather than surrender. The men refused to allow the Romans to abuse their women and enslave their children, so they all died atop Masada. Among the last decisions of these men was a decision to destroy everything of value, except the food stores. Roman invaders were forced to recognize that these Jewish patriots were not starved out by the Romans, but these men died as free men rather than to die under the Roman heel of tyranny.
There, half the world away, I thought of the Ron Paul campaign. In my lifetime, no presidential candidate has spoken so forthrightly about the surrender of our national sovereignty and our personal freedoms. The rhetoric of Congressman Paul embodies the principles of our founding fathers. Our founders pledged lives, fortunes, and sacred honor for the cause of liberty.
On the Mount of Masada, I felt in my bones that these Jewish patriots loved liberty in the sense of those who bravely dreamed the American dream. On February 5, when I cast my vote for Ron Paul, the establishment will know that someone in Maytown, Alabama loves liberty more than security. When you vote for Ron Paul, you are telling the tyrants that you will not be their slaves, that the American dream will not go down without a fight.
In recent days, several folks have scoffed at my support of Ron Paul with the criticism he doesn't have a chance. The brave men at Masada didn't have a chance either, but today, multiplied thousands look to them for inspiration.
Personally, I will not pass up the challenge to face down the enemies of liberty. When Super Tuesday is over, they will know that those who love liberty and defend the United States Constitution are still here. The smug, arrogant members of our nation's elite will be forced to know that they may surround Masada, but some of us have not surrendered and we still don't plan to do so.
Live or die, by God's grace, I plan to vote for Ron Paul for President on Super Tuesday!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
John Killian Radio interview
On Wednesday, January 16 at 7:30 AM EST, Dr. Tony Beam interviewed me on Christian Worldview Today on AM660 in Greenville, South Carolina. The interview centered around my support of Dr. Ron Paul for President.
Listen in to this interview and let me know what you think.
John Killian on Ron Paul
By the way, Dr. Beam is on faculty at North Greenville University, an outstanding Christian University.
Listen in to this interview and let me know what you think.
John Killian on Ron Paul
By the way, Dr. Beam is on faculty at North Greenville University, an outstanding Christian University.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Happy New Year!
Please go to the right side of this page and vote in the Presidential poll. Musings from Maytown is one of over 1600 websites linked to the Newsvine poll. As of January 1, this website ranks #35 in the most votes cast. You can vote once each month, so please cast your vote for January. Nationally, Barack Obama is leading, Ron Paul is second. Your vote counts!
Also, I leave Wednesday morning, January 2 for a ten-day tour of Israel. Blogging on this trip is doubtful. Lord willing, I will have some worthwhile information upon my return. Several Alabama ministers will be along on this uplifting and informative journey to Israel.
Also, I leave Wednesday morning, January 2 for a ten-day tour of Israel. Blogging on this trip is doubtful. Lord willing, I will have some worthwhile information upon my return. Several Alabama ministers will be along on this uplifting and informative journey to Israel.
Jesus is Coming, part five
Having just left the Christmas season, we should be acquainted with the first coming of our Lord. In the first coming of our Lord, Jesus came born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died a sacrificial death to suffer as our substitute. Jesus took upon Himself our suffering on the cross. Peter wrote in I Peter 3:18 who in His own body bore our sins on the tree. Jesus Himself declared His purpose in coming as He stated in Luke 19:10 for the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
But in His first coming, Jesus promised I will come again. As mentioned in an earlier article, Jesus' final action, that of ascending to Heaven was followed by an angel announcing this same Jesus, who is taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven (Acts 1:11).
On what basis will our Lord return and rule?
Consider the promise to and the Covenant God made with Abraham as recorded in Genesis 12. God had called Abraham from a land of idolatry, calling Abram out to a specific place apart from his family. In Genesis 12, we find the foundation of a Covenant that Jehovah God made with Abraham (vss. 2,3) I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless, the, and curse him that curses thee; and in thee, shall all of the families of the Earth be blessed.
While this Covenant was fulfilled personally to Abraham, we find a future promise in this Covenant. First, take note that the Covenant with Abraham is a covenant without conditions.
1) On several occasions, God calls His covenant with Abraham eternal.--Genesis 17:7, 13, 19; I Chronicles 16:16-17, Psalm 105_9-10.
2)The Original promises were given to Abraham without conditions
3) The Covenant was confirmed by repetition and enlargement Genesis 13:14-17
4)God solemnized the Covenant in a way consistent with other solemnizing ceremonies Genesis 15:9, 10, 12, 17.
5) The Covenant was confirmed by a rite always used in Israel--circumcision.
6)The Covenant was confirmed by the birth of Jacob and Isaac
7) The Covenant was not negated by disobedience Jeremiah 31:35-37
8) The Covenant has not been fulfilled historically, as all the land was not possessed, even in Solomon's day. (Basis of Premillenial Faith by Charles Ryrie, pgs. 52-61)
God has ordained a Covenant with Abraham, not yet fulfilled, but promised to be fulfilled. Stay tuned as we see that God still has a future for ethnic Israel.
But in His first coming, Jesus promised I will come again. As mentioned in an earlier article, Jesus' final action, that of ascending to Heaven was followed by an angel announcing this same Jesus, who is taken up from you into Heaven, will so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into Heaven (Acts 1:11).
On what basis will our Lord return and rule?
Consider the promise to and the Covenant God made with Abraham as recorded in Genesis 12. God had called Abraham from a land of idolatry, calling Abram out to a specific place apart from his family. In Genesis 12, we find the foundation of a Covenant that Jehovah God made with Abraham (vss. 2,3) I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing. And I will bless them that bless, the, and curse him that curses thee; and in thee, shall all of the families of the Earth be blessed.
While this Covenant was fulfilled personally to Abraham, we find a future promise in this Covenant. First, take note that the Covenant with Abraham is a covenant without conditions.
1) On several occasions, God calls His covenant with Abraham eternal.--Genesis 17:7, 13, 19; I Chronicles 16:16-17, Psalm 105_9-10.
2)The Original promises were given to Abraham without conditions
3) The Covenant was confirmed by repetition and enlargement Genesis 13:14-17
4)God solemnized the Covenant in a way consistent with other solemnizing ceremonies Genesis 15:9, 10, 12, 17.
5) The Covenant was confirmed by a rite always used in Israel--circumcision.
6)The Covenant was confirmed by the birth of Jacob and Isaac
7) The Covenant was not negated by disobedience Jeremiah 31:35-37
8) The Covenant has not been fulfilled historically, as all the land was not possessed, even in Solomon's day. (Basis of Premillenial Faith by Charles Ryrie, pgs. 52-61)
God has ordained a Covenant with Abraham, not yet fulfilled, but promised to be fulfilled. Stay tuned as we see that God still has a future for ethnic Israel.
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