Labor Day 2008: Conservatives and Labor Unions

On the outset of this discussion, may I state that my father was a longtime member of the United Steelworkers of America as were both of my grandfathers. Perhaps the greatest influence in my formative years was my grandmother who often said that a man was sorry who wouldn't pay his union dues and join the union. She thought crossing a picket line was a terrible act. My life has been spent in close connection with large numbers of individuals who were and are active members of Labor Unions. As a Pastor, I have often had Union officials and even organizers who have been key members of churches where I have served as Pastor.
On the other hand, politically, I have been identified as a conservative. For years, I called myself a Republican, and still vote Republican on Election Day. Labor Unions have traditionally supported Democrats.
Please allow Musings from Maytown to use Labor Day, 2008 as an opportunity to cross the bridge between conservative ideology and support for organized labor.
* No question, the working class of America is better off because someone spoke up for working people. Anyone with a biblical view of labor must speak for the cause of working families--whether organized or unorganized. Scripture speaks of greed, and the cause of business is often the cause of greed. Prior to the advent of labor unions, working people were often exploited by those who pulled the strings economically.
* My experience is that many labor union members are strongly conservative on social issues. Many individuals in labor unions are pro-life and have great concerns on the moral issues of our day. However, the AFL-CIO has used votes on abortion funding as an issue in their rating of candidates. Pro-life union members should be concerned about the attitude of labor leaders who are, first and foremost, liberal Democrats. Such labor leaders do not represent the thinking of the rank-and-file union member.
* On many issues, conservatives should find company with labor union members. Conservatives who support an America-first approach to foreign policy have opposed policies that ship jobs overseas, such as NAFTA and GATT. Conservatives are opposing the North American Union. Leaders of both parties are selling out to multi-national corporations on these issues, but Labor should join forces with the Ron Pauls and Pat Buchanans to fight for a policy that considers the American worker.
* Labor union workers are hit hard by an open-borders policy on immigration. Labor should join forces with conservatives to oppose the open-border insanity that puts skilled labor out of work in favor of illegal immigrants.
I am seeing cracks in the walls of organized labor's marriage to the Democratic Party. In Alabama, the United Mine Workers supported Governor Fob James in 1994 and 1998 and in 2006 actually endorsed Judge Roy Moore for Governor. On a local level, several conservative Republicans, such as County Commissioner Bobby Humphryes, Sheriff Mike Hale, and Judge Ralph Coleman have enjoyed support from organized labor.
On Labor Day, be glad that Labor Unions have helped the cause of working people. I hope that solid individuals within labor unions will work to focus their union on issues involving working families and leave off the exotic agenda of social liberals. I also hope that organized labor and conservatives will find common ground and make friends. On a related note, GOP VP candidate Sarah Palin and her husband are longtime union members.

Alabama Slams Clemson 34-10: Is Bama Back?

Saturday night, the 24th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide shocked observers by utterly dominating the 9th ranked Clemson Tigers in the opening game of the season for both teams. Alabama fans have wondered about the effect of incoming freshmen and the impact of another year of Coaching by the Head Coach Nick Saban.
As an Alabama fan, I am excited for the following reasons:
1) The offensive line of Alabama was blowing away the Clemson defenders on virtually every play. The pure brawn of the Alabama offensive line is noticable. Quarterback John Parker Wilson had plenty of time for his passes. Alabama has not had this strength on the line for a number of years.
2) The defensive line was quite remarkable, shutting down the highly touted Clemson running game. Again, the quality conditioning of the Alabama team is evident in the powerful action on each play.
3) Alabama's running game was remarkable. The running backs were tough, and knew how to bounce off tackles and press forward. Numerous times, extra yardage was gained due to just plain toughness on part of the running backs.
4) John Parker Wilson passed extremely well and has a great stable of receivers. Alabama can mix up the offense with their great talent.
5) In spite of lingering effects of sanctions, Alabama seems to have depth in talent. This fact was evident in the fourth quarter when the Tide was not tired and was still playing with aggression.
6) Coach Nick Saban had his team well-prepared and used great strategy in play selection.
However, as a cautious Alabama fan, I am still concerned about the following:
1) I am not sure that Clemson was an apt test for the Tide. The Atlantic Coast Conference teams played abysmally in the first weekend of play. Frankly, I believe that Clemson was overrated. Alabama will face real tests when they get into the meat of the SEC schedule.
2) How will Alabama handle disapointments? Last year, the LSU loss caused Alabama to tailspin until the bowl game.
3) How will these inexperienced freshmen play in games that will be tighter than the Clemson game?
Forgive my caution, but I still think Alabama is two or three years down the pike from reaching their potential. But Musings from Maytown really believes that Nick Saban may be the best college coach on the scene today and the Tide is destined for a National Championship--sooner or later.

Mighty Rangers Blast Celtic 4-2

Today was a glorious day in Glasgow, Scotland as the mighty Glasgow Rangers defeated the dreaded Celtic 4-2. Particularly thrilling was that the game was played at Parkhead, the home field of the Celtic. Superb coaching by Walter Smith led the mighty Rangers in both dynamic scoring, and powerful goal tending. Year after year, the Rangers and Celtic compete for dominance in the Scottish Premier League. Last year, the Celtic won the championship on a late season surge. By the way, photos in this article are from today's game when the Rangers defeated Celtic. The photos are from the British Broadcasting Company.
Earlier in the season, the Rangers, a perennial power in European football, lost in an early round in competition for the European Cup. While fans were disappointed, one must only remember last year's scenario when the Rangers competed for the CIS Cup (they won), the Scottish Cup (they won)and the Scottish Premier League Championship. Sadly, the Rangers were playing as many as four games in a week's time. By the end of the season, the Rangers were worn down and the intense scheduling cost them the League championship.

I would not pretend to speak for the mass of Rangers fans around the world, but I must compare the sentiment to a statement that legendary Alabama football Coach Bear Bryant said when asked about bowl games and national championships. Bryant replied that he would take a win over Auburn any day over any other honor. Even so, I would prefer to win the Scottish Premier League Championship and defeat Celtic over any other honor. Frankly, losing out early in the European Cup may allow the Rangers to focus on winning the Scottish Premier League. As the team slogan says Follow, Follow!

Tribute to Sarah Palin

Sarah Palin for VP-- a Brilliant Selection! Grassroots Experiencing Sarahmania!

This morning, in Dayton, Ohio, Senator John McCain introduced his running mate, Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska. Already, the internet is buzzing with Sarah-mania as conservatives are energized, women voters are touched, and the establishment shaken.
Pundits had thought that the choice was coming down to Governor Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Govenor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. Frankly, an earlier poll on Musings from Maytown had indicated grassroots support for Sarah Palin.
Why is this selection so brilliant?
1) Gov. Palin identifies with the common citizen. Senator McCain has already faced criticism for his ownership of seven houses. A selection of multi-millionaire Mitt Romney would have sent a terrible message in a day when middle-class Americans are losing ground economically.
Gov Palin is the daughter of an elementary school teacher and the school secretary. Palin's husband works as a commercial fisherman and is a member of the United Steelworkers Union (AFL-CIO). The Palins have five children, including one with Down's Syndrome.
2) Gov. Palin closes the gender gap. Disaffected supporters of Senator Hillary Clinton will be drawn to a powerful woman candidate like Sarah Palin. The ugliness of the Democratic primaries has opened the door for women voters to consider a McCain-Palin ticket.
3) Gov. Palin is energizing the conservative base of the GOP. The Republican National Committee for Life had already scheduled Gov. Palin as their honoree at the Republican National Convention. Palin's economic views are described as leaning Libertarian. As far back as December, 2007, Ron Paul supporters were touting Palin as a running mate with Ron Paul Sarah Palin as running mate for Ron Paul. Both social conservatives or limited government conservatives would find the ticket easier to support with Sarah Palin on the ticket. A former beauty queen, Palin was featured on the cover of Vogue.
4) Gov. Palin is a powerful speaker with a strong presence. Palin will be a popular campaigner who will be well received on the stump. In a debate with Joe Biden, Gov. Palin will give an impression of youth and class. The Governor's strong personal aura will draw people, a stark contrast to the image of Senator Biden as a professional politician. Frankly, this writer believes that Gov. Palin's speaking ability matches that of Barack Obama.
5) Gov. Palin is, well, easy on the eyes. However, her beauty is a wholesome beauty with a bright smile.
Sarah Palin has been a tax-cutter, a waste-cutter, an active member of the Church on the Rock, an evangelical church in Wasilla, and a dogged supporter of gun rights. The liberal news media will think they will embarrass her with photos of Gov. Palin firing an automatic rifle, but they will play into the hands of a strategy to gain the Reagan Democrats. I can assure you that no Republican has had the appeal that Palin has to the Bubba voter since Ronald Reagan. Senator McCain may have made the smartest move of his political career in selecting Gov. Sarah Palin.

The Three John McCains

Understanding Senator John McCain is no easy task. Senator McCain was elected to the US House of Representatives and four years later moved up to the US Senate. When McCain was first elected, I dealt with some active conservatives from Arizona who knew McCain. These people were enamored with the Senator and told me to watch for him, further stating that John McCain was a conservative leader who would follow in the footsteps of Ronald Reagan.
Note with me the three phases in the career of Senator John McCain.
First, note that from 1982 until his campaign for President in 2000, John McCain was an outspoken conservative leader in Congress. A strong Reagan supporter, a friend of Jack Kemp, a Phil Gramm supporter in 1996 (strong conservative alternative to Bob Dole), and a leader for a strong military, cuts in government waste, and a social conservative.
The second phase in Senator McCain's political career came when Senator McCain ran for President in 2000. His stances on financing of elections, his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act (which won him the endorsement of the Log Cabin Republicans--a homosexual Republican organization), and his criticism of religious right leaders made John McCain the darling of the news media. When the race for the GOP nomination narrowed to Bush and McCain, the moderate-to-liberal wing of the GOP coalesced around John McCain.
From that point on, Senator McCain became the maverick's maverick--leading the charge on the notorious McCain-Feingold Act which infringed on the rights of political free speech, promoting Embryonic Stem Cell Research, opposing the Bush tax cuts, speaking ill of Supreme Court nominee (now Justice) Sam Alito, and leading the charge on the McCain-Kennedy Amnesty Bill for illegal aliens. McCain became the favorite Republican of the Democrats, and was even reported to be on the Vice Presidential list for 2004 Democratic nominee John Kerry.
But phase three came around 2006, when President Bush was hemorrhaging support over the Iraqi War. Senator McCain became the President's greatest defender, even outdoing Bush on sounding hawkish on war issues.
Will the real John McCain stand up? As a conservative voter, I am breathing hopefully on Senator McCain. His forthright answers on the interview with Pastor Rick Warren gave me hope that Senator McCain's true convictions lie with conservatives. Senator McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin for his running mate is a great sign that he is thinking in terms of limited government and for the unleashing of the free market.
Remember, Ronald Reagan won in two landslide victories. This writer believes that a vocal, bold, conservative McCain could defeat Obama, while a moderate, cautious McCain could muzzle Sarah Palin and lose the election. I just hope the right John McCain shows up to govern.

If Obama Wins

The national polling in the 2008 Presidential race continues to be close. Senator Obama seems to have had a small bounce from Convention publicity, but I predict that Senator McCain's selection of Governor Sarah Palin will quickly overshadow this bounce and the election will be again close.
Yesterday, I became embroiled in quite an argument quite an intelligent individual, a person whom I would normally listen to for advice. This individual is leaning toward a vote for Senator Obama and then became irate at the unfounded charges made against Obama. Frankly, when detractors continue telling people that Obama is a Muslim (not true), won't say the Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag (again, not true), that he was sworn in as US Senator on the Muslim Koran (sigh! Again, not true), these false stories are having the effect of creating sympathy for the Democratic nominee.

As of August 29, 2008, no honest observer can certainly determine who will be our next US President. Senator Barack Obama may well be elected.
What would be the effect of the election of a President Obama accompanied by a Democratic-controlled Congress? Well, a few matters are pretty well certain:
1) Your Taxes will increase. The Bush Administration proposed middle-class tax cuts and incentives for investments, including ending the inheritance tax. The Democratic-controlled Congress made these tax cuts temporary. Senator McCain initially voted against the tax cuts, stating that we should first deal with runaway spending. However, Senator McCain will not move to repeal the cuts and would seek to make them permanent. Senator Obama openly advocates repealing thse tax cuts to fund social programs. No question, an Obama Administration will be able to move this tax increase package through a Democratic-controlled Congress. The charge of tax increases is not empty rhetoric, for Senator Obama has made this same claim.
2) The Federal role in health care will be expanded. If you want government control in health care as opposed to a market-driven system of health care, then you will be pleased with the Obama plan to expand federal health care. If you think the Canadian system, with rationing, long waiting lines, and sky-high taxes is preferable to our free market system, then you will be pleased with the Obama health care plan. Again, with a Democratic-controlled Congress, this plan will pass.
3) The Federal Judiciary will move to the left. Already, liberal jurists have been waiting for President Bush to leave office before retiring. The next President could appoint as many as three Supreme Court Justices. Senator Obama has already stated that the jurist's position on Roe vs. Wade would be a litmus test.
Please, examine the stated claims of each candidate along with their past voting record before voting in the November election.

Joe Biden: A Poor Choice for Obama

Today, Senator Barack Hussein Obama selected Delaware Senator Joe Biden as his choice for Vice Presidential nominee on the Democratic ticket. As someone who does not wish to see Senator Obama elected President, I am happy to see that he has chosen Joe Biden as his running mate. Frankly, I had greater fear of a selection of Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana, Gov. Tim Kaine of Virginia, or even Senator Hillary Clinton of New York. Here are my reasons:
1) Senator Biden brings no balance to the ticket. Senator Biden's record is comparably as liberal as that of Senator Obama.
2) Senator Biden does not compliment the areas where Obama has had trouble gaining support. For example, only 52% of Hillary Clinton supporters are now supporting Senator Obama. This number is low at this stage in the election season. However, this writer fails to see how a Biden nomination as Vice Presidential candidate does anything to draw the Clinton voters back into the fold.
3) Geographically, Biden brings nothing to the ticket. Biden's home state is reliably Democratic. Some say that Biden helps in Pennsylvania, a state that has voted Democratic in the last five presidential elections. Biden does not help in the South or the West and this writer doubts his ability to help in swing states like Ohio and Florida. This nomination writes off possibilities for Obama to carry Indiana and Virginia.
4) Biden has run for President twice and both times, Biden failed to garner significant support. In the 1988 campaign, Biden was embarrassed for his plagiarizing of the speeches of British Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock.
5) The Obama-Biden campaign will have to defend embarrassing statements that Biden made criticizing Senator Obama and praising Senator McCain. Check out these statements:
6) Senator Biden comes across with a fixed smile and a less-than-genuine approach. More than one commentator has compared the Biden appearance to the TV commercial character Joe Izuzu, a man known for his lack of believability.
So, as a conservative who does not want to see Obama elected, I am celebrating the nomination of Joe Biden for Vice President on the Obama ticket. Senator McCain has an opportunity to reach out to working class Democrats and women voters with a positive VP selection such as Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.

McCain and Obama on Foreign Policy

In the primary season, Congressman Ron Paul challenged the entire slate of Republicans and Democrats with his position on Constitutional non-intervention. Critics accused Congressman Ron Paul of isolationism. Actually, the reverse is true, because Dr. Paul's position would engage our government in trading and interaction with other nations However, a policy of non-intervention would not lead United States military into resolving conflicts among nations across the globe. Our military would, as our founders envisioned, provide for the common defense. Remember, Ronald Reagan defeated communism by negotiation, trade, and interaction. Such is the policy of Constitutional non-intervention.
Some loyal Americans who supported Dr. Paul's efforts to promote a Constitutional limit on foreign involvement have been impressed with Senator Obama's advocacy of withdrawal of troops from Iraq. However, a closer look would evidence that Senator Obama does not support a non-interventionist philosophy, but instead, Senator Obama is an internationalist who would work to transfer American sovereignty to international bodies..
Both McCain and Obama support using military across the globe to settle disputes. Both McCain and Obama support maintaining membership in the multi-national United Nations. However, Senator Obama has supported the UN initiative to tax American citizens for United Nations-sponsored social welfare programs.
Senator Obama has objected to involvement in Iraq, but now supports the Bush Administration's plan to keep troops in Iraq until 2011.
Frankly, neither McCain nor Obama has an America-First foreign policy. However, Senator Obama would be the more internationalist-leaning of the two

Cowboy Joe Babcock

Traditionally, the genre of many radio stations was listed as Country and Western. In a generation past, Western Swing music was prominent and regularly played on these radio stations. My generation grew up with Cowboy Movies featuring musicians like Roy Rogers and the Sons of the Pioneer. One might think that Western Style music is a forgotten genre, but this soothing and wholesome style of music is experiencing a revival. Disney has featured the Western group Riders in the Sky in the special Woody's Round-up.
Recently, I enjoyed a personal conversation with one of the legends of Western music, Cowboy Joe Babcock. Cowboy Joe was known for many years as a member of the Hee-Haw Gospel quartet. However, Cowboy Joe made quite a career as a songwriter and a back-up singer. Cowboy Joe wrote songs recorded by Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Marty Robbins, Mel Tillis, Porter Waggoner, and many others. Likely, you have heard Cowboy Joe on many of the most famous country songs. Listen to I Washed my Hands in Muddy Water written by Cowboy Joe and made famous by Elvis Presley.

Today, Cowboy Joe Babcock travels the country with his wife, Carol and daughter, Lorrie as the Babcocks. The Babcocks are committed Christians with a vibrant testimony of salvation. Today, the Babcocks record traditional Western songs with a good mix of Gospel music sung in the style of the Old West. The Babcocks could be quite proud of all their accomplishments, but they are humble and kind Christians with a desire to honor Christ and bring Western music back to a place of popularity.
Check out The Babcocks where you can get information on the Babcocks as well as sample their brand of Western music. The music of the Babcocks is refreshing and performed with a high quality. Their latest single, now played on some radio stations, is Jesus Walked on the Water, on the Appalachian Songbird album. The Babcocks have appeared on the Grand Ol' Opry and other worldwide known venues.

Predictions for the 2008 Alabama Football Season

A national publication recently ranked Alabama Coach Nick Saban fifth on a list of College Coaches on the hot seat. Obviously, the blessing of the Alabama program is also a curse. From the days of Frank Thomas and Wallace Wade, Alabama fans have not tolerated a losing season. At every home game at Bryant-Denney Stadium, fans hear the words of the immortal Coach Paul Bear Bryant saying I've never been anything but a winner. Bryant even penned a book Winning isn't Everything, but it Beats Coming in Second Place. Remember, the University of Alabama football team has won twelve national championships. No, Alabama fans will not tolerate a program that does not regularly compete for the Southeastern Conference Championship and occasionally compete for the National Championship.
On the other hand, Bama fans need to recognize that Coach Saban took over a team still suffering from the ridiculous penalties imposed by the socialistic NCAA. Obviously, the NCAA has sought to tear down the traditional football powerhouses, and when Alabama was vulnerable, the NCAA pounced with glee at the prospect of destroying the Crimson Tide football program.
But the naysayers underestimated the strength and determination of the Crimson Tide spirit. Alabama's Coach Nick Saban may well be one of the great coaches of our day. Fans need to recognize the following:
1) Coach Saban inherited a program with a low-level of talent and discipline. The team had virtually no depth, as was evidenced in the fourth quarter of crucial games.
2) The 2007 season demonstrated that the team could play with determination.
3) Coach Saban led the staff toward a stellar recruiting season, but this will not fully bear fruit for three to four years.
4) We may well lose four or five games, including the Auburn game. Auburn still has superior talent and will be anxious to knock the Tide out at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
My plea to Tide fans is simply BE PATIENT. Remember the progress we have made and hang in there. Coach Saban is our Moses and we are just now coming out of our wilderness wanderings. But the socialists at the NCAA have worked hard to keep programs from gaining dominance. But before the season is out, Alabama fans will see the raw talent of incoming freshmen and if fans remain loyal, we will build hope and see another banner recruiting year. The Tide will regain their status as a top-tier football program, as long as our fans remain loyal.

2008-09 the Year for Chelsea in the Premier League

Regular readers of Musings from Maytown know of our support for the Glasgow Rangers in the Clydesdale Premier League (aka Scottish Premier League). While I long for the day when the Rangers compete in the Barclay's Premier League (aka English Premier League), until that day comes, my team in the English Premier League is the Chelsea Blues.
Chelsea played close but lost the league championship last year to perennial power Manchester United. In overtime, Chelsea lost the championship game of the European Cup to Manchester United.
Musings from Maytown wishes to go on record supporting the Chelsea Blues and declaring that the 2008-09 season will be the year when Chelsea wins the league. Already, Chelsea was brilliant in their 4-0 opener over Portsmouth. Just as the Rangers appear to have the support of the Protestant and the Unionist community, Chelsea incorporates British symbols and flags into their fan support. The same could be said of the Linfield Blues in the Irish League. No doubt, Chelsea has the best team songs in the league. Check out the following Chelsea fight song.

The Passing of a Legend: Country Music's Leading Steel Guitarist Don Helms

Don Helms with Marty Stuart
This past Monday, Country music legend Don Helms left this Earth. Some time back, Don Helms had a stroke while driving in Cullman, AL. Fans of traditional country music knew Don Helms, but I can guarantee that every person reading this has heard at least a portion of the powerful steel guitar playing of Don Helms.
Born in New Brockton, AL in 1927, Don Helms was an original member of Hank Williams' Drifting Cowboys. Musings from Maytown has written several articles on Hank Williams. Perhaps no entertainer survived the years with the close connection to Hank Williams as did Don Helms. Don Helms played on more than one hundred recordings with Hank Williams and likely knew Hank as a brother.
After Hank's death, Don Helms recorded with virtually every imaginable star in the country music genre. When you hear Walking After Midnight by Patsy Cline, you are hearing Don Helms on the steel guitar. Don Helms is the only person in human existence to record with Hank Williams Sr., Hank Williams, Jr, and Hank Williams III.
In late years, Don Helms was often the great attraction at Hank Williams Festivals, as the strongest link to Hank Williams and his great career. In fact, Don Helms wrote the Ballad of Hank Williams and recorded the number along with Hank Williams Jr. Don's funeral was attended by the greats of country music.
Why a tribute to Don Helms? Don Helms' passing closed the longest and one of the most personal chapters in the story of Hank Williams. Remember, Hank Williams died over fifty-five years ago, but the legend continues. If you are interested in hearing well-known songs with a Don Helms background tune in Don Helms Music Listen now to a one-and-a-half minute recording of Don Helms playing Hank's famous Cold, Cold Heart
.

I'm Messin' with Texas

In spite of the slogan Don't Mess with Texas!, I plan to meddle in the business of the recent dispute at Criswell College. Baptist Press reports from August 5 and 6 report that Dr. Robert Jeffress, Pastor of Dallas First Baptist Church, had broached the discussion of the future of Criswell College, an institution under the ownership and authority of Dallas First Baptist Church. Criswell College President Jerry Johnson resigned admidst the controversy. Reportedly, leadership at First Baptist was open to discussion on possibly selling KCBI radio (radio station from Criswell College) and allowing Criswell College to become absorbed by Southwestern Seminary in nearby Fort Worth. Please consider the following aspects of this :
1) Baptists believe in autonomy. Dallas First Baptist Church has every right to operate Criswell College and KCBI radio. Furthermore, the Southern Baptist Convention is autonomous as is the various state conventions. Much outside criticism of Southern Baptist life comes from individuals who do not understand that autonomy.
2) Jerry Johnson, outgoing President of Criswell College, is a hero to many of us who supported the conservative resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. While a young pastor in Colorado, Johnson came on to the Board of Trustees of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Johnson raised issues of theological liberalism at Southern Seminary. Johnson's charges were given with solid evidence. Johnson was vindicated as Southern Seminary is now a citadel of sound doctrine.
Johnson later chaired that same board and then served on the faculty of Southern Seminary before coming to Criswell College.
2) Dr. Robert Jeffress Pastor of Dallas First Baptist Church, is a strong Bible preacher. No one would question the boldness nor the commitment to sound doctrine. Dr. Jeffress stands weekly in the pulpit of the inimitable W.A. Criswell, who served as Pastor of this great church for fifty years. Criswell College is counted as the birthplace of the Southern Baptist Conservative Resurgence. While other churches have retreated to the suburbs,First Baptist Church of Dallas has continued with a vibrant downtown ministry. Criswell College has remained a great part of the overall ministry of this great church. Bible preachers, scholars, missionaries who were trained at Criswell College are all across the globe and a major part of Southern Baptist life.
3) While the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas does give monetary support to Criswell College, the school remains under the umbrella of First Baptist Church of Dallas.
4) Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in nearby Fort Worth is led by Dr. Paige Patterson, who formerly served as President of Criswell College. Dr. Patterson is considered, along with Judge Paul Pressler, the chief architects of the Southern Baptist Conservative resurgence. Dr. Patterson is a great Bible expositor, a true scholar, and a passionate evangelist. Dr. Patterson was a featured speaker at the 2006 Alabama Baptist Pastors Conference when this editor was President of that conference and is a hero to this writer.
5) Traditionally, Baptist colleges were the purview of the various state conventions while the Southern Baptist Convention operated seminaries. The seminaries were normally graduate seminaries, though they did offer diploma programs for older men, called into ministry later in life, but returning for ministerial training without a college degree.
Two events transpired that changed this perspective. As the seminaries returned to their conservative roots, some state conventions did not follow suit as quickly. Some colleges remained liberal in their orientation. To provide theological training at the undergraduate level, the seminaries expanded their undergraduate training. Today, Southern Seminary operates Boyce College, New Orleans Seminary operates Leavell College, and Southwestern Seminary operates the College at Southwestern.
The other change from tradition took place when various Baptist Colleges began Divinity Schools--graduate schools for theological education. Most of these schools operated in the orbit of the more liberal Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. The one exception to this is Beeson Divinity School at Samford University. Beeson Divinity is led by Dean Timothy George and provides a quality education in accordance with sound doctrine.
So, today you find Southern Baptist Seminaries in competition with traditional Baptist Colleges. While I share the frustration of those in seminary offices that some Baptist Colleges still harbor liberal theologians, I will also state that those Baptist Colleges who have remained in fellowship with their respective state conventions, are, for the most part, coming in line with biblical doctrine and worldview.
So, here is my point of meddling: Criswell College must maintain a separate identity apart from Southwestern Seminary. My hope is that the Southern Baptist Convention of Texas will take the leadership of Criswell College, if indeed, First Baptist Church of Dallas desires to divest themselves of this institution. Also, I would hope that our Southern Baptist Seminaries will go slow in competing with our Baptist Colleges. I would hope that the Seminaries limit their training to those entering vocational ministry. If conservative Southern Baptists have problems with our Baptist Colleges, they should work to rectify the problems.
Southern Baptists have served well with graduate seminaries operated by the SBC and Baptist Colleges operated by the state conventions. While I support the autonomy of Baptist life at all levels, including the right of a local church (like First Baptist Church of Dallas) to operate their own institution (like Criswell College, I would urge that Baptists respect and work to keep the traditions involving our educational institutions-- traditions that have served us well. While I love and revere the leadership of all of the institutions mentioned in the controversy, I would hope that Criswell College maintains a distinct identity.

John Edwards Affair: Be Careful What You Say!

Rielle Hunter
In recent days, political blogs are buzzing with the news, broken by the National Enquirer, of former US Senator and Presidential candidate, John Edwards and his apparent long-term relationship with a videographer named Rielle Hunter, hired in 2006 by Edwards' Political Action Committee. National Enquirer reporters stalked Edwards, even chasing him into the men's room of the Bevery Hilton, where Edwards had reportedly met Ms. Hunter earlier in the evening.
The rumor mill has made charges concerning the paternity of Ms. Hunter's child, born in 2007. Edward's has denied fathering the child and, while he has admitted the affair with Ms. Hunter has claimed that he never loved any woman but his wife.
First of all, I would hope that no one would deduce that Musings from Maytown is defending Edwards' infidelity nor his long-time lying to cover the affair. This editor cannot help but wonder how Ms. Hunter feels when Edwards even denies ever having loved her. Certainly, Edwards' actions have forfeited any hope that he might have to serve as Vice Presidential nominee with Senator Obama. Likely, Edwards will not hold any cabinet position in an Obama Administration.
At the same time, my hope is that conservative Republicans will hesitate before making too much political hay over the Edwards affair.
1) Any honest Christian must face the frailty of the flesh. Paul writes the Corinthians (II Corinthians 10) that we are to take heed, when you think you stand, lest you fall. A pompous soul who refuses to admit his own sinful heart, and our inate susceptibility to sin. King David was the man after God's own heart, but he fell into precisely the same sin that John Edwards committed. By the way, one must take note that Ms. Hunter may have worked for a pro-abortion candidate, but she wanted to keep her baby.
2) Conservatives and Republicans (not always the same) should be careful to say too much. The past few years have shown us that Republicans can be as corrupt as Democrats, that Republicans can demonstrate moral failure just as Democrats. Neither party has a monopoly on sinful practice.
Recently, I saw a Republican operative on the internet gloating over the Edwards affair. However, this same individual would not want the issue of John McCain's past moral failures. Do we really want an election year discussion of McCain's divorce from his first wife, who waited on him while he was in Viet Nam, to marry his present wife? Do Republicans really want the Edwards test applied to John McCain?
3) Ultimately, we are not voting for one with a spotless personal life, we are voting for one who would be the best leader of our Constitutional Republic. To this day, rumors of immorality shadow the life of Thomas Jefferson. But I would still prefer Thomas Jefferson's leadership among our founding fathers to that of others, who might have cleaner lives than Jefferson. While one's personal life does speak of ultimate character, we must remember that we will find no perfect individuals.
Remember, President Jimmy Carter was a Baptist Sunday School teacher, but an abject failure as a leader. I would much prefer a leader like Thomas Jefferson than one like Jimmy Carter. Some who might choose to make an issue of Edwards' moral failure, should consider their criteria for selecting a leader.

Glasgow Rangers defeat Falkirk to begin League Play

The mighty Glasgow Rangers opened play in the Scottish Premier League by defeating Falkirk 1-0. Sports observers in the United Kingdom have cautioned that this year could be a year of rebuilding for Walter Smith's Rangers. This Friday, Smith met with Rangers fans from across the globe to assure them that the Rangers are committed to the same excellence expected of the Rangers program.
Why does an Alabama boy love the Glasgow Rangers? Let me give you several reasons:
1) No team has demonstrated a loyalty to the heritage of the Scots or of the Ulster-Scots as have the Glasgow Rangers. Watch a game at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow and you will see hundreds of Union Jacks, Scottish saltires, and flags of Ulster. Rangers fans often sing pro-Ulster songs at matches. While players come from all across the globe to play for the Rangers, a majority of their players are native to Scotland.
2) In the late 19th century, a flood of immigrants came from Ireland to Glasgow. The Irish immigrants began to support the Glasgow Celtic who took upon themselves Irish nationalist symbols while the Rangers used distinctively British and Scottish symbols. When the Rangers played for the UEFA Cup in Manchester, one news reporter tagged the Rangers cadre as the Scots Presbyterian Covenanters Team. Such is the legacy of the Glasgow Rangers. To celebrate a Celtic defeat over the Rangers, the Celtic goalie displayed a t-shirt emblazoned with Pope Benedict. Such is the identification of the Rangers with the Protestant Cause.
3) The Rangers have won fifty-one Scottish Premier Championships and a number of other Cup Championships. No team has been more dominant in their league than have the Rangers. (OK, Celtic fans, challenge me) Rangers Manager Walter Smith
4) The Glasgow Rangers have support all over the globe with a number of local Rangers clubs in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and even in Asia. I know of no team anywhere with an entire genre of music built around support for that team. Check out some of the Rangers music here.
The theme Follow, Follow was patterned after two hymns and the attached Billy Boys song speaks of the followers of the Protestant King William. The Scottish Premier season will last until May, and my son will join me in cheering on the mighty Glasgow Rangers each week until the end.

Musings from Maytown readers recommend Senator Evan Bayh for Democratic Vice President

In a close vote, with balanced voting, Musings from Maytown readers selected Evan Bayh as the preferred choice for the Vice Presidential nominee on the Democratic ticket. Senator Bayh from Indiana would balance the ticket in more than one manner: first, Bayh comes with years of governmental experience, an answer to the charge that Senator Obama comes with insufficient governing experience and is not ready to lead; second, Bayh comes from the Hubert Humphrey wing of the Democratic Party and was a supporter of Senator Hillary Clinton's bid for the presidency; third, Bayh is extremely popular in his home state of Indiana and could bring Indiana to the Democratic column for the first time since 1964. Readers of Musings from Maytown cast votes as follows:
Sen. Evan Bayh 14 (25 %)
Sen. Hillary Clinton 12 (21%)
Gov. Tim Kaine 10 (18%)
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius 7 (12%)
Gov. Bill Richardson 6 (10%)
Sen. Joe Biden 6 (10%)

Musings from Maytown readers endorse Gov.Sarah Palin for McCain's VP

In the past week, a cross section among the readership of Musings from Maytown voted overwhelmingly to endorse Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as the best choice for Vice President on the GOP ticket. Readers of Musings from Maytown still have a few days to vote on your choice for Senator Obama's VP nominee. Also, please cast your vote in the presidential poll. Many who have voted are again allowed to vote in this poll. Please remember, this presidential poll is linked through Newsvine, and they have not yet updated the poll for the Fall election. Also, Newsvine determines when votes from a computer will again be allowed to vote again and, evidently, they did so on August 1.
The results were:
Gov. Sarah Palin 28 (52%)
Gov. Mitt Romney 12 (22%)
Gov. Pawlenty 4 (7%)
Gov. Ridge 3 (5%)
Gov. Sanford 3 (5%)
Rep. Cantor 2 (3%)
Gov. Crist 1 (1%)
Rep. Portman 0 (0%)
Gov. Palin is known as an outspoken evangelical Christian, an active member of Church on the Rock in Wasilla, AK. Gov. Palin is pro-life, has a dynamic personality, is a persuasive speaker, and is quite a beautiful woman who was featured on the cover of Vogue magazine with the headline America's Hottest Governor