Southern Baptists and the Conservative Resurgence

In the 1970s, Paige Patterson was a doctoral student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and he was contacted by Judge Paul Pressler, a Texas Appeals Court Judge and active Baptist layman. Both of these gentlemen were concerned about the scourge of theological liberalism in Baptist seminaries and in the Baptist Sunday School Board.
Judge Pressler understood the by-laws of the Southern Baptist Convention and Dr. Patterson understood the theological debates involved. In time, these two brothers traveled the country, rousing Baptists and urging them to come to the convention to elect conservative Convention Presidents who would, in time, appoint conservatives to the Committee on Committees who would in turn nominate members to the Committee on Nominations who would nominate conservative trustees to the seminaries and boards. Beginning with the election of Adrian Rogers in 1979, Southern Baptists have elected Presidents with a commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture. Today, all six seminaries are staffed with professors who hold to the fundamentals of Christian faith. While other denominations have moved toward theological liberalism, the Southern Baptist Convention has returned to the roots of faith and fidelity to the Bible.
The Southern Baptist Conservative Resurgence is unparalleled in modern American history. Was this movement merely political maneuvering? No, the effort of the Conservative Resurgence was a movement not unlike the Reformation. This writer is pictured with the two men who engineered this mighty effort-- Dr. Paige Patterson, now President of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Judge Paul Pressler, now retired, but faithfully speaking for Christ around the globe.

SBC 2009: Wrap-Up

The 2009 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention is history. Just prior to the convention, I predicted that we would see no fireworks, and my prediction proved true. We had some good news to report:.
* More young people attended the convention. Younger ministers are connecting with Baptist life and seizing opportunities to serve and be involved in missions.
* The spirit of the Pastors Conference was high with powerful preaching and singing.
* Former Arkansas Governor and one-time Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee spoke to the Pastors Conference and correctly stated that a moral America would be able to deal with our problems as a country.
* The SBC again elected a conservative slate of officers: Johnny Hunt won re-election as President, with no opposition; John Mark Toby of Kentucky won First Vice President by a margin of almost 2-1 (and my personal vote); Stephen Rammage of Florida was elected Second Vice President without opposition.
* Meeting old friends at the Convention is a wonderful experience. I enjoyed talking with Dr.Jerry Vines, retired Pastor of First Baptist Church. This man is absolutely my favorite living preacher. The photo above is this writer with Dr. Vines. I always enjoy seeing Tom Mooty, known as the Medicare Minister from East Tennessee. Tom is an old college classmate who operates the press room each year at the convention.
* The Kingfish Restaurant on the Indiana side of Louisville (Jeffersonville,to be exact) is THE PLACE to eat in the Louisville area--excellent seafood,the absolute best hushpuppies anywhere, and a view overlooking the Ohio River We enjoyed supper one night with Mike and Marlene Jones from Patriot, Indiana, an old classmate of mine who is now a County Councilman in Switzerland County, Indiana and is Pastor of a local Baptist Church. This couple is so delightful and happy that they made our evening joyful.
* The Louisville Bats, AAA baseball team, have a tremendous stadium. Attending a Bats game is exciting. One interesting sight was a woman from Uganda who sold treats from a basket that she carried on her head, African-style. The Bats are currently leading their division in the International League. The Bats are the AAA team in the Cincinnati Reds organization. While the Bats will never equal the Birmingham Barons in my mind, I will be cheering on the Bats as they seek to win the International League pennant this year. Bats pitcher Homer Bailey is certainly a major league prospect worth watching in the Reds organization.

SBC 2009: Great Commission Resurgence

For the past two months, leading up to the 2009 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, observers have heard great discussion on the proposed Great Commission Resurgence proposed by SBC President Johnny Hunt and authored by Southeastern Seminary President Danny Akin. Some had expressed reservations about the centralizing of Baptist life and others had expressed reservations about the suppositions about state conventions. Dr. Morris Chapman, Executive Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Southern Baptist Convention has expressed reservations about the overhaul that some suppose would come from the proposals included in the Great Commission Resurgence.

Dr. Albert Mohler of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary proposed that the SBC President Johnny Hunt be empowered to appoint a committee to come back to the 2010 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention with a proposal on the Great Commission Resurgence.
While many good individuals are on the committee, I am concerned for several reasons:
1) The GCR Committee seems weighted with mega-church pastors, with little input by small and medium-size church members and pastors.
2) Half of the committee hail from either North Carolina or Florida, with no members from Alabama, Mississippi, or Louisiana. Consider that Alabama has been the leader in Cooperative Program gifts for 2009.
3) With the great emphasis in church planting and evangelism among minorities, I am surprised that no black members were named to the committee.
I would have been glad to see Alabama Baptist Convention President Jimmy Jackson named to this committee. Dr. Jackson has served as First Vice President of the SBC, was on the SBC Executive Committee, is a trustee of Southwestern Seminary, pastors the great Whitesburg Baptist Church that leads Alabama in giving through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions as well as the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for North American Missions. Dr. Jackson has served as Parliamentarian for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention on numerous occasions.
Another positive selection would be Birmingham Baptist Associational Missionary Mike McLemore, who has served as President of the Alabama Baptist Convention and has served in many areas of denominational life. Mike is a loving man with strong conservative convictions. Dr. McLemore has the pulse of inner-city missions and has pulse of pastors and laypeople.
Another selection, which would have represented Alabama and would have added a black member, would be Dr John King, Associate Missionary with the Birmingham Baptist Association. Dr. King is a powerful preacher, a strong leader, and a loving man with influence and experience in inner-city work. With the great need for ministry in urban areas, Dr. John King would have served as a great addition to the Great Commission Resurgence Committee.
However, I do love and respect our Convention President Johnny Hunt--one of the great pastors and preachers of our generation. His heart beats for evangelism and his desire is to see our Convention move more effectively.

SBC 2009: The Obama Resolution

In the days prior to the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention, Musings from Maytown expressed concern about a proposed resolution from Dr. Dwight McKissic, well-loved Texas Pastor who introduced a resolution concerning the election of President Barak Obama. On the evening before resolutions were to be considered, Dr. McKissic called me and asked if I would discuss the motion. Dr. McKissic had seen the comments on Musings from Maytown concerning our opposition to this motion and this brother approached me from a Matthew 19 vantage point. I found Dr. McKissic kind and respectful. This brother had no liberal agenda, desiring only to express appreciation that racial prejudice had not prevented the election of President Obama. As I talked with Brother McKissic, I found a common thread. This writer expressed to Dr. McKissic that I was happy that when a black American looks into his son's eyes and tells him in America, you can go as far as your abilities and desire will carry you, that now he can know this is true, for our country has elected a black man as leader of the free world.
At the same time, I expressed to Brother McKissic my strong opposition to Obama's policies. Surprisingly, I found that Dr. McKissic agreed! This brother has voted Republican since 1984, and remains a big fan of Gov. Sarah Palin!
Below, you will find the text of the resolution on Obama. This resolution did not praise many of Obama's policies, nor did it express that electing Obama was the correct action. An honest person must see that the resolution is strong, balanced, and focused. Nonetheless, the media has already tried to make this resolution appear to be an endorsement of Obama's election. Also, note the photo of Dr. Dwight McKissic with the Editor of Musings from Maytown.
RESOLUTION NO. 1
ON PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

WHEREAS, Our country has struggled with personal and institutional racism for centuries, even to the point of shedding blood on our own soil in war and in peace; and

WHEREAS, The family, anchored by the loving commitment between a husband and a wife, is the most important social unit for the foundation of any nation (Genesis 2:18-24); and

WHEREAS, A nation cannot prosper if it is too weak or compromised to defend itself from both foreign and domestic enemies; and

WHEREAS, The defense and protection of the most vulnerable humans among us is a value that defines the character and soul of any people (Proverbs 24:10-12); and

WHEREAS, Pro-life convictions are born out of deeply held beliefs in the sanctity of human life (Psalm 139:13-16); and

WHEREAS, God is concerned about the kind of judges nations choose, requiring that they “judge rightly” and “not show partiality” (Deuteronomy 1:16-17) and warning against the issuance of “oppressive laws” (Isaiah 10:1); and

WHEREAS, Our nation has declared its dependence on and trust in God; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Louisville, Kentucky, June 23-24, 2009, share our nation’s pride in our continuing progress toward racial reconciliation signaled by the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend President Obama for his evident love for his family, displayed so clearly by his commitment to our First Lady Michelle Obama and his determination to spend meaningful time with their two daughters, Malia and Sasha; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we commend President Obama for his decisions to retain many foreign policies that continue to keep our nation safe from further terrorist attacks; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge President Obama to keep intact our strong military and national security defense measures in order to assure the ongoing security of America and our allies; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we deplore the President’s decision to expand federal funding for destructive human embryo research; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we decry the President’s decision to increase funding for pro-abortion groups and to reduce funding for abstinence education; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we oppose the President’s determination to strip pro-life healthcare professionals of their conscience protections, punishing them for refusing to participate in or facilitate abortions and other activities that violate their pro-life convictions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly urge the President to nominate strict constructionist judges who seek to make decisions based on the original intent of the United States Constitution and, therefore, faithfully interpret rather than make law or impose their political views on the nation; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we strongly protest any effort by the President or his administration to eradicate the symbols of our nation’s historic Judeo-Christian faith from public or private venues; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our strong opposition to the President’s declaration concerning his decision to declare June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we earnestly pray for the President (1 Timothy 2:1-2) that he will use the constitutional authority assigned to his office to promote liberty and justice for all people, including the unborn; and be it finally

RESOLVED, That we will join hands with President Obama and his administration to advance causes of justice insofar as those efforts are consistent with biblical principles.

Happy 150th Birthday Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

In 1859, nine students met in Greenville, SC for the inaugural class at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Among those nine was J. William Jones, who later was to be among the first appointees in Southern Baptist international mission work. Thousands of Southern Seminary graduates have gone to the mission field, to serve as church pastors, and to a wide range of ministries across the globe. Only eternity will reveal the impact for God that has come from Southern Seminary.
Located in Louisville, KY, my wife and I attended the 150th birthday celebration on the campus of Southern Seminary-- our first visit to this campus. We were warmly welcomed by faculty and staff as we ate dinner, were led on a tour of the campus by Stev and Jennifer Parsons (Stev is a past Trustee and current member of the Foundation Board of the Seminary), and then proceeded on to the 150th Birthday Celebration in the Chapel of the Seminary. President Albert Mohler spoke on the heritage of the seminary, the choir presented powerful music, we enjoyed thunderous congregational singing, and various presentations.
My affection for Southern Seminary is two-fold: first,no individual comments on the culture from a biblical worldview as well as Southern Seminary President Albert Mohler. Dr. Mohler possesses a grasp of the world scene and assimilates the issues of the day into his theological understanding. Secondly, Southern Seminary is a school where every professor holds to a high view of Scripture, the fundamentals of Christian faith, and the distinctives which make one a Baptist. These attributes were not always true at Southern Seminary, but this school has been fully restored to strong stand on the historic Christian faith. In the photo, you will see this writer standing before a portrait of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, the great British Baptist. This portrait hangs in the office of Seminary President Albert Mohler. .

Musings from Maytown Readers Express Little Confidence in Print Media

In our weekly poll, Musings from Maytown readers declared that, by a large margin, their news comes from Internet-based news and blogs and from television network news. Consider the results on the question of one's #1 source for news:
Daily Newspapers 5 (7%)

Internet-Based News and Blogs 32 (49%)

News Magazines 0 (0%)

Radio Talk Shows 7 (10%)

Special Issue Organizations 0 (0%)

Television Network News 21 (32%)
Why do readers take time to sort through internet news and to watch network news, to the exclusion of the print media? Consider that one can find a variety of writers on the world wide web. Even broadcast media has somewhat of a balance. Fox News serves to balance the big three networks, but even CNN and MSNBC know that they must include some conservative spokesmen to garner viewers.
But only five readers selected newspapers and no one selected news magazines. Daily newspapers are going out of business on a monthly basis. One need look no farther than the Birmingham News to find a terrible bias accompanied by a malicious approach toward those who express opinions from the status quo. Letters to the Editor are often sorted to preclude too many opposing perspectives.
These United States have been well-served by print media, but this writers believes that we are observing the demise of the daily newspaper as a source of news for middle America.

Musings from Maytown say Letterman Owed Palin an Apology

Readers of Musings from Maytown voted by an almost 11-1 margin (97-9) that David Letterman actually owed an apology to Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska for snide and insulting remarks made concerning her family. Letterman must have been watching this poll, for on Wednesday, Letterman issued an apology to Palin and her family.
This week's Musings from Maytown poll simply asks your source of news. Is your major source of news the print media, broadcast media, or the internet? With newspapers closing monthly, do people trust the media anymore?

Southern Baptist Convention 2009

This coming week is scheduled for the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, KY. Thousands of messengers are expected to attend this meeting of the largest non-Roman Catholic denomination in these United States. The Southern Baptist Convention is composed of approximately forty thousand self-governing Baptist Churches. Baptists have no hierarchy and the Southern Baptist Convention has no authority over the local churches.
However, through voluntary support, the SBC ministries operate six seminaries, send thousands of missionaries around the world, and work to provide guidance on moral issues of the day. What should happen this week at the 2009 Southern Baptist Convention?
1) Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville will celebrate their 150th anniversary. Southern is now a solidly conservative school under the leadership of their President, Dr. Albert Mohler.
2) Discussions should be held on the proposed Great Commission Resurgence (GCR). Some have wisely expressed concern that the proposal trends toward connectionalism, with the SBC declaring that which state conventions are to do. While any Baptist should support a re-emphasis on the Great Commission, one must never compromise on the distinctives of Baptist Autonomy. Does the Great Commission Resurgence proposal compromise Baptist autonomy? This messenger to the Convention is waiting to hear the debate before signing on.
While many Pastors signed on to support of the GCR, this writer has decided to wait until his reservations are settled.
3) Some expect a motion to withdraw fellowship from Broadway Baptist Church in Fort Worth, a church that some say has endorsed homosexual behavior. If, indeed, this church does support legitimizing homosexual practice, I expect this church to be disfellowshipped.
4) Dwight McKissic is offering a resolution celebrating the election of Barack Obama as the first black President. The interesting matter is that SBC President Johnny Hunt has endorsed the motion.Frankly, this writer believes that these United States need to repent in sackcloth and ashes for electing a pro-abortion, pro-homosexual, pro-socialism leader like Barack Obama. I care not what his race may be. Should we celebrate the election of a black President? Somehow, I thought the dream of Dr. King was a color-blind society. Dr. King's most famous speech declared I have a dream when men will be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. Somehow, praising the election of a President of a certain race would seem to conflict with the King dream.
My ideology is contrary to that of Obama, hence, I am not happy with the election of President Obama. Seriously, I doubt that few Southern Baptists would be happy if this convention supports such a resolution applauding Obama's election. This Baptist will be present to vote against such a resolution.

Happy Birthday Charles Haddon Spurgeon

On June 19, 1834, Charles Haddon Spurgeon was born in the small village of Kelvedon, Essex, England,just a few miles Northeast of London. As a young boy, young Charles found his way into a Primitive Methodist Church for a meeting where the minister was unable to attend. The layman stood and spoke on the challenge from Scripture to look unto me, all the ends of the EarthThe Park Street Church had a legacy of prominent English Baptists, but a nineteen-year old preacher with an unusual gift stepped into the pulpit of this great church and within weeks, the auditorium could not hold the crowds who desired to hear Spurgeon preach. Generations later, Spurgeon's sermons are still published and distributed across the globe. In this life, Spurgeon baptized thousands of converts, began orphanages to care for the needy children of London, founded a Christian college now operating as Spurgeon College, and led in the sending of missionaries across the globe.
Spurgeon was not a high-pressure preacher. The worship at the Tabernacle was quiet, with a reading of a Psalm, and no instrumental music. But God's hand was on the ministry of Spurgeon as few men in history.>.
Quite often, this writer describes himself as a Charles Spurgeon Baptist, but in reality, I could never hold a candle to this mighty man of God. In 2007, I had the privilege of walking through the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, Spurgeon's church. The current Pastor is Dr. Peter Masters, a godly man and strong Bible preacher. Today, I pray that you will give thanks for the ministry and legacy of Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

Ole Miss and Southern Heritage

This writer was speaking in Memphis this week and planned to be back in town for Wednesday evening service to hear David Carpenter, a mighty man of God at the age of eighty-eight. However, due to unforeseen hindrances, I was delayed. Seeing I would not get back in time, I took time for something that had long been on my agenda. Leaving the interstate highway, I took a ride to Oxford and visited the campus of the University of Mississippi, or Ole Miss as most Southerners say.
Perhaps no University in the South has the grand heritage of the University of Mississippi. The home of William Faulkner, the great Southern writer, is on the campus. The outskirts of the campus is covered with old Southern-style houses. The Lyceum is a beautiful building serving as the center of Campus, The University Greys were a Confederate unit raised from among students at the University of Mississippi. At Gettysburg, this unit had a 100% casualty rate, with every single cadet either killed or wounded. The legendary University Greys are still the base of many heart-touching stories told by Mississippians.
Through the years, I have noticed the pride of Ole Miss graduates in their Alma mater. One almost expects an Ole Miss graduate to express pride in the Southland. In a day when Southerners denigrate their heritage, try to lose their Southern accent, and act embarrassed at our customs, I was proud to see that some semblance of Southern heritage still remains on the campus of Ole Miss. No question, the political correctness gestapo has done their damage at the University,
but I was still touched to see the Confederate monument at the center of campus. The sports programs still calls themselves the Ole Miss Rebels, as seen in the accompanying photo of Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. And the band still plays the old Southern favorite, Dixie.
I am sorry that some have used these symbols to promote hatred, but hatred is not that which is good about Southern culture. I was born in Alabama. My father was born in Mississippi. I am a loyal American, but do not apologize for being a Southerner, as I believe that we are the most cultured section of our country. Southerners still possess more of the conviction and values that made our country great. So, whenever they are not playing the Crimson Tide, I will be cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels. In a day when we are told to blend in as world citizens, I am glad to see some state and regional pride left at the Universtiy of Mississippi.
Thomas Jefferson wanted to be identified, first as a Virginian. Our country was not intended to be one large nation with divisions, but a composite of states who came together voluntarily for cooperation. Yes, we are Americans, and Southeners take no back seat in loving these United States. But never, should we allow anyone to attack our state or regional loyalties. God bless America and God save the South!

J.R. Faulkner-- Good Bye-- See You Again

Today, I attended the funeral of J.R. Faulkner, a great man and positive influence on my life. J.R. Faulkner served for almost fifty years as the second man to Dr. Lee Roberson, Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church and President of Tennessee Temple University. Under the leadership of Drs. Roberson and Faulkner, Highland Park Baptist became the largest Church in the South and Tennessee Temple had thousands of students, in its' hey-day. One can read the obituary of J.R. Faulkner by linking on to this site: J.R. Faulkner Obituary
The funeral of Dr. Faulkner was led by his five sons. Peter, a missionary with Source of Light, gave thanks to all present. Steve, a missionary to Canada, gave the eulogy. Bobby, a Christian layman and wonderful son, led in prayer. Randall, Pastor in Oklahoma, brought the main message. Paul led two hymns as powerfully as his dad used to lead singing.The closing hymn was Crown Him with Many Crowns, a song Dr Faulkner woke up singing a week before his deadh. Grandchildren sang and gave tributes. The highlight was special music provided by a choir of Faulkner grandchildren. Peter's wife sang My Savior First of All as beautifully and powerfully as the song has ever been sung. Read below a brief biography of J.R. Faulkner as posted on the website of Michael Guido.
J. R. Faulkner retired in 1990, then served as Interim Pastor of Highland Park Baptist Church until 1991.
Dr. Faulkner was first a teacher at T.T.U., then Vice President for 22 years; and in 1974 he became President. Dr. Lee Roberson wrote about Dr. Faulkner - “In the many years of my work, I have found no one to equal Dr. Faulkner in fruitfulness, purity of life, and dedication to the cause of Christ. As a multi-talented man, he performed every task with precision, enthusiasm, zeal, and spiritual power. As a song leader, artist, administrator, preacher or soul winner, he worked with an unquestioned whole-heartedness. We continue to walk together in the work of our Saviour!!”
Dr. Faulkner served as pastor of South Rossville Baptist Church, Rossville, Georgia, from 1945 - 1949, when he accepted the Associate Pastor position at Highland Park Baptist Church, Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Dr. Faulkner said, “I have chosen to live within walking distance of Highland Park Baptist Church in case my car does not start on Sunday morning I can still walk to church and be on time for my duties.”
He was faithful first to Christ, to his wife and family and to Dr. Lee Roberson. If you were to place a picture by the word faithful in the dictionary–that picture should be of J. R. Faulkner.
The day was made further enjoyable as I rode to the funeral in Chattanooga with Mike Royer, News Announcer on TV-13 in Birmingham and a fellow graduate of Tennessee Temple University. Mike Royer is a tremendous Christian brother who, as a layman, speaks as fervently and as interestingly as any preacher I know. Any church or civic group would do well to contact Mike Royer as a speaker for any positive event.

Birmingham Barons Win First Half Title

In the Southern League (AA Baseball), champsionships are won for both North and South Division. The Championships are decided between the winner of the first half of the season in each division against the winner of the second half of the season. The first half of the season will end on Sunday, June 21.
This past Sunday, the Birmingham Barons won the first half division championship for the South Division. This guarantees that the Birmingham Barons will be playing in the Southern League playoffs in September.
This writer has been impressed with the determination and the motivation of the 2009 version of the Birmingham Barons.
The photo displayed here is a photo of this writer as he threw out the first pitch at a Barons game a few weeks ago. Musings from Maytown is excitedly promoting this year's version of the Birmingham Barons. Come out and enjoy a game at Regions Park in Hoover.

Introducing Tim James

This past Saturday morning, I called off my personal moratorium on attending Republican meetings to go hear Tim James at the June meeting of the Mid Alabama Republican Club. A large audience heard this candidate for Governor speak forthrightly and winsomely about the possibilities for Alabama.
I will not attempt to recap the speech, but suffice it to say, this writer was extremely impressed with the presentation of Tim James. Tim James speaks with the passion and common sense of a George Wallace, the reverence for the Constitution of a Fob James, an aggressiveness of a Bob Riley, the sincerity of a Guy Hunt, the ...well, I don't see any resemblance to Don Siegelman.
1) Tim James is a die-hard believer in the US Constitution and the principles of our founders. When asked about his support for the Sovereignty Resolution (a movement in state legislatures to re-assert state sovereignty), Tim James replied that he would support this motion as a move to draw attendion to the issue of states' rights. Tim went on to say but we already have a State Sovereignty Resolution, it's called the US Constitution.
2) Tim James understands the need to rein in state spending and live within our means. Tim James really understands the intended limits of government.
3) Tim James is a man of moral convictions. A believing Christian and active member of a Presbyterian (PCA) Church in Greenville, Tim is pro-life and opposes gambling for our state. Tim James would stand on moral principles in his decisions as Governor.
4) Tim James is practically minded. As a successful businessman, Tim James is honestly looking for practical solutions to the problems that face our state. Frankly, Tim James is sensible about the solutions to reading and the need for a sensible approach in public education. A philosopher might scoff, but Tim James is a get-something-done man.
5) Tim James has a happy, winsome manner. Unlike most of us conservatives, Tim James does not come off as angry and persecuted. Tim James reminds me of Ronald Reagan in promoting a postive approach and insisting that we can produce our way out of our problems.
6) Tim James is a good speaker and has a strong and pleasant personal presence. His speeches make sense and he is a solution-minded thinker.
This writer has struggled with a defeatist attitude, but the Tea Party movement has given me hope. The candidacy of a Constitutionalist like Tim James is further evidence that we are still a great country with postive hope.
Yes, the photo above is an overweight editor of Musings from Maytown with the next Governor, Tim James. Tim James was an Auburn running back under Coach Pat Dye and was enjoying a light-hearted moment over my Crimson Tide shirt.

Musings from Maytown Readers oppose Obama on Palestinian State

In his recent Middle-East trip, President Barack Obama advocated a separate Palestinian state in what is now Israeli territory. However, readers of Musings from Maytown voted overwhelmingly against a two-state solution. By a vote of 55-17 or 76%-24% to say NO to a Palestinan state in Israeli territory.
This week's poll addresses the recent comments, made in humor, by late-night television host David Letterman concerning the family of Alaska Governor and former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin.
Musings from Maytown asks Does David Letterman owe an apology to the family of Sarah Palin? Readers may mark either yes or no. The poll will end on Saturday night, June 20.

Effort to Audit the Fed Now with Majority Support in House of Representatives

Today, Congressman Ron Paul's bill to order an audit of the Federal Reserve System passed the majority mark in the US House of Representatives. As of today, HR 1207 has 222 co-sponsors, enough to pass the House of Representatives.The establishment has long fought to keep the operations of the Federal Reserve System under wraps, as the Fed determines money supply and interest rates. Yet, this private corporation has virtually no accountability.
Alabama Congressman Bobby Bright has signed on as a co-sponsor, leaving Congressmen Parker Griffith of Huntsville and Artur Davis of Birmingham as the only Alabama Congressmen not to co-sponsor HR 1207. Folks, this bill ought to be a no-brainer. Why would anyone object to clearing the air on the most powerful body in this nation?

Two Hundred Seven House Members Co-Sponsor HR 1207 to Audit the Fed

The outrage of the general public is reaching a slow boil as grassroots efforts are about to topple an establishment sacred cow. As of today, two hundred seven House members have signed on to co-sponsor HR 1207 which would order an audit of the Federal Reserve System. This number is close to a majority number (218 members). The Fed has taken billions upon billions of your tax dollars without any accounting. Among the latest crop of co-sponsors is Alabama Congressman Jo Bonner. This means that all four Republican House members from Alabama have signed on: Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Rogers. The three Democratic members, Bright, Davis, and Griffth, have not done so. However, lest this be considered a partisan issue, a great number of Democratic House members have signed on to co-sponsor HR 1207.
Keep up the heat! As Ronald Reagan used to say if they can't see the light, maybe they will feel the heat!

While US lurches leftward, Europe Moves to the Right

Monday, June 8 witnessed the release of the election results as nations in the European Union elected representatives to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The results were a tidal wave of conservative representation for the next session of the European Parliament.
Even in countries who are traditionally friendly to socialism, like France and Germany, the Center-right parties were dominant. In Italy, Poland, Spain, Austria, Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic the Center-Right coalition topped the respective polls. Of course, the Conservative Party, led by the dynamic David Cameron, swept the elections in the United Kingdom, winning seats held by Labour for generations.
Almost as significant was the vote for Euroskeptic Parties, those Political Parties who are either skeptical or opposed to involvement in the European Union. In the United Kingdom, the United Kingdom Independence Party ran a shocking third in this election. Considering that the Conservative Party is considered Euroskeptic, this election should send a resounding message that the British people do not wish to be ruled from Strasbourg. Hopefully, this will work to keep the UK using the Pound for their currency and that the British will continue to resist the Euro.
In Hungary, Netherlands, and Italy, a strong vote was cast for anti-immigration parties. The anti-immigration British National Party, called far-right by the mainstream media, won two EU seats for the first time in UK history. This vote came in light of the fact that many European countries are facing a flood of Muslim immigrants who are changing the culture of Europe.
For years, liberal intellectuals have pointed to enlightened Europe as the model for internationalist thinking and the pattern for putting aside our nationalistic fervor. Our European cousins really are frightened about the invasion of people from another culture and the shaky status of their national heritage.
Our European friends really are nervous about losing their right to self-government and fear control by an internationalist system. The ruling Labour Party in the UK was joined by the Liberal Democrats in preventing a referendum on the issue of the EU Lisbon Treaty. The backlash of national interest was evident at the polls this past week.
The New World Order lost a round this past week. Those who wish to comfortably merge Western culture with the rest of the world had a setback with these EU election results. My hope is that the surge of nationalistic fervor will reach the US shores. Perhaps our people will stand up and say no to the
Now, we are finding a revival of nationalism among the natives of Europe. People really are proud of their national identity.

Latest Poll Results from Musings from Maytown

Musings from Maytown readers voted overwhelmingly against the confirmation of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the US Supreme Court. Sixty three (84%) voted against her confirmation and twelve (16%) voted in favor.
On the National Basketball Association finals, twenty (71%) predicted that the Los Angeles Lakers would win the NBA championship while eight (29%) predict a championship by the Orlando Magic. In spite of predictions, thirteen (55%) are cheering on a Lakers victory which eleven (45%) favor a Magic Championship.
Please find worthy of note that seventy-five voted in the poll on the Supreme Court nomination while only twenty eight made a prediction in the NBA finals and only twenty four expressed a favorite team. Obviously, political subjects garner more action and interest among the readers of Musings from Maytown than do sports subjects. However, this website discusses the culture at large, hence, we will continue to address politics, sports, theology, music, and all other matters that relate to our culture.

Will Alabama's Shelby Kill Plan to Audit the Fed?

As mentioned in an earlier post, Congressman Ron Paul has introduced legislation (HR 1207) to demand an audit of the Federal Reserve System. No body or institution in the world has so much power over our economy as does the Federal Reserve System. Yet, this private institution has virtually no accountability to the general public.
As of latest reporting, HR 1207 has 190 co-sponsors. This includes a fair number of Democrats. Among Alabama Congressmen, HR 1207 is co-sponsored by Congressmen Mike Rogers (3rd district), Robert Aderholt (4th district, and Spencer Bachus (6th district). Pressure should be brought to bear on Congressman Bonner (1st District), Bright (2nd District), Griffith (5th District, and Davis (7th District).
However, the Senate version of this legislation was introduced by Senator Grassley of Iowa. Sad to say, already this legislation has been amended with exclusions written into the margins of the bill in pencil "with respect to a single and specific partnership or corporation." That means that the scope of the GAO’s audit has been severely limited. This modified version of the amendment does not give GAO authority to look at all of the additional taxpayer risk. According to Senator Grassley's website, this amendment was included by Alabama's Senior Senator Richard Shelby.
This news is troubling because Shelby has been a critic of the Fed, including his oft-quoted promise that the Fed can remain secret for awhile, but not forever. Shelby was a hero in the hearings on the TARP bailouts and the auto bailouts,making the case from a position of support for free markets.
Alabama voters need to express their concerns to Senator Shelby. In a time of economic concern, this legislation should shine the light on the actions that are moving and directing our economy. Please take five minutes and watch this video to see the importance of the issue of auditing the Federal Reserve System.

In UK, Conservatives sweep as Gordon Brown is on the Ropes

This week was a banner week for David Cameron's chances to serve as the next British Prime Minister.First, thirty four councils in England elected officials and the Conservative Party won thirty of the thirty four councils, winning 1476 seats to the 176 of the ruling Labour Party. Labour ran third behind the normally third-place Liberal Democrats. The Labour Party lost about three-fifths of their seats-- a clear rejection from the English voters. Some districts rejected Labour for the first time in a generation.
Then, Gordon Brown,the current Prime Minster and leader of the Labour Party has experienced several resignations from among his own cabinet and several key Labour leaders are calling on Brown to step aside.
Conservative leader David Cameron is a powerful speaker who has motivated UK voters in the same manner that Ronald Reagan motivated the conservative base in the early 1980s. Each Sunday evening at 11 PM CST, American viewers can watch Prime Minister's Questions on C-SPAN. This writers' observance declares that David Cameron is one of the finest spokesmen for limiting government. Granted, the UK has already embraced realms of government control that we still resist here in the US. But the possibility of a dynamic David Cameron challenging the status quo and socialistic trends in the UK is an exciting opportunity to turn around a major civilization. Conservatives in the UK have made great advantage by opposing ratifying the European Union treaty without a vote of the people. Maybe conservatives here in the US will gain hope by a right-ward turn in Great Britain.

Robert Killian, the Voice of Iron, and Defeating Hitler

As the son of a World War II Veteran, I grew up hearing my dad tell me that he won the war. Even as a young boy, I figured that his talk was hyperbole and that he was joshing. Actually, my dad talked little about his time in the European theater. I did collect a few tidbits of information, such as when he spoke of the German children in the community and the sad experience of finding a dead body of a Pennsylvania soldier in the tall grass off the side of the road.
I did know that my dad had battle ribbons from Normandy, the Battle of the Rhine, and from the Battle of the Bulge. Robert Harrison Killian was literally born in a box car, as his father, Robert Lee Killian (named after the General) worked for the railroad company. As a boy, Robert was fascinated with radios and would build them from scrap. This hobby paid off when he joined the Army during World War II and was transferred to the signal corps due to his abilities with radios. In his later years, my dad would tell that the Lord was looking out for him so that he would not be on the front lines with the infantry, with their high casualty rate, but would work in the signal corps.
As a result, Robert Killian became attached to the 143rd Signal Battalion as part of the Third Armored Division. This Division spearheaded the success in the Normandy Invasion and likely was crucial to the defeat of the forces of the Third Reich. The 143rd Signal Battalion was known as the Voice of Iron and their communications likely provided the clarity to strike at the most opportune times. So, ol' Robert was not kidding--he really did win the war!
My dad passed away in 2003, but I still possess the boxed flag presented at his funeral in honor of his military service. Today, we honor the accomplishment of our brave soldiers at D-Day which took place sixty-five years ago on this date. Freedom is not free and all Americans owe a debt of gratitude to those soldiers who willingly went to risk their lives for these United States. God bless our World War II Veterans and may God save these United States.