October 9, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

The five-person Norwegian committee who choose the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, this morning selected United States President Barack Hussein Obama as this year’s recipient of the famous award. If ever there were any doubt that this award is a joke…it should be heartily confirmed with this choice. The February 2009 deadline for nominating candidates for this award came two weeks after Obama took office. Which means after less than 15 days on the job, the committee felt Obama had done enough to merit nomination…and ultimately the award itself.

The prize committee has proven time and time again that it is nothing more than a far-left leaning activist group that grants the award based on adherence to liberal dogma…as opposed to anything relating to world peace. You need look no further than 2007 recipient Al Gore, who won the award for his “work” of combating global warming. The obvious question would be: what does the man-made myth of global warming have to do with world peace? Answer…nothing. Furthermore, who has benefited the most from the propagation of this myth? Answer….Gore who has made a fortune peddling books and giving speeches. But if you would like to look deeper than 2007…then go to 2002. That’s when Jimmy Carter won the award for his “work” of promoting world peace by constantly bashing Israel. Actually I think the “official” reason given was a little more discreet…but it was blatantly obvious why he won. The committee said at the time that it was partially meant to be a “kick in the leg” of George W. Bush for his actions in Iraq.

In short, this award is a complete joke…and no intelligent person should give it the slightest amount of respect or credence. Personally, I’m more impressed with Aunt Bea’s prize winning pickles at the Mayberry County Fair than I am this award. At least Aunt Bea had some competition and legitimate judges. The only difference between this year’s award and past years is that they typically give the award to a “has-been” liberal hack (Carter, Gore)….as opposed to a current liberal hack (Obama).

One of the reasons the committee cited for giving Obama the award was that he has great “potential” to bring world peace because of his position and demeanor. Since when are awards given for “potential”? Former Texas football coach Darrell Royal used to say that potential is another way of saying you’ve never actually DONE anything. Obama has ACTUALLY DONE so little that even the left-leaning comedy Saturday Night Live recently made fun of him in their opening skit for having actually accomplished absolutely nothing in his nine months in office. Can you imagine the Heisman Trophy going to a High School sophomore because he as the “potential” to be a great college football player someday? Such an act would make the award a laughingstock. And by choosing Obama, the Nobel Peace Prize has officially made itself a worldwide laughingstock…assuming it wasn’t already (which it pretty much was).

I predict that this act will completely suck any creditability away from the Nobel Peace Prize…and future awards will barely be noticed by the public. Even most liberals, including Obama’s administration, claimed they were shocked by his selection. The Norwegian boot-lickers who gave this to Obama should be ashamed of themselves for their blatant hero-worship of a smooth, glib American politician who has never accomplished anything other than get himself elected President. I assume we can expect the Vatican to announce any day now that they’re declaring Obama a saint; and then the United Nations will probably crown him as Supreme Potentate and King of the Universe. I expect this will be followed by the Nobel committee going all the way and renaming the award the Obama Peace Prize. But I won’t be playing along with their sham. Obama deserves the Nobel Peace Prize about as much as 1939 nominee Adolph Hitler did. Hitler’s nomination was eventually rescinded because of the obvious mockery of such a gesture. Obama’s nomination should have been rescinded as well. It wasn’t. Which perhaps shows that our world is a much, much sicker place today than it was in 1939. Congratulations to President Obama for winning yet another prize that he doesn’t deserve.

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September 10, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

It’s truly frightening to see how any political dissent aimed at Barack Obama is so quickly and fiercely squelched by our nation today. Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, in a moment when there were many squeaks and groans across the hall blurted out two words: “You Lie!” The result has been an overwhelming amount of censure and disdain towards Wilson from Democrats and Republicans alike. So is it no longer allowed to call a liar a liar in our Nation today? The fact that Obama lies on a daily basis is a matter of public record. Remember the promise he made that no lobbyist would be allowed to work in his administration? In fact, his administration if over run with lobbyists. In 2004 Obama stated unequivocally that he would NOT run for President in the next election. Truth or lie? Obama, like most politicians, says whatever he wants to say at the time…then does whatever he wants to do. Honesty means nothing to him. The real tragedy is that we are no longer surprised when political hacks like Obama are caught in a lie. We simply expect it from them. But the outrage over pointing out that a liar is a liar in this case is astounding.

Arlen Specter, the specimen from Pennsylvania was a Democrat when it could further his career…then quickly switched to a Republican when Reagan came to power in 1980….then quickly switched back to Democrat when Obama came to power. A bigger liar doesn’t exist in Washington than Specter, who called for Wilson to be “censured” for his conduct. Are you kidding me? Arlen Specter has the audacity to suggest someone else be censured? Of course Specter is the same man who was outraged when people actually spoke out against him at recent town hall meetings concerning health care, threatening to have police remove vocal dissenters. Specter and his ilk would be much more comfortable in a Soviet style dictatorship where all dissent is destroyed. Apparently all of the Democrats and many of the Republicans in Washington agree.

I assume that most people would claim Wilson’s remarks were out of place in that context. But the spirit of the room had clearly become vocal. Many noises were emanating from the gallery when Wilson blurted out his exclamation. Nancy Pelosi, who with all due respect seems to be the ditzy human in the history of politics, said she considered “gaveling” Wilson for his outburst. I say that’s fine….as long as she gavels any and everyone who claps during Obama’s speech. Or cheers. Or gives a standing ovation….all common forms of “outbursts” during congressional speeches.

The Wilson case makes one thing crystal clear……speaking out against Obama will not be tolerated by the Washington establishment. The boot-licking Democrats in Congress will go along with anything the Obama dictatorship proposes. The media will play along. And often times, even the spineless Republicans will submit and back pedal….rather than stand up and speak out. In very rare exceptions, someone will speak out…..and they’re shouted down so fast it makes their head spin.

Some are saying Wilson’s career is over. Really? For blurting out two measly words….that were accurate at that. You are witnessing the destruction of America before your very eyes. Barack Obama is a radical beyond anything we’ve ever seen; and he has stuffed his administration with unaccountable “czars” who are just as radical as he is….and who none are allowed to question. Open communists now swarm the capital like a pack of mangy dogs. And none are allowed to speak out against them without risking their career. Everyday we churn more rapidly towards a modern day Nazi Germany….with Obama playing the part of the charismatic lunatic Adolph Hitler. Don’t forget that “NAZI” was a nickname for “National Socialist”….which is exactly what Obama is.

Bravo to Joe Wilson for speaking the truth in calling Obama a liar. It may cost him his career….but unlike most in Washington, both Democrat and Republican…..Wilson can say that he spoke the truth….in pointing out the liar.

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July 23, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

Several years ago, when I was a college freshman, I accidentally locked my keys in my truck in a Wal-Mart parking lot. Uncertain of what to do, my first response was to get some wire out of my tool box and try breaking in through the window and unlocking the door. All the while, an older man was watching me from a few cars over. After a couple of minutes, the man rolled down his window and told me he was going to call the police. To him, it looked like I was committing a crime. And I have to admit, it looked rather suspicious. A young punk with a coat hanger trying to enter a locked vehicle should arouse anyone’s curiosity. And the man rightly left the scene and called the police. When they came, they asked for my driver’s license, which I showed them. They ran a check on the tag, proving the vehicle was mine. Then they helped me “jimmy” the door so I could get on with my life.

It looked suspicious, and I was accused by another person of committing a crime. Did I mention that I am white? The recent arrest of black Harvard professor Louis Henry Gates is the latest example of an arrogant black man thinking he can get away with anything because he’s black. And if anyone ever questions him over anything in life, he can accuse them of being a racist and the President of the United States will back him up.

The Gates case sounds like a crock from the word “go.” Apparently he locked himself out of his house, and then tried to break in. He was an innocent man caught in an awkward situation, and someone rightly called the police. The whole situation looks suspicious, REGARDLESS OF WHAT COLOR YOU ARE! But when police arrived on the scene, Gates immediately accused them of racism. When they asked him for identification, he initially refused. Then he threw a fit because they were singling him out because he was black. No, Dr. Gates….they were singling you out because you were trying to break in to a house.

This issue could have been diffused in a matter of minutes if the spoiled brat Harvard professor had simply explained the situation and shown identification from the start. But NOOOOOOO…he had to start screaming about racism. I would be willing to bet if there was REALLY a black man breaking into his house, Gates would expect the police to intervene. And if they didn’t (after all they wouldn’t want to appear racist by apprehending a black thief)……if they didn’t intervene he would accuse them of racism for not protecting his house….because he’s black.

Gates problem is not that he’s black. His problem is that he’s an arrogant jerk that’s been handed everything in life because of Affirmative Action. People like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, etc. have trained a whole generation of black people to cry racism at the drop of a hat, and forego any sense of personal responsibility. Gates knows he can get away with anything because in our country today the unpardonable sin is to be a racist. Nobody wants to be branded a racist….so everybody is supposed to look the other way if you see, for example, a black man breaking into a house. And if someone has the nerve to call the police, they’re immediately branded as a racist.

President Barack Hussein Obama spoke of the Gates incident in a prime time news conference in which he said the police acted “stupidly” and that it was proof that we still have a long ways to go in terms of race relations in this country. Excuse me? It’s “stupid” for police to question a man breaking into a house? I beg to differ. I would say it would have been stupid for the police not to have questioned that. Especially after they received a call over it. The only stupid thing they might have done was not realizing they would be accused of racism.

I know that racism still exists in many circles of our world today. As a white male, I’m in a position to be discriminated against everyday. Over the years I’ve applied for numerous jobs in which the employer said they would prefer to hire a woman or a minority. Amazingly, the government encourages this blatant racism known as Affirmative Action. Undoubtedly, other races face discrimination as well, including black people. But need I remind anyone that we have a black man currently serving as President of the United States! And though many don’t want to admit it….Obama was elected President because he’s black. If a white man had run with Obama’s glaring lack of experience and qualifications, he would have been laughed off of the national scene. But not Obama. And now, anyone who questions anything Obama does is considered a racist.

Unfortunately, we have a “perfect storm” for the destruction of America. Obama has quickly acted to take over the nation with a system of “czars” who answer to no one but him. He’s taken over the banking industry, the automobile industry, and is poised to take over the health care industry as well. He’s traveled the world running down America while kissing up to terrorists and arrogant Europeans who despise us. And he’s in the process of bankrupting the country by spiking our national debt to historic levels. AND NO ONE CAN QUESTION HIM BECAUSE HE’S BLACK! Surely you’ve noticed….any Conservative who tries to question his antics is marked as a racist. And no Democrat has the spine to confront him….they’ve made that abundantly clear from the start.

The situation is indeed dire. Obama seeks government control of everything; and his desires are bankrupting the nation. And with the race factor thrown in….no one will try to stop him. The perfect storm exists for our destruction…and Obama is doing his best to do it in short order.

In conclusion, Barack Obama and Louis Henry Gates are both an embarrassment to their race. Both the black race and the human race. Its sad that America’s first black President will also be remembered as the man who single handedly dismantled our country. There are many black people who I believe would do an outstanding job as President, but they will never get elected because they’re not liberal enough. Clarence Thomas made that clear in 1991 when the smear campaign was waged against him during his Supreme Court confirmation. Thomas said the reason for his “high tech lynching” was because he was black man who dared think for himself instead of accepting the black liberal mantra of the way things should be. His punishment was to have his reputation destroyed by liberal Democrats and the leeches in the media.

In part, I agree with Obama’s press conference statement. I believe the Gates case does prove that we have a long way to go in this country in terms of race relations. Some how, some way, we have to get back to a level of sanity where the police can do their job and question a man breaking into a house. And that man, if he’s innocent, will simply explain the situation instead of going berserk and accusing the police of being racists. Calm, controlled, sanity is what we need. But I don’t expect to have it with a spoiled brat Affirmative Action, Liberal President who’s never worked a day in his life……defending a spoiled brat Affirmative Action Harvard professor who can be as hateful as he wants to anyone he wants anytime he wants and then accuse anyone who confronts him of being a racist. Yes indeed, our country has a long way to go.

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June 30, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, who has been having an affair with an Argentinean woman, was “found out” on June 18. After lying to his staff and family, he left his four sons and jetted off to see his mistress on Father’s Day weekend, leading reporters to wonder about his whereabouts. After saying he needed some time alone to write, he was said to be on “the Appalachian trail” – then after being discovered by a reporter in an Atlanta airport, having just got off of a plane from Argentina, Sanford claimed he needed a bigger adventure so he left the country.

Lie after lie finally caught up with him until he embarrassingly admitted in a press conference that he had been having an affair for some time; that his wife knew about it; and that he was trying to figure things out. In the twenty minute press conference, Sanford didn’t seem to have enough sense to shut up. He rambled on about how God forgave him; and he rambled on about his mistress. Later, emails between the governor and his mistress surfaced in which Sanford blathered on like a junior high boy about how “in love” he was with her. Having met in 2001 when Sanford began counseling her about staying with her husband (yeah right); they eventually became attracted to each other…then magically fell in bed….several times. Until they finally got caught and had to pay the piper. Here are some thoughts I have on this bizarre incident….

First, Sanford should resign….IMMEDIATLY. He has no business serving the people of South Carolina. His mental state is that of a lovesick adolescent. His family is in shambles. And no one trusts him. The only thing keeping him in office right now is an ego that won’t let him back out of the spotlight. Though he whined and cried during his press conference, he seemed to relish the attention. This is typical of politicians who never met a camera they didn’t like.

Sanford is just another in a long line of phonies who will say whatever they have to say in public to get elected…even while they’re doing the exact opposite behind closed doors. These cretins know that to get elected they have to belong to a certain religion (in South Carolina its Christianity), they have to have a certain kind of wife, a certain amount of kids, a certain kind of education, a certain type of hair style, etc., etc…..you get the point. Like cleverly crafted robots they do and become whatever they must to gain power. Sometimes they’re wife is in on the plan (Sanford’s wife was his campaign manager)….sometimes they’re not. Case in point…has anyone ever thought that Bill and Hillary Clinton’s marriage was anything other than a political partnership? It seems perhaps the Sanfords are the Republican version of the Clintons. They seem to have both wanted power….but Mark was too juvenile to hold on to it.

If Sanford were any part of a man he would break this affair off, resign, and try to somehow salvage his marriage. He would move somewhere away from the limelight, find a job flipping hamburgers, get an apartment, and attempt to save his family. He won’t do that…but he should. He sort of claims the affair was not really his fault because he “had to listen to his heart.” This is pure poppycock of the lowest order. Sanford blathers on like a smitten teenager who can’t control his emotions. A man his age ought to know better. Let’s be honest, his “heart” was not the part of his anatomy that was controlling his decision making. Even after getting caught he described his mistress as a “dear, dear friend.” He has said that “at the end of the day” his fling is not a tawdry affair but rather a “love story.”  He calls his mistress his “soul mate” whom he tragically can’t have.  This lovesick fool is so detached from reality that I’m not sure he knows what planet he lives on, much less what state he’s governor of.  I’ve never heard anyone in my life over the age of 17 carry on the way he is.  His wife has said he tried to get the two of them to meet, but she refused. What kind of a moron is he? Did he actually think his wife was going to become friends with her? Did he think once his wife met her she would understand why he wanted to have sex with her so bad? I’m floored at what a complete imbecile Sanford appears to be. If that’s what “listening to his heart” led him to do, then he obviously needs a heart transplant…and maybe a brain transplant too. What a complete idiot! But I digress…

Another bothersome comment Sanford made in his ridiculous press conference was that “I’ve been a person of faith all of my life.” I think this statement gets right to the crux of the problem. There are two things wrong with that sentence.

First of all, he uses the generic spiritual phrase “person of faith.” I for one, despise this phrase which is frequently used by pantywaist “Christians” who don’t want to offend those of other “faiths.” Sanford claims, at least officially to be a Christian. Well guess what….Jesus didn’t call us to be “people of faith” he called us to be committed followers of Jesus Christ. Anytime I hear someone use the “person of faith” line, I’m immediately suspicious. Why are they too embarrassed to claim a particular faith? Why are they ducking the name “Christ?” I fear that Sanford spoke the truth. That he is a “person of faith” (which can mean anything), as opposed to being a genuine born again believer and follower of Christ. “People of faith” have affairs then immediately and unrepentantly declare themselves forgiven by God (or the Deity or whatever they call him [or her]). Christians are truly heartbroken over their sin. They repent. They try to make amends with people they’ve hurt. And they accept the consequences of their actions. They resign as Governor. They focus on Christ. They fix their mess. Unfortunately, Sanford is a “person of faith” so God only knows what he will do. He’s compared himself to King David, like all pious adulterers like to do. But David repented. David was broken hearted over what he had done. David was in anguish over sinning against God, not simply getting caught. Mark Sanford, don’t kid yourself….you’re no David.

Secondly, Sanford said he had been a person of faith “all of my life.” Again, this indicates that they’re has never been a time in his life in which he truly felt the conviction of God to the extent that he turned from his sin nature and submitted his life to Christ as Lord. As a good Southern boy, he was probably brought up in Sunday School, got baptized and has been a lifelong member of the church. He’s been a part of the “religious establishment” from day one, but that doesn’t make him a Christian.

Sometimes politicians realize that a Christian conversion experience will help them politically, especially in places like South Carolina, or Arkansas, so they’ll give a “testimony” of one…..and 99 times out of 100 it will magically involve Billy Graham. If all the politicians were really saved at Billy Graham crusades, who claim to be, Washington would look like a Seminary, rather than a brothel. Make no mistake, “you will know them by their fruits” and many of the loud mouthed, pious politicians in America bear rotten, smelly, embarrassing fruit.

Sanford’s situation is obviously disappointing. As was New York Governor Elliot Spitzer’s. As was Bill Clinton’s. As was Newt Gingrich’s. As was Rudolph Giuliani’s. As was……you get the point. Sadly, I think it’s pretty obvious that there are vast amounts of moral depravity on both sides of the political aisle. I am a conservative, Independent because I believe both parties are hypocritical and corrupt. The only difference is that some are liberal hypocrites while others are conservative hypocrites. The bottom line is power and money, and both sides will do whatever they have to do, and say whatever they have to say to gain as much money and power as they can….until they get caught. Like it or not that’s my opinion. Being a conservative I typically vote for Republicans as the lesser of two evils. But many Republicans are just as slimly as Democrats, albeit with a different public face. There are exceptions to the rule and I have a handful of politicians that I think MIGHT be legit. But I’m not holding my breath. I see Barack Obama and the Democrats absolutely destroying and bankrupting our country, while the Republican leadership is flying to South America for sex. Sadly, that pretty much sums up America today.

In closing, I know some will criticize me for “kicking Sanford when he’s down” or say “who are you to judge” or whatever. I don’t judge Sanford. His actions have judged him. I simply point out what a decent man would do in his situation. And I point out his hypocrisy as a warning to everyone else, including myself. Every time I see one of these embarrassing press conferences, I remind myself that any man is capable of a moral failure. And I would encourage all people to put yourself in Sanford’s place and imagine what he’s going through….before you decide to have an affair. Sanford found himself caught up in a world of lies, then he found himself in a roomful of disappointed people looking to him for answers. His wife and he are separated. Undoubtedly his kids feel like they’re life is ruined. Though Sanford may be too dumb to see it…his career is over. His family is all but gone. His life will never be the same again. Was the fling worth it? If he and his mistress end up together, he’ll claim it was worth it….but he’s kidding himself….and he’ll never be truly happy. Unless he truly repents, he’ll always just be a shell of a man, who once governed a state while he himself was being governed by his hormones and his emotions.

Mark Sanford has done enough damage for one lifetime. He needs to resign and move off of the public screen, and ride off into the sunset as yet another example of a phony politician who doesn’t have the self-control, nor the maturity to handle the power he so desperately sought. His time in the spotlight needs to end. He needs to get on with his life. He needs to try and fix his life. And he needs to be out of our lives for good. That’s my opinion for what it’s worth….take it or leave it.

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May 28, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

Barack Obama has nominated Sonia Sotomayor to be the next Supreme Court Justice, based upon his desire to have someone with “empathy towards people’s struggles.” The problem is that judges aren’t supposed to decide cases based upon empathy. They’re supposed to decide cases based upon the rule of law. Empathetic judges sound well and good if they happen to empathize with your particular race or viewpoint. But what if they’re empathetic towards your enemies? What if they’re empathetic towards terrorists? Or child molesters? Or one particular race to the detriment of another race?

A judge’s decision must be based on the law, not empathy. Making decisions based on feelings will leave the people in a situation where they must observe whatever emotionally driven decision is reached on that particular day, all subject to the mood swings of the judge.  If Sotomayor and four of her colleagues are feeling especially “empathetic” towards Muslims on a particular day, then Christianity is ruled illegal.  If they feel especially “empathetic” towards deer, then hunting becomes illegal.  If they are particularly “empathetic” towards Al Gore, then aerosol cans become illegal.  You get the point.

Sotomayor has stated that her background as a poor, Latina woman makes her able to reach better conclusions than a white male. In a recent commentary, National Review’s Jonah Goldberg pointed out that Clarence Thomas knows better than any Supreme Court Justice what its like to be a poor minority. Therefore according to Obama and Sotomayor’s logic, he should make better decisions than anyone, right? Wrong. Thomas is a conservative; therefore his views are rejected out of hand. But Thomas wouldn’t even claim to be a conservative justice. He would simply say that he makes decisions based upon what the Constitution says. Which is exactly what a Justice is supposed to do, and what Sotomayor has promised not to do, and what Obama has stated he doesn’t want a justice to do.

Commentator Thomas Sowell recently wrote that if you were going to have open-heart surgery, you wouldn’t care about the background, race, or “empathy” of the doctor. You just want the most qualified person to cut on you. Likewise with the Supreme Court. A Justice’s background, race, personality, etc. isn’t the point. We need people who will judge based upon established law, rather than legislate from the bench. But in an address to Duke University, Sotomayor stated publicly that a judge’s role is to “make policy.” Of course she immediately covers her tracks saying that she knows she’s being taped and she shouldn’t say it…though she implies everyone knows it’s true. When listening to Sotomayor’s snide and arrogant comments about judges “making policy” you can also hear the nervous giggles of the Duke students in the background. Sotomayor was publicly stating what liberal judges do, even though the Constitution forbids them from doing it. She tipped her hand and should be voted down en masse. But it will never happen.

The United States Senate is largely made up of political glory hounds who care about nothing other than their own power, pocketbooks, and popularity. They will completely ignore what a Justice is actually supposed to do. They will completely ignore the fact that Sotomayor has vowed not to do it. And they will confirm her quickly because she is a Latina, woman who was appointed by an African-American man.

Of course if the truth were known, Obama only appointed Sotomayor because of her minority status to begin with. At least that coupled with her liberal worldview. Obama narrowed his list of potential Justices to four people….all women. Are we truly supposed to believe that there wasn’t one single man in all the Federal judiciary who was worthy of at least being considered for the Supreme Court? Not one?  Not even a man who is a minority?  Obama needed a women on the Court for political purposes…and if he could find a Hispanic women that would enable him to kiss up to that ever growing section of the electorate, then all the better.

Sotomayor and others like her are a danger to the rule of law in America. By usurping the legislative branch’s role to make laws, liberal justices frequently over rule the will of the people, based on nothing more than their personal preferences. In essence, liberal Justices serve as dictators, doling out decisions based upon their personal whims…or their “empathy” for a particular group or race. And their lack of “empathy” for another. This is racist and has no place in the courtrooms of America. Certainly not the highest court in the land.

If the Senate had any spine whatsoever, they would reject this nomination and any other Obama nomination that doesn’t promise to make decisions based solely upon the law of the land. “Empathetic” judges take the power out of the people’s hands and assume it for themselves. And they have no right under the law to do it.

When Justice John Roberts was being grilled by the Senate, he said that a judge’s job is not to made decisions based on personal preference. He said a judge was like a baseball umpire who was supposed to make judgments based on established law. Can you imagine a baseball umpire changing the rules in the middle of game and granting some hitters four strikes because he felt “empathy” towards them? If he did, the game would be a farce. But that’s exactly what liberal judges do, and they make our courtrooms a farce.

Sotomayor may be the most empathetic person on Earth. She may have an absolute heart of gold. She probably loves butterflies, rainbows, and flex-fuel vehicles. But that’s not the point. She has stated publicly that she will not do the job of a judge, as American Law and her oath of office, states she is supposed to. She won’t judge impartially; she will be “empathetic.”

We need more judges like Roberts and Thomas. Conservative or Liberal has nothing to do with it. Serving as a Judge rather than a Dictator does. Sotomayor promises to be a Dictator. And I for one hope the Senate does what I know they will never do….and vote her down for her lack of judicial integrity. Today we are a nation of laws, but the more “Sotomayors” we have on the court, the closer we come to a totalitarian state where “empathetic judges” rule the lives of the people they’re supposed to be protecting.

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May 19, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

On Sunday, President Barack Obama gave the commencement address at Notre Dame University…and was granted an honorary doctorate for his work of…….well, no one really knows any work he’s ever done other than getting elected President. But, nevertheless its always good publicity for your school to give the President a doctorate. Whatever. A bit of a firestorm was created in his invitation…and many Catholics protested, as they should have, because Obama is extremely pro-choice, while the official Catholic stance is pro-life. Some students even went so far as to skip their own graduation in protest of his being there. To miss your own graduation because of a principle deserves high praise indeed…at least in my opinion. They’ll still get their degree, but they made a point by their non-attendance that couldn’t have been made otherwise. They have my respect.

And while they missed out on getting recognition, they also missed out on the nausea of listening to Obama lecture the world on how both sides of the “abortion debate” need to emulate him by being “above name-calling.” He proceeded to tell the story of how his campaign website once stated that he supported a woman’s right to choose and would protect it against “right-wing ideologues” who seek to take it away. Obama shared how someone confronted him over the name calling and he had his website remove the phrase “right-wing ideologue.” Now…apparently…we’re all supposed to be so enamored with his grace that we mimic him…and refuse to use adjectives when describing those like him who defend the cause of slaughtering babies. Forgive me, if I choose not to take his counsel.

One of the biggest problems in America today is that we don’t use the correct “names” to call things what they are. “Marriage rights for all” is a sweet way of saying “government supported perversion.” “Redistribution of wealth” is a sweet way of saying “rob from the workers and give to the lazy.” And likewise “pro-choice” is a sweet way of defending a women’s right to let a doctor murder and mutilate her baby. Am I wrong to point out that abortion involves the murder of a child? Am I a “name-caller” like my President says I am? You’re darn right I’m a name caller…because things need to be called what they are.

Obama thinks he deserves a medal because he removed the phrase “right wing ideologue” from his web site, yet he’s also the same man who declared people like me to be “bitter” because I “cling to my guns and religion out of fear.” It might surprise the President to know that I don’t mind being called names. As the saying goes, “I’ve been called worse names by better people than him.” But I’m not the least bit offended if he chooses to call me a “right wing ideologue.” He can even call me a “right-wing, gun-toting, Bible-thumping, loud-mouthed, opinionated, furry-faced, four-eyed, Okie-Kansas, Calvinistic, religious-extremist, anti-government, anti-tax, anti-gay, anti-liberal, pro-baby, pro-family, pro-liberty, state’s rights Constitutionalist, hillbilly, redneck with a bad case of acid reflux.”

None of those names offend me because they’re all true…at least in some people’s eyes. I am who I am, and I don’t mind people using names to describe me. But turn about is fair play. And as long as I have the freedom (though I won’t probably have it much longer)…I’ll continue to call things what they are….including our President. You know him don’t you? Mr. Obama…..the left-wing, radical, over-taxing, free-spending, baby-killing, freedom-hating, pompous, arrogant, self-worshiping, fascist who would rather kiss up to foreign leaders than support his own country. Who would rather spend more money than actually fix problems. And who….sadly….would rather defend the cause of left-wing, liberal feminists than he would defend the life of innocent, helpless babies who didn’t ask to be created, and sure didn’t ask to be killed.

Sorry Mr. President, but I cannot take your counsel…and as long as you continue to hold policies and defend practices that murder babies, I’ll continue to call you names that fit your crime. And maybe, someday, by the grace of God….if enough people will call “baby-killers”…. “baby-killers”…. then maybe someday “baby-killing” will no longer be an accepted law of the land. And we truly can move on to other problems that our nation needs to address. But until then, murdering children trumps everything else. And in my mind….it always will.

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May 6, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

On May 5, the British government’s Homeland Security director, Jacqui Smith released a list of sixteen people who are banned from entering their country because of their political views. The list includes murderers, racists, and various other criminals. But one notable name is conservative talk show host Michael Savage. His crime? Expressing conservative political views, such as a need for border security and opposition to gay marriage, that England thinks could cause “community unrest” if allowed to enter their nation. Savage never espouses violence, and in fact has been very critical of terrorists who use violent means to make their point. Clearly he is being singled out for committing the unpardonable sin of being conservative. His thoughts and opinions have caused him to be banned.

Today, the United Kingdom has proven beyond doubt that it has more in common with Soviet Russia and Communist China than it does any “free” nation. It is ironic how Liberals who claim to value “free speech” suddenly desire to suppress and even outlaw any “free speech” that is critical of their views. The same thing is happening in America where things like “Hate Crimes” legislation seeks to punish a criminal for what he might have been “thinking” when he committed a crime; and the “fairness doctrine” which seeks to silence conservative talk radio by requiring stations to also play liberals. So who would determine whether a commentator is conservative or liberal? Michael Savage criticizes both parties; so would he be exempt from the Fairness Doctrine?  Regardless, the government has no business dictating to radio stations what kind of political discourse they can and cannot air.  The British government is out of control, and America is right behind them.

Regardless of what Great Britain or the United States says, I’ll continue to listen to Michael Savage. Though I don’t agree with him on all issues, I enjoy his program…and I completely agree with his right to have and state his opinion as passionately as he wants to. Britain’s ban is ridiculous, and if I were planning a trip there I would cancel it…not that I have any desire to go there anyway. Keep reading, for more reasons why I am a regular listener to The Savage Nation, and why I think he trumps all other radio talk shows.

… … …

I confess. I love listening to Michael Savage on the radio. I know I’m not supposed to say that because most people see him as a homophobic, hate-mongering loud mouth that puts people down. But of all the commentators on the radio, he is hands down the most brutally honest concerning issues that many conservatives are too scared to touch.

I’ve listened to most of the conservative radio talk shows at one time or another, and to be honest, I seldom listen to any of them now except Michael Savage. While I agree with the political views of other conservatives, I can’t stomach much of their shtick. Sean Hannity, repeats the same worn out arguments over and over again. Regardless of the topic the caller brings, Hannity babbles on like a broken record. Bill O’Reilly is the most arrogant specimen I’ve ever tried to endure…and I AGREE with him on most issues. Quite frankly I’m glad he’s no longer on the radio because it wasn’t really his venue. He’s good at reading off of a teleprompter on his TV show, but not very good at thinking on his feet, as evidenced by the amount of “ummms” and “uhhhhs” on his radio show. I gave up on O’Reilly for two reasons. First, I heard Savage make an argument on his show one day for why Obama was doing something. Then, TWO DAYS LATER, I heard O’Reilly make the same argument and brag to his chick, lackey, co-host about how his brilliant shrewdness had analyzed the situation. I believe he stole the idea from Savage, then claimed it as his own. Secondly, I read O’Reilly’s book: A Bold Fresh Piece of Humanity and was nauseated at how in love he is with himself. The basic premise of the book is that if everyone were as courageous, smart, outspoken, and all together as wonderful as him, then the world would be a better place. I’ll pass on O’Reilly.

Rush Limbaugh has been the king of conservative media for many years for a reason. His arguments are logical and articulated in a clear and entertaining fashion. But my complaint with him is that he is too reluctant to criticize the Republican Party. A group who I believe needs to be held accountable for its leftward slide. In contrast, Savage will call out anybody. Evidenced by the fact that he has been more critical of George W. Bush than any other conservative commentator because of Bush’s massive government spending, lenient immigration standards, and leftward policy lurches.

Savage is also the only person on the radio willing to tackle and speak out on problems in our society that are destructive and should be obvious to all. Homosexuality is not only sinful, it goes against nature. It destroys society by destroying marriage and destroying the family. But the “gay mafia” as Savage calls them, has brow beaten most Americans into submission, but not Savage. Though he lives and broadcasts from San Francisco (he calls it San Fran-Sicko), he regularly calls out the homosexual community for the fascists that they are as they try to silence anyone critical of their behavior and what it does to society at large.

Savage is one of the only cultural commentators who points out the fact that obnoxious children need to be disciplined rather than drugged with Ritalin. Savage points out that boys need to be taught to be young men, rather than feminized as our current education system seeks to do. Savage is an outspoken critic of global warming and is an outspoken advocate of increased oil drilling. But Savage is more than just an astute observer of American society, he is a student of history as well. Tune into The Savage Nation and you might here a history of the Muslim conquests, or an analysis of Franklin Roosevelt’s “New Deal” and how it prolonged the Great Depression, or you might hear commentary on the similarities between Barack Obama and former Cambodian dictator Pol Pot, or an explanation of Fabian Socialism. With Savage you get accurate commentary on a variety of issues, argued logically, in an entertaining fashion. And sometimes, he loses his temper, which can be equally enjoyable to listen to for various reasons.

Our society has become inoculated against righteous indignation and assertive calls for justice. We are taught to speak sweetly and softly, while our nation is ruined by radical, anti-God, liberalism. Perhaps what we need is a little more outspoken and LOUDLY SPOKEN dissent against the dangerous absurdities of our society. Jesus turned over tables in the Jerusalem temple to protest the charlatans who had taken over his “Father’s house.” Americans likewise should speak out more loudly, clearly, and regularly about the evils that are taking over our country. Savage speaks out, unapologetically, and for this he should be commended.

Another thing I love about The Savage Nation is how he handles callers. I loose patience very quickly with “call in” shows that give the average Joe in the street air time to ramble on about his illogical opinions on every subject. Savage takes callers, and drops callers in mid-sentence if necessary, when they begin to drone on. Even when they’re agreeing with him. This I appreciate and enjoy. Furthermore, when he argues with a caller that disagrees with him, he points out the lack of logic in their arguments, and doesn’t allow them to change the subject when he’s proving them wrong. Again this is refreshing in our “nicey, sweetsy” world of talk radio where everyone’s opinion is considered equal, regardless of how asinine their opinion is.

I don’t agree with Savage on everything. At times he can be too harsh or resort to too much name calling. Sometimes when he quotes the Bible or talks about religion he comes to conclusions that I would disagree with. While he holds to a “Judeo-Christian” worldview, I don’t believe he would claim to be a “born again” Christian. But when I compare him to others in talk radio, he wins the day hands down.

When his show first comes on, he has a disclaimer that says: “The Michael Savage show contains adult language, adult content, and psychological nudity. Listener discretion is advised.” But don’t let that scare you. He rarely, if ever, uses profanity, (in fact last week he corrected himself in mid-word and said “heck” instead of “hell”) and the “adult content” is simply his criticism of things like homosexuality. As for the psychological nudity, that is simply him exposing his “psyche” or mind for all to see. Nothing perverse.

Regardless of whether he’s talking about huge topics like the end of western civilization…or telling funny stories about his dog Teddy. Regardless of whether he’s taking on the “gay mafia” or giving a recipe for meatballs. Regardless of whether he’s giving dietary advice (he has a Ph.D. in medical botany) or contrasting rap music with Beethoven…Savage is always honest, opinionated, entertaining, and accurate with his analysis. By listening to Savage you can learn a lot and laugh hard. You hear news stories that others aren’t willing to touch. And in our world of political spin, illogical argumentation, and liberal insanity, Michael Savage will give the brutally honest truth about the ills of our society…and he’ll do it in a way that stimulates the mind and often tickles the funny bone. THAT’S WHY, I listen to Michael Savage.

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March 10, 2009 by Shane Kastler.

Last Sunday, I taught the 4-6 grade Sunday school class at our church. My wife usually teaches it, but she suggested that I come and talk to them because they had tons of questions about things in the Bible they wanted to ask me. One of the questions asked involved persecution. Would we have to face persecution, or would we be “raptured” out of it? I briefly gave the differing viewpoints on the rapture, then I concluded by telling the kids that they should live their lives expecting to be persecuted…rather than expecting to be removed from persecution. I told them that right now, in many countries Christians are killed everyday…and that someday that might be the case in America as well. And if it is, we must stand strong for Christ.

Ironically, as I was talking to the kids, “persecution” was going on just a few hundred miles east of us. As everyone now knows, a crazed gunmen walked into the First Baptist Church of Maryville, Illinois while Pastor Fred Winters was giving his sermon. The man walked up to the pulpit, pulled out a pistol and began to fire. Winters was killed and the gunmen then pulled a knife and began stabbing himself and two brave church members who had tried to constrain him, as a horrified congregation watched.

Obviously, this story hits pretty close to home for me…since I’m a Pastor. I also graduated from the same seminary Winters did. In fact, he was the President of our Alumni Association. It seems that Midwestern Baptist Seminary graduates get gunned down with more frequency than most. A few years ago, two of our former students were shot and killed on the mission field. Is this a tragedy? Absolutely. Should we be surprised? Absolutely not.

For most places…and in most times…Christian persecution has been the norm, rather than the exception. Jesus promised the disciples they would be killed (Matthew 24). Jesus assured us that in this world we would have tribulation. The New Testament church lived their lives expecting to be killed for their faith. So the freedom and comfort we enjoy in America, is very, very rare when you compare it to how most Christians have lived through the centuries. I don’t want to be murdered, nor does anyone else. But we must prepare our hearts and minds for the time in which we will face persecution, and even death for our faith….Now, I’m going to move from “persecution” to “politics.”

Anytime there is a tragedy involving guns, many people begin to clamor once more for stricter gun control laws. I believe this is foolhardy, and I’ll tell you why. Gun control laws have a tendency to do ONE THING….they hinder law abiding citizens from buying guns. LAW BREAKERS could care less how many gun laws are passed, since they don’t abide by them anyway. The man who shot Fred Winters did not have a conceal and carry permit. Obviously, this violation of the law didn’t bother him too much, as the subsequent events proved. Let me offer another scenario, as to how this tragedy might have gone down.

According to reports, the first shot fired hit Winters Bible and shredded it like confetti. It was the SECOND, THIRD, or FOURTH shot that killed Winters. Perhaps a better ending to the story would have been, if after the FIRST shot was fired, a good, godly church member pulled out a pistol…shot the assailant…and ended the carnage. Would it still be a tragedy? Of course it would. But a murderer would be dead, instead of a Pastor, and perhaps two church members. Is it a sin to protect people from acts of evil? I assure you of this, if a gun-toting lunatic showed up at your church and pointed the gun at your wife, your son, or your daughter….and right before he blows them away…someone blows HIM away, I would bet you would be grateful to say the least.

Guns are not sinful. People are. There is an incorrect view of firearms, that is seeping more frequently into the thoughts of normal Americans. They have had the liberal, non-sensical idea that “guns are bad” crammed down their throat for SO LONG…they’re starting to believe it. I feel, that perhaps the spoiled brat mindset of American pacifists be corrected…and they be reminded that we have the ability to worship in freedom today…because of guns. How so, you ask? We won our freedom from Britain many years ago. Our forefathers were tired of being told how they could worship and they sought religious freedom in a “new world.” Eventually, they sought independence from the “mother country” so that we could live how we chose to. And when our forefathers fought for independence….they used GUNS.

When Adolph Hitler and the Axis powers of World War II sought to overtake the world and enforce their tyranny on all…they were defeated by our forefathers. And our forefathers used GUNS. GUNS…are a glorious invention. (Incidentally, so are BOMBS…but that’s another story.)

Does this make me a blood-thirsty lunatic? Far from it. I don’t wish to see anyone killed, but I live in the real world and I know that evil exists. And at times, it can only be reined in by the use of force. And one of the greatest tools of force we have is GUNS. So, I implore you, when you hear the bantering going on in the coming days about the tragedy of what happened in Illinois…take part in the conversation. Remind people that this IS a tragedy, and our hearts should break for this church and this Pastor’s family. We should keep them in our prayers. Remind them also…that as Christians we are taught to expect such persecution in this world. And remind them that it wasn’t a gun that killed this Pastor….it was a crazed lunatic with a gun that killed this Pastor. The problem was not that there was a gun at church. The problem was that there was a gun…in the hands of the WRONG PERSON at church. Sadly, the righteous, law-abiding citizens of America have been brow beaten for so long into thinking that guns are bad and that they have no right to defend themselves. If liberals such as Barack Obama and his ilk have their way….your guns will be gone…or at the least, your right to bear them will be hindered. And when that happens, watch out! For only the criminals will have guns…and mass carnage will ensue.

In closing, let me say that I do not carry a gun to church. If it is God’s will for me to die in the pulpit, I will die in the pulpit. I cannot thwart God’s will, nor do I wish to. But let me also say that I’m a Pastor…..that believes in the justice….of shooting back. I don’t carry a gun, but I do own them and I’ve shot them since I was old enough to do it responsibly. I was not taught to fear guns…I was taught to revere them. I was taught that you always treat a gun as though it were loaded and you never point it at someone…unless you mean to use it. And there is no sin in using it to protect those you love. If, heaven forbid, an assailant enters my home and threatens my family…they will not be met by a pacifist who will offer them tea and crumpets. By God’s grace….if I’m able to reach it in time….they will be met by a .22 in their face. Would I feel bad about shooting an intruder? I’m SURE that I would. But I would feel much worse…to look around my home and see my wife and kids slaughtered by a thug…because I was too “nice” to use force in their protection. Guns are not evil. People are. I wish Fred Winters was still alive….and his assassin were dead. For the sake of his church. For the sake of his wife. For the sake of his daughters. And for the sake of justice. The wrong man died last Sunday because the wrong man had a gun. Here’s to hoping the pacifists of the world can see and understand that before its too late.

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November 5, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

Tonight, as I watched the TV news people giddy over the Presidential election, I couldn’t help but think I was watching vast multitudes of suckered sheep, who had just been taken by the world’s smoothest wolf. A crowd estimated to reach 500,000 gathered in Chicago to celebrate the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44^th President of the United States. All the pundits fawned over the moment. They waxed eloquent about how far America has come. Just 145 years after slavery was abolished—40 years after the assassination of Martin Luther King—Just a few decades removed from segregation, America has cleansed its soul from what ABC News’ Cokie Roberts calls, our “greatest national sin of racism.” With all due respect to Ms. Roberts (who doesn’t really deserve any respect)….I would submit that the intentional slaughter of 47 million babies since 1973 trumps all “isms” as our greatest national sin. And I would further submit that racism is more rampant today in our nation than it has ever been…and in fact Obama was handed the Presidency because of the overt, shameless, and celebrated racism of Black Americans who came out in droves to vote for an ultra-liberal, socialist, radical who has shown a lifetime of contempt for America, and who has publicly spoken out AGAINST the protection of newborn babies.Somewhere between 97-99 percent of Black Americans voted for Obama. In some precincts 100 percent voted for Obama….for no other reason than the color of his skin. Which means they voted against John McCain because his skin is lighter in shade than Obama’s. For this they should be ashamed. If 99 percent of White Americans had voted for McCain we would have had a riot on our hands. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, Wolf Blitzer, Katie Couric, Diane Sawyer, Tom Brokaw and the entire leftist media would have bemoaned the travesties of how prejudiced our country is. And yet, when Black America does the very same thing…THEY ARE PRAISED for their bigotry.So pardon me, if I don’t jump on the “feel good” bandwagon of Barack Hussein Obama. For the last several months I’ve heard liberals say that any who opposed Obama were probably racist. We weren’t given the benefit of the doubt that perhaps we disagreed with his radical views for government control, increased taxation, and infanticide. I cast my vote against Obama…not because he’s Black, but because his policies are evil. In 1996 and 2000, I voted for Alan Keyes in the Republican Presidential primaries, which means I’ve voted for a Black man for President 12 years before any of the Obamaniacs ever thought of doing it. The Supreme Court Justice whom I most admire and respect is Clarence Thomas. I long to see Oklahoma’s J.C. Watts re-enter the political world. And I read Thomas Sowell’s commentaries whenever I can. But the media discards all of these admirable Black men, because it’s not enough to be Black. You must be LIBERAL and Black to be given the stamp of approval by the race police of our day.

As I watched the Obama celebrations, I was very intrigued by some words Oprah Winfrey said. Of course Oprah is the most famous woman in America. She also happens to be a new age cultist that uses the name of Jesus on occasion, even as she denies everything Jesus taught. Her following amongst duped American women is frightening. Oprah is one heartbeat away from Hell, and she’s leading scores down the path with her (but that’s a blog for another day.) Oprah told a reporter that she knew years ago that Obama would one day be President and she would do anything she could to help him. Oprah quoted a Scripture verse in EXTRMELY IRONIC fashion. She said: “There’s verse in the Bible that says, “what good is it to gain the whole world if you forfeit your soul’ and I knew that unless I helped Barrack I would be forfeiting a piece of my soul.” The irony of Oprah saying this is two-fold. First, the passage is speaking to those who reject Jesus Christ…..not Barack Obama. And second, Oprah Winfrey is the VERY EPITOME of this verse, for you see, she has rejected the gospel, and embraced fame, money, power, and influence….in exchange for her soul. That Bible verse was written to speak directly to people like Oprah…and she quotes it to praise herself and Barrack Obama.

Incidentally, this is not the first time a nation has fawned over a young, charismatic, orator who came out of nowhere. There was one other time in history, when a young man in his 40’s came on the scene and promised hope and change. He was handsome. He was immensely popular. And he could bring people to tears with his incredible oratorical gifts. Just like Obama, his “race” voted for him in massive numbers. Like Obama, he kept promising “change”—but was somewhat vague as to what he meant by that. Like Obama, he espoused massive government control over all aspects of life. Like Obama, he supported gun control and sought to take away the citizens right to bear arms. Like Obama, he publicly claimed a version of distorted Christianity as his own…but privately wanted to see religious opposition silenced. A handful of brave souls warned the nation that they were fawning over a man who wasn’t as great as they thought. But these souls were scoffed at and derided as paranoid. In fact the citizens of the nation were aghast that anyone would ever seek to criticize…or for that matter dare to question the greatness of their newly elected leader….Adolph Hitler. He was elected German Chancellor in 1933 and took the title Fuhrer (Supreme Leader) in 1934. Germany wanted “change” and they most assuredly got it. And those who opposed it were swiftly done away with. As the scoffers say in mass that such a thing could NEVER happen in America….let me just remind you that Germans SWORE the same thing in their day. But when a crisis comes and people get scared…they’ll do anything and give up everything to the leader who steps forth and promises them security. They’ll gladly sell their soul to the one who inspires and promises to protect them. Even if he truly is their biggest enemy and their worst nightmare. Americans are amazingly gullible and can sadly be exploited by a gifted politician. We witnessed such an event tonight.

In closing, to those who say I’m just bitter because my candidate didn’t win—let me just say that John McCain wasn’t my candidate. He’s an admirable man that is closer to truth than Obama…but still light years away from what our nation truly needs. McCain ran a horrible campaign and from a political viewpoint, deserved to lose. My hope is that his loss will be America’s gain in 2012. And even now, I’m intrigued by potential candidates such as Mike Huckabee, Bobby Jindal, and Tim Pawlenty…and I doubt we’ve heard the last of Sarah Palin, although I probably wouldn’t support her for President. I truly hope Obama’s wave of glory will be a one-term flash in the pan, but it’s hard to beat one who can hypnotize crowds like him. I hope he proves me wrong, and governs in a fashion pleasing to God. If that’s to happen, it will require some pretty drastic changes in his worldview. But God can change anyone, even Obama. And as a Christian, I’m commanded to pray for my leaders and so I will. We must pray for Obama. We must pray for America. We must pray for our world. Because our world and our country are very messed up places. Obama’s election proves that. But Obama’s not in control….God is. And to Him, I will look…no matter who occupies the oval office. I take great comfort in the fact that though my country is struggling, my God still reigns…..He’s still in control…..and He still “does whatever He pleases” (Psalm 115:3). Obama can’t say that. But God can. And for that I rejoice….and I will continue to rejoice. (Philippians 1:18)

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October 29, 2008 by Shane Kastler.

I believe in the separation of church and state as the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution describes it – and as it was intended by our nation’s founders.  The entire principle can be boiled down to this idea:  “The government does not have the right to tell churches what they CAN and CANNOT do.”  The full text of the amendment reads: 

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

God-haters all over America have taken this seemingly clear statement on religious freedom to ban everything from prayer in schools, Scripture reading, Ten Commandments monuments, assault on the Pledge of Allegiance, and on and on and on.  Just last week, I received a letter in the mail from Barry Lynn, Executive Director of the Americans United for Separation of Church & State, threatening me with potential legal action if I made my political views known regarding the upcoming Presidential election.  The law is very interesting.  As a Pastor, I am in violation of American law if I endorse, or SPEAK AGAINST a political candidate at any church function.  Even if I preface the statement by saying it is my PERSONAL position and not necessarily the church’s position.  When the Pastor speaks at any church gathering, the United States government considers him to be a spokesman for the church at large.  And will prosecute the church for what the Pastor says.
    When you hear this, you might be prone to say that this sounds much more like Soviet Russia, or Nazi Germany, or Fascist Italy in the 20th century.  Yet, sadly, this unconstitutional law is vigorously enforced in 21st century America.  (So much for the part about free speech!)  
    Or, perhaps you go in the other direction and are tempted to say that pastors should be concerned with spiritual/moral issues and leave political/governmental issues alone.  Therein lies the greatest misconception on the issue of Church and State relations.  Church and State CANNOT be separated because Spiritual and moral issues CAN NEVER be separated from the political and governmental entities that pass the laws.  Though some erroneously say, “you cannot legislate morality” the fact is that ALL LAWS are an attempt to legislate morality.  We have laws against murder because our society believes murder is immoral (unless it’s a baby in the womb then we mysteriously say it’s OK).  We have laws against rape because we believe rape is immoral.  We have laws against stealing because…..(you get the point). 
    Church and State cannot be separated because morality cannot be separated from the law.  Any attempt to do so will either create churches that are secular and worthless….or laws that are immoral and dangerous.  Both of these absurdities exist in our country today, espoused by liberal organizations and the Democrat party, they have pulled America further and further down the slippery slope to immorality, and the inevitable judgment of God.  You see, GOD isn’t really intimidated by the ACLU.  Their threats don’t scare Him.  He’s not afraid of losing His tax-exempt status.  God calls nations and people to follow Him and His ways.  And when they arrogantly thumb their nose at Him, He continues to show them grace….until He decides enough is enough.  And His judgment falls on the un-Godly.
    We are currently studying the book of Jeremiah in our Wednesday night Bible Study, and the similarities between Old Testament Israel/Judah….and modern day America are shocking.  Israel thought their greatest problems were political and military.  So they made alliances with the world powers of their day Assyria and Egypt.  They turned from Yahweh, the One True God with whom they had a covenantal relationship with…and they turned to pagan nations for protection.  God offered them “fountains of living water”…but they rejected it for “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:13)  When pagan kings ordered them to desecrate the Temple they willingly obliged.  When pagan nations worshipped idols, Yahweh’s people joined in.  Israel took money from the Temple treasury and gave it to pagan kings as a gift.  They thought they were appeasing the powerful….but in reality, they were mocking the ALL-POWERFUL.  God makes it very clear, through the prophet Jeremiah, that though they were offered blessings –  they chose worldliness — and they would receive Divine judgment.  The same is true of America today.
    Morality cannot be separated from Law.  Christians cannot be banned from the Political process.  And Church CANNOT be separated from State….NOR SHOULD IT BE!  When you eliminate the true Church, redeemed by Christ, from matters of State, you remove the influence of the One True God from the laws of the people.  And Divine Judgment always follows.  The First Amendment is supposed to protect, rather than silence, churches.
    This year, our Presidential election is the most dangerous we’ve seen in our lifetime.  Barack Hussein Obama has no interest in hearing what the Bible says about morality, in fact he openly mocks it.  Obama favors Hate Speech legislation that silences those who speak out on moral issues such as homosexuality.  Obama embraces homosexuality as a “civil right” and will ultimately push for gay marriage.  Obama opposed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, and was the only Senator to actually give a speech opposing this bill which would have outlawed the murder of newborn children who survived a botched abortion.  Obama favors re-instituting the “Fairness Doctrine” which requires radio stations to have as many liberal shows as conservative.  Should the government have the right to monitor political and religious speech in a free society?  No.  But Obama doesn’t favor a free society.  He favors a far, left-leaning dictatorship where the Government is God…and He serves as King.  Don’t let the smooth speeches and pretty smile fool you.  His record speaks loud and clear…and he has surrounded himself with some very vicious people.  Yet, like sheep to the slaughter, the masses go after Obama.  Not realizing the danger of what they’re doing.
    America’s greatest problems ARE NOT Economic.  Nor are they Military.  Nor are they Educational.  Nor are they Health Care related.  America’s greatest problems are Spiritual and Moral.  America has repeatedly thumbed its nose at God and mocked Jesus Christ and the slide to judgment has picked up steam in the last several years.  A booming economy does no good, when it exists in a nation full of people who are slaves to the government…and are told to look to it for their survival.  God, speaking through the prophet Jeremiah, warned the nation of Judah:  “Your own wickedness will correct you, and your rebellions will rebuke you….For you forsake the LORD your God, and the fear of me is not in you…. And you will be put to shame…” (Jeremiah 2:19, 36)
    I don’t know exactly how God might choose to judge America.  But an Obama presidency could certainly bring much of it about.  I speak now, because I still can.  Obama, and others like him who may very soon be in power, will seek to silence the voice of opposition.  In the style of a dictator, all dissenters will be “tarred and feathered” and laws passed in the name of fighting “hate” will only serve to remove the true and loving voice of God and His people.  As a Pastor, I’m already banned from endorsing political candidates.  Obama will try to ban me from making other “moral” arguments as well…..but we must obey God rather than man (Acts 4:19-20).  Obama and his goons….or some future president and his goons may one day pass laws to silence, imprison, or even execute those that disagree with them.  You say it could never happen here?  That’s the same thing Germany once said, prior to Hitler.  Anything is possible…even in America.  Especially in America….where people are more concerned with their 401 K’s than they are their standing before God.  Yes, I may be one day silenced by liberal goons calling themselves the “hate crimes police”…..but if so, I plan to die happy.  I’ll be with Jesus, who died the same way…..and I’ll be in Heaven where God’s judgment won’t be necessary anymore.
    Jeremiah was aghast at what was transpiring in his nation, and as God said through the prophet:  “Be appalled O Heavens at this, and shudder….for my people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and made for themselves cisterns, broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (Jeremiah 2:12-13) Listen up America!  Jesus is the fountain of living waters.  Obama is a broken cistern that can hold no water.  McCain falls WAY SHORT of Christ….but is MUCH BETTER than Obama.  And on Tuesday, November 4…the ball will be in your court.  Will you choose to reject the immoral policies of Obama?  Or will you embrace Obama and reject the living waters of Almighty God?  Your judgment hangs in the balance.

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