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Forgiveness & the Mirror of God’s Word

Posted by Susan Bunts on Wednesday, November 22, 2006 10:45:34 PM
The tough thing about being a Christian is not so much studying and knowing God’s word…as it is actually putting it into practice. Especially when it doesn’t feel so good to do so.

To quote Mark Twain, “It ain't those parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me, it is the parts that I do understand.”

For me…the thing that doesn’t always feel so good is forgiving. Make no mistake…I am most grateful to be on the receiving end of forgiveness. But forgiving others…well that may not feel so good…at least initially.

The most challenging time to forgive is when my feelings have been hurt or when I’m angry at someone for a wrong done. Instead of being quick to forgive…my natural tendency is to nurture my hurt feelings…or justify my anger. But as a Christian…the Holy Spirit doesn’t let me get away with that for too long before He’s calling me on the carpet and holding up the mirror of God’s word. Right about then…my reflection doesn’t look too pretty.

More often than not…I find that hurts and slights by people are done unintentionally. There is no overall plan or purpose to do me wrong. They’re not taking aim at me…but instead just living their life. But those hurts exist nonetheless. The question is…what am I suppose to do with those feelings? Will I choose to take those hurts to the Great Healer?

As I go through life…and get cuts, bumps and bruises along the way…I have the opportunity to learn what it feels like to be hurt. The question is…will I then apply that lesson in my relationships with others? Will I choose not to hurt others in the way I’ve been hurt?

Forgiveness will likely continue to be a challenge…this side of heaven. As such…forgiveness is something that I must choose to do, choose to obey as an act of my will. Just do it…and let my feelings catch up with my will as I seek to obey God.

God’s word is non negotiable…it’s unchanging and unwavering…and each and every person is held to the same standard. God doesn’t grade on the curve…and He doesn’t lower the bar so I can pass. Yet He already knows that I’ve failed…he already knows my sinful ways. But He’s credited Jesus righteousness to my account…and has given me His Holy Spirit…to guide, direct and coach me along the way.
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Elections…John Kerry…and All That Jazz

Posted by Susan Bunts on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 2:44:59 AM

As I put my fingers to the keys this evening…I do so in a very warm southern California. It’s unseasonably warm…even for California…as it’s in the 90’s today the first week in November. I’m ever so envious of my blogger friends back east and even way up north in Canada. I see their beautiful fall scenery and find myself longing for crisp cool evenings and lovely autumn days as we near the holidays.

Okay…okay…okay already so it’s been a while since I’ve posted. You’d think after attending the GodBlogCon I’d be raring to go…and blogging like there’s no tomorrow.

The truth be told…I’m not going through a dry spell so much as I’m on idea overload. Good golly…just think of all the great news stories in the last couple of weeks. And here my blog sits with nary a post for over a week.

Some of those ideas swirling around my head that have yet to make it to the blogasphere include a response to Andrew Sullivan and his outrageous, comical and pathetic interview with Hugh Hewitt (still working on that piece). I want to take a closer look at Andrew’s beliefs that he alleges to be Christian…but in actuality contrast starkly with the Bible.

Of course…who can resist commenting on John Kerry’s assessment of our military…and his accompanying albeit tardy, non apology, apology? In looking up the operational definition in Webster’s online dictionary…I find Kerry’s pathetic attempt at an apology fitting to definition #1…a formal justification. It’s also a perfect illustration of definition #3…a poor substitute.

Apology…as defined by Webster’s:
1 a : a formal justification : DEFENSE : EXCUSE
2 : an admission of error or discourtesy accompanied by an expression of regret a public apology
3 : a poor substitute

John…that was no apology…and because of your lack of sincerity or real contrition you should have just zipped the lip. I would like to be much ruder in my response…but I am mindful that I am a Christian and need to be careful in my response. But I would like to tell you to go pound sand…take long walk off a short pier. Just go sail away into the sunset buckaroo.

But no one had a better response than some members of our military. You go boys!

Lastly…tomorrow is Election Day…2006. The question is…will the House and Senate remain in Republican control? Or will the tide turn towards the destructive influence and actions of the Democratic Party? Just a few months ago…I would have bet that the Republicans would be soundly defeated...and deservedly so. After all the Republicans have had some not so pretty scandals which would seem to lend themselves to the term “hypocrite”.

President Bush…while well intentioned and initially entering into Iraq under the premises that Saddam and company were going down the “yellow cake road” the President has not been willing to step back and reevaluate the next best step in our war on terror. Removal of Saddam a good thing! Democracy in a Muslim country that would prefer Sharia law to liberty is not necessarily the winning ticket.

While I concur with President Bush’s view that the mainstream press is contemptible…I also believe that he owes the American public an explanation. To which he’s been repetitive at best…and silent at worst. I surely hope our President never has to depend upon good salesmanship…because he just doesn’t have the touch. Instead of combating the biased, skewed reporting in the main stream press…with stories of success he just remains silent. What about some of the success stories that resulted out of our surveillance on terrorists? Or how about showing the good things that are happening in Iraq? Why in the world have we not fully exposed the Hussein regime and what he did to his own people?

I’m fully convinced that President Bush figures that he doesn’t need to speak out about all these charges dogging his presidency. That in the end…he believes he will be proved right...and then we will all see. Of course you can bet that the media will continue to jump on everything that he does or says is wrong. But the American people deserve an answer…even when it’s carried through a tainted press. Besides that…you’ve got conservative talk radio to drive that message home.

Even with the above factors…I do believe that they Republicans will stay in power. Hopefully in both the House and Senate. I pray that the base turns out and the undecided or even the Democrats that are security minded will do that which is best for America and not give the Republicans the thrashing they deserve. Why? Because the American public will be the ones that pay the price.

They will pay the price by having a party in place that views terrorism as a crime…and not war. That think the optimal way to deal with the likes of a Khalid Sheikh Mohammed is in the courtroom, not the battlefield. The party that thinks that the “wealthy” should pay more money so that the poor can be taken care of. Only they fail to define what wealthy is. The people who think its right to shove homosexual marriage down the throats of American’s via the judicial system…rather than putting it up for a vote. The Dem’s are smart enough to know they’d loose if they went that route. People that think they know better how to handle your money than to let you handle your own money and be personally responsible.

I think John Kerry is a gift to the Republican Party…one that just keeps on giving. The terrorists that issue statements and commit acts of terrorism right before and election…underestimate and don’t understand the American spirit.

So a message to you my fellow conservatives…and American’s who understand that terrorists are evil and must be destroyed…get out and vote. Hold your nose if you have to. But vote for the people who have a grip and understanding on what true evil is…and aren’t afraid to call evil what it is. Vote for the people who don’t want to see judges legislating from the bench. For those who think if you want to make law…then you need to run for office. Not shove your opinion from the bench…as educated as it is…down the throats of the your fellow countrymen. Let the people decide.

Get out and vote…vote smart…not naive.

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On a Side Note…Seeker Sensitive

Posted by Susan Bunts on Tuesday, November 07, 2006 2:30:09 AM

Along a different vein…since my church Kindred Community Church continues its quest for a Sr. Pastor…something that weighs heavily on my mind is making sure that the man that God brings to us is rooted and grounded in the Word of God. That he is uncompromising in acknowledging the inerrancy of scripture. That the gospel message is preached boldly as it is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe. That the full council of God is preached. It scares me spitless to think that we could go down that road and fall into the pit that so many churches are…being “seeker sensitive”.

Watering down or dumbing down the gospel message and the Word of God. Preaching and teaching banquet style…picking and choosing that which the congregation finds appealing. Messages and worship songs that are man centered, not God centered. Churches that are unwilling and unable to call sin, sin…but instead call it a mistake.

Preachers that are worried about how someone is going to feel when they are called a sinner, dead in their sin, in need of forgiveness through Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross. Those who are worried how intolerant Jesus sounded when he clearly stated “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me.” Churches that don’t want to risk telling people the bad news that they are dead in their sins and unable to save themselves. How in the world can you tell someone the good news of the gospel message, salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God…when they don’t even know why they need a Savior?

I know first hand the destructive influence that results from NOT preaching and teaching the full council of the Word of God. It impacts the human heart. The heart…which God declares as deceitful above all things. I guess when it comes down to it…am I going to believe what God says in his Word about me? Or am I going to choose to believe what man has to say?

One rule of thumb…if you drive up to a church…and the folks are walking in and not carrying their Bible for Sunday morning service…turn around and leave.

This subject is a passion of mine. But even so…I’m not sure how much God wants me to write on this subject? How specific does he want me to be. Obviously there is only one standard and that is the Word of God. What I say is irrelevant if it doesn’t line up with scripture. The Bible is the gold standard.

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GodBlogCon 2006…Blog On

Posted by Susan Bunts on Sunday, October 29, 2006 9:55:57 PM
This afternoon I returned from attending the 2006 GodBlogCon at Biola University. It was a wonderful experience…and I can truly say I am humbled to have had the privilege to attend.

2005 was the first year for the GodBlogCon…but I was still a newbie at this thing called blogging. Now I’ve had about a year and a half experience under my belt…and was able to gain and take away some challenges, good information and tips to employ as I continue to use this forum and gift that God has granted me.

The conference was three days…and hindsight being 20/20 I wish I had also gone on the first night…but I am grateful to have gone the following two days. My head is swimming with thoughts, ideas and inspiration that I came away with after spending a couple of days with fellow Christian bloggers. While like minded in many respects…we each had our own vision and sphere of influence that God has given us.
If we are but willing…He will use each of us to reach out to a lost and dying world to win souls with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to build up the church body. That in itself is a daunting, overwhelming and humbling task, privilege and responsibility. The question is…will I take it seriously and invest myself and time wisely?

It’s kind of hard to narrow down and express what I liked best about this experience. But one thing that struck me from the beginning and throughout is that I don’t meet fellow bloggers out there in everyday life. Of if I do…they are awfully silent and don’t talk shop much. After spending time with my new blogger buds…I find that a little hard to believe. If for no other reason…than the fact that bloggers are a pretty excited group of people. Excited about their latest project…or some comments and feedback they’ve received. Or they want to bounce a few ideas off of you and learn the latest technology to improve their blogs and making posting more interesting, easy and fun.

As I first arrived on the Biola campus…I looked expectantly and nervously for the God Bloggers. After all…I was going to be spending the next couple of days with these folks…complete strangers…but at least we shared a common interest. Would that commonality be enough to break through the barriers inherent when meeting complete strangers?

It didn’t take long for my fear or concerns to be laid to rest as I walked into the courtyard where a pre-conference breakfast was being served. I met Andy Rau and Donald McConnell who were very friendly and approachable. As it turns out Andy was out here from Michigan to attend the conference. Andy is part of a group blogging experience at Think Christian. He also lends his talents to Gospel Com and Bible Gateway…of which the later has become an invaluable resource to me and many, many Christians. Andy appears to be a quiet and thoughtful young man. Donald is the dean at Trinity Law School here in southern California. He blogs at Trinitarian Don and brings a rather unique perspective to blogging that of law and Christianity…a law background not something that your average blogger brings to the table. Thank you Don and Andy for making me feel welcome from the get go!

Soon the days conference was off and running with the first Plenary Panel discussing “Bridging the Christian Divide”. Panelists included: Joe Carter Director of Communications for the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (Evangelical Outpost & FRC Blog); James Kushiner publisher of Touchstone Magazine a Journal of Mere Christianity and editor of his new venture Salvo magazine. James blogs at Mere Comments; Mark D. Roberts Pastor of Irvine Presbyterian Church (blogging at Mark Roberts); and Jimmy Akin bringing up the rear with a Catholic Evangelical perspective. Jimmy’s counsel and wisdom can be found at (Jimmy Akin). Moderating this group discussion was John Schroeder. John brought an unusual mix of a degree in chemistry and a Masters in Divinity to the table. John blogs at his site Blogotional.

The panel discussion that ensued was thought provoking and time went entirely too quickly and soon it was time for our first breakout session. While I didn’t take a lot of notes during this discussion…the one thought that struck me, remained with me throughout these last two days…and what I’m taking away is a challenge posed by Joe Carter.

When asked the question…what will help make you a better blogger? Joe replied…that “To be a better blogger…I need to be a better Christian. Be humble.” Simple, yet profound…and something that will challenge each Christian till the day he dies. Certainly not achievable on our own power. Something we can strive for when our focus is on Christ and not ourselves. When we seek to glorify God. By spending time in the Word of God…being washed in the Word.

As Mark D. Roberts would share on the last day…it wasn’t until late in the game he brought prayer into his blogging posts. Sounds obvious now doesn’t it? A Christian blogger…blogging about Christian issues. Why wouldn’t you pray about what you are writing about? I know personally…on some of my more controversial or delicate posts I’ve sought wisdom from God…and when responding (or not) to some ugly comments…I may pray. But honestly until Mark stated that…I didn’t think about it. Perhaps I need to plant the words from “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” firmly in my mind.

Before we knew it…we were off and running and going our separate ways into the Breakout Sessions. I chose to attend “Blogging as a Winsome Witness” taught by Melinda Penner from Stand to Reason. Not only something Melinda teaches about…but something that she and Greg Koukl and the folks at Stand to Reason live out daily. Long time listener to their radio show…but I’ve also followed Stand to Reason as they’ve continued to grow and use cutting edge technology to help equip the body of Christ.

It was informative and challenging to learn from Melinda as she shared tips on Christian blogging. I also found myself listening carefully to classmates as they shared their experiences. Skye Puppy was very excited as she shared about some of the connections that she’s been able to make…and bridges developed with unlikely people through the world of blogging. All made possible through the net.

Before we knew it…it was lunch time. With that being said…I think I’ll continue on in a separate post as not to make this too daunting to read.
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Shirley Phelps Roper…Your Own Words Condemn You

Posted by Susan Bunts on Saturday, October 21, 2006 11:05:05 AM
One of my greatest sources of criticism towards Muslims is when decent, honorable Muslims are quiet when persons of their own faith commit evil in the name of Allah. Muslim terrorists fly planes into buildings…killing thousands of people…and they remain silent. Or when homicidal bombers blow up people at weddings or at the local diner…and it’s considered okay because they “just killed Jews”.

With that in mind…it is impossible to remain silent when I hear the vicious hate filled speech spewing forth from one who purports herself to be a Christian. May I say in no uncertain terms that this woman’s words distort the Word of God and in no way represent what God tells us in His Holy Bible. She does not represent Christianity…nor is she approved of or applauded by those who call themselves by the precious name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Ms. Shirley Phelps Roper…by your own word you are condemned.

Shirley Phelps Roper and the people of the “Westborough Baptist Church” are at it again…or should I more accurately say they are still at it. This time their ugliness and deceit is beyond comprehension.

When I first became aware of this troublesome group…it was when news stories showed these sick, hate filled people protesting at the funerals of slain American soldiers. Not protesting the war…but instead they carried signs and shouted slogans including “Thank God for Dead Soldiers”. Their contention is that God has killed those young men (who sacrificed their lives for our nation’s protection and freedom…my description…not Shirley and gang) because our nation has allowed homosexuals to practice their ways freely.

That message was bad enough…but it pales in comparison to the hate they poured fourth this past week…in the midst of tragedy that is beyond human comprehension.

While the rest of the nation reeled at the events that took place in a small Amish school house this past week...Shirley Phelps Roper and gang geared up to go forth and spread hate, hurt and destruction.

Five precious little girls’ lives were cut short in an act of such monstrous proportion that it defies human comprehension. We will never know why or fully comprehend why God allows such acts of evil to take place. Especially those committed toward the most innocent and vulnerable in our society.

But Shirley’s voice was loud and clear with the message on why she and her hate mongering group believe that this tragedy took place. She made the rounds of TV and radio shows to jump on the band wagon and use this tragedy as a platform to pour forth more lies, hate and deception.

I don’t normally take the time to transcribe TV interviews…but in my effort to defeat this hatred…and let the truth of God’s word be known…I felt compelled to do so. I want to compare Shirley Phelps Roper words to that of scripture. I want her evil ugly words to be slain with the Sword of the Spirit…the Word of God.

Shirley when I hear your words of venomous hatred directed toward those families who are in great pain over the loss of their daughters…I don’t feel a lot of compassion for the events that shaped you and formed you into the hateful person you’ve become. If it were up to me…I would be happy to let you continue on your path to destruction…and let you reap the rewards of your pharisee like, self righteous life.

But it matters not what I say, think or what I believe is the right and just action that you deserve. Only God’s Word…and what He says matters.

Shirley…even as you pour forth hatred…God still loves you and desires that you would turn to him and seek forgiveness from your sins. He desires that none should perish…but all should come to repentance. That “all” includes you Shirley.

As ugly as your words and actions are…I am reminded daily that there have been many that appear beyond redemption. What’s impossible with man…is possible with God. God took the likes of Paul…and turned him from a man who was convinced of his own self righteousness, one who slew Christians into a man transformed by God’s power. Paul went from slaying Christians…to becoming one the most influential Christians ever to walk the face of this earth. He proclaimed the Gospel message boldly to all he encountered. God has continued to use his work be bring people to repentance and a saving faith in Jesus Christ.

Shirley if God can change the life of a murderer like self righteous man like Saul (one who has the blood of many on his hands) into Paul…a man of sacrificial love for the lost…what might God do with you? How might God use your life for good…as a powerful example the transforming power of God love in the life of a repentant sinner? How Shirley?

Today is the day of salvation. Shirley I urge you…I implore you to turn from your self righteousness, hatred, ugly, evil ways. God stands ready to cleanse you from your sins…transform your life and use you to further his kingdom.

Below is an exchange that took place on the Fox News I when Sean Hannity and Alan Comles interviewed Shirley Phelps Roper. I’ve also inserted scripture and my comments in some places where I feel Ms. Phelps Roper distorts the Word of God.

Shirley Phelps Roper Fox Interview
Wednesday October 4, 2006
(AC = Alan Colmes, SPR = Shirley Phelps Roper, SH = Sean Hannity)

AC - Welcome back to Fox News. Members of the Westborough Baptist Church have been protesting at military funerals since June of last year carrying signs with anti-gay slogans. Yesterday they announced were planning to protest at the funerals of the Amish school girls shot to death in Lancaster Pennsylvania earlier this week. But they have since changed their plans. With us now from Westborough Baptist Church is Shirley Phelps Roper. You changed your plans because Mike Gallagher has offered you air time on his radio show because you want to get your message out. What is that message?

SPR – The message is that God has put his standard in the earth. He expects his creatures to obey it. If you obey, he’ll bless you. If don’t he will curse you. America has sinned away her day of grace. America is doomed.

AC – You’re giving me what sounds like a bunch of talking points. Why would you cause more pain to this community? The Amish community which is so not even involved in much of what is considered modern day and these families who have suffered. Do you have sense of how much additional pain you would be causing these families by protesting at the funerals of these young girls?

SPR – There isn’t anyway to fix that situation for them. It’s not going to be any less painful if we are there or we aren’t there. They did that to themselves. And you say that they’re not involved.

AC – What do you mean when you say they did that to themselves?
SPR – I mean they sit over there and create their own form of righteousness instead of…

AC – Did those girls deserve to be killed?

SPR – Well they did get killed and they did that. Who controls the hearts of men? It was at the hands of an angry God that those girls are dead.

AC – Did they deserve to die?

SPR – They did deserve to die.

What was Jesus response when his friend Lazarus’ life was cut short at a young age?

“Jesus wept.”
John 11:35.

God tells us that we are to “Weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn.” – Romans 12:15.

Jesus didn’t add to the pain of Mary and Martha at the loss of their brother. He didn’t condemn Lazarus as a sinner deserving of death. He didn’t state that God smote him because of his sinful ways. Was Lazarus a sinner? Yes…indeed he was. As are you and I and all of humanity.

Shirley, you intentionally and purposely twist scripture in your effort to pour out your agenda of hatred. The Bible does declare that “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23. “There is no one righteous, no not one.” – Romans 3:10. There was only one righteous man that walked the earth…and that was 2,000 years ago. Today he sits at the right hand of the Father.

But God also tells us that through His Son Jesus Christ he sought to save us from our sins. “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” – John 3:17.

AC – How can you possibly make a statement like that?

SPR – Because that’s exactly what happened and it happened at the hand of your Lord your God.

AC – How could you possibly say that young girls who have done nothing wrong, who are innocent, who are just a few years old, who have never sinned, who have never done anything, deserve to die? How could you possibly make a statement like that?

SPR – You told me that you serve the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…who says that when Adam sinned, all sinned. There are no innocent human beings and their parents….

When the Disciples questioned Jesus about who had sinned causing a man to be born blind…what was His response? “Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” – John 9:3.

Were the blind man and his parents sinners? Absolutely…but God sometimes allows things in our life because he has a greater purpose in mind that will bring glory to God. It may have nothing to do with our sin…but instead is the result of living in a sinful world. That means at times there may be adversity in our lives…and we may never fully comprehend its purpose here on earth.

Shirley…you remind me of Job’s friends Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite who initially went to comfort him in his distress. Instead they ended up doing the blame game and were certain that the disaster that God had permitted to fall upon Job was as a result of his sin.

Not only was Job rightfully angry…but so was God. “After the LORD had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the LORD told them; and the LORD accepted Job's prayer.” – Job 42:7-9

AC – You protest funerals of soldiers. You protest funerals of anybody who it seems dies under any circumstances. Anybody who is not a member of your church is a sinner and hated by God.

SPR – Don’t go to that. That anyone who is not…if you don’t serve God you’re dead.

AC – Who serves God besides people in your church?

SPR – Well you tell me. I don’t see anyone on the landscape.

AC – There’s nobody except people in your church.

SPR – I don’t see that.

AC – Which is basically people in your family.

SPR – I don’t see that.

AC – Members of your family are the only people on earth that serve God and everybody else deserves to die.

SPR – You need to get out on these streets and warn your neighbor that his sin is taking him to the place of Hades. Fulfilling the royal law to love neighbor as yourself.

Jesus declared that the greatest commandment was “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." – Matthew 22:37-40

Shirley…Jesus loudest condemnation was towards the self righteous, arrogant, prideful religious leaders of his day…the Sadducees and Pharisees. That is exactly what you’ve become. “But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?” – Matthew 3:7. "Be careful," Jesus said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." – Matthew 16:6.

SH – Hey Shirley, you are really a sick woman. You are a sick, soulless…

SPR – Slight cold, but thank you.

SH – twisted human being. You are…where is your soul that you come on the air here and these young innocent girls here are going to die. And you are going to open up the family’s wounds and pour salt on it. Where’s your heart? Where’s your soul? Where’s your compassion? Where’s your love?

SPR – Our message is for the living and that is the only loving thing to do.

SH – What about the living families that lost their daughter? Who loves their daughter.

SPR – They did that to themselves.

SH – No…because some animal killed them in cold blood.

SPR – Sent by who? Who controls the hearts of men?

SH – Do you sin?

SPR – Who controls the hearts of men? Who controls the hearts of men?

SH – Did you ever sin? Did you ever commit adultery? Did you ever sin? Did you ever lust in your heart? Did you ever get angry? Did you ever sin? Have you ever sinned here Miss Perfect here?

SPR – You’ve got the deck chairs on the Titanic. Well of course you know that I’ve sinned.

SH – You have? So you are a sinner. So why didn’t you die?

SPR – So you’re saying therefore…

SH – Did you deserve to die?

SPR – Well of course all of us deserve to die.

SH – So you sit here…

SPR – But I’m not the one who did die and my message is for those living people who brought that pain upon themselves.

SH – This is what I see about you Shirley…

SPR – They need to obey the commandments of the Lord their God.

SH – Your entire life is now sort of focused on bringing pain to other people. The families of innocent girls who died. The families of innocent soldier who died. God hates fags. You put…

SPR – Innocent? Don’t you throw that word around.

SH – Innocent.

SPR – It has no definition when you get done with it.

SH – Innocent…those children were more innocent than you. They didn’t sin like you admitted doing.

SPR – Those children…those children were killed at the hands of a raging mad God. To punish those families. To punish the state of Pennsylvania because you’ve got a governor in that state that who got on Fox News and lambasted us because we serve God.

SH – And you want to…hang on a second. And you want to do…and you…

SPR – And then you’ve got those people in Pennsylvania who think they can sue us and fix this problem.

SH – So because you didn’t…hang on a second. So because you didn’t like Ed Rendell and what he said, you are now going to protest at the funerals to bring pain to the families. Explain this.

SPR – To connect the dots. To connect the dots from point A your filthy manner of life and your rebellion against God…

SH – What are your sins Miss Perfect?

SPR – and your conduct against the service of God to point B the dead children.

SH – I want to know what your sins are.

SPR – Well I’m not going to talk to you about any of such thing. I don’t glory in my shame like you seem to do.

SH – No…I just find this amazing that everyone is a big sinner except you and you admit to being a sinner.

SPR – How about…you obey the commandments of the Lord your God.

SH – Which ones did you break?

SPR – Obey the commandments of the Lord your God. You don’t fix this by saying two wrongs make a right. That’s what you seem to be saying.

SH – No what I’m saying.

SPR – You may not say what God requires of you.

SH – You know what I’m saying. Although I’m speaking to our audience beyond you, because you’re brain dead. And what I’m saying to you is that you are a soulless, thoughtless, mean…

SPR – Thoughtless?

SH – Cruel human being.

SPR – Thoughtless?

SH – What you are doing is mean.

SPR – We go out here year after year after year on our own nickel to warn this nation that if you obey God he will bless you.

SH – Listen, listen, listen. I’ve got that. Now listen very closely.

SPR – Why don’t you just try it?

SH – Listen to what I’m saying.

SPR – Why don’t you just try it?

SH – Here’s what I’m trying to tell you.

SPR – Obey the commandments of the Lord your God.

SH – Okay I’ve got that.

SPR – And get his blessings.

SH – Now you listen to me.

SPR – There is only one remedy.

SH – Here’s what your remedy is.

SPR – Repent like the men of Nineveh or you this nation is doomed. You think it’s bad so far? You are going to find bodies

SH – You know what you are?

SPR – stacked up so that you can even bury them.

SH – You are a religious nut.

SPR – Then you will obey when God says (unintelligible…talking over one another).

AC – Shirley…we’ve got to run. Do you deserve to die to?

SPR – Well all of us do. Everyone of us.

AC – Since God is going to smite you at some point?

SPR – No I said we all deserve to die. But the mercy of God given to people who serve him is what prevails.

AC – I can’t even get mad at you because you are so pathetic.

SPR – Look hon.

AC – What you are saying is horrible and so mean spirited.

SPR – You can do all that and call me names. It doesn’t fix this. You have got the wrath of God pouring out on your head. You need to fix that by obeying (unintelligible). Repent.
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The Plame Truth Makes Strange Bedfellows

Posted by Susan Bunts on Thursday, September 14, 2006 9:49:19 PM
 It is a strange day indeed when I find myself aligned with a man of the left, a self proclaimed socialist, Christopher Hitchens.

While I haven’t fully researched Mr. Hitchens’ stance on abortion, the death penalty, immigration, border security, equality vs. liberty, tax reform, welfare, the myth of “separation of church and state in the Constitution”, the debate over English immersion vs. bilingual education, universal health care and more…there is at least one area…where we stand in full agreement. We both have a love and passion for the truth.

While listening to Dennis Prager’s radio show on Wednesday, my jaw dropped as Christopher Hitchens shared the information that was recently revealed as to whom the true source of the CIA Plame leak was. I shook my head with disbelief and wanted to say, “You go boy”…as Christopher detailed of the facts that have come to light…and information from his many years of research to expose the lies and the liars for what they are.

That may seem like strong language…to out and out call someone a liar. But when you hear the lies that were perpetuated and how other people were smeared and painted as villains in the liberal mainstream press…while the man who actually leaked Ms. Plame’s name to the press shut up, sat back and watched, I think you’ll understand. I use “man” cautiously…because there was nothing denoting courage, character or anything remotely reflecting the character of someone I would feel comfortable attributing the title of “man”.

That person…is none other than Richard Armitage.

Just to review a few facts.

In January 2002, former Ambassador Joe Wilson was sent to Niger by the CIA to investigate claims that back in 1999 Iraqi Ambassador Wissam al-Zahawie went to Niger on a shopping trip for yellowcake uranium. After his trip to Niger Joe Wilson reported, “It did not take long to conclude that it was highly doubtful that any such transaction had ever taken place.”

Back in January 2003, George Bush during his State of the Union address, unleashed a firestorm of debate, controversy and “investigation” by the press when he uttered the words “The British Government has learned that Saddam Hussein recently sought significant quantities of uranium from Africa.” He gave this statement to support and justify the United States going to war against Iraq.

The press and prominent persons on the left (frequently one and the same) in their usual rush to judgment, without fully investigating the facts, repeatedly called George Bush a “liar”. They alleged that George Bush had lied in his quest and desire to go to war with Iraq and bring down Saddam Hussein. They went to battle against George Bush…and as time and facts would later reveal, they would stop at nothing to oppose the President whom they so fiercely disagree and even hate.

In July 2003, journalist Robert Novak reported that Joe Wilson’s wife Valerie Plame was "an agency operative on weapons of mass destruction." He further went on to state that, “Two senior administration officials told me Wilson's wife suggested sending him (Joe Wilson) to Niger to investigate the Italian report.”

That column unleashed hysterics and cries that the Bush White House had outed CIA operative Valerie Plame to settle a score. They made serious charges that this act was “a possible breach of national security; it is a potential violation of law. Under the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982, it is a crime for anyone who has access to classified information to disclose intentionally information identifying a covert agent.”

What ensued was scandal and investigation. In December of 2003, Patrick Fitzgerald was appointed Special Investigator to investigate the “unauthorized disclosure of a CIA employee’s identity.

In October 2005…the Fitzgerald investigation ended with the indictment of L. Lewis Libby, Assistant/Chief of Staff to Vice President to Richard Cheney. The charges: Count One Obstruction of Justice, Count Two False Statement, Count Three False Statement, Count Four Perjury, and Count Five Perjury.

During this two year time frame…numerous people came under a cloud of suspicion as unfounded and false allegations swirled about them. Some of those include President George Bush, Vice President Richard Cheney, but none more so than the man the left wing press loves to hate Chief of Staff Karl Rove.

Our country was sided tracked and focused on what turned out to be a non-issue. Valerie Plame was not an active covert CIA agent under the guidelines covered by the law and disclosing her name did not violate the law.
Many people paid the price as Fitzgerald pursued this rabbit trial. Journalist Judith Miller spent twelve weeks in jail for contempt of court. Lewis Libby was hung out to dry and charged on five counts, none of which are the original charge of disclosing the name of a CIA operative. Bush, Cheney and Rove among others were pilloried. The press was almost distraught when Karl Rove did not come under indictment. They followed him and hounded him for months.

All the while…Richard Armitage knew that he was the true source that leaked Valerie Plame’s name as a CIA operative. Richard Armitage sat back and watched as people’s names were wrongly drug through the mud, and their lives made a living nightmare.

Richard Armitage could have saved our country this ongoing scandal which only served to distract us from the real enemy Islamic Fascist Terrorists. He let us pursue a lie…at great expense. None more so than those who those who were under suspicion for something that they did not do.

How much did this investigation cost our country? How much did it cost to imprison Judith Miller? How can you repay her for twelve weeks of her life sitting in jail…while you Mr. Armitage sat on your duff and didn’t say a word.

Richard Armitage…your actions and lack thereof are despicable. I find your silence contemptible. You have displayed zero courage…and your lack of character is astounding.

Serving this country should be considered a privilege by the few who get to serve at the level you were at. You have proved yourself unworthy of the title Deputy Secretary of State. Richard Armitage you are a picture of cowardice to the “nth degree”.

People hung in the wind, were accused of false allegations and kept under suspicion for over two years. There was an enormous cost and others paid the price for your actions and silence. My only regret is that you can not be prosecuted…because disclosing Ms. Plame’s name was not a crime. But make no mistake…your actions were immoral.

How do you sleep at night Richard? What are you thinking when you look in the mirror? How do you look people in eye?

Being that you shared this information with then Secretary of State Colin Powell and he too failed to bring forth the truth speaks very poorly of both of you. You are both complicit in your silence. Both of you were underhanded as you sought to undermine the President. Not just in this instance but when other leaks were made to the press that countermanded the President’s policies and decisions.

Absolutely there is room for disagreement on Iraq, on the war and how it should be executed. But the right way to do it would have been to step down from your post and then present your case. Make an argument, present the facts, you opinions and reasoning. Have an open, honest dialogue. But that would actually courage wouldn’t it? You would need to be a “stand up kind of guy”...certainly not words that would describe you.

I agreed with and did support the removal of Saddam Hussein from power because he was a danger and supported terrorists. But now I have more than a few doubts about how we have executed the war in Iraq. I believe we overreached, underestimated…and did not take into full account the opposition that we would face as a result of cultural differences. I have reservations with the idea that democracy can take hold in Arab and Muslim countries. Freedom, liberty and personal responsibility go hand in hand with the Judeo Christian values that our country was founded on. Freedom and liberty are in stark contrast with Islam and Sharia Law.

But I’ll end this with a question. Richard Armitage…where is your apology? Where is your statement acknowledging your wrongdoing and cowardly silence?

The press got it wrong. The leaking of Valarie Plame’s name did not come from someone who wanted to get back at her. Nor get back at Joe Wilson for presenting a report that conflicted with evidence that supported the war in Iraq. It came from a well known critic of President George Bush and his stance on Iraq, Richard Armitage.

Instead the press ran with lies. The lie that Iraq was not attempting to purchase yellowcake uranium (which has since been proven true) and the lie that senior administration officials had broken the law by disclosing Ms. Plame’s name out of a desire for revenge has been kept alive by the liberal mainstream press. In their hatred of George Bush and desire to do anything to bring him down…the press resorted to the very tactics which they accused the Bush administration of.

Dear members of the press…time for you to look in the mirror boys and girls. That same hand that points a finger at Bush...has three more pointing right back at you. When will we hear acknowledgement of wrong doing and an apology? On that one I can safely wager on.

Being a liberal means never having to say you’re sorry.
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