| Drug-related crime, like drug addiction, destroys on several levels. It corrodes the ability to function physically, and it twists the inner compass that makes recovery possible. That is the nearly engulfing challenge that Mexico’s new president, Felipe Calderon, navigates as he tries to detoxify his country. So far he has made a brave start, at least on the physical side. |
This and That
New Axis of Evil?
Open Doors USA has just released its annual list of countries where persecution of Christians is worst.
Before looking, try your hand at naming the top three.
OK, Mark, Be Honest
| Story after story that had to be retracted, revised, corrected, rewritten, or just plain buried had originally been wrong in the same way: in the way that tarnished that president. They never erred in a way that benefitted him or cast him in a better light, but only in portraying him and his actions in the worst possible way. |
I bristle when I think I’m being treated this way.
But I know from personal experience just how easily I assume the worst about certain people.
🙁
Is Caroline Right?
| As the Palestinians prepare themselves for battle, this week they invented their justification for attacking the Jews. |
I hope not, but I expect so.
Is there another article online somewhere that offers a counterbalance to her piece?
I don’t know and I don’t plan to look.
Her piece, though, is important reading.
Fatah, Hamas, and Baptists
| Christians in Gaza are asking believers around the world to pray for them. Palestinian Authority (PA) police of the Fatah party have seized the six-story Gaza Baptist Church building.
President of Open Doors USA Carl Moeller says, “They’ve taken it over as a military out-post in their gun battle with the Hamas. This situation is just terribly tragic because for so many Christians that remain in Gaza, this was their only bright light. This was their hope.” |
Defining a Sad Story
Is this what makes the story sad?!
| “It’s a kid that could have made millions of dollars and been a success that is in a grave right now,†Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden, whose staff recruited Dean, said in a telephone interview. “It’s a sad story.†|
Or is this next piece the sad part?
| Dean then toiled in football’s minor leagues, fathered six children and, according to Oklahoma City Police Sgt. Paco Balderrama, was arrested 13 times since 1990 and had contact with the police on 51 occasions. |
Then there this:
| “At least he’s not struggling like us anymore,†said Newton, who attended the party. “He’s gone home. He ain’t suffering no more.†|
What a sad culmination to a life with so much waste — a life that Jesus died to redeem.
If he didn’t accept that redemption, the home he went to has more suffering than he ever experienced here.
If he did accept that redemption, he appeared before his Creator washed clean by the blood of the Lamb.
DHS Misled Congress?
Government admits lying about jailed border agents:
| A Department of Homeland Security official admitted today the agency misled Congress when it contended it possessed investigative reports proving Border Patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean confessed guilt and declared they “wanted to shoot some Mexicans” prior to the incident that led to their imprisonment.
[…] This prompted a startled and angry response from the congressman. “You lied to me and you lied to all of us,” Culberson charged. “Your office tried to paint a picture of Ramos and Compean as dirty cops, and now you come before this committee and tell us you never had the information to back up those claims.” |