Did America America Disappoint New Orleans or Did New Orleans Disappoint America?

While watching the Katrina memorials yesterday I took a moment to reflect on the victims, recall the enormity of the tragedy and pause to say thanks for a job well done by the army of volunteers and the church groups.

While the national media was replaying clips of reporters in hip boots and the Coast Guard pulling people off roofs, I began to ask myself a question:

Did America disappoint New Orleans or did New Orleans disappoint America?

Not to take away from the tragedy of the convention center, the perception was that it was Sodom and Gomorah. We were lead to believe from media reports that scores of lives were lost, people were being murdered and anarchy was the rule of the day. A year later, I asked a friend of mine how many people she thought were killed at the convention center; her answer, not suprisingly, was several dozen. In fact, according to the published report, no one was murdered at the convention center. There were six deaths: four from Katrina-related stressers, one drug overdose and one suicide. There were no murders at the convention center.

While the mayor was busy chastising the Federal government, who admittedly was a bit tardy and ill prepared, the buses he had ordered were abandoned in parking lots, water logged and waiting for passengers. While the streets became a wild west scene from an Old Western movie,hundreds of police officers left their jobs, some even turning to rogue bands of criminals themselves. While people were suffering at the convention center, gangs of others decided to loot the local businesses and homes. And, while aid groups were standing in deep water feeding and clothing the needy, the governor was at odds with FEMA and the National Guard.

Today, we hear about neighborhoods still not rebuilt, while faith-based groups continue to hammer nails each and every day in their volunteer efforts to rebuild the city. Critics continue their dogged rantings about what was not done and what did not happen, but the city leaders have yet to execute a master redevelopment plan.

My question remains: Did America let New Orleans down or did New Orleans let down America.

Immigration Update

The immigration debate is the hottest topic in the news and has been for some time. In the last week, we have witnessed a church in Chicago offering safe harbor for a convicted illegal immigrant wanted for deportation, a rally in Maywood, CA where illegal activists took down an American flag and put up a Mexican flag and more mixed messages from government officials.

In light of mid term elections upcoming and next year's general elections, I am committed to speaking with those leaders who offer a real solution to this very serious situation. In the past week, I have spoken personally with Congressman Tom Tancredo, Senator Jon Kyl, and others. Today, I am having lunch with the founder of the Minutemen, Chris Simcox, and next week, another meeting with Congressman J.D. Hayworth. All of these men have been outspoken on the topic of illegal immigration.

The most interesting conversation I have had, however, was last week. I received a telephone call from Mary Anne Davies. Miss Davies, one of the founders of an organization of legal immigrants called, You Don't Speak for Me, gave me a call after reading my initial column on the church in Chicago. She thanked me for my column and explained that there are thousands of legal immigrants who are very angry with the thousand of illegal immigrants and their protests. Miss Davies is a sharp woman who has done her homework, gotten involved in the process, attended hearings, spoken out to any an all who would listen to her opinion and continues to wage the good fight.

I, for one, do not want to watch anymore flag descrecations. It proves that these illegal immigrants have no sense of patriotism or respect. Legal immigrants waited on line for years, they did not go to their local post office and take down a flag. It is for people like Miss Davies and others like her that real immigration reform needs to be passed.

Katrina, One Year Later

As we approach the one year anniversary of the Katrina disaster, much work still needs to be done. Peoples' lives still need to be put back together and debris is still present in neighborhoods- these are the images that the evening news will focus on over the next few nights.

I thought it important to bring to light the many volunteers and success stories in the midst of remembering this tragedy. From college students who gave up their Spring breaks to the Baptist "army" that attacked the Katrina problem like no other- Christians from around the country became examples for everyone.

While bureaucrats were arguing, church groups and volunteers moved to feed, clothe and shelter the victims. While this problem will be with us for many years to come, it is my hope the country saw first-hand what happens when Christians band together to help those in need.

Do You Feel That Sinking Feeling?

The once mighty Christian coalition, the Christian power brokers of the 90's lead by Ralph Reed and Pat Roberston is treading water these days . Treading water in the coastal areas off Chairman Roberta Combs' patio in South Carolina. Gone are the days of spacious K street offices, gone are the days of Ralph Reed raising millions and gone are the days of affiliation with the organizations in Ohio, Iowa and Alabama. Operating from South Carolina, with a reported $1 million debt, the once mighty giant is being taken a part piece by piece.

Three state affiliates, the most vocal and the largest, have given the national leadership their notice of separation in the past few months, with the most recent coming just this week. Complaining of lack of leadership and lack of focus on core issues, one Iowa leader who led the breakaway said that, "The sooner the organization goes away, the better, they're a total disgrace." Iowa and Ohio and had previously departed and just this week, Alabama bid farewell with their leader Jim Giles saying, "it's a very liberating day, (they) are not even a blip on the radar screen."

There are a host of swirling rumors regarding the fallen giant right now. I have been told a new "executive director" is coming on board and many are concerned with his liberal undertones. The organization's financial status is a complete disaster, though that did not stop them from sending a recent mailing for Operation Strike Back. There is the ongoing issue of how to run a political organization without a Washington office, the continuing questions of back door deals made between family and friends and the the absolute lack of attention the group receives on Capitol Hill. In addition, I have been told that other state affiliates are looking to exit within coming months simply having had enough.

That sinking feeling you feel is Coalition going into deeper debt, loosing more affiliates and chasing an odd agenda these days of environment and internet equality. Maybe if they got together with Al Gore, you know, the guy who "invented the internet" they could join causes.

Illegal Immigrant Hijacks Methodist Church

Is a Chicago church breaking the law by harboring an illegal immigrant? Quite simply, yes. Thirty-one-year-old Elvira Arellano, who is an illegal Mexican immigrant, took refuge inside a United Methodist church with her son, rather face deportation.

Not only is pastor Walter Coleman breaking the law, he is not helping the problem. If he wishes to be proactive in shaping immigration reform, allowing someone who the government wishes to legally deport is not the way to do it. Like many others who enter this country illegally, this is not the first time that ICE has acted against Miss Arellano. She was previously arrested, deported, re-entered illegally again and then had a child here. This is the defintion of an anchor baby.

While several immigration activists relate Arellano to Rosa Parks, a comparison that I find ridiculous and distasteful, I would suggest that Arellano did not take a seat in the back of the bus, rather, she hijacked the bus for her own purposes.

The leadership of the Methodist church needs to step in on this one. Pastor Coleman has lost his objectivity and has made it clear that at his church they do not observe the law. This is not an example of how to open a dialogue of reform, rather, it is only creating a wider gap.

Diocese of Phx. Cracks Down on Child Molesters

In a surprising move from the Diocese of Phoenix, infamous for shuttling abusive priests from parish to parish, it's former Bishop and his hit and run car accident and the former Monsignor and founder of the world's largest Catholic youth group to stand trial for alleged misconduct with minors, the Diocese of Phoenix announced yesterday that they are getting tough on crime. If this is true, I salute them. If this is a public relations ploy from a Diocese whose former Monsignor goes to trial shortly, only time will tell.

The Diocese announced yesterday that they will perform criminal background checks on all volunteers and employees. In addition, the Diocese also said that they would begin comparing their members against the Sex Crimes Registry from Arizona. This unprecedented move could pose some battles within pews, but if this is not just more lipservice from a Diocese that has had more corruption than the average episode of the Sopranos, I applaud them.

Perhaps this is a case of the leadership admitting that they have had issues, that a public relations position of "don't ask, don't tell" simply is dangerous, irresponsible and contrary to the mission of the Church.

Germany Could Prosecute Madonna for Cross Stunt

In what has turned out be the most blasphemous case of celebrities gone wild, Madonna's "Confessions Tour" pulls into Dusseldorf this weekend.

German prosecutors say they plan to monitor the situation to see if the singer repeats her mock crucifixion scene from Rome (as seen here).

If she repeats this disrespectful stunt, German authorities could prosecute the pop star under German laws that govern religious tolerance. Other reports indicate that the show may be covered by laws protecting artistic free speech.

This is an opportunity to correct this vile spectacle and insure that such stunts do not ever make in front of an audience again.

Rumor has it that NBC plans to air a version of the Madonna tour this Fall. Here's hoping that NBC will drop this off the calendar!

BLOG WATCH!

Today the president of Iran unveilled his new blog. The blog figures to be a new way to gain support for his brand of Islamo-fascism and maintain an upper hand in media game in the Middle East. Since al queada's most recent missive from Ayman Zawahiri in a comfortable, undisclosed studio and the barrage of press conferences from Nasrallah and the Hizbollah, big media has become more of a comptetive sport in the Middle East.

The reason is simple:recruitment and funding. The islamo-fascist agenda cannot be executed without fresh converts and cash. Of note, if you read the English version of the blog, you will find such comments as "America is Satan". These comments and the obvious anti-Israeli sentiment are littered throughout his first day of blogging.

Ironically, however, a poll question posted to his blog asks: "Do you think that the US and Israeli intention and goal by attacking Lebanon is pulling the trigger for another word war?"

The results as of 12:15 Pacific time are split 51% to 49%. Western influence due to media coverage? I would guess so.

What would Sam Walton Do?

A recent NY Times story pointed out that Wal-Mart has been leading the charge for new ballot initiatives to get alcohol sales back into dry counties and towns throughout the South. Apparently they have not been successful yet, as their own corporate headquarters are located in a dry county!

Ironically, while prohibiting the use of alcohol at company sponsored events, according to Beverage Election Specialists, Wal-Mart has contributed up to $200,000 in local campaigns!

Proponents argue that these towns would see an increase in tax revenue from the addition of alcohol sales. By making this argument, they try to deflate the arguments from many church groups that by making alcohol more easy to attain in their towns, they will see an increase in domestic violence, car accidents and increased incidents of under age drinking.

Regardless of where you stand on this issue, with Wal-Mart contributing thousands of dollars yet hypocritically banning alcohol at their own functions, one is lead to ask themselves: What would Sam Walton do?

Presidential Chatter

Frank Lutz released the result of a recent presidential poll week. Lutz is a well respected GOP pollster from Alexandria, VA. The results were based upon two focus groups from New Hampshire and Iowa.

Some Key points:

McCain- Lutz said he was often noted as being too intense. He also said, "expectations for John McCain are the highest of any candidate.

Rudy Giuliani: Luzt says "Rudy will always be America's mayor. But after hearing the whoe story, Republican voters just aren't sure he's the right choice for America."

On Mitt Romney: "Romney looks and sounds presidntial, and voters in New Hampshire appreciated how he dodged details about his faith." BLOGGERS NOTE: When will we hear Romney exclainm that being a Mormon and being a Christian are the same thing? This is a topic that will be boil up soon.

On George Allen: "of all the candidates we tested, George Allen has the best sound bites and an easy speaking style."

On Senator Bill Frist: "He connects intellectually but misses on the personal, human level."

Finally, Church Report columnist, Newt Gingrich, "came away as a winner.: Lutz went on to say that Gingrich comes across as a "rare concotion of policy expert, political wizard and effective communicator.

The Church Report will be offering a special section in the upcoming October issue on the 2008 presidential race, stay tuned!

Romney Oaks, My MVP

As many of you know, I am a baseball fan. Well, that's not really true, I am a baseball junkie, one capable of recalling stats of a seldom-used backup outfielder, up for a cup of coffee from the minor leauges in 1972 type of baseball fan. Baseball is the American game. It is hot dogs, it is apple pie, it is Peter Gammons and Yogi Berra, it is the smell of sausage and peppers outside of Fenway Park and special sauce on greasy brats in Milwaukee.It also about kids and Little League.

It is because of Little League that we have stars we all watch on television and at ballparks. Little League gave us Roger Clemens, Jason Gimabi, A-Rod and many more. Little League also gave us millions more "ball players" that will never take the field at Yankee Stadium or Camden Yard. And, little league also gave us Romney Oaks, someone who gets my nod for MVP, even though he may never don pin stripes and due battle in the Fall Classic.

Romney is a 9-year old little leaguer from Utah who played this Summer for the Bountiful Red Sox. Romney's team fought hard all Summer and advanced to the Mueller Park Mustang league championshiop for his 10 and under league. Now, Let's go to the play-by-play of the championship game (of course, you knew this game would be against the Yankees!)


The undefeated Yankees were in the field, up by one run, in the bottom of the last inning. With the tying run on third, two outs and the Red Sox (Romney's team)best hitter, Jordan, at the plate; the Yankees coaches decided to do something they had not done all season long---They told their pitcher to intentionally walk the batter-Jordan. (NOTE: INTENTIONALLY WALKING PEOPLE IN A 10 & UNDER LITTLE LEAGUE NEVER HAPPENS!)

Next up to bat is Romney Oaks, recovering brain cancer patient, who only wanted to play little league so that he could be a normal kid in the neighborhood. Because of the numerous treatments and surgeries Romney's baseball skills are not as advanced as other kids on his team. His bat is slower and his reflexes are perhaps are not as quick.

That's right, Romney's teamate was walked intentionally so that Yankees coach, Bob Farley, could have his pitcher throw to Romney. Of course, Romney, over matched by the pitcher, struck out. Game over....Red Sox lose....


Coach Bob Farley of the Meuller Park Little League disgraced our game. Coach Bob Farley insulted anyone who has ever donned a a glove and ball, ate a hot dog in the bleachers at Wrigley, or skinned their knee sliding into second base.

Bob Farley's team may have won their championship, but Romney Oaks showed everyone that courage and desire is more important than hitting it out of the park.

A Frightening Look at Radical Islam

Last week after my column about meeting with the Syrian Ambassador, a reader sent me a video.

This film clip is both frightening and saddening. It is sad to see the children being indoctrinated with hate! It is also terribly frightening that such hate can be cultivated.

The Israli army is doing battle with these very people right now, as this tape originated from Lebanon. Inlight of today's recent terrorist threats, it is these people whose only mission is to destroy all people who truly want peace and freedom.

Israel Deserves Real Peace

In two recent CRONLINE Quick Polls, viewers have indicated, by an overwhelming margin, that Israel should not back down and succumb to a weak, unbalanced cease fire agreement. Historically, Israel has always blinked first, always backed down, always given back land and prisoners and they have always been rewarded with broken agreements and further terrorist activity.

The currently proposed UN resolution offers little security for Israel and it citizens. In fact, the notion that Lebanon's army will secure the Southern border is almost comical. For years, Lebanon has been responsible for UN resolution 1559, the disarmament of the terrorist forces in Southern Lebanon. For years, this has never happened. In fact, many reports indicate that some 40% of the Lebanese army are Hezbollah members or supporters!

Expecting the Lebanese army to do a job that they have been unable or unwilling to accomplish for the last three years, is a kin to asking the Mexican government to secure their border and stem the tide of illegal immigrants through our southern border. The reality of this situation is that Hezbollah must be pushed back and disarmed by a military force unabashed by the powerful imams and mullahs whose only goal is the destruction of Israel and those who support freedom for a Jewish state.

The civilian casulaties are a tragedy, I agree. However, if this incident is not dealt with appropriately, this situation will only continue to be the Ground Hog's Day movie sequel that it has been for the last 58 years. Is'nt it time that Israel has real peace?

Recent Poll Indicates Distressing Inconsistency

Last week the Pew Research Center for People & the Press Public Life released the results of a recent telephonic poll. According to the results of their research, "Americans are conservative in opposing gay marriage and gay adoption, liberal in favoring embryonic stem cell research, and a little of both on abortion."

Here are some interesting stats:

1. 56% oppose same sex marriage, 35% in favor
2. Asked which came closest to their views on abortion respondents said: 31% should be made available, 20% said available " but under stricter limits than now", 35% said it should be against the law except in caes of rape and incest, and 11% said it should "never be permitted at all."
3. Oddly, while not supporting same sex marriage, 54% supported same sex unions
4. Also strange and disappointing, of those who did not support same sex marriage, 40% of them do not want a constitutional amendment to ban such marriages.
5. Support for stem cell research also remains largely unchanged. A clear majority (56%) says it is more important to continue stem cell research that might produce new medical cures than to avoid destroying the human embryos used in the research.

To read the entire survey, you just click on this link, it makes for both interesting and scary reading: http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=283

Presbyterian Theologian Releases 9/11 Conspiracy Theory Book

Let's face it, the Presbyterians are having a tough enough time with public relations these days. The recent bickering about the Trinity and same sex marriage controversies are tearing up the mainline Presbyterian church---now this.

It seems that Professor David Griffin, on faculty at Claremont School of Theology, has authored a book, Christian Faith and the Truth Behind 9/11: A Call to Reflection and Action. The general premise of this new "fiction" is that the terrorist attacks on 9/11 were carried out by the Bush administration to justify the the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

While this is not an original thought, it is unfortunate that this religious scholar should even think to go down this treacherous path. Even more interesting, is the release of this book, the same week as Oliver Stone's new file about 9/11. This is an obvious ploy to gain publicity for his book, while Stone's film is reportedly a tribute to the courgae of those invovled in the attack.

Scorn should be noted on the side of the publishing company as well. In addition to printing this abomination, The Westminster/Knox Press has a history of publishing books with a pro-homosexual behavior agenda.

Out of the Office Today

Today I am out doing some background for an upcoming feature. In my absence, if you have never had the chance to check out You Tube......I would encourage you to find out for yourself what an interesting site this is.

You can find You Tube at www.youtube.com It's Free.

Greg Boyd and the Sunday Times

Did anyone happen to see this article in the Sunday NY Times...


http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/30/us/30pastor.html?ex=1154404800&en=c2f83bd1edc3c799&ei=5087%0A

It is about a pastor, Greg Boyd, a well known mega church in St Paul, MN. It seems that Pastor Greg has decided to declare his church an "issue free zone"....That's right, no flags, no issues, nothing.I am sure my friend Rick Scarborough is gritting his teeth at this point---just like me.

In a series of sermons that lead to the mass exodus of members from his church, one of the pillars of Boyd's sermons was that Americans should stop moralizing on sexual issues and stop claiming the United States a Christian nation. He also had some very vague things to say about abortion. (NOTE: the article states that during the actual sermon people left the church and have not been seen since...)

Greg Boyd chose the issues and the agenda when he stated what would not be talked about in his church- they just happened not to be Republican issues...fine....but did he realize that this agenda, you know, the one you can talk about at Greg's church...sounds a bit like the other party in this country....

I thought there were no politics at Woodland Hills Church?

Crime Blotter- Rev. Joseph Henn

A Catholic priest has managed to evade the U.S. Justice system for a second time. The Rev. Joseph Henn, who had been living under house arrest at the Rome headquarters of the Salvatorians, disappeared days before the Italian court ordered his extradition to Phoenix, Arizona.

Maricopy County Attorney, says, "Henn has consistently thumbed his nose at lawful authority, this latest act of defiance underscores his disrespect for the law." Thomas went on to say that Italian authortities were searching for Henn and had sought a warrant for his arrest from Interpol.

Phoenix, my hometown, has long had a reputation of running a corrupt Diocese. From the former Bishop running over a pedestrian, and a legal coverup of the details, numerous priests arrested and charged for sexual crimes, this has been a Diocese in trouble for years. On August 11, oral arguements are scheduled for the case of former Monsignor Dale Fushek- the founder of Life Teen, the world's largest Catholic youth group. He is charged with numerous sexually deviant crimes. I will be in attendance on the 11th- stay tuned. This will be the first foray for the Diocese of Phoenix spin doctor as the former spinstress resigned her post this Summer.

In the meantime, if you see Father Joseph Henn, call Andrew Thomas at the Count Attorney's office, I am sure he would appreciate your help.

You can read the entire County Attorney's Release here: http://www.maricopacountyattorney.org/Press/default.asp

Preaching Peace and Funding Terror

While on a recent visit to New York, I had the occasion to meet Dr. Bashar Ja’Afari, Ambassador to the United Nation for Syria. We met while each of us was preparing for a television appearance. While the topic of the show in which I was to appear was a debate of the Armageddon, the Ambassador was there to discuss Syria’s role in the current Israeli conflict. Ironically, the Ambassador’s country of origin was at the very heart of the Armageddon discussion.

After exchanging pleasantries, I took the opportunity to probe the mind of the high- ranking Syrian official with respect to the recent Israeli conflict. As many of us have heard before, Dr. Ja’Afari stuck to the company line, 90 percent of all Muslims desire peace. While I will agree to this point, it is the follow up question that still haunts many victims of terror from around the world: Why can’t the 90 percent control the remaining 10 percent whose sole mission is the destruction of Israel and the terrorization of other countries that offer freedom to it citizens?

This, of course, is the sticking point the entire Muslim world is forced to overcome each and every day. While most agree that Syria may publicly say they do not want terror and do not want a conflict in their region, the funding, housing and training and supplying of Hezbollah, a terrorist group responsible for more American deaths than any other organization except Al Qaeda, is certainly an indicator that they have another mission and peace has nothing to do with it.

I took great interest as Ambassador Ja’Afari went on explain that this radical Islam that I began to chide him about was a by-product of America. He claimed that since the 1960s, America has been funding radical Islam from Nigeria to Sri Lanka and Iran to Iraq. I nodded politely and inquired as to his rationale and proof this allegation. The proof was a non- existent diatribe of the typical response: The West just does not understand us.

At last we agreed on something: I failed to understand why sending children into a crowded shopping area to detonate themselves made any sense. I failed to understand why a country that says it wants peace also has an agenda of destroying another. I failed to understand the reason behind the fact if 90 percent of Muslims want peace, why then, can they not control the radical 10 percent that only want to destroy civilization.

Muslims, while most are peace-loving people, have a problem. In some nations, such as Lebanon, the radical 10 percent has been elected to government positions. In other nations, rogue factions of Muslims run throughout the country terrorizing their own, repressing freedom, abusing women, and stamping out any form of western thought or behavior. Some nations allow their rulers to hold press conferences, where threatening their neighbors in the region is not only commonplace, but expected. Until the radical 10 percent are put under control by their own people, this problem will fester as it has for years to come. All the while, regimes like those of Dr. Ja’Afari’s continue to preach peace and fund terror.

As fate would have it, our conversation was terminated when the UN Ambassador to Israel, Dan Gillerman, walked into the room where we were speaking. Without saying a word to each other, it was clear from the look in Dr. Ja’Afari’s eyes that peace was not in his mind at that moment.