Monday, July 13, 2009

Monday Morning Rant 100


Jan worked a “double” last night so I wound up facing the Baptists alone. Bob Clark acquitted himself very well with a sermon on being filled with the Holy Spirit. He reminded us of an anecdote from the late Charles Spurgeon. Someone asked the famous evangelist if he was filled with the Holy Spirit and he replied: “Yes, but I leak.”

I found it a helpful reminder of my personal condition and one which I am certain I share with millions of others. Maintaining the “fullness” requires constant attention and being ever mindful of its Source. Good job Bob!

A Recent Speech

Last week a speech was delivered and as I read this paragraph, I was somewhat confused. I took the liberty of providing (parenthetical bold face) some of the situations and individuals responsible for the conditions here in the United States which the speaker described.

“This is about more than just holding elections. It's also about what happens between elections. (Applause.) Repression can take many forms, (Cap & Trade, Health Care Reform, sizure of manufacturing industries and financial institutions) and too many nations, even those that have elections (especially those where ACORN is operative), are plagued by problems that condemn their people to poverty ( 9.5% unemployment and the disappearance of value from pension plans and stocks) . No country is going to create wealth if its leaders (Al Gore, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, William Jefferson, etc.) exploit the economy to enrich themselves -- (applause) -- or if police -- if police can be bought off by drug traffickers (Among the 118,000 Google responses are these; here, here, here, here, here, and here.). (Applause.) No business wants to invest in a place where the government skims 20 percent (Many US taxpayers would happily settle for 20%) off the top -- (applause) -- or the head of the Port Authority (For a total laundry list of this corruption click here) is corrupt. No person wants to live in a society where the rule of law gives way to the rule of brutality and bribery. (The 1st step would be the DHS identifying ex-Gis as an extremeist threat.) (Applause.) That is not democracy, that is tyranny, (The preceding three words are absolutely on the money) even if occasionally you sprinkle an election in there. And now is the time for that style of governance to end. (I couldn’t agree more!) (Applause.)"

This address was given to the parliament of Ghana last week by the president of the United States. It is only one paragraph from the speech but it pretty well sums up everything which has befallen the United States since the 20th of January. “People who live in glass houses” comes to mind.

I would love to know who really writes this clap-trap. He (she?) is an excellent wordsmith. We know full well that “the one” can’t say “thank you” without a teleprompter so it’s not his fault what the thing says. I do believe the ship of state is also leaking.

One Hero to Another




Pfc Brendan Marrocco of Staten Island, receives the winning game ball of the AT&T National at Bethesda, Md. from, the winner, Tiger Woods. Woods managed a one stroke victory, and immediately after sought out Pfc Marrocco to share the ball. For more details check (this link.)

It is a pleasant relief to see a celebrity honor a true American hero. But, Tiger has always had an abundance of class. He has almost as much as this kid who is facing at least another year or two at Walter Reed to adjust to his extremely serious injuries obtained in Iraq . May God bless Pfc Marrocco and his new friend as well.

And finally

Disappointment with various issues facing the congress and politicos in general this coming week is rising. The gap in the approve/disapprove numbers are not heartening for the new president but we are not facing an election any time soon.. One measure which will gather some attention is the Sotomayor hearings. The level of opposition from the right will determine just how serious they are to defeat “the queen of empathy.”

For now, I shall just enjoy the recent rains, think about Bob’s sermon, and enjoy my dogs. I feel sorry for folks who, for whatever reason, do not have mutts. These critters are the epitome of forgiveness, trust, and love. The care required is minimal compared to the massive gains from being in their presence. Obviously, I value my wife and kids above all except the Lord, but I truly believe the dogs come next. Who else displays absolute joy when you come through the door? Who is aware of imminent danger while you sleep? Who doesn’t care if you are rich, poor, good or so-so looking, or dressed properly? Maggie and Gus fill that bill well and I’ll bet yours do too.


In His abiding love,

Cecil Moon