I'm not sure what to make of this.
The only thing I know is that I
don't think America has gotten
safer over the last eleven months.
ofs
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
When the Family Dog Turns on You
Maureen Dowd on President Obama:
ofs
If we can’t catch a Nigerian with a powerful
explosive powder in his oddly feminine-looking
underpants and a syringe full of acid, a man whose
own father had alerted the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria,
a traveler whose ticket was paid for in cash and who
didn’t check bags, whose visa renewal had been denied
by the British, who had studied Arabic in Al Qaeda
sanctuary Yemen, whose name was on a counter-
terrorism watch list, who can we catch?
ofs
Who Wants to graduate Summa Cum Minime?
The defense of America from her
enemies is the most important task
of a president. President Obama is,
so far, a failure.
ofs
enemies is the most important task
of a president. President Obama is,
so far, a failure.
ofs
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Semper Gravida
Nah, there's no problem having women
in combat. Well, other than a "self-"
inflicted wound.
This will offend both the left and the right.
And, the men are left in the lurch.
ofs
in combat. Well, other than a "self-"
inflicted wound.
This will offend both the left and the right.
And, the men are left in the lurch.
ofs
Friday, December 18, 2009
Sissies of the World Unite
Ahmadinejad must really want a war
or else he's convinced President
Obama's pantywaist approach
to the world reflects an actual inner
woosiness. I think Obama may be
forced to pen one of those strongly
worded letters he has used to such
success with other wacko regimes.
ofs
or else he's convinced President
Obama's pantywaist approach
to the world reflects an actual inner
woosiness. I think Obama may be
forced to pen one of those strongly
worded letters he has used to such
success with other wacko regimes.
ofs
Temper Tantrum
Beating the floor with your fists, rolling around,
and crying like a baby is not considered the
most presidential of discourse methods.
ofs
and crying like a baby is not considered the
most presidential of discourse methods.
ofs
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Gang that Couldn't Shoot Straight
Granted these guys are buffoons,
but I'll bet there are a lot more
who are as dedicated and determined,
but not as dense. The enemy will
bring it back to our home.
ofs
but I'll bet there are a lot more
who are as dedicated and determined,
but not as dense. The enemy will
bring it back to our home.
ofs
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What My Net Can't Catch Isn't Fish
"One of the difficulties a court encounters when examining
the views of men who hold views styled as 'Federal Vision,'
is a tendency to justify such views by appealing to Scripture
in order to contradict the Standards. What Scripture says
about a particular topic is set forth in our Standards."
ofs
the views of men who hold views styled as 'Federal Vision,'
is a tendency to justify such views by appealing to Scripture
in order to contradict the Standards. What Scripture says
about a particular topic is set forth in our Standards."
ofs
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Delaying the Day of Doom
When a college football coach is in
trouble, he'll often head it off by
firing some assistant coaches.
That buys him one more season.
After that, he gets fired. Looks
like Mark Richt should go ahead
and put his house on the market.
ofs
trouble, he'll often head it off by
firing some assistant coaches.
That buys him one more season.
After that, he gets fired. Looks
like Mark Richt should go ahead
and put his house on the market.
ofs
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Months of Ostentatious Dithering
about Afghanistan has gotten us this
powerful piece of oratory.
Thanks to James Taranto for the
title.
ofs
powerful piece of oratory.
Thanks to James Taranto for the
title.
ofs
Monday, November 30, 2009
When the Narrative Gets Away...
...the story changes. Here's one reporter's
view on the seven sub-plots President
Obama doesn't want to take over the
latest chapter in his drama. I'm
particularly interested in the interplay
between how he is a pantywaist who has
surrounded himself with the Chicago
thugocracy.
Greatest line of the article:
"No soldier wants to take a bullet
in the name of nuance."
ofs
view on the seven sub-plots President
Obama doesn't want to take over the
latest chapter in his drama. I'm
particularly interested in the interplay
between how he is a pantywaist who has
surrounded himself with the Chicago
thugocracy.
Greatest line of the article:
"No soldier wants to take a bullet
in the name of nuance."
ofs
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Today's Truth Ahead by Two Points
A new film is out rebutting Al Gore's
Inconvenient Truth. I like the way the
producers think:
"'That's not how science works,' she said. 'It doesn't
matter if 99,000 people all agree about something and
one person is right. Politics works like that -- a
certain number of people vote for something and then
it becomes true. But with science, it's the one person
who tells the truth.'"
ofs
Inconvenient Truth. I like the way the
producers think:
"'That's not how science works,' she said. 'It doesn't
matter if 99,000 people all agree about something and
one person is right. Politics works like that -- a
certain number of people vote for something and then
it becomes true. But with science, it's the one person
who tells the truth.'"
ofs
A Bishop Mans Up
It's about time that Christian leaders
remembered that it is their job to
speak to the civil rulers of the people
as well.
Here's one Roman Catholic bishop who
gets it. Hooray for him.
ofs
remembered that it is their job to
speak to the civil rulers of the people
as well.
Here's one Roman Catholic bishop who
gets it. Hooray for him.
ofs
Hot Earthers Get Caught Pants Down
If all we're having is "an honest
exchange of ideas," let's have it
out in the open, not something
declared as a fait accompli. I
am more and more convinced that
the global warmers are not
scientists as much as devotees.
But, then, I'm a Van Tillian.
ofs
exchange of ideas," let's have it
out in the open, not something
declared as a fait accompli. I
am more and more convinced that
the global warmers are not
scientists as much as devotees.
But, then, I'm a Van Tillian.
ofs
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Dog Lover in Every Sense of the Word
Not sure what to make of this. I'm
pretty sure it facetious, but who's
to know with the wacko left?
ofs
pretty sure it facetious, but who's
to know with the wacko left?
ofs
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Monday, November 9, 2009
God Help the Officer Who Survives
My father's first CO was Patton.
Patton was a colonel at the time
and commanding at Ft. Myer, Va.
Dad recalled Patton ordering each
officer to carry a sidearm
loaded with ball type
ammunition. Patton said,
"We are an armory situated close
to Washington, DC. It is not
inconceivable that subversives
would try to take our weapons.
God help the officer that survives
if they succeed."
Now, a subversive has struck and
the Army finds that it has a
terrorist within. If Patton's
orders were a rule for all forts
and bases, then Ft. Hood would not
have been a soft target.
ofs
Patton was a colonel at the time
and commanding at Ft. Myer, Va.
Dad recalled Patton ordering each
officer to carry a sidearm
loaded with ball type
ammunition. Patton said,
"We are an armory situated close
to Washington, DC. It is not
inconceivable that subversives
would try to take our weapons.
God help the officer that survives
if they succeed."
Now, a subversive has struck and
the Army finds that it has a
terrorist within. If Patton's
orders were a rule for all forts
and bases, then Ft. Hood would not
have been a soft target.
ofs
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Job Security
When you're paid to be a witch picker,
by golly, you're gonna pick witches.
While folks rightfully condemn the
foolishness of Salem, they forget that
it started and stopped there. But, thousands
of "witches" were put to death in Europe.
ofs
by golly, you're gonna pick witches.
While folks rightfully condemn the
foolishness of Salem, they forget that
it started and stopped there. But, thousands
of "witches" were put to death in Europe.
ofs
Monday, October 12, 2009
Speak Softly and Carry a Limp Noodle
To have to write an article about
President Obama such as this one
hoping that he'll actually luck
into some decisiveness and toughness
is to reveal that he doesn't have it
in him.
ofs
President Obama such as this one
hoping that he'll actually luck
into some decisiveness and toughness
is to reveal that he doesn't have it
in him.
ofs
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Another Fail
"During the U.S. presidential campaign, then-
candidate Barack Obama called for passage of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution. Since his election,
he has stepped back from the issue."
ofs
candidate Barack Obama called for passage of the
Armenian Genocide Resolution. Since his election,
he has stepped back from the issue."
ofs
Triangulated
I'm wondering if the Nobel Prize
folks weren't trying to define
President Obama's decision making
for him. This article hints at
it as an unintended consequence,
but I wonder....
--------later follow up-------------
Glad to see the Washington Post is
on the same track with lowly Tohu
Bohu.
"An attack on Iran may be in the U.S. interests. But is
it something a Nobel peace prize winner would authorize?"
ofs
folks weren't trying to define
President Obama's decision making
for him. This article hints at
it as an unintended consequence,
but I wonder....
--------later follow up-------------
Glad to see the Washington Post is
on the same track with lowly Tohu
Bohu.
"An attack on Iran may be in the U.S. interests. But is
it something a Nobel peace prize winner would authorize?"
ofs
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
So, What's Next
Nothing like a couple hours
of eschatology. Piper and
Wilson I've heard of. The other
guys are unknowns. The pre-mil
guy is enthusiastic, but the amil
is smug.
ofs
of eschatology. Piper and
Wilson I've heard of. The other
guys are unknowns. The pre-mil
guy is enthusiastic, but the amil
is smug.
ofs
Monday, October 5, 2009
Crystallization
I don't have much hope that
Gen. McChrystal will win the argument.
Too many anti-military types in
Washington.
ofs
Gen. McChrystal will win the argument.
Too many anti-military types in
Washington.
ofs
Gently Gently
Supposedly,there is a policy in
place that protecting the lives
of civilians trumps protecting
our soldiers and marines. I
hope the death of these soldiers
wasn't due to the timidity of
their officers in pursuing the
enemy to the utmost.
ofs
place that protecting the lives
of civilians trumps protecting
our soldiers and marines. I
hope the death of these soldiers
wasn't due to the timidity of
their officers in pursuing the
enemy to the utmost.
ofs
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Left of Left
There are no conservatives in Europe.
That's a myth. There are only those
on the left and those to the left of
them.
ofs
That's a myth. There are only those
on the left and those to the left of
them.
ofs
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blood in the Water
Nothing brings out the sharks like
flailing and weakness. President
Obama's disastrous showing at
Copenhagen shows that one can
get emasculated in that city whether
that was the goal or not. I'll
bet the sycophants will begin
to melt away and the media fins
will begin to circle. I don't
want to see America weak and
the world can't stand it if
we are, but a temporary failing
by President Obama may make it
possible to find a stronger
solution sooner.
ofs
flailing and weakness. President
Obama's disastrous showing at
Copenhagen shows that one can
get emasculated in that city whether
that was the goal or not. I'll
bet the sycophants will begin
to melt away and the media fins
will begin to circle. I don't
want to see America weak and
the world can't stand it if
we are, but a temporary failing
by President Obama may make it
possible to find a stronger
solution sooner.
ofs
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Push Back Against the Contrived Panic
I have no idea how effective or safe
the flu shot is, but these people are
right to react against a mandate that
they get the shot or lose their jobs.
ofs
the flu shot is, but these people are
right to react against a mandate that
they get the shot or lose their jobs.
ofs
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Hymns of Praise
The voice of a god, not
a man.Acts 12:22
Herod found out the hard way
that the real God doesn't like
to hear this kind of cry.
Plus, it's really crappy
poetry.
ofs
-------------------begin here----------
Lyrics
========
Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
a man.Acts 12:22
Herod found out the hard way
that the real God doesn't like
to hear this kind of cry.
Plus, it's really crappy
poetry.
ofs
-------------------begin here----------
Lyrics
========
Song 1:
Mm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that all must lend a hand
To make this country strong again
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said we must be fair today
Equal work means equal pay
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said that we must take a stand
To make sure everyone gets a chance
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
He said red, yellow, black or white
All are equal in his sight
Mmm, mmm, mm!
Barack Hussein Obama
Yes!
Mmm, mmm, mm
Barack Hussein Obama
Song 2:
Hello, Mr. President we honor you today!
For all your great accomplishments, we all doth say "hooray!"
Hooray, Mr. President! You're number one!
The first black American to lead this great nation!
Hooray, Mr. President we honor your great plans
To make this country's economy number one again!
Hooray Mr. President, we're really proud of you!
And we stand for all Americans under the great Red, White, and Blue!
So continue ---- Mr. President we know you'll do the trick
So here's a hearty hip-hooray ----
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Hip, hip hooray!
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Now, That's Cool
Brit guy with a metal detector
hits the jackpot. Lot better
than the guys on the beach I
used to see hit the buried car.
ofs
hits the jackpot. Lot better
than the guys on the beach I
used to see hit the buried car.
ofs
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
¡Viva Honduras!
Here's hoping they can outlast
the pressure of the "international
community" and maintain their
freedom.
ofs
the pressure of the "international
community" and maintain their
freedom.
ofs
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Is a Church Bailout Bill Next?
Constitution, what Constitution?
How on earth could a newspaper
bailout be anything but illegal?
I guess Rush Limbaugh isn't exaggerating
about the state-controlled media.
ofs
How on earth could a newspaper
bailout be anything but illegal?
I guess Rush Limbaugh isn't exaggerating
about the state-controlled media.
ofs
Rocky Top You'll Always Be 2nd in the SEC
Tough game in what is going to be
a very tough year. Still ...
"I think there's so much pressure on [the Gators]
to perform perfectly, which is good," Meyer said.
"I'd rather be on that end than on, 'Boy, great
job. We lost by 10.' I don't want to do that.
There's a lot of pressure on these guys and I
felt it in there."
Go Gators
ofs
a very tough year. Still ...
"I think there's so much pressure on [the Gators]
to perform perfectly, which is good," Meyer said.
"I'd rather be on that end than on, 'Boy, great
job. We lost by 10.' I don't want to do that.
There's a lot of pressure on these guys and I
felt it in there."
Go Gators
ofs
Friday, September 18, 2009
Medal of Honor
There is no way to write this that
doesn't sound whiny and armchair
warriory. I've never been deliberately
shot at; I've never been in battle.
Still, there is something in the
logic of this article that pesters
me.
On D-Day, 2499 Americans were killed.
So far in Iraq and Afghanistan, 5130 have
died. The ratio of Medals of Honor-
4 to 6 - is not that horribly off and
some of the current war folks may
still be in the review process. Why
does this article complain? The
previous recipients are right - keep
our guys out of the pitched battles
where you might end up getting
a Medal of Honor.
ofs
doesn't sound whiny and armchair
warriory. I've never been deliberately
shot at; I've never been in battle.
Still, there is something in the
logic of this article that pesters
me.
On D-Day, 2499 Americans were killed.
So far in Iraq and Afghanistan, 5130 have
died. The ratio of Medals of Honor-
4 to 6 - is not that horribly off and
some of the current war folks may
still be in the review process. Why
does this article complain? The
previous recipients are right - keep
our guys out of the pitched battles
where you might end up getting
a Medal of Honor.
ofs
Yalta II
So, we sell Prague (and Poland) down
the river one more time. Why anyone
trusts America, I'll never know.
My dad talked of visiting Prague after
the war. Ordinary citizens, at the
risk of their lives, came up to him
and spoke of how Roosevelt had given
them to the Russians. Now, we've
done it again.
ofs
the river one more time. Why anyone
trusts America, I'll never know.
My dad talked of visiting Prague after
the war. Ordinary citizens, at the
risk of their lives, came up to him
and spoke of how Roosevelt had given
them to the Russians. Now, we've
done it again.
ofs
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Divided We Fall
Not at all sure that this signals
great things for the county.
President Obama could have done
a great deal to heal the racial
divisions of America. I'm afraid
they've only deepened.
ofs
great things for the county.
President Obama could have done
a great deal to heal the racial
divisions of America. I'm afraid
they've only deepened.
ofs
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Corrupt Oaks from Rotten Acorns
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
At some point, it's too late to say no
When you've already turned your kids
over to socialized education, you can't
complain when the socialists educate
them.
ofs
over to socialized education, you can't
complain when the socialists educate
them.
ofs
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Why Do We Fight? I Forget.
The Democrats constant complaint of
the Iraq War as for pride or oil or
power has distracted the American
public into amnesia and somnolence.
This has, I believe, spilled over
into the Afghan War. President
Obama will have a hard time making
his case that increased support
for that war is necessary. He's
starting from a self-weakened
position.
Here's the FT take.
ofs
the Iraq War as for pride or oil or
power has distracted the American
public into amnesia and somnolence.
This has, I believe, spilled over
into the Afghan War. President
Obama will have a hard time making
his case that increased support
for that war is necessary. He's
starting from a self-weakened
position.
Here's the FT take.
ofs
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Battle Cry
They may take our deposits,
they may take our health care,
they may take our gas guzzlers,
BUT THEY WILL NEVER TAKE OUR
FACEBOOK!
ofs
they may take our health care,
they may take our gas guzzlers,
BUT THEY WILL NEVER TAKE OUR
FACEBOOK!
ofs
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Free Speech that Costs
Blacklisting anyone who dares
challenge President Obama's
nationialization of the health
care system may be a growing
problem. Boycotts and calls
for his head have greeted
John Mackey's article in
the WSJ.
ofs
challenge President Obama's
nationialization of the health
care system may be a growing
problem. Boycotts and calls
for his head have greeted
John Mackey's article in
the WSJ.
ofs
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Cat's Away
The nasty, suspicious side of me
(some may think it's my best side)
wonders if some of the recent
unrest, protest, and backlash
isn't being aided by Hillary
supporters. She's off in
Africa safely beyond identification
with Obama's floundering.
ofs
(some may think it's my best side)
wonders if some of the recent
unrest, protest, and backlash
isn't being aided by Hillary
supporters. She's off in
Africa safely beyond identification
with Obama's floundering.
ofs
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Leave no Man Behind
I wonder how many other countries
treat their fallen with this kind
of commitment. Thank you to the
US Military.
ofs
treat their fallen with this kind
of commitment. Thank you to the
US Military.
ofs
Declare Victory
Our purposes in Iraq are done.
Short of mass conversion (the
Ann Coulter doctrine notwithstanding),
the arab/muslim character will
not change. Time to move on.
ofs
Short of mass conversion (the
Ann Coulter doctrine notwithstanding),
the arab/muslim character will
not change. Time to move on.
ofs
Herbie Hoover is Still a Groover
Here's what the Hoover Institute
has to say about health care.
To my mind, #10 is the most important.
My daughter is a diabetic, there
have been fantastic advancements
in her treatment in the last few
years. With the advent of socialized
medicine in the US, those advancements
will cease. When it is the government
and not the patients demanding innovation,
innovation ceases.
ofs
has to say about health care.
To my mind, #10 is the most important.
My daughter is a diabetic, there
have been fantastic advancements
in her treatment in the last few
years. With the advent of socialized
medicine in the US, those advancements
will cease. When it is the government
and not the patients demanding innovation,
innovation ceases.
ofs
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Eat Your Vegies, Any Vegies
Hmm, so "organic" may be good for
nothing more than making producers
more money than ordinary crops.
ofs
nothing more than making producers
more money than ordinary crops.
ofs
Friday, July 24, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
The Baptist Trinity
A Baptist buddy of mine went
through a very contentious
congregational meeting
recently. He came away
convinced that Baptists
believe in the Father, Son,
and Holy Vote.
ofs
through a very contentious
congregational meeting
recently. He came away
convinced that Baptists
believe in the Father, Son,
and Holy Vote.
ofs
Friday, July 17, 2009
The Bishop Speaks
Bishop Wright had appropriate words
for America's The Episcopal Church.
There's a lot I dislike about Wright,
but little in this post to quibble with.
ofs
for America's The Episcopal Church.
There's a lot I dislike about Wright,
but little in this post to quibble with.
ofs
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Oh, for a Little Quiet
The big TV at work switches between FOX
and CNN. The radio in the car has had
both talk radio and NPR. All I can say
is, "SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"
Mordor has opened its gates. The armies of
evil are spilling forth. And our only
response is yammering.
ofs
and CNN. The radio in the car has had
both talk radio and NPR. All I can say
is, "SHUT UP! JUST SHUT UP!"
Mordor has opened its gates. The armies of
evil are spilling forth. And our only
response is yammering.
ofs
Monday, July 13, 2009
We'll Starve to Death with Our Healthy Foods
This is almost too unbelievable. I
wasn't prepared for just how stupid
we have become as a people.
God, please let me enjoy your good
creation by eating it in peace.
ofs
wasn't prepared for just how stupid
we have become as a people.
God, please let me enjoy your good
creation by eating it in peace.
ofs
Sunday, July 12, 2009
How to Run a Continent
I guess Obama picked up a few pointers
on his Africa trip. After all, where
else has the transition of power been
handled so well over the last century.
ofs
on his Africa trip. After all, where
else has the transition of power been
handled so well over the last century.
ofs
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Feeding the Billions
Dr. Vietmeyer wrote me back and
pointed me to some of the books
he has written and sponsored over
the years. Here's his website
where he sells the books.
ofs
pointed me to some of the books
he has written and sponsored over
the years. Here's his website
where he sells the books.
ofs
Friday, July 3, 2009
Tree of Life
This is an excellent lecture about a man's
accidental falling into a fascinating and
rewarding life. Like my dad, Dr. Vietmeyer
wanted to be an organic chemist but found
a different career. While my dad became an
orthodontist, Vietmeyer's was finding crops
and plants that were extremely useful, but
obscure, forgotten, or underexploited.
I first saw Dr. Vietmeyer on a NOVA program
called Seeds of Tomorrow. I recorded the
program in 1985 and watched it again tonight.
Still excellent.
ofs
accidental falling into a fascinating and
rewarding life. Like my dad, Dr. Vietmeyer
wanted to be an organic chemist but found
a different career. While my dad became an
orthodontist, Vietmeyer's was finding crops
and plants that were extremely useful, but
obscure, forgotten, or underexploited.
I first saw Dr. Vietmeyer on a NOVA program
called Seeds of Tomorrow. I recorded the
program in 1985 and watched it again tonight.
Still excellent.
ofs
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
What do you expect from a Furman Graduate?
Actually, I had heard of this guy's
name, but knew little about him. Still,
how easily besotted a man can become
to destroy everything for a false
"love." Even Solomon couldn't stay
focused very long on all the wisdom
he'd been given. There is an old
crudity on which body part one thinks
with.
ofs
name, but knew little about him. Still,
how easily besotted a man can become
to destroy everything for a false
"love." Even Solomon couldn't stay
focused very long on all the wisdom
he'd been given. There is an old
crudity on which body part one thinks
with.
ofs
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Banana Republic Envy
Gotta luv the NY Senate. The world
may be in free fall around them, but
they've got petty squabbles to deal
with.
ofs
may be in free fall around them, but
they've got petty squabbles to deal
with.
ofs
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Most Horrible Place on Earth
This came to me from a source close to
the author of the following:
-----------------------begin here--------------------------------
6/9/2009 North Korea’s Present Trends
When I traveled to North Korea in *********, things were very different compared to my last visit in ********.
Throughout the city propaganda slogans were posted to encourage workers to become more productive. Despite these efforts productivity still falls behind the Party’s desired goals. A middle school band plays military battle songs exalting Kim Il Sung during morning and evening rush hours. Cars with loudspeakers broadcast the Party’s policies to set the atmosphere toward increasing productivity, but the citizens walk away with emotionless faces and seem to be only focused on their own survival.
Outline:
I. North Korea’s current situation
II. South Korea’s current situation
III. Why are they are doing nuclear testing and missile launchings?
IV. Will there be war between North and South Korea?
V. How do we foresee the future?
VI. What can we do?
I. North Korean’s current situation
1. The Marketplace and the Black Market
Last August, Kim Jong-il collapsed due to a stroke and his brother-in-law Chung Sung Taek (Presently the vice-chairman of Administration and member of the Defense Dept) became the acting president. On his tour of Sinuiju, he ordered the marketplace to be closed, but the citizens did not follow the orders and continued to open the markets. As a result, seven merchants underwent public execution. (Transfer of goods along the border cannot be stopped like the yellow winds that blow in across the border: Not only are material goods being transferred, but news from China and South Korea filters into North Korea and plays a large role in changing the opinions of the North Korean people. By finding out about their country’s current crisis, they realize that they have been deceived by their own country.)
In January of 2009, at a meeting of junior party monitors, an assignment was given to halt the activities of importers from China in order to prevent goods from reaching wholesale merchants so that the retailers would naturally have to close their stores.
In April, two importers were executed for violating the government’s instructions, and those that helped them were sent to the Center for Re-education.
However, the reality in North Korea is that 80-90% of their necessities are obtained through these marketplaces, and with the government having no plans to provide rations and yet still forcing closure of these markets, the citizens are left in utter frustration and discontentment -This factor will result in rioting in North Korea.
2. This year it is reported that army rations are down to only 7 small potatoes per day.
An official notice was sent out to the senior officers stating that starting in June, food rations will be cut off for the rear stationed army soldiers. After the food supplies are cut off from the rear stationed soldiers, it will not be long before the food supplies are cut off from the frontline soldiers.
At present, even in Pyongyang food rations to its citizens are available only 15 days out of the month. In the outlining areas, a worker receives a handful of corn for a day’s labor with which he scavenges grass from the mountains to mix together to make a porridge to eat. In rural areas, people say that the second great famine is coming. The food shortage is serious. This time however, the citizens will not just “sit down and die” as they did during the great famine of 1995.
3. Childcare.
Many people are abandoning their babies to the orphanage. There are people that leave babies at the orphanage with letters saying that they will come back for their children after 3 years. “Kkotjaebi” (Flower swallow) children are seen in the marketplaces stealing food or scavenging food that has fallen on the ground. In March, it was reported that children were so cold and had no place to sleep, so they slept in the trash to keep warm. Their bodies were found covered with maggots.
4. There are increasing reports of murder
A mother will knock on a door and the homeowner will open the door. Her kids, hiding behind their mother, pull out a murder weapon and kill the homeowner. In the past, these incidents were reported to occur in the dark streets at night, but now these robbery murders are occurring on the porches of residential homes in broad daylight. It was revealed at a time of public execution that these criminals even gather and boast about how many murders they have committed.
Public executions are performed after gathering large crowds of people together (In Chongjin: up to 130,000 people were gathered). At these events, the crimes are read out loud to demonstrate in public that the consequence of murder is death and to establish social order. However, the onlookers’ response has changed to empathy for the accused, with a general sentiment that if they were in the victim’s shoes, they may also have had to kill to survive.
II. South Korea’s current situation
The amount of money given to North Korea by the South Korean government during Kim Dae Jung and Roh Moo Hyun’s presidencies is 2.9 billion dollars. In cash, gifts and aid money, the amount comes to 6.9 billion, 59.5 million dollars. This amount is 3.7 times the amount of China’s 1.9 billion dollar support and 90% of North Korea’s total export of 7.7 billion dollars. ---The Ministry of Unification. The National Intelligence Service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT)
The government reports that for the Mt. Geumgang tourism and Kaesong Industrial Complex fees and wages, the payment is 2.9 billion 2.22 million dollars. The cost for rice, fertilizer, and raw materials, totaled 4 billion, 57.28 million dollars: For 2.7 million tons of food and 2.56 million tons of fertilizer that was requested, 3.2 billion dollars was spent. The government estimates that North Korea used 5-600 million dollars to develop long-range rockets and 8-900 million dollars to develop nuclear weapons.
In March of 2007, North Korea announced the building of a center for the reunion of separated families in Pyongyang. $400,000 in cash and 3.8 million dollars in building materials was collected, but construction was never started.
All the cash given to North Korea most likely went to Kim Jong-il’s slush funds, local government funds, labor party funds and military funds.
1. Kaesong Industrial Park
>From the very beginning, the introduction of capitalism in the industrial park presented to be a problem. Initially, it was designed so that workers would be replaced on an annual basis, but in reality, replacing workers became impossible. The workers and their families at the Kaesong complex began to hear news about South Korea by word of mouth with growing fantasies about life in South Korea. More than the cash flow produced by Kaesong Industrial Park, something of more importance was being realized. Accusations were made that the industrial park workers were the “poster children” to promote South Korea’s capitalism.
Payment for lunches, Choco-pie for snacks, incentive payment for holidays and 3 months of bonus pay---These all had an effect on the workers’ hearts. In the Kaesong Industrial Park negotiations, they will use Hyundai workers that are being held hostage there. In the bigger picture of things, the Kaesong Industrial Complex is the target of strategic exploitation.
2. The Labor Union Strike
In present times of world economic recession when stocks and companies and banks are closing its doors, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions declared a strike. It is not accidental to see the paralysis of the industrial nation and the prevention of exportation of goods. By taking advantage of the commotion caused by former president Roh Moo Hyun’s suicide, North Korea will use whatever means it can to deem Lee Myung Bak’s presidency ineffective. In an emergency statement given by university professors, it was stated that difficult times will continue.
3. Tension in the Yellow Sea
On January 17, 2009, North Korean military made a statement that it would enter an all out confrontation with South Korea. On May 27, when the South Korean government joined the PSI to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, North Korea stated that this act was a with declaration of war and that it would retaliate with strong action. They said that it was a violation of armistice agreement and they threatened that they would follow through with military action. The forces stationed at Nampo Naval Headquarters and the coastal fleets have been detected with more than twice the usual amount of ammunition in preparation for war. Along the Yellow Sea near Nampo on Cho Island, they have intensified military drills and practice landing exercises. The location of this is near the launch site of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in South Pyongan Province, in the Cheolsan County, near of village of Dongchang.
4. The buildup of tension
Ignoring international criticism, North Korea on MAY 25 pushed ahead with the second nuclear test and is even preparing for the third set of missile tests. If war was to occur on the Korean peninsula as rumored, how would North Korea’s dilapidated military equipment compare with South Korea’s superiority in number and quality? The United States has a strong will to safeguard its forces stationed in the area and to extend its nuclear umbrella to its allies in order to secure against North Korea’s military force. If war breaks out, there is a real threat of nuclear attack by North Korea. However, they know better than anyone else that war is costly and that they may not be able to afford to maintain their top goals and keep their system intact. Therefore, North Korean policy makers know that preemptive attack would be suicidal and the risk would be too great to take that action. The threat of preemptive attack by North Korea is false. They will use whatever means to threaten with long-range missile ICBM. However, regional wars can erupt at any time. South Korean President Lee Myung Bak is being tested in its management of the North Korean crisis. In this present situation, the possibility of a similar incident such as occurred in 2002 with the Yeonpyeong naval battle can erupt at any time. The difference, however, between 2002 and now is that we no longer have in charge as Commander-in-Chief President Kim Dae Jung who still attended the World Cup Soccer final games with Japan even after hearing about the incident. However, the war of 6-25 and the Yeonpyeong incident of 6-29 both occurred in June, and so we cannot neglect the historical significance of this month.
III. Why are they doing nuclear testing and missile launchings?
1. North Korea’s internal affairs
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il collapsed from a stroke in August of 2008. Without an appointed successor, this caused a sense of crisis in the State’s power. More than ever before, they sensed a need to increase maintenance of unity and control. There was a dimension of the missile tests to detract attention from the mysterious illness of Kim Jong-il and the question of his successor.
The following are true:
First, Kim Jong-il still has irrefutable power over the military and the party.
Secondly, Kim Jong-il is the absolute dictator over all of the various departments (i.e. Security Council, Dept of Safety) and therefore has strict control over all of the citizens.
Thirdly, with the nuclear tests and missile launches, Kim has further isolated himself from the outside world.
In the final analysis, Kim Jong-il may be cracking down with nuclear testing and an economic crisis in order to increase his internal control and create external tension.
2. Negotiations with the USA
In February of 2009 when North Korea fired its intercontinental missiles, Japan cried out that they were warheads. The UN resolution accepted North Korea’s claim that they were satellites. Because of this claim that they were only satellites, the event was essentially ignored.
Then North Korea became restless.
With the first Taepodong-1 missile in 1998 and the nuclear testing in 2006, North Korea was called into the 6 party talks and food aid and other requests made by North Korea were given consideration. But this time, saying that they would not be deceived again, the USA, South Korea and Japan ignored North Korea and did not pay attention to their tactics. Realizing that the situation was not tilting in their favor, North Korea launched the second nuclear tests and medium-range missiles. They also announced that in mid-June, they would be prepared to test an intercontinental missile that could potentially reach the US. But the US Secretary of Defense strongly warmed that should the missiles reach mainland US, it would be shot down and that North Korea would be attacked.
The US speculates that North Korea may try to launch these ICBM missiles before the post war Korea-US summit meeting to be held on June 16.
Although North Korea claims that its nuclear testing is for self-defense purposes against its enemies, it is plotting to stir up a crisis so that through bilateral talks with the US, it might receive more concessions. However, the United States says that it will not “ buy the Yongbyon nuclear reactor for the third time.”
3. Negotiations with South Korea
The tension between the North and South caused by the missile launches is being handled better by the conservative administration of Lee Myung Bak than it would have during the previous administrations of Kim Dae Jung or Roh Moo Hyun.
However, the long-term burdens of the South Korean government will become greater as time drags on and opposition to progressive conservatives builds and there are more divisions in public opinion causing deadlock in dialogs. Supporters of the 6-15 and 10-4 Joint Declarations of South and North Korea will use all their strength to have the left wing politicians dominate the South Korean government by 2012, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Kim Il-Sung’s birthday.
At a national event of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, union workers used bamboo sticks to fight the police. In 2006 during Roh Moo Hyun’s administration, at the Independence Movement of May 1 (World Labor Day), 250 people flew in on Asiana from Pyongyang to participate in this event. Labor unions, professors’ emergency statements, democratic farmers’ organizations, the KTU, are all working together to promote communism in South Korea.
IV. Will war break out between South and North Korea?
1. USA’s Response
On May 29, Army Chief of Staff George Casey visited the International Institute for Strategic Studies and said that if war erupted on the Korean peninsula, US would be ready for war. If North Korea was to fire its missiles, US will send special planes and bombers to intercept and ambush them. On May 20, three battalions of special stealth fighter wings of the US LA Marines were readied in a state of emergency. And at present, 2000 marines are prepared and on alert, ready for orders to go to Korea as needed.
2. South Korea’s Response
South Korea, unlike the left wing government, has said that if an unexpected hot conflict ensues, then the commanders will retaliate with harsh attacks. And if by chance the government becomes frozen and inactive, South Korea, in cooperation with the United States will be the first one to advance to the North.
To avoid the problem of mass defections of North Koreans into China, it is likely that China will also be the first to enter North Korea. However, United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea all do not want to enter war.
3 Crisis of War on the Korean peninsula
Presently, in response to North Korea’s provocation of war, the combined US-Korean armed forces are closely monitoring North Korea, and have upgraded their alert from third to second stage.
There are many reasons why war breaks out, but policy makers will concern themselves with the cost of war and whether they will be able to handle the cost in order to win.
North Korea may think it has a chance against South Korea alone, but it is a different matter when considering South Korea with the backing of US military.
Therefore, even North Korea is aware that for North Korea to initiate war on the peninsula is suicide.
However, former Workers’ Party Secretary Hwang Jang-yop has stated that North Korea’s greatest weapon is not its nuclear weapon, but its 120,000 soldiers in the North Korea Special Forces. Even before the United States’ forces arrive in South Korea, these Special Forces will be able to turn the South into a fireball. Using the underground tunnels, 5-60,000 soldiers will infiltrate the South, hinder US-Korean operations, and destroy all of the industrial facilities. Suicide Special Forces will be in charge of assassinations, destruction of public buildings and indiscriminate shooting, creating complete chaos.
South Korea must show its strong resolve to resist and prevent North Korea’s miscalculations of war.
V. How do we foresee the future?
The year 2009 started off with coercive blackmail. The North Korean People’s Army spokesman declared an all out confrontation. They said they will shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex. And they shot off the missile and nuclear tests. They declared the armistice invalid, and increased the tension along the Yellow Sea coast.
What is the significance of all this?
Succession is a very uncertain. And with this, the Korean peninsula can fall into a state of upheaval.
North Korean policy maker’s miscalculations
The system of absolute leader is based on a system of a personality cult. The successor must be seen as a hero to the people.
In the past, Kim Jong-il demonstrated himself with the 1989 KAL explosion, and something similar is demanded of Kim Jong-un. The crowds are following news about the successor, Kim Jong-un. An unprecedented third generation of power The nuclear test is most likely being used to create allegiance to the new leader who is only in his mid-20’s. Loyalty to the next successor can be changed at any time with a power struggle. When the absolute power falls, his personal influence also decreases. In this way, Kim Jong-il’s health must be good in order to secure Kim Jong-un’s success.
China used to be North Korea’s strong supporter of its system of absolute leadership. However, after the North’s second nuclear test, the Chinese Defense Minister strongly condemned North Korea for its actions. The potential of China-North Korea relations to change depends on the relationship with the next successor. This factor is of great concern to the United States. The Chinese will negotiate with the US over matter of Taiwan, while US will use North Korea in its negotiations. One must consider whether this to be a crisis or an opportunity.
Two US journalists were captured in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years hard labor. North Korea will try to use this situation to their advantage as bargaining chips in the negotiations with the United States.
North Korea is collapsing
1. Decreased productivity: food, industrial infrastructure, lack of goods,
demoralization
2. Market Economy: Prohibition of distribution without monetary support
3. Financial systems and ifs officers paralyzed: Problem of successor, nuclear testing, Missile launches, apathy of citizens, and corruption of local officers.
4. Kim Jong-il’s health is deteriorating.
VI. What can we do?
1. We must help North Korean defectors in South Korea.
The North Korean defectors that are now living in South Korea are people who have escaped because they dislike North Korea. These are people that will return to North Korea when reunification occurs. Because they have lived in the South, these people will be best able to help fill in the gap between the two nations. Many of them have two or more jobs in order to send money to their families in North Korea.
2. We must help North Koreans that cross the border into China
North Koreans that cross the border into China risk their lives because of financial needs and in search of food. Most of them desire to return to North Korea. With the help of NGO and Christian missionaries, if they do return to North Korea, they mostly speak well of what they have heard about South Korea.
3. We must help North Korean defectors that are hiding in China
These North Koreans defectors spend 2-5 years in hiding in China. These people suffer horrendous abuses and are victims of sex trafficking, but cannot return to North Korea for fear of retribution. These people are caught in the trap of slavery throughout China. It is estimated that there are 2-300,000 people in this situation. The way of escape is to bring them out into South Korea.
4. We must increase the frequency of radio broadcasts.
Through radio, people become aware of the differences between the North and the South----China’s success in opening its doors to the West, the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, the differences between democratic and communistic economies, people’s freedom and creativity, etc… Through radio, the people become aware of the outside world.
5. We must continue to send in propaganda balloons into North Korea.
Balloons containing pamphlets with stories of Kim Jong-il’s corrupt life and testimonies of North Korean defectors living in South Korea and one dollar bills are flown into North Korea. One dollar equals one month’s wage in North Korea. When they find these balloons containing money, North Koreans do not report these to the officials who take the money away from them. These balloons have a high rate of success in reaching the North Korean hearts.
We can learn from the reunification that occurred in Germany. Much wisdom is needed in the process of narrowing the huge differences between two very diverse systems.
--------------------------------end here-------------------
ofs
the author of the following:
-----------------------begin here--------------------------------
6/9/2009 North Korea’s Present Trends
When I traveled to North Korea in *********, things were very different compared to my last visit in ********.
Throughout the city propaganda slogans were posted to encourage workers to become more productive. Despite these efforts productivity still falls behind the Party’s desired goals. A middle school band plays military battle songs exalting Kim Il Sung during morning and evening rush hours. Cars with loudspeakers broadcast the Party’s policies to set the atmosphere toward increasing productivity, but the citizens walk away with emotionless faces and seem to be only focused on their own survival.
Outline:
I. North Korea’s current situation
II. South Korea’s current situation
III. Why are they are doing nuclear testing and missile launchings?
IV. Will there be war between North and South Korea?
V. How do we foresee the future?
VI. What can we do?
I. North Korean’s current situation
1. The Marketplace and the Black Market
Last August, Kim Jong-il collapsed due to a stroke and his brother-in-law Chung Sung Taek (Presently the vice-chairman of Administration and member of the Defense Dept) became the acting president. On his tour of Sinuiju, he ordered the marketplace to be closed, but the citizens did not follow the orders and continued to open the markets. As a result, seven merchants underwent public execution. (Transfer of goods along the border cannot be stopped like the yellow winds that blow in across the border: Not only are material goods being transferred, but news from China and South Korea filters into North Korea and plays a large role in changing the opinions of the North Korean people. By finding out about their country’s current crisis, they realize that they have been deceived by their own country.)
In January of 2009, at a meeting of junior party monitors, an assignment was given to halt the activities of importers from China in order to prevent goods from reaching wholesale merchants so that the retailers would naturally have to close their stores.
In April, two importers were executed for violating the government’s instructions, and those that helped them were sent to the Center for Re-education.
However, the reality in North Korea is that 80-90% of their necessities are obtained through these marketplaces, and with the government having no plans to provide rations and yet still forcing closure of these markets, the citizens are left in utter frustration and discontentment -This factor will result in rioting in North Korea.
2. This year it is reported that army rations are down to only 7 small potatoes per day.
An official notice was sent out to the senior officers stating that starting in June, food rations will be cut off for the rear stationed army soldiers. After the food supplies are cut off from the rear stationed soldiers, it will not be long before the food supplies are cut off from the frontline soldiers.
At present, even in Pyongyang food rations to its citizens are available only 15 days out of the month. In the outlining areas, a worker receives a handful of corn for a day’s labor with which he scavenges grass from the mountains to mix together to make a porridge to eat. In rural areas, people say that the second great famine is coming. The food shortage is serious. This time however, the citizens will not just “sit down and die” as they did during the great famine of 1995.
3. Childcare.
Many people are abandoning their babies to the orphanage. There are people that leave babies at the orphanage with letters saying that they will come back for their children after 3 years. “Kkotjaebi” (Flower swallow) children are seen in the marketplaces stealing food or scavenging food that has fallen on the ground. In March, it was reported that children were so cold and had no place to sleep, so they slept in the trash to keep warm. Their bodies were found covered with maggots.
4. There are increasing reports of murder
A mother will knock on a door and the homeowner will open the door. Her kids, hiding behind their mother, pull out a murder weapon and kill the homeowner. In the past, these incidents were reported to occur in the dark streets at night, but now these robbery murders are occurring on the porches of residential homes in broad daylight. It was revealed at a time of public execution that these criminals even gather and boast about how many murders they have committed.
Public executions are performed after gathering large crowds of people together (In Chongjin: up to 130,000 people were gathered). At these events, the crimes are read out loud to demonstrate in public that the consequence of murder is death and to establish social order. However, the onlookers’ response has changed to empathy for the accused, with a general sentiment that if they were in the victim’s shoes, they may also have had to kill to survive.
II. South Korea’s current situation
The amount of money given to North Korea by the South Korean government during Kim Dae Jung and Roh Moo Hyun’s presidencies is 2.9 billion dollars. In cash, gifts and aid money, the amount comes to 6.9 billion, 59.5 million dollars. This amount is 3.7 times the amount of China’s 1.9 billion dollar support and 90% of North Korea’s total export of 7.7 billion dollars. ---The Ministry of Unification. The National Intelligence Service.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT)
The government reports that for the Mt. Geumgang tourism and Kaesong Industrial Complex fees and wages, the payment is 2.9 billion 2.22 million dollars. The cost for rice, fertilizer, and raw materials, totaled 4 billion, 57.28 million dollars: For 2.7 million tons of food and 2.56 million tons of fertilizer that was requested, 3.2 billion dollars was spent. The government estimates that North Korea used 5-600 million dollars to develop long-range rockets and 8-900 million dollars to develop nuclear weapons.
In March of 2007, North Korea announced the building of a center for the reunion of separated families in Pyongyang. $400,000 in cash and 3.8 million dollars in building materials was collected, but construction was never started.
All the cash given to North Korea most likely went to Kim Jong-il’s slush funds, local government funds, labor party funds and military funds.
1. Kaesong Industrial Park
>From the very beginning, the introduction of capitalism in the industrial park presented to be a problem. Initially, it was designed so that workers would be replaced on an annual basis, but in reality, replacing workers became impossible. The workers and their families at the Kaesong complex began to hear news about South Korea by word of mouth with growing fantasies about life in South Korea. More than the cash flow produced by Kaesong Industrial Park, something of more importance was being realized. Accusations were made that the industrial park workers were the “poster children” to promote South Korea’s capitalism.
Payment for lunches, Choco-pie for snacks, incentive payment for holidays and 3 months of bonus pay---These all had an effect on the workers’ hearts. In the Kaesong Industrial Park negotiations, they will use Hyundai workers that are being held hostage there. In the bigger picture of things, the Kaesong Industrial Complex is the target of strategic exploitation.
2. The Labor Union Strike
In present times of world economic recession when stocks and companies and banks are closing its doors, the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions declared a strike. It is not accidental to see the paralysis of the industrial nation and the prevention of exportation of goods. By taking advantage of the commotion caused by former president Roh Moo Hyun’s suicide, North Korea will use whatever means it can to deem Lee Myung Bak’s presidency ineffective. In an emergency statement given by university professors, it was stated that difficult times will continue.
3. Tension in the Yellow Sea
On January 17, 2009, North Korean military made a statement that it would enter an all out confrontation with South Korea. On May 27, when the South Korean government joined the PSI to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, North Korea stated that this act was a with declaration of war and that it would retaliate with strong action. They said that it was a violation of armistice agreement and they threatened that they would follow through with military action. The forces stationed at Nampo Naval Headquarters and the coastal fleets have been detected with more than twice the usual amount of ammunition in preparation for war. Along the Yellow Sea near Nampo on Cho Island, they have intensified military drills and practice landing exercises. The location of this is near the launch site of the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in South Pyongan Province, in the Cheolsan County, near of village of Dongchang.
4. The buildup of tension
Ignoring international criticism, North Korea on MAY 25 pushed ahead with the second nuclear test and is even preparing for the third set of missile tests. If war was to occur on the Korean peninsula as rumored, how would North Korea’s dilapidated military equipment compare with South Korea’s superiority in number and quality? The United States has a strong will to safeguard its forces stationed in the area and to extend its nuclear umbrella to its allies in order to secure against North Korea’s military force. If war breaks out, there is a real threat of nuclear attack by North Korea. However, they know better than anyone else that war is costly and that they may not be able to afford to maintain their top goals and keep their system intact. Therefore, North Korean policy makers know that preemptive attack would be suicidal and the risk would be too great to take that action. The threat of preemptive attack by North Korea is false. They will use whatever means to threaten with long-range missile ICBM. However, regional wars can erupt at any time. South Korean President Lee Myung Bak is being tested in its management of the North Korean crisis. In this present situation, the possibility of a similar incident such as occurred in 2002 with the Yeonpyeong naval battle can erupt at any time. The difference, however, between 2002 and now is that we no longer have in charge as Commander-in-Chief President Kim Dae Jung who still attended the World Cup Soccer final games with Japan even after hearing about the incident. However, the war of 6-25 and the Yeonpyeong incident of 6-29 both occurred in June, and so we cannot neglect the historical significance of this month.
III. Why are they doing nuclear testing and missile launchings?
1. North Korea’s internal affairs
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il collapsed from a stroke in August of 2008. Without an appointed successor, this caused a sense of crisis in the State’s power. More than ever before, they sensed a need to increase maintenance of unity and control. There was a dimension of the missile tests to detract attention from the mysterious illness of Kim Jong-il and the question of his successor.
The following are true:
First, Kim Jong-il still has irrefutable power over the military and the party.
Secondly, Kim Jong-il is the absolute dictator over all of the various departments (i.e. Security Council, Dept of Safety) and therefore has strict control over all of the citizens.
Thirdly, with the nuclear tests and missile launches, Kim has further isolated himself from the outside world.
In the final analysis, Kim Jong-il may be cracking down with nuclear testing and an economic crisis in order to increase his internal control and create external tension.
2. Negotiations with the USA
In February of 2009 when North Korea fired its intercontinental missiles, Japan cried out that they were warheads. The UN resolution accepted North Korea’s claim that they were satellites. Because of this claim that they were only satellites, the event was essentially ignored.
Then North Korea became restless.
With the first Taepodong-1 missile in 1998 and the nuclear testing in 2006, North Korea was called into the 6 party talks and food aid and other requests made by North Korea were given consideration. But this time, saying that they would not be deceived again, the USA, South Korea and Japan ignored North Korea and did not pay attention to their tactics. Realizing that the situation was not tilting in their favor, North Korea launched the second nuclear tests and medium-range missiles. They also announced that in mid-June, they would be prepared to test an intercontinental missile that could potentially reach the US. But the US Secretary of Defense strongly warmed that should the missiles reach mainland US, it would be shot down and that North Korea would be attacked.
The US speculates that North Korea may try to launch these ICBM missiles before the post war Korea-US summit meeting to be held on June 16.
Although North Korea claims that its nuclear testing is for self-defense purposes against its enemies, it is plotting to stir up a crisis so that through bilateral talks with the US, it might receive more concessions. However, the United States says that it will not “ buy the Yongbyon nuclear reactor for the third time.”
3. Negotiations with South Korea
The tension between the North and South caused by the missile launches is being handled better by the conservative administration of Lee Myung Bak than it would have during the previous administrations of Kim Dae Jung or Roh Moo Hyun.
However, the long-term burdens of the South Korean government will become greater as time drags on and opposition to progressive conservatives builds and there are more divisions in public opinion causing deadlock in dialogs. Supporters of the 6-15 and 10-4 Joint Declarations of South and North Korea will use all their strength to have the left wing politicians dominate the South Korean government by 2012, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Kim Il-Sung’s birthday.
At a national event of the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, union workers used bamboo sticks to fight the police. In 2006 during Roh Moo Hyun’s administration, at the Independence Movement of May 1 (World Labor Day), 250 people flew in on Asiana from Pyongyang to participate in this event. Labor unions, professors’ emergency statements, democratic farmers’ organizations, the KTU, are all working together to promote communism in South Korea.
IV. Will war break out between South and North Korea?
1. USA’s Response
On May 29, Army Chief of Staff George Casey visited the International Institute for Strategic Studies and said that if war erupted on the Korean peninsula, US would be ready for war. If North Korea was to fire its missiles, US will send special planes and bombers to intercept and ambush them. On May 20, three battalions of special stealth fighter wings of the US LA Marines were readied in a state of emergency. And at present, 2000 marines are prepared and on alert, ready for orders to go to Korea as needed.
2. South Korea’s Response
South Korea, unlike the left wing government, has said that if an unexpected hot conflict ensues, then the commanders will retaliate with harsh attacks. And if by chance the government becomes frozen and inactive, South Korea, in cooperation with the United States will be the first one to advance to the North.
To avoid the problem of mass defections of North Koreans into China, it is likely that China will also be the first to enter North Korea. However, United States, China, Russia, Japan and South Korea all do not want to enter war.
3 Crisis of War on the Korean peninsula
Presently, in response to North Korea’s provocation of war, the combined US-Korean armed forces are closely monitoring North Korea, and have upgraded their alert from third to second stage.
There are many reasons why war breaks out, but policy makers will concern themselves with the cost of war and whether they will be able to handle the cost in order to win.
North Korea may think it has a chance against South Korea alone, but it is a different matter when considering South Korea with the backing of US military.
Therefore, even North Korea is aware that for North Korea to initiate war on the peninsula is suicide.
However, former Workers’ Party Secretary Hwang Jang-yop has stated that North Korea’s greatest weapon is not its nuclear weapon, but its 120,000 soldiers in the North Korea Special Forces. Even before the United States’ forces arrive in South Korea, these Special Forces will be able to turn the South into a fireball. Using the underground tunnels, 5-60,000 soldiers will infiltrate the South, hinder US-Korean operations, and destroy all of the industrial facilities. Suicide Special Forces will be in charge of assassinations, destruction of public buildings and indiscriminate shooting, creating complete chaos.
South Korea must show its strong resolve to resist and prevent North Korea’s miscalculations of war.
V. How do we foresee the future?
The year 2009 started off with coercive blackmail. The North Korean People’s Army spokesman declared an all out confrontation. They said they will shut down the Kaesong Industrial Complex. And they shot off the missile and nuclear tests. They declared the armistice invalid, and increased the tension along the Yellow Sea coast.
What is the significance of all this?
Succession is a very uncertain. And with this, the Korean peninsula can fall into a state of upheaval.
North Korean policy maker’s miscalculations
The system of absolute leader is based on a system of a personality cult. The successor must be seen as a hero to the people.
In the past, Kim Jong-il demonstrated himself with the 1989 KAL explosion, and something similar is demanded of Kim Jong-un. The crowds are following news about the successor, Kim Jong-un. An unprecedented third generation of power The nuclear test is most likely being used to create allegiance to the new leader who is only in his mid-20’s. Loyalty to the next successor can be changed at any time with a power struggle. When the absolute power falls, his personal influence also decreases. In this way, Kim Jong-il’s health must be good in order to secure Kim Jong-un’s success.
China used to be North Korea’s strong supporter of its system of absolute leadership. However, after the North’s second nuclear test, the Chinese Defense Minister strongly condemned North Korea for its actions. The potential of China-North Korea relations to change depends on the relationship with the next successor. This factor is of great concern to the United States. The Chinese will negotiate with the US over matter of Taiwan, while US will use North Korea in its negotiations. One must consider whether this to be a crisis or an opportunity.
Two US journalists were captured in North Korea and sentenced to 12 years hard labor. North Korea will try to use this situation to their advantage as bargaining chips in the negotiations with the United States.
North Korea is collapsing
1. Decreased productivity: food, industrial infrastructure, lack of goods,
demoralization
2. Market Economy: Prohibition of distribution without monetary support
3. Financial systems and ifs officers paralyzed: Problem of successor, nuclear testing, Missile launches, apathy of citizens, and corruption of local officers.
4. Kim Jong-il’s health is deteriorating.
VI. What can we do?
1. We must help North Korean defectors in South Korea.
The North Korean defectors that are now living in South Korea are people who have escaped because they dislike North Korea. These are people that will return to North Korea when reunification occurs. Because they have lived in the South, these people will be best able to help fill in the gap between the two nations. Many of them have two or more jobs in order to send money to their families in North Korea.
2. We must help North Koreans that cross the border into China
North Koreans that cross the border into China risk their lives because of financial needs and in search of food. Most of them desire to return to North Korea. With the help of NGO and Christian missionaries, if they do return to North Korea, they mostly speak well of what they have heard about South Korea.
3. We must help North Korean defectors that are hiding in China
These North Koreans defectors spend 2-5 years in hiding in China. These people suffer horrendous abuses and are victims of sex trafficking, but cannot return to North Korea for fear of retribution. These people are caught in the trap of slavery throughout China. It is estimated that there are 2-300,000 people in this situation. The way of escape is to bring them out into South Korea.
4. We must increase the frequency of radio broadcasts.
Through radio, people become aware of the differences between the North and the South----China’s success in opening its doors to the West, the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union, the differences between democratic and communistic economies, people’s freedom and creativity, etc… Through radio, the people become aware of the outside world.
5. We must continue to send in propaganda balloons into North Korea.
Balloons containing pamphlets with stories of Kim Jong-il’s corrupt life and testimonies of North Korean defectors living in South Korea and one dollar bills are flown into North Korea. One dollar equals one month’s wage in North Korea. When they find these balloons containing money, North Koreans do not report these to the officials who take the money away from them. These balloons have a high rate of success in reaching the North Korean hearts.
We can learn from the reunification that occurred in Germany. Much wisdom is needed in the process of narrowing the huge differences between two very diverse systems.
--------------------------------end here-------------------
ofs
Somebody's in a World of Panic
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Down Down Down with the Shahatollah.
Well, that was sorta the chant we heard
every day from angry Iranian students that
the University of Florida was hosting
back in the late 70s. They hated the
Shah, America, and Jimmy Carter.
From what I know of the Shah, he
probably was worth hating and
Jimmy Carter was (and is) a bonehead.
It's interesting that the Ayatollahs'
led government of today doesn't make
folks much happier and that they voice
their protests with English language
signs.
This is from CNN.
ofs
every day from angry Iranian students that
the University of Florida was hosting
back in the late 70s. They hated the
Shah, America, and Jimmy Carter.
From what I know of the Shah, he
probably was worth hating and
Jimmy Carter was (and is) a bonehead.
It's interesting that the Ayatollahs'
led government of today doesn't make
folks much happier and that they voice
their protests with English language
signs.
This is from CNN.ofs
Monday, June 15, 2009
Some Day My Press Will Come
Bush fired some of the US Attorneys and
all H--L broke loose. Obama fires an
Inspector General and it's been pretty
quiet. Wonder if the story will get legs.
ofs
all H--L broke loose. Obama fires an
Inspector General and it's been pretty
quiet. Wonder if the story will get legs.
ofs
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Confusions About Economic Freedom
Doug Wilson wrote this excellent post:
----------------------begin here---------------------
-----------------------end here----------------------
ofs
----------------------begin here---------------------
I have written many times that free markets depend on free men, and free men are not to be had apart from the gospel. Another way of putting this is that men who are slaves to sin will not be able to create or sustain any kind of significant liberty anywhere else. Freedom from sin is the central freedom, and this depends on slavery to Christ (Rom. 6:20,22). When we are enslaved to Christ, we are as a consequence liberated from ever-increasing iniquity, and this in turn works outward into every other aspect of our lives (1 Cor. 7:22-23). When this spiritual freedom has permeated throughout the rest of our lives (and throughout our cultural life as a people), we should not readily submit again to a yoke of slavery (Gal. 5:1). If we find ourselves slipping back into slavery, it is our duty to resist it -- but we must resist it biblically. Is the pressure coming from outside, from those who hate liberty because they despise the Spirit of God (2 Cor. 3:17), and is it being applied to those who really are walking in the Spirit? If so, then stand fast -- resist straight up. But there is another possibility. Is it coming from inside, from a gross spiritual declension, such that the people of God have backslidden into a spiritual slough, one that makes civic and political liberty impossible to sustain? If that is the case, then the way out is repentance, reformation, and revival. If the enemies are internal, then fighting externally won't help.
In other words, someone is approaching you with economic chains that he wants to shackle you with. The basic question is this: is he walking up to a free man in order to get the fight of his life? Or is he walking up to someone who has already sold his heart for some spiritual trinkets -- is he walking up simply to amen what you have already done? If it is the latter, then all the yelling in the world won't help. Cry out to the Founders, to the Markets, to Capitalism, to all the idols of the Right. Shout louder. Cut yourself with knives. Dance in a tight, little circle and pray for fire to fall on the congressional elections of 2010.
But spiritual liberty, referred to above in Gal. 5:1, is not an airy fairy freedom. It is real freedom, and it leads inexorably to every other kind of genuine liberty. The fruit of real forgiveness is manifold, and it includes the freedom to buy apples and pears in an unregulated market. It includes the freedom to offer a job to someone at a wage agreeable both to you and to him. It includes the freedom to keep what you earn, not feeling pressure to hide it from the tax man. It includes the freedom to live where you please, buy what you please, drive what you please, and sell what you please. This is not unrestricted -- God's law restricts it. But it is a freedom that ought not be restricted by mortal men who want to be as God.
God has given us moral direction in economic affairs. The law of God applies to financial transactions, of course. It most certainly does -- stealing is a financial transaction, and God prohibits it. But the law of God (which is our liberty) governs our economic life in a particular way. If God has told me not to do something, then I may not do it. But if He has not given any direction, if He has said nothing about it, then I am at complete liberty to do that thing, and others do not have the right to take away what God has given.
But men are sinners and frequently do what they do not have the right to do. As a practical matter, it is possible that I have chained myself to a set of personal sins that make it impossible for me to resist the power-hungry grabbers of the state, and which make it impossible for me to answer the fellow-travelers of and apologists for those grabbers within the Church. In my judgment, the prevalent economic confusions within the Church argue for a conditions of deep spiritual declension indeed. When economic nonsense begins to make sense to us, something else is seriously wrong.
Take this memorable phrase from Bunyan: "It came burning hot into my mind, whatever he said and however he flattered, when he got me to his house, he would sell me for a slave." We live in a time when the flatterers from outside are being given an audience inside, and the economic confusions within the Church are rampant. To resist these confusions is not an accommodation to the spirit of the Enlightenment. I don't oppose inflation because I belong to the Austrian or Chicago school of economics -- I oppose it because Isaiah the prophet lamented similar confusions in his day (Is. 1:22). Does anybody want to seriously maintain that everybody thought dishonestly diluting the wine with water was okay until Adam Smith? If an atheist from the Austrian school says that we should have honest weights and measures, and a professing Christian from the Muddle school thinks that we shouldn't be confined to those categories, what should we do? To the law and the testimony, all of which was settled in canonical order long before the first unbeliever with some horse sense arrived (Lev. 19:35; Dt. 25:15; Prov. 20:10). My objection is to those Christians who want their theological confusion to cover for their economic confusion, and who want their declared good intentions to serve as an all-purpose fix-it card. But what they are actually failing at is doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly before God (Mic. 6:8). How can you do justly when you are jacking the little guy around? How can you love mercy when devouring widows' houses? How can you walk humbly before God when you have assumed authority over trillions of economic transactions?
I wrote before that trusting the markets was simply another way of trusting God. This is what I mean. Compare the markets to driving on the highway, and the basic traffic regulations (like "drive on the right") are the laws that God has given us concerning our financial lives. Don't steal. Fulfill your contracts. Don't defraud. As long as someone is driving on the right, and is not careening down the road at ninety, it is absolutely none of my business where he is going, and what snacks he might be eating on the way.
The economic control freaks don't want to agree on a few basic rules for the game; they want to determine the outcome of the game, and every move by every player during the course of the game. They are, in short, aspiring to deity, something which in another era would have excited more opposition from Christians than it has now.-----------------------end here----------------------
ofs
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Dropping the White and Blue
With the Sovietization of our economy
well underway, I wonder how long it will
be before the Obama administration decides
to red up the military. Past history from
both parties has made military action
subject to the decisions of behind-the-
lines lawyers. I'm betting that Obama
will eventually create politruks to embed
with all units. Rather than a focus on defeating
the enemy, military decisions at combat
team levels will have to pass environmental,
racial, sex, and sexual "preference" tests.
ofs
well underway, I wonder how long it will
be before the Obama administration decides
to red up the military. Past history from
both parties has made military action
subject to the decisions of behind-the-
lines lawyers. I'm betting that Obama
will eventually create politruks to embed
with all units. Rather than a focus on defeating
the enemy, military decisions at combat
team levels will have to pass environmental,
racial, sex, and sexual "preference" tests.
ofs
Voices in the Wilderness
Some pastors are remembering that
the salvation is a much bigger issue
than just getting people into heaven.
There is a gospel message to the nations
as nations. Here are a couple of sermons
specifically directed at America and her
president.
The first is from Doug Wilson: as
written and as delivered.
Here's one from David Bayly. (I don't
know much about Bayly, just this sermon.)
ofs
the salvation is a much bigger issue
than just getting people into heaven.
There is a gospel message to the nations
as nations. Here are a couple of sermons
specifically directed at America and her
president.
The first is from Doug Wilson: as
written and as delivered.
Here's one from David Bayly. (I don't
know much about Bayly, just this sermon.)
ofs
Monday, June 8, 2009
The News of the World
Guy at work sent me this:
Very interesting site on viewing front page
newspapers around the world, as long as we have
newspapers…... Just put your mouse on a city
anywhere in the world and the newspaper headlines
pop up... Double click and the page gets larger.... I
thought you all would like to know about this site,
if you don't already. I also found you can read the
entire paper on some if you click on the right place.
You can spend forever here.
Also, if you look at the European papers, the far left
side of Germany will pop up as The Stars & Stripes
(European edition, of course). AND, this site changes
everyday with the publication of new editions of the
paper.
ofs
Very interesting site on viewing front page
newspapers around the world, as long as we have
newspapers…... Just put your mouse on a city
anywhere in the world and the newspaper headlines
pop up... Double click and the page gets larger.... I
thought you all would like to know about this site,
if you don't already. I also found you can read the
entire paper on some if you click on the right place.
You can spend forever here.
Also, if you look at the European papers, the far left
side of Germany will pop up as The Stars & Stripes
(European edition, of course). AND, this site changes
everyday with the publication of new editions of the
paper.
ofs
The Ears Have it
Hmm, maybe now I understand
the taster. When you're a
Pharaoh, you need such things.
Actually, I'm not sure the claims
of narcissism for the president are
conclusive or even indicated, but
the constant fawning of the
toadies and sycophants has to
chip away at humility.
ofs
the taster. When you're a
Pharaoh, you need such things.
Actually, I'm not sure the claims
of narcissism for the president are
conclusive or even indicated, but
the constant fawning of the
toadies and sycophants has to
chip away at humility.
ofs
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Yum, Yum, ......Ack
I have no idea how common this is,
but the idea of having a taster is so
Renaissance. Makes me think we've
got some Medicis or Borgias running
around in Washington.
ofs
but the idea of having a taster is so
Renaissance. Makes me think we've
got some Medicis or Borgias running
around in Washington.
ofs
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Agent Provocateur
Wow, all that stuff we said about the
riots of the sixties is starting to prove
true: the Commies were behind it.
The Mitrokhin Files are but further
and extensive proof that there was
extensive infiltration. Sad that
it appears they have won after
all.
ofs
riots of the sixties is starting to prove
true: the Commies were behind it.
The Mitrokhin Files are but further
and extensive proof that there was
extensive infiltration. Sad that
it appears they have won after
all.
ofs
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Blogging Change
I'm switching oldfatslow to only focus on
hunting and family. I'll use Tohu Bohu for
my political and religious howling.
ofs
hunting and family. I'll use Tohu Bohu for
my political and religious howling.
ofs
Two Murders in the News
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
These are the People Who Own Us
Who can forget Tiananmen Square 20 years
ago? This is what tyranny brings.
I was intrigued that the failure in Peking
was marked by people singing the
Internationale while the success in
Berlin was heralded (as I remember
from the time) by people singing
Scripture songs.
ofs
ago? This is what tyranny brings.
I was intrigued that the failure in Peking
was marked by people singing the
Internationale while the success in
Berlin was heralded (as I remember
from the time) by people singing
Scripture songs.
ofs
Monday, June 1, 2009
The Tales of Two Murders
Two targeted murders. One of a prominent
abortionist. The other of a military recruiter.
Both killed by terrorists. It is interesting to
see how both stories are playing out in the press.
Which one will be portrayed as a martyr? How
will the killers be discussed? Will the religious
impulses of the murderers be held up to
full scrutiny? Which one will get the death
penalty? Which one will generate new
laws? Will abortion clinics or recruiting
stations gain more government protection?
ofs
abortionist. The other of a military recruiter.
Both killed by terrorists. It is interesting to
see how both stories are playing out in the press.
Which one will be portrayed as a martyr? How
will the killers be discussed? Will the religious
impulses of the murderers be held up to
full scrutiny? Which one will get the death
penalty? Which one will generate new
laws? Will abortion clinics or recruiting
stations gain more government protection?
ofs
Thursday, May 28, 2009
When Facism and Socialism Kiss in Peace
Pelosi wants to touch it all:
"Every aspect of our lives must be
subjected to an inventory ... of how
we are taking responsibility."
ofs
"Every aspect of our lives must be
subjected to an inventory ... of how
we are taking responsibility."
ofs
Friday, May 22, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
The Strategic Debate Over Afghanistan
THE STRATEGIC DEBATE OVER AFGHANISTAN
By George Friedman
After U.S. airstrikes killed scores of civilians in western
Afghanistan this past week, White House National Security
Adviser Gen. James L. Jones said the United States would
continue with the airstrikes and would not tie the hands
of U.S. generals fighting in Afghanistan. At the same
time, U.S. Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus
has cautioned against using tactics that undermine
strategic U.S. goals in Afghanistan -- raising the
question of what exactly are the U.S. strategic goals
in Afghanistan. A debate inside the U.S. camp has
emerged over this very question, the outcome of
which is likely to determine the future of the region.
On one side are President Barack Obama, Defense
Secretary Robert Gates and a substantial amount
of the U.S. Army leadership. On the other side are
Petraeus -- the architect of U.S. strategy in Iraq
after 2006 -- and his staff and supporters. An
Army general -- even one with four stars -- is
unlikely to overcome a president and a defense
secretary; even the five-star Gen. Douglas
MacArthur couldn't pull that off. But the Afghan
debate is important, and it provides us with a
sense of future U.S. strategy in the region.
Petraeus and U.S. Strategy in Iraq
Petraeus took over effective command of coalition
forces in Iraq in 2006. Two things framed his strategy.
One was the Republican defeat in the 2006 midterm
congressional elections, which many saw as a
referendum on the Iraq war. The second was the
report by the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan group
of elder statesmen (including Gates) that recommended
some fundamental changes in how the war was fought.
The expectation in November 2006 was that as U.S.
President George W. Bush's strategy had been repudiated,
his only option was to begin withdrawing troops. Even
if Bush didn't begin this process, it was expected that
his successor in two years certainly would have to do
so. The situation was out of control, and U.S. forces
did not seem able to assert control. The goals of the
2003 invasion, which were to create a pro-American
regime in Baghdad, redefine the political order of Iraq
and use Iraq as a base of operations against hostile
regimes in the region, were unattainable. It did not
seem possible to create any coherent regime in
Baghdad at all, given that a complex civil war was
under way that the United States did not seem able to
contain.
Most important, groups in Iraq believed that the
United States would be leaving. Therefore, political
alliance with the United States made no sense, as U.S.
guarantees would be made moot by withdrawal. The
expectation of an American withdrawal sapped U.S.
political influence, while the breadth of the civil war
and its complexity exhausted the U.S. Army. Defeat
had been psychologically locked in.
Bush's decision to launch a surge of forces in Iraq
was less a military event than a psychological one.
Militarily, the quantity of forces to be inserted --
some 30,000 on top of a force of 120,000 -- did not
change the basic metrics of war in a country of about
29 million. Moreover, the insertion of additional
troops was far from a surge; they trickled in over
many months. Psychologically, however, it was
stunning. Rather than commence withdrawals as
so many expected, the United States was actually
increasing its forces. The issue was not whether the
United States could defeat all of the insurgents and
militias; that was not possible. The issue was that
because the United States was not leaving, the
United States was not irrelevant. If the United States
was not irrelevant, then at least some American
guarantees could have meaning. And that made the
United States a political actor in Iraq.
Petraeus combined the redeployment of some
troops with an active political program. At the heart
of this program was reaching out to the Sunni
insurgents, who had been among the most violent
opponents of the United States during 2003-2006.
The Sunni insurgents represented the traditional
leadership of the mainstream Sunni tribes, clans
and villages. The U.S. policy of stripping the Sunnis
of all power in 2003 and apparently leaving a
vacuum to be filled by the Shia had left the Sunnis
in a desperate situation, and they had moved to
resistance as guerrillas.
The Sunnis actually were trapped by three forces.
First, there were the Americans, always pressing on
the Sunnis even if they could not crush them.
Second, there were the militias of the Shia, a group
that the Sunni Saddam Hussein had repressed
and that now was suspicious of all Sunnis. Third,
there were the jihadists, a foreign legion of Sunni
fighters drawn to Iraq under the banner of al Qaeda.
In many ways, the jihadists posed the greatest threat
to the mainstream Sunnis, since they wanted to seize
leadership of the Sunni communities and radicalize them.
U.S. policy under former Defense Secretary Donald
Rumsfeld had been unbending hostility to the Sunni
insurgency. The policy under Gates and Petraeus
after 2006 -- and it must be understood that they
developed this strategy jointly -- was to offer the
Sunnis a way out of their three-pronged trap. Because
the United States would be staying in Iraq, it could
offer the Sunnis protection against both the jihadists
and the Shia. And because the surge convinced the
Sunnis that the United States was not going to
withdraw, they took the deal. Petraeus' great achievement
was presiding over the U.S.-Sunni negotiations and
eventual understanding, and then using that to
pressure the Shiite militias with the implicit threat
of a U.S.-Sunni entente. The Shia subsequently and
painfully shifted their position to accepting a
coalition government, the mainstream Sunnis helped
break the back of the jihadists and the civil war
subsided, allowing the United States to stage a
withdrawal under much more favorable circumstances.
This was a much better outcome than most would
have thought possible in 2006. It was, however,
an outcome that fell far short of American strategic
goals of 2003. The current government in Baghdad
is far from pro-American and is unlikely to be an
ally of the United States; keeping it from becoming
an Iranian tool would be the best outcome for the
United States at this point. The United States
certainly is not about to reshape Iraqi society, and
Iraq is not likely to be a long-term base for U.S.
offensive operations in the region.
Gates and Petraeus produced what was likely the
best possible outcome under the circumstances.
They created the framework for a U.S. withdrawal
in a context other than a chaotic civil war, they
created a coalition government, and they appear to
have blocked Iranian influence in Iraq. But these
achievements remain uncertain. The civil war could
resume. The coalition government might collapse.
The Iranians might become the dominant force in
Baghdad. But these unknowns are enormously
better than the outcomes expected in 2006. At the
same time, snatching uncertainty from the jaws of
defeat is not the same as victory.
Afghanistan and Lessons from Iraq
Petraeus is arguing that the strategy pursued in Iraq
should be used as a blueprint in Afghanistan, and it
appears that Obama and Gates have raised a number
of important questions in response. Is the Iraqi
solution really so desirable? If it is desirable, can
it be replicated in Afghanistan? What level of U.S.
commitment would be required in Afghanistan,
and what would this cost in terms of vulnerabilities
elsewhere in the world? And finally, what exactly
is the U.S. goal in Afghanistan?
In Iraq, Gates and Petraeus sought to create a coalition
government that, regardless of its nature, would
facilitate a U.S. withdrawal. Obama and Gates have
stated that the goal in Afghanistan is the defeat
of al Qaeda and the denial of bases for the group
in Afghanistan. This is a very different strategic
goal than in Iraq, because this goal does not require
a coalition government or a reconciliation of political
elements. Rather, it requires an agreement with
one entity: the Taliban. If the Taliban agree to block
al Qaeda operations in Afghanistan, the United
States will have achieved its goal. Therefore, the
challenge in Afghanistan is using U.S. power to give
the Taliban what they want -- a return to power --
in exchange for a settlement on the al Qaeda question.
In Iraq, the Shia, Sunnis and Kurds all held genuine
political and military power. In Afghanistan, the
Americans and the Taliban have this power, though
many other players have derivative power from the
United States. Afghan President Hamid Karzai is not
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; where al-Maliki
had his own substantial political base, Karzai is someone
the Americans invented to become a focus for power in
the future. But the future has not come. The complexities
of Iraq made a coalition government possible there, but
in many ways, Afghanistan is both simpler and more
complex. The country has a multiplicity of groups, but in
the end only one insurgency that counts.
Petraeus argues that the U.S. strategic goal -- blocking al
Qaeda in Afghanistan -- cannot be achieved simply
through an agreement with the Taliban. In this view, the
Taliban are not nearly as divided as some argue, and
therefore their factions cannot be played against each other.
Moreover, the Taliban cannot be trusted to keep their word
even if they give it, which is not likely.
From Petraeus' view, Gates and Obama are creating
the situation that existed in pre-surge Iraq. Rather
than stunning Afghanistan psychologically with the
idea that the United States is staying, thereby causing
all the parties to reconsider their positions, Obama
and Gates have done the opposite. They have made it
clear that Washington has placed severe limits on its
willingness to invest in Afghanistan, and made it
appear that the United States is overly eager to make
a deal with the one group that does not need a deal:
the Taliban.
Gates and Obama have pointed out that there is a
factor in Afghanistan for which there was no parallel
in Iraq -- namely, Pakistan. While Iran was a factor in
the Iraqi civil war, the Taliban are as much a Pakistani
phenomenon as an Afghan one, and the Pakistanis
are neither willing nor able to deny the Taliban
sanctuary and lines of supply. So long as Pakistan is
in the condition it is in -- and Pakistan likely will
stay that way for a long time -- the Taliban have time
on their side and no reason to split, and are likely to
negotiate only on their terms.
There is also a military fear. Petraeus brought U.S.
troops closer to the population in Iraq, and he is
doing this in Afghanistan as well. U.S. forces in
Afghanistan are deployed in firebases. These relatively
isolated positions are vulnerable to massed Taliban
forces. U.S. airpower can destroy these concentrations,
so long as they are detected in time and attacked
before they close in on the firebases. Ominously for the
United States, the Taliban do not seem to have committed
anywhere near the majority of their forces to the campaign.
This military concern is combined with real questions
about the endgame. Gates and Obama are not convinced
that the endgame in Iraq, perhaps the best outcome that
was possible there, is actually all that desirable for
Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, this outcome would leave
the Taliban in power in the end. No amount of U.S. troops
could match the Taliban's superior intelligence capability,
their knowledge of the countryside and their willingness
to take casualties in pursuing their ends, and every
Afghan security force would be filled with Taliban agents.
And there is a deeper issue yet that Gates has referred
to: the Russian experience in Afghanistan. The Petraeus
camp is vehement that there is no parallel between the
Russian and American experience; in this view, the
Russians tried to crush the insurgents, while the Americans
are trying to win them over and end the insurgency by
convincing the Taliban's supporters and reaching a
political accommodation with their leaders. Obama and
Gates are less sanguine about the distinction -- such
distinctions were made in Vietnam in response to the
question of why the United States would fare better in
Southeast Asia than the French did. From the Obama
and Gates point of view, a political settlement would call
for either a constellation of forces in Afghanistan
favoring some accommodation with the Americans, or
sufficient American power to compel accommodation.
But it is not clear to Obama and Gates that either could
exist in Afghanistan.
Ultimately, Petraeus is charging that Obama and Gates
are missing the chance to repeat what was done in Iraq,
while Obama and Gates are afraid Petraeus is confusing
success in Iraq with a universal counterinsurgency model.
To put it differently, they feel that while Petraeus benefited
from fortuitous circumstances in Iraq, he quickly could
find himself hopelessly bogged down in Afghanistan. The
Pentagon on May 11 announced that U.S. commander in
Afghanistan Gen. David McKiernan would be replaced,
less than a year after he took over, with Lt. Gen. Stan
McChrystal. McKiernan's removal could pave the way
for a broader reshuffling of Afghan strategy by the Obama
administration.
The most important issues concern the extent to which
Obama wants to stake his presidency on Petraeus' vision
in Afghanistan, and how important Afghanistan is to U.S.
grand strategy. Petraeus has conceded that al Qaeda is in
Pakistan. Getting the group out of Pakistan requires
surgical strikes. Occupation and regime change in Pakistan
are way beyond American abilities. The question of what
the United States expects to win in Afghanistan -- assuming
it can win anything there -- remains.
In the end, there is never a debate between U.S. presidents
and generals. Even MacArthur discovered that. It is becoming
clear that Obama is not going to bet all in Afghanistan, and
that he sees Afghanistan as not worth the fight. Petraeus is
a soldier in a fight, and he wants to win. But in the end, as
Clausewitz said, war is an extension of politics by other
means. As such, generals tend to not get their way.
This report may be forwarded or republished on your
website with attribution to www.stratfor.com.
Copyright 2009 Stratfor.
By George Friedman
After U.S. airstrikes killed scores of civilians in western
Afghanistan this past week, White House National Security
Adviser Gen. James L. Jones said the United States would
continue with the airstrikes and would not tie the hands
of U.S. generals fighting in Afghanistan. At the same
time, U.S. Central Command chief Gen. David Petraeus
has cautioned against using tactics that undermine
strategic U.S. goals in Afghanistan -- raising the
question of what exactly are the U.S. strategic goals
in Afghanistan. A debate inside the U.S. camp has
emerged over this very question, the outcome of
which is likely to determine the future of the region.
On one side are President Barack Obama, Defense
Secretary Robert Gates and a substantial amount
of the U.S. Army leadership. On the other side are
Petraeus -- the architect of U.S. strategy in Iraq
after 2006 -- and his staff and supporters. An
Army general -- even one with four stars -- is
unlikely to overcome a president and a defense
secretary; even the five-star Gen. Douglas
MacArthur couldn't pull that off. But the Afghan
debate is important, and it provides us with a
sense of future U.S. strategy in the region.
Petraeus and U.S. Strategy in Iraq
Petraeus took over effective command of coalition
forces in Iraq in 2006. Two things framed his strategy.
One was the Republican defeat in the 2006 midterm
congressional elections, which many saw as a
referendum on the Iraq war. The second was the
report by the Iraq Study Group, a bipartisan group
of elder statesmen (including Gates) that recommended
some fundamental changes in how the war was fought.
The expectation in November 2006 was that as U.S.
President George W. Bush's strategy had been repudiated,
his only option was to begin withdrawing troops. Even
if Bush didn't begin this process, it was expected that
his successor in two years certainly would have to do
so. The situation was out of control, and U.S. forces
did not seem able to assert control. The goals of the
2003 invasion, which were to create a pro-American
regime in Baghdad, redefine the political order of Iraq
and use Iraq as a base of operations against hostile
regimes in the region, were unattainable. It did not
seem possible to create any coherent regime in
Baghdad at all, given that a complex civil war was
under way that the United States did not seem able to
contain.
Most important, groups in Iraq believed that the
United States would be leaving. Therefore, political
alliance with the United States made no sense, as U.S.
guarantees would be made moot by withdrawal. The
expectation of an American withdrawal sapped U.S.
political influence, while the breadth of the civil war
and its complexity exhausted the U.S. Army. Defeat
had been psychologically locked in.
Bush's decision to launch a surge of forces in Iraq
was less a military event than a psychological one.
Militarily, the quantity of forces to be inserted --
some 30,000 on top of a force of 120,000 -- did not
change the basic metrics of war in a country of about
29 million. Moreover, the insertion of additional
troops was far from a surge; they trickled in over
many months. Psychologically, however, it was
stunning. Rather than commence withdrawals as
so many expected, the United States was actually
increasing its forces. The issue was not whether the
United States could defeat all of the insurgents and
militias; that was not possible. The issue was that
because the United States was not leaving, the
United States was not irrelevant. If the United States
was not irrelevant, then at least some American
guarantees could have meaning. And that made the
United States a political actor in Iraq.
Petraeus combined the redeployment of some
troops with an active political program. At the heart
of this program was reaching out to the Sunni
insurgents, who had been among the most violent
opponents of the United States during 2003-2006.
The Sunni insurgents represented the traditional
leadership of the mainstream Sunni tribes, clans
and villages. The U.S. policy of stripping the Sunnis
of all power in 2003 and apparently leaving a
vacuum to be filled by the Shia had left the Sunnis
in a desperate situation, and they had moved to
resistance as guerrillas.
The Sunnis actually were trapped by three forces.
First, there were the Americans, always pressing on
the Sunnis even if they could not crush them.
Second, there were the militias of the Shia, a group
that the Sunni Saddam Hussein had repressed
and that now was suspicious of all Sunnis. Third,
there were the jihadists, a foreign legion of Sunni
fighters drawn to Iraq under the banner of al Qaeda.
In many ways, the jihadists posed the greatest threat
to the mainstream Sunnis, since they wanted to seize
leadership of the Sunni communities and radicalize them.
U.S. policy under former Defense Secretary Donald
Rumsfeld had been unbending hostility to the Sunni
insurgency. The policy under Gates and Petraeus
after 2006 -- and it must be understood that they
developed this strategy jointly -- was to offer the
Sunnis a way out of their three-pronged trap. Because
the United States would be staying in Iraq, it could
offer the Sunnis protection against both the jihadists
and the Shia. And because the surge convinced the
Sunnis that the United States was not going to
withdraw, they took the deal. Petraeus' great achievement
was presiding over the U.S.-Sunni negotiations and
eventual understanding, and then using that to
pressure the Shiite militias with the implicit threat
of a U.S.-Sunni entente. The Shia subsequently and
painfully shifted their position to accepting a
coalition government, the mainstream Sunnis helped
break the back of the jihadists and the civil war
subsided, allowing the United States to stage a
withdrawal under much more favorable circumstances.
This was a much better outcome than most would
have thought possible in 2006. It was, however,
an outcome that fell far short of American strategic
goals of 2003. The current government in Baghdad
is far from pro-American and is unlikely to be an
ally of the United States; keeping it from becoming
an Iranian tool would be the best outcome for the
United States at this point. The United States
certainly is not about to reshape Iraqi society, and
Iraq is not likely to be a long-term base for U.S.
offensive operations in the region.
Gates and Petraeus produced what was likely the
best possible outcome under the circumstances.
They created the framework for a U.S. withdrawal
in a context other than a chaotic civil war, they
created a coalition government, and they appear to
have blocked Iranian influence in Iraq. But these
achievements remain uncertain. The civil war could
resume. The coalition government might collapse.
The Iranians might become the dominant force in
Baghdad. But these unknowns are enormously
better than the outcomes expected in 2006. At the
same time, snatching uncertainty from the jaws of
defeat is not the same as victory.
Afghanistan and Lessons from Iraq
Petraeus is arguing that the strategy pursued in Iraq
should be used as a blueprint in Afghanistan, and it
appears that Obama and Gates have raised a number
of important questions in response. Is the Iraqi
solution really so desirable? If it is desirable, can
it be replicated in Afghanistan? What level of U.S.
commitment would be required in Afghanistan,
and what would this cost in terms of vulnerabilities
elsewhere in the world? And finally, what exactly
is the U.S. goal in Afghanistan?
In Iraq, Gates and Petraeus sought to create a coalition
government that, regardless of its nature, would
facilitate a U.S. withdrawal. Obama and Gates have
stated that the goal in Afghanistan is the defeat
of al Qaeda and the denial of bases for the group
in Afghanistan. This is a very different strategic
goal than in Iraq, because this goal does not require
a coalition government or a reconciliation of political
elements. Rather, it requires an agreement with
one entity: the Taliban. If the Taliban agree to block
al Qaeda operations in Afghanistan, the United
States will have achieved its goal. Therefore, the
challenge in Afghanistan is using U.S. power to give
the Taliban what they want -- a return to power --
in exchange for a settlement on the al Qaeda question.
In Iraq, the Shia, Sunnis and Kurds all held genuine
political and military power. In Afghanistan, the
Americans and the Taliban have this power, though
many other players have derivative power from the
United States. Afghan President Hamid Karzai is not
Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki; where al-Maliki
had his own substantial political base, Karzai is someone
the Americans invented to become a focus for power in
the future. But the future has not come. The complexities
of Iraq made a coalition government possible there, but
in many ways, Afghanistan is both simpler and more
complex. The country has a multiplicity of groups, but in
the end only one insurgency that counts.
Petraeus argues that the U.S. strategic goal -- blocking al
Qaeda in Afghanistan -- cannot be achieved simply
through an agreement with the Taliban. In this view, the
Taliban are not nearly as divided as some argue, and
therefore their factions cannot be played against each other.
Moreover, the Taliban cannot be trusted to keep their word
even if they give it, which is not likely.
From Petraeus' view, Gates and Obama are creating
the situation that existed in pre-surge Iraq. Rather
than stunning Afghanistan psychologically with the
idea that the United States is staying, thereby causing
all the parties to reconsider their positions, Obama
and Gates have done the opposite. They have made it
clear that Washington has placed severe limits on its
willingness to invest in Afghanistan, and made it
appear that the United States is overly eager to make
a deal with the one group that does not need a deal:
the Taliban.
Gates and Obama have pointed out that there is a
factor in Afghanistan for which there was no parallel
in Iraq -- namely, Pakistan. While Iran was a factor in
the Iraqi civil war, the Taliban are as much a Pakistani
phenomenon as an Afghan one, and the Pakistanis
are neither willing nor able to deny the Taliban
sanctuary and lines of supply. So long as Pakistan is
in the condition it is in -- and Pakistan likely will
stay that way for a long time -- the Taliban have time
on their side and no reason to split, and are likely to
negotiate only on their terms.
There is also a military fear. Petraeus brought U.S.
troops closer to the population in Iraq, and he is
doing this in Afghanistan as well. U.S. forces in
Afghanistan are deployed in firebases. These relatively
isolated positions are vulnerable to massed Taliban
forces. U.S. airpower can destroy these concentrations,
so long as they are detected in time and attacked
before they close in on the firebases. Ominously for the
United States, the Taliban do not seem to have committed
anywhere near the majority of their forces to the campaign.
This military concern is combined with real questions
about the endgame. Gates and Obama are not convinced
that the endgame in Iraq, perhaps the best outcome that
was possible there, is actually all that desirable for
Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, this outcome would leave
the Taliban in power in the end. No amount of U.S. troops
could match the Taliban's superior intelligence capability,
their knowledge of the countryside and their willingness
to take casualties in pursuing their ends, and every
Afghan security force would be filled with Taliban agents.
And there is a deeper issue yet that Gates has referred
to: the Russian experience in Afghanistan. The Petraeus
camp is vehement that there is no parallel between the
Russian and American experience; in this view, the
Russians tried to crush the insurgents, while the Americans
are trying to win them over and end the insurgency by
convincing the Taliban's supporters and reaching a
political accommodation with their leaders. Obama and
Gates are less sanguine about the distinction -- such
distinctions were made in Vietnam in response to the
question of why the United States would fare better in
Southeast Asia than the French did. From the Obama
and Gates point of view, a political settlement would call
for either a constellation of forces in Afghanistan
favoring some accommodation with the Americans, or
sufficient American power to compel accommodation.
But it is not clear to Obama and Gates that either could
exist in Afghanistan.
Ultimately, Petraeus is charging that Obama and Gates
are missing the chance to repeat what was done in Iraq,
while Obama and Gates are afraid Petraeus is confusing
success in Iraq with a universal counterinsurgency model.
To put it differently, they feel that while Petraeus benefited
from fortuitous circumstances in Iraq, he quickly could
find himself hopelessly bogged down in Afghanistan. The
Pentagon on May 11 announced that U.S. commander in
Afghanistan Gen. David McKiernan would be replaced,
less than a year after he took over, with Lt. Gen. Stan
McChrystal. McKiernan's removal could pave the way
for a broader reshuffling of Afghan strategy by the Obama
administration.
The most important issues concern the extent to which
Obama wants to stake his presidency on Petraeus' vision
in Afghanistan, and how important Afghanistan is to U.S.
grand strategy. Petraeus has conceded that al Qaeda is in
Pakistan. Getting the group out of Pakistan requires
surgical strikes. Occupation and regime change in Pakistan
are way beyond American abilities. The question of what
the United States expects to win in Afghanistan -- assuming
it can win anything there -- remains.
In the end, there is never a debate between U.S. presidents
and generals. Even MacArthur discovered that. It is becoming
clear that Obama is not going to bet all in Afghanistan, and
that he sees Afghanistan as not worth the fight. Petraeus is
a soldier in a fight, and he wants to win. But in the end, as
Clausewitz said, war is an extension of politics by other
means. As such, generals tend to not get their way.
This report may be forwarded or republished on your
website with attribution to www.stratfor.com.
Copyright 2009 Stratfor.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Arm Twisting
I've been following and interacting
a bit with Doug Wilson's discussion
on torture. I'm not entirely sure
what I think. I can see points on
all sides. But, I think Wilson is
correct to start by questioning
if torture is even allowed by
God. Whether or no torture is
effective, too risky, or under
any limitations are all things
that must be answered only if the
first question is answered yes.
In seeking a Biblical example,
I came across Judges 1:22-25.
In that story, the sons of Joseph
take an enemy man prisoner and
promise to spare his life (implying
that they will kill him otherwise) if
he shows them a way into the city.
In a sense, they torture the man
by using threats to leverage his
cooperation. I'm not sure I see
a significant difference between
this and waterboarding. Wilson
might say that the threat in
judges was closed while water-
boarding is open ended, but
I am not convinced of that
argument.
ofs
a bit with Doug Wilson's discussion
on torture. I'm not entirely sure
what I think. I can see points on
all sides. But, I think Wilson is
correct to start by questioning
if torture is even allowed by
God. Whether or no torture is
effective, too risky, or under
any limitations are all things
that must be answered only if the
first question is answered yes.
In seeking a Biblical example,
I came across Judges 1:22-25.
In that story, the sons of Joseph
take an enemy man prisoner and
promise to spare his life (implying
that they will kill him otherwise) if
he shows them a way into the city.
In a sense, they torture the man
by using threats to leverage his
cooperation. I'm not sure I see
a significant difference between
this and waterboarding. Wilson
might say that the threat in
judges was closed while water-
boarding is open ended, but
I am not convinced of that
argument.
ofs
Monday, April 27, 2009
Ycch cont.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Making the Job Too Risky
Once our military and our intelligence agencies
are faced with the heavy breathing of lawyers
for all their actions, they will not take the risks
that would actually accomplish the goals
necessary to protet this country. I'm not
sure what I think yet of the harder methods
of interrogation we were using upon our
enemies, but I do believe that those methods
should not be openly revealed and the men
using them should not be persecuted or
prosecuted.
ofs
are faced with the heavy breathing of lawyers
for all their actions, they will not take the risks
that would actually accomplish the goals
necessary to protet this country. I'm not
sure what I think yet of the harder methods
of interrogation we were using upon our
enemies, but I do believe that those methods
should not be openly revealed and the men
using them should not be persecuted or
prosecuted.
ofs
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Channelling the Jordan
My daughter was asked to give the devotion
for the 10th station during our Wednesday
night Stations of the Cross. The station is
about Christ being stripped of His clothes
before His crucifixion. I had her read Jim
Jordan's essay "Rebellion, Tyranny, and
Dominion in the Book of Genesis" because
of the great stuff in there about clothing.
Together, we wrote her speech. Here's
what she had to say:
---------------------cut here------------------
Jesus Stripped of His Clothes
And they brought him to the place called Golgotha
(which means Place of a Skull). And they offered
him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
And they crucified him and divided his garments
among them, casting lots for them, to decide what
each should take. Mark 15:22-24
Jesus Christ was naked on the tree. His humiliation
was evident for all the world. But His shame and
suffering were not a surprise. They were not
unexpected. In fact, the whole of history had
been preparing for that moment. The Old
Testament in the Law and the Prophets, the
Psalms and the Histories had been shaped by
God to tell us from a thousand different
perspectives what was happening.
It all started in Eden’s Garden. There God
made a place for his people: “And the LORD
God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and
there he put the man whom he had formed.
And out of the ground the LORD God made to
spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight
and good for food. The tree of life was in the
midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil. “ Gen. 2:8-9 And about those
people he said, “And the man and his wife were
both naked and were not ashamed.” Gen 2:25
They were given tasks of tilling and keeping,
being fruitful and multiplying, and filling the
earth. And, although they were forbidden only
one thing – the Tree of the Knowledge of Good
and Evil, even that prohibition seems to have only
been temporary. Eventually, our first parents
would have been allowed to eat of that tree too.
But, Adam and Eve could not wait, could not have
patience, could not work and mature in the tasks
given them. They stole that which would have
been a gracious gift and they became ashamed of
their sin and nakedness. “So when the woman saw
that the tree was good for food, and that it was a
delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be
desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and
ate, and she also gave some to her husband who
was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both
were opened, and they knew that they were naked.
And they sewed fig leaves together and made
themselves loincloths.” Gen. 3:6-7 At the tree,
they fell into the sin that has corrupted all of their
descendents.
But, the nakedness of Creation man is not – in itself -
a problem though Adam and Eve thought it was.
Nakedness is not the end for Creation man. God’s
word points us over and over again toward a goal
of glorification. And, glorification means authority,
judgment, and robes. Noah had a robe and to
undermine his authority, his son stole it. Jacob
gave a robe of authority to Joseph which Joseph’s
brothers resented and they sold him into slavery.
As a slave, Potiphar gave Joseph authority and a
robe (all of which Potiphar’s wife craved). Saul
had a robe of authority and David repented of
snipping only a corner off of it. Aaron and the
priests wore robes “for glory and for beauty.”
Other examples abound in the Bibles. All had
robes, for robes are given because they represent
God’s glory, for He Himself is “robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his
belt.” Ps 93:1.
Now, Jesus, when He was crucified, was stripped,
not just of his clothes, but of all His glory. He was
as exposed and vulnerable as any person has ever
been. All His authority was gone. And, it was the
very people He had come to save who did this to
Him. And, He was at the tree – the tree of judgment.
But, Jesus passed through that judgment and rose
again. He is now “clothed with a long robe and with
a golden sash around his chest.” Rev. 1:13
We, His people, have special clothing to – we wear
Christ. “For as many of you as were baptized into
Christ have put on Christ.” Gal 3:27 No more glorious
robe can be imagined. Speaking to us as His church,
St. John says, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him
the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted
her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”
Rev 19:7-8
ofs
for the 10th station during our Wednesday
night Stations of the Cross. The station is
about Christ being stripped of His clothes
before His crucifixion. I had her read Jim
Jordan's essay "Rebellion, Tyranny, and
Dominion in the Book of Genesis" because
of the great stuff in there about clothing.
Together, we wrote her speech. Here's
what she had to say:
---------------------cut here------------------
Jesus Stripped of His Clothes
And they brought him to the place called Golgotha
(which means Place of a Skull). And they offered
him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.
And they crucified him and divided his garments
among them, casting lots for them, to decide what
each should take. Mark 15:22-24
Jesus Christ was naked on the tree. His humiliation
was evident for all the world. But His shame and
suffering were not a surprise. They were not
unexpected. In fact, the whole of history had
been preparing for that moment. The Old
Testament in the Law and the Prophets, the
Psalms and the Histories had been shaped by
God to tell us from a thousand different
perspectives what was happening.
It all started in Eden’s Garden. There God
made a place for his people: “And the LORD
God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and
there he put the man whom he had formed.
And out of the ground the LORD God made to
spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight
and good for food. The tree of life was in the
midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge
of good and evil. “ Gen. 2:8-9 And about those
people he said, “And the man and his wife were
both naked and were not ashamed.” Gen 2:25
They were given tasks of tilling and keeping,
being fruitful and multiplying, and filling the
earth. And, although they were forbidden only
one thing – the Tree of the Knowledge of Good
and Evil, even that prohibition seems to have only
been temporary. Eventually, our first parents
would have been allowed to eat of that tree too.
But, Adam and Eve could not wait, could not have
patience, could not work and mature in the tasks
given them. They stole that which would have
been a gracious gift and they became ashamed of
their sin and nakedness. “So when the woman saw
that the tree was good for food, and that it was a
delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be
desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and
ate, and she also gave some to her husband who
was with her, and he ate. Then the eyes of both
were opened, and they knew that they were naked.
And they sewed fig leaves together and made
themselves loincloths.” Gen. 3:6-7 At the tree,
they fell into the sin that has corrupted all of their
descendents.
But, the nakedness of Creation man is not – in itself -
a problem though Adam and Eve thought it was.
Nakedness is not the end for Creation man. God’s
word points us over and over again toward a goal
of glorification. And, glorification means authority,
judgment, and robes. Noah had a robe and to
undermine his authority, his son stole it. Jacob
gave a robe of authority to Joseph which Joseph’s
brothers resented and they sold him into slavery.
As a slave, Potiphar gave Joseph authority and a
robe (all of which Potiphar’s wife craved). Saul
had a robe of authority and David repented of
snipping only a corner off of it. Aaron and the
priests wore robes “for glory and for beauty.”
Other examples abound in the Bibles. All had
robes, for robes are given because they represent
God’s glory, for He Himself is “robed in majesty;
the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his
belt.” Ps 93:1.
Now, Jesus, when He was crucified, was stripped,
not just of his clothes, but of all His glory. He was
as exposed and vulnerable as any person has ever
been. All His authority was gone. And, it was the
very people He had come to save who did this to
Him. And, He was at the tree – the tree of judgment.
But, Jesus passed through that judgment and rose
again. He is now “clothed with a long robe and with
a golden sash around his chest.” Rev. 1:13
We, His people, have special clothing to – we wear
Christ. “For as many of you as were baptized into
Christ have put on Christ.” Gal 3:27 No more glorious
robe can be imagined. Speaking to us as His church,
St. John says, “Let us rejoice and exult and give him
the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and his Bride has made herself ready; it was granted
her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure—
for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”
Rev 19:7-8
ofs
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