I have written previously about Alexis de Tocqueville’s 1836 observation that America’s unique strength was how Judeo-Christian faith and values were woven deeply and inexorably into the multi-faceted quilt of our society. People might differ on the details of worship, or on specific laws, but the underlying foundation for any discussion was a nearly universal belief in the God of the Bible as the Creator and Sustainer of all people, and particularly of this nation. “I sought for the...
Is there no adult left in the Presidential race who can speak the truth even when it is unpopular? The Populist Left and Right have come together in their bashing of foreign trade—proposing tariffs and torn-up agreements to win “fairness” for the American worker and, supposedly, to raise wages. Are they crazy? Readers of this blog know how much I revere Henry Hazlitt and his short book, Economics in One Lesson. Please read it. Here is the key proposition from his first chapter: The art of...
Do you need some encouragement? As you look around the world today, despite your faith, do the forces for evil and deception seem too strong? On the world stage or in your personal life, do you feel almost alone in a particular battle, with only God (you pray) on your side? This month I want to remind us of a contemporary man in such a a battle, and of his unfolding victory. The content of our movies and television shows is critical for developing and sustaining our culture—for lifting it up...
If our nation were a building it would be time to break the glass on the alarm and pull the lever: We are in an emergency, and we need a fresh approach to produce REAL hope and change! I published the following post last May, and its conclusions are unfortunately only more important today. When will our experienced, responsble conservative leaders stop their circular firing squad, which only opens the door to divisive, irresponsible demagoguery on both the left and the right? What if they...
This post is a collection of reflections occasioned by seeing my old friend Katya Krausova in Washington next week (weather permitting). I met Katya in the fall of 1968 when she, as a member of the first group of Czechoslovak students allowed to travel to the West after the Prague Spring, was stranded in London when the Soviets invaded her country in August. That fall the British government gave every Czech student a scholarship to attend a comparable UK college, and Katya came to London...
In our extended family we celebrate our similarities and differences on philosophical and policy matters by occasionally engaging in rounds of email discussions on a particular subject. Among us are liberals and conservatives, progressives and libertarians, believers and secularists. We’ve been at it for quite a while, and most of us enjoy the fray, always keeping in mind that the relationships are more important than any particular subject. Following the terrible events in Oregon, Paris, San...
As Christmas approaches, skeptics scoff. And even we believers are afraid to talk about the birth of our Savior because we might offend someone. So instead of God, it is Satan who rejoices. I have to ask: “Who would or could make up the story of Christ? Why would anyone do it? What would be the point?” A suffering servant who fulfilled more than forty specific prophecies written centuries earlier by different authors. A teacher executed for commanding that his disciples should practice...
As Thanksgiving approaches I am focused on two aspects of this special day which are not always on the table with the turkey, mashed potatoes, pies and other delicious dishes. The first is Gratitude. I don’t see it much. Many of us appear to be worried, slightly angry, or downright upset about one or several issues in our personal or corporate lives. As I watched the recent demonstrations on elite university campuses, I had to ask, Do those young people have any gratitude at all for the...
A parent’s words and actions—particularly those of the father—have much more impact on children than we appreciate. Everyday conversations can be life changing. The message to us as parents: Handle with thought and care, and be engaged. Elsewhere I have discussed the tragedy of absentee fathers. Here I want to remind both fathers and mothers, using simple examples, how important our words and actions are. From being a son with brothers to raising five grown children, I can attest that your...
Is anyone else struck by how shamefully ironic it is that President Obama and the Democrats in the Senate wheedled around not even holding a vote on the Iran “deal” on the very Anniversary of the 9/11 Attack on our nation? That attack was led by Islamic terrorists, just like the ones Iran is going to fund with the billions of dollars we are about to give them. I'm not sure, but I don't think even Neville Chamberlain paid Hitler to build up the Nazi Army so that he could better attack Europe...
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