Security in a Dangerous World

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Psalm 4:8

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;

For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

NKJV

David wrote this Psalm when facing danger from His enemies.  One of David’s chief enemies was the Saul, the King of Israel who saw David as a threat to his kingdom.  David did not have access to a large well-trained army but instead had a cast of men rejected by society (1 Samuel 22:1-2).  David understood that he could not depend on his army to provide security and instead chose to depend upon the Lord to protect him from his enemies.  We too must learn to depend upon the Lord to protect us in these chaotic times.  If you have not done so, I urge you to go to the website need answers to find out how to begin finding security in your life from the Lord. 

However, this does not mean we are to become some kind of monk or hermit burying our head in the sand when it comes to what is happening around us for if that were the case, the Lord would remove us from the world when we accepted Him.  Instead, the Lord leaves us here to be lighthouses, sharing the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  We live in a chaotic and scary world and those we live with, those in our neighborhoods, and those we work with that do not know Christ have nowhere to turn for real answers.  Instead, many turn to alcohol, drugs, sex, pornography, government, or secular philosophies seeking answers only to find out these only provide temporary relief but do not solve the root of the problem.  They need answers, answers that can only be found through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Yesterday was Election Day and the people have chosen to elect new leadership in the Senate.  One of the issues causing the people to elect this change is the present leadership is doing little to insure their security.  It is a dangerous world and we face threats from,

1)      ISIS and terrorism that has the potential to come into our country through its wide-open borders and inflict harm in innocent people.

2)      Ebola and other diseases have already entered the nation through its open borders and threaten the health of the nation.

3)      An abundance of cheap labor also coming up from the nation’s open border is taking jobs unemployed citizens desperately need.

As is obvious, the common thread in all of these threats is the wide-open border of the United States.  However, instead of addressing this issue and beefing up border security, our nation’s leaders seek to either pass some form of amnesty legislation enabling those already illegally in the nation and those seeking to come here legal status.  Unfortunately, this is not just a Democrat or Republican problem for leadership of both parties seems to favor some form of amnesty. 

Pundits in the media paint a picture of it being cruel to secure the border because all these people are looking for is a better live.  The cruelty however is that along with those seeking a better life we may also be letting terrorists and people with deadly diseases in as well not to mention the loss of jobs and the economic consequences as these mostly low skilled people will become dependent on government programs for food and health care.   

Democrat President Obama however threatens to circumvent the Constitution of the United States and Congress by issuing an unconstitutional executive amnesty order.  For this reason, voters voted to change leadership in the Senate in the hope they can stop, or reverse, in the event the President issues his order during the lame duck session of Congress, any form of amnesty.  They also hope that the new leadership will secure the border making the nation more secure. 

This is why we cannot afford to bask for too long in the recent electoral victory and must keep the pressure on the new Senate Leadership to insure the security of the nation through a secure border and no blanket amnesty.  We have been able to stop amnesty before (1) (2) and can do it again. 

On the right side of this page under the popular posts are links to contact the White House, your Senator, and your Congressperson.  I urge you to immediately contact them as well as the White House to stop any lame duck amnesty legislation or executive amnesty.  I then urge contacting your new Senator or Congressperson after to new Congress and Senate are sworn in to let them know you absolutely do not support any form of amnesty and most importantly want the border secured. 

Ultimately, our security comes from the Lord.  However, I urge both Christians and Non-Christians to contact their legislators urging them not to pass any amnesty.  Remind them that in two years there will be another election and if they do not govern according to the will of the voters that elected them, we will replace them with someone who will. 

1. Krikorian, Mark. Another Amnesty Defeated. www.nationalreview.com. [Online] The National Review, May 21, 2008. [Cited: November 4, 2014.] http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/163479/another-amnesty-defeated/mark-krikorian.

2. Smith, Donna. Senate kills Bush immigration reform bill. www.reuters.com. [Online] Reuters, June 29, 2007. [Cited: November 4, 2014.] http://www.reuters.com/article/2007/06/29/us-usa-immigration-idUSN2742643820070629.

Dangerous Prideful Arrogance

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Proverbs 16:18

Pride goes before destruction,

And a haughty spirit before a fall.

NKJV

I believe the purpose of this scripture is to remind us of the importance of humbling ourselves before God.  I know in my life when I begin to believe I have things figured out and under control, something happens to remind me that God, not me, is in control.  This is why I try, and often fail, to live my life in obedience to God’s will and encourage everyone reading this to do the same. 

For most of us, when we become prideful and fail, the only people we hurt are ourselves and those closest to us.  However, sometimes prideful arrogance endangers the lives of other innocent people, as is the case with Kaci Hickox who continues to refuse mandatory quarantine after treating Ebola patients in Africa.  (1)  This is also true of Dr. Craig Spencer who actually has Ebola and lied to officials about his movements around the city of New York after returning from treating Ebola victims.  (2)  I commend their charitable efforts in assisting Ebola victims in Africa but question their motive for going over there based upon their behavior after returning. 

I find it alarming that someone in the medical profession, supposedly dedicating their lives to saving lives and treating sick people, would act in such an irresponsible manner after exposure to the deadly disease of Ebola.  Based upon comments from Kaci Hickox, it appears she is more interested in looking like a good person by going over to West Africa and treating Ebola Victims then in being responsible by honoring quarantine protocols in order to insure she does not infect innocent people in her own country.  This is an example of prideful arrogance that has the potential to endanger us all.

Then we have the careless irresponsible actions of our President.  First, the President who oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Homeland Security could unilaterally initiate a travel ban from infected countries until the threat of Ebola subsides.  President Obama speaks of having a pen and phone that he intends to use to get things done so why not use them to call the FAA and use his pen to initiate an immediate travel ban.  There is even talk within the administration that they intend to bring Africans infected with Ebola into our country for treatment.  (3)  Like Kaci Hickox, the Obama Administration appears more interested in appearing compassionate with a desire to be the world’s health care provider then the safety of the citizens that elected him. 

In fact, President Obama even endangered his own life, the lives of his family, and those that work for him by having a photo op with doctors and nurses who have been to Africa treating Ebola victims, many of whom could be incubating the disease because they are still in the 21-day at-risk period.  (4)  Once again, a photo op designed to make the President look like he has the situation under control is placing innocent people, including his own family, at risk. 

Kaci Hickox claims having to be under quarantine is a violation of her civil rights and has even went so far as to hire an ACLU attorney to sue claiming a violation of her civil rights.  (5)  If a violation of civil rights has occurred, it is ours because of irresponsible people running around that possibly have Ebola.  Someone needs to remind Kaci Hickox and her attorney of the Supreme Court ruling in Schenck v. United States that someone falsely yelling fire in a crowded theater is not protected under the first amendment since their actions would cause a panic and injure others.  (6) 

Kaci Hickox, Dr. Craig Spencer, and even President Obama are engaging in dangerous arrogant prideful activities that have the potential to harm innocent people.  In order to maintain a civil society, it is the responsibility of us all to act responsibility.  For example, if you are sick, stay home until you get better and are not infectious.  We expect this from people we work and socialize with when they have a cold or flu.  Is it too much to ask someone who may potentially be infected with a deadly disease like Ebola to do the same?

This Tuesday we have an election in the United States.  This year is seems that all the political ads are attack ads with nobody actually telling voters what they intend to do once elected.  Ebola reminds us that these are dangerous times.  We need leaders not interested in photo ops but leaders that will humble themselves and do the right thing when it comes to insuring the security of the people that elected them to office.  The Bible also reminds us that:

Proverbs 18:12

Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty,

And before honor is humility.

NKJV

Pride leads to a fall but humility leads to honor.  Let us begin electing leaders with honor this Tuesday. 

1. Hanna, Greg Botelho and Jason. State of Maine, nurse who went to Africa at odds over Ebola quarantine. www.cnn.com. [Online] CNN Health, October 30, 2014. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/29/health/us-ebola/index.html.

2. Fox News. New York City doctor with Ebola reportedly lied about his movements in cit. www.foxnews.com. [Online] Fox News, October 29, 2014. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/10/29/new-york-city-doctor-with-ebola-reportedly-lied-about-his-movements-in-city/.

3. Dinan, Stephen. State Department plans to bring foreign Ebola patients to U.S. www.washingtontimes.com. [Online] The Washington Times, October 28, 2014. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/oct/28/state-department-plans-to-bring-foreign-ebola-pati/.

4. Martosko, David. Trust me, it's safe! Obama tries to calm Ebola quarantine fears with handshakes for health care workers still in 21-day at-risk period after Africa visit. www.dailymail.co.uk. [Online] The Daily Mail, October 29, 2014. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2813200/Trust-s-safe-Obama-shares-stage-hero-healthcare-workers-21-day-Ebola-risk-period-Africa-visit-warns-likely-cases.html#ixzz3HZWso1GX.

5. Schwartz, Carly. Nurse Under Ebola Quarantine Hires Civil Rights Lawyer. www.huffingtonpost.com. [Online] The Huffington Post, October 26, 2014. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/26/kaci-hickox-lawyer_n_6050450.html.

6. Cornell University Law School. Schenck v. United States. www.law.cornell.edu. [Online] Cornell University Law School. [Cited: October 31, 2014.] http://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/249/47.

Restoring Economic Common Sense

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Proverbs 3:21b-24

Keep sound wisdom and discretion;

22 So they will be life to your soul

And grace to your neck.

23 Then you will walk safely in your way,

And your foot will not stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid;

Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet.

NKJV

The Book of Proverbs is the Bible’s book of wisdom.  The word wisdom used in Proverbs 3:21b is the Hebrew word hyvwt.  This word implies a sound knowledge and a sound efficient wisdom leading to success.  (1)  In our modern language we might use common sense to define this type of wisdom.  Unfortunately, as I have written earlier, this type of wisdom is sadly lacking in our society today.  This is obvious when we look at how our leaders approached the 2008 economic crash.  We sadly need a restoration of economic common sense.

The popular belief today is that the economy involves Wall Street and the Fed, which sets monetary policy.  Granted these are parts of the economy but they are not the most important part of the economy and stimulating them does little to bring real stimulation to the economy, something that should be obvious after witnessing six years of manipulation of monetary policy and stimulation of Wall Street.  In spite of these attempts to bring about a real economic recovery, millions are not working and have given up looking for work, (2) record numbers are on disability because their unemployment has run out, (3) and millions are dependent on government for their food, evidenced by the increase in individuals on food stamps.  (4)  We have tried six years of failed socialist big government attempts to stimulate the economy giving conservatives an opportunity to roll out a better means of economic stimulus. 

The economy is much more than Wall Street and the Fed.  The economy is what all of us participate in daily.  When we go to a store and make a purchase, we are engaging in an economic transaction.  These companies hire people to insure the successful and efficient completion of our transaction with them.  This includes the people we see at the store but it also includes the people that deliver what we buy to the store, and the administrative staff that insures the business works smoothly and efficiently.  There are also people that work on the assembly line manufacturing the product and those that supply the raw materials that go into making the product we are buying. 

In other words, that hamburger, CD, or clothing you recently purchased created work for many people.  To bring about real economic stimulation, we must increase the quantity and value of these millions of transaction occurring daily in the economy.  However, there are three things hindering the increase and value of these transactions:

1)      High Taxes – Taxes take money out of the hands of private individuals and businesses and transfer it to government.  As we have seen over the last six years and even prior to that, government is inefficient in spending money.  Liberals argue that private sector individuals and businesses will horde their money and thus it is the responsibility of government to tax this excess money and redistribute it so it will be spent and stimulate the economy.  However, the only reason businesses or individuals would horde money is out of fear of incurring loss or losing everything.  In a thriving economy, businesses and individuals either spend their money or invest it, both of which stimulate the economy.  According to Dr. Eamonn Butler writing for the Adam Smith Institute, tax cuts stimulate the economy because they boost business everywhere.  (5)  Government spending targets certain groups and individuals and in order to stimulate these groups, government must take money from other economic sectors.  In other words, government stimulation in one sector means suppression in other sectors so there is no gain and usually an overall loss.

2)      Excessive Regulation – Some regulation or government oversight is necessary just like the need for referees during a sporting event.  The oversight of government in business however, should be limited to insuring contracts are honored, illegal activities are stopped, and fraud does not occur.  However, the regulatory forth branch of government has overstepped these limits.  Government now regulates the water in our toilets, the type of light bulb we can use, and now with Obamacare, government will regulate what kind of health care we can receive.  These regulations cause businesses and individuals to spend money on more expensive light bulbs, toilets that use less water, and more expensive health insurance and health care.  Businesses now must consider the additional health insurance costs they might incur if they expand and need to hire more employees, putting them over the 50-employee limit.  A research paper written by John J. Dawson and John J. Seater concluded, “Regulation’s overall effect on output’s growth rate is negative and substantial.”  (6)

3)      High Government Debt – Just as taxes take money or capital out of the hands of individuals and businesses, excessive government debt takes investment capital that could be invested in the private sector and puts it into the government.  This is because the government must borrow to cover deficits so it does not go into default.  Because lenders do not have money to lend private businesses for expansion, new jobs, jobs that would be created through business expansion, do not occur.  According to Yaron Brook writing for Forbes, it is not spending that stimulates the economy but production.  (7)  To increase production we must first reduce the corporate tax rate so businesses, like Burger King, do not need to invert to avoid excessive taxation but will choose to remain in the United States.  We also must reduce excessive regulations so businesses do not invert to avoid regulations as well.  The government must also balance its budget so it can quit borrowing money that businesses could use to expand production.  Our economy needs the liberation of increased production to put people back to work and get them off food stamps and disability. 

The conservative and Republican message needs to be that we are the ones that will help you get a well-paying job in an expanding private sector.  We are the ones that will put more spending money in your pocket by allowing you to keep more of your paycheck.  We are also the ones that will make it easier for you to start your own business or expand the one you already own. 

Next Wednesday we will look at what message conservatives need to communicate regarding the security of the nation. 

1. Strongs Concordance. Strong's Hebrew Definition for #08454. www.apostolic-churches.net. [Online] Apostolic Churches. [Cited: October 28, 2014.] http://www.apostolic-churches.net/bible/strongs/ref/?stgh=hebrew&stnm=08454.

2. Eggleston, Steve. The shrinking labor force participation rate. hotair.com. [Online] Hot Air, November 12, 2013. [Cited: October 28, 2014.] http://hotair.com/archives/2013/11/12/the-shrinking-labor-force-participation-rate/.

3. Gongloff, Mark. Rise In Disability Rolls Helps Explain An Unemployment Mystery. huffingtonpost.com. [Online] Huff Post Business, May 8, 2012. [Cited: July 18, 2012.] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/03/social-security-disability_n_1474621.html.

4. Klein, Philip. CRS report: number of able-bodied adults on food stamps doubled after Obama suspended work requiremen. washingtonexaminer.com. [Online] The Washington Examiner, September 19, 2012. [Cited: October 6, 2012.] http://m.washingtonexaminer.com/report-able-bodied-adults-on-food-stamps-doubled-after-work-requirement-suspended/article/2508430.

5. Butler, Dr. Eamonn. Why tax cuts stimulate the economy. www.adamsmith.org. [Online] Adam Smith Institute, February 1, 2011. [Cited: October 28, 2014.] http://www.adamsmith.org/blog/tax-spending/why-tax-cuts-stimulate-the-economy/.

6. Seater, John J. Dawson and John J. Federal Regulation and Aggregate Economic Growth. www4.ncsu.edu. [Online] January 2013. [Cited: October 28, 2014.] http://www4.ncsu.edu/~jjseater/regulationandgrowth.pdf.

7. Brook, Yaron. To Stimulate The Economy, Liberate It. www.forbes.com. [Online] Forbes, February 14, 2008. [Cited: October 28, 2014.] http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/14/yaron-economy-regulation-oped-cx_ybr_0214yaron.html.

The Search for Truth and Common Sense.

By:  Dale Weckbacher

John 18:37-38

Pilate therefore said to Him, "Are You a king then?"

Jesus answered, "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." 

38 Pilate said to Him, "What is truth?" And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them,"I find no fault in Him at all.

NKJV

In today’s political climate, truth and common sense is a rare commodity like precious jewels or metals.  As a politician, Pilate no doubt encountered lies and deception and when Jesus claimed to have come to bear witness to the truth, he decided that such an honest man could not be guilty of anything, which, in fact was true for Jesus. 

In 2008 when Obama was running for office, people were caught up in what Peter Blair referred to in The Dartmouth as an extreme euphoria and were assigning messianic qualities to candidate Obama (1)  He cites how one of the dangers of political campaigns is when people, especially young people, see candidates as some sort of secular messiah.  Mr. Blair then goes on to cite how many supporters of Obama cast him as a messiah-like figure with even Oprah calling Obama “The One.”  (1) 

Mr. Blair then concludes his piece with a call for his fellow Dartmouth students to put aside their youthful enthusiasm and be calm and clearheaded when entering the voting booth.  (1)  Unfortunately, I do not believe this occurred in 2008 and Obama won election.  However, this attachment of a messiah stature to candidate Obama is symptomatic of a much deeper problem in our culture, the absence of truth and common sense, and the desire for people to seek truth and common sense in messianic figures.  We also see evidence of this in the worship of entertainers, musicians, and athletes as well as politicians. 

Prior to his discourse with Pilate, Jesus declared to his disciples that He was the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).  I do not believe Pilate understood that not only was he in the presence of an honest man, he was in the presence of truth, the very truth he was most likely seeking in his life.  Likewise, the people supporting Obama in 2008 as well as many of the people we meet daily are seeking truth in Hollywood actors, musicians, athletes, and even politicians.  This is precisely why Jesus called us to share the Gospel with everyone for it is the only thing that can satisfy someone’s search for truth for Jesus is truth.

The falling approval numbers of Obama demonstrate that the messiah status he once enjoyed is flaming out like a falling star.  Those that once viewed him as their savior are most likely experiencing disappointment and feel Obama and their government has betrayed them.  This presents an opportunity for us to share the truth of the Gospel with them for Jesus, The Messiah, will never betray them.  However, it also presents an opportunity, within the political arena, for conservatives to win these disappointed voters over to the conservative side.  However, we cannot accomplish this by simply telling them we are not Obama but must give them something of substance to vote for when they enter the ballot box. 

The two predominate issues on everyone’s mind are the economy and national security.  (2)  Republicans hold an edge on issues related to the economy and national security as evidenced by polling done by the Pew Research center, which discovered Republicans have an edge on the following issues:

1)      Terrorist threat

2)      Budget Deficit

3)      Economy

4)      Immigration (2)

However, the same people see Democrats as having an edge when it comes to:

1)      Willingness to work with the other party

2)      Concerned about needs of people like me

3)      Governing in a more honest and ethical way (2)

This edge demonstrates that the GOP has an image problem.  Republicans have spent most of the Obama Administration portraying the image that they are not like the Democrats.  Whereas this may be true, and may even provide victory in the midterm elections, it does not seem to translate into victory in the last two presidential elections. 

People flocked to Obama in 2008 because they believed he had the answers they were looking for.  The image created by his campaign of hope and change resonated with people seeking truth.  Now that these people have been disappointed, Republicans have an opportunity to step in and fill the political gap but they must develop a plan to grow the economy and keep the nation secure in these insecure times. 

Over the next several postings to this blog, I will attempt to communicate what I believe the ordinary people of our nation need, and want to hear from their leaders.  My hope and prayer is that some of the candidates and potential candidates will use this information to formulate a plan of action and communicate it to voters. 

Just as in the time of Christ, people today are seeking truth.  Jesus is the way, truth, and life and the only way for us to have forgiveness of our sins.  Leaders also have a responsibility to be purveyors of truth for they are actually instruments of God with a duty to lead the people they serve (Romans 13:1).   Republicans now have the best opportunity they may have ever had to become the purveyors of truth people are looking.  However, will they be willing to step up to the plate or will they just cower back, failing to communicate a plan for restoring the economy and security of our nation, instead continuing to claim “we are not them”  as they continue to lose presidential elections. 

My prayer is that the next several postings to this blog will light a fire under the Republican leadership and encourage them to communicate a plan for victory for our nation.  I encourage everyone to share these postings with their political leaders and encouraging them to comment to the postings with their particular plan of action.  This is a great nation and together we can restore that greatness. 

1. Blair, Peter. Informed Enthusiasm. thedartmouith.com. [Online] The Dartmouth, October 20, 2008. [Cited: October 224, 2014.] http://thedartmouth.com/2008/10/20/opinion/informed-enthusiasm.

2. Pew Research Center. As Midterms Near, GOP Leads on Key Issues, Democrats Have a More Positive Image. www.people-press.org. [Online] Pew Research Center, October 23, 2014. [Cited: October 24, 2014.] http://www.people-press.org/2014/10/23/as-midterms-near-gop-leads-on-key-issues-democrats-have-a-more-positive-image/.

Promoting the Right Message

By: Dale Weckbacher

John 12:32

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."

NKJV

The context of John 12:32 is Jesus telling his disciples how he would die.  However, we can also interpret this passage as an instruction to lift Jesus up in our lives for when we do, we cause people to want to have what we have.  Unfortunately, many Christians today may be delivering the wrong message with their words and deeds and actually pushing people away from Christ instead of drawing them in. 

                                           

Many see the church today as a political action organization that stands against things like gay marriage, and abortion.  It is true that these things are abhorrent to God and thus taking a stand against them is scriptural.  However, our taking a stand needs to be followed by pointing people to Jesus who loves people engaging in these activities and died on the cross, providing them an opportunity to receive forgiveness of their sins and eternal life (John 3:16).  Most of us know John 3:16 and can probably recite it by heart but I want to encourage everyone to read John 3:17,

John 3:17

For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 

NKJV

When we take a stand on social issues without following through and sharing the Gospel, the world sees Christians as condemning them.  They view Christians as being against everything and fail to understand what Christians are for, a God that loves all sinners and provided salvation by sending his only son, who knew no sin, to die for their sins.  Jesus final words before ascending to heaven were to preach this good news, the Gospel, to every creature (Mark 16:15). 

There is much to fear in the world today and the people we encounter daily are searching for answers.  Many try to find the answer in drugs or alcohol.  Some try to find the answer in illicit sex.  Some believe government has the answers.  Some even try to find answers in secular philosophies that dominate the education system.  However, all of these things come up empty, leaving individuals still searching for answers. 

When Adam fell, he caused a separation of all mankind from their creator.  Since mankind was created to have fellowship with their creator, this left us all with an emptiness in our hearts.  The only way to fill that emptiness is restoring the lost relationship with God through acceptance of Jesus Christ’s free give of salvation.  However, unless we as believers bring people the message of the Gospel, they will never know. 

What prevents us as Christians from sharing the Gospel as we should?

1)      Fear – Fear is not from God but it is a powerful tool in the hands of the enemy.  It was fear of physical harm and rejection that caused Peter to deny Jesus (Matthew 26:69-75).  However, Peter was able to overcome his fear by seeing the risen Lord and being baptized in by the Holy Spirit.  This empowered Peter to deliver the first evangelistic message resulting in 3000 people receiving salvation (Acts 2:14-41).

2)      Lack of knowledge – We fear being asked a tough question that we cannot answer however, in the information age, there is little excuse for not learning all we can about the Bible and about what opponents of the Bible use in an attempt to attempt its accuracy.  Would that we would be as the student in the movie God’s not Dead and courageously stand up against those that may even be highly educated who refute the Bible.  In the movie, when confronted with a tough question by his professor, the student simply did more research and refuted the professor’s claims.  When confronted with a tough question, tell them you do not have an answer right now but will find out for them.  Then do your research and get back to them.  It is even okay to ask your pastor, imagine that.

3)      Lack of prayer – We all lead busy lives.  I can relate to having to get up early, showering, and slamming down some coffee in order to get ready for work.  In all of this busyness, it is easy to forget to take a couple of minutes at the beginning of the day to pray.  However, when I do, it always seems the day goes much better.  I am also beginning to learn that I can pray throughout the day and renew my strength and courage. 

4)      Lack of study of the Bible – The Bible is God’s Word.  When someone reads the Bible, God is actually speaking to him or her through His word.  Of course, for this conversation to mean anything, we must be listening.  We also must be willing to obey what we read.  As Christians, we have the advantage of personally knowing the author of the book, allowing us to have a deeper understanding of what God is saying. 

If you have not entered into a personal relationship with God through Jesus, I want to encourage you to do so now by praying

Dear God.  I know I have sinned and fallen short of your perfect standard.  I also know that the consequence of my sin is death.  I believe Jesus died, was buried, and rose again to forgive all my sins.  I now make Jesus Lord of my life.

If you prayed that prayer, you now have eternal life and a restored relationship with your creator.  This does not mean you are perfect and like all of us, you will mess up.  However, all you need to do is ask forgiveness and a loving non-condemning God will forgive you. 

For those of us who are already Christians and even for those that just prayed to become a Christian, I want to challenge you to tell someone what has happened in your life.  If you encounter a tough question, tell them you will find out for them and ask someone or a pastor what the answer is.  I also encourage you to pray, which is simply talking to God, and begin studying the Bible to find out more about the God who loves you and sent His son to die for your sins. 

There is a world out there that is searching for answers to the many problems in our society.  We as Christians have the only answer to these problems but the world is waiting for us to deliver that message.  Will you join me in beginning to delivering the message of the Gospel this world desperately needs?

The Wisdom of Learning from History

By: Dale Weckbacher

Proverbs 12:15

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,

But he who heeds counsel is wise.

NKJV

A leader is only as good as the people with which he or she surrounds him or herself.  A wise leader has wise advisors surrounding them, enabling them to make wise decisions.  A foolish leader surrounds him or herself with yes men and woman who just go along with the leaders plans, never questioning them even when the facts prove they are wrong.  History is often the best advisor for making wise decisions but, unfortunately, leaders often fail to learn lessons from the past. 

The threat of an Ebola outbreak in the United States has been front and center in the minds of many in our country.  Usually with less than three weeks before an election, one would think the election would be front and center in people’s minds but with a real threat to people’s health, Ebola has the spotlight at this time.  However, Ebola is not the first time our nation has faced a serious health epidemic for our nation also faced a serious epidemic of influenza in 1918 providing us with an opportunity to learn how to handle a potential Ebola epidemic. 

According to a paper appearing in the 2010 issue of Public Health Reports, the city of New York approached the 1918 influenza epidemic by making use of its existing public health infrastructure.  The city developed this infrastructure during previous campaigns against tuberculosis.  (1)  Health officials worked to prevent the spread of the contagion by

1)      Distancing healthy New Yorkers from those infected

2)      Increasing disease surveillance

3)      Mounting a large-scale health education campaign

4)      Regulation of public places such as schools and theaters.

5)      Mandatory and voluntary control measures such as those used for spitting.  (1)

Implementation of these measures was effective for even though 100 million people died worldwide from influenza, the excess death rate for New York was only 4.7 as compared to 6.5 in Boston and 7.3 in Philadelphia.  (1)  The epidemic did take many New Yorker’s lives but the implementation of these measures may have saved potentially thousands of lives.  However, we must ask if the CDC is willing or even able to learn from the past and implement similar measures. 

Today’s society is much more mobile than the society of 1918 so separating healthy from unhealthy people will be more difficult.  However, as of this time, only two people have contracted the disease in the country and they are being isolated from the rest of us.  We still have time to keep the numbers of those contracting Ebola small so they can easily be isolated from the general public. 

However, if people from infected countries continue to freely enter our country, exposing more people, the numbers could expand exponentially into a full-blown epidemic.  We therefore must ban entry into the country from nations already experiencing an epidemic.  Even though this sounds logical our society is not only more mobile than the society of 1918, it is also more political.

In a recent interview on CNN, David Quammen, an Ebola expert and author of Ebola Spillover said the following:

“You can’t isolate neighborhoods, you can’t isolate nations.  It doesn’t work.  And people talk about, “Well, we shouldn’t allow any flights from Liberia.”  I mean, we in America, how dare we turn our backs on Liberia given the fact that this is a country that was founded in the 1820s, 1830s because of American slavery.  We have a responsibility to stay connected to them and help them see this through,” (2)

In other words, our nation’s history of slavery from back in the 1820s and 1830s, something we ended after the Civil War, and something nobody alive today participated in, means we must now expose innocent citizens of the United States to a deadly disease as some form of politically correct punishment.  This form of perverted warped logic can only exist in a PC liberal world. 

I am sure we could come up with examples of where implementing the other four parts of New York’s strategy would be difficult or even impossible in the current politically correct environment.  Once again, we see how political correctness is now placing the lives of all citizens in jeopardy.  I imagine the ACLU will be right there claiming some temporary measure designed to protect the public infringes on civil liberties and must be stopped.  In abnormal circumstances like a potential Ebola outbreak, we may need to temporarily sacrifice some civil liberties in the interest of our safety.  (3)

While the number of those infected in the United States is low, the President must use his beloved phone and pen.  He can use his phone to call the FAA and ban flights from affected countries.  He can also use his phone to ban ships coming from these countries.  He can then use his pen to sign an executive order banning entry into the country by people from these countries to make it official.  I normally do not support executive orders from this President but with the potential of a serious epidemic, I believe an executive order is called for at this time. 

If the President refuses to use his pen and phone for this purpose, Speaker Boehner needs to call Congress back for an emergency session to pass legislation banning flights from the affected countries and close our wide-open southern border.  This will force the Senate to vote on the legislation for failing to do so would mean a sure loss for incumbents currently running for reelection.  This will force the President to sign or veto the legislation, and with his approval ratings at historic lows, he will most likely sign the legislation so as not to risk a voter backlash in the mid-term elections. 

It is time for my fellow political avengers to take action by calling and emailing the White House and ask the President to issue an executive order banning flights and securing the borders.  We also must flood the phone lines of the House and Senate urging them to take a break from campaigning and do their job of protecting the citizens of the country. 

New York got it right in 1918 and was able to save thousands of lives.  We still have time to learn from them and prevent an Ebola outbreak that could cause thousands or even millions to lose their lives. 

1. Alimone, Francesco. The 1918 Influenza Epidemic in New York City: A Review of the Public Health Response. www.ncbi.nim.gov. [Online] National Institutes of Health, 2010. [Cited: October 16, 2014.] http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2862336/.

2. Allen, Elizabeth. You Won’t Believe Why This Ebola Expert Told CNN US Cannot Ban Flights From West Africa. www.thefederalistpapers.org. [Online] The Federalist Papers, October 3, 2014. [Cited: October 16, 2014.] http://www.thefederalistpapers.org/us/you-wont-believe-why-this-ebola-expert-told-cnn-us-cannot-ban-flights-from-west-africa.

3. Krauthammer, Charles. Ebola vs. Civil Liberties. www.nationalreview.com. [Online] The National Review, October 16, 2014. [Cited: October 16, 2014.] http://www.nationalreview.com/article/390529/ebola-vs-civil-liberties-charles-krauthammer.

The new First Responders: Doctors, Nurses, and Other Healthcare Workers

By:  Dale Weckbacher

Matthew 14:14

And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.

NKJV

Healing the sick was a vital part of the ministry of Jesus Christ.  Jesus healed the sick out of His compassion for them (Matthew 14:14).  Healing the sick was also a demonstration that Jesus was the one sent from God (Matthew 11:2-4).  Today, doctors, nurses, and others working in the healthcare industry are in essence carrying on the same work Christ did when he walked the face of the earth.  Unfortunately, with the revelation of a healthcare professional in Dallas contracting Ebola while treating Thomas Eric Duncan (1), we now must realize that healthcare workers are now the new first responders in the war on Ebola.

However, are these new first responders prepared to handle a pandemic and are we equipping them with the resources necessary to treat patients safely.  The nurses’ union in Dallas would answer that question with a resounding no if recent allegations are true for according to CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta Mr. Duncan was not put into Isolation for several hours.  His blood, tainted with the Ebola virus, also circulated through the hospital’s tube system.  (2)  It would appear from the allegations that many hospitals, in spite of the fact that they have the newest and most technologically advanced equipment, are not prepared for Ebola.

Of course, the CDC is on top of the situation so there is no need to fear, right.  Wrong, for even the CDC now admits it could have done more on Ebola.  (3)  The CDC now admits to failing to do all they should have done to prevent Nina Pham, a healthcare worker in Dallas, from contracting Ebola while treating Mr. Duncan.  In other words, the CDC, which has a duty to prevent the spread of deadly diseases like Ebola in the United States, admits it may be unable to protect healthcare workers who are the first responders when an infected person shows up at a hospital, urgent care center, or doctor’s office.  We also must consider other patients and visitors exposed to Ebola prior the placing of Mr. Duncan into isolation. 

I hope that it is not too late for the CDC to develop a plan to equip healthcare workers so they can safely handle patients potentially infected with this deadly disease.  The plan must include

1)      Preventing people from infected countries from entering our nation.  When a boat is sinking, the first thing to do is plug up the hole.  One man already made it past screening at the airport in Liberia and the United States because he was not showing symptoms.  Since Ebola has a gestation period of 21 days, we must wonder how many may have already passed the screening process, not showing symptoms but already infected.  The only way to prevent these people from infecting others in our country is to stop them from entering the country.

2)      Use of the military to bring back citizens of the United States that are already in infected countries.  This will allow us to control the situation and keep these people in isolation for the 21-day gestation period, insuring they are not infected and cannot infect others. 

3)      Training of healthcare professionals.  We must insure our healthcare workers know how to recognize the symptoms of Ebola and know the precautions necessary to prevent them from contracting the disease. 

4)      Equipping major hospital emergency rooms with isolation units so potential Ebola patients are immediately isolated from the general public and so healthcare workers can take the proper precautions when treating these patients. 

5)      Most importantly, the government needs to be honest with the American People.  The government is rightfully interested in calming the public’s fears and not creating a panic.  However, the fact that at least one healthcare worker has been infected and the surfacing of allegations pointing to the possibility we may not be prepared to handle a pandemic, a panic may happen.  In the information age it is increasingly difficult to hide facts from the public so coming out in the open with the truth is actually the best way to calm a panic. 

Every day, healthcare workers go to work and in the course of their duties are exposed to sick people.  Many of these people have contagious diseases and in the course of treating these patients, healthcare workers expose themselves to these diseases.  Fortunately, most of the diseases healthcare workers encounter are treatable and if they become sick, they will recover.  However, Ebola is different and has high death rate.  We must do everything we can to insure that those who have dedicated their lives to treating us when we get sick, can do it without having to risk their own lives in the process. 

Like Jesus, many individuals go to work every day treating those of us who are sick.  For many of them it is not just a job, it is something they do out of compassion.  It is now our turn to show them compassion by urging our leaders to provide a defensive shield and ban entry into our country from nations experiencing an Ebola outbreak.  We also must implement a plan for training these compassionate healthcare workers on how to treat infected individuals who may already be in our country. 

Is this too much to ask?

1. Sickles, Jason. Nina Pham identified as Dallas nurse diagnosed with Ebola. news.yahoo.com. [Online] Yahoo News, October 13, 2014. [Cited: October 14, 2014.] http://news.yahoo.com/nina-pham-identified-as-dallas-nurse-with-ebola-165521689.html.

2. Breitbart TV. NURSES UNION: DUNCAN NOT PUT IN ISOLATION, WASTE PILED NEARLY UP TO CEILING. www.breitbart.com. [Online] Breitbart News, October 14, 2014. [Cited: October 14, 2014.] http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-TV/2014/10/14/Nurses-Union-Duncan-Not-Put-In-Isolation-Waste-Nearly-Piled-Up-to-Ceiling.

3. Merchant, Emily Schmall and Nomaan. CDC acknowledges it could have done more on Ebola. news.yahoo.com. [Online] Yahoo News, October 14, 2014. [Cited: October 14, 2014.] https://news.yahoo.com/doctor-gives-blood-ebola-infected-dallas-nurse-050231595.html.