thestream--2020-07-28--Pray for the Persecuted Church — In Nevada

The Supreme Court could not have said it more clearly than they did last weekend in their Nevada decision : Religious freedom is no longer protected in the United States .
Not even the freedom of religious assembly .
It was perhaps the last shred of uncontested freedom Christianity has enjoyed here , but now it ’ s up for grabs .
The case literally places Nevada Christians under a condition of persecution .
And it was such a minor case in many ways .
Its immediate effect is nothing so earthshaking as the Court ’ s decisions in Roe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s small scope actually underscores the contempt the Court with which the Court treated the First Amendment .
It should have been so simple , yet they blew it .
Here ’ s what it was about .
Nevada coronavirus restrictions permit casinos , theaters , and restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity with proper social distancing .
Houses of worship , however , are limited to gatherings of no more than 50 people — even in a 2,000-seat auditorium !
A Nevada church asked the Court to issue an injunction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of assembly as other establishments .
How easy the right decision should have been !
How little controversy it would have sparked !
They didn ’ t make that easy , correct decision , though .
Without any explanation , a 5-4 majority chose to deny Nevada religious groups their freedom of assembly .
The message was clear as could be : The Court doesn ’ t care about the First Amendment .
We ’ d Better Get Used to It : The Constitution No Longer Protects Us This should scare us .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ longer serves functionally as the guard protecting our freedoms .
The court has taken that away , stripping the Constitution of all its intent , and all of its power .
Our freedoms no longer rest in our charter but in the unaccountable hands of nine unelected men and women .
We ’ ve seen this coming , of course ; it ’ s hardly the first case in which the Court has made law with no discernible constitutional basis .
It may be , however , the first case in which there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social policy consideration involved .
This was a patent , blatant , unprovoked artillery shell blasted into the First Amendment .
And if they can do that , there ’ s no reason to doubt they ’ ll do more .
Of course believers must fight against it through all legal means , including elections .
It happened even when we thought we had a conservative Court .
Victories don ’ t always turn out to be victories .
So even as we hope for a turnaround bringing real victories , we ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the Constitution is no longer our protection .
Thank the Supreme Court for Reminding Us Where Our Trust Belongs Do not think , however that this is the counsel of fear , though .
Neither is it the advice of one who ’ s already given up the game .
For Christians , at least , it ’ s actually a return to reality .
We ’ ve been accustomed to thinking our religious safety resides in our Constitution for our religious protection .
Maybe we can thank the Supreme Court for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ case .
God is our refuge and strength .
He is our rock our the fortress , the trustworthy One on whom we depend .
Why wouldn ’ t we count on Him more than the Constitution ?
Generations of believers in countries everywhere throughout history have worshiped together without constitutional protections .
Gathering as the church is fundamental ; it ’ s how Christianity expresses itself .
Christians worldwide have done it consistently regardless of the very real risks it often puts them in .
To be restricted from gathering is to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of how persecution is defined .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Although the persecuted church ’ s situation seems unfamiliar to Americans , it ’ s probably numerically more common than ours .
We think it ’ s normal to be able to trust in the Constitution , when most of the history of Christianity tells us the true normal thing is to trust in God .
So let us at least thank the Supreme Court @ @ @ @ @ @ @ We must trust in God ; not in man , not in government , not even in something as great as our nation ’ s Constitution .
That ’ s a valuable lesson , and we would do well to make the most of it .
No Thanks for Legalizing Persecution , Though There isn ’ t much else we can thank the Court for this time , though .
Certainly not their poor example of legal reasoning — indeed of reasoning , period .
We certainly can ’ t thank them for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And definitely not for setting this precedent .
Assuming this trend continues , and it shows no sign of abating , Christians will become a persecuted minority , both in social fact and in law .
When a government singles out churches and tells them not to gather , that ’ s persecution .
By definition .
Thirty-seven years ago I spent a summer in a communist country , leading a small group of American Christians bringing the good news of Jesus to the people of that land .
We traveled openly @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when it came to worshiping together , we were forced to keep that secret .
The full effect of those clandestine meetings did not come clear to me until after my return home .
I was at an evening meeting at our pastor ’ s home , praying with my back to an open window .
I felt gripped with the residual worry , “ What if they see me ?
” I ’ d have felt calmer with the blinds drawn .
That discomfort faded quickly , naturally .
The risk wasn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ place , not at that time .
For decades now I have prayed for the persecuted church in communist lands , and lands dominated by Muslim and Hindu majorities .
This week I have added this to that : I am praying for the persecuted church in Nevada .
I pray they will keep on meeting .
It ’ s fundamental ; it ’ s how the Church is supposed to express itself , gathered together in worship .
I recommend they draw their blinds .
Tom Gilson ( @ TomGilsonAuthor ) is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the author or editor of six books , including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False : How Jesus ’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality .

The Supreme Court could not have said it more clearly than they did last weekend in their Nevada decision: Religious freedom is no longer protected in the United States. Not even the freedom of religious assembly. It was perhaps the last shred of uncontested freedom Christianity has enjoyed here, but now it’s up for grabs. The case literally places Nevada Christians under a condition of persecution.
And it was such a minor case in many ways. Its immediate effect is nothing so earthshaking as the Court’s decisions in Roe v. Wade or Obergefell. The decision’s small scope actually underscores the contempt the Court with which the Court treated the First Amendment. It should have been so simple, yet they blew it.
Here’s what it was about. Nevada coronavirus restrictions permit casinos, theaters, and restaurants to operate at 50 percent capacity with proper social distancing. Houses of worship, however, are limited to gatherings of no more than 50 people — even in a 2,000-seat auditorium! A Nevada church asked the Court to issue an injunction, placing churches under the same rules of assembly as other establishments. How easy the right decision should have been! How little controversy it would have sparked!
They didn’t make that easy, correct decision, though. Without any explanation, a 5-4 majority chose to deny Nevada religious groups their freedom of assembly. The message was clear as could be: The Court doesn’t care about the First Amendment.
We’d Better Get Used to It: The Constitution No Longer Protects Us
This should scare us. Seriously. It means the Constitution no longer serves functionally as the guard protecting our freedoms. The court has taken that away, stripping the Constitution of all its intent, and all of its power. Our freedoms no longer rest in our charter but in the unaccountable hands of nine unelected men and women.
We’ve seen this coming, of course; it’s hardly the first case in which the Court has made law with no discernible constitutional basis. It may be, however, the first case in which there was no pretense of a public or social policy consideration involved. This was a patent, blatant, unprovoked artillery shell blasted into the First Amendment.
I pray they’ll keep on meeting. It’s fundamental; it’s how the Church is supposed to express itself, gathered together in worship. I recommend they draw their blinds.
And if they can do that, there’s no reason to doubt they’ll do more. Of course believers must fight against it through all legal means, including elections. It happened even when we thought we had a conservative Court. Victories don’t always turn out to be victories. So even as we hope for a turnaround bringing real victories, we’d better get used to the idea that the Constitution is no longer our protection.
Thank the Supreme Court for Reminding Us Where Our Trust Belongs
Do not think, however that this is the counsel of fear, though. Neither is it the advice of one who’s already given up the game. For Christians, at least, it’s actually a return to reality.
We’ve been accustomed to thinking our religious safety resides in our Constitution for our religious protection. Maybe we can thank the Supreme Court for reminding us that’s not the case. God is our refuge and strength. He is our rock our the fortress, the trustworthy One on whom we depend. Why wouldn’t we count on Him more than the Constitution?
Generations of believers in countries everywhere throughout history have worshiped together without constitutional protections. Gathering as the church is fundamental; it’s how Christianity expresses itself. Christians worldwide have done it consistently regardless of the very real risks it often puts them in. To be restricted from gathering is to be persecuted; it’s part of how persecution is defined.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Although the persecuted church’s situation seems unfamiliar to Americans, it’s probably numerically more common than ours. We think it’s normal to be able to trust in the Constitution, when most of the history of Christianity tells us the true normal thing is to trust in God.
So let us at least thank the Supreme Court reminding us of that eternal truth. We must trust in God; not in man, not in government, not even in something as great as our nation’s Constitution. That’s a valuable lesson, and we would do well to make the most of it.
No Thanks for Legalizing Persecution, Though
There isn’t much else we can thank the Court for this time, though. Certainly not their poor example of legal reasoning — indeed of reasoning, period. We certainly can’t thank them for any semblance of respect for the Constitution. And definitely not for setting this precedent. Assuming this trend continues, and it shows no sign of abating, Christians will become a persecuted minority, both in social fact and in law.
When a government singles out churches and tells them not to gather, that’s persecution. By definition.
Pray for the Persecuted Church
Thirty-seven years ago I spent a summer in a communist country, leading a small group of American Christians bringing the good news of Jesus to the people of that land. We traveled openly as tourists and as students. But when it came to worshiping together, we were forced to keep that secret.
The full effect of those clandestine meetings did not come clear to me until after my return home. I was at an evening meeting at our pastor’s home, praying with my back to an open window. I felt gripped with the residual worry, “What if they see me?” I’d have felt calmer with the blinds drawn.
That discomfort faded quickly, naturally. The risk wasn’t real. Not at that place, not at that time.
For decades now I have prayed for the persecuted church in communist lands, and lands dominated by Muslim and Hindu majorities. This week I have added this to that: I am praying for the persecuted church in Nevada.
I pray they will keep on meeting. It’s fundamental; it’s how the Church is supposed to express itself, gathered together in worship. I recommend they draw their blinds.
Tom Gilson (@TomGilsonAuthor) is a senior editor with The Stream and the author or editor of six books, including the forthcoming Too Good To Be False: How Jesus’ Incomparable Character Reveals His Reality.


thestream--2020-07-28--10,000 Child Deaths Tied to Coronavirus-Linked Hunger, United Nations Says

Over 10,000 children are dying each month from coronavirus-linked hunger , according to the United Nations .
The U.N. warned in an analysis that coronavirus-related hunger is killing children and causing malnutrition across the globe , the Associated Press reported .
“ The food security effects of the COVID crisis are going to reflect many years from now , ” Dr. Francesco Branca , head of nutrition at the World Health Organization , said , according to the AP .
“ There is going to be a societal effect.
” 550,000 additional children suffer each month from wasting , a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ permanently damage physical and mental growth , the AP reported .
The publication noted that the year-long total of children afflicted with wasting will be up 6.7 million from the previous year ’ s 47 million .
The analysis found that 128,000 more children will die during the first 12 months of the virus , according to the AP .
The publication emphasized that children and families across the globe are facing food shortages and spikes in food pricing , particularly in Latin America , Southern Asia , and sub-Saharan African communities .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where one in five children in the country is chronically malnourished , according to the AP .
12 million of the African country ’ s 20 million inhabitants do not have enough to eat .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
“ The parents of the children are without work , ” said Annelise Mirabal , who works at a foundation helping starving children in Venezuela .
“ How are they going to feed their kids ?
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ also suffering from a lack of food , according to a May survey .
In a Brookings Institution survey of mothers in the United States , 17.4 % of mothers with children under 12 reported that their children are not getting enough food .
“ This is alarming , ” Lauren Bauer , a Brookings fellow in economic studies who supervised the survey , told the Times .
“ These are households cutting back on portion sizes , having kids skip meals .
The numbers are much higher than I expected.
” Leaders @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the World Food Program , and the Food and Agriculture Organization have asked for $ 2.4 billion in funds to address worldwide hunger immediately , according to the AP .
UNICEF ’ s nutrition program head , Victor Aguyao , warns that officials need to ease movement restrictions in order to allow families to obtain help .
“ By having schools closed , by having primary health care services disrupted , by having nutritional programs dysfunctional , we are also creating harm , ” Aguayo told the AP .
Editor ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hunger .
Consider giving to Mission Feeding , a ministry of our parent organization , LIFE Outreach International .
LIFE ’ s Mission Feeding outreach has been a proven answer to the nutritional needs of starving and malnourished children .
Each bowl of food contains vitamins and nutrients needed to stop the vicious cycle of malnutrition and death .
That ’ s why we say , “ There ’ s LIFE in every bowl , and hope for every LIFE !
” Click here to see how you can help .
Content created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Over 10,000 children are dying each month from coronavirus-linked hunger, according to the United Nations.
The U.N. warned in an analysis that coronavirus-related hunger is killing children and causing malnutrition across the globe, the Associated Press reported.
“The food security effects of the COVID crisis are going to reflect many years from now,” Dr. Francesco Branca, head of nutrition at the World Health Organization, said, according to the AP. “There is going to be a societal effect.”
550,000 additional children suffer each month from wasting, a condition caused by malnourishment, which may permanently damage physical and mental growth, the AP reported. The publication noted that the year-long total of children afflicted with wasting will be up 6.7 million from the previous year’s 47 million.
The analysis found that 128,000 more children will die during the first 12 months of the virus, according to the AP. The publication emphasized that children and families across the globe are facing food shortages and spikes in food pricing, particularly in Latin America, Southern Asia, and sub-Saharan African communities.
Food prices have increased in Burkino Faso where one in five children in the country is chronically malnourished, according to the AP. 12 million of the African country’s 20 million inhabitants do not have enough to eat.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
“The parents of the children are without work,” said Annelise Mirabal, who works at a foundation helping starving children in Venezuela. “How are they going to feed their kids?”
Children within the United States are also suffering from a lack of food, according to a May survey. In a Brookings Institution survey of mothers in the United States, 17.4% of mothers with children under 12 reported that their children are not getting enough food.
“This is alarming,” Lauren Bauer, a Brookings fellow in economic studies who supervised the survey, told the Times. “These are households cutting back on portion sizes, having kids skip meals. The numbers are much higher than I expected.”
Leaders at the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the Food and Agriculture Organization have asked for $2.4 billion in funds to address worldwide hunger immediately, according to the AP.
UNICEF’s nutrition program head, Victor Aguyao, warns that officials need to ease movement restrictions in order to allow families to obtain help.
“By having schools closed, by having primary health care services disrupted, by having nutritional programs dysfunctional, we are also creating harm,” Aguayo told the AP.
Editor’s Note: You can help combat world hunger. Consider giving to Mission Feeding, a ministry of our parent organization, LIFE Outreach International.
LIFE’s Mission Feeding outreach has been a proven answer to the nutritional needs of starving and malnourished children. Each bowl of food contains vitamins and nutrients needed to stop the vicious cycle of malnutrition and death. That’s why we say, “There’s LIFE in every bowl, and hope for every LIFE!” Click here to see how you can help.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-28--From LAPD to Promise Keepers: My Interview With Ken Harrison

Please watch this brief interview I did today with Ken Harrison , the CEO of Promise Keepers .
We begin with his thoughts on the current movement to defund police .
As a former street cop in LA ’ s infamous Watts/Compton area , he offers some fascinating insights .
We then turn to the big Promise Keepers virtual event happening this weekend .
Ken says , make sure to tell every man in your life , including your teenage boys , to tune in .
It ’ s going to be excellent !
Keynote speaker Tony Evans told The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ critical for the family , for the church , and for righteousness and justice to flourish in society.
” Evans exclaimed , “ This event will reignite them to become the kind of Kingdom men God created them to be.
” Find out more about the event here and register here .
James Robison is The Stream ’ s founder and publisher .
He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today .
He ’ s the author of many books , including Indivisible ( with Jay Richards ) and @ @ @

Please watch this brief interview I did today with Ken Harrison, the CEO of Promise Keepers. We begin with his thoughts on the current movement to defund police. As a former street cop in LA’s infamous Watts/Compton area, he offers some fascinating insights.
We then turn to the big Promise Keepers virtual event happening this weekend. Ken says, make sure to tell every man in your life, including your teenage boys, to tune in. It’s going to be excellent!
Keynote speaker Tony Evans told The Stream last week, “Men are critical for the family, for the church, and for righteousness and justice to flourish in society.” Evans exclaimed, “This event will reignite them to become the kind of Kingdom men God created them to be.”
Find out more about the event here and register here.
James Robison is The Stream’s founder and publisher. He is co-founder of LIFE Outreach International and co-host of LIFE Today. He’s the author of many books, including Indivisible (with Jay Richards) and Living Amazed.


thestream--2020-07-28--‘Voices Against Trafficking’ to Host International Human Rights Forum on Sexual Exploitation and Hum

‘Voices Against Trafficking’ to Host International Human Rights Forum on Sexual Exploitation and Human Trafficking

On July 29 , 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT , the nonprofit organization Voices Against Trafficking ( VAT ) , will host a zoom forum speaking out against sexual exploitation and human trafficking .
Over 20 leaders will attend — from members of Congress , to the secretary of transportation and members of the Vatican , among others .
Founder Andi Buerger says the meeting will accomplish two things : to educate and to create awareness of the human trafficking prevalent worldwide .
The forum will stream live via Facebook/VoicesAgainstTrafficking and on YouTube .
VAT states that “ Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @ growing multi-billion-dollar criminal industry .
This vast transnational criminal enterprise is the greatest exploitation of men , women and children in the world .
It is evil .
These victims are in dire , life threatening situations without hope.
” VAT hopes the forum will speak for those who can not speak for themselves .
Andi has intimate knowledge of the industry .
She was trafficked by her family for years .
But God interceded on her behalf , she told The Stream .
“ He allowed me to live through a lot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ me to keep moving forward , which I did.
” God has been Andi ’ s hope , she explained.
” But if somebody doesn ’ t have that , they need to know there are humans out there that are doing good things that are desperately searching for them because we believe they have a future and a hope , and that no matter what ’ s happened to them , they have a place in our community.
” VAT works with other organizations to help bring human trafficking to an end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of a wheel , while the organizations she works with are the spokes .
Organizations like safe shelters and others working against human trafficking .
The more organizations that join in the mission , the stronger the wheel .
“ I think people down deep know that something needs to be done , but a lot of folks still don ’ t get that it happens in their neighborhood .
So , she hopes the VAT forum will create awareness , educate people and show them that there are people who are trying @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Together we can do it better.
” VAT , as it is today , was organized in January , 2020 .
It ’ s mission statement reads : “ The zoom webinar will feature anti-trafficking organizations , members of U.S. Congress , advocates against child exploitation , national and international dignitaries , and other leaders dedicated to human rights , ” a statement on their website explains .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
In addition to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its “ Add Your Voice ” campaign where concerned individuals may add their name to a list of people who want human trafficking to end .
Andi sees her organization as a mission to go after the lost , the ones who are , as she calls them , peculiar treasures.
” [ W ] e are to go out and get the broken , the downtrodden , the devastated , and bring them back to [ God ] as His treasures , His special treasures out of the pit .
And that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And that ’ s what I am .
I ’ m a peculiar treasure in His kingdom somewhere .
And so I ’ m just a treasure hunter trying to get as many jewels back , bring His kids back to Him.
” Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream .
You can follow her @ NancyFlory3 , and follow The Stream @ Streamdotorg .
Editor ’ s Note : The Stream ’ s parent company , LIFE Outreach International is also involved in combating human trafficking through its RescueLIFE ministry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , educating and preventing children from becoming victims , rescuing those who have been victimized and restoring them by providing an environment where their hearts , minds and bodies can be restored to the beauty God designed for them .
Please consider giving today to RescueLIFE to combat human trafficking worldwide .

On July 29, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. EDT, the nonprofit organization Voices Against Trafficking (VAT), will host a zoom forum speaking out against sexual exploitation and human trafficking. Over 20 leaders will attend — from members of Congress, to the secretary of transportation and members of the Vatican, among others. Founder Andi Buerger says the meeting will accomplish two things: to educate and to create awareness of the human trafficking prevalent worldwide. The forum will stream live via Facebook/VoicesAgainstTrafficking and on YouTube.
VAT states that “Human trafficking is the world’s fastest growing multi-billion-dollar criminal industry. This vast transnational criminal enterprise is the greatest exploitation of men, women and children in the world. It is evil. These victims are in dire, life threatening situations without hope.” VAT hopes the forum will speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.
God Interceded
Andi has intimate knowledge of the industry. She was trafficked by her family for years. But God interceded on her behalf, she told The Stream. “He allowed me to live through a lot of things. … God just led me to keep moving forward, which I did.”
God has been Andi’s hope, she explained.”But if somebody doesn’t have that, they need to know there are humans out there that are doing good things that are desperately searching for them because we believe they have a future and a hope, and that no matter what’s happened to them, they have a place in our community.”
The Spokes of a Wheel
VAT works with other organizations to help bring human trafficking to an end. She describes VAT as the hub of a wheel, while the organizations she works with are the spokes. Organizations like safe shelters and others working against human trafficking. The more organizations that join in the mission, the stronger the wheel. “I think people down deep know that something needs to be done, but a lot of folks still don’t get that it happens in their neighborhood. So, she hopes the VAT forum will create awareness, educate people and show them that there are people who are trying to do the right thing. “Together we can do it better.”
VAT’s Mission Statement
VAT, as it is today, was organized in January, 2020. It’s mission statement reads:
Voices Against Trafficking seeks justice for all victims of human trafficking and child exploitation; advocates for dedicated resources for victims needing specialized whole-health care & occupational services; and demands vigorous prosecution of the network of organized transnational criminal predators who usurp federal and international law for profit by committing a hate crime that targets innocent victims regardless of race, gender, religion, socioeconomic status or locale. Through our combined voices, VAT is committed to preventing the horror of human trafficking of innocent lives.
“The zoom webinar will feature anti-trafficking organizations, members of U.S. Congress, advocates against child exploitation, national and international dignitaries, and other leaders dedicated to human rights,” a statement on their website explains.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
In addition to the zoom meeting, VAT has launched its “Add Your Voice” campaign where concerned individuals may add their name to a list of people who want human trafficking to end.
Peculiar Treasures
Andi sees her organization as a mission to go after the lost, the ones who are, as she calls them, peculiar treasures.”[W]e are to go out and get the broken, the downtrodden, the devastated, and bring them back to [God] as His treasures, His special treasures out of the pit. And that’s where I came from. And that’s what I am. I’m a peculiar treasure in His kingdom somewhere. And so I’m just a treasure hunter trying to get as many jewels back, bring His kids back to Him.”
Nancy Flory is an associate editor at The Stream. You can follow her @NancyFlory3, and follow The Stream @Streamdotorg.
Editor’s Note: The Stream’s parent company, LIFE Outreach International is also involved in combating human trafficking through its RescueLIFE ministry. RescueLIFE goes into villages, reaching, educating and preventing children from becoming victims, rescuing those who have been victimized and restoring them by providing an environment where their hearts, minds and bodies can be restored to the beauty God designed for them. Please consider giving today to RescueLIFE to combat human trafficking worldwide.


thestream--2020-07-28--Let the President Do His Part and the Let the Church Do Its Part

As a Trump supporter , I ’ ve said repeatedly that four more years of Donald Trump will not solve America ’ s problems .
Not even close .
At the same time , according to a leader of the underground church of China who is now in America , Trump is the only thing holding back America from a fall into socialism .
( This was shared with me privately this week . )
What , then , are we to make of this ?
To me , it ’ s a simple equation .
The government has one @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
And while those roles intersect , they are in many ways distinct .
The government can enact and enforce laws , but it can not change people ’ s hearts .
As for the president , he can nominate judges who will uphold the Constitution .
But , as John Adams said , “ Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people .
It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.
” And that ’ s where the Church comes in .
That ’ s where the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and live the gospel , we help create that “ moral and religious people ” of whom Adams spoke .
And that people , in turn , will look to the government to uphold the values of the Constitution .
That ’ s the way our system works .
It ’ s Only a Vote .
Loving God and Loving Neighbor Goes On Either Way In my new book Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
, I explain that the bottom line for me is simple .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ vote for a presidential candidate every four years , so I evaluate who will best represent the issues that are important to me .
And so , even when I consider Trump ’ s many obvious flaws , I would still rather see Trump in the White House than Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden or Andrew Cuomo or any of the other major Democratic candidates .
It ’ s really not that complicated .
And it ’ s only a vote .
That ’ s it .
I am not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ making a deal with the devil ( or any other spiritual entity ) .
I am not pledging my life to a party .
I am not putting all my eggs in a political basket .
I ’ m simply casting a vote .
If the person I vote for loses , so be it .
Life goes on .
Ministry goes on .
Loving God and loving my neighbor goes on .
I will continue to pray and study the Scriptures .
I will continue to care for my wife and family @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and articles .
I will continue to travel and preach and teach and do radio broadcasts and debates and take a stand for what I believe is right .
I will continue to speak up and speak out — at least , as long as I have the freedom to do so .
What We Look to a President to Do But I am not looking to the president to save the soul of America .
Or to transform the heart of America .
I ’ m looking to the president to stand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
To stand for religious freedom .
To stand against social anarchy .
To stand against world tyranny and terrorism .
To stand for peace in the Middle East .
( Just to mention a few of the items most important to me . )
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Of course , I would love it if the president were also a moral icon .
It would be terrific if he was a powerful unifier @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t give his opponents so much fodder for their hatred .
And it would be wonderful if he lifted up the national dialogue rather than helped drag it down .
But , given the choices that lie before us , I would much prefer a Trump presidency to a Biden presidency .
At the same time , while Trump functions as a wedge in the door to stop the encroaching flood of chaos , the Church must get busier than ever preaching and living the gospel , thereby changing hearts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we are just forestalling the inevitable collapse of our nation .
We Must Be Desperate for Spiritual Revival , Whomever Wins That means that , should Trump be reelected , we can not take our foot off the gas pedal .
To the contrary , we need to put the pedal to the metal and accelerate our gospel efforts .
That means more prayer and fasting and spiritual desperation .
That means more sharing of our faith and living our faith .
That means more efforts to present our pro-family , pro-morality case @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even harder while it is yet day before the night overtakes us .
And while we do our part , we encourage the president and our elected officials to do their part .
That means advocating for the best interests of our citizens .
And enacting programs that will truly help those in greatest need .
And standing for justice and equity .
And populating the courts with worthy justices .
And working with our allies to oppose injustice and tyranny worldwide .
But , to say it again , we can not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to do what only the Church can do , as God ’ s people rise up in the fullness of the Spirit and without fear , proclaiming the truth without compromise .
How Can You , a Professing Christian , Vote For Trump ?
Our Answer is Simple And when a critic asks us , “ How can you , a professing Christian , vote for a man like Trump ?
” our answer is simple ( as I ’ ve said ad infinitum for years now ) : “ Jesus is our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and soul and life .
Trump is our president , and he gets our vote .
And when we contrast where Trump or Joe Biden will take us when it comes to abortion and socialism and relations with China and religious freedoms and radical LGBTQ activism and Israel and more , Trump gets our vote.
” It ’ s really not that complicated .
I ’ m not looking to the president to do the work of the Church , and I ’ m not looking to the Church to do the work @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ m not confusing Donald Trump ( or any president ) with the Savior .
Dr. Michael Brown ( www.askdrbrown.org ) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program .
His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads : Will We Pass the Trump Test ?
Connect with him on Facebook , Twitter or YouTube .

As a Trump supporter, I’ve said repeatedly that four more years of Donald Trump will not solve America’s problems. Not even close. At the same time, according to a leader of the underground church of China who is now in America, Trump is the only thing holding back America from a fall into socialism. (This was shared with me privately this week.) What, then, are we to make of this?
To me, it’s a simple equation. The government has one role and the gospel has another role. And while those roles intersect, they are in many ways distinct.
The government can enact and enforce laws, but it cannot change people’s hearts.
As for the president, he can nominate judges who will uphold the Constitution. But, as John Adams said, “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”
And that’s where the Church comes in. That’s where the gospel comes in. As we preach and live the gospel, we help create that “moral and religious people” of whom Adams spoke. And that people, in turn, will look to the government to uphold the values of the Constitution.
That’s the way our system works.
It’s Only a Vote. Loving God and Loving Neighbor Goes On Either Way
In my new book Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test?, I explain that the bottom line for me is simple.
I have the privilege of casting a vote for a presidential candidate every four years, so I evaluate who will best represent the issues that are important to me. And so, even when I consider Trump’s many obvious flaws, I would still rather see Trump in the White House than Hillary Clinton or Bernie Sanders or Joe Biden or Andrew Cuomo or any of the other major Democratic candidates.
It’s really not that complicated. And it’s only a vote. That’s it.
I am not selling my soul. I am not making a deal with the devil (or any other spiritual entity). I am not pledging my life to a party. I am not putting all my eggs in a political basket. I’m simply casting a vote.
If the person I vote for loses, so be it. Life goes on. Ministry goes on. Loving God and loving my neighbor goes on.
I will continue to pray and study the Scriptures. I will continue to care for my wife and family. I will continue to write books and articles. I will continue to travel and preach and teach and do radio broadcasts and debates and take a stand for what I believe is right. I will continue to speak up and speak out — at least, as long as I have the freedom to do so.
What We Look to a President to Do
But I am not looking to the president to save the soul of America. Or to transform the heart of America. I’m looking to the president to stand up for the life of the unborn. To stand for religious freedom. To stand against social anarchy. To stand against world tyranny and terrorism. To stand for peace in the Middle East. (Just to mention a few of the items most important to me.)
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Of course, I would love it if the president were also a moral icon. It would be terrific if he was a powerful unifier. I would be thrilled if he didn’t give his opponents so much fodder for their hatred. And it would be wonderful if he lifted up the national dialogue rather than helped drag it down.
But, given the choices that lie before us, I would much prefer a Trump presidency to a Biden presidency.
At the same time, while Trump functions as a wedge in the door to stop the encroaching flood of chaos, the Church must get busier than ever preaching and living the gospel, thereby changing hearts and attitudes of the masses. Otherwise, we are just forestalling the inevitable collapse of our nation.
We Must Be Desperate for Spiritual Revival, Whomever Wins
That means that, should Trump be reelected, we cannot take our foot off the gas pedal. To the contrary, we need to put the pedal to the metal and accelerate our gospel efforts.
That means more prayer and fasting and spiritual desperation. That means more sharing of our faith and living our faith. That means more efforts to present our pro-family, pro-morality case to the nation. That means working even harder while it is yet day before the night overtakes us.
And while we do our part, we encourage the president and our elected officials to do their part.
Jesus is our Savior, and He gets our heart and soul and life. Trump is our president, and he gets our vote. And when we contrast where Trump or Joe Biden will take us when it comes to abortion and socialism and relations with China and religious freedoms and radical LGBTQ activism and Israel and more, Trump gets our vote.
That means advocating for the best interests of our citizens. And enacting programs that will truly help those in greatest need. And standing for justice and equity. And populating the courts with worthy justices. And working with our allies to oppose injustice and tyranny worldwide.
But, to say it again, we cannot look to the president or the government to do what only the Church can do, as God’s people rise up in the fullness of the Spirit and without fear, proclaiming the truth without compromise.
How Can You, a Professing Christian, Vote For Trump? Our Answer is Simple
And when a critic asks us, “How can you, a professing Christian, vote for a man like Trump?” our answer is simple (as I’ve said ad infinitum for years now): “Jesus is our Savior, and He gets our heart and soul and life. Trump is our president, and he gets our vote. And when we contrast where Trump or Joe Biden will take us when it comes to abortion and socialism and relations with China and religious freedoms and radical LGBTQ activism and Israel and more, Trump gets our vote.”
It’s really not that complicated. I’m not looking to the president to do the work of the Church, and I’m not looking to the Church to do the work of the president.
That means I’m not confusing Donald Trump (or any president) with the Savior.
Not a chance.
Dr. Michael Brown (www.askdrbrown.org) is the host of the nationally syndicated Line of Fire radio program. His latest book is Evangelicals at the Crossroads: Will We Pass the Trump Test? Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.


thestream--2020-07-28--Only Six More Years?

Only Six More Years?

The inflamed mob filled the area surrounding the despised statue .
After flinging dozens of ropes over it , the crowd heaved and down came that hated symbol of repression .
The happy horde celebrated .
I was unable to be there to witness this historic first toppling of an American statue because it happened on July 9th , 1776 .
The leaden statue was of King George III and it was melted down to make cannonballs and bullets .
That was 244 years ago .
An important number ?
I think so .
My problem is that I don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is no Hebrew word for it , I consider the concept to be false .
Therefore a coincidence can be nothing but God ’ s way of camouflaging His design .
Thus , to me , it is significant that so many of history ’ s empires and epochs of national dominance lasted about 250 years .
Long ago , the ancient empire of Babylon was formed under Hammurabi ( of the famous ‘ Code ’ ) around 1780 BC and it was finally sacked by the Hittites in about 1530 BC @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hard to pin down but what is clear is that it lasted about 250 years .
Again , it is hard to pin the start of an epoch to a single year but there are good reasons to regard 1492 when Spain evicted the last Moslem from the Iberian peninsula as the start of the Spanish empire .
Its natural ending can easily be seen to be about 1742 after the War of Spanish Succession which followed the death of Charles II .
Thus for the Spanish Empire also , 250 years is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There were several discrete periods in what we call the Roman Empire but the most stable of these , the Pax Romana , began with the rule of Augustus in 27 BC and pretty much ended when all illegal immigrants to Rome were granted citizenship in about 213 AD , about 240 years .
The further back one goes the more the exact dates are shrouded in doubt but a good guesstimate for the Assyrian empire is 860 BC to 612 BC for a total of 246 years .
More recently , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 267 and 250 years respectively .
The pre-Communist Russian empire lasted from 1682 until 1916 giving them 234 years .
The British Empire ?
1700 to 1950 .
250 years .
One can of course quibble with some of the exact dates but what is certainly unarguable is that throughout history , when large numbers of people have united to build a society , that society nearly always seems to last about an average of 250 years .
Why 250 years ?
Whether in the fields of social science , biology , or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ generation is about 25 years .
This is because of unchangeable biological realities about average lifespan and average age of reproductive maturity .
The word generation derives from the Latin generare meaning beget .
It follows that most empires last about 10 generations .
Apparently , the many strong and positive human qualities including steadfastness , initiative , vision , determination , resilience and courage so necessary to pioneer a society are the very qualities eroded by the affluence they create .
They are eventually extinguished by the resulting decadence that comes from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ first place .
Each generation has a little less character strength than its preceding generation .
Each generation ’ s parents want their children to “ have it better than we did.
” Invariably they mean materially not spiritually .
Additionally , each generation views the previous generation ’ s luxuries as its necessities .
Eventually , this seems to lead inevitably to a generation incapable of sustaining its own virility .
The sad process typically takes about 10 generations .
I don ’ t know about you , but when I hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s what I think of : Genesis chapter 5 , verses 1-29 detailing the 10 generations from Adam to Noah .
Genesis chapter 11 , verses 10-26 detailing the 10 generations from Noah to Abraham .
Why does Scripture take over a dozen verses just to inform us that there were 10 generations in each sequence ?
I could have done it in one sentence .
In fact , I just did !
Why it takes so many verses is because the Torah takes the trouble to list both the birth and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the representative of each successive generation .
For instance , we see in chapter 5 ; Kenan ( v.9 ) , Mahalaleel ( v.12 ) , Jared ( v.15 ) and in chapter 11 ; Ever ( v.14 ) , Peleg ( v.16 ) , Reu ( v.18 ) .
The names are provided because each Hebrew name has a meaning which identifies that generation ’ s characteristics in the cosmic pattern of 10-generation-decline .
For instance , someone who doesn ’ t know English well might read Shakespeare ’ s play , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ character , Malvolio possesses a name that sounds a bit malevolent which provides a clue to his character .
Similarly , familiarity with English helps the reader of Sheridan ’ s School for Scandal recognize the implications of the names of characters like Sir Benjamin Backbite or Lady Sneerwell .
None of them are merely names ; they are meanings and clues .
In this fashion , the Hebrew names associated with each generation of chapters 5 and 11 in Genesis hint at the fundamental characteristics of that generation in the 250-year journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ oblivion .
The 10 generations might be briefly summarized as 1 .
Bold breakout and conquest , 2 .
Commercial expansion , 3 .
Splendid buildings , 4 .
Widespread affluence , 5 .
Zenith and the best of days , 6 .
Extending influence beyond borders with money instead of military , 7 .
Rising political power of women and of the intellectual and academic elite , 8 .
Influx of foreigners , 9 .
Eat , drink and be merry , 10 .
Internal political and civic fracture .
It is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 250-year histories of many empires correspond to that Biblical schematic .
In America , the era of bountiful foreign aid was followed by the growing influence of universities along with those they trained and then uncontrollable illegal immigration .
The pattern is particularly clear in historical accounts of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire like that written by Edward Gibbon .
In America , the writing on our wall is no less clear than it was on the wall of Belshazzar ’ s palace ( Daniel 5:5 ) when it signaled @ @ @ @ @ @ @ In our case , we see not only the rampaging rioters and the destruction of statues .
It is also Boeing , the troubled aircraft builder recently firing its director , Niel Golightly , a former Navy fighter pilot , only because 30 years ago he wrote these eminently true words : “ Introducing women into combat would destroy the exclusively male intangibles of war fighting and the feminine images of what men fight for — peace , home , family.
” Back then they were not controversial words .
Today they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ harm the company .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
More evidence of impending national extinction is the so-called environmental opposition that has just canceled the vital Atlantic Coast Pipeline that would have carried oil and gas to the fast-growing southern states .
The Dakota access pipeline which was to have carried energy from northern Canada to the rest of America is also being canceled by the same extreme left lobby .
Meanwhile , with Denmark and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is close to completing its Nord Stream 2 pipeline which will make much of Europe dependent on Russian oil and gas .
Presidential candidate Joe Biden ’ s response ?
Destroying our energy independence and losing hundreds of thousands of blue-collar jobs is a small price to pay to stop global warming .
Only six more years for America ?
Maybe if we ’ re lucky .
So , does America really have only about another six years ?
That would be the natural course of history .
However , America ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I can not describe in detail the exact events that would mark the milestones of this nation ’ s restoration , I think it could happen .
No guarantees , but a distinct possibility .
My reason is that one other nation has successfully escaped the fateful pattern of 250 years — Israel .
It is the society in which Jewish children can today comfortably and fluently read and understand the words of the Torah which appeared over 3,000 years ago .
No other nation on the planet possesses a culture whose language @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Italian children can not read the works of Cicero written in the language of Rome only two millennia ago .
Greek children can not read the Iliad or the Odyssey written by Homer in ancient Greek .
But to the consternation of secular historians like Arnold Toynbee , Hebrew culture has remained alive .
Jews are not fossils of history .
The fuel that has granted the Jewish people immunity from the 250-year time limit is the system of Judeo-Christian Biblical values and its accompanying rules and restrictions that prevented their slide into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ root of the culture that accompanied the Pilgrims across the Atlantic and it later informed the founders as they meticulously composed the documents of American exceptionalism .
As a result , nobody was surprised that the War of American Independence was propelled from the pulpits of colonial churches .
Those momentous days are still thought of as the First Great Religious Reawakening .
Fewer than 100 years later , nobody was surprised when the force behind America ’ s grand abolition of slavery emanated from its fervent Christians .
That period is often @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reawakening .
In spite of how far down the 250-year slope America has slid , I remain hopeful because I think the country is about due for its Third Great Religious Reawakening .
If and when this happens , all bets are off .
If and when fervent Christianity enjoys a healthy revival and perhaps 100 million American Christians unify under the Biblical banner that the Pilgrims carried to Plymouth , everything comes back .
Because of America ’ s uniqueness and its deliberate similarities to ancient Israel , a comeback scenario is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ religious agnostic , Charles Murray , insists that the American republic can only survive with a revival of the religious values that the Founders depended on .
The indomitable Christian warrior , David Lane , through his @ AmericanRenewalProject continues to enlist thousands of courageous pastors and millions of their followers in bringing Biblical wisdom into the public square .
There is hope .
There were times in Hebrew history mentioned by the Prophets when Israel slid further down than America today .
But the nation repented and returned .
America can do @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will .
Rabbi Daniel Lapin , president of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians , is a noted rabbinic scholar and Jewish leader , author of America ’ s Real War and Thou Shall Prosper and other best-sellers .
A frequent guest on Fox News , WallBuilders Radio , and Glenn Beck TV , he hosts his own popular radio and podcast programs with international audiences .
With his wife , Susan , he hosts the daily television show Ancient Jewish Wisdom on the TCT Television Network .

The inflamed mob filled the area surrounding the despised statue. After flinging dozens of ropes over it, the crowd heaved and down came that hated symbol of repression. The happy horde celebrated. I was unable to be there to witness this historic first toppling of an American statue because it happened on July 9th, 1776. The leaden statue was of King George III and it was melted down to make cannonballs and bullets. That was 244 years ago. An important number? I think so.
250 Years of National Dominance
My problem is that I don’t believe in coincidences. Since there is no Hebrew word for it, I consider the concept to be false. Therefore a coincidence can be nothing but God’s way of camouflaging His design. Thus, to me, it is significant that so many of history’s empires and epochs of national dominance lasted about 250 years.
In America, the writing on our wall is no less clear than it was on the wall of Belshazzar’s palace (Daniel 5:5) when it signaled the end of the Babylonian Empire.
Long ago, the ancient empire of Babylon was formed under Hammurabi (of the famous ‘Code’) around 1780 BC and it was finally sacked by the Hittites in about 1530 BC. The exact dates are of course hard to pin down but what is clear is that it lasted about 250 years. Again, it is hard to pin the start of an epoch to a single year but there are good reasons to regard 1492 when Spain evicted the last Moslem from the Iberian peninsula as the start of the Spanish empire. Its natural ending can easily be seen to be about 1742 after the War of Spanish Succession which followed the death of Charles II. Thus for the Spanish Empire also, 250 years is a reasonable estimate for its duration.
The 250 Year Pattern Continues
There were several discrete periods in what we call the Roman Empire but the most stable of these, the Pax Romana, began with the rule of Augustus in 27 BC and pretty much ended when all illegal immigrants to Rome were granted citizenship in about 213 AD, about 240 years.
The further back one goes the more the exact dates are shrouded in doubt but a good guesstimate for the Assyrian empire is 860 BC to 612 BC for a total of 246 years.
More recently, the Mamelukes and the Ottomans enjoyed dominance for 267 and 250 years respectively. The pre-Communist Russian empire lasted from 1682 until 1916 giving them 234 years. The British Empire? 1700 to 1950. 250 years.
One can of course quibble with some of the exact dates but what is certainly unarguable is that throughout history, when large numbers of people have united to build a society, that society nearly always seems to last about an average of 250 years.
Why 250 Years?
Why 250 years? Whether in the fields of social science, biology, or history, almost everyone agrees that a generation is about 25 years. This is because of unchangeable biological realities about average lifespan and average age of reproductive maturity. The word generation derives from the Latin generare meaning beget. It follows that most empires last about 10 generations.
Apparently, the many strong and positive human qualities including steadfastness, initiative, vision, determination, resilience and courage so necessary to pioneer a society are the very qualities eroded by the affluence they create. They are eventually extinguished by the resulting decadence that comes from the success those qualities brought in the first place.
Each generation has a little less character strength than its preceding generation. Each generation’s parents want their children to “have it better than we did.” Invariably they mean materially not spiritually. Additionally, each generation views the previous generation’s luxuries as its necessities. Eventually, this seems to lead inevitably to a generation incapable of sustaining its own virility. The sad process typically takes about 10 generations.
10 Generations
I don’t know about you, but when I hear the phrase “10 generations” here’s what I think of:
Genesis chapter 5, verses 1-29 detailing the 10 generations from Adam to Noah. Genesis chapter 11, verses 10-26 detailing the 10 generations from Noah to Abraham.
Why does Scripture take over a dozen verses just to inform us that there were 10 generations in each sequence? I could have done it in one sentence. In fact, I just did!
Why it takes so many verses is because the Torah takes the trouble to list both the birth and the death of one specific person as the representative of each successive generation. For instance, we see in chapter 5; Kenan (v.9), Mahalaleel (v.12), Jared (v.15) and in chapter 11; Ever (v.14), Peleg (v.16), Reu (v.18).
The names are provided because each Hebrew name has a meaning which identifies that generation’s characteristics in the cosmic pattern of 10-generation-decline. For instance, someone who doesn’t know English well might read Shakespeare’s play, Twelfth Night and not realize that the character, Malvolio possesses a name that sounds a bit malevolent which provides a clue to his character.
Meanings and Clues
Similarly, familiarity with English helps the reader of Sheridan’s School for Scandal recognize the implications of the names of characters like Sir Benjamin Backbite or Lady Sneerwell. None of them are merely names; they are meanings and clues.
In this fashion, the Hebrew names associated with each generation of chapters 5 and 11 in Genesis hint at the fundamental characteristics of that generation in the 250-year journey up to greatness and then down to oblivion.
The 10 generations might be briefly summarized as 1. Bold breakout and conquest, 2. Commercial expansion, 3. Splendid buildings, 4. Widespread affluence, 5. Zenith and the best of days, 6. Extending influence beyond borders with money instead of military, 7. Rising political power of women and of the intellectual and academic elite, 8. Influx of foreigners, 9. Eat, drink and be merry, 10. Internal political and civic fracture.
Following the Biblical Schematic
It is not hard to see how the roughly 250-year histories of many empires correspond to that Biblical schematic. In America, the era of bountiful foreign aid was followed by the growing influence of universities along with those they trained and then uncontrollable illegal immigration. The pattern is particularly clear in historical accounts of the rise and fall of the Roman Empire like that written by Edward Gibbon.
In America, the writing on our wall is no less clear than it was on the wall of Belshazzar’s palace (Daniel 5:5) when it signaled the end of the Babylonian Empire. In our case,we see not only the rampaging rioters and the destruction of statues. It is also Boeing, the troubled aircraft builder recently firing its director, Niel Golightly, a former Navy fighter pilot, only because 30 years ago he wrote these eminently true words: “Introducing women into combat would destroy the exclusively male intangibles of war fighting and the feminine images of what men fight for — peace, home, family.” Back then they were not controversial words. Today they are the reason to destroy his livelihood and harm the company.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
More evidence of impending national extinction is the so-called environmental opposition that has just canceled the vital Atlantic Coast Pipeline that would have carried oil and gas to the fast-growing southern states. The Dakota access pipeline which was to have carried energy from northern Canada to the rest of America is also being canceled by the same extreme left lobby.
Meanwhile, with Denmark and Germany’s wholehearted cooperation, Russia is close to completing its Nord Stream 2 pipeline which will make much of Europe dependent on Russian oil and gas. Presidential candidate Joe Biden’s response? Destroying our energy independence and losing hundreds of thousands of blue-collar jobs is a small price to pay to stop global warming. Only six more years for America? Maybe if we’re lucky.
Six More Years?
So, does America really have only about another six years? That would be the natural course of history. However, America’s destiny just might be supernatural! Though I cannot describe in detail the exact events that would mark the milestones of this nation’s restoration, I think it could happen. No guarantees, but a distinct possibility.
So, does America really have only about another six years?
My reason is that one other nation has successfully escaped the fateful pattern of 250 years — Israel. It is the society in which Jewish children can today comfortably and fluently read and understand the words of the Torah which appeared over 3,000 years ago. No other nation on the planet possesses a culture whose language is materially unchanged for three millennia.
Italian children cannot read the works of Cicero written in the language of Rome only two millennia ago. Greek children cannot read the Iliad or the Odyssey written by Homer in ancient Greek. But to the consternation of secular historians like Arnold Toynbee, Hebrew culture has remained alive. Jews are not fossils of history. The fuel that has granted the Jewish people immunity from the 250-year time limit is the system of Judeo-Christian Biblical values and its accompanying rules and restrictions that prevented their slide into decadence.
A Third Great Religious Reawakening
This system lay at the root of the culture that accompanied the Pilgrims across the Atlantic and it later informed the founders as they meticulously composed the documents of American exceptionalism. As a result, nobody was surprised that the War of American Independence was propelled from the pulpits of colonial churches. Those momentous days are still thought of as the First Great Religious Reawakening.
Fewer than 100 years later, nobody was surprised when the force behind America’s grand abolition of slavery emanated from its fervent Christians. That period is often considered America’s Second Great Religious Reawakening.
In spite of how far down the 250-year slope America has slid, I remain hopeful because I think the country is about due for its Third Great Religious Reawakening. If and when this happens, all bets are off. If and when fervent Christianity enjoys a healthy revival and perhaps 100 million American Christians unify under the Biblical banner that the Pilgrims carried to Plymouth, everything comes back.
There is Hope
Because of America’s uniqueness and its deliberate similarities to ancient Israel, a comeback scenario is real. Even prominent political scientist and religious agnostic, Charles Murray, insists that the American republic can only survive with a revival of the religious values that the Founders depended on. The indomitable Christian warrior, David Lane, through his @AmericanRenewalProject continues to enlist thousands of courageous pastors and millions of their followers in bringing Biblical wisdom into the public square. There is hope.
There were times in Hebrew history mentioned by the Prophets when Israel slid further down than America today. But the nation repented and returned. America can do the same. I pray that it will.
Rabbi Daniel Lapin, president of the American Alliance of Jews and Christians, is a noted rabbinic scholar and Jewish leader, author of America’s Real War and Thou Shall Prosper and other best-sellers. A frequent guest on Fox News, WallBuilders Radio, and Glenn Beck TV, he hosts his own popular radio and podcast programs with international audiences. With his wife, Susan, he hosts the daily television show Ancient Jewish Wisdom on the TCT Television Network.
Originally published at rabbidaniellapin.com. Reprinted with permission.


thestream--2020-07-28--Portland Police Recover Molotov Cocktails, Ammunition During Violent Protests

Portland police officers recovered Molotov cocktails and rifle ammunition late Sunday evening near the U.S. courthouse that has been the site of recent protests .
The Portland Police Department recovered the “ destructive devices ” in a bag in Lownsdale Square Park across the street from the Mark O. Hatfield U.S .
Courthouse while investigating a shots fired call , police said .
The discovery occurred as protesters and rioters continued to clash with federal agents protecting the courthouse .
Protesters lobbed fireworks , rocks , cans , and other objects at officers protecting the courthouse who have responded by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , The Associated Press reported .
Protests in Portland have occurred for more than 55 consecutive days since the death of George Floyd who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck , video of the incident shows .
Violence intensified , though , after President Donald Trump ’ s administration authorized the mobilization of federal agents , who are largely Department of Homeland Security officers , to help quell protests , according to The New York Times .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Our Day .
A federal judge denied Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblaum ’ s request for an order to stop federal agents from arresting Portland protesters Friday , NBC affiliate KGW News reported .
Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler spoke out against the use of federal agents at a protest Wednesday and was later tear-gassed .
Over the weekend , protests occurred in Seattle , Washington ; Austin , Texas ; Louisville , Kentucky ; Oakland , California ; Aurora , Colorado ; and Richmond , Virginia , according to various media outlets .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ with Portland .
Trump authorized federal agents to be sent to Chicago and Albuquerque , New Mexico , on Wednesday to assist local police in responding to violence , according to U.S. News .
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience .
For licensing opportunities of our original content , please contact licensing @ dailycallernewsfoundation.org .

Portland police officers recovered Molotov cocktails and rifle ammunition late Sunday evening near the U.S. courthouse that has been the site of recent protests.
The Portland Police Department recovered the “destructive devices” in a bag in Lownsdale Square Park across the street from the Mark O. Hatfield U.S. Courthouse while investigating a shots fired call, police said. The discovery occurred as protesters and rioters continued to clash with federal agents protecting the courthouse.
Ammunition and destructive devices recovered at Lownsdale Square Park (Photo) https://t.co/k4ZmvTzlh6 pic.twitter.com/xHaLZM8uWi — Portland Police (@PortlandPolice) July 27, 2020
Protesters lobbed fireworks, rocks, cans, and other objects at officers protecting the courthouse who have responded by using nonlethal weapons to control the crowd, The Associated Press reported.
I watched as injured officers were hauled inside. In one case, the commercial firework came over so fast the officer didn’t have time to respond. It burned through his sleeves & he had bloody gashes on both forearms. Another had a concussion from being hit in the head w/ a mortar — Mike Balsamo (@MikeBalsamo1) July 27, 2020
Protests in Portland have occurred for more than 55 consecutive days since the death of George Floyd who died after a Minneapolis police officer knelt on his neck, video of the incident shows. Violence intensified, though, after President Donald Trump’s administration authorized the mobilization of federal agents, who are largely Department of Homeland Security officers, to help quell protests, according to The New York Times.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
A federal judge denied Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblaum’s request for an order to stop federal agents from arresting Portland protesters Friday, NBC affiliate KGW News reported. Democratic Mayor Ted Wheeler spoke out against the use of federal agents at a protest Wednesday and was later tear-gassed.
Over the weekend, protests occurred in Seattle, Washington; Austin, Texas; Louisville, Kentucky; Oakland, California; Aurora, Colorado; and Richmond, Virginia, according to various media outlets. Many nationwide protests are organized in solidarity with Portland.
Trump authorized federal agents to be sent to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Wednesday to assist local police in responding to violence, according to U.S. News.
Copyright 2020 The Daily Caller News Foundation
Content created by The Daily Caller News Foundation is available without charge to any eligible news publisher that can provide a large audience. For licensing opportunities of our original content, please contact [email protected].


thestream--2020-07-28--98 Days to Election and There is No Joe Biden

98 days to go .
98 days before America decides whether it ’ s going to be America or Venezuela .
Just 98 days before America decides whether it will remain the “ Land of the Free ” or a land on fire .
Whether we are the promised land of MLK or the Marxist land of BLM and AOC .
Whether we will chant “ USA !
” or “ Burn It Down.
” 98 days to determine whether Main Street will again prosper or turn into Portland .
98 days to choose between the liberty of the American @ @ @ @ @ @ @ French and Cultural revolutions .
98 days to choose between life and death .
There is No Joe Biden In case you haven ’ t noticed yet , this is not an election between Donald J. Trump and Joe Biden .
There is no Joe Biden .
There is this shell of a person who looks kinda like the guy who ’ s been a Swamp fixture for 50 years .
But the guy you see absent-mindedly fumbling his way through brief videos ?
That is no more Joe Biden than a trick-or-treater @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trick ’ s on us .
Behind the mask hide the Marxist-driven radicals and thugs burning down our streets and institutions .
Oh , it was a rather clever bait-and-switch by the radicals now running the Democratic Party .
Open socialist Bernie Sanders was heading toward the nomination .
But last winter , having an open socialist as their nominee would have been a disaster for Democrats .
So instead , they forced out all the other candidates to make way for “ The Politician Formerly Known as Joe Biden.
” And then @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Biden like a cannoli .
They stuffed it with Sanders and AOC and Elizabeth Warren and Black Lives Matter , Inc. Plus all manner of anti-American poisons .
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our Day .
Isn ’ t it curious how Sanders campaign workers who were promising to burn American cities if Bernie got pushed aside again … saw Bernie pushed aside again .
And did nothing .
They aren ’ t protesting Biden .
They know they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Biden face mask .
Oh , they ’ re still burning down American cities .
After all , the economic and political system still has to be destroyed , as Rep. Ilhan Omar likes to tell us .
( Before running home to her latest husband and the million bucks in campaign funds she ’ s fed his/their bank account . )
There is no Joe Biden .
“ Joe Biden ” is a creation .
Like Milli Vanilli without the cool dreadlocks and nifty dance moves .
When the mouth moves @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Green New Deal , police are “ the enemy , ” Trump is the first “ racist ” president ever elected .
Only a 28-year-old bartender who ’ s never read a real history book , civics book or science book could spout such radical and ignorant nonsense .
And the real Joe Biden ?
He celebrated Klan figures , pushed segregation , boasted that his state was Confederate in spirit , thinks poor children are just as smart as white children , and thinks we can ’ t call it the Chinese @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the difference between Chinese and South Koreans .
( Another way of saying , “ I think they all look alike.
” ) And of course , you ’ re not really black if you dare think for yourself .
There is no Joe Biden .
He is not cloistered in his basement avoiding meaningful interviews and curious voters because of COVID .
Democratic machine operative and former DNC chair Terry McAulliffe spilled the beans on that weeks ago .
The Democratic strategy is to keep Biden hidden because the more he actually @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is he can ’ t do it .
Does anyone really think Joe Biden will get on a stage and debate President Trump ?
( Oh , sure , he can show up , wet the stage and will still be declared the winner by the media , but the American voters will know he flat out isn ’ t up for the gig .
Jill Biden won ’ t be able to jump in to save him .
Not on a debate stage , and certainly not in a room with Putin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Joe Biden .
Even the Biden campaign has given up pretending .
On Monday , “ Joe Biden ” published on Medium.com an op-ed on what a Biden Administration would do for women .
( No , sniffing their hair is not listed . )
The Biden op-ed is written entirely in the third person .
We ’ re 98 days away from possibly electing the first incapacitated and controlled president in history .
At least Woodrow Wilson was elected before his stroke rendered him useless and fully controlled by his wife .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ polls are showing Biden is winning .
The polls are meaningless .
Four reasons : First , ask former President Michael Dukakis about double-digit leads in July .
Former president John Kerry might have some thoughts too .
And President Hillary Clinton .
Second , in a climate where Trump supporters are getting attacked and even murdered in the street , people are not going to reveal their support to strangers doing polls .
Third , polling models tend to use previous voting patterns in their predictions .
Trump ’ s support among @ @ @ @ @ @ @ most polling will allow .
Fourth , there is no race yet .
There aren ’ t two candidates duking it out , crisscrossing the country , making their case .
It is not yet a mano-a-mano binary choice .
Right now , it ’ s not Donald Trump vs Joe Biden .
It ’ s Donald Trump versus the Democratic machine , the Democratic socialists , the anarchists , the rioters , the radical mayors and governors , BLM incorporated , the media , the social media giants , the Swamp , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a virus gifted us by Biden ’ s friends the Chinese and continually over-hyped beyond all scientific reason .
And somehow Trump is still in the game .
At some point , the Man in the Basement will have to emerge .
And his mask pulled off .
And the race will be truly be on .
The race to save America .
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author , with @ JZmirak , of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration .
You can follow him at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t already , please follow The Stream at @ Streamdotorg .

98 days to go. 98 days before America decides whether it’s going to be America or Venezuela. Just 98 days before America decides whether it will remain the “Land of the Free” or a land on fire. Whether we are the promised land of MLK or the Marxist land of BLM and AOC. Whether we will chant “USA!” or “Burn It Down.” 98 days to determine whether Main Street will again prosper or turn into Portland.
98 days to choose between the liberty of the American Revolution or the bloody tyranny of the French and Cultural revolutions.
98 days to choose between life and death.
There is No Joe Biden
In case you haven’t noticed yet, this is not an election between Donald J. Trump and Joe Biden. There is no Joe Biden.
There is this shell of a person who looks kinda like the guy who’s been a Swamp fixture for 50 years. But the guy you see absent-mindedly fumbling his way through brief videos? That is no more Joe Biden than a trick-or-treater in a Halloween mask. And the trick’s on us.
Behind the mask hide the Marxist-driven radicals and thugs burning down our streets and institutions.
Oh, it was a rather clever bait-and-switch by the radicals now running the Democratic Party. Open socialist Bernie Sanders was heading toward the nomination. But last winter, having an open socialist as their nominee would have been a disaster for Democrats. So instead, they forced out all the other candidates to make way for “The Politician Formerly Known as Joe Biden.” And then they simply filled the shell of Joe Biden like a cannoli. They stuffed it with Sanders and AOC and Elizabeth Warren and Black Lives Matter, Inc. Plus all manner of anti-American poisons.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Isn’t it curious how Sanders campaign workers who were promising to burn American cities if Bernie got pushed aside again … saw Bernie pushed aside again. And did nothing. They aren’t protesting Biden. They know they’ve got Sanders on steroids in a Biden face mask. Oh, they’re still burning down American cities. After all, the economic and political system still has to be destroyed, as Rep. Ilhan Omar likes to tell us. (Before running home to her latest husband and the million bucks in campaign funds she’s fed his/their bank account.)
A Puppet. Who’s Pulling the Strings?
There is no Joe Biden. “Joe Biden” is a creation. Like Milli Vanilli without the cool dreadlocks and nifty dance moves.
When the mouth moves out comes the voice of AOC: Green New Deal, police are “the enemy,” Trump is the first “racist” president ever elected. Only a 28-year-old bartender who’s never read a real history book, civics book or science book could spout such radical and ignorant nonsense. And the real Joe Biden? He celebrated Klan figures, pushed segregation, boasted that his state was Confederate in spirit, thinks poor children are just as smart as white children, and thinks we can’t call it the Chinese virus because people can’t tell the difference between Chinese and South Koreans. (Another way of saying, “I think they all look alike.”) And of course, you’re not really black if you dare think for yourself.
There is no Joe Biden. He is not cloistered in his basement avoiding meaningful interviews and curious voters because of COVID. Democratic machine operative and former DNC chair Terry McAulliffe spilled the beans on that weeks ago. The Democratic strategy is to keep Biden hidden because the more he actually has to do the more obvious it is he can’t do it. Does anyone really think Joe Biden will get on a stage and debate President Trump? (Oh, sure, he can show up, wet the stage and will still be declared the winner by the media, but the American voters will know he flat out isn’t up for the gig. Jill Biden won’t be able to jump in to save him. Not on a debate stage, and certainly not in a room with Putin or Xi.)
There is no Joe Biden. Even the Biden campaign has given up pretending. On Monday, “Joe Biden” published on Medium.com an op-ed on what a Biden Administration would do for women. (No, sniffing their hair is not listed.) The Biden op-ed is written entirely in the third person.
We’re 98 days away from possibly electing the first incapacitated and controlled president in history. At least Woodrow Wilson was elected before his stroke rendered him useless and fully controlled by his wife.
But the Polling!
Yet, according to the media, polls are showing Biden is winning. The polls are meaningless. Four reasons:
First, ask former President Michael Dukakis about double-digit leads in July. Former president John Kerry might have some thoughts too. And President Hillary Clinton.
Second, in a climate where Trump supporters are getting attacked and even murdered in the street, people are not going to reveal their support to strangers doing polls.
Third, polling models tend to use previous voting patterns in their predictions. Trump’s support among African-Americans is very likely much higher than most polling will allow.
Fourth, there is no race yet. There aren’t two candidates duking it out, crisscrossing the country, making their case. It is not yet a mano-a-mano binary choice.
Right now, it’s not Donald Trump vs Joe Biden. It’s Donald Trump versus the Democratic machine, the Democratic socialists, the anarchists, the rioters, the radical mayors and governors, BLM incorporated, the media, the social media giants, the Swamp, Swamp Republicans, to say nothing of a virus gifted us by Biden’s friends the Chinese and continually over-hyped beyond all scientific reason. And somehow Trump is still in the game.
At some point, the Man in the Basement will have to emerge. And his mask pulled off.
And the race will be truly be on. The race to save America.
Al Perrotta is the Managing Editor of The Stream and co-author, with @JZmirak, of The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration. You can follow him at @StreamingAl. And if you aren’t already, please follow The Stream at @Streamdotorg.


thestream--2020-07-28--Nick Sandmann Wasn’t Supposed to Survive. He Was Meant to End Up Like Mike Adams.

Nick Sandmann just turned 18 years old .
And he ’ s settling a $ 250 million lawsuit with major media outlets that libeled him .
Let ’ s send him our congratulations and prayers .
I was prepping Robert Oscar Lopez ’ s powerful piece on Mike Adams for publication when I realized something chilling .
Reading how the left hounded that talented writer to suicide ( if indeed he wasn ’ t murdered ) I heard in my head the media headline that never ran .
Thanks be to God .
That ’ s what the media mob @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it .
When powerful reporters call a young man ’ s face “ the most punchable in America , ” that ’ s what they mean .
When columnists and activists propose “ doxing ” him , contacting every college he ever applies to , or job he tries to get , that ’ s what they mean .
When Sandmann ’ s own Catholic bishop threw him to the wolves , when his school suspended him , when “ conservative ” columnists at National Review and other venues denounced him as “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ off for life .
They were branding him on his face with the most destructive charge available in America .
The charge that ’ s now burning cities and getting Trump supporters murdered .
All for what crime , exactly ?
For waiting for a bus after a pro-life demonstration .
And smiling while white .
For Sandmann standing his ground , when some “ Indian tribal elder ” confronted him with a war drum .
Ah , but Sandmann and his friends were supposed to give way .
They should have taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ form a human red carpet , so the “ tribal elder ” could walk all over them .
You know , as cops in Portland and Chicago are apparently ordered to do , in the face of violent mobs .
One leftist after another pointed out Sandmann ’ s unforgivable sin .
That he was smiling .
He didn ’ t look terrified , guilt-struck , or even enraged .
He was calm , confident , and amiable .
Perhaps those character traits are now part of “ white privilege , ” as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at least a dozen columnists or reporters expatiate on that smile , comparing Sandmann to settlers who slaughtered Indians , or concentration camp guards .
Mike Adams ’ crime was similar .
He wrote with verve and humor .
He seemed like a happy warrior .
He didn ’ t cave at false charges , or wallow in synthetic guilt .
Nor twist himself into pretzels , as timid “ conservatives ” do , who are eager to placate the crocodiles by feeding them someone else .
Someone like Nick Sandmann .
Or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ whom fellow conservatives turned on and turned out of Congress , based on false charges of racism .
The source ?
An unrecorded interview with a New York Times reporter .
Now the Times wouldn ’ t butcher a conservative congressman ’ s quote , you say to yourself .
It ’ s the “ newspaper of record.
” It told us all about Donald Trump ’ s career as a Russian agent , didn ’ t it ?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Or Stream columnist Mark Judge , who for some reason isn ’ t winning a $ 250 million defamation lawsuit against the network that accused him of leading a teenage rape gang .
Instead , he ’ s eking out a living , when he can .
Not one of the deep-pocketed conservative groups that fund-raised over helping to back Brett Kavanaugh are willing to give this talented writer a job .
His crime ?
Going to high school with Kavanaugh , and publishing a memoir the left used as a story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ perjury .
( That ’ s where they got all the realistic-sounding details she repeated . )
You see , he ’ d admitted in the memoir that teenage alcoholism had caused him memory lapses .
That made Judge the perfect patsy , since if called before the Senate to testify he couldn ’ t convincingly refute the false charges against him .
“ Are you certain , Mr. Judge , that you and Judge Kavanaugh never gang-raped anyone ?
You yourself have admitted… .
” Or Bernell Trammell , a black Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As The New York Post reported : “ ‘ Because of Trammell ’ s well-known political activism and the possibility that his murder could be politically motivated , I respectfully request that United States Attorney Matthew Krueger open an investigation , ’ said Andrew Hitt , chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin , late Friday.
” When mayors turn their cities over to violent mobs , and only keep the police around to disarm honest citizens , this is what happens to those on the wrong side of the mob .
Expect @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sandmann Had Smiled in 2020 I ’ m relieved and delighted by the miracle that spared Nick Sandmann their fate .
Why did the left ’ s bullets miss him ?
A gang of rabid anti-white radicals — not Black Lives Matter , but the similarly unhinged Black Hebrew Israelites ( BHI ) — had been taunting , cursing and threatening the Covington boys for more than an hour .
The “ Indian tribal elder ” apparently joined in on the BHI ’ s side .
None of that would excuse Sandmann for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But through some divine intervention , one of the BHI thugs videotaped the whole encounter .
He posted it online .
That raw footage showed how crudely CNN and others had doctored their accounts of the confrontation .
No , the white teens hadn ’ t “ crowded ” or “ mobbed ” or surrounded the “ tribal elder.
” He ’ d marched up into their faces , banging a war drum .
And they ’ d simply stood their ground .
That was enough to flip the narrative surrounding Mr. Sandmann @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I really don ’ t think so .
Today , the media would render the white pro-lifers ’ simple refusal to kow-tow or take a knee as “ provocative white privilege.
” In 2020 , the black cult members would feel emboldened to simply attack Sandmann and his friends .
The police , badgered and threatened , would be far , far away , standing down at the mayor ’ s orders .
And even if the BHI had beaten the Covington boys to death , no TV network would air it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ where we stand in 2020 , as leftists verbally tap dance on Mike Adams ’ coffin .
I wish Mr. Sandmann well , and advise him to take his money and move somewhere sane , like Poland .
Maybe start a Catholic college there .
Because the kind of leftists who dug up Adams ’ columns from 20 years ago to goad him to his grave aren ’ t finished with Nick Sandmann .
They can ’ t forgive his innocence , his victory , or his smile .
They ’ re coming @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for me .
And then they ’ ll come for you and your kids .
Get yourself to the gun range .
Make friends there .
Organize local militias , to step in when the police ( afraid for their pensions ) meekly disband .
We don ’ t need two Americans like the McCloskeys in St. Louis , but two million or ten million .
That ’ s the only way this madness ends .
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream , and author or co-author of ten books @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism .
He ’ s co-author with Jason Jones of “ God , Guns , & the Government .
”

Editor’s note: See John Zmirak’s appearance on Tucker Carlson Tonight, in which he discusses this article, here.
Nick Sandmann just turned 18 years old. And he’s settling a $250 million lawsuit with major media outlets that libeled him. Let’s send him our congratulations and prayers.
I was prepping Robert Oscar Lopez’s powerful piece on Mike Adams for publication when I realized something chilling. Reading how the left hounded that talented writer to suicide (if indeed he wasn’t murdered) I heard in my head the media headline that never ran. Thanks be to God.
“Racist Ringleader, Nicholas Sandmann, Dead at 17.”
That’s what the media mob wanted. They as good as admitted it. When powerful reporters call a young man’s face “the most punchable in America,” that’s what they mean. When columnists and activists propose “doxing” him, contacting every college he ever applies to, or job he tries to get, that’s what they mean.
When Sandmann’s own Catholic bishop threw him to the wolves, when his school suspended him, when “conservative” columnists at National Review and other venues denounced him as “bigoted,” they were writing him off for life. They were branding him on his face with the most destructive charge available in America. The charge that’s now burning cities and getting Trump supporters murdered.
Smiling While White
All for what crime, exactly? For waiting for a bus after a pro-life demonstration. And smiling while white. For Sandmann standing his ground, when some “Indian tribal elder” confronted him with a war drum. Ah, but Sandmann and his friends were supposed to give way. They should have taken a knee. Maybe flattened themselves to form a human red carpet, so the “tribal elder” could walk all over them. You know, as cops in Portland and Chicago are apparently ordered to do, in the face of violent mobs.
One leftist after another pointed out Sandmann’s unforgivable sin. That he was smiling. He didn’t look terrified, guilt-struck, or even enraged. He was calm, confident, and amiable. Perhaps those character traits are now part of “white privilege,” as the Smithsonian now explains. I read at least a dozen columnists or reporters expatiate on that smile, comparing Sandmann to settlers who slaughtered Indians, or concentration camp guards.
More Victims of Leftist Mobs
Mike Adams’ crime was similar. He wrote with verve and humor. He seemed like a happy warrior. He didn’t cave at false charges, or wallow in synthetic guilt. Nor twist himself into pretzels, as timid “conservatives” do, who are eager to placate the crocodiles by feeding them someone else. Someone like Nick Sandmann.
Or like pro-life stalwart Rep. Steve King, whom fellow conservatives turned on and turned out of Congress, based on false charges of racism. The source? An unrecorded interview with a New York Times reporter. Now the Times wouldn’t butcher a conservative congressman’s quote, you say to yourself. It’s the “newspaper of record.” It told us all about Donald Trump’s career as a Russian agent, didn’t it?
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.
Or Stream columnist Mark Judge, who for some reason isn’t winning a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the network that accused him of leading a teenage rape gang. Instead, he’s eking out a living, when he can. Not one of the deep-pocketed conservative groups that fund-raised over helping to back Brett Kavanaugh are willing to give this talented writer a job. His crime?
Going to high school with Kavanaugh, and publishing a memoir the left used as a story bible for Christine Blasey Ford’s perjury. (That’s where they got all the realistic-sounding details she repeated.) You see, he’d admitted in the memoir that teenage alcoholism had caused him memory lapses. That made Judge the perfect patsy, since if called before the Senate to testify he couldn’t convincingly refute the false charges against him. “Are you certain, Mr. Judge, that you and Judge Kavanaugh never gang-raped anyone? You yourself have admitted… .”
Or Bernell Trammell, a black Trump supporter murdered this weekend in Milwaukee. As The New York Post reported: “‘Because of Trammell’s well-known political activism and the possibility that his murder could be politically motivated, I respectfully request that United States Attorney Matthew Krueger open an investigation,’ said Andrew Hitt, chairman of the Republican Party of Wisconsin, late Friday.”
In 2020, the black cult members would feel emboldened to simply attack Sandmann and his friends. The police would stand down at the mayor’s orders. And even if the BHI had beaten the Covington boys to death, no TV network would air it. Not even Fox.
When mayors turn their cities over to violent mobs, and only keep the police around to disarm honest citizens, this is what happens to those on the wrong side of the mob. Expect more such murders soon.
If Nick Sandmann Had Smiled in 2020
I’m relieved and delighted by the miracle that spared Nick Sandmann their fate. Why did the left’s bullets miss him? A gang of rabid anti-white radicals — not Black Lives Matter, but the similarly unhinged Black Hebrew Israelites (BHI) — had been taunting, cursing and threatening the Covington boys for more than an hour. The “Indian tribal elder” apparently joined in on the BHI’s side. None of that would excuse Sandmann for smiling while white, of course. But through some divine intervention, one of the BHI thugs videotaped the whole encounter. He posted it online.
That raw footage showed how crudely CNN and others had doctored their accounts of the confrontation. No, the white teens hadn’t “crowded” or “mobbed” or surrounded the “tribal elder.” He’d marched up into their faces, banging a war drum. And they’d simply stood their ground.
That was enough to flip the narrative surrounding Mr. Sandmann. Would it be enough today? I really don’t think so. Today, the media would render the white pro-lifers’ simple refusal to kow-tow or take a knee as “provocative white privilege.” In 2020, the black cult members would feel emboldened to simply attack Sandmann and his friends. The police, badgered and threatened, would be far, far away, standing down at the mayor’s orders.
And even if the BHI had beaten the Covington boys to death, no TV network would air it. Not even Fox.
They’re Coming for Us
That’s where we stand in 2020, as leftists verbally tap dance on Mike Adams’ coffin. I wish Mr. Sandmann well, and advise him to take his money and move somewhere sane, like Poland. Maybe start a Catholic college there. Because the kind of leftists who dug up Adams’ columns from 20 years ago to goad him to his grave aren’t finished with Nick Sandmann. They can’t forgive his innocence, his victory, or his smile.
They’re coming for him. They’re coming for me. And then they’ll come for you and your kids.
Get yourself to the gun range. Make friends there. Organize local militias, to step in when the police (afraid for their pensions) meekly disband. We don’t need two Americans like the McCloskeys in St. Louis, but two million or ten million. That’s the only way this madness ends.
John Zmirak is a senior editor at The Stream, and author or co-author of ten books, including The Politically Incorrect Guide to Immigration and The Politically Incorrect Guide to Catholicism. He’s co-author with Jason Jones of “God, Guns, & the Government.”


thestream--2020-07-29--Military Photo of the Day: Training in Poland

U.S. Army soldiers fire an M1 Abrams main battle tank during a training exercise at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area @ @ @ @ @ , 2020 .
Wow !
Thanks to Jason Johnston for capturing this remarkable image .
@ @ @ @ @ Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political , Economic and Moral Issues of Our @ @

U.S. Army soldiers fire an M1 Abrams main battle tank during a training exercise at the Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area in Poland on July 21, 2020.
Wow! Thanks to Jason Johnston for capturing this remarkable image.
Please Support The Stream : Equipping Christians to Think Clearly About the Political, Economic, and Moral Issues of Our Day.