Sunday, December 13, 2015

Centuries of Terrorism Advice, Today



CENTURIES OF TERRORISM ADVICE,

                                          TODAY

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A 15th century Frenchman, by the name of Montaigne confessed,
"There are many terrible things in my life, but most of them never happened."

Confronted with today's terrors, amplified in our present political climate, we could easily forget that our enemy is, in fact, fear.  In the words of a contemporary author, Rick Yancey,
 "Fear consumes the truth and poisons all the evidence, leading us to false assumptions and irrational conclusions."
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Perhaps the comedian/actor, Mark Williams, describes our natural reaction to the existing environment accurately saying, "The brain's alarm signals start to be triggered not only by the current scare, but by past threats and future worries."  He goes on to explain that when we contemplate, "...other threats and losses, as well as the current scenario, our bodies' flight-or fight systems do not switch off when the danger is past.  Unlike the gazelles," he points out, "we don't stop running."
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For Christians to allow this instinct to rule our thoughts and actions is inexcusable.  As the Psalmist of nearly three thousand years ago said, "I will fear no evil: for thou art with me."  The real danger is that we will react “naturally” to our present situation, with fear, instead of compassion and yes, love as the Spirit of Jesus Christ directs…even toward those who may be potential enemies. 
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Like Franklin D. Roosevelt, over 64 years ago proclaimed in English, what the 15th century French philosopher originally voiced, in his language five centuries earlier, "The thing I fear most is fear."  Montaigne's warning is still as applicable  today.  To drive home his point he insisted,
 "He who fears he will suffer,  already suffers what he fears."

Friday, December 4, 2015

Solving Mass-Murder Epid.



SOLVING MASS-MURDER EPIDEMIC
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All of us will benefit from a united approach to our mass-murder epidemic.  At present, there is no single universally acceptable solution, though many offer hope. 
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I believe our united concerns, goals, interests, and needs when focused on a situation, hold the answer.  Together, let us attempt to re-frame the problem to achieve and present a synthesized solution to our political leaders.
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Please take a moment to indicate your opinion, concerning mass-murders in the United States, by answering the four questions below.  If you have no thoughts on the topic, indicate that as well.  Otherwise, answer as many of them as you can.  
 THERE ARE NO WRONG ANSWERS OR OPINIONS:
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A) What is the major cause (or causes) of mass-murder in the USA?
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B) What is your preferred solution to the problem? 
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C) What makes it your favorite remedy? 
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D) What are the most important issues shaping your preference?
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If you chose, responses may be left on my blog. Click on the pencil icon.  I will not respond or keep your addresses, unless you specifically request that I do so. 
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 Those answering from outside the USA, please note that fact. 
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Thank you for your participation.