Friday, June 13, 2008

COURTING THE VATICAN, AGAIN?

2008-06-13-Visita Bush 02


Friday the 13 of June 2008

MAKING NICE WITH THE PONTIFF, AGAIN?

HE'S ON A ROLL!

KEEP YOU EYES ON THAT RED BALL.


Arsenio

BUSH TREATED TO WARM GREETING, RARE GARDEN STROLL...

Bush treated to warm greeting, rare garden stroll with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican

U.S. President George W. Bush, right, walks with Pope Benedict XVI to the Lourdes Grotto at the Vatican on Friday, June 13, 2008.


Friday, June 13, 2008

ROME - Pope Benedict XVI took U.S. President George W. Bush on a rare stroll through the lush grounds of the Vatican Gardens on Friday, stopping at a grotto where the pontiff prays daily.

"Your eminence, you're looking good," Bush told the pope shortly after arriving at the Vatican, launching the leaders' third visit together.

Normally, VIPS are received in the pope's library in the Apostolic Palace. That is where Bush had his first meeting with Benedict in June 2007.

But in a gesture of appreciation for the hearty welcome Bush gave him in Washington in April, Benedict welcomed the president and first lady Laura Bush near St. John's Tower in the lush Vatican Gardens.

On a brief tour, Benedict and Bush peered out from a tower balcony, and the president seemed awed by what he saw. The pope pointed out St. Peter's dome as he showed Bush the view.

"This is fantastic up here," Bush said. "Thank you so much for showing me this."

White House press secretary Dana Perino said the two leaders have the kind of relationship that allows them to speak frankly. They discussed such issues as human rights, HIV and AIDS in Africa, and poverty around the world, she said.

After their private meeting ended, Bush and Benedict posed for official photographs and exchanged gifts.

Bush and the pope then strolled through the gardens to see the Lourdes Grotto, which was donated to Pope Leo XIII at the turn of the century by French Catholics. Bush and Benedict sat in wooden patio-style chairs admiring the grotto as Mrs. Bush rejoined them.

Sirens in the city and the whirring of a helicopter overheard broke the silence in the placid scene - as did noisy parrots that flew right over the heads of the Bushes and the pontiff. Those sounds were soon drowned out by the performance of a young boys' choir.

Bush and the first lady personally thanked the beaming children when they finished singing.

Security was tight throughout Bush's two-day stay in Rome. The president spent about an hour at the Vatican. As he left, two helicopters tracked his motorcade as it sped along a freeway on its way to the airport.

A statement by the Vatican after Bush's visit said that the pope had "renewed his gratitude for the warm and special reception he received in the United States of America and at the White House in April, and for the commitment in defense of the fundamental moral values." The two leaders talked about relations between the U.S. and Europe, globalization, the world food crisis and international trade, among other topics, the Vatican said.

Bush and Benedict share much common ground, particularly in opposing abortion, gay marriage and embryonic stem cell research. But they disagree on other issues, including the war in Iraq, the death penalty and the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba.

Benedict's journey to the United States will be best remembered for his repeated comments about the shame of the church's clergy sexual abuse crisis. He held a dramatic private meeting with five abuse victims from the scandal-scarred Boston Archdiocese.

Bush, after his visit to the Vatican, flew to France where he was giving a speech in Paris to highlight a rebound in trans-Atlantic relations, which were fractured over the war in Iraq. He is also commemorating the 60th anniversary of the start of the Marshall Plan, the massive U.S. aid program to rebuild Europe after World War II.

Bush's vision of a new era of trans-Atlantic relations will last at least seven more months.

The next U.S. president will determine the tenor of future U.S.-European relations, but until then Bush will continue to capitalize on the election of Europe's newest powerbrokers, some of whom are less critical of the war in Iraq than their predecessors.

Bush said he is seeing the outlines of a "new era of trans-Atlantic unity" in the faces of Europe's current leaders like Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

"I see a commitment to a powerful and purposeful Europe that advances the values of liberty within its borders and beyond," Bush was to say in the speech Friday in Paris. "And when the time comes to welcome a new American president next January, I will be pleased to report to him that the relationship between the United States and Europe is the broadest and most vibrant it has ever been."

A few short years ago that was not the case. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and former French President Jacques Chirac clashed with Bush over the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Two of Bush's allies, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair and ex-Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar, paid a political price for backing Bush on the war, which fractured trans-Atlantic ties.

Bush has spent his second term successfully mending them.

Source: http://home.peoplepc.com/psp/newsstory.asp?cat=TopStories&id=20080613/4851f0c0_3426_1335020080613577271586

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P.S. The President of the United States strolling through the Lourdes Grotto with Ben Edict XVI???

What does that telegraph to the Protestant majority in the U.S.? Marytoly is the new gospel?

These two met in April; why the rush to visit so soon? What's wrong with this picture? Everything!

Separation between Church and State, to name the most important...

Arsenio

Keep your eyes on the ball ( the vatican).

SAYING WITH A LOUD VOICE...





Revelation 14


1And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

2And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps:

3And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth.

4These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

5And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

8And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

9And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

12Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

14And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

15And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe.

16And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped.

17And another angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle.

18And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.

19And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.



*Bolds and Highlights added for emphasis................. Arsenio

SABBATH VS SUNDAY ISSUE JOINS


Sabbath vs Sunday Issue Joins


The third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God. Rev. 14:9, 10.


Heretofore those who presented the truths of the third angel's message have often been regarded as mere alarmists. Their predictions that religious intolerance would gain control in the United States, that church and state would unite to persecute those who keep the commandments of God, have been pronounced groundless and absurd. . . . But as the question of enforcing Sunday observance is widely agitated, the event so long doubted and disbelieved is seen to be approaching, and the third message will produce an effect which it could not have had before. . . .



Men of faith and prayer will be constrained to go forth with holy zeal, declaring the words which God gives them. The sins of Babylon will be laid open. The fearful results of enforcing the observances of the church by civil authority, the inroads of spiritualism, the stealthy but rapid progress of the papal power --all will be unmasked. By these solemn warnings the people will be stirred. . . . As the people go to their former teachers with the eager inquiry, Are these things so? the ministers present fables, prophesy smooth things, to soothe their fears and quiet the awakened conscience. But since many refuse to be satisfied with the mere authority of men and demand a plain "Thus saith the Lord," the popular ministry, like the Pharisees of old, filled with anger as their authority is questioned, will denounce the message as of Satan and stir up the sin-loving multitudes to revile and persecute those who proclaim it.



As the controversy extends into new fields and the minds of the people are called to God's downtrodden law, Satan is astir. The power attending the message will only madden those who oppose it. The clergy will put forth almost superhuman efforts to shut away the light lest it should shine upon their flocks. By every means at their command they will endeavor to suppress the discussion of these vital questions. The church appeals to the strong arm of civil power, and, in this work, papists and Protestants unite.


Maranatha, E.G.W., p.172.

*** P.S. Bolds and Highlights added to heighten the impact of this message. (Arsenio)

Notice the parallels in this message to the recent "Sunday Law by Stealth" Sermon by Pastor Hal Mayer; In which the defenders of the Status Quo came out of the woodwork to state that no such Secret Meetings to impose the National Sunday Laws, could have taken place. Well, above (the pen of inspiration) you have the reasons why these defenders of the Beast and his Image were so quick to defend the enemy, and call 'the message' alarmist.

Arsenio

Thursday, June 12, 2008

RUSSIAN ROULETTE, THE GAME

Revolver


Russian Roulette, The Game

RUSSIAN ROULETTE is gambling game. The stakes are high, you might say you bet your life! As I understand it Russian Roulette got its name from a practice the KGB used to elicit information from those they interrogated. Here's how it worked. A bullet was placed into one of the chambers of the revolver. Then the KGB agent would ask the prisoner for information. If he did not get a satisfactory answer, the cylinder was closed and then spun, the hammer cocked, the gun placed to the head of the prisoner and the trigger pulled. If the hammer came down on an empty chamber, the prisoner lived, at least long enough to be asked another question. If the hammer came down on the bullet in the chamber, the prisoner dead. Many died at the hands of the KGB playing Russian Roulette. Unfortunately, from time to time, we read about people who willingly play this deadly game. Perhaps it is played more often than we would like to think, because the people we read about are those who bet their life and lost. I remember well the story of an actor who played Russian Roulette and lost. It was in the summer of 1985. Between filming movie scenes, macho-man actor John Eric Hexum was just fooling around. He placed a blank shell in the revolver he was using in the movie. No doubt he thought that blanks were harmless. He spun the cylinder, placed it to his temple, pulled the trigger and blasted the wadding of the blank into his temple. He played Russian Roulette and lost. It cost him his life!

Unfortunately, from time to time, we read about people who willingly play this deadly game. Perhaps it is played more often than we would like to think, because the people we read about are those who bet their life and lost. I remember well the story of an actor who played Russian Roulette and lost. It was in the summer of 1985. Between filming movie scenes, macho-man actor John Eric Hexum was just fooling around. He placed a blank shell in the revolver he was using in the movie. No doubt he thought that blanks were harmless. He spun the cylinder, placed it to his temple, pulled the trigger and blasted the wadding of the blank into his temple. He played Russian Roulette and lost. It cost him his life!

By now, perhaps you are wondering, "What is the point?" Let me make my point clear. While it is highly unlikely that anyone reading this article has ever or will ever be foolish enough to play Russian Roulette with a revolver, I believe there are many who, this very moment, are playing RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH THEIR SOULS!

What Playing Russian Roulette With Your Soul Means

When I refer to "playing Russian Roulette with your soul" I am referring to those who gamble on their eternal destiny by either being ignorant of or ignoring what the Bible says about how to be saved from your sins and go to Heaven. The Bible says you can know for sure that you have eternal life (are going to Heaven when you die). 1 John 5:13 says, These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

As you can see from 1 John 5:13 belief on the Son of God, Jesus Christ is the key to knowing where your going when you die. Jesus himself said, Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14:6 Peter put it this way -- Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts 4:12

I've shared this Gospel of Salvation with thousands people over the past twenty five years. Praise the Lord, hundreds have trusted Christ as their personal Savior. But, many that I have witnessed to are playing Russian Roulette with their souls. They are gambling that they that they won't go to Hell when they die. Over the years I have seen 7 common ways people play Russian Roulette with their souls. I'm going to liken each one to a bullet placed into a gun.

Seven Common Ways People Play Russian Roulette With Their Souls

  • BULLET #1 -- Believing Infant Baptism Will Get You To Heaven

One of the counterfeit doctrines that Satan has used effectively to obscure Biblical Salvation is the false doctrine of infant baptism. This damnable doctrine has deceived millions of adults into believing that because they had water sprinkled on their heads in a church service when they were babies, somehow this makes them fit Heaven. That's a lie. There is not one single verse in the entire Bible that tells us that babies should be baptized. The truth is, only believers, those who have trusted in Christ, are commanded to be baptized and then that is to be by immersion (Acts 8:36-38).

I'll never forget the first time I ran into this unbiblical doctrine. It was at a funeral. The person conducting the funeral waxed eloquent at the beginning of the service about this man's infant baptism. According to the comments, that somehow was supposed to make it possible for him to get into Heaven, provided enough candles were lit and enough masses were said. If the man in the casket believed that the speaker was saying, he had played Russian Roulette with his soul...and lost.

My friend, if you believe that your infant baptism saves you from your sins and makes you fit for Heaven, then you too are gambling with your soul and you will lose.

  • BULLET #2 -- There Are Many Roads To Heaven

It seems to me that this is one of the most popular fallacies being believed today. I have had many people tell me that this is what they believe. One incident that stands out in my mind is my interview with a witch. I had asked he if she knew Christ as her Savior. She responded by saying that it did not matter whether you believed in the Great Spirit, Buddha or Christ, etc. because these all were paths to God.

Popular or not, if you believe that there are many roads to God you are in for a shock the moment you die. You will find yourself in Hell and too late you will realize the truth of what the Bible says in Matthew 7:13-14. Enter ye in at the strait (narrow) gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

There are many on the road to destruction. That is a broad road. But there is only one door to the narrow way that leads to eternal life and Jesus Christ is that door. John 10:7-9 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

You are playing Russian Roulette with your soul if you buy the lie that there are many paths to God. There is just one path to God. That is through Jesus Christ the Lord. Allow me to repeat John 14:6 again -- Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • BULLET #3 -- Religious Service & Good Works Will Get You To Heaven

During my first pastorate I met an interesting old fellow. He was around 80 and he shared many interesting stories about Michigan history with me. I witnessed to him time and time again to no avail. Each time he would relate to me how he had been a choir boy. That was the bullet in his gun. He was gambling that his good works as a choir boy would take him to Heaven. But they were worthless. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. Titus 3:5 says, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; John 3:16-18 makes it clear that only believing in Christ can save us from condemnation -- For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. 18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

The family called upon me to do the old gents funeral. It was a hard one to do, because the man had gambled with his soul and lost!

What about you? Are you playing Russian Roulette with your soul?

  • BULLET #4 -- Belief In God Will Get You To Heaven

The grocery business sure has changed since I was a 4 year old. My parents used to take me to the little grocery store when they went shopping. They would sit me on the counter and then pick up what they needed in that four isle store. If things weren't too busy, the butcher would come out from behind the meat counter and talk with me. As I got older I would ride my bike the three or four blocks to that store and pick up things mom needed. I would always go back and talk to the butcher. He was my friend. In my late teen years I tried to witness to him. His response was, "I believe in God. We're all working to get to the same place. If we do the best we can I think we'll all get there Dave."

That was his answer. That was the end of the conversation. He did not want to talk about it any more. He had loaded his gun with that lie and he was betting his eternal soul on it! May God yet open his eyes to the truth of the Scriptures!

Look at James 2:19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. There is absolutely no saving merit in believing in God. The devil even does that much! You see, God is the one who laid out the plan of Salvation. 1 John 4:14 gives us a look at his plan. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. God has ordained that Salvation from our sins and Heaven comes only through his Son. If you really believed in God, you would do what he said. 1 John 2:23 issues a solemn warning Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father...

If you think that believing in God is going to keep you out of Hell you are gambling on a loosing proposition.

  • BULLET #5 -- Phony Decisions For Christ

One nationally known pastor said that he thought 50% of the people in his congregation who claimed to be Christians were not. I don't know about that, but I do remember a man who had been a Sunday School teacher, a trustee and a deacon in a Baptist Church where I had been the assistant pastor. I knew the man. He was busy for the Lord. I would have never guessed that he was not really a Christian. I a was surprised to learn that he had been playing Russian Roulette with his soul for almost 20 years. He finally give it up. He unloaded the gun and put his faith in Christ. He had made a counterfeit decision years earlier so he could marry a Christian girl. For years he was too proud to admit he was not really saved. Finally, after a major financial set back, he came to his senses and trusted Christ.

Listen friends, Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven... Matthew 7:21 You can use His name, you can pray, you can read the Bible, sing in the choir, teach a Sunday School class, but if you have never confessed that you are a sinner, repented of your sins and personally put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are not saved! You are playing Russian Roulette with your soul. I urge you to respond to 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

  • BULLET #6 -- Following False Teachers & Faulty Philosophies

Matthew 7:15 warns, Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

I interviewed a wolf in sheep's clothing recently. His name was Benjamin Creme. He claims to speak for the Christ (Lord Maitreya). In my interview I discovered he does not believe that all men are sinners. He says that the teachings of Christ are relative not absolute, the sex act (in or outside of marriage) becomes divine if performed with sincerity of spirit and he claims that Self-Realization, that is realizing that you are God, is the way to Heaven or Nirvana. Creme claims that God is an entity called Sanat Kumara, who came from Venus. We should worship him. 1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

There are many false prophets, numerous false Christ's and bizarre doctrines are as prevalent as manure in a stockyard. Read and heed the words of the Apostle Paul, Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Listen to the words of the Apostle John -- 1 John 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.

If you are have believed another Gospel than the Bible Gospel, If you have followed another Christ than the Bible Christ, if you are believing another doctrine than a Bible doctrine you are playing Russian Roulette with your soul!

  • BULLET #7 -- Procrastination: Putting Off A Decision For Christ

I was listening to Evangelist Fred Brown preach in Grand Rapids probably 15 years ago. He told us about an attractive teenager he had been witnessing to. He invited her to come to the evangelistic meetings and she came. It was obvious that she was under conviction, but she did not respond to the invitation. The evangelist met her at the back door and urged he to be saved, but she would not be persuaded. She said, "I've got too much living to do. Perhaps when I am older." He pleaded with her reminding her of 2 Corinthians. 6:2, Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. She left without receiving Christ. Later that evening she was killed in a fiery car crash. Tragically, she had played Russian Roulette with her soul and lost.

SUMMARY

I have shared with you 7 COMMON WAYS THAT PEOPLE PLAY RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH THEIR SOULS...

1. They rely on infant baptism thinking it will get them to Heaven

2. They believe there are many paths to God

3. They trust in their religious activities & good works to get them to Heaven

4. They think belief in God is all that matters

5. They made a phony decision for Christ

6. They follow false teachers & faulty philosophies

7. They procrastinate: I'll trust Christ later

Some of you reading this message are doing the same things. Friend, the gun is loaded and you are pulling the trigger and sooner or later the hammer is going to come down on the shell -- BOOM...YOU ARE IN ETERNITY WITHOUT CHRIST, IN HELL, FOREVER.

RECEIVE CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR NOW! If you are not sure how to do that, then follow...

THE ROMAN ROAD TO HEAVEN

(The title comes from the fact that all of this article is from the Bible's book of Romans)

  • WHO IS GOOD?
    Romans 3:10 - "As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one."
  • WHO HAS SINNED?
    Romans 3:23 - "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
  • WHERE SIN CAME FROM?
    Romans 5:12 - "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."
  • GOD'S PRICE ON SIN?
    Romans 6:23
    - "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
  • OUR WAY OUT?
    Romans 5:8 - "But God commendeth (proved) His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 10:910 - "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt
believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shalt not be ashamed."

Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Why not call upon the Lord right now and ask him to Save you from your sins.

Pray something like this --

Dear Lord Jesus,
I confess that I am a sinner and need your forgiveness.
I believe that you, Lord Jesus Christ, died for my sins and rose again from the dead.
I now trust only in you Christ to save me from my sins and take me to Heaven.
Come into my life, forgive my sins and save my soul.
Thank you for hearing my prayer. AMEN

If you have made a decision to trust Christ as you Savior as a result of reading this page, drop me a note. E-mail: logos@logosresourcepages.org

May God richly bless you.

Pastor David L. Brown, Ph.D.
P. O. BOX 173, Oak Creek, WI 53154
© 1997, David L. Brown -- May not be reproduced for resale & if reproduced,
it must be reproduced in its entirety including this notice.

Source: http://logosresourcepages.org/SavingGrace/roulette.htm

A CHARISMATIC LOOKS AT BOTH SIDES OF THE FLORIDA OUTPOURING

A Charismatic Looks At Both Sides Of The Florida Outpouring


In our nation today thousands have been swept into the current of the Lakeland Revival in Florida, which began in early April in evangelist Todd Bentley’s meetings at Ignited Church. The fervor quickly spread because of God TV’s broadcasts, and today up to 10,000 gather nightly at a venue near the city’s airport. In recent days, people who were touched in Lakeland have started similar meetings in Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte N.C. and other cities. Bentley and his colleagues believe this is the beginning of a worldwide healing revival that will cover the globe. But not everyone in the charismatic/Pentecostal community is convinced. Some say this is the last end-time revival while others maintain it is a demonic counterfeit. Cult-watchers and anti-heresy bloggers post Bentley’s comments on YouTube as evidence of a theological scandal. Revival advocates respond by posting documented evidence of healings. It all begins to resemble a childish competition. Still others worry that Lakeland represents a questionable mixture of truth and error. Since the initial eruption of the revival, my inbox has been full of messages from charismatic leaders who are concerned about weighty issues as well as trivial ones: Everything from Bentley’s tattoos and body piercings to his claim that he once interviewed the apostle Paul in heaven. When I wrote an article in mid-May calling for scrutiny of some aspects of the Lakeland Revival, I was labeled a Pharisee and a “religious policeman.” People who said they had been deeply impacted by the Holy Spirit in Lakeland used spiritual threats and harsh terms to tell me that I had become the enemy. I refuse to go on the defensive, and if I need to retract any statement I’ve ever made about this revival I will. But what these nasty exchanges have shown me is that a divisive spirit is certainly at work in our midst—and we need urgent prayer to short-circuit what the devil wants to do........... read more



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Source: http://www.prophecynewswatch.com

FOOD SCARCITY 'CREATING NEW WORLD ORDER'

Food Scarcity 'Creating New World Order'


Unprecedented food scarcity is beginning to dictate the rules of a new political order where individual countries are scrambling to secure their own food supplies with little concern for the rest of the world, says the founder of the Earth Policy Institute. Recent manifestations of national food insecurity like export restrictions imposed by some grain-producing countries are the troublesome portents of an "entirely new chapter in the book of food security," Lester Brown told foreign correspondents in Beijing on Tuesday. "We are in the midst of the most severe food crisis in the world's history," Brown said. "This is not your mother's food shortage...but a chronically tight food situation, a serious and long-term problem.'' Politicians have been meeting in Rome to find global solutions to soaring food prices and civil unrest caused by food shortages, but in reality many countries are already acting unilaterally to secure supplies for the future. From Africa to Asia, countries are scrambling to buy or lease land overseas to grow crops and feed their people. China, which has to feed the world's largest population, has taken the lead by contracting land in Tanzania, Laos, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and others. India has set its eyes on Uruguay and Paraguay, while South Korea is looking for farming deals in Sudan and Siberia. Libya and Egypt for their part have been negotiating deals to lease land in Ukraine. The worry here, according to Brown, is that "the more influential countries would be able to secure food supplies, leaving a number of low-income, less influential countries with no food to import." "This could create a lot of desperate countries," he says. The United Nations says soaring prices of basic foods such as rice and other cereals could affect around 100 million of the world's poorest people. In Asia, rice prices have almost tripled this year alone, leading many governments to fear the consequences if the poor cannot afford to buy their staple food............. read more

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Source: http://us.oneworld.net/article/view/160799/1/

BUSH'S EURO-PEAN " MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR"

Roll up.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

Roll up.
And that's an invitation.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
To make a reservation.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

The Magical Mystery Tour
Is waiting to take you away.
Waiting to take you away.

Roll up.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

Roll up.
We got everything you need.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
Satisfaction guaranteed.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

The Magical Mystery Tour
Is hoping to take you away.
Hoping to take you away.

(Mystery Tour..)
Ah.. The Magical Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

Roll up.
And that's an invitation.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.
Roll up.
To make a reservation.
Roll up for the Mystery Tour.

The Magical Mystery Tour
Is coming to take you away.
Coming to take you away.

The Magical Mystery Tour
Is dying to take you away.
Dying to take you away.
Take you today.
by
The Beatles

87

Making International deals without a script?

Watch that Vatican visit; Can't see enough of his wholi-ness? One last look as Head?

Arsenio.

WOMAN STRUCK AND KILLED BY SUBWAY IN BROOKLYN

Woman struck and killed by subway train in Brooklyn

by Associated Press
Thursday June 12, 2008, 7:20 AM

New York City police say a woman has been struck and killed by a subway train in Brooklyn.

Authorities say the woman was hit by a southbound Q train shortly before 3:30 a.m. Thursday at East 16th Street and Beverly Road in the Flatbush neighborhood.

Police are investigating but don't suspect criminality.

A Metropolitan Transportation Authority spokeswoman says southbound service on the Q line is operating on the N line between DeKalb and Stillwell avenues.

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Source: http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/06/woman_struck_and_killed_by_sub.html

MALVERNE BUILDER FACES MANSLAUGHTER IN WALL COLLAPSE

alt

Malverne builder faces manslaughter in wall collapse

William Lattarulo had a simple reply for his laborers when they became concerned about a possible cave-in at his Brooklyn construction site in March, according to investigators: "Don't worry about it."

But now Lattarulo, 62, of Malverne, has plenty to worry about after his arrest yesterday on manslaughter charges stemming from the March 12 collapse of a wall, which killed a $100-a-day worker from Ecuador.

Smothered in the accident was Lauro Ortega, 30, an illegal immigrant and father of two living in Brooklyn.

At a news conference, Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said Lattarulo recklessly cut costs and ignored safety measures during the construction of a self-service laundry behind 795 Glenmore Ave. in East New York.

"It is a case really of greed leading to the unthinkable, the death of Lauro Ortega," Hynes said.

Lattarulo decided not to pay $90,000 for the services of a contractor to do excavation and proper underpinning work on the building where the foundation collapsed, Hynes said.

"He saved $90,000 and Lauro Ortega lost his life," Hynes said.

Michael Vecchione, chief of Hynes' rackets division, explained that although the project had necessary permits, Lattarulo tried to do the construction work himself without the help of qualified contractors. The underpinning or support work on the building foundation was "done in a shoddy way" and gave only some support, Vecchione said.

Although a construction expert had told Lattarulo that the site was dangerous and despite warnings from workers that the building was vibrating, work continued until the cave-in, Vecchione said.

"Don't worry about it," was Lattarulo's response to the laborers' stated fears of a possible accident, noted Vecchione, adding that the damaged building had to be torn down.

A dazed-looking, handcuffed Lattarulo was brought to state Supreme Court in Brooklyn for his arraignment on charges of second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and reckless endangerment.

"Yeah, I am bewildered," Lattarulo said as he walked into the courthouse.

Judge Sheryl Parker set bail at $25,000 and Lattarulo was expected to post it later yesterday. He faces a maximum of 5 to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter.

Defense attorney Norman Steiner of Yonkers called Ortega's death a tragic accident.

"It was an accident and accidents happen at construction sites," said Steiner outside court.

He castigated the city for holding news conferences instead of inspecting work sites.

Staff writer April Warren contributed to this story.

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Source: http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nycont125723769jun12,0,4472691.story

CON ED CREWS RESPONDING TO OUTAGES...



Storm Update: Con Edison Crews Responding to Outages From High Winds and Rain


NEW YORK, NY, Jun 11, 2008 (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) ----Con Edison crews continue to respond to scattered outages throughout Westchester County and the Bronx after Tuesday evening's storm toppled trees and power lines throughout the company's service area.


Additional crews from Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island drove to the Bronx and Westchester County to assist in the restoration of power.


Con Edison said today that approximately 3,000 customers in Westchester County and 150 in the Bronx are without electrical service because of severe rain and wind from last night's thunderstorm. The majority of customers that are currently out of service are expected to be restored by midnight tonight. At the height of the storm, more than 18,500 customers had lost electricity.


Customers can go online to check their own restoration time for their home or business at www.ConEd.com.


Among the hardest hit Westchester communities were Mount Vernon, Rye, New Rochelle, and Pelham. Also affected were the Country Club and Laconia neighborhoods in the Bronx.


The company asks customers to report power interruptions or service problems online at www.conEd.com, or by calling Con Edison's toll-free customer service number 1-800-75-CON ED (1-800-752-6633). When reporting an outage, customers should have their Con Edison account number available, if possible, and report whether their neighbors also have lost power.


Con Edison offers the following safety tips:

 -- If you see downed electrical wires,
do not go near them. Treat all downed wires as if they are live. Never attempt to move or touch them with any object. Be mindful
that downed wires can be hidden from view by tree limbs, leaves or water. -- Report all downed wires to Con Edison and your
local police department immediately. If a power line falls on your car while you're in it, stay inside the vehicle and wait
for emergency personnel. -- When reporting an outage, report whether your neighbors have also lost power. Leave at least one
light switch in the on position to alert you when power has been restored. -- Avoid opening your freezer to see if food is
still frozen. Every time you open the door, room-temperature air enters and speeds the thawing process. Most fully loaded
freezers will keep food frozen for approximately 36 to 48 hours; half-full freezers will keep food frozen for approximately
24 hours.

Con Edison will provide updates to affected customers both directly and through the media as the situation warrants. In addition, important information will also be posted on the company's Web site, www.conEd.com. The company is in constant communication with the New York City Office of Emergency Management and or the Westchester County Department of Emergency Services.

 Contact: Media Relations 212-460-4111 

SOURCE: Con Edison Co. of NY, Inc.

Source: http://www.foxbusiness.com/story/markets/industries/energy/storm-update-edison-crews-responding-outages-high-winds-rain/

FINAL CALL TO COME OUT OF BABYLON




Revelation 18



1And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.

2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.

3For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.

4And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

5For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.

6Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.

7How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.

8Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.

9And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,

10Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

11And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:

12The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,

13And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.

14And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.

15The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,

16And saying, Alas, alas that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!

17For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,

18And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!

19And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.

20Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.

21And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.

22And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;

23And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

24And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.


Wednesday, June 11, 2008

FAITH LETS SOME KIDS SKIP SHOTS

VACCINATIONS

Faith Lets Some Kids Skip Shots


 Barbara Loe Fisher is leading a national campaign seeking broad exemptions from vaccination mandates. Most states already allow parents to opt out on religious grounds.
Barbara Loe Fisher is leading a national campaign seeking broad exemptions from vaccination mandates. Most states already allow parents to opt out on religious grounds. (Dayna Smith for The Washington Post)

Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, June 10, 2008; Page HE01

In public health circles they are known as "exempters" -- parents who for reasons of faith or philosophy choose not to immunize their children against diseases such as measles and whooping cough. Some exempters claim that childhood vaccines contain unnatural or harmful ingredients; others say they regard vaccination as a "dark force" that conflicts with their belief in a benevolent deity; still others are members of a religion that bars invasive procedures.

Regardless of the reason, the ranks of parents exercising nonmedical exemptions to vaccination are growing, public health officials say. Although the number remains small and involves an estimated 2 to 3 percent of the approximately 3 million children who start kindergarten annually, the trend alarms some experts. They worry that parents' fears are being stoked by misinformation about vaccines that abounds on the Internet and are using religion as an excuse to opt out of immunization. This refusal, scientists say, threatens a cornerstone of public health.

"People are motivated by their fears," said Paul Offit, chief of the division of infectious diseases at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and one of the most outspoken defenders of vaccines. "Young mothers today don't see these diseases, they didn't grow up with them. Vaccines were not a hard sell" several decades ago, when people saw children killed by measles, brain-damaged from haemophilus influenzae or deaf after a case of mumps.

"I think religious exemptions are used as a default," said Offit, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania who has written several books on vaccines.

Half a dozen studies, Offit noted, have found no link between vaccines and autism, one of the major objections cited by those who spurn immunization. The overwhelming consensus among scientists, he said, is that the benefits of vaccination greatly outweigh the risks.

But that view is rejected by such anti-immunization groups as Vaccine Liberation and Citizens for Vaccine Choice. They claim the shots are harmful and urge parents to exercise their right to avoid them.

Two weeks ago, a Northern Virginia-based group called the National Vaccine Information Center launched a campaign calling for "broad exemptions for medical, religious and conscientious belief reasons." According to Barbara Loe Fisher, the group's co-founder, "forcing vaccination is a violation of human rights."

Every state and the District grants medical exemptions to children who are allergic to components of vaccines or whose immune systems are too compromised to benefit from them. And all but two states -- West Virginia and Mississippi -- allow parents to opt out on religious grounds.

In some states, such as Maryland, parents need only sign a form claiming a religious exemption, while parents in Virginia and the District must submit a notarized statement.

In recent years lawmakers in 21 states, none of them local, have created "personal-belief" or philosophical exemptions that permit children to skip vaccines on the grounds that they conflict with a parent's views.

"Many states are making personal-belief exemptions easier," said Saad B. Omer, a vaccine researcher at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. "Filing for an exemption should at least be a function of conviction, not laziness."

In 2006, Omer and other vaccine researchers published a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association which examined rates of pertussis, or whooping cough, in states with personal-belief exemptions and those where nonmedical exemptions were easy to obtain.


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Next >

STORM SYSTEM BREAKS HEATWAVE, KNOCKS OUT POWER

Storm system breaks heatwave, knocks out power

Updated




2h 7m ago

A bolt of lightning strikes the ground somewhere in Montgomery County, Pa. on Tuesday June 10, 2008, as a man, seated at left, watches a passing thunderstorm in Bryn Athen, Pa.
By Joseph Kaczmarek, AP
A bolt of lightning strikes the ground somewhere in Montgomery County, Pa. on Tuesday June 10, 2008, as a man, seated at left, watches a passing thunderstorm in Bryn Athen, Pa.




One man is dead and his wife hospitalized with carbon monoxide poisoning in Montgomery County, Pa., where severe storms knocked out power to thousands of homes.

Officials say a backup generator was being used at the couple's home in King of Prussia after strong thunderstorms knocked out electrical service to the area on Tuesday evening.

Police were called to the home after 9 a.m. Wednesday after the woman, a school teacher, failed to report for work. The coroner's office was called and the woman was airlifted to a hospital.

Investigators are trying to determine if the generator was the source of the fumes.

Thousands of customers remain without power because the storms brought down trees and power lines, especially in Montgomery and Chester counties.

Fast-moving storms that rolled through upstate New York on Tuesday are blamed for at least two deaths.

Tuesday's storms knocked over trees, brought down power lines and damaged homes in an area stretching from the Rochester area to the Catskills and the Vermont border.

Authorities in St. Lawrence County in northern New York issued an advisory against unnecessary travel because of extensive storm damage there.

National Grid reported about 28,000 of its customers were without power Wednesday, most of them in central and northern New York. New York State Electric & Gas reported about 15,000 without power, most of them in the Catskills, while Central Hudson Gas & Electric said it had 30,000 outages in Ulster, Dutchess and Orange counties.

Improved weather will help crews restore power to some NYSEG customers Wednesday, but others may not get their electricity back until Friday, utility spokesman Clayton Ellis said. National Grid expected to have power restored in some areas by the end of the day, but the utility said power restoration estimates for some of the hardest hit areas in northern New York hadn't been determined.

Logger Kenneth Yousey Jr., 47, was killed in Lewis County when he was hit by a tree blown down by high winds and a 51-year-old Pennsylvania man died after his motorcycle hit a tree that had fallen across an Adirondack road.

State police said Gordon Hall Jr. of New Columbia, Pa., was riding in the town of Wilmington when his motorcycle hit the fallen tree. He was later pronounced dead at a Lake Placid hospital.

The heat wave has ended in New Jersey, but the misery continued Wednesday for thousands whose electricity was knocked out when thunderstorms downed trees and power lines in northern counties.

The storm also disrupted rail service for some morning commuters and led to school closings in several towns.

No injuries were reported, but a number of cars were damaged by falling trees, including in Cliffside Park, where Christopher Henze described what he heard and felt.

"Just sort of one amazingly intense gust that went by and I heard it in my house. It felt like my roof was going to come off my house. Got my attention real quick," Henze told WNBC-TV in New York. "Then I heard stuff falling in my yard. My immediate thought was for my 1-year-old."

Public Service Electric & Gas says about 90,500 customers are without power in Passaic, Bergen, Hudson and Essex counties. That's down from about 150,000 on Tuesday night.

Some may not have power for several days because of damage to transmission equipment, PSE&G spokeswoman Patty Johnson said.

JCP&L reported about 2,900 customers don't have electricity in parts of Sussex, Passaic, Morris and Somerset counties. At its peak, about 21,000 were without power. JCP&L expects to have everyone restored by the end of Wednesday.

NJ Transit suspended morning train service on the Montclair-Boonton line, but said it would resume operations about 1 p.m. and a normal evening commute was expected.

NJ Transit also reported significant delays of up to two hours on the Morris & Essex lines because of damage from the powerful storms, but those were expected to ease during the afternoon.

The agency said 16 trees fell onto its tracks, downing power and signal lines in a number of locations.

Rail tickets will be honored on NJ Transit and DeCamp buses as well as the Newark Light Rail.

More travel troubles and power outages were being reported in Connecticut as well.

Thousands of Connecticut Light & Power Co. customers in lower Fairfield County lost electricity, most of them in New Canaan. Widespread outages were also reported in Litchfield County, including all 832 customers in Colebrook at one point and 2,700 in Salisbury.

CL&P reported Wednesday morning that nearly 15,100 of its more than 1 million customers in Connecticut remained without power, down from 31,200 outages overnight. The Berlin-based utility sent out crews to repair damage and clear downed trees.

The United Illuminating Co. said more than 4,000 of its customers in southern Connecticut were without electricity, mostly in Bridgeport and Stratford.

Metro-North officials said there was no train service on the New Canaan branch Wednesday morning. They said the storms knocked over a huge tree that pulled down seven catenary lengths of overhead wire and damaged much of the supporting steel.

Rail service officials said the 2,000 customers who use the New Canaan branch during the morning peak were told they could catch a train at the Stamford station.

Repairs were expected to be completed in time for afternoon peak service. There were enough buses available to provide midday, off-peak service, train officials said.

Temperatures are expected to be in the 80s for the next few days with lower humidity, bringing relief after temperatures broke 100 degrees in parts of the Northeast earlier in the week.

Public Service of New Hampshire said almost 1,000 homes and businesses were still without power by late morning Wednesday — many in the northern part of the state and around the town of Newport.

"We believe most customers should have power restored this morning," said spokesman Martin Murray.

At the height of the storm, nearly 20,000 homes and businesses were without power.

Temperatures in Concord reached 98 degrees Tuesday — breaking the 1959 record for June 10 of 95 degrees. Manchester reported temperatures of 100 degrees.

The storms moved through in waves, beginning in the afternoon and continuing into the night. They brought hail and strong winds that dropped trees and limbs. Lightning was almost constant in some areas.

The storms were caused by a cold front that collided with the hot, humid air, according to Art Lester, a meteorological technician with the National Weather Service. They hit western New Hampshire after rolling across New York state Tuesday afternoon.

Hail as large as 1 1/4 inches in Jackson was reported. Smaller hail was reported in Sandwich and Gorham.

The Weather Service says a funnel cloud — like a tornado that doesn't touch the ground — was seen near Gorham around 5 p.m.

But it looks like the hot, humid weather is over ... at least for the moment.

"The cold front brought an end to the heat wave," Lester said. "We're going to have fair weather for the next few days."

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

STOP THE IRAN SABER RATTLING AND GIVE DIPLOMACY A CHANCE



Our view on the Middle East:


Stop the Iran saber rattling and give diplomacy a chance


Jun 11, 12:22 AM ET



Last year, Republican presidential candidate John McCain famously responded to a question about the Middle East by singing "bomb, bomb, bomb — bomb, bomb Iran" to the tune of the Beach Boys' Barbara Ann. McCain's joke wasn't funny at the time and, once again, the issue is turning deadly serious.


(Photo - In April: President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tours a uranium enrichment facility in Iran / AP)


Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert spoke in Washington of "drastic measures," and one of his Cabinet ministers warned that Israel will attack Iran if it doesn't abandon its nuclear program. On a trip to Europe on Tuesday, President Bush said that if Iran gets a nuclear weapon, "the free world is going to say, why didn't we do something about it at the time?"



The question is, what should that something be? For now, Bush is pushing "strong diplomacy" and a new focus on a package of carrots and sticks. That's the appropriate approach. Loose language about bombing or not bombing Iran is as dangerous and simplistic as the debate between McCain and Democrat Barack Obama over talking or not talking to its leaders.



Most experts believe it will be a few years before Iran can make a nuclear weapon. That leaves time for a new diplomatic push. So far, efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons have involved intermittent talks with three European Union countries and United Nations sanctions that have been watered down because of objections from Russia and China, which do business with Iran.



The latest diplomatic effort starts as early as next week with a trip to Iran by the EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana, and diplomats from major powers. Solana is expected to offer Iran incentives such as help building the nuclear power plants that Iran says are all it wants — and threaten more sanctions, including on Iranian banks, for continued defiance of a U.N. Security Council demand to stop enriching uranium. A main purpose is to make sure ordinary Iranians know exactly what the stakes are for them.



For the rest of the world, those stakes are huge. A nuclear-armed Iran could pose a mortal threat to Israel, menace its neighbors and trigger an arms race across the notoriously unstable region.



But one major lesson of the debacle in Iraq is that pre-emptive military action against any country should be a last resort. Airstrikes against Iran, by the United States or its ally Israel, would have consequences far greater than the Israeli attacks on nuclear facilities in Iraq in 1981 and a presumed site in Syria last year. Such strikes would be unlikely to disable all of Iran's dispersed and buried nuclear facilities. The strikes would unite ordinary Iranians, many of whom like the USA, and set back hopes they might one day overthrow the repressive leadership.



Iran is among the world's leading oil producers, and attacks would likely send oil prices soaring to levels that would make $130 a barrel look cheap. Even last week's warning by the Israeli Cabinet minister helped prompt a $10-a-barrel jump in a single day. Strikes could also turn the complex U.S.-Iranian Cold War in the region into a hot war, including through Iranian proxies in Iraq, the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.



Military action shouldn't be taken off the table, but it shouldn't be at the head of it, either. If diplomacy fails, a fateful decision will have to be made over which is worse: attacking Iran or allowing it to have nuclear weapons. That point has not been reached.


Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/usatoday/20080611/cm_usatoday/ourviewonthemiddleeaststoptheiransaberrattlingandgivediplomacyachance