To the Editor,
Kudos to Jeff Erding for writing “Fact Checking the Haters,” April 20, 2020; as a counter to the misinformation and outright lies put out by the left-leaning mainstream media. As expected, the leftist media is exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to smear him as a complete “failure” and even describing him as a “sociopath” while gleefully discussing how this pandemic can help the Democratic Socialists in 2020.
Why do Leftists hate America? America is a massive refutation of their utopian fantasy, universal equality. They compare America with their vision of a perfect country which has never existed. Rather than change their false theories, they lash out at America and conservatives, including Trump.
If we consider a “perfect” country, it is not hard to find problems in America: racial prejudice, economic exploitation and inequality, greed, etc. However, countries do not exist in fantasyland; they exist in the real world. However, the world that surrounds us is not too idyllic. If we compare the US to its surroundings, America is the one that begins to resemble an idealized paradise. Otherwise, why do so many foreign nationals risk life and limb to get to America?
In any election, the overriding consideration in voting should be the political ideologies associated with candidates and the direction America should take. Is it:
a. American Conservatism, promoted by Republicans and founded on Biblical/Christian principles that have resulted in the greatest country to have ever existed? Or,
b. Democratic Socialism, based on godless Marxism that has resulted in catastrophic failure with over 100 million people murdered by their governments in the 20 th century alone, with millions more living in poverty and misery whenever and wherever it’s been tried? Venezuela is a current example.
Gerald J. Boyum
Rochester, Minn.
GERALD BOYUM says
Reply to Greg Rendahl’s Response, May 26, 2020
1. Nice try in your non-answers and non-sequiturs in an attempt to dodge the questions. These items are not rhetorical questions; to get anywhere in a discussion of reality, I need good, realistic answers. I’ve listed fundamental issues- some are mutually exclusive (like a coin toss- either heads or tails); i.e., God either exists or He doesn’t. The evidence for a Creator God is all around us, starting with us humans and the natural world. “The heavens declare the glory of God and the earth shows his handiwork.” (Psalms 19-1)
2.“… hard won socialism…”. The items you’ve listed are social programs, not socialism which is a political and economic system. There are huge differences, but too many people use them interchangeably. These programs can be administered by any form of government, including socialist and even communist ones.
Here are some of the key elements of a socialist government: ultimate authority, The State; anti-God, anti-Christian, anti-America, anti-family, etc.; government ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods, no limits on government power, centralized planning of economy, diminished individual liberties, one-party system, control of media and education, etc.
3. Compromise. There is a spectrum of beliefs, from Hard Left to Hard Right; not all Leftists would agree with all of the Hard Left positions just as most American conservatives would not agree with the Hard Right positions. Examples of Hard Right would be Iran. Left positions in the real world are those of North Korea, former Soviet Union, Cuba, etc. where people are killed or imprisoned for not supporting the current regime.
Key fundamentals are non-negotiable; any compromise on these means that a person no longer believes in them. However, some polls use a spectrum of “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree” and “Undecided”, The sum of answers will determine where a person stands on these major issues and the subsequent positions. Incidentally, I’ve seen only one survey that uses the fundamental belief or foundation that starts with the existence of a supernatural creator:
a. God either exists or He doesn’t. It’s a “YES/NO” answer. This is the most important decision a person can make. Ideas have consequences and theological ideas have tremendous consequences.
The answers to this vital question separate the “wheat from the chaff” right up front and will determine how a person, especially politicians, would respond to the following choices. No survey is really valid if the starting point or foundation is omitted. As I’ve mentioned before, the political ideology supported by candidates, especially at the federal and state levels is the key determinant as to how a person should vote: it determines the future path of our country.
Put me down as “Strongly Agree” or ”Yes” on the critical choices. Strong Atheists would respond as “Strongly Disagree” or “No” for #1. This is irrational- a person would have to have the knowledge of a god to make such a statement- ability to know what’s in the whole universe and all its dimensions!
Iran, a theocracy, would be a “Strong Right” selection followed by Saudi Arabia and other Islamic countries that execute people for not “believing. America now would be closer to the middle, whereas in colonial times, it would have been farther to the right
b. Origin Of Man. Divine Creation or Evolution of Man. “Yes” or “Strongly Agree”. There is no evidence whatsoever that supports “molecule-monkey-man evolution.
c. Man’s Nature. Flawed, not changeable vs. basically good and changeable. It is impossible to develop any system involving human interaction, especially government, without answering this question. It was the reason why the Founders designed our government with separation of power (three branches) and limits on government (Bill of Rights). The Soviets tried for 70 years to develop “The New Soviet Man”, but they failed as did the Soviet Union.
4. “…President I was not ashamed of.” You can clarify this statement by identifying what a Chief Executive of the United States is responsible for; i.e. a “job description”. Candidates are “interviewing” for this position as are all the others for “key open positions” in Federal and States. We, the voters, will be making “hiring choices” and you’d think that this would be obvious, but it’s not. Why not? Is it the attitude of media and education that we really don’t want an educated citizenry, but one that can be manipulated by propaganda and indoctrination? Do I have to develop this critical item? I don’t mean you or other citizens; I’m talking political parties, think tanks, higher education, etc. Of course, if any of them actually would tackle this critical element; it would most quickly devolve into vague nonsense, non-actionable generalities and emotional appeals designed to confuse and manipulate the public as is too often now. The founding documents would be the first places to start when writing job descriptions.
For the presidency, I’ll start with the #1 priority for any leader and others in the Federal and state governments: defend America from all foreign and internal enemies. Failure here would render anything less meaningless. Just ask the French during WWII and South Koreans during that war.
Greg Rendahl says
On your point 2, virtually all progressives want more and better “social programs.” Your concerns over communism and socialism approach the hysterical. The Trump Administration is constantly seeking more authority both directly from Trump and from the endless string of sycophantic subordinates. Today’s cult iteration of conservative Christianity is an anti-Christ movement that makes a sick joke of Christ’s teachings. Money and power, the God of Mammon takes over. The Federalist Society with Trump and Republicans are shoving corporate-loving, money-loving judges down our throats that will plague our nation for years.
Greg Rendahl says
Hello, Mr. Boyum. On your point 1, I and most folks don’t care about the opinions of Alexander (?) or David Barton. On point 2, “smallpox blankets” are a speculative possibility, but other cases of mass killings of Indians are undeniable facts. The 5,000 mile forced march on the Trail of Tears left thousands dead. The massacre at Wounded Knee was so despicable that large numbers of medals of honor were given to our soldiers. On point 3, yes, Christians were a very important force that led to the end of slavery in the British Empire and in America. 1% or less of black slaves were owned by free blacks. Large southern farmers were the driving force in the continuation of slavery. They worshiped money over decency which nearly destroyed the United States. Despicably, one still sometimes sees the most evil symbol in American history, the Confederate flag. On point 4, you make the totally false statement that one political party seeks to “eliminate charitable organizations.” Interestingly, none of your Bible verses come from The Gospels. Conservative Christians seem to always spend more efforts on the opinions of ancient figures other than Christ. “Sell your possessions, and give to the poor” Luke 12:33. “You can not serve both God and Money” Matt 6:24. The man with two shirts must share with him who has none, and anyone with food must do the same” Luke 3:11. “sell everything you have and distribute to the poor” Luke 18:22. and Mark 10:21 “It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” Mark 10:25. See also: Luke 6:20, Luke 14:33, and Luke 16: 10-15. Now days there are growing numbers of fake Christian ministers who preach the “prosperity gospel” aimed at those who hate Christ’s teachings.
GERALD BOYUM says
1.“… I and most folks”? Here is a bandwagon logical fallacy that implies that most everyone believes or is doing it-be with the “crowd”. Is this perhaps the case of “does truth determine your agenda, or does your agenda determine what you’ll accept as truth? I suppose I could have taken the same close-minded approach about “opinions” of Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, Howard Zinn (wrote “A People’s History of the United States” with no references. A better title would have been “A People’s History of the United States Through the Lens of Marxism’s Trinity: Class, Sex and Race”), et.al. But reading “The Communist Manifesto” and the history of communism/socialism has been worthwhile in understanding where the Dem. Socialist primary beliefs and playbook come from. I know several people who lived under Communism in eastern European countries who escaped before emigrating to the US. They all said the same thing: “I can’t believe we’re hearing the same crap over here that we heard then. We’ve been warned by former Russians who lived in the Soviet Union many times, and currently by Venezuelans about the dangers of communism/socialism. However, we have people here who think that they’re smarter than the Founding Fathers, and even God. Smart people learn from their mistakes; really smart people learn from other people’s mistakes. People whose political philosophies are based on emotion and fantasy are incapable of learning and must “learn the hard way”. Problem is that all will suffer if they are successful.
2. Mass killings of Indians are well-documented and undeniable. I have not encountered anyone denying this. When people bring up examples of “man’s inhumanity to man” they are confirming a truth of the Bible, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. [except Jesus] (Romans 3-23) It’s why a savior, Jesus, is required.
3. Black slaves owned by blacks. Here is an attempt at minimizing the significance of this fact. As I mentioned previously, black African chieftains and slave “catchers” were the origins of this slave supply chain- the number most likely was much higher than 1%, and it may be closer to 100%. 1% may seem insignificant, but it’s the impact that counts. Would you feel reassured if your doctor told you that he/she has good news from your diagnosis; only 1% of your body cells are cancerous?
4. “… the most evil symbol in America, the Confederate flag.” Really? I would have guessed, according to radical leftists, that it is our country’s flag that represents an evil country. At any rate, it is part of southern history that represents their efforts to preserve their states’ rights, the right to secede. I wonder if you would feel comfortable writing or saying that statement in Georgia, Alabama, etc.
5.“… totally false statement…” I probably could have worded it differently. I was primarily thinking about the leftist war on The Little Sisters of the Poor, a group of Catholic nuns who minister to the poor and adhere to their church’s teaching on sterilization, abortion, and contraception. Also, other cases involve bakers who have refused to provide cakes for same-sex marriages and have been threatened with lawsuits that could put them out of business. At any rate, the Left has worked to ban crosses and nativity scenes from the public square, Christmas symbols including the colors red and green Christmas carols, voluntary prayers, and posting the Ten Commandments, voluntary prayers, etc. from public schools. Then, there’s Hollywood that puts out movies (10 pieces of garbage for every one that treats Christianity respectfully), blasphemous performances mocking the Catholic Church at award ceremonies, and artists painting blasphemous pictures.
6 “ …none of your Bible verses…” As a person who seems to be reasonably familiar with the Bible, you should know what is coming:
a. Jesus recognized the two divisions of the Old Testament as divinely authoritative. “Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. (Mathew 5:17,18).
b. Jesus cited 14 different Old Testament Books. For example:
– Marriage, from Genesis. Mark 10:6-8.
– Ten Commandments, from Exodus. Luke 18:20.
Greg Rendahl says
Mr. Boyum, I find it vastly interesting how people can view the same reality in such different ways. I’ll finish up here with just a couple of points. First, I think you worry excessively over communism. It absolutely ain’t gonna happen here. Secondly, Howard Zinn did America a great favor by writing A People’s History. In high school we learned about some Presidents and some dates and some wars, blah, blah, blah… Zinn brings alive the struggles of workers, women, minorities, etc. He shows how so many brave people fought for their rights, because without fighting, either peacefully or violently, the downtrodden will never get anywhere.
GERALD BOYUM says
1. Are we actually viewing the same realities? Reality is defined as the state of things as they actually exist, what we consider to be true, as opposed to an idealistic idea of reality. Let’s see where we may differ.
Reality #1. Ultimate Authority. The question of authority is inescapable. All belief systems have a starting point or foundation that must be accepted by faith. Is it God as He has revealed Himself in the Bible, or Man’s institution, The State, based on godless Marxism and secular humanism?
2. This ultimate authority is then used to evaluate the truths of subsequent beliefs or presuppositions that are assumed to be true:
a. Reality #2. Origin of Man. Divine creation or evolution from lower life forms? The answer is vital in questions involving “right to life” such as abortion, euthanasia.
b. Reality #3. Individual Rights. Endowed by our Creator or determined by The State? If the latter, rights are not unalienable; i.e., they can be invented or taken away.
c. Reality #4. Man’s Nature. Flawed and unchangeable or basically good and changeable? People, especially leaders, will do what’s right for the common good. History says otherwise. This is a primary reason why socialism fails.
d. Reality #5. Purpose of Government. Protect fundamental individual rights and secure blessings of liberty or establish universal material equality?
e. Reality #6. Purpose of Law. Establish “will of the masses” as defined by leaders, or punish and restrain evil (man’s behavior), and provide justice for all people. Without absolute moral standards as a foundation, justice and order are not possible.
f. Reality #7. Role of Property and Economic System. Private or government owned/control of the means of production? Creator of wealth and key part of individual liberty, or sources of greed and inequality?
g. Reality #8. A vision is a road map for the future of any organization, including countries.
Is it “fundamental transformation” from a Biblically-based foundation that has resulted in the greatest country to ever exist, to a system based on godless Marxism that has failed wherever it’s been tried in the real world, sometimes catastrophically? President Trump with his “Make/Keep America Great Again” closely mirrors the Founders’ vision. Democratic Socialism contradicts almost everything associated with the Founders vision and American Conservatism. The political ideology supported by a presidential candidate and other politicians is the most important factor in determining who should lead us. A focus on reality vs. emotions and fantasy based on lies and falsehoods should indicate which path America should take.
3. Worry about communism? No, we shouldn’t be concerned about a growing trend, especially among younger people who’ve not experienced the Cold War and are most susceptible to the leftist propaganda of “free stuff” and other appeals to emotion who seem to favor a political system that has failed miserably and sometimes catastrophically in the real world? In a way, I agree that it “ain’t going to happen here”. The route to communism is socialism which will fail before the end state of communism is reached.
“The American people will never knowingly adopt socialism. But under the name of ‘liberalism’, they will adopt every fragment of the socialist program, until one day America will be a socialist nation, without knowing how it happened.” Norman Thomas, U.S. Socialist Party presidential candidate 1940,1944, and 1948.
Greg Rendahl says
Mr. Boyum, I see you are basically an either/or kind of guy without moderations or compromise, I don’t know if you think the hard won socialism that we have, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps, college help, etc. are evil Marxism or if you have grudgingly (?) accepted them. I don’t know if you think if was a good idea for Trump and the republicans to cut taxes mostly on the wealthy and give us trillion dollar deficits. I don’t know if you think we should have the freedom to infect grandma in the nursing home with covid or the check out girl in the grocery store. We need compromise to decide what freedom we should have. Some might like to drink and drive and not worry about dang old lane guidelines on roads. Personally, I’d love to have a President I was not ashamed of.
Aaron Bishop says
Greetings Jeff, you seemed to miss my last post to you on your article.
It is quite difficult to know where to begin. Lot’s of “He said, he said” arguments, as far up the chain as I dare go.
Let us just start this whole thing off with this rather true statement from our President. “Leadership: Whatever happens, you’re responsible. If it doesn’t happen, you’re responsible.” Pre-Candidate Trump on Nov 8, 2013
You said: “S] “Trump fired the Pandemic Response Team.” [Van Gorp]
A] Such a nasty lie. John Bolton had orders to streamline and reorganize the National Security Council. Senior Director of Global Health Admiral Tim Ziemer resigned in May 2018, but the pandemic response staff stayed on and continues to serve, a key part of NSC.”
John Bolton had orders to streamline. True. Two notables: 1. Orders from whom? Well, orders from whom is simple. Ultimately, Bolton was acting on behalf of Trump’s orders. The President didn’t specifically fire individuals, however, he certainly gave that authority to Bolton. Essentially, Bolton’s actions were signed off by the President, who is (in his words) “responsible”. And 2. Streamlining meaning what exactly? And how?
You claimed “the pandemic response staff stayed on and continues to serve, a key part of NSC”. I think it would be more accurate to say that the Pandemic Response Team was largely disbanded, but *some* members were reassigned to relevant roles, not all. The CDC team assigned in to China was particularly hard hit by this “streamlining” process. The Administration via Bolton under President Trump cut staff by more than 2/3rds in China, according to a report from Reuters. “The CDC’s China headcount has shrunk to around 14 staffers, down from approximately 47 people since President Donald Trump took office in January 2017, the documents show. The four people, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the losses included epidemiologists and other health professionals…” (Taylor, 3/25)” https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-china-cdc-exclusiv/exclusive-u-s-slashed-cdc-staff-inside-china-prior-to-coronavirus-outbreak-idUSKBN21C3N5
Indeed, it appears some of the Pandemic Response Team were reassigned and continue to work within the NCS. As in many cases, there are half-truths and misunderstandings abound.
You said: S] “Medicare for All would save $450 billion and 68,000 lives per year.” [ Van Gorp]
A] What a whopper. While the leftist media touts those numbers, competent experts including MIT Professor Simon Johnson estimate an increased cost of 13.5 to 47.5 TRILLION over 10 years. When did a government administrated system ever operate on budget or deliver equal results for less money? Saving lots of lives? I doubt it.
Let us delve into what *more* MIT Professor Simon Johnson had to say on the subject, not just his cherry-picked comments you provided. I believe this is the same source from which you retrieved your information, but it is hard to tell because you did not cite your sources in your original article.
“Johnson collaborated with Donald Berwick, who served as CMS administrator during the Obama administration, on his analysis. Johnson emphasizes that he does not work for the Warren campaign but was asked as an independent expert to review it. Berwick helped Warren formulate her Medicare for all plan, according to many media reports. Johnson has cowritten a second analysis, with Betsey Stevenson of the University of Michigan and Mark Zandi of Moody’s Analytics, that assesses Warren’s plans to raise enough revenue to properly fund Medicare for all.
The bottom line, he says, is that the revenue-raising and cost-cutting estimates in Warren’s proposal, relative to the Urban Institute’s estimates, are credible. “Every projection has to deal with some uncertainty, but we feel confident there is less here because we were evaluating very specific and plausible policy choices,” Johnson says. “The baseline government forecast of what will happen to costs under the current law is considerably more likely to be wrong on the downside—that is, in being too low—than Warren’s plan for the simple reason that in a single-payer system, you can control health care costs,” he says.” -https://www.managedcaremag.com/archives/2019/12/so-how-much-would-medicare-all-really-cost-good-question
You said: S] “Normal wasn’t working.” [Van Gorp]
A] Really? The Free Market has created more wealth and raised more living standards than any other system. America was booming, and it will again. Socialism never works. Prove me wrong.”
The Free-Market has done wonderful things for many people. However, liberals would likely ultimately contend that the Free-Market no longer exists, nor does the “Invisible Hand”. Instead, liberals would likely argue that a heavy, yet subtle hand has been pushed on the scales of economic justice to favor the wealthier comparatively more and greater over the last several decades. As I said in my previous article about the economy, such things as the Stock Market are not good indicators for how things are going for the average American. Look at what is happening now. The recent stock market rallies, even within a time when COVID-19 is claiming tens of millions of jobs in a matter of weeks, is evidence that it benefits only a fraction of people and is therefore a reflection of only a fraction of people who hold the majority of stocks.
Your obsession with Socialism is a constant source of amusement. It’s almost as if you think that most liberals and Democrats advocate for a full-blown Socialist state, instead of Capitalism to be reigned in. Remember the heavy and visible hand weighing down economic justice? What do I mean by that? Who writes the laws? I think you may find many liberals recognize that key bills are authored by large companies (with ideas to benefit themselves chiefly) and signed on by Congressmembers who likely are financial beneficiaries of the same companies come election season. The fact is, it is not a fact that the more you work the better off you’ll be in this system we have. The ideal capital meritocracy does not exist for so many as you seem to believe it does.
You said: S] “Asian Americans are being Scapegoated for CV19.” [Buckbee]
A] Where? Big cities? No rational person would do that. China is being blamed, deservedly so. Americans are overwhelmingly decent people, not racists.”
When you say “China is being blamed” what do you mean? The government? The culture? The people? I would agree that Americans are overwhelmingly good, decent people. But it does not take a vast majority to make problems for others. This means that “Asian Americans are being scapegoated for CV19” and “No rational person would do that” and “Americans are overwhelmingly decent people, not racists” can ALL be true at the same time. It is not a dichotomy.
You said: S] “Trump called the Coronavirus a Hoax!” [Buckbee, Torgrimson]
A] Even the Left leaning SNOPES called this stinker a lie and I quote, “Trump did not call the coronavirus a hoax.” Excuse us if we don’t hold our breath waiting for you haters to publish a retraction.”
Actually, SNOPES called this a Mixture, not a “lie” (which I do not believe is even a categorical conclusion they provide). https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/trump-coronavirus-rally-remark/
And you quoted them wrong. I could wager a guess as to why, but I won’t. What you said SNOPES said was: “Trump did not call the coronavirus a hoax” what SNOPES actually said was: “*Despite creating some confusion with his remarks,* Trump did not call the coronavirus *itself* a hoax.” And therein lies the confusion, likely from the authors you were responding to, and the media itself that reported such. This is what President Trump actually said at the Feb 28th rally: -Feb 28th https://www.rev.com/blog/transcripts/donald-trump-charleston-south-carolina-rally-transcript-february-28-2020
So, it’s clear to see that President Trump wasn’t clear about what he meant. But, to his credit, he did clarify the next day. – Feb 29th Press Conference: https://factba.se/transcript/donald-trump-press-conference-white-house-coronavirus-february-29-2020
And that is quite understandable. The problem is, there was quite a bit of time between the original statement and the clarification. Time where, due to the sincerely ambiguous remarks, the American public watching could reach their own conclusions as to what the President meant. I think something that most Republicans and Democrats alike can agree on is that President Trump is not a great orator. Hence the confusion and continue circulation of this belief. Naturally, some people on the left will likely believe Trump meant the virus itself, but backpedaled when advised to, something that is certainly not uncommon in his tactics.
You said: “S] “The Trump Administration’s response has been total chaos.” [Torgrimson]
A] Some things could have been done better. Is it fair to say a phony collusion with Russia investigation and an ill-advised impeachment attempt caused unfortunate distractions? I think so. But many leaders had let their guard down. Pandemic expert Dr. Anthony Fauci was on the radio on January 25 telling us the risk to Americans was “very, very low.” As late as March 11, Democrat politicians [Pelosi, Schumer, de Blasio, Cuomo] were on mass media urging citizens to gather, go to movies, attend parades in Chinatown, and pushing legislation in Congress to curtail the President’s ability to enact travel bans. But the pandemic staff [you know, the one Trump supposedly fired two years ago!] was intact and functioning. Despite Democrat opposition, Trump wisely implemented travel bans experts say saved many thousands of lives, and set up a task force that has held hospitalizations and fatalities far below projections.”
No. It is not fair to say that. What were the President’s responsibilities that were distracting him from this? And what did the President do during the month of February after this ended?
Dr. Anthony Fauci CDC Director Redfield were: “pretty certain that this was not transmitted human to human” given what the information coming out of China suggested in January.
As for other officials encouraging people to go out and about, my question for you is, what were their resources compared to those of the President’s? Were they right? No. They were wrong. But President Trump did not provide any federal guidelines for coronavirus concerns. Bill de Blasio’s comments about going out “If you’re under 50 & healthy” should include the context that the knowledge of how COVID19 may spread before symptoms show up wasn’t available yet. Even now: “Some reports have indicated that people with no symptoms can transmit the virus. It is not yet known how often it happens. WHO is assessing ongoing research on the topic and will continue to share updated findings” https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses.
Without the resources nor guidance from the Federal Government, mistakes by States and State Officials were made. Even after March 13th, when the Administration finally made the National Emergency Declaration, it forced states to compete with not only each other, but the Federal Government for acquiring the much anticipatedly needed medical equipment.
As far as I can tell, Congress’ push for the No Ban Act took place on March 11th, which had by far most of the co-signatures *before* the Coronavirus was even detected in China (meaning it predates all of this and wasn’t a response to the travel ban from China): https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/2214/cosponsors?searchResultViewType=expanded&KWICView=false
Additionally, a key point here is that roughly 40,000 people still came to America from China after this travel ban from China was enacted. Clearly, that was enough for the virus to infect more Americans than Chinese.
Let us end with some thoughts. Crimson Contagion was a simulation designed to show U.S. blind spots. This was conducted last year. Also, how often has President Trump called upon the reduction of CDC funds (which Congress denied)? Finally, what do you think of the people marching in state capitals, even going so far as to block ambulances?
Joe says
A response this long, full of big words and vague concepts, is obviously a untruthful I don’t even necessary disagree with your viewpoint, but, boy, you can do a better job explaining yourself. This would get a grade off “C” at best on a high school opinion piece assignment.
Aaron Bishop says
Greetings Joe,
Full of big words?
Also, for more context of what I wrote and why, you’d need to go to the original article and follow the comments.
Cheers!
Jon Trouten says
How many commentaries and letters to the editor does the FCJ need that assert why their neighbors who have different opinions hate the country and them?
Greg Rendahl says
“American Conservatism…founded on Biblical/Christian principles…” Yes, murder the Indians, enslave blacks and later try to never let them have full human rights, deny women the right to vote, deny LGBTQ folks equal rights, fight against Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps while endlessly pushing riches at the wealthy… “Democratic Socialism, based on…” the teachings of JESUS. Jesus was possibly the greatest promoter of the poor and denigrator of the wealthy in the history of the world. Surely, you must know that.
Gatekeeper says
LORD JESUS I REPENT OF MY SINS AND I WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE MY LORD AND SAVIOR. AMEN The truth will set you free.
Christ says
Liar, I’m ashamed and embarrassed you bring your pony-ass fairy tales into your definition of America, grow up.
God says
Gatekeeper,
For the love of ME, stop your babbling!
Jeffrey Erding says
@ Mr. Rendahl, you are not just your usual ” frequently wrong” this time, you are amazingly, spectacularly wrong!
Blaming Republicans for the persecution of native Americans?? How could that be, when the Republican party didn’t exist until the early 1860’s, and was organized mainly to oppose any expansion of slavery? It’s unfair to judge those who lived many decades ago by modern standards, but Democrats like Andrew Jackson were the driving force behind the relocation of Tribal people beyond the Mississippi to western reservation lands deemed worthless to white settlers.
Slave owners and the politicians that supported them were all DEMOCRATS, not Republicans. The Ku Klux Klan was formed and composed of ONLY DEMOCRATS, and continued to be so in the modern era with prominent DEMOCRAT politicians providing support and leadership.
Republicans formed a party and nominated Abraham Lincoln as a successful presidential candidate. Republicans prevailed over Democrats in the Civil war that ended slavery, and 100 years later overcame stubborn opposition from Democrats to grant equal rights to Black citizens.
Republicans do not oppose equal rights for LGBTQ people, but we do reserve the right to refuse participation and support for actions which our properly held beliefs deem morally wrong, as is our right under the Constitution.
Democrat policies have wreaked mass damage on the black community, destroying the family structure that children need to thrive, encouraging fatherlesness, discouraging marriage, creating a welfare state and government dependence with their poisonous, sickening bigotry of low expectation.
The best social program is a JOB. and the Trump Administration and Republicans have done more good for minorities and the poor in 3 years by accident than Democrats under Obama did on purpose in 8.
Democrats, the party of Jesus???My goodness, what an imagination one must have to support that fantasy. Mr. Rendahl, your logic on that line of reasoning is just as faulty as your understanding of history…. which is to say, incomprehensively bad.
Greg Rendahl says
Hi, Jeff. You made a simple mistake with your response. I said nothing about republicans. I spoke of American conservatives. You also have not done well studying history if you blame political parties of long ago with today’s far different variations. Yes, a job is a wonderful thing. It’s also especially nice if that job pays enough to live on and includes health insurance. Sadly, many jobs simply keep people down while hoping they don’t get sick. If you think Jesus would oppose food stamps, health care, and other assorted social programs then I feel sorry for your understanding of the Gospels.
Jeffrey Erding says
@ Rendahl, now you are trying to say you like Republicans and blame ” Conservatives”?? I know what you meant and so does everyone else, and splitting that hair does nothing to hide your stupendous lack of historical awareness…. either that, or the truth is no more important to you then it is to all the leftist zealots that pretend to be journalists in the MSM.
Republicans don’t oppose social programs for those unable to work. America has a robust safety net for those who cannot pay for their own medical care. America is the fairest, most liberty oriented, greatest country the world has ever seen. The policies you and your leftist friends advocate have always failed miserably. You delude yourself if you deny that.
As far as following Christian beliefs, anyone who truly knows me would laugh in your face if you questioned my beliefs. If you have done more than I in the service of our Lord, then you have been a very busy person.
Greg Rendahl says
Jeff, I did not split any hair. Your understanding of American history is obviously very limited. Why is Trump trying to cut food stamps during this plague? Why does Trump want the Supreme Court to strike down Obamacare and end coverage for pre-existing conditions? Why did so many republican governors refuse to improve Medicaid for their citizens? America’s “safety net” has been forced on America even though most conservatives fought tooth and nail against their adoption. Again, do you have any real knowledge of history? And finally, if you are truly a follower of Christ, then I challenge you to read the Gospels. I believe there are quite a number of people who call themselves Christians and are very glad that Christ died for their sins, but also glad that he is no longer walking around praising the poor and denigrating the wealthy.
Kim wentworth says
Silly guy, I always thought you were a little bit off, but your latest response shows you are whacked. Blame a Republican on slavery??? Do you ever get tired of being laughed at?
GERALD BOYUM says
1. Before I get to some of your comments:
Democratic Socialism. “There is no difference in principle, between the economic philosophy of Nazism, socialism, and communism, and fascism and that of the American welfare state and regulated economy.” (Alexander’s Essay – March 10, 2011)
“…ultimately there is no consequential societal distinction between Marxist Socialism, National Socialism, or the most recent incarnation of this beast, Democratic Socialism. The conclusion of socialism by any name, once it has replaced Rule of Law with the rule of men, is tyranny.” (Ibid)
This should be no surprise; they all have the same foundation- atheistic Marxism. “Every human government ever established, was the product of definable political theory; that is, each embraced a philosophy which, at least in its own eyes, justified its existence and manner of conducting affairs. The American government was no different. (David Barton, in “Original Intent”)
2. “Yes, murder the Indians,…”
a. No leftist should bring up appeals to emotion and feigned moral indignation by using the term “murder” which implies “genocide” when governments based on godless Marxism killed over 100 million people in the 20th century alone.
b. Many Indians perished as a result of diseases they contracted from exposure to smallpox, cholera and typhus. Typical leftist tactics: distort, deceive, disinform, demonize, deny, etc. per Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals”!
c. The people we call “Native Americans” or “Indians” were not the 1st people to occupy America. What happened to these former occupants, and how do you suppose the Indians acquired that land? Dominant tribes, kingdoms, countries, etc. became “dominant” by subduing others, an activity practiced throughout history. This in no way is an attempt to justify such actions, but that’s the way it’s been from Biblical times on, and things haven’t changed that much since. “Might makes right”. This is why “peace through strength” is such an important national strategy. BTW, various North American Indian tribes indulged in torture and slavery of captured enemies as well, but I don’t think that they engaged in human sacrifice and cannibalism like the Aztecs did.
3. “Enslave blacks…”. Here is another activity that was practiced throughout the world since the dawn of time. What is uniquely Western is not slavery, but the abolition of slavery, thanks primarily to Christians. From America’s founding to the end of the Civil War, there were black slave owners in America. In 1830, there were 3,500 American black slave owners who together owned over 10,000 black slaves. It also should be noted that it was chieftains and “slave catchers” in Africa who supplied traders with the slaves they transported and sold to other parts of the world, including America.
4. “Democratic Socialism, based on …’the teachings of JESUS.”‘
a. Here is the leftist distortion, “Jesus the Socialist” which is exactly the opposite of what Jesus taught. Socialism is based on atheistic Marxism. This would mean that Jesus did not believe that He was the Son of God, co-equal with God The Father, because the philosophy of atheism is “the natural world is all there is; God or gods do not exist.”.
b. Jesus did not suggest that we give our earnings to lazy people (help needy, not greedy), nor did He mention that Caesar should take money from the producers and give to the non-producers. He taught that our excesses should be given voluntarily to those in need, not like socialism which gives to all, including sluggards. Guess which political party members have acted to eliminate charitable organizations. Here is what the Bible teaches concerning this topic:
– 2nd Thess. 3:10, “…if any will not work, neither let him eat.”
– Isa. 65:22. “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat…”
– Proverbs 14:23. “All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.”
c. While we’re on this topic, here are some more teachings from the Bible in the book of Exodus: (we all have violated most, if not all) of the Commandments as individuals; however, Leftism, as a political ideology, is built on violations of all Ten Commandments. Here are some of the main ones:
– 20:3. “You shall have no other gods before me.” Leftism/liberalism denies the existence (or relevance) of God.
– 20:15. “You shall not steal.” They embrace redistribution philosophies of Marx in the quest for “material equality”.
– 20:16. “You shall not bear false witness.” The “ends justify the means” which includes lying about opponents of leftism.
– 20:17. “You shall not covet.” Man’s inherent covetousness is used as the driving force behind all leftist/liberal economic policies; i.e, economic envy and class warfare.
d. Other comments about Liberalism/Leftism and the Bible: 2 Corinthians 11:4 addresses masquerading as doing “good” by deceptive “feel good” sound bites that promise “equality”, “tolerance” and “social justice”. A lot of good, well-intended people have had the “wool pulled over their eyes” by politicians, educators, and media for a long time now. It’s no wonder that over 2/3rds of American no longer trust much of mainstream media now. The actual real world history tells a different story. Socialism has failed everywhere it’s been tried- sometimes catastrophically. There will be “equality” alright- equally miserable in poverty, except for the elite who will designate themselves as :more equal” than others. People from Venezuela and others have warned us many times about their “socialist utopia”. A vote for socialism is a vote against America!
Ken says
Thank you
Kim wentworth says
Maybe write a book, good grief.
Kim wentworth says
Silly guy, I always thought you were a little bit off, but your latest response shows you are whacked. Blame a Republican on slavery??? Do you ever get tired of being laughed at?