NOT ABOUT COVID19

It’s a challenge to write about something other than COVID19, but I’ll give it a try. As the Bible often says, “It came to pass.” So, it didn’t come to stay, it came to “pass” – as will this worldwide pestilence, God willing.

I also don’t want to write about the election or politics or the liberal news media. Biden and Trump will be offering enough press up to November. And FOX vs CNN will keep us informed about such things.

Climate change has been covered by me several times in the past. The fear-mongering claims of the extremists will continue, and my meager attempt to counter the false claims of man-made global warming won’t have much effect on their opinions.

And why would I want to write about our nation’s enemies? China, Iran, Russia, North Korea, and others are constantly thinking of ways to rule us. We pray that God will protect us from their evil schemes to further harm us.

The financial woes brought on by the shutdown are temporary, we hope. As the country gets back to work, incomes and profits and taxes will return. Government overspending will probably continue as well, but who want to read about that?

So instead I’ll return to a couple of areas of my limited knowledge: the Bible, along with the sciences of chemistry and biology, which I studied in college. While staying at home and reading, we should remember to read the Bible along with other books. There is no better source for hope and peace and comfort.

The most difficult college course I took at the University of Akron was Biochemistry. Chemistry is a study of the physical properties of chemicals. Biology is a study of life forms and systems. Biochemistry combines the two and is essential for pharmacology.

This brings me back to the COVID19 virus. Biochemists are working feverishly to come up with a treatment and vaccine, and their success will alleviate our fear of this virus and others. God created the chemistry and biology of life, and thankfully, He will help scientists use their expertise to save many lives.

COPYRIGHT 2020 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

GOOD LEADERS AND BAD

History is replete with nations whose leaders were alternately good and bad. The good leaders would provide security and prosperity, and then the bad leaders would come along and cause discord and poverty. The cycle repeated itself time and time again.

The same could have happened in the USA were it not for the president’s limited terms, either by losing an election or by assassination or death, or simply choosing not to run again. And now the President has a limited time he may remain in office which is two terms or eight years. This purges the bad but also, unfortunately, limits the good.

The United States has had forty-five presidents in its 243 year history, which is an average of 5.4 years for each. Compare that to the USSR which had eight leaders in its seventy years, which is about 9 years for each. And ancient Israel and Judah had nineteen kings in about 450 years, averaging 24 years a piece.

The Bible gives a detailed account of both the good and evil kings who reigned over the two nations. The evil ones were evil indeed and the good ones very good. Of course some were just mediocre, like a few of our presidents. What separated the aforementioned kings was their devotion to Jehovah God and his laws and commandments. Theirs was a spiritual standard, and God still has these standards.

But unlike a monarchy, the USA is a representative republic wherein Congress and the Supreme Court have coequal authority with the Executive. So the overall spirituality of our nation is laid at the feet of all three branches. And that actually trickles down to the individuals in our government, both elected and appointed. We vote for the elected officials who in turn appoint staffs, assistants, and department heads. These then hire more unelected persons. All of these make up our federal government. And the states, counties, cities, villages and townships all operate in a similar fashion.

God judged Israel’s leaders, but He also judged the citizens. Some folks followed the leaders, good or bad, and some followed God’s leading despite who was king. We can learn from the Bible or ignore its teachings about national spirituality. We can follow leaders who are opposed to God or we can follow God in spite of what some in the government are saying and doing. The choice is there for each of us.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

DIVIDED HUMANITY

Along comes a man who disrupts the status quo of the nation’s leadership. He’s not from the ruling class, not an insider; he’s an interloper in the minds of some. He doesn’t deserve the attention he’s getting. Criticism is heavy against him from some party leaders.

Yet there are many who also like his refreshing character. He’s less political than popular. He’s not afraid to speak his mind and openly criticizes those who condemn him and his ways. He is like a folk hero to a lot of citizens. And his public speaking ability is without peer.

So two camps arise and not many are indifferent toward him. It’s either love or hate, and the haters get more press than the lovers. Some extremists even call for his assassination; others simply for his removal in some “legal” way.

He’s not the first in history to be misunderstood and treated this way. Many others before him were driven away more easily than he, and this tenacity infuriates the haters even more. Their rage is like a derangement.

In some public gatherings violence breaks out between the two camps and people are injured or even killed. The authorities often seem helpless to intervene. The hatred is very evident to outside observers.

And yet he perseveres and attracts larger and larger crowds to his events. It is a worshipful experience for his followers. They chant and cheer and applaud at nearly every statement. They think deeply about his words and challenges and look forward to hearing him for years to come.

But alas, the hatred prevails. Liars are paid to present all sorts of sordid and untrue accusations. The opposition doesn’t allow much of a defense and he is indeed condemned to die after a mock trial.

He is crucified on a cross between two thieves.

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

June is a month for patriotism, with Memorial Day, D-Day, Flag Day, and Independence Day all so close together. Flags are flying, flowers are blooming, and summer weather has arrived. It’s time for singing about our beautiful nation.

The praises of the United States have been sung for many generations. The question is, will these anthems continue in the  future? When I was in elementary school we had music every day, and many of the songs we sang were of the patriotic kind. In Junior High and High School, when music was voluntary, I was in the choir where national pride continued through our concerts. And there are so many great examples of inspiring words that thrill the American heart and soul.

The National Anthem – “The land of the free and the home of the brave”

My Country ‘Tis of Thee – “Sweet land of liberty” “From every mountainside, let freedom ring”

America the Beautiful – “God shed His grace on thee”

God Bless the USA – “I love this land – God bless the USA”

U.S. Navy Hymn – “Eternal Father strong to save” … “Thus evermore shall rise to Thee, Glad hymns of praise from land and sea”

U.S. Air Force Hymn – “Lord, guard and guide the men who fly”

U.S. Army Hymn – “God of our fathers” … “glory, laud, and praise be ever Thine”

Marine Corps Hymn – “First to fight for right and freedom”

The Battle Hymn of the Republic – “God is marching on”

Stars and Stripes – “Hurrah for the flag of the free”

You’re a Grand Old Flag – “You’re the emblem of the land I love, the home of the free and the brave”

Taps – “All is well, safely rest, God is nigh”

There are many more, but these in particular have two things in common – the gratefulness for freedom and liberty, and our dependence on Almighty God. These thoughts go hand in hand – without God there is no liberty or freedom – with liberty and freedom we can worship and praise God.

As it says in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”

COPYRIGHT 2019 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

THOMAS JEFFERSON QUOTES

"When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe." 

Thomas Jefferson 

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."  

Thomas Jefferson 

"It is incumbent on every generation to pay its' own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."  

Thomas Jefferson 

"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people, under the pretense of taking care of them."

Thomas Jefferson

"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government." 

Thomas Jefferson

"No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms." 

Thomas Jefferson 

"The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."   

Thomas Jefferson 

"To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes, the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."   

Thomas Jefferson

LAST CENTURY ARRESTS WOULD FILL OUR JAILS

In July of 1918, The REVIEW listed the arrests for that month. In addition to Assault and Battery, which is a current crime, others were charges for some actions that seem to be overlooked today.

Intoxication, seditious utterances, being a slacker, and being a loafer were justifiable reasons for police action against the perpetrators. It seems foreign to us now to think that these abuses were reason for arrest. It was during World War I, actually about three months before it ended, but it still seems a bit extreme.

We see on the news daily all the slackers and loafers in some of the big cities, especially in San Francisco, for example. But they aren’t arrested or even warned by police to stop slacking or loafing.

And what about seditious utterances? Some people utter more sedition today than was heard one hundred years ago. Facebook and Twitter are full of such unpatriotic statements. But nobody goes to jail for this now.

One online definition of sedition is “conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch. Synonyms are rabble-rousing, incitement to rebel, subversion, troublemaking, provocation.” Sedition is short of Treason, however. Wow, this sounds like the recent speeches of too many politicians.

The Bible encourages the opposite of sedition in Titus 3:1-2 where it reminds us “to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to malign no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing every consideration for all men.”

Not every criticism is sedition, of course. In the USA we have freedom of speech and we may praise or criticize anyone, whether they hold a public office or not. But it’s important to maintain a level of civility that seems to be lacking in some people. The adage, “If you can’t say something nice about a person, don’t say anything at all” seems to be long forgotten.

And of course the Bible sets a high standard for speech in other verses.

Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.”

And in the book of the Bible that contains so much wisdom, Proverbs 16:24 says, “Kind words are like honey—sweet to the taste and good for your health.”

Think of how nice it would be if only helpful and kind words were used in all of our communications.

COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

TRUMP AND TRUMAN

Presidents Trump and Truman have more in common than the first four letters of their names. This information is from “PRESIDENTIAL ANECDOTES” by Paul F. Boller, Jr.

Truman was the Vice President under Franklin Roosevelt, and became President upon Roosevelt’s death. Then he ran on his own in 1948.

Neither Truman nor Trump was expected to win the election. Truman’s opponent, Thomas Dewey was so favored that the Chicago Tribune published their paper early for the morning after the election printing, “DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN.” Thus the photo was shown as Truman held the paper with its iconic headline.

Labor leader John L. Lewis said he wouldn’t appoint Truman dogcatcher. On election night, Truman started out leading, when one news commentator said, “He cannot win – his early lead will fold up.”

Second, both were not hesitant to criticize their opponents. Truman would have used Twitter as much as Trump, but had to rely on writing letters instead of tweets. In response to one politician’s criticism, he wrote, “The campaign in your state … was carried on in a manner as low as anything I’ve ever seen.”

When Paul Hume, a music critic for the Washington Post roasted Truman’s daughter Margaret after one of her piano recitals, Truman wrote that if he ever met him he’d need a new nose, and “a guttersnipe is a gentleman compared to you.”

Third, despite the negative press and much criticism, Truman made some excellent foreign affairs decisions, such as supporting the Marshall Plan to aid Europe after the War, the Truman Doctrine to contain Russian expansion, and NATO.

Both were friends and supporters of the Jewish people. Truman recognized Israel as a sovereign nation, and Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel by moving the US embassy there.

Domestically, Truman proposed the “Fair Deal” – “a series of measures extending the New Deal and guaranteeing civil rights for America’s black citizens.”

We can now see the good that President Truman accomplished, but it may be some time before we can determine if President Trump will receive any accolades for his decisions. Either way, both Presidents will be remembered for their perseverance though challenging times.

As with every election, we need to remember that “God controls the course of world events; he removes Presidents and sets up other Presidents.” [Daniel 2:21 – paraphrased]

COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

DON'T LET BAD NEWS OR POLITICIANS SPOIL YOUR DAY

It’s so sad when someone is having a wonderful day, with beautiful weather, and a nice lunch with a Coney dog and milkshake – and the news comes on and ruins it. It’s so sad. So very sad!

If watching a political speech is so upsetting, my advice is to stop watching said politician ever again. Why subject oneself to such punishment? Especially on a pleasant day with one’s spouse.

Personally, I seldom, if ever, watch any news any longer at any time. The old adage, “No news is good news” could mean a couple of things. Originally it meant that if there were no news to be had, then there was no bad news to be had. Bad news has always traveled faster than good news.

It could also mean if most of the news is bad; that there’s no good news at all. If this is the case, then don’t listen to or watch the news.  And hearing no news at all is actually good news for our mental state.

But there is plenty of good news available if we look for it and listen for it. It’s probably not on TV or the radio or the internet; but from friends and family. 

I could go on and on, and I’ll bet you could too!

And remember the Good News from the angels on Christmas night – to paraphrase – “DON’T BE AFRAID. WE HAVE THE BEST NEWS EVER! THERE’S NEVER BEEN BETTER NEWS! THE SAVIOR IS BORN!:”

FAKE NEWS ISN'T NEW

I’m currently reading the book, “PRESIDENTIAL ANECDOTES” by Paul F. Boller, Jr. I’m up to James Buchanan, but already have read ridiculous news items about several presidents. Here are some highlights.

One story about John Adams claimed he wanted to reunite the US with England by having one of his sons marry a daughter of King George III.

Thomas Jefferson labeled opposing news stories as 1] Truth; 2] Probability; 3] Possibility; and 4] Lies.

During the War of 1812, a member of the opposing party asked Dolly Madison’s sister, who had very long hair, if he could cut it off and make a rope with which to hang the President.

John Quincy Adams was called a snob, a hypocrite, a drunk, a Sabbath-breaker, a spendthrift, and a gambler

Andrew Jackson was regarded as “a crude, ignorant, bellicose brawler” who would probably shoot anyone who disagreed with him. “His enemies thought he was reckless, intolerant, wrong-headed and dictatorial.”

Martin Van Buren’s enemies “accused him of living in luxury in the White House while people went hungry.”

William Henry Harrison’s opponents “accused him of profanity, drunkenness, and loose living.”

John Tyler was called, “a man destitute of intellect and integrity, whose name is the synonym of nihil.”

James Buchanan “was regarded as unimaginative, legalistic, and morally obtuse.”

There are many more examples of the Freedom of Speech which we enjoy in the United States, both historically and currently. One unfortunate side effect is that dishonest writers and newscasters often do provide FAKE NEWS for public consumption in order to denigrate a political opponent and advance their own candidate or party.

But as it says in Job 34:3 (NCV):^”The ear tests words as the tongue tastes food.” In other words, as we can distinguish good and bad flavors, we can discern truth from error.

COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON

THE NEW PRESIDENT - (A POST FROM 2018)

Once again another President has begun his term. I’ve lived through several Democrat and Republican presidencies. Some have been very good, others not so much. But I’ve learned that what was said in the campaign is not always what happens after the inauguration.

I respect the President whether I agree or don’t agree with everything he says or does. And I pray for him on a regular basis, as well as the other leaders of our nation, state and city. I suggest this practice for every conscientious citizen. Our officials all need God’s wisdom and guidance. As with each President, this one is neither the Messiah nor the anti-Christ. He’s simply a man with a very important job to do.

I’m greatly bothered by those who claim this President was not legitimately elected. They don’t seem to realize that the candidate with the majority of the votes in a majority of the states, resulting in a majority of electoral votes, wins the election. That’s how we’ve been electing Presidents for a long time now. That’s what the writers of the Constitution, with Divine Guidance, crafted in that magnificent document. It’s the law of the land, as is the Bill of Rights.

Since the Bill of Rights provides freedom of speech, we all can express our beliefs and opinions [even erroneous ones] without fear of government retribution. However, this amendment doesn’t protect us from opposing views which are also freely expressed. The sad condition of our current public debate however, whether by social media or the press, is the rude and often violent attitude with which some respond to posted opinions.

Of course these types of responses are highly emotional as a result of fear or anger or perhaps misunderstanding. This can even be seen on our own opinion page from time to time. But the important thing is that opposing or even conflicting views are printed or broadcast for the reading or viewing public to evaluate and discern. We can then decide the validity of the words which were spoken or written. Wouldn’t it be great if more were valid than not?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. – AMENDMENT 1.

This was posted by Carl E. Gustafson in The-Review – Alliance OH on 02/09/17.

GEORGE WASHINGTON - THE LAST AND ONLY NON-POLITICAL PRESIDENT

No opposition party. No mudslinging. No negative press. No hanging chads. No foreign collusion. No electoral votes against him.

However, the VP election was another story. While Washington got all 69 electoral votes available, John Adams received only 34, with the remaining 35 being split between John Jay, John Hancock and others.

The system then allowed for each of the 69 electoral voters to vote for 2 candidates for President. The person with the larger number of votes became President and the second place candidate became Vice President. So to become VP, Adams had to also run as President, knowing Washington would get elected.

And then began the fun that we know today. Adams, like Washington was a Federalist. Thomas Jefferson was a Democratic-Republican. [A phrase you’ll never see today.] The election of 1796 was won by Adams with a 71 to 68 majority. Jefferson went on to win in 1800 after a tie with Aaron Burr at 73 electoral votes each, so the tie breaking vote was held  in the House of Representatives.

Adams was a northerner, Jefferson a southerner. Thus began one of the many divisive patterns in American politics. It became north vs. south, east vs. west, coasts vs. the middle, red vs. blue, liberal vs. conservative, etc. etc.

 The purpose of this brief history is to remind us that political battles are nothing new. Our current president is not the first to receive harsh criticism, irrational opposition, non-stop verbal and written abuse, and unfounded accusations. Nor will he be the last.

It is our freedoms that allow for such fights. These freedoms were established and upheld through all of our 58 Presidential elections. Let us pray that they will continue for the remaining elections we will have.

God has blessed the USA, is blessing the USA, and will bless the USA – we hope and pray.

COPYRIGHT 2018 BY CARL E GUSTAFSON