First Female Commandant of the Army's Quartermaster School is Promoted to Brigadier General

In 2005 "Trailblazer" Gwendolyn Bingham became Fort Lee's first female garrison commander. In November of 2010 she once again left her mark when she became the first female commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee.

In March of 2010 Col. Gwendolyn Bingham was recognized by the U.S. Army Women’s Museum at Fort Lee along with 11 others as “a trailblazer who is setting a path for others to follow”. On Friday, April 22 the path became a little longer for those following in her footsteps.

Bingham’s story began 30 years ago when she was commissioned as a second lieutenant after graduating from college on a ROTC scholarship. At the time she only planned to serve her four-year commitment and then enter the civilian work force. Her path would take her in a far different direction and she now admits that she was bitten by the “Army bug” at a young age saying:

 

“Quite honestly, I think I was hooked from the moment I walked on a parade field with my dad,”

Her father, Army first sergeant Edward McMillion, (now deceased) helped send Bingham on her path when he pinned the second lieutenant bars on her shoulder at the University of Alabama in 1981 when she was first commissioned.In 2005 Bingham made history at Fort Lee when she became the installations first female garrison commander. On November 22, 2010 she once again left her mark when she became the 51st commandant and the first female commandant of the U.S. Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee.Bingham, originally from Troy, Ala, has spent the past 30 years of her life serving in the U.S. Army. Her career began at Fort Lee and although she has been called away on assignments she considers Fort Lee her home saying at the November ceremony:

“Today, I feel like Dorothy — there simply is no place like home,”

Bingham went on to say:

“It’s really not about me. . . . I don’t really look at it from the historical side, It’s indeed an honor for me to be the first, but I just feel privileged and honored to be a part of a team with all the men and women that have served with me in the past and continue to serve here with me at Fort Lee.”

Although she has held the position for the past six months the promotion to brigadier general makes it official, she is now the first female quartermaster general.Retired Lt. Gen. David S. Weisman described the turnout as the largest he has ever seen at a promotion ceremony. Among those in attendance where the mayors of Hopewell, Petersburg and Colonial Heights, as well as former Petersburg Mayor Annie M. Mickens and Delegate Rosalyn Dance, D-Petersburg.During the ceremony Maj. Gen. James E. Chambers compared Bingham to Lt. Gen. George Patton and Gen. Omar Bradley saying:

“Inside, she has the heart of a lion.”

And

“Don’t tell her it can’t be done.”

Bingham’s children, Phillip and Tava, participated in the ceremony by slipping off her former rank insignia and replacing it with the single star of a brigadier general. After the ceremony Bingham told reporters that she had never planned on becoming a general:

“Only about one percent of the entire Army is the general officer rank. It wasn’t something I had my sights set on.”

Brigadier General Bingham now oversees the training of more than 20,000 military personnel annually in her new role as quartermaster general.

 

Murfreesboro Anti-Mosque Campaign Resumes

Any one who watched the recent CNN special  "Unwelcome: The Muslims Next Door," with Soledad O'Brien is familiar with the ongoing debate in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I found this story particularly interesting because local Muslims say that they always felt welcome in Murfreesboro both before and after 9-11. The local Imam recalls how in the weeks following 9-11 Murfreesboro residents would approach him on the street to offer words of reassurance.

However, the welcoming attitude of some Murfreesboro residents suddenly changed when the local Muslims purchased a plot of land and received approval to build a new Islamic center and Mosque.  The congregation soon found themselves at the center of a battle for their religious freedom, a battle that began with protest, vandalism, arson, and harassing phone calls.

When these methods failed to stop the construction a lawsuit was filed by Kevin Fisher, Lisa Moore and Henry Golczynski seeking an injunction to prevent any future building permits from being issued for the project.  They claimed that proper public notice was not given prior to approving the plans; according to the county a public hearing was not required because the land was already zoned for religious meeting use. Fear became the weapon of choice for Joe Brandon Jr. and Tom Smith, attorneys for the plaintiffs, with their entire case seemingly being based on unfounded allegations of Sharia law, Jihad and Islamic extremism invading Murphysboro. They further argued that Islam is not a religion.   The case was later dismissed with the judge informing the plaintiffs that Islam is in fact a recognized religion.

According to DNJ.com 14 new plaintiffs have joined the lawsuit and attorneys for the plaintiffs have filed an amended motion, once again attempting to halt the construction. The claims made in this motion seem to be even more ridiculous than the first.

In an effort to have most of the claims in the suit dismissed Attorneys for the county, Jim Cope and Josh McCreary, filed a motion arguing that the plaintiffs have no standing in the lawsuit.

According to dnj.com Brandon and Smith countered by arguing that all 17 plaintiffs have standing based on the following:

Fisher: Because he is an African American Christian who'd be discriminated against and subjugated as a second-class citizen under Sharia law and be denied his civil rights.

Moore: Because she's a Jewish female who's targeted in a Muslim call to kill Jews in "jihad" in support of Palestine and as a woman whose rights would be subordinate to those of men in Sharia law.

Golczynski: Because he lost a son who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marines in combat in Fallujah, Iraq, by insurgents pursuing jihad as dictated by Sharia law.

According to Brandon and Smith the remaining 14 have standing because they live in the general vicinity of where the new Mosque will be located.

A news release by Brandon says:

"The residents neighboring the property of the 52,000-square-foot Muslim Brotherhood Training Center fear for their property values, their safety, their privacy and constitutional rights," (I am not aware of any involvement by the Muslim brotherhood)

Brandon has claimed that the leadership of the Mosque has promoted anti-American sentiment and has ties to terrorist organizations, these allegations by Brandon continue despite the fact that local Muslim leaders were questioned by the FBI (as were many Muslims across the country) shortly after the attacks on 9-11. It seems apparent based on their continued freedom that no threat was found in Murfreesboro.

In a strange twist of events attorney Joe Brandon Jr is now complaining that his rights are being violated. Brandon complained that his right to privacy is being violated after it was discovered that surveillance cameras had been installed in the vicinity of the new Mosque construction site. The claims are based on the fact that he and the plaintiffs in the case use the road by the site on a daily basis. He has filed a motion demanding to know who installed the cameras and who receives the data from them.

Although it was originally claimed by Brandon that members of the mosque had placed the cameras they deny any knowledge and say that they only became aware of them after Brandon complained. Local authorities are referring all questions in this matter to the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The FBI, who has been conducting an investigation into arson at the construction site, says they can’t comment on an ongoing investigation or the methods they may be using.

It is important to note that not all Murfreesboro residents are against the construction of the new Mosque.  Counter-protestors have turned out to support the Muslim community and their right to freedom of religion.

Free Speech does not Equal Freedom from Responsibility

For the past week we have all watched with horror the unfolding of events in Tucson.  The conversation quickly turned to violent rhetoric spotted by politicians and their supporters.  As we watch some of the more notable instances of violent rhetoric being defended as free speech it became clear  that for many freedom of speech also means freedom from common sense.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords continues to improve from a gunshot wound to the head received in the mass shooting outside of a Safeway store in Tucson on January 8. Although it appears that Gabrielle Giffords was the intended target 19 people were shot leaving six dead.  Newly elected student council member, Nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green, was the youngest and possibly the most memorable victim of the shooting.  For many of us the photos of Christina will be forever etched into our minds, a child who was born on a day of national tragedy and only nine years later became the victim of a day of national tragedy.

The events of January 8 led to a barrage of accusations and finger pointing regarding violent political rhetoric that seems to be the norm for some politicians and their supporters. We all heard the reports of campaign rallies held at shooting ranges with slogans such as “Lets take out Gabrielle Giffords” and cross hairs being drawn over democratically held districts (including Gabrielle Giffords) with slogans saying “Don’t retreat, reload”.  I do not mention these two exercises in “Free Speech” to say that one party is more inclined to make such statements than the other, but rather because they have been the most publicized and seem to be the most relevant.

To the best of anyone’s knowledge these statements had nothing to do with the shooting of Gabrielle Giffords but they do bring about an interesting debate under the circumstances. Does our constitutional right to freedom of speech absolve us of responsibility for the outcome?  If we incite violence under the guise of “Free Speech are we then not responsible for the resulting violence?

If, in fact, we believe that our freedom of speech is open ended then how can it be that Tucson shooting victim, James Eric Fuller, was arrested for yelling “your dead” to tea party leader, Trent Humphries. There was no act of violence committed so was he not simply exercising his right to free speech?

We could take the debate a bit further by asking the question: are we not all culpable to some degree for the outcome if we support in any way those who stoop to such levels as a means to gain political power? Do we, as Americans, not have a responsibility to make it clear to those who seek to lead our country that this is unacceptable?

This is a debate that will no doubt go on well into the future. At the end of the day it will most likely come down to an individual decision. As we enjoy the freedom that comes with being an American we must also understand that those freedoms come with responsibilities. Will we continue to support this type of irresponsible use of our freedoms or will we take a stand against it?

Hate Groups Receive High Marks from the Better Business Bureau While Legitimate Businesses Struggle

America's most well known business reporting agency, the Better Business Bureau has come under fire after a 20/20 report revealed questionable practices on the part of the agency. It appears that the Arlington, Virginia based non-profit group should take a good look at their own "Standards of Trust" that they require their accredited members to follow.

The 20/20 investigation found that such well known names as The Ritz Carleton, Wolfgang Puck, and Disney World have received the lowest rating offered by The BBB, an F. None of the three are accredited (paid) members of the BBB.

The 20/20 report came after business owners complained about questionable practices buy the consumer watchdog group. Just one example of the "pay for an A" ppractice was allegedly video taped by 20/20. Liz's Antique Hardware had a rating of C when she was reportedly told that it would not be changed unless she became an accredited (paid) member. According to 20/20 she gave them her credit card number and within 24 hours she had a rating of A+.

The BBB claims that not just anyone can be an accredited member, accredited members are by invitation only and must agree to uphold the highest standards of business practices (and pay the membership fee).

Angry business owners, with the help of an anonymous blogger, submitted Hamas and a racist website, stormfront.org and payed the $425 fee for accreditation. Using Bill Mitchell, president of the L.A. BBB and Aryn Whiting as the business owners along with fictitious address, the two businesses received an A- and an A+ respectively.

After watching the report I decided to search the BBB website and see what other colorful businesses would turn  up with good ratings.

It took me about five seconds to find the  Ku Klux Klan with a B+ rating. The KKK's business type is listed as general membership and lobbying. According to the BBB they have had no complaints filed against them and the BBB has no information regarding any government actions against the KKK.

A few minutes later I discovered the  American Nazi Party, self described aryan revolutionaries, sporting a impressive B rating. Once again the BBB has received no complaints and is aware of no government action against the ANP.

I need to point out that neither of these organizations are accredited (paid) members of the BBB. It appears that if they would pay their membership fees they could easily have an A+ by this time tomorrow.

I am sure I am not the only one who has a problem with the idea that hate groups enjoy B-A ratings while many legitimate businesses have to struggle with a C and pay to receive an A+.

In the heading of the BBB website it says  "start with trust", perhaps the American trust has been misplaced when it comes to the BBB.

Are the Second Amendment and Gun Control Compatible?

The debate over gun control and the second amendment has gone on for years. Ultimately, the interpretation of the second amendment and the rule of law regarding the possession of firearms depends on who you ask.  It seems that those on both sides of the debate take an "all or nothing" point of view.

If you ask an opponent of gun control they would most likely say there is no debate, after all, the second amendment is quite clear.

Those in favor of gun control will have no trouble citing countless cases of innocent bystanders and victims of violent crimes being injured or killed as a result of the lack of gun control and thereby make a compelling argument that guns should be outlawed.

Is it possible that both are, to some degree, right? The second amendment reads as follows:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

When I read this I have to ask myself one question, has the wording become outdated as it applies to the modern world? Our founding fathers had no knowledge of the evolution of firearms or of America and our military power.

They could not have foreseen a time when the muskets and flintlocks of their day would be replaced by assault rifles and automatic handguns.

They could not have foreseen a time when America would be one of the most powerful countries in the world with a powerful full time military to defend us against our enemies. They could not have foreseen a time when "well regulated" militia would be represented by the thousands of reservist who serve our country on a moments notice when called upon to do so.

Is it possible that the real question is not how do we protect or eradicate the second amendment but rather how do we modernize it?

We often hear the argument that "I need my guns for hunting", or "I need them to protect my home from possible intruders". Both of these can be considered valid points, however, do we really need an AK47, Uzi, or AR15 for hunting? Can we not defend ourselves with the same shotgun we use for hunting; will it somehow be less effective than an automatic handgun?

Is their a valid reason why a honest person with a valid reason to own a firearm would object to a waiting period, background check, or a permit for a handgun? With handguns being the weapon of choice for most criminals is it possible that eliminating handguns could decrease crime by making it more difficult to conceal a weapon?

These are just a few of the points that will debated well into the future. What is your opinion? Is it possible to modernize the second amendment and find a reasonable compromise to this debate?

Dolphin Maimed and Thrown Back into the Ocean to Die

 

WVFitzgerald.blogspot.com

 

As I sat on the beach at Atlantic Beach North Carolina word began to spread that a dolphin had washed ashore only a couple of hundred yards away. I grabbed my camera and started walking down the beach to where a small crowd had gathered.

I immediately noticed a huge wound in the dolphin's side accompanied by large teeth marks, the dolphin was also missing it's tail. The people in the crowd speculated that the dolphin had been the victim of a shark attack.

A small group of three researchers arrived to transport the remains to a more hospitable environment for preservation and further study. They quickly conducted a preliminary examination taking measurements, checking body temperature and examining the wounds.

Despite their apparent sense of urgency to move the animal the researches took a moment to express there thanks to the person who had called them. They went on to say that they collect approximately 130 sea animals annually that wash ashore along the coast.

After completing their examination the researchers determined that a shark had in fact attacked the dolphin. This was evident in the two large bite wounds, one on each side of the midsection. They then informed the crowd that the missing tail was not the result of the shark attack. The tail had been cleanly severed by a knife or other sharp object.

Although impossible to prove, they believed the most likely scenario was that the dolphin became tangled in a fishing net, the fishermen then cut the tail off to free the animal without risking damage to their nets. The dolphin was thrown back into the ocean, alive but unable to swim or defend itself properly. 

The presents of the injured dolphin soon attracted a hungry shark that attacked leaving the two gaping wounds; shortly thereafter the tide carried the remains to the beach. According to the internal body temperature the dolphin had died shortly before washing ashore.

It seems that this is a case of time and money outweighing the need for the humane treatment of all life. As is the case for most of us "time is money" in the fishing industry and nets cost money. It is most unfortunate that this results in an animal of any kind being maimed and left to suffer before eventually dying. If it is in fact necessary to injure the dolphin to remove it from the nets I would have to say that I believe it would be far more humane to kill it as opposed to letting it suffer. 

Interview with Westboro Baptist Church: Hate in the Name of God

 

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="242" caption="Members of Westboro Baptist Church demonstrate at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Author: JCWilmore Creative Commons Attribution 3.0"][/caption]

Shirley Phelps-Roper from Westboro Baptist Church takes the time to answer some of my questions regarding the church, their controversial views, and their protests.

Most of us have heard about the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church group. They routinely make headlines by traveling the United States holding what are most commonly refereed to as hate rallies. The church is commonly known as a hate group due to the message they attempt to spread through their protest.

Members of Westboro Baptist Church routinely appear carrying signs with such slogans as "God hates you", "God hates Jews", "fags are beast", "God hates fags", "Obama is the beast" and "thank God for dead soldiers” just to name a few.

I first became aware of the church in March of this year when they traveled to Central Virginia to hold anti-Semitic and anti-gay protest at four locations around Richmond and Henrico County. They held demonstrations at the Virginia Holocaust Museum, The Jerusalem Connection, Weinstein JCC, and Hermitage High School.

This group seems to simply show up around the country from time-to-time carrying signs and shouting slogans.

Many of us are left with more questions than answers after such an event, "what is their point?” "What do they hope to accomplish?” what do they believe in beside hate?"/ Well, you get the point. I decided that in the interest of fairness and understanding I would like to ask them a few questions about their church and their views and get their side of the story.

I decided on several questions and sent an email to Westboro Baptist Church and asked if they would mind answering them for the purpose of this article. Shirley Phelps-Roper took the time to answer my questions and here is what she had to say.

What inspired Fred Phelps to start the Westboro Baptist church, what was his vision for the church?

Phelps-Roper: WBC was started by Eastside Baptist Church in Topeka, KS and they invited Pastor Fred Phelps to be her first pastor. The vision of WBC is and has always been to serve God in the preaching of the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven according to the written word that is found in The Book, the Word of God, commonly called The Bible!

I read on Wikipedia that the church is mostly made of Mr. Phelps's extended family, is this true? If so why, has he had trouble recruiting new members from outside of the family?

Phelps-Roper: Today, this tiny little flock of slaughter has about 70 people who regularly attend the service of the Church when we meet each week with God, pursuant to the pattern that is shown in The Bible of a New Testament Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of those 70 souls, about 45 are members in good standing of WBC. Of those, about 85% are related by blood or marriage. Not quite the 100% that were related to Noah when God destroyed the old world with a flood of waters, saving 8 souls and sending, by some authorities, 16 billion souls directly into the bowels of hell! I say, 100% of those souls on that ark were related by blood or marriage.

What is your agenda, why travel the country holding what are most commonly described as hate rallies? What do you hope to accomplish?

Phelps-Roper: Our agenda is to preach the Gospel of Peace. As a matter of fact, those that hear and receive this gospel, it is a sweet smelling savor of life unto eternal life. To the rest, and the vast majority of mankind, it is a horrible savor of death, unto eternal punishment in hell where the worm dieth not and the fire is never quenched. Eternal torment. THAT is our agenda.

As a matter of beautiful, that-is-how-our-God-rolls fact, we are by this method, binding this nation to the standards of God. Further, we are bringing the thunder! We are using every fiber of our beings, and every resource at our disposal and every gift and calling that we received from our God to get this job done and to complete our testimony!

We also write songs, and this question has the first line of our Crazy Train (written for the benefit of the raging rebels called Metal Heads at the funeral of Ronnie James Dio) parody. "AMAZING / that's how God rolls / Billions of people / drowning in woe-oe-oe-oe-oe / CRAZY / it's much too late / to speak of God's love / when you brought on his ha-a-a-a-ate!"

These are not commonly described as "hate rallies;" they're called PROTESTS! As in "God sent his servants, rising early, daily and betimes, and sending, to protest your sin and your disobedience, for which thing, the wrath of God abides upon the children of disobedience." They're "love fests."

Most churches try to convert new members, on your website home page (godhatesfags.com) it says "God Hates You". Why would anyone join a church if they have already been told that God hates them, doesn't that make it pointless?

Phelps-Roper: That is an excellent question. You see this confirms what I said above. If God, in HIS MERCY, has given you eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart of understanding, you will see that sign and you will say, MY GOD IS A CONSUMING FIRE. THAT is what the Bible says in the Old AND New Testaments.

You will say with Paul, "KNOWING therefore the TERROR of the Lord, we MUST warn our fellow man that his sin is bringing on his destruction and great wrath from God and death and hell!" THAT my friends is what God calls: LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. Further, God says, if you do NOT give such a warning, then (1) You hate your neighbor in your heart, and (2) Their blood will be upon your hands and in the Day of Judgment, God will require it of you! You will know that God said IF you OBEY MY COMMANDMENTS, THEN, I will not abhor you! You will know that the default for 99.999999% of all humans is hell.

You see friend, we must NOT concern ourselves with how the masses of Doomed America view the words, because, we do not serve the masses; we serve The Living God. We care about what HE says! HE said: "get out and give the words to EVERY human, and make sure it is MY WORDS that you give."

Jesus taught love, so how can any self described Christian justify teaching hate in any form?

Phelps-Roper: Jesus taught obedience! Here is the verse for you: 1Jo 5:3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

This is another verse for you that puts a proper face on your words: 1Jo 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

The Bible is FULL of God's hatred. It is perfect, like his love. It is NOT an evil passion like it is in men. God does not hate you the way you hate us! No foaming-at-the-mouth with God. It is a perfect determination to send the UNREPENTANT to hell for eternity. You see GOD'S standard is the ONLY standard that matters. HIS standard is this: NO FORGIVENESS without repentance. NO love for the rebels. So while the Bible speaks of God's love, it is not for the vast majority of this last generation of Doomed Americans. You littered your landscape with lying preachers, professional mourners that put on a program of squally nonsense instead of just telling you WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU! They do that because you pay them to do that. God requires that you OBEY HIS COMMANDMENTS.

In short, if you do not preach and understand and teach the hatred of God, you are NOT preaching Bible truth.

Based on what most of us have seen at your rallies it seems clear that you are anti-Semitic and anti-gay. Based on the "God Hates America" slogan your known for would it be fair to say that you are anti-American?

Phelps-Roper: You are working WAY too hard at this. We are ANTI-SIN! We are PRO-OBEY! You are breaking down the demographics too much. With God, there are only two: Those that OBEY and those that do NOT OBEY!

Most known "hate groups" make it clear that they are anti-African American. With that in mind what is your belief regarding African Americans?

Phelps-Roper: My dad (Pastor Phelps) and my mom have 13 children. 11 of us are attorneys. My dad spent 25 years pioneering civil rights for black people and women and the elderly in the Federal Courts, as THE leading civil rights lawyer of his day. We think what God says! God NEVER said it was abomination to be black or female or elderly. Sodomites are identified by a perverted and filthy sex practice that they voluntarily engage in.

We must go to the words, because it is always and only about the words:

Ex 12:49 One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.

Acts 17:24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;

25. Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.

How would you compare Westboro Baptist Church with other known hate organizations like the Neo-Nazis or the KKK? Are there any connections?

Phelps-Roper: What a silly question. How would you compare WBC to such rebels? We stand daily in your streets with the Bread of Life, in the bright light of day, open faced and honestly telling you that you must OBEY YOUR GOD. For our kindness, you entreat us with questions such as this.

In the asking of this question, you determine where the hearts and minds of your reader dwell. Shame on you!

According to your website Westboro Baptist Church was bombed on August 20, 1995. Why do you say that America bombed your church?

Phelps-Roper: America only acts by her government. When a bomb goes off, DUTIES arise. You know how that looks.

The ATF and more government agencies do things to investigate. People are put on trial and sentences get long for use of bombs, ESPECIALLY when directed at churches. E.g. the man in CA that was sentenced to 20 years in Federal Prison for conspiring to set off a bomb at a Jewish Temple. When that bomb was directed at us, we had to offer a $5,000 reward to catch the criminals. Then the prosecutor charged ONE of the three criminals with lesser offenses and NO charges for two of the men. Then, the prosecutor let that one plead to an even lesser offense and he got a sentence of 6 days in jail and he was permitted to serve them on weekends so as not to disrupt his life.

THAT failure to do your sworn duty is why God is using that SAME BOMB as the #1 killer of the children of Doomed America in war in Iraq and Afghanistan. You see, those guys used an IED. Roadside bomb. They did that in a day when most people didn't even know what an IED was. Now, EVERYONE knows. THAT amazing fact is HOW GOD ROLLS!

He promised that if you mess with his people, you have touched the Apple of HIS EYE! He promised to repay you TO YOUR FACE for that. AMAZING! All praise goes to THAT GOD! It belongs to THAT GOD! Shout loud and long Hallelujahs!

For most of us 9-11 was the single greatest tragedy since Pearl Harbor yet you carry signs saying "Thank God for 9-11". Why?

Phelps-Roper: Here is the verse that selfish DOOMED Americans forgot or ignored: BE YE THANKFUL! Here are three excellent reasons to Thank God for ______ EVERYTHING! EVERYTHING!

1. BE YE THANKFUL!

2. We all deserve such death as in 9-11, Pearl Harbor, Coal Mines exploding, etc. But on this day, you still have the breath of life and you can still repent! BE YE THANKFUL! In HIS mercy, God has not cut you off, but has yet given you space to repent. BE YE THANKFUL! The time is growing so very short, make up your mind. Serve God or destruction!

3. If you are a servant of God, you know by such confirmation as 9/11 that God has not sent us onto the mean streets of Doomed America now in our 20th year, without confirming our words! We told you from the beginning, IF YOU GO the way of Sodom, you will suffer her fate! So here is the passage that helps you understand what I am saying here:

Psalm 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.

11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.

Why do you say thank God for dead soldiers and IED's?

Phelps-Roper: BE YE THANKFUL! YAY! Rejoice all ye that mourn for the sins of rebellious Doomed America! Shout Hosanna! Our God doeth all things well! Keep your eyes on that oil, that beautiful oil! Your destruction is imminent!

For many of us it seems likely that some of your rallies could spark violence against your members, has this ever happened?

Phelps-Roper: There is always a determination among the children of Satan to harm us, but our God has our back and he doeth all things well. HE keeps us in all our ways! So even as you try a thing here and there, we are all good, all the time! Here is a good, clear articulation of that promise that we go forth with:

Isaiah 54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

This is just ONE of many, many promises of God to his prophets! Also this amazing fact: "Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain." Ps 76:10

Funerals are a sad and traumatic event, so why does your church believe that it is OK to cause more pain for the friends and family of the deceased by holding rallies at funerals?

Pelps-Roper: Blah, blah, squall! Each person that touched the dead child's life is personally responsible for that child residing in hell! Luke 16:18-32 will show you that the dead and in-hell child wants us there and wants us there and that child wants you to LISTEN so that you might not also go to hell!

Why does your church believe that President Obama is the anti-Christ, couldn't it have just as easily been George W. Bush or Rush Limbaugh?

Phelps-Roper: Another question that demonstrates your Bible ignorance. We don't hate on you for it, we just note that this so-called "Christian" nation is amazingly and deliberately Bible ignorant! Had you bothered to read that precious book, you would not be in all this trouble! But I'll answer.

George Bush is indeed anti-Christ as is Rush Limbaugh. However, Obama is THAT WICKED, THE BEAST (see Revelation 13) that is spoken of that will preside over the final end of Doomed America and then, he will get his global power-grab on and he will from that vantage point, bring the nations to march against Jerusalem and of course the prophets say and Christ said it will be THE WORST affliction in this earth from the Creation to that day, and ever after. That means WOE, WOE, WOE unto Israel, as these events are NOW. You can, even as I write, see how things are getting into place. Israel is not in the position she was in even a year ago and certainly not two years ago. I digress.

There are too many words about this to put into this answer, so I would refer you to the body of work that WBC has done called www.beastobama.com. Also, see www.jewskilledjesus.com for some much needed clarity. If you know or do not know, these events are already playing out, and you cannot stop ONE BIT OF IT! Praise ye the Lord!

When your group visited Richmond Virginia there was an 11-year-old boy in the group, do you believe that teaching hate based on religious preference, sexual orientation, or skin color is going to limit the child's future in the modern world?

Phelps-Roper: How funny is that?! You see, you don't need to worry about that little guy and his future. Because he resides with the People of God and he appears to be a little servant of God, he will be just fine.

He is a smart little child, his name is Noah. He is my #10 of 11 children. And he understands what he is doing in this life. Your unbelief is not, cannot and must not be binding upon our obedience to God! Get over the big lie of skin color in that question. Just forget the straw man called race! We are teaching that child what the Lord his God requires of HIM!

It would be easy to say that it appears that Westboro Baptist Church has declared themselves the judge of all things human and believe they are the divine voice of God. Would that be a fair statement?

Phelps-Roper: God is the Judge of all! HE HAS JUDGED! HE HAS ISSUED HIS JUDGMENT! He is at this very hour judging this nation! Look to the oil!

When God sent 9/11, this nation had an opportunity, like the Men of Nineveh to REPENT! But instead of repentance and a calling for of a day to fast and mourn for your sins, Bimbo Bush climbed on top of that pile of rubble and raised his fist to God and declared REVENGE! Bad move.

God is judging this nation and pursuant to HIS PRECIOUS PROMISES, clearly announced in his word, and articulated over and over, this very land that you have defiled is going to VOMIT YOU OUT!

Spewing time is on the way! See the adumbrations of that in the exploding power plants, coal mines and oil rigs, where God turned walking, talking, breathing rebels against him into human projectiles, vomiting them into the depths of hell! God alone has that power, and THAT is the God that is judging this nation! WOE unto you that forgot God! One more run to the words rebels:

Psalm 9:17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.

 

Well, there you have it, hopefully the answers to a few of the many questions that you might be asking the next time you see Westboro Baptist Church in the headlines.

 

 

Water Insecurity is Becoming Critical for the Arab Region

A combination of nature and human activity have left many countries in the Arab region facing the possibility of severe water shortages in the near future. In some cases the water use exceeds the natural recharge rate by more than one and a half times.

A combination of population growth, lack of pricing policy reforms, an increases in household incomes, droughts and in many cases the absence of adequate water treatment facilities has greatly reduced the availability of water suitable for consumption and agricultural purposes throughout the Arab region. In some cases water use is as much as 1.5 times higher than the natural recharge rate.

According to the World Bank the Middle East and North African regions are by far the driest and most water scarce regions in the world. The global per capita average water availability is close to 7,000 cubic meters per capita, per year. The regional average for the Middle East and North Africa is 1,200 cubic meters per year. Throughout this region, however, the averages ranges between 1,800 cubic meters per person in Iran to less than 200 cubic meters per person in Jordan, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen. The regional average of available water per capita, per year is expected to plummet to only 500 cubic meters by 2025.

 

Agriculture in the region accounts for approximately 5 – 20% of the GDP yet consumes up to 90% of the available water supply, in many cases through the use of illegal wells. Yemen for example, is considered to be one of the worlds most water scarce countries; approximately 80% of the ground water supply is consumed by agriculture and in 2009 authorities discovered 494 illegal wells throughout the country.

Direct and indirect affects of climate change is expected to further complicating the problem. Some of the possible affects will be loss of coastal zones, more severe droughts and desertification, and increased groundwater salinity; this could potentially lead to an increase in epidemics and infectious diseases.

Following an assessment of the progress that is being made to combat the situation in the region Achim Steiner, UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, said::

"Climate change is likely to aggravate these trends. Thus it is in the interests of nations across the region to constructively engage in the climate change negotiations as countries look to Mexico and the UN climate convention meeting later in the year,"

 

Richmond Va: No Welcome Mats for Westboro Baptist Church Hate Group

Recently, representatives of the Kansas based Westboro Baptist Church visited Richmond Virginia to picket outside of the Holocaust Museum, Hermitage High School and other Jewish sites around the area carrying signs and chanting "God Hates Jews" and "God will destroy you."

In what could be described as a shinning moment for Richmond the group was met by counter-protestors at every turn, hundreds came out to voice their disapproval of the teachings of the church. As one young man so eloquently stated: "you can't come to Richmond to spread hate and expect not to be answered"

As the group arrived at the Virginia Holocaust Museum in Shockoe Bottom, they found themselves facing as many as 400 counter protesters. Executive director of the Virginia Holocaust Museum, Jay M. Ipson, (A Holocaust survivor) invited the members of Westboro Baptist Church inside to talk; his invitation was declined with a member of the group saying they did not come here to negotiate. Ipson later told reporters that he invited them in because if they wanted to hate him they should at least get to know him first. He went on to express his pride and gratitude to the counter protesters by telling the Richmond Times Dispatch:

"I feel like I'm 25 feet tall, this community is standing behind one another in love, not in hate."

 

 

Counter protesters came from many walks of life including 28-year old Iraq war veteran Nathan Cox of Mechanicsville, who played rock music through a megaphone to drawn out the group. The group is known to protest at the funerals of American soldiers killed in action, Cox told reporters that he first heard of the group while still serving in Iraq.

Although the Westboro group never picketed at Virginia Commonwealth University VCU students, faculty and staff took to the campus with their own anti-hate rally carrying signs with such slogans as “God Loves All People,” and “God Hates Morons”. The VCU rally that focused on inclusiveness was also joined by several faith-based and community organizations from around Richmond. The group was also met by opposition and increased police presents when they held an anti-gay protest at Hermitage High School.

It seems that the visit from the group has only served to give the people of Richmond a chance to stand together and speak out and their message was clear: Hate groups such as this one are not welcome.

 

 

Kentucky Mom Pleads not Guilty to Murder in the Death of Newborn

20 year old Ashley Cox pleaded not guilty to murder charges that resulted from allegedly giving birth in a restroom at the Roederer Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky where she was visiting her Boyfriend.

According to police Cox gave birth in a restroom at the facility, she then stuffed toilet paper into the infant’s mouth causing her to suffocate. Cox allegedly placed the infant in a trash can and covered her with paper.

After allegedly hiding the body, Cox told prison officials that she had a miscarriage and Oldham County EMS then transported her to Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. While examining Cox doctors found that she had not had a miscarriage but rather gave birth to a full term infant. Hospital staff informed prison administrators of their findings and the Kentucky State Police were called in to search for the newborn. The infant's body was found at 4:29pm and Oldham County Coroner Brett Donner pronounced the death at 4:42.

An autopsy revealed that the infant was alive at birth and according to the arrest warrant had no "medical abnormalities". Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant, she is currently being held on $2.5 million bond in the Oldham County jail.

Cox is the mother of a two year old daughter and prior to her arrest reportedly worked at a day care center. Cox's sister told reporters that the family was unaware of the pregnancy.




 

20 year old Ashley Cox pleaded not guilty to murder charges that resulted from allegedly giving birth in a restroom at the Roederer Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky where she was visiting her Boyfriend.

 

According to police Cox gave birth in a restroom at the facility, she then stuffed toilet paper into the infant’s mouth causing her to suffocate. Cox allegedly placed the infant in a trash can and covered her with paper.

After allegedly hiding the body, Cox told prison officials that she had a miscarriage and Oldham County EMS then transported her to Baptist East Hospital in Louisville. While examining Cox doctors found that she had not had a miscarriage but rather gave birth to a full term infant. Hospital staff informed prison administrators of their findings and the Kentucky State Police were called in to search for the newborn. The infant's body was found at 4:29pm and Oldham County Coroner Brett Donner pronounced the death at 4:42.

An autopsy revealed that the infant was alive at birth and according to the arrest warrant had no "medical abnormalities". Cox was charged with murder and concealing the birth of an infant, she is currently being held on $2.5 million bond in the Oldham County jail.

Cox is the mother of a two year old daughter and prior to her arrest reportedly worked at a day care center. Cox's sister told reporters that the family was unaware of the pregnancy.

Toyota Slows Production in the Wake of Recalls

Toyota announced today that they have planned what they are calling non-production days at 2 US plants located in San Antonio, Texas and Georgetown Kentucky.

The Georgetown plant is scheduled for 1 non-production day on February 26, with an additional 3 non-productions days possible in March and April. The Georgetown plant builds the Toyota Camry, Avalon and Venza and employs about 6,850 people.

The San Antonio plant, which builds the Tundra pickup truck and employs 1,850 people, is scheduled for 2 non-production weeks, the weeks of March 15 and April 12. During the down time the San Antonio plant will be installing new equipment that will allow them to built the Tacoma pickup, the new equipment was originally scheduled to be installed on the weekends during the month of March.

The Huntsville, Alabama plant will also experience some non-production days, the Huntsville plant make V-8 engines for the Tundra pickup truck and the slowdown will coincide with the San Antonio plant. About three hundred employees are expected to be affected.

Toyota plans to pay the workers for the non-production days and provide them with additional training.

Toyota announced the slow down in response to growing inventory as they attempt to deal with recalls. Over the past 5 months Toyota has recalled more than six million cars in America alone and 8.1 million worldwide. They also stopped sales of eight models, including the Camry and Corolla in the United States. Toyota officials believe the total cost of the recall could reach $2 billion. According to CNN Money Toyota spokesman Mike Goss said:

"We don't want inventory to build up for our dealers, we can't keep sending vehicles to dealers until they can start moving those vehicles."

The recalls are expected to take a toll on Toyota’s reputation as the safety leader, Toyota announced that January sales were down by 16% from last year and they expect to see a decrease in sales of about 80,000 vehicles in North America alone as a result of the recalls.

Meanwhile, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced that they will be launching a probe to determine how and when Toyota became aware there was a safety issue with the recalled models. According to federal law automobile manufacturers have 5 days from the date they discover a safety defect to notify the NHTS and begin an immediate recall. David Strickland, Administrator for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said:

"Our top priority is safety and we expect that all manufacturers address automotive safety issues quickly and in a forthright manner,"