The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

Forums work when people participate - so don't be bashful! Click the "Post Response" button to add your entry to the forum.

Lowell Tuttle

Articles written about valuable waste water recycled from well fracks now being re sold for new/old wells.  Moved by pipeline to storage and then used on new wells instead of injecting it into the earth...Hopefully solves the issue of earthquakes.  (a bit.)   

Still worried about smaller operations who ignore that cost though.

Jan Alexander

Yep, if Steve were here, he wouldn't have let my post slide by.  

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

DANCING AT HEIGHTS!

Tommy,

Congrats on your commitment and efforts to build the 55th Reunion buzz!

So, how many “babes” have popped up and confirmed to join you dancing at the Heights Elementary School Reunion?

https://youtu.be/w4JoutXYQtQ

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Gary Puckett

Jim Bedwell

COOL!!!!!!

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

I just heard, briefly, Ted Cruz talking to Kudlow on TV.

Cruz was saying that the Supreme Court is now under attack by the Democrats, because it is the one area of our government that they have not been able to control as they wish, and they are now ready to "burn it to the ground" so to speak, to have their way 

"This, Cruz stated, from the people who insist that Republicans are the ones who are a threat to democracy."

That old pesky Constitution surely does get in the way of the Democrats, way too often.

President FDR was told to halt similar speech, as was sensible.

Wayne Gary

Janalu,

On the news a few min ago.  Biden and Harris agrees with the following

1) Justices have a 18 yr term.

2) The sitting president will apoint a justice every 2 years that will have an 18 yr tern.

3) Strict ethic code for SCOTUS

4) Do away with the Presidental immunity.

This is not the first time the Dems want co change the rules that they don't like.

Several years they wanted to do away with the Senate fillibuster rule.

Ron Knight

My Friends on The Left

I must ask do you support the views of Roland Martin? And the MFF? IF so please enlighten me! I was surprised that Roy Cooper, the Gov  of North Carolina withdrew from consideration as Kamala's VP. I actually voted for him here in NC. Good for him to withdraw. I believe it would have been political suicide had he run on the ticket and lost. I think he must have taken those risk/reward calulations and made his decision.

I am going to be very proactive to the right in this campaign, even more so than I was back in the 2004 re-election campaign when I was asked by Laura Bush to be supportive and active in George W's re-election campaign in Texas. For those of you who don't know, I have been a long time member of the United Methodist Church and in particular at the time the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. AND a long time member of the Republican Party. I met George and Laura there back in the 1980's long before he was into politics ( misstatement - I forgot he ran in politics  in West Texas before moving to Dallas ). Baseball is how we became friends in the cookie room between Sunday School and Church Service. Their kids Jenna and Barbara were little tykes.

I have been mostly silent on both religion and politics for many years here, but with what I am seeing from FAR Left Extremest like Kamala Harris, I can NO longer be kept silent.  Under a Kamala Harris Presidency we will be the weakest country we will have ever been in our counrty's history. She may be good at domestic policy, though I doubt it, she will be horrible at Foreign Policy. Ask Benjamin Netanyahu what he thinks of her and what support from her he feels comfortable with. How do you think she will deal with China, Russia and Iran to only name a few? IF she becomes President how will the borders be more safe? And she has no clue about economic policy, how is she going to turn the inflation around? THESE are very IMPORTANT issues not only for Republicans but for ALL Americans!!

I am sorry for my friends on the Left - I just don't see what you see in this candidate!!  Hillary Clinton would be a better choice. Robert F Kennedy, Jr would have been a GREAT choice. Why was this decision made so soon  to annoit her rather than let the DNC chose through the normal process at your convention???

Lowell Tuttle

Ron.  It looks like us on the left aren't partaking here anymore.

See you in October if you can get there.

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

STORMCLOUDS RISING OVER HARMONY

Last Thanksgiving, we booked a 4th of July 2024 cruise from Galveston on the Royal Caribbean Harmony of the Seas…which as you recall a few weeks ago…included a chase across the Gulf to outrun Hurricane Beryl.  Other than dropping Roatan, Honduras as one of our port destinations, we enjoyed 7 days of smooth seas and sunshine!

Next week, the itinerary of the Harmony of the Seas sets sail for an 8-day cruise to the Bahamas on August 3, including a “Perfect Day at Coco Cay” private island water park.  

Due to Christopher’s request last November,  I originally booked this August 3rd itinerary:

However the next day after booking the cruise, I felt an uneasy feeling.  

After checking in with God, I sensed the Holy Spirit telling me not to cruise on August 3rd.  

And so, we rebooked to July.

Now that storm clouds appear to be rising next week and bearing down on the path of Harmony…I’m glad that I chose to listen to the power of prayer!

With Tommy again removed this week from our RHS Forum, I’m again heartbroken…and yet prayerful that David and Tommy will steer away from the storm clouds and into sunny skies and smoother waters ahead! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zthnDU7_4GY

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Gil Ohlen

May Peace be with you, Ron.!  

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Ron,

Your post #30494 makes so much sense to me as a Republican.

If you were to show that post to your daughter, would she read it and be willing to discuss it with you, or tell you where she has different opinions, and why?

I'm curious, because it sounds like she is similar to my daughter.   As you stated before, in one of your earlier posts, our daughters have every right to vote as they please. of course, but what puzzles me is their reasoning processes toward developing their final thoughts toward how they choose their vote preference.  I'm trying to understand how they arrive at their decisions, and what influences are the genesis of their veering into platitudes that were not what they heard from their relatives, with the dynamics of each side of the coin considered in each individual discussion, as they grew up (the pros and cons discussed.) 

Was it subject matter they were taught in college?   Was it liberal-based newscasts they heard, as well as associate discussions they have heard, and peer pressure to conform?   Was it a falling away from the religious lessons of an all-encompassing wisdom alongside moral responsibilities mankind needs to embrace, which they learned as they matured?  Was it, indeed, all of these factors and more?

My husband tells me to just let her go fall on her face, if necessary, and then she will learn not to do that again.  I know there is truth in that philosophy, sure enough!

Ron Knight

Janalu,

I have asked my daughter these questions in an email. And I have given her plenty of time to respond. So far no response. I feel she knows how divided we are and just would rather not get into it. I am fine to drop it and move on.  We try not to get in talks on the phone about this subject anymore. We have before and it was not pretty and we didn't talk for a long time. She is 50 years old and as Sandra has told me, " I am not going to change my views and you are not going to change your views". So I just leave it at that.

My son-in-law and daughter (both attorneys) interned for Cathy Cox - the then Secretary State of Georgia - and Cathy's husband Mark  who has his own law firm. My daughter worked for Cathy. They are very left wing activists in Georgia and the kids became inamoured with their power. That is when she left the Republican party during her tenure as intern.

And as a side note, I came from Dallas to my daughter's Law School Graduation party and Cathy Cox and her huband Mark were going to be there. A few months earlier Cathy turned down my Georgia application for my Net Branch Mortgage company. My background is Mortgage Banking and I co-founded a company that we took nationally. We were licensed in 38 states and had brick and mortar locations in 23 states, but Cathy turned us down the only state to do so. We were approved by HUD!!!  My daughter was horrified that I might bring that up when I met her. I did not!

Ron Knight

Thanks Gil!

I am sorry I have broken my own rules on this site ( talikng politics ). This is exactly what I have preached against. I have stated many times, I detest Trump as a person. And as I stated this is not a vote for Trump, BUT a vote against Harris. Plain and simple. Forgive me  brother. Much love to you.

Ron Knight

Lowell

Thanks and I hope it has not been something that I said that drove any of you away. I have only been trying to establish an open dialog to rationally discuss key issues honestly.

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Ron, 

I think you may have hit on the main point of why your daughter changed party affiliation and loyalty, when you said she was greatly influenced with the POWER aspect of the whole deal.  Democrats are obsessed with having power, it is true.

I feel my daughter is influenced by her peer group, without realizing that the issues she votes for are the issues that are now plaguing her with high living expenses she can't sustain, plus issues that cause her headaches at her school workplace.  She also picks up bits and pieces of news off of social media clips, neglecting to research the important issues in depth.  She has little time to be informed enough, in my opinion, to submit a rational vote.  I feel she just votes for personalities, mainly, not learning enough of what needs to be done when the person is in office, which is THE MAIN point to glean before casting a vote.  I've told her, I too, think Trump is a jerk much of the time, but I'm interested in the policies espoused and worked toward when he is in office, along with the strength shown, when facing dictators abroad.

Thank you, Ron, for your input.  I appreciate what you have written.

Jim Bedwell

J.D. Vance married a woman, whom he met at Yale & whose parents are from India. Their middle child is a boy named Vivek, born in 2020, AND this was before he became a US Senator so I don't think he named the kid after Vivek Ramaswamy. So I'm thinking "Vivek" might be like "John" in India? Or at least "Tom", "Dick" or "Harry"?

Jim Bedwell

We now owe over $35 trillion - our national debt. The next 4 highest (we owe more than all 4 combined):

China $14 trillion

Japan $10.2 trillion

France $3.1 trillion

Italy $2.9 trillion

The Biden administration is adding $1 trillion every 6 months (not counting covid money) - NOT SUSTAINABLE.

David Cordell

Had a good chuckle last night while watching the Olympics. There was a commercial  for VP Harris for president. She was speaking very skillfully and mentioned some of her political positions. It was well done. The funny part was that the subsequent commercial was for Lysol.

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

CHRISTIAN CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE

IN AMERICAN POLITICS

A couple of days before Netanyahu’s address, dozens of protesters rallied outside his Washington hotel, holding a “noise demonstration” and reportedly dropping swarms of crickets and mealworms throughout the hotel. On Tuesday afternoon, hundreds of demonstrators staged a flash mob-style protest inside the Cannon House Office Building, sitting on the floor and chanting “Let Gaza Live!” Capitol Police said it arrested about 200 people on charges related to the sit-in.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, denounced the violence at Union Station in a statement on Thursday morning, 

“I condemn any individuals associating with the brutal terrorist organization Hamas, which has vowed to annihilate the State of Israel and kill Jews,” Harris said. “Pro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation. I condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.”    https://time.com/7003081/photos-netanyahu-washington-dc-protests-demonstrations-police-clashes-arrests-capitol/

QUESTION:  what is the duty and role of an American Christian concerning Civil Disobedience when evil is cited within our US government?   And how should we (in Biblical community) debate these concerns and the frustrations they bring to us as American men and women?

For determining whether a born-again Christian should engage actively versus passively in US political issues, let’s compare Bible verses Romans 13:1-7 regarding the appropriateness of participating in Civil Disobedience, versus Jeremiah 6:16 that give practical steps to experience spiritual “rest” on a daily basis, seeking peace of mind & spirit above all else. 

So please take a look at the following chart and conclusion, to determine if this helps us expand and resolve the question:

Romans 13:1-7 (NIV)

"Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor."

Jeremiah 6:16 (NIV)

"This is what the Lord says: 'Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.'"

Comparative Analysis

Summary and Justification

Active Engagement: Romans 13:1-7

Romans 13:1-7 advises Christians to actively engage in societal structures by respecting and obeying governing authorities, as these authorities are considered to be established by God. This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining order and justice through compliance with civil laws. Jesus' teaching on paying taxes to Caesar (Mark 12:17) supports this view, indicating that participation in civil duties is a part of a believer’s responsibility. Similarly, Peter advises Christians to submit to every human authority for the Lord's sake (1 Peter 2:13-17), reinforcing the notion that respecting government is an extension of honoring God.   This perspective justifies active political participation as a form of obedience to God, contributing to societal well-being and justice. It argues that Christians should engage in political issues to promote righteousness and maintain order, working within the established structures to effect change.

Passive Engagement: Jeremiah 6:16

Jeremiah 6:16 calls believers to seek the ancient paths and walk in them to find rest for their souls. This verse emphasizes spiritual well-being over civil engagement, advocating for a focus on divine guidance rather than political involvement. Jesus' invitation in Matthew 11:28-30 to find rest in Him further supports this view, suggesting that true peace comes from a relationship with God, not from external circumstances. Paul also emphasizes the importance of spiritual peace in Philippians 4:6-7, encouraging believers to present their requests to God and experience the peace that transcends understanding.   This perspective justifies a passive approach to political engagement, prioritizing spiritual practices and seeking peace of mind and spirit over active involvement in political issues. It suggests that Christians should focus on their relationship with God and trust Him to handle societal structures and governance.

Conclusion  https://www.gotquestions.org/civil-disobedience.html

Both approaches have biblical support and can be justified based on different aspects of scripture. Active engagement, as supported by Romans 13:1-7, highlights the importance of respecting and participating in societal structures as a form of obedience to God. Passive engagement, as indicated by Jeremiah 6:16, focuses on spiritual well-being and finding peace through following God's guidance.

Ultimately, the choice between active and passive engagement in political issues may depend on individual convictions and the specific context. Christians are encouraged to seek God's wisdom and guidance in deciding how to balance their civic duties with their spiritual priorities, ensuring that their actions align with their faith and values.   

…

Ron said:  I am going to be very proactive to the right in this campaign, even more so than I was back in the 2004 re-election campaign when I was asked by Laura Bush to be supportive and active in George W's re-election campaign in Texas.

So Ron,

in light of the war escalations against Islamic terrorism in Israel, and your pledge to become very proactive in the upcoming 2024 Presidential campaign; what are your thoughts on civil disobedience…and how does your faith affect your pledge and efforts?

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Lance,

I don't know how Ron might answer you, but in my opinion, the Palestinian protests all over Europe as well as our own country, are totally misinformed in their aim.  These crazed demonstrators are defending Hamas fighters who are sponsored and funded by Iran.  Iran's sole aim in Israel is annihilation of all Jews, so when the foolish protestors think they are supporting Palestinians, they are actually supporting Iran and are agreeing with Iranian determination of killing Jewish people, the people who have an absolute providence to be there, their native country.  

The idiotic Palestinians ELECTED to bring in Hamas, thinking Hamas would protect them from Jews, when, in fact, Hamas fighters and controllers will shoot them in a New York minute, if they choose, since Hamas could care less whether Palestinians live or die.  Hamas actually USES THE PALESTINIANS AS SHIELDS for themselves, when Israeli IDF soldiers come toward them.  How cowardly is that?  How loyal to Palestinians are the honored Hamas dogs, when they do that?  Hamas is loyal ONLY to Iran, not Palestinians, yet Palestinians CHOOSE to let Hamas into their living areas, believing that Hamas is GOOD FOR US!!!  

What is wrong with Palestinians?  Are they THAT ignorant?

What is wrong with protesters supporting Hamas, or demonstrating for Palestinians who set THEMSELVES UP for disaster, especially when Palestinians murder Jewish people at will and with unbelievable barbaric tactics, on ordinary days of the week, like October 7th ?

The protestors seem to believe that Palestinians need their support, because the Palestinians are being slaughtered, when actually, the Palestinians SET THEMSELVES UP FOR DISASTER BY THEIR OWN CHOSEN DECISIONS AND THIER OWN CHOSEN NEEDLESS ACTIONS OF WAR AGAINST JEWS, WHO DID NOT/DO NOT PROVOKE THEM  AT ANY TIME.  The Jews simply DEFEND themselves, at the times that they are attacked, and after being attacked, they take revenge in a manner of trying to NOT kill innocent civilians, but trying to root out Hamas dogs who hide behind women and children, and hide in hospitals or schools.

By the way, the Palestinians DO NOT WANT A TWO STATE SOLUTION NOW AND NEVER DID AT ANY OTHER TIME!!   WHAT THEY WANT IS NO JEWS AT ALL IN ISRAEL.

Ron Knight

Lance

I am not going to get into religion with you on this Forum. I have already broken one promise to myself about Politics here. If you recall other posts then you know where my faith is when I have let out a little about my faith. AND BTW, I am NOT a born again Christian, I never left!

 In the secular world, as far as my comments to be more active this year has to do with what I can personally do to help the Republican Party this year by volunteering here in my county. My health keeps me from doing many things. 

As far as Islamic terrorists, I of course do not approve of their actions.

Let me make it VERY clear to you. You can be very caustic and combative at times on this Forum. So I have doubts about your motive for your post. I will not be dragged into your web.

Regards,

Ron

Jim Bedwell

Thanks, Janalu. GREAT post!

David Cordell

Ditto, Janalu.

It is a tragedy in Gaza, but it is a tragedy of their own making. Attack Israel at your own peril.

Never forget that there was a ceasefire in place on October 7.

And where are the five American hostages?

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

POLITICAL ACTIVISM REPLY -

At the intersection of Culture, Politics, and Faith

Thank you Ron,

for your candor and reply to my post today questioning a Christian’s role in political activism.  As you know, given my long history of Forum posts…having not deferred, deflected, nor avoided challenging (and often combative) questions involving interpretations of truth…including Biblical truth…I truly accept and understand your skeptical tone of disapproval.

As background for clarity, my earlier post CHRISTIAN CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE IN AMERICAN POLITICS, was taken largely from my Watermark Men’s weekly Bible study as a  “homework assignment”.  Given today’s turbulence intertwined in both domestic and foreign geopolitics, several men complain of being angry with what they observe in the media…especially what is portrayed as truth vs. lies…and the resulting blur that creates anxiety by undermining “peace and safety” in American society!

And so, being worthy of civil debate, please indulge me by again referring to my main topic and the question I posed to you:

Specifically:  what is the duty and role of an American Christian concerning Civil Disobedience when evil is cited within our US government?   And how should we (in the Watermark community) debate these concerns and the frustrations they bring to us as men?

While set upon a current backdrop of Israel vs. Hamas, Houthi, and Hezbollah terrorism, the question resonates back to American roots in 1776…and our civil disobedience against King George III refusal to receive the colonial petition, the Proclamation of Rebellion of 23 August 1775 that effectively served as an answer to it.

https://wallbuilders.com/resource/the-american-revolution-was-it-an-act-of-biblical-rebellion/

With regard to your choice to avoid certain topics while posting here, especially those at the intersection of Culture, Politics, and Faith…please note that these topics dominate the minds of Americans, along with RHS Forum posters alike.

I must also say that in light of your prior admission:

“AND BTW, I am NOT a born-again Christian, I never left!” 

I’m equally puzzled by your post to the LEFT stating: 

 I have been a long-time member of the United Methodist Church and in particular at the time the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas.

BTW over the years, I’ve visited both HPUMC and Highland Park Presbyterian Church; and found both congregations to be warm and welcoming!

FYI, here’s a link to the Methodist statement of beliefs Article VII - Sin and Free Will stating: Except a man be born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.

https://www.umc.org/en/content/confession-of-faith#jesus

Again Ron, thanks for your prompt reply.  

I’m hopeful more posts with substantive content will move from emotion-based, to being thoughtfully provocative.

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