The Age Of Despotism
- By Chuck Baldwin
This past Independence Day weekend, my friend, LCDR (Retired) Guy Cunningham, delivered an outstanding address here in Pensacola, Florida, in which he said that America is now in "The Age of Perfidy." He went on to say that our country is soon to enter "The Age of Despotism." I candidly confess that I believe the retired Naval officer could be more right than we might want to admit.
Commander Cunningham is no slouch. He was a Green Beret (who served in the same Special Forces company alongside his father and two brothers), an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division, Navy pilot, mission commander and analyst. He is also the author of the now-famous 29 Palms Survey. His military credentials are unassailable. When Commander Cunningham speaks, people should listen.
What Does Independence Day Mean?
- By Franklin D. Raddish
Our Founding Fathers forged this nation with blood, sweat, and tears. Many of them gave the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives. The founding of this nation was not for the faint of heart. Our Founding Fathers did not found this country because of the desire for greed and power, as the leftists say, but they founded this nation for the cause to live, work, and die as free Americans. They wanted to be free from the oppressive hand of Mother England. England was smothering the colonies both spiritually and physically. There was a great deal of debate and soul-searching before our Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence. Josiah Quincy, who was a great American orator for freedom during this time, said, “Blandishments will not fascinate us, nor will threats of a ‘halter’ intimidate. For, under God, we are determined that wheresoever, whensoever, or howsoever, we shall be called to make our exit, we will die as free men.”
Obama Dictates Construction Freeze
- By Dr. Al Snyder
Last week President Barack Obama exercized his audacity again, declaring that Israel has the green light from the US to go ahead and complete construction on housing units in the Jewish communities of Judea and Samaria that were already begun. But he added that after those projects were completed, he was demanding "a full construction freeze" in all the communities "across the disputed territories." And he added that he expected Israel "to fully comply with its demands."
I don't recall that it was Barack Obama who won the last election for Prime Minister of Israel. Do you? Yet it seems as if he thinks he holds the office of Super Prime Minister, or is it Dictator? How does he think he has the authority to make such dictatorial demands on Israel? How can he ignore that Israel is a viable and successful independent sovereign state? Does he consider Israel to be just another US state, or a colony of the US under his empirical administation?
Honduras Outraged By Obama-Chavez Alliance
- By Cliff Kincaid
I continue to receive messages from Honduran citizens upset at the international media for their distorted coverage of the situation in the Central American country. The people support the ouster of Manuel “Mel” Zelaya, who is considered a puppet of Venezuelan Communist ruler Hugo Chavez. They are mystified that an American president would want to return this Chavez puppet to power in Honduras.
One Honduran wrote: “The recent action taken by our Congress is highly supported by several organizations in support of peace and democracy: the State General Attorney, the Supreme Court, the Armed Forces, the private organizations and especially many young people. Mr. Zelaya broke the law on several occasions even after the Supreme Court stated that it was illegal. He had no respect for our laws and our Constitution.
Hunley Chapter Enjoys July 4th
- By Holly Sheen
Members of the Hunley Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy, attended a wonderful 4th of July celebration at Heritage Park in Simpsonville. Heritage Park has a beautiful, grassy outdoor amphitheater, complete with a high-tech stage. On stage the Greenville Symphony put on a first-class concert of patriotic music for all to enjoy and the highlight was the 1812 Overture—of course! Near the end of the Overture cannons are called for and, indeed, cannons were supplied! Thirteen guns of varying sizes were present to provide the thunderous accompaniment right on cue.
Palin’s Attorney Warns Media on Defamation
- By Bob Dill
FBI Spokesman Says Rumors of Investigation Untrue
Governor Sarah Palin’s announcement that she is stepping down as Governor of Alaska on July 26 has produced a firestorm of rumors generated by friend and foe.
Former Arkansas Gov. and Republican presidential candidate turned TV talk show host Mike Huckabee who claims to be a supporter of Palin called her decision to step down as Governor a “risky strategy.” Huckabee said on Fox News Sunday that resigning as governor will not stop the attacks on Palin. “That’s not going to stop if she continues in politics,” he concluded.
Water Park in Works for Northside
- By Bob Dill
Set to Open Summer of 2010
Ground was broken Wednesday, July 1st by the Greenville County Recreation District for the Otter Creek Water Park at Northside Park on Darby Road off State Park Road in northern Greenville County. The $3 million family water park is one of 17 projects made possible by a Hospitality Tax instituted by Greenville County Council in April of 2007. The park is scheduled to open in the summer of 2010.
Senator Phillip Shoopman Appointed To Port Advisory Committee
- By Press Release
Senator Will Represent Upstate, Oversee Vital Economic Engine
Columbia, SC – July 6, 2009 – South Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell announced today that he has appointed State Senator Phillip Shoopman (R-Greenville) to the South Carolina Port Advisory Committee. The port is one of our state’s most vital economic engines and Senator Shoopman’s appointment ensures Upstate representation on port matters.
South Carolina’s economic growth is directly linked to the success of our state’s ports. Unfortunately, while its competitors have seen consistent growth over the past several years, container traffic through the Port of Charleston has dropped precipitously. Once the largest port on the east coast, the Charleston port has dropped to the fourth ranking.
Collins Named American Legion Auxiliary SC Department President
- By Press Release
Brenda Collins was elected to the office of South Carolina Department President for the American Legion Auxiliary at their 89th annual Convention in Columbia, SC on Saturday, June 27th.
Her eligibility comes through her husband, John Collins, who served in the Air Force during the Vietnam Era. John is now serving a third year as Commander of Post #3 in Greenville.
She is currently serving as treasurer of Unit #3. She has served as president, secretary, Chaplain, Constitution and By-laws Chairman, Public Relations Chairman and Girls State Chairman in the unit.
SLED Clears Governor of Financial Problems
- By Bob Dill
Sanford Back to Work after Spending Holiday with Family
Governor Mark Sanford welcomed Attorney General McMaster’s call for a SLED investigation.
“We are pleased that SLED will look into this matter,” Gov. Sanford said. “There’s been a lot of speculation and innuendo on whether or not public moneys were used to advance my admitted unfaithfulness. To be very clear: no public money was ever used in connection with this. We believe the best way to put those questions to rest once and for all is for SLED to ask these questions, and we plan on cooperating fully.”
Sled reported that their review revealed no financial problems.
Joel Sawyer, the Governor’s spokesman commented following the SLED report:
What the South Has Lost
- By Frank Conner
From the Book: The South under Siege, 1830-2000, Chapter 24, By Frank Conner
This book has described the ideological war that the Northern secular humanists have been waging against the conservative Christian South from the 1830s until now (June 2000); and we have catalogued many of the social, political, and economic losses suffered by the South as the result of losing that war. But in discussing the wrenching changes that have been forced upon the Southern society – especially during the last half century, we have not yet talked about the consequent loss of the traditional Christian values which shaped the society of the Old South and made it unique in the world.
Let us talk about that now. If we could resurrect the best values of the Old South, modified only slightly for today’s conditions, what type of society would we likely end up with? Would it be worth all the effort?
‘All Things For Good: The Steadfast Fidelity of Stonewall Jackson’
- By J. Steven Wilkins
(Passages from the book by J. Steven Wilkins)
Fredericksburg: Page 212
During the (Union) assault, Lee turned to Longstreet and said with a mixture of satisfaction and sadness, “It is well that war is so terrible! We should grow too fond of it!”
The battle of Fredericksburg was actually two battles fought three miles apart: one in Jackson’s sector, and the other in Longstreet’s. Both battles proved disastrous for the Federals. Union Capt. Abner Small conceded, “There had been two battles, and we knew that both had been lost.”
Liberals Piling on Palin
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Governor Induced Fear and Trembling
Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska announced Friday that she would be stepping down as Governor at the end of July. She cited the influx of political troublemakers flooding into her state since she was asked to become the Republican vice Presidential candidate last fall. She noted that her family had incurred half a million dollars in legal bills fighting unfounded ethics complaints and some two million dollars that such unwarranted political attacks had cost the citizens of Alaska.
She and her family, including minor children, have been the recipients of the blunt of unprovoked attacks and ridicule by media personalities ranging from degenerate late-night sit-down comedians to network news anchors.
There is No Constitution!
- By John H. Utz - Greenville, SC
We have no Constitution! Let me repeat that: WE HAVE NO CONSTITUTION. And, we have NO Rule of Law. There are no formal checks and balances. There IS NO Justice. There is only POWER! And arrogance. And, the Big Lie! And totally uninhibited special interests, bureaucrats, representatives, legislators, school boards, County Councils, planners, Advisors, and, yes, Presidents.
The Dollar is worthless, except for the fact that countries all around the globe have so many in their accounts that they all (have to) participate in the illusion of value lest it implode!
Let Us Go In Peace
- By Tom McClain - Cameron, SC
In 1860 these were the last words Senator Jefferson Davis told the congress of the United States when he gave his parting address as he referred to letting the South secede from a voluntary union of states. Alas, President Abe Lincoln would not let the 13 southern states secede in peace; because of loss of power and money the U.S. could not afford to let the south go. These are people and states Abe had control over and as an attorney and recently elected president of the Union, he invaded the South and slaughtered thousands of people for power and money.
Hands Off Honduras!
- By Pat Buchanan
Last Saturday, Honduran soldiers marched into the presidential palace, bundled up President Manuel Zelaya and put him on a plane for Costa Rica.
The ouster had been ordered by the Supreme Court and approved by the Congress, as Zelaya was attempting an illegal referendum to change the Honduran constitution so he could run for another term.
Will someone please explain why this bloodless transfer of power to the civilian legislator first in line for the presidency, in a sovereign nation, is any business of the United Nations, the Organization of American States, Hugo Chavez, the Castro brothers or Barack Obama? For all have denounced the "coup" and demanded Zelaya's immediate return.
Welcome to Obamacare Theater
- By Michell Malkin
The White House sure likes to put on a show. Fresh off its joint stage production with ABC News, the Obama administration broadcast another health-care propaganda play this week under the guise of a citizen "town hall."
Chicago consigliere and senior adviser Valerie Jarrett managed the floor and human props for Obama. In a telling moment as the event kicked off, she protested a wee bit much: "I want to emphasize that the president has not seen the questions ahead of time." The audience responded with polite laughter.
Independence Now And Forever
- By Chuck Baldwin
As we approach Independence Day, it behooves us to recall the principles of America's founding, especially in light of the ongoing attempt by today's political and commercial leaders to merge the United States into a hemispheric government. In fact, the clarion call for independence is just as fundamental, just as revolutionary as it was 233 years ago.
Regarding the signing of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams said, "[Independence Day] will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the Day of Deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forevermore."
Biblical Significance of Modern Israel
- By Dr. Al Snyder
Evangelical Christians from many countries of the world comprise the majority of foreign tourists visiting Israel each year. Most of them are going to Israel for the first time, and what they primarily want to see are the ancient Biblical sites. They have read about Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Hebron, and other places in their Bibles. So they arrive with excitement and anticipation in the Holy Land, anxious to see these ancient Biblical places.
The fact that these ancient sites are still in existence for tourists to visit is what we might call, "Biblically significant." They were places of importance in Israel centuries ago during Biblical history. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob lived there. David and Solomon reigned there. Jesus and His disciples ministered there. And amazingly, two or three thousand years later, these ancient Biblical places are still real, existing and thriving places.
Americans Have Freedom In Their DNA
- By Tony Beam
Americans love liberty. Dissect the heart of a patriot and you will find the DNA of freedom. Listen closely to a patriot as he or she reveals the musings of their mind and you will hear a fixation on personal liberty. Just as nature abhors a vacuum, so a true American patriot abhors the thought of chains.
That is why tears well up in our eyes when we see the image and hear the voice of Ronald Reagan standing at the Berlin Wall telling Mr. Gobachev to tear it down. It is why we resonate with the words of Thomas Jefferson who said, “Liberty is to the collective body what health is to every individual body. Without health, no pleasure can be tasted by man; without liberty, no happiness can be enjoyed by society.”
Joyful Harps Recording New CD, Producing Sheet Music
- By Bob Dill
Readers of The Times Examiner are familiar with the multitalented Sheen sisters, Heather and Raquelle, and their Joyful Harps music. They teach music and also author weekly columns for the newspaper pertaining to home schooling.
Heather and Raquelle have recently started recording their harp arrangements on paper. Harpists may now go to their new sheet music page on their website and find several published original arrangements for duets and solos. They may be purchased by the piece individually for $6 each (price includes shipping). www.joyfulharps.com/oursheetmusic.html.
Elected Officials Speak Out on Sanford Affair
- By Bob Dill
Governor Pledges to Weather the Storm
Following an absence of 5 days from the state and admitting an affair with a “dear friend” in Argentina, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has apologized to his family and constituents, and announced his decision to reconcile with his family and submerge himself into the business of continuing to serve the Palmetto State as Governor for the next 18 months.
The State newspaper has published embarrassing personal emails allegedly written by Sanford and his Argentine lover the newspaper claims they have had since December, 2008. Unconfirmed reports indicate the emails were obtained by another male friend of the woman in Argentina.
Immigration Tsunami - Part II
- By Mike Scruggs
Impending Disaster and the Need for Real, Not Phony Reform
Recent estimates by a major investment firm and two research firms have placed the number of illegal immigrants in the U. S. at between ten and twenty million. All the estimate revisions seem to move constantly upward. Obviously, our immigration problem is so enormous and out of control that it is very difficult even to measure. Some have very appropriately termed the immigration tsunami an invasion.
The massive tidal wave of illegal immigration and unprecedented levels of legal immigration now occurring in the United States portend an impending demographic disaster. These demographic changes are already having enormous and substantial impacts on our lives. Jobs, wages, taxes, and every aspect of our economy are being adversely affected. The quality and costs of education and healthcare are also being adversely affected. Public safety and national security are being weakened or jeopardized. Out of control immigration portends a political, social, and cultural future very different from the ideals of the Founding Fathers of our Republic.
Immigration Tsunami - Part I
- By Mike Scruggs
Impending Disaster and the Need for Real, Not Phony, Reform
According to a January Report by the investment firm of Bear Stearns there may now be as many as twenty million illegal immigrants in the United States. The Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) had estimates of ten to twelve million illegals in the country in late 2004.
As illegal immigration is, of course, illegal and kept as quiet as possible, it is hard to get a handle on how many illegal immigrants are here. The three sources agree, however, that the numbers are growing rapidly. The CIS and FAIR both believe the number of illegals is increasing at the rate of 500 thousand per year. Some believe this may now be closer to 800 thousand per year. That figure will increase enormously, if there is any kind of amnesty, by whatever name. Such a plan is now before Congress in the form of the Kennedy-McCain Immigration “Reform” Bill.
Bill Connor Addresses Greenville GOP Women
- By Thomas C. Hanson
The Greenville County Republican Women’s Club conducted its annual Americanism program at its monthly luncheon meeting June 25 at the Poinsett Club.
Geri Warren is president of the club. Member Patty Stoner chaired the event, which featured an address by Master Sgt. Ken Gause, USAF (Ret), Col. Bob Davis speaking about the Wounded Warrior Project and the main address by Lt. Col. Bill Connor, a veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Air Force JROTC cadets from Southside High School presented and retired the colors.
Junior ROTC in Greenville SchoolsSgt. Gause, AFJROTC aerospace science instructor at Southside High School, spoke about the Junior ROTC program in Greenville schools and some of the awards his cadets have received and opportunities that have been presented to them.
The goal of the Air Force ROTC program is to instill values of citizenship, service to the United States, personal responsibility and a sense of accomplishment in high school students.
Wounded Warrior Project
Col. Bob Davis, husband of Kathy Davis, the club’s first vice president, spoke about the Wounded Warrior Project.
Supreme Court Confirms: Sotomayor was Wrong
- By Christian Newswire
Sanctioned discrimination against firefighters for color of skin
WASHINGTON /Christian Newswire/ -- The United States Supreme Court reversed Supreme Court nominee Sonia Sotomayor in the now-famous New Haven firefighters case. Although Judge Sotomayor and two of her colleagues did not even think the case worthy of a published opinion, the Supreme Court said the case presented "two provisions of Title VII to be interpreted and reconciled, with few, if any, precedents in the courts of appeals discussing the issue."
Eckstrom Addresses ACG Luncheon
- By Terry M. Thacker
South Carolina Comptroller Richard Eckstrom addressed the annual luncheon of the Americans for Constitutional Government this past Saturday at the Sugar Creek Clubhouse.
After a covered dish luncheon, Presbyterian pastor Mark Evans gave a devotional, after which Eckstrom spoke to the approximately 55-60 people in attendance. He began by addressing what he termed “the pink elephant in the room,” that is, the situation with Governor Mark Sanford.
“I’m a personal friend of the governor,” he said, admitting that “it’s difficult.” He said that he recently advised Sanford to read John 8, which deals with how Jesus handled the situation involving the woman caught in adultery and how Jesus offered forgiveness and grace. He further said that “we need to take inventory of ourselves” as well.
Confederate Air Force Topic for SCV Speaker
- By Bob Dill
Ray Sheen was the guest speaker at the June meeting of the 16"' Regiment, South Carolina Volunteers, Camp 36, Sons of Confederate Veterans in Greenville. Sheen is a former US Air Force officer who operates his own consulting business and enjoys Confederate re-enacting with family members. He volunteers as webmaster and maintains the I6'1' SCV and Museum of Confederate History web sites.
Allowing Destruction of the Republic
- By Bob Dill, Publisher
Destroying Our Wounded
It is more than a little disturbing to observe the systematic dismantling and destruction of our constitutional republic and free enterprise system by the Obama Administration and Democrat dominated Congress, while the Democrat and Republican enemies of Mark Sanford are gloating in his marital tragedy to the detriment of his family and the well-being of the Palmetto State. At the same time, the dominant media and the uncaring voting masses appear oblivious to the impending dangers and are totally absorbed in the idol worship of a less than perfect, dead rock star.
The Fallen Morals of Congress
- By Franklin D. Raddish
The Bible says in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance.” (King James Bible) The Bible also says in Proverbs 14:34, “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” (King James Bible)
No longer are the halls of Congress filled with men of high moral character. Yes, we still have many people in Congress who have good moral character, but this number is quickly dwindling. It is heartbreaking to hear about those in Congress who were elected by the people of this country who have become moral failures. Many of our Founding Fathers were remarkable leaders because of their love for Jesus, family, and country. They were selfless servants of the people. But today many of those elected to Congress have become selfish masters of the people.
Why Governor Sanford Should Resign
- By Tony Beam
I need to put all my cards on the table. I am a huge supporter of Governor Mark Sanford. For six and a half years he has tried to hold the line on the growth of government in South Carolina. You have to love a guy who brings pigs into the legislature to make a point about pork. His methods of communication may seem eccentric but his unyielding commitment to fiscal responsibility has won him a broad majority of support in South Carolina.
He has said “no” to government spending in every way imaginable. He has vetoed the entire state budget and he has vetoed the budget one line at a time. Regardless of the method, the legislature always had the votes to override the vetoes or otherwise defeat Sanford’s attempts at fiscal restraint.
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