Eternal Vigilance Department 02/06/09

Key Justice Appointees Threaten Basic Liberties

Here's a look at some important appointments along with Tom Minnerley's observations. I've called our Senators' offices to express my opinion that these appointees do not reflect the values of most Americans and are in fact a threat to the protection of our children and our way of life.

David Ogden for Deputy Attorney General
Hearing Date: Yesterday

Pornography and Obscenity: Ogden has extensively represented Playboy, Penthouse and other pornography businesses on numerous occasions and even argued to force the government to use tax dollars to publish portions of Playboy in Braille at the Library of Congress. He also served as legal counsel opposing the Children’s Internet Protection Act and the Child Protection Obscenity and Enforcement Act, which requires pornographers to verify "performers" are not children.

Anti-Life Record: Ogden has a record of supporting an almost unlimited right to abortion, providing legal counsel for groups like Planned Parenthood, National Organization for Women and People for the American Way. He argued that “abortion rarely causes or exacerbates psychological or emotional problems,” opposed parental notification for 14-year-olds, and called spousal notification a “burden” that “cannot be justified.”

Pro-homosexuality activism: Ogden served as counsel of record for a legal brief that said homosexuality “is a normal form of human sexuality” and has called traditional marriage a “social prejudice.”

Thomas Perrelli for Associate Attorney General
Hearing Date: Feb. 10

Thomas Perrelli’s nomination for the number-three post at the Department of Justice is raising concerns because he argued on behalf of Michael Schiavo’ s right to withhold food and water from his disabled wife Terri Schiavo, which resulted in her death. Perrelli was lauded by pro-euthanasia activists for his efforts.

Dawn Johnsen for Office of Legal Counsel
Hearing Date: Pending

Dawn Johnsen is former legal director for the National Abortion Rights Action League (NARAL) and an ACLU fellow. NARAL is one of the most left-wing, pro-abortion, polarizing groups in the nation. Throughout her career, Johnsen has been an open advocate of the abortion-rights lobby and is further evidence that Obama is politicizing the Justice Department.

The Threat of Imposition of International Law

Lynn at SWAC Girl Points Out an Even Graver Threat that I was not aware of. David Ogden has already invoked international law in a number of troubling instances. Ogden believes that the legal rules contained in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child are already binding on the United States, even though this treaty has never been sent to the U.S. Senate for ratification. This is dangerous stuff.


Tree at Twenty Minute Cliff on the Parkway

A Better 'Stimulus Plan'

What if Government Tightened its Belt and Citizens Kept the Difference

It worked during the Reagan years. Tax rates went down and government revenues went up. Here Larry Elder Makes the Common Sense Argument [click to read] that the Austrians are right and the Keynsian way was already given a go in the 1930's. Some would say government spending actually prolonged the depression.

His argument really boils down to this: Most of the stuff in the 'stimulus package' really doesn't help the average Joe but somewhere in the murkey future someone will have to pay the bill. If government tightens its belt now and actually focuses on its Constitutionally mandated functions, it can give meaningful tax relief to citizens. Small business really creates most of the jobs in the Country, so recognize that fact and give some tax relief. You might cut the rate but the increased productivity of an enthused enterprenual sector will pay a lot of bills in the future.

Likewise tax cuts for individuals and families will bolster confidence and lead to more productivity that does not need to be stimulated. You can take a stand for this better plan at http://www.nostimulus.com/.


The creek across the road from Buckhorn Inn

Round One...

The Tangled Web

I went to the County Government Center today in order to get a copy of Blue Ridge Mass Appraisal's worksheet [concerning my recent nosebleed inducing reassessment]. Francis Chester had informed us that § 58.1-3331 of the Code of Virginia allowed me to do this prior to my appeal. Bureaucrat #1 dutifully printed out some paper which turned out to be merely the old assessment breakdown and the new assessment breakdown. You know, the sheet your realtor provides with a listing. No notes, no comparables, no photographs or drawings produced to create the assessment.

Bureaucrat #1 had 'removed' some paper from my printout and I did see a photograph in it but he discarded it quickly saying: "some other stuff got in there." When I pressed him for an actual worksheet I was directed to the end of the hall where Bureaucrat #2 was running assessment hearings. Bureaucrat #2 told me that what I held in my hand WAS the worksheet and proceeded to inform me that I did not know how mass appraisals were done.

I muttered something like: "so this is how the shack in Gloucester County was assessed at $43,700," and Bureaucrat #2 assured me he didn't know what I was talking about. It was time to leave. I thanked him and walked out.

So now I need to go back to the Government Center, armed with a printout of the code that follows:

§ 58.1-3331. Public disclosure of certain assessment records.
A. All property appraisal cards or sheets within the custody of a county, city or town assessing officer, except those cards or sheets containing information made confidential by § 58.1-3, shall be open for inspection, after the notice of reassessment is mailed as provided in § 58.1-3330, the normal office hours of such official by any taxpayer, or his duly authorized representative, desiring to review such cards or sheets.
B. Any taxpayer, or his duly authorized representative, whose real property has been assessed for taxation shall, upon request, be allowed to examine the working papers used by any such assessing official in arriving at the appraised and assessed value of such person's land and any improvements thereon.
C. The assessing officer of the governing body may fix and promulgate a limited period within normal office hours when such records shall be available for inspection and copying, but such period of time may not be less than four hours per day on Monday through Friday, except on such days when the office is otherwise closed.
(Code 1950, § 58-792.02; 1975, c. 615; 1979, c. 577; 1980, c. 124; 1983, c. 161; 1984, c. 675.)

[bold type, emphasis mine]

When you go, print out this post and ask for the head of the department. You paid for the assessment, you can see the notes.

Natural Cathedral

Sunlight on Snowy Trees


Sunrise paints the fresh snow on tree branches.

Taxation Without Representation

600 Augusta County Residents Learn How to Hold Government Accountable

The envelope from the assessor's office is never really a welcome piece of mail, but the contents this time rivaled the IRS "we have examined your return..." notice as Augusta residents looked at hefty increases in land valuation that were based on sales during the 'boom' that has since busted. Since assessments are supposed to be based on the value at the first of the year, the numbers are not valid by proper application of the law.

SWAC Girl: Augusta: 600 turn out to protest assessments [click to read]

The firm that performed the assesments, citizens learned, had recently completed a reassessment of adjoining Bath County that had been discarded after residents there brought discrepancies to light. More on Bath County Assessments from the Roanoke Times [click to read]. Attorney Francis Chester of Churchville pointed out the dangers in allowing this assessment to stand. A similar process led to the increased taxation of Long Island farmers that led to the decline of Long Island's agricultural economy.

Citizens were urged to mke a unified appeal to the supervisors, Write letters to the editor, and obtain the actual worksheets for their assesments from the county. They should obtain their own comparibles and make an appointment for review of their assessment.

They need to retain a copy of their worksheet and any other infomation in the event it is necessary to enter into a class-action lawsuit.

Mr. Cester is circulating a petition among the citizens and it is important to sign it and return before March 9.

March 11, 2009 at 7:00pm is a very important meeting of the Board of Supervisors. All Concerned Citizens Should Attend this meeting at the County Government Center in Verona. At that meeting the petitions will be presented and supervisor Tracy Piles will introduce a motion to roll back the assessments to the 2005 figures.

Here in our own community is a perfect civics lesson in keeping government accountable. May we learn it well.

Hat Tips to Lynn Mitchell

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

Of Interest:

News Virginian Article [click to read]
A storm damaged shack gets high assessment in Gloucester County, a mansion has no value...

Editorial: Put Brakes on Assessment [click to read]
"All of this demands that county officials give Augusta’s reassessment a second, more scrutinous look. So far indications are from supervisors – Pyles aside – that they will proceed as per usual, working through appeals then setting a tax rate. This is insufficient. Ample cause exists to wonder over the fairness and accuracy of the numbers. Supervisors will fail in their duty if they allow the reassessment to take effect so long as such questions linger. Taxpayers deserve better and should insist upon it. We do so on their behalf."

The Shack and the Mansion from Dailypress.com [click to read]

Atheist Explains Why Africa Needs G-d

This is Thought Provoking

Matthew Parris Explains Why in this Times Article [click to read] "Those who want Africa to walk tall amid 21st-century global competition must not kid themselves that providing the material means or even the knowhow that accompanies what we call development will make the change. A whole belief system must first be supplanted."

I have mentioned "Under the Influence: How Christianity Transformed Civilization" by Alvin J. Schmidt previously. Here is an interesting testimonial to Mr. Schmidts observations from an unlikely source.

Hat tips to Randy Alcorn

'If the Shoe Fits, Light It'

United Nations forbids defaming religion, specifically Islam

Nat Hentoff Reports this Disturbing Development in the international body, which passed this resolution that while 'nonbinding' could lead to a situation under international law where nations would be able to seek extradition and trial abroad of persons who make statements critical or offensive anywhere in the world. Kurt Westergaard, the cartoonist who drew Muhammed with a bomb for a turban comes to mind. In fact the Ugandans who crafted this resolution say they had him in mind too.

Don't count on the resolution affording any relief to the world's many persecuted Christian minorities. The resolution only mentions Islam.

'Bipartisanship' Washington Style

Eric Cantor Won His Election Too

Several times our new President has flatly stated "I won" to cut off discussion of items pertaining to policies or legislation that is being criticized or opposed. He had promised a new transparency in government but as his almost one trillion dollar stimulus comes together he wants no one to question its content.

Earlier I mentioned a Wall Street Journal article that outlines some of the elements of this legislation that quite frankly deserve to be examined. Unfortunately the Associated Press reports that Mr. Obama's answer to those who would examine his proposed spending package is that they need to quit listening to Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration. "'You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.

Representative Eric Cantor of Virginia dared to question portions of the legislation and Mr. Obama told Mr. Cantor: "I won, I will trump you on that."

Mr. Cantor was on Rush Limbaugh's show this afternoon discussing the controversial stimulus proposal, which includes funds for ACORN and other interests that helped elect Mr. Obama.

If I remember correctly, Eric Cantor was elected by the good people of Virginia to represent people like myself. He stood for election in his race and guess what?HE WON! Dennis Prager has opined that there are really two Americas now. Mr. Obama's election proves it. He won, but almost half of the voters voted for someone else. Is it really fair that the America that didn't vote for Obama be denied representation and a voice?

Answers for Troubled Times

Consider This, Others Have Walked this Path Before

Here's an encouraging place to visit, www.needhim.org that can be helpful if life just seems too perplexing right now.

The Nehemiah Project

Transformative Projects at the Grassroots Level



Take the young people from ten city churches, bring them together to rehabilitate houses in the city under the supervision of Rebuilding Together and you have a revolution in the making! Youth pastor Rick Miller of Staunton Alliance Church had a dream... this Summer, from July 12 to 17 the dream will become a reality. Staunton Alliance has participated in house rehabilitation on a smaller scale in the past two Summers.

Affirming the Pursuit of Security

It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

John Locke is credited with the original thought: "no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty, or possessions" In the first article of the Virginia Declaration of Rights, George Mason explains it better: "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety."

This document is considered to be a model for the Declaration of Independence. Today the financial corruption of large entities, both government and corporate, are a real threat to this fundamental yearning. Here is one of the greatest challenges we face.


The Enron Complex


Franklin Raines

Perhaps a good beginning is to Acknowledge Corruption in the bodies one would invoke to oversee us.


Hydrogen cars offer the promise of
cleaner air and a healthy economy.

Then A Policy of Public and Private Entities in Partnership for Energy Independence would go a long way to secure this right. Nuclear Energy, Hydrogen cars, and a general push to go beyond the era of fossel fuel would also give us better environmental stewardship and national security. Hydrogen Cars are Here Now and we must have the resolve to build the clean technology of the future. If we can put a man on the Moon, we can build this new method of propelling our prosperity.

The economic benefits would be many. No doubt we would maintain a position of leadership in the production of this technology. Reduced oil consumption would help our balance of trade. Economic stability would benefit us far into the future.

New Ways of Looking at Healthcare, Education and Retirement will also be necessary.

Here is a Thought Provoking Piece by Theodore Dalrymple in City Journal that underscores the importance of protecting this basic human right.

Update:

Build Big, Mr. President by Howard Husock in City Journal proposes: "Obama should look past mere improvements and plan transformative infrastructure projects."

Required Reading:



Great Myths of the Great Depression [Click to Read]
by Lawrence W. Reed

"The genesis of the Great Depression lay in the irresponsible monetary and fiscal policies of the U.S. government in the late 1920s and early 1930s. These policies included a litany of political missteps: central bank mismanagement, tradecrushing tariffs, incentive-sapping taxes, mind-numbing controls on production and competition, senseless destruction of crops and cattle, and coercive labor laws, to recount just a few. It was not the free market which produced 12 years of agony; rather, it was political bungling on a grand scale."

Now Check Out the 4o Year Wish List as seen in The Wall Street Journal
Also: Is America's Diplomacy of Freedom Officially Over

Affirming Liberty

It is a New Era, But the Battle is Not New
Hat tip to Valley Family Forum

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

We have just inaugurated a new president, and Congress is back in session. So how will that affect our lives and our liberties? Here are some challenges we are likely to face in the days ahead. Congress is likely to:

Pass a Freedom of Choice Act that would reverse nearly every law that states have passed to limit abortion on demand – including partial-birth abortions. New evidence on fetal pain makes this a very inhumane thing to do.

Overturn the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) that defines marriage as between one man and one woman, and replace it with laws that would grant same-sex “unions” the same benefits that are now accorded only to married couples. Think of the campground in New Jersey that lost its tax-exempt status for not allowing a same-sex ceremony. Churches could be pressured to violate their conscience or lose their non-profit status. Don't think of this as a civil rights issue so much as a vehicle for imposing a certain set of values on society.

Enact an Employee Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) that could force all employers – including religious and non-profit groups – to accept openly homosexual behavior even when it violates their conscience or could put their clients, including children, in danger. Think of the danger you would face if you operated a preschool or a day care center.

Overturn Conscience Protection for healthcare workers, Physicians and Pharmacists. Our country has a great tradition of respecting conscience. When the military draft was in effect there were clear provisions for those who's conscience would not allow them to take up arms. Health Care Professionals deserve to be protected from pressure to violate their beliefs.

Enact laws like the Matthew Shepard Act that would empower government officials to punish anyone who – in their view – expresses "hate speech" or commits "hate crimes." This could include pastors who present a biblical view of homosexual behavior. Matthew Shepard, it turns out, was killed for money. All murder is a hateful crime. We don't need to apply affirmative action to something that is so vile by its very nature.

Enact the so-called "Fairness Doctrine" which could, for all practical purposes, eliminate Christian and conservative free speech on the nation's airwaves. Now is the Time to Speak Out before our First Amendment Rights are forever amended.

If Congress does attempt to pass these harmful bills, what can we do to stop them? We need to let our elected representatives know our thoughts on these important issues!

Affirming Life

It Is a New Era, But this Battle is Not New

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." -- American Declaration of Independence

This Article in World Magazine really caught my attention. We tend to think of abortion as a problem that is relatively new but Marvin Olasky points out the sad fact that it has been around far longer than Roe vs Wade. Indeed it became a very real problem towards the end of the Nineteenth Century.

The great upheaval of Westward expansion and increased mobility was followed by an increase in abortion that was shocking even by today's standards. Then as Now Christian Groups Rose to the Challenge of meeting the needs of women and their babies.

Olasky's Article shows how concerned Christians effectively affirmed life then and in so doing gives us a real strategy for doing so now.

Given today's political realities, our best victories are likely to be won in similar fashion, one heart at a time.

Update:

U.S. Bishops Ask President Obama Not to Reverse Bush's Pro-Life Policies
Cardinal Francis George's letter urges the new president not to abandon our nation's pro-life policies.

Update:

The Strategic Role of Operation Ultrasound
Medical Imaging lets the unborn speak for themselves. Upgrading your local Pregnancy Resource Center to include ultrasound may be one of the most effective ways to affirm life.

His Name is Wonderful

Taking Jesus to the Nations

Pastor Warren prayed in the name of the one who had made the difference in his life;
Jesus, יֵוֹשֻׁשׁוּעַ (Yeshuah) (Hebrew) عيسى‎ (Isa) (Arabic), Jesus (Spanish Pronunciation).

There is an old hymn that says: "Oh for a thousand tongues to sing my great redeemer's praise" Thanks to Pastor Warren for teaching us several more.


Spring Trees.

Christians in Gaza

Another Underreported Side of Life Under Hamas

The Suffering of Gaza's 3000 Minority Christians under Hamas rule is as real as the rain of rockets on Sderot. Lela Gilbert in Jewish World Review gives us a bit of their story. For a Christian family living under Hamas, the threats of extortion, rape, beatings and murder are ever present.

A Day to Pray

Pastor Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer

He dared to pray "in Jesus' Name" and voiced the sentiments of many of us. Pastor Rick Warren's Inaugural Prayer [click to listen] was a plea for G-d's guidance to us as a nation and particularly for our newly elected leaders. No doubt Barack Obama has studied Abraham Lincoln and how he sought divine wisdom during some of our country's most difficult years.

After the swearing in ceremony, the President dined with members of congress in statuary hall. Two senior senators experienced medical emergencies and many came to their aid, comforted them and prayed for them. Many of us watching at home are praying as well.

Our nation faces many challenges in the days ahead. May we always hold her and her leaders in prayer!

Here is Dr. Albert Mohler's Prayer for President Obama [click to read]

"Christians are, first of all, citizens of a heavenly kingdom. The followers of Christ know no allegiance of ultimate rank to any government or earthly authority. Yet, the Bible clearly teaches that God has given us the gifts of law, government, and ruling authorities for our good. We are instructed to pray for "rulers and all who have authority" and to be faithful in praying "so that we can have quiet and peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God" [1 Timothy 2:2]."

Praying for our leaders is a serious charge. But I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention the 'other' controversial prayers of this inauguration:

Bishop Robinson Prayed to His 'Higher Power' at a pre-inauguration ralley according to Dr. Albert Mohler. Whereas Rick Warren was very specific in who he prayed to, Bishop Robinson sought to avoid saying a "Christian" prayer and instead addressed "The God of our many understandings," a reference he learned from twelve step programs.

"The crisis in the Church of England is that too many of its bishops, and some would say of its archbishops, don't quite realize that they are atheists, but have begun to suspect it." -- Clive James

Rev. Joseph Lowery Offered this Benediction: "black will not be asked to get in back, brown can stick around, yellow will be mellow, red man can get ahead, man, and white will embrace what is right..." It sounded like a sixties style civil rights ralley. He's a great man who marched with Dr. King, but here we are in the Twenty-first Century when an African-American is Commander-in-chief [with the votes of many white people]. I don't think Reverend Lowery was trying to offend -- just offering a little historical perspective from the sixties.


My Hope is in 'Amazing Grace.'
Wintley Phipps is an amazing vocal talent.

The Next Day at the National Prayer Service: Wintley Phipps Sang 'Amazing Grace.' [click to listen] It was a stirring benediction all its own. Phipps begins by humming the melody that invokes the song of slaves John Newton was likely to have been inspired by. The "many dangers, toils and snares" of opression, the work of William Wilberforce, countless unnamed abolitionists and many more have brought us to a point in history where a man of African ancestory may become a world leader.

Here is More Background on 'Amazing Grace' as explained by Wintley Phipps. I love the song. It begins in the lowest history of mankind and carries us to the world of glory foretold in Revelation 21! Wintley Phipps' rendition sends chills down my spine and brings tears to my eyes. It is a powerful performance of a timeless masterpiece by a master artist!

Presidential Limousines


I want to know the mpg of this car.
It looks like a caddie, but the specs
sound more like those of a Bradley
armored vehicle.

Here is a Very Interesting Look at Past Presidential Limousines

The Poem

Here's a Piece on Elizabeth Alexander's Poem from City Journal's Stefan Kanfer.

The Big Freeze

Sometimes I Think G-d Shows His Sense of Humor


It's Minus Two outside this window!

We awakened at the Buckhorn Inn to find frosty patterns decorating the windows. The innkeeper cheerfully announced that it was minus two outside! A little creek across the road from the inn was a frosty fantasy wonderland.

I just wonder if the Divine in his wisdom took a look at some speech on 'global warming' being carefully crafted for Tuesday's festivities and decided to take some of the fire out of it by sending a Winter of yesteryear...

I can almost hear His hearty laughter!


A family explores the icicles along the Blue Ridge Parkway.


More icicles.


Sherando Lake in the George Washington National Forest is frozen solid all the way across. Perfect for a little ice hocky.

Special Getaway

An Old Stagecoach Tavern Provides a Welcome Respite


The Buckhorn Inn was built in 1811 and was originally a tavern along the stagecoach route.

We enjoyed a much neededed getaway this weekend to The Buckhorn Inn. The historic tavern was built in 1811 and Stonewall Jackson changed stagecoaches there once. Later the building was used as a field hospital after the battle of McDowell. Today the inn lives on as a popular bed and breakfast run by Garlan and Sylvia Yoder. In recent times the inn has featured a bountiful buffet of country specialties. Be sure to save room for some delicious peanut butter pie!


The Inn's beautiful staircase is pegged.

'Disproportionate' Demonization

"The World is Strangely Blinkered in the Tragedies to Which it Responds."

Mona Charen Describes How the World Values Some Victims More than Others We are reminded daily of how bad things are in Gaza. Certainly all of us pray for that situation to come to an end. David Suissa's Gaza Riviera would be a dream come true.

"68 percent of General Assembly resolutions regarding violations of human rights targeted Israel. Afghanistan was cited in 4 percent of the resolutions along with Azerbaijan, Georgia, the United States and a few others. Russia, Sudan, China, and Saudi Arabia, just to name a few, were not cited at all. In 2007, 32 countries were mentioned for human rights violations, though most just barely. Israel once again topped the list with 121 actions taken against her. Sudan came in second with 61, Myanmar third with 41. The U.S. was No. 4, with 39 actions, tied with the Democratic Republic of the Congo!" -- Mona Charen

Visit www.persecution.com and you will see a whole lot of hostility towards Christian minorities in places that never make the nightly news. In places like India, these Christians will bring hope and dignity to people such as the Dhalit [untouchables] and face beatings from brutal Hindu radicals for their efforts. If the media is truely interested in bringing to light human suffering in the world, they have their work cut out for them.

The Worst Book of the Year

Koogler Committee Confers Dubious Distinction

Here Bob Tyrrell Tells the Story of a revisionist history so skewed it merited special attention.

Hamas' Other Unseen Victims

Gaza's Christian Minority Suffers in the Conflict

Here's a Communication Received by Voice of the Martyrs. The 3000 some Christian minority in Gaza is asking for prayer. Hamas' terrorism and the Israeli response create a terrible situation for them as well. The Middle East is a complex region. Again our news media leave us in the dark about so much essential information.

There seems to be no one like Noam Bedein in their community to tell their story for them. But look at the pictures from Sderot and use your imagination. The horror of war stretches beyond the visible horizon.

Update: The Gaza Riviera:

A Look at What Might Have Been

Modern Day Nehemiah

Noam Bedein's Mission is Unique, But It's Not New

"But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. "What is this you are doing?" they asked. "Are you rebelling against the king?" -- (Nehemiah 2:19)


Noam Bedein, Founder of Sderot Media

I frankly expected someone much older. Thewebsite I discovered while trying to get perspective on the situation in Southern Israel Sderot Media, is the creation of Noam Bedein, a young man in his twenties. Just like Nehemiah of old, Bedein saw the perilous situation of his beloved city and became both advocate and activist to change things. In the face of opposition from the Western Media, Uninformed pressure from Western Leaders and downright hostility from Hamas, the young photojournalist found his mission to tell Sderot's story and work for the healing of her people. Bedein’s ultimate goal is: "to make people aware of the crisis and present the Israeli perspective that is not often portrayed accurately in the media."

Bedein has lived through about 7000 rockets raining down on the city, who's population consists largely of new immigrants [many from Russia] who are simply too poor to move elsewhere. Many of the citizens are dug in to stay, fearing their exodus would simply create a vacuum for terrorists to move in.

Through Sderot Media, he has also founded Sderot Community Treatment Theater. This theatre project helps young residents of Sderot suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome.

Clear Thinking

History Teaches Us How To Pursue Peace in Gaza

Here is a Bit of Clear Thinking by Thomas Sowell that should be in every paper of influence in the world according to Jewish World Review. In fact, Read on as Dennis Prager Discusses Moral Equivalence.