WHERE AIR WE GONNA DRILL? -- Just a Minute for 8/20/08

Howdy Folks…

 

Time to toddle on over to Earl ‘n’ Lester’s Bait Shop and Sushi Bar right there on the Caroliner line. It seems Billy-Bob is all worked up over Miz Pelosi heading off for her book “toor” while the country keeps reaching deeper in fast emptying pockets to pay for gas. And the newspapers are full of reports of impending inflation which further eats into purchasing power of the vast middle class.

 

Meanwhile many events are whirling around the real start of the campaign for President  – which began far too early last year! If Senator Graham wants to do something of real value to the country – instead of undermining the efforts of his own party colleagues – how about passing legislation that says Presidential campaigns can’t start until after Labor Day of the year in which they occur. That wouldn’t be too hard. Right now would be a good time to pass it – if he could persuade his colleagues on both sides of the aisle that we are fed up with two year campaigns that bother *everybody* for far too long.  

 

            The newsmen would favor it for not having to wade through the snows of Iowa and New Hampshire. The only folks opposed are the campaign consultants who want to drag the process out over more pay periods. Advertising agencies could also be counted on to oppose cutting the campaigns down – but it’s done in jolly old England… and they seem to survive OK. Well… I guess it’s like drilling for oil – everybody knows it ought to be done – but nobody seems to be able to do it. Maybe another young Harvard grad would get the idea and began working up enthusiasm for it right now… It ought to be a cinch with a good web site.

 

            Enjoy your visit with the folks over at Playfair. They love to see you coming. They’re here faithfully every Wednesday – because the folks who don’t like them will know which day not to listen. But really now – how could anybody resist listening to the mellifluous tones of Billy-Bob, Miz Pearlie and Homer.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

 

            Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-20-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-20-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHERE WE GONNA DRILL?

Jack: JUST A MINUTE Billy-bob – what’s the white helmet for?

BB: Hit’s ta' keep me frum gittin’ hit on th’ head, Mr. Jack.

Homer: He’s got a oil rig rite out there in th’ back 40.

MizP: Lan sakes Beeilie… whut in the worl are you a-doin’?

BB: Hit’s time we took thangs in our own hans…

MizP: What’s at mean?

BB: Miz Peelozie done close down th’ Congers ta' go sell books on her toor… hit’s time to put on coveralls.

Jack: Put on coveralls? For what Billy-bob?

BB: I got me a sixty-five foot tower. I bought hit from a ham radio feller over near Rocky Bottom. An I’m a-getting a load of pipe -

Homer: He’s done rigged him up a block an tackle an bought ol Farmer Smoot’s one lung engine…

BB: I got me a book checkerd out frum th’ liberry rite here…

MizP: ‘HOW TO DRILL YOUR OWN OIL WELL’ by Johnnie Rockeyfeller – Is it a good book Bieelie?

BB: Highly recommended. See on th’ back cover – thar’s the gar-un-tee.

Homer: Hit says “If’n you don’t hit oil or gas in th’ firs month double your money back…”

Jack: You’re going to drill for oil by reading a book?

BB: Miz Peelozi done turned off th’ House lites an gone off on her book toor – I’m a-gonna do sumpin about hit –

Jack: I … I don’t think you can drill without a permit or something Billy-bob.

BB: Ah’m gonna pump my own gas – we’ll jist see about tha-ut.

Jack: We sure will. – Tune in next week. I’m Jack Buttram.

(END)

 

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MEETING OF THE MINDS - Just a Minute for Tuesday 8-19-08

Hi Folks…

Great to be with you again. The trip to our local outpatient surgery was mostly uneventful… I don’t remember a thing. (Except for being dead-drunk-drowsy getting home in the afternoon.) [No… Barbara was driving.] I just took a long nap and am feeling fine. Especially since the Doc gave Barb a message – “Tell him to come back and see me in six years.” -- I may be in Heaven in six years. Which would suit me fine – in fact it would be GLORIOUS!

But back to the ‘real’ world as the worldings say… not realizing what they are saying. – That Saturday night two hour deal moderated at the Saddleback Church in Orange County was, IMO, very revealing. But I’ve already read uninformed people who blog – thus leaving their ignorance spread out for all to see – making angry noises about separation of church and state… and Pastor Warren may have broken the law – etc. etc. Silly things about churches losing their 501(c)3 tax exemptions and so forth. Churches don’t have to apply for 501(c)3 status… Now Christian schools may – and missions etc. And I’m sure pastors can step over the lines, that should be self-imposed anyway about leaving politics outside the pulpit. But there’s one of my favorite verses in Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool when he holdeth his peace is counted wise; and he that shutteth his lips is deemed a man of understanding.” How many fools would be saved embarrassment if they could heed that.

In any case – I enjoyed the exchange of views – and the atmosphere of being civil and not interrupting one another Pastor Warren fostered. It’s not usual on TV these days. I’m sure the supporters of each man benefitted from the experience. I’m also sure the Lord is in full command and control. We just don’t listen all that well.

Today’s program is totally about a suggestion made in the Washington POST on Monday by conservative columnist George Will. You can read it down below – or click on the audio track to hear it. I doubt it will be taken up as George Will suggested but it gives us a reasonable road map we can at least hark back to when the rhetoric gets too wooly.

Thanks for coming by – drop me a note if you care to.

Cordially, IN HIM

Jack

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-19-08.mp3

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-19-08.doc

“JUST A MINUTE”

MEETING OF THE MINDS

Just A Minute – John McCain likes town meetings; Obama says he’d rather debate -- but not too much. How about a Town Meeting on these questions suggested by Washington Post’s George Will:

(quote) "[John McCain] should ask Obama to join him in a town meeting … on Russia's aggression.

“Both candidates favor NATO membership for Georgia and Ukraine, perhaps Vladimir Putin's next victim. But does Russia's behavior cause Obama to rethink reliance on 'soft power' ---dialogue, disapproval, diplomacy, economic carrots and sticks---which Putin considers almost an oxymoron?

“Does Russia's resort to military coercion, and its arsenal of [IBM’s], cause Obama to revise his resistance to missile defense?

…”Does Obama think Russia should be admitted to the World Trade Organization? [up to now] it seemed not even the Democratic Party could lose this election. But it might if McCain can make it turn on the question of who is ornery enough to give Putin a convincing, deterring telephone call at 3 a.m." ---George Will

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

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CHARACTER COIUNTS - Just a Minute for Monday 08/18/08

Hello – another week the Lord has put before us –

 

            I’m due at the hospital for a regular – tho infrequent procedure – which might have saved the life of Tony Snow or Katie Couric’s husband if undertaken early enough.  Colon cancer carries off 55 thousand people each year --  that’s one out of 18 people. It’s treatable, especially when caught early by screening. If you’re 50 or over you’re a candidate – even younger if it’s in your family history. Don’t put it off.

 

            Meantime the world turns – hostilities break out, needlessly it seems – but everything has a cause. The world is cursed by the Fall… even if Christopher Hitches and Richard Dawkins and their tribe doesn’t think so. So… What’s the cure? Just one… the return of the Lord Jesus Christ – and that’s for real. No political double talking there.

 

            The Scripture’s pretty clear… “let us run with patience (endurance) the race that is set before us – looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…”  That’s not too hard to remember is it?  Think about it being tattooed on the inside of your eyelids. It’s a good way to begin the week!

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

                       

 

            Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-18-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-18-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

CHARACTER COUNTS

Just A Minute – You remember TV star Chuck Norris – I ran across his column last week commenting on John Edwards’ affair. It reminded me the word character seems gone missing when most people talk about Edwards and his “mistake.” Norris points out Edwards continues describing his error or mistake or misjudgment – ignoring a more accurate word like – “Sin.”

Norris quotes John Adams, our second President:  (quote) 'We have no government armed with power capable of contending with human passions unbridled by morality and religion. Avarice, ambition, revenge, or gallantry, would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'

There are not many stars in the entertainment world who would risk their careers by walking so close to the truth and describing a lack of character at the base of Edwards’ problem. Bravo Chuck – say on, Brother.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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WHY IS ABORTION THE HOT-BUTTON ISSUE? - Just A Minute for Friday 8/15/08

Welcome to FRIDAY!

 

So did we have to have a war start just because Obama took a holiday in Hawaii and McCain needed to have something to talk about?

 

Perhaps that’s an egocentric – or at least politico-centric view of things. My guess is Mr. Putin is unhappy with the way he is just an advisor to his hand-picked Russian President – and feels the need to be in the center of the lime light again. Of course it’s not that simple. He sees President Bush nearing lame-duck corner and feels it’s a good time to make a move. What I don’t think he sees is what a gift he’s making to Senator McCain by his gobble-greedy campaign to show those Georgians their loyalties ought to be more directed to Moscow than to Washington.

 

But then what do I know. Madam Secretary of State must have lost my phone number when we moved. She hasn’t called once for advice on how to handle this. But perhaps she knows Pres. Hu Jingtao hasn’t called from Beijing either. I guess he’s just too busy making sure the lip-syncing goes OK and congratulating the winning Chinese athletes.

 

It may be a self-serving observation but my dentist said he believes the events controlled by the clock or the scoreboard are those the Americans do well in – the events controlled by the judges, heavily Asian, are the ones the Chinese and Japanese do well in.  Now is that selfish or what?

 

I’m glad to see them all do as well as they can. I’m disappointed for the ones who lose close contests… but that’s the name of the game.

 

But I’m acquainted with a young man who has a mission trip planned for a border area of Georgia … over on the Turkish side. He’d planned to go in September – but with the turmoil going on now, he’s having to pull back. That’s sad – because there are eternal results hanging in the balance in that contest.

 

If you’ll listen or read today’s JUST A MINUTE I think you’ll have a succinct view of why Christians, and those who view abortion in the same light – that life is sacred and must not be taken on the actions of man – are passionate about being anti-abortion. I’ve heard people express their lack of understanding on this issue. I’m hoping today’s program will help with some light without the heat.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

 

Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-15-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-15-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHY IS ABORTION THE HOT BUTTON ISSUE?

Just A Minute – From time to time people express amazement about the anti-abortion, or pro-life, issue. They can’t figure out why passions run so high on that one question. I offer my observation:

Some years back I heard Dr. Francis Schaeffer lecturing at Notre Dame University, outlining why abortion is the defining issue of our time. It made a lot of sense to me and I’ve kept it in mind ever since. Dr. Schaeffer said the illegality of abortion is the prime issue where civil law and Christianity clash. Christianity supports the sanctity of life and to legalize terminating it must be regarded as murder – forbidden by Christian ethics as well as Scripture (the Bible). Further Schaeffer asserted it opens a Pandora’s Box to euthanasia and a host of other non- Christian practices.

Viewed in that light – and I’ve noted my agreement – it’s fairly easy to see why opponents are passionate and adamant in their opinions. The issue will become active again as the conventions near. You’ll want to be praying for God’s leading for individuals as it comes around again.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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WHEN CHINA STARVED -- Just A Minute for 08-14-08

Once more we meet this week –

 

            I'm very glad you're here because this story will not show up on any of the TV channels carrying the Olympics. I'm even surprised it made THE WASHINGTON POST  because it's an untranslated book in two volumes – about 1100 pages – that's blazing a trail around the world. The title given by the author – a member of the Communist Party, is "Tombstone." Possibly because the author, Yang Jisheng, lost his father in 1957 during "The Great Leap Forward" ordered by Chairman Mao.

 

            During that time Yang says 37 million people died of starvation and disease. [Congressional Committees estimate the number closer to 70 million.] Peasant farmers were ordered to make steel in backyard smelters. They stopped growing food by Party command. Bur this disaster never "officially" happened. Chinese history books speak of three years of 'natural disasters' – they 'naturally' occurred during the time of centralized economic chaos demonstrated earlier in the Soviet Union and other Communist locales; some of our politicians today believe they also can ignore the laws of supply and demand – and the most they do is crush productivity. It's the old story of those who will not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. I fear we stand on the brink of such another period.

 

            During the opening sequences of the Olympics, we've seen many times the huge portrait of Mao Zedong hanging on the major building dominating Tiananmen Square where as many as three thousand idealistic young Chinese died in June of 1989. In China it's called the June 4^th Incident. (六四運動)How ironic for the whole world to be watching the largest population on the planet with this huge portrait of Mao overlooking the 1989 tragedy – and his name is never mentioned. Those who know China best say the older people know well who's responsible and speak of it in private – but never where others can report them to the police.

 

            China – the "Middle Kingdom" – as it describes itself; in the center of it all, is also undergoing a quiet transformation that will not stay that way forever. China has, and has had for over two decades, more students studying abroad than any other country. These students know what's going on in the world. The Communists cannot keep the genie in the bottle forever. Let Bible believing Christians marshal our prayers for the nation, for the Christians who continue to undergo persecution, no matter what says the official reports. It's no great leap to understand if the government can order cars to be driven on alternate days – or factories to be totally shut down while the games go on to try and reduce the smog, then much more in the way of control and persecution can be carried out under the guise of 'requiring' law and order. Let us pray earnestly for our brothers and sisters in the Lord, living under totalitarian control.

 

IN HIM,

 

Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-14-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-14-08.doc

 

 

"JUST A MINUTE"

"WHEN CHINA STARVED"

Just A Minute – "I call this book Tombstone," author, Yang Jisheng, writes on the first page of an as yet untranslated book rocketing around the world clandestinely. It's a gripping account reviewed in the Washington Post by weekly columnist Anne Applebaum. She's a veteran journalist who says the two volume, eleven hundred page book establishes without doubt Chairman Mao was the major architect of that utter disaster.

Ironic, isn't it the world is observing this major news story in a city which hangs a huge portrait of Mao on its key building – but his name is never mentioned. It's because, she says, the older population knows who's responsible for this horrible secret but doesn't want to talk about it.

Yang is compared with Solzhenitsyn who died last week – but Yang stayed in country as a Communist. He says the book, published in Hong Kong where it sold out immediately, is a memorial to his father who died – probably of starvation – in the 50's. Is that why it's called "Tombstone" – or possibly, Yang sees his own fate.

<> I'm Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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GANG OF 10 GIFTS THE DEMOCRATS - Aug. 13, 2008

Hello Again –

 

            Middle of the week – as short as it ‘tis long.

 

            The “Gang of 10” lead by that intrepid rescuer of Democrats, Lindsey Graham, has come in off the campaign trail long enough to rip out of the hands of Republicans who want to win the next election, the only issue that’s connected with the American people so far. Now they throw a lifeline to vulnerable Democrats in the coming election.

 

            Seventy five percent of gas-paying American citizens are in favor of offshore, onshore, oil shale, Arctic (ANWAR) drilling to get these criminally high gas prices off our back ASAP.  But Madam Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, in collaboration with Honest Harry Reid “the Man from Searchlight, UT” -- Senate Majority Leader, in the grip of their super-green lobbyists, have pledged with their electoral blood NOT to allow the American people to speak through their congressional representatives – i.e have a vote. So… she turned off the lights and dismissed the House to go on her book tour, without lifting a finger to correct the problem for which they are responsible.  Now they’re mostly at home where their constituents can speak directly in their ears. The “Gang” plans to seize the next opportunity to dash to where the limelight will focus after the Democrats put on their Denver show. By the end of the month, Leader Lindsey will lead his “Cavalry” once more to save the Democrat’s bacon.

 

            Five ‘uncertain’ Republicans and an equal number of Democrats say they’ll hammer out some kind of compromise that’ll have the effect of assisting Democrats to climb out of the hole for which they have dug for themselves by robotically responding to the cries of the “greens.” They expect to bound out of the hole with a mighty cry. I’d agree it’s possible as soon as I can watch them successfully repeal high tide at the mouth of the Savannah. They are willingly ignorant of the workings of supply vs. demand and blindly trust the decree of Congress will overrule.

 

            To that, Gentlemen, I would only say -- don’t stand neck deep in a tidal flat at low tide – especially if you can’t swim.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

            Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-13-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-13-08.doc

 

 

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

GANG OF 10 GIFTS THE DEMOCRATS

BB: Just a Minit – Mr. Jack, I thank your Senate Reepublicans has done los their senses.

Jack: How’s that Billy-bob?

BB: Look to me like when your side’s finally found a issue at’s gonna work in th’ N’vember – they done handed hit over ta' our side.

MizP: Tha’s rite Mr. Jack – ‘bout th’ time Miz Peelozi done turned off th’ House lites an gone off on her book toor – Mr. Lindsey done thowed ‘em a life jacket.

Homer: Hit’s unbelievable stupid, Mr. Jack.

Jack: What are you talking about?

MizP: Seventy-five percent of th’ peepul want oil drillin’ ta' start NOW!  Five of yor senators done jined five of our’n ta' organize a bi-partisan, sweepin’ sumpin’ or other ta' knock out that issue ‘till the ‘lection is over.

Jack: Just who are these guys?

Homer: Firs one’s Mr. Lendsey Graham.

MizP: He’s frum South Carliner ya know.

Jack: I know.

BB: An then they’s Senators Thune, Saxby, Chambliss, Corker an Isakson – all

          Reepublicans.

Homer: An five Demicrats jined ‘em – tha-ut makes them th’ gang of ten.

MizP: Mr. Jack, they done kicked the ball away. (giggles) Air they a playin’ bad-minton, er horse shoes?

BB: Whut in th’ worl are they a-thinkin?

Jack: That’s the trouble – they aren’t thinkin’ – I’m Jack Buttram.

 (END)

 

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EXXON FOR V.P.? -- Just a Minute 8/12/08

Howdy Folks –

 

Here it is Tuesday already and I hardly got my head off the pillow of the weekend.

 

What’s the old saying: “He who laughs last, laughs best!”  -- Well… it often turns out true in politics. The most famous one in my memory is the picture of Harry Truman, holding up a Chicago Tribune newspaper with a huge black headline all the way across the page: “DEWEY WINS!” – and Harry with that ear to ear grin, glasses and bow tie, enjoying every moment of it. Truman had been the sure-fire loser in all the press stories. But he doggedly kept his version of the ‘straight talk’ express going, which in those days was the back platform of a railcar passenger coach. And nobody, but Harry (and perhaps Bess) gave him a dog’s chance.

 

Nonetheless, he won. He’d endured the slings and arrows of being “The Senator from Pendergast” because he had been the candidate of the infamous Pendergast Midwestern political machine. Roosevelt had never had any one brief him on the “Manhattan Project” – which was the super secret program developing the Atomic bomb. The bomb that Truman later used to shorten WWII and save thousands of American lives. Echoes of his decision ring down the corridors of power today. He’d drafted the coal miners into the Army one year in a famous argument with union president John L. Lewis – whose bushy eyebrows in newsreel and newspaper pictures threatened the warmth of our home in the hills of Virginia.

 

So – Peggy Noonan – Wall Street Journal essayist extraordinaire, comes back to here job after about four weeks of vacation and sees the landscape changed – thinking now maybe McCain can win – maybe. And the Olympic games come on, triumph and murder mix, the world continues to turn and Obama takes a holiday while Russia declares war on her neighbors. It’s not a world really made for laughing…

 

Except for Christians – who don’t have to read very far into the book of The Psalms – Psalm Two as a matter of fact: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his anointed.” But what’s God’s reaction to this? “He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” My, that’s refreshing! I get great joy myself just re-reading it. The picture those words conjure up for me is God on his throne engaged in uproarious laughter at puny man’s hostile efforts. Like an infant who’s gotten red-faced with crying at his father. It sets our Heavenly Father to laughing in it’s futility.

 

Sometimes, here on the planet, where our perspective is limited, we have to work a bit at getting the true picture. Some times we need to laugh.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack Buttram

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-12-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-12-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

EXXON FOR V.P.

Just A Minute – Last week the Democrats cracked a funny. They proposed Exxon as John McCain’s running mate. Doesn’t that make you chuckle when you’re paying nearly four dollars a gallon at the pump.

Not chuckling huh?

Well here’s some footnote figures good for a laugh. When the Federal Election Commission broke down contributions to the two campaigns from Exxon executives – guess who came out on top? Exxon executives gave $41,100 to Mr. Obama to Mr. McCain’s $35,166. Similar stories from the contributions of BP and Chevron. Both gave larger amounts to the Senator from Illinois vs. the Senator from Arizona. Looks like those TV spots the Democrats are running could use a couple of footnotes for truth in advertising.

          No doubt McCain has collected more ‘oil contributions’ overall because he’s not proposing a ‘windfall profit tax’ as is Senator “O” – But Peggy Noonan, essayist for the Wall Street Journal, writes she senses more and more people are uneasy about Obama being just another ‘suit’ filled with hot air. They seem to be worried ‘there’s no there, there.”

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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WHERE'S THE PROMISED FREEDOM? - Just a Minute for 8/11/08

            Howdy Folks – Have a good weekend?  Enjoy watching the Beijing games?

 

            There’s no doubt the Chinese are better firecracker makers than anyone else – after all they did invent gunpowder – and when you’re anywhere in a major city – or minor one for that matter – in Taiwan or Hong Kong, Singapore or on the mainland and it’s time to celebrate the Chinese New Year you’re going to think you’ve stumbled into a small war. So… I take nothing away from the spectacle of the opening of the 29^th Olympiad in Beijing last Friday.

 

            It did seem to me – as I remembered the other Olympics I’ve seen on TV – the Chinese Olympics was – or is – a gigantic case of “It’s all about me!” That’s understandable of course, since they have only been back in these international competitions since they began sending people out to beat everyone in sight in Ping-Pong. Remember that?  They really picked something they knew they could win. And I have no doubt they will come away from the Olympics with a whole slew of ‘braggin’ rights.’ That’s fine by me.

 

            What does concern me is they seem to learn nothing from the mistakes their leaders back in Tiananmen Square days made. They still arrest people wholesale, and toss them into prison helter skelter without informing family or having procedures established well for a day to be heard by a judge. There is very little that presents itself to the western world as the rule of law. It seems more the rule of whim.

 

Presently one of the leaders of the House Church or “Underground Church” movement, Pastor Zhang Zhongxin, has been imprisoned in Shandong Province under a sentence of two years because he has been engaged in “cultic” activities. The definition of cultic in Mainland China apparently is anything which the Chinese Government has NOT approved.

 

            In fact it’s reported the police officials have organized, at government’s behest, “House Cells” which can be included in the Three Self (government registered and controlled) churches so when people wish to be in those kinds of churches they will still be under the leadership of government trained-pastors who follow government policy “or else.”

 

            These are the same techniques the Communist rulers of Russia and various countries in Eastern Europe swallowed up into the Soviet Union used to placate and infiltrate churches they felt were a threat to their iron clad rule. Eventually, I pray, these oppressive techniques will backfire to the point the totalitarians will abandon them. But a swift look at the way strong arm-tactics have oppressed nations in Africa and parts of South America, doesn’t give one cause for optimism.

 

            Cordially, IN HIM

 

 

            Jack

 

 http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-11-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-11-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

WHERE’S THE PROMISED FREEDOM?

Just A Minute – No doubt the Beijing Olympics are spectacular – but so are Red Chinese crimes. At this very moment they break their word. To win the 2008 Olympics, the government pledged free and open media access. That pledge is not honored. The very first Olympic reporters complained they were denied total Internet access. Their voices opened certain sites but some, like Amnesty International, the BBC, or other news sources are still dark.

Even as I speak Pastor Zhang Zhongxin, a house church leader according to the China Aid Association, neither opposes the government nor leads a revolution – but is under a two years sentence by the Shandong Authorities for “cultic activities.” Any religious activity not approved by the Red Chinese is automatically called “cultic” – but in reality it’s no more threatening than organizing a Sunday school.

Before embracing the Red Chinese remember their leaders are responsible for the deaths for more of their own people dying by their decree than any other nation in world history.

If China wants commercial harmony with the United States, release Pastor Zhang immediately.

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

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THE PRESIDENT AT THE 2008 OLYMPIAD - Just a Minute 08-08-08

Hello – It’s FRIDAY again!

 

            And none too soon for me. This has been a hot and busy week – nothing seemed to go smoothly, but we got through it relatively unscathed.

 

            Now we’re all waiting to see how our American athletes perform on the Mainland. For this week… I’ll stop calling it RED China and call it RED WHITE AND BLUE China – maybe even throw in a dash of GOLD trimmings… let’s hope so!

 

            The weather outlook for the last week has been hazy. Chinese government spokesmen say “Don’t call it smog… it’s just water vapor.” No matter… to denizens of the LAX valley on the ‘left’ coast it looks suspiciously like smog. In fact the Government’s actions in pulling LOTS of vehicles off the road meant they really thought it was smog too. They halted all construction and diminished the traffic – and still it persisted.

 

            On top of that, despite all the assurances of a free and open opportunity for western media to practice their craft in the “Middle Kingdom” – in the week prior to the official opening the media’s advanced guard found when they tried to use their laptops in the specially constructed press centers there were certain sites that were closed down… Like AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and CHINA AID ASSOCIATION even the BBC was not accessible. When media people complained they were supposed to have free and open access to the Internet – Chinese bureaucrats – who are world class when it comes ‘parsing’ their sentences said: “We meant you can have the freedom we provide for our own media – but we don’t allow them to go to subversive and adversarial sources.”  So much for freedom Communist Style.

 

            I heard one spokesperson trying to explain they did get restrictions lifted.  And another non-government spokesperson said: “Some were lifted but others remained closed.” And so it goes in China. The rule I learned when trying to shoot films there, the answer often was: “No reason – just regulation.”

 

            That’s normal – President Bush nor his wife will experience the persecution the underground church leaders still suffer in parts of China. But then the Chinese cast-iron bureaucrats seem never to have heard: “The blood of the martyr is the seed of the church.” Evidenced by people far more educated in the ancient ways of Chinese culture than am I. It’s especially important now to keep the Christians in your prayers.

 

Cordially, IN HIM

 

Jack

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/audio/jama08-08-08.mp3

 

http://www.jebcovoice.net/scripts/jamt08-08-08.doc

 

 

“JUST A MINUTE”

THE PRESIDENT AT 2008 OLYMPIAD

Just A Minute – President and Mrs. Bush will be in China through the eleventh. Opening ceremonies and games are already underway but won’t be seen by Americans until tonight.

Our President will also meet Chinese President, Hu Jintao, and other Chinese officials -- plus attending worship services on Sunday, August tenth. But you should realize it will be a “three-self” government church, including some “House Cells.” Those are government organized and approved which still persecutes unrecognized, unregistered, underground churches.

The President did meet in Washington prior to his China and visit with leaders in the “unregistered” church movement. Those “House Cells” in the TSPM church are actually lead by pastors trained and appointed by the Government and required to obey all their rules. This Communist method was employed in Russia and Eastern Europe. So don’t mislead by this fake inclusion. Really, unless the President disavows the government sponsored church leaders, this visit may actually increase the persecution presently taking place. Please pray for Bible-believing Christians in China.    

<> I’m Jack Buttram

(END)

 

 

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