Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Julian Assange Has Changed the World

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Ever hear of him before this past weekend? His name and his organization, WikiLeaks, is now known around the world,

He's the guy who leaked 251,287 US diplomatic messages, intended to remain secret for at least 25 years, to the world this past weekend.

The messages are candid, not intended to be complete or comprehensive and certainly not intended to be released to the world.

Assange sent the quarter million messages to 5 major newspapers around the world---The New York Times, London's Guardian, Paris' Le Monde, Madrid's El Pais and Germany's Der SPIEGL.

In the coming days, these and thousands of other news organizations will show how the US seeks to steer world events.

SPIEGL writes, "Never before in history has a super power lost control of such vast amounts of such sensitive information---data that can help paint a picture of the foundation upon which US foreign policy is built. Never before has the trust America's partners have in the country been so badly shaken. Now, their own personal views and policy recommendations have been made public--as have America's true view of them."

Julian Assange has changed the world. At least for some time to come.

President Obama and his administration is condemning the publication of the documents as, "reckless and dangerous."

Indeed!

"The fact that 'private conversations' are now being made public," Obama's people say, "can deeply impact not only US foreign policy interests, but those of our allies and friends around the world."

This information will be used by a thousand voices to affirm their particular view of America---whatever that may be.

Do these documents show the United States has the world on a leash, working through US embassies around the world? Some say they do.

Expect President Obama to condemn Assange, which he has in essence done, then apologize to the world.

Will they show that Americans are consumed by fear, that we can no longer trust some of our allies, like Pakistan, and that such unstable nuclear countries could become the very source where terrorists can obtain nuclear material or weapons.

Our President will likely point out that we are only a "power among powers" on the world stage, and America has made many mistakes, for which we apologize.

And speaking of mistakes.

Who is Julian Assange? What is his background? Where is he now?

WikiLeaks, founded by Julian Assange, is a website dedicated to obtaining and disseminating government secrets. In this case, US government secrets.

Julian was born in 1971 in Townsville, Australia. His mother left his father, who was a theater director, for a singer who turned out to be abusive. His mother fled the marriage with her son Julian. They moved 37 times by the time Julian was 14.

Julian got married at 18, had a son, had a divorce, then spent years fighting his ex-wife in a custody battle, which was finally resolved in 1999.

Julian has always liked computers and at an early age became a skilled hacker. As a teenager, police raided his home on allegations that he had stolen money from CitiBank. He was never charged.

The Australian government, after investigating for 3 years, filed charges on computer hacking. Julian pleaded guilty to 25 charges, but was penalized only with a fine.

Raffi Khatchadourian wrote an article titled "No Secrets" for the New Yorker this past June when Assange's name first surfaced. I have
linked the article.

After studying physics and working at various computer-related jobs, Khatchadourian explains Assange's thinking:


"He had come to understand the defining human struggle not as left versus right, or faith versus reason, but as individual versus institution. As a student of Kafka, Koestler, and Solzhenitsyn, he believed that truth, creativity, love, and compassion are corrupted by institutional hierarchies, and by 'patronage networks' -- one of his favorite expressions -- that contort the human spirit. He sketched out a manifesto of sorts, titled 'Conspiracy as Governance,' which sought to apply graph theory to politics. Assange wrote that illegitimate governance was by definition conspiratorial -- the product of functionaries in "collaborative secrecy, working to the detriment of a population.' He argued that, when a regime's lines of internal communication are disrupted, the information flow among conspirators must dwindle, and that, as the flow approaches zero, the conspiracy dissolves. Leaks were an instrument of information warfare."

The US Justice Department and other agencies have been investigating Assange's website for potential violation of national security laws.

Assange is presently under investigation in Sweden on allegations that he sexually abused 2 women while visiting the country last summer.

He is believed to be living in London at the present time.

Amnesty USA says he is doing a job that needs to be done.

Representative Peter Hoekstra, ranking Republican on the House Intelligence Committee,
told George Stephanopoulos at ABC, "This is a colossal failure by our intel community, by our Department of Defense to keep classified secret."

Hoekstra says that it isn't up to Assange. "It's not his duty or his responsibility to provide this public service to the American people. This is, these are functions that need to be done by Congress and the Executive Branch."

Is this good or bad for America?

One thing is certain, it will not be President Obama's fault.

Assange says, "If citizens in a democracy want their government to reflect their wishes, they should ask to see what's going on behind the scenes."

What do you think? Should everything be on the table for the world to see and hear?

Be Informed. Be Prayerful. Be Vigilant. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving

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As I, along with my family, give thanks to God for His many blessings, I thank God for all of you who read our comments, support Faith and Freedom, and stand with us in the work we do.

We are truly grateful for you. Your words encourage us. Your financial support allows us to stay in the battle. Your prayers sustain us.

I am also grateful for the Christian heritage of this exceptional nation. The following proclamation is a snapshot of the faith, courage and wisdom that formed America.

First National Thanksgiving Proclamation


Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; Whereas, both the houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness!

Now therefore, I do recommend next, to be devoted by the people of the states to the service of that great and glorious being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be, that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country.

George Washington, 1779.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, November 23, 2010

The Pilgrims and Their Teenagers

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This week our hearts and minds turn toward a national day of Thanksgiving.

We have much to be thankful for, most notably, our collective Christian heritage. Much has been said about the Pilgrims and their journey to religious freedom, but did you know how they got the name, "Pilgrims"? And what part their teenage children played in their final decision to cross the ocean?

William Bradford, one of the original Mayflower emigrants, wrote that it was in consideration of their teenage kids that the Separatist Congregation from Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England, decided to make their historic journey to the "New World."

Dr. Ralph Wilson has written a great column on how the Pilgrims became known as "Pilgrims," a brief glance at the hardships they endured in defense of their faith and how, in the end, it was because of the kids, that they boarded the Mayflower.

He explains the difference between the Separatists and the Puritans and identifies three different groups of people who were aboard the Mayflower.

I recommend you read it. It's informative and inspiring.

We are thankful for
your support of this ministry. May God bless you.
___________________


How the Pilgrims Got their Name by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

"Mayflower in Plymouth Harbor," by William Halsall (1882). The original oil painting may be seen in Pilgrim Hall Museum, Plymouth, Massachusetts.

It wasn't until 1840 that the term "Pilgrim" came to refer to the early Mayflower settlers.

The Pilgrims (though they weren't called that at the time) originated with the members of a Separatist congregation from Scrooby, Nottinghamshire, England, whose pastors were Richard Clifton and John Robinson. This congregation suffered difficult persecution in England because they dissented from the state Church of England. William Bradford, one of the original Mayflower emigrants, wrote that:

"[The church members] were hunted and persecuted on every side, so as their former afflictions were as flea-bitings in comparison of these which now came upon them. For some were taken and clapt up in prison, others had their houses besett and watcht night and day, and hardly escaped their hands; and the most were faine to flie and leave their howses and habitations, and the means of their livelihood... Yet, seeing themselves thus molested, and that there was no hope of their continuance there, but a joynt consent, they resolved to goe into the Low Countries, where they heard was freedom of religion for all men...."


The congregation moved to Holland in 1607 where religious freedom was greater. Some who were in prison, didn't get there for another year.

They settled in Amsterdam for a year, but then moved to Leiden, Holland, where they lived for a dozen years. But life was difficult for these expatriates. As foreigners they were deprived of a chance at the best jobs, and struggled to maintain even a low standard of living. Times were tough. But what caused them to move were their teenagers. They had religious freedom, but

"Many of their children by the great licentiousness of youth in that countrie, and the manifold temptations of the place, were drawne away by evill examples into extravagante and dangerous courses."


They were losing their young people and struggling at the bottom of the economic scale. If they returned to England they faced severe persecution and imprisonment. So in 1620 many from the congregation decided to emigrate to America, to the New World. Three groups came on the Mayflower:

Saints -- members of the Separatist Leiden congregation

Strangers -- members of the Church of England who were emigrating for economic reasons, and Crew Members -- seamen aboard the Mayflower, some of whom were contracted to work in the Plymouth Colony for a year or longer.

The "strangers" weren't non-Christians. They were probably members of the Church of England and would count themselves as Christians. But they didn't share the Separatists' refusal to be a part of what they considered to be the corrupt state church.

We ought to make a couple of distinctions here. Strictly speaking, Separatists were pious Christians who had given up on the Church of England and formed their own congregations. Puritans, on the other hand, were members of the Church of England who wanted to purify the Church from its worldliness and corruption. Instead of separating (in the early days), they formed religious societies within Anglican congregations. A number of these groups, like the Mayflower group, fled to Holland. They were the beginnings of the Congregationalist and Baptist churches that put down early roots in America.

Though the Plymouth Colony was the first Separatist colony in New England, the Puritan Massachusetts Bay Colony was established by royal charter in 1629. But apparently the Massachusetts Puritans had something in common with the Plymouth Separatists even before they sailed for America -- the autonomy of the local congregation and a restriction of membership to "those predestined to be God's elect." As time went on the churches in Plymouth and the Massachusetts Bay Colony came to resemble each other.

But the Plymouth colonists still weren't called Pilgrims, not for many years, not until 1840. At that point someone resurrected William Bradford's original phrase describing the Saints that had left Leiden to travel aboard the Mayflower to the New World. They left Leiden, he said, "that goodly & pleasante citie which had been their resting place for near 12 years; but they knew they were pilgrimes, & looked not much on those things, but lift up their eyes to ye heavens, their dearest cuntrie, and quieted their spirits."

Since the 1840s the Mayflower settlers have been referred to as the Pilgrims, echoing the verse from the Bible that Bradford had in mind:

"These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city" (Hebrews 11:13-16, KJV).

Monday, November 22, 2010

R-71 Court Date Set

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A court date has been set for a decision on whether the names of those who signed R-71 petitions in 2009 should be released to the public.

The trial date is May 31, 2011.

A number of individuals and organizations, including homosexual activist organizations, still have pending requests to harvest the 138,000 names for their own purposes, including contacting those who signed the petitions.

U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle has ruled that the names will remain sealed until the court hearing in May.

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Hicks lifted his ban on release of initiative and referendum petition names, including several Tim Eyman initiatives, however, R-71 is not included and will remain sealed.

You may recall when the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed, the Court also indicated a possibility of narrower challenges regarding the release of specific measures such as R-71.

We contend that people should have the right to engage in the political process without fear of reprisal from organizations and individuals who hold different beliefs.

A/G McKenna and Secretary Reed are showing no restraint in their attempt to release the names.

My recent 4-hour deposition gave me a very clear understanding of where these two public servants are coming from. From my personal experience, there is much more at play than the obvious.

Be Vigilant. Be Prayerful. Be Discerning. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, November 19, 2010

D.C. Means "Dis-Connect"

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Only 26% of the public believe President Obama will be re-elected as President in 2012.

However, in Washington D.C. among the political elites, 49% believe he will be re-elected.

While President Obama may find great comfort from those in the District, the rest of us seem to see things very differently.

Why is there such a dis-connect between the politicians and the citizens?

Two different worlds, we live in two different worlds, as the song goes.

Seventy percent (70%) of DC elites admit the economic mess has not necessarily affected them as much as regular people---the average citizen.

Seventy percent of the elites (70%) see the Tea Party movement as a fad. Oh my.

Eighty one percent (81%) of those who believe the President will not be re-elected, believe the country is headed in the wrong direction.

Eighty two percent (82%) of them see the economy heading in the wrong direction and overwhelmingly want Obama's Health Care bill repealed.

This is a link to
POLITICO's story and the poll.

Obviously there is a significant dis-connect between those who serve and the people they are supposed to be serving.

Much communication will be needed in the coming months. Our job is to help these leaders get connected to the real world where we live.

Be Prayerful. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be A Connector. Be Blessed.

Thank you for
your support of what we do. God bless you.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, November 18, 2010

High School "Coming Out" Assembly Excludes Parents

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A recent "coming out" assembly in a Massachusetts high school is yet another reason why parents must remain vigilant and laws must be passed to help restore rightful honor and authority to parents.

Seven teachers, in a
panel discussion, at Concorde-Carlistle High School told their "coming out" stories and encouraged kids to do the same.

The kids were told that if they want to discuss their homosexual issues, that their parents will not be informed of anything----that it's completely private.

Clearly this is another act of indoctrination---not education. All behind the back of parents.

A parental notification bill will be presented in Massachusetts this next session.

There will also be a parental notification bill presented in the Washington State legislature in 2011.

Faith and Freedom has been asked to give strong support to the bill.

Indeed we will. We will be sharing details with you in the coming days. It is going to take a concerted effort by all of us to see it become law, but certain lawmakers feel this is the time. I totally agree.

There will be a fight to kill the bill because activists know when given a chance to "op-in" on these kinds of activities, parents don't.

A good parental notification bill can effectively address "secret" indoctrination assemblies and panels and will address matters similar to the Ballard High School student who was released from class to get an abortion during the school day, all without her parents approval or knowledge.

Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Saving Charlie from WA State Child Protective Services

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KOMO 4, in Seattle, describes it as, "Two Months of Hell," as the State tries to take a couple's "miracle baby."

Charlie Luke Gragg was born September 6, 2009. Weighing 1 pound, 5 ounces, at 25 weeks, Charlie was struggling for his life.

His father, John Gragg, serving with the National Guard, had been flown in from deployment in Afghanistan.

Premature and struggling to stay alive, Charlie would become a "miracle baby".

However, the greatest challenge would involve Washington State Child Protective Services' attempt to take Charlie from his parents and place him in a foster home.

KOMO 4 has done an
excellent story on this struggle titled, "Two Months of Hell: State Tries To Take Couple's 'Miracle Baby'."

Please take a moment and watch this.

You will be touched by the story of this Port Orchard couple. I hope you will be reminded that parents must always be vigilant. Particularly when it involves the State.

Be Vigilant. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

___________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Is the Presidency Too Big for One Person?

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Newsweek Magazine is asking the question in their feature article, "Hail To The Chiefs".

The article begins, "In 1936 Franklin Roosevelt felt overwhelmed." President Obama has often indicated that Roosevelt is a hero and even a model for him and his policies.

Writer Daniel Stone carefully chronicles the expansion of duties associated with the White House--opening mail, scheduling, etc., etc., from then to present day.

He says it takes 6 people just to open the mail to Barack Obama and 496 employees in the White House, not including a number of other White House jobs like, ethics advisers, assistant for "mobility and opportunity policy," a director of African-American media, etc.

Who knows how many work there?

Stone says, "Obama projects a demeanor of unruffled cool: he can handle the pressures and demands of the job just fine."

"But the issue," he says, "is not Obama, it's the office."

Really? They said the same of Jimmy Carter.

The conclusion is that indeed the office is likely too big for one person, with an assortment of possibilities of how to solve the problem.

Is it possible that America may have chosen a man who isn't big enough for the office, and may have done so from time to time over the years?

In October, 2008, VP candidate Joe Biden
acknowledged that Barack Obama's lack of foreign-policy experience, "will provoke America's enemies into creating an international crises."

We are already seeing foreign-policy failures.

This past July, Walter Williams wrote an
insightful column on the failure of both President Obama's and President Roosevelt's economic policies.

Williams quotes a passage from Henry Morgenthau's personal diary. Morgenthau was Roosevelt's Secretary of the Treasury. He told his diary: "We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work...We have never made good on our promises...I say after eight years of this Administration we have just as much unemployment as when we started...and an enormous debt to boot."

Morgenthau actually understated the economic conditions of Roosevelt's Administration. Unemployment was 18% in 1935, 14% in 1936 and by 1938 it was 20%.

The top tax rate was raised to 79% and even 90% a little later.

Professor Burton Folsom, from Hillsdale College, who has done extensive research on this era has said that Roosevelt actually proposed a 99.5% marginal tax rate on all incomes over $100,000.

His and other's research also shows that the recovery in the 1940's would have been very rapid had the government not intervened.

Williams points out that Roosevelt is not only a hero to Obama, but his policies often serve as a model for the President and his Administration.

Paul Krugman wrote in
The New York Times last month, "The real story of this election, then, is that of an economic policy that failed to deliver."

Indeed.

Krugmen, while attacking the Republicans, has to concede that President Obama has, "Never made an adequate case for his policies, has stepped on his own message and is so worried about making the bankers nervous, that he ceded populist anger to the right."

This doesn't sound or look like "unruffled cool" to me.

President Obama has a very different view and vision for America than many---perhaps a majority of Americans.

He has spoken often of his vision to "transform" or "remake" America and has been clear that he does not think America is any more exceptional than France or Greece or any other country.

Florida Senator elect, Marco Rubio, defined the America most Americans see and love in
his speech following the November 2 election.

In his comments he said, "America is the single greatest nation on earth, a place without equal in the history...of all mankind."

"I know," he said, referencing his Cuban heritage, "about the unique exceptionalism of our country, not because I read it in a book, I've seen it through my own eyes. You see I was raised in a community of exiles, by people who lost their country, people who once had dreams like we do today, but had to come to a foreign shore to find them."

He says America is a place where the employee can become the employer...a place where we can fulfill our sacred obligation to leave the next generation of Americans a better America than the one we inherited."

The link I have provided above has the text of both Rubio's speech and President Obama's speech in response to the election.

They stand in stark contrast.

Newsweek makes a good point.

Indeed, the Presidency is not for everyone and it is too big for some. For others, while it is a tough job, it is a natural one.

Rubio says the Republicans were given a second chance in this election---a second chance to get it right.

Americans will get a second chance to get it right in 2012.

Keep in mind the admonitions of Newsweek. Next time we should chose a person for whom the office is not too big.

________________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Two Weeks Of Tyranny?

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I grew up hunting ducks in the Yakima Valley.

I know lame ducks exist, but I have never seen one in flight. Ducks are smart and purposeful.

The next two weeks, beginning today, so-called "lame ducks" have flocked back to the natural habitat of Washington DC to hold a so-called, "lame-duck," two-week session of Congress.

Will it be two weeks of tyranny?

Those who have been removed from power by virtue of the recent election, may be lame in tenure, but seem willing to fire the last shot toward a citizenry that has rejected them, their abuse of power and the President's policies they have enabled and advanced.

Without accountability, the old majority has said they want to eliminate tax relief for business owners in the worst economy in recent memory, seek to repeal the "Don't Ask-Don't Tell" policy, even though many non-politicized military leaders oppose the move, continue and advance tax-payer-funded college scholarships for illegal aliens, confirm radical judges, verify treaties that undermine the sovereignty of the United States and attempt to merge House and Senate bills to incorporate provisions that advance climate change legislation.

Are these people anti-American? Or deluded by the loud minority voice of a far-left White House and media? Confused?---Out of touch with those who elected them in 2006 and 2008, or simply don't care?

Who knows?

What we do know is that the next two weeks could be two weeks of tyranny.

Just as duck hunters shield themselves from view in duck blinds, political lame ducks shield themselves by professing to be doing the people's work, even though the people have removed them from office.

Several national organizations are asking people to sign petitions opposing some of the agenda I listed above. While I wholeheartedly agree with that kind of action and it is most often very effective, I'm wondering how effective it could be with this group over the next two weeks.

Will Senator Patty Murray have a change of heart because she receives a message from someone who opposes her positions? How about Maria Cantwell? It can't hurt to communicate with them, but will it matter to them?

The greatest impact on the next two weeks, I believe, would be focused, purposeful prayer. Specific prayer, asking God to intervene on behalf of America, her purpose and destiny.

I am personally setting aside time every day for the next two weeks to pray that the far left agenda for our country will be restrained during this volatile time.

Would you join me? I know we should always pray for our country and its leaders, and I believe many of you do.

I'm thinking of a very focused, fervent prayer for our nation and God's will for our country, specifically during the next two weeks.

If you want to let me know you are joining with us, just send a
personal email. It is always encouraging to know you are standing with others of like mind and heart with singular purpose.

God answers prayer. Thank you for standing with us.

Be Prayerful. Be Vigilant. Be Purposeful. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Friday, November 12, 2010

Top Marine James Amos says, "Don't Do It"

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President Obama hand picked General James Amos to be the Marine Corps Commandant, his first appointment to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Now General Amos is not playing along with the President as he attempts to satisfy homosexual activists who helped elect him.

Amos is telling the truth. And he's
telling it like it is. And he is opposing the repeal of "don't ask-don't tell".

He says, "There is nothing more intimate than young men and young women---laying out, sleeping alongside of one another and sharing death, fear and loss of brothers. I don't know what the effect of that will be on cohesion. I mean, that's what we're looking at. It's unit cohesion, it's combat effectiveness."

The President seems to be more intent on pacifying his homosexual supporters, then combat effectiveness.

Are we now wanting to use our military, as we do public education, as a social experiment?

Homosexual activists who helped elect the President have been angered that he has not acted quickly enough or done enough for them. The repeal of "don't ask-don't tell" seems to be President Obama's best attempt on their behalf.

However, much has changed and the 2011 Congress will be quite different than the 2010 class.

A
Rasmussen survey out yesterday found that 56% say they think Congress should wait until newly elected members take office after the first of the year to take on any major legislation.

But 76% think they won't do it. Two-thirds of Americans think Team Obama, Pelosi and Reid will attempt to cram through major legislation, including the bill that contains the repeal.

I wonder what would cause people to think that?

Congress resumes Monday.

I expect the report on "don't ask don't tell," which is due by December 1, to find there will be no negative effect resulting from open homosexual behavior in the military. The Obama team will then attempt to ram through the 2011 defense and budget bill---in which they chose to insert the repeal, with no discussion or review of the report.

John McCain, who knows something about military combat, says he will mount a filibuster if Reid tries to bring up repeal.

The Republicans who oppose the repeal are already being accused of "favoring discrimination."

Anyone who does not embrace and celebrate homosexual behavior or even merely defends natural marriage and family or advocates biblical morality, is automatically tagged as intolerant, bigoted, hateful and in the way.

While Washington State did not embrace commonsense, as most of the country did in this past election, the new Congress will be more linked to the historical values and principles that has caused America to become the exceptional nation that it is.

May God continue to help and bless us.

Be Prayerful. Be Vigilant. Be Active. Be Blessed.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, November 11, 2010

Pres. Obama Blasts Israel From Indonesia

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President Obama told Jakarta and the rest of the world, "Indonesia is a part of me."

Indonesia is also home to the world's largest Muslim population.

I'm sure our President has fond memories of his years of living in Indonesia and clearly he is trying to reach out to Muslims in a number of ways, including, recently assigning the head of NASA to focus on affirming Muslims and helping them to feel good about their contributions to science.

I just wish he would back off Israel a bit.

President Obama, from Indonesia,
told the Muslim world that the 1000 housing units that Israel plans to build in East Jerusalem is not helpful. He said, "This kind of activity is never helpful when it comes to peace negotiations." He said it ends up breaking trust.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded from Jerusalem saying, "Jerusalem is not a settlement; Jerusalem is the capitol of the State of Israel."

And while this exchange is taking place, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is
announcing that the US will be giving another $150,000 million to the Palestinian Authority.

President Obama claims to be a Christian.

Wouldn't it be helpful if he reviewed biblical teaching regarding the support of Israel? If that is meaningless to him and others, perhaps they could review the historical relationship between Jewish people and later Israel and the United States. It is a very long and deep relationship.

There is an element in the progressive left of Christianity that rejects very clear biblical teaching on the matter of supporting Israel.

Just last night I was made aware that the Olympia Food Coop has been boycotting Israeli products for over 4 months. A group of evangelical pastors are hoping to elect some of their own to the board and correct the matter.

It's nice that President Obama feels "Indonesia is a part of me," but I sincerely wish he could recognize America's historical and spiritual relationship with Israel and allow it to also be, "A part of me," as well.

Be Vigilant. Be Prayerful. Be Active. Be Discerning.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, November 09, 2010

From the Desk of Gary Randall

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I started Faith and Freedom Foundation in 2003 for the purpose of educating people and advancing Judeo-Christian principles in our culture. Something I often included in my sermons as a pastor.

I was not looking for something to do, nor was it intended as a hobby. After a life of pastoral ministry and evangelism, I felt blessed and honored to have been used in His Kingdom. However, I felt strongly compelled to do what we are doing. I am grateful I was spared knowing the future challenges of such an endeavor.

The response to our website and the daily blog has exceeded our highest expectations in readership and activity levels. We have experienced tens of millions of hits, thousands of email messages and even a few posts, some of whom I feel may not agree with us.

Now, America and our communities stand at a crossroads. Will we concede our future, our children, our grandchildren---the destiny of this great nation and the worldwide Christian ministry opportunities that exist because of this country and its blessings?

In recent years I have had weekly contact with one of my professors from the 1960s when I was a student at Northwest University in Kirkland. This contact continued until his death. He responded to many of our blogs with encouragement and constructive input.

Only a few weeks before he passed away he said, "Gary, did you ever think you would see our culture crumble to this extent? Remember when we talked about the possibility of this, back in the 60's, if certain philosophical positions were advanced in our culture and biblical principles were removed?"

I told him I could not have imagined we would have gone this far this quickly.

Yesterday, I wrote a very candid explanation of why I feel we cannot concede the culture to far left secular progressives.
Link to blog.

It is easy to conclude that it is, "in God's hands," or, "We are citizens of heaven, not this world," or, "We are called only to share the gospel and not get involved in politics."

Speaking biblical principles and solutions into the culture is not "getting involved in politics," however, if more Christians would get involved in all aspects of leadership, it would dramatically impact our world.

And what about Jesus' parable of the talents? To whom much is given, much is required. Americans have been given the gift of freedom and prosperity unlike any country in history. Have we not been given a special destiny? Are we not to defend such a gift---a talent?

If you have not, please read my
personal message.

We are asking for your financial help to continue in the battle for the soul of our country and our communities.

Your
tax deductible donation is much needed. Whatever you can do will be deeply appreciated.

God bless you.

_______________

Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, November 08, 2010

A personal Message to Friends of Faith and Freedom

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Most of our country took a step back last Tuesday from the precipice of destruction from the far left, secular, socialist, policies of President Obama and those who enable him.

Washington State did not. In several important races we chose to stay with his destructive policies.

Benjamin Franklin famously concluded during the 1787 Constitutional Convention that the sun was rising, not setting on America.

Indeed it was.

But what about the Northwest---particularly Washington State? Sunrise? Or, sunset?

While some excellent candidates were elected to the state Legislature and we are very grateful for that, some were not, simply because they were not far left and secular. Not because they were not qualified for the office.

Many of you have written thanking Faith and Freedom for the role we played daily in helping lift the fog of secularism and socialism that has descended upon our rugged coastal areas, our mountains, our fertile central valleys and the Eastern plains of this great state and country. And thanking us for our effort in helping educate people to Judeo-Christian values and principles. And how those principles relate to our culture.

And we thank you for your regular monthly support which allows us to do what we do. We also thank those who have contacted us telling us they have included Faith and Freedom in their estate planning.

However, the battle has just begun.

Can I count on you to continue to stand with
Faith and Freedom Foundation with your tax deductible financial support? What ever you can do-$25- $10--$50--$100 or $1000 is needed at this time.

Here's why.

Only God can speak to your heart. He has certainly spoken to mine. Let me share some thoughts.

Too many in the faith and conservative community have concluded that the battle has been lost. In fact, some Christian leaders have said, not only privately, but to the press, that the battle for the culture has been lost because of our "Post Christian" culture.

I think this may have been reflected in the lower than average turnout of voters in some more conservative leaning counties like Yakima, Spokane and Okanogan---as examples.

It is true that Christian "emerging churches" have so contextualized the gospel, it is difficult to distinguish their beliefs from those of the secular culture. With biblical truths lost in the message, many are led away from those redeeming truths and principles, rather than toward them. All in an effort to relate culturally.

It is also true that the "religious left" led by Jim Wallis, Tony Compollo and others strongly advocate for what they call "social justice" as a biblical mission for contemporary Christians. At the heart of it, they are advocating for larger government and more individual dependence on the government, all in the name of biblical charity. Charity is a personal, biblical mandate. They are useful pawns in the hands of an administration who seeks to destroy the essence of what made America great. And they are misleading too many evangelicals.

It is true that 87% of evangelical pastors believe they should not endorse political candidates from their pulpit. Unfortunately, in not endorsing candidates, many also fail to give any cultural direction fearing reprisal from congregants or the federal government.

Consequently, some concede that the battle for the culture has been lost.

Here's why we must not concede.

In the early 1700s, many Americans had grown cold in the strong Puritan biblical beliefs that had been held by their ancestors. It had been more than 160 years since Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. Several generations had come and gone and people were getting on with their lives. They had moved away from the vibrancy of their religious faith. Some had abandoned it. Many had accepted the dictates of England's King as "the way it is." "Nothing we can do about it."

The preachers of the Great Awakening of the 1730s---Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield and others traveled from town to town---city to city, preaching a message of biblical renewal to the three million who lived in America at the time.

They preached fiery biblical sermons and people were moved toward God and toward the cultural issues of their time. Including the issue of slavery.

Many Christian leaders opposed their revival meetings. It is well documented that among some, these itinerant preachers were not endorsed or approved. Or appreciated. In fact, sometimes banned.

It is also well documented that the Great Awakening led to the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the greatest nation in the history of the world.

What if Edwards and Whitfield and others would have concluded, we have lost the battle for the culture? We'll never know because they did not conform and they did not concede.

If we concede the culture to the far left secularists, we will never know how our nation and our communities may have been moved and restored by the True message of hope and change.

I cannot personally concede such a thing. Restoration will never come from political change, but it will always result in political change.

We are preparing to help Legislators who share our biblical and political views move certain legislation forward in the upcoming session in Olympia. We cannot not do this without your support. The opposition is enormous.

We are working to expand the Faith and Freedom Network to include more people that can be notified and asked to contact their elected officials regarding certain legislation. Would you ask people to join us by
subscribing to our daily Blog?

We are making plans and commitments toward reaching out to the "whatever" generation that has been taught there are no absolutes---there is no God. Truth is relative. Details will follow.

Your investment of a donation to Faith and Freedom Foundation is an investment in our communities, our state and the work of the Lord.

Can I count on you to stand with me? The battle is the Lord's, but we are called to serve and take action.

Only God can speak to your heart, but I have shared from my heart. I await your response. It is important and it has some urgency.

You can mail a check or
give online. Whatever you can do will be deeply appreciated and used wisely.

Be Vigilant. Be prayerful. Be Active. Be Blessed.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

Friday, November 05, 2010

What Is Oregon Thinking?

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Dino Rossi conceded at about 6 PM last night. Patty Murray has won her fourth term as King County's Senator.

"I ran for the Senate because I believe we need a basic course correction from where Washington DC, has been taking us..."

Most of the state and the country agrees with Dino, however, King County has spoken once again. And like Oregon's Multnomah County, has chosen to continue as we are.

_________________

At a time when Oregon is drowning in debt and revenue shortfall, much like Washington, why would they
elect a governor like John Kitzhaber, for a third, that's right, third term?

Kitzhaber, born in Colfax, Washington, has previously served two terms as governor from 1995 to 2003. When he left his job back in 2003, in a huff, he told the press Oregon is "ungovernable". And Oregon was upside down and it still is.

He is arrogant, aloof and elitist. During his previous employment as governor, unemployment rose to record heights, public education nearly collapsed---Oregon is toward the bottom ranking in the country--- and companies continue to move out of Oregon to escape a hostile business climate.

Although it was a close race, taking a couple of days to call, Oregonians have elected a leftist, liberal, so-called progressive to continue to lead them in darkness.

The final decision came down to the vote in Multnomah County, much as it often does in King County.

What are they thinking? Why would they choose him over a moderate, common sense Republican, who hasn't even taken a position on abortion or marriage.

The reason is likely the same one that leads Washingtonians to elect---then re-elect, Governor Gregoire. And now Patty Murray---for a fourth term.

And reject a Dino Rossi.

I don't claim to know what Oregonians or Washingtonians are thinking on these matters, but it could be genetic.

That's right. The AMA released a study last month stating that they have
found a gene that leads people to be liberal.

I don't know if I believe this or not, but here are a few of their claims.

In reading the AMA statements and other proclamations, it appears that liberalism is a mix of dependence or co-dependence coupled with selfishness.

Liberalism seems to fall in two categories---primary and secondary, and is a psychological disorder, like say, alcoholism. It seems they seek out people and institutions that will satisfy their insecurities.

Apparently, the bottom line is that they can't help themselves. It's not their fault.

I would conclude, based on this "finding," that conservatives, therefore, must step up and help them in their time of need.

We did a pretty good job of electing conservatives nationwide, however, much improvement is needed in the Northwest.

Be Active. Be Informed. Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Blessed.

____________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Thursday, November 04, 2010

Rolling Up Our Sleeves

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Two important races are still too close to call---Rossi for Senate and Koster for the 2nd District Congress. We will keep you posted.
_______

We have seen candidates do it. We have been told elected officials are going to do it, but what exactly does that mean?

I think it means "we're going to do something important."

With a massive shift in the House of Representatives and loses in the Senate, President Obama said he took a "shellacking," saying, "it feels sad."

The President, however,
refused to say the election was a refusal of his policies. Rather, he suspects, the "voters are not satisfied with the outcomes."

While stressing that he wants to find "common ground" with incoming House Speaker John Boehner, Boehner and the Republicans
are vowing to "roll back the Obama agenda."

President Obama says, "The overwhelming message that I hear from the voters is that they want everybody to act responsibly in Washington, we want you to work harder to arrive at consensus."

This, of course from a President who has created more national debt in less than 2 years than all presidents combined since President George Washington---without consensus or bipartisanship.
Senate Leader Mitch McConnell said, "We're determined to stop the agenda Americans have rejected and turn the ship around."

It seems everyone is rolling up their sleeves.

The most important sleeve, however, is yours.

It is absolutely essential that everyone who voted to "turn the ship around" remain vigilant in watching the captains we have chosen.

Sometimes people go to change Washington and Washington changes them. We cannot allow that to happen.

Your vote was not the final act. It was the first step toward restoring a broken government.

Be Vigilant. Be Discerning. Be Prayerful. Be Active.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Wednesday, November 03, 2010

There's an Elephant in the Room

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Well, at least he's in the House---the House of Representatives.

This phrase is often used to describe something that everybody knows, but won't talk about. In this case, the size of the elephant cannot be ignored. They cannot pretend he doesn't exist.

There are several races here in Washington that are yet to be called---notably Dino Rossi for Senate and John Koster, 2nd District US Congress. There are others, as well. We are watching them.

There were several comments last night that I believe, in many ways, define this historic election. There was inspiration. There was sincerity. And there was, well, Maria Cantwell.

Inspirational. Marco Rubio. US Senate from Florida
opened his victory speech with, "I want to acknowledge a simple, but profound truth---we are all children of a powerful and great God. Things are not always going to end up the way you want them. His will is not always going to be yours, but I promise you this, no matter what you face in life, He will give you the strength to go through it. I bear witness to that tonight as so many of you do in your own life, acknowledged in everything we do and every where we go."

Sincerity. John Boehner, presumptive Speaker of the House,
shared his own story of hard work and now how honored he is to serve the people of America. He tearfully promised: It's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work---It's clear who the winners really are; the American people---This is not a time to celebrate---we will celebrate when America is back to work and government is brought under control---we must build a better future for our kids and grand kids---message to President Obama, "change course".

Presumptuous and Threatening. Senator Maria Cantwell, as the massive shift takes place in Congress---as the elephant moves into the room, she along with her colleagues have already started
calling for "compromise," "bi-partisanship."

She said the GOP victories in the US House, "Make it more incumbent on us to work together."

She continued: "The Republicans kind of threw a wrench into getting things done, but now they've got the House, well they can't just say no and have things not go anywhere. People will just be angry again in two years from now."

I guess she means that the Republican minority that was excluded from every legislative outing of the President and his people, most notably Healthcare, must now NOT do what the people have asked them to do. Rather than change the course of the country, they should compromise and look for ways to work with a President whose policies were massively rejected yesterday. Or the people will get mad at them.

That sure makes sense.

Like her or not, Sarah Palin often says what many are thinking. Yesterday she said, "Now is not a time to Compromise."
She said, "The GOP has to understand, that machine has to understand, we are not sending Republicans, commonsense conservatives, to DC to sing kumbaya with Obama, we're sending them to stop Obama."

She said if they don't get that, "They are going to find themselves without a job in 2012."

Our mandate is to be vigilant and active and vocal---help these newly elected officials keep their promises.

God bless you.

___________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Tuesday, November 02, 2010

Defining the Enemy in a Season of Discontent and Desperation

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As the vote count becomes available tonight, we will be reporting it live on www.faithandfreedom.us.

Also keep in mind that only about 50% of the votes will be counted at that time. Some races may not be determined for a day or more. The election returns will be certified November 23.

I have been asked by political leaders to ask you to be vigilant in watching for any irregularities. Please report anything unusual to us and I will pass on your information.

______________

A week ago President Obama
made reference to those who did not stand with him on his policies as "enemies".

John Boehner took issue and said, "Mr. President, there's a word for people who have the audacity to speak up in defense of freedom, the Constitution and the values of limited government that made this country great. We don't call them 'enemies', we call them 'patriots'."

President Obama said yesterday he should not have used the word "enemies" to describe his political opponents.

A poll just out shows 75% of Americans believe things are going badly in our country. This is the highest level of discontent since polls starting asking the question in the mid 1970s.

While the country is feeling a high level of discontent, those in power are feeling a high level of desperation.

Yesterday, Harry Reid was on the air
describing Sharron Angle as "pathological" and extreme. The Democratic National Committee was running an ad saying, "Don't Let Sarah Palin Win".

While the country suffers from discontent, those in power suffer from desperation.

Jonathan Karl at ABC News has
noticed the difference. One wonders if civility is dead? Karl says, "As you watch this year's ads---and I've been watching all too many lately---you'll notice a striking difference between the Democratic and the Republican attack ads: Democrats are attacking over personal issues, Republicans are attacking over policy."

The President and his people are not the enemy. Their far left, so-called progressive, secularist, socialist, policies are the enemy.

I received an email last night that said:

Friend--Tomorrow you can help determine not just the outcome of this election, but our country's future.

Thank you for all you do.

President Barack Obama.

Indeed. May God help us.

Be Prayerful.

______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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Monday, November 01, 2010

Sarah Palin-- They are "Corrupt Bastards"

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Tomorrow is election day. Please remind anyone whom you know that has not yet voted to do so. In Washington Sate your mail in ballot must be post marked by tomorrow.

Pray for our country and our communities. Much hangs in the balance.

As returns are released tomorrow evening, we will have live vote counts for Washington State races as they are reported.
__________________



It is not surprising, but deeply disappointing.

Reporters at KTVA, the CBS affiliate in Anchorage,
were caught, inadvertently, on a cell phone voice mail recording, openly discussing how to fabricate, even create two news stories that would undermine the candidacy of Republican Joe Miller for the US Senate.

Miller is endorsed by Sarah Palin. She spoke at a rally for Miller in Anchorage last Thursday evening.

The story broke Saturday evening and yesterday as to what happened regarding the press and how they planned to cover the event.

A reporter's cell phone was accidentally left on after a call from Miller's spokesman regarding the rally and the ensuing conversation among reporters in the KTVA newsroom was recorded as a voice mail on the Miller spokesman's cell phone.

The conversation clearly shows they were not only going to spin the story of the rally, but trash Miller and discredit him personally by association. And launch their story on the Internet.

This
link includes the story and the text of the conversation.

Sarah Palin told Chris Wallace on FOX News yesterday that, "What Miller has had to put up with, up against the GOP machine and Democrats and the liberal media in Alaska," is what she has had to deal with the past 2 years.

She
told Wallace, they are "corrupt bastards."

Strong language? Yes. But reality in the world of today's battle for the culture. I have personally heard a similar conversation in a CBS affiliate newsroom many years ago.

While we did not have benefit of a recorded conversation, it became clear to several of us leading Referendum 71 that the press would go to most any end to discredit the messengers because they disagreed with our message of defending natural marriage.

These are days when we must be both informed and discerning.

Jesus once said to the legal and religious leaders of His time, "When it is evening you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.' And in the morning , 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the face of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times." Matthew 16: 2,3.

These are perilous times. We do not need more weather persons. We need people who can discern the times and have the courage to be bold and to stand for righteousness in our culture.

I know many such people stand with us. Thank you for your friendship, your kind words and your
financial support.

Be Prayerful. Be Discerning. Be Bold. Be Blessed.

God bless you. May God's will be done on Earth as it is in heaven.

_______________
Gary Randall
President
Faith and Freedom

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