Monday, December 22, 2008

Remember Our Troops at Christmas

I haven't had time to collect my own thoughts and write a compelling article in support of our troops for this Christmas, but I believe God led me to an article written by Kevin McCullough linked here: http://townhall.com/columnists/Column2.aspx?UrlTitle=survive,_evade,_resist,_escape&ns=KevinMcCullough&dt=12/21/2008&comments=true&registered=true&submitted=true

God bless our troops, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Charles J. Patricoff
By fighting to provide freedom for others, we preserve freedom for ourselves.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Election Thoughts

I thought I’d try to add some Biblical/Historical sense to the outcome of Tuesday’s event. First, God has everything under control. Even though we may grieve the outcome, He will execute His sovereign will. The results did not catch Him by surprise, and He is still speaking and providing direction to those who will trust in Him, not the government.

Last night, my wife Mary and I pursued our regular evening Bible study and prayer time. I find it very interesting what God taught us. We’ve been studying the Book of Daniel. Keep in mind, what was prophecy to Daniel, is history to us. Many of those strange, wild and bizarre things described and events foretold in Daniel have taken place. But they also point to what our future will experience (and I believe very soon). Our study gave us a view of important world history. We learned a few important facts, which confirm fundamental truth: Any alternative “savior” will either disappoint us or totally devastate us. Apart from the Lord, there is no savior.

We learned that the Grecian ruler Antiochus the IV Epiphanes was a very shrewd politician. He needed the support of the Israeli people to help him attack Egypt. To gain their support he redistributed the nation’s wealth and won widespread support among the lower classes (sound familiar – an interesting demographic fact from Tuesday, 72% of the American Jewish population voted for Obama). With the added Israeli support, Antiochus attacked Egypt but failed. He blamed his failure upon the Jews. He vented his rage on the Jews, slaughtering thousands, outlawing Judaism, and converting the temple into a pagan shrine. This was the tidal wave of persecution that led to the “abomination that causes desolation.” (Daniel 11:31 & Matthew 24:15) May I suggest that we keep a watchful eye on Obama and how he treats Israel, and American Jews and Christians? Is he a modern day (alternative) “savior?” Many think he is. Is it a coincidence that we only have to shift two letters, and change one to differentiate between “Abomination” and “Obamanation?”

Obama’s advisors tell him that Israel is “not a priority.” For your information, Syria moved two armored divisions into southern Lebanon over the weekend and as of Tuesday, Syrian tanks and artillery were aligned in “battle array” along the Lebanon-Israeli border (guns pointing south into Israel). Yesterday, Hamas launched 35 upgraded Qassam missiles into Israeli towns and villages north and east of the Gaza strip. Is this a coincidence or a strategic move by Israel’s and America’s Islamic enemies? Obama received his first ever military threat briefing this morning. I hope he sees that we live in a dangerous world.

After our study, Mary and I prayed about America’s and Israel’s current situation. God impressed upon Mary’s heart that He doesn’t need America’s support to protect Israel. If He did, who would get the glory for protecting her? With His kindness He again reminded us that He has everything under control, He is executing His plan for the ages, and that His return is imminent. Stay tuned and look up for our redemption draws nearer each and every day.

Charles J. Patricoff

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

My "Joe-the-Plumber" Story

To Whom It May Concern:

I’m Charles, the “want-a-be” writer. I’ve pursued this dream for over 40 years. If I had a “Joe-the-Plumber” opportunity, I would like to ask Barack Obama three questions:
1. Why does he think our United States Constitution is “fundamentally flawed,” and if he is elected why would he swear to protect it,
2. Why doesn’t he know that the power to tax IS the power to destroy, and
3. What does he plan to do with the American population who refuse redistribution of our personal wealth?

Fundamentally flawed means to me – right or wrong – something that can’t be fixed. It must be discarded or replaced with something different or new. Which of our God-granted rights – protected by the United States Constitution and guaranteed by the Bill of Rights – will no longer fit in Barack Obama’s vision of an ordered society? Further, how does he intend to lead men like me who swore a sacred oath to preserve and protect the cornerstone of our republic against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, “so help me God.” Does he expect us to stand down as he takes a scalpel to our (I believe) divinely inspired document? When he carves it up, why shouldn’t we refer to him as a domestic enemy?

History proves that governments, which exact some taxes as a “Patriotic Duty” from their productive population, in time, take more. Governments have a habit of assuming the money is theirs. These friendly captors turn against those confined under their friendly captivity. Why isn’t any taxation (no matter its size or targeted population) an immediate impediment against the fulfillment of all our respective dreams? If the taxation grows unabated, the fabric of our fragile republic will unravel as more and more productive members are reduced to abject universal poverty.

As a “want-a-be” writer, I pray that God will bless the work of my hands, not curse the work of others. I trust that He will make fruitful the stories He helps me write. Selfishly, I’d like to leave a lasting legacy to my children and grandchildren. As I see a portion of America rejecting the unique, fundamental foundational principles of: Life; Liberty; Personal Responsibility and Morality; Free Religious Expression; the Traditional Family Structure; Justice and Mercy; and Servant Leadership, I also see my American dream of nearly 50 years fading into oblivion. I guess I shouldn’t worry – Barack Obama will take care of me, my family, and my future as we all settle down under his economic mediocrity, but friendly captivity. I wonder how long he would be friendly if I got a chance to ask these questions.

Thanks for letting me share,

Charles J. Patricoff
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation

Friday, August 29, 2008

Thoughts on the DNC

Thoughts on Hillary’s Speech:

I realized that many of you who read this support the socialism ideals of the Democratic Party. But did anybody notice that Hillary introduced herself as a proud: mother, Democrat, Senator, American, Barack Hussein Obama (BHO) supporter, AND that she did not state that she’s the proud wife of a former United States President? Is she embarrassed by the fact that she is a married woman? How does this support the family?

I keep hearing the Democrats (Dems) talk about failed policies but I never hear them give one example. They can’t say the war in Iraq has failed because the irrefutable evidence shows that we are succeeding. They talk about the failed economy, but it has been driven by their emotional insistence on keeping us dependent on foreign oil, which now they are willing to change. Their only solution is to tax and build a bigger, “Do Nothing” government that is only capable of taxing and spending more of our money, but government doesn’t do anything well. They have forgotten the proven fact that the “Power to Tax is the Power to Destroy!”

History repeatedly shows that socialism ultimately fails those it claims to help and only on a few instances has ended its temporary reign without turning with hostility on those it provided a friendly captivity. Does anyone remember that NAZI stood for National Socialism? Bolshevism (Russian Socialism) led to Soviet Communism. Did you notice that Hillary didn’t offer any plans, just rhetoric? The Dems want to provide universal health care. Does that mean that you and I will have to pay for a world-wide health care system? Is that what BHO means when he wants to bring balance and fairness to our economic condition? I wish they would unveil what they mean. Ronald Reagan warned that the way to bring about global communism is to introduce global health care. Have we forgotten the warnings of those who have come before us? It all sounds like class warfare and wealth redistribution to me. This has never worked long-term throughout recorded history. Even the first church’s attempt at communism failed miserably. Why do they want to destroy the success of our over 200 year constitutional form of government that was founded on Judeo-Christian Biblical principles?

But regarding the most important issue of our time, the Dems shouted their platform position by their silence. The Dems have no plan for dealing with radical Islam. I think they want to surrender to Islam. Have they forgotten that Islam wants to subjugate the entire world to Sharia Law and that means destroying the liberty we hold dear.

Thoughts on Bill & Joe’s Speech:

Bill Clinton stated that Barack Hussein Obama (BHO) is the incarnation of the American Dream. And Joe Biden said he is the American Dream. The constant messiah comparisons are hard to swallow. By watching their eyes and their body language, I’m convinced that neither of these men believed what they were trying to sell us. But the sound-bite rhetoric that personally scares me is the “Take America Back” statement. Because I’m Jewish and I remember my Aunt Tilly who had her concentration camp tattoo, I’m too sensitive to words that resemble Adolph Hitler’s rally cry to take back Germany for the Fatherland.

I always tell people that I follow five voting principles that have served me well my entire adult life. One of my litmus paper, acid tests is the principle of morals. Evidence of a moral person is how they treat their “friends.” Joe Biden made a big deal about saying that John McCain is his friend. But after establishing this fact, he proceeded to demonize him. A man of true moral character would never do that to a friend even if he were just “following orders” like a good NAZI. When I pull out the litmus paper after this acid test, there is nothing there.

I compare this to John McCain who has lived the, “No man left behind,” principle. I applied the same test to John McCain’s life. I pulled out the paper and the substance of proven moral character remained.

I guess I’m not surprised by the same old Democrat story that elevates personal interest and the pursuit of power first, behind the rhetoric promise that government must take care of the people.

Now for the star of the show, America’s new Savior, here is the man who wants to rule the world, and CHANGE America 100%.

If we need that much change, we must be the most evil empire on the planet. No wonder he doesn’t see any difference between Russia’s invasion to annex Georgia and our internationally supported removal of a known threat to the world.

He insists on 100% change. He desires to give everyone a college education, and hire an “army of teachers, and pay them hirer salaries.” He demands “universal health care,” government job creation, government investment in alternative energy sources, and on and on with traditional democratic salesmanship, but he fails the five-part principles acid test.

Leadership – what has he done? Has he been responsible for the lives of others (other than his immediate family)? Has he successfully run and grew a business? I wouldn’t hire him to be the CEO of my company, let alone to sit in the seat of the most powerful country on the planet.

Morals – has he turned on his friends? When the heat came on his long time pastor, Jeremiah Wright, he disassociated himself quickly. Equating Russia’s invasion of Georgia with our intervention in Iraq is moral equivalency, which means he doesn’t recognize the difference between good and evil. I don’t want to negotiate with evil, I want to defeat it! I want to defeat it in my own heart first as I surrender to the purifying work of God’s Holy Spirit. Then, I want to defeat the evil of bearing a false witness against my country. BHO says that we are “no longer a Christian nation.” The truth is that our country was founded on Judeo-Christian Biblical principles and if we divorce ourselves from those principles, we will cease to be a nation under God’s grace. BHO said that we need to return America to being the last best hope of liberty. The truth is, America IS the last best hope of liberty. His emphasis on economic issues shows that he is less concerned with morality, just ask the millions of murdered unborn who have had their voice silenced.

I could go on with the principle of Life (his position on abortion on demand is well documented), Family (he supports non-traditional definitions of family), and Justice (he defines it in terms of economic equality, the common, socialistic – even communistic class warfare), but I will end this blog with my historians point of view.

When a young man, who has not been tempered by wisdom, obtains power, he has historically fallen to the corrupting power of power. To think that somehow BHO is above the intoxicating influence of unfettered political power is, at the very least, naïve, but worst, dangerous and deadly for all.

A quick review of history reveals that man is incapable of resisting the corrupting nature of power. Alexander the Great, at the ripe age of 33, wept because there were no more worlds to conquer. Let us “fast forward” to the young, Napoleon Bonaparte, who was elected through the democratic process. Once in power, he threw out the government and established himself as emperor. Then, he attempted to bring all of Europe under his rule. Just 70 years ago, an inexperienced Adolph Hitler and his NAZI (National Socialists) Party was elected to be Chancellor of Germany. Once in power, he destroyed their weak constitution and I hope we remember how things went for the entire world after that. BHO wants to negotiate with the President of Iran who denies that the Holocaust happened.

This brings me to my final point. Last night, BHO stated that we could uphold the Second Amendment while removing AK-47 assault rifles from the hands of criminals. His record on gun control is clear. But I am concerned that he might tamper with our Constitutionally protected right to bear arms. If he is successful with that, what will he attack next, since he wants 100% CHANGE?

Monday, June 30, 2008

First American Seder

“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.”

I had the privilege to attend and participate in what was accurately called, “The American Seder,” a celebration of remembering pivotal stories that led to the signing of America’s Declaration of Independence. The “Seder” script was written by Chuck Grifasi and presented by Colorado Pragar Fans.

The program highlighted America’s first stand for the concept of Freedom of the Press and re-enacted the famous Peter Zenger publishing case in 1735. Mr. Zenger was defended by sixty-year old Andrew Hamilton. His eloquent defense was concluded with the notion that the press has “a liberty both of exposing and opposing tyrannical power by speaking and writing truth.” The colonial jury ignored the immoral English law that demanded they find Mr. Zenger guilty of libel and established for American law that truth is a defense to an accusation of libel. I find it frightening that America’s mainstream media has succumbed to Islam’s threats to sue anyone who prints truth that offends Islam. Our once proud “Free Press” has reverted back nearly 300 years and now submits under the boot heel of Islamic tyranny. A current case in Canada is attempting to silence author Mark Steyn for exposing certain truths about Islam in his America Alone book.

Another key story came from a dinner scene in the home of Mercy Otis Warren, who wrote the History of the Rise, Progress, and Termination of the American Revolution. In her collection of human interest stories she recalls personal letters from friends like Martha Washington and Abigail Adams. She also documented heroic wartime exploits of little known Americans such as Private Joseph Plumb Martin.

The hundred plus participants sang, “God Bless America,” listened to Johnny Cash’s, “Ragged Old Flag,” recited the “Pledge of Allegiance,” acknowledged active duty and military veterans, watched a video called, “They Also Serve,” and were treated to a special recorded messaged from Dennis Prager.

The “Seder” ended with a reminder to read the Declaration of Independence this Fourth of July. Each participant was given a prepared copy and Chuck Grifasi appealed to us to consider signing it on July 4th 2008 as a recommitment to the moral truth encapsulated in this American Foundational Document.

I simply add that if we don’t remember and commit ourselves again and again, year after year, we will lose the liberty we hold dear.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Islam's Conquest of America

I am fired up. Our Christian based representative government is broken. I understand that in a republic like ours there must be political divisions and conflicts. However, genuine Christians do not have a choice this November. Our voice has been silenced. Both candidates will continue to pander to the Nation of Islam that wants to destroy America – the land of liberty. Muslims will accomplish the demise of the United States either through external attack, or worse, through internal deception, pretending to be faithful American citizens. The most deadly enemies to America are those who, with a great pretense of “Loyalty,” daily insult the Biblical precepts upon which it was founded. Our current President deceives the American people every time he declares Islam a “Peaceful Religion.” Islam demands world domination and both radicals and moderates know they must turn America into an Islamic state to accomplish their global conquest. Our government will not stop it.

I say that it is time to establish a Christian party – a party that will not elect men or women who are known to be in sentiment and life, by precept and example, unchristian and untrue to the great principles of the Christian faith. But I fear it is too late. I believe there will come a day when Islam will control our government. We who refuse to submit to Islam’s control will be fighting for our survival. Muslims in America are using our government and Constitutional protections against us. Mark my words, very soon Islam will control the most sophisticated weapons on the planet and they will acquire them without firing a shot. They will take over the White House and Congress and make the Quran the supreme law of the land. Unless we fight now, including with deadly force, we will be condemned to servitude or die at the hands of those who cut off heads as an expression of their “Peaceful Religion.”

Charles J. Patricoff,
Author of: Destination Hope - Separation

Monday, June 2, 2008

Obama watch

Here is a story on the video of Obama telling everyone how he will cut national defense:


http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=65771

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Israel 2008 (Pray for Peace – Prepare for War)

Mary and I returned from our visit to Israel last week. It’s taken me several days to process what this trip meant to us. I suspect it will take months. In summary, we’ve had an “interest” in Israel for decades. Now, we have a deep love for her and her people.

As a Jewish believer, the trip was a true “homecoming.” We were part of Joel Rosenberg’s, Joshua Fund humanitarian relief tour. We and our best friends, Jim and Joyce Beckett, wanted to partner with an organization that would do something effective for Yeshua’s Kingdom rather than “take a vacation.” Nearly 200 other believers from across America and Canada joined Joel, his family, and the Joshua Fund organization’s leadership in this Epicenter 2008 mission.
Since this was our first adventure to Israel, we can only compare our experience to those reported to us by others. From what I can tell, other tours are packed with as many Holy Land sites as time will permit. In contrast, we were brought to specific locations and given time to absorb each site’s significance: culturally, historically, and biblically. Our tour seemed to have purpose and intentionality, in a word, “calling!”

From a historian’s point of view, we walked from pre-Abraham times, through Israel’s Kingdom period, the time of Yeshua, the destruction of the temple and scattering of the Jewish people, recognized the return of the Jewish state and celebrated Israel’s 60th rebirth as a nation.
On April 19th, we conducted our annual Passover Seder. Having seen with my eyes His restoration of the Holy Land, the section from Psalm 87 (quoted in full below) spoken during the Seder became, for me, yet another sure prophetic word fulfilled. Many of Israel’s seven million citizens have been “born in her.”
The tour culminated at the Epicenter 2008 Conference on April 10, 2008. Biblical prophecies were placed in contemporary context. I recommend that my readers perform a careful examination of Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39, and Matthew 24. Finally, I urge everyone to go to the linked web site and listen to the conference audio presentations.
Based on everything we witnessed, learned, and experienced, the Holy Spirit has impressed us with urgency. My prayer is that we would be like the sons of Issachar, men who understood the times, with knowledge of what Israel should do (1 Chronicles 12:32, NASB). It is our time to recognize the times in which we live. We must know how we should conduct ourselves and how we should prepare for what is coming. The conference slogan, “Pray for Peace – Prepare for War,” is apropos.
PSLAM 87
His foundation is in the holy mountains. The LORD loves the gates of Zion More than all the other dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. “I shall mention Rahab and Babylon among those who know Me; Behold, Philistia and Tyre with Ethiopia: ‘This one was born there.’” But of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; And the Most High Himself will establish her. The LORD will count when He registers the peoples, “This one was born there.” Then those who sing as well as those who play the flutes shall say, “All my springs of joy are in you.”
I ask each reader to go the Joshua Fund web site and pledge your support for Israel. Please join with us as we pray for the Peace of Jerusalem.

Shalom,

Charles J. Patricoff,


Wednesday, March 19, 2008

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Christianity and Our Civil Government

March 6, 2008

I continue to study The Christian Life and Character of the Civil Institutions of the United States, by Reverend Benjamin F. Morris (1864) http://www.americanvision.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1818&HS=1. Recently, I read about the founding of the Massachusetts Colony. I am struck by Pilgrim’s attitude toward liberty. They clearly linked their concept of liberty to morality and religious principles. I concluded that they believed the purpose for liberty was that it allows his followers to advance his kingdom, both individually and collectively as a community. When the king of England, Charles II, wanted to revoke the colony’s charter in 1660, historian George Bancroft noted in their written response that they had the “right in the sight of God and man, to be governed by rulers of their own choosing…” They went on to write, “Submission would be an offense against the majesty of Heaven. Blind obedience to the pleasure of the king (of England) cannot be without great sin, and incurring the high displeasure of the King of kings.” Bancroft concluded that these colonists, stood firm against the governing tyranny as an act of obedience to God. They considered their Christian faith and civil rights as an inseparable union between Christianity and civil liberty. I find it disturbing that the first colony to be established on fundamental, historical, biblical Christianity is the first state to establish homosexual marriage contrary to God’s revealed will (Romans 1:18-32).

Christianity – not paganism, “religious neutrality,” or secularism – produced freedom and justice in America. Americans have lost the knowledge of the great work God performed forming this nation and the deep connections between Christianity and civil government. Many of us who contribute to this blog, desire to provide our readers with a vision of the truth – the Lord’s hand in our history and the crucial, foundational place Christianity held in our civil government and public life.

Charles J. Patricoff

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

A Thankful Beginning

I am grateful for my American Heritage and I am proud of our early beginnings, our commitment to limited self government, and the protection of God given rights. The Mayflower Compact is a good place to start, because it was the first time in history when a group of people banded together for a distinct purpose - to serve the Holy One. Below, I posted the entire Mayflower Compact. It is short, simple and to the point. I added emphasis to show our Godly foundation. I hope it will bless you as it has me.
Charlie Patricoff

The Mayflower Compact

At Sea
Cape Cod, Massachusetts
November, 1620

In the name of God, Amen. We, whose names are underwritten, the Loyal Subjects of our dread Sovereign Lord, King James, by the Grace of God, of England, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, e&.

Having undertaken for the Glory of God, and Advancement of the Christian Faith, and the Honour of our King and Country, a voyage to plant the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia; do by these presents, solemnly and mutually in the Presence of God and one of another, covenant and combine ourselves together into a civil Body Politick, for our better Ordering and Preservation, and Furtherance of the Ends aforesaid; And by Virtue hereof to enact, constitute, and frame, such just and equal Laws, Ordinances, Acts, Constitutions and Offices, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the General good of the Colony; unto which we promise all due submission and obedience.

In Witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names at Cape Cod the eleventh of November, in the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, King James of England, France and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the fifty-fourth. Anno Domini, 1620.”

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Dates and Times

America's Godly Heritage clearly sets forth the beliefs of many famous Founding Fathers concerning the proper role of Christian principles in education, government, and the public affairs of the nation. The beliefs of Founders such as Patrick Henry, John Quincy Adams, John Jay, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Mason, and many others are clearly presented. America's Godly Heritage also provides excerpts from court cases showing that for 160 years under the Constitution, Christian principles were officially and legally inseparable from American public life. The companion Video/DVD by the same title graphically displays statistics showing what has happened to America since the courts have begun rejecting the Founders' beliefs.
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 AM Dates: 4th Saturday of each month starting
Feb 23, 2008 (March 22, Apr 26, May 24th and Jun 28)