politics

Political Victory

By Graham Glover –

Political victory. What is it? What does it look like? Does anybody (especially in America) ever really achieve it?

Did the Republicans achieve it last November? Donald Trump won the presidency, but does this mean he is politically victorious? He won an election, and his party maintains control of both chambers of Congress, but how much does that really mean in today’s political context? (See the inability for the White House and Congress to make any headway on the healthcare bill.)

Continue reading →

There’s No Reason to Be Depressed About the 2016 Election

By Graham Glover –

First, a confession: I’ve been politically depressed for about 8 months.

When 2016 began, my political psyche started going downhill. As the primary season rolled on, my political bad mood turned in to downright depression. I think it hit rock bottom after the Republican and Democratic National Conventions. For the past month I’ve wanted to shut down politically. Seriously, I thought I had reached the point of no return. My love of and faith in politics had all but worn out.

Continue reading →

Poor Hillary Clinton

By Cindy Koch –

The Democratic convention is in session this week, ready to announce the first woman to run for president of the United States. And it looks like the day will come sooner than later when we must consider a female leading our country. While we all knew this would happen sooner or later, there is still much to talk about, much to hope in, and much more to mourn. I have only begun to grieve for our sons and daughters of independence.

Continue reading →

Presidential Elections and the 4th Commandment

By Graham Glover –

“You shall honor your father and mother that it may be well with you and you may live long upon the earth.”

I’ve given up trying to figure out how this year’s election will unfold. Every prediction of mine has been wrong. I still think Hillary wins in an Electoral College blowout, but now I’m even starting to doubt that prognosis. The Donald, despite himself, just might pull off the most improbable of campaigns.

Continue reading →

The Smiling Face of Church Politics

By Paul Koch –

I want to share with you a story about one of the most enjoyable times I have had since becoming aware of things like Synods, church voter’s meetings, and district conventions. Like many of the Jagged Mafia, I spent most of my days in wonderful bliss regarding the need or pervasiveness of politics within the Church. I simply went to church, received the gifts, and knew nothing of the bureaucratic procedures and policies that kept the lights on, the mortgage paid, or for that matter, provided insurance and retirement plans to church workers.

Continue reading →

Christian Education and The State

By Caleb Keith –

If you are in any way associated with Christian higher education, you are probably aware of California Senate Bill 1146 (SB1146). The bill threatens the way religious colleges operate in the state of California. To understand what the bill proposes, I read and re-read it several times last night. The essential function or purpose of SB1146 is to trap and punish religious higher education institutions who currently operate under a title IX discrimination exception. Under the current exemption, religious organizations can “discriminate” in their hiring and admissions practices so long as they are in line with their religious beliefs. For example, a Christian college may require all of its professors to be Christian and reserves the right not to employ non-Christians. Currently, schools which fall under title IX and certain California state exemptions can and often do receive federal and state aid.

Continue reading →

Support Life, Democrats Never Lose Again

By Graham Glover –

As much as I wish it would happen, I doubt it ever will – the Democratic Party supporting the Pro-Life Movement. It boggles my mind why the party that so passionately advocates on behalf of the less fortunate, the outcast, and the voiceless, is eerily silent when it comes to the unborn child. But I’m not politically naïve, I get the underlying narrative that prevents this from happening, which is why I have no expectation that those who do not support abortion on demand will ever be given a role, much less a platform, in Democratic politics.

Continue reading →

When Logic Fails, Might Makes Right; Welcome to the Future of Amerika

By Joel A Hess –

When logic is no longer used to determine what is right, might is right.

Many are flabbergasted by the rise of Donald Trump. They can’t believe he says what he says and gets away with it. More than that, his harsh tone and outlandish Jerry Springer Show campaign only increases his popularity! Predictably, the knee jerk reaction by people who believe they have a right to never be offended by anyone is to protest – not argue – and sometimes violently. “Use your words,” our mothers used to say.

Continue reading →