**Netanyahu went on to say that this question turns on whether the United States can achieve“moral clarity” with respect to the position in which it now finds itself. For without moral clarity, our national will has no engine to drive it such that America can prevail in the long run. And this is a war that will take some time to issue in a clear victory. **
I cannot remember where Paul wrote that one can tell a Christian from others by the way they deal with Pain.
Their Faith produces perseverance.
Perseverance produces Strength of Character.
Strength of Character produces More Faith.
Seems to me that we in the USA have several distinct problems that cut us off from perseverance.
Number One- we are not a Christian Nation. All other reasons are moot.
Now we will see why a Good Leader is so important to a people. President George W Bush has put his Presidency and himself on the line by stating that even if the fervor of the country decreases he will not waver but will seek them out for his entire term. He will also need to keep us 'up' for this long haul. That is not an easy task.
The leader of FARC, a guerilla force in Columbia that sells drugs and is Communist, has declared that he also will join in this war with the USA and seeks to have the USA and it's people attacked in Columbia or the USA. He also desires to join with groups in the USA of like mind.
There are groups of like mind in the USA. The plot thickens.
Would one say, "We ain't seen nothin yet?
This may turn out to be the war of a thousand cuts. You see the Chinese are helping FARC. We don't have a 'two' war military. How many fronts will we be able to maintain against many guerilla forces outside our shores and many inside.
There are opinions I have concerning this entire affair that will remain silent.
Leadership is of great importance, whether Good or Bad. We have seen the personification of Bad. By the Grace and Mercy of God we hope to see Good Leadership for years to come. We need it now more than ever in the history of this great Nation.
We NEED to be Under God, quickly.
Hello Slingshot! So nice to see you. The thought has struck me that in stating "you're either with America in this fight or you're with the terrorists," President Bush has basically set up a "Good vs. Evil" contest and has made it very easy for us to tell which side an individual, organization, or sovereign nation-state "is on." He has stated the problem in terms that are crystal clear from a "moral clarity" standpoint, and they have global implications. (Some of our "friends" around the globe coddle and assist terrorist organizations and their state sponsors...so things could get very "interesting"....)
And I have a feeling the President's clear statement regarding America's moral resolve wasn't just rhetorical grandstanding: As you say, he is a Good Man. He has spoken in such a way that the "bad man" -- one who has chosen to reject the moral categories of civilized order -- will tend to misunderstand or underestimate him. The "bad man" may miscalculate as a result: I don't think this rag-tag band of terrorist criminals and the states that nurture and support them really understand America or the West very well; and their ignorance makes them bold. On the other hand, not to understand the enemy one faces can be terribly dangerous.
But as you say, Slingshot: "This, too, will pass." That it will! I don't "do" prophecy; but it seems to me there will be much pain and suffering before it does pass -- and not just in America. I pray for God's mercy on the all the innocents who get caught in the cross-fire. And that God's infinite justice will prevail. God bless President Bush, and God bless America. Peace, bb.