Broadmindedness Applies Only to Dissidents...
...It seems that those who propose broadmindedness only apply it to those who oppose them. When someone crosses their line of correctness, like Richard Sternberg did when he allowed a paper supporting intelligent design to be published in the Smithsonian, they intimidate the opponent into submission or dismissal. Where did the broadminded approach go wrong?
...Some think all scientists support Darwinian evolution, but those scientists who don't hold to that theory are treated in a discriminatory manner by the establishment. See article.
...Liberal thinking is only allowed if you support the liberal agenda. Supporting an evolutionary theory which cannot be proven may seem appropriate to the peer pressure, but it surely isn't SCIENCE!

Remembering Pres. Ford...
...will be difficult, because as a family we chose to eliminate watching television for the first seven years of our son's life. We missed most of the news during 1974-1977, which were the years of Pres. Gerald R. Ford's administration.
...though it seems that the years were without alarm after the scandals of Spiro Agnew and Richard Nixon surfaced. I watched a lot of the impeachment proceedings and got disgusted with the lack of character in the highest office of our land.
...At least, Pres. Ford wasn't scandalized, but his pardoning of Nixon probably cost him election to the office in 1976.
...He may have been the last of the moderate Republicans to become a national leader. The parties have become much more polarized over the past 30 years.
...He lived almost as long as my Dad, who is still alive at 95.
...His wife's treatment of her problems and subsequent founding of a treatment location was probably the biggest news of his presidential years.
...Still considering that he was appointed as V.P. and ultimately became President without being elected will mark his time in office. For that, he stands alone.
...Regardless of his national limelight, he still leaves behind a family who loved him and who will need our prayerful support in the coming weeks.

St. Nicholas makeover?...
...What began as a reminder of the generosity of one man, Nicholas, who gave to the poor has become a Santa Claus mentality that everyone should get everything they desire as a reward for being good throughout the year. Let's see if we can remember Jesus' birth as a time when the humble and the poor were honored to view and worship him. Those who give to charitable causes as a way to honor the Savior are a good example. There are no returns after the holiday. There are no uneasy moments of opening gifts if front of the donors, trying to seem satisfied with what only satisfies for a moment. My grandson typifies the season's sentiment when after opening his gifts asks, "Aren't there any more?"

Christian Influence in Asia...
...can be seen at my newest link, Aaron Burns. Aaron is the son of Pastor Jim Burns, Ohio, and works as an English teacher for 4th grade students and in the evening for workers to learn English. He is spreading his Christian influence in Dongguan.
...is also being caused by Carrie Critser, daughter of my twin sister, Kay and her husband, Dr. Sherman Critser. They are the regional directors for missions in Africa through the Church of God World Missions. Carrie is working in central asia, currently learning the language and culture.
...Pray for these young adults as they serve the Lord.

Merry Christmas Everyone!
...Lots of activity this year with my father, Poppy Joe, having a major heart attack about 12 days ago. We sat in the hospital ICU with him for some of last week and got behind on things at home.
...He has made a miraculous recovery so far. His pneumonia is starting to wane and his kidneys and liver are now acting normal. He still only has 25% of his heart muscle left, but he is not an active person, so that should be enough to sustain him.
...I put music to 3 of his latest lyrics. He continues to write lyrics for gospel music from his hospital bed. I am way behind in setting them to music and recording them to CD. This year we will be behind the record year of 2005 on songs recorded. I hope to meld all of his songs into one large album of his music.