A Son Of Liberty

My blogging activity has decreased significantly, in part, because my self-worth is primarily based on a perceived need. If I'm not needed, what's the point. Right? Maybe I need years of therapy. Maybe the perception is wrong and you guys really need me. And based on recent observations, I suspect the latter is the case and you really need Joe Napalm. Case in point is this first subject: Throwing a ball.

Sometime ago, I commented to a coworker that I'd like to sit in on one of his interviews. He was in the process of interviewing candidates for a job that would directly report to him. I suggested that I could show up and ask only one question and determine whether or not the man* was qualified. I'd walk in with a ball -- baseball, football, tennis ball or whatever -- hand it to the candidate, walk to the other side of the room and then ask that he throw the ball to me. See what I'm getting at? If the candidate throws like a man, he's legit and you can trust that everything he says is truthful. If he throws like a little sissy, then you seriously have to consider that everything that that man is saying is an outright lie. I mean, if he walks in with a swagger, talks a big game and then throws like a little cream puff, can you really trust the guy?

So that's where I come in. I pitched baseball in high school. I know the mechanics of a efficient throw with a good shoulder turn and proper release point. If you can throw, then great. I hope that we can play ball someday -- or better, work together some day. If you can't throw, listen carefully because your claim to manhood is in question and your wife or girlfriend secretly wishes that you could throw like the neighbor. It's for your best interest.

First, let's look at the anatomy of a sissy throw. And where better to start than with our Wuss-In-Chief Barry Obama? Check out this sorry attempt (start viewing at 0:21):

Did you see that train wreck? Are you kidding me, Pinky? Listen, I don't expect that Barry-O will take my advice prior to throwing out the first pitch at this year's Major League Baseball All-Star Game. But if you think that President Bush did irreparable damage to our national image, wait until French President Sarkozy and his umpteen mistresses are pointing and gigglinig at the pantywaist of the Free World.

So with that implanted in your brain. Let's compare it to a real man's throw. And for that, I will defer to eight-time MLB All-Star, all-time leader in no-hitters, Hall of Fame pitcher and current president of the (hat-placed-over-my-heart) Texas Rangers, Nolan Ryan -- "The Ryan Express." (Does Barry Obama have a cool nickname? Point made, hopefully.)

So, hopefully, you noticed the difference. On the one hand, you have a man who talks with bravado yet throws like a feminist. On the other hand, you have a man who you would be proud to have teach your sons the basics of manhood -- like spitting, farting, lighting fires and throwing. In the board room, who is going to get the most respect? There's no contest. You'd put your finger to your mouth and shush the president and tell him in not so kind terms that Mr. Ryan was speaking and you'd rather hear what he has to say.

To recap, let's look at the basics of a good throw. First, turn sideways and point your non-throwing side to the target. Next, either make a "T" shape with your arms extended or at least put the ball and your throwing arm behind your head and bring the ball forward with your elbow high -- not too high, mind you -- and release in front of your body. And don't forget a follow through. Once the ball is released from the fingers -- no man throws a ball with it in his palm ... that's a change-up and another discussion in a more advanced course -- follow through by letting your throwing arm cross your body, allowing it to nearly go in the opposite pant pocket.

But, some may say, throwing style is determined at birth. It's physiological, you may argue. Wrong! It's just one of your many excuses for throwing like a namby-pamby.

Like I said, I'm needed now more than ever. Take this and any future advice from the Napalmster. Men will envy you. Women will swoon. It'll add pep to your step and your wife will call you the smooth operator. I should know. I am Joe Napalm.

Bonus: Nolan Ryan hitting a batter and then showing him who's da man (start at 4:57). Do you think Obama would do this to Chavez? Ha!

In October 2007, we awarded our trivial Messianic Peace Prize to a couple working in Mauritania. I say that our prize is trivial because there is no real prize other than acknowledgement. But our winners are not trivial. And what I'm about to share is certainly not trivial.

On Wednesday of this week, June 24, I called BJ to see if he wanted to have coffee. He shared some sad news and, because we couldn't talk long, he asked me to check my email. I found that Wesley had sent an email a couple of hours before prefaced by the following: "And Stephen said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.'" And then he continued by sharing the terrible news that our friend, Chris Leggett, who was the "tentmaker" in Mauritania that we acknowledged here in 2007 had been killed on Tuesday. He attached two links.

I've held off on posting until it was confirmed that his family was safe. And, based on a follow-up email from Wesley, Chris's family is safely back in the States after leaving hastily under armed bodyguards.

Since the initial communication, more information has come to light. Chris was just feet from his computer and language school he managed in Mauritania's capital city of Nouakchott when two or three men approached him in order to kidnap him. When he resisted, the men shot him three times and escaped. According to the SITE Intelligence website, Al-Qaeda in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has claimed responsibility for the murder of Chris who they accused of engaging in evangelism activities.

I was blessed to have known Chris and to have met his family. Our last meeting was just months ago when he spoke at a gathering. Afterwards, we had lunch together. I recognized in his presentation that there was a significant threat to him and his family and asked how he could be so bold as to continue to teach. He simply replied that he was needed there, he knew the dangers and asked us to pray for the other tentmakers in Mauritania.

I hope you can respect that I am carefully guarding my wording, but there are still four or five families who are in danger in Mauritania -- brave men and women who care for the culture they are hoping to impact. Please hold them up in prayer. Satan has a stranglehold in that region and the culture is in desperate need of salvation.

And please pray for Chris's wife and four children. Pray that they will be comforted. Pray that they will not harbor hate in their hearts. Pray that they will be encouraged. Their husband and father was a hero.

Update: World Magazine's blog has picked up the story.

Update 2: "They can't take my life because I've already given it to Jesus." -Chris Leggett. In loving memory.

Do we really need healthcare reform or do we need insurance reform? The reasons I hear for forming a national healthcare plan are really based on the problems caused by insuring the inevitable.

What I mean is this: I have car insurance to cover accidents which are very few and far between. I have home insurance to cover catastrophic damages. But I have to have medical insurance to cover the inevitable like physicals, sicknesses and other maladies which are -- in the grand view of things -- fairly common.

So I hear politicians on TV and the radio who go on and on about corporate cost burdens and the problems caused by distorted incentives. Costs have increased significantly in part because we say, "I'm paying high medical premiums so I might as well use it." And if we're using it, then doctors know this and can charge more. This is a problem because, unlike auto or home insurance where we hope never to have to make a claim, with medical insurance we are incentivized to extract the value. And then these politicians go on to explain how then we need nationalized healthcare.

I can't help but get the feeling that we're getting the old bait and switch.

I'm not a fan of the TV series "Family Guy," but I saw a motivational poster today with a quote from a conversation the main character, Peter Griffin, was having with his wife, Lois, and haven't quit laughing. So, I share it with you guys so you can LOL with me.

Equality: "Listen, Lois, I know you're a feminist and I think that's adorable, but this is grown-up time and I'm the man."

So, like usual, I open my mouth to discuss a hotly-debated subject and it gets me in trouble. On the way back from lunch today, I listened to a discussion about homosexuality and gay marriage. The participants -- at the time, not me -- were vaguely referring to the fact that they accepted both as long as it was "kept behind closed doors." Some guys at work were labeled as being "on the fence" sexually because they seemed to have tendencies. There was some giggling. But it was an accepted fact.

Well, someone in the front seat said, "[Joe], you're being awful quiet. I'm sure you have an opinion. What do you think?"

I explained that my views are very conservative and I quasi-jokingly referred to my Baptist background. I then proceeded to explain that 50 years ago, homosexuality was morally wrong according to most people. But today, people have decided that homosexuality is alright based on bubblegum arguments. One of the most popular arguments is that someone is genetically disposed to be gay. So, I asked if anyone would be opposed to consider that people who are attracted to kids or animals may be genetically disposed to be that way and should, therefore, be accepted and given "equal rights."

A lady in the front seat became a little upset and said that it that was different and completely uncalled for. She became incensed because of her strong feelings about molestation. So, I redefined the argument and asked upon what are the 18-year-old adulthood laws based? In my opinion, I said, it seems arbitrary. Is not a 13-year old able to make reasoned decisions (sometimes unwise, but at least reasoned immaturely)? And, if so, what will keep the next generation from redefining adulthood -- and, therefore, consent -- and say that we shouldn't discriminate against someone who "loves" children if we're willing to concede on consensual adult homosexuality?

When we parked, she stormed off and as she did I joined her and apologized if I had offended. I told her that it may not have been the politically correct response, but it was how I felt.

My job's not in jeopardy. Most people in the car agreed with me, but also agreed that we shouldn't discuss the subject again.

Proudly intolerant,

Joe

"I know that you can do all things;
       no plan of yours can be thwarted.

You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?'
       Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
       things too wonderful for me to know.

"You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak;
       I will question you,
       and you shall answer me.'

My ears had heard of you
       but now my eyes have seen you.

Therefore I despise myself
       and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:1-6, NIV)

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?  Tell me, if you have understanding. ... Have you comprehended the expanse of the earth?  Declare if you know all this. ... [Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?  He that reproveth God, let him answer it.]" (Job 38:4, 18, 40:2 ESV [KJV])

So what is the Almighty's response to the rebelling nations?  "He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision."  This laugh is not a jolly Saint Nick laugh, a high pitched school girl laugh, or even a maniacal hyena laugh.  It is a laugh of ridicule or scorn to show contempt - a derisive laugh.  Merriam-Webster defines contempt as "the act of despising, disdain or the lack of respect or reverence for something." 

I get the picture of tiny men yelling out in a wee mousey voice to the Almighty God: "we don't need you." "Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury."  Often the pride of the nations have them asking one another, "Are you for us, or for our advesaries?"  When this question is placed before God and the commander of His army the answer is, "No!  As for me, I have set MY KING on Zion, MY holy hill."  There is no Round Table when God's King is involved.

"The Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming."

-Wesley

Memorial Day weekend was a busy one for the Napalm family as we exercised our freedoms. We have the freedom to own property and used it to plant a garden and install a ice maker line. We have the freedom of mobility and used it to plant flags in a local veterans' cemetery, attend baseball practice and an ice cream social. And we have the freedom to worship freely according to our consciences and did so on Sunday. Those freedoms are God-given and we still live in a nation that protects us from the tyranny that wants to take them away.

All weekend, I saw salute after salute to veterans. A PBS special on Sunday evening chronicled the life of a wounded warrior. I hear President Obama gave an address on Memorial Day honoring our veterans. He encouraged us to send care packages overseas and even had the nerve to say that "we have failed to give them [veterans] the support they need or pay them the respect they deserve." Regardless, Memorial Day on the news and radio was about the veterans.

While I think that honoring living veterans is noble and shouldn't be relegated to one day, Veterans Day, the fact remains that nearly everyone got it wrong. Memorial Day is a day to remember those who paid the ultimate price by giving their lives in defense of the liberties I mentioned above. Memorial Day is a day set aside to consider the losses of wars. It is a day to consider what it is like for a mother or wife to lose a son or husband. It is a day of remembrance and a day or reflection. A day of mourning -- fly the flag at half staff until noon -- and a day to exercise the secured freedoms -- fly the flag at full staff and celebrate with family and friends.

And this morning, I finally found someone who got it right. Are they the only to get it right? Probably not. I'm sure there are others. But so many got it wrong, that this was such a relief. It's a day late, but here you go: "Memorial Day 2009".

via Digg.

-Wesley

You know, it really pains me to see Ameica going the way of large debt and moving control from states and individuals to the federal government. It was never intended to be that way, but it's what the people want and it's what they're getting -- soft tyranny.

I'm reading a magnificent book by radio star Mark Levin titled Liberty and Tyranny: A Conservative Manifesto. In one chapter he defends free markets with their ability to self-adjust in times of recession or depression. And he shows evidence that during President Franklin Roosevelt's administration most Americans lost faith in free markets because his New Deal artificially propped up prices and salaries which extended the Great Depression by as much as seven years. If left alone, some financial analysts have deduced that the lower prices and lower salaries would have caused a self-adjustment that would have remedied the Depression in three years.

So far the most eye-opening statement in the chapter is a quote from a diary entry by Roosevelt's Treasury Secretary. And in light of the never-before-seen spending and printing of money that is currently taking place under the Obama administration (and, admittedly, some of it began under Pres. Bush), I feel it necessary by due diligence to share it with you guys.

In May 1939, when the country was experiencing unprecedented unemployment and when the president declared that "one-third of a nation ill-housed, ill-clad, ill-nourished," Treasury Secretary Henry Morgenthau wrote in his diary, “We have tried spending money. We are spending more than we have ever spent before and it does not work. And I have just one interest, and now if I am wrong somebody else can have my job. I want to see this country prosper. I want to see people get a job. I want to see people get enough to eat. 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 enormous debt to boot.”

The unemployment rate did not reach pre-Depression rates until 1941 -- the start of World War II.

The trees once went out to elect a president over them, and they said to the olive tree, "Reign over us."  But the olive tree said to them, "Shall I leave my abundance, by which gods and men are honored, and go hold sway over the trees?"

And the trees said to the fig tree, "You come and reign over us."  But the fig tree said to them, "Shall I leave my sweetness and my good fruit and go hold sway over the trees?"

And the trees said to the vine, "You come and reign over us."  But the vine said to them, "Shall I leave my wine that cheers God and men and go hold sway over the trees?"

Then all the trees said to the bramble, "You come and reign over us."  And the bramble said to the trees, "If in good faith you are electing me president over you, then come and take refuge in my shade."  But, if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the Sequoia of California.

(based on Judges 9)

Listen, I rant occasionally on here about some random stuff. And most of the time the rant is an outlet for disgust or anger of things that are completely out of your control. But, today, allow me a moment to rant about something that most of you can fix: Moving about during prayer.

For years, I've noticed in worship services that prayer time is considered an opportunity for some to shuffle about and set up or get into place before the next item in the order of worship. Maybe it doesn't happen at your church. If so, I'm glad to hear about it. But it happens elsewhere.

You see, during worship, things take place on a stage or an elevated platform. And every church that I've been to doesn't have a curtain so I believe it is either expected of the participants in worship to move during prayers or we just assume that it's alright. OK, so you're not understanding what I'm saying. Here's an example: In the worship service, maybe the offering is to be taken. The deacons or ushers or whoever comes down to pass the plates. Before the offering is taken, you're asked to bow in prayer. After the prayer, you open your eyes to find things have changed. If it's a big church with a big budget, maybe the lights have dimmed. Maybe the accompanyists have moved or have moved sheet music. Or maybe a soloist or group has taken the platform to sing. If anything, I've noticed it's worse in churches that televise their services.

This is just an example. I could keep going. And, look, I've been guilty of it. It's just that today, I realized how crazy it is. We're in corporate prayer to our Father in Heaven and it's nothing more than time for the stage hands to move furniture to set up the next ... what? act?

What if, as a church, we said that prayer time is a time when we encourage everyone -- everyone -- to show a little decorum and pause, bow our heads humbly and talk to God or to listen as the one praying intercedes? Sure, you may be inconvenienced a bit with some uncomfortable silence after the prayer as the worship participants prepare for the next item in the order of worship. But, ultimately, I don't think anyone would mind if it was communicated that that is how we do things.

Prayer time is not curtain closed time. Prayer time is communication time. That's it. I'm done.

Update: A friend who is not a member of Steeple Media asked if I had heard of "prayer walking." His argument, I believe, was that people can multitask. In other words, you can walk and talk to God and chew bubblegum.

My response: Are you kidding me? When -- in your entire life experiences -- have you ever noticed that someone who flipped pages in a book, typed on a computer or used a lighting or sound console was able to carry on an intelligent conversation? Except for my wife's incredible ability to talk on the phone, play solitaire (and spider solitaire, to boot) and notice that the toddler has quietly left the room, no one ever -- ever -- has been able to communicate intelligently while multitasking. "Sorry, God. I know it's worship time, but I'm busy with something else right now. You'll either have to wait or accept the fact that I'll have to talk while I'm tinkering ...."

"An Interview with Os Guinness on the 25th Anniversary of Francis Schaeffer's Death" at Between Two Worlds via Heidelblog....

(Joe note: I was interested that the only "cautionary lesson" about Schaeffer noted by Dr. Guinness is that he "was not a scholar and he relied too much on reading magazines." Interesting.)

A reader emailed me the other day to share his disappointment about my silence on the Miss USA competition. Remember how Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was questioned about gay marriage, supposedly lost the contest because of her answer and then was snubbed after the competition by that nutcase celebrity blogger? Admit it. You remember. And you probably got caught up in the emotion.

The reason I was silent about the whole thing is because I couldn't care less. But, for the sake of your mental health and in an attempt to talk you away from the edge of the cliff, I'll give you this:

• Miss North Carolina, the winner, was better looking.
• Miss California talked about her family values but failed to tell us how she reconciles them with prancing around in a bikini and breast implants on national television.
• No matter how inflamed people get, marriage is between a man and a woman. That's not my opinion. It's just fact like the sky being blue.
• Why weren't the contestants given real world questions? I mean, if I were on the panel, I would pull from my experiences and ask something like this: "You have three kids. One is in Boy Scouts, one plays baseball and the other is in dance. Your husband is at work until 6 PM, but the kids all have to be in their assigned places by 5:30. Your parents are out of town and your husband's parents are busy. So, the question is: What do you prepare for dinner?"
• "In my country and in my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman - no offense to anyone out there...." This is not a biblically correct answer as Ms. Prejean argues. It's too passive. The Bible is explicitly clear that a man leaves his parents and unites to his wife (Genesis 2) and that sexual immorality is unwaveringly detested by God (multiple verses).
• Peggy Noonan is still my right wing pin-up.