Democracy =/= elections

Last updated on: August 25, 2011 at 2:25 pm By Fred Clark

As we watch the successful end of the Libyan revolution unfold, it’s worth noting again the difference between democracy and elections. American foreign policy has sometimes confused the two, promoting elections as though that meant promoting democracy. Democracy requires much more than just voting to allow the majority to choose the government. Voting isn’t enough. Democracy depends as much on that which cannot be voted on as it does on that which can. Unless and until certain things are established... Read more

Left Behind Index VI: Posts 251-300

Last updated on: August 25, 2011 at 1:00 am By Fred Clark

251. The Illuminati | Feb. 1, 2010 252. The Good King | Feb. 8, 2010; pp. 147-151 253. The end of the interview | Feb. 15, 2010; pp. 151-157 254. The flowers are in the trash | Feb. 22, 2010; pp. 157-162 255. God’s Will For Your Life | Mar. 1, 2010 256. Sign my yearbook? | Mar. 8, 2010; pp. 169-172 257. Dramatic invasion | Mar. 15, 2010; pp. 172-176 258. Morality and sex and all of that |... Read more

'Who is the rich man that is being saved?'

Last updated on: June 24, 2012 at 4:09 pm By Fred Clark

Men who offer laudatory speeches as presents to the rich may be rightly classed, in my opinion, not only as flatterers and servile, since in the hope of a large return they make a show of granting favors that are really no favors, but also as impious and insidious. They are impious because, while neglecting to praise and glorify the only perfect and good God, from whom are all things and through whom are all things and to whom are... Read more

The productive class

Last updated on: June 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm By Fred Clark

People who suck up to the wealthy should be called what they are — brown-nosers and lap-dogs willing to say anything in hopes of getting a piece of that money. But they’re even worse than that. They’re also blasphemers and poisoners. They’re blasphemers because instead of praising God as the only true source of and only legitimate destiny for all that wealth, they pretend instead that it comes from and belongs to rich people — the very same rich, depraved... Read more

To my ultra-rich readers (in the unlikely event I have any)

Last updated on: June 24, 2012 at 4:08 pm By Fred Clark

Let’s talk utility, efficiency and bang-for-the-buck. Let’s just be tough-minded and clear-headed and consider how to maximize our returns in times like these. Stocks? Maybe, but it’s a gamble. Likely to get worse before it gets better. Plus there’s the whole volatility aspect — up 300 one day, down 600 the next. Who needs the agita? So precious metals, maybe? Meh. Good idea about now if you’re looking to buy high and sell low. Real estate? That’s a chance to... Read more

Heart and Soul

Last updated on: June 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm By Fred Clark

At some point in your life this has probably happened to you. And it will likely happen again. Be prepared. You’re in a room with a piano. No one in the room plays the piano very well. A couple of people, however, know one song. It’s a catchy duet that’s fun to play, and they can’t resist playing it. That’s fine. Hoagy Carmichael was a genius and “Heart and Soul” is a lovely tune. Even a sloppy rendition can be... Read more

TF: Serving God and Mammon

Last updated on: August 22, 2011 at 4:09 pm By Fred Clark

Tribulation Force, pp. 403-404 The Grand Opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem gets disrupted by “Moishe and Eli” — Tim LaHaye’s interpretation of the Two Witnesses from the book of Revelation. “Your blood sacrifices shall turn to water, and your water-drawing to blood!” Moses tells the Jewish faithful gathered there. Thousands of years later, Moses returns and still all he does is scold the people of Israel. You’d think he’d remember that losing his temper with... Read more

Job Seekers Open Thread

Last updated on: June 24, 2012 at 4:04 pm By Fred Clark

. Job seekers: Let us know where you are and what you’re looking for. Everybody: Skim through and see if you know something, or know someone, or know someone who knows someone, who might help out one of our job seekers. The latest Balloon Juice jobs thread is here. Read more

Libya

Last updated on: August 21, 2011 at 9:46 pm By Fred Clark

The end is in sight for Moammar Gadhafi. The beginning is in sight for the people of Libya. Monday update: Here’s the latest from The Guardian. • The vast majority of Tripoli is under rebel control after opposition fighters swept into the capital over the weekend. The rebels’ flag is now hanging over Green Square in the city centre. The rebels’ sudden success has variously been put down to Nato’s help, the strength of the forces in the western mountains,... Read more

Albums I can't afford

Last updated on: August 21, 2011 at 7:11 pm By Fred Clark

So with no job, my music-buying budget is non-existent. Many years ago as a writer and editor of music reviews, I had that sweet deal of free CDs in the mail begging for my attention. But that was many years ago. These days, I’m pretty much out of the loop music-wise, but I still hear tell of new albums that I’d like to hear more of. So in an effort to bring myself a bit more up to speed, I... Read more

Who wrote two letters known for emphasizing "truth" and "love"?