What a surprise (not really) to pull up CNN and ABC news this morning, only to find headlines about how the bailout hasn't worked, and market values are still falling.  When will folks join their saying that "Ron Paul has been right all along," with taking his advice.

I will be facilitating a study discussion on Isaiah 46 from 9:30 to 11:00am, Saturday, October 4 at the Harrisonburg SDA Church building.  All are welcome!

Well, the bailout passed.  Things may get better for the next week or two, then it's going down -- a long ways.  I think I'll go buy another bag of kidney beans.

P.S.  I'm pleased to announce that my house representative voted against the bailout both times.  Can't say the same for my sold-out senators.

Somer really wanted to hear Biden and Palin debate.  I wasn't so sure, but then I listend to Couric's interview with Palin, and (I think it must be something like what drew the Roman's to watch criminals eaten by lions) a morbid curiosity got the better of me.  Alas!

Christina called me a few minutes ago to excitedly tell me that the house destroyed the $700B bailout bill!  I couldn't believe me ears.  I pulled up several main-stream news sites, and sure enough, it's defeated.  Of course the MSM made it sound like a bad thing: "House fails to pass Rescue."  Well, for once the American people win.

The field recorder NoLessDays sent to Kemantian, Palawan, Philippines has been put to good use, but finally we have received several of its recordings.  Take a listen to this audio blog.  There will be more to follow soon.

We Americans are too idealistic; and our idealism is dominated by ignorance.  In so many critical areas, we brashly make judgement calls that are founded on nothing more than conceptual perfection and misinformation.  Here are some examples of our lousy arguments.  Call me out if I'm falling into the same trap.

Claim

• Government involvement in charity breeds apathy in Jesus' followers.

Premises

• Charity is a cornerstone of following Jesus; and it is clear that charity is a key evidence why Jesus' way is better than the world's; but more importantly, charity is a key ingredient to spiritual growth.  Hence, "it is more blessed to give, than to receive."

Premises

• Any position of authority is an opportunity for abuse/corruption.
• Elected positions are particularly vulnerable because the  electorate tends to believe that it is in control.
• An environment that discourages questioning leadership is a likely host to abusive/corrupted leadership.

Evidence

In America, try questioning

Now mind you, I'm not very old, but when I was younger, I used to think how sad it was that folks lived such short lives.  I imagined how I would be different.  I would eat the right foods.  I would exercise regularly.  I would research the best vitamins to take.  I would shave daily -- somewhere I heard that guys that shave daily, live longer.  I figured wi