US President George W. Bush last Thursday brought a special message to the Israeli Knesset to mark the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish state.
For those who missed the speech you can read the full transcript (minus the salutation), right here.
Our comments are inserted in italics.
——————————————-
President Bush: We gather to mark a momentous occasion. Sixty years ago in Tel Aviv, David Ben-Gurion proclaimed Israel’s independence, founded on the “natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate.” What followed was more than the establishment of a new country. It was the redemption of an ancient promise given to Abraham and Moses and David — a homeland for the chosen people, Eretz Yisrael.
Jerusalem Newswire: So President Bush says he believes God promised Eretz Yisrael (which is all the Land of Israel including the ‘occupied territories’) to the Jews.
Bush: Eleven minutes later, on the orders of President Harry Truman, the United States was proud to be the first nation to recognize Israel’s independence. And on this landmark anniversary, America is proud to be Israel’s closest ally and best friend in the world.
JNW: In a world where virtually every other nation is either hostile towards or excessively critical of Israel, America’s friendship is certainly exceptional and thus extremely welcome. Objectively, however, if you call yourself Israel’s only friend then it is disingenuous to also call yourself Israel’s best friend. Against what do you measure that friendship?
Bush: The alliance between our governments is unbreakable, yet the source of our friendship runs deeper than any treaty. It is grounded in the shared spirit of our people, the bonds of the Book, the ties of the soul.
JNW: Mr Bush believes the Bible is a fundamental source of the friendship that exists between the United States and Israel.
Bush: When William Bradford stepped off the Mayflower in 1620, he quoted the words of Jeremiah: “Come let us declare in Zion the word of God.” The founders of my country saw a new promised land and bestowed upon their towns names like Bethlehem and New Canaan. And in time, many Americans became passionate advocates for a Jewish state.
JNW: Yes they did, but as in the case of William Blackstone and other great Americans, they knew that the Jewish state should be erected where its roots were - in the heartland of Eretz Yisrael.
Bush: Centuries of suffering and sacrifice would pass before the dream was fulfilled. The Jewish people endured the agony of the pogroms, the tragedy of the Great War, and the horror of the Holocaust — what Elie Wiesel called “the kingdom of the night.” Soulless men took away lives and broke apart families. Yet they could not take away the spirit of the Jewish people, and they could not break the promise of God. (Applause.)
JNW: Mr Bush repeats his belief that God promised the Jewish people that they would return to, and take possession of, their ancient land.
Bush: When news of Israel’s freedom finally arrived, Golda Meir, a fearless woman raised in Wisconsin, could summon only tears. She later said: “For two thousand years we have waited for our deliverance. Now that it is here it is so great and wonderful that it surpasses human words.”
The joy of independence was tempered by the outbreak of battle, a struggle that has continued for six decades. Yet in spite of the violence, in defiance of the threats, Israel has built a thriving democracy in the heart of the Holy Land. You have welcomed immigrants from the four corners of the Earth. You have forged a free and modern society based on the love of liberty, a passion for justice, and a respect for human dignity. You have worked tirelessly for peace. You have fought valiantly for freedom.
JNW: Thus Mr Bush acknowledges that Israel has devoted herself to making peace and has fought courageously, not to occupy another nation’s land or to bring another nation into servitude under her, but for the freedom to be Jews in their own land.
Bush: My country’s admiration for Israel does not end there. When Americans look at Israel, we see a pioneer spirit that worked an agricultural miracle and now leads a high-tech revolution. We see world-class universities and a global leader in business and innovation and the arts. We see a resource more valuable than oil or gold: the talent and determination of a free people who refuse to let any obstacle stand in the way of their destiny.
I have been fortunate to see the character of Israel up close. I have touched the Western Wall, seen the sun reflected in the Sea of Galilee, I have prayed at Yad Vashem. And earlier today, I visited Masada, an inspiring monument to courage and sacrifice. At this historic site, Israeli soldiers swear an oath: “Masada shall never fall again.”
Citizens of Israel: Masada shall never fall again, and America will be at your side.
JNW: This is a bold and resounding declaration of America’s willingness, if necessary, to fight alongside Israel in order to ensure her survival. The kinds of weapons and delivery systems Israel’s foes are preparing to launch at Israel, and the ability to wreak massive havoc on the Jewish state’s population centers before the US has any time to respond puts a question mark around the value of this pledge.
Bush: This anniversary is a time to reflect on the past. It’s also an opportunity to look to the future. As we go forward, our alliance will be guided by clear principles — shared convictions rooted in moral clarity and unswayed by popularity polls or the shifting opinions of international elites.
JNW: More brave words: “clear principles,” “moral clarity [that will remain] unswayed.”
Bush: We believe in the matchless value of every man, woman, and child. So we insist that the people of Israel have the right to a decent, normal, and peaceful life, just like the citizens of every other nation. (Applause.)
We believe that democracy is the only way to ensure human rights. So we consider it a source of shame that the United Nations routinely passes more human rights resolutions against the freest democracy in the Middle East than any other nation in the world. (Applause.)
JNW: The United States hosts and, more than any other single nation, bankrolls the United Nations. If Mr Bush truly believes it to be a “shame” then he has the power to close down or otherwise penalize the international organization. His lack of action messages the Israelis that what he is saying is just words.
Bush: We believe that religious liberty is fundamental to a civilized society. So we condemn anti-Semitism in all forms — whether by those who openly question Israel’s right to exist, or by others who quietly excuse them.
JNW: What, then, about those who in any way, shape or form, assist the antisemites by practicing policies that weaken Israel in the face of the threats against her?
Bush: We believe that free people should strive and sacrifice for peace. So we applaud the courageous choices Israeli’s leaders have made. We also believe that nations have a right to defend themselves and that no nation should ever be forced to negotiate with killers pledged to its destruction. (Applause.)
JNW: The PLO Charter with its numerous clauses still pledging that its members will fight to destroy Israel remains unaltered but Mr Bush, like his predecessors, has been pushing Israel to negotiate with PLO chief terrorist Mahmoud Abbas.
Bush: We believe that targeting innocent lives to achieve political objectives is always and everywhere wrong. So we stand together against terror and extremism, and we will never let down our guard or lose our resolve. (Applause.)
JNW: What, then about Mahmoud Abbas’ long history of active leadership in an organization which suckled itself on the life blood of untold numbers of innocent lives - Jewish and American - to achieve the very political objective Mr Bush is working to help it achieve today - the robbery of biblical and historical Jewish lands upon which to build a Palestinian state?
Bush: The fight against terror and extremism is the defining challenge of our time. It is more than a clash of arms. It is a clash of visions, a great ideological struggle.
JNW: In fact, although it is politically incorrect to say so, and would take considerable courage for a man to identify 1.6 billion of the world’s population - among them many Americans - as being on the opposing side, this is a clash of religions - it is a clash over who is God - Allah or the God of Israel. For the One Who is God is the One who has the authority and the right to designate the ownership of the land.
Bush: On the one side are those who defend the ideals of justice and dignity with the power of reason and truth. On the other side are those who pursue a narrow vision of cruelty and control by committing murder, inciting fear, and spreading lies.
JNW: Here Mr. Bush could be accurately describing the PLO. But he has brought that terror group across the line to join him on his side or - we could argue - he is leading the US across the line onto that side by rewarding the PLO for its terrorism.
Bush: This struggle is waged with the technology of the 21st century, but at its core it is an ancient battle between good and evil. The killers claim the mantle of Islam, but they are not religious men.
JNW: Again, while it is politically correct to adopt this position, it is neither truthful nor accurate: The killers are deeply religious men.
Bush: No one who prays to the God of Abraham could strap a suicide vest to an innocent child, or blow up guiltless guests at a Passover Seder, or fly planes into office buildings filled with unsuspecting workers.
JNW: In this instance the president is constructing truth atop a lie: Muslims do not pray to the God of Abraham; they pray to a different god with different characteristics - the ancient Arabian moon god Allah. They can and they did do all the things Mr Bush says they could not do.
Bush: In truth, the men who carry out these savage acts serve no higher goal than their own desire for power. They accept no God before themselves. And they reserve a special hatred for the most ardent defenders of liberty, including Americans and Israelis.
JNW: By disregarding the religious basis behind Jihad, Mr Bush retards his own ability and the ability of the United States to crush the Jihadists. He willfully blinds himself to what motivates them and tries to deal with them within the parameters of what he classifies them to be rather than what they are.
Bush: And that is why the founding charter of Hamas calls for the “elimination” of Israel. And that is why the followers of Hizb’allah chant “Death to Israel, Death to America!” That is why Osama bin Laden teaches that “the killing of Jews and Americans is one of the biggest duties.” And that is why the President of Iran dreams of returning the Middle East to the Middle Ages and calls for Israel to be wiped off the map.
JNW: And that is why Yasser Arafat, with Mahmoud Abbas at his side, repeatedly vowed to “liberate” Palestine and Jerusalem with blood and with fire; to harness the hatred of a million “martyrs to drive the Jews into the sea. And that is why the still-in-force PLO National Charter calls for “the liquidation of the Zionist presence” through “the armed struggle” for which “every individual” Palestinian Arab must be brought up “willing to sacrifice his wealth and his life.”
Bush: There are good and decent people who cannot fathom the darkness in these men and try to explain away their words. It’s natural, but it is deadly wrong. As witnesses to evil in the past, we carry a solemn responsibility to take these words seriously. Jews and Americans have seen the consequences of disregarding the words of leaders who espouse hatred. And that is a mistake the world must not repeat in the 21st century.
JNW: So, what “filter” does the US use to sanitize and allow through the words of PLO terror chiefs, disregarding their rhetoric and their actions but blocking similar words and sentiments expressed by the Hamas and Hizb’allah?
Bush: Some seem to believe that we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along. We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: “Lord, if I could only have talked to Hitler, all this might have been avoided.” We have an obligation to call this what it is — the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history. (Applause.)
JNW: This is blatant hypocrisy: Ever since Jimmy Carter, US presidents have been willing to “appease” the Palestinian Arab organizations. Offering the “Palestinians” a state on Jewish land in response to their unending decades of terrorism and bloodshed is every bit as shameful an act of appeasement as was offering the Sudetenland to the Nazis.
Bush: Some people suggest if the United States would just break ties with Israel, all our problems in the Middle East would go away. This is a tired argument that buys into the propaganda of the enemies of peace, and America utterly rejects it. Israel’s population may be just over 7 million. But when you confront terror and evil, you are 307 million strong, because the United States of America stands with you. (Applause.)
America stands with you in breaking up terrorist networks and denying the extremists sanctuary.
JNW: No America does not stand with Israel in this. America holds Israel to a different standard. When Al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq and Taliban terrorists in Afghanistan attack civilians or US soldiers, the US military carpet unleashes massive firepower against them. When, in response to “Palestinian” attacks on Israeli civilians or soldiers Israel restricts its responses to pinpoint strikes, even placing its own men at risk to try and protect Arab civilians, it is charged with using excessive force and the White House is quick to release statements which, while supporting Israel’s right “to defend itself” also warns Israel to consider the consequences for their actions.
America under George Bush senior and Bill Clinton, and America under George W. Bush do extend sanctuary to terrorists. It’s just that they call them “moderates.”
Bush: America stands with you in firmly opposing Iran’s nuclear weapons ambitions. Permitting the world’s leading sponsor of terror to possess the world’s deadliest weapons would be an unforgivable betrayal for future generations. For the sake of peace, the world must not allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon. (Applause.)
JNW: It’s not up to the world; it’s up to the United States. The US wears the mantle of supreme world power. The US has the authority and the means to prevent Iran from going nuclear. The US has to use it, defying international opinion and even weathering international outrage if need be. This is the cost of leadership in our world in this age.
Bush: Ultimately, to prevail in this struggle, we must offer an alternative to the ideology of the extremists by extending our vision of justice and tolerance and freedom and hope. These values are the self-evident right of all people, of all religions, in all the world because they are a gift from the Almighty God. Securing these rights is also the surest way to secure peace. Leaders who are accountable to their people will not pursue endless confrontation and bloodshed. Young people with a place in their society and a voice in their future are less likely to search for meaning in radicalism.
Societies where citizens can express their conscience and worship their God will not export violence, they will be partners in peace.
JNW: This sounds as naive and ideological as did Israeli President Shimon Peres’ much espoused vision for a “New Middle East.” And it insists on refusing to accept that some religions, especially Islam, export violence expressly BECAUSE its god commands it.
Bush: The fundamental insight, that freedom yields peace, is the great lesson of the 20th century. Now our task is to apply it to the 21st. Nowhere is this work more urgent than here in the Middle East. We must stand with the reformers working to break the old patterns of tyranny and despair. We must give voice to millions of ordinary people who dream of a better life in a free society. We must confront the moral relativism that views all forms of government as equally acceptable and thereby consigns whole societies to slavery. Above all, we must have faith in our values and ourselves and confidently pursue the expansion of liberty as the path to a peaceful future.
That future will be a dramatic departure from the Middle East of today. So as we mark 60 years from Israel’s founding, let us try to envision the region 60 years from now. This vision is not going to arrive easily or overnight; it will encounter violent resistance. But if we and future Presidents and future Knessets maintain our resolve and have faith in our ideals, here is the Middle East that we can see:
JNW: Faith in ideals will not bring this peace. Faith in God, and a willingness to go along with His declared purposes, is guaranteed to.
Bush: Israel will be celebrating the 120th anniversary as one of the world’s great democracies, a secure and flourishing homeland for the Jewish people. The Palestinian people will have the homeland they have long dreamed of and deserved — a democratic state that is governed by law, and respects human rights, and rejects terror.
JNW: In all my years here (20) I have not read a single opinion poll or survey carried out among the Palestinian Arabs to indicate that they are dreaming of a democratic state governed by law, respecting human rights and rejecting terror. And they DESERVE a state of their own? At ISRAEL’S expense?
Bush: From Cairo to Riyadh to Baghdad and Beirut, people will live in free and independent societies, where a desire for peace is reinforced by ties of diplomacy and tourism and trade. Iran and Syria will be peaceful nations, with today’s oppression a distant memory and where people are free to speak their minds and develop their God-given talents. Al Qaeda and Hizb’allah and Hamas will be defeated, as Muslims across the region recognize the emptiness of the terrorists’ vision and the injustice of their cause.
JNW: Mr Bush is projecting the hopes and values of Judeo-Christian America on the Islamic Middle East. This is an exercise in futility and self-delusion.
Bush: Overall, the Middle East will be characterized by a new period of tolerance and integration. And this doesn’t mean that Israel and its neighbors will be best of friends. But when leaders across the region answer to their people, they will focus their energies on schools and jobs, not on rocket attacks and suicide bombings. With this change, Israel will open a new hopeful chapter in which its people can live a normal life, and the dream of Herzl and the founders of 1948 can be fully and finally realized.
JNW: Long before this utopia is ever arrived at, the Islamic world will have acquired the weaponry to obliterate Israel, which is being weakened and made vulnerable by the very “peace process” America is heading up.
Bush: This is a bold vision, and some will say it can never be achieved. But think about what we have witnessed in our own time. When Europe was destroying itself through total war and genocide, it was difficult to envision a continent that six decades later would be free and at peace. When Japanese pilots were flying suicide missions into American battleships, it seemed impossible that six decades later Japan would be a democracy, a lynchpin of security in Asia, and one of America’s closest friends.
JNW: The flaw in the president’s reasoning is glaring here: Europe and Japan are prosperous, free and at peace, not because the US exported democracy and ideas to those lands, but because American (and other) men gave their lives in order to militarily crush the aggressors in Tokyo and Berlin, hammering them until they agreed to an unconditional surrender and then overseeing the reconstruction of their economies and societies. Mr Bush has tried to do this in Iraq, but is fighting a losing battle for public opinion and support back home. The US has never, however, allowed Israel to thrash its enemies, to crush their aggression and force them to the table of unconditional surrender. Only when this has happened will the president’s vision of Israel at 120 begin to become reality.
Bush: And when waves of refugees arrived here in the desert with nothing, surrounded by hostile armies, it was almost unimaginable that Israel would grow into one of the freest and most successful nations on the earth.
Yet each one of these transformations took place. And a future of transformation is possible in the Middle East, so long as a new generation of leaders has the courage to defeat the enemies of freedom, to make the hard choices necessary for peace, and stand firm on the solid rock of universal values.
Sixty years ago, on the eve of Israel’s independence, the last British soldiers departing Jerusalem stopped at a building in the Jewish quarter of the Old City. An officer knocked on the door and met a senior rabbi. The officer presented him with a short iron bar — the key to the Zion Gate — and said it was the first time in 18 centuries that a key to the gates of Jerusalem had belonged to a Jew. His hands trembling, the rabbi offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, “Who had granted us life and permitted us to reach this day.” Then he turned to the officer, and uttered the words Jews had awaited for so long: “I accept this key in the name of my people.”
Over the past six decades, the Jewish people have established a state that would make that humble rabbi proud. You have raised a modern society in the Promised Land, a light unto the nations that preserves the legacy of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob. And you have built a mighty democracy that will endure forever and can always count on the United States of America to be at your side. God bless. (Applause.)
JNW: God is to be praised for bringing Israel back to life 60 years ago, and the Jewish people have certainly achieved wonders in the years since then as they have reconstructed and modernized their homeland and done all the many things Mr Bush mentioned early on in his speech. Their goal of being a light unto the nations has yet to be realized, however. The legacy they are currently creating is hardly the one looked for by Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Whether or not the United States will be at Israel’s side at the end is increasingly doubtful as Washington’s policies gamble with the security of the Jewish state. As for Israel’s democracy: There, too, Mr Bush is finally wrong. Israel’s future leader will not be a democratically-elected prime minister, but a divinely-appointed King.
To JNW: You should be thankful for our current president since our next one may make all your dark, depressing words come true. I know you’re scared. We all are. But , I’m assuming you’ve chosen to live in Israel, so make the most of it. If you want, come on back to the US. It might be a little safer here since I see you’re just a young man and would like to raise a family and not be looking over your shoulder all the time. Be anxious for nothing - that’s a command. Memorize Philippians 4:8 and keep looking to Jesus. It won’t be long. Abraham looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Jew or Gentile - I don’t think we should be all consumed about this earth and its land. The Bible says there’s coming a new Heaven and a new Earth since this one will be burned up. God bless you, dear one. In Christ. BE
Stan is not writing out of fear. He is in Israel by choice and has a wonderful family there. God has appointed him to listen and to watch and to report what is going on in Israel so that we can listen ans pray and act on what is learned. He is a faithful servant and is doing just that. Now the question is Betty, are YOU listening?
Will we all listen? and act…
Betty, I think Stan is right where God wants him to be and he is doing us a great service by publishing the truth we don’t see on CNN or the BBC. As far as being safer in America, I doubt that if Bush and Rice continue to poke their fingers in God’s eye. Three times in Scripture Israel is called the apple of God’s eye (literally the pupil of the eye). In Joel, God warns about dividing His land. I don’t think it was a coincidence that Sharon fell into a coma and Katrina hit America after 9,000 Jews were forced out of their homes and their land. God bless
Stan, keep up the good work and may God bless and protect you and yours.
God bless Israel
Yes, we all are scared. But I don’t think Israel should give up anymore land. I abhor the fact that the PM of Israel gave in to the terrorists before and gave back the West Bank. It seems almost an act of treason. Why would he let them take the West Bank and leave Israel virtually defenseless? It is not even logical. In the first place, they can’t be trusted to keep their word. It has been proven over and over again. If this were the USA what would you say, we should not be so concerned about a piece of land? No, you would be as much against it as these people are against giving up anymore land of Israel.
I say be strong and invoke the name of the Risen Lord and ask Him what you should do. Leave it in His capable hands, but don’t give up. After all He is ultimately the One who will decide the future of all of us.
Be strong,
Nell
A king ?, that contradicts all our whishing for peace. a king’s task is to wage war
that’s why democracy is the better alternative.
“In a world where virtually every other nation is either hostile towards or excessively critical of Israel, America’s friendship is certainly exceptional and thus extremely welcome. “
Right on the money man. All the biblical mumbo jumbo aside.. its there, its not leaving, please respect people’s right of return. I mean, the whole “i’m gonna eat all Jews” bit is getting old. Lets try a new tactic. Ok anti-sem.. ahem I mean, anti-zoinists *cough*.
man, I’m not even Jewish but I sure do see the plain logic in this whole quote. good job man.. insightful!
Stan, another excellant job of reporting news we can get no where else.
I wonder if Bush realises what he is saying when he states that Mesada shall not fall again he is speaking of a location on the West Bank! So don’t give it away either!
God granted the land of Israel new life sixty years ago. Israel went eighteen centuries without a key to the Gates of Jerusalem. God is always on time, as eighteen is the number for life!. The Hebrew word “CHAI”, meaning “LIFE”, consists of two Hebrew letters: chet, equivalent to the number 8 and yud, equivalent to ten, which together equal 18. Because the value of these two letters adds up to “LIFE”, 18 has become a lucky number for Jews. Many Jews give $18, or multiples of $18, as gifts or charity to ensure good luck and long life.
The number 18 has long been important in Jewish liturgy. There are 18 mentions of Gods name in the Song of the Sea (Exodus15:1-21).Which all israelites should be readung and singing unto their wonderous God!!! Exod.15 1 to 25………………
“Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea. The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone. Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy. And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them. Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased. Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O LORD, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.
The LORD shall reign for ever and ever” AMEN
Jochai, the King is the Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. And peace , true peace, will reign. There will then be no more wars. And all your wishing will be realized if you know this blessed King. Knowing what is to come upon Israel and the world does make one scared. But we who know Christ also know our Comforter. Great article, Stan. I am glad to benefit from your concerns for Israel.
He is speaking of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Stan, your comments cleary examine and interpret Pres Bush’s remarks. I am proud that your Christian voice is loud on behalf of Israel! I wish I were there at this momentous hour as we see the End of Days approaching. I share your anger and anguish watching Israel go down, but she will be raised before the nations once again, and they will see the Lord Jesus ruling the whole earth from a Jewish Jerusalem. Some of us will die first, but some of us will see it! I think I have given up on the United States of America, but I only have more faith in the God of the Jews and Christians! He will reign victorious forever.
Thanks, Stan. Stay faithful.
Thanks Stan for your comments on Bush’s Diatribe, probablly written by his PR staff. The research was good, but yours was better.
Jochaci, The King mentioned here is THE King, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords, Yeshua, Prince of Peace, that’s the one where every knee WILL bow and every tongue confess that HE is LORD. Amen!
A kings task is not, necessarily, to wage war anymore than a democratically elected president’s task is to wage war. Pease at any prise is not peace.
“Guard with jealous attention the public liberty.
Suspect every one who approaches that jewel.
Unfortunately, nothing will preserve it but downright force.
Whenever you give up that force, you are inevitably ruined.” ~ Patrick Henry
Guess what, Betty, I’m not scared. Neither is Stan. Those who truly believe in the LORD of all creation, know that His ways are not our ways, and that His ways are high above all. We are commanded in 11 Peter 3:12 to look for and hasten the coming day of God. Stan is where he is because he is God’s servant. What makes you think America is going to be a safe place in the future? The only safe place in faith is Jesus Christ, the Messiah, the future coming King of the world.
I just had to add some more thoughts to my previous comment about these words that President Bush quoted………………
“Sixty years ago, on the eve of Israel’s independence, the last British soldiers departing Jerusalem stopped at a building in the Jewish quarter of the Old City. An officer knocked on the door and met a senior rabbi. The officer presented him with a short iron bar — the key to the Zion Gate — and said it was the first time in 18 centuries that a key to the gates of Jerusalem had belonged to a Jew. His hands trembling, the rabbi offered a prayer of thanksgiving to God, “Who had granted us life and permitted us to reach this day.†Then he turned to the officer, and uttered the words Jews had awaited for so long: “I accept this key in the name of my people.†Because the number 18 means life in Hebrew, I was blessed to read this from the scriptures in Genesis 18:18 “Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him, and the following verse says something so profound,” For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. This is the message for Israel, ” keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him”.
Wow! This really opened my eyes. I had no idea how much information learned by our President Bush in the Masada incident (and ancient land of Canaan)! I pray that this new coming leader is as informed as President Bush. Thank God for President Bush! I have a feeling that the next leader of USA will not be as sincere, smart, informed and trusting. I do believe we are watchmen for our Lord who will return to Judah with a roaring power of judgment call. We are all on His return to Y’sroel watch.
Very good interview, Stan! I like the questions and inferences. Well done.
Amen Stan, thanks for sharing the news.
I am greatful to God for raising up Stan; and ask God to bless him and keep him at it.
I feel that I have to make a further comment on President Bush’s speech, afer my wife read it. She feels that it is G-d who is using Bush to make a positive statement re-Israel that the world will see because he is classed as the leader of the free world. Other Journalists including your goodself don’t get the opportunity to be splashed around all the networks. On a second reading with this in mind it also occered to me that it has a simular ring to the story of King Balak trying to get Balaam to curse the Isaelites, In Numbers 22, but finished up blessing them threefold. Perhaps Bush will go away and wonder how he came to speek so emotionally about Israel
But HaShem knows!
I must confess I have been following some of the events in Israel with keen interest since I was a little boy, and have never ceased to admired the Israel Nation as Jehovah Yahweh chosen Nation. It is a crazy person that would doubt that. Which group of people after 2000 years of scatterring can come back as one - if it were not Lord God Almighty (Jehovah Elyon ) Himself who could do that? I had to join your Nation in celebrating the 60th anniversary to the glory of LORD God of Israel seated between the Cherubims for keeping me a life . May the LORD continue to protect the Nation Israel from unbelievers like Ahmed N, of Iran- Amen.