Duck Dynasty’s Willie and Korie Robertson Share New Years Eve With America

By Gary P Jackson

Willie and Korie Robertson join the party at Fox News on New Year’s Eve:

Video courtesy SarahNET.

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Video: Sarah Palin’s New Years Resolution: Make the Federal Government as Irrelevant in Our Lives as Possible

Championship basketball player Sarah Palin, Number 22, has resolved to follow UCLA Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success in 2014

By Gary P Jackson

Governor Sarah Palin joined Bill Hemmer and Elizabeth Hasselbeck for Fox’s New Year’s Eve Special. Among her resolutions is to “eat more meat,” follow former UCLA basketball coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and to make the federal government as irrelevant in our daily lives as possible!

Video courtesy SarahNET

So Jeb Bush Thinks We Need to “Embrace Amnesty”, Eh?

by Isabel Matos

“It is high time to kick your ass!!” is what Lisa Luerssen responded when she saw this. Many anti-establishment activists I know would agree. It seems like the only thing Republicans are embracing is the left’s agenda.  I’m so over them already!

For someone to talk about this while people are with their families celebrating Christmas is the typical progressive way to spend the “holiday”. ( Jeb seems like the Happy Holidays, generic type, too, doesn’t he?!)  Anyway, remember when ObamaCare was being passed? Jim DeMint stayed in Washington instead of with his family on Christmas Eve, 2009, just in case anyone tried to pull anything while we slept or spent time with our families. Nothing happened but the fact that it was attempted was to remind us who was in control.

It’s (like) psychological warfare.  Jeb’s attention, instead of being AWAY from politics, is ON politics during Christmas. I resent it.  It’s Government 24/7. You can’t sleep or celebrate without worrying about the government pulling a fast one behind your back, but it’s a reality. I also resent Paul Ryan as much as Jeb Bush now.  The GOPe has become as insufferable as Obama and the left.  The far left.

This IS Christmas. The passion one has for politics has to come second to our passion and love for the Lord.  Jeb is not only vacant  politically (you can see the dumb look and absent stare on his face in most pictures), he could be vacant morally, too. Nothing he says rings true. He inherited a tin ear from his dad.  Here’s the proof:  this article will probably attract as many readers as there are hours left in 2013 (if I’m lucky).  What happens is Jeb Bush is like the kiss of death. He turns people OFF and AWAY.  He is the one who needs to go away and I think he knows it.  When we have a chance to listen to him we don’t, so he talks to us when we can’t – when we’re on holiday.  Psychologically he needs to justify his existence in politics because he is practically irrelevant.

Contrast his contribution to politics to Sarah Palin’s and you have tones of grey vs. bold colors which is what our party would be like under her leadership.  Jeb is clueless. He is a Rino. All RINOS are. Here is a wonderful piece (of mind) from my colleague, Wayne Mazza.

By Wayne Mazza

Jebby, would you just STHU!!!

Its not enough the do nothing Republican Leadership has caved on every thing that would bring relief to the American people.

Its not enough that our economic growth is non existant through not just the Democrats, but the RNC Leadership…

Its not enough that illegal immigrants live better in this country than its own citizens.

Its not enough that illegal immigrants have better health care than our citizens

Its not enough that illegal immigrants are protected from arrest in santuary cities

Its not enough that illegal immigrants are robbing, raping, and killing our citizens.

Its not enough that our RNC leadership has no will to finish building the fence on our border.

Its not enough that these parasites are draining the lifeblood resources from our citizens.

Its not enough that these illegal immigrants wave Mexican flags at protests.

Its not enough that illegal immigrants children born here are given American citizenship at our expense.

Only in Government can poor leadership that costs the country billions of dollars in wasteful spending, bad decision after bad decision, and absolutely no accountability for their actions stay in their positions.

If these ass clowns, Obama, Reid, Pelosi, McConnell, and Boehner were in the private sector, they all would have been fired within a year. More likely less than 6 months.

This bunch of poor excuses for leaders are trying to put out a fire with gasoline. Yeah, its that bad!!!

We republicans should get rid of any leadership that is up for reelection in our party. Primary every one of them.

I would vote for a dog before I would vote for any of them.

And Jeb Bush wants to talk about amnesty. Remember when this ass clown runs for president in 2016!!!

http://conservatives4palin.com/2013/12/jeb-bush-time-for-republicans-to-embrace-amnesty.html

Why is immigration reform so important? Do u not c things n America falling apart? We the avg. American are trying 2 survive.@JebBush

— GiMiller (@Lisa_Luerssen) December 27, 2013

Video: Sarah Palin Shares Christmas Eve with America

By Gary P Jackson

Sarah Palin on the Fox & Friends Christmas Special:

Merry Christmas!

Video courtesy SarahNet.

Kathryn Jean Lopez: Christmas with Sarah Palin

By Gary P Jackson

NRO’s Kathryn Jean Lopez sat down with Sarah Palin about Christmas, and her hot selling book about the holiday.

Here’s a taste of the interview:

“When people hear of the ‘war on Christmas,’” Sarah Palin writes in her new book, Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas, “they sometimes don’t get it.” The former governor of Alaska and Republican vice-presidential nominee explains:

Americans live in the red-and-green mistletoed world of Christmas in December, hearing “Santa Baby” on a perpetual loop at the mall, hushing the kids in the Swagger Wagon when “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” comes on the radio, and dealing with Christmas ads even before November’s Thanksgiving turkey has time to cook to the appropriate internal temperature. If there is a “war on Christmas,” they must wonder, surely the green glitter and constant car-with-a-gigantic-bow ads mean Christmas is a winning battle.

“Sure, the commercial aspects of Christmas are stronger than ever,” Palin goes on to observe, “but the essence of Christmas is being lost in the shuffle. And that’s at least partly by design. What is the essence of Christmas? The magic of Christmas morning and seeing the joy that comes when your kids discover Santa really did give the new Lego sets — or dictionaries — they desperately wanted?”

What is the essence of Christmas, what the true joy of it? How is it all about so much more than December 25? In the hours before Christmas, Palin answered some e-mail questions from National Review Online’s Kathryn Jean Lopez.

KATHRYN JEAN LOPEZ: “People who reject Christianity, who turn their noses up at the religious origins of Christmas, are also rejecting the faith of many of the men and women who have made this world a better place: Martin Luther King, Jr., William Wilberforce, Mother Teresa.” Why do you find this important to point out? Non-Christians, too, make positive contributions to the world, after all.

SARAH PALIN: It’s amazing that people like Martin Luther King Jr., William Wilberforce, and Mother Teresa are universally loved while their faith is scorned. Has it not occurred to the secular elite that faith motivated these great heroes’ actions? In an age when Christianity is increasingly scorned, few people realize they live with and take for granted the benefits of Christian thought. Ending slavery, ending segregation, the great wave of concern for combating poverty — each of these movements has been motivated to a large degree by Christian faith. The fact that these movements also had non-Christian supporters does not diminish the truth of this point, and we are not dishonoring other religions when we honor Christianity.

LOPEZ: You dedicate your book to your mother and father, crediting them with giving you a “unique and inspiring upbringing.” What was unique and inspiring about it?

PALIN: The greatest gift they gave me was my upbringing in Alaska, where I gained respect for the work ethic and competition and a foundation of faith.

LOPEZ: What is Eskimo Bingo, and do you recommend it?

PALIN: I’m literally, right now as I take a minute to email you these answers, baking and wrapping gifts for tomorrow’s big game. You’ll have to read my book to learn the rules.

LOPEZ: What’s the Alaskan difference — from the lower 48 — and yet what’s uniquely American about it?

PALIN: My brother and dad recently wrote a book about Alaska where they spent chapters answering this by discussing everything from what motivates people to move here to what kind of humor they develop because of living in Alaska. I could spend days discussing this and we’d still only scratch the surface. You need to live here for at least a decade and become a Sourdough before you really “get” it. Alaska is uniquely a land of extremes — extremes in weather, in vastness, in rich natural resources, in awe-inspiring beauty, and in independence. It was the inexpressible beauty of Alaska that led me to truly know that God exists because only an omnipotent Creator could create something as complex and wondrous as my surroundings up here!

LOPEZ: “It’s a miracle what families can endure,” you write. You’ve had some incredibly public family challenges. How does a family do it?

PALIN: I don’t know how other families deal with problems without having a sustaining faith. Our faith in God and knowing all things happen for a reason, our love for each other, our recognition that others take tougher shots than we do, our compassion for those with unique challenges — these things sustain us. And keeping a sense of humor when the yahoos come out in force to spew their frustration when they spend their time reading interviews like this one!

LOPEZ: Is there something about that sense of family that we’ve lost as a culture?

PALIN: Sometimes it seems that way. I sure appreciate having a big extended, diverse family. They’re my rock and I hope others have that same bedrock foundation in their lives. There’s no substitute for the multigenerational love, wisdom, and support of an extended family.

LOPEZ: How can Christmas help?

PALIN: Traditions matter, especially this tradition. There is tremendous value in gathering annually in a spirit of love, generosity, and festivity. Most importantly, we need to remember the “reason for the season,” that God sent His only begotten Son, so that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. When we gather for Christmas, we enjoy each other and we honor Christ. What could be better for a family?

LOPEZ: Do you worry about gifts at Christmas? That they miss the point of the holiday? How can we redeem Christmas so it is about the Savior?

PALIN: Nope. I don’t worry about gifts — I love that part of the tradition! When people wring their hands about the presents, I get it, though. It costs money and sometimes people aren’t as thankful as you think they should be when you spend your time and money on them. But presents aren’t the problem. Our hearts — as ungrateful as they sometimes are — need a fresh application of the gospel at Christmas more than ever.

LOPEZ: What do you mean when you write that “Mr. McScrooge is a legal force to be reckoned with”?

PALIN: As I wrote in the book (and, by the way, why’d you wait until two days before Christmas to ask me about my book?!), there is a unique legal doctrine that gives the “Mr. McScrooges” of the world (my stand-in for angry atheists) the ability to sue over public religious displays even when they’re just offended by what they see. Then, if they win, a town can be on the hook for huge legal fees. We can’t sue simply because we’re “offended” in other areas of the law, but courts allow these atheist lawsuits to go forward. It’s a quirk in the law that wastes resources and stifles the First Amendment. Your rights aren’t violated when you’re offended or your feelings are hurt. Hey, Mr. McScrooge: Buck up, grow thicker skin, and become tolerant, as conservatives are constantly told to do.

LOPEZ: “The atheists are trying to make Nativity scenes such a pain for cities to maintain that the public officials will simply remove all religious displays entirely.” Why, really, do we need religious displays on public property? Aren’t they more appropriate at church?

PALIN: It’s about history and truth. It’s a simple fact that America was built largely on a Judeo-Christian foundation, and it’s a simple fact that our nation has a rich Christian history drawn from the thousands of years of our Judeo-Christian tradition. Without this tradition, our nation would be distinctly different. These displays acknowledge faith while reminding us of our very real history. They’re appropriate at church, yes, but they’re not inappropriate in the public square. They remind us of our heritage — a heritage that our founders clearly acknowledged was crucial to our long-term well-being as a nation. In fact, in my book, I quote John Adams, who wrote: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

LOPEZ: “Christmas has come under attack in recent years, and it’s not just some figment of the religious Right’s imagination.” But do you ever hesitate to use the phrase “war on Christmas,” given that there are actually people in the world who risk their lives to go to church and to live as Christians out in the open?

PALIN: I care very deeply about Christians being persecuted for their faith. In fact, I’ve been talking for months about the American pastor Saeed Abedini, who is tortured in Iran simply for his Christian faith. The Obama administration is cutting deals with his torturers, and it’s shameful.

So, absolutely, other Christians experience much worse injustices, and I certainly do not in any way want to belittle the suffering and persecution that Christians in other parts of the world are enduring for their faith. However, we can also honor their struggle by being vigilant here at home in protecting our religious liberties. America has long been a haven for religious freedom, and that fundamental liberty is increasingly under attack.

We know the difference between a shooting war and a political or cultural war, and so do those who hear this term. Here’s the bottom line: There is — unquestionably — an effort to drive Christ from the public square, and since Christmas is inseparable from Christ, that effort shows itself most publicly during the Christmas season.

LOPEZ: Are Christians part of the problem? We can surrender to secularism ourselves? We’re not all living lives that overwhelm the world with the radical call of the gospel, are we?

PALIN: I’ve personally never met a Christian who claimed to be perfect. Christians are by definition people who recognize their imperfection and hence their need for Christ. In fact, we’ll never overwhelm the world with our own goodness. It’s Christ who overcomes the world, not Christians.

LOPEZ: When you write that “there is no ultimate peace apart from Christ, and it is Christ who empowers every act of ‘goodwill toward men’ in our otherwise fallen hearts,” what does this mean to you, practically speaking?

PALIN: It means that I can take the kids to the soup kitchen over Christmas and not leave with a puffed-up sense of pride because we “did the right thing.” Rather, I identify more with people in need because I’m so desperately in need of Christ in my own life.

LOPEZ: How is it that A Charlie Brown Christmas is still airing on prime-time TV and remains so popular given its explicit Christianity?

PALIN: It’s a beautiful expression of the gospel. The Bible teaches that God set eternity in the hearts of men. I tend to think that short, sweet cartoon touches the longing for eternity in the human heart.

LOPEZ: Is there a secular case against secularizing our culture? Why should an atheist want to defend Hobby Lobby?

PALIN: An atheist should want to defend Hobby Lobby if an atheist supports the right of conscience. Would an atheist business owner appreciate being compelled to buy Bibles or evangelistic material for his or her employees?

LOPEZ: Is it a bit much to say the “logical result of atheism” is “moral decay”?

PALIN: The morality of atheism rests on individual choice, with each person doing what’s right in his or her own eyes. Of course there are many decent and moral atheists, but if you take an objective look at atheism’s historical track record you’ll see that its natural progression is moral decay. Don’t take my word for it. Look at what might be called the great atheist empires of the 20th century, and you see a horrific legacy of death and despair — from Lenin, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, etc.

LOPEZ: What’s so troubling to you about Kwanzaa?

PALIN: Nothing.

LOPEZ: What do you have against women-only gym hours at Harvard?

PALIN: I find it inconsistent that universities will bend over backwards to protect some sensibilities even as they spend enormous effort and endure many lawsuits in the quest to kick others — like Christian clubs — off campus. It’s a ridiculous double standard. What I’m opposed to is the double standard.

LOPEZ: Will you ever stop referring to the “lamestream” media?

PALIN: Sure, when they stop lamely applying double standards, lamely and lazily getting facts wrong when the facts run against their ideology, and lamely buying into and perpetuating stereotypes of conservatives. So, it’s entirely up to them.

Read more of this interview, where Governor Palin talks about the sanctity of life, her own weaknesses, and her reliance on God’s strength, Pope Francis, and much more here.

Sarah Palin: Doubtful A&E Would Tolerate Linus Reading Scripture in ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’

By Gary P Jackson

From Tony Lee at Andrew Breitbart’s Big Hollywood:

Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said she doubts that A&E, the network that suspended Duck Dynasty patriarch Phil Robertson for supposedly “anti-gay” comments, would tolerate Linus in A Charlie Brown Christmas for reading Scripture from the book of Luke.

Noel Sheppard of Newsbusters mentioned in an interview that the producer and lead animator for A Charlie Brown Christmas “were very concerned about mixing religion into the program” and even “met with Peanuts creator Charles Schulz to try to talk him into deleting that scene.” When the lead animator told Schulz, “It’s very dangerous for us to start talking about religion now,” Schulz replied by saying, “Bill, if we don’t, who will?”

Palin said she was “thankful for people who stick to their guns.”

“We’ve seen just recently that traditional Biblical values are being forced out of the mainstream,” she said. “Would A&E, which tried to silence Phil Robertson’s Biblical beliefs, tolerate a cartoon character reading the Bible? I doubt it.”

In her blockbuster best-selling book, Good Tidings and Great Joy: Protecting the Heart of Christmas, Palin discusses the angry atheists who are waging war against Christmas, which she says is the tip of a spear in a broader battle against American exceptionalism.

To prove her point, atheists in Arkansas last November were upset that an elementary school planned to send second graders to see a stage production of A Charlie Brown Christmas at a church. The atheists filed a formal complaint with the school district.

“I love when Linus recites the Scripture from the book of Luke, explaining to Charlie ‘what Christmas is all about,'” Palin said “It packs a punch. When he gets to the words ‘Fear not,’ I love how he drops his blanket. It’s almost like he realized where his true security rests.” Sheppard mentioned that even though he has watched the film about a 100 times, he had not realized Linus dropped his blanket in the scene until he read Palin’s book.

After Robertson’s suspension was announced, Palin was the first major political figure out of the box to say that “those ‘intolerants’ hatin’ and taking on the Duck Dynasty patriarch for voicing his personal opinion are taking on all of us” because “free speech is an endangered species.”

More here.

You can read the entire Newsbusters interview with Governor Palin here.

Video: Sarah Palin : Free Speech an Endangered Species

By Gary P Jackson

Appearing On The Record with Greta, Governor Palin talks more about free speech, the Duck Dynasty situation, as well as about her book. Sarah shares some details surrounding the birth of Bristol’s son, Tripp, and the struggle she had dealing with it all.

Beautiful Nativity Scenes and Artwork

I recently found a Facebook page called: “Festival of Nativities”. The four-day event is held annually by the Church of Christ of Latter Day Saints. Deseret News put together a collection of paintings depicted by LDS Christians. The artwork inspired and fascinated me.  Enjoy.

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The Story of Christmas is more than merely retelling the advent of a babe in Bethlehem. It is one of the seminal events in human history.

That babe in Bethlehem, born in a lowly manger, was Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and the Son of God—our Redeemer.

Jesus Christ suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only through His mercy and grace can we be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, he is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.

Image by Isabel Matos from Mercy Hospital Chapel, Miami, FL

This season, we invite you to read the Christmas story anew with your family and friends. Look for the hope and   meaning it can bring to your life. We join with the angels of old as they announced the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, to the shepherds:

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 ~ Mormon.org

Although I am Roman Catholic, we are all Christians and celebrate in unisson the day of the birth of Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, Light of the World.   So many of us get caught up in the commercial aspect of it that we forget it’s about The Gift God gave us, and BEING like God’s Gift to others.

Christmas is a festival of the heart above all for me.  God’s Heart was so Pure and Unconditionally Loving, that He manifested Himself through His son, Jesus, for us, to save and bring us Hope. That is why I love this day so much.  This year in particular I will cherish the moments with my loved ones.

Happy Birthday to Our Lord, JESUS, and Merry Christmas to my readers, editor and fellow writers at “The Speech A Time for Choosing”.  It was a great year. Best wishes for a Happy 2014.

All nativity scenes are depicted by Latter Day Saint Artists. You may find the entire article here:  http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865569137/Nativity-scenes-depicted-by-LDS-artists.html.

The Festival of Nativities takes place in Washington state. Their page: https://www.facebook.com/FestivalofNativities

No Wonder the Left Hates Duck Dynasty! Normal Americans Make for Great TV

By Gary P Jackson

In the past week it seems like the entire news cycle has been dominated by A&E’s suspension of Phil Robertson, the creator of the multi-million dollar Duck Commander business their show Duck Dynasty is built around. Phil, father of the children who now run the successful business, was suspended after an interview in GQ magazine, where he talked about his faith.

It was this quote that sent the intolerant, hate spewing left into full out assault mode:

It seems like, to me, a vagina—as a man—would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.

There’s not a red blooded man alive that doesn’t think the same thing!

Of course, men and women are “wired at the factory,” if you will, to be attracted to each other, not members of their own sex. It’s a defect in that “wiring” that leads to the same sex attraction. That doesn’t make gays bad, just different than the norm.

Men and women are wired to be attracted to one another, quite simply because it’s the only way for our species to survive! If you need a further lesson in biology and reproduction, well ….

It doesn’t seem logical to many people that a man would find another man attractive, sexually. I submit that’s simply a failure to understand that as perfect as God makes us, sometimes things don’t turn out in the creative process inside the mother’s womb as they are supposed to. The end result is a man or woman who ends up being attacked to people of their own sex. It is what it is.

As much as that line from Robertson made the intolerant left lose it’s mind, it was THIS exchange between Phil and GQ that made their empty heads explode: [emphasis mine]

Even though he’s in the far corner of the room, Phil dominates the house. There are times when he doesn’t look you in the eye while he’s speaking—he looks just off to the side of you, as if Jesus were standing nearby, holding a stack of cue cards. Everyone else in the room just stares at his phone, or at the TV, or holds side conversations as Phil preaches.

“We’re Bible-thumpers who just happened to end up on television,” he tells me. “You put in your article that the Robertson family really believes strongly that if the human race loved each other and they loved God, we would just be better off. We ought to just be repentant, turn to God, and let’s get on with it, and everything will turn around.”

What does repentance entail? Well, in Robertson’s worldview, America was a country founded upon Christian values (Thou shalt not kill, etc.), and he believes that the gradual removal of Christian symbolism from public spaces has diluted those founding principles. (He and Si take turns going on about why the Ten Commandments ought to be displayed outside courthouses.) He sees the popularity of Duck Dynasty as a small corrective to all that we have lost.

“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. “Sin becomes fine.”

What, in your mind, is sinful?

“Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men,” he says. Then he paraphrases Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

During Phil’s darkest days, in the early 1970s, he had to flee the state of Arkansas after he badly beat up a bar owner and the guy’s wife. Kay Robertson persuaded the bar owner not to press charges in exchange for most of the Robertsons’ life savings. (“A hefty price,” he notes in his memoir.) I ask Phil if he ever repented for that, as he wants America to repent—if he ever tracked down the bar owner and his wife to apologize for the assault. He shakes his head.

“I didn’t dredge anything back up. I just put it behind me.”

As far as Phil is concerned, he was literally born again. Old Phil—the guy with the booze and the pills—died a long time ago, and New Phil sees no need to apologize for him: “We never, ever judge someone on who’s going to heaven, hell. That’s the Almighty’s job. We just love ’em, give ’em the good news about Jesus—whether they’re homosexuals, drunks, terrorists. We let God sort ’em out later, you see what I’m saying?”

Liberals HATE the mention of sin. Sin means responsibility, and liberals don’t want to be held responsible for anything, ever. Many liberals even reject the notion of absolute right and wrong, instead opting to push moral relevance to excuse their actions, and the actions of others. It’s that nonsensical approach that has caused so many of the problems we see in society today.

It’s how Barack Obama has run his entire presidency! Never taking responsibility, and blaming everyone else!

Those looking to find hate in Phil’s statements surely can, as can those who perpetually look for things to be offended by. But normal people look at Phil Robertson as a man who has lived life, made some monumental mistakes, then found God, and has since looked to live a better life. Phil Robertson’s story is the story of many, many folks. Including myself and, I suspect, a good number of our readers.

Normal people will see what Phil is saying though, and understand. For Christians, it’s always been LOVE the sinner, but hate the sin. Let God sort it out, if you will. That doesn’t excuse sin, but an educated, tolerant society can separate the sinner from the sin. Christians believe God’s love, when accepted, will change the sinner, will help him change his life. All of us are sinners, and that’s a fact. It’s only through God’s love, and the love of others that we can find salvation and strength.

What Phil says is valid. If all Americans would find a way to love one another, this would be a much better country. Sadly, thanks to a charged political climate, Americans are literally at each others throats these days. Getting back to the basics that our nation was founded on, is the key to the survival of these United States.

When the elements that seek to destroy America, the elements that have set up a “politically correct era of fascism, hate, and intolerance are defeated, America can get back to being the exceptional nation that it has always been.

Look, I’m didn’t write this to go on a theological rant. All of us who believe in a higher power do so in our own ways. What I am trying to say is most Americans agree with what Phil Robertson has said, both about sin, and love.

What has had me more curious about all of this, is not just the hate and intolerance of the left, hell, we see that on a daily, if not hourly, basis. It seems these days the only reason the left exists is to hate. It seems to be the only thing that sustains them. However, it’s the back-story from A&E that really has me wondering what is really going on.

Before we go forward, let me confess: Until Sunday, I had never seen a single episode of Duck Dynasty and that was solely based on A&E’s own advertising for the show, which, in hindsight, gives more credibility to the many claims about A&E’s management, that are surfacing.

We now know that A&E had a representative in the room with Robertson during the GQ interview, and could have stopped any line of questioning it deemed “too controversial” We also know A&E knew exactly what was said in the interview, and had months to either quash the interview, or discipline Robertson for his “unapproved” ideas. [I never thought I’d ever write THAT about a situation in America! The notion of “unapproved ideas” is quite chilling] It wasn’t until the vicious, intolerant left wingers started screeching, that A&E seemed to care.

I’d be remiss though, without pointing out that A&E is catching hell from many gays and lesbians, on both sides of the political aisle, for it’s intolerance. It’s seems the notion of defending free speech, especially speech you may not agree with, is still very much alive in these United States. THAT is encouraging.

It’s been alleged that Robertson was set up. That A&E wanted all of this to happen, as a way to tone down, or completely eliminate the very Christian element of Duck Dynasty that has made it so wildly popular, the most popular reality show in history, in fact.

From an insider close to the show: [emphasis mine]

“Someone from A&E was there and was aware of the kind of answers Phil was giving. But despite that, they didn’t ever try to stop it or control it. Instead, they let it hit the headlines and then released a statement condemning it.”

The source continued, “It is our belief that they knew what was going to happen and then used the situation to exercise control over Phil. It is our understand that when the TV executives came up with the concept for the show they wanted it to be a case of people laughing at a bunch of backward rednecks. But when it didn’t turn out like that and people actually started identifying with the way the family behaved and were laughing with them, not at them, they became uncomfortable. It did not sit will with the New York TV types.”

The source also said that the family feels A&E was uncomfortable with the family’s “insistence that there would be a strong religious presence in the show. They knew Phil was the driving force behind this and we think they have used this situation to bring him in line so they could steer the show back down the path they originally intended for it.”

More here.

This really does jibe with how A&E originally marketed Duck Dynasty: Just another bunch of yahoos acting like morons. A way to portray Southerners, even though they are self-made millionaires, with great products, as a bunch of backwards rubes.

As a rule I will not watch reality TV. There are a few exceptions. There are some automotive based shows like Overhaulin’ that are based on real events, and not phony cooked-up “drama,” that I truly enjoy. In fact, you’ll find my TV tuned to Discovery’s Velocity network more often than not!

Being an old motorcycle rider and racer, I enjoyed American Chopper until the Teutel family, Paul Sr and Jr, started eating each other alive on the show, leading to real and serious problems, no doubt encouraged by the show’s producers. Between the temper tantrums, and property destruction, a cool show about building some pretty creative bikes, became unwatchable, and imploded. Real lives were destroyed in the process.

Far too many reality shows think they have to build conflict into the thing to get people to watch.

Duck Dynasty is decidedly NOT like that. As I noted, I’d never seen the show until Sunday. It’s very interesting to me, that A&E, who felt so “offended” by Phil Robertson’s ideas, they suspended him indefinitely, decided to run an entire day of Duck Dynasty episodes, including an hour long [and hilarious] Christmas special, with Phil Robertson featured prominently in every episode. Nothing like putting the all mighty dollar over your phony “principles”!

Here’s what I found. The show is decidedly tongue in cheek. If you read the entire GQ interview, you’ll know the show works off a rough script, with the Robertson’s cooking up the ideas for various skits. What you end up with is a show that’s hilarious, but surprisingly very real. The production quality is far better than what you see in most shows. I’m talking about big network, high end, comedies and dramas. It’s done in the style of popular hit shows like The Office that mixes the story, with interviews about what is going on. And it’s done very well. The producers of Duck Dynasty aren’t getting nearly the credit they deserve!

What you also find is a group of people who you immediately identify with. I’ve known every one of the Robertson family in my life, through other people. Far from being backwater rubes, these are very sharp people, who are living life to the fullest and enjoying every second of it! Most of the things you’ll see on the show, are situations you’ve experienced yourself, presented in an interesting, appealing, and funny way. Simply put, these are likable people. Very likable people. And that’s the secret of Duck Dynasty and any show that lasts.

The show is addictive, to say the least!

It’s no wonder Duck Dynasty is the most popular show of it’s kind in history. It’s genuinely well produced. It’s genuinely funny. It’s genuinely REAL! These are people that you have no problem inviting into your home. These are people you WOULD hang out with in real life, because you know people exactly like them and already hang out with em!

The bottom line: A&E’s own promotion of the show, early on, turned me off. I didn’t watch because I figured it was typical fare from these left wing networks. Honey Boo-Boo with beards! A show designed to make those who live in Manhattan feel superior to the rest of America.

Now that I’ve actually seen the show, I’m hooked! The Robertson family represent all that is good about America. No wonder the left hates the show!

God only knows how these intolerant haters will act once Sarah Palin’s new outdoor-adventure series hits the airwaves in 2014!

The Robertson family has expressed the feelings that they will not continue without Phil. Other networks are beating a path to their door, and more will likely follow. This is a show that will find a good home if A&E continues down it’s current path.

Meanwhile A&E, which stands for Arts & Entertainment and used to host shows like Breakfast with the Arts a classy deal on Sunday mornings, is offering a little different fare, as it’s normal programing.

I saw something called Rodeo Girls about some of the most unattractive, unappealing women on earth, who ride some rodeo circuit. The premise of the episode I watched was “bikini rodeo” where the women barrel raced in bikinis far too small for the job at hand. Now I don’t have a problem with women in bikinis, or women in bikinis that are far too small for the job at hand. In fact, I’m all for it! But at the very least put these too small bikinis on LIKABLE people! It seems the entire reason for the show is to portray cowgirls as a bunch of spiteful women who chase any guy in spurs, and not much else. The preview for the next episode “The boys move in” doesn’t do anything to change my opinion. These boys aren’t any more likable than the girls, either.

A&E has a new show about to debut about the music scene in Nashville, with the catchphrase “Nashville is a drinking town with a music problem.” I’m sure the good people of Nashville will be proud.

From the promos, it looks to be nothing but sex, drugs, and rock & roll, and not necessarily in that order. I don’t have anything against sex and rock & roll, but what’s the point of this deal? From the promos, there seem to be no likable characters, just another bunch of cutthroats that make most reality TV unwatchable.

One thing about it, A&E, who’s newly minted tagline is “Be original” doesn’t really want originality, but rather the same old, done-to-death, lazy, formulaic nonsense. The only original show on A&E is Duck Dynasty and it appears the network wishes it wasn’t what it is. Go figure!

In closing, I’ll paraphrase Phil Robertson: If all Americans would just sit down and watch Duck Dynasty the world would be a better place!

Amen!

Jesus: A GPS for a Lost World

by Whitney Pitcher

Yesterday I read an article at CNET, excerpted below, that noted some churches were putting GPS devices in the “baby Jesus-es” they use in their nativity scenes to help find him if he was stolen:

It’s Christmas.

The time of year when we all love our fellow human a little more. The time of year when we consider the spiritual aspects of our lives (or their lack).

And the time of year when people steal baby Jesus figurines from nativity scenes in churches.

As MyFoxDC reports, a security company has leaped to the rescue of churches frustrated that their Jesus, Mary, or Joseph are taken by the unscrupulous.

Brickhouse Security is giving free GPS trackers to all qualifying churches in order to prevent such an unholy occurrence.

My initial thought was that this was just another means of defense churches and Christians are using in the proverbial “war on Christmas”, and in some ways it is. But, I think it provides another message for us as well. These churches are placing GPS devices in “Jesus” so that in case He gets stolen or lost, He can be found. It is almost the opposite message Christ brought to earth. In reality, Jesus will never be the one lost, but we are. He is the one who finds us, when we earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).

The world will celebrate the birth of Jesus on Wednesday. We don’t know the exact date Jesus was born, although it likely was not December 25th. We do know, however, why He came–divine, yet choosing humanity– to seek and save those who are lost (Luke 19:10). Churches are now resorting to technology to “find Jesus” if he is lost, but the truth is that He always had a GPS purpose to fulfill, not because He gets lost, but because He came to save us who are lost.