When the iron curtain came down in 1989, America's role as the great proponent of freedom dramatically changed.
As the only super power, America and its concept of freedom were challenged on one international front after another. Sept. 11, 2001, and its aftermath in Afghanistan and Iraq have brought to focus America's idea of freedom and led to national soul searching concerning U.S. military activity in other lands.
Now, within America's borders, an escalating struggle is under way for the very soul of the nation, and the outcome of that struggle will determine whether America is still the land of hope and promise it was in its early days.
Many Americans believe that freedom means the right to make their own rules. Others feel threatened because they see the very fabric of the American society endangered by this self-centered concept of freedom.
The two foundational principles upon which this nation was founded are freedom and truth. Our forefathers envisioned a nation free from the restraints of the English Parliament and the Anglican Church. They established America as a land of freedom based upon Judeo-Christian principles. The settlers risked everything, even their lives, in order to carry out their vision of a nation founded upon a national covenant with their God, each other and their government.
In defining freedom, some choose to ignore the foundation of truth that was crucial to our founding fathers. But freedom without underlying truth is like a ship without a rudder and will lead to disastrous consequences.
America is at a crossroads, struggling to define freedom within its boundaries and throughout the world. The issues that America now faces are the same issues our forefathers addressed when they established this nation.
What are the limits of a central government? What are the rights of individuals? What are the standards that must guide our conduct? How may our leaders impose these standards on our citizens and other nations of the world?
These questions can never be answered unless we view them in a moral and spiritual context, and unless we revisit the rich heritage of our past. How we, as a nation, answer these questions will define the soul of this nation.
William Hunter is the author of "God's Covenant With America" (Brown Books, $18.95), which revisits America's history through the 19th century and addresses these intriguing issues.
Senin, 23 Januari 2012
the strong female characters
Alan Heywood writes a stimulating, though sometimes improbable, adventure novel in Amapola. What I mean by this is that the characters are seemingly very lucky or were simply at the right place, at the right time. Yet, other scenes are somewhat reminiscent of a James Bond movie. I liked the humor Alan dabbled throughout the novel and admired the strong female characters. This book certainly has a heavy slant towards the importance of friendships and a pro-Canada theme – which I loved.
George Magee, a retired Major, was never able to forget Sakai, a Costa-Rican woman, who despite the number of years that separated them easily stole his heart. He thought that he was doing the right thing by leaving the young beauty, but the torment in his heart was not eased by the passage of time.
Now retired, he fills his days with an import-export business that requires him to return to Mexico periodically to deal with his customers. His emotional void is filled by his Sister’s family – since he does not have one of his own. Sadly, members of a drug cartel heartlessly murder his brother-in-law and young niece, and George is filled with seething anger.
When the Canadian government requests George to assist their war on Mexican drugs by using his business as a cover, he jumps at the chance to strike out in revenge. Fueled by his anger and his hopes of reconciling with Sakai, George is taken on a thrilling adventure in and out of the drug trade.
George Magee, a retired Major, was never able to forget Sakai, a Costa-Rican woman, who despite the number of years that separated them easily stole his heart. He thought that he was doing the right thing by leaving the young beauty, but the torment in his heart was not eased by the passage of time.
Now retired, he fills his days with an import-export business that requires him to return to Mexico periodically to deal with his customers. His emotional void is filled by his Sister’s family – since he does not have one of his own. Sadly, members of a drug cartel heartlessly murder his brother-in-law and young niece, and George is filled with seething anger.
When the Canadian government requests George to assist their war on Mexican drugs by using his business as a cover, he jumps at the chance to strike out in revenge. Fueled by his anger and his hopes of reconciling with Sakai, George is taken on a thrilling adventure in and out of the drug trade.
Alison’s Journey
The dedication in this book is a work of poetry in itself. I had a distinct recollection of ‘Sleeping with the Enemy’ when reading this book, but this story has some very unique twists and turns. The characters seemed very real to me – I live in a small town and we are just like that!
Here, we are shown the psychological cycle of the victim of domestic violence (Alison) and her growing awareness that some things can change for the better, trust can be had and given, and faith in inner strength can grow.
Like many who crawl out of hellish conditions, Alison did not do it on her strength alone, but through a few strong, giving individuals who contributed a gesture or a friendship along the way. Yet, most healing of all is to find a new, healthy love and good, solid relationships with others – a most difficult thing for victims of abuse to do. If it was the author’s intent to use the main character to bring depth and understanding into what people go through in situations like these, then she accomplished this goal admirably!
Readers are shown how being rich, good looking and well-educated – having all the benefits one could desire - cannot lead to happiness. Mr. Bruce Cockburn says it best in a song of his which says ‘though chains be of gold, they are chains just the same’.
Amey Tippett has accomplished a work of art with this book. I really felt like I was right there watching the children play during the festivals and feeling the pain and fright of impending danger, and endured the hellish nightmares along with Alison.
This was a fantastic read and I would not hesitate to recommend Alison’s Journey.
Here, we are shown the psychological cycle of the victim of domestic violence (Alison) and her growing awareness that some things can change for the better, trust can be had and given, and faith in inner strength can grow.
Like many who crawl out of hellish conditions, Alison did not do it on her strength alone, but through a few strong, giving individuals who contributed a gesture or a friendship along the way. Yet, most healing of all is to find a new, healthy love and good, solid relationships with others – a most difficult thing for victims of abuse to do. If it was the author’s intent to use the main character to bring depth and understanding into what people go through in situations like these, then she accomplished this goal admirably!
Readers are shown how being rich, good looking and well-educated – having all the benefits one could desire - cannot lead to happiness. Mr. Bruce Cockburn says it best in a song of his which says ‘though chains be of gold, they are chains just the same’.
Amey Tippett has accomplished a work of art with this book. I really felt like I was right there watching the children play during the festivals and feeling the pain and fright of impending danger, and endured the hellish nightmares along with Alison.
This was a fantastic read and I would not hesitate to recommend Alison’s Journey.
daily servings of whole grains
Recent studies conclude that whole grains can boost weight loss, lower blood pressure, reduce risk of diabetes and cancer, and increase overall heart health. In addition, over 600 new products containing whole grains were introduced by food companies in 2005-a sure sign that the whole grain revolution is upon us.
Yet a recent study from the Whole Grains Council found that 68 percent of Americans are unaware that they should be eating three daily servings of whole grains. Forty-seven percent said they were looking for practical ways to incorporate whole grains into their everyday diets.
A new book called "The Whole Grain Diet Miracle" (DK Publishing, $24.95) may help. Written by Dr. Lisa Hark and Dr. Darwin Deen, it explains whole grains-and how to easily add them to your diet-in an understandable way. The book provides scientific facts, easy-to-understand overviews of the "16 miracle grains," a two-week jump-start menu, four-week whole grain diet and 50 delicious recipes.
The book advocates what its authors refer to as a sensible eating plan that promotes better health without deprivation. Instead of telling readers to stop eating a whole category of foods, Drs. Hark and Deen encourage them to eat more whole grains by providing a number of whole grain food options. For instance, readers are encouraged to experiment with the more exotic (but still readily available) grains such as amaranth, quinoa, and millet, while basic cooking instructions and simple recipes help even the most skittish cook take the whole grain plunge.
The result, according to the authors, is a "pain-free" way to improve overall health, lose weight and stave off disease.
In addition, the book answers some basic but common whole grain questions including: What are they? Where are they found? What will they do to my body? How much do I need to eat to get the health benefits? Are whole grains "good carbs"?
Dr. Hark says with the book's help, readers will find it easy to fit in the three servings of whole grains recommended by the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.
Yet a recent study from the Whole Grains Council found that 68 percent of Americans are unaware that they should be eating three daily servings of whole grains. Forty-seven percent said they were looking for practical ways to incorporate whole grains into their everyday diets.
A new book called "The Whole Grain Diet Miracle" (DK Publishing, $24.95) may help. Written by Dr. Lisa Hark and Dr. Darwin Deen, it explains whole grains-and how to easily add them to your diet-in an understandable way. The book provides scientific facts, easy-to-understand overviews of the "16 miracle grains," a two-week jump-start menu, four-week whole grain diet and 50 delicious recipes.
The book advocates what its authors refer to as a sensible eating plan that promotes better health without deprivation. Instead of telling readers to stop eating a whole category of foods, Drs. Hark and Deen encourage them to eat more whole grains by providing a number of whole grain food options. For instance, readers are encouraged to experiment with the more exotic (but still readily available) grains such as amaranth, quinoa, and millet, while basic cooking instructions and simple recipes help even the most skittish cook take the whole grain plunge.
The result, according to the authors, is a "pain-free" way to improve overall health, lose weight and stave off disease.
In addition, the book answers some basic but common whole grain questions including: What are they? Where are they found? What will they do to my body? How much do I need to eat to get the health benefits? Are whole grains "good carbs"?
Dr. Hark says with the book's help, readers will find it easy to fit in the three servings of whole grains recommended by the 2005 U.S. Dietary Guidelines.
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