Friday, January 14, 2011

The Passion of Jared Lee Loughner





In the wake of the attempted assassination of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, which resulted in the murder of six innocent people, among them a nine year old girl, Americans across the country are rightfully mourning this horrible event, and are attempting to understand what exactly happened.

** (As a side note, President Obama offered a wonderful tribute to the victims and the survivors, once again calling all Americans to a larger vision, one that seeks to raise the overall level of public discourse. I believe it was his finest moment , and you can see it here: http://video.nytimes.com/video/2011/01/12/us/1248069557385/obama-calls-for-civility-in-politics.html)**


The corporate media, eager to seize the story and sell it for advertising dollars, has offered its stock answer when things like this happen, which is that the violence was a single act of a “crazed shooter” a young man named Jared Lee Loughner. This is standard operating procedure for the media which seeks to simplify all stories for general consumption, making the story easier to sell. And while there is truth to the fact that Loughner was a deeply troubled young man, and likely did commit the murder on his own, much to the media’s chagrin, a sub-story has begun to emerge which seems to indicate that Loughner may have been influenced by powerful political and media movements and personalities. This revelation came shortly after the shootings from an unlikely source, Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik. Below is an excerpt of some of Dupnik’s statements:

"The kind of rhetoric that flows from people like Rush Limbaugh, in my judgment he is irresponsible, uses partial information, sometimes wrong information," Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik said today. "[Limbaugh] attacks people, angers them against government, angers them against elected officials and that kind of behavior in my opinion is not without consequences."
"The vitriol affects the [unstable] personality that we are talking about," he said. "You can say, 'Oh no, it doesn't,' but my opinion is that it does."
**(source: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/arizona-sheriff-blasts-rush-limbaugh-spewing-irresponsible-vitriol/story?id=12583285)**

It is clear what Dupnik is saying: certain members of the media are responsible for inciting a disturbed young man to commit a horrible crime. And by extension, of course, he is accusing those who support them politically, and benefit directly from their shows, for creating an atmosphere of anger towards the government which, in Dupnik’s own words, “has consequences.” The media began noticing that more and more people were resonating with Dupnik’s comments. They then began to further question whether organizations like the Tea Party movement, led by folks like Sarah Palin, were not also somehow responsible for the violence because of the rhetoric and tactics used by many of these groups during the mid-term elections. For example, Network and Cable news showed a picture from Palin’s website, which at the time directed supporters to key midterm elections areas by covering their location on a map of the United States using an icon shaped like a rifle scope sight. Unfortunately, Gabrielle Giffords district was one of the areas in one of these rifle sights. Of course, no one is accusing Palin of advocating direct violence against Giffords or anyone else, however they are questioning her use of symbols.

Here is a link to a copy of the image:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=439x137918

Palin, for her part, is now accusing people like Dupnik, and others in the media, of “blood libel.” It is interesting that Palin would use this racist charge, which was directed by Anti-Semites at European Jews for the ridiculous crime of being a “Christ Killer.” However, we all know that Ms. Palin is not always on top of what she says, so an analysis of her words can wait for another post.

Here is Palin's official response:

http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/pages/rrnews.html?feed=393046&article=8045494

I leave it for you to decide whether Dupnik is being fair in his criticism, and whether the media is guilty of blood libel against Palin and the Tea Party movement. What is clear, however, is that Jared Lee Loughner, if he is indeed guilty of the crime of which he is accused, was more than just a lone crazed nut. While not a member of the Tea Party Movement, it is evident by his online activity that he was sympathetic to many of the ideas espoused by the Tea Party and others who hold similar political views.

The following link explains what is known about Loughner, his beliefs, and online activity:

http://www.therandirhodesshow.com/pages/rrnews.html?feed=393046&article=8026668

What can we learn from this horrible event? That America is a deeply divided country, and those divisions are used and exploited by those who seek to gain power, money, and influence. However, ideas are powerful, and always lead to action. Jared Lee Loughner, and the innocent victims he killed or wounded, are calling us all to examine our ideas because they will determine what kind of a country our children will inherit. Will it be a country unified and strong, or one divided and violent? This tragedy presents an opportunity, if we can learn from it.

30 comments:

faithful forever said...

Hi Dave. Things are not as they seem and this includes the AZ shooting. This horrible incident has all the makings of an MK Ultra operation and will serve their purposes of advancing their agenda against us.

We have to understand that their hatred of us is as much as it was for Jesus and they mean us harm in a big way. But fear not, for the Lord knows what they are going to do before they do it, and He tells us their plans do not come to fruitition. God is so good.

It's going to be a very interesting, prophetic year.

Love and peace to all.

faithful forever said...

Sharing another Berean. Enjoy:

Matthew 5:4
(4) Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

New King James Version

Those of us in this end-time age may have difficulty comprehending some aspects of the mourning God expects and respects in His children. Our conscience, unless we carefully guard it, can easily adapt itself into accepting its cultural environment. Society's ethics and morals are not constants. There exists a very real pressure for them to decline from God-established standards; what one generation considers immoral or unethical might not be by the next. For instance, what appears on public movie screens over the past thirty to forty years has changed dramatically.

In 1999, the President of the United States went on trial for clearly breaking God's commandments and for crimes for which lesser people are presently serving time. The public, however, gave him high approval ratings, perceived his adulteries and sexual perversions as private affairs, and considered his perjury before a grand jury as deplorable but "no big deal."

Paul warns us in Hebrews 3:12-15:

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."

The mourning Jesus desires is the kind that exhibits a softness of heart that is ready for change in a righteous direction, one that knows it has done wrong and is eagerly willing to have it cleansed into holiness. We of this generation face an uphill battle because, through such media as television and movies, we have vicariously experienced the breaking of God's law in unparalleled frequency and in vividly sympathetic ways. On the screen life is cheap, property is meaningless, sexual purity is scoffed at, stealing is fine "if it's necessary," and faithfulness is nerdish and corny. Where is God in it? How much of this world's attitudes have we unwittingly absorbed into our character? Is our conscience still tender? Is mourning over sin—ours and others'—a vital part of our relationship with God?

Godly mourning plays a positive role in producing the changes God desires to produce His image in us. We need to pray with David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). He asks God to give him what did not exist before, that his affections and feelings might be made right, and that he might not have the callused attitude that led him to adultery and murder. A plea of this kind is one that God will not deny. If we are truly serious about overcoming and glorifying God, it is well worth the effort.

John W. Ritenbaugh

faithful forever said...

Sharing another Berean. Enjoy:

Matthew 5:4
(4) Blessed are those who mourn, For they shall be comforted.

New King James Version

Those of us in this end-time age may have difficulty comprehending some aspects of the mourning God expects and respects in His children. Our conscience, unless we carefully guard it, can easily adapt itself into accepting its cultural environment. Society's ethics and morals are not constants. There exists a very real pressure for them to decline from God-established standards; what one generation considers immoral or unethical might not be by the next. For instance, what appears on public movie screens over the past thirty to forty years has changed dramatically.

In 1999, the President of the United States went on trial for clearly breaking God's commandments and for crimes for which lesser people are presently serving time. The public, however, gave him high approval ratings, perceived his adulteries and sexual perversions as private affairs, and considered his perjury before a grand jury as deplorable but "no big deal."

Paul warns us in Hebrews 3:12-15:

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion."

The mourning Jesus desires is the kind that exhibits a softness of heart that is ready for change in a righteous direction, one that knows it has done wrong and is eagerly willing to have it cleansed into holiness. We of this generation face an uphill battle because, through such media as television and movies, we have vicariously experienced the breaking of God's law in unparalleled frequency and in vividly sympathetic ways. On the screen life is cheap, property is meaningless, sexual purity is scoffed at, stealing is fine "if it's necessary," and faithfulness is nerdish and corny. Where is God in it? How much of this world's attitudes have we unwittingly absorbed into our character? Is our conscience still tender? Is mourning over sin—ours and others'—a vital part of our relationship with God?

Godly mourning plays a positive role in producing the changes God desires to produce His image in us. We need to pray with David, "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). He asks God to give him what did not exist before, that his affections and feelings might be made right, and that he might not have the callused attitude that led him to adultery and murder. A plea of this kind is one that God will not deny. If we are truly serious about overcoming and glorifying God, it is well worth the effort.

John W. Ritenbaugh

faithful forever said...

Apologies for the double post...had an error message and it posted twice. Better than not at all, I suppose!

Stay blessed and keep looking up.
Our redemption is drawing near.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

faithful forever said...

Interesting video and some links regarding all the bird and fish dieoffs that expands on the Arkansas HAARP radar activity:

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/358/605/Radar_EVIDENCE_of_HAARP-ing_on_birds_Fish_death_-_PROOF_January_9,_2011_-_1_9_11_VIDEO.html

faithful forever said...

I really enjoy Chris Tomlin's music; thought someone else may enjoy this:

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/359/572/Sunday_Worship_Song_of_the_Week:_God_of_this_City_-_Chris_Tomlin.html

faithful forever said...

Psalm 60:12 (King James Version)

12Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies.


Amen, with all praise and glory to God.

Sandra said...

Hi Dave,
It is so sad what happened in Arizona and my prayers go out to all the wounded and families of those who lost their life in this senseless violent act. Whether or not the gunman acted alone in his bizarre mind set does not lessen the fact that there are websites out there that reinforce and legitimize some of his thinking and I am sure he went to those sites. I had a relative who was going off the deep end going to sites on the Zeitgeist theory and antigovernment sites. We knew she was getting mentally unbalanced and she started hearing voices and thinking there were signs out there pointing for her to do certain things. She ended up in a mental hospital and got on medication to balance her mind. She was diagnosed with schizophrenia thinking the government was watching her and planning something big that she was going to be involved with.

FF,
That was interesting the link on the dead birds and HAARP. As soon as I heard about all the deaths of birds and fish that was the first thing that came to my mind.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King, Jr.

♥♥♥

Dave Wilcox said...

FF,

MK Ultra may have a part in this, but I think right now the evidence suggests Loughner was deeply disturbed and was encouraged by right wing extremists(not directly) to commit violence.

Sandra,

I have no doubt that the Zeitgeist movement can drive people insane. After all, how can you fight an enemy that you cannot see, and that is able to control affairs in the world in a God like fashion. I can easily see how that could happen.

faithful forever said...

Ephesians 6:12 (King James Version)

12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We fight an invisible enemy everyday.

If one is not grounded in the word, and there are multitudes who are not, they become easy prey for the ravening wolves, unfortunately. Some are willing pawns and others are merely duped and manipulated, but the evil agenda's purposes get served, the end result is achieved either way. Evil is beyond ruthless and they love their lies and know how to portray them and as well as protect them. They are masters of deception all the way around and have been since the heavenly battle was waged.

I'm just saying that if 'they' are saying it, it is a lie.

This article has an interesting perspective on the matter, but it may make some uncomfortage and may not be for those who have a hard time with deep truth or are offended by it.

http://www.uruknet.de/?s1=1&p=73939&s2=16

It is hard to tell, and hard to know for sure just what is what. But I know I want the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Anonymous said...

Dave

Interesting that you mention fighting an enemy you cannot see, and controls affairs of the world. This battle has been going on for thousands of years, but the progress was very limited in earlier times. Today people are remembering the purpose of all those incarnations that triumphed over darkness in some small way, and how that now becomes the powerful conscious unified multidimensional being that attracts the Greater Light from the space around our world, and who knows how far such a signal reaches in the universe. Right now our planet is being bathed in the most intense energies from the large contingent of Light beings that are visiting our world at present. Their energies are very potent on an emotional level in our lives, turning us all into either saints or devils as the case may be according to our evolvement. The bringing forth of some of the darker lives coupled with lack of prearation can lead to insanity, a phenomenon we will see much more of in the coming months as the spiritual fever crests.

()

Anonymous said...

*lack of preparation...

()

faithful forever said...

The Federal Judge was most likely the real target of their psyop:

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/361/396/Who_was_the_real_Arizona_target_A_pro-handgun_judge_Maybe_you_should_be_the_judge_....html

Sandra said...

As children of God we must see beyond the headlines to the deeper truth. So often the interest of "our" values is based on the safety of our way of life no matter how it affects others. Giffords support of Israel without seeing how that support affects the least among us is a good point. We must not take sides unless it is to bring cultures and society together in love and peace. Blindly supporting Israel without seeing how that support affects the Palestine's safety is a good point. This in no way justifies the shooting in Arizona and is a good reason to seek the truth on all sides of an issue.

Much of what we call judgment is what Russ Hudson calls “narcissistic reactions.” Personal judgments are invariably not clear-headed or high vision. Instead, it’s filled with “me”—my agenda, my feelings, my offended ego, or my anger.They called their judgments the full truth; but it really is about winning, their need to be right, their need to humiliate the "enemy".

The truth shall set us free but we have to look beyond what is written to find out the beliefs of the person writing the blog and their agenda. Is it to bring people together in love and peace or is it to divide and conquer and spread hate on those they perceive as the "enemy". We are instructed to LOVE not hate. Loving those who thinks different than us can be hard but Jesus never said it would be easy but it is required to be his follower. Judgment is not ours but the Lord's and his judgement will be just.

Sandra said...

"You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. And you can be that servant."

- Martin Luther King Jr.

faithful forever said...

Beautiful words, Sandra.

Psalm 97:10 (King James Version)

10Ye that love the LORD, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked.

Sandra said...

Thank you FF. Here is another quote by Martin Luther King Jr.:

Nonviolence is the answer to the crucial political and moral questions of our time: the need for man to overcome oppression and violence without resorting to oppression and violence. Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love. -Martin Luther King, Jr., Nobel Prize acceptance speech, Stockholm, Sweden, December 11, 1964.

Dave Wilcox said...

Great wisdom Sandra. Life is for living, after all, and human beings often complicate things beyond the level of where they need to be. Serve one another in love. Anyone can do that.

Israel has committed many terrorist acts, but so have the PLO, so has America, and for that matter so has every religion on the face of this earth, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Pagan. Its time to realize that all organizations, institutions, etc, are dedicated to one thing and one thing alone: power and wealth.

There is not one group, organization, institution, country, religion, on the face of this planet that cannot say it is dedicated, at its core, to power and wealth as the very means and reason for its existence. Some are more "benevolent" than others, but that is only a matter of taste. All are hypocritical, and in God's eyes found wanting.

As Christians, we are called to see behind the things that are presented to us, not in our own eyes, for as Sandra points out, we can easily be deceived. Step back and take a good look, and you will see that all have fallen short of the glory of God. Not our glory,for none can be good but God. But God's glory.

Dave Wilcox said...

() nice to hear from you.

Guys I have a new post on my other blog if anyone wants to see it on truth:

http://thepowerofthespirit.blogspot.com/2011/01/truth.html

Sandra said...

Dave,
You are right that all of the different religions and cultures have failed. We are all responsible for the state of the world and we must take responsibility for our part. As children of God we must step up to the plate and show a different way of interacting with others. The Lord is watching and at the end of the day I for one don't want to hear "depart from me" from the Lord because I did not put his teachings into practice. If we have Christ within us it will convict us when we step out of line with our behavior. If we don't listen our soul will become hard with each episode until we turn our backs on changing our ways and we no longer hear that small voice within. Christ wants to work within his people to show a different way of interacting with others. None of us has arrived but being on that narrow path will lead us to God our Father.♥♥♥

faithful forever said...

Our world in a nutshell:

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/362/135/The_Food_Riots_Grow_More_Intense_As_People_All_Over_The_Middle_East_Literally_Set_Themselves_On_Fire.html

...and our world has rapidly become a very desperate place of Biblical proportion.

We should be prepared for anything, especially the return of the Lord, (whether it be a spiritual or physical return; we will know when He wants us to know and there will be no doubts about this when 'it' happens), also for testing and persecution because of our faith in Jesus.

All the world is in His hands. And we know our loving, amazing Father in Heaven always knows best and this is sufficient for me. He will not give us more than we can withstand. May it be His will to revive His church soon.

I do not know what to do other than pray harder for this world that so desperately needs Him.

faithful forever said...

http://beforeitsnews.com/story/362/135/The_Food_Riots_Grow_More_Intense_As_People_All_Over_The_Middle_East_Literally_Set_Themselves_On_Fire.html

Looks like the other link got cut off. Maybe it's too long?!

Stay blessed and keep looking up.

Dave Wilcox said...

FF, its a sign of the coming change. The system is imploding, and it is up to each individual how they will respond when it happens. Some will radiate love and compassion and show a new way to live. Others will literally lose it. Psalm 91 was meant to comfort and reassure us:

Psalm 91 (King James Version)

Psalm 91

1He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

4He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

9Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

10There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

12They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

faithful forever said...

One (of many) of my favorite Psalms. Thank you Dave, that was nice. The mighty word of the Lord is always a source of strength, comfort and indescribible joy.

I know these things must come so it can pass, but many in the world do not understand this, therefore, do not have the comfort and strength that comes only from the Lord. To see people in such dire straits is painful and there is more to come. And alot closer to home. The Lord tells us that some of us may be imprisoned and even martyred, and I pray to have the faith to endure anything for His glory, but the human suffering caused by the war, economic turmoil and horrific weather, etc. is still difficult to witness. The Lord is my strength. All praise and glory to Jesus.

Love and His peace to all that gather here.

Sandra said...

I think this is where the churches have failed their members. They do not take seriously the teachings of Christ and require their members to put into practice what he taught. If they had taught the true message of Christ I am sure more of my own people would have followed and not turned their back saying "what hypocrites"

Matthew 7:17-30 (King James Version)
17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

24Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:

25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.

26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

28And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:

29For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

(The wind, rain, floods etc. has come and those that built their house (soul) on the rock (Christ) will weather the storms ahead because of the peace and love that sustains us)

♥♥♥

Dave Wilcox said...

So true Sandra. And FF, have no fear, everything will work out for good, because God is in control.

faithful forever said...

Thanks Dave, but I am not fearful. I only fear the Lord.

Anonymous said...

Some of the most undercovered stories of 2010 were actions taken by ordinary people standing up for a more just and equitable society. People are taking to the streets on a regular basis across the country, but unlike the corporate-sponsored Tea Party -- whose spokespeople can't answer basic questions about the deficit they claim to be so worried about -- those who believe in health care, affordable housing, economic justice, education, a living wage, and a better life for all rarely, if ever, get the attention they deserve. Instead, the media, even the alternative media, spent the better part of last year obsessing over the Tea Party and manufactured personalities like Sarah Palin, while ignoring people like 85-year-old Julia Botello.

http://www.truth-out.org/85-year-old-woman-arrested-bank-protest-six-revolts-tea-party-obsessed-corporate-media-overlooked669

faithful forever said...

Go Julia Botello!

Thanks Anonymous for posting that. Soon, may more be standing up against the corporate giants.

Godspeed and may you stick around a while.

Sandra said...

Anonymous,

Thanks for the link. Here is a link of protest just this week:

http://workinprogress.firedoglake.com/2011/01/19/union-members-disrupt-mortgage-banksters-meeting-in-dc-video