Through the centuries, the human race has been fascinated with the concept of Armageddon. During that time, the word has been separated from its original biblical context. The true meaning of Armageddon has been replaced by the secular concept of humanity destroying itself. The word is now synonymous with nuclear war, natural disasters, impact from a comet or an asteroid, and any number of creatively conjured existential threats. Yet, the bible doesn’t connect a single one of these events with Armageddon.
Even a majority of devout Christians hold erroneous beliefs about Armageddon. Many correctly view Armageddon as the gathering place of the Antichrist and his armies prior to the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ, but they misinterpret the motive of this gathering. A commonly held belief is that these armies gather together at or near Armageddon in order to do battle with each other, or to annihilate the Jewish people. Then, only through the physical intervention of Jesus Christ is humanity saved from either destroying all life or the Jewish people.
But neither of these motives is correct. The Bible clearly states why these armies gather together at Armageddon, and once we realize why, it’s easy to see why most Christians find it difficult to believe.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Media in Society Crime
Last night I saw a debate on television about what role the media is to play in our society. I found one speaker to be somewhat appalling. This person argued against the involvement of media in our societal discussion on issues that matter. Well sir, you are dead wrong...
Now if you happen to be on the right you’d be saying, "Well there is an obvious liberal bias in most of the media we receive and hear." I agree with you to a certain extent. Media in its purest form was designed as a tool people can use to provide a forum or platform for the issues we publicly debate. This would be an admirable role in a perfect society, but what it does not take into consideration is the human element. Our ability to modify the perceptions of others through the media in order to achieve political gain has hit the liberal bias peak. The inevitable backlash on the media monopoly I sense is coming to an end. The market of information is efficient and fair only when there are alternatives for people to chose. Can we blame Democrats who using the tools at hand to the fullest extent? Of course not.
It was inevitable.
Democratic candidates and leaders obtained the urban vote where media centers are controlled in most part by the majority of left-leaning civilians who work and live among its domain. Yes. This was the fate, seduction, and role media was to play on behalf of the Democratic Party for many decades.
However, imbalances eventually lead to balance. The old truths and myths of a liberal media are rapidly declining. Sure there has been a recent surge in popularity among the left media, but it is only because the country was fed up with a Republican held congress and presidency that failed to serve the interests of the public. In the long-term, I expect an equal following to build and continue amongst the supporters of the right media to provide the balance and difference in opinion that our country needs. It pushes elected officials to compromise and allow people to digest information from both sides in order to make effective electoral decisions based on their beliefs.
Now, take a step back and look try to imagine the big picture. Most would agree that media needs balance, but why? Let’s view this angle from the perspective of polarization and nationalism. In my estimation, media needs to ask tough questions, report on unethical behavior, and to provide an independent voice that serves as a check and balance to government. However, if media were to play the role of polarization and bias too well, then our nation would drift apart and stoke a fire of bitterness toward each other. Sure we have our differences, but in reality we share much more in common with each other. So, how can we work together with those that we have a hatred for? For example, how long must we see the election map showing red states and blue states when we are in fact a sea of purple swayed by moderate group of independent voters? Political parties must have a way to differentiate themselves, but occasionally the media does push the envelope, resulting in uncomfortable ramifications.
On the other hand, media also must be a spirit free of government control. If media casts its opinion with the government without any checks, it is likely that an unhealthy state of nationalism may take hold and shortly thereafter promote imperialistic tendencies. I can only imagine a state made op of a single-minded society where group think suffocates the ability of people to think freely. Would those of an opposing view be subjected to secrecy and casted away from society? Would new ideas be lost forever? Would an opposing political party have a voice or even cease to exist? It is certainly possible.
Think of a scenario where the media was used to promote the activities of government in a negative way. I believe this is the descriptive label for propaganda. A tool used to control and persuade the masses for better or worse. World War II is a perfect example. The good and honest people of Germany were lead to believe that their ideas and opinions should be forced on the rest of the world because the propaganda machine said they were a superior race. The civilian population for the most part bought into these lies. This is the absolute opposite end of the spectrum in the role that media has to play in society and we must be careful to learn the lessons that history has to teach us.
Now if you happen to be on the right you’d be saying, "Well there is an obvious liberal bias in most of the media we receive and hear." I agree with you to a certain extent. Media in its purest form was designed as a tool people can use to provide a forum or platform for the issues we publicly debate. This would be an admirable role in a perfect society, but what it does not take into consideration is the human element. Our ability to modify the perceptions of others through the media in order to achieve political gain has hit the liberal bias peak. The inevitable backlash on the media monopoly I sense is coming to an end. The market of information is efficient and fair only when there are alternatives for people to chose. Can we blame Democrats who using the tools at hand to the fullest extent? Of course not.
It was inevitable.
Democratic candidates and leaders obtained the urban vote where media centers are controlled in most part by the majority of left-leaning civilians who work and live among its domain. Yes. This was the fate, seduction, and role media was to play on behalf of the Democratic Party for many decades.
However, imbalances eventually lead to balance. The old truths and myths of a liberal media are rapidly declining. Sure there has been a recent surge in popularity among the left media, but it is only because the country was fed up with a Republican held congress and presidency that failed to serve the interests of the public. In the long-term, I expect an equal following to build and continue amongst the supporters of the right media to provide the balance and difference in opinion that our country needs. It pushes elected officials to compromise and allow people to digest information from both sides in order to make effective electoral decisions based on their beliefs.
Now, take a step back and look try to imagine the big picture. Most would agree that media needs balance, but why? Let’s view this angle from the perspective of polarization and nationalism. In my estimation, media needs to ask tough questions, report on unethical behavior, and to provide an independent voice that serves as a check and balance to government. However, if media were to play the role of polarization and bias too well, then our nation would drift apart and stoke a fire of bitterness toward each other. Sure we have our differences, but in reality we share much more in common with each other. So, how can we work together with those that we have a hatred for? For example, how long must we see the election map showing red states and blue states when we are in fact a sea of purple swayed by moderate group of independent voters? Political parties must have a way to differentiate themselves, but occasionally the media does push the envelope, resulting in uncomfortable ramifications.
On the other hand, media also must be a spirit free of government control. If media casts its opinion with the government without any checks, it is likely that an unhealthy state of nationalism may take hold and shortly thereafter promote imperialistic tendencies. I can only imagine a state made op of a single-minded society where group think suffocates the ability of people to think freely. Would those of an opposing view be subjected to secrecy and casted away from society? Would new ideas be lost forever? Would an opposing political party have a voice or even cease to exist? It is certainly possible.
Think of a scenario where the media was used to promote the activities of government in a negative way. I believe this is the descriptive label for propaganda. A tool used to control and persuade the masses for better or worse. World War II is a perfect example. The good and honest people of Germany were lead to believe that their ideas and opinions should be forced on the rest of the world because the propaganda machine said they were a superior race. The civilian population for the most part bought into these lies. This is the absolute opposite end of the spectrum in the role that media has to play in society and we must be careful to learn the lessons that history has to teach us.
Private Label Water and Political Campaigns
Political campaigning is a very competitive business and events are an important part of political life and political campaigns. A well planned event can forcefully convey a clear political message and create political support for the candidate.
Political candidates hold many events like political rallies and fund raising as a means to reach out to voters. One of the basics of campaigning is that the candidate must develop a clear message and address it to their target audience. Events play an important part of this process. These meetings require detailed planning and resources and many organizations elect to utilize specialists in managing events.
Political campaigning is a complex undertaking with the development of a clear message, coordination of event schedules and maintaining critical timeline requirements of paramount importance. In addition to the logistics involved in planning the campaign forceful and consistent communication of the campaign message is a critical factor.
The Value of the Message
Political campaigning is all about the message.
A common message brings participants together and allows the candidate the ability to convey a strong reason why voters should show their support.
Management of the message also shows the voter how the candidate is different from the opponent and convinces voters to support the candidate. Effective communication of the message is critical therefore to the success of the campaign.
Promotional Items and Quality Communication
One aspect of communication is the use of personalized promotional items, effective banners and unique giveaways.
These items can be designed to impart an effective message and the use of high quality personalized giveaways creates a lasting impression and reinforces the campaign theme and message.
Private Label Drinking Water as an Effective Communication of the Message
Private label drinking water is an ideal and powerful way to promote a campaign message.
Essentially, private labeling allows campaigns to design and develop a label with a custom message and theme and attach that label to a bottle of healthy drinking water. A result of this process is the creation and promotion of a clear message that is tailored to the campaign and campaign events
Political candidates hold many events like political rallies and fund raising as a means to reach out to voters. One of the basics of campaigning is that the candidate must develop a clear message and address it to their target audience. Events play an important part of this process. These meetings require detailed planning and resources and many organizations elect to utilize specialists in managing events.
Political campaigning is a complex undertaking with the development of a clear message, coordination of event schedules and maintaining critical timeline requirements of paramount importance. In addition to the logistics involved in planning the campaign forceful and consistent communication of the campaign message is a critical factor.
The Value of the Message
Political campaigning is all about the message.
A common message brings participants together and allows the candidate the ability to convey a strong reason why voters should show their support.
Management of the message also shows the voter how the candidate is different from the opponent and convinces voters to support the candidate. Effective communication of the message is critical therefore to the success of the campaign.
Promotional Items and Quality Communication
One aspect of communication is the use of personalized promotional items, effective banners and unique giveaways.
These items can be designed to impart an effective message and the use of high quality personalized giveaways creates a lasting impression and reinforces the campaign theme and message.
Private Label Drinking Water as an Effective Communication of the Message
Private label drinking water is an ideal and powerful way to promote a campaign message.
Essentially, private labeling allows campaigns to design and develop a label with a custom message and theme and attach that label to a bottle of healthy drinking water. A result of this process is the creation and promotion of a clear message that is tailored to the campaign and campaign events
Political Reality of Iran
Iran is between a rock and a hard place when it comes to their economic and political survival. Iran is under considerable pressure to give up its nuclear energy program by the implementation of U.N. security resolutions. Yet the situations isn’t as easy for the Iranians as they will have to choose between a powerful energy resource that will spark its growing economy or serious economic consequences that may hinder future growth.
As pressure mounts on the Islamic nation to comply with U.N. resolutions internal squabbling has begun that may force political change. According to the 2006 report on the Political Risk report there is an 85% likelihood that Iran’s regime will still remain conservative over the next year and a half and 60% probability that they will stay conservative over the next five years.
Thus people within Iran have begun to show some signs of content with the revolutionary leaders. Young people want to expand the definition of what it means to be Muslim and allow for the further education of woman, more access to Western products and more freedom in society. Sanctions, if they are implemented and upheld, may further encourage internal activists to demand reform.
Not all nations besides the United States, the U.K., and France are in favor of heavy sanctions on the small country. Russia and China expressed discontent against the possible placing of sanctions on Iran (Popeski, 2006). Fear is that the country is being punished for being both Muslim and not bowing to international powers.
On July 31, 2006 the U.N. Security Council passed a security resolution telling Iran they had 30 days to suspend their Nuclear program or risk sanctions. This deadline has now come and the next move is in Iran’s hands. It is highly likely that Iran will not bow down to international pressure as it builds an independent nation.
As pressure mounts on the Islamic nation to comply with U.N. resolutions internal squabbling has begun that may force political change. According to the 2006 report on the Political Risk report there is an 85% likelihood that Iran’s regime will still remain conservative over the next year and a half and 60% probability that they will stay conservative over the next five years.
Thus people within Iran have begun to show some signs of content with the revolutionary leaders. Young people want to expand the definition of what it means to be Muslim and allow for the further education of woman, more access to Western products and more freedom in society. Sanctions, if they are implemented and upheld, may further encourage internal activists to demand reform.
Not all nations besides the United States, the U.K., and France are in favor of heavy sanctions on the small country. Russia and China expressed discontent against the possible placing of sanctions on Iran (Popeski, 2006). Fear is that the country is being punished for being both Muslim and not bowing to international powers.
On July 31, 2006 the U.N. Security Council passed a security resolution telling Iran they had 30 days to suspend their Nuclear program or risk sanctions. This deadline has now come and the next move is in Iran’s hands. It is highly likely that Iran will not bow down to international pressure as it builds an independent nation.
Are too many political candidates
Is negative political advertising harmful or helpful in getting political candidates elected today?. This article examines some of the moral highground politicans give up if they sink too low in attacking their opponents. It uses Plato's Analogy of the Cave and suggests how voters can take an active roll in demanding more intelligent and civil messages from those seeking public office.
Socrates to Glaucon
Let me show you in an analogy how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened. Behold politicians living in a cave, which has a mouth open toward the light. They have lived here from birth with their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see the cave wall before them, being prevented by the chains from turning their heads. Most politicians are decent people who care about their country. But they are prisoners of that wall. To win elections they see shadows of their opponents on that wall and think they are seeing reality. The only opinions they hear are echoes of their own voices bouncing around the cave.
Glaucon:
Truly that explains why they say such ugly, distorted things about each other. I see by today's news scroll that the two Virginia Senatorial candidates are saying some good things but then, suddenly, they begin to mud wrestle with words. How can you throw mud without getting your own hands dirty?
Socrates:
And how else to explain how two honorable men with thoughtful ideas can waste time accusing each other of everything with meaningless "he said/he said" arguments - HE is delaying armaments for soldiers and not paying taxes on stock options, or counter charges - HE is demeaning women and a reflection of the lusty words he wrote in his novels. But Virginia candidates are not alone in spreading thinly-researched insults. Too many political candidates all over America mix campaigns with calumny - rumor and innuendoes. Let me speak plainly. Many people country are facing real problems - an unending war, lack of access to affordable health care, and dangers to their Social Security and pension plans. Political candidates have an obligation to address these problems with their own solutions. Of course, they have a right to speak forcefully to defend themselves when they are attacked with false words. But there is a narrow ethical line they must not cross. Instead of offering thoughtful ideas, too many debase their responses with their own overblown accusations - everything from charges that opponents choked their mistresses to making pornographic phone calls and accepting bribes and all other manner of civil and legal crimes.
Socrates to Glaucon
Let me show you in an analogy how far our nature is enlightened or unenlightened. Behold politicians living in a cave, which has a mouth open toward the light. They have lived here from birth with their legs and necks chained so that they cannot move, and can only see the cave wall before them, being prevented by the chains from turning their heads. Most politicians are decent people who care about their country. But they are prisoners of that wall. To win elections they see shadows of their opponents on that wall and think they are seeing reality. The only opinions they hear are echoes of their own voices bouncing around the cave.
Glaucon:
Truly that explains why they say such ugly, distorted things about each other. I see by today's news scroll that the two Virginia Senatorial candidates are saying some good things but then, suddenly, they begin to mud wrestle with words. How can you throw mud without getting your own hands dirty?
Socrates:
And how else to explain how two honorable men with thoughtful ideas can waste time accusing each other of everything with meaningless "he said/he said" arguments - HE is delaying armaments for soldiers and not paying taxes on stock options, or counter charges - HE is demeaning women and a reflection of the lusty words he wrote in his novels. But Virginia candidates are not alone in spreading thinly-researched insults. Too many political candidates all over America mix campaigns with calumny - rumor and innuendoes. Let me speak plainly. Many people country are facing real problems - an unending war, lack of access to affordable health care, and dangers to their Social Security and pension plans. Political candidates have an obligation to address these problems with their own solutions. Of course, they have a right to speak forcefully to defend themselves when they are attacked with false words. But there is a narrow ethical line they must not cross. Instead of offering thoughtful ideas, too many debase their responses with their own overblown accusations - everything from charges that opponents choked their mistresses to making pornographic phone calls and accepting bribes and all other manner of civil and legal crimes.
Financial and Political Problems
The 2006-2007 school year for the St Louis schools brings with it a financial deficit and accreditation problems carried over from the previous board majority. Additionally, superintendent Creg Williams’ proposed budget was voted down on June 13, so currently there is no budget for the upcoming school year.
Financial Deficit
The current financial deficit was caused by the state, when it refused to honor its contract with the St Louis schools under the desegregation agreement of 1999. Abruptly during the 2002-2003 school year, the state cut off the funding and flatly refused to honor the agreement to pay the required funding — and has not paid a cent since.
The St Louis schools sued the state and won the lawsuit in circuit court. The state appealed the decision and has been dragging out the process ever since, delaying any decision on the appeal. The total amount in arrears that the state owes the St Louis schools is more than $120 million. This is the sole cause of the deficit for the upcoming school year.
Politics within the St Louis Schools
Adding to the financial troubles are the political problems that began in 2003, when board control of the St Louis schools was taken over by members loyal to Mayor Francis Slay. Voter support that was previously enjoyed by the St Louis schools was almost immediately lost.
There was nearly three years of disastrous performance in the St Louis schools. This majority essentially gave control of the St Louis schools to the New York management.
Financial Deficit
The current financial deficit was caused by the state, when it refused to honor its contract with the St Louis schools under the desegregation agreement of 1999. Abruptly during the 2002-2003 school year, the state cut off the funding and flatly refused to honor the agreement to pay the required funding — and has not paid a cent since.
The St Louis schools sued the state and won the lawsuit in circuit court. The state appealed the decision and has been dragging out the process ever since, delaying any decision on the appeal. The total amount in arrears that the state owes the St Louis schools is more than $120 million. This is the sole cause of the deficit for the upcoming school year.
Politics within the St Louis Schools
Adding to the financial troubles are the political problems that began in 2003, when board control of the St Louis schools was taken over by members loyal to Mayor Francis Slay. Voter support that was previously enjoyed by the St Louis schools was almost immediately lost.
There was nearly three years of disastrous performance in the St Louis schools. This majority essentially gave control of the St Louis schools to the New York management.
The Vast Political Landscape Of Sports
Politics directly related with economic issues, influence the course of action one country might choose against another and certainly affect the role of sports, since they are a vital part of a nation's role in the global scene. Through boycotting sports events or using athletes for propaganda purposes, individual countries have tried over past practices to impose their political views and affect the world's understanding. But especially because of the immense public's interest in international athletic events, influencing political views and gaining valuable exchange power becomes an important issue on a nation's sport agenda, while the danger of engagement in 'country-battles' in the international relations field, does not always count as a serious disadvantage.
At the same time, the commercialism that accompanies spectator sports gradually engulfs both amateur and professional events. By the late 20th century, the televising of athletic events had made sports as the 'new' big business. On the other hand, the expanding public concern on personal physical health led to mass participation, not necessarily competitive, in sports like running, hiking, cycling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Athletic activity by women expanded, especially after political action in the 1960s and 1970s opening close doors of the past to many forms of competition and an increased share of public funding for sports.
Private interests for profit and publicity work alongside with more global issues like economic integration and free trade, and as they have already proved they will surely continue to affect sports future role. Countries use sports either to impose their economic power over others, or to elevate their current one. Due to sports' great costs, governments engage themselves in promoting and supporting these economic needs by authorising special public monetary programs or by seeking private financing (lecture notes). Corporate sponsorships are today a reality, as companies spend about $6 billion annually sponsoring activities ranging from the Olympic Games to the World Cup. The popularity of sponsored events is increasing due to several reasons. They enhance the reputation and image of the sponsor, they provide a focal point for marketing efforts and sales campaigns, and they generate publicity and media coverage. More cost-effective than advertising, sponsorships include prestige and at times target a worldwide audience. Broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships, are the main reasons of sport's unique role for a country's strategy.
Historically proven, sport has acted as a liaison between nations and contributed to their evolution. Beginning with the sociological, psychological and physiological aspects of the human nature, sport has gained the praise of people worldwide, as it has contributed to their well being. Group-oriented, since in order to be a winner one has to compete, sport brings people closer together and generates team-spirit along with mind and physical awareness. Moreover, living today in the information age, sport experts believe that sport is greatly influenced by the actions of individual nations, as well as by the international trends that influence the world economy. As sport is always a spectacle, sport athletes have become professional ambassadors that through them their country's culture is promoted and their achievements contribute to its fame. Sports in this global society has become lately an issue of great concern and studies worldwide provide valuable information about the political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, aesthetic and historical aspects of sport that will 'shape' its future role.
At the same time, the commercialism that accompanies spectator sports gradually engulfs both amateur and professional events. By the late 20th century, the televising of athletic events had made sports as the 'new' big business. On the other hand, the expanding public concern on personal physical health led to mass participation, not necessarily competitive, in sports like running, hiking, cycling, martial arts, and gymnastics. Athletic activity by women expanded, especially after political action in the 1960s and 1970s opening close doors of the past to many forms of competition and an increased share of public funding for sports.
Private interests for profit and publicity work alongside with more global issues like economic integration and free trade, and as they have already proved they will surely continue to affect sports future role. Countries use sports either to impose their economic power over others, or to elevate their current one. Due to sports' great costs, governments engage themselves in promoting and supporting these economic needs by authorising special public monetary programs or by seeking private financing (lecture notes). Corporate sponsorships are today a reality, as companies spend about $6 billion annually sponsoring activities ranging from the Olympic Games to the World Cup. The popularity of sponsored events is increasing due to several reasons. They enhance the reputation and image of the sponsor, they provide a focal point for marketing efforts and sales campaigns, and they generate publicity and media coverage. More cost-effective than advertising, sponsorships include prestige and at times target a worldwide audience. Broadcasting rights, ticket sales, merchandising, and sponsorships, are the main reasons of sport's unique role for a country's strategy.
Historically proven, sport has acted as a liaison between nations and contributed to their evolution. Beginning with the sociological, psychological and physiological aspects of the human nature, sport has gained the praise of people worldwide, as it has contributed to their well being. Group-oriented, since in order to be a winner one has to compete, sport brings people closer together and generates team-spirit along with mind and physical awareness. Moreover, living today in the information age, sport experts believe that sport is greatly influenced by the actions of individual nations, as well as by the international trends that influence the world economy. As sport is always a spectacle, sport athletes have become professional ambassadors that through them their country's culture is promoted and their achievements contribute to its fame. Sports in this global society has become lately an issue of great concern and studies worldwide provide valuable information about the political, geographical, economic, cultural, social, aesthetic and historical aspects of sport that will 'shape' its future role.
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