Dangerous Cuba Deal STILL KICKING America Restoring Diplomatic Ties with Cuba Throws a Lifeline to the Cuban MARCH 2015 Dictatorship Run by Fidel and Raúl Castro

MARCH 2015 | THETRUMPET.COM

America’s nanny state is ruining us The welfare system that works How cheap gas is changing the world Three misconceptions about Bible prophecy

The Dangerous Cuba Deal STILL KICKING America restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba throws a lifeline to the Cuban MARCH 2015 dictatorship run by Fidel and Raúl Castro. VOL. 26, NO. 3 CIRC. 311,350

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From the Editor 1 Bible IQ 26 The Deadly Dangerous U.S.-Cuba Deal Making Right Decisions

Worldwatch 28 Palestinians seek East Jerusalem, Germany wants Euroarmy, China trumps the IMF, etc. Features Societywatch 31 How Cheap Gas Is Changing the World 4 Traditional families declining, etc. The plunging price of oil is having massive geopolitical effects. Principles of Living 33 Dependent 8 A Secret to Happiness How the nanny state is ruining America Discussion Board 34 Living on Triple-Crème Gourmet Government Cheese 11 Commentary 35 Welfare fraud is bad for taxpayers, and even worse for the abusers. Choose: Hard Work? Or Comfy Gratification?

Has America Been Influenced by Communism? 14 The Key of David Television Log 36 Many ridicule prior generations’ concern over Communist infiltration. But current trends are bringing that concern back into focus.

Infographic Blessed Union 18 ON OUR COVER: U.S. President Barack Obama (left) normalized relations with Cuba upon prodding from Pope Francis (right). The Welfare System That Works 20

Three Misconceptions About Bible Prophecy 22

The Amazing Durability of the Russians 24 History suggests how Russia will respond to its economic woes. From the Editor

The Deadly Dangerous U.S.-Cuba Deal

Is the Roman Catholic Church trying to establish a strategic foothold 90 miles from American soil? And if so, why?

n December, U.S. President Barack Obama surprised the find almost no Protestants in Spain today! Just one year later, world by announcing that America would restore diplo- Pope Alexander vi commanded Spain to conquer, colonize and I matic ties with Cuba after 53 years of hostility. The terms catholicize the “pagans” of Cuba and the rest of the New World. of the deal completely favor Cuba. Cuba did not have to aban- Meanwhile, Europe’s Habsburg dynasty was becoming very don communism or reform its dictatorial governance. The U.S. powerful. Through marriage and inheritance, the Habsburg got nothing out of this deal. Empire extended into Spain in 1516. Soon, Spain was integrated Then why did the president make into the empire. In the early 1500s, Charles v gained power this deal? Only our booklet America over the Netherlands, Spain and Germany. In Rome in 1530, the Under Attack fully answers that ques- pope crowned him emperor. He headed the fourth resur- tion! (Request your free copy). rection of the Holy Roman Empire. What is this all about? We could write Charles continued to work closely with the popes, and the quite a bit about the president bypassing Roman church steered his empire. By the end of the 1500s, Congress and using yet another execu- Spain had become the richest country in the world. gerald flurry tive action to make this deal. We could Much of this wealth and power came from Spain’s conquest say a lot about the dangers of America of the New World. Fleets of ships laden with billions of dollars appeasing yet another regime that hates it. But the factor that in gold and silver crossed the Atlantic. And Cuba played a vital is more significant than any of these issues is this: The deal was largely the handiwork of the Vatican. Pope Francis played a vital role in the president’s decision. “Pope Francis issued a personal appeal to me, and to Cuba’s Modern Cuba is Communist, President Raúl Castro,” President Obama said as part of his but it has only been so for landmark announcement about it. In early summer of 2014, the pope appealed to both leaders about 50 years—less than a by letter, urging them to exchange prisoners and improve relations. The Vatican later hosted a clandestine meeting between lifetime. It has been Catholic the two sides in Rome. However, it was actually Francis’s prede- cessor who put the plan into motion. In 2012, Pope Benedict xvi for almost 500 years. began pressuring the United States to normalize relations with images

Cuba. Francis carried on Benedict’s efforts. After months of role in its wealth. Havana, Cuba, was the primary port for getty / working behind the scenes, the momentous deal was sealed. shipping all the treasure Spain was confiscating and mining afp / Its announcement surprised the world. in the New World. Ships ferried tens of thousands of tons of bouys So America has opened itself up to an unsavory regime just silver and gold from North and South America to Havana and a short boat ride away. But this is about much, much more than from Havana to Seville, Spain. There, the Spanish spent it on gabriel : that, especially when you understand the history of the Catho- the Habsburg’s struggle against the Ottoman Empire and its cover

, lic Church and Cuba. war with the major European powers of the day. It also helped to finance the Catholic Church’s inquisitions as that church images Cuba and the Holy Roman Empire tried to extinguish all other religions in Europe. getty / The Catholic Church’s history with Cuba dates back hundreds For many years, not a single European power was strong afp / of years. In 1492, Christopher Columbus was the one who enough to stop the mighty and wealthy Holy Roman Empire roque claimed the Caribbean islands, including Cuba, for Spain, the and its ambition to colonize and catholicize the New World. champion of Catholicism. Spain was ruled by Ferdinand ii, the This is part of Cuba’s heritage.

adalberto king who expelled or forcefully converted Jews and Muslims Modern Cuba is a Communist nation, but it has only been : toc and who established the Spanish Inquisition—which is why you Communist for about 50 years—less than a lifetime. It has been MARCH 2015 1 a Catholic country for almost 500 years! Today, between 60 the kind of power Pope Francis has. and 65 percent of Cubans say they are Catholic, so it’s clear that “Francis is a master of blending the spiritual with the politi- the church’s influence remains deeply entrenched. cal,” wrote National Public Radio’s Rome-based senior Europe Fidel Castro is close to death. And Raúl Castro is quite old. correspondent, Sylvia Poggioli. “[He] has embraced the bully So the political equation could change radically in the next few pulpit of the papacy, emerging as a daring, independent broker years—or even months. on the global stage” (Dec. 25, 2014). If enormous changes occur, the Vatican could gain real power in Cuba. The Vatican claims the Cuba’s Strategic Value Many do not think the Caribbean is strategically important, deal is “in the interest of the but that’s because the United States has dominated it for many citizens of both countries.” decades. For the Catholic Spanish Empire, Cuba was the single strategic port that served two entire continents. For Is that true? Napoleon, Haiti served as the basis of his empire in the New World. When he lost Haiti in a slave revolt, he gave up his ambi- What kinds of deals is Francis brokering? Who do they ben- tion in the Western Hemisphere and sold off a massive chunk efit? The Vatican claims that the U.S.-Cuba deal is “in the inter- of territory in the Louisiana Purchase. est of the citizens of both countries.” Is that true? But there is a much more recent reminder of Cuba’s strategic First, look at whether it was good for the people of Cuba. importance. If you are older, you probably remember late 1962, Critics of American foreign policy in general and of the U.S. when the U.S. discovered that the Soviet Union was deploying embargo of Cuba tend to romanticize Cuba’s ruling regime. missiles to Cuba. Sources told the Americans that some of the That is a serious error! Under the Castros, the people of Cuba missiles were so big that the tractor trailers carrying them have suffered political terror and human rights abuses. Fidel through Cuban towns had trouble making turns. The Soviets and Raúl Castro have run the nation as a totalitarian police were fortifying Cuba with ballistic missiles equipped to carry state, and they continue to model it after the Soviet Union. nuclear warheads. And they were about to aim these deadly Cubans are the only people in the Western Hemisphere who missiles at the American mainland from point-blank range. haven’t been able to elect a leader in more than 55 years. Most authorities believe this was the closest the Cold War When Russia and Venezuela, the main sponsors of the Castro ever came to full-scale nuclear war. regime, started suffering in the last few months due to falling oil The Soviets wanted to deploy and activate their missiles in prices, it looked as if the Castro government could finally collapse. Cuba without America finding out. With supersonic nuclear That could have paved the way for democracy to finally prevail missiles only minutes away from America’s cities, the Soviets for Cubans. What the Castro brothers needed in order to survive could evade America’s missile warning system and launch a was an economic lifeline from their enemy, the United States. And surprise attack. I believe there is ample evidence that the that is exactly what the pope and President Obama delivered. The Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev would have attempted deal also gave their criminal government international legitimacy. to destroy America at that time. What if Khrushchev had Anybody familiar with the Castro regime’s track record achieved his secret plan to surprise America? He would probably knows that legitimizing and propping it up is not in the inter- never have had a better opportunity to conquer America—and he est of the people of Cuba! The deal is based on hopes of some knew it! After all, he did say that the Soviets would “bury” us. At American leaders that the Cuban government will reform, the very least, the Soviet Union would have had the U.S. at nuclear but they required no change from it. And it is extremely rare gunpoint. America’s foreign policy would have been neutralized. for dictators to voluntarily loosen their power. However, something happened in Cuba. The Americans The normalization of relations, according to Rep. Ileana began hearing reports that missiles were coming in. But they Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, “will embolden the Cas- needed confirmation. It was difficult to fly over Cuba, a hostile tro regime to continue its illicit activities, trample on funda- nation, without getting shot down. But somehow, the Soviet mental freedoms, and disregard democratic principles.” plan got out of phase. The missiles arrived and were out This is a bad deal for the Cubans. in the open before the antiaircraft batteries were fully Was it good for the people of the United States? Under the Cas- operational. American spy planes spotted the missiles and tro regime, Cuba has acted as one of the Western Hemisphere’s brought home photographic proof of Cuba’s nuclear buildup. major sponsors of terrorism and drug trafficking. Legitimizing The Cuban Missile Crisis turned out to be a victory for Amer- it is a victory for those who want to see America fall. Giving in to ica, a victory that could have easily been a crushing defeat. But it that Communist regime emboldens America’s enemies. proved how strategic the Cuban islands are for anyone who wants It is also important that, as part of the deal, Cuba released to harm the U.S. With modern weapons, how easily and quickly Alan Gross, an American citizen wrongfully imprisoned for five an enemy force can strike America’s military and its cities. years, and the U.S. released three Cuban spies. To U.S. enemies, this sends a clear message: A surefire way to win policy conces- Who Does the U.S.-Cuba Thaw Benefit? sions from Washington, or to rescue your friends captured by Where does the Vatican factor into all of this? One thing this the U.S., is to take American citizens hostage and hold them as Cuba deal has accomplished is that is has displayed to the world long as necessary. 2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET This places America’s weakness on display for the world to STRAITS OF FLORIDA see. It also potentially endangers Americans by putting a price UNITED STATES on their heads. For America, this was a disgraceful surrender. The pres- NORTH AMERICA ident undid a strategy that the nation had been using for 53 years, a strategy that might have been on the verge of toppling one of the world’s most renowned criminal regimes.

Florida Republican Sen. Marco Rubio said, “[T]he policy STRAITS OF FLORIDA changes announced by President Obama will have far-reach- ing consequences for the American people. … There can be no CUBA doubt that the regime in Tehran is watching closely, and it will try to exploit President Obama’s naivety as the Iranian leaders pursue concessions from the U.S. in their quest to establish

themselves as a nuclear power.” PANAMA CENTRAL CANAL Many American leaders like Rubio didn’t like that Cuban deal, AMERICA but the pope was not fazed by that. Modern leaders would—and should—object to this kind of deal even more forcefully if they knew anything about the Holy Roman Empire. For many, the fact 0m 300 600 SOUTH AMERICA that the pope endorsed this deal made it more palatable! This MILES shows that they really don’t understand anything about that Vatican-guided empire. It looks so righteous, so good. But look at the history of the Catholic Church! Not only has it authored a lot of foreign-policy nightmares throughout the ages, but conserva- For the Catholic Spanish tive estimates say it has presided over the deaths of more than 50 million people! Why do so many just forget all about that? Empire, Cuba was the

The German Role single strategic port Pope Francis is from Argentina, but we shouldn’t forget that the that served two entire Vatican got involved in this deal as early as March 2012, when the church was led by Pope Benedict. He is the German pope continents. emeritus, and he has friends in high places in Germany. We need to watch this carefully, because Bible prophecy shows clearly that America, Britain and the Jewish nation are in grave danger and will be double-crossed by a reconstituted has provided far more goodness than the Vatican has when it German-led Holy Roman Empire. was powerful! Francis called free-market global capital- How will this happen? I think Cuba could be a significant ism “a new tyranny” and condemned it as “a financial sys- part of the strategy. Nobody would suspect the pope of doing tem which rules rather than serves.” anything malicious or double-crossing us or anything like that, Which nation is the model of free-market global capi- but if you look at what the Bible says about the organization talism? The United States of America. he leads, you see that it is not what it appears to be. Study the If Pope Francis is to be taken at his word, he could not possi- history of every single time the Roman church started guid- bly wish for the capitalist example nation to thrive, prosper and ing European politics. You see a lot of blood spilled every time! continue inflicting its “tyranny” on the world. If he is sincere Look at the two men who were the main players of this deal: in saying the capitalist system is a force of destruction, then he the pope, and the U.S. president. If you read our two booklets would feel not only justified, but obligated to use his influence Germany and the Holy Roman Empire and America Under Attack, to weaken it. And if decreasing U.S. power is among Francis’s you will see that these two do not have the good of America in goals, he may have discovered that the current U.S. administra- mind. Quite the opposite! And if they are working something tion shares in it—to varying degrees on various policy points. out behind the scenes, like this Cuba thaw, then you have to Bible prophecy discusses a massive double cross that the believe there may be something really big going on. German-led European Union will commit against America. Pope Francis has made clear that he wants to topple the That double cross very well could include cyberattacks. It could global system of free-market capitalism. “[S]ome people con- knock out huge parts of our power grid and cause serious may- tinue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that eco- hem. That prophecy says those European nations are America’s nomic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably “lovers” right now, but that will not be the case for long! succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness Here is what Charles Krauthammer wrote January 1: “Vlad- in the world,” he wrote in Joy of the Gospel (Evangelii Gaud- imir Putin has repositioned Russia as America’s leading geopo- ium), his November 2013 apostolic exhortation. “This opinion litical adversary and the Castros signed up for that coalition too. … expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those Cuba has reportedly agreed to reopen the Soviet-era Lourdes wielding economic power.” History shows that our free market CUBA PAGE 36 u MARCH 2015 3 ulling up to a pump is almost a joy these days. For 113 consecu- tive sunshiny days, prices at the gasoline pump have fallen. For Pthe past nine months, it has been almost nothing but blue sky and daffodils. In 18 states in the United States, sub-$2-per- gallon gas is igniting smiles and opti- How Cheap Gas Is mism not experienced since the 2008 economic crash. For a typical family, lower gasoline prices mean an extra $1,150 per year to spend on, well, whatever the heart desires, according to Citigroup analysts. CHANGING With 115 million households in the U.S., that is a lot of extra coin to go around. The extra cash is an immediate boost for the American economy. And that is making a lot of people happy. The U.S. THE WORLD Bureau of Economic Analysis reported that U.S. gross domestic product grew The plunging price of oil is setting off more than grins at a barn-burning 5 percent rate during at the gas station. It is having massive geopolitical effects the fourth quarter of 2014—the fastest that you need to know about. by robert morley growth since the economic crash in 2008. Yet not all is sunshine and flowers. Yes, the extra money in your wallet is nice—but you need to understand the dramatic problems this trend is creating throughout the world around you.

American Economy For starters, all these happy motorists are tooling around in an American economy under threat from risks that did not GAS HOG exist just a few years ago. Big ones. You may not realize this, but in the years following the 2008 Wall Street meltdown, shale oil revolutionized America’s economy. And last year, according to Bank of America analysts, the U.S. overtook b o t h Saudi Arabia and Russia to become the Making matters worse, America’s oil price of oil. This will give a short-term world’s largest oil producer. boom was financed by extreme debt. This boost to the manufacturing export sec- Shocked? Didn’t realize that America may be the bigger danger for America. tor. Ontario, a large oil consumer and was the world’s biggest oil bigwig? “The reality is that the recent energy home to Canada’s industrial heartland, How is this possible? Fracking tech- boom was financed by $500 billion of will benefit from low oil prices the most. nology. This new tech, developed and credit extended to mostly ‘subprime’ oil Since the U.S. economy is more diversi- pioneered in the U.S., allows companies companies, who issued what are politely fied, the U.S. dollar is not falling with the to extract oil from rock. It also releases termed high-yield bonds—to the point oil price. The relatively stronger U.S. dol- natural gas, which America became the that 20 percent of the high-yield mar- lar will make Canadian-manufactured world’s largest producer of in 2010. ket is now energy-production-related,” goods cheaper than domestically pro- Massive amounts of previously inac- wrote Mauldin (ibid). “High yield” bonds duced ones. American manufacturers cessible energy helped power Ameri- is code for junk bonds. will lose market shares and jobs. ca’s economy after the 2008 crisis. The We may be cruising straight into a In Mexico, the low oil price could hit shale oil and gas revolution has been the “subprime” oil crisis. If so, shale oil compa- with a devastating punch. The energy nation’s biggest single creator of full-time, nies and the banks that lent to them will sector accounts for a full 13 percent of middle-class jobs since the 2008 economic be the first to be totaled. Your 401(k) or Mexico’s economy. Much of Mexico’s oil crash. As economic analyst John Mauldin pension plan will get smashed next. And production is Gulf oil, which comes from pointed out, nearly 1 million Americans individuals and businesses throughout aging oil fields and is costly to produce. work directly in the oil and gas industry, the economy will pile up one after another. The longer prices stay low, the greater along with another 10 million indirectly. “Losses are going to cascade through the threat that these fields will become “The important takeaway is that, with- the system,” former cia financial analyst uneconomical. Additionally, oil accounts out new energy production, post-reces- Jim Rickards told RT. “There are unfore- for 32 percent of government revenue, sion U.S. growth would have looked more seen consequences and hidden losses. I and the Mexican government has based like Europe’s—tepid, to say the least. Job am not so sanguine that this is going to its 2015 budget on an average of $79 a growth would have barely budged over work out so smoothly in the end …. This barrel. Mexicans are going to lose some the last five years,” Mauldin wrote (Maul- looks like the beginning of [a crisis].” jobs as well as government spending. din Economics, Dec. 16, 2014). These wild swerves in the price of oil This could lead to more social instability. But America’s energy boom was pred- have real-world effects on national econ- But as important as oil is to North icated on oil prices that no longer exist. omies. Everyone in the sector—and a lot America, taken together, Canada, Mex- The average mid-cycle break-even of people driving along nearby—is about ico and the U.S. are not only close to ener- price of a shale oil company operating to take some damage. gy-self-sufficient, but they are also close in the North Dakota’s Bakken field is $69 allies. The same cannot be said about per barrel, according to Scotiabank ana- North and South of the Border the rest of the world. Plunging oil prices, lysts. The break-even cost in the Permian In Canada and Mexico, two more major while an economic blessing to some Basin in Texas comes in at $68 per barrel; oil-exporting nations, cheaper oil is also nations, threaten to collapse others. the Niobrara, $59; the Eagle-Ford, $50. a mixed blessing. Falling oil prices might even mean war. Remember, these are mid-cycle In Canada, the oil sands have among Here is a summary of the most import- break-even prices that don’t factor in the highest all-in-cost of production— ant considerations from several oil-re- the upfront costs of acquiring land and even higher than U.S. shale oil. The lated tension points around the world. infrastructure. You need to tack on $5 to advantage Canada has is that oil sands $10 more per barrel for those costs. operations are conducted more like min- English-Speaking Ally in Europe Today, nobody wants to pay more ing operations: Once the mines get built, The United Kingdom’s North Sea oil than $45 per barrel. they produce the oil relatively inexpen- fields, once the envy of the world, are Houston, we have a problem. sively for up to 30 years or more. So “close to collapse,” Robin Allan, chair- The vast majority of America’s newest even with low prices, it’s still profitable man of the independent explorers’ asso- oil production—the production that has to keep the oil flowing to market. How- ciation Brindex, told the bbc in Decem- powered so much of America’s recent ever, new projects will be put on hold. In ber—when oil was still in the mid-$60s. job growth—is uneconomical at current contrast, shale oil wells produce about The North Sea oil fields are especially prices. Existing oil wells will continue 90 percent of their oil their first year and vulnerable because they are old and to be pumped because companies have run dry after three years. So if oil prices expensive to develop. Production peaked no other choice, but if prices remain don’t improve quickly, these U.S.-based in 1999 and has since fallen sharply. low for more than a few months, future competitors will be the first to go bust. According to Allen, no new projects in the development will grind to a halt. Well Oil-producing provinces like Alberta, North Sea are profitable with oil below permit applications were down 40 Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Newfound- $60 per barrel. “It’s a huge crisis,” he said. percent in November and did not land will be hit hardest. Provincial col- It may be a crisis in terms of jobs, recover in December. Layoffs at lections will be smaller than expected. employment and revenue—but from exploration and production On a federal level, the value of the a geopolitical perspective, it has the companies are starting too. Canadian dollar is falling with the potential to be a total disaster. MARCH 2015 5 getty images, alexander zobin/afp/getty images, greg baker/afp/getty images, getty images, brendan smialowski/afp/ getty images, getty images, adek berry/afp/getty images, getty images, alexander nemenov/afp/getty images North Sea oil made Britain energy Saudi Arabia’s powerful oil minis- prices to be economical. Additionally, self-sufficient. Until 2007, it was not reli- ter, Ali al-Naimi, made a shocking com- low oil prices will begin to suppress ant on other nations for its energy sup- ment on December 22. He told the Mid- alternative energy sources as well. When ply. Since then, Britain has had to import dle East Economic Survey that it was companies go bankrupt, plants and increasing amounts of oil and gas. “not in the interest of opec producers to equipment get neglected, supply chains In a world of sub-$60 oil, the UK could cut their production, whatever the price break down, and it becomes more diffi- soon come to rely heavily on imported is” (emphasis added). “Whether it goes cult for industries to start back up again. fuel. And the list of fuel suppliers ranges down to $20 a barrel, $40, $50, $60, it is Some analysts have speculated that from unsavory to outright hostile. irrelevant,” he said. the Saudis’ desire to drive prices lower But while Britain faces the loss of its His odd comments came as the price was targeted at U.S. fracking companies, oil supply, other nations are slip-sliding of oil hits multiyear lows. Since June, U.S. which are responsible for almost the entire to happy days and big bank accounts. crude has cascaded from $107 per barrel increase in global oil production over the to $44 per barrel. The sell-off in Brent past five years. On November 3, the Wall The Biggest Winner Is? crude, the oil purchased by Europe and Street Journal quoted Saudi sources say- For every dollar the price of oil falls, Asia, is even steeper. It has plummeted ing they would sell oil to America for less China saves $2.1 billion per year. Do the from $112 per barrel to $46. Just a few than their Asian customers pay. So it is math. That is a $200 billion-per-year years ago, oil traded for $140 per barrel. possible that U.S. production was a tar- boost to China’s economy, courtesy of oil It is the second-sharpest decline in get, but it is more likely the sheiks had falling from $140 per barrel. This mas- history, yet the Saudis seem to want it to other targets in their sights. sive economic stimulus could hardly go even lower. This is strange because Consider which opec nations are the have come at a better time. the Organization of the Petroleum big losers. “Saudi Arabia, U.A.E. and Qatar can live with relatively lower oil prices for a CRUDE OIL BRENT PRICE 130 120 while, but this isn’t the case for Iran, Iraq, 110 Nigeria, Venezuela, Algeria and Angola,” 100 said Marie-Claire Aoun, director of the 90 energy center at the Institute for Inter- 80 national Relations in Paris. “Strong 70 demographic pressure is feeding their 60 energy and budgetary requirements. The price of crude is paramount for their Average monthly price in USD 48 40 economies because they have failed to 2012 2013 2014 2015 diversify” (Bloomberg, Dec. 1, 2014). The lower price of oil and gas also gave Exporting Countries (opec) cartel was Iraq, Nigeria, Venezuela, Algeria, China the additional leverage it needed founded to do just the opposite—keep Angola and Libya are all considered to finalize two massive pipeline deals oil prices high by limiting supply. Iran’s opec allies. And bitter enemies with Russia. Worth close to $800 billion So what are the Saudis up to? of the Saudis. These nations all need and characterized as the biggest pipe- For several opec member nations, oil $100-per-barrel oil or higher to balance line construction projects in history, is a matter of life and death. The Inter- their budgets. And of these nations, it is these lines will soon make Russia into national Monetary Fund in October thought that Iran is the most vulnera- China’s most important energy supplier. analyzed the oil prices various govern- ble to falling prices. A 2009 estimate put So China gets the world’s biggest oil- ments need to balance their budgets. The Iran’s break-even cost of its oil produc- price subsidy and decades’ worth of oil nations on the Arabian Peninsula (Saudi tion at $90 per barrel. and gas delivered right to its doorstep. Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates It is likely that Iran is a target of the Second place goes to the Europeans. and Qatar) can survive with $70-per-bar- Saudis’ move to depress oil prices. If this Continental Europe imports 70 percent rel oil. These nations also tend to be the is the case, one of the biggest impacts of of its oil and gas supplies. Again, lower ones with the largest financial reserves. Saudi Arabia’s decision to keep pumping fuel costs equals an economic boost. According to one estimate, Saudi Arabia oil may be the fracturing of opec. Divi- With many countries locked in recession, could survive for two years at current sions between the low-cost oil produc- lower petrol prices are a welcome respite. prices with minor difficulty. These low- ing nations led by Saudi Arabia and the But it will be temporary relief. Much cost opec producers may even benefit in high-cost producing nations led by Iran of Europe’s oil and gas comes from Rus- the longer term from lower oil prices. will become increasingly stark. sia, and as we will see, that means trouble. Depressed prices shake out the Budget pressures in Iran, Libya and competition. If oil prices stay low long Algeria could soon lead to crisis situa- The Biggest Loser Is? enough, production from old, less prof- tions. For a preview of what may await You can’t discuss oil prices without con- itable fields and new, expensive fields the people of these nations, just look sidering the world’s premier oil cartel. may be shuttered. Once closed, the costs at Venezuela, where social welfare And it is a cartel in chaos. to reopen can require much higher oil spending is being slashed, inflation 6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET is destroying people’s savings, store WINNERS, LOSERS, AND BIGGEST LOSERS shelves are empty, violent rioting is widespread, and revolution may be in the air. Expect falling oil prices to also empower the radicals. In Nigeria, for example, a weakened 13 government will be less able to resist 9 Muslim Boko Haram terrorists push- 4 5 ing toward its city centers. Expect more 6 8 7 15 1 2 #BringBackOurGirls hashtags. 14 18 10 3 In Libya, watch for the civil war to 11 12 heat up again as various terrorist groups 16 17 fight to maintain their share of shrink- 19 ing oil revenues. The southern portions of Libya especially will be a hotbed for extremists, potentially destabilizing WINNERS 1. China 2.Japan 3.India 4.Germany 5.France 6.Italy 7.Spain neighboring countries. LOSERS 8.U.S.A. 9.UK 10.Saudi Arabia 11.Kuwait 12.United Arab Emirates Most importantly, watch Iran, the BIGGEST LOSERS 13.Russia 14.Iran 15.Iraq 16.Venezuela 17.Nigeria 18.Algeria 19.Brazil regional kingpin and world’s worst terrorist-sponsoring nation. Iran has one of the Middle East’s toughest armies, its shutdown over minuscule proposed cuts fangs and his claws. … Once they’ve taken biggest economy, and its second-largest to spending? Imagine if the government out his claws and his fangs, then the bear population. It is also locked in a game had to immediately cut its budget by 25 is no longer necessary. He’ll become a of nuclear chicken with the U.S. and to 30 percent to pay the bills—while see- stuffed animal. The issue is not Crimea, Europe. What will it do to cope with ing the value of the dollar evaporate by 60 the issue is that we are protecting our lower oil prices? Will Tehran stir up percent over a matter of months. This is sovereignty and our right to exist.” trouble in the Strait of Hormuz, the stra- the situation facing Russia. And it comes This does not sound like a man ready tegic choke point through which 30 per- as Russia’s economy is also being bat- to concede defeat. It sounds more like cent of all seaborne oil passes? What will tered by the West’s economic sanctions. a man preparing his nation for action. it do with Iraq’s oil fields, as it battles the So what will Putin do? The capacity of the Russian people to Islamic State for influence in the coun- Some analysts, like the New York endure suffering is probably among the try? Will Iran activate its agents within Times’ Thomas Friedman, have suggested world’s greatest. The West grossly under- the local Shiite population in Bahrain, that Saudi Arabia is working in conjunc- estimates the determination and morale which is adjacent to Saudi Arabia’s most tion with the U.S. to drive oil prices down of the typical Russian (article, page 24). important oil fields? Or will it take some in an effort to bankrupt both Iran and So what will Putin do? What he is other radical action to boost oil prices? Russia. This is a theme that Putin has also already doing: He will tighten his embrace Although Saudi Arabia seems to hold highlighted. In an interview with Chinese of China. oil prices hostage for now, that could com- media ahead of the November Asia-Pacific On September 10, China’s state-run pletely change if Iran blockaded the Per- Economic Cooperation summit, Putin People’s Daily Online announced that sian Gulf or obtained nuclear weapons. said this when asked about cheap oil: “[A] China had agreed to help Russia con- A desperate Iran will be a dangerous political component is always present in struct one of the largest ports in Northeast and unpredictable Iran. Don’t be sur- oil prices. … [D]erivatives greatly increas- Asia on Russia’s Sea of Japan coast. The prised if it lashes out and reminds the ing the volatility of oil prices are being seaport will be built to handle about 66 world who the region’s supreme leader is. actively used. Unfortunately, such a situa- million tons of cargo a year, making it as The nations may not be worrying tion creates the conditions for speculative big as Britain and France’s largest ports. about low oil prices for long. activity and, as a consequence, for manip- Then there were the two aforemen- ulating the prices in someone’s interests.” tioned massive pipeline construction Russia: The Bigger Question On December 18, in his annual speech, deals Putin and China have agreed to. Perhaps the biggest question facing the Putin said Russia’s existence was on the Once these pipelines are complete, Putin world right now is, what will Russian line: “Sometimes I think, maybe it would will be able to turn off the energy taps to President Vladimir Putin do? be better for our bear to sit quiet, rather Europe without losing access to custom- The International Energy Agency than chasing around the forest after ers and their bank accounts. estimates that oil and gas account for 68 piglets. To sit eating berries and honey As dangerous as Europe’s energy percent of Russia’s exports and 50 per- instead. Maybe they will leave it in peace. dependence on Russia is, it will be many cent of its federal budget. They will not. Because they will always times worse in just a few years when Remember how the U.S. recently try to put him on a chain, and as soon as those pipelines are finished. This scares experienced government gridlock and they succeed in doing so they tear out his CHEAP GAS PAGE 32 u MARCH 2015 7 Dependent How the nanny state hen you meet somebody new, is ruining America inevitably the question arises: by robert morley W“So, what do you do?” For many people, what they do char- acterizes who they are—at least a big part of it. After all, a person’s career is what they spend around eight hours doing—maybe even 10, 12 or more— every day. It is far more than just how they earn a living. It defines them. You are what you do. What if you asked your national government that same question? What does it do? What does it spend the majority of its time, effort and resources on? It is an important question because the answer defines what kind of nation it is. When it comes to America today, the answer to that question might surprise you.

The Number One Budget Item In fiscal year 2013, the United States’ federal government spent $3.8 trillion after adjusting for all its “off budget” outlays. It works out to a little more than $31,000 per American household. Of that amount, $2.56 trillion was spent on one thing: human resources. That is the government’s innocuous term for the portion of the budget also known as “mandatory spending,” or social programs. It is called mandatory spending because it is the one budget category that by law the government can’t set a limit on. How much spent is entirely determined by how many people claim the various human resource benefits. Americans know these bene- gary f its as

dorning / trumpet

8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Where does America’s money go? Dependent Percent of federal outlays for fiscal 2013 by category Medicare, Medicaid and Social Secu- human resources $2.563 trillion rity. And yes, they are benefits. Peo- Primarily Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid ple pay into them, but they get out defense $0.702 trillion far more than they put in. physical resources $0.179 trillion But the list of benefits cer- Department of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment, tain Americans are entitled to Transportation, Community and Regional Development includes a cornucopia of other interest $0.247 trillion human resource programs that other $0.207 trillion provide cash or near-cash assis- International Affairs, Science, Space and Technology, tance. They include housing, nutri- Agriculture, Justice, General Government tion and utility assistance to individuals, and benefits to various retirees, people with disabilities, and the unem- ployed. They also include unemploy- Everybody’s Doing It more than the average American worker ment insurance, Trade Adjustment66 Here are some enlightening statistics.+1856 makes in a year. The median net wage in Assistance income support, food stamps, America in 2013 was $28,031. Temporary Assistance for Needy Fami- 68 million people receive Medicaid That some people can make more lies, and foster care. money on welfare than they can work- And people are claiming these bene- ing a minimum wage job shows how dif- fits like never before. According to the 49 million receive Medicare ferent America is today from when Pres- most recent census data, more than 153 ident Roosevelt enacted his New Deal. million people—almost half of Ameri- cans—receive some form of govern- 55 million receive Social Security The Rise of Social Spending ment benefit. So what does the government do? What This is a shocking statistic considering defines America? million receive that America has historically stood for 5 Supplemental Security Income The rise of the social state can be com- freedom, liberty and limited government. pared to the relentlessness of compound With so many Americans taking interest. What seems like a small increase benefits, two thirds of every dollar the 46.6 million people are on food stamps can, over time, become a massive liability. government spends goes to these man- Each year, the Office of Management and datory social programs. That is an Budget (omb) produces tables outlining million receive at least one incredible proportion. And a telling one. 109 means-tested welfare program government spending. Its 360-plus-page The scale of these mandatory social annual report provides meticulous data programs is better highlighted by put- chronicling the power of social welfare means-tested federal ting them in context of how much 184 welfare programs exist compounding. money the government actually brings During the 1940s, the government in (as opposed to spends). In fiscal year spent 19.1 percent of its budget on social million receive Temporary 2013, the federal government borrowed 3.5 Assistance for Needy Families programs. During the next 20 years almost $580 billion to cover expenses. it slowly crept up. During the 1960s it So it really only collected around $3.22 averaged 31.6 percent of the budget. The of schoolchildren receive trillion. 1/2 subsidized or free meals 1970s saw social spending as a percent That means that these social proof the budget soar to 54.8 percent. The grams actually consume almost 80 per- In 2012, the Heritage Foundation esti- 1980s were a little different. Although cent of all non-borrowed money. Four mated how much assistance the average social spending continued to rise relent- dollars out of five that Americans pay welfare recipient received. It found that lessly, the budget grew even faster, so as in taxes goes to pay for these programs. on average, Americans who depend on a percent, it slightly receded. But by the That leaves only 20 percent to cover federal assistant got the equivalent of 1990s the race was on again. every other function of government. $32,748 in annual benefits. That was During 2015, the government expects MARCH 2015 9 to spend 70 percent of its budget on social government would pick up 75 percent (Chrysler), Boeing and Alcoa. But there programs. of the $60 billion cost, with states cov- were government grants too, especially How long can the trend continue? ering the rest. to favored sectors like green energy. Social spending’s share of the total Add $35 billion or so to the human $110 billion per year may not seem economy is soaring too. During the resource tab. like much in a world of $2.56 trillion-per- 1940s it averaged 2.8 percent of gdp. This In his 2013 State of the Union address, year social spending, and cutting it off year the omb estimates it will take up an the president proposed free preschool for wouldn’t come close to closing the debt astounding 15.8 percent. all 4-year-olds. He also advocated gov- gap—but it is still $110 billion!

The Significance America was once admired America was once famed for its indus- around the world for being a try and independence. The nation was admired worldwide for being a nation nation of producers and doers. of producers and doers. That ideal has been discarded. Social- By every conceivable measure—per- ernment grants to create a new “early ist-influenced thinking, entitlements cent of budget, percent of gdp, benefits head start” and child-care system for and the rise of the welfare state have per capita, benefits per capita adjusted newborns through to toddlers age 3. fundamentally transformed America. for inflation—social spending is soaring. Now there is a renewed push for a Today, the federal government— What kind of nation is America? Sev- guaranteed basic income scheme. Under which sets the tone for its people and enty percent of the federal budget is this program, every American would be largely defines the country—would social spending; four out of five tax dol- entitled to a base income provided by the probably be unrecognizable by its lars go to social programs. You are what government. Each person 21 years of age citizens just one or two generations you do. or older would receive a government sti- removed. Looking from the outside, they pend equal to the poverty line—approx- would see a nation increasingly com- Only Getting Started imately $12,000 per year. Some political posed of takers and dependents. How much social spending is enough? conservatives embrace it as a way to sim- “Until 1960 the accepted task of the If you think we’re hitting peak demand, plify and replace various inefficient and federal government, in keeping with its think again. Vote-hungry politicians duplicative federal social programs. constitutional charge, was governing,” are phenomenally creative at inventing Conservatives love to criticize the wrote social scientist Nicholas Eberstadt. new ways to demonstrate their generos- rise of the social welfare state. But what “In a very real sense, entitlements have ity with other people’s money. about corporate welfare, which they tend turned American governance upside- On January 9, President Obama pro- to support? It too is thriving. down” (Aug. 31, 2012). posed free two-year community college The Good Jobs First report, “Sub- Should we be surprised at what Amer- for every American. “Community col- sidizing the Corporate One Percent,” ica has become? In its day-to-day opera- lege should be free for those willing to released February 2014 found that sub- tions, America’s government devotes work for it,” he told a cheering crowd of sidies given to corporations in the pre- more attention and resources to the redis- students at Pellissippi State Community ceding year equaled $110 billion. The tribution of money, goods and services to College. The White House estimates 9 liberal advocacy group said most of the individual citizens than to anything else. million students could participate in welfare came in the form of tax breaks You are what you do. As Jesus Christ the program, saving them an average of and tax loopholes for large manufac- said in Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits you $3,800 in tuition per year. The federal turers like Ford, General Motors, Fiat shall know them.” n

2015 70.1% Who spends the most Percent of U.S. federal budget spent on on social programs? welfare and social programs over time 1995 57%

Federal and state spending on social 1975 50.2% programs as a percent of GDP in 2013 1985 47.6% 2005 49% 1940 34.4% FRANCE ITALY SWEDEN SPAIN GERMANY GREECE UK POLAND U.S.A. AUSTRALIA CYPRUS CANADA 1929 21% 1955 19.9% In a tribute to the power of compounding, RUSSIA

CHILE social spending is consuming an ever- MEXICO greater proportion of the budget. 7.7 10 12 17.2 18.7 19 19 20.7 22.5 24.3 25.6 27.3 28.2 28.7 32

10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET (snap). Over the last decade, participa- Living on tion in snap has increased dramatically. In 2013, more than 47 million Ameri- Triple-Crème cans received snap assistance, a 70 percent increase over 2008. That year, food Gourmet stamps cost taxpayers $76.4 billion. The officially reported rate of snap enroll- Government ment fraud is just over 2 percent, or $1.67 billion per year. Cheese Supplemental Security Income (ssi) and Social Security Disability Insurance (ssdi) each shell out an estimated 10 per- Many Americans abuse welfare. That’s bad for taxpayers, cent of their payments toward fraudu- but it’s even worse for the abusers. by jeremiah jacques lent claims, adding another $20 billion in annual fraud. nce upon a time, within the art- extent—America’s welfare system can be Medicare and Medicaid both suffer adorned walls of a lakeside man- exploited. And every day, shocking num- massive levels of fraud. Authorities esti- O sion in Deephaven, Minnesota, bers of people are doing just that. mate that each pays out between $60 and there lived a lord and a lady. That’s what $90 billion in “improper payments” every Colin and Andrea Chisholm often called The Big Porous Picture year. Most Medicare/Medicaid fraud is on themselves, anyway. The Chisholms’ The program with the lowest reported the part of dishonest clinics or doctors total assets amounted to $97 million, fraud levels is Temporary Assistance for who bill for procedures their patients including some $3 million in cash. The Needy Families (tanf), which gives cash never received or never needed. But a “lord and lady” spent lavishly on travel- assistance to needy families with chil- significant part is committed by patients. ing, upscale restaurants, entertaining dren. tanf fraud happens when a recipi- According to these reported figures, guests, massages, original works of art, ent claims to be a single parent when the total welfare fraud costs the U.S. about a collection of purebred dogs and even a other parent is actually living at home; $210 billion a year, which is about 6 per- million-dollar yacht. In April 2011 alone, collects assistance from multiple states; cent of the country’s total federal budget. they shelled out more than $23,000 just or receives payment for a child not liv- But is that the entire picture? on travel and luxury items. ing in the house or for a fictitious child. But there were some expenses—like Reports say fraud accounts for a little ‘More Common Than We Think’ groceries and health services—which less than 2 percent of tanf collections. Some of those reported numbers are they avoided paying for. They didn’t That would mean $665 million goes to eye-popping, but the full extent of the pay for the bread and milk or the trips tanf scammers each year. problem is even greater than they reveal. to the wellness center—American tax- For unemployment benefits, the “It’s hard to know what we don’t know,” payers did. Department of Labor says that in 2011 said Jerry Kerber, the inspector general For more than seven years, the roughly 3 percent of claims were fraud- with Minnesota’s Department of Human Chisholms lied to authorities and falsified ulent. That amounts to $3.3 billion—not Services. “It’s hard to know what might documents about their income and home exactly chump change. Some of it went to be going on under the radar.” address. By the time they were caught, prisoners and dead people, with family Rep. Steve Drazkowski, a Minnesota they had collected more than $167,420 in members cashing the checks. Most of it Republican, said he is convinced that food stamps, cash assistance and health went to individuals who were employed fraud is “more common than we think trumpet

/ benefits from the state of Minnesota, and and earning wages. Almost half a bil- it is.” an as yet undisclosed amount from Flor- lion dollars went to workers earning One act of fraud that’s as easy to com- zoellner ida. Court documents showed that they yearly wages of $46,800 or more. About mit as it is difficult to catch is food stamp reese

/ spent more than $60,000 of health assis- $80 million went to households earning trafficking. Most families enrolled in 4

dia tance funds on massages and other ser- more than $1 million per year. snap receive $300 to $500 per month /

com vices at an upscale spa in their hometown. Then there is the food stamp pro- in benefits. The program distributes . Though extreme, the Chisholm case gram, which is now called the Supple- these funds in the form of ebt cards. The istock

© shows how easily—and to what grandiose mental Nutrition Assistance Program cards look and function like debit cards, MARCH 2015 11 “Between 1983 and 2012, the population increased by almost 83 million—and people accepting means-tested benefits increased by 67 million. So, for every 100-person increase in the population there was an 80-person increase in the recipients of means-tested payments. Food stamp recipients increased from 19 million to 51 million — more than the combined populations of 24 states.” —GEORGE WILL, Washington Post, January 21 except that the allotted funds only work Why should we expect poor people to live on able-bodied adults without depen- to buy uncooked staple foods to be eaten outside our cultural norms?” dents who seek food assistance. The at home. The cards won’t allow cash Food stamp trafficking isn’t the only change made hundreds of thousands of withdrawals or purchase of alcohol, cig- type of fraud that generally goes unre- young singles around the nation eligi- arettes, pharmaceuticals, cooked food, ported. Many welfare recipients also ble for snap for the first time, and many pet food, fuel, toiletries or anything else. have jobs that pay them off the books. wasted no time signing up. With food stamp trafficking, a per- They work as baby-sitters, house clean- In 2010, Salon published the article son receiving food assistance offers to ers, etc. and get paid in cash. If they “Hipsters on Food Stamps” explaining buy another individual’s groceries with obeyed the law and reported their the trend: “Twenty- and 30-somethings the funds on his or her card in exchange income, they would not qualify for wel- with college degrees and foodie stan- for cash. To give the other person extra fare. But they don’t, so they still collect. dards are shaking off old taboos about incentive, the cardholder usually offers Kerber said there is nothing “in place who should get government assistance to buy $2 worth of groceries for each dol- to go check people’s lifestyle and see and discovering that government ben- lar of cash. Many shoppers pounce on whether or not their lifestyle really does efits can indeed be used for just about the opportunity to give the cardholder a match what they’re claiming in income.” anything edible, including wild-caught $20 bill in exchange for $40 worth of gro- Reported fraud rates are also arti- fish, organic asparagus and triple-crème ceries. Cash in hand, the welfare recipi- ficially low because many welfare pro- cheese,” the article said. ent now buys whatever he wants: alcohol, grams rely almost entirely on tips to The author interviewed a 30-year-old cigarettes, restaurant meals, recre- catch scammers. Agencies advertise art school graduate who applied for snap ation—all thanks to taxpayer money. hotlines and websites, and encourage after having trouble finding work in her It is also common for convenience anyone with information to report sus- field of study. “I’m eating better than I store workers to buy an entire ebt card pected fraud or abuse so that they can ever have before,” the graduate said. from a welfare recipient at a fraction of investigate. The trouble is, some areas Among the foods she typically bought the value. All ebt purchases are tax-free, are so full of people scamming the sys- with government money: raw local honey so store owners can use the cards to buy tem and so dominated by anti-estab- and fresh-squeezed juices. food to stock their shelves tax-free. Or lishment attitudes and feelings of enti- Salon also spoke with a 31-year-old he can create bogus grocery purchases tlement that reporting is scanty at best. University of Chicago graduate work- to channel the ebt funds into his store’s Government agencies also tend to ing part time as a blogger and collecting bank account. A few hundred dollars downplay fraud rates. In snap, for exam- food stamps. “I’m sort of a foodie,” he said, here and there adds up fast for some ple, the official enrollment fraud rate “and I’m not going to do the ‘living off store owners. In 2012, brothers who is 2.18 percent, or around $1.67 billion. ramen’ thing. … I used to think that you owned a pair of convenience stores in But independent investigations always could only get processed food and govern- Louisiana were convicted of defrauding unearth higher numbers. In 2011, for ment cheese on food stamps, but it’s great snap of $2.7 million. example, the Washington Examiner esti- that you can get anything.” Among the Watchdog.org says that in many parts mated that the actual rate is 3.86 percent, recent meals the blogger had prepared of the country, food stamp trafficking which would project out to some $3 bil- for himself: gourmet roasted rabbit with is so prevalent that the ebt cards have lion. Of course, snap administrators are butter, tarragon and sweet potatoes. become “street currency.” The traffick- not eager to publicize fraud; they don’t Salon is strongly in favor of the trend, ing is not traceable, and it is rare to catch want to invite additional scrutiny or risk saying, “They’re young, they’re broke, and perpetrators, so it isn’t factored into the losing funding. they pay for organic salmon with govern- reported fraud rates for snap. All of these figures, official or other- ment subsidies. Got a problem with that?” Some feel that food stamp trafficking is wise, concern actual illegal fraud. But There is no problem with buying nutri- justifiable: “[T]hey are stressed—because how much completely legal opportunis- tious foods for people truly in need until they are poor, because they are in pain- tic behavior do welfare programs permit they can return to self-sufficiency. But ful life transitions,” a commenter wrote and even encourage? these programs allow and even encour- in response to an online article on welfare age able-bodied young adults to “get any- fraud. “I don’t begrudge such a parent a A Steady Diet of Government thing” and to eat “better than [they] ever few smokes or a drink. I know that’s not Triple-Crème Cheese have before.” And they offer no incen- the point of food stamps, but food stamps As part of the 2009 stimulus package, the tive to try to graduate from the program. are just assets to the folks getting them. ... federal government relaxed restrictions Students with no compunction about 12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET w 167% 49.5

Entitlement Dependence w 188% in America 1983 vs. 2012 35.4 w 29.6 344% people in a soul-crushing dependency. Our poverty programs do rescue many 26.9 people, but other times they backfire.” This truth would be self-evident to w w w 18.8 198% 118% Bible readers: Unneeded welfare, the 131% way the government offers it—even if 16.7 15.6 16.5 14.1 11.9 taken “lawfully”—impedes character w w growth. Poverty programs “backfire” on 471% 663% 8.3 7.8 scammers because they deprive them of 6.6 7.3 a vital part of prosperous living: work. God wants people to live prosperous 1.4 1.1

Percentage of U.S. population lives. He inspired the Apostle John to Federal Women, Medicare Food Social Medicaid Means Received write: “Beloved, I wish above all things SSI infants Stamps Security tested benefits that thou mayest prosper and be in and programs from health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 children programs John 2). In order to achieve prosperity— spiritually, mentally, physically, emotion- ally, financially—God expects everyone claiming government benefits could be to sit around all day, visit my friends, to work if they are able. There are around encouraged to remain in their unem- smoke weed … and we are still going to 790 Bible passages that mention work and ployed or underemployed situation as get paid, on time every month.” labor. The Bible makes plain that work is long as possible—living high on the hare. Such defrauders may feel they bene- a key part of developing godly character. fit from what they take; human nature The epic scale of welfare fraud is also Who Gets Hurt? is happy to take a free lunch. But break- prophetically significant because it pro- It is impossible to tally the full scope of ing the law does not benefit them. In vides a glimpse of how deeply woven the fraud, abuse and misuse in the alpha- fact, their grifting handicaps them and immorality and lawlessness are in the bet soup of America’s 70-plus welfare makes them miserable. “Getting trea- fabric of modern American society. The programs. But it is clear that great num- sures by a lying tongue is the fleeting nation is suffering a broadscale break- bers of people are scamming the system, fantasy of those who seek death,” says down of morality, strength of families, stealing from their fellow Americans Proverbs 21:6 (New King James Version). and individual responsibility. The his- who pay for it. Though cheaters may believe they’re get- tory of such civilizations as the ancient All that fraud hurts the U.S. econ- ting something for nothing, their deceit Greeks and the Romans shows that such omy and taxpayers. If those hundreds actually comes at a high cost. Lawless- breakdowns bring empires to their knees. of billions of dollars weren’t being ille- ness always invites problems and curses, Bible prophecy makes plain that they gally siphoned off each year, that money and proves self-destructive in the end will be a key factor in the collapse of the could be put to much more productive (e.g. Proverbs 10:2; 13:11; Jeremiah 17:11). United States. “As a cage is full of birds, so use—particularly if it were simply Individuals who bilk the system— are their houses full of deceit: therefore returned to its original owners in the suckling the teat of the nanny state they are become great, and waxen rich. form of lower taxes. when they could be building job skills, They are waxen fat, they shine: yea, they But as harmful as welfare fraud is contributing to society and providing overpass the deeds of the wicked …. Shall to America’s taxpayers, it is even more for themselves—suffer loss of self-re- I not visit for these things? saith the Lord: injurious to the swindlers committing it, spect, self-sufficiency and independence, shall not my soul be avenged on such a making a living off deceit and thievery. peace of mind and inner joy. They turn nation as this?” (Jeremiah 5:27-29). Individuals gaming the system often from men into mice. They become pro- In a society that sees more and more believe their craftiness is getting them fessional parasites. people going the route of “Lord and Lady” ahead. Some openly brag about their On Dec. 7, 2012, liberal New York Chisholm, many are left wondering what exploitation. “Taxpayers are the fools,” Times columnist Nicholas Kristof offered the big-picture solution to such a com- said a confessor of abuse who telephoned an unexpected concession: “This is pain- plex issue would be. For the answer, read klbj News Radio in Austin, Texas, in ful for a liberal to admit, but … Ameri- “The Welfare System That Works” on 2013. “[C]an you really blame us? I get ca’s safety net can sometimes entangle page 20. n MARCH 2015 13 magine the United States allying with Russia. If you were alive when Nazi Ger- many was rampaging across Europe during World War ii, you didn’t have to imagine it. You saw it: The world’s greatest capitalist nation forged a “strange Ialliance” with the world’s greatest Com- munist state, the Soviet Union. When this happened, a peculiar phe- nomenon surged across America: a wave of popular emotional fervor for the Soviets. Influential men and media fawned over Joseph Stalin. President Frank- lin Roosevelt released Communist Par- ty-U.S.A. leader Earl Browder from prison to promote “national unity” between American Communists and the general public. Yet even during this trying and con- fusing time, one strong voice cried out a warning against not only the immi- nent fascist threat from Germany, but the less-understood Communist threat from the Soviet Union. America emerged from World War ii victorious. It enjoyed economic, political and military dominance and assumed leadership of the free world. It was rivaled only by the Soviet Union. But even at America’s pinnacle, Her- bert W. Armstrong boldly warned that the nation would eventually be invaded by a revived Holy Roman Empire led by Germany. And before that, America’s rejection of God would allow communism to weaken the nation so that it could be invaded. “Communism is a worldwide political movement, organized inside many countries,” Mr. Armstrong wrote in the April-May 1944 Plain Truth. “From official Communist literature anyone can learn, if he wishes to know the truth, HAS AMERICA that communism is a plan, in action, for the violent overthrow of capitalism and BEEN INFLUENCED BY the capitalistic governments. And capitalism means democracy, since it is the democracies who control more than two thirds of the world’s capital.” During and after the Second World COMMUNISM? War, Mr. Armstrong boldly proclaimed melissa

Many today ridicule prior generations’ the biblical truth that Russia would not barreiro concern over Communist infiltration. go to war with America militarily. How-

But current trends are bringing that ever, he said, Russia would wage psycho- / trumpet concern back into focus. logical warfare: propaganda, infiltra- by andrew miiller tion, subversion and demoralization. The 14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Communist Russians would attack “our alliances with foreign nations, forsak- target country (America, for example) minds, our moral and spiritual values, ing God”—foreign alliances that would and expose them to the ideology of the rather than our bodies and our earthly “eat away” America’s strength “unknown subverter.” possessions,” he said. to him” (ibid). Such Soviet reeducation methods “What we fail to grasp, in the struggle Was Mr. Armstrong right after all? Did took deep root in America during the with Russia, is this: We are not fighting this happen? Did communism infiltrate 1960s and ’70s. Bezmenov warned that a single nation in a military war, but a America? Did it cause America’s now-ob- kgb agents and their socialistic “fellow gigantic worldwide, plain-clothes army, vious decline from the inside out? Did the travelers” would use abstract art, per- masquerading as a political party, seek- Bible prophesy that this would happen? verted music, pornographic images, ing to conquer the world with an entirely homosexual rights, racist politics, paci- new kind of warfare,” Mr. Armstrong The First Stage of Subversion fist foreign policy and socialist econom- wrote in 1956. “It’s a kind of warfare we Thirty-six years after Mr. Armstrong ics to demoralize America. don’t understand, or know how to cope first warned American radio audi- Whether you believe Bezmenov or not, with. It uses every dia- ences about commu- you have to ask yourself: Does any of this bolical means to weaken nism in 1934, kgb agent sound familiar? us from within, sapping Yuri Bezmenov defected Mr. Armstrong also warned of this our strength, pervert- from the Soviet Union infiltration of America. In a 1980 edition ing our morals, sabotag- and eventually escaped of the Worldwide News, he wrote, “I was ing our educational sys- to Canada. He warned saying over the air, and writing, back in tem, wrecking our social Which modern America that it was at 1934, that the Communist[s’] unwavering structure, destroying nations descended war with communism. strategy was, as a first offensive toward our spiritual and reli- from Israel? To prove Bezmenov said that world domination, propaganda. They the answer from gious life, weakening our subverting foreign began sowing the seeds of their Com- world events and industrial and economic nations was so important munist atheistic education all over the the pages of your power, demoralizing our Bible, request The to the kgb that most of its United States—especially among college armed forces, and finally, United States and resources were allocated professors and students.” after such infiltration, Britain in Prophecy, to it. “Only about 15 per- “They invaded American university overthrowing our gov- by Herbert W. cent of time, money and campuses, full force,” he continued, “and ernment by force and Armstrong. manpower is spent on the U.S. universities trustingly let them violence! All this, clev- espionage as such,” he in.” erly disguised as a harm- explained in an inter- In practice, communism has never less political party! Communism is world- view with G. Edward Griffin in 1985. “The been the grassroots movement Karl wide psychological warfare!” other 85 percent is a slow process which Marx predicted. It has been driven by In the 1940s and 1950s, many Amer- we call either ideological subversion or small groups of intellectuals and elites icans found that warning to ring true. ‘active measures.’” who seize power. Hence the targeting of But as time went on, many dismissed it Ideological subversion, Bezmenov the American intelligentsia—present as a Communist scare that never quite said, is a long-term process involving and future. appeared. By the new millennium, such four stages: 1) demoralization, 2) desta- Mr. Armstrong understood this— a notion seemed outdated. bilization, 3) crisis and 4) normalization. and he saw a much bigger picture. He Today, however, many are starting to The first state, demoralization, is now warned that demoralization tactics wonder what has happened to America an eerily familiar concept among Amer- originated from a source beyond Marx, and the West—and if this invisible Com- icans. Many who recognize it think it the kgb or the Soviet Union. That warn- munist threat was real after all. occurred accidentally, naturally or even ing also explains the effectiveness of the Mr. Armstrong never wavered. He fortunately. But former kgb agents, said demoralization process: “Communism is exposed communism’s cultural incur- Bezmenov, recognize it as an intentional the devil’s effort, through his demon-in- sion and told the world what the real ideological attack aimed to “change the spired human tools, to take from us this threat to America was. Why was he so perception of reality of every American greatest national and economic bless- sure? Because his message didn’t come to such an extent that despite the abun- ing God ever conferred on any people,” from popular opinion, statistical trends dance of information, no one is able to he wrote in 1949. or covert intelligence. It came from the come to sensible conclusions in the inter- Even though the Soviet Union fell Bible. est of defending themselves, their fami- before it could take advantage of the Mr. Armstrong directed his read- lies, their community and their country.” “destabilization” and “crisis” stages of ers and listeners to Scripture, which “It takes about 15 to 20 years to demor- its subversion, the demoralization virus johnson says that end-time Israel would become alize a nation,” Bezmenov wrote in his it had inflicted continued to multiply

andrew “mixed up” ideologically “with foreign- book, Love Letter to America. “Why that inside its host. Something much more /

com ers.” In particular, he pointed to Hosea many (or few)? Simple: this is the min- powerful was at work here than Soviet . 7:8-13 (Moffatt translation), which warns imum number of years needed to ‘edu- initiatives. Something more powerful istock

© that Britain and America would “seek cate’ one generation of students in a than even communism itself. MARCH 2015 15 Corruption of Modern Education in the years between 1935 and 1953, the “Communism, of course, is many After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Communist Party “enlisted the support things,” Mr. Armstrong wrote in the Feb- Soviet archives revealed the Commu- of at least 3,500 professors—many of ruary 1962 Plain Truth. “It is a doctrine. … nist Party-U.S.A. (an organization that them as dues-paying members, many It is a revolutionary program. It is relent- is still alive and well today) received $2 others as fellow travelers, some as less class war. It is a radical philosophy to $3 million a year from the Kremlin to out-and-out espionage agents, some of history. It is a radical philosophy of further its subversion activities. as adherents of the party line in vary- society. It is a social system. It is an eco- Most of the efforts of the Kremlin, the ing degrees, and some as the unwitting nomic system. It is a political strategy. It Communist Party-U.S.A. and their “fel- dupes of subversion” (J. B. Matthews, is a world conspiracy.” low travelers” went not toward tradi- “Communism and the Colleges,” Ameri- As an economic system, communism tional espionage, but toward infiltrat- can Mercury, May 1953). pits the larger, poorer groups against the ing American education. According to The ultimate goal of communism is smaller, more wealthy groups. It calls for Bezmenov, the Soviets’ main methods a “utopian” society where every indi- that wealth to be removed from those who of demoralization were: exchanging vidual is completely reliant on society have it and spread evenly among every- students with Moscow; flooding college (as the Communist Party). This is why one. To accomplish this re-distribution of campuses with Marxist literature; par- Marxist-Leninist education empha- wealth, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels ticipating in international seminars; sizes “mass character” and “collectivism” wrote in The Communist Manifesto that infiltrating universities with radical over “individual abilities.” For a collec- private land ownership must be abolished, leftists (often unknowingly under the tivist society to truly succeed, it needs a heavily progressive income tax must be more than just a generation of people instituted, and all factories and financial who don’t want to support themselves: institutions must be nationalized. It needs a generation of people who can- Regarding the troublesome matter not support themselves! of people (both wealthy and poor) who This is the direction America is going. resist the program, Marx favored vio- In the words of Bezmenov, “The Ameri- lence over reform. The only way to speed can romance with state-run education the march to his new society was “revo- THEN IT GOT WORSE Bolshevik revolutionaries, as encouraged by kgb subverters has lutionary terror,” he wrote. including Joseph Stalin already produced generations of gradu- The mantra of Marxist economics ates who cannot spell, cannot find Nica- is: “From each according to his ability, to ‘Useful Idiots’ ragua on a world map, cannot think cre- each according to his need.” The value Attributed to Vladimir Lenin, the term atively and independently. I wonder if produced by those with more “ability” refers to those who embrace and Albert Einstein would have arrived at his must be redistributed to those with advance the ideology of communism theory of relativity if he had been edu- more “need.” This philosophy directly without understanding the means by cated in one of today’s American public contradicts Jesus Christ’s teaching, rep- which it is implemented. Bezmenov schools. Most likely he would have ‘dis- resented in the parable of the pounds said the KGB often avoided giving such covered’ marijuana and variant methods (Luke 19:12-27), in which each of Christ’s pawns too much power, because they of sexual intercourse instead.” servants is rewarded differently based would inevitably become disillusioned on how much he actually produced with and would have to be dealt with, even Wrecking the Economy what he was given. executed, by the state. As Mr. Armstrong wrote, it is import- The main reason Marxism doesn’t ant to understand what communism is. work is that when human beings don’t It sees itself not as a mere alternative or receive the full benefits of their labor, guidance of kgb subverters); establish- competitor to capitalism, but as a global they lack incentive to work. The Soviet ing Communist-staffed news media; and movement in harmony with the fact that Union fell because of Russia’s enthusi- organizing “study groups” to dissemi- human history revolves around the pro- astic embrace of Marxist-Leninist eco- nate Communist propaganda. duction of material. It renders culture, nomics. As Russian economist Grigory “Before World War ii the Communist art, ethics, philosophy, religion, family Yavlinsky, an adviser to Soviet Presi- Party in the United States was making and even the individual as secondary, dent Mikhail Gorbachev, once said: “The great headway,” Mr. Armstrong wrote in superfluous or dangerous. After work- Soviet system is not working because the the April 1980 Plain Truth. “They began ers around the globe violently over- workers are not working.” infiltrating the colleges and universi- throw those who possess capital, the Despite the economic disaster that ties. If they could not ‘convert’ profes- ideology purports, humanity will ulti- befell the Soviet Union, and the consis- sors, they worked on students who would mately achieve this inevitable “utopian” tent failures of economies that follow become teachers later. Thus they were future. The property—and everything Communist ideals, a shocking number recruiting teachers to teach their doc- else—pertaining to an individual will of American economists still cling to the getty trine all over the United States.” be abolished, and each person will sim- socialist movement and Marxist thought.

According to a former staff director ply become a cog in the giant, glorious Communism has survived. And images of a Senate investigations subcommittee, machinery of the global utopian state. despite the cautionary plight of tens of 16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET millions who have recently suffered and read on the floor of Congress on Jan. 10, “If the United States gets divided too died under Communist regimes, it has 1963. Among them are: discrediting the much between the idea of freedom and thrived—even inside the government family as an institution; encouraging pro- the idea of communism,” he said, “this of its sworn enemy, the United States. miscuity and easy divorce; emphasizing country could not stand.” America’s current political environment the need to raise children away from the America may not have replaced the exalts many Communist ideals. There is negative influence of parents; promoting stars on its flag with hammers and sick- even compelling evidence connecting the pornography; and presenting homosexu- les, but it is by now undeniable that it current president to some of the biggest ality as “normal, natural, healthy.” is divided between the idea of freedom names in America’s Communist history. Under the influence of Marxist phi- and that of communism. The American Herbert Armstrong warned that Com- losophy and Soviet subversion tactics, people long ago rejected God and allowed munist economics would sap America’s American educators have spent decades Satan-inspired Communist philosophy strength and weaken its economic power. trumpeting sexual liberation, militant to infiltrate, subvert and divide the “Satan is not a visible red devil with tail, feminism and homosexual rights. All nation. God will allow this experience to horns and a pitchfork,” he wrote in the October 1951 Plain Truth. “The real “The American romance with state- Satan is invisible. The world doesn’t see him or recognize his works. … It doesn’t run education as encouraged by KGB grasp the diabolical deception of communism—Satan’s economic delusion, subverters has already produced employing propaganda based on false economies as its first arm of attack ….” generations of graduates who cannot spell, cannot find Nicaragua on a The Plot to Abolish the Family Yuri Bezmenov Herbert W. Armstrong warned that world map, cannot think ….” FORMER KGB AGENT Communist subversion would use “every diabolical means” to pervert “our mor- this has been done under the banner teach America the natural consequences als,” wreck “our social structure,” and of freedom, but the truth is that these of broken law. destroy “our spiritual and religious life.” movements have served as Trojan horses Talk of equality sounds noble, but as Perhaps the most diabolical of these in the assault on marriage. Mr. Armstrong warned, the Communist means is the Marxist plot to destroy the In Karl Marx’s words: “Communism version of “equality” is only a means to an family. The Communist Manifesto calls abolishes eternal truths, it abolishes all end. “As fostered by the Soviet Union,” he the family a capitalist institution based religion, and all morality, instead of con- wrote in 1949, “communism is launched “on private gain.” Marriage, it says, is but stituting them on a new basis; it there- as a worldwide class struggle, pitting the the “hypocritical” concealment of pri- fore acts in contradiction to all past his- poorer class against those who have been vate prostitution. The authors hoped and torical experience.” economically more successful, arousing predicted that both “bourgeois family” Or, in Herbert W. Armstrong’s words, class prejudice, stirring up race hatreds. and “bourgeois marriage” would disap- “Communism is the vulture of decadent, While they pretend to stand for peace, pear with the vanishing of private capital. dying politics, religion, and society” (Plain they engender only strife, and they feed Throughout the 1960s and into the Truth subscriber letter, Nov. 24, 1967). like a vulture on poverty, discontent, dis- ’70s, Soviet front groups worked through- Mr. Armstrong elaborated in a 1979 couragement, confusion and chaos.” out America to destroy marriage. Fed- World Tomorrow television broadcast He warned, “Communism is the dev- eral Bureau of Investigation informant where he again reiterated the biblical il’s effort, through his demon-inspired Larry Grathwohl penetrated the revo- truth that Satan actively and invisibly human tools, to take from us this great- lutionary Communist group Weather rules the world (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephe- est national and economic blessing God Underground. After palling around with sians 2:2). He then quoted a statement by ever conferred on any people.” Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn and their Jesus Christ that becomes very troubling Looking at America today, you have crew for months, Grathwohl wrote his in the light of American society in 2014. to admit that Mr. Armstrong was right. n report, “Bringing Down America: An FBI Informer With the Weathermen.” The report revealed that the Weather Under- ground network was determined to abol- Herbert W. Armstrong ish monogamous marriage, which they viewed as a repressive remnant of male was right about a whole and white supremacy. lot more than communism. In his book The Naked Communist, author Willard Cleon Skousen identified Request our FREE booklet He Was Right to see all the 45 Communist goals for the ideological Bible prophecies he highlighted that are being fulfilled now. subversion of America. These goals were MARCH 2015 17 MARRIAGE Blessed BRINGS Union HAPPINESS Marriage has been in decline “Married people overall do better on virtually every indicator of for decades, yet it still remains health and well-being,” says the best, happiest, healthiest sociology professor Robin Simon. relationship—not only for the The facts show that husbands and adults but also for the children wives share the intimacy, trust and they create. Check the facts. commitment that leads to stability, hreni / self-worth and lasting happiness. com . istock ©

IT BUILDS PROSPERITY IT BENEFITS CHILDREN

On average, couples who remain together enjoy more financial stability. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, the income gap is not only significant, but over the past four decades, it has increased. Adolescent high-risk behavior Two parent Single parent

Living in poverty Smoked in the last month 15.2% Divorce and unwed 19.7% Drank any alcohol in past year Single fatherSingle childbearing increase

poverty for both mothers 14.5% and children. On average, Suicidal thoughts or attempts

married couples build more 11% 39.6% wealth than singles. Married Weapon-related violence men earn higher incomes

Single mother Single Ever had sexual intercourse than single men with similar educations and job histories. Children between grades 9 and 12 0% 20% Single male $7 Living with both parents Living with mother only 6,5 Child’s education Median income 09 In 2013, the median .S.A. in U Repeated a grade income for a married me co in 76 couple was more than n 6,8 ia 3 d $ Been suspended or expelled double that of single men e Single female m

and nearly triple that 0 5 2 Parent contacted about ,

2 of single women. Even $ 5

5 child behavior

3 $ 2

5 4

single-income married ,

5 2

4 families enjoyed higher $ In bottom half of class median family incomes Risk of dropping out of school

Married couple than those of unmarried

$ 5 5 2 0 , individuals. 6 0% 20% 18 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET MARRIAGE Marriage lowers depression Mildly depressed BRINGS In a study of 1,805 people living in Ontario, Canada, Moderately depressed those who were married experienced less severe Severely depressed HAPPINESS depression than their unmarried peers. Not depressed

MARRIED MEN SINGLE MEN MARRIED WOMEN SINGLE WOMEN

IT BENEFITS CHILDREN

Adolescent high-risk behavior Two parent Single parent Child health Nuclear family Single parent Cohabiting

Develop learning disability or ADHD

Misbehavior or rebellion in past six months Unhappy, depressed or tearful in past six months Poor attention span, incomplete chores or homework in past six months Have definite or severe emotional or behavioral difficulties 40% 60% 0% 6% 12% 18%

Living with both parents Living with mother only Child abuse Living with both parents Living with one parent

Witness domestic violence

Victims of domestic violence

Victims and witnesses

0% 4% 8% 12%

40% 60% MARCH 2015 19 Kingdom spends 23 percent of its budget on welfare. On average, the European Union spends a third of its gdp on welfare. The results? The EU poverty rate is 16.4 percent, slightly higher than the rate in the U.S. So what kind of welfare program would work for solving poverty? What kind of program actually helps people without encouraging laziness and dependency? What kind of program addresses the causes of poverty? What kind of program can win the war on poverty? God’s program. God has tremendous compassion for the poor. He created a detailed and complete welfare system to help those who are needy. It doesn’t just get you through the month, it gets you back on your feet, back into work, back into pro- ductivity and back into an honorable and The Welfare System respectable role in society. He revealed this system when He directly governed That Works the ancient nation of Israel, and its wisdom still holds true today. God’s welfare laws contrast starkly What real compassion for the poor looks like by joel hilliker against those used by our national governments. Most today ignore His laws; ompassion for the poor is a driv- below the poverty line. That’s down from many claim them to be unjust, primitive ing political issue. Politicians 19 percent in 1964, but still far from the and harsh. But an honest and deeper look C count on winning votes by appeal- goal of zero. shows otherwise. This system reveals ing to voters’ desire to end poverty— What did it cost to reduce the poverty fundamental flaws in how human beings their own or that of others. And who rate by 5.5 percent in the U.S.? The U.S. concoct welfare apart from God’s perfect doesn’t want to end this scourge? spends about $1 trillion a year on close wisdom. It’s a program that works. Everyone wants to, but no one has to 200 federal and state welfare pro- done it. Governments have enacted grams. Based on Census Bureau data, If You Want to Eat … enormous welfare programs to try to that amounts to $16,800 per person in Today’s welfare recipients get checks feed, clothe, shelter, educate and trans- poverty, or over $50,000 for a family of and subsidies in their mailboxes. But port their citizens and even to put cell three. In other words, America spends God’s welfare program encourages the phones in their hands. In the United enough in cash to buy every poor person poor to work. The Apostle Paul wrote States, for example, the welfare state out of poverty! that “if any would not work, neither has grown to consume nearly a third of But openly taking cash from should he eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). the government’s annual budget. In 1965, hard-working people and handing it This principle is demonstrated in God’s President Lyndon Johnson launched a to their neighbors would only create a instruction to a poor person on how to massive spending program to eradicate cycle of dependence and laziness. And attain what he needs. poverty in the world’s richest nation. modern welfare programs are basically Read God’s command in Deuteron- But the program didn’t defeat poverty. one step removed from that—while add- omy 23:24-25. God’s law stipulates that Instead, it created welfare dependency, ing in a few layers of well-paid govern- a needy individual is legally permitted laziness and opportunity for fraud. ment bureaucracy and administration. to eat his fill in any of his neighbor’s The American households in the bot- Even non-government-sponsored wel- vineyards or fields. He can’t harvest tom 20 percent of income tell us how the fare programs such as Christian char- anything to take home, but he can eat war on poverty is going. In 1960, nearly ities can feed this cycle of dependency. enough to fill his empty belly. This pro- © two thirds of these heads of households Though the generosity is admirable, provided for Israel’s poor—without any gov- istock

worked. But by 1991, only one third grams and charities that focus only on ernment subsidies or welfare programs. . com

of them worked, and only 11 percent the effects are feeding the very problem This principle constantly reminded / fotofrankyat worked full-time, year-round. they’re trying to eliminate. those of means to keep the poor in mind. This helps explain why 45 million The U.S. is far from being alone in its God told property-owning Israelites to Americans (14.5 percent) are still living misguided welfare system. The United leave the corners of the field alone; to 20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET leave the ears that fell to the ground not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt “If any one does not provide for his rela- while reaping; to leave the imperfect thou lay upon him usury” (Exodus 22:25). tives, and especially for his own family, fruits or clusters. These were for the In man’s system, debt is big business. he has disowned the faith and is worse poor and the foreigners who couldn’t Banks give loans primarily to benefit than an unbeliever” (verse 8; Revised possess land in Israel. Thus, every time the bank. In God’s system, loans exist to Standard Version). Widows without fam- the Israelites reaped their fields, they benefit the poor. No one makes money off ily support are given extra legal protec- had to remember their responsibility to someone else’s debt. Loans are a form of tion if they need to borrow money. God the poor (Leviticus 19:9-10). welfare. God wants people to lend to the commanded His nation to give special God doesn’t command that we set needy not to profit from them, but to attention to the widow and forbade peo- up soup kitchens, give handouts or help them. ple from taking advantage of her (e.g. Exo- issue unemployment checks. He com- In God’s system, you cannot earn dus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 24:17; 27:19). mands the poor to get out and work. If interest on money you are not using. So you want a meal, you are welcome to it— you might as well use that extra money Encouraging Compassion but you have to go into the field and pick to give out small, interest-free loans to What would happen if we kept God’s wel- it yourself. those in need. “A culture which has inter- fare laws? Look at God’s promise to the Modern welfare laws break this law. est-bearing loans encourages a selfish landowner who follows His command in They take the responsibility away from spirit and encourages the hoarding of Deuteronomy 24:19: “When thou cuttest the neighbor and place it on a vote-hun- money where we can make more money down thine harvest in thy field, and hast gry government that uses taxation and from interest. … [A] culture which has forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not debt to put—and keep—people on gov- zero-interest loans encourages generos- go again to fetch it: it shall be for the ernment paychecks, vouchers and sub- ity to the poor and a giving spirit” (David stranger, for the fatherless, and for the sidies. These policies encourage laziness, James King, Creating a Nation Under God). widow: that the Lord thy God may bless welfare dependency and fraud (article, God’s welfare system also includes a thee in all the work of thine hands.” page 11). safety net to help those who have fallen We tend to think that the more we hold into poverty get back on their feet. The on to for ourselves, the more we’ll have. Paying for Immorality law in Leviticus 25:35-38 says that if a But God says it is always more blessed to Common sense says you get what you brother or even a stranger or sojourner give than to receive. If you live the way of pay for. If you subsidize law-breaking, “becomes poor, and falls into poverty,” give, you’re setting a spiritual dynamic in you will end up with more law-breaking. then he should be relieved, maintained motion that will produce more blessings Man’s welfare legislation falls into this and strengthened (New King James Ver- and prosperity. As Solomon wrote, “He trap by rewarding the poor for break- sion). The law gives two ways to do so: that giveth unto the poor shall not lack” ing God’s other laws—on sexual moral- First is the no-interest loan; second is and that the “liberal soul shall be made ity, for example. Young men fornicate the provision that the poor can buy food fat: and he that watereth shall be watered and procreate without taking respon- “at cost.” God’s law forbids making a profit also himself” (Proverbs 28:27; 11:25). sibility for providing for, loving or even from selling food to the poor. These laws Notice the reason God gave for all knowing their children. Young women do much to put a poor person on the road these acts of generosity and benevolence are now financially motivated to bear to quick recovery. in Deuteronomy 24:22. This law aims to illegitimate children because they know In God’s system, children—not the build compassion in us. God told Israel to the state will send checks to take care of government or a welfare program—are remember the agonies of their captivity— them. Unsurprisingly, single mothers are responsible for caring for their aging so they would have compassion toward among the biggest recipients of welfare. parents. Read, for example, the Apostle those who remain in captivity. God wants Anything that breaks down family Paul’s discussion about widows in 1 Tim- us to remember our own trials so we have increases welfare dependency. Fornica- othy 5:1-16. A woman’s family members— more empathy for others in trial. tion, adultery, no-fault divorce, single not the church or the government—are These commands show that it is motherhood—this law-breaking hurts responsible before God to provide for her. wrong to spend every last cent we earn people financially and creates needier people. Simply keeping God’s moral law, which forbids this type of behavior—let alone His economic and welfare laws— Little-known laws that drastically decreases the amount of wel- could change the world fare needed in the first place. God gave the nation of Israel a law system that works. Helping Those in Need It covers crime, tort, labor, health, defense, family, Debt is often what makes poverty abso- finance and welfare. Read the jurisprudence of lutely crushing. Here is God’s simple humankind’s Creator and how it can work in your life. solution to this problem: zero-interest loans. “If thou lend money to any of my Request our FREE e-book O How Love I Thy Law. people that is poor by thee, thou shalt MARCH 2015 21 on ourselves. God wants us to think about the poor. Christ said the poor Three Misconceptions would always be among us, and would need help. Keeping these laws helps About Bible Prophecy our society in three ways: 1) It teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves. We must not overlook the person who is in want, or say, Too bad Do you believe any of them? by david vejil for them, or, I’ll leave their care to the federal government. We treat them the hroughout the ages, a lot of Fulfilled prophecy proves that the way we would want to be treated if we people have said they believe the Bible is God’s Word. The only question fell on hard times. T Bible. Are you part of that group? is, has Bible prophecy been fulfilled? 2) It keeps the burden of welfare off Did you know one third of this holy book You need to take an honest look at the state. Notice that none of these consists of prophecy? all the facts and prove whether Bible welfare laws involve the government. The most-read book in world history prophecy is real or if it’s a strange col- They help the poor without requiring is largely prophecy, a concept you might lection of wild ideas. a single penny in taxes for a federal associate more with apocalyptic movies, program. mystical books and crazy street preach- 3) It binds the nation closer together. ers, and not with serious thought. Have you come to In God’s system, welfare doesn’t funnel Consider the Bible’s table of contents. through a faceless bureaucracy. God’s Out of the 66 books, 18 are named after believe any of these way forms bonds between the people prophets. Other books contain numer- ideas about prophecy? who give the charity and those who ous prophecies. Matthew, for example, receive it. This benefits both parties. contains the Olivet prophecy, which Think about all of these specific, talks about the four horsemen. Genesis A Message for Today practical ways God laid down for His contains prophecies about Israel inher- Prophecy is a more serious and rea- nation to care for the poor in its midst. iting the Promised Land. 1 Samuel con- soned subject than you might initially This is a welfare program that works! tains prophecies of Jesus Christ and perceive. Although the Bible encodes it These laws alone do not eliminate all His reign over the Earth. And who can rather than listing it out like a textbook, poverty, but they eliminate much of it, forget the book of Revelation, which is it is designed to be understood by those along with the worst of its oppressive essentially a book about prophecy? to whom God reveals it. nature. They prevent the poor from A lot of intelligent people believe in Bible prophecy was written in slipping through the cracks in society. God. Many of them even give the Bible ancient lifetimes using ancient names Also, consider that the government a serious reading. But when this book for the predecessors of modern nations. had absolutely no part in any of those claims to predict the future, many peo- One of these ancient identities unlocks laws. In God’s system, the people them- ple reject it outright or skip over to the prophecy, because every Old and New selves take care of their poor! And that part about the love of Jesus. Testament prophecy revolves around creates a much healthier situation— But Jesus Himself was a prophet. So it in some way: the nation of Israel. You for the poor, and the people, and the any honest reading of the Holy Bible has can examine the modern identity of government! to answer this unavoidable question: Is ancient Israel by requesting a free copy Thankfully, this is a system you Bible prophecy real? of our book The United States and Britain will have the opportunity to see imple- This magazine takes the whole in Prophecy (or read our article “Ameri- mented! God promises to reestablish Bible, including prophecy, and applies ca’s Lost Identity” online at theTrumpet His government and laws on Earth— it to world events. Few other media use .com/go/11893). not just within a single nation, but Bible prophecy as a criterion for any- If God is real, and if the Bible is His worldwide. The resulting civilization thing. That sounds outlandish to them. Word, and if God preserved numerous that is built on His moral, religious, Have you ever looked into Bible prophecies for us today, then there is civil and even economic prophecy? Really studied it? If this definitely a message in those prophecies laws will be blessed Book of books predicts that a certain we need to understand. And God does and prosperous—and nation will be ruled by a certain admin- make that understanding available! will ultimately win istration and will experience a certain If you want to prove Bible prophecy the war on poverty! To fate—and then all of those things hap- for yourself, request a free copy of His- learn more about that pen—that changes everything. If Bible tory and Prophecy of the Middle East, fantastic world, soon prophecy is true, especially if it’s true or download it at theTrumpet.com/go/ to come, request a free time after time after time without a hpme. This booklet proves one of the copy of The Wonderful miss, then an objective mind has to most detailed and wide-ranging proph- World Tomorrow— admit: Someone with God-level pow- ecies in the Bible. It’s completely free; What It Will Be Like. n ers must have inspired the Holy Bible. you have nothing to lose. n 22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET ONE Prophets are crazy Just the word “prophecy” evokes Amos was a herdsman. Jonah outright ran away from the images of doomsday quacks and con- job at first. The one common factor among the dozens of spiracy theorists or, at best, shamans prophets in the Bible is that God drafted them and com- who can mysteriously predict or control missioned them to deliver a message. the future through a blend of practicing The Old Testament word for prophet is nabi, which mystical arts, studying the stars and/or means “one who announces or brings a message from divining the secrets of ancient books. God.” Biblical prophets often delivered unpopular mes- But read the Bible, and you’ll see what the proph- sages drawing significant persecution. Sometimes it ets were like. They weren’t charlatans, nor were they even cost them their lives. born into some prophet caste. Many of them didn’t even Is Bible prophecy true? If it was invented by an assort- want the job. “For the prophecy came not in old time by ment of street-corner doomsday preachers—or even by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were the most intelligent men in history—you could dismiss moved by the Holy [Spirit]” (2 Peter 1:21). the concept entirely. No human being can predict the Moses and Isaiah both protested being used as future. But if it was delivered by a range of individuals prophets. Ezekiel was a slave; Daniel was a cap- whose only significant commonality was that they obeyed tive-turned-high-official; Jeremiah was a young priest; a higher power, then the subject bears more scrutiny.

TWO Bible prophecy is for old times According to the Bible, prophets received mes- already been conquered and carried away captive by sages from God and then delivered those Assyria over 100 years prior. Ezekiel himself was a Jew- messages orally or recorded them— ish captive in Babylon. He never delivered his message to often both. But if they finished the job Israel. Why did God give him the message then? by delivering the message, why write it down? Why have The Bible provides the answer: It is because the proph- those messages been preserved for millennia? ecy remains to be fulfilled. This would mean God wrote It’s not just because these are historical case studies and preserved advance news not only for the ancients, in which inspired men said that something would hap- but for current world news! Revelation 1:1 claims that pen and then it did. There’s another, much more import- this is exactly the case. Daniel 12:9 specifically says that ant reason these books were preserved. prophecy is for “the time of the end.” If the Bible is true, A closer look at some of the prophets shows that their many prophecies are so much more than ancient pre- prophecies were aimed at a later period, far beyond dictions that have come and gone. If you piece them all their lifetimes. For example, the Bible says God gave Eze- together, the picture that emerges is that they are, in fact, kiel prophecies about the house of Israel. But Israel had advance warnings of what will happen in our lifetimes!

THREE Bible prophecy equals doomsday prophecy The third misconception is the one that But even Armageddon is part of a larger prophecy. pops immediately to many people’s minds When you read what the Bible actually says, you find that when they hear the word prophecy. They the greatest prophecy of all is the advance news of the envision the state of affairs when prophe- soon-coming Kingdom of God! God will govern a civiliza- cies actually do come true: mass destruction of peace, happiness, joy and prosperity for those who tion. There is a reason for this—but is a embrace a relationship with their Creator. Even the events heads-up for doomsday the only reason for Bible prophecy? surrounding Armageddon are corrective steps to save The Bible predicts the rise and fall of nations and humanity from satanic sinfulness and self-destruction. (3) empires. It does specify that many of these falls have The Bible actually presents prophecy as an advance been and will be catastrophic. The God of the Bible also chronicle of a great plan God is working out. Although it trumpet / prophesies that people will experience terrible personal involves discipline and punishment, the purpose of that and national punishments for disobeying and sinning plan is ultimately to bring humanity peace and joy so it barreiro

against Him. And yes, Armageddon is in the Bible. can reach its fullest potential. melissa MARCH 2015 23 owner, and they were compensated with a few kopecks a day. They could barely buy the food they had grown with the wages they’d been paid to grow it. Alexander had abolished serfdom to assuage the Russian masses and prevent a revolution. But the circumstances created by that abolition only increased revolutionary pressure. In 1905, the pressure exploded into a revolution against Czar Nicholas ii. However, because of infighting among the revolutionaries, the czar’s power strengthened. Russian nights grew longer, darker and colder. When it looked as if things couldn’t get much worse, World War i broke out. The Russian Army, large but poorly armed, took the offensive against the BEARING IT Russian soldiers in German-led Axis. Russian soldiers were between hardships often sent to the front lines unarmed and instructed to fight with whatever weapons they could find on the battlefield. The Amazing Durability Russia lost more people in the Great War than any other nation, but its ill-equipped of the Russians yet strong-willed soldiers managed to tie down great numbers of enemy troops. While the Russian soldiers loyal to the czar were fighting at the front, whispers of revolution within the country grew The ruble is collapsing. The people are hurting. Western analysts predict into cries of upheaval. The people had had another sea change. What does history say? by jeremiah jacques enough of Russia’s gross social inequality, discouraging war losses, deepening eco- s the value of Russia’s ruble Beginning in the 11th century, the nomic crises, rampant starvation and falters and its economy groans, majority of Russians lived as serfs in a monarchy scandals. In 1917, revolution- A many Westerners speculate that dreary and oppressive feudal society. aries toppled the czarist system. the discomfort the Russian people feel They eked out a living in a severe cli- But the overthrow did not result in a will become too much for them to with- mate, forbidden to own any property or power-to-the-people ending, as had the stand. Many say the sliding standard of to leave the estates they worked. Many French and other revolutions. Instead, living will become unbearable, and that were essentially slaves owned by a slen- after five years of savage civil war, the it could cause the Russians to turn on der minority of landowners. Historian Soviets took power. President Vladimir Putin. Richard Hellie said they “raised and Russia then entered a chapter bleaker “[Putin is] facing a full-blown currency made most of what they had, and had perhaps than any it had known before. crisis that could weaken his iron grip on few resources left after paying rent and Joseph Stalin and other leaders power,” Reuters wrote on December 17. taxes to buy anything” (The Economy and orchestrated what is sometimes called “It looks all over for Putin,” Forbes said on Material Culture of Russia, 1600-1725). “the other holocaust of the 20th century”— December 18, adding that his “days are Hellie says that, for many years, up to the imprisonment, debasement and mur- numbered.” Such predictions are pop- 90 percent of Russia’s population lived der of tens of millions by their own gov- ping up all over the Western press. this punishing existence. ernment. Communists herded millions Will Russia’s economic discomfort After Czar Alexander ii abolished of poorer Russians into collective farms, become more than its people can bear? serfdom in 1861, life for the average Rus- effectively reintroducing serfdom. Will this lead to the end for Putin? sian took a turn … for the worse. In the midst of this dark Soviet chap- For the answers, let’s look back Serfs hadn’t owned land, but most ter came an even darker inset: World through the annals of Russian history. of them only needed to meet a certain War ii. quota and then were permitted to keep Russian losses in this largest war ever From Bleak to Bleaker the remaining crop yields. But after serf- fought are perhaps best summarized It has been said that the history of the dom was abolished, the masses became with one tragic statistic: 80 percent of Russians can be summarized in five wage laborers. Everything they grew all Soviet males born in 1923 were dead words: “And then it got worse.” or produced belonged to the property by the end of World War ii. pd 24 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Once again, the Russians lacked Meanwhile, a small class of klepto- Under Putin, for the first time in their enough weapons for all of their soldiers. cratic oligarchs rose up and became lives, many Russians owned cars and Many units had only one rifle for every obscenely wealthy. In many ways, Rus- vacationed abroad. The gains continued 10 men. The unarmed man trailed the sia was again a serf-like state. for the most part up until the Ukraine armed one, waited for him to be shot In the minds of many Russians, the crisis over this past year. down, then grabbed his gun and fought turmoil and poverty of the 1990s gave Because of the last decade and a half, on. Russian soldiers were known to democracy a bad name. A large percent- Russians are fiercely loyal to Putin. sometimes clear minefields by march- age of Russians today agree with Pres- Instead of seeing him as the cause of the ing over them. Upon witnessing these ident Putin’s belief that the fall of the current troubles, they continue to view tactics, one German soldier reportedly Soviet Union was the “greatest geopolit- him as the solution. A December 18 Asso- said he was convinced that the tough-as- ical catastrophe of the century.” ciated Press poll found that a stagger- nails Russians would win the war. It was not only soldiers who suffered. In the infamous Siege of Leningrad, Nazi “Russians’ strength is that they can forces surrounded Russia’s second-largest city and choked it off in order to endure things that would break starve its residents. For 872 days, shell- George Friedman CEO, Stratfor Global Intelligence ing was constant; starvation and disease other nations.” pandemic. After all rats, pets and other animals in the city had been eaten, more The Russians’ Strength ing 81 percent of Russians still support than 2,000 starving residents resorted Falling oil prices and Western sanc- their president. “The most important to cannibalism. With more than 1 mil- tions against Russia for its aggression on event of [2014] has been the regressive lion dead, it was one of the worst sieges Ukraine have pounded the value of the transformation of Russian society,” the in mankind’s strife-ridden history. ruble. Russians are suffering. But Rus- Moscow Times wrote on January 14. The Soviet Union’s total number of sian history shows that its people are no “The Crimean adventure has driven Rus- war dead for World War ii exceeded strangers to terrible suffering. For most sians into a narrow corridor of ‘renewed 25 million, once again higher than the of them, prosperous times have been the loyalty’ to the authorities.” losses for any other nation. exception, and suffering the norm. This soaring popularity and renewed After the war ended, Stalin and the After a recent trip to Moscow, Strat- loyalty comes in part because Putin has other Soviet rulers returned to inflicting for’s George Friedman said, “There is convinced Russians to view their set- the “other holocaust” on the people of the always the expectation that prosperity backs as noble sacrifices made in the ussr. Historian I. G. Dyadkin estimated will end and the normal constrictions name of the war effort. In December, one that 56 to 62 million people died “unnat- of Russian poverty return. … Russians’ Moscow resident told the Trumpet that, ural deaths” from 1928 to 1954, and that strength is that they can endure things although Russians are suffering, “The excludes wartime casualties. Stalin him- that would break other nations” (Dec. 16, current mood is: ‘It’ll be fun and scary!’” self admitted to destroying 10 million. 2014). People in such a “mood” sacrifice will- Stalin died in 1953, but the grinding One of the few times Russia has ingly, endure tough times bravely, and Russian conditions lived on. For decades, enjoyed a reprieve from the “and then are sometimes even willing to march the Soviet Union endured the Era of Stag- it got worse” historical pattern was through minefields to clear them out for nation, languishing under the yoke of when Vladimir Putin came to power. their comrades following behind. communism and the ice of the Cold War. From 2001 to 2007, the Russian econ- The Westerners who think the cur- Revolution broke out again in 1989, omy grew by 7 percent per year, and rent discomfort will be too much for leading to the dissolution of the Soviet its nominal gdp increased sixfold. In Russians have made a mistake: They Union. Then things got worse. 2005, Russia repaid the last of the have assumed that the Russian capacity In the decade following the ussr’s Soviet Union’s debts. By 2007, Russia to endure suffering and sacrifice in the collapse, rates of poverty and economic had totally overcome the devastating name of the nation is roughly equal to inequality skyrocketed. In the late Soviet losses of the 1998 financial crisis and that of the average Westerner. In fact, it era, about 1.5 percent of the population the preceding recession in the 1990s. is far greater. n lived in poverty (which means they were earning less than $25 per month). By the mid-’90s, this number jumped to some- rumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry has identified Vladimir Putin as where between 39 and 49 percent of Tthe biblically prophesied “prince of Russia.” An in-depth study of the the population. Russia’s economy sank numerous scriptures about this mighty ruler shows that he will very into a deep depression, which, in terms likely survive the current turmoil in Russia and emerge from it even more of gross domestic product, was more powerful. To prove this astounding truth for yourself, order our free arti- severe than the Great Depression in the cle “The Prophetic Significance of the Ukraine Crisis,” or read it online at United States. Russia’s 1998 financial cri- theTrumpet.com/go/ukraine. sis further exacerbated the difficulties. MARCH 2015 25 Bible IQ

Making Right Decisions Using the power of choice

The Philadelphia lot of people are out of work these 3. To what did Solomon compare the essential Trumpet, in days, floundering and unsure of what direc- knowledge, guidance and wisdom contained in conjunction with A tion life should take. Many have given up God’s Word? Proverbs 3:13-15; 8:10-11. the Herbert looking for work. One in seven 24-to-34-year-olds The Bible is much more valuable than all the gold, W. Armstrong in America lives with his parents; and of those, a silver and precious gems in the whole world! It con- College Bible quarter are college graduates—and half don’t have tains principles that can help us make right deci- Correspondence full-time work. sions in all areas of life. God inspired the Bible to be Course, presents Many in this situation admit they feel trapped. written for our benefit (2 Timothy 3:16-17). this brief excursion They don’t want to live at home with Dad and Mom The book of Proverbs is especially full of gold into the fascinating for the rest of their adult lives. They know they don’t nuggets of understanding. It contains valuable wis- study of the Bible. want to work a minimum-wage job indefinitely. So dom that can guide us in making decisions that will Simply turn to and they remain indecisive. They simply hope for the lead to lifelong success and happiness, including read in your Bible best, and halfheartedly expect the “perfect oppor- good health, a challenging career, a great marriage, each verse given tunities” to eventually seek them out. well-balanced children and lasting friendships. in answer to the What about you? Are you stuck in a dead-end job, Learn to make right decisions by filling your questions. You will but don’t know what to do to better yourself? mind with the Word of God. It is a complete book be amazed at the Know this: Life is filled with decisions—some big, touching on every facet of human life and conduct. new understanding some small. Wrong choices, especially in the more It contains truths and principles that answer nearly gained from this important decisions of life, can cause a great deal any problem you may encounter. The more of God’s short study! of unhappiness and frustration and can sometimes Word you have mastered, the more apt you will be to take years to straighten out. If you make right deci- make the right decision. The key is to deeply study sions, your life will be happier and you’ll have fewer God’s Word so when called on to make a decision, worries and more peace of mind. the appropriate scriptures will leap into your mind. But making right choices and wise decisions is 4. Is it important to avoid making reckless or not a matter of “luck.” It is a matter of knowing and rushed decisions? Notice the principles in Prov- applying the keys to successful decision-making. erbs 4:26; 14:15; 21:5. Few realize that the Bible contains the all-important A hasty or rash decision can create unnecessary guidelines we need in order to make wise decisions! difficulty because you’ve not really understood the facts. Take time to carefully think about the situa- God’s Word on Right Decisions tion and get all the facts. Analyze the situation from 1. What key does the Bible give for making wise every angle and consider the end result of the vari- decisions? Proverbs 3:5-6. Will God grant wisdom, ous alternatives you might have. knowledge and understanding to those who seek Beware letting others rush you or pressure you them? Proverbs 2:1-6. into a decision you may regret. They may not always God cannot lie, and He never breaks His prom- have your best interests in mind. ises. God will give us wisdom, provided we are seek- Realize that from time to time you may be forced ing to please Him (Psalm 119:99-100). into making an emergency decision. In such a cir- 2. How did Solomon obtain his wisdom? 1 Kings cumstance, your only safe stand is to ask, “What 4:29. (Read also 1 Kings 3:5-13.) Did he compile the would Christ do?” Jesus Christ lived by every word book of Proverbs? Proverbs 1:1. of God (see Matthew 4:4), and that enabled Him to Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived always make wise, Bible-based decisions. He set the (1 Kings 4:29-34) besides Jesus Christ. Solomon prob- perfect example in all things; we should follow His ably became king of Israel at about 18 years of age; steps (1 Peter 2:21). yet he recognized the challenges of leadership. He knew he needed wisdom above all else, so he asked Learn From Others for it. God answered his request and gave Solomon 1. Before making major decisions, is it smart to seek wisdom in abundance. Wisdom allowed Solomon to advice and counsel from others with knowledge and make right decisions for his nation. experience? Proverbs 11:14; 12:15; 15:22; 19:20. 26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Seeking the input and advice of others can be very helpful in solving a problem or making a big decision. Advice from experienced or knowledge- Making right choices and able people can often guide us in the right direction wise decisions is a matter by giving us ideas we would not think of ourselves. They can often help us recognize the pros and cons of knowing and applying of a given decision. the keys to successful Sometimes what we think would be a right choice or wise decision may not necessarily be the best. decision-making. That is why counsel is so important. Often others who have gone through similar life experiences and are more than willing to give us guidance to make the right decisions. They want to help us avoid making mistakes that could prove costly and cause many headaches. 2. Is it beneficial to befriend and associate with those who are wise? Proverbs 13:20; 27:17. God, the supreme source of wisdom, will guide A person who has learned to make right deci- you as you apply the basic keys to making right decisions seeks friends who are known for their wisdom sions, which are revealed throughout the pages of and good judgment. Such friends can sharpen your the Bible. He will steer us in the right direction if understanding and help you make better decisions. we ask Him for that help! You can also learn vicariously how to make smart Follow the example of Jesus of Nazareth and decisions by reading autobiographies and biogra- make “Thy will be done” a constant way of life (see phies of successful men and women. You can glean Luke 11:2). In truly seeking God’s will in all your from their experiences important traits and ways of endeavors, you must pray and ask Him to guide and doing things that you can apply in your life. direct you. Your chances of making wise choices are 3. Did God also have the lives of Old and New Tes- multiplied many times over when you earnestly look tament personalities recorded so we could benefit to Him to show you what is right. If you delight your- from their experiences? Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthi- self in God, commit your life to Him and trust in ans 10:6, 11. Him for everything, He will give you all the “desires By reading about the lives of the great men and of your heart” (Psalm 37:4-5). women of the Bible—men such as Noah, Abraham, Though we may try our best to follow the keys Moses, David and Christ, and women like Ruth, discussed in this study, we still sometimes will Rahab, Esther, Hannah and Sarah—we can learn make a bad or unwise decision because of unfore- valuable lessons and principles that will help us in seen circumstances or other factors beyond our making decisions. control. When this happens, don’t get discouraged. Chalk ‘Count the Cost’ it up to experience and learn whatever lessons you 1. Should you carefully “look before you leap” to be can from it. Realize that possibly you didn’t have This short study sure you are able to follow through with a decision? all the facts and judged the situation prematurely. is a sample of the Proverbs 27:12; Luke 14:28-30. Perhaps emotions or personal drive, ambition and method employed In making choices such as whether to buy a car desire influenced you. Whatever the reason for your in each lesson of or a house, whether to further your education by wrong decision, glean wisdom from the experience the free Herbert attending trade school or a university, which career and profit from it. W. Armstrong path to follow, whether to marry or whom, whether Remember to study the Bible and ask God for wis- College Bible to have children, and other major life decisions, be dom and help in making right choices. Avoid mak- Correspondence sure to sit down to “count the cost” as Jesus said. ing rash decisions. Count the cost and be sure to Course. Over Consider whether your plans might be premature, get the facts. Seek counsel and advice from quali- 100,000 people financially unwise or beyond your ability to achieve. fied experts. Study the examples of others and learn have enrolled in this This is a basic principle of making wise decisions. to emulate their positive traits of character. And exciting, dynamic Don’t plunge in headfirst before testing the waters. remember to make God’s will your will in everything. course. Ordering The sure road to failure and bad decisions is to rush Abide by the all-important keys outlined in this information is on the in ill-equipped and unprepared. Sometimes it is study and begin to experience the happy, productive back cover of this best to hold off on a certain course of action and and successful life God wants you to have! n magazine.

yuri wait until conditions are more favorable. /

com 2. Has God promised to give us the wisdom . You can read previous articles in this we need to make wise decisions if we ask Him? istock series online at trmpt.co/bibleiq.

© James 1:5-6. MARCH 2015 27 Worldwatch acceptance of the Palestin- Netanyahu asks for ian Authority’s request to Europe’s help join the icc, which will officially occur on April 1. srael is being Recognition by the icc “I attacked by the very will allow Palestinians to same forces that attack pursue war crimes charges Europe. Israel stands with against Israel. Europe. Europe must stand Israeli Foreign Minis- with Israel,” Israeli Prime try spokesman Emmanuel Minister Benjamin Net- Nahshon called the move anyahu stated on January 8, “legal warfare, which is not just after terrorist attacks useful to peace.” Noting in France had left 17 people Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas speaks about his attempt to the Palestinian Authori- dead over a three-day period. obtain recognition of a Palestinian state ty’s troubling association On January 11, Net- from the International Criminal Court. with the internationally anyahu participated in the recognized terrorist orga- biggest march in French his- nization Hamas, Nahshon tory to honor the victims of Seeking control of warned that the PA might the attacks. He joined about find itself as the defendant 40 world leaders and over 4 East Jerusalem before the icc. million people. Be it via the Palestinian As Israel’s relationship e has little to show Jordan … to submit the reso- Authority and/or Hamas, with the United States grows H frustrated Palestinians lution again, a third time or Bible prophecy informs cold, Netanyahu is looking for the 10 years he has led even a fourth time.” us that the Palestin- to Europe for support. This the Palestinian Authority, The day after the Secu- ians will violently gain con- call to Europe could lead to but Mahmoud Abbas looked rity Council vote, Abbas trol of East Jerusalem soon the fulfillment of Hosea 5:13, to change that on Dec. 29, signed 20 international (Zechariah 14:2—this is which prophesies of an alli- 2014: He pressed the United conventions, including explained in our free book- ance between Israel and Ger- Nations Security Council to one regarding the Interna- let Jerusalem in Prophecy). many. But biblical proph- pass a resolution leading to tional Criminal Court (icc). Mahmoud Abbas’s efforts ecy says this alliance will the establishment of a Pal- On January 6, the United are bringing the Middle East not bring Israel the peace it estinian state, and more. Nations announced its closer to that crisis. seeks, but the opposite. The resolution—the second of its kind—set a strict timetable for negoti- ations and a one-year dead- line to reach a peace deal, Taliban massacres in Afghanistan, Pakistan The horrifying murder scene at a demanded Israel’s return to Pakistani school its pre-1967 borders by the ust weeks before the murdered two Ameri- end of 2017, called for the JUnited States’ officially can soldiers in an attack establishment of a state of ended its combat mission in near Bagram Airbase. Palestine with East Jerusa- Afghanistan, a defiant Tal- The worst of the lem as its capital, and peti- iban sent a blood-soaked murders came three tioned for an end to settle- message mocking the last days later, across

ment building in the West 13 years of war waged by the Afghanistan’s porous abbas

Bank and East Jerusalem. U.S.-led coalition against the eastern border. Taliban deployed, but that number is momani The resolution won only terrorist group. militants stormed a school down to 10,600 and will be / eight out of the nine Secu- On December 13, the Tal- attended by children of reduced by about half that afp / rity Council votes needed. iban coordinated multiple some of the Pakistani sol- number by the end of the getty

“We didn’t fail,” Abbas told attacks throughout Afghani- diers at the Peshawar out- year. But the Taliban is mak- images officials at a cultural confer- stan: A suicide bomber deto- post. The gunmen went ing it clear that the Amer- , a

ence in Ramallah. “[T]he UN nated his explosives on a bus from classroom to class- ican military did not com- majeed Security Council failed us. packed with soldiers, killing room, murdering nine staff plete its mission. / afp

We’ll go again to the Secu- seven; and gunmen mowed members and 132 children. For more information, / getty rity Council, why not?” He down a Supreme Court During the peak of the read our January 2015 arti-

pledged to “study this with judge as he went to work, war in Afghanistan, about cle “Buried in Afghanistan” images our allies and especially killed 12 minesweepers, and 100,000 U.S. soldiers were at theTrumpet.com/go/12250. 28 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Meanwhile, calls for more responsibility around an EU army continue by the world.” German politicians. Ger- German Vice President man-Foreign-Policy reported of the European Parliament in November that the gov- Alexander Graf Lambsdorff ernment-affiliated Ger- said that “only a European man Institute for Interna- approach” to military issues tional and Security Affairs can keep the “economic (swp) believes that Ameri- giant” that is Germany from Bundeswehr honor guard soldiers ca’s changing global role is remaining “a political dwarf, prepare to welcome Georgia’s a good reason for establish- when it involves seriously defense minister in October. ing an EU army (Nov. 3, 2014). defending Western values In a paper published on the and interests.” Germany wants industry. In an October 8 German Defense website, Germany’s dream of a European army speech to the German Coun- Claudia Major, deputy direc- European super-army con- cil on Foreign Relations, the tor of swp’s Security Policy trolled from Berlin and ne of Germany’s main German minister of the Research Group, wrote that independent of America is O governing coalition part- economy requested an EU current “financial crisis” now beginning to become ners has declared it wants armament industry based shows that “national sover- a reality, and should star- to be the “driving force in primarily in Germany, but eignty built on autonomy is tle Western policymak- Europe of a parliamenta- stipulated that the main illusory.” Because America is ers. The last time Germany ry-controlled European requirement is that the shifting its attention to Asia attempted to exert its influ- army,” German-Foreign-Pol- armament industry be inde- and Africa, Major argued, ence upon the world, all did icy.com reported December pendent of the United States. “the EU will need to assume not go well. 8. According to the report, military experts of the Social Democratic Party (spd) group in the Bundestag, Germany’s parliament, have produced Greek exit possible, euro dives, Some Greek voters a position paper calling for Germany unfazed want out of the EU. a European Union military academy and a permanent ears of the “Grexit”— lender—could lose about military headquarters. F Greece’s exit from the €66 billion. The authors of the paper eurozone—triggered a drop But German Chancel- recognize Germany as an in the value of the euro to a lor Angela Merkel no lon- international powerhouse nine-year low on January 5. ger thinks a Grexit would be economically, but decry its But not everyone is panicking. too risky for the 19-member foreign and military policies. Since 2010, Greece has eurozone after all, accord- These policies, said the spd’s submitted to severe bud- ing to unnamed officials ref- far the largest manufacturer defense policy spokesman get cuts in order to receive erenced by Der Spiegel. and exporter is Germany. Rainer Arnold, are “urgently more than €100 billion It appears a Greek exit After Merkel’s alleged in need of improvement.” (us$115.5 billion) in bailout would benefit Germany in comment became public, Germany already is inde- funds from the eurozone, some ways. Berlin said it hadn’t changed pendently involved in bilat- the European Central Bank If Greece leaves the euro- policy and that it still expects eral and multilateral proj- and the International Mone- zone, it could throw the cur- Greece to fulfill its obliga- images ects with other European tary Fund. But some Greeks rency bloc into turmoil as tions to the European Union. getty / militaries. Brigades from are increasingly expressing investors wonder if the euro Much of the reporting afp / national armies are joining their resentment toward project might disintegrate. about the possible Grexit with the Bundeswehr and austerity. Greece’s anti-aus- If investors flee, the value revolves around its eco- mitrolidis coming under the command terity party, Syriza, has of the euro would plummet nomic effects. But the Trum- sakis

, of the German Army. “Never surged in popularity. It is relative to other curren- pet notes that the most sig- before has a state renounced possible that Greece will cies. A lower euro valuation nificant factor is not the images this elementary and inte- choose to, or be pressured makes European exports billions of euros saved or lost, getty / gral part of its sovereignty,” to, leave the eurozone. less expensive for foreigners, but the effect of the financial afp / wrote Die Welt’s political Were Greece to leave allowing European manufac- crisis on politics. The falter- editor, Thorsten Jungholt. the euro and default on turers to sell more products ing eurozone could lead to a schwarz The Germans also want its bailout debt, Ger- around the world. And the radical change in the politi- tobias to consolidate the defense many—Greece’s biggest European country that is by cal landscape of Europe. MARCH 2015 29 Worldwatch the two nations signed the The South American nation largest business transaction has been internationally in human history—a 30-year, isolated for reneging on its $400 billion gas deal. Other financial obligations in 2001, massive deals have followed. and it has found China an China can afford to give alternative to the imf. Eco- such support because it is nomically sanctioned Vene- the world’s largest economy, zuela has enjoyed $4 billion according to the imf’s lat- of credit from China since est purchasing-power parity November. Russia’s Putin (left) and calculations. It has amassed Obviously, China is not China’s Xi meet in Beijing in $3.89 trillion worth of for- in the charity business. In November at an APEC summit. eign exchange reserves, also exchange for its assistance, the largest on the planet. it receives vital natural Lending this type of aid to resources to feed its econ- With a friend like China, enemies of the West is a sym- omy. By helping Russia and bol of China’s power. It gives Venezuela, China gains cheap who needs the IMF? China an opportunity to natural gas and crude oil. practice “big-country diplo- But more significantly, ariah nations facing Jin Canrong, the associate macy,” as President Xi Jing- helping pariah nations gives P economic turmoil no dean of the School of Interna- ping said in November. China China critical alliances that longer need to bow to West- tional Studies at Renmin Uni- is eager to augment its polit- will ultimately undermine ern demands in order to versity in Beijing, said, “Many ical clout because it will help the U.S. and even challenge access loans and capital Chinese people still view it challenge the West, partic- a resurging Europe. For markets. Now they can Russia as the big brother, and ularly the United States. more information about instead turn to China. the two countries are stra- China has similarly where these developments Recent currency-swap tegically important to each helped Argentina with $2.3 are leading, read our Janu- deals between China and other” (Bloomberg News, billion worth of curren- ary 2015 article “The Rus- economically isolated Dec. 22, 2014). Back in May, cy-swap deals since October. sia-China Axis Is Here.” nations like Russia, Argen- tina and Venezuela demonstrate that China is presenting itself as a viable alternative to the West and Japan insists on constitutional revision its International Monetary Fund (imf). hinzo Abe was in human history. The emperor worship and dis- On December 20, Chinese S reelected as Japan’s fanaticism was fueled banded State Shinto. authorities announced they prime minister on Decem- largely by Japan’s belief that Abe is part of the Shinto would expand a $24 billion, ber 24 and reiterated his Emperor Hirohito was a god Association of Spiritual three-year currency-swap pledge to rewrite destined to rule Leadership and the Nippon deal Beijing had signed with the country’s pac- the world. State Kaigi. Besides working to Shinzo Abe Moscow in October. The deal ifist constitution. Shinto became scrap Article 9, these groups allows Russia to borrow the The issue of con- the national reli- also want to blur the separa- Chinese yuan and lend its stitutional revi- gion, promoting tion of religion and state and faltering ruble. Chinese For- sion has divided an ideology of restore lost Japanese values. eign Minister Wang Yi said the Japanese Japanese racial Last October, Abe became Russia possesses “the capa- public, but more superiority and the first Japanese prime bility and the wisdom to than 80 percent the notion that minister since World War ii

overcome the existing hard- of the nation’s parliament Hirohito was a divinity. to attend a ceremony at the getty

ship in the economic situa- now favors it. Constitutional After the war, America Ise Shrine that celebrated images tion.” But he added, “If the revision, Abe said, is his wanted to ensure that such the emperor’s divine ances- , Russian side needs, we will most “cherished wish.” fanaticism would not rise try. If Abe’s “cherished wish” thomas provide necessary assis- Is it a noble wish? Japan’s again, so it wrote the post- comes true, it could revive

coex tance within our capacity.” pacifist constitution was war constitution to include the intoxicating combina- / afp

China is eager to help Rus- written by American lead- Article 9, a clause outlaw- tion of nationalism, Shinto / getty sia in part because it views ers just after World War ii. ing war as a means for Japan myth and militarism among

its neighbor to the north as Japan had just committed to settle international dis- this great—and potentially images something of a kindred spirit. some of the worst brutality putes. It also outlawed dangerous—people. 30 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Societywatch As “Marriage From a Child’s Perspective,” a June 2002 Child Trends research paper, said, “[I]t is not simply Traditional the presence of two parents, as some have assumed, but families the presence of two biological parents that seems to sup- declining port children’s development.” The traditional family raditional families in is under threat in Amer- TAmerica continue to ica—and other Western decline, according to of wedlock is becoming “The empirical claim nations—and as a conse- a December 2014 Pew increasingly popular. Since that no notable differences quence, so is the strength Research Center survey. 1960, the percentage of chil- exist must go,” Mark Reg- of the nation. Strong family In 1960, 73 percent of dren born to unmarried nerus, an associate sociol- is the foundation on which children lived with both parents has jumped from 5 ogy professor at the Uni- strong countries are built. biological parents, while 9 to 41 percent. versity of Texas at Austin, Once we start chipping percent lived with a single Traditional families said in his controversial away at that foundation, we parent. By 2013, children positively affect the devel- 2012 study in Social Sci- seriously undermine the living with both biological opment and education of ence Research. “[C]hildren nation’s strength. To learn parents dropped to 46 per- children. Children of mar- appear most apt to succeed more about the cent, and children in sin- ried couples are better off well as adults when they profound ram- gle-parent homes increased economically, more stable spend their entire child- ifications of to 34 percent. Less than half mentally, more success- hood with their married this trend, of American children know ful academically, and even mother and father, and request a free what it is like to live with healthier—even through- especially when the par- copy of our both Dad and Mom. out adulthood (infographic, ents remain married to the booklet Rede- Having children out page 18). present day.” fining Family.

One small emergency away from the street

ost Americans are said they had enough money the net worth of M only one paycheck away in a rainy day fund to cover American fam- from the street, according three months of expenses. ilies—that is, to a survey reported by Mar- Furthermore, more than their total assets ketWatch on January 10. half of the respondents minus their lia- The survey of 1,000 adults said they could not finance bilities—since found that approximately a hypothetical emergency the recession 62 percent of Americans expense costing $400 unless began. In 2007 it have no emergency savings they sold something or bor- was $135,700, but for things such as a $1,000 rowed the money. by 2013 it had dropped 40 budget without going into emergency room visit or a Andrew Meadows, the percent to $81,400. debt or turning to family $500 car repair. producer of Broken Eggs, a Most Americans still and friends for help.” This stock A 2014 U.S. Federal documentary about retire- keep a household budget means a critical element of Reserve survey involving ment, found that one of though. The Bankrate sur- their budget is missing—an select / more than 4,000 adults the biggest reasons peo- vey showed that in 2012, 60 emergency fund. com . made similar discoveries. ple aren’t saving is because percent of Americans had a However, there is an istock “Savings are depleted for they’re in debt from the budget. Now that figure has even more important ele- , © many households after the 2007 recession. “People are jumped to 82 percent. Claes ment in successful budget- recession,” it found; 57 per- still feeling the heat from Bell, a banking analyst at ing that almost everybody

christinlola cent of household had used the Great Recession,” he said. Bankrate, said this is good, misses. To find out what /

com up some or all of their sav- Pew Research Center but he also pointed out that that is, request a free copy . ings during and after the released a report in Decem- “too few have the ability to of our booklet Solve Your istock

© recession. Only 39 percent ber 2014 that calculated cover expenses outside their Money Troubles! MARCH 2015 31 u CHEAP GAS FROM PAGE 7 live in May 2015 if Europe and America by plunging oil prices. Longtime Trumpet Europe’s leaders. We could see influen- followed through. If China, the world’s readers will recognize them. tial Europeans push to repair relations number one exporting nation, could be The “kings of the east” are cooper- with Russia. Remember, sanctions are convinced to use the Russian system, ating in unprecedented fashion as oil a two-way street. And it is Europe, not this could reduce demand for dollars. prices and sanctions push Russia and America, that is bearing the brunt of the The West’s sanctions, coupled with China into each other’s arms. A desper- Russian sanction pain. the falling oil price, is driving Russia and ate Russia, led by a dictatorial strong- Russia will also continue its asym- China together in a way that otherwise man (known in the Bible as the “prince of metrical warfare against America. On would probably have been impossible. Rosh”), is frightening Europe. The “king December 20, China and Russia agreed Geopolitically, this is a game changer. of the north,” a prophesied European to a $24 billion currency-swap program, The last time the world had to deal superpower composed of 10 nations or which will help Russia mitigate the with a Russia whose eastern flank was groups of nations, is coalescing around West’s sanctions. secure was the outbreak of World War ii. Germany for defense. The Bible says Perhaps more threateningly, Rus- A Russia with a secure eastern fron- these kings will be led by a strongman sia has also announced the creation of tier makes Putin a very dangerous man. (from Germany) who will lead Europe to a money-transfer system outside of the America’s war on Russia may seem world war once again. U.S.-controlled swift electronic payment to be working today—but it is actually Meanwhile, the Middle East is frac- system. This is an attack on the dollar’s backfiring. Far from defanging Rus- turing into its two prophesied power status as the world’s reserve currency. sia, it is more akin to poking it with a blocs. The first group is composed of swift is the method by which banks stick. Once the Ukrainian crisis blows Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, transfer money and convert it to dollars over, Putin will be free to get far more that will ally with Germany. The sec- for payment. Without access to this sys- involved in European relations. ond is the “king of the south,” which the tem, nations essentially have to revert to Trumpet has identified as Iran leading barter. In August, British Prime Minister Keep Your Eyes Open the radical Islamic camp. Low oil prices David Cameron publicly asked for Rus- 2015 is off to an explosive start. And pro- are devastating Iran’s economy. Will sia to be kicked out of the system. Rus- phetically, it may be a world-changing Iran attempt something radical to drive sian Deputy Finance Minister Alexey year. Some of the most dramatic proph- oil prices back up—perhaps launch a Moiseev promptly responded by saying ecies in the Bible appear to be coming to nuclear weapon? High oil prices strike Russia’s own alternative system would go fruition at race-car velocities, accelerated directly at the economies of Europe. Daniel 11:40 says the king of the south will “push” at the king of the north, who What to watch for in … will respond like a whirlwind. How much will oil as a weapon play in this push? UNITED STATES Low oil prices will help the economy, but many oil companies (You can prove all of these prophecies will be pushed toward bankruptcy. This could lead to banking crisis. by requesting free copies of our article “The Ukraine Crisis Was Prophesied” and CHINA Unmitigated winner. Low oil prices will help shore up its economy. our booklets Russia and China in Proph- Politically, Russia will crave Chinese support in order to survive. ecy, Germany and the Holy Roman Empire and The King of the South.) EUROPE Cheap oil gives a significant economic boost—but sanctions are Low gas prices may give some people hurting European businesses, especially those with large operations in Russia. happy feelings, but beneath the surface Watch for Europe to try to reach a compromise with Putin. Also watch for a core of is a world of cut-throat geopolitics in European nations to bolt themselves onto Germany for protection from Russia. which nations are fighting for power and survival. Over the long term, supply and SAUDI CLAN Low oil prices are making big enemies in Iran and Russia and demand do drive price. But right now we may cause nations like Venezuela and Nigeria to default on debt. This could cause are in a world in which oil production is a investors to reconsider investments in other emerging markets. If they pull out, weapon of war—a tool to batter enemies borrowing costs could jump, igniting debt crises in vulnerable countries. Debt crises into submission. Enjoy the $2-per-gallon have a tendency to spread. gas while it lasts. n

IRAN Danger levels are shooting up. What will Iran do to boost oil prices? In the face of Western hostility, watch for Russia to support Iran, and even offer Stay on top diplomatic cover for radical action. Cheap oil may spur Iran to go nuclear more quickly. of the trends RUSSIA Putin is a wild card. It makes sense for him to de-escalate tensions Visit theTrumpet.com and with Europe to buy time to expand ties with China and secure Russia’s eastern flank. But get the news analysis you need the ruble has lost value, sanctions are hurting the economy, and Russia could descend to understand your world. into severe recession. Sometimes desperate situations lead to dramatic actions. 32 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Principles of Living

A Secret to Happiness

Learn not just to cope with frustrations, but to actually appreciate them.

ife can be frustrating. But God wants you to be happy. Yes, He wants you to learn and grow, and sometimes that L requires allowing you to struggle and to exercise patience. But God can give you contentment, even as you struggle. The Apostle Paul set an admirable example in this regard. He had an agonizing ongoing physical ailment (2 Corinthians 12:7). He desperately desired God to remove it (verse 8). God’s answer to his earnest plea was, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness” (verse 9). Don’t worry about your weakness, God said. Focus on MY strength! How did Paul respond? “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infir- Whether abased or abounding, Paul learned to thank God. mities, that the power of Christ may rest Our human nature is the opposite. Whether abased or abound- upon me,” he said. “Therefore I take ing, it always wants to get. It frets and strives and agonizes to pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, get more for self. If and when we get it, we want more. And we in necessities, in persecutions, in dis- want it all right now. tresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am We want the best job, the fancy car, the nice home, the pas- weak, then am I strong” (verses 9-10). sionate romance. But unbridled desire only spirals into end- stephen flurry To those who spend their lives trying less frustration and failure. Discontentment with your savings to avoid every discomfort, this outlook account, your location, your education, your health, your sin- seems impossible—or crazy. But it isn’t. Paul accepted that glehood or anything else actually dishonors God and betrays he would have to live with this weakness. Once he acknowl- a lack of faith. It also leads to impatience and frustration that edged that, his whole attitude changed. He viewed the trial as cause you to make terrible life decisions. an opportunity for God to work things out. He appreciated that Live by God’s Word instead: “Delight thyself also in the Lord; it would keep him humble. When Paul saw God’s power at work, and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy he actually became grateful for his infirmity. way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to Can you view your weaknesses as opportunities, the way pass” (Psalm 37:4-5). Paul did? Day after day, month after month, trust in God. Rest assured Paul encouraged us to always think on the positive (Philippi- that continually putting yourself in God’s hands will yield good ans 4:8). He set the example in doing so (verse 9). He explained, results in the end. “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be con- flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of tent” (verse 11). the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well Contentment was something Paul learned. For a long time, he doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians woke up day after day—maybe year after year—with the same 6:8-9). Don’t allow yourself to get overanxious for a quick return. affliction, and was frustrated and discouraged. But over time, Let patience work its perfect work (James 1:4). he learned how to cope with it, even to the point of rejoicing in it! “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be con- “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any tent with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty leave thee, nor forsake thee” (Hebrews 13:5). Put God first, and and hunger, abundance and want” (verse 12; Revised Standard then be content with what He provides. Version). This is the secret! This is how to face your circum- We often think, If I could just change this one circumstance, stance, whatever it is: Learn how to be content. if I could just get this one thing I really want right now, my life Note the element of time involved in this formula. It takes would be fine and I would be content. But if and when you get the time to ripen this fruit of contentment. “Rest in the Lord, and new device, the promotion, the respect, or whatever it is that wait patiently for him” (Psalm 37:7). “[T]hose that wait upon the you crave, you find that the discontentment has followed you

squaredpixels Lord, they shall inherit the earth … and shall delight them- right into your new circumstance! /

com selves in the abundance of peace” (verses 9, 11). That is where Learn to be content in your present state. Delight in God, . true contentment leads. Godliness with contentment is great commit your way to Him, trust in Him—and He will give you istock

What’s so important and Britain in Prophecy, and about Britain? although it has many bad Thank you for this article things waiting for the British (“Why ‘the Britain Issue,’” people because of their sins to theTrumpet.com/go/12318). I God, it is filled with the most read it as a monologue from wonderful news for the Brit- you to the people of Brit- ish people. ... I’m from the ish descent wherever they UK, and I tell people of what is reside. It is very emotional. As going to happen, but they just I read, the tears swelled up as laugh or say, “It couldn’t hap- they did when I first read Mr. pen to us.” I pray for them all. Armstrong’s first little book- Mike let The United States and Brit- United Kingdom ain in Prophecy in 1966. I am trusting this message will Detect self-deception reach more and more people It seems that if we just do what in the British Isles. God says, it becomes easier Graham Beck to do even more (“Are You Australia Deceiving Yourself?,” theT- rumpet.com/go/12328). … Now I highly recommend reading I want to do even more. I am and re-reading The United happier as an individual, no “I am thrilled that you are taking your States and Britain in Proph- longer just hearing, but doing work to England. ... I am so grateful ecy book. When I first read the work that God would that I found you. God speed!” Gail it some years ago it literally have me do. I heard aspects of changed my life .... these scriptural admonitions The February Trumpet focused on Britain, a power that once Aria Turner in another study and found I ruled one quarter of Earth’s land surface and one out of every Louisiana can no longer sit this one out five human beings. Since the Bible consists of approximately on the fence. Doing what God one third prophecy, it would be curious for Scripture to ignore To be British says is an acquired taste. Once that empire’s rise (and fall). But it doesn’t. The Trumpet’s It is so painful to see the way you get enough, you appetite recent expansion into England (above) is largely about telling the thinking has changed for the good things He fills you the amazing story of the British people and broadcasting the (“To Be or Not to Be … British,” with, your taste and habits message of The United States and Britain in Prophecy. To get theTrumpet.com/go/12321). I change for the better as well. your copy, go to theTrumpet.com/go/USBP. grew up with people I knew Arthur Ward and television shows or movies, cartoons and songs prais- Thank you for this direct, ing the history of Great Brit- straightforward solution. ain and full of love of our own The message was straight to country. I was so proud and the point, blunt, and so easy admired all this glorious his- to understand. We must tory. Now I see such a turn in obey and follow God’s Word thinking. The world now only by being not only hearers, praises other cultures and but doers. If we just obey and criticizes the American and do, God will reward us and British. Why don’t we love all will rain down blessings on the wonderful things these us. Thank you for this cor- two nations have done for the rective and awesome article. world? It’s nice to learn what May God bless you for warn- is behind that. ing us. I will read this often to Becky Diesner help me not deceive myself. California What a great, simple test we The Trumpet Weekly—Optimized can use on a daily basis. The week’s most important news, anywhere you go What a wonderful article. Michelle Montgomery theTrumpet.com/go/TWsubscribe I’ve read The United States Virginia 34 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Commentary

Choose: Hard Work? reward single moth- Or Comfy Gratification? ers more than intact families. And since they subsidize it, Why the counterintuitive choice is the right one they get more of it: Britain’s wel- merica, 1860s. On his family’s farm in upstate New fare system has patently created a surge in broken homes. Brit- York, 9-year-old Almanzo Wilder grows up—working. ain pays 2.6 million people for being sick and incapable; over A He embraces considerable responsibility, and he yearns half a million of them are thought to be able to work, but unwill- for more. Then the boy receives an offer of apprenticeship from ing. A hundred thousand on sick benefit are between ages 16 the owner of the wagon shop in town. and 24. Three fourths of these youngsters are suspected of fak- Almanzo’s father explains to him the benefits of the shop job ing their sicknesses. And 20 percent of them have been receiv- versus farming: an easier life, shelter from the weather, fewer ing this money for at least five years. Unsurprisingly, the nation worries, plenty to eat, money in the bank. “But there’s the other is also suffering an exploding epidemic of 16-to-24-year-olds side, too, Almanzo,” James Wilder says. “You’d have to depend who aren’t going to school and aren’t working—and a simulta- on other folks, son, in town. Everything neous epidemic of youth antisocial and even criminal behav- you got, you’d get from other folks. A ior. If he could have paused from his labor and peered into this farmer depends on himself, and the land future, Almanzo Wilder would have been incredulous. and the weather. If you’re a farmer, you Government tends to create dependents in order to justify raise what you eat, you raise what you and amplify its own existence. It promises the kind of freedoms wear, and you keep warm with wood out Anglo-Americans have come to crave—freedom from responsi- of your own timber. You work hard, but bility, from work, from consequences. But the more we depend you work as you please, and no man can on government, the more we surrender our actual freedom— joel hilliker tell you to go or come. You’ll be free and and compromise our character, and shrink within the confines independent, son, on a farm.” of childhood in the shadow of the nanny state. This is one rea- That comes from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s biographical book son we have legions of grown men less capable, trustworthy Farmer Boy. I got somewhat emotional reading it to my chil- and productive than the 9-year-old farmer boys of yesteryear. dren the other day. Partly because of the touching interchange Behold this regrettable manifestation of a pack of lies we between a manly father and his son. And partly because of how promote and believe today: that honest work is a curse and idle- foreign, how remote from life today. ness a blessing; that happiness comes from materialism; that There was a time in “the land of the free” when this was free- luxuries are a birthright; that redistributing wealth is only dom. Being free to work, to provide for your family, free from fair; that it is more blessed to receive than to give. Now, one in dependence on others. Today, “freedom” has come to mean nearly five Americans say the most practical way to amass wealth and the opposite. People seek freedom from responsibility. Freedom the best hope of financial security is to win the lottery. Among from consequences for inaction and failure. Freedom from hav- those who make less than $25,000 per year, it’s two in five. Not ing to work, provide, contribute, give or serve. The country that to work hard, or save, or invest soundly, or contribute a useful ascended the mountain to greatness has been transformed from product or service to the free market—but to flush money down rugged, moral and hard-working into soft and decadent. A 9-year- a whirlpool of impossiblility and cross your fingers. old is way ahead if he is responsible enough to make his own bed. Nonsense. Don’t believe the propaganda that life gets better And the wagon shop apprentice is a self-sustaining stalwart only when it gets easier. Return to the Bible-based wisdom that compared to our extreme dependency. Folks in town who make helped build our nations. Give honest labor for honest wages. things people need are the least dependent among us; they’re Turn down unnecessary handouts; shun get-rich-quick schemes generating wealth in the private sector. Beside them America (Proverbs 28:19-20, 22). Curb materialistic covetousness; live has millions of people on federal, state and local government within your means. Apply yourself, be diligent and industrious payrolls, comprising the biggest sector of the national economy. (Proverbs 10:4). Commit to principled business conduct: fair Additional millions are even more dependent, living on hand- transactions that benefit both buyer and seller. Take respon- outs from myriad government social programs, welfare, con- sibility for your own (1 Timothy 5:8). Make God your partner,

trumpet tinuous unemployment benefits, nationalized retirement funds obey His laws, and give Him His tithe (Psalm 1:1-3; Malachi 3:10). / and health-care entitlements. Even our once free and indepen- This is the most practical way to build wealth, the best hope

nicoolay dent farmers live off federal subsidies. of financial security. Follow this wisdom, and you’ll enjoy a /

com In Britain the millstone of socialist entitlements is even considerable measure of actual freedom. And God promises . heavier. And evidence shows these programs create as many in Joshua 1:8, “then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and istock

© problems as they purport to solve. Misguided welfare policies then thou shalt have good success.” n MARCH 2015 35 u CUBA FROM PAGE 3 espionage facility, a massive listening post for intercept- ing communications.” That “massive listening post,” so close to the U.S., could make the cyberwar far more dangerous! When you consider what the Vatican is doing, you see how the Holy Roman Empire could also get control of that espionage facility. Hackers recently attacked the U.S. Central Command Twitter page. This prompted Ron Fournier of the National Journal to say, “We can be brought to our knees over the Internet”! Ezekiel 7:14 is an end-time prophecy indicating that will happen! Can you imagine America, the great superpower, being attacked, and not even responding? Here is a critical point that most people overlook. George Friedman wrote in Stratfor’s Geopolitical Weekly Dec. 23, 2014: “After the Soviet Union tried to deploy inter- Philadelphia Trumpet editor in chief mediate range ballistic missiles there, a new layer was created in which Cuba was a potential threat to the American Gerald Flurry appears each week on The mainland, as well as to trade routes.” Key of David explaining the meaning behind The Bible prophesies of a deadly economic siege that is world events and teaching the inspiring going to strike America. It is one third of the terrifying damage that will be suffered in the Great Tribulation. That truths of the Bible. The program is siege is about somebody controlling “trade routes”— also available at keyofdavid.com. so it is not difficult to see how Cuba could play a strategic role in that. Our booklet He Was Right explains this in detail. (See the back cover of this magazine for more ALL TIMES ARE A.M. LOCAL TIME Redding KHSL-DT 9:30, Sun; UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED KRCR 9:00, Sun details. All of our literature is free.) Sacramento KSPX 6:00, Fri; The German-led European Union is the seventh and UNITED STATES TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Nationwide Satellite Salinas KION 9:30, Sun final resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire—that same Galaxy 3 Trans. 17 11:30 ET, Tue/Thu San Diego TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Holy Roman Empire which, centuries ago, used Cuba so Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 ET, Tue/Thu San Francisco KKPX 6:00, Fri Direct TV Santa Barbara-Santa Maria KSBY-DT powerfully to fuel its wars. If the present resurrection CW Plus, Chan. 34, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun 9:30, Sun were to move into Cuba again, it would be well positioned Discovery, Chan. 278, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Sun City-Menifee TVCLT-Bilingual, ION, Chan. 305, 6:00 ET, Fri 7:30 Sun to make these kinds of attacks happen. The advantage WGN, Chan. 307, 8:00 ET, Sun Colorado, Denver KPXC 5:00, Fri is that it could do it in the cloak of secrecy, since Cuba is Dish Network Grand Junction KJCT-DT 8:30, Sun Discovery, Chan. 182, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Montrose KJCT-DT 8:30, Sun essentially a police state with tight controls on informa- ION, Chan. 216, 6:00 ET, Fri Connecticut, Hartford WHPX 6:00, Fri tion. Think of the control that it could have. Think of how WGN, Chan. 239, 8:00 ET, Sun Florida, Gainesville WCJB-DT 9:30, Sun Nationwide Cable Jacksonville WPXC/WPXJ-LP 6:00, Fri valuable Cuba has been to America’s enemies in the past! CW Plus, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun Miami WPXM 6:00, Fri You need to watch what is happening in Cuba. Discovery, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Orlando WOPX 6:00, Fri ION, 6:00 ET, Fri Panama City WJHG-DT 8:30, Sun Jeremiah 30 prophesies about God bringing the Great WGN, 8:00 ET, Sun Pensacola WFGX 7:30, Sun Tribulation on end-time Israel, which is modern-day Amer- Alabama, Birmingham WPXH 5:00, Fri; Tallahassee WTXL 7:30, Sun; WTLF/ WVUA 1:00 p.m., Sun WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun ica and Britain and other countries. (To prove this, request Dothan WTVY-DT 8:30, Sun Tampa WXPX 6:00, Fri our free book The United States and Britain in Prophecy.) Mobile WFGX 7:30, Sun West Palm Beach WPXP 6:00, Fri Montgomery WBMM-DT/WVCF-DT 8:30, Sun Georgia, Albany WSWG-DT 9:30, Sun The Bible shows that this will all happen quickly. And Alaska, Anchorage KYUR-DT 8:30, Sun Atlanta WPXA 6:00, Fri we are getting so close to this time! Fairbanks KATN-DT 8:30, Sun Augusta-Aiken WAGT-DT 9:30, Sun Juneau KJUD-DT 8:30, Sun Brunswick WPXC 6:00, Fri The seventh resurrection of the Holy Roman Empire is Arizona, Phoenix KPPX 5:00, Fri; Columbus WLTZ-DT 9:30, Sun apt to burst on the world scene in 2015 or 2016. It will have KAZT 8:00, Sun Macon WMAZ-DT 9:30, Sun Yuma KECY-DT 8:30, Sun Savannah WGSA-DT 9:30, Sun similar ambitions to what Charles v and the fourth resurrec- Arkansas, El Dorado KNOE-DT 8:30, Sun Thomasville WTLF/WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun tion had, and all its other resurrections. And that includes Fayetteville KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Hawaii, Hawaii Na Leo Chan. 54 6:30, Fort Smith KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Sun; 8:30, Wed the sixth one under the political rule of Adolf Hitler! Jonesboro KJOS 8:30, Sun Kaui Ho’ Ike Chan. 52 9:30, Tue The seventh head will cause many problems in this Rogers KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Maui/Lanaii/Molokai/Niihau/Aka- Springdale KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun ku Chan. 52 6:30 pm, Sun; 3:30, Mon world. But it also ushers in the best news this world California, Bakersfield KGET-DT 9:30, Sun Oahu Focus Chan. 49 7:00 am, Sat has ever heard! Chico KHSL-DT 9:30, Sun; KRCR 9:00, Sun Chan. 27 5:00 am, Fri KPXO El Centro KECY-DT 8:30, Sun Idaho, Boise KYUU-LP/KBOI-DT 8:30, Sun That empire is going to fight Jesus Christ when He Eureka KUVU-LP/KVIQ-DT 9:30, Sun Idaho Falls KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun returns. Christ will destroy the Holy Roman Empire and Los Angeles KPXN 6:00, Fri; Pocatello KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Twin Falls KMVT-DT 8:30, Sun usher in world peace, prosperity and joy forever. 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