POPE BENEDICT XVI As Has Happened Before, a This Is a Trend of Gigantic Propor- Strong Germany Will Drive Eu- Tions

WHO CARES? EUROPE’S SAVIOR IMMIGRATION Why you should pay more Conservative Europeans face two main challenges: secularism Addressing basic attention to Latin America. and Islam. To whom will they turn for solutions? questions on a hot issue. august 2006 THE PHILADELPHIA www.thetrumpet.com TRUMPET

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WORLD ECONOMY 1 From the Editor: A 26 ECONOMYWATCH Clash of Civilizations Pressures Drive Dollar Down Is Imminent ■ Personal Savings Rate Plum- Iran’s president wants an mets ■ arms Set to Create international crisis—and he’s Trouble ■ Will the U.S. Lose going to get it. the nyse? SOCIETY LATIN AMERICA 14 Latin America IMMIGRATION Swings Left 28 Nation: A Place Should the U.S. be worried With Borders about the anti-Americanism Nagging questions surrounding surging to its south? America’s immigration problems 16 The Religion Factor 29 Benefits of Illegal Immigration WORLD CANADA 30 Where Terrorists and 2 The Dawning of a New Germany COVER Deportees Walk Free? All eyes are fixed on Germany for the 19 Shrugging at Evil World Cup. America would be wise to Iran’s leaders openly declare 32 SOCIETYWATCH keep its eyes fixed there. war on America, yet the United TECHNOLOGY U.S. Beaten in 4 Getting Fed Up States refuses to take them seri- Brain Game ■ DRUGS UK ously. The result will be tragic. Kids Hooked on Heroin ■ ENTERTAINMENT Horror 6 Wanted: Savior for Europe Movies More Sadistic Europe suffers from a myriad of prob- 22 WORLDWATCH ■ Record Sales of Sleeping Pills lems—religious, cultural and economic. EUROPE Laying Groundwork for One man hopes to change all that. Navy ■ Bavarian Premier Calls 35 Don’t Know Much 10 Top Cardinal Slams Muslims for Anti-Blasphemy Laws ■ U.S. Key Business to Be Germany’s? About Samurai ■ RUSSIA Will Putin Seek a We can’t all be above average. 12 Care Package From Rome Third Term? ■ RESOURCES U.S., Italy’s new prime minister has big China Race for Mideast Oil DEPARTMENTS plans for the European Union. ■ Iran Seeks Global Anti-U.S. 34 Letters Axis ■ MIDDLE EAST Jerusalem Day Loses Relevance 36 Key of David Television Log

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COVER STAFF Publisher and Editor in Chief Gerald Flurry THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET (issn 10706348) is published monthly CONTACT US Please notify us of any change in your address; include your old mail- Iranian President Executive Editor Stephen Flurry News Editor Ron (except bimonthly June-July and November-December issues) by ing label and the new address. The publishers assume no responsibility for return Mahmoud Fraser Senior Editor Dennis Leap Managing Edi- the Philadelphia Church of God, 14400 S. Bryant Ave, Edmond, of unsolicited artwork, photographs or manuscripts. The editor reserves the right Ahmadinejad tor Assistant Managing Editor ok 73034. Periodicals postage paid at Edmond, ok, and additional to use any letters, in whole or in part, as he deems in the public interest, and to AFP/Getty Images Joel Hilliker Ryan Malone Contributing Editors Mark Jenkins, Brad mailing offices. ©2006 Philadelphia Church of God. All rights edit any letter for clarity or space. Website www.theTrumpet.com E-mail letters@ Macdonald Contributors Fred Dattolo, Robert reserved. printed in the u.s.a. Unless otherwise noted, scriptures theTrumpet.com; subscription or literature requests [email protected] Phone Morley, Timothy Oostendarp, Gary Rethford As- are quoted from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. U.S. U.S., Canada: 1-800-772-8577; Australia: 1-800-22-333-0; New Zealand: 0-800-500- sociate Editors Produc- Postmaster: Send address changes to: the philadelphia trum- 512. Contributions, letters or requests may be sent to our office nearest you: United Don na Gr ieves , Ph i l ip Nice pet, p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083. How your subscription has States p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083 Canada p.o. Box 315, Milton, on l9t 4y9 tion Assistant Michael Dattolo Research Assistants been paid: The Trumpet has no subscription price—it is free. This Caribbean p.o. Box 2237, Chaguanas, Trinidad, w.i. Britain, Europe, Middle East, Lisa Godeaux, David Vejil Photo Research Aubrey is made possible by the tithes and offerings of the membership of India, Sri Lanka p.o. Box 9000, Daventry, nn11 5ta, England Africa p.o. Box 2969, Mercado Proofreader Nancy Hancock Circulation the Philadelphia Church of God and others. Contributions, how- Durbanville, 7551, South Africa Australia, Pacific Isles p.o. Box 6626, Upper Mount Mark Jenkins International Editions Editor Wik ever, are welcomed and are tax-deductible in the United States, Gravatt, qld 4122, Australia New Zealand p.o. Box 38-424, Howick, Auckland, 1730 Heerma French, Italian Daniel Frendo German Canada and New Zealand. Those who wish to voluntarily support Philippines p.o. Box 1372, q.c. Central Post Office, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1100 Hans Schmidl Spanish Edition Editor Carlos Heyer this worldwide work of God are gladly welcomed as co-workers. Latin America Attn: Spanish Department, p.o. Box 3700, Edmond, ok 73083, U.S. FROM THE EDITOR GETTY IMAGES GETTY A Clash of Civilizations Is Imminent

FERVOR Shiite Muslims worship at the Jamkaran Mosque, where they wait for the return of the Mahdi before the end of the world.

mir Tahiri, an Iranian journalist formerly history. Jesus Christ said He would speed up His Second Com- stationed in Iran, wrote in the Weekly Telegraph, ing in order to cut these terrible days short. “Tehran’s Shia regime believes that its nuclear weap- That sounds quite close to what Ahmadinejad is talking ons will speed the second coming of the Mahdi”— about, except that he puts an ugly twist on it that you don’t speakingA of their messianic figure (April 25). find in Christ’s prophecy. Nuclear warfare will indeed hasten Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad believes the Mah- the return of Jesus Christ—not the 12th Imam, or the Mahdi. di will return in two to three years—or even sooner if somehow Christ is not eager for a nuclear war and for suffering to he can create an international crisis. He afflict billions of people. God does not believes he was given his presidency to i can tell you want to see a clash of civilizations! That provoke a clash between civilizations! is why He warns through biblical proph- This should alarm all of us. Imagine: absolutely that ecy about what is coming—to help us Iran is the world’s top terrorist-spon- recognize the horror as it approaches soring nation. It is about to get nuclear iran is not going and turn to Him in repentance so we bombs, and its leaders believe a nuclear to conquer israel. don’t have to experience it! war will speed the return of their version The Bible shows that if we heed God’s of the Messiah. That means they are eager for a nuclear war. message, He will protect us individually. If the world heeded And once you start a nuclear war, how do you stop it? it, the catastrophe could be avoided altogether! Could any statement be more explosive? Right in the same context, here is a prophecy about that That is one of the most shocking statements ever made— warning from God: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be yet at the same time, it is a sign of the best news you could ever preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and hear! Why? then shall the end come” (verse 14). Any Christian ought to recognize Ahmadinejad’s belief as God calls the message “a witness” because He knows most a twisted counterfeit of one of Jesus Christ’s prophecies. people are going to reject it. But He sends it for a witness This is what Christ said in His famous Olivet prophecy: against them so they cannot come back and say, “Why didn’t “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the you warn us?” If they have that approach, He will say, I did beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And warn you. Why were you asleep? Why didn’t you respond? except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh The God of love warns us, hoping to prevent a nuclear clash. be saved [saved alive—Moffat translation] but for the elect’s He does not want to see anybody suffer. But He allows it—and sake those days shall be shortened” (Matthew 24:21-22). even causes it, in some cases—if we won’t heed His message. This is a prophecy about the worst suffering ever in human See CLASH page 11

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 1 WORLD EUROPE he cumula- tive viewer- ship of this year’s World Cup is estimated to be 32 billion The Dawning of people. That Tis an average of every man, With the World Cup in progress, Germany has woman and child on Earth captured the world’s attention. The tournament will watching roughly five of its soccer matches. As the end, but here is why you should keep your eyes host nation, Germany glued to this nation. BY BRAD MACDONALD has the world eating from the palm of its hand. The publicity value to this “reformed and democratized” Germany is priceless. For an entire month, Germany is the center of attention. The World Cup will pass, but we must not turn our attention from Germany. Earth-shattering changes are taking place in this nation. Germany is mov- ing into its new, and final, glory days; the World Cup is simply the beginning. Time will prove the signif- icance of the trends emerging in the Fatherland. Cataclysmic events always have small begin- nings. World War i was sparked by a single assassination. World War ii was conceived in the mind of one man more than a decade before it erupted. Sep- tember 11 began as an idea. Most Westerners, including Western leaders, underestimated events oc- curring within Germany during the 1930s. World War ii was the end result. About a year before Angela Merkel port enjoyed by other nationalistic, right- Germany’s history demands that we became Germany’s chancellor, she gave wing parties, are ominous” (Dec. 7, 2004). not trivialize two trends presently tak- a strong speech against multicultural- Why is this ominous? Because Germans ing root in the nation. It is within these ism and ethnic integration. Think tank are shifting toward political parties that developments that we can see the seeds Stratfor made this telling comparison: are “reminiscent of Hitler’s.” of a global crisis. “Merkel’s statements echo the senti- Earlier this year, a German politician ments of a certain earlier German gov- ignited controversy when he said there The Revival of German Nationalism ernment [that of Adolf Hitler], and the are “no-go” areas in Germany that non- The first important trend is the resus- re-emergence of right-wing parties there whites visiting for the World Cup should citation of German nationalism. This could portend another shift in the coun- avoid because they would “possibly not trend is particularly evident in the grow- try’s policies toward foreigners” (empha- leave these areas alive.” Spiegel Online ing popularity of nationalist political sis mine throughout). The world should wrote that the resulting tornado of me- parties in Germany. With debate over beware when Germans embrace nation- dia coverage and public attention “merely Muslims and immigration raging (see alist political parties. served to strengthen the right-wing think- sidebar, page 4), the ranks of Germany’s Stratfor continued, “… Merkel’s state- ing of many eastern Germans” (May 30). right-wing parties are swelling. ments, combined with the increasing sup- Stickers reading “No-Go Area” now sell

2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 3

GETTY IMAGES nation- German Embarrassed by This is a new why liticalparties with conservative more val- nationalistic and ues andbeliefs, the politi- larger nation’s cal parties are taking conserva- more a on nationalistic and tive poli- for slant. Watch ticianssuch as Ed- mund Stoiber, leader the conservative of Christian Social become to Union, more popular. re- steadily is alism of review A viving. history tells us that, in times past, this seemingly small trend has had global ramifications. its central role in two wars,world Germany has to de-em- tended phasize its own his- Germantory. histo- rians believe now this has void educational precipitated an iden- especiallytity crisis, Too young. the with many Germans, they don’t simply believe, are.” they “who know exhibi- permanent con- is Berlin in tion sidered important. the 2, June on Opened histori- national first since exhibition cal World War ii “aims to plug gaping holes Note that it is Germany at its most most its at Germany is it that Note in the memory nation’s of its 2,000-year past with a treasure trove of relics that in- hat” globe Hitler’s clude and Napoleon’s people German the (ibid., Organizers the stir exhibi- of 26). May will it hope tion to tap their historical roots and rediscov- er their Hans direc- identity. Ottomeyer, the of tor German Historical Museum in Berlin, says the exhibition will provide the German people with a “visual memory” that will help restore the country’s lost sense national of The identity. history theof 12 years the of Third Reich (1933- makes the up largest1945) single part of exhibition. the The World Cup signifies the trend in Germany toward and nationalism reviving increased pride. national GLORY DAYS GLORY AUGUST 2006 AUGUST news source. German THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTHE This information comes from a re- ii times, War Unlike the pre-World As Germans increasingly desire po- cultural and clubs information centers across the nation to inject its right-wing messages into the minds the of populace. spected according today, recruiters right-wing to political scientist Dierk Bostel, wear suits and dress shoes rather than leather jackets and combat boots: “The wolf is presenting itself in clothing,” sheep’s he Germany’s True, far-right says (ibid.). parties are still small; their but growing popularity highlights occur- change a ring in the German mindset.

As sentiment against immigrants immigrants against sentiment As

has established neighborhood groups, to the frustrated middle It class” (ibid.). victims—to welfare recipients and even itself indispensable to reunification’s npd has “quietly consistently but made particularly former East Germans. The The Germans. East former particularly ing many poorer, uneducated Germans,ing many poorer, many (npd). These partiesmany (npd). are attract- right National Democratic Party of Ger- immigration policies, such as the far- wing political partiestrumpeting stricter sours, Germans are turning toward right-

to dark-skinned folk in their suburbs. by Germansby seeking to send a message on theon Internet and are being purchased a New Germany New a WORLD EUROPE gruesome and horrific that is being giv- been growing” (ibid.). ect for European unity is failing. The en the most attention. Given the evils perpetrated the last evidence seems, on the surface, to be co- One of the highlights of the show is time German nationalism waxed strong, pious: French and Dutch voters rejected the 5-foot, 7-inch-high globe that stood it is naive to ignore the serious implica- the constitution in national referenda; in Hitler’s office during World War tions of this trend in Germany today. the European Union’s leading nations ii and symbolized his plans for glob- are unable to conform to a common eco- al domination. Hitler’s charred desk, Leader of Europe nomic policy as defined by the Stabil- dragged from the rubble of Nazi head- The second trend is that Germany is ity and Growth Pact; agreement has not quarters more than 60 years ago, is also emerging as the clear leader of Europe. been reached on the integration of new on show, as well as numerous other Nazi To many respected analysts, the proj- countries. At the heart of the problem, artifacts. The exhibition capitalized on REUTERS an interesting trend: As Spiegel noted, “In the last few years, German interest in World War ii and its aftermath has Getting Fed Up ueling the intensification of German nationalism is the rise of Islam. Germans are Fgrowing fed up with Muslims. This development promises to have serious repercussions. In fact, Germany and Islam are traveling a path that can CLASH only end in an unparalleled clash of Muslim demonstrators civilizations. in Germany contribute A survey performed in Germany to the majority belief earlier this year substantiates this among Germans that argument. Commissioned by Germa- Islam and the West can- ny’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung not peacefully coexist. and performed by researchers from the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research, the study disclosed an alarming trend. Although intolerance of Muslims in Germany has Deutsche Welle reported, “Experts fear new conflicts after steadily risen since the 9/11 attacks in America, it has a study published this week showed most Germans doubt grown much stronger recently amid a torrent of high-pro- the Western and Islamic worlds can peacefully coexist. file stories in the German press. “Concerns over an ‘honor Mistrust of the 3 million Muslims living in Germany ap- killing’ in Berlin, demands that schoolgirls be permitted pears to be growing” (May 20, emphasis mine throughout). to wear burkas, a surge in schoolyard violence involving Of the 1,076 Germans interviewed in early May, 83 per- Muslim immigrants, and the failure of Germany’s 3 mil- cent associated Islam with “fanaticism.” Over 71 percent lion Muslim immigrants to assimilate have deepened a believed Islam to be “intolerant”; 62 percent saw Islam as ‘crisis of cultures’” (Jerusalem Post, op. cit.). “backward”; 60 percent saw it as “undemocratic” (Jerusa- As these events unfold, leading politicians are suggest- lem Post, May 24). Only 8 percent of respondents charac- ing bold initiatives to solve the problem. A set of proposed terized Islam as peaceful. tests mandatory for incoming immigrants plainly aims at Perhaps most striking: 61 percent of Germans said they Muslims: The test put forward by one German state asks believe a “clash of cultures” already exists; 65 percent said about a person’s views on forced marriage, homosexuality they counted on such conflicts to worsen in the future. and women’s rights; a 100-question test in another state These results are astonishing: According to this survey, asks whether “the applicant believes in Israel’s right to most Germans expect a future clash with Islam! exist and whether a woman should be allowed in public Should the government ban the building of Islamic without the accompaniment of a male relative” (Deutsche mosques in Germany as long as the building of churches in Welle, March 16). some Islamic states remains forbidden? Fifty-six percent of That a contingent of Germany’s population is intoler- Germans say yes. Survey results even indicated that there is ant of Islam is not startling; sectors of the population in growing support for ending Germany’s constitutional right of many nations espouse such sentiment. What is startling freedom of religion with regard to Islam. Many Germans are is that the results of the Allensbach survey suggest that so disgusted with the Islamic onslaught, they are prepared to anti-Islamic sentiment isn’t confined to a narrow segment alter their constitution in order to curb Muslim ambition! of German society. The majority of the German people Germans are mulling over increasingly extreme measures believe a clash of civilizations is already underway. to solve the Islamic crisis in their midst. Four out of 10 Ger- This trend will only intensify; European-Islamic hostil- mans say “strict limits should be imposed on the practice of ity is bound to escalate in the coming months and years. Islam in Germany to protect the country” (Expatica, May 18). The entire Continent is being primed for conflict.

4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 as Chancellor Merkel put it, “Europe have students of World War ii shouting reasserting its “traditional” influence is not very popular among Europeans” from the rooftops. German militarism has over Europe. (Deutsche Welle, May 11). been destroyed twice in the last hundred From the end of World War ii However, like any institution of sig- years; after World War ii, the Allied pow- to the chancellorship of Gerhard nificance, the EU will find the solution ers resolved to “ensure that Germany will Schröder, Germany was in a “geopoliti- to its problems in its leadership. And it never again be able to disturb the peace of cal deep-freeze,” according to Stratfor. is Germany that has historically filled the world.” Now, just 60 years later, will “[E]verything Schröder did was couched Europe’s leadership void. a German-led Europe be allowed—even in terms of the European interest (which In January 2007, Germany, under invited—to reshape the world? meant mostly French interest). Europe- Merkel’s stewardship, will assume the Merkel’s drive to lead Europe out of anism was the only approved outlet for EU presidency. On May 11 this year, in its problems and set the pace of discus- German nationalism. her first speech on European policy to sion for its future has caught the atten- “But now there has been a clean the Bundestag (Germany’s parliament) tion of Britain’s minister for Europe, break. since becoming chancellor, Merkel talked Geoff Hoon. In a May 17 speech deliv- “Angela Merkel is now in charge of about a vision for Europe. ered at Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany, and despite presiding over an She confirmed her unconditional sup- Hoon called for the implementation of unwieldy and uncomfortable coalition port for the troubled EU constitution: Germany’s vision for Europe and a new government … she already has emerged “We absolutely need the constitution to alliance between the two countries. as the center-point of European affairs” ensure the European Union is effective Merkel’s cogent policy statement ap- (ibid.). and capable of action. … We must reflect pears to be magnetically drawing to- Europe is beginning to once again how we can bring the constitution project gether disparate voices on the future revolve around German leadership. Ber- to a successful conclusion” (ibid.). The EU of Europe. Hoon, representing Britain, lin is “returning to its traditional Commission president, Jose Manuel Bar- can be included among them. His Hum- role as the core European power.” roso, has asked that no decision be made boldt speech was the political shadow of This is one of the most significant on the constitution until 2008, but for the German government, it is not a question Given the EVILS perpetrated the last time of if the constitution will take effect, but how it will be done. Merkel said it is sim- GERMAN NATIONALISM waxed strong, it is ply a matter of “finding the correct time to act.” Never mind the millions of EU naive to ignore the SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS of citizens who rejected the constitution. Merkel also addressed European en- this trend in Germany today. largement. Contrary to other prominent politicians, her comments echoed those Merkel’s policy statement, as he echoed trends you could watch. Historically, of her Bavarian counterpart Stoiber, who her nearly every major policy point. the geopolitical structure of Europe has has always maintained that Europe needs EUpolitix.com commented on Hoon’s depended upon Germany’s strength or clearly defined borders. She pointed out discussion of “Britain and Germany’s weakness. As Stratfor put it, “When Ger- that a “body that does not have any bor- shared views on energy, the wto trade many is weak … other powers are able to ders cannot act cohesively” (ibid.). The talks and foreign policy,” as well as his rise and assert their interests. But when real issues are whether or not Muslim praise for Merkel: “While we may not Germany is strong, it dominates the Turkey should be accepted into the EU, always agree on all of the solutions,” he heart of the Continent and relegates and just where the EU’s borders should said, “we need her kind of vision and its neighbors to powerlessness—until be. Whether the arguments that German leadership in Europe” (May 19). such time as they ally to crush it” (ibid.). politicians make involve borders, cultur- What makes Hoon’s speech remark- History followed this pattern at three al unity or absorption capacity, the end able is that it signals the UK acknowledg- major points—periods known as the result will always be the same: No Mus- ing who the lead horse in European af- three German “Reichs.” “Charlemagne’s lim nation will be allowed to join the EU, fairs is: Germany. Holy Roman Empire (the first iteration with its decidedly Roman Catholic roots. For years, Europe was led by a Franco- of what is now ‘Germany’) dominated In perhaps the most striking statement German alliance. That failed with the Europe until it fell in Europe’s religious by a leading European politician to date, French public voting down the federal wars. Its death is what allowed Britain, she added: “Europe has to show that it project in last year’s referendum on the France and Russia to rise as major pow- can mold world policy according to its own European Constitution. Germany, sepa- ers. Imperial Germany played a similar values.” This is not simply a statement of rated from its partner, now comfortably dominating role from its rise in 1870 un- European unity, nor a revealing of Euro- leads the charge, and Britain is willing til its fall in World War i, when Weimar pean economic and social policy under to seek an alliance. But note: Germany is Germany’s weakness allowed a French German leadership. It is an articulation leading—Britain is following. and Russian renaissance. And of course of a breathtaking ambition: that Euro- In its January 16 forecast, Stratfor told Nazi Germany’s rise again put all eyes pean values—more specifically, German us that there is a “new trend” to watch on Berlin, and its destruction led to the values—should shape the world. in Europe as “traditional European superpower standoff—and, eventually, Few international politicians have power balances begin to reassert to the rise of a ‘united’ Europe” (ibid.). raised a peep in protest. A revived Ger- after a 60-year absence.” These analysts German aggrandizement should man ambition to shape the globe should are telling us to watch Germany: It is make our hearts beat faster. Stratfor pre-

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 5 WORLD EUROPEWORLD EUROPE dicted that “2006 will mark a new turn- over Ratzinger’s election, despite the fact ing point as Germany begins to ascend all of them are Protestants” (ibid.). Ger- for a fourth time”! mans are falling in love with the These analysts see that the new pope. Fourth Reich is rising before our Relations between Germany eyes! and the Vatican are blossoming. POPE BENEDICT XVI As has happened before, a This is a trend of gigantic propor- strong Germany will drive Eu- tions. This church-state combine rope’s unification. But make no FREE UPON has historically been a ruthless mistake: This superfederalist Eu- REQUEST and formidable force. To learn rope will predominantly serve more about this history, please re- Germany’s interests. quest our free booklet Germany and the Holy Roman Empire. Germany’s Ally A prophecy in Daniel 8 specifically It is imperative that we watch these two foretells the rise of a German leader in Together, the growing trends in Germany. First, watch for the our time who is deeply influenced by revival of German nationalism. Sec- the Catholic Church: “And in the latter presence of Islam and ond, watch for Germany to become the time of their kingdom, when the trans- a pervasive spirit of definitive leader of Europe. Both are gressors are come to the full, a king of trends unfolding right now, and they fierce countenance, and understanding secularism threaten Eu- will only intensify. dark sentences, shall stand up” (Daniel The Bible tells us that there is another 8:23). Other prophecies show this al- rope’s cultural, political hugely significant trend we should mon- most certainly must be a German lead- and religious landscape. itor: Watch for relations between Germa- er. He doesn’t lead just one nation. He ny and the Vatican to flourish. leads a 10-nation superpower (Revela- Facing these two crises, Both history and Bible prophecy tell tion 13 and 17). This political combine us this is inevitable. The seeds of this re- shall “destroy wonderfully,” or mightily Europe will once again look lationship are already germinating. (Daniel 8:24). to the Vatican for solutions. In May this year, for the first time “And through his policy also he shall ever, the German government spoke out cause craft to prosper in his hand; and BY BRAD MACDONALD in favor of a reference to God in the EU he shall magnify himself in his heart, constitution. “We live in a world in which and by peace shall destroy many …” we want to understand and communi- (verse 25). This man is a master deceiver cate with other religions and cultures,” and swindler. He will know how to unite EUobserver.com quoted Angela Merkel a modern Europe with many differing as saying. “This includes knowing your views. Though he is a dangerous bully, WANTED: own roots and being aware of them, Europeans won’t see him as he truly is. which is why God and the Christian Any political or economic crisis eak leaders become belief should be included into the could strongly unite the 10 nations very discouraged and over- EU constitution, she indicated. … It is quickly. The final prophesied version of whelmed in crisis. the first time Berlin has spoken out in the Holy Roman Empire could be here Strong, ambitious favor of a Christian reference in the EU in a few short years—even months. leaders become moti- constitution and could potentially re- Watch Germany. As Germany goes, vated and see oppor- open one of the most bitter debates so goes the European Union. tunity in crisis. Pope surrounding the drawing up of the doc- But look at the good news—the best BenedictW xvi falls into the latter category. ument four years ago” (May 26). news we could ever receive! Verse 25 of Islamic terrorist networks span the A German pope now heads the Ro- Daniel 8 concludes: “he shall also stand Continent. Two of Europe’s largest cities, man Catholic Church. This has stirred a up against the Prince of princes; but he Madrid and London, have suffered bomb- revival of Catholicism throughout Ger- shall be broken without hand.” This evil ings. A filmmaker in Amsterdam was shot many. Earlier this year the news agency and profoundly deceitful superpower eight times and repeatedly stabbed by an Zenit reported that there “seems to be a will attempt to fight the returning Jesus Islamist. As Muslim populations expand, rebirth of the faith in Germany” and that Christ, and Christ and His army will they are becoming demanding and auda- the “number of students of theology and win. They will usher in a new civiliza- cious. Tension between native Europeans of adult baptisms is increasing, as is that tion that will last forever. There will be and Muslim immigrants is thickening. of Catholics returning to the church” peace, joy and abundance forever. At the same time, Europe is be- (May 4). The number of Germans leav- This is the most important news we ing ransacked by moral relativism and ing the church is also decreasing. could ever hear! ■ secularism. Though the Continent was Deutsche Presse-Agentur pointed out once defined by its Christian (Catho- that “the most important politicians of lic) values and beliefs, since the days of the country, from Merkel to President For the most up-to-date information, visit the French Revolution these have been Horst Köhler and the former Chancellor theTrumpet.com/Germany shoved aside by fervent anti-religious Gerhard Schröder, spoke of their ‘pride’ sentiment and politics.

6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 7 ) of . In moral moral religion rapidly growing growing rapidly Commentary and the defenders defining theme defining To state it simply, simply, it state To The second, Culture second, The The first of these, Culture Culture first these, The of traditional convic- moral Culture A: War Secularism Analyst and author George Weigel wrote a prescient Two “Europe’s titled article Culture the for May Wars” issue of it, he makes a thorough, that argument convincing Europe is in the midst of “culture interrelated two that threaten wars”—wars to redefine the Continent. the war between “a is A, War of forces postmodern relativism of tion.” B, is “theWar struggle to define the nature civil of so- toler- of meaning the ciety, the and pluralism, and ance multiculturalism of limits in an aging Europe whose below-replacement-level fertility rates have opened to door the and assertive Muslim populations.” Europe believes Weigel Mr. en- two from attack under is publiclydelineated that he wants the restoration Eu- of ropeits to Christian roots to be the his papacy. his REUTERS The aggressors in Culture A are War In Culture A, secularism War and RomanDuring papacy, Paul John ii’s emies: secularism and Islam. “radical secularists” seeking to jostle Eu- rope from its Christian underpinnings, while the aggressors in Culture B War who Muslims jihadist and “radical are detest the and seek West” to impose “Is- lamic taboos” society; Western on they espe- an protest violent even assertive, their see waged as simply “the first stage toward the Is- have lamification Europe.” of relativism moral cially strong campaign in the affluent Europe. Western of states Catholics in eastern and southern Europe galvanized. were Europe, In Western secularism stem to clamoring is however, Rome. of influence rising the of tide the Secularists the are its aghast at the early indica- back turn to tions that the pope, present agenda Benedict xvi, (meaning deliberate a has will clock to pre-revolutionary days and im- Rome’s pose the Vatican AUGUST 2006 AUGUST is not playing playing not is is on a quest. He He quest. a on is xvi xvi tremendous opportunity. opportunity. tremendous THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTHE Pope Benedict Europe is groaning that a force for will This is restoring why Europe to its down hiding or this fact; he has clearly, seeks to fill the gaping religious, moral and spiritual in void Europe. larism and the rise Islam of the present withVatican a restore European identity and wage war war wage and identity European restore against the that forces erode its strength. Benedict xvi intends to make that History force! tells him that if Eu- Islam of threats the withstand to is rope must Vatican the then secularism, and once again becomethe primary guid- powerful most Europe’s In influence. ing periods, the has Vatican been the single it when excels Europe constant. greatest is influenced a strong by Vatican. Catholic roots lies the at the top of pope’s to-do list. issue No is important. more Read his books; read the lines and between the lines his of speeches; watch talks he who track travels, he where Benedict Pope to: to Eu- heavily opportunity . Many European

In Europe’s crises,In Europe’s Benedict xvi sees The pope is not. To the contrary, he he the contrary, To not. is pope The As he surveys landscape, Europe’s the Europe faces a crisis. If allowed to

a light in the gloom. The spirit secu- of rope needs a dominant Vatican! dominant needs a rope

must ring clear in the pontiff’s mind: Continent’s history, was when it Continent’s the solution to the problems Continent’s views these crises as an the of the greatness ponders surely pope Europetoday’s with Europe yesteryear, of shoved aroundshoved these by two foes. whole Europe. of contrasting By Church. Catholic Roman Europe lacksEurope leadership leaders are allowing themselves to be influenceaugment Vatican the over influenced and even dominated the by nomically, politically, socially, morally— socially, politically, nomically, trends highlights its greatest flaw: Eco- flaw: greatest its highlights trends landscape. failure Europe’s to curb these Europe’s political, culturalEurope’s and religious and secularism threaten to redefine persist, the combined forces of Islam of forces the combined persist,

SAVIOR for EUROPE for SAVIOR

WORLD EUROPE on the whole European continent and demned as “homophobic” those states This situation is exacerbated by declin- beyond. As a result, they have rushed to “which do not recognize same-sex mar- ing birthrates among European natives. enact liberal laws that counteract all that riage and referring to religious freedom No European nation has a replacement- the Vatican is seeking to do in Europe. as a ‘source of discrimination’” (Commen- level fertility rate; in fact, 11 EU coun- Earlier this year, for example, the tary, op. cit.). While debating the resolu- tries display a negative natural increase, Spanish government, having already le- tion, a member of European Parliament meaning there are more annual deaths galized same-sex marriage and adoption from Britain even suggested suspending than births. Europe is literally dying off. by homosexual partners, announced EU membership to nations that opposed Thus, these nations need immigrants in that the words “father” and “mother” the resolution. order to replenish their populations. would no longer appear on Spanish birth As Mr. Weigel noted, these anti-reli- Most attractively, Europe’s deep-seat- certificates. Rather, as announced in the gion politicians and intellectuals are “used multiculturalism means Muslims can Official Bulletin of State, “The expres- ing both national and EU regulatory ma- set up shop, enjoying the benefits of liv- sion ‘father’ will be replaced with ‘Pro- chinery to marginalize the public pres- ing in France, Germany or the Nether- genitor A,’ and ‘mother’ will be replaced ence and impact of Europe’s dwindling lands, without pressure to concede their with ‘Progenitor B.’” numbers of practicing Christians” (ibid.). religion, ideologies or cultural practices. This ludicrous decision had to have In reality, their efforts illustrate the tussle They never have to become European, spurred angry rumblings in Rome. The between secularist bureaucrats and Vati- embrace European religion, culture—or Vatican vehemently opposes same-sex can-endorsed political leaders. With the even, in many instances, European law. unions; we can only imagine Pope Bene- hot breath of Catholic conservatives on Islamic immigrants have exploited dict xvi’s consternation over this decision their necks, liberals are dashing to fend European tolerance for decades. Only to essentially reduce the traditional fam- off the groundswell of support the pope recently have some people in Europe re- ily to a mere breeding unit, common on and his predecessor have ignited among ally explored the ramifications of this your average animal husbandry farm. the masses in their efforts to return Eu- decades-long Islamic tidal wave. With Last October, legislators came up with rope to its traditional, Catholic roots. Islamists exciting crises across the Con- a new ruling for the Netherlands stipulat- The secularists are already in trouble. tinent, many Europeans are beginning ing that, beginning in August 2006, the Their “dwindling numbers of practicing to sit up and take note of the potent force Dutch word for “Christ” must be written Christians” claim is a myth. Attendance stirring in their midst. In December 2004, Stratfor wrote that a clash between white Europeans POPE BENEDICT XVI has clearly and publicly and Muslim immigrants will likely be Europe’s next great conflict. “Europe’s delineated that he wants the restoration of growing Muslim population and a recent spate of events involving Islamist Europe to its CHRISTIAN ROOTS to be the radicals are bringing tensions between the Continent and its largest minority to DEFINING THEME of his papacy. the fore. Clashes between a traditionally white, Christian Europe and the increas- with a lowercase “c.” As one of the most at Sunday mass is rising in Western Eu- ing tide of Arabs and Muslims are heat- secular nations in Europe, the Nether- rope, especially within Germany, as the ing up, with several countries becoming lands has long been known for its liberal public responds to the appeal of a Ger- veritable powder kegs. … drug and prostitution laws; but it also led man pope. European youth are under- “In Western Europe especially, ten- the way in legalizing same-sex unions going a revival of faith in the papacy. But sions between established Europeans and and euthanasia. Earlier this year, a politi- the numbers are skewed because of two Muslim communities are threatening cal party with an agenda to legalize pedo- phenomena: Europe’s inability to replace to escalate, and it is likely the next ma- philia registered to take part in elections. its native population, and the increase in jor conflict Europe experiences will be Secularist thinking increasingly per- Muslim immigration. ideological rather than political” (Dec. 2, meates the laws and policies of many 2004). Some of Europe’s largest cities have Western European nations. A French Culture War B: Islam Muslim ghettos so dangerous that po- law passed in December 2004 banned Multiculturalism is a by-product of licemen will not even enter. It is in these “hate speech” against homosexuals. secularism and political correctness. poor, deprived communities that radical Soon after the law was enacted, a French Renowned for its ethnic diversity and Islamist sentiment takes root and thrives. parliamentarian was fined for making casual acceptance of immigrants, West- France in particular has dozens of comments in parliament essentially say- ern Europe is perhaps the most multi- Muslim-dominated areas that are un- ing that heterosexuality is morally supe- cultural region on Earth. governable. In these suburbs, French law rior to homosexuality. The Vatican has Muslim immigrants have been bur- is non-existent and French police are made comments about homosexuality rowing themselves into Europe’s land- afraid to enter. In a sense, these Muslim that make this French politician’s com- scape for decades. Western Europe— immigrants have established quasi-Is- ments seem extremely mild. with its known tolerance, its seemingly lamic states within the borders of West- The anti-religion trend has also affect- boundless opportunities and extremely ern European nations. ed the EU at the federal level. In January generous and easily manipulated wel- In the last few years, as the war be- this year, for example, European Parlia- fare systems—has been prime real estate tween Islam and the West has heated up ment conceived a resolution that con- for poor Muslims seeking shelter. globally, many Islamist groups have ex-

8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 panded their ideological battles. Groups (‘honor’ killings in cases of adultery being firebombed, and attacks against in Europe that once had specific, issue- and rape—the rape victim being the one Muslims and their religious leaders are based goals—agitating for Palestinian killed)” (Commentary, op. cit.). These becoming more common. The growing statehood, for example—have evolved immigrants flagrantly break European popularity of far-right political parties into more “broad-based, ideologically- law, and the governments do nothing! also illustrates that anti-Islamic sentiment oriented groups centered around radical Consider two examples. In Belgium, among native Europeans is increasing. interpretations of the Koran and per- the government recently sued a manu- Europe is in a precarious position: ceived Western expansion into the Mus- facturer of security gates because he kept These incendiary elements could explode lim world” (ibid.). Rather than simply his Moroccan employees working only in into far more serious violence between the wage war on Israel, these groups have the factory and would not send them out two cultures. The situation is nearing a expanded their operation to wage war to install the gates in Belgian homes. By crisis point; still, Europe’s politicians have on the West—particularly Europe. contrast, the same government “explic- no definitive, comprehensive answers! The effects of the estimated 15 mil- itly decided not to prosecute” a Muslim lion Muslims in Europe are being felt. who had started an anti-Semitic cartoon Enter the Vatican In France, which has the most Muslim series “so as not to inflame the situation” With Europeans waking up to the cul- immigrants, the visitors have refused to (Brussels Journal, February 21). tural and religious transformation oc- assimilate into French culture and soci- Some experts assert that “21st-cen- curring before their eyes, an increasing ety. This attitude has butted heads with tury Europe’s appeasement of Islamists number believe this trend must be re- the government’s insistence on secular- amounts to a self-inflicted dhimmitude: versed. Prominent Vatican officials, in-

REUTERS cluding Pope Benedict, top the list. The Vatican lies at the heart of Eu- rope’s historic status as a luminary of Western civilization. Historically, when the Vatican dominated, Europe pre- vailed. The Catholic Church has been Europe’s single greatest constant. Don’t think for a moment this history has slipped the mind of the pope. Bene- dict knows that the only way Europe will ever defeat secularist and Islamic upris- ings and regain its position at the helm of world affairs is if the Vatican resumes its leading role! With serious crises loom- ing, the Vatican sees a pressing leadership void that it believes only it can fill. DEVOUT Meanwhile, a conservative, pro-Vati- can political force is emerging that is al- Attendance is rising ready joining forces with the Vatican to at Catholic churches “save” Europe. throughout Western Pope Benedict’s book Without Roots: Europe. The West, Relativism, Christianity, Is- lam, published in early 2005, is a com- pilation of essays cowritten with Italian ism and deepened the schism between In an attempt to slow the advance of a Senate leader Marcello Pera. In it these Muslim communities and the rest of the rising Islamist tide, many of Europe’s men explore the ramifications of secu- country. In the riots in France last year, national and transnational political larism and Islam within Europe. Both for example, a majority of the rioters were leaders are surrendering core aspects of men are aware of the destruction these young Muslim immigrants. sovereignty and turning Europe’s native two ideologies are inflicting. Europe’s Muslim immigrants are the populations into second- and third-class Pera has been candid in his state- greatest benefactors of the widespread citizens in their own countries” (Com- ments about Europe’s unwillingness to political correctness in Europe’s politics mentary, op. cit.). It is not difficult to defend itself against Islam. Do Europe- and media. European governments have see how such policies would rankle na- ans understand, he asks, “that their very essentially handcuffed themselves with tive Europeans. In fact, the inability of existence is at stake, their civilization their own secular, liberal and politically European leaders to deal decisively with has been targeted, their culture is under correct policies. This has created a situ- Muslim immigration is developing into a attack? Do they understand that what ation where “European authorities pay grave problem. Europeans are beginning they are being called on to defend is their little or no attention to practices among to take the law into their own hands. own identity? Through culture, educa- their Muslim populations that range Rhetorical, political and even physi- tion, diplomatic negotiations, political from the physically cruel (female cir- cal clashes are erupting between Muslims relations, economic exchange, dialogue, cumcision) through the morally cruel and native Europeans across the Conti- preaching, but also, if necessary, through (arranged and forced marriages) to the nent. Witness the cartoon crisis earlier force?” This call to arms comes from a socially disruptive … and the illegal this year. In other instances, mosques are high-ranking, agnostic politician!

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 9 WORLD EUROPE On March 30 this year, the EU’s have a voice in European politics, and around us and recognize it for what it is largest and most influential conserva- those voices must be amplified. ….” (Catholic World News, April 14). tive group, the European People’s Party It is important in surveying Europe The pope attacked the various routes (epp), sponsored a conference in Rome that we note this connection between by which the traditional family unit at which the pope took center stage. The the Vatican and the majority of Europe’s is being maligned and destroyed. His epp is comprised of 38 political parties leaders: They are overwhelmingly cen- staunch stance against homosexuality from all over Europe, including several ter-right in their politics and Roman is widely known, but in his Good Friday Christian Democrat parties. With such Catholic by religion. In other words, meditations he also condemned “scien- European heavyweights as German they are unified in their purpose in a tific advances in the field of genetic ma- Chancellor Angela Merkel, Italy’s then- way the secularists are not. The secular- nipulation.” Benedict warned “against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and ist dash to legislate Europe’s traditional the move to ‘modify the very grammar European Commission President Jose god out of the picture will fail. In fact, of life as planned and willed by God,’” Manuel Barroso in attendance, the sum- it will provide the catalyst that will lead and led prayers “against ‘insane, risky mit was not only a “reminder that the to their demise! Already the pope, sup- and dangerous’ ventures in attempting center-right dominates the EU agenda,” ported by the vast majority of Europe’s ‘to take God’s place without being God’” but that it also has the support of the political leaders, is shaping a powerful (Times, op. cit.). Vatican (Financial Times, March 30). backlash against the secularists. There is no mistaking that the most The conference clearly sweetened the In a series of Good Friday medita- powerful religious leader on Earth seeks courtship between Europe’s conserva- tions during Easter this year, the pope to once again cement Catholic values into tive parties and the Vatican. The Times publicly lambasted the state of today’s the core of European society and culture. reported the pope had joined forces with Western society and the destruction of It is clear that the pope is also turning leading European Union conservatives Christian values. The London Times his attention to the Muslim problem in “to call for a restoration of Christian val- called it “a blistering attack on the ‘sa- Europe. The Los Angeles Times reported, ues at the heart of the EU” (ibid.). “Your tanic’ mores of modern society” (April “Another shift in this papacy is Benedict’s support for Christian heritage,” he told 14). The tone of the prayers and medita- focus on Europe and his much harder line the politicians, “can contribute signifi- tions in both content and delivery was on Islam” (April 16). Zenit news agency re- cantly to the defeat of a culture that is stern—and, as the Times put it, strik- ported that stories of persecution against now fairly widespread in Europe, which ing in its contrast to the “contemporary Catholics in Islamic countries make the relegates [religion] to the private and sub- fashion for feel-good religion.” news almost daily, and that the “Vatican jective sphere” (Reuters, March 30). Put In one prayer, Benedict stated, “Lord, is concerned” (May 27). simply, Benedict wants Europe’s leaders we have lost our sense of sin! Today a A Nov. 9, 2004, article on Front- to help purge society of moral relativism. slick campaign of propaganda is spread- PageMagazine.com titled “The Vatican At the same time, the pope reminded ing an inane apologia of evil, a sense- (Slowly) Awakens to Jihad” highlighted epp attendees that the Catholic leader- less cult of Satan, a mindless desire for the growing concern over Islam even at ship has the right to join public policy transgression, a dishonest and frivolous that time. “Rome’s stance goes beyond debates “in order to educate people’s freedom, exalting impulsiveness, im- a resigned acceptance of uncomfortable consciences and uphold justice” (Cath- morality and selfishness as if they were facts or the determination to influence olic News Service, March 30). Accord- new heights of sophistication. Lord Je- the issue. It reflects a gradual yet in- ing to Benedict, Catholic leaders should sus, open our eyes: Let us see the filth creased awareness—and fear—of jihad- ism’s growing influence. … “Rome also appears more willing to Top Cardinal Slams Muslims advocate a more assertive military pres- ustralia’s top Catholic cardinal, George Pell, archbish- ence against jihadist terror, within lim- Aop of Sydney, recently spoke out against Muslims, its governed by international law. … declaring that Islam is more warlike than Christianity. “[Cesare] Mazzolari [bishop of Rum- In an interview with the National Catholic Reporter, bek in Sudan] stated what many Vatican Pell said that “‘the million-dollar question’ was whether officials are afraid to admit: The ‘clash intolerance was a modern distortion of Islam or arose of civilizations’ is here. ‘This is just the out of internal logic. ‘It’s difficult to find periods of toler- beginning,’ he said. ‘The church has de- ance in Islam’” (Australian Associated Press, June 6). feated communism, but is just starting to Earlier this year, Pell said the Koran contained “invo- understand its next challenge—Islamism, cations to violence” and that Islam was “not a tolerant which is much worse. The holy father religion” (World Today, May 5). These remarks provoked [John Paul ii] has not been able to take up a strong reaction in Australia’s Muslim community. this challenge due to his old age. But the CARDINAL GEORGE PELL Pell, who unapologetically supports strict adherence next pope will find himself having to face to Catholic orthodoxy, was favored by the late Pope it.’” This bishop was right; Pope Benedict John Paul II, resulting in his rapid promotion to the xvi is facing up to Islam! highest position in the Australian church. Pell hopes to The article said that many bishops, bring the Australian church back under the strict au- even from Muslim countries, viewed the thority of Rome. He is close to the current pope both politically and ideologically. problem just as Mazzolari did. “[Vatican The vocalization of such views by high-ranking Catholic officials is a precursor to a Secretary of State Angelo] Sodano, the time coming soon when these two universal religions will come to blows. Vatican’s second-most powerful cardi-

10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 CLASH from page 1 nal, has been listening. ‘The big prob- ing about its next great adversary being Ahmadinejad has said before the lem of the future will be our relation- Islam. It is true: This Middle Eastern whole world that he is going to wipe ship with the Islamic world,’ he told the power is rising and becoming a serious Israel off the map in one storm, im- Italian daily La Repubblica on October threat. But for the Catholic Church to plying a nuclear storm. Is that com- 15 [2004]. ‘It is a challenge that does not speak out about the problem is to bring ing from God? Not even close. only concern the church.’” the specter of the Crusades to life! On May 5, columnist Charles The article concluded, “Given the The Trumpet and its predecessor, the Krauthammer wrote in the Washing- horrifying nature of jihadist imperial- Plain Truth, have warned for decades ton Post: “Last week Bernard Lewis, ism, perhaps Rome is starting to realize that Europe will unite under German America’s dean of Islamic studies, that it doesn’t have centuries to act.” and Vatican leadership. This warning who just turned 90 and remembers the 20th century well, confessed that for the first time he feels it is 1938 Despite their SAVAGE HISTORY, Germany again”—that is, when Hitler was about to start World War ii. “He did and the Vatican are beginning to be not need to add that in 1938, in the face of the gathering storm—a fanatical, ENCOURAGED to LEAD EUROPE. aggressive, openly declared enemy of the West, and most determinedly of Islam threatens to redefine Europe comes directly from the Bible. Passages the Jews—the world did nothing. and marginalize the Vatican’s influence in Daniel 2 and 7, and Revelation 13, 17 “When Iran’s mullahs acquire their over its beloved Continent. Rome is be- and 18, discuss specifically the rise of coveted nukes in the next few years, coming urgent. A great clash of civiliza- a German-led and Vatican-influenced the number of Jews in Israel will just tions looms. European superpower in this end time. be reaching 6 million”—the same Called a beast by the Apostle John in number of Jews that were exterminat- The Beast of Revelation Revelation 13, this German-led federation ed during World War ii. Then he ends Though only recently are many observers of European states is clearly motivated by saying, “Never again?”—implying recognizing the likelihood of a renewed and guided by the Catholic Church. Rev- that what happened to the Jews very muscularity emerging from the Vatican, elation 17 shows this beast being ridden by possibly could happen again. Herbert W. Armstrong warned about it a woman, the biblical symbol of a church. Many people would disagree with for decades. As early as 1947, with much For a more thorough understanding of this, but I can tell you absolutely of the Continent still buried in the rubble the link between Germany and the Vati- that Iran is not going to con- of the Second World War, he prophesied can, please read our free booklet Germa- quer Israel. It will not succeed in that Germany and the Vatican would ny and the Holy Roman Empire. wiping Israel from the map. once again rise to dominate Europe. Very soon now, 10 nations, or groups How could I possibly know that? This prophecy is coming to fruition of nations, in Europe will band together Because I know, based on a number of today. in a union influenced by a great church. biblical prophecies, that this is simply What is intriguing is the way it is Everything about the union will seem not God’s plan. unfolding. Despite their savage history, right: the religion, the prosperity, the The Bible shows that Iran, “the Germany and the Vatican are being en- military might. But the final fruits of king of the south,” before achieving its couraged to lead Europe. this union will be horrifying. ambition, will be attacked by another Europeans increasingly acknowl- The historical fruits of this union “king” in a spectacular clash! (Daniel edge the reality of these two very serious between a powerful political beast and 11:40-41). Ahmadinejad is looking for and interrelated wars. With hardships a great false church certainly have not a clash of civilizations—and biblical mounting around them, people and gov- been holy. To the contrary, they have prophecy shows that he is going to ernments alike are starting to look to the been powerfully unholy. And when those get it! But Iran and its allies are not Vatican for answers. Watch for European rotten fruits are revealed one last time, going to win, and they will not wipe nations to increasingly realign them- the world will be shocked. How could Jerusalem off the map. In fact, they will selves with Vatican leadership. something which seems so right—so re- be wiped off the map if they don’t also History warns us of the dangers in this ligious—be so evil? That answer is writ- wake up and listen to God’s prophe- trend. Conspiracy, betrayal, bloodshed, ten upon thousands of pages of history. cies. These are spelled out in our free intolerance, execution—these words best More importantly, God prophesied it booklet The King of the South. describe the “Holy” Roman Empire of the long ago in the pages of the book almost These events are described in your Middle Ages. The Roman and Spanish no one reads and studies: the Holy Bible. Bible, and they are happening right inquisitions virtually eliminated Prot- Perhaps it is time to grab that book from now in the news! Anyone can see it. estantism in Italy and Spain! The world the shelf, blow off the dust and crack it These prophecies are absolutely as- has probably never seen a more vile pe- open. You will be shocked at how accu- tounding! Remember, God gives them riod than those dark and miserable cen- rately God predicts the future. ■ to us for one reason: to demonstrate turies. Many millions must be counted His power over world events in order as victims of the Holy Roman Empire to drive us to repentance. throughout its thousand-year history. For the most up-to-date information, visit I guarantee your life will take on This is why the world should be theTrumpet.com/Vatican a new dimension of excitement if you alarmed when it hears the Vatican talk- respond to God! ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 11 WORLD EUROPE Care Package From Rome

NEW ERA Romano Prodi, a long- Europhiles expect the election of time EU politician, took Romano Prodi as Italy’s new prime over as Italy’s new minister to help energize the EU. prime minister May 17.

BY RYAN MALONE other Europhiles, especially Germany’s Stratfor says the next likely steps will taly, one of the European Union’s conservative Chancellor Angela Merkel, be the steady adoption of Group of Six largest and founding countries, now know this all too well. agreements to the bulk of the other EU has an unrelenting Europhile at its For example, six interior ministers states—no matter what the smaller na- Ihelm. After Italy’s supreme court from Europe’s largest nations met in tions think. ruled on the much-disputed election March in northern Germany at the same Stratfor wasn’t alone in its analysis. results in April, Romano Prodi, former time their bosses were at a largely unpro- Key EU thinkers have been calling for the president of the European Commission, ductive heads-of-state summit in Brus- fewer-cooks approach for some time. One took office as prime minister on May 17. sels, Belgium. Compare the two summits, thing the EU heads-of-state summit did Narrow victory aside, he is widely and it’s not hard to see which format gets produce was a resolution for the Union expected to provide new impetus to EU more results. While the larger meeting to take a hard look at its ability to accept integration and reform. broke down in bickering, the six interior more members. One reason behind this Prodi told the Sunday Times his ministers agreed to coordinate their se- is cultural and religious—politicians dual priorities were to forge an alliance curity services to deal with immigration know that EU citizens are leery about among the EU’s leading members and and security problems, and took home accepting a Muslim nation like Turkey. re-open discussions concerning the Eu- a number of agreements to this effect. But another reason is that, within a few ropean Constitution (April 16). These ministers, from the Union’s six years, the number of heads at the table is largest nations (Germany, Italy, France, set to exceed 30. This is only a recipe for Core Europe Spain, the UK and Poland), represented more squabbling and stalemates. Prodi’s first priority, integrating a core 340 million of the 450 million European These realizations were coming to the group of EU countries, would clearly citizens that comprise the EU. surface just weeks before Italy’s biggest foster the Union’s federalist goals. These This intimate meeting indicates “there Eurochamp became prime minister. elite would be “the countries most deter- is plenty of room for cooperation—if Prodi is sure to help push Europe’s mined to push for a common European they can get the forum right,” Stratfor largest states to work more closely to- policy”—namely, France, Germany, asserted (emphasis mine throughout). gether. In his interview with the Times, Italy, Spain, and probably Belgium and “If the Europeans are going to have a he outlined what he called his “more Eu- Luxembourg (ibid.). transnational structure that succeeds rope” reforms—with France, Germany, For Europe to function successfully, in doing something other than holding Spain and Italy taking the lead in imple- 25 heads of state are far too many cooks very expensive, very counterproductive menting them. in the kitchen. It must find a format meetings, they will have to develop a for- The Times reported, “In his manifes- with fewer decision makers. Prodi and mat like this” (March 24). to Prodi called for more harmonization

12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 WORLD EUROPE ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES of economic policies with the eurozone policy platform is to remove Italian troops were elated with Prodi’s victory. “The given ‘a stronger political dimension,’ from Iraq—a move that will alienate Rome results of this election go beyond Italy’s the immediate appointment of an EU not only from Washington, but also from borders,” said Belgian Prime Minister foreign minister and the abolition of the Washington’s chief ally, Britain. Guy Verhofstadt. “Romano Prodi’s vic- right of national vetoes on foreign-policy tory is also important for Europe, espe- decisions taken at EU summits.” Simplify the Constitution cially during this period needing a pro- Prodi’s election reinforces an unmis- Prodi’s second major priority, as he told European vision and direction. … I am takable trend: Europe is on the fast track the Times, is a “simplified constitution convinced that Italy, steered by Prodi to becoming a federal state. Even before which focuses on the big principles. That and his deep European experience, will Prodi’s announcement of his goals, Es- tonian member of the European Parlia- Prodi’s election doesn’t bode well for EU-British ment and presidential candidate Too- mas Hendrik told his local press that relations. He SPECIFICALLY OMITS BRITAIN from the founding EU states were trying to convert the eurozone into a “core group.” core group of nations he foresees LEADING THE EU. He warned that those members would means the first part of the constitution, once again contribute to Italy’s long EU “provoke a deep rift in the Continent” by the charter of fundamental rights and tradition” (EUbusiness.com, April 11). creating a “federal state within the Union” possibly a social protocol. But we have France’s Europe Minister Catherine that would sideline other member states to remove all the technical, detailed as- Colonna told Prodi: “… I am convinced (European Information Service, April 19). pects which scared people” (ibid.). that you will play an essential role in the The tendency we now see in Eu- Prodi said he would like to see the relaunch of Europe” (ibid.). rope—of a smaller number of key states constitution put to EU voters in a refer- “Europe needs an Italy that does not taking EU decision-making into their endum in 2009 at the same time as Eu- waver. Italy and the EU’s interests coin- own hands—may well be a precursor to ropean parliamentary elections. cide,” said EU Justice Minister Franco the formation of the final configuration Austria’s Der Standard reported that Frattini (ibid.). prophesied in the Bible. A prophecy in “we may finally see the beginning of a With Prodi in charge, Italy will likely Daniel 2 shows that the final resurrection new phase of pragmatic, unspectacular deeply establish its position in Europe. of the Holy Roman Empire—the last king- but perhaps ultimately more successful Though biblical prophecy causes us dom in a series of empires tracing back to and serious policy in Europe.” to expect Germany to be the driving Nebuchadnezzar—would be comprised The paper pointed to Merkel’s rise to force in bringing Europe together in a of 10 nations, or 10 groups of nations. power in Germany as further evidence final resurrection of the Holy Roman of a trend in Europe: “The time of loud Empire (“Assyria,” the ancient name Britain Left in Cold? macho-statesmen who are not all that for modern-day Germany, is mentioned Prodi’s drive for a core Europe will make interested in Europe but all the more throughout the Bible as playing a key for a leaner, meaner political machine, in their egos and/or national aspects or part in end-time events), history tells us meaning that other European nations business interests could be coming to an we cannot ignore Italy—the seat of the will have to put up with what the “core” end” (bbc News, April 19). “holy” part of it. Thus, watch for Italy, nations decide. Smaller nations will be under Prodi’s guidance, to aid Berlin sidelined. Europhiles Ecstatic Over Prodi in creating a more unified, streamlined What’s more, Euroskeptic nations like Indicating their confidence in his ability and powerful Europe. ■ Britain will, before long, reach a cross- to further their cause, other Europhiles With reporting by LISA GODEAUX roads. The Trumpet has predicted for years, based on biblical prophecy, that Britain will not be a part of the final configuration of a united Europe. Events are Why You Should Care leading rapidly to this outcome. For years, Britain has been the most Euroskeptic nation in the Union. A tide About EUROPE coming over Europe of late is a mutual feeling of skepticism toward Britain. The European Union Prodi’s election doesn’t bode well may not seem to have for EU-British relations. He specifically a major impact on omits Britain from the core group of na- your everyday life tions he foresees leading the EU, telling today. But Germany the Times it is “difficult to include [Brit- and Italy are destined ain] among countries which are pushing to reshape the lives of for more integration. Britain has decided every American in the not to hold a referendum on Europe so it next few years. Our has not approved the European position. free booklet Germany Evidently it believes in a policy which is and the Holy Roman Empire explains how and why. more independent of the EU” (op. cit.). To request a copy, visit us online at theTrumpet.com. On top of that, another Prodi foreign-

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 13 WORLD LATIN AMERICA AMIGOS Chavez visits Castro in February. The relationship is an act of strategic defiance against the U.S.

REUTERS Latin American terrorist activity in the news; the stability of the Latin American oil supply is considered a minor concern compared to that of the volatile Middle East; Latin America is not the focal point of natural disasters or disease epidemics. In short, Americans aren’t watching Latin America. Latin America, however, is certainly watching the U.S.— and not with affection. One of the main goals of just about any Latin American politician right now is to appear anti- Latin Washington. What’s more, the governments of the nations of Latin America are turning toward socialist policies one by one—setting the stage for a America host of Castro clones. There is good cause for Washington to care. Swings Still No Cigar The key to understanding why developments in the Southern Hemisphere should matter to Left Washington lies in the one el- ement of the Latin American political landscape that has not changed since the days of John F. Kennedy. Where the United States’ relationships with other countries have evolved over time, one na- The United States’ southern neighbors are installing tion in the last 50 years has maintained its status as a sworn enemy of the U.S. One unfriendly leftist governments. Should Washington leader, now the longest ruling on Earth, even give it a second thought? BY MARK JENKINS has a perfect record of opposing the U.S. despite military threats, embargoes, sanc- eaders from the United nations like China, Japan and India are tions and general opposition around the States may skip this article propping up the U.S. economic jugger- world. During the Cold War, this man simply because it is about Latin naut; anyone interested in America’s brought the world to the brink of hot war RAmerica—and what does Latin financial health watches the Far East. by allowing America’s enemy to install America matter? Europe is rising as a powerful counter- nuclear missiles in his island nation. The Or so many would think. balance to the United States. Even Africa country: Cuba; the leader: Fidel Castro. More so than perhaps any other ma- receives attention simply because of its Do we really want Latin American jor region on Earth, Latin America is off apparently perpetual state of disaster. leaders to emulate Castro? most Americans’ radar at the moment. Then there is Latin America. There, a That is exactly the direction things On casual inspection, the reasoning man in a red hat makes anti-U.S. speech- seem to be heading. Consider Venezuelan behind this nonchalance may appear es and respected analysts laugh him off, President Hugo Chavez. Without this sound. The Middle East, for instance, is saying that the entirety of Latin America man’s support, Castro’s regime in Cuba a hotbed of terrorist activity backed by is a non-issue for Washington. Americans might have collapsed by now. Having lost Iranian nuclear ambition; clearly, that is do not view Latin American nations as the Soviet Union’s subsidization of oil af- somewhere people need to watch. Asian serious financial competitors; there is no ter the Cold War, Castro found relief from

14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 Caracas. Perhaps the best example of what can flags. Ever the diplomat, President socialist direction, “advance his popu- is happening to Latin America as a region Chavez held an anti-Bush rally. Police list agenda—and cement his authority” is embodied in this man who would re- were forced to use tear gas to break up (ibid., Dec. 16, 2005). During the Sum- make Latin America in Cuba’s image. the crowd and arrested over 60 people. mit of the Americas in November, the President Chavez has made a point of The violence wasn’t limited to Mar anti-American Kirchner boasted that in putting his friendship with Castro in the del Plata, or even elsewhere in Argen- his private meeting with President Bush public eye and painting the U.S.—espe- tina. It reached into Uruguay, for exam- he would “win by a knockout.” cially its president—in the most wretch- ple, where “hooded protesters chanting In Peru, the most extreme, anti-U.S. ed colors possible; a typical pronounce- anti-Bush slogans attacked bank build- presidential candidate, Ollanta Humala, ment: “The imperialist, genocidal, fascist ings and shops, and shattered windows” was narrowly defeated on June 4 by for- attitude of the U.S. president has no lim- (ibid.). Some called President Bush a mer president Alan Garcia—a leftist him- its. I think Hitler would be like a suck- fascist and terrorist; others praised Fidel self, but not a supporter of Chavez like ling baby next to George W. Bush.” Here Castro and Hugo Chavez. Humala. The election, though, showed is another: “Jesus was the first socialist, The New York Times called George widespread popular support for Huma- and Judas the first capitalist.” W. Bush “the most unpopular president la’s views: He actually won in 14 of Peru’s Chavez has also, according to the Wash- ever among Latin Americans.” 24 states and “vowed not to let his elec- ington Post, “bashed the United States It is in this climate that leftist govern- tion loss halt his ‘grand transformation’ on the al-Jazeera television network and ments are emerging throughout Latin of the country,” bragging that he and his traveled to Libya to receive an award from America. The region is in the midst of supporters had “changed the political If a country is an enemy of the United States, it is a friend of Hugo Chavez. Moammar Gaddafi” (March 15, 2005). He an 18-month election cycle which is see- map of the country” in only one year (As- has openly supported Iran’s nuclear pro- ing the emergence of left-leaning, anti- sociated Press, June 6). Humala’s party gram, saying to the Iranian leadership: American leaders. Why? In part, it is be- won the largest number of seats in April “Faced with the threat of the U.S. govern- cause of a spreading hatred for U.S. poli- 9 congressional elections, “evidence that ment against our brother people in Iran, cies in Latin America and elsewhere. Chavez’s anti-American brand of poli- count on us for all our support” (ibid.). If a The new Bolivian president, Evo Mo- tics remains influential in Peru” (ibid.). country is an enemy of the United States, rales, used the slogan “Long live coca, Meanwhile, the new president, Stratfor it is a friend of Hugo Chavez. death to the Yankees” in his election cam- predicted, will still “maintain a certain The converse is also true: Washington’s paign last year and has dubbed President distance from Washington” (May 26). allies are Chavez’s foes. Earlier this year, Bush a terrorist; a coca farmer himself, he With more elections set for this year, he called Tony Blair a “pawn of imperial- also has no intention of cooperating with anti-Americanism is the one common ism” and described him as the “main ally the U.S. war on drugs. Rather, Morales has theme across every political party. Can- of Hitler”—meaning President Bush. said he will take a cake made with coca didates in countries such as Ecuador Chavez also referred to Mexican Presi- leaves to Fidel Castro on his birthday. and Nicaragua “will compete to be seen dent Vicente Fox as a “puppy” of the Unit- That a coca grower opposes the war as the most anti-American” (ibid., Janu- ed States and warned him: “Don’t mess on drugs is to be expected, but President ary 16). Up-and-coming leaders in the with me, sir, because you’ll get stung.” Morales’s second shot came as more region adhere to either the moderate As a result of this exchange, Mexico and of a surprise: He has followed Hugo socialism found in Brazil and Argentina Venezuela each recalled its ambassador Chavez’s lead by nationalizing Bolivia’s (which each endorse certain elements of from the other’s country. oil and gas sector. Naturally, the oil and capitalism), or the more revolutionary This conflict was Chavez’s follow-up to gas companies whose assets the govern- Chavez brand in Chile, Ecuador, Peru, the Summit of the Americas on Nov. 4-5, ment seized—literally surrounded with Uruguay and Venezuela. 2005, in Argentina, where Fox backed the military personnel—were concerned as Last October, a Republican senator U.S. proposal for the formation of a Free to how they would be compensated for from Florida, Mel Martinez, warned that Trade Area of the Americas (ftaa) and their material and financial loss. In a Latin America risks sliding into a “popu- Chavez declared it dead, saying, “All of us fair-minded masterstroke they might not list Chavismo, anti-American sentiment” here have brought an undertaker’s shovel, have considered, the president ruled out if the U.S. doesn’t take on a more com- because here in Mar del Plata is the tomb any compensation, reasoning that the oil prehensive, active approach to the region of the ftaa” (Seattle Times, Nov. 5, 2005). giants had surely recovered their invest- (Miami Herald, Oct. 1, 2005). If the world’s President Chavez was joined in his ment by now. Then, in a move that has politicians can be bothered to watch, they opposition of the ftaa by 30,000 pro- echoes of Zimbabwe’s president, Robert will see how correct that warning was. testors who showed up in Mar del Plata, Mugabe, Morales announced that land where the summit was held. By the end is next up for grabs. The U.S. should not Off the Agenda of the first day, initially peaceful marches look to Morales for friendship. In their determination to defy the U.S. turned violent with a group of about 200 In Argentine legislative elections last and work against it at every opportunity, trying to break through the security cor- October, the success of President Nés- nations of Latin America are joining forc- don around the hotel where the heads of tor Kirchner’s Justicialist Party—which es in the area of trade in order to decrease state—including U.S. President George gained political control of parliament their dependence on America. The U.S.- Bush—were staying. Some threw rocks and of Buenos Aires—gave him a man- backed ftaa is for all practical purposes with slingshots; others burned Ameri- date to lead his country further in a dead, while the Latin American trade

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 15 WORLD LATIN AMERICA group Mercosur (comprised of founding for two years—much to the surprise of of virtually every country on Earth—remembers Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay Washington. He and the president of Ar- fuses to trade with Cuba. Washington and Uruguay) is growing stronger, with gentina have opposed the U.S. trade em- would certainly have a less-than-friendly Venezuela having joined last December bargo of Cuba and want to increase their posture toward a group that boasts Cuba and Bolivia expected to join. own trade with President Castro. Two as a member. Even discussing the idea Cuba’s trade with Mercosur and Bra- state-run oil firms of Brazil and Venezu- shows how intent Latin American gov- zil accounts for 80 percent of its foreign ela have plans to begin construction on a ernments are on alienating the U.S. trade. The president of Brazil has said $20 million lubricants factory in Cuba. U.S. influence in Latin America is that he favors trade with Latin American Now, Cuba has requested associate evaporating. What will takes its place? countries over the U.S.; in fact, Presi- membership in Mercosur. A few years dent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said last ago, this request would have been consid- year that the U.S.-backed ftaa is off the ered beyond ridiculous. The United States agenda in Brazil altogether and had been of America—the largest trading partner The Religion Factor atin America Swings Left. Latins Dump U.S. Chinese Business lasting nature. This Invades Latin America. Chavez Sends U.S. Troops Home. Morales was heavily overlaid Nationalizes Oil and Gas Industry. Beheadings in Mexico. in countries such as L A confusion of headlines have flooded in from Mexico, Cen- Peru, Colombia and tral America and South America over the past few years. What is really Mexico by the illegal happening in the turgid mix of Latino politics? Believe it or not, the real drug trade, which story is not being told. Yet the headlines were written, in some cases, supplies income to millennia ago in Bible prophecy! Let us explain. so many rural dwell- Anyone half interested in the Latin American sphere is well ac- ers, not to mention quainted with the volatility of its politics. In the 19th century, inflamed downstream profits by revolutionary ideas resulting from the American and French revo- reaped by those lutions and concerned at the general disregard of the international who process and community for the perceived racism of their colonial overlords, Latino distribute the wick- nations rose up, forcing the issue of decolonization. ed weeds in their Wars of independence in Latin America started in Venezuela— various forms. Inevi- seven of its eastern provinces being first to gain independence from tably, Latin Ameri- the Spanish in 1811. Paraguay signed its declaration of independence can politics swung the same year. Argentina followed in 1816, Chile in 1818, Greater back to the left as Colombia in 1819, Venezuela, Mexico and Peru in 1821. The indepen- these entrenched dence of the Central American isthmus was then quickly, bloodlessly forces within the system failed to yield to genuine reform. accomplished. Ecuador and Brazil followed in 1822, Brazil receiving Thus we have the present-day scenario, with populist leaders of its independence from the Portuguese. Then came Uruguay in 1825. socialist persuasion leading Venezuela, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, the The island nation of Cuba, where Columbus made his landfall after the Dominican Republic, Bolivia and Uruguay. Bahamas, finally gained its independence in 1898. The International Herald Tribune commented recently that a White After decolonization, political instability, border disputes, economic House distracted by events in Iraq, Afghanistan and the general war ruin and rising national debt plagued Latin America. (These problems on terror may be waking up to the ticking bomb at America’s back continue in many regions to door: “[T]he Bush admin- this very day.) This produced One should not read too much into the istration is worried that a a climate ripe for the rise of Chavez-led bloc of radical- demagogues. Through most “left-wing swing” in Latin America. ism may be developing in of the 20th century, a rash Latin America” (April 27). of dictatorships arose—and much of the continent of South America Taking advantage of America’s benign neglect of its Latino neigh- and the isthmus of Central America turned to leftist politics. bors, China has moved aggressively in to Latin American trade over The situation changed in the 1990s as free-market capitalism, en- the past decade. Though many of China’s promises to supply capital couraged by Western economists, was tried in many Latino countries. for the development of industry and infrastructure in Latin American What followed was a flirtation with more conservative social, eco- countries have yet to materialize, Chinese-made goods are flooding nomic and foreign policies, heavily influenced by late-20th century into Latin America, supplying extremely stiff competition to home- thinking within U.S. academia. Especially influential was the school of grown industry. This has provoked a groundswell of concern that young graduates in economics from Harvard. China may just be taking advantage of the Latinos, exploiting them in However, what did not change within Latin America were the what are increasingly seen as one-sided trade deals in China’s favor. deeply rooted systemic problems, which in many instances hear- It was amid this atmosphere of volatile change that Latin American kened back to colonial times. Entrenched hierarchies, institutionalized leaders met at a three-day summit, May 11 to 13, in Vienna, with other corruption, and the stratification of Latino society based upon race leaders of nations more closely attached to their old colonial roots— all combined to restrict any real and positive economic progress of a the leaders of the European Union. The European Commission chief

16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 To many, China might appear to be cause of what appears to be their mutual ahead. Ultimately, the biggest benefac- the prime candidate. Make no mistake: acceptance of communist and socialist tor of Latin American wealth will be China is definitely marginalizing the thinking. Combine those two factors, and Europe (see sidebar, below). U.S. in the Latin American region both it might appear that Latin America has a economically and militarily. Beijing’s ac- future as the resource basket for Beijing. A Mart of Nations tions are causing the United States’ power The ideology that actually reveals Last September, Chavez announced in Latin America to decline. Also, there where Latin American loyalties are that Venezuela had moved its central is an ideological connection between the headed, though, is religious. bank foreign reserves out of the United Chinese and much of Latin America be- With 500 million Roman Catholics States—just as America reeled from the

REUTERS in Latin America, no double-fisted attack of Katrina and Rita. matter what happens All in all, he sold $20 billion in U.S. Trea- in Latin America po- sury bonds and moved it to Europe. litically, religion will This is a strong sign of the direction be the predominant Latin America is headed. factor in foreign Even as Latin America categorically policy in the time rejects the possibility of a free-trade area

PAYING DEFERENCE Venezuela’s Chavez visited the pope at the Vatican in May.

political and ideological. That power is religion. South America is the only continent bound together by one predominant language and one dominant religion. The language is the second-most-spoken language in the world: Spanish. The religion boasts more adherents, globally, than any other single religion: Roman Catholicism. It is the national religion of all Latin American nations and the predominant religion of the member nations of the European Union. All the pontificating and blustering of demagogues such as Chavez and Morales will pale into so much pallid stutterings in the mind of the masses when their papa speaks from Rome! And speak he will. That fact was made clear when Chavez visited, cap in hand, Pope Benedict XVI on May 11 at the Vatican. Not only did the pope extend additional time to get his points across to Chavez, giving him 15 more minutes than the standard 20 due such political leaders, but, as he turned to leave, Benedict broke protocol to personally hand him a stern letter counseling him to have second thoughts about the direc- Jose Manuel Barroso called for a “convergence of interests, not only of tion in which he was taking his country. Catholic World News called it values” between Latin America and the EU (Deutsche Welle, May 12). “an extraordinary step” and a “challenge” (May 13). However, the climate was far from one of real unity. Presidents Chavez left Vienna with real food for thought. He knows that Fidel Hugo Chavez (Venezuela) and Evo Morales (Bolivia) clouded the situ- Castro, on whom he has largely modeled himself, has twice over the ation by touting their closed-market approach against other nations, past year invited Benedict to visit Cuba. He will not buck this pope. He particularly against the nations of Central America who seek more open knows it was Ratzinger who routed the liberal priests from their posts international trade relations. But the tide swung against this leftist duo in Latin America during John Paul II’s reign. Now that Ratzinger has as, in the summit’s final statement, the EU and six Central American the papal title himself, Chavez would be unwise to press further for en- states—Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and El dorsement of his populist political platform by the church in Venezuela. Salvador—agreed to open negotiations on setting up a free-trade zone. Other leaders in Latin America will sit up and take note. They Commentators missed the real news in their observations on this know the power of this man, Ratzinger. EU/Latin America summit. They failed to see that despite the postur- It was Ratzinger, working behind the scenes, who contributed to ing of petty despots such as Chavez, Morales and their aging mentor, the wave of political change that rippled through Latin America in the President Fidel Castro of Cuba, the trend is fixed. Inevitably there will 1990s under John Paul’s papacy. The European Union will yet have exist a trade nexus between the European Union and Latin America. its day in Latin America. It will get its trading deal with that continent. One should not read too much into the “left-wing swing” in Latin But it will be far from a free trade deal! It will be nothing but a rever- America. sion to that old colonial relationship which once existed under Span- Currently there are three collectivist (socialist) ideologies extant in ish domination. the world: communism, pan-Islam, and the socialist universalism of the One thing will be different this time. It will be the German nation Catholic religion. Though communism claims to be godless at its foun- that leads the colonial putsch in Latin America, with the willing sub- dation, the original socialism has never been without its religion. In fact, mission of its partner in Madrid, under the watchful eye of Rome. it is founded in the Catholic social dogma of the ancient religion of Rome! Watch for Pope Benedict to take a real interest in the politics Ultimately, there is an authority to which the masses, be they of Latin America from here on. And if you really want to find out right- or left-wing in their political leanings, really do pay attention the biblical connection, search “Latin America” in our archives on within Latin America. It overrides all other influences, economic, theTrumpet.com. RON FRASER

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 17 WORLD LATIN AMERICA with the United States, Europe has been As far back as May 1962, Herbert Arm- ticularly economically—to Europe. working to cement its trade ties with strong’s Plain Truth magazine declared Isaiah 23:3 describes the coming Euro- Latin American countries. that the U.S. would “be left out in the cold pean superpower as a “mart of nations.” Negotiations have been underway as two gigantic trade blocs, Europe and This means that its presence will be felt since 1999 to forge a massive free-trade Latin America, mesh together and begin throughout the world’s economy. Bibli- area joining together the European calling the shots in world commerce.” We cal prophecy also has one general pro- Union and the Mercosur trade bloc—en- are seeing that prediction realized today, nouncement regarding Latin America: compassing 700 million people. The talks and the increasing anti-Americanism of that it will support the European com- have encountered difficulties—in part be- leftist governments in Latin America is bine with “all kind of riches; with silver, cause of EU demands that Mercosur drop a driving force behind it. Bible prophecy iron, tin, and lead” (Ezekiel 27:12). While internal trade barriers—but relaunched tells us Europe will edge the U.S. out of the U.S. is pushed out of Latin America last September. EU Trade Com- as a hated enemy, watch for Europe REUTERS missioner Peter Mandelson visited to move in as a welcome guest. Brazil and Argentina in March for Do we see how critical the situa- four days to boost those talks. At tion in Latin America is? the fourth joint EU-Latin American Washington officials seem to summit that took place in Vienna think Latin America doesn’t matter on May 11-13, the EU launched trade as long as Venezuelan oil continues negotiations with the Andean trade to flow to the U.S. One analyst goes grouping of Bolivia, Colombia, Ec- so far as to say that “if all of South uador, Peru and Venezuela. America were swept by a Bolivar- At the same time, the EU is look- ian revolution, it wouldn’t hurt the ing for other inroads—apart from United States.” trade—into Latin America. Last If the long-term stability of the December the European Commis- U.S. oil supply is not a concern, per- sion proposed a “renewed strategy haps these analysts are right (Amer- designed to strengthen the EU-Lat- PARTNERS ica currently imports more oil from in America strategic partnership” Venezuela’s Chavez is strengthening ties in Europe, such as Latin America than from all Middle (Austria Today, March 24). The with Italy’s former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (right). Eastern countries combined). If it does not matter that the democratic The EU is currently the leading donor, top investor and principles Washington espouses for the Middle East are leaving Latin second-most important trade partner for Latin America. America in country after country, then the examples Fidel Castro, policy paper made recommendations Latin America. It is easy to see that this Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales set do including stepping up political dialogue has already begun. not matter. If it does not matter that the between the two regions, stimulating Many would view the Roman Catholic entire region will eventually use its con- economic interaction, and tackling in- Church as being a right-wing institution. siderable resources to support another equality. “Today’s partnership,” reported The Vatican is powerfully anti-liberal. But superpower—as biblical prophecy guar- Austria Today, “reflects the increasing at its core, the church of Rome is socialist. antees us—then the analysis is correct. importance and growing potential of the The very name catholic speaks of a uni- But if Washington has any interest in Latin American region, and the will of versal collective. Ideologically, the main improving its international reputation, both parties to further strengthen the re- difference between Catholicism and com- securing its oil supply, or preventing fu- lationship in the future” (ibid.). munism is that one claims to worship a ture enemies from grabbing resources In another effort to move in on Latin god, while the other worships the state. In on which it relies, then President Chavez America, on March 27-28 the European practice the two have much in common. is more than simply a harmless annoy- Commission held a high-level confer- This explains why nations can swing so ance. The rise of these types of socialist, ence in Brussels “on the theme of social violently from one to the other. Whether Washington-hating leaders to power— cohesion in Latin America, bringing Latino countries are democratic, social- along with Fidel Castro’s perpetual ex- together some 30 ministers from both ist, communist states or monarchies will istence as a political figure—is another sides of the Atlantic with a view to draw- ultimately be overwhelmed by one factor: sign of how weak the United States has ing up … strategies for enhancing social Every country in Latin America is over- become, while other global powers, es- solidarity in Latin American countries” whelmingly Catholic. pecially the European Union and the (European Report, March 28). The Bible prophesies of a final resur- Russo-China alliance, grow exponen- The EU is currently the leading donor, rection of a European empire—the Holy tially stronger. top investor and second-most important Roman Empire of old (request our free Maybe Washington should recalibrate trade partner for Latin America. Their booklet Germany and the Holy Roman its Latin American radar after all. ■ strategic partnership has developed ba- Empire for proof). This empire is termed sically over the past seven years. “holy” because—as in centuries past—it To longtime readers of the Trumpet, will be guided by a religious entity, the For the most up-to-date information, visit Latin America’s turn toward Europe Vatican. The Vatican will use its influence theTrumpet.com/LatinAmerica should come as no surprise. in Catholic Latin America to bind it—par-

18 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 WORLD MIDDLE EAST

If you make any mistake (punish or attack Iran), definitely shipment of energy from this region will be seriously jeopardized.

I think that we shouldn’t place too much emphasis on a threat of this kind.

IRAN’S AYATOLLAH ALI KHAMENEI U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE

preventing the greatest terror-sponsor- (2) REUTERS ing nation in the world from developing nuclear weapons capability. It is about Shrugging at Evil offering Iran incentives to coax it to be- have responsibly and honestly in a seem- Iran freely declares its evil and violent intentions. ingly never-ending diplomacy game in The West responds with an incentives package. which Tehran holds the upper hand. What will it take for America and other Western Enticing Iran nations to take Tehran seriously? BY TRUMPET STAFF In the latest round, in early June, Wash- ington joined the European Union in ran’s president, Mahmoud Ah- nation is spoiling for war, America and offering to conduct nuclear talks with madinejad, wants to start World Europe remain alarmingly casual and Tehran. The proposal included an incen- War iii. Together with the total de- nonchalant toward Tehran. They simply tives package encompassing trade, secu- struction of Israel and the demoli- do not take Iran seriously. rity and technology benefits, boosted by tion of America, this is one of the The story would be different if this a U.S. offer to lift sanctions on Iran (a primary goals of his presidency. was some middle-African dictator on a European proposal the previous month IThe Trumpet didn’t receive this intel- power trip. But this is Iran: leader of the having been rejected—and ridiculed). Of ligence from a covert source in Tehran, Islamic world—a nation with deeply mo- course, the sticking point is, Iran must or an undisclosed contact in the cia or tivated, hard-core Islamic leadership—a first agree to suspend uranium enrich- Mossad. We, like millions of other peo- nation with some of the largest energy ment—something it has refused to do. ple, learned this from the overworked supplies on the planet—a nation on the Just what is it about Iran’s dual insis- mouth of Ahmadinejad himself. Since cusp of acquiring nuclear weapons. tence that 1) it wants to develop a nuclear his election last summer, the Iranian All these factors tell us Iran should be program, and 2) it wants to destroy Is- president has virtually laid out a step-by- taken very seriously. rael and the West, that the U.S. and Eu- step plan by which he intends to thrust But the West is doing anything but. rope don’t get? the globe into its next world war! It is no longer (if it ever was) really International intelligence firm Stratfor In spite of the public revelations and about stopping Iran in its tracks—de- describes the farcical—and dangerous— the abundance of evidence proving the stroying the Iranian nuclear threat— game America is playing: “The problem

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 19 WORLD MIDDLE EAST is this: The Iranians are drawing the Islamism; 4) a willingness to go the extra year unbelievably stated: “Iran today is, Americans into the North Korean mod- mile for Jew-killing …; 5) an all-but-to- in a sense, the only country where pro- el—meaning that negotiations would be tal synchronization between rhetoric and gressive ideas enjoy a vast constituency. about whether there will be negotiations, action” (City Journal, Spring 2006). It is there that the ideas that I subscribe and the mere act of talking will, at the Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, to are defended by a majority.” end of the day, be seen as a major conces- Iran’s leaders have demonstrated re- Western leaders believe that if Ahma- sion. That works for the United States so markable consistency between their dinejad grows too haughty or dangerous, long as Iran doesn’t use the negotiations words and their actions (the obvious ex- about negotiations as cover for disrupting ception, of course, being their repeated MIXED MESSAGES Iraq or for actually building a bomb. The lies about the malignancy of their nucle- Dancers hold uranium hexafluoride cap- current situation really does parallel the ar program). In other words, if Iran says sules during an April ceremony in Tehran. North Korea issue. The North Koreans it will do something, be prepared for it Iran has successfully enriched uranium act like loons, and the international com- to happen. If Iran’s leaders say they in- but denies accusations that the country munity negotiates among itself for the tend to strike at Israel and the West, we intends to develop nuclear weapons. best way to hold a meeting with North ought to take them at their word. Korea. That’s okay for North Korea—but Thus far, Iran has followed to a T its Iran borders Iraq, where U.S. troops are stated plan of assuming leadership of the fighting daily” (June 5). Islamic world and working to spread its But it is a game Iran knows well and theocratic ideals worldwide. For exam- is playing skillfully. ple: When the Iron Curtain fell in 1989, To show his appreciation of the offer, signaling the end of the Cold War and in a speech broadcast on state radio on heralding the dissolution of the ussr, June 4 Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Iran plainly stated its intention to fill the Ali Khamenei threatened the West once void left by the failure of communism. again: “If you make any mistake (punish In a letter written to Moscow, Ayatollah or attack Iran), definitely shipment of Khomeini stated, “I openly announce energy from this region will be seriously that the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the jeopardized,” he stated (Advertiser, Aus- greatest and most powerful base of the tralia, June 6). He specifically threatened Islamic world, can easily help fill up the oil shipments passing through the Strait ideological vacuum of your system.” of Hormuz—a choke point for oil exports That, indeed, is what happened. “As to the U.S., Western Europe and Japan. communism retreated, radical Islam Iran has exhibited a total disregard for any law but its own. America’s response, as usual, was seeped into Africa and south Asia and then the more moderate factions of the to ignore the threat: “I think that we the Balkans” (City Journal, op. cit.). The Iranian government will step in to keep shouldn’t place too much emphasis on Central Asian republics that practiced the situation in hand. There is a common a threat of this kind,” U.S. Secretary of a moderate form of Islam 15 years ago denial of the fact that, fundamentally, on State Condoleezza Rice said. Oil markets are now permeated with Iran’s radical- their contempt for the West, they are all reacted more strongly: The following ized version. This “Iranification” also on the same side. “What’s the difference day, world oil prices rose sharply. occurred in Lebanon, with the aid of between a hothead and a moderate?” Even while Iran is busy throwing out its Hezbollah, and among the Palestinians, Steyn satirically asks. “Well, the extrem- usual array of threats, timid U.S. officials through Hamas. The process is current- ist Ahmadinejad has called for Israel to “have said they want to keep the details of ly underway in Iraq be ‘wiped off the map,’ while the moder- the [EU-U.S.] proposal secret in order to If history is a guide, we can be sure that ate Rafsanjani has declared that Israel is avoid the appearance of threatening Iran” Iran’s President Ahmadinejad is working ‘the most hideous occurrence in history,’ (Agence France Presse, June 5; emphasis to bring to fruition his beliefs and public which the Muslim world ‘will vomit out ours throughout). comments regarding Israel, the West and from its midst’ in one blast, because ‘a Why is the U.S. so afraid to threaten the beginning of World War iii. single atomic bomb has the power to Iran—and at the same time so dismis- Yet, for some reason, Western leaders completely destroy Israel, while an Is- sive of Iranian threats? That is shame- have exhibited a generation-long refusal raeli counterstrike can only cause partial fully weak. to simply believe what Iran says. They damage to the Islamic world’” (ibid.). are blinded by an innate, naive desire to The very fact that no one takes Ahma- Rhetoric Precedes Action believe the best in Iran’s leaders. dinejad seriously may currently be the Columnist Mark Steyn recently wrote, Though branded by President George greatest factor working in Tehran’s favor. “Anyone who spends half an hour look- W. Bush as a member of the “axis of Iran’s president can make just about any ing at Iranian foreign policy over the evil,” Tehran was invited to be Wash- threat, even declare war—and in retalia- last 27 years sees five things: 1) contempt ington’s negotiation partner over Iraq. tion he may receive a stern word from the for the most basic international conven- Iran has been praised by U.S. officials diplomatic community. If he oversteps tions; 2) long-reach extraterritoriality; as a “democracy,” a nation undergoing a the mark a little, the “moderates” are 3) effective promotion of radical Pan- “democratic flowering.” Bill Clinton last there to reassure the international com-

20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 munity that Iran really does seek peace. were a “normal” state is delusional. Iran Last year, Graham Allison, a wmd Once Iran acquires nuclear weapons, simply has no regard for international proliferation specialist and former as- however, it will be a different story. conventions. It does not even respect the sistant secretary for policy and plans in sovereignty of other nations, the very ba- the first Clinton Administration, stated, Demanding to be Taken Seriously sis of relations between states. Ever since “If we continue on our present course, in During the Cold War, the U.S. and ussr the seizure of U.S. soil and citizens in the the decade ahead we will see a nuclear avoided a nuclear war because both form of the American Embassy in Tehran attack on one or more Western cities”

AP/WIDEWORLD in 1979, Iran has exhibited a total disre- (Herald Sun, Melbourne, Jan. 8, 2005). gard for any law but its own. Two months Sadly, America’s record for anticipat- after the Iran-Iraq War ended, then par- ing nuclear capability is not good: Five liamentary speaker (and future president) days before the Soviets exploded their Ali-Akbar Hashemi-Rafsanjani stated first atomic bomb on Aug. 29, 1949, the that “the war taught us that international cia predicted that the Russians wouldn’t laws are only drops of ink on paper.” Iran be able to produce a bomb until the mid- thought nothing of sending a Hezbollah 1950s; the U.S. also failed to predict suicide bomber to blow up the Israeli Em- India’s first nuclear test in 1998. Former bassy in Argentina in 1993, killing 29, and cia operations officer and Iran special- the following year bombing the Argentine ist Reuel Marc Gerecht warned: “Unless Israel Mutual Association, killing almost Langley [cia headquarters] gets lucky 100. The fatwa against British citizen with an Iranian ‘walk-in’ who volun- Salman Rushdie calling for his assassina- teers detailed, critical information about tion was answered by loyal Muslims who Tehran’s weapons program, the cia will succeeded in murdering one of his trans- probably only know the mullahs have lators (his publisher and another transla- the Bomb after they detonate it” (Weekly tor survived assassination attempts). Iran Standard, Nov. 14, 2005). claimed jurisdiction over a Danish news- And still, Iran is not taken seriously. paper in the cartoons incident earlier this year, leading to riots and deaths world- A Historical Lesson wide. Iran has already done much to en- Step back 81 years for a moment. A young force its brand of Islam around the world. Austrian nobody wrote a book in which In a sermon in Tehran on Nov. 9, 1986, he described his antipathy for the Jewish Khamenei openly declared: “We are at people and his plan to sort the problem war with the United States.” Clearly, as out when he gained power. He more or knew that a single strike-counterstrike the National Observer’s Andrew Camp- less laid out a step-by-step plan of how exchange would be catastrophic, and bell states, it has been waging that war he would thrust the world into World neither wanted to annihilate the human on some level ever since the 1979 Revolu- War ii. The world took no notice. Adolf race. With Iran, there is no such restraint. tion (June 22). Hitler was either a raving lunatic or a It would be the equivalent of a suicide Can the U.S. afford to be so noncha- confused young man. Or perhaps it was bomber with a nuke strapped to its chest. lant? all a bit of a joke. In any case, he couldn’t It could threaten to lob a nuke at the The U.S. has been struck before—but possibly have really meant what he had slightest provocation, essentially holding its reaction has been similarly weak. set out plainly in Mein Kampf. the entire Western world to ransom. When two Iranian-inspired and -trained The course of history, as we all know Tehran is already using the nuclear terrorists attacked the U.S. Embassy in only too well, tells us differently. card to gain leverage in its (behind-the- Beirut in April 1983, killing 241 Ameri- But perhaps one could have been ex- scenes) negotiations with Washington cans, Iran got away with it. A former cia cused for not taking Hitler seriously over Iraq—now, when just the possibil- officer specializing in Iranian terrorism, when he said his goal was to eradicate the ity of nuclear weapons exists. What mad Robert Baer, assessed, “Iran ordered it,” Jews. After all, he wasn’t in any position bargaining power will Iran hold once and concluded: “The Islamic Republic of power—actually, he was imprisoned at it carries out its first successful nuclear of Iran had declared a secret war against the time he started writing his book. He weapons test? the United States, and the United States didn’t control 10 percent of the world’s Iran’s President Ahmadinejad envis- had chosen to ignore it” (See No Evil). oil, and he didn’t have a nuclear weapons ages “a world without America”—as he Why? Many people dismiss such program. If he had this kind of power stated in his keynote speech at a “World threats as mere Iranian exaggeration. and capability, surely the world would Without Zionism” conference in Teh- “Iran’s leaders calculatedly use exaggera- have done something preemptive to stop ran on Oct. 26, 2005. He threatened that tion to mobilize and inflame their follow- this madman from initiating war. such a goal was “attainable, and surely ers for martyrdom-terrorist operations; Look at the world scene today, and can be achieved.” A few months earlier, and their followers use real bombs against think again. ■ he stated: “… Islam will conquer all the live targets” (National Observer, op. cit.). mountaintops of the world” (Iranian What if those “real bombs against live Channel 1, July 25, 2005). targets” become nuclear? In Iran’s hands, For the most up-to-date information, visit To try to entice such a country to ad- the world would witness the dawn of an theTrumpet.com/Iran here to a civilized agreement as though it age of nuclear terrorism.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 21 WORLDWATCH a Survey of Global Events and Conditions to Keep an Eye on

EUROPE

Laying Groundwork for Navy (2) REUTERS recently released that causes eyes to brighten Adocument revising instantly among gatherings European Union transport of Europhiles, tired of end- policy provides a glimpse less discussions about fish into the future of EU naval or agriculture,” the news- forces and has ignited paper said. “In a way, it is a controversy and debate in European navy, by the back Britain. In the document, door” (May 17). according to London’s Regarding Europe’s plan Telegraph, the “European to bolster its coastguard, Commission has drawn up Britain’s Shadow Minister plans to set up a European for Transport Julian Brazier LOSING AUTHORITY Prospects of an EU navy have some in the coastguard, which critics stated, “This is very wor- UK worried about the implications of British waters (pictured fear is a back-door attempt rying news. It seems the above) becoming “European waters.” by Brussels to create an EU empire-building ambitions navy with its own powers of Brussels know no bounds. waters” and falling under with the EU. More impor- to stop and search ship- The drift toward an EU navy the jurisdiction of a newly tantly, it’s highly likely that ping” (May 21). Not surpris- must be stopped.” empowered European coast- a revamped and bolstered ingly, the plans to redefine As Britain faces the dis- guard, watch for this issue European coastguard will in- Europe’s coastguard were tinct possibility of British to further hinder Britain’s deed be the groundwork for buried deep inside the docu- waters becoming “European already tenuous relations a future European navy. ment among more mundane policy changes. Bavarian Premier Calls for Anti-Blasphemy Laws According to the Telegraph, plans to boost the grow more fierce. And who Pope Benedict xvi hails from European coastguard “come will be on the front lines of that state. on the back of other ‘empire this inevitable conflict has This was made clear in building’ moves by Brussels, already become plain. the controversy over the mtv including a planned EU When Muslims were of- cartoon Popetown. army, a common foreign fended by the Danish carica- The 10-episode series, policy and diplomatic ser- tures, one nation visibly took which was to be aired on one vice, and a European-wide the lead in demanding legal of the lesser-watched stations policy on energy.” The newly action against the Danish in Germany, was met with empowered European coast- paper. That nation was Iran. outrage from a group “rang- guard would be involved Its confrontational and ar- ing from Bavaria’s Catholic in enforcing maritime law, guably delusional president governor Edmund Stoiber to ensuring passenger safety at STOIBER (who called the contro- the archdiocese of Munich sea, and enforcing environ- n mtv pilot cartoon versy a “blessing from God”) to members of Germany’s mental protection legislation. Amocking the pope and banned Danish imports and ruling Christian Democrat According to the European even Jesus has sparked reli- halted all trade and business Party (cdu). … None of Commission, the federalized gious outrage in Germany. ties with the country in an them, of course, had actually European coastguard would After Muslim outrage effort to place Iran at the seen the series. After all, who possess the authority to in- earlier this year caused by head of the anti-Denmark wants to get bogged down in tercept shipping across all of Danish cartoonists’ rendi- campaign. Other coun- details when basic principles Europe’s maritime borders tions of Mohammad, this tries stepped in line behind are at stake? But Germany’s and would likely be armed. is Part Two—Christians Tehran’s boycott. moralists, apparently, are In a lead article in May, Strike Back. Just as Iran wants to be alive and kicking” (Spiegel Lloyd’s List, a British daily Though Germany is viewed as the defender of all Online, May 10; emphasis newspaper that covers the unlikely to declare jihad Islam, in the West we see an- ours throughout). maritime industry, accused against mtv, what we see other nation stepping up to The article observed, the European Commission from both situations is a bat for its region’s religious “Much of the outrage, not of attempting to con- notable rise, across the sensitivities. Germany—par- surprisingly, seems cen- struct a European navy by board, in religious sensitiv- ticularly its most Catholic tered in Catholic southern stealth. “[T]he concept of a ity. state, Bavaria—wants to be Germany.” Stoiber “spoke European coastguard has The clash between those viewed as the defender of all about a ‘sordid attack on a federalist charm about it two sensitivities is certain to Catholicism, especially since large numbers of people’ and

22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 U.S. RUSSIA Key Business to Will Putin Seek Be Germany’s? GETTY IMAGES a Third Term?

n the largest-ever ince Vladimir Putin Ihostile takeover of an Sassumed control of Russia American company by a in 2000, the government has German corporation, New arrested con- Jersey-based Engelhard trol of Russia’s Corp. announced it was in cars, trucks and factories, terms and more vulner- key assets, REUTERS abandoning resistance as well as for its precious able to foreign takeovers. including the and would succumb “to metals bars, which are traded Additionally, foreign na- vast oil and the inevitable,” and accept worldwide. Engelhard is also tions like China, Japan and gas industries the German-owned basf a world-leading surface and Germany hold piles of U.S. and the media. corporation’s offer (Financial materials science company. debt. If trends persist and the Although it is Times Information, May 31). The Engelhard takeover is dollar keeps eroding, pres- called a democ- PUTIN The deal is “the biggest a symptom of a major prob- sures upon foreign nations racy, Russia for basf, the world’s largest lem facing America. to spend those devaluating is becoming more like an chemicals maker by sales,” Because of America’s mas- dollars will increase—and autocracy. and is valued at $5.6 billion sive and growing debts and American companies will This is why the results (Wall Street Journal, May 31). trade deficits, the dollar is continue to be the target of from a recent poll conducted Engelhard Corp. employs coming under pressure. As choice. As more companies in Russia are surprising. 7,000 people worldwide and the value of the U.S. green- are bought out, America’s An increasing number of is best known for inventing back erodes, American assets control over its strategic in- Russians believe the nation’s the catalytic converter used become worth less in dollar dustries is bought out too. Constitution should be changed to allow President Putin, whose second term charged the Bavarian minis- on key biblical prophe- soon to shake this world! expires in 2008, to run for a ter of justice with developing cies, we are looking for a Religious fervor will third term. new legislation on blasphemy.” Germanic resurrection of continue to rise in Europe. Conducted by the Levada Under Edmund Stoiber, such an empire. That is why Watch this especially in Center in Russia, the poll, Bavaria is determined to be we strongly speculated on Germany—and in Bavaria, which covered 46 regions, the protector of the faith in the appearance of a German particularly, from where showed that “the number of Europe. Stoiber saw to it that pope before he was elected. some of Germany’s most people who want Putin to re- crosses could not be removed And that is why we have influential leaders have main on the post of president from public school class- tracked the career of the hailed. after 2008 grew from 41 to rooms in his state. At the end Bavarian premier radically And don’t forget about 59 percent over the past nine of 2005, his interior minister loyal to the Vatican. the other rising religious months” (Itar-Tass News made one of the most sig- We particularly watch sentiment in global af- Agency, June 8). nificant crackdowns against Stoiber when he is involved fairs—Islam. Remember Despite his popularity, Muslims ever. Stoiber (not in religious affairs. With the Ahmadinejad’s “blessing Putin has repeatedly said to mention Benedict) is ada- Nov. 3, 2005, private meet- from God”? Spiegel Online, he will not run for re-elec- mantly opposed to a Muslim ing between the Bavarian putting words in the mouths tion—but most Russians nation (even a “moderate” Benedict and Stoiber (see our of Germany’s Catholics, don’t believe he will keep his one) joining the EU (a stance December 2005 cover story), said, “It was wonderful to word. In the same poll, only specifically aimed at Turkey). Stoiber is the only German be offended—like true be- 32 percent of the people sur- Even when a blatantly anti- politician to have had a pri- lievers. The Catholics have veyed believe the president U.S. (i.e., pro-Muslim) vate audience with the pope caught up with the Muslims will not take action to run Turkish film hit theaters since Germany’s conserva- in the ongoing competition for re-election. in Germany in February, tives took power in Berlin over who can muster the It appears Russians want Stoiber took the lead in de- last fall. most outrage.” Putin’s leadership. Why not? manding that German cin- The Bible tells us that in Before long a clash be- Russia has developed into a emas boycott the film. this Holy Roman Empire, tween Islam and European formidable power under his A number of trends the legislation will be en- Catholicism will come. watch. Trumpet has watched for acted that protects Roman For more on this, read our For more on the sig- some time converge here. Catholicism’s version of editor in chief’s December nificance of President Putin’s We are watching for an- “blasphemy.” 2004 piece, “The Coming presidency—and re-election, other resurrection of the We are witnessing the de- War Between Catholicism should he seek it—see our Holy Roman Empire. Based velopment of a relationship and Islam.” January 2004 cover story.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 23 WORLDWATCH

RESOURCES sembly—pledged to help stabilize the Middle East, U.S., China Race for Mideast Oil saying that “China is ready to work with Saudi eadlines about America better than the Arabia and other Arab Hsoaring gas prices less-than-open-armed re- countries to support are increasingly common ception Chinese President peace and growth in the

across America. This is real- Hu Jintao was given on his FAHD SHADEED/AFP/GETTY IMAGES Middle East and build a ity—and it may not improve April visit to Washington. harmonious world that anytime soon. In contrast, President Hu’s enjoys constant peace According to Alan visits the same month and prosperity.” Gaines, chief executive of- to Saudi Arabia (China’s Hu’s remarks were ficer of Houston-based Dune second-largest supplier of seen as a “direct chal- Energy and a former top crude oil) and Nigeria (the WARM WELCOME China’s Hu Jintao lenge” to the U.S. (Times energy analyst, Americans top African oil producer) receives flowers from a Saudi girl Online, April 24). could easily see $5 a gallon underscored China’s in- during his April visit to her country. China and Saudi gas this summer. Gaines creasing demand for oil and Arabia have found the correctly predicted the rise its growing relationships In a speech before Saudi basis for a friendship in their in gas from under $3 to $4 with oil-exporting coun- Arabia’s legislature on April shared disdain for Western several months before it oc- tries. Also, Saudi Arabia’s 23, President Hu—only the meddling in their inter- curred. tense attitude toward the second foreign leader ever in- nal affairs. China resents Several factors could United States was clear. vited to address the Saudi as- American criticism over its produce $90- to $100-per- human rights record; for barrel oil, he says—up from Saudi Arabia, both human the current $70 price. But Iran Seeks Global Anti-U.S. Axis rights and Islamism issues perhaps the most significant n yet another sign of Iran’s far- are cooling its relationship factor is increasing demand Ireaching ambitions, an Iranian general with the U.S. from Asia—primarily China. recently revealed a plan to form a global axis After his trip to Saudi In February, China’s net of major powers against the United States. Arabia, Hu was welcomed oil imports soared 28 percent In a meeting with the leaders of the to Nigeria by President over the previous month. Basij militia in Tehran on May 9, Islamic Olusegun Obasanjo. An In March, Chinese crude Revolutionary Guard Corps commander example of this developing oil imports were up a com- SAFAVI Maj. Gen. Yahya Rahim Safavi said, “China, relationship is the Chinese paratively smaller but still Russia, India and Iran are capable of establishing a pole of state-controlled oil company huge 10.9 percent year over major powers in Asia, opposing the policies of America” cnooc’s $2.3 billion invest- year. China has become the (WorldTribune.com, May 26). He spoke of Iran playing a ment to develop a Nigerian world’s second-largest oil role in uniting these countries in an alliance that would off-shore oil field, an- consumer after the United produce a “face-to-face clash with the global arrogance” nounced in January. cnooc States. Its increasing appetite embodied by the U.S. is the same company the U.S. for oil has ignited a global Safavi revealed Iran’s efforts to recruit other countries government blocked from resource race with America into this coalition, including Venezuela, another leading purchasing U.S.-based oil to secure sources of supply, energy producer that is increasingly becoming a thorn in company Unocal last year. and this is causing tension Washington’s side. In stark contrast to the between the two. As bigheaded as these comments may sound to Western Chinese president’s warm re- As Asian demand for ears, they fairly represent the developing reality of the ception in both Saudi Arabia oil has increased, Middle world today. China, Russia and India have all remained and Nigeria, Hu’s latest visit Eastern reliance on staunchly supportive of Iran in spite of Western furor over to America was character- American oil consumption Iran’s nuclear program. China’s and Russia’s status as per- ized by a snub and a series of has fallen. Consequently, manent members of the UN Security Council guarantee blunders. The Seattle Times U.S. influence within the the UN’s worthlessness as an organ in effectively dealing reported that the “protocol- Middle East, Saudi Arabia with Iran. obsessed Chinese leader in particular, is eroding. Safavi made the case for how strong, even indispens- suffered a day full of indigni- If these trends continue, able, Iran has become in the world today. “In the last 27 ties—some intentional, oth- America will reach the years,” he said—referring to the period since the 1979 ers just careless” (April 24). point where it needs Middle Iranian Revolution—“the Islamic Republic of Iran has America’s snubs of the Eastern oil more than the always been at the center point of the political, economic Chinese president are surpris- Middle East needs U.S. and even military confrontations of the West, and at ing given the fact that China money. the present, Islamic Iran enjoys the role of a geopolitical is the second-largest foreign Perhaps nothing illus- heavyweight in the region.” holder of U.S. debt and has trates the growing tensions Uncomfortable as it may be, those statements are hard been one of America’s largest over oil between China and to dispute. financiers in recent years.

24 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 Why the huge contrast between how China was MIDDLE EAST beleaguered Israel with the morale of the op- received by the U.S. and posing force in the Middle East—the Islamic the warm receptions Saudi Jerusalem Day movement led by Iran—we get a good indica- Arabia and Nigeria gave? The tion of what the future holds for Jerusalem. answer is largely that China’s Loses Relevance Leo Tolstoy penned in War and Peace rapid growth has put it in that the force of an army depends upon its direct competition with the n May 25, a ceremony on Ammu- size multiplied by “an unknown x.” That “x U.S. for many resources—in- Onition Hill celebrated “the day of is the spirit of the army, the greater or lesser cluding oil. Additionally, Jerusalem’s unification.” Jerusalem Day is desire to fight and to face dangers …. The many Middle East oil pro- an annual memorial to pay tribute to those men who have the greater desire to fight ducing countries are domi- who gave their lives to liberate Jerusalem always put themselves, too, in the more ad- nated by Muslim populations in the 1967 Six Days’ War. But does this vantageous position for fighting.” that increasingly see the U.S. day hold the meaning it once did? The biblical term for that un- as the enemy, and who thus “Some 39 years have gone by,” known x is “pride of your pow- seek allies elsewhere. China, wrote Israel Harel, “and a pall of er,” something of Israel’s that which desperately needs oil gloom now hangs over Jerusalem, is prophesied to be broken in and conveniently is a UN and on other parts of the country this end time (Leviticus 26:19). Security Council veto holder, too. The elation is gone. Not only Israel is a nation whose makes an ideal partner for is the Temple Mount not in our strength has been sapped and these nations. hands, but other parts of the city replaced with a spirit of defeat. As these types of rela- too are only formally under Israeli Who could put it better than tionships develop, America control, and, in fact, are no longer ‘in Prime Minister Olmert himself, will probably continue to our hands.’ Israel’s capital is divided not only who said during a speech in New York in lose influence in the oil-rich between Jews and Arabs, but between Jews June last year: “We are tired of fighting, we are Middle East and resource- and Jews. The sense that Jewish and Israeli tired of being courageous, we are tired of win- rich Africa. identity would be weakened if Israel fails to ning, we are tired of defeating our enemies.” What does this mean for retain a grip on its historic parts is diminish- If a people are tired of fighting—if they Americans? It means that as ing. And the smaller the national and emo- don’t think what they once held most pre- China continues to secure oil tional solidarity with the capital, the smaller cious is even worth fighting for—what are supplies, oil prices will prob- the desire to fight for its unity” (Haaretz.com, the chances of them holding on to that pos- ably keep going up. May 25; emphasis ours throughout). session? How can such a people even sur- And that doesn’t just Jerusalem’s importance to the Jews goes vive—despite any military strength, or even mean higher gas prices. Less back centuries. Psalm 137 records: “If I forget nuclear capability? Add to that the fact than half of each barrel of thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget that this nation is the enemy of perhaps the oil imported into the U.S. her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let most determined, even fanatical, peoples is used for gasoline. In the my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if on Earth, and the chances of survival be- form of petrochemicals, oil I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.” come even slimmer. is a key ingredient in thou- When East Jerusalem was captured from “Now, after the victory in the Gaza Strip, sands of other products. Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war, there we will transfer the struggle to the West Everything from radios and was a broad consensus among Israelis that Bank and later to Jerusalem,” Hamas’s shampoo bottles to soft con- their capital should never again be divided. leader in the Gaza Strip, Mahmoud Zahar, tact lenses and garbage bags A unified Jerusalem under Jewish control declared last year. “Neither the liberation are made with oil, in the symbolized the fruition of Jewish hopes of the Gaza Strip, nor the liberation of the form of plastics. and dreams since antiquity. In 1980, Israel’s West Bank or even Jerusalem will suffice The modern world in its parliament enacted a law that declared us. Hamas will pursue the armed struggle work and leisure relies very Jerusalem the “unified and eternal capital” until the liberation of all our lands. We heavily on oil. As the saying of the State of Israel. don’t recognize the State of Israel or its goes, oil makes the “world Five years of Palestinian intifada right to hold on to one inch of Palestine” go round.” As the price of oil changed all that. Five years of jihad and the (Jerusalem Post, Aug. 17, 2005). goes up, the grease that keeps Jews’ aspirations are shattered; the Arabs’ This comment was echoed recently by the world spinning starts to aspirations, hotter than ever. the Iranian foreign minister, whose country cost more—and so will all The Jews’ capitulation was embodied leads the charge against Israel. When asked the things that are manufac- in their election of a leader whose very to comment on Israel’s call for economic tured from it. platform was to divide Jerusalem. In what sanctions against Iran, he retorted, “What Higher oil prices could amounted to Ehud Olmert’s “victory” country is that? There is no such country” cause inflation and rising speech, he spoke directly to the Palestinian (Haaretz.com, May 30). consumer prices—not a good leaders: “We are ready to compromise, to Such a view from an enemy should be thing for the U.S. economy, give up parts of the beloved land of Israel …” shocking enough. But the sad reality is that which has become so depen- (Reuters, March 28). Israel itself, increasingly, is losing sight of dent on consumer spending. If we compare the national morale of the its own identity.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 25 ECONOMYWATCH DREAMSTIME finance its current account deficit, the dollar should re- ARMs Set to main fairly stable. But as the Create Trouble current account deficit grows, America is becoming less attractive to investors. Throw in soaring governmental and consumer debt, a deflating housing bubble, and the fact

that the euro is now challeng- ISTOCKPHOTO ing the dollar for reserve cur- rency status, and you have the perfect storm to drive foreign investors away. How serious would such a n February, theTrumpet Pressures Drive Dollar Down devaluation of the dollar be? I.com reported on a pos- If the oecd’s “one third to one sible housing bubble bust in he Organization for percent threshold where oth- half” devaluation scenario is the United States due to the TEconomic Cooperation er currencies have crashed correct, anyone with dollar- resetting of adjustable rate and Development (oecd) with massive devaluations. denominated savings would mortgages (arms) and inter- warns that the dollar could As long as America is see their bank accounts be- est-only loans. Now, head- lose one third to one half able to attract the more than come worth one third to one lines from across much of its value in the foreseeable $2 billion per day needed to half the value they are today. the country confirm a hous- future. Why? The current ing slowdown, and it has the account deficit. potential to be a big one. America’s current account Personal Savings Rate Plummets A May 28 PalmBeachPost deficit, which is now in the or 11 months in a row, .com article, “Easy-to-get neighborhood of $800 bil- FAmericans as a whole loans cause thousands to lose lion, is the trade deficit plus have spent more than they homes,” blamed easy lend- certain financial flows. We have earned. According to the ing practices by brokers and have this deficit because we Bureau of Economic Analysis, OPEN INDEX option arms for the recent import hundreds of billions the personal savings rate fell spike in foreclosures across more of goods and services to negative 1.6 percent in Palm Beach, Martin and St. than we export. Axel Merk, April, a trend that has been Lucie counties in Florida. an investment fund manager, progressively worsening since More than $106 million in defines this deficit this way: September 2005. In June last year, the savings rate turned home loans defaulted during “It is precisely the amount negative for the first time since the Great Depression. the first quarter of this year, foreigners must acquire in Since consumer spending accounts for two thirds of up from only $68 million in U.S.-denominated assets to U.S. economic activity, the question is: How much longer the same period last year. keep the dollar from falling” can Americans spend more than they earn? That translates into approxi- (Merkfund.com, May 23). Take for example, Tim and Caren Mayberry of Yulee, mately 2,100 families that The oecd says this yawn- Fla. According to USA Today, Tim’s job as a senior bank could lose their homes in just ing trade imbalance will loan officer “qualifies him as an expert at lending money,” those three counties. correct itself at some point. but it certainly doesn’t mean that he and his wife know Foreclosures are also When that happens, it says it how to save it. Though Tim makes more than $100,000 a mounting on the Pacific will “send shock waves across year, and Caren makes $65,000 per year as a physical ther- Coast, as outlined by the San the globe, starting with a apist, they say they’re still “absolutely unable to put money Diego Union-Tribune’s May slump in the dollar’s exchange aside, except with retirement accounts” (May 22). 15 article: Notices of default rate” (Forbes.com, May 23). Their plans for a new hardwood floor and a pool will jumped by 60 percent dur- The oecd warned that probably push them further into debt. The couple owe ing the first three months of “Already, the widening of $285,000 on their mortgage on top of a whopping $125,000 this year in the San Diego current account imbalances in other debt, including credit cards, and loans on cars, a region—the largest increase has been sustained far longer boat and a motorcycle—all depreciating assets. To pay off since 1992. Neighboring and with much smaller ex- their credit cards, Caren is making minimum payments; Riverside County saw foreclo- change rate responses than Tim usually pays more on the card with the lowest balance. sures rise 64 percent last year. would have been judged Growing numbers of Americans have allowed themselves California statewide foreclo- plausible even a decade ago.” to get into this same predicament as a result of spending sures jumped 29 percent. Indeed, the current account money they don’t have. At almost all levels of society, debt In fact, according to the imbalance is now 7 percent burden is a problem. Eventually, our creditors will not only U.S. Foreclosure Market of the nation’s gross domestic refuse to extend our credit, but demand to be paid. That Report, nationwide, over product—a level above the 5 will take a toll on the economy and our standard of living. 320,000 properties entered

26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 some stage of foreclosure to a greater supply of houses credit, consumer spending in the private sector over the during the first quarter of on the market and therefore and home construction. last few years were related to 2006—a 72 percent jump over lower home prices, it could For the U.S. economy—in the housing market—this is last year. put a damper on borrowing which about 40 percent of all definitely not a good devel- Adjustable rate mortgages against home equity lines of new American jobs created opment. typically start a borrower at one rate but can adjust up or down after a set period de- pending on prevailing interest rates. Interest-only loans Will the U.S. Lose the NYSE? allow borrowers to lower their monthly bills by only n February, when it Under Thain’s pro- ISTOCKPHOTO paying the interest on the Ibecame known that Dubai posal, the new company, loan during the initial years. Ports World, a United Arab whose shares would be “In both cases, the terms of Emirates state-owned com- listed in both New York the loans change. That can pany, was attempting to take and Paris, would be spell disaster, particularly in over the operation of several 50-50 owned between a market facing both declin- of America’s premier port investors from each ex- ing real estate values and ris- complexes, it provoked a huge change. Though, at least ini- Euronext and nyse ing interest rates” (op. cit.). uproar. A surge in patriotic tially, the top management shareholders have not Senior market strate- fervor across party lines led position would be filled from yet approved the merger. gist Michael Pento of Delta to Congress blocking the the nyse, the chairman and If Deutsche Börse, the Global Advisors agrees, say- deal. So it is a wonder that deputy chief executive would German-owned stock ex- ing that much of the rise in hardly a peep is made about be from Euronext. The com- change, has its way, it—not mortgage defaults is a result the potential loss of control of bined entity, said Thain, the nyse—will merge with of the 22 percent of the $8.7 the New York Stock Exchange would be “the world’s larg- Euronext. After repeated trillion in mortgages held (nyse)—the nation’s premier est and most liquid global failures over a period of by Americans that are reset- stock market. securities marketplace,” with several years to take over ting this year. That means Founded in 1792, the nyse listings totaling $27 trillion the London Stock Exchange a “typical three-year arm is the largest equities mar- (msnbc.com, May 23). (lse), Deutsche Börse set its will go from 3.6 percent to ketplace on the planet, hav- Although under the cur- sights on Euronext. 5.6 percent. On a $500,000 ing a global market value of rent proposal the nyse will Deutsche Börse offi- mortgage, the monthly pay- approximately $21 trillion. not be completely owned and cials touted the potential ment would increase by $800 On May 22, the nyse operated by foreign interests, Euronext purchase as the …” (321gold.com, May 26). surprised many analysts by 50 percent of the ownership first creation of a “truly But some experts say the making a $10.2 billion cash will be based outside the U.S. pan-European exchange worst is yet to come. and share offer to merge It would not take much for organization” represent- “We know the whale is with the Euronext stock an additional 1 percent to ing a “significant step for- coming, we just don’t know exchange, headquartered in change hands, making the ward in the integration of how big the whale is,” said the Netherlands. Euronext combined nyse/Euronext European financial markets. one spokesman for the Cen- controls exchanges in Paris, corporation majority for- It would … have the ability ter for Responsible Lending, Brussels, Amsterdam and eign-owned. to compete on a global scale” a Washington nonprofit Lisbon, as well as a fu- The takeover also raises (Agence France Presse, May group (PalmBeachPost.com, tures exchange in London. the question of America’s 22). Deutsche Börse share- op. cit.). Approximately half of the vulnerability to market inter- holders lauded the potential “Millions of households group’s workforce and rev- ruptions. What if relations pairing as the creation of a across the country are at enue comes from its English between America and Europe “European champion.” risk of ‘payment shock’ operations. were to become strained? Is it The nyse’s recent offer for when mortgage payments “It is not enough to build unrealistic to be worried that Euronext puts the Deutsche adjust upward over the next the best marketplace in foreign interests, in a posi- Börse offer in jeopardy, and two years,” says Nicholas the U.S. or a champion of tion to sabotage America’s New York and Frankfurt are Retsinas of Harvard’s Center Europe,” said nyse chief largest stock exchange, would now in direct competition. for Joint Housing Studies executive John Thain. “The be tempted to do so? Which stock exchanges (San Diego Union-Tribune, challenge is to build the best Another fear, as outlined will end up merging is still op. cit.). marketplace in the world” by the New York Times, is unclear. What is clear is The signs of a housing (New York Times, May 23). that the merger would allow that American and German bubble bust are all around. Thain’s vision would change companies that are listed in economic concerns are in- The rise in default notices the American-owned and America to move their list- creasingly at odds with each and foreclosures is definitely -controlled company into an ings to European exchanges other. The recent stock mar- an ominous warning. If the internationally-owned cor- that have less strict regula- ket competition is just the increase in foreclosures leads poration. tory scrutiny. latest example.

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 27 ISTOCKPHOTO is absurd. is fundamental fundamental BY MARK JENKINS the nation itself. itself. the nation misunderstanding of what’s at stake: at stake: of what’s shows a fundamental a fundamental shows Combine the notion that the flow of By debating the right those of who en- need in fact does States United the If A Common Culture Second, consider the fundamental principle that a country’s citizens share a tainly the argument that it would be be would it that argument the without significant fear penalty. of Cer- tainly nearly impossible to deport every illegal it that true also is It true. is immigrant is impossible to catch and convict every rapist. The police cannotevery solve anyone argue Would thatmurder. we should even try? not If a nation does not even make the enforcing pretense of law, what kind nation of is it? illegals cannot be stopped with the asser- tion that those already present should be given amnesty and thing one is guaran- teed: The flow illegals of will increase. ter the country illegally to do so without the law. debate of very we penalty, notion The idea that someone has a right to illegally enter a country fromworkers abroad, that problem could be solved opening by legal av- law the those for enues to come and workers go debate The law. issue, the of bounds the within that On reallyisn’t about whether the U.S. needs workers. though:workers about the status It’s of illegal has already spoken. If claim we to be a nation of laws, we shouldenforces those be laws. On this first a nation funda- is nation that any which on principle mental built, the States United fails the test. The debate over illegal immigration immigration illegal over The debate AUGUST 2006 AUGUST There are currently 12 about million thousands of hundreds the Clearly, THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETTHE A second defining quality is culture: A third requirement a nation—but for apply theseLet’s three fundamental A Nation of Law First, consider the idea that a nation en- forces its laws. The truth is, the main reason illegal immigration been curbed hasn’t is that the respect government doesn’t its own enough laws them. to enforce illegal immigrants living in the United prob- is estimate that Although States. give the let’s number context: It low, ably lies somewhere between the populations Pennsylvaniaof and is Ohio. slightly It of population entire the than greater Cuba. The U.S. could designate a 51st and 52nd state called North and South Illegal that would still comprise two our of most broken be could it states—or populated into 12 states the size Rhode of Island. that violate our borders annually do so ever survived without law. The glue that holds a nation together is its common language, culture and ide- culture—with- unifying a Without als. out common values—the political and moral fiber a nation of frays. coun- a identify We perhaps first in importance—is the estab- borders. of lishment try where its a map by borders lie. on No wouldone consider establishing a country without clearly delineating its borders. principles national of sovereignty the to illegaldebate over immigration. A Place With Borders With Place A he American dream: to dream: American he sneak the over U.S.-Mexico border under cover of darkness, get a job that legal no citizen will take and send the earn moneyyou back to

A few fundamentalA few principles define As political a hot-button issue, ille- The debate, though, is multifaceted.

Nation: a nation. these One of is the existence government,of which is there to define and Certainly execute law. nation no has gal immigration is sometimes bound up undo- in the the notion of American dream. economically The idea that as we a melting-potnation viewed is home immigrants send racist, would as some by able and—worst of all—un-American. They say the U.S. was built immi- by grants immigrants; for is are it who we as a nation. And that is exactly where the debate should center: on the status of the StatesUnited America of as a nation. Economics, social development, border control, guest programs, worker racism or any of a myriad of issues related to illegal immigration anyone prevent from actually solving the The problem. debate the politicians that complex so becomes responsible decide there are easy no so- implement accordingly then lutions, nothing consequence. of your family in Mexico. That scenario is, of course, an exaggeration; easy it’s enough to cross the in border daylight. broad As a result, the nation is embroiled in a national illegal debate over immigration.

28 T SOCIETY UNITED STATES common culture. Culture, as defined by agreed with Zangwill’s concept. He, like to fill the unskilled labor void and sup- Samuel Huntington in The Clash of Civ- presidents before him, welcomed large- port another country with the proceeds. ilizations, refers to “a people’s language, scale immigration into the U.S. as long If we encourage that sort of immigration religious beliefs, social and political val- as those immigrants became Ameri- as a nation, we are creating a permanent ues, assumptions as to what is right and cans. “Either a man is an American and underclass of non-Americans. Forget the wrong, appropriate and inappropriate, nothing else, or he is not an American at American dream; many of these illegals and to the objective institutions and be- all,” Roosevelt famously proclaimed. don’t even want to learn English. havioral patterns that reflect these sub- Another U.S. president, John Quincy In response to a government proposal jective elements.” Unlike skin color or Adams, said that for immigrants to suc- last spring to provide grants to those who ethnic heritage, someone’s culture can ceed in this land, they had to “cast off want to learn English and U.S. history, change. People can convert to other re- the European skin, never to resume it.” the director of Immigration Policy and ligions or systems of values and beliefs. Until the 1960s, that is largely what Research for La Raza, a Hispanic Ameri- They can learn new languages. immigrants did. The height of immi- can group, complained that though the Initially, this was the basis of U.S. grant assimilation occurred between proposal “doesn’t overtly mention as- immigration: There existed an Ameri- about 1870 and 1920. Almost every city similation, it is very strong on the patrio- can identity, and people of all creeds with a large immigrant population had tism and traditional American values and races took on that identity. In other Americanization programs through lo- language in a way which is potentially words, they could Americanize. cal schools and businesses. dangerous to our communities.” This Americanization process was This latest wave of illegal immigrants Most illegal immigrants have no inten- given a metaphor in Israel Zangwill’s represents a stark contrast to that histori- tion of adopting American culture or val- 1908 play The Melting Pot. In the play, cal ideal. Because the nation decided who ues. Instead, they intend to transfer their a youthful Russian-Jewish composer would be allowed to enter the country, own culture to within U.S. borders. in New York calls America a pot where the best and the brightest became part of Certainly the illegal immigration de- everyone melds together and re-forms. America, then embraced its culture, its bate fails the culture test as well. Theodore Roosevelt, to whom the play language and its history. Now, the vast ma- was dedicated, called it a “great play”; he jority of illegal immigrants actually intend Secure Borders German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “A body that does not have any bor- Benefits of Illegal Immigration ders cannot act cohesively” (Deutsche ome argue that illegal immigration in the United States is a Welle, May 11). Consider how impor- necessity—and they are right. tant national borders are. Most ongoing S Consider these facts: military disputes involve some sort of ■ Fifteen percent of Mexico’s work force—about one in every seven—is conflict over a border. The Israeli-Pal- working in the United States. estinian conflict is inherently a border conflict. Wars typically begin when one ■ Every year, illegal aliens remit $20 billion to Mexico, equaling income from nation decides to violate the territory of Mexico’s oil exports and dwarfing the tourism industry. That money is another. When citizens of one country nearly the equal of the United States foreign-aid budget for the entire globe. encroach on another country’s territory ■ An illegal immigrant often earns up to 10 times what he would have made without permission, it is trespassing—

in Mexico. IMAGES POZO/AFP/GETTY CLAUDIO and in some cases, invasion. Whether those people think they are ■ Criminals that might be unwelcome in invading, trespassing, or just crossing Mexico can move to the United States. into a land of opportunity, though, is Many of the most violent gang members, of less importance than the reality that such as those in ms-13, are foreign born the U.S. is absolutely unable to protect with prior criminal convictions. its own borders—the lines that define it As you can see, illegal immigration as a nation. provides many benefits economically and A group of Mexican mercenaries socially—for Mexico. known as the Zetas graphically high- Mexican President Vicente Fox has said lights why having a porous border in immigration is the most pressing issue in America is so dangerous. U.S.-Mexico relations: “One cannot under- First, authorities say this group con- estimate the importance of this moment trols the border town of Nuevo Laredo, and how complex this issue is for our two which sends more than 6,000 merchan- nations,” Fox said. “Since the beginning dise-laden trucks daily into Texas— of my administration, the government of roughly 40 percent of Mexico’s exports. Mexico has promoted the establishment of a Last year, the group killed that city’s new system that regulates the movement of police chief the day he took office (his people across our border in a manner which predecessor also having been shot dead) is legal, safe and orderly” (Associated Press, and then fired a shot at his successor May 24). He left out one final criterion: too, killing the new chief’s bodyguard northbound. MEXICAN PRESIDENT VICENTE FOX instead. President Vicente Fox sent hun-

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 29 WORLD UNITED STATES dreds of troops to the city to restore or- belonged to an elite anti-drug paratroop forcement officers. der, but those efforts were in place even and intelligence battalion known in Members of the Zetas claim the group before the above-mentioned killings. Mexico as the Special Air Mobile Force works with U.S. drug dealers: “They Between January and June this year, Group. In 1991, they deserted the group, cross the river. They do the job over here Zetas killed 126 people, including 13 offi- lured by the easy money to be made in [the U.S.]. They kill. They pick up—they cers; the city of 350,000 currently has no drug trafficking. make people disappear, and they come police chief. The Zetas are described as The Zetas are now believed to have back to the Mexican side. That’s why po- commando types, dressed in black and followers in Texas, Arizona, Califor- lice never find them” (krgvtv, May 22). using high-powered weapons and hand- nia and Florida. As though that weren’t The Mara Salvatrucha gang is another held radios. enough, the Zetas offer a $50,000 boun- example. In May, investigators in Hidal- The leaders of the Zetas originally ty for the assassination of U.S. law-en- go County, Tex., found 84 illegal immi- CANADAWhere Terrorists and Deportees Walk Free? t the beginning of June, 17 Muslim men were arrested by Accepting unknown and unverifiable refugees is dangerous enough, Canadian authorities and charged with planning to carry out but accepting them from nations that are known terrorist sponsors Aterrorist attacks against targets in Toronto and Ottawa. The (which Canada does) is even more dangerous. Worse, prior to 9/11, alleged plot targeted symbolic sites including the Toronto Stock Ex- none of these people were screened for criminal, terrorism or other change, a military installation and a Canadian intelligence headquarters security concerns unless they requested permanent residency. facility; it included bombings, armed assaults and beheadings. The April 17 National Post reported that as many as 3,000 people Though this was a homegrown group of extremists—albeit with ordered deported for “human rights abuses, terrorism ties, war crimes, connections to terrorists in other countries—the situation is generally gangsterism links or criminal convictions” are still living in Canada. seen as a product of Canada’s lax immigration and security policies. Twenty-seven thousand other foreigners also ordered deported are still Although all involved were either Canadian citizens or legal residents living underground in Canada as part of the approximately 400,000- of Canada, as Stratfor points out, the June 2 arrests “certainly under- large illegal immigrant population. score the possibility that Canada, which has a long history of liberal Immigration expert Martin Collacott, a former Canadian ambassador immigration and asylum policies, has been used by jihadists as a sanc- in Asia and the Middle East and counterterrorism policy coordinator at tuary for raising funds and planning attacks” (June 7). the Department of Foreign Affairs, warned in a February 28 report that The fact that the alleged conspirators had been long settled in major world terrorist groups operate in Canada. He says the problem Canada raises the question of how many more jihadists or jihadist sym- lies both with Canada’s multiculturalism ideology and politicians who pathizers are hidden within the open Canadian society, planning further pander to minority interest group pressure. attacks. Canada’s policy of multiculturalism, he says, puts greater empha- Canadian officials admit that the nation’s liberal immigration policies sis on the “rights of newcomers” than “their obligations to Canada” and its multiculturalism make Canada vulnerable. Canada has taken pride (Edmonton Journal, March 1). He blames this ideology for encouraging in its tolerance of immigrants and has encouraged them to retain the refugees and immigrants from terrorist-sponsoring nations to treat cultural identity of their homeland; Canadians have contrasted their im- Canada “as a convenient and generous base from which to engage in migration system with America’s and claimed its superiority and success. or mount support for their favorite conflicts abroad.” But the uncovering of this latest terrorist plot is not the only evidence to Another problem is that Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board the contrary. As Audrey Macklin, a University of Toronto law professor contains appointees forced onto it by pro-immigrant activist groups, who specializes in immigration affairs, admitted, “The view of Canada as who have a vested interest in keeping the system as wide open as pos- removed from the immigrant frictions and diplomatic strains suffered by sible (National Post, March 3). its superpower neighbor may be outdated” (Los Angeles Times, June 6). These poor immigration policies have left the nation vulnerable. For decades, the Canadian government has operated its borders In his annual report to the Canadian Cabinet last November, Cana- based on the thinking that, if Canada opened its borders to the refugees dian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director Jim Judd warned that of the world and went out of its way to take care and provide for them, a terrorist attack in Canada is not only possible but probable (ibid., May Canada would be considered a friend of all and therefore would never be 12). Earlier last year he noted that Canada has twice been named as a threatened. As such, its immigration policies have been based upon the target by al Qaeda and that Canadians have been “extremely fortunate idea that “very few bad people will try to abuse the laws of an open, mul- … not to have had a terrorist attack” since 9/11. ticultural nation such as Canada, and that closer scrutiny of newcomers In outlining his concerns about Canada’s safety, Judd warned that is unnecessary or even offensive” (National Post, May 12). Unfortunately, Canada had become “an attractive refuge for extremists.” He specifically especially in the post-9/11 world, that is a deadly assumption. mentioned two worrisome trends: First, more terrorists are being found Canada is known worldwide for its loose refugee policies and gener- in the “second generation of immigrant families—whether in Europe, ous social welfare programs. As a result, it receives 20,000 to 30,000 Canada or elsewhere”; second, many terrorists operating within Canada applications for asylum each year, over half of which it accepts. Many have no “discernible previous link of any kind with the terrorist networks.” of the refugees arrive with no documentation or with counterfeit docu- A report prepared by Ottawa’s Integrated Threat Assessment Center ments, which makes verifying their information very difficult. This and released this May warned, “Canada is home to Islamic extremists, approval rate for asylum seekers is close to four times the average for both homegrown and immigrant,” who “advocate violent jihad in pur- other Western nations and may be actually higher because even when suit of their political and religious aims” (National Post, May 12). refugees are turned down, they are often permitted to remain in Canada For Canadians who were skeptical that years of irresponsible and through the lengthy appeals process. On top of all that, the overloaded lax immigration policies had allowed terrorist groups to establish immigration department accepted 260,000 legal immigrants last year. strongholds in the “True North strong and free,” the deadly terrorist

30 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 grants including two tattooed members to work, but to commit crimes such as devastating acts. A similar situation ex- of the gang in a single apartment com- drug dealing and thievery” (The Moni- ists in Canada (see sidebar, below). plex. County Sheriff Lupe Treviño said tor, May 17). An array of weapons and The argument against enforcing the it was “quite obvious that the majority of 230 pounds of marijuana were seized. border is that it would be undoable. One the 84 illegal immigrants were not here This sort of gang activity is only pos- solution that is often dismissed is a wall;

REUTERS sible because our politicians—the president among them— borders are porous. say that a wall could never stop the “enor- If these sorts of mous pressure on our border.” Washing- hardened crimi- ton Post columnist Charles Krautham- nals can cross our mer disagrees: “Opponents pretend that southern borders these barriers can always be circumvent- that way, so can tered by, say, tunnels or clandestine entry rorists with a mind by sea. Such arguments are transparently to commit far more See BORDERS page 37

at large within Canada, he was able to plot and plan terrorism—and on the taxpayer’s dime: At his eventual trial in the millennium bombing case it came out that Ressam supported himself in Canada for four years with petty theft and welfare payments. During his illegal stay in CASE IN POINT Canada he was arrested four times in regards to theft, credit card and A Muslim woman arrives with a man at the June bail hearing of other financial document fraud, yet he was not deported. 17 suspected al Qaeda sympathizers accused of planning bomb While in Canada, Ressam fraudulently obtained an authentic Cana- attacks. All 17 individuals were citizens or residents of Canada. dian passport, which got him to and from Afghanistan to take part in an al Qaeda training camp. Upon return to Canada in 1999, he drew up plot uncovered this month would have been a rude awakening. plans and made preparations to attack Los Angeles International Air- According to Stratfor, “Canada has a long history of harboring port. Ressam was finally arrested when he tried to enter the U.S. with political dissidents from a number of different ethnic militant groups explosives to carry out his plot. (perhaps as many as 50 organizations)” (May 3). Terrorist organizations Other notorious examples of terrorists or suspected terrorists who with members who have obtained sanctuary in Canada stand out like have entered the U.S. from Canada include Abdel Hakim Tizegha and a “who’s who” of world terror, and include organizations like Hamas, Ghazi Ibrahim Abu Mezer. Abdel Tizegha was another member involved Hezbollah, the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, Algeria’s Armed Islamic in the millennium bomb plot, who, after being denied asylum in the Group and Babbar Khalsa (a Sikh militant group). U.S., went to Canada. He later snuck across the border to America with Another example of how Canada’s immigration policies have failed a plan to carry out a suicide bombing against the New York subway is illustrated by Mahmoud Mohammad Issa Mohammad, who was system. Thanks to a tip-off he was arrested before he could strike. welcomed to Canada in 1987. One year later, it was found that he had These are just a few of many individuals who have taken advantage been a terrorist for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and of Canada’s hospitality while plotting to harm others. had been convicted in the fatal hijacking of an Israeli airliner. Canadian Until Canada changes its naive mindset regarding asylum, immigra- officials then proceeded with deportation protocols, but, 18 years later, tion and border control, it will continue to be regarded as a safe haven Mohammad is still living in Canada! His latest attempt to remain in the by radicals and extremists. Surely Canadians can no longer be fooled country is based on the argument that it would be “cruel and unusual” into thinking that terrorists will leave them alone just because they to send the unwell 62-year-old to Lebanon where medical treatment have a liberal and multicultural society. “Canada remains on al Qaeda’s may not meet Canadian standards. target list of six countries,” reported Canadian CSIS director Judd. “And Then there’s Leon Mugesera, a Rwandan who, according to the it is the only one not to have been attacked. We live next door to target Supreme Court of Canada, helped incite the genocide of more than number one on that list ….” 800,000 Tutsis in 1994. Amazingly, a decade after deportation pro- This time, the terrorist plot was foiled. But considering Canada’s ceedings began and nine months after the court ruling, he is still living favorable conditions for terrorist infiltration and operation, we can ex- in Canada and may even be allowed to stay if it is determined his life pect to see further security breaches and terrorist plots come to light. would be at risk in his home country. And, sooner or later, the odds are that such diabolical plans will come Canada’s lax borders and naive immigration policies have not only to fruition. It’s a matter of cause and effect. And the effect has been affected Canadians, but also its neighbors and trading partners. The prophesied in the Bible. recently released U.S. State Department annual “Country Reports on God foretold in Leviticus 26:16-17 about the terrorism problem the Terrorism” states: “Terrorists have capitalized on liberal Canadian im- English-speaking nations (birthright descendants of ancient Israel) migration and asylum policies to enjoy safe haven, raise funds, arrange would face in this end time. Verse 17 says that terrorism will become so logistical support, and plan terrorist attacks.” Canada’s border policies widespread that the people of nations such as Canada and America will have added to U.S. difficulties as Canada has been the point of entry flee even when no one pursues them, and those that hate them will rule for people who have tried to attack the U.S. on several occasions. over them. Probably the best-known case involved Ahmed Ressam, who or- But there is good news. For proof that the people re- chestrated the “millennium bomb” plot. When, in 1994, Ressam was ferred to in Leviticus 26 include today’s nations of Canada caught entering Canada from France with forged documents, he imme- and the U.S., and for the ultimate solution to the immigra- diately claimed political asylum. Immigration officials released him until tion and terrorism problems facing our nations, please write his asylum hearing. Not too shockingly, Ressam never showed up for for our free book The United States and Britain in Prophecy. the hearing, and his claim was later denied. Once Ressam was free and ROBERT MORLEY

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 31 SOCIETYWATCH

TECHNOLOGY Week, a 2005 survey of fresh- men showed that just 1.1 U.S. Beaten in Brain Game percent planned to major

in computer sciences, DREAMSTIME merica has been down from a paltry 3.7 Askunked in a world percent in 2000. computer-programming This complacency has contest. This is worse left America teetering news for a prosperous on the edge being last and powerful America place among the elite of than it may first appear. the world. Will America In April, whiz turn the tide of this kids from across the complacency? The an- DRUGS globe gathered in San swer to this question is Antonio, Tex., for much more unsettling. the 2006 annual acm While the U.S. UK Kids Hooked International Collegiate export of informa- on Heroin Programming contest, tion technology is sponsored by ibm. still growing, the n astounding number According to the leadership position Aof children in Britain are Baylor University is gone—and it isn’t taking heroin. website dedicated coming back. In According to government to the event, “The accordance with figures released in February contest pits teams biblical prophecy, based on a nationwide sur- of three univer- the United States vey, up to 35,000 children sity students is losing its su- under 16 in Britain are us- against eight or perpower status ing the drug. Doctors refer more complex, real-world Asia. In fact, Russia had five in one area after another, to this problem as a ticking problems, with a grueling top-place finishers. continually being overtaken “health time bomb” and five-hour deadline. Huddled “Until the late 1990s, U.S. by Russia, China and the warn that heroin abuse could around a single computer, teams dominated these con- European Union. cause serious long-term competitors race against tests,” wrote Business Week Russia’s Saratov State damage to children’s health. the clock in a battle of logic, in its May 1 commentary University won this year’s To battle this problem, the strategy and mental endur- about America’s poor show- competition on the an- Department of Health is en- ance” (January 5). ing at the contest. “But the niversary date of Yuri suring schools receive guid- Eighty-three teams were tide has turned. Last year not Gagarin’s historic 1961 voy- ance on drug usage. Yet the selected from 5,606 teams one was in the top dozen” age into space. It was this numbers are still expected to representing 1,733 universi- (emphasis ours throughout). feat of science that Business rise, and here is why: A nar- ties from 84 countries. Some Eastern European and Asian Week suggests touched off cotics expert from Glasgow prestigious American uni- schools dominate the global America’s quest for scien- University states that around versities were among the 83, tech industry. “China and tific dominance—domi- 300,000 children growing up including the Massachusetts India, the new global tech nance it held for almost 50 in the UK have one or both Institute of Technology (mit), powerhouses, are fueled by years. “Gagarin’s rocket ride parents addicted to heroin. Princeton, DePaul University, 900,000 engineering gradu- shocked Americans out of These young people grow California Institute of ates of all types each year, their postwar complacency, up thinking heroin use is Technology, and Duke. more than triple the number sparking a national quest normal. How did the American of U.S. grads” (ibid.). for tech superiority that led The Department of universities fair? “We’re the This, then, is the bad to such breakthroughs as Health can give all the guid- worst of the best of the best,” news: “‘If our talent base the moon landing and the ance it wants, but if parents answered Matt Edwards weakens, our lead in technol- microchip. A trouncing don’t take responsibility for in response to Duke coach ogy, business, and econom- in a programming contest their own drug problems, Owen Astrachan’s attempts ics will fade faster than any doesn’t inspire the same the situation will only grow to encourage the team after of us can imagine,’ warns kind of response today. worse. Even if the parents its dismal honorable-mention Richard Florida, a professor Truthfully, Americans just aren’t addicts, the responsi- finish (Business Week, May 1). at George Mason University don’t feel threatened enough bility falls largely on them to After mit, which ranked and author of The Flight of to exert the effort” (ibid.). educate their children and in eighth place, only four the Creative Class” (ibid.). It is clear that America’s create a loving environment. other American teams made Software programmers technology leadership posi- Then children wouldn’t be the top 50. The top 10 was are the roots of a modern tion is gone. This loss, if not looking for meaning, an- dominated by teams from information-based economy. reversed, has the potential to swers and comfort from the Russia, Eastern Europe and But, according to Business touch all of our lives. contents of a syringe.

32 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 ENTERTAINMENT desperately adultery, Jesus Christ did wicked: who not try to understand what Horror Movies More Sadistic can know it?” motivated her lawlessness. (Jeremiah He perceived her sincere ore is good. Severed this obsession with 17:9). repentance, forgave her and Gbody parts and flesh- evil is. Evil is a commanded her to “go, and eating viruses are even bet- Occasionally some drug. People sin no more” (John 8:11). The ter—at least for box offices fallow-headed filmmaker by the millions are hooked same principle motivated and movie producers. Since or social scientist will try to and constantly craving both instructions. last fall, 10 horror movies explain how this playing out stronger doses. The Apostle Some would say the Bible have topped the box office. of horror fantasies provides Paul used a powerful anal- itself dwells on evil, with its Every few years or so, some kind of catharsis, serv- ogy when he compared sin descriptions of wars, mur- horror becomes the fad in ing the “greater good.” to a slave owner: “Know ye ders, rapes and betrayals. But Hollywood. Each wave of Such arguments are not, that to whom ye yield the difference between the horror movies is more vio- simply wrong. No good can yourselves servants to obey, Bible and any horror show is lent and grotesque. Movie come from allowing graphic his servants ye are to whom a profound one. companies are eager to capi- descriptions of revolting acts ye obey; whether of sin unto Much of popular culture, talize on a growing movie of murder and rape into our death, or of obedience unto in portraying the evils of audience that has a voracious minds. No good motivates righteousness?” (Romans human nature, seeks to titil- appetite for evil. those producing such lurid 6:16). late and hook people into an Tom Ortenberg, presi- content. No good draws God, in whom is no dark- increasingly demented world dent of Lions Gate Films people to watch. Surely we ness at all (1 John 1:5), tells us of wickedness. Even while (the company that released should be able to recognize that the way to be free from labeling something bad, pop the movie Hostel, for which evil when we see it. evil is to shun it—not enter- culture glamorizes it; the previews alone were horrific Our increasing fascina- tain it. bad guys are always the most enough to cause people to tion with darkness belies For criminals in ancient seductive. Resolution, if it pass out), felt no shame for the common idea that deep Israel, God did not want comes, arises from within his money-making strat- down, people’s hearts are the people of the nation to the person, or from profes- egy. When questioned by good. In fact, it supports the “get inside their minds”; He sional help. Newsweek, Ortenberg said, polar opposite and little-be- ordered them to “put the Contrarily, the Bible, in “When we see a void in the lieved scriptural pronounce- evil away from among you” describing such evils, simply market, we do our best to ment, “The heart is deceit- (Deuteronomy 17:7). For the and justifiably supports its fill it. And we didn’t feel that ful above all things, and woman who was caught in main purpose: to show how there were enough, or really much man needs God. any, R-rated … horror films That is a lesson we can out there” (April 3). Record Sales of Sleeping Pills never afford to forget. As movies are becom- Recognize the evil within ing bloodier, the violence t least 10 percent of Americans report they your own heart, and you portrayed in movies is also Ahave trouble falling asleep, and many are turning to realize how much you need becoming more real. Bob sleeping pills for help. About 42 million sleeping pill pre- God to replace it with some- Weinstein, the executive pro- scriptions were filled last year, according to the research thing better. ducer of Scream, described company ims Health—a sharp 60 percent increase since “If ye then be risen with the filmmakers as now hav- 2000 (New York Times, February 7). Christ, seek those things ing the ability “to put view- Sleeping pills are being oversubscribed “without which are above, where ers directly into the shoes of enough regard to known, if rare, side eff ects or the impli- Christ sitteth on the right the victims going through cations of long-term use.” Experts warn of sleep aids caus- hand of God. Set your af- these horrible things, in ing sleepwalking, short-term amnesia and, perhaps more fection on things above, an almost documentary signifi cantly, dependency (addiction), sleepiness the next not on things on the earth” way” (ibid.; emphasis ours). day and possible abuse. (Colossians 3:1-2). That is the Filmmakers not only show Insomnia is certainly a sign of an overworked, over- way to break evil’s hold on vivid violence on the movie wrought society, as some researchers recognize. But the your mind. “Finally, breth- screen—they make you live massive number of sleeping pill prescriptions being filled ren, whatsoever things are it. Some actually endeavor to is also a symptom of a society overly dependant on drugs true, whatsoever things are put viewers inside the mind to fix all its problems honest, whatsoever things of the killer. so it can continue in are just, whatsoever things Some of the latest horror destructive habits. are pure, whatsoever things films are so purely sadistic After all, pills only are lovely, whatsoever things

that even seasoned, battle- treat the effect. The so- DREAMSTIME are of good report; if there hardened movie critics are lution lies in changing be any virtue, and if there be asking some basic questions the cause—the way we any praise, think on these about what the point of all live, work and eat. things” (Philippians 4:8).

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 33 LETTERS The German involvement is far stupid and gullible in the extreme and, CORRECTION deeper and more insidious than you as- like Jesus intimated, a bunch of sheep In our June-July 2006 issue, on page 24 sume. It is not in the future, but already …? You don’t have to believe in Jesus if an article erroneously stated that Canada deeply entrenched. Most of the ngos you don’t want to. I can sympathize with has refused to support the war on terror. active in Israel, working with Arabs that. But to believe so ardently in a novel The article should have read: “While Britain and Jewish traitors, are financed by the which purports to know more about and Australia remain America’s staunch- European Union. That is, Germany, the Jesus than the gospels is nuts. Literally est allies, its most immediate neighbor, central European power. The Geneva insane. … Canada, though giving early and continuing Initiative, a facade for the Saudi death Tony Blyth—Sydney, Australia support to the U.S. effort in Afghanistan, plan, is the central pillar of both the ■ has refused to support the war in Iraq.” Labor party and the smaller sister, the Meretz party. That too is European The article “Debunking The Da Union underwritten, which is Germa- Vinci Code” was good, but still missing Feminism Harms Families ny. In addition, Germany is the Western something. And this is missing in all I have been a stay-at-home mom, country with the deepest involvement books and articles that refute Brown’s and I allowed society to change my way with Iran’s nuclear program, the largest “fiction.” It’s obvious that the book is of thinking. That I wasn’t fulfilled be- trade partner for Iran. Iran is now the not about Jesus and Mary Magdalene. cause I don’t have a career. I made the major sponsor of jihad activity in Arab You see, Brown took a great deal of his decision to go to work; it has only been locales in the Holy Land. What more do research from a book called The Templar two months that I have been employed. I we need to say that Germany is back on Revelation. The authors of that book try am wary how it is affecting me as a wife track for fulfilling … the Third Reich to claim that Jesus was a magician from and mother and how it is affecting my ideals of a Jew-less world? Egypt and that Mary Magdalene was His husband and our four children. I have Yuval Brandstetter—Israel “sacred prostitute.” Their description always known that my purpose is to be ■ of Jesus and Mary is almost identical to a mother and wife. … It has burdened Ireneus’s description of Simon Magus my heart to be away from home and The Da Vinci Code and his “reformed prostitute” Helena. neglecting my family for a paycheck. This current fervor over The Da R. McDowell—Tennessee My trust in God has led me to be very Vinci Code (“Let Us Introduce … Jesus ■ blessed by this article (“How Feminism Christ!”, May 2006) has led a number of Harms Families,” June-July) and what people to not only question the teach- Fate of Serbs an awesome truth of God’s Word that is ings of the Bible, but also to question the I am writing to commend you on so neglected by women today. Women very existence of Christ Himself. Being repeatedly exposing what has been oc- need to realize what God’s will is for raised by a single mother in ghetto areas curring in the former Yugoslavia. Your their life. I have been given peace about of Cleveland, Ohio, in the mid-’60s, reli- repeated exposures of what has befallen my decision through this article. … gion played a very important part in my the Serbian people both in the past and Subscriber—Virginia upbringing and has played an important during the wars in Bosnia and Kosovo ■ part in my adult life as well. I would love has been heartening. Until I started to receive and read the three booklets reading the Trumpet, I was convinced The American University mentioned in your article. The booklets that evil had become the norm and that It is true that the youth in our … could only help me to further clarify there were few, if any, who knew the true country have certain authority over and explain to the many individuals that villains and would be brave enough to the elders, and not for our betterment. I come into contact with every day in my speak the truth. In a previous issue (Au- Many of the revolutionary movements current situation in life the truth behind gust 2005), you revealed the fact that it of the past century have developed from the deceptions in The Da Vinci Code and was Germany that instigated World War within the universities of the nation point them toward a more rewarding and i and not the Serbs. I was pleased that (“The American University,” June-July). enlightening reading of the Holy Bible. in your last issue (“Putting Muslims to These ideals … have not been fruitful, Charles McGill—Kincheloe, Mich. the Test,” May) you pointed out Europe’s but harmful. … This nation lacks qual- ■ intolerance to “alien cultures living in ity education because, like the rejection its midst: The Serbs prior to World War of the Constitution, the people rely on About The Da Vinci Code (“Debunk- i and the Jews before and during World their own reasoning. … ing The Da Vinci Code,” April). … How War ii are two notable and uncomfort- Harley Breth—Kansas can such a different version of our tra- ably recent examples.” Please continue ■ ditional foundation in human religious to inform the world of the truth and values find so much credence among so continue to bring the message of hope to Israel’s Final Chapter many “Christians” and non-Christians a rapidly degenerating world. This is probably the most cogent alike? Is there such a void out there that Peter Zaklan Farougi—Lake City, Mich. article encapsulating the present situa- people will grasp at anything? Or can it tion in Israel (“Israel’s Final Chapter,” be that institutionalized religion has be- May). The majority, seemingly safe in come so out of favor with the masses that Comments? the coastal plain, is willing to expel people are determined to find their own [email protected] 70,000 mountain-dwelling Jews for an foundation outside the church? Or worse or: The Trumpet, P.O. Box 1099, illusion of greater strength. and most likely yet: Are humans really Edmond, OK 73083

34 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 COMMENTARY Don’t Know Much About Samurai Esteeming ourselves more highly than we ought—and a lesson learned. BY PHILIP NICE

n a small group discussion about man-eating plant. Not only have the original societal Japanese samurai warriors, a casual symptoms this liberal panacea was supposed to debate arose over some warrior cus- remedy gotten worse—in part due to this “rem- tom. Several were talking at once, edy,” as some studies have proven—but also Iexpressing differing opinions on the sub- a new and bizarre fruit has formed on the ject. Then I butted in, ready to part my lips vine of self-esteem: above-averageness. and let all my prolific samurai knowledge As a result of discouraging honest and wisdom fill the room. After all, I had evaluation, overcoming and excel- not only seen a samurai movie recently, lence, our educational system has but I had also once flipped through pic- turned out ranks of narcissists with tures of samurai in a back issue of Na- DREAMSTIME grotesquely overblown self-esteem, tional Geographic. zero motivation, and the deeply plant- In my distinctly above-average ed conviction that, no matter what standing as a thus-enlightened samurai they actually do, they are always and expert, I felt confident setting the record in every way above average. straight on the samurai way. In intelligence, leadership abil- Then I stopped and actually thought. ity, personality, sense of humor, I have never actually studied samurai. wisdom, communication skills In fact, I have never read a single book or and general samurai trivia knowl- encyclopedia entry about Samurai cul- edge, the majority of Americans esteem them- ture. I have never spoken with a samu- selves way above average. rai scholar—or a samurai scholar’s re- In 1999, Cornell University’s Department of Psychology search assistant. I have never met a samurai. I have never lived published its findings on the subject in “Unskilled and Un- in a samurai village (or whatever they are called). And I have aware of It: How Difficulties in Recognizing One’s Own In- certainly never been a samurai. I have never even been to Japan. I competence Lead to Inflated Self-Assessments” (Journal of had zero knowledge on the subject. Yet I esteemed myself knowl- Personality and Social Psychology). The study found that those edgeable enough to speak for all samurai everywhere. scoring in the 12th percentile of a combined logic, grammar This time, I buttoned my lip. and humor test had the most inflated self-analysis, estimating In this small but indicative example, I had fallen prey to a themselves to be in the 62nd—quite comfortably above aver- widespread problem in our society: better-than-average self- age. It found that those with the least understanding of the test esteem. subject had the loosest grip on the reality of where they stood Our society is deathly sick with violence, crime, abuse, fail- compared to the average individual. ing education, division, infighting, depression, lethargy and For over a generation, our culture has spawned the logically a host of other evils. In response to these mounting failures, and mathematically impossible view that we are all above aver- leaders in psychology, education and child rearing have pre- age in most fields. American education has soaked our political, scribed self-esteem as the cure. educational, societal and military leaders in sunny delusion. It’s Self-esteem culture took root in the 1960s and has since “I am me, and I am enough” times millions. This self-deception sprouted throughout our educational system to the point of is a national flaw, and the painful truth will hit home very soon. carpeting our culture with the dense foliage of positive self- Instead of lying to ourselves that we’re better than we are and talk, non-judgementalism, and general sunny thinking. also better than most other people, God directs us in His Word After four decades of “going to your happy place,” the self- to follow His standard and His law, admit our faults, avoid esteem movement has convinced us that those who engage in praising ourselves, be honest, and—with His help—work to unacceptable behavior should never be corrected, disciplined, overcome our shortcomings and sins. Quite the contrast from punished (gasp!) or otherwise restrained. Instead, they should the gray litany of almost-robotic and miserably failing “you are be made to feel good about themselves—that their actions are above average” platitudes. just as good as anyone else’s. This will make them stop engag- Biblical prophecy speaks repeatedly and in detail of the im- ing in those actions, the thinking goes. minent fall of the mightiest single nation this world has ever By the turn of the millennium, the exaltation of self-esteem produced. (This is explained in detail in our book The United had become so rampant as to see students assigned to write, “I States and Britain in Prophecy, a book we will send you free am great,” “I am special,” and “I am me, and I am enough” as upon request.) It requires a penetrating acknowledgement class assignments and robotically reciting “you are very im- of personal and national failure in order to understand why portant,” and “you are a good friend” to others as a matter of God would deem correction on such a devastating scale to be routine. necessary. Clearly, our assessment of ourselves is radically dif- But the blooming, thoughtlessly sunny flower of the self- ferent from God’s assessment. It seems that a shocking awak- esteem movement is turning out to be less the cultural cure-all ening from our stupefying delusions of above-averageness is many hoped for and more akin to the Little Shop of Horrors’ inevitable. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 35 Broadcasting to over 400 million people each week, Gerald Flurry discusses world events in the light of Bible prophecy. For over a decade, he has analyzed today’s news from a unique perspective, providing answers to life’s most pressing questions.

UNITED STATES Florida, Tallahassee-Thomasville 9:30 am, Sun Louisiana, New Orleans WPXL 5:00 am, Fri Nationwide satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am Florida, Tampa WXPX 6:00 am, Fri Maine, Bangor WBAN 9:30 am, Sun ET, Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun Florida, West Palm Beach WPXP 6:00 am, Fri Maine, Presque Isle WBPQ 9:30 am, Sun Direct TV DBS WGN Chan. 307 8:00 am ET, Sun Georgia, Albany WBSK 9:30 am, Sun Massachusetts, Boston WBPX 6:00 am, Fri Dish Network Ch. 181 6:00 am ET, Fri Georgia, Augusta WBAU 9:30 am, Sun Massachusetts, Holyoke-Springfield WBQT 9:30 Dish Network DBS WGN Chan. 239 8:00 am ET, Georgia, Brunswick WPXC 6:00 am, Fri am, Sun Georgia, Columbus Michigan, Alpena Sun; WBG 9:30 am, Sun WBAE 9:30 am, Sun Georgia, Macon WBMN 9:30 am, Sun Michigan, Cadillac-Traverse CityWBVC 9:30 am, Nationwide cable WGN 8:00 am ET, Sun Georgia, Savannah WBVH 9:30 am, Sun Sun Alabama, Birmingham WPXH 5:00 am, Fri Hawaii, Hawaii Na Leo Chan. 54 6:30 am, Sun; 8:30 Michigan, Detroit WPXD 6:00 am, Fri Alabama, Dothan WBDO 8:30, Sun am, Wed Michigan, Grand Rapids WZPX 5:00 am, Fri Alabama, Montgomery WBMY 8:30, Sun Hawaii, Maui/Lanaii/Molokai/Niihau Akaku Chan. 52 Michigan, Lansing WBL 9:30 am, Sun Alaska, Anchorage KWBX 8:30 am, Sun 6:30 pm, Sun; 3:30 am, Mon Michigan, Marquette WBMK 9:30 am, Sun Alaska, Fairbanks KWFA 8:30 am, Sun Hawaii, Kaui Minnesota, Duluth-Superior KWBD 8:30 am, Sun Alaska, Juneau KWJA 8:30 am, Sun Ho’ Ike Chan. 52 9:30 am, Tue Idaho, Boise Minnestoa, Mankato KWYE 8:30 am, Sun Arizona, El Centro-Yuma KWUB 9:30 am, Sun KWOB 10:30 am, Sun Idaho, Idaho Falls-Pocatello Minnesota, Minneapolis KPXM 5:00 am, Fri Arizona, Phoenix KPPX 5:00 am, Fri KWIB 10:30 am, Sun Idaho, Twin Falls Mississippi, Biloxi-Gulfport WBGP 8:30 am, Sun Arkansas, Fayetteville-Rogers-Springdale KWFT KWTE 10:30 am, Sun Illinois, Bloomington-Peoria Mississippi, Columbus-Tupelo-West Point WBSP 8:30, Sun WBPE 8:30 am, Sun 8:30 am, Sun Arkansas, Fort Smith KWFT 8:30, Sun lllinois, Chicago WCIU 9:30 am, Sun; WCPX 5:00 Mississippi, Greenwood-Greenville WBWD 8:30 Arkansas, Jonesboro KFOS 8:30 am, Sun am, Fri am, Sun California, Bakersfield KWFB 9:30 am, Sun Illinois, Rockford WBR 8:30 am, Sun Mississippi, Hattiesburg-Laurel WBHA 8:30 am, California, Chico-Redding KIWB 9:30 am, Sun Indiana, Fort Wayne WBFW 8:30 am, Sun Sun California, Eureka KWBT 9:30 am, Sun Indiana, Indianapolis WIPX 6:00 am, Fri Mississippi, Meridian WBMM 8:30 am, Sun California, Los Angeles KPXN 6:00 am, Fri Indiana, Lafayette WBFY 8:30 am, Sun Missouri, Columbia-Jefferson City KJWB 8:30 California, Monterey-Salinas KMWB 9:30 am, Indiana, Terra Haute WBI 8:30 am, Sun am, Sun Sun Iowa, Cedar Rapids KPXR 5:00 am, Fri Missouri, Hannibal-Keokuk-QuincyWEWB 8:30 California, Palm Springs KCWB 9:30 am, Sun Iowa, Des Moines KFPX 5:00 am, Fri am, Sun California, Sacramento KSPX 6:00 am, Fri Iowa, Kirksville-OttumwaKWOT 8:30 am, Sun Missouri, Kansas City KPXE 5:00 am, Fri California, San Francisco KKPX 6:00 am, Fri Iowa, Mason City-Austin-Rochester KWBR 8:30 Missouri, St. Joseph WBJO 8:30 am, Sun California, Santa Barbara KWCA 9:30 am, Sun am, Sun Montana, Billings KWBM 10:30 am, Sun Colorado, Denver KPXC 5:00 am, Fri Iowa, Sioux City KXWB 8:30 am, Sun Montana, Bozeman-ButteKWXB 10 :30 am, Sun Colorado, Grand Junction-Montrose KWGJ 10:30 Kansas, Joplin-Pittsburg KSXF 8:30 am, Sun Montana, Glendive KWZB 10:30 am, Sun am, Sun Kansas, Lincoln KWBL 8:30 am, Sun Montana, Great Falls KWGF 10:30 am, Sun Connecticut, Hartford WHPX 6:00 am, Fri Kansas, Topeka WBKS 8:30 am, Sun Montana, Helena KWHA 10:30 am, Sun Deleware, Salisbury WBD 9:30 am, Sun Kentucky, Bowling Green WBWG 8:30 am, Sun Montana, Missoula KIDW 10:30 am, Sun Florida, Gainesville WBFL 9:30 am, Sun Kentucky, Lexington WUPX 6:00 am, Fri Nebraska, Hastings-Kearney KWBL 8:30 am, Sun Florida, Jacksonville WPXC 6:00 am, Fri Louisiana, Alexandria KAXN 8:30 am, Sun Nebraska, North Platte KWPL 8:30 am, Sun Florida, Miami WPXM 6:00 am, Fri Louisiana, El Dorado-Monroe KWMB 8:30 am, Nevada, Reno KWBV 9:30 am, Sun Florida, Orlando WOPX 6:00 am, Fri Sun New York, Albany WYPX 6:00 am, Fri Florida, Panama City WBPC 9:30 am, Sun Louisiana, Lafayette KLWB 8:30 am, Sun Louisiana, Lake Charles WBLC 8:30 am, Sun New York, Binghamton WBXI 9:30 am, Sun

36 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 BORDERS from page 31 unserious. You’re hardly going to get New York, Buffalo WPXJ 6:00 am, Fri Washington, Spokane KGPX 6:00 am, Fri 500,000 illegals lining up outside a New York, Elmira WBE 9:30 am, Sun West Virginia, Beckley-Bluefield-Oak Hill WBB tunnel or on a pier. Such choke points New York, New York City WPXN 6:00 am, Fri 9:30 am, Sun are exactly how you would turn the New York, Syracuse WSPX 6:00 am, Fri West Virginia, Charleston WLPX 6:00 am, Fri New York, Utica WBU 9:30 am, Sun West Virginia, Clarksburg-Weston WVWB 9:30 current river of illegal immigrants New York, Waterton WBWT 9:30 am, Sun am, Sun into narrow streams—which is all we North Carolina, Durham-Raleigh WRPX 6:00 am, West Virginia, Parkersburg WBPB 9:30 am, Sun need to turn the illegal immigration Fri Wisconsin, Eau Claire-La Crosse WBCZ 8:30 am, problem from out of control to emi- North Carolina, Fayetteville-Lumber Bridge Sun WFPX 6:00 am, Fri Wisconsin, Milwaukee WPXE 5:00 am, Fri nently manageable” (May 19). North Carolina, Greensboro WGPX 6:00 am, Fri Wisconsin, Rhinelander-WausauWBWA 8:30 am, Instead of actually sealing the bor- North Carolina, Greenville WEPX 6:00 am, Fri Sun der, the number of guards has been North Carolina, Greenville-New Bern-Washington Wyoming, Casper-Riverton KWWY 10:30 am, increased, a strategy that has been WGWB 9:30 am, Sun Sun implemented time and time again North Carolina, Wilmington WBW 9:30 am, Sun Wyoming, Cheyenne-Scottsbluff KCHW 10:30 with no real success. North Dakota, Bismarck-Dickinson-Minot am, Sun KWMK 10:30 am, Sun It seems that the most powerful North Dakota, Fargo-Valley City WBFG 8:30 am, nation on Earth cannot defend its Sun CANADA borders. Is the U.S. really so weak? Ohio, Cleveland WVPX 6:00 am, Fri Nationwide satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am Ohio, Lima WBOH 9:30 am, Sun Clearly, the answer is yes—and bibli- ET, Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun Ohio, Steubenville-Wheeling WBWO 9:30 am, cal prophecy tells us why. Nationwide cable WGN 8:00 am ET, Sun; Vision Sun TV 4:30 pm ET, Sun Ohio, Zanesville WBZV 9:30 am, Sun The Stranger Oklahoma, Ada KSHD 8:30 am, Sun In our book The United States and Oklahoma, Lawton KWB 8:30 am, Sun LATIN AMERICA Britain in Prophecy, we explain that Oklahoma, Oklahoma City KOPX 5:00 am, Fri Regional satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am ET, Oklahoma, Tulsa KTPX 5:00 am, Fri Tue/Th u the nations of America, Canada, Aus- Oregon, Bend KWBO 9:30 am, Sun Colombia WGN 7:00 am, Sun tralia, New Zealand and the United Oregon, Eugene KZWB 9:30 am, Sun El Salvador WGN 6:00 am, Sun Kingdom comprise the modern-day Oregon, Medford-Klamath Falls KMFD 9:30 am, Guatemala WGN 6:00 am, Sun Sun descendants of biblical Israel. This is Honduras WGN 6:00 am, Sun Oregon, Portland KPXG 6:00 am, Fri important to understand, because the Pennsylvania, Erie WBEP 9:30 am, Sun Mexico WGN 7:00 am, Sun Bible has specific prophecies concern- Pennsylvania, Philadelphia WPPX 6:00 am, Fri Panama WGN 7:00 am, Sun ing these nations. One of those proph- Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre WQPX 6:00 am, Fri ecies discusses the problem that these Rhode Island, Providence WPXQ 6:00 am, Fri CARIBBEAN South Carolina, Charleston WBLN 9:30 am, Sun Regional satellite Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 am ET, nations would have with immigration. South Carolina, Florence-Myrtle Beach WFWB Tue/Th u; Galaxy 5 Trans. 7 8:00 am ET, Sun God gave a dire warning to the Is- 9:30 am, Sun Aruba WGN 8:00 am, Sun raelite peoples concerning immigrants South Dakota, Rapid City KWBH 10:30 am, Sun Bahamas WGN 8:00 am, Sun from other cultures (the Bible uses South Dakota, Sioux Falls-Mitchell KWSD 8:30 Belize WGN 7:00 am, Sun the word strangers). He said that if the am, Sun Cuba WGN 8:00 am, Sun Tennessee, Jackson children of Israel were to rebel against WBJK 8:30 am, Sun Dominican Republic WGN 8:00 am, Sun Tennessee, Knoxville WPXK 6:00 am, Fri His laws—to turn away from His com- Grenada CCN 7:30 am, Sun Tennessee, Memphis WPXX 5:00 am, Fri mandments and embrace the practices Haiti WGN 7:00 am, Sun Tennessee, Nashville WNPX 5:00 am, Fri of the heathen—they would suffer Texas, Abilene-Sweetwater KWAW 8:30 am, Sun Jamaica WGN 9:00 am, Sun Texas, Amarillo KDBA 8:30 am, Sun Puerto Rico WGN 8:00 am, Sun terribly (Deuteronomy 28:15-19). The Texas, Beaumont-Port Arthur KWBB 8:30 am, Tobago CCN 7:30 am, Sun curses included this prophecy: “The Sun Trinidad CCN 7:30 am, Sun stranger that is within thee shall get up Texas, Corpus Christi KWDB 8:30 am, Sun above thee very high; and thou shalt Texas, Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville KMHB come down very low. He shall lend to 8:30 am, Sun EUROPE Malta Smash TV 4:30 pm, Sat; 10:00 pm, Tue Texas, Houston KPXB 5:00 am, Fri thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he Texas, Laredo KTXW 8:30 am, Sun shall be the head, and thou shalt be the Texas, Lubbock KWBZ 8:30 am, Sun AFRICA/ASIA tail” (verses 43-44). Lax immigration Texas, Odessa-Midland KWWT 8:30 am, Sun South Africa CSN 6:30 am, Sun policies and weak borders are playing Philippines nationwide Studio 23 8:30 am, Sun Texas, San Angelo KWSA 8:30 am, Sun an instrumental role in the fulfillment Texas, San Antonio KPXL 5:00 am, Fri of the Bible’s prophecies. Texas, Sherman KSHD 8:30 am, Sun AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND Texas, Longview-Tyler Consider how profound the effect KWTL 8:30 am, Sun Australia nationwide Network Ten 4:30 am, Sun Texas, Victoria KWVB 8:30 am, Sun Adelaide, South Australia Chan. 31 11:30, Sun of these prophecies is. As we watch Texas, Wichita Falls KWB 8:30 am, Sun Perth, Western Australia Chan. 31 11:30 am, Sun illegal immigrants demonstrate for Utah, Salt Lake City KUPX 5:00 am, Fri Tasmania Southern Cross TV 6:00 am, Sun Virginia, Charlottesville WBC 9:30 am, Sun rights they do not have, consider the New Zealand nationwide TV3 6:00 am, Fri Virginia, Harrisonburg WBHA 9:30 am, Sun nature of the national debate. A fun- Virginia, Norfolk WPXV 6:00 am, Fri damental disregard for law, the loss of Virginia, Roanoke WPXR 6:00 am, Fri a common culture, and the inability Still no program in your area? Washington D.C. WBDC 8:00 am, Sun; WPXW to even protect borders shows that 6:00 am, Fri View or listen to the program, Washington, Kennewick-Pasco-Richland-Yakima or download transcripts at the very things that define the United KWYP 9:30 am, Sun www.KeyofDavid.com States of America as a nation are be- Washington, Seattle KWPX 6:00 am, Fri ing chipped away one by one. ■

THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET AUGUST 2006 37 Can this book really be written for you? Think about it. The God of the universe created you and everything around you. Then He wrote a book. Ancient history, 21st-century news, what happens when we die, personal relationships, science, world religions, wisdom, health, work, money, sports, family, love, dating, marriage—it’s all in there! And the Herbert W. Armstrong Bible Correspondence Course takes you through your Bible step by step so you can understand. Each monthly lesson asks questions—and shows you where to find the answers in your own Bible. Enroll today in this dynamic course. There is no cost or obligation.

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