Gatestone Institute: ‘Why are these Christians dying?’

Examiner.com

Kenyan school children

 "The onslaught of Islamic radicals continues to rampage across the globe leading to mass murder and torture of Christians, leading to what some are calling, “Christian Genocide” and while the West has done little, the Gatestone Institute on Sunday has asked as to why these Christian are dying. In 2014, the Persecution watchdog group, Open Doors accused the U.S. and other world leaders of standing by and doing nothing while watching Christian genocide happen around the world and released of its World Watch List of countries where followers of Christ are most heavily targeted." . . .

Reading list: Obama’s The Victim, Iran Is a Tiny, No, Wait, Big Country, They Don’t Pose A Threat, OK, Maybe They Do

"President Obama is the victim in the rift between Israelis and his office.

“ 'The deep affinities I feel for the Jewish people, the Israeli people…it’s hard for me,” Obama told Tom Friedman in an interview this weekend. If it’s hard on him, it’s really hard on Israel – they’re not feeling the love.

" The president said he is deeply disturbed by the Iranian rhetoric but they want to be part of the international community. That’s not obvious to most who are paying attention. Friday morning prayers began with “Death to America” and on Saturday, there were “Down with America – Israel – Saudi Arabia” chants.

"On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the Iranians contradicted the fact sheet put out by the State Department, most notably the sanctions portion." . . .

Can Obama Keep Democrats Together on Iran?  . . . " But the first test for Obama is making sure that his own party doesn’t scuttle the deal — by providing enough votes to override a presidential veto on bipartisan legislation scrutinizing the deal.” . . .

Obama is no Neville Chamberlain   But that isn't a good thing.   But let’s remember that Hitler never chanted “Death to Britain.”  Hitler had not organized terrorist attacks on British forces, nor were his proxies killing civilians across the world.  He did not proclaim that the annihilation of a British ally was “non-negotiable.”  And he was not a militant believer in a political religion whose followers had twice invaded and ravaged Europe, a religion whose followers today profess their disdain for Western values and Western culture.

Victor Davis Hanson has another take on this very comparison

"Once again our leaders are needlessly appeasing a hostile state that shows them nothing but contempt."

. . . " Our dishonor in Lausanne, as with Munich, may avoid a confrontation in the present, but our shame will guarantee a war in the near future."

Iran: US agreed to immediate lift of sanctions " Earlier this week, Barack Obama committed the United States to a disastrous course of action that ensures the terrorist state of Iran will be allowed, with Western assistance, to build a nuclear weapon. I outlined how Obama lied to the nation about the deal and how the Iranians, themselves, accused Obama of lying about the deal."

A translation of the Iranian version of the agreement is available and to a great extent one has to question whether the United States and Iran were even attending the same meeting.

Munich, Anyone? Obama’s Iran Agreement in Translation

As with Obama's prevarication on ObamaCare, " Obama again believes it is best for us, but if we are to believe Amir Taheri (and I do), this “agreement” (that the Iranians are calling merely a press release) is understood completely differently by both parties.  We have been told another series of lies in order to get something passed — or in this case not to oppose it. 
"Only there is one huge difference. Obamacare is reversible.  Nuclear armageddon is not." 

Full article

Washington Gov Flies Chinese Communist Flag At State Capitol – Americans Take It Down

Gov. Inslee Took Down The POW/MIA Flag To Do it  "The following is an interesting comment I found on the NBC news site when Islee won. He’s a very far-left guy.

Glad a republican did not win, but Jay Inslee, come on, it does not get any further left wing extreme. . . .

 Downtrend

"A group of patriots took down the flag of Communist China from the Washington State Capitol building.

Gov. Inslee

"The flag was flown at the same height and between the flag of the United States and the flag of Washington State at the capitol in Olympia in honor of a Chinese ambassador’s visit.

"Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee ordered the Chinese flag flown in honor of a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Cui Tiankai.

"But with the help of a patriotic Washington State Trooper, the flag was taken down and removed early Sunday morning by a small group of patriot Americans."  . . .

No word yet on the fate of the courageous trooper.Watch this post for updates. TD

He descended into Hell

Legal Insurrection

 

"On this Easter Sunday, I wanted to share some thoughts I had during these past days about the most recent butchery of my fellow Christians in Kenya.

"Following the news as closely as I do, I thought I had become accustomed to graphic images of terror that ISIS has spawned. Then, I saw this tweet:  
. . .
 "I was punched in the gut.

"Perhaps it is because I recall my step-daughter, whose graduation I attended just a few short years ago? She was so vibrant, and fulled with life and prospects for a happy, healthy and successful future.


"Now, 148 families will not get to experience the same joy. Evil has extinguished 148 young students who would have contributed so very much to their families, community and nation.

"Perhaps it is because my son is now talking about going to college, and has mentioned several Catholic universities as possibilities? As I read this passage from a news report, I mentally placed my boy in this situation:" . . .
. . .
"Social media tools have ensured that nearly all Christians are aware that they are potential martyrs at the hands of Islamic terror agents. And while “sainthood by martyrdom” is an option, personally I would prefer Pope Francis highlight our Warrior Saints.

"This time, the Christians would not be fighting to make unwilling converts, but to defend ourselves from evil. I want to see the evil perpetuated by ISIS and other radicalized adherents to be vanquished completely.

"I was reminded yesterday that Jesus Christ descended into Hell. Sadly, hell has come to earth. I spent Holy Saturday praying for Kenya’s martyrs, and vow to do the same for innocents who die at the hands of terrorists next year. Hopefully, that list will be shorter next year."

Perhaps it is because I am angry, because family pizza joints in this country are easy targets for religious-tolerance campaigns by members of the “Church of Perpetual Outrage”? This butchery should be the type of event that inspires activism.
Appallingly, despite the coverage, President Obama failed to mention the fact Christians were targeted in his formal statement on Kenya.

Soon we go to our granddaughter's high school graduation and visit our two grandsons at Ball State and Indiana U. I feel the urge right now to hug each one and not let them go. TD

BLACKS IN BONDAGE: Barack Obama and Islamic Slavery

 

Clash Daily   "When it comes to the issue of racism Barack Hussein Obama is a pathological phony. His so-called apoplexy over the “grave injustices” inflicted on African-Americans is nothing but a sham. 
 
"His bogus and fraudulent claims that racism is systemic in America is nothing more than a childish fable constructed on a running diatribe from the “hands-up, don’t shoot” crowd. You know–that pack of thugs who scream racism whenever they see a white guy offering a black guy a piece of watermelon.
 
"The truth is, if Obama was seriously concerned about racism he would turn his focus (not to mention resources) on a nation where blacks suffer real injustices at the hands
of their of  non-white, slave masters." . . .  Pete Parker

Is God Done with America?

American Thinker

. . . " God is never done with His creations -- humanity, in particular -- but He does grant free will, and with free will comes consequences. Among right-thinking Americans, who doesn’t see the cultural rot, the unraveling mores, and societal disintegration? This disintegration has been in the making for decades and is accelerating in recent years. The cliché goes that older generations see things getting worse with the coming of younger generations. America’s woes are more than older folk misperceiving. Societies and civilizations do decline. " . . .  Full article

Liberals Becoming the Bullies They Claim to Hate

Tammy Bruce defends Memories Pizza of Indiana.
 "Talk radio host Tammy Bruce has come to the defense of Memories Pizza, the Indiana restaurant which was forced to close due to threats.

"In a recent appearance on FOX and Friends with Tucker Carlson, Bruce said that although she is gay, she doesn’t approve of the tactics being used by gay marriage activists.

"Bradford Thomas of Truth Revolt:

Openly gay conservative radio host Tammy Bruce appeared on Fox & Friends Thursday to discuss the “frenzy” over the Indiana Pizzeria who said hypothetically that they would not cater a same-sex wedding due to religious convictions. Bruce defended the pizza shop, warning the LGBT community against becoming the very “bullies” and “fascists” they should be fighting against. . .

Judge Orders IRS to release Tea Party target list

Legal Insurrection

 

"The Department of Justice may have let Lois Lerner off the hook, but a judge has ordered the IRS to release the names of the Tea Party groups that were singled out for scrutiny."
. . .

Judge orders IRS to release list of tea party groups targeted for scrutiny

A federal judge ordered the IRS this week to turn over the list of 298 groups it targeted for intrusive scrutiny as the agency defends against a potential class-action lawsuit by tea party groups who claim their constitutional rights were violated.

The IRS had argued it shouldn’t have to release the names because doing do would violate privacy laws, but Judge Susan J. Dlott, who sits in the Southern District of Ohio, rejected that claim and ordered the tax agency to turn over any lists or spreadsheets detailing the groups that were targeted and when they filed their applications.

Judge Dlott also ordered the IRS to say whether a partial list of targeted groups reported by USA Today is authentic as a number of tea party groups try to win certification for a class action lawsuit against the IRS.

"The great Jazz Shaw of Hot Air has more:" . . .

Denver Bakery Wins Right To Refuse To Make Anti-Gay Wedding Cakes

 It is so regrettable that this individual becomes an example of Christians, assuming, of course that this not somehow a manufactured incident.  The left has shown itself capable of doing just this kind of thing.
I cannot think of a single Christian in my sphere who would ask for a cake like this, but many who would  be upset over this repulsive cake being at an event. TD

7NEWS & TheDenverChannel.com  . . . "The agency's decision found that the baker did not discriminate against Jack based on his creed. Instead, officials state the evidence shows Silva refused to make the cakes because the customer's requests included "derogatory language and imagery."

"The baker said "in the same manner [she] would not accept [an order from] anyone wanting to make a discriminatory cake against Christians, [she] will not make one that discriminates against gays," according to the decision." . . .

Walking the Via Dolorosa and Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem: A Guide

Landlopers

 

. . . "Station I
"With my guide book in hand, I left the hotel and walked the short way to the Old City and the entrance to the Lions’ Gate, the starting point of the Via Dolorosa. Walking through the gate, the first station is a few yards ahead at the present day Umariya Elementary School. Each station is marked with a medallion indicating the station in Roman numerals. You have to pay attention though, because they are easy to miss. As you walk through the souks in the Muslim Quarter, the first station is on your left. It is believed that it was here where Jesus was condemned to death." . . .
Hat tip to Jeff Hayden, Plano, TX

Updated, Dec. 2016; The death of George R. Bodyfelt of the 77th Division on Okinawa

 This is early research on Mr. Bodyfelt, whose death is told here by a relative, Larry Bodyfelt. Mr Bodyfelt has likely visited many of these sites, so our hope is to find info on George at more specialized sites in the very near future.

Larry Bodyfelt: As reported by the Infantry Journal Press, PFC George R. Bodyfelt was a member of Company B, 307th Infantry Regiment, 77th Infantry Division. He was KIA on April 30, 1945. According to that publication, “Company B of the 307 Infantry (on that date) was engaged in the assault of the (Shuri) Escarpment climbing up ropes and ladders to gain the summit. Company B blew a pillbox at the top which was one of three pillboxes in line. It was difficult to keep the 307th fighting men supplied with food, water and ammunition during the attack. All supplies had to be hand-carried under fire in the ascent from the base of the ridge to the top, about 350 yards high at a 30 degree angle.” The Infantry Journal Press had a copyright date of 1947 and provided good detail about the action of Company B. I read the

post-mortem courtesy letter from Uncle George’s commanding officer to his mother. Being necessarily censored, little if anything was said about the location or military action taking place at the time of Uncle George’s death. The letter did say he was killed by an enemy mortar hit. Interestingly, Uncle George’s headstone inscription and the Tillamook Headlight-Herald obituary has his rank listed as Pvt. The History of the 77th Infantry Division and his commanding officer list him as a PFC. Prior to his Okinawa KIA, he experienced infantry combat on Leyte and Ie Shima. Ie Shima is a small island a few miles west of Okinawa. Ernie Pyle, the renowned “dog face” journalist of WWII, was killed by enemy machine gun fire there on April 18, 1945

Did you know the famed Lost Battalion of WW1 was from the 77th Division?
More on the Lost Battalion here.

Okinawa 77th Infantry Division

Concise history of the 307th Infantry Regiment. And of the 77th Division
1920: FROM UPTON TO THE MEUSE WITH THE 307th INFANTRY . . . "No division suffered greater hardships, had greater losses during the time it was in line, nor was better disciplined and trained than this cosmopolitan division of New York City-the 77th, New York's Own." . . .

 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry Regiment   Not a lot here,  but could have been a good source.


Assaulting The Second Shuri Defense Ring (Excerpts from a lengthy and detailed battle report)    . . . "On 29 April the 307th Infantry of the 77th Division took over the Maeda Escarpment part of the line from the 381st Infantry, and the next morning the 306th relieved the 383d Infantry on the 96th Division left. At noon on 30 April, General Bruce, Commanding General of the 77th Division, assumed responsibility for the former 96th Division zone of action on the Corps front. The end of April also witnessed a regrouping among the Japanese units on the line.

 

. . . "During the night of 30 April-1 May, the 1st Battalion, 307th, brought up to the escarpment four 50-foot ladders and five cargo nets, the latter borrowed from the Navy. On 1 May Company A troops mounted the ladders at the eastern end of the escarpment, but every man who stood up was killed or wounded. Farther to the west, however, Company B, using the cargo nets, had two platoons on the edge of the escarpment by nightfall. About midnight Japanese counterattacked in this area and drove the men off the escarpment." . . .
. . . "The losses in the escarpment battle had been heavy. In the 1st Battalion, 307th Infantry, no less than eight company commanders were wounded in one 36-hour period. It had gone up on the escarpment on 29 April with a strength of about 800 men; it came down on 7 May with 324. The 77th Division estimated that it had killed upwards of 3,000 Japanese in the 7-day battle for the escarpment.

 Wikipedia discusses the effects of the fighting on soldiers' morale.

It caused President Truman to decide on using the atomic bomb.

 

77th Division comrade locator  "Many families of former 77th soldiers are looking for information and contacts. We will publish their requests and would greatly appreciate if you can directly contact them if you can help them with any news or information."

 

 "My email address is: toolnbama@charter.net . May God bless these heroes, their families, their sacrifice, and our blessed United States of America."

"To view historical videos, including originals shot by Army combat photographers go to: http://www.criticalpast.com. The Website contains many clips of the 77th Infantry Division, and may be useful in tracing family members."

HillaryToons

Hillary’s Poll Numbers Slipping In Swing States. . . " Even though it is early, Hillary cannot be too pleased about some recent polling data that shows her numbers falling:" . . .

Hillary Clinton slipped in the polls Wednesday after admitting she wiped her server clean of all her e-mails after she did business as Secretary of State on her private e-mail account. It'll all work for her. Already, Control-Alt-Delete is a subliminal ad for Hillary the same way dry cleaners signs were for Bill.  Comedian Argus Hamilton

This Woman’s Job Is to Recast Hillary Clinton’s Image  . . . Having helped shape Mrs. Obama’s public image into that of an accessible everywoman, Ms. Schake is about to face what may be her toughest challenge yet: working to get another first lady, Hillary Rodham Clinton, elected president." . . .

 

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