Investigating the CIA?

The documents released Monday clearly demonstrate that the individuals subjected to Enhanced Interrogation Techniques provided the bulk of intelligence we gained about al Qaeda. This intelligence saved lives and prevented terrorist attacks. These detainees also, according to the documents, played a role in nearly every capture of al Qaeda members and associates since 2002.

The activities of the CIA in carrying out the policies of the Bush Administration were directly responsible for defeating all efforts by al Qaeda to launch further mass casualty attacks against the United States. The people involved deserve our gratitude. They do not deserve to be the targets of political investigations or prosecutions. President Obama’s decision to allow the Justice Department to investigate and possibly prosecute CIA personnel, and his decision to remove authority for interrogation from the CIA to the White House, serves as a reminder, if any were needed, of why so many Americans have doubts about this Administration’s ability to be responsible for our nation’s security.

[Vice President Dick Cheney]

Social Security Frozen

This administration has announced that there will be NO cost of living increase in Social Security checks to the elderly this year nor next.

I'm sorry, but I just don't get it.

We are going to stimulate the economy by pumping $600 billion into it. That money can't be spent fast enough. But the elderly will now loose their annual increases?

Instead of giving billions to large corporations, why not help the little people? I thought the Republicans were for corporations and Democrats were for the little people.

We can afford cash for clunkers, but we can't afford to help the elderly? Am I the only one confused?

Has the next generation now come into power and decided to get rid of the aging generation? Managed health care that determines if the aged is worth the cost? Before my Mom died, I bought her meds for her because there was no drug benefit for an 85 year old widow.

I don't see anything being fixed.

Sample Letter to New Leader

Dear New Leader,

First, I want to thank you for your willingness to commit to being a leader. There are many that are too busy or too afraid to step up and lead others in the church. Your leadership is greatly appreciated and I look forward to how God will use you to positively impact your church and community.

Next, I want to give you a word of encouragement. There may be times when you doubt your ability to lead. There may also be times when you doubt that God truly called you to be a leader. Don’t let this doubt get you down - we all go through it. The important thing to remember is that God wants 2 things from you: a surrendered life and a willing heart. If you remember that, you will be able to get through the tough times that are ahead.

Finally, I want to remind you that your team will need a vision. God says that where there is no vision, the people perish. This means that your vision must carry them through the tough times and the fun times. The vision needs to be God-given and something that people will rally around. If you define your team’s vision, share the vision with the team often, and remind them of the vision during the busy times, your team will continue to grow and be effective.

That’s all for now. I’ll write more when I have time.

Your Friend

[from Agile Ministry by James Higginbotham]