Cameron gets it; Obama does not

England's prime minister David Cameron made it clear -- we are fighting a philosophy, that of radical Islamic extremism.  Can't Mr. Obama understand?  He has seen thousands murdered and hundreds of children forced to watch crucifixions and beheadings.

The Saudi king states the jihadists will strike England within a month and the United States within two months. Will Obama continue to say ISIS is no threat to the United States after hundreds are killed?

Can the West -- and Christianity survive?

This is a  serious question  -- one I have pondered for some time.  At times I have considered the steady decline in church attendance, the rise in political correctness, and the general displeasure of governments, including schools.

We  have an even greater threat -- to Western countries in Europe and more particularly to the United States.  As England's prime minister David Cameron warns,  the threat comes from "poisonous Islamic extremism."  Radical Islam is murdering Christians all over the world and nothing is being done to stop it.  In fact, Obama has been ridiculous in avoiding the obvious role of religion in attacks by Muslims.  When a Muslim doctor killed 13 and wounded 38 while shouting Allah, Obama went to the extreme of silliness by terming this "work place violence."

Obama's refusal to defend this nation from Muslims means we must depend upon other leaders as we battle for decades for freedom.  Obama's failure to show courage can encourage terrorist attacks in America.  Hopefully, Congress and  other leaders can wrest control from Obama.

Weary of war? Cowards cannot win

I am weary, weary, weary of Obama and other so-called leaders crying that "the people are war weary," using this as an excuse for decimating our military ability and lacking the courage to make decisions.  We can sing "Peace, Peace, Wonderful Peace" over and over but it does not stop our enemies from waging war against us.

Why should Americans be war weary anyway?  Some people have paid  a high cost for war, losing limbs and  lives,  but most of us have barely felt the wars, sacrificing little or nothing.  Now, today, we need to wage an all-out war.  The enemy is at war with us and is committed to our destruction.  The cowardice of the president and congress cannot save us.

Do something -- even if it's wrong

We have  begun to observe ISIS headquarters in Syria, although our effort  is less effective  than it would be if Obama had not weakened our military.  Will we go further by attacking ISIS  in Syria?  In the past Obama has lacked the courage to make decisions, instead "leading from behind."

We can't defeat ISIS by bombing alone but it would be a start.  In the end it is going to take somebody's "boots on the ground." if it is not ours.

A salute to World War 2 veteran

Jack Foster, a veteran of World 2 and the battle for Okinawa,  as  was I, died a few days ago at 92. I first met Jack when he came to the church on a motorized wheel chair, wearing a World War 2 veteran cap. It wasn't long before he was saying, as did  many naval veterans of Okinawa, "Mr.Truman saved my life,'' He was referring to the dropping of the atom bomb on Japan, forcing that country to surrender and save many of us from having to invade.

Jack had many problems but he had a positive outlook, enjoying his hobbies, which included building bird houses.

Be a leader, Mr. president

Members of the Obama administration, including the secretary of defense, are joining former military leaders in speaking out about the threat posed by ISIS.  The  video of the beheading of an American journalist is a declaration of war against us, and the American people are waking up to that reality.

But one man, the president, refuses to face the situation.  He plays golf and giggles and slaps backs like the ignorant, uncaring guy he is.  Several weeks ago I said we will be at war with ISIS.I am surer than ever of that.  Obama must listen to his military leaders and develop  a strategy that damages the terrorists and delays, at least, an attack in this country.  Otherwise, forget 9-11; this could be much worse.

The lost birthday

Oh to be 19 again

The nation was celebrating the August 17 surrender of  Japan, which  hopefully would eliminate the need to invade that nation, an action  which would have  resulted in many casualties.  We of the Pickens had been preparing for the invasion and had loaded on the Blackhawk Division, which would now occupy Japan.

Our plans changed and we left Blackhawk at the Philippines and took the troops that had been occupying that area to Japan.  So much was going on and we were so busy that we had reached the Philippines before I realized that I had missed my birthday August 21.   I have claimed I can always reclaim that birthday.

I wish I could, but I should be thankful for the birthdays God has given me.