Happy New Years Eve!

Hello everyone!

My dad, sister and myself are preparing to attend our church's annual New Year Eve costume party. Last year I went as the Lone Ranger *grin* and this year I am going as an Eagle Scout. Clever huh? :-) Last year we played in the new year on 4 LAN connected X-Box's. I am not sure what we are doing this year but I am sure it will be just as fun.

May Christ so himself to you in a new and deeper way this coming year.

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Fires and Generation Joshua

Hello everyone!

I am sorry I have taken so long to get a new post up, but with Christmas and everything one gets quite busy and blogging seems to drop a bit on the priorities list. But here is an update!

First of all, I had a wonderful Christmas. I got to enjoy many games of ping-pong and pool with my cousins, while enjoying worthwhile conversation with my uncles, aunts and other relatives. My dad got a really cool 2 million candle watt flashlight! It shines the better part of 200 yards. A very cool gift. :-)

Now to our headlines, today we had a large fire across town from us. We are about a foot behind our recommended rainfall and everything is dry as all get out. Sounds like Hannah of Sold Out and our southern brethren in Texas are in just as bad shape.

(Link to CNN article. That Central Oklahoma it mentions? That's us.)

Please pray for an Okie/Texas style gully washer. :-) We have been watering our yard as a precaution, but I am getting of track on my story...

We were going to the city to get some feed when we saw smoke starting to rise. We thought it looked like it was close to one of my cousins property so we picked him up and headed out that way. We found the fire licking at the back edge of his land with the fire department hammering away at it. A group of local farmers and ranchers started in with tractors and disks to clean out the brush around the blaze. We had no such implements at our immediate disposal so we took to helping a lady water down her yard. Her house was in pretty good shape to withstand a blaze as she had two hoses that could both be brought to bear on the side of her house that was near to the blaze. After finishing that we circled the mile section and drove onto my cousins land from the opposite side as the fire with the intention of moving his tractor out of the way if the fire spread in that direction. We arrived in the back of the pasture to find two things, (1) the tractors battery was dead(not good) and (2) the fire department had about gotten the blaze put out. We loaded up the battery then drove my cousin back to his gas station. Now about two hours behind on our feed run, we drove into the city and picked up one ton of feed. Which proved somewhat interesting due to the fact that we only have a half-ton pickup. :-) But we drove about 50 and made it home ok.

In other news, I have been spending a lot of time campaigning for Senator on the Generation Joshua Online Government. I think my campaign is going pretty well, but there is still a lot of time left in the race. I am looking forward to the Senate debates which are coming up very soon.

that's all for now!

Talk to you later and may everyone have a Happy New Year!

Travis

Narnia and Christmas Eve

Hello Everyone!

First up on our list this very merry Christmas Eve is the Christmas Edition of Virtue Magazine! Please stop by and read all our great articles this issue. If you are interested in the court case where a judge ruled that it is unconstitutional to mention the the theory of Intellegent Design in a public school, please read my article on the topic, Unconstitutional, Unscientific Science.

Secondly, I watched Narnia yesterday! That is the best movie I have seen in a LONG time! I wouldn't recommend it for anyone below the age of 7 or so(due to some ugly and scary bad guys), but for you older kids, it is incredible! A truely awesome film. I think today I am going to download the demo to the video game :-)

Thridly, I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas Eve and God's blessings in the coming new year.

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

How the Grinch...ur...ACLU stole Christmas

Hello everyone!

I just finished my article for Virtue about that Intelligent Design Court case. It should be up at Virtue on Saturday.

So, what is the Grinch doing in this post? Well, he was the inspiration for a very enlightening poem by fellow Eagle Scout and blogger, Christian Politician called "How the ACLU stole Christmas" I would encourage you to have a look at it.

In other news, I got a new book yesterday called "So Help Me God" by Former Justice Roy Moore of Alabama, the leader of the Foundation for Moral Law and a man who was kicked out of his judicial seat because he refused to remove the Ten Commandments from his courthouse lawn. It is a very good book regarding religious freedom in America today. After getting this book I snooped around a bit on the internet and found that Mr. Moore is running for Governor of Alabama. After reading what this man believes, I wish him the best of luck and a successful win in that race next year.

On another government type note, I have been trying to log in on the Generation Joshua Online Government forums, but I have been unsuccessful as of yet. I am running for Senate and I need to get campaigning if I hope to win a seat. :-)

That's all for now!
The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Writing

Hello Everyone!

I am currently working on a article for Virtue Magazine about yesterdays court ruling banning the very mention of Intelligent Design in a Pennsylvania. Please check it out and give me your spill on it. If you blog it, leave me the link and I will link you (case sesitive)

Have a good one!
Travis

LAN Party

Today I had 3 of my buddies over for a LAN party. We had 4 computers and a Game Cube set up and we had a blast. (Quite literally)

One of the games we played was called Jedi Outcast. We were running all over the map having saber duals and blaster shoot-outs. Then we tried out another game called "Clone Wars" in which the four of us worked together to defeat waves and waves of attacking droids. I was the last one standing on that game. *grin*
After that we played a game called "Carnivores CityScape" in which you act out the part of a military team who is sent in to rescue the crew of a spaceship transporting dinosaurs to earth from a distant planet which was forced to crash outside of a major city. We saved all people we encountered and eliminated all offending dinosaurs. :-D
Then on the Game Cube, we played something called "Mario Cart Double Dash". We raced around the map in cars forged from hallow logs desperately throwing bananas out the back while using mushrooms to rocket us forward. I lost pretty bad on that game. I think I only made second place once. :-( There was this one curve with a BIG pothole. (And I mean BIG!!!) We are talking like the size of a small semi! And I....um.....kept falling into it. :-)

In other news, as Alex said recently Square Talk Radio now has a call in number! Just call

206-888-4STR

to voice your comments on the show! A kindly answering machine will answer your call and then record the comment you would like to send us. Your call might even be aired "live" (whatever that means) on the show! As Alex points out for us the call is not toll free (budget cuts) however if you have free nation wide long distance or the like you should be set to call!

Well, I better finish this up so I can go to bed, (you wouldn't BELIEVE how tired one can get from falling into carnivorous potholes).

Goodnight!

*goes of to.....ur....."fall" into bed* *grins sleepily*

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Note: The puns and other sleepy attempts at humor (which may or may not be found guilty of funnyness in a court of law) found in this article are included at no additional charge to the reader and are not recomended for use while buying toothpaste with your poodle or while juggling refrigerator magnets with your mother. If you didn't enjoy it at all or are wondering what in the world happened to Travis' sanity when he fell through that neverending pothole, please feel free to eat a cheeseburger.

Baby Thrown From Window - Safely Landed.

From *gasp* CBS.

"A New York man made the catch of a lifetime after a woman threw her baby out the window of a burning third-floor apartment in the Bronx, N.Y. Wednesday. The incident was caught on tape."

Read full story here

Scouting the Web

Blogger Headlines:
It's time to vote in the 2005 Homeschool Blogger Awards! Head over and cast your vote!

At long last, Square Talk Radio has a new episode! We talk a bit more about anti-Christmas bias then Tim asks Alex and I some hardball questions about President Bush and the War in Iraq entermixed with some of Tim's horrific fear of ranch salad dressing.(?)
You don't want to miss it! As Sean Hannity would say "30 minutes, it's all we give ya."
Or something like that. :-D

Also my friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Christian Politician has began to update his blog! Please head over there and give him a big blogger welcome!

The Life Of Travis:

Last Saturday I took the ACT for my second time. I think I did better on Reading, English, and Math but I ran out of time on the Science! :-( I got about 2/3 done and then had to guess at the rest. My last score was a 23 and my goal is a 26+. More updates on this when I get my test back.

Top News Stories:

A Review of Narnia - By WORLD Magazine (Also see Virtue Mag's review)

Rock of offense - A federal judge creates a state religion.

Air marshals to expand their mission - Self Explanitoy

Holiday programming: Ghosts of Christmas past

News Byte: Virtue Magazine and HITMAN

Hello everyone!

A quick post this morning before I head down to my Grandma's house to save her computer from the depths of spyware and general sluggishness. :-)

Virtue Magazine came out today!

And the smashing drama of Patrick Henry College, HITMAN has released its newest video into cyberspace! Not only that, but a buddy of mine got in on the action! His name is Jonathan Kanary and he is acting as the Checnian (sp?) leader in this episode.

More soon!
Travis

Your rights at Christmastime...

This is an ACLJ email I got this morning. The thing that is really call about this is that Ada Oklahoma is only 20 minutes from my house! :-D We drove by and saw the nativity scene just last week! I hope to add some more personal writing in the near future. (Read "Less Email copies") :-D

Have a great day!
- Travis

**ACLJ email**

Dear Travis,

Today, the city of Ada, Oklahoma, has a nativity scene as part of their Christmas lights display.
But if it weren't for the insistence of a concerned citizen, Craig Rogers, and the help of the ACLJ, this would not have been the case!

Craig alerted us when he was informed by the city that a nativity scene would not be included in the park's Christmas display. We directed him to our Religious Holiday Displays Information letter, he took copies of it to distribute at a city meeting, and a nativity scene was added to the Christmas plans.

A solid victory for Craig ... Ada, Oklahoma ... the ACLJ ... and you!

Craig's inquiry to the ACLJ is just one of many we have already received regarding the
Christmas holiday.

The issues range from students being told they cannot sing songs with Christian themes in their winter concerts ... to cities telling their citizens they cannot display nativity scenes.
(Thankfully, as in Craig's case, we have been able to resolve each of these cases quickly.)
And today, I want you to know what your rights are and how the ACLJ is prepared to help you exercise them this Christmas.

You can access our online Christmas Resource Center by clicking here.

This resource center, prepared by our expert legal team, addresses the constitutionality of school holiday celebrations and privately-erected or government-sponsored holiday displays; and we are here to help.
Please feel free to use it.

It will answer your questions ...

... and empower you with the necessary legal elements to enforce your right to say "Merry Christmas" ... sing Christ-centered Christmas carols ... display a nativity scene ... and more.
The ACLJ is here to help you!

If you have any questions or concerns, simply click here to visit our Christmas Resource Center or call the ACLJ at (757) 226-2489.

Before I close, let me mention that we have joined an important campaign to support Judge Samuel Alito, President Bush's nominee to the United States Supreme Court. Judge Alito has a judicial philosophy that has been very supportive of religious expression, including the display of nativity scenes in public areas.

He is indeed a worthy candidate who should be quickly confirmed! As the ACLU, People For the American Way, and others continue to dismantle the "Christ" of Christmas ... we will continue to fight for your rights and the nomination of Judge Alito to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Merry Christmas from the ACLJ! And like Craig Rogers did - let your voice be heard!

Remember Pearl Harbor!

Sixty-three years ago today, the attack on Pearl Harbor took place. That was the beginning of the great confict called World War II. This war was fought to see if good could conqueror evil, if justice could conqueror hate, and if love and peace could heal the wounds of such a conflict. 3 score and 4 years ago, young men died for freedom's cause, the rights their forefathers fought for at Gettysburg, Fort McHenry, and Yorktown. All of this based on the premise that there can be a place where freedom and justice can thrive. That there is a place where all men can worship God as they please. A place where men can work and raise their family's, to train them up in the way they should go, a place where they can be free. By the Lord's grace we are allowed to live in this land. This one nation under God. Our fathers bled so that we might be free, free from tyranny, free from slavery and free from communism. The Lord is so good to us. What an opportunity to get to live in such a place! And it is all because of our forefathers efforts to follow and serve Christ. Our greatest leaders understood this, here are some quotes from them:

"That book{The Bible}, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests"
Andrew Jackson

"Almost every man who has by his life-work added to the sum of human achievement of which the race is proud, almost every such man has based his life work largely upon the teachings of the Bible"
Theodore Roosevelt

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible"
Attributed to George Washington

I so desperately hope that our nation will remain a Christian Nation, for without it, we are nothing and will decay and corrupt from within, just as other nation have fallen with out Him. I pray and hope that the United States of America will remain true to its motto: "One Nation under God"

Good Night, and may God Bless America!!!

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis Henry

Quotes taken from Abeka Books American Goverment, page 111

Note: This is a post I wrote for Pearl Harbor Day last year, but the priciples still stand true. I hope my new and old readers alike enjoy it.

Target Backing Off Ban, May Use Christmas In Ads Later This Year

Here is a new AFA new release on the Christmas issue.

Dear Travis,

Your efforts are having a powerful effect! Our boycott of Target is working! According to the New York Times, a spokeswoman for Target said it did not intend to ban Christmas and might use Christmas in advertisements later this year!

In addition, Sears is adding "Merry Christmas" signs in their stores.

And here is new evidence of anti-Christian bias: A survey done by AFA shows that 91% of TV ads ban Christmas from their advertising.

We want you to help us stop this banning of Christmas. The survey included one night (Dec. 1) of prime time programming on the four major networks.

As Bill O'Reilly of The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News Channel said, "There is an anti-Christian bias in this country, and it is more on display at Christmas season than any other time."

AFA found that the "holiday" theme was used in 105 commercials while Christmas was the theme in only 11. This follows the pattern in print advertising where "holiday" was used 25 times more often than Christmas. These companies don't want to offend a handful of atheists and agnostics, but they don't mind offending millions of Christians who celebrate the Reason for the season.

They find Christmas an offensive word. We have prepared a letter to 24 companies which banned Christmas in their TV ads and chose "holiday" instead. Your one click of the button will send a letter to all 24 of these national advertisers. We know it is probably too late to change their ads this year, but we must let them know that next year we expect them to include Christmas in their TV commercials!

Click Here to see the list.

Click Here To Email TV Advertisers Now!

Sincerely,
Don
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman - American Family Association

Book Bag!

First of all, please remember the check out the Homeschooling Blogger Awards 2005.

Then I would like to share my bookbag for this week! Here is what I found...

1. Assault in Norway - Sabotaging the Nazi Nuclear Program
Cool book. :-)

2. The Pueblo Incident

Update! As David was good enough to explain to me, I did not at all grasp this story's gist by reading its preface. Here is the information David gave me.

Actually, the USS Pueblo was attacked by MiGs and six NK naval vessels, and there was a fight. The battle lasted over an hour. A number of members of the Pueblo's crew were wounded (1 killed), even though it was not a combat vessel. Better re-check your sources. A great place to start would be "Bucher: My Story, by Commander Lloyd M. Bucher USN, Captain of the USS Pueblo.

Thanks David!

3. Around the World in Eighty Days - An interesting classic about a man driven to cross the world by train, steamer, and elephant in eighty days.

4. The FBI-KGB War
This one sounds cool. :-)

5. Salvo!
A goodly volume which details the grandest and the lowest days of those floating batteries, the battleships.

That's all for now!
Travis

Great News! Walgreens Says "Next Year Will Be Different"

Another AFA update on the Christmas tree vs Holiday tree issue.

Send A Polite Letter To Kmart/Sears Asking Them To Do The Same

Dear Travis,

Because of your efforts, Walgreens has released the following response: "Next year, you can be assured our advertising will better incorporate 'Christmas,' and our holiday trees will be called Christmas trees. Unfortunately, all of this years December ads are already printed, so it's too late to make changes for this season."
In addition, Lowe's has released a statement saying they now refer to all trees as "Christmas Trees" and have removed all signs that previously calling them "Holiday Trees."
Your actions are bringing good results! We are hearing that many retailers are re-thinking their banning Christmas. Keep up the good work!
Would you please send the enclosed polite letter to Kmart/Sears asking them to make Christmas an integral part of their promotions and advertising next year? We feel there is good reason to believe Kmart/Sears might honor your request. We will keep you informed as to their response.
Additionally, and this is very important, please forward this to your family and friends. We need as much support as we can get in this effort.

Click Here To Send Your Letter Now!

Thanks for caring enough to get involved.
Sincerely,
Don
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman-American Family Association

BBS Comments: I am glad stores are allowing Christmas trees to be called just that, Christmas trees. I think this example of Walgreens and Lowe's really shows what a kind respectful Christian appeal can do. Keep up the good work AFA!
Travis

Target Doesn't Respond, Refuses To Include "Christmas"

Here is an update on the Christmas vs. Holiday tree topic. I also have an update on Walgreens policy that I should get posted momentarily.

AFA asks for boycott because of Targets anti-Christmas stance

Dear Travis,
In an effort to get Target to include "Christmas" in their in-store promotions and retail advertising for next year's (2006) season, we wrote Chairman Robert Ulrich. We told Chairman Ulrich that we knew it was too late to change his in-store promotions and retail advertising for this year. We asked him if Target would assure us that the company would make Christmas an integral part of their promotions and advertising next year. We told Chairman Ulrich that if Target would honor our request, we would encourage our supporters and others to shop at Target. But we also said that if he refused, or did not respond, we would ask our supporters to boycott Target. How did Chairman Ulrich respond to our request? He did not respond at all! Chairman Ulrich sent a clear messageTarget will continue to ban "Christmas." Would you join us in a boycott of Target, and forward this to friends and family asking them to do the same? Yes, there are other companies which refuse to use Christmas. But if Target gets the message and their sales go downevery other national retailer will also get the message! Then we can expect some big changes in their promotion and advertising next year. Target doesn't want to offend a small minority who oppose Christmas. But they don't mind offending Christians who celebrate the birth of Christ, the Reason for the season. It is very important that you sign our pledge to boycott Target. Nearly 600,000 have already done so. Our goal is 1,000,000. We need your help!

Click Here To sign the Boycott Pledge Now!

You might want to call Target at 612-304-6073 and then press 6. It will cost you about 15 cents to make the call. If busy, please continue to call until you get through. Be polite. Tell Target that you are disappointed that they continue to ban Christmas. You might also want to contact your local Target store manager.

ATTENTION! Expect Target To Try To Confuse You When you call Target, they will no doubt try to confuse you. You may be told their employees are free to greet people with a "Merry Christmas." You may be told that they support the Salvation Army. You may be told many things in order to confuse you. Therefore, ask this one simple basic question and don't allow them to confuse you. "Do you use the term 'Christmas' in your in-store promotions developed by Target (not products you have for sale) and do you include the term 'Christmas' in your retail advertising?" Target refuses to use "Christmas" in their in-store promotions or in their retail advertising. If you are told they do, you are being mislead. Thanks for caring enough to get involved.

Sincerely,
Don
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association

Drum roll please...

Hello everyone!

Today I would like to announce the official launch of the Blogging Boy Scout's Forum Room!

I created these forums a long time ago but never got around to adding them to my main site or doing much with them. Some of you may have seen them before over at the Christian Coalition of Bloggers. I hope to create a place where Christians can topics of conservative interest in a safe environment. There are forums for General Conversation, Politics, Christianity, Programming, History, and much more!

I would be willing to add a forum for A Side Tracked Focus if the leaders of that group would find that useful in anyway.

So please head over there, register, and have a look around! I will also be taking applications for moderators if you are interested. :-)

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

News Byte

Top Blog News

Homeschooling Blogger Awards 2005 - Vote for your favorite blogger!

In Rejection of Mediocrity has a truly incredible post about the mediocrity of some Christian colleges. When a "Christian" biology professor calls you a "minion of the devil" for believing in a young earth there is a problem.

Season 4 of the Patrick Henry College drama series HITMAN has been released with a new episoide called "Twisted Paths". Have a look!

Q&A

Answer Pete's profound question of the day: "Is the ability to sin a sin in-and-of itself?"

Now for SecDef's profound question of the day: Who (if anyone) was right in the American Civil War?"

Future Articles under Consideration.

International Law - What does that mean?
Then and Now - French and Indian War and the War on Terror

Police, Private Eyes and Other News

Hello everyone!

I have a lot of things to tell you about, life has been quite exciting since Thanksgiving. :-)
First of all, as we were driving home from a very good day at Grandma's thanksgiving night, we arrived home to see a strange pick-up in our driveway. We drove in the driveway and crept up slowly in our suburban. We took down the trucks tag number as we looked at the house from the safety of the suburban. After thinking a bit, we backed down the driveway, closed the gate and zoomed to the police station. After arriving, we had the police run the tag number and we found that the pickup belonged to an old friend of the family and had most likely broken down and had been pushed into our drive. So we went back home, looked the house over real good and collapsed into bed.

Then, today Mom and I got to talk to a private investigator. :-D He was out working his day job with our electric company and he started telling us about his off-the-job adventures. He is a black belt in Judo and Ju Jitsu, and doesn't carry a gun on the job. :-) He told us how one time an old lady with a broom almost beat him to death when he served her with a court notice about her daughters unpaid for car.(she was a co-signer for this vehicle, and therefore could be served with papers) She thought he was trying to evict her from her house and defended it valiantly. :-) finally, they both started laughing and she quit hitting him long enough for him to tell her why he was really there. He was quite a fun fellow to talk to. I greatly enjoyed the conversation.

I have so many ideas for articles, the problem seems to be having time to write. I hope to see all of you here again soon.

Travis

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

May your feasts be blessed with plenty and your souls be filled with Christ's love this Thankgiving.

Have a great day everyone!

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Companies Ban 'Christmas,' Not Worried About Backlash

Another timely AFA email. It is particularly interesting considering our last episode of Square Talk Radio.

Dear Travis,

Several retailers have joined in the push to ban the use of "Christmas" in their in-store promotions and retail advertising. The new push to eliminate "Christmas" and replace it with "Happy Holidays," "Season's Greetings," etc. is gaining ground with several retailers participating. Not wanting to offend a handful of complainers, these companies are willing to offend the vast majority who hold Christmas as a time to celebrate the birth of Christ. Their attitude is that those who identify themselves as Christians don't care if they eliminate "Christmas." While it is too late to make changes this year, we have already sent letters to several major retailers we have identified as participating in banning "Christmas," asking them to put Christmas back into their in-store promotions and retail advertising next year. We have sent letters to the chairmen of Target, Home Depot, Wal-Mart, Kmart/Sears, Costco, Kohl's and Lowe's about their practice. (Lowe's even refuses to promote their trees as Christmas trees, but calls them "Holiday Trees." Their toll-free number is 1-800-445-6937.) Please sign our petition letting these companies know that banning "Christmas" in their promotions and advertising next year will result in a loss of business. As we identify other companies participating in this practice, we will contact them. We need your support to be effective. That is why we need your petition. Please help us get the word out by forwarding this to your friends and family. Many of them will want to participate. We will keep you informed on which companies make changes and which ones refuse.

Click Here To Sign The Petition Now! Thanks for caring enough to get involved.

Sincerely,
Don
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association

Comments from Travis: I feel that removing the "Christmas" from Christmas is tacky at best, liberal pandering at worse. Why is there no problem with Halloween decorations in department stores? Why is Christmas the one major holiday they must single out for "politically correct editing"? Please support the AFA and sign this petition.

Our Future - Safe In Christ

Hello everyone,

I have been thinking tonight about my past, present and future. Looking back on my life so far I remember, the 50 mile hike our Scout troop took in the New Mexico mountains. Our troop was a team. We sweated through snow, rain and blistering heat together. We working through the seemingly endless rows of merit badges required for Eagle Scout. Then, together we walked together up onto the platform and our dad's pinned on our Eagle badges. I remember the feeling of walking onto the campus of NorthEastern A&M college and for the first time in my life spending a week with people I did not know. I remember the joys of seeing my mother, sister and one of my little brothers, crossing the college grounds when the time came to go home. I greatly enjoyed my time there, but there is truly no place like home. I remember the time Dad and I were out looking for lost cows, I was just a little fellow not more then 4 or 5 years old, and Dad picked me up and carried me across the creek on his shoulders. I recall the one memory that sticks in my head about my Grandpa Troy. He and Dad where feeding cows and I got to ride along. I remember him laughing and what a good time it was to be riding with "the big guys" doing a man's job. I recall the many times my other Grandad would grab me and wrestle with me while I screamed with glee or the many times he, Dad and I would be hard at work changing the oil on our suburban. The times out on a camping trip or driving through a pasture on a starlight night, reflecting on the wonder of God's creation.

Then my thought began to cross into the unknown, the future of Travis Henry. Here I am, an 18 year old boy who has been blessed with so much in his short lifetime so far. I am set to graduate in May and with that will close one chapter of my scholastic life. Where will life go from there? The doors of college loom large before me. I want to be equipped for whatever God would have me to do with the rest of my life and college seems to be the best way for me to achieve that. On December the 10th, I will retake the ACT test. If my score is raise sufficiently I can get a full ride scholarship to ECU, a local community college. Please pray for me as I prepare for that test. After college, only One knows. Law School? Congress? Marriage? Family? I am encouraged by the words of the Holy Scriptures.

"Jer 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope."

Blessings upon you all,
Travis

Life and Happenings (Sounds like the name of a blog...)

Hello everyone!

Today my family went on a field trip to a local pie factory. We got to watch 15oo pies being baked at the same time, and even brought a few some home! My sister and I had been on this trip before but it was the first time for my two younger brothers. they both enjoyed it greatly.

For some cyberspace news, check out our new episode of Square Talk Radio.

Tim , Alex and I are all taking about the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons and the way liberals are trying to pull the Christianity out of both holidays. Please head over there and give it a download!

I have been working on my math a good deal as of late in preparation for the ACT coming up in December. I hope to raise my score by some 3 points and that will take some study.

I checked out some good books from the library this week on of which is about Patrick Henry. The title (cleverly enough) is 'Patrick Henry - Firebrand of the Revolution". It is an enjoyable book that I would recommend to any reader.

My dad and I attended a defensive driving class in order to both improve our driving and get a lower insurance rate. During the class, the instructor was telling us the penalties other countries give drunk drivers. Here are a few of them.

Russia - license is revoked for life
Sweden - One to two year in prison.
El Salvador - Death By firing squad(!)

Well, I guess El Salvador doesn't have a problem with second offenders...

That's all for now!

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

You can help END partial-birth abortion

(A somewhat edited email I got from the ACLJ today.)

Tomorrow, our major brief will be filed at the Supreme Court of the United States in the Gonzales v. Carhart case.
This case represents our opportunity to see partial-birth abortion BANNED in our country once and for all.
And we will not back down!

As you may recall, Congress approved a national ban on this horrible procedure years ago.
But it was hardly a victory for us:

The law was almost immediately challenged in three separate legal cases in Nebraska, New York, and California.

In the Nebraska case - thanks to the ruling of an activist judge - a federal appeals court declared the ban unconstitutional.

In response, the U.S. Solicitor General filed a petition with the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of the ban and reverse the lower court's ruling.
Our major brief supports the government's position and represents 70 members of Congress.
The ACLJ has been involved in defending the national ban on partial-birth abortion since its passage by Congress - and we will not stop now!

It is time to see an end to the murder-torture of partially-born babies in our country!

We are confident the Justices of the Supreme Court will consider arguments for and against the constitutionality of a ban on partial-birth abortion ... the practice of beginning the live delivery of a baby, only to interrupt the process by stabbing the baby to death while the head is still in the womb.

With your help and God's wisdom, we can see the federal ban on partial-birth abortion upheld.

Thank you for standing with us as we ask the Supreme Court of the United States to protect unborn children!

Travis' Comments: Who in their right mind could think that the constitution of the United States allows for such gostly MURDER!?!

Newdow Files Suit To Take National Motto Off Currency

(An AFA email)

Tells ACLU meeting "In God We Trust" must go

Dear Travis,

Michael Newdow, who has already filed a suit to take "under God" out of the Pledge of Allegiance, is now suing to remove our national motto from our currency. Newdow told the ACLU of Oklahoma that the national motto on U.S. currency is a violation of the separation of church and state. He is offended because he is an atheist. He wants to use the Federal courts to make his atheism the official religion of America.

Newdow filed in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which recently ruled that judges, not parents, have the final say in what will be taught school children concerning sex education. These same liberal judges supported Newdow and ruled that the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance was unconstitutional. That suit was dismissed due to a technicality so Newdow sued again. The 9th U.S. Circuit is expected to agree with Newdow. The case will then go to the U.S. Supreme Court for final action.

Help us secure one million signatures on the petition below to stop Newdow. Remember that only one personMadelyn Murray O'Harewas able to get prayer in schools banned. We must not allow one personNewdowto get our national motto removed from our currency by our silence.

During the last session of Congress, Representative Chip Pickering introduced a constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to use and recite the motto and the Pledge of Allegiance. Your petition will encourage Rep. Pickering to re-introduce his constitutional amendment in the present session of Congress and send a message to the liberal judges of the 9th U.S. Circuit.

Please act quickly, and forward this to friends and family.

Click here to sign the petition now!

Sincerely,
Don
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association

Another Busy Day *Updated*

Hello everyone!

I hear that Texas passed a law defining marriage as between a man and a woman. My complete support goes to them. God made marriage, not the government and only God should be allowed to change his law. Government tinkering will only damage our culture farther.

I am currently working on a bit of fiction writing in my spare time. It is somewhat akin to the Hardy Boys books. I may share that with you at some future time.

More at a later time,

Have a great day folks!

Travis

Monday Update:

Hey Guys!
I have checked back in and am looking forward to answering comments have have received the past few days. Look for more blogging as time permits. (Hopefully tonight)

Boy Scouts under attack...again

Today, the ACLJ has again represented you and your interests by filing our major brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.

Here's the crux of the situation:

With the help of the ACLU, Mr. Eugene Winkler and other taxpayers brought a lawsuit against the military for their support of the National Scout Jamboree, held every four years.

(It is important to note that the military has provided service and support for this national event since 1937. Furthermore, Congress passed the Jamboree statute in 1972 to formally recognize the military's role in the Jamboree.)

The plaintiffs argued that the Jamboree statute - and others - were laws ''respecting an establishment of religion'' in violation of the First Amendment ...

... since the Boy Scouts' oath contains an affirmation to God.

The District Court agreed.

As this case makes its way to the appeals court, the ACLJ is ready to continue fighting for religious freedom in America!

Bearing the signatures of 88 members of the House and Senate, our brief contends that - among other things - the Jamboree statute was written by Congress to help the military pursue its own recruiting and public relations interests through involvement with private organizations ...

... not to promote the Boy Scouts of America's religious beliefs.

This is just another blatant attempt by the ACLU and others to destroy the Boy Scouts of America - because it is part of the scouts' oath to affirm their belief in God.

The Boy Scouts Jamboree is a time-honored national tradition ... we cannot allow it to be destroyed to advance the liberal cause of the ACLU and others!

The ACLJ will continue to fight this unconstitutional ruling and will keep you updated on our progress in the days to come.

Travis' Comments: More hogwash coming from the ACLU. But then again, what can we expect.

Busy Days filled with Future Promise

Hey guys!

Today was science lab so we went into town early this afternoon, which pushed our days schedule back which seems to place blogging back a few levels in priority. :-( Dad and I enjoyed working on some Algebra problems together in preparation for my upcoming second taking of the ACT test. I need it raise my score some 3 points in order to get a scholarship and math was my weakest subject last time so I am really wanting to work on that. However, I did have some time to think about some neat topics I would like to write on including, the French Muslim riots and what the United States can learn from the 17th century British about fighting terrorists. I hope to address these issues sometime in the near future.

Also, Alex posted the new Square Talk show about gun control. In it Tim plays the liberal and Alex and I play conservatives. Both sides may or may not hold to the side they were debating, but it was a ton of fun to make and I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoyed making it!

Have a great day!

Travis

Blog Round Up

Group Updates:

A Sidetracked Focus is new new group blog designed for Christian Blble study for teen and others. Please havea look!
(Founding members include: Spunky Jr., Tim Sweetman, Mission 3:6Teen and Coie Igarashi)

Virtue Mag is up!
(Private Note: My article on why Miers resigned is up here)

Square Talk Radio should be doing its gun control show soon.

Personal Blog Round-up:

Agent Tim posted about the HITMAN shows. *grin*

D3 is gone up the the mountains somewhere.

The Kings Highway brings us a great post called "Liberals' opinion on the War in Iraq"
*Hint: They flip-flopped)

Mission36Teen has a great post on Trusting the Lord.

Pete is out of pocket, but he endorses Alito for SCOTUS.

With stories like this (Hat Tip: PersecutionBlog) who can believe that Mohomandism is a peaceful religion?

ROFL! ReliablePolitics lists some terribly funny warning lables. Have a look.

SecDef played paintball the other day!

Smarthomeschool posts about HITMAN as well as a cool blogger program that lets you see which links your visitors click on! Sounds really cool...

Yikes! Sold Out warns us of incoming lawyers, for bloggers. Have a look.

SpunkyJunior takes on Xanga (Watch out Kristin, some Xanga crazy lawyer might sue you...) /end of bad joke *grin*

David Ketter is taking a break from blogging for a time.

The Rebelution brings us the story of post prime time Katrina survivors.

This post was brought to you by Travis and is crossposted @ Virtue Blog

Scouting The News Today

Culture Wars:

Civil Suit Forces School Board to Consider Evolution Critic's Proposal

ADF Lawyer Condemns Florida School Board's Religious Holiday Ban

Tennessee in Legal Battle Over 'Choose Life' License Plates

Uncouth Youth:

20-year-old charged with spreading virus

Youths torch hundreds of cars in France

Economy Upswing:

Dollar rises, gold falls in Europe

More Later if time permits. Have a great day!

Travis

Late Post

I am sorry everyone, today was quite busy and I was unable to get a post put together. I hope to have more tomorrow! Thanks for coming!

Travis

Virtue Article

Hey guys!

Agent Tim and I are both writing articles for Virtue today so blogging my be a bit light in this part of the blogosphere. My article is set to be about Alito so look your more of my full thoughts on that topic in VM on Saturday. However before I do that, I would like to point out a kind of cool thing that a group of students at Patrick Henry College have found to do with their time. They make movies!

Click here for downloads.

These are CIA-type spy films done on the East Coast.(which includes D.C.) They do have some fighting, shooting, etc, so viewer discretion is advised.

Update!
Senate's 'Gang of 14' Fractures Over Alito

Have a great day all!

Travis

Alito cheered by Conservatives

(Crossposted @ Virtue Blog
AP News and Commentary:

ST Update: The new Square Talk Radio show is up! Tim Sweetman, Alex King and I discuss the Miers downfall on this very exciting show. There is an error on the main site right now so you can download your copy here.


Abortion battle looms after Bush names new top court pick

Conservatives enthusiastic about Alito

This morning, praise keeps rolling in from the right side of the isle supporting Alito, while from the lift comes whining and muttered threats of filibuster. Just what a conservative loves to hear on a judicial nominee, cheering Republicans and booing Democrats. And to top it all aff the "gang of 14" or "mod squad" is said to be breaking up. When Democrats like Sen. Barbara Boxer started throwing out quotes like,"The filibuster's on the table," right wing members of the "mod squad" such as Sen. Mike DeWine began to pull out.

"If someone would filibuster ... I would be prepared to vote to change the rules," said Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio.
DeWine is one of the 14 centrist senators that Democrats need to sustain a filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee. Without the group's seven Republicans, Democrats would not be able to prevent Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., from abolishing judicial filibusters and confirming judges with just the Senate's 55-member Republican majority.

The Democrats are on a downhill slide and the Republican leadership is getting ready for any desperate actions the liberals might throw at them.

Sen. Bill Frist said he's ready to move against judicial filibusters, using what Republicans call the "constitutional option," if Democrats force him to. "If a filibuster comes back, I'm not going to hesitate," he told "The Tony Snow Show" on Fox News.

What better way to start a day in Washington?

Leading the Charge to support Samuel Alito!

Here is an email I got from the ACLJ just minutes ago. Here it is.

The moment President Bush named Judge Samuel Alito to replace Justice Sandra Day O'Connor ... the opposition sounded off!
Here's what they are saying:
This is a nomination based on weakness, not strength.
-Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass
... a nominee guaranteed to cause a bitter fight.
-Ralph Neas, People For the American Way
Here's what we are saying:
The President has delivered exactly what he said he would; Judge Alito is the person we need for the job!

So today, as we launch this nationwide campaign, FORWARD this email to your entire address book and add your name to our PETITION TO SUPPORT JUDGE SAMUEL ALITO - which will be sent with tens of thousands of others to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
We must urge the Committee to stand strong against the mounting opposition and do its work well.

Judge Alito is a ''top tier'' judicial pick. He is a strong conservative with a lengthy track record of interpreting the Constitution, not legislating from the bench.

In more than 30 years of service, he has shown a mastery of the law, a deep commitment to justice and equality - and great personal character.

After 15 years of service at the U.S. Department of Justice, Judge Alito was nominated by President George H. Bush to the federal bench and unanimously confirmed by the Senate. He has been called one of the legal profession's ''best'' with ''exemplary'' judicial qualifications.
But this nomination has invoked strong opposition from groups like People For the American Way, Planned Parenthood, and others - because they know that the next Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States will play a pivotal role in major decisions regarding religious freedom ... abortion ... pornography ... and more. ''Smear'' campaigns ... public intimidation ... filibuster ... all of these could threaten the nomination of this fine and well-qualified candidate. Please stand with us today! Our legislative and legal teams and I are deeply involved - working with members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Our Washington, D.C., office - across the street from the Supreme Court and down the street from Capitol Hill - positions us perfectly as this battle wages on.

But we need YOU to back us up and unite your voice with hundreds of thousands of Americans!
Do not close this email until you have signed our PETITION TO SUPPORT JUDGE SAMUEL ALITO - to lend your voice and influence to our nationwide campaign. Send this email on to your friends and family members today!

Don't let them DERAIL Judge Alito's nomination!

It's Samuel Alito!

AP News Headlines:

Bush nominates conservative for Supreme Court

"Judge Alito is unquestionably qualified to serve on our nation's highest court. And on the bench, he has displayed a judicial philosophy marked by judicial restraint and respect for the limited role of the judiciary to interpret the law and not legislate from the bench." - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn.

"Unlike (Miers) nomination, which was derailed Thursday by Bush's conservative allies, Alito faces vocal opposition from Democrats."

"The nomination of Judge Alito requires an especially long, hard look by the Senate because of what happened last week to Harriet Miers. Conservative activists forced Miers to withdraw from consideration for this same Supreme Court seat because she was not radical enough for them. Now the Senate needs to find out if the man replacing Miers is too radical for the American people." - Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

Samuel Alito's conservative views
earned him nickname 'Scalito'

Alito has endorsed abortion restrictions

However we must remember that...
A new justice will not make the difference on Roe v. Wade in the court's present configuration. Besides the moderate O'Connor, five of the eight other justices have endorsed a woman's right to the procedure.
As an appeals court judge, Alito was required to follow Supreme Court precedent, which he did.
In 2000, for example, Alito was among the judges who ruled that a New Jersey law banning late-term abortions was unconstitutional, following high court precedent.

Just one more pro-life justice can't overturn Roe v. Wade. We need one or two more to flip that.


Mr. Alito's Speech following his nomination

Reaction to Alito nomination

Bloggers Reaction:

Powerlineblog:
Alito is a solid choice. Chuck Schumer and Harry Reid have already come out against him; another good sign

We're about to get the fight over Constitutional principles that conservatives have looked forward to for years.

Hugh Hewitt: (no link due to questionable ad)
"Judge Alito is a great nominee, and as a result a great political battle lies ahead."

Michelle Malkin

"This is a nominee the Right can get behind."

Sen. Bill Frist on Fox News (via Jason Smith): "If the Democrats are looking for a fight, we'll be up for the fight. We won't back down... We're gonna get an up or down vote on the Senate floor and if the Democrats want a fight, they'll get one."

ConfirmThem.com:

"For my own part, I’d also like to thank President Bush. He’s given us a nominee worth fighting for. Before the Miers nomination, one of our bloggers (I believe it was feddie), asked the President to “cowboy up.” He has. And it’s time for us to do the same."

As well as...

"Dems — filibuster this!"

The Confirm Alito Coalition is up @ GOP Bloggers

Travis' Comments:
YIPPEE!!!!!!!
This is the kind of justice the U.S. conservative movment has been dreaming of!
Now, let's get him confirmed!

My fellow bloggers, if you would like, please blog with your thoughts about Mr. Alito and then send me the link. I will try to get them posted here ASAP.

Gone to Church Camp

I know, I know, what a lousy time to go to church camp. With Miers stepping down, and a new nominee right around the corner, what in the world is Travis doing going on vacation?
Well, I guess life calls and I must answer its ring. I have attempted to make up for my absence by giving my thoughts and commentary on a Square Talk Radio special edition set to come out Friday morning. Also, Square Talk now has a new website!
Please change all your links over to:

http://squaretalkradio.com

Alex has added a new look and along with some great commentary from the depths of the square, hopefully you can last the weekend. :-)

Also, I wanted to wish two guys "Happy Birthday", but I can't tell them till 5 PM Friday. So I guess it will have to wait.

Have a great weekend everyone! I sure hope the Presidents next pick is a true and solid Christian conservative. At this point I can't help but feel somewhat sorry for Miss. Miers. Even if all her politics on issues like abortion are fuzzy, being nominated for such a thing to be rejected by many important people would feel awful. May the Lord be with her and be at work in her life.

Travis

BREAKING NEWS!

Harriet Miers has withdrawn her nomination! More soon.

Miers withdraws her nomination to Supreme Court (READ THIS ONE!!)

Q & A: Miers Withdraws; What's Next?

Embattled Supreme Court nominee bows out

Miers joins 34 on list of failed Supreme Court nominees

Harriet Miers, We Hardly Knew Ye

We are setting up a special edition of Square Talk Radio tonight to discuss this topic. I hope you will all tune in then.

Below is the text of the letter from Harriet Miers to President Bush, withdrawing her name from consideration as a justice of the United States Supreme Court.

Dear Mr. President:

I write to withdraw as a nominee to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States. I have been greatly honored and humbled by the confidence that you have shown in me, and have appreciated immensely your support and the support of many others. However, I am concerned that the confirmation process presents a burden for the White House and our staff that is not in the best interest of the country.
As you know, members of the Senate have indicated their intention to seek documents about my service in the White House in order to judge whether to support me. I have been informed repeatedly that in lieu of records, I would be expected to testify about my service in the White House to demonstrate my experience and judicial philosophy. While I believe that my lengthy career provides sufficient evidence for consideration of my nomination, I am convinced the efforts to obtain Executive Branch materials and information will continue.

As I stated in my acceptance remarks in the Oval Office, the strength and independence of our three branches of government are critical to the continued success of this great Nation. Repeatedly in the course of the process of confirmation for nominees for other positions, I have steadfastly maintained that the independence of the Executive Branch be preserved and its confidential documents and information not be released to further a confirmation process. I feel compelled to adhere to this position, especially related to my own nomination. Protection of the prerogatives of the Executive Branch and continued pursuit of my confirmation are in tension. I have decided that seeking my confirmation should yield.

I share your commitment to appointing judges with a conservative judicial philosophy, and I look forward to continuing to support your efforts to provide the American people judges who will interpret the law, not make it. I am most grateful for the opportunity to have served your Administration and this country.

Most respectfully,
Harriet Ellan Miers
The PresidentThe White HouseWashington, D.C. 20502

Comments: Oh boy. Here we go again.

Here is where she blew her cover on Roe v. Wade. She stated

"...the more I think about these issues(abortion and other religious matters) the more self determination makes the most sense."

This lady just lost me as a supporter, but that doesn't really matter now.

Here is a note from a Q and A at the NPR. (Linked above)

What do you make of the fact that access to White House documents keeps coming up in the confirmation process?

It was an issue when President Bush nominated John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations and it was an issue in the Miers nomination.
It turned out that the brewing fight for documents provided the perfect exit strategy for a nomination that was already in trouble. Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer, who was a Miers opponent, laid all this out two weeks ago, saying this would be an excuse for a gracious exit for Miers. The fight over Bolton's documents was between the White House and Democrats. The difference in Miers' case was that Republicans also wanted access to those documents. The real reason Miers withdrew was that she did not have enough support among Republican senators. She had many private meetings with them this week and she was not impressive or forthcoming enough to prompt more than four of them to come out in support of her. (They were Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Orrin Hatch of Utah, and the two Texas senators -- John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison.)

It seems that Miers was losing support fast within the senate and President Bush was no longer confident that she could be confirmed. Also her thoughts on overturning Roe v. Wade have become distorted at best. We now have documents that say she is for overturning it and she is for upholding it. Not the kind of solid pro-life conservative person we want on the Supreme Court.

A big hat tip to SecDef Yeah, yeah, you told me so. :-)

Hugh Hewitt isn't happy.

Michelle Malkin is relieved.

Look for more views tomorrow on Square Talk Radio.

Travis

Michel Gorbachev comes to Town.

Hello everyone! Yesterday, my dad, sister and I went into town to hear a speech given by former U.S.S.R. President Michel Gorbachev. As we entered the building, I took note of the high volume of security. There were policemen and highwaypatrolmen guarding every door and stairwell of the building. We worked our way to our seats and sat down. Mr. Gorbachov entered and began his speech. He was a bit hard to hear, but I managed to make out most of it. He spoke on issues of national foreign policy and globalization. Here are some of the key parts of the speech that I made note of.

"Communication is the key to reconciling disputes"
From my experience this quote is very true. Without good communication no one gets anywhere with anything.

"Trust but verify" Very true statement.

"Reagan was a real dinosaur"
BHODL, he used this quote to show that while he and Reagan were at such odds at one time, good communication pulled them out and allow negotiations to continue.

"Rise above current problems to reach for future goals" Sounds like good advise.

He made note that there are new nations coming to the forefront of the world. He advised to to ignore them.

He hinted that good communication would solve all of our problems with Al Quita. This is totally crazy. The communication would run something like this.

Bin Ladin: Join our national Muslim State or die you infidels!
U.S.: No
Bin Ladin: Jihad! Jihad! Death to Americans!
U.S.: *Tank fires*
Bin Ladin: Retreat! Retreat! Death to Israel!
Israel: *Tanks fire*
Bin Ladin: Ok guys, you stay here and blow yourselves up while I run back and hid my cowardly little self in the mountains of Tora Bora.

Get the picture? Anyway...

He spoke against "policing the world". This I agree with to some extent. We don't have to go in and solve everyone's problems for them. However, if something in a foreign land threatens Americans or Americas national security, we have very right to go after them.

He made note to a JFK speech about or called "Pax America(cana?) I thought I might look that up later.

With that he concluded his speech and begin to take questions. While I was there I got to speak with Oklahoma House Representative Shane Jett. I found out he was homeschooled for a time and them went to a Christian school. He was very encouraging to me and offered some good advise for me to pursue in the future.

Altogether, it was a very fun and educational evening.

Travis

Law Books, Singer Kooks, and Other News

Hello all!

Law Books:
We went up to my Grandparents on Sunday and they had a surpise for me! Grandma had found some 1921 Oklahoma law books that belonged to my great-greatdad and she wanted to pass them on to me! I was overjoyed! These books are really cool, they have every Oklahoma state law from 1907 (when Oklahoma became a state) to 1921. Now, just to make that date seem a little more real, that was almost 20 years before World War I! It is interesting to look at the pay scale for public servants, a judge made an annual salery of $1500. That's almost $4.11 a day! Not hour, day. Inflation must not have been nearly as high as it is now. But, anyway on with the news!

Singer Kooks:

And now our main story from ABC News, Spunky Homeschool, and Agent Tim Online.

Before I go into details, I want to supply you with the definition of the word "kook".

"kook": is a pejorative term for a person who writes or speaks in an authoritative fashion about a particular subject, often in science, but is alleged to have false or even ludicrous beliefs.)

With that definition in mind, here in brief, is the story.

Two white young female singers are pushing a message of hate for all other races except whites.
The reason this is even here is because these singers happen to be homeschooled.

As my family and I have discovered, just because a family says their homeschoolers does not mean that they are Christians, it just means that they for some reason or another have pulled their children from the public education system. In this case, the mother of these girls has pulled her girls to indoctrinate them with hate for all other races other then whites. A majority of homeschoolers take their children out of public school for the right reasons, to instill in their children a godly Christian worldview which they feel cannot be obtained at the local public school. However, every so often a story like this hits the airwaves and sends shocks through the Christian homeschooling community because it gives many people the only news they will ever hear about homeschoolers, the false news that all homeschoolers are white racists, child abusers or worse.

This lie is quickly countered if you take a look through the blogosphere. The great majority of homeschoolers are growing Christians who take pride in their country and believe that what a man does shows what he stands for, not the color of his skin.

So let the light shine, as they say, "there is a bad apple in every barrel", and this family is one of those.

Other News:
Square Talk Radio is up!

Pete's Place has a interesting article written by Robert Bork about the Miers nomination.

Calling all debaters! I would like to draw your attention to a gun control debate currently raging over at Sold Out. Click here to view debate. (Calling SecDef?)

Hurricane Wilma leave 6 Million without power

That's all for now!
Travis

Around the Blogosphere

Just a quick post of subjects of interest here in cyberspace.

Virtue Magazine is up.

Square Talk Radio should be up sometime tomorrow.

Apparently I have been nominated for the Blog of the Year Award over at the King's Highway. It you should like to vote please head over there and give it a spin! Thanks a lot MVB!

Also, David Ketter emailed me to let me know that the 2006 Evangelical Blog Awards are up over at EricRagle.com. I was blessed to be the runner up for Best Evangelical Teen blog last year and I bet there will be many cool blogs for your viewing pleasure. Please give it a view.

That's all for now, I hope to be blogging more in these coming days.

Travis

Christian Persecution

Hey guys,

I just got this story for Newsmax.com, have a look.

Damare, a small Sudanese boy, was taken as a slave and forced to tend camels after his village was attacked by radical Muslims. One day Damare, who had been raised in a Christian home, snuck away from his master to attend a church service. When he returned, his Muslim master was waiting for him and accused of committing a deadly act, "meeting with infidels." The master then dragged Damare into a field where he nailed his feet and knees into a large board while the boy cried out in agony.

Damare was miraculously rescued and has told The Voice of the Martyrs that just as Jesus was nailed and forgave, he forgives also. What bold faith from a simple Sudanese boy!
Damare is not alone in the persecution he has endured. The Muslim government of Khartoum in the North has declared a jihad, or holy war, against the mostly Christian South. Omar Hassan al-Turabi, an Islamic leader, has stated that anyone who opposes Islam "has no future." Since 1985, approximately two million have perished due to the genocide. Families in the South are terrorized-fathers killed, mothers raped, and children sold into slavery. Yet in the midst of these atrocities, the Christians in Sudan remains strong, worshiping their Savior and leading others to Him.

Damare has now received some assistance from workers with The Voice of the Martyrs. His wounds are still open and additional medical attention as well as some rehabilitation is still needed. (VOM is looking into further assistance.)

Voice of the Martyrs Homepage

PersecutionBlog.com

(Excellent post here here.)
(Quick quote: Worldwide it is believed that more believers were martyred in the last century than during the previous 1900 years of Christian history...But one place this slaughter has never occurred is in the United States. Please read)

Comments on Main Story:
Wow, I can help but wonder is there anyway to stop this injustice? Whenever I hear I story like this the first thing that seems to come to my mind is how can this be stopped. Maybe that's just how I am geared up. What can be done to free these innocent people from tyranny? Let have a look.

The first thing we should know is that all true Christians will be persecuted.

2 Tim 3:12 Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

However that does not mean we should not defend and help these fellow Christians. In fact we are commanded to.

Prov 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all the unfortunate.
Prov 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

What kind of evil are we to look out for?

Ps 94:21 They(evil persons) band themselves together against the life of the righteous And condemn the innocent to death.

Is 59:7 Their feet run to evil, And they hasten to shed innocent blood; Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity, Devastation and destruction are in their highways.

I can't help but wonder is there anyway we could help the largely Christian southern part of Sudan to raise up and overthrow their oppressors? What do you think? Is it the part of one nation with great power to defend the righteous people throughout the world?

Luke 12:48b ...From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.

It seems that we are continually playing the worlds policeman these days, but I wonder, is that just the price of being a superpower at this time? What do you think?

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Busy Day

Hey guys,

Today has been busy with school and more school, so I thought I would take a bit of time to write an update over here. Tonight we will be recording the 4th edition of Square Talk Radio on the issue of government spending. I look forward to that issue. Also Virtue magazine should come out here pretty soon.

I hope to be able to publish more soon.

Travis

Scouting the News and the Views of the Blogosphere

Hello everyone!

I must apologize for my resent absence from the blogosphere. Life caught up to me and seemed to take over my blogging time slot, but now I am back at the blogging controls!

News and a new blogger!

I have an intorduction to make, my good friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Taylor has started a blog called Reliable Politics. Please stop by and check him out!

Also, The King's Highway has a really cool contest going right now called the "Blog of the Year Award" Please stop by and cast your vote! Great idea MVB!

I got Age of Empires III yesterday! It is the most incredible game I think I have ever played! It is truly awesome! Please check out Knights of Valor for other AoE updates.

Also, here are some national news stories, I found interesting.

Senators want more on Miers, who vows to try

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said Miers has taken the most extreme position of anyone I have ever known on abortion, assuming she believes that there ought to be a constitutional ban on abortion which would make it a crime except if a womans life is at stake.

Sweet!

This is the kind of thing that makes me think that Miers could be a good justice. We will just have to see what happens. I like the fact that she stated that she is/was pro-life some 20 years ago on a survey. I hope she proves to be the kind of pro-life strict constitutionalist justice we need on the bench.

Extremely dangerous Wilma batters Cancun
Comments: Is there anything Congress could do to forbid hurricanes from striking our coastlines until AFTER we get the last one cleaned up? Shesh. All kidding aside, how many hurricanes does this make this year? Five? Six? I have lost count. There is going to have to be some kind of life change for coast dwellers if this keeps up.

Congress gives gun industry a lawsuit shield

Comments: Good. They needed such a thing. I am tired of people people suing gun companies for murders that some robber committed. Assault weapons and other such is another topic, but I believe that people are responsible for their actions when using a firearm, not a gun company.

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis

Hey Guys!

Today, from the look of it is going to be a busy day. My sister and I have a science lab in town this morning and no telling what after that. However, I should like to supply you with some links for your viewing pleasure.

Square Talk Radio has launched an new episode just about blogging!
With two guests on the air, a special announcement, and a visit from Jake you won't want to miss this new show!

I have been playing around with the Knights of Valor site and have added two cool pictures to the site. Please stop by and have a look, I think you will like them!

Also, SecDef offered his thoughts about Harriet Miers. He has a very well taken point. I am impressed by his arguments. This has caused me to rethink my stance on Miers. I will have to give it some thought.

That's all for now!
Have a good day all!
Travis

Saturday Afternoon Post

Hey guys!

We are having a garage sale today and I just sold a computer game! *grin*
In other news today:

We the members of Square Talk are planning to tape a new edition tonight about blogging! With a surprise special guest! Coming soon to a server near you.

Also, look for my latest post over at The Knights of Valor.

That's all for now!

Travis

Age of Empires III

Hey guys!

This is another slight departure from my normal politic'in, but I'd like to do it anyway. *grin*

As some of you know, the world famous Age of Empires series is launching its newest addition to the family, Age of Empires III, in 4 short days. For some time, I have thought it would be great fun to have a Christian Age of Empires Clan, where Christians could get together and enjoy this great game. On that note, may I unveil, the The Knights of Valor, THE place for Christian AoE gamers. We have about 6-8 members and would welcome many more. We hope to try out some clan vs. Clan gameplay as well as continuing our ranking system. I have recently downloaded the Age of Empires Fan Site Kit and hope to add some cool stuff over there soon.

Have a great day everybody!

Travis

Quick Commentary

Hey Guys,

A really quick post for now, today looks like it may be a very busy, so here are some hurried links for your viewing pleasure.

How Harriet Unleashed a Storm on the Right

Blessed are the meek - Includes a profile of Miers

ConfirmThem.com continues to provide good commentary

TTFN - Ta Ta For Now!

Travis

A Few Miers Toons

Have a look! I really like the second one down.
~Travis

A Timely Response

Hey guys,

This is going to be a little off my usual posting subjects so please bear with me.

I was over at To Give an Answer last night where I found this article from the London Times. This article sights various polls and data to conclude that "religious" nations such as the United States have worse rates of "social ills"(teenage pregnancy, crime rates, abortion, and STD infection, etc.) then more secular nations like the UK. Please give this article a quick read and then come back.

Startling, is it not? Why would a nation with more people who claim to be Christian, have greater amounts of sin acting within those same people? Let's have a look.

What is the first thing you must do to come to Christ? Your eyes must be opened to the fear of the Lord.

Prov 1:7 ¶ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

What is the fear of the Lord?

Prov 8:13a "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil;

When a sinner learns that there is a God out there and he punishes sinners with burning death forever, if that sinner receives that truth, he will become fearful of the Lord's wrath. Then he will come to hate the sin that condemns him to eternal destruction. He will reads verses like:

Jer 15:7 "I will winnow them with a winnowing fork At the gates of the land; I will bereave {them} of children, I will destroy My people; They did not repent of their ways.

He fights against that sin alone but to no avail.

Gal 2:21 "I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness {comes} through the Law, then Christ died needlessly."

This increases his terror of judgment. He cries out to the Lord saying "Lord, let me turn from my wicked ways!" "Change me, oh God, who is my hope!" He expresses his hate for his sin and his utter rejection of it, he seeks the Lord's help, he humbles himself. He is repenting.

Repentance - a change of mental and spiritual habit respecting sin, involving a hatred of and sorrow because of it, and a genuine abandonment of it in conduct of life.

James 4:6b "..."God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Now, with his heart crying out to God in humility, the Lord gives him grace and forgiveness. and says:

Ezek 18:31 "Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! For why will you die, O house of Israel?
Ezek 18:32 "For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live."

Grace - the gift of God inhering in the soul, by which men are enabled to perform righteous acts.

He is now free from the bonds of sin that once bound him! He now seeks the Lord through His Holy Word, the Bible. He must know how the Lord who freed him wants him to stay free. He goes to a well-meaning local church, where after a week or two of attendance, he finds that the pastors daughter has had a child out of wedlock. He questions a member of the church asking how this could be allowed within the church. The church goer replies; "Well, nobody's perfect. Its a good thing she got saved back in '99" The man asks "How can she be living under the Lords protection and still be practicing these things?" "The Lord speaks very strongly against such activities." "Look mister, the church goer replys, "At least she is going to heaven, no one can go a day with out sin anyway." The man returns home in shock at what he has seen and heard. Is it true that no man can stop sinning and all you must do is be covered by this "grace" yet, continue in sin?
He returns home and begins to study his Bible in great depth. One day while reading through Romans, (one of the things he had heard in that church was the Romans road to salvation) he goes past the verses the church gave him and reads on into chapter 12. Four verses seem to jump out at him,

Rom 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, {which is} your spiritual service of worship.
Rom 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Rom 12:9 ¶ {Let} love {be} without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

and

Rom 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good

Ah ha! He says to himself. They didn't read far enough. The "Roman's Road" goes on a bit farther than they thought. But, how can I be perfect? I am just a simple man.

Still thinking about that church, he flips back to a section of Luke.

Luke 12:1 Under these circumstances, after so many thousands of people had gathered together that they were stepping on one another, He began saying to His disciples first {of all,} "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:2 "But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
Luke 12:3 "Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.
Luke 12:4 ¶ "I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do.
Luke 12:5 "But I will warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!

He looks for more verses on the Pharisees and finds,

Luke 11:39 But the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the platter; but inside of you, you are full of robbery and wickedness.

Matt 23:25 ¶ "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.

Matt 23:26 "You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

He says, " I understand now!" Those people back at that church look like Christians on the outside, but inside they are full of sin and unrighteousness! Well, phooy, if they messed up, what chance have I to live my life without sin as the Lord commands? Now, where was that commandment...oh here it is!

John 5:14 Afterward Jesus *found him in the temple and said to him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you."

Phil 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,
Phil 1:10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;

1 John 2:1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

Col 3:5 ¶ Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
Col 3:6 For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience,
Col 3:7 and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them.
Col 3:8 But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, {and} abusive speech from your mouth.
Col 3:9 Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its {evil} practices,
Col 3:10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him

But, Lord, He said, how can I be sinless? I tried that before and I failed. Then a verse jumped out at him.

Rom 8:31 ¶ What then shall we say to these things? If God {is} for us, who {is} against us?

WOW! I see now! With the Lord on my side, I can overcome sin! What I couldn't do on my own Christ can do through me! It is possible to live without sin! One last verse caught his eye.

Phil 3:12 ¶ Not that I have already obtained {it} or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

This man, has great spiritual understanding for this day and time. How does this apply to the Times article? Let me explain.

America is full of church's, and a vast majority of our nation's population claims to be Christian, but are these people really hearing the saving true gospel that instructs a person to put away sin for good? Or are church's like the church our friend visited? A church that looks clean on the outside, but inside is dirty with sin? Are they hearing the Word when it says,

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, {he is} a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

There should be a change in a persons life when they come to Christ. It is people like the Pharisees who give sinners reason to curse the Lord as David did in his sin with Bathseba. The true Word of God changes a persons conduct and way of life. Let's look at a person floating out in the world, they sin and they think about joining a church. But, then one day they see the pastor of the congregation in open sin. They think, "Man, that guy in into sin deeper then I am and he is supposed to be spiritual, I don't want any part of that, I can deal with sin better myself." And they become an atheist or a agnostic because of that church's hypocrisy.

This is a somber post today guys, but I feel this had to be said. If the one true church is becoming perverted in America, what hope have we for our nation?

The Blogging Boy Scout,
Travis