It has exciting here recently. Two weeks ago I attended the Ukrainian Orthodox League Convention; then the next week I went to Florida with my family. Now I am almost caught up with the things that accumulated in my Inbox over that time. The … [Continue reading]
Should Clergy Talk about Politics from the Pulpit
The Johnson Amendment of 1954 changed the IRS code so that churches that support or oppose candidates for public office would lose their non-profit status. This past Sunday, a group of pastors challenged this by using Scripture to analyze the … [Continue reading]
PK PM Gilani Defends COIN Strategy
The Prime Minister of Pakistan said almost everything he needed to say if he is to have any hope of keeping aid flowing and keeping us out of PK territory. FWIW, this is the same script that the Musharraf regime used, although PM Gilan did not … [Continue reading]
Introspective Reminder to Christian Leaders
For those who are called to lead, we are first called to serve. We are called to be witnesses and martyrs. But first of all, we are called to be Christ. It is heartbreaking to see so many Christian leaders burn-out. We (if I may be so bold as to … [Continue reading]
US-PK Talks today in Washington
This from APP, on the scheduled talks today between Pakistan's Prime Mister Gilan and President Bush; “WASHINGTON, July 27 (APP): Urging Washington to be patient with the elected government’s anti-terrorism strategy, Pakistan’s envoy in the … [Continue reading]
A Funny Thing about Memory and Analysis of Change
When I was working for the government, I got to spend a lot of time researching why objective analysis was so difficult. I am out of that business now, but it is neat to see that problems of analysis are not confined to the world of … [Continue reading]
Some Thoughts on Orthodox Unity
I am frequently in contact with people who are passionate about “Church Unity”. Here is my basic take on this, broken down by specific area. Defining my Terms: By “Unity”, I mean a sharing more than a belief in Christ as Savior, but of the … [Continue reading]
Throwing a Wet Blanket on Campaign Promises
Bottom Line Up Front: Government programs can help improve life “on the margins”, but the potential harm they can cause is immense. This belief leads me to support limited government that protects liberty, markets, and provides those necessary goods … [Continue reading]
Measurement Errors and Sample Bias in the FATA
It is very difficult to get good information about insurgencies. This is because they: 1. IO. They run their own information operations through their own dissemination channels, traditional channels (e.g. bazaar, mosque), and local, national, … [Continue reading]
Taking Responsibility for Falling to Temptations
The American heritage is one of a strong work ethic and a deep sense of personal responsibility. These individual traits, together with civic engagement, are the cultural foundations of American prosperity. Originally, these traits sprang forth … [Continue reading]