SECRET ARMS DEAL WITH SYRIA-IRAN SAYS NO

Iran: No secret arms deal with Syria
Spokesman calls reports of deal to stop Mideast peace talks 'a media game'
Updated: 9:58 a.m. ET July 22, 2007
TEHRAN, Iran - Iran's foreign ministry spokesman on Sunday dismissed as a "media game" recent reports of a secret arms deal with Syria allegedly made in return for an agreement that Damascus would not hold peace talks with Israel. Mohammad Ali Hosseini refused to provide confirmation of the deal and questioned how the media would know about it if it was confidential. "This is a media game," said Hosseini during his weekly news briefing. "It is not confirmed." The Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat reported Saturday that Iran would provide $1 billion to Syria for advanced weapons procurement and would assist the country with nuclear research and the development of chemical weapons, with the understanding that Damascus would not negotiate peace with Israel. The deal was allegedly signed Thursday when Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad visited Syria, said the newspaper. Israeli media later rebroadcast the report. Both Syrian President Bashar Assad and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert have publicly called for renewed peace talks recently, but have clashed over the specifics. Assad has demanded a guarantee that Israel would pull out of all of the Golan Heights, a strategic plateau captured from Syria in the 1967 war. He has also demanded a mediator or "honest broker" for the talks. Olmert has refused to commit in advance to a full withdrawal and has indicated a preference for direct talks. Syria is Iran's closest Arab ally. The two countries have had close relations since 1980 when Syria sided with Persian Iran against Iraq in the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. Both countries face U.S. accusations of fueling violence in Iraq and supporting Lebanon's Hezbollah guerrilla group, which Washington labels a terrorist organization. They are also accused of supporting militant anti-Israeli Palestinian groups, like Hamas.

SQUIRREL REGIMENT SET TO INVADE IRAN - AHMADENJAN

SQUIRRELS ACCUSED OF SPYING ON IRAN TO BE INTERROGATED (US HAS APPEALED UNTO THE UNITED NATIONS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE TREATED WITH GENEVA CONVENTION AND NOT STRIPPED AND POSED WITH)

By Ali Arouzi, NBC News Producer
You can tell that Iran is feeling a little beleaguered these days when there are reports that Tehran may be under attack from rodents! That is what the official Islamic Republic News Agency reported this week, that police had, ahem, "arrested" 14 squirrels on charges of espionage. The rodents were found near the Iranian border, allegedly equipped with eavesdropping devices, according to IRNA. When asked to confirm the story, Esmaeel Ahmadi Moghadam, the national police chief, said, "I have heard about it, but I do not have precise information." He declined to give any more details. IRNA said that the squirrels were discovered by intelligence services – but were captured by police officers several weeks ago.
'Are you serious?'The reaction to the report on Tehran’s streets was varied – from disbelief to assigning guilt for the alleged infraction. "No, I had not heard about this, but it does not surprise me, foreign countries are always meddling in Iran," said Hassan Mohmmadi, a fast-food vendor.Mohammadi asked me if I knew where the squirrels were from, and I told him that I didn’t know. Then he came to his own conclusions. "I bet they were British squirrels, they are the most cunning," he replied. Meantime, an independent journalist, Sepher Sopli, was not surprised by the idea that another country would spy on Iran, so much as he was dumbfounded by their methods. "I read this story in the papers and though it was very bizarre; what struck me as odd was that in this age of modern technology, people were relying on squirrels to do their spying," Sopli said. But, the report was still strange enough to surprise. "That's very funny, but you’re not serious are you?" said Soraya Jafari, a student in Tehran.
Maybe not a firstEspionage not entirely foreign to animals. If true, this would not be the first time animals have been used for military endeavors. During World War II, Allied forces used pigeons to fly vital intelligence out of occupied France. More recently, U.S. Marines stationed in Kuwait trained chickens for a low-tech chemical detection system. It’s also well documented that dolphins have been used to seek out underwater mines. Spying is something that is taken seriously in any country, especially in a place like Iran, where numerous squirrels are currently being held on charges of espionage. Still, the squirrels that breached the Iranian border carrying sensitive spying equipment must have been nuts.

TELL US YOUR VIEWS WE WANT TO KNOW

* "This is great atrocity and demeaning to the squirrel society at large and we demand their immediate release and all their belongings be returned unto them, including any and all nuts that were confiscated from them" ...Imma Frogge, The PATA Foundation of North America

* "Squirrels have rights also and they should not be harmed or "angel-cuffed", I am on record as opposing any and all rubber hose techniques being in any way implemented or used in the interrogation of these members of society" .........US Congresswoman Hilarity Clinkus
* "A fund has been arrainged for these poor defensless creatures and hopefully any prosthesis they may need as well as monthly sustance allowance upon their freedom." ....Walter Reed spokesman.......Bandm Uppl

* "These "squirrels" as they are being called and not being addressed by their names, do not and did not carry nor hide any weapons of mass destruction and the allegations are not true that they were given night vision goggles or bullet proof vests, the burden of proof lays at the feet of President Ahmadenjad and his compatriates to prove his allegations and not the disappearance of many nuts as he has claimed." ......VP Dak Chinney
* "I have alway maintained that the government is secretly using animals and insects to conduct both espionage and spying techniques across a broad spectrum of life and doing so without Constitutional authority and the Homeland Security Act, What do you think they use the V- Chip for? entertainment? don't be fooled." .....Ahllx Jhons

* "In my day, at dar twelth gaugged shatgun, ant a swaller or two of thet ther shine, thet hold sqirl wult haf been dumlin fer de chiltren, youse kno wot I meant?"....Kentuck Woodsmen BobJoe Dunkiltit

* "Squirrels have been found to emit 02 gases by their constant swinging from tree to tree and have caused the melting of ice trays set out of the refrigerators, and made bad milk go worse. We must explore what they are doing to the Polar Bunnies who cannot fly or swing from trees and then maybe we can understand why planes take off from the ground instead of in the air which is where they wind up being after take off, but I can't seem to get the media focused on the problems they are to busy chasing after Peris Hiding - uh, Hilden. Soon my new movie will be released, which I hope you will get all your neighbours to watch also and it will be titled, "Groundless Flight Airlines and Quick Trays:the melting of the cube.?".......Pal Bore

WANT MORE? visti http://themousecried.blogspot.com/

EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE TO DICTORIAL POWER

National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive
For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryMay 9, 2007
NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/NSPD 51 HOMELAND SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/HSPD- 20 Subject: National Continuity Policy
(1) This directive establishes a comprehensive national policy on the continuity of Federal Government structures and operations and a single National Continuity Coordinator responsible for coordinating the development and implementation of Federal continuity policies. This policy establishes "National Essential Functions," prescribes continuity requirements for all executive departments and agencies, and provides guidance for State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector organizations in order to ensure a comprehensive and integrated national continuity program that will enhance the credibility of our national security posture and enable a more rapid and effective response to and recovery from a national emergency. Definitions (2) In this directive: (a) "Category" refers to the categories of executive departments and agencies listed in Annex A to this directive; (b) "Catastrophic Emergency" means any incident, regardless of location, that results in extraordinary levels of mass casualties, damage, or disruption severely affecting the U.S. population, infrastructure, environment, economy, or government functions; (c) "Continuity of Government," or "COG," means a coordinated effort within the Federal Government's executive branch to ensure that National Essential Functions continue to be performed during a Catastrophic Emergency; (d) "Continuity of Operations," or "COOP," means an effort within individual executive departments and agencies to ensure that Primary Mission-Essential Functions continue to be performed during a wide range of emergencies, including localized acts of nature, accidents, and technological or attack-related emergencies; (e) "Enduring Constitutional Government," or "ECG," means a cooperative effort among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the Federal Government, coordinated by the President, as a matter of comity with respect to the legislative and judicial branches and with proper respect for the constitutional separation of powers among the branches, to preserve the constitutional framework under which the Nation is governed and the capability of all three branches of government to execute constitutional responsibilities and provide for orderly succession, appropriate transition of leadership, and interoperability and support of the National Essential Functions during a catastrophic emergency; (f) "Executive Departments and Agencies" means the executive departments enumerated in 5 U.S.C. 101, independent establishments as defined by 5 U.S.C. 104(1), Government corporations as defined by 5 U.S.C. 103(1), and the United States Postal Service; (g) "Government Functions" means the collective functions of the heads of executive departments and agencies as defined by statute, regulation, presidential direction, or other legal authority, and the functions of the legislative and judicial branches; (h) "National Essential Functions," or "NEFs," means that subset of Government Functions that are necessary to lead and sustain the Nation during a catastrophic emergency and that, therefore, must be supported through COOP and COG capabilities; and (i) "Primary Mission Essential Functions," or "PMEFs," means those Government Functions that must be performed in order to support or implement the performance of NEFs before, during, and in the aftermath of an emergency. Policy (3) It is the policy of the United States to maintain a comprehensive and effective continuity capability composed of Continuity of Operations and Continuity of Government programs in order to ensure the preservation of our form of government under the Constitution and the continuing performance of National Essential Functions under all conditions. Implementation Actions (4) Continuity requirements shall be incorporated into daily operations of all executive departments and agencies. As a result of the asymmetric threat environment, adequate warning of potential emergencies that could pose a significant risk to the homeland might not be available, and therefore all continuity planning shall be based on the assumption that no such warning will be received. Emphasis will be placed upon geographic dispersion of leadership, staff, and infrastructure in order to increase survivability and maintain uninterrupted Government Functions. Risk management principles shall be applied to ensure that appropriate operational readiness decisions are based on the probability of an attack or other incident and its consequences. (5) The following NEFs are the foundation for all continuity programs and capabilities and represent the overarching responsibilities of the Federal Government to lead and sustain the Nation during a crisis, and therefore sustaining the following NEFs shall be the primary focus of the Federal Government leadership during and in the aftermath of an emergency that adversely affects the performance of Government Functions: (a) Ensuring the continued functioning of our form of government under the Constitution, including the functioning of the three separate branches of government; (b) Providing leadership visible to the Nation and the world and maintaining the trust and confidence of the American people; (c) Defending the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and preventing or interdicting attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests; (d) Maintaining and fostering effective relationships with foreign nations; (e) Protecting against threats to the homeland and bringing to justice perpetrators of crimes or attacks against the United States or its people, property, or interests; (f) Providing rapid and effective response to and recovery from the domestic consequences of an attack or other incident; (g) Protecting and stabilizing the Nation's economy and ensuring public confidence in its financial systems; and (h) Providing for critical Federal Government services that address the national health, safety, and welfare needs of the United States. (6) The President shall lead the activities of the Federal Government for ensuring constitutional government. In order to advise and assist the President in that function, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism (APHS/CT) is hereby designated as the National Continuity Coordinator. The National Continuity Coordinator, in coordination with the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), without exercising directive authority, shall coordinate the development and implementation of continuity policy for executive departments and agencies. The Continuity Policy Coordination Committee (CPCC), chaired by a Senior Director from the Homeland Security Council staff, designated by the National Continuity Coordinator, shall be the main day-to-day forum for such policy coordination. (7) For continuity purposes, each executive department and agency is assigned to a category in accordance with the nature and characteristics of its national security roles and responsibilities in support of the Federal Government's ability to sustain the NEFs. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall serve as the President's lead agent for coordinating overall continuity operations and activities of executive departments and agencies, and in such role shall perform the responsibilities set forth for the Secretary in sections 10 and 16 of this directive. (8) The National Continuity Coordinator, in consultation with the heads of appropriate executive departments and agencies, will lead the development of a National Continuity Implementation Plan (Plan), which shall include prioritized goals and objectives, a concept of operations, performance metrics by which to measure continuity readiness, procedures for continuity and incident management activities, and clear direction to executive department and agency continuity coordinators, as well as guidance to promote interoperability of Federal Government continuity programs and procedures with State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate. The Plan shall be submitted to the President for approval not later than 90 days after the date of this directive. (9) Recognizing that each branch of the Federal Government is responsible for its own continuity programs, an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President shall ensure that the executive branch's COOP and COG policies in support of ECG efforts are appropriately coordinated with those of the legislative and judicial branches in order to ensure interoperability and allocate national assets efficiently to maintain a functioning Federal Government. (10) Federal Government COOP, COG, and ECG plans and operations shall be appropriately integrated with the emergency plans and capabilities of State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate, in order to promote interoperability and to prevent redundancies and conflicting lines of authority. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall coordinate the integration of Federal continuity plans and operations with State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector owners and operators of critical infrastructure, as appropriate, in order to provide for the delivery of essential services during an emergency. (11) Continuity requirements for the Executive Office of the President (EOP) and executive departments and agencies shall include the following: (a) The continuation of the performance of PMEFs during any emergency must be for a period up to 30 days or until normal operations can be resumed, and the capability to be fully operational at alternate sites as soon as possible after the occurrence of an emergency, but not later than 12 hours after COOP activation; (b) Succession orders and pre-planned devolution of authorities that ensure the emergency delegation of authority must be planned and documented in advance in accordance with applicable law; (c) Vital resources, facilities, and records must be safeguarded, and official access to them must be provided; (d) Provision must be made for the acquisition of the resources necessary for continuity operations on an emergency basis; (e) Provision must be made for the availability and redundancy of critical communications capabilities at alternate sites in order to support connectivity between and among key government leadership, internal elements, other executive departments and agencies, critical partners, and the public; (f) Provision must be made for reconstitution capabilities that allow for recovery from a catastrophic emergency and resumption of normal operations; and (g) Provision must be made for the identification, training, and preparedness of personnel capable of relocating to alternate facilities to support the continuation of the performance of PMEFs. (12) In order to provide a coordinated response to escalating threat levels or actual emergencies, the Continuity of Government Readiness Conditions (COGCON) system establishes executive branch continuity program readiness levels, focusing on possible threats to the National Capital Region. The President will determine and issue the COGCON Level. Executive departments and agencies shall comply with the requirements and assigned responsibilities under the COGCON program. During COOP activation, executive departments and agencies shall report their readiness status to the Secretary of Homeland Security or the Secretary's designee. (13) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall: (a) Conduct an annual assessment of executive department and agency continuity funding requests and performance data that are submitted by executive departments and agencies as part of the annual budget request process, in order to monitor progress in the implementation of the Plan and the execution of continuity budgets; (b) In coordination with the National Continuity Coordinator, issue annual continuity planning guidance for the development of continuity budget requests; and (c) Ensure that heads of executive departments and agencies prioritize budget resources for continuity capabilities, consistent with this directive. (14) The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy shall: (a) Define and issue minimum requirements for continuity communications for executive departments and agencies, in consultation with the APHS/CT, the APNSA, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Chief of Staff to the President; (b) Establish requirements for, and monitor the development, implementation, and maintenance of, a comprehensive communications architecture to integrate continuity components, in consultation with the APHS/CT, the APNSA, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the Chief of Staff to the President; and (c) Review quarterly and annual assessments of continuity communications capabilities, as prepared pursuant to section 16(d) of this directive or otherwise, and report the results and recommended remedial actions to the National Continuity Coordinator. (15) An official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President shall: (a) Advise the President, the Chief of Staff to the President, the APHS/CT, and the APNSA on COGCON operational execution options; and (b) Consult with the Secretary of Homeland Security in order to ensure synchronization and integration of continuity activities among the four categories of executive departments and agencies. (16) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall: (a) Coordinate the implementation, execution, and assessment of continuity operations and activities; (b) Develop and promulgate Federal Continuity Directives in order to establish continuity planning requirements for executive departments and agencies; (c) Conduct biennial assessments of individual department and agency continuity capabilities as prescribed by the Plan and report the results to the President through the APHS/CT; (d) Conduct quarterly and annual assessments of continuity communications capabilities in consultation with an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President; (e) Develop, lead, and conduct a Federal continuity training and exercise program, which shall be incorporated into the National Exercise Program developed pursuant to Homeland Security Presidential Directive-8 of December 17, 2003 ("National Preparedness"), in consultation with an official designated by the Chief of Staff to the President; (f) Develop and promulgate continuity planning guidance to State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators; (g) Make available continuity planning and exercise funding, in the form of grants as provided by law, to State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, and private sector critical infrastructure owners and operators; and (h) As Executive Agent of the National Communications System, develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive continuity communications architecture. (17) The Director of National Intelligence, in coordination with the Attorney General and the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall produce a biennial assessment of the foreign and domestic threats to the Nation's continuity of government. (18) The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall provide secure, integrated, Continuity of Government communications to the President, the Vice President, and, at a minimum, Category I executive departments and agencies. (19) Heads of executive departments and agencies shall execute their respective department or agency COOP plans in response to a localized emergency and shall: (a) Appoint a senior accountable official, at the Assistant Secretary level, as the Continuity Coordinator for the department or agency; (b) Identify and submit to the National Continuity Coordinator the list of PMEFs for the department or agency and develop continuity plans in support of the NEFs and the continuation of essential functions under all conditions; (c) Plan, program, and budget for continuity capabilities consistent with this directive; (d) Plan, conduct, and support annual tests and training, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, in order to evaluate program readiness and ensure adequacy and viability of continuity plans and communications systems; and (e) Support other continuity requirements, as assigned by category, in accordance with the nature and characteristics of its national security roles and responsibilities General Provisions (20) This directive shall be implemented in a manner that is consistent with, and facilitates effective implementation of, provisions of the Constitution concerning succession to the Presidency or the exercise of its powers, and the Presidential Succession Act of 1947 (3 U.S.C. 19), with consultation of the Vice President and, as appropriate, others involved. Heads of executive departments and agencies shall ensure that appropriate support is available to the Vice President and others involved as necessary to be prepared at all times to implement those provisions. (21) This directive: (a) Shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and the authorities of agencies, or heads of agencies, vested by law, and subject to the availability of appropriations; (b) Shall not be construed to impair or otherwise affect (i) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budget, administrative, and legislative proposals, or (ii) the authority of the Secretary of Defense over the Department of Defense, including the chain of command for military forces from the President, to the Secretary of Defense, to the commander of military forces, or military command and control procedures; and (c) Is not intended to, and does not, create any rights or benefits, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the United States, its agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person. (22) Revocation. Presidential Decision Directive 67 of October 21, 1998 ("Enduring Constitutional Government and Continuity of Government Operations"), including all Annexes thereto, is hereby revoked. (23) Annex A and the classified Continuity Annexes, attached hereto, are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this directive. (24) Security. This directive and the information contained herein shall be protected from unauthorized disclosure, provided that, except for Annex A, the Annexes attached to this directive are classified and shall be accorded appropriate handling, consistent with applicable Executive Orders.
GEORGE W. BUSH

MEXICO/CANADA UPSET OVER LAW FOR GUNS

Lawmakers block access to gun sales data
(MEXICO EX-PRESIDENT IS ANGERED BECAUSE 2ND ADMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION-THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS IS PROTECTED-EX-PRESIDENT VINCYNTHIA FOX STATES "IT IS INDEED A TRAGEDY FOR MEXICO WHICH IS TO BECOME THE 53RD STATE OF AMERICA. CANADIAN PARLIMENT EXPRESSES ANGUISH TOWARD LAW PROTECTION AND MAY RECONSIDER THE 54TH STATE PROPOSAL.)
Pro-gun rights Democrats teamed with House Republicans on Thursday to block local governments and law enforcement agencies from gaining routine access to gun-purchasing data. The House Appropriations Committee defeated two attempts by gun control advocates to strip four-year-old restrictions on the use of information from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives tracing gun sales. The votes were a victory for the National Rifle Association and came despite the Democratic takeover of Congress in January. The committee's emotional debate often focused on broader gun rights issues rather than the matter at hand, involving when the bureau can share such information. Gun control advocates say the gun sales data is essential to uncovering dealers who sell guns that disproportionately end up in the hands of criminals. Gun rights advocates, led by Rep. Todd Tiahrt, R-Kan., said mayors such as New York City's Michael Bloomberg want the data to sue out-of-state gun dealers. Tiahrt, the key sponsor of the restrictions on sharing gun trace data, also said easing the restrictions could lead to the disclosure of police officers' identities and other details to criminals. "What the Tiahrt amendment does is protect those who protect us," Tiahrt said. Pro-gun advocates say the data-sharing restrictions protect gun owners' privacy. But Bloomberg and other mayors contend they hamper law enforcement authorities' ability to trace illegal guns and arrest weapons traffickers. "This handcuffs the cops, not the criminals," said Rep. C.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger, D-Md. More than a dozen Democrats, most from rural districts, joined with all but two committee Republicans to defeat a bid by Rep. Patrick Kennedy, D-R.I., to ease the data sharing restrictions but ensure that police officers' names would not be compromised. Earlier, a bid by Rep. Jim Moran, D-Va., to reject Tiahrt's language altogether lost by a voice vote. The mayors say gun tracing data helps police departments determine the source of illegal guns, who buys them and how they are distributed. Almost three-fifths of guns used in crimes are sold by just 1 percent of gun dealers, who forge relationship with gun traffickers making multiple purchases. Under Bloomberg, who recently left the GOP amid speculation he may run for president as an independent, the city has sued out-of-state gun dealers in an attempt to reduce the flow of illegal guns into New York. The NRA-backed restrictions block cities from getting ATF data for such suits. The committee chairman, Rep. David Obey — a liberal Democrat representing a rural Wisconsin district — said the issue was only marginally related to gun rights. He opposed the efforts to ease the data restrictions. But Obey lashed out at both the NRA, which failed to endorse him in his most recent race despite his pro-gun rights record, and Bloomberg. He said the mayor's representatives met with his staff and threatened to run television ads attacking him. Lindsay Ellenbogen, a Bloomberg aide, denied any threats. Bloomberg is co-chairman of Mayors Against Illegal Gun Sales, which has run ads in a few congressional districts. Thursday's result continued a run of back luck on Capitol Hill for gun control advocates. They have lost many times since a Democratic-controlled Congress pushed through an assault weapons ban in 1994. Many Democrats credited the ban for losses in rural seats as the party took a drubbing at the polls that year. The return of Congress to Democratic hands did not appreciably hurt the NRA's position because many of the newcomers are from rural, pro-gun rights districts. "To allow this information to be misused by trial lawyers and gun control groups who want to sue gun manufacturers because criminals misused legally made and legally sold guns is not only bad policy but bad politics," said Chris W. Cox, the NRA's top lobbyist. The votes came as the committee approved a $53.6 billion bill for the departments of Commerce and Justice, as well as NASA and science programs.
ONE POST-NOTE THE CATHOLIC GROUP CALLED, NUNS WITH GUNS, PRESERVED RIGHTS UNDER ATT.JANET RENO UNDER THE CLINTON PRESIDENCY WILL RETAIN THEIR RIGHT TO PRIVACY AND CARRY.

IRI INTERVIEW WITH CDC AND MISSING 22MIL

Equipment worth $22M missing from CDC
1 hour, 23 minutes ago
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will investigate the disappearance of $22 million worth of equipment, computers and other items from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Last month, a congressional oversight committee requested an audit of the CDC's property management procedures and an investigation into allegations of theft at the center. CDC officials said they have accounted for about $9 million in missing goods in recent weeks. "A thorough audit will help stop the bleeding of taxpayer-owned property at CDC," U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, a member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, said in a statement Wednesday. "In cases of theft, it will also tell us what happened to the thieves." The committee specifically said it was concerned about a suspected "insider" burglary of $500,000 in computers, and millions of dollars worth of other items missing or unaccounted for since the CDC's last audit in 1995. Daniel Levinson, inspector general of Health and Human Services, told Barton in a June 25 letter that his department would conduct an audit and investigate the theft allegations, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday. Between fiscal 2004 and 2006, there were 61 investigations into the theft or disappearance of CDC property. No arrests or disciplinary action resulted from those investigations, and several are ongoing, CDC spokesman Tom Skinner said. He said much of the equipment was discovered missing during a reorganization at the center. Staff are using new computer programs to better track items, he said.
IRI NEWS AND VIEWS
3 hours and few minutes.
INTERVIEW WITH THE HEAD OF THE CDC AND RECORDS KEEPING UNIT
Tommie: Welcome to the CDC, glad we could set this story straight.
IRI: My name is Behn Haidd, and I thank you for inviting us to conduct this interview, would you like to check my ID and credentials-my press pass?
Tommie: No, of course not. We here at CDC trust all peoples of the world and have nothing to hide nor withhold, give us the questions and "ha-ha" I hope we can clear up a few things. (I note at this point that Tommie either winked at me or had something in his eye).
IRI: It has been reported that you and your staff have lost over 22 million dollars of equipment and are now under and ongoing congressional investigation, is there any truth to this story?
Tom: Yes, unfortunately, Some equipment, records, and vials of some type of green looking stuff have turned up missing in action, so to speak, "ha-ha" you know a real MIA type of drama but you'll never see this type of stuff on TV you know what I mean? They use only the fake stories never the real stuff.
IRI: Can you elaborate, or tell us what some of the more "compromised" items may be missing? What about the peoples whom have AID's and other infectious diseases, are they missing any records, and thank goodness there were no nuclear launch codes lost as in the previous two administrations (speaking of the current administration)...!
Tom: Well....let's see..how should I put this, uh, on the AID's thingee I suppose some of those records were what we would consider in the secret world - compromised. As bad as I hate to state this, imagine if the President and his Vice and the Congress,Senate,Judicial departments were, shall I say, Hit or as we say "interrupted" would you not want someone in charge of the Nukes who were very responsible, in case of an attack, now you can see what we are up against.
IRI: Were there any suspicious characters "hangin out or around the CDC lately" and if so can you tell us what and who they are?
Tom: Well, heh-heh, there was this one guy and some of his so-called "doctor friends", but I mean, be real they could not recite any of the medical information we were sharing with them and they kept asking about "vials of Russian made Smallpox". When I asked the good doctor, if he was a doctor "ha-ha" about the medical definition of the RSP (Russian Made Smallpox) he did not know how to define it or what it looked like or where we kept it stored I had to show him everything, he didn't even know the combination to the vault where we keep the stuff stored, I mean, you talk about your dummies and Morons, and that's with a capitial M for stupid, this guy was loaded. And get this, his name was, if you can believe it Amaso Neb Nedal what a clown and he fancied his big beard and kept rubbing it, you know what I mean, what a real winner. And the guys with him were like your first year med students and they kept stating, "You do not have authority or laptops for, how do you say, nuke lauch codes, right?" What a dunce if I told him once I must have told him a thousand times, "Yes, I have the codes but it's just me no one else has the codes except Mike, Tony, Roberta, Lois and a few others whom I don't know their names" he wasn't convinced I finally had to give him one of the laptops to convince him, what an idiot.
IRI: Did he return the laptop to you? Did you check their ID's?
Tom: Well, I am sure he did or if he didn't he meant to return it. We here at CDC do not check ID's or discriminate in any fashion, that's your local boys who do that, you know, your hometown heros the police or cops as we call them, what a bunch of know it alls, they have to know where people are from, check their ID's and passports, you know, the stuff that gives us all the willies..! I have even heard they use mirrors underneath cars and trucks and use "sniffer dogs" I mean, gee whiz, what's that all about? If you ask me we would be better off if the FEDs were in charge locally.
IRI: You do know that is against the Constitution don't you? Are you aware that M.ShirtOff has stated that we may soon be hit by a terrorist attack by late summer?
Tom: Oh, the Constitution, "What's that" stated Tom (with that uncanny wink as he had before), a little tidbit for you as a reporter, you guys should learn your law - when we signed onto NAFTA, GATT and soon with AFTA, and this I bet you didn't know it was against the arachic Constitution and in signing such made it null and void, that is why we turned 20 miles of each side of all waterways, including the small ponds and creeks over to the UN and also our National Parks, why do you think they call them International Parks (?), you should read that Constitution you talk about and these small insignificant details you would know. And about the late Summer hit by terrorists, you haven't heard, because all the people were getting distraught with not knowing the exact timetable the President and Mr. ShirtOff have had it move up to within a few weeks, boy, if I did not know any better I would say that you reporters were just as much an idiot as the Amaso Neb Nedal group that he brought here but at least they could fly commercial jets, I bet you can't do that can you?
IRI: No, you got me there I am not a piolt. Do you have any views on this recent Pope comment that any one that is not in the Catholic Church are not going to heaven?
Tom: Keep this off the record as we are not allowed to mix Church and State, oops sorry, that was under the Constitution, "you should interview some of the Popes mouthpieces" they can give you plenty of comments.
IRI: And who would that be?
Tom: Anyone at Foxx Tv and practically any other network, but I ask you he's German, right, I mean this Pope-he's German, what did you expect? But for now I must close this interview and ask that you keep my name out of the media for appearance sake.
IRI: Yes, he's German and perhaps you are right. We honour all of our interviews by withholding names upon request, I thank you for your time and letting us come into the CDC but I must ask, why such a hurry?
Tom: Well that really," intelligent doctor" is due to drop in and I have to go over a few more codes with him and his comrades, you remember, the dude as I call him in private, named Amaso Neb Nebal, have a great day.
IRI: Thank you, and you also.

POPE PARTS WITH PROMISE KEEPERS TO SHOW HIS TRUE COLORS

FROM UNITY WITH THE "PROMISE KEEPERS" TO CONDEMNATION OF THE CHURCH, THE POPE SHOWS HIS TRUE COLORS - (NOT THIS POPE BUT THE NEXT WILL BE THE OFFICE OF THE ANTI-CHRIST - POPE JOHN PAUL XX111)
Matthew 23:8-10 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI has ignited controversy across the world by approving a document saying non-Catholic Christian communities are either defective or not true churches, and the Roman Catholic Church provides the only true path to salvation. "Christ 'established here on earth' only one church," said the document, reasserting the primacy of Catholicism. It said other Christian communities such as Protestants "cannot be called 'churches' in the proper sense" since they don't have what's known as apostolic succession – that is, the ability to trace their bishops back to the original 12 apostles of Jesus. The document said the Orthodox church suffered from a "wound" because it did not recognize the primacy of the pope, adding the wound was "still more profound" among Protestant denominations. It was "difficult to see how the title of 'Church' could possibly be attributed to them," said the statement from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, purporting Roman Catholicism was "the one true Church of Christ." "These separated churches and communities, though we believe they suffer from defects, are deprived neither of significance nor importance in the mystery of salvation," the document read. "In fact the Spirit of Christ has not refrained from using them as instruments of salvation, whose value derives from that fullness of grace and of truth which has been entrusted to the Catholic Church." The document, formulated as five questions and answers, repeated sections of a 2000 text the pope wrote when he was prefect of the congregation, "Dominus Iesus," which angered Protestant and other Christian denominations because it said they were not true churches and did not have the "means of salvation." The Vatican's statement, signed by American Cardinal William Levada, was approved by Benedict June 29, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul in the Catholic faith. Protestant leaders wasted no time attacking the statement. "It makes us question whether we are indeed praying together for Christian unity," said the World Alliance of Reformed Churches, a group of 75 million Protestants in more than 100 countries. "It makes us question the seriousness with which the Roman Catholic Church takes its dialogues with the reformed family and other families of the church." Today's edition of the London Times gave the story prominence with a headline reading: "If it isn't Roman Catholic then it's not a proper Church, pope tells Christians." Its online edition also features a messageboard where readers from all over the world are reacting to the pronouncement, including: The pope is being honest in saying what all right thinking Catholics believe. (Brian O Cinneide, Durban, South Africa) The Roman Catholic Church IS the true Church, all others are "off shoots," "break away" or denominations. (Connie, Billings, Montana) I guess the crux of it is that if you don't accept the pope as your leader, then the church you are in is illegitimate. This is most offensive and insincere considering the Roman Catholic Church keeps telling us that it wants to reach out to other Christian and non-Christian faiths. I would say that the Catholic Church is "not proper" for issuing this provocative article not the Christian churches. (Niki Saliba, Melbourne, Australia) I am embarrassed to be Catholic. I feel as if a major part of my ongoing and increasingly difficult decision to remain in the Church has been excised. The pope is going to take the Church back to a time when it was populated by only a hard-core, self-congratulatory few. I guess that will mean fewer parishes to keep open and more donations per capita. (Janet, Ohio) Just shows why it is almost impossible to remain a practicing Catholic. The medium is more important than the message. Do you really think Christ would think it was more important to belong to one brand of Christianity than to live by his teachings? (Maria, Sydney, Australia The early Christians set a bad example for everyone. They prayed in other tongues, engaged in prophesy, laid hands on the sick, cast out demons and met in services in the catacombs. They stuck together even until death and crucifixion. They acted like they were in love with God as a result of a supernatural experience through the Holy Spirit as a result of Christ's death of redemption. Those improper Christians never did get it right with their early Church practices! (Mark, Houston, Texas)

NEW TOOTHPASTE FROM CHINA-ANTI-FREEZE TOOTHPAST-

UNITED STATES CITIZENS MAY NOW SUE BOTH CHINA (FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER) AND THE UNITED STATES (FAILURE TO INSPECT IMPORTED FOOD (including dog food and pet deaths) AND SELF-CARE PRODUCTS) IN THE WORLD COURT SYSTEM OF THE UNITED NATIONS.
China bans toxic syrup in toothpaste
China banned diethylene glycol — a thickening agent in antifreeze — from use in toothpaste Wednesday, one of its most significant concessions yet as it struggles to regain international confidence in the country's beleaguered exports. Chinese-made toothpaste containing the toxic substance, which can cause kidney failure, paralysis and death, has been yanked from sale in North and South America, Europe and Asia in recent weeks. Diethylene glycol is used as a low-cost substitute for glycerin, a sweetener commonly found in drugs, food, toothpaste and other products. Although there have been no reports of health problems stemming from the toothpaste, dozens of people in Panama died last year after taking medicine contaminated with the chemical imported from China. It was passed off as harmless glycerin. "From today onwards, toothpaste manufacturers are not allowed to use diethylene glycol as an ingredient," the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said in a notice posted late Wednesday on its Web site. While China has never had guidelines banning diethylene glycol, or DEG, in toothpaste, the statement said the vast majority of Chinese toothpaste manufacturers have already stopped using it in order to reassure consumers and "to avoid unnecessary losses incurred by exporting manufacturers." But, it said, the ban also extends to imported products and reiterated China's official stance that diethylene glycol in small quantities is safe, based on tests carried out by Chinese health experts in 2000. "Long-term use of toothpaste containing DEG in amounts less than 15.6 percent will not have a negative health impact on humans," the administration said. "Currently there's no evidence to show that the use of DEG in toothpaste directly causes cases of poisoning in people. ... Consumers should not be concerned." The announcement is the latest in a string of moves by China to clarify murky regulations, tighten enforcement and clean up graft — factors underpinning its poor food safety record — as it fights to prove it is not a danger to the global supply chain. In recent weeks, importers of Chinese goods, especially the United States, have grown extremely wary as the list of products tainted with deadly toxins and dangerously high levels of chemicals grows daily, from frozen fish to juice to toys. Also Wednesday, the government ordered small, loosely regulated food producers to clean up their act and announced stricter rules for approving new drugs, a day after the former head of its food and drug agency was executed for accepting bribes in exchange for letting fake medicine into the domestic market. China's small-scale food producers have been accused of unsanitary production conditions, using tainted or substandard ingredients and failing to register with authorities. While their products generally are sold only in local areas, their continued existence helps explain why China is facing a food crisis. In a separate statement on its Web site, the quality watchdog warned that small-scale producers will be shut down unless they renovate their operations to meet hygiene standards. Those manufacturers must also avoid using recycled ingredients, unapproved additives and banned substances, the administration said. By 2009, their numbers are expected to be halved, with all properly certified by 2012, it said. Additionally, all food exported from China will have an inspection and quarantine symbol to guarantee safety starting in September, it said. China has repeatedly asked exporters to ensure the quality of their products, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said Wednesday. "After the recent spate of product quality or safety problems, the Chinese government has attached great importance to this issue," Wang Xinpei said, according to a transcript posted online. However, he added, "problems in individual products should not be extended to the overall quality of China's exported products." The quality administration did not specify how it defines small-scale producers in its crackdown, or give other details. But it has said that about 350,000, or 78 percent, of China's food processing operations employ 10 people or less. The agency also said about half — or 223,297 — of the factories it inspected nationwide were not completely certified. Another 164,149 had no certificate at all, it said. Most manufactured commonly consumed food like rice, wheat powder, soybeans, wine and cooking oil. Last month, Chinese authorities said that they had closed 180 food factories since December after inspectors found formaldehyde, illegal dyes and industrial wax being used to make candy, pickles, crackers and seafood. All had fewer than 10 employees. Another regulating agency said it shut 152,000 unlicensed food producers and retailers last year for making and selling fake and low-quality products. Meanwhile, the State Food and Drug Administration said the 2008 Beijing Olympics — a source of national pride — would give China a chance to prove to the world that it was capable of setting a new standard for food safety and raise awareness domestically about the issue. The Beijing Games would serve as a "model for food safety work in China" and for future Olympic events, director Shao Mingli was quoted Wednesday as saying in a news conference broadcast on the Internet. Amid such concerns, the execution of Zheng Xiaoyu, who headed the State Food and Drug Administration from 1997 to 2005, was another strong indication of Beijing's determination to improve product safety. In a commentary, the Communist Party's mouthpiece People's Daily newspaper said Zheng's execution was warranted because of the serious consequences of approving untested medicine in return for millions of dollars in cash and gifts. "He damaged the interests of the country and the people to a large extent," the newspaper said Wednesday. Bogus drugs approved by Zheng included an antibiotic blamed in the deaths of at least 10 people.
INTERNATIONAL FREE TRADE GATT, NAFTA, AFTA AND THE SEDUCTION AND REDISTRIBUTION OF THE WEALTH OF AMERICAN CITIZENRY -
I Kings 11: 1-8
But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon clave unto these in love. And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines: and his wives turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the LORD his God, as was the heart of David his father. For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Zidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. And Solomon did evil in the sight of the LORD, and went not fully after the LORD, as did David his father. Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his strange wives, which burnt incense and sacrificed unto their gods.

Your meen weeel be like your weemen

WOMEN IN MARRIAGES TO BECOME NEW TARGETS BY LENDING INSTITUTIONS - MEN TO BECOME TARGETS BY OTHER WOMEN - SO WHATS NEW?
NUMBERS 25:1-2 And Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods.

Study: Women Are in Charge at Home
Jeanna BrynerLiveScience Staff WriterLiveScience.com1 hour, 55 minutes ago
Men might throw their weight around at the office, but at home, women are the bosses. A study, which was just released, finds that wives have more power than their husbands in making decisions and dominating discussions. "The study at least suggests that the marriage is a place where women can exert some power," said lead author David Vogel, a psychologist at Iowa State University (ISU). "Whether or not it's because of changing societal roles, we don't know." The results counter past research. "Most of the research literature in psychology has suggested that women have less power," Vogel told LiveScience. "They have largely based that on the fact that traditionally men earn more money and so therefore would have the ability to make big decisions in the relationship." That wasn’t the case in this study. Spouse survey says: Vogel, Megan Murphy, also of ISU, and their colleagues surveyed 72 married couples in which the spouses were an average of 33 years old and had been married for about seven years. Most of the participants (66 percent) were Caucasian, followed by Asian (22 percent), Hispanic (5 percent) and African American (4 percent). The final 3 percent represented "other" nationalities. Each spouse answered questions about relationship satisfaction and overall decision-making ability. Then, each spouse noted a relationship problem that could not be resolved without the spouse’s cooperation. While money and housework were popular picks, sex didn’t come up much as a marital issue. Topics chosen by husbands/wives included: Money—18 percent (husbands) / 13 percent (wives) Housework—15 percent / 15 percent Friends and family—10 percent / 19 percent Feelings and emotions—10 percent / 13 percent Time together—13 percent / 10 percent Making decisions—18 percent / 4 percent Sex—4 percent / 1percent Intimacy—1 percent / 1 percent Communication—3 percent / 4 percent Children—husbands never chose this topic; 3 percent of wives Other relationship changes—4 percent / 17 percent The scientists videotaped the couples while they discussed each of the issues for 10 minutes. Women power: Trained volunteers coded the videotapes using a scale that rated couples’ interactions based on words and behaviors associated with blame (blames, accuses and criticizes the partner); demand (nags, pressures for change, requests); withdrawal and avoidance (avoids discussion the problem by hesitating, changing topics, diverting attention or looking away); and discussion. Wives were more demanding—asking for changes in the relationship or in their partner—and were more likely to get their way than the husbands. This held regardless of who had chosen the issue. The women were not just talking more than their husbands. "It wasn't just that the women were bringing up issues that weren't being responded to, but that the men were actually going along with what they said," Vogel explained. "[Women] were communicating more powerful messages, and men were responding to those messages by agreeing or giving in." One reason for in-charge wives could be that they carry the weight of making sure the family farm is running smoothly. "Women are responsible for overseeing the relationship, making sure the relationship runs, that everything gets done, and that everybody's happy," Murphy said. Wife power could signal a harmonious couple. "There's been research that suggests that's a marker of a healthy marriage—that men accept influence from their wives," Murphy said. The study, published in the April issue of the Journal of Counseling Psychology, was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health along with ISU. Top 10 Mysteries of the Mind The Sex Quiz: Myths, Taboos and Bizarre Facts Why Men Ignore Their Wives Original Story: Study: Women Are in Charge at Home

Page 1 WJ CofC AND SPAN DIALOGUE ON BAPTISM OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

New Testament Baptism: In Water or the Spirit?
January 22, 2002
by W J
Some allege that the baptism commissioned by Christ was not a rite in water. Rather, they contend, it is an immersion in the Holy Spirit. What are the facts regarding this matter?
“How would you respond to those who make the claim that passages such as Galatains 3:27; Romans 6:3,4; Colossians 2:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13, and 1 Peter 3:21—refer to a ‘Spirit’ baptism, rather than to ‘water’ baptism?”
Some years ago I had a series of public debates with a gentleman who contended that there is no divinely-authorized “water” baptism today. The water baptism specifically mentioned in the book of Acts (e.g., 8:36; 10:47), he opined, was merely a “Jewish purification” ritual. He claimed that this ceremonial act was terminated with the close of the book of Acts, and that the only baptism in vogue today is a “Spirit baptism.”
This dogma is quite erroneous, and it can be refuted effectively.
In response I must first point out that it is generally agreed that whatever the “baptism” is—in those passages that associate the rite with salvation—it is the same type of “baptism” in all the verses. In other words, the “baptism” of Matthew 28:19 is of the same kind as that in Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; 1 Peter 3:21; etc. My debate opponent, mentioned above, happily conceded this point.
In view of this, consider the following:
The baptism mentioned in Matthew 28:19 had human administrators. Christ commissioned the apostles to go and make disciples, baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Inasmuch as an apostle could not baptize “in the Spirit” (only Christ could do that—Mt. 3:11), one is forced to conclude that the baptism of Matthew 28:19 is water baptism, not Spirit baptism.
I am unaware of any reputable Bible scholar who contends otherwise. If, then, the other passages that mention baptism (see above) are of the same import, it follows that they likewise refer to water baptism, not Spirit baptism.
Both Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12 make it clear that the baptism of these passages involves both an immersion in “something,” and a “being raised” from the same substance. This makes perfectly good sense if water baptism is in view.
On the other hand, if the “Spirit” is the element of the baptism, this would suggest that one is buried in the Spirit, and subsequently “raised from” the Spirit. This would imply further that the new convert would not have the Spirit, and therefore, would not belong to the Lord (Rom. 8:9; Gal. 4:6). This conclusion obviously is wrong—thus demonstrating that the element of the baptism in Romans 6:3-4 and Colossians 2:12 is not the Holy Spirit. By default, it must be water baptism.
Water is specifically associated with baptism in 1 Peter 3:21. If the allusion here, then, is to water baptism, and yet 1 Peter 3:21 refers to the same sort of baptism as the other passages cited, then clearly they speak of water baptism as well.
The passage that would come closest to teaching a “Spirit” baptism would be 1 Corinthians 12:13, but, the fact is, a careful analysis of related passages reveals that not even this text teaches a baptism in the Spirit.
Note the following logic: The baptism of 1 Corinthians 12:13 puts one into the one “body,” which is the same as the “church” (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18,24). But the church is identified with the kingdom of Christ (Mt. 16:18-19). Thus, the baptism of the text under consideration introduces one into the Lord’s kingdom.
However, a related passage demonstrates that it is through the birth of “water” that one enters Christ’s kingdom (Jn. 3:3-5). One is forced to conclude, therefore, that the baptism of 1 Corinthians 12:13 is water baptism. In this connection, one should also carefully study Ephesians 5:26, and note the reference to the “washing of water.”
Finally, there is a principle of interpretation that is paramount in sound Bible exegesis. Frequently it is the case that Bible words will form a pattern. That is, a consideration of several passages containing a term will reveal that the word has a commonly understood significance. Such being the case, that normal meaning is to be attached to the term unless an exceptional context suggests that it has taken on a special significance (i.e., a figurative sense).
The term “baptize,” and its cognate “baptism,” occur together about 100 times in the New Testament. A consideration of these passages will reveal that the word may, on occasion, take on a figurative application (cf. Mt. 3:11; Lk. 12:50; Acts 1:5). Unless, though, there is clear contextual evidence that a symbolic sense has been employed, the conclusion must be that the common usage (an immersion in water) is in view.
In view of this principle, there is no reason to conclude the baptism mentioned in Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38, 22:16; Romans 6:3-4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12, and 1 Peter 3:21 is anything other than water baptism—an act of obedience, predicated upon faith and repentance, which secures forgiveness of sins and brings one into union with Jesus Christ.
To all of this we add this point. The clear cases of “water” baptism in the book of Acts (chapters 8 and 10) very obviously were not examples of Jewish ritualism. The indisputable fact is that the Mosaic law had been abolished by the cross (Eph. 2:15; Col. 2:14), and no Jewish rite was henceforth tolerated in connection with the salvation process (cf. Acts 15:1; Gal. 5:2-4) WJ.

span: In reading your article I would have to ask, What is our prime example in the act of Salvation, is it Peter's confession or his command of water baptism, is it Paul's confession or his command of water baptism or is it that of the only true Saviour Jesus Christ to whom we turn to understand the process of salvation? If one were to quote that of Matthew which I note that you indeed quoted:
Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
The command as far as I can understand it is not to baptize one into the Holy Spirit but to baptize one into the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ to which there is no other name under heaven to which we may be saved other than the name of Jesus Christ and it is He whom baptizes (if you will) us into and the Holy Spirit into us. If Christ is the prime example which I believe He is and not Peter or Paul or any other church affliation. I also take note (not as an attack but merely quoting that which I have heard other Church of Christ members state) that you should use the whole word of God in your discussions and not just certain individual passages which is how the cults attract those whom are to be led astray. Is it more important to have truth or to hold on to that which we preceive is truth (as to protect one's belief) instead of the study of the whole word of God to determine what is truth, after all, was this not the cry of Christ's day, Who may know the truth? Now if we can dialogue I would indeed like that - can we use all the scripture to discover the truth and if we do should we change our point of view according as we do receive the truth?
Ezekiel 36:20-27 And when they entered unto the heathen, whither they went, they profaned my holy name, when they said to them, These are the people of the LORD, and are gone forth out of his land. But I had pity for mine holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the heathen, whither they went. Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Here God is specific as to where the Holy Spirit should be assigned or to dwell - inside the person - not just the apostles but the whole house of Israel and note it is not conditional as to whether they themselves will seek to do good, repent from their wickedness, nor to obey the words of God, but it is God choosing to cleanse them as he sprinkles clean water upon them and changes their hearts and causes them to do his judgements by a changed heart and life, not for them does he do this but for his holy name's sake. The Bible is rather clear on the matter of baptisim which is denoted in John.
John 4:1-2 When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) Now you would think that if Christ is not a respector of persons and if he wants and desires that all should come to the knowledge of the truth He would have at least one place to where He actually baptized at least one individual by immersion in water (which I am not against just not for salvation purposes). I have also noticed that in places in the scripture where the Church of Christ cannot explain the passage(s) they begin to state it is "symbolic" how nice it must be to determine what God did or did not mean simply by stating it's "symbolic" and only "our" church or group can understand it's meaning. The only place I have found where Christ baptizes any one is in the passage in John.
John 20:20-23 And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
Now it is true we cannot forgive sins but we may pray for those whom do wish us to do so as they would turn to Christ, but we do have these verses which inform us of the operation of the Holy Spirit which when the Bible is speaking of the Holy Spirit the "s" is captialized.
Romans 8:13-17 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. If in this place He is talking only of the apostles of Christ, which is asserted by the CofC then we have not hope.Romans 8:23-28 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Do these verses attain to the church or only to the apostles,is the Holy Spirit mentioned here really the third person of the GodHead or do we now make Him symbolic and call this the Bible when the Spirit is mentioned?
Sincerely in Love and Admonition of Jesus Christ,
span