El escándalo Larry Flynt (The People vs. Larry Flynt, 1996) de Milos Forman es como ha señalado con magistral ironía el semanario Entertainment Weekly, la historia de un pionero del periodismo ginecológico.(1) La cinta descubre la tumultuosa biografía del editor porno, Larry Flynt, tumulto que llegó a su apogeo cuando los fiscales del reaganismo desataron una obscena campaña procesal contra un incómodo personaje cínico e iconoclasta, que le llevó de tribunal en tribunal durante años, mientras su negocio se encumbraba y su vida personal entraba en el picado de un inexorable naufragio.(2) Forman no presenta a Flynt como un esteta que hace bellas fotos de mujeres desnudas, lo muestra de un modo honesto como pornógrafo, epítome del mal gusto e incluso de un viejo diablo mezquino, pero apoya su derecho a publicar las revistas.(3) La película tal como la obra del personaje real no estuvo exenta de polémica.(4)

La historia de Larry Flynt (Woody Harrelson) es la de un redneck (provinciano) nacido en Salyersville (Kentuky) que ascendió desde propietario de un bar top less de mala muerte hasta convertirse en líder de la industria del porno. La fundación de la revista Husler, la relación con una de sus cinco mujeres, Althea (Courtney Love) y los constantes pleitos judiciales en el marco de su no menos tumultuosa relación con Alan Isaacman (Edward Norton), su abogado. Estos son los ejes sobre los cuales pivota toda la trama. Forman, nacido en la antigua Checoslovaquia y que vivió los rigores del totalitarismo comunista, declaró que en esta película había un sólo héroe: la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos.(5) Puede que sea cierto, pero para elevar a esta instancia judicial tuvo antes que atemperar algunos de los rasgos más exagerados del carácter de Flynt, hasta convertirlo en un personaje creíble y al mismo tiempo que adalid de los derechos civiles en la encarnación del mal gusto. Sin embargo, la exagerada (y degradada) vida de Flynt no se detiene en estos tópicos, Forman omitió sus inicios en el mundo de la sexualidad (con una gallina), sus cuatro matrimonios, cinco hijos (su hija Tonya Flynt Vega acusó a su padre de estupro y hoy es una declarada activista antipornográfica) y algunas de sus excentricidades más notables, como el hecho de que la silla de ruedas que lo sostenía después que fuera baleado es de oro macizo. Demasiadas omisiones para no pensar que esta apuesta realizada por el cine norteamericano constituya una propuesta política. No debemos perder de vista la representación que hace de los sectores más conservadores de la sociedad americana, los cuales son retratados como un conjunto de beatos mojigatos, una representación incluso menos creíble que las sátiras que Flynt retrataba -y aún retrata- en sus revistas.

A pesar de todo creemos que la cinta con la defensa del mal gusto amparado en la libertad de expresión como centro, es sumamente jugosa en una nación donde la censura en sus más diversas formas es una realidad diaria. Los casos contra la obscenidad han sido muy comunes en los Estados Unidos, como muestra podemos citar el proceso United States v. One book called Ulysses, donde un grupo denominado Sociedad de Nueva York para la Supresión del Vicio (New York Society for the Supression of Vice) logró que en 1921 el trabajo de James Joyce fuera prohibido hasta que en 1933 el Juez John M. Wolsey declaró que el libro no era obsceno y por lo tanto no era pornográfico. Otro caso no menos famoso es el proceso que encaróar el director del Centro de Arte Contemporáneo de Cincinnati, Dennis Barry, por exhibir unas fotografías de sexo explícito del fotógrafo Robert Mapplethorpe.(6)

Pornografía es una de las temáticas que se esconde debajo del ropaje de lo obsceno, sin embargo, incluso si consideráramos que lo obsceno debiera ser prohibido, debemos aceptar que nos encontramos ante un concepto difícil de etiquetar. Basta para ello revisar la jurisprudencia agregada de los tribunales americanos para identificar a la obscenidad, hasta el famoso caso Miller vs. California, donde para determinar si algo es obsceno, la Corte Suprema señaló que se debían cumplir tres requisitos: (i) si una persona promedio, usando normas comunitarias contemporáneas encuentra que la obra, en su totalidad, apela al interés lascivo; (ii) si la obra presenta o describe de una manera evidentemente ofensiva, una conducta sexual específica en los términos definidos por la ley; y, (iii) tomada en su conjunto, la obra carece de valor literario, artístico, político o científico. Este test nos revela un hecho incontrastable, la dificultad, de desarrollar una definición de lo obsceno que no sea vaga o subjetiva, pues tal como señaló en su oportunidad el juez John Marshall, la vulgaridad de un hombre es la lírica de otro.(7)

El imperio pornográfico de Larry Flynt empieza en 1974 con la publicación de la revista Husler (la revista de peor gusto más vil, más repugnante y más fabulosa de pornografía que existe), con la finalidad de publicitar su bar en bancarrota. Los parroquianos reciben la publicación con agrado, lo que incentiva a Flynt a hacer que su revista compita con Playboy y Penthouse a las cuales acusa de hipocresía al ocultar sistemáticamente los cuerpos. La estrategia de mostrarlo todo de Husler logra capturar en poco tiempo a la tercera parte del mercado. Desde sus orígenes, Husler insiste en mostrar las partes del cuerpo tradicionalmente prohibidas incluso para las revistas del género, como el órgano sexual masculino erecto, mujeres embarazadas y sexo interracial.(8)

Los excesos de la revista no generan mayor entusiasmo hasta que consigue publicar unas fotos de Jackeline Onasis (ex esposa del presidente Kennedy) desnuda en una isla griega. El resultado de estas fotos encumbró a la publicación (se vendieron más de dos millones de ejemplares). En 1976 Charles H. Keating Jr. (James Cromwell) líder de un grupo local contra la pornografía denominado Citizens for Decent Literature (Ciudadanos en pro de una literatura decente) (9) logró que se abrieran cargos contra Flynt por obscenidad y por participar en el crimen organizado. Es en este momento donde entra en acción Alan Isaacman, joven abogado de 27 años, egresado de la Universidad de Harvard e interesado en los derechos civiles, en la cinta defendería a Flynt en éste y en todos sus casos subsiguientes. Durante el proceso, el fiscal Simon Leis (James Carville) sostendrá los criterios morales de la acusación: la revista Husler muestra a hombres y mujeres posando juntos de una manera lasciva y vergonzosa, Husler presenta a mujeres y mujeres juntas de una manera lasciva y vergonzosa, la revista Husler presenta a Santa Claus posando de una manera lasciva y vergonzosa. La defensa de Isaacman ante el juez del condado de Hamilton, W.M. Morrissey (Larry Flynt) se basó en la denuncia de un juicio selectivo, pues otras revistas con contenido similar no habían sido procesadas por estos cargos. Ante la pregunta del fiscal de si una comunidad debía fijar sus propios criterios morales, Flynt centró el tema defendiendo el derecho de cada individuo para establecer sus propios criterios morales: No, eso es censura disfrazada. Este país es tan mío como lo es de usted. Si no le gusta Husler no la lea. Durante su informe oral Isaacman defenderá los mismos principios: me gusta vivir en un país donde puedo comprar la revista Husler y leerla si quiero, o tirarla a la basura si me parece apropiado. O mejor aún, puedo comprarla. Me gusta tener ese derecho, lo aprecio. (...) Es una magnífica forma de vivir. Pero esa libertad tiene su precio, que es tener que tolerar ciertas cosas que no nos gustan (...) podrán pensar lo que quieran sobre Larry Flynt y la revista Husler pero pregúntense si quieren tomar la decisión por todos. Flynt fue hallado culpable por el jurado y condenado a 25 años de prisión. El Tribunal de Apelación revocó la sentencia y puso a Flynt en libertad.

Dos años después Flynt fue acusado de vender pornografía (su propia revista) en el estado de Georgia. Durante el juicio que se desarrolló en el juzgado del condado de Gwinnett, Flynt señaló que el único límite que tiene el individuo es la ley. Desde su perspectiva puede prohibirse la circulación de una publicación sólo si así lo dispone la ley, no si se califica a dicha publicación como obscena: Quizá esté mal, para cierta gente retratar a mujeres como yo lo he hecho. Pero no es ilegal. Quizá no sea prudente beber mucho, pero no es ilegal. Quizá el aborto sea repugnante moralmente, pero en este momento no es ilegal. Si queremos cambiar las leyes es otra discusión. Pero el derecho de decidir por cuenta propia no puede ser restringido. Flynt fue absuelto por el Tribunal. A la salida de la sede judicial Flynt (10) fue baleado por un desconocido, lo que le provocó una parálisis permanente en las extremidades inferiores.

En 1984, la publicación en Hustler de una parodia de un conocido anuncio de licor (Campari) donde se satirizaba al predicador Jerry Falwell, envolvió a Flynt en otro caso. La parodia contenía una supuesta entrevista a Falwell donde hablada de su “primera vez”, éste reconocía haber mantenido relaciones sexuales iniciales con su madre en una letrina y que sermoneaba a sus seguidores completamente borracho. Falwell demandó a Flynt por difamación y por infringirle daño moral, pidiendo una indemnización de 40 millones de dólares. En la reconvención Flynt, demandó al pastor por violación de sus derechos de autor en la medida que para recaudar fondos para su causa había fotocopiado y distribuido el anuncio de Husler entre sus feligreses sin contar con la autorización de la revista. Durante la vista en un Tribunal del Distrito de Roanoke (Virginia), la defensa argumentó que cualquier persona en su sano juicio podía entender que nos encontrábamos ante una parodia, lo cual en nada lesionaba la reputación de Falwell. Flynt fue absuelto del cargo de difamación pero condenado por causar sufrimiento emocional, éste recurrió el fallo ante la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos, que estimó el recurso.

Isaacman se encuentra ahora en un dilema, Flynt es un buen cliente, tiene mucho dinero y está continuamente envuelto en pleitos. Sin embargo, el precio que está pagando por defenderle no es pequeño. Este excéntrico cliente gusta de retar a los tribunales de diferentes formas, ya sea apareciendo ante el juez vestido con uniforme militar, con un polo donde se puede leer “que se joda esta corte” e incluso llega a arrojar naranjas a un juez o a escupir en la Corte. Isaacman, teme con razón que este espectáculo se repita ante la Corte Suprema: los abogados sueñan con un caso como este frente a la Corte Suprema. (...) Pero no voy a ir contigo. Yo te he dado lo mejor de mí desde que la gente se reía de ti. Y cada vez que me presento contigo me jodes con tu número de circo. (...) No lo voy a hacer frente a la Corte Suprema de los Estados Unidos. Pero la tentación de defender un gran caso ante la Corte Suprema es una manzana a la que pocos abogados pueden sucumbir.

Durante la vista en la Corte Suprema Isaacman recordó una sátira que había visto de una publicación del siglo XVIII en donde aparecía George Washington conducido por un burro y donde la leyenda advertía que se estaba conduciendo un burro al capitolio. El conservador Juez Scalia (Rand Hopkins) interviene y recuerda a Isaacman: Yo puedo tolerar eso, George también. Pero eso dista mucho de cometer incesto con su madre ¿No hay una división entre ambos casos? Isaacman develará el centro de su defensa, sin difamación la discusión se centra únicamente en una cuestión estética: No Juez Scalia. Yo diría que no hay división. Usted está hablando de una cuestión de gusto no de derecho. Como dijo usted mismo, creo yo, en Pope vs. Illinois es inútil discutir sobre gusto, y más inútil aún litigar. Esa es la cuestión aquí. El jurado ya determinó que esta es una cuestión de gusto y no legal, al decir que no hay difamación. La Corte Suprema en un fallo unánime revocó la sentencia del tribunal del distrito al entender que no era aceptable el argumento de Falwell en el sentido de que debía responsabilizarse al editor de una publicación por una sátira ultrajante a una figura pública. La Corte destacó el hecho de que a través de la historia de los Estados Unidos la descripción gráfica y la caricatura satírica habían tenido un papel predominante en el debate público y político. Para la Corte si la causa de la ofensa es la opinión de quien la expresa, esa consecuencia es razón para otorgarle protección constitucional.(11)

Más allá de la credibilidad de la cinta, lo cierto es que Flynt y su revista Husler sirvieron como uno de los parachoques para limitar el modelo moral que se intentó imponer durante la administración del presidente Reagan. Sin embargo, aún cuando la causa de Flynt genera muchas adhesiones es un hecho indudable que su figura no merece mayores entusiasmos. Lo mismo se dice en la cinta cuando un reportero le comenta a Flynt luego de salir de prisión: mucha gente apoya a Husler pero nadie lo quiere apoyar a usted. El propio Flynt apologizará respecto de su batalla personal: ¿Por qué tengo yo que ir a la cárcel para proteger su libertad? Después de todo como el propio personaje nos dirá en un pasaje de la película: Yo sólo soy culpable de tener mal gusto.

Before I move forward, I'd like to note that there is nothing inherently wrong about a political figure changing his or her mind once in a while. It is healthy for policy makers to make decisions about issues, gather more information, and then alter their position based on this information. That's just political...science. Policy makers come to one conclusion, they gain more information, and then they reach a different conclusion. Ok, so when I see a politician who changes his mind, I don't automatically think he's a flip-flopper. I try to analyze why he's changing his mind...is it because of healthy intellectual curiosity? Or is it for political expedience?

When it comes to John McCain, I'm sorry....he's a world class flip-flopper. His policy reversals are not sincere changes due to the gathering of more information on issues. John McCain changes his mind when it's politically beneficial for him to do so (oh and by the way, Sarah Palin does the same thing). This is a horrible character flaw, especially in a candidate for President of the United States.

Sarah Palin: "We tend to prefer candidates who don't talk about us one way in Scranton and another way in San Francisco.

"As for my running mate, you can be certain that wherever he goes, and whoever is listening, John McCain is the same man."

What a joke. Again, the McCain camp thinks you're stupid and that you don't know better and that you'll just take whatever they say at face value. Not me. And not you. Let me just give you a run down of John McCain's unbelievable flip-flops on IMPORTANT, VITAL policy issues.tax

This list is from The Carpet Bagger Report.

National Security Policy

1. McCain thought Bush’s warrantless-wiretap program circumvented the law; now he believes the opposite.

2. McCain insisted that everyone, even “terrible killers,” “the worst kind of scum of humanity,” and detainees at Guantanamo Bay, “deserve to have some adjudication of their cases,” even if that means “releasing some of them.” McCain now believes the opposite.

3. He opposed indefinite detention of terrorist suspects. When the Supreme Court reached the same conclusion, he called it “one of the worst decisions in the history of this country.”

4. In February 2008, McCain reversed course on prohibiting waterboarding.

5. McCain was for closing the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay before he was against it.

6. When Barack Obama talked about going after terrorists in Pakistani mountains with predators, McCain criticized him for it. He’s since come to the opposite conclusion.

Foreign Policy

7. McCain was for kicking Russia out of the G8 before he was against it. Now, he’s for it again.

8. McCain supported moving “towards normalization of relations” with Cuba. Now he believes the opposite.

9. McCain believed the U.S. should engage in diplomacy with Hamas. Now he believes the opposite.

10. McCain believed the U.S. should engage in diplomacy with Syria. Now he believes the opposite.

11. McCain is both for and against a “rogue state rollback” as a focus of his foreign policy vision.

12. McCain used to champion the Law of the Sea convention, even volunteering to testify on the treaty’s behalf before a Senate committee. Now he opposes it.

13. McCain was against divestment from South Africa before he was for it.

Military Policy

14. McCain recently claimed that he was the “greatest critic” of Rumsfeld’s failed Iraq policy. In December 2003, McCain praised the same strategy as “a mission accomplished.” In March 2004, he said, “I’m confident we’re on the right course.” In December 2005, he said, “Overall, I think a year from now, we will have made a fair amount of progress if we stay the course.”

15. McCain has changed his mind about a long-term U.S. military presence in Iraq on multiple occasions, concluding, on multiple occasions, that a Korea-like presence is both a good and a bad idea.

16. McCain was against additional U.S. forces in Afghanistan before he was for it.

17. McCain said before the war in Iraq, “We will win this conflict. We will win it easily.” Four years later, McCain said he knew all along that the war in Iraq war was “probably going to be long and hard and tough.”

18. McCain has repeatedly said it’s a dangerous mistake to tell the “enemy” when U.S. troops would be out of Iraq. In May, McCain announced that most American troops would be home from Iraq by 2013.

19. McCain was against expanding the GI Bill before he was for it.

20. McCain staunchly opposed Obama’s Iraq withdrawal timetable, and even blasted Mitt Romney for having referenced the word during the GOP primaries. In July, after Iraqi officials endorsed Obama’s policy, McCain said a 16-month calendar sounds like “a pretty good timetable.”

Domestic Policy

21. McCain defended “privatizing” Social Security. Now he says he’s against privatization (though he actually still supports it.)

22. On Social Security, McCain said he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Soon after, asked about a possible increase in the payroll tax, McCain said there’s “nothing that’s off the table.”

23. McCain wanted to change the Republican Party platform to protect abortion rights in cases of rape and incest. Now he doesn’t.

24. McCain supported storing spent nuclear fuel at Yucca Mountain in Nevada. Now he believes the opposite.

25. He argued the NRA should not have a role in the Republican Party’s policy making. Now he believes the opposite.

26. In 1998, he championed raising cigarette taxes to fund programs to cut underage smoking, insisting that it would prevent illnesses and provide resources for public health programs. Now, McCain opposes a $0.61-per-pack tax increase, won’t commit to supporting a regulation bill he’s co-sponsoring, and has hired Philip Morris’ former lobbyist as his senior campaign adviser.

27. McCain is both for and against earmarks for Arizona.

28. McCain’s first mortgage plan was premised on the notion that homeowners facing foreclosure shouldn’t be “rewarded” for acting “irresponsibly.” His second mortgage plan took largely the opposite position.

29. McCain went from saying gay marriage should be allowed, to saying gay marriage shouldn’t be allowed.

30. McCain opposed a holiday to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., before he supported it.

31. McCain was anti-ethanol. Now he’s pro-ethanol.

32. McCain was both for and against state promotion of the Confederate flag.

33. In 2005, McCain endorsed intelligent design creationism, a year later he said the opposite, and a few months after that, he was both for and against creationism at the same time.

34. And on gay adoption, McCain initially said he’d rather let orphans go without families, then his campaign reversed course, and soon after, McCain reversed back.

35. In the Senate, McCain opposed a variety of measures on equal pay for women, and endorsed the Supreme Court’s Ledbetter decision. In July, however, McCain said, “I’m committed to making sure that there’s equal pay for equal work. That … is my record and you can count on it.”

36. McCain was against fully funding the No Child Left Behind Act before he was for it.

37. McCain was for affirmative action before he was against it.

38. McCain said the Colorado River compact will “obviously” need to be “renegotiated.” Six days later, McCain said, “Let me be clear that I do not advocate renegotiation of the compact.”

Economic Policy

39. McCain was against Bush’s tax cuts for the very wealthy before he was for them.

40. John McCain initially argued that economics is not an area of expertise for him, saying, “I’m going to be honest: I know a lot less about economics than I do about military and foreign policy issues; I still need to be educated,” and “The issue of economics is not something I’ve understood as well as I should.” He now falsely denies ever having made these remarks and insists that he has a “very strong” understanding of economics.

41. McCain vowed, if elected, to balance the federal budget by the end of his first term. Soon after, he decided he would no longer even try to reach that goal. And soon after that, McCain abandoned his second position and went back to his first.

42. McCain said in 2005 that he opposed the tax cuts because they were “too tilted to the wealthy.” By 2007, he denied ever having said this, and falsely argued that he opposed the cuts because of increased government spending.

43. McCain thought the estate tax was perfectly fair. Now he believes the opposite.

44. McCain pledged in February 2008 that he would not, under any circumstances, raise taxes. Specifically, McCain was asked if he is a “‘read my lips’ candidate, no new taxes, no matter what?” referring to George H.W. Bush’s 1988 pledge. “No new taxes,” McCain responded. Two weeks later, McCain said, “I’m not making a ‘read my lips’ statement, in that I will not raise taxes.”

45. McCain has changed his entire economic worldview on multiple occasions.

46. McCain believes Americans are both better and worse off economically than they were before Bush took office.

Energy Policy

47. McCain supported the moratorium on coastal drilling ; now he’s against it.

48. McCain recently announced his strong opposition to a windfall-tax on oil company profits. Three weeks earlier, he was perfectly comfortable with the idea.

49. McCain endorsed a cap-and-trade policy with a mandatory emissions cap. In mid-June, McCain announced he wants the caps to voluntary.

50. McCain explained his belief that a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax would provide an immediate economic stimulus. Shortly thereafter, he argued the exact opposite.

51. McCain supported the Lieberman/Warner legislation to combat global warming. Now he doesn’t.

52. McCain was for national auto emissions standards before he was against them.

Immigration Policy

53. McCain was a co-sponsor of the DREAM Act, which would grant legal status to illegal immigrants’ kids who graduate from high school. In 2007, he announced his opposition to the bill. In 2008, McCain switched back.

54. On immigration policy in general, McCain announced in February 2008 that he would vote against his own bill.

55. In April, McCain promised voters that he would secure the borders “before proceeding to other reform measures.” Two months later, he abandoned his public pledge, pretended that he’d never made the promise in the first place, and vowed that a comprehensive immigration reform policy has always been, and would always be, his “top priority.”

Judicial Policy and the Rule of Law

56. McCain said he would “not impose a litmus test on any nominee.” He used to promise the opposite.

57. McCain’s position was that the telecoms should be forced to explain their role in the administration’s warrantless surveillance program as a condition for retroactive immunity. He used to believe the opposite.

58. McCain went from saying he would not support repeal of Roe v. Wade to saying the exact opposite.

59. In June, McCain rejected the idea of a trial for Osama bin Laden, and thought Obama’s reference to Nuremberg was a misread of history. A month later, McCain argued the exact opposite position.

60. In June, McCain described the Supreme Court’s decision in Boumediene v. Bush was “one of the worst decisions in the history of this country.” In August, he reversed course.

Campaign, Ethics, and Lobbying Reform

61. McCain supported his own lobbying-reform legislation from 1997. Now he doesn’t.

62. In 2006, McCain sponsored legislation to require grassroots lobbying coalitions to reveal their financial donors. In 2007, after receiving “feedback” on the proposal, McCain told far-right activist groups that he opposes his own measure.

63. McCain supported a campaign-finance bill, which bore his name, on strengthening the public-financing system. In June 2007, he abandoned his own legislation.

64. In May 2008, McCain approved a ban on lobbyists working for his campaign. In July 2008, his campaign reversed course and said lobbyists could work for his campaign.

Politics and Associations

65. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist John Hagee. Now he doesn’t. (He also believes his endorsement from Hagee was both a good and bad idea.)

66. McCain wanted political support from radical televangelist Rod Parsley. Now he doesn’t.

67. McCain says he considered and did not consider joining John Kerry’s Democratic ticket in 2004.

68. McCain is both for and against attacking Barack Obama over his former pastor at his former church.

69. McCain criticized TV preacher Jerry Falwell as “an agent of intolerance” in 2002, but then decided to cozy up to the man who said Americans “deserved” the 9/11 attacks.

70. In 2000, McCain accused Texas businessmen Sam and Charles Wyly of being corrupt, spending “dirty money” to help finance Bush’s presidential campaign. McCain not only filed a complaint against the Wylys for allegedly violating campaign finance law, he also lashed out at them publicly. In April, McCain reached out to the Wylys for support.

71. McCain was against presidential candidates campaigning at Bob Jones University before he was for it.

72. McCain decided in 2000 that he didn’t want anything to do with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, believing he “would taint the image of the ‘Straight Talk Express.’” Kissinger is now the Honorary Co-Chair for his presidential campaign in New York.

73. McCain believed powerful right-wing activist/lobbyist Grover Norquist was “corrupt, a shill for dictators, and (with just a dose of sarcasm) Jack Abramoff’s gay lover.” McCain now considers Norquist a key political ally.

74. McCain was for presidential candidates giving speeches in foreign countries before he was against it.

75. McCain has been both for and against considering a pro-choice running mate for the Republican presidential ticket.

May the God of Peace or War be with you?

“He that is first in his cause seems just; but his neighbor comes and cross examines him.”(Proverbs 18:17)

“For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27)

The way American Christians have been acting in recent years, one would get the idea that God is pro-war and anyone who is for peace is of the devil. In fact, Jerry Falwell wrote an article for WorldNetDaily back in 2004 with that exact title, “God is Pro-War”.

But God is no more pro-war than he is pro-disease or pro-famine or pro-death for that matter. War, along with famine and disease are traditional judgments that God uses to punish the wicked and discipline His children (2 Chron. 16:9; Isaiah 13:4,5; Ezekiel 5:12; 6:11; Rev. 6:4).

But, you say, war is all through the Old Testament and God sanctions it. Yes, it is, but there is one clear lesson that we as Christians must learn from this and that is: These are God’s wars! God sanctions war in the Old Testament to punish the ungodly and fulfill His purposes. Period! This is God’s prerogative. "Just and True are your ways, Thou King of Saints. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and glorify your name?" (Rev.15:3,4)

God took a people for Himself by …war.” (Deut. 4:34) He punished the Egyptians and the Canaanites and brought judgment on their gods by war. (Exodus-Judges) When the Israelites sinned and went after other gods, God sent war upon them. (Judges 5:8; Ezek. 6) God even instructed them at one point to not provoke the Edomites, Moabites, and Ammonites to war because “I will not give you their land as a possession”. (Deut. 2:5,9,19) This is all about God and what He wants. It was God’s Spirit that came upon the judges (Judges 3:10). We should all know the verse(s) “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay” (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10:30). Yes, God includes His people as instruments of His punishment at times (Psalm 149:7; Psalm 144:1) but the ideal times of Israelite history were the times when He did all alone (i.e. The Red Sea – Ex 14,15 and Jericho – Josh 5,6)

God has involved us in a war too, but it is of an entirely different nature. Paul said, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (of the flesh) but mighty through God (2 Corinth. 10:3-6) Just like Jesus got at the heart of the law in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt.5-8) so He gets more to heart of warfare in the rest of the New Testament (Eph.6:10-18). It’s a spiritual battle waged for the hearts and minds of people.

Having said all this about war; many American Christians may be surprised to find out that there is more said about peace in the Bible than about war. A quick glance at a concordance will reveal the many references to peace. For instance; unlike the pagan gods of war, YHWH requires no war offering. In contrast, entire chapters and hundreds of verses are devoted to peace offerings (Lev.3, 4,6,7,9 and Numbers 6, 7).

There is also more said about God being a God of Peace than about His acts of war. By the way, that’s the difference. God is a God of Peace but at times He exercises His sovereignty in punishing the wicked by acts of war. It’s like this: God is Love (1 John 4:7-16) but He hates iniquity and the workers of iniquity because they oppress and destroy the people He loves (Deut 12:31; Psalm 5:5,6; Psalm 11:5; Prov.6:16). God is a God of Hope (Rom 15:13) but He often drives people almost to the point of despair so they will hope in Him (Psalm 107; Psalm 42; 2 Corinth. 1:9) So God is a God of Peace but often uses war to bring about His purposes in destroying evil (Rev. 11:17-19).

Here’s some references to the God of Peace: (Romans 15: 33) (Romans 16:20) (1st Corinthians 14:33) (2nd Corinthians 13:11) (Philippians 4:9) (1st Thessalonians 5:23) (Heb. 13:20) There is only one references to the god of war in only one translation (NIRV) and it’s referring to what many Christians consider to be the Beast of Revelation (Daniel 11:38) That should tell you something.

Yes; Peace, my friends, is not for the hippies, left wing communists, liberal democrats, and wacko environmentalists but for us, His children. “Mark the perfect man and behold the upright; the end of that man is peace” (Psalm 37:37). We are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9; James 3:18). We are to live in peace with each other (Mark 9:50;2 Cor.13:11; 1 Thess. 5:13; Heb. 12:14). We are to seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11; 1 Tim. 2:22). Jesus said, “Peace I give unto you” (John 14:27; John 20:21,26) We are to let this Peace of Christ rule in our hearts” (Col.3:15) "The Kingdom of God is righteousness, Peace and Joy!" (Rom. 14:17).

War, on the other hand, is a characteristic of the wicked. Psalm 55:21 describes the wicked man as having “war in his heart” (See also Ps.35:20). The wicked do not know the way of peace (Rom.3:17; Luke 19:42). Psalm 68:30 is a prayer to “scatter the nations that delight in war”. James tells us in the 4th chapter of his epistle that wars come from the lusts in our hearts which “covet and murder and war within our members”. (See "The Wickedness of War" published in 1838 in The Christian Review - A Baptist publication which I have included below)

"The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift His countenance upon you and give you peace." (Numbers 6:24-26)

"Those things, which you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do: and the God of Peace will be with you." (Phillipians 4:9) Amen

THE WICKEDNESS OF WAR! [CHRISTIAN REVIEW 1838]

Thanks to the above blog for pointing this out.

THE WICKEDNESS OF WAR! [CHRISTIAN REVIEW 1838]

FROM THE CHRISTIAN REVIEW, JUNE 1838, PP. 230–237, UNSIGNED

The war spirit is so wrought into the texture of governments and the habits of national thinking, and even into our very festivals and pomps, that its occasional recurrence is deemed a matter of unavoidable necessity. Setting aside the matter of a defensive war for now, it is our intention to offer a few thoughts to show how utterly at variance the spirit of war is with truth and righteousness.

1. It contradicts the genius and intention of Christianity. Christianity requires us to seek to amend the condition of man. But war cannot do this. The world is no better for all the wars of five thousand years. Christianity, if it prevailed, would make the earth a paradise. War, where it prevails, makes it a slaughterhouse, a den of thieves, a brothel, a hell. Christianity cancels the laws of retaliation. War is based upon that very principle. Christianity is the remedy for all human woes. War produces every woe known to man.

The causes of war, as well as war itself, are contrary to the gospel. It originates in the worst passions and the worst aims. We may always trace it to the thirst of revenge, the acquisition of territory, the monopoly of commerce, the quarrels of kings, the intrigues of ministers, or some other source, equally culpable; but never has any war devised by man been founded on holy tempers and Christian principles.

“War is the greatest plague that can afflict humanity. It destroys religion, it destroys states and it destroys families. Any scourge is preferable to it.” -Martin Luther

2. War sets at nought the example of Jesus. One of Christ’s primary laws is, “Learn of Me, for I am meek” His constant declaration was that He “came not to destroy men’s lives, but to save.” He drove men from the temple, but it was with “a scourge of small cords,” and a gentle doom it was, compared to their just deserts. He expressly said His servants would not fight, because His kingdom was not of this world. He was the Prince of Peace.

Do we forget that Christ is our example? Imagine the Redeemer laying a country waste, setting fire to cities, storming fortresses, and consigning tens of thousands to wounds and anguish, death and damnation, just to define some point of policy, to decide some kingly quarrel, or to enlarge some boundary. Could “meekness and lowliness” be learned from Him thus engaged? It is most certain that we gather no army lessons from Him who “came to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and to comfort all that mourn.” It is most certain that no man who makes fighting his profession can find authority in the example of our Lord.

3. War is inconsistent not only with the general structure and nature of Christianity and the example of Jesus, but it violates all the express precepts of the New Testament. Even the Old Testament does not sanction war, as a custom. In each case of lawful war, it was entered on by express command. It should be remembered that in no case, even under the Old Testament, was war appointed to decide doubtful questions or to settle quarrels. Wars were intended to chastise nations guilty of provoking God. Such is never the pretext of modern war.

As to the New Testament, a multitude of precepts might be quoted: “Ye have heard, an eye for an eye, but I say unto you, resist not evil.” “Follow peace with all men.” “Love one another.” “Do justice, love mercy.” “Love your enemies.” “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace.” “Return good for evil.” “Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice; and be ye kind one toward another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake, hath forgiven you.” “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

All know how much these passages abound in the New Testament. There they stand. In any sense the words will bear, they forbid war. If language has any force at all, these words equally forbid retaliation. Yet retaliation is always advanced as the very best pretext for war and is more frequently the avowed reason than any other!

Rehearse all the catalogue of graces, and mark how we are enjoined to be meek, lowly, peaceable, easy to be entreated, gentle, thinking no evil, merciful, slow to anger, given to quietness, knowledge, patience, temperance, prayer. War sets them all at nought.

Of the sermon on the mount, five benedictions are upon the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful, and the peacemakers. Two others are upon the persecuted and reviled. The professed warrior, therefore, shuts himself out from all these benedictions! The discourse expressly revokes the law of retaliation, and, exploding the [practice] of loving our neighbor and hating our enemy, requires us to love our enemies and do good to them which despitefully use us. Afterward, in presenting a form of prayer, it not only teaches us to say, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those that trespass against us,” but adds, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you.” What a peace sermon is here!

The regular soldier … makes war a trade, and is ready to fight any nation, or any part of his own nation, as he is sent. He is to wheel, march, load, fire, advance or flee, just as he is bidden, and because he is bidden. The nearer a soldier comes to a mere machine, the better soldier he makes. Is this right for a Christian? Is it compatible with his duty to “examine all things, and hold fast that which is good?”

What gospel precept is there, which he who makes war a profession is not at times compelled to violate? He must cast away meekness, and fight. He must cast away forgiveness, and revenge his country. He must not return good for evil, but blow for blow, wound for wound.

Look at an army in the hour of battle. See attacks and retreats, battalions annihilated, limbs flying in the air; suffocating smoke, thundering artillery, thousands smarting in the agony of death, and none to administer a cup of water. Do the precepts of Christianity authorize such a scene? Look at the field when all is over. The harvest trampled and destroyed, houses smoking in ruin, the mangled and slain strewed among dead horses and broken gun-carriages! Prowlers stripping booty even from the warm bodies of the dying! Jackals lurking around, and birds of prey wheeling above. Here and there a wretched widow, or an anxious wife, seeking her loved one among the dead and dying. Does all this look as if Christians had there been serving their Master, the God of mercy?

But nowhere does war wear such horrors as in a siege. The inhabitants are straitly shut up. Business, pleasure, education and intercourse are checked; and sorrow, poverty, terror, and distress are spread abroad. The bombardment begins. Shells explode in the streets, or penetrate the roofs. Citizens are killed in the streets, and soldiers on the ramparts. Women and children retreat to cellars and live in all discomfort. Day by day the gloom thickens. All news is of houses burnt, persons killed, and scarcity increased, At length, famine is threatened. Everything is sold to buy a little food.

Anon, breaches are made in the walls. All must work, amid galling fire, to repair them. Mines are sprung, blowing houses and the occupants into the air. No relief comes. Hundreds perish in desperate sorties. All are miserable. The widow, the bereft mother, the disappointed bride, and the tender orphan, mourn continually.

Pestilence succeeds to famine. Thousands, who have escaped violence, die of disease. At length, the city is taken by storm; pillage, and perhaps an awful conflagration, succeed; a brutal soldiery raven among the virtuous; and the indescribable scene ends in permanent poverty, lamentation, and dishonor. Is this Christianity?

Senator John McCain Is A Lesbian

I'd like to thank Move On for their tireless support of communities in need.  Hurricane Gustav has struck the Gulf Coast, damaging fragile communities still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.  Help out by clicking Donate

And now, I'd like to talk about two of the gazillion of things that have crossed my mind today.

1. Senator John McCain is a lesbian. 

2. McCain’s VP Pick

The three comments below were borrowed from BNET.

1.  In 1998, televangelist and erstwhile politician Pat Robertson warned the city of Orlando, Fla., that a gay celebration the city hosted would bring the wrath of God--in the form of a hurricane or other disaster--upon the entire city. Celebrating homosexuality "will bring about terrorist bombs, it'll bring earthquakes, tornadoes, and possibly a meteor," he predicted.

2.  In 2001, Jerry Falwell blamed gays and lesbians (along with other such "sinners" as feminists, "abortionists," and the American Civil Liberties Union) for the terrorist attacks in New York City. "I point the finger in their face and say, 'You helped this happen," he said on Robertson's television show, The 700 Club. Falwell later attempted to clarify his remarks, but he never withdrew them or apologized for making them.

3.  Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, senior church of England bishops, Saudi professor, Israeli MP, etc. think that disasters are caused by God punishing gays and people that support gays. 

If we follow this logic, then senator John McCain must be a lesbian.  You know the type.  Closeted, so therefore more dangerous than an addicted mass murderer who needs a moonshine fix.  Yep.   I support Senator McCain in coming out of the closet and becoming a better person.  Then and only then can we all breathe a collective sigh of relief.

McCain’s VP Pick

Today, I received a congressional email today that urged me to send a message to John McCain’s camp about his choice for VP.  I wrote this message.

 I think your picking Palin as VP is a very bad choice.  The pick should have been a woman but not one who is basically Andy Taylor (played by Andy Griffith), the Sheriff of a small town called Mayberry. Though Sheriff Andy Taylor is great for television, he is not a great choice for Vice President.

Seriously though, I am betting that you really don't intend for Palin to actually be your Vice President. She is going to become very ill or seriously injured in some freak accident. (you know the type of accident) and have to resign.  Her replacement will be your actual choice for VP.  If this goes the way I think it will, what looks like a con could earn me loads of money.  *just joking*

However he was apparently making fun of Jerry Falwell:

"Most religious people are praying for people in New Orleans. There is no political connotation to this whatsoever. This was just poking fun at Jerry Falwell and the nonsensical thing he had said several years ago."

If he had said it in a tirade like Falwell it would be more credible (at least reaching for comical, and failing). He would have been better off saying it was a private conversation and sorry that it caused offense.

Instead of concentrating on the misery that Gustav is preparing to wreak on millions of people, some Democrats are looking at the tragedy as a sign of God's disapproval of the Republicans.

ABC News' Teddy Davis Reports: Former DNC Chairman Don Fowler apologized on Sunday for joking in a private conversation that the timing of Hurricane Gustav demonstrates that God is on the side of the Democrats.

"If this offended anybody, I personally apologize," Fowler told ABC News. "It was a mistake, and it was a satirical statement made in jest. And one that I clearly don't believe."

Fowler was secretly recorded by the person sitting behind him while flying from Denver, Colo., to Charlotte, N.C., following the Democratic National Convention. His conversation with Rep. John Spratt, D-S.C., was anonymously posted to YouTube and highlighted by RedState.com, a conservative blog.

Source

Michael Moore had a similar comment on MSNBC's Keith Olberman's show last week..  But somehow that kind of blasphemy is expected of Moore has not missed any opportunity to misconstrue the truth.

Fowler, of course, came up with an immediate apology when confronted with the evidence.  At least it is purported to be an apology.

Fowler said his remark was "facetious" and a "satirical comment" on the late Rev. Jerry Falwell.

Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11,  Falwell told "The 700 Club," "I really believe that the pagans, and the abortionists, and the feminists, and the gays and the lesbians who are actively trying to make that an alternative lifestyle, the ACLU, People For the American Way, all of them who have tried to secularize America. I point the finger in their face and say 'you helped this happen.'"

Falwell, who later apologized, said he viewed the attacks as God's judgment on America for "throwing God out of the public square, out of the schools. The abortionists have got to bear some burden for this because God will not be mocked."

Fowler sought to contrast his religious views with those expressed by the late Rev. Falwell before his death.

"I believe in a benevolent God," said Fowler. "I'm a religious person. It was a facetious statement, some might even say satirical, play off of what Falwell said."

"If it offended anybody. I'm sorry for that," said Fowler. "I don’t think anybody in America wishes for something bad to happen to New Orleans. I certainly don't."

Good move, Mr. Fowler, try to equate your actions to a dead person who can't defend themselves.  Of course the real blame rests not on the words he said, but the sneaky person who recorded his conversation.

"One doesn't anticipate that one's private conversation will be surreptitiously taped by some right-wing nutcase," said Fowler. "But that's the nature of what we're dealing with."

Fowler, a superdelegate who endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2007, was caught on tape saying: "The hurricane’s going to hit New Orleans about the time they start. The timing is -- at least it appears now that it’ll be there Monday. That just demonstrates that God’s on our side. [Laughter] Everything’s cool."

So the conclusion that can be reached is that as long as you don't spew your vile bilge in public, you are a person of good character.  If no one sees your sins Mr. Fowler, will God still forgive you?

Hat tip to RedState.

Yeah, cause I'm sure that's what god wanted...

Though I myself am an atheist, I can't help but chuckle at the irony of this.

http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/08/mccain-hurrican.html

Now what I want to know is... what's the radical right's spin on it this time. I mean, now it looks like the torrential downpour is happening during their convention. So what does Stuart Sheppard think now?

Does he think this is a message from god? Or since it doesn't suit his selfish desires, perhaps he'll just write it off as a coincidence?

I mean, who are they going to blame for god's wrath this time? Is it the gays, lesbians, abortionists? And these guys have the nerve to claim liberals blame America first!

I fully believe that THESE are the actual people who are fucking up America. They are so divisive, and come on, they are CLEARLY INSANE!!!

What more proof do you need? Besides, Falwell wasn't raptured like he said he would be, he just dropped the fuck dead. And then a million angels got their wings... ha ha

No seriously though, why doesn't anyone ever point out how childish, selfish, and irrelevant these "religious" snake oil salesmen for what they are? They're either plain morons, or political operatives.

A lot of these people should have their non-profit status revoked. And as a side note, Robertson and Falwell should be kissing our Constitution's ass for being secularist. Cause who knows, maybe their beliefs aren't in the majority either? Douchebags...

These people are fucking relentless. And they've injected non-issues into politics, so now we all ever talk about are their stupid irrelevant personal issues, and never about real things, like the budget or who are we secretly bombing this week...

Gay marriage and abortion are irrelevant issues when it comes to an election. Can we please vote on something that actually matters?

Special note for the religious folk...

Look in a mirror, and see how selfish you are being with your vote. Not all religious folk, but many wish to impose their religious beliefs into our government. They want the non-believers to be forced to live the way they want. Some people have been accustomed to receiving special privilages for so long, that whenever the playing field is leveled, they cry "persecution". Shut up. You're not being persecuted. And your false cries weaken the arguments of those who actually HAVE been persecuted. (Like Jesus)

That's not fair and you know it. Nobody is forcing anyone into same sex marriage and if you don't want an abortion, then don't get one. This ain't China, son. Also, the politicians know that you will vote for anyone who merely says they are anti-choice. So most likely, the very person you're voting for is probably lying about their real feelings on abortion just to win.

And everytime, you stupid one issue people deliver. You make me fucking sick. So go, pray for rain... pretend that god likes you more than the dude sitting next to you... that god actually cares about your stupid petty childish problems... Damn... what about enjoying the life god gave you, instead of demanding he do this or that for you... Yet, I'm the heathen?

By mission's end, NOAA can warn everyone in the hurricane's path. "We love flying into hurricanes," says Kenul. "What we do helps a lot of people." Plus it's like getting all the free "roller coaster rides" they can take!

BIG WIND
The word "hurricane" comes from Huracan, the god of big winds and evil spirits once worshiped by the Maya people of Central America.

STATS
The average life of a hurricane is nine days. The hurricane is most destructive during its first 12 hours onshore. A typical eye measures 20 miles (32 kilometers) across.

IT'S HURRICANE SEASON
The record for the most hurricanes in a season is 12, set in 1969. Though hurricanes can occur at any time, the official hurricane season in the Atlantic falls between June 1 and November 30. An average year has six to eight hurricanes, which occur mostly in August, September, and October.

NOTORIOUS
The deadliest hurricane in the United States struck Galveston, Texas, in 1900. A storm surge almost two stories high broke over the city, causing 20-foot (6.1-meter) floods and more than 8,000 deaths. The costliest hurricane was Andrew in 1992, which caused damages totaling more than U.S. $25 billion in parts of Florida, Louisiana, and Georgia.

FLYING INTO THE EYE OF A HURRICANE | EYE OF THE HURRICANE | MORE INFORMATION ABOUT HURRICANES | HURRICANE SURVIVAL TIPS | HURRICANE PATHS

HURRICANE PATHS In the Atlantic and eastern Pacific Oceans "hurricane" is the word generally used to describe what scientists call a type of "tropical cyclone." Hurricanes in the western Pacific are called "typhoons," and those in the Indian Ocean are simply called "cyclones."	Check out a video showing how hurricanes form.

]]> http://devintaliaferrostormchaser.wordpress.com/?p=81 Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:23:20 +0000 devindevtaliaferro http://devintaliaferrostormchaser.wordpress.com/?p=81 HURRICANE NAMES IN 2003

— Ana
— Bill
— Claudette
— Danny
— Erika
— Fabian
— Grace
— Henri
— Isabel
— Juan
— Kate
— Larry
— Mindy
— Nicholas
— Odette
— Peter
— Rose
— Sam
— Teresa
— Victor
— Wanda

Hurricane names come from six official international lists. The names alternate between boys' and girls'. When a storm becomes a hurricane, it's named from the list, in alphabetical order. Each list is reused every six years. A name "retires" if that hurricane caused a lot of damage or many deaths.

CLEAR YOUR YARD of any loose material, such as tree branches and lawn furniture, that might blow around. Anchor what cannot be removed.

BOARD UP WINDOWS or brace them with crisscrossed strips of heavy tape so glass won't shatter in strong winds.

KEEP FLASHLIGHTS, batteries, a battery-operated radio, a first-aid kit, water, and essential medications on hand. Stock up on nonperishable food.

STAY INSIDE. A sudden calm may mean only that the eye of the storm—the center of the doughnut-shaped mass (above)—is passing over you. Continuously listen for bulletins about the storm's progress on the radio.

MAKE A PLAN. Have a family emergency communication plan in case you become separated from family members. Also review your family's evacuation plan.

Album: Featured - America's Greatest Heartbreak

Album: Mississippi Smashed to Smithereens by Hurricane Katrina

Album: Submerged City - Photos and images of the great city of New Orleans, Louisiana eighty percent underwater.

Album: Survivor Photos - Hurricane Katrina Images - The Faces We Will Never Forget

Album: Cleaning Up - Hurricane Katrina cleanup, decontamination, and the beginning of rebuilding efforts.

Album: NOAA Images: You Can't Believe Your Eyes - Illinois Photo enhanced NOAA Aerial Photos of the Coastal Destruction Caused by Hurri

Album: Leadership Crisis - Hurricane Katrina photos and images of the people in charge.

Album: The Animals - Photos and Images of the dogs and other animals affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Unclassified Hurricane Katrina Photos and Images

Album: Fema trailers and trailer parks and other after Katrina temporary housing setups.

Album: The Shelters - Hurricane Katrina displacement pictures from the Houston Astrodome, Reliant Center and other evacuation centers

Album: - Amateur Photographer and Search and Rescue Swimmer Chris Billings Captures Katrina

Album: Slidell Aerial - Cooper Aerial Captures Massive Damage and Destruction in Slidell, Louisiana.

Album: NASA Displays of the giant storm: Hurricane katrina aerial photos, satellite images and other displays.

Album: Indoor Damage - Hurricane Katrina photos of interior damage and destruction.

Album: Digital Globe Satellite Photos and Images of Hurricane Katrina Destruction

Album: North Dakota National Guard Hurricane Katrina photos and images

Album: Mapping and Analysis Photos, Images and Overlays of Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Jessica Talamo's Images of Katrina's Destruction

Album: Tony Lamson - Hurricane Katrina through the eyes of SSgt Tony Lamson.

Album: Ariel Pietrello: Hurricane Katrina aftermath photos by an affected local photographer

Album: Oil Spills - Hurricane Katrina photos of oil, petroleum, and other toxic spills.

Album: Boats & Cars - Photos of Cars, trucks, and boats in unusual positions due to Hurricane Katrina.

Album: McDowell photos of Pascagoula after Hurricane Katrina.

Album: Florida Hurricane Katrina images and photos.

Album: Assorted Hurricane Katrina Photos from Vista Park, St Bernard Highway, Schools. Paris Road, Arabi, and other devasted areas.

http://www.nola.com/katrinaphotos/

City of New Orleans

The Mayor is urging New Orleans city residents to visit www.cityofNO.com for updated hurricane information.

New Orleans citizens can also register for the City assisted evacuation plan by calling 311, 504-658-2299 or 877-286-6431.

Hearing impaired can call 800-981-6622. The 311 helpline offers assistance in both Spanish and Vietnamese.

Gearing Up For Gustav

New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin, who was a key speaker this morning for the Oregon, Washington and Minnesota delegations at the Democratic National Convention, has decided to return to New Orleans immediately to closely monitor Hurricane Gustav.

Gustav, which has hit the southwest coast of Haiti and is threatening Cuba, appears to be on a likely course toward the U.S. Gulf region. The area, which will mark its third anniversary of the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on August 29, is still in the recovery stages.

"While it is too early to tell exactly where Gustav will hit and how strong it will be, I'm deeply concerned about the emotional and psychological effect on our citizens," said Nagin.

"Although we have made strong strides in rebuilding our infrastructure, the levees have not been fully repaired and we have an $800 million budget gap to complete our sewage and water systems," Mayor Nagin continued.
The city of New Orleans has been lobbying the federal government for this funding to revitalize the area for three years and has received less than 50 percent of FEMA funding needed to repair or rebuild key public facilities. In May of this year, the City of New Orleans received notification that it will finally receive Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) that was promised by the federal government.
The Mayor is urging New Orleans city residents to visit www.cityofNO.com for updated hurricane information. New Orleans citizens can also register for the City assisted evacuation plan by calling 311, 504-658-2299 or 877-286-6431. Hearing impaired can call 800-981-6622. The 311 helpline offers assistance in both Spanish and Vietnamese.