Is the "War on Terror" a Fraud?

By Coach Dave Daubenmire
December 8, 2011

At the risk of being labeled a “Truther”, or a “Birther” or a “Conspiracy Theorist” I thought I would take the opportunity to share with you some observations that I have recently made.

I suppose I find myself in a few head-butting incidents every now and then because I don’t just take things at face value. Although I don’t know when it happened I have become one of those who questions almost everything I hear, especially when it comes from the media.

Having spent the past decade or so dancing in and out of the public eye I have become adept at reading the bias in the media. Usually, when I get a call from one of them it is because they are searching for someone to articulate a position on a particular issue and they know that they can count on me to give them a good sound-bite.

They are not on my side. I came to understand that years ago, but in their attempts to be “fair and balanced” they call on me to give the “Right-Wing-Wacko” position that their journalistic fairness requires them to display. Rarely do I get the opportunity to have a serious discussion with a qualified, veteran reporter. They are not really interested in what I have to say.

Like so much in the media, the leg-work is done by some recently-graduated-from-journalism-school stringer who has been assigned the weekly “moral issue” for publication. Invariably, whatever this wet-behind-the-ears reporter puts in the article will be quoted over and over again as the story circulates through shared media-sources and the blogosphere. Once printed, the statement can never be clarified nor retracted. Often, the statement is out-of-context and designed to make me look like the wacko the unbiased reporter believes me to be.

But, of course, there is no bias. They are merely repeating the “facts.”

I would hope that you can tell from my writings that I am a deep-thinking man. I read and analyze volumes of materials weekly. I often receive information from readers who want to make me aware of a particular issue…I read everything, but don’t believe everything I read. Much of what I know, and believe, I never share with others.

That’s what “objective” columnists do, eh?

Let me state up front that I am non-violent but understand others are violent, so I own guns. I love my country but do not trust the government. I respect our soldiers but do not support the wars. I am a proud Christian but ashamed of what passes as Christianity. I am a life-long educator but think public education is responsible for the condition of this country. I know it is safest to keep my mouth shut, but cowardly to do so.

So at the risk of alerting the TSA, the FBI, the IRS, Homeland Security, and the Muslim Brotherhood I want to state a conclusion that I have drawn.

The War on Terror is a fraud.

I don’t want to get into 9-1-1 theories, Dick Cheney, and the free-fall exhibited by the 3 buildings in New York. That research is for those far more qualified than me. But observation of where we are in 2011 makes me tilt my head sideways as I look at what has happened to freedom in America.

Benjamin Franklin is reported to have said, "He who would trade liberty for security, deserves neither liberty nor security."

I believe the threat of Islamic terror is real and that national security is the number one job of our government, but I’ll be damned if I want to sacrifice my freedom because of what some former cave-dwelling, camel-riding recent-arrival-in-the-21st-century-Muslim might do. I fail to see how fighting in Afghanistan makes me safer in the cornfields of Ohio.

This all came home to me as I was standing in line at the airport last week…watching the “cattle-low” as they bowed to the commands of the TSA agent who just last week was an assistant manager at Pizza Hut. “Take off your shoes…no liquids in the carry on…spread your legs and put your hands behind your head…wait for permission before moving forward.” As I stood there waiting my turn to have my rights violated I was hit with an epiphany.

“What a joke,” I thought to myself. “If a terrorist wanted to kill a bunch of people, he could easily blow up a bunch of folks while he waited in line to go through the scanner. The scanner is supposed to insure that there are no bombs that make it onto the airplane, but do nothing to protect those who are waiting in line to be scanned.” On this particular early-morning flight out of Columbus there must have been 300 people waiting in line to go through security. What a terrorism opportunity!

What would TSA and Homeland Security do if a bomb was detonated by someone waiting in line? What means of security currently prohibits this from happening? Why haven’t the “terrorists” thought of this? (I am sure they have.)

What if they simultaneously did it in six airport security-lines around America? Hasn’t the “government” considered that possibility? What are they doing to provide security as we go through security? Do we actually believe that the “terrorists” have to get on a plane to kill innocent Americans?
All of the security is designed to make the cattle feel that government is protecting us.

And what about football stadiums? You mean no ‘terrorist” has thought about blowing himself up in the middle of Section B of the Super Dome during the National Anthem? What about your local high school? What about simultaneous, coordinated attacks on six schools around the nation? If their purpose was to spread death and terror can you think of anything more terrifying to the average American parent? How would TSA and Homeland Security respond to that?

And didn’t the “terrorists” miss a great opportunity for mayhem on Black Friday? Can you image the carnage that would be left as result of some suicide-bomber hitting the target by lighting up like a Christmas tree those lined up outside of the local Target Store?

How about an IED inside our churches? If it is Christianity that they hate so badly why haven’t the ‘terrorists” planned some mega –explosions at a select group of mega-churches across the country?

Just look around. Do we really think that if those who masterminded the 9-1-1 attacks were smart enough to pull it off aren’t they wise inventive enough to see all of the vulnerable targets that you and I can see? Are we really safe because of wire-taps, airport strip-searches, and the supposed-Herculean efforts of the Department of Homeland Insecurity?

When will we awaken to the fact that those who make a living off of the “war on terror” are depending on keeping us terrified?

NOTE TO ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES: I am not a terrorist, have no interest in killing innocent Americans, and am not interested in an armed conflict with the government. But the fact remains, I am more concerned about a black government vehicle pulling up in front of my house in the middle of the night than I am of Abdullah Appleseed blowing up a plane that I am on.

Billions of dollars are being spent at the airports to protect us from bombers in burkas, while much easier, softer, more devastating targets remain wide open to a lethal assault.

Funny isn’t it. The Department of Homeland Security has made no secret of the fact that they consider God-fearing men like me to be a greater threat to America than some terrorist named Obama Bin Lying and his henchmen.

Methinks something is amiss. Could it be possible that a “domestic terrorist attack” like the one’s I have just described could be exactly what the doctor ordered? Can you picture a scenario where the perpetrator is discovered to be an angry, right-wing, anti-government extremist…even though his remains no longer remain to be investigated or questioned?

Can’t you imagine the chaos and need for a government crackdown if one of these soft-targets is suddenly hit? Do you find it hard to believe that right-wing Christian-profiling by the Homeland Security would suddenly be in vogue?

…and just who are all of those FEMA camps for?

I hate to think like this. I wish I wasn’t so cynical, but something doesn’t seem right. Terrorism can not destroy America.

But terror can. Am I the only one suspicious of what I see?

© 2011 Dave Daubenmire - All Rights Reserved

Alpine Roller Coaster

This is a single-pipe alpine coaster in Mieders, Austria. You reach the summit via a cable car and then sit on a small car with a brake lever and off you go. This man rode it once using a little braking and decided to try it a second time without using the brakes.



This is what the cars look like.

Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

The largest cave in the world.

Pictures from National Geographic

National Geographic Article

What do you think?

Reverse Thinking

In order to see the message of this film you have to get through the first half to see the reverse. From Sinner to Saint, Unknown to Known, Death to Life, Christ restores us and reverses the way we were. This short video is a poem that demonstrates how God reverses the way we see things.



“Does God care?” It’s a question that’s plagued millions of minds for almost as long as man has had the capacity to think. The fact that you’re here on this page right now means you’ve probably asked the same question at some point in your life. The answer is yes. Yes, God cares. And beyond just caring, He has a plan. It’s a plan that includes the entirety of humanity—a plan that includes you. Our world and the prospect of life itself can be a dreary concept when we remove God from the picture. But when we leave room in our conceptions for a loving God who cares for His creation, everything changes. That God is real, as is His love and care for you.

My Prayer For You

My heart is deeply burdened for you, my dear lost friend.

Oh, what would happen to your soul if life should swiftly end?

What goal is it you're striving for? Where is your soul tonight?

Headed for eternal rest or trapped in sin's dark plight?

You do not have the promise of another day or breath.

So choose today; now is the time you must prepare for death.

Is your name written in the Book in pure, white words that glow?

Or are you out on mountains, where the way you do not know?

Our Father's house has mansions prepared for you and me.

It's not His will we perish in hell eternally.

Our God wants us in heaven to praise Him and rejoice.

Our God is calling, waiting, but friend, it is your choice.

And if you haven't made that choice, come do not more delay;

For time is swiftly passing, your chances slip away.

Just humbly bow before Him, repent of all your sin;

In mercy, He'll forgive you and wash you white within.

Blessed peace and sweet assurance and hope for each new day,

Will be the life of Christians who walk the narrow way.

Where will you be when Jesus in glorious majesty,

Will take His own to heaven for all eternity?

Author Unknown

Listen to God's Salvation Plan

An intimate Love Letter from Father God to you.

George Whitefield's Impact on America

George Whitefield, also known as George Whitfield, was an English Anglican priest who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain, and especially in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally. He became perhaps the best-known preacher in Britain and America in the 18th century, and because he traveled through all of the American colonies and drew great crowds and media coverage, he was one of the most widely recognized public figures in colonial America.

This is an excerpt from chapter five of the book, GOD SHED HIS GRACE ON THEE: How a Spiritual Awakening Transformed Colonial America and Led to the Formation of the United States of America by Eddie Hyatt.

“The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous, and it was a matter of speculation to me, who was one of the number, to observe the extraordinary influence of his oratory on his hearers. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world were growing religious so that one could not walk through the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street.” – Benjamin Franklin

George Whitefield (1714–1770) was uniquely prepared for his role as the firebrand of the Great Awakening that would bring all the individual flames of revival together into one blazing inferno of Divine Awakening. He was a graduate of Oxford University and an ordained minister with the Church of England. At Oxford he had come under the tutelage of John and Charles Wesley and had experienced a dramatic conversion that forever changed his life. His gifted preaching ability drew great crowds and quickly launched him into leadership, along with the Wesleys, of the Methodist revival in England. Having eyes that were crossed, his critics poked fun at him calling him Dr. Squintum.

Sensing a Divine call to America, he departed England in August of 1739 with a burden for the colonists and a prayer that they would not live as thirteen scattered colonies, but as “one nation under God.” As he travelled up and down the eastern seaboard, shopkeepers closed their doors, farmers left their plows, and workers threw down their tools to hurry to the place where he was to preach. Crowds of 8-10 thousand were common. At a time when the population of Boston was estimated at 25,000, Whitefield preached to an estimated crowd of 30,000 on the Boston Common. Through his incessant travels he became the best known and most recognized figure in colonial America.

The Awakening Impacts all Segments of Society

Whitefield became a friend of Benjamin Franklin and stayed in his home on at least one of his visits to America. Franklin’s testimony of the power of the revival is particularly significant since he did not profess to be a Christian. In his autobiography, he tells of the incredible change that came over his hometown of Philadelphia when Whitefield came there on his first of seven visits to America.

"In 1739 there arrived among us from Ireland the Reverend Mr. Whitfield who made himself remarkable there as an itinerant preacher. He was at first permitted to preach in some of our churches, but the clergy, taking a dislike to him, soon refused him their pulpits, and he was obliged to preach in the fields. The multitudes of all sects and denominations that attended his sermons were enormous, and it was a matter of speculation to me, who was one of the number, to observe the extraordinary influence of his oratory on his hearers. From being thoughtless or indifferent about religion, it seemed as if all the world were growing religious so that one could not walk through the town in an evening without hearing psalms sung in different families of every street."

Franklin admits that he was skeptical of reports of Whitefield’s preaching being heard by crowds of 25,000 and more. While listening to Whitefield preach form the top of the Philadelphia courthouse steps to a huge throng, Franklin, having an enquiring and scientific mind, retired backward to see how far Whitefield’s voice would reach. He then did some calculations and decided that Whitefield’s voice, which he described as “loud and clear,” could be heard by crowds of 30,000 and more.

The Awakening Touches All Sects & Denominations

Although ordained with the Anglican Church of England, there was not a denominational bone in Whitefield’s body. In one of his sermons, preached to several thousand gathered in the open air, Whitefield mimicked a conversation with Father Abraham who was looking over the banister of heaven at the gathered multitude representing many denominations. Whitefield cried out, “Father Abraham, are there any Anglicans in heaven?” The answer came back, “No, there are no Anglicans in heaven.” “Father Abraham, are there any Methodists in heaven?” “No, there are no Methodists in heaven.” Are there any Presbyterians in heaven?” “No, there are no Presbyterians here either.” “What about Baptists or Quakers?” “No, there are none of those here either.” “Father Abraham,” cried Whitefield, what kind of people are in heaven?” The answer came back, “There are only Christians in heaven; only those who are washed in the blood of the Lamb.” Whitefield then cried out, “Oh, is that the case? Then God help me, God help us all, to forget having names and to become Christians in deed and in truth!”

Everywhere he went the Holy Spirit was poured out in great power. On one occasion after preaching to a huge throng gathered outdoors, Whitfield surveyed the crowd and noted the amazing response. “Look where I would, most were drowned in tears. Some were struck pale as death, others wringing their hands, others lying on the ground, others sinking into the arms of their friends and most lifting up their eyes to heaven and crying out to God.” In Delaware there was such an outpouring of God’s Spirit and grace that Whitefield himself was overcome along with many of his audience.

"Never did I see a more glorious sight. Oh what tears were shed and poured forth after the Lord Jesus. Some fainted; and when they had got a little strength, they would hear and faint again. Others cried out in a manner as if they were in the sharpest agonies of death. After I had finished my last discourse, I was so pierced, as it were, and overpowered with a sense of God’s love, that some thought, I believe, I was about to give up the ghost. How sweetly did I lie at the feet of Jesus."

Staying on Message

Although such outward manifestations were common in Whitefield’s meetings, he neither encouraged nor discouraged them. He was aware that in special times of Awakening, when the Holy Spirit is manifest in remarkable and unusual ways, there will be genuine but unusual responses from many. Nonetheless, as early as 1739, he had cautioned John Wesley to not over-emphasize these outward manifestations lest people become preoccupied with them and be led away from the truths of God’s word.

"I think it is tempting God to require such signs. That there is something of God in it, I doubt not. But the devil, I believe, does interpose. I think it will encourage the French Prophets, take people away from the written word, and make them depend on visions, convulsions, etc., more than on the promises and precepts of the gospel."

Early Preparation

A person who had been deeply dealt with by God, Whitefield had grown up in Gloucester, England in an inn operated by his mother. Being from a poor family, he did not have the means to attend college. He, therefore, entered Oxford University as a “servitor,” the lowest rank of students at Oxford. In return for free tuition, he was assigned as a servant to a number of higher ranked students. His duties included waking them in the morning, polishing their shoes, carrying their books and even assisting with required written assignments.

It was at Oxford that he met John and Charles Wesley and became a part of the Holy Club at Oxford, out which came the Methodist revival. At Oxford he became aware of the corruption in his own nature and spent many days and weeks wrestling in prayer and study before coming to a place of inner peace after trusting himself completely to Jesus Christ. He then experienced a voracious hunger for God’s word and wrote, “My mind now being more open and enlarged, I began to read the Holy Scriptures upon my knees, laying aside all other books and praying over, if possible, every line and word.” He was ordained to the ministry at the age of 21 by Dr. Benson, the bishop of Gloucester. He later recalled that when hands were laid upon him at that time, “My heart was melted down, and I offered up my whole spirit, soul and body, to the service of God’s sanctuary.”

Although a native of England, Whitefield became best known for his ministry in America’s First Great Awakening. He loved America and made seven visits to this land. A tireless worker, he travelled incessantly from Georgia to Maine preaching primarily in the open air and raising money for his beloved orphanage, Bethesda, which he had founded in Georgia. He died during his final visit to America at the age of 58, probably of congestive heart failure brought on by fatigue.

Whitfield Burns Out for God

Worn from his constant labors, Whitefield had for some time been hampered by chest pains and difficulty in breathing. Seemingly moved by a sense of urgency he, nonetheless, kept up his unrelenting pace. In 1770, during his seventh and final visit to America, he preached in Boston and, in spite of pain and weariness, traveled on to Exeter in New Hampshire.

Appearing worn and haggard, someone said to him, “Sir, you are more fit to go to bed, than to preach.” “True,” gasped Whitefield, and then glancing heavenward he prayed aloud, “Lord Jesus, I am weary in Thy work, but not of it. If I have not finished my course, let me go and speak for Thee once more in the fields, and seal Thy truth, and come home and die.”

Whitefield then stood and began to speak to the large crowd that had gathered in the open field. His voice, however, could barely be heard and his words were rambling as if he was having trouble focusing his mind. He stopped and stood silent. Minutes passed. Then he said, “I will wait for the gracious assistance of God. For He will, I am certain, assist me once more to speak in His name.”

Suddenly, according to those standing by, Whitefield seemed to be rekindled by an inner fire. His voice grew strong and clear and he preached for an hour, leading one observer to later comment, “He had such a sense of the incomparable excellences of Christ that he could never say enough of Him.” He preached on for another hour and then cried out, “I go! I go to rest prepared. My body fails, my spirit expands. How willingly I would ever live to preach Christ! But I die to be with Him.”

That night he retired at a friend’s home but had a fitful, unsettled sleep. In the early morning, with a crushing pain in his chest, he pulled himself out of bed and made his way to a nearby window. George Whitefield then died as the first rays of the morning sun burst over the horizon.

The Significance of Whitfield’s Contribution

Whitfield’s contribution to the First Great Awakening was enormous. More than any other person he, by his incessant travels, helped make the Awakening a national event. It was the first time the scattered colonists of various denominational and theological persuasions had participated together in a single event. Denominational walls were broken down and, for the first time, they began to see themselves as a single people with one Divine destiny—”one nation under God,” as Whitfield had prayed.

The preaching of Whitefield and other revivalists of the Great Awakening also helped democratize the inhabitants of the colonies by putting everyone on the same level (guilty sinners before God) with only one solution for the sin problem (faith in Jesus Christ). They also bridged the gap between clergy and laypeople by insisting that it was the responsibility of all to know God in a real and personal way and by encouraging their followers to carry out ordinances and activities that had been traditionally reserved for an ordained clergy.

The preaching of Whitefield, Edwards, Frelinghuysen, the Tennents, and others thus paved the way for nationhood. This is why Harvard professor, William Perry, said, “The Declaration of Independence of 1776 was a result of the evangelical preaching of the evangelists of the Great Awakening.”

Nothing in Competition with the Lord

See to it therefore that there be nothing that stands in any competition with God in your esteem. Value Him more than all riches. Value His honor and glory more than all the world. Be ready at all times to part with all things else and cleave to God.

Let God be your peculiar friend. Value His friendship more than the respect and love of all the world. When you lose other enjoyments, when you lose earthly friends, let this be a supporting, satisfying comfort to you, that you have God left. You haven't lost God.

--Jonathan Edwards, "Christians a Chosen Generation," in Sermons and Discourses, 1730-1733, p.318