Category Archives: Government and Religion

Casting Crowns Shares Jesus at US Military Undisclosed Location

In November, leading Christian music group Casting Crowns was given the opportunity to perform for troops in the AOR.  Lead singer Mark Hall said the trip grew from hearing from troops’ families at US concerts who were encouraged by their music.

The band’s popular songs include Until the Whole World Hears and Praise You in the Storm — a song that speaks of glorifying God even in an unexplainable hardship.  Hall notes that these songs “hit close to home” for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, making the worship a “little deeper.”

The group played to a packed facility in Read more

Defense Act Contains More than DADT

The Stars and Stripes notes that more is at stake than just DADT with regard to the 2011 Defense Authorization Act:

If the measure is held up by Senate Republicans [or Democrats -ed], it could stall the military’s annual pay raise (which would be either 1.4 percent or 1.9 percent in January) and a host of recruiting and enlistment bonuses. The 2011 NDAA also includes language extending Tricare coverage to dependent children of troops until age 26, increases hostile fire and imminent danger pay, and provides millions in impact aid to schools with a high enrollment of military children.

Despite the drama, this is not the first time the NDAA has been held up Read more

USAF Gives Micronesia a Merry Christmas

The Stars and Stripes covers the 58th annual Operation Christmas Drop executed by the US Air Force over the Federated States of Micronesia.

The Christmas drop started in 1952 when the aircrew of a WB-29 bomber from Anderson flew over the Micronesian atoll of Kapingamarangi and noticed the islanders waving to them. [In the spirit of the holiday season] the crew quickly gathered some items they had on the plane, placed them in a container with a parachute attached and dropped the cargo as they circled back over, according to the Air Force…  Read more

DADT Roundup: News and Updates

Summary of recent articles/news on the potential change to the law banning homosexuals from serving in the US military.  Below:

  • Oliver North on “who they are” vs “what they do.”
  • North again asking will DADT repeal improve the military?
  • The “no effect” of repeal compared with gender integration: A Navy commander fired.
  • Secretary Gates addresses the possibility of de facto repeal of DADT within the military.
  • CSM Marvin Hill, Petraeus’ top enlisted Soldier, reportedly “pushes” against the law.
  • Congress prioritizes DADT repeal higher than the parent Defense Authorization Act
  • Calls for Senator McCain to do the “right” thing…but how do you define “right?”

Read more

Freedom, Democracy, and Morality in America

In light of recent comments on Christianity (or religion in general) and the role of morality in society, Andie Brownlow at the American Thinker has an interesting article entitled “American Freedom and Religious Morality:”

Liberals and conservatives both believe that as Americans, we should be moral people. The major difference is where their morality intersects with their politics. Most conservatives believe that our morality should come from religion, separate from government. Most progressives incorporate moral guidance as a function of government. (emphasis original)  Read more

Obama: I Pray Everyday, Read Bible

The Hill notes that as part of a Barbara Walters interview, President Obama spoke of the prayer and Bible reading that mark his “everyday life:”

“Michelle and I have not only benefited from our prayer life, but I think the girls have too,” the president told Walters. “We say grace before we eat dinner every night. We take turns”…

When asked if he prays himself, the president said: “I do. Every night.”

DADT Repeal Plan Covers Religion, Chaplains, Transsexuals

While much discussion has occurred over the Department of Defense’s report on DADT, many seem to have missed the completely separate (and substantial) report written on how to implement repeal within the military.

Much of the “Support Plan for Implementation” (PDF, 1.9MB) is at least alluded to in the original report, and much is administrative (like suggesting the use of “gay and lesbian,” as opposed to “homosexual”).  Still, there are some interesting specifics.  For example, while the plan reiterates that average servicemembers will not be allowed to separate for moral reasons, it gives a “suggestion” to Chaplains on how they can get out of the military if they so choose:  Read more

Report: Troops Who Support DADT Can Find Another Job

As reported at FoxNews, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen took those who might still support DADT to task:

Military members who have a problem with a change in policy to allow gays to serve openly may find themselves looking for a new job, Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, warned Thursday.

This seems consistent with prior leadership statements that those who support the current law could “vote with their feet.”  However, to be fair, it seems the Admiral was excessively paraphrased.  It seems the relevant quote is actually:  Read more

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