NPR's Morning Edition aired the piece about Chris Geeslin and Ed Buckham this morning, May 23, not May 22.

by Joan Bokaer on Tue May 23, 2006 at 08:42:02 PM EST

And the pastor's attitude struck me as no less stellar a performance than Claude Rain's delivering the immortal line in Casablanca, "I'm shocked! shocked! to find there is gambling here".

I felt nothing but contempt for this rat who set up this operation in that former carpet warehouse and hung out a shingle to go into 'business'.  It seemed very clear to me that he's attempting some rather late and lame PR damage control before it becomes completely clear that his operation was utterly corrupt.  That will put him out of the business of working this particular con.  

I'm sorry to be harsh, but really, this kind of naivete requires deliberate ignorance - that he is dumb enough to publicly admit to having struggled with accepting money from an outfit he knew was engaged in practices he felt were abhorrent, well, let's just say we got a good sense of the measure of the man - clearly he's less ruled by his conscience than his wallet - or at least falls short of the standard these self-flagellating chest beaters set for themselves.

by montpellier on Wed May 24, 2006 at 05:22:54 PM EST

Your friend's questions are important; but, they should have been directed at Geeslin by the NPR interviewer. Perhaps this is another example of our too-often ineffective media treating conservative subjects with soft gloves. Then again, at least NPR threw some light on the story, even if they somewhat let Geeslin off the hook.

by IseFire on Thu May 25, 2006 at 04:13:42 PM EST

The State (Government) should never be allowed to have a elected or appointed offical that is or has been a religious leader or held a religious position.

The countries that are religiously controlled have done poorly in life, with the exception of Israel which appears to be supported by the US and UK.  

The sixteenth century Europe, the Church had the power to Tax, convict and execute (including burning books) and that became known as the Dark Ages.  If their is a strong seperation between Church and State as the Dark Ages proved that it is necessary.  

This would allow the Church to become the unofficial opposition to the Government.  This would not be necessary if we controlled our Government as do the Swiss.

God gave man choice so that man could evolve.  This choice allowed men to be evil.

Because we do not control our (elected officials) Government like Swizerland does, we have become victims.  God demands that Man takes responsibility for his actions as well as accept responsible challenges. We have failed to accept responsibility to control our elected officials.  

Thus God has punished us in Europe - except for Swizerland, UK and North America etc.  For the most part most, religions have taught their parishners to obey without question.  God has punished us severely for this lack of responsibility.  It is these teaching that prevented us from demanding control over our Government.

The Swiss demand control their Government and thus have a binding vote every 4 months on all important legistation.

If you would like to understand why we are in this mess in the first place and how to get out.  Then go to www.thechurchofthelivingwordofgod.net, there you will find the answers as well as how to get out of this mess and how to understand the world in which you live.  

Further how to understand yourself better and how to recognize those who would victimize you, so you will be much more difficult to victimize you.  

There are 50+ Sermons, each will teach you something of value.  There are 40 Commandants which are designed to make your life better and to protect you for those who would like to victimize you.  Today I would suggest that 50% of your pay cheque goes to pay those who victimize you.

This Church is founded upon the Logic found within Nature, the only verifable living word of God. Facilitator Peter

by Facilitator Peter on Mon May 29, 2006 at 04:51:11 PM EST