DVD review: Luther
by Gene Edward Veith (World Magazine)

"The movie Luther, which saw limited release last year and was a surprise hit in secularized Germany, is out on video and DVD.

Most notable in this vivid re-creation of Reformation history is the high-powered cast. Joseph Fiennes makes a fine young Luther, and Peter Ustinov, in his final role before his death, steals his scenes as the thoughtful, wily head of Saxony, Frederick the Wise, who becomes Luther's protector against the pope and emperor.

The film was shot on some actual historical locations, and for the most part is historically accurate. Luther's disillusioning trip to Rome, the financial scheme that led to the indulgence sale, Cardinal Cajetan's attempt to silence Luther, Carlstadt's change from being his scholastic theology professor to being a follower to being an enemy from the other extreme, the peasant rebellion—it is all there. The movie ends with the princes' confession of faith before the emperor at Augsburg. Luther had once stood alone before..." (Complete review found here.)

I had the privilage of seeing Luther, when it was shown in our area. I've been eagerly waiting for the DVD release. I highly recommend this movie. Peter Ustinov as Frederick the Wise was espicially outstanding... See Veith's full review for his assesment of the accuracy of the historical content. This DVD is on my Christmas Wish List....

Semper Reformanda,

~ The Billy Goat ~

A Brief Study of the Greek New Testament use of the word “PATHOS”

Bauer, Arndt, & Gingrich say pathos as it is used in the New Testament, means “passion”. Passion is defined as that which involves powerful or compelling emotions. (Merriam-Webster)

PATHOS

Romans 1:26 For this reason God gave them over to degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function for that which is unnatural, (NASB)

Colossians 3:5
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. (NASB)

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5
For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; (NASB)


HOMOIOPATHES:

Acts 14:14-15a
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and preach the gospel to you that you should turn from these vain things to a living God… (NASB)

Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God... (KJV)

James 5:17
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. (NASB)

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. (KJV)


SUMPATHEO:

Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. (NASB)

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (KJV)

---

I hope this brief study gives you some idea of what it means for us to be encouraged to pray, given the example of Elijah. The focus of James is not that Elijah is different from us in his prophetic office, but we share with him a common humanity.

Perhaps more wonderful is how Jesus Christ can understand "the feeling of our infirmities"... Glory be to God and to the Lamb...

~ The Billy Goat ~

Breaking news from Ukraine - pray now!

The following are excerpts from an e-mail just received from a missionary in the Ukraine who is supported by our church. Due to the sensitivity and volatility of the situation in the Ukraine, the missionary's name and the mission he is associated with will remain confidential for purposes of this post. The e-mail is dated 11/26/04.. ~The Billy Goat ~

"...Just about everyone in Ukraine today is talking about the current political crisis. The Sunday presidential elections were widely deemed to be the most significant elections in the history of independent Ukraine. Although the official government results show the current prime minister victorious by a small margin (less than 3 percent), the opposition candidate has claimed mass election fraud and called for a general strike to protest the results. Western-sponsored exit polls had placed the opposition candidate ahead by 11 percent, and independent election observers have reported 11,000 violations to internationally recognized standards.

Yesterday, the Ukrainian supreme court barred the election commission from publishing the results pending an investigation into these allegations. Hundreds of thousands throughout Ukraine have taken to the streets to protest, and to overturn what they deem to be a corrupt regime. Many are worried that the protests could erupt into violence. We are asking that each of you join us in praying for Ukraine, that God's name would be glorified in spite of the outcome. Pray for the protection of these people that we love so dearly, and that their hearts would be turned to God during this tumultuous time..

I have copied below excerpts from a prayer update from [name deleted ], our teammate living in the capital city of Kyiv. I hope that it will highlight the larger battle that is underway for the hearts and souls of the Ukrainian people...

<<< A young lady adorned with 20 orange ribbons in her hair, a young punk rocker shivering in the cold in his leather clothes, a peasant woman in her seventies who says she has never been more alive than she is this week, a grandfather speaking to his 11 year old grandson at his side, saying, "Remember this day your entire life. Today Ukraine was reborn, and you were here." What do all these people have in common? They're all part of the over 1,000,000 people who have descended upon Independence Square this week in Kyiv, Ukraine, to support freedom and a fair election.

The atmosphere here is half surreal military-esque, half Mardi Gras, and sometimes a mixture of the two. On the one hand several planes of special forces from Russia have been flown in. Buses and buses of supporters of the government's candidate for president have been bused in from other regions of the country. Hundreds of riot police stand at attention with crowd control metal shields forming a phalanx to protect government buildings. Even some artillery has been brought into the city and positioned at strategic points.

Yet on the other hand, elderly ladies come up and put roses in the holes of the shields of the riot police, others come up and pray for them, then the entire crowd begins chanting, "Brothers, lay down your shields." It doesn't sound like much in English, but in Ukrainian it rhymes, and it has a powerful effect. The riot police are antsy. They're prepared for battle, but not this kind of battle. They look around nervously. Then, after over a half hour of this Mexican stand-off, they slowly, slowly lay down their shields, to the roar of the crowd.

We've been down on Independence Square every day this week, and among the hundreds of thousands of people we've seen there ourselves, not once have we seen a drunk person. That would be a minor miracle any time, but when you consider the incredible pressures on people here at this time, its absolutely incredible. There's no doubt God is hearing and answering prayers of His people from all around the world.

We're caught up in this whirlwind of events ourselves. As I write this note, our apartment has been overrun by about 12 people. You can't even get into the bathroom, because in one two people are peeling potatoes, and in the other another person is feverishly cutting small advertisements of our church to put into bags with sandwiches. In the kitchen our stove is about to go into hyperdrive, with large pots on every burner, warming up gallons and gallons of broth, while others make large containers of mashed potatoes. In the hallway yet others are packing sandwiches into bags with Christian tracts and literature about our church.

Why all the activity? Because it's Thanksgiving? No. It's our church's response to what's happening in our city and country. We asked the question, How would Jesus have us respond to current events, and this is our answer. We're about to leave for Independence Square, to pass out food, both physical and spiritual, to those there. Some have been there 4 days straight, in chilling cold and snow, supporting freedom and fairness in the election.

We did the same yesterday, giving out food for both body and soul, and God gave some phenomenal opportunities to share the love of Christ and the gospel with people. Several even said, "We don't need hot food or drink. Give us something spiritual to read." This from people standing outside in 25 degree weather, with snow swirling about and already standing 4 inches deep on the ground. These people realize something is happening they can't control or even fully understand, and it makes them think.

It's been an awesome opportunity for our church members to see raw ministry up close and personal. Tonight we'll be opening our church to people from out-of-town to stay overnight. We have no idea who these people will be, but it'll be yet one more opportunity to show God's love and concern for both their physical well-being and their spiritual well-being.

Here's two comments from church members over the last hour alone. "I'll clean the church after anyone who stays there," said by a person who has battled a bad attitude toward specifically cleaning the church for several years (no kidding). "How can I help?," said by another person who's been on the sidelines for over a year, not wanting to get involved in any substantive way, even though we've been reaching out to him and working on that area specifically. Today he's tripping over himself to help any way he can.

Recent events here have really galvanized our church and turned our attention to eternal issues and priorities, and helped turn us into a lean mean (in a good sense) ministry machine. What a privilege to be the light of the world at such a time as this! This is the best Thanksgiving I can ever remember.

We trust you have a blessed Thanksgiving. Please also continue praying for people here, both believers and unbelievers, for God to show Himself mighty in events as they continue to unfold. >>>

Thank you for joining with us in prayer for Ukraine. While the world's eyes are focused on this country of 48 million people, let's appeal to God to bring a spiritual revival, and see His name chanted throughout the country, bringing praise and glory to His name.

Your partners for the harvest in Ukraine,

The Day After Thanksgiving


 

Thanksgiving Day, November, 2004. Near Ada, MIchigan USA. About seven to ten inches of snow fell on Thanksgiving Eve. Our first snow, and first major snow storm of the season. 

An Anniversary of Sorts

You may notice the archives for this blog are now grouped by the month instead of the week. In doing that reformatting, I realized ~ The Billy Goat Blog ~ is now one year old. Has it been that long already? Time does fly by.

Of all the internet publishing I've done over the past ten years, blogging has been the most enjoyable. It's interesting to click on the site meter and see if anyone is actually looking at these pages. Along the way I've been delighted to run into some kindred spirits of sorts. A very few of you have even left comments on a few of the articles.. Thank you!

If the Lord tarries, and so wills, we'll see what another year will bring. I believe that blogging will continue, though it was also keep changing, especially on the tech side.

Did you hear the one about Dan Rather getting "blogged" down on his way to the presidential election? (Ouch!) Better close for now...

~ The Billy Goat ~

Of The 1st Snow, and Snow Storms

We usually get our first snowfall in November. A few flakes will come down, just enough to put a little cover on the ground, then it usually quickly melts away. This year November has really been pretty mild for our part of the country. That is until today.

We started seeing the flakes early this afternoon. Ah.. First snow! We knew it was coming eventually. But then it kept coming... And coming... And coming... All seven to ten inches worth...

This was no light dusting like first snows usually are. Local radio reported cars in the ditches all over the place. Traffic slowed to a crawl and during rush hour was bumper to bumper. A usual 10 minute trip took an hour. And here on Thanksgiving Eve, church was canceled. And did I mention the travelers stranded at the local airport as flights were delayed or cancelled?

On the way home from work I gassed up the car, bought a couple cans of dry gas, and stopped at the hardware store for sidewalk salt. At home the snowblower traded places with the lawn mower. Tomorrow, on Thanksgiving morning, I get to fire up the snowblower and clear the driveway. So it is that we not only got our first snow of the year, but also our first major snow storm.

I intend to see about taking some digital shots of the snow tomorrow, and may post a picture or two for the enjoyment of those of you from more wimpy climates... :)

Praise be to Him, who being Lord of all, is Lord of the snowflake.

In His joy,

~ The Billy Goat ~

Sunset near Ada, Michigan USA. November 22, 2004  

The above picture was taken with the Oregon Scientific 1.3 Mega Pixels digital camera that was the subject of my 11/20/2004 post. I took about 8 pictures in all of this sunset. This was with the flash locked off. I experimented with using the forced flash on some pictures, but the flash washed out the colors. Lesson learned... This photo was taken as a vertical shot, and it turned out to be the best picture of the 8 taken. As you can see, I also signed up for a Photo Blogger account at Hello.com. We'll see how that works...

"The heavens declare the glory of God..." (Psalm 19:1a)

To His glory,

~ The Billy Goat ~

The Billy Goat's "Toy" of the Week

The Oregon Scientific 1.3 Mega Pixels digital camera: No bells and whistles on this one.

This digital camera was my selection from this year's edition of the Christmas Gift Catalog we receive each year from the company I work for. No turkeys... No hams... Not even a fruitcake... But a Gift Catalog with a variety of selections. I've wanted a digital camera for some time, and this was my opportunity to get one, though not the one I would have gone out to buy if money was more free flowing in our household...

The resolution is not all I would desire. The "best" fine grain setting gives a 1280 X 1024 resolution. There is suppose to be a 2X zoom feature that I've not played with yet. And there was no memory card with the package, although the camera has a compact flash card slot. Without the flash card, the camera only holds 4 "best" resolution pictures.

That's not a lot so I went to Circuit City and picked up a SanDisk 128 MG compact flash card. I know I could have got it much cheaper on line, but sometimes I am willing to pay for immediate gratification. I popped the card in and... Shazaam! Now I have room for 477 fine grade resolution pictures... Life is good...

Which reminds of the little ditty my brother-inlaw likes to sing.

Hush little luxury...
Don't you cry...
You'll become a necessity
By and by...

Happy holidays!

~ The Billy Goat ~

Our Neighbor's New Fence

For the last sixteen years that we have lived in our current home, we have enjoyed the extended wooded undeveloped area behind our house. Though private property, it was unfenced and not posted. We in the neighborhood were able to enjoy that extended area as a kind of "commons". Trails were worn through different parts of the acreage. Deer and other wild animals made the area their home. Our children enjoyed playing in that part of the woods immediately behind the house.

In the back of our minds we knew it probably would not stay undeveloped forever. After all it was privately owned land, but we also knew that the owners of that extended tract were a local well to do family that had a concern for how these areas in the township would be developed. That was part of the reason they bought the land so many years ago. Even so, we kind of expected that someday we would probably see another subdivision going in there.

I think it was the first of this year that we learned that this property was going to be developed as an estate for a new home for one of the family members. The appropriate notices were sent to those adjoining property owners that would have a vested interest in how the land was used. Surveyors went though the property, marking out property lines and ect.

Then the building and landscaping started. The home and out-buildings are being erected in that side of the land opposite of the end we are next to. It looks like our part of the woods will be for the most part undisturbed.

Except for the fence. This past week workers came along the edge of the property erecting a fence. It's not an ugly chain link fence, but with wood posts with cross boards against which woven fence is stapled. It's actually positioned a number of feet inside their property line, so an outside access strip remains between the fence and the actual property line. The appearance fits in very well with the woods. It is a high fence that deer will find difficult to jump, and the weave of the wire portion is such that our dog will not be squeezing his way through it.

So it is our "commons" will no longer be open to us. And there is some sense of loss at that thought. But there is also some sense that in erecting that fence, something hopefully will be preserved. After all, we had expected a subdivision. Now we have a fenced off estate with the prospect that this portion will be preserved as much as possible "as is".

It is our new neighbors' property to do with as they will within the boundaries of the law. Their right to use their property as such is also my right to use my little less then half acre as such. There is also a sense that the new estate will preserve our property's value. If we ever sell, any buyer will know what is going to be beyond the backyard, and it will not be another subdivision.

So it is we have to give up something, but we also gain a little in return. Things change. Change happens. And so it will be until the end of this world. The only un-changing things in existence are God and His Word. He is the Solid Rock.

"My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand
All other ground is sinking sand"
(Edward Mote 1797 - 1874)

Sola Deo Gloria!

~ The Billy Goat ~

The Secular Apocalyptic

A mega-earthquake hits the American west coast resulting in a major portion of California spliting off to become a large island. Mega-death and destruction.

An mega-asteroid comes perilously close to earth and the mega-gravitational effect sends a mega-tidal wave that floods the Ohio River basin. Mega-death and destruction.

A mega-hurricane from the Gulf of Mexico comes hurling north across the United States to collide with a mega-Arctic storm from the north at a point on the southern shore of Lake Michigan where Chicago happens to be located, and just as a computer hacker brings down the Chicago power grid. Mega-death and destruction.

A mega-freak weather pattern brings a sudden and unexpected ice age. More mega-death and destruction.

Scenes from the Left Behind series?

No... These are all scenes from secular Hollywood that have appeared in the past year as made for TV movies, or theater release. And the troubling aspect is they are fun to watch... You know nobody is REALLY getting killed, and it's not REAL buildings falling down... Aren't those special effects just so neat? WOW!

Why is that I get the feeling that the same people who made these secular apocalyptics would have hissy snit if Mel Gibson made a movie based on the Biblical book of Revelation?

The answer of course has to do with the world view such a movie would be based on... A loving God would actually bring judgment on the earth? That assumes there is a God who takes an active personal interest in the world He created, and that He holds mankind morally accountable... And that He will hold me individually personally accountable! Didn't that view of life become defunct with the death of Modernism? After all, the father of Post-modernism told us God was dead...

By the way, I'm not a fan of the Left Behind series, nor do I wish to see even a devout Christian try to make a movie based on Revelation. Biblical prophecy is to serious a matter to be left to our finite and sin impacted imagination.

But why the secular apocalyptic? Is it because even post-modern man still has a semblance of conscience and right and wrong? How can big business corporate executives who are screwing up the environment for filthy lucre be "evil" in a post-modern world? For you see in the secular apocalyptic there is usually the villain corporate executive, or some kind of villain even if the villain is mankind itself... Hummmm.... Yes, there is usually some kind of "social message" in these secular apocalyptics...

Though I have little use for a lot of popular Christian apocalpticism, I do believe there will be a judgment, and as part of that judgment a great tribulation. It's not going to be a fun time... Now please don't start asking me if I'm pre-, mid-, or post-trib... That's not the point... The point is that even the secular mind, alienated from God and His Word, to some degree or another has a sense of apocalyptic judgment... The remnents of a conscience that can not totally deny its Creator, but suppresses that truth in unrighteousness... (Romans 1:16-25) Sola Deo Gloria!

~ The Billy Goat ~

More on being "Post-Reformed"

Cartee Bales has joined in on the Post-Reformed discussion with an article entitled That is SO 1516!, posted at his One Denarius blog. Here are some excerpts.

"...When we think we have it all figured out, when we have God in a "box" where we can understand Him and have thick systematics and long histories that enable our perfectly-fitted knowledge of God, it is we who are in the box. Whether it is 1517 or 2004, or 790BC, this attitude ignores God's active presence in our lives, transforming us into the image of Christ (2 Co 3:18). It can also lead us into some really goofy logical deductions that become accepted theological formulations (i.e., if God wants to save people in Nepal, He can do it Himself). In other words, this attitude drives us right out of the arms of God and back to our own self-sufficiency, and our own errors, which is idolatry.

Post-reformed -- to my mind -- is a heart that gets "out of the box" and into the fresh wind of God's Spirit and the truth of His word. It is a heart that says, "I cannot know God fully here, and am therefore open to understanding my faith in the light of Scripture (Sola Scriptura), with the help of the Spirit, in conversation on the way with others on the way." It does not ignore the Reformation by any means, but it takes its best understanding and its earnest desire to return to the living God. It is a heart that gets me over myself, my biases, my presuppositions, my recalcitrant positions, my own sinfulness, and brings me square into the "...light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ" (2 Co 4:6). Nothing less. It is a heart that is willing to say -- and to listen to -- "let's talk."..." (Complete article found here. )

This article echos and expresses a number of my own thoughts. I have long come to the conclusion that if being "Reformed" means what some so called "Reformed" people say it means, then I am not "Reformed", nor do not want to be "Reformed". In getting "out of the box", I've found the fresh wind to be spiritually invigorating. Sola Deo Gloria!

~ The Billy Goat ~

Radiator Venison

In Michigan the deer bow hunting season started about a month ago. Now this coming Monday gun season will start. The opening day of gun season for deer has been called the "Michigan National Holiday". I am not a hunter, but I am not at all against hunting or hunters. I am against poachers though, but I'll save that rant for another time.

The only deer I ever got was with a 71 Maverick. So I tell my deer hunting friends I'd rather they kill a deer with their bow or gun so I don't end up killing one with my Olds or Transport.

That's no small issue when we live in a county that has the highest number of car/deer accidents of all the counties in Michigan. Unfortunately we see the vulture cuisine along our road sides all to frequently. It's not pretty unless your a buzzard. You quickly learn not to go speeding down the country roads at night. If your doing over 50 MPH, you will not have a chance.

I sometimes question if our DNR has any real idea at all how large the deer herd in Michigan is. Over the past few years the number of permits have been expanded, and one hunter through a combination of permits can end up with several deer in his/her freezer.

We almost snagged some "radiator venison" on the way to church Sunday evening. The main road we take to church runs along a portion of the Grand River, and along the hills that define the Grand River Valley; lots of wooded areas along with open fields. It was at dusk, and I had the headlights on low-beam. Coming over a slight rise, I saw three deer running across the road about 100 feet ahead of me. I stepped on the brakes, and the three deer bounded into the ditch. It was then the fourth deer decided to cross the road. If I had not already braked, it would have been splat! Radiator venison... No thank you... I'll pass... I like my van without the front crumpled in...

We are told in the Bible that it was through man's sin that death came into the creation. Romans 8 speaks of the whole creation groaning as it waits for the consummation that will bring in the restoration of creation to what it was to originally be and more; that new heavens and new earth in which will dwell righteousness, and the deer and the radiator will meet no more (Revelation 21-22).

~ The Billy Goat ~

Reality. Issue 20: Postmodernity
by Jeff Fountain (Reality Magazine)

"Like a slow-moving weather front gradually blanketing the horizon, a radical shift in the way young people view reality is bringing permanent change to the world's spiritual climate. The global forecast is both threatening and promising.

Postmodernity, as this mood-change is becoming known, is not a rational, consistent, philosophy. It is not a cohesive, logical mindset. It is a soup of contradictory ideas. Yet it is as radical a change as that triggered by the Enlightenment, when 'Pre-modern' thought gave way to the 'Modern' view of life.

This climate-shift is bringing major change to our daily lives. And it carries major challenges (and opportunities) concerning the way we present and demonstrate the Gospel today and tomorrow. Our evangelistic methods and approaches developed for the 'Modern' world will be irrelevant for a 'Postmodern' generation. Our local church life also needs total evaluation in the light of these changes..." (Complete article found here.)

The Beginnings of a Post-Reformed Manifesto

Tim Etherington is continuing to develope his thoughts on what it means to be "Post-Reformed". In this latest cogitation he begins to look at the Reformation "Sola"'s. Here is an excerpt. ~ The Billy Goat ~

"The Post-Reformed understanding of semper reformanda is that we must consistently check our understanding against scripture and be willing to adjust when and where necessary. The Reformation didn't end in the 1600s and the Westminster Confession is not inerrant and infallible. This necessarily requires that we continue dialoging with various theological positions within orthodoxy. It does not mean that we can suspend the solas in order to accomplish that. We must discuss our theology from the Scriptures, in faith, with grace, in a Christian manner, and to God's glory (not our own)...." (Complete article found here.)

Is the Vietnam War Finally "Over"?

05 November 2004, Federalist Patriot No. 04-44/45, Friday Digest

"The Vietnam War is finally over ... and we finally won. The Patriot is convinced that the one demographic completely overlooked in this election was the Vietnam-Era veterans.

Those millions of unsung heroes and faithful servants finally had their say last night. We finally put a stake through the heart of the cowards, the liberals, the leftists, and the Hollywood and major media co-conspirators who sold this nation a sack of lies about the Vietnam War and its veterans. So emboldened were the Democrats that they had the audacity to put a willing enemy collaborator on the ticket to oppose President Bush. Well, they had their chance, and the American people sent them a loud and clear message on 2 November 2004, a day we now propose as Vietnam War Victory Day! (How 'bout a Bury the '60's Day, too?)

Their lies about unparalleled U.S. atrocities, war crimes, and defeat on the battle field were finally put to the electorate last night. Just as in their war, our Vietnam Era veterans once again put nearly everything on the line to save our country and to keep the light of truth alive. The Swiftees, the SOG vets, and the producers and authors of books like Stolen Valor and Stolen Honor -- none of them would be silenced. We don't know of any exit polls that can validate this belief, but we know that those untold millions of veterans overwhelmingly sent a message to Lt. Kerry and company. No more lies, no more phony apologies, no more pandering to the UN and the world's socialist elite. We wouldn't let you steal the only thing that many of us have left, our honor and the truth.

The Patriot salutes all those veterans and thanks them for securing yet another victory for America."

There is a lot in the above I agree and sympathise with. And it may indeed be true that the Vietnam War will no longer factor into a Presidential election like it did in 2004. But is it really over? I'm not so sure. I did not serve in the military and am not a veteran. But I suspect the Vietnam War will never "really" be over until the last surviving Vietnam veteran lays down his or her head in the Bivouac of the Dead... Rest in peace Ronnie...

~ The Billy Goat ~

Kerry Runs Into the Wall of Real Politick

Here are the realities Kerry and krew faced when contemplating how to grab victory from the crushing jaws of defeat in Ohio.

Kerry did not have the popular vote. Even if Ohio had gone his way, there were not enough votes in Ohio to put him ahead in the popular count. So he faced the obstacle of being a minority president if he was to be so at all.

It was clear that both houses of Congress would end up more firmly in Republican control. There was no way Kerry was going to even be able to begin to do all the stuff he had promised.

The votes in Ohio simply were not there. Strike three and Kerry is out, thank God.

So now the eyes of desperte Democrats turn to the junior Senator from New York... Bleeh.......

~ The Billy Goat ~