As we all may know, the security at the airport is being tightened again due to the failed terrorist attack aboard Northwest Airlines flight 253 by a Nigerian national, Umar Farouk Abdulmuntallab.
Because the attempted terrorism act involves liquid explosives hidden in the area around male private area, the new security measures by TSA is expected to address that. There were rumors spreading around about the excessive pat down procedures, limitation of the number of carry-on allowed, to the limitation of usage of electronic devices in a portion of the flight segment (which means no laptop, portable DVD players, MP3 and other similar devices are allowed to be used).
After all the confusions and rumors, I finally managed to find an internet posting which claimed to have acquired the leaked US Dept of Homeland Security's notices to TSA, effective from Dec 25, 2009 to Dec 30, 2009.
Here is the copy of the leaked notice:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Transportation Security Administration
Aviation Security Directive
Subject: Security Directive
Number: SD 1544-09-06
Date: December 25, 2009
EXPIRATION: 0200Z on December 30, 2009
This Security Directive (SD) must be implemented immediately. The measures contained in this SD are in addition to all other SDs currently in effect for your operations.
INFORMATION: On December 25, 2009, a terrorist attack was attempted against a flight traveling to the United States. TSA has identified security measures to be implemented by airports, aircraft operators, and foreign air carriers to mitigate potential threats to flights.
APPLICABILITY: THIS SD APPLIES TO AIRCRAFT OPERATORS THAT CARRY OUT A SECURITY PROGRAM REGULATED UNDER 49 CODE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS (CFR)1544.101(a).
ACTIONS REQUIRED: If you conduct scheduled and/or public charter flight operations under a Full Program under 49 CFR 1544.101(a) departing from any foreign location to the United States (including its territories and possessions), you must immediately implement all measures in this SD for each such flight.
1. BOARDING GATE
1. The aircraft operator or authorized air carrier representative must ensure all passengers are screened at the boarding gate during the boarding process using the following procedures. These procedures are in addition to the screening of all passengers at the screening checkpoint.
1. Perform thorough pat-down of all passengers at boarding gate prior to boarding, concentrating on upper legs and torso.
2. Physically inspect 100 percent of all passenger accessible property at the boarding gate prior to boarding, with focus on syringes being transported along with powders and/or liquids.
3. Ensure the liquids, aerosols, and gels restrictions are strictly adhered to in accordance with SD 1544-06-02E.
2. During the boarding process, the air carrier may exempt passengers who are Heads of State or Heads of Government from the measures outlined in Section I.A. of this SD, including the following who are traveling with the Head of State or Head of Government:
1. Spouse and children, or
2. One other individual (chosen by the Head of State or Head of Government)
3. For the purposes of Section I.B., the following definitions apply:
1. Head of State: An individual serving as the chief public representative of a monarchic or republican nation-state, federation, commonwealth, or any other political state (for example, King, Queen, and President).
2. Head of Government: The chief officer of the executive branch of a government presiding over a cabinet (for example, Prime Minister, Premier, President, and Monarch).
2. IN FLIGHT
1. During flight, the aircraft operator must ensure that the following procedures are followed:
1. Passengers must remain in seats beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
2. Passenger access to carry-on baggage is prohibited beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
3. Disable aircraft-integrated passenger communications systems and services (phone, internet access services, live television programming, global positioning systems) prior to boarding and during all phases of flight.
4. While over U.S. airspace, flight crew may not make any announcement to passengers concerning flight path or position over cities or landmarks.
5. Passengers may not have any blankets, pillows, or personal belongings on the lap beginning 1 hour prior to arrival at destination.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR ACKNOWLEDGMENT: The aircraft operator must immediately provide written confirmation to its assigned PSI indicating receipt of this SD.
AIRCRAFT OPERATOR dissemination required: The aircraft operator must immediately pass the information and directives set forth in this SD to all stations affected, and provide written confirmation to its PSI, indicating that all stations affected have acknowledged receipt of the information and directives set forth in this SD. The aircraft operator must disseminate this information to its senior management personnel, ground security coordinators, and supervisory security personnel at all affected locations. All aircraft operator personnel implementing this SD must be briefed by the aircraft operator on its content and the restrictions governing dissemination. No other dissemination may be made without prior approval of the Assistant Secretary for the Transportation Security Administration. Unauthorized dissemination of this document or information contained herein is prohibited by 49 CFR Part 1520 (see 69 Fed. Reg. 28066 (May 18, 2004).
APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE MEASURES: With respect to the provisions of this SD, as stated in 49 CFR 1544.305(d), the aircraft operator may submit in writing to its PSI proposed alternative measures and the basis for submitting the alternative measures for approval by the Assistant Administrator for Transportation Sector Network Management. The aircraft operator must immediately notify its PSI whenever any procedure in this SD cannot be carried out by a government authority charged with performing security procedures.
FOR TSA ACTION ONLY: The TSA must issue this SD immediately to the corporate security element of all affected U.S. aircraft operators.
FOR STATE DEPARTMENT: Retransmittal to appropriate foreign posts is authorized. Post must refer to STATE 162917, 201826Z Sep 01, Subject: FAA Security Directives and Information Circulars: Definitions and Handling, for specific guidance and dissemination.
Gale Rossides
Acting Administrator
(From http://gizmodo.com/5435188/leaked-homeland-securitys-post-underwear-bomb-airplane-rules, retrieved on December 28, 2009 at 3:45 PM)
Now, what should you do if you plan to travel in the coming week:
1. Arrive early, the TSA suggested at least one and half hour earlier (than what it was) for international flight heading to the US, and an unspecified time for domestic flights (I assume about 30 minutes earlier than what it was).
2. Be prepared to go through longer lines and more intensive screening. Follow the direction of the TSA agent and do not complain or whine too much since you may have to endure a longer screening that way. (I've been there and done that... so I learned my mistake)
3. Be sure not to carry too many bottle of liquids in your carry-on since you may have to endure a longer screening time. It's probably best to keep all your liquid essentials (from shampoo, body wash, lotions etc.) stowed away in your checked baggage if you have one (and specially if you don't have to pay for one).
And lastly, be safe and pray that you don't meet an overzealous TSA agent who performed excessive patting a little too close to your sensitive area.
Monday, December 28, 2009
We will never forget (And I personally am included)
When I read the news about the failed "crotchbomb" by a Nigerian national, Umar Farouk Abdulmuntallab, I was just getting ready to sleep after searching for the latest update of the anime movie that I followed online.
I immediately thanked God that he failed to detonate the bomb in that Northwest Airlines flight 253. I personally commend the spontaneous response and the brave acts of passengers in that flight which managed to subdue the perpetrator quickly and therefore prevented another humanitarian tragedy.
This latest attempt of terrorist act is another reminder that terrorism threat in the air is real and active despite all the money, time and efforts spent by the US government, the TSA, and authorities in other airports all around the world to prevent it from happening again. The fact that a sizable liquid explosive pouch was managed to be smuggled inside a plane is more than enough proof to say that all those efforts by the authorities around the world were not sufficient to guarantee the safety of the air travelers.
I personally don't mind the extra security, however many other business travelers (especially those who always seem to be in a hurry and those who have whiny and spoiled kids with them) may not like being searched and patted down more intensively (and sometimes intrusively, especially when we cannot tell them: "Hey, watch where you're touching!"). Now, (again, always right after something happened) we can surely expect a stricter check point, a longer line and more whines as people slowly (and begrudgingly) moving along the long lines in the airport gates. And don't forget, more hassles or intrusive checks.
One time, I have the "privilege" of being pulled from the lines by an TSA agent in an airport to undergo some security measure, not long after 9/11 took place. At that time, I was 30 minutes away from my flight departure time and I just barely managed to be in front of the line before the security check point when I saw the lady (TSA agent) scribbled something on my boarding ticket. And I suddenly realized, "This is definitely not a good sign and I could miss my flight"
I was right, when I showed my ticket and ID to the male agent at the security gate, he told me that I needed to step aside and follow him to go through additional checks. I politely asked the agent of how long the check will take since I would have barely made my flight even without the check, and he stiffly replied, "Sir, we will let you go once we finished the mandated security check on you and your belongings." And I suddenly realized that I may have talked too much. Man, it will cost me greatly, I assume.
The agent asked me to stretch my arms and keep my legs away from each other about one and a half foot apart. He then began patting down my arms and legs and ran his metal detector along my body. As expected, it beeped when it passed just below my belly (Of course, it's not because I carried a crotch bomb, it's just because of my belt comes with metal buckle). The agent told me to take off my belt, and I seriously wanted to joke with him but I realized that he was not in the mood for joking so I clamped my mouth shut. After I took off my belt then there was no more beep, then he asked me to sit and wait for my belonging to be inspected. At that time, I noticed that the agent wiped clean cloths along the edges of my roller bag (which I later found out to be a part of a security test conducted by a "puffer" to detect the trace of explosives).
He even opened my laptop bag, ran another cloth wipes (I truly wished the would wiped out the whole laptop instead of just the edges since my laptop can surely benefit from a full wiping). He then turned on my laptop (I guess to make sure it's not an IED). Well, the process took almost 30 minutes and he finally released me.
As I expected, that TSA search cost me my flight, because I missed my flight because of the extra pat downs (Hopefully, it's without any accident such as "Ouch, not the groin!") Ok, that's a little out of bound, I was just kidding... Once again, I do not mind the extra security measures but I honestly felt somewhat vindicated after the checks, I even joked to myself: "The agent must have thought that I looked like Osama bin Laden, even though I believe I looked more like Hu Jintao than Osama." Well, it may be just my tough luck!
I honestly missed the times when the security of the airport were very lax (just before 9/11 tragedy) but then again, I don't really mind an extra security measure for the safety of all travelers as long as it's done professionally and in a timely manner. And also, if I am allowed to ask, I would personally request to not pat down the area between the leg too much.... j/k
Good luck to you all who travels, have a safe trip and remember to come early. And also the best of luck for all TSA agents whose job is to pat down the selected travelers.
Be safe everyone!!! In a worst case scenario, we just have to learn to jump on those stupid terrorists. I am sure I am heavy enough for it.
I immediately thanked God that he failed to detonate the bomb in that Northwest Airlines flight 253. I personally commend the spontaneous response and the brave acts of passengers in that flight which managed to subdue the perpetrator quickly and therefore prevented another humanitarian tragedy.
This latest attempt of terrorist act is another reminder that terrorism threat in the air is real and active despite all the money, time and efforts spent by the US government, the TSA, and authorities in other airports all around the world to prevent it from happening again. The fact that a sizable liquid explosive pouch was managed to be smuggled inside a plane is more than enough proof to say that all those efforts by the authorities around the world were not sufficient to guarantee the safety of the air travelers.
I personally don't mind the extra security, however many other business travelers (especially those who always seem to be in a hurry and those who have whiny and spoiled kids with them) may not like being searched and patted down more intensively (and sometimes intrusively, especially when we cannot tell them: "Hey, watch where you're touching!"). Now, (again, always right after something happened) we can surely expect a stricter check point, a longer line and more whines as people slowly (and begrudgingly) moving along the long lines in the airport gates. And don't forget, more hassles or intrusive checks.
One time, I have the "privilege" of being pulled from the lines by an TSA agent in an airport to undergo some security measure, not long after 9/11 took place. At that time, I was 30 minutes away from my flight departure time and I just barely managed to be in front of the line before the security check point when I saw the lady (TSA agent) scribbled something on my boarding ticket. And I suddenly realized, "This is definitely not a good sign and I could miss my flight"
I was right, when I showed my ticket and ID to the male agent at the security gate, he told me that I needed to step aside and follow him to go through additional checks. I politely asked the agent of how long the check will take since I would have barely made my flight even without the check, and he stiffly replied, "Sir, we will let you go once we finished the mandated security check on you and your belongings." And I suddenly realized that I may have talked too much. Man, it will cost me greatly, I assume.
The agent asked me to stretch my arms and keep my legs away from each other about one and a half foot apart. He then began patting down my arms and legs and ran his metal detector along my body. As expected, it beeped when it passed just below my belly (Of course, it's not because I carried a crotch bomb, it's just because of my belt comes with metal buckle). The agent told me to take off my belt, and I seriously wanted to joke with him but I realized that he was not in the mood for joking so I clamped my mouth shut. After I took off my belt then there was no more beep, then he asked me to sit and wait for my belonging to be inspected. At that time, I noticed that the agent wiped clean cloths along the edges of my roller bag (which I later found out to be a part of a security test conducted by a "puffer" to detect the trace of explosives).
He even opened my laptop bag, ran another cloth wipes (I truly wished the would wiped out the whole laptop instead of just the edges since my laptop can surely benefit from a full wiping). He then turned on my laptop (I guess to make sure it's not an IED). Well, the process took almost 30 minutes and he finally released me.
As I expected, that TSA search cost me my flight, because I missed my flight because of the extra pat downs (Hopefully, it's without any accident such as "Ouch, not the groin!") Ok, that's a little out of bound, I was just kidding... Once again, I do not mind the extra security measures but I honestly felt somewhat vindicated after the checks, I even joked to myself: "The agent must have thought that I looked like Osama bin Laden, even though I believe I looked more like Hu Jintao than Osama." Well, it may be just my tough luck!
I honestly missed the times when the security of the airport were very lax (just before 9/11 tragedy) but then again, I don't really mind an extra security measure for the safety of all travelers as long as it's done professionally and in a timely manner. And also, if I am allowed to ask, I would personally request to not pat down the area between the leg too much.... j/k
Good luck to you all who travels, have a safe trip and remember to come early. And also the best of luck for all TSA agents whose job is to pat down the selected travelers.
Be safe everyone!!! In a worst case scenario, we just have to learn to jump on those stupid terrorists. I am sure I am heavy enough for it.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Trickery or Reality
I was on my way to the parking lot at LAXs P4 parking, and suddenly an old lady waved her hand and called me, "Excuse me!" I turned toward her direction and I asked her, "Do you call me, ma'am?" And with a gentle face she replied, "Yes, could you come over?" As I approached her, suddenly an airport police officer passed by. Seeing the old lady waving her hand at me, he them asked her, "Is there anything I can help you with, ma'am?" And surprisingly, I saw that her expression changes, she looked at the officer with a stern face and said, "No!" as if she was just telling him to go away. The officer left in a breeze.
She began to tell me a story while showing her CA senior citizen identification. According to the ID that she showed me, ber name was Brenda S (I abbreviated her last name just in case if she was actually using someone else's ID). In short, basically she claimed that she needed some money and kind of short $16 for towing cost of her broken down car. Personally I thought she could ask the officer and he could probably help her better, but I don't know. She probably just tried to scam me (and I was fully aware of that), but I believe it's a good time to exercise my faith. I believe God had given me so much even while He knows that I will not always be faithful to Him, yet He still loves me and gave His One and Only Son to die for me.
I also remember that many people had helped me in the past without demanding anything in return, and I felt compelled to do something even though I may be scammed (I didn't mind and I didn't care). I was also reminded about my past experience how I often refused to help those who plead for help simply because I distrust them. Every single time I did that, I always regretted that I did not give them any money at all, what if they really needed help?
I was completely aware of the situation, and I know about the risks. I have heard stories about people who did some scams using tricks like this or similar, but I did not care. It was not easy, I had to admit. As a very rational guy, I have doubts that that lady probably did not really need any help at all after witnessing how she turned away the offer from the officer, I immediately thought she probably just needed some money. I forced my mind to cast away all negative assumptions and prejudices that I had, and I voluntarily allowed myself to be tricked. I said to myself, "It's OK if I am being tricked, it's still better than if what she said was true and I did not help while I actually could help (at least a little)."
I reached into my wallet and began to count how much money I had in my wallet. Luckily I had some money that night (more than enough to pay for the parking for sure). I politely told her that I don't have much money but I am willing to help her (even though I know she may just be tricking me). I spared some money to pay for the parking and I gave her the rest. She thanked me and left.
Personally, I am sad. Firstly, I am sad that I can't even give her $16 that she asked, even though I had more than that but I kept some to pay for the expensive airport parking and for my own personal emergency. (Just recently, I went through a blown out tire in the middle of a busy I-60, it was not pleasant, and if it was not because one nice customer's help, I probably would have to pay a lot of money for the tow trucks). Secondly, I am sad because I see these poor people more and more every single day. Whether they be on busy intersections, freeway exit ramps, even in front of the supermarkets or stores. I have never seen them there when the economy was doing well. I guess these are just signs of the times: More and more poor and needy people.
Seeing all these, I could not help but trying to cast the blame to anyone else, but I realized have no one to blame but myself. If I, who claimed to have known God and possessed conscience about this matter, could not be moved with compassion for them, how would those who did not even know God or those who have muted their inner conscience. No wonder the world is in a big mess right now. With more than 6 billion people who are more or less as messy and complicated as I am, the world is surely a dangerous place to live.
However, I was (somewhat) surprised when I noticed that she did not even complain, although her thank you tones indicated that she was not overly excited (I don't know maybe she already got money from others, or maybe I was just one of her victims that night). But I am perfectly fine with that, I remember that I once give a small amount of money to a beggar and he just looked at me as if he was saying, "Huh, that's it?" I wish that she really needs the money, and that she can use it wisely. Nevertheless, I sure wish her the best since she is an old lady so she probably needed the money more than me.
Regardless if it was trickery or not, I am personally glad that I went through the incident for two things. First, that I was privileged to help her (regardless if the case was true or not). Secondly, I am actually very glad that I was privileged to exercise my faith, hope and love by helping others without any prejudice or negative thinking. And that alone is worth more than all the money in the world.
God bless you, Brenda (or whoever you are), I hope you are doing OK where ever you are. I hope you did not trick me, but I don't really mind even if you did. I truly wish that the money I gave you can be helpful. It was a hard earned money, as I did not have much money myself. Anyway, thank you for giving me a chance to exercise my faith, to learn to give even while I am still lacking myself.
She began to tell me a story while showing her CA senior citizen identification. According to the ID that she showed me, ber name was Brenda S (I abbreviated her last name just in case if she was actually using someone else's ID). In short, basically she claimed that she needed some money and kind of short $16 for towing cost of her broken down car. Personally I thought she could ask the officer and he could probably help her better, but I don't know. She probably just tried to scam me (and I was fully aware of that), but I believe it's a good time to exercise my faith. I believe God had given me so much even while He knows that I will not always be faithful to Him, yet He still loves me and gave His One and Only Son to die for me.
I also remember that many people had helped me in the past without demanding anything in return, and I felt compelled to do something even though I may be scammed (I didn't mind and I didn't care). I was also reminded about my past experience how I often refused to help those who plead for help simply because I distrust them. Every single time I did that, I always regretted that I did not give them any money at all, what if they really needed help?
I was completely aware of the situation, and I know about the risks. I have heard stories about people who did some scams using tricks like this or similar, but I did not care. It was not easy, I had to admit. As a very rational guy, I have doubts that that lady probably did not really need any help at all after witnessing how she turned away the offer from the officer, I immediately thought she probably just needed some money. I forced my mind to cast away all negative assumptions and prejudices that I had, and I voluntarily allowed myself to be tricked. I said to myself, "It's OK if I am being tricked, it's still better than if what she said was true and I did not help while I actually could help (at least a little)."
I reached into my wallet and began to count how much money I had in my wallet. Luckily I had some money that night (more than enough to pay for the parking for sure). I politely told her that I don't have much money but I am willing to help her (even though I know she may just be tricking me). I spared some money to pay for the parking and I gave her the rest. She thanked me and left.
Personally, I am sad. Firstly, I am sad that I can't even give her $16 that she asked, even though I had more than that but I kept some to pay for the expensive airport parking and for my own personal emergency. (Just recently, I went through a blown out tire in the middle of a busy I-60, it was not pleasant, and if it was not because one nice customer's help, I probably would have to pay a lot of money for the tow trucks). Secondly, I am sad because I see these poor people more and more every single day. Whether they be on busy intersections, freeway exit ramps, even in front of the supermarkets or stores. I have never seen them there when the economy was doing well. I guess these are just signs of the times: More and more poor and needy people.
Seeing all these, I could not help but trying to cast the blame to anyone else, but I realized have no one to blame but myself. If I, who claimed to have known God and possessed conscience about this matter, could not be moved with compassion for them, how would those who did not even know God or those who have muted their inner conscience. No wonder the world is in a big mess right now. With more than 6 billion people who are more or less as messy and complicated as I am, the world is surely a dangerous place to live.
However, I was (somewhat) surprised when I noticed that she did not even complain, although her thank you tones indicated that she was not overly excited (I don't know maybe she already got money from others, or maybe I was just one of her victims that night). But I am perfectly fine with that, I remember that I once give a small amount of money to a beggar and he just looked at me as if he was saying, "Huh, that's it?" I wish that she really needs the money, and that she can use it wisely. Nevertheless, I sure wish her the best since she is an old lady so she probably needed the money more than me.
Regardless if it was trickery or not, I am personally glad that I went through the incident for two things. First, that I was privileged to help her (regardless if the case was true or not). Secondly, I am actually very glad that I was privileged to exercise my faith, hope and love by helping others without any prejudice or negative thinking. And that alone is worth more than all the money in the world.
God bless you, Brenda (or whoever you are), I hope you are doing OK where ever you are. I hope you did not trick me, but I don't really mind even if you did. I truly wish that the money I gave you can be helpful. It was a hard earned money, as I did not have much money myself. Anyway, thank you for giving me a chance to exercise my faith, to learn to give even while I am still lacking myself.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Justice and Equality
About justice and equality, I liked how Bono phrased it, "Only love can do it."
I admit that I was not a Bono fan (Note: I still am not truly a "fan" but I admired some of his perspectives) before I moved to So-Cal. In fact, I used to despise Bono just like many other Christian conservatives because Bono was a rock star and due to his so-called "socialist" approach. But now, I started to open my eyes to the ugly reality of this world... Inequality and injustice. I am not supporting or trying to vindicate either Democratic or Republican party, but I began to see the pluses and minuses of both parties in a more balanced way.
Republicans often only care about moral values while they grossly neglected the poor and the needy. They're not much different from the Pharisees of Jesus' days. On the other hand, the Democrats are so concerned about these issues of poverty, rights to assemble (unions), immigration, and other commonly called "liberal" agenda while trashing everything else regardless of their absolutism.
Honestly, I now think that if Jesus were once again to be "reincarnated" (meaning "physically taking human flesh and body again) in this world today, perhaps most Conservatives will call him "Socialist" while He was merely being compassionate to the poor and the needy. But wait, He also will gladly rebuke those "liberals" because of they compromise on His words too much.
I admit that I was not a Bono fan (Note: I still am not truly a "fan" but I admired some of his perspectives) before I moved to So-Cal. In fact, I used to despise Bono just like many other Christian conservatives because Bono was a rock star and due to his so-called "socialist" approach. But now, I started to open my eyes to the ugly reality of this world... Inequality and injustice. I am not supporting or trying to vindicate either Democratic or Republican party, but I began to see the pluses and minuses of both parties in a more balanced way.
Republicans often only care about moral values while they grossly neglected the poor and the needy. They're not much different from the Pharisees of Jesus' days. On the other hand, the Democrats are so concerned about these issues of poverty, rights to assemble (unions), immigration, and other commonly called "liberal" agenda while trashing everything else regardless of their absolutism.
Honestly, I now think that if Jesus were once again to be "reincarnated" (meaning "physically taking human flesh and body again) in this world today, perhaps most Conservatives will call him "Socialist" while He was merely being compassionate to the poor and the needy. But wait, He also will gladly rebuke those "liberals" because of they compromise on His words too much.
Fever or Reality?
Well, I recently read the latest edition "Charisma" magazine, a Christian Magazine (FYI, I got the subscription for free), and it does not surprise me that the headline was the "end of the world fever." Historically, the church often went to "end-of-the-world" modes during difficult times, whether it be harsh persecutions, poverty, or deep recessions like today. It is quite understandable because we human tend to seek for safety and security that we cannot find in our present condition. That's why we tend to be attracted and caved in to any promises to release us from our present condition, whether it be the all too common "get rich quick" schemes or the church promise of the glorious day when Christ is coming for the second time to bring us to the place where there is no more tears and sorrows.
So, should we just cast away everything we have and gathered in an exclusive group of the fervent believers like those of the doomsday cults? Maybe not but it is indeed an interesting phenomenon, the same exact one that I witnessed during 1998 financial crisis in Asia. Two things that I am truly worry about. First, how long will it last? We know that once the economy was turned around for the better, churches in Asia began to shelf the idea of second coming of Christ and indulged in their old sins. Secondly, I honestly am afraid that these overzealous drive can lead to even worse or disastrous ends for some of those people, especially those who are willingly giving away their everything while expecting for a quick exit. Many will probably commit suicide or leave the Lord when they finally see that they do not get what they want soon enough.
So, should we just cast away everything we have and gathered in an exclusive group of the fervent believers like those of the doomsday cults? Maybe not but it is indeed an interesting phenomenon, the same exact one that I witnessed during 1998 financial crisis in Asia. Two things that I am truly worry about. First, how long will it last? We know that once the economy was turned around for the better, churches in Asia began to shelf the idea of second coming of Christ and indulged in their old sins. Secondly, I honestly am afraid that these overzealous drive can lead to even worse or disastrous ends for some of those people, especially those who are willingly giving away their everything while expecting for a quick exit. Many will probably commit suicide or leave the Lord when they finally see that they do not get what they want soon enough.
God's providence? Or wrath?
A pastor recently told me that he believed that God has "sheltered" His children who are faithful to him and kept them safe from the recent financial mess. Well, his assessment may indeed be true, at least for his congregation, but I immediately was reminded about news of declining tithes and contributions from churches elsewhere. Politely and respectfully, I replied to him that I was glad that his church was doing OK, however I cautioned the pastor that the situation is not as rosy everywhere else.
I did not judge this pastor of implying anything, but I just worry that some Christians may indeed take His words for its face value. There is a widespread belief that God will bless those who are faithful literally and at any given time. I just simply can't agree to it for some sound theological reasons. I believe that we cannot simply judge one's spiritual condition based on one's financial condition. I am sure I don't have to remind anyone of the story of Job, the godly man of God who lost almost everything, except his wife who asked him to curse God and die.
(Surprisingly and for some unknown reasons to me, except for God's mercy, that the woman survived and God did not seem to punish her for her harsh comment -because the Bible did not mention whether she ever died or whether Job remarried or not- We only know that Job later begot more children).
Honestly, as the economy worsened for me personally, I also often asked myself, is this terrible economy really God's wrath for my unfaithfulness or for my past sins? I often concurred that while it may be partly true, I also think that it may not be very wise to simply judge one's spiritual condition simply by looking at their financial condition. I am also more tempted to give to the church while hoping that God will repay more back many times as He promised. He did, to a certain extent, but I still am hesitant to give more since there's hardly more than $60 in my pocket at any given time these days. Ah, maybe I am a man of little faith...
But I noticed and heard stories about some people who continued to give and tithe and God blessed them and lifted them out of the deep financial holes. I truly am happy for them that (hopefully) the story will lead people to glorify God more instead of mock or curse Him. However, as a person who has responsibility to pay lots of bills (plus a demanding wife), I have to at least keep a $20 bill in my pocket to buy our lunch or dinner for the day. I don't know, maybe that's why God's withheld His blessings from me. But honestly, I am just trying to make sure I have foods for the day.
Call me a man of little faith, a lost and prodigal son, I don't really know and maybe I don't really care anymore. I have to admit that I am quite lost myself in this case, as I can't hear His still small voices anymore. Maybe He turned His face away from me because of my sins... or was it a trial? I am not sure frankly, I am probably just like a blind man looking for a safe exit route while trapped in a treacherous land with enemies and deceivers lurking around, while searching for the presence of the only One who can save me.
Honestly, I sometimes think maybe I really am lost, and other times I don't think so... Perhaps, I am really just fighting for foods with the swines while forgetting the fact that I have the ever-forgiving Father who always welcomes me with open arms, but I am afraid I just can't help it... I never ever felt so worry in my life before... Never. I may not have money at all when I was in high school or college, but I survived maybe because at that time, I only have myself to worry of. I can skip lunch and/or dinner, I can save money by relying on the mercy of others. I don't have to buy new clothes or cosmetics... I hardly had any of those at all in my high school and college years. I remember some people who teased me for "rotating" my shirts too often... but I did not care.
But now, it's a different story. My wife does care for those small little stuffs. She threw away some of my oldest shirts (the ones I had from high school or college years). She wants me to buy good perfumes and nice smelling fragrances, which I enjoyed but didn't think that I really need them. She also wants to buy certain cosmetics and hygiene needs... Now, I am hosed. Should I be acting as a wicked hubby? Jesus said even wicked parents will not give stone in lieu of bread, or snake in lieu of fish.
Now I can understand more why some people did the most unbelievable things in this world... Maybe, just maybe it was simply because they have no better options. Sadly, those who are more privileged or more well-versed in God's words often blocked the way, just like the Pharisees and religious leaders were taking advantage of the poor widows in Jesus' days in the world. I will no longer guess for the true reasons behind one's actions... I am not God, and I can't read anyone's mind (I am not even sure if I understand my own mind completely). Let God be the judge, and I am just one of His creations. Why would a pot scream to another pot because of envy or jealousy, it's not up to us, it's up to the Potter.
I have a dream, or more like I have a wistful thinking, that someday all the rich people will be willing to share perhaps 10% of their true wealth to others, perhaps this world will be a much better place to live with. Perhaps there will be less tears and sorrows, just like the utopian world imagined in one of the classic Michael Jackson's song: "Heal the World."
But wait, I am quite afraid that will never happen in this present world... It almost sound as if a dream or longing for the world to come.
I did not judge this pastor of implying anything, but I just worry that some Christians may indeed take His words for its face value. There is a widespread belief that God will bless those who are faithful literally and at any given time. I just simply can't agree to it for some sound theological reasons. I believe that we cannot simply judge one's spiritual condition based on one's financial condition. I am sure I don't have to remind anyone of the story of Job, the godly man of God who lost almost everything, except his wife who asked him to curse God and die.
(Surprisingly and for some unknown reasons to me, except for God's mercy, that the woman survived and God did not seem to punish her for her harsh comment -because the Bible did not mention whether she ever died or whether Job remarried or not- We only know that Job later begot more children).
Honestly, as the economy worsened for me personally, I also often asked myself, is this terrible economy really God's wrath for my unfaithfulness or for my past sins? I often concurred that while it may be partly true, I also think that it may not be very wise to simply judge one's spiritual condition simply by looking at their financial condition. I am also more tempted to give to the church while hoping that God will repay more back many times as He promised. He did, to a certain extent, but I still am hesitant to give more since there's hardly more than $60 in my pocket at any given time these days. Ah, maybe I am a man of little faith...
But I noticed and heard stories about some people who continued to give and tithe and God blessed them and lifted them out of the deep financial holes. I truly am happy for them that (hopefully) the story will lead people to glorify God more instead of mock or curse Him. However, as a person who has responsibility to pay lots of bills (plus a demanding wife), I have to at least keep a $20 bill in my pocket to buy our lunch or dinner for the day. I don't know, maybe that's why God's withheld His blessings from me. But honestly, I am just trying to make sure I have foods for the day.
Call me a man of little faith, a lost and prodigal son, I don't really know and maybe I don't really care anymore. I have to admit that I am quite lost myself in this case, as I can't hear His still small voices anymore. Maybe He turned His face away from me because of my sins... or was it a trial? I am not sure frankly, I am probably just like a blind man looking for a safe exit route while trapped in a treacherous land with enemies and deceivers lurking around, while searching for the presence of the only One who can save me.
Honestly, I sometimes think maybe I really am lost, and other times I don't think so... Perhaps, I am really just fighting for foods with the swines while forgetting the fact that I have the ever-forgiving Father who always welcomes me with open arms, but I am afraid I just can't help it... I never ever felt so worry in my life before... Never. I may not have money at all when I was in high school or college, but I survived maybe because at that time, I only have myself to worry of. I can skip lunch and/or dinner, I can save money by relying on the mercy of others. I don't have to buy new clothes or cosmetics... I hardly had any of those at all in my high school and college years. I remember some people who teased me for "rotating" my shirts too often... but I did not care.
But now, it's a different story. My wife does care for those small little stuffs. She threw away some of my oldest shirts (the ones I had from high school or college years). She wants me to buy good perfumes and nice smelling fragrances, which I enjoyed but didn't think that I really need them. She also wants to buy certain cosmetics and hygiene needs... Now, I am hosed. Should I be acting as a wicked hubby? Jesus said even wicked parents will not give stone in lieu of bread, or snake in lieu of fish.
Now I can understand more why some people did the most unbelievable things in this world... Maybe, just maybe it was simply because they have no better options. Sadly, those who are more privileged or more well-versed in God's words often blocked the way, just like the Pharisees and religious leaders were taking advantage of the poor widows in Jesus' days in the world. I will no longer guess for the true reasons behind one's actions... I am not God, and I can't read anyone's mind (I am not even sure if I understand my own mind completely). Let God be the judge, and I am just one of His creations. Why would a pot scream to another pot because of envy or jealousy, it's not up to us, it's up to the Potter.
I have a dream, or more like I have a wistful thinking, that someday all the rich people will be willing to share perhaps 10% of their true wealth to others, perhaps this world will be a much better place to live with. Perhaps there will be less tears and sorrows, just like the utopian world imagined in one of the classic Michael Jackson's song: "Heal the World."
But wait, I am quite afraid that will never happen in this present world... It almost sound as if a dream or longing for the world to come.
Health care? Do we really care?
I met a certain pastor, a very kind godly man, who expressed his disagreement of the current administration because of their "socialist" agenda. He dislike the White House idea of health care reform because it will lead to socialism and more government control. I did not totally disagree with his comment, however I simply replied that a little more oversight is better that lack of oversight. The pastor then said he is open to a little more oversight but he was worried that the big government will eventually take over everything.
Yes, Americans are proud of their freedom, and that's actually one of the reasons I was attracted to America. However, as I live here for more than 10 years I began to realize that we often fought for "freedom" too much while sacrificing other values. No, I am not talking about terrorism and their surveillance. I am talking about the heated debate about the current health care reform. I did not agree a hundred percent with the plan, partly because of some critical flaws in the plan, but in general I can see the importance and the possible benefit from the plan (if it was run successfully). However, I still can't believe that lawmakers (whom many of them proudly called themselves as "conservatives" or "Christians") repeatedly invoked the concept of freedom as one of their reasoning. Yes, I like freedom, but I am afraid that what concerns those lawmakers more are not really freedom but money. I am afraid that all these propaganda was just a smokescreen to cover up the traces of the lobbying money from big insurance companies.
I personally think some Americans are truly overpaying for the health care insurance, while others are actually enjoying it for free. Sadly, America has an interesting approach toward illegal immigrants (something that I agree in principal but often disagree in application). Poor immigrants can have free health care if they go directly to the ER (that would explain why we see that many low-paying workers actually have more kids that those who have more money). Some of them even received food stamps to pay for their kids nutrition needs (I believe some of the recipient truly deserve the food stamps while others don't). I think the idea was noble but it was grossly abused by a certain group in the community that it became a burden for hospitals.
However, I disagree with the fact that every Americans must have health insurance from private for profit insurance companies or pay penalty. I think this would only work if the premium is very cheap. Some people simply do not have money to pay for the premium amount, how would they pay for the penalty. Sadly, I don't think the premium will be cheap (those private companies are for profit, remember?). Even non-profit title can be misleading these days. Many people simply open non-profit orgs for their own benefits while proudly claiming "helping others while helping ourselves." I did not disagree with the jargon, but I would like to ask how much they actually help others compared to helping themselves?
Sadly, many communities who called themselves as Christians, conservatives or religious were often the most staunch opponents of some of the government's sponsored social programs. Why? Some of them are claiming that they were simply against the idea of big government, some cried out "Socialism," while others invoked the conspiracy theory of government control as the early form of the end-times' "one world government" as prophesied in the book of Revelation. If they were so worried about the government, why would not they consider the "non-profit" or religious organizations to run it instead? Ah, separation of church and state? Now, that's another long topic to discuss.
But honestly, I want to ask: Can Christians really justify this? Do we not care about others' needs just because of our unfounded fear and worries? May I ask, who are truly our neighbors?
Yes, Americans are proud of their freedom, and that's actually one of the reasons I was attracted to America. However, as I live here for more than 10 years I began to realize that we often fought for "freedom" too much while sacrificing other values. No, I am not talking about terrorism and their surveillance. I am talking about the heated debate about the current health care reform. I did not agree a hundred percent with the plan, partly because of some critical flaws in the plan, but in general I can see the importance and the possible benefit from the plan (if it was run successfully). However, I still can't believe that lawmakers (whom many of them proudly called themselves as "conservatives" or "Christians") repeatedly invoked the concept of freedom as one of their reasoning. Yes, I like freedom, but I am afraid that what concerns those lawmakers more are not really freedom but money. I am afraid that all these propaganda was just a smokescreen to cover up the traces of the lobbying money from big insurance companies.
I personally think some Americans are truly overpaying for the health care insurance, while others are actually enjoying it for free. Sadly, America has an interesting approach toward illegal immigrants (something that I agree in principal but often disagree in application). Poor immigrants can have free health care if they go directly to the ER (that would explain why we see that many low-paying workers actually have more kids that those who have more money). Some of them even received food stamps to pay for their kids nutrition needs (I believe some of the recipient truly deserve the food stamps while others don't). I think the idea was noble but it was grossly abused by a certain group in the community that it became a burden for hospitals.
However, I disagree with the fact that every Americans must have health insurance from private for profit insurance companies or pay penalty. I think this would only work if the premium is very cheap. Some people simply do not have money to pay for the premium amount, how would they pay for the penalty. Sadly, I don't think the premium will be cheap (those private companies are for profit, remember?). Even non-profit title can be misleading these days. Many people simply open non-profit orgs for their own benefits while proudly claiming "helping others while helping ourselves." I did not disagree with the jargon, but I would like to ask how much they actually help others compared to helping themselves?
Sadly, many communities who called themselves as Christians, conservatives or religious were often the most staunch opponents of some of the government's sponsored social programs. Why? Some of them are claiming that they were simply against the idea of big government, some cried out "Socialism," while others invoked the conspiracy theory of government control as the early form of the end-times' "one world government" as prophesied in the book of Revelation. If they were so worried about the government, why would not they consider the "non-profit" or religious organizations to run it instead? Ah, separation of church and state? Now, that's another long topic to discuss.
But honestly, I want to ask: Can Christians really justify this? Do we not care about others' needs just because of our unfounded fear and worries? May I ask, who are truly our neighbors?
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