Good Fruits from the House of Representatives

[Alan]

Brethren,

As most of you know, in spite of our problems with our government, I love our country and for what it stands for. The United States of America is still one of the shiniest beacons for Democracy in the world today. I very rarely bring out anything of a personal nature here on Taiwan, but this morning I saw an article in the Taipei Times that gives an example of the fruits of Democracy here in Asia; particulary here on Taiwan.

The majority of Chinese here on Taiwan are Democratic and pro-America. As an American, we are repsected and liked.

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2016/05/18/2003646514

God bless America, Land that I Love!

Alan

Edited May 17, 2016 by Alan
capitalization of a word grammer

[Ronda]

With so few democracies in the world, the US should be behind each one of them. I was glad to see that over 90% of Congress sent letters to the president urging him to allow Israel and the "palestinians" to work things out on their own. But will he? The looming May 30th UN meeting (where neither Israel nor the "palestinians" were invited) is a push by France's Jean-Marc Ayrault to force Israel to give up land  (in Ayrault's own words) for (false) "peace and security". This is troublesome for more than one reason. I think it's past time to dispense with the UN altogether... they have shown they are biased in favor of oil-rich muslim nations as well as the desire for global governance. When John Kerry signed the 'Paris climate agreement' on April 22nd, he opened the door for global governance on every person in the US. Hopefully it can be annulled since Abbas signed it as well (and there is a constitutional problem with signing agreements with known terrorists, etc). But there's no doubt the world is trending towards socialism, communism, global governance, and the new world order agenda. There is no hope in mankind. Our hope is in Christ Jesus, and the blessed hope of the soon rapture. There will be no true peace on earth until the conclusion of the tribulation when Jesus returns to reign as King of kings and Lord of Lords for a thousand years on earth.

[Alan]

7 minutes ago, Ronda said:

With so few democracies in the world, the US should be behind each one of them.

Ronda,

Very good thought. Our government should be encouraging every democratic country in the world in every manner. Our focus in the Middle East should be to help Israel    first in any area that we can and not help any country that is anti-Israel or anti-Jew. 

Furthermore, we should not be helping any socialist, Muslim, or Communist government in the world.

I thought your whole post was good.

It was very encouraging news that our House of Representatives is helping the democratic country of Taiwan in spite of the extreme, and I mean extreme, pressure that communist China is exerting on the country of Taiwan. May we pray that our elected representatives will further take the necessary legal and moral steps necessary to promote the Reublican, or Democratic process of government worldwide.

Alan

[Ronda]

I agree, brother Alan. This nation should have strong healthy relations with all democratic nations. This administration has put such stress on all of those formerly good relation. It's very troublesome that China has been so emboldened during Obama's weak-kneed presidency that they've actually built man-made islands and even put military bases on some in the South China sea. If we'd had a strong decisive president (whose "red lines" were respected) many nations wouldn't be making the moves they feel free to do recently. (China, Russia, Iran, Syria and others come to mind quickly). You know much more about the situation in Taiwan than I do, but I do pray more fervently for Taiwan, especially since Obama's 2nd term and now that China is going on a church-squashing spree (for lack of better words).

What gives us comfort is knowing that God knows the end from the beginning, nothing surprises Him... and He is in control. It's so comforting to know that even as the world seems to have gone stark raving mad, that we can have the peace of God through Christ Jesus to keep our hearts and minds.  I wonder how unsaved people get through even one day without the Lord's peace and comfort. Probably why there are so many people with "anxiety" issues, etc. What blessings we have with Jesus!

[John81]

Let's not forget that America was supposed to be a Republic, not a Democracy. The Founders warned that democracy was the worst form of government. A democracy tends to be short lived for once a 51% group or coalition realizes they can control the government and everyone in it, the 49% will find themselves oppressed. The end result is never good.

Our Founders advocated for good trade relations with all who were willing and entangling alliances with none.

It was democratic elections which placed the Muslim Brotherhood in control of Egypt (which the military stepped in with a de facto coup to end that); and placed terrorists in leadership over the so-called Palestinians.

It's America's change to democracy which has brought America to the sad shape she is in today.

While the resolution sounds good, even the article points out no action is associated with it. As we know, modern era presidents drive foreign policy according to their views.

If China invaded Taiwan tomorrow would America declare war on a nuclear armed China that holds a great deal of American debt and who is such a large provider of what fills American stores? What would Japan say, knowing an American war with China would mean Japan would become a target of China? What would South Korea say when China tells North Korea to go on full stand-by for war? That's just the tip of the iceberg.

America is over 19 trillion dollars in debt. The American military has been cut back to very low post WWII levels in many areas. Few, if any, allies of America would give support to a war with China. We also have to consider much of the nation is war weary and add to that the deep divisions across America which have greatly grown and intensified during the time of the current administration.

America is not in a good position at this time to engage in war with a major power.

I love America, but our country is very sick and in need of serious attention towards healing and recuperation and restoration.

[Alan]

2 hours ago, John81 said:

If China invaded Taiwan tomorrow would America declare war on a nuclear armed China that holds a great deal of American debt and who is such a large provider of what fills American stores? What would Japan say, knowing an American war with China would mean Japan would become a target of China? What would South Korea say when China tells North Korea to go on full stand-by for war? That's just the tip of the iceberg.

For China to invade, and conquer, Taiwan, due to the highly trained military on Taiwan, and the military preperations in the high mountains in Taiwan, China would probably have to resort to nuclear war after a period of time. The ravages of a major, and possibly, nuclear war in the Taiwan Straits (the Taiwan Straits is the body of water between Taiwan and China), would affect the whole Western Pacific area. One of the reasons why China has not invaded yet is due to the high cost it will cost them. The communists do not read the Bible, but they understand the need to, "...count the cost..." Luke 14:31

Pray for us.

Alan

[swathdiver]

Taiwan was and is the refuge for free Chinese.  Chiang Kai-shek was the valiant leader who fought against the Chinese and American Communists for decades.  A friend to freedom and the American Republican Party, an enemy to Communism and the American Democrat Party.  The State Department's dealings with Chiang Kai-shek was criminal and un-American and served the interests of Chinese and Soviet Communism.

 

As long as Taiwan stands for freedom and opposes Communism, America should continue to support her, even more than President Bush did.  He said we would get them submarines but never did because of Democrat Party/Communist opposition.  One should never bow down to evil.

[Invicta]

I doubt if America will do anything if China invades Taiwan, which was part of China, when they did nothing when China invaded Tibet which was an independent nation.

[swathdiver]

If and when the United States has a President who is the enemy of dictators, then she will prevent China from invading Taiwan, let alone allow the Communists to invade her.

[Alan]

I would like to point out a fact or two. All of these facts are condensed, most are political, nor do I want to get in an argument debating anything.

1. Taiwan has a strong economy, a strong military, a capable government to handle a crisis. Taiwan is not weak in any form and is not comparable to Tibet or some other weak countries here in Asia.

2. In the early 1950's, when China was preparing for war with Chiang Kai-shek and the government that fled to Taiwan, President Truman, initially, was not going to do a thing and let the communists have a free hand. But, the Generals of the Pentagon showed President Truman a map of Asia and convinced President Truman that is was in the best interests of the United States, and the economy of the United States, and the world, not to let the communists have control of the oceans surrounding Taiwan. The body of waters surrounding Taiwan controls all, not part of, all the trade between Japan and the southern regions of Asia.

And, the Generals of the Pentagon convinced President Truman that Chaing Kai-Shek was a strong ally in World War II, a strong ally in the Korean "Conflict," and that the government of Taiwan would allow free access of the bodies of water surrounding Taiwan. All of these facts (and other facts that I do not have the time to discuss), were true in President Truman's time and are true today.

Taiwan wanted to help out the United States militarily during the Korean War and during the Vietnam War. But, because of the intense problems with mainland (communist) China, they were not allowed to. During the Vietnam War, one of my duty stations was here on Taiwan. Among our missions here on Taiwan was direct support for the Vietnam War.

During that time Taiwan's military conducted overflights to China in order to help America. The Taiwan military lost five (5), U-2 aircraft. These five U-2 aircraft were shot down, or crashed, in China, and other locations, for the sake of democracy. http://area51specialprojects.com/u2_blackcat_taiwan.html

Brethren, please take note of the United States flag on the "Blackcat,' Wikipedia article. The government, and the people of Taiwan, respect the flag of the United States of America.

Brethren, you need get your map of Asia out and think what I just said.

3. President Truman was a Democrat. From President Truman, until our day, every President has "backed" Taiwan if there appears to be a military conflict in the horizon. One example will suffice. When China launched a nuclear capable ballistic missile near Taiwan in the 1990's, and moved a massive amount of troops near the China coast in a hostile manner, President Clinton ( a democrat), sent one carrier group, and then a second carrier group, near Taiwan to protect the Free Chinese on Taiwan.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Taiwan_Strait_Crisis

Brethren, please note. The above Wikipedia article on the missile crisis on Taiwan that I mentioned was the third missile crisis not the only one. One of the reasons why many missionaries (from all denominations), have left Taiwan, is due to the possibility of nuclear conflict. During the 1996 missile confrontation, many missionaries (including two independent Baptists) left Taiwan never to return.

4. There are still a lot of freedom loving, flag-waving, Congressmen that understand that the Taiwan government is Democratic and are Friends to the United States. These congressmen will do all in their political power to protect Taiwan.

God bless!

Alan

 

Edited May 24, 2016 by Alan
change conflation to confrontation

[John81]

When has America had a president who was the "enemy of dictators"? America has a long history of dealing with, working with, allying with dictators. America's Founders advocated for trade with everyone, regardless of government, moral support for those seeking freedom but no material or physical support.

American presidents have had a policy of attempted containment towards communism rather than outright confrontation.

Pre-WWII France had the largest army, considered one of the best armies in the world, what was considered strong defenses against Germany. France also had the backing of the largest empire at that time (Great Britain), which had the largest navy. Even Germany's general staff believed war with France either couldn't be won or would be a very long, brutal war. As we know from history, Germany made short work of France.

Things have greatly changed since the 1990s. China is a nation with a large manufacturing base, flush with cash, with an ever growing, modernized military. China now has several dozen intercontinental nuclear missiles, advanced anti-ship weapons, etc.

At the same time, America's manufacturing base is all but gone. America has no cash, but over 19 trillion dollars of debt; much of which China holds that if dumped on the market would devastate the American economy over night. The American military has been greatly scaled back.

If China were to actually invade Taiwan she would do so in a stealthy manner rather than give advance notice by huge, easily detected military movements.

Imagine a successful first strike by China against Taiwan (that doesn't mean a full China win, just a successful initial invasion with China on the offense). With Taiwan facing potential collapse of government, China threatens Japan, South Korea and the Philippines with strikes or invasion should they do anything (including aiding America) to move against China over Taiwan. At the same time, China warns America against interfering under threat of all-out war, including the threat of China nuking American cities.

Logistically China would have the clear advantage. American forces are scattered and it would take time for America to be able to launch any serious engagement against China. If any American allies balk at helping America or refuse to allow America to use their bases for strikes against China, that would greatly further the time factor and enhance the logistical problems.

Meanwhile, most of the rest of the world would be in fear of the terrible worldwide economic woes that would come with America and China at war. Many would also fear their own countries being drawn into the war.

Geo-political matters such as these are very complex and often history proves they were misunderstood at the time by many involved.

Let us pray such a matter as China invading Taiwan doesn't come to pass.

[Alan]

John81 said, "Geo-political matters such as these are very complex and often history proves they were misunderstood at the time by many involved. Let us pray such a matter as China invading Taiwan doesn't come to pass."

Well said and appreciated. "... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." James 5:16b

Alan

 

 

[swathdiver]

During the Korean War, the 7th Fleet kept the free Chinese at bay and protected Communist supply ships coming from Europe with war materials.  Taiwan wanted to send those ships to the bottom but the Truman Administration used the 7th Fleet treacherously against his own military and civilians.  

Do y'all remember the State Department employees disabling hundreds of jeeps and tanks, after they were purchased at more than top dollar, on the docks?  Do y'all remember the millions of tons of ordnance, bought and paid for by Taiwan, that was dumped in the middle of the Indian Ocean?

When a Democrat comes to the aid of America's enemies, it is only for political expediency.  

The same goes on today with the Muhammadens.  Our military trained the early ISIS fighters and we have equipped them, they are a product of the Obama Administration.  The fall of the old Marxist Muhammaden dictators like Quadaffi is also a product of the Obama Administration.   

[John81]

16 hours ago, swathdiver said:

During the Korean War, the 7th Fleet kept the free Chinese at bay and protected Communist supply ships coming from Europe with war materials.  Taiwan wanted to send those ships to the bottom but the Truman Administration used the 7th Fleet treacherously against his own military and civilians.  

Do y'all remember the State Department employees disabling hundreds of jeeps and tanks, after they were purchased at more than top dollar, on the docks?  Do y'all remember the millions of tons of ordnance, bought and paid for by Taiwan, that was dumped in the middle of the Indian Ocean?

When a Democrat comes to the aid of America's enemies, it is only for political expediency.  

The same goes on today with the Muhammadens.  Our military trained the early ISIS fighters and we have equipped them, they are a product of the Obama Administration.  The fall of the old Marxist Muhammaden dictators like Quadaffi is also a product of the Obama Administration.   

I understand the beginning of this post, there are many duplicitous actions taken by the government, regardless of who is in power, which oftentimes seems totally contrary to what might appear reasonable. In some cases, the main or even only real solution to "why" is that most of the world is lost and serves the devil (even if unknowingly).

World War Two could have rather easily been avoided, yet due to much bungling and lack of future considerations, the world was plunged into a war which continues to reverberate around the world. In the midst of the war many more unwise, unethical and not in our best interest actions were taken by our government (and not ours only).

Back to Korea: once America successfully landed at Inchon, and broke out of the Pusan Perimeter, taking clear offensive advantage, that war should have been won. Even after the Chinese "volunteers" entered the war, America had the clear advantage and could have secured victory but government leadership failed. This process would repeat itself in Vietnam in worse fashion.

Republicans or Democrats in power, in the modern era America has sided with communists, Muslims, terrorists, tyrants, dictators, mass killers, the ungodly time and again. Mostly this has been for the sake of hopeful short-term gains with little regard to possible long-term consequences.

Reagan and Bush both armed various Islamist insurgents, terrorists, dictators, for a variety of reasons; often in the name of Cold War strategy. Notice in the case of Israel, Dems and Repubs alike have been against accepting Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, have pressured Israel to give up land "for peace", aided in the establishment of "Palestinian" enclaves with an eye to establishing one or more "Palestinian" countries, pressured Israel to halt her military after each war with Arab neighbors rather than gaining a more decisive victory, called upon Israel to allow more non-Jews into Israel and to grant them full citizen rights (which would quickly lead to non-Jews having a majority control of Israel if implemented), and have only aided Israel in so much as it's been seen to benefit America and when they can tie strings to the help.

I'm not sure what you are trying to say regarding Quadaffi.

[Alan]

On ‎2016‎年‎5‎月‎24‎日 at 10:23 PM, John81 said:

I understand the beginning of this post, there are many duplicitous actions taken by the government, regardless of who is in power, which oftentimes seems totally contrary to what might appear reasonable.

John81

The world, and the political systems of the this current world, are run by power hungry individuals, that are kept in check by the "salt of the earth," (see Daniel, Paul, etc...), through the leading and direction of God above. Governments are ordained by God, Romans 13:1-7, for the punishment of evildoers. But, like all instituitons run by depraved men, they corrupt it. 

We need to consider it a blessing to have the power to vote and to be a part of the God ordained institution of electing officials (no matter how non-Christian or non-righteous they may be). We also need to consider it a blessing from God above to have a Constitutional Republican founded system of Government, (we will call it a Democracy for this short talk), that is broken, and try and fix it through a democratic process. With all of our  propblems (and they are many, complicated, and huge), America is still the best Democratic government on planet Earth and God is using America throughout the world.

On ‎2016‎年‎5‎月‎24‎日 at 10:23 PM, John81 said:

Even after the Chinese "volunteers" entered the war, America had the clear advantage and could have secured victory but government leadership failed. This process would repeat itself in Vietnam in worse fashion.

John 81 is also correct in this statement.

I was a direct participant in the Vietnam War and can attest to the fact that the US  military could have easily won the war if the politicians would have let the generals have their way.

Brethren,

The purpose of my original intention in this thread, (or study), was to show that there are still some good men in our government that use the political power given to them for the sake of Democracy throughout the world: in this case Taiwan. As swathdiver brought out, throughout the history of the Free Chinese on Taiwan it has been a political see-saw (in fact it still is). Maybe, just maybe, this is why missionaries ask their supporting churches to pray for them as (among spiritual battles), they have two governments, and two sets of laws, to deal with. I am just thankful for the Lord giving us freedom here on Taiwan (through the help and efforts of our government), to preach the gospel to the Chinese.

God will fix the the present ordained Governmental situation permanently at the beginning of the 1000 Year reign of the Lord Jesus as recorded in Revelation 20:4-6 as prophesied by the prophets.  God, and His word, is still the answer to all of our problems and His word will be the final word.

Alan