The Revealing: The Woman and the Beast...

The Woman and the Beast of Revelation 17

By F Santos December 17, 2012

The satellite map of Europe appears like a beast

An illicit religiopolitical union that will soon profoundly affect every human being on earth.
The book of Revelation, as the name suggests, is a revealing – not a hiding — of events that lead to the second coming of Christ to set up God’s kingdom on earth. This soon-coming kingdom of God is the central message of the true gospel that Jesus and His disciples preached. But the world is oblivious to God’s coming kingdom, because most preachers proclaim a popular but counterfeit gospel that declares Christ to have finished everything on the cross. The fact is that Revelation tells us that Christ and his resurrected “saints” will have a lot of work to do, the moment He returns.
Written mostly in symbolic language, Revelation is a record of what God showed to John in vision as well as the direct testimony of Jesus Christ [Rev 1:2]. God gave it to show to His servants “things which must shortly come to pass.” Revelation, like the book of Daniel is a closed and sealed book. But God told Daniel:

Dan 12:9 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Who are the wise? Christ says the wise are those who hear His words and does them [Mat 7:24-26].

Understanding the Woman of Revelation 17

The vision of the mysterious woman riding the beast can be mostly understood from the explanation given within that chapter itself – with some help from Daniel. Let’s take a look at what Revelation 17 says:

Rev 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters:

So Revelation 17 is about God’s judgment on a “great whore”. Judgment here means condemnation or avenging or punishment that is to be executed upon this woman. So this woman must have committed a real serious crime in the eyes of God. Who is this woman? Why is she called a whore? What is her crime?

Rev 17:2 With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.

Revelation 17 fully identifies the woman and the other terms it used – so we do not need to speculate. An angel identifies this woman – this whore that sits on the beast – as “that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth” [verse 18]. The waters upon which the whore sits is identified as peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues [verse 15]. Now the word sit, as used here, denotes rule, authority or control, as by a rider over a horse. The idea is that of this woman riding the beast like a horse.
Now, a woman is also defined as a church [Rev 19:7-9, Eph 5:25-29]. The true church of God has an intimate and lawful relationship with Christ [as its betrothed husband 2Cor 11:2]. The true church had partaken of the wine – the blood of the New Covenant with Christ [Mat 26:27-28]. This signified their trust in Christ as their personal Savior and Protector. On the other hand, the woman of Revelation 17 and 18 is a church that commits fornication with the kings [rulers] of the earth, as Rev 17:2 shows. It makes use of its political influence apparently for its own security. God’s people are citizens of God’s coming kingdom [Phil 3:20]. We are ambassadors for Christ [2Cor 5:20], and have no business partaking in the political affairs of this world.
There is only one church in history that exerts so much clout or influence over much of the world, a power that to some extent it still wields to this day. It is the one and only great universal church.

This concerns you and millions of others

The fact is this woman and the beast that she rides had profoundly affected many millions of people of the world since the Middle Ages. Relationship between this church and the Roman Empire began during the accession of Constantine who chose to convert to “Christianity”. Prior to Constantine’s rule, the Roman government persecuted Christians. But by AD 380, Christianity [Catholicism] was declared state religion of the Roman Empire by edict of Emperor Constantine. However, in less than a century thereafter the Roman Empire would suffer a rapid decline in power. The Vandals would inflict wound to the Empire beginning in AD 429 that culminated in the dissolution of the Roman Empire in AD 476, when its last Emperor Romulus Augustus was deposed by Odoacer, chief of a Germanic tribe Heruli. This “dead” state of the Roman Empire continued till the end of the kingdom of Ostrogoths in AD 554.

The “deadly wound” of the beast heals

While the reign of these “barbarian” kingdoms represent “heads”, the fact that they were non-Roman invaders of Roman Empire clearly meant that the Roman Empire itself was “wounded” and effectively “dead”. This situation would be short-lived however, because disunity between Catholic Romans and these Goths would result in the collapse of these invading kingdoms. The Ostrogoths were confirmed Arians – a religious group that rejected Trinity, something that made them unpopular with the Catholic Romans. When Theodoric, the last of the Ostrogoth rulers, died in AD 526, his kingdom fell into disarray, which the Eastern Emperor Justinian took advantage of. With the help of his general Belisarius, Justinian re-conquered Italy. But it took a long and bitter war that spanned several regimes to vanquish the last king of the Ostrogoths, Teja, who was killed in a battle for his kingdom in AD 553. Thus Justinian in effect restored the Roman Empire in AD 554.

The church rides the beast

The Catholic leadership clearly played the role of savior in European politics. As put succinctly by Lynn Winters in her book OUR JUDAIC-CHRISTIAN HERITAGE:

“Majority of the barbarians belonged to the ARIAN sect of Christianity. However, Catholic bishops in Western Europe were eventually able, through their position as authorities in church matters (which issued the sacraments of baptism, weddings, etc) to covert the entire population into Orthodox Christianity. This process began in the fifth century and the Arian populace was essentially completed over the next two hundred years. When all was complete, everyone in the West could identify themselves (regardless of nationality) as a Roman Catholic.” [Chapter 6 - Entry of Western Europe into the Middle Ages]

This helped hold together whatever was left of the old Roman civilization during the “barbaric” invasion. So, as an important part of restoration process, Emperor Justinian promulgated the Corpus Iuris Civilis for the Roman world AD 533-534, which declared the bishop of Rome as the “Head of all the holy churches,” thus laying the legal foundation for papal ecclesiastical supremacy. This marked the beginning of the Church “riding” or taking control of the beast. This also fulfilled the prophecy where the first three horns of Daniel 7:20 -the barbarian kingdoms – were to be “plucked out” in the presence of another horn that looked “more stout” than the others. This “more stout” horn is clearly the Roman Church.
Continuing with the Revelation 17 narrative:

Rev 17: 3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: 5 And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Drunk with the wine of her fornication

The Roman church’s pompous use of the term “Holy Father” or “Vicar of Christ” to refer to a human being is blatant blasphemy. The Bible says that only God is holy [Psa 22:3, Rev 15:4]. Christ instructs us not to call any man our father because we have only one Father, in heaven [Mat 23:9]. Now, fornication refers to an illicit relationship between a woman and a man. This woman had partaken of illicit wine with human governments which had killed and spilled the blood of many true Christians for their faithfulness to the word of God, at the behest and pleasure of this great whore [Rev 6:9]. That is the great crime of this great religious whore.
Not only are “kings” or government leaders drunk of her wine of her fornication, but people in general had become drunk. Despite its long history of persecuting and putting dissenters to death, which dates back to the Middle Ages, people seem not able to see that evil and they would still flock to this woman in droves. They could not see the obvious abomination of the worship of images or idols or the blasphemy of paying mere human leaders with honor or titles that belong only to God or Christ.

The beast of Revelation 17

Continuing with John’s narrative:

Rev 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.

The key phrase here is “seven mountains on which the woman sitteth”. As mentioned in an earlier post, the beast of Revelation 13 represents the same kingdoms symbolized by the enormous image of Daniel 2 and the four beasts of Daniel 7. The seven heads of Revelation 13 represent the head of lion, bear, the four heads of the leopard and the head of the fourth beast of Daniel 7 – that’s seven heads in all. The 10 horns of the fourth beast of Daniel 7 correspond to the ten horns of the beast of Revelation 13. The entire beast of Revelation 17 represents the last seven horns of Daniel 7 and of Revelation 13.

Rev 17:10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.

Revelation 17:11 says “it was, and is not” – referring to its subsequent series of “hiatuses” and revivals — is part of “seven” heads but is counted as “the eighth”. This is because seventh head of Daniel 7 and Revelation 13 – the Roman Empire – had died because of “deadly wound” which is represented by the reign of the three non-Roman barbaric kingdoms of the Vandals, Heruli and Ostrogoths – the first three horns of Revelation 13 beast. The church “sat” or had exercised powerful authority or influence on the beast only beginning with the Justinian restoration [the first of the last seven horns] and onwards. There had been six revivals of the Roman Empire since that deadly wound, namely: Justinian, Charlemagne, Otto the Great, Charles V, Napoleon and Garibaldi. The Garibaldi revival ended with the ignominious defeat of the Hitler/Mussolini attempt to rule the West. We are awaiting the seventh revival of the Roman Empire.

“Little horn” rides the beast for forty and two months

Now notice the following details given by Revelation 13:

Rev 13:5 And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies; and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. 8 And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.

Is this speaking of the civil [Roman government] or the ecclesiastical [Papal] government?
Remember that the time reference beginning with verse 5 is after the healing of the deadly wound by Justinian restoration. While there was an Imperial cult or worship during the early years of the empire, it was gradually abandoned after Emperor Constantine I started supporting Christianity in around AD 313. It was actually the ecclesiastical government – not the civil government – that made war on the saints or heretics. The civil government was more concerned with peace and order within the Empire.
The Papacy’s rise to power and primacy began in 538 A.D. through the letter and decree of Roman Emperor Justinian, which acknowledged the bishop of Rome as the head of all churches. This Justinian letter became part of the empire’s fundamental law. From that time on, the church enjoyed powerful – even coercive – influence. This power would end in 1798 A.D. when Napoleon Bonaparte by his general Berthier, imprisoned the Pope, who later died in captivity. From 538 A.D. to 1798 A.D. there had been exactly 1260 years. While the Pope triumphed over Napoleon in the end, the Church’s coercive power was never regained.
The phrase “five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come” indicates a succession of kingdoms rather than contemporary kingdoms existing side by side at the same time. In Revelation, a woman represents a church. The woman here in Revelation 17 clearly represents the great apostate universal church that “sits” on or rule over the seven revivals of the Roman Empire.

The ten horns

Rev 17:12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.

This is an entirely different set of ten horns. These are ten contemporary kings that will break into world scene simultaneously when Christ returns. As of now they have no kingdom yet, but they, together with the “beast” will receive power as kings one hour – indicating a short duration of reign or regime. Verse 13 says they will “make war with the lamb”. The “lamb” of course is the returning Jesus Christ, who will declare all kingdoms to be under His rule. That proclamation will undoubtedly anger nations, especially the 10-nation European Union, the final revival of the Holy Roman Empire.

The “Two-horned Beast”

Now continuing with verse 11:

Rev 13:11 And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. 12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,

Here is another beast, this time coming out of the earth. This is obviously a religious “beast” because it appears like a lamb [or Christ, John 1:36], and spoke like a dragon [serpent Rev 12:9] meaning with apparent wisdom [Mat 10:16] and it performs miracle. This corresponds to the “little horn” of Daniel 7:8, 24 where the little horn subdued three kings[verse 8], that is, caused them to be plucked out [verse 24]. It appears here as a “beast”, because it has become a sovereign state on its own, when Vatican was established as city-state in 1929, by the so-called Lateran Treaty, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Gasparri, on behalf of Pope Pius XI and by Prime Minister and Head of Government Benito Mussolini on behalf of King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy. This makes Vatican the eighth head which is part of the seven [Rev 17:11]. It has two horns because it is both head of state and supreme leader of the Church at the same time.

Rev 13:14 And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.

There is so far no known instance in history where a prominent religious leader had performed a clear miracle. This is clearly a yet unfulfilled prophecy.

Little horn persecuted God’s people

Now notice a prophecy that had affected God’s people:

Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.

The time frame mentioned – “a time and times and the dividing of time” – is equivalent to three and a half years or forty two months [Rev 13:5], which as mentioned earlier was fulfilled beginning with the time when Justinian declared the primacy of the Papacy and Catholic faith which lasted until the incarceration of the Pope and seizure of his properties by Napoleon. During that period which lasted exactly 1260 years, this little horn made war against the “saints of the Most High” [Rev 13:7, Dan 7:21]. And he prevailed [Dan 7:21] and murdered many of God’s people [Rev 17:6]. This will obviously happen again to the remnant of God’s church in the near future.

God’s judgment against the woman and the beast

Now, this will be how God will execute judgment and punishment on this woman:

Rev 17:16 And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. 17 For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.

So the ten-nation beast combine will turn against the woman and destroy her. Her destruction and punishment is further described in Revelation 18. Of this judgment here’s what the Bible says:

Rev 19:1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: 2 For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

Now, the beast and other kings of the earth will gather to fight Christ at the valley of Megiddo [Jezreel today]. This is despite the plagues that God had inflicted on them earlier [Revelation 16]. But Christ is coming to judge, to make war and to take over the kingdoms of this world [verses 11-21, Dan 2:44,Dan 7:27]. These rebellious humans will become food for the fowls of the air [verse 21]!

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Haunting Message of Chinese Forced Labor Camps

Haunting Message of Chinese Forced Labor Camps

The letter came in a box of Halloween decorations purchased at Kmart, but for a year Julie Keith never knew. It gathered dust in her storage, a haunting plea for help hidden among artificial skeletons, tombstones and spider webs.
Keith, a 42-year-old vehicle donation manager at a southeast Portland Goodwill, at one point considered donating the unopened $29.99 Kmart graveyard kit. It was one of those accumulated items you never need and easily forget. But on a Sunday afternoon in October, Keith pulled the orange and black box from storage. She intended to decorate her home in Damascus for her daughter's fifth birthday, just days before Halloween.
She ripped open the box and threw aside the cellophane.
That's when Keith found it. Scribbled onto paper and folded into eighths, the letter was tucked between two Styrofoam headstones.
"Sir:

View full sizeThe letter describes conditions at a forced labor camp in China.

"If you occasionally buy this product, please kindly resend this letter to the World Human Right Organization. Thousands people here who are under the persicution of the Chinese Communist Party Government will thank and remember you forever."
The graveyard kit, the letter read, was made in unit 8, department 2 of the Masanjia Labor Camp in Shenyang, China.
Chinese characters broke up choppy English sentences.
"People who work here have to work 15 hours a day without Saturday, Sunday break and any holidays. Otherwise, they will suffer torturement, beat and rude remark. Nearly no payment (10 yuan/1 month)."
Ten yuan is equivalent to $1.61.
"People who work here, suffer punishment 1-3 years averagely, but without Court Sentence (unlaw punishment). Many of them are Falun Gong practitioners, who are totally innocent people only because they have different believe to CCPG. They often suffer more punishment than others."
The letter was not signed.
Shocked, Keith sat down as her mind reeled.
Wow, that's daring, she thought. She imagined the desperation the writer must have felt, the courage he or she must have mustered to slip the letter into that box. If caught, what would happen?
Like a message in a bottle, the letter traveled more than 5,000 miles over the Pacific Ocean. It could not be ignored.
View full sizeThis package contained a letter folded into eighths and tucked between styrofoam headstones.
   Unsure of where to start, Keith turned to Facebook.
"I found this in a box of Halloween decorations" she typed beneath a photo of the letter. She wanted to spread the message.
The Facebook post sparked a slew of responses. Her friends had heard of labor camp horrors. But a letter from one of those camps? Never.
"I'm sure that person feared for his/her life to include that letter in the products, but it was a chance they were obviously willing to take," one friend wrote. "We take our freedom for granted!"
"What's weird to me is someone is actually thinking about, and praying something comes of this ... every day of their life since they sent it out," another wrote. "Makes me sad this even happens"
Some friends offered help, others asked for updates.
The anonymous letter evoked skepticism, too. Written largely in English scrawl, it was almost too bold of an act to seem plausible. Still, U.S. authorities on China took note.
"We're in no position to confirm the veracity or origin of this," said Sophie Richardson, China director at Human Rights Watch. "I think it is fair to say the conditions described in the letter certainly conform to what we know about conditions in re-education through labor camps."
China's re-education through labor is a system of punishment that allows for detention without trial. Various reports allege followers of the banned spiritual group, Falun Gong, are sent to the reform camps – claims supported in the letter – but the facts are difficult to confirm.
Masanjia labor camp is located in the industrialized capital of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. A Google search of the camp yields pages of grim results.
"If this thing is the real deal, that's somebody saying please help me, please know about me, please react," Richardson said. "That's our job."
***
If truly created in a forced labor camp, the Halloween graveyard kit from Kmart's "Totally Ghoul" product line could bring a blow to the U.S. chain of discount stores.
Title 19, section 1307 of U.S. Code generally prohibits the importation of all items "mined, produced or manufactured" in any foreign country by convict labor, forced labor and/or indentured labor.
After the Oregonian informed the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement about the letter, ICE's Homeland Security Investigations began looking into the case, public affairs officer Andrew Munoz confirmed.
Sears Holdings Corporation, which operates Kmart, released a statement on the matter:
"Sears Holdings has a Global Compliance Program which helps to ensure that vendors and factories producing merchandise for our company adhere to specific Program Requirements, and all local laws pertaining to employment standards and workplace practices. Failure to comply with any of the Program Requirements, including the use of forced labor, may result in a loss of business or factory termination. We understand the seriousness of this allegation, and will continue to investigate."
Daniel Ruiz, section chief of the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center's commercial fraud unit, said it would be difficult to predict the length of an investigation like this, which would involve American and Chinese authorities. Investigative findings would be released, he said, only if the agency takes action.
***
Julie Keith now checks the label of everything she buys, down to the Gingerbread house she purchased for the holidays. Her friends, she said, do the same.
"If I really don't need it, I won't buy it if it's made in China," she said. "This has really made me more aware. I hope it would make a difference."

Deport Piers Morgan Petition Reaching Goal

Deport Piers Morgan Petition Reaching Goal


The Infowars.com petition posted on the White House “We the People: Your Voice in Our Government” page on Friday now has over 85,000 signatures.
The petition was posted in response to British citizen Piers Morgan using his bully pulpit at CNN to undermine the civil liberties of the American people. It is calling for his deportation before he helps enemies of the Constitution do irreparable harm to the Second Amendment.
Morgan claims his effort to outlaw firearms and thus strip Americans of not only their right to defend themselves but also the ability to respond to government tyranny – the original intention of the amendment – is protected by the First Amendment. Morgan apparently believes it is acceptable to use the First Amendment to deny Americans their right to exercise the Second Amendment.

Morgan’s arrogance knows no bounds. On Saturday he tweeted:

Noel Sheppard, writing for News Busters, put Morgan’s response in perspective:

Using that tortured logic, since only 776,000 people watched his show Thursday, that must mean 314,214,588 Americans think he shouldn’t be on the air at all.

In response to Morgan’s claim about the First Amendment, James Taranto of the Wall Street Journal pointed to a transcript of Kleindienst v. Mandel, a 1972 U.S. Supreme Court ruling. It validated an effort by then attorney general Richard Kleindienst to refuse Marxist Belgian journalist Ernest Mandel entry into the country. The Court ruled that denying Mandel entry did not violate the First Amendment.
It remains to be seen if the petition will actually result in Morgan’s deportation. It is, however, drawing attention to his attempt to subvert and undermine the Constitution.

If you have not signed the petition, please do so now

Soylent Green...

Soylent Green...

A South Korean SBS TV documentary accused Chinese pharmaceutical companies in 2011 of selling “stamina pills” that contain ground up dead babies. The report claims that certain hospitals and abortion clinics sell baby corpses to the companies, who then use their bodies to grind up for their stamina pill ingredients. The team ran a DNA test, and found that the pills were 99.7 percent human. They were even able to tell the gender of the baby.

A Lone Voice in the Corporate Media Wilderness: Ben Swann on the 2nd Amendment

See Video

On December 20, Fox’s WXIX affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio, ran a segment on the Second Amendment. Reality Check host Ben Swann did an admirable job of explaining what the rest of the corporate media avoids like the plague – the Second Amendment is not about hunting or even self-defense, it’s about responding to government tyranny.

QE 4: Folks, This Ain't Normal...

QE 4: Folks, This Ain't Normal


Okay, the Fed's recent decision to boost its monetary stimulus (a.k.a. "money printing," "quantitative easing," or simply "QE") by another $45 billion a month to a combined $85 billion per month demonstrates an almost complete departure from what a normal person might consider sensible.

To borrow a phrase from Joel Salatin: Folks, this ain't normal. To this I will add ...and it will end badly.

If you had stopped me on the street a few years ago and asked me what I thought would have happened in the stock, bond, foreign currency, and commodity markets on the day the Fed announced an $85 billion per month thin-air money printing program directed at government bonds, I never would have predicted what has actually come to pass.

I would have predicted soaring stock prices on the expectation that all this money would have to end up in the stock market eventually. I would have predicted the dollar to fall because who in their right mind would want to hold the currency of a country that is borrowing 46 cents (!) out of every dollar that it is spending while its central bank monetizes 100% of that craziness?

read more:  QE 4: Folks, This Ain't Normal

The Osama bin Laden Myth

The Osama bin Laden Myth

The interview below with Osama bin Laden was conducted by the Karachi, Pakistan, daily newspaper, Ummat and published on September 28, 2001, 17 days after the alleged, but unsubstantiated, al Qaeda attack of September 11, 2001, on the World Trade Center twin towers and Pentagon. The interview was sensational. The alleged “mastermind” of 9/11 said that he and al Qaeda had nothing to do with the 9/11 attack. The British Broadcasting Corporation’s World Monitoring Service had the interview translated into English and made public on September 29, 2001.
Osama bin Laden’s sensational denial was not reported by the US print and TV media. It was not investigated by the executive branch. No one in the US Congress called attention to bin Laden’s refusal of responsibility for the greatest humiliation ever inflicted on a superpower.
To check my memory of the lack of coverage, I googled “Osama bin Laden’s interview denying responsibility for 9/11.” Some Internet sites reproduced the interview, but the only mainstream news source that I found was a 1 minute YouTube video from CNN in which the anchor, after quoting an al Jazeera report of bin Laden’s denial, concludes that “we can all weigh that in the scale of credibility and come to our own conclusions.” In other words, bin Laden had already been demonized, and his denial was not credible.
The sensational news was unfit for US citizens and was withheld from them by the american “free press,” a press free to lie for the government but not to tell the truth.
Obviously, if bin Laden had outwitted not only the National Security Agency, the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the FBI, but also all 16 US intelligence agencies, all intelligence agencies of Washington’s NATO puppet states, Israel’s Mossad, and in addition the National Security Council, NORAD, US air traffic control, and airport security four times on the same morning, it would be the greatest feat in world history, a movement building feat that would have made al Qaeda the most successful anti-imperialist organization in human history, an extraordinary victory over “the great satan” that would have brought millions of new recruits into al Qaeda’s ranks. Yet the alleged “mastermind” denied all responsibility....

read more:  http://www.paulcraigroberts.org/2012/11/26/the-osama-bin-laden-myth-2/

Spiderman Earrings

Spiderman Earrings...

"Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can!"

You can purchase at the following Websites:

http://www.bellasqtique.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bellas-Qtique/187884174597890?ref=ts&fref=ts

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellasQtique?ref=seller_info

These cute little earrings feature the amazing Spiderman hanging upside-down on a 21.82 MM silver plated chain. Spiderman himself measures 1 1/2 cm, and the chain measures 3 cm from the stud. Very lightweight, durable, and incredibly cute!
Wear your favorite superhero on your ears, and snatch up all the attention with this fantastic little accessory!
Please give me about 4 days (at the most) after your purchase for me to make these for you!
Have any questions about this item? Feel free to contact me about it!
$16.00 USD           1 Available 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/114649643/hanging-spiderman-stud-earrings?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=ConnectedShop&utm_campaign=Share

Dave Brubeck passed away today

Dave Brubeck passed away today

 

The End of Human Civilization and the Dawn of God’s Kingdom.

The end of human civilization and the dawn of God’s Kingdom.

By F Santos November 30, 2012

Euro Coin – Woman Riding Beast

The end of human civilization and the dawn of God’s Kingdom.

Events are fast shaping into the prophecy that God revealed to Daniel. Some people do not take prophecies seriously. They see it as having no relevance to their lives. But the fact that God had Daniel and John [and other prophets] to record prophecies in whole books for posterity shows that prophecies are important to God and must be important to us too. John exhorts us:

Rev 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

Peter also wrote:

2 Pet 1:19 And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts;

The “last days”

Daniel and Revelation – and most bible prophecies point to the “latter days” or “last days”. People, however, have grown tired of the “last days” prophecies. They are not even sure what “last days” mean. Did not the “last days” begin as early as the time of the apostles? Is Christ still coming? Are these prophecies still for the future? How can we know?

Daniel’s basic prophetic theme: Four Kingdoms

Daniel’s prophecy, revolve around the basic theme of the “four kingdoms” as discussed in Daniel 2 and Daniel 7. These are four human kingdoms that each will come at the heels of the one preceding it, beginning with Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon up until the time that Christ returns to establish God’s kingdom on earth – which is well within our sight. It is important that we get the basics right because it would serve as the framework in which to correctly understand the details given in Daniel chapters 8, 9 and 11 as well as those in Revelation 13, 17and 18.
While there are numerous human kingdoms and empires that have arisen and fallen throughout history, Daniel clearly focuses on four specific kingdoms leading to the time when Christ returns to set up God’s kingdom. By not paying attention to Daniel’s explanation, some writers and commentators come up with all sorts of interpretations. Some say the “beast” refers to the United States. Some think it is a coming Muslim caliphate. Some even imagine it to be “Zionist” Israel.
Daniel’s end-time prophecy can be summarized as follows:

• Daniel 2 Nebuchadnezzar’s image [Four Kingdoms]
• Daniel 7 The Four Great Beast [Four Kingdoms]
• Daniel 8 Details for Medo-Persian Empire
• Daniel 9 Seventy weeks prophecy
• Daniel 11 Details for Greco-Macedonia and Roman empires
• Daniel 12 General end time prophecy

This article will focus on Nebuchadnezzar’s image [chapter 2] and the four great beasts [chapter 7] – and we’ll examine how it relates to the imaginary beast of Revelation 13 and 17.

Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream – the Image

Babylon conquered the nation Judah and took captive the Jewish King Jehoiakim and some young men of the royal family and noble families, together with a select group of young, good-looking and talented Jews, which included Daniel and friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

“While you were watching, a stone was cut out, but not by humans. It struck the statue’s iron-and-clay feet and smashed them. …”

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that so troubled him, he could not sleep. He called for magicians, astrologers, and sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to show and explain his dreams, which he actually forgot. When no one can show him his dream, the king ordered that all the wise men of Babylon, including Daniel and friends be cut to pieces [Daniel 2:12-13]. But Daniel asked for time to know the dream [verse 16], which was granted to him. He then conferred with his friends. Together they petitioned God to reveal the dream [verses 17-18]. So in a night vision, God revealed the king’s dream to Daniel, and Daniel promptly thanked God and praised and worshipped Him [verses 19-23]. Daniel was then brought to the king’s palace to explain what God revealed to him in vision.
For the sake of article brevity and readability, I omit most quotations of lengthy passages. So I suggest that you refer to the Bible as I run through or cite pertinent verses.

Dan 2:27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; 28 But there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days.

So Daniel made it clear that his explanation comes from God and that through the dream God is showing Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in the “latter days”. The dream, as described in Daniel 2:31-35, is simply about a huge, terrifying image or statue of a man. Different parts of the statue are made of different metals, namely:

1. head made of gold,
2. breast and arms, made of silver
3. belly and thighs, made of brass, and
4. legs made of iron and feet made of a mixture of iron and clay

Interpretation of the Dream

Now, the interpretation of the dream, as revealed to Daniel, is straightforward:

Dan 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.

Daniel positively identifies the head of the symbolic image to be Nebuchadnezzar, which should give us the proper reference point to understand the rest of the prophecy. Daniel also explained in verses 39-40 that other kingdoms will arise after Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon. Each kingdom is to succeed the previous one. So we just need to trace actual history from the time of Nebuchadnezzar and onwards.

What History Tells Us

Historians know the empires that succeeded the Babylonian empire: Medo-Persian Empire, Greco-Macedonian Empire and the Roman Empire. These are empires that each subdued or overcame the one that preceded it. Babylon was conquered by Medo-Persia, which was then conquered by Greco-Macedonia, which was itself conquered by the Roman Empire. That makes more sense than looking at far away, unrelated empires such as that of China, India or other empires. It is obvious that the kingdoms and events covered by Daniel’s prophecy are those that directly affect God’s people Israel and Judah and Jerusalem. In summary, the four kingdoms are as follows:

1. The Chaldean-Babylonian Empire (625 to 538 BC) 87 years
2. The Medo-Persian Empire (538 to 330 BC) 208 years
3. The Greco-Macedonian Empire (333 to 31 BC) 302 years
4. The Roman Empire (Established 31 BC.)

You will notice the progression of metal quality: from the precious gold to the cheap iron and from the soft gold to the tough iron.

The Legs of Iron and Feet of Iron and Clay

Of the four empires, God revealed the most details about the legs and feet – the Roman Empire. Daniel 2:40-43 describes it to be “strong as iron”. The legs are made of solid iron, which characterizes the solidness of the Roman Empire during its early reign. The legs clearly represent the two divisions of the old glorious Roman Empire – the East, with capital at Constantinople and the West, with capitals in Italy.
Now, let’s take a look at verse 44:

Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

This would be about the time Christ returns to set up God’s kingdom on earth – which gives us a clear time reference. The last vestige of the fourth kingdom – the Holy Roman Empire – which exists today as “feet and toes” fit the description “partly strong, and partly broken”. It lacks cohesiveness and “shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay” [Daniel 2:42-43]. This is exactly what Europe is today.

Daniel’s Four Great Beasts

The “four great beasts” of Daniel 7 correspond to the four different parts of Nebuchadnezzar’s image. Daniel saw in vision, these four beasts emerging from the sea [verse 3]. Daniel describes the four beasts as follows:
The first was like a lion, and had eagle’s wings, which were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand upon the feet as a man, and a man’s heart was given to it [verse 4]. This description fits that of King Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon which swiftly conquered Judah and other nations. God “plucked” Nebuchadnezzar for being haughty, sinful, and unmerciful to the poor [Daniel 4:5-33]. Nebuchadnezzar became like an animal, literally living and eating grass like an ox [verse 33]. Nebuchadnezzar would eventually recognize his faults, repent and extol God.
The second was like a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, with three ribs in its mouth, between its teeth: and was told, “Arise, devour much flesh”. This is an apt symbolism of Medo-Persia, which was like a huge bear with its enormous movements of troops, which characterized its military under Cyrus and Cambyses. Xerxes a later Persian king himself utilized two and half million fighting men against Greece. Medo-Persia did not move like the swift Babylon, but it won battles by sheer weight of numbers. The three ribs are probably the three kingdoms it conquered: Lydia [Turkey], Babylon, and Egypt.
The third was like a leopard, which had four wings of fowl on its back and had four heads; and dominion was given to it. This is clearly the Greco-Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great, who is considered as one of the greatest generals of all time. Alexander is noted for his brilliance as a tactician and troop leader and for the lightning-speed by which he could traverse great expanses of territory. It took him only three year to master a vast area of territory. At age 33, Alexander reportedly wept because he had no more worlds to conquer.
Now, before continuing, let’s understand what the four beasts represent. Daniel wrote:

Dan 7:16 I came near unto one of them that stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things. 17 These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

So these beasts represent kings that will arise out of the earth. Verse 23 also refers to the beast as kingdom. That makes king and kingdom interchangeable.

The Fourth Beast

As to the fourth beast, Daniel could not think of any animal to liken it to. He simply described it as dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth and ten horns; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the rest with its feet. Of course, the Roman Empire had been probably the most dreaded and strongest of the empires. It had reduced all other kingdoms and empires to mere provinces. Adam Clarke noted that the Roman Empire is different from the previous empires “Not only in its republican form of government, but also in power and greatness, extent of dominion, and length of duration.”

The composite beast of Revelation 13

To get an idea of how Daniel’s prophecy relates to that of Revelation, let’s take another look at the four beasts of Daniel 7 and contrast it with the composite beast of Revelation 13. Here is what the apostle John saw in the vision that he recorded in Revelation13.

Rev 13:1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.

This beast of Revelation 13 also emerged out of the sea. This beast had seven heads and ten horns. This beast looks like a leopard but has feet of a bear and mouth of a lion [Rev 13:2]. So this unusual beast, clearly takes on the characteristics of the four beasts of Daniel 7.
Compare that with Daniel 7. The fourth beast of Daniel 7 devoured or absorbed all the others before it, as vassal state or province of the Roman Empire. It took in the royal splendor characteristic of ancient Babylon, thus having the head of the lion. It had all the massive numerical power of the Persian Empire army – the legs of bear. It was the greatest war-making machine the world had ever seen, and possessed the swiftness, the cunning, the cruelty of Alexander’s army, the leopard.

Seven heads and ten horns

The lion, the bear and the fourth beast of Daniel 7 each had a head. The leopard had four heads. That makes seven heads in all. The fourth beast had 10 horns. Each of the four beasts emerged out of the sea. These are the same seven heads and ten horns in the one beast of Revelation 13.
Now, what are the “ten horns”?

Dan 7:24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings.

A horn represents a king. So we have three synonymous terms here: king, kingdom and horn. These three terms are interchangeable as far as prophetic symbolism is concerned.
Roman Empire is said to have officially ended in 476 A.D. [the Western division] when it was defeated by the Vandals. But just as the Western Roman Empire was on its death throes, Emperor Justinian ascended the throne in AD 554 in the Eastern Roman Empire. Called “Justinian Imperial Restoration”, this is a virtual revival and re-establishment of the Roman Empire. Justinian would try to unite east and west but would fail. This would be followed by five more revivals, namely:
Frankish, Carolingian Empire – Charlemagne was crowned emperor on Christmas A.D. 800 by Pope Leo III.
German – Otto the Great was crowned A.D. 962 by Pope John XII in Rome.
Austria, Habsburg Dynasty – Charles V was crowned in 1530 by Pope Clement VII in Bologna
France – Napoleon crowned himself Emperor Napoleon I on December 2, 1804 at Notre Dame de Paris
Garibaldi united ITALY around 1870 – 1945, which would culminate in the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini and an attempt, with Adolf Hitler, to dominate the West during World War 2.
That makes six revivals in all, which had taken place since the Roman Empire “died” in 476 A.D. Notice the active role played by the Catholic Church leadership. The Church, in important ways, gives the Roman Empire the unique ability to revive.

Rev 17:8 The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and go into perdition: and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, when they behold the beast that was, and is not, and yet is.

This is what is peculiar about Roman Empire. We know there was Roman Empire. But now it is not – meaning it is non-existent now. And yet is, because the ideals of the Roman Empire live on in the heart and consciousness of many Europeans.

European Parliament building

Right now, we are in a kind of intermission right before the next revival – the seventh revival. Efforts to revive a European Union is too obvious to be ignored and dismissed as mere fantasy. The seventh revival, however, would be short-lived as indicated by Revelation 17:12. It will be the final revival, before Christ’s return.

Christ Returns

But all these are mere prelude to the coming historic establishment of God’s kingdom on earth – which is the main message of Daniel and Revelation. This is the message that Christ preached:

Mar 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

Christ proclaimed the same gospel message that He inspired His prophets and servants to record. We are supposed to preach to the world, this same message of His return to set up God’s kingdom.

Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

After the preaching has been accomplished, a three and a half years tribulation will ensue.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.

Immediately after the tribulation, there will be terrifying sights and signs in heaven that announces the start of Christ’s coming and direct intervention in world affairs – to put a halt to man’s self-inflicted destruction. [Mat24;29f] – and to establish God’s kingdom.
In the next post, we will look more closely at the beast and woman described in Revelation 17 and 18.

Heart of a Princess Dress

Heart of a Princess Dress

Perfect dress for your little princess! This dress is made of 100% cotton with elastic neckline and armholes. It ties in the back and has and underskirt of green to accent the princess patchwork fabric. Fun to wear for any occasion!

This dress is available in sizes 2 to 5 and can be paired with the Hearts and frogs pantsuit for sisters to wear together (or best friends!).
$40.00 USD  -  4 available


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Bessy The Cow Earrings

Bessy The Cow Earrings

BellasQtique 

$9.00 USD

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Moo! Who doesn't love cows? Their sweet eyes, cute nose, and soft fur--just so loveable!

Now you can wear your favorite animal on your ears!
Measuring at 2 cm long, and 1 1/2 cm tall, these mini moos are small, lightweight, and durable. Hanging on a silver plated fishhook earring, and connected by a jump ring, the cows are handmade from polymer clay, hand painted, and finished with a shiny gloss!
A wonderful and cute gift idea for anyone who loves cows or is a fan of cute things! :)

If you have any questions or customization requests, please feel free to message me, I'm always happy to help!

Bessy-the-cow-earringshttp://www.etsy.com/listing/116509450/bessy-the-cow-earrings

Jingle Bell Snowmen Dress

Jingle Bell Snowmen Dress

Winter hues of green, dark blues, brown, and beige blend together to wrap your girl in snowman fun! Made of jingle bells, these snowmen are happy and whimsical. With shirring in the back of the dress and a buttonhole to pull the straps through to tie, this dress can be worn again and again.

It can be layered for warmth and with the winter tones--it can be easily matched with a brother or sister's shirt for photos, parties, and family time.

This dress is available in size 12 mos to size 7




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You Can Buy This Dress at Bellas Q-tique

Gold Sales....

Medical Tyranny is Here, and We Can’t Say We Weren’t Warned

Medical Tyranny is Here, and We Can’t Say We Weren’t Warned

Health care reform is a hot topic today, as it has been for much of America’s history. Benjamin Rush, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, warned in 1787 that medical freedom needed to be included in the American Constitution. Without this protection, Rush warned that the medical establishment would naturally progress – as many of mankind’s institutions do – into an oppressive dictatorship. His words, echoing from over 200 years ago, ring strikingly true today:

Benjamin Rush, Founding Father .

“The Constitution of this Republic should make special provision for medical freedom. To restrict the art of healing to one class will constitute the Bastille of medical science. All such laws are un-American and despotic. … Unless we put medical freedom into the constitution the time will come when medicine will organize into an undercover dictatorship and force people who wish doctors and treatment of their own choice to submit to only what the dictating outfit offers.”

The spirit of managerial scientific control that drives this beast is summarized in the words of Frederick Taylor, a pioneer in “scientific management.” As Taylor stated in 1907, ”Too great liberty results in a large number of people going wrong who would be right if they had been forced into good habits.” This spirit of quasi-altruistic scientific control begins to fade away towards the higher ranks of the system, however.
The potential for medical tyranny that Benjamin Rush perceived over 200 years ago crystallized when the Rockefeller and Carnegie foundations transformed the American medical establishment in the early 20th Century. They strove to create a system of schooling to manufacture a predictable, rule following group of professionals to enforce the establishment regulations. Additionally, tax exempt foundations – through their grant making power – are able to mold the idea-sphere from which medical research emerges, or is suppressed.
The dictatorial health care model as expressed by “obamacare” is being implemented as part of a larger global program. The World Health Organization announced recently that it hopes to implement – via a U.N. resolution – “universal health coverage” across the globe in fulfillment of its Millennium Development Goals. The Rockefeller Foundation is working with WHO in the project. “There is a global movement towards UHC (Universal Health Care) and it is gathering momentum,” said Judith Rodin, President of the Rockefeller Foundation.
If you don’t want the kind of care that the allopathic establishment prescribes, be prepared to face the consequences.
A Minnesota mother was recently brought to court over refusing chemotherapy for her 8 year old daughter. A doctor apparently reported her to CPS. She was “…ordered into court and told if they did not work with them on a treatment plan, they would lose custody of Sarah.”
Another case involved a Pennsylvania mother who declined to vaccinate her child, resulting in a visit from CPS.
A 2009 case in which a 13 year old boy’s parents refused chemo resulted in a judgement of “medical neglect,” denying the right of his parents to refuse treatment on religious grounds.
The bottom line is this: Even if the medical establishment had our best interests at heart, what happens when their science is wrong? What happens when it is skewed in favor of the corporations that are closely aligned with them? What kind of damage is done when it is universally enforced? Benjamin Rush foresaw this danger, and it is time to face it for the reality it has become

Discovery Channel Documentary Proves Mind Control Assassin ‘Conspiracy’

Discovery Channel Documentary Proves Mind Control Assassin ‘Conspiracy’

A recent Discovery Channel documentary proved that individuals can be mind controlled into carrying out murder, proving the so-called “conspiracy theory” that it is possible to create brainwashed assassins.

The documentary, part of the Discovery Channel’s Curiosity series, is particularly relevantgiven the recent claim by an alleged inmate of ‘Batman’ shooter James Holmes who contends that Holmes told him he was “programmed” to carry out the Aurora theater massacre by an “evil” psychotherapist....

EU commission foresees two treaty changes to reach full integration

EU commission foresees two treaty changes to reach full integration

BRUSSELS - The EU commission Wednesday published its vision for a "genuine" economic and monetary union (EMU) under which national budgets could be vetoed and a central European budget would allow transfers for troubled countries.
The process would require two rounds of treaty change – one within the next five years and another more profound exercise in the longer-term.
The 52-page blueprints emphasises the need for the eurozone to be able to "integrate quicker and deeper" than the rest of the EU, with the eurozone now largely seen as paying for being established as a political project without the fundamental economic and financial structures to back it up.
Ideas for the future include coordinating national tax and employment policies, eurobonds, and a eurozone budget managed by a treasury in the European Commission.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the "main message" of the document is that both discipline and solidarity are needed for the EMU to survive.
The paper envisages progress in three steps.
Within the next 18 months, the EU should set up a banking union and establish a "convergence and competitiveness instrument" - money that member states would use to undertake structural reforms. Countries with a budget deficit breaking EU rules would be obliged to use the instrument.
Within five years, the "convergence instrument" would be built up into a separate eurozone budget that would be funded by own taxes in the eurozone.
 

Argentina and America – of Vulture Funds and Justice. Part 2

Argentina and America – of Vulture Funds and Justice. Part 2

Without carrion eaters the world would be strewn with corpses. Vultures eat the dead. Vulture funds, however, eat the still living.
Argentina defaulted on its debts. It borrowed money, said it would pay it all back, signed contracts binding it to that promise and then reneged. It forced its creditors to agree to get back only a few cents out of each dollar they had lent it. Argentina simply said, ‘that is all we are going to pay. Accept or get nothing at all’. The creditors, the bond holders, agreed. Except of course for the stealthily circling Vultures who bided their time.
Surely, despite the sordid stink of what was done to Argentina, how she came to default, on another level Argentina has also done wrong to those who lent to it and must therefore pay? Well on one level sure. But before we wag a moralizing finger lets take a step back. Borrowing and then not paying back, defaulting, is not a crime against God and Nature known only to the dregs of statist madmen. Companies default. They take on debts, sign contracts to pay it all back and then default on their creditors. When they do it is often due to mis-management, stupidity, greed and even fraud. Whatever moral case we might think Argentina has to answer it is not peculiar to them or to the bloated and corrupt governments which loom large in the minds of fervent Libertarians.
Lets take a recent example, Chrysler . In 2007 Chrysler had revenue of $49 billion. That makes it larger than many nations. It defaulted. The company had knowingly, not forced to by IMF inquisitors, but of its own free-market will, taken on debts that it could not pay. Did statues bleed, or horses give birth to monsters? Did the very heavens cry out at the crime? No they didn’t. It’s business. Just business.
What Chryser did do was use the sheer size of its possible default to force its creditors to accept cents on the dollar on what they were owed. Sound familiar? And the US government itself weighed in on their side to force the creditors to accept. Why? Because, they said, it would be best for the nation. And then the critical bit, (From “The Evolution of Modern Sovereign Debt Litigation: Vultures, Alter Egos, and other Legal Fauna” Duke University School of Law)

Once Chrysler negotiated the terms of a sale with the majority of its creditors, it entered bankruptcy with a prepackaged petition, and, shortly thereafter, a new Chrysler entity emerged from the process as a going concern, no longer burdened by billions of dollars of debt.

A ‘going concern’ because it was now no longer crippled by an unpayable weight of debt. That is what Argentina had hoped to do.

Although a minority of creditors challenged the Chrysler sale as a draconian invalidation of their contract rights, those efforts failed under the debtor-friendly rules of Chapter 11.

So, for private companies the free-market has debtor-friendly Chapter 11. But not for nations? What Crysler did the Law upheld even as it pursued Argentina for doing the same thing.
And what are some of those debtor-friendly provisions of Chapter 11?

Once a private company or individual enters bankruptcy, debt service and litigation against the debtor is automatically stayed pending the completion of a mandatory restructuring plan. Bankruptcy rules also allow for a post-insolvency market for “superpriority” (debtor-in-possession) financing, which the debtor can access to jump start its reorganization.

So why is this a good ‘free-market’ idea for companies but not for nations? Why should something of the like not be available to nations? There is no good reason – excpet one. Suing nations is lucrative AND it is part, I believe of a far broader wresting of power from nations states in favour of ‘The Market’. An ideological desire to elevate private over sovereign power. Or to put it another way to reduce nations to actors within a global market framework instead of markets and companies required being required to act within a framework of soveriegn, nation state power. The question is what levers can ‘free market’ ideologues use to force this change?
Pari Passu
The key to the Elliot Associates case against Argentina, the point of law used by them and ruled in favour of by Judge Griesa, and one of the levers that can be and has been used to attack nations, is what is known in law as Pari Passu – to treat equally.
I do not intend here to deal with the argument over whether nations need to borrow at all. I have some thoughts on this subject but they are for another article. All I wish to note here is that it is an odd thing, perhaps a legacy of the time when princes borrowed gold and silver from merchants, that nations who do not have to borrow, given that they can print instead, should chose to borrow. What is not at all odd is that holders of private wealth and creators of private credit, should be delighted to lend to them. Why is this not odd? Because nations are very large borrowers and, most of the time, very good payers.
The only down-side to an otherwise wonderful trade is that IF a nation should decide to default – how can a private creditor take an entire nation to court? The answer for centuries was they couldn’t. The old, English Common Law of Champerty prevented it.
Champerty is -

an English common-law doctrine that precluded the purchase of debt with the intent and purpose to sue upon it. (P.49)

A clear law which makes the very notion of a vulture fund impossible. At this point it is worth taking a moment to remind ourselves that the the laws which codify what we mean by debt: who must pay what to whom under what conditions are not natural laws. Debt and its laws do not spring from the fabric of reality like Gravity. Debt and its laws are human conventions that is all. We can see it one way or we can see it another.

Champerty said you cannot buy up a nation’s debt, when you know that nation has or soon will default, for the express purpose of then suing the nation. Champerty says the nation and its creditors are the only interested parties and thus they alone must be left to work it out for themselves. And since most of the lenders were the largest banks and other nations who generally had long term and lucrative relations with the debtor nations, the lenders would generally feel obliged to swallow the losses. And that reality ‘tended’ to give the lenders some pause for prudent thought when it came to how much they lent and to whom....

Read more...    Argentina and America – of Vulture Funds and Justice. Part 2

Stealing Africa

Stealing Africa

In an age of global trade, multinational corporations motivated by maximizing profit often end up working against the interests of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Stealing Africa investigates reports of widespread criminality by well-known multinational companies operating in Africa. Featuring interviews with heads of state, corporate insiders, and officials from the major global financial institutions, the nature and extent of the problem begins to emerge.

Watch this video: Stealing Africa

Hungarian MP calls for Jewish ‘threat’ list

Hungarian MP calls for Jewish ‘threat’ list

A call by a far-right Hungarian MP for a list to be drawn up of Jewish politicians and government members who pose a “threat to national security” has caused outrage among both Hungary’s estimated 80,000-strong Jewish community and liberal politicians.
Marton Gyongyosi, a leading MP of Jobbik, Hungary’s radical rightwing party, called for the list in the Budapest parliament on Monday, saying that it was justified by the increased tensions following the latest conflict between Gaza and Israel....


 

Rescue of Roger Locker

Rescue of Roger Locker...

 

Winter Holly & Paisley Dress

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Winter Holly & Paisley Dress

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Was $35.00--Now $25.00!



Bellas Qtique






 

This is a wonderful dress for your little girl that she is sure to love! Best worn with a turtleneck or other shirt underneath, she is sure to love to twirl and spin in this one! This is available in sizes 1T, 2T, 3T, or 4T. I can make ruffled pants to go with them for an additional $15 of any of the fabrics you see to coordinate. My turn around is really quick at this point as I am just beginning my business, so I can get it shipped within a couple of days of your order. E-mail me with any questions you may have! Happy shopping!

 

Winter Holly & Paisley Dress

Harlequin Swing Top

Harlequin Swing Top




All the colors of fall in purple, orange, black, and lime green. This top has ribbon trim and shirring in the back so that your little girl can wear it longer! The ties loop through a button hole in the back (I took the pictures before I cut the buttonhole open)--to keep it adjustable for growth.

This would be great for fall pumpkin patch pictures, parties, school--anytime! It can be worn with leggings, blue jeans, and with or without a top underneath for warmth.

Sizes available: 6 mos- size 8.

Ruffles pants to match soon to be listed as well for a complete outfit.

Bellas Q Tique Now accepts Credit Card Payments:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/110035749/harlequin-swing-top                                           

Rose Ring..

You can purchase at the following Websites:

http://www.bellasqtique.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bellas-Qtique/187884174597890?ref=ts&fref=ts

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This is a lovely white rose with red paint splattered on it. This Alice in Wonderland inspired ring is adjustable, and measures about 5/8 of an inch around. Sweet and delicate, this ring is a perfect addition to any wardrobe, and a great gift for your friends or family! :)

Message me for any questions or comments you have, i'm always willing and happy to customize this ring! :)

Please allow at least 4 days before shipping, because I make these specially to order!

Bellas Q Tique Now accepts Credit Card Payments:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/98715558/painting-the-roses-red-ring
                                           

Texas Petitions to Seceed

Texas Petitions to Seceed

The Dangers of Aspartame...

The Dangers of Aspartame...

November 12, 2012

On Oct. 24, NBC news put out an article attempting to refute a recent study, conducted jointly with Harvard Medical School and published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, that found that drinking as little as one diet soda sweetened with Aspartame per day could cause an increased risk of leukemia and lymphoma in adults.

Claiming the study was “weak science,” NBC news failed to mention the fact that this latest study is the most thorough on aspartame to date, involving more than 2 million years of human life data spanning 22 years from more than 77,000 women and 48,000 men.
The NBC story also claims “Few reporters read that journal,” in reference to American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, even though it was selected by the Special Libraries Association as one of the top 100 most influential journals in Biology and Medicine over the last 100 years.
Aspartame (otherwise known by its brand names NutraSweet and Equal or alternate monicker Acesulfame Potassium) is one of the most widely used artificial sweeteners on the market today. Found in thousands of foods and beverages including chewing gum, candies, diet soft drinks, desserts, yogurt, condiments, and even vitamins and pharmaceuticals, aspartame is not limited only to “sugar-free” diet products. As shown in the report below, it is virtually impossible to find commerically available gum that does not contain aspartame these days.
The average grocery store is rife with aspartame-filled products, so it would likely surprise the average consumer to find that it took the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over 20 years to approve aspartame’s use.
What is aspartame exactly, and if its so healthy and safe, why did it take so long for the FDA to approve it?

 

Petition for Texas secession hits White House response mark

Petition for Texas secession hits White House response mark...

Less than a week after President Obama's reelection, an online petition calling for Texas to secede from the Union has gained enough signatures to prompt a response from the White House.
The petition is posted on "We the People," the White House's website for petitions. The White House has pledged to provide a formal response to all petitions that receive more than 25,000 signatures within 30 days.
The Texas secession petition was posted on Nov. 9 and already has more than 27,000 signatures...

Petitions Filed in Nineteen States Seeking Permission to Secede from the Union

Petitions Filed in Nineteen States Seeking Permission to Secede from the Union

In the aftermath of last week's presidential election, residents in at least nineteen states have put up petitions on the government's "We the People" petitioning website seeking the right to secede from the rest of the country.

While the petitions themselves may not be significant, the reaction could be.

Petitions for secession filed from Louisiana and Texas have already received well over 10,000 signatures. Per the website's own rules, petitions that garner 25,000 signatures or more within 30 days require a response from the Obama administration.

Similar petitions from Alabama, Tennessee, and, interestingly, Oregon, are also gaining traction, with each receiving thousands of supporters over the weekend alone.

Other states in which residents have expressed an interest in going their own way include Kentucky, Montana, North Dakota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Arkansas, South Carolina, and Missouri.

As unilateral secession was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, it remains to be seen if this movement is more than a toothless temper tantrum thrown by armchair revolutionaries.

UPDATE: In just a few short hours, the petition asking the Obama administration to "peacefully grant" Texas secession has gained over 10,000 signatures, to surpass the 25,000 necessary to elicit a response from the government.

Louisiana, meanwhile, is still nearly 9,000 signatories short of being taken seriously.

The petition to let Texas secede from the U.S. to be reviewed by the White House

Monday, November 12, 2012

Spidey Earrings

Spidey Earrings

Hanging Spiderman Stud Earrings by BellasQtique on Etsy,

$16  Hanging Spiderman Stud Earrings 

You can purchase at the following Websites:

http://www.bellasqtique.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bellas-Qtique/187884174597890?ref=ts&fref=ts

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/BellasQtique?ref=seller_info       
 

 

by BellasQtique :

Beautiful jewelry and unique children's clothing for you to enjoy. We love what we do and work hard to produce the utmost quality products. Thank you for shopping and we look forward to working with you!