Occasionally I am able to get the Christian person I am debating with to admit there are indeed errors and contradictions in the Bible.  Their response usually goes something like this: “Well so what?  Who cares about the little details as long as the big parts are right?”   Because the Bible professes that it is inerrant word of God!  And if it is not, then the whole book can not be trusted!  If the Bible can’t get little facts accurate how can you believe the important stuff is any more accurate?

“the words of the LORD are flawless” - Psalms 12:6
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, [literally God-breathed] and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” - 2 Timothy 3:16-17
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” - 2 Peter 1:20-21

And these are just a few of the verses.  Google “the bible is inerrant” for many more!

But what if these errors and contradictions affect more than just the little stuff?  What if the very foundation of the Bible was rocked?  What if the very story of the death and resurrection of Jesus contained contradictions and errors?  Could the book still be trusted?

The Resurrection Contradictions

Surprise!  There are many contradictions just in the resurrection story.  And with that in mind, I’ll show a few of them to you.

 When would Jesus return?

“When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” – Matthew 10:23
“Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place.” – Luke 21:32

Paul’s writings in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 clearly show he expected at least some (if not all) of those he was writing to to be alive when Jesus returned.  Of course, this never happened.  So let’s move on to the next one.

The Last Meal?

“Now on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover lamb, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?”” – Mark 14:12
“Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”” – Matthew 26:17
“Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.” – Luke 22:7

So it is pretty clear.  This happened on the first day?  Correct?

“It was the day of Preparation of the Passover; it was about noon. “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews.” – John 19:14

So when was it?  The day before or the day of?  But I know all the excuses for that one too.  Next.

Take the Staff?

When Jesus summons the twelve disciples he tells them what they can and can not take.

“3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. 5 If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”” – Luke 9:3-5

This story is then repeated in Matthew 10:9-10.  So it is very clear they were not to take the staffs?  Correct?  What about the same story in Mark 6:8?  ”8 These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts.”

A Kiss of Betrayal?

So just what does the Bible say about how Jesus was identified to the Roman police?

“47 While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48 Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” 49 Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50 Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.”[a] Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him.” – Matthew 26:47-50

Let’s make that simple.  He signaled the Guards by walking up to and kissing Jesus.  Jesus responded by saying “Do what you came for friend.”

Once again, Luke 22:47-48 tells a different story.  It says the kiss never took place, as Jesus interrupted his attempt. “ 47 While he was still speaking a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss him, 48 but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?””

But it get’s even better (or worse depending on how you look at it).

“3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons. 4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am he,” Jesus said. And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.”" – John 18:3-5

So did Judas kiss Jesus, did he attempt to kiss Jesus but was interrupted or did Jesus identify himself while Judas just stood by.

How did Judas die?

“So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.” – Matthew 27:5

“With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out.” – Acts 1:18

So here we have one of the most important characters in the Jesus story.  The guy who betrayed the very Son of God.  Did he hang himself or did he fall down in a field and his body burst open?   Did he use the money to buy a field to throw himself in or did he throw the money into the temple?  Wouldn’t you think such an important character would have a consistent story?

What Time was the Crucifixion?

Mark 15:25 is very clear about this: “It was nine in the morning when they crucified him.”

Luke 23:44 is also very clear about this: “It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon.”

So was it 9am or noon?   This is a pretty important event to get the time wrong on.

Jesus Last Words?

Matthew 27:46-50 says Jesus cried out “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” and then breathed his last breath.

But Luke 23:46 says Jesus said “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” and then breathed his last breath.

While John 19:30 says “When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”

The Empty Tomb

The story in Mark 16:1-4 is “1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb 3 and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.”

The same story told again in John 20:1- 4 tells a slightly different story “¹ Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. ² So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!””

So was it Mary, or Mary with others?  The remaining two stories also tell different versions.  Matthew 28:1 tells of just two people visiting the tomb, while Luke 23:55, 24:1 mentions 5 people visiting the empty tomb.  This doesn’t invalidate the story, but again, this is one of the most important stories in the Bible.  You’d think word breathed from God would be the same in all the stories. Everything Christians believe is based on this story being true.

Who did they tell about the empty tomb?

So this group of women who find the empty tomb.  What do they do?

“Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.” – Mark 16:8
“So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.” – Matthew 28:8

 When did He Ascend?

According to Luke 24:50-52 “50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” Jesus ascended from Bethany on the same day of his resurrection.

However, the story is muddled by  Acts 1:9-12 where the story is that he ascended 40 days later from Mount Olivet.

The Problem with Errors and Contradictions

Let’s just one more time discuss why it is important to understand that the Bible is not inerrant and does contain contradictions.

Christians base everything in their faith structure on the Bible being the true and inerrant word of God.  They feed this stuff to their children and to the non-believer.  Muslims of course, do the same with the Quran.

The Bible promotes:

• Slavery
• Bigotry and Racism
• Killing of people for small crimes
• Genocide of entire nations of people

This same Bible condemns:

• Homosexuals
• Divorce
• Touching the skin of a dead pig
• Touching a menstruating women
• Wearing mixed fabrics
• Men having long hair

Christians of course pick and choose which ones to follow.  Most of the time the excuse is that we don’t have to follow the Old Testament law.  If that’s the case why do we still harass homosexuals?  Or why don’t we follow all of the New Testament laws? Just one example is that we have a 50% to 60% divorce rate in this country.  Among the verses in the new testament, Matthew 19:9 says:  ”I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”  (Jesus speaking).   Yet we have churches all over America re-marrying divorced people.  Because Christians either don’t really know what the Bible says, or they choose to ignore what they don’t like.

But more to the point.  If this book can’t even accurately tell us the very story that the entire premise of its religion is based on without errors and contradictions, then why should we believe any of the other verses in it are any more inspired by God, rather than works of delirious cave men?  If the inerrant Word of God is just partly wrong, and those parts of it can’t be trusted, that how do I know which parts to trust and which parts not to?

This isn’t really a factual contradiction so much as a moral one, but I’d like to share it with you before you comment:

Moses spends all of this time on the mountain speaking to God.  God just gave him the Ten Commandments.  ”Though shalt not kill.”   Yet Moses’ first command to the people is “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.’ ” The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.”  That sure seems like a lot of commandment breaking.  Does this sound like something from an all loving, merciful God?  Does this seem like something the most intelligent creature to ever exist would do (or write)?

An economics professor at a local college made a statement that he had never failed a single student before, but had recently failed an entire class. That class had insisted that Obama’s socialism worked and that no one would be poor and no one would be rich, a great equalizer.
The professor then said, “OK, we will have an experiment in this class on Obama’s plan”. All grades will be averaged and everyone will receive the same grade so no one will fail and no one will receive an A…. (substituting grades for dollars – something closer to home and more readily understood by all).

After the first test, the grades were averaged and everyone got a B. The students who studied hard were upset and the students who studied little were happy. As the second test rolled around, the students who studied little had studied even less and the ones who studied hard decided they wanted a free ride too so they studied little..

The second test average was a D! No one was happy. When the 3rd test rolled around, the average was an F. As the tests proceeded, the scores never increased as bickering, blame and name-calling all resulted in hard feelings and no one would study for the benefit of anyone else. To their great surprise, ALL FAILED and the professor told them that socialism would also ultimately fail because when the reward is great, the effort to succeed is great, but when government takes all the reward away, no one will try or want to succeed. It could not be any simpler than that.
Remember, there IS a test coming up. The 2012 elections.

These are possibly the 5 best sentences you’ll ever read and all applicable to this experiment:
1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Without the dinosaurs, that would mean there would need to be six million animals on Noah’s Ark.  But wait you say, God said “according to their kind”.  So let’s eliminate the variations and just use the bare minmum number of animals, reducing what the Ark would need to carry even more.  We will also eliminate fish and aquatic life, yet we will discuss those later.  So let’s look at what is left.

In order for the bare minimum of species to survive, we would find that the Ark would need to transport:

• 17,400 Birds
  • Ducks, Penguins, Ostriches, etc.
• 12,000 Reptiles
  • Snakes, Alligators, Crocodiles, etc.
• 9,000 Mammals
  • Tigers, Rabbits, Mice, Elephants, etc.
• 5,000 Amphibians
  • Frogs, Toads, Turtles, etc.
• 2,000,0000 Insects
  • Mosquitos, Flys, Wasps, Bees, etc.

That’s a lot of cargo for such a small vessel.  Let’s assume so for now.  We have bigger issues to discuss with our Ark.

Feeding The Animals on the Ark

Two Elephants are going to require 365,000 pounds of food and 36,500 gallons of water per year to survive.  Our two Giraffes are going to need 54,750 pounds of food.  Our two Hippos are going to need 65,700 pounds of food.  Our two lions are going to 16,060 pounds of raw meat that has to be stored and cooled.  All of these numbers are available on Wikipedia and other sources.

About now, you are saying “But the flood was only for 40 days and 40 nights.”   Read the Bible my friends, it says the the floods covered the Earth for 371 days.

I do admit that some Fundamentalist Christians will say the flood lasted a shorter period of time, some estimating 30 to 60 days less than this.  If you are of that mindset, please feel free to adjust my math to suit your timeline.

Dr. Hovind has a theory that Noah’s ark consisted of baby animals and not adults.  By the time a baby alligator from Texas made it to the Ark they would be adults.  That just doesn’t add up to me, but again, feel free to use that argument as you read on.  Of course, even then, what are we going to do with all of these animals when they start mating on the Ark and producing offspring?  Dr. Hovind again will tell you our animals on our Ark must be hibernating.   Now even a bear only hibernates about 100 days at a time.  But let’s move on and keep those arguments in mind.

What about feeding our animals after the flood?  Our herbivores will not have vegetation to eat.  All of the trees, grass, and other plant life will have died after a year under water with no sunlight, or CO2 and will have rotted.  Our carnivorous animals will not have any meat to eat, unless they want to eat some of those animals we just spent a year transporting on our Ark.

Altitude of the Ark

The Bible says that the flood waters will cover the peaks of all mountains on earth by 20 feet (Genesis 7:19).  That puts the altitude of our Ark at 29,500 feet.    At that altitude most of our animals and Noah are going to freeze to death. The temperature at 30,000 feet is between 3 degrees and -35 degrees depending on where you are on Earth. The ones capable of handling such low temperatures, such as a polar bear is going to suffocate and be unable to get enough oxygen.  They pressurize airplanes for a reason: so you can breath!

Examining the Sea Life

One of the things many people forget is that even the sea life will be drastically affected by our flood.  Most of them will be unable to survive.  Even the simple fact that all of the fresh water fish will be exposed to sea water and die, even the most durable sea life will not be able to handle the increased water pressure caused by raising sea level to 30,000 feet.  The pressure would be so great that ordinary ocean creatures blood would boil.

The Problem of Two

It is well known scientific fact that it takes a bare minimum of 50 individuals of a species to keep said species alive.  We’ve seen it time and time again.  When we try to save animals from going extinct, we try to maintain at least 50 of them, below that it is almost impossible for the species to recover due to genetic defects caused by inbreeding.

A Little Perspective

Now you have the facts, you be the judge.  Could Noah’s Ark just be a fairy tale?

”The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips then walk out the door and deny him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply find unbelievable.”

I know Christians who are doing this right now. Sad really.  Take this (fictional) story as an example of truth in this statement.  You know people like this don’t you?

A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration, as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up.

He took her to the police station where she was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, ‘I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.’ I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Choose Life’ license plate holder, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday-School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk; naturally…I assumed you had stolen the car.’

Our ship itinerary include a port of call in Labadee, Haiti. Yes, you heard me right, Haiti. A week before we sailed, I became concerned that one of our ports would be canceled due to the horrific tragedy that occurred in Port of Prince. Once on board the ship, it became clear that RCI was dedicated to continuing they’re 30 some-odd years of support of the Haitian economy. We were told that all the ships calling to Labedee were carrying precious supplies for the Haitian people. AND, that all 100% of monies spent while we were there were going to Haiti. The RCI resort employs some 250 local Haitians. If we did not call there, it would have a devastating effect on their economy, which would have a ripple effect all across the island.

Everyone disembarked at Labadee to enjoy an absolutely beautiful island. The area sported some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. However, we all left the ship knowing full well that there was a different picture some 60 miles away. You could tell that folks were there for a reason, not so much to have a have a wild and fun time, but to provide support that those individuals rely on.

Every deck and every balcony was filled watching the Haitians load off the thirty some odd pallets on the pier and move them on-shore for delivery. It was so quiet that you could hear the forklifts and crew talking as the supplies made their way to the shore.

SO, I was absolutely appalled when we arrived in Miami to only hear how our ship and RCI was being criticized for calling to Haiti! To the folks in the press who think they know what is right and wrong when it comes to Haiti… SHUT THE HELL UP!!!!. You sit in your comfy offices and spew out your garbage on what should and shouldn’t happen in Haiti. Well, I ask you this question.. WHAT DID YOU DO TO HELP THE HAITIANS?

I am proud that we were apart of something special. Thank you to Royal Caribbean International, the staff and crew on board the Navigator of the Sea and all the staff of Labadee, Haiti for an wonderful vacation. Thank you for all you continue to do for our island neighbors. The dedication to your customers is great, however your dedication to your RCI family and relationships could never be greater. Our prayers will continue for the Haitian people and for RCI as they lead the way in rebuilding that broken nation.

Kelly & Joanie Morrison, Texas
Navigator of the Sea – January 18, 2010

I’m not saying its better–just different. I’m not claiming we should or could do that here in America. We have more stress and have to work harder here, but we have far more opportunity and wealth. Do you think its possible that what conservatives and liberals are fighting over is really just two different approaches to life and government, both with pros and cons? Maybe one is not entirely “better” than the other, but both involve trade-offs.

I’m not picking a fight with anyone, just more thinking out loud. Maybe my outspoken conservative friends Brady or Brett will comment. Also to be fair, liberals should keep this in mind that maybe what conservatives want is not to have the country run by greedy corporations but a different set of advantages that involves more hard work, less security but greater rewards.

Just some thoughts…

The first thing to realize is that there are a few different scenarios which the terrorists could be using on your particular flight.  (Also realize that it could happen on any flight, not just one originating from a non U.S. location.) Options include testing TSA and law enforcement personnel, testing passengers and crewmembers, observation, dry run/practice, and actual execution of an attack.  Of course it is hard to differentiate which scenario is playing out until after your flight lands, but it might assist you in recognizing the threat and knowing how serious your reaction should be if you know all of the options. In most of these instances, their job is to also scare you. Terrorists create terror. If you stop flying, they win.  So be pro-active. Maybe something you do will cause them to call off the attack.

As a passenger you must be observant and vigilant. Most often someone notices some unusual activity or behavior. It doesn’t have to be just a person either. Suspicious bags, luggage, packages, notes, pillows, and electronic devices have been found on planes.  One of the biggest advantages you have is the ability to profile. TSA refuses to do the obvious thanks to political correctness.  Everyone knows who is committing these attacks — Muslim, Middle-Eastern men between 18 and 40.  Maybe al Qaeda is trying to recruit others than don’t fit this profile but it sure fits the mold right now.

Some things to look for: groups or pairs of men, a passenger talking to themselves, speaking Arabic, watching crewmembers (this is different than looking), staring at the cockpit door, long stays or multiple trips to the lavatory, reading a book but not turning any pages, nervousness, being unusual by trying to fit in, taking pictures/videos, not making eye contact. When you are at the boarding area and on the plane if you notice a suspicious passenger, look for others.  How many?  If it is one or two then they could be planning on bombing the aircraft or just making observations of crew procedures.  6 or more?  Then this cell’s objective would be hijacking the plane by brute force.  Also remember that there are sleepers that try to blend in with the other passengers and could be very hard to notice.  A website reports a well-dressed man in custody that was also a passenger on Delta Flight 253. After an incident, your entire plane might be delayed for security and they will treat everyone as suspects.  Also expect the government and airline to try to cover up parts or all of an event.

A recent example of a possible test occurred on Nov 17 with an Airtran flight from Atlanta to Houston. Eleven Muslim men got on the plane and caused a big disturbance and ended with passengers assisting the flight attendants in the commotion. TSA was called, they took the men off, talked to them, and put them back on. The crewmembers walked off the plane refusing to fly it, and then passengers walked off as well. The terrorists tested the TSA and passengers but probably also threatened lawsuits to the government and Airtran. This could be setting up a later mission with hopes the TSA and airline would be afraid to take them off the plane. Just like the Delta flight, the final layer of security, the crewmembers and passengers, are the ones who might have prevented an attack, nothing the government did was successful.

The best time to do something is prior to boarding and before the aircraft pushes back from the gate while the door is still open. This is when you have some control in the situation and easier for the captain to get involved.  Before you board you can talk to a TSA employee or gate agent and explain your concerns. The gate agents are usually very busy and might give you the brush off.   Talk to other passengers.  While on the plane you will have to find a flight attendant, which could prove difficult because at times the boarding process can be quite chaotic.  If one flight attendant seems to ignore you then talk to the other one.  Maybe ask to see the captain.  Write a note.  If you are really scared, grab your bags, say you are sick, and get off the plane. Some crewmembers can be just as ignorant about the serious nature of the threat as our government officials.  One time after a flight years ago a flight attendant asked me what the captain did about the suspicious passenger. She had called the cockpit inflight to report the behavior to the captain (since retired) and he neglected to tell me anything and did nothing.

While seated look for able-bodied men, military personnel, or deadheading crew to assist you.  Maybe you notice a suspicious passenger but do not feel it warrants a visit with TSA/Flight Attendant or it happens inflight . Volunteer yourself or change seats on your own to sit next to or right behind any suspicious passengers.  A recent crew moved a soldier to sit next to a nervous Middle-Eastern passenger before pushback.  Once while I was deadheading in coach during a flight, the captain told the flight attendant to move me next to a suspicious passenger.

Once airborne there are limited options.  Talking to the flight attendants and moving seats is basically all you can do.  A divert takes time and would be a major emergency.  On the flight I diverted for security issues we had an F-16 on our tail, ready to shoot us down if we didn’t immediately land.

If an actual attack occurs, then all bets are off.  Take Action! DO NOT wait for crewmember instruction! This is a life or death situation.  The terrorists will be hoping for the element of surprise.  You will probably die anyways if the terrorists are successful so you might as well die giving them a fight.  If it is a hijacking, block the aisles and do not let them get to the cockpit.  For a bombing, jump on the passenger and separate him from the ignition source.  For a suspicious package, box, etc. there is a place on the plane to move it to, but do not move it until necessary and with guidance from the crew.

The airlines are doing their best just to stay in business with the recession, bad weather, tough competition, and low fares.  The employees are very frustrated with pay cuts, long hours, full planes, grumpy customers and poor morale. The commercial aviation system wasn’t designed to fight terrorists. And don’t necessarily blame the TSA and law enforcement agencies.  They have some really hard working personnel trying to protect us.  It is the policies implemented by people working in the U.S. government that is the problem, and amazing enough, it is the federal government that is required by law to defend us by the U.S. constitution.  So what do they do?  President Obama decides to take legal action against CIA employees for using special interrogation techniques to obtain information from terrorists to keep us safe.  It was an obvious emotional, liberal, political decision.  This will only make it much more difficult for the intelligence agencies to do their jobs and recruit/retain top talent, as well as lowering morale.

Another government employee, the DHS Secretary herself, said after the 12/25 attempted bombing, “the system worked” when it was obvious to the world that it did not.  The news media gave President Bush an amazing amount of grief for not connecting the dots with 9/11.  Regarding the underwear bomber on Flight 253; his father warned the government, was on a watch list, paid cash for his ticket, no passport, no luggage. A third grader could have connected these dots.  The Republicans had to undo the laws and policies enacted by the Clinton Administration that impeded communication between intelligence and law enforcement agencies while President Bush implemented new ones to protect us after September 11.   Now Democrats are acting like it is September 10 again.

Government by definition is a bureaucratic monopoly.  It is managed by politicians and career bureaucrats.  Slow, inefficient, unaccountable. Lots of finger pointing, blame games, commissions, hearings, conferences, meetings, and reports, but do you know anybody that got fired after 9/11, Fort Hood, or any other government blunder?  Deja vous with this security lapse?  It feels like we are on a team that wants to lose.  And I don’t like being on a team that likes losing and neither does millions of people across the United States.

Unfortunately, until the Obama administration, Congress, and our government officials get serious with national security and the war on terrorism, then what we will lose is more of our freedoms and the lives of more American citizens.

For example, take an extreme liberal.  Liberals generally believe in large government to solve social issues.  They will endorse government regulations and increased government power.  They will do this for a number of reasons, but one common one I hear is regulation of large corporations to prevent exploitation of workers, the community, the environment, consumers and so forth.  Government then is considered a tool by the people to prevent wealth and powerful corporations from becoming too powerful and corrupt.  Powerful corporations are considered “bad” by extreme liberals because they can then use that power to exploit the people in various ways such as paying unlivable wages or dumping toxic waste near a residential area.   Corporations are also very bureaucratic and deceitful and therefore will not hear the complaints of their various stakeholders–employees, shareholders, consumers and so forth.  They will be slow to take corrections in matters such as public health or welfare until it is deemed profitable or legally necessary.

There is definitely some truth to this but there is a core problem with this philosophy.  Namely by expanding government power to “check” large corporations and their corruption, bureaucracy and deceit, they create a government that in fact acts just like a large corporation.  Government and politicians are incredibly bureaucratic, much like large private businesses.  They practice a fair amount of spin and ideological manipulation just as corporations do and are just as susceptivle corruption.  Worse, they do not have financial incentives the way a business does to become more efficient.  Where a corporation must make money at some point in order to survive, the american government can literally print its own money or increase taxes and borrowing against the future from foreign lenders.

Ironically, conservatives have a similar problem.  They are generally anti-government for exactly the above reasons, and are often pro-business to the extreme.  The problem with their view is that without SOME sort of government regulation, corporations take over, eliminate competition and fair trade through monopoly and aggressive tactics with vendors and partners  and actually use the government itself through lobbying to protect their interests.   While corporations have some monetary incentive to be efficient in a way the government doesn’t, they are not necessarily beholden directly to the public, because their leaders are not elected by the citizens, but by shareholders.  They also can practice exactly the same level of deceipt through advertising and media relations as the government.  They don’t even have to produce good products in order to survive–merely profitable ones that may be cheaply made, over-hyped or even unsafe.

Similarly, both groups will claim to be defenders of liberty.  Ironically, both fail here as well, just in different ways.  Liberals will strive for personal liberty, such as on issues of private drug use, abortion, religion in public schools, and so forth.  However, they will often vote in ways that gives the government more power to control people’s personal lives, so that it can solve problems such as poverty and health issues.  Liberalism also tends to dampen business interests through higher taxes and regulation, which doesn’t just affect large corporations  but small businesses and individual entrepreneurs as well.

Similarly, conservatives will vote to defend things like family values and strong defense, but in doing so they will curtail individual freedoms.  Allowing the government to define marriage, imprison people through the patriot act and control medical practices by outlawing abortion or medical marijuana also gives the government more interference in businesses and individual choices.

It seems that any level of extremism tends to be self-contradictory.