August 22nd, 2014
And the delegates to the UNHRC have so honed their craft, they don't even have to guess the results of their "fact-finding missions." In fact, they can guarantee them in advance!
Of course, to maintain its facade of credibility, the UNHRC can't just issue reports that reflect its bias. There has to be some appearance of sincerity and balance.
No worries, though, the Council has its system down pat. And it's embarrassingly simple. So simple, in fact, that the mainstream media and western governments can't see through it. Sort of "hiding in plain sight."
You and I would call it "stacking the deck." The UNHRC simply selects commission members -- and especially chairpersons -- that have already demonstrated the preferred bias and voila! The desired result magically appears.
In this case, a couple of weeks ago, the UN Human Rights Council appointed a commission to investigate the recent (and recently renewed) conflict between Israel and Hamas known as "Operation Protective Edge." Naturally, the UNHRC wants to accuse Israel of war crimes in defending itself against the Hamas missile barrages and terror tunnels.
But since many of the world's leaders find it a little difficult to condemn Israel too harshly for simply defending itself from such obvious threats and actions, the Council needs to be especially subtle in its tactics. So they followed the standard operating procedure and chose as the panel's chairman William Schabas, a Canadian professor who is a renowned "genocide scholar" and equally renowned critic of Israel.
In fact, for years he has actively called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be tried as a war criminal by the International Court. But, the UN sees no problem with this man leading the "impartial" commission that will investigate whether war crimes were committed in the conflict. Of course, they'll investigate Hamas' conduct, too (wink), as well as Israel's.
This choice is so bizarre that John Baird, Canada's Foreign Minister, said, "You can't spend several years calling for the prosecution of someone, and then suddenly act as his judge. It's absurd -- and a violation of the minimal rules of due process applicable to UN fact-finding missions." And he's talking about a fellow Canadian!
I wholeheartedly agree with what Mr. Baird says, but I want to ask him, "Sir, have you never met the UN Human Rights Council?" Of course you can spend several years calling for the prosecution of someone, then suddenly act as his judge! This is the United Nations. It makes "The Twilight Zone" seem like "Happy Days."
Nonetheless, this is how the UNHRC does it (in fact, how every branch of the UN does it). It stacks the deck.
After the formation of the commission was announced, but before it was known that Professor Schabas would lead it, the Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement: "The report has already been written and the only question is who signs it."
Well, I guess now we know.
The world was stunned last week by the news that beloved comedian and actor Robin Williams was found dead in his home in northern California. Many were devastated when it was learned that he died by his own hand.
Williams had battled addiction for years, had heart problems, and was in the beginning stages of Parkinson's Disease, any one of which could have sparked his severe depression. But it still shocked many people that someone who had a loving family, unbelievable talent, wealth, and millions of fans could be so distraught that he would choose to willingly end his life.
Unfortunately, that may not be as uncommon as you think. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death among Americans. On an average day in the United States, 100 people take their own lives. More people die by suicide than in automobile accidents.
But what troubles me most is that many Christians are battling severe depression, too. Why is this happening to so many believers, even pastors?
I know what I'm talking about because, as a new Christian, I suffered some terrible periods of depression for about two years. Wonderful times of joy would be followed by terrible bouts of depression. Finally, I prayed that the Lord would show me what was wrong. How could I learn to walk with Him in a growing peace and sense of purpose? How could I conquer this rollercoaster of emotion and do His will and perform His purpose in my life?
This week, I will share with you what I learned in those times and give you some tips on how to achieve God's peace in your life by entering His "rest."
Don't miss this week's Report on TBN, Daystar, CPM Network, The Word Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings.
God Bless,
Hal Lindsey
mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147
email: comments@hallindsey.com
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