I will be 54 on May 26, 2011 and I have never seen such a violent season of tornado's. My wife thinks I am crazy when I get all worked up whenever the weather men report severe weather coming are way. I bought a generator a few years ago because I wanted to be prepared. We have a storm kit and my daughter and I check on a very regular basis.
I lived in Los Angeles when the Whittier earth quake shook L.A. and the surrounding area for nearly one minute. It was the longest minute of my life and has made me very safety conscience. Some might say a bit paranoid, but I say prepared.
I grew up in Louisville and lived through the April 1974 tragedy when tornadoes broke out across a wide path of the mid-west.
It was a terrifying experience. I can recall the way the sky looked a mass of whirling gray and black as I ran home from fountain ferry Park. I equate my heightened sense of preparedness to the experience of those people who lived through the great depression and their need for thriftiness.
But in my life there has never been a year like we are seeing this year. There have been over 400 people killed in storms this year. This has not occurred since 1953 according to weather statistics.
We lost over three hundred souls in the storms that went through the south. I was blessed that my niece a physician and her husband in Birmingham lived through the devastation in there city. Now we have the tragedy in Joplin. We have lost over 100 souls and we must pray for their families.
I am not sure why this year has been the year of the deadly storms. But one thing I know is that we now have the most sophisticated weather systems that we have ever had and yet over 400 people have lost their lives. Mother Nature has shown us that she is still in control no matter how sophisticated are technology we are still no match for her rage.
I have no answer or words of wisdom, just an observation. Life is a very precious gift and it is finite we never know when it will end. But it will end, so tonight when you go to sleep, no matter what your loved has done or how you feel tell that special one “ you love them. “ I know those over 400 people who have died this year suddenly wish they had that opportunity, just one more time, to tell those they left behind, I LOVE YOU!!!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The End Of The World Again
“The head of a US Christian broadcaster says he is certain the apocalypse is upon us and may watch the drama unfold at home on television.
The theory is that those worth saving will go to heaven while the rest of humanity will be left to face oblivion after a day of judgment — beginning at 7am in the UK — accompanied by the second coming of Christ.” - Harold Camping (May 2011)
Why does the media even give these so called prophets the time of day. As a former pastor and student of the bible it is clear that these people have not read or understand the Bible.
Before I go to scripture and totally repudiate the misguided rambling of a misguide and probably well intentioned old man. I must protest in the strong fashion how these fringe elements have been able to hijack sound bible based Christianity and make Christian as a whole look like fanatics .
This is not the only media coverage to make Christians look as though we are out of touch with reality. The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas, headed by Fred Phelps has also garnered a massive amount of air time. This is the church that has somehow seem fit to use the bible as there basis to dishonor the funerals of our fallen heroes. Those young men and women who volunteered to go into harm’s way to protect our way of life.
I served in the military I was a marine at the ended of the Vietnam era, I didn’t see combat but I have many friends who did and in my eyes they are heroes. I have also taught my childern to shake the hand of anyone they see wearing a military uniform. My son Wayne Jr. who has autism is now passionate about doing this, in the malls or on the street he will shake the service person hand and thank them for there service.
This country was founded on Christian principles all of the higher institutions of learning (Harvard , Yale)were founded by Christians. What institutions of higher learning were founded by Islam? Radical Islamism wants to kill us and our media makes light of where we came from as a nation.
Network television programs like the “Law and Order” series have for years made light of Christians and made us look like radicals or hypocrites. I am not denying that we Christian are far from perfect. Because we Christians, aren’t perfect but there those of us who are trying to live in this world and not of this world.
I spent eleven years as a media correspondent with my own program and felt the hand of the liberal agenda with it’s mantra “If it bleeds it leads” toward the end of my media career I felt like a whore. Doing what made the ratings and not what I felt was right.
The Bible is very clear that nobody will know when the world will end. Jesus said in Matthew 25: 13, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes." In Matthew 24:44 he says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes." As my mother has put it, I don't know when Jesus will come, but I know when he will not come—when somebody says he will. Anytime somebody says they know when Jesus will come again is calling Jesus a liar.
So let's stop playing church and be the body of Christ. Let's stop be ashamed and stand up proclaim his Name. Let's show the media and there liberal agenda that we are Christians. Onward Christian Soldiers!!!
The theory is that those worth saving will go to heaven while the rest of humanity will be left to face oblivion after a day of judgment — beginning at 7am in the UK — accompanied by the second coming of Christ.” - Harold Camping (May 2011)
Why does the media even give these so called prophets the time of day. As a former pastor and student of the bible it is clear that these people have not read or understand the Bible.
Before I go to scripture and totally repudiate the misguided rambling of a misguide and probably well intentioned old man. I must protest in the strong fashion how these fringe elements have been able to hijack sound bible based Christianity and make Christian as a whole look like fanatics .
This is not the only media coverage to make Christians look as though we are out of touch with reality. The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas, headed by Fred Phelps has also garnered a massive amount of air time. This is the church that has somehow seem fit to use the bible as there basis to dishonor the funerals of our fallen heroes. Those young men and women who volunteered to go into harm’s way to protect our way of life.
I served in the military I was a marine at the ended of the Vietnam era, I didn’t see combat but I have many friends who did and in my eyes they are heroes. I have also taught my childern to shake the hand of anyone they see wearing a military uniform. My son Wayne Jr. who has autism is now passionate about doing this, in the malls or on the street he will shake the service person hand and thank them for there service.
This country was founded on Christian principles all of the higher institutions of learning (Harvard , Yale)were founded by Christians. What institutions of higher learning were founded by Islam? Radical Islamism wants to kill us and our media makes light of where we came from as a nation.
Network television programs like the “Law and Order” series have for years made light of Christians and made us look like radicals or hypocrites. I am not denying that we Christian are far from perfect. Because we Christians, aren’t perfect but there those of us who are trying to live in this world and not of this world.
I spent eleven years as a media correspondent with my own program and felt the hand of the liberal agenda with it’s mantra “If it bleeds it leads” toward the end of my media career I felt like a whore. Doing what made the ratings and not what I felt was right.
The Bible is very clear that nobody will know when the world will end. Jesus said in Matthew 25: 13, "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man comes." In Matthew 24:44 he says, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as you think not the Son of man comes." As my mother has put it, I don't know when Jesus will come, but I know when he will not come—when somebody says he will. Anytime somebody says they know when Jesus will come again is calling Jesus a liar.
So let's stop playing church and be the body of Christ. Let's stop be ashamed and stand up proclaim his Name. Let's show the media and there liberal agenda that we are Christians. Onward Christian Soldiers!!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Let Freedom Ring!!!
I know we are facing a serious financial environment in the United States. Gas prices our extremely high, the unemployment rate is still very high and home foreclosures are still occurring at an alarming rate. We have areas of our country that have been devastated by tornados leaving hundreds dead and thousands of people homeless.
But with that said, I am amazed at what is happening in the middle-east and its citizens taking to the streets and demanding freedom. There is something blowing the wind and there is a craving for more self determination in a part of the world that just a few years ago we could not even imagine.
The dictatorial leaders are finding their hold on power to be tenuous at best. I have a friend who has lived in that area of the worlds for more than thirty years. He has worked as an instructor in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, working with the Saudi military.
He told me that the young people of the middle-east have become aware of the freedoms that the rest of the world and want the same. The reason for the unrest can be directly contributed to the technological advancements specifically the internet.
No longer can events be kept undercover with the instant access to the World Wide Web. We as a country have a true opportunity to play serious role in a power shift. I know that we must move cautiously and be certain we have a comprehensive approach to these events. But there is a new reality in the world and it’s one that we must play a major role.
Granted we must take care to not give the militants an opportunity to circumvent the process and turn these countries into enemies of the United States. Because these people our screaming for freedom and this is an opportunity to make a difference. We need to be certain that also we help our friends in Israel because this thing could turn into and anti-Israel very quickly should we not be at the table.
But the damn has broken and change is inevitable what the change will look like is the sixy-four thousand dollar question.
But with that said, I am amazed at what is happening in the middle-east and its citizens taking to the streets and demanding freedom. There is something blowing the wind and there is a craving for more self determination in a part of the world that just a few years ago we could not even imagine.
The dictatorial leaders are finding their hold on power to be tenuous at best. I have a friend who has lived in that area of the worlds for more than thirty years. He has worked as an instructor in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, working with the Saudi military.
He told me that the young people of the middle-east have become aware of the freedoms that the rest of the world and want the same. The reason for the unrest can be directly contributed to the technological advancements specifically the internet.
No longer can events be kept undercover with the instant access to the World Wide Web. We as a country have a true opportunity to play serious role in a power shift. I know that we must move cautiously and be certain we have a comprehensive approach to these events. But there is a new reality in the world and it’s one that we must play a major role.
Granted we must take care to not give the militants an opportunity to circumvent the process and turn these countries into enemies of the United States. Because these people our screaming for freedom and this is an opportunity to make a difference. We need to be certain that also we help our friends in Israel because this thing could turn into and anti-Israel very quickly should we not be at the table.
But the damn has broken and change is inevitable what the change will look like is the sixy-four thousand dollar question.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Where Have All The flowers Gone?
In less than three days the city of Louisville has experienced the shooting of two children and the death of a fourteen year old. Unfortunately the three year old child has also died as result of being shot in the head while his family was visiting friends. We still have 10 year girl who is recovering for her wounds.
It is only May and this year is becoming the year of the child and not in a good way. We are killing and maiming our children. There is a culture of violence that permeates our society. We have become numb to the senseless death and mayhem that occurs in or city.
There are neighborhoods where crime and illegal activity has become a normal part of everyday life. There was a time when this type of activity was not allowed to be so openly conducted in our communities, but that has changed.
We have become so complacent that now we see our children being sacrificed because we don’t want to get involved. Most of these violent activities occur, because we have become use to the drug dealing and other types of illegal activity. We turn our heads and look the other way, we don’t want to be the one who stands up and take a stand.
But who is looking out for our children if none of us are willing to do the right thing? Who are the role-models? Who do they emulate as the way adult should act?
The late Michael Jackson said best in his iconic song “The Man In The Mirror”:
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
O.K. Louisville it’s time to make that change, If really want to save our children.
It is only May and this year is becoming the year of the child and not in a good way. We are killing and maiming our children. There is a culture of violence that permeates our society. We have become numb to the senseless death and mayhem that occurs in or city.
There are neighborhoods where crime and illegal activity has become a normal part of everyday life. There was a time when this type of activity was not allowed to be so openly conducted in our communities, but that has changed.
We have become so complacent that now we see our children being sacrificed because we don’t want to get involved. Most of these violent activities occur, because we have become use to the drug dealing and other types of illegal activity. We turn our heads and look the other way, we don’t want to be the one who stands up and take a stand.
But who is looking out for our children if none of us are willing to do the right thing? Who are the role-models? Who do they emulate as the way adult should act?
The late Michael Jackson said best in his iconic song “The Man In The Mirror”:
I'm starting with the man in the mirror
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
(If you wanna make the world a better place)
Take a look at yourself, and then make a change
(Take a look at yourself, and then make a change)
O.K. Louisville it’s time to make that change, If really want to save our children.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Arizona: The Fourth Reich
By Wayne Shemwell
I once heard a colleague make the comment “there is nothing common about sense.” It was amusing but at the time I thought his comment was a blatant generalization with no real basis in fact.
But time is an amazing thing, because I really wonder if the inmates have taken over at the asylum. What else could be the cause of the insanity that is occurring in the state of Arizona?
How naïve do you have to be to see that in a state that has a large Hispanic population that legislation that gives the police the authority to stop anyone they thing is illegal and demand some type of ID showing that you are a citizen is a really bad idea. Ideas destine to cause a major backlash among a significant portion of the states population. Hell, Stevie Wonder could have seen this controversy coming.
I do know about you but I would have a problem proving my citizenship if stopped and asked for some type of citizenship paper work. Then additionally they pass HB221 which now takes any type of ethnic classes out of schools, can you say “Fahrenheit 451.”
The thought police have taken over in Arizona and declared that history well be taught only from a strictly Caucasian point of view. Tea Party fanatics, racist legislation and a lack of civility in congress, there is a mood beginning to permeate our country and if not addressed it could be dangerous.
Do we need immigration reform? Yes. Do we need to address some serious economic issues? Yes. But do we have to do things in such a divisive manner. Are we going boldly into the future together? Or do we go back to the future and social upheaval?
I once heard a colleague make the comment “there is nothing common about sense.” It was amusing but at the time I thought his comment was a blatant generalization with no real basis in fact.
But time is an amazing thing, because I really wonder if the inmates have taken over at the asylum. What else could be the cause of the insanity that is occurring in the state of Arizona?
How naïve do you have to be to see that in a state that has a large Hispanic population that legislation that gives the police the authority to stop anyone they thing is illegal and demand some type of ID showing that you are a citizen is a really bad idea. Ideas destine to cause a major backlash among a significant portion of the states population. Hell, Stevie Wonder could have seen this controversy coming.
I do know about you but I would have a problem proving my citizenship if stopped and asked for some type of citizenship paper work. Then additionally they pass HB221 which now takes any type of ethnic classes out of schools, can you say “Fahrenheit 451.”
The thought police have taken over in Arizona and declared that history well be taught only from a strictly Caucasian point of view. Tea Party fanatics, racist legislation and a lack of civility in congress, there is a mood beginning to permeate our country and if not addressed it could be dangerous.
Do we need immigration reform? Yes. Do we need to address some serious economic issues? Yes. But do we have to do things in such a divisive manner. Are we going boldly into the future together? Or do we go back to the future and social upheaval?
Sunday, July 19, 2009
We killed Michael
Like millions of other’s I was a major Michael Jackson fan. I had the privilege of seeing him on two occasions. It is redundant to say he was the greatest entertainer that ever performed. His death was a shock and a tragedy and it touched millions of people very deeply, yours truly included.
So now the feeding frenzy begins the speculation about Michael and his abuse of prescription drugs. We also have inevitable legal battles over his estate, and the final resting place of his body. Also in addition we have the daily drama over the guardianship of his children.
But what and who killed Michael Jackson will be debating for years and years to come. However in my humble opinion, I know who killed Michael. We killed Michael! Yes, we took his childhood, because of his gift. We took so much from him and when he tried to regain his childhood. We turned him into a sexual predator. Michael was an innocent. He was a real life Peter Pan.
In our cynical world, we have no room for true innocence. Love which something pure and God given has become equated to sex. In other words, it is abnormal for a grown man to love children. It is wrong or suspect for a man who never had a childhood to reach back and try to recapture a piece of that lost childhood.
You and I had a childhood, we played with friend went to the mall. We played in the park and went to school. But Michael had none of these. He truly believed in love, pure love. A Godly love for the least of these, just as Jesus did. No I am not comparing Michael to Jesus. I am just saying that he thought of children in the same way.
So after taking so much from him, we then took his innocence. We put him on trial and put him through an ordeal that caused him to withdraw and I believe this killed his spirit. He became aloof and tried to self medicate his pain.
Yes he could have taken a different path, but his world and his pure love for children had become a spectacle. It became material for the late night TV host. It broke him and I just hope that we as a people can learn something from this sad, sad situation.
We made Michael a star of global magnitude, and then we took away his view of the world. Yes, we you and I killed Michael Jackson.
So now the feeding frenzy begins the speculation about Michael and his abuse of prescription drugs. We also have inevitable legal battles over his estate, and the final resting place of his body. Also in addition we have the daily drama over the guardianship of his children.
But what and who killed Michael Jackson will be debating for years and years to come. However in my humble opinion, I know who killed Michael. We killed Michael! Yes, we took his childhood, because of his gift. We took so much from him and when he tried to regain his childhood. We turned him into a sexual predator. Michael was an innocent. He was a real life Peter Pan.
In our cynical world, we have no room for true innocence. Love which something pure and God given has become equated to sex. In other words, it is abnormal for a grown man to love children. It is wrong or suspect for a man who never had a childhood to reach back and try to recapture a piece of that lost childhood.
You and I had a childhood, we played with friend went to the mall. We played in the park and went to school. But Michael had none of these. He truly believed in love, pure love. A Godly love for the least of these, just as Jesus did. No I am not comparing Michael to Jesus. I am just saying that he thought of children in the same way.
So after taking so much from him, we then took his innocence. We put him on trial and put him through an ordeal that caused him to withdraw and I believe this killed his spirit. He became aloof and tried to self medicate his pain.
Yes he could have taken a different path, but his world and his pure love for children had become a spectacle. It became material for the late night TV host. It broke him and I just hope that we as a people can learn something from this sad, sad situation.
We made Michael a star of global magnitude, and then we took away his view of the world. Yes, we you and I killed Michael Jackson.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
March Madness
Aw yes, it’s that time of year, the time when the nations fancy turns to that magnificent distraction. The time when from main street to wall street, from the water cooler to the White House we all descend into that sweet annual insanity commonly called “March Madness.”
Now being from Kentucky and specifically Louisville, this year’s strain of madness is unusually potent due to the Louisville Cardinals being ranked number one overall in the tournament, a first for the two-time national champs, another first in this season of first.
So, we can all be distracted, however briefly from the monumental issues we face as a nation. Because, lets face it we as Americans have very short attention spans. We have developed what I like to call microwave mentalities, in other words we want what we want when we want it or we become board very quickly.
So the NCAA annual bash is a timely respite for a nation weary from a torrent of ever increasingly bad news and bi-partisan politics. Thank you God for the “Big Dance” and all its delightful distractions brought to us through the activities of our children. Yes I know these are young men and women but as I look at this through eyes that scene more than fifty years, I take the liberty of calling them children. Thank you God for an opportunity to have a national time-out or even better a national Calgone moment however brief the timing could not have been better.
Now being from Kentucky and specifically Louisville, this year’s strain of madness is unusually potent due to the Louisville Cardinals being ranked number one overall in the tournament, a first for the two-time national champs, another first in this season of first.
So, we can all be distracted, however briefly from the monumental issues we face as a nation. Because, lets face it we as Americans have very short attention spans. We have developed what I like to call microwave mentalities, in other words we want what we want when we want it or we become board very quickly.
So the NCAA annual bash is a timely respite for a nation weary from a torrent of ever increasingly bad news and bi-partisan politics. Thank you God for the “Big Dance” and all its delightful distractions brought to us through the activities of our children. Yes I know these are young men and women but as I look at this through eyes that scene more than fifty years, I take the liberty of calling them children. Thank you God for an opportunity to have a national time-out or even better a national Calgone moment however brief the timing could not have been better.
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