World News Through the Third Lens: A Calculated Deception

"President's Rhetoric = Calculated Deception" reads the headline of an article written by former White House policy advisor, Peter Ferrara, as posted on www.onenewsnow.com website. Ferrara accuses the president of "playing" the American public, and to prove his point he cites remarks made at a stump speech in Nevada recently. He quotes Obama as saying: "You know, when we were trying to pass the healthcare reform bill, everybody talked about all these scary results that were going to come out of the health bill. And now look; we passed it three, four months ago, and where are all these scary results they were talking about?"

Ferrara is quick to point out that the provisions of the healthcare reform bill don't kick in until 2014, meaning that the effects of those changes won't be recognized for several years; which causes him to ponder out loud: "Just how stupid does he (Obama) think we are?" He further adds that manipulation is a problematic leadership tool that Obama uses to get his way. Ferrara concludes that once again the American public has been shamefully manipulated by "calculated deception" because Obama thinks we're too stupid to pay attention.

Through the Third Lens of Scripture: There's a whole sermon's worth of Scriptures I could use through which we can view the above news item; but I'll refer to only a few. First, I would like to remind President Obama and all of his cronies that the Scriptures are filled with warnings against such brazen audacity. "There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood [such as via the abortion provisions that are still in the healthcare reform, despite executive orders], a heart that devises wicked schemes....." (Proverbs 6:16 - 18) How about this one? "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Proverbs 16:18) And one more from the New Testament, after Paul has reminded Christ followers of what happened to disobedient Israel: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall." (1 Corinthians 10:12)

I hope you realize that these admonitions from Scripture (hence from God Almighty) are not just for President Obama, but for all of us. However, there is a scriptural principle that is applicable here: "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2) Now, as concerning deceitful or manipulative speech, here is one warning out of many: "These are the things you are to do: speak the truth to each other and render true and sound judgment in your courts." (Zechariah 8:16) Faithfully adhering to such high standards is impossible without help from God, whether you're the President or Joe the plumber. Perhaps that will help guide your prayers.