Olive Tree Ministries is a Radio ministry based here in the Twin Cities area and is mostly local, although they air on a few stations that are out of state. Jan Markell does a pretty good job of discussing current events in light of Biblical prophecy and ideals.
Last fall, I had a short email exchange with Ms. Markell about the then upcoming election. Jan was a staunch Bush apologist, and lit into me when I suggested she scrutinize Bush the same way she scrutinizes wayward Christian ministries, especially since she used Bush's “Christian Faith” as one of her top reasons for supporting him. She frequently inspects the fruit of other Christians and ministries with a high-powered microscope, as I think those who claim to be in the faith should, but for some reason she would give Bush a pass.
Anyway, my long-time readers all know my staunch support for Michael Anthony Peroutka last November. Ms. Markell joined the deafening chorus of the typical three-monkey Republicans in crying that it was “The most important election of our time”, along with the oft-parroted “a vote for __________ is a vote for John Kerry” and criticized me heavily for questioning Bush's faith and motives.
Ms. Markell has also frequently had Bill Koenig of watch.org on her show. Mr. Koenig holds a White House press card and is a great Christian observer in the media, but is (in my opinion) also misguided about Bush. He sees what he wants to see in Bush, and ignores or excuses anything worthy of criticism.
I was a little surprised to get this in my email box today. It is Ms. Markells bi-weekly email newsletter. It seems that she is, in at least one way, beginning to see the truth. I am very tempted to email her, quoting our correspondence from last October, and give her a bit of the “I Told You So” that she said she'd give me if Kerry won and the world went to Hell in a handbasket. However, ending up in someone's email trash folder quicker than Michael Moore at a pie eating contest isn't high on my list of daily priorities. We all make bad calls in life, and support people/things that deceive us into thinking they're better than they are, and Ms. Markell is no exception. My only hope is that she allows herself to begin to be critical of Bush. She questions his Middle East policies here, but falls short of giving the actual criticism that I believe this man deserves.
I would like to note that despite the tone of this post, and my criticism of Ms. Markell, I do respect her, her ministry, and her radio show. She has shown no qualms about presenting the truth on her radio show, despite whom it might offend. Most of the time I see things as she does, and have no dispute with her analysis.
Has the “Bush Doctrine” Changed?–Jan Markell
Olive Tree Ministries, Inc.
www.olivetreeviews.orgSemi-Weekly Review of the News – April 19, 2005
At my recent “Understanding the Times 2005” conference I quizzed Gary Bauer, a Washington insider for 35 years and an evangelical Christian, about the Bush administration. No administration is beyond this and when one has voted for it and they proceed to launch unwise policies, they should be questioned, yet I was criticized by a few for being “anti-administration.” I am not, but I am trying to figure out the disconnect from reality on some issues. Christians need all the facts as well in order to pray more effectively.
Something has changed. Whether it's political correctness, appeasement of evil regimes hoping something will be gained (and that never happens), bad information and counsel, or strong delusion, there is reason to be concerned. Here are a few examples.
* IRAN: Suddenly this member of the presidents “axis of evil” seems to be getting a pass. Condi Rice, with the backing of the administration, recently stated that Iran is NOT the danger we once thought. This after Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon recently laid out the locations and status of Iran's nuclear program with maps and more. Iran is reaching the point of no return with her nuclear capability, and those in the crosshairs of her evil intent include Israel, parts of Europe, and yes, America. Yet Rice suggested Europe and China should take over the dealing with Iran using diplomacy which is like suggesting the wolves protect a flock of sheep. Nations like Iran don't “stockpile” WMD–they use them. Buying peace through any kind of diplomacy with rogue nations just does not work. Unless we disarm and contain the mad mullahs of Iran, they will fast become the most dangerous nation on earth.
* NORTH KOREA: Condi Rice also played down the threat of North Korea, again saying she trusts China to persuade Kim Jong IL to reverse its course. She's playing softly and right now, not wielding a stick.
* HAMAS: Increasingly the West, including America, is seeing the radical terror group Hamas as freedom fighters since they have a “humanitarian wing” to them. Never mind that they don't think twice about exploding themsleves in the midst of innocent civilians. The “humanitarian side” is a front to spruce up their image and gain credibility in the Western world. It is working brilliantly. Hamas is the dominant member in the new Palestinian administration of Mahmoud Abbas and America is about to pour between $350 and $500 million worth of aid to that rogue outfit. The problem is Hamas gets to decide if they will use the money for hospitals or for bomb-making. What's your guess? President Bush said in 2003 that “We must deal with Hamas harshly and it must be dismantled.” Now we are funding it. What has changed? The Hamas-infested Palestinian Authority will not rest until its flag flies over Jerusalem and is charge of the Christian and Jewish elements there and of co!
urse, Israel is history.* HEZBOLLAH: This group is also known as the “Party of God” but it is the “party from hell.” Until 9/11, Hezbollah killed more Americans than any other Islamic group–and they have gotten away with it. Their goal is an Islamic-theocracy in Lebanon, and the extermination and the elimination of all U.S. influence in the Middle East. They train al-Qaida, particularly in Iraq. Yet the FBI focus on Hezbollah as it concerns cells in America has been diluted by higher powers that be. American immigration policies have allowed Hezbollah members to enter the U.S. illegally where they are raising funds, similar to Hamas in America, and forming terror groups within our borders. Yet the administration seems to have more positive words for Hezbollah as well and may be acquiescing to them at great peril to America.
The Bush doctrine is this: “Either you are with us or you are with the terrorists.” No negotiating or sweet talk about terrorists, no place, no how. Has this changed and if so, where is the outrage? There is an ever-increasing disconnect from reality. These outfits plan our destruction and they are getting a pass for some reason.
May I suggest you join the Presidential Prayer Team: www.presidentialprayerteam.org? This may be the best weapon we have towards stopping this insanity.
Awaiting His return,
Jan Markell
You may pass on these items of have folks sign up for them at my Web site, www.olivetreeviews.org. We update “Current Headlines” twice a day there, and you can listen to radio programming from the last two years on our “radio archives.” Please report e-mail address changes with old and new. Remember us prayerfully and financially. Contact: Olive Tree Ministries, Box 1452, Maple Grove, MN 55311.
