I am starting to lose patience with the media. Spending more than 10 years as a part of the media I have seen various changes that are detrimental to the industry. One of the worst changes that has taken place is the fact that it is no longer a neutral reporting industry. Today's media is biased and promotes their own agenda. Last night while watching Nightline, the reporter noted that Charles Darwin's journey to the Galápagos Islands led to his discovery of new species. Any student of Darwin should note the incorrect assumption of that statement. Darwin did not find new species but rather noted changes in the characteristics of certain species due to their environment. Darwin wrote in his journal that this discovery "seemed" to shine a light on the origins of species. My question immediately becomes "why does a journalist error with readily available information?" It is probably because they have an agenda. In this case it is to remove any idea of creation or a creator and therefore remove any of man's responsibility toward Him.
After the recent shooting of Senator Gabrielle Gifford near Tucson Arizona the media launched a flurry of articles connecting the shooting to the accessibility of guns in America. One news company even connected the Tea Party to the shooting. How could such irresponsible reporting be tolerated? It is obvious that there is an agenda to disarm this country and the media is throwing the pitches in the ballgame. Some who may be reading this article may not agree with my last statement which is okay with me. However, before replying about gun control, spend some time researching the subject rather than taking the media's word for it. A great place to start is the book by John R. Lott Jr. entitled More Guns Less Crime. This book takes a non-biased look at guns, ownership, and crime rates. It is a highly researched book that is packed with statistics presenting the relationship between gun ownership and crimes. Too bad the news media will not take an objective look at the subject but rather assume that an attempted murder is always the result of people owning guns. Ask yourself the following question, if the government disarms the people, will the criminals give up their guns as well?
We are fast approaching the 2012 elections which I believe is one of the greatest elections in our history. There is a lot at stake with this election. Depending on what news channel you choose to watch, you will get a different viewpoint about the issues in the upcoming elections. The bias is greater than it has ever been in our history. If we allow the media to dictate our actions by falsely representing the truth, then we are in error as well. It is time to become an informed people by going beyond someone else's word for the matter.
I look back on my commercial FCC license and note the supporting documentation which states that my actions are to be neutral in broadcasting, not giving favor to a particular group or issue. When did all of that change?
Doug Johnson
www.dougjohnson.net
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Mayan Calendar and 2012
Almost everyday I hear someone bring up the relationship between this year, the Maya Calendar, and the end of the world. It is usually quoted in a joking tone and everyone responds in laughter. However, if you have heard someone make reference to to the end of time I am sure there are thoughts and questions that plague your mind. Questions like "what if this year is the last year?" can create an uneasy feeling that can increase your blood pressure and lead to sleepless nights.
Understand first that the Mayans had plenty of calendars which were based on solar, lunar, and planetary cycles. Some of these calendars were short cycle calendars while a few others were very similar to the 365 day cycle that the modern Gregorian calendar uses.
In any case, one of the Mayan calendars is based on a long count cycle that spanned generations of people. It was considered a great event to live through the turning of a long count cycle. It is also believed that nothing was placed on this calendar beyond its current cycle which ends this year (2012). This observation has led numerous people to predict this year will be the end of time marked my great catastrophic events. The number of books that has hit the market predicting the end of time because of the Mayan calendar is amazing. Why are people making such a big deal about the end of the cycle of this particular calendar? University of Florida anthropologist Susan Gillespie says the 2012 phenomenon comes "from media and from other people making use of the Maya past to fulfill agendas that are really their own."
So, do we have anything to worry about this year? I don't know what tomorrow holds so I cannot answer that question for you. I do not believe the Mayan calendar predicts the destruction of the world so I am not worried about the end of its cycle. Our days can come to an end at any time therefore I would encourage you to ask the important questions now. What happens if I should die tomorrow? Only faith in Christ can offer you the ability to answer that question without worry or fear.
Blessings,
Doug Johnson
www.dougjohnson.net
Understand first that the Mayans had plenty of calendars which were based on solar, lunar, and planetary cycles. Some of these calendars were short cycle calendars while a few others were very similar to the 365 day cycle that the modern Gregorian calendar uses.
In any case, one of the Mayan calendars is based on a long count cycle that spanned generations of people. It was considered a great event to live through the turning of a long count cycle. It is also believed that nothing was placed on this calendar beyond its current cycle which ends this year (2012). This observation has led numerous people to predict this year will be the end of time marked my great catastrophic events. The number of books that has hit the market predicting the end of time because of the Mayan calendar is amazing. Why are people making such a big deal about the end of the cycle of this particular calendar? University of Florida anthropologist Susan Gillespie says the 2012 phenomenon comes "from media and from other people making use of the Maya past to fulfill agendas that are really their own."
So, do we have anything to worry about this year? I don't know what tomorrow holds so I cannot answer that question for you. I do not believe the Mayan calendar predicts the destruction of the world so I am not worried about the end of its cycle. Our days can come to an end at any time therefore I would encourage you to ask the important questions now. What happens if I should die tomorrow? Only faith in Christ can offer you the ability to answer that question without worry or fear.
Blessings,
Doug Johnson
www.dougjohnson.net
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas in 2011
I think this has been one of the fastest paced years that I can remember. Do you ever feel like it was just yesterday since you were celebrating Christmas? This year feels that way for me. There has been a lot that has impacted our family in different ways throughout the year. But today, I want to put this world in park for a while. Today is the day to celebrate the birth of Christ and I do not want anything, good or bad, to stand in the way of that celebration.
So, today let us go back over 2000 years ago to an event that established the greatest celebration this world has ever known, the birth of Christ. Luke 2 records...
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:1-20 KJV, emphasis mine)
Why is this so special? Today we celebrate the birth of the Savior this world needs. I hope that you spend some time thinking about and celebrating the birth of Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Doug Johnson
www.dougjohnson.net
So, today let us go back over 2000 years ago to an event that established the greatest celebration this world has ever known, the birth of Christ. Luke 2 records...
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. (Luke 2:1-20 KJV, emphasis mine)
Why is this so special? Today we celebrate the birth of the Savior this world needs. I hope that you spend some time thinking about and celebrating the birth of Christ.
Merry Christmas!
Doug Johnson
www.dougjohnson.net
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