As we come to the end of another week, we have to wonder not just where we are headed but the rest of the world and not just in terms of claiming that European leaders are against free speech and democracy. An investigation into the World Wildlife Fund indicated that it is complicit in hunting polar bears for their fur.
What! Canada is the only country that still permits commercial polar bear hunting, the fur being shipped to China where the skins can fetch up to $60K. WWF has lobbied for commercial hunting of certain species claiming it supports “sustainable utilization,” weaning out the weakened elements of polar bears as well as other species.
Environmental double-speak is just as heinous as political double-speak. What on earth are people thinking. Opposing hate speech now becomes censorship of free thought and hunting endangered species now becomes a way to save them? Have we really reached what Orwell warned about—the corruption of speech?
Prayer for the Day
Now, where is it that we turn, O God,
As revered ideas fall victim to creative corruption?
How is it that we can believe the words we hear, O Lord,
As they are perverted for political ends?
Guard us, O Holy One, from lies leading to misconceptions,
As we struggle to find truth and honesty in words and images.
In the name of the One who spoke the truth,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
We didn’t sell these animals for 10,000 years and that’s why they are still here – we didn’t have a commercial need.
Robert Thompson, Inputiat from Katovik, Alaska
If I understood him correctly, he is comparing conditions in parts of Europe with those in authoritarian regimes. That is unacceptable, and it is not the Europe and not the democracy in which I live and am currently campaigning.
Boris Pistorius, German Defense Minister
To you, O Lord, I call; my rock, do not refuse to her me,
For if you are silent to me, I shall be like those who go down to the Pit.
Hear the voice of my supplication, as I cry for help,
As I lift my hands toward your most hoy sanctuary.
Do not drag me away with the wicked, with those who are workers of evil,
Who speak peace with their neighbors while mischief is in their hearts.
Psalm 28: 1-3