Paul Long's Ramblings

An interesting piece by Chuck Colson . (His breakpoint commentary). I found it interesting in the sense I was relfecting on the current Malaysian political scene. -------------------- Angry Mobs Protesting and Civil Discourse The media is in a near panic over those protesting the President’s health care plan. They see conspiracy and the “R” word. And they also have short memories. The left-leaning media has, as far as I’m concerned, hit a new low. Case in point: August 7, Friday. Paul Krugman writes a column in the New York Times blasting angry protesters showing up at town hall meetings across the country. By a very twisted process of reasoning, Krugman ended up likening those who oppose the government overhaul of the health care system to racists. I can’t even find the right words for the outrage I feel. This is the kind of rhetoric that does nothing but inflame already heated passions and opinions. Now maybe Krugman is simply trying to do what other backers of the President’s health...

Just posted up my Pastors Notes for this Sunday . Sorry if it is kind of "rambly"...

I have been thinking about my accident over the last few days. Not that it is at the forefront of my thoughts but I guess it is something that can't help coming up every now and then. A comment made a few days later by a church member who was at the scene of the accident (but not in the accident) brought me much cheer. She was impressed by my calmness and went about handling the matter in a "dignified" godly (?) manner. She said it was a "good testimony" (?). Never thought of it that way. But I realise that the peace I had could only have come from God. Guess it is a small sign that I am "maturing" :-) As I believe in the truth of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in a ll things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." I was wondering (as I prayed) as to what good would come out of this accident. BTW I do know that Romans 8:28 is not primarily talking about accidents etc but it is a secondar...

Had a car accident a few hours ago - my first ever car accident. My fault though if the other car wasn't speeding, the accident could have been avoided so the the driver was extremely nice and apologetic. I was turning right and had a lapse of concentration and di d not see his car coming (hilly slope so suddenly you see the car shooting over the rise). Also he had no warrant of fitness for his car and his registration had also lapsed and another matter or two that shall not be mentioned. So one good thing is that there was no violent confrontations etc. A most pleasant exchange considering the circumstances. Best thing is that while both cars are write offs (not worth repairing) no one was hurt and no lives lost. I think that now after the adrenaline has worn off, there may be slight injuries but nothing serious. My knees ache a bit as does my back, and I have a little cut on my forehead but no neck injuries. Yay for airbags!! I know I wanted to get another car but not this way! ...

Good to read Dr. Ng Kam Weng ' s article!! He was one of my favourite lecturers ever, even though at times I found him hard to follow due to overdoses of information. For those who know his reputation as a brilliant scholar, I need to add that he is a very engaging Bible expositor preacher as well! Check out his blog . It's worth your while Check out his other sites .... Kairos Research Centre and Krisis Praxis . Dr. Ng I must add as well is (despite the fact that he will "protest" this :-) ) to me a minister of God. He was one person who took the time to encourage me to think and write. I know he knew I had limitations in the academic realm but he knew nevertheless that it did not mean that I would have nothing to contribute. His getting me to write an article for the Karios magazine years ago. I just checked - it's on the Kairos website ... April 2003 was a great boost to my confidence and I think a key seed to my daring to do things like blog. Okay ...

Just posted up this coming Sunday's Pastor's Notes . For a change, the net version is exactly the same as the bulletin version :-)

Was watching the TV news a while ago and Malaysia was on the news. Disturbing news of riot police in "action". Gave me a rude shock. So I checked the news online .. Here's the Malaysian Insider article . Analysis by Syed Jaymal Zahiid KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 2 — The brutal scene of police beating PAS lawmaker Hatta Ramli, which was captured on camera during yesterday's anti-Internal Security Act (ISA) rally, and the force in which the authorities put down the protest will certainly leave a black mark on Datuk Seri Najib Razak's fledgling rule. The arrest of some 400 demonstrators including women and youths, the sight of tear gas fired towards peaceful demonstrators will not do much good for a prime minister who is just about to enjoy a bit of support from a sceptical public. Pakatan Rakyat (PR) leaders will definitely ride on the public anger generated by the excessive force used by the police to crush a peaceful rally that saw some 20,000 people taking to the str...