by Chris Doyle | Nov 23, 2018
Greetings!
I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day. I definitely enjoyed mine, spent with family and will continue enjoying family time this weekend.
This week’s DHD does not follow my usual approach. Earlier this week, I watched A&E’s “docuseries” The Clinton Affair. I have not watched all six episodes, but I have watched most of them and would consider watching again when possible.
The series is not appropriate for children. It features comments about Bill Clinton’s extramarital affairs. The series shares a sad narrative on a chapter of American history – a chapter that happened 20 years ago.
What I appreciate most about the A&E series is how objective it was. It truly does not have a political slant one way or another. Criticism is offered about all sides.
And the series also gives the victims a fair presentation, which is a benefit from today’s societal tenor, a greater support for those affected by sexual abuse.
Therefore, I decided to give six takeaways from The Clinton Affair.
- Details of the characters
There’s a lot of interviews, at least 50 people who were involved in this major escapade back in the late ‘90s. The Clinton Affair presents everybody in an excellent fashion. There are those who defend Bill Clinton, those who loathe Bill Clinton, politicians, lawyers, media members, victims and family members and friends of victims.
The presentation of all the interviews is excellent, connecting them all very well. There’s great timing of opposing views, and as I said, there’s no slant. With today’s murky media bias, the series was a breath of fresh air.
- Showing Clinton’s initial deposition
As I said, I have not watched all of the episodes. I started watching Tuesday night, Nov. 20, midway through episode four, and then continued watching episodes five and six. This evening, Nov. 22, I was able to watch the first two episodes through On Demand. The only parts I have not watched are episode three and the first part of episode four.
One of the first scenes I caught of The Clinton Affair was Bill Clinton being interrogated by Paula Jones’ lawyers. As many will attest, Clinton is savvy with a likeable, even charming personality.
As this deposition begins, Clinton is in control. He can lie and cover up his misbehavior in a very believable manner. The series is excellent in presenting commentary from Jones’ lawyer in modern day while viewers watch the Clinton deposition (to be clear, this isn’t Clinton’s famous grand jury deposition when he responds with what the definition of “is” is).
When the lawyers start asking Clinton questions about gifts he has given, it’s amazing to watch his countenance change and to hear the lawyer voice-over say, “This is when he (Clinton) realizes that Monica has been talking.”
Clinton is shown turning beet red and losing some of his composure.
- Resignation of Bob Livingston
Again, there are so many parts of this time of history, happening right in the heart of the U.S. government. Members of Congress were impacted, including U.S. Rep. Bob Livingston from Louisiana.
Livingston was projected to be the next Speaker of the House, but news broke during Clinton’s impeachment trial that the Congressman was involved in an extramarital affair. The series shows Livingston speaking from the floor, criticizing Clinton with voices off screen shouting “You resign! You resign!”
As the shouts continued, Livingston throws an unexpected bomb and announces, after calling for Clinton to resign, he himself would resign. Livingston is interviewed for the series, and he said with a laugh that you could hear a pin drop in the House chamber.
Bravo to the series producers for this segment’s presentation.
- Credibility of Paula Jones
The person who was instrumental in getting the ball rolling on the media frenzy surrounding the Clintons’ controversies is Paula Jones. Throughout the whole corrupted chaos, Jones was always presented negatively by the majority of the media. She appeared unbelievable, and the media used degrading descriptions to depict her.
The Clinton Affair gave her a fair shake. Her interviews in the past were shown, but they also interviewed her in modern day, in a much more respectable fashion.
Paula Jones is a simple lady who was abused by a powerful leader. She was a naive entry-level government worker in the state of Arkansas who thought she was going to be offered a better job when a state trooper led her to a hotel room where Governor Clinton sexually harassed her.
I hope Jones feels some relief from a public view in how The Clinton Affair presented her.
- Restart of Monica Lewinsky
The Clinton Affair helped change my view of Monica Lewinsky. Mostly, I guess I appreciate the wisdom she seemed to demonstrate. Now a contributing editor of Vanity Fair, Lewinsky wrote an article on why she participated in The Clinton Affair.
She is a good communicator now. I remember the interviews of her past, how she came across as a smug immature 20-something. She had an annoying laugh and would be blunt and crass in her responses.
One encouraging thing I got from the series, and then verified in her article, is her view of apologizing. She said she would apologize to Hillary Clinton, if she ever saw her again, and to others.
“I know I would do this (apologize),” she wrote, “because I have done it in other difficult situations related to 1998. I have also written letters apologizing to others—including some who also wronged me gravely. I believe that when we are trapped by our inability to evolve, by our inability to empathize humbly and painfully with others, then we remain victims ourselves.
“So, what feels more important to me than whether I am owed or deserving of a personal apology is my belief that Bill Clinton should want to apologize. I’m less disappointed by him, and more disappointed for him. He would be a better man for it . . . and we, in turn, a better society.”
As a Christian, when I read her comment “inability to evolve,” I want to say inability to surrender our life to Christ. There is some humanistic flavoring in Lewinsky’s comments, but I think she comes close to presenting the way Jesus taught how to live and to treat people.
- Effect on the Clintons
I said the series gives an objective view. The ones who appear with the least positivity are Bill and Hillary Clinton. In my lifetime, the president who receives the most negative commentary from the entertainment world would be Richard Nixon. The Clinton Affair hits Bill and Hillary with the level of extreme criticism that would mirror what has been given to Nixon. In my opinion, all of it is deserved.
It’s a different day. The mistreatment of women, especially to the horrible level of sexual harassment or abuse, is viewed more forcefully with punishment.
This is not something that should be viewed from a political lens. Rather, treating all people with respect should be a priority for everybody. This is what Christ taught and demonstrated. May we all model His leadership and example.
by Chris Doyle | Nov 16, 2018
Greetings,
It’s a special time for me. On Monday, Nov. 19 I will turn 50. In honor of this occasion, this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen will be six memorable birthdays.
- OU/Texas Tech football controversy and Indiana-Detroit “Malice in the Palace”
When I was putting this DHD list together, I thought both of these incidents happened the same year. However, I was a year off.
Being the sports nut that I am, I constantly recall historical athletic events. Both of these debacles happened on my birthday. In 2005, OU was playing at Texas Tech, and I remember being so bummed when the game ended that I did not want to do anything for my birthday. The OU Daily featured an article that listed this game among the “three worst calls” in OU football history.
In 2004, I remember watching highlights of what has been considered “the worst night in NBA history.” What resulted from the Indiana Pacers-Detroit Pistons game on Nov. 19 is now known as the “Malice in the Palace.”
Both of these disappointing and disastrous events happened on my birthday.
- Going to see ‘Sound of Music’ at the Continental Theater
I don’t exactly remember what age I was, but sometime in the late ‘70s, my mom let me have a sleepover birthday party with some friends. She was great about it, but one thing she planned for us boys to do that night was go to the Continental Theater to see a showing of The Sound of Music.
I remember not being all that thrilled about it beforehand. However, if you ever went to the historical Continental Theater, which used to be located near the Founders Tower near May and Northwest Expressway, it was of the old design of having one screen in an enormous setting with the formal curtains that rolled back to show a huge screen.
That was my first time to see The Sound of Music. It’s shown almost twice a year now on primetime TV, so it doesn’t seem like a major deal now. At the time, having a bunch of friends over to spend the night was the prioritized interest in my young mind. But watching one of the greatest movies of all time in a historic theater has become a fond memory.
- My 19th birthday at college
In 1987, I spent my first birthday away from family. It was the middle of my first semester attending Liberty University. Though I missed being with family, I had a close-knit group of friends who made that night significant.
It was a Thursday night, and my friends Brian Sharp and Jimmy Jackson asked me to go to the Deli on campus with them. It was a surprise party. I don’t remember how many were there, but it was a decent-sized group. Most of them I knew well, but some were not in my circle of acquaintances. The reason why is Brian and Jimmy were a part of throwing a combo-party for me and Scott Crosby.
At first I thought it was odd that I shared a party with someone else. However, as time went on, Scott and I became close friends, and we still keep in touch. He was a groomsman at my wedding, and I went to visit him a few years ago, as he currently lives in Roanoke, Va.
- My 49th birthday at work
Last year’s birthday was memorable because of the cake I got at work.
As you can see in the photo, I was asked to pose with my cake, but the humorous part happened just before. I picked up the cake and almost lost it to the floor. I thought it was more stable on that black platter, but it started to slip when I raised it. Though you can’t see, on the other side of the cake near my left hand is a large thumb print in the base of the icing.
My co-workers still laugh about what almost could have been a disaster.
- My 40th birthday
My awesome wife goes all out when it comes to parties and celebrations. Karen did a lot of work planning a surprise party for me when I turned 40. I knew I was meeting my family at Johnnies on Britton near May, but what I didn’t know is much more than my family were crammed in to the back dining area. Management was getting nervous.
It seemed like Karen invited the whole universe. I could not believe how many people showed up. And I don’t think Karen expected all that many either. Another significant element to that party was about eight pregnant women were there in that uncomfortable setting of a packed room. I think one left soon after I arrived.
No doubt, that night was quite memorable, and I appreciate Karen going to all that hard work to make it happen.
- My 50th birthday
I don’t know if this is arrogant of me, but I’m already expecting my 50th birthday to be memorable. Karen is already working on setting up for a party for me (I’m not expecting any surprises).
The reason why I believe it will be memorable is by reflecting of how I got to my 50th year of life. God has blessed me in abundance.
I was trying to find a Bible verse significant for the moment. Since my birthday is 11/19, and I’m turning 50, I looked up Psalm 119:50:
“This is my comfort in my affliction: Your promise has given me life.”
In my affliction or failures or weaknesses that I have experienced through my years, it is true that God is the reason for my life. He is the blessed Controller of all things, including all that I have experienced. And that gives me great comfort.
by Chris Doyle | Nov 9, 2018
Greetings!
It’s been a few days, but I think the mid-term elections that happened earlier this week are still a major topic of conversation.
This week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen gives commentary relating to both state and national election issues.
- Questioning ‘How to Vote’
I don’t get it. Why do Christian writers/leaders downplay the issue of abortion in America? Jonathan Leeman wrote a good pre-election piece “How to Vote Today.” Scroll down to his third point “Vote Strategically,” where he wrote “American Christians today have their own baby dilemma. One party claims to care for babies in the womb. Another party claims to care about babies at the border.”
He compared the issue of abortion to the confusing condition involving children of immigrants. Am I wrong, or does it sound like he thinks abortion is a negotiable issue? As a conservative Christian, I don’t think there are any exceptions to the horrible practice of abortion in America, especially considering the thousands of unborn babies that are aborted by Planned Parenthood.
Leeman presents liberals supporting abortion practices is equal to the loose interpretation of what has been reported of children being separated by their immigrant parents at the borders.
I do care about those children and wish the border conditions could improve, while also making sure our country is safe. I would challenge Leeman or anybody else defending those who claim to “care about babies at the border” to ask their defendants what they think about the unborn and would they give up supporting abortion. Abortion and immigration are not on the same plane when it comes to critical priority.
Even Russell Moore, who demonstrates sympathy toward those involved in immigration, has said he hopes abortion will one day become unthinkable.
- How to respond
Dan Darling wrote a great piece on Lifeway Voices website titled “4 Ways Christians Should Respond to the Elections.” I appreciate all four of Darling’s points.
“There is much to lament about America’s growing incivility and it could lead, in the future, to increasing instability,” Darling wrote. “When Christians engage in tribal partisanship, it damages our Christian witness. But we should be thankful for the privilege of free elections and the stewardship God has granted us to use our influence to shape the governments who lead us.”
- Oklahoma Governor race
In last week’s DHD, I predicted that Drew Edmondson would be the next governor of Oklahoma. Not only was I wrong, I was way off. In spite of my failure to prognosticate, I am thankful.
I voted for Kevin Stitt because I knew he was a pro-life candidate, and that’s most important. Edmondson not only was for abortion, but he was not a good fit for Oklahoma right now. His intention to raise taxes could have been a disaster for the state’s economy.
What this also means is I’m looking forward to the next Rose Day on the first Wednesday of February. Stitt will be invited to speak, and I’m predicting he will receive a roaring welcome at the rally in the State House.
- Education and the election
Education was a major factor for many with the Oklahoma elections. Many candidates won because of the dissatisfaction of the educational system in the state.
One state question on this year’s ballot involved funding for education. SQ 801 would have allowed local control of funds for districts and allowed districts to use ad valorem for any purpose, not just building and maintenance. This includes increased teacher pay and increased classroom funding.
However, despite all the clamor for increased educational funding and increased teachers’ pay, SQ 801 did not pass. After all the demonstrations at the State Capitol, after all the emotions expressed on social media and in the news, after all the reminders of “Remember in November,” when a tangible process is proposed through a state ballot, this gets rejected.
Thanks to my friend Christi Roselle, here is the response from Oklahoma Education Association:
“We are pleased Oklahoma voters rejected SQ 801. They want to continue directly ad valorem property tax dollars to school maintenance, repairs, upkeep and construction of school district facilities and property. SQ 801 would have caused an even greater financial gap between wealthy and poor school districts, and it would have shifted the responsibility of funding teacher salaries to local school boards instead of keeping it where it belongs — the responsibility of the Oklahoma Legislature.”
OEA was a major instigator in the ruckus last spring. They are not about solutions. If they were, they would have supported the state question, which would have allowed districts to decide what to do for their educational systems. They do not want school boards to be in charge of their teachers. OEA wants to decide for all districts and wants to continue to breed class warfare.
Teachers, if you really want things to improve, weaken the power and the negative influence of the OEA.
- Steve Russell
One of the biggest surprises, if not the biggest, that happened on Election Night in Oklahoma is U.S. Congressman Steve Russell losing to Kendra Horn.
I feel bad for Russell, but in hindsight, there appears to be three factors for why he lost:
- Passive campaigning. Horn went on the major attack, especially late, on Russell. Unfortunately, Russell did not respond aggressively. In fact, he was barely visible in the final days leading to Nov. 6.
- Out-financed. It appears that Horn received significant campaign funding from out-of-state sources. Russell, reportedly, did not put much money into his campaign. Perhaps he thought he did not have to do so in order to win – and considering a Republican has won District 5 the last 40-plus years, you can’t entirely blame him – but Russell definitely was behind in visibility apparently because of low financing.
- Changing demographics. It appears NW OKC has become less conservative recently. If you look at the state map of the governor’s race, Stitt won the majority of the counties, except for the north and central part of OKC. This may need to be considered in future elections, if a conservative candidate runs for office representing this area.
- Future elections
Here’s my weekly Al Mohler reference. He gave a lot of analysis related to the elections this week in “The Briefing”. In his Thursday edition, he addressed the 2020 presidential election.
“Welcome to the 2020 presidential election political cycle, because it’s here,” he said. “And we’re going to be watching which Democrats actually gain some traction as they try to advance towards the Democratic presidential nomination. Huge issues here and those who are thinking in worldview analysis will understand that the eventual nominee will represent the worldview that will shape the Democratic Party towards the future.”
He points out how the Democratic Party is obviously favoring the extreme liberal philosophy. “That party has been surging to the left, lurching, lunging to the left over the course of the last couple of years and there is no indication as of Tuesday’s election that there is anything likely to even slow down that process,” he said.
This causes me to wonder about how Christians continue to express support or even sympathy for the Dems, if they continue down this path. I am not an aggressive promoter of the GOP, and I do realize the Republicans have flaws of their own. But there doesn’t seem to be justification in my mind to even entertain a favorable nod to anything the Democrats want to accomplish.
But as Mohler points out, 2020 elections have begun!
by Chris Doyle | Nov 2, 2018
Greetings!
This is fast. It’s been a busy, unusual day for me. If you know me personally, you may find out. If you don’t, it’s not that important.
Here we go!
- Fear of missing out
Aimee Joseph offers a great modern day analogy of Luke 9, which covers Jesus calling His disciples, in her article “Burn Your Boats: A Warning about FOMO.”
I confess, I mainly read the article initially to find out what “FOMO” stood for (Fear Of Missing Out). It’s a great read.
- Gay Girl, Good God
I first became familiar with Jackie Hill Perry at an Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission conference five years ago. Jackie was one of the speakers. When she first came out to speak, the first thing she said was, “Greetings Earthlings.” I knew right off I would like her.
Kristen Wetherell offers a review of Jackie’s new book “Gay Girl, Good God: The Story of Who I Was and Who God Has Always Been.”
Next to Rosaria Butterfield, Jackie Hill Perry is one of the best speakers on the topic of sharing Christ with someone involved in the gay-lesbian lifestyle.
- Mohler on election cycles
Al Mohler covered some great topics this week in his daily discussions known as The Briefing. If you haven’t been listening to his podcasts, why not?
There isn’t a national Christian leader alive I trust more than Al Mohler, and his willingness to advise conservative Christians on a daily basis is a pure gift. As my dad used to say, “I need all the help I can get.” And the wisdom Mohler offers in discerning issues today is so valuable in helping me gauge what’s going on in the world.
His Friday edition gives a great lesson on the election patterns for Congress. Why do members of the House of Representatives get elected every two years, and why do U.S. Senators serve six-year terms? I totally appreciate Mohler’s explanation.
- Better debate on drinking
Joe Carter recently emphasized that the debate on drinking needs to improve. What does he mean by that?
“If you were to go back to 1948,” Carter wrote, “you’d likely find the same discussions about alcohol that we’re having in 2018.”
In his article “Why Christians Need A Better Debate About Alcohol,” Carter pointed out that alcohol consumption has majorly increased.
Carter wrote, “Both Abstainers and Imbibers (DHD comment: the two opposing camps in the drinking debate) should be able to examine the empirical evidence and come to a general agreement on what constitutes imprudent, unhealthy, or dangerous levels of consumption.”
- French advises Young Evangelicals
David French is one of my favorite political writers. He wrote a great article addressing America’s Young Evangelicals, titled “The Two Different Temptations Facing Young Evangelicals.”
French admits he did not join the majority of his conservative co-horts who whole-heartedly support President Trump. I may not be in complete agreement with French, but I know we both did not vote for Trump in the recent presidential election (I left my ballot blank for U.S. President).
I am selective on my views on the President’s decisions and will continue to be. I favored his Supreme Court selections. I am not fully on board on all his decisions relating to immigration issues, though I do favor protecting the borders. I totally disagree with his handling of his Twitter account and his practice of disgracing those who oppose him.
With that said, French gives great advice to young Christians – “hold your faith tightly and your politics loosely.”
- Happy Birthday Jo-Nathan!
Today is my brother’s birthday. I end this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen offering him a birthday shout-out.
Jon is loyal and kind. He is a great father to his kids and a tremendous younger brother. He definitely inherited more of the patient gene than I did, and he especially is the smartest one of the Doyle clan.
Happy Birthday Jo-Nathan! I’m sure turning 46 won’t be as difficult for you as it was for me.
by Chris Doyle | Oct 26, 2018
Greetings!
The weather is becoming more enjoyable but still a conundrum. I’m looking forward to spending time in Norman tomorrow afternoon, as the temperature is projected to be 78 degrees.
Right now, though, as I sit in my house and begin writing this week’s Doyle’s Half Dozen, I keep fluctuating the thermostat from heat to air conditioning and back to heat. I’m reminded of why my dad always said to “wear layers.”
This week’s DHD topics are settled, however, as I share with you some confident views on six timely topics.
- Who is next Oklahoma governor?
Do you laugh whenever you say or hear the word “gubernatorial”? It’s a rather formal, official word, but it sounds like it has “goober” at the beginning of it.
As far as the Oklahoma gubernatorial race, Republican Kevin Stitt has a seven-point lead over Democrat Drew Edmondson, according to a recent poll, but it could be a tight result on Election Night next week.
Across the board, Republicans are taking a lot of heat regarding recent political issues, especially in the area of education. Another trend that doesn’t favor the GOP is how Oklahoma traditionally favors the opposite party representing the White House. A Democrat president results in a Republican Oklahoma governor and vice versa.
Because of my convictions, I can never vote for a candidate who supports abortion, regardless of political party. This means Kevin Stitt will get my vote.
However, more than likely, Drew Edmondson will win the election. If he does, please pray for how this affects our state on the issue of sanctity of life.
- School options
Two people close to me have made recent decisions involving the education of their children. One has a son in junior high who started public school this year, after spending his previous schooling in a home school setting. So far, the results have been extremely positive, as the boy is making good grades, mostly As, and he has demonstrated himself to be more responsible in his daily habits.
Another person has a junior high daughter who has experienced some serious health concerns, which has caused her to fall behind in school. Her parents are considering placing her in a home school format, thinking it will be better for her because of her health and to help her catch up on her studies.
This reminded me of a blog written by Trevin Wax titled “Educating Our Kids: Exploring Our Options.” This is an excellent presentation of the different forms of schooling. Wax pointed out that all educational styles have both positives and negatives.
He said Bible-believing Christians can and do come to different conclusions on this matter. The key is to identify the possible negatives of the school option chosen and how to overcome them. Also, be supportive of those who may choose a different schooling process.
- Greear gets it
Current Southern Baptist Convention President J.D. Greear is a good communicator. It can be easy to like him, even though many appear to disagree with him on some issues.
I would like for him to demonstrate a stronger position in supporting the Cooperative Program, the funding entity that financially supports the numerous ministries of the Southern Baptist Convention, and encourage young pastors and the next generation to be on board in giving through the Cooperative Program.
As I said, Greear is likeable, and he earned some points with me when I read a recent Baptist Press article about his “Ask Me Anything” podcast.
When it comes to Reformed Theology, or Calvinism, I find the topic laborious. I know what I believe when it comes to God’s sovereignty and the free will of man, and I am at peace about it. If someone is seeking understanding about Reformed Theology, I would help them if they ask me. If someone is seeking to debate, I will probably make light of it, change the subject or walk away.
This is why I like how Greear responded when he was asked if he is a Calvinist. He said Calvinism “is never an issue to me until it becomes one to you. And then when it becomes one to you, then I’m on the opposite side of whatever you are because I just don’t feel like it’s a central thing.”
It may be possible that Greear and I are complete opposites when it comes to the points of Calvinism, but we are in full agreement on how to prioritize it.
- A deceiving deduction on human dignity
Tina Boesch gave a review on Dan Darling’s new book “The Dignity Revolution: Reclaiming God’s Rich Vision for Humanity.”
I have not read the book, but I know Darling is solid on Christians issues. However, I struggled with a comment Boesch made about transcending politics when it comes to particular human dignity issues.
She said, “Certain policy positions on these issues are consistently associated with either right or left. The dignity of unborn babies is championed by the right while the dignity of the poor and refugees is championed by the left.”
There is a deceiving element in the last part of that last sentence – that the left champion dignity of the poor and refugees.
I know many who would be identified with the “right” or having a conservative perspective who have done great work caring for the poor. I also have seen conservative Christian churches involved in ministering with refugees.
Conservatives would not agree with how liberals or the “left” would want to help the poor and refugees, as liberals would prefer to “champion” through increased government oversight and raised taxes. But to allude that conservatives don’t care for the poor or refugees at all is a complete farce.
On the other hand, I would like for Boesch to explain what the “left” would do for unborn babies in comparison to what conservatives do for the poor and refugees.
- Mohler on migrant caravan
The enormous convoy of Honduran migrants that is making its way through Mexico and to the United States southern border is a major concerning issue. The last count I heard is 7,000 individuals are trekking through Central America, seeking to reside in America.
The best commentary I heard is from Albert Mohler in his Wed., Oct. 24 edition of The Briefing. You can read the transcript if you prefer not to listen. It is a solid objective analogy and helpful for Christians to understand what to make of this entourage.
When it comes to helping immigrants, I refer to what Anthony Jordan, former executive director-treasurer of the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma, once said. He said it is important for the government to do its job, maintain order and enforce laws. He also said it is important for the church to do its job and that is, in the name of Jesus Christ and for the sake of the Gospel, care for those in need regardless of who they are and what they have done.
- Sasse’s social media rules
I conclude this week’s DHD with sharing an article on Senator Ben Sasse. Check out why Sasse quit Twitter for half a year, and go down to the end and read his list of 16 truths Sasse and his family will apply when it comes to dealing with social media.
