“Can you discern the Signs of the Times?” If the sky is cloudy, you say, “It’s going to rain.” If you hear thunder, you say, “A storm is coming.” If you see the sun shining, you say, “It’s going to be a great sun shiny day!” But can you “discern the signs of the times?” What do you think is happening? Remember the uproar in Egypt? Here are ten wars we may hear about: Syria. 2011-present 15,898 deaths. Al-Jazeera reports 30,000-52,000 total deaths. Afghanistan, 1978-present, 143,958 deaths; marred by brutal civil war. Since 2004, the Taliban alone responsible for deaths of 868 civilians, women, voter registration cardholders, etc. Iraq, 2003-present, 25,223 deaths; recent study found 461,000 direct and indirect deaths since 2003. Pakistan, 2007-present, 20,165 deaths. Pakistan has not experienced peace since 1974. Sudan, 1983-present, 50,859 deaths. The civil war in Sudan began in 1971; ethnic cleansings of the Darfur region regarded as one of the greatest atrocities of recent history. Somalia, 1982-present, 26,418 deaths.
Multiple groups fight for government control with intensity since 2007. The extremist group al-Shabaab killed 139 civilians in 2012.Yemen, 2011-present, 3,473 deaths. There has been conflict since independence in 1948. Recent armed activity started in 2009. The government has been trying to drive out al-Qaida forces. Nigeria, 2009-present, 1,541 deaths. Nigeria is at war with the ultraviolent radical Islamic sect Boko Haram. Mexico, 2012, 1,513, deaths Drug cartels of Mexico have been waging war since 1989 for control of trafficking. Human rights violation including rape, torture, beheadings and mutilation. The actual number of deaths due to cartel violence could be 18,000. Colombia, 1979-present, 21,267 deaths. There has been civil war in Colombia since 1964. Guerrilla organizations want government control, funded by the drug trade/kidnappings. Religion and political power often a strong influence, greed and avarice. These 10 wars alone have accounted for deaths of at least 44,291 people last year and a growing death toll since 2013. – [excerpts-Tyson Watkins]
An American soldier died on Thursday from wounds in a roadside bombing in northern Iraq[the U.S. military] What’s my point?? Be ready! HE’s coming back! But, not just yet! Don’t fret or worry! Be comforted. The two White House contestants paint a critically pivotal picture in history; He’s pointing the way: draw closer or drift away from him by following the crowd. We must save our youth in the inner cities and reduce the violence! Cling to the same way or go straight and turn right? For whom will we cast our vote. Whoever becomes our next President will clearly show us what God is saying for our great nation. I see it clearly. Can you read the signs? What Time Is It? Teach your children at home.
Jeanette Grattan Parker, Ph.D. Superintendent/Founder-Today’s Fresh Start Charter School, 4514 Crenshaw BL., LA 90043 323-293-9826 [writer, artist, educator, speaker, marriage expert (50+) Writings are copyright: “Will You Marry Me” and “Inquiring Minds Want To Know.”] [email protected].
