BETWEEN THE LINES: An interesting week of news
There always is news, usually a mix of good and bad. Some weeks are more interesting than others.
Take last week, for example. It is not every day a royal wedding happens, and though we are not Britons, it still is interesting, especially for those who love the pageantry. The wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton was a much-anticipated affair made so, no doubt, by the attractiveness of the charming couple.
It is a good year for the British monarchy as the Oscar for best movie went to "The King’s Speech," the story of King George VI’s impromptu rise to the throne, after the abdication of his brother, and his overcoming a speech impediment.
Meanwhile, those along the Mississippi River are bracing for historic floods from weeks of drenching rains in areas that feed the mighty river. The death toll from the fury is more than 300.
Also, the farmers and ranchers across Texas are suffering from a nasty drought that has deprived the state of its normal rainfall. A severe La Niña has left the state bone dry for months, thus depriving residents of the usual spring wildflower show highlighted by the massive bluebonnet fields along the state’s highways.
Spring took a hike and April became June temperature-wise; that is, until last Sunday, when temperatures dropped 40 degrees in a matter of a few hours. Ironically, last Monday’s forecast called for a high of 53. (As I type away, a little drizzle is falling, but the bulk of the rain appears to be heading north of us.)
The year 2011 appears to be one to expect the unexpected. The chase for infamous terrorist Osama bin Laden ended May 1 as a Navy SEALS team surrounded and killed the man responsible for terrorist acts against the United States over the past decade.
Contrary to popular opinion, bin Laden did not live in a cave along the Pakistan border, but resided instead just outside the Pakistan capital in a multimillion-dollar home surrounded by 8- to 12-foot walls with no windows. The compound was considerably larger than other homes in the area and had no telephone or Internet service.
Bin Laden’s death will not mark an end to terrorist activities, but his demise will be considered a moral victory, as the man credited with plotting the attacks of 9-11 was killed and justice served.
To Christians around the world, though, the most significant event of the week was Easter Sunday, the day set aside to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is through his death and resurrection that salvation is made available to all who believe, even to the thief being crucified on the cross next to Jesus who echoed a statement of faith in the son of God.
Christians do not worship a theoretical, mystical, detached God, but one who loved his creation so much he was willing to come down in human form and endure ridicule and untold physical abuse on the behalf of humanity.
In such a troubled, degenerate world in which we live, that is the best news of the week.
Laughlin is a Christian Libertarian. He is an economist, teacher, father, husband and most recently a grandfather. He has written a weekly column for The Tribune for 12 years. He and his wife Gina reside in Meadowlakes. To contact him, e-mail ablaughlin@nctv.com. He is an independent columnist, not a staff member, and his views do not necessarily reflect those of The Tribune or its parent company.