Most people have heard the famous quote from President Abraham Lincoln: "You can fool all of the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time." There is truth in that statement. But it is also a scary thought that you or I can be fooled at least some of the time. I don't want to be fooled. Do you?

What of the false doctrines of heaven, hell, and purgatory? And what of the scriptures that supposedly support these fabrications of human reasoning?

We have all seen or read tragic news stories about a child being killed by this or that means, or dying of a dreaded disease like cancer or leukemia. Somehow death seems worse when it is a child or young person who had all their hopes and dreams ahead of them. But the death of any loved one, no matter whether young or old, is emotionally painful.

How often has a plan for greatness been derailed or spoiled by some careless or foolish lapse of good judgment or morals? Many a politician has met with downfall because power and prestige went to his or her head, resulting in bizarre behaviors that cause them to stumble.

Similarly, many prominent preachers or religious figures have become filled with the importance and power of their position, and the money and influence that it brings, and they are brought down by actions they thought no one would notice or care about.

Britain and France are grappling now with what the United States will be forced to confront very soon – they are financially unable to maintain the military power to which they were once accustomed.  Consequently, Britain and France recently signed military and nuclear weapons treaties ensuring unprecedented cooperation.  Can these two nations really trust their military alliance to provide for their national security in the years ahead?  And, what are the lessons for them … and for America?