The slippery slope starts somewhere. For those who would dare speak against Islam in any negative tones whatsoever, that somewhere was outside the Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, FL. Koran burning, while it might nominally be protected by the First Amendment, is now off-limits. I’m sure that Jones or someone else will try this stunt again, but the sled carrying the cargo of what is considered Islamophobia and anti-Muslim “rhetoric” has now started its descent down the steep hill. We don’t know for sure where the sled will end up, but we can certainly offer an educated guess, based on past experience in this country and in Western Europe. (The Slippery Slope Starts Somewhere,” published on September 9, 2010)
We didn’t know where the sled of American appeasement and Islamic violence would end up two years ago. Unfortunately, on the 11th anniversary of the Islamic terrorist attacks of 9/11, we now know where this sled will end up — with the brutal murder of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three other consulate officials and the storming of our embassy in Cairo, Egypt. With a President who, with each passing day, appears to be more concerned with Muslim sensibilities than he is with American values, we will only see more attacks and violence by an ever-increasing number of radicalized Muslims throughout the world, including here in the United States.
And, with the complete cluelessness exhibited by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, we can be assured that not only will the Obama Administration not bring anyone to justice for these evil acts, but that this Democrat Administration — who has shown an increasing hostility toward the state of Israel — will continue to ignore the threat that radical Islam (which is becoming the mainstream in much of the world) poses to America, Israel, and the West. Mrs. Clinton, who fancies herself some kind of intellect, wonders why these attacks took place:
“Today, many Americans are asking, indeed I ask myself … How could this happen in a country we helped liberate in a city we helped save from destruction?” Clinton said. “We must be clear-eyed even in our grief. … This was an attack by a small and savage group, not the people or government of Libya.”
No, Hillary. Many Americans are not questioning how this could happen. We know why — because there are millions (not just a “small and savage group”) of radicalized Muslims throughout the world who hate America and all that this country stands for. However, this sums up the Obama Administration’s (and many Democrats’) understanding (or lack thereof) of the threat of radical Islam to America, Israel and other Western nations. This President, reminiscent of Jimmy Carter, shows his lack of leadership as he fiddles (and plays golf) while our embassies are attacked on 9/11. Truly pathetic leadership from a truly pathetic President and his Administration! Sad to say, we haven’t seen the worst of it yet.
Howell,
If you get the time, go over to Voices and read Dave Miller’s post “It Was One Of Those Days” and the comment thread.
I think so many Americans have forgotten we have an enemy who hates us and wants us dead simply because we exist and for no other reason.
This is a ridiculous article and title. Filled with political bias. How about we as preachers stick to the Gospel
Darrell,
For such a ridiculous article and title, at least it got you to read and comment 🙂 Last I checked, American citizens — who also happen to be Baptist preachers — are still afforded the same First Amendment rights as everyone else. As this is my personal blog and as you obviously do not know me, you have no idea whether or not I “stick to the Gospel” in my preaching. For the record, I do. But, I reserve the right to opine on significant cultural and religious issues of the day, particularly when our nation is under attack from radical Islam. Of course, only the Gospel will change the hearts of those enslaved to Islam and who worship a false god. That’s why I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His saving message. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
9/11 was just yesterday – and collective amnesia has already set in.
.
The maxim, “History repeats itself,” is not just a clever cliche, but a warning. Watch this video. It should cause you to shudder and cry out for God’s mercy and wisdom over what has befallen us. Although a dramatization of an actual historic event that occurred over a century ago, the battle continues to rage, albeit now with weapons of mass destruction in the hands of those who have no regard for their own lives or the lives of innocents. Is it inconceivable that similar boasts are being proclaimed on certain streets in the Middle East, and America, today – while we passively observe, frozen in ignorance, indecisiveness, and helplessness?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZL_TOV9-m0
.
First of all, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of Ambassador Chris Stevens and the other State Department officials that were murdered last night.
With that said, I want to interact at length with this blog post.
“We didn’t know where the sled of American appeasement and Islamic violence would end up two years ago. Unfortunately, on the 11th anniversary of the Islamic terrorist attacks of 9/11, we now know where this sled will end up — with the brutal murder of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens, and three other consulate officials and the storming of our embassy in Cairo, Egypt.”
Are you suggesting that American diplomatic efforts in the Middle East contributed–directly or indirectly–to the tragic death of Ambassador Stevens and other State Department officials? If so, how?
“With a President who, with each passing day, appears to be more concerned with Muslim sensibilities than he is with American values, we will only see more attacks and violence by an ever-increasing number of radicalized Muslims throughout the world, including here in the United States.”
By “a President who… appears to be more concerned with Muslim sensibilities than he is with American values,” are you by chance referring to the comments that came from the U.S. embassy in Cairo prior to the attack in Benghazi? To be clear, that statement was not released by the President or the State Department. In that context, though, I think there should be a thorough investigation into how statements like that got released on Twitter.
“And, with the complete cluelessness exhibited by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, we can be assured that not only will the Obama Administration not bring anyone to justice for these evil acts, but that this Democrat Administration — who has shown an increasing hostility toward the state of Israel — will continue to ignore the threat that radical Islam (which is becoming the mainstream in much of the world) poses to America, Israel, and the West.”
To be sure, this administration has continued the work started by the previous administration in bringing terror suspects to justice. As you know, many key Al Qaeda operatives have been captured or killed under this administration including Osama Bin Laden. Indeed, if we’re looking at precedent, the thugs that were responsible for the deaths of those courageous Americans last night will most likely be brought to justice. So, far from ignoring “the threat that radical Islam poses to America, Israel, and the West,” this administration has been extremely vigilant in disrupting, dismantling, and destroying the enemy’s capability.
Further, and what of Israel’s “increasing hostility” towards the Palestinians, many of whom–I might add–are our brothers and sisters in Christ? Obviously, I affirm Israel’s right to exist and I utterly oppose anti-Semitism in any form (it is, after all, utterly inconsistent with a Christian worldview and ethic), but I think it is important to look at things in context. The Israeli government has certainly not been blameless.
“No, Hillary. Many Americans are not questioning how this could happen. We know why — because there are millions (not just a “small and savage group”) of radicalized Muslims throughout the world who hate America and all that this country stands for. However, this sums up the Obama Administration’s (and many Democrats’) understanding (or lack thereof) of the threat of radical Islam to America, Israel and other Western nations. This President, reminiscent of Jimmy Carter, shows his lack of leadership as he fiddles (and plays golf) while our embassies are attacked on 9/11. Truly pathetic leadership from a truly pathetic President and his Administration! Sad to say, we haven’t seen the worst of it yet.”
Well, when Secretary Clinton mentioned a “small and savage group,” she was of course referring specifically to the group of thugs (probably Ghadfi loyalists) that brutally murdered the Ambassador and State Department officials last night.
Much more can certainly be said, but suffice it to say: This blog doesn’t represent your characteristic nuance and balance.
Milton,
This post may not represent my “characteristic nuance and balance,” but after almost four years of a failed President — and yes, I was talking about President Barack Obama and his inept handling of foreign policy for the last 3 1/2 years — I am done being nuanced, particulary after apparently coordinated attacks on the consulate in Libya. I’ll give Mr. Obama credit for allowing the killing of Osama Bin Laden, but that will not negate the fact that he has made America weaker, not stronger, in the world. Contra to what Hillary Clinton said, this was not some “small and savage group,” but was in all liklihood a group with ties to Al Qaeda. President Obama, more than any other President since Jimmy Carter, shows a complete weakness and incompetence to the Arab and Muslim world. Because of that, attacks will only continue to increase. This is the same situation that we faced in Iran over 30 years ago. Those who fail to study history are doomed to repeat it. When Mr. Obama could be studying history, he is busy on the golf course or yukking it up at a Las Vegas fundraiser. As for bringing these “thugs” to justice, there is a disconnect in philosophy. The attack on our Consulate in Libya and the murder of four Americans, including our Ambassador, was an act of war. This was not a crime. The only justice that needs to be done is by the United States Armed Forces hunting down and taking out everyone responsible for this act of war. No more arrests. No more trials. Just justice on the battlefield. How’s that for nuance and balance? 🙂 Thanks and God bless,
Howell
LOL, the distinction between “war” and “crime” in your response was indeed (perhaps wrongly) nuanced, but I’m not so sure if it was very balanced!
After all, Romney’s foreign policy record (or lack thereof) and his gross mishandling of the facts surrounding last night’s attack is conspicuously missing from your analysis.
But look, I think it’s perfectly legitimate to question the President’s foreign policy record. To be fair, it hasn’t been perfect, but I think he’s been strong in some areas too.
Milton,
You really need to branch out from watching CNN and MSNBC 🙂 You are repeating Democrat talking points that the MSM has used to obfuscate Obama’s weak and inept response to the attacks yesterday while trying to score points against Romney. Look, I am not thrilled with Romney as the Republican nominee, but I seem to remember that the current President had no foreign policy experience (unless you count living and possibly being born 😉 in a foreign country as experience) prior to his swearing in. How is storming the American Embassy and murdering the Ambassador not an act of war? How is this a crime? And, perhaps I wasn’t balanced, but I’m done with the nuancing with an American President who goes to Vegas while our American embassies burn. To be fair and balanced, Obama’s foreign policy has been an utter failure. If re-elected, we will see much, much worse. I’m sure we will continue this conversation in person, but we will probably find ourselves “agreeing to disagree” about this President’s record, particularly as we get closer to the election. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
LOL! I love it, yes we will continue this in person I’m sure. But thanks for indulging me tonight my friend
Howell, and now that same Incompetent One is in Las Vegas as I type. He’s giggling it up with his adoring fans and paying more attention to the one thing that captures his complete attention, himself. This was a mere “bump in the road” for him and some of his spokespeople. I wonder how many more bodies it will take to stop him from four more years of this incompetency. selahV
Hariette,
As I told Milton, I am done being nuanced and balanced when it comes to the incompetence of President Obama. His failed leadership and appeasement of Islamic radicals — notwithstanding the fact that he allowed our Seals to kill OBL — will embolden these same radicals (who are increasingly mainstream in much of the world) to continue their attacks on America. That an American Ambassador would be murdered in such a brazen and apparently coordinated attack on the 11th anniversary of 9/11 is incomprehensible. That the American President would waltz over to Vegas for a fundraiser, yukking it up with donors, is reprehensible. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Howell,
Stand firm. You are as right as the rain.
For others, it must be stated: “Obviously, ignorance is bliss.”
Cousin CB,
I am sorry for not responding to your comment earlier. I appreciate your words and the encouragement. Living out in the desert for the last five years, I have forgotten what it means to be “right as rain,” although it is raining today, so maybe there is hope for me yet 🙂 Thanks and God bless,
Cousin Howell
I don’t get it. I will never get it. Maybe it is just that I have lived long enough now to see history repeat itself. The absolute ineptness of Carter during the Iran Hostage Crisis and now Obama who is not only inept but seems to exhibit a bit of a disgust with America that n—she needs to be put in her place. YOu are right, Howell, it was not a crime. That mentality just blows my mind. It was an act of war. Hello–Ambassador? Could it be any clearer?
Yes, preach the Gospel but do people really believe that wanting to protect freedom (remember we are talking about people here) is a sin? People simply do not understand Islam, I am convinced of it.
From what I am reading around the blogosphere, I really do fear Obama will win. And I suspect a lot of young pastors will even vote for him. That is how bad I think it is out there as far as understanding everything at stake. I blame it on 80 years of socialistic education and the entitlement mentality.
Is Romney great? No. But he is MUCH better. I think he might actually like America.
Lydia,
While I am not a huge fan of Romney — mainly because of his Mormonism — he is far superior to what we have in office at the present time. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said that you thought Romney “might actually like America.” The more I watch Mr. Obama, the more it appears that he has some type of deep disdain for this country. I wish that were not the case, but he (Obama) makes it hard not to believe it is so. Thanks for stopping by and God bless,
Howell
I really try to be guarded in political pronouncements, but it is becoming increasingly difficult to see how people of conscience or biblical conviction could even consider a vote for the president. I’m not that excited about Romney, but….
Dave,
During the primaries, I wasn’t excited about Romney. After his selection of Paul Ryan, I became more neutral. The more that I realize what’s at stake in the November elections, the more excited I am to vote for Romney AND against Obama. I know that God is sovereign and that He will place in office who He chooses. However, that does not negate the fact that American Christians should vote for the best candidate for office come November. I will gladly cast my vote for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan on November 6. Although their victory would not turn this country around spiritually, it may prove more beneficial to Christians and Jews than a second Obama term would. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Pastor Scott:
I am having difficulty with this. Was this motivated by a specific action by President Obama? Or is this about your dislike of Obama’s foreign and military policy in general? And by the way, anyone who voted for George W. Bush – as I did, and twice – really shouldn’t be in the business of talking about how much golf-playing, vacationing or fundraising that Obama does.
And keep this in perspective. Our ambassador was killed while Obama was in office. But while Reagan was in office, 200 Marines were killed in Lebanon for no other reason than Reagan chose to put them in harm’s way. And Reagan’s response to this incident was simply pulling our guys out of Lebanon, where they never should have been in the first place. And while George W. Bush was in office, 9/11 happened. Our response was to wage war against the nations of Afghanistan and Iraq, who were at best only tangentially involved in those attacks (Iraq wasn’t at all), and killing the mastermind of it all, bin Laden, happened many years later while the guy was in a compound in broad daylight view of the Pakistani government that we provide arms, aid and protection to. Sensitivity to American values … on our base in Saudi Arabia, our troops in many respects have to obey Sharia law. Bibles are not allowed and our military at times has to burn them (http://www.alipac.us/f19/us-military-burns-bibles-but-condemns-burning-korans-251630/) and our female servicemembers are subject to severe restrictions when they go off base (http://articles.cnn.com/2002-12-19/us/wbr.military.women_1_military-women-saudi-arabia-air-force-pilot?_s=PM:US). And as far as appeasing Muslims … you had Bush saying that Islam was a religion of peace and that we were not at war with Muslims or Islam, but with a few radicals (the same position as Obama). You had Bush making the false claim that Muslims and Christians worship the same God. And Obama’s statements about the video that they claim incited this incident were no different from what Bush stated about the Theo Van Gogh cartoons, in which Bush called the cartoons offensive and stated that he understood why Muslims were upset. Also, remember when the Bush administration promised us that the Iraqis and Afghanis would welcome us as liberators and aid the war effort? Was that evidence of GOP understanding of radical Islam?
We have been having issues with Islam, terrorism, the Middle East etc. for decades under administrations of both parties, and neither has done any better. Carter and Reagan spent years training and arming the guys who later became Al Qaeda in order to fight the Soviets in Afghanistan, and then we look the other way while those same guys take over Afghanistan and wreak havoc in Africa and Asia. Reagan and Bush do the same with the Baath Party and Saddam Hussein – putting them in power and providing them with arms and aid – in Iraq because of the need for Iraq to keep Iran from becoming more powerful. It works – Iraq fights a major war with Iran that leaves both in shambles – but then we replace Saddam with a “democratic regime” that is now basically an Iranian satellite state. As for Libya, it was merely a few years ago that Bush declared that Qaddafi had “changed” and called Libya an ally in the war on terrorism, and allowed the EU to sell Qaddafi arms.
It is time for these blind spots – and double standards – to end. Neither the GOP or the Democrats are good at opposing Islamic terror. Both regularly appease terror groups (which by the way includes the PLO) and Islamic regimes. And neither stands up for the religious freedoms of Christians on the international stage. (Bush stood idly by, not saying a peep as Christians were systematically killed and driven from “democratic Iraq.”) Honestly, what is gained by pretending otherwise?
Now we are talking about having to go to war to stop Iran’s nuclear program. Would Iran even have a nuclear program if Saddam were still alive, in power, and had a military strong enough to oppose Iran (because we helped built it precisely for that purpose!) like he did before Bush 1 and Bush 2 went and destroyed it? No one wants to ask those questions because they’re Republicans, I guess. Just like no one wants to ask why the “socially conservative” GOP keeps appointing all those pro-abortion, pro-gay marriage judges to the federal bench. When it comes to the GOP, there is nothing but “hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.” Well, you go ahead and keep it up by voting for Romney and pretending as if anything good will come from his being president for 4-8 years.
Job,
Always good to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. If you even have to ask what motivated my post, I probably will be at a loss to explain it to you. While there are certainly blind spots that George Bush had and that Mitt Romney will have regarding Islam (it is not, as President Bush incorrectly stated, “a religion of peace”), your entire argument basically comes down to saying that there are really no differences between either party or between Presidents (i.e., both Bushes and Obama are basically the same). While no politician is perfect (far from it) and while only the Gospel will change hearts and minds — both at home and abroad — I would respectfully disagree that no good will come from a Romney Presidency. Perhaps you are right. Only time will tell. But, after almost four years of President Obama, this much is crystal clear — there will be no good — and there will be actual harm — that comes to America (and her allies, including Israel) if Obama is re-elected. After all, the past is always a good predictor of the future, and the past four years have been tragic for our country because of Obama’s failed leadership. God, most certainly, is sovereign and in control. However, I will not buy into the fiction that it doesn’t matter who is in the White House. It does. That’s why I will vote for Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan on November 6. Thanks again for stopping by. Have a great day and God bless,
Howell
Now, this is a balanced treatment. Thank you for putting the issues in perspective.
Obama just stumped on his campaign speech a few moments ago in Colorado, that we have inalienable rights given to us by God. Finally after 4 years of refusing to mention God, Obama brings up God when the protestors in Eqypt write a message to all on the wall of our embassy that there is no god but Allah. so…guess I’m wondering why Obama chooses this day, the day after the murder of our ambassador and 3 colleagues to mention the American’s stance on God…and stand waving his Americanism when up until yesterday all he could do is apologize for us, our position, our religion (which is no longer Christian).
Hariette,
I suppose it depends on what Mr. Obama’s definition of “God” is. Is it the Triune God of Christianity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) — who is the only true God — or the false gods of this world? Notwithstanding this President’s profession of Christian faith, I’m gonna guess the latter. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Nations which bless Israel will be blessed. Nations which curse Israel will be cursed. Get ready folks – when it rains, it will rain on the just and the unjust. He that has ears to hear, let him hear.
Max,
Thanks for the good reminder from Scripture. With each passing day, it appears that President Obama is leading America away from supporting Israel and toward supporting Israel’s enemies. Good to know that Obama was so quick to clarify his gaffe and embrace Egypt and the Muslim Brotherhood as an “ally” while continuing to stiff-arm Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu, America’s only true friends in the region. The rain that is coming will not be pleasant. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Well, that raises a greater theological question: Is it our biblical responsibility as believers to support the contemporary State of Israel? Are we to uncritically condone all of Israel’s acts, even if those acts do harm to our brothers and sisters in Christ?
Milton,
Good questions. I’m not sure that I would say it rises to the level of a “biblical responsibility” to support Israel, although I do believe that there is certainly enough Scriptural evidence for believers to support the Jewish people — be they in a contemporary State of Israel or throughout the world. Even though Gentiles have been grafted into the tree, there seems to be biblical injunction for Christian believers to support the Jewish people, including the state of Israel and those Jews who may not profess Jesus as Messiah. Does that mean that we are to be uncritical of or condone all of Israel’s actions? Of course not. I would be curious to know what specific acts you are referring to which “do harm to our brothers and sisters in Christ?” Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Sure,
But to what extent should we support Israel and what does that support look like? Should we, for example, support the Israeli government’s illegal settlement construction even if that might mean that Christians (particularly those living in the West Bank) lose their homes?
Some of those Palestinian villages–many of which were uprooted by gunpoint–that were eliminated by Israeli settlement construction were occupied by Christian families: our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Further, I think there’s a number of hermeneutical problems with lifting a verse like Genesis 12:3 out of its context and then attempting to place it in a 21st century context to refer to a modern, secular Israeli state. Proper biblical hermeneutics begins with proper exegesis. Were the promises given to Abraham in that text anchored to his faith in Yahweh or to his Jewish bloodline?
And I’ll say this too: In biblical theology, being Jewish has less to do with your ethnicity and more to do with your relationship to Jesus Christ. In other words, if you have placed your faith in Jesus Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and an heir according to the promise.
Much more could certainly be said, but suffice it to say: This might be another one of those “in person” conversations! Maybe we’ll have to do lunch soon 🙂
Milton,
I appreciate your interaction on this. I would say that I disagree with your premise that the settlements in the “West Bank” (a term which would indicate that the Palestinians — however we define them — somehow have legitimate claim to that land. I reject that premise and believe — yes, based upon Genesis 12, 15, 22 and other passages — that the land that God promised to Abraham and his seed is indeed the land of promise. That promise was made to the Hebrew people. You are quite correct to view God’s promise to Abraham and his seed as not solely ethnic and not necessarily flowing through a Jewish bloodline. However, to completely negate the promises of God (Yahweh) to the Jewish people (which I don’t think you are doing) is not in keeping with proper biblical exegesis. There is no question that God still has a purpose and plan for the ethnic Jewish people. God has not made those promises to the Palestinians or to the Arabs. In fact, if one were to look at Scripture in light of current events, one would realize why God has blessed the seed of Abraham — including spiritual Israel (the people of God who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus as Messiah) — but also ethnic Israel. I am no dispensationalist, so I do not see ethnic Israel and the church as completely different (one tree with the Gentiles grafted in make up spiritual Israel). However, I would not discount the numerous Scriptural principles which would see God’s chosen people — the Jews — as somehow still benefiting from His goodness and grace and mercy in a way that is different from the pagan nations surrounding Israel. Much more could be said, but we will perhaps have to continue the dialogue over lunch. I would look forward to that. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
“… the land that God promised to Abraham and his seed is indeed the land of promise … God has not made those promises to the Palestinians or to the Arabs.”
Amen Howell! As adopted heirs in the Kingdom, if Christians can’t accept and stand by God’s eternal promise to physical Israel regarding the land they were to inherit, can we rest in the promises He made to spiritual Israel regarding our inheritance through Christ? Underlying the problem in the Middle East is that Abraham had two sons, with their respective descendents still disputing who the son of promise was and where the inheritance belongs. Scripture is clear who the son of promise was and the real estate his descendants were to inherit, possess and protect. As far as I know, God didn’t change the plan to address 21st century conflicts on land rights.
Max,
I think you are right about not only the promise, but the real estate — which was part of the promise — being to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — not Ishmael and Esau. That real estate, by the way, encompasses parts of modern-day Lebanon and Jordan. It should not surprise anyone, particularly since the Bible seems to predict this, that the descendants of Ishmael and Esau would continue to war against the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. While I am not a pre-millennial dispensationalist, to limit the promise only to spiritual Israel or the Church (which I think are almost, if not fully, identical) is to miss the promise that continues in effect to ethnic Israel. Since seminary, I have considered myself a panmillennialist (it will all pan out in the end), but doesn’t mean we should abandon the people of Israel. To do so would be to invite God’s displeasure. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
Howell,
Why is it that you are one of the few in the Baptist Blog World to have put up a post on this latest attack on America? Have we simply determined that we have arrived at a place in our new theological mind-set and written America off as an accursed thing?
CB,
I’m not sure why no one else in the Baptist blogosphere has really written about this. While America certainly has her problems, I believe we continue to be a beacon of light — not just for democracy, but also for the Gospel. I think that the Obama Administration’s appeasement of radical Muslims and their willingness to allow barbarians to have what amounts to a “heckler’s veto” over our First Amendment rights should concern all Christians. It’s one thing to believe God is sovereign (which I do). It’s another thing to have the mindset that God will take care of everything so I don’t have to. I think this is where too many Christians are today. If we do not wake up from our slumber, then we will be in for more difficult times ahead. Thanks and God bless,
Howell
The silence of apathy is a frightening sound.
CB,
If that apathy continues into the November elections, then we should not be surprised when Barack Hussein Obama is re-elected to a second term. We should also not be surprised when he moves further away from Israel and closer to the Muslim countries. I hope that is not the case, but the past is prologue. Thanks and God bless,
Howell