Why do I "need" an Ar-15? That's an interesting question that has been posed to me several times in the past two weeks, so let me respond here, and hopefully put this question to rest.
Why do I "need" an Ar-15? I don't "need" an AR-15. I "want" an AR-15.
Why do other folks "need" the things they own (motorcycles, golf clubs, boats, luxury homes, fancy cameras, canvases and paints, books, giant televisions, jewelry, art, expensive cars, monster gaming computers, giant trucks, lake front property, tats, etc.)? Other than certain cases, none of them "need" any of these items; they "want" them. These things bring fun, excitement, personal fulfillment, relaxation, sense of accomplishment, stress reduction, yada yada, etc.! People "want" the things they want, for their own
personal reasons, and they are welcome to them, at least as far as I'm concerned.
So let's ask the honest question, why do I "want" an AR-15?
I enjoy shooting. It brings me fun, excitement, personal fulfillment, relaxation, sense of accomplishment, stress reduction, yada yada, etc.. I don't hunt, I shoot paper targets. I love putting those tiny holes in pieces of paper, cardboard, cans, 2x4s, etc. It is the thing that makes me happy. It relaxes me, gives me an opportunity for skill improvement and accomplishment, can be shared with friends and family (most of my circle shoots). I look forward to shooting, read about shooting, research shooting, take classes on shooting, talk about shooting; shooting is my hobby. I use shooting as a way of helping others by teaching safety classes. I have used my firearms skills, and may again in the future, to protect myself and others. When I do take my AR-15 out of the safety cabinet, I take it to the range and have big fun.
The AR-15 is an excellent shooting platform. It is a high quality, well built (in most cases), reliable, safe, easily maintained and repaired, easily customized, economical (in most cases) firearm. Millions of Americans "want" and own AR-15s for the same reasons.
How about the "why do you need an AR-15 to hunt?" question. An AR-15 is a perfectly viable, and widely used, hunting rifle. Millions of Americans hunt with these rifles as it is an accurate, well performing rifle, and is highly adaptable to numerous hunting types. The calibers and ammunition choices are wide and appropriate for hunting most small to medium sized game, and some large game as well.
The ARMALITE RIFLE 15 (not "assault rifle", or "automatic rifle", or "army rifle") is a proven, effective, valued and treasured semi-automatic civilian sporting firearm.
I "wanted" an AR-15, I got an AR-15, and I value my AR-15. "Need" has nothing to do with the equation. Along with millions of other firearms owners, most of whom are NOT members of the NRA (although I wish they were) I enjoy my shooting past time. It puts a smile on my face, doesn't hurt anyone, can protect me and others if needed, and gives me a venue for self improvement and relaxation. Some folks like yard sales, antiquing, and metal detecting; I like gun shows. Much like golf, softball, boating, macrame, bike riding, jogging, photography, mudding, gaming, swimming, skiing, sky diving, scuba diving, painting, and reading, shooting makes my day. I don't get many days of shooting, but range day makes it!
If you're curious, I invite you to join me for a range day, or encourage you to ask one of your gun owner friends to take you out and see for your self what shooting an AR-15 is like. You may like it, you may not, but at least you'll have an experienced, informed opinion of what an AR-15 actually is, and what it is not.
See ya at the range!
Showing posts with label United States of America. Show all posts
Showing posts with label United States of America. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Saturday, July 25, 2015
common sense morality has flown the coop
I'm a lone white man with guns. I once owned a restaurant that flew confederate battle flags. I'm from the south. I'm a conservative, Bible believing American who supports and follows the law.
For some folks, out of their fear and paranoia, that's enough to strip me of my Constitutional rights, and condemn me as a racist bigot. It's certainly enough for my government, which spends more time, money and energy catering to the hysteria than they are willing to spend solving our nation's real problems.
Millions of innocent unborn children have been and are being are murdered in America with the sanction of nine men and women, pompously ignoring the law and bending it to their personal philosophy. Protecting the demanded "rights" of the vocal minority against the elected will of the majority has become the mantra of these black robed judicial activists, ignoring the spirit and letter of the law.
Common sense morality has flown the coop with the sanction of 535 men and women in Washington D.C..Pandering to the lowest economic classes for votes continues to remain the focus of the Democratic Party, pandering to the Democratic Party seems to be the primary focus of the Republican Party, and the division of the people and pandering to the hysteria seems to be the primary focus of our President.
It's almost time to turn out the lights on the free republic that our Founding Fathers envisioned and died to create.
I call upon my brothers and sisters in the Christian faith to pray as never before and to focus on the mission given to us by Jesus, to love God and love your neighbor. That love is best expressed in Matthew 28:18-20. No, I have not been focused here either, but that's got to change, for me and for you.
The future of this once great nation will not be strengthened by engaging in the hysteria, but by engaging in the mission of changing hearts for God. Stand your ground, pray, witness, and trust God to handle the rest.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” " Matthew 28:18-20
The Declaration Of Independence
For some folks, out of their fear and paranoia, that's enough to strip me of my Constitutional rights, and condemn me as a racist bigot. It's certainly enough for my government, which spends more time, money and energy catering to the hysteria than they are willing to spend solving our nation's real problems.
Millions of innocent unborn children have been and are being are murdered in America with the sanction of nine men and women, pompously ignoring the law and bending it to their personal philosophy. Protecting the demanded "rights" of the vocal minority against the elected will of the majority has become the mantra of these black robed judicial activists, ignoring the spirit and letter of the law.
Common sense morality has flown the coop with the sanction of 535 men and women in Washington D.C..Pandering to the lowest economic classes for votes continues to remain the focus of the Democratic Party, pandering to the Democratic Party seems to be the primary focus of the Republican Party, and the division of the people and pandering to the hysteria seems to be the primary focus of our President.
It's almost time to turn out the lights on the free republic that our Founding Fathers envisioned and died to create.
I call upon my brothers and sisters in the Christian faith to pray as never before and to focus on the mission given to us by Jesus, to love God and love your neighbor. That love is best expressed in Matthew 28:18-20. No, I have not been focused here either, but that's got to change, for me and for you.
The future of this once great nation will not be strengthened by engaging in the hysteria, but by engaging in the mission of changing hearts for God. Stand your ground, pray, witness, and trust God to handle the rest.
"Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” " Matthew 28:18-20
The Declaration Of Independence
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Thanksgiving Day Proclamation
By the President of the United States of America.
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
A Proclamation.
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.
By the President: Abraham Lincoln
William H. Seward,
Secretary of State
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
reality check on abortion
If every eligible voter in America who opposed abortion would vote and vote only for political candidates who opposed abortion, especially in the U.S. House and Senate, legal abortion would likely be overturned in the United States.
Those opposed to abortion would not vote for a Democratic candidate as the Democratic Party promotes abortion and the Democratic members of the House and Senate continue to stand united for the continuing resolution of abortion.
The Roe vs Wade decision could, and likely would be, overturned if enough Americans with a sincere concsience would vote, vote in every election, and vote against the Democratic Party on every election.
Your representative vote enables the vote of the person you vote to elect. A vote for a representative who votes for abortion is a vote by you for abortion.
So, America, do you vote for or against the continued legalization of abortion in America?
It really is just that simple.
Those opposed to abortion would not vote for a Democratic candidate as the Democratic Party promotes abortion and the Democratic members of the House and Senate continue to stand united for the continuing resolution of abortion.
The Roe vs Wade decision could, and likely would be, overturned if enough Americans with a sincere concsience would vote, vote in every election, and vote against the Democratic Party on every election.
Your representative vote enables the vote of the person you vote to elect. A vote for a representative who votes for abortion is a vote by you for abortion.
So, America, do you vote for or against the continued legalization of abortion in America?
It really is just that simple.
Wednesday, January 09, 2013
5 myths concerning "gun control"
Four facts, a bit of personal opinion, a smattering of soap boxing, but an essay worth reading by all, especially if you are, or are preparing to step into the current anti-gun hysteria.
Gun myths busted: Automatic weapons, buying guns online, background checks, assault rifles and other fictions of the liberal media
Especially of note is "Myth #5". The Second Amendment was designed to protect the citizens of the United States from the possible tyranny of the newly created federal government. This has never been more important than now, as we prepare to embark upon a fusillade of freedom repressing legislation and executive action.
Our founders, fresh from a scrape with the King of England, and personally having experienced the hands of oppression, were naturally distrustful of the potential abuse of power from our experimental new government. The experiment continues and we are seeing the signs of repression coming at us with increasing velocity.
I urge you to invest the time to read (or re-read) The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States of America, and, if you can get your hands on one, any historical textbook (printed before 1960) or any collection of texts by any of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Invest the time to get a fresh, renewed perspective of how this country came to be and the fundamental reasons for its success (to date). Those fundamental causes of success are under increasing fire from our President and from the existing federal establishment.
In this season of sound bite news, alarming acceptance of "internet truth" and a decreasing attention spans, it is critical that we seek the truth and avoid the looming "freedom cliff". Put down your (ironically termed) Smart Phone and look up! There is a world of truth outside of your 4" screen.
If you have not discerned it by now, with a trifle of digging, you will discover that the President, the members of Congress, and the government as an entity do not have your personal best interest at heart. Their concerns are money and power, generated by votes coddled from "warm fuzzy" and "Where's mine?" recipients of government largesse.
It will only take one or two Supreme Court appointments of liberal Justices to throw out the Second Amendment and to reduce or freedoms to pre-Revolutionary War status. At least one of those appointments will occur during Barack Obama's second term.
Gun myths busted: Automatic weapons, buying guns online, background checks, assault rifles and other fictions of the liberal media
Especially of note is "Myth #5". The Second Amendment was designed to protect the citizens of the United States from the possible tyranny of the newly created federal government. This has never been more important than now, as we prepare to embark upon a fusillade of freedom repressing legislation and executive action.
Our founders, fresh from a scrape with the King of England, and personally having experienced the hands of oppression, were naturally distrustful of the potential abuse of power from our experimental new government. The experiment continues and we are seeing the signs of repression coming at us with increasing velocity.
I urge you to invest the time to read (or re-read) The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States of America, and, if you can get your hands on one, any historical textbook (printed before 1960) or any collection of texts by any of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Invest the time to get a fresh, renewed perspective of how this country came to be and the fundamental reasons for its success (to date). Those fundamental causes of success are under increasing fire from our President and from the existing federal establishment.
In this season of sound bite news, alarming acceptance of "internet truth" and a decreasing attention spans, it is critical that we seek the truth and avoid the looming "freedom cliff". Put down your (ironically termed) Smart Phone and look up! There is a world of truth outside of your 4" screen.
If you have not discerned it by now, with a trifle of digging, you will discover that the President, the members of Congress, and the government as an entity do not have your personal best interest at heart. Their concerns are money and power, generated by votes coddled from "warm fuzzy" and "Where's mine?" recipients of government largesse.
It will only take one or two Supreme Court appointments of liberal Justices to throw out the Second Amendment and to reduce or freedoms to pre-Revolutionary War status. At least one of those appointments will occur during Barack Obama's second term.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
God is listening
Millions of Americans, on a regular, daily (hourly?), consistent basis, proclaim, "God Damn!". American television, movies, music, radio, and all forms of entertainment use His Holy Name as an expression of disgust, of anger, and of condemnation. "God Damn" is only followed by "Jesus Christ" and the "F" word as "acceptable" cursing for our eager ears.
Might He be answering America's "prayers"?
Exo 15:3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Exo 15:4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Exo 15:5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Exo 15:6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Exo 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
Exo_20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Lev_18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Lev_19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
But those who call on Him for salvation, shall not fear, but ready for the next life, His glorious return and a new life on a new earth.
Mal_3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Psa_72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Psa_113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
Might He be answering America's "prayers"?
Exo 15:3 The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name.
Exo 15:4 Pharaoh's chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.
Exo 15:5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.
Exo 15:6 Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.
Exo 15:7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.
Exo_20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Lev_18:21 And thou shalt not let any of thy seed pass through the fire to Molech, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
Lev_19:12 And ye shall not swear by my name falsely, neither shalt thou profane the name of thy God: I am the LORD.
But those who call on Him for salvation, shall not fear, but ready for the next life, His glorious return and a new life on a new earth.
Mal_3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Rev 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Rev 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Rev 21:5 And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.
Rev 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
Rev 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
Psa_72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.
Psa_113:2 Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore.
Friday, November 30, 2012
gingrich: "do the right thing"
Gingrich to GOP: Stop negotiating on fiscal cliff
Greta Van Susteren interviews Newt Gingrich on the looming "fiscal cliff".
Greta Van Susteren interviews Newt Gingrich on the looming "fiscal cliff".
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
fiscal cliff or crepe
then our economy goes over the cliff and we be in REAL fiscal
"trouble". Right? But isn't this the same thing we've been facing for
the last four years?
The Real mystery in this go round is, of course, whether one man or woman in Washington, of any party, can or will do the right thing at any time; "right" being defined as good for the American people as a whole and putting ZERO dollars in any politicians pocket.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
elections are about freedom.
It is not about abortion, or homosexual
marriage or even gun control. It is not about taxes, immigration, the
economy or the jobs forecast.
The November Presidential and Congressional elections are about freedom.
Do we, as a nation wish to retain the freedoms and citizen rights guaranteed us by the Constitution of the United States of America, as was a designed by the framers of that document, our Forefathers; or, do we, as a nation desire to throw the Constitution "under the Bus" and start over, as a new and different unknown entity.
The Choices are clear.
Vote Democrat and begin building a new nation, ruled by a King, shaped and formed by the laws of foreign nations from around the globe.
Vote Republican and begin restoring the country to American Constitutional law and begin rebuilding the American Dream.
The November Presidential and Congressional elections are about freedom.
Do we, as a nation wish to retain the freedoms and citizen rights guaranteed us by the Constitution of the United States of America, as was a designed by the framers of that document, our Forefathers; or, do we, as a nation desire to throw the Constitution "under the Bus" and start over, as a new and different unknown entity.
The Choices are clear.
Vote Democrat and begin building a new nation, ruled by a King, shaped and formed by the laws of foreign nations from around the globe.
Vote Republican and begin restoring the country to American Constitutional law and begin rebuilding the American Dream.
Friday, June 29, 2012
the road to oligarchy
Today's Supreme Court decision marks the end of a constitutional United States of America and the end of personal freedom in this once great nation; the experiment is over.
oligarchy
Definition
| ol·i·gar·chies | Plural |
NOUN
1. small governing
group: a small group of people who together govern a
nation or control an organization, often for their own
purposes
2. entity ruled by
oligarchy: a nation governed or an organization
controlled by an oligarchy
3. government by small
group: government or control by a small group of
people
Friday, May 11, 2012
time for a change
Our country is a mess. A stagnated Congress, an anti-Constitutional President, a Presidential contender who doesn't see the characteristic horror inherent in his "hijinks and pranks " (I am disgusted by his flippant explanation and pitiful apology), and a U.S. Supreme Court Justice who admires the Constitution of South Africa more than the Constitution of the United States.
Comedienne Maria Bamford quipped, "My mom is very religious and she said, 'Whatever you think about all the time, that's what you worship.' If that's the case I'd like everyone to pop open their Diet Coke cans and turn to page 37 of their People Magazines. In this holy scripture, we read the parable of Ms. Valerie Bertinelli."
Exactly. The self indulgent distraction and willful ignorance of the American public brings our country to the brink of manic self destruction. What has happened to our country, our society, our culture, our "way of life"? I think the following excerpt from a Wiki on "The American Way" aptly illustrates the twists and bends that our jointly followed path of freedom has taken:
"The comic book superhero Superman fights for "truth, justice and the American way." In some modern comic books it has been changed to "truth, justice and hope" (after the events of the Infinite Crisis miniseries), and in the 2006 film Superman Returns the phrase was recited by the character Perry White as "truth, justice, all that stuff." The "Up, Up and Away" comic book story arc firmly re-established the slogan as "truth, justice and the American way." .In the Christopher Reeve movies, the phrase is used semi-ironically. In Superman the Movie, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) responds to the phrase by laughing and remarking "You're going to end up fighting every elected official in this country." (The film was conceived shortly after the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal). In Episode 1 of the 1948 Columbia Pictures serial Superman entitled "Superman Comes to Earth", Clark Kent's adoptive father John Kent tells Clark that he must use his powers to fight for "truth, tolerance and justice"."
The election of Barak Obama points to our collective dis-function; we elected a man to lead us to promised "change" without his once defining what that change would look like. As a distracted nation we collectively ran blindly off a cliff of "hope" and see now that Obama's idea of change is to change personal freedom for slavery to government.
There are two things I know.
Pray for the elected leaders of our nation, that they will learn, know and follow the will of our God.
This is the only hope left for our nation.
I have made a decision to vote, or to not vote, in the following manner:
I can see that this will leave me with few choices to make; I will trust God to make up the difference.
"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." ~ Revelation 22:12-13
Comedienne Maria Bamford quipped, "My mom is very religious and she said, 'Whatever you think about all the time, that's what you worship.' If that's the case I'd like everyone to pop open their Diet Coke cans and turn to page 37 of their People Magazines. In this holy scripture, we read the parable of Ms. Valerie Bertinelli."
Exactly. The self indulgent distraction and willful ignorance of the American public brings our country to the brink of manic self destruction. What has happened to our country, our society, our culture, our "way of life"? I think the following excerpt from a Wiki on "The American Way" aptly illustrates the twists and bends that our jointly followed path of freedom has taken:
"The comic book superhero Superman fights for "truth, justice and the American way." In some modern comic books it has been changed to "truth, justice and hope" (after the events of the Infinite Crisis miniseries), and in the 2006 film Superman Returns the phrase was recited by the character Perry White as "truth, justice, all that stuff." The "Up, Up and Away" comic book story arc firmly re-established the slogan as "truth, justice and the American way." .In the Christopher Reeve movies, the phrase is used semi-ironically. In Superman the Movie, Lois Lane (Margot Kidder) responds to the phrase by laughing and remarking "You're going to end up fighting every elected official in this country." (The film was conceived shortly after the Vietnam War and the Watergate Scandal). In Episode 1 of the 1948 Columbia Pictures serial Superman entitled "Superman Comes to Earth", Clark Kent's adoptive father John Kent tells Clark that he must use his powers to fight for "truth, tolerance and justice"."
The election of Barak Obama points to our collective dis-function; we elected a man to lead us to promised "change" without his once defining what that change would look like. As a distracted nation we collectively ran blindly off a cliff of "hope" and see now that Obama's idea of change is to change personal freedom for slavery to government.
There are two things I know.
- We cannot legislate morality, but that does not mean we shall be tolerant of, or indifferent to, those things we know to be wrong.
- God defines "wrong" and "right"; He is still in charge and will remain so past the end of human existence.
Stand for what is right and moral. Follow God.
Pray for the elected leaders of our nation, that they will learn, know and follow the will of our God.
This is the only hope left for our nation.
I have made a decision to vote, or to not vote, in the following manner:
- I will not cast a ballot for an incumbent politician in any office.
- I will not vote for any politician or party who advocates immoral or destructive behavior.
- If the above two choices are all that remain on the ballot, I will not vote for that office.
I can see that this will leave me with few choices to make; I will trust God to make up the difference.
"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end." ~ Revelation 22:12-13
Thursday, May 03, 2012
National Day of Prayer
Greg Laurie Comments on the National Day of Prayer
"and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB)
"and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land." ~ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NASB)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
war in the heavens and on earth
If it wasn't for spiritual warfare, we wouldn't have any war at all.
Keep this in mind, through all you troubles, real or imagined, and continue to thank our God who loves you and is mindful of all you endure.
Pray without ceasing and praise, praise, praise Him!
236 years is nothing to God and we have a hard road ahead, America.
Sin, slavery, supplication, salvation, silence. Repeat. The story of Israel. (Thanks Pastor Roger, for the lesson!)
"Jerusalem, once so crowded, lies deserted and lonely. This city that was known all over the world is now like a widow. This queen of the nations has been made a slave." ~ Lamentations 1:1 (CEV)
Stay mindful,
Steve
Keep this in mind, through all you troubles, real or imagined, and continue to thank our God who loves you and is mindful of all you endure.
Pray without ceasing and praise, praise, praise Him!
236 years is nothing to God and we have a hard road ahead, America.
Sin, slavery, supplication, salvation, silence. Repeat. The story of Israel. (Thanks Pastor Roger, for the lesson!)
"Jerusalem, once so crowded, lies deserted and lonely. This city that was known all over the world is now like a widow. This queen of the nations has been made a slave." ~ Lamentations 1:1 (CEV)
Stay mindful,
Steve
Friday, April 13, 2012
"545 People"
Charley Reese has been a journalist for 49 years. 
545 PEOPLE
By Charlie Reese
" Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..
If the Army &Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not ava ila ble to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!"
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
545 PEOPLE
By Charlie Reese
" Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.
Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?
Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?
You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.
You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.
You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.
You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.
You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.
One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.
I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.
I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.
Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.
What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.
The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.
It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.
If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.
If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..
If the Army &Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ
If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not ava ila ble to the people, it's because they want it that way.
There are no insoluble government problems.
Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.
Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.
They, and they alone, have the power.
They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.
Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.
We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!"
Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Tenth Amendment to The Constitution of the United States of America
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. ~ Ratified December 15, 1791
Sunday, January 29, 2012
politics making strange bedfellows
Its interesting, and sad, to watch several individuals making attempts to destroy each other, in the name of "party unity". As the GOP contenders for the throne of "King of The World" move forward, their virtues shed and malevolence unmasked against each other, I must shake my head in forlorn sadness that I will cast a ballot for one of these, come November, no other sane choice apparent.
Yes, Obama must go and America must have a chance to regain her footing, but I mourn for a more gracious time, if ever there was one, in America.
Aaaah, to have been a cowboy on the plains during the westward expansion, or a farmer, alone on the prairie with my family ...
Yes, Obama must go and America must have a chance to regain her footing, but I mourn for a more gracious time, if ever there was one, in America.
Aaaah, to have been a cowboy on the plains during the westward expansion, or a farmer, alone on the prairie with my family ...
Sunday, January 22, 2012
How do I vote thee? Let me count the ways ....
My wife reminded me of a different view toward casting that important decision in November 2012.
It's not about the candidate, its about what he represents; its about what his party represents. We must set aside our like or dislike of the final candidate for whichever party we most closely align ourselves to and vote in that direction.
Do you believe that a woman's right to convenience outweighs the right to an unborn child's life? Do you believe that our nation should be governed by a foreign collective, the UN, instead of by representatives duly elected by the people? Do you believe that homosexuals deserve special treatment; that, contrary to their own vocal demands for "equality", they should be a protected class, given preferential bias in all areas of American society and culture? Do you believe that no one should have to take personal responsibility for their actions and that, instead, the government will protect those who lack or fail to exercise common sense, from themselves and from society? Do you believe that the Federal Government has the intelligence, foresight and capacity to creatively make your life decisions for you? Do you believe that the Federal Government is better equipped to make parental decisions for your children? Do you believe that it is better to keep generations of citizens in poverty, continuing to feed, house, clothe, and minimally educate them so that the vast majority they will never rise above their current living condition. Do you believe that striving for success in America, for any reason other than increasing your ability to give your success away at the mandate of the Federal Government, is wrong?
If you believe all these things, then you should vote for the Democrat candidate, whomever he or she may be.
If, however, you disagree with these concepts, then your vote must logically be cast in another direction.
Do you believe that God created life and holds it to be a precious? Do you believe that the Constitution of The United States of America is, and should continue to be, the sole source of law in America? Do you understand and believe that homosexuals are already protected by exactly the same laws that protect heterosexuals and that they are not deserving of anything special or different solely because they choose to live differently? Do you believe that, according to all existing laws and God's design, that each of us has a free will and that we must be held accountable for the exercise of that will and that we must rightly suffer the just consequences, good and bad, of our decisions and choices? Do you understand that the Federal Government is made up of common men and women and that each of them suffers the same flaws and weaknesses that each and every other one of us do; that they are not "super wise and intelligent" people that we should blindly follow? Do you believe that the parent is best equipped to raise their own children in the manner of each family's personal views and beliefs and that the Government has no place in that decision making process, other than in the exercise of common law?
These beliefs best represent a vote for a Republican candidate, whomever that candidate may be.
Somewhere between these two views are the Libertarians and you might discover your vote properly belongs there.
In any case, please, don't throw away your vote, and your country, by voting for or against a face, a name, a suit, a hair style, an accent, a spouse or a skin color. Don 't diminish yourself by voting for an attitude. Vote for the party that best represents your views; and then pray that God will guide the individual who comes out in the lead.
BTW, exercise common sense; just because one party claims to be the ONLY party that represents a particular view, keep in mind that politics is primarily a popularity contest and telling you what you want to hear is the most employed tactic.
I remember being in McAllen, TX on the eve of the Clinton/Bush election and hearing Bill Clinton tell a crowd of 10,000+ on the airport tarmac that, if he was elected, he would guarantee a free college education to all their children. This was a ridiculous promise, but the crowd roared its approval, and I'm sure that Governor Clinton chuckled all the way back to his plane seat, certain that more than a few would vote for him just because of that one farcical bit of last minute grandstanding. Politicians have always known, and counted on, what P.T. Barnum reportedly said, "There's a sucker born every minute."; some parties count on them more than others.
Democrat Party Platforms
Libertarian Party Platforms
Republican Party Platforms
It's not about the candidate, its about what he represents; its about what his party represents. We must set aside our like or dislike of the final candidate for whichever party we most closely align ourselves to and vote in that direction.
Do you believe that a woman's right to convenience outweighs the right to an unborn child's life? Do you believe that our nation should be governed by a foreign collective, the UN, instead of by representatives duly elected by the people? Do you believe that homosexuals deserve special treatment; that, contrary to their own vocal demands for "equality", they should be a protected class, given preferential bias in all areas of American society and culture? Do you believe that no one should have to take personal responsibility for their actions and that, instead, the government will protect those who lack or fail to exercise common sense, from themselves and from society? Do you believe that the Federal Government has the intelligence, foresight and capacity to creatively make your life decisions for you? Do you believe that the Federal Government is better equipped to make parental decisions for your children? Do you believe that it is better to keep generations of citizens in poverty, continuing to feed, house, clothe, and minimally educate them so that the vast majority they will never rise above their current living condition. Do you believe that striving for success in America, for any reason other than increasing your ability to give your success away at the mandate of the Federal Government, is wrong?
If you believe all these things, then you should vote for the Democrat candidate, whomever he or she may be.
If, however, you disagree with these concepts, then your vote must logically be cast in another direction.
Do you believe that God created life and holds it to be a precious? Do you believe that the Constitution of The United States of America is, and should continue to be, the sole source of law in America? Do you understand and believe that homosexuals are already protected by exactly the same laws that protect heterosexuals and that they are not deserving of anything special or different solely because they choose to live differently? Do you believe that, according to all existing laws and God's design, that each of us has a free will and that we must be held accountable for the exercise of that will and that we must rightly suffer the just consequences, good and bad, of our decisions and choices? Do you understand that the Federal Government is made up of common men and women and that each of them suffers the same flaws and weaknesses that each and every other one of us do; that they are not "super wise and intelligent" people that we should blindly follow? Do you believe that the parent is best equipped to raise their own children in the manner of each family's personal views and beliefs and that the Government has no place in that decision making process, other than in the exercise of common law?
These beliefs best represent a vote for a Republican candidate, whomever that candidate may be.
Somewhere between these two views are the Libertarians and you might discover your vote properly belongs there.
In any case, please, don't throw away your vote, and your country, by voting for or against a face, a name, a suit, a hair style, an accent, a spouse or a skin color. Don 't diminish yourself by voting for an attitude. Vote for the party that best represents your views; and then pray that God will guide the individual who comes out in the lead.
BTW, exercise common sense; just because one party claims to be the ONLY party that represents a particular view, keep in mind that politics is primarily a popularity contest and telling you what you want to hear is the most employed tactic.
I remember being in McAllen, TX on the eve of the Clinton/Bush election and hearing Bill Clinton tell a crowd of 10,000+ on the airport tarmac that, if he was elected, he would guarantee a free college education to all their children. This was a ridiculous promise, but the crowd roared its approval, and I'm sure that Governor Clinton chuckled all the way back to his plane seat, certain that more than a few would vote for him just because of that one farcical bit of last minute grandstanding. Politicians have always known, and counted on, what P.T. Barnum reportedly said, "There's a sucker born every minute."; some parties count on them more than others.
Democrat Party Platforms
Libertarian Party Platforms
Republican Party Platforms
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
This young man, Troy Ard, absolutely gets it; what is important, what is right and what is wrong in our overly politicized America.
In The First Person
"As long as we have two parties who would rather stop each other than serve the national interest, there is no hope for our future. Until our politicians can climb from the mud and work for the hope of a better day yet to come, today will be as good as it gets. Until liberals, both classic and neoliberals, can put aside popularity for pragmatism, there is no political gain. Unless conservatives can realize that it is better to be honest and to admit that there is no option but shared sacrifice—the real kind, not Joe Biden’s kind—where all classes, races, and citizens must work as one nation to serve one singular purpose as one American people, then there are no conservatives–no federalists–at all."
In The First Person
"As long as we have two parties who would rather stop each other than serve the national interest, there is no hope for our future. Until our politicians can climb from the mud and work for the hope of a better day yet to come, today will be as good as it gets. Until liberals, both classic and neoliberals, can put aside popularity for pragmatism, there is no political gain. Unless conservatives can realize that it is better to be honest and to admit that there is no option but shared sacrifice—the real kind, not Joe Biden’s kind—where all classes, races, and citizens must work as one nation to serve one singular purpose as one American people, then there are no conservatives–no federalists–at all."
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