The Greatest Lawyer

I am not an expert on law. Far from it. In the quote below, a very famous man calls a lawyer a "peacemaker." How interesting. Perhaps the statement he made does not qualify him to be the greatest lawyer. I understand. Nevertheless, because of the quote below, I am calling Abraham Lincoln the greatest lawyer. Since I already consider him the greatest President, I might as well add the other title as well. I just get the impression that he wanted to help people. He certainly did that. "Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. Point out to them how the nominal winner is often a real loser - in fees, expenses, and waste of time. As a peacemaker the lawyer has a superior opportunity of being a good man. There will still be business enough." Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865) 16th US President Source: The Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln edited by Roy P. Basler, Volume II, "Notes for a Law Lecture" (July 1, 1850?), p. 81.

My Favorite Quote about Government

I learned it a long, long time ago. I memorized it the instant I saw it. It just clicked. I have never forgotten it. I have tried to find it online. I have had difficulty. It is nothing but common sense, therefore others may have quoted something similar. When I taught school, I lectured on it. I based lesson plans on it. It can be secular. It can be religious. In my view, it is powerful. Here it is: "Justice without power is inefficient. Power without justice is tyranny. Justice without power is opposed because there are always wicked men. Justice and power must therefore be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful and whatever is powerful may be just." Blaise Pascal

Transgenders In The Military?

The following comment is a letter I wrote in response to some comments written about an article entitled "Transgenders in the Military." I did not agree with the article, and my comments confirm it. "Absolutely! Some of the decisions in life have already been made for us. I am a firm believer in freedom. However, gender selection is not under our purview......at least not in a serious manner. Does it really make sense to make a decision of this magnitude based on "how somebody feels"? Why is this happening? Is this not absurd? Is this truly done in the name of "liberty and justice for all"? It appears that truth, reality and decorum are being replaced by a "debauchery allowed" mentality. This must not happen. In addition, is it necessary for the United States military to do what other countries do in their respective militaries? Is the military a universal culture? The answer is yes and no. It is necessary to consider the main goals of the military. Is it combat ready? Can it defend the nation against invaders? Is it ready to move where it needs to be? However, the next question is critical. Is the military in line with the eccentricities and unreasonable demands of political leaders? No doubt, this has probably haunted every general or admiral (who was a true warrior) for centuries."

A Polite Society?

I do not necessarily believe the quote below with a great deal of enthusiasm, nevertheless, I think it can be true at times. A weapon displayed? Concealed carry? I do not own a gun, and I do not intend to acquire one. However, I do not want weapons taken away from citizens who have a right to own them. I am not an advocate for children to own or carry guns. I do not support the idea that mentally ill people own or carry guns. Like I implied before, I am not a zealot for gun ownership. I am a proponent of the 2nd Amendment. Does gun ownership settle problems? No. But at times, I think it can prevent them. "An armed society is a polite society." Robert A. Heinlein (1907-1988) American writer