December Is Different

I love the month of December.  It is my favorite.  What a month it is!  There is a different spirit, a different attitude.  People tend to be different (for the better) this month.  It does not matter to me if the King of kings was not born during this month.  Maybe He was, maybe He was not.  What really matters is not that we are in the process of  celebrating a day.  We truly are not, we are celebrating an event.  And what an event it was/is!  Praise the name of Jesus!

A Quote By Jacob Hornberger

"Contrary to everything our rulers tell us, and everything that our schoolteachers are teaching the children of this nation, the biggest threat to the lives and well-being of the American people lies not with some foreign government. The biggest threat to the American people today lies with the United States government. And while gun ownership stands as a barrier to potential, Nazi-like behavior, the long-term solution is to dismantle, not reform, the iron fist of the welfare state and the controlled economy. This includes the end (not the reform) of the IRS, the DEA, the BATF, the SEC, the FDA, HUD, the departments of HHS, Labor, Agriculture, and Energy, and every other agency that takes money from some and gives it to others or interferes with peaceful behavior. It entails the repeal of all laws that permit such conduct. And it means the privatization of most of the bureaucrats who work for the U.S. government."

Jacob G. Hornberger

A Quote By Alan Dershowitz

"Students throughout the totalitarian world risk life and limb for freedom of expression, many American college students are demanding that big brother restrict their freedom of speech on campus. This demand for enhanced censorship is not emanating only from the usual corner, the know-nothing fundamentalist right  it is coming from the radical, and increasingly not-so-radical left as well."
Alan Dershowitz    Harvard Law School

"Wise Men Talk"

 "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools, because they have to say something."
 Plato (429-347 BC)

Death Threats For Your Political Views?

So much for tolerance, courtesy and “may the best person win” attitude. Death threats for your political views? No. Politics are not that important. One of the definitions for democracy is “equality of rights.” Let ALL people have their political rights without death threats. I am aware that politics can be a haven for disoriented, but passionate people. However, let us be reminded, a death threat is serious business. I recommend that those offenders reserve their passions for the pursuit of freedom, justice and love. Not for murder.

What Is Life, Anyway?

What is life, you ask?  I know the answer to that question can be varied, and at times complicated.  Nevertheless,  I will be very brief with my answer:  "Life is what you make it."  I am not the author of that quote, but I have embraced it for approximately 50 years.  I do not think anyone claims to be the author of that quote.  I think the quote contains possibilities, encouragement and hope.

Yes.   "LIFE IS WHAT YOU MAKE IT."

I Am Now 75

I am not bragging about it.  Most people don't.  Four days ago, I turned 75 years of age.  Believe me.  I am very grateful to God to  have reached this point in my life.  What a blessing!  I belong to Jesus.  He belongs to me. 

When Your Heart Is At Peace

I will be brief.  As far as I am concerned, my words will reflect common sense and logic.  If you fill an empty glass with water, you will have a full glass of water.  What will you do with that glass of pure water?  Drink it?  Share it?  Water your plant(s) with it?  That glass of water can be of much benefit.  It can be of much benefit because you have access to it.  That is of key importance: access.  Let me now get symbolic.  What if you have peace in your heart?  What if your heart is not troubled? What if your heart is not angry?
What if your heart is not jealous or bitter?  What if your heart has a spirit of kindness in it?  Pour it out.  Let others benefit from it.  Will you lose it if you pour it out?  No.  Unlike the water in the glass; when you use it you don't lose it.  You get a refill.  And then you get another and another and another, and so on.  So.......how does one gain access to peace?  You follow it.  You find it.  You pour it out.  And then you do it again and again and again.  Be thirsty for it.  Drink up.  Pour it out.   Be thirsty again.  Drink up.  Pour it out. Being thirsty for it, drinking it, pouring it out; and following it.  What a beautiful trip it is!

The "Rock"- His Knockout Power

"You all know about his knockout power. But you may not know that Rex Layne had his teeth sheared off at the gums by a Marciano punch, or that Roland LaStarza’s arms were broken in his fight with the Rock. When was the last time that has happened with a modern fighter?"

Taken from Ringtalk July 31, 2014

The Political Labels Change

"If you have always believed that everyone should play by the same rules and be judged by the same standards, that would have gotten you labeled a radical 50 years ago, a liberal 25 years ago, and a racist today." 

Thomas Sowell (1930- )
Writer and economist

What an interesting point of view!     (RD)

The Great Mediator

                                         THE DISPUTE
Jesus mediator Question: "What does it mean that Jesus is our mediator?" Answer: A mediator is one who mediates, who acts as an intermediary or go-between, to work with opposing sides in order to bring about a settlement. A mediator attempts to influence a disagreement between two parties with the goal of resolving a dispute. There is only one Mediator between mankind and God and that is Jesus Christ. We’ll see below why God has a dispute with us, why Jesus is our mediator, and why we are doomed if we try to “go it alone.” God has a dispute with us because of sin. Sin is described in the Bible as transgression of the law of God (1 John 3:4) and rebellion against God (Deuteronomy 9:7; Joshua 1:18). God hates sin, and sin stands between all of us and Him. “There is no one righteous, not even one” (Romans 3:10). All human beings are sinners by virtue of sin we have inherited from Adam, as well as the sin we commit on a daily basis. The only just penalty for this sin is death (Romans 6:23), not just physical death but eternal death (Revelation 20:11–15). The rightful punishment for sin is an eternity in hell. Nothing we could do on our own would be sufficient to mediate between ourselves and God.
                                     
                                          THE SOLUTION                                   
No amount of good works or law-keeping makes us righteous enough to stand before a holy God (Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:20; Galatians 2:16). Without a mediator, we are destined to spend eternity in hell, for by ourselves salvation from our sin is impossible. But there is hope! “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus represents those who have placed their trust in Him before God’s throne of grace. He mediates for us, much as a defense attorney mediates for his client, telling the judge, “Your honor, my client is innocent of all charges against him.” That is true for us also, as some day we will face God, but as totally forgiven sinners because of Jesus’ death on our behalf. The “Defense Attorney” took the penalty for us! We see more comforting proof of this truth in Hebrews 9:15: “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance – now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” It is because of the great Mediator that we are able to stand before God clothed in the righteousness of Christ Himself because on the cross He exchanged our sin for His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). His mediation is the only means of salvation.

Deshaun Watson (Quote)

"People have their own decisions, we're all grown men and once the ball is ready to be kicked, we're ready to play." 
(Deshaun Watson)

Deshaun Watson is a rookie Quarterback for the Houston Texans of the NFL.  In the first 6 games of his professional career, he passed for 1597 yards and 18 touchdowns.  This is phenomenal.  Several days ago, he injured his knee in practice.  He is out for the season. This, of course, is sad.  But it happens in football.  It is a rough game.  Especially with the pros.  (RD)

Hello, November

Hello, November.  Your first day of this year should end in about five minutes.  I look forward to this month.  You are one of my favorites.  Good times.  Good friends.  Good celebrations. And yes, good football! Welcome to my life.  You are special.  You are November!

Jews: The First To Receive Moral Parameters

I have been to Israel.  I love that country.  "Unto them were committed the oracles of God."  (Rom. 3:2)  I am persuaded that Israel has a great responsibility to the world.  Yes, they are God's people.  However, supporting same-sex marriage is an abomination to the Almighty God.  Any Jew or non-Jew who knows the Word of God is aware of this.  Let us be clear: God has parameters.  In fact, He created them.  He created holy matrimony.  I repeat: matrimony is holy.  It is between a man and a woman.  That is just the way it is.  The matter is settled.  If there is an argument against God's plan, it is based on disobedience.  If you do not like His ways, talk to HIM about them.  He is willing to listen.  He is also willing to speak, and He does.

"Afraid Of Words And Thoughts" (A Churchill Quote)

I could not pass this one up.  RD

"You see these dictators on their pedestals, surrounded by the bayonets of their soldiers and the truncheons of their police.  Yet in their hearts there is unspoken, unspeakable, fear! They are afraid of words and thoughts!  Words spoken abroad, thoughts stirring at home, all the more powerful because they are forbidden. These  terrify them.  A little mouse, a little tiny mouse of thought  appears in the room!   And even the mightiest potentates are thrown into panic."          
Sir Winston Churchill

Religion Was Not Enough For Paddock

They tell me Stephen Paddock (of Las Vegas fame) had religion. Well.......religion is not enough. Knowledge of, belief in, love for, and adherence to the Word of God would not have made Paddock perfect. However, I am persuaded that the aforementioned would have prevented this atrocity. Religion is not enough. One must have the Word of God AND be guided by the principles thereof. Again........religion is not enough!

Eventually, Power produces Tyranny

"Experience hath shewn,that even under the best forms [of government] those entrusted with power have, in time,and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny."   Thomas Jefferson


Yes the possibility is there.  However, I must admit that I do not fully agree with Jefferson on this. And I consider Thomas Jefferson to be the greatest political mind of all time.   RD

Transgender Advocates In College

The problem with many of these transgender advocates who have vehemently spoken out at many of our colleges and universities throughout the country is their self-centered mentality.  They go insane if anyone dares to disagree with them.  They do not agree with the open forum, exchange of ideas and various points of view.  "My way or the highway" is literally their point of view.  This is dangerous because it is an attack on freedom.  Colleges and universities need to be bastions of freedom.  Am I supposed to go to college and agree with everything certain activist students say?  Do I go to college to get an education, or do I go to get an indoctrination?

Freedom Of Speech? It Cost Peter His Life

I truly believe that free speech is what has made America a great nation. Free speech is a very, very special concept/idea/persuasion/philosophy/power and right. Nothing compares to it. It is too special. Apostle Peter told a man who was lame from birth: "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth; rise up and walk." And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God." (Please check Chapters 3 and 4 of the book of Acts in the Bible) Yes, it was a miracle that took place. The rulers of the people and the elders of Israel clearly realized it. What did they do? They prohibited Peter and the other believers from "speaking at all or teaching in the name of Jesus." How did Peter respond? "But Peter and John answered and said to them whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but SPEAK the things which we have seen and heard." (caps mine) (Acts 4:19,20) Peter kept on preaching. He was imprisoned and eventually crucified. (head down on a cross) All for practicing freedom of speech. Also, if freedom of speech discontinues in the United States of America, this great country will soon become a Third World Country. I do not refer to declaring national secrets that threaten the security of the nation. Nor do I propose scandalous declarations that ruin reputations and/or threaten the health and safety of people. We are beyond that. Freedom of speech is paramount, and must continue to be so.

Some Pretty Good Advice

Be a thinker.  Be courageous.  Be a hard worker.  Do not be a cruel person.  Be fair.  Be good to people.  Strive for excellence.  Continue to grow.  Lack of growth can cause some serious problems.  Sounds good to me.  What do you think?

*Constitutional Cases (Quote)

"The public welfare demands that constitutional cases must be decided according to the terms of the Constitution itself, and not according to judges' views of fairness, reasonableness, or justice."

Justice Hugo L Black  (1886-1971)  US Supreme Court      (Justice Source:  Lecture, Columbia University)

England Is A Great Nation

England is a great nation. It has shown hospitality  London is a great city. It was attacked by a Syrian migrant. It needs revival. It needs the genuine power of God. It needs the Word of God.  It needs to embrace the promises of God. As I see it, the same war is going on in many places.  It is spiritual

warfare.  It is the job of the secular government to protect the citizens against those who use weapons to kill and maim. That is natural/human/national warfare. But it is not spiritual warfare.  It is the responsibility of Christian believers to practice their faith with power.  Why? Because the "weapons of our warfare are not carnal." (ll Cor. 10:4) Certain Muslim extremists practice their faith by the use of natural/physical warfare.  Blowing up buildings is not acceptable. Who benefits from that? Nobody.  Being hospitable?

Being kind? Sharing/obeying the Word? Yes to all 3. I am not proposing that England or any nation, become a theocracy. The US has survived so far as a democratic/republic. The freedoms of assembly, speech, the press, and religion have worked very well in this country.  One "freedom" that has NEVER

legitimately existed here is the freedom of BTWIDOD. Which translated, means: "Believe the way I do or die."

Parents: How About The Forgotten Curriculum?

The new school year has started. It is time for youngsters from the ages of 5 to 18 years to get going and continue to prepare themselves for the years to come. In accordance to their ages and grades in school, they will be learning academics.  You know: The "3 Rs.  "riting," "reading," "rithmetic."  (A couple of misspelled words there to make a point) How about the "4th R"?  The 4th R is simple yet very important. It gets to the core of human interaction.  It facilitates, or can complicate communication. It can make a social environment comfortable.  The lack of it can make it seem hostile.  Even when it truly is not.  It is quite simple and easy to practice, unless you do not like people and you tend to be intolerant of their differences.  My advice:  work on it. Get good at it. The practice of it pays dividends.  It is called respect.  If you have not learned it at school, make it a point to learn it anyway.  You won't be sorry.  "Give respect, get respect."

Welcome, September!

Welcome, September!  Heat waves, new clothes, new kids, new school year, new classes, football practice and so on.  Just reminiscing.  Those days are gone, but Septembers of the past invade my heart. Current Septembers are good too, just in a different way.  A better way.  A more peaceful way.

Feel Privileged

Don’t feel bad if people only remember you when they need you. Feel privileged that you are like a candle that comes to their mind when they’re in darkness.   Anon.

Speech by Netanyahu

This is a portion of a speech that Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel made several years ago.  In my opinion, he is the greatest speaker of modern times.  RD

Israel is uniquely poised to seize the promise of the 21st century. Israel is a world leader in science and technology, in cyber, software, water, agriculture, medicine, biotechnology and so many other fields that are being revolutionized by Israeli ingenuity and Israeli innovation. Israel is the innovation nation. Israeli know how is everywhere. It’s in your computers’ microprocessors and flash drives. It’s in your smartphones, when you send instant messages and navigate your cars. It’s on your farms, when you drip irrigate your crops and keep your grains and produce fresh. It’s in your universities, when you study Nobel Prize winning discoveries in chemistry and economics. It’s in your medicine cabinets, when you use drugs to treat Parkinson’s Disease and Multiple Sclerosis. It’s even on your plate, when you eat the delicious cherry tomato. That too was perfected in Israel, in case you didn’t know.We are so proud in Israel of the long strides our country has made in a short time. We’re so proud that our small country is making such a huge contribution to the entire world. Yet the dreams of our people, enshrined for eternity by the great prophets of the Bible, those dreams will be fully realized only when there is peace

NFL Player, Don't Disrespect The Flag

                       

                       I wrote the following letter to a news outlet.  Here it is.

If you do not want to obey your boss, find another job. Football is an American sport. The NFL is an American Corporation. The NFL makes a great deal of money. The players make a great deal of money. The fans enjoy watching Pro football. I was a Charger fan for 56 years. The USA is an imperfect country. But that does not mean I will disrespect its flag and National Anthem. If the disrespect to the flag continues, I will watch no more NFL football. It is the principle of the thing. I believe in freedom, and to those players I say: “You do your thing, I’ll do mine.” There is plenty of football to watch elsewhere. I plan to be at a high school football game every Friday night when the season starts.  I live 1 block away from a community college. I am also near to Pop Warner Football. I love football. I played it in high school. Later, I coached high school football. There is plenty to do on a Sunday afternoon.  If I must say goodbye to the NFL, so be it.  I do not necessarily need to be "glued to the tube."  If I choose to watch TV,  there are plenty of commercial free movies to watch.

Be A Winner

Don't feel that someone is taking advantage of you because you are a kind person.  Continue to be kind.  Don't worry about anything.  Have faith in God.  Be sure to forgive.  Do your best to forget that somebody did you wrong.  Do not dwell on the wrongdoing.  Do you have enemies?  Maybe. Maybe not.  If you do have them, love them. Pray for them.  You cannot go wrong when you do things God's way.  Will doing it God's way put you in trouble with men?  Maybe. Maybe not.  Either way, you win.  His ways are not second best. Be a winner.  Again, I say, be a winner.

Freedom, Tolerance And Democracy

Freedom, tolerance and democracy. There is a word missing. Through the Law and the Prophets of the Word of God, it was introduced in the land of Israel (the holy land) a long, long time ago. The word is "righteousness." Take heed. Before we can be an influence "for" something, it is necessary to be influenced "by" something. We are not righteous. However, the Word of God is. You are aware of what God says about sin. Homosexuality and lesbianism are abominations to God. Please........be influenced BY righteousness before you are an influence FOR freedom, tolerance and democracy.

Freedom Has Demands (Part 2)

There are many homeless people in San Diego County.  Most of them are situated in Downtown San Diego.  Some have drug and alcohol problems. For a variety of reasons, some are disenfranchised from their families. Some just do not have the discipline and/or skills to keep a job.  Some have mental and/or physical problems.  And then some are recently laid off or fired from their jobs and are newcomers to living in the streets and parks.  Some like being homeless because of the freedom. Some receive a pension or a Social Security check every month.  Many panhandle.  In any case, most relish their freedom.  Particularly when they receive a handout. Freedom has demands. Freedom has costs.  The costs are distributed.  Is freedom always comfortable? No, sometimes it is not.  At times it can be very lonely, and loneliness is one of the heavy prices one pays for freedom.

Freedom Has Demands (Part 1)

Freedom is not easy in society.  It has requirements.  It is difficult to be free if you depend on others. It is difficult to be free if one is lazy.  It is difficult to be free if one lives  in serious poverty.  It is difficult to be free if one is weak and ignorant.  I know there are those who do not agree with the aforementioned.  I also know that they might have a point.  I have heard some say : "The dumbest people are the most free people."   I agree that freedom has a price, and I think that the previous quote represents a high price to pay.  Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States was a quiet, and reserved person.  He addressed the issue in the following quote.

"We demand entire freedom of action and then expect the government in some miraculous way, to save us from the consequences of our own acts. Self-government means self-reliance."

The Screening At Ellis Island

Between 1892 and 1954, over 15 million immigrants were screened at Ellis Island.  All immigrants were required to submit to the standards of the early 20th Century.  They were all screened at Ellis Island where they had to produce 4 things:

1.  Good Health. Sickly immigrants were returned to their home country. (millions were returned)
2.  A sponsor. Most were sponsored by a church that shared their ethnicity.
3.  Evidence of a job.  Often provided by the church or relatives.
4.  An oath to respect American (and only American) law and to assimilate into the cultural fabric of this nation.

Abraham Lincoln Died For Freedom

I do not know the exact date that he said it, however, he said it.  Lincoln said it because he was no ordinary man.  He said it because he respected freedom.  He was willing to die for it.  And he did.
Below, is a quote that supports my statements.


"I have never had a feeling, politically, that did not spring from the Declaration of Independence. That all should have an equal chance.  This is the sentiment embodied in the Declaration of Independence.  I would rather be assassinated on this spot than surrender it."
Abraham Lincoln   (1809-1865)   16th US President

A Quote By Louis Brandeis

"Liberty is the secret of happiness, and courage is the secret of liberty."  (Brandeis)

Pray For Your President

When Barack Obama was President, I often reminded my conservative friends, readers, and listeners that scripture commands we pray for our leaders. Many of them would reply that they had prayed Obama resign, die, lose re-election, not cause lasting harm, or otherwise prayed every which way they could pray about him without actually praying for him. Having mentioned on social media last week that people complaining about President Trump should pray for him, some demanded to know if I had ever done the same for Barack Obama. Yes and repeatedly over the course of eight years. Others, however, did exactly as some had done to Barack Obama. They prayed all sorts of things about the President, but did not pray for the President.If you are a Christian, scripture commands you to pray for the President. You should pray for his protection, his well being, that God grants him wisdom, that he is a faithful instrument of God’s will, that he glorifies God in all he does, etc. You are to pray God’s blessings on the President and ask God to be with the President. Yes, you can pray that God turn the President’s heart, but pray for him too. Scripture commands it. Put bluntly, if you cannot bring yourself to pray positively for the President, you are no better than your view of the President. Pray for his safety, his leadership, his    wisdom, his family, and that he is surrounded with capable people. Again, this is what scripture says to do. There is no reason to obfuscate it or try to weasel your way out of it.  Pray for the President and pray sincerely.

 

 

Pray For The USA

I suppose there is a reason why I look at it this way.  To me, July is a month when I truly reflect upon my love for this country.  The United States of America is a great country.  It is a great country in spite of the fact that some of the it's political and business leaders are not impeccable. Well, what can I say?  Do we expect perfection from people?  We can do our part to keep some of them in line, but most of us do not have that kind of time.  But we can pray.  When it comes to the topic of prayer, volumes could probably be written.  My point in this short message is this: Pray for this country.  As I have already mentioned, patriotism rings clear for me during July.  As you probably have already surmised, it is because it is the month when Independence Day is celebrated.  Perhaps that is the reason.  However, I am patriotic 12 months a year.  We live in a great country.  Prayer has a great deal to do with it.  "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord."  Of course this nation is blessed.  And, of course we need to keep on praying for it.

Freedom? Be Vigilant (Part II)

  Please know that my short discourse discusses three aspects of government.  Government taking from some, government providing for some, and government restricting certain conduct due to the concern for the safety of people.  The first two work together.  Government takes from those who have in order to provide for those who do not have. Does that not sound reasonable? Who can argue with government wanting to protect you?  When government makes decisions that are designed to protect the populace, there is no doubt that in most cases freedom/freedoms is/are restricted.  It is a trade off.  Please realize that I understand that the protection of life and limb is of paramount importance.  Must we also be protected from certain "ideas" as well? Yes, if you are dealing with the very young. Yes, if you are dealing with the very vulnerable.  All of these government involvements affect freedom. Does it mean that we do not live in a free country?  No, it just means that when it comes to freedom, we need to be vigilant.  Are the Bill of Rights safe and sound?  No, because tyranny is like an uninvited person who keeps knocking on the door of the house where the "freedom celebration" is taking place.  Freedom?  Be vigilant.

Freedom? Be Vigilant (Part I)

Be alert.  Be watchful.  Do not lose your freedom.  I know, those words sound kind of strange. Particularly if you have been born and bred in the United States of America.  However,  I think it is a good idea to sometimes think about the function of government.  I will be the first one to say that it is a necessity.  However, I will also be the first to say that I do not want government bothering me, or mistreating anyone.  I might add that you probably will not find too many people who are more patriotic than myself. I love this imperfect country.  It is my home.  I also love freedom.  They have in a very real sense, become synonymous, that is......America and freedom.  Nevertheless, I can envision the possibility of this country or any so-called free country, to become a tyrannical state.  It could happen through something I would define as "societal evolution toward tyranny."  I will henceforth refer to the aforementioned as SETT.  SETT can be a creeper, crawler, walker, runner or even swifter than the four previous ways.  When government makes excessive rules (which are generally designed for our betterment, protection, or even our "survival") it is possible that they can become tedious, a nuisance and/or expensive. When government offers excessive gifts, grants, rewards, and other financial offerings, we must not forget that those financial resources come from working people. When government offers  financial rewards, I think it is a good thing. But I am persuaded that it needs to be a "reward" for something positively accomplished.

The 7th Judge Wins.......Eventually

It is impossible for a male human (or human male) to give birth.  But it is not impossible for a confused woman, who has chosen to portray herself as a man, to get pregnant. She says she is a man, but she is not. She is participating in a masquerade.  She needs to "come out" as a woman.  That is what she is. What about freedom to live your life as you choose?  Yes, what about it?  I declare to you that this is a fight between freedom and truth.  At this point it is a draw.  The 6 judges are still negotiating.  Their names are Nonsense, Disrespect, Foolishness, Confusion, Selfishness and Deception.  The 6 judges are being called to come to a decision.  They are having a hard time. Therefore, without being called, a 7th judge needs to mediate.  His name is Righteous.  He has an attractive secretary.  Her name is Public Opinion.  She depends on him but he does not depend on her because he does not care for one of her friends who  really likes her.  He courts her.  His name is Media. Righteous knows that Media has tremendous potential. But Media abuses it, because he is weak.  He hangs out with the 6 judges excessively. They influence him too much, and sometimes they even get drunk together. The 7th judge is sober.  He is always sober.  He is always Righteous. In a very righteous way, Righteous loves his secretary because she is the public and not because she has an opinion.  Righteous continues to observe the fight between Freedom and Truth.  It is the 15th round of this fight.  Truth is on the ropes, he is being battered by Freedom.  Truth refuses to hit the canvas.  How many rounds is this fight, anyway?.....................  That is not known.

A Quote By Michael Badnarik

"How bad do things have to get before you do something? Do they have to take away all your property? Do they have to license every activity that you want to engage in? Do they have to start throwing you on cattle cars before you say “now wait a minute, I don’t think this is a good idea.” How long is it going to be before you finally resist and say “No, I will not comply. Period!” Ask yourself now because sooner or later you are going to come to that line, and when they cross it, you’re going to say well now cross this line; ok now cross that line; ok now cross this line. Pretty soon you’re in a corner. Sooner or later you’ve got to stand your ground whether anybody else does or not. That is what liberty is all about."

Michael Badnarik(1954- ) American software engineer, political figure, and former radio talk show host

Adopt That Country, Love It

Adopt that country. It is now  your country. Become patriotic. Why? Because safety, non-starvation, peace and respect are connected. But they are also connected to a place. That place is the nation of refuge. And that nation deserves your respect/patriotism. You reap the benefits of what attracted you to that country on the condition that you do what you are able to do to maintain the conditions that allow those benefits to continue.  And when we come to live in a country, we embrace that country. When I speak of benefits, I refer mainly to the benefits of survival, freedom, opportunity for employment, education, movement and safety. All of the aforementioned have their conditions, limitations and responsibilities. All under the umbrella of respect for the laws of the land. If the laws are not obeyed, disorder follows. Extreme disorder is followed by anarchy. England is a great nation. If it is not watchful, it can be destroyed by a political movement that disguises itself as a religion.   RD

Be A Winner

Don't feel that someone is taking advantage of you because you are a kind person.  Continue to be kind.  Be wise.  Don't worry about anything. Have faith in God.  Be sure to forgive.  Do your best to forget that somebody did you wrong.  Do not dwell on the wrongdoing.  Do you have enemies? Maybe.  Maybe not.  If you do have them, love them. Pray for them.  You cannot go wrong when you do things God's way.  Will doing it God's way put you in trouble with men?  Maybe.  Maybe not. Either way, you win.  His ways are not second best.  Be a winner.  With God with you and in you, you can only win.  And please, don't forget to pray for your friends, family and everyone else you know.  Pray for all people.  Also.........don't forget to pray for yourself.

You have to lose to win sometimes.  No matter.........you are still a winner.

"Prosperity Requires Liberty"

"Prosperity requires liberty: to be productive we must be free."

Jarret B. Wollstein

The Care Of Human Life

"The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government."              
Thomas Jefferson       (1743-1826)

Vladimir Putin On Muslims, Part II

"In Russia, live like Russians. Any minority, from anywhere, if it wants to live in Russia, to work and eat in Russia, it should speak Russian, and should respect the Russian laws. If they prefer Sharia Law, and live the life of Muslim's then we advise them to go to those places where that's the state law.
Russia does not need Muslim minorities. Minorities need Russia, and we will not grant them special privileges, or try to change our laws to fit their desires, no matter how loud they yell 'discrimination'. We will not tolerate disrespect of our Russian culture. We better learn from the suicides of America, England, Holland and France if we are to survive as a nation. The Muslims are taking over those countries and they will not take over Russia. The Russian customs and traditions are not compatible with the lack of culture or the primitive ways of Sharia Law and Muslims. When this honorable legislative body thinks of creating new laws, it should have in mind the Russian national interest first, observing that the Muslim minorities are not Russians. If you keep this to yourself, you are part of the problem!  Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be."

The politicians in the Duma gave Putin a five minute standing ovation.

Vladimir Putin On Muslims, Part I

Vladimir Putin on Muslims:

Vladimir Putin's speech - SHORTEST SPEECH EVER.
On August 04, 2013, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, addressed the Duma, (Russian Parliament), and gave a speech about the tensions with minorities in Russia:

You Go Get You One!

Yes indeed! "You go get you one!" They are out there. You need to try and not cry. You need to shine and not whine. You need to achieve and not grieve. You need to explore and not bore. Try some good talk, and not just mock. Quit grudging, it leads you to judging. and vice versa.  Don't be jealous, be zealous.  Come on dude, don't just sit there and brood. Man, "you go get you one!"    RD

Labor Is A Good Thing

Labor is a good thing.

"Labor disgraces no man; unfortunately, you occasionally find men who disgrace labor."
 Ulysses S. Grant(1822-1885)  18th US President

"The tendency of taxation is to create a class of persons who do not labor, to take from those who do labor the produce of that labor, and to give it to those who do not labor."        William Cobbett   (1763-1835) English pamphleteer, farmer, journalist

"Socialism proposes no adequate substitute for the motive of enlightened selfishness that today is at the basis of all human labor and effort, enterprise and new activity."       William Howard Taft   (1857-1930)  27th US President

The right to keep and bear arms

"When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."   Thomas Jefferson

No Offspring, Posterity, The Future

I realize that some men and women are physically unable to produce children.  But I do not refer to that in this writing.  I refer to sexual relationships that make it impossible to produce offspring.  Yes, homosexual and lesbian relationships can produce no offspring. Do they want any posterity? Maybe. Maybe not. Perhaps, it is very important to them for the offspring of the "breeders" to be converted to their way of thinking and doing. Also, some gays and lesbians do not want children to be a part of their world. That, in itself is not necessarily a terrible thing. However: sometimes it paints an unhappy future, when people change as they get older. So.....what kind of future is that? Just a future of selfishness, decay, sickness, bleakness, depression, anger, loneliness, and blaming others. There is a better way to live. There are better choices to make.

"Your Silence" (Plato)

"Your silence gives consent."          Plato (429-347 BC)

Freedom And Bureaucrats

I have talked about this before, but I continue with the theme because I feel so strongly about it. I believe that freedom (or liberty) is the greatest gift a government/nation/society or culture can give to it's people. I believe government has the capacity to diminish creativity, productivity and prosperity. Government has the capacity of getting so immense that it has too many employees with not much to do. They then start their job as a hard-core bureaucrat Their leaders may then try to find them "something to do." That "something to do" may involve the need for the citizen to go to an interview, or a meeting, get a permit, pay some fees, wait for an environmental impact report, get some signatures, talk to another "representative" of the department, and the list goes on. All of this can impact productivity. Our society is not set up this way. Our society is set up to enable freedom to take it's course.

A Tolerance For Disagreement

"Free enterprise capitalism exists only when people in the private sector are free to pursue their own interests without direction from government. When politicians start passing laws to tell them what to do, or bureaucrats start issuing edicts to tell them what to do, it is no longer capitalism; it's fascism."
(Rick Gaber, American writer)

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Judge Jeanine Pirro Rebukes Hillary

"We’ve had it with you Clintons claiming victimhood,” Pirro went on to suggest that Clinton should put an end to blaming “boogey-men” – such as Comey, Russian President Vladimir Putin and others – especially since she already took responsibility for losing to Trump.  Not holding back, the legal expert critiqued Clinton’s failed campaign strategy.  “You are a two-time loser who lost because you were a lousy candidate,” Pirro maintained on Fox’s Justice. “You didn’t have a message, you lied every time you opened your mouth and you didn’t know what states to campaign in [and] you put our national security at risk."  She went on to suggest that Clinton put an end to her career in politics and noted that Clinton was extremely “lucky” that Comey recommended against prosecuting the former secretary of state for her email scandal “You are a loser, Hillary,”  Pirro concluded. “Face it, and get back in the woods.”

                                                                                                                                                                                        

No Bible Reading In Class?

A student was denied the opportunity to read his bible in class before his college class started.  Hey, what happened to freedom?  Class had not yet started.  Guess what?  He can read anything he wants, this is America.  It is not Nazi Germany.  Perhaps the prof thought that by the student reading his Bible, he would automatically be proselytizing. Wrong again.  He may read what he wants.  This is America.

My Response to Female Mutilation

Circumcision has a glorious history because it represents a covenant between the almighty God and the patriarch Abraham. I do not refer to the stated procedure as “male circumcision,” considering it is physically impossible to circumcise a female. Where does the moral authority to mutilate a female child’s genitals come from? Certainly not from God. The Bible teaches that the human body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Female genital mutilation is an atrocity. It is criminal. Where is the line drawn between a so called religious teaching/conduct and criminal conduct? I am a firm believer in freedom of religion. What comes next? Chopping off someone’s hand, for stealing? Removal of an eye? Do not children and adults need to be protected?  This is why government exists.

A Tragic Murder of 2 Teenagers

                   
                    Recently,  I read an article in GOP USA.
                    It was about gangs in New York state.
                    They wrote about the murder of two teens.                        
                    I wrote them this letter.                                    

Are these gangsters immigrants or children of immigrants? No problem.  Unless they have religion, and only religion. Maybe they have religion.  Religion cannot help.   Religion is no substitute for the Word of God.  The Word of God is a must. It is superior to lighting candles. It is power. Power is what these young men want. They are just looking for it inappropriately. “For the Word of God is alive and powerful, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  (Heb. 4:12)   Prison is a good place to receive the Word. Hopefully, the guilty will take full advantage of this beautiful opportunity. America is a great nation. The Word of God has been preached here. “It is impossible to govern a nation without the Bible.” (George Washington)  This beautiful nation has never had an atheist President.  No President is perfect.  Jesus is perfect.  He is "the Word of God made flesh."  The Word of God is eternal.  Remember: The Word, the Word, the Word.  It is "forever settled in heaven."
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."  (Jesus,   Matt. 24:35)

UC Berkeley: Let Freedom Ring

UC Berkeley: You are known for being a haven for free speech. However, apparently, free speech is only applicable for those who are left wing.  Do you realize that  your decision to cancel Ann Coulter's visit is an act of tyranny and anti-freedom.  You need to stop doing this.  Did you do it to avoid a riot?  Get better security then.  Is conservative speech too dangerous?  If your answer is yes, my next question is: What has happened to freedom of speech on your campus?  UC Berkeley: Let freedom ring.  Freedom is too precious.  The cost to acquire it has been high.  It is immature, unlawful and ridiculous to be intimidated by law breakers and destroyers of property who are doing such things just because they do not agree with a speaker's words.  Stop the "freedom stoppers." Arrest them. Let people speak.  Let freedom ring.

"I do not agree with a word you say, but I will defend to the death, your right to say it."
(Voltaire)   (Evelyn Hall)

"Freedom Is Oxygen"

"Freedom is the oxygen without which science cannot breathe."
 David Sarnoff

Christianity Is The Companion Of Liberty (Alexis de Tocqueville)

"Christianity is the companion of liberty in all its conflicts-the cradle of its infancy, and the divine source of its claims."     (Alexis de Tocqueville)

One Learns More By Listening

Teaching children to be kind and courteous is a must in the lower grades. But to expect everyone to agree with you is unrealistic. It is not the nature of the open forum. However, to deny people the opportunity to express their opinions is contrary to the practice of freedom. No college or university of this great country should ever deny people the opportunity to express their opinions.  However, I also believe that one learns more by listening than by speaking.   RD

Israel Deserves To Exist

It is a terrible shame that the enemies of Israel are blinded by hatred and jealousy. There is absolutely no reason to feel that way. If the enemies of Israel could give us just one reason why Israel does not deserve to exist. But I mean something rational. Something beyond hatred and jealousy, I would listen. But, they are unable to do so.

Supporters Of Communism

Supporters of communism are usually intelligent people who do not like to work.  They are resentful of those who are creative and industrious.  They are resentful of those who have leadership and business skills.  Many of the supporters of communism see themselves as leaders but they lead nobody because their main skill is to point out the weaknesses of  certain political/economic systems. Therefore they really do not know how to lead.  They tend to see themselves as leaders because they do a great deal of thinking and philosophizing. Many do not realize that they are dreamers more than they are doers. Supporters of communism are jealous people.  They are jealous of successful people.   Supporters of communism do not have people skills.  They are not kind people.  They expect government to be "kind" for them.  As a matter of fact, they expect government to do many things for them.  And really, that is just not the American way.

30th Place Padres?

Well, it looks like Sports Illustrated did not pull any punches last week. The magazine selected the San Diego Padres to be the worst team in MLB.  Out of 162 games to be played, SI predicts that the
Pads will win 60 games.  This is 30th place, in both the American and National Leagues. This is dead last in the Major Leagues.  Not cool.  We will just need to wait and see.  Padres just might surprise everybody.

Human Barbarity In Action

Killing developing human beings will never become a noble act. Proponents of abortion need to realize that those developing human beings (as we all were at one time) all wanted to live. Did they not continue to eat while they still could? Did they not resist dying? They lost because of human barbarity in action. No movie star or anyone else will convince me otherwise.

America: A Blessed Nation

Christians do not have a message that is harmful to society. How many Presidents of the US have we had that have detested the Word of God? Have they not been sworn in by placing their right hand on the Bible? The United States of America is a blessed nation. If that were not so, millions would not have come here seeking freedom and fortune. This country has been blessed because the Gospel has been allowed to flourish here. Freedom of religion. What a righteous beginning.
“It is impossible to rule a nation without the Word of God.” (George Washington)
And he was not talking about the Koran. This country was not founded by Muslims. But this beautiful country has allowed all religions to exist because it is written in the Constitution. Look around, lose the Word of God, lose the blessing. No Word of God, 3rd World conditions here we come.

"Liberty And Justice For All

"Justice for all" says it all. "Liberty and justice for all" says it all. The two previous statements are a reality and may be practiced somewhere. But I am of the persuasion that they may be practiced only in a nation that is predominantly Christian. The Word of God preaches Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Word, He is the Word made flesh. "And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." Pure and simple, freedom is produced by the Word of God. It is the truth. "Justice" is another word for righteousness. "There is none righteous, no not one." But the Word of God is righteous. Therefore, it is quite simple, liberty and justice for all is possible, but only where the Word of God is allowed to flourish. The enemies of the Word have only one recourse: weapons and violence. This is why it is so important for the secular government to defend all religions and favor none. However, it is obvious that some religions do not preach the truth. They must not be allowed to fight the truth with weapons and violence. Proponents of the truth know how to pray. They pray with power. The truth wins. Jesus is "the way, the truth, and the life." Jesus wins. How? Any way He wants. He is God.

Tombstone Vandals

Tombstone vandals.....get a life.  Enjoy yourselves.  Find something positive to do.  Take some night classes at your local Community College. Study the Bible.  Learn to love people.  Meet some new friends. Be an interesting person.  Do well on your job.  Do some volunteering. Join a spa.  Get buff.  Don't get any new tattoos.  Learn to communicate. If you are lonesome, don't look for a girlfriend.  Ask God to send you one.  He only sends the best.  Be patient.  Be kind.  Make this world a better place to live in.

Liberty And Security

Liberty is more important than security. Yes, of course there are exceptions.  But in the main, we, particularly in America, do not want to lose our freedoms. They are precious to us.  If the United States of America were not a great country, then millions of immigrants would not have left their country of origin to arrive here.  Freedom has made this country great.  Multitudes have prospered here.  Yes, it takes work and sacrifice.  Many have been willing to pay the price.  The nation has benefited as a result.  Safety? Security?  Well, thanks to freedom, there is enough wealth here to pay for both.

Rat Race (Lily Tomlin)

"The trouble with the rat race is that even if you win, you are still a rat."
(Lily Tomlin)

Who Burned The Trees In Israel?

They could not burn their own trees because they had none to burn. They could not eat the fruit, therefore they destroyed it.

"Jealousy is the rage of a man."  (Prov. 6:34)

Look, enemy of Israel, do you want to harm Israel?  Do you want to drop bombs, kill innocent civilians, including children?  Do you want to destroy buildings in an attempt to do away with  the only democracy in the Middle East?  Quit wasting your time.  Quit doing this evil.  Quit this nonsense and let Israel be.  Accept that Israel is greater than you. Know that greatness is in your future.  But not when you proceed this way. Why should you not succeed in your endeavors? Bitterness, hatred and jealousy must not fuel your efforts.  Learn about moral parameters  Be guided by them. Be guided by love.  Love is superior to bitterness, hatred and jealousy.  Incidentally, the trees that were destroyed are being replaced by Israelis.  New ones are already planted.  This is how the people of Israel work.  They bounce back.  They forgive.  They move on.  They succeed.  Some of their enemies just cannot take it.  They are insanely jealous.  

"Jealousy is as cruel as the grave."   (Song of Solomon 8:6)

Tom Brady, The Greatest NFL QB

I am not discussing statistics.  I am not discussing personal  broken records,  divisional championships, playoff wins, passing yardage, coaching decisions  and touchdowns.  I focus on one aspect.  All of the aforementioned  are connected to that one aspect.  One aspect, one question:  "Mr. Quarterback, how many Super Bowl rings do you have"? He said: "I have 5."  I said:  "You are the greatest NFL quarterback that has ever lived."

The Super Bowl may not always be the most exciting game of the year. However, within the stadium where it is being hosted, compete, for the given season, the two greatest professional football teams on the planet. And the two teams did not arrive there, by accident. They have proven to be the greatest in their respective conferences.  Therefore it is necessary to compete in order to determine who is the greatest team in the NFL and in the World.

Tom Brady has started in 7 Super Bowls for the New England Patriots. He participated in 5 triumphs, therefore, he has 5 Super Bowl rings.  No other quarterback on this planet has 5 Super Bowl rings.  It is for this reason I consider Tom Brady the greatest quarterback who ever played in the NFL. I know there is much to football, but in this discourse I will not discuss the "nuts and bolts" of competitive football.  (particularly the "bolts")  I only mention wins.  I only mention greatness.

Accept The Responsibility, Move on

So you did something wrong.  So what?  Who hasn't?  Accept the responsibility.  Move on.  Move forward.  Maybe you do not need to publish it all over the place.  But accept the responsibility.  So you   messed up.  So you disappointed some people, including yourself.   Move on.  If time does not stand still, why should you.  Don't go back there.  If you go back, time is not on your side.  Time heals.  Time refreshes, renews and instructs.  It is your refreshing, your renewing,  your instruction and lesson.  Use it for your benefit.  So you lost.  Therefore, you gained.  As the saying goes: "When you lose, don't lose the lesson."

A Departure From Moral Absolutes

Sometimes our feelings just need to take a hike.  They need to be ignored because they are not in our best interests.  Particularly, if we allow them to pursue and ignite a particular action or actions that can bring us a great deal of grief.  Simply stated, if our feelings involve a violation (s) of moral absolutes, then, do not put those feelings into action.  Let me state just one example; if a man "feels" like a female, desires to dress like one, and just be one, he need not follow through with those feelings.  He can pursue the moral absolutes that for millennia guided us away from the most base conduct.  Moral absolutes/parameters are for everyone.  They help produce peaceful and civilized societies.  Many, many, many things can be achieved.  But their likelihood is greatly diminished because of a departure from moral absolutes.  And to make matters worse, even some of the laws of the land have departed from moral absolutes.  Please realize, that it is not necessary to live under a theocratic form of government for our laws to be guided by moral absolutes.

First Broken Bone

On January 2, 2017, right around noon, I was standing on a ladder attempting to clean some gutters surrounding the roof of my house.  The ladder tipped over, I fell, landed on my left hand, and broke my left wrist.  I am 74 years of age.  I actually thought I could go through life without ever breaking a bone.  Well, as the saying goes: "There is always a first time for everything."  I am inconvenienced, but I am grateful to God.  It could have been a whole lot worse.  Happy New Year!