Cheapskates

It is difficult to have a normal life, connect with family, friends, business associates, neighbors and your Church or religious community and expect to never spend any money. "Give and it shall be given unto you."  I will never argue about money again.  If a person thinks that he will live a life that dictates money will not be spent at all except on himself, meaning his immediate needs for survival, then that person is a cheapskate, and should seriously consider separating himself from normal society and become a hermit.  I am not trying to sound cruel.  The fact of the matter is that many cheapskates are "semi hermits."  This is Unfortunate.  They are missing out.  Believe me, I am very familiar with tough times.  I know what it is like to be broke.  I also know what it is like to not want to spend money just because it hurts to spend it due to the fact that selfishness is a spirit that can overcome and overwhelm a person.  No way.  I refuse to be that way.  I will buy someone a present.  I will buy someone a dinner.  I will give someone a cash gift.  I refuse to be a cheapskate.  I am not wealthy, and  I  will not get wealthy by being a cheapskate.  I have a better chance of being blessed by being a blessing to someone else, than by being a cheapskate.  Again, "give and it shall be given unto you."  I quote that verse from Luke 6: 38 because it is the truth.  The Bible does not lie.  I do not hate cheapskates.  I do not hate anyone.  I'll buy lunch.  The tab is on me.  No problem.

Political And Civil Society: An Interesting Comparison

Although we may not all admit it, anyone who works and has a life beyond family and close friends .......has a political life.  Even among friends and those who may belong to a religious community have a need; up to an extent, to be political.  Friendships and social relationships are truly cherished.......mainly because they are not forced.  I know, at times it seems like they are.  But they are not brutal.

"There are, at bottom, basically two ways to order social affairs, Coercively, through the mechanisms of the state -- what we can call political society. And voluntarily, through the private interaction of individuals and associations -- what we can call civil society. ... In a civil society, you make the decision. In a political society, someone else does. ... Civil society is based on reason, eloquence, and persuasion, which is to say voluntarism. Political society, on the other hand, is based on force."

 Edward H. Crane       Founder and president of the Cato Institute

Free Speech And Extremism

Is an extremist reasonable?  No, but I suppose that there may be some exceptions somewhere.  Are political extremists dangerous?   That depends on what they are doing to support their cause.  Are political extremists tolerant?  Probably not.  Intolerance can be very dangerous because it is capable of being a freedom stealer.  Intolerance causes accusation.  Intolerance has been known to cause scandal.  It can cause the ruinaton of careers.  Is some extremism in support of a favorable cause?  Yes, but does a favorable cause demand the implementation of extremism?  Sometimes.  If an extremist can speak in favor of his cause and not damage those who oppose him; then his extremism is not dangerous.  Freedom of speech is one of the greatest rights of a free people.  It does not exist in most nations, and in this nation it is constantly being tested.

"The basis of the First Amendment is the hypothesis that speech can rebut speech, propaganda will answer propaganda, free debate of ideas will result in the wisest governmental policies."

Frederick M. Vinson  (1890-1953)  US Supreme Court Justice:  (Dennis v. United States, 1951)

"No danger flowing from speech can be deemed clear and present unless the incidence of the evil apprehended is so imminent that it may befall before there is an opportunity for full discussion.  Only an emergency can justify repression."

Justice Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941)  US Supreme Court Justice: (Whitney v. California, 1927)

 

The Constitution......Don't Forget Its Purpose

Maybe it really does sound excessively idealistic, nevertheless, the words of Abraham Lincoln ring true, that "government is of the people, by the people and for the people."  Yes, I know that there are dangerous people in society that need to be restrained.  I think everyone is aware of that.  But the Constitution of the United States is for the good of the people.  It was not designed as a tool for the government to control the people.  The Constitution is a freedom document.  Freedom is the key word.  It is a justice document.  By that, I mean that it should always be remembered that its authors were guided by the desire to achieve fairness for the people.  I think Patrick Henry said it well.
  
“The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government - lest it dominate our lives and interests"

Patrick Henry

Yes, It Takes Courage

What if it is necessary to criticize a "good man."?  Of course it is easy to point out the failings of a criminal.  Of course it is obviously easy to point out the shortcomings of those who have violated the law.  But what if that person that needs to be corrected is in a position of power?  What if he has done many people special favors?  What if he has "friends in high places" ?  What if he has provided many people with good jobs?  This is not a new problem.  It has existed since societies have existed.  William Lloyd Garrison was a journalist who spoke adamantly against slavery.  He made many enemies.  He was threatened. He did not seem to care.  He saw a greater good.

"Little boldness is needed to assail the opinions and practices of notoriously wicked men; but to rebuke great and good men for their conduct, and to impeach their discernment, is the highest effort of moral courage." 

 William Lloyd Garrison(1805-1879)  American abolitionist, journalist, and social reformer      

Egotism And Bob Filner

I do not know who originally stated it, but: "Egotism is the anesthetic that dulls the pain of stupidity."  Bob Filner has not been the Mayor of San Diego very long.  He has been charged with sexual harrassment by 3 women.  Perhaps there are more.  Bob Filner has some personal isssues he needs to deal with.  He needs to resign as the Mayor of San Diego.  If he truly cares for the City, he needs to not put the City through the embarrassment and financial burden of being recalled.  Bob Filner has had staff members resign from working with him because he is too difficult to work with.  They have called him "arrogant" and a "bully."  Filner is 70 years of age.  He is determined not to resign.  Why?  Now a rule has been made by the City of San Diego:  "He may no longer meet with a female staff member alone."  What does that tell you?  Does this issue approach mental health instability?  Or is it just "egomania in action"?

4 Quotes About The Jury System

I have been called for jury duty about 8 times in my life.  I have never been selected.  This is okay with me.  On several occasions I have told the courts that I am Chaplain of the San Dieg County Jail, and it may be that I know the defendant,  and that it may constitute a conflict of interest.  I think I would like to serve on a jury at least once for the experience.  If it never happens I am okay with it because I am a busy person.  I have a great deal of respect for the jury system.  To me, it demonstrates a certain purity of the court system.  It represents fairness and justice for the accused.  It represents to me that a system exists whereby those making the final decision have no real vested interest except that justice be served.  Many before me have felt the same way.  Some have gone so far as to say that one of the reasons that we have a great nation, is because of the jury system.  I realize it is not flawless........but it is fair.         BD

"Since it was first recognized in the Magna Carta, trial by jury has been a prized shield against oppression ...."       U.S. Supreme Court           Glasser v. United States, 315 U.S. 60, 84 (1942)

“We operate under a jury system in this country, and as much as we complain about it, we have to admit that we know of no better system, except possibly flipping a coin.” Dave Barry quotes (American Writer and Humorist best known for his weekly newspaper column. b.1947)

“I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system -- that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up.”
Harper Lee quotes (American writer b.1926)

“We have a criminal jury system which is superior to any in the world; and its efficiency is only marred by the difficulty of finding twelve men every day who don't know anything and can't read”
Mark Twain quotes (American Humorist, Writer and Lecturer. 1835-1910)

The Martin, Zimmerman Verdict

It may hurt.  It may not be the result that some, perhaps many, wanted.  But I want to make something real clear.  The jury knew/knows more facts about the case in Florida where a young man lost his life, than the general population knows.  Just before the verdict was rendered, I saw a newspaper article heading  that said just that.  It is probably the only article I saw that favored the jury.  Look.........the jury has spoken.  The system has spoken.  George Zimmerman was acquitted.  Leave it at that.  Mistakes were made that deadly night.  Courtesy was lacking.  Wisdom was lacking.  Humility was lacking.  Pride was in abundance.  Fear was in abundance.  Ignorance apparently controlled the situation.  The reason I respect the decision of the jury is because they definitely know more about what happened than anyone else.  And all of the violence in the streets of Oakland, Los angeles and other places cannot replace the facts.

I offer a powerful suggestion.  Pray.  Pray with faith.  Pray with fervency.  Pray for the family of Trayvon Martin.  Pray for the family of George Zimmerman.  Practice mercy.  "Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy."   (Matt. 5:7)  Do it God's way.   "There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."  (Prov. 14 :12)  Please...........do it God's way.  He is perfect.  We are not.

George Washington's Army

George Washington banned profanity in the Army that he commanded.  George Washington did not want to offend God because he was concerned that it could affect the cause of the American Revolution in a negative way.  He claimed he wanted "the blessings of heaven."  This is the way the "Father of the United States" thought.

Freedom

We are currently witnessing that freedom must not be taken for granted.  To keep it, to enjoy it, we must continue to be vigilant and continue to remember that it could soon be taken away in the name of "equality" and/or political correctness.  The highest authority any place any time and under any circumstances is always the Word of God.  True, there are laws.  There are governments that need to be respected.  The decisions of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are superior to those of King Nebuchadnezzar.  The decisions of Daniel are superior to the decisions of Darius.  What about the Apostles? 
"And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.  But Peter and John answered and said unto them,  Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge."  (Acts 4: 18,19)  I must also make it clear that God's people are not called to be troublemakers.  If we were, we would not be called "the light of the world" and "the salt of the earth."  Nor would a real believer be "equipped" with the "fruit of the Spirit," which is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  (Gal. 5: 22,23)  We must share the Word because that is where freedom truly dwells.  "Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."  (Ps. 119:105)  How can a man be free if he is living in the dark?

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."    Ronald Reagan

Abortion? She Has No Right!

If a woman is pregnant, she has no right to end the life of the baby she is carrying.  We are talking about 2 decisions, 2 lives, 2 futures.  Let it be known that not everyone in this country is calloused, extremely selfish and cold-blooded.  That pregnant women has no more right to end her child's life than she would if her child were in kindergarten.   End a child's life just because she does not want to take care of it?   No way.  What are we anyway?   I know, "times are changing."  No.  It is always wrong to kill infants.  Maybe new decades bring forth "new decadence."  Please do not be fooled.  "There is nothing new under the sun."

Life And Liberty

I am persuaded that it is nothing but common sense.  Life comes with a desire for liberty.  How else can it be?  The desire for liberty is the cause for tears with small children, when  their desires for certain liberties are not fulfilled.  Liberty is usually the cause of serious arguments between a teenager and his or her parents.  Liberty is desired.  Liberty is attractive.  Liberty is desirable.  Liberty is pleasurable, exciting and adventurous.  Even an infant desires liberty.  Even an infant is a chooser.  You cannot have one without the other, unless you are insane.........maybe not even then.  I think Thomas Jefferson said it best.

"The God who gave us life, gave us liberty at the same time: the hand of force may destroy, but cannot disjoin them."         Thomas Jefferson

4th Of July, 2013

As I reflect, I think about the beautiful time I had yesterday, with friends and family.  Barbecue, salads, cold drinks and great desserts, great company and a fun time.  Among many songs I heard, were "America The Beautiful," (Ray Charles)  "Stars and Stripes Forever,"  (US Marine Corps Marching Band) and "Proud To Be An American," (Lee Greenwood).  I felt good today.  I have several   reasons for feeling good.  Yesterday, I ran into an old friend who happens to be a Viet Nam veteran.  He was so happy to see me, he embraced me in the bank where he and his wife were doing business.  We had a great conversation.  Later on in the day, I went to minister at the South Bay Detention Facility, (San Diego County Jail) where I am the Chaplain.  God blessed me and those with whom I shared the Gospel.  In the early evening, I accompanied my wife Sandy and my cousin Corrine to help feed the homeless in Downtown San Diego.  It is a major undertaking, and it requires planning, preparation, volunteers and a great deal of patience.  My responsibility is to share the Word of God while they are in line for their food.  I preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I do not preach religion.  I do not preach about organizations, denominations, institutions or corporations.  I preach about Jesus.  I preach about His love toward us, hope for us, power for us, a new life for us and the great possibilities for a beautiful future here on earth and in glory later.  I do not tell lies.  Jesus Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.  He is God.  His name was not known until the great event in Bethlehem.  Jacob wrestled with the Angel of the Lord all night long.  Jacob asked Him for His name, He did not tell him.  The father of Samson (Manoah) asked Him what His name was, God told him it was a secret.  The beauty and the joy of all of this now is.......God's name is not a secret.  God's name is Jesus.  It is the highest name in heaven and earth.  I could go on and on, but I will finish my words for now.  A few last things..........freedom.  Nobody stopped me from preaching the Word.  Jesus is the "Word made flesh."  Do you think the name of Jesus is powerful?  "In my name you shall cast out demons."  I love Jesus.  He represents freedom to me.  Freedom is always in style......not just on the 4th of July.  Blessings to you!