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

Freedom, Being And Doing

What is wrong? What is right? I think it is safe to assume that there are certain things we do not like done to us. We do not like to be robbed. We do not like to be lied to. We do not want to be tortured, threatened or verbally abused. Most of us do not like being hated. But where do the guidelines come from? Which ones are the best? And of course, we all love our freedom. And that has its' problems too. "Freedom is the right to be wrong, not the right to do wrong." John G. Diefenbaker (1895-1979) Prime Minister of Canada

Real Patriotism

Perhaps it is idealistic on my part, to think this way, but I do. I believe that people in government are public servants. I really do. When government officials truly mess up and do damage to the country, either they straighten up or they must leave. It actually does take place..............sometimes. "Why is patriotism thought to be blind loyalty to the government and the politicians who run it, rather than loyalty to the principles of liberty and support for the people? Real patriotism is a willingness to challenge the government when it’s wrong." Ron Paul 2012

Much Rain: The Result Of Prayer

It is Friday, February 28. It is the last day of this month. There has been a drought in San Diego County. But as I look out of my window, it is raining really, really hard. For the last 3 days, it has rained considerably. Is the drought over? Probably not. Nevertheless, God is answering prayer. "Mother earth" does not send rain. "She" does not exist. "Mother nature" does not exist either, therefore it is impossible for "her" to send rain. However, I must say that God is so good, (and powerful) that He sends rain to those who do not revere Him. "And He sends rain on the just and the unjust." (Matt. 5:45) Absolutely nothing is impossible for God. Nothing. In addition, I wish meteorologists would quit referring to "mother nature/earth" as if they were actual persons.