"Leave Me Alone," He Said

A man was recently arrested for some serious crimes.  He is an ex-convict who had served many years in prison for sexual crimes against children.  During questioning he declared:  "Leave me alone, I know I have a problem."  "Leave me alone?"  What an interesting comment/request .  Yes, he does have a problem.  His "problem"  involves giving other people (young and old) many, many problems.  Serious ones.  This man can say good-bye to his freedom for a long, long time.  Yes, I would say he has a problem. 

Two Quotes About Laws

"Positive laws are tyrannical. One's individual rights -- whether they be life, liberty, or property -- must be sacrificed by the state in order to fulfill the positive rights of another. For example, if housing is considered a "right," then the state will have to confiscate wealth (property) from those who have provided shelter for themselves in order to house those who have not.... True justice is realized when our lives, and property are secure, and we are free to express our thoughts without fear of retribution. Just laws are negative in nature; they exist to thwart the violation of our natural rights. Government ought to be the collective organization -- that is, the extension -- of the individual's right of self-defense, and its purpose to protect our lives, liberties, and property."  Mark Da Vee 


"The people must fight for their laws as for their walls."      Heraclitus (c.540-480 BC) Greek philosopher

"When The Swords Flash"

"When the swords flash let no idea of love, piety,  or even the face of your fathers move you."

 Gaius Julius Caesar       (100-44 B.C.) Dictator of the Roman Republic

7 Questions Preachers Should Ask

1. Am I worried about what people think of my message or what God thinks? (Teach with fear.) 2. Do I genuinely love these people? (Teach with love.) 3. Am I accurately presenting this passage? (Teach with accuracy.) 4. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit's power or my own cleverness? (Teach with power.) 5. Have I applied this message to my own life? (Teach with integrity.) 6. Will this message draw attention to me or to God? (Teach with humility.) 7. Do the people really need this message? (Teach with urgency.)

If You Want Less Crime

"Every crime is born of necessity.  If you want less crime, you must change the conditions.  Poverty makes 
crime.  Want, rags, crusts, misfortune - all these awake the wild beast in man, and finally he takes, and takes 
contrary to law, and becomes a criminal.  And what do you do with him?  You punish him.  Why not punish a man 
for having consumption?  The time will come when you will see that that is just as logical.  What do you do with 
the criminal?  You send him to the penitentiary.  Is he made better?  Worse.  The first thing you do is to try to 
trample out his manhood, by putting an indignity upon him.  You mark him.  You put him in stripes.  At night you 
put him in darkness.  His feeling for revenge grows.  You make a wild beast of him, and he comes out of that 
place branded in body and soul, and then you won't let him reform if he wants to."

Robert G. Ingersoll      (1833-1899) American lawyer

Robert G. Ingersoll speaks with arrogant pomposity.  He has much criticism to offer.  
Yet he offers no solutions.  RD

A Nation Without Borders?

A Nation without Borders?  A nation without borders is not a nation.  A nation without borders is a nation without government.  A nation without borders is a dream without substance.  A nation without borders is an attempt at paradise without a "ticket to paradise."  A nation without borders is an imaginary place created in the minds of some young people (and some who think they are young) who are "kicking back" in the small living room of a one bedroom apartment so thick with marijuana fumes it is difficult to see the person who is sitting across from you.  A nation without borders is a place where people want the benefits of a legitimate nation .................but they do not want the responsibilities.  No days like that.  RD

"There Is No Zeal Blinder"

"There is no zeal blinder than that which is inspired with a love of justice against offenders."
Henry Fielding(1707-1754)   



I am persuaded that zeal can be a negative thing/attitude.  However, I also believe that zeal can be a positive attribute.  A zeal for goodness, fairness and kindness exists.  Nevertheless, it must be tempered with truth and reason. Yes, zeal can be blind.  But zeal can also be accurate, necessary and timely.  What good can get done if zeal and enthusiasm do not exist and inspire?  I can relate to the quote above, by Henry Fielding, but I do not agree with it completely.    RD