American Freedom

The Arab world is starting to come apart at the seams. Riots in Egypt and Yemen and other countries are starting to see unrest. One must remember that most of these places are ruled by kings, princes or presidents for life( that's code for dictator). These citizens must take to the streets to address their government because they have no way to have their grievances addressed by their government.
It should be noted that some of these governments call themselves democratic and free, however they rule for the good of a few and ignore the needs of the masses. The people have no freedoms to express themselves or to better themselves. At times one would think that the US government is run the same way, however the American people still have the right to work hard and improve their condition. We still have the right to address our government and demand changes, we have the right to run for elected office if we so desire, and we can vote. We have the right to speak out with out fear of government reprisal, to a point.We can still go or not go to what ever church we desire. These rights are not to be sniffed at and are of great value. These rights are promised and guaranteed and guarded by the Constitution, all of the these rights are only as good rights of Americans to defend them, through the exercise of these rights. The one right that is insured in the Constitution is the right to keep and bear arms, this right was inserted to insure that the other rights would not be taken away by the government.
As Thomas Jefferson wrote, in a letter to Abigail Adams on February 22, 1787 he wrote, "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions that I wish it to be always kept alive. It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all."
As to individual rights: He defines it by saying, "Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add 'within the limits of the law,' because law is often but the tyrant's will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual."
Jefferson and I would encourage you to protect you to protect your life and your freedoms.

Gun Control or Criminal Control...which works best?

January 23 and 24 were tough days for US law enforcement, 11 officers shoot, some died at the scene and some are in the hospitals in their locals, any way one describes it, that is wrong on many levels. Having a background in law enforcement and a son in law enforcement and many friends in the field, this hits home hard. My prayers are for a speedy and full recovery of injured officers and God comfort on the families of those killed.
I heard Mayor Bloomberg, of NYC call for stronger gun control laws and he was joined by a number of well meaning, but miss informed people. I am not understanding why these folks are so uninformed, because they are smart and well educated. Criminals do not buy guns from legal gun stores or dealers. Criminals buy guns on the street corner, and don't care about permits or the law or back ground investigations. The only people who are effected by gun control laws are the law abiding citizens who are not going to use a gun for illegal purposes.
Let's look at a few cities and do a contrast. Camden NJ, is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the USA, and recently had to lay off over 100 police officers, in NJ it is very difficult to purchase or own a gun. In 2009, Camden had the highest crime rate in the U.S. with 2,333 violent crimes per 100,000 people while the national average was 455 per 100,000. Camden NJ had a population of 79,904 in 2000. New York and Chicago both have very high crime rates and yet it is almost impossible to own a handgun in either of these two cities. That however does not stop the gang members and criminals. Wilmington NC, is a city similar in size to Camden NJ yet the crime rate has fallen over the last 3 years, is there crime, yes, but less of it. Why is that? Good question, one reason I can point to is the right of the people in NC to protect themselves, by owning and carrying a firearm. 
So what then is the answer? I don't have the complete answer, but my family has been victim of criminals and I would like to suggest that the laws be changed to control criminals. My cousin was beaten to death by two people he tried to help. Tommy for what ever reason was not armed, but then again he was a big strap of a man and normally everyone like Tommy, he alway had a quick comment and grin. I am sure the two criminals that killed my cousin had run afoul the law before, because they were bumming their way across the country. What would be today if these two had been held in jail somewhere for some crime committed. Then my question is, what would have happened if my cousin had been armed, having spend a few days shooting and hunting and fishing with him, I know he could defended himself with a firearm. 
Criminals are tried and convicted of violent crime and then released on probation with little or no supervision. Criminals charge with rape, molestation and other horrible violent crimes are routinely released on low bonds and to meet their financial needs for court turn right back to crime.
Recently a young man moved to NJ, and to avoid legal problems with his two legally owned handguns, he did his research and complied with the NJ law. When he mentioned to someone that his guns were in the trunk and locked, the local law enforcement  was called. The officers tried not to arrest the young man, however they were forced to by a ADA. The man was tried and found guilty of weapons charges and sentenced to seven years in prison. However the trial violated many of the mans civil rights and he has been  pardoned by the governor of NJ. Yet a criminal in NJ may only receive  a suspended sentence for a violent crime.
Gun control does not work....criminal control does, it is time the American justice system changes the focus.  

Religion Scam or Truth?

The atheist community have posted a bill board that has symbols from the five major world religions on it and the words that say " You know it is a SCAM". They may want to be careful, the Christians will throw words and talk at them and maybe pray for them, the Buddhist and Hindus will probably ignore them, but the Islamic faithful may declare jihad against them.  
I really can't disagree with the statement, because over all it is a true statement. Many in the organized religions have convoluted these religions so much that it is a scam. The truth of the matter is that true religion turns into to action to serve those in need. The Christian faith(notice I said faith) demands us to serve others. Matter of fact James wrote in his letter "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world. (James 1:27 NKJV)", one translations says to 'look after" and another says "take care of". With this in mind, religion as it is practiced today very well may be a scam.
The challenge is to put your religion into action and there by convert it to a loving and living faith. Faith in God, through Jesus and the empowerment by the Holy Spirit is no scam. This I know because I have proven it many times in my own life. When we give to others, time, talent, funds, love, kindness, and mercy it is returned to us. Paul wrote in a letter," A man reaps what he sows." Jesus washed His disciples feet, that was the lowest form of service in the household of that time and was reserved for the lowest of servants or slaves. What should we be doing? Jesus also made the statement, that His followers should help those in need and visit those in prison, and the sick. What a follower Jesus does for the lowest of these, the follower does for Jesus.Check out the story in Matthew 25:34-39.
Religion may be a scam, but true Faith and Christian service and faith in Jesus is no scam.

New Year or What's Next?

I think that the current President has gotten a bad rap of sorts. Now let me say this up front, I am not a supporter of President Obama, nor do I care much for the opponents that ran against him. The President can only accomplish what the Congress will agree to or allow. A new Congress is to be sworn in and get too work very soon and that is a good thing.With that is mind I would like to give you a few things to think about.
1) Most people in Congress think that the average income citizen makes over 100K per year, I don't, how about you?
2) Most people in Congress think that the average citizen is not smart enough to "get out of the rain" or make an informed decision about their life or anything else for that matter.
3) Most people in Congress like to send money and do so with ease, of course it is not their money, it is your money that they are spending. I like to spend other peoples' money too, do you have any extra to give away, I can help you.
4) Most people in Congress are convinced that the average American can not decide or know what their civil rights are or should be, and most certainly you and I can not be responsible for our self defense or personal protection.
5) If the American people continue to act the way they have for the past 20 years the folks in Congress may be correct.
I don't know about you, but I live on half of 100K, when it is raining I go inside, and I am smart enough to know when I can afford to spend money and on what I should purchase. I do not need Congress or the President telling me what I have to buy or how I should spend my income. It is my money and I need it now, to live on. I want people to have the right to say "NO" if they wish and speak their mind. I have friends that  disagree with me on political things and they like to do so vocally, that is fine. I will defend their right to disagree with me, to the point of taking up arms to defend them, if need be. I have friends that disagree with me about matters of faith and I will defend their right to do so. People should have the the right decide what they want to do, as long as it is within the bounds of the law. Congress need not pass any more restrictive laws about speech, or freedom of the press, or freedom of religion, or freedom to keep and bear arms, we have all we need in the form of the First Ten Amendments.
New Year, what to you want to tell your elected officials? Are they doing the will of the people or the will of the party? Stay in contact with these people you elected, send them letters, and emails, and phone calls, make your voice heard.

Who is Responsible? or Not My Fault!

The wussification of America is almost complete. I know the word does not exist, but I have created a new phrase to fit what is happening in our country. There was the day in America that people were strong enough to stand up and say, "I made that decision and right or wrong I still am the one who is responsible". Not so any more in this great land of freedom, no one wants to be responsible for what they do or say. The legal industry has something to do with this state of mentality, the public un-education system has something to do with this, as well as many well meaning parents and some parents that should have never been parents, and finally the church had a hand in this too. Where ever the pointer lands we need to understand what it means.
The USA is no longer the home of the brave and land of the free, if this path continues. This country was founded by men and women who were willing to stand up and fight the world super power of the time for freedom. Patrick Henry is often quoted "Give me liberty or give death", he knew if the American Revolution failed he and many others would be hung as traitors and was willing to stand up and be counted as that for freedom. He took responsibility, he and the others of the outlaw colonial revolt were convinced that God had a mission and that was the freedom of America, where people could take responsibility for themselves.
The funny thing is that God gives us the freedom to take responsibility for our spiritual lives as well as our physical lives. I find the two are connected at the deepest level, people who don't want to take responsibility for their physical life and the mess that they have created, never take responsibility for their spiritual life either. Have you ever given that any thought? If you do, you will find that it is a true statement.
Freedom is a two edged sword and one must learn to handle it without getting cut, you have the freedom to chose which path you will take, failure or success. You are the one who decides which path, you can blame it on someone else and deny your responsibility, but it was you who made the decisions.
God gives you an escape hatch, if you will use it. The first step is taking responsibility for your mistakes and admitting guilt, I made the mess and I don't know how to fix it. This applies to your spiritual life and physical life as well. Step two is ask Jesus to forgive you and take over as Savior and Lord. This is the step that most people fail at and don't know it. Jesus will be your savior, but to have victory you must let Him be Lord and have control. That means you must learn to listen and do what He directs and take responsibility for doing what He wants you to do. If He is not your Lord, you may not be His child, remember the verse,"Depart from me" Matthew 7:23. At this point it will be too late to blame someone else.
What to do? Take responsibility for your actions, ask Jesus to be your savior and Lord, listen and respond. Don't pass the buck on this one, no one can get you out of this except your self with Jesus.There is no "free pass".
God Bless

Why is Public Education Failing?

Everyone seems to agree that the public education system in America is failing on all fronts. A recent survey revealed that of 25 developed countries the USA was 23rd in student scores. Many well educated and well meaning people have spend countless hours trying to figure out how to solve this problem. All the focus is always on what the school system needs to do to fix the problem. The teachers usually take a punch to the nose, in most of these reports and surveys. I am not convinced that it is all the teachers' fault, yes there are teachers who are just making time until retirement and that is a situation that needs to be addressed.
No child should be left behind was the brain child of a recent President, and has pushed the educators in our schools to teach students to pass a test. Every teacher is graded on how well the students in their class take and pass the end of grade test, (EOGs), and every student will tell you that the EOG is something they stress about. The schools are ranked and graded based on the overall results of the EOGs, and teachers' and teacher assistants' salaries are connected the results of these test. Conceptually this is a good idea and rewards high performance schools and faulty. The draw back is, that no exceptions are allowed and those students that can not,  for physical or mental reasons,  pass the EOGs, are still required to take the test and expected to perform. Even that can be over come and is not the root cause of the problem. To fix a problem one must get to the root of the problem, if your car tire is low on air you can air it up for a little while, but you better find the leak and fix it.
We now have the first group of children in the school system that was and is being raised by the village. The biggest problem in our school system is the home of many of the students. We have students in our school system that have no idea of how they are suppose to behave in public, because they have no direction at home. The school system is not allowed to correct the problem with any authority, other than corrective positive reinforcement. The teachers and assistances are so busy trying to teach children how to act in public and function in a group environment, that they can't  teach reading, writing and math.
My wife is a teacher assistant in a public school and is in a K grade class and has had children tell her this year that they would hit her if she corrected their behavior. Her teacher calls it a power struggle and refuses to address the behavior, of course that is coming from the Principal of the school who uses the same methodology.
The school used to be a great magnet school of math and science, and had a great group of children and parents, from across the city.  The leadership has changed and is focusing more on being a neighborhood/community based school, sounds like a good idea, the only problem is that the community is 98% low income black. Most of these students are from single parent households and may even be living with a elderly grandparent, and may not be receive the discipline they need. There fore these students don't know how to behave in public and think that they are in charge, thereby the "power struggle" in class rooms.
The answer may be as simple as restoring strong corrective discipline in the school system, but we know that is a simplistic answer. Parents need to be re-empowered to take control of the children and provide discipline and direction to children, the idea that children should be disciplined by positive corrective reinforcement sounds nice in books and seminars, but rarely works.
Now I am not encouraging child abuse. What I am encouraging is setting limits and having accountability for actions. Sometimes a swat to the bottom will go a long way to provide needed corrections. To answer the question of what is the root of the problem, I have a fairly simple answer, families are needed to raise children, and discipline needs to taught at home, not at school.

Truth of Christmas

I watched "Charlie Brown's Christmas" last night and had a good laugh, and was reminded that there was a day that the truth of Christmas could be publicly stated on television, as Linus recited the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus.
My wife made the comment that someone would probably complain to the television station about the story of Jesus' birth. That gave me a thought, what do atheist celebrate at Christmas, why do these folks even have a holiday during the winter at all? The word holiday actually mean Holy Day and holy only comes from the acknowledgement of God or Supreme Being if you wish. The winter holiday, aka Christmas is an a celebration of the birth of  Jesus the Jewish Messiah, and foundation of the Christian faith. If one does not believe in God, then why would one believe in the Son of God and celebrate His birthday. If a person doesn't believe in something why would they spend time talking about it or complaining about it.
Let me share an example with you, I don't believe in vampires and there fore I have never seen any of the vampires movies that have been out in the last couple of years. I don't talk about vampires or protest the movies, I simply ignore what I care not to believe in, this works well for things that don't exist. Not so easy to ignore something that does exist and that which most of the world accepts as fact because there is more proof than not.
For the atheist that wish to ignore the truth of Jesus, let me suggest that you forget the winter holiday completely. That will save you money and there is no need for you to exchange gifts anyway. Please allow us simple minded individuals who understand the truth that God is real and Jesus is the Messiah to enjoy a holiday and all the tradition and fun the goes with it.
It is my prayer that the truth of the message of Jesus and the Christmas story will reach your heart this year.