Crime Reduction or Not, Oregon SB1503

Senate Bill 1503. What follows is my testimony submitted to the Oregon Senate in the 2024 legislative session:

“Thank you for your service to the free state of Oregon. Thank you for taking vows and oaths to uphold and defend the National constitution and the Oregon constitution. Since you said you would do that, you really must know that attacking the law abiding will not solve crime. Punishing criminals does. We do not need a money grubbing bureaucracy we need law enforcement especially of habitual career criminals. Gang members commit crimes. Repeat offenders make up most of the criminal numbers. This task force is worse than a band aid.
This bill locks guns to health. WRONG! This is not a health crisis. It is an accountability crises. Hold criminals accountable for their actions. Guns don’t commit crimes. People do that. These bad souls don’t need a doctor, they need to be held accountable for their own actions.
No task force will help this reality.
Follow the constitution(s). Support the police. Remove lenient judges. End restorative justice. Restore freedom for good citizens. Stop; wasting money.
Please?”

On Complaining, Freedom and Activism



A SERMON

9/25/2022

DO WE HAVE GROUNDS TO COMPLAIN? (or, MY POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT)


Word Count:  1945





Presented to ASCENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH

PRINEVILLE, OR


INTRODUCTION

	Quoting, J.A. Thompson, New International Commentary, The Book of Jeremiah, pp 9-10.   Section II. Jeremiah in his historical setting
	“The prophets were not merely religious teachers or philosophers in the abstract but saw themselves as the messengers of God commissioned to convey to the people of their own day the word that God had given them.  They had a specific message to a specific people at a specific point in history.  It was a message which would interpret the events through which their people were passing, or would pass, in the light of the demands and promises which God had given to their people.  Clearly, this dimension of a prophet’s ministry cannot be understood unless the historical background of his times is known.  
	The book of Jeremiah makes contact with historical events at many points.  In many cases precise dates and otherwise known events are referred to.  It was Jeremiah’s responsibility to proclaim a message about nations and kingdoms, ‘to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant’ (1:10).  It was an age of crises.  As Jeremiah began to preach, the Assyrian empire was in decay.  At the collapse of Assyria, Egypt and then Babylon, the kingdom of the Medes stood waiting to pick the spoils of war.  Judah herself was caught up in the drama.  To begin she was nominally a vassal of Assyria, then for a brief period independent, then a vassal of Egypt, and finally a vassal of Babylon, under whom Judah lost even her identity as a nation when Nebuchadnezzar took her king into exile and destroyed her city and temple.  Jeremiah lived through all this, and much of the drama of those years is reflected in his book.  It was a time of agony for Jeremiah himself and for his people.  Anyone who attempts to read the book without knowing something of the times will be more bewildered than ever.  The arrangement of the book is complex and the variety of materials is considerable.  If one lacks any sort of historical anchorage as well, the book is a bewildering one.”  

	Therefore, Jeremiah’s ministry was from about 627bc to 582bc.  45 years, starting about age 18.  It was near the end of his ministry when a Hebrew named Ishmael assassinated the Babylonian appointed governor.  He also murdered the entire garrison of Babylonian troops.  He hen fled to Egypt, taking many people with him, including Jeremiah.  Judah remained desolate for at least 40 more years when the Medo/Persian empire destroyed Babylon.  Then the people began to return to Judah around 540bc.  

	I come now to our own time.  In so doing, I’m reminded of Jeremiah’s later comment in his book of Lamentations, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins?”  

	We too live in a chaotic period of tumult.  There is the big news of war, human trafficking, border crisis, on and on.  Statewide there is an important election looming.  There is the local community with conflicts about school curriculum.  There is my own personal microcosm of conflict within myself as I try to cope with friends, family, and my inner self.  How am I to understand my inner struggles as I also cope with what’s happening in my immediate world, let alone that outer world that seems to impose itself on my world?  How is it that I might complain?

	We are commanded to go into all the world and as we go, to make disciples for Christ.  Yet, how do we deserve to assume that responsibility?  We ourselves are flawed.  How do I deserve to preach today?  Who among us does deserve to do so?  The very presumption in preaching is that we have all sinned and are therefore of what we say to others.  Is this why Paul referred to preaching as “foolishness?”  And yet, we the church are tasked with the mission of Christ.  That mission includes suffering, preaching, teaching, serving, fellowshipping, breaking bread together, prayers and more.  

	If we suffer in our lives, we should realize it is just an understandable waste of time to complain.  I’m not saying an honest conversation with God is bad.  But let’s not waste the time with friends and family whining about our lot in life.  This takes away from the responsible stewardship of our time, and of God’s love.  

HOW DEEP
How deep the Father's love for us
How vast beyond all measure
That He would give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure
How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns His face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory”

	God has set us free.  Free from sin.  Free to do what?  Paul writes in Galatians 5:1 these words, “ It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.”  

The “yoke of slavery” was of course, the law.  Who makes the laws?  Politicians.  The tend horribly “to organizations, combinations and arrangements.” (Bastiat)  They subvert the real purpose of law to turn law into charity, education, and the like, some of which plunder the population.  They take from one group and give to another.  Some is legal and some apparently legal (Bastiat).  Nearly every law enacted… amounts to a means of legalized plunder.  They make laws to solve problems created by the very laws they previously created.  Will this find utopia?  Will it find salvation?  

	You know what Mark Twain said about government?  
“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.”
― Mark Twain

	During the time of Jesus’ ministry, we remember he drove out the money changers from the temple (Matthew 21:12). He declared, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it a robbers’ den!”  

Then he proceeded to heal the blind and the lame who came to him (v 14).  This was during the Passover when, every year, Hebrews from all over the world would return for the big feast. So travelers from far away needed to exchange their currency to buy the required animal sacrifices.  That’s why these money changes were located in and near the temple.  Jesus called them robbers because they not only exchanged currencies, but they would also charge the visitors exorbitant and excessive amounts for this service.  With language barriers, and misunderstandings, this is easy to see the opportunity to cheat for extra money.  

Why should anyone complain?  Jesus’ words here were not a complaint.  He was speaking the truth to his generation.  Just like the prophet Jeremiah had done in his generation.  

	You and I are not Jeremiah.  Not Jesus.  Can we complain?  “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sin?”  

	Having been forgiven our sin, by Jesus himself, it makes us free.  Free to share that feeling, that liberating thought with others.  Why then, should we make or suffer with a world full of rules and more laws?  
The only good law is one that seeks justice before God.  Those are the natural laws that God himself set in at the creation.  But we now are to be free from unnatural laws, created by man to enslave one another.  

SOCIAL JUSTICE.  Have you heard that phrase?  What is it?  Never well defined, it has to do with the distribution of wealth, opportunities and privileges of society.  It postulates equity, by way of government actions like taxation, social insurance, public health, public school, public services labor laws and regulation of markets.  It often conflates and confuses the messages of the Old Testament prophets.

But social justice is not Biblical justice.  Social justice today is a product of progressive legal scholars from the early 1800’s into the 1900’s.  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_justice)  .   Government by definition, is the aggressive use of force.  I am not advocating an end to philanthropy.  Biblical justice on the other hand, involves individuals acting out their beliefs without the encumbrance or force of government.  Isaiah said, “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.”  (Isaiah1:17)  Micah said, “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.”  (Micah 5:8) 

	Therefore, I’m somewhat politically active.  You know what Mark Twain said about politicians? “Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason.”  ― Mark Twain

There were some good politicians early in our country.  
Thomas Jefferson, who emphasized Jesus moral teachings over his miracles and resurrection, wrote this to some Baptist supporters:

“Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between Man & his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legitimate powers of government reach actions only, & not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church & State.”  (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/godinamerica-early-america-formation/)  

Notice his emphasis on the constitutional restriction of congress.  
James Madison himself was outraged to discover that a number of Baptist ministers had been thrown into a Virginia jail for preaching without licenses.  He committed himself to fighting for liberty of conscience, which he equated with religious liberty.  (https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/godinamerica-early-america-formation/)  

We could go on and on…I’ll mention William Wilberforce, strongly influenced by John Newton who wrote Amazing Grace. Wilberforce was the driving citizen behind England’s abolition of he slave trade.  



Yes, I believe we must confront unnatural laws wherever we find them.  Unless we do so we find ourselves subject to that same “yoke of slavery” written about by Paul.  It doesn’t really matter to me whether it’s Jewish law or any other.  Yet, I really am repulsed by politics!  But how can I complain?  Especially if I fail to vote!???

Jeremiah.  Driven by the winds of people’s sin and competing nations.  His own nation’s government in disarray and filled with evil politicians, malcontents and even assassins!  He could have complained!  Yet he spoke the truth, with or without success.  Will we do the same in our time?  

	What should we do with our freedom in Christ?  Next week, we will hear from Ephesians 5:1, “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you, and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.”  	 

	We are offering up our lives daily.  Are we making good use of our freedom as we go toward the end of our lives?  In Galatians 5, Paul encourages us to be led by the Spirit, and this will help us avoid the natural tendency to sin against God.  It will lead to fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.  

	May I ask again, “Why should any living mortal, or any man, Offer complaint in view of his sins?”  

	We should rather express the freedom in knowing Christ.  So much nicer than complaining!  After all,  His love for us is very deep.


  
Well friends and fellow travelers, on Friday I was asked to speak today.  As Mark Twain said, 
“It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.“

— Mark Twain
	But here we are in two days.  

Against Man-Made Gun Control

In 2021, Democrats in the Oregon legislature declared all out war on freedom in Oregon. Here is one of my responses to but one of the many ridiculous proposals they have foisted upon unsuspecting citizens of Oregon.

Greetings and thanks for your service to the people of Oregon;

HB2543: Thank you for this opportunity.  This bill violates Section 1 (Rights are Natural to people), of the Oregon Constitution and Section 27 (right to bear arms).  It places a natural right below the man-made restrictions pertinent thereto.  HB2543 enacted, would allow the individual(s) in the Oregon State Police to process, or choose to fail to process applications for firearms transfer.  That subjugates rule of law to rule of men.  This is a terrible idea.  In practice, it has caused death or serious injury to vulnerable persons who could have protected themselves had they been able to procure a firearm in a more timely manner.  https://www.foxnews.com/us/no-one-helped-her-nj-woman-murdered-by-ex-while-awaiting-gun-permit

HB2543 would result in unnecessary delays in firearms transfers.  The Oregon State Police must never be allowed to impose their will on citizens because of their individual beliefs about firearms ownership or the right to bear individually carried arms.  Yes they can enforce laws and apprehend criminals.  But this law makes criminals out of the law abiding.  Within it is the assumption that good citizens are guilty of something just because they enjoy a natural right (Section 1, Oregon Constitution, “Rights”). 

You must never coerce a citizen out of a natural right under color of man-made laws!  See https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/3617

In short, a citizen in good standing should not have to prove their worthiness to own or bear arms.  They each have that natural right!  This is foundational to the freedom we claim to enjoy.  To do otherwise is to succumb to the idea that individuals are not sovereign as created, but only have rights conferred by government.  This is not so.  Nor is it right.  Individuals are sovereign as created, meaning they have rights that cannot and must not be violated nor infringed.  That is, these rights are inalienable!  Please join me in opposing this Marxist proposal. 

I am a natural born citizen in good standing in Oregon. 

One side of my family was here before Oregon was a state.  The other side came in 1927. This bill is not in keeping with the spirit of responsible freedom the state began with…stop the bill, enjoy the freedom. 

And go after criminal behavior, not law-abiding citizens.  Please. 

Respectfully, Rodney John Tombleson, life time Oregon citizen.

Sincerely,

Rodney John Tombleson  Oregon Citizen, Prineville 97754

“Aim small, miss small.”

     “Beware False idee utilita.”

          “Be humble, with a touch of class.”

               “What will I leave behind?”

This Is My Father’s World

Sermon:  This Is My Father’s World

Word Count: 2192

PURPOSE:  Inductive style.  To highlight that despite recent violent events in our culture, God is in control of His creation, His world is still subject to Him.  His love is satisfactory of our needs. It is man who seeks to dominate one another.  God sets us free to be free.  This is our Father’s world.

Prineville, Oregon

Father’s Day

June 21, 2020

This Is My Father’s World

1In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters. 3Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. 4God saw that the light was good; and God separated the light from the darkness. 5God called the light day, and the darkness He called night. And there was evening and there was morning, one day.

So much seems off kilter in the world right now.  People don’t seem to have common sense anymore.  The world seems to have gone mad…but I would say this, Don’t worry, it happens all the time! 

It’s caused by rejection of certain premises.  1. God’s very existence.  2. God’s character.

What you believe about God affects every other matter in your life. 

There are laws, both spiritual and physical that govern our lives.  They are not man-made laws.  First, they are “natural laws.”  They are irresistible, and immovable. These laws operate whether man made laws contradict them or not.  Some will say other things are true, but time is not on their side, becausethis is my Father’s world. 

I want to discuss some political history.  What happened during the 1960’s?  Was there turmoil in this country?  There was, and it was as bad or worse than we have right now.  Many of the same issues were in play then as now.  We had a President assassinated.  We had a 1968 Presidential candidate assassinated.  We had a civil rights leader assassinated.  We were fighting the post-World War II advance of Communism in Vietnam and other countries.  There was unrest all across America. The 1968 Democratic Convention was a disaster with many protests and riots going on in Chicago.  Much of this was organized out of the University of Chicago.

There was the “MOBE,” and the “NEW MOBE.”  (National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam, and New Mobilization Committee see Kengor, Dupes, page 286ff)

The CPUSA (Communist Party USA), Trotskyist Socialist Workers Party, Dubois Clubs of America, Progressive Labor Party, Young Social Alliance

And somewhere in the mix was the SDS or Students for a Democratic Society, Anarchists and the Black Panthers. 

There was even a group call “RESIST,” whose goal was to teach young Americans how to “resist” the draft.  (p 290, Kengor, Dupes)

Communists in America organized all these groups to peacefully “protest.”  Their goal was to provide a “loss” in Vietnam to the United States.  Does anything sound familiar here?  Communists were behind much of the dissent, while disavowing involvement.  “Russia did it.”  The truth was they were telling Americans, get out of Vietnam, so “you can live in peace.” 

Therefore, these things we are seeing in our country currently are not new and even some of the players are not new.  You are seeing the same playbook not only from the 1960’s, but literally from the 1920’s. Today, please gain perspective and context.  On surface, “racism.”  On the surface, “police brutality.”  But under the surface?  Agitators who hate this country.  Various agitators, communists, anarchists, common criminals, people holding grudges, you name it.  Please look on the bright side, for this is my Father’s world.

I want to tell you about my Dad.  Born in 1916, he was the oldest of 6 boys, with 2 sisters.  His dad, my grandfather, Roscoe John Tombleson, had the 1919 flu.  In 1928, my grandfather died from complications arising from that flu.  At the funeral, my then 12-year-old dad was informed that now he was the “man of the household,” because he was the oldest boy.  He raised all his siblings but one, his older sister. 

What happened just after 1928?  The great depression.  You may remember certain politicians referring to the 2008 economic slowdown as a great depression.  That’s nonsense.  The depression of 1929 saw people starving and they did not have big screen video games at home to play while they were unemployed.  Dad would scarcely eat chicken for much of his life, because that was the only meat he had as a kid.  My grandmother would butcher a chicken, boil the chicken to broth, and then that was all the meat they had until it was gone, soup, bones, and all.  They were dirt poor. 

Then, socialists in Europe fought among themselves, WWII broke out and Dad was drafted.  He was used to bossing brainless young men around, so during combat he was quickly promoted to sergeant.  Dad knew how to battle. From an early age, he knew how to do his duty.  Doing your duty, your assignment in life is how you earn your way to the end.  It means survival and accomplishment, one day at a time. 

Though Dad was not overtly religious, his mother was, and she prayed heartily for her 6 sons and 2 daughters. Given what they went through, they sorely needed those prayers.  The boys all served in active military and they all returned home alive from World War II.  That was amazing, given the all-encompassing violence of a truly world war. 

What’s amazing to me though, is that Dad came home from the war, found a sweetheart, married her, and raised 3 boys.  He was in some ways an incomplete father, but he had strong character, loyalty, duty, and the conviction of a job well done. 

He was not perfect, but what human father is.  I’m grateful for his role in my life. 

Without good fathers, children are far more likely to grow into immature adults.  They experience less income, lower levels of education, greater moral challenges, more jail time, less marital success. 

If your father was incomplete in some way, find another man who can mentor you, be your father in those areas where you have gaps in maturity. 

No, my dad wasn’t flawless, but he gave me glimpse of what could be, and safe place from which to start.  Finally, I realized that there was more to Fatherhood even than what my earthly father offered.  I realized that:

This is my Father’s world
and to my listening ears,
all nature sings and ‘round me rings
the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world,
I rest me in the thought
of rocks and trees, of skies and seas,
His hand, the wonders wrought.

I realized that the natural order of things goes all the way from creation and beyond everything a human can invent.  There are laws set forth from God at creation that precede any law thought up by man.  God set things in motion that are compelling, and unbending, even though people think they are so smart they can keep improving on what God has done.  Because we are tolerant and peaceful, we endure man made laws unless they become oppressive and troublesome.  Essential and absolute truths are so embedded in our world, as to seem unnoticed.  Even the doves in my neighborhood sing it every morning and throughout the day:  Whoo Hoo, Whoo Hoo Hoo.  Maybe you hear them too?

When will we realize that:

This is our Father’s world,
the birds, their carols raise,
the morning light, the lily white
declare their maker’s praise.

This is our Father’s world,
He shines in all that’s fair.
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

We see the weakness and imperfections in people.  Do we see them in ourselves?  Some do. The wrongs we have committed are so grievous.   Until I realize my sin, it’s hard to see my need for God. 

But if I confess with my mouth and believe in my heart that Jesus is Lord, if I confess my sin,  he is faithful and just and will forgive my sin, if I obey him in baptism into Him, I will enjoy his promises of forgiveness, the abundant spirit filled life, and eternal life. 

Therefore, if you’re here today and wonder about your place in God’s plan, please approach Jim or Bob or me or Tollie or someone you trust.  We will do our best to answer your questions. 

When we see wrongs in the world, when I see the wrongs in my life, it is distracting from what and whom I should remember, and that is:

This is my Father’s world,
 oh let me ne’er forget
  that though the wrong seems oft so strong,
  God is the ruler yet.

We in our culture have many hard-earned luxuries. These are not privileges of one class of people over another.  I reject class warfare.  I reject envy, jealousy and desiring what others have.  Especially if you won’t work for it yourself.  In most cases, they are duly earned necessities or comforts.  Do you have a nice home or vehicle?  Can you afford things someone else can’t?  That’s ok.  Let no one put a guilt trip on you because of who you happen to be. 

Are you unable to afford the things you want? 

Set goals and work toward them.  My father taught me to earn my way.  He taught me the merit system where you get what you work for, not what someone gives you because you want to advance yourself.  These days, too many want to be promoted and co-opt someone who has been working toward that goal by merit.  Co-opt means to take something that was originally meant for someone else.  Do what God has gifted you to do, and then work to sharpen your skills in that.  Let God lead you into where He makes you effective. 

If you’re over 33, the age of Jesus at His death, you’re on borrowed time!  You should appreciate what He has done for you.  I mean he died for everyone, and he died for YOU! 

Ephesians 5:14b-17

       “Awake, sleeper,

       And arise from the dead,

       And Christ will shine on you.”

15Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. 

The battle is not done.  More people are to come to Jesus as His children.  John 1:12 “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name,”

God is sovereign, not me nor you.  Someone stands on a street corner with a sign, telling me what to do?  They state that what I enjoy in life is undeserved and not of my own efforts? That I am privileged? That somehow, I should bow to them?  The day must never come when we bow to any man!  To God yes, to man, NO!  I was so offended and angry when I saw on television, an American president bow to a foreign king.  In America, we recognize that every person has individual sovereignty under God who is sovereign over all.  So I say to you, do not disengage from the political process.  That battle is spiritual.  The battle is worked out in our homes, schools, elections, literally every minute of our lives.  Never disengage.  Never, never give up.  Never surrender to evil, for that would say, “Christ died in vain.”

We are still in a battle, even though you and I know “Victory was won on the cross.” 

That day will come when every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.  Natural law says that I am a free moral agent to make my decisions and bear my own consequences.   Let me tell you:

This is my Father’s world,
the battle is not done.
Jesus, who died, shall be satisfied
and earth and heaven be one.

Revelation 22:16-17
16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.

I know who wins in the end, there is no need for hate and discontent.  I also know that God is near us right now, today, the doves singing outside my window in the morning tell me in their song God is with us!  Those birds singing are saying, “Why should my heart be sad?!”  Let us be glad.

So, I say to you today,

Why should our hearts be sad?
The Lord is king, let the heavens ring
God reigns, let the earth be glad!

This is our father’s world!

HB 4005, Common Sense? or Slippery Slope?

HB 4005 is neither common sense nor slippery slope.  Today, the Oregon legislature holds a hearing on HB 4005, the onerous gun transportation and storage bill.

https://www.statesmanjournal.com/story/news/2020/02/05/oregon-legislature-2020-gun-storage-bill/4669859002/

It is not common sense and it is not a slippery slope.  It is a free fall!  We are crashing into branches and boulders on the way down.  Why?  Because if we pass this terrible bill, we are accepting the premise that government controls our property when stored or transported.  Government controls our rights on and about our person.  As the constitution limits the state on this right “…shall not be infringed…,” the state must never limit the citizen in self determination of responsibilities. 

This fight is about individual sovereignty.  If the state can tell the individual when and where to store or carry weapons, the state can do the same with any and every other object you thought you own! 

Supporters of this claim it’s for safety.  I am not doubting sincerity, I’m doubting effectiveness. Safety is always important, but falls below on the hierarchy of values here.  Sadly, neither this law, nor similar laws are effective in reducing violence.  It is not for safety first, it is for compromising the rights of those very supporters.  Supporters are selling out their own rights, my rights and the rights of every other citizen, and our heirs to come!  We must fight this!  Because we are not fighting for our rights only but for the rights of every person everywhere. If we lose the unique freedoms enjoyed by every American citizen here, we have no where else to go. 

The law misconstrues the nature of man.  No matter what happens with HB 4005 in Oregon this year, criminals will find ways to achieve their selfish goals including violence against citizens.  The impulsive will torment the vulnerable.  This is as old as creation. 

The ultimate goal is confiscation!  That way, only government and criminals will have guns.  That may sound redundant.  Those who seek advantage over others, i.e. government and criminals, share this characteristic.  They want to control others to the point of being deadly. 

https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2018/11/16/swalwell-gun-comments-n2536106

Regardless of what some say, that their plan falls short of confiscation, (Bloomberg), I don”t believe them.  Every year, more prohibitive and punitive proposals spring from the anti-gun and anti-freedom crowd.  They are never happy and never finished. 

2020 A Brief Response to the State of the Union Speech

“The real test of a man is not when he plays the role that he wants for himself, but when he plays the role destiny has for him.” (Vaclav Havel)

“Discover your purpose in life, then do it on purpose.” (unknown)

A man “…shall not violate his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Numbers 30:2b

I appreciated the speech very much for President Trump’s straight up content and delivery. He wasted not the attention of the nation by attacking his angry political opponents. Instead, he forged into the record his many accomplishments, from domestic to foreign.

While opposition scoffed, and behaved without dignity, President Trump stated that he had kept promises. Indeed, his presidency is marked by such kept promises, promises which predecessors for years have made and routinely broken. As an example, I think of his fully recognizing the capitol of Israel by moving our US embassy there. That’s good, and he values the word of the Lord by keeping Numbers 30:2b. Trump does what Trump says he will do.

I was lifted spiritually and emotionally by President Trump’s hopeful remarks. He sees the state of our USA with a hopeful heart. He looks for the best to come. In a statesman like manner, he heralded citizen standouts among both civilian and military, from radio host to sergeant. He seems to look at challenges as a man who not only knows both his capabilities and his limitations, but that bringing others together with him can exceed all our own expectations. Trump has faith, and by reason, he acts. He is a man of action. He wastes not a minute on political fantasies of power, but expresses purpose through action. Thereby, he expresses more statesman like behavior than his opponents. Indeed, his straightforward statements and actions serve to expose what many call the “political swamp.” Their childish antics during this speech are duly noted, but are certainly insalubrious. Trump’s approach is reminiscent of President Reagan, Pope John Paul II and Margaret Thatcher.

What a refreshing tonic is President Trump! He is openly standing against the attempts of socialism to gain full centralized control of the USA. He does what I’ve been yearning for over a very long time. He calls out the press for their lies and false narratives, supports the second amendment, celebrates the role of faith, eschews red tape, cuts regulation, confounds the regulators, has cut taxes, and respects the constitution. He is restoring the military, and bringing mutual respect of other nations. He hates the murder of the unborn, and loves the life saving medical possibilities for those babies who are born. He celebrates with the successes of the private entrepreneur.

Therefore, I am refreshed and invigorated to see a man in President Trump who has found his niche, his purpose, his destiny. That journey is more difficult than some imagine. Trump reminds us that we don’t have to accept mediocrity in government, and we are a free people. We are a free people to the extent that we stand against socialism of every kind, and act on our faith. As POTUS, he has far exceeded my expectations, and delightfully so.

Oh, What World Will It Be?

I have 4 grandchildren and 1 more on the way!  Of course, they bring much joy as they learn, grow and discover our world, their world.  The experience of observing their experience is exciting and rewarding!  What will their world be?  What will be the opportunities, challenges and life decisions?

Will they be inundated with the usual form of government which enslaves them with those typical demands?  Will they be forced to conform in the name of safety, technological advancements and high financial costs?

Or will they learn the value of personal achievement, and decision making that expresses their individual sovereignty?

I see today so many a downcast countenance resulting from that feelling that one can not improve one’s lot in life due to governmental, and societal corrals built against and around us.  Political Correctness (PC), seems to rule the day on every front.  Mao would be so happy, “Toe the Party Line!”

Is there hope for my grandchildren?  Yes!  We live in the one exception to the ordinary when it comes to our form of government.  Self government!  Self government to be sure, requires of each citizen personal responsibility.

I unequivocally support the second amendment!  Why?  Because it restricts the government and calls upon the citizen for great responsibility.  It demands upon us for high ethical standards at the most critical of human endeavor, the power over life and death in the matter of self defense.  We are born with this right to self defense.  And we must exercise the right to enjoy possession of the right.  Right choices are forced upon each individual in the face of this incredible responsibility.

So I hope for my grandchildren that they will make life decisions that reflect their individual sovereignty.  That they will never settle for less.  That they will reject dependency upon big, bloated, socialistic forms and functions of government.  That they will come to understand in practical ways how unusual in the course of history the United States of America really is.  That they will be personally responsible for the success of themselves and their fellow citizens and neighbors.

Thank you for visiting and reading.

WHAT POSTURE SHOULD CHRISTIANS ASSUME?

What was the mood, the posture or stance of the Christians in Germany during the late 1930’s?

The question is genuine. My sense of the matter is that when most want to be passive, and inner feelings, and intuitions say we should, there are only few who get it, we must stand up for what is right.
What does God expect of us? Defend the innocent, defeat the wicked. We brought the great war to and end, not by passivity, but by well orchestrated actions…actions that have seared our own souls.
Perhaps some want to engage in “white guilt.” Some in “Christian guilt.” I reject both. We are obliged to do what is right. Not what we feel, but what is morally, doctrinally, right.
The future is not pretty. But peace doesn’t not come through passivity or weakness. Peace comes through strength. Enemies and potential enemies must have the clear understanding that we are not soft target victims ready for their plunder and deceit.
I am not recommending a hostile stance. I am merely pointing out that through word and deed, our position points everyone to freedom. We will not accept domination from any.
This is like Germany, 1938-9. It is not a time for Christians to accept the “sit down, shutup” orders of the pc left. It is time to be active in our faith in its every expression. Stand for the right doings and the right sayings, in word and deed be all you were created to be.

On Abortion, This is a Life Meant to Be

When Life Begins…
The discussion about when life begins is moot. Life began a very long time ago, or is just plain eternal without beginning or end. That any mammalian pregnancy is in progress can be measured with modern technology, and often by a mother herself from the earliest of times in that progress. None of this is really relevant in discussions on abortion. The subject is less about whether there is life, but about how and when that life may be “ended.” Life indeed, may not end with cessation of our bios. So to the point, abortion.
The word itself means that something is going to be interrupted or completely “stopped.” So what exactly is it here that is being stopped when we speak of “abortion?” A number of things. First the bios of the individual living inside the mother will end. Second, the tenure on this planet of the soul within that bios will be prevented from enjoying and suffering the impacts of our environment. Third, the current population outside the womb, will be prevented from enjoying the company and contributions of this new individual. Fourth, those who abort or stop the progression of the pregnancy prematurely, are guilty of homicide. They will have killed a human life. Whether that human individual was in or out of the womb has no substantial bearing on this rather uncomfortable fact.      
As to the first, there are times when for known or unknown reasons, an individual within the womb may die. Nature has strange ways of this happening, sometimes we might be able to tell what went “wrong,” other times we must grieve the loss and are forced to move on. This painful fact of life does not excuse those who seem to find reason to justify their direct action in ceasing the life in utero. We are not authorized to deliberately end life out of the bounds of normal survival needs found everywhere in this world.  
Pregnancy and birth may be the opinion of nature that life should continue. So, there is intentionality to pregnancy and birth. The progress of life will continue. It is a beautiful thing. So who in the world are you to think you are authorized and by whom, that you can end, terminate, or abort that pregnancy. Whatever your intentions, they are less grand than the intention of life itself, that life should continue. Indeed, every precaution should be taken to preserve, encourage, and build the chances of this individual’s life, that can be afforded it by the parents involved. As I write this, my daughter is pregnant with her second child, and my fourth grandchild. Those terms are not accidental! Each life is so precious! We have relational terminology, built up in cultures over thousands of years, family terms, designating our place in the lives of people we love, support, nurture, and finally grieve when the causes of nature remove their presence here. Some of us even believe the life continues when the bios drops away, and we will meet again in the unseen places beyond our current reach. Insult me not with your excuses that lead you to believe you may end a human life for convenience. Life should continue.  
We enjoy new life coming into our presence, then developing into adulthood. We teach children, imparting all our wisdom learned from our shared experience to them that we possibly can. As experience, combined with intellect moves in to their future, the possibilities explode with new experiences. Who in the year 500BC, could have anticipated the flushing toilet, the electric light bulb, the trip to the moon and beyond? History is replete with stories of famous, creative exceptional people who were almost or unsuccessfully aborted. Why must this madness continue? It doesn’t have to continue. I urge you to abort the abortion industry. That’s right, industry. For many, abortion is a matter of convenience, ending an unexpected pregnancy, for the providers it is a never ending source of “test tissue” on which they can commit untold atrocities. Such people are seared in the soul to a point where there is little chance of returning to being the type of caring, nurturing, loving individuals they ought to be.  
We don’t have babies for new victims upon which to experiment. We don’t have babies to enjoy as toys. We have them as a natural process of continuing life in the context we find ourselves in, on this planet, in the here and now. Babies, in or out of the womb are to be respected as individually sovereign, just adults are.  
Homicide occurs whenever a human life is taken by another human. Sometimes, and under certain conditions, homicide is also called murder. This has to do with the context, that is the means, intent and opportunity to do so. Abortion is not the result of a car accident, a plane crash, a house fire or drowning. Those are called accidents. They are not planned. They are not opportunistic. An abortion betrays an opportunist. Indeed, the opportunity lasts less than nine months. Yes, you could wait till after the birth to murder the individual, but the law speaks to that rather clearly in most cases. Yet under the law, things are convoluted severely for the unborn. That they are not protected by law very well, does not preclude their natural rights as sovereign individuals. Abortion requires means, hence the specialized “clinics.” Abortion requires intent to kill the baby. A surgery in close proximity to a living baby in the womb, could be undertaken with little danger to the unborn child. There is no doubt in my mind that abortion is indeed, murder. The responsibility for the murder is something to be worked out by that culture in which it occurs. It is not the subject of this specific blog post.  
That young women are drawn into this “procedure” by the temptation of convenience, threats, fear of ostracism, guilt or whatever, by the cruel who promote abortion, does not justify this barbaric practice. We are in this life. It is a gift to us to be here. What we do with that gift, is our gift back to life itself, to every other person we encounter here, indeed to people we may never meet. I’ve never met Thomas Edison, but I am thankful for his contributions.  
Life Does Not End…
If you are a person suffering the aftermath of an abortion, there is hope for you. If you had an abortion, or performed abortions, There is hope. There is forgiveness. This is a deeply personal hurt and burden which must be shared to be endured and healed. There are wonderful spiritual resources available through which you may resolve issues in the aftermath of abortion. The purpose of this blog post is not to berate someone who is affected by the subject. Life is what is at stake here. Once a life has been taken from us, it cannot be brought back. It can be grieved, though, healing can come. I urge you if need be to search for these very available resources to be found in your church or synagogue or appropriate counselors.    

If You Carry a Firearm…

On February 14, 2015, my son and I took the PDH1, Personal Defense Handgun level 1 class at the REACT training facility near Bend, OR. I am submitting this brief review.

This basic class is packed with very high level instruction that advances the student beyond what most basic, entry level classes will. Please don’t miss what you just read. The class starts you with advanced level habits (which of course depend on your personal practice after taking the class).

The class is 8 hours, come well rested and ready to learn. The instructor was very student friendly, welcoming all questions, and very able to segue back to his topic. The experience was positive, personal, and professionally conducted. The class is SAFE and promotes the very best in firearms handling with safety habits practiced always.

Three primary areas are covered thoroughly. First is Oregon law regarding firearms, an actual read through of statutory law. Time wise, this is the longest portion of the class which is good. Firearms ownership and bearing of arms is a most serious responsibility of citizenship.

Second, interlaced with the classroom instruction, and a welcome opportunity to stretch, was practical instruction on holstering, elements of the draw, and specific handling necessary to safety and self defense.

Third, came the live fire training, expending about 50 rounds from your firearm, and learning range rules and safety protocols around other students. Individual instruction was paramount here, with much time spent answering questions and addressing introductory matters appropriate to an introductory class.

Fourth, and very unusual in an entry level class, was the simulation training. This I believe to be unusual in a basic class, and is a real bonus. The simulation tested in as real an environment as possible the things learned throughout the day. A debriefing after the session was most interesting. It was fun, humbling, and revealing for each individual. Airsoft weapons were used, along with appropriate safety gear, giving the simulation a very real feel.

I highly recommend you get training such as this if you plan to carry your gun. I doubt you’ll find a better instruction experience anywhere. REACT has additional training available with multiple weapon choices and expert instructors. I cannot recommend them any higher.

Whether you are in law enforcement, or a citizen carrying a gun for personal protection, nothing is more important than knowing the law, and knowing the fight involving the weapon system of your choice. The responsibilities are enormous and life changing. So, please, get training from professionals, not from TV! Proper handling, storage, safe use are all well developed in their sophistication. There are many things to learn. Please take advantage of the many fine opportunities available!

I must close with an important caveat. I do not believe in compulsory, government enforced training. I believe in freedom, and the responsibilities it demands. Perhaps the best way to lose freedom, is to be ignorant of the freedom we love.

Take a look at reacttraining.com

“Aim small, Miss small.”