I (And other blogers) have been using the expression Mecca Delenda Est ("Mecca Must Be Destroyed") for some time. For myself (And, I suspect, the other users of this version of Cato's slogan) do not care if the physical status of a grubby Arab town is altered in any way. (I would shed tears only for children of that town if a large rock came crashing down from the heavens on that well-spring of evil).
For myself, the "Mecca" I wish destroyed (Totally and without mercy) is the Mecca-Of-Ideas, being the unalterable inventions of the false prophet Mohammed (Changeable only during his life-time and only for his advantage). One summary of those hateful teachings is that Islam allows or encourages, and sometimes commands, the use of murder, rape and enslavement, genocide, lying to and stealing from "unbelievers", perpetual war with all non-Muslims until they "Submit" (The real meaning of "Islam") and the other horrors taught by Mohammed to further the group goals of that criminal-terrorist ideology and the illicit power and sexual lusts of its adult, male, members.
Mohammed, himself, was a murderer, liar and treaty breaker, bandit AND the sexual abuser of a nine-year-young girl-child.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Ideas On Mobius Strip Research
The Moebius Strip, so beloved of those mathematicians called "topologists", has some curious applications in the field of electronics being used to produce a superior resistor not subject to high-frequency interference (1). This causes me to wonder what other applications might be had for that most particular form (A strip with only one side and one edge).
Chemists have even converted molecules into this curious form (2), which makes me wonder what the effect on such manipulating would be as to drugs, fuels, explosives, etc.
What would be the effects of a plastic-explosive in that shape? This should be tested with one strip detonated by various means and at various points. The same should be tested for various combinations of such strips AND both as a primary explosive and as an initiator.
Moebius strips, in various metals and combinations, should be tested under various conditions of electric and electronic excitement at various temperatures down to that of liquid Nitrogen.
I will leave it to your imagination as to other possible ways of looking into the properties of this unique shape.
Of course, as a reader of science-fiction, I note the following possibilities:
1. The tested strip could explode at nuclear or anti-matter levels;
2. Such could merely wink out of existence (In this universe);
3. It could create a "black hole" which would 'eat up" our world;
4. It could open a portal into a star with the expected effect on our world;
5. Other negative effects left to your imagination.
On the other hand, such testing might lead to:
1. A cheap and reliable source of electrical energy superior to any now in existence.
2. Practical "anti-gravity" and quick inter-stellar travel;
3. A method of dumping our toxic wastes "somewhere else"; And,
4. Other positive benefits not listed here.
Anyone knowing of pending research as to the Moebius Strip is asked to contact me. THANKS!
Chemists have even converted molecules into this curious form (2), which makes me wonder what the effect on such manipulating would be as to drugs, fuels, explosives, etc.
What would be the effects of a plastic-explosive in that shape? This should be tested with one strip detonated by various means and at various points. The same should be tested for various combinations of such strips AND both as a primary explosive and as an initiator.
Moebius strips, in various metals and combinations, should be tested under various conditions of electric and electronic excitement at various temperatures down to that of liquid Nitrogen.
I will leave it to your imagination as to other possible ways of looking into the properties of this unique shape.
Of course, as a reader of science-fiction, I note the following possibilities:
1. The tested strip could explode at nuclear or anti-matter levels;
2. Such could merely wink out of existence (In this universe);
3. It could create a "black hole" which would 'eat up" our world;
4. It could open a portal into a star with the expected effect on our world;
5. Other negative effects left to your imagination.
On the other hand, such testing might lead to:
1. A cheap and reliable source of electrical energy superior to any now in existence.
2. Practical "anti-gravity" and quick inter-stellar travel;
3. A method of dumping our toxic wastes "somewhere else"; And,
4. Other positive benefits not listed here.
Anyone knowing of pending research as to the Moebius Strip is asked to contact me. THANKS!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Proposed Constitutional Amendments
COMMENTS???
Amendment 28: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United
States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives,
and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or
Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the
United States.
Any citizen shall have standing before the Courts to enforce this Amendment."
NOTE: The above was sent to me by a frequent correspondent. It may be in reaction to the Congress exempting its Members and staffs from the provisions of the "public health reform bill". However, it could as well apply to laws against "insider trading" upon my question: "How did so many congress-critters get so wealthy on their salaries and with the expenses of maintaining residences in their home states and in/about the District of Columbia?".
Amendment 29: "No person born in the United States Of America to parents who have illegally entered that nation shall be entitled to be citizens of the United States by reason of that birth nor shall the children of any such persons have the right to bestow citizenship on their children in a like manner.
No person illegally in the United States shall have any protections under the Constitution other than that of a summary hearing to determine the legality of residence in OUR nation."
NOTE; This proposal addresses the question of "anchor children" born to illegal immigrants and the reconquest of the South-Western USA by an alien population which cares not for the unifying English language or laws-and-customs of the USA's more integrated population.
"
Amendment 30: "No person shall be forbidden from possession of a firearm except if younger than 18-years of age (If unsupervised by adults) or on the basis of a judicial finding of guilt to a felony or a violent misdemeanor or by judicial finding of such a mental disease or disorder at to justify such a restriction. The Congress may forbid any open or concealed carrying of weapons in courts, jails or prisons or armories and nuclear sites or secure mental institutions or in the immediate presence of the President and Vice-President of the United States, The Congress and equivalent offices of the Several States and Territories."
NOTE: Since there seems to those not conversant with our history that the Second Amendment to the Constitution is unclear, this proposal would clarify that issue.
Amendment 31: "Ten years after the ratification of this Amendment no person having ever graduated from a law school or practiced law shall be a Member of the Congress."
Note: Attorneys, of course, control our Courts and are well on the way to control the Executive Branch of the national Government.I see no reason to allow them to control all branches of government. The Congress seems intent to generate laws that only some attorneys can understand, thus insuring the incomes of this parasitic class and undercutting the principle, for the People, that ignorance of the law is no violation of it.
You might ask yourself: "What do lawyers produce which benefit the economy?"
Amendment 32: "The sum total of words in the United States Code and Federal Administrative Rules shall be limited to a total of 1,000,000 within five years of ratification of this Amendment.
Upon petition of 5000 or more citizens any Federal Law or Administrative Rule can be found, by a jury of average citizens, to be comprehensible and allowable or incomprehensible and stricken from the Statutes or Codes. Average shall mean one who has a high school and one-year of formal post high school education.
Note: If you cannot discover the benefits of this measure, you should find some other country in which to live and suffer
Amendment 28: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United
States that does not apply equally to the Senators or Representatives,
and Congress shall make no law that applies to the Senators or
Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the
United States.
Any citizen shall have standing before the Courts to enforce this Amendment."
NOTE: The above was sent to me by a frequent correspondent. It may be in reaction to the Congress exempting its Members and staffs from the provisions of the "public health reform bill". However, it could as well apply to laws against "insider trading" upon my question: "How did so many congress-critters get so wealthy on their salaries and with the expenses of maintaining residences in their home states and in/about the District of Columbia?".
Amendment 29: "No person born in the United States Of America to parents who have illegally entered that nation shall be entitled to be citizens of the United States by reason of that birth nor shall the children of any such persons have the right to bestow citizenship on their children in a like manner.
No person illegally in the United States shall have any protections under the Constitution other than that of a summary hearing to determine the legality of residence in OUR nation."
NOTE; This proposal addresses the question of "anchor children" born to illegal immigrants and the reconquest of the South-Western USA by an alien population which cares not for the unifying English language or laws-and-customs of the USA's more integrated population.
"
Amendment 30: "No person shall be forbidden from possession of a firearm except if younger than 18-years of age (If unsupervised by adults) or on the basis of a judicial finding of guilt to a felony or a violent misdemeanor or by judicial finding of such a mental disease or disorder at to justify such a restriction. The Congress may forbid any open or concealed carrying of weapons in courts, jails or prisons or armories and nuclear sites or secure mental institutions or in the immediate presence of the President and Vice-President of the United States, The Congress and equivalent offices of the Several States and Territories."
NOTE: Since there seems to those not conversant with our history that the Second Amendment to the Constitution is unclear, this proposal would clarify that issue.
Amendment 31: "Ten years after the ratification of this Amendment no person having ever graduated from a law school or practiced law shall be a Member of the Congress."
Note: Attorneys, of course, control our Courts and are well on the way to control the Executive Branch of the national Government.I see no reason to allow them to control all branches of government. The Congress seems intent to generate laws that only some attorneys can understand, thus insuring the incomes of this parasitic class and undercutting the principle, for the People, that ignorance of the law is no violation of it.
You might ask yourself: "What do lawyers produce which benefit the economy?"
Amendment 32: "The sum total of words in the United States Code and Federal Administrative Rules shall be limited to a total of 1,000,000 within five years of ratification of this Amendment.
Upon petition of 5000 or more citizens any Federal Law or Administrative Rule can be found, by a jury of average citizens, to be comprehensible and allowable or incomprehensible and stricken from the Statutes or Codes. Average shall mean one who has a high school and one-year of formal post high school education.
Note: If you cannot discover the benefits of this measure, you should find some other country in which to live and suffer
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Airports & "Global Warming"
In the USA, at the least, many (Most?) of the official weather stations are at air-ports. In the past these places were typically at the edges of cities or even in rural or semi-rural areas, with short paved runways, with few flights, with air craft having (By today's standards) low powered and internal combustion engines and minimum numbers of autos and trucks coming and departing. Today, these places are surrounded by suburbs and shipping company facilities with attendant concrete roads, use air craft which have huge and powerful jet engines which produce equally huge heat signatures, extensive runways and other concrete surfaces which retain, reflect and even produce (When laid down) like heat and other sources of increased temperature and localized "carbon foot prints".
I suspect that the same tale is evident where most, civilian, air ports are located. Yet, I can recall only one note as to the taking of air temperatures at such places as a potential source of bias in scientific studies of climate change.
I suspect that the same tale is evident where most, civilian, air ports are located. Yet, I can recall only one note as to the taking of air temperatures at such places as a potential source of bias in scientific studies of climate change.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Terrorism Imported Into The USA--By Obama
Mr. B. H. Obama is still adamant about closing the very well designed prison at Guantanamo Bay Cuba and transfer its inmates to other nations (Where experience is that they are likely to return to active terrorism) OR transfer them to a prison, probably in Illinois.
I hope the People of Thompson, Illinois, the State of Illinois and of the USA will be pleased by the transfer of the "Gitmo" terrorists to the the prison located in that place---Especially when terrorists seize a local primary school and begin killing one pupil an hour until the other terrorists are safely released from that too convenient prison.
The People of that town may also be expected to learn to appreciate the sound of children being raped and tortured.
I hope the People of Thompson, Illinois, the State of Illinois and of the USA will be pleased by the transfer of the "Gitmo" terrorists to the the prison located in that place---Especially when terrorists seize a local primary school and begin killing one pupil an hour until the other terrorists are safely released from that too convenient prison.
The People of that town may also be expected to learn to appreciate the sound of children being raped and tortured.
Monday, January 04, 2010
Who Is Responcible For Terrorism---Game 3
(This letter is reply to Mr. David's Warren in the Ottawa Citizen of Jan. 1, 2010)
Dear Mr. Warren:
Who is the leading exporter of terrorism in today's world? In Afghanistan and other parts of Asia, Pakistan appears to be the leader if "boots on the ground" are considered in those areas. Pakistan also provides a major base for terrorist training camps Iran appears to be, as you wrote, a "major player"; But, may be limited by limits set by its own internal problems and commitment to a non-Arabic language. Among its far-flung children, the Sudan recruits and provides terrorists in Denmark, the "Twin Cities" of the USA and other places.
Iran does continue to be a major problem as too many "Mad Mullahs" worship death (In the causes of Islam) as opposed to those (Other than abortion supporters) in the West who tend to worship life.
Yet, Saudi Arabia provides the largest portion of pro-Islam and anti-other propaganda. Its royal and other subjects carefully and through untraceable means (Ofter "Islamic Charities") provide huge sums of cash to many terrorist groups in the Middle East and other places.
The real source of such terrorism is in the Koran as an unalterable teacher of the principles that Muslims are encouraged and allowed, and sometimes commanded, to use murder, genocide, rape-and-enslavement, perpetual war with "unbelievers" and other, horrid, teachings, all to further the causes of Islam (And the power and sexual lusts of adult, male, Muslims).
Today, betrayal is bought not with 30 pieces of silver, but with larger numbers of barrels of oil. If Dante would have known of these traitors, he would (No doubt) have put them in the lowest and most frozen Circle-Of-Hell.
Your most loyal reader,
James Pawlak
+ MECCA DELENDA EST +
Dear Mr. Warren:
Who is the leading exporter of terrorism in today's world? In Afghanistan and other parts of Asia, Pakistan appears to be the leader if "boots on the ground" are considered in those areas. Pakistan also provides a major base for terrorist training camps Iran appears to be, as you wrote, a "major player"; But, may be limited by limits set by its own internal problems and commitment to a non-Arabic language. Among its far-flung children, the Sudan recruits and provides terrorists in Denmark, the "Twin Cities" of the USA and other places.
Iran does continue to be a major problem as too many "Mad Mullahs" worship death (In the causes of Islam) as opposed to those (Other than abortion supporters) in the West who tend to worship life.
Yet, Saudi Arabia provides the largest portion of pro-Islam and anti-other propaganda. Its royal and other subjects carefully and through untraceable means (Ofter "Islamic Charities") provide huge sums of cash to many terrorist groups in the Middle East and other places.
The real source of such terrorism is in the Koran as an unalterable teacher of the principles that Muslims are encouraged and allowed, and sometimes commanded, to use murder, genocide, rape-and-enslavement, perpetual war with "unbelievers" and other, horrid, teachings, all to further the causes of Islam (And the power and sexual lusts of adult, male, Muslims).
Today, betrayal is bought not with 30 pieces of silver, but with larger numbers of barrels of oil. If Dante would have known of these traitors, he would (No doubt) have put them in the lowest and most frozen Circle-Of-Hell.
Your most loyal reader,
James Pawlak
+ MECCA DELENDA EST +
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Pope "Preaching To The Choir"
For 1400-plus years Islam has allowed or encouraged, and sometimes commanded, the use of murder, rape and enslavement, genocide, perpetual war with "unbelievers" and the other horrors taught by the false-prophet Mohammed (Himself a murderer, bandit, liar and treaty breaker AND the sexual abuser of a nine-year-young girl-child) to advance the causes of Islam and to satisfy the sex-and-power lusts of Muslims. For most of this time the Church has preached mercy-peace-love, without too much concern for the concepts of justice for and protection of the victims of Jihad The practice of these teachings continue to this day.
The exceptions to this suicidal position have been those crusaders who have fought Islam, Nazism (And its allies, including many Muslims), and Atheistic-Communism in many places and times.
Yet the Pope (And too many others) continue to mouth such platitudes as Muslims will not hear and, if heard, will find in direct opposition to the core of their ideology (I will not call it a religions). They will then attack Christians all the harder upon such expressions of weakness and a lack of faith in those who have before, now and in the future, risked blood, limbs, lives and their very souls by the civilization-saving use of deadly force.
Someone should explain the American term "preaching to the choir" to the Pope and have him read St. Bernard of Clairvaux's De Laude Novae Militae.
Respectfully submitted,
James Pawlak
+ MECCA DELEDA EST +
VATICAN DOSSIER
Benedict XVI Offers Key to Peace
Reflects on the Depth of the Human Face
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Peace begins when we look at one another as persons, regardless of race, nationality, language or religion, Benedict XVI says. But, he maintains, this is only possible when God dwells in our hearts.
The Holy Father reflected on how to achieve true and lasting peace during his homily today in a Mass at St. Peter's for the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Jan. 1 marks the annual celebration of the World Day of Peace.
"To meditate on the mystery of the face of God and man is a privileged path that leads to peace," the Pope suggested. "This [peace], in fact, begins by looking upon others with respect, recognizing in the face of the other a person, regardless of the color of his skin, his nationality, his language or his religion."
"But," he continued, "who, if not God, can guarantee [that we see] what we could call the 'depth' of the face of the person? In reality, only if we have God in our hearts are we in a condition to detect in the face of others a brother in humanity -- not a means, but an end, not a rival or an enemy, but another 'I,' a facet of the infinite mystery of the human being.
"Our perception of the world and, in particular, of our peers, essentially depends on the presence within us of the Spirit of God.
"It is a type of 'resonance': One who has an empty heart does not perceive anything more than flat images, lacking depth. But, the more we are inhabited by God, the more sensitive we are to his presence in those who surround us -- in all creatures, and especially in other people."
Nevertheless, the Pontiff acknowledged, the "human face, marked by the harshness of life and evil" sometimes struggles to be an "epiphany of God."
"Therefore," he continued, "in order to recognize and respect each other for what we truly are, that is, brothers, it is even more necessary to make reference to the face of a common Father, who loves us all, despite our limits and errors."
Unveiling God's face
Benedict XVI's homily was a reflection on the face of God and the faces of man, which he proposed as a key for understanding the issue of peace in the world.
"The face is the expression of the person, par excellence," he suggested. "It is what makes him recognizable and where he shows sentiments, thoughts and intentions of the heart."
"God," the Holy Father continued, "by nature, is invisible. Nevertheless, the Bible also applies this image to him. [...] The whole of biblical history can be read as a progressive unveiling of the face of God, up to the point of his full revelation in Jesus Christ."
Referring to Mary's title as Mother of God, the Pontiff explained that "the face of God has taken a human face, allowing himself to be seen and recognized in the son of the Virgin Mary."
"She who guarded in her heart the secret of divine maternity was the first to see the face of God made man in the tiny fruit of her womb," he reflected.
"A mother has a very special relationship -- unique and exclusive in every way -- with a newborn," the Pope continued. "The first face that a child sees is that of his mother, and this gaze is decisive for his relationship with life, with himself, with others, with God. It is decisive as well so that he can become a 'child of peace.'"
The Holy Father went on to offer a reflection on the Byzantine icon of the Virgin of Tenderness, which depicts the Child Jesus with his cheek against that of his mother: "The Child looks at the Mother, and she looks at us, almost as if reflecting to what she observes, and praying, the tenderness of God, descended in them from heaven and incarnated in this Son of Man that she carries in her arms.
"But this same icon also shows us in Mary the face of the Church, which reflects upon us and upon the entire world the light of Christ, the Church through which the Good News arrives to every person."
Laughing together
Benedict XVI maintained that it is important to be educated in respect for those who are different starting in childhood.
He renewed his call to "invest in education, establishing the objective -- beyond the necessary transmission of technical-scientific notions -- of a broader and deeper 'ecological responsibility,' based in respect for the person and his fundamental rights and duties."
"Only in this way can a commitment to the environment truly become education in peace and the construction of peace," he contended.
The Holy Father observed that "today it is ever more common to have the experience of classrooms made up of children of various nationalities, though also when this doesn't occur, their faces are a prophecy of the humanity that we are called to form: a family of families and peoples."
These children, he said, "despite their differences, cry and laugh in the same way; they have the same needs; they communicate spontaneously; they play together ..."
"The faces of children are like a reflection of the vision of God for the World," the Pontiff affirmed. "Why then wipe away their smiles? Why poison their hearts?
"Unfortunately, the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness finds its tragic opposite in the sorrowful images of so many children and their mothers in the claws of war and violence: fugitives, refugees, forced immigrants."
The Bishop of Rome spoke of "faces eroded by hunger and sickness, faces disfigured by pain and desperation." And he declared: "The faces of innocent little ones are a silent call to us to take responsibility: Before their helplessness, all of the false justifications for war and violence come crashing down."
"We should," the Pope affirmed, "simply become designers of peace, lay down every class of weapons and commit ourselves together to building a world more worthy of the person."
A cosmic celebration
Benedict XVI contended that people are capable of respect to the degree that they "carry in their own spirits a full sense of life."
"Otherwise, [the person] will be led to despise himself and what is around him, to lack respect for the environment in which he lives, for that which is created," the Pope cautioned. But, "one who knows how to recognize in the cosmos the reflection of the invisible face of the Creator is led to have greater love for creatures, more sensitivity for their symbolic value."
"There exists, in fact, a very direct link between respect for the person and the safeguarding of creation," he contended. "The duty [to protect] the environment is derived from that to [protect] the person considered in himself and in relation to others."
"If the person is degraded, the environment in which he lives is degraded; if the culture tends to nihilism -- if not in theory, then in practice -- nature cannot fail to pay the consequences," the Holy Father affirmed.
And he reflected that there is a reciprocal influence between the face of the person and the "face" of the environment.
"When human ecology is respected in society," he said, "environmental ecology will also draw out benefits."
Finally, Benedict XVI emphasized that the "coming of God transfigures creation and creates a type of cosmic celebration."
"The celebration of faith becomes a celebration of the person and all that is created," he suggested. "The Church renews this mystery for people of every generation; she shows them the face of God so that, with his blessing, they can walk the path of peace."
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Pope Urges Terrorists to Abandon Violence
Says a New Path Is Possible With God
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is urging those involved in violence of any kind to stop and reflect and thus embark on a path of peace.
The Pope made this exhortation today before praying the first midday Angelus of the year with those gathered in St. Peter's Square. The Holy Father acknowledged that for those involved in violent groups, a change of life might seem impossible. But, he assured, God can make it happen.
The Pontiff's brief Angelus message focused both on the New Year begun today and the path of peace, as Jan. 1 marks the World Day of Peace. The theme for this year's World Day celebration highlighted the importance of protecting the environment.
"To all of you I express my wish that the year just begun will be a time in which, with the help of the Lord, we can find Christ and the will of God and thus as well improve our common home, which is the world," he said.
Regarding the issues of climate change and the disappearance of resources, the Holy Father affirmed that global action is urgently necessary.
But, he continued, "I would like to highlight the importance that each one's decisions have in defending the environment -- the decisions of families and local administrations."
"'We can no longer do without a real change of outlook which will result in new lifestyles,'" he said, citing his World Day of Peace Message. "In reality, all of us are responsible for the protection and care of the created world. Therefore, in this field too, education is fundamental."
The Bishop of Rome continued: "If we should care for the creatures that surround us, what consideration we should have for people, our brothers and sisters! What respect for human life! On the first day of the year, I would like to call out to the consciences of those who form part of armed groups of any kind.
"To each and every one, I say: Stop, reflect and abandon the path of violence! At first, this step could seem impossible to you, but if you have the courage to do it, God will help you, and you will feel return to your hearts joy and peace, which perhaps you've forgotten for a long time now. I entrust this call to the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, Mary."
Finally, the Holy Father reflected on the Christmas message, as the octave draws to a close.
"Today, the liturgy reminds us that eight days after the birth of the Child, [Mary] and her husband Joseph brought him to be circumcised, according to the Law of Moses, and gave him the name Jesus, which had been given him by the angel," the Pope recalled. "This name, which means 'God saves,' is the fulfillment of the revelation of God. Jesus is the face of God. He is the blessing for each person and for all populations. He is the peace of the world.
"Thank you, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the Savior, the Prince of Peace!"
--- --- ---
On ZENIT's Web page:
Full text of Angelus address: www.zenit.org/article-27961?l=English
The exceptions to this suicidal position have been those crusaders who have fought Islam, Nazism (And its allies, including many Muslims), and Atheistic-Communism in many places and times.
Yet the Pope (And too many others) continue to mouth such platitudes as Muslims will not hear and, if heard, will find in direct opposition to the core of their ideology (I will not call it a religions). They will then attack Christians all the harder upon such expressions of weakness and a lack of faith in those who have before, now and in the future, risked blood, limbs, lives and their very souls by the civilization-saving use of deadly force.
Someone should explain the American term "preaching to the choir" to the Pope and have him read St. Bernard of Clairvaux's De Laude Novae Militae.
Respectfully submitted,
James Pawlak
+ MECCA DELEDA EST +
VATICAN DOSSIER
Benedict XVI Offers Key to Peace
Reflects on the Depth of the Human Face
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Peace begins when we look at one another as persons, regardless of race, nationality, language or religion, Benedict XVI says. But, he maintains, this is only possible when God dwells in our hearts.
The Holy Father reflected on how to achieve true and lasting peace during his homily today in a Mass at St. Peter's for the feast of Mary, Mother of God. Jan. 1 marks the annual celebration of the World Day of Peace.
"To meditate on the mystery of the face of God and man is a privileged path that leads to peace," the Pope suggested. "This [peace], in fact, begins by looking upon others with respect, recognizing in the face of the other a person, regardless of the color of his skin, his nationality, his language or his religion."
"But," he continued, "who, if not God, can guarantee [that we see] what we could call the 'depth' of the face of the person? In reality, only if we have God in our hearts are we in a condition to detect in the face of others a brother in humanity -- not a means, but an end, not a rival or an enemy, but another 'I,' a facet of the infinite mystery of the human being.
"Our perception of the world and, in particular, of our peers, essentially depends on the presence within us of the Spirit of God.
"It is a type of 'resonance': One who has an empty heart does not perceive anything more than flat images, lacking depth. But, the more we are inhabited by God, the more sensitive we are to his presence in those who surround us -- in all creatures, and especially in other people."
Nevertheless, the Pontiff acknowledged, the "human face, marked by the harshness of life and evil" sometimes struggles to be an "epiphany of God."
"Therefore," he continued, "in order to recognize and respect each other for what we truly are, that is, brothers, it is even more necessary to make reference to the face of a common Father, who loves us all, despite our limits and errors."
Unveiling God's face
Benedict XVI's homily was a reflection on the face of God and the faces of man, which he proposed as a key for understanding the issue of peace in the world.
"The face is the expression of the person, par excellence," he suggested. "It is what makes him recognizable and where he shows sentiments, thoughts and intentions of the heart."
"God," the Holy Father continued, "by nature, is invisible. Nevertheless, the Bible also applies this image to him. [...] The whole of biblical history can be read as a progressive unveiling of the face of God, up to the point of his full revelation in Jesus Christ."
Referring to Mary's title as Mother of God, the Pontiff explained that "the face of God has taken a human face, allowing himself to be seen and recognized in the son of the Virgin Mary."
"She who guarded in her heart the secret of divine maternity was the first to see the face of God made man in the tiny fruit of her womb," he reflected.
"A mother has a very special relationship -- unique and exclusive in every way -- with a newborn," the Pope continued. "The first face that a child sees is that of his mother, and this gaze is decisive for his relationship with life, with himself, with others, with God. It is decisive as well so that he can become a 'child of peace.'"
The Holy Father went on to offer a reflection on the Byzantine icon of the Virgin of Tenderness, which depicts the Child Jesus with his cheek against that of his mother: "The Child looks at the Mother, and she looks at us, almost as if reflecting to what she observes, and praying, the tenderness of God, descended in them from heaven and incarnated in this Son of Man that she carries in her arms.
"But this same icon also shows us in Mary the face of the Church, which reflects upon us and upon the entire world the light of Christ, the Church through which the Good News arrives to every person."
Laughing together
Benedict XVI maintained that it is important to be educated in respect for those who are different starting in childhood.
He renewed his call to "invest in education, establishing the objective -- beyond the necessary transmission of technical-scientific notions -- of a broader and deeper 'ecological responsibility,' based in respect for the person and his fundamental rights and duties."
"Only in this way can a commitment to the environment truly become education in peace and the construction of peace," he contended.
The Holy Father observed that "today it is ever more common to have the experience of classrooms made up of children of various nationalities, though also when this doesn't occur, their faces are a prophecy of the humanity that we are called to form: a family of families and peoples."
These children, he said, "despite their differences, cry and laugh in the same way; they have the same needs; they communicate spontaneously; they play together ..."
"The faces of children are like a reflection of the vision of God for the World," the Pontiff affirmed. "Why then wipe away their smiles? Why poison their hearts?
"Unfortunately, the icon of the Mother of God of Tenderness finds its tragic opposite in the sorrowful images of so many children and their mothers in the claws of war and violence: fugitives, refugees, forced immigrants."
The Bishop of Rome spoke of "faces eroded by hunger and sickness, faces disfigured by pain and desperation." And he declared: "The faces of innocent little ones are a silent call to us to take responsibility: Before their helplessness, all of the false justifications for war and violence come crashing down."
"We should," the Pope affirmed, "simply become designers of peace, lay down every class of weapons and commit ourselves together to building a world more worthy of the person."
A cosmic celebration
Benedict XVI contended that people are capable of respect to the degree that they "carry in their own spirits a full sense of life."
"Otherwise, [the person] will be led to despise himself and what is around him, to lack respect for the environment in which he lives, for that which is created," the Pope cautioned. But, "one who knows how to recognize in the cosmos the reflection of the invisible face of the Creator is led to have greater love for creatures, more sensitivity for their symbolic value."
"There exists, in fact, a very direct link between respect for the person and the safeguarding of creation," he contended. "The duty [to protect] the environment is derived from that to [protect] the person considered in himself and in relation to others."
"If the person is degraded, the environment in which he lives is degraded; if the culture tends to nihilism -- if not in theory, then in practice -- nature cannot fail to pay the consequences," the Holy Father affirmed.
And he reflected that there is a reciprocal influence between the face of the person and the "face" of the environment.
"When human ecology is respected in society," he said, "environmental ecology will also draw out benefits."
Finally, Benedict XVI emphasized that the "coming of God transfigures creation and creates a type of cosmic celebration."
"The celebration of faith becomes a celebration of the person and all that is created," he suggested. "The Church renews this mystery for people of every generation; she shows them the face of God so that, with his blessing, they can walk the path of peace."
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Pope Urges Terrorists to Abandon Violence
Says a New Path Is Possible With God
VATICAN CITY, JAN. 1, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is urging those involved in violence of any kind to stop and reflect and thus embark on a path of peace.
The Pope made this exhortation today before praying the first midday Angelus of the year with those gathered in St. Peter's Square. The Holy Father acknowledged that for those involved in violent groups, a change of life might seem impossible. But, he assured, God can make it happen.
The Pontiff's brief Angelus message focused both on the New Year begun today and the path of peace, as Jan. 1 marks the World Day of Peace. The theme for this year's World Day celebration highlighted the importance of protecting the environment.
"To all of you I express my wish that the year just begun will be a time in which, with the help of the Lord, we can find Christ and the will of God and thus as well improve our common home, which is the world," he said.
Regarding the issues of climate change and the disappearance of resources, the Holy Father affirmed that global action is urgently necessary.
But, he continued, "I would like to highlight the importance that each one's decisions have in defending the environment -- the decisions of families and local administrations."
"'We can no longer do without a real change of outlook which will result in new lifestyles,'" he said, citing his World Day of Peace Message. "In reality, all of us are responsible for the protection and care of the created world. Therefore, in this field too, education is fundamental."
The Bishop of Rome continued: "If we should care for the creatures that surround us, what consideration we should have for people, our brothers and sisters! What respect for human life! On the first day of the year, I would like to call out to the consciences of those who form part of armed groups of any kind.
"To each and every one, I say: Stop, reflect and abandon the path of violence! At first, this step could seem impossible to you, but if you have the courage to do it, God will help you, and you will feel return to your hearts joy and peace, which perhaps you've forgotten for a long time now. I entrust this call to the intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, Mary."
Finally, the Holy Father reflected on the Christmas message, as the octave draws to a close.
"Today, the liturgy reminds us that eight days after the birth of the Child, [Mary] and her husband Joseph brought him to be circumcised, according to the Law of Moses, and gave him the name Jesus, which had been given him by the angel," the Pope recalled. "This name, which means 'God saves,' is the fulfillment of the revelation of God. Jesus is the face of God. He is the blessing for each person and for all populations. He is the peace of the world.
"Thank you, Holy Mother, who gave birth to the Savior, the Prince of Peace!"
--- --- ---
On ZENIT's Web page:
Full text of Angelus address: www.zenit.org/article-27961?l=English
Friday, January 01, 2010
Drop In Homicides? Why? Really!
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported (Jan. 1, 2010; Page-1A) on Milwaukee's drop in homicides as appears to reflect a nation-wide trend without regard to that city's: Essential non-use of surveillance cameras; The actions of its Police Chief and Mayor; And, the delusional and unconstitutional premise that there are "illegal guns" (Other than fully automatic machine guns and short-barreled rifles and shot-guns).
As to firearms, it should have been noted that this trend towards lower levels of homicides occurred alongside of a citizens' rush to buy handguns and stock up on ammunition since the last presidential election. A knowledgeable (And honest) report would have listed that fact---Along with a breakdown of unlawful misuse of guns by the gender, age-and-race of such shooters and their victims.
Of course, the fact is that we keep in prisons a very large proportion of our citizens (And illegal immigrants) who kill others or inflict other violence on us---As also should be broken down as above.
It may be that the portion of young, male, Blacks/Latinos in the general population (ie Not in prison or jails) may be a factor in this matter. Since male Muslims represent a very small proportion of our population, but are more-and-more evident in ideology-driven killings, some note of the impact of that characteristic should be tracked and reported.
It may be that the real base for such reductions is the increased skill in treating "deep penetrating wounds" as so clearly demonstrated by the staffs of the nation's hospital emergency units. A real measure of "homicides" should, therefore, include attempted homicides.
An honest evaluation of this trend would also evaluate the States and Counties who have the most open AND immediate access to firearms (ie By liberal CCW laws) VS those who are most restrictive in that matter as to this reduction in homicides.
What is most needed is science-based, honest and "politically incorrect" reporting and NOT "sucking up" to elected and appointed officials OR to editors in the "lame street media" who have an irrational fear of an armed, democratic, citizenry.
Post: Science 101 For Journalists
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/12/science-101-for-journalists.html
As to firearms, it should have been noted that this trend towards lower levels of homicides occurred alongside of a citizens' rush to buy handguns and stock up on ammunition since the last presidential election. A knowledgeable (And honest) report would have listed that fact---Along with a breakdown of unlawful misuse of guns by the gender, age-and-race of such shooters and their victims.
Of course, the fact is that we keep in prisons a very large proportion of our citizens (And illegal immigrants) who kill others or inflict other violence on us---As also should be broken down as above.
It may be that the portion of young, male, Blacks/Latinos in the general population (ie Not in prison or jails) may be a factor in this matter. Since male Muslims represent a very small proportion of our population, but are more-and-more evident in ideology-driven killings, some note of the impact of that characteristic should be tracked and reported.
It may be that the real base for such reductions is the increased skill in treating "deep penetrating wounds" as so clearly demonstrated by the staffs of the nation's hospital emergency units. A real measure of "homicides" should, therefore, include attempted homicides.
An honest evaluation of this trend would also evaluate the States and Counties who have the most open AND immediate access to firearms (ie By liberal CCW laws) VS those who are most restrictive in that matter as to this reduction in homicides.
What is most needed is science-based, honest and "politically incorrect" reporting and NOT "sucking up" to elected and appointed officials OR to editors in the "lame street media" who have an irrational fear of an armed, democratic, citizenry.
Post: Science 101 For Journalists
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/12/science-101-for-journalists.html
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Reducing Some Sources Of Excess CO2
It appears that some of the chief sources of unneeded (Except by plants) Carbon Dioxide come from Mr. Obama's aircraft and private jets going to or coming back from "climate conferences" and, of course, from the mouth of Al Bore and the other worshipers of the "Religion Of Human Caused Global Warming". If you add the like production from the Congress and various parliaments, we may, in fact, be endangered by those forms of CO2.
If you think about it, there are immediately effective solutions to the above sources with only small emissions of nitrate wastes.
If you think about it, there are immediately effective solutions to the above sources with only small emissions of nitrate wastes.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Advise To Senators RE: Health Care Bill
If Senators Herb Kohl and R. Feingold vote for any health care "reform" bill which allows ANY use of tax dollars to fund abortions OR fails to provide enforceable provisions to keep tax dollars from being spent for illegal aliens, it would be better for them if they did NOT physically return to Wisconsin.
I suspect the same advise could be provided to all like US Senators as to their home states.
I suspect the same advise could be provided to all like US Senators as to their home states.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
B. H. Obama VS. The USA & The People
It too often appears that too many assume that Mr. B. H. Obama has some real interest in the welfare of the USA and its citizens and legal immigrants, If so, they are dreadfully wrong.
Mr. Obama's each and every act (As to economic policy, educational affairs, military strategy, bowing to foreign officials, moves towards "in-sourcing", acts against free-speech and press & "free exercise of religion", appointments, etc.) are directed at weakening our nation.
This is based on, at least, two factors:
1. Mr. Obama's self-worship of his very shallow self; And,
2. An overriding desire to make the People as dependent as possible on the Government, and that Government being ruled by the most left-wing persons available and corrupt officials known since the pre-1900 rule by monopolists.
Sometimes, I wonder if he is getting his "marching orders" from Riyadh.
Mr. Obama's each and every act (As to economic policy, educational affairs, military strategy, bowing to foreign officials, moves towards "in-sourcing", acts against free-speech and press & "free exercise of religion", appointments, etc.) are directed at weakening our nation.
This is based on, at least, two factors:
1. Mr. Obama's self-worship of his very shallow self; And,
2. An overriding desire to make the People as dependent as possible on the Government, and that Government being ruled by the most left-wing persons available and corrupt officials known since the pre-1900 rule by monopolists.
Sometimes, I wonder if he is getting his "marching orders" from Riyadh.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Letter To A Pathological Pacifist
Dear Friends In Christ:
It may surprise you that I get the Casa Maria newsletter in which you were recently cited. I do applaud the good works of that agency, even to their "protests" outside of a local gun shop as such reminds the People of the their Natural Law right to protect themselves from criminal attacks and their duty to protect others---And to the effective means to do both.
However, I consider their pacifism as essentially pathological for reasons stated below, but summarized here.
1. It is wrong and sinful to compromise with Evil or evil persons or organizations; And,
2. It is wrong, arrogant and sinful to NOT use the gifts God gave use to use prayer, thoughts, words AND deeds to combat Evil and evil persons and organizations, even to the calm, considered, use of deadly force without pride, unjust anger, lust (In killing) or false shame.
If you are intellectually honest, you will read this document to the end.
Hopefully, in Christ, yours.
James Pawlak
A MODERN PARABLE---1a
When the Katrina Hurricane hit, there was a man (Let us call him "John") of great faith in a Gulf Coast town who loudly proclaimed to all that: "God will keep me safe!".
As the waters began to rise, a deputy sheriff drove through the hub-cap-high water to that soul's home and offered him a ride to high ground and safety. John, being polite, said "Thank you; But, God will keep me safe!".
As the waters rose, John retreated to the second floor of his home. A Coast Guard boat came by and its crew offered to take John to safety. But John responded", with his usual Christian courtesy and faith: "Thank you, no; But God will keep me safe!".
Then the real flood arrived and John was forced to the roof of his engulfed home. A Coast Guard helicopter and touched down on John's flat roof. The crew of that aircraft got out and offered to take John to safety. As usual and calmly, John sail: "God will keep me safe!".
The floods bore away John's earthly body and he found himself before the Throne Of God.
John then made a mild complaint by a question: "Why did you not save me from the flood?"
In reply he heard: "WHY DID YOU INSULT ME BY REFUSING THE HELP WE, THREE TIMES, SENT TO YOU?"
___________________________________________________________________________
A MODERN PARABLE---1b
We are assured that the Church (Which is the People of God, his followers) founded by the Christ will exist until the end of the earth or the end-of-time.
Why do so many insult those who take up the sword and (At risk to blood, limbs, lives and, even, souls) take active measures to protect the Church (And its daughter, Civilization) from the enemies who would destroy them? Why are there so many "Johns" (And, "Janes") about who lack the moral courage to take the risks noted above? Why do so many presume, to a sinful level, to know the Will of God?
================================================================
A BIBLE LESSON
Luke 22: 35-38
A Different View
Luke 22:35-38
[35] Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"
"Nothing," they answered.
[36] He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. [37] It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."
[38] The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied.”
INTRODUCTION: The above is a more-or-less standard translation of the noted verse. From reading the many different interpretations of these three verses I can only conclude that the various commentators are so divergent as to lead me to doubt that they have a handle on this tidbit of the Gospels. The following comments provide a base for a very different view of these words.
Could it be that something happened after the Christ's earlier sending-out of disciples on the lawless roads of that land? Could it be that his concern for His People (As we are) as moved Him to have them take such measures as were needed to protect their bands?
ON SWORDS IN JESUS' TIME: The swords of c.33AD in the Roman world were the ultimate personal weapon. There were the AK-47s/AR-15s of that time. As all weapons of that era and most of today's they could be used for offense or defense.
Swords required much more metal than axes, daggers, spear points and other weapons. They also required very much more skill, effort and time in their manufacture which made them more uncommon in private hands than not and more costly than otherwise.
The writers of that era (Including those of the Gospels) were very aware of Roman and other weapons and, unlike some of the historically uninformed commentators on the verses noted above, not prone to confuse “swords” with “daggers”.
JESUS' NATIVE LANGUAGE: There is little doubt that the native language of Jesus was a form of Aramaic. He appears to have known enough Hebrew for the purposes of the Synagogue and may have known some Greek, the lingua-franca of the Eastern part of the Roman Empire as demonstrated by his interactions with Pontus Pilot who, as most members of the Roman upper class, spoke Greek.
JESUS' LAST “GEMERAL ORDERS” ABOVE IN ARAMAIC: The interlinear translations of the above verse, in the Christ's own mother tongue, yields the results: “They are sufficient”. This variation from “they are enough” is more-than-sufficient to cast serious doubts on the comments of some that Jesus was being sarcastic about his disciples' reaction to his declaration that they should have swords about them in the future. The first translation implies a dismissal of a wrongful reaction to His earlier statements; The latter a clear statement that two swords are “sufficient” to meet the needs of travelers. [This mistranslation is as wrong as giving “Thou shall not murder!” as “Thou shall not kill!”.]
After all, the roads of that time were not secure from bandits and other ill-doers as Roman and local “law enforcement” provided little security even within cities, let alone on the roads.
THE BIAS OF TRANSLATORS & COMMENTATORS: After reading the many and very varied translations of the noted text and the even more varied comments on it, I can only conclude that some of those persons put into those words what they wished them to mean, too often by convoluted arguments without sound premises or tempered logic. There is certainly no consistency on the interpretation of these verses. Some of these individuals could well be described as “Pathological Pacifists”! They might have done better by applying Occam's Razor and accepted that the words meant what they said (In Aramaic).
IRONY AND SARCASM: I am neither a biblical scholar nor an expert on language usages. However, it appears to me that even the most emphatic and pointed of Jesus' corrective teaching and chiding, often in parables, is ironic and without the harshness of sarcasm.
Therefore, there is great doubt as to the validity of the statements of commentators who declare that the Christ was being sarcastic in his (Mistranslated as “That is enough”.) “That is sufficient”.
MOSAIC & NATURAL LAW & DEADLY FORCE: Here I will diverge from the actual verses noted above and travel to the related question of the use of force as appears to bother too many who fail to understand the history of this subject.
From the Talmud (Moses killing the Egyptian attacking the Hebrew slave; And other verses as to slaying evil-doers) to the Torah (It is permitted to kill a night time burglar or trespasser The foundation of some jurisdiction's “Castle Laws”?) to such luminaries of our Anglo-American Law as Hobbs, Locke & Blackstone to even the very recent US Supreme Court's majority decision in District Of Columbia VS Heller the Natural Law right of self-defense (And defense of innocent others) has been supported. The means (Modern handguns) to enforce that right was the real cause-in-action for the Heller case, where the majority decision relied on Natural Law to support its decision.
For the Orthodox and Catholics explaining the meaning of the scriptures gives greatest authority to the Ecumenical Councils of the Church and, to some extent, the lesser councils and synods. [If anyone can inform me of any decisions of such as to the use of force to defend self and innocent others against criminal attacks, I would be happy to receive such information.]
Catholics, of course, accept the rare ex cathedra decisions of the Pope as to (Only) matters of Faith and morals [Same request!].
Both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches also give great weight to the early Church Fathers. Catholics, at the least, grant those persons designated as “Doctors Of The Church” great authority in matters of Faith and morals AND in interpretation of the meaning of the Gospels.
The only “Doctor Of The Church” who, as far as I know, directly addressed the use of deadly force was St. Bernard of Clairvaux who (In his De Laude Novae Militae) mentioned the “two swords”, closely outlined when Christians may use deadly force AND noted that “the edge of the sword” could be used to defend Christ and His Church.
He also noted that St. John the Baptist did not demand that soldiers give up their profession; But, only that they not abuse their authority.
The Christ, of course, gave great honor to the Centurion (A professional soldier and, if you will, a professional killer) and to his Faith.
'PUT UP YOUR SWORD”: To my mind, Christ's command to St. Peter was a “special case” as Jesus's capture, death and resurrection was necessary for the salvation-of-mankind; Such a special case not being a model for other situations or for such lesser persons as ourselves.
LEGIONS OF ANGELS: Yes, the Christ could have called upon “Legions Of Angels” to protect his followers as well as himself. Yet, as to His followers, that would have eliminated the virtue of their becoming witnesses (Martyrs) to Him and his teachings before the world's authorities of that time, rather than having the protection of two swords against common bandits. As to Himself, the same applies as in the paragraph above. It would also have prevented them from action, out of "free will", to protect themselves.
SWORDS AND THE STATE: Of course, those (eg Mr. Mark Shea) who place special weight on the words of St. Paul should recall his approval of the State's use of the sword to punish evil doers.
Some others had thought that the “two swords” referred to the division of authority between Kings (Civil governments) and the Church. This is not scriptural as it derives from the Reformation and is, at best, a strained argument.
AN EXCELLENT PRINTED DICUSSION: The following book is worth reading on general principle and especially as to the use of force and justified war:
Webster. Alexander F.C. (Fr.) & Cole, Darrell (Professor);
The Virtue Of War: Reclaiming the Classic Christian Traditions East and West;
Regina Orthodox Press (Salisbury, MA);
ISBN 1-928653-17-1.
This volume's positions and arguments can be extended, in part, to personal self-defense when the State or international-organizations are unable or, sad to write, unwilling to aid the innocent from criminal attack (eg By the Jihadi in the Sudan against the Pagan, Christian and some Muslim peoples of that nation/criminal-organization).
INSULTS & TURNED CHEEKS: Yes, the Christ told us to respond to insults, even to a slap to the face, by “turning/offering the other cheek”. That is, even the most gross insults are not an excuse for such evils as revenge.
To better understand this, it must be remembered that for time immemorial any blow to the head or face was the worst of insults in most cultures. Even in the “civilized” Western world, it has not been so many years since such a blow would result in two “gentlemen” standing ten-paces from each other with pistols in hand and murder in their hearts.
Yet, I do not find in the Scriptures any instructions to accept murder, rape, genocide, mutilation or even robbery/theft (The taking of that part of a honest person's life expended in earning property) without taking effective and immediate actions to forestall the execution of such crimes. Such are beyond insults and are dealt with, above, in the “Natural Law” section of this essay.
CONCLUSION—AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION: It appears that Jesus had sent his disciples out before the time of the noted verses without anything and with some very restrictive commands. Perhaps, some of them were confronted by evil men on the unsafe roads of that time. Perhaps, Jesus then wished them to have the “sufficient” protection of “two swords”, being enough to ward off bandits without giving the appearance of an armed party. This appears to be the simplest explanation of those verses and, therefore, the best one.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE WILL OF GOD
Being only a human and a sinner I am not so certain of the Will Of God as some. Reason, the scriptures, history, at least on Church Father and NATURAL LAW do provide some clues as to that Will as to the use of force.
1. Natural Law provides the right to use such force as is necessary to protect and even prevent the self from criminal attacks.
2. Natural Law appears to place a like duty on us as to the innocent, our families, neighbors ("Who is thy neighbor?") and the means (Including deadly force) to do so.
3. Like His earlier disciples, we are expected to act for ourselves and, when needed, take up our two swords and, as St, Bernard of Clairvaux put it, "strike blows for Christ"; But, NOT for reasons of pride or revenge, without sinful motives AND without arrogant and false guilt.
Before too much longer I will know the Will Of God (At least as to myself); But, will be unable to inform you of that Will as I will have left this World for another place.
It may surprise you that I get the Casa Maria newsletter in which you were recently cited. I do applaud the good works of that agency, even to their "protests" outside of a local gun shop as such reminds the People of the their Natural Law right to protect themselves from criminal attacks and their duty to protect others---And to the effective means to do both.
However, I consider their pacifism as essentially pathological for reasons stated below, but summarized here.
1. It is wrong and sinful to compromise with Evil or evil persons or organizations; And,
2. It is wrong, arrogant and sinful to NOT use the gifts God gave use to use prayer, thoughts, words AND deeds to combat Evil and evil persons and organizations, even to the calm, considered, use of deadly force without pride, unjust anger, lust (In killing) or false shame.
If you are intellectually honest, you will read this document to the end.
Hopefully, in Christ, yours.
James Pawlak
A MODERN PARABLE---1a
When the Katrina Hurricane hit, there was a man (Let us call him "John") of great faith in a Gulf Coast town who loudly proclaimed to all that: "God will keep me safe!".
As the waters began to rise, a deputy sheriff drove through the hub-cap-high water to that soul's home and offered him a ride to high ground and safety. John, being polite, said "Thank you; But, God will keep me safe!".
As the waters rose, John retreated to the second floor of his home. A Coast Guard boat came by and its crew offered to take John to safety. But John responded", with his usual Christian courtesy and faith: "Thank you, no; But God will keep me safe!".
Then the real flood arrived and John was forced to the roof of his engulfed home. A Coast Guard helicopter and touched down on John's flat roof. The crew of that aircraft got out and offered to take John to safety. As usual and calmly, John sail: "God will keep me safe!".
The floods bore away John's earthly body and he found himself before the Throne Of God.
John then made a mild complaint by a question: "Why did you not save me from the flood?"
In reply he heard: "WHY DID YOU INSULT ME BY REFUSING THE HELP WE, THREE TIMES, SENT TO YOU?"
___________________________________________________________________________
A MODERN PARABLE---1b
We are assured that the Church (Which is the People of God, his followers) founded by the Christ will exist until the end of the earth or the end-of-time.
Why do so many insult those who take up the sword and (At risk to blood, limbs, lives and, even, souls) take active measures to protect the Church (And its daughter, Civilization) from the enemies who would destroy them? Why are there so many "Johns" (And, "Janes") about who lack the moral courage to take the risks noted above? Why do so many presume, to a sinful level, to know the Will of God?
================================================================
A BIBLE LESSON
Luke 22: 35-38
A Different View
Luke 22:35-38
[35] Then Jesus asked them, "When I sent you without purse, bag or sandals, did you lack anything?"
"Nothing," they answered.
[36] He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one. [37] It is written: 'And he was numbered with the transgressors'; and I tell you that this must be fulfilled in me. Yes, what is written about me is reaching its fulfillment."
[38] The disciples said, "See, Lord, here are two swords."
"That is enough," he replied.”
INTRODUCTION: The above is a more-or-less standard translation of the noted verse. From reading the many different interpretations of these three verses I can only conclude that the various commentators are so divergent as to lead me to doubt that they have a handle on this tidbit of the Gospels. The following comments provide a base for a very different view of these words.
Could it be that something happened after the Christ's earlier sending-out of disciples on the lawless roads of that land? Could it be that his concern for His People (As we are) as moved Him to have them take such measures as were needed to protect their bands?
ON SWORDS IN JESUS' TIME: The swords of c.33AD in the Roman world were the ultimate personal weapon. There were the AK-47s/AR-15s of that time. As all weapons of that era and most of today's they could be used for offense or defense.
Swords required much more metal than axes, daggers, spear points and other weapons. They also required very much more skill, effort and time in their manufacture which made them more uncommon in private hands than not and more costly than otherwise.
The writers of that era (Including those of the Gospels) were very aware of Roman and other weapons and, unlike some of the historically uninformed commentators on the verses noted above, not prone to confuse “swords” with “daggers”.
JESUS' NATIVE LANGUAGE: There is little doubt that the native language of Jesus was a form of Aramaic. He appears to have known enough Hebrew for the purposes of the Synagogue and may have known some Greek, the lingua-franca of the Eastern part of the Roman Empire as demonstrated by his interactions with Pontus Pilot who, as most members of the Roman upper class, spoke Greek.
JESUS' LAST “GEMERAL ORDERS” ABOVE IN ARAMAIC: The interlinear translations of the above verse, in the Christ's own mother tongue, yields the results: “They are sufficient”. This variation from “they are enough” is more-than-sufficient to cast serious doubts on the comments of some that Jesus was being sarcastic about his disciples' reaction to his declaration that they should have swords about them in the future. The first translation implies a dismissal of a wrongful reaction to His earlier statements; The latter a clear statement that two swords are “sufficient” to meet the needs of travelers. [This mistranslation is as wrong as giving “Thou shall not murder!” as “Thou shall not kill!”.]
After all, the roads of that time were not secure from bandits and other ill-doers as Roman and local “law enforcement” provided little security even within cities, let alone on the roads.
THE BIAS OF TRANSLATORS & COMMENTATORS: After reading the many and very varied translations of the noted text and the even more varied comments on it, I can only conclude that some of those persons put into those words what they wished them to mean, too often by convoluted arguments without sound premises or tempered logic. There is certainly no consistency on the interpretation of these verses. Some of these individuals could well be described as “Pathological Pacifists”! They might have done better by applying Occam's Razor and accepted that the words meant what they said (In Aramaic).
IRONY AND SARCASM: I am neither a biblical scholar nor an expert on language usages. However, it appears to me that even the most emphatic and pointed of Jesus' corrective teaching and chiding, often in parables, is ironic and without the harshness of sarcasm.
Therefore, there is great doubt as to the validity of the statements of commentators who declare that the Christ was being sarcastic in his (Mistranslated as “That is enough”.) “That is sufficient”.
MOSAIC & NATURAL LAW & DEADLY FORCE: Here I will diverge from the actual verses noted above and travel to the related question of the use of force as appears to bother too many who fail to understand the history of this subject.
From the Talmud (Moses killing the Egyptian attacking the Hebrew slave; And other verses as to slaying evil-doers) to the Torah (It is permitted to kill a night time burglar or trespasser The foundation of some jurisdiction's “Castle Laws”?) to such luminaries of our Anglo-American Law as Hobbs, Locke & Blackstone to even the very recent US Supreme Court's majority decision in District Of Columbia VS Heller the Natural Law right of self-defense (And defense of innocent others) has been supported. The means (Modern handguns) to enforce that right was the real cause-in-action for the Heller case, where the majority decision relied on Natural Law to support its decision.
For the Orthodox and Catholics explaining the meaning of the scriptures gives greatest authority to the Ecumenical Councils of the Church and, to some extent, the lesser councils and synods. [If anyone can inform me of any decisions of such as to the use of force to defend self and innocent others against criminal attacks, I would be happy to receive such information.]
Catholics, of course, accept the rare ex cathedra decisions of the Pope as to (Only) matters of Faith and morals [Same request!].
Both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches also give great weight to the early Church Fathers. Catholics, at the least, grant those persons designated as “Doctors Of The Church” great authority in matters of Faith and morals AND in interpretation of the meaning of the Gospels.
The only “Doctor Of The Church” who, as far as I know, directly addressed the use of deadly force was St. Bernard of Clairvaux who (In his De Laude Novae Militae) mentioned the “two swords”, closely outlined when Christians may use deadly force AND noted that “the edge of the sword” could be used to defend Christ and His Church.
He also noted that St. John the Baptist did not demand that soldiers give up their profession; But, only that they not abuse their authority.
The Christ, of course, gave great honor to the Centurion (A professional soldier and, if you will, a professional killer) and to his Faith.
'PUT UP YOUR SWORD”: To my mind, Christ's command to St. Peter was a “special case” as Jesus's capture, death and resurrection was necessary for the salvation-of-mankind; Such a special case not being a model for other situations or for such lesser persons as ourselves.
LEGIONS OF ANGELS: Yes, the Christ could have called upon “Legions Of Angels” to protect his followers as well as himself. Yet, as to His followers, that would have eliminated the virtue of their becoming witnesses (Martyrs) to Him and his teachings before the world's authorities of that time, rather than having the protection of two swords against common bandits. As to Himself, the same applies as in the paragraph above. It would also have prevented them from action, out of "free will", to protect themselves.
SWORDS AND THE STATE: Of course, those (eg Mr. Mark Shea) who place special weight on the words of St. Paul should recall his approval of the State's use of the sword to punish evil doers.
Some others had thought that the “two swords” referred to the division of authority between Kings (Civil governments) and the Church. This is not scriptural as it derives from the Reformation and is, at best, a strained argument.
AN EXCELLENT PRINTED DICUSSION: The following book is worth reading on general principle and especially as to the use of force and justified war:
Webster. Alexander F.C. (Fr.) & Cole, Darrell (Professor);
The Virtue Of War: Reclaiming the Classic Christian Traditions East and West;
Regina Orthodox Press (Salisbury, MA);
ISBN 1-928653-17-1.
This volume's positions and arguments can be extended, in part, to personal self-defense when the State or international-organizations are unable or, sad to write, unwilling to aid the innocent from criminal attack (eg By the Jihadi in the Sudan against the Pagan, Christian and some Muslim peoples of that nation/criminal-organization).
INSULTS & TURNED CHEEKS: Yes, the Christ told us to respond to insults, even to a slap to the face, by “turning/offering the other cheek”. That is, even the most gross insults are not an excuse for such evils as revenge.
To better understand this, it must be remembered that for time immemorial any blow to the head or face was the worst of insults in most cultures. Even in the “civilized” Western world, it has not been so many years since such a blow would result in two “gentlemen” standing ten-paces from each other with pistols in hand and murder in their hearts.
Yet, I do not find in the Scriptures any instructions to accept murder, rape, genocide, mutilation or even robbery/theft (The taking of that part of a honest person's life expended in earning property) without taking effective and immediate actions to forestall the execution of such crimes. Such are beyond insults and are dealt with, above, in the “Natural Law” section of this essay.
CONCLUSION—AN ALTERNATIVE EXPLANATION: It appears that Jesus had sent his disciples out before the time of the noted verses without anything and with some very restrictive commands. Perhaps, some of them were confronted by evil men on the unsafe roads of that time. Perhaps, Jesus then wished them to have the “sufficient” protection of “two swords”, being enough to ward off bandits without giving the appearance of an armed party. This appears to be the simplest explanation of those verses and, therefore, the best one.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
THE WILL OF GOD
Being only a human and a sinner I am not so certain of the Will Of God as some. Reason, the scriptures, history, at least on Church Father and NATURAL LAW do provide some clues as to that Will as to the use of force.
1. Natural Law provides the right to use such force as is necessary to protect and even prevent the self from criminal attacks.
2. Natural Law appears to place a like duty on us as to the innocent, our families, neighbors ("Who is thy neighbor?") and the means (Including deadly force) to do so.
3. Like His earlier disciples, we are expected to act for ourselves and, when needed, take up our two swords and, as St, Bernard of Clairvaux put it, "strike blows for Christ"; But, NOT for reasons of pride or revenge, without sinful motives AND without arrogant and false guilt.
Before too much longer I will know the Will Of God (At least as to myself); But, will be unable to inform you of that Will as I will have left this World for another place.
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Swiss, Minarets, Muslims & Civilization
The Swiss have democratically (Who is more democratic than them?) banned minarets in their land. Various Muslims and their slave-like hangers-on have condemned this act as a "lack of diversity" or religious prejudice.
I would be more impressed by the later criticism if the basic laws of Islam, as enforced by the authorities or mobs in Muslim dominated nations, forbids the building or repair of churches (Without almost impossible to obtain permissions) and other like restrictions on Christians.
Those persons should be asked: "Where are the Churches in Saudi Arabia?".
The Muslims in Europe and other non-Islamic nations should recall the sane and nation protecting actions of the Spanish in 1492AD---They expelled all Muslims from Iberia.
We might consider the same action to preserve the heartlands of true civilization---Europe and the New World's (Including Australia & New Zealand) democracies.
+ MECCA DELENDA EST +
I would be more impressed by the later criticism if the basic laws of Islam, as enforced by the authorities or mobs in Muslim dominated nations, forbids the building or repair of churches (Without almost impossible to obtain permissions) and other like restrictions on Christians.
Those persons should be asked: "Where are the Churches in Saudi Arabia?".
The Muslims in Europe and other non-Islamic nations should recall the sane and nation protecting actions of the Spanish in 1492AD---They expelled all Muslims from Iberia.
We might consider the same action to preserve the heartlands of true civilization---Europe and the New World's (Including Australia & New Zealand) democracies.
+ MECCA DELENDA EST +
Friday, November 27, 2009
Dropping A-Bombs On Japan
Well, December 7th (Pearl Harbor Day) approaches and it is again time to bring reality and true history to the fore as to the reasons we dropped the A-bombs on Japan. Most editors, publishers, commentators, clergy, teachers and pathological pacifists among and without them have put history and truth out of their minds.
A hundred years from now any history of World War-II would still be faced with the fact that the Japanese People (Woman, Man and child) supported the "Imperial System" and were all (Man, woman and child) prepared to kill as many allied troops as they could, even after the A-Bombs were dropped and until the Imperial Decree ordering surrender came down to them.
This ended a military regime noted for genocide (Think Nan King), rape (Think "comfort women"), violations of the laws-of-war (Think of the "Bataan Death March") and other crimes against humanity.
The weapons to be used were thousands of kamikaze aircraft and like high-speed motor boats. a still very large body of soldiers in Japan and the training of men, women and children to use such in-close weapons as bamboo spears.
An invasion would have resulted in hundreds of thousands of allied casualties AND the probable extermination of the Japanese People. (For myself, I would rather that every city and town in Japan had been destroyed than to have a single allied soldier die with a bamboo spear in his guts.)
note bene: For those interested in facts, I suggest that the honest person look into the
statements of the survivors of the Nan King massacre, those abused women noted above and, most specially, those who lived through the Bataan Death March and all Japanese prison camps. For a printed resource, any honest person should read and consider the following book.
Allen, Thomas B. & Polmar, Norman
Code Name Downfall: The Secret Plan To Invade Japan and Why Truman Dropped The Bomb;
Simon & Schuster; New York
A hundred years from now any history of World War-II would still be faced with the fact that the Japanese People (Woman, Man and child) supported the "Imperial System" and were all (Man, woman and child) prepared to kill as many allied troops as they could, even after the A-Bombs were dropped and until the Imperial Decree ordering surrender came down to them.
This ended a military regime noted for genocide (Think Nan King), rape (Think "comfort women"), violations of the laws-of-war (Think of the "Bataan Death March") and other crimes against humanity.
The weapons to be used were thousands of kamikaze aircraft and like high-speed motor boats. a still very large body of soldiers in Japan and the training of men, women and children to use such in-close weapons as bamboo spears.
An invasion would have resulted in hundreds of thousands of allied casualties AND the probable extermination of the Japanese People. (For myself, I would rather that every city and town in Japan had been destroyed than to have a single allied soldier die with a bamboo spear in his guts.)
note bene: For those interested in facts, I suggest that the honest person look into the
statements of the survivors of the Nan King massacre, those abused women noted above and, most specially, those who lived through the Bataan Death March and all Japanese prison camps. For a printed resource, any honest person should read and consider the following book.
Allen, Thomas B. & Polmar, Norman
Code Name Downfall: The Secret Plan To Invade Japan and Why Truman Dropped The Bomb;
Simon & Schuster; New York
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Mahattan Declaration
Among the signers of the Manhattan Declaration Archbishop Caput and Archbishop Dolan are the ones best known to and most respected by me. I am, therefore, asked them to review my comments as to the noted and excellent document. However, I do note the absence of some essential facts and some avoidance of "politically incorrect" concepts, as included in the comments below.
A. In the declaration's preamble the authors skipped over one of the most critical events in US history as to slavery, which was the War Between The States (Misnamed "Civil War"). Most Southerners were NOT slave-holders OR fighting to preserve slavery; But, rather to preserve States Rights and the idea of "These United States" VS. today's "The United States". Many soldiers and politicians in the North did support the conflict "to preserve the union"; But, the gut-level passion was to eliminate slavery---Even if most (Including A. Lincoln) would never accept the possible equality of Blacks.
B. That conflict was, of course, the bloodiest ever fought by our nation. Without the use of such horrible force, slavery would have continued.
The earlier British campaign noted in the declaration, was enforced by the use-of-force, largely by the Royal Navy and did involve killing by military force and hanging of slavers---And was not limited to the UK, more generally off the coast of Africa. The preamble contained a falsehood or, worse yet, a half-truth about that campaign against slavery!)
C. This declaration should have mentioned (Perhaps in a foot note) that much of the general slavery and sexual slavery-and-trafficking is going on in East Africa AND is supported by the teachings of Islam as never abrogated.
D. The noted document notes a "...true God, the triune God of holiness and love,...".I put to you that the work "justice" should have been put into that descriptive sequence to balance the drift of the Churches away from the concept of "justice". Just as authority-and-duty should be in balance, justice and love-mercy-holiness should be in a proper equilibrium.
E. The term "...and act in defense..." was used. How "act"? Of course, such statements as this declaration is an "act in defense"; But, there are so very many ("Secularists" and most Muslims" for whom words contrary to their ideas, words and works are not effective and may (Especially for Muslims) be construed as an attack requiring a physical and violent response! (Please see Reference #4 below.)
I note that the wordy "defense of the unborn" has had little effect on the number of abortions (Especially the horror of late-term abortions) in the USA and beyond. I suggest that the "defense" of the unborn by the execution of George (The baby killer) Tiller may have done more to discourage the most horrid of abortions than all the words published by Bishops and others.
F. Some (eg The Sikhs; Please see note #7 below) are pacifists; But, hold it a sacred duty to protect the innocent with such force as is required and, where the law allows, wear swords or knives to remind them of that duty. We should do the same AND declare that not allowing the People ready access to the means to enforce their Natural Law right to defend themselves and the duty to defend others when the State refuses to do so.
G. Although I agree that all humans are, at conception, given equal dignity and worth. However, justice demands that we acknowledge that some (eg Genocidal tyrants and their underlings, abortionists and those who aid them, those who preach hate and take hateful acts) voluntary (By an exercise of "free will") give up the God-given dignity-and-worth of their creation and subject themselves to removal from any just society.
H. The quote "Did God send Christ, as some suppose, as a tyrant brandishing fear and terror? Not so, but in gentleness and meekness..., for compulsion is no attribute of God" represents an inadequete presentation of this concept without: Remembering the acts of the Christ in whipping the money-changers from the Temple and his words about child abusers; Declaring that the basic teachings of Islam allow or encourage, and sometimes command, the use of murder, rape and enslavement, genocide, perpetual war with "unbelievers" and the other horrors taught by the false prophet Mohammed; AND, the teachings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (A "Doctor of the Church"), in his De Laude Novae Militae, as to the proper and Christian use of deadly force (ie Striking blows for Christ) and the need to do so against Muslims.
I. One way to stand up to secularism is to legally fight each-and-every "Thomas Jefferson Case", which attempt to cancel out the "free speech" and "free exercise of religion" in all public places (On the basis of a private letter and in opposition to the intent of the Founders) on the basis of the Federal court case noted in #8 below.
J. In the "Religious Liberty" section, the authors last (A very important placement!) statement was: "But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's". Unfortunately, there are too many in the Churches who continue to attempt to take from Caesar (The People) what is due to him (Them)---To include the right to use capitol punishment AND to legislate who may enter a nation, live there and work there.
If the Churches wish for Jesus' level of "separation of church and state", they must be willing to actively support civil duty as well as mercy, rights and justice. They must also be willing to, in select cases where civil authorities do not protect the innocent, go beyond the law
REFERENCES
1. The declaration itself.
2. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Islamophobia???
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/07/islamophobia.html
3. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Four Monotheistic Religions VS Islam
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/07/three-monotheistic-religions-vs-islam.html
4. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Justifiable And Proper Killing
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/04/justifiable-and-proper-killing.html
5. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: When Talk Fails
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/03/when-talk-fails.html
6. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: USCCB Errors On Faithful Citizenship
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/10/usccb-errors-on-faithful-citizenship.html
7. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Sikhs, Swords & Christians
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/03/sikhs-swords-christians.html
8. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Atheism As Religon--PER Federal Courts
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/03/atheism-as-religon-per-federal-courts.html
+ MECCA DELENDA EST-----DEUS VULT +
A. In the declaration's preamble the authors skipped over one of the most critical events in US history as to slavery, which was the War Between The States (Misnamed "Civil War"). Most Southerners were NOT slave-holders OR fighting to preserve slavery; But, rather to preserve States Rights and the idea of "These United States" VS. today's "The United States". Many soldiers and politicians in the North did support the conflict "to preserve the union"; But, the gut-level passion was to eliminate slavery---Even if most (Including A. Lincoln) would never accept the possible equality of Blacks.
B. That conflict was, of course, the bloodiest ever fought by our nation. Without the use of such horrible force, slavery would have continued.
The earlier British campaign noted in the declaration, was enforced by the use-of-force, largely by the Royal Navy and did involve killing by military force and hanging of slavers---And was not limited to the UK, more generally off the coast of Africa. The preamble contained a falsehood or, worse yet, a half-truth about that campaign against slavery!)
C. This declaration should have mentioned (Perhaps in a foot note) that much of the general slavery and sexual slavery-and-trafficking is going on in East Africa AND is supported by the teachings of Islam as never abrogated.
D. The noted document notes a "...true God, the triune God of holiness and love,...".I put to you that the work "justice" should have been put into that descriptive sequence to balance the drift of the Churches away from the concept of "justice". Just as authority-and-duty should be in balance, justice and love-mercy-holiness should be in a proper equilibrium.
E. The term "...and act in defense..." was used. How "act"? Of course, such statements as this declaration is an "act in defense"; But, there are so very many ("Secularists" and most Muslims" for whom words contrary to their ideas, words and works are not effective and may (Especially for Muslims) be construed as an attack requiring a physical and violent response! (Please see Reference #4 below.)
I note that the wordy "defense of the unborn" has had little effect on the number of abortions (Especially the horror of late-term abortions) in the USA and beyond. I suggest that the "defense" of the unborn by the execution of George (The baby killer) Tiller may have done more to discourage the most horrid of abortions than all the words published by Bishops and others.
F. Some (eg The Sikhs; Please see note #7 below) are pacifists; But, hold it a sacred duty to protect the innocent with such force as is required and, where the law allows, wear swords or knives to remind them of that duty. We should do the same AND declare that not allowing the People ready access to the means to enforce their Natural Law right to defend themselves and the duty to defend others when the State refuses to do so.
G. Although I agree that all humans are, at conception, given equal dignity and worth. However, justice demands that we acknowledge that some (eg Genocidal tyrants and their underlings, abortionists and those who aid them, those who preach hate and take hateful acts) voluntary (By an exercise of "free will") give up the God-given dignity-and-worth of their creation and subject themselves to removal from any just society.
H. The quote "Did God send Christ, as some suppose, as a tyrant brandishing fear and terror? Not so, but in gentleness and meekness..., for compulsion is no attribute of God" represents an inadequete presentation of this concept without: Remembering the acts of the Christ in whipping the money-changers from the Temple and his words about child abusers; Declaring that the basic teachings of Islam allow or encourage, and sometimes command, the use of murder, rape and enslavement, genocide, perpetual war with "unbelievers" and the other horrors taught by the false prophet Mohammed; AND, the teachings of St. Bernard of Clairvaux (A "Doctor of the Church"), in his De Laude Novae Militae, as to the proper and Christian use of deadly force (ie Striking blows for Christ) and the need to do so against Muslims.
I. One way to stand up to secularism is to legally fight each-and-every "Thomas Jefferson Case", which attempt to cancel out the "free speech" and "free exercise of religion" in all public places (On the basis of a private letter and in opposition to the intent of the Founders) on the basis of the Federal court case noted in #8 below.
J. In the "Religious Liberty" section, the authors last (A very important placement!) statement was: "But under no circumstances will we render to Caesar what is God's". Unfortunately, there are too many in the Churches who continue to attempt to take from Caesar (The People) what is due to him (Them)---To include the right to use capitol punishment AND to legislate who may enter a nation, live there and work there.
If the Churches wish for Jesus' level of "separation of church and state", they must be willing to actively support civil duty as well as mercy, rights and justice. They must also be willing to, in select cases where civil authorities do not protect the innocent, go beyond the law
REFERENCES
1. The declaration itself.
2. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Islamophobia???
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/07/islamophobia.html
3. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Four Monotheistic Religions VS Islam
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/07/three-monotheistic-religions-vs-islam.html
4. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Justifiable And Proper Killing
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/04/justifiable-and-proper-killing.html
5. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: When Talk Fails
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2009/03/when-talk-fails.html
6. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: USCCB Errors On Faithful Citizenship
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/10/usccb-errors-on-faithful-citizenship.html
7. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Sikhs, Swords & Christians
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/03/sikhs-swords-christians.html
8. Blog: Crusader Knight
Post: Atheism As Religon--PER Federal Courts
Link: http://crusaderknight.blogspot.com/2008/03/atheism-as-religon-per-federal-courts.html
+ MECCA DELENDA EST-----DEUS VULT +
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Reforming Our Military Justice Non-System
On 9 November 2009 a very qualified (ex-JAG attorney) TV commentator described the pathological complexities of today's "military justice" non-system as to its far-too-many levels of investigation and review, both before and after any trials. This is far too valid a complaint about a military which should act in decisive and effective manner against the enemies of the American People, law and justice without and within the Armed Forces.
This is also an example of the cancer of "making jobs for lawyers" which has been rotting out the ethics, morals and economy of the USA---Especially since too many judges have begun "making law from the bench".
As I am reluctant to make a complaint without offering suggestions to correct errors, I offer the following recommendations as the the military law in the USA and its execution.
1.Require that only one person (With such staff as is required) be assigned to investigate any serious (Allowing death or a prison term of more than one-year as punishment) offense be assigned the responsibility to complete an investigation and given the sole authority as to any decision to charge or dismiss charges within 30-days of the accused be arrested or, if a fugitive, absconding from military authority.
2. Upon a decision to charge, an attorney to be appointed and all evidence presented to be delivered to him (Except as such as might endanger the national security; the Courts Martial judges to solely determine the disposition of such evidence.)
3. At that time a date for a court martial must be set for within 30-days, extend-able
45-days except in time-of-war or like state.
4. No "preliminary hearings" to be had as such, even in civilian courts are either waived or serve as "discovery sessions", the latter not needed as all relevant evidence would have been turned over to to the defense attorney.
5. The judges of courts-martial to have sole authority to determine the facts and, if the defendant is found guilty, the punishment to be imposed, reviewable only on matters of law by the "Military Court Of Appeals" and on questions of "mercy" by the Commander-in-Chief (The President of the USA).
6. In time-of-war or like conditions, any sentence of death is to be forwarded directly (Without review by the Military Court of Appeals) to the C-in-C for asap confirmation, and execution within 30-days, or commutation.
7. Execution of the death penalty should be by firing squad in a military-public setting and no longer by lethal injections, a more chancy method and, when possible, should be done within the unit in which the crime occured.
8. For military law only, the definition of "waging war against the USA" should be modified to include "any deadly attack, by a member of the armed forces, on other like members or vehicles or buildings, on the basis of ideology or non-personal animosity; The penalty for this offense "Shall be death", without the usual alternative of "lesser punishment as the court may elect".
9. The same should apply to "Mutiny" and "Treason".
10. The crime of "terrorism" should be included in military law in such a manner as described in the blog cited below AND specially excluding the non-existent protections of the Geneva Conventions and allow for as quick dispositions as in # 6 & # 7 above.
11. The review of investigations or of the results of courts-martial by superior officers should cease as a means of establishing and protecting the independence of military judicial and semi-judicial officers.
12. No appeal of decisions from the military-court-of-appeals shall be made except to the Supreme Court of the USA and, as to sentences only, to the President
It is probable that such a change will encourage the balance of our Armed Forces to act with dispatch in making decisions, a feature which should be a prime characteristic of any military organization as in #5 above.
There have been times and are historical presidents for a more effective, timely and efficient use of courts-martial and military-commissions:
A. President Lincoln's administration discovered a number Lakotas who were, in time of war,, waging war against the USA or conspiring to do so. They were tried by Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
B. Those who conspired to murder Mr. Lincoln were tried by a Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
C. During World War-II some German saboteurs were landed, by submarine, in the USA dressed in civilian clothes. They were tried by either courts-martial or Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
D. During that same war some Germans were found under-arms and in civilian clothing attacking the uniformed troops of the USA. They were tried by courts-martial, found guilty and executed.
COMMENTS?
This is also an example of the cancer of "making jobs for lawyers" which has been rotting out the ethics, morals and economy of the USA---Especially since too many judges have begun "making law from the bench".
As I am reluctant to make a complaint without offering suggestions to correct errors, I offer the following recommendations as the the military law in the USA and its execution.
1.Require that only one person (With such staff as is required) be assigned to investigate any serious (Allowing death or a prison term of more than one-year as punishment) offense be assigned the responsibility to complete an investigation and given the sole authority as to any decision to charge or dismiss charges within 30-days of the accused be arrested or, if a fugitive, absconding from military authority.
2. Upon a decision to charge, an attorney to be appointed and all evidence presented to be delivered to him (Except as such as might endanger the national security; the Courts Martial judges to solely determine the disposition of such evidence.)
3. At that time a date for a court martial must be set for within 30-days, extend-able
45-days except in time-of-war or like state.
4. No "preliminary hearings" to be had as such, even in civilian courts are either waived or serve as "discovery sessions", the latter not needed as all relevant evidence would have been turned over to to the defense attorney.
5. The judges of courts-martial to have sole authority to determine the facts and, if the defendant is found guilty, the punishment to be imposed, reviewable only on matters of law by the "Military Court Of Appeals" and on questions of "mercy" by the Commander-in-Chief (The President of the USA).
6. In time-of-war or like conditions, any sentence of death is to be forwarded directly (Without review by the Military Court of Appeals) to the C-in-C for asap confirmation, and execution within 30-days, or commutation.
7. Execution of the death penalty should be by firing squad in a military-public setting and no longer by lethal injections, a more chancy method and, when possible, should be done within the unit in which the crime occured.
8. For military law only, the definition of "waging war against the USA" should be modified to include "any deadly attack, by a member of the armed forces, on other like members or vehicles or buildings, on the basis of ideology or non-personal animosity; The penalty for this offense "Shall be death", without the usual alternative of "lesser punishment as the court may elect".
9. The same should apply to "Mutiny" and "Treason".
10. The crime of "terrorism" should be included in military law in such a manner as described in the blog cited below AND specially excluding the non-existent protections of the Geneva Conventions and allow for as quick dispositions as in # 6 & # 7 above.
11. The review of investigations or of the results of courts-martial by superior officers should cease as a means of establishing and protecting the independence of military judicial and semi-judicial officers.
12. No appeal of decisions from the military-court-of-appeals shall be made except to the Supreme Court of the USA and, as to sentences only, to the President
It is probable that such a change will encourage the balance of our Armed Forces to act with dispatch in making decisions, a feature which should be a prime characteristic of any military organization as in #5 above.
There have been times and are historical presidents for a more effective, timely and efficient use of courts-martial and military-commissions:
A. President Lincoln's administration discovered a number Lakotas who were, in time of war,, waging war against the USA or conspiring to do so. They were tried by Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
B. Those who conspired to murder Mr. Lincoln were tried by a Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
C. During World War-II some German saboteurs were landed, by submarine, in the USA dressed in civilian clothes. They were tried by either courts-martial or Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
D. During that same war some Germans were found under-arms and in civilian clothing attacking the uniformed troops of the USA. They were tried by courts-martial, found guilty and executed.
COMMENTS?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Trying Terrorists In USA The Worst Decision
A decision has been made by the Obama Mis-Administration to try terrorists in the Civilian Courts of the USA. This is a most irrational decision and contrary to the well established precedents of Law in this nation.
1. President Lincoln's administration discovered a number Lakotas who were, in time of war,, waging war against the USA or conspiring to do so. They were tried by Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
2. Those who conspired to murder Mr. Lincoln were tried by a Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
3. During World War-II some German saboteurs were landed, by submarine, in the USA dressed in civilian clothes. They were tried by either courts-martial or Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
4. During that same war some Germans were found under-arms and in civilian clothing attacking the uniformed troops of the USA. They were tried by courts-martial, found guilty and executed.
All of the above cases were completed in a timely manner, after real trials and according to the laws-of-war. They were also acted upon without generating the present day's corrupting and time-wasting make-work for attorneys, most of whom would faint at the thought of being front-line combat soldiers.
The Obama's administration (Most specially the Attorney General) continue its campaign against the real law as to terrorism and treason cases as it (He) has against the Rights guaranteed by the Constitution as to free speech, freedom of the press, the "free exercise of religion" and the "right to keep and bear arms". AND for the People to reasonably expect effective and timely protection against and punishment of terrorists and traitors.
1. President Lincoln's administration discovered a number Lakotas who were, in time of war,, waging war against the USA or conspiring to do so. They were tried by Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
2. Those who conspired to murder Mr. Lincoln were tried by a Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
3. During World War-II some German saboteurs were landed, by submarine, in the USA dressed in civilian clothes. They were tried by either courts-martial or Military Commission, found guilty and executed.
4. During that same war some Germans were found under-arms and in civilian clothing attacking the uniformed troops of the USA. They were tried by courts-martial, found guilty and executed.
All of the above cases were completed in a timely manner, after real trials and according to the laws-of-war. They were also acted upon without generating the present day's corrupting and time-wasting make-work for attorneys, most of whom would faint at the thought of being front-line combat soldiers.
The Obama's administration (Most specially the Attorney General) continue its campaign against the real law as to terrorism and treason cases as it (He) has against the Rights guaranteed by the Constitution as to free speech, freedom of the press, the "free exercise of religion" and the "right to keep and bear arms". AND for the People to reasonably expect effective and timely protection against and punishment of terrorists and traitors.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Sudden Jihad Syndrome" & DMS
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS) is the most commonly used such handbook in the USA and in other parts of the world. It is generally, although not universally, considered the authoritative reference work for psychiatrists and other mental health workers.
A new version of this basic book is set for publication in 2012.
It is timely to suggest a new classification for that upcoming work: That of "Sudden Jihad Syndrome". Certainly we have observed many manifestations of this disorder from the doctors in Scotland who attempted to blow up an airport building, through the sudden attack of a Muslim on two soldiers at a recruiting station (Killing one and wounding another) and, of course, the Muslim Psychiatrist's rampage at Fort Hood.
Any definition of that disorder would do well in include the following:
1. It would usually apply to only one person; But, might apply to two-or-three persons if "psychologically linked";
2. It would involve deadly or potentially deadly attacks on non-Muslims beyond any reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury expected from the attacked persons;
3. The attacks would be prepared over only a few days and (Usually) without any direct assistance from other persons in planning behaviors, obtaining weapons, etc..
4. The attacks might be preceded by an extended and aggressive public and private support for the harsher teachings of Islam; And,
5. Such other characteristics are are common to such attacks.
This is NOT to state that any such diagnostic evaluation should provide a "mental health defense" as to any charges brought against any such persons with "SJS"!
A new version of this basic book is set for publication in 2012.
It is timely to suggest a new classification for that upcoming work: That of "Sudden Jihad Syndrome". Certainly we have observed many manifestations of this disorder from the doctors in Scotland who attempted to blow up an airport building, through the sudden attack of a Muslim on two soldiers at a recruiting station (Killing one and wounding another) and, of course, the Muslim Psychiatrist's rampage at Fort Hood.
Any definition of that disorder would do well in include the following:
1. It would usually apply to only one person; But, might apply to two-or-three persons if "psychologically linked";
2. It would involve deadly or potentially deadly attacks on non-Muslims beyond any reasonable fear of death or great bodily injury expected from the attacked persons;
3. The attacks would be prepared over only a few days and (Usually) without any direct assistance from other persons in planning behaviors, obtaining weapons, etc..
4. The attacks might be preceded by an extended and aggressive public and private support for the harsher teachings of Islam; And,
5. Such other characteristics are are common to such attacks.
This is NOT to state that any such diagnostic evaluation should provide a "mental health defense" as to any charges brought against any such persons with "SJS"!
My Three Rules Of Human Interaction
For myself I find that the following rules for interaction with other people is fitting-and-proper.
1. I deal with adults I encounter by treating them as Ladies or Gentlemen (Note the capitol letters) with such mutual courtesies as they are presumed to deserve.
2. If the behavior of such is not up to the level of Ladies or Gentlemen, I demote them to "mere" men and women.
3. If behavior continues to degenerate or begins with violent-or-threatening attacks on me or mine ("Mine" including family, friends, fellow citizens, my nation, my Faith or my civilization), they are demoted to "critters" and "targets".
Small children are to be treated with courteous-and-loving firmness; Teens (Physically smaller than full adults) according to the behaviors they exhibit.
I have, over the last few years, that adult Blacks and Whites are dealing with each other, more-and-more, in accordance with Rule # 1 above---To the great improvement of our society and my personal satisfaction.
I have recently concluded that adult Muslims who will not deny the horrid and violent teachings of the false prophet Mohammed begin at Level-2.
1. I deal with adults I encounter by treating them as Ladies or Gentlemen (Note the capitol letters) with such mutual courtesies as they are presumed to deserve.
2. If the behavior of such is not up to the level of Ladies or Gentlemen, I demote them to "mere" men and women.
3. If behavior continues to degenerate or begins with violent-or-threatening attacks on me or mine ("Mine" including family, friends, fellow citizens, my nation, my Faith or my civilization), they are demoted to "critters" and "targets".
Small children are to be treated with courteous-and-loving firmness; Teens (Physically smaller than full adults) according to the behaviors they exhibit.
I have, over the last few years, that adult Blacks and Whites are dealing with each other, more-and-more, in accordance with Rule # 1 above---To the great improvement of our society and my personal satisfaction.
I have recently concluded that adult Muslims who will not deny the horrid and violent teachings of the false prophet Mohammed begin at Level-2.
Friday, November 06, 2009
The Tenth Amendment VS. Big Government
As an avocational historian I have been predicting that the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution will be the most debated, contested and litigated legal subject of the next ten years.
Considering a Congress-critter's recent statement that he did not care about "States' Rights" and Judge Napolitano (Fox News) statement that much (Most?) of what the Congress "produces" is NOT provided for in the Constitution and, by some, considered unconstitutional as such matters should revert to the States or the People.
As a theoretical matter, are there those who will pick up this matter and fight it through the courts---After finding the "right case"? As a practical matter, what likelihood is there that such a "right case" would allow the Tenth Amendment to be brought-up-to-speed as a control on big government?
Such a victory would again make this "These United States" as opposed to the over-controlling "The United States".
Considering a Congress-critter's recent statement that he did not care about "States' Rights" and Judge Napolitano (Fox News) statement that much (Most?) of what the Congress "produces" is NOT provided for in the Constitution and, by some, considered unconstitutional as such matters should revert to the States or the People.
As a theoretical matter, are there those who will pick up this matter and fight it through the courts---After finding the "right case"? As a practical matter, what likelihood is there that such a "right case" would allow the Tenth Amendment to be brought-up-to-speed as a control on big government?
Such a victory would again make this "These United States" as opposed to the over-controlling "The United States".
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