Category Archives: Editorials - Page 2

Does the United States Deserve God’s Blessings?

I asked a simple question on Facebook. Why does the U.S. deserve God’s blessing?

The truth is, no world, continent, country, state, county, city or individual deserves God’s blessing. There are no “Alternative Facts.” We all face an impending judgement. But God’s mercy is extended to us, through the sacrifice of His Son.

No. The U.S. does not deserve God’s blessing. We live in a post Christian World, where sound doctrine is a product of a bygone era. How can we as a nation, claim God’s blessing, when our government is diametrically opposed to the Word of God? Our Government chooses to dismantle the most basic, fundamental nuclear family. Through policies that encourage killing of the innocent, dependence on the state, and tears at the very fabric of society.

We no longer find the time for personal relationships. What do we use the Internet for? Socialisation? Why? It is impersonal. We seem hell-bent on pursuing loneliness, instead of connection. When was the last time you visited a sick friend in the hospital? Visited someone in prison, hand wrote a letter, or spent time with someone who is old and infirm, and can no longer care for themselves?

The destructive force of the Internet is just beginning to shape. Every word, every scrap of information we post on social media, can and will be used against us. But we are blinded by the allure of electrons, swirling through the universe. We never take out time to see the splendour of the Universe. Evidence.

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honour Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” (Romans 1:18-22 NASB)

Hear that? We are without excuse. Yet our Government who is supposed to protect us, fosters dependence on the state, and not on God. We have fast tracked the removal of God first from our schools and texts, then our pulpits, and then society. Where is God? Certainly not in the minds of the average American.

Our society is the example Romans 1 so perfectly illustrates. This is what you get, when you exchange God’s truth, for a lie.

Why should God bless the U.S. ? There is no tangible reason. He blesses the individual that repents and forsakes their sin. We place a higher value on a person’s individuality over a relationship with the Creator.

Man was built for relationships. Our heart yearns to connect. You will never find Godly contentment from Facebook. It is only through an investment of time in the life on another, that connections are genuinely built, for God’s Glory. We have all sinned, but the good news is that God extends His mercy to us, each day. Christianity’s first call is not BEHAVE! but BEHOLD!

Wayno
January 24, 2017

The Day the Universe Changed — A perspective on the Supreme Court’s on Gay Marriage

gay_marriages

Relatively few of us, are used to becoming eyewitnesses to history. Many watched with reverent awe, as history unfolded on the day of the JFK assassination. We can remember precisely where we were when Man first landed on the Moon. Or the sombre days of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Regardless of age, most people in the world were eyewitnesses as the events unfolded, and become part of the collective: American Experience.

That experience reverberated today, when we as a nation, witnessed the Supreme Court of the United States, declare same-sex marriage as the law of the land. This is a day, not unlike previous events that sharpened our character and resolve. We inextricably witnessed a paradigm shift in the nature of who we are as a society, and a nation.

The decision today, underscores how far this nation has fast tracked from God’s Grace and tender mercies.

Chief John Roberts dissent on Gay Marriage voiced these concerns, which should be a clarion call to all (excerpted):

“If you are among the many Americans — of whatever sexual orientation — who favor expanding same-sex marriage, by all means celebrate today’s decision. Celebrate the achievement of a desired goal. Celebrate the opportunity for a new expression of commitment to a partner. Celebrate the availability of new benefits. But do not celebrate the Constitution. It had nothing to do with it.”

“People of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today.”

“The majority graciously suggests that religious believers may continue to “advocate” and “teach” their views of marriage. The First Amendment guarantees, however, the freedom to “exercise” religion. Ominously, that is not a word the majority uses. Hard questions arise when people of faith exercise religion in ways that may be seen to conflict with the new right to same-sex marriage—when, for example, a religious college provides married student housing only to opposite-sex married couples, or a religious adoption agency declines to place children with same-sex married couples… Unfortunately, people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today.” – Chief Justice John Roberts


Scotus declared: Gay marriage is now the law of the land.

For Christians, this is a reminder that we need to be firmly rooted in God’s word, each and every day. Who am I to declare what God has firmly established as sin, now socially acceptable?

The body of Christ MUST come together and embrace sound teaching:

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:3 NIV)

Do not enter the apostasy of today’s decision.

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. (James 2:1 The Message)

Christian Perspective on Bruce Jenner’s sex reassignment

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My Response to “Why I Think Caitlyn Jenner is a Hero”

Jenner’s issues are much deeper than gender dysphoria.

He believes the lie, like many with a world milieu.

Self Worth = my performance + other people’s opinions

Problem is, both vary.

I believed the lie for many years. I spent years reshaping my self-esteem, based upon God’s love for me by sending his Son to pay for your sin and my sin. Any sin, short of rejecting the message of the Holy Spirit (you can not separate the Word of God, from the Spirit of God), can be forgiven. Murder? Forgiven. Adultery? Forgiven. Sex re-assignment? Forgiven.

The bigger issue is God’s omniscience (knows everything) and omnipotence (controls everything). Jenner openly declares: “I am master of my soul and body, not you, God.” That my friend, is idolatry. One doesn’t glorify or declare idolatry as acceptable. That is apostasy. None of us are immune.

We are offered 2 choices: condemn or condone? Neither is correct. We offer charity. to whomever God brings into our life.

As we become closer to Christ through prayer in the inner chamber, we begin to see God’s glory. Andrew Murray’s “The Prayer Life” was transformational. (About a 4 hour read.) I was convicted of my prayerlessness between the 2nd and 3rd paragraph.

Choose to be close to God. Make no apologies.

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. (James 2:1 The Message)

Wayno

Remembering May 4, 1970 — Kent State University

Updated May 4, 2015 (45th Anniversary)

The politics of the 1970’s were as politically divisive, as they were polarizing. The protest movements borne of the Vietnam War, would help spark a revolution both on the political and social landscapes. It was part of dinner table discussions. We all sat around the television screen, as the Vietnam war unfolded on TV sets all across the nation. “How could these collage age Americans protest a war, thousands of miles away, while poor kids were being slaughtered?” They were branded by most, as cowards, and decidedly, un-American. “My country right or wrong, is still my country!” was the loud resound of my Father. I was not convinced.

A handful of millennials, grasp the underpinnings that played out in the early years of the 1970’s. We don’t see demonstrations these days, that fundamentally changed the political scenery. I am here to remind a generation of that metamorphosis.

There were always demonstrations regarding the unpopular Vietnam war. In late April, 1970, then President Nixon, desperately searching for an exit strategy, announced the American incursion of the Vietnamese War, into uncharted territory: Cambodia. The North Vietnamese Army (NVA) provided to be a formidable opponent. Many thousands of lives were lost in the span of 2 months.

This is my own story.

I would turn 18 in July of 1970. Before my birthday that year, was high school graduation. Many people waited till after graduation in mid-June to apply for a student deferment from the Draft. I did NOT wait. I applied for a student deferment 6 months prior to my birthday, in January. Because I had taken college level courses between my junior and senior year of high school, I demonstrated to the draft board, my intention on seeking higher education. The draft board took note of that, and I was granted a student deferment. That didn’t mean I was a draft dodger. It merely put off my eligibility for the military induction draft, until I had completed my education. It bought me 3 years.

Just after High School graduation in June, a few weeks later, in July, all student deferments were cancelled. I was okay, because I already had a student deferment. iI you didn’t have one, you would have to report for military service. I come from a very proud military family. My father having served 20 years in the Armed Forces of the United States.

Sandwiched in-between the amazing heroism of Apollo 13, and High School Graduation, was an event like no other. May 4, 1970, 12:22 eastern time. Four Students protesting the war’s incursion into Cambodia, were fatally shot. Civil disobedience wasn’t just something you saw on tv. These were kids my age, gunned down, for speaking and expressing an idea that was unpopular with most of America. Civil Disobedience once again had birth pangs. The Gay Rights movement gained a footing here from the unexpected sacrifice, at Kent State University.

Singers and Songwriters became spokesmen for my generation: Woody Gutheie, Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSN&Y), The Mamas and the Papas. “Four Dead in Ohio” by CSN&Y is a constant reminder of that turbulent moment in history. The sites and sounds of that day, are like last week.

This was close. This was personal. I was forever transformed. Many from the baby boomer generation, can still recall what they were doing that day. I was in my civics class. Being taught by a student teacher. A rabble rouser. Part of the SDS. (Students for a Democratic Society) One who spoke the truth that day, that I did NOT want to hear, but whose voice beckoned me to listen. To watch. To look. To cry. To finally understand, the true cost of civil disobedience: death at the hands of National Guardsmen. Exonerated from any wrong doing, they had fired 67 rounds in just 13 seconds. Their shots echoed far into the conscious mind for those astute enough, to comprehend. It echoed so deeply into my soul, that I knew I could NOT be a part of any war. I have remained a pacifist from that very day.

I can well understand the protests in Baltimore. The tree of liberty is watered with blood. This time, not soldiers. Innocent civilians whose only crime was not locking a goose step to the edicts expounded by the Nixon administration.

The current administration, led by Mr. Obama, is still clinching to an antiquated pattern of behaviour. Searching for an exit strategy, that doesn’t exist.

As a society we must decry the hypocrisy, and forge anew in our hearts, the purpose and cause of peace, that others so valiantly scarified.

“Warriors may be forged in the fires of battle but heroes are discovered in the most unlikely of places.” (The Light Brigade, Outer Limits)

Wayno

———-

Originally published, May 4, 2008

Kent State, May 4, 1970

May 4, 1970

Nestled between the amazing heroism of Apollo 13, and High School Graduation, is a little known event: May 4, 1970, 12:22 pm (eastern time).

Other then becoming a Christian, this event would have a significant, long lasting effect, and play a very prominent role in my life.

Exercising First Amendment Rights, the students of Kent State University in Ohio, had gathered to protest the Vietnam War’s incursion into Cambodia.

On that fateful day, Students: Allison Krause, Jeffrey Glen Miller, Sandra Lee Scheuer, and William Knox Schroeder (Kent State) were brutally shot to death by Ohio National Guardsmen. In just 13 seconds, they had fired 67 rounds.

The impact of this incident, coming just six weeks before my high school graduation, changed me utterly and profoundly. As I pondered the realities or war, wrestled with the meaning of life, I came to the realisation that wars solve nothing.

On that day, in that hour, I was transformed into a life of pacifism, by the sacrifice made by these individuals.

I finally understood the messengers of passive-resistance: Ghandi, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Wayno
On the 38th Anniversary.

Immigration Reform: Arizona May Have The Solution

White House
White House

White House from uannews.org

Between 1900 and 1910, many people immigrated to the United States. They were scared. They were frightened. They were young. BUT, all of them were processed as legal immigrants. This nation is thankful for the sacrifice these immigrants made.

Since then, huddled masses are teaming to this shore. The lessons proffered from 9/11: still unlearned. The nation’s borders are no more secure today, then the were a decade ago. Drug cartel and gang violence spill over from Mexico to the U.S. A rancher in Cochise County (in the South-east corner of Arizona) was shot and killed. The trail led back to the border.

Something needs to be done! But the impotent Federal Government, steadfastly refuses to lift a finger, to help protect and preserve its citizens. Enough! The citizenry grows impatient, for they know their patience, will never be rewarded.

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. (10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution)

Since the Federal Government refuses to protect its citizens, The Arizona Legislature (both Houses), and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R), have created and enacted into law SB 1070, a “verbatim copy of the Federal Statutes” in this area. Has Congress ever enacted legislation deemed, unconstitutional? Of course. The 1954 Supreme Court decision Brown vs Board of Education struck down the concept of separate but equal.

If SB 1070 is deemed unconstitutional, then the Federal Statutes which created it, are also unconstitutional. This is a decision only SCOTUS (Supreme Court of the United States) can make.

You are welcome to come to the United States with open arms. But do so, like many others have: legally. Minorities understand what discrimination feels like, because our country was built on the backs of poor immigrants that came to this country and worked to build railroad tracks, sky scrapers and the country we now enjoy. But when the welcome arms of our government opened the doors to all that wanted to enter our country, it was a country filled with barren fields and opportunities for those that wanted to come, and build a country with the sweat of their brows and sworn loyalty to the laws of a country. Today, this no longer holds true.

Many illegal aliens already know how to navigate to the head of the line when they need health care. Those who are legal citizens of the United States, pay taxes and abide by the laws and struggle to survive, seem to get ignored. It would appear that nothing has changed in our country, and yet it has.

With over 500,000 illegal immigrants in Arizona alone, the state finds itself in a dire financial situation. The only aid seems to be coming from the legal Tax Paying residents. That is not enough, when others are pulling down resources faster then they can be built up. Legal citizens are the same people who have to house, feed, and educate their families too in these difficult times. That in itself seems to be a daunting task.

The state of Arizona, is attempting to solve one of its financial burdens in a way that the Federal Government refuses. By securing its borders and protecting its citizens against the spread of illegal immigration, gang violence, and drug cartels Is that wrong? A nation must take care of its own family first, and then try to help others.

No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man’s permission when we ask him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor. Theodore Roosevelt, 3rd State of the Union Address

There are no perfect solutions to this problem. If it means trying new methods of control by enforcing new laws, then so be it. The only way to make progress is to attempt to find and implement solutions and modify or change them if they don’t work. Doing nothing at all will surely never be a solution to the steady stream of illegal immigrants that drain finances and services for an already over burdened government.

Together we Thrive

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As Tucson recovers from the chaos and confusion from last Saturday’s mass killings, I can’t help but remember some of the turbulent events in my own past. The Kennedy Assassinations, the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, The Oklahoma City Bombings, The 1994 Northridge Earthquake, September 11, 2001. This week the mass killings has brought us together as one, in order to heal from the grievous wounds we have suffered, individually, as well as a community.

As I made my way around town this week, people here are still stunned. Still shocked. Still frail, emotionally. The mood and the tone of Tucson has changed. We’re quiet. We’re sombre. We’re more contemplative. We’re more aware of our surroundings. We’re curious. We’re cautious. But perhaps most striking is the patience and love I have seen in the many faces that make up the Old Pueblo.

Tucson’s leaders, along with President Barack Obama, came together in a striking memorial service last night, to honour the victims of this holocaust:

– U.S. District Judge John Roll, 63.

– Gabe Zimmerman, 30, Giffords’ director of community outreach.

– Dorwin Stoddard, 76, a pastor at Mountain Ave. Church of Christ.

– Dorthy Murray, 76.

– Phyllis Scheck, 79.

– Christina Greene, 9, a student at Mesa Verde Elementary.

And Gabrielle Giffords, US Congresswoman from the 8th Congressional District here in Tucson. She is still in Intensive Care at the University Medical Centre.

We will heal. But healing is a slow, arduous, and often painful process. We ask for your prayers, your wisdom, and your compassion.

Politically Divisive

As with many events in history, this has proven to be very divisive. The conservative factions, are accusing alleged shooter, Jared Lee Loughner, of having ties to extreme left-wing elements. Many of us here in Tucson, don’t understand this. Why do you pick at our scabs and make us bleed anew? We only know the pain and suffering we’ve endured. We don’t see any political connections here. We see a disturbed mentally ill person, in need of help. We don’t understand WHY this has become such a divisive issue, but it has. We don’t need, nor do we want extreme political rhetoric or viewpoints.

Together We Thrive

What we need to heal is time, mercy, compassion, understanding, patience. But most of all love and prayers. Personally, I have NOT felt the love on Facebook, but have experienced instead political rhetoric taken to the extreme.

Where’s the love? Where’s the I’m praying for you guys? Together we WILL Thrive. But it takes the efforts of a nation, who can put away their divisiveness for a moment, to kneel in prayer.

Perhaps Mahatma Ghandi was right:

“I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”

Wayno Guerrini
January 11, 2011

Obamacare vs The Debt Ceiling

From the Minnesota Star Tribune (Steve Sack)

From the Minnesota Star Tribune (Steve Sack)

All the eyes and ears of the world are focused on Washington, D.C. Watching and waiting to see if a group of 536 (including President Obama) of seemingly inept politicians can navigate the murky waters and avoid teetering on the brink of oblivion.

The issues have been long steeped by partisan party politics. The Tea Party Republicans want to “defund” the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare), while the Democrats want to raise the roof on the debt. They are at an impasse, as we race toward the endgame scenario.

The Issues

The Republicans want to “defund” Obamacare. Like other entitlement programmes, the Affordable Care Act was NEVER funded at all. The individual mandate provision, is what would fund Obamacare. The Republicans are trying to remove the individual mandate, which the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) upheld as a tax. Accordingly, Congress does have the power to levy taxes. They can also decide to remove taxes. If the individual mandate is removed, this would “defund” Obamacare. Author Larry Burkett in “The Coming Economic Earthquake Warned: “If, in fact, any form of national health care is implemented, it will be the final straw — the dagger in the heart of our economy as we know it.”

The Democrats will NOT reform the entitlement programmes, such as Medicare, Social Security, S.N.A.P. (Food Stamps), Medicaid, Part D Prescription Drug coverage, and HeadStart to name a few. Medicare out-of-pocket copays for 2014 are up over 25% from last year.

Many are asking, what happens if…?

If Congress cannot agree to kick the can down the road some more, what happens? I have no crystal ball, but these are my predictions as an armchair economist:

  • If no compromise is reached, I expect a run on Treasury Bonds. Many large financial institutions have already divested themselves of short term U.S. Government debt. As the demand for U.S. Debt Bonds goes down, interest rates will skyrocket. Suddenly it becomes MORE costly for EVERYONE to borrow, including the Federal Government.

    While at the outset, this sounds like a bad thing, in fact it is a good thing for those of us who save, and are currently being punished by historically low interest rates on savings and certificates of deposit. Those who owe money, will lose.

  • The credit rating of the U.S. will be lowered. Substantially. Borrowing will collapse, and the reserve currency of the world will be exposed for what is truly is: worthless promises to pay. Perhaps then and only then, will they consider “balancing the budget” and reforming entitlements.
  • As the collapse widens, the stock market will take a precipitous nose dive. Think Depression times 10.
  • The economy will contract, and deflation (contraction of available money and goods) will ensue. Cash will be king.
  • Banks may declare a bank holiday, and all forms of electronic money, will be frozen to prevent a run on the banks.
  • Hyperinflation. The Federal Reserve has been propping up the economy by injecting $85 BILLION / month into the system. Known as Quantitative Easing — the house of cards will crumble. Think Germany and a wheel barrow of money to buy a loaf of bread. Hyperinflation is defined as the velocity of money. In other words, money will change hands very quickly since the value of money will contract and shrink.
  • Mortgage backed securities, which have been toxic and looming in the economy, will finally be cleansed.

Possible Solutions

Several proposals have been made, which MAY include:

  • Cutting discretionary spending (some defense programmes)
  • Cutting Social Security and other entitlements
  • Raising taxes. (Who knows? We could be the first country to tax itself into prosperity!)

Perhaps a combination of the above. But austerity comes far too late. $16,000,000,000,000 in debt can never be repaid, no matter what solution is proffered. The cycle of madness will continue like a mouse running on a wheel.

Open letter to Congress: No War with Syria

war

Dear Congressional Representatives:

This letter will contain few facts. Instead it is a congealing of experiences that have percolated through my life, and admittedly, some ad hominems.

I lived through the Vietnam war. I am NOT a veteran. Instead I saw the horrors of war splashed across my family’s television set, almost every evening. There are images of the atrocity of war indelibly etched on my mind, that even the passage of several decades, have failed to erase.

No one wants war. It is NOT good for business. The cost is always bloodshed and more violence. It matters not what side. Let us examine a brief history of war in the 20th century.

From 1950-1953, the United States nearly unilaterally fought in the Korean Police Conflict. An estimated 2.5 million civilians were lost on both sides. The Police Action ended in a stalemate. The news of the day, were from newsreels.

As time progressed from the early 1950‘s, by the time we put men on the Moon at the end of the next decade, we would be fully entrenched in another unilateral expansionism: Vietnam. This was the first war that was daily brought into living rooms around the world. We did not just hear about the horrors, we saw them. Day after day. Even revered newscaster Walter Cronkite grew weary of what he saw. So did the American public. The Vietnam war sparked many protests and riots.

During this war…something changed. Something was different. We had courageous people like Dr. Martin Luther King, as a guide. The tide of prejudice and discrimination was giving birth to ideas of non-violence, and peace. For me, the birth pangs of change, had matured.

Nestled between the amazing heroism of Apollo 13, and high school graduation, is a little known event: May 4, 1970.

Exercising First Amendment Rights, the students of Kent State University in Ohio, had gathered to protest the Vietnam War’s incursion into Cambodia.

On that fateful day, Students: Allison Krause, Jeffrey Glen Miller, Sandra Lee Scheuer, and William Knox Schroeder were brutally shot to death by Ohio National Guardsmen. In just 13 seconds, they had fired 67 rounds.

The impact of this incident, coming just four weeks before my high school graduation, changed me utterly and profoundly. As I pondered the realities or war, wrestled with the meaning of life, I came to the realisation that wars solve nothing.

On that day, in that hour, I was transformed into a life of pacifism, by the sacrifice made by these individuals. During the course of the Vietnam War from 1955-1975, an estimated 1 to nearly 4 million people had died. It ended in yet, another stalemate.

Fast forward to 2003. Saddam Hussein was in power in Iraq. The U.S. had actionable intelligence that Hussein had Weapons of Mass Destruction (Chemical Weapons.) They were stockpiling uranium, and they were connected to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Centre attacks. Just like Vietnam, the President, Cabinet Members, and Generals’ again lied to the American public. In the 8 years, 8 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days, we unilaterally tore this country apart, what was accomplished? Over 113,000 lives were lost. For the first time, the world was able to see war in real time.

Have we learned anything? There is no such thing as a limited war. We may want to detach ourselves from the killing because someone else is pushing a button. Has the American political consciousness grown so callous, that it is granted some kind of immunity and shielding that it can not see the atrocities and ambiguity?

As a nation, the people you represent, are war weary. We are NOT the policemen of the world. Why MUST the United States act unilaterally? The unilateral military intervention into the sovereign affairs of a foreign government. How is that different from imperialism? Tell us, if you know.

When our allies say NO to war, this nation needs to STOP and reflect on its actions. There are other non-violent methods for dealing with Syria. When Russia wanted to talk with Speaker-of-the-house John Bohener and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid last week, they both refused. What harm is there in sitting at a table, and listening?

Peace is NOT the absence of war, it is the presence of trust.

I am reminded of this thought, taken from the Outer Limits Episode entitled: The Light Brigade

The greatest horror of war is the fateful transformation
of our children, into heroes.

How long?

© Nick Anderson / Houston Chronicle

© Nick Anderson / Houston Chronicle

Gun control is a lightning rod for divisive politics and rhetoric.

On the eve of the 2nd anniversary of the Tucson shootings on January 8, 2011, one thing is abundantly clear: nothing has changed. This time around: mass slayings in Colorado and Connecticut.

People are still free to exercise their civil liberties and own, hunt, and sport shoot. What is also clear is that guns are still ending up in the hands of wrong people.

The lessons proffered from the Tucson shootings, have steadfastly been rejected. A few months ago in July 2012, a lone gunman killed 12 people, and injured 58, at a theater in Aurora, Colorado.

Just a few weeks before Christmas, 26 people were killed at an elementary school, in Newtown, Connecticut.

The slaughter of the innocent continues.

Those that advocate gun ownership as a civil liberty, balked when their names were published in a local newspaper. Why? It is okay to own a gun, but NOT okay to exercise first amendment rights of Freedom of the Press to print public information. Why?

The assault weapons ban sunset in 2004 allowed the sale, use, and importation of high capacity gun magazine clips. Why? I am of the opinion that if a hunter needs more then 3 shots to kill an animal, I am not sure if a high capacity magazine will help. Or is that these high capacity magazines exist for another reason other then hunting. I wonder?

What is needed is a clear definition of what constitutes an assault weapon. Requiring assault style weapons like the AR-15, to be ONLY at a range, would be a start.

Gun buy backs are another contentious issues. On the 2nd anniversary, Tucson will offer a gun buy back programme. Anyone can turn in a gun, and receive a gift card. Gun control advocates hail this as an attempt to deal with some of the issues. National Rifle Association Members incessantly decry this attempt as somehow removing their civil liberty to gun ownership. Why?

Recently I walked into a local grocery store. In the space of 20 minutes, 3 people carrying guns walked into the same store. I left my shopping cart where it was, and quickly walked out of the store. Why is it necessary to carry a handgun into a grocery store?

Better access to mental health is also a tantamount issue. Why is it easier to purchase a gun, then to access mental health care? Lack of access to mental health was a factor in the Tucson and Colorado shootings. It is unknown at this time, if this is an issue in the Connecticut shootings.

They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” (Rev 6:20/NIV)

Editorial response to Tucson being named as the 6th poorest city

my editorial reply to:

Tucson being named as the 6th poorest city in the U.S.

While I am a Christian, Focus on the Family does NOT speak for me.

I do feel that the erosion of family values is a contributing (but not the single cause) of poverty. Traditionally, widows and orphans were taken care of by the church. The intrinsic values of our society are not being promulgated to the next generation, caused by the deterioration of the integral family unit.

How do you overcome poverty? Education plays a key role. Charity DOES begin at home, but if that value is never taught, how does that trickle through the society?

If I see a homeless person on the street, I DO give them money. I am my brother’s keeper. If they spend it on alcohol or drugs, that is their choice. I gave for the right reasons. I believe ultimately, they are accountable to God, for how they utilized the assistance they received.

I am on Social Security. SO I know full well the decision many seniors face: do I eat this month, or do I buy the medicine? No one should have to make that decision, but I and many seniors face that dilemma daily.

It should not be incumbent on the state to provide welfare. That function was originally handled by the church. Maybe that is where it belongs.

Wayno