Re-thinking Martin Luther King, Jr.

As we approach another MLK holiday, I got to thinking about the ramifications of what this man had done.

We have him and many other Civil Rights leaders to thank for the repeal of many anti-miscegenation laws and segregation laws. He was a staunch anti-war advocate in his later years. Unfortunately he was a proponent of state sanctioned integration, affirmative action, among other things.

King also accepted the Margaret Sanger Award from Margaret Sanger, the abortion champion and founder of Planned Parenthood. He was known to have a distaste for rural black folks, who he felt where pulling down the "black race".

I also have an issue with the divinity given to Martin Luther King, Jr. It's near idol-worship and I feel it is very dangerous how the masses treat him. He was a regular man, did some good, some bad, but lived in an era and did things not many were willing to do.

General Boykin and "right wing" fear mongers.

I put right wing in quotations because there really is no "right" and "left". Even if there was, they'd be part of the same State bird.

Gen. Boykin is a retired military officer who frequents the American Evangelical church circuit preaching about the "end times", against homosexuality and against Islam. He uses alot of war terms to describe the spiritual fight.

There isn't anything wrong with these positions at all. I do disagree on Boykin's view of eschatology, but that is a minor matter. I am also against homosexuality and believe it is sinful. I think Islam is bondage for those who follow it. There is alot of soldier symbolism for the believer in Scripture. We are told to put on the whole armour of righteousness. We are told to make war against our fleshly bodies which are prone to sin.

Here's the problem with Boykin: he's a Statist. Boykin was involved in the Waco massacre and the massacre of 2,500 Panamanians in order to obtain one man, Manuel Noriega, who was dealing drugs. He was involved in Bush's invasion of Iraq even though that one was based on lies. He was appointed to run the Iraqi prisons and to remake them into the Guantanomo Bay of Iraq.. Basically, Boykin has killed alot of innocent people and is a proud warrior for that criminal gang known as the State.

Boykin has also lost some big ones. He was commander during the failed and famed Mogadishu incident popularized by Black Hawk Down, he was commander during the failed attempt to rescue the American hostages at the US Embassy in Iran.

Since being rebuked by Bush for going too far in his Crusades rhetoric about the US vs. the Mideast, Boykin has been regularly touring Christian churches pushing his message about the problems facing America.

They of course center around the obvious; "socialism" -- which everyone is throwing around these days, "islam" and gays. Today, Boykin is saying that Marxism is making a triumphant return to the US. Now, in my opinion, we already have some elements of Marxism but really we are a Fascist State. Government and business go hand in hand and work together to maximize profits, privatize those profits and then socialize the losses. Come to think of it, the argument could be made that a "State" is fascism in and of itself.




So here we have Boykin in this video talking about Marxism making a comeback and Obama having a civilian constabulary force similar to the military. Okay, so what exactly are the DEA, FBI, CIA and US Marshalls? These arms of the State pretty much control every aspect of our lives today. How about the IRS? It seems that there are always stories of people going to prison for failing to become victims of a robbery.

And that's the trouble with these "right wing" and "left wing" guys, they NEVER seem to point to the State. It's always some symptomatic problem that they focus their attention on. To Boykin's credit, he acknowledges the enemy is Satan, true indeed. But, Satan controls the kingdoms aka "States" of this world. It would then seem logical to attack the evil of Statism as well, right? I won't hold my breath but I hope Boykin gets it someday.

Is Drug Dealing a sin?

I was listening to a pastor this past Sunday say that a person, who used to be a drug dealer, was now on the right track because he was no dealing drugs.

I got to thinking, why is drug dealing considered sinful? What about a pharmaceutical salesman, selling drugs to hospitals and doctors? Or someone who works for Budweiser or, maybe the Marlboro company? Are they in sin?

Selling products to willing consumers in and of itself is not sin. The argument could be made that selling cocaine to a known abuser of cocaine could be considered sinful. But how about selling to the casual user? Or maybe selling marijuana to someone who gets relief from their multiple sclerosis by smoking a joint? This to me, is not sinful.

So when this pastor was making this statement, he likely meant someone selling products without the permission of the State, which is unjust. There is no scripture mandating that you must follow unjust laws. If someone needs a product, and you have the ability to sell it to them and they are willing to buy, that is commendable.

Selling products without the permission of the State is NOT sinful.

States' Rights?

I've been watching this Arizona battle over immigration, legal or otherwise. Basically, the state of Arizona, feeling that the federal government is not doing their job (surprise!) will start arresting those they feel are not US citizens to have them deported. The way I see it, it will be a revolving door of deporting and immigration. So, look for another bureaucracy to pop up to handle this.

I also see it as a clever ploy. See, Arizona is running record budget deficits. They are up there with California when it comes to budget busting. Right now, the fake fight over immigration is a welcome diversion from their coming fiscal disaster.

Now DC wants to sue Arizona over its new law. The Feds have no place there. The best thing that SB 1070 opponents can do is to keep the fight in the State and not try to get federal help.

My solution? End the welfare and open the borders. Free up the marketplace.

Interestingly, some counties are suing and/or putting forth resolutions condemning the new law! Now, why can't they exercise rights?

County Rights! City Rights! Hopefully with the further talk of decentralization, people will finally come to the realization of the all encompassing respect for individual rights that should be the real goal of society.

Working within the system?

Many times, I wonder if working within the system is all its cut out to be. We have a system of government which is continuously plundering its citizens. The vast majority of Americans believe it is OK to live at the expense of everyone else.

As we get near another election season I see alot of talk about "taking America back". Exactly what are we taking it back to? Maybe it's just a popular term that people say without truly thinking about it.

I'm lukewarm about the success of the Tea Party movement. It appears that most of the supporters are going for corporatist GOP candidates. There are a few exceptions, Rand Paul, Peter Schiff, RJ Harris and some others. But look at the Scott Brown victory in MA. This guy is a socialist! He was considered a Tea Party candidate and he was FOR universal healthcare and supported Romneycare.

How can this be changed?

US Government to go bankrupt?!?!?

The unthinkable could be sooner than previously thought. Marc "Dr. Doom" Faber, who has been scarily correct in many of his predictions now predicts that the feds will soon default on their obligations. What will that mean? Chaos? Secession? We shall see.

Obama is a conservative??

When I saw the the title of this post by Anthony Gregory, by I was a bit puzzled. However after reading it I have to say that I agree. Modern conservatism supports nationalism, statism, American Exceptionalism, perpetual war and socialism. Obama embodies all of these characteristics.

Just think about it. Today most conservatives now populate the tired Tea Party protests. I suspect that the Tea Party has been taken over by these conservatives. Don't believe me? Pull one of them aside and ask them what they think of the Iraq War, the American Empire, Medicare, Medicaid or the Income Tax. Most if not all of them will tell you of their support of these socialist monstrosities.

The Tea Party protests for example. The original tea party was a over a dispute over a relatively small tax rate. Today, when you consider property, sales, state income, federal income, capital gains, excise, estate and all other kinds of taxes, it's near 50% of your income! Yet virtually every one of these protestors will go right back home and fill out those tax forms to pay these ridiculous taxes without a peep. Thats a sorry way to protest if you ask me.
So what are they upset about?

They are mainly upset that Obama is in charge of the stolen loot. They would rather a Republican be in charge. Why? that cannot be explained except by a term known as cognitive dissonance. The right needs to get past the Obama-bashing of the Limbaugh types and start questioning this system of plunder currently choking the life out of America.

Extra! Extra! The GOP says I should be offended!!!

Harry Reid makes a comment stating that Barack Obama would not have been president had he had a "Negro dialect" or wasn't dark-skinned. The GOP, never missing a chance to pounce on the supposedly racist comments of the "other side", says there's a double standard since Democrats can say racist things and get away with them but the GOP cannot.

What gives?

Is what Reid said racist? I don't think so. A Negro dialect...that must mean "hood talk". I know of this very well. Its a type of slang that black folks use mostly around other black folks. Now maybe the term "negro" is what the supposed outrage is all about, but who cares? Apparently everyone does.

Would a "jive talking" black man have made it all the way to the white house? Maybe not, thats my opinion. Obama made countless attempts to show he would not rock the boat. He could never be seen as the angry black man so he kept his cool all the time. He made sure to show that he would always continue the welfare state, the warfare state and basically do everything he could to keep the financial house of cards standing.

Gilbert Arenas and the insanity of gun laws...

My opinion on the Gil Arenas situation:

First some background:

Apparently NBA star Gilbert Arenas allegedly pulled a gun on a fellow teammate because of a dispute over some gambling debt. Arenas later described it as a prank. Interesting choice of a prank but, I digress.

Now let's assume that the NBA is a fully private enterprise with the locker room being private property of the NBA. The NBA apparently prohibits guns on their property unless held by police and/or security personell. There is nothing wrong with this. Second amendment rights do not supersede property rights.

Keeping this in mind, I have no problem with the NBA suspending Arenas. I do not think it should be indefinite, but that is their decision. I also have no problem with the fines on the other players.

My problem is with the over-reaching gun laws. Arenas has been charged with "illegal" gun possession by the state before. How are laws like these even possible? These types of laws are blatant attacks on property rights and the right to bear arms. These dictates basically say: you must get permission from the local thuggery (state) to be able to defend yourself.

Support by the NRA, gun-confiscating liberals and "law and order" conservatives for laws like these are the problem.

Gun rights are synonomous with property rights. People should carry guns or choose not to carry them, that is their right.

Just take a look at these ridiculous laws that Arenas is subject to:

As listed in the DC Official Code:
§ 7-2507.06, any person who violates any provision of this Act shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than $1,000 or be imprisoned for not more than one year, or both, except that: A person convicted of knowingly possessing restricted pistol bullets in violation of § 7-2506.01(3) may be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not to exceed 10 years and shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a mandatory-minimum term of not less than 1 year and shall not be released from prison or granted probation or suspension of sentence prior to serving the mandatory-minimum sentence, and, in addition, may be fined an amount not to exceed $10,000. Additional penalties may apply. (See Part IV, Sections 1 and 6 of this guide.)

Storage of firearms:Policy:
It is recommended that each registrant keep any firearm in his or her possession unloaded and either disassembled or secured by a trigger lock, gun safe, locked box, or other secure device.Criminal Offense: The law requires that no person shall store or keep any loaded firearm on any premises under his control if he knows or reasonably should know that a minor under the age of 18 is likely to gain access to the firearm without the permission of the parent or guardian of the minor unless such person:Keeps the firearm in a securely locked box, secured container, or in a location which a reasonable person would believe to be secure; or Carries the firearm on his person or within such close proximity that he can readily retrieve and use it as if he carried it on his person.

Penalties:
A person who violates subsection (b) of this section is guilty of criminally negligent storage of a firearm and, except as provided in paragraph (ii) of this subsection, shall be fined not more than $1,000, imprisoned not more than 180 days, or both. A person who violates subsection (b) of this section and the minor causes injury or death to themselves or another shall be fined not more than $5,000, imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both.The provisions of paragraphs (i) and (ii) of this subsection shall not apply if the minor obtains the firearm as a result of an unlawful entry to any premises by any person.

The machinations of the local politic is sometimes unpredictable, however one thing is certain: the local thugs....er..."authorities" will always briefly lift their tax engorged snouts from the public trough in order to enforce these un-constitutional gun laws as Gil Arenas is likely about to find out.

Anarchy in Africa!!

Part of the mostly peaceful Ivory Coast is now becoming a model of anarchy in Africa. This is astounding news!

Of course tyrants likely wont let this continue for long. It shows the promise of non-gov't solutions, a no-no for would-be tyrants and hardcore statists. However, notice that these folks are also heavily armed. So, hopefully this anarchic paradise will continue for a long time.

Welfare Checks for me! But NOT for thee!!

This is typical of the GOP and frankly I'm sickened by it. They have successfully leeched themselves onto the this year's Tea Party outrage while simultaneously directing attention away from their own dirty snouts, filthy from decades of burrowing in the public trough. This is their modus operandi: talk small gov't, ooze libertarian ideals, demonize the left then fight against free market forces and pocket huge welfare checks. It's really quite amazing but predictable considering the ignorance of your average voter.

Read more!

http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/michelle_bachman_welfare_queen_20091221/

Support the Free Competition in Currency Act!

Ron Paul is trying again to release the government's stranglehold on our money. The feds need to be able to 1.) Print money at their whim and give it their friends, here and domestic FIRST and 2.) force the peasants (U.S. Taxpayers) to use it for all transactions.

Ron Paul, in his long standing tradition of trying to subvert the Federal Reserve, introduces this Act in order to make a dent in the Fed's armor.

An astonishingly low number of people realize that money is really nothing but a medium of exchange. Even fewer realize that printing more money makes each unit of money, i.e. the dollar, worth less in value (supply and demand). The Federal Reserve and it's supporters on the left, right and center realize that the Federal Reserve must be supported at all costs. It is the foundation of power for national politicians and allows them to do things (innumerable social programs, illegal wars, nation building) that would be unworkable without unpopular higher taxes.

Lets see how many self proclaimed fiscal conservatives join Ron Paul on this one.

Keep Christ in "mass Consumerism", er Christmas?

Bill OReilly, Focus on the Family and other christian groups are always trying to cast secularism as the real enemy of christianity in America when they aren't.

So what people arent saying "merry christmas" enough in the stores today? That should be applauded! We should not want Christ associated with massive debt and out of control spending.

The real enemy of christianity in America has always been american christians and their hypocrisy, idolatry and overall lack of biblical knowledge. They continuously besmirch the holy name of Christ and then try to blame secularists for the problems of today.

"There's a war on Christmas, O'Reilly recently reminded viewers, driven by those who "loathe the baby Jesus."
-- they don't loath Jesus, Mr. O'Reilly. They love Jesus. They'll do anything to make money, Jesus is making them money. American christians like yourself who support bombings of foreigners and care nothing for Iraqi Christians by supporting the Iraq invasion are the real problem.

Enter this surprising (at least to me) and refreshing group, Advent Conspiracy founded by pastor Rick McKinley.

These folks ARE fighting the hypocrisy and the idolatry of todays Christian Right. They are trying to get American christians to reject the mass consumerism of Christmas altogether and to focus on Christ's message of humility, service and obedience on a daily basis.

Obama continues murdering....

Well...I knew it...

Obama has decided to continue the pointless Afghan war. Actually, I shouldn't say pointless. The military contractors see a point to this as they continue to rape the taxpayers. Obama likely has cemented his re-election since war-time presidents rarely lose re-election. So Obama sees a point. The young men and women going to fight for multi-national corporations may see a point too.

The more things "change" the more things stay the same.

My response to the Manhattan Declaration

Recently there was a declaration signed by prominent Evangelical Christians, it is called the Manhattan Declaration.

In sum, this declaration is basically a "line in the sand" stating that these Christians will never preach in favor of gay marriage, never bless a gay marriage nor be forced to perform an abortion. After reading this declaration, while biblically sound, it is very limited and narrow in scope and almost pointless. However, I think it is designed to be so limited as to not criticize the Bush administration's many wrongs and direct blame and suspicion to the current far-left Obama administration. While the Obama administration is to be suspected, I'm not sold that these two issues are enough to warrant this type of declaration. What I don't fully understand is why was the Bush Administration's suspect Christianity ignored among this group. Time and time again, it was ignored or they became apologists for them. Then again, it may not be that complex, just partisan politics as usual. It is sad these "leaders" are just mere shills for the GOP.

This is an expected position from us christians. However, the timing is at issue. President Obama recently signed the Matthew Shepard Act, which is more hate crimes legislation. This time around though, assaults / violent acts against homosexuals just because they are homosexuals is now illegal. As if assault wasnt bad enough, the misguided reasoning behind these hate crime laws is lost on most evangelicals. In fact, in most of the "Values Voters" guides that come around every election cycle, there is support from evangelicals for hate crimes laws targeting crime against minorities of color but making an exception for gays. Hate crime legislation to me is showing a type of favoritism to certain victims -- also preached against in the New Testament as the sin of partiality.

Still, many evangelicals fear that the next step could be that they be hauled into jail for preaching against gays or refusing to do gay marriages. I doubt this because the christian church only does the ceremonius part of the wedding with no State authority. Refusing to perform the ceremony will not bring anything but limited public repudiation, if that. Now, possibly a christian magistrate / justice of the peace could be fined or something for refusing to do a gay marriage in a state that allowed it. It could be a similar response to the justice in LA who refused to do an interracial marriage. But, all of that brings the question of why do we need State sanction to do marriage? It should be a private religious matter, with the State nowhere involved -- as it used to be.

An assault is an assault. A violent crime is just that. Who cares what the reason is? It could be that someone looked at you funny, has something you want, or you had words with that person while intoxicated and you want to settle the score violently. Prosecute the crime for whatever reason because it is a crime but please, no further penalties for who the victim is.

I think this declaration is OK but, I'm much more radical than these "Declarers" are willing to be. I say we put forward a declaration against "No Fault" Divorce. I say that because Divorce is by far the most direct and blatant attack on Biblical marriage. Unfortunately, it is given lip service by most evangelicals these days, likely because so many have had divorces.

Evangelicals fear that since the leftist Obama has put this hate crimes law in place, they will be targeted for anti-gay preaching. I doubt that. They would be attacked much more for preaching against the sinful actions of the US government here and overseas, remember Jeremiah Wright?


The declaration states they will not be forced to perform abortions: But, we already are forced to PAY for abortions. Remember Planned Parenthood? Our tax dollars -- which are taken from us by threat of force -- pay for abortions here in the US. Further, funding to Planned Parenthood was INCREASED under the blessed W. Bush Administration, with Bush's blessing. This is another slight that is willfully ignored. Will any of these evangelicals call for their congregations to to stop paying their income taxes because they are being used to fund Planned Parenthood? I doubt it.

Also missing in this pro-life stance is the calling out of pre-emptive, immoral wars, such as the Iraq War which have unjustly killed thousands. Many of these evangelicals have tried desperately to forget (and get the general public to forget) their militant support for Bush and this unjust war. Also missing is a statement to end the calls for murderous sanctions against the Iranian people. Again, you won't hear about this from this crowd. In fact, you wont hear any real criticism of US foreign policy and the many wars that have been fought and killed millions of innocents.

Or maybe a declaration against State worship? Why have an American flag in the church and singing songs praising the military while in church? This is very close to idolatry, in my opinion. Too close for comfort.

Christians have long been on the wrong side of the State. But today in America, they have been drawn more into the lust for state power rather than evangelizing the simple truth of Jesus Christ. They are now fighting more to keep tax benefits from "undesirables" -- (today it's gays) rather than calling for the end of income taxation -- legalized stealing.

So, my take on this Declaration is that it's basically the "evangelical christian" swipe at Obama being in charge of the federal monster rather than their desired Republican.

With that said, here is my short "Charlotte" Declaration:

We declare that Jesus is the virgin born Son of God.
We declare that all must receive salvation through Jesus Christ or face eternal punishment.
We declare that divorce is wrong, especially "no fault" Divorce.
We declare that homosexuality is wrong.
We declare that life begins at conception.
We declare that abortion is wrong and call for Planned Parenthood to be de-funded.
We declare that pre-emptive war is wrong and is murder, such as the Iraq War.
We declare a call to repentance and humility for our hypocritical support of the Bush regime and the Iraq War.
We declare that sanctions are wrong and only ill-fated attempts at returning evil for evil and against Christian principles.
We declare that torture is wrong, again "returning evil for evil".
We declare that income taxation is nothing but legalized STEALING and is wrong.
We declare that the Federal Reserve's "monetary policy" is counterfeiting and is wrong.

So come on fellow evangelicals! Let's take up the call and really be radical for Christ!

in search of truth?

John 14:5-6

Thomas said to him, Lord, we know not where you go; and how can we know the way?

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man comes to the Father, but by me.

--- simple words from the Son of God.

In the search for absolute truth there is only ONE place to look. That is the man Jesus Christ.

Everything else is a shadow of truth or a lie.

One other thing is certain. As each day goes by we are that much closer to seeing His face either by death or His physical return.

Our world is full of lies and deceit, so its good to think on the goodness of the Lord.

privatized robbery....

I see something I want from someone. It's their property but I want it. I have no right to it. I decide I'll have to steal it. I wont do it, but I'll hire someone to do it instead of doing it myself.

Okay, that is illegal or at least a moral wrong isnt it? It seems that both me and the hired thief would be imprisoned.

So why is Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa ) promoting privatized robbery?

Oh...once again, if the State does it, it's not stealing.

Go back to what? It's all relative!!!

when was america a beacon of freedom and liberty?

1776? -- somewhat, but there was forced labor -- slavery.
1950's? -- somewhat but there were jim crow laws, black codes, socialism, etc.

1990s? -- somewhat, but there was massive socialism, high confiscatory property and income taxes.

today? -- somewhat...

We've never been at a point in America where we could realistically call ourselves the beacon of freedom. Maybe RELATIVE to other nations but not that much better.

Whenever I hear old folks yearn for the "good 'ol days", I wonder what they're talking about.
Maybe they mean when they were younger and didnt have a care in the world. I can relate to that.

Let''s see....
Government / The State is sinful.
the Bible even says things will get worse and worse.
Nothing wrong with trying to make things better, we are called to do that.

Us Christians should then spend more time telling lost people about Jesus!!!

why do we have a black political caucus?

In traveling home today, I was listening to the radio and there was an ad promoting a Susan Burgess for city council. I also noted that the "black political caucus" had given her their endorsement.

I got to thinking, why do we have a black political caucus? What is their purpose? Is it to support "black" issues? If so, what are considered black issues?

When I think of color-coded political groups, I think of groups like the "concerned white citizens councils" and groups of that sort from back in the 40's through the 60's. Only thing was back then, I dont think they would have endorsed a candidate other than someone white. However, I'm pretty sure that they were against property rights and supported highly selective free markets. Come to think of it, thats what the black political caucus believes in!

Oh well, I guess the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Obama's speech...

I guess I'll weigh in on the Great Obamanator's speech today.

First off all of the criticism is phoney. Conservatives complaining of indoctrination need to get their kids out of the public schools and ignore compulsory attendance laws. Now, of course they won't ever do that.

If you want to make a conservative upset, ask them "why do you only agree with Right Wing Socialism and, isnt that an oxymoron?" That may leave them stammering and at a loss for words. Conservatives just say these libertarian things because they sound good with the Obamanator in office. But, let a Republican get back in office and its back to extreme nationalism and all dissenters must be wacko liberals! You could also ask, "when's the last time Republicans actually cut government?"

But, I digress. Principled opposition pushes for alternative free market educational options. No laws stating that you MUST go to school. Free market education could include all kinds of trade schools for all ages, science schools, medical education beginning at younger ages, who knows?

Free markets and voluntary education -- these are the solutions.