Hours after the Colorado "Movie Massacre," New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said on the radio that he believe that every police officer in the country should go on strike, and refuse to come back to work until there were stricter gun control laws.
It was not for days AFTER that until investigators discovered that the shooter had purchased the guns legally by spreading purchases across several stores. He had no prior arrest record, so even with gun control laws, they would not have caught him.
Since this, gun control laws have been debated. That said, I wanted to explain in a calm, rational matter, what this actually is.
First, let's look at what the Second Amendment actually states. A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. What this means is that our founding fathers gave us a unique right, unique to all the world. They understood that it was only through the ability to defend oneself, it was necessary to have firearms. In particular, they believed that we the people needed guns to keep the government in check. So all those who believe that the National Guard remove the need for the second amendment do not understand history. (Point of fact, in WWII, the Japanese said that they did not invade the American mainland because all they knew about America was from Westerns and Gangster movies. They would not attack, believing there would be "a gun behind every bush and tree.")
Second, let's look at what happens when this is taken away. In Atlanta, GA, they passed a law making guns illegal within city limits. Gun-related crimes, like armed robbery quadrupled. Why? Criminals, by definition, ignore the law. So if they saw no cops in a dinner, they could rob it safely. When this law was repealed due to these affects, restaurant and store owners put signs in their windows saying things like "10% off if you are carrying a gun." Crime reached new lows. When Katrina hit, they declared martial law and went into wealthy neighborhoods and rounded up all the guns from the homeowners. Looters came unchecked and destroyed these homes because officials were too busy with search and rescue to defend these neighborhoods. These are true stories. Look them up.
Fear and emotion tend to overrule logic and fact in our time. The fact is, places with stricter gun control laws have more gun crimes. I know it seems counter intuitive, but it's true. I'll give you another. Automatic weapons are not more deadly that other firearms (in fact, they're less so. In Vietnam, those with automatic weapons averaged firing almost 50 shots per kill. Snipers, using bolt-action rifles averaged 1.3 bullets per kill). They're just scarier. In the same way, switch-blades are not deadlier than other knives. They're just scarier, so they're illegal.
The fact is, what if someone else in that theater had a gun? They could have put a bullet in the shooter's eye after he started firing. What if you had no wounded and just the maniac dead? The person that killed him would be called a hero. Period. I read someone saying "He had on body armor, so a regular person shooting him wouldn't have mattered unless they had armor-piercing rounds." Have you never watched a cop show? A bullet in a vest is survivable, but mean broken ribs, maybe even a punctured lung. That takes the fight out of him real fast. That means an apprehended, live, bad guy. Even better.
Now I'm not say everyone should have a gun. I don't have one. But what I am saying is that we should have ordinary people who are trained to use them. I learned gun safety in school. Rule #1: Always treat a gun like it's loaded, even when it's not. Because it might have a chambered round and you not realize it. Rule #2: NEVER point a gun at ANYTHING you don't intend to destroy. Period. (Again, even if it's not loaded.) I learned to respect the power of weapons of all types. So there's no mystery. There's no curiosity leading to stupidity. There is only knowledge leading to wisdom.
So what if any of those four military personnel who were wounded had been carrying a gun? They might have saved a lot of lives.
Maybe what we need is less fearful reaction and more education.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Where is God in Tragedy?
When it comes to what happened in Colorado last Friday, there are many questions. Why did he do it? Is he insane or just evil? Did anyone see the warning signs? But in the end, I think that there is only one question that matters: Where was God?
Some believe that God predestines everything. They say crazy things like “Everything happens for a reason.” Bull crap. The Bible never says that. Anywhere. Look it up. And a belief in that will drive you insane, because then you have to believe in a god that is as cruel and evil as the pagan gods of old that tortured people for their own entertainment.
Some believe that God must be apathetic. He just doesn’t give a crap. The Bible says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Jesus Christ Matthew 10:29-31 NIV) God loves you so much, he counts the hairs on your head.
Some believe that God must be powerless. A Rabbi watched his son die of cancer, and concluded that God must care, but must be powerless. When Job questioned why God allowed tragedy, God “answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) God proceeds to explain His power showing creation. Look at the running horse; who gave it it’s power? Who laid the foundations of the earth, and set it on it’s axis and course? Who directs thunder and lightning? Who provides for the birds of the air and beasts of the field? Who made the dinosaurs, sea creatures, and hunters? Read Job 38-41 sometime. Watch the power of a thunderstorm, or stare into the expanse of the ocean. I’ve done it. Job did it, and answered “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NIV)
So if God is good, caring, and powerful, why didn’t he do something last Friday?
God gave us this amazing gift called Free Will. He gave us choice. And people misuse that choice.
This maniac who snuck guns into a theater and shot 60 people misused his choice. So did the 9-11 hijackers. So did Hitler, Stalin, and Hussein. So does the drunk driver that killed your neighbor. So did the assistant coach that molested little boys. So do a lot of people. So do you and I, every time we lie or say something mean.
So why did God allow it? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) God wasn’t just wanting to help the victims. He wanted to get the shooter to change his mind. God gave him a choice.
So where was God? God was with Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Smith, when Lucas was shot in the leg twice, and his wife helped him to the car, getting him in surgery quickly. God was with three of the dead, who sacrificed their lives to save others. God was with the father who lost a six-year old, whispering to him “I know how you feel. They killed my only Son.” God was with the pastor who comforted the grieving, something he was experienced with thanks to ministering to the families of the Columbine victims. God was with all those who were praying to Him, because we were so shocked we had nowhere to turn but to Him.
I guess that only leave one more thing to say. We can be angry. We can hate. Or we can be God’s hands and feet. We can comfort the mourning. We can hug our families. We can help those who were mentally ill. We can do something nice for an elderly neighbor.
We have a choice too.
Some believe that God predestines everything. They say crazy things like “Everything happens for a reason.” Bull crap. The Bible never says that. Anywhere. Look it up. And a belief in that will drive you insane, because then you have to believe in a god that is as cruel and evil as the pagan gods of old that tortured people for their own entertainment.
Some believe that God must be apathetic. He just doesn’t give a crap. The Bible says, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Jesus Christ Matthew 10:29-31 NIV) God loves you so much, he counts the hairs on your head.
Some believe that God must be powerless. A Rabbi watched his son die of cancer, and concluded that God must care, but must be powerless. When Job questioned why God allowed tragedy, God “answered Job out of the storm.” (Job 38:1 NIV) God proceeds to explain His power showing creation. Look at the running horse; who gave it it’s power? Who laid the foundations of the earth, and set it on it’s axis and course? Who directs thunder and lightning? Who provides for the birds of the air and beasts of the field? Who made the dinosaurs, sea creatures, and hunters? Read Job 38-41 sometime. Watch the power of a thunderstorm, or stare into the expanse of the ocean. I’ve done it. Job did it, and answered “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2 NIV)
So if God is good, caring, and powerful, why didn’t he do something last Friday?
God gave us this amazing gift called Free Will. He gave us choice. And people misuse that choice.
This maniac who snuck guns into a theater and shot 60 people misused his choice. So did the 9-11 hijackers. So did Hitler, Stalin, and Hussein. So does the drunk driver that killed your neighbor. So did the assistant coach that molested little boys. So do a lot of people. So do you and I, every time we lie or say something mean.
So why did God allow it? “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV) God wasn’t just wanting to help the victims. He wanted to get the shooter to change his mind. God gave him a choice.
So where was God? God was with Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Smith, when Lucas was shot in the leg twice, and his wife helped him to the car, getting him in surgery quickly. God was with three of the dead, who sacrificed their lives to save others. God was with the father who lost a six-year old, whispering to him “I know how you feel. They killed my only Son.” God was with the pastor who comforted the grieving, something he was experienced with thanks to ministering to the families of the Columbine victims. God was with all those who were praying to Him, because we were so shocked we had nowhere to turn but to Him.
I guess that only leave one more thing to say. We can be angry. We can hate. Or we can be God’s hands and feet. We can comfort the mourning. We can hug our families. We can help those who were mentally ill. We can do something nice for an elderly neighbor.
We have a choice too.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Why I'm not seeing the new Dark Night -Part 2
In my original post, I intentionally did not tell a story, because I wanted to write a straight-up review of the movie, and not introduce the rest of you to my personal bias. In light of Friday, now seems to be the time to tell it.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
When the last Dark Knight movie came out, I had this friend, who shall remain nameless to protect myself and him. This friend saw the trailers hundreds of times. He especially watched and memorized a TV special that came out before hand on the psychology of Batman and this Joker (more on that in a minute). He then watched the movie, FOUR TIMES in the opening week.
This friend became obsessed with the Dark Knight. It changed his mood and behavior. He became darker, strange, even creepy.
Now this friend had once been a Christian, and we talked a lot about faith. But the Dark Knight changed that too.
Here's what happened. As I mentioned, the TV special explained the basic differences this way: Batman saw that the world was unjust, and sought to make things right. The Christopher Nolan Joker saw the world as unjust, and sought to prove it, especially to Batman. That is why he tried to corrupt Batman and Harvey.
My friend, as I said, became obsessed. And eventually he told me that the Joker was right. He got kicked out of his parents house, which he saw as unjust (I cannot speak one way or the other). I began talking to him ever week, witnessing first hand his downward spiral. Eventually he determined that all parents were selfish and evil for wanting to bring children into such a cruel world, and that abortion was merciful. I saw this as a cry for help, him wishing that he had never been born, but blaming others. He quickly sought to justify himself by blaming others for all his problems, taking no accountability for his own actions.
Eventually, this friend deteriorated to the point of calling God evil for ever creating humanity. At this point, he had gotten so bad, refusing to get the professional help that he needed, I decided that for my own safety and sanity, that I could not continue this friendship. I sent him an e-mail telling him that I loved him like a brother, but I loved him too much to watch him destroy himself, and loved God too much to listen to him talk about Him like that. I have not spoken to him since, nor read any e-mail nor facebook message he sent me. And this is one of the greatest pains I ever knew.
Why am I telling you this? Because when I heard the initial reports, I feared this young man was the shooter. When they said it was a 24 year old with Tennessee plates, my heart sank further. Fortunately, it was not the same young man. That said, I have seen firsthand the psychological damage that these movies can do, something I have never experienced before. As much as I loved "Batman Begins," it is the beginning and end of this story franchise to me. I feel pity for this wacko who shot 60 people, believing he is in fact the Joker. That's right. My initial anger and fear turned quickly to pity (after a day or so), though I still float back to anger frequently. But I guess my familiarity with someone so similar to the shooter just wrenches my guts in conflicting ways.
That said, look for two more posts on this issue coming after this one. The first being Where is God in Tragedy? and the other being On the Subject of Gun Control.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Boy Scouts of America
So, I have to rant about something. Someone I know is accusing the Boy Scouts of human rights violations. Why? Are they molesting boys? No. Using biological/chemical weapons on civilians? No.
They affirmed their religion.
That's right. A Christian-based organization decided to remain Christian. Yes, that's right. They still refuse to allow homosexual leaders.
"That's intolerant!"
So? That's not a human rights violation. No where do you have "Life, liberty, and the boy scouts" in any document put forth by the founding fathers.
"We should boycott them! We should burn their manuals and camps!"
Yes, because arsen is always a way to show peace and acceptance. Ever stop to think that YOU are the one being intoleratant of THEM and their religious beliefs? I hate to tell you, but in other countries they execute homosexuals. THAT is the human rights violation.
If you don't like the fact that a faith-based organization is faith-based, then you're an idiot.
By the way, the same person is boycotting chic-fil-A because the founder, a Christian who founded the company on Christian principles and refuses to be open Sundays, also said he believes homosexuality is sin.
So threaten his life.* And the lives of Boy Scouts.* That will show.
(FYI, if you can't tell sarcasm and actually threaten anyone or accuse me of doing so, you're a moron and should lose the right to read. I believe in peace and love for people, even those you disagree with. I just can't stand these hypocrits who say things like "You're intolerant so I'm going to kill you.")
They affirmed their religion.
That's right. A Christian-based organization decided to remain Christian. Yes, that's right. They still refuse to allow homosexual leaders.
"That's intolerant!"
So? That's not a human rights violation. No where do you have "Life, liberty, and the boy scouts" in any document put forth by the founding fathers.
"We should boycott them! We should burn their manuals and camps!"
Yes, because arsen is always a way to show peace and acceptance. Ever stop to think that YOU are the one being intoleratant of THEM and their religious beliefs? I hate to tell you, but in other countries they execute homosexuals. THAT is the human rights violation.
If you don't like the fact that a faith-based organization is faith-based, then you're an idiot.
By the way, the same person is boycotting chic-fil-A because the founder, a Christian who founded the company on Christian principles and refuses to be open Sundays, also said he believes homosexuality is sin.
So threaten his life.* And the lives of Boy Scouts.* That will show.
(FYI, if you can't tell sarcasm and actually threaten anyone or accuse me of doing so, you're a moron and should lose the right to read. I believe in peace and love for people, even those you disagree with. I just can't stand these hypocrits who say things like "You're intolerant so I'm going to kill you.")
History lesson
So President Obama gave a bunch of Virginians a history lesson that has sparked a bit of a fire storm. "If you are successful, you didn't get there on your own... Somebody paid for roads and the Internet..."
Long story short, the President said that businesses are successful on the whims of the government. Business owners don't work harder. They aren't smarter. The government just blessed them.
Oh really? Here's a problem. If you take credit for successes, you have to take credit for failures. Statistically, 90% of all knew businesses fail. I guess that means the government just didn't like those people. Or else, the government really screws up a lot. Hmm...
John Schnatter swept floors for a living until he could afford a small oven. He converted a small closet in his dad's office into a pizzeria. You may have heard of it. It's called Papa Johns. While his friends played sports and went to movies, he started one of the largest restaurant franchises in the country. You telling me he could have succeeded without all that hard work? Because the government predestined his success?
Bill Gates started Microsoft in his garage. But he isn't smart. Nope. The government made him succeed too.
John D. Rockefeller used to go down to his factory floor, where oil barrels were made. He would sweep up the scraps, so that they could be melted down and not wasted. But that's not him working hard. Nope. Must be government.
This president has not worked a real job a day in his life. Neither did the last. Neither do most politicians. They're activists, lobbyists, and professors. Most of them never built anything. Those of us who have worked blue-collar jobs before learn something about what work is, not just theories.
This president has never started a small business. Ever. So what does he know about the work involved.
Well, let me teach you something about history. People sold everything they had (including sometimes, themselves) for an opportunity to risk their short lives making a dangerous voyage in order to come to a land where they could have the opportunity to work freely. Long before there was a United States, there were hard working people. You know who made the roads? Wasn't the government; it was pioneers. Who started the businesses? Wasn't the government; it was pioneers.
Let me point out something else to you. This country was founded because hard working people got tired of their money being taken for government-sponsored programs. And some fat-cat ruler said, "You need to pay your fair share." After all, the Brits just won a war against the French, and now needed that money to pay for their programs.
Seems to me, you need to learn some history, Mr. President, instead of trying to make it up as you go along to suit your agenda.
Long story short, the President said that businesses are successful on the whims of the government. Business owners don't work harder. They aren't smarter. The government just blessed them.
Oh really? Here's a problem. If you take credit for successes, you have to take credit for failures. Statistically, 90% of all knew businesses fail. I guess that means the government just didn't like those people. Or else, the government really screws up a lot. Hmm...
John Schnatter swept floors for a living until he could afford a small oven. He converted a small closet in his dad's office into a pizzeria. You may have heard of it. It's called Papa Johns. While his friends played sports and went to movies, he started one of the largest restaurant franchises in the country. You telling me he could have succeeded without all that hard work? Because the government predestined his success?
Bill Gates started Microsoft in his garage. But he isn't smart. Nope. The government made him succeed too.
John D. Rockefeller used to go down to his factory floor, where oil barrels were made. He would sweep up the scraps, so that they could be melted down and not wasted. But that's not him working hard. Nope. Must be government.
This president has not worked a real job a day in his life. Neither did the last. Neither do most politicians. They're activists, lobbyists, and professors. Most of them never built anything. Those of us who have worked blue-collar jobs before learn something about what work is, not just theories.
This president has never started a small business. Ever. So what does he know about the work involved.
Well, let me teach you something about history. People sold everything they had (including sometimes, themselves) for an opportunity to risk their short lives making a dangerous voyage in order to come to a land where they could have the opportunity to work freely. Long before there was a United States, there were hard working people. You know who made the roads? Wasn't the government; it was pioneers. Who started the businesses? Wasn't the government; it was pioneers.
Let me point out something else to you. This country was founded because hard working people got tired of their money being taken for government-sponsored programs. And some fat-cat ruler said, "You need to pay your fair share." After all, the Brits just won a war against the French, and now needed that money to pay for their programs.
Seems to me, you need to learn some history, Mr. President, instead of trying to make it up as you go along to suit your agenda.
Monday, July 16, 2012
Why I'm not seeing the new Dark Knight
I'm a pretty avid fan of the comic genre. My family couldn't afford for me to get into the comic books themselves, but Saturday morning cartoons were Batman, Spiderman, X-Men, Transformers, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Plus I would get books from the library on the comic book (especially Marvel).
So with that kind of fandom, why am I not seeing the new Batman?
Few reasons. For one, I'm cheap. It's hardly worth the money to me to go to a theater anymore (except for the Avengers).
For two, the Dark Knight was SO BORING. Batman whined for a while, then the joker did some stuff, then they caught him, and I was ready to leave. And then, there was a whole other movie after that, that was even more boring, but with heavy handed philosophy.
After that, I had to hear forever from people who liked this movie because so many critics said it was good, but couldn't explain what they liked about it.
I'm sorry, but this movie would have been forgettable if Heath Ledger didn't kill himself.
That said, why spend fifteen bucks for a movie that I can watch on TV for free in a few years, and if I don't like it, I can change the channel?
Oh, by the way, dido for teen Spiderman.
So with that kind of fandom, why am I not seeing the new Batman?
Few reasons. For one, I'm cheap. It's hardly worth the money to me to go to a theater anymore (except for the Avengers).
For two, the Dark Knight was SO BORING. Batman whined for a while, then the joker did some stuff, then they caught him, and I was ready to leave. And then, there was a whole other movie after that, that was even more boring, but with heavy handed philosophy.
After that, I had to hear forever from people who liked this movie because so many critics said it was good, but couldn't explain what they liked about it.
I'm sorry, but this movie would have been forgettable if Heath Ledger didn't kill himself.
That said, why spend fifteen bucks for a movie that I can watch on TV for free in a few years, and if I don't like it, I can change the channel?
Oh, by the way, dido for teen Spiderman.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Hypocrisy, thy name is Stupid
Hypocrisy, it's the name of the game.
Mitt Romney has been accused of outsourcing jobs, which happened AFTER he left Bain. Obama? Created "Green Jobs" in Mexico, China, and the Netherlands.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (head of the DNC) criticized Romney for having money in Swiss Banks. So does she.
On an interview debating Texas' voter ID laws, I watched a man make a fool of himself. He accused the Conservative for being a racist, saying such laws discriminate against "blacks and Latinos." The conservative denied it, adding "You and I live in states that require ID to vote." The other guy replied "Yes, but they aren't like us."
Who is the racist, the one that wants to treat everyone fairly, or the one that thinks "blacks and Latinos" are so stupid, that they can't get a drivers licence like a white person.
I am so sick of this stupid crap. Now, I don't believe that Wasserman Schultz or this racist hypocritical jerk represent all Democrats, in the same way I don't agree with things from people like El Rushbo, Bill O'Reilly or Sarah Palin. But I just wish all of them would shut up and let us reasonable people to the talking and thinking for them, since they seem to be incapable of doing the latter on their own.
Mitt Romney has been accused of outsourcing jobs, which happened AFTER he left Bain. Obama? Created "Green Jobs" in Mexico, China, and the Netherlands.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz (head of the DNC) criticized Romney for having money in Swiss Banks. So does she.
On an interview debating Texas' voter ID laws, I watched a man make a fool of himself. He accused the Conservative for being a racist, saying such laws discriminate against "blacks and Latinos." The conservative denied it, adding "You and I live in states that require ID to vote." The other guy replied "Yes, but they aren't like us."
Who is the racist, the one that wants to treat everyone fairly, or the one that thinks "blacks and Latinos" are so stupid, that they can't get a drivers licence like a white person.
I am so sick of this stupid crap. Now, I don't believe that Wasserman Schultz or this racist hypocritical jerk represent all Democrats, in the same way I don't agree with things from people like El Rushbo, Bill O'Reilly or Sarah Palin. But I just wish all of them would shut up and let us reasonable people to the talking and thinking for them, since they seem to be incapable of doing the latter on their own.
Loss of Freedom
So from time to time, I write explaining that we are losing freedom in this country. Constantly. Steadily. I got another one.
A pastor was holding a small group Bible study in his home. No biggy. This happens everyday. In fact, I coordinate these meetings for my own church, and host one at my apartment.
However, this particular Bible Study took a twist, when more than a DOZEN police officers came and arrested the man for having a Bible Study in his home.
Where did this take place? China? Nope. Pakistan? Nah. Iran? Keep guessing.
Phoenix, Arizona.
This man was arrested for having a Bible Study right here in the USA.
Whatever happened to freedom of religion? Freedom of speech? Right to assembly? They're dead, that's what happened.
The local government claims it's a zoning violation, because he had friends over, which might have been too many in case of a fire. Really? Did they arrest everyone who had a Fourth of July barbecue too? Nope.
And another thing, is a Bible study so big an offense to take more than a dozen officers to arrest ONE MAN? One man whose leader was arrested similarly, and like the pastor, offered no resistance? Why did it take more than a dozen officers for a zoning violation?
This man received two months in jail for having friends over to talk about the Bible. This is INSANE. If you can be arrested for holding a small Bible Study in your own home, and get arrested? He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 3 years probation, and more than $12,000 in fines.
Your freedoms are going bye-bye.
And just to show that I'm not making this up, you can read the article for yourself.
http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/07/11/arizona-pastor-arrested-jailed-for-holding-bible-study-in-home-his-wife-says-it-defies-logic/
Now you have the choice. Shake your head, or do something about it.
A pastor was holding a small group Bible study in his home. No biggy. This happens everyday. In fact, I coordinate these meetings for my own church, and host one at my apartment.
However, this particular Bible Study took a twist, when more than a DOZEN police officers came and arrested the man for having a Bible Study in his home.
Where did this take place? China? Nope. Pakistan? Nah. Iran? Keep guessing.
Phoenix, Arizona.
This man was arrested for having a Bible Study right here in the USA.
Whatever happened to freedom of religion? Freedom of speech? Right to assembly? They're dead, that's what happened.
The local government claims it's a zoning violation, because he had friends over, which might have been too many in case of a fire. Really? Did they arrest everyone who had a Fourth of July barbecue too? Nope.
And another thing, is a Bible study so big an offense to take more than a dozen officers to arrest ONE MAN? One man whose leader was arrested similarly, and like the pastor, offered no resistance? Why did it take more than a dozen officers for a zoning violation?
This man received two months in jail for having friends over to talk about the Bible. This is INSANE. If you can be arrested for holding a small Bible Study in your own home, and get arrested? He was sentenced to 60 days in jail, 3 years probation, and more than $12,000 in fines.
Your freedoms are going bye-bye.
And just to show that I'm not making this up, you can read the article for yourself.
http://foxnewsinsider.com/2012/07/11/arizona-pastor-arrested-jailed-for-holding-bible-study-in-home-his-wife-says-it-defies-logic/
Now you have the choice. Shake your head, or do something about it.
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