Sola

Alone. The Bible alone, our only authority.
Alone. Jesus alone, our only way.
Alone. Faith alone, our only access.
Alone. His Grace alone, our only explanation.
Alone. His Glory alone, our only praise.

On Freedom of the Press

"The security of the Nation is not at the ramparts alone. Security also lies in the value of our free institutions. A cantankerous press, an obstinate press, a ubiquitous press must be suffered by those in authority in order to preserve the even greater values of freedom of expression and the right of the people to know." Murray Irwin Gurfein, June 1971.

Of politics, debate and faction

Sometimes people are turned right off when you talk of politics. I am not sure why because I am intrigued by it. I guess when the debate is lively, that makes some nervous because, for the most part, people don't like conflict. Politics is all about conflict. The founders knew this and their intention when framing the Constitution was to create three separate but equal branches of government. They made it hard to change things and they understood this to be a good thing. They understood that stability in lawmaking was a good thing for America. They also understood that a consolidation of power could lead to the same sort of despotism they had only recently escaped. Checks and balances were the key. Political faction is not a constitution subject but one of human nature. In the Federalist Papers #10, James Madison said "By a faction, I understand a number of citizens, whether amounting to a majority or a minority of the whole, who are united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community". Now faction is not necessarily party however, factions can and do exist within parties. The federal system provides for a large number is elected citizens, usually from our two parties, but as individuals within the parties, they do not always agree. Ultimately debate ensues, not only between parties but within the parties themselves. Hence, politics is conflict and it is healthy in my opinion because it slows the process. Our system, by its very nature, seeks to protect against unwise and rash action that may be deleterious of the public good by balancing opinion and yes, faction. The lively debate is healthy and necessary and all very interesting, not only in the watching but in the participating, don't you think?

Deer Huntin'

I always like the deer huntin' season, especially the bow & arrow season. Its all about sitting quietly and its a great time to just be quiet and think. I can't watch TV, listen to the MP3 or read a newspaper because I have to hear what's coming to me. Usually, its all over very quickly. A branch breaks, leaves crunch or the deer blows, instantly I am completely alert. My head and eyes slowly move towards the sound and I wait, looking for any movement in the shadows and leaves. Then, there it is, moving slowly toward me, a deer, my quarry, the object of my hunt. One or two minutes out of hours, and then its over. I slowly stand, trying not to make any noise, slowly pulling the bow string until at full draw, waiting, then aiming, a little behind the shoulder and..... and..... and..... he senses something, a slight whiff of my scent, bringing all his senses to bear! One more step and I can release my straining muscles and claim my prize but no..... no...... no! He's gone, gone to live another day. Its quiet again and in a moment I wonder if it all really happened and I think, what could I have done differently. But there is nothing, he has just beaten me and that's all there is to it. And now I sit quietly and think. What a beautiful evening it is and its good to be alive. Thank God for His wonderful Grace.

John Calvin Speaks

"No man is excluded from calling upon God, the gate of salvation is set open unto all men: neither is there any other thing which keepeth us back from entering in, save only our own unbelief." John Calvin.

Founders

"A rigid economy of the public contributions and absolute interdiction of all useless expenses will go far towards keeping the government honest and unoppressive". Thomas Jefferson, 1823