Message from Ron Paul

The end is nigh. Of the third quarter of 2007, that is! And I need your help to make sure that our campaign gets a big boost. At the end of the second quarter, on August 1, we had more money than McCain, and we got a million dollars worth of free publicity.

This time, we can get 10 million dollars worth, IF we have good results to announce on October 1, and therefore the resources to build for the future.

After all, our ideas have never been needed more. The Federal Reserve is killing our dollar, the war is killing our soldiers, police-state methods are killing our civil liberties, and the income tax and bureaucratic meddling are killing our economy.

But there is hope for America in the ideas of this Revolution. What progress we are making, all across this country, among all groups. The mainstream media may ignore us, but we are winning strawpolls, drawing huge crowds, getting local media, moving up in the regular polls (a lagging indicator, of course), organizing, dominating the internet, and preparing the way for the early caucuses and primaries.

As our opponents begin to falter, and the undecideds grow in strength, this is our time. When people learn about our ideas and our work for them, they join the Revolution. So my job is to make sure they learn!

But I can't do this job alone. I need you. Please, reach out your hand and clasp mine. Our country is at stake, our children's future and ours is in the balance. Make the most generous contribution https://www.ronpaul2008.com/donate/ you can, and make it soon. Help me go into October with a roar. Help me build this campaign as it must be built.

A 13-year-old said to me the other day, "Dr. Paul, you are the hope of my future." No, I told her, but this Revolution is. Will she grow up in a poorer, more socialist, more militarist, more oppressive country? Or the free country you and I love?

Let's work together with all our strength for the Constitution, for America, for all our people, for freedom, prosperity, and peace. Together, you and I can make a Revolution. Let's do it!


Sincerely,

Ron

Pharyngula link

I found another atheist site which is "concerned" with our supposed neo-Nazi endeavors: http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/2007/09/r_josiah_magnuson.php

The comments are hilarious, especially towards the bottom. Several are a bit too juicy though.

Check it out if you want. From Jos

Psalms 90-91

Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. Thou turnest man to destruction; and sayest, Return, ye children of men. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are as a sleep: in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth, and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down, and withereth.

For we are consumed by thine anger, and by thy wrath are we troubled. Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.

So, teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Return, O LORD, how long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants. O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children.

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of
our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation, There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone. Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

“Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him My salvation.”

A test via e-mail

This post is being sent by e-mail to Blogger. I should have tried this a long time ago but anyway, here it is.

The following is taken from our in-design website. Note the proposed changes in the Purpose statement:

We (the YCLA) are a network of Biblicist, Constitutionalist young people committed to spreading light and Truth in our dark world.

We are unique in that we are not a group created by adults and "sold" on membership; rather, we each had the same vision and worldview, and figured, "Hey! Why not?" So we came together and created (with assistance and advice, of course) what we believe can become a powerful "Young Christian Leaders" team for God's glory.

Purpose

The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance exists to energize, educate, mobilize, and equip its members to serve and lead in all aspects of the culture, but especially in pro-freedom movements. The foremost way we strive to accomplish this objective is by encouraging the Biblical worldview and proclaiming the Good News of JESUS CHRIST. In addition, the YCLA endeavors to give support, leadership and aid to others of our age group, many of whom may be caught in Satan's delusion and in need of Salvation. All of these efforts are a part of our supreme principle. This principle is to stand for God's Word as absolute Truth, which will truly free one who acts upon it.

Guliani - Everyone's Worst Nightmare

Yet, Rudy Giuliani wants people to believe that he is "liberals' worst nightmare"? Who is he kidding? Giuliani is a liberal. Actually, Rudy Giuliani is worse than a liberal. He is a liberal that likes to hurt people. I tell you the truth, Rudy Giuliani scares me far more than Hillary Clinton does. Far more. I'll say it right here: if the 2008 Presidential election comes down to Hillary vs. Giuliani, Hillary is the "lesser of two evils." That's how bad Giuliani is.

Read more here: http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20070921.html

Values Voter straw poll results

Ron Paul came in second to Mike Huckabee in the "Values Voter" post-debate straw poll last night. It is my understanding that they polled the actual debate audience rather than the Internet viewers, which would be the main reason Ron Paul did not come in first as he usually does. (Internet polls allow for a greater number of people to be mobilized to vote over a longer period, whereas audience polling is immediate and more scientific.)

Actual percents for top four:

Mike Huckabee - 55%
Ron Paul - 11%
Sam Brownback - 5%
Fred Thompson - 4%

Laughs from Zenoferox

The following is a post on a blog by someone named Zenoferox. He is an atheist who tracked and wrote about the Gene Chapman Presidential campaign. More like, had fun with it. In any case, he has taken an interest in me and has begun writings regarding our various LibertyInLaw projects, specifically now, the YCLA. In the past few days the number of visits here has thus become quite astronomical. Thanks, Zeno! :-)

The really amazing part about reading this stuff is the high degree of emotional wording which he can generate. Ready, set,… dive in:

They grow up so fast

My in-box contained a new message from my friend PiD:

With 20 minutes to kill, I thought I'd look up our good friend Josiah. I found this on his blog. Pretty scary, no?

My curiosity was piqued, so I followed the provided link to R. Josiah Magnuson's thrilling announcement concerning the Young Christian Leaders' Alliance. The YCLA doesn't have a theme song by the Village People yet, but PiD is right about it being just a little scary (with maybe just a touch of déjà vu).

(At this point there is a sarcastically-posted picture. It portrays the despotic face of Hitler with a handsome German boy superimposed on him with a look of awe presumably for Der Furher and the Reich – do I have to be any more graphic? Suffice it to say it was a banner propagating government mind-control.) Well. *Cough.*

I don't even know what the "Village People" are… But let's read on.

Josiah is the diligent young creationist who likes to smite godless evolutionists and has twice won runner-up honors in the Answers in Genesis essay contest. He dallied with the quixotic presidential campaign of right-wing nut-case Gene Chapman, serving as the candidate's Intelligent Design advisor until Chapman dropped out. (Did you even know he was ever in?) Undeterred by the Chapman fiasco,

Let's just stop right there. :-D My! Yes, Zeno is correct that I was Advisor on ID to Mr. Chapman. I don't remember it being a fiasco, though! The point of the candidacy was to attempt to unite the pro-freedom Third Parties in an alliance under the battle-flag of anti-Communism. One of the main reasons Mr. Chapman asked me to be on his team was because I was the one who gave him the Third-Party-Alliance idea. I did not view him, however, as an ideal candidate to bring it about. The campaign is, for me, not so much something to add to one's credentials but something to have learned from. Nor did I ever view it as anything different.

Josiah has moved on to new political endeavors, including promulgating a new constitution for the YCLA. The signing ceremony on September 8 was a solemn occasion.

Upon putting down my signature for the Constitution, I got a peculiar feeling—like I was going to throw up, or cry for joy, or scream, or something like that. Whatever. No, though, I didn't do any of those. However, my face in the picture shows my feeling, if you can see it:

In the grand tradition of paramilitary organizations, brown-shirted Josiah

Actually it was a gray shirt with red epaulets

was accompanied by an armed honor guard. (The boys with the guns dug out their khakis, but apparently didn't have the right shirts to complete the earth-tone ensemble.)

And, of course, there was a flag-bearer.

(At this point there is another Nazi picture, giant size, emotional, with a red-haired teenager waving a giant German Austria swastika flag.)

OK. The deal with some people is that they find bizarre associations with Hitler in everything which opposes them. I am not that way, and I do not intend to become Hitler. If you think the principles of the Christian religion are neo-Nazi or despotic, I pity you, and pray that you will come to find God's liberty and complete forgiveness.

Josiah provides a convenient summary of the doctrines that lie at the core of the YCLA constitution:

1. God's Words are pure; KJV is the most accurate version. 2. The Members of the Trinity are distinct but act totally harmoniously. 3. Creation was by direct act of God. 4. Man is equal in humanity, responsibility, and rights. 5. Authorities are to be respected; must be obeyed when commands do not violate Scripture. 6. Individuals are naturally free to make decisions over their own consciences. 7. Death and suffering came by sin. 8. Man must have faith in Christ and His atonement to be saved from sin. 9. Baptism is correct and is by immersion. 10. Heaven and Hell are literal. 11. Christ will bodily return to Earth.

As anyone could clearly see, these doctrines ineluctably lead to some practical philosophical principles:

God the Creator has established unchangeable Laws for the universe. The Law for man is found in the Bible. Disobedience of God's Law is sin. Because the first man, Adam, sinned, everyone has inherited the same disposition. The only way to be freed, and escape sin's punishment (death), is to trust in Christ who died in place of us. Christ also rose again, went to Heaven, and will one day return to decimate His enemies. Until then, believers should continue to grow in their faith, and endeavor to maintain health and fitness so they can best serve God and proclaim His Truth. They should also strive to be humble, merciful, just, and loving towards those around them. Finally, they should work against the evil schemes of Satan, especially those perpetrated by apostate "churches" such as that of Catholicism, and ideas of secular Evolutionary society such as that of socialism.

Oh, oh. I think the YCLA is not well-disposed toward me. I'm definitely part of "secular Evolutionary society" and I support universal health care and public education, which I think makes me a socialist. I probably won't get any credit for having abandoned the Catholic church (although it's amusing to see the oldest form of Christianity described as "apostate").

You know, that's probably enough time spent browsing around on Josiah's YCLA blog. If it gets more interesting, I'm sure PiD will tip me off.

It wasn't my blog there were Nazi pictures on.

Thanks!

-R. Josiah Magnuson

Websites

I set up (finally) a new Members' Page for the YCLA. It is www.YCLAmembers.blogspot.com. You have to have received an invitation, however, to view it. If you have received one, please check it out! Please also post comments, vote in the poll there, etc.

David Aguilar set up a couple sites for us - www.YCLAconstitution.blogspot.com contains our full Constitution as it now stands, and www.USAYCLAlog.blogspot.com contains what is to be our official Journal of Proceedings. We need to change the name on that one though.

The domain name www.LibertyInLaw.com is going to be renewed. Also, we hope to get another ".org" name to use as a more official-sounding website.

Finally, I am making a new label here which will be called "YCLA: What's New." The "Young Leaders" label will be kept as archival, referring to YCLA updates prior to and including the Constitution-signing.

Thanks!


-R. Josiah Magnuson

Book of Jude

Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: Mercy unto you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.

Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not. And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.

Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise dominion, and speak evil of dignities. Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: but what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage.

But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Internet connection again

Happy Constitution Week!

I am trying right now to listen to the "Values Voters" Presidential debate online (here's the link), but it's pretty slow. Also, I have the noise of dishwashers and laundry machines in the background, because we... finally re-gained immediate Internet access at our residence!

I probably will still have to go to the library for uploading big stuff, like pictures, but I can do e-mail and all that here.

From Jos

Official Report

The signing of our Constitution went superbly.

The meeting began at about 12:35 on this past Saturday, September 8, 2007. The President, Mr. R. Josiah Magnuson, and Vice-President, Mr. David Michael Aguilar, arrived to shouts, cheers, and a majestic violin/electric organ version of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God."

After a prayer of thanks and a short welcome, the group began by singing "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus." Mr. Magnuson then gave out a series of useful door prizes.

Mr. Aguilar read Proverbs 3:1-10, regarding proper trust in God and His commands.

After the Scripture reading, Mr. Magnuson and Mr. Aguilar unveiled the new YCLA Shield of Arms on a two-foot by four-foot white wood background, which had been covered in a blue plastic cloth. The Shield consists of a white cross on a blue field with a white five-pointed star in the top-left corner, two olive branches with four olives each, and a yellow crown of Christ at the top with a large diamond in the center.

After another song, Miss Rahab Hackett read Isaiah 58:6-14. This scripture passage speaks of God's appreciation for works of good in society, keeping His Law, delighting in Him, and so forth. These are all-important to being a "repairer of the breach, a restorer of paths to dwell in."

The Constitution was signed by each member, with the President signing following the challenging theme song, "He Who Would Valiant Be."

In the President's address he stressed three objectives as key to the YCLA's mission: 1. Demolishing Deceit, 2. Attacking Apathy, and 3. Dispelling Disunity. The point was made in each case that the best way to lead is by example. The YCLA will, more than anything, act as a beacon of truth, liberty, and order for others. The reason this day is important is because it marks the beginning of a new standard of Biblical worldview implementation.

After picture-taking and cleanup, the group went downstairs for pizza and refreshments. For pictures of the event, please click here.

Our new web journal is located here. Thanks!

"No Religious Test"

Q. In those early days of America, why did we not have standards of religion for federal representatives? Or for the president?

A. The restriction in the Constitution on "religious tests" was not to create a secular society, but to protect the already-placed religious (i.e. denominational) tests of the states.

For instance, Anglicanism was sponsored in the Carolinas, Congregationalism in Massachusetts, and nothing at all (complete religious freedom) in Virginia. Thus, the Federal constitution could not include religious qualifications, or any national established church, as it would contradict or exclude those of individual states.

The US being a federation, the purpose was primarily for foreign affairs and interstate commerce. It was not set up as a sovereignty, but as a compact between sovereignties. If the Federal government was to be a sovereignty, it no doubt would have included religious clauses.

Besides, for something as large-scale as the United States, the Founders did not want to open the door for what could have become religious tyrrany. Any qualification of this sort would have been completely misinterpreted and misapplied. Instead, the religious determinations were left where they had always been: with the states, much closer to the homes and hearts of the people.


-R. Josiah Magnuson

Something's Going On

By Josh Brannon

When a thousand Republicans are in a room and one man of the eight on the stage takes a sharply minority viewpoint on a dramatic issue and half the room seems to cheer him, something's going on.
– Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal, Sept. 7, 2007

What's going on is the same as in 1976 and 1980, the Republican peasantry is rebelling against the choices that their lords and masters have laid before them. This is not merely a threat to the Republican leadership, but to the very concept of the bifactional ruling party that rules America in a "bipartisan" spirit. Ron Paul threatens the notion of politics as a team sport; his focus on actual constitutional principles makes him equally appealing to anti-occupation, pro-border Democrats as to anti-occupation, pro-border Republicans. That's why he is the only candidate in either party whose support ranges from devout Christian conservatives to gay, peacenik Ralph Nader fans.

Between now and November 2008, many Americans will experience the Ron Paul epiphany, in which the scales will fall from their eyes, and they will suddenly realize that they do not want the nation to continue in the direction that George Bush, Hillary Clinton, Fred Thompson, Hussein Osama and Rudy McRomney all intend on taking it. At this point, a 1976 scenario looks far more likely than a 1980 one, but then, few pundits thought Ron Paul would still require consideration at this point in the campaign.

The choice is simple. If you want to live under an EU-style regime that is intent on invading and occupying other countries in the name of democracy for the forseeable future, vote for any of the so-called major candidates. It doesn't matter which one. There is no significant difference between President Bush and Sen. Clinton, or between Sen. Thompson and Sen. Obama. If, on the other hand, you wish to live in a nation where the United States government is governed by the Constitution, you had better support Ron Paul. This may be your only opportunity, for it is entirely possible that this will be the last time such a choice is presented to you.

Debate Transcript

Here is the full transcript of the last Presidential debate.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,295886,00.html

Shield of Arms

I created a Shield of Arms for the YCLA. This is just the outline. The real version is more artistic, of course.

From Jos

Official Completion

The YCLA Constitution was officially completed last night, September 5th. I can hardly believe this is actually working... Wow

Here is an e-mail sent out by Rahab (who is now our Secretary btw):

Dear YCLA friends,

Congratulations on the completion of the YCLA constution!

Last night we read and discussed David's final printed version
with Pastor -------, who really appreciated our efforts.

The only changes made since the last final edition was sent
were the words "We the YCLA" to "We the founders of the
YCLA" in the doctrinal statement, so not to impose doctrines
on anyone. Also, we decided to delete the part about the
"Lord's supper." Because of the many seemingly rational
interpretations for that term, we considered it wise not to be
dogmatic about it.

Additionally, Josiah told me that he composed a one-page summary of the
constitution. Great!

Let us all be sure to voice our ideas - not doing so leads to mis-
understanding and unnecessary contention.

Thanks, everyone, for your diligent work, encouragement, and
ideas. May God bless this YCLA as we strive to preach the Gospel,
share the Biblical worldview, and discuss as a group more effective
ways to do these things!

"And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth
boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I
ought to speak." -Ephesians 6:19-20


Your friend in Christ,
Rahab