Columbus Day

"Your Highnesses, as...princes who love and promote the holy Christian faith, and enemies of the doctrine of Mahomet, and of all idolatry and heresy, determined to send me, Christopher Columbus, to the above-mentioned countries of India, to see the said princes, people, and territories, and to learn their disposition and the proper method of converting them to our holy faith; and furthermore directed that I should not proceed by land to the East, as is customary, but by a Westerly route, in which direction we have hitherto no certain evidence that any one has gone."

-Journal of Christopher Columbus
Friday, 3 August 1492

Find more of Columbus' Journal here.

Proverbs 12:1-13:6

Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.

A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand.

A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit.

The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.

He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them.

The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.

A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke. A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction. The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat. A righteous man hateth lying: but a wicked man is loathsome, and cometh to shame. Righteousness keepeth him that is upright in the way: but wickedness overthroweth the sinner.

Propaganda on Bible Doctrine: A Summary

There are a number of propaganda techniques available for use by misinformers, and we all know what they are. However, I will give an overview here of how they seem to be used in discussions on Bible doctrine. You name the issue, if you are right and another is wrong and they know it but don't want to change, you will more than likely have one of these thrown at you. I've had it happen to me on more than one occasion.

The most important lesson for us to learn from this list is how not to defend our own ideas. If we are wrong, we should admit it and be willing to modify our positions to conform to Biblical truth.

Emotional appeal - "But don't you know, that's so divisive!" or "Can't you just see how much trouble (fill in the blank) has caused you?"

Straw man - "So you believe in (THIS obviously un-Biblical position!)"

Endorsement - "What about all the godly men that have believed (this)?" or "(So-and-so) believes (this), do you really think he's wrong?"

Non Sequitur - "(The weather is so nice today); what you're saying is a lie from the devil!"

Red Herring - "(The weather is so nice today.)"

Circular reasoning - "I believe (this) is true; I wouldn't believe it if it weren't true."

And the all-time favorite:

Bandwagon - "The vast majority of Christians hold to (this), why don't you?"


Thanks From Josiah

Ron Paul messages on the phone

Try it for yourself! Dial 1-641-715-3900

US Foreign Policy	4 min.	Ext. 35004#
Protecting Civil Liberties	3 min.	Ext. 35005#
Healthcare Reform	5 min.	Ext. 35006#
Fixing the Inflation Tax	2 min.	Ext. 35007#
Taxes and the IRS	2 min.	Ext. 35008#
Entitlements	4 min.	Ext. 35009#
Second Amendment	3 min.	Ext. 35010#
Immigration Sanity	3 min.	Ext. 35011#
Our Constitutional Republic	6 min.	Ext. 35012#
Hear the latest from Ron Paul		Ext. 35013#

The Real Meaning of Freedom

by Ron Paul, MD September 6, 2007

“…Man is not free unless government is limited. There's a clear cause and effect here that is as neat and predictable as a law of physics: As government expands, liberty contracts.”
Ronald Reagan

We’ve all heard the words democracy and freedom used countless times, especially in the context of our invasion of Iraq. They are used interchangeably in modern political discourse, yet their true meanings are very different.

George Orwell wrote about “meaningless words” that are endlessly repeated in the political arena*. Words like “freedom,” “democracy,” and “justice,” Orwell explained, have been abused so long that their original meanings have been eviscerated. In Orwell’s view, political words were “Often used in a consciously dishonest way.” Without precise meanings behind words, politicians and elites can obscure reality and condition people to reflexively associate certain words with positive or negative perceptions. In other words, unpleasant facts can be hidden behind purposely meaningless language. As a result, Americans have been conditioned to accept the word “democracy” as a synonym for freedom, and thus to believe that democracy is unquestionably good.

The problem is that democracy is not freedom. Democracy is simply majoritarianism, which is inherently incompatible with real freedom. Our founding fathers clearly understood this, as evidenced not only by our republican constitutional system, but also by their writings in the Federalist Papers and elsewhere. James Madison cautioned that under a democratic government, “There is nothing to check the inducement to sacrifice the weaker party or the obnoxious individual.” John Adams argued that democracies merely grant revocable rights to citizens depending on the whims of the masses, while a republic exists to secure and protect pre-existing rights. Yet how many Americans know that the word “democracy” is found neither in the Constitution nor the Declaration of Independence, our very founding documents?

A truly democratic election in Iraq, without U.S. interference and U.S. puppet candidates, almost certainly would result in the creation of a Shiite theocracy. Shiite majority rule in Iraq might well mean the complete political, economic, and social subjugation of the minority Kurd and Sunni Arab populations. Such an outcome would be democratic, but would it be free? Would the Kurds and Sunnis consider themselves free? The administration talks about democracy in Iraq, but is it prepared to accept a democratically-elected Iraqi government no matter what its attitude toward the U.S. occupation? Hardly. For all our talk about freedom and democracy, the truth is we have no idea whether Iraqis will be free in the future. They’re certainly not free while a foreign army occupies their country. The real test is not whether Iraq adopts a democratic, pro-western government, but rather whether ordinary Iraqis can lead their personal, religious, social, and business lives without interference from government.

Simply put, freedom is the absence of government coercion. Our Founding Fathers understood this, and created the least coercive government in the history of the world. The Constitution established a very limited, decentralized government to provide national defense and little else. States, not the federal government, were charged with protecting individuals against criminal force and fraud. For the first time, a government was created solely to protect the rights, liberties, and property of its citizens. Any government coercion beyond that necessary to secure those rights was forbidden, both through the Bill of Rights and the doctrine of strictly enumerated powers. This reflected the founders’ belief that democratic government could be as tyrannical as any King.

Few Americans understand that all government action is inherently coercive. If nothing else, government action requires taxes. If taxes were freely paid, they wouldn’t be called taxes, they’d be called donations. If we intend to use the word freedom in an honest way, we should have the simple integrity to give it real meaning: Freedom is living without government coercion. So when a politician talks about freedom for this group or that, ask yourself whether he is advocating more government action or less.

The political left equates freedom with liberation from material wants, always via a large and benevolent government that exists to create equality on earth. To modern liberals, men are free only when the laws of economics and scarcity are suspended, the landlord is rebuffed, the doctor presents no bill, and groceries are given away. But philosopher Ayn Rand (and many others before her) demolished this argument by explaining how such “freedom” for some is possible only when government takes freedoms away from others. In other words, government claims on the lives and property of those who are expected to provide housing, medical care, food, etc. for others are coercive-- and thus incompatible with freedom. “Liberalism,” which once stood for civil, political, and economic liberties, has become a synonym for omnipotent coercive government.

The political right equates freedom with national greatness brought about through military strength. Like the left, modern conservatives favor an all-powerful central state-- but for militarism, corporatism, and faith-based welfarism. Unlike the Taft-Goldwater conservatives of yesteryear, today’s Republicans are eager to expand government spending, increase the federal police apparatus, and intervene militarily around the world. The last tenuous links between conservatives and support for smaller government have been severed. “Conservatism,” which once meant respect for tradition and distrust of active government, has transformed into big-government utopian grandiosity.

Orwell certainly was right about the use of meaningless words in politics. If we hope to remain free, we must cut through the fog and attach concrete meanings to the words politicians use to deceive us. We must reassert that America is a republic, not a democracy, and remind ourselves that the Constitution places limits on government that no majority can overrule. We must resist any use of the word “freedom” to describe state action. We must reject the current meaningless designations of “liberals” and “conservatives,” in favor of an accurate term for both: statists.

Every politician on earth claims to support freedom. The problem is so few of them understand the simple meaning of the word.

*Politics and the English Language, 1946.

Article from FaxDC.com on the NAU

EX-MEXICAN PREZ: REGIONAL CURRENCY COMING

Tell Congress you support a Resolution to end the North America Union and the
abandonment of integration with Canada, Mexico.

Alert: Former Mexican President Vicente Fox confirmed the existence of a plan
conceived with President Bush to create a new regional currency in the Americas,
in an interview last night on CNN's "Larry King Live."

It possibly was the first time a leader of Mexico, Canada or the U.S. openly
confirmed a plan for a regional currency. Fox explained the current regional
trade agreement that encompasses the Western Hemisphere is intended to evolve
into other previously hidden aspects of integration.

According to a transcript published by CNN, King, near the end of the broadcast,
asked Fox a question e-mailed from a listener, a Ms. Gonzalez from Elizabeth,
N.J.: "Mr. Fox, I would like to know how you feel about the possibility of
having a Latin America united with one currency?"

Fox answered in the affirmative, indicating it was a long-term plan. He admitted
he and President Bush had agreed to pursue the Free Trade Agreement of the
Americas – a free-trade zone extending throughout the Western Hemisphere,
suggesting part of the plan was to institute eventually a regional currency.

"Long term, very long term," he said. "What we proposed together, President Bush
and myself, it's ALCA, which is a trade union for all the Americas."

ALCA is the acronym for the Area de Libre Comercio de las Américas, the name of
the FTAA in Spanish.

King, evidently startled by Fox's revelation of the currency, asked pointedly,
"It's going to be like the euro dollar (sic), you mean?"

"Well, that would be long, long term," Fox repeated.

Fox noted the FTAA plan had been thwarted by Hugo Chavez, the radical socialist
president of Venezuela.

"Everything was running fluently until Hugo Chavez came," Fox commented. "He
decided to combat the idea and destroy the idea."

Fox explained that he and Bush intended to proceed incrementally, establishing
FTAA as an economic agreement first and waiting to create an amero-type currency
later – a plan he also suggested was in place for NAFTA itself.

"I think the process to go, first step is trading agreement," Fox said. "And
then further on, a new vision, like we are trying to do with NAFTA."

Fox's reply to the CNN viewer was captured in a clip posted on YouTube.com. CNN
posted video of the interview but did not include the segment with questions
from viewers.

Last week, BankIntroductions.com, a Canadian company that specializes in global
banking strategies and currency consulting, is advising clients the amero may be
the currency of North America within 10 years.

Coin designer Daniel Carr has issued for sale a series of private-issue fantasy
pattern amero coins that have drawn attention on the Internet.

The African Union is moving down the path of regional economic integration, with
the African Central Bank planning to create the "Gold Mandela" as a single
African continental currency by 2010.

The Council on Foreign Relations has supported regional and global currencies
designed to replace nationally issued currencies.

In an article in the May/June issue of Foreign Affairs, entitled "The End of
National Currency," CFR economist Benn Steil asserts the dollar is a temporary
currency.

Steil concluded "countries should abandon monetary nationalism," moving to adopt
regional currencies, on the road to a global "one world currency."

Steve Previs, a vice president at Jeffries International Ltd. in London, said
the amero "is the proposed new currency for the North American Community which
is being developed right now between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico."

A continued slide in the value of the dollar on world currency markets could set
up conditions in which the adoption of the amero as a North American currency
gains momentum.

DO NOT BE SILENCED BY ANYONE STAND UP! MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

TAKE ACTION: Send YOUR blast faxes to ALL 535 Congressman NOW!

To visit FAXDC.com, click here: http://faxdc.com/

The Theme Quote Explained

Somebody asked me today what the theme quote to the top-left on this site is really supposed to mean - and what exactly John Adams believed needed "revolving" as a precursor to American Independence.

The answer is that Adams was referring to the fact that the people had to realize the dichotomy which existed between the unlimited power the king of Great Britain believed he possessed, and their natural rights as given by God.

Without the understanding that God was supreme, even over the national powers of the world, what would the Americans have had to stand for? They would just have been fighting to seize control. However, our forebears believed in the Law of the Creator. As they stated in the Declaration of Independence, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights..."

The revolution in the hearts and minds of the people is as intrinsic to liberty as it was in 1776. This revolution is one of worldviews.


-R. Josiah Magnuson

Letter to the Editor by Dr. Paul

Ron Paul: I advocate the same foreign policy the Founding Fathers would

Read article in original publication: UnionLeader.com

By RON PAUL

Monday, Oct. 8, 2007

Any response to this paper's Friday editorial on my foreign policy position must rest on two fundamental assertions: first, that the Founding Fathers were not isolationists; and second, that their political philosophy -- the wisdom of the Constitution, the Declaration, and our Revolution itself -- is not just a primitive cultural relic.

If I understand the editors' concerns, I have not been accused of deviating from the Founders' logic; if anything I have been accused of adhering to it too strictly. The question, therefore, before readers -- and soon voters -- is the same question I have asked for almost 20 years in Congress: by what superior wisdom have we now declared Jefferson, Washington, and Madison to be "unrealistic and dangerous"? Why do we insist on throwing away their most considered warnings?

A non-interventionist foreign policy is not an isolationist foreign policy. It is quite the opposite. Under a Paul administration, the United States would trade freely with any nation that seeks to engage with us. American citizens would be encouraged to visit other countries and interact with other peoples rather than be told by their own government that certain countries are off limits to them.

Rep. RON PAUL (BOB LAPREE)

American citizens would be allowed to spend their hard-earned money wherever they wish across the globe, not told that certain countries are under embargo and thus off limits. An American trade policy would encourage private American businesses to seek partners overseas and engage them in trade. The hostility toward American citizens overseas in the wake of our current foreign policy has actually made it difficult if not dangerous for Americans to travel abroad. Is this not an isolationist consequence from a policy of aggressive foreign interventionism?

It is not we non-interventionists who are isolationists. The real isolationists are those who impose sanctions and embargoes on countries and peoples across the globe because they disagree with the internal and foreign policies of their leaders. The real isolationists are those who choose to use force overseas to promote democracy, rather than seek change through diplomacy, engagement, and by setting a positive example.

I do not believe that ideas have an expiration date, or that their value can be gauged by their novelty. The test for new and old is that of wisdom and experience, or as the editors wrote "historical reality," which argues passionately now against the course of anti-Constitutional interventionism.

A Paul administration would see Americans engaged overseas like never before, in business and cultural activities. But a Paul administration would never attempt to export democracy or other values at the barrel of a gun, as we have seen over and over again that this is a counterproductive approach that actually leads the United States to be resented and more isolated in the world.

Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, is running for the Republican presidential nomination.

"Our Christian President"

A few public catch phrases; some prayer breakfasts; a few references to Jesus; some personal meetings; and a few phone calls or personal meetings with big-name evangelicals was all it took to beguile the vast majority of professing believers. Because of this, George W. Bush is now and forever known as "our beloved Christian President."

Then again, how would our Christian brethren react if someone came into their church and said that "all religions pray to the same God"? I dare say such a statement would be met with the most vehement rejection. Yet, that is exactly what President Bush has said repeatedly. The latest example was just last Friday, October 5, 2007.


Read more here:
http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2007/cbarchive_20071009.html

Mission: Church

As we revolve our culture to the Biblical worldview, the idea is more than anything to revolve the Church and Christianity. It seems there are an increasing array of folks who tend to believe in the ecumenical free-for-all position, and another group which is so legalistic they will not tolerate other ideas.

Neither of these are really the best attitude. It is my opinion that we must agree on the foundational principles. In doing so, we must also allow for disagreement on issues which are not foundational.

The YCLA, the LIL Coalition and all our visions and ideas pretty much come down to finding the people who truly have this spirit of Christ and educating them in Biblical supremacy. There are many of them around; and one does not have to believe in the correct Bible version or the Sabbath or musical standards to be such. In other words, these beliefs are not in fact foundational. However, God will eventually present these issues to those who have a heart for Truth.

Because Truth is what makes one Different.

John 8:31-32 If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.


-R. Josiah Magnuson

YCLA Constitution DONE

Hi everyone! I am happy to inform you that we have completed the very final (amended) YCLA Constitution. Hooray! We're even about done with the brochure.

Please note our following websites:

http://www.YoungChristianLeaders.org; Our main site.

http://www.yclajournal.blogspot.com/; The official journal of proceedings.

And be sure to look up this site, which has our full Constitution as amended: http://www.yclaconstitution.blogspot.com/

Thanks a lot! From Josiah

Bio for myself

I wrote a little bio for myself, which needs more editing probably but will work for now... :-)

R. Josiah Magnuson is a homeschooled sixteen-year-old of Taylors, SC. He has been interested in government since the year 2000 when his family was introduced to the Constitution Party. In 2004, he created the idea of the Liberty In Law Coalition, an alliance of pro-freedom organizations for cooperation and efficiency under the Biblical worldview. He “graduated” in July of 2005 from Michael Anthony Peroutka’s Institute on the Constitution. Mr. Magnuson is the only person to win placing in the top five for two consecutive years in the Answers in Genesis annual essay contest. He worked as Intelligent Design Advisor to the Gene Chapman Presidential campaign from August 2006 until Chapman dropped out in March of 2007. His family also played a major role in the defeat of REAL-ID in South Carolina, preventing South Carolinians from being required to carry a national ID card. He has written several important papers, including Democracy, America’s Problem?, Designed Freedom: The Worldview of Naturalism as a Threat to Liberty, and Survival of the Functional: How Natural Selection Kills Evolution. Mr. Magnuson currently holds the office of President of the Young Christian Leaders’ Alliance. His other interests include chess, soccer, and investments.

Favorite verses: Isaiah 33:22 - For the LORD is our judge, the LORD is our lawgiver, the LORD is our king; he will save us. John 8:31-32 - If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Press Release from Dr. Paul

October 3, 2007

Paul Campaign Raises Over $5,000,000 In Third Quarter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - The Ron Paul 2008 presidential campaign raised $5,080,000 during the third quarter of 2007. That is an impressive 114 percent increase from the second quarter.

Cash on hand for the Paul campaign is $5,300,000.

"Dr. Paul's message is freedom, peace and prosperity," said Paul campaign chairman Kent Snyder. "As these fundraising numbers show, more Americans each day are embracing Dr. Paul's message."

Ron Paul's 114 percent increase is in stark contrast to the decrease suffered by Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, and John McCain. Romney's fundraising was down 29 percent. Giuliani was down 40 percent. McCain was down 55 percent.

Comments on candidates

Looks like Rudy McRomneyson is in for a hard time. Dr. James Dobson has now said that he will never support either Rudy or Thompson, and wow! Ron Paul has got a huge amount of money - over 600,000 dollars over his original fundraising goal, in one week!

Mike Huckabee is doing a lot better, and Alan Keyes is in the race. These two will continue Lord-willing to deprive the "big guys" of votes. Especially Romney.

I wish Alan Keyes were not in, though. It is hard to convince people to go for Ron Paul against him. Of course, the main reasons I still am working for Dr. Paul are Dr. Paul's proven record, experience in campaigning and government, and gigantic already-existing support.

Thanks to everyone who donated to Dr. Paul for the wonderful boost.


From Josiah

A new site for our YCLA

www.YoungChristianLeaders.org !

From Josiah

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

Signing Date

Our signing for the YCLA Constitution is set for September 8th.

Hurray! From Jos

YCLA Constitution, Sections 1-5

Summarized and Compiled

Purpose: Serving pro-freedom movements by encouraging the Biblical worldview and proclaiming the Good News

Goals: 1. Hold frequent meetings and projects. 2. Learn leadership and Christ-likeness. 3. Distribute relevant resources. 4. Be guided by God. 5. Build a nerve-center for an alliance of pro-freedom groups.

Vision: 1. A network of young people which can mobilize and act together for righteous causes. 2. A network of pro-freedom groups for the same.

Doctrines: 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.

Philosophy: 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.

YCLA Constitution, Section 6

Summarized and Compiled

Legislative Power– Board of five members, elected for one year; Council of indefinite number of adults, appointed for life

Board: 1. Finances and fundraising. 2. Awards. 3. Delegation of tasks. 4. Requests for outside contributors. 5. Events. 6. Insignia. 7. Division into teams. 8. New chapters. 9. Maintenance of a Centre. 10. Introduction of Amendments. 11. Certification of new members. 12. Determination of election times. 13. Approval of Participation Director.

Council: 1. Veto power over Amendments. 2. Advice

Executive Power– President and Vice-President, elected for two years; Chairman of the Board, appointed for one year

President: 1. Approval of non-unanimous Board decisions. 2. Enforcement of Constitution and Board decisions. 3. Vote on Board in case of tie. 4. Scheduling and convening meetings. 5. Coordinating transportation for members. 6. Veto power over new members. 7. Approval of Amendments. 8. Approval of Board members. 9. Removing suspension of members. 10. Matters of immediate concern. 11. Appointment of Council. 12. Appointment of Participation Director. 13. Approval of Chairman.

Vice-President: 1. Succession after President. 2. Powers of President when President is absent. 3. Approval of Board members. 4. Appointment of Chairman. 5. Approval of Council.

Chairman of the Board: 1. Powers of Chairman under parliamentary procedure. 2. Full membership on Board. 3. Appointment of Board members in rare cases.

Judicial Power – Constitutional Court appointed for life

1. Interpretation of Constitution. 2. Review of Board decisions’ legality.

YCLA Constitution, Section 7

7.0 - The Pledge and Creed, which the members of the YCLA shall from time to time quote and review for remembrance, shall be as follows:

7.1 - As a member of the YCLA, I shall ultimately strive to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to promote the Biblical worldview, to restore liberty by the keeping of the just laws of God, to actively support those groups which have the aforementioned goals, and to lead not only fellow members of the YCLA, but also others I influence, to pursue the same objects.

7.2 - The philosophy I espouse shall be based on the absolute truths that the Bible is the verbally inspired, infallible Words of God; that God created man and all things ex nihilo according to the Scriptures; that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, became incarnate and was born of a virgin for the purpose of atoning for fallen man’s sins with His blood on the cross; that He rose bodily the third day; and that He has power to save men from sin, that thereby all who believe on Him should have eternal life.

Colossians 3:1 -- 4:6

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye. And above all these things [put on] charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

Husbands, love [your] wives, and be not bitter against them.

Children, obey [your] parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

Fathers, provoke not your children [to anger], lest they be discouraged.

Servants, obey in all things [your] masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God: And whatsoever ye do, do [it] heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.

Masters, give unto [your] servants that which is just and equal; knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.

Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech [be] alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

YCLA Constitution almost ready!

I sent out a Lord-willing very completely improved copy of the YCLA Constitution draft today. This is the e-mail I sent with it.

Here's a well-polished new version of the Final Edition. In fact, this will be the completed version if there are no objections to it. Thus, I encourage each of you to print it out and sit down and simply read through it. I have chipped away very thoroughly at what I hope were rough edges... :-D

You will wish to pay special attention to Sections 3.5, 3.6 B to E, 6.4B, 6.8, 6.10, and 7.0. Section 6.8 is probably the most important addition so far to the original writing, as it provides for the power to convene meetings. Hmmm :-P That's the kind of stuff we need to catch now.

Regarding web addresses, the best I could find were:

YCLAonline.com and .org
YCLA.us
TheYCLA.org
YoungChristianLeaders.com and .org
YCLAlliance.com and .org

Unfortunately, YCLA.org and a whole bunch of others (e.g. YoungChristians.com) are not availible.

Please tell me which of these you like best, or if you prefer to just stay with our current www.LibertyInLaw.com which name is the motto on our logo (Liberty In Law).

We also need to figure when to have our next meeting. I believe we should be ready to sign our Constitution by the first week of September - or maybe we should do it Sept. 16 for Constitution Day? In either case, we need to have at least one meeting before that time. As you may realize, we must adopt the Constitution and sign it in two separate events, in order for David to get the adopted copy printed out for its final form. Thus, we should come together the middle of next week if we can work that.

Thanks!


Your friend in Christ,

R. Josiah Magnuson

Executive Order on Property

Here is the full text of Mr. Bush's ("The Decider's") unfortunate recent decree abolishing private property. I should have posted this here earlier, but in any case it's here now. From Josiah

From http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2007/07/20070717-3.html

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, as amended (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)(IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)(NEA), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, find that, due to the unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States posed by acts of violence threatening the peace and stability of Iraq and undermining efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq and to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people, it is in the interests of the United States to take additional steps with respect to the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 of May 22, 2003, and expanded in Executive Order 13315 of August 28, 2003, and relied upon for additional steps taken in Executive Order 13350 of July 29, 2004, and Executive Order 13364 of November 29, 2004. I hereby order:


Section 1. (a) Except to the extent provided in section 203(b)(1), (3), and (4) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(1), (3), and (4)), or in regulations, orders, directives, or licenses that may be issued pursuant to this order, and notwithstanding any contract entered into or any license or permit granted prior to the date of this order, all property and interests in property of the following persons, that are in the United States, that hereafter come within the United States, or that are or hereafter come within the possession or control of United States persons, are blocked and may not be transferred, paid, exported, withdrawn, or otherwise dealt in: any person determined by the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense,

(i) to have committed, or to pose a significant risk of committing, an act or acts of violence that have the purpose or effect of:
(A) threatening the peace or stability of Iraq or the Government of Iraq; or
(B) undermining efforts to promote economic reconstruction and political reform in Iraq or to provide humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people;

(ii) to have materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, logistical, or technical support for, or goods or services in support of, such an act or acts of violence or any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order; or

(iii) to be owned or controlled by, or to have acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order.

(b) The prohibitions in subsection (a) of this section include, but are not limited to, (i) the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order, and (ii) the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person.


Sec. 2. (a) Any transaction by a United States person or within the United States that evades or avoids, has the purpose of evading or avoiding, or attempts to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.
(b) Any conspiracy formed to violate any of the prohibitions set forth in this order is prohibited.


Sec. 3. For purposes of this order:
(a) the term "person" means an individual or entity;
(b) the term "entity" means a partnership, association, trust, joint venture, corporation, group, subgroup, or other organization; and
(c) the term "United States person" means any United States citizen, permanent resident alien, entity organized under the laws of the United States or any jurisdiction within the United States (including foreign branches), or any person in the United States.


Sec. 4. I hereby determine that the making of donations of the type specified in section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) by, to, or for the benefit of, any person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 and expanded in Executive Order 13315, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by section 1 of this order.


Sec. 5. For those persons whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to this order who might have a constitutional presence in the United States, I find that, because of the ability to transfer funds or other assets instantaneously, prior notice to such persons of measures to be taken pursuant to this order would render these measures ineffectual. I therefore determine that for these measures to be effective in addressing the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13303 and expanded in Executive Order 13315, there need be no prior notice of a listing or determination made pursuant to section 1(a) of this order.


Sec. 6. The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Defense, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this order. The Secretary of the Treasury may redelegate any of these functions to other officers and agencies of the United States Government, consistent with applicable law. All agencies of the United States Government are hereby directed to take all appropriate measures within their authority to carry out the provisions of this order and, where appropriate, to advise the Secretary of the Treasury in a timely manner of the measures taken.


Sec. 7. Nothing in this order is intended to affect the continued effectiveness of any rules, regulations, orders, licenses, or other forms of administrative action issued, taken, or continued in effect heretofore or hereafter under 31 C.F.R. chapter V, except as expressly terminated, modified, or suspended by or pursuant to this order.


Sec. 8. This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right, benefit, or privilege, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers or employees, or any other person.


GEORGE W. BUSH

THE WHITE HOUSE,
July 17, 2007.

Attempt at Ron Paul Publicity

Somebody's being creative. :-D

In order to create a media blitz that every local TV and radio station will report on, we are supporting an initiative to "STAMP OUT FASCISM" on 9/11. Get your Ron Paul stamp and start stamping every thing in sight! The goal is to create such a wave of materials in circulation with the "Ron Paul for PRESIDENT" message. Media sources will have no choice but to report on the phenomenon. Thus, giving Dr. Paul the exposure he needs to be recognized. Stamp it all, money, envelopes, bills, foreheads, but do it all together! (note: it IS completely LEGAL to stamp your money) Order your RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT stamps by clicking here: http://www.StampRonPaul.com

Make sure you get your stamp before 9/11, because... umm thats the day we want to have millions of dollars and envelopes stamped for Paul!

Get crazy with your stamp! Stamp $100 bills then cash them for $50s stamp those, then cash them for $20s stamp those, cash them for $10s stamp those, cash them for $1s then spend them into circulation!!! Stamp your cash at meetup groups, rallys where ever when ever!!! Remember get them into circulation by 9/11!!!

Restore The Republic, 4 E. Ogden Ave #125, Westmont, Illinois 60559 http://www.restoretherepublic.com/

Original intent

"On every question of construction [of the Constitution] let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or intended against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Update on YCLA

Wow! We're almost done with the Constitution. It has taken more than a month so far!

I sent a list of suggestions off yesterday, and some more today. If we adopt them, the Purpose statement for one will be like the following:

The Young Christian Leaders’ Alliance serves pro-freedom movements by encouraging the Biblical worldview and proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Young Christian Leaders' Alliance - hereinafter "the YCLA" - energizes, educates, mobilizes and equips the members for the same purpose. In addition, the YCLA endeavors to give support, leadership and aid to all persons, but especially those of our age group, who may be disillusioned or needy. All these efforts are a part of our supreme principle. This principle is to stand for God's Words as absolute Truth, which will truly free one who acts upon them.

Our meeting Friday went quite well. The main thing we did was have me talk about what's next. The basic plan right now is:

First month (Sept.-Oct.) - Website, basic propagation stuff

Second month (Oct.-Nov.) - Membership handbook, database, cards

Third month (Nov.-Dec.) - First publication

One year - 100 members or participants


Thanks! From Josiah

1 Corinthians 1:21-2:16

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

New Logo

Yes! We can finally see pictures here again! Praise God!

From Josiah

E-mail

I set up an official e-mail address for the YCLA and so forth today. It should be YCLA@LibertyInLaw.com. It sends CCs to I and David and Rahab. We'll see if it works... :-)

Section 3: Vision

3.1 We the Founders of the YCLA wish for a network of young people, as large as possible, but organized according to location and ability. This network or its chapters will be able to meet, talk, and think together, and then mobilize for short-term productions and plans.

3.2 The YCLA should continue to exist and self-propagate after we have left the organization, growing in size and influence. This Constitution, as appropriately amended, shall be the supreme Law for the YCLA always.

3.3 We desire that the Council be used ultimately as a tool to bring together leaders in other organizations, as described in Section 2.5.

3.4 In the process of development, the officers and members of the YCLA shall follow the direction of God for all decisions. They shall endeavor to maintain a rational and sober mind at the meetings. Finally, they shall regard the end of all their ideas before any be put into practice.

It's taking some time (again)

I have been waiting now since Friday to be sent David's newest updates to the YCLA Constitution draft. Hopefully I will at least be able to review them by the time we meet next, which will probably be near the the end of this week.

Part of being a leader is being patient... :-) From Jos

A Ron Paul Article

Political Power and the Rule of Law
Texas Straight-Talk
February 5, 2007

by Congressman Ron Paul

With the elections over and the 110th Congress settling in, the media have been reporting ad nauseam about who has assumed new political power in Washington. We're subjected to breathless reports about emerging power brokers in Congress; how so-and-so is now the powerful chair of an important committee; how certain candidates are amassing power for the 2008 elections, and so on. Nobody questions this use of the word "power," or considers its connotations. It's simply assumed, in Washington and the mainstream media, that political power is proper and inevitable.

The problem is that politicians are not supposed to have power over us-- we're supposed to be free. We seem to have forgotten that freedom means the absence of government coercion. So when politicians and the media celebrate political power, they really are celebrating the power of certain individuals to use coercive state force.

Remember that one's relationship with the state is never voluntary. Every government edict, policy, regulation, court decision, and law ultimately is backed up by force, in the form of police, guns, and jails. That is why political power must be fiercely constrained by the American people.
The desire for power over other human beings is not something to celebrate, but something to condemn! The 20th century's worst tyrants were political figures, men who fanatically sought power over others through the apparatus of the state. They wielded that power absolutely, without regard for the rule of law.

Our constitutional system, by contrast, was designed to restrain political power and place limits on the size and scope of government. It is this system, the rule of law, which we should celebrate--not political victories.

Political power is not like the power possessed by those who otherwise obtain fame and fortune. After all, even the wealthiest individual cannot force anyone to buy a particular good or service; even the most famous celebrities cannot force anyone to pay attention to them. It is only when elites become politically connected that they begin to impose their views on all of us.

In a free society, government is restrained--and therefore political power is less important. I believe the proper role for government in America is to provide national defense, a court system for civil disputes, a criminal justice system for acts of force and fraud, and little else. In other words, the state as referee rather than an active participant in our society.

Those who hold political power, however, would lose their status in a society with truly limited government. It simply would not matter much who occupied various political posts, since their ability to tax, spend, and regulate would be severely curtailed. This is why champions of political power promote an activist government that involves itself in every area of our lives from cradle to grave. They gain popular support by promising voters that government will take care of everyone, while the media shower them with praise for their bold vision.

Political power is inherently dangerous in a free society: it threatens the rule of law, and thus threatens our fundamental freedoms. Those who understand this should object whenever political power is glorified.


http://www.ronpaullibrary.org/document.php?id=498

Everything Update

I've not been able to be online much recently so of course could not post anything. I will thus give you a brief update of how stuff has been going.

1. YCLA: The Constitution is almost finished! We had a meeting last night at which we resolved a bunch of final issues and so forth. We also have a great new logo as well; I just wish it would show up here! It's got Roy Moore's Ten Commandments monument and lettering in blue and yellow. If you want, e-mail me and I'll send it to you. Rjmpilgrim@aol.com

2. AiG contest: I won fifth out of over 600! I received a Toshiba laptop and a bunch of other great stuff for my "Survival of the Functional" paper. To read my paper, please go here.

3. Paul Lamicela finally contacted me! I would very much appreciate his input on the YCLA and my other projects. Hopefully he will continue to stay in touch.

4. LibertyInLaw.com: It's working as I informed you, but it still has all the same stuff as the old SC Liberty Alliance site had before I changed it over. I may Lord-willing be able to adjust it yet this afternoon.

5. Presidential race: Our hero Dr. Paul came here to Greenville a couple weeks ago and he signed my Constitution copy! His campaign seems to be doing better than ever. He finally released a statement of faith, so I suppose the Christian community will warm to him better now.

http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul070721.htm "I have never been one who is comfortable talking about my faith in the political arena. In fact, the pandering that typically occurs in the election season I find to be distasteful. But for those who have asked, I freely confess that Jesus Christ is my personal Savior, and that I seek His guidance in all that I do. I know, as you do, that our freedoms come not from man, but from God. My record of public service reflects my reverence for the Natural Rights with which we have been endowed by a loving Creator."
Ron Paul http://www.ronpaul2008.com/

Thanks! From Jos