The following is taken from our new Constitution, which was adopted on March 28th.
3.1 The ultimate principle for the YCLA is that the sixty-six books of the canon of the Bible, as preserved throughout history in the Masoretic Hebrew and Textus Receptus Greek, are to be the sole rule of duty for the individual and for any decisions of our group. We believe that Scripture must be its own final interpreter, according to its literal, historical, and grammatical context. We believe that GOD and His works are never arbitrary, but are always completed according to His revealed will and logical cause-and-effect. Finally, we believe in the fundamentals of the faith and Salvation through the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, as expressed in our Creed (Section 5.2).
3.2 We believe it is our responsibility to “do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with GOD” (Micah 6:8), to “fear GOD and keep His commandments” (Eccl. 12:13), and to love the LORD with all the heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love one’s neighbor as himself (Mark 12:30-31). We believe that exemplifying this spirit of humility and justice is an integral part of true leadership.
3.3 We believe in endeavoring, wherever possible, to practice Spirit-filled, open reasoning and forethought. Included in this conviction is a commitment to always steer away from rock music, TV, and immodesty, rather promoting health and focus.
3.4 We believe in supporting the Constitution of the United States and its representative, republican form of government. We believe in the principle of Lex Rex, that it is not the government which defines the law, but the law which defines the government. We understand the basis of freedom to be not the abolition of government, nor the empowering of the government, but the limiting of the government's jurisdiction to include only moral and rightful powers.
3.5 We believe in opposing the Evolutionary worldview and its socialist tendencies. We hold that true science is not compatible with the naturalistic origins model. Finally, we believe that the best defense for the Bible's validity is Scripture itself, with natural laws as second in importance.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Is A Power Grab the Economic Solution?
What appears to be a new Federal power grab is about to take place in the financial world. A new system of regulation is being introduced which would render state laws useless. But this will only harm the economy futher, as do all mis-guided attempts to impose prosperity without regard to law or principle. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/080331/fed_overhaul.html?.v=3
LIL from JFJ
There is a really good article from David Brickner, Jews For Jesus Executive Director (www.jewsforjesus.org), in their April newsletter which came the other day. It is entitled "Coloring Outside the Lines," and addresses the relationship of God's boundaries to freedom and people's lives. It describes the current tendency of much of Christianity to shy away from clear morals, and declares the need for open evangelism and un-abashed promotion of Christ as the Savior from sin. Very, very good!
I would post a link to it but it is not up on their website yet. I'll try to post it as soon as possible.
From Josiah
I would post a link to it but it is not up on their website yet. I'll try to post it as soon as possible.
From Josiah
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
A More Concise YCLA Flyer
Lord-willing we will have a YCLA table at the Greenville County Constitution Party Convention this Saturday. In view of this, I made some great new half-page flyer things to use instead of the tri-fold brochures, which are much more complicated, and use more printer ink. I wrote the following three points on the front as describing our key issues:
1. Creation — The YCLA proclaims God as the Creator of the universe, and works to support His law and authority.
2. Constitution — The YCLA is committed to the principles of the Founding Fathers and America’s Supreme Law of the Land.
3. Cross — The YCLA evangelizes, and promotes Christ’s spirit and character. Also, we encourage others to take advantage of their liberties, noting that many do not share these privileges. Join us and make an impact today!
On the back, I put a short note:
Please join with us in our effort! First, you may donate to our group. Second, sign up for our emails, and help out when you can! Finally, if you are a young person agreeing with our mission and goals, you may become a voting member. You must be between ages 10 and 21, and participate in at least two YCLA meetings or activities before you join. You may visit us online to view the full requirements. Thanks for your interest in reclaiming America’s Christian heritage, and remember: Being a friend is the best way to influence! - R. Josiah Magnuson, YCLA President
Although it's a little blurred, this is a picture of the front of the flyer.
Thanks! From Jos
1. Creation — The YCLA proclaims God as the Creator of the universe, and works to support His law and authority.
2. Constitution — The YCLA is committed to the principles of the Founding Fathers and America’s Supreme Law of the Land.
3. Cross — The YCLA evangelizes, and promotes Christ’s spirit and character. Also, we encourage others to take advantage of their liberties, noting that many do not share these privileges. Join us and make an impact today!
On the back, I put a short note:
Please join with us in our effort! First, you may donate to our group. Second, sign up for our emails, and help out when you can! Finally, if you are a young person agreeing with our mission and goals, you may become a voting member. You must be between ages 10 and 21, and participate in at least two YCLA meetings or activities before you join. You may visit us online to view the full requirements. Thanks for your interest in reclaiming America’s Christian heritage, and remember: Being a friend is the best way to influence! - R. Josiah Magnuson, YCLA President
Although it's a little blurred, this is a picture of the front of the flyer.
Thanks! From Jos
Important! REAL-ID must be stopped again
The following is a good and brief summary of what is happening in SC with REAL-ID. We defeated it last year, but we knew it would come back eventually. The Legislature passed a resolution last week stating that Gov. Sanford should request an extension on implementation of the REAL-ID program as soon as possible. This means they are caving in to the pressure. So here we are, and let's get to work! This note was sent out by Dick Armey, former House Majority Leader in Washington, DC.
Dear Friend,
The federal government is trying to bully states into accepting the Real ID Act, which would create a national identity card. So far, Governor Mark Sanford has rightly resisted this federal imposition on South Carolina. Help us show support for Governor Sanford and his resistance to allowing the federal government to centralize a power better left to the states.
TAKE ACTION!
The standardized national driver's licenses created by Real ID would become a key part of a system of identity papers, databases, status and identity checks and access control points that will increasingly be used to track and control our movements and activities. Real ID requires state governments to remake their driver's licenses, restructure many of their computer databases, create an extensive new document-storage system, and verify the "issuance, validity and completeness" of every document presented at DMVs. Because Congress ordered but has not paid for these mandates, which will cost states like South Carolina billions of dollars, fees on individuals applying for driver's licenses will increase. Individuals are also likely to confront slower service, longer lines, and bureaucratic problems trying to get these ID cards.
The Real ID database will inevitably, over time, become the repository for more and more data on individuals, and will be drawn on for an ever-wider set of purposes. Collecting this much information on citizens to be used for potentially a growing number of purposes should give all those who value individual liberty pause.Tell Governor Sanford that he is doing the right thing in resisting the Real ID Act in South Carolina.
TAKE ACTION!
FreedomWorks
601 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW North Building, Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20004
Sincerely,
Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org
Dear Friend,
The federal government is trying to bully states into accepting the Real ID Act, which would create a national identity card. So far, Governor Mark Sanford has rightly resisted this federal imposition on South Carolina. Help us show support for Governor Sanford and his resistance to allowing the federal government to centralize a power better left to the states.
TAKE ACTION!
The standardized national driver's licenses created by Real ID would become a key part of a system of identity papers, databases, status and identity checks and access control points that will increasingly be used to track and control our movements and activities. Real ID requires state governments to remake their driver's licenses, restructure many of their computer databases, create an extensive new document-storage system, and verify the "issuance, validity and completeness" of every document presented at DMVs. Because Congress ordered but has not paid for these mandates, which will cost states like South Carolina billions of dollars, fees on individuals applying for driver's licenses will increase. Individuals are also likely to confront slower service, longer lines, and bureaucratic problems trying to get these ID cards.
The Real ID database will inevitably, over time, become the repository for more and more data on individuals, and will be drawn on for an ever-wider set of purposes. Collecting this much information on citizens to be used for potentially a growing number of purposes should give all those who value individual liberty pause.Tell Governor Sanford that he is doing the right thing in resisting the Real ID Act in South Carolina.
TAKE ACTION!
FreedomWorks
601 Pennsylvania Avenue
NW North Building, Suite 700
Washington, D.C. 20004
Sincerely,
Dick Armey
Chairman
FreedomWorks.org
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Conservative Kids and Communication
A site I found the other day is http://www.conservativekids.net/. They have a lot of good articles and info, which, apart from being somewhat pro-foreign intervention and pro-Huckabee, displayed a high level of historical knowledge and rationality in my opinion. However, I cannot grasp what their intent is with this site. Also, there is no indication of who it is who runs their organization, if they have one. Right now they are featuring an article from a club in a Marion County somewhere for young Republicans. I would like to work with people like these, but all they provide is a little "Contact Us" box and you don't even know who the "us" is. :-o
The best thing to learn in this scenario is what not to do with the YCLA. We must create a sharp, concise, understandable face for ourselves so people will "get" what we are about and want to help us right away. If we don't, of course we will not accomplish much. If we do, who knows how far we will go? So a good motto for the afternoon is: Communicate.
Thanks! From Josiah
Update, March 26: I did get in touch with the leader of this effort. His name is Burt, and he wants me to write an article on the YCLA for his site! I need a little time to think about it; I went through the various things I have written before and none of them seems to exactly suit such a purpose. So what this is is an opportunity to create a presentation of our ideas for people who have no clue who we are. God keeps working! :-) -RJM
The best thing to learn in this scenario is what not to do with the YCLA. We must create a sharp, concise, understandable face for ourselves so people will "get" what we are about and want to help us right away. If we don't, of course we will not accomplish much. If we do, who knows how far we will go? So a good motto for the afternoon is: Communicate.
Thanks! From Josiah
Update, March 26: I did get in touch with the leader of this effort. His name is Burt, and he wants me to write an article on the YCLA for his site! I need a little time to think about it; I went through the various things I have written before and none of them seems to exactly suit such a purpose. So what this is is an opportunity to create a presentation of our ideas for people who have no clue who we are. God keeps working! :-) -RJM
The Ron Paul Campaign: A Half-Full Glass
By Rand Paul, MD
from www.RonPaul2008.com
Analysis of Ron Paul's success or failure all seem to miss the mark. Many critics point to this or that ad or this or that tactic that prevented victory. I think such analysis misses the forest for the trees.I believe that no candidate can win the presidency without the day in and day out constant television coverage. In other words, unless the media grants you first tier coverage, the electorate will not vote for you in significant numbers. A large percentage of voters will not vote for a candidate they don't believe can win and that belief in "winnability" is still entirely controlled by the MSM.
That said, I think we should revel in the extraordinary successes of the campaign.Ron Paul began with nearly zero name recognition and was relegated from the beginning by all MSM media to the second tier. I believe pundits should recognize the great strides in achieving between 5 and 10% of the vote in almost every state and receiving 11% in a Rasmussen poll running as a third party candidate. Not to mention over 20% in several caucus states, including second place in Nevada, Montana, and Louisiana.
Ron Paul's name recognition nationally now likely exceeds 50% of the electorate.
Any analysis must begin by acknowledging that many better-known US Senators and Governors received less of the popular vote. Many such as Biden and Dodd received less than 1% even though they have been staples of the Sunday morning news programs for decades. Not to mention the fact that Ron Paul trounced candidates with far greater name recognition such as Fred Thompson and Rudy Guliani.
I believe Ron Paul gained nearly the maximum possible vote in a Republican Party primary. Polls in NH show that only 6% of Republicans believe in immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Nearly 50% believe in some in-between position or reassessment of war strategy. About 30% believe in "staying the course" no matter what.
In Michigan, 37% of the Republicans expressed displeasure about the Iraq War and the vast majority of these same people voted for McCain. I believe his image as someone who will challenge Bush and the establishment blinded these voters to his public comments on continuing the war for 100 years if necessary. I also believe if the poll questions asked about "immediate withdrawal" that the percentage in the Republican primary is closer to 6% nationally.
After the last NH presidential debate, I turned around to Chris Matthews and tried to get him to host Ron Paul because Fox was excluding us the next night. His eyes glazed over a bit and he thought about Ron Paul and the Iraq war. You could tell by his response. He said, you know, Ronald Reagan probably wouldn't have gotten us into the Iraq War. Trying to be agreeable, I nodded my head. He then followed by adding that if McCain had been president we also probably wouldn't have gone into Iraq.
I shook my head in disbelief and reminded him that the day before McCain had made the comment that he would keep the troops in Iraq for 100 years. Matthews hemmed and hawed and said, "Oh, he's just being a good soldier now."
My take, Matthews and the liberals in the media love McCain so much for his pandering to their global warming agenda that they simply give him a pass on the war.
In the final analysis, I believe about 5-10% of the Republican Party are ready for a non-interventionist foreign policy and Ron Paul got that vote. A significant portion of the electorate heard Ron Paul's chastisement on the huge federal deficits and nodded their heads in agreement. Innumerable Republicans come up to me and love much of the Ron Paul message, but can't quite come to agree with the foreign policy of non-intervention.On foreign policy, at some level, they listened to the message about the erosion of our civil liberties but could not escape the image of helicopters fleeing the embassy in Saigon in 1975. This image still bothers many Republicans and they can't embrace a quick exit from Iraq even if they know in their heart of hearts we need to leave.
My interpretation of the Ron Paul Revolution, though a biased one as the son of the candidate is that we should rejoice in getting 5-10% of the vote given that we got 1/1000th of the media attention and did not get enough attention to enter the realms of winnability in the public's mind.
To me, though, the campaign remains an unqualified success. My prediction for 2008: an utter crushing defeat for Republicans. Not out of anger for Ron Paul's loss, I think he won, but because Republicans are failing on two fronts: not living up to the promises of limited government and balanced budgets and failing to understand how unpopular the Iraq War has become.
One last prediction! We will elect at least one Ron Paul Republican to Congress this year.
Rand Paul, MD
Bowling Green, KY
from www.RonPaul2008.com
Analysis of Ron Paul's success or failure all seem to miss the mark. Many critics point to this or that ad or this or that tactic that prevented victory. I think such analysis misses the forest for the trees.I believe that no candidate can win the presidency without the day in and day out constant television coverage. In other words, unless the media grants you first tier coverage, the electorate will not vote for you in significant numbers. A large percentage of voters will not vote for a candidate they don't believe can win and that belief in "winnability" is still entirely controlled by the MSM.
That said, I think we should revel in the extraordinary successes of the campaign.Ron Paul began with nearly zero name recognition and was relegated from the beginning by all MSM media to the second tier. I believe pundits should recognize the great strides in achieving between 5 and 10% of the vote in almost every state and receiving 11% in a Rasmussen poll running as a third party candidate. Not to mention over 20% in several caucus states, including second place in Nevada, Montana, and Louisiana.
Ron Paul's name recognition nationally now likely exceeds 50% of the electorate.
Any analysis must begin by acknowledging that many better-known US Senators and Governors received less of the popular vote. Many such as Biden and Dodd received less than 1% even though they have been staples of the Sunday morning news programs for decades. Not to mention the fact that Ron Paul trounced candidates with far greater name recognition such as Fred Thompson and Rudy Guliani.
I believe Ron Paul gained nearly the maximum possible vote in a Republican Party primary. Polls in NH show that only 6% of Republicans believe in immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. Nearly 50% believe in some in-between position or reassessment of war strategy. About 30% believe in "staying the course" no matter what.
In Michigan, 37% of the Republicans expressed displeasure about the Iraq War and the vast majority of these same people voted for McCain. I believe his image as someone who will challenge Bush and the establishment blinded these voters to his public comments on continuing the war for 100 years if necessary. I also believe if the poll questions asked about "immediate withdrawal" that the percentage in the Republican primary is closer to 6% nationally.
After the last NH presidential debate, I turned around to Chris Matthews and tried to get him to host Ron Paul because Fox was excluding us the next night. His eyes glazed over a bit and he thought about Ron Paul and the Iraq war. You could tell by his response. He said, you know, Ronald Reagan probably wouldn't have gotten us into the Iraq War. Trying to be agreeable, I nodded my head. He then followed by adding that if McCain had been president we also probably wouldn't have gone into Iraq.
I shook my head in disbelief and reminded him that the day before McCain had made the comment that he would keep the troops in Iraq for 100 years. Matthews hemmed and hawed and said, "Oh, he's just being a good soldier now."
My take, Matthews and the liberals in the media love McCain so much for his pandering to their global warming agenda that they simply give him a pass on the war.
In the final analysis, I believe about 5-10% of the Republican Party are ready for a non-interventionist foreign policy and Ron Paul got that vote. A significant portion of the electorate heard Ron Paul's chastisement on the huge federal deficits and nodded their heads in agreement. Innumerable Republicans come up to me and love much of the Ron Paul message, but can't quite come to agree with the foreign policy of non-intervention.On foreign policy, at some level, they listened to the message about the erosion of our civil liberties but could not escape the image of helicopters fleeing the embassy in Saigon in 1975. This image still bothers many Republicans and they can't embrace a quick exit from Iraq even if they know in their heart of hearts we need to leave.
My interpretation of the Ron Paul Revolution, though a biased one as the son of the candidate is that we should rejoice in getting 5-10% of the vote given that we got 1/1000th of the media attention and did not get enough attention to enter the realms of winnability in the public's mind.
To me, though, the campaign remains an unqualified success. My prediction for 2008: an utter crushing defeat for Republicans. Not out of anger for Ron Paul's loss, I think he won, but because Republicans are failing on two fronts: not living up to the promises of limited government and balanced budgets and failing to understand how unpopular the Iraq War has become.
One last prediction! We will elect at least one Ron Paul Republican to Congress this year.
Rand Paul, MD
Bowling Green, KY
New tract strategy
Here is an idea for tracts. As most of us probably know, the traditional routes of spreading the gospel on paper are not only usually ignored by their recipients, they often carry a highly simplistic "plan" of salvation which cannot acheive observable results. Thus, a great solution I have found is to use Chick Tracts, small comic-book style booklets which give the gospel in various story forms. These also emphasize personal transformation and obedience to Jesus as Lord.
So what is the new strategy? The idea I have had is to give these tracts not only to unbelievers, but also to Christians who are excited about serving Christ. They as a rule are immediately interested in them, and I can point to the back where the address is where they can order more. They will then also see YoungChristianLeaders.org printed on the back, your church name, or whatever you choose to put there to identify yourself.
One comment though: if someone seems offended at the prospect of distributing the tracts, don't push it. A lot of people have their own favorite kind of evangelism, and some don't even think about it at all. Just let God lead them. Your simple desire to get out the gospel will have an impact. And above all, don't act superior. Be a friend. That is by far the best way to have influence.
Just some thoughts. :-)
From Josiah
So what is the new strategy? The idea I have had is to give these tracts not only to unbelievers, but also to Christians who are excited about serving Christ. They as a rule are immediately interested in them, and I can point to the back where the address is where they can order more. They will then also see YoungChristianLeaders.org printed on the back, your church name, or whatever you choose to put there to identify yourself.
One comment though: if someone seems offended at the prospect of distributing the tracts, don't push it. A lot of people have their own favorite kind of evangelism, and some don't even think about it at all. Just let God lead them. Your simple desire to get out the gospel will have an impact. And above all, don't act superior. Be a friend. That is by far the best way to have influence.
Just some thoughts. :-)
From Josiah
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
A good thinking session
(posted on the new web journal)
On Sunday, we discussed several strategy issues, including deciding to adopt as our three key points the themes "Creation, Constitution, Cross." We also tentatively decided to launch a fundraiser selling Answers magazines (published by the ministry Answers In Genesis) and use the money to pay for a trip to their Creation Museum later this spring. Finally, we reviewed the ideas of our new, simplified constitution-in-the-making.
On Sunday, we discussed several strategy issues, including deciding to adopt as our three key points the themes "Creation, Constitution, Cross." We also tentatively decided to launch a fundraiser selling Answers magazines (published by the ministry Answers In Genesis) and use the money to pay for a trip to their Creation Museum later this spring. Finally, we reviewed the ideas of our new, simplified constitution-in-the-making.
New Journal
I've started a new site on a program called Xanga. It seems to be a lot more powerful than Blogger, and I think it will be able to take over for both the YCLA Journal of Proceedings and the Members' Site, as well as this site perhaps eventually. It is located right now at www.xanga.com/libertyinlaw. I hope to get a more official name for it soon! :-)
Would it make sense to redirect the LibertyInLaw.com address to it? All that is right now is a Feature Column archive.
-Josiah
Would it make sense to redirect the LibertyInLaw.com address to it? All that is right now is a Feature Column archive.
-Josiah
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