My Dad and I are working on a new 10 to 15 minute video describing the crisis of Evolution in our culture and why people should get Answers Magazine. I'll post it here as soon as possible! :-)
From Josiah
Monday, April 28, 2008
Chuck Baldwin for President
Well, folks, we now have a Constitution Party nominee for President, and he's not Alan Keyes. He is Chuck Baldwin! While I will personally be spending as little time as possible on supporting this candidacy, it still might be worthwhile to be able to say "I'm supporting Chuck Baldwin for Prez" so your friends can ask "Why?" and you can give them some education in the Biblical worldview.
Of course, with a pro-amnesty, pro-100-year-war, pro-gay marriage "Republican" as his opponent, Mr. Baldwin just might be able to change some people's minds on their ever-present allegiance to the Demopublican Party and its war games.
But this allegiance is part of why I do not intend to become dramatically involved in Chuck Baldwin's campaign. It simply is not profitable most of the time to try to convince people of their error in working for the "lesser" of two evils. People can always say (and always have), "but what if Obama et. al. gets in?"
Oh well. Hopefully, we as Americans will one day realize the real battle must be for righteousness and principle, not for "the better candidate."
From Josiah
Of course, with a pro-amnesty, pro-100-year-war, pro-gay marriage "Republican" as his opponent, Mr. Baldwin just might be able to change some people's minds on their ever-present allegiance to the Demopublican Party and its war games.
But this allegiance is part of why I do not intend to become dramatically involved in Chuck Baldwin's campaign. It simply is not profitable most of the time to try to convince people of their error in working for the "lesser" of two evils. People can always say (and always have), "but what if Obama et. al. gets in?"
Oh well. Hopefully, we as Americans will one day realize the real battle must be for righteousness and principle, not for "the better candidate."
From Josiah
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Buy Ron Paul's New Book!
I received in the mail today a package containing one of the most well-written and powerful books to date (so far in my reading) for constitutionalism and traditional conservatism. It is Congressman Paul's book, The Revolution: A Manifesto. Please buy it as soon as possible, so we can make sure it gets on the bestseller lists! I am happy to have pre-ordered it based upon my reading of the Preface, which is as follows:
Every election cycle we are treated to candidates who promise us “change,” and 2008 has been no different. But in the American political lexicon, “change” always means more of the same: more government, more looting of Americans, more inflation, more police-state measures, more unnecessary war, and more centralization of power.
Real change would mean something like the opposite of those things. It might even involve following our Constitution. And that’s the one option Americans are never permitted to hear . . .
With national bankruptcy looming, politicians from both parties continue to make multi-trillion dollar promises of “free” goods from the government, and hardly a soul wonders if we can still afford to have troops in — this is not a misprint — 130 countries around the world.
All of this is going to come to an end sooner or later, because financial reality is going to make itself felt in very uncomfortable ways. But instead of thinking about what this means for how we conduct our foreign and domestic affairs, our chattering classes seem incapable of speaking in anything but the emptiest platitudes, when they can be bothered to address serious issues at all. Fundamental questions like this, and countless others besides, are off the table in our mainstream media, which focuses our attention on trivialities and phony debates as we march toward oblivion.
This is the deadening consensus that crosses party lines, that dominates our major media, and that is strangling the liberty and prosperity that were once the birthright of Americans. Dissenters who tell their fellow citizens what is really going on are subject to smear campaigns that, like clockwork, are aimed at the political heretic. Truth is treason in the empire of lies.
There is an alternative to national bankruptcy, a bigger police state, trillion-dollar wars, and a government that draws ever more parasitically on the productive energies of the American people. It’s called freedom. But as we’ve learned through hard experience, we are not going to hear a word in its favor if our political and media establishments have anything to say about it.
If we want to live in a free society, we need to break free from these artificial limitations on free debate and start asking serious questions once again. I am happy that my campaign for the presidency has finally raised some of them. But this is a long-term project that will persist far into the future. These ideas cannot be allowed to die, buried beneath the mind-numbing chorus of empty slogans and inanities that constitute official political discourse in America.
That is why I wrote this book.
Buy now at Amazon.com!
Every election cycle we are treated to candidates who promise us “change,” and 2008 has been no different. But in the American political lexicon, “change” always means more of the same: more government, more looting of Americans, more inflation, more police-state measures, more unnecessary war, and more centralization of power.
Real change would mean something like the opposite of those things. It might even involve following our Constitution. And that’s the one option Americans are never permitted to hear . . .
With national bankruptcy looming, politicians from both parties continue to make multi-trillion dollar promises of “free” goods from the government, and hardly a soul wonders if we can still afford to have troops in — this is not a misprint — 130 countries around the world.
All of this is going to come to an end sooner or later, because financial reality is going to make itself felt in very uncomfortable ways. But instead of thinking about what this means for how we conduct our foreign and domestic affairs, our chattering classes seem incapable of speaking in anything but the emptiest platitudes, when they can be bothered to address serious issues at all. Fundamental questions like this, and countless others besides, are off the table in our mainstream media, which focuses our attention on trivialities and phony debates as we march toward oblivion.
This is the deadening consensus that crosses party lines, that dominates our major media, and that is strangling the liberty and prosperity that were once the birthright of Americans. Dissenters who tell their fellow citizens what is really going on are subject to smear campaigns that, like clockwork, are aimed at the political heretic. Truth is treason in the empire of lies.
There is an alternative to national bankruptcy, a bigger police state, trillion-dollar wars, and a government that draws ever more parasitically on the productive energies of the American people. It’s called freedom. But as we’ve learned through hard experience, we are not going to hear a word in its favor if our political and media establishments have anything to say about it.
If we want to live in a free society, we need to break free from these artificial limitations on free debate and start asking serious questions once again. I am happy that my campaign for the presidency has finally raised some of them. But this is a long-term project that will persist far into the future. These ideas cannot be allowed to die, buried beneath the mind-numbing chorus of empty slogans and inanities that constitute official political discourse in America.
That is why I wrote this book.
Buy now at Amazon.com!
YCLA Site Update
I re-did the look of the YCLA site again. Hopefully, the actual content (especially for the Home Page) will be edited soon as well. View it at www.YoungChristianLeaders.org. :-)
Thanks! From Josiah
Thanks! From Josiah
An Article on YCLA Vision
It is apparent that those who are willing to get involved in bringing America back to conservative, constitutional government are often few and far between. Indeed, young people tend to be the least likely age sector to hold such ideas. The public education system has done an all-too-well-calculated job of creating a thought pattern in many of our peers in which one may be “concerned,” not with taking action to advance morality, justice, or liberty, but with “preserving the environment,” “stopping Global Warming,” and promoting socialist concepts.
The vision behind the YCLA is, first of all, to bring together Christian constitutionalist young people. Especially for homeschoolers, a need exists for us to be able to work with each other and feel useful. Moreover, it is our belief that a group which met that need would release a vast previously-untapped force in the conservative movement. Imagine the things we could do!
Read more at www.youngchristianleaders.org/column.aspx!
The vision behind the YCLA is, first of all, to bring together Christian constitutionalist young people. Especially for homeschoolers, a need exists for us to be able to work with each other and feel useful. Moreover, it is our belief that a group which met that need would release a vast previously-untapped force in the conservative movement. Imagine the things we could do!
Read more at www.youngchristianleaders.org/column.aspx!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Chuck Baldwin on Presidential Choices
Every four years, conservative "pragmatists" trot out the "We Can't Let So-And-So Win" mantra. Of course, the so-and-so in question is always the Democratic Presidential candidate. For all of my adult life, I have been listening to so-called "conservative" Republicans warn us of the impending doom that would befall our country if the Democratic candidate were elected. And this year is no different.
This year's Republican primary did provide a wonderful aberration, however, to the usual choices between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Republicans had an opportunity to nominate a real American constitutionalist, a statesman in the similitude of Thomas Jefferson or James Madison. That man was Texas Congressman, Ron Paul. Unfortunately, the Republican faithful seem to be incapable of discerning the marks of true greatness, not to mention fidelity to constitutional government. It is doubtful that most of them even understand what constitutional government is. And as for Christian conservatives, they can barely see any issues beyond abortion and "gay rights." To try and convince them to support a constitutionalist candidate is like talking to a brick wall.
So, what choice does the Republican Party offer the American people this year? The worst of all possible choices: good old John "McSame" McCain.
Let's be clear: a John McCain Presidency will be no better than a Hillary Clinton or a Barack Obama Presidency. In fact, in many ways, a McCain White House will be WORSE than a Democratic one.
Read more at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080415.html
This year's Republican primary did provide a wonderful aberration, however, to the usual choices between Tweedledee and Tweedledum. Republicans had an opportunity to nominate a real American constitutionalist, a statesman in the similitude of Thomas Jefferson or James Madison. That man was Texas Congressman, Ron Paul. Unfortunately, the Republican faithful seem to be incapable of discerning the marks of true greatness, not to mention fidelity to constitutional government. It is doubtful that most of them even understand what constitutional government is. And as for Christian conservatives, they can barely see any issues beyond abortion and "gay rights." To try and convince them to support a constitutionalist candidate is like talking to a brick wall.
So, what choice does the Republican Party offer the American people this year? The worst of all possible choices: good old John "McSame" McCain.
Let's be clear: a John McCain Presidency will be no better than a Hillary Clinton or a Barack Obama Presidency. In fact, in many ways, a McCain White House will be WORSE than a Democratic one.
Read more at http://www.chuckbaldwinlive.com/c2008/cbarchive_20080415.html
A Good (Old) Sanford Quote
I just found this quote from Governor Sanford's State of the State address back in January. He specifically mentioned the No-REAL-ID bill of last spring as an accomplishment, so I'm posting this in continued celebration of his standing firm on this issue! :-) Go Sanford!
We're defending privacy rights by becoming the fifth state in the country to say no to the heavy-handed Real ID legislation from the federal government, and I thank each one of you who voiced your opinion in that important debate tied to the larger principle of limiting federal power.
We're defending privacy rights by becoming the fifth state in the country to say no to the heavy-handed Real ID legislation from the federal government, and I thank each one of you who voiced your opinion in that important debate tied to the larger principle of limiting federal power.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
LibertyInLaw.com now a traditional site!
Praise God, we finally now have an official, traditional site for LibertyInLaw.com, with persuasion-oriented content and a concise and simple three-page setup!
The purpose for this newest website is to present a basic argument for our cause: uniting principled Americans behind Biblical supremacy. The common goal we must each strive for is reclaiming the hearts, minds and most importantly, souls, of individuals. We can try to reclaim America, but the government is not America. People are America. So our main effort must be for people.
None of the other websites we have are somewhere one can go to simply be persuaded for our ideas. The YoungChristianLeaders.org site is to inform and convince people for the YCLA; this World-Rev site gives a perspective on events from me personally; LibertyInLaw.blogspot.com has all the Feature Columns which may or may not be directly relevant; and so on.
The even better thing about the new LibertyInLaw.com is that it can be independent of any other projects or organizations. It can stand alone as a beacon to give clear, direct reasoning for Biblicism and its intrinsic connection to freedom.
Let's keep praying for this vision, and keep thinking and working to do our very, very best for our Lord.
Thanks!
-R. Josiah Magnuson
The purpose for this newest website is to present a basic argument for our cause: uniting principled Americans behind Biblical supremacy. The common goal we must each strive for is reclaiming the hearts, minds and most importantly, souls, of individuals. We can try to reclaim America, but the government is not America. People are America. So our main effort must be for people.
None of the other websites we have are somewhere one can go to simply be persuaded for our ideas. The YoungChristianLeaders.org site is to inform and convince people for the YCLA; this World-Rev site gives a perspective on events from me personally; LibertyInLaw.blogspot.com has all the Feature Columns which may or may not be directly relevant; and so on.
The even better thing about the new LibertyInLaw.com is that it can be independent of any other projects or organizations. It can stand alone as a beacon to give clear, direct reasoning for Biblicism and its intrinsic connection to freedom.
Let's keep praying for this vision, and keep thinking and working to do our very, very best for our Lord.
Thanks!
-R. Josiah Magnuson
Writing County Councilmen
A great suggestion I received for the YCLA is that we pick an issue of common concern, such as eminent domain or illegal immigration, and find at least one young person in each County Council District who will write/lobby their Councilman on this issue, all at the same time. This would be a good start for a more politically-themed network, which would I guess start in Greenville County and then spread to other neighboring ones, such as Anderson or Transylvania. We would in essence have a YCLA "representative" for each County Council District for as far as it would go.
The big question is, does this plan really advance the kind of goals we are established to advance? Would we become caught up in it, would it confuse people, etc.? Is it even doable?
Pretty much the thing is that what you win people with is what you win them to. If we eventually do take on this project, we will have to be sure that we have a moral argument for the issues we choose. Then I believe this will be a wonderful operation.
Have ideas? Please comment below. Thanks!
From Josiah
The big question is, does this plan really advance the kind of goals we are established to advance? Would we become caught up in it, would it confuse people, etc.? Is it even doable?
Pretty much the thing is that what you win people with is what you win them to. If we eventually do take on this project, we will have to be sure that we have a moral argument for the issues we choose. Then I believe this will be a wonderful operation.
Have ideas? Please comment below. Thanks!
From Josiah
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
More on our second REAL-ID victory
(from Vicki Simons)
Today [Yesterday], my husband Mike and I were joined by dozens of citizen activists from all over South Carolina at the State House in Columbia, where we waited for and then heard Governor Sanford announce his decision regarding REAL ID, the segue to a national ID card. The E-Release that had been sent out by the Governor's office on Friday indicated that he would be making the announcement in his office. As it turned out, there were so many citizen activists assembled that the decision was made to set up a podium in the lobby between the Governor's and Lt. Governor's offices. This in and of itself was a victory. The lobby was full of press and people.
Some of us wondered what the Governor would say, being as how he waited until the very last day upon which an extension on the deadline to comply with REAL ID could be filed. However, the Governor exceeded our expectations in a number of ways. Here are some of what I consider to be the highlights:
1. He did not and will not file an extension on the deadline to comply with Real ID, based on state law.
2. He referred to his oath of office (which you may know many elected officials forget once they get sworn into office).
3. He correctly identified our nation as a "republic" (not the wrong word "democracy" that many elected officials use).
4. He addressed the right issues in the right order, first of all speaking about liberty, then moving to the "unfunded mandate" handed down to states by the federal government. (I learned that the federal government planned to pay for only 2% of the costs while the remaining 98% would be foisted on the states and taxpayers. Of course, whether from state or federal sources, taxpayers would be paying for 100% of this monstrosity.)
5. He spoke of "drawing a line in the sand" against the federal government. Now, if only Congress would understand Amendment 10 to the U.S. Constitution!
6. He humbly and respectfully submitted his plan, in direct contrast to the rather fiery statement from the Governor of Montana, who told the feds "where" they could go.
7. He outlined the security aspects that the State of South Carolina already has in place on obtaining driver's licenses. He contrasted South Carolina's security requirements with those of other states.
8. He correctly stated that Real ID had not been debated on the federal level and that this issue needed to be "debated, not dictated." He said Real ID was poor public policy for a number of reasons and had numerous loopholes.
9. He spoke about the invasions of privacy that had already taken place in numerous settings, including looking at info on the three presidential candidates. He said that instead of personal information being spread out over 50 states, Real ID would consolidate this info into one place, raising gigantic privacy concerns.
You may also wish to see:
Governor Sanford Responds to Real ID Issue
http://www.scgovernor.com/news/releases/mar_08/3-31-2008.htm
Real ID letter to DHS (PDF)
http://www.scgovernor.com/NR/rdonlyres/8EA29AE1-B84F-443E-B54A-3626FE5DEF57/0/Letterf033108RealIDletterDHS.PDF
Real ID Requirements: Does South Carolina Comply (PDF)
http://www.scgovernor.com/NR/rdonlyres/D2246B46-815F-40E2-AAE5-F04CCD4EBCD0/0/Real_ID_requirements.pdf
The only downside to today's announcement was that, in the Governor's words, our state legislators got "nervous" to the point of pushing through non-binding resolutions, asking the Governor to file an extension. I'm still not through getting to the bottom of that.
Also, now that the Governor has made this decision, we need to work on contacting our Congressmen and Senators in Washington and press them to look again at Real ID. I want for this ill-conceived piece of legislation to be completely repealed!
Although I'm sure there are more, news articles on this announcement may be found on:
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20080331/NEWS/808574656/1051/NEWS01
http://www.wltx.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=60337
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS01/80331003/-1/rss
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS/80331056/-1/rss
All in all, I consider what happened today to be a complete victory for South Carolinians from the standpoints of freedom, liberty, privacy, civil liberties and taxpayer advocacy. Those of us who worked so hard on getting the bill passed into law had a reunion and celebrated over lunch afterwards.
Thanks for every contact you made with the Governor's office on this issue. Now it's time to send Governor Sanford a "thank you" note for his principled stand against REAL ID. His contact info is online here:
http://www.scgovernor.com/contact/
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Vicki Simons
Today [Yesterday], my husband Mike and I were joined by dozens of citizen activists from all over South Carolina at the State House in Columbia, where we waited for and then heard Governor Sanford announce his decision regarding REAL ID, the segue to a national ID card. The E-Release that had been sent out by the Governor's office on Friday indicated that he would be making the announcement in his office. As it turned out, there were so many citizen activists assembled that the decision was made to set up a podium in the lobby between the Governor's and Lt. Governor's offices. This in and of itself was a victory. The lobby was full of press and people.
Some of us wondered what the Governor would say, being as how he waited until the very last day upon which an extension on the deadline to comply with REAL ID could be filed. However, the Governor exceeded our expectations in a number of ways. Here are some of what I consider to be the highlights:
1. He did not and will not file an extension on the deadline to comply with Real ID, based on state law.
2. He referred to his oath of office (which you may know many elected officials forget once they get sworn into office).
3. He correctly identified our nation as a "republic" (not the wrong word "democracy" that many elected officials use).
4. He addressed the right issues in the right order, first of all speaking about liberty, then moving to the "unfunded mandate" handed down to states by the federal government. (I learned that the federal government planned to pay for only 2% of the costs while the remaining 98% would be foisted on the states and taxpayers. Of course, whether from state or federal sources, taxpayers would be paying for 100% of this monstrosity.)
5. He spoke of "drawing a line in the sand" against the federal government. Now, if only Congress would understand Amendment 10 to the U.S. Constitution!
6. He humbly and respectfully submitted his plan, in direct contrast to the rather fiery statement from the Governor of Montana, who told the feds "where" they could go.
7. He outlined the security aspects that the State of South Carolina already has in place on obtaining driver's licenses. He contrasted South Carolina's security requirements with those of other states.
8. He correctly stated that Real ID had not been debated on the federal level and that this issue needed to be "debated, not dictated." He said Real ID was poor public policy for a number of reasons and had numerous loopholes.
9. He spoke about the invasions of privacy that had already taken place in numerous settings, including looking at info on the three presidential candidates. He said that instead of personal information being spread out over 50 states, Real ID would consolidate this info into one place, raising gigantic privacy concerns.
You may also wish to see:
Governor Sanford Responds to Real ID Issue
http://www.scgovernor.com/news/releases/mar_08/3-31-2008.htm
Real ID letter to DHS (PDF)
http://www.scgovernor.com/NR/rdonlyres/8EA29AE1-B84F-443E-B54A-3626FE5DEF57/0/Letterf033108RealIDletterDHS.PDF
Real ID Requirements: Does South Carolina Comply (PDF)
http://www.scgovernor.com/NR/rdonlyres/D2246B46-815F-40E2-AAE5-F04CCD4EBCD0/0/Real_ID_requirements.pdf
The only downside to today's announcement was that, in the Governor's words, our state legislators got "nervous" to the point of pushing through non-binding resolutions, asking the Governor to file an extension. I'm still not through getting to the bottom of that.
Also, now that the Governor has made this decision, we need to work on contacting our Congressmen and Senators in Washington and press them to look again at Real ID. I want for this ill-conceived piece of legislation to be completely repealed!
Although I'm sure there are more, news articles on this announcement may be found on:
http://www.goupstate.com/article/20080331/NEWS/808574656/1051/NEWS01
http://www.wltx.com/sports/story.aspx?storyid=60337
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS01/80331003/-1/rss
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080331/NEWS/80331056/-1/rss
All in all, I consider what happened today to be a complete victory for South Carolinians from the standpoints of freedom, liberty, privacy, civil liberties and taxpayer advocacy. Those of us who worked so hard on getting the bill passed into law had a reunion and celebrated over lunch afterwards.
Thanks for every contact you made with the Governor's office on this issue. Now it's time to send Governor Sanford a "thank you" note for his principled stand against REAL ID. His contact info is online here:
http://www.scgovernor.com/contact/
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Vicki Simons
Hurrah - REAL-ID is down again!
(from Ilona Blakely)
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to everyone who wrote, called, faxed, emailed the Governor's office to express your sentiments regarding standing firm on the Real ID law he signed into law last year!
Thank You too, to the many who came to the press conference to show support for the NO Real ID!
The Press conference was to be held in the Governor's office. As the numbers increased of those of us who assembled to hear his decision, the Governor changed the venue to hold the press conference in the Capitol rotunda so we could all be present.
It was a great time of reunion and fellowship. Many of us didn't know who would actually come, so every new arrival was a joyous occasion.
When the Governor approached the podium, the room fell silent. He studied the group, and began to speak.
Nearly the first words out of his mouth were, "I've called this conference to inform you I will not be asking for an extension on the Real ID"--or some such words. The crowd cheered, clapped, some cried. What a relief!
Then, in a very calm, respectful, and systematic way, he began to explain the reasons why SC would not file for an extension.
All the reasons were the right reasons, citing loss of privacy, state sovereignty, personal freedoms. Later he enumerated the budget issues.
He repeated himself several times stating we could not participate in the Real ID because we have a LAW against it.
The Governor sounded like Jefferson or Madison when he said, "The greatest security we can have is our Liberties".
10 media outlets were there. Columbia ABC, Upstate Fox and WYFF, ETV, Charleston Post and Courier, Myrtle Beach channel 15, and others I can't remember.
Many media interviews with we activists.
But make no mistake about it, the Governor DID NOT ask for an extension. He said we wanted to be treated just like Montana, New Hampshire, Maine. He was asking for an exemption.
Apparently, the media doesn't know the difference between the words EXEMPTION and exception.
I've asked for a copy of the entire press conference so we can put it up on YouTube for all to see. You will be so grateful for the inspired presentation our Governor gave.
At the end, the Governor thanked us for being there. He acknowledged the sacrifice and courage it took to lobby for this important issue. He was very humble and gracious.
As soon as I get the unedited copy of the press conference, I'll notify you. Again, DO NOT believe he asked for an extension. He specifically said he was not asking for an extension.
Everyone I spoke with after the conference stated it was well worth the trip. Wish you would have been there.
Thanks again for rallying the cause. Your efforts DID pay off.
Today, John Perna said, "5% of the people get things done. 15% of the people watch things get done. 80% don't know it got done." So there you have it.
Attached [in the email] is the letter Governor Sanford sent to "Comrade" Chertoff. Oh, and while you're reading it, see if you can find anything that looks like the Governor's asking for an extension. It's not there. Don't believe the media.
This IS a victorious day in SC!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to everyone who wrote, called, faxed, emailed the Governor's office to express your sentiments regarding standing firm on the Real ID law he signed into law last year!
Thank You too, to the many who came to the press conference to show support for the NO Real ID!
The Press conference was to be held in the Governor's office. As the numbers increased of those of us who assembled to hear his decision, the Governor changed the venue to hold the press conference in the Capitol rotunda so we could all be present.
It was a great time of reunion and fellowship. Many of us didn't know who would actually come, so every new arrival was a joyous occasion.
When the Governor approached the podium, the room fell silent. He studied the group, and began to speak.
Nearly the first words out of his mouth were, "I've called this conference to inform you I will not be asking for an extension on the Real ID"--or some such words. The crowd cheered, clapped, some cried. What a relief!
Then, in a very calm, respectful, and systematic way, he began to explain the reasons why SC would not file for an extension.
All the reasons were the right reasons, citing loss of privacy, state sovereignty, personal freedoms. Later he enumerated the budget issues.
He repeated himself several times stating we could not participate in the Real ID because we have a LAW against it.
The Governor sounded like Jefferson or Madison when he said, "The greatest security we can have is our Liberties".
10 media outlets were there. Columbia ABC, Upstate Fox and WYFF, ETV, Charleston Post and Courier, Myrtle Beach channel 15, and others I can't remember.
Many media interviews with we activists.
But make no mistake about it, the Governor DID NOT ask for an extension. He said we wanted to be treated just like Montana, New Hampshire, Maine. He was asking for an exemption.
Apparently, the media doesn't know the difference between the words EXEMPTION and exception.
I've asked for a copy of the entire press conference so we can put it up on YouTube for all to see. You will be so grateful for the inspired presentation our Governor gave.
At the end, the Governor thanked us for being there. He acknowledged the sacrifice and courage it took to lobby for this important issue. He was very humble and gracious.
As soon as I get the unedited copy of the press conference, I'll notify you. Again, DO NOT believe he asked for an extension. He specifically said he was not asking for an extension.
Everyone I spoke with after the conference stated it was well worth the trip. Wish you would have been there.
Thanks again for rallying the cause. Your efforts DID pay off.
Today, John Perna said, "5% of the people get things done. 15% of the people watch things get done. 80% don't know it got done." So there you have it.
Attached [in the email] is the letter Governor Sanford sent to "Comrade" Chertoff. Oh, and while you're reading it, see if you can find anything that looks like the Governor's asking for an extension. It's not there. Don't believe the media.
This IS a victorious day in SC!
April persecuted believer: Wang Weiliang
Please write a letter to Wang Weiliang, our fellow-Christian in prison in China! Also, continue to pray for these people around the world, that God would give them strength and influence!
http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_170_profile.html?_nc=f16893f7c80ab6c0096c512e583ebe15
http://www.prisoneralert.com/qry/vp_writeletter.taf?pfilid=170&_UserReference=D9A06AACDF17A4A947F28EB4&_nc=441945537ea462e4fd9ba8389b33a985
(the link system on Blogger hasn't been working recently)
http://www.prisoneralert.com/pprofiles/vp_prisoner_170_profile.html?_nc=f16893f7c80ab6c0096c512e583ebe15
http://www.prisoneralert.com/qry/vp_writeletter.taf?pfilid=170&_UserReference=D9A06AACDF17A4A947F28EB4&_nc=441945537ea462e4fd9ba8389b33a985
(the link system on Blogger hasn't been working recently)
Langville vs. Garcia-Quintada?
I don't usually like posting unfortunate news, but this is definitely something which needs to be addressed. It seems that the Greenville County Constitution Party has for a third consecutive race ended up in a battle with an at least fair conservative opponent. Only, this time, we are not talking about a Sid Cates who does not take action. We are talking about an outspoken man who has fought on our side as a Reagan/Ron Paul Republican for years: Roan Garcia-Quintada. This is the race for SC Senate District 7.
Of course, neither John Langville (the CP candidate) nor Mr. Roan can be blamed for this occurence. They both filed on the same day (last Saturday). Both probably hoped to avoid such a contest by filing so late. What is clear is that there is a deep lack of communication between those working for continued American liberty.
I believe that one of these two candidates should drop out as soon as possible. We cannot afford to waste time and energy on a race of this nature. If neither candidate drops out, I believe neither of the candidates should be supported. It is much more efficient to work as private citizens at the State House anyway.
Hopefully, reality will be faced and we will have only ONE solid constitutionalist running for this particular seat in November.
-R. Josiah Magnuson
Of course, neither John Langville (the CP candidate) nor Mr. Roan can be blamed for this occurence. They both filed on the same day (last Saturday). Both probably hoped to avoid such a contest by filing so late. What is clear is that there is a deep lack of communication between those working for continued American liberty.
I believe that one of these two candidates should drop out as soon as possible. We cannot afford to waste time and energy on a race of this nature. If neither candidate drops out, I believe neither of the candidates should be supported. It is much more efficient to work as private citizens at the State House anyway.
Hopefully, reality will be faced and we will have only ONE solid constitutionalist running for this particular seat in November.
-R. Josiah Magnuson
Monday, March 31, 2008
YCLA Principles Statement
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.
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.
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
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