Is gun control the answer to Aurora?

     "Is gun control the answer to Aurora?" asked National Review Online as its online survey question. No surprise there, as Aurora has taken the place of Columbine in our societal consciousness. The answer, as the vast majority of NRO readers see it, is No, and I can understand why. The correct answer, however, is Yes.
     The problem with the question is the definition of Gun Control. To many, it is the concept of controlling who has guns. This is the Obama administration’s view, and that of the UN. In those circles, on those upon whom the state confers its blessing should be allowed to have guns, or at the very least, the state should be able to place tight restrictions upon who can have guns, and how many, and what ammunition can be used, and for what purpose, and where a gun can be carried or used. This is gun control for the progressive, for the liberal, for the intellectually blind and dishonest.
     I believe that, to those whose emotions have not run away with their intelligence, gun control is much simpler. It is the concept of knowing how and when to use a gun. I practice gun control every time I hold a weapon, and gun control is good. Unfortunately, it’s quite possible that no one in Aurora was able to exercise gun control at the time of the shootings, as only one we can be sure of was breaking the law that night.
     Emotions run high when people choose to disobey the law and take the lives of innocents. We question what could have been done, or done better, or what laws could have been passed, or who could have been given more power, to prevent the situation. People can do little but respond when others disregard the law, but only if they are given the capability to do so. We cannot legislate morality, behavior, or the thoughts that pervade a sick mind. Power can only be used to control those willing to be controlled. It cannot control those willing to risk the wrath of the state. The laws currently on the books, both state and federal, could not have prevented Columbine, or Oklahoma City, or Aurora, simply because no law can prevent a law breaker from breaking the law. It takes a human choice, both to break the law, or adhere to it.
     To the progressive left, Gun Control means taking guns away from everyone not part of the control measures of the state. If such blindness to reality ever achieves its goal, the lessons otherwise will be swift in coming. Taking guns from those willing to adhere to the laws will have no affect on the amount of crime committed with guns. It will only affect the number of those killed or injured, and that number will only rise.

A History Revised, a Heritage Stolen

     Never let it be said that our forefathers did not understand America in its intent and origin to be a Christian nation. The very idea betrays a willful lack of understanding of our history, and a shameful intellectual dishonesty. Throughout our history, those influential men who forged this nation into what it is today, in speeches, letters, and comments, clearly stated what was thought by the broad populace of the time, and only a revisionist history would deny the truth, that America was, and is, a nation founded upon Christianity, by Christians.
     Take President John Quincy Adams, who said in a July Fourth speech in Newburyport, Massachusetts, this...
     "Why is it that, next to the birthday of the Savior of the world, your most joyous and venerated festival returns on this day the Fourth of July? Is it not that, in the chain of human events, the birthday of the nation is indissolubly linked with the birthday of the Savior? That it forms a leading event in the progress of the Gospel dispensation? Is it not that the Declaration of Independence first organized the social compact on the foundation of the Redeemer's mission upon earth? That it laid the cornerstone of human government upon the first precepts of Christianity?"
     The first signatory of the Declaration of Independence, the flamboyant John Hancock, said "Resistance to tyranny becomes the Christian and social duty of each individual. Continue steadfast and, with a proper sense of your dependence on God, nobly defend those rights which heaven gave, and no man ought to take from us."
     Benjamin Franklin, scientist, economist, genius, claimed that "[h]e who shall introduce into public affairs the principles of primitive Christianity will change the face of the world."
     John Adams stated that the "general principles upon which the Fathers achieved independence were the general principles of Christianity."
     Patrick Henry, he of "Give me Liberty, or give me Death," once said that "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded, not by religionists, but by Christians, not on religions, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ."
     Noah Webster, creator of Webster's Dictionary, said "No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges for a free people."
     This was our heritage, handed down to us from men of wisdom, men of prayer, men our contemporary handlers would rather we saw as flawed, intemperate, racist, and bigoted. So why is it that we have allowed our heritage to be wrested from us so? James Garfield, twentieth President, was no less then prescient when he said, "Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their congress. If that body be ignorant, reckless and corrupt, if is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness and corruption. If is be intelligent, brave and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature. If the next centennial does not find us a great nation, it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces."
     So here we are, less great a nation than we were a centennial ago. Why? Because we allowed those whose disdain for things Christian manifests itself in visible hatred, to revise our nations history, its cultural heritage, into something less than it is. Our exceptionalism has been reduced to commonality, our birthright muddled into a multicultural stew. All because we tolerated ignorance, recklessness and corruption in our leaders, and in ourselves. We stopped demanding purity, and put up with mediocrity. We stopped demanding bravery, and tolerated cowardice. We stopped demanding intelligence, and accepted elitism.
     Take an honest look at history, brush away the cobwebs, and we may yet turn our nation around.

Memorial Day Redux

Courtesy a friend from across the pond, the fourth line of this poem is read at memorial services in Great Britain, every November 11, Remembrance Day, recalling that World War I formally ended after 11 am, on November 11, 1918, when the Germans signed the Armistice.

For The Fallen, by Laurence Binyon

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
England mourns for her dead across the sea. ... See More
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond England's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Patriotic Music

This is by no means a complete list, but I offer here my favorite patriotic music. I'd be happy to hear any suggestions.

   8th of November, by Big & Rich
   America, I Believe in You, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   America The Beautiful, by Kathrine Lee Bates and Samuel A. Ward
   American Soldier, by Toby Keith
   The American Way, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   Battle Hymn Of The Republic
   Courtesy of the Red, White, and Blue, by Toby Keith
   God Bless America, by Irving Berlin
   God Bless America Again, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   God Bless the Mother, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   God Bless The USA , by Lee Greenwood
   Fifty Ways to get Bin Laden, by Ray Stevens
   Have You Forgotten, by Darryl Worley
   In America, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   Last Fallen Hero, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   Letters from Home, by John Michael Montgomery
   The Marine's Hymn
   My Beautiful America, by The Charlie Daniels Band
   My Country 'Tis of Thee, by Samuel Francis Smith
   Only In America, by Brooks and Dunne
   Our America, by Big & Rich
   Some Gave All, by Billy Ray Cyrus
   The Star Spangled Banner, by Francis Scott Key
   Stars and Stripes Forever, by John Philip Sousa
   Stars and Stripes Forever, by R.W. Lowden
   That's Freedom, by Pete Robertson
   The Taliban Song, by Toby Keith
   This ain't no Rag (it's a Flag), by The Charlie Daniels Band
   This Is My Country, by Don Raye and Al Jacobs
   This Land is Your Land, by Woody Guthrie
   Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly, by Aaron Tippin
   Where Were You, by Alan Jackson
   You're a Grand Old Flag, by George M. Cohan

Where did our mother country go?

     It can be said without a doubt that America is the rebellious child of Great Britain. Asserting our independence and creating out of the cacophony of war a multi-threaded yet harmonious symphony of a nation was destined to happen, whether by chance, fate, or as I believe, by God's hand. But throughout our nation's history, it can also be said that the nation we severed ourselves from became quickly our staunchest ally.
     Through two world wars, countless conflicts, and numerous times of trouble, Britain has stood by us, and we it. Yet now, Britain seems almost paralyzed with the same palsy afflicting much of Europe. Our mother country has been overtaken by Socialism, Islamism, and a general sense of existence without purpose, without direction, without value.
     Great Britain is no longer great. It has devolved into just one of many nations succumbing to the rationalization that says we're all equal, regardless of what we do, regardless of what we believe, regardless of what we wish. Great Britain needs to wake up. Our once proud, indomitable, and courageous ally needs to shake off the dust of complacency, return to its roots as a bastion of intolerance, and become once more the lion of old.
     Yes, I said intolerance, but not the kind we think of today. Britain once would brook no thought of becoming any less than it was, any less Anglican, any less British. To become like the French, or any other European country for that matter, was unthinkable. The greatness of Britain stemmed from its inexorable march toward empire, toward strength, toward dominance, toward making the rest of the world more like itself.
     Somehow, somewhen, that changed, and dominating the world, physically, economically, politically, became a sin, something to be ashamed of, and being strong was associated with aggression. Britain needs to shake off the blinders of yesteryear, and realize that strength is just that, that aggression need not be allowed to rule a strong nation, and that the desire to make the world more British did much to propel the world out of the Dark Ages.
     Britain has much to be thoughtful, even remorseful about, but so does every other nation, if they're honest. It's time Britain stood up, held its head high once more, and acted as though it was still Great.

The Ultimate Dis

     Memorial Day is meant to be a day of commemoration, a day of remembrance. For President Obama, it seems more likely to be one he wants to forget, or soon will be.
     Foregoing the usual presidential appearance at our nations most celebrated military cemetery, the President has elected to take a vacation, no doubt planning a community cookout at the old community center, with a round or two of golf, and a quick memorial service via Blackberry on Sunday morning.
     It should probably come as no surprise that this is how President Obama acts on such a day as Memorial Day, given the anti-military actions of his nominee for SCOTUS, but it gives a much clearer picture of his true feelings for America. These are Americans we commemorate, their sacrifice the ultimate, for peace, security, and freedom, for ourselves, and for the world.
     To disregard as simple a thing as an appearance at a cemetery shows President Obama's lack of respect, not only for our military, but for his office, and for Americans as a whole. Each of the war dead had a father, mother, perhaps brothers and sisters, relatives no doubt, all Americans. Some of our war dead are not long such, and families still grieve.
     President Obama will regret taking a vacation this weekend. It's one more example, concrete evidence, that the man that America put into office is not worthy of the title American, much less President.

Memorial Day, 2010

     Memorial Day. The day we commemmorate the fallen who made the ultimate sacrifice for the protection of their country and the cause of Freedom. The day we set aside for pilgrimages to rolling fields of white crosses, adorned with little flags. The day we remind ourselves that Freedom is not free; it is the one thing that often costs everthing.
     Go, all who would know the price of Freedom, to the rolling hills. Survey for yourselves the cost it demands. Let your little ones gaze in uncomprehending wonder, your old in rememberance, and reflect within yourselves the blood-price of Freedom.
     Weep, all who would remember the cost that was paid. Weep for those lost in the Argonne, at Bastogne, at Tarawa, in Korea, Vietnam, Mogadishu, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Weep for the blood poured out upon the alter of Freedom, so willingly shed for so noble a cause.
     Fly, all who would show the world our continued dedication to liberty, the Flag of our forefathers, the Flag that flew over Iowa Jima, the Flag the flew over the Pentagon, the Flag the flies over our capital, the Stars and Stripes, Old Glory, the symbol of all that is good and great and wonderful in this world. Fly the Flag of Freedom.
     Stand, all who would enoble their own hearts. Stand with those who slogged once and still through sand and muck and mud and blood, into the thunder and fury of battle, unswerving, undaunted, to dimly-seen victory. Stand with those long-gone, silent sentinels, ever watchful, waiting to see who next will pick up the guidon of Freedom. Stand and be counted.
     I am no hero, but I count myself fortunate to have served with some. I have no claim to personal bravery or courageous action, but I know some who do, and bear the mantle of many who did. I am lifted up by their spirit, and encouraged by their memory. In the early morning hours I will go to the rolling fields and there I will weep. I will fly the flag in rememberance and honor of those gone before, and I will stand, with them, and with you, when next the clarion sounds, and Freedom demands once more its price be paid.
     Who then will stand in the gap, for Freedom?

Making a Mockery

     Congressman John P. Murtha is dead. Let him rest in peace. The problem is, some people won't. Despite his attempts to rake the reputation of Marines everywhere through the muck, it has been decided that his name is to grace the hull of a warship, a troop carrier.
     Why do they need to do this? Why the push to enshrine the memory of a man despised by most in the military - at least most I know - by naming a ship after him? Apparently, the once honored member of the Corps who later turned on his brothers, claiming they were killing innocent people "in cold blood", is so respected by the liberal left that his name deserves to be memorialized on a ship, meant to carry those same warriors he denigrated without proof.
     This isn't just a statement about how the left views Murtha, it's a statement about how they view the American warrior, a loud and clear one. Here's a statement for them - we read you, five-by-five. We'll send our next message in November.

Getting it wrong

     The CW is wrong. Contemporary Wisdom says the party-backed candidate beats the independent every time. But not in New York's 23rd District. Not only has the independent candidate forced the party favorite out of the race, but it looks like Doug Hoffman may be the first Conservative candidate to win a congressional seat.
     The problem is, this isn't what the GOP thought would happen. They didn't expect it, for they, like the Democrats, have become used to the apathy of American politics. They've become used to single-lever supporters, who, like me so many times in the past, reach for that party-line lever, instead of voting for each individual on the ticket according to their stand on the issues. This is what the GOP thought would happen, when the New York party bosses chose a liberal RINO as its standard bearer.
     But this isn't a normal election year. This is the Year of the Tea Parties. This is the Year of Referendum. This is the Year of Stopping Obama. And this is the year when people stopped being single-lever supporters, and started acting like Americans.
     When it comes to politics, we stopped acting like responsible Americans long ago. We became apathetic. Party was everything, no matter the principles relinquished. And that's where the GOP got it wrong. No longer are Americans content to choose whichever candidate the party masters provide. Doug Hoffman is but the forerunner of a greater movement. Presented with two options, neither of which was particularly palatable, Mr. Hoffman did what all Americans could and should do. He presented himself as another option. So now, in one district, Americans do not have to choose the lesser of two evils, they can look to their principles, and choose a candidate that exemplifies them.
     Even Newt Gingrich doesn't get it. This is how politics is supposed to work. Candidates are presented, and it is the responsibility of all Americans to look hard at the positions of the candidates, and then to vote upon their principles. When neither candidate is acceptable, two options are available to every American - sit by and watch, or create another option out of whole cloth. This is what Doug Hoffman has done, and whether he wins or loses, his actions have set in motion a fundamental shift in conservative voters actions.
     This is where the GOP gets it wrong. Doug Hoffman is a good thing for American politics, for his candidacy, and those voting for him, and the resulting removal of the party favorite, is the best of American political responsibility.