Sunday, July 28, 2013

Following the Verdict

Let me begin this report by saying, I wasn't there, I'm thankful I wasn't on the jury, but the verdict is in, and that should make it final.  The fact that Florida has had some questionable trials and sentences that have made headlines may cause us all to pause, but I really don't think we want to give up any of the Amendments of the Bill of Rights.  In all the talk of protecting the Constitution, the Bill of Rights is slipping away, and those rights won't come back.  So let's take a deep breath and accept what the jury concluded.  Mr. Zimmerman cannot be legally tried twice, and the trial by public opinion has really been perpetrated politically and by the media.

Let's address a few facts that were mentioned early then apparently, long forgotten.  The pictures of George Zimmerman that night looked like an injured man and the immediate investigation found no reason to press charges.  I truly thought, the fact that he'd been told by the dispatcher to remain in his car might have been instrumental in some sort of charges immediately, but that was not the case.  I also, personally, thought he might have a bit of a "Barney Bad Butt" attitude about his neighborhood watchman status, but that's my personal thought.  Again, I wasn't there, and his neighbors didn't speak ill of him.  Usually when someone has a chip on their shoulder, someone will comment.  A situation in my own "neighborhood" springs to mind.


Our President took an opportunity, once again, to divide this country by stating that Trayvon Martin could have been his son.  The statements President Obama have made about this incident and the verdict have all been very inappropriate.  George Zimmerman is also of minority ethnicity.  Where is his outrage at the number of black youths that die in Chicago?  Chicago is his home city and the place where his buddy Rahm Emanuel is now mayor.  If he's not trying to stir racism, where were his comments about the Casey Anthony trial?  And what about the toddler who was shot and killed in Atlanta by two black teens?

The pictures of Trayvon Martin were intentionally misleading.  They were photos when he was obviously younger.  His school issues were quickly taken out of the reports, and his actual purchase was quickly removed citing political correctness.  He had behavioral problems in school and there were items found in his locker that may have matched items described in burglary reports.  I can't say, since the school reported it with different wording, but he was clearly having problems in school.  Behavioral problems are often indicative of home problems or drug use.



In the research for this article, I came across an interesting fact that may or may not have any bearing on the case, but since the report was actually changed, that's what caused me to wonder. The iced tea and skittles reported to have been purchased by young Martin, wasn't actually iced tea, but rather Arizona Watermelon Juice.  The combination of skittles with this juice product and Robitussin has a street name, Drank or Lean.  It's a very definite part of the Rap culture.  His comments on his social media sites indicate he identified with that culture.  Maybe, just maybe, young Martin's behavior wasn't that of an ordinary kid buying candy and iced tea.  


There is no doubt, Zimmerman chose to ignore the instructions given by the dispatcher, but we are choosing to ignore our Bill of Rights; by the presumption of guilt until proven innocence, and the rejection of the verdict of a jury of one's peers.

What witnesses there were, believed George Zimmerman acted in self-defense.  The initial investigation turned up no evidence for arrest.  The friend of Martin's on the phone was caught in lies.  We simply cannot allow this media motivated, politically perpetuated division by party and race to cause us to forfeit our rights.

One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.   


Monday, July 22, 2013

Young Heroes

In the midst of bad news, scary cops, rebellious teens, and racial discord, this story just made me happy.  I've included the link, but I'd like to add my 2¢ Worth.

I don't even own a television, so my access to what's going on in the world is literally cherry picked from the internet.  I don't have to watch advertisements, I don't have any favorite show or program or even news as far as that goes.  I choose my news items by the headline, not the ratings or shock value.  If the headline is just a grabber, I can click again.

I shared all those details because the majority of households are continuously inundated with all sorts of programming, persuasive advertising, propaganda, and promos.  These two young gentlemen could have been just as easily influenced by the media to do nothing, or with all the racially motivated news as of late, they could have made their decision of involvement based upon that; but they didn't.  They clearly have an understanding of what it is to "love your neighbor" and the account of the Good Samaritan.

Two fifteen year old young men, not old enough to drive, but clearly possessing mature values, heard a little 5 year old girl in the neighborhood was missing.  They heard the description of the car, and set out on their bicycles, up and down neighborhood streets and perhaps alleys, until they spotted the car.  They, then chose to follow the car.  Now, I'm thinking, as I read the story; they really are just kids themselves.

Apparently, when the driver realized he was being followed, he stopped the car and had the little girl get out! Last I read, they hadn't found the alleged abductor, but thanks to two quick thinking, brave young men, that little girl is home safe and sound.

Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?  And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Y'hshuwah unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.  the Gospel according to Luke

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/15/justice/pennsylvania-teen-heroes/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Friday, July 12, 2013

Exporting, Importing, and Immigration

Remember when America invaded Iraq and the comment was made that we were exporting democracy?   Ideology really doesn't import or export, but it does arrive through immigration.

I read an interesting article about a man who has brought his family to take refuge in America from Iraq.  I believe in 2006 or 2007 we were slated to receive 7000 Iraqis from their war torn country.  I am glad these people can live in peace, now, but as I read the article about the cameraman, several thoughts came to mind.

Since this is my a-political place of expression, I did notice a few things in the 8 minute video and the article that accompanied it.  Although the man spoke very well of this opportunity to be safe, his sorrow for having to give up his home was very evident.   Before his country was invaded, he had enjoyed a very respected position as a cameraman for media, as did his brother.  His first job in America was at Tyson, and now he's a custodian for the school.  He still hopes of returning to the career for which he studied and was respected for his excellence.

The video did mention, that the family has been able to return to Baghdad, once, and he feels it's even more unsafe and unstable than it was when he left.  He was able to seek refuge here, because his life was threatened and his brother was killed by militias that raised up in violent power after the death of Saddam Hussein.

There were many images of his wife and their devotion to Islam appeared apparent.  They now have twin daughters who were born here and are American citizens and their mother very proudly said they will be able to vote and maybe even be president.  The Muslim population has more than doubled, nearing triple increase in America since the Iraq invasion, and most of the increase has been from immigration, legal mind you, but immigration.

Islam will expand, in America because it is prophesied that Abraham's descendants would be under his covenant blessing.  Isaac was the son of promise, but as the son of Abraham, Ishmael was blessed, also.  We, Americans, seem too often to forget that Genesis 12:3 was spoken directly to Abraham before any sons were born, and Genesis 16:12, confirmed that the descendants of Ishmael would be numerous, and cover a lot of ground.

It is my opinion that President Obama has been given entirely too much credit for bringing Islam to this nation.  It was spoken by YHWH in Genesis 15:5, that Abraham's descendants would be as numerous as the stars and sand, also before either son was born.  This is truly a bigger situation than we realize!   I suggest, if we're going to claim a Biblical perspective on this, we should probably check the order of what has been stated.

 I've included the link for the article and video, as well as passages from Torah.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-3445_162-57592349/an-iraqi-war-cameraman-finds-a-home-in-america/

And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  Genesis 12:3

And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be.  Genesis 15:5

And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.  Genesis 16:12

And Elohim said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.  And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.  Genesis 21:12-13


Sunday, July 07, 2013

Is Anarchy the New Rule of Law?

     This particular blog has been my soap box for some time now, and as the news gets stranger, I'm thankful more people are sharing information.  I try to present just facts in many articles in the Goshen Gazette, but this particular site is unabashedly anti-political and openly, my own perspective.  There are just too many questionable situations going on with the treatment of citizens, criminal investigation, and law enforcement practices.  This first example just literally boggled my mind, and it is close enough to home to be discussed and questioned.
http://www.krmg.com/news/news/local/man-found-decapitated-police-suspect-suicide/nYNZh/

     I was a Funeral Director before becoming a follower of Messiah and to be honest, I saw the seamier side of the human condition in that the company I worked for had a contract with the county.  The city was large, so sudden and traumatic deaths were sadly a regular occurrence. Never, however; did I see a suicide by decapitation, much less with extremities bound.

     These next examples of what appears to be random situations, are quite alarming, in that in at least two of these situations, law suits were reported to be settled with sizable sums awarded to the plaintiffs.  The problem with this, is the law suits are civil matters, so criminal charges are not usually filed.  This is making news in other countries, so while we're looking at Egypt's uproar, we seem oblivious to the condition of our country.

This case was particularly troubling in that the cover story was later disproved in court, and the family was awarded an amazing amount of money from the Police Department, but it of course won't bring the victim back to life, I couldn't find any report of criminal charges being filed, and the response of the Department to the cover story being proven a lie, was, no comment.
http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news%2Flocal%2Flos_angeles&id=9054853

The next reports are three different incidents, and I found more, but this makes the point.  Obviously, everyone with authority doesn't abuse it due to their own issues or lack of integrity, but we don't know who does and who doesn't, by a badge.  I don't litter, I watch my speed, and due to my age, I don't worry about being strip searched if stopped, but my lack of worry is due to my age and faith in G-d, not my confidence in the discretionary decision making of someone with control issues.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2004362/Two-Texas-mothers-illegally-strip-searched-busy-highway-womans-young-son-file-lawsuit.html

http://crimeblog.dallasnews.com/2012/12/irving-women-sue-state-troopers-in-federal-court-alleging-roadside-body-cavity-searches.html/

http://rt.com/usa/texas-troopers-cavity-search-709/

You'll notice in the comments by the attorney in the last article, the reference to DPS.  That's Department of Public Safety . . . Don't we all feel safer, now?

 . . . when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  a Proverb of Holy Scripture

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