This web site contains copyrighted material and information which is governed under the following statute:
Click on the link below to read 17 USC CHP. 1. §107
20060630
Flag burning ammendment...
This was a discussion that I found over on Jake Allen's page, The Ockhamist.com and I thought I would continue it on my own. I have placed his original post and my response. Let me know what you think!
Barefoot in the Men’s Room
Published by jakeallen June 28th, 2006 in Jake's Musings, Blandus' musings, Cultural Commentary, News Commentary, politics
Jake and Blandus do not support a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit burning or defacing the American Flag. Consevatives are sacrificing principle here to win votes or raise money, or worse, participating in Anglo-tribalism. I am glad that it the recent round of resolutions/proposals have failed.
The American Flag is a symbol of freedom. We do honor those who fought for the flag by allowing it to be burned by those who hate it. That’s what liberty is. The flag is not a symbol of American tribal pride. We are a group of federated states, consisting of immigrants (and a few of us natives) melting together in the joint pursuits of life, liberty, and prosperity. We misunderstand America, indeed cheapen America and liberty, by prohibiting the burning of the American flag.
Let freedom ring.
Madness.
COMMENTS:
Jun 29th, 2006 at 9:00 am
Editors Note: Blandus added categories. Blandus also changed the \”I\” in the first paragraph to read \”Jake and Blandus,\” thus rendering the post a true Ockhamist.com editorial.
2 +Pete Hanley
Jun 30th, 2006 at 12:25 am
I am glad that Jake and Blandus don’t support a flag burning ammendment. It is the right of both of you. Don’t claim however that conservatives are hoping to gain politically, or raise funds because of all of this. It is simply left-wing, liberal bias.
The fact is, that a great many of the people they represent, feel that the ammendment is very much needed! Myself included! There has to come a point in time, when we must admit to ourselves, that the catch phrase “it is against the first ammendment”, has simply gone to far. Think for a moment what would have happened had some person or group burnt a flag during colonial times? I asure you the outcome would have been swift and harsh!
That aside for the moment, the symbol of such a great nation most certainly should be kept sacred. How can we as a nation hold ourselves up to the rest of the world saying how great we are -when we allow our own people, to burn the symbol that represents us? Yes, yes, I too have heard the argument that this is the type of action that makes our country great. Poppy-cock! It is this type of action that undermines and damages a great country.
“We do honor those who fought for the flag by allowing it to be burned by those who hate it.”
There is no way you can honor those who fought for our flag in making the above statement. At least not in my opinion, and I am one who fought for our country (and the symbol which represents that country) so I feel I am qualified to weigh in on that particular statement.
“The flag is not a symbol of American tribal pride.”
I don’t know about tribal pride? But check your history the flag is very much a symbol of America! It is for that very reason the flag was designed. It didn’t just fall out of thin air either. Different designs were sought out and used for many years before the country adopted the flag we now use.
“We are a group of federated states, consisting of immigrants (and a few of us natives) melting together in the joint pursuits of life, liberty, and prosperity. We misunderstand America, indeed cheapen America and liberty, by prohibiting the burning of the American flag.
Let freedom ring.”
This part of your post made me really scratch my head? Yes we are immigrants (or our parents and grandparents were at one time) but there are more than a few natives of this country. The States aren’t federated either. Those who are in favor of States rights are cringing at that statement. We are one United States. We don’t misunderstand America or cheapen liberty by prohibiting the burning of our flag –we simply are telling people, that the symbol which represents us all as one United States, should not be tarnished or defamed simply so that you or your group can make a statement. There are better ways to illustrate the freedoms of this country than burning the flag.
For those who hate this country so much do some traveling and see how the other half lives. I am not claiming they have to give up their right to citizenship, but rather travel abroad and then come home and tell me that you have found a better place. I have traveled extensively throughout the world and I have yet to find a better place than the USA.
It isn’t about conservatives searching for political ground it is about people finally saying that they respect the country (and the symbol) of that country; and that we shouldn’t allow it to be defamed simply so one group can make a very political statement by burning the flag!
Barefoot in the Men’s Room
Published by jakeallen June 28th, 2006 in Jake's Musings, Blandus' musings, Cultural Commentary, News Commentary, politics
Jake and Blandus do not support a Constitutional Amendment to prohibit burning or defacing the American Flag. Consevatives are sacrificing principle here to win votes or raise money, or worse, participating in Anglo-tribalism. I am glad that it the recent round of resolutions/proposals have failed.
The American Flag is a symbol of freedom. We do honor those who fought for the flag by allowing it to be burned by those who hate it. That’s what liberty is. The flag is not a symbol of American tribal pride. We are a group of federated states, consisting of immigrants (and a few of us natives) melting together in the joint pursuits of life, liberty, and prosperity. We misunderstand America, indeed cheapen America and liberty, by prohibiting the burning of the American flag.
Let freedom ring.
Madness.
COMMENTS:
Jun 29th, 2006 at 9:00 am
Editors Note: Blandus added categories. Blandus also changed the \”I\” in the first paragraph to read \”Jake and Blandus,\” thus rendering the post a true Ockhamist.com editorial.
2 +Pete Hanley
Jun 30th, 2006 at 12:25 am
I am glad that Jake and Blandus don’t support a flag burning ammendment. It is the right of both of you. Don’t claim however that conservatives are hoping to gain politically, or raise funds because of all of this. It is simply left-wing, liberal bias.
The fact is, that a great many of the people they represent, feel that the ammendment is very much needed! Myself included! There has to come a point in time, when we must admit to ourselves, that the catch phrase “it is against the first ammendment”, has simply gone to far. Think for a moment what would have happened had some person or group burnt a flag during colonial times? I asure you the outcome would have been swift and harsh!
That aside for the moment, the symbol of such a great nation most certainly should be kept sacred. How can we as a nation hold ourselves up to the rest of the world saying how great we are -when we allow our own people, to burn the symbol that represents us? Yes, yes, I too have heard the argument that this is the type of action that makes our country great. Poppy-cock! It is this type of action that undermines and damages a great country.
“We do honor those who fought for the flag by allowing it to be burned by those who hate it.”
There is no way you can honor those who fought for our flag in making the above statement. At least not in my opinion, and I am one who fought for our country (and the symbol which represents that country) so I feel I am qualified to weigh in on that particular statement.
“The flag is not a symbol of American tribal pride.”
I don’t know about tribal pride? But check your history the flag is very much a symbol of America! It is for that very reason the flag was designed. It didn’t just fall out of thin air either. Different designs were sought out and used for many years before the country adopted the flag we now use.
“We are a group of federated states, consisting of immigrants (and a few of us natives) melting together in the joint pursuits of life, liberty, and prosperity. We misunderstand America, indeed cheapen America and liberty, by prohibiting the burning of the American flag.
Let freedom ring.”
This part of your post made me really scratch my head? Yes we are immigrants (or our parents and grandparents were at one time) but there are more than a few natives of this country. The States aren’t federated either. Those who are in favor of States rights are cringing at that statement. We are one United States. We don’t misunderstand America or cheapen liberty by prohibiting the burning of our flag –we simply are telling people, that the symbol which represents us all as one United States, should not be tarnished or defamed simply so that you or your group can make a statement. There are better ways to illustrate the freedoms of this country than burning the flag.
For those who hate this country so much do some traveling and see how the other half lives. I am not claiming they have to give up their right to citizenship, but rather travel abroad and then come home and tell me that you have found a better place. I have traveled extensively throughout the world and I have yet to find a better place than the USA.
It isn’t about conservatives searching for political ground it is about people finally saying that they respect the country (and the symbol) of that country; and that we shouldn’t allow it to be defamed simply so one group can make a very political statement by burning the flag!
20060628
Some things to watch today...
The Federal Reserve began it's meeting today and they are expected to raise interest rates by at least a quarter of a point, and no more than a half of point. This will have a big impact on the stock market to say the least!
There is also a Senate Finance committee meeting going on about hedge funds. The controversy started two days ago after the NY Times published an article concerning a cover up by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and various figures from leading brokerage firms, one in particular who was named is John Mack, now the head of Merrill Lynch. CNB.com has more on this story.
Sadly, the NY Times web page is now charging for their web based pages. They are, or were, one of the last major print outlets to have offered everything for free on the web. I guess everyone wants to make a buck.
From the AP --taken from MSNBC
JERUSALEM - Palestinians dug in behind walls and embankments in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday after Israel sent in troops and tanks, and bombarded bridges and a power station to pressure militants to release a captured soldier.
In other words, Israel is about to pound the Palestinians again for the most recent attack by that group in the region.
From Channel 7 News Boston
NEEDHAM, Mass. -- For the first time in Massachusetts this year, state health officials say West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes.
More to follow at some point and it is sure to be Craziness!
There is also a Senate Finance committee meeting going on about hedge funds. The controversy started two days ago after the NY Times published an article concerning a cover up by the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) and various figures from leading brokerage firms, one in particular who was named is John Mack, now the head of Merrill Lynch. CNB.com has more on this story.
Sadly, the NY Times web page is now charging for their web based pages. They are, or were, one of the last major print outlets to have offered everything for free on the web. I guess everyone wants to make a buck.
From the AP --taken from MSNBC
JERUSALEM - Palestinians dug in behind walls and embankments in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday after Israel sent in troops and tanks, and bombarded bridges and a power station to pressure militants to release a captured soldier.
In other words, Israel is about to pound the Palestinians again for the most recent attack by that group in the region.
From Channel 7 News Boston
NEEDHAM, Mass. -- For the first time in Massachusetts this year, state health officials say West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes.
More to follow at some point and it is sure to be Craziness!
20060607
Still busy...
However I came across this prayer I wrote sometime ago and I wanted to repost it.
Help me O Lord for I am lost. In the night hours, I have been neglectful of the path which thou O Lord has set before me. I have wandered into the realm of the evil one; and I am beset by his wickedness and his demons are rejoicing. I walk now aimlessly, at the noon day hour, yet I am enclosed by darkness; when the sun is at its brightest I cannot see it. What horror is this to befall a man? That when the sun is at its brightest, I cannot see its rays with my wretched and darkened eyes. I am unable to find my way back to my homeland. I find myself behind the enemy’s lines; and have entered into inhospitable lands. My defenses are shattered; my armor and shield are worn and broken. My sword is useless and has become dull at the point. I have no allies in this land and I find myself surrounded by the demons on all sides. They ravage my soul without mercy, and I am in danger of loosing that precious gift which thou O Lord, hath given unto me; that which is so precious, that gift which You, Yourself O Lord, did breath into me. How wretched I am that I have treated such a gift as this one so carelessly? Hear me O Lord; hear my feeble words, which seemingly cannot rise above the clamor and rejoicing of the demons and their war party. I beg thee O Lord search me out in this foreign realm and rescue me; for pity sake O Lord come back to me; the lost sheep, even though I have turned from You, the Sheppard. For the demons mount an attack and I cannot stand another assault from that wicked host! I call for help but there is no one else that can come to my aid; there is no one else that can grant me salvation. O wretched am I, and foolish, in thinking I could find my own way. For now the hour is late, and I am truly lost, beset by those who seek my destruction, and will not relent, until they have seen my soul spilled upon the field of battle. I beg thee O Lord to shelter me in Thy arms and to be my defense. In spite of myself O Lord, shelter me now in this dark time. Do not leave me on this wretched plain to be prey for the predators. Hear me O Lord; I know that I have sinned against You, and against heaven, and all that is pure and holy. Cast out the darkness and restore Your Light to me; that I may not perish; but may I spend the remainder of my days singing, and praising You. Return me to the path which I have so carelessly turned from. Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon me O Lord and cleanse and purify that which I have fouled and dragged through the trench where the demons lay. For when men fall it is only the wicked ones who rejoice. For when men fall the angles in heaven weep. For they the heavenly ones O Lord, truly know the price which Thou hast paid! Why! Why O Lord cannot I not realize what the righteous know and the heavenly hosts have announced unto mankind? Do not allow my will to triumph O Lord; for in that hour I will fall into the abyss and be lost. Not dead, for death would be a welcome at that hour, but in everlasting fire, terrorized by the evil ones; without recourse. Yea though I am sinful O Lord please have mercy on me now. That the evil ones would know that they cannot stand against You. I know O Lord that I am unworthy of my request, but yet my soul begs of Thee, for mercy and pity! For if I were to ask for justice, and Thou were to grant such, where and how could I stand? Nay, I seek not justice O Lord but Thy never-ending mercy and love which Thou has for mankind. Even those such as myself; sinful and reckless and wicked. Forge my soul anew O Lord by the Holy Spirit, as Thou didst impart to the Holy Apostle and faithful on the day of Pentecost. Allow the Comforter to come also to one so wretched such as myself. As the thief begged of Thee O Lord I also cry out, remember me O Lord in Thy Kingdom! Now know this O foul ones; I have called upon the Lord in this dark hour and I have faith that He will show me mercy. Come, come O Lord, and destroy this enemy before me and restore my soul. Stay the course O wretched man, and the Lord will come to thee. He will aid thee and guide thee back to the homeland. Do not be reckless, do not despair, but rather rejoice now in this hour of darkness! For Christ is Risen and the bonds of death and hell are shattered! He has Ascended, and the Comforter has come to guide those who seek out the Lord. Rejoice O man in darkness, Rejoice for those who would assault you cannot bear the Holy Word! Rejoice O man for He will save your soul! He will find you now as the Sheppard finds the lost sheep! For I have cried out unto the Lord! Rejoice O man for He hast shown you great mercy and has withheld his justice, for pity sake. Rejoice O man, for the armor and weapons which you have clung to so dearly and futilely, have been re-forged. They are not now weapons of men but rather of the Spirit! The wicked cannot stand and flee from the field of battle! The darkness is parting and the Sun is restored, and you shall be reclaimed by the Holy Light! Made anew! Know O man that you have the gift restored which you have brought to ruin! For the Lord is merciful, the Lord has paid the fee to bring you back across the river of death. Indeed, death is shattered and that river has been diverted, so that thou O wretched one, could return to Him who gave you life. In spite of all you are O wretched man, the Lord hast shown you his love and mercy. Be ever mindful and I say, Rejoice in the Lord! Now O Lord I shall rest at ease in Thy arms and my enemies shall not prevail; for I have called out to You my Savior, my Lord, and my God!
Help me O Lord for I am lost. In the night hours, I have been neglectful of the path which thou O Lord has set before me. I have wandered into the realm of the evil one; and I am beset by his wickedness and his demons are rejoicing. I walk now aimlessly, at the noon day hour, yet I am enclosed by darkness; when the sun is at its brightest I cannot see it. What horror is this to befall a man? That when the sun is at its brightest, I cannot see its rays with my wretched and darkened eyes. I am unable to find my way back to my homeland. I find myself behind the enemy’s lines; and have entered into inhospitable lands. My defenses are shattered; my armor and shield are worn and broken. My sword is useless and has become dull at the point. I have no allies in this land and I find myself surrounded by the demons on all sides. They ravage my soul without mercy, and I am in danger of loosing that precious gift which thou O Lord, hath given unto me; that which is so precious, that gift which You, Yourself O Lord, did breath into me. How wretched I am that I have treated such a gift as this one so carelessly? Hear me O Lord; hear my feeble words, which seemingly cannot rise above the clamor and rejoicing of the demons and their war party. I beg thee O Lord search me out in this foreign realm and rescue me; for pity sake O Lord come back to me; the lost sheep, even though I have turned from You, the Sheppard. For the demons mount an attack and I cannot stand another assault from that wicked host! I call for help but there is no one else that can come to my aid; there is no one else that can grant me salvation. O wretched am I, and foolish, in thinking I could find my own way. For now the hour is late, and I am truly lost, beset by those who seek my destruction, and will not relent, until they have seen my soul spilled upon the field of battle. I beg thee O Lord to shelter me in Thy arms and to be my defense. In spite of myself O Lord, shelter me now in this dark time. Do not leave me on this wretched plain to be prey for the predators. Hear me O Lord; I know that I have sinned against You, and against heaven, and all that is pure and holy. Cast out the darkness and restore Your Light to me; that I may not perish; but may I spend the remainder of my days singing, and praising You. Return me to the path which I have so carelessly turned from. Send down Thy Holy Spirit upon me O Lord and cleanse and purify that which I have fouled and dragged through the trench where the demons lay. For when men fall it is only the wicked ones who rejoice. For when men fall the angles in heaven weep. For they the heavenly ones O Lord, truly know the price which Thou hast paid! Why! Why O Lord cannot I not realize what the righteous know and the heavenly hosts have announced unto mankind? Do not allow my will to triumph O Lord; for in that hour I will fall into the abyss and be lost. Not dead, for death would be a welcome at that hour, but in everlasting fire, terrorized by the evil ones; without recourse. Yea though I am sinful O Lord please have mercy on me now. That the evil ones would know that they cannot stand against You. I know O Lord that I am unworthy of my request, but yet my soul begs of Thee, for mercy and pity! For if I were to ask for justice, and Thou were to grant such, where and how could I stand? Nay, I seek not justice O Lord but Thy never-ending mercy and love which Thou has for mankind. Even those such as myself; sinful and reckless and wicked. Forge my soul anew O Lord by the Holy Spirit, as Thou didst impart to the Holy Apostle and faithful on the day of Pentecost. Allow the Comforter to come also to one so wretched such as myself. As the thief begged of Thee O Lord I also cry out, remember me O Lord in Thy Kingdom! Now know this O foul ones; I have called upon the Lord in this dark hour and I have faith that He will show me mercy. Come, come O Lord, and destroy this enemy before me and restore my soul. Stay the course O wretched man, and the Lord will come to thee. He will aid thee and guide thee back to the homeland. Do not be reckless, do not despair, but rather rejoice now in this hour of darkness! For Christ is Risen and the bonds of death and hell are shattered! He has Ascended, and the Comforter has come to guide those who seek out the Lord. Rejoice O man in darkness, Rejoice for those who would assault you cannot bear the Holy Word! Rejoice O man for He will save your soul! He will find you now as the Sheppard finds the lost sheep! For I have cried out unto the Lord! Rejoice O man for He hast shown you great mercy and has withheld his justice, for pity sake. Rejoice O man, for the armor and weapons which you have clung to so dearly and futilely, have been re-forged. They are not now weapons of men but rather of the Spirit! The wicked cannot stand and flee from the field of battle! The darkness is parting and the Sun is restored, and you shall be reclaimed by the Holy Light! Made anew! Know O man that you have the gift restored which you have brought to ruin! For the Lord is merciful, the Lord has paid the fee to bring you back across the river of death. Indeed, death is shattered and that river has been diverted, so that thou O wretched one, could return to Him who gave you life. In spite of all you are O wretched man, the Lord hast shown you his love and mercy. Be ever mindful and I say, Rejoice in the Lord! Now O Lord I shall rest at ease in Thy arms and my enemies shall not prevail; for I have called out to You my Savior, my Lord, and my God!
