Civilian Trials and Terrorists – What Happens If…?

Over the last few weeks I’ve been reading a lot about the decision by President Obama and his administration to have a few of the prisoners at Gitmo, including the infamous Khalid Sheik Mohammed (KSM), have their trials in U.S. Civilian Court rather than in a Military Tribunal. My first reaction to the decision was automatically that they were “Enemy Combatants” and they should be tried in a Military Tribunal. There was the thought in the back of my head though, that in either, they’d be tried, convicted, and justice would be served. But, the more I read, the more I say, “hold on a minute”. There are a lot of questions I’ve started asking myself especially since reading this article from CNSNews.com (Sen. Conrad Suggests That People Who Don’t Believe in Civilian Trials for Terrorists Should Leave America and ‘Go Somewhere Else’).

So, what happens in a Civilian Court if evidence hasn’t been collected? What happens if they were never read their Miranda Rights? What happens if their confession (yes, these detainees did confess) is not admissible because it is considered to have been coerced out of them? What happens if their attorney decides to have them plead “insanity”? What if there is some type of technicality and, hey, they’re off, free as can be? There are many other questions that come to mind, but I want to keep this kind of short and not drag on.

Now, the administration tries to reassure us that there is no way that the detainees would NOT be convicted, but can they really say that? I mean, isn’t it logical that if they are to uphold the laws and how they apply to a Civil Trial, that there is indeed the possibility that the terrorists might go free? But, that raises another question in my mind. Are they so certain the detainees will be convicted because the Administration and the Justice Department just plan on running rough-shod over the laws governing a Civil Trial? If they do that, then what kind of precedence does that set going forward for our judicial system for all of us?

The following article from American Thinker (Get-out-of-jail-free card for terrorists?), addresses these issue very well. I think it is a very bad decision to hold these trials in Civilian Court. I believe it opens up too many chances for these terrorists to get off on some sort of technicality. They are not U.S. Citizens and frankly have no right to a trial in our courts anyway.

What are your thoughts on this? Let me know.

Thankful For…

I thought that I should take time, once again this Thanksgiving, to think about what I am truly thankful for. I know that most of my life I’ve neglected to think about this, let alone write it down. Last year was the first time that I ever really took time to do it. So, here I am to do it again. Much of this is probably the same as last year, but who cares. Who knows, maybe this will become an annual thing.

Thankful for…

1. My God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the salvation that I have by His gift of grace that He made possible by His blood that was shed on the cross. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Eph. 2:8).
2. For my wonderful wife of 22 years and the fantastic mother that she is. She makes life a joy each and every day. She is a great gift from God also. May I cherish her more deeply and be the husband that God intends for me to be.
3. The blessing of 4 great kids who are all special, each and every one of them. God has blessed me so greatly here. I pray that I can be the dad that they need and that God designed me to be.
4. Family in general. Thankful that they are always there and always in your corner.
5. Friends. God has put some great friends in my life. I pray that I can be the friend to them that they have been to me.
6. A great church and church family. God has placed us in a church that is commited to teaching the Gospel of Christ and reaching the lost for Christ. Also, a church family that lives out their Christianity by taking time to serve others in many different ways. It is a church family that is committed to bringing glory to God.
7. The privilege of living in America and the freedoms that we have. I pray that God continues to bless this country. I pray for our leaders, that they will be men and women who will seek God and His guidance each and every day. And, as part of this great country I’m thankful for those awesome men and women in our military, that serve and protect our freedom day in and day out.
8. A good job that God has blessed me with. I thank God for the privilege it is to work and the skills that He’s given me. I pray that I do it as if unto Him.
9. God’s provision each day; shelter, food, water, clothing and the additional blessings that He has given.
10. God’s continuous teaching and working in my life. I find it amazing that God finds it worthwhile to keep trying to teach, correct and instruct me each and every day. I thank Him for what he’s teaching me about His sovereignty, that He’s in control, that He has a plan and that I need to trust Him completely. I pray that I learn to follow Him completely and surrender all.

Since it’s Thanksgiving, just take a little time and give it some thought. Don’t let it slide by another day, another minute. What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Who Cares Attitude Toward Socialism

Once again another great article on American Thinker (American Thinker: What’s Wrong With Socialism?) regarding the “Who Cares” attitude toward Socialism that exists today. Have you run into it? I’ve experienced it in a couple of different ways. Either how this article describes as someone just asking what’s wrong with it, or people just not seeing or acknowledging the obvious regarding the policies that our current President and Congress are trying to implement and that they are socialistic policies and if they are allowed, will have a devastating impact on our country and way of life.

It’s true that today and in recent generations, the schools have not taught the whole picture of Socialism and the devastation of the economy and people’s lives that it inevitably leads to. That part of the story is usually ignored, or the evil is just attributed to the leader at that time (e.g. Hitler, Lenin, Stalin, etc.). But the truth is, the Socialistic form of government is by nature inhumane and destructive. As the article points out the need of the leaders to be able to control individual behavior, in order to make everything work, ultimately leads to the devastation in Socialistic societies that we’ve seen throughout history. History can’t be ignored here and we can’t believe that well, we’ll just do it better this time around. I’m sure that’s what all the others throughout history thought as well.

If you love this country, love your freedom, liberty and don’t want the government involved in every aspect of your lives, really think about this. Where do you stand? As the article mentions, educate those around you. Do your part in explaining what’s wrong with Socialism. Let’s not just sit around and let it happen to America.

Do They Really Care What the Constitution Says?

A great article appeared on American Thinker (To Hell with the Constitution?) the other day. I think it’s pretty clear, by many recent actions by the President and leaders in Congress, that the Constitution is being turned on its head.

All during the debates regarding Healthcare Reform, it never seemed that anyone was questioning the constitutionality of what the government was trying to do, but always trying to come up with a reform plan that would work. The thing is, the government shouldn’t be involved in reforming healthcare at all, except for creating an economic environment that would be conducive to reform happening. That could mainly be done by reducing taxes on businesses and individuals and addressing frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. I realize there is a lot more to it than that, but still it is not the government’s responsibility.

So, what can be done? Will American’s stand up and demand that our government govern according to the Constitution? Or, will we just passively let it go?

UPDATE – A new article from CNSNews.com (Gibbs Says He Doesn’t Know if White House Has Reviewed Constitutionality of Forcing People to Buy Health Insurance) gives great insight into the mindset of the Obama Administration. I guess this answers my question. They don’t.

Consequences That Nobody Thought Of

I was just talking to someone earlier today about how the cost of so many different things were impacted by the price of gas last year, when it was up around $4.00 per gallon combined with the big push of Ethanol. If you remember, food prices increased quite a bit during that time, as well as most anything else that had to be transported. It was quite the double-whammy.

Well, here we go again with this disastrous Cap and Trade bill that just passed the U.S. House. I’m sure that nobody in our government sat down and thought about the overall consequences. Or, maybe they did, and they just decided that these were necessary cost increases. But, we know for sure that those at The Heritage Foundation have thought about this and for our benefit have written a great little article about it.

So, nationalizing Healthcare is supposed to lower and better control cost, but yet another piece of legislation that the same government leaders are in the process of pushing through will possibly drive the cost of Healthcare up even more. Hmmm? Maybe this is really an intended consequence.

How Cap and Trade Affects the Health Care Debate » The Foundry

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Memorial Day Thoughts

Finally, Memorial Day Weekend is here! Even though I will probably have to work some over the weekend, it’s nice that I have one extra day to be home with the family and not have to go into the office. So, at some point this weekend, I’m sure we’ll be relaxing by the pool or in the pool, maybe going to see a movie and cooking some burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Basically, doing as much relaxing, playing around, eating and celebrating as we can. But, as I thought about it, I had to ask myself, what are we celebrating?

I, like just about everybody, was getting caught up in the thought of this being just a fun weekend. The reality is, it is so much more than that. My thoughts now turn to, “why am I able to have so much fun this weekend?” Who makes it possible for us to enjoy spending time with friends and family over the next few days? My thoughts have now turned to the those that have served, fought for, been wounded for, and died for, this great country of ours. Yes, the real reason for Memorial Day Weekend is not for us to just have fun, relax and enjoy ourselves, but to remember those that have made it possible for us to have the freedom to celebrate this weekend.

In these next few lines I want to remember and pay tribute to all those that have served in the different branches of the Armed Services. Thanks to those that have gone before us, and fought for, and in many cases died for the freedoms that we enjoy today. And, thanks to those that serve today, standing guard, protecting and fighting for our freedoms.

I pay tribute to my deceased father, who, in his day, served in the Army during World War II. He was a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. He fought and was wounded for our country. In all my life, until now, I’ve never taken the time to think about his contribution to the freedoms we have today. So, even though he’s been gone for many years, I honor him and say THANK YOU!

I say thank you to my brother, who served in the Air Force in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. I thank him for his willingness to serve and defend our country.

Now, I have a nephew serving in the Navy. And, I want to make sure and thank him for his service. Even though he’s early in his career there, I appreciate him none the less.

So, this weekend, while you’re celebrating with your family and friends, enjoying yourself, having a good time, at the pool, on your boat, taking a trip, having a big juicy burger or steak, or whatever, take the time to remember who’s made it possible for you to have the freedom to do so. Remember those that have sacrificed greatly for you to enjoy yourself. If you take the time to do so, you may find yourself more appreciative for this weekend than ever before and you may enjoy yourself more than you ever have.

As an added extra, I heard this on the radio today and it sent chills up and down my spine. I think it’s a good reminder of why the members of our Armed Services are willing to sacrifice all for our country.

Have a great Memorial Day!

Anniversary 22

Wow, it’s been quite a few months since I’ve written anything on my blog. It seems like I’ve either been too busy or too physically and/or mentally tired, or all the above, to sit down and write something. But, today is a new day. Today is a different day, and one that I thought deserved my time and attention. It’s one that I really should take the time and reflect on life, just because of the significance of today. For today is my 22nd wedding anniversary.

Yes, 22 years of marriage. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long because it really hasn’t seemed like it. Time has really flown by. I guess time does really fly when you’re having fun. I know many times that’s said in jest, but I really do mean it. If you know my wife, you know that life with her could only be fun. And, it is.

My wife is a blessing. She is a great gift from God. It is a joy to live each and every day with her. I find it hard to believe that the Lord decided to bless me so richly. But, He did, and I just thank Him everyday and just go with it. I always feel that I’m the luckiest guy in the world because I have the best wife in the world. I know, other guys feel the same way about their wives, but this is my time to gloat and this is my blog.

The Lord has blessed me with a wife that loves her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She is a woman that has a big servant’s heart. My wife always has a great outlook on life. Even in the midst of trials, she’s always filled with joy and that joy is infectious. She is a wonderful Mom, who loves our kids beyond measure. Together, we have been blessed with 4 beautiful kids (another of God’s great gifts). She is my ultimate compliment in life, in that her personality compliments mine perfectly. When they say that opposites attract, it’s true. The Lord has given me the perfect mate because her strengths are not mine and mine are not hers. Most of all, though, my wife loves me and accepts me, as me. Regardless of my faults, failures, good points and victories, she loves me. And, I thank her for that. She is a great wife and friend.

So, as I think back on the last 22 years, I realize what a wonderful time it has been. I have been blessed with a wonderful wife, who I love dearly. It’s such a joy to be with her each day. I look forward to all of our future days together.

To my wife – I LOVE YOU and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Best Christmas Present Ever!

I’m sure you all saw the TV commercials leading up to Christmas this year, where there was a kid thinking back on a Christmas past, where they had received the best Christmas present imaginable at that time, like the Big Wheel, or the Christmas present that made their cousin so jealous. And, then they fast foward to the present, where the kid is now in their 30s or so, and they’re looking at their brand new Lexus, with a red bow on top, as they say the words “the best Christmas gift ever”.

I’m sure you’ve all had those Christmases over the years where you thought, this was it! This was absolutely the best Christmas, where I received the best Christmas gift ever! Nothing can ever top this! Come on, think about it. What Christmas gifts conjure up those memories of a Christmas so unforgettable? I know I have mine from the past. Mine was a bike I received as a kid, then a motorcycle at age 12, or the great watch that I received last year that I’ve worn just about every day since. There have been others as time has moved on.

But, yesterday, Christmas of 2008, all other Christmases, all other Christmas gifts will forever pail in comparison. For yesterday, I received the ABSOLUTE best Christmas gift ever.

It was Christmas morning and we had just finished opening the presents under the tree. At that time, my oldest son said that he had something else for everyone and he ran upstairs to his bedroom. In a minute he came back downstairs with 5 hand-written letters in his hand. One for each of his sisters, his little brother, his Mom, and me. I was already surprised and touched that he actually took the time to write 5 letters to us all. We asked him if he wanted us to read them out loud or to ourselves, but he didn’t care. So, we gave each other the option to read it out loud or not. My youngest daughter chose to read hers out loud and so she began. I was so pleased and moved by the love and care for his little sister that poured from the words that she read. I know that that had to really touch her heart knowing that she had a big brother like that. To be honest after that, I can’t remember who read theirs next or what it said because my wife and I had already begun to get choked up. Each letter to his siblings expressed, love, appreciation for them and him asking them for forgiveness for things he had done against them. Wow!

Then, I decided to read mine out loud. Needless to say, it wasn’t long before I couldn’t control my emotions and the tears began to flow. I’m not one that’s easily moved to tears and it has to be something that really hits me and hits me deep. It’s such a rare occasion that I had to endure the chorus from other members of the family saying “Oh my gosh, he does have emotions”. I actually had to laugh when that was said. Do you know how weird if feels to be laughing and crying at the same time? I actually had to have my youngest son finish reading the last couple of sentences because I couldn’t continue. Anyway, I was so moved and blessed by the things he had written. His words are and will be an encouragement to me. As a Dad, I often wonder am I doing things right, am I teaching them correctly, am I raising them right, am I spending enough time with them, am I making a difference in their lives? Well, by God’s grace, and by God putting it on his heart to write these letters this year, I have received an affirming answer. I never really expected to read anything like what I read in that letter yesterday.

Too many times in life and especially at Christmas time, we’re too focused on the material gifts that we get. We don’t see the great gifts that are right there all the time in front of us. Our relationships with our family members (kids, spouse, brothers, sisters, Mom, Dad, etc.) are more important than any material gift could ever be. Fortunately, I was awaken to that fact this Christmas. And, in the same fashion as the Lexus commercials, I think back to Christmases past and the times I have said “this is the best Christmas gift ever” and then I fast forward to Christmas present, and as I hold the letter from my oldest son in my hand, I can truly say with tears in my eyes and without a doubt, “this is the ABSOLUTE best Christmas gift EVER”!

I will be finding a frame to put it in.

Is There Such a Thing as a Drama King?

My last post that I wrote had to do with drama also. It seems to be a theme running through our family at this time. I was faced with the decision whether or not to combine this with my previous post. But, I decided that I should write separate posts about my 2 oldest kids.

So, is there such a thing as a “Drama King”? I don’t know. I’ve never heard the term used, but you never know. My oldest son is not really a “Drama King” in the sense of how the term “Drama Queen” is used, but he has had a couple of significant Drama related things happen to him recently that I thought were worthy of a post. So, in regards to those things, I’ll call him a “Drama King”.

My oldest son is one that really enjoys theater and has what I think is a gift in that area. He has the peronality for it, a strong, clear voice, and a knack for putting himself into character.

He, like my oldest daughter, is giving himself in service to our church this Christmas Eve, in our church’s Christmas Eve services. He is one of the Wise Men Apprentices. I was able to watch a little bit of the rehearsal yesterday and he did a really good job. It is such a thrill to see him using his abilities in that way. It is going to be such a great joy to be serving our Lord at the same time, on the same stage, on Christmas Eve. I can’t wait.

Most recently though, he landed the lead role in his upcoming school play, which will happen in February. This was a great thrill for him and I can’t wait to see the play. Unfortunately, we have 2 more months to wait. Anyway, he is hard at work with rehearsals and putting every ounce of energy he has into something he enjoys.

This past year has been a year of accomplishments for him that I hope he will always remember. I hope that he will reflect back on them and see God’s hand in them. His accomplishments of recovering from reconstructive knee surgery over a year ago, to making his school basketball team, to now getting the lead in the play. He has come so far.

The Drama Queen’s Servant Heart

I say the title of this post kind of tongue and cheek because although I do affectionately call her a “Drama Queen” around the house, I know that deep down she truly has a servant’s heart. I speak of my oldest here, who has over and over again impressed me and shown me what a true servant she can be, allowing God to use her through her love for theater and performing arts.

As parents, my wife and I have always encouraged our kids to find an area to serve in our church. My wife and I both believe strongly that God has given each of us gifts, abilities, talents and passions of our heart, that He can use for His glory and to build up the church body. In other words, find an area that you think you can contribute in, and get involved.

Over the past couple of years, I’ve watched my oldest flourish and just take off. As a teenager she started out getting involved in our children’s ministry. This soon morphed into involvement in a children’s ministry worship team. In this ministry I was blessed to watch her lead the young kids in praise and worship of our Lord. I watched her blossom into a leader, being relied on and depended on by the adult leadership of the group. What a great joy and thrill it was for her to be recognized for her leadership and willingness to stepup. Now, her service in our children’s ministry has grown into her role as what we call a “Large Group Leader”, which is responsible for the worship and teaching of a large group of kids. This role involves music, theater, leadership, teaching, her outgoing personality, and her overall love for kids. You can’t imagine the joy I feel when watching her use her gifts. I am truly amazed and blessed.

Now, as we approach Christmas, I will have the privilege and thrill of watching her use her gifts to bless those who attend our Christmas Eve services. She is a dancer and angel in our Christmas Eve service. She has been hard at work for a couple of months already leading up to this. I look forward to being able to see her do her thing. The unfortunate thing is that I won’t get to watch it as it happens, I’ll have to watch it via video. That’s because I will have the joy of being on the same stage, at the same time with her. Not dancing or acting, but doing my thing.