A Deviation From The Norm

I hesitate to write this but felt compelled to state just a very small part of my opinion. I normally avoid political diatribe. However, the recent discussion on gun rights has reminded me of how easily people are misled. Here is the wording of the 2nd Amendment. "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." It is a simple and yet dynamic phrase that is causing much consternation in our nation today. Here is my comments to both sides.

To the gun control people: It is first of all frustrating that you lie to the American people about the use of guns in crimes. The Sandy Hook shooting did not use an "assault rifle." Your use of terms are misleading and improper. If you want to have a discussion, use proper terminology and address the facts. Secondly, remember that this line of text stands for a purpose much greater than hunting and self defense. This country was established upon the will of a people using firearms to compete against the government troops on the field of battle. It was therefore necessary to establish forever that the American public would be able to maintain a force able to combat the governments army. This right was lost long ago as the weapons which the military possesses are far more advanced than anything available to the public. The debate over whether someone can have more bullets is rather menial and thus silly. Let's have a discussion about violence.

To the gun rights people: See my previous comment that your 2nd Amendment rights were discarded long ago. Therefore, save your vitriol to some degree. But again I want to point out that the amendment, while mentioning arms is first and foremost about a well organized militia. What I see in your arguments is more concerned with yourself. First make yourself a well organized militia and then ask for your guns. If you are really concerned with what the amendment is about, you would realize that it is directed to ensure people remember that in unity of mind and discipline of life and body was the revolutionary war won. Quibbling selfishness only undermines your argument. And also, recognize that there is a problem with violence and consider how you can help that problem rather than just your own.

Korean Reminder

As I track the news regarding the current animosity in Korea, I have been reminded of a few things. I first remember my grandfather who served in the military during the Korean Conflict. While we as Americans have forgotten much of the details of that time in history, it remains a constant personal reminder of a man I never knew. However, there is a more important lesson I have learned.

America invested about three years and over thirty thousand lives in this fight. However, much of that has been forgotten already by the general public. About sixty years have passed and the conflict rages in increasing intensity today with the renewed possibility of hostilities. What then was the impact of that sacrifice so many years ago? For what did those men give their lives?

I do not question the conflict nor its impact politically. That is not my area of expertise nor intent. What I do realize is that our lives are precious and dedicated to something each and every day. The question we must face each day is the worth of our goals and endeavors. Will the energy we expend each day matter for something important? We exhaust ourselves on all sorts of things. But is our effort going to a cause which will last the test of time and stand worthwhile against the backdrop of eternal history?

Only that which directs glory to God will stand against the abrasive and destructive power of time and perpetuity. As the old hymn aptly said, "Only one life twill soon be past, only what's done for Christ will last." Any war of human creation whether actual war or our own battles for personal achievement will ultimately fall as worthless endeavors.