Monday, December 7, 2015

The No Fly List And Firearm Purchases

Many folks (including all of the liberals I know) think it is absurd to allow folks on the federal No-Fly lists (supposedly of suspected terrorists) to purchase firearms.

As a liberal, I have some concerns with the idea they should be barred from exercising any constitutional rights.

My concern starts with the "no fly list" itself. How has it been created? What sorts of checks and balances are there regarding people who get listed? Are there any due process protections? Say, a right to know the evidence on which the listing is based? (Those charged with crimes have the right to "be confronted with the witnesses against him;" should those on the no-fly list have lesser rights?)

Let's look at the use of the no-fly list when it comes to other constitutionally protected rights*

Let's say 'you' somehow end up on the no fly list. Should your right to free speech be negated? Your rights against unreasonable searches and seizures? Your right to peaceably assemble with others? Your right "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

= = = =
* Note, I personally don't think the constitution confers an individual right to own arms, but the Supreme Court has declared otherwise.
And I recognize a certain absurdity with not allowing some folks to fly because they are potentially dangerous but letting them buy whatever firearms they want.

As 'they' say, "hard cases make bad law."

Perhaps this is an example?

Monday, November 9, 2015

Starbucks War On Christmas. Real Or Fantasy?


Regarding the Perceived Starbucks War On Christmas.



Some of my fellow Christians are upset about the 2015 Starbucks “Christmas” cup - a plain red cup with just their logo.  Apparently they feel this choice is an attack on Christianity.

I am mystified by the idea that this choice (1) is seen as an attack on Christianity and (2) that Christians could possible be afraid of this perceived attack, this perceived shadow of death.

Come on folks, you’re embarrassing the rest of us.  Scripture repeatedly tells us: “Be not afraid, I am the Lord.”

As a refresher, let's run through the 23rd Psalm again:

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

King James Version (KJV)

Seasons greetings to all.

Regarding the Perceived Starbucks War On Christmas.



Some of my fellow Christians are upset about the 2015 Starbucks “Christmas” cup - a plain red cup with just their logo.  Apparently they feel this choice is an attack on Christianity.

I am mystified by the idea that this choice (1) is seen as an attack on Christianity and (2) that Christians could possible be afraid of this perceived attack, this perceived shadow of death.

Come on folks, you’re embarrassing the rest of us.  Scripture repeatedly tells us: “Be not afraid, I am the Lord.”

As a refresher, let's run through the 23rd Psalm again:

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

King James Version (KJV)

Seasons greetings to all.


Friday, January 30, 2015

Texas Teacher Self-defense Bill

I was prepared to go all liberal-postal, and figured if I read the actual Texas bill, I'd get some really good stuff.

But I found that the Texas bill just clarifies that existing Texas "self-defense" law also applies to teachers on the job - a clarification that doesn't really seem to be needed, although one would have to look to how the courts have actually applied the existing law

(If you read it, note that each section of the bill laying out the availability of the self-defense rule cross-references existing Texas law as applicable to teachers.)

http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/tlodocs/84R/billtext/pdf/HB00868I.pdf#navpanes=0

OTOH - to the extent that Texas law already allows use of deadly force to defend property strikes me as pretty strange values.


The existing Texas law is what should have people alarmed, IMO.

Also- some observations regarding 'Stand Your Ground' laws: see, http://rjw-progressive.blogspot.com/2014/02/stand-your-ground-laws.html.