Mormonism: Part I

This excerpt was taken from Mormon.org, the LDS website:
"The commandments of God have been restored through revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith and other prophets. You can know for yourself that these things are true by asking Heavenly Father in prayer."

Excerpt from the "restored commandments" of Mormonism:
Follow the Prophet: God reveals the truths necessary for salvation through prophets and apostles. The President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a living prophet.

However, the Bible says, "Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart." ~Jeremiah 14:14

"Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD." ~Jeremiah 23:16

"I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied." ~Jeremiah 23:21

"Behold, I [am] against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith." ~Jeremiah 23: 31

Greatest American IV

The last of the polls has begun, and it looks like we have a clear winner!

Feel free to discuss the polling.

Shattered Union

Here's an interesting future scenario from a modern-day video game.

The game features the former states splitting into six factions, with the European Union controlling Washington, D.C.

Upon destroying all other factions, the player is sent into a final war with Russia in Alaska.

Might we see some of this come to fruition? Maybe; many of the elements seem plausible.

On a side note, notice how the Governor of California in the game looks exactly like Anderson Cooper.

Governmental Blunders: Economic Woes

Where did the Government go wrong?

Governmental Blunder #103: Disregard For Constitution

Governmental Blunder #3,027: Substitution Of Money For Worthless Paper Currency

Governmental Blunder #11,001: More Disregard For Constitution

Governmental Blunder #21,535: Creation Of Federal Reserve System

Governmental Blunder #27,232: Even More Disregard For Constitution

Governmental Blunder #32,384: Practical Elimination Of Free Market System

Governmental Blunder #36,657: Still More Disregard For Constitution

Governmental Blunder #42,856: Nonsensical And Expensive Foreign Wars

Governmental Blunder #44,364: Still Couldn't Care Less About That Old Constitution

Governmental Blunder #49,735: Use Of Tax Money To Fund Lost Causes

Governmental Blunder #50,000: Use Of Constitution As Tinder For White House Fireplace

You can see that this is an incomplete list of Governmental Blunders; there are only so many hours in a day.

Blog Name Change

Don't be alarmed! The only thing that has changed is the official name of my blog; it has almost always been named "The Ideations of a Jayhawker", but I decided to go ahead and make it official.

We will now continue your regular programming...

Samuel Clemens: A Man Beyond His Time

"When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."

"I have never let my schooling interfere with my education."

"In the beginning of a change the patriot is a scarce man and brave, and hated and scorned. When his cause succeeds, the timid join him for then it costs nothing to be a patriot."

"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."

"No country can be well governed unless its citizens as a body keep religiously before their minds that they are the guardians of the law and that the law officers are only the machinery for its execution, nothing more."

"My kind of loyalty was to one's country, not to its institutions or its officeholders. The country is the real thing, the substantial thing, the eternal thing; it is the thing to watch over, and care for, and be loyal to; institutions are extraneous, they are its mere clothing, and clothing can wear out, become ragged, cease to be comfortable, cease to protect the body from winter, disease, and death."

"For in a Republic, who is "the country?" Is it the Government which is for the moment in the saddle? Why, the Government is merely a servant -- merely a temporary servant; it cannot be its prerogative to determine what is right and what is wrong, and decide who is a patriot and who isn't. Its function is to obey orders, not originate them."

"No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the congress is in session."

"Fleas can be taught nearly anything that a Congressman can."

"Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."

"The only difference between a tax man and a taxidermist is that the taxidermist leaves the skin."

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society."

The Gadsden Flag Competition: A Little Reminder

Just to make sure we don't get to many rejects, I would like to reiterate the style of song I'm looking for in this competition.

If your entry is along the lines of lyrics only, write it as a poem with a refrain.

If your entry is along the lines of a tune only, write it as a fanfare or an easily hummed tune. Consider America, the Beautiful, or God Save the South as inspiration. "Country Western" or "Rock" songs aren't the idea for this competition.

While it may appeal to some, America, the Beautiful doesn't sound too great as a drum solo, so keep it traditional.

As I've said before, there are many songs either directly or indirectly about the Gadsden Flag that don't properly respect or honor the flag as an American symbol. I want someone to produce a song that does the Rattler Flag justice.

Don't be shy; enter as many songs with as many alterations as you want.

Good luck!

Alaskan Independence: Part II: The Party

I highly support the Alaskan Independence Party. If ever I go to live in Alaska, I will most certainly join them. They are closely affilitated with the Constitution Party, which would certainly suffice as my party of choice, should I remain a Continental.

To be honest, the website best speaks for itself, so here are the links to the Alaskan Independence Party platform, stance on the issues, and stated goals.

Give Unto Caesar: A Disscussion of Christ's Teachings

"Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk."

The Pharisees were a very strict Jewish faction, and are now existing under the name of "Rabbinic Judaism". Their purpose is to unify, compile, and adhere to the law of Moses. (But, that's another article.)

"And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any [man]: for thou regardest not the person of men."

"Tell us therefore, What thinkest thou? Is it lawful to give tribute unto Caesar, or not?"
Please note the wording of the question: "Is it lawful..."

"But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, Why tempt ye me, ye hypocrites?"

"Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny."

"And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?"

"They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's."

"When they had heard these words, they marvelled, and left him, and went their way."

Jesus was asked if it is lawful to pay taxes. His response, in my opinion, meant "yes, only if that's the law". It would be silly for a person to pay taxes not required of them, and equally stupid to break the law by not paying what is due.

In America, we retain the right to protest an unfair law, or if it's an un-Constitutional law, to refuse it.
The Constitution is the law that supercedes all other laws in the U.S.; God's law supercedes all laws everywhere.


"And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King." ~Luke 23:2

Comments are welcome; discussion is encouraged.

Greatest American Poll III

The last poll, concerning the philosophy of government, has ended.

The tally now stands: Patrick Henry, 4; a tie stands for second place between John Adams and George Washington, each receiving 1 point.

Comments for the benefit of discussion are welcome.

Rights Not Enumerated IV

I've dropped another thirty five dollars towards a trophy wall by purchasing my archery tag for deer season this year, as today is the first day of deer season for muzzleloader and archery.

Back in the 1700's, deer season often included onions and salt. Today though, hunting seasons are one more way Big Brother squeezes us out of more of our own money.

Yesterday, I got my archery tag at Wal*Mart. The odd thing was that I to wait for about ten minutes before someone eventually showed themself.

After another ten minutes, I got my little little green card to sign; the same card that says: "We give you permission to go hunting on your own property."

I've already gotten my makeshift stand set up, though it needs a bit more work.

I'm not going hunting until it's colder and the bucks have rid themselves of their velvet, which may take a while due to Global Warming.

Then again, Global Cooling may speed up that process.

'Course, when you take Global Temperature Stagnation into consideration, natural cycles could go on indefinitely.

Don't Tread on My Flag: The Gadsden Flag Song Competition

I feel it's a shame that one of the grandest flags ever to fly over American soil doesn't have a legitimate song, so I plan to bring attention to the forgotten flag, and restore it to prominence as an American symbol.

And so, I do hereby state that I shall be holding a competition for best music and lyrics for a song about the Gadsden Flag. You may enter a tune, lyrics, or both.

(I'm well aware of the various rock "songs" named "Don't Tread on Me"; that is not legitimate music, so don't even think of entering anything like that.)

The winner will get full credit at an exhibition of the song here at my blog, and possibly other places. Again, tunes, lyrics or both may be entered; the best of either of these categories will be chosen.

You may use this post to comment your entry for lyrics. If your entry contains music, simply comment a link to your video such as from Vimeo or YouTube.

So, show your musical genius as well as American patriotism, and get to work on it!
If nobody submits a decent song, I will submit my own song and declare myself the winner. (And nobody wants that!)

The competition ends November first; the winner and song will debut here on the third.

Alaska: The Last Frontier

Eight stars of gold on a field of blue -

Alaska's flag. May it mean to you

The blue of the sea, the evening sky,

The mountain lakes, and the flow'rs nearby;

The gold of the early sourdough's dreams,

The precious gold of the hills and streams;

The brilliant stars in the northern sky,

The "Bear" - the "Dipper" - and, shining high,

The great North Star with its steady light,

Over land and sea a beacon bright.

Alaska's flag - to Alaskans dear,

The simple flag of a last frontier.

Alaskan Independence: Part I: The Founder

Joe Vogler was born a native Kansan in 1913.

In 1934, five years after enrolling at the age of 16 on a scholarship, he attained a law degree from the University of Kansas, and was admitted to the Kansas State Bar at age 21.

He eventually moved to Alaska in 1942, where he worked for the Army Corps of Engineers for nine years before homesteading there and taking up gold-mining.

After many years of actively petitioning and campaigning for the secession of Alaska, he formed the Alaskan Independence Party in 1984.

The quote for which he is best known is: "I'm an Alaskan, not an American. I've got no use for America or her ------ institutions." (Just keepin' it clean.)

Another famous quote is: "The fires of hell are frozen glaciers compared to my hatred for the American government. And I won't be buried under their ---- flag. I'll be buried in Dawson. And when Alaska is an independent nation they can bring my bones home."

Don't be mislead by the above quote; I'm certain that he meant the politicians running the American government. He often carried a pocket-Constitution with him, so he was a tried and true American, if only in spirit.

My favourite of his is: "Government is not the giver of rights; only God confers these to the people. People create government, giving it certain and limited powers. Only eternal vigilance by the people will confine government to its proper role."

He was murdered mysteriously in 1993, supposedly by Manfried West, a thief.

He was buried in a shallow grave before finally being laid to rest in Dawson, Yukon Territory, Canada.

No U.S. flag flies over his grave.

Arriba Obama!

Third-world felons love Obama; take a hint!

Greatest American Poll

Whew! I almost forgot to change out the poll!

The tally now stands with Patrick Henry in first place with two votes, and John Adams in second place with one.

To let you know, I will not vote in any of the polls unless there's a tie; I want this to be reader's choice.

I'm thinkin' about starting a "Worst American Politician" poll...oh, never mind.

AIP: The Great Conservative Secessionist Party of Alaska

Before I opine later on today about the Alaskan Independence Party and their platform, I thought I might as well go ahead and post their links.

Please pardon my brevity, but I wanted to hurry up and get this post in before I forget about it (again).

Expect more later.

Romans 13: Tool of Tyrants? II

The following are relevant KJV Bible verses from Romans 13 in italics. My commentary is in "blue".

The American form of government is different from any other government ever conceived on earth. What I say here is only my humble opinion, and does not cover the civil obligations of other nations and governments.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
What is the highest power in the United States? The Constitution.
So, what power has God ordained in America? The Constitution.

Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
Who or what is resisting the Constitution more and more everyday?

For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
This is clearly anti-Anarchist and anti-Tyranny. It is meet that man have good government, it only makes sense.

For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
Don't break the law. It’s that easy.

Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
Again, by grace of God, we have inherited a good Constitution and usually just by-laws.

For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
A good government cannot run on empty.

Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
Notice "to whom...is due"; very important. There are few obligations to which we, as Americans, are forced to submit.

Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Here, we're told to follow the law of God, and we won't have anything to worry about.
More importantly, here we are given basic law-making guidelines.

All good and basic laws emanate from God.

Basically, the current three branches of government, by sidelining the Constitution (highest American power), are in complete rebellion against God and God-ordained law; thus, they shall receive to themselves damnation from God, lest they repent.

I humbly thank God that I'm an American; I'm not prideful, but thankful. I'm thankful that I'm answerable to a just Law, and a just God.

Romans 13: A Tool for Tyrants?

A shocker?

Maybe not... governments have been using and abusing "spiritual leaders" for millenia in order to establish empires.

The Bible says to obey the law of the land.

And, what law would that be, children?

O Thus Be It Ever

I've been wondering about the national anthem lately. (Not "Dixie", I'm talking about the yankee one.)

I would support a move to replace The Star Spangled Banner with America, The Beautiful as the United States' national anthem. The Star Spangled Banner is more about the flag, and it's somewhat difficult to sing. America, the Beautiful, on the other hand, is more easily ranged and the lyrics are more patriotic to the land as opposed to the State, such as in The Star Spangled Banner.

The only compromise I would make to my proposition is if we only had to sing the final stanza of the current anthem; that I like:

"O thus be it ever
when free-men shall stand
Between their lov'd home and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace,
may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserv'd us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust!”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

A Discussion of the Last Poll

The previous 2nd Amendment poll stated:
"Should Automatic Firearms be Legal?"

Answers:
"Yes"
"No"
"Only with a Federal License"
"States should Decide"

Out of 11 votes, 9 chose "Yes", and 2 chose "States Should Decide".

Please comment your...comments, for the benefit of discussing and explaining your answer to the poll.

Greatest American Politican

Please excuse my lack of posting, but I have been stricken by a Third World plague.
Having been wallowing in freakish misery for the past couple of days, I have neither hunted nor blogged. I have discovered that my winged adversaries (read: doves) have taken advantage of my absence, and have made the telephone wire outside of my house a rest stop. I’m glad they’ve had time to fatten! Anyway...

Due to a recent discussion between Stephen Boyd and myself, I shall endeavor to create a list of the greatest American politicians during the founding of the U.S., to be chosen by you.

I am compiling the names of the United States’ founders, and will be polling my readers accordingly.

The list will be based on political stance, as well as over all achievement.
This task will last well into next month, so please bear with me on my undertaking.

The poll will have you select one of the Founding Fathers based on their respective stance on the currently stated issue. The issue will be changed every week.

The order of issues will be:
1. Stance on the 2nd Amendment;
2. Philosophy of Government;
3. Religion or morals;
4. Best quote.

So begins the undertaking!

(Notice: I will be very put out with people that vote more than once!)

Just Clocking In

All of this nasty weather is really cramping my style! It has been overcast and rainy all day, so I haven't fully gotten my dove hunting fix. No doves have been downed, yet. Of course, about two dozen doves are just down the road, always out of reach, save a few stragglers. (No joke, I think they know my address!)

I've been able to get in a little archery practice this past week; I've gotten decent groupings at the fifteen-yard peg, so if I ever get back out there again, I'll set my twenty-yard sights.

You may expect another "Rights Not Enumerated" posting within the next week. As deer season approaches, so approaches licensing, fees, interrogation, obligation, identification, among many other "-ations". Blog fodder, all of it.

What else can you expect, though? I'm an angry American!
I'm as mad as Blazes, and I'm not going to take this anymore!
(Pardon my Slavic.)

Recollect The Spirit Manifested

Considering that he’s at the top of my list of America’s greatest politicians, I’m surprised I’d never found this quote from Thomas Jefferson before:

"On every question of construction (of the Constitution) let us carry ourselves back to the time when the Constitution was adopted, recollect the spirit manifested in the debates, and instead of trying what meaning may be squeezed out of the text, or invented against it, conform to the probable one in which it was passed." ~Thomas Jefferson

It is this quote that may quash the debate over the Second Amendment.

If only a vox populi could publicly ask any member of congress, ask any chief of staff, ask any candidate for any office, “If the Second Amendment doesn’t mean that the general population may keep and bear arms to their own satisfaction, what does it mean?”

To this they might say anything, but show them Jefferson's quote and the arguments from the Founding Fathers, and the debate would be won.

The time for debate is over!

All the Better to Keep You Safe, My Dear!

With the Hurricane Gustav non-crisis going on, I feel that this would be a good time for a discussion of mandatory evacuations and the dangers thereof.

Just how caring is the U.S. Government for our personal safety?
It would appear to me that the U.S. and state governments are using the excuse of "safety" from natural disasters as pretext to take guns and generally loot homes and businesses.

To begin with, there’s Katrina: a category 5 hurricane that struck New Orleans, the filthiest sinkhole of sin and crime in the South.

There, one of the most wretched usurpations of power ever seen after a natural disaster took place. I’ve mentioned it before, but, for the moment, I shall resurrect the little-reported story of the Katrina gun-confiscation of 2005:



Also from Katrina, New Orleans police looting a Wal*Mart store:



Katrina is not the only recent natural disaster in which tyranny reigns; Greensburg, Kansas also felt the sting of usurpation. I cannot adequately express the importance of this nationwide issue.

Now, Louisiana residents are faced with homelessness because the "Authorities", formerly known as "Civil Servants", aren't allowing them back home.

Don't ever evacuate, it may be more dangerous!

The 2nd Amendment Poll

It's in a dead heat between "Self-Defense" and "Protection from Government".

Okay, I admit it, I voted on my own poll for "Protection from Government".

I'm glad the tie is between those two, because those are the only two correct answers. If nobody else is going to vote, then I declare a tie!



I shall include relevent quotes:

"The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." ~Thomas Jefferson

"Are we at last brought to such humiliating and debasing degradation, that we cannot be trusted with arms for our defense? Where is the difference between having our arms in possession and under our direction, and having them under the management of Congress? If our defense be the real object of having those arms, in whose hands can they be trusted with more propriety, or equal safety to us, as in our own hands?" ~Patrick Henry, 1836

"The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The right of the whole people, old and young, men, women and boys, and not militia only, to keep and bear arms of every description, and not such merely as are used by the milita, shall not be infringed, curtailed, or broken in upon, in the smallest degree; and all this for the important end to be attained: the rearing up and qualifying a well-regulated militia, so vitally necessary to the security of a free State. Our opinion is that any law, State or Federal, is repugnant to the Constitution, and void, which contravenes this right." ~Nunn vs. State, 1846