The-God cannot usurp a human-being's authority to choose crime: the-good-people must

Phil Beaver works to establish opinion when the-objective-truth has not been discovered. He seeks to refine his opinion by listening to other people’s experiences and observations. The comment box below invites readers to express facts, opinion, or concern, perhaps to share with people who may follow the blog.

Note:  I often connect words in a phrase with dashes in order to represent an idea. For example, frank-objectivity represents the idea of candidly expressing the-objective-truth despite possible error. In other words, the writer expresses his “belief,” knowing he could be in error. People may collaboratively approach the-objective-truth.

The Advocate:  See online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge

  

Our Views. Is this idea, “Let’s go back to before,” an original with The Advocate, or did it come from Gov. John Bel Edwards? Everybody knows humans don't go back to before.

The GOP may take charge and drum Edwards out of influence. Solve the state’s budget woes by cutting costs, especially special-interest favors, and deliver the bill to Edwards’ desk. No new taxes.

On a separate front, pass the gas-tax increase and get on with road upgrades with strong DOTD oversight. No more La 1 at Port Allen bridge failures!

Today’s thought, Alvin Plantinga. He’s only a Christian philosopher---not a god, but I paraphrase Plantinga’s $1.4 million thought: Each human being is born so psychologically powerful that God allows every person to choose either good or evil behavior.

This thought informs us that separation of church from state is essential for civic justice:  Some humans choose evil behavior and God does not intervene. 

Therefore, the people must take charge of civic justice.

   

Stephanie Grace column, “speak up”. “Speak up” prompts “listen up.”

Listen to the preamble to the constitution for the USA (1787), Abraham Lincoln, and Alvin Plantinga, for example, to understand the source of justice: The people rather than theism.

Warned by the CSA to prepare for war because “public opinion at the North has invested a great political error with the sanction of more erroneous religious belief,” Abraham Lincoln, perhaps drawing from the preamble, responded on March 4, 1861, “Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?” Lincoln urged the people to accept responsibility for justice, but the reality of theism brought war.

On April 25, 2017, RNS announced that Alvin Plantinga won the Templeton Prize. Some philosophers view “theistic belief as logically incompatible with the reality of evil.” Plantinga, a Christian, counters that, “in a world with free creatures, God cannot determine their behavior, so even an omnipotent God might not be able to create a world where all creatures will always freely choose to do good.” Thus, Plantinga supported Lincoln’s 1861 claim: Justice comes from the people rather than God.

It is alright for black power and black theology to hope that their God will deliver them to supremacy--- every city will yield to their demands. It is not alright for elected officials to ignore the source of justice.

New Orleans, Louisiana, and the USA, may listen to history and reverse the intent to remove more monuments.

   

George Will column (tax reform hard). It will not be easy. However, there must be a first step, and that is the bright part of each of President Trump’s initiatives. He does not hesitate to start. It is up to the people to support and finish.

   

Jeff Sadow column. Sadow, I appreciate the research you do and want to understand your message, but it is not happening.

In this case, I think Orleans Defenders Office (ODO) spent $227/filing in 2015 compared to $38 in 1996. I have no idea what OPD did. You talk about so many different courts. How can I sort your numbers?

I understand 164 murders in 2015 vs 363 in 1995 and 3736 violent crimes in 2015 vs 10,876 in 1995.

So crime is drastically down, with ratios 0.34 crime, 0.45 murder and 3.2 cost. Thus, cost is 7.1 to 9.4 high. With $7 million spent, $1 million seems enough.

What happened to $6 million? Judges and lawyers statutorily ate it?

 

Michael Gerson column (Trump an imbecile). Gerson, you disappoint me.

Trump is an administrator, perhaps the best the USA has ever seen. If any of the other candidates had won the election, the administration might have been filled with career do-nothing politicians.

  

You may begin to understand what is happening by focusing on the accomplishments of Trump’s cabinet---the USA’s cabinet. Tell us your thoughts on cabinet members’ works and then you might be able to communicate with us, the readers.

Never before has a president so constantly informed the people. Never before has a president freed the people from the media and the sociology polls. But the media and pollsters are clueless.

 

Decision rumors (1B). To Nancy M. Jeansonne: Behavior The Advocate attributes to “leaders” seem to me to be Alinsky-Marxist organized (AMO) instigators.

 

Listen to this 1967 conversation with Alinsky: youtube.com/watch?v=OsfxnaFaHWI .

 

At 0.67 minutes, Buckly calls Alinsky the revolutionary of American churches.

 

At 16 minutes, he establishes the “constitutional amendment” (my interpretation) that empowers

AMO: after a community has been burned, they are the people the government must settle with.

  

At 19:25 he talks about having no ideology beyond liberal democracy; the people take power and solve the problems as they arise.

At 23:14, “The right thing to do.” (Quoting the 2016 Gov. Edwards?)

 

I do not understand The Advocate using AMO language to describe the people who met as “leaders” without the help of Saul Alinsky talking for Saul Alinsky. Is The Advocate an AMO agent rather than a business opportunist?

And what does John Delgado know and how does he know?

Sales Tax (1A). Renewal of any part of the extra sales tax would be sheer negligence by the Legislature and the administration. Cut special-interest favors.

Pope on Korea (2A). Since when did the papal-government partnership extend to the far east?

NC College pledge (14A). There should be some conservative pledges to offset the liberal democrat pledges.

Selling a home but keeping the mortgage with advice from the buyer’s lawyer (16A). The church left out the first of the deadly errors: gullibility.

Readers can’t trust the Associated Press, and Matt Sedensky did not give enough detail about how the scam works.

Immigrants rallies (17A). I wonder if Obama’s AMO organization, perhaps OFA (ofa.us) is a sponsor. The Associated Press could tell us who the sponsors are, but Sophia Tareen and Amy Taxin did not say.

Big bomb (20A). The media wants to lessen Trump’s accomplishments, but the US military dropped that bomb. I understood the Islamic State was their target and would not be interested in a writer’s second guess.

Same wavelength (21A). Readers may understand that sociologists start with an idea, create subjective studies to prove their idea, and get some statistics. They report an idea but know nothing about discovered-reality or the-objective-truth.

  

Phil Beaver does not “know” the-indisputable-facts. Phil trusts and is committed to the-objective-truth of which most is undiscovered and some is understood.

Phil Beaver is agent for A Civic People of the United States, a Louisiana, education non-profit. See online at promotethepreamble.blogspot.com.

Plantinga: whatever-God-is assigned to human individuals the responsibility for peace

Phil Beaver works to establish opinion when the-objective-truth has not been discovered. He seeks to refine his opinion by listening to other people’s experiences and observations. The comment box below invites readers to express facts, opinion, or concern, perhaps to share with people who may follow the blog.
Note:  I often connect words in a phrase with dashes in order to represent an idea. For example, frank-objectivity represents the idea of candidly expressing the-objective-truth despite possible error. In other words, the writer expresses his “belief,” knowing he could be in error. People may collaboratively approach the-objective-truth.

The Advocate:  See online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge

Our Views. I’ll be interested in the votes in St. Tammany as well as EBRP.

 

Today’s thought, Ezekiel 7:19. Ezekiel ben-Buzi wrote 2600 years ago about total disaster that consumes everything and everybody, including the rich. It is a description of the human condition of facing the unknown. While it is good to provide for both daily and long term security as best we can, the best defense against the unknown is psychological maturity, no matter what comes.

Letters

James Longstreet a reformer (Gibbens). I appreciate the report of Longstreet’s reform, but I have read enough about that controversial site in New Orleans.

Sadow’s argument (Grice). I think Sadow was making a plea for relief from road lock now. These major expenditures are years away, even if there is a gas-tax increase.

History (Petitifils). Removing monuments like burning books. Good point. And the cost is now at around $1 million for four, and black power has the goal to remove over 150 CSA items.

 

Froma Harrop column, “Trump . . . tech workers”. I appreciate the information and affirmation that H-1B adds to company profits by taking advantage of foreign workers at 40% lower pay.

Canada raised wage levels for foreign workers.

 

Walter Williams column “Fake news of doom from environmentalists”. I kept looking for atmospheric temperature will keep going up and was disappointed with no climate warming.

1939, the U.S. Department of the Interior said domestic oil supplies good for 13 years

1970, George Wald – civilization ends within 30 years

1970, Paul Ehrlich 10 years to important sea-animal life gone

1970, Kenneth Watt the world chilling

1974 the U.S. Geological Survey 10-year natural gas supply vs 2014 at 100 years

1975, Nigel Calder ice age likely death and misery

1975, C.C. Wallen cooling will persist

2000, David Viner snow will soon stop

Stephen Schneider and Sen. Timothy Wirth, D-Colo defended lying for correct ends

 

Byron York column (Trump’s 100). I appreciate the review and am pleased about my votes in November, 2016. Trump is taking action to push a broken rope.

Broome (Page 1). Mayor Broome told us her administration would be about dialogues on racism and church. When things don’t seem right, it’s a matter of understanding what’s wrong. 

We are informed on Page 3D that Alvin Plantinga reasons, “in a world with free creatures, God cannot determine their behavior, so even an omnipotent God might not be able to create a world where all creatures will always freely choose to do good.” More than ever before, I commend Baton Rouge to separate church and state, even though Louisiana may not and the USA may not, Baton Rouge may establish voluntary public-integrity; see promotethepreamble.blogspot.com. Beyond that opportunity, following Plantinga’s reasoning (and Abraham Lincoln’s, too), safety & security comes from the people rather from God. In this country, government represents the people, and therefore, government cannot abdicate safety & security to God.

A couple weeks ago, perhaps I met my first Louisiana member of the Nation of Islam. He said he was so nice to me and MWW because he subscribes to the beliefs of the 5 percenters, even though he is not a Muslim. I asked him to send me a url to information about it. The subsequent stonewalling changed my view of black church, which also stonewalls me. 

Not only is black-church black, it may define a new factional-Christianity, like Catholic, factional-Protestant, Eastern Orthodox, Coptic and others. (I don’t know how black-Catholic fits in the image I express.) I acquired my thirst for understanding by attending Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s speech at Southern University in February, 2015. I also attended F. King Alexander’s Symposium, Moment or Movement (title inspired by Raymond Jetson’s speech) and learned quite a bit that is difficult to understand without youtube videos of Muhammad Ali in 1968 and 1971, for example. Also, there’s Saul Alinsky (sub-Christian?) in 1967 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsfxnaFaHWI .

Religion has no standing in voluntary public-integrity: No human being will collaborate about their God yet everyone may conform to statutory law. No one can tell a person their personal God is not all-powerful, but the public cannot be so challenged. Baton Rouge may have broadly-defined-public-safety-and-security so that real-no-harm private pursuits such as personal God are unencumbered in public-justice.

Prison plan (Page 1A). I appreciate The Advocate’s detailed coverage of this issue.

This article seems to lend credence to the people’s interest and support for law-enforcement first responders. Their experience with violent criminals weighs heavily on best interests for public safety.

The legislature and the governor need to be acting for safety rather than for safety-cost reductions to be used for other functions.

Pope in Egypt (Page 2A). The pope experienced toleration by El-Tayeb respecting “fairness.” I wonder how he feels about that.

Protections losses (Page 2A). The doctor-unions support for Obamacare has always perplexed me. It does not seem ethical.

Flynn vetting (Page 3A). The Associated Press cannot be trusted. Chad Day ducks the question of when Flynn was there.

It was during the Obama administration. “Flynn gave paid remarks in Moscow in December 2015 for an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of Russia Today, the Kremlin-backed network.”
 
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4223772/Mike-Flynn-called-vulnerable-blackmail.html#ixzz4fh8Ss1SH 

Monument removal (Page 10A). The cost approaches $1 million for 4 of perhaps 150 items in black power and black theology’s sights.

Alvin Plantinga (Page 3D). Alvin Plantinga reasons, “in a world with free creatures, God cannot determine their behavior, so even an omnipotent God might not be able to create a world where all creatures will always freely choose to do good.”

Following Plantinga’s reasoning (and Abraham Lincoln’s, too), safety & security comes from the people rather from God. In this country, government represents the people, and therefore, neither the people nor government can abdicate safety & security to God.

Phil Beaver does not “know” the-indisputable-facts. Phil trusts and is committed to the-objective-truth of which most is undiscovered and some is understood.

Phil Beaver is agent for A Civic People of the United States, a Louisiana, education non-profit. See online at promotethepreamble.blogspot.com.

April 28, 2017

Phil Beaver works to establish opinion when the-objective-truth has not been discovered. He seeks to refine his opinion by listening to other people’s experiences and observations. The comment box below invites readers to express facts, opinion, or concern, perhaps to share with people who may follow the blog.
Note:  I often connect words in a phrase with dashes in order to represent an idea. For example, frank-objectivity represents the idea of candidly expressing the-objective-truth despite possible error. In other words, the writer expresses his “belief,” knowing he could be in error. People may collaboratively approach the-objective-truth.

The Advocate:  See online at theadvocate.com/baton_rouge

Our Views (Don’t . . . prison reforms. This column really makes me mad.

The legislative process involves lots of meetings with no-good special interests. I never have liked the make-up of the task force.

I am only a reader, but the impression I acquired through my own fault is that most of the overzealous sentencing was for drugs and other non-violent offenders. I had no idea preserving cold-blooded murders was overlooked by the task force only to be picked up by my state senator for the sake of religious beliefs. Good grief: God is in charge of the afterdeath and left it to the people to take charge of public safety and security!

I am dissatisfied that the task force did not consider legislation to take better advantage of DNA in conviction, sentencing and possible execution; failure to incorporate care for mental patients now handled in prisons; imposition of religion on captive inmates; and prison reduction before rehabilitation systems are in place. So, in a vote of confidence, I favor the sheriffs and DA’s and investigators, firemen, EMS, and other first responders vs the task force, the governor, the legislature, and especially The Advocate.

The Advocate for reasons they know castigate the sheriffs, who have just as much right as anyone to have their say when they decide to have their say. Quoting The Advocate, “Suddenly, late in the game, the sheriffs now declare: ‘We oppose reduction in sentences of violent offenders.’ Meaningful reductions in prison populations cannot be made without affecting some convicted of violent crimes.”

Where’s the data to support that statement, The Advocate? It’s a simple thing to look it up and quote, the percentage reduction attributed to violence or the number of prisoners. Did you read Pat Brister’s letter, published on the same page? I find his statements more reliable, but again I am only a reader reading his percentages rather than naked propaganda.

Legislature, don’t miss a chance to support first responders in public safety; pay no attention to The Advocate’s business plan---whatever it is.

Our Views, April 26. To William Bonin: In 1861, South Christianity held that North Christianity was in error to think emancipation should happen. 

 

In the declaration of secession, the CSA listed complaints and concluded, "public opinion at the North has invested a great political error with the sanction of more erroneous religious belief."

 

Wright seems to say God is black; "The Word" came from the Mother Continent; Jesus is olive-skinned; black-Americans are God's chosen people. The only way a white can save his or her soul is to help black-Americans become masters and whites slaves. I think Wright's message was delivered in the Metro-Council meeting I referenced.

Religion has no standing in public-integrity---not in 1861 and not in 2017. The-objective-truth does not yield to US Supreme Court opinion, such as Greece v Galloway (2014). I hope the-objective-truth prevails according to willing citizens sooner rather than later.

  

Abraham Lincoln, also in 1861 responded to the CSA opinion about God, "Why should there not be a patient confidence in the ultimate justice of the people? Is there any better or equal hope in the world?” Why did the 2014 court ignore Lincoln's brilliance?

 

Later, you ask who I am. I am a person, one among the personhood of humankind.

To David Martin: you, Chuck and Elaine prompt me to ask: Why aren't a civic people (those who subscribe to the preamble to the constitution for the USA, for example), marching on New Orleans city hall for relief from the monuments tyranny---the tip of an iceberg?

 

It is well advertised that black theology and black power AMO intends to erase every reminder of the CSA in New Orleans---every monument and street name, numbering over 100. 

 

Until a couple weeks ago, I thought black church was Christian. However, I suspect black church would not say so for reasons only the theist could express---one person suggested “Ethiopian”: I do not know, so I stopped writing "Christian"---it's black church until I am told what they prefer. Some citizens subscribe to the Nation of Islam, which I personally encountered only a couple weeks ago. But I have long since been incredulous about Muhammad Ali’s speeches; blacks are part of humankind and may embrace inclusion anytime they want to. I want to collaborate for public-integrity, and there are a hand full of people who are helping.

 

I think there are a few reasons a civic people don't march. First, a civic people are incredulous when unjust ideas surface. Second, a civic people do not think marching on city hall is the way to accomplish public-integrity. Third, a civic people want peace but demand independent-liberty---do not trust organizers to represent them. Fourth, a civic people have a tendency to let unjust ideas play out.

   

In this case, Mayor Landrieu has distinguished himself as a public divider and tyrant. He said he did not know where his action would lead, but he knew where it would start. I think the removal of the Liberty Monument is a sufficient face-saving accomplishment to justify a reversal on the balance of Landrieu’s misguided religious campaign against New Orleans. I encourage Landrieu to end his travesty against the people.

I was there with Nungesser, last year, when he made his plea to a senate committee to gain state control over what I agree is state and federal property, too. He faced a black-power vote but spoke anyway. I naively spoke about how the commission should operate! 

 

Gov. Edwards perceives black-power, whether he has it or not. Nungesser understandably appealed to President Trump. But why should a president relieve a mayor and a governor of their opportunities to stop tyranny? It’s like a father usurping his growing son’s last foot of delivery of the milk to the refrigerator shelf.

I commend Mayor Landrieu to reverse his religious crusade.

 

Today’s thought, Proverbs 27:1. Solomon wrote this pretty late in the game of human awareness, but there’s nothing profound in the thought. 
 
Dean’s reminder to make the most of today prompts my ninety minutes stretching, strengthening, walking, and watching the skaters and bikers do tricks. 
  

Beyond Solomon’s awareness, “the sun’ll come up tomorrow” is a metaphor to express that, viewed pretty far from either pole, the rotation of the earth on its axis will unhide in the east the sun that was hidden last evening in the west.

Letters

Carville (Hoffman). I agree.

I was disappointed that Berry attacked Carville, who to me as a great person and great LSU alum. Thanks for a family glimpse.

Of course, it’s none of my business beyond being a red-neck from Knoxville but five decades a Baton Rougean and glad to be an American.

Most Americans appreciate past military actions and collaborate in the continuing fight for freedom from oppression so we may daily earn the liberty to live according to personal preferences.

LSU: please do something to honor W. T. Sherman, and the parade ground seems appropriate.

St. Tammany prison (Brister). Is the State of Louisiana aware of your success?

Would you allow The Advocate to quote your percentages to help convince us that violent criminals need not be released in order to significantly reduce prison populations?  Did the governor’s task force notice that 25% of cases involve serious mental illness? 85% substance abuse issues?

I’ll check on your election results, but will still keep my home in Baton Rouge. I do not want to leave either my neighbors or our neighborhood.

Appeal for reason (Doremus). I like your ideas, excepting one: hate still widely practiced.

I don’t know how hate entered the human vocabulary, because hate must be learned. 

 

I especially reject its attribution to Jesus (Luke 14:26). “Hate” is the New Testament’s most egregious error.

 

I think the future can be better if we focus on reasons to appreciate each other. I think respect must be earned, and behavior that justifies appreciation invites respect. No one wants to receive empathy or tolerance, but appreciation is always welcome. Love is often too much, but appreciation brings smiles and good cheer.

Prison reform without public safety (Landry). When a task force has bad direction look to the creator of the task force: Gov. Edwards.

 

The Advocate touts Texas but does not share that Texas invested $240 million for alternatives to prison. Why try to hide the facts from your readers?

 

I am disappointed the Attorney General does not talk of expediting adjudication when DNA evidence is strong. Court-cost savings over $1 billion/year must be available with stronger legislation---no or fewer appeals, shorter trials.

 

I feel Landry is supporting our first responders rather than the criminals and don’t understand everyone else taking the opposite view.

 

What state-dollar funnel is the Governor really trying to feed?

  

George Will column, “shifting president”. I stopped reading at NATO. The other members are paying up, Will.

 

I don’t know what else you addressed, but people are responding to Trump and that’s what voters wanted. 

I skipped to your last paragraph. Trump voters wanted Trump as he was: Someone who does not have time for lies but gives people an alternative lie to chew on when they lie. I’m a Trump voter and am pleased with his progress. When I become discouraged, I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, don’t be imagining my opinion: I like my vote. Hey: did you want Hillary?

 

Dana Milbank column (Marijuana prayers). This was a very funny column.

It is unfortunate that writers keep pushing public opinion (pollsters) as the determinant of public policy.

 

If pollsters were in control, Hillary Clinton would be president. 

 

The USA is not a democracy, much less a liberal democracy. It is a representative republic, in long-needed reform, I hope.

 

Stephanie Grace column (Edwards’ other tax failure). Edwards never expected the tax to pass. 

Edwards has fake leadership. 

 

Landrieu (online) To Gene P Smith. I agree with your points.

 

Also, this is a pivotal year in the sequence 325, 1455, 1620, 1788, 1861, 1965, 2017.
 

The global supplier of African slaves sold to five European countries black people to empower agricultural operations in the "discovered" colonies. Slavery was then 4000 years old or older, and slavery as a Christian institution was 1300 years old. In the 1760s, when England started taxing the colonies' business activities for England's benefit, the colonists realized they were being enslaved. The declared independence from England, won the revolutionary war. They and the king of England agreed they were 13 independent states.

 

After four years, they realized they could not survive and proposed formation of a nation. In 1788, nine states ratified a constitution they agreed to amend. Four states joined later, and the USA began operating in 1789, depending on future inhabitants to solve the African-slave problem. Everyone knew from the physics of slavery that it is wrong---chains, whips, guns, brutality, and rape to slaves with psychological and physical burdens to masters. However, a religious faction clung to Bible interpretation of slavery as an institution of God.

 

The declaration of secession lists complaints and concludes, "public opinion at the North has invested a great political error with the sanction of more erroneous religious belief." Seven states started war with 27 states thinking their God was stronger than their God, but it was the same God. Military power won the debate over whose God was stronger. White church defeated white church to free the slaves. But south white church carried on its influence.

In 1965 white church yielded to civil rights, substantially organized by black church. The existing monuments are essential to remembering a saga that is not yet triumphant.

Today, black church claims their God is stronger than the other God. They lean on black history month more than the people's eleven months. The declare segregation. Landrieu has played into a religious battle that can only get worse. It is not too late for him to save himself from ignominy worse than John C. Calhoun's.

 

This is a pivotal time to create public-integrity, but religion has no role in the journey to peace. People cannot stonewall each other behind God and communicate for a possible better future.

COA lawyer on leave (Page 1A). Interesting development. Best wishes to all involved, including me.

Gas tax (Page 3A). I imagine the competition is stiff and legislators are playing favor close.

However, I hope there’s a $700 million dedicated tax and checks to make certain roads improve fast. I do not trust DOTD, without blaming Wilson.

Next time I want more transparency about where the money goes, I may blame Wilson.

Scramble to fix levee (Page 4A). How can anyone have confidence in money spent on sand?

$100 billion to protect the disappearing La. Coast? I’m going to make certain I am on high ground.

China asked N. Korea to stop nuclear tests. (Page 7A). While chief administrator Trump does his work, his cabinet members do their work. The people are happy. The media and liberal democrats are fuming. We’ll see how it turns out.

NAFT ok for now (Page 10A). While chief administrator Trump does his work, other countries respond. We’ll see how it turns out.

Stock market confused (Page 10A). Good grief. We’re all confused. However, a better future is possible with voluntary public-integrity.

  

Phil Beaver does not “know” the-indisputable-facts. Phil trusts and is committed to the-objective-truth of which most is undiscovered and some is understood.

Phil Beaver is agent for A Civic People of the United States, a Louisiana, education non-profit. See online at promotethepreamble.blogspot.com.