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.