Free will?

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

FREE WILL!

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together

against the Lord, and against His anointed, saying,

Let us break their bands asunder,

and cast their cords away from us.

(Psalm 2:2,3 KJV)

The setting: outside the Hope Clinic for Women in Granite City, IL, December 2, 2017. As usual there are many streaming in for a liberating abortion (including late term). Yes, a life-ending ritual that frees men from paying child support and women from a notable detour and distraction; be it a life-long obligation or a nine-month till adoption inconvenience.

In they come; many from neighboring Missouri where legislators have placed speed bumps in the path of the abortion minded to cause a pause that might result in less loss of life. Illinois, the Land of Lincoln, gives the unborn no such consideration. So the Mississippi river is crossed...and the babies die.

Also, as usual, there are a few intercessors on the sidewalk pleading on behalf of the innocent. Some are artful, articulate; others, not so much. But they are passionate all and, on occasion, a baby lives.

On this day, however, what WAS a bit unusual was a momentary tirade by a passerby (I presume coming from the nearby hospital) who had had enough of the harassment (her view) of the women who were merely executing their rights. This middle-aged ordained minister (so she claimed) began chanting, "Free will! Free will! Free will!" Doing her part to dull the message of life, and expedite the means and method...of death.

So, what's the purpose of this post? Just an extended sigh; a weary and worn despair that sees evil and apostasy on the rise, all with the aid of the "let us break their bands" judiciary, and the malaise of the light-bearer that should be the church. Yes, there is great evil here but, as with slavery, only half seem to see it. 

I pray for an awakening.

****  

Donald Trump and the Unborn

The Worthy

(by R.P.Edwards)

Some are worthy

Some above

Some we lavish

value, love

In our hands

And in our eyes

This other "us"

We'll not despise

But those unseen

Beyond our care

Their value dwindles

Until not there

And so their passing

We ignore

For we're for "us"

And no one more

"Bring me the chart, bailiff."

"Yes, sir." 

"If I may ask; what chart is that, your honor?" The defense attorney (a bit old school, and out of practice) asked as the officer brought back an expandable, hinged chart that, when turned perpendicular (as in, "up and down") gave a particular worth to each phase of human growth, or decay.

"Come here, counselor. I know its been a while, so I'd like you to see our New and Improved sentencing guidelines." The advocate slowly walked around the bench and, putting on his high-powered, wire-rimmed reading glasses, he scanned the chart.

"There, you see?" said the gray-bearded jurist. "Your client has been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, AND, since the deceased was in her eighties, her life value..was little. Therefore, although the crime was egregious; the sentence is (the two locked eyes) two years probation."

"I seeee," said the barrister; straightening his stance and scratching his right temple slowly. "And if she had been in her prime?"

"Ten years."

"And if she had been in the womb?"

"Not recognized. No penalty."

__________________

In the news; Donald Trump fell into the media trap and said that if abortion is outlawed and a woman is caught having one performed; she should therefore be punished in some way. After all (his reasoning might have been) killing a baby is...a crime.

Well, the media and everyone on either side of the issue was aghast! How dare he make such an assertion! The woman is clearly the victim here and should NEVER be held accountable. Tell that, dear reader, to the murdered child; and the God who created him/her.

Okay (stepping back), yeah, I can be sympathetic. But, at the end of the day a human being (albeit small) is destroyed. AND, dear reader, that individual has just as much right to live as you or I or ANY other person that we recognize as such. Donald may not have been PC enough (he's walked his statement back), but at least for a moment...he gave worth to the innocents being slaughtered daily.

As an aside: On this Saturday morn I went down to the local abortion clinic (pictures above). Some "clients" may have been travailing in their decision (I didn't see it) but most brazenly walked in to assert their legal "right." And, the result always is...a dead baby. Heaven help us.

****

John Brown and Robert Lewis Dear

Of Madmen

(by R.P.Edwards)

Madmen

Teetering 

On the edge

A gentle gust

They fall

But truth be told

With stronger winds

Then madmen

Are 

We All

"These men are all talk. What we need is action—action!"

(John Brown, abolitionist)

In the news: a short time ago an apparently reclusive sort with an ax to grind did some killing at a Planned Parenthood facility in Colorado. It is reported he mentioned baby body parts.

Of course, the reader is aware that said organization has been not just aborting pre-born children (vile in itself), but also increasing their profit margin by carefully harvesting the organs from said "made in God's image" bodies. Perhaps this final straw was all it took to push Mr Dear (that's his name, Robert Lewis Dear) over the edge. Of course, at this early date we're not exactly sure of his full motivation. Mental imbalance is suspected, however, rather than religious zeal. We'll see.

Well, since I've written on this subject of abortion, in one fashion or another, many times before, let me just add that as more people make the connection that the delightful 3D image of sister Sue's 6 month old pre-born baby is no different than those waiting to be harvested in the PP waiting room; some won't take it very well. You see, abortion, like slavery before it, is unacceptable to civilized/Christian folk and some, unfortunately, will take the path of John Brown (which I am not advocating). As you remember, he was against slavery to the point of violence. Of course, back then a large segment of the population thought "owning" another human was a matter of "choice." They were wrong then, and they are wrong now.

****

Children beheaded in America

So easy

(by R.P.Edwards)

Unloved

Unrecognized

Slaughtered

At will

Children

As burdens

So easy

To kill

Beheaded. Yes, a loaded word; conveying images of middle-eastern fanatics doing the bidding of their god against infidels. 

We've seen it on the news and ad naseum on the cable channels. Evil ISIS, living out their twisted faith.

And, among the victims...little children. That really gets us. Sure, bad enough the adults get offed; but kids?

Well, this very morning I went down to the HUGE abortion facility in Granite City, IL and there, dear reader, beheadings were the order of the day. The difference here, OUR secular religion finds no offense.

It was unusually busy today and I suppose the holiday season is the reason. Pregnancies can be so inconvenient.The abortionist himself (usually in no rush) even he showed up early to attend to the overflow. AND, on the sidewalk, there were a few believers trying to dissuade; including one young lady who had been through the abortion process and warned of the consequences.

I'll not ramble on. But consider: in this one abortion clinic alone more Americans have died a violent death than expired in World War I, Korea, Vietnam and the recent mid-east happenings...COMBINED! In this one clinic.  And yet we're appalled at the barbarity of a few Muslims.  I think we need our "appaller" fixed.

Anyway, if my headline got you here; sorry...but not really. For, you see, it's time for us to rethink who we are as a people. Are we going to go the way of ISIS and continue in our selective barbarity? Or are we going to be truly civilized; recognizing the worth of EVERY individual, even those who are inconvenient. 

****

The Hug

The Hug

(by R.P.Edwards)

A gentle holding

Brief and sweet

When words and eyes

Are incomplete

To show the love

When loved ones meet

When paths are crossed

And paused to greet 

It was unsolicited, but oh so welcome. The beautiful child--an angelic face with long blond hair flowing behind--darted to my arms from a jumble of strangers and then...she was gone.

It was Saturday morning and, as I sometimes do, I went to our local abortion clinic to add my presence to the others already battling from the sidewalk for the lives of the children being carried to the government sanctioned slaughter. There was much going on this day: singing, praying, speaking, and some shouting; all in the hopes of opening a mother's eyes (father's too) to see the preciousness of the life they carried. Nevertheless, most marched in and surrendered their offspring to the cruelest destruction. 

But, midst the huddling on the edges (there were visitors from out of town this day) there was a young lady who, just a few years prior, was a passenger in the womb of a woman whose initial thought...was to remove this inconvenience. Long story short: the ministry present that day (and this) not only persuaded the birth-mother to NOT kill the child; but they also adopted the baby as their own. It was this child, years later, that gave this writer a hug. 

Oh, abortion is a monstrous act! Murder on its face, but so shrouded by the tempter's lies as to convince many that small humans...are not human at all. And, like the evil of slavery before it, there is an inevitable reaping that must attend a nation laden with the blood of the innocent millions. But, for now, at least one has survived the abortionist's claws. And, who knows, perhaps with her hopeful maturing this nation may yet come to the place of repentance and delay the justice that is so richly deserved.

www.smallvictoriesusa.com

****

Professor Bob and Future Shock

Future Shock

(by R.P.Edwards)

Barbarians!

Savages!

The future will say

When they learn of the children

Destroyed in our day

Monsters!

Inhuman!

With tears and with shame

When they realize their Fathers

Were the villains to blame 

"Savages," whispered winsome Polly Porter, third row from the windows, third desk back from the front. 

Professor Bob, using a rather large stick of yellow chalk (usually found in industry but finding its way into the elders' "ditty bag" because, as he put it, "My fat fingers cannot tolerate the tiny white toothpicks") had been listing on the black-slate chalkboard, in chronological order, times and events of man's cruelty...to man. The gray maned octogenarian paused, turned and, peering over his half-framed horn-rimmed glasses he looked directly at the now-a-bit rosy cheeked freshman and responded, "What's that, Miss Porter? What did you say?"

"Savages, sir" was her fragile reply.

"Louder."

"Sir?"

"Louder, dear. You, all of you (giving a sweeping gaze to the entire class) have chosen to attend Veritas University. Veritas is Latin for...for..."

"Truth!" was the exuberant response (orientation by upperclassmen had prepared them for the inevitable question).

"Yes, truth. And, as we shall all be reminded in this class and throughout your tenure here at "True U," truth must be vigorously proclaimed and protected or error, as has been so often the case, will take hold once again and lead to yet another chapter of shameful doings." (The instructor, pausing a moment to gaze at the lazily turning overhead fan, leaned back against the Blackboards' ledge and then, pointing the yellow instrument towards the young lady, he continued) "Miss Porter, you were saying?"

"Savages, sir;" she said with manufactured vigor. "To consider the murder of pre-born children...a right. What...monsters." This last utterance was accompanied by a quivering lip and a watering eye and, seeing this the kindly professor offered a tissue before returning to the board to continue the listing.

--The time: the distant future. The effects of the Iranian-born nuclear war a distant memory. Many American cities had been incinerated in the conflict due to the piling on that took place. Ironically, it was Israel that ultimately saved the fallen eagle and now, also ironically, Higher Education has returned to its honorable roots.--

__________________________

Thank you for tolerating the above fantasy. It is somewhat birthed by the ongoing revelations of the despicable Planned Parenthood organization. However, and again, their liberty to let their (our) lower-nature do terrible things comes from the Supreme Court; and their wayward reasonings come from the once hallowed halls of higher education, and ultimately from hell itself.

Yes, BARBARIANS and SAVAGES are words that are making their way into the political discourse of this election cycle; and rightly so. However, one more word needs to be added...COWARDS. For that's what we have become to allow evil to take residence for so long when we have the civilized means...to remove it.

P.S.  I thought about putting one of those grisly, truthful pictures of an aborted (murdered) child atop the blog. But I am weary of them. So very weary.

****

Look into the casket

 

 

 

The Whole Truth
(by R.P.Edwards)

Judgment distant
Judgment poor
Look in the casket
Then
Be sure

Fifty-six years ago, this month, a fourteen year old African-American boy named Emmett Till went from his home in Chicago to visit some relatives in Mississippi.  He apparently said or did some inconsequential “something” that rubbed local whites the wrong way and, in the middle of night he was abducted, brutally tortured, murdered, and his body was dumped into the Tallahatchie River. His grieving mother, wanting the world to actually see what had been done to her child, ordered an open casket at the funeral.  Emmett’s horribly disfigured remains became a rallying point for a nation that was beginning to come to terms with the appalling injustice suffered by millions of their fellow Americans  The open casket…showed the truth. And the truth…led to action.
____

The other day, as I was searching for pro-life sites to send a book invite (Sir John & the Dragon’s Boast has a strong pro-life subplot) I ran across “The Center for Bio-ethical Reform.”  It’s homepage greeted me with an Emmett Till moment.  For there, on the screen, scrolling before me, was the truth of abortion.  Graphic? Yes.  But jarringly eye-opening. And, I dare say, if the seven black-robed men who, in 1973, took on the mantle of godhood, and passed the death sentence for over 50 million Americans; if these had paused to look into the casket of their actions…they might have reconsidered.  And, if the millions of “I love Jesus” Christians who, without remorse, vote for those who support the slaughter; if these dared to look into the casket…they might reconsider.  And, if the local populace and government of Granite City IL, took a moment to see what their (our) indifference tolerates; they too might reconsider.

You know; I often hesitate at the using of the “M” word but, with the help of the visual truth, I now have no problem calling abortion what God calls it…murder.  And, dear reader, I challenge “you” to look into the casket.  But, be warned, “known” truth …makes demands.  Here's a link: http://www.abortionno.org/

Following is a verse from a Bob Dylan song having to do with the injustice done to Emmett Till.  I have no idea what the “blowin’ in the wind” folks singer thinks of the unborn.  But…the words fit.

If you can't speak out against this kind of thing, a crime that's so unjust,
Your eyes are filled with dead men's dirt, your mind is filled with dust.
Your arms and legs they must be in shackles and chains, and your blood it must refuse to flow, For you let this human race fall down so God-awful low!
(from The Death of Emmett Till by Bob Dylan)

****

Angela Michael for Congress

 

 

300,000 and counting

The Fourth estate

(by R.P.Edwards)

Ignorance
May bring mercy
But only by
Degree
But what of those
Who “know” the truth
And “keep” that truth
From thee?

The thought came to me, “I’m a supporter; not a reporter.”

The setting: in front of one of the largest abortion mills in the Midwest.  Name: the Hope Clinic for Women.  The occasion: a courageous pro-life advocate named, Angela Michael, is running on the democratic ticket…for congress.  To introduce her; a man of some notoriety, Randall Terry.  If you’re a little older that name may sound familiar.  He was the former head of Operation Rescue; a group known for blockading abortion providers with their bodies; a kind of civil disobedience thing.  And, he’s also running for president.

Well, you might think this “official announcement” might warrant a reporter or two.  Nope.  Even though the “heads up” press release came out two days prior, the regional rag…would have none of it.

“So strange,” thought I.  Surely “some” of their readership is interested (ironically: this paper is supposedly the “conservative” voice around here [alright, I’ll tell you, The Belleville News Democrat]).  Mr. Terry’s past, alone, is worth at least a paragraph.  And the story of “why” they’re running is compelling.  But, apparently the “paper powers” don’t want to know; and sadly, tragically, they don’t want “you” to know either. 

A while back I read a snippet of something that Pope Benedict XVI wrote: It was in reference to when Jesus asked the Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.”  And, there were a couple other instances in the scripture where the “ignorance defense” was given.  Said the Papal chief: “Ignorance diminishes guilt, and leaves open the path to conversion.”  I went “Hmmm” that sounds about right.  But then I ask myself, “When it comes to evil.  What of those who not only approve of it; but then actually go out of their way to make sure you remain…ignorant?”

In my rummaging about the web I found Mr. Terry’s website.  If you're concerned about the unborn, I would recommend a look.   Also, included is a link to Mrs Michael’s campaign site.
Angela Michael for Congress
Randall Terry


And, you may notice the dragon to your right.  It’s a book that was penned some time ago and is now available for download.  I recommend you read the “free portion” first, and then, (if you are so inclined) wait a week for the rest.  Why?  Because I want to read the thing for the millionth time to make sure I didn’t make a keystroke boo boo in the final phase (if found, it should be corrected by then). 

****

No Pledgin' Mitt

 The Pledge
(by R.P.Edwards)

If you’re wrong
On what’s wrong
Your "right"
Is askew
Not seeing the depths
We question
Your view
For foundations are built
On deep solid stone
To reach to the sky
The depths
You must own

As I prepare for the “job” thing--this time cracking the dawn--I ponder the “pledge” and why Mitt won’t sign it.  I speak, of course, of the declaration put together by the Susan B. Anthony List--a PAC dedicated to babies not dying in the womb.  Susan B. Anthony, by the way--aside from the dollar coin that didn’t make it--was a 19th century suffragette who once referred to abortion as, “child murder.”

Anyway, this organization, trying to plumb the depths of GOP presidential candidates, offered them a pledge that supports the “right to life” as a potential resume booster.  Five signed.  Three declined.  Here's a link to the Susan B. site where you can see the pledge and pledgers:  The Pledge signers

Now, concerning Gov Romney, I’m still not clear on the reason for his “nay,” but it takes him down a peg in my “I want this guy” view.  Why?  Because of all the issues out there; the budget, the border, education, defense, etc, this one…is a definer.  You see, to simple me--and I know this will chafe many a collar bone (sorry. no, not really)-- if you don’t “get it” that--to use Susan B’s phrase-- that “child murder” is wrong, well, your understanding of our “under Godness” is misplaced…or missing.

You see, like Slavery, abortion is a monstrous evil.  A horrid practice that acts as a cancer to our Republic.  A grievous sin that demands heaven’s attention.  And, to push it aside (not that it should “be” the platform, but certainly a plank!) because of political expediency, well, that causes me to question your foundations.

However--as I prepare to exit the building--fear not.  I most certainly would vote for Mitt Romney (and just about anyone else selected) over President Obama.  Why?  Because our current chief executive has made it abundantly clear, time and time again, that to him, the baby in the womb…is but...chattel.

****

Wrong place at the wrong time

Turtles and tots
(by R.P.Edwards)
 

Turtles languish in the sand
Dying by the human hand
Small, endangered, a fragile few
But this means nothing
To oily goo
And so we cry
As they demise
Our reptile friends
Before our eyes
But for the children
Killed by “choice”
We have no tears, no thoughts…no voice

The young brown pelican extended his strong feathered wings as far as they would go as he used the early morning thermal to spiral higher, higher, ever higher until, leveling off, he looked down into the crystal gulf waters to see a flash of silver that meant…breakfast.  Without thought, with eyes fixed, the wings folded and, like a lightening strike from above, the expert fisher plunged quickly through the quarter mile of air and, slicing like a knife, effortlessly parted the waters and, a few seconds later,  bobbed up with a tasty, and bewildered, herring in his expansive pouch.  Now, usually pelicans such as he would swallow the treat whole, but, over the last few weeks this particular waterfowl had become fast friends with a tiny Hawksbill sea turtle that frequented a favorite stretch of Louisiana beach and , when either had a morsel to share, their first thought was to share it with their buddy.  “Glip Glip,” said the pelican as he swooped down to the strangely dark sand at “their” spot.  “Glip Glip” he said again, walking and waddling just inches from the strangely shimmering water.  Then he heard it; “Click Click” came the whisper from the waves.  “Click Click.”  Frantically the pelican scanned the near depths and there, struggling in a large pool of floating mud, was his friend.  “Glip Glip!” screeched the bird (dropping the happy herring into the tiny surf).  “Glip Glip,” he repeated, swimming close to his friend and trying to keep the turtles little snout above the gooey mud.  “What happened, Glip Glip?” said the pelican as a tiny tear welled in his left eye.  “I…I don’t know,” whispered the slipping away reptile.  “This mud is making me sick.  Get away, my friend.  Get away.”  But, as Glip Glip slid beneath the water; it was too late.  By now the brown pelican was covered with oil and, unable to fly, soon he, and his dead friend, were found by two beach combers who paused to bend and lament.  “What a shame,” said one to the other.  “Yes, it’s a crime,” agreed the friend as she cradled the dead pelicans oily brow.  “Poor innocent dears.  They never hurt anyone.  It‘s just not right.”  “I hope they pay for this,” added the first with mounting rage.  Then, as both stood and wiped their hands on their red-streaked scrubs, the second concluded.  “Alright, honey, let’s get back to the abortion clinic.  We’ve got a very full schedule today.”

Yes, I know.  What a downer.  But, watching all the heartfelt sympathy poured out for the “in the wrong place” wildlife, I couldn’t help but think of the abortion clinic down the street.  Thousands horribly disposed of without the benefit of a sympathetic environmentalist or media mouth.  Yes, thousands upon thousands; millions upon millions; dying…because they were in the wrong place…at the wrong time.

Lighter fare to come.  Hopefully.

That’s what I think.  How about you?  Click comments below…and say.