Last week, the headlines and TV newscasters were all screaming about the murders that took place on a college campus in Oregon. It is a tragedy of the highest order, and my deepest sympathies are extended to the families of the deceased.
This terrible act of barbarism will, of course, be another excuse for everyone from the president to local left-wing zealots to leap on the "ban guns" bandwagon. You will hear numerous reasons why guns should be banned, confiscated or forbidden to be sold to "ordinary" citizens.
There will be newscasts, talk-show hosts, newspaper columnists and even presidential demands that the Second Amendment simply be ignored or cast aside. The president, prompted by "a sense of urgency" has already issued 23 executive orders relating to gun control, completely ignoring the mandate that "The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
That right, guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, shall again be trampled underfoot by those who are demanding that guns be forbidden to private owners.
Let me be clear. I steadfastly oppose and heartedly abhor the deaths of all innocents, especially children, whether by gun violence or gang warfare in schools, churches, movie theaters or inner-city ghettoes. On the other hand, I just as steadfastly support the Second Amendment.
Why is it wrong to kill, steal or lie? What are Western laws based on? Let me remind some and inform others of a simple truth that is unfortunately ignored and seldom (if ever) taught in public schools today – the foundation of Western Civilization is Judeo-Christian morality.
In other words, the entirety of our way of life is based on principles articulated in a book most have heard of but fewer have read – the Bible. Unfortunately most people have relegated the Bible to a "religious" context and nothing could be further from the truth. (Depending on the translation, there are five or six references to religion in the Bible, and all but one are negative.)
The Bible is not about religion, but about human morality. Those who have ascribed it to, and practiced it as, a religion have totally missed the raison d'être.
The Bible articulates a series of transcendent principles designed to maximize human life. These principles are applicable to all. They work when and where they are correctly implemented. Remember, these principles were introduced to a world that was almost totally devoid of what we consider civilized" behavior. There were no universal standards of right and wrong "… every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). Historical evidence supports this truth; entire civilizations no longer exist that waged wars to annihilate their enemies and were themselves wiped out.
The key element, or central issue, is the focus on the value of human life. Civilizations that do not value human life cease to exist, or become what we call "backward" societies. Go outside the reach of the Judeo-Christian influence. Examine the lifestyles and cultures of civilizations or cultures that do not honor this principle, and name those countries where floods of immigrants (legal or illegal) are pouring in.
There is a simple comprehensive solution that worked for years, saw extremely low murder rates in America and could today be easily implemented and re-established almost immediately. Properly understood and applied, almost the entire set of transcendent principles governing human behavior can be succinctly summed up in one simple statement – treat others exactly as you would have them treat you.
On June 29, 1972, the vote of one man in a U.S. Supreme Court decision implemented a procedure that dramatically altered American society. His vote overturned the death penalty. By a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty should be annulled as "unconstitutional." Thirty-five states immediately commuted 600 death sentences.
As a result, murder today is no longer a crime to be avoided at all costs. Murderers are now rewarded with a lifestyle comparable to wealthy retirees. Consider the man who murdered 12 people and injured 70 more; he will be provided (at taxpayer expense) with clean clothes (not striped prison pajamas), prepared meals recommended by trained dietitians, access to movies, libraries, computers, first-class medical and dental care, education and money. "Hard labor" is prohibited, so he will not have to work another day in his life. Kind of makes you wonder about "punishment," doesn't it?
We don't need stricter gun laws. I have a better plan. Let's go back to the original idea articulated thusly: "Whoever sheds man's blood [unlawfully], by man [judicial government] shall his blood be shed" (Genesis 9:6 AMP).
In other words, if you don't want society to kill you, don't kill anyone. Ensure this is abundantly clear and rigidly enforced: "You kill someone – we kill you, no ifs, no ands, no buts."
Seems to me I read somewhere a very simple solution: "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise" (Luke 6:31 KJV).
Media wishing to interview Ben Kinchlow, please contact [email protected].
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