Father Kapaun

"In recent years the same thing has happened.  Christian people who tried to practice their faith and remain true to it found themselves persecuted and ostracized by people opposed to the Christian faith.  We can surely expect that in our own lives there will come a time when we must make the choice between being loyal to the true faith or giving allegiance to something else which is either opposed to or not in alliance with our faith."  

If one did not know otherwise, it could be taken these are contemporary words from current day America.  Actually, they were spoken in April 1950 over the Far Eastern Army [Radio] Network by Army Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun, who later died a Prisoner of War. 

Sadly, Father Kapaun's words ring all too true in today's America, although he was speaking of the oppression and persecution in Communist countries, like China and what we know today as the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (aka North Korea).  Religious freedom, as it applies to Christianity, is under assault and has been for some time in our nation.

We are asked, even expected by some, to give accept, support, and embrace progressive views that run contrary to Christian values and beliefs.  Some standing for those values and beliefs have been attacked by the leftist, liberal media and punished by the state.

But now, the state includes American city, county, state, and federal governments, not those of Communist despots and tyrants.

Father Kapaun could deliver today a very similar sermon, exhorting fellow Christians to stand firm, resolved in their faith and beliefs.    

Special trust and confidence

The certificate of commission for officers in the armed forces of the United States of America reads, in part, "Know ye, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of __(Full Name)__, I do appoint __Him/Her__, __Rank__ in the [branch of the military]."

It seems that special trust and confidence is being sorely abused all too often of recent, with two recent illustrations: Major Thompson USMC in the sex with Naval Academy students scandal and Captain (formerly Rear Admiral) Gilbeau USN of the "Fat Leonard" scandal. Are these outliers or are they indicative of deeper, more serious problems within the armed forces' corps of officers?

I would like to think these are separate, disgusting aberrations. But additional evidence argues against this hope: Air Force officers cheating on nuclear weapons proficiency exams; Army former Lieutenant General Lewis (aide to SecDef) using government credit cards at strip clubs; Army Major General Haight misusing government resources (and having an extramarital affair); and the reports that  hundreds are being investigated in the "Fat Leonard" scandal.

Something is seriously wrong.  For those of us entrusted with the moral and physical responsibilities of leading our men and women in uniform, the special trust and confidence stated in our certificate of commission means we must be held to a higher standard. When a commissioned officer fails to meet that standard, then the punishment must be - say again - must be commensurate with that higher standard.  Punishments seem all too light, meaning senior leadership is failing.

And all the services must critically review applicants  to ensure only the right type of individuals are considered for commissioning; train them in and demand of them the expectations and demands of the highest levels of behavior and performance of duty; advance only those meeting the highest of standards; and require them to self police their fellow officers, adjudicating and severely punishing those who fail to live up to the special trust and confidence granted them.

Only the best must be commissioned and entrusted to lead our men and women of the military into combat.  Anything less fails to meet the standard of special trust and confidence.

Increase in California taxes

Well, there is good news and not-so-good news associated with California's significant tax increases on fuel, vehicle licensing, and even zero emissions vehicles.

The good news is that the legislature, though in near secrecy and on a fast track, finally passed something to benefit the entire state, not just those special interest donors and social reformers legislators love so dearly.

The not-so-good news comes in two parts: certain and assured. 

It is certain that the cost of living will increase dramatically across the entire state, as the added fuel costs for businesses will be passed on to the consumers.  Every element of life will now cost more.  Thank you so much.

It is assured that some of those special interests to whom the legislators are beholden to for donations will find some way to reap extraordinary rewards.  Union demands for construction contracts, awarding of the contracts, and selecting suppliers will all benefit those connected to the legislators.

It is also assured that at some time in the not too distant future, the legislators and governor will siphon funds away from the infrastructure they are intended to fix.  California's history is all too replete with these shenanigans.  

Protests or anarchy?

Interesting, isn't it, that published pictures from the recent clash during a pro-president demonstration at Berkeley show the anti-Trump instigators of violence are wearing masks, while those supporting the president are not.

It is also interesting that published reports indicated the anti-Trump protestors came with bats and other implements to use as weapons.

Interesting as well are other anti-government, anti-conservative, and anti-Trump so called protests are characterized by violence in published reports.

From this perspective, a trend is developing.  A scary, negative trend.

These so called protests are no where similar to the civil rights protests of the 60s.  They are more like the violence associated with the Democratic national convention in the 60s.  These so called protests are the sources of property damage, physical assaults, and lawlessness.

Moreover, the recent report that Berkeley has cancelled a speech by conservative commentator Ann Coulter highlights the deeply disturbing practice by universities and colleges of denying free speech.  This practice is particularly onerous when it occurs on taxpayer funded campuses.

The combination of the trend of violence perpetrated by those against conservative views and denying free speech by universities and campuses refutes all that for which the civil rights movement stood.  The combination sounds more like something that would happen in a despotic country than in America.

Peaceful protests - yes.

Anarchy - no.