CIVIL RIGHTS

Individual Rights

Our Constitution specifically grants the central government certain rights, which exist at the whim of the people. EVERYTHING else is left to the States and to the people. In no case can the government legally and ethically take these rights from the people. Through the interstate commerce clause, through abusive taxation policies, and through monetary blackmail, the central government has usurped the rights of the States. They are now working on the rights of the individual. Through the invention of "group-rights" the government is granting exclusive rights to certain pre-determined, favored groups. In these cases, only members of that group enjoy the benefits of these newly discovered rights.

Our country is founded upon the notion of "INDIVIDUAL" rights. Each individual, in our country, is supposed to be equal under the law with every other. If we continue to factionalize our nation, hyphenate our Americanism, and turn off the fire under the great melting pot, we are doomed to repeat the errors of the other great civilizations which have fallen. There is still truth in the motto: "United We Stand". E Pluribus Unum still has a meaning today.

I, for one, will always fight for freedom of the individual and against granting of rights to groups. Those who attempt to categorize, group, or pigeon-hole Americans are building the foundations for hate, jealously and violence.

Discrimination

"If it hadn't been for the system I would never have had the opportunity to be where I am today. So I am for preference systems and affirmative action programs."

What this white woman is saying is that because she benefitted from institutional government-mandated discrimination she supports it. Why do you suppose, prior to 1963, so many white people were against our fight for racial equality? They were against it wholly and solely because they were the beneficiaries of that wrong-headed policy. Why do you suppose Californians did not raise the alarm when property of Americans of Japanese descent was taken?... Why do you suppose Germans didn't protest against the sanctions imposed upon German citizens of Jewish descent? Part of the answer is ... simply, they benefitted from the discriminatory practices.

Now let's suppose, in our reparations to the Americans who were injured by the WWII policy of internment, instead of monetary remedies we had decided to give back the land which was stolen. The current owners likely have no idea of the past history of the property. They purchased the property, made improvements etc., legally and ethically. While this process would have repaired the damage we did in 1941, it would also create new victims.

Discrimination is immoral and dangerous to our way of life. Policies which seek to repair past wrongs must not create a new generation of victims. We cannot allow ourselves any benefit from unfair discriminatory practices. Only by ruthlessly ferreting out perpetrators of discrimination, and by ensuring each INDIVIDUAL in our nation is treated fairly and equally can our nation survive.

GUNS and GUN CONTROL

Despite what my teen age sons may tell you, I am NOT an old codger. At just barely 40 something, I still remember first kisses, high-school bullies and learning to drive. But I also remember drive-in's, mail order firearms, and our first color TV. One of those first fond memories was at age 10 when my Father spent 20 hard-earned dollars for my first .22 rifle. I imagine most of you have similar memories and, I suppose, mine would not be considered especially unique or worth reciting. But, you guessed it, I am anyway.

It was 1963, a bad year for some, not so bad for others. My father had just left the Army with a medical retirement. We were exceedingly short on savings and lived in a cabin my Grandfather Campbell had built in the "wilderness" of north Mississippi. It was more than rustic, it was "backwoods". A fireplace for heat, chamber pots and a flue water well are fondly remembered. We did have propane for the stove, however. It must have been rough on my mother, but to me and my 5 year old brother it was heaven.

My father worked as a mechanic at a local garage. One afternoon I stopped by to visit with him on the way home from school. He was sitting in the office with the owner. I recall he asked if I thought I could handle a rifle like the one sitting in the corner. He knew the answer. For two years my Daisy pump BB gun was my constant companions. He had taught me the fundamentals of safety and sight alignment, of concern for nature, and the value of good shooting skills. It had always been understood that once he recognized I could handle the BB gun safely, he would get me a "real" gun. This was it. I tried not to get too excited.

Twenty dollars was a good chunk of his paycheck for the week. We were trying to save to get into a real house in town, so this was a sacrifice. I still have that .22. Every time I look at it or think about it, I remember my Father and that cold winter in north Mississippi. I'll pass it down to my oldest, I wonder if he will have similar memories and feelings.

If you wonder why so many of our generation become emotionally involved in the fight to protect our second amendment rights, this may answer your question. Firearms symbolize something special, something good and honest, something clean and fine, something uniquely American to me and others like me. I will fight to ensure other fathers and mothers have the opportunity to make such memories as I have for their children.

LOGIC 101:

IF      GUNS  =  MURDERERS

THEN

         CROWBARS  =  BURGLARS
         SYRINGES  =  HEROIN ADDICTS
         JIMMIES  =  CAR THIEVES
         AXES  =  AX MURDERERS
         COMPUTERS  =  EMBEZZLERS
         CAMERAS  =  CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
         SHOPPING BAGS  =  SHOPLIFTERS


The only thing all crimes have in common is HUMAN AGENCY.

Stop blaming inanimate objects and start dealing with the human side of the equation.

SCOUTING

HOMOSEXUALS and SCOUTING

My Scouting history goes back nearly 40 years. At 7, I joined the Cub Scouts. I had to walk a considerable distance through Army housing to get to my Den Mother's house. I greatly enjoyed the experience and the lessons learned have stuck with me. I couldn't wait until I was 12 to join the Boy Scouts. I started attending meetings at age 11 with the Scout Master's permission. I remember camping trips with fathers and sons, telling stories, learning to live "rough", hunting, fishing and woodlore. Skinny dipping, sleeping is crowded tents, wrestling, and the like were all part of the experience.

Finally, at 17 I joined the Navy, but that didn't end my Scouting experience. With two young sons I joined the Cub Scouts again. I became a Den Leader for two Dens and the Pack Cubmaster. It was a great experience.

I can say my wife has similar good memories of her experiences in Brownies and Girl Scouts.

Now, lets throw homosexuals into the mix. First, any 16 year old who "knows" he is a homosexual presents a serious problem. This would be equivalent to placing a 16 year old boy into a girl scout troop where he would have intimate access to 12, 13, 14, and 15 year old girls. In Scouting, a 16 year old is usually a member leader. Add to the mix some power over these young people. Now include a homosexual leader who validates this "sexual preference" and you have the makings for some serious and destructive episodes.

On a recent news show, the supporter for allowing homosexuals into the Scouts, indicated if Scouting sticks to their guns they would have to exclude "adulterators". Two points... 1) Adultery is immoral - many of us believe homosexuality is immoral. Apparently, this "supporter" has admitted this fact. 2) Any leader who openly admits to adultery and suggests such actions are acceptable, or tries to promote that lifestyle SHOULD NOT BE A SCOUT LEADER!

You see, we don't care what your sexual orientation is, just keep it to yourself. Don't act upon it inappropriately, and don't force it down our throats. Liberals seem to be saying you do it our way or no way. Many of us are tiring of this rapidly. Expect a backlash of epic proportions if this assault continues.

SCOUTING and GOD

"On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country
and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times
To keep myself physically strong
mentally awake, and morally straight."

The Scout Oath has been an essential starting point for Scouting since it founding in 1910. For nearly 90 years this organization has done its best to develop good citizens. My time in Scouting is fondly remembered. The lessons learned have followed me through my life.

It seems everything good in our country is subject to attack by those who would use our earnest desire for religious tolerance against us. The ACLU has successfully prevented the City of Chicago from allowing the use of public property by the Boy Scouts of America. They indicate the "separation of church and state" requires this action. Because the Scouts require an oath which indicates a duty to God, the ACLU believes this makes the enterprise "religious".

It would seem the only State religion allowed is ATHEISM. An atheist believes there is no God making this his "religion". Tolerance is apparently only applicable to those of us who believe in God - Christian, Jew, Moslem, etc. Atheists can impose their will upon us with impunity.

Without a moral foundation what sort of people will our grandchildren be?

JUDICIAL BRANCH

RANDOM THOUGHTS

The following words were spoken by the late Red Skelton on his television program as he related the story of his teacher, Mr. Laswell, who felt his students had come to think of the Pledge of Allegiance as merely something to recite in class each day.  

Now, more than ever, listen to the meaning of these words.

"I've been listening to you boys and girls recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester and it seems as though it is becoming monotonous to you. If I may, may I recite it and try to explain to you the meaning of each word?"

I-- me, an individual, a committee of one.

Pledge-- dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self pity.

Allegiance-- my love and my devotion.

To the flag-- our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there's respect because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!

United-- that means that we have all come together.

States-- individual communities that have united into 48 great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that's love for country.

And to the republic -- a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands, one nation-- one nation, meaning "so blessed by God"

Indivisible-- incapable of being divided.

With liberty-- which is freedom -- the right of power to live one's own life without threats, fear or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice-- the principle or quality of dealing fairly with others.

For all -- which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country and two words have been added to the pledge of Allegiance...

UNDER GOD

Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer and that would be eliminated from schools too?


God Bless America!

America: The Good Neighbor.

Widespread but only partial news coverage was given recently to a remarkable editorial broadcast from Toronto by Gordon Sinclair, a Canadian television commentator. What follows is the full text of his trenchant remarks as printed in the Congressional Record:

"This Canadian thinks it is time to speak up for the Americans as the most generous and possibly the least appreciated people on all the earth. Germany, Japan and, to a lesser extent, Britain and Italy were lifted out of the debris of war by the Americans who poured in billions of dollars and forgave other billions in debts. None of these countries is today paying even the interest on its remaining debts to the United States.

When France was in danger of collapsing in 1956, it was the Americans who propped it up, and their reward was to be insulted and swindled on the streets of Paris. I was there. I saw it.

When earthquakes hit distant cities, it is the United States that hurries in to help. This spring, 59 American communities were flattened by tornadoes. Nobody helped.

The Marshall Plan and the Truman Policy pumped billions of dollars into discouraged countries. Now newspapers in those countries are writing about the decadent, warmongering Americans.

I'd like to see just one of those countries that is gloating over the erosion of the United States dollar build its own airplane. Does any other country in the world have a plane to equal the Boeing Jumbo Jet, the Lockheed Tri-Star, or the Douglas DC10? If so, why don't they fly them? Why do all the International lines except Russia fly American Planes?

Why does no other land on earth even consider putting a man or woman on the moon? You talk about Japanese technocracy, and you get radios. You talk about German technocracy, and you get automobiles. You talk about American technocracy, and you find men on the moon - not once, but several times and safely home again.

You talk about scandals, and the Americans put theirs right in the store window for everybody to look at. Even their draft-dodgers are not pursued and hounded. They are here on our streets, and most of them, unless they are breaking Canadian laws, are getting American dollars from ma and pa at home to spend here.

When the railways of France, Germany and India were breaking down through age, it was the Americans who rebuilt them. When the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central went broke, nobody loaned them an old caboose. Both are still broke.

I can name you 5000 times when the Americans raced to the help of other people in trouble. Can you name me even one time when someone else raced to the Americans in trouble? I don't think there was outside help even during the San Francisco earthquake.

Our neighbors have faced it alone, and I'm one Canadian who is damned tired of hearing them get kicked around. They will come out of this thing with their flag high. And when they do, they are entitled to thumb their nose at the lands that are gloating over their present troubles. I hope Canada is not one of those."

Stand proud, America!

Stick Together - Heartbreak Ridge - September 17, 1951

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From Return To Heartbreak Ridge.

Honolulu, February 1989. I caught a Korean Air Lines flight to Hawaii the next day. I had one more pilgrimage to make. I hadn't been back to my birthplace at Aiea Naval Hospital overlooking Pearl Harbor since I was a baby.

At the same time I was born in November 1947, a young Hawaiian was finishing his schooling at Waianae, on the southwest coast of Oahu.

Herbert K. Pililaau was a gentle boy known to everyone in his small home town. He was born October 10, 1928, into a family of nine brothers and five sisters. His father, William -Jack- Pililaau, was a famous Hawaiian cowboy.

On September 17, 1951, only days before his 23rd birthday, while serving with Company C of the 23rd Infantry Regiment, Pililaau was killed in action at Heartbreak Ridge.

Bob Krauss, a columnist with the Honolulu Advertiser, wrote a story about my attempt to find the Pililaau family, and calls flooded the switchboard of my hotel. Captain Joe Holt of the Honolulu Airport Fire Department made the first call at 5:30 A.M., and volunteered to guide me to the family.

We sat on a porch in Waianae, a soft wind blowing through the trees and bushes, the exotic smells of flowers everywhere. Coconut trees framed the driveway. The sky was a classic blue with fluffy white clouds, and the mountains in the distance made for a very peaceful morning. Agnes Pililaau Kim is known in the family as sister Number 5.

She told me her telephone had been ringing off the hook, people were saying some "haole" was looking for the Pililaau family. She said, "I felt good in my heart when I got the call you were coming. It was a good feeling to bring him back again. I felt what we say in Hawaiian, -makala-, awake. I felt alive."

William Pililaau, Jr., Number 1 son, now 70, sat beside me. William is a Mormon, as are most of the family. He quietly remembered,

-Herbert was a loner. He listened to classical music, didn't mingle. My other brothers and I were rowdy. Herbert was independent, he didn't get into trouble.-

Sister Number 10, Mercy Pililaau Garcia, recounted a dream her mother had just before Herbert was killed. -He came to her in a dream, saying that he would die. He came to her calmly. He was her favorite son.-

Mercy said all his teachers loved him, he was a sweet boy. -He couldn't kill a fly, he was a soft kid.-

When the family received news of the Congressional Medal of Honor, they actually could not believe it was the same boy they knew, it was so unlike him. President Truman presented the posthumous award to Mr. and Mrs. Pililaau in Washington, D.C.

The citation reads:

-Herbert K. Pililaau, as a member of Company C, distinguished himself by conspicuous gallantry and outstanding courage above and beyond the call of duty in action against the enemy. The enemy sent wave after wave of fanatical troops against his platoon which held a key terrain feature on Heartbreak Ridge. Valiantly defending his position, his unit repulsed each attack until ammunition became almost exhausted, and it was ordered to withdraw to a new position. Voluntarily remaining behind to cover the withdrawal, he fired his automatic weapon into the ranks of the assailants, threw all his grenades, and with ammunition exhausted, closed with the foe in hand to hand combat, courageously fighting with his trench knife and bare fists until finally overcome and mortally wounded. When the position was subsequently retaken, more than forty enemy dead were counted in the area which he so valiantly defended.-

Agnes and Mercy took me to a park in Waianae named in honor of their brother. We walked across the street to the school-yard where Herbert once played. They talked of him as if he were walking there with us.

As I walked there on Oahu, I was thinking of that mountain in Korea where a gentle young man died covering his friends' withdrawal. I asked the sisters what the name Pililaau meant in Hawaiian.

They said it means -stick together.-

The full Return To Heartbreak Ridge is available at: http://www.koreanwar.org/html/chapter_one.html

We Remember,

Hal and Ted Barker hbarker@kwp.org tbarker@kwp.org