How many must die?
In 2015, according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) there were 16,121 homicides in the United States.
According to https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/series/counted-us-police-killings there were 1246 citizens killed by police in 2015.
42 LEO's, http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2015/12/29/461402091/number-of-police-officers-killed-by-gunfire-fell-14-percent-in-2015-study-says
6855 uniformed U.S. and civilians in military operations, 2001-2015 https://fas.org/sgp/crs/natsec/RS22452.pdf.
17,502 civilian deaths in Iraq 2015 http://www.statista.com/statistics/269729/documented-civilian-deaths-in-iraq-war-since-2003/
6 in Dallas, 5 police officers and 1 civilian, 7 July 2016
28 U.S. executions, 5th in the world. 5th, that doesn't even qualify for a bronze medal.
Total: 41,800, only 34,945 with the 14 years of military deaths excluded.
If the United States of America was other than a peaceful, Christian nation where would we be? We kill each other. We kill family members, strangers, foreign nationals, prisoners, soldiers, and civilians. At least in this case our commitment to diversity cannot be questioned.
However, I have had it explained the VAST majority of these killings are justified. I love all of the people who attempt to comfort me in my anguish and grief. I even admire and respect many of them. Unfortunately, rationalization masquerading as justification does not make it so. A wolf in sheep's clothing is still a wolf.
http://www.globalfirepower.com/active-military-manpower.asp indicates the United States has the 2nd largest military force in the world based on active military personnel. http://www.globalfirepower.com/countries-listing.asp rates the U.S. military to be the most powerful in the world. In 2014 military spending accounted for 54% of the entire U.S. budget. We are the 3rd most populous nation in the world. Depending on your source of reference our economy ranks anywhere from 1st to 3rd in the world. Our northern and southern borders are Canada and Mexico, respectively. On our east we have the Atlantic Ocean and on the west the Pacific Ocean. There is no credible land based threat to our security. Yet we spend our treasure at a level that exceeds that of the next 11 most "defense" minded nations, http://www.globalfirepower.com/defense-spending-budget.asp.
This is not indicative of a peaceful nation. Rather, it appears to be symptomatic of a country suffused by fear. According to Carl Von Clausewitz, "to secure peace is to prepare for war", and, "war is merely an extension of diplomacy by other means". Is this a philosophy that we as a nation have come to embrace?
In preparing for war you have not secured the peace. You may delay aggression but if your definition of peace is merely the absence of conflict then I find this to be a hopeless situation.
The God of the Old Testament was certainly capable of violence to achieve His ends. See Genesis 19:24-26, Exodus 15:3-7, Numbers 21:3, Joshua 6:20-21. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list.
However, once we proceed to the New Testament, the genesis of Christianity, there is a new paradigm. Peruse Mathew 5:1-12. I find verses 7 and 9 to be particularly germane if one is to make a claim to Christianity. You also have Mark 12:30-31 as a reference for Christian living. One may wish to read Luke 10:25-37 for a disclosure concerning who is a neighbor.
How many more? How many more must die?
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Go, Utah, Go! or, How killing an unarmed restrained human furthers the process of democracy
Way to go Utah! Set an example for the rest of the United States.
For too long the "Industry" state has been either ignored or even dismissed out of hand and treated with disdain. That shall no longer be the case. Utah is demonstrating how industrious it can be in the pursuit of the democratic ideal where all can participate and reap the benefits.
In its decision to utilize the firing squad as a means of execution, should the approved drug/s/ for lethal injection not be available, Utah is bringing the opportunity to actively participate in capital punishment to the masses.
Lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, cyanide gas are all forms of capital punishment in which only one person is allowed to play the part of executioner. It only takes 1 person to depress the plunger, flip the switch, or drop the trap door. With the firing squad, multiple people are allowed to take part in the killing of one of their fellows. For far too long, being allowed to practice the ultimate power of the state has been restricted to a privileged few. In many cases the position of state executioner does not even rotate. Rather, just one person is allowed to engage in this activity for years. This is certainly contrary to the ideals of the United States where all are encouraged to engage in the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the exercise of their God given rights. Surely it is anathema in a country where, theoretically, anyone can achieve anything, we restrict the right of the average citizen to practice the tradition of capital punishment. Allowing them only to engage vicariously as a member of the state. With the revitalization of the firing squad in Utah more citizens will be allowed to actively participate. Surely this is a much more egalitarian method.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the process of execution b y firing squad, here's how it works. For execution by this method, the inmate is typically bound to a chair with leather straps across his waist and head, in front of an oval-shaped canvas wall. The chair is surrounded by sandbags to absorb the inmate's blood. A black hood is pulled over the inmate's head. A doctor locates the inmate's heart with a stethoscope and pins a circular white cloth target over it. Standing in an enclosure 20 feet away, five shooters are armed with .30 caliber rifles loaded with single rounds. One of the shooters is given blank rounds. Each of the shooters aims his rifle through a slot in the canvas and fires at the inmate. The prisoner dies as a result of blood loss caused by rupture of the heart or a large blood vessel, or tearing of the lungs. The person shot loses consciousness when shock causes a fall in the supply of blood to the brain. If the shooters miss the heart, by accident or intention, the prisoner bleeds to death slowly. The gunmen are chosen from a pool of volunteer officers, with priority given to those from the area where the crime happened. There are always more volunteers than spots on the squad. The shooters' identities are kept anonymous, and one of their rifles is loaded with a blank round so nobody knows which officer killed the inmate.
I will grant you there are some limitations to this method. The shooters are chosen only from a pool of law enforcement officers. Why should they have any more access to participation than any other citizen? Furthermore, preference is given to individuals based on location. If the condemned has committed a crime against the state then the entire state should have equal opportunity to participate in disposing of them. Also, one weapon is loaded with a blank round. This seems absurd. The theory is this practice allows the trigger man a reasonable doubt as to having actually killed the prisoner. The shooters are volunteers, These are people who want to see the prisoner die. In all the other forms of capital punishment there is no doubt who has executed the guilty party. The executioner is allowed full responsibility and credit. Why should firing squad shooters be deprived of this? And why only accept volunteers? Have a lottery system that includes all the citizens of the state. This offers everyone a chance practice the privileges of citizenship.
Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, let it be known that Utah should not get all the credit for having a firing squad option. Idaho also provides this choice.
It is a good thing to see the justice system apparently making itself more accessible to every citizen. Progress is being made. By allowing citizens to participate in state sanctioned blood letting, in this case literally, perhaps people will become more engaged in the democratic process. They may even be moved to exercise their ability to voice their opinion at the ballot box. But, I don't want to get ahead of myself. One step at a time.
In closing, You Go, Utah. No doubt, America commends you.
For too long the "Industry" state has been either ignored or even dismissed out of hand and treated with disdain. That shall no longer be the case. Utah is demonstrating how industrious it can be in the pursuit of the democratic ideal where all can participate and reap the benefits.
In its decision to utilize the firing squad as a means of execution, should the approved drug/s/ for lethal injection not be available, Utah is bringing the opportunity to actively participate in capital punishment to the masses.
Lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, cyanide gas are all forms of capital punishment in which only one person is allowed to play the part of executioner. It only takes 1 person to depress the plunger, flip the switch, or drop the trap door. With the firing squad, multiple people are allowed to take part in the killing of one of their fellows. For far too long, being allowed to practice the ultimate power of the state has been restricted to a privileged few. In many cases the position of state executioner does not even rotate. Rather, just one person is allowed to engage in this activity for years. This is certainly contrary to the ideals of the United States where all are encouraged to engage in the pursuit of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the exercise of their God given rights. Surely it is anathema in a country where, theoretically, anyone can achieve anything, we restrict the right of the average citizen to practice the tradition of capital punishment. Allowing them only to engage vicariously as a member of the state. With the revitalization of the firing squad in Utah more citizens will be allowed to actively participate. Surely this is a much more egalitarian method.
For those of you who may not be familiar with the process of execution b y firing squad, here's how it works. For execution by this method, the inmate is typically bound to a chair with leather straps across his waist and head, in front of an oval-shaped canvas wall. The chair is surrounded by sandbags to absorb the inmate's blood. A black hood is pulled over the inmate's head. A doctor locates the inmate's heart with a stethoscope and pins a circular white cloth target over it. Standing in an enclosure 20 feet away, five shooters are armed with .30 caliber rifles loaded with single rounds. One of the shooters is given blank rounds. Each of the shooters aims his rifle through a slot in the canvas and fires at the inmate. The prisoner dies as a result of blood loss caused by rupture of the heart or a large blood vessel, or tearing of the lungs. The person shot loses consciousness when shock causes a fall in the supply of blood to the brain. If the shooters miss the heart, by accident or intention, the prisoner bleeds to death slowly. The gunmen are chosen from a pool of volunteer officers, with priority given to those from the area where the crime happened. There are always more volunteers than spots on the squad. The shooters' identities are kept anonymous, and one of their rifles is loaded with a blank round so nobody knows which officer killed the inmate.
I will grant you there are some limitations to this method. The shooters are chosen only from a pool of law enforcement officers. Why should they have any more access to participation than any other citizen? Furthermore, preference is given to individuals based on location. If the condemned has committed a crime against the state then the entire state should have equal opportunity to participate in disposing of them. Also, one weapon is loaded with a blank round. This seems absurd. The theory is this practice allows the trigger man a reasonable doubt as to having actually killed the prisoner. The shooters are volunteers, These are people who want to see the prisoner die. In all the other forms of capital punishment there is no doubt who has executed the guilty party. The executioner is allowed full responsibility and credit. Why should firing squad shooters be deprived of this? And why only accept volunteers? Have a lottery system that includes all the citizens of the state. This offers everyone a chance practice the privileges of citizenship.
Now, in the spirit of full disclosure, let it be known that Utah should not get all the credit for having a firing squad option. Idaho also provides this choice.
It is a good thing to see the justice system apparently making itself more accessible to every citizen. Progress is being made. By allowing citizens to participate in state sanctioned blood letting, in this case literally, perhaps people will become more engaged in the democratic process. They may even be moved to exercise their ability to voice their opinion at the ballot box. But, I don't want to get ahead of myself. One step at a time.
In closing, You Go, Utah. No doubt, America commends you.
Monday, July 21, 2014
Understand
That which you do not understand, you fear.
That which you fear, you hate.
That which you hate, you destroy.
Seek to understand rather than a means to destroy.
That which you fear, you hate.
That which you hate, you destroy.
Seek to understand rather than a means to destroy.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
One Love
One God,
One World,
One People,
One Love,
If I love you, I will not fear you.
If I do not fear you, I will not hate you.
If I do not hate you, I do not need to destroy you.
Eliminate destruction,
LOVE each other.
Thursday, April 10, 2014
Timely questions, or, A question of Time
This is the kind of stuff that keeps me awake. Consider the prominent role time plays in our lives. We speak of time almost continually without considering it as a concept. Here are some examples. We use these words in speech everyday; now, then, yesterday, tomorrow, future, historical. We tell time, make time, have time on our hands, do time. We categorize our lives with time. We're early or late. We take time out, are sent to time out. Businesses attempt to avoid lost time. We accrue sick time. We desire more leisure time. We attempt to avoid hard times. Things are timeless and events are timely.
Time plays a major part in literature. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". There are a plethora of titles which include references to time in books, movies and songs. Prisoner of Time, The Time Garden, Trapped in Time, etc., are examples of books. Songs include Time is on my side, Time after Time, Love me two times. Movies include The Time Machine, Time Bandits, The Land before Time, The Time Traveler's Wife.
We talk about the beginning of time, the end of time and the end times. Why are we so consumed by time? What exactly is time and what purpose does it serve?
My own view is that time is that medium within which events occur. However, then I wonder is it possible for events to occur outside of time? Does time exist if there are no events? Did time actually have a beginning? Did it exist prior to the creation of the universe without regard to that creation being either divine in nature or a product of the "big bang".
Is time a product of creation or that which allows creation to take place? Can there be time without space or must they exist together?
If time actually exists of itself and is not just a construct of humanity why is the past fixed and the future malleable? Or, is that supposition merely a reflection of my own bias? Is time actually 1 dimensional and reside forever in the now?
Is time infinite and eternal? Or did to proceed from an identifiable point? If so, will it continue without end or having had a start will it also have an end?
Well, that's about all for now. Let me know whaduyathink.
Time plays a major part in literature. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times". There are a plethora of titles which include references to time in books, movies and songs. Prisoner of Time, The Time Garden, Trapped in Time, etc., are examples of books. Songs include Time is on my side, Time after Time, Love me two times. Movies include The Time Machine, Time Bandits, The Land before Time, The Time Traveler's Wife.
We talk about the beginning of time, the end of time and the end times. Why are we so consumed by time? What exactly is time and what purpose does it serve?
My own view is that time is that medium within which events occur. However, then I wonder is it possible for events to occur outside of time? Does time exist if there are no events? Did time actually have a beginning? Did it exist prior to the creation of the universe without regard to that creation being either divine in nature or a product of the "big bang".
Is time a product of creation or that which allows creation to take place? Can there be time without space or must they exist together?
If time actually exists of itself and is not just a construct of humanity why is the past fixed and the future malleable? Or, is that supposition merely a reflection of my own bias? Is time actually 1 dimensional and reside forever in the now?
Is time infinite and eternal? Or did to proceed from an identifiable point? If so, will it continue without end or having had a start will it also have an end?
Well, that's about all for now. Let me know whaduyathink.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Deregulation and the Redistribution of Wealth
In the State of Texas, electricity was deregulated in 2002. This event allowed the entry into the energy market of electricity retailers other than the legacy carrier(s). Not only were these independent retailers allowed to enter the marketplace but there was legislative action taken to insure they would be allowed to compete. I consider the primary action to allow this was the creation of the "Price to Beat"(PTB) criterion. Until January 1, 2007, Retail Electric Providers (REPs) affiliated with the former bundled utility were required to offer a set of rates to retail customers with peak demand below 1 MW in their affiliated transmission and distribution utility's service area. These rates could be adjusted twice annually upon Commission approval for changes in the price of natural gas or purchased energy.
According to a typical economic theory, prices are optimally determined in a fair and transparent market, and not by a political or academic body. In deregulation of electricity markets, one immediate concern with pricing is that incumbent electricity providers would undercut the prices of new entrants, preventing competition and perpetuating the existing monopoly of providers. Thus, the SB7 bill introduced a phase-in period during which a price floor would be established (for incumbent electricity companies) to prevent this predatory practice, allowing new market entrants to become established. New market entrants could charge a price below the price to beat, but incumbents could not. This period was to last from 2002 to January 1, 2007.
Consequently, consumers of electricity in Texas, effectively 26 million people, now have myriad options when it comes to their retail provider. In addition to providing options to consumers there also came into existence an avenue for individuals to enter the energy field and lay claim to substantial income streams generated by the consumption of electricity.
Ambit Energy entered this market in 2006. It was co-founded by Jere Thompson and Chris Chambliss. These 2 individuals had extensive experience in previously deregulated markets and are extremely successful. Ambit Energy possesses an extraordinary management team and is well capitalized. Currently it has over 1 million customers and 1 billion plus in revenue.
You now have the opportunity to participate in this enormous redistribution of wealth. I will be providing a presentation that will give you all the information you need to become a part of this movement. This presentation will be made at 7 p.m. on October 15 at Buy the Book Cafe, 930-B Cedar Ridge, Duncanville TX 75137.
Please RSVP via FB, email wesley-michael@sbcglobal.net, or phone 972 765 7878.
According to a typical economic theory, prices are optimally determined in a fair and transparent market, and not by a political or academic body. In deregulation of electricity markets, one immediate concern with pricing is that incumbent electricity providers would undercut the prices of new entrants, preventing competition and perpetuating the existing monopoly of providers. Thus, the SB7 bill introduced a phase-in period during which a price floor would be established (for incumbent electricity companies) to prevent this predatory practice, allowing new market entrants to become established. New market entrants could charge a price below the price to beat, but incumbents could not. This period was to last from 2002 to January 1, 2007.
Consequently, consumers of electricity in Texas, effectively 26 million people, now have myriad options when it comes to their retail provider. In addition to providing options to consumers there also came into existence an avenue for individuals to enter the energy field and lay claim to substantial income streams generated by the consumption of electricity.
Ambit Energy entered this market in 2006. It was co-founded by Jere Thompson and Chris Chambliss. These 2 individuals had extensive experience in previously deregulated markets and are extremely successful. Ambit Energy possesses an extraordinary management team and is well capitalized. Currently it has over 1 million customers and 1 billion plus in revenue.
You now have the opportunity to participate in this enormous redistribution of wealth. I will be providing a presentation that will give you all the information you need to become a part of this movement. This presentation will be made at 7 p.m. on October 15 at Buy the Book Cafe, 930-B Cedar Ridge, Duncanville TX 75137.
Please RSVP via FB, email wesley-michael@sbcglobal.net, or phone 972 765 7878.
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Equality and morality
president says that inequality is a "immoral" - WHile I agree with him, he should be careful - Establishing Financial equality is establishing a socialistic ideal - removing capitalism which is the strength of our "freedom" - dont get me wrong, I would like to know I can make a living and take care of my wife - but I dont think my fair living should be at the expense of someone else being treated unfairly.
“This growing inequality isn’t just morally wrong; it’s bad economics.”
The first paragraph is a post from a source which I respect. I thought it was interesting and it gave me pause in contemplating the economic system of the United States. The second paragraph is the quote referenced. It was from a speech given by President Obama on July 24, 2013.
Is inequality immoral? Can equality even be achieved? Is there actually a desire of the populace to be treated equally? Personally, in my dealings with the masses I have found that equality is generally perceived as a grand concept for everyone else but the individual desires preferential treatment.
Capitalism does not provide for equality. I consider capitalism to be amoral. It is an economic construct designed to allow those who are willing to profit from others labors to do so. It allows the concentration of wealth in a minority of participants. With that wealth comes the ability to influence circumstances and events in such a way as to retain possession and increase that wealth.
Capitalism has been sold to us as a system of reward based upon merit and ability. Pish-posh, in 2012 the average compensation for a Fortune 500 CEO was 10.5-12 million dollars, depending on the report you prefer. This is 379-380 times the average compensation for an employee. The average salary across the U.S. for a teacher was 44,000 dollars. So, the average CEO compensation was only 238.6-272.7 times the average teacher compensation.
I could have used many vocations for example but I chose teacher because I had to choose something. You can look up the data for garbage man, policeman, truck driver, nurse, janitor, etc. These are all people with whom I have regular dealings. I did not cross paths with any CEO's last year. The point is, those people who perform the most service for me and mine are the least compensated.
Inequity, on the other hand, I do consider to be immoral. In any week there are 168 hours. You have no more nor any less time regardless of your employment or lack thereof. I find it unconscionable to entertain the thought that the time which each of us lives could be considered any more or less valuable than any others.
Of course, it is not possible to reflect the ROI of quality of life in the annual report for the stockholders, so why worry about it? The consequences of those suffering from the inequitable distribution of resources need not be endured nor even acknowledged by those in control of the vast majority of our wealth. And make no mistake about it, it is OUR wealth. The myth of the self made man is just that, a myth. No one achieves anything without the contributions of others. However, it is evident those contributions need not be recognized nor compensated.
I strive to live a faith based life rather than a profit driven one. My role model in that vein was most assuredly not a capitalist. Therefore, rather than resigning myself to a system which, at best, marginalizes and disenfranchises the least among us I will continue to seek a better system. That system may call for a redistribution of wealth, but that is a topic of another discussion.
“This growing inequality isn’t just morally wrong; it’s bad economics.”
The first paragraph is a post from a source which I respect. I thought it was interesting and it gave me pause in contemplating the economic system of the United States. The second paragraph is the quote referenced. It was from a speech given by President Obama on July 24, 2013.
Is inequality immoral? Can equality even be achieved? Is there actually a desire of the populace to be treated equally? Personally, in my dealings with the masses I have found that equality is generally perceived as a grand concept for everyone else but the individual desires preferential treatment.
Capitalism does not provide for equality. I consider capitalism to be amoral. It is an economic construct designed to allow those who are willing to profit from others labors to do so. It allows the concentration of wealth in a minority of participants. With that wealth comes the ability to influence circumstances and events in such a way as to retain possession and increase that wealth.
Capitalism has been sold to us as a system of reward based upon merit and ability. Pish-posh, in 2012 the average compensation for a Fortune 500 CEO was 10.5-12 million dollars, depending on the report you prefer. This is 379-380 times the average compensation for an employee. The average salary across the U.S. for a teacher was 44,000 dollars. So, the average CEO compensation was only 238.6-272.7 times the average teacher compensation.
I could have used many vocations for example but I chose teacher because I had to choose something. You can look up the data for garbage man, policeman, truck driver, nurse, janitor, etc. These are all people with whom I have regular dealings. I did not cross paths with any CEO's last year. The point is, those people who perform the most service for me and mine are the least compensated.
Inequity, on the other hand, I do consider to be immoral. In any week there are 168 hours. You have no more nor any less time regardless of your employment or lack thereof. I find it unconscionable to entertain the thought that the time which each of us lives could be considered any more or less valuable than any others.
Of course, it is not possible to reflect the ROI of quality of life in the annual report for the stockholders, so why worry about it? The consequences of those suffering from the inequitable distribution of resources need not be endured nor even acknowledged by those in control of the vast majority of our wealth. And make no mistake about it, it is OUR wealth. The myth of the self made man is just that, a myth. No one achieves anything without the contributions of others. However, it is evident those contributions need not be recognized nor compensated.
I strive to live a faith based life rather than a profit driven one. My role model in that vein was most assuredly not a capitalist. Therefore, rather than resigning myself to a system which, at best, marginalizes and disenfranchises the least among us I will continue to seek a better system. That system may call for a redistribution of wealth, but that is a topic of another discussion.
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