Pastorgraphs: “The Pen and Sword, AK47 and Ballot”

E-Vangel Newsletter

March 4, 2013

Pastorgraphs: “The Pen and Sword, AK47 and Ballot”

“The pen is mightier than the sword,” wrote Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his 1839 play about Cardinal Richelieu. The debate continues today in the form of the question, “Which is mightier, the ballot or the AK47 (assault rifle)?”.

Hear me out. First, I am ALL FOR the Second Amendment. If you want to purchase an AK47 assault rifle to hunt Bambi in the woods, that’s your right and choice. I am also among the 92% of Americans, according to a recent Quinnipiac Poll, who favor background checks for those purchasing assault type weapons. A majority of gun store owners surveyed agree background checks are a good idea. Heck, even Wayne LaPierre of the National Rifle Association was for background checks a couple years ago (before he was against it).

So what is the problem? Many of the same voices that are OPPOSED to background checks and registration of assault weapons are vociferously IN FAVOR of background checks and registration of voters, especially minority voters. In many states, it is much easier to purchase an AK47 than it is to register to vote!

I’m having a bit of a problem seeing the consistency between the two. We want to conduct background checks on voters, but not on potential criminals and mentally ill people buying assault weapons? Really?

Again, I am FOR the right to own and bear arms, and I am AGAINST voter fraud. But another report shows that between 2001 and 2006, there were only 86 cases of voter fraud prosecuted in the U.S.A. from among the millions upon millions of votes cast.

The Supreme Court is now deciding whether to remove a key component of the Voter Rights Act. If they do so, states will be free to make it as difficult as their legislatures feel necessary to restrict certain voters from casting a ballot. We saw those attempts in the last presidential election, where voters in some districts were forced to stand in line for hours to exercise their Constitutional right to vote! Didn’t hear much “denial of rights” talk over that.

102-year old American citizen Desiline Victor, a Haitian-born North Miami woman, was recognized in the recent State of the Union address for standing in line for three hours to cast her ballot. (Photo Courtesy: Advancement Project). As a white male, I can never recall having to wait more than 10 to 15 minutes to vote; even in the most populous state in America.

Thom Hartman wrote: “It’s not easy being black in America. It’s not easy being a woman either. It’s not easy being liberal. And it’s not easy being old. So, it’s certainly not easy being a 102-year-old liberal black woman in America.” Hartman added, “But her story is a troubling one, because centuries of progressive ballot-access work for women and minorities is in reverse today. Civil rights victories are being rolled-back by a network of billionaire-funded organizations and politicians that don’t like democracy, and especially don’t want liberals and minorities voting.”

So here is an idea: Let’s either do background checks and register BOTH AK47 buyers AND voters, or let’s do background checks on NEITHER! Seems to me that equally fundamental Constitutional rights are involved with both.

As long as there are Desiline Victors on this world, there is hope that the ballot will be mightier than the AK47.

…and Justice for all. God Bless Our Country.

Pastor Bill

From the Quote Garden:

“An election is coming. Universal peace is declared,

and the foxes have a sincere interest in prolonging the lives of the poultry.”

~ George Eliot, Felix Holt, Chapter 5 ~

Christ United Methodist Ministry Center

“Christ in the Heart of San Diego”

3295 Meade Avenue - San Diego, CA 92116 - (619) 284-9205

www.ChristSD.com

NOTICES:

Rev. Bill Prince: With sadness we learned of the death of Pastor Bill Prince. Bill was the founding pastor of our Hispanic Methodist Congregation at Christ Church, which he faithfully served well into his eighties before retiring a few years ago. We extend our deepest sympathy to Noemi Prince and family. A Memorial Service is being planned at Christ Church. We will keep you posted.

Daylight Savings Time begins NEXT SUNDAY! Be sure to “Spring Forward” one hour so you will be on-time at worship.

The City of San Diego informed us that the sewer repair project that has kept 33^rd Street and Meade Avenue torn up for months has been amended to include replacing the water line along Meade Avenue. This will extend the street work for two more months. At the City’s instruction, we have turned off our “fire service” in the building (the sprinkler system) until the project is finished, now scheduled for late April. In case of fire or other disaster, please exit the building! Both 33^rd and Meade will be resurfaced. (Comment: While we are all weary of this almost year-long project, I believe replacing the water line is the right decision – just wished they had it in the original plan – but…that’s life.) Thank you for your continued patience.