Interesting Exchange of Ideas with Liberal about Gun Rights

In the debate as to whether the Second Amendment is indeed valid, here is an exchange I had today with a liberal on my Facebook:

Ron says:

My feeling on gun control is that it is not a right, and should be a privilege (like getting a license to drive, practice law, etc.). Yes, I know that most believe the 2nd Amendment provides a right, but my response would be twofold: first, it's open to interpretation when you include the statement regarding being a member of a militia (the "collective rights" interpretation); and second, the founding fathers (especially Jefferson) considered the Constitution to be a "living document" that should be amended as society's needs evolve. Jefferson wrote: ""I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and constitutions, but laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times." (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_Constitution)

Nearly every country that has instituted strict gun laws has seen a dramatic decline in gun violence (the most notable exception being Brazil). A recent article by Ezra Klein provides interesting facts about guns and mass shootings in the U.S. ( see http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2012/12/14/nine-facts-about-guns-and-mass-shootings-in-the-united-states/ ).

The time has come where society is ready to implement sensible gun control laws that will protect its citizens from the mindless slaughter that occurs every day due to guns.

McNaughton says:

All liberals believe that it is the government that grants rights.  In other words, it is the government that bestows “privileges” upon us.  It was this mind set that our Founding Fathers wanted to break away from in the New World.  What makes America unique is our insistence on the rights of the people.  At a time when the federal government is overreaching its bounds more than ever, you will never get the American populace to relinquish their firearms.  And this will guarantee that the American people shall not fall prey to tyrants.

A Conversation about Economics from a Liberal Point of View

I have the pleasure here of having a discussion with Mr. Ron Berg who has a Masters Degree from Columbia University with an emphasis in Economics and Finance.  He is an advocate for Keynesian Economics and he sees the Federal Reserve as having a vital role in the strength of our economy.  (Probably over 95% of all Economists do.) He is liberal in his thinking, but is kind enough to have an ongoing discussion with me concerning such things.  Obviously, I am more the Libertarian and see large government as the problem, not the solution.

I plan to seriously consider Ron's ideas and see if there are any holes in my theories.  I hope he will do the same.

I am not a professional economist.  I am more the serious student, but I tend to have a contrarian view on most things in life.  I hope to have a better understanding of both his and my point of view by doing this.  For me, all that matters is the truth.

Were Your Prayers Unanswered?

I have read countless letters from good Christians who have felt great remorse and have even questioned the validity of their prayers as they witnessed the election go to President Barack Obama.  Some have even gone so far as to say it was God’s will that he be president.  Why would God allow so many prayers to go unanswered? 

This last election was historic on so many levels.  Never has our country been more polarized in one direction or the other.  The viewpoints regarding the role of government and the role of God in our society have never been so diverse. 

Elections are about choice.  There were only three choices in this election:  Vote for Obama with his entitlement, big government, anti-Christian views; or vote for Romney with his less government, less regulation, stronger military and religious freedom views.  The third choice was to do nothing and in effect cast your vote for Obama.

So, was God in this election?  Absolutely Yes!!!  You may say He offered the American people a “tender mercy.”  A tender mercy is a blessing from God that we don’t deserve, but He offers it anyway.  America is dying on the vine with our economy in shambles and unemployment at all time highs. We are also in a dangerous situation with our enemies and corruption is running rampant in Washington.  We needed a candidate that would help America get moving in the right direction.

But Americans chose a President who is under scrutiny for his actions in Benghazi and the Fast and Furious gun running scandal.  They chose a candidate that is Pro-choice at the highest level.  They chose a man who ran a deceitful campaign.  They chose a man who has demonstrated policies that have hurt the American economy and increased our debt twice the amount of the former President.  They chose Obama anyway!

Perhaps they made their choice because Romney was a Mormon?  Perhaps they saw in Obama a better chance for them getting a government handout.  Perhaps they were pro-choice, pro-Gay rights, or just liked Obama’s smile?  We are now a country that leans to the left 51 to 49%.  We are past the tipping point.

So where is God in this?  He gave America a lifeline…and they rejected it.  God is forever merciful, but we ALWAYS have the freedom to choose.  I believe that Romney was the tender mercy God sent to help save America. 

I’m afraid to see the next chapter of this story.  As the polarization widens in this country the time will come when the wicked will have to face the consequences of their actions.  Continue to pray with all your might that God will preserve this nation.  Our prayers are always answered, but often we don’t see God’s hand until the dust settles.

It Doesn't Take A Genius

One of my critics on Facebook saw the following post and then made the comment listed below:

Geoffrey said:

John Adams also said this, within a month or so of the quote you cite- "The proposition that the people are the best keepers of their own liberties is not true. They are the worst conceivable, they are no keepers at all; they can neither judge, act, think, or will, as a political body." So, what do you think he is suggesting there, genius?

McNaughton said:

Are you serious?  Has our government strayed so far from the Founder's intent that we no longer recognize where we came from?  

First of all, to understand the quote on the painting is to see that Adams believed our Constitution would only survive as long as the majority of Americans were moral and maintained their religious values.    Even more than today, at the time of the Founders, most Americans were Christian.  (Today about 77% of Americans view themselves as Christian.) The Judeo-Christian values of life and liberty were the foundation of this country.

The next quote is a direct reference to our Republican form of government.  You see, Geoffrey, we were not intended to be a Democracy.  In a government where each individual casts a vote you eventually fall prey to "mob rule."  Because most voters, "can neither judge, act, think, or will, as a political body." This is what is happening in America today and we are spending ourselves into oblivion with entitlements and foreign wars. If you have enough people in a Democracy voting one way you can trample the rights of others.  Just look at our current tax code.  Are all Americans treated fairly? 

Why are we no longer a Republic?  When the 17th Amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1913 it made the election of Senators no longer an appointment of the State legislature and put it up to a popular vote. (1913 was not a good year for American freedom.) This shattered the pattern of electing trusted politicians on a local level and holding them responsible to appoint Senators to best protect the rights of the state.  Today, most senators appeal to the popular vote and are beholden to special interests who fund their campaigns and pull the strings.

A Republic form of government was designed to vote and appoint our greatest advocates for freedom and the Constitution and protect the rights of the states. Yes, the Republic is dead and our Constitution is barely alive.  It doesn't take a genius to see that America has chosen a path to destruction and unless we wake up and restore the moral and religious values of our nation WE WILL FAIL.

If You Love Me, Spell My Name With a "Y"

Another interesting dialogue with someone on my Facebook page.  What do you think?

Bay Native said:

"thats not how Yehshua looked...wrong nationality ... very typical for a white man to paint Him caucasion

How would you like it if the people that loved you the most couldnt even get your name right... there ws no J at that time His name is Yehshua"

McNaughton said:

There are a number of people that believe a critical part of “correct” Christianity is whether you believe Christ had a certain color of skin, eye color, hair color, hair length, spelled His name with a “Y” versus a “J,” etc.  I believe it is foolish to place emphasis on these things.  If it were truly important, would Jesus have not stated such details?  Perhaps it is an individual quest to learn such things.  As an artist, I only worry about Jesus’ outward appearance to the extent that it creates a familiar image and to help “build faith” in Christ.  As for myself, my focus is to know Him in a more personal way unaffected by such trivial questions.

To learn more of my experience in “How to Paint Jesus” click the link below:

http://blog.mcnaughtonart.com/2010/11/how-do-you-paint-face-of-christ.html

You Should Pray for Obama

Here is another dialogue with someone on my Facebook.  I normally don’t respond to negative comments, but sometimes I just have to do it!

Misty said:
I think it's wrong to use your art to pick on one person. Even if you don't like what he does I don't think this does anything but cultivate resentment & hate. Would this help lead Obama or anyone else to Jesus? Why don't you pray for his salvation instead of painting these pictures against him?

McNaughton said:
Misty, most Christians do just that; they mind their business and pray. You are correct that the painting cultivates resentment, and among some even hate.  If I was alive at the time of the War of Independence with Britain should I have only prayed for King George’s soul? What was the intent of the Founders when they signed the Declaration of Independence?  Fortunately, we still have our rights and a voting process.  I will do all in my power to awaken as many people as possible to the dire situation we face.  There are a lot of “good” things in this world that do not lead a person to Jesus that are important none the less.  I have prayed for Obama and our country many times, but God requires us to do all we can after we pray.  "If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed all things are possible." This painting is my way of calling out Obama and his administration. Can you think of a better way?

Judge Not Lest Ye Be Judged

Here is a short dialogue I had with a visitor to my Facebook…

Smith said:

Have you ever read the bible Jon? "Judge not lest ye be judged"! I'm sure that God does not think of Obama as "evil"! Why can't we just pray and ask that who ever is our president will make the right decisions for our country.

McNaughton said:

Judge not lest ye be judged? You just judged me. We are required to judge every day between right and wrong. I will forgive a person who trespasses me and comes asking for forgiveness. I will strive to not have malice in my heart toward any man.  I will not suspend mercy on those who ask for it.  But I will not sit idly by and watch an insidious group of people destroy our country. Imagine if G. Washington had said to the Colonials as they prepared to fight the British, "Judge not let ye be judged." Smith, Christ also said, "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth." Rev 3:16  We can not sit on the fence when it comes to standing up for what is right.