First, I believe the Declaration of Independence is the place to start when considering our rights as humans. Every human has been granted certain inalienable rights (these rights cannot be forfeited or taken). We must recognize human rights before we can possess American rights.

Second, we need to exercise our rights, defend them, and fight for them. We must stop allowing politicians to pit us against one another—black versus white, male versus female, Christian versus non-Christian, gay versus straight…. (To be clear I am four of those things and not the other four, but my point is that all humans have human rights.). Politicians use the media to rile up their bases and cause US to fight one another. Paul, the Apostle, once told US that if we bite and devour one another; we should take heed lest we consume one another. We need to stand up for one another against the corporate state.

Nick, no, I do not believe America is a Christian nation.

I basically agree with you. My son and I were talking last night, and if someone is attacking you, regardless why; you must defend yourself. I’ve heard people say we shouldn’t use force if death is threatened, but what about assault or rape? I think it would make a difference if someone was taking a candy bar versus breaking into my home or business, but if the same kid kept attempting to steal my candy bar; I’d use physical force to stop him. You also make two other great points: the mayors of many of the cities that had riots last summer literally told their police force to stand down and allow the looters and rioters to wreak havoc. I know this happened in Louisville. Your second point, that we are responsible to defend ourselves is spot on. Law enforcement is not responsible for me or my family, I am. I will say that I don’t personally think Kyle Rittenhouse mad a prudent choice by injecting himself into the situation, but he was 100% right to defend himself. All the video and testimony supports that fact. One last thought: how is this about race? Kyle is white, and he shot 3 white men. The media and many in government have just lied on this one. Thanks for your thoughts!

Sasa, there is definitely a lot of blame to spread around for this situation. Honestly, my wife and I have talked about this and agree that he should not have been there, but that he likely did not break the law. There were plenty of other folks in that mob that were carrying weapons. The violence of the protestors-turned-criminals cannot be ignored. Finally, our legal system needs major reform. Civil rights are not respected by law enforcement, prosecutors withhold evidence and pressure individuals to plead under threat of greater punishments, and the war on drugs and terror combined are destroying any semblance of rights in this nation. Interesting fact: over 90% of all criminal cases end in a plea deal. How is that really just? Thoughts?

Chuck, thank so much for your comments! There is a lot to unpack. I especially appreciate your summary: “So when G0d applies Jonah’s logic to the people, the animals, and the great city of Nineveh, surely the scales fell from his eyes, and he saw for the first time, the potential of these people as demonstrated by their obedience to G0d, and their repentance. That is what forgiveness is all about. I don’t forgive you because you are sorry about the evil that you have done. You did the evil, and nothing can change that. You cannot change the past. I forgive you because I would otherwise miss out on the potential of who you could become. It is the future where you can change, and that is what you must show to be worthy of forgiveness.”