November 16, 2030
Diogenes and the search for a perfect man
Diogenes was an interesting Greek philosopher. Given the current state of public education, I despair that many know of him, but what some few may remember is the image of an old man carrying a lamp, looking for an honest man. It is worth noting that he did not carry a mirror.
He was among those who came to be known as cynics, (dog-like) for their philosophy. Curious that he went about with a lamp, so that when people asked why he could say “I am seeking an honest man”, then, looking at the questioner, sadly shaking his head, and walking away. Curious, because he was banished from his city of birth for debasing coins. He did it by reducing the silver content, rather than with a computer like our modern cynics, the Fed, but he was no more honest than they. (Reminds me of why I had to carry a coat hanger at my Chief’s initiation, but that is not suitable for a general audience. Other Chief Petty Officers will smile at the reference, and possibly remember. )
There are four reasons why the Cynics are so named.
First because of the indifference of their way of life, for they make a cult of indifference and, like dogs, eat and make love in public, go barefoot, and sleep in tubs and at crossroads.
The second reason is that the dog is a shameless animal, and they make a cult of shamelessness, not as being beneath modesty, but as superior to it.
The third reason is that the dog is a good guard, and they guard the tenets of their philosophy.
The fourth reason is that the dog is a discriminating animal which can distinguish between its friends and enemies. So do they recognize as friends those who are suited to philosophy, and receive them kindly, while those unfitted they drive away, like dogs, by barking at them.
(From: A History of Cynicism)
Diogenes, like many of our modern scolds, never worked, only begged, lived shamelessly, defecating in public and sleeping on the streets, and castigated those who did work, have money, and refused to give it to him. Blind or unconcerned with his own hypocrisy, he made a virtue of seeking in others what he did not find in himself. More likely unconcerned, for he was sure the Oracle at Delphi told him to debase the currency, and by extension, the values of the world in which he lived. Unconcerned that when he practiced business (coinage), he stole by deception, or that when he did not, he lived on the toils of others (begging).
But it is his supposed virtue of seeking and scolding in others for that which he lacked in his own right that makes him an object lesson for today. He, who was a cheat, justified his own dishonesty, while sneering at the failings of others, on whom he depended for his existence. He would be quite comfortable in some quarters today.
There is a closet industry or hobby of seeking perfection in leaders and innovators, both past and present. Perfection, that is, by the coffee house standards of people who haven’t a fraction of the accomplishments of those they feel qualified to castigate.
Dr James Watson was castigated and shunned by the professional community for asking, not stating, if there could be a genetic component to the history of African countries development. For asking the question, for suggesting it might be researched, he has been labelled a racist and a pariah.
But still, he and Dr Crick did discover DNA. Suppose we stripped out his accomplishments because by someone’s standards he falls short. Medicine takes a bit hit.
Magellan is roundly criticized for his character flaws and his treatment of primitive tribes he found. In fact, they did more than criticize him, they killed him. And he did not complete the journey he started.
But. He did find the way through the Straights that bear his name, and his surviving ships circumnavigated the world for the first time. Cut out those straights, and go back to Great Circle routes across the Atlantic, and the last 400 years of world history is very different.
I could go on, but you get the point. We have seen it over and over. People of little accomplishment criticize people of great accomplishment for not living up to the standards of an unemployed stand up philosopher.
It is part of the Utopian mindset from which Marx and the rest of the latter day socialists form their ideologies. And it is as old as man. Envy.
The socialist doesn’t want to work to improve his lot. He wants to share the wealth. And by that he means your wealth. Gaia forbid that he should work for it, save for it, and sacrifice for it. He is entitled to that $70,000 a year education. Nor should he have to pay for it! You should. Gladly, because now he is here to tell you how to think and act. And your society based on the work and sacrifice of you and many like you is evil. So give him his fair share of your evil money, and he will tell you how to live.
Envy and pride. It is a powerful combination. And in history we see it play out back to Cain, the Tower of Babel, Agamemnon, and Robespierre. It always brings misery, and poverty, and want. It never delivers its promises. It is always searching for that which it cannot find.
Like Diogenes, it misses the point. You want to find an honest man? Be an honest man.
November 1, 2022
A recent Pew Research survey produced some very disturbing insight as to how U.S. citizens feel about taking advantage of their right to vote.
“Nearly 56% of the U.S. voting-age population cast ballots in the 2016 presidential election, representing a slight uptick compared with 2012 but less than in the record year of 2008.”
Folks, this is unacceptable. It’s the epitome of hypocrisy for the United States to rattle their saber for Democracy around the world when our own people won’t get off their backsides and vote!
That’s a very, sad commentary, indeed.
The United States is the greatest nation in the world for one reason. It’s foundation depends upon the engagement of its citizens. It is a government for the people, by the people.
A wise man once said, “Don’t complain about what you permit.”
How many times do you hear someone complain about the conditions or environment in which we live, yet do absolutely nothing to change it – but complain?
If we take our freedoms for granted now, how will our children view them the next generation?
We know, without a shadow of a doubt, that we have deep-state politicians who blatantly “rely” upon the ignorance of American citizens to the way they are represented.
Over the years, politicians have tended to hide their socialist tendencies and their lack of commitment to representing the people.
But now liberal Democrats run campaigns on that strategy! The only reason they have the ability to do so is that we’ve allowed them control over our lives. Politicians have been empowered and emboldened to do whatever they want to do, without fear of recompense.
Our Republic thrives on representation by those elected or hired by the people. The fact that a representative may have an opposing view to that of their constituents is one matter. But it’s an entirely different matter for a representative to ignore the wishes of the people in lieu of their own selfish agendas or compliance to their party’s platform!
Our Constitution does not protect the platform of a political party! It protects the rights of U.S. citizens and the sovereignty of our nation!
I’ve learned over half a century of following politics that politicians understand only one language – the vote.
Here’s the bottom line.
If you’re tired of lying political leaders who, frankly, are in their line of work for financial gain and power, you have the ability to give them their “pink slip” and send them back to the private sector! But you have to be willing to exercise your right to vote!
It will take time, but we need to begin the process of training politicians to do their job or face the consequences. Don’t keep electing the same feckless, hypocritical individuals who care more about their motivations than yours!
We have term limits now. It’s called your vote.
It’s urgent that you click on the link below and share with as many Christians as possible.
God is giving us an opportunity to speak out on His behalf.
Listen and act…
October 8, 2020
“The devil went down to Georgia. He was looking for a vote to steal. He was in a bind, ‘cause he was way behind and willing to make a deal”.
This parody of the lyrics from Charlie Daniels’ legendary song seems to sum up the angle of most politicians today who seem willing to sell their soul for positional power.
The problem with positional power is that without wisdom and good intent, it’s very dangerous and negatively consequential for those subject to it. It isn’t often that caring citizens have opportunity to literally save their city from such political embellishment.
On November 3rd, local voters have an historic opportunity to participate in one of the “greatest comebacks in American history” in the healing of a city “ravaged by ruin.”
For 8 painful, arduous years, the city of Huntington has been on the decline. During that time, we’ve watched our city be overtaken by crime, drugs, and progressive ideology – all of which have a symbiotic relationship.
What was once referenced as the Jewel City, is now one of the #1 crime and drug overdose cities in the nation.
Now, given the level of dissent among citizens and business owners remaining in Huntington, one would be compelled to expect a landslide victory was on the horizon for the conservative candidate, Scott Marshall Caserta, right?
Oh, but grandma, there’s a the fly in the buttermilk!
Mayor Williams and his complicit minions (which includes our share of fake news outlets) have focused the last 4 years on replacing hard-working, conservative voters who contribute to society, with downtrodden individuals caught in the liberal nets of benevolence and have little choice but to be beholden to the hand that feeds them.
It is a verifiable fact that some addiction facilities have gone outside our city and state to bring in addicts for treatment in Huntington rehab facilities. I suppose we simply didn’t have enough of our own. Supplemental to this madness has been an initiative to register the homeless to vote.
One might refer to it as election tampering through attrition.
What lies beneath the “spit shined” exterior of lifetime politicians who would feel emboldened to compromise the very heart of a city and her inhabitants simply to remain in power?
Would anyone who cared about our city and its citizens build an economic model around fewer jobs and a dependency upon government?
Only a liberal thinks that way.
And only a progressive aspiring to reign over disadvantaged subjects powerless to sustain themselves (much less contribute to an economy) would sell the jobs and futures of our citizens, simply to lavish longingly in the spotlight of spurious servitude.
I have nothing personal against Mayor Steve Williams. In fact, I’ve partially supported his decisions in the past, at the chagrin of those dear to me.
But the fact remains, his policies have crippled the city of Huntington in a devastating manner! Our city is now on life support emanating from the few remaining Huntingtonians willing to go down with their sinking ship as they struggle to correct her course.
Liberal larcenists stole the city of Huntington from us nearly 8 years ago. It’s time to take her back.
But allow me to be perfectly and unapologetically clear. It will take every single voter with the conviction of saving our city to get off their backsides and vote. If you don’t vote – we lose – it’s that simple.
Not maybe! Not if I have time! Not if I can get off work! If you don’t vote, you won’t have to worry about work! It will be gone!
Understand, it will take more than a man to return our city to greatness. It will take God.
Scott Caserta doesn’t have all the answers. He will be the first to tell you that. But He knows a God who does! And I believe if we humble ourselves and seek God’s Face and Favor, He will heal our land and prosper our people.
We can return to the city once known as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
The only conservative, Christian choice for mayor of Huntington is Scott Caserta.
Huntington won’t survive another term under our current mayor. You know where to be on November 3rd.
If you don’t…then ask someone.
October 3, 2020
Allow me to say this about those who would attempt to win an election by tearing down one’s opponent.
It makes you look very, very, small indeed.
Yes, it’s possible to win an election by “hook n’ crook”. But is it worth losing your soul?
I believe God works all things for His good.
God cannot be out maneuvered! Satan tried and he and his supporters were all cast into the fiery pits of hell.
2020, with all of its shortcomings, has done one thing – exposed the evil heart and intent of many of those around us – people who are so short-sighted, they fill their day with searching opportunities on social media to disparage all things Godly and good.
They laugh and scorn when a U.S. president and the 1st lady get a serious virus. They manipulate information digitally to misrepresent a candidate with Godly intent.
They have no life, no argument, and no hope. So, they wallow in their vomitous message of hate and aspire to bring others into the putrid pit with them.
These individuals slither among society in our nation and in our city of Huntington, WV.
And rest assured, God is keenly aware of each one of them.
So, a message to those who would be filled with despicable joy at the death of our president…
To those who would attack candidates and their families and cause them pain simply to win an election…
To those whose hope rests in the demise and dismay of others…know this!
God is not mocked. Whatever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
26 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” 27 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew[f] the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 Then the waters returned and covered the chariots… the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. 29 But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.
God will protect His children.
And you will be covered by the waters of the Red Sea if you attempt to harm them.
Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot
9.26.2020
Liberal Democrats have all become “Terminators”.
Just like the cyborg assassin sent by “Skynet” to kill Sarah Connor in 2015, they have been repurposed and reprogrammed with the sole mission of getting rid of the President of the United States – Donald J. Trump.
Come hell or high water – get out of the way – he must go. And until that final “spark of entity” has been extinguished inside liberals, they will literally “crawl” toward removing him from office!
Not only do they hate him, they loathe him. They are obsessed with every step he takes, every move he makes – even unto death.
On September 17, 2020, Marshall University assistant professor Jennifer Mosher horrifically wished a “COVID death” for all of President Trump’s supporters before the presidential election.
That’s not only treasonous, it’s demented and evil.
Leftist Democrats hate our president more than they love the nation of people for whom he is commander-in-chief.
So, given the level of disdain the left has for Donald Trump and his supporters, what “wouldn’t” they do to remove him from the Oval Office?
Would they create a factitious Russian Dossier to get approval from the Department of Justice to conduct a witch-hunt investigation hoping to find any tidbit of “evidence” worthy of impeaching the president?
Would they target his family and business in hopes of securing some small piece of evidence that Donald Trump was an evil man?
Would leftist, activist members of the FBI intentionally ruin the careers and personal lives of war heroes to blackmail them into testifying against the president in a totally fabricated investigation?
Would liberal Democrats be willing to return to a poor economy, fewer jobs, and increased poverty just to make the president look inept?
Would the left be willing to withhold economic aid to Americans during the COVID epidemic until after the presidential election, simply to create the false belief that voters must make a change?
Would the liberal media be willing to pre-empt truths with total falsehoods to create a narrative of distrust and hate for this president?
Given the level of impact each of these damnable acts against the citizens of the United States AND the fact that each of them is documented, proven history…ask yourself, “Is there anything on the table liberal Democrats WOULD NOT DO to rid our country of President Trump?”
If your answer is “No”, one must ask, “Would they be willing to cheat during the upcoming election”?
Without a shadow of doubt – absolutely! I have reason to believe liberal Democrats have had a plan in place for years to disenfranchise Trump voters as well as emancipate liberal voters who favor their mission of removing Trump.
And frankly, my dear, they don’t give a *&^%$ if you, the American people, know about it or not!
They believe once they are back in power it’s no holds barred. Redemption and retribution draweth nigh for liberals who plan to re-pay Trump supporters and conservatives for the pain and anguish they’ve caused the left the past 4 years!
So, watch closely, my friends. It’s already happening. Rest assured, the only way President Trump wins the 2020 presidential election is to win it SO OVERWHELMINGLY it negates the thousands of votes that will be adversely impacted by liberal, treasonous thieves who couldn’t care less about America.
Getting rid of President Trump is liberal Democrat’s mission, at any cost.
And you will pay the price if they succeed.
Recent polls, for what they are worth, (amazingly little) tighten the gap between Trump and Biden and give Trump a clear lead in one particular. Now, does it take a history buff to help you figure out what that one area might be? I’ll wait. (Picture Alex and the Jeopardy Theme playing)
Yes, of course. It is the economy. As Bill Clinton, excellent politician but ethical reprobate that he is, noted: “It’s the economy, stupid.” When it comes down to it, there are a few very basic, visceral things that drive people to the polls (not, by the way, to the Post Office).
People want to be safe in their homes, and able to pay their bills, buy food, and live their lives in comfort. How to do so? It’s the economy, stupid.
They must have an income. Which means a job. Which means those evil businesses must survive, and thrive. (For a detailed study of why Gummint checks to people who don’t work are not artifacts of a thriving economy, I invite your attention to Never Enough: America’s Limitless Welfare State, by William Voegeli.
They must have local governments to keep fire and police protection for their communities, for which they are willing, grudgingly, (if you tell me you are cheerful about paying even taxes that you agree are reasonable and necessary, I will forever doubt your veracity.) This assumes said local governments are not so corrupt or incompetent that for any amount of money, they still can’t manage it.
Finally, the tax man must leave them enough to survive and thrive personally. Can we agree that none of us like the tax man, lawyers, or used car salesmen, even if we must, or do, on occasion interact with them? Hatred of the tax man is ingrained in our culture and our DNA. When Robin Hood of antiquity went after the Shire Reeve of Nottingham, he was fighting the tax man. Sheriffs have traditionally been first of all tax collectors. That they enforce other laws and go after bad guys does not diminish their essential and first function: bringing in the taxes.
There is a point to this. You will, no doubt, find people to cite statistics about how efficient the OBiden administration was at managing the economy. I am reminded of Mark Twain’s note that “Figures often beguile me, particularly when I have the arranging of them myself; in which case the remark attributed to Disraeli would often apply with justice and force: ‘There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.” Liars, the best of them at least, can lead you to doubt the evidence of your own senses and memory. Who ya gonna believe, they will ask you, me, or your lyin eyes?
In recent months, we have all found ourselves under constant bombardment by “experts”. Now, if my drains are clogged, I’m not going to call a plumbing expert to lecture me on what to do with my clog. I’m going to call a plumber who knows how to fix it and say, have at it. Aldous Huxley reports on a meeting in 1885 in which “ A well-known lawyer, now a judge, once grouped witnesses into three classes: simple liars, damned liars, and experts. He did not mean that the expert uttered things which he knew to be untrue, but that by the emphasis which he laid on certain statements, and by what has been defined as a highly cultivated faculty of evasion, the effect was actually worse than if he had.” So, instead of seeking an “expert”, I’ll ask someone who has had the problem fixed, “Who cleared your clog?”
So, unless you are just turning 18 and about to vote for the 1st time, you were an adult, in theory, trying to live and thrive in the 8 years of the Democrat administration that began with the 2008 elections, and the last 4. You have worked, or not. You have known others to work, or not. You have seen your paycheck, your tax bill, and your retirement accounts, go up or down. You have seen businesses flourish and put up help wanted signs, or board up their doors forever. You have walked around your town and seen people thriving, or struggling. You have heard your leaders tell you “this is as good as it gets, it’s all downhill from here,” then proceed to lead the country to decline, or tell you “the best is yet to come, “and proceed to somehow lead in such a way that business, and Your paycheck, flourished, your tax bill decreased, Your personal lot in life and outlook became better.
So think back over the last 12 years. Look at your tax returns. Look at your bank statement. And never mind what the “experts” try to tell you, answer for yourself. Is that poll right? Do I want my income and taxes to mirror 08-16, or the last 3 years?
Do you want someone you think can feel your pain, or someone you know will leave more money in your pocket? If you are after empathy, try a therapist. But ask some of your older friends who lived from 76 to 80 how it was to have a leadership based on being such a nice guy, and 20% inflation, long lines at the gas pump, shrinking paychecks, and soaring taxes.
Nice doesn’t pay your bills. This is not Miss America, nor is it a popularity contest.
It is, thank you Bill Clinton, about the economy, stupid.
Think carefully.
September 3, 2020
Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot.
August 1, 2020
It’s positively, unequivocally, and in every other way – moronic.
It’s analogous to removing traffic lights and stop signs because some don’t work properly.
The idea of “defunding” the police by the liberal Democrats is simply the largest leap toward removing boundaries for progressives in our country’s history. While it is, undoubtedly, ludicrous on the surface, it aligns perfectly with liberal ideology.
Progressivism is exactly what the moniker portrays. Liberals “progressively” advance their agenda by vehemently pronouncing their presence and being the loudest voice in the room. Even huge failures often result in small victories by moving the needle of morality ever so slightly to the left.
One must understand liberals view principle and morality on a sliding scale of standards. It varies with every movement. It’s consistency lies in the fact that it’s always, always contrary to God’s Word and conservatism and is tenacious in its onslaught.
A perfect example is Roe v Wade.
In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that a woman’s liberty right (in this instance, whether to be pregnant or not) was stronger than the state’s interest in the life of the baby “up to a certain point” in the pregnancy.
Per the Court’s ruling, at the point of “viability” or the baby’s ability to survive outside the womb, the woman’s right to choose an abortion was outweighed by the potential life of the child. At that point, the Court ruled a state could prohibit women from having abortions. The only caveat was if the birth presented a health risk to the mother.
Just under 50 years later, liberals have challenged case after case and successfully moved the standard for protecting life far to the left. In 2020, it’s seemingly as easy to have an abortion as it is to have a tooth pulled. Sadly, it’s become murder of inconvenience.
That, my friend, is the progressive movement. And that is exactly what is happening with the so-called “defund the police” movement by liberal activists.
Now, the police will not be eliminated. Intelligent minds will prevail. But we are seeing those with the ability to do so, reduce police funding and place citizens at risk. This is an impactful victory for liberals and the first step toward achieving a greater goal.
The left’s determination to subvert Democracy should be very disturbing for everyone and be the catalyst for staunch opposition from the right.
What law-abiding citizen in our country would want to eliminate or even reduce law enforcement? Most would support further funding for the safety of our families! I submit, the majority of those supporting defunding would be only those constrained from committing lawless acts. It’s extremely important for us to realize the many in the liberal media are complicit in making this happen.
Higher ratings? Perhaps. But there are those, to include the media, who place the sovereignty of our nation and the safety of our people far below propagating their progressive agenda.
We’ve seen what happens when bad people are left unrestrained! It results in chaos, destruction, and death – period. That’s what is transpiring in city’s with liberal leadership!
It’s simply amazing what liberal Democrats are willing to compromise simply to rid themselves of the Trump presidency. They have proven they hate Donald Trump more than they love America – if they even love America at all!
What to do? I’m glad you asked. It’s a question more people must begin asking.
The absolute only way you can make a difference is vote. It is the universal language of politicians and the mainstream media. I often ask how the same derelict representatives get elected year after year.
It’s because good people allow it to happen by not becoming informed, engaged, and voting to advance our Republic.
Believe me when I tell you it isn’t going to get any easier. We are at a point where conservatives must win elections by wide margins to reduce the opportunity for fraud.
President Ronald Reagan once said, “If we lose freedom here, there is no place to escape to. This is the last stand on earth.”
Who is going to make that stand? If conservative Christians don’t vote, we lose. We lose our nation, our freedom, our right to worship and protect our family.
We lose it all. Because, that’s what the liberal Democrats want from you. They want it all.
Don’t give it to them.
Free State Patriot 