Tag Archives: mark caserta

Mark Caserta: Your vote has never been more important.

25 Jul

Our nation is at a troublesome crossroads. You must choose the path for the future.

There has never been a time in our nation’s history when there has been any clearer distinction between good and evil.  The domestic unrest in our cities transcends politics. Although the political pulpit, along with the incessant news cycle arguably help fuel the violence and spark emotion, the root cause is much more sinister and heinous with the sole intent of stealing, killing, and destroying all that is good and perfect among us.

News media has abandoned the true journalistic mission of “informing” people of factual content in lieu of “influencing” them as to how they should feel about content, factual or otherwise.  The liberal media of our times will never allow truth to stand in the way of a good story or an opportunity to strike an emotional hotspot to garner support for their cause. 

Understand, “progress” and “progressivism” are not one in the same!  Progress in society, in terms of medical advances, scientific learnings and new and innovative ways of living life is wonderful and should be embraced by all.  But a progressive ideology is something entirely different. 

Progressivism is a liberal methodology.  It is a gradual diminishing of heretofore agreed upon standards of ethics and principles by which to live, allowing a new matrix of morality void of any moral compass. 

Understand, we didn’t see audacious behavior rise around us overnight.  It was accomplished by a tenacious, consistent “desensitizing” of society, frankly, beginning in the classroom.  While we have some wonderful, caring teachers in many classrooms, we also have some incredibly evil leadership willing to compromise and mold a child’s mind to accept concepts and ideas that would never have been acceptable otherwise.

In what world would be ever have considered allowing a man to compete in a women’s sport by simply having surgery to remove his genitalia.  The physiology and genealogy remain that of a man but is allowed to compete against a woman simply because they no longer identify as a man.

It if fully the right of any individual to live their life as they choose.  That is God given and a constitutionally supported right.  But that right to choose must not adversely impact the rights of others. 

Here’s the point.  We didn’t get here overnight.  Years ago, liberals began removing any semblance of steadfast rules by which to live our lives.  Regardless of you accepting it or not, God’s Word has been the foundation for the growth and development of all mankind.  Simply disagreeing with this precept is your choice, but a very wrong one.

So, the very first objective of the progressive movement had to be to remove the Bible from the classroom!  They did this by inaccurately leveraging the 1st amendment to the Constitution or the establishment clause, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof…”  Historically, the most mis-interpreted portion of our constitution and has been the foundation of the decision to keep all things having to do with Christianity, to include the Bible, out of our classrooms.

Removing the parameters of God’s Word from the classroom allowed the infusion of materials under the guise of being “open-minded” to progress in society and varying individual’s convictions.  In fact, moral convictions began to take on an entirely different appearance and tenacity in varying aspects of the world in which we live.

Again, we all have the right to choose how we live.  No disagreement there.  That is a God-given right.  We do not have the right to infringe upon the rights of others.  Unfortunately, the liberal stance is that if someone doesn’t fully support their cause or passion it means they are not inclusive and must have hate in their heart toward them. 

That’s simply an intellectually dishonest view.  We can love people and accept them without supporting the advancement or promotion of their cause or allowing them to suppress my right to the very same acceptance. 

But liberal progressives have made this an emotional battle.  They’ve weaponized media, politics and even religion and created an environment so volatile that our greatest threat is no longer foreign – it is the enemy within. 

Now, you may be sitting on the sidelines, resolute to the fact that you can’t change it.  And you may not have the bully pulpit to enact change to a high degree.  But you can certainly impact your circle.  You influence those around you every single day.

 How are you choosing to use that influence?  Are you choosing to model apathy to the evil around you or are you displaying empathy and ministering to others and influencing positive change?

The choice has never been clearer.  The left has embraced the antithesis of all things which have made the United States a sovereign, prosperous nation, respected and revered by the world. The believe the government knows best and will do anything to always wield the power to control your life.  They believe they have the right to take the money that you worked hard to earn and share it with those who have not earned it at all.  They believe they should have the power to “make” all men equal.  They will distribute success.  And in return for their handouts, all they ask is for your vote to keep them in power.

Conservatives promulgate a love of country and all our Founding Fathers envisioned for America. They believe we live in a Republic; a government ran by the people through elected officials who represent their best interests.  They believe the people know best and should have the power and ability to work hard and build a prosperous life.  They believe equality stems from everyone having the same opportunities in our country to earn the American dream rather than having it handed to them in return for a vote.  They believe God “created” all men equal.  They must earn success.  All they ask is that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

The mission is clear.  The choice is yours.  Do you stand for freedom and Democracy?  Or do you stand with the government controlling your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren?

 Make your mark in history by voting in November.

Mark Caserta has been an op-ed columnist since 2000.

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Mark Caserta: Stop calling the liberal leftists the “Democratic Party”

1 Jun
Call them the “Democrat Party”. Democracy left the Democrats long ago

Stop calling them the “Democratic Party”!

I wrote about this several years ago, but it never has taken root.

Do not refer to the Democrats as the “Democratic Party!”

Using the adjective “democratic” to describe the type of party the liberal left has become is an improper use of the descriptive term.

Democracy left progressives years ago. They are not the same party once led by JFK. There are something entirely, grossly, different. Frankly, something despicable.

Citizens of these United States live in a so-called democratic society, which describes an entity led by the majority of its members.

This is not entirely accurate in that a true democracy could be described as “mob rule”.

Mob rule in no shape or form suggests a people led by the rule of law. It more accurately describes the will of the masses, no matter the nobility or legality of the cause.

We are more accurately described as living in a Republic.

A Republic is a government in which the supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.

Now, the key word here is “represented”! Sadly, that word has fallen from the political dictionary in many cases.

The will of the people should be a politician’s sole marching orders!

Understand that when we do not exercise our right to choose our representatives through the electoral process, we are abdicating that right to those who may or may not represent your belief system!

And don’t complain about what you permit! Voter turnout in our nation is embarrassingly low. We should be ashamed. In other nations, people risk their lives to exercise this right.

When you do not vote, you do not support the Republic – period.

The take-a-way of this commentary is that we should call the liberal left the “Democrat Party”.

It, then, becomes a simple moniker for a group of individuals who no longer love their country, United States Constitution, or the rule of law. They simply crave power and control, regardless of the will of their constituents.

So the next time you hear, someone refer to the progressives as the Democratic Party, feel free to correct them and tell them why.

And also make sure you model the example of patriotism by voting to keep our Republic alive and well.

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Mark Caserta: We still live in a Republic – for now.

20 Jan

Mark Caserta has been writing opinion columns for nearly 25 years and is editor for Free State Patriot

Got your attention? Good.

We nearly had to take out a loan to purchase this chuck roast I’m preparing to put on the oven. I know prices tend to rise, but this is out of control.

We live in a Republic, which means we are supposed to have representatives who represent the will of the people. Many people don’t know what that looks like. Many politicians don’t care – as long as they remain in power.

There are still good people out there who want to do the right thing as our representatives. Find out who they are and vote for them. If you don’t vote, don’t complain about what you permit.

Families are hurting. People are wandering grocery store aisles looking at items on the shelves they can no longer afford. It’s truly heartbreaking if you understand what’s happening in government.

There are those who will swear government isn’t the problem. Well, to a point they’re right. The people who sit on the sidelines and allow progressive liberals to control their lives are the problem!

The government should not control the people. People should control the government. It’s time, no, it’s past time that we re-engage and take back our lives and the futures of our children and grandchildren.

Corrupt politicians believe we are defeated. They believe they’ve beaten us down and taken away our spirit to fight. They want everyone subservient to their governing hypocrisy. They are relentless in their ideology to dominate, not serve their constituents.

Are we beaten? Is this the way we want it? Is this the environment we want for our children?

It starts with a single, persistent voice in the wilderness. It begins with you and me. Being angry isn’t enough.
Put some action behind that anger.

Fire leaders who will not lead. Vote in November.

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Mark Caserta: Compass Club provides venue to return Jesus to the classroom

4 Nov

CALL-TO-ACTION! CLICK HERE TO LEARN ABOUT COMPASS CLUB

Folks, many of you know I’ve written commentary and opinion for over two decades on many topics relative to preserving our great nation.

But I’ve never been an advocate of anything more important than returning Jesus to our classrooms.

The enemy knows if he can be successful in removing Biblical standards from our schools, he can accomplish even the most vile and destructive goals.

We’ve seen it in attacks on identity, on the family and the self esteem and character of our young people.

It’s time to take a stand, before it’s too late.

Nik Walker Ministries’ “Compass Club” is targeted toward raising up a generation that will focus on Jesus for solutions and not the world.

It is a Christian- based club for students, by students, in our public school system!

Abe Lincoln was quoted as saying, “The philosophy of the classroom this generation will be the philosophy of government the next…”

That’s exactly where we are!

I’m determined to support ministries, like Nik Walker’s, who love our children. I believe you will be too as you learn more about “Compass Club”.

Once you watch this, pray about partnering with them in this endeavor to returning Christ to our schools!

If Christians don’t support this – who will?

This is your opportunity to make a difference!

This is an unsolicited call to action.

CLICK HERE TO PARTNER IN RETURNING JESUS TO OUR PUBLIC SCHOOL CLASSROOMS https://www.nwministries.com/

Nik Walker Ministries

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Mark Caserta: How did Democrats really win the 2020 presidential election?

11 Feb

Mark Caserta has been an Opinion columnist for over 22 years and is Editor for Free State Patriot.

Heading into the 2024 presidential election, this is a republication of a 2023 column.

———-

“Two years ago, the economy was reeling. I stand here tonight, after we’ve created, with the help of many people in this room, 12 million new jobs — more jobs created in two years than any President has created in four years — because of you all, because of the American people” –  President Joe Biden

Stunned.  That’s the only word I have to describe my feelings about Joe Biden’s State of the Union address to the nation.

There are two possibilities:  Either Biden can’t recall what was actually happening two years ago, or his integrity as president means nothing to him or his staff – potentially both.  The only thing “reeling” is Joe Biden’s memory.

Two years ago, gasoline was below $2.00.  The employment rate was at its lowest rate since the 1970’s.  Our country was energy independent.  We had regained respect from nations around the world.  The Obamacare individual mandate had been negated.  Americans were regaining their pride as a nation.  Our country was literally recovering from 8 years of a failed liberal experiment under Barack Obama, the “Liar-in-Chief”, who promised everyone they could keep their healthcare and doctor if they wanted.  Politifact declared that to be the Politifact “Lie of the year” – FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!

But liberal Democrats were miserable.  President Donald Trump’s tweeting and demeanor was simply not worth the price of a healthy nation.  And it certainly wasn’t worth losing all of their power and government control!

On day one of Trump’s presidency, Democrats began putting together a plan to win back the White House – at any cost.

This plan was multi-faceted and supported by every liberal media outlet in the country.  It involved a conspiracy to exercise the most massive pre-planned voter fraud ever inflicted upon the American people!

Just look at the number of votes Joe Biden and Kamala Harris supposedly garnered in 2020!  Really?  According to the Census Bureau, there are approximately 168 million registered voters in the United States.  Are we to believe that 81 million of those voters voted for Joe Biden during the 2020 election when our nation was at its peak of prosperity in years$

Presidential ticketYearPopular Vote
Obama / Biden201265,915,795
Romney / Ryan201260,933,504
Trump / Pence201662,984,828
Trump / Pence202074,223,975
Biden / Harris202081,283,501

After months of research and contemplating the facts, these are the steps I believe liberal Democrats employed to win the 2020 presidential election.

  • They moved to remove any proof of U.S. citizenship or identity to vote in the U.S. and encouraged illegal immigration to bolster a predictable voter base.
  • They inundated the nation with voter “drop boxes” in heavily liberal populated cities.
  • Democrats employed “dark voters” to encourage and execute multiple illegal votes on every liberal front possible.
  • Dems bombarded liberal mailboxes with write-in ballots which could be submitted as often as possible.
  • They leveraged computer hacking technology designed to interrupt, skew and even change votes.
  • Democrats grew a network of conspirators at the state and federal level strategically planted to be “boots on the ground” to identify Trump voting tendencies and reverse them at every opportunity.
  • They partnered with a complicit media willing to report information not to inform, but to influence results.
  • Liberal Dems utilized a “war room” approach to delegitimize anything and everything in Donald Trump’s favor and divert attention away from massive voter fraud.
  • Finally, liberal Democrats had a plan to insert votes, electronically or physically, as often as needed and where logistically possible right under our noses.

Folks, unless Republicans figure out a way to either diminish the Democrat fraudulent voter conspiracy or devise their own plan to legally match their efforts, the GOP will never win another election.

It doesn’t matter who runs or what they promise. Liberal Democrats simply do not care about you or our nation. They will do or say anything to keep control. And the longer they are in control, the weaker our nation will become.

And the more emboldened other nations will be to attack us on the most obvious fronts.

Perhaps they may even fly a huge information gathering balloon over our country, if they believe we are truly without leadership.

Don’t complain about what you permit.  Fix this GOP!

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Mark Caserta: “Which one do you want released, Jesus or Barabbas?”

14 Jan

Why do we allow the loudest voices in the crowd to prevail?

Mark Caserta has been an opinion columnist for over 22 years and is editor for Free State Patriot.

January 14, 2023

“Reproductive rights are human rights!  Border security is discrimination!  Mankind is responsible for climate change!  New gun laws will save lives!  The U.S. Constitution is antiquated in today’s world!”

“Crucify Him!”

Why do we allow the loudest voice in the crowd to prevail???

Now, it was customary before the Passover feast for the Roman Governor to release to the people any one prisoner they chose.  At the time, two of the prisoners they were holding were Jesus of Nazareth and Barabbas.

Jesus was the Christ, son of the living God, He had been arrested under the guise of treason.  Jesus had done no wrong, committed no sin.  In fact, He drew crowds by the thousands because of His compassion, His ability to heal the sick, restore sight to the blind and raise the dead.  The Bible depicts numerous stories of how enormous crowds followed Jesus, the Messiah for whom they had waited for years.  He emerged as the prophesied arrival of the Son of Man of whom John the Baptist had foretold and ultimately lost his life defending. 

Jesus’ arrival had stirred the hearts of the people and caused them to gather in masses!  They believed in Him.  They followed Him.  He gave them hope.

Barabbas was a notorious criminal, deserving of imprisonment. He has been arrested and imprisoned for being a murderer, an insurrectionist who wanted to overthrow the Roman government.  Barabbas was deserving of imprisonment. 

But Jesus was a threat to the religious status quo.  His popularity threatened the power of few, self-serving, individuals who sought only to exalt themselves above others.  He must be stopped.  The chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd congregating to see the “judicial” reality show, to ask for Barabbas and to put Jesus to death.

“Which of the two do you want me to release for you?” Pilate asked the crowd.

“Barabbas”, the crowd yelled.

“Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?”  Again, they all said, “Crucify Him!”

“Why, what evil has He done?” Pilate asked the people.  But the few who had gathered had no legitimate reason for their response.  They kept yelling and yelling, “Crucify Him!”

Rather than starting a riot, Pilate took water and metaphorically washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying “I am innocent of this Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”

And the mob which had gathered, ignorantly yelled, “His blood shall be on us and our children”. 

Barabbas was released and Jesus, the Son of God, was put to death because of a few people who had been purchased by the leaders of the day to be the loudest, most vocal people in the crowd.

I’ve often wondered, where were the thousands of people who supported Jesus during his 3 years of ministry?  Surely, once they heard of this travesty of a trial they would rise to Jesus’ defense.

Surely thousands of Jesus’ followers would be heard above the few who had been lawlessly influenced to yell, “Crucify Him” at the trial!  Where were these people when Jesus needed them???

Can’t you see how this story is meant for us, today? Look around you!  Can’t you see that the voices of only a persistent few are being heard above the righteous – above Christians who follow Jesus!

Surely, these thousands of Jesus’ followers will be heard above the few who have been purchased and compelled to espouse anti-Christian beliefs among society!

Surely, they won’t allow the children to be murdered!  Surely, they’ll help uphold the laws of the land!  Surely, they’ll stand for Jesus, the one who willingly gave His life so that we can have life more abundantly!

Brothers and sisters, we are as guilty as those who hid in the shadows during Jesus’ crucifixion if we allow the minority of evil voices around us to control the events that unfold.

Our society is rapidly declining at a rate I never thought possible. And I refuse to believe it is the will of the majority of the people! It is a result of the minority, albeit loudest voices among us!

Are you hiding among the shadows?  Are you raising your voice in protest of the wrongs surrounding your children?

Would you be one of those who allowed Jesus the Christ to be crucified?  Or would you have risen to His defense?  What is justice worth to you?

It’s the same scenario! This story is meant for our day!

Willing or unwilling, this blood shall be on us and our children if we stay silent.  Just as it was on that sorrowful day, this blood will be on our hands and our children will pay the price.

What will you choose to do?

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Mark Caserta: Wondering why our nation is upside-down. Here’s the answer!

3 Jan

Mark Caserta has been an opinion columnist for 22 years and is editor for Free State Patriot

January 3, 2023

Have you ever wondered how our nation got so upside-down?  Well, it didn’t happen overnight.

And that’s what made it possible.

The most concerning dynamic in this dilemma is we have a nation comprised of a generation (or two) which frankly have never experienced the beauty and success of government of the people, by the people and for the people.  They have no frame of reference to understand a viable, flourishing Democracy.  And we’ve allowed it to happen.

The only reference they have is what they’ve been exposed to in their lifetime. And sadly, Christian conservatives haven’t been as fervent and determined in the fight.  Don’t get mad at me.  It’s the truth.

 But it’s time we at least begin educating anyone who will listen to the reality that our nation is being destroyed by individuals who are willing to sacrifice our nation’s constitutional core to gain power.

It’s called the progressive movement and is driven by progressive, far left liberals.

In short, progressive liberalism is the perpetual attempt to undermine every pre-conceived notion of right and wrong. Values, principles or morality are predefined standards of behavior and have no place in the progressive vocabulary or playbook.

Liberalism is an ideology (Some say religion) that perverts and confounds every fact and precedent heretofore accepted as the norm.  It leverages the process of “desensitization”, or the constant exposure to standards outside the norm in a relentless fashion.

Morality, if even considered, is on a sliding scale, variable to one’s passion and personal belief system.

For example, In the 1970’s one had to visit what was termed an “X-rated” theater to see many of the behaviors or hear some of the language to which we are now exposed on television – in prime time!  Constant exposure is integral to the desensitization process.  You get “used” to hearing or seeing it and it becomes less offensive in nature and more readily accepted as the norm. 

Another example would be abortion.  When Roe v. Wade was initially passed in 1973, it was done so with conditions involving the viability of the baby and the health of the mother. Now, abortions are performed with very few limitations, the least of which is the viability of the baby!

It may be simpler now to get an abortion, than it is to get a root canal.  The murder of millions a babies every year isn’t even addressed by some politicians anymore.

I’m on a roll, so here’s another example. 

Politicians used to hide their socialist tendencies. Now they run campaigns on them!  Did you ever think you would see a day when U.S. politicians would openly run on socialist platforms and expect people to buy in?  But over the years, the government has forced more and more people into government dependency, hence socialism sprouts from the seeds of addiction to government.  

Campaigning on the premise “we will make your wildest dreams come true” has become the liberal Democrat mantra!  It’s no longer restricted to Pedro’s campaign promise in Napoleon Dynamite, “If you vote for me, all your wildest dreams will come true.”  Democrats have genuinely embraced that platform!

These current quandaries represent only a fraction of the present liberal state and are the result of individuals persistently applying pressure to expose the nation to more and more behaviors previously considered inappropriate.

 This liberal attack is also omnidirectional, in nature.  The tentacles of progressivism are regularly employed by corrupt politicians and right-wing media outlets who are espoused to the left and pledged to serve and protect this ideology. 

 Liberalism defiantly asks the question, “Who are you to define the norm?”  And any person attempting to define “normal” behavior in society is accused of being racist, a bigot, or homophobe, and is obviously filled with hatred.

 It’s the progressive theory of, “morality + conviction + common sense = discrimination”. 

Consider a pre-meditated plan for creating a sociological environment where children, as young as elementary age, are exposed to extreme violence, sex, foul language, gender “choices” and anti-capitalistic content in the classroom.  What if this methodology was employed years ago at a point in history where it would produce a generation or generations indoctrinated and desensitized to aberrations of these behaviors?

Do you know what we would have?  Of course, you do!  You’re living in it! Progressives had a plan to create a generation of followers and they’ve executed it perfectly!

Folks, this is progressive liberalism 101!  Liberals began infiltrating the classroom and brain-washing your children under your very noses! 

Why do you think liberal politicians have been profoundly against private schools and homeschooling?  They can’t control the content!  They can’t re-write history in their favor.  Progressives would never allow a good classical education to stand in the way of progressivism!

Liberalism can only be promoted in a world replete with historical revisions and lies!  It’s never worked and never will!

Remember, Progressive liberals and government hate anything or anyone they can’t control.  And their agenda involves controlling everything – including you and your family!

Abe Lincoln said, “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” 

Apparently, liberals were listening, while many of us were not. The fact is, Liberals work harder, are more united and more determined than conservatives. 

And we have got to change that!

Haven’t you ever wondered why the Bible and its principles have become so terrifying to liberals?  It’s simply because Biblical principles are the antithesis of liberal principles.

Even though our nation was built upon Biblical standards which can be found throughout all of our historical documents, progressives would be stopped dead in their tracks if “people who are called by His (God’s) name will humble themselves, seek Him in prayer and turn from their wicked ways”.  The Bible says, “God would forgive our sins and heal our land”.

But this “healing” calls for repentance.  Liberal progressives feel that they are gods within themselves and have nothing for which to repent.  Hence the prerequisite of eliminating God’s Word in every venue in our nation – especially the schools!

The Bible is God’s law and liberals don’t want law defined for them, by anyone – even God.  The Bible isn’t “inclusive” enough to suit their inclusive agenda, which ironically includes everyone except those who disagree!

The Bible offers a narrow gate passable only by the penitent.  Liberal progressives don’t want gates, walls, fences, borders or anything that holds them to a behavioral standard.  Their job is to question and redefine the standards – all of them!

So, now that you understand liberal progressivism, what are you going to do differently to prevent its advancement in society?

Whatever you do, don’t expect things to change rapidly.  We must be as fervent and as patient as liberals were in our gameplan.

Where would you begin and when do you start?  I’ll be sharing some answers in upcoming columns.

But imagine this: What would you attempt to do in life if you knew it were impossible to fail?  (Read Philippians 4:13)

Until next time – Be Blessed and be engaged.

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FSP Columnist spends time with judicial champion – Judge Alfred E. Ferguson

30 Dec

December 30, 2022

Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot

Judge Alfred E. Ferguson has served Cabell County in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court for over 47 years and is the longest sitting circuit court judge in WV history.

It was a superb day for the first day of doe hunting season!  My friends and I had decided to take advantage of this unseasonably warm day in December in a tree stand in the woods of Wayne County, WV.

Now, being a rookie huntsman, I don’t claim to know much about deer hunting, but I do know they have an amazing auditory range.  I’m sure the fact I couldn’t stop asking questions of my hunting partner was a contributing factor in us leaving the tree stand empty-handed.  But only empty-handed in terms of harvesting a deer! I certainly didn’t leave empty-handed considering the memorable experience of conversing with a legendary defender of truth and justice for over 60 years, Judge Alfred E. Ferguson. 

Born and raised in Cabell County, Judge Ferguson graduated from Marshall University in 1959 with a bachelor’s degree in political science, subsequently earning a law degree from West Virginia College of Law in 1962.    Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge Ferguson served 1 year as Assistant Cabell County Prosecuting Attorney and 2 years as Divorce Commissioner.  Judge Ferguson was also a lawyer in a private practice for fifteen years.

In 1977, then Governor John D. Rockefeller IV appointed him to the bench in the Sixth Judicial Court from which he has served the people of Cabell County for more than 46 years.

Judge Ferguson has also served his community as a part-time instructor at his alma mater, Marshall University, teaching criminal, juvenile, civil and divorce law for more than 20 years. He is a former member of the Judicial Investigation Commission and was the first presiding judge on the first Juvenile Drug Court established in West Virginia.  Additionally, Judge Ferguson has often been appointed to serve on the Supreme Court in place of a justice who was recused from a case.

In a campaign questionnaire, Judge Ferguson described the competencies required for his job. “A fair temperament, along with open-mindedness, courtesy, courage, firmness, compassion, ethics, and plain common sense are the most important traits a judge must have,” Judge said, “It’s essential a judge must be able to communicate with counsel, jurors, witnesses and all parties involved in a proceeding.”

One would think that years of experience in the judicial system would desensitize anyone to a degree, inadvertently, if not subliminally, causing them to become a bit callous in the face of seemingly increasing, often repeated transgressions.  But nothing could be further from the truth, with Judge Ferguson.

While adhering to the letter of the law, Judge Ferguson’s goal is to be the catalyst for positive change. He seeks to mentor, if not minister, to those who face judgement in his courtroom.  To the degree applicable, he seeks to guide defendants toward making better life choices, despite their past behaviors.

 I personally know individuals who, after receiving a fair sentence in Judge Ferguson’s courtroom, were able to transcend their past iniquities and become contributing individuals in society as a result of his circumspect, sensical approach in the courtroom.  

I listened to Judge Ferguson as he described how he wanted repeat offenders to understand their purpose in life and that their calling is to be much more than they have chosen to be.  They need only make better choices.

Over the years, Judge Ferguson has proven his determination to make decisions within the boundaries of the law while doing everything within his power to serve the best interest of the community AND the individual.

He is, in my humble opinion, a judicial hero.

Many ask Judge Ferguson if he intends to retire at the end of his term, in 2 years.  I humbly believe if any member of the judiciary deserved a lifetime appointment, Judge Ferguson does.

I suppose it’s a moot point, considering voters have opted to issue the judge his lifetime appointment at the polls.

Government, by the people, at its finest!

Thank you, Judge Ferguson for your service and the judicial legacy you are still building from behind the bench.

Well done, thou good and faithful servant!

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Mark Caserta: Don’t complain about what you permit!

12 Nov

Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and resides in Huntington, WV.

November 12, 2022

A wise man once said, “Don’t complain about what you permit”.  That fits perfectly within our current political environment.  It’s indeed baffling to understand how citizens of the greatest nation on earth could allow a dark, sinister, manipulating government to attack our country from within with such a lack of resistance.

First, anyone who would vote to continue what is happening to our country is either worryingly uninformed or dangerously averse to the human condition around us.

In fact, the ludicrous nature of our predicament forces one to question whether we can continue to trust U.S. election results or if there are, indeed, a rising number of voters who really don’t like America very much and would much rather live precariously in their lives of relative morality and digressing virtue.

I am forced to believe that anyone with the conviction to vote in an election, must also possess intent.  If not, why waste the time?  Additionally, voting in alignment with the progressive, liberal ideology those on the left have adopted, speaks volumes in terms of their intent to be self-serving and apathetic to the lives of those around them.

Thus, is the posture of the new Democrat Party.  Self-serving, narcistic and emboldened by perceived government power over the people, liberal Democrats are pushing relentlessly to achieve their destructive goals while they can – at the expense of American citizens.  Armed with their “net of endowment”, Democrats are spending billions of your tax dollars marginalizing citizens’ ability to prosper on their own without relying upon the government for sustenance.

Two mantras come to mind regarding Democrat methodology:  “Never allow a crisis to go to waste” and “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you”. 

They are winning elections with this philosophy.

So, who does change depend upon?  Well, allow me to ask this question.  What is the only demographic liberal Democrats have not been able to purchase or oppress – yet?  Christians!

If you didn’t vote in this November election, shame on you.  By not speaking with your vote, you’ve spoken very loudly as to your level of disregard for your fellow man.  Statistics reveal that 64 percent of Americans identify as Christians. With 331 million people in the U.S., if only half of them voted, we would dominate politics across the country!

Bottom line:  Returning America to her greatness is going to take more than a man – it’s going to take God.  God is not going to send Angels to vote on our behalf!

It’s up to us to take a stand.  By not voting Biblical principles, you are simply allowing the enemy to run wild!  You’re also paving the way for pain and persecution of your children and their children’s children.

The Bible says, in James, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

So, what will you do the next election?  If you don’t vote, then don’t complain about the consequences.  You’ve in fact, taken the wrong side of God’s battle.   

Get mad if you want, but I wouldn’t want to stand before God and have to explain my lack of care for my fellow man.

If we continue down this road in America, we won’t recognize her in a few years.  It’s up to Christians to change things.

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Mark Caserta: Columnist spends time with true American hero – Joseph Whitt

25 Jun

Note: This column is a reprint of an article published in 2016.

Mark Caserta is an opinion columnist and editor for Free State Patriot
Judy and Joe Whitt

Americans love extolling our heroes, but it isn’t often you actually get to meet one. Recently I was blessed to share some time with one of our nation’s most esteemed living patriots – Joseph Whitt.

Joe was aboard the U.S.S. San Francisco during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, and is currently one of four remaining survivors.

Joe is truly representative of the “Greatest Generation” our country has ever produced.

 While the years have stolen nearly all of his eyesight, Joe hasn’t lost his memory of that infamous day, which I believe tortures him still.

As I sat across the table from Joe and his lovely wife, Judith, in a restaurant near Bethel, Ohio, where they reside, I couldn’t help but politely ask questions about his experience.

I listened intently as Joe attempted to describe the indescribable.

“I saw the Arizona blow up,” Joe said, speaking of the U.S.S. Arizona, the most heavily damaged of all the vessels in what was called “Battleship Row.” He labored to describe the chaos of that day and his fallen crew mates.

The assault, which lasted nearly two hours, claimed the lives of more than 2,400 people and destroyed nearly 20 American ships and at least 300 airplanes.

At the age of 92, Joe understandably has some difficulty recalling the intimate details of his experience. I was touched by the way Judy (some years younger) would, at times, lovingly step in to finish a portion of Joe’s story. It became particularly difficult when he shared his ghastly recollection of the sharks that rapidly infested the waters to feast upon the ensuing carnage.

We cried.

My heart swelled with love, admiration and appreciation for Joe and Judy as they painted a haunting picture of Joe’s tumultuous experience.

One might think increasing apathy from some would callous the heart of an individual who gave so freely to his country, but Joe’s humility and entrenched love for America guide his path. My heart ached for this man obviously encumbered by a horrific memory that would never, ever go away.

Joe never mentioned it, but I learned he earned 17 battle stars in World War II and has been the recipient of multiple honors throughout the years. But he’ll never receive just recompense.

Joe Whitt represents an iconic America that’s rapidly slipping away.

He and others like him believe freedom is something worth dying for. And they’re prepared to do so, without question.

After talking with Joe and Judy, I have a renewed respect for those who’ve given their very best to purchase the freedoms we enjoy in this great country.

But amid this patriotic swell, I’ve also acquired a refurbished disdain for those who take this sacrifice for granted and mock our flag.

Words are darn cheap – cheaper than ever. And we’re getting loads of dung-ridden verbiage shoveled at us every day.

But the bravery of men and women like Joseph Whitt made America great.

It’s now up to us to keep it going.

God bless you, Joe and Judy.

Mark Caserta is a conservative blogger, a Cabell County resident and a regular contributor to The Herald-Dispatch editorial page.

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