Out the Door

Score One for the Constitution

I have to admit that I don't have much faith in the American judicial system.  Activist judges have too often made it a practice to legislate from the bench, forgetting that our constitution was setup to ensure a separation of powers.

But today some of my faith has been restored.  Judge Roger Vinson ruled today that Obama's healthcare reform bill is unconstitutional.  He said in his ruling:

"I must reluctantly conclude that Congress exceeded the bounds of its authority in passing the act with the individual mandate. That is not to say, of course, that Congress is without  power to address the problems and inequities in our health care system. The health care market is more than one-sixth of the national economy, and without doubt Congress has the power to reform and regulate this market. That has not been disputed in this case.  The principal dispute has been about how Congress chose to exercise that power here."

"While the individual mandate was clearly 'necessary and essential' to the act as drafted, it is not 'necessary and essential' to health care reform in general.  Because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable, the entire act must be declared void."

The only thing I don't understand is why he "reluctantly" made his ruling.  Why would anyone who believes in individual freedom be reluctant to say that Congress forcing individuals to purchase a marketed product is unconstitutional?  This was an outright assault on personal liberty and should never have been passed.  Judge Vinson, as well as the governors and state attorney generals who brought the suit are to be commended for their commitment to our constitution.

Hopefully, this ruling will provide Congress with the incentive to revisit the issue of healthcare reform.  Without a doubt something needs to be done to ensure that all Americans who want it have access to healthcare.  But there must be a way of doing this without stealing away people'sfreedom to control their own lives.

Arizona tragedy shows the uselessness of resolutions

In the days since Jared Loughner opened fire on a crowd at an Arizona Safeway, United Methodists have been reminded repeatedly that we "officially" oppose gun violence.  According a UM News Report:

Delegates at the United Methodist Church’s 2008 General Conference passed a resolution on gun violence that states: “The need to prevent the incidence of firearm-related injury and death is an issue of increasing concern and a priority public health issue. The United Methodist Church is among those religious communities calling for social policies and personal lifestyles that bring an end to senseless gun violence.” 

Is there anyone naive enough to believe that because the General Conference passed this resolution there is less gun violence in the world?  But United Methodists everywhere can stand tall because our elected delegates approved a statement in opposition to violence. (read sarcasitically)

This tragedy is another proof that resolutions are not worth the paper their printed on.  Paper which by the way comes from trees that other resolutions vow to protect.

If United Methodists invested the time, energy and expense that are used to pass resolutions in real ministry we could change the world.  Maybe we even could have reached a disturbed young man with the love of Christ.  Now that would be useful.

Arizona rampage comes as no surprise

Once again our nation mourns following the murderous acts of a crazed gunman. It seems to be an increasing occurrence. Some reporters have expressed “shock” over what happened in Arizona on Sunday. I can’t begin to imagine the pain and sorrow felt by the families whose loved one were gunned down. My heart and prayers go out to them. However, I’m not shocked by the tragedy. Human beings are capable of perpetrating incredible acts of evil. It happens every day in places like Sudan, Mexico, India, and every other country on Earth. Somehow, we’ve come to believe that here in America we’re more civilized and things like this shouldn’t happen. But the truth is they do and they will continue for one thing which doesn’t change anywhere or at anytime is the fallen, corrupted nature of humanity.

It is as Paul wrote to the Romans:
As the Scriptures say, “No one is righteous—not even one.
No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
All have turned away; all have become useless.
No one does good, not a single one.” (Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3)
“Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave.
Their tongues are filled with lies.” (Ps. 5:9)
“Snake venom drips from their lips.”(Ps. 140:3)
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” (Ps. 10:7)
“They rush to commit murder. Destruction and misery always follow them.
They don’t know where to find peace.” (Is. 59:7-8)
“They have no fear of God at all.”(Ps. 36:1)
(Romans 3:10-18; NLT)

Left without grace, all would end up like those Paul describes. Imagine a place filled only with those who are like the ones depicted in Romans 3 and you can understand why Hell is so hellish. Because some reject God’s grace we get a taste of Hell here on Earth. That’s why I’m not shocked by such atrocious deeds or when people act in hurtful ways.

I never cease to be amazed however, when I witness people acting in loving and grace-filled ways. For such acts go against human nature and reveal that God is alive and active in our world. I’m in awe of couples who stay married for decades. I marvel when people give sacrificially to benefit people they will never meet. I amazed by people who forgive others that have caused them great pain. I’m astonished by acts with kindness and gentleness. None of these things happen, whether they are simple or spectacular, apart from the grace of God. And that’s what makes them truly amazing.