Category: Public Policy
GOVERNMENT: DISCOURAGING COMPASSION AND CHARITY
Posted on June 19, 2014 in Public Policy by Derick Dickens
When Dr. Ben Burris saw a need in his community to help those who cannot afford dental care, he decided to offer greatly reduced cleanings and another doctor, Dr. Elizabeth Gohl, offered free extractions for the less fortunate. Having two highly trained professionals offering their services is what we need to encourage, but some do not like it. Who would be opposed to these great acts of compassion? The answer, the government!
Burris and Gohl are not the only ones being targeted. Dentists and doctors in West Virginia, Idaho, Nevada, Minnesota, New Mexico, Ohio, and Oklahoma, are running afoul of regulations established by federal and state governments that are limiting these physicians’ charity work.
That is right, charity is a target of regulations. These doctors have the possibility of losing their license if they continue to operate in their profession by offering free services.
The only people who are hurt by these charity services are other businesses who are losing money–money from people who can’t afford it. Other than that, the Doctor is giving his/her personal time, money, staff, and supplies for no other reason than wanting to help others.
Justin Bieber and Jonah Hill Prove Free Speech is Dying
Posted on June 12, 2014 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Did you see the massive media firestorm over the comments made by both Jonah Hill and Justin Bieber?
It’s crazy, there has been nothing on my newsfeed, my Facebook and Twitter but stories about how angry people are over the comments made by these celebrities. Hill made a homophobic comment and Bieber made racist remarks not once, but twice on video. The result has been chaos as media across the country discusses the comments and the anger people are expressing as a result.
Except…
The Death Penalty: Is It Right for Christians to Support Killing Murderers?
Posted on June 4, 2014 in Life, Public Policy by Nathan Cherry
To be honest I would be almost apathetic to the discussion were it not for what I believe is a clear Biblical mandate in favor of the death penalty. As much as possible I seek to base my life, my worldview, on the Bible and what it teaches. At times this means adhering to views that are not culturally popular (one man one woman marriage) and defending positions that are hotly debated (abortion is murder).
The same can be said for the death penalty. While some Christians – though they are admittedly few – believe any form of violence against a human being is wrong, most understand the clear biblical teaching in support of the death penalty.
The Compromise Everyone Hates
Posted on May 31, 2014 in Public Policy, Sexuality by Derick Dickens
Sometimes compromise is a good thing. The great compromise of the United States formed two houses in Congress but created a great nation.
In fact, there is much to be said for a person who can delve deep into the weeds to find a solution that can satisfy every side without compromising core principles.
However, when compromise violates core principles, it usually never satisfies anyone.
This is the position the Boy Scouts of America find themselves when over a year ago they dropped their fight against allowing homosexuals to be members of the organization, but they refused to allow leaders to be openly gay. The compromise violated core principles of the pro-marriage supporters and the homosexual rights supporters making neither side
This is the type of compromise that must only make sense in a stuffy committee room somewhere.
VIDEO: 18 Year Old West Virginia Student Running for Office
Posted on May 29, 2014 in Public Policy by Nathan Cherry
In the video below political personality Glenn Beck interviews 18-year-old Hedgesville, West Virginia graduating senior Saira Blair. Blair is running for a seat in the House of Delegates in West Virginia, which would make her the youngest to ever hold such a seat. Beck interviews Blair about what made her want to run for office, some of her goals if elected, and her relationship with God.
Watch the video below. If the video doesn’t appear automatically, please refresh your browser.
How Mark Cuban and Al Sharpton Prove Liberals Like Racists
Posted on May 29, 2014 in Public Policy by Nathan Cherry
I have no trouble agreeing that there is no place for racism in our society. That’s’ a no brainer that we can all get behind and unite around. But if that is the case then racism in all its forms – including black on white racism – must be punished. To allow Al Sharpton, Charles Barkley, Michael Jordan, Spike Lee and others to continue their lives unscathed by their racist comments is what perpetuates racism. The reverse racism that is rampant in our country is serving to fuel the racist fires.
No group of people, black, white, Jewish or otherwise, can fight to end racism while living a racist life. And yet Sharpton and his ilk have done just that. It’s good money for Sharpton. But he has served no one and made no difference in the world.
People Might Call Me Names for Agreeing With Donald Sterling
Posted on May 22, 2014 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
I like this move by Donald Sterling.
I know saying that might make some people angry. Some might even call me names or believe that I am racists or that I support racism. But nothing is further from the truth. Here’s why I agree with Sterling.
It seems redundant at this point to say it again, but let me be clear: I do not condone racism of any kind. That includes black on white racism that is often ignored by media and activists. Racism of any kind is an evil disease in our country that needs to die.
So here is where we’re at concerning Donald Sterling.
Churches Meeting in Public Schools: A Wise (and Legal) Decision
Posted on May 9, 2014 in Public Policy, Religious Freedom by Nathan Cherry
Did you know that churches and schools used to meet in the same buildings?
Today some will claim such use of “government property” as unconstitutional, citing the non-existent “separation of church and state” clause that does NOT appear anywhere in the Constitution or Bill of Rights. Despite their efforts the fact remains that churches and schools have historically sought to work together to share space in a mutually beneficial way.
Erik Stanley, writing at the Speak Up Movement blog makes this point clear:
“In the pioneer era, it was commonplace for church worship services to be held in public school buildings and for public schools to be held in church buildings. Indeed, it makes a great deal of sense for churches and schools to occupy the same physical space given that churches generally operate at times when schools are not in session and vice versa.”
Yes, it does make sense for churches and schools to meet in the same location, especially when the mutual benefits are considered.