Quotes of note for today

Three verses from Psalm 37 (New International Version (NIV)) of David seem appropriate today.

¹ Do not fret because of those who are evil
    or be envious of those who do wrong;

² for like the grass they will soon wither,
    like green plants they will soon die away.

⁷ Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Two old quotes from major Nazi (National Socialism) leader Heinrich Himmler apply today as well:

“Germans who wish to use firearms should join the SS or the SA - ordinary citizens don't need guns, as their having guns doesn't serve the State.” And,

“. . . Cruelty commands respect. Men may hate us. But, we don't ask for their love; only for their fear;”

If Citizens' access to guns is curtailed . . .

Using the same statistics that indicate the United States is near the top in murders throughout the World, we see that, if you take out Chicago, Detroit, Washington, DC, and New Orleans, the United States is 4th from the bottom for murder.  

These four Cities also have the toughest Gun Control Laws in the United States. Himmler would be proud of their progress if he lived today.

Hating a government-identified class of citizens

And a current quote: Bette Midler, upon learning that the Internal Revenue Service had targeted conservative groups, announced “I love the IRS,” four words that are certainly rare.

Conservatives are now being blacklisted in Hollywood according to some accounts. Certainly a chilling time for anyone who disagrees with the policies of the power elite. Anne Frank would recognize this era.

Cruelty updated to version 2.0

Perhaps cruelty is better expressed now in blacklisting, or in firing a stage director for advocating traditional marriage. Or, it may be exercised by conducting sit ins at businesses that are owned by people who speak politically-incorrect personal views.

One can't help but reflect that it was so much easier in the old days when you could recognize the bad guys by their black boots and Nazi armbands. Or their black hats.

Deal with the fear they generate

Another current quote (this one is Seth Godin's):

“The fearless person is well aware of the fear she faces. The fear, though, becomes a compass, not a barrier. It becomes a way to know what to do next, not an evil demon to be extinguished.

 

When we deny our fear, we make it stronger. . .

Pushing back on fear doesn't make us brave and it doesn't make us fearless. Acknowledging fear and moving on is a very different approach, one that permits it to exist without strengthening it.

Life without fear doesn't last very long--you'll be run over by a bus (or a boss) before you know it. The fearless person, on the other hand, sees the world as it is (fear included) and then makes smart (and brave) decisions.”

Again:

⁷ Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.

Good to remember right now.