As most of America, I sit in disbelief and shock of the mass murder that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. The murder of 20 innocent children and six teaching staff members is insane and plain evil.
My first response was to express to my children the love I have for them. Yet, I could feel the pain of those parents thousands of miles away as tears stored up in my own eyes. I kept asking myself “Why?” and “How?” in my own mind.
While it was difficult to imagine any excuse for such an act or the numerous acts of violence we have seen recently, there are reasons why evil has come upon us as a nation. Some may try to blame guns, but this goes far beyond guns. It is something that goes into the inner soul of America that has allowed these criminals and murderers to create such hideous acts.
We have become a society that has become more dehumanized and “godless” in our culture. We have glorified violence as part of our daily lives, embracing evil as fun and entertaining.
The moral decay and lack of respect for authority in our nation is a reflection of its leaders. This immorality began with the removal of God from society and prayer from our school. In 1962, the year prayer was removed from our public schools, top educators listed among their top complaints children standing out of line, not putting paper in the waste paper basket, and chewing gum in class. By comparison, just recently the top educators listed among their complaints gang warfare, teen pregnancy, drugs, assault, and threats against teachers and other students and murder.
In a 2010 Gallup Poll, 76 percent of Americans indicated a belief that America’s moral values were declining. Many of these moral values are instilled in the family, school and church, but our society has placed less interest on family, and the church, which has caused a drop in moral values in our society.
Our children do not know wrong from right, as many of our leaders live a life of immorality and corruption. We have become a nation that glorifies what is wrong and looks down upon what is right. In the Bible, it is written in Isaiah 5:20, “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil.”
We have lowered moral standards and values in our society, and as a result, America is reaping unthinkable evil.
Our nation needs prayer to recover and God in order to restore our moral standards and values in society once again.
• Editor’s note: Frank Aquila is the president of the South San Joaquin Republicans.
I think the last few people who made comments last night, shown below, are jumping to some illogical conclusions in suggesting that Christianity supports hate. It does not. It does not support any of this. Christianity does not view God as dividing the world in two Houses, the house of submission and the house of war. That is a fallicy. God is not the perpetrator of crime.
I do not read into Frank's letter that God is being accused of being a murderer. Frank does not appear to accuse God of being a murderer. He is not saying that if people pray things are always rosy. He says we need prayer to recover.
Recovery people.
And plenty of people who count themselves as devout christians have done horrible horrible crimes. Even those within the churches. Plenty of crimes commited even in your gods name.
Lots of hate, spouted by religious folks. Hate against people of different colors, people of other religions, sexual persuasions, etc.
Some schools never had public prayer, even before 1962 and their kids were just fine for the day.
As for the change in the description of biggest issues. Even if what you say is accurate, how do you think the teachers of 1912 would have responded? Perhaps differently than in 1962? Does that mean that there was significant problem even before god was removed?
And you realize we didn't always have a mention of god in our pledge or even on our money?
And that those time are what the people in your "good ole' days" referred to as their "good ole' days?"
You realize there were serial killers before 1962? And that there were mass killers as well? And that even there were mass killings at schools prior to 1962, you know back in the good old days you long for, when for some reason you believe everyone was all of the same religious zealotry? Charles Whitman, a famous school shooter, killed in 66, but he went to grammer and highschool prior to 1962. He killed 16 people and injured an additional 32. And he wasn't the first. Unfortunately he
Rich says,"If you believe in god then you must believe that he let this happen. And i think its funny when people say that god would never let anything this horrible happen to his people. Not true... Remember the great flood. God opened up the skies and killed every last man, woman and child, except for a family and some animals. I guess god didn't like his product and hit the RESET switch which many believe will happen again someday. What do you think is going to happen when he does come back. God's going to send a fleet of 747's down to whisk his people off to heaven? The next time god comes he will be the cause of your death but I guess this is what you want."
You are the only one in recent memory opining about shooting people.
Once again you do nothing but post a hate mongering comment with no value to a discussion yet the cowards at the Tracy Press do nothing.
Tracy Press staff, hope you had a nice relaxing New years weekend. While you were away debbdaves has basically run amok on this website. In addition to just about every comment she posts going against your stated rules she made the referenced comment on Saturday. You have left this up for 4 days which I find both pathetic and disturbing.
This person looks to me as becoming unhinged, all anyone with common sense has to do is read her comments to see the signs.
Paranoia - thinking others are taking on multiple screen names to direct comments at her.
Delusion - accusing people of stances or writing something for which there is no record.
Denial - writing she wishes she can shoot republicans then turning around and writing she meant to type chute.
Loss of control and rational thought - her hate speech continues even after being called out by a number of people for openly opining about her desire to shoot people.
When are you guy's going to step up and handle this situation?
cont....
It's vexing to see what you guy's allow not only from her but also others who do nothing but post negative comments. Take a look at your site, personal vendettas, a few others in adddition to debbdaves actually making threats - this happens quite frequently under the police log or any other story about some of the criminals committing crimes for which you run stories.
Sure, any of us can email a complaint but why bother? From my experience and going by the comments of others in regards to the subject, you guy's rarely take action. This is my selected option, openly challenging you to take action and show those of us who come here hoping for civil public discourse you are serious about enforcing your code of conduct.
If you actually show the guts to take action don't do what you've done in the past by wiping out an entire comment section. Ban the person who is obviously the problem, remove their comments. Taking down the innocent with the guilty is not a good way to send a message.
Going back to "I wish I could shoot them", it is your responsibility to report this to Tracy PD as you are the ones who have continued to provide the forum for debbdaves to promote her hate which seems to be getting more out of control by the day.
Trees and the fruit they Bare. BOOMERS we did not teach the children well did we we made sure to make the cuts to education and blaming teachers for what we boomers failed to do at home TEACH OUR CHILDREN WELL we taught them greed and materialism instead and it was all about SELF.
Just look at the money spent at this time of year alone on stuff you do not need. I bet have a garage full a crap no longer park the car in it because it is full of stuff you never will use but hoard it all anyway
A Tree and Its Fruit
15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.
FALSE PROPHETS CHRISTIANS like Frank here who say this No food for you no shelter for you and damn sure no healthcare for you.
Then did not listen to what the BUYBULL stated and what Jesus said in regard to prayer in public.
Prayer
5 “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Then we have those who claim I am a christian Well if you were one we would know it by your actions and not your words.
Their god was there right in the middle of the violence HE LET IT AND MADE IT ALL HAPPEN he planned this all because he was upset the Mommies and daddies are not being his friend and let him play with the kiddies in school,
So because this baby of a emotional being can not stand having OTHER GODS before him he kills the kiddies instead of the Mom and dad whom are not his friend.
religion is for DELUSIONAL PEOPLE
He means we need an absolute right and wrong. Something that says "you shall not kill". You probably think we can solve societal issues without God, but your comment is not parsable and it is difficult to understand your point. So I'm just guessing you are simply venting because the evil act is as incomprehensible, as Frank said it was.
But I did not read into this article that God did this. Humans did this and it was wrong. Plain and simple.
If you read the buybull you would know exactly what I am saying
CHRISTIANS always tell you GOD PLANS it all down to the number of haris on that pretty little head of yours. So as I stated in the above post GOD PLANNED AND ALLOWED THIS TO HAPPEN this is all in the christian mind set because we are not his friend. Yet they tell us he is every where. So this jealous god gets made and kills people for not being his friend.
The buybull is full of stories of those whom rejected this baby and he threw a fit and told his lemming followers to kill and kill again. The first lesson these people teach the children in their religious schools is the story of Amorite's the ones their god told to kill every last one of them include children. When the parents did not follow his killing speer instructions as he stated which was KILL EVERYONE he condemned them more for not following his instruction to kill and kill again.
Frank pont of view is to have CHRISTIAN rule over the country. They are Dominionist who claim this nation was founded by christians listening to David Barton and his WALLBUILDERS of BS
"I wish I could shoot them"
The referenced quote is from debbdaves and is a threat directed at conservative republicans. This is how something bad starts. The warning signs have been present for awhile, debbdaves hates republicans and is now openly and in writing saying what she would like to do.
Anyone here can call Tracy PD to report this threat but it is your responsibility as you have provided the vehicle for debbdaves to promote her hate mongering towards republicans or for that matter anyone who does not agree with her.
Again, this is by no means a joke. Someone at your paper needs to wake up.
What do th laws have ta say about harborin th identity of a person with criminal intent? While some know her identity perhaps Tracy PD doesn't. If that is th case here then it would seem th Tracy Press is somehow reticent fer turning that information over ta PD so they can take th appropriate action necessary ta ensure overall public safety. As I recall in California it's against th law ta issue a threat of violence against someone else.
Exodus 20.5 -You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected--even children in the third and fourth generations of those who reject me.
In the letter Frank said that after they took prayer from the schools the kid were more likely to act out in class. Really?Children standing out of line, not putting paper in the waste paper basket, and chewing gum in class. this is what kids do it has nothing to do with prayer in schools.
The moral decay doesn't come from a godless society. It comes from too much religion. Everyone was happy 50 years ago everyone was happy because their were only a few religions practiced now there are countless and each one believes they are right and everyone else is wrong. Im glad that religion is out of our schools now we can teach our kids tolerance instead hatred and bigotry.
Just my two cents
The venomous political left ignorati writes
"Dale, your oversized ego is like a size 10 for a small toe-d who think he is all that with his venomous right wing politics."
Uh, okay.
....now, about your parents being siblings... a lack of acceptable mates causing dating issues ?
Well at least ya don't have me spoutin off sayin that people need ta be shot. Sorry dear but yer credibility ta sit in judgment over people is sorely lackin as is demonstrated by th preponderance of yer hate filled messages. As a result thair ain't anythin ya can say ta me that's gonna bruise my feelins an all yer comments really do fer me is invoke elements of pity fer people like you who cannot express themselves without ladlin hate out in thair bill of fare.
One wonders though at th mentality of th Tracy Press that has assured it's readers that it won't allow such thangs ta happen in th comment sections yet continue to let it happen on a repeated basis.
Dale not Don.
the light you've asked me to go to is certainly better than the light you're viewing through your glass navel.
:-)
Ha......................."Everyone already sees you as something to pity..."
Everyone? Typical lib think. The Center of the Universe is within your mind. Still ordinary.
Also, let me clarify that other comment: "Everyone but you and your ultra-rightwing, self-righteous, deeply self-loathing ilk who prefer to pass your responsibilities on to your fearful invisible ruler in the sky (the one from that ancient fantasy book that is about as believable and intelligent as those popular vampire books all the kids seem to love nowadays) rather than to use any common sense and take responsibility any for your own actions (much like your ultra-leftwing counterparts who replaced this reliance on God with their reliance on government), already sees you as something to pity."
I hope that helps, Dale.
Interesting question and follow up statement combined with a meaningless apology. Otherwise, why bother typing, "Is there really any difference?"
"....I hope that helps, Dale."
Actually, it does and thank you for identifying yourself as a man of low character. Beepbeepcomingthough someone you're familiar with?
Gee, heartfelt pity from you. The emotions overwhelm me... or not.
Clearly... statist older man using unstable headers as monikers with deep seated unresolved childhood issues along with an intense dislike for God requires long term couch time.
No charge and glad to be of help.
:-)
Were you trying to identify me with those characteristics? You should take a class or two to better your writing abilities. As it is, you're borderline incoherent at times. If those identifiers were for me, you're completely wrong.
I am definitely not a statist. I am a fiscal conservative who is actually quite younger than you are (from what I gather, you're about 60 years old and therefore nearly twice my age). I have no childhood issues, nor do I have a dislike for God (since God is make believe). I do, however, dislike people who can't accept reality due to their following of some ancient book from which they only pick and choose what to believe, what to ignore and what to throw out completely. You can chalk that up to being anti-Christian if you'd like, but it's more anti-religion completely. Still, I am more accepting and tolerant of those people than they generally are of others, so my views typically remain unknown to most folks.
I'm glad you didn't charge me for that session, since you were wrong on all accounts.
"...pass your responsibilities on to your fearful invisible ruler in the sky (the one from that ancient fantasy book that is about as believable and intelligent as those popular vampire books..."
Okay... no self deception on your part.
Thank you for the suggestion about taking a class on writing... sage advice. I prefer my style and will keep it a while longer.
A fiscally conservative lib ?... no such animal.
The advice was free along with the observation. Glad to be of help.
:-)
I do believe ya have successfully demonstrated precisely what Frank had concluded in his letter. Ya have adequately demonstrated ta all how if ya don't agree with what th person has ta say th recourse is ta personally attack him an call him names. What a caring, intelligent citizen ya are. I suppose, since ya have done th same ta dcose on his comments that ya will now turn yer misguided anger ta focus yer energies against me. Well no matter, I have become use ta such responses an it really don't bother me much anymore.
Try this tact, instead of personally attackin those who may disagree with ya, why don't ya provide some information that might confirm yer beliefs? Who knows, ya just might be more successful in gettin others ta listen ya yer point of view; but I seriously doubt it.
Ya know it really takes a big person ta anonymously insult people an pick fights with them because they don't subscribe ta yer point of view. I suggest ya save yer pity fer yerself cus it seems evident ya need it more than I do.
Try this tact, instead of personally attackin those who may disagree with ya, why don't ya provide some information that might confirm yer beliefs? Who knows, ya just might be more successful in gettin others ta listen ya yer point of view; but I seriously doubt it.
I might be th town wacko but it seems more people listen ta my points of view than they do yers. Try substantiatin yer own arguments with some meaningful information instead of sophmorically attackin th person who might disagree with ya. Engaging in such activities is the mark of a juvenile mind that can't think for itself but simply parrots meaningless insults in an effort to appear credible in th eyes of others. In short, I might be th town wacko but yer fast becomin th town idiot, which is a real shame because I doubt that yer really that stupid. But I could be wrong. Have ta admit on my "right" meter I am below th 100 percentile.
Ta aide in yer continued education might I remind ya of th statement printed at th end of all Tracy Press Comment Sections, not that it really apparently means anythiang ta those who wrote it. But on the off chance that it does, here it is in it's entirety, "We encourage readers to share online comments in this forum, but please keep them respectful and constructive. This is not a space for personal attacks, libelous statements, profanity or racist slurs. Comments that stray from the topic of the story or are found to contain abusive language are subject to removal at the Press’ discretion, and the writer responsible will be subject to being blocked from making further comments and have their past comments deleted. Readers may report inappropriate comments by e-mailing the editor at tpnews@tracypress.com."
Perhaps it needs ta be broken down fer some people's understandin.
"We encourage readers to share online comments in this forum", in other words they welcome yer comments an give ya th opportunity ta express em.
"... but please keep them respectful and constructive." I am still tryin ta see anythang in yer comments ta Frank, dcose or myself that is both respectful an constructive.
"This is not a space for personal attacks, libelous statements, profanity or racist slurs." Clearly this must not apply ta ya because ya persist on th personal attacks an libelous statements with an addition of some profanity. About th only thang ya haven't done as of yet is th racist slur portion of this statement made by th press.
"Comments that stray from the topic of the story or are found to contain abusive language are subject to removal at the Press’ discretion, and the writer responsible will be subject to being blocked from making further comments and have their past comments deleted." "Stray from th topic of th story," Check! "Contain abusive language," Check! "Subject ta being blocked from makin further comments an havin thair past comments deleted," at th discression of th Press, Check! But frum observation, highly doubtful.
Nope, thangs press wise are pretty much business as usual with empty threats an promises that they won't carry out unless it's ta save thair own face. Hey, it is what it is.
"Readers may report inappropriate comments by e-mailing the editor at tpnews@tracypress.com." Why, it doesn't really do any good now does it because th transgressions continue an th same people continue ta do it. If th editorial staff was really serious about this sort of thang they would do somethang about it. But what th hey, it brings readers ta th comment sections an they are exposed ta th advertisements that pay fer th operations of th press. Why would th press really want ta seriously do anythang any differently?