Liberty Was Also Attacked in Boston

"Forced lockdown of a city. Militarized police riding tanks in the streets. Door-to-door armed searches without warrant. Families thrown out of their homes at gunpoint to be searched without probable cause. Businesses forced to close. Transport shut down.

These were not the scenes from a military coup in a far off banana republic, but rather the scenes just over a week ago in Boston as the United States got a taste of martial law. The ostensible reason for the military-style takeover of parts of Boston was that the accused perpetrator of a horrific crime was on the loose. The Boston bombing provided the opportunity for the government to turn what should have been a police investigation into a military-style occupation of an American city. This unprecedented move should frighten us as much or more than the attack itself.

What has been sadly forgotten in all the celebration of the capture of one suspect and the killing of his older brother is that the police state tactics in Boston did absolutely nothing to catch them. While the media crowed that the apprehension of the suspects was a triumph of the new surveillance state – and, predictably, many talking heads and Members of Congress called for even more government cameras pointed at the rest of us – the fact is none of this caught the suspect. Actually, it very nearly gave the suspect a chance to make a getaway.

The “shelter in place” command imposed by the governor of Massachusetts was lifted before the suspect was caught. Only after this police state move was ended did the owner of the boat go outside to check on his property, and in so doing discover the suspect.

No, the suspect was not discovered by the paramilitary troops terrorizing the public. He was discovered by a private citizen, who then placed a call to the police. And he was identified not by government surveillance cameras, but by private citizens who willingly shared their photographs with the police.

As journalist Tim Carney wrote last week:

“Law enforcement in Boston used cameras to ID the bombing suspects, but not police cameras. Instead, authorities asked the public to submit all photos and videos of the finish-line area to the FBI, just in case any of them had relevant images. The surveillance videos the FBI posted online of the suspects came from private businesses that use surveillance to punish and deter crime on their property.”

Sadly, we have been conditioned to believe that the job of the government is to keep us safe, but in reality the job of the government is to protect our liberties. Once the government decides that its role is to keep us safe, whether economically or physically, they can only do so by taking away our liberties. That is what happened in Boston.

Three people were killed in Boston and that is tragic. But what of the fact that over 40 persons are killed in the United States each day, and sometimes ten persons can be killed in one city on any given weekend? These cities are not locked-down by paramilitary police riding in tanks and pointing automatic weapons at innocent citizens.

This is unprecedented and is very dangerous. We must educate ourselves and others about our precious civil liberties to ensure that we never accept demands that we give up our Constitution so that the government can pretend to protect us."  - Ron Paul

http://www.ronpaul.com/2013-04-29/ron-paul-liberty-was-also-attacked-in-boston/

Liberty vs. Security

Liberty Versus Security

The Boston Marathon bombing has revealed exactly the type of constitutional usurpations that one would expect when the government deems itself in sole control of security.

 

As Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."

 

To some, that may sound a bit harsh. After all, isn't the government instituted to protect life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as stated in the Declaration of Independence? Certainly, but as George Washington is said to have stated, "Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action."

 

Washington's quote equates what the Founders saw central government as: a negative force that needed to be controlled. Not a positive force to be used for the benefit of some and detriment of others.

 

Because the Founders knew that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, (as attributed to Lord Acton a hundred years after the Constitution was written), they limited the duties of the federal or central government as stated within the Constitution in Article I, Section 8. They further defined what the federal or central government was not to do in the Bill of Rights (first 10 Amendments to the Constitution).

 

One doesn't need to be a Constitutional scholar, attorney or judge to understand that what happened in the Boston area in pursuance of the bombers at the heavy hand of government was indeed a series of flagrant Constitutional abuses.

 

In fact, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg stated today, "But we live in a complex word (sic) where you’re going to have to have a level of security greater than you did back in the olden days, if you will. And our laws and our interpretation of the Constitution, I think, have to change."

 

Actually, with the passage of the Patriot Act, the National Defense Authorization Act regarding indefinite detention of citizens, the droning of foreign and American citizens, and the demonizing of sections of Americans with a hate label have all contributed to destroying the Fourth and Fifth Amendments. Most despicably, American jurisprudence has backed this up based upon layer after layer of precedence.

 

The New American looked at a number of these Constitutional offenses, from warrantless searches to shutting down cities to possibly denying an American citizen his Constitutional rights (no matter how evil he is or may be).

 

Liberty comes with a price. But so does turning our back on the constitutional role of government, ignoring the Bill of Rights, and assuming total security over citizens.

 

Incidentally, the alleged bombers did not have permits for the guns they acquired. Of course, we understand that criminals don't follow laws, but that doesn't stop others from legislating away your rights.

....Read more at jbs.org

A Reminder About Goodness In This World

Tara,
Thanks for the reminder of all the good in Boston today.  I love your outlook on life. 
Tasha

Wickedness in our country

Someone set off some explosives at the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  My sister in law was headed to the marathon with her children to cheer on the runners.  We are pretty sure that they are all right.  My brother talked to her just before the explosions happened, and she was at mile 18.  She was headed to get ice cream with her children.  He is quite sure that she couldn't have gotten to where the explosions were, especially with the crowds, by the time it happened and she wasn't planning to head that way.  He can't get a hold of her now.  We are all hoping that he will hear from her soon.  I just can't imagine the horror for those who were there, and for the families of the victims.  I am heartbroken for them. Why do people have to be so evil?

[Just read a message from my brother - Tara and her children are fine.  So very relieved to hear that.] 

Recently I've read articles predicting a financial collapse in our country, and articles about the unbelievably flawed Common Core Education Standards that have been adopted in Idaho and other states.  It is so hard not to feel discouraged when there is so much evil in our world.

Ephesians 6:12 - 

 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

 

Our "adoption" is final

At the Animal Adoption center meeting Pepita

The two week waiting period is up, and Pepita is officially ours.  She is a great dog.  We're amazed at how calm, protective, and loyal she is.  It's taken some work to train her, of course, but we love her personality.  She is quite wary of strangers, but I'm happy that she isn't a dog who demands attention from our guests.  I was hoping for that.  She adores Andrew.  I was praying for that.  She is at his side all day, and sleeps by him at night.  She's the perfect size - not too big, not too small.  And I think she has the cutest face of any dog I've seen.

A Family Update

It's been a long time since we've updated.  I think I needed to type this all so I could see that we are accomplishing some things, and there is a reason that I sometimes feel like I'm not keeping up.  :)  So, here's a journal entry that you can share with us if you want to:

Bob is enjoying his job at  Computer Lab Solutions.  He bought a used exercise bike for his cubicle because sitting at a desk all day was a little hard for him.   He likes the people he works with and we are sure grateful for the health and dental benefits from this job.  Speaking of health insurance, Bob just met with a specialist about the knee pain he has been experiencing for months.  Turns out he has a large tear in his medial meniscus, and a cyst.  The pain has been increasing during activities like stake basketball (our ward just had an undefeated season and took first place in our stake).  He will be going in for surgery next Wednesday for it.  Bob is serving on the High Council in our stake.  It is a busy calling, but so rewarding. 

Going to the Homeschool Prom (No dates, just fun)

Aliysa is growing up!  She is finishing her first semester of concurrent enrollment through BYU-Idaho.  She took American Foundations.   [Yeay!  She's sitting next to me, and she just finished her online final exam.  She got 100%!  We're celebrating.  She will have a solid "A" in that class.  Yahoo!]  She is also taking a Missionary Prep and Doctrines of the Gospel institute class.  

She recently got a job working at "Journeys", a center for developmentally disabled children.  She isn't allowed to share too many details about the clients, but she keeps us entertained telling us about her daily adventures.  Let's just say that in the first few days of work she was sprayed twice with window cleaner, almost tackled, and bit...hard...with someone's toy Godzilla monster. 

She works with one client and he has goals that she helps him work on.  She is responsible for finding activities to do with him. They spend some time at the center,  go to stores, to the playground or lake, etc.  She keeps track of each 15-min increment throughout the day, documenting what activity they did, what goals they worked on, etc.  A favorite activity of her client is to go to the lake and pretend they are camping. 

Aliysa is taking an art class and an economics class at iFamily (our homeschool group) this semester - both fabulous classes with passionate teachers.  She plans on going to school at BYU-I in January, and pursuing a graphic design degree.

Jace turned 16 in February.  He's been on a few dates since then (can't believe he is old enough!)  He is about to earn his Eagle Scout award (just needs to complete the project).  He just got a job working at Broulim's (a grocery store here in Rigby), and he passed his written driver's test today.  He takes the road test tomorrow.  He is a cautious driver, which is so nice.  Jace has worked this year again as a gymnastics assistant, teaching over 80 students gymnastics each Friday.  The little kids there love him. 

This week he was having tooth pain, and we hoped he could wait a little while to go in to the dentist (our dental insurance starts in 3 weeks).  When his face started swelling, we took him in anyway.  Turns out the tooth already was one that had a root canal, but for some reason it wasn't sealed (most likely because the roots were still forming when he had the original root canal done).  He had a large abscess and he had to go to an endodontist to have the root canal redone, and then he'll need a crown.  Fun, fun.   He is on an antibiotic now, and It is nice to see him out of pain.

Jace is playing the part of Thurio in "Two Gentleman of Verona", with his Shakespeare class at iFamily.  He is also taking economics there.  We're really enjoying the growth that we've seen in him lately in all areas of his life. 

Courtney is turning into a beautiful and sweet young woman, who loves to be silly and crazy with her friends.  She is taking Shakespeare, Art, a Literature Analysis class, and Orchestra at iFamily.  She started ballet lessons this fall and already is ready for pointe shoes, which she is very excited about.  She also loves gymnastics.  She is trying to think up business ideas for this summer.  She got to go to general conference last week with her friend, Keziah.  Later she shared her testimony with us during our family devotional about her conference experience.  It really touched my heart.  She is an amazing girl.  She loves to laugh. 

Ballroom Dance Competition

Spencer turned 12 last fall. He enjoys being in Young Men's now.   He loves math.  He does his normal math program, and then will spend hours (if I let him) on "Khan Academy" (an amazing free website with math lessons). He loves gymnastics, mostly because his best friends are there.  He is taking Shakespeare, writing, jumproping, improv and orchestra classes at iFamily.  He also takes cello lessons and ballroom dance classes.  He did really well at ballroom competition.  He is really looking forward to a huge church "encampment" this summer.  He is just enthusiastic about everything in life. 

Mallory (& Zach & Abby) with Grandma Nuttall at Christmas

Mallory is 10, with the responsibility and maturity of a 30-year old in many ways. We had a really busy week before general conference, and I didn't get all the house cleaned up like we usually try to do.  Friday night Bob and I had to go somewhere, and the four oldest children all were gone with friends.  Mallory was so excited to babysit!  When we got home, we were amazed to see that the whole house was super clean.  She had bought a package of butterscotch chips that day with her own money, and she used it to motivate the younger kids to help her clean each room.  Abby offered to do all the dishes herself, and she did it, washing them all by hand!  (I put that batch back in the sink and handwashed it the next morning since I wasn't sure that a 5 year old could get them all disinfected, but they looked clean!)  Mallory had every room in the whole house clean, the couches moved so they were all facing the television to watch conference, and all the kids ready for bed and asleep.  We were able to enjoy conference in a clean home thanks to her. 

A layered salad Mallory made for lunch one day

 She is one hard worker.  Every morning, she has her chores done before anyone, then goes downstairs to start on her schoolwork before breakfast.  She is taking clogging, math, improv, jumprope, orchestra, ballroom, and cello.  She says the funniest little things lately and is always making us laugh.

Zachary is turning 9 tomorrow.  He is intense and focused.  I can't keep up with him for school - it seems that he masters everything so quickly.  He loves cub scouts and finds reasons to try to call his scout leader almost every day.  ("I think I'll call Sister Bird to ask her if we're having scouts this week", "I'm going to call Sister Bird and ask her what she is planning for scouts this week")  It is pretty cute.  He loves to read, do math, and do more math on Khan Academy.  He loves every sport, and has been begging me to let him play basketball. 

Andrew recently got a dog.  We got her so he could have a pet to snuggle with, to help him feel brave, and help him learn responsibility.  She is a great dog who bonded with him immediately and is so protective of him.  Her name is Pepita, and she has taught me (Tasha) to be responsible.  I have been house training her, bathing her, making a schedule for her so she'll stop using the front room as her bathroom, brushing her, and training her.  All while training Andrew to feed her, take her out on time, and clean up after her.  I guess I can just say that she's my baby since we didn't have a baby this last year, but Pepita doesn't smell quite as good as a baby and isn't as fun to snuggle. 

Andrew loves art more than any activity.  We bought him a tote for his 7th birthday in March which we filled with art supplies and a ream of paper.  He has been in heaven making creations.  He loves to read, and we've recently discovered that he is great at memorizing. He and Zach are fast friends - almost always together, and practically reading each others' thoughts. 

Abigail has learned to read quite well this year.  She loves to do everything "right".  Living in a large family with lots of craziness and joking has taken a lot of adjustment for her.  She is happiest in "quiet time" each day.  She has a large tote bag and two grocery bags filled with "quiet time" stuff: coloring books, markers, littlest pet shop toys, story books, and lots more.  She hauls these bags around, adding items to them daily until they get too heavy and then Mallory helps her dejunk and organize them. 

Abby on her birthday.  Taycie was enjoying the presents as much as Abigail.

 Abby and Taycie love playing together and if they get to be together alone, they quickly start laughing uncontrollably.  It is so cute!  Often I'll open the pantry to find them in it, with dolls on every shelf, and most of the food moved off the shelves and stored in more "convenient" places so they can set up their home.  I've always said that Abby could rule the world, and it still holds true.  

Our favorite recent story about her is when I had just deep cleaned our downstairs bathroom, and put a new air freshener in it.  Abigail went in to use the bathroom.   I was getting her lunch ready and called her into the kitchen.  She walked slowly, dramatically and wistfully into the kitchen and sat down to eat.  But she didn't eat.  She paused, sighed, and said "I just went in the bathroom...long pause...and it was so clean!"  All said in the tone of voice of someone who has just been given a million dollars.  "Yes," I said, "I just cleaned and scrubbed it today."  Still slowly, deliberately, and emotionally she replied:  "It... is... just... so... clean!"  Then a very, very long pause, with a faraway look in her eyes.  "Except...there are two tears on the floor."  "Tears?" I questioned.   "Yes...it was just so clean, that I started crying, and two tears fell on the ground."  "You weren't really crying, were you?"  "Yes!  I was!"  (getting teary eyed even now)  It was all I could do to not laugh.  Oh, how real life must often disappoint such a dramatic sincere little soul. 

Taycie is going to give us a run for our money.  She has the cutest smile, but it is often a sneaky smile.  She does all the things she knows she shouldn't, then usually comes and whispers to me that she did it, with an attitude of "ha, ha."  She has the "teasing" gene that about half of our kids were born with (passed down from one of their parents).  She likes singing, stories, and cuddling with me.  We're trying to get her to like being outside as she suddenly became scared of our big dog, and any loud vehicles, etc.  She helped me plant peas in the garden recently and learned to enjoy being outside a lot more. Taycie sings lots of songs, making up the words.  It is so cute.   I think every home should have a two year old to keep everyone laughing. 

We recently went to Utah for the Blue & White Spring BYU football game, and I left the camera in Utah.  It was fun...the kids met lots of BYU players.  Pictures coming of that trip. 

Beware of Children Using Too Much Electronic Technology

I this this article is definitely something to be aware of while raising children:

KSL: Tech Addiction Could Impede Children's Success

Having Children In Faith

Each morning we watch a "Mormon Message" or other Mormon media during our devotional to start school.  Today this is the video we watched, and it brought tears to my eyes.  So sweet.  How vital it is to remember the importantance of nurturing the children in our lives. 

Lissy Marie

Dear Aliysa,

The other day I went to a wedding reception, and left in tears.  I didn't know the couple that well, but I was teary-eyed just thinking that it might not be long before you're grown up, and we're at a reception for you, or until you leave home. 

There really are no words to express how amazed I am that I get to be your mother. 

You started life out as the sweetest little bald baby, and turned into the funnest curly red headed fireball.  Dad and I have always had so much fun being your parents.  We have always been able to spend so much time with you.  Your zest for life has always been so contagious.  I love that you were born on Dad's birthday and that you just idolized him from the very beginning.

I'm so thankful that all of our children get to have you as their oldest sister.  You are such a peacemaker in our home and an amazing example of living life full of happiness and joy.  The first scripture you ever memorized was "Adam fell that men might be, and men are that they might have joy." (2 Nephi 2:25).  Whenever you'd finish that scripture, we'd say "what is joy?"  and you would exuberantly shout "Happiness!"  How fitting for how the rest of your life would be lived.  And then to have your Patriarchal blessing mention happiness and joy in every paragraph was touching. 

I admire your love of learning, your amazing mind, and your incredible speed reading/comprehension ability.  I've never met anyone who can read as fast as you can, and remember so much of it.

I've never shared your intense love for animals, but I think it is charming and shows what a big heart you have.  When you bathed stinky, stubborn, dirty Rocky the other day (even getting in with him to calm him down), I think that was quite possibly one of the most amazing acts of service I've ever seen.  I could have never done it.  Glad you showered for an hour when you were finished.

I'm laughing right now knowing what your reaction will be to your Native American outfit phase in this picture.  

I adore your zest for life and your daredevil spirit.  Sometimes I wonder where that came from, and then I remember who I'm married to.  But I have to think that spunk is not all inherited.

When you were younger, I worried that you might grow into a complete tomboy.  You thought you were being tortured if I tried to do your hair (I actually had to hold onto your hair with one hand while doing it with the other hand to keep you there).  I hope you've forgiven me for never letting you play tackle football.  Little did I know the sweet and beautiful girl you would grow into.  I didn't need to worry a bit.

Lissa hanging out with BYU football stars

I'm always so impressed with your artistic abilities.  You have such a natural talent for capturing emotion in all your works of art, and to you, everything in life is looked at with an artist's eye. (I need more pictures of your artwork!)

Okay, life isn't always roses raising you:

Since you almost always are going at one speed - fastest - we're just glad that you are learning after taking out a mailbox, tree, the garage (twice), Carrie's van, totaling our little car etc., etc...  Your guardian angels must have also learned to follow you at top speed.  It's amazing to see your new found cautiousness (finally!) 

One of my top favorites about you is your love for everyone around you.  You see the good in everyone around you. You rarely ever allow yourself to be annoyed with anyone, and you are never unkind. You are a true friend to all.

You've been an example to me if I've ever been tempted to talk badly about someone.  You just won't join in.  I know that was a conscious decision you made, to never gossip about anyone.  It made me so happy when you shared that decision with me.

"Mothers and daughters play a critical role in helping each other explore their infinite possibilities, despite the undermining influences of a world in which womanhood and motherhood are being corrupted and manipulated." - M. Russell Ballard

I love the good friends you have been blessed with.  I wish I had pictures of each one of them!

I'm so thankful that your best friendships are with your siblings.  So grateful that you love them and let them be a part of your social life.  You have always built them up and helped them feel good about themselves.

It's such a strange feeling to realize that you are so grown up.  That my time of raising you in my home is nearly over.  I think of all the things I could have done better, and I'm grateful that you have chosen to become an amazing person despite all my shortcomings as a mother.  I've learned more from raising you than you will ever learn from me.

"Young women, your mothers adore you. They see in you the promise of future generations. Everything you accomplish, every challenge you overcome brings them pure joy. And likewise your worries and heartaches are their worries and heartaches....No other person on earth loves you in the same way or is willing to sacrifice as much to encourage you and help you find happiness—in this life and forever." - M. Russell Ballard, Mothers and Daughters

Black Friday shopping

Making raspberry jam

Running a 5k

Cross Country Skiing

Cheering for Dad in the freezing weather

Playing the incredibly hilarious Lady Catherine

Thanks for coming to our family, I love you dearly, Aliysa Marie.