America's Slaves Deserve to be Remembered and Honored In Honor of "Juneteenth" On June 19, 1865, the enslaved African Americans in Texas finally learned of emancipation. "Juneteenth" has become a federal holiday - "Juneteenth National Independence Day." It is also known as "Jubilee Day," "Emancipation Day," "Freedom Day," and "Black Independence Day." (My family attended … Continue reading Contributions of Enslaved African Americans
Court Case Friday ("Juneteenth" Weekend) Bad news – good news. The bad news is that I have witnessed overt racial and ethnic prejudice in my courtroom. The good news is that, during my 33 years on the bench, it has occurred only a few times among thousands of cases. Case One – The Jewish … Continue reading Cases of Prejudice in My Court
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" For atheists, everything is physical. Nothing else exists beyond the physical universe. This materialist belief places on atheists the burden of explaining non-physical reality, like, the existence of: love, self-awareness, empathy, compassion, sacrifice, free will, morality, good and evil. How can physical matter create consciousness and self-awareness? How can the random accidental … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #7 (Last Commentary): Beyond Mere Physical Reality – Love, Self-Awareness, Free Will, Conscience, Morality
"Sunday Sermon" When Abram entered into a covenant with the Lord, he was given a new name - Abraham. This represented a new beginning, symbolic of being born again. (Gen 17:1-8) Likewise, Sarai was given the new name of Sarah. (Gen 17:15-16) When Jacob entered in a covenant with God, he was given a new … Continue reading Covenant Pattern: A New Birth, a New Name, and a New Beginning
"Commentary" & "Fun Facts" At the risk of being struck by lightning, I have a list of complaints and suggestions for God on how He could improve things. I'm sure He won’t mind. After all, “nobody’s perfect.” Number 1. Dogs Dogs don’t live long enough. This is my number one complaint. It wounds my heart … Continue reading My Top 5 Complaints and Suggestions for God
"Court Case Friday" In the “old days” when I was a prosecutor, one of our former old-time Orange County judges gave a criminal a consecutive sentence for each of his dozen serious felonies. The total was over 300 years. (Such huge consecutive sentences no longer exist under California law.) When the judge imposed the … Continue reading Another harsh sentencing judge
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" “God created man in his own image.” (Gen. 1:27) The Psalmist pondered: “What is man, that thou art mindful of him?” ”For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honor.” “Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #6: Complex and Amazing Human Body
“Fun Facts” Media fearmongering, and movies like Jaws and Sharknado (1-6), have created widespread fear of sharks. The scuba, skin-diving, and travel industries have "proven" that shark phobia is irrational. Only about 10 people are killed worldwide each year by sharks. Sharks don’t even make the list of the most dangerous animals. More people are … Continue reading Is Your Fear of Sharks Irrational?
"Court Case Friday" I try to be respectful to everyone who comes before me in court, even the criminals. I am mindful that we are all brothers and sisters, children of a Heavenly Father. Plus, when I learn of their childhood backgrounds, I am humbled and feel blessed. “But for the grace of God there … Continue reading Harsh comment by a sentencing judge
"Sunday Afternoon Sermon" "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." (Gen. 1:1) The Bible declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the firmament proclaims his handiwork. The day pours out speech and the night reveals knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2) The Book of Mormon proclaims, “The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and … Continue reading Existence of God and the Rise of Atheism #5: Complex and Awesome Universe
The London Edition 