Thursday, May 20, 2010

C3 Report: Volume 3 Issue V (May 2010)

Contents:

  • May C3 Lunch Meetings
  • Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)
  • Recommendations on the Five Statewide Propositions
  • “Politics and the Nature of Man” Good News Etc. Article for May
  • Minute Ministry Tip #2
  • General Interest: Book Read In April
  • Information – Assistance Offer
  • Contact information

A warm welcome to new subscribers to the C3 Report: Jonathan, Marie, Lynn, Inki, Don, Erin, Sherry, Jeff and John.

May C3 Lunch Meetings:

  • 25th of May (Tuesday) - Escondido: Marie Callenders; 615  West 13th Avenue - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

  • 27th of May (Thursday) - San Diego: Marie Callenders; 6950 Alvarado Road - Lunch from 11:30 to 1:00 (Library Room)

Activities or Actions Worth Pursuing (Selected)

20 May: Mission Valley Christian Fellowship.  All are invited to attend a “Citizens of the Book Salt & Light Ministry” review of the candidates and propositions on the June ballot.  Forum begins at 6:30 p.m. at 4698 Alvarado Canyon Road, Suite A, San Diego 92120.

21 May: Christian Executive Officers (CEO) Breakfast.  Pastor Brian Hendry from Zion Christian Fellowship will be speaking on "Godly justice and the current status of the Judicial system”.  Go to www.christianexecutiveofficers.com or rsvp at: 619.463.2745 or e-mail rsvp@christianexecutiveofficers.com for this important presentation.  Breakfast will be at the Handlery Hotel, 959 Hotel Circle North in Mission Valley beginning at 7:00 a.m.

24 May: San Diego Superior Court Judges Forum.  Rancho Del Rey Church in San Marcos (1740 La Costa Meadows Drive, Suite 200) is holding a Judges Forum beginning at 7:00 p.m.  This is a critical event to get to know the candidates for the four contested San Diego county Superior Court seats.  Contact Christopher White for more information (760.547.4885)

24 May: Last day to register to vote in the 8 June Primary!

8 June:  Election day for those that do not vote by absentee ballots.  Typically only half as many vote during the Primary as vote during the General Election.  Let’s change that.

16 June: Closing arguments are to be made before Judge Walker in the Proposition 8 battle.  Continue to pray for a just ruling, and seriously consider donating to support the Prop 8 legal defense team by going to: www.protectmarriage.com

20-21 July; 21-22 September.  WallBuilders Congressional Pastors’ Briefings in Washington D.C.  For information go to: http://wallbuilders.com/PBOverview.asp

Now: Family Values Voter Guide.  Available for view or printing at http://www.familyvoterinfo.org

Now: “CPEDG” Invite.  I conduct a small “Cultural and Political Engagement Discussion Group” at Grace Bible Church the 1st & 3rd Saturdays at 0900 am, and the 2nd & 4th Sundays at 12:15 pm.  If you’d like to attend, contact me (frankkacer@hotmail.com) for information on approach and content  

Local Tea Parties:  For East County Tea Party time and place, go to http://www.eastcountyteaparty.org.  For Ramona Tea’d time, place and topics go to http://www.ramonatead.com/


Recommendations on the Five Statewide Propositions

If you would like this information to be sent separately to you, just request it.

Kacer’s Call
(8 June 2010 California Primary)

General Guidelines - How I approach Propositions (Do’s & Don’ts):

  • Do: First read the Summary, Analysis, Actual Text, then the Arguments for and against
  • Do: Ask yourself if this is a proper role of government
  • Do: Ask yourself if this is the right thing to do, who it benefits, and the consequences
  • Do: Determine what principles apply (Biblical, conservative, practical)
  • Do: Apply common sense; come to tentative conclusion – find position of those I trust
  • Don’t: Rely upon organizations by name only (many sound good but are deceptive)
  • Don’t: Wait until the last day to do your research (spread it out over time)
  • Don’t: Support government going into future debt (some rare exceptions)
  • Don’t: Allow rare circumstances to overly influence you (“rare cases make bad law”)
  • Don’t: Support anything that’s too complex to completely understand (obfuscation)

Note: “(C)” following Proposition Number indicates a State Constitution change; (S) a Statute change

Prop 13 (C): Property Tax – New Construction Exclusion: Seismic Retrofitting  Support (Yes)

Concerns: None foreseen at this time
Consider: Restrains government from arbitrarily changing earthquake retrofit requirements to allow re-assessments solely for revenue generation purposes.  Safety is a valid governmental concern and should not entail penalty (taxation) when required (Rom 13:3-4)

Prop 14 (S): Top Two Candidate Open Primary Act Oppose (No)

Concerns: Allows all voters to vote for ANY congressional and state elective office in Primary. Candidates must reach entire electorate (costly); political conventions will be needed to select, endorse & promote party favorites to membership. Special interests will still influence front runners (ads, mailings, precinct ops). No-Party (or preference) designation will obscure what candidate stands for & remove party alignment (Prov 14:8). 3rd Party candidates & write-ins removed from General election, guarantees major party candidates unopposed (no protest vote other than not voting)
Consider: Anyone can vote for any candidate now (register with party of choice). Increased participation is doubtful. Minority voice removed from General election (Prov 18:17). No write-in candidates allowed (Prov 28:12). Primary will benefit less fragmented political party (fewer competing candidates equals less fragmentation). Who does this initiative benefit?

Prop 15: (S) California Fair Elections Act of 2008 Oppose (No)

Concerns: Makes current campaign/election laws even more burdensome & complicated. Favors incumbents (incumbent success high already; campaign full time not fund-raise; use office visibility). Funding work-a-rounds still possible (attack issues only; massive funds at end of campaign (no time to adjust)). Will not remove influence on non-participants. Taxes legitimate lobbyists (charities). Allows legislature to apply to all elections. Removes use of donor visibility to see who candidate is beholding to (John 3:20). Purpose of the law (actual text) has very little correlation with actual content
Consider: Government (through taxes) will be pro-actively supporting incumbents, ensures continuance of existing imbalance for some time. Government regulation is restraint on the elective process, encouraging less visible activities

Prop 16 (C): The Taxpayers Right to Vote Act Support (Yes)

Concerns: Current law allows local government “Community Choice Aggregator” approaches to take over private “Investor Owned Utilities” market without local voter approval.  Expansion of government electricity service being considered in many cities/counties. Private competition should be encouraged, not government control/takeover (Rom 13:3-4). Government incapable of showing restraint – either in use of power or limiting fiscal indebtedness (presumption James 4:13-14)
Consider: Measure doesn’t limit access to green sources of power (good stewardship Gen 1:28; 2:15). Allows voters to decide if public debt is allowed for startup/expansion of government utilities (2/3 super-majority; like other tax increases) (Prov 15:22)

Prop 17: (S) Continuous Coverage Auto Insurance Discount Act Support (Yes)

Concerns: CA Insurance Commission approves all rates & allowable discount factors (subject to Prop 103 of ’88), restricts free market principles. Current continuous coverage discount options are non-transferable.  Claims of “surcharges” and discrimination not credible, without transferability increased competitiveness and consumer benefit reduced.  “Optional” basis by insurer overlooked – not a mandatory discount factor.
Consider: Government should inform consumer on options/issues (public service), not restrict and manage entire industry (Rom 13:3-4); also ensure equal treatment (Lev 19:35-36) only. Measure provides option CA currently prohibits, but caveat emptor applies. Encourages personal responsibility(maintaining insurance) to gain cost savings (2 Thess 3:10)

My Recent Good News Etc. Article (May):

“Politics and the Nature of Man”

Often as I engage Christians and non-Christians, the discussion comes to the point of my asking: “Do you believe man’s nature is fundamentally good or evil?”  The answer reveals any true understanding of the gospel and how a person can hold indefensible positions on important issues, such as the role of government. 

If man’s nature is basically good, it follows that someone becomes corrupt through external forces.  If raised properly, a child’s natural “goodness” will mature and rise above ignorance, intolerance, and bigotry.  In other words, they’re perfectible.  Parents are suspect if they discipline their children (harming natural goodness), or bias them towards moral standards.  Ultimately, the individual becomes the judge of everything.  Government then, as an extension of man’s good nature, becomes an irresistible tool to enshrine values into the next generation (moral relativism; benevolence; perfectibility).  Being morally good, government knows what’s best for others and how to take care of everyone.  In the extreme, “good” people and “all-powerful” government can justify any ungodly action by claiming the greater good will result.  A woman’s liberty to choose; judging someone else’s quality of life;  indulging in harmless pornography or sexual perversion; no fault divorce; government redistribution of wealth and rationed health care, unilateral disarmament; these all become “good” because government is good.  Naturally, any criticism then becomes not just misguided but dangerous.

However, if man’s nature is basically evil, then it needs to be restrained for everyone’s wellbeing.  Proper discipline in raising children becomes essential, while education should equip the next generation to be productive members of society while adhering to God-given moral standards for the benefit of everyone.  Proper law, order and self-restraint become necessary in individual lives, the family, neighborhoods, and throughout government.  Since history proves absolute power corrupts absolutely, government must be restrained to its proper role (Rom 13:1-5), consistent with God’s Biblical standard, not man’s fickle heart (Jer 17:9; Rom 3:10-12).

Most non-Christians I’ve met, and unfortunately many Christians, believe man is fundamentally good.  This not only trivializes the truth of the gospel, it accepts a relativistic post-modernism that denies the very need for the gospel. Is it any wonder many Christians are befuddled how our government has become so anti-Christian?   Without an objective understanding of the sinful nature, it’s virtually impossible to understand the irrational hatred of God’s goodness and His truth, much less see the wickedness of one’s own heart.  The battle over our culture and nation is fundamentally a battle over one’s worldview and understanding of the nature and need of man.  If a sinner thinks he’s basically good and undeserving of God’s wrath, he becomes self-righteous and disparages those with the truth.  Everything he touches will eventually become corrupt and an enemy of God in one form or another.  When so many Christians misunderstand this battle, they become unwitting accomplices’ in growing the very government that reflects man’s sinful nature and wants to be man’s “savior”. 

The political battle around us is a shadow of the spiritual warfare struggling for the soul of our nation (Eph 6:12).  Consider how you would answer the question I posed earlier.  Did the fall of man seal our fate (Gen 2:16-17; Rom 5:15-19)?   Does God’s grace give us a new, holy nature through faith in the only Savior – Jesus Christ, and Him crucified and resurrected (Rom 5:8)?  Remember this as we engage the man-centered worldview that’s trying to destroy the only worldview that has eternal power and hope (Col 2:8-10). In this battle, government is only a tool, but it’s a powerful one in the hands of the self-righteous.  Let us be diligent, then, in our attempts to restrain its use and make sure we do a gut check on what we think the true problem is.

Minute Ministry Tip #2:

Be Careful of Your Sources.  In our fervor to keep people informed on the latest wrinkle concerning politics, radical efforts to silence Christians, egregious legislation, new revelations about our elected leaders, or whatever the issue of the day is – we need to be careful about its accuracy.  I have a personal policy of not forwarding anything to a general audience unless the information is well sourced (referenced) and verifiable.  Our credibility is on the line anytime we forward information, so a little care up front can keep us out of embarrassing trouble later.  Snopes.com used to be helpful, but there are more and more liberal biases coming out in its treatments – caveat emptor. 

General Interest - Book Read In April:

“Lord of All – Developing a Christian World-and-Life View”: by D. James Kennedy and Jerry Newcombe (2005) (299 pages).  I enjoy Dr. Kennedy’s writing style – it is down to earth, clear, and easy to read.  Like so many, this book does an excellent job of pointing out the contrasting messages of a Biblical world-and-life view from the world’s destructive secular/naturalistic view.  He also demonstrates how far much of Christendom has fallen into the world’s way of thinking and the need to regain the truths of scripture in each of six spheres: family, church, school, nation, humanity and the world.  Where it falls somewhat short is how the transformational aspect of our salt and light mandate can actually be developed and applied to the world around us. 

“Pastors Pulpits & Politics – The Case For Clear Biblical Moral Teaching”: a publication of the Western Center for Law and Policy (2010) (26 page pamphlet).  An excellent resource for pastors to better understand the legal freedom’s they have in equipping their church members to be cultural salt and light, and in addressing “political” issues.  The Biblical undergirding for addressing the moral/political concerns of our day is very well threaded throughout.  You can get copies by contacting WCLP at 760.747.4529

Information – Assistance Offer:

Do you have a pastor or ministry leader that’s receptive to establishing a Christian Citizenship (or Salt & Light) Ministry in a legal, Christ-honoring, Biblically balanced way?  I’d love to take them to lunch to discuss how to go about it in a reasonable way. 

Contact Information:

Frank Kacer
Executive Director of the Christian Citizenship Council (C3) of San Diego
C3 is a 501(c)3 organization, serving the Christian community since 2004

As always, if you wish to be taken off the distribution list, just let me know.


C3 Vision Statement

“The Christian Citizenship Council of San Diego exists to encourage and equip Churches and believers to apply biblical principles to all spheres of the culture around us, and to all of life”
(Matt 5:13-16; 16:18; 22:39; Jer 29:7)

“When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan”
(Prov 29:2)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Kacer’s Call - June 8, 2010 - California Primary

General Guidelines - How I approach Propositions (Do’s & Don’ts):

  • Do: First read the Summary, Analysis, Actual Text, then the Arguments for and against
  • Do: Ask yourself if this is a proper role of government
  • Do: Ask yourself if this is the right thing to do, who it benefits, and the consequences
  • Do: Determine what principles apply (Biblical, conservative, practical)
  • Do: Apply common sense; come to tentative conclusion – find position of those I trust
  • Don’t: Rely upon organizations by name only (many sound good but are deceptive)
  • Don’t: Wait until the last day to do your research (spread it out over time)
  • Don’t: Support government going into future debt (some rare exceptions)
  • Don’t: Allow rare circumstances to overly influence you (“rare cases make bad law”)
  • Don’t: Support anything that’s too complex to completely understand (obfuscation)

Note: “(C)” following Proposition Number indicates a State Constitution change; (S) a Statute change

Prop 13 (C): Property Tax – New Construction Exclusion: Seismic Retrofitting  – Support (Yes)

Concerns: None foreseen at this time
Consider: Restrains government from arbitrarily changing earthquake retrofit requirements to allow re-
            assessments solely for revenue generation purposes.  Safety is a valid governmental concern
            and should not entail penalty (taxation) when required (Rom 13:3-4)

Prop 14 (S): Top Two Candidate Open Primary Act Oppose (No)

Concerns: Allows all voters to vote for ANY congressional and state elective office in Primary.
Candidates must reach entire electorate (costly); political conventions will be needed to select,
endorse and promote party favorites to membership. Special interests will still influence front
runners (ads, mailings, precinct ops). No-Party (or preference) designation will obscure what
candidate stands for and remove party alignment (Prov 14:8). 3rd Party candidates and write-ins
removed from General election, guarantees major party candidates unopposed (no protest vote
other than not voting).
Consider: Anyone can vote for any candidate now (register with party of choice). Increased participation
            is doubtful. Minority voice removed from General election (Prov 18:17). No write-in candidates
            allowed (Prov 28:12). Primary will benefit less fragmented political party (fewer competing
            candidates equals less fragmentation). Who does this initiative benefit?

Prop 15: (S) California Fair Elections Act of 2008 Oppose (No)

Concerns: Makes current campaign/election laws even more burdensome and complicated. Favors
            incumbents (incumbent success high already; campaign full time not fund-raise; use office
            visibility). Funding work-a-rounds still possible (attack issues only; massive funds at end of
            campaign (no time to adjust)). Will not remove influence on non-participants. Taxes legitimate
            lobbyists (charities). Allows legislature to apply to all elections. Removes use of donor visibility to
            see who candidate is beholding to (John 3:20). Purpose of the law (actual text) has very little
            correlation with actual content
Consider: Government (through taxes) will be pro-actively supporting incumbents, ensures continuance of
            existing imbalance for some time. Government regulation is restraint on the elective process,
            encouraging less visible activities

Prop 16 (C): The Taxpayers Right to Vote Act Support (Yes)

Concerns: Current law allows local government “Community Choice Aggregator” approaches to take over
            private “Investor Owned Utilities” market without local voter approval.  Expansion of government
            electricity service being considered in many cities/counties. Private competition should be
            encouraged, not government control/takeover (Rom 13:3-4). Government incapable of showing
            restraint – either in use of power or limiting fiscal indebtedness (presumption James 4:13-14)
Consider: Measure doesn’t limit access to green sources of power (good stewardship Gen 1:28; 2:15).
            Allows voters to decide if public debt is allowed for startup/expansion of government utilities (2/3
            super-majority; like other tax increases) (Prov 15:22)

Prop 17: (S) Continuous Coverage Auto Insurance Discount Act Support (Yes)

Concerns: CA Insurance Commission approves all rates & allowable discount factors (subject to Prop 103
of ’88), restricts free market principles. Current continuous coverage discount options are non-transferable.
Claims of “surcharges” and discrimination not credible, without transferability increased
competitiveness and consumer benefit reduced.  “Optional” basis by insurer overlooked – not a mandatory discount factor.
Consider: Government should inform consumer on options/issues (public service), not restrict and
            manage entire industry (Rom 13:3-4); also ensure equal treatment (Lev 19:35-36) only. Measure
            provides option CA currently prohibits, but caveat emptor applies. Encourages personal
            responsibility(maintaining insurance) to gain cost savings (2 Thess 3:10)



Information Provided by C3 of San Diego, a 501(c)3 Non-Profit
Religious Corporation. For more information contact frankkacer@hotmail.com

Sunday, May 2, 2010

San Diego County Superior Court Judicial Races

Dear Friends,

I'm confident none of you can recall the last time even a single incumbent judge was challenged in an election.  In this June's Primary we'll have the unusual opportunity to vote for four contested San Diego County Superior Court seats that have incumbent judges.  Not only is this exciting, it's long overdue.

The approach employed this year (the brainchild of the late Pastor Don Hamer) is set to be a true game-changer for the conservative and faith community in finally being able to influence those who will occupy positions having such incredible impact on our lives - judges - but who for the most part are appointed and never challenged in an election for the rest of their career.

I encourage every one of you, and everyone on your own network of contacts, to go to www.bettercourtsnow.com and find out about the four candidates I know I'm strongly supporting, and learn what their judicial views are (the fourth candidate video will be loaded very soon).  I also encourage you to listen to the other personal videos from community leaders recorded for this site - many of whom you'll recognize. 

Finally, I attached below an article I wrote several months back about judges and the issues that prevent their ever being challenged.  I hope it's useful, and I hope you'll consider forwarding throughout your contact networks.

Y.i.C.
Frank...


“Creatively Electing Good Judges”

Our representative form of government gives us the duty and privilege to select qualified candidates to serve in elective office.  Theoretically, we can hold them accountable by voting in replacements if need be.  This process, right or wrong, broken or blessing, has served us since our nation’s founding for executive and legislative branches of government.  But, what about the judicial branch?   We all know of rogue judges that have thwarted common sense rulings of lower courts or flat out pushed an activist, ungodly, perverse, and sometimes inane agenda.  Activist decisions or pejorative treatment of attorneys on the right side of moral issues can pervert justice and create havoc for individuals and the community.  Further, judicial decisions originating from a relativistic, non-Biblical worldview can and do encourage wickedness that can lead to the destruction of freedoms, families, fortunes and even life (remember Terri Schiavo?)(Prov 28:5). 

So, why can’t bad judges just get voted out?  In San Diego County, like the rest of the state, Superior Court judges are virtually untouchable once placed in office by election or how most arrive - by appointment.  For example, this year 35 judgeships are up for election, with one being vacated by retirement.  The remaining 34 seats would normally be uncontested, with no one willing to compete against an incumbent judge for the six-year term.  If unchallenged, that seat will not appear on the ballot and the incumbent is automatically “re-elected”. 

Why are attorneys unwilling to run against a sitting judge?  For one, a presiding judge is the absolute authority in a courtroom.  They control all proceedings and can make or break an attorney.  If a lawyer challenges an incumbent judge in an election, and looses, they may well become persona non-grata if ever in that judge’s courtroom.  There’s even indication the broader judicial “community” may close ranks and treat that attorney pejoratively, in effect ending the attorney’s career. To add insult to injury, judicial candidates can hide behind the California Code of Judicial Ethics, which provides conduct rules for sitting judges, and judicial candidates during campaigns.  Though there’s latitude in what information a candidate can provide, the Code is a convenient excuse to not reveal judicial philosophy, religious beliefs, or personal views on critical issues. 

So, what if anything be done?  Enter www.bettercourtsnow.com.

As Christians, we want judges to rule fairly and morally (Prov 17:15; 18:5), knowing ultimate accountability rests with the Judge of the universe (Acts 17:31).  We don’t want decisions creating new categories of rights or allowing evil to prevail.  It’s time to encourage qualified, godly attorneys to challenge incumbent judges that are failing us in their exercise of power. And that’s exactly what www.bettercourtsnow.com is doing.  A fully vetted group of four attorneys of known character, qualifications and judicial philosophy have been recruited to challenge incumbent judges that need to be replaced.  I would encourage everyone concerned about our justice system to go to this site.  Listen to the candidates themselves as well as Christian leaders in the community talking about what’s at stake, then signup to receive information on these attorneys that are willing to put their careers on the line to restore judicial restraint and act in accordance with a worldview consistent with our beliefs. Like poor politicians, poor judges would then be forced to defend their record and answer for times when justice was not served or their “judicial temperament” was a disgrace to the honor of the position they occupy.

Are you willing to go the extra mile to campaign and vote for solid candidates?  Go to www.bettercourtsnow.com and get in the game and actively support these candidates – there’s a lot at stake.  Without accountability, what hope do we have of eventually returning solid values to this important branch of our government - the judiciary? 

Frank Kacer...