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Posts Tagged with Twin Falls City Council

Citizen Proclamation

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I’m always humbled to read that humble document of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution that states; “We the People…”

This year will mark the third year of petitioning the Twin Falls City Council to act favorable toward the preborn in our city. We are now on the agenda for Tuesday, January 19 at 5:00 p.m.

I have included the text to the Citizen Proclamation we will present that evening. You can download the document here: http://media.sermonaudio.com/articles/th-1421111845-1.PDF

For several years now we have been petitioning all levels of government concerning the ongoing plight of the at risk child in the womb of being intentionally destroyed before what would otherwise be a natural and healthy birth.

While most attention in 2020 was upon an introduction of a virus, 195 preborn children were murdered at 200 2nd Ave. North in Twin Falls, Idaho at the hands of an out-of-town, out-of-state doctor with protection of the law while our government looks the other way or deflects with fear of men.
I’m asking for your participation in appealing to our local government to declare the city of Twin Falls as a sanctuary city for the pre-born. When we show up in great numbers it helps communicate our desire. We will ask them for more than just a feel-good badge of honor, we will ask them to act favorably and fairly to every child in our city. 

This will not be a public hearing. There will not be opportunity for others to speak. This is the first step toward a public hearing.

I have attached a copy of the “Citizen Proclamation” for your consideration and an invitation to participate in the appeal.

  • If you are willing, please print and sign this proclamation and return to me by 5pm on Tuesday, January 19.
  • If you are willing, print this proclamation and consider asking the God-fearing people in your church to do the same.
  • Attend the Sanctity of Life Rally at the Downtown Commons in Twin Falls, ID 4pm-5pm on Tuesday, January 19.
  • Attend the presentation to the City Council at 5pm on Tuesday, January 19.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 208-410-2529 or reply to this email.

For the Glory of God Alone,

Citizen Proclamation: http://media.sermonaudio.com/articles/th-1421111845-1.PDF

Proclamation on the Sanctity of Life
and Our Mutual Desire to Abolish Abortion
In the City Twin Falls, Idaho

Presented on January 19, 2021
by the Undersigned Citizens

WHEREAS, Almighty God created life and commanded humanity to be fruitful and multiply and has commanded humanity to not murder; and

WHEREAS, the preamble of the Idaho Constitution acknowledges the authority of the Almighty God when it states “We, the people of the state of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and promote our common welfare do establish this Constitution”; and

WHEREAS, the 5th and 14th amendments to the United States Constitution declares that no person shall be deprived of life without due process of law; and

WHEREAS, Section 32-102, Idaho code, identifies the preborn child “conceived, but not yet born, is to be deemed an existing person so far as may be necessary for its interest”, and section 18-4001, Idaho Code, defines a human being as “including, but not limited to, a human embryo or fetus”; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Constitution recognizes in Article I, Section 1 that “All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are enjoying and defending life…and securing safety”; and

WHEREAS, Article VI of the United States Constitution declares that the Constitution itself is the supreme law of the land; and

WHEREAS, the Idaho Health and Welfare defines “Induced Abortion” as an intentional action to stop a live birth; and

WHEREAS, there were 1,257 murders by abortion committed on innocent, preborn persons in the state of Idaho in 2018; and

WHEREAS, there were 196 murders by induced abortion committed on innocent, preborn persons in Twin Falls, Idaho in 2018; and

WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court’s decisions in Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood v. Casey asserting a constitutional right as a “right to privacy” is actually a perversion of the constitution’s 14th amendment; and

 WHEREAS, since 1973, 61,000,000 (million) human children have been murdered by induced abortions in the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, children in the womb are unable to cry out for help; and

Let it therefore be

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, are in agreement with the Almighty God that human life is sacred and worth defending; and

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, mourn the decades of inaction by our elected Constitutional Republic government; and

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, declare that every person, including but not limited to, any human embryo or fetus, be given protection against the tyranny of anyone or any organization who would intentionally cause harm or death to these, our neighbors; and

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, appeal to you to act on behalf of the children in our city at risk of life with legal protection from those who wish to stop their otherwise natural birth; and

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, appeal to you, our elected City Council, to hear our voice as we interpose for our human neighbors that have no opportunity to stand before you and appeal to your conscience to act without fear of threat of legal action from those wanting induced abortion with a just and fair ordinance; and

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, mutually pledge to you that we will not abandon this cause when threatened by the tyranny of the practice of induced abortions, a practice performed by Planned Parenthood.

RESOLVED, that we, the undersigned people of this proclamation, stand with you to declare the City of Twin Falls a Sanctuary City for all preborn children with more than just words,

Finally RESOLVED, that we are not interested in any further capitulation to the courts and the regulation of the murdering of children in the City of Twin Falls, so help us God.

A Bad Government is Better than No Government

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“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
Keep your behavior excellent among the gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right.
For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men.
Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God.
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.” (1 Peter 2:11-17)

I’ve been attending Twin Falls City Council meetings over the past 15 years as matters arise that I believe I want to understand better of what is going on or to speak for or against proposed ordinances.

Recently, over the past month, I’ve been attending weekly to see if what is being reported in traditional media and social media is accurate.

If all one was doing was responding accordingly to all media (traditional or social) reports, one would think Evil Kinevel was in town to jump the Snake River.

At every city council meeting the public is given an opportunity to speak about any matter of interest to the city council. Wow, this is an amazing country we live in. Every citizen has an opportunity to address any issue of interest on a weekly basis. WOW.

I’ve been attending Twin Falls City Council meetings the past several weeks primarily to listen. Over the years I have spoken out, for and against, on matters that I think I must speak toward. I’ve learned that I must exercise discipline in the liberty to do so and resist the tendency to abuse my liberty.

I have a personal code of conduct for how I engage in the public square. Here are some suggestions I have and lessons I’ve learned.

  • I am responsible to the Lord for every word I say.
  • I represent  myself, my wife, my church (by the nature of being the pastor), my Lord.
  • I am responsible to respect the authority of those I am before.
  • My attire will be in respect of honor due to those I’m addressing.
  • I go prepared to be a blessing to civil magistrates.
  • I go prepared to obey every rule of fair engagement given by those in authority.
  • Every word I speak at a public meeting to public officials are subject to public domain and may be interpreted and reported differently than I think I deliver my words.
  • I write out my intent of what I intend to say so I am sure to say something of value and avoid looking foolish.
  • I expect to be limited by time at all public hearing meetings. (usually 2 – 5 minutes is my experience.)

Five things are sure:

  1. I pray for my government leaders and appreciate the duty they have to serve all residents, even the residents I disagree with.
  2. A bad government is better than no government.
  3. When a right is given to the citizens to speak and address matters of interest, followers of Christ must especially exercise that right with boldness and with respect .
  4. If I can live in a pluralistic community such as this with peace, I can do the same without fear of a Muslim neighbor so long as my government does not impose religious tests on any of us.
  5. Where I want my local government to be fully aware of the danger of open immigration I will take up my Gospel duty for every people group in my home town.

In conclusion; to the Gospel plow, sometimes that plowing work takes us through public forum meetings like city council, state legislation, national hearings. When that happens, we must be the same principled, disciplined, duty obeying followers of Christ. When the fever pitch of emotion begins to boil take a deep breath, bless the Lord for His grace, speak boldly, be respectful, honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the [government] but don’t put down your gospel plow, don’t waste the day, don’t waste words spoken with unvetted, undisciplined, dishonorable emotions.

Antiquated Liquor Laws

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The city of Twin Falls has been working on its liquor laws. My opinions on the liquor laws are not the primary focus of this post, but they will help in my expression of why and how to engage in public discussion.

For several weeks notice has been given by city council to attend the public hearing concerning liquor laws in the city at businesses where liquor is consumed on the property. Attending and speaking at the meeting last night has prompted me to jot down some observations and suggest some ideas for consideration to anyone attending and planning to speak in public meetings.

Twin Falls has adjusted liquor laws a few times in the past 8 years to attempt to bring the city into parity with other cities in the state. Obviously, the city law has to be within the bounds of state and federal laws and not permitted to go beyond. Until as recent as 2006, Twin Falls had limitations on liquor (by the drink) sales on Sundays. (By definition, liquor and alcohol are viewed differently by code and law. And these laws are dealing only with establishments that allow drinking liquor on the premises; ie: restaurants and bars.)

The most recent discussion has been upon the time that businesses are required to stop serving (selling) liquor by the drink. In Twin Falls, that time is 1:00 am. State law is 2:00 am. In addition to this issue, Twin Falls also has limits on certain days. State law forbids the sale of liquor (by the drink) on Christmas Day. Twin Falls law includes, Thanksgiving Day, Election Day, and Memorial Day.

The city council has been discussing changes to this for several weeks.

Last night it was decided to present both the closing time restrictions and special day restrictions as two different discussions. I think this is a good idea. The city Council will work more on this in the coming weeks. I hope I won’t be the only one publicly speaking against this. But if I am, I’ll be sure to remember these tips on speaking at public meetings…

  • Remember, not everyone holds your same values and opinions. When addressing issues that involve the sale and consumption of alcohol you may likely be in the overwhelming minority.
  • Respect that those on the other side of an issue are attempting to conduct business within the bounds of the law. They are at that point, “law abiding” fellow citizens.
  • Attempt to write your talking points down. At most public hearings you will have a time limit. Usually 2 – 5 minutes; depending on the subject and number of people expected to speak. If you don’t stay on point, your time will be up before you are finished and in danger of saying a lot of words without communicating your point. Don’t be fooled, 2 minutes at a public hearing is a very difficult task.
  • Keep your cool, you will most likely not be given a second moment to defend disparaging comments made after your time limit.
  • Take a few deep breaths as you walk to the mic to speak. I speak often, and I still have to remind myself to breath.
  • If you are in the minority, prepare for strange pokes and unusual comments by the majority that will feel like a dig against you to strengthen their point. This is normal, I think it may even be fair play, within reason.
  • Refuse to take opposition personally. It’s very hard. Resist being a thin-skinned person. Thin-skinned people say foolish and irrational things that help make the point for the opposing side. Thin-skinned doesn’t mean emotionless.
  • Remember you are speaking at a public meeting. Public meetings are public, your words are free to be recorded and used for or against you. Prepare yourself, you may be quoted in local news outlets without your knowledge. (Times-News) “Paul Thompson, who is pastor at Eastside Baptist Church, testified against both changes, asking how allowing for longer bar hours would make Twin Falls a better place. “Please don’t change the laws that have implications and considerations to public safety or the uniqueness of special holidays,” he said.”

My personal thoughts on the issue:

Is any community a better community because it allows more hours to publicly consume intoxicating substances? Are families in Twin Falls better off because the bar is open on for one more hour. Is work place productivity better because employees have more time at a bar? Are tourist from out of town better served by the city because it allows the sale of intoxicating beverages until 2 am? What do we say about the most unique holiday on our calendar when laws governing it are called antiquated?

Those promoting this change appear to be making the argument from two primary positions:

  • financial – I get, and can even respect that a bar is in business to make money, and any business that wants to increase its profit margin will attempt to do so. To the credit of the owners of the liquor licenses, they are attempting to do so “lawfully.” (That does not win my support for their cause, it simply acknowledges that I get it and can respect their law-abiding ways.)
  • perception – This one doesn’t work at all for me. These are grown adults arguing for something with the logic of an adolescent.
    • “Everyone else is doing it”; just doesn’t work. First of all, everyone else is not doing it. Second, even if many or most are doesn’t mean it’s a good idea.
    • “These are antiquated laws”; to call something antiquated may be fair in some cases. But to call something antiquated because it helps you look progressive and modern in the eyes of some is foolish and reckless. Public safety is anything but antiquated. If the discussion is about steam-powered cars verses petroleum-powered cars it may be fair to call one antiquated. If the discussion is about an outhouse verses indoor plumbing and regulations on how the city will handle modern advances, then antiquated is right and new laws and regulations are required. To say that a limit on the sale of liquor-by-the-drink laws on Thanksgiving is an antiquated law is to speak with no regard in respect to the reason for the holiday to begin with. What other holiday in the nation gets a public proclamation from the president to alter normal activity, gather with family and in places of worship? If gathering with my family and altering my normal activity to humble myself before my God is antiquated then color me antiquated.
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