On this day of great importance

Today Greeks everywhere, and indeed the world itself, celebrates the Independence Day of the Hellenic Republic. It was this day, as observed, that the Greek peoples in what was then the Ottoman Empire rose up and took arms against the Turks who enslaved them for 400 years. During those 400 years the Turks attempted to take away the culture, religion, and language of the Greek peoples. This did not happen, and on March 25, 1821, the Greeks took back their lands. It was an effort by all Greeks, with even the Church taking up arms against the Ottoman Turks. And it was successful. So here is a tribute with the Hymn to Liberty, written by Dionysios Solomos in 1823. In 1865 it became the official Greek National Anthem.

Σὲ γνωρίζω ἀπὸ τὴν κόψι

τοῦ σπαθιοῦ τὴν τρομερή,

σὲ γνωρίζω ἀπὸ τὴν ὄψι

ποὺ μὲ βία μετράει τὴ γῆ.

Ἀπ’ τὰ κόκκαλα βγαλμένη

τῶν Ἑλλήνων τὰ ἱερά,

καὶ σὰν πρῶτα ἀνδρειωμένη,

χαῖρε, ὦ χαῖρε, Ἐλευθεριά!

I shall always recognise you

by the dreadful sword you hold,

as the earth, with searching vision,

will rule, with spirit bold.

Twas the Greeks of old whose dying

brought to birth our spirit free,

now, with ancient valour rising,

let us hail you, oh liberty!

My biggest victory yet

Today I got this kid out of jail and had his violation of probation withdrawn by the state. It was great. They alleged he didn't live where he said he lived and that he was arrested in Ft. Lauderdale. Well, after getting info from the family and investigating I discovered he did in fact live there and that it was his cousin, not himself, who was arrested in Ft. Lauderdale. After presenting this evidence to the judge and the state attorney, they withdrew the violation and released him today to go back on probation. It sucked that he was in jail from Wednesday till today, and "celebrated" his 22nd birthday in the jail, but it was a good feeling. And everyone told me I did a good thing today. Its good to see justice done right every once in a while.

Christianity and Judas Iscariot

The relationship between Judas Iscariot and the Christian world is one of hatred and contempt. And it is this relationship which I believe defines Christianity and its underlying beliefs. Is it a correct one? No. I believe that perhaps Christianity's view of Judas is something that holds Christians back from truly experiencing that which they profess.
Yes, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. This was an act that Jesus foresaw and one which he did nothing to prevent. Ergo, it was part of God's plan that it happen. To my knowledge Jesus forgave Judas for the act as well. It also seems to me that he repented when he threw the coins away and was upset over his decision. Though I can't defend his decision to hang himself, which to my knowledge is a sin.
Christians, though, are told to forgive or run the risk of not being forgiven by God. On top of which, who are we to judge what Judas did when it is God himself who will be the final judge. We are merely to look at what Judas did, why he did it, and realize that we can always repent. But, when we take things into our own hands and not leave them for God to take care of (hanging), we can't be sure of what he may do.
It just feels to me that we can not truly understand forgiveness until we forgive the one man who committed the greatest wrong. We must remember, if it was not for what he did, we would never have been forgiven for our sins through Christ's sacrifice for our sins on the cross. Just something to keep in mind.

Words by Fla's Greatest Governor

Gov. LeRoy Collins denounced the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education as did essentially every Southern official at that time. He did so because he felt the Court usurped the powers of the states by making there decision. He was not, though, against the basic premise of the decision. And when the Legislature of Florida passed an "interposition" resolution which indicated the intent of the legislature to "interpose" itself between the citizens of Florida and the United States government to prevent what the legislature contended was an illegal intrusion upon the right of the state by imposing integration, Collins did what he could to stand against this. When the resolution came to his desk, he had no power to veto it as it was a resolution. But Collins made sure to leave a note, in his own handwriting, effectuating his belief.

"This concurrent resolution of 'Interposition' crosses the Governor's desk as a matter of routine. I have no authority to veto it. I take this means however to advise the student of government, who may examine this document in the archives of the state in the years to come that the Governor of Florida expressed open and vigorous opposition thereto. I feel that the U. S. Supreme Court has improperly usurped powers reserved to the states under the constitution. I have joined in protesting such and in seeking legal means of avoidance. But if this resolution declaring the decisions of the court to be 'null and void' is to be taken seriously, it is anarchy and rebellion against the nation which must remain 'indevisible under God' if it is to survive. Not only will I not condone 'interposition' as so many has sought me to do, I decry this as an evil thing, whipped up by the demagogues and carried on the hot and erratic winds of passion, prejudice, and hysteria. If history judges me right this day, I want it known that I did my best to avert this blot. If I am judged wrong, then here in my own handwriting and over my signature is the proof of guilt to support my conviction. LeRoy Collins, Governor." May 2, 1957.