Aaron Zelman memorial page at JPFO

If America remains a free nation, the name of Aaron Zelman will be honored in the highest ranks. For Aaron, a love of G-d and a love of freedom were inextricably blended. Aaron’s fervent embrace of liberty, his deep and introspective nature, his remarkable intelligence, his unyielding conscience, and his compassionate wisdom, made him a man amongst men.

This begins the current front page of JPFO, Jews for Preservation of Firearms Ownership, a tribute to a man who was unconventional and did not fit the mold that one might expect.

I never met Mr Zelman, but wish I had. As a firm supporter of JPFO for over 12 years, I've read his writings and viewed his documentaries, and introduced both Jew and Gentile to him and his organization.

The world is a lesser place because of his early departure.

A memorial has been established in his honor, if you are so inclined.

Aaron Zelman, RIP

Aaron Zelman, of JPFO, a true fighter for freedom and for all of the Bill of Rights, passed on December 21st.

Claire Wolfe has more

Another son lost

Michael Been, bassist from The Call died of a heart attack last Thursday.



From Live At The Ritz, May 29th, 1986

"I Still Believe (Grand Design)"

I been in a cave
For forty days
Only a spark
To light my way
I wanna give out
I wanna give in
This is our crime
This is our sin

But I still believe
I still believe
Through the pain
And the grief
Through the lives
Through the storms
Through the cries
And through the wars
Oh, I still believe

Flat on my back
Out at sea
Hopin' these waves
Don't cover me
I'm turned and tossed
Upon the waves
When the darkness comes
I feel the grave

But I still believe
I still believe
Through the cold
And through heat
Through the rain
And through the tears
Through the crowds
And through the cheers
Oh, I still believe

I'll march this road
I'll climb this hill
Upon on my knees if I have to
I'll take my place
Up on this stage
I'll wait 'til the end of time
for you like everybody else

I'm out on my own
Walkin' the streets
Look at the faces
That I meet
I feel like I Like I want to go home
What do I feel
What do I know

But I still believe
I still believe
Through the shame
And through the grief
Through the heartache
Through the tears
Through the waiting
Through the years

For people like us
In places like this
We need all the hope
That we can get
Oh, I still believe

We do need all the hope we can get.

Godspeed, Michael.

Straightarrow gone but not forgotten

On Sunday, David Codrea gave sad news that Charles Sawders (aka Straightarrow) passed away last week. R.I.P. Straightarrow

He had a take-no-prisoners and plain-English approach that reminded me of my father. He brought value to this and other blogs and boards and took me to task more than once (deservedly so).

I'm kicking myself for missing the opportunity to meet the man last month when he was in Iowa. Our paths did not cross.

I do not have the right to be sad about the passing of a man I only knew from the printed word.

But I do.