[url]http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/885497/posts?page=1[/url]

Black ministers practicing politics from the pulpit are nothing new. Since the genesis of the modern civil rights movement a
half-century ago, no group has had more influence on the politics of rank-and-file black voters than their clergy.

But seldom have black preachers mixed Bible readings, political debate and target practice.

Meet Kenneth Blanchard, the "Pistol Packing Preacher." That is the title of a motivational compact disc aimed at black and Hispanic
audiences, his chosen demographic for preaching about the "sacred right" to self-defense.

"Gun rights are civil rights," says Mr. Blanchard, who is licensed as an assistant minister by the Mount Sinai Baptist Church in
Washington. "Self-defense is a divine right."

Citing the New Testament book of Luke, chapter 22, verses 36-38, he tells listeners that "after the Last Supper, Jesus told his
homeboys that they must be ready to defend themselves, and that if you don't have a sword, sell your clothes and buy one.

"The sword mentioned was for defense, not offense," he cautions. "It was not a steak knife, but a fighting tool."

Asked to reconcile his self-defense advocacy with the Christ's admonition to turn the other cheek, Mr. Blanchard said the two
philosophies are compatible.

"Jesus was not some pacifist wimp, as many like to portray him, but a really tough guy," Mr. Blanchard said. "His advice to turn the
other cheek did not mean to lie down and give up, but to be cool, careful and calculated. It means to control your emotions and
actions through inner, spiritual strength, to not react in anger or rage, but carefully."

Mr. Blanchard also advises in the CD that "churches that allow evil men to deny the right to self-protection by hosting [gun]
buybacks and turn-ins should be" opposed.

He is among a growing number of black activists who are increasingly vocal against gun control.
more.........

[url]http://www.blackmanwithagun.com/[/url]

Blanchard is a cool dude.  We need more like him.