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Thanks for your bravery and quick thinking. Happy New Year.
Now that's what I call a HERO ..... This story starts the New Years right.
Way cool!! Nice start for humanity in 2012!
A true "hero".
It's certainly heartwarming to know that people like this man and his father still exist in the world. We're lucky to have them. Thank God those children survived that tragedy.
I echo the above comments, but have to say.... after looking at that picture, I'm not sure I'd even walk across that bridge in the ice. If time was taken to put up any kind of rail like that, I'd have made it at least the height of an average tire radius....
Isn't lifeless the same as dead? If so this is even more miraculous than if they were merely unconscious. Media always tries to add even MORE drama to an already intense situation. Oh well...great news anyway. Good start to the New Year.
Where are the anti-gun types now?
What a fantastic story. There are still genuine heroes in America.
Hope the kids completely recover, and kudos to all the passers-by who stoped to help.
A true Happy New Year story.
Happy all ok..I didn't read how the father of those children ended up outside the vehicle and couldn't get back in..he lost control braking all I read and went down a small embankment into the water.
Its a good thing he was able to be carrying that gun, huh liberals.
Now that's a great story. What a true hero. !!
StoneyT,
They would just tell you that he could have had a rock in his pocket just as easy..
The real point is, you can kill a person with a gun OR a rock....or you can save lives. Guns, rocks, knives....they are all tools.
Wish there were more stories like this.
I live nearby, and am proud to have such amazing people as community neighbors! Way to go! The bridge they show in the picture is for a private drive, not the main highway bridge.
Such a miraculous ending. I was an EMT in rural northern Idaho and it was rare that we had such positive outcomes in our CPR experiences. But always, the spirit of the community to help in any circumstance was outstanding. People can be so good...
Great miracle to start this grand community's New Year with.
A law-abiding man ecuipped with a gun was able to effect a rescue of three children by shooting out the automotive glass. A gun in responsible hands helps save three children.....My thanks to NRA supporters but mainly to the brave citizens who did the rescue/resusitation.
Dano,..a lib would have told someone else to get a rock and jump in the water.
He's a good Samaritan, not a hero. Thank goodness he was in the right place at the right time and was able to keep his calm and save these kids.
He certainly deserves to be rewarded for his valiant efforts in saving this family.
FYI they have TOOLS that can break a window and cut seatbelts in situations like this too. But once again the wingnuts have to bash "liberals", many who also HAVE GUNS.
All I meant to say was how happy I am that they were rescued and that all survived.
"He pulled his handgun, pushed it up against the submerged windows and shot out the glass. "
Certainly they mean partially submerged windows as firing a gun underwater would be incredibly stupid with a barrel full of water.
I'm sure that's what they meant PJ
pjam09
Myth busted. It all depends on the gun but at point blank range even underwater the gas bubble would be enough to break the glass. Presuming side glass, not windshield. The bullet is self contained so even in the vacuum of space it would fire.
To the person up above who said a "rock" would do the job...? he is out of his cotton pickin' gourd. Where was the rock? How long would it take to find one the right size and weight?
How easy would it be for the cop or the father to be able to "throw" it through water (or above it) Not only pinpointing automobile glass but with enough force to break the window?
There are always nay-sayers in this world and posting here. I truly believe those types should go soak their heads.
Kudos to a fine man who knew how to shoot the windows out and did it.
What a remarkable feat, and unselfish determination to be involved. Thank you, Chris Willden, blessings on you... May life be good to you and yours.
Both he and the person who did the CPR are heroes.
What a great story to begin the new year.
Every once in a while someone who doesn't boast or want something from others, will do something incredibly courageous and then ride off into the sunset without accepting anything but thank you... For that person, it's enough just knowing the significance of that action on those who were saved and loved ones who where spared untold grief...
I'm glad he was armed and ready; too bad the majority of people gives fire arms a bad name. Kudos to the hero of the day, again I'm so glad he had the tools at hand and the wits to take care of the situation. Is no secret that I'm anti right wing, but that doesn't make me hate my guns, I own several and like the man that saved the children I never leave home without it neither my 3" tactical pocket knife. It feels good to know that I'm prepare to handle any situation.
I forgot to mention that not only do I always have the right tools on me but also I was trained by the best, I spent 16 years in the US Army.
@todd-FL With all the gun related crimes in the US throughout 2011 we anti-gun types are right here you Con. One person uses a a handgun for something besides robbery or murder and you Cons start setting off fireworks. The (Murder vs Shooting out window to save someone) ratio more out of whack than your petty celebration.
richardharrow
It is the absolute anti gun types that are constantly asking for evidence that guns have uses for other than killing. So now I guess they will ask for 10 the next time.
Lib50, do you carry those tools you mentioned> Police do, but not many civilians. I expect you to buy them immediately. Will cost you maybe a couple of hundred. Just so you'll have them, and no one will ever need to shoot a window out again.
Richard harrow, if you do a little searching, you will find literally thousands of instances where a person legally carrying a hand gun saved a life by stopping a crime. End thousands of times a homeowner with a legal rifle or pistol stopped a burglary. 90% of all firearm crimes are committed by an illegally owned or possessed weapon. And in the History of the United States, not one crime has ever been committed with a legally owned assault weapon.
I am all for wait periods to buy any firearm. I am also in favor of mandatory safety training. Problem with medical checks for nut cases: many nut cases do not exhibit signs until they snap. No, I am not PC. There are mentally ill people and then there are nut cases who kill people.
TRUST-VERIFY I want thousands OLD MAN I want proof
Want my proof? Open the newspaper on any given day in any major city.
Generally when guns are used in self defense it does NOT make the paper.. rarely makes it to the police record. Pistol Packing Mama is a rare exception that made it to national news. How about we prosecute those who commit criminal acts rather than making everyone a victim waiting for a criminal to act.
Everyone jumping into that river was a hero...putting the victims safety ahead of their own. it is moments like these that reaffirms our beliefs...there are many among us who are the living definition of "courage and selflessness"!
What a relief to read a story with a happy ending that involves children! What difference does it make HOW they were rescued?
I didn't read of anyone there having a tool ready to open the doors or windows, so how is that relevant? I wouldn't have thought to use a gun, as I am untrained and would have been afraid of a bullet hitting one of the children or someone else; however, this man WAS TRAINED to do this and the children were rescued.
All the people who helped with the rescue were heroes as well as this man!
Trust Verify
HAHA, That does NOT get a pass. So you have got 2 examples that everyone should have a deadly weapon. One where someone got killed. The bottom line is that guns are deadly weapons-they are not window openers. This story is a story where people got saved which is good. It is not proof that everyone in the US should have a murder stick.
Richard
I agree the story here is about people stepping forward to do what needed done and using the tools at hand. Can we leave it at that? I am sure we can argue the use of the tool involved in another thread that is more appropriate to that topic.
That was my argument in the first place. This is a victory for people and people wanted to make it a victory for gun enthusiasts...Anyhow, see you at another thread bro, hopefully where our discussion is more topic related :)
Mike277, I also am wondering how/why the driver was outside the car and the kids were trapped inside.
quit yapping about guns are this guns are that guess what they are here to stay 8)
Smart Man with Pistol Saves the day
@RichardHarrow
You are right there.
There are a number of people in the US who have the right to own a gun but not the intelligence.
But this instance is one where a person (Chris Willden) used whatever tool was available at that exact moment to save 3 lives.
Lets leave the politics out of this human interest story.
kthxbi
This is just an incredibley awesome feat of humanity for all these people involved in the rescue of the people in the van. Thats just beautiful and it shows me the kind of people we still have in this country. Thank you each and every one and Happy New Year.
richardharrow,
In 1982 Kennesaw, GA passed a Law requiring ALL households to own and maintain a gun...
Their crime rates immediately DECREASED and have stayed below the national average since then...
There have been a few gun related deaths, during this 30+years. One was at a SCHOOL where Federal & State Laws PROHIBITS guns...
Show me ONE place that has restricted gun ownership by citizens and have had their crime rates drop and only a hand-full of gun related deaths in THIRTY YEARS...
Google - Gun Town USA
AC
Google England
Its considerably bigger than the ant farm you mentioned. XD
You need to look at the EU and UN crime rates for the UK...
NOT the DOCTORED crime rates that the English POLICE report...
'Britain's violent crime record is worse than any other country in the
European union, it has been revealed.
Official crime figures show the UK also has a worse rate for all types of
violence than the U.S. and even South Africa - widely considered one of the
world's most dangerous countries.' Read more - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196941/The-violent-country-Europe-Britain-worse-South-Africa-U-S.html#ixzz1hUSv2spU
The figures, compiled from reports released by the European Commission and United Nations, also show:
* The UK has the second highest overall crime rate in the EU.
* It has a higher homicide rate than most of our western European neighbours, including France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
* The UK has the fifth highest robbery rate in the EU.
* It has the fourth highest burglary rate and the highest absolute number of burglaries in the EU, with double the number of offences than recorded in Germany and France. Read more - http://www.eutimes.net/2009/07/the-most-violent-country-in-europe-britain-is-also-worse-than-south-africa-and-us/
You referring to that England??? Ha! Ha! Ha!
1. We are talking about guns not violent crimes
2. I am sick of this "Undoctored" the "Real Report" BS. You only read what you want to believe.
3. You would have to be an idiot to believe that England is more dangerous than the US
I would live anywhere in England rather than Detroit, Compton, or Flint.
Anyhow, percentage of homicides with firearms. 8% for England and 65% for US. Keep drinking your own Kool Aid bro and move to Flint if you really believe England is a more dangerous place to live than gun-toting America.
I have family that lived there and friends that still do. They concure with the EU and UN rates.
You can move there if you think it is so safe. London is the CCTV capital of the world for a reason. see http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23412867-tens-of-thousands-of-cctv-cameras-yet-80-of-crime-unsolved.do
Why dont you try the comparison with Japan? I know why you wont. Japan will win. Very strict gun control = very low gun crime.
Genenut,
Why is Japan the suicide capital of the world???
In 2009, the number of suicides rose 2 percent to 32,845 exceeding 30,000 for the twelfth straight year and equating to nearly 26 suicides per 100,000 people.[10] This amounts to approximately one suicide every 15 minutes.[3] In comparison, the UK rate is about 9 per 100,000, and the US rate around 11 per 100,000.[3] The Japanese suicide rate is especially high amongst industrialized nations.[11][dated info] In 2007, Japan ranked first among G8 countries for female suicides and second, behind Russia, for male suicides.[12]
If gun control were really such an important factor in Japan's low crime, it would also be hard to explain why Japan's murder rate is higher than Britain's (a shooter's paradise compared to Japan). Both Switzerland and Israel have many more guns per capita than even America, and require citizens to own or train with pistols and fully automatic rifles. Yet these countries have less murder and violent crime than Japan, and almost no gun crime.
reference - http://www.davekopel.com/2A/Foreign/Japan-Gun-Control-and-People-Control.htm
You people who turned this story into a juvenile argument over guns are out of line.
A hero saved 3 children from drowning and all you can do is argue with each other over the appropriateness of guns?
Sad...
AC Robertson - I see that once again you are trotting out that same shop-worn article, which nowhere in its text reports that the U.K. "doctors" its crime reporting (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1196941/The-violent-country-Europe-Britain-worse-South-Africa-U-S.html#ixzz1hUSv2spU).
It sources none of its claims to any reporting agency, and its numbers contradict themselves. It shows Britain at the very top of the violent crime chart, amongst all the nations in the world, yet, just below reveals that it is not even number 1 in the E.U. for murder and robbery.
As far as methods for reporting crimes, this IS reported and sourced in your link:
In other words, in the UK, the police record as a violent crime activities which would go unreported in other countries.
So, LOL, you've yet to back up your loud claims that crime statistics in gun control countries, such as Canada, the U.K. or the rest of Western Europe should be discounted.
dman...Murder and robbery aren't the only violent crimes. You're forgetting assault and burglary, and I'm sure there are others I'm not thinking about here.
richard...Compton, flint and detroit? Of the entire US you name ONE city and 2 NEIGHBORHOODS? Thats like saying a guy with a 1 inch patch of chest hair is VERY HAIRY lol
The only reason you don't hear about guns saving life or preventing crime is because the media doesn't sell anything with those types of stories. But as soon as a gang banger with an ILLEGAL weapon pops someone, the media (and liberals) jump all over it.
You really think people wouldn't be able to get their hands on a gun if they were illegal? You don't think that wouldn't give smugglers something else to illegally distribute through out the country? Drugs are illegal, and nobody seems to give a @!$%#. Liberals LOVE to claim that marijuana use would decrease if it were legal, but then they contradict themselves and say gun violence would decrease if they were ILLEGAL. Kind of a double standard don't ya think?
How about law abiding citizens that hunt or do target shooting? I suppose we should punish them just because the media blows gun violence out of proportion? I suppose we should make alcohol illegal as well because alcohol-related violence is an increasing problem? So when those conspiracy theories liberals love talking about come true...you know the ones where bankers will take over the world and our government enslaves us and all that crap...I guess you would rather use a baseball bat than a gun eh?
One final question. Who hit 714 career homeruns? Babe Ruth? Or his bat?
It just goes yo prove the type of people usa has within its ranks of military and civilians.
The moral of this story is to check your pockets before you leave home, wallet, keys, shades, gun. knife, lighter, mints, phone, handkerchief, yep ready set.......
I was thinking the same thing. First time I've ever heard of a gun being used as a tool instead of a weapon! Makes you want to keep your car supplied with some survival gear.
In any case, a great story. All these people who went into the icy water to save strangers are true heroes.
Its why the first thing I bought when I bought my first car with automatic windows was the tool you need to both cut your seat belts and punch out a window from the inside.
Wow what a great story to read first thing in the morning and first thing at the start of the New Years.
People who feel there is no good left in humanity should read this story. We have not become THAT jaded. For those who feel Police and Firemen are power hungry, evil, rotten psychos determined to repress the common man...This REAL life story is proof of how wrong your perception is.
Further proof that guns in responsible hands can save lives or thwart evil. Support gun owner's rights.
What a load of bullcrap from the right.
Lib 50, I am a registered Democrat. And you are waaaay off base. Nice try to politicize a heart warming story.
Why doeas newsvine allow troll . Just ban them, and it will automatically clean up the blog.
@MrCool
I do that everytime I walk outta my house.
I verbally say to myself "keys,lighter,smokes,cell phone,bluetooth headset,wallet, poket knife,gun(I also check to see that the safety is on)"
It is one sure way t o make sure you don't forget anything.
This man will probably be my "Hero of 2012". How wonderful to read of the 'good' people in life insteading of having to read news about the 'bad'!!!!!
Yes, he and all the others who helped are certainly heroes, and as someone else mentioned, they are also good samaritans!
My New Years wish would be that we have a spectacular story like this--positive and upbeat in spite of distress--every single day of the year. Now THAT would be news!
YOU WERE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME, i believe GOD, had a plan and you were part of it, Good Job, God Bless You, Happy New Year,
Why does it have to be credited to god? How about this: he was the right guy in the right place in the right time. Given all the other news, I think god had other things to do.
If GOD had a plan, why were the children in the predicament in the first place? Please don't use GOD as an excuse for the mans bravery. Could it maybe be, humanity at it's best, and NOTHING to do with god ???? Oh dear, how could it be........
It didn't take long for someone to start yet another religious debate.
No debate, only facts !!
So why CAN'T it be credited to God? How about this: You allow people to have faith in what they choose. It's called freedom of religion. I'm quite sure it's written down somewhere in DC. Is it personally hurting you for someone to do so? I don't think so. If you don't want to believe in a higher power, well that's fine because that's YOUR freedom, but freedom of speech doesn't mean you have to berate others because they do, that's THEIRS.
I believe God has a plan for you too if there is one. Have you die sooner than others so that more people with common sense will inhabit the earth.
Then where is your invisible man for the rest that die every year? Guess he doesn't care about them, eh?
I believe that the years of training and education they had gone through to be first responders is what saved the two lives. God wasn't the former police officer with a medically trained sibling.
It is so creepy when people talk about god.
Why is it that when someone says "Thank God a life was saved" people immediately claim God doesn't exist because others die? Are you a parent, Barry? If so, did you teach your child to walk or have you tied them down to make sure they never go anywhere where they could be hurt? Did they learn to skate, ride a bike? If they did, you must not love them. People die just walking down the street and God forbid you should let them learn to drive! Sound stupid? It's just as stupid as your argument that God doesn't love us because He allows us to do things that can hurt or kill us. You would be there for your child if they got hurt, to comfort them and let them know you are there for them even if they do things they shouldn't. If we find the same comfort in our Father, who are you to tell us we're wrong?
First of all, kudos to the recuers. Wow!
Now, To usagi:
My rather justifiable assumption is that most people who believe in God actually think of God as an omnipotent powerful entity that is aware of and can control everything in the world. After all, God created the universe, according to them, and is somehow powerful enough to guarantee eternal life for those who believe. That such a being could not prevent these children (or anyone else in the world for that matter) from being perilously close to death should be, for these naive believers in God, beyond explanation.
The atheists always go to any news story where they think someone might say "Thank God" so they can start their anti-Christian garbage. It's their standard modus opperendi these days.
Thank God and all those passersby that everyone was saved. Well done, folks.
Semper Fi from this inactive Marine and current Christian.
Mankind, when ejected from Eden, was granted by God self determination. For you non-believers that means the ability to make self destructive mistakes, among other things. Thus, there is no contradiction when some will perish while others will have miraculous rescues.
All people have to die, eventually. Sometimes, children die. It's sad, but it's just the way of nature. Saying that there isn't any God (or whatever name you choose to call Him by) because He allows people to die and get hurt is ridiculous. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, and sometimes our choices lead us down paths that can put us in harm's way. God allowed mankind to have free will, and free will can get some folks into trouble in an instant.
Except for weddings and funerals, I haven't set foot in a church in well over two decades. This doesn't mean that I don't believe in God; it simply means that organized religion holds little appeal for me. There are many levels of spirituality between atheism and Bible-(or Koran, or whatever)thumping fundamentalism. I really feel sorry for atheists; they must feel very disconnected from life and the world in which we live.
Self-destructive mistakes like taking a vacation with your family? The implication of your statement is either that:
or
Did you see the picture of that bridge? Even without the ice, it's not the safest-looking bridge ever built. Also, perhaps speed was a factor. That is a bad decision, especially in snow and ice.
A bad decision, perhaps yes, perhaps no. The point is that you can't argue on one hand that God is involved here, yet God is not liable for other disasters that afflict humanity where the only mistake people have made is to be alive in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Perhaps there is a lesson to be learned for all the people involved in this event. Maybe that's why God allowed the accident to happen, but put the rescuer in the right place at the right time so that they wouldn't die. Perhaps the driver was speeding; perhaps the car didn't have proper tires to be driving on icy roads; who knows? Maybe the family was having trouble appreciating what they have- nearly losing those children could be an eye-opener for the parents. Maybe the parents hate cops; having one rescue them could make them see that all cops aren't bad.
There can be any number of reasons why this accident happened- fortunately, someone who knew what to do was there to help. Maybe God had nothing to do with that, but maybe He did. It's a matter of faith, and those disconnected people who believe that there is nothing outside of this life can't understand that.
Occam's razor.
Coincidence.
All the explanation you really need.
Its funny that you feel sorry for non believers, because as a non believer, I feel sorry for those weak minded enough to have to rely on an invisible man to make it through life. You waste time in church, you pray at the drop of a hat, and then you think your smarter then every body. But you can sleep good, because a jewish man died 2012 years ago so the invisible man will take it easy on you. (even though he loves you). HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Actually, getridofem, according to the calendar, Jesus was crucified in 33AD, which was 1,979 years ago. And, if you read my post more thoroughly, you would see that I don't go to church, and I never said I was smarter than everyone. You, not I, wrote those words. I sleep well because I do my best to do right by others. Sure, I make mistakes just like anyone else- would you admit to the same?
My biggest issue with Freedom of Religion is that many people take that to mean it's OK to shove your religious believes in everyone's faces at any turn. And in America, it's not the Buddhists, or taoists, or jews or muslums or mormons any other religion that is talking about god on all the message boards, TV shows or random forums around the internet. It's always the Christians.
You wonder why you get attacked by Atheists and others? Why you feel so persecuted? It's because instead of freely practicing your religion quietly in your temple, mosque, church or homes... you evangelize at every opportunity. Passive aggressively or right up in your face.
Freedom of religion? Where's my freedom FROM religion? I don't care what you believe. I really don't. You could believe that I'm the Antichrist and that the end of the world is tomorrow and you're completely and utterly free to do that, quietly... in your own backyard, away from me. I don't want to see it, smell it, hear it, taste it or feel it anywhere near me because your religion is pushy and annoying. I like all the quiet religions. I'd even be tempted to listen to what they have to say, because they aren't prying my throat open and trying to dump what they have to say down my gullet weather I like it or not.
Christian or not, can't you just read something like this and say, "Gee whiz! How frightening! I'm sure glad everyone came out of this all right!" Without waving the flag of God as you shout it? It's just another strike against you.
It's great that you're proud of your religion, but realize that by the laws of your religion pride is a sin and pridefully cheer-leading for Christ is like, against your religion.
No need to feel sorry. The following quote from Penn Teller's God, no! sums it up best:
For me the biggest part of letting go was holding myself
accountable for my own actions. Life is
so much easier when you think someone else is doing the deciding for you. It is easier to place blame on “god’s will”
than to say “I f#@ked up” or “I need to
work harder”. It felt safer to be a
passenger in my own life than to take the wheel.
Why is it thank God when it all ends well but it's mans fault when it goes FUBAR?
GREAT job to the rescuer in the story. Right place, right time, left brain.
God's Will --- wow so it was in his plan to have 3 children trapped in a car in the river and have others risk their lives to save them.
Soren Kierkegaard was a Christian existentialist, which is almost, or maybe is flat out an oxymoron. But, I can so relate to his philosophy. I am a Christian, yet this quote above, which JM so kindly provided, is 'right on'.
I lost a baby to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. There was no "self-destructive mistake" or "lack of appreciation of my child so I had to loose her to appreciate her" type of nonsense. And, I don't believe that God chooses to save some and let some die. I think we are left here on earth to flounder, survive or not...
I am currently considering the infernal, so to speak, conundrum of the purpose and true benefit of prayer. Is it for us, Him, both...?
As far as the Bible goes, it was not to be changed "one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." (King James Version) Well, it has been changed while it has NOT all been fulfilled, so I don't know how to perceive the Bible as THE consecrated Word of God. I AM confused.
So my prayer goes straight to God - between me and Him. We will work this out. The rest of you are entitled to what you believe. I hope the best for you and will not diminish your intelligence because you don't admit to being as confused as I am.
Signing out for now...
Kathryne
Good job to the rescuer's. Thanks for having the training, and the ability to react swiftly in an emergency. Thanks for having the resources to complete the task, saving the lives of the children and the parent.
@Flightspan semantically speaking, It is never wrong to PRAISE GOD as that is allowed. Praise and THANKS-giving are interchangeable words that mean the same thing. PRIDE-the SIN is a boastful pride. In example, when one basketball team wins 100-12, and then does not bother to shake the opponents hands.
@JM taking responsibility for one's actions? your talking a foreign language to 90% of the bloggers here, and 90% of the OWS movement. Taking responsibilty for one's self does not negate having a religious belief, or doing what is diametrically opposing that belief. CHOICE has always been the truth behind life, religion, and the pursuit of happiness.
Personally, I get very annoyed by these religious debates here, and disappointed in folks on both sides being negative about someone else's convictions.
Who the sam hill do we think we are... telling someone else, who is upbeat, saying thank God for this man who saved those children's lives. Why should that person be criticized for his beliefs.
At the same time, if someone is an atheist why not let him be what he wants to be (as long, Mr. Atheist, you yourself are upbeat and not critical of others).
Why must these posts be turned into increasing insults at another for his beliefs or non-beliefs? I have an opinion that God is not definable except by the individual exemplifying his own, personal aspirations. After all, most Christian Bibles, and most non-Christian ideals, teach that God is unknowable.
I believe that the essence which is called by many by the name, God, is within all of us... the drive for good, the drive for decency, the drive for honor, integrity. I also think that essence is in an atheist who chooses not to be ritualistic.
I believe the concept of God is infinitely different with each of us (yes, I include atheists)... and it is our own character and needs which define him. And that is as it should be.
But I have absolutely no right whatsoever to tell someone else that I am correct about that. I have no right to insult or bash another's relationship or non-relationship with the Godhead.
That is my interpretation of religious freedom. "There are many roads to the heaven of our dreams. Respect others, always, and be true to your own."
My 8th grade teacher taught us that and I have never forgotten it. And it was a Roman Catholic nun who said that. (And how many of you now, will demean that.)
No one has mentioned 'free will' which we all have. The God I know never makes us do anything. What you believe or do may cost you in the long run, but again, he doesn't make us do anything. There is a story in the New Testament about a young man who had great wealth. He went to Jesus to check out how he could become a follower of Jesus. Jesus already knew the young man had great wealth and it would stand in the way of a true commitment to Him. He didn't tell the man no. Instead He told Him to get rid of all his belongings and follow Him. The young man left because he had 'great wealth' and he didn't want to give it up. Similarly, Peter denied he was a follower of Jesus. Judas betrayed Jesus. Peter asked forgiveness, Judas committed suicide. Judas made a choice, which cost him his life, Peter made a choice which enhanced his life. Everything we do is a choice we make therefore we can't pin it on anyone else. It sounds like the driver was going too fast which ulitimately caused 2 children to be severely injured. God had nothing to do do with how fast the man was driving, He allowed it, even though He knew the outcome. We must remember every thought and action we make, has a consequence; good or bad...that's just the way it is.
Personally, I refuse to debate religion, politics, or Santa Claus.
One question to atheists and believers. What if you are wrong? Believers; what if atheists are right? Atheists, what if the religious are right? Hmmmm.
" That all men are created equal" Oh my - a concept based on Biblical teaching.
" Life. liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" Written by revolutionary religious and non religious activists.
Need to change your name because "Voice of Reason" you arent.
Yes, my God can control everything in the world. Just because He doesn't does not mean He doesn't love me or my family or care about my situation in life. God KNEW Adam would eat that fruit, but He allowed it to happen because he wants us to be free to make choices, even ones that will hurt us. Just like I can control rather a lot about what my child does. If I tie her up and only let her do the things I choose, and I would be arrested for abuse. I must allow her to live and do things that I may not approve of, that may hurt her, but that will not change my love for her or the fact that I give a **** what happens to her. She knows that no matter what happens, she can always come to me and I will still love her.
I don't berate anyone their belief or non belief. I do, however, have a problem when someone says my God doesn't exist because I can't prove to you He does. Well, you can't prove to me He doesn't! A Christian's "job" is to spread the Good News. We cannot, and I WILL not, force you to believe it. In the end, one of us is right and the other is wrong. Either there is a God or there isn't. But you know what? I win either way. If there is no God, we shall both simply die and our bodies will turn to dust... but if I'M right, your soul will be separated from God not just for this life, but for eternity. The choice is yours, and yours alone but God GAVE YOU THAT CHOICE. I'm content with where I will end up in either case, can you say the same?
diana-1091347 Comment collapsed by the community
YOU WERE AT THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME, i believe GOD, had a plan and you were part of it, Good Job, God Bless You, Happy New Year,
#4 - Mon Jan 2, 2012 4:38 AM CST
Uh oh, someone mentioned God. We better collapse this, or the Deusophobes will get offended.
Interesting quote, but please credit it properly - the gentleman's name is Penn JILLETTE, not Penn Teller.
oh, oh, the children were saved by a brave American licensed to carry a gun.....the liberals are not going to like this one.
when the kids grow up the liberals will tell them they were saved by Karl Marx! lol.
great story to start 2012! hope springs eternal!
"Liberals"? OMG 1st CAV-1274774 did you check your brain at the door or what? The word "Liberal" is meaningless rhetoric designed to obfuscate meaning to people as intellectually lazy as you demonstrate yourself to be. Turn off "Faux News" and read a book, it might expand the dimensions of your mental capacity. (Doubtful)
Go read about the Iraq war vet killing the female park ranger and then ask about his political leanings. Rather doubt he was a liberal.
Scott-R: And "Fox News", which had absolutely nothing to do with the story is not meaningless rhetoric?? Funny stuff there.
The guy with the gun is an off-duty police officer, licensed and fully trained to carry and use a gun, as part of his job. So the whole citizens-carrying-guns debate thing here really does not apply.
Not off-duty, it said former!!
He was not an off duty police officer, he is a former police officer. Citizens-carrying-guns debate does apply.
Hey we liberal, licensed gun owners this this is awesome! But I am pretty sure when the kids grow up they will be told Chris Willden saved their lives. The whole "liberals are anti-gun" rhetoric is really getting old. Blame it on my Democratic leanings, but I don't see the issue with waiting periods, background checks and laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them. Responsible, law-abiding citizens don't have any problem obtaining a weapon and the proper license for it. Even liberals.
I'm gonna post it again. There is absolutely NOTHING offensive about this post. BUT!! It does pose a logical, perfectly reasonable question to the response of another poster, where the infallible logic and reason obviously drives liberals bonkers. So here it is....AGAIN!!:
Scott-R: And "Fox News", which had absolutely nothing to do with the story is not meaningless rhetoric?? Funny stuff there.
Go ahead and collapse it again liberals. Go ahead and prove you're fascists. Oh wait, I forgot, you already proved that by collapsing it the first time. Hehehehe.
I'm guessing there are plenty of rocks nearby that could have been used if the person didn't happen to have a gun handy.
What will you do if it turns out that the hero is a gay, liberal, anti-Wall Street progressive? Lots of assumptions being made here.
JRing & ItemNoBR: Whether off-duty or former, this individual had the proper training in how to use a weapon. So, the stupid comment on whether gun control laws apply or not is irrelevant. A former police officer fulfills all the requirements to get a license and carry a gun (unless he was removed from service because of mental illness or domestic violence), and there is nothing wrong with it. I am not in favor of gun control laws because it does not fix the issue: Bad guys don't go through the motions to obtain a weapon legally.
But instead of celebrating the good deeds of a person to save another human being (in this case, many) you are so hollow that you find a point to create an argument for or against gun control? You're really something.
I think it's time to ask why the local taxpayers haven't demanded guardrails and a new, improved bridge design. The original story tells how another car slid down embankment and that 25 other cars have lost control at that same spot.
And yes, a ball-peen hammer and a good pocketknife would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who owns a car.
Cleareye said:
S/he is so right! I don't care if the people helping were any of things. To me, they were samaritans--people who could have gone on by, but in fact stopped to help.
Liberals, conservatives, Republicans, Democrats, or whatever, it doesn't matter! These people did a wonderful thing. Congratulations, and thank you for inspiring the rest of us.
Wonderful story. I love reading that some people still care enough to stop and do what it takes to help others.
It is a great story. It's wonderful that this officer just jumped right in, but it was also wonderful that so many others stopped and followed right after him. Does anyone know how heavy a car is to turn it right side up, especially full of water? Wow, those people were truly motivated. Thank you all for your heroism. Best wishes to all.
I love it when people love and help each other. It's so simple, so beautiful.
Joyful relief that the story ended happily with the right people coming together at the right time!
I would like to say Thanks to all of the men and women who act with such passion instead of taking time to think about the situation, if they would have stopped for even a moment to think first, perhaps one or all of them may have died.
Bravo bravo - nice to know that there are real heroes
awesome and selfless.....what an inspiration to all of us and to those children!
Let's see, carries a personal firearm, former police officer, prior military. Bet Mr. Willden isn't a whiny-assed liberal.
Dogger you need to take your political ass outa this conversation..
Dodger: You are the typical right wing. Bring your hate into every conversation. I am a retired US Army Sgt Maj, VietNam vet and as liberal as you can get. It saddens me to think we have a segment of our population so disillusioned as to think that extreme hate will further their cause. Let me tell you, a liberal will jump into icy water to save a child befor your kind would even consider getting out of the car. Because we care about this country and the welfare of every one of it's citizens. And believe it or not, I pay taxes, go to church, believe in God, and as the bible says "Do unto others as you would have them do for you" I smile a lot and proud to be a liberal Democrat. The right man at the right time IS Pres. OBAMA.
I bet your kind of guy is the Iraq vet accused of shooting the mother of two who was a park ranger.
Newsvine is a microcosm, you think?
Happy New Year and deep thanks to the heroes.
Dodger-As the matter of fact he is a registered Democrat as far as I know.
Dan Rowland, thank you for your comments and your service. Dodger, I think your name says it all. I am the proud wife of an Active Duty Senior Chief in the United States Navy. We know more about sacrifice and putting others before ourselves than you could ever imagine. We are both proud Democrats as well as responsible, liberal gun owners. Dodger you will never understand what it took for Mr. Willden to jump in that water and do whatever he could to save those children. You should be ashamed of yourself for leaving a comment more about your own debilitating hate than about the amazing heroics of the people who saved those children. If anyone deserves the slur of whiny ass, you do.
Dodger, I sure try not to be but I'm not going to play the politics game. I watched as the father of these two children tried to punch open the window. I also watched someone toss a hammer head to someone and they tried a couple of times before to window broke and thats AFTER we had the car out of the water...Just saying...
Wow, itice to start the new year off, where a horrible story has a wonderful ending, they seem to be fewer and fewer... my heart goes out to the families of the kids during this horrible episode, and my total honor and respect for each and every passer by that took the time to stop and offer support, whether by doing, or merely supporting...they cared, and that makes all the difference!! Job well done, my fellow Americans... newest American HEROS of 2012!!!!!
I still have goosebumps after reading the rescue story. Definetly an incredible hero. I hope he is recognized by the president . He deserves any acolades he recieves. What a great start to 2012!
Not every 'hero' desires recognition! They do it solely from the goodness in their hearts! This man never entered the icy waters to rescue those kids thinking he could be a hero, he entered the water to save them because he has compassion, goodness, kindness, and true value of human life.....and, no doubt taught to him by his parents at a very early age. If he got a medal, no doubt he would tuck it hidden away in a drawer, not brazingly shown on his mantel. He's absolutely an example of the true American spirit.
JG...isn't that the definition of a hero?
Best news this year.. It'll be hard to beat..
Angels are everywhere and this is a good example. God bless you and your family for doing such a spectacular job of saving lifes. I salute you! You demonstrated what the USA stands for to the rest of the World. Saving lifes and supporting FEEDOM. Happy New Year!
What A Great ending , to what could have been a very tragic ending, God Bless Everyone who took part in saving these children. Thank God You were all there to help the officer.
Hey Wilden.. From the dirty waters of New Orleans to the icy waters of Utah.. Good to see you still react when needed.. Nice to see a story about one of my brothers...
Baptista
It's nice to read a story that dosen't include political insults, the kardashians, or other freaks. Thanks for a story with a happy ending that has heros!
To Dodger & 1st CAV ~ "Liberal" is partisan political rhetoric designed to obfuscate meaning for mental midgets such as yourselves. Turn off Faux News and read a book, it might expand your mental capacity. (Doubtful)
Scott-R, this is the second time you've posted this.............Remember, Scott????
Thank you for a fine response. Could not have said it more clearly myself. Happy New Year!!
Scott....you need to get out of the house more. Maybe even take classes at a Jr. College, that might be more on your level of intelligence. Take spelling too, that might help in your next adventures in blogville.
Scott:
"Liberal" is partisan political rhetoric designed to obfuscate meaning for mental midgets such as yourselves.
Someone who is a "mental giant" as you obviously consider yourself to be can certainly make his point without name calling.
I'm personally grateful that this man was at the right place at the right time and that he wasn't the only hero in this story.
Not just him and his father , but all the others that stooped - yes there are angels among us. Nice to know they are out there.
Awesome way to start this new year!
Keep helping people, its obviously what you people do!
Maybe we need to take some lessons?
Logan canyon can be a dangerous drive in the winter, not heavily traveled. But usually there are enough travelers that you won't be on your own if you get in trouble. And people will stop if they see you need help!
Logan is such a great place - this is why I live around here! Not long ago in this same city, bystanders gathered around to lift a burning car off of someone trapped underneath. People still help each other and believe in civil decency. People stop to help - that's just what we do around here. I am pleased, but not surprised to hear of such a hero. A wonderful ending to the story!
I lived there in 1980. Whenever the power and the traffic lights went off, people were everywhere to help. I never did find out for sure if the volunteer traffic conductors were trained or if they were just the first ones at the intersection. I do appreciate the people who pushed my car out of an embankment, and I'm glad to have done the same for others.
Kudos to this guy, and may God bless him.
Not to take away from his bold act of bravery in any way, but this might be a time to reflect on all the heroes we have in our country and stationed overseas. Members of our brave police, fire, rescue, and military also perform daring acts of heroism.
I hope in 2012 the gentleman in this article, as well as all heroes are recognized like they were 10 years ago.
Amen! I personally would like to see September 11th set apart as a National Holiday to honor the men and women in police, fire, and ems units around this great country who go about doing their jobs without alot of fanfare at times. Especially those who have given their lives in the line of duty. Call it "Heros Day" or something else equally suitable.
Doug: It's called Patriot Day. While the name may be misleading, there's no denying that it didn't exist until after 9/11/01 so you KNOW that's what it's for. It may not be a Bank Holiday, but it is pretty much observed with memorials and prayers nation wide.
If Patriot Day were to become a Bank Holiday, then the 9-1-1 significance would be lost, as it would have to be something like the second Monday in September.
Yay
God blessed this family! What a wonderful feeling to read how everyday people are heros! Happy New Year!!!
Thank God for good samaritans. This man is a real hero!