A tree is a tree— how many do you need to look at?

Freedom is precious—defend it—it is not cheap, nor easy, nor neutral. It is dear and hard and real—take sides for freedom or you will lose it.

The death sentence is a deterrent, and society has a right in its own defense to take the life of those who, with premeditation and planning, commit murder. I don't like to use the term 'capital punishment,' because in my opinion we should emphasize the self defense idea and not think of the penalty for murder as punishment alone.

I certainly feel no hatred, nor is my position on capital punishment motivated by some 'eye for an eye' concept. It is true I believe we must retain capital punishment, and I believe there is backing for this is in the Scriptures. However, this must be thought of in the light of a preventive to murder.

We have passed some laws which I believe are probably more effective than gun control. Anyone convicted of a crime who had a gun in his or her possession at the time of the crime— regardless of whether the weapon was used or not— has five to fifteen years added to the sentence.

On the subject of gun control...I believe that the problem belongs at the state level. I think there would be great problems with regard to enforcement at the national level.

My concern about gun control is that it's taking our eyes off what might be the real answers to crime. It's diverting our attention.

The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they are ignorant, but that they know so much that isn't so.

As you know and have heard me say, I don't believe anything will be accomplished by making it harder for honest citizens to own guns. I do believe we could do much more with stiffer penalties for those who are convicted of using guns in the commission of a crime.

Wherever a beautiful soul has been there is a trail of beautiful memories.