Censorship is the Death of Progress

Censorship, whether by individuals, organizations, or governments is the death of communication, of coming together through a discussion of our differences, of growth toward a future of peace. Censorship is the end of hope and the beginning of demise, defeat, and destruction. Censorship is the first step of totalitarianism. And it currently exists in the US.

 

If Free Speech is life, then Censorship is death. One must never incite others to violence, certainly. But there is a great difference between the ignorance of saying, "Green people are stupid and ugly and are to be ignored," and the violent hate of saying, "Green people are stupid and ugly and should be denied housing, jobs, and even life."

 

Censorship does not silence hate. It welds it into a pressure cooker with nowhere for the steam to escape, sets it on the large burner, then turns the burner to high. Free speech allows the free exchange of ideas, of course. But it allows ignorance and hate to vent, to be displayed, and to be exposed as foolish, immature, self-destructive, and impotent.

 

Today’s censors possibly may think they help, but they always rob, kill, and destroy. The evil that thrives in the dark will always die in the light. Why would anyone with even a little intellect, a modicum of good will, and any hope for the future allow evil to hide in the darkness of censorship? What good person alive today would want to twist the truth and follow in the footsteps of Joseph Goebbels?

 

Let us use free speech to free our minds in open conversation so we may build bridges between minds, thereby creating solutions. Let us use free speech to free our hearts in open communication so we may build bridges between each other, thereby creating friendship and fellowship between everyone. Let us start today, before tomorrow is completely lost.

 

I have seen the future that may be. It is a living horror, and we are quite near the point where change will no longer be possible. - Paul

The Comfortable Mediocrity of Depression

Depression and mediocrity are like a comfortable old recliner. The hardware is barely functional. The upholstery is worn, tattered, stained, and ripped. The padding is conformed to your body except for that pronounced bar across the lower back and a few lumps with gaps. The whole thing is an eyesore, and it stinks a bit.

 

However, it is like an old friend. It is always there for you whenever you're ready to settle into it. You can stay as long as you like. You know what to expect, as there is no learning curve. It will cause aches and pains after a while, but you're used to that. The learning curve/break-in period on a new chair could take months or years.

 

It is easy to become comfortable in the mediocrity of Depression. But we find it comfortable because we are deceived by the enemy of both God and mankind.

 

God wants His children to live vibrant and exciting lives filled with a lively two-way relationship with Him. When we accept the comfortable mediocrity of Depression, it's like we are very slowly sinking in quicksand. Instead of calling out for help, we contentedly observe, "Oh, isn't the water nice and warm!"

 

Jesus (and His doctors) stand at the edge on solid ground offering a saving hand of help. We must not surrender to the mind-numbing comfort of that mediocrity of Depression. There is a wonderfully better life to be had when we reach out to receive the outstretched hand of help.

 

Yes, depression and its cohort, mediocrity are familiar old friends. I knew them very well. But there is a seriously better life waiting out there beyond the learning curve/break-in period. There are professionals, friends and the Son who would love to help you get there; and I KNOW it's worth it!

 

Don’t settle for that stale old mediocre, but comfortable down any longer. Let someone help you step by step, up and out to an exciting new life where pleasant new things and interesting new times await you. I am so thankful that I did. I feel confident that you will as well.

-      Paul Granger, December 2020 

  

Spring 2014

We'll be back in the shop soon. The drive to create and to use the gifts and talents that Our Father blessed me with is strong. Recently the Lord helped my brother-in-law, my nephew and I build two wheelchair ramps for my mother-in-law. She broke her leg at her hip and destroyed her knee. But the Lord is always with us.

I hope you've been enjoying my contributions to the writing team of Jim Weiss and Mickey Davis as seen in KNIVES ILLUSTRATED magazine. I've had a lot of fun assisting them and Mark Prince in their work writing about some of the most exciting knives and knife related products that can be found on the market today.

So watch out for some new knives. Thanks for your interest!
Paul Granger, ABS
& Martin Guitarist

Some Recent Knives

Here are some recent knives that I have made.

 

Model 2 in CPM154CM and stabilized Satinwood

The Model 2 in Walnut, G-10, Satinwood, G-10 and Walnut

Some of My Favorites

Granger & Stratton

Pale Horse Fighters Model 10

Pale Horse Fighters Model 9

Still learning.

Number 125

A Soldier's Knife

 

Here's one that I made last month for a guy that recently headed to the sandbox.

This is my PaleHorse Fighters Model 9.
Blade is 5.0"  x 0.25" S30V. Hardened by the very good people at Peters Heat Treating Svc to HRC 58 - 59. Overall length is 10.2". It's got black canvas Micarta handle scales and Loveless bolts with a stainless thong hole tube. The whole knife has a subdued finish. She's carried in a Kydex sheath.

GPR Knives by Granger Knives