Gary G. Smith

I was visiting this evening with several people who work at a local restaurant. They know of my law enforcement background and were asking me about the actions recently of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Border Patrol. The people I spoke with are legal immigrants. They are angry at the Biden Administration for allowing open borders. Because of Biden’s actions, my friends say they are always looking over their shoulder, worried that they will be mistakenly identified as illegal and shipped out of the United States. These are first generation U.S. Citizens. Their families immigrated to the US during the Reagan Administration when amnesty and controlled immigration had some logic and common sense. Unfortunately, I think that was probably the last time Congress acted with any type of sincere intention to address the immigration challenge in the U.S.

And now, we reap the devastating results of four years of a failed Biden policy, that to this date, no one from Biden’s administration can explain the positive concept of an open border, other than to allow for the self-destruction of our Republic from within. I don’t blame the people who immigrated here, legally or illegally, so long as they don’t have criminal intent and wish to become citizens. I’m angry at the cowards in the Biden Administration who bowed to the radical socialist wing of the Democratic party. The reality is the toll in human suffering, the exploitation by rich Democrats of illegal aliens to mow their grass, clean their houses, take care of their kids and pick their crops cheaper than citizens can, makes me want to vomit. And now, these same self-entitled oligarchs have the audacity to stand back and call for violence against federal agents, elected officials and everyday citizens who dare speak the truth about their felonious behavior (think Charlie Kirk).

My message to the hotheads out there harming ICE, Border Patrol and other law enforcement agents is this: Don’t be mad at the law enforcement officers. Be mad at the arrogant fools who allowed unfettered and illegal immigration for the past four years. If you support these morons, then you are no better than they are. It’s time to speak the truth. Just as Democrats exploited slaves in the South in the early history of this country and on the west coast exploiting thousands of Chinese immigrants to serve as domestic servants, building railroads, and supplanting black slaves in the South, they are now exploiting a new group of individuals to not only abuse and dehumanize, but to use them for political fodder to push their radical socialistic agendas and to pose a security risk to the United States, (think Klu Klux Klan established by Democratic politicians in the south after the Civil War).

It is time to stand up and be counted. We need serious immigration reform and laws. The last revision to our immigration system took place during the Eisenhower Administration. Both sides of the aisle need to set aside differences and address immediately the tremendous human suffering that is taking place because of Biden’s and the Democrats’ arrogance and self-serving interest. The clock is ticking…and people are watching you Congress. Pass the CR now and get to work on taking care of the American People. We are watching you, and we are Mad.

I wrote this a few years ago and unfortunately its more true today than then.

I was trying to find resources for a law enforcement memorial service and discovered no such thing existed in the PCUSA. Fortunately, the Methodists, Lutherans, Catholics and Evangelicals have not declared war on the police as has the PCUSA. Here is a newsletter article I posted for my local church after the last GA. The PCUSA needs to understand they have alienated many of the law enforcement and public safety officers with their acerbic rhetoric rather than showing compassion and encouragement.

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” — Luke 17:3-4 ESV)

I am writing this from the General Assembly meeting for the PCUSA here in Portland, Oregon. Having attended six days of the conference I found the scripture introducing my note to you appropriate.

During the committee meetings, the overtures generally centered on apologizing to various groups of people for injustices that white people had inflicted on them over the past 300 years. This has been the case the past seven or so assemblies. In general, the overtures are sanctioned by the general assembly that usually requires the Office of the General Assembly or Missions Agency to study, create listening groups or require them to lobby the government to pass some legislation. Essentially, what is important within the denomination will have little impact outside the denomination.

I learned that the Presbyterian Church USA is 1/3 the size it was in 1982 at the time of the reunification. I heard all actions justified through the Confession of 1967 and little reference to Biblical passages or the teachings of Jesus. There was one particular overture that caught my attention. It “demanded” that the police, prosecutors and courts change their practices and the legislation they use to “inflict pain” on others. Nowhere was there a discussion about how the criminal justice is a reflection of the values and demands of those in power who make the laws. Then this morning a United Church of Christ pastor who was invited to preach, said the protest and violence against law enforcement officers was justified because of past social injustice. Many of these conversations had much to do with what those promoting the social justice aspect of the denomination called “civil rights”.

Honestly, I am troubled. I was in Birmingham, Alabama in 1972 and was caught up in the demonstrations in the spirit of Martin Luther King to promote non-violent responses to injustice. What impressed me most about Dr. King was his statement that forgiveness had to take place before healing and reunification can take place. There are no prayers of forgiveness here at the GA. There are no prayers of reconciliation of all of us as God’s people here. When I mentioned my time as a law enforcement officer of over 32 years and my concern that without giving consideration to those in the profession who are Presbyterian and the impact absolute repudiation of an entire profession dedicated to self-sacrifice and Constitutional principles, I was told that sometimes it is best that those in conflict with the church (translated their church) to leave. When the moderator candidates were asked how the denomination would address the churches, pastors and members who have left the Presbyterian Church. The response was that often it is good for those in conflict with the church (translated their church) to leave. Ironically in the same breath, those responsible for finances informed those in attendance that revenue is severely reduced due to the reduction of church and giving. Their response? Raise the per capita. As I left this afternoon to return to the motel, I decided I will not return for the last two days of the conference. It is not worth the emotional and physical toll. After the 15th time of singing “We Shall Overcome” I prayed to God for guidance. God said to stay away and reflect on what God’s mission is in our world. I will be listening to what the Spirit says. In the teachings of Jesus, I will strive to forgive. I am not quite there yet, but I will be there soon.

Please understand, for the most part, those who are attending are well-intended albeit, misguided individuals who come together after lively discussion to commune with one another. They trust their clergy to guide them.

I always enjoy when we meet at Presbytery meetings or church meetings as I always feel the Holy Spirit present when we get together because it is to serve the greater church of Jesus Christ. I do not feel the presence of the Holy Spirit in Portland, Oregon this week. We are not focused on the greater church here, only the internal issues of a shrinking denomination. I will spend the remainder of this time sharing the gospel with those I encounter in my walking about this community in the hope that those who have not heard the reassurance of forgiveness may experience it first-hand. That includes the message of forgiveness of one another.

Upon my return, I will also be reaching out to law enforcement and other criminal justice groups to ask for help in seeking disenfranchised officers who feel abandoned by their church. It is time for a new mission in this country designed to help those who help us.

Finally, I thank God for each and every one of you who follow Christ’s teachings who support one another and work to achieve the Great Ends of the Church.

May the blessings of Christ be with each and every one of you!

Pastor Gary

A new Harvard CAPS/Harris poll shows a majority of Americans blame Democrats for the government shutdown and want them to end it immediately.

• 70% of Americans oppose the Democrats’ shutdown.
• 65% say Democrats should accept Republicans’ clean funding bill.
• 55% believe Democrats are “just trying to please their base.”

Even the New York Times polling shows 65% of Americans think Democrats should not have forced a shutdown.

(Source: Harvard CAPS/Harris Poll – October 2025 | New York Times Poll)

Americans see through the political games; they know President Trump and Republicans are the ones working for them. I suspect that there will be quite a few members of congress unable to play golf after this shutdown is finished as all the finger pointing going is bound to sprain a few hands in the process.

Kidding aside (sort of ), Enough of this silliness. The CR is a clean bill. No one individual in Congress has any reason to feel compelled to stuff it full of pork. Historians are going to look back at this period of time and shake their collective heads at the silliness going on.

It seems that there is no end in sight for the deadlock in the Senate to fund the government. It would be ironic if, in their stubbornness, Americans find out they have no need for Congress. It’s time for a Constitutional change to deny the House and Senate pay and benefits until there is a CR or better yet, an actual budget. Denial would include all the perks like a barbershop, gyms and food service. They can furlough all their staff. Every. Single. One. They will no longer receive travel stipends or per diem. Their health insurance will lapse.

The Cost of the Democrats’ Shutdown

• Every week of this shutdown costs an estimated $15 billion in lost U.S. economic output.
• Federal pay for 1.3 million active-duty troops, 150,000 law enforcement officers, and 13,000 air traffic controllers is delayed.
• Vital programs like small business loans and veterans’ services are disrupted nationwide.

(Source: Council of Economic Advisors Report, Oct. 2025)

It’s time for Democrats to stop their weak-kneed subjugation to the radical left and honor their oath to the office they hold.

I read with interest on Fox News today that Nebraska Representative Mike Flood was one of only four Republican House members who voted against the motion to censor Representative Illian Omar, D, from Minnesota. Omar, previously censored by the House for her antisemitic rhetoric, was again facing possible censure for her over-the-top comments about Charlie Kirk’s death. Representative Flood, who generally walks a thin line between Republican and Democratic ideology under the guise of independence and serving the best interests of his home district, has once again displayed his utter lack of leadership.

I would suggest that his recommendation to allow the House Ethics Committee to take up the matter is cowardly. Commentator Bill O’Reilly has attempted to get House Ethics Committee Chair Michael Guest, R, Mississippi to respond to his request to investigate Representative Jasmine Crockett, D, Texas for her improper dialogue disparaging President Trump. In in the words of Bill O’Reilly, Guest gave him the figurative “middle finger” refusing to respond. Representative Flood has once again failed his constituents and brought dishonor to the State of Nebraska.

Do better Mr. Flood or resign.

A Prayer for Law Enforcement Officers.

“God our law enforcement officers are in the middle of social upheaval and as one of the most visible symbols of the government, they are defiled and injured. We ask you, God, according to Psalm 91, for the safety of our law enforcement officers. This is no simple 24 hour passing of violence or some type of training exercise that will be forgotten in a few days. This is for keeps, a life or death fight to finish against the devil and all his angels. We look beyond human instruments of conflict and address the forces and authorities and rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. As children of God, we enforce the triumphant victory of our lord Jesus Christ.

Our lord stripped our adversaries and powers, making a show of them openly. Thank you, Jesus, for defeating the evil one and his forces of darkness for us, and giving us authority to proclaim your name that is above every other name. All power and authority both in heaven and earth belong to you. Righteousness and truth shall prevail and nations shall come to the light of the Gospel.

As we stand in the gap for the people of the violent and burning cities, devil-overrun land. We expect an overflowing of your goodness and glory in the lives of those for whom we are praying. May they call upon your name and be delivered and remain safe in your loving arms.”

In the name of our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Here is my most recent podcast. Click here to listen.

Since the pandemic continues and I don’t have a pulpit to host, I’ll be posting my worship services here on Saturday night each week. I’ll post the links in one spot by week so you will only have to go to one place. I’ll also be posting on my companion site, www.churchconsultants.net, my You Tube page and my Facebook page. I’ll get the links to you once I’m underway.

This Week’s Podcast discusses who you can trust in making change in an organization.

To view the post click here.

My podcast this week discusses the relationship between the 21st Century church and the surrounding neighborhoods. Click here to listen.